The Express Newspaper 05 February 2025 by Carlo Portella

WEDNESDAY 5 FEBRUARY, 2025

EXP RESS The

YOU could have been forgiven for thinking you were seeing double at Mareeba State School last Tuesday when five sets of identical twins – all boys – began their first year of education. They were all cheeky smiles on day one, as they joined 43,000 Queenslanders who started their first day in Prep.

Pictured in a mirror image are Beau and Jack (far left and far right), Leo and Lirim beside them, Philip and Ivan in yellow shirts and Antonio and Mateo (in the middle). Zekial and Camden were not available. The school appears to be a twin magnet. In 2014, another five sets of twins started at the school. They joined seven sets of twins already attending, bringing the twin population to 24 students that year.

• More photos Page 6.

Mega mango rides to glory

Distillery vies for big award

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.

LOOKING very rock star while reclining in the passenger seat (with seat belt on) as it travelled from Cairns, the confident winner of The Express’ annual Kensington Pride mango competition clearly had no issue with its waistline.

The oversized fruit which came from a “mutant” mango tree, according to owner Adam Cerutti, weighed in at 2.330kg – more than a kilogram heavier than the previous first-place holder and the largest since the competition began in 2015.

But our very own FNQ Rum from Mt Uncle Distillery has been shortlisted alongside other renowned distilleries from those countries for Rum Producer of the Year at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC).

The IWSC is renowned for its rigorous judging process, which evaluates spirits based on taste, balance, ﬁnish, and value.

Mr Cerutti drove up with his prize-winning companion last Thursday, hoping his late entry would make history.

The mango was grown on a two-year-old tree in the sand at the northern beaches of Cairns and began to ripen up and stop growing just in time for Mr Cerutti to enter the competition.

“It’s the first fruit the tree has ever yielded, I’ve never fertilised it either,” he said.

“This competition is also known as the ‘Oscars of the Spirits industry’ or it’s like the Olympics in a way, the Rum Producer Trophy is one of the most sought-after accolades,” Mt Uncle’s head distiller Mark Watkins said.

“There was heaps of fruit on it but then it dropped a lot of it, I’d never seen a tree drop so much fruit, but the ones that stayed on, they’re are all massive.

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

“It’s like a mutant tree,” he quipped.

Taking out second place was Sienna and Liam Avolio with their 1.514kg specimen, closely followed by Mackenzie O’Shea with her 1.445kg mango in third.

“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.”

First place in the competition receives $500, second place $300, and third place $200, courtesy of Lindsay Rural Transport.

Adam Cerutti is the winner of The Express’ 2025 Kensington Pride mango competition, with a 2.330kg giant. ABOVE: the mango was carefully driven to Mareeba.

LEADERBOARD

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.

Prizes will be given out at the first Mareeba Chamber of Commerce luncheon this year.

First – Adam Cerutti (2.330kg)

Second – Sienna and Liam Avolio (1.514kg)

Third – Mackenzie O’Shea (1.445kg)

“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.

Fourth – Weston and Jovie Hilditch (1.404kg)

Fifth – Weston and Jovie Hilditch (1.334kg)

Sixth – Weston and Jovie Hilditch (1.291kg)

Seventh – Preston O’Shea (1.26kg)

Eighth – Shane Dyer (1.210kg)

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

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

“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.”

Ninth – Sienna Colls and Nonno Alvise Brazzale (1.16kg)

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

This IWSC recognition follows

X Rum. Mark will be travelling to London to attend the awards ceremony on 12 November.

Crackdown on feeding crocs

Tea powder proposal Airport future on the table

NEW oﬀences and increased ﬁnes have been brought in by the State Government to crack down on feeding and interfering with crocodiles.

THE growing popularity of Matcha powder may be behind an application by a Tablelands tea processor to start production of the green product.

Two new oﬀences have been introduced making it unlawful to unintentionally feed a crocodile by discarding food and remaining in close proximity to a crocodile.

penalties for existing oﬀences which aim to deter people from engaging in behaviours that pose a serious risk to public safety and animal conservation.

Matcha powder is created from finely ground green tea leaves and is said to be rich in antioxidants and good for brain health and function.

The on-the-spot ﬁne for deliberately disturbing or feeding crocodiles has increased from $483 to $2580, with the maximum court-imposed ﬁne increasing from $6452 to $26,615.

TABLELANDS Regional Council is seeking expressions of interest (EOIs) from people on the future development of the Atherton Aerodrome.

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.

Tablelands Regional Council is assessing the development application to expand activities at a 5.9-hectare allotment in Glen Allyn from Calata Pty Ltd which currently uses the property to process and package tea grown on surrounding land parcels.

The company produces approximately 32-48 tonnes of traditional black tea per week.

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.

The on-the-spot ﬁne for interfering with a crocodile trap has increased from $645 to $2580, with the maximum court-imposed ﬁne increasing from $19,356 to $26,615.

According to the application, Calata is proposing to expand the existing operations to introduce the production of Matcha powder, which will require the construction of a new building on the site.

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.

But State Member for Hill Shane Knuth, who introduced the KAP’s Crocodile Control, Conservation, and Safety Bill 2024 into Parliament last month, slammed the new offences and fines as “nothing more than a band-aid fix”.

“On the most productive days, approximately four tonnes of spray dried Matcha powder will be processed, which equates to almost one 20-foot container every two production days,” the application states.

Conservation oﬃcers now also have the power to direct people to move away from a crocodile to avoid any potential human-crocodile interactions.

“We are looking for current and future users and lessees, neighbours, clubs and organisations, business associations, other stakeholders and the broader community to put their hands up to inform the Atherton Aerodrome Development Project Management Plan,” Mayor Rod Marti said.

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

The 5.905-hectare site in Glen Allyn is located east/southeast of the townships of Jaggan and Malanda and is surrounded by larger rural properties currently being used for agricultural purposes such as cattle grazing.

The government has also signiﬁcantly increased

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

“Once we have the EOIs we’ll ask these people to provide their insight and recommendations for the future of the aerodrome.”

EOIs are open until 9am on Monday 10 February.

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

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

Flash flooding fix will take years

By ANDREE STEPHENS

FLASH flooding along Byrnes Street

escalated recently when a series of heavy storms caused water to swamp main street sidewalks and edge into business entries not normally threatened by flooding.

Water came within inches of the front door to The Express Newspaper and neighbouring businesses, with one setting up a makeshift barrier outside the building.

It is understood other businesses closer to Rankin Street were inundated, and that a customer took a fall when negotiating a flooded kerb.

However, a remedy for the recurring problem will not be any time soon, according to Mareeba Shire Council.

Council has awarded a tender to a company to do a CBD study, funded by federal and state governments.

But the Mareeba CBD Blueprint project was “going to take a couple of years to do a detailed plan”, council chief executive officer Peter Franks said.

“Then we’ve got to find the money because digging up your main street to put in stormwater piping, etc, is huge.

“Innisfail did the same sort of thing, and it’s just cost them over $10 million.”

“And you don’t start at the top, you start at the bottom to put pipes in – there’s no point on putting the pipes in if there’s nowhere for water to go. So, it’s going to be years before we can get to the [recent inundation spots].”

Was there an interim solution?

“The short answer is no,” Mr Franks said.

The comments followed the approval of a Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) report for December tabled at the

MSC meeting on 23 January.

Mayor Angela Toppin said there was a long history of flooding in the town, but it had been exacerbated by the installation of traffic lights by TMR in 2019-20.

Mr Franks agreed there was an issue with the lights.

“It used to be a roundabout, and the water could get away and go down Rankin Street, and when (TMR) did the works there they put in a much smaller grate, and it has diverted more water there,” he said.

According to the minutes of the TAC meeting, MSC and TMR inspected the traffic lights in March 2023.

Further investigation by TMR had found it would cost an estimated $1.5 million for overall rectification works at the traffic lights.

In the meantime, it had elevated the grated inlet pit to reduce blockage and increase capacity, but “additional works would be required in future to further improve drainage issues on Byrnes Street”, the report said.

The CBD Blueprint project aimed to revitalise the area between Herberton Street and Lloyd Street between Constance Street and Railway Avenue, including by improving stormwater, introducing underground power, and improving public amenity by the end of 2026.

Mr Franks said council was aware of recent flooding, particularly on the corner of Walsh Street, and at O’Donnell’s Office Supplies, where water had lapped up the internal steps and into the premises.

“It floods every year, we are aware of it, and we will work on it, we will come up with a design and then we’ve got to fund it,” he said.

COMMUTERS on the Kuranda Range are back to one lane over the Barron River Bridge during February and will also have to get used to more waste management trucks using the road.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads is carrying out inspections and maintenance on the bridge every day until 28 February, between 7am and 5pm, including weekends.

The bridge will also be completely closed at intermittent intervals for up to 10 minutes at a time from Monday 17 to Friday 28 of February.

The works are part of an ongoing monitoring program set up in May last year after “previously unidentified issues” were found with the Macalloy bars installed on the bridge in 1963.

Work was subsequently carried out and the bridge deemed safe for use until a longterm solution is developed.

Meanwhile, more waste management trucks will be using the range following a major fire at the Portsmith Transfer Station last week, adding more pressure on the road which is still under repair following several landslides during Cyclone Jasper.

The fire caused significant damage to the Bedminster Advanced Resource Recovery facility which sorts non-recyclable waste and removes any materials that can be composted, before left-over rubbish is transported to the Springmount landfill.

Now that the facility is not operational, all waste is being diverted to Springmount, including potential composting material.

A spokesperson from Cairns Regional Council confirmed that “at least in the short-term, there will be some increase of truck movements on the Kuranda Range to transport general waste (which will include organics) to the Springmount Waste Management Facility”.

“Council is still assessing the damage and investigating its future options,” he said.

A storm that dumped heavy rainfall in late December caused flash flooding in Byrnes Street.

Garden growing community connection

A COMMUNITY garden in Malanda, which has become a place to learn, relax and connect with nature and other people, is inviting more volunteers and visitors to come by and experience the space.

ECHO’s community development officer Bel Moore said the garden was a great place for those who wanted to explore the joy and magic of growing plants, with experienced growers onsite to spread their knowledge.

The community garden, behind the neighbourhood house at 13 Eacham Place, Malanda, began in early 2023 and continues to change and evolve.

“We are retro-fitting the existing ornamental gardens, nurturing some older fruit trees, adding new fruit trees and vines, and growing annuals and perennials –mostly in eight raised beds and a large round garden,” Bel explained.

“We grow a lot of tropical edibles including cassava, Queensland arrowroot, various ‘spinaches’, and herbs.”

Bel says the garden was created to teach the whole community about growing their own food plants suited to the area’s unique climate, and for gardeners to meet and connect.

“There is a lot of focus on indoor living these days – work, screen time, driving, and gatherings and entertainment inside buildings. We spend more time in man-made places – often with a lot of noise or other people,” she said.

“To have some peaceful space outdoors

helps us recognise the natural rhythm and essence of life. A garden is a multi-sensory place where each success and failure is a lesson.

“Outdoors, we interact with the world and each other in a more cooperative and caring way.

“A garden is more than just plants. It’s a realm that runs parallel to ours where we can touch and be touched by nature.”

Bel says the community garden is more than a place to grow food – it’s a hub of learning, connection, and community spirit.

“By participating, visitors and volunteers become part of a collective effort to nurture both the garden and the bonds between its caretakers,” she said.

“Working in harmony with nature, our community builds skills and shares experiences that inspire sustainable, climateadapted gardening practices.

“Each session offers hands-on learning, whether it’s understanding soil health, the lifecycle of plants, or the rhythms of our unique tropical highlands environment.”

Visitors and volunteers come along to the garden from 9am-11am every Monday, or other times by appointment.

Gardeners can harvest, prune, weed, dig, plant, propagate, create garden art, make tea for others, label plants, sort seeds, and more. People of all abilities and ages are welcome.

School, kindergarten, homeschool, and daycare groups are encouraged to book a session with Bel who will provide appropriate activities and information about the garden and growing food for the children.

For more information, contact Bel at ECHO at 4096 6634 or email to reception@ echomalanda.org.au

FOUR hundred trees will be planted along the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail after Tablelands Regional Council approved the plantings and committed to giving financial support to the project.

Bringing Quality Care

questioned if officers had taken into account whether the proposed tree plantings could possibly be in conflict with any future plans for public infrastructure such as sewer and water mains.

“It will also reduce the area that we are required to slash,” he said.

Planting trees along the rail trail has been controversial in recent years, with the council rejecting a proposal in 2023 to plant trees along the corridor running parallel to Manthey Road. At the time, the council was concerned that the plantings would be in conflict with expansion plans into the corridor by businesses of the Tolga Industrial Estate.

“If we’ve got to take out trees to do it (put in infrastructure), we all know the public uproar that occurs,” he said.

But those expansion hopes were knocked on the head in May last year, when the new council quashed the plan.

Infrastructure Services general manager Mark Vis advised there were no plans for any infrastructure in the rail corridor, noting that he had taken into account council’s recent request to investigate sewerage options for Tolga and did not foresee any infrastructure associated with that in the rail corridor either.

At its most recent meeting, council approved the proposal by the Tablelands Outdoor Recreation Association Inc. (TORA) and T4 to plant 400 trees between Pillinger Drive in Tolga and the Kennedy Highway.

Cr Kevin Cardew said while he supported tree planting, he

Mayor Rod Marti supported the proposal, saying that the trees would provide shade for trail users and a windbreak for adjacent properties.

“We’re happy to be supporting the project by providing just over $4000 and in-kind support to spray the area in preparation for planting.” Behind the project are members of T4 and TORA who will plant eucalyptus trees on the rail trail just beyond the Tolga Racecourse. The trees have been propagated locally and are expected to grow 8-15m in height. The trees will be maintained by T4 for 2-3 years, with ongoing weed management, mulching and plant maintenance. After the T4 maintenance period, it is expected the trees will be established enough to be self sufficient.

Lead volunteer Bernie Brown with the corn crop at the ECHO community garden in Malanda.

Cardew vows to expose council failings

By ROBYN HOLMES

A TABLELANDS councillor has vowed to publicly expose the inefficiencies of the organisation, saying it is the only way to force change and drive better outcomes for the community.

Cr Kevin Cardew said he even considered resigning over what he says has been a failure of Tablelands Regional Council to drive efficiencies and improve its overall performance to ensure better value for every ratepayer dollar.

In a statement to the recent meeting, Cr Cardew did not mix his words about why he had become a councillor and how important it was for change to occur, and accused Mayor Rod Marti of “chastising” councillors if they tried to intervene to get accountability from officers.

“I have been a councillor now for five years and an employee of local government for over 45 years,” he said.

“One of the main reasons for putting my hand up to become a councillor was to try to improve on the inefficiencies within council.

“Clearly I have not achieved this – the inefficiencies and unsatisfactory performance, budget overruns and disregard for customer satisfaction in some areas of council is, in my view, the worst I have seen in all my years in local government.

“I’m tired of sitting back and listening to our mayor justifying this unsatisfactory performance and chastising councillors when we try to make changes to improve this, quoting ‘these issues are

operational matters and we, as councillors, cannot get involved.

“Well, if we can’t get involved to improve the way the organisation performs, who can?

“As councillors, we are responsible for the budget and are the caretakers of our ratepayer funds to ensure we get the best value for money right across the organisation and, at the moment, it is my view this is not happening.

“In recent times, there have been multiple occasions where unsatisfactory performance, budget overruns, etc, have occurred and, for me, enough is enough.

“I am no longer going to sit back behind closed doors watching this unsatisfactory trend continue.

“From this day forth, I will publicly hold this organisation and senior staff accountable. I will expose unsatisfactory performance in open public council meetings without prejudice and within the parameters of councillors’ code of conduct.”

Cr Cardew said council had good staff who wanted to serve their community well but were being “held back by bureaucracy and poor performance of others”.

“I acknowledge this statement will not be received well by some, especially if they are the one under-performing. However, my message is clear – if you don’t like it, shape up or ship out,” he said.

“It is certainly not my intention to bring this council into disrepute, however, I will do whatever is necessary to change the culture of the organisation by whatever means available to me.

“And if it means bringing

open and transparent questioning on the way council performs operationally and bringing inefficiencies to the public arena, then so be it.

“Prior to writing this statement, I had considered resigning from council, but that would be the easy way out and allowing the status quo to continue.”

But he said he had hoped that things may change within the organisation with new chief executive officer Dr Nikola Stepanov due to start work this month.

“We are about to get a new CEO and I’m hoping that with a fresh look at how council operates, change for the better will come in the future,” he said.

Later in the meeting, true to his word, Cr Cardew exposed the fact that a general manager had emailed him to advise that a drainage issue that he had reported had been completed.

But when he went to inspect the works, he found the job had not been done – and it wasn’t the only example.

“What’s going on? As councillors, I am so frustrated, we are getting misinformation all the time. I’m lost as to what we should be doing to improve this,” Cr Cardew said.

Infrastructure Services general manager Mark Vis said the email sent to Cr Cardew had been based on information he got from staff.

“Obviously that information was incorrect,” he said. “Maybe I should have done more to check if that was valid. I’m not purposely misleading council, that’s the best information I had at the time.”

Shock over highway repair timeline

TABLELANDS Mayor Rod Marti says he was shocked to find out that repairs to the Palmerston Highway will not be completed until mid-2026.

Representatives from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) advised of the timeline at a recent meeting of the FNQ Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROC).

Mayor Marti said the department had started the works in January to repair the critical transport route which was severely impacted by extreme rainfall associated with Cyclone Jasper in December 2023.

“My understanding is a lot of that (time to repair) is because the damage to the road was such that they have had to put in significant parts of

the embankment that the road is built on because certain areas are actually gone,” he told a recent council meeting.

“They (DTMR) have had to engineer and design massive pilons to go into the earth to reinstate the embankments.

“We were all pretty shocked – we were thinking four months, six months to get the road back to its standards, but 18 months? It’s a big job.”

Mayor Marti also advised that the highway works would not involve providing any upgrades to the road standard such as overtaking lanes.

DTMR is currently undertaking massive repairs on the Kuranda Range Road which are also not expected to be completed until mid-2026.

5970 Kennedy Hwy, Walkamin (on the Jump-Up between Mareeba and Atherton) Phone: (07) 4093 3826 • Email: nursery@yuruga.com.au

By KONNOR FURBER

A $100,000 kitchen renovation has recently been completed at the Yungaburra Men’s Shed with the project headed up by 90-year-old original member and licensed builder, Kevin Mackenzie.

The project was completed over three months of steady work and was unveiled at Mr Mackenzie’s 90th birthday recently, which was held at the club.

Mr Mackenzie was one of the first presidents of the club and assisted in “getting the show on the road” when it was established in 2021, alongside current president Jeff Hall.

Though he is officially retiring “soon”, he is still a licensed builder and the renovation was carried out with himself as the appointed project manager on a volunteer basis.

“I built my last house about two and a half years ago and since then I’ve just been doing voluntary work,” he said.

“My skills are still in demand, but at 90 I’ve got the excuse to say no,” he laughed.

In addition to renovating the kitchen, the club also built a small meeting room with the space they had left over.

“We are happy with progress as we have recently commissioned a new licensed kitchen, small meeting room and store,” he said.

“It’s taken us about three months from start to finish to get the kitchen done, and we cooked the first meal on it for my birthday.

“This was all made possible by a grant of $100,000 from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund and it will allow us to further help our community.”

Mr Mackenzie is a community driven man, which reflects through his past volunteering and local activities including more than 20 years in the Yungaburra bowls club, 10 years in Lions and the establishment of the Men’s Shed which has 46 current members.

“I wanted to help start the Men’s Shed because I felt a demand for something for older, mature men to do,” Mr Mackenzie said.

“Our favourite things to do are community projects, like doing work for the kindergarten or schools.”

He also noted that what has kept him going for so long is the importance of having something interesting to do every day.

“Having something to do in life is quite important, also feeling youthful and getting a good night’s sleep is very important too.

“I’ve had a really loving relationship with my wife and my kids and I value that very highly, it’s definitely something that keeps you working and keeps you going.

“We also have our diamond (60 year) anniversary coming up next year, which is something to look forward to,” he said.

The Yungaburra Men’s Shed members meet every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 2pm-6pm and requires a membership fee of $35 per year.

The club boasts many facilities, including a workshop and a general room with a pool table and dartboard.

“Most of the guys who come are just happy to just sit around and have a yarn. It helps every man see the value in another,” Mr Mackenzie said.

Yungaburra Men’s Shed member, Kevin Mackenzie, was instrumental in renovating their kitchen.

Exhibits back for Malanda Show Grant to help the platypus

PAVILION exhibits for the Malanda Show will be back this year, with organisers urging those who enter competitions to get their entries ready for the June event.

The show will be staged during the first week of the June/July school holidays this year – from 27-29 June – and exhibits will be hosted in the ballroom of the Big Pub given that the Patrick English Pavilion is no longer available.

The show’s executive team, along with chief stewards, have been working to re-draft schedules to accommodate the changes ahead.

Exhibitors are being asked to take the time to familiarise themselves with the changes to sections they wish to enter exhibits.

A YUNGABURRA group has picked up a grant to help with the testing of water quality for a platypus habitat.

The Yungaburra Landcare Group is one of 26 recipients to receive a grant from Landcare Australia to help with their project. Overall, $300,000 was handed out nationwide for projects that revive nature, boost biodiversity and engage with volunteers.

This year’s Landcare Australia Community Grants program coincides with the 35-year milestone for Landcare Australia and landcare as a national movement.

“Landcare also plays a vital role in building community connections. I want to thank everyone who took the time to apply for funding,” CEO Dr Shane Norrish said.

“It clearly demonstrates that the landcare movement is still as passionate and determined to restore and protect our nature and landscapes, as it was 35 years ago.

“The enthusiasm and energy underpinning every application was truly remarkable. I’d like to congratulate the successful groups and look forward to seeing what you achieve with the funding in 2025.”

“Please be mindful that there will be limited space available to display exhibits, and as a consequence it may not be possible to display entries fully,” a spokesperson said.

“Our volunteers are committed to do their utmost to do justice to all exhibitors.

“We wish to acknowledge all stewards, volunteers, sponsors and exhibitors for their commitment and support to help bring to you the best show possible. Your support will be warmly accepted.”

Kicking off the weekend on the Friday evening will be the ever-popular street parade. The street procession is always a definite highlight of the Malanda Show.

The theme for the 2025 Street Parade is “Construction”.

In conjunction with the 2025 Malanda Show, the Show Society will once again host the Queen and Princess Competition. Nomination details are available on the show’s website.

All other details and updates can be found on our website and Facebook.

“Please, now is when we need your support more than ever,” the spokesperson said.

“Malanda Show is a huge event for our region, if you have ever thought about volunteering, offering financial or in-kind sponsorship, or simply wish to attend our show, now is your time.”

For more information and show hall schedules, go to www.malandashow. com.au

ABOVE: Youngsters Sonny Boney (left) and Lidia Boonzaaier couldn’t wait to start school on Friday at St Thomas of Villanova. Left: Four sets of twins started at Mareeba Primary School earlier last week.

Million dollar makeover for mountain bike park

By KONNOR FURBER

OVER a million dollars has been secured by Tableland Cycle Sports to refurbish the mountain bike trails in Atherton after many were damaged following Cyclone Jasper.

Received through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the funding will be used to repair, refurbish, and make more resilient to future rain events, the intermediate difficulty trails at the Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park.

Following each wet season, the group carry out extensive maintenance to tidy up the trail network, but after the Cyclone Jasper rain event, the park was shut for four months with no one able to access it.

“After we finally were able to go back up the trails, everything was washed away and eroded, especially the blue (intermediate difficulty) trails that go up the hills,” Tableland Cycle Sports president David Prete said.

“We have picked up some money along the way. We received $100,000 from the Gambling Community Fund soon after Jasper to do some refurbishing and then $50,000 from the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority to do some repair work.

“After exhausting those

funds, the Disaster Recovery Fund became available.”

However, one part of the track has not yet been reopened due to a 1.6km landslide wiping it out, with that one section estimated to be a $50,000 fix.

Mr Prete also said that out of the 60km of trails at the park, 46km will be refurbished.

“All 46km of our blue trails have been targeted for this funding because we can maintain our green (easy

difficulty) trails relatively easy,” he said.

“But our blue trails are more technically challenging to fix because they’re further out and harder to get to.”

The repair and refurbishing of the trails is set to begin after the wet season, and given the size of the grant, these works will be carried out by a professional crew under the guidance of a project manager. The trails will be made more

resilient by hardening sections of the track through rock armouring and rock matting and implementing causeways and bridges if need be.

The works will also only be done on the trails in sections to avoid affecting the use of the park by mountain bikers.

“Our first step in refurbishing these trails is to appoint a project manager, and then we’ll call for tenders to refurbish trail by trail,” Mr Prete said.

“We anticipate that it will be a professional trail construction crew carrying out this work.”

“We also have a full-time trail care crew who will work with the professionals and we’ll only close off a trail that we’re working on, so it doesn’t affect the use of the park.

“We hope to have everything completed, in an ideal world, by July-November,” he said.

The group received the maximum amount of $1 million through the grant, as well as an additional $100,000 in contingency funding only to be used if any trail costs “blow out” and to fund a project manager.

“It was a fairly comprehensive application process, we definitely had to jump through some hoops,” Mr Prete said.

“But we’ve got a really good relationship with Parks, the council, traditional owners and our Sport and Rec support personnel in Cairns, so by tapping into all those resources we were able to write a pretty solid application.

“Whilst it was a bit of work to do, it paid off in the end and we’re very happy with the results.”

“It’s really good that we picked up this $1 million to refurbish our trails and make them more resilient,” he said.

Nashos memorial service

A MEMORIAL service will be held at Tolga on Saturday to mark National Servicemen’s Day.

The day, which is officially observed on 14 February each year, commemorates the service of men who undertook compulsory military training, during the National Service schemes that operated in Australia between 1951 and 1972; marking the day when conscripted draftees last marched out of their barracks in 1974.

The Tablelands memorial service will be held at the Tolga Salvos Church on Saturday 8 February at 1.30pm.

Veterans to be recognised at the ceremony include former Tumoulin potato farmer Robert (Bob) Chester, Allan Lambourne, Atherton, indigenous veteran Henry Williams, Cairns and RAAF veteran, John Hammond, from Mareeba. Supporter member Betty McQueen formerly of Atherton and Mossman will also be recognised. Her husband Boyd set up the three FNQ Nasho branches in 2001.

Social Committee member Nicole Smith, Tolga will be a recipient of a Meritorious Service Award for her dedicated service as a supporter member assisting as a tour guide with fundraising WWII history tours.

Families of the former soldiers will be present to be part of the dedication. They will pay their respects by placing a poppy on a family plaque manufactured in their honour. The plaques will then be permanently erected on a Memorial Wall in the Nasho shelter at Rocky Creek War Memorial Park.

Guest speaker will be Vietnam veteran LTCOL Kel Ryan (Retd).

Afternoon tea will be served following the ceremony. Former Nashos including Alternative Nashos who served for six years in the local CMF units are welcome to attend the service at 1.30pm.

Tableland Cycle Sports president David Prete (pictured) was thrilled to be successful with their grant application.

ENTERTAINMENT

Locals share their passions

A Paralympic volunteer, a Polynesian historian and a passionate fan of Leunig cartoons are among the presenters who will take the stage when PechaKucha returns to Atherton on Friday 21 February 2025.

Using the PechaKucha format, each presenter will show 20 slides and have 20 seconds each slide to tell their story.

PechaKucha originated in Tokyo more than 20 years ago and the visual storytelling format is now a global phenomenon.

“This is our ninth PechaKucha community event in Atherton and we are finding more and more locals are coming out of the woodwork to talk about their lives, hidden talents and passions,” PechaKucha volunteer, Mary Frances de Jourdan said.

“The short, visual presentations are easy for presenters who are not used to speaking in public, and they are really popular with our audience. It’s a great way to learn a lot in a very short space of time.”

Feast to celebrate 75 years

AN annual event that marks the Feast of the Three Saints – Alfio, Filadelfo and Cirino – will celebrate its 75th anniversary this year.

The Feast, which is held on the first Sunday in May each year all over the world, is celebrated in our region at the small town of Silkwood (halfway between Innisfail and Tully) and is considered to be one of the largest religious and cultural festivals in Australia.

The festival in Silkwood came about after Rosario Tornabene made a promise to God that if his wife Alfia, who was dangerously ill while giving birth to their daughter, would recover, he would have the statues of the Three Saints brought to Australia.

In 1950, Mr Tornabene donated the statues of the Three Saints to St John’s Parish Church at Silkwood, sparking the first celebration of the Feast of the Three

Saints in Australia.

The Feast of the Three Saints began as a predominately Sicilian Roman Catholic celebration and is important in both the religious and cultural lives of its devotees.

The Feast has continued to be held annually for the past 75 years due to the dedication of many people, in particular the committee members who work continuously through the year.

This year’s anniversary event will be held on 4 May and celebrated by Bishop Joe Caddy (AM).

This religious festival is founded deeply in the European tradition and attracts not only Italian devotees but also people from varying cultural backgrounds as well as many Australians, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.

Subjects to be showcased at next Friday’s event include the story of Michael Fomenko, better known as “Tarzan” who roamed the region with a sack over his shoulder for over 50 years.

Other topics include travel adventures through the wilds of Far North Queensland to Africa, Antartica and beyond.

If you are interested in telling your own story please email pechakuchaatherton@gmail.com or at https://www.facebook.com/pechakuchaatherton

When: Friday, 21 February 2025

Where: Atherton Hotel Function Room

Time: Doors open 6.30 pm for 7 pm start, 9 pm finish

Cost: $10 tickets online at https://humanitix.com/au or at the door (cash only).

Food and drinks are available for purchase from the Atherton Hotel.

At the official launch of the 75th Anniversary of the Feast of the Three Saints are committee president Cosimo Tedesco (left), secretary Vera Zappala, Bishop Joe Caddy (AM) and executive committee member Lui Garozzo.

PechaKucha is gaining in popularity on the Tablelands.

ENTERTAINMENT

Put on your dancing shoes

IF you’ve ever wanted to learn how to dance, a Tablelands club is offering the opportunity to put on your dancing shoes and get busy.

Tableland Social Dancers is starting a Dance Basics course to enable people who have always wanted to get on the dance floor but were not confident about their talent to do so.

Dance Basics is designed specifically for beginners, providing simple, easy-to-follow lessons in a friendly and informal environment.

The club is hosting a block of seven lessons on Monday nights commencing 17 February and ending on 31 March at Yungaburra Community Hall from 6.30pm-7.30pm.

The first block of seven lessons will teach

very basic waltz and cha-cha steps, and by the end of the course, participants will have learned two full dances – The Sweetheart Waltz and the Jacqueline Cha-Cha.

Beginners can practice their new dance steps at Tableland Social Dancers weekly gatherings every Wednesday evening at Merriland Hall in Atherton from 6.15pm-9.30pm.

Around 40 dancers turn up each week for fun, social interaction and great exercise.

The club also hosts special theme nights throughout the year and an annual ball.

The cost of the Dance Basics course is $30.

For more information, phone Annette on 0488 954 202 or email to tablelandsocialdancers@ gmail.com

Hotshots to hit the stage

THE Sydney Hotshots all-male show will be hitting the stage at Theo’s Bar this month for a fun ladies’ night out.

The production includes dance routines choreographed by leading Australian professionals, as well as eye-catching costumes, and acrobatics.

The Hotshots featured across the country during their 2024 tour, appearing on Studio 10 and Sunrise, and most media outlets, a spokesperson said. The performers are selected from across Australia and put through a “Hotshots bootcamp” before graduating for the show. The spokesperson said the men represent a variety of backgrounds, from tradies and farmers to police and firemen.

The Sydney Hotshots will be performing at Theo’s Bar, in Atherton on Friday, 21 February.

ON LANDthe

Ag leadership program for women

WOMEN working in Queensland’s agricultural industry are being encouraged to take on more leadership roles, with the help of a new program being delivered by AgForce Training.

The Queensland Women in Agriculture Leadership (QWAL) program will support 15 exceptional women to tap into their leadership potential and shape the future of agriculture in the state.

“Women in agriculture play vital roles, often behind the scenes, without formal titles,” AgForce Training chair Kelly Ostwald said.

“This program will provide the skills, confidence and networks needed to step out of the shadows and into leadership positions that will make a difference in their businesses, communities and industry.

“There’s an incredible pool of talent among women in

agriculture. This program is about helping them recognise their value, gain confidence and step into higher-level roles.”

Based on Certificate IV in Leadership and Management, participants will have the flexibility to adjust the training to suit their unique goals and areas of interest. The program blends online and in-person training and networking events with one-on-one mentorship

from industry leaders.

“I’m really excited about QWAL because it is a practical way that AgForce training can help women to get the skills they need to jump into that next tier of business or in their career,” Ms Ostwald said.

“On the training side, women will learn how to enhance their skills in resilience, adaptability, communication and decision making.

Big boost for natural resources

A MAJOR boost to on-ground land, water and biodiversity programs across Queensland costing $117.84 million has been announced by the Crisafulli Government.

The government will partner with National Resource Management Regions Queensland to deliver projects across the state over the coming four years.

“Regional Natural Resource Management organisations have a proven track record to deliver practical, on-theground solutions for managing our land, soil, water and biodiversity,” Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, Dale Last, said.

“Landowners know all too well that Queensland is a land of extreme droughts,

floods and increasing threats, and the Crisafulli Government is committed to protecting our natural assets for generations to come.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to partner with NRM Regions Queensland on this strategic investment which will support landholders in regional Queensland.”

NRM Regions Queensland chief executive officer Chris Norman said member organisations played a vital role in regional and remote Queensland, delivering outcomes for conservation as well as the economy.

“To ensure we protect our precious landscapes while also producing food and fibre for a growing population, we must work together, we must think strategically

and we must invest appropriately,” he said.

“So, we’re thrilled to be working alongside the Crisafulli Government to deliver big outcomes for our environment and agriculture through the new Natural Resource Management Program.

“This statewide program of activity will have a huge impact on our threatened species, on agricultural landscapes, on rivers, waterways and coasts, on pest plants and animals, on Culture and Country and on job creation in the natural resource management sector.”

Part of the funding will be spent on a variety of activities such as supporting Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers, controlling invasive species, improve grazing land management and restoring high-priority habitats.

“But the real advantage is the mentorship component. Having one-on-one guidance from experienced leaders can make all the difference in helping participants grow their careers and achieve their goals.”

Applicants must have at least five years of experience in Queensland’s agricultural industry. Women of all ages and career stages are encouraged to apply, including those working

on farms, in agribusiness, returning to the workforce, or already in leadership roles seeking to enhance their skills. Selections will be based on applicants’ commitment to a career in Queensland agriculture and their leadership potential. The program will close at 5pm on 14 February. Applicants can apply online at www.ag.training/ qwal-program.

Katter MPs warn of ‘biosecurity catastrophe’

KATTER’S Australian Party MPs have joined the growing chorus of Queenslanders concerned that the State’s Weapons Licensing Branch is presiding over a biosecurity catastrophe that could have long-standing consequences.

an office-based public servant.

“We’ve had reports of farmers being knocked back for common centrefire rifle calibres like .270 because someone at Weapons Licensing Branch thought it was ‘too big’ for their intended use,” Mr Park said.

was dealing with pests like feral pigs and cats in plague proportions.

Mr Katter said landholders, and other recreational hunters, provided a service to the state that was essential from a biosecurity perspective.

biosecurity on behalf of the state for free and in return they get punished by paper-pushers who have no idea of the wide-reaching repercussions of their decisions,” Mr Katter said.

Last week the Shooter’s Union, joined by AgForce Queensland, signalled the alarm that landholders attempting to control rampant feral pest populations were being hamstrung by Brisbane-based civil servants denying them access to essential equipment.

Shooter’s Union president Graham Park said union members had contacted his team, at a loss as to why their permits-to-acquire firearms were being denied based on the decision-making whims of

“Someone running a multimillion primary production business knows infinitely better … what sort of rifle suits the job at hand better than a clerk in Brisbane.

“There is absolutely mention in the Act or the Regulations about so called ‘large calibres’, and no information or consultation on why the licensing branch has changed the rules.”

KAP Leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter said his electorate, and most of rural Queensland,

He said instead of being hamstrung and “treated like wannabe criminals”, licensed firearm owners who performed pest control needed to be prioritised by weapon’s licensing.

He urged the Queensland Environment Department, now headed by the LNP’s Minister Andrew Powell, to stress to the branch the importance of this work.

“These are people who are willing to undertake pest management and improve

“At the same time, politicians, my KAP colleagues and myself are fighting for hundreds of millions of dollars for biosecurity to try and manage these problems which are really big threats to us here in Queensland and Australia.

“People in the city might not appreciate how serious this is but we’re talking about pest species, like pigs and cats in particular, spreading diseases and doing irreversible damage to our native flora and fauna as well as impacting on our agricultural sector and broader food security.”

Feral pigs cause habitat destruction.

ON LANDthe

Multimillion dollar property to house seasonal workers

By KONNOR FURBER

The development of a multimillion-dollar accommodation property for Rock Ridge Farming’s seasonal workers has been completed, now providing housing for up to 130 workers.

The 110-acre property, located on Channel Rd, Walkamin, was purchased in 2022 due to insufficient accommodation available for farm workers on the Tablelands.

Originally acquired with six houses, Rock Ridge Farming undertook the challenge of working with the Tablelands Regional Council to ensure these homes met council planning codes and the PALM scheme regulations.

While the existing houses helped alleviate some of the accommodation shortage, it became clear that additional housing was necessary.

After three years of development, Rock Ridge Farming has unveiled its purposebuilt facility, now known as “Pacific Village”.

Designed as a “home away from home” for PALM scheme workers and other farm employees, Pacific Village blends modern amenities with a community-focused atmosphere reminiscent of the Pacific Islands.

The new development includes a large commercial kitchen, designed to comfortably accommodate up to 80 people.

The kitchen is equipped with multiple fridges, freezers, cooking stations, and cleaning facilities, alongside spacious dining areas.

Additionally, Pacific Village boasts an impressive recreational building, complete with a media room, pool and ping pong tables, and board games.

The facility also features a large laundry room with numerous commercial machines, and communal showers and toilet blocks.

The new part of the accommodation consists of

mining-style bunkhouses, with two persons per room.

“The village will help improve the day-to-day operations on the farm,” seasonal workforce coordinator Ashleagh Bergmann said.

“By having everyone together, it fosters a sense of connection, which translates from their living arrangements to their work on the farms.”

Outdoor amenities include a sports field with a volleyball net and soccer field, as well as Granite Creek, where workers often swim in the afternoons.

An in-ground swimming pool adds another layer of recreation.

Plans are also underway to construct a simple church.

“They’re here for nine months at a time, so we want it to feel like home for them,” Ashleagh said.

“Creating a community environment is crucial since it mirrors what they’re accustomed to back home.”

The facility began accommodating workers in December and will reach full capacity by the end of January, coinciding with the upcoming avocado season.

Rock Ridge Farming, also the owner of Atherton Travellers Park, has now freed up cabins previously used to house workers, making them available for public use.

This is expected to help address the shortage of accommodation in Atherton.

“As a farm, one of the most important things is having a secure workforce,” Ashleagh said.

“This facility provides reassurance that we have enough beds for the number of employees required to grow and harvest our crops during peak season.”

Owners Peter and Chelley Howe emphasised the evolving challenges of farming.

“Farming today is not what it was 10 years ago. Due to our ever-changing society and the increasing length of red tape, farmers are now finding themselves needing not only to grow the crops and sell the produce, but they now must jump through many hoops along the way,” they said.

“Farmers are finding they now also need to be employment recruitment agents, accommodation providers, welfare officers, compliance officers, workplace health and safety experts, financial planners, payroll officers and the list goes on.

“While we’re excited to offer this new facility, it doesn’t mean farming is easy.

“Obviously, the bank is the real owner of this expansion, and it is money invested into an area where we could not have imagined if you asked us 10 years ago. We never planned on being accommodation providers,” they said.

Rock Ridge Farming’s ‘Pacific Village’ accommodation property can house up to 130 workers.

The new development includes a large commercial kitchen for up to 80 people.

The property features an in-ground pool.

A special bird for Mareeba

ON 21 January, well-known bird guide Laurie Ross, from Tracks Birding, was returning home from an Iron Range birding tour when he noticed a very different little heron in a small roadside pond near Mareeba.

Few others might have paid attention but Laurie has experience in Asia and South-east Asia and immediately recognised the bird as a Pond-heron.

The problem is that Australia has no Pond-herons, and of the six species across the world, only two are anywhere near us.

The Indian Pond-heron tends to stay at home, but the Chinese Pond-heron, a very handsome bird in breeding plumage, migrates south every austral summer out of China and into South-east Asia.

The species has never been seen in mainland Australia apart from one recorded vagrant near Broome in Western Australia in 2008. It is seen occasionally in

remote Christmas Island which is really part of the Indonesian archipelago and further west on Cocos Island, again, not part of Australia’s biogeographical area.

To see one at Mareeba is totally unexpected and has made Australian birding history. It has also attracted a great deal of interest and attention from birders.

This bird is undeniably a vagrant, but its presence amounts to a “mega” record and many people would love to add it to their list of birds seen in Australia. This is not the first time for the region. The remarkable story of “Nordy”, the Nordmann’s Greenshank, that turned up in Cairns four years ago is very well known now.

And, this year, it has returned to Cairns from Siberia where the species breeds, for the fourth year in a row and even now can be seen on the Esplanade. It continues to

attract birders.

On another occasion in 2011, an Eyebrowed Thrush turned up near Malanda and drew a large number of birders to see it. The species is common in China and elsewhere in Asia and Southeast Asia, but never previously seen in Australia.

But to return to the Pond-heron, as the name suggests these herons are usually seen in small shallow ponds where they hunt for fish and crustaceans and, perhaps, also insects.

The pond-herons are related to the well-known Cattle Egret and other native herons that are often seen near Mareeba, but are smaller and very different in appearance. Generally, they are shy about people and are easily flushed although like many birds, they do not show the same concern for vehicles and ignore passing traffic and parked cars.

Initially the Mareeba Pond-

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.

heron was recorded by a couple of sightings and one photo that showed the bird well. The next day many birders turned up and a few photos were managed before the bird flushed.

These seemed to confirm the identity as a Chinese Pond-heron. It makes a certain amount of sense as it is a known migrant and to arrive in northern Queensland it might simply overshoot its usual annual migration.

Such occasional individuals might often occur here without being identified, especially if they stay in remote areas away from people, and especially wellinformed birders.

By 24 January, quite a few images had been obtained and some might suggest it could be a Javan Pond-heron. This species does occur closer to Australia but it is not really a migratory species.

However, there are records of this species being seen before

in the NT near Darwin and also near Kununurra in far northern WA. But probably only two birds involved on separate occasions.

The two species are not easily told apart except when in full breeding plumage.

When Vagrant species are first encountered in Australia a report is usually prepared to be submitted to an expert group, BirdLife Australia Rarities Committee (BARC), which has the role of identifying any genuine vagrant species seen in Australia.

Birders who encounter certain species are asked to make a report about them with evidence and the committee will determine the outcome – should the species be added to the official record of species seen in Australia.

Both these species of Pondheron are on the list requiring notification to BARC. A report is in the process of being made

Northern koalas in the spotlight

KOALAS living in our region is the subject of a free talk to be held at Malanda this Thursday.

The Tree Kangaroo and Mammal Group is inviting everyone to the free public presentation on 6 February in the Malanda Hotel, starting at 7.30pm.

Roger Martin, the well-known wildlife ecologist who is one of the most experienced scientists studying wild koala populations, will present a talk on the mating system of the Northern Koala.

Since Roger has been studying our northern koalas, much has been learned already that gives a significant boost to understanding why this population in northern Queensland may be highly important.

One aspect is their rich genetic diversity compared with southern populations. A major study recently published by scientists from the University of Sydney reported a decline in the genetic diversity of koala populations throughout Eastern Australia.

Northern koalas were the most genetically diverse of the populations sampled, with a koala from the Atherton Tablelands showing one of the highest individual levels of diversity.

These researchers suggested the situation in the south has developed as a consequence of habitat destruction (from urban development and catastrophic fires) and in-breeding, as a result of koalas being packed into isolated patches of remnant habitat.

In this talk, Roger will describe some of the distinctive characteristics of the sparse koala populations of the north, their mating system and how it ensures a high level of outbreeding.

about the Mareeba sightings. Right now, the situation is very exciting and remains unclear.

This delightful and shy bird is definitely a pond-heron and the first ever record for Queensland and indeed for all the eastern States.

Numerous local birders and others from Cairns and elsewhere have already travelled to Mareeba to try and get a glimpse of this bird.

Unlike Nordy, the Greenshank from Siberia down in Cairns, this bird is difficult to see without flushing it and there are concerns that too many people getting too close might send the bird off somewhere else.

But, for now, it is the very special Mareeba Pond-heron and already quite famous.

- Peter Valentine, BirdLife North Queensland Conservation Officer.

The Mareeba Pond-heron in flight. IMAGE: Mikey Kudo

The Pond-heron photographed in Mareeba by Peter Valentine.

The Northern Koala is the focus of a free talk this week. IMAGE: Roger Martin

Elevate your living experience at the Rise Country Estate

Are you ready to embrace a lifestyle that blends tranquility with modern convenience? The Rise Country Estate, located on CatherineAtherton Drive in Mareeba, offers an unparalleled opportunity to redefine your way of living.

Set against the backdrop of breathtaking hilltop views, these one-acre lots provide the perfect canvas for your dream home. Imagine waking up every morning to serene natural surroundings, where peace and beauty are part of your everyday life.

Each lot is thoughtfully equipped with the following:

• Underground power

• Town water

• Sealed roads

• NBN connectivity

Enjoy the harmony of a rural setting without compromising on contemporary comforts.

With only two exclusive lots remaining, this is your moment to secure a lot that redefines elevated living. Don’t miss your chance to start a new chapter in one of Mareeba’s most sought-after locations.

Contact Ryley on 0409 321 000 today for more information or to arrange a private onsite inspection at your convenience.

Follow us on our socials or check out our website www. amarooestate.com.au for all updates regarding our upcoming stages.

Private and quiet, with extras

IF you are looking for an affordable home in a very private and quiet location, then look no further.

Just a stone’s throw away from the centre of town, this property is close to everything, but is situated near the end of a quiet cul-de-sac with no through traffic.

The home has a very private frontage as well, with the entry set back from the front of the home. To one side, there is an excellent double carport that was added some time ago, perfect for vehicle storage, but also excellent for entertaining as it could easily double as a large outdoor entertaining area.

The home is constructed of timber frame with weatherboard exterior walls. Inside the home features polished timber floors throughout the living area and bedrooms. There are three great size bedrooms with the two larger rooms featuring split system air-conditioning and

built-in wardrobes.

The compact kitchen features tiled floors, a stainless steel stove/oven, a double sink and overlooks the back yard. The dining room is open to the kitchen and lounge rooms and provides for access to the back yard as well as the front entryway.

The bathroom has been renovated and features tiles to the ceiling for easy maintenance and there is a separate toilet. This area is adjacent to the bedrooms for convenience. There is a separate laundry room which is just outside the back door.

Also out the back and accessible from the rear of the carport is another small building which is made up of three or four additional rooms which could be used as an office or utility room, or excellent as a hobby room or great for someone that works from home.

Serenity in Malanda

The yard is fully fenced and there are some established gardens as well as a handy garden shed (3m x 3m approx.) Don’t forget the grid-feed Solar Power System to keep power bills down!

Property Features:

• Very private and quiet cul-desac location

• Close to the centre of town, shops and schools

• 3 bedrooms, 2 with AC and built-ins

• Modern bathroom, separate toilet

• Weatherboard exterior, polished timber floors

• Large double carport doubles as entertaining area

• Additional rooms in granny flat type building at rear

• Fenced 799m2 yard, established gardens

• Grid-feed Solar Power

System

There is so much on offer here and you know it won’t last long on the market in

it’s too late.

DISCOVER the perfect blend of serenity and convenience with this remarkable dual dwelling property situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. Boasting 2.5 acres of lush, established gardens, located just a few minutes walk from Malanda High School and the town’s amenities, this property offers the ultimate in space, privacy, and lifestyle.

Property Highlights:

• The landscaped gardens are complemented by established mature trees and an excellent drainage system around the house.

• A variety of native birdlife can be enjoyed year round.

• The property boasts regular sightings of the elusive Tree Kangaroo that lives in the rainforest behind the house.

• This home is made for entertaining with multiple options to dine outdoors all year round.

• A powered double Colourbond shed provide ample space for vehicles, tools, and hobbies.

• The property is fully fenced and has an area up the back with a chook shed an ideal spot for a horse or cow.

• Enjoy the tranquillity of

countryside living while staying close to town amenities, schools, and services.

Dwelling One: 2 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, master features a spa and a modern kitchen with plenty of bench space. Contemporary tiles throughout, High ceilings, Combined lounge and dining area, Expansive verandah with stunning views of the property.

Dwelling Two: 2 large bedrooms, 1 bathroom with combined laundry and a Functional kitchen. Separated

by a partially enclosed weatherproof breezeway. Ideal for teenagers, co-families, or as a guest retreat

Whether you’re seeking a spacious family home, dual living arrangements, or a private retreat, this property has it all. Escape the heat of the coast and spend your days enjoying country living in a perfect sub tropical climate.

Call Janine today on 0407 032 422 to arrange your private inspection or join us at one of our upcoming home opens.

PROPERTY

Family home with room to play in Atherton

THIS freshly painted family home offers more than just low maintenance living, you have the pleasure of enjoying a rural outlook with no back neighbors.

The low-set masonry block home showcases open plan living with vinyl flooring throughout and tiled wet areas; housework will be a breeze.

A neat well-appointed kitchen overlooking the outdoor area has plenty of storage cupboards and a dishwasher for those rushed mornings. For year-round comfort the living area and the master bedroom are air conditioned. There are three good sized

bedrooms and two of the bedrooms have built-in wardrobes.

A very spacious bathroom offers the convenience of a shower and for those lazy days there is a bathtub to enjoy a soak.

Entertaining is made easy with the large undercover area which also doubles as

car accommodation for up to four vehicles. Children can play safely in the 800sqm fully fenced allotment with a large lawn locker for the extras. The backyard provides plenty of potential for the home gardener. This property is in a prominent position close to the Atherton High School.

Charming timber cottage in central Mount Garnet

3955 or 0419 1833

SITUATED 25 minutes drive from Ravenshoe, this charming timber cottage represents an opportunity to live in an area surrounded by natural beauty, community spirit and good old friendly country hospitality. The home was relocated to this location approximately 25 years ago when it underwent restumping with steel stumps and roof replacement was carried out including sisalation.

The home has 2 street access and is situated on a 1214 sqm fully fenced block of land in central Mount Garnet. The electricity has recently been upgraded and new ceiling fans and lights have been installed. Internal walls and ceilings are a mixture of tongue and groove and fibro and the floors are all timber.

Outside there is a large shed with plenty of power points plus 2 additional

Private family home with river boundary

WELCOME home to 91 Sheehan Road, Tarzali, this private 2.5 acre property has Ithaca River boundary, a large family home, swimming pool, granny flat, shed and less than 8 minutes from Malanda.

The solid spacious family masonry block home has a lot of character and features the following:

• Large open plan kitchen, dining and lounge room with easy care vinyl plank flooring & wood heater

• Modern kitchen with large servery, dishwasher, free standing electric oven with gas cooktop and rangehood

• Huge air-conditioned master bedroom retreat with massive walk in wardrobe and ensuite

• Second lounge room with wood heater

• Office / Study Room area with NBN

• Two generously sized bedrooms, one with built in robe, both opening onto the veranda

• Large Internal laundry • 3m wide veranda’s on either side of the house

• Utility room - could be used for storage, work from home business, to name a few

Stunning family home in Atherton

THIS stunning home is perfectly designed to showcase its breathtaking views, making it an exceptional choice for those who appreciate both comfort and natural beauty.

It boasts four spacious bedrooms, all with built-in robes and ceiling fans, while two rooms, including the master suite are air-conditioned for added comfort. The master bedroom features a luxurious ensuite, a walk-in robe (WIR) and French doors that open onto a private deck, where you can relax and soak in the stunning surroundings.

The well-equipped timber kitchen, complete with a gas cooker, dishwasher, and corner pantry and captivating views through the corner windows. Air conditioning can be enjoyed in the spacious lounge and dining areas, while the rest of the home benefits from ceiling fans to maintain airflow. For entertaining, the expansive deck provides the ultimate space to host guests while enjoying the spectacular scenery. It also features a connecting kitchen door and shade blinds. Additional features include a double garage with a remotecontrolled door and drivethrough rear roller door, a

Address: Price: Agent:

Contact:

two-bay shed with power, and a massive powered storage room/ kids or teenager hang out space located beneath the entertaining area. This home combines stunning views, versatile living spaces, and modern conveniences, offering an unparalleled lifestyle.

For more information and viewing of this beautiful home contact Exclusive Agent Suzey Whitby 0438 090 306

3 Moses Cct, ATHERTON Offers Over $799,000 EXCLUSIVE to Suzey Whitby Ray White Atherton 0438 090 306 or 4091 7111

The outdoor entertainment area incorporates the salt water swimming pool and gazebo. Across the double carport is an open plan masonry block self contained granny flat with functional kitchen, separate toilet and bathroom. The

WELCOME to 15 Williams Avenue, Yungaburra. This stunning property features an open plan living area with high ceilings and a cozy fireplace, perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy year-round comfort with air conditioning throughout.

Step outside onto the timber deck and take in the scenic views of Lake Tinaroo and surrounds. Entertain guests on the second patio, which overlooks the rear garden. The property also includes a double remote control garage and an additional large shed, providing ample storage space. With great street appeal and meticulously maintained gardens, this home is a true gem. Don’t miss the opportunity to make it yours!

Property Features:

• Solid rendered block home

• Large open plan living with high ceilings, a cosy fireplace, air-conditioning & a glass sliding door opening onto the entertainment deck.

• Spacious kitchen with an electric oven, gas cooktop, double sink, dishwasher, pantry, and plenty of cupboard space.

• 5 carpeted bedrooms with built-in robes, airconditioning, and ceiling fans

• Master bedroom features a generous ensuite and walkin robe

• Main bathroom with a shower/bath & vanity unit. Separate toilet

• Internal laundry with custom made cabinetry, linen cupboard, and a double sink.

• Tiles, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, security screens, security cameras, quality fittings and plenty of storage space throughout the home.

• Large deck at the front of the home overlooking Lake Tinaroo and surrounds

• Second outdoor entertainment area at the rear of the home for alternative entertaining.

• Solar panels – Save on those electricity bills!

• Double remote-control garage with built-in storage cupboards

• Enclosed powered shed with an electric roller door

• Fully irrigated established low-maintenance gardens

beautiful features like lighting, retaining walls, and steps.

• A generator point is installed and ready to be plugged into

• Elevated 1,067m2 partly fenced allotment

• Ideally located approx..1.2km to Yungaburra Village and

Look at the potential

closer to town to secure a tidy home that’s affordably priced and very well positioned.

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

Address: Price: Agent: Contact: 8 Beames Street, MAREEBA Offers over $380,000

New land release in Atherton

LETTERS to the editor

EMAIL editorial@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Street tiles are a danger

JUST returned from “down town”. Wet Tuesday. I saw many near slips, I thought for sure, my first aid training would be put to use.

Those tiles lining our main street business houses are like ice when wet. slip sliding away as the song goes.

Council was aware of the problem when they were laid, over 20 years ago, and actually won the court case against the suppliers. The tiles were unsuitable for the intended use.

Instead of making functional amendments, the money went into the bank (internal revenue).

And still, we are waiting for one of the falls to be fatal. Council staff are diligent in keeping the tiles clean, but at what cost?

Wrong tiles councillors, wrong tiles Madam Mayor.

Time for action, please consider a change and keep us shoppers safe.

When someone receives severe injuries, we have someone to blame don’t we?

Shane Bisseker Concerned observer

Space controls weather

AS I write this (Thursday, 24/01, 5pm), BoM is, as usual, struggling to guess whether a cyclone might form and where it might go. If climate science was settled, if the climate models were accurate, if CO2 drove baseline surface temperatures, BoM wouldn’t be struggling with guesses – they’d be forecasting with 100% accuracy decades in advance.

That won’t happen while legacy climate science stubbornly refuses to acknowledge that planetary baseline surface temperature is an artefact of gravity, atmospheric mass, geothermal heat, and total irradiation received. Of those, the most variable one is total irradiation: the others only change in minor ways.

Variations in total irradiation are what we call space weather and that’s what controls climate and weather. Climate is just weather averaged over the arbitrarily chosen space of 30 years and whether it changes or not in that 30-year period is quite irrelevant.

Major changes in total irradiation caused the end of the last glacial maximum, the last ice age, and it took a massive increase in energy to melt so much ice that the seas rose about 120 metres. That didn’t come from gravity, atmospheric mass, or geothermal heat – or atmospheric gas mix – it come from the various forms of energy that reach Earth from the sun and galaxy.

Space weather factors that influence Earth’s weather include total solar irradiance; geomagnetic modulation by the solar wind (plasma stream); solar proton streams; solar electromagnetic interaction with Earth’s relativistic electrons; interplanetary magnetic fields; and galactic cosmic rays.

Of those, only solar irradiance is in the globalists’ climate models. They falsely attribute the effects of the other influences to carbon dioxide to make their dodgy energy budgets balance. Even the solar irradiance isn’t calculated properly. Earth is a rotating globe, with one side heating and the other side cooling – but the climate models are based on a flat Earth with a weak sun that’s always shining.

The climate modellers are literally the flat-Earthers of the 21st century.

Earth has global electric circuits: low pressure systems such as cyclones are where current travels up to the ionosphere, high pressure systems are returning currents travelling back down to Earth.

They’re modulated by solar wind coupling, proton flux, the penetrating electric field (Birkeland currents), geomagnetic induction, and cosmic ray cascades. Everyone who has used an arc welder knows that currents of electricity change the local air temperature.

The cosmic ray cascades nucleate clouds, which reflect sunlight. Everyone knows sunlight directs heat to Earth and anything that reflects it reduces the total heat flux and the local temperature. That’s why it’s cooler under a shade tree or when clouds come over.

Climate models do very poorly in trying to estimate

the effects of the reflectivity of clouds because, of course, they can’t forecast cosmic ray cascades.

What does the sun’s and galaxy’s contributions to Earth’s total energy balance control? Ozone levels, heat, rainfall, wind, lightning, storms (including cyclones), ENSO, PDO, NAO, AMO, and AMs, Hadley cells, and Walker circulation. That’s most of what controls weather, which over time is considered as climate.

What observable forms does the sun’s variable input take? Solar flares, solar proton events, geomagnetic storms, coronal holes, coronal mass ejections, energetic particle storms, and solar magnetic fields.

Legacy climate science cannot acknowledge these realities because of the political control of its funding streams – and the controllers (globalists) want climate alarmism. The globalists are using money taken from you by force of law to terrify you about weather and climate so they can control you – and the LaborLiberal UNiparty are their agents.

Now that you know that the UNiparty are dishonestly misrepresenting weather and climate and using your money to control you on behalf of the globalists, what will you do about them at the next election?

Peter Campion TOLGA

No go for old show

“THE sun is a shining to welcome the day and it’s Heigh-Ho come to the show”

When I was a kid, we sang this song on the way to the show. My mum showed her prize goats and we kids “got in free” if we crouched down in the back of her ute with her champion buck “Apollo” and the nannies.

When we relocated to Malanda many years ago in a different generation, the thing that fascinated me was the fantastic Malanda Show.

The Pavilion was alive with the exquisite lemon butters and sparkling cumquat marmalades. I’d never seen so many delicately made tall sponge cakes decorated with home grown blueberries and strawberries.

The perfume of beautiful tropical flowers wafted through the hall. And the smiles and energy of the happy helpers and the enthusiastic crowds and generations of families eager to check out one another’s work was impressive.

I was amazed at the immaculate woodwork created locally and the beauty of the exquisite needlework and tapestries and unusual crafts on show.

And the children’s work exhibited for all to see.

Soon my partner and I were involved – Dave in photography and me in painting.

Three years ago, I came down with a serious illness. The only way I could fight my condition was by working on my art exhibits for the Malanda Show.

The award prize money bought new art materials and helped me to regain my health.

It upset me greatly that so many ratepayers like us were let down by the TRC last year. Council closed the Pavilion so close to the show date – breaking the hearts of many who love the Malanda Show and exhibiting their work that brings them happiness and purpose.

And it’s “heigh-ho here we GO” or is it NO_GO? to the show as the polished wheels have fallen off and the hundreds of volunteers wanting to know where the thousands of exhibits are to go are in limbo land.

We pay our rates on time and want council to have our Malanda Show on time in its 108th year in 2025.

Libby Pender MALANDA

Parklands clarity needed

IN relation to last week’s article “Parkland must stay”, Mr Justice Henry of the Supreme Court commented on the “novel” decision of the Tablelands Regional Council not to accept the parkland and referred to the “rarity” of the decision of council.

He described the TRC action in not accepting more parkland because it already had too much as

“curious”.

The judgement contained the following comments: “Mr Marino, the developer’s solicitor, in his considerable experience of planning and environment law and property development he had never encountered an instance where Council decided to allow land to be dedicated to it as parkland, to instead revert to a developer’s further use for development…”

“But however novel this council decision may have been, there is no evidence that novelty bore upon the prospects of success of the change of use application. There is no evidence to suggest the developer doubted those prospects of success on account of the rarity of the decision council had taken.”

The real question of this appalling situation, which has been protracted at great cost since 2018, is whether the council made a decision at all or was it a matter decided by the officers concerned. Is it another case of the decision-making of the TRC being delegated to the council administration?

There are shades of the Malanda Igloo in this situation where councillors and the CEO were simply not informed. The Yungaburra parklands appears to be another of those officer-based decisions without the knowledge or decision by the council.

Perhaps the TRC could respond by publishing the actual resolution which declined to receive the Parkland to clear this matter up.

David Clifton YUNGABURRA

Misdirected science

DAVID Blake (Express 20/1) continues with his misdirected science. He claims that the ability of an IRGA to detect CO2 levels proves that increasing CO2 can cause global warming.

He misses the point that an IRGA uses an artificial infrared source, presumably of a different intensity to that of natural radiation, so his argument is irrelevant.

It is well known that the absorption of radiation emitted by earth is almost complete at frequencies relevant to CO2 plus H2O at existing levels of these gases. This is evident from widely accessible data of the absorption spectrum of infrared radiation emitted by the earth.

Hence my argument that increasing CO2 cannot further warm the earth.

Rather than rely on theory, I have undertaken a practical experiment myself. I placed four clear walled bottles in the sun and took temperature measurements several time per day.

The bottles were, respectively, filled with dry air, air plus a few ml of H2O, 100% CO2, and 100% CO2 plus H2O.

All bottles were at ambient temperature in the mornings. During the day the temperatures of both dry air and 100% CO2 rose but showed no detectable difference, both bottles containing H2O were about 1 degree hotter during the middle of the day. QED.

Bruce Jones MAREEBA

Climate change eternal

ATMOSPHERIC Co2 is 420ppm of which a supposedly 140ppm 50% increase is man-made due to the industrial revolution, the last 250 years. To put that into perspective 140ppm is the same as 140mm in 1klm.

Fact: Co2 absorbs long wave infrared at only four narrow band of frequency at one end of the infrared absorption spectrum, which is a small amount of the total available long wave infrared.

Infrared outside of these band ignores Co2. When Co2 emits, that infrared rejoins the total available long wave infrared. Why is it that only the long wave infrared emitted by Co2 defies the basic laws of physics and remains to change the climate when all other long wave infrared moves toward equilibrium somewhere in space? Hot moves to cold, it does not reverse.

More fact; Around 11,500 years ago at the end of the Younger-Dryas extreme climate event the sea level

rose up to 40mm/yr. Where did the energy come from to melt all that ice that fast? 120,000 years ago, during the Eemian, the Arctic was up to 8deg C warmer and sea levels metres higher than at present. Between 187,000 years ago the sea level rose 130mts or 12mm/ yr average. If Co2 contains the capacity to control climate, the 50% Co2 increase should be melting the remaining ice faster than the latest sea level rise when there was less Co2.

Climate change is eternal, it never stops. Within the last 30yrs there has been both high and low temperature and rainfall extremes for every month of the year. The earth is experiencing a period of climatic chaos.

That is what climate does. In one instance it’s hot, then cold, or wet then dry all due to 140ppm that can’t make up its mind, Give us a break.

How does 140ppm of man-made Co2, that involves a small amount of the total long wave infrared, defy the basic laws of physics and transfer sufficient energy to climate change 1,000,000 parts of atmosphere, PLUS accumulate and transfer a massive amount more energy required to maintain a temperature increase of the earth’s surface (70% ocean) while causing floods, fires and melting ice?

We need to find viable alternatives to fossil fuel in particular crude oil. The rape pillage and waste of the earth’s resources for regardless profit must end. Pollution and abuse of the oceans goes ignored. This Don Quixote pursuit of the carbon myth is a waste of resource and time we do not have.

I keep presenting questions based on researched scientific facts but do not receive any scientific controlled replies, just Chicken Little alarmist, brain washed, propagated, emotive mythology with lashings of common insult.

Graeme Congdon

MT GARNET

Climate alarm debunked

READING The Express’ opinion page (29/01/2025) it seems like the local Greens branch has rallied their members to blast out all their usual climate alarmist tropes. This is obviously to combat the complete debunking of their narratives by your excellent truthtelling contributors, such as Peter Campion and John Nethery.

Even Blind Freddy can now see that the global warming narrative is nothing but disinformation. The seas never did rise, the rain still falls, and extreme weather occurs less often. The alarmists have gotten nothing right. It’s only the hysterical climate articles in the mainstream media that keep people believing in such silliness.

I remember David Blake claiming to hold a PhD in physics and it’s notable that he didn’t use the wellknown and well-understood laws of gas physics to find fault with Peter Campion’s excellent synopsis, as Campion challenged him to do. I expect that’s because he knows that Campion is correct.

It’s notable too that Blake actually confirms Campion’s claim that he was a solar salesman and therefore has a vested interest in climate alarmism. Blake admitted he developed a wind and solar project, and we all know the only reason to do that is to harvest subsidies mandated by climate alarmist governments. They obviously don’t supply cheap or reliable electricity, so subsidy-harvesting is the only reason to develop them.

I love that The Express still publishes the critics of the governments’ “settled science” because they seem to be banned in the mainstream media, which is driving its customers away in droves because of their support for unscientific and unAustralian narratives.

Jennifer Short EDGE HILL

Signs may prevent deaths

JUST a thought, it might be a good idea if the powers that be at the Tablelands Regional Council drill holes in the Millaa Millaa Falls signs and hang on them the total number of deaths at those falls.

The warning signs could also have the same death toll on them. This would act as a stark reminder to the visitors to those falls, both local, interstate or overseas tourists.

Macabre, yes, but so is watching a loved one, friend or partner’s body being recovered.

If showing how many people have perished there saves just one life, it’s worth it.

Sam Williamson PARRAMATTA PARK

JONES, Sybil Weymouth

Late of Park Avenue, Yungaburra, formerly of “Limberlost” Freshwater. Passed away peacefully on Monday the 27th of January, 2025. Aged 99 years. Much loved Wife of John (Dec.). Loving Mother of Robyn and Linda. Grandmother of Paul, Jessica and Bianca. Great Grandmother of Jaegar, Michael, Marley and Brae.

Family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of Carinya and Atherton Hospital for their care of Sybil.

Relatives and friends of Sybil are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service which will be held at Mountain View Chapel, Guilfoyle’s Crematorium, 3 Nasser Road, Atherton on Friday 7th February, 2025. Service commences at 11.00am followed by a private interment at Yungaburra Cemetery.

MEMORY OF

IN LOVING

Joanne Patricia Thomson-Gray (nee Toohey)

Jo passed away peacefully on September 27, 2024 at Starke, Florida, USA. Aged 66 years.

She is survived by her daughter Sheree, grandchildren Brandy and Jackson, and great-grandsons Thorne and Kyrie. Jo was the dearly beloved eldest daughter of Larry (Dec.) and Pauline Toohey formerly of Topaz, and much-loved sister of Deb, Vonne, Brad, Col, Kylie, and their families.

We invite relatives and friends to join us in a Celebration of Jo’s Life, to be held at Tichum Creek Estate Gardens on Friday 21st February, 2025 commencing at 10:00am. Following the service, an interment will take place at Chillagoe Cemetery. Jo touched the hearts of all who knew her and will be forever remembered.

Funeral Celebrant - Theresa Whiteing

DOHERTY, Leslie James

Late of Mareeba. Passed away peacefully on the 16th of January, 2025. Aged 73 years.

Never forgotten. BETTY AND FAMILY.

IN LOVING MEMORY Salvatore (Sam) Garozzo

25.02.29 ~ 05.02.24

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

HEPPLE, Donald

Late of Carinya, formerly Mt Garnet & Ravenshoe. Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on the 28th of January, 2025. Aged 87 years.

Beloved Husband of Betty. Loving Father of Rodney and Donna. Much loved Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Poppy Don.

Family and friends of Don are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service which is to be held graveside at the Ravenshoe Cemetery on Wednesday 5th February, 2025 commencing at 11.00am.

Much loved Husband of Pam (Nee Turner) (Dec.). Father and Father-in-Law of Chris Doherty & Trish Fletcher, Jeni Roos & Stanley Roos. Grandfather of Bradley, Georgina, Sam, Matilda & Harrison. “Les will be missed by family and friends.”

A Private Cremation has taken place.

A memorial service for Les will be held at Mareeba Leagues Club at 10am on February 12th, 2025.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF BLOOMFIELD, Pamela Jean

A year has passed, the season’s turned, Since Sam, our Father, gently learned, To leave this earth, his work complete, Ninety-four years, a life so sweet. Fifth of February, a date we hold, A memory etched, more precious than gold, Strong hands that toiled, a spirit so bright, He built from nothing, with all his might. Garozzo’s Agencies, a testament true, To vision and grit, and all he could do, Frances, Rosie, and Lui, his pride and his joy, His love a constant, for girl and for boy. A faith so deep, a love of the Lord, Guiding his steps, his spirit restored, With St. Alfio, Filadelfio, and Cirino above, Watching his family, bathed in their love. Gardening hands, that nurtured and grew, Fresh fruit he savored, a taste he well knew, Seven grandchildren, a blessing so grand, Seven great-grandchildren, held in his hand. Or in his heart, where love will reside, With Alfina now, by his loving side, A reunion sweet, in a heavenly place, Where love shines eternal, with infinite grace. He travelled the world, saw wonders untold, But Cairns was his haven, more precious than gold, Simple his life, family his core, Love overflowing forevermore.

So we remember, with hearts full of love, Sam Garozzo’s spirit, soaring above, His legacy lives, in all that he’s done, A father, a Nonno, a life well-won.

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 FOSTER, Arthur “Col”

Late of Mareeba. Passed away peacefully at the Mareeba Hospital on Monday 27th January, 2025. Aged 86 years.

Loving Brother of David and Joan. Much loved Cousin of Carrol and Allan. Will be sadly missed by all family and friends. In keeping with Col’s wishes, a private cremation will take place.

Late of Mareeba. Passed away peacefully at Mareeba on the 21st of January, 2025. Aged 76 years.

Much loved Wife of Howard. Loving Mother of Danella Johnson & Ben Bloomﬁeld. Grandmother of Jayde, Jordan, Carlee & Jamie. Cherished Great Grandmother of Victoria.

Pamela will be sadly missed by all family and friends.

In keeping with Pamela’s wishes a private cremation has taken place.

GINO TRABUCCO

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

The family of the late Gino Trabucco would like to thank everyone who visited, phoned, sent ﬂowers,cards, and attended Gino’s funeral. We drew great comfort from your care and kindness during this time. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all those who provided health care to Gino throughout his life; Dr Manypeney and staff at Mareeba Medical Centre, Dr Starmer, Dr Suki Ahluwalia, St John’s Community Care, Mareeba Blue Care Aged Care, and all the staff at the Mareeba Hospital. Thank you to Cami at Guilfoyle Funeral Services for your compassion and professionalism. Please accept this as our personal thanks to you all.

4091 2147 Mareeba: 4092 1013

Local Family Owned & “Entrusted for over 70 years” www.guilfoylefunerals.com.au

PHONE:

CLASSIFIEDS

GROUNDS AND FACILITIES MANAGER

A Grounds and Facilities Manager is required for a Permanent position of 38 hours per week commencing on 17th March, 2025. Your opportunity as the Grounds and Facilities Manager you will:

• Identify, prioritise and implement a range of facilities, grounds care maintenance and enhancement activities to ensure that the school/college grounds and facilities are managed and maintained to a high standard.

• Provide operational support on a diverse range of grounds management issues, including the analysis of requirements, identiﬁcation of solutions, planning and coordination of cost effective grounds renewal projects. The Grounds and Facilities Manager reports to the Principal or a nominated delegate. Interested persons to apply through Smart Jobs by 16th February: https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobs/ QLD/FNR617641/25 YOUR EMPLOYER

The Department of Education (DoE) is committed to giving all children a great start, engaging young people in learning, creating safe and inclusive workplaces and investing in communities for a stronger Queensland. Our human rights commitment is to create a stronger, fairer Queensland by respecting, protecting and promoting human rights in everything we do. Our objectives are: A great start for all children, Every student succeeding, Building Queensland communities, Safe and capable people delivering our vision, Fair and safe workplaces and communities. Our vision is one of equity and excellence in a progressive, high performing education system that realises the potential of every student. For more information about the department, please visit our website at: www.qed.qld.gov.au

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

We are looking for an experienced Communications Officer with exceptional people skills to join our team.

Full Time or Part Time (60-75 hr/fortnight)

Location: Mareeba or Georgetown (Qld)

For more information and to apply, go to: gulfsavannahnrm.org/employment

Applications close 9am, Monday 24 February, 2025.

POSITIONS VACANT

The Etheridge Shire covers approximately 40,000 square kilometres of Queensland’s Gulf Savannah Region. The Council offices are located in Georgetown approximately 380 kilometres west of Cairns and 360 kilometres east of Karumba. Georgetown provides the shire with a clean, safe, modern service hub including facilities such as primary school, hospital, child care, golf club, swimming complex, and sports ground. In addition to Georgetown, the shire has three other towns - Forsayth, Mount Surprise and Einasleigh.

The Shire’s social calendar is packed and is driven by strong community spirit.

Council is seeking applications for the following positions: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & EVENTS OFFICER

Council’s dedication and commitment to the planning and delivering a range of high quality services in response to community needs, this opportunity is for a forward thinking leader to join a highly successful and innovative Council.

The Community Development & Events Officer is responsible to act as a conduit between Council and community to deliver programs, initiatives and events that contribute to community connectedness and increased wellbeing for residents across the Etheridge Shire region.

The successful candidate will have proven organisational, planning and communications abilities and be able to work in a self-directed manner as well as cooperatively with a range of stakeholders including community groups and government agencies.

Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential to the position and verified proven community development experience will be well regarded.

Applications can be posted, delivered to the Administration Office, faxed or emailed to:

Position Vacant - Community Development & Events Officer

The Chief Executive Officer, Etheridge Shire Council PO Box 12, GEORGETOWN QLD 4871

Applications close at 4pm, 14th February, 2025.

WATER TREATMENT SUPERVISOR

The suitable applicant will undertake and oversee general operation and maintenance of Council’s facilities comprising of all water infrastructure, swimming pool, minor building repairs and maintenance, operation and maintenance of Council’s water treatment plants, reticulation network and dam inspections.

The successful applicant must hold water treatment qualifications such as Cert III in Water Industry Operations.

Hours of work are 7am to 4pm Monday to Friday and a nine day fortnight, above award wages and superannuation.

Applications can be posted, delivered to the Administration Office, faxed or emailed to:

Position Vacant - Water Treatment Supervisor

The Chief Executive Officer, Etheridge Shire Council PO Box 12, GEORGETOWN QLD 4871

Applications close at 4pm, 14th February, 2025.

PLUMBER

The suitable applicant is to undertake general operation and maintenance of Council’s facilities comprising of all water infrastructure, swimming pool, minor building repairs and maintenance. The successful applicant must have preferable 5 years relevant experience with current trade qualifications in plumbing.

Hours of work are 7am to 4pm Monday to Friday and a nine day fortnight, above award wages, superannuation and council provided accommodation.

Applications can be posted, delivered to the Administration Office, faxed or emailed to:

Position Vacant - Plumber

The Chief Executive Officer, Etheridge Shire Council PO Box 12, GEORGETOWN QLD 4871

Applications close at 4pm, 14th February, 2025.

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Shane Butler on 07 4079 9090 or Council’s website: www.etheridge.qld.gov.au

Fax: 07 4062 1285 • Email: info@etheridge.qld.gov.au

Mark Watt, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

*ANIMAL OF THE WEEK*

NAME:

1752, Townsville QLD 4810 Email: MineralHub@resources.qld.gov.au

Coal Assessment Hub Building E, 25 Yeppoon Road, Parkhurst QLD 4702 PO Box 3679, Red Hill QLD 4701 Email: CoalHub@resources.qld.gov.au

A copy of the objection must also be served upon the applicant/s on or before the last day of the objection period at the following address: Lane Machinery Pty Ltd C/- Hughes Consulting 23 Fenwick Street, Mareeba, QLD, 4880 pixie@hughesconsulting.com.au

Objection for the mining lease application:

A properly made objection in respect to the grant of the mining lease is one that:

• is lodged, on or before 4:30pm (AEST) on the last objection day for the application with the chief executive in writing in the approved form;

• states the grounds of the objection and the facts and circumstances relied on in support of the grounds;

• is signed and dated by each person/entity (i.e. signatory) making the objection; and

• states the name and address of each signatory.

Intending objectors should obtain the approved objection form (MRA20) by contacting the local mines assessment hub on (07) 4447 9230 or online from the department’s website: https://www.business.qld. gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/resources/applicationscompliance/forms-fees.

Women’s Survivors Group

Fortnightly: Wednesdays

9.00am - 11.00am, CWA Hall, Jack Street, Atherton

Next group meets 12th February. FREE and welcoming (chats, coffee, craft & connection). Please call TSAS 4091 4036 For further information

YOU’RE INVITED TO CELEBRATE WITH US! Tea, Coffee, cake and nibbles provided MONDAY 24th February, 2025 11.00am

Mareeba Leagues Club

RSVP: 10th February, 2025

mareebamow@westnet.com.au (4092 2278)

PositioN VacaNt

MAREEBA MEALS ON WHEELS 50 YEARS ANIVERSARY

Get dirty and sweaty at adventure run

wade, hay bales, a gate crawl, nuisance hill, rip roaring downhill, a beach run, sweet flowing single track, boulder hop, monkey bars, and a slip ‘n’ slide.

The event is a single loop course of around 1.5km throughout the Barrabadeen area, with participants completing as many laps as possible within either “30 dirty minutes or 60 sweaty ones”.

The course includes a number of obstacles designed to add an element of fun to the race including a 100m

Upon return to the start line, runners can head off for their second, third or fourth laps and can finish after the time limits.

However, for the purpose of results, it is only the laps completed prior to the cut-off that will be considered.

Registrations for both events start from 2pm at

Camp Barrabaeen, with the Dirty 30 kicking off at 3.45pm and the Sweaty 60 at 4.45pm.

Race entry fees are $10 for Grubs (12 and under), $20 for Juniors (13-17) and $40 for Open (18 and over) and includes a barbecue dinner at 7pm following the event.

Entrants under 12 will need an accompanying adult or older sibling.

Contestants are required to bring cups or drinking devices, running gear, spare clothes for after the event

and plates and cutlery for dinner. The event starts and finishes within the Barrabadeen camping area near Tinaroo Dam. To find the area, travel to Tinaroo township and continue through past the dam wall and less than five minutes past there, a dirt road on the right is signposted and leads to Barrabadeen.

Entries for the race can be made online only and close Wednesday at 8pm, for more information visit https://www.adventuresportnq.info/

Swing a club at Atherton

A FREE come and try day featuring a professional PGA coach will be held this Sunday from 8.30am-10.30am at the Atherton Golf Club for junior players.

The session will introduce kids, aged five-17 years, to the basics of the game and will be delivered by PGA of Australia Professional coach Luke Newman and Atherton Golf Club’s Tom McEwan.

There will be a number of junior

Gladiators to host annual auction night Junior rugby league sign on day

A NIGHT of auctioning fun will be held this weekend as the Mareeba Gladiators host their annual jersey auction night, giving local businesses the opportunity to sponsor a jersey for the season.

This year, successful sponsors will have their business logo displayed on the back of a numbered jersey across all three senior grades.

Additionally, captains of each team will also be announced to attendees on the night.

“I’m excited to see the level of interest for our new signings, as well as the local boys who always do well too,” club president Shaun Fincham said.

“It’s a really good fundraiser for us and it allows us to put that money back into the club.

“Whether you’re bidding, or just watching, everyone’s welcome.”

The jersey auction will be held at the Mareeba Leagues Club this Saturday night from 7pm and will be auctioneered by local Locky Bensted.

There will also be food supplied by the club.

To register to bid, attend the event early, or email the club at mareebagladiators@outlook.com

THE Mareeba Junior Rugby League Club will be hosting their sign on day this Sunday from 10.30am-12.30pm at the Mareeba Leagues Club.

Members of the JRL committee will be there to assist parents in registering their kids for the upcoming season.

New members are required to bring a birth certificate, while returning players will still have their details in the system.

The first training session for the junior players is set for next Tuesday.

For more information visit www.mjrl.com.au

club sets available for use, requiring attendees to only have to bring a hat, water bottle and sunscreen.

The junior golf season is played from February to November with practice sessions each Wednesday and Thursday and competitions on Sunday mornings.

Additionally, the club will be offering a Junior Girls Scholarship Program to girls aged nine-16 years.

The scholarship program, funded

by the Australian Golf Foundation, aims to create greater opportunities for young girls in golf.

The program provides them with coaching, junior membership for one year, and a Golf Australia handicap.

Register for the session at www.golf.org.au/mygolf/ programdetails?programId=41271 or email athertonjuniorgolf@ outlook.com

COME AND TRY DAY

Saturday 8th February

2.00pm - 5.00pm, Atherton International Club

SAUSAGE SIZZLE

Senior Men Qld Cup game to follow, with full canteen and bar available. Come on down, say hello... look forward to seeing you all there!

Professional PGA coach

Luke Newman will be teaching at the Atherton Golf Club’s junior come and try day.