The Express Newspaper 2nd November 2022

New sign welcomes visitors to town

The initiative is a partnership between

Mareeba Chamber of Commerce and Mareeba Heritage Centre and Visitor In formation Centre and features some of the things Mareeba is most known for.

Themed “Lets Meet in Mareeba”, the billboard encourages people to visit and en joy the wide variety of local produce, coffee and wines, and tourism activities.

It encourages visitors to start their Ma reeba adventure at the highly popular Her itage Centre and features well-known busi ness personality, thespian and Comedy Tours mama, Ida Portella.

Mareeba Chamber of Commerce presi dent Joe Moro said the billboard was an other example of the close working relation ship between the Chamber and the Centre to promote Mareeba.

“The sign is a way of getting more people to stop in Mareeba, first hopefully they stop

into the Heritage Centre to get some knowl edge about the area,” he said.

“We like tourists to spend some time and some money in the main street of Mareeba.

“That is why we are working collabora tively with the centre.”

Mareeba Heritage Centre acting presi dent Nipper Brown praised the partnership.

“With completion of the billboard it demonstrates what the strength of two local groups combining with a common goal can do, with Mareeba the big winner,” he said.

Mareeba Chamber of Commerce president Joe Moro and Mareeba Heritage Centre acting president Nipper Brown in front of the new billboard.

Annual report highlights Shire’s success

BY RHYS THOMAS

MAREEBA Shire Council presented its annual report for 2021/22 with pride at last week’s meeting, remaining one Queensland’s fastest growing local government areas.

Some key figures highlighted in the report were library visitation improved drastically with around 30,000 more people using the shire’s libraries, a near 1000 person increase in public hall us age and $1.4 million more in industrial park land sales.

Mayor Angela Toppin said she was proud to see Mareeba Shire continue to grow.

“The shire has continued to keep pace with the rest of Queensland after being named as one of the top 10 fast est growing Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Queensland in 2019/20,” she said.

Council’s capital program expended more than $20 million across the shire which included critical water infra structure upgrades for Chillagoe which allowed its level 3 water restrictions to be lifted.

“The water infrastructure works in Chillagoe allowed council to lift Level 3 water restrictions that have been in place since 2017,” Mayor Toppin said.

Other projects included the replace ment of the Granite Creek Sewer Pump Station, upgrading of the transport in

frastructure network and major projects and council’s ongoing commitment to upgrade Mareeba ageing water infra structure.

“This was the commitment we as council made back in 2020 and con tinue to progress as part of our 10-year plan,” Mayor Toppin said.

In addition, council launched its very first parks and open spaces strat egy which is designed to improve the liveability across the shire, the new strategy saw a record spend on parks and open spaces by the council.

Councillor Lenore Wyatt drew at tention to the amount council spent on volunteer organisations in the form of grants and funding.

“We are looking at nearly a quarter of a million dollars that we give annu ally to our community,” she said.

“It assists our volunteers to get on and do what they are doing which makes our communities better places for it.”

Cr Wyatt also made mention of council’s recent addition of solar panels on numerous council buildings which ended up providing a surplus power generation in excess of 50,000 watt hours to the grid.

“The decisions we are making as a council, sometimes they are hard and people question them but you can see the benefits from them here in the long run,” she said.

Tablelands

awards announced

BUSINESSES in the Tablelands region will once again be in the spotlight with Tablelands Regional Council announcing the 2022 Busi ness Excellence Awards.

Each year outstanding business es in TRC are recognised and re warded for their constant hard work and drive to better their community

Mayor Toppin felt proud to hand down the report and noted how the council is held up as an example of sus tainability.

“Mareeba Shire Council is held up as an example of how to be a sustain able council, our reputation as a high performing council is a result of the ef forts of councillors and council staff – I thank them sincerely for this,” she said.

“As mayor, I am very proud of Ma reeba Shire Council’s achievements and that the shire continues to grow.”

through their business.

Nominations for the 2022 Busi ness Excellence Awards are open until Sunday 13 November and there is no limit on the number of businesses people can nominate.

All categories excluding People’s Choice will be decided by judges.

The Business Excellence Awards

Gala Dinner is on Saturday 3 De cember at the Atherton International Club from 6.00–10.30pm.

Winners will receive a Table lands Regional Council Business Excellence Awards trophy and a $500 Shop Tablelands gift card.

The winner of the People’s Choice Award will also get a $2000

marketing package with us here at The Express.

Tickets are $59 per person and include a drink on arrival, threecourse meal and entertainment.

Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com.

au/o/tablelands-regional-coun cil-31809515779

MAREEBA’S Bicentennial Lakes are

step closer to being redeveloped and beautified after Mareeba Shire Council

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the Bicentennial Lakes upgrade would ensure the Mareeba community can make the most of the lakes.

the

for the Lakes design to Cairns based company Trinity Engineering and Consulting for $274,065.

Trinity Engineering and Consulting (TEC) is a Cairns-based engineering con sultant with capability in project manage ment, hydraulic modelling and civil de sign.

TEC have proposed to lead a team of specialised sub-consultants including an ecology scientist, landscape architecture, geotechnical consultant and a surveyor for the Lakes design.

Mareeba’s Bicentennial Lakes were identified for an upgrade as part of MSC’s Parks and Open Spaces three-year action plan.

“Queenslanders have a great lifestyle, and the best of that is on show here in Ma reeba, with more investment we can make that lifestyle even better,” Ms Lui said.

The scope of the works includes a sur vey, investigation and design to produce costed and construction-ready plans for upgrade of the northern and southern sec tions of the Lakes.

Council is now seeking to enter precontract negotiations with TEC to explore further opportunities to amend the scope to improve the design outcomes, while offer ing potential cost savings for the design, eventual construction and operation of the upgraded Bicentennial Lakes.

Old playgrounds disposed

OLD, unused and unfit playgrounds in Atherton, Malanda and Tolga will be dis posed and not be reused after Tablelands Regional Council recently replaced them with new updated facilities, or found they were not being used enough.

Malanda’s Jack May Park recently underwent an amazing transformation which included the construction of a new nature play playground that has since seen plenty of use from the community.

The old playground was removed and found to be past it’s useful life and will be disposed of.

The QCWA playground equipment at

Tolga was found to have damage to the softfall, the infrastructure was losing its actuating capability and the main play platform had defects that were not cost effective to repair.

A new rail trail themed park was in stalled in its place, recently being com pleted in the past few months.

The playground located at Hilltop in Atherton was identified to be past its useful life and with council identifying a newer and safer playground just 500m down the road on Cook Street, they chose to dispose of the old playground.

nominations

NOMINATIONS for the 2023 The Great Wheelbar row Race have already started flooding in and the organising committee is pleased to see new names populating the team lists.

Next year will be the 20th anniversary of the his toric 140km race and five team nominations have al ready been submitted.

Great Wheelbarrow Race committee chair Locky Bensted said most the teams that have already regis tered are names that either haven’t been seen before or not for many years.

Cr Bensted is hoping the strong number of early nominations is a good indication of a bigger and bet

ter race in 2023.

“Four of those five teams did not run last year so that is an indication we are possibly getting some new teams together or teams that run years ago,” he said.

“If you are thinking about wanting to run the race as a solo, due, trio or in a team, you had better get your nominations in now.”

For the 20-year anniversary of the event the com mittee is hoping to invite past winners and committee members who initially started the race 20 years ago to help present on the final race day in Chillagoe.

For more information and to nominate, visit www. greatwheelbarrowrace.com

Seniors plea for place to meet

A GROUP of senior women have been left with “no place” for their weekly meet up as vocal group member Norm Carey calls upon the Ma reeba community for help.

For 10 years, the group would spend their Tuesday mornings at the Mareeba PCYC until Covid hit, forcing the organisation to temporar ily disband.

Since the beginning, Mr Carey, who is nonbinary, has been a part of the women’s group and has been vocal about getting seniors together to socialise, getting their bodies and minds moving and was devasted when he learned they could no longer host the group.

Since restrictions have eased, the group has struggled to find somewhere to host their Tues day morning meet up again.

Their main struggle currently is finding a place that does not require them to get public liability insurance and has accessibility for the women who cannot travel long distances.

“We play games like bingo and trivia and games where you have a hook over there and you have to throw a hair tie on it to win a game,” Mr Carey said.

“In my personal opinion, I think it is these games that they want the public liability insur ance for, I think the games are the most impor tant part of the group.”

Mr Carey put out a call on the Mareeba Com munity Noticeboard Facebook page and received responses from almost 200 locals offering a place for the group to go and have their Tuesday morning meet up.

Although the group are looking into many op tions, they are open to any other ideas of where their senior’s group can go that is easy to access and affordable.

“It (the group) was the highlight of my week, and it was a highlight to the ladies,” Mr Carey said.

“We would all get excited when we would find out what we are doing next week, whether it be bingo or trivia.

“I miss them all very dearly.”

If anyone in the community knows of a venue for this senior women’s group, please comment on Courtney Mareeba’s post on the Mareeba Community Noticeboard Facebook page.

Budget delivers on Far North commitments

BY RHYS THOMAS

FAR North Queensland is set to receive half a billion dollars in funding after the Federal Labor Government passed their first budget in almost a decade, delivering on a multitude of pre-election promises for the region.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the Al banese Government’s Budget last week which saw the Cairns Marine Precinct expansion and a new Cairns campus for CQ University receive funding allocations.

There is also $107.5 million for the Cairns wa ter security package and $210 million for safety and resilience improvements on the Kuranda Range Road.

Member for Cook and Labor MP Cynthia Lui was pleased to see increased investment in her electorate.

“This is the first time during my tenure as the Member for Cook that I feel confident my federal counterparts are listening to communities in Far North Queensland and advocating for economic development in this region,” she said.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the Albanese Government to secure good, local jobs and deliver critical infrastructure in this most spectacular part of regional Queensland.

“I commend the Albanese Government for delivering a record level of investment for Cape York and Torres Strait and recognise there are pro visions for communities all across my electorate of Cook.”

Kennedy MP Bob Katter believes the an nouncement for safety improvements on the Kuranda Range Road was absolutely appalling and priority should instead be given to his bridle track proposal.

“The only thing you can start doing there is tearing down the jungle and rainforest. That mon ey has got to be spent on developing the tunnel, the Bridle Track, through the range. I tenaciously oppose this,” he said.

Mareeba Chamber of Commerce president Joe Moro would like to see $20 million of the allo cated funding to go towards identifying a possible

Funding for critical water infrastructure

MAREEBA Shire Council will be given $2 million towards upgrades for their water treatment plant filtra tion system thanks to the latest round of Building our Regions.

The project will support 24 jobs and member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the funding was a significant boost for Mareeba Shire.

“This funding will not only enable vital mainte nance work on critical in frastructure for our region, but it also provides great employment opportuni ties,” she said.

alternative route from Mareeba to Cairns and an unhitching pad.

“We are happy to some degree with the funding but it doesn’t go far enough to deal with the funda mental issues of improving road efficiency – I am not sure what $200 million on safety is actually going to achieve,” he said.

“We would like to see $20 million put aside to look at some alternative routes and we would also like to see some money for an unhitching pad.”

Cairns’ own natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef was also promised $1.2 billion up to 2030 for its restoration and protection.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland is also set to receive $15 million to drive international visi tation and support the tourism sector’s recovery from Covid, the funding will help demand for new aviation routes, boost the global profile of the Great Barrier Reef as well as trade and marketing engagement.

Ms Lui is happy to see tens of millions of dol lars being spent in her backyard and giving more opportunities to her constituents.

“These announcements pave the way for em ployment and economic opportunities all across Cook, contributing to the great lifestyle we enjoy here, increasing our skills capacity, and establish ing key infrastructure,” she said.

Biosecurity was not left out of the talks with $14 million to improve defence against lumpy skin disease, another $14 million to improve de fence against foot and mouth disease, as well as a $10 million package for Indonesia to prevent the foot and mouth disease entering Australia.

Across wider Australia the budget also focused on easing the cost of living, extending paid paren tal leave and giving a pay increase to Australia’s low-paid workers, benefiting 2.7 million Austral ians.

“Of course, people and communities in Cook are also part of the broader national picture. Tar geted cost-of-living measures, such as cheaper childcare, a better paid parental leave system, cheaper medicine, more affordable housing, and beginning the work of lifting stagnant wages will all benefit us here in Cook,” Ms Lui said.

Last Barramundi release for the year in Tinaroo

THE last batch of Barramundi fingerlings will be deposited into Lake Tinaroo in late Decem ber as the Tablelands Fish Stocking Society prepares for their first release of Mangrove Jack into the popular fishing spot early next year.

The society successfully added Mangrove Jack to their existing stocking permit earlier this year on a trial basis which already lets them stock Barramundi and Sooty Grunter –they are now permitted to stock 20,000 Man grove Jack fingerlings per year over the next three years.

Mangrove Jack fingerlings are due to be released early next year but the time and quan tity is entirely dependent on stock and the so ciety has put a major focus on their Jack stock

ings next year.

Tableland Fish Stocking Society secretary Laurie Wright would like to release their al located 20,000 for the year but believes a more realistic number would be 10,000.

“The original stockings in the 90s were only 4800 I think in total, so if we can do 10,000 a year that’s 30,000 and in five years’ time there will be some people catching some really good-sized Jack,” he said.

“It is going to be a fantastic thing for Tina roo and the regional economy – the people that will come up here in the future to catch Man grove Jack.”

Fishers can expect to pull up legal sized Mangrove Jacks from Lake Tinaroo in a few years from the first fingerling release.

Edward Lyndon releasing some Barramundi fingerlings into Lake Tinaroo during a recent re-stocking day.

Alongside Rashcoda dairy manager

tered a variety

perfect school cows

the

them

first competition was the SEMEX Holstien on Farm North QLD Challenge where the school’s Raschoda dairy took second place in the four-year-old category and will now go on to compete in the Australia on Farm challenge.

Ravenshoe State School also took out fifth place for the threeyear-old category and fourth place for the five-year-old category.

For the second competition, students spent their school holidays preparing for the Jersey Australia NQ Jersey On Farm Challenge, where they took out first place for the three-year-old section and second place for the mature (over six years old) cow section.

Mr Kidd’s dairy also took out Champion Cow with his threeyear-old cow Raschoda Legend Sarabi 36.

“These accolades represent the highest achievement since the commencement at the dairy at the school,” Ravenshoe State School public relations officer Nicki Dyson said.

“A huge thank you to Russell who has shown dedicated to the

Dannielle blooms at valley fashions

BY ELLIE FINK

FROM the fashions on the Tablelands’ field to the fash ion of the valleys of Mel bourne, Dannielle Atkinson has come home as the Best Dressed 2022 REVIEW Fashion at the Valley winner at the Cox Plate Carnival.

Showcasing a candy pink and off-white marble design dress from Rotate by Birger Christensen and headpiece by With Grace Millinery to match, her style captured the eyes of the judges of specta tors immediately.

The Cox Plate has always been Dannielle’s favourite major racing event, with her fiancé taking her to the event as a Christmas present.

Only weeks before head ing down, she learned they were running a fashions competition and was keen to enter.

“I just tried to make sure my outfit was as good as I could get it and tried out dif ferent possible colour com bination,” she said.

“It wasn’t until a few days before I got there that I actually decided what ac cessories to combine with the dress.

“I knew pastels/pink were in with the current fashion trends and then knew the high neck and long sleeves would be ideal for the cooler weather in Mel bourne.”

After having her photo

taken and meeting with the judges, Dannielle soon learned her colourful outfit was the winner of the Best Dressed 2022 REVIEW Fashion at the Valley.

Feeling shocked and in disbelief, Dannielle watched as her photo went up on the big screen showing that she was the winner.

“That was pretty sur real, my friends and family were all so excited – I think after it sunk in a bit more, I was just so proud of what I had achieved, especially on a race day, I loved it so much,” she said.

“It was definitely a lot less nerve wracking than being on stage but you also worry that the little details in your outfit can be lost in photos.

“The Cox Plate has al ways been my favourite ma jor race in Australia growing up. It is a race for the best of the best and the track at Moonee Valley just creates an atmosphere like no other.

“Definitely winning such an award on that race day is amazing, especially being my favourite just makes it all that more special.”

Now back in Mareeba with her family, Dannielle doesn’t have any major plans for her next steps in fashion and wants to build her knowledge on the in tricacies of fashions and trends.

Air Force now taking applications

THE Australian Air Force Cadets are officially recruiting, with teen agers aged 12 to 16 encourages to apply to their local squadron.

Teens who have an interest in the defence force or wish to de velop their leadership qualities, initiative, their character as a good citizen and learn about aviation history are encouraged to apply

Expressions of interests can be made to https://www.airforceca dets.gov.au/how-to-join by 31 March 2023 the local squadron will then send an application to join.

For more information on Air Force Cadets, visit www.airforceca dets.gov.au/

herd and gave up his time to ensure our school’s participation in the event instead of skiving off like the rest of us on a public holiday

“What an udderly wonderful result!”

Mareeba’s Dannielle Atkinson took out Best Dressed at the Fashion at the Valley held at the Cox Plate Carnival in Melbourne recently.

Ravenshoe State School’s Raschoda Van Halem Yankie Melys competed in the mature cow section of the Jersey Australia NQ Jersey On Farm Challenge and received an honourable mention by the judges.

Farmers hit by road charge increase

FAR North Queensland’s farming industry could face irreversible damage with the Road User Charge set to increase by 9c per litre as Far North Queensland growers already grapple with high op erational costs and low worker numbers.

The Road User Charge is a cost set by the Com monwealth for each litre of diesel used by heavy vehicles on public roads and is changed annually.

As of 29 September, the charge increased by 0.8c to a total of 27.2c per litre but the newest in crease is rumoured to be 9c per litre which would push the total charge to near 36c per litre.

President of FNQ Growers Joe Moro said an other increase in costs for farmers could spell the

end for growers already struggling in the north.

“Prices are rising across the board right now, transport is just one of them and this isn’t going to help,” he said.

“A lot of the farmers are either not making money at all, or barely making a profit – they can’t cop another cost increase.

“The growers are beholden to the supermarket giants that set the prices for their product, they don’t have the ground to negotiate as the industry is driven by a supply and demand scenario.

“The Treasurer is saying an there has been an eight per cent increase in food prices, but that doesn’t necessarily get passed on, and if it does get

passed on, we have no reason to think it’s enough to help the industry.”

Kennedy MP Bob Katter is calling for immedi ate action from the Federal Government to over turn the decision to increase the charge and keep the Far North’s farming industry alive.

“Transport companies in my electorate are al ready warning growers that they are going to have no choice but to pass the cost onto farmers,” he said.

“Farmers already burdened by labour shortages and a recent doubling of freight, fertiliser and pack aging costs, will be left with two choices: go bust or get a higher price for their fruit and vegetables.

A new generation of Aboriginal warriors

BY RHYS THOMAS

YOUNG Aboriginals have been giv en the opportunity to become great warriors like their ancestors with a local martial arts club empowering young indigenous Australians to con nect to their culture by incorporating traditional aboriginal practices and weapons into karate.

Kunguru Warriors is a form of Bob Jones Zen Du Kai and is the only stand-up martial art in Australia to incorporate traditional Aboriginal weapons into its system, all for free at Atherton’s Midin Clinic.

Head instructor Tait Bragdon is a native American man himself, tracing his heritage back to the Micmac peo ple and his fiancé, Carol Chong, is a member of the Muluridji tribe.

Being a man of native descent, Mr Bragdon feels an immense sense of pride and purpose in incorporat ing Aboriginal weapons, culture and practices into his system.

“I’ve seen it done in America with the Apache knife fighting system and

I thought, why don’t we have that in Australia for our indigenous mob here,” he said.

“Zen Du Kai is still the backbone of Kunguru Warriors but we are just introducing Aboriginal weapons and other Aboriginal practices in our free form katas.

“This is opening up pathways so Indigenous people can do their own moves that are culturally appropriate for them.”

Bob Jones himself has given Mr Bragdon special permission to open his club before becoming a third dan so he could get started as quickly as possible.

Students can learn free form movements which incorporate the Aboriginal short and long spear as well as boomerangs which while not traditionally seen as weapons, are a suitable substitute for a knife or sword.

“We can use it in our katas to dem onstrate and preserve culture and an cestry,” Mr Bragdon said.

The tradition of mimicking splash

ing water on the face and body to cleanse before class has also been changed to Aboriginal smoking cere monies, while the cat stance has been adapted to the kangaroo stance.

The Kunguru Warriors system is new and will change and adapt as time goes on, incorporating new moves and stances that directly relate to Aboriginal culture.

One of the initial purposes for opening the club was due to the in creased crime rate seen on the Table lands over the past year.

“The whole principal is that we want to try and reduce the crime, get these kids off the streets and included into our martial arts and learn disci pline, honour, respect, integrity and hopefully get them out of the antisocial behaviours they were engaged in,” Ms Chong said.

Mr Bragdon said he is not teach ing his students how to hurt people, but instead giving them another way to reconnect to their history.

“The students are still going to have to, as they would in their tra

“Put simply, if the consumer is not willing to pay higher prices for Australian fruit and vegeta bles – our supermarket fruit and vegetable shelves will be empty.

“Immediate action from the Federal Govern ment to overturn this ridiculous decision is re quired to support Australian farmers, not crucify them.”

Mr Katter said, 3,000-4,000 farmers were leav ing the industry every year and turning to cattle because the costs were killing them in crop farm ing.

The new User Road Charge increase does not have an official date as of print.

ditional customary way, go through their initiation process and levels to become a warrior,” Mr Bragdon said.

“Learning the katas might prompt them to go back to their grandfather or one of the elders who may know some old moves or teachings and say, ‘can you teach me’ – that’s how we want to preserve that culture.

“Rather than them being discon nected from their grandfathers or father now and running amok in the streets, we are hoping to encourage them to reconnect to their culture through martial arts.”

For more information on Kunguru Warriors you can contact Mr Bragdon on 0423 677 895.

Kunguru Warriors head instructor Tait Bragdon and his fiancé Carol Chong are trying to get Aboriginal youth to reconnect with their culture through martial arts.

Local mum calls for Telestroke

BY ELLIE FINK

QUEENSLAND is the only state in Aus tralia that does not have access to a Tele stroke service and local mum and founder of Moyamoya Australia, Nicola Baker, is fighting alongside stroke experts to intro duce the lifesaving service.

Telestroke provides rapid virtual care for people to access a specialist stroke di agnosis and treatment, particularly in rural and regional areas

Although stroke organisations, chari ties and medical professionals have been calling for action for years, the state has provided little to no response.

Ms Baker is a passionate advocate for stroke awareness and moyamoya disease, a rare but life threatening illness that caused her son Jed to have a stroke at just a few months old.

Determined to help people like her son, she wrote a letter to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and posted it to her Facebook page.

“I had the pleasure of meeting you per sonally at the premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Men Tell No Tales, on the Gold Coast,” the letter said.

“I was introduced to you by Tracey Vi era, who was the CEO of Screen Queens land at the time. I am the mother of Jed, who was the subject of Tracey’s speech at that event. You might remember that Jed was fully kitted out in his pirate costume, gifted to him by Penny Rose, the costume designer on set.

“Since we met, I have followed by own life’s purpose and established Moyamoya

Australia, a charity who provides finan cial assistance to families going through the early diagnosis of moyamoya disease, which has funded research and training into moyamoya disease and has also made a substantial donation to the Stroke Foun dation to assist with their roles within the stroke community.

“I wanted to reach out to you, because I am aware that Queensland has not signed up to Telestroke and I wanted to give you a more personal view of what living in regional Queensland can be for someone who is having a stroke.

“I am passionate about this because the reason for Jed’s significant intellectual im pairment is that he had his first stroke at just 11 months old, and it took a further three years for him to have a ‘label’ of moyamoya disease.”

Ms Baker’s letter continues to speak about Jed’s experiences being diagnosed with moyamoya, the surgeries he had and the strokes that will continue to affect his quality of life.

“Jed has his third brain surgery 10 years ago… and has now been told that there is no further intervention available to him,” she said.

“When this disease raises its head again, Jed will be left with whatever the next stroke leaves him. There are worse things than dying, losing his quality of life would be devastating to us all.

“I am aware that you were in Raven shoe just a few weeks ago. This is where we live. It takes 45 minutes to get to the nearest hospital, two hours to get to Cairns, and currently, to see our neurologist, we

have to drive four hours to Townsville.

“Having been here yourself personally, I bet you envy our beautiful town, but also, I think you have an idea of just how re gional we are.

“We don’t know when Jed will stroke again. We do know that having a stroke specialist involved very early will see him less likely to succumb to this disease, but we need Queensland to be a party to the Telestroke Program. This disease is pro gressive and so it is highly likely that fur ther stroke will happen to Jed.

“I am very pleased that, against all odds, Jed has just turned 19 years old. Please give him what he needs to be able to have urgent access to stroke specialists - Telestroke could save his life.”

Ms Bakers letter has been seen by hun dreds of people in the Tablelands, with many shocked the Telestroke initiative has not yet been introduced to Queensland.

Through her personal connection with Ms Palaszczuk, Ms Baker is determined to make a difference in the fight to for Tel estroke.

Stroke Society of Australasia President, Professor Timothy Kleinig, has helped es tablish Telestroke in the Northern Terri tory and South Australia and has watched it change the lives of many.

“Without Telestroke support, eligible stroke patients in Queensland are less like ly to receive clot-busting medication in a timely manner, reducing their likelihood of a good recovery and quality of life after stroke. Regional and rural Queenslanders should not be at such a disadvantage,” he said.

Dimbulah welcomes new lion to club

THE Dimbulah Lions Club welcomed a new addition to their family after they inducted Theuns Oosthuizen at their annual changeover.

The committee positions have remained the same with Brendan Goldsworthy returning as president, Ben Fabris as secretary and Danny De Lai as treasurer.

The club took time to celebrate and welcome Mr Oosthui zen as the newest lion of Dimbulah.

Remembrance Day

MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL COMMITTEE

SEEKING NOMINATIONS

Mareeba Multicultural Festival

The 25th Mareeba Multicultural Festival will be held in August 2023, and Mareeba Shire Council is seeking nominations for community members to join the Advisory Committee.

The free, one day Festival includes dance and music by hundreds of performers from many different cultures along with fabulous food showcasing a range of cuisines at the myriad of food stalls

Committee

The Mareeba Multicultural Festival Advisory Committee is a dedicated group of volunteers who reflect the diverse cultures of the Mareeba Shire

Committee Members are required to attend regular meetings and assist with the organisation and delivery of this treasured event.

Submit a nomination form, available on Council's website by 5pm on Friday, 11 November 2022

For more information, or assistance please contact Council on 1300 308 461

New Dimbulah Lions member Theuns Oosthuizen (right) with sponsor and Dimbulah Lions secretary Ben Fabris (centre) and second vice district governor Tim McBride.

water wise this summer

BY ELLIE FINK

THE weather is warming up significantly in the Far North and both Mareeba Shire and Tablelands Regional Councils are encouraging residents to be aware of how much water they are using.

Currently, Mareeba Shire has no water restric tions in place with the shire’s main water source being the Barron River and Tinaroo Dam.

As of Monday, Tinaroo Dam was at 81.42 per cent capacity, decreasing by 0.92 per cent from Tuesday 25 October’s level of 82.34 per cent.

Even when the dam hit the lowest water level of 23 per cent in 2003, MSC Mayor Angela Top pin said council was still able to provide water for urban usage with little to no worries but that doesn’t mean locals should stop being mindful about their water usage.

“Water is a precious resource, and although Mareeba Shire currently has no restrictions in

place, we need to conserve this important re source now and in the future. Council encour ages residents to consider their water use habits and look for ways to save water, money and the environment,” she said.

“The Mareeba township’s average water us age per connection was 949 litres per day for the 12-month period, October 2021 to Septem ber 2022. This average usage is what can be ex pected for a rural town, compared to councils in the southern region who has an average of around 500 litre per day.

“While it is unlikely that water supply would completely diminish, it would be at councils dis cretion if water restrictions were to be introduced in times of drought.”

TRC has remained on level two water restric tions for quite some time, utilising 15 different water sources to provide to residents in the re gion, including Tinaroo Dam which supplies

Yungaburra.

Atherton, Kairi, Walkamin, Tolga, Wondecla and Tinaroo township’s main water supply is a bore, Bellview estate is supplied by Vine Creek, Cassowary Heights by South Cedar Creek, Her berton by Wild River dam, Johnston River Estate and Peeramon by Johnston River and Malanda by Johnstone River and a variety of bores.

Millaa Millaa’s water is supplied by Beatrice River, Millstream is supplied by the Millstream itself, Mount Garnet by the Herbert River and Ravenshoe by North Cedar Creek.

TRC is still maintaining level two water re strictions to minimise the service distributions and to maintain appropriate levels of consump tion as they investigate a more contemporary ap proach.

Through close monitoring of bores and in takes using telemetry and meters, council can de termine what restrictions need to be put in place

to ensure they are conserving water.

TRC residents are being reminded to be cau tious of their water usage with general manager Infrastructure and Planning, Mark Vis, saying every step taken to conserve water will help in the future.

“Reducing the amount of water we supply can help to improve the reliability of our water sup ply schemes, lengthen the life and delay the need to upgrade our water infrastructure, reduce the water being taken from the environment and de lay the time until alternative supplies are required (and their associated costs),” he said.

“Many of the schemes in our area use well above the accepted average daily household amount of water.

“Reducing our water use is not only good for the environment but it also reduces the amount of water we treat, which in turn reduces the costs and wear on infrastructure.”

IN THE LAUNDRY

any nasty stains to prevent rewashing

a water effective

that has the WELS sticker and make sure you always do a full load

and soak the dishes

IN THE GARDEN

IN THE BATHROOM

off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving as this can save up to 15 litres a minute

a shorter shower find a song that is four minutes long to play whilst your showering. Once the song is over you know your time is up!

a water-efficient

using your washing machine every day and instead do a big load of washing at the end of the week

small amounts of water to hand wash clothes and reuse

water on the garden and

divert greywater from your washing machine so you can use it immediately on the garden

of running them

water to remove leftover food.

rinsing vegetables, use a bowl and water your plants with the left over water

the circle of life!

sure all taps are turned completely off after use.

to

as

College students awarded for success

STUDENTS who have gone above and beyond in their studies have been recognised at Mount St Bernard College in Herberton at their annual pres entation night.

This year’s academic excellence awards went the highest achievers in each grade, Nicholas Du gri in grade 7, Grace Hart in grade 8, Meenakshi Riber in grade 9, Mahalia Jones in grade 10 and Sophie Jonsson in grade 11.

Sporting champions Jonomick Lui, Sinevah Mari, Pensio Gela and Megan Trezise were rec ognised for their efforts on the field representing their teams in and outside of school.

Jonomick was also a well-deserving recipient of the honourable Ampol Best All Rounder award and the senior Residential Excellence award for his dedication to his studies.

He brings maturity, self-confidence, respect, energy and enthusiasm to every class and extra curricular activity and is a versatile representative athlete for the college, making him the perfect candidate for the award.

Based on internal results, the 2022 Dux was awarded to grade 12 student Emmy Riber for her outstanding marks in all her subjects. Emmy was recognised for going above and beyond in Eng

lish, Mathematical Methods, Biology, Physics and Modern History and her academic diligence in Certificate III in Christian Ministries & Theol ogy.

Emmy also held the position of college cap tain, where she acted as a role model to many students and displayed a strong work ethic, deter mination to succeed, resilience and enthusiasm.

This year’s Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award was award ed to Lizikerah Luffman and Melinda Obah for their values that reflect the ones of the defence force.

ELIGIBLE Mareeba residents are being in vited to apply for the Bob Fabris Trust Edu cational Bursary to help them in their pursuit of higher education.

Over the 20 years’ the trust has been es tablished, it has helped hundreds of local

students go on to achieve their dreams. The trustees of Mr Fabris’s trust believe he would be extremely pleased to see that his trust has provided and continues to pro vide financial support to needy students who are keen to pursue higher education.

The Future Innovators Award went to Makala Harries-Spinnler and Haeden Tuhoro for their ef forts in STEM subjects and

The Principal’s Award was awarded to Sha nia O’Brien for being a dedicated student in all aspects of schooling life. Boarding at Mount St Bernards, Shania puts in lots of extra time into her studies and is considered a kind-hearted, con siderate young woman. She has also shown seven years’ worth of growth in Maths and English in only four years.

Mount St Bernards College commended all students on their efforts this year.

Enquiries and application forms may be obtained from Apels Solicitors & Notary in Mareeba. Phone 4092 2522 or call into 138 Byrnes Street, Mareeba.

Applications need to be lodged before 4pm on 13 January 2023.

Kristyn Lennon | Associate Lawyer

Ampol Best All Rounder Jonomick Lui.

2022 Dux Emmy Riber.

The Principal’s award went to Shania O’Brien.

High School “mother” recognised with medal

BY ELLIE FINK

DESCRIBED by many as the “mum of Mareeba High”, teach er librarian Lucy Daly has cap tured the hearts of students and staff for the past 40 years and her hard work was recently rec ognised when she received the Mareeba Medal.

The Mareeba Medal is unique to Mareeba State High School. It recognises long serv ing, hardworking staff members at the school, with its first re cipient being past principal and current Mareeba Mayor, Angela Toppin.

Ms Daly has been working with the Department of Educa tion for four decades now and she was humbled to receive the honourable award.

“It was humbling and a huge honour, especially since I work with such a great team of staff members who work so hard,” she said.

“I am so lucky to be working in the library – I find great pleas ure in going into a bookstore and buying books that I think my students will like.”

Over the last 40 years, Ms Daly has worked at Weipa North State School (1979), Babinda State School (1980), Mount Morgan State School (1983), Atherton State High School (1987) and Mareeba State High School (1989 – present).

She believes that working in state education has been incred ible and has enjoyed watching how students and the curriculum has grown throughout her teach ing years.

“I believe state education provides and caters for anyone and everyone and I have seen lots of change throughout my time here,” Ms Daly said.

“I have seen kids come and go but I believe in state educa tion, and I believe in Mareeba State High.”

Celebrating teachers on world day

LAST Friday, teachers across the nation were recognised for their hard work and dedication to raising the next generation of leaders, including staff at Mareeba

State School.

This year, teachers Erin Kendall, Tah nee de Tournouer, Val Ah Gum, Louisa Rantucci and Jodie Lea (pictured) cele

New bike track for school

TO celebrate Bike Week at Jubi lee Christian College Atherton, a new bike track was installed to be utilised during school time.

The purpose of the track is to promote bike safety, mainte nance and general fitness, with students from prep to grade 12 and even staff members already giving the new track a go.

Students were encouraged to bring their bikes in and have

them inspected by Doug from Bicycle Workshop Atherton to ensure they were safe to ride.

Throughout class time, sen ior students were also given presentations on road rules and bike safety by RACQ.

School staff commented on how good it was to see students out on the track and giving it a go and embracing bike safety and maintenance.

PICTURED: Doug from Bicycle Workshop Atherton inspecting student’s bikes before they hit the track.

HYBRID LEARNING

The Best of Both Worlds

Jubilee Christian College is paving the way for a flexible mode of learning on the Tablelands.

Located in Atherton, Jubilee is an in dependent private school fostering a seamless education from Prep to Year 12, focusing on the development of the whole child, not just academics.

Working under the Australian Curricu lum, Jubilee provides traditional class room and small group learning experi ences at their Atherton Campus as well as conducting a Distance Education program across Queensland.

As a result of COVID lockdowns, many parents who had never considered re mote learning as an option, had it forced upon them, and at times with very little notice.

While each family’s experience was dif ferent, studies conducted in the wake of the pandemic have shown very clear advantages to remote learning. Parents reported benefits such as more family time, more flexibility in children’s schedules, better parental understand ing of their children’s learning, a re duction in anxiety and stress, and an increase in children’s confidence in learning.

As other schools scrambled to prepare programs and resources, during these lockdowns, Jubilee was able to utilise an existing learning model and draw on their experience of over 20 years of pro viding Distance Education.

The expertise and experience that Jubi lee Christian College have in Distance Education means that they are well sit uated to introduce a Hybrid Learning Model.

This flexible schooling option, to be rolled out in 2023, will allow second ary students to enjoy the best of both worlds as they carry learning part-time on campus and part-time via Distance Education.

From next year the secondary school timetable will be structured in such a way that students may, for example, choose to study Maths and English from home and then join the classroom for HPE, Electives, camps and carnivals.

No matter where the students are study ing, they will have access to teachers for academic and learning support.

Principal Chris Radcliffe is excited about this new hybrid model of learning as it creates an opportunity for flexible design and personalisation of the edu cation experience.

He says “essentially we are bringing athome learning and classroom learning together to enable effective learning whilst still maintaining the very import ant social element of schooling.”

For more information, on any aspects of Jubilee Christian College, please email: principal@jubileecc.qld.edu.au or phone 07 4091 4677.

brated with a morning barbeque. Students also wrote heart felt letters and delivered their favourite teachers flowers to thank them for their hard work.

Mareeba State High School teacher librarian Lucy Daly has been recognised for her hard work and dedication to the profession with the Mareeba Medal.

W

The Chalumbin Wind Farm project area is located within two privately owned cattle grazing properties about 15 km south west of Ravenshoe in the Tablelands region of North Queensland. The project is named after the nearby Chalumbin Substation and the properties include existing access tracks and high voltage transmission lines. It does not involve the Chalumbin wilderness area or the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area (WTQWHA) and completely avoids rainforest.

C

The Tablelands region is blessed with some of Australia’s best wind energy resources and beautiful wilderness areas. Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy to mitigate the impacts of climate change and conserving the natural environment are both important objectives and can be achieved together with robust science, and careful planning and management.

Image Box

More than two years of ecological assessment work has been done for the project by a team of ecologists in consultation with local and regional experts. So far, it has involved more than 300 days of onsite studies, 16 multi seasonal survey periods, 5,490 camera trap nights across 55 sites, and hundreds of hours of focused site investigations for key species. All this work has provided a comprehensive and in depth understanding of ecology in the project area and added to the scientific knowledge for key species. Protected species that have been confirmed as using parts of the host properties are the northern greater glider, masked owl and magnificent brood frog. Species that have not been observed within the project area despite extensive site surveys include the red goshawk, koala, quoll, spectacled flying fox and cassowary.

Wo r k i n g w i t h t h e Tra d i t i o n a l Ow n e r s

The project area is located on Jirrbal Peoples country and the project team has been working closely with representatives of the Traditional Owners of the project area and their representatives, the Jirrbal #4 Native Title Applicants and the Wabubadda Aboriginal Corporation. A Cultural Heritage Management Agreement between the project and the Traditional Owners has been established to ensure protection of cultural heritage on the site and an Indigenous Land Use Agreement was signed in May 2022. It will provide a suite of benefits including training and employment opportunities.

The initial design included 200 wind turbines to harness the site’s exceptional wind resource. Based on findings from the assessment work and through consultation with Traditional Owners, stakeholders and the community, 114 of those wind turbines have been removed to avoid impacts to sensitive ecological and cultural heritage areas in the site.

In the latest changes, eight wind turbines have been removed and access roads reduced by 27 km, mostly in areas where there is wet sclerophyll forest. As a result, the disturbance to wet sclerophyll has been reduced by 31% and 52.6 hectares, and the overall construction footprint by 61 hectares. Further refinements to minimise impacts, such as reducing required road widths during construction, have been made wherever possible and are ongoing.

The layout consists of 86 wind turbines and the project is less than half of its original size. It completely avoids all rainforest areas and the distance between any disturbance and the WTQWHA boundary is 600m in only one location, 900m in a few others, and mostly a lot more.

Based on feedback from local consultation the project is also undertaking feasibility studies for an alternative access route and a construction camp to avoid adding pressure on local housing costs.

The project area

Key f i g u r e s

• Investment of $1 billion+.

• Estimated to create 400+ direct and indirect jobs during construction and 15 30 full time jobs for operation.

• Estimated to generate $300 million in expenditure in the local and regional economy over the construction period.

• Capacity of ~602 megawatts, enough clean energy to power 320,000 homes.

• Predicted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 596,309 t CO2-e/yr , enough to offset GHG emissions associated with the project including transport, materials and clearing within 1.5 years.

• Community Benefit Program of $500,000 year, from the start of construction and for the life of the wind farm.

D e s i g n c h a n g e s t o a v o i d i m p a c t s

A photomontage showing what the Chalumbin Wind Farm would look like from the Kennedy Highway

Project area: 86 wind turbines

km south west of Ravenshoe.

format maps are available in the project’s information hub at 55 Grigg Street, Ravenshoe.

Planning

Most of this would be caused

for safe and stable roads, and 80% of clearing involves common vegetation classified as ‘least concern’

The project has made a voluntary and industry leading commitment to rehabilitate at least 70% of the disturbance not required for operation, about 675 hectares. Post construction the final operational footprint would be 107 hectares, 0.3% of the project area, and all access roads would be only 5.5 metreswide. Rehabilitation would involve revegetating road verges and would prioritise providing more habitat for key species such as the northern greater glider, masked owl, magnificent brood frog and koala. It would involve collaboration with local ecology stakeholders, contribute to the capacity building for local restoration groups, and provide opportunities for Indigenous training and employment.

The project has also committed to not do any construction involving soil disturbance during the peak wet season months of January to March to prevent soil loss.

Im p r o v i n g p r o t e c t e d h a b i t a t

In addition to the rehabilitation plans, significant and strategically located land based offsets totalling more than 7,000 hectares, seven times the initial construction disturbance, have been included in the proposal. These areas would become protected habitat for key species with active management regimes, including feral pest control and weed management, to deliver improved ecological outcomes. They would provide protected habitat areas between 6 11 times greater the size of the habitat areas impacted by construction.

Importantly, 5,700 hectares of proposed offsets are located next to the WTQWHA. These areas would protect the largest intact patch of wet sclerophyll forest adjacent to Tully Falls National Park and improve connectivity between Koombooloomba National Park and Yourka Reserve Nature Refuge. The project has also committed $250,000 in funding for research into the magnificent brood frog to improve the scientific knowledge of this species.

Ec o n o m i c b e n e f i t s f o r t h e l o ca l c o m m u n i t y

It is estimated that during the construction period the project would create more than 400 direct and indirect jobs and $300 million in direct and indirect expenditure in the local and regional economy. It would also provide 15 30 ongoing full time jobs for operation.

The project has also committed to a Community Benefit Program to share ongoing benefits with the local community more broadly and contribute in a meaningful way to issues that local residents and community members care about. The program would be based on an industry leading funding commitment of $500,000 per year, commencing from the start of construction and continuing for the life of the wind farm.

N ex t s t e p s

Development consent was granted by the Queensland Government in June 2022 and the development application included various required technical assessment reports and preliminary management plans. More detailed pre construction management plans are required under the conditions of approval and are now being developed, including for construction, vegetation, fauna, birds, bats, erosion, sediment control and traffic management.

The project will be assessed by the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water through a Public Environment Report (PER). The draft PER has been submitted and it is anticipated that it will be approved for public exhibition before the end of the year.

Exhibition dates and locations to access the PER will be advertised in local newspapers and during the exhibition period local information sessions will be held at the project’s information hub in Ravenshoe with members of the project team. In the meantime, regular open times for the information hub have been increased to Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. If you have any questions or concerns about the project or would like to get the latest project information please drop in or contact the project team details below.

RACING SUCCESS

Mareeba Speedway celebrates 50 years

This Saturday night the Mareeba Motor Racing Club, better known as the Mareeba Speedway, will hold a gala dinner at the Spring Road venue to commemorate the clubs 50th year

SPEEDWAY type car racing originally started at the Tolga Racecourse in the late 1960s but in 1972 because of reported wet conditions, it was decided to look elsewhere for a suitable venue to continue the growing interest in circu lar oval dirt racing on the Tablelands.

President at the time Max Holden, with the help of many Mareeba townsfolk, negotiated with the Mareeba Rodeo Association to lease some of their land, a quarry, where the present site of the Mareeba Speedway is at Springs Road.

The 490-metre track was originally a very basic dirt oval with no safety fence, just some dirt banking down the main straight but after much hard work by volunteers and subsequent committees, the speedway is now ranked by controlling body Speedway Australia as one the top five speedways in Australia.

Ravenshoe’s Graham Jonsson recalls his fond memories of the early days of the venue.

“I built a Torana in 1978 and raced at Ma reeba, it had a 308 Holden motor but very little development as I didn’t really know what I was doing, so the car was no match for the good cars and good drivers coming up from Cairns,” he said.

In 1991 Graham along with his brother War ren, competed in the Tooheys Bathurst 1000 coming a credited 11th driving a Holden VL Commodore.

Former North Queensland speed-car Champion Chris Roberts remembers racing his ‘Little Bullet’ grey motor-powered Number 22 at Mareeba in 1973, only a year after the track was built.

“Yeah we had about 10 or more speed-cars with some great racing and I thought I was king of Kerribee until the legend himself, the late Tom Casey, appeared on the scene and I soon lost my crown to him,” he said.

In 1976 a large field of the start-up division now known as Formula 500s started racing at Cairns Speedway, however those in charge of the club were not happy with the motor bike engine powered machines and so would not program them at Cairns Speedway.

Ken Knight remembers the controversy.

“For some reason the Cairns Speedway didn’t think the new open wheeler division would work and so in 1978 we put out expres sions of interest and subsequently formed MAD, Mareeba and District Formula 500 Club and we initially had five race-cars and raced

1981 Sprint car driver Leigh Holman.

exclusively at Mareeba for a long time.”

Mareeba's Davis family have been a huge part of the Speedway with today’s president Scott Davis starting his racing career at the venue at the tender age of 15, racing a For mula 500 purchased from Cairns racer Chris Gartner around 1978.

Scott went on to have quite a successful career in the formulas before moving up into the sprint cars.

Mum Carlene Davis recalls when Scott made the fateful jump, sparking his younger sister to get in a car and on the track.

“When Scott moved to the bigger sprint cars around 1995 his sister Deanne, at just fifteen years of age, asked dad whether she could race the number 39 race-car sitting in the shed,” she said.

Dialling in her racing style at Mareeba Speedway young Deanna was one of the first females to race a Formula 500.

“Deanne raced all over Australia and her impressive results soon got her the nickname the princess of speed,” Carlene continued.

Another to recall those heady days of the early years of Mareeba Speedway is veteran racer ‘Lethal’ Leigh Holman.

“Not long after the racing started at Maree ba my brother Terry and I attended a meeting and during the event he turned to me and sug gested that if he got a body from the wreckers and we put the V8 out of my Holden panel van in it we could go racing,” he said.

“So, Monday morning he rings me and said he had a HT Holden sedan from the wreckers and over the next few months we put the en

gine in, and we went racing.

“My first speedway race was at Mareeba in that car number 50, a white HT Holden, and after a heat race the legendary Peter Roggen kamp came over to me and suggested he take my car out in his next heat and he comes back in and suggests I do this to it, do that to it etc. after we made the changes, I went out next heat and I was almost unbeatable.”

Veteran Cairns driver Mike Walsh also has fond memories of racing at the Mareeba track.

“In 1978 I raced a super modified which were the fore runners to the current day sprint cars, there was about a dozen of us and I can remember there was no fence down the back straight and if you went off line you ended up down in the bush,” he said.

“They nicknamed my race car the coffin

because of its shape but I also had the top wing mounted in a crazy up would formation, looked silly but it worked.

“My wife Robyn would not travel to the racetrack with me saying she was to embar rassed because of the look of my race car.”

The memories and stories will continue at the 50th Celebration Gala Dinner this Satur day night at the Spring Road complex under a marquee with pre drinks from 5pm and din ner from 6.30pm.

Live band Darryl Chaplain and Kurdaz will entertain the night away.

The event will be attended by Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin, special quests, life members of MMRC along with a heaps of speedway fans both young and old.

1995, 15 year old Deanne Davis one of the first female Formula 500 drivers

The early days of racing.

Kingswood takes rock centre stage

REGARDED as one of Australia’s premier rock groups, ARIA award-winning band King swood will be making its way to Cairns next April during one of the biggest Australian tours ever on record.

The group is currently on a 30-day tour through Europe after the release of their new single “Burning Holes” and announcing their new album “Home” which is to be released in February 2023.

Demonstrating their evolution as songwrit ers and musicians with more stories to tell, their single “Bittersweet” ranked as Triple M’s

number one Most Played Song in the country as well as ranking 45th on national radio, and number 75 on the Shazam Top 200 in Aus tralia.

Taking centre stage at the Edge Hill Tavern on Saturday 29 April, Kingswood will perform some of their greatest hits from their albums Microscopic Wars (2014), After Hours, Close to Dawn (2017) and Juveniles (2020).

All tickets on sale 9am on Friday 22nd October. All tickets for all shows will be via Edge Hill Tavern and www.kingswoodband. com

Spooky stories of Herberton

LOVERS of spooky stories and diving deep into local history are invited to Herberton Cemetery on 12 November for Sunset stories.

The ghostly walk through the local cemetery will kick off from 7pm or the closest time to dusk, with food and entertainment.

Participants are encouraged to bring along their own coat, torch and suitable walking shoes. A chair is also recommended to sit back and enjoy the ghostly stories.

Entry is $5 a person, with children under 14 free. Any enquiries can be made by ringing 0477 153 781.

Melbourne rock group Kingswood will be making their way to Cairns next year to perform in their biggest tour yet.

PHOTO: Michelle Grace Hunder.

A “WINDOW” into the world of four local fabric artist is being displayed at a new exhibition “In My Studio” at the Old Post Office Gallery in Atherton.

Drawing their inspiration from the textures and forms of the environments they live and learn in, artists Olga Kaptein, Marion Clarkson, Kate Eden and Sandra Burchill will be showcasing what they do within their own studios.

From stitching, moulding, gluing and cutting, each piece of work displays a story, and they are welcoming the public to come along to enjoy the beauty of their “studio”.

The exhibition will be open until 26 November from 10am to 2pm on Tuesday through to Friday, with the artists avail able at the gallery at different times to share their vision with visitors.

Artists Olga Kaptein, Marion Clarkson, Kate Eden and Sandra Burchill (sitting) take a break during the exhibition installation.

PHOTO: Alison Faigniez

Baronessa breaks records in Rockhampton

BY SALLY TURLEY

BARONESSA'S

the 46th Rockhampton Brangus sale held at the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange Gracemere yards recently.

Not only did the Strazzeri family record their highest bull price since they began selling through the venue three years ago, but a Baronessa heifer topped the female sale and achieved the top price paid for a Brangus heifer in Australia this year.

Baronessa Aspen 820 S1 sold for $45,000 to Brett and Mandie Scott of "Millstream Springs Brangus," near Millaa Millaa. The stylish 20 month old heifer in calf to American sire, Brickhouse 909D9, was a standout at auction and com manded a lot of attention from bidders.

Shane Strazzeri said it was a tough decision to part with the heifer, described as having "all the qualities of an exceptional dam," but the family believed the interest she would attract and the positive promotion from her sale would do much "to get their name out there."

Mandie Scott said they had been watching Miss Aspen for a while and were very keen to se cure her in Rockhampton. "She

is a new cow line for us and she has everything we were looking for in a female herd builder. She came in on budget and we be lieve she delivered good value for our stud.

We will use here in a couple of IVF programs, complement ing her strengths with semen selected from superior bulls to produce a line of top qual ity bulls and heifers going for ward," Ms Scott said.

Baronessa Farming offered a team of six bulls and four heif ers this year. Baronessa Apollo 468R6, at 27 months and 998kg topped their male draft, sell ing to Tarcoola Cattle Co for $42,000 to record them a sire average of $24,000.

"Apollo will be heading straight to Rocky Repro for semen collection, before go ing home to get to work for his new owners. The 5 other bulls went to producers in Tamworth, Charleville, Charters Tow ers and Rockhampton," Mr Strazzeri said.

Baronessa's decision to take females to this year's sale for the first time, paid huge divi

dends with their heifers' averag ing $16,500, almost twice the female sale average.

Ironically, 3 of the draft trav elled to auction in Rockhamp ton, only to be brought back to the far north by local purchas ers, the Scott, Pedracini and Small families. The fourth went to the Holzwart family, repeat buyers from Charters Towers.

Hailed as a huge success, the two-day Rockhampton sale grossed $4.65 million for a total of 180 registered bulls, 2 semen packages and 43 registered fe males. Up $30,00 on last year, bulls sold to a top of $110,000 to average $20,491, while the females averaged $10,395 a head.

Joe and Sharon Strazzeri and sons began breeding stud Charolais and Charbray cattle 20 years ago, added Brangus to their business in 2010 and intro duced Ultrablack bulls in 2017.

Recognising the grow ing interest in black cattle Mr Strazzeri said they would keep the four breeds going but would be concentrating on their Bran gus and Ultrablacks over the

next few years.

They added another 40 hec tares to their Atherton operation when they bought a neighbour ing block early this year, bring ing their aggregation close to the 405ha (1,000 acre) mark.

"Demand is growing and a bit more space will help us in crease our numbers. Next year we plan to take around 12 bulls and six or seven heifers down to Rockhampton, but we still want to sell plenty of bulls privately," Mr Strazzeri said.

"Momentum is building, we are getting orders for 20 bulls at a time from Roma. Our perfor mance in Rockhampton tells us we are heading in the right di rection, but we are focused on achieving consistency for our customers.

"The Rockhampton sale draws purchasers from all over Australia and we were very for tunate to have Elder's Anthony Ball selling for us. He is a great auctioneer who knows cattle, cares about what he does and has the ability to make a dif ference to the final price in the ring."

BARONESSA BULL: Jeff Strazzeri prepared Baronessa Apollo 468R6 for his turn in the auction ring where he sold for $42,000, making him the highest price bull Baronessa have sold to date.

BARONESSA MILLSTREAM HEIFER: The stylish daughter of Baronessa Aspen 541 M11 and Nindooinbah G 805 achieved top price female status at the Rockhampton Brangus Sale and across Australia for 2022 when she sold for $45,000 recently. She is pictured with auctioneer, Anthony Ball, Isaac Ramsay and Mandie Scott from Millstream Springs, Millaa Millaa and vendor Jeff Strazzeri.

PHOTOS: Kent Ward, Queensland Country Life.

Cotton farmers prepare for next years season

BY SALLY TURLEY

COTTON growers from the Mareeba-Dimbulah district met at Toumoulin, near Ravenshoe, last week for a FNQ Sustainable Cropping Group, Research and Development Forum.

Market Development Manager with Bayer Crop Science, Dr Kristen Knight of Toowoomba, entomologist with a Ph.D. focused in Biological Control, and Tolga-based Territory Business Man ager for Northern Australia, Ben Turner updated growers on their Resistance Management Plan for the 2023 season.

As the owners of the rights to cotton industry technology, such as Bollgard 3 and Roundup Ready Flex, it falls under Bayer's stew ardship to educate new growers in their Resistance Management Plans (RMP).

With Bollgard 4 still 10 years away, they must ensure growers abide by the plan to safeguard the industry against the development of pest and disease resistance in the interim.

Bollgard 3 is genetically modified cotton that has been grown in Australia since 1996. It contains 3 naturally occurring insecticidal proteins toxic to the crop's main predator, Helicoverpa spp. Since its introduction, herbicide applications have dropped from up to 22 applications in a season in the 1980's to 0-3 treatments per crop since 1992.

In addition to reduced usage of residual herbicides and soil till age, resulting in less chemical runoff and soil erosion, the popula tions of beneficial insects and wildlife have increased and since 2010, an income gain of around $180/ha has been delivered to farmers.

The Resistance Management Plan is based on three main prin ciples - firstly minimising the exposure window of the Helicoverpa spp moth to the protein stack in the Bollgard 3 plant.

Secondly, providing a population of susceptible moths that can mate with any resistant individuals, diluting the formation of any potential resistance and finally, removing any resistant insects at the end of the cotton season.

Those three principles are supported by five key elements, including planting timing restrictions; planting adequate refuge crops; control of volunteer and ratoon cotton; pupae destruction in trap crops and the limitation of sprays around refuge crops.

Planting windows in the unique, low latitude/high altitude Far North Queensland zone, which stretches from Mutchilba to the Mt Garnet area, have been pared back to an 8-week period from 3 December to 15 January to catch the best of the Northern solar radiation.

For each Bollgard 3 crop planted, a grower is required to plant an unsprayed breeding area for moths, (refuge crop), five per cent of the size of the main crop to help control resistance.

The refuge area supplies a source of wild-type (non-mutant) in sects to mate with possible resistant insects to produce nonresistant moths that will be affected by the crop proteins.

Refuge crops should be planted into fallow or rotation fields 2 weeks prior to planting Bollgard 3 and managed so that they are attractive to Helicoverpa spp., flowering at the same time as the Bollgard crop.

Growth of "volunteer" cotton occurs where plants re-grow from cotton trash that has been left on the ground and "ratoon" cotton occurs where the cotton plant has survived the winter and re-grows from old root stock.

This rogue cotton hosts pests and diseases, diminishes the value of the refuge crop and competes with other crops, causing a huge weed problem, so they must be removed prior to flowering.

Trap crops are an organic pest control method where sacrificial

plants are grown to attract invading pests away from the main crop, offering them a place to feed and breed.

Within 2-4 weeks of the cotton being harvested, growers of Bollgard 3 must undertake Helicoverpa spp pupae destruction above and below ground - slashing and discing - to annihilate the population and further mitigate the risk of resistance.

Sprayed crops and unsprayed refuges that are planted in adja cent fields must be separated by sufficient distance to minimise the likelihood of insecticide drift onto refuge areas.

Principal Research Scientist- Entomology and Farming Systems at DAFFQ, Toowoomba, Paul Grundy then led a discussion on the difference of growing cotton in the tropics compared to southern and central Queensland .

Essentially it come down to optomising photosynthesis and canopy and nitrogen management to avoid crop loss.

Cotton is a high energy product, but its biomass production from energy is low, only half that of corn and sugar. Its development is driven by temperature (accumulated heat units), so basically "the more sun the better."

A temperature range of 20 degree minimum to a 30 degree max imum is ideal for optimum growth efficiency. Cloudy weather can cause periods of insufficient growth causing plants to shed flowers or throw fruit or undersize bolls to the ground.

The north's extremely variable climatic conditions and the crop's need for 13-23 Megajoules of solar radiation per day, pre sent the greatest single challenge to the success of this important, emerging industry.

Ironically, while most farmers are focused on getting adequate rainfall, successfully establishing their crops and eradicating insect populations, cotton growers are operating in reverse.

They need sustained levels of sunshine, are growing their own predatory insect groups within their cropping system and find that the destruction of their crops post-harvest and outside designated growing areas, one of their most difficult tasks.

Jack Schultz of DAF, Emerald and Lawrie Owens, DAF, Mareeba, had been involved in the Georgetown cotton trials and were interested to look in on the Mareeba/Dimbulah forum.

Advanced Farm Services Senior Agronomist, Maurilio Rezende Silva Neto, Tolga, caught up with grower, Curtis Archer of Gleneagle Station, Mt Garnet at the R & D event.

Cotton farmers from "St Ronans" Station, west of Mt Garnet, Luke Crossley (left) and manager, Jack Strahley (right), enjoyed a get together with forum host, Brad Jonsson (centre), who grows cotton on "Wambinoo" Station.

Liam Reynolds (left) and Terry Tranter (right) cotton growers from "Redbend Farming," Hot Springs, chatted with local Bayer rep, Ben Turner (centre).

•

would you go at giving a

of

hair)

Eyes (colour, peculiarities, glasses)

• Scars or tattoos

• Speech (accent, fast or slow, impediments etc)

• Clothing (include

logos on caps or t-shirts, shoe types, shoulder bags or backpacks etc)

The more you can give the better.

These basic points will assist the police greatly when it comes to locating a person of interest, especially immediately after the incident.

NOT SO 'SMART METER'

I AM fed up chasing corporate shenanigans.

Our Ergon ‘smart’ meter has not registered data for six weeks - since 7th of September.

This came to light because I asked for a refund of the credit balance and queried why they estimated the month’s reading.

They said the power was turned off. It was not.

Someone is supposed to look at the meter, but Ergon don’t know when.

?Meanwhile they will ‘hold on to the $350 because we do not want to refund too much.’

So, if your smart meter fails, Ergon assumes you have turned the power off. Not smart.

Cheryl Ison MAREEBA

QUESTIONING FOOD

SALAD wraps and sandwiches contain high levels of carbohydrate, which is hyperglycemic, hypercalorific (hyperjoulic) and atherogenic. Cheese contains high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol.

Consequently, cheese is hyperlipidemic, hyper calorific and atherogenic. Ham chicken beef and pork contain high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol.

Consequently, they are hyperlipidemic, hypercalorific and atherogenic.

Mayonnaise contains high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol. Consequently, it is hyperlipidemic, hypercalorific. and atherogenic. I think that vegetarian salads alone the best for health.

I spent thousands of hours studying the Food Science and Technology Abstracts in the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.

I have spent over 50,000 hours studying academic journals dealing with biochemistry, physiology, food technology, microbiology, biotechnology and pharmacology.

Grahame Bell EARLVILLE

THANK YOU FOR LETTERS

IN regards to a hand-written letter, 12 October. A journalist admitted on the radio, he only reads printed letters, the very few handwritten go into the bin.

So, thank goodness you are not a snob. As a matter of interest, a reader remarked the writer is a criminal.

He’s not paying rail fare and is working without a permit. Where-as reading between the lines it suggested a way of survival.

Not rely on charity.

Thank you.

T. Blanchield. TOLGA

Shop safe online this Christmas

BY KRISTYN LENNON

SOME retail commentators say November is the new December when it comes to Christmas shopping.

This trend has been driven in part by the growth in online shopping, along with the popularity of November’s cyber week sales.

And despite the cost-of-living pressures facing many families, retailers are predicting Christmas spending will go up this year.

Last year, Queenslanders spent $12.7 billion during pre-Christmas sales, but the Australian Retailers Association says that figure is likely to reach $13.3 billion this year.

With so many of our dollars spent outside of brick-and-mortar stores, it’s important to know how to shop safely online, and what options you have if things don’t go to plan.

When shopping online, you should buy from websites you know and trust. It helps if the company has a physical address and a landline phone number.

Only make payments on secure websites that have an address starting with ‘https://’ and display an image of a closed padlock.

Carefully read the retailer’s refund and exchange policies and delivery details (including Christmas delivery cut-off dates if you’re buying presents).

Research the product and make sure you understand what repairs and guarantees are offered, and whether there are any authorised repairers nearby.

Assess the full cost of your purchase, which includes not just the price of the item, but also

things like currency conversion, taxes, and delivery fees.

If you are buying online from overseas, check the product will work and is legal to use in Australia, and that it meets Australian safety standards.

Take care when buying goods online from overseas, because it can be harder to get a refund or repair.

The Australian Consumer Law includes protections for consumers that apply equally to those who buy online as they do in stores.

This law says a seller must provide certain guarantees, such as that a product is safe, free from defects and durable.

If there is a problem with the product, the law says you will have the right to a repair, replacement or refund, regardless of what the refund policy was.

If something goes wrong, contact the business straight away. Most major retailers have a dispute resolution process.

If you are unhappy with their response, you can lodge a complaint with the Office of Fair Trading.

If something goes wrong and you paid by credit card, you may also be able to get a charge back from your bank.

Kristyn Lennon is a Cairns-based lawyer who heads Maurice Blackburn’s Tablelands office. This legal information is general in nature and should not be regarded as specific legal advice. If you have a legal question you would like Kristyn to answer you can contact her at klennon@ mauriceblackburn.com.au

By Tim Trim

This is one of many photographic treasures that can be found when exploring Irvinebank. This is an abandoned miner's cottage near the old state treatment works in Irvinebank, complete with fridge on the verandah.

AMAROO

This

Pop

The joy of renovating

YOUNG tradies and

enthusiasts are you

to roll up your sleeves

do some work,

yourself a kick start into home ownership?

Here you will discover a Queenslander style home in need of love and attention, no disguising that. Grab this opportunity for your imagination to take over. You can enjoy hours of fun perusing the variety of products available to use for the refurbishing and decorating of this 2 bedroom home transforming it into your dream home.

Children and pets can play safely in the expansive, fully fenced allotment of 809sqm.

If you need room to move or want a yard big enough to build a large shed, this property has the room and deserves your inspection.

An ideal project property for a keen renovator, bring your toolbox and start the

renovations. In a great location, close to town, cafes, and a park.

For more information, call Trisha Jackson at Professionals Atherton. Phone 4091 3955 or 0419 1833 145 anytime. To view more photos, visit athertonrealestate.com.au

Address: ATHERTON Price: $273,000

Agent: Trisha Jackson Professionals Atherton

Contact: 0419 183 145

Massive potential

A rare opportunity in the heart of Malanda is ready for you to bring this classic Queenslander back to its former glory. Walking distance to the main street of Malanda and all of its amenities including, shops, cafes and supermarket as well as the showgrounds which host regular events and monthly markets. A great place for families with highly sought after schools, parks and play grounds.

The home is set on a quarter acre block with spacious back yard which is flat and features established trees. Plenty of room

Auction

Corner

Residential

underneath - there is a work space ready to go and downstairs toilet. Potential to build in underneath with the right plans (subject to council approval).

Timber constructionupstairs is filled with rustic charm, the house is larger from the inside. Room after room - all well sized and uniquely shaped. At the centre of the home

is a large living area with fireplace to warm you in the winter. Kitchen is filled with natural light form the large windows which also allow air flow though the home.

Take advantage of this opportunity today - call exclusive agent Alex Payne today on 0409 328 153.

Address: 8 Ann Street, MALANDA

Price: E.O.I

Agent: Alex Payne LJ Hooker Atherton Contact: 0409 328 153

THIS outstanding custombuilt home is a stunning, private sanctuary. Your very own retreat with tropical gardens and privacy assured, positioned on an acre only 7 minutes from Mareeba town centre.

Quality built by Allaro homes this stylish residence offers a sophisticated fusion of light & space with multiple living & sitting areas all overlooking the landscaped gardens to create a true indoor/outdoor living experience. Make no mistake; this home is unlike any other on the market in Mareeba today.

Quality features include:

• Enticing floor plan consisting of a generous open plan living area that incorporates the lounge, dining room & kitchen and boasts 2.7m high insulated ceilings throughout –390.76m2 floorplan in total including verandahs, patio, carport & living

• Fully tiled and complemented with bespoke in-built timber display

cabinetry and Meranti solid timber internal doors and architraving

• 3 substantial bedrooms with built-in robes and splitsystem air-conditioning each having direct access to the verandah

• Master bedroom with sizeable walk-through robe and stunning ensuite with Italian marble tiles offering a private outlook to a beautiful pergola of tropical plants

• 2nd bedroom/office with custom built-in cabinetry with soft close drawers

• 3rd bedroom/guest room separate from the others and adjacent to the 2nd bathroom allowing it to be utilised as an ensuite as well as having its own private lockable external door access to the garage/ house/gardens

• Superb galley style kitchen incorporating stainless steel appliances including a 900mm gas cooktop, Schweigen silent rangehood with remote control ducted out to the roof, Asko dishwasher, 75mm Fisher & Paykel pyrolytic

oven with telescopic trays, glass splashbacks, stunning gloss cabinetry with 40mm Essa Stone tops & soft close drawers plus sizeable walkin pantry and servery from the kitchen to the patio as well as direct door access to the kitchen garden

• Generous laundry with full built-in cabinetry featuring soft close drawers and Essa stone tops

• Near new 6.6kw solar power system + solar hot water

• Energy efficient LED lighting throughout

• 4 bay powered colourbond shed with 4 x roller door access and 3m front lean-to

• Town water supply + 2 x 27,000L Poly rainwater tanks plumbed into the irrigation lines

• Bore pump and auto irrigation system + comprehensive irrigation systems and mainlines throughout the grounds

• Irrigated 4001m2 allotment beautifully landscaped with carefully selected plant species incorporating natives & exotics planted to attract birds and butterflies + established garden vegetable plots and fruit trees as well as a chook pen.

This home represents a lifestyle opportunity of unsurpassed quality and absolute sophistication.

Exclusive Agent,

Torrisi on 0417 700

five bedroom

is perfectly positioned

a large 1,012m2 allotment

located

distance to Atherton Town Centre.

has loads of potential and options including an excellent investment opportunity or a fantastic

for a family to

bedroom timber

Bedroom (5) with a kitchenette and Bedroom (3)

a built-in

bathrooms, 1 bathroom

section of the

shut

(has its own

access from the main house).

an Airbnb, rent out to a tenant, teenage retreat, or for the

bench

with

breakfast

a free-

Fenced

carport

• Large 1,012m2 allotment

Atherton

is truly

distance

further information or to arrange

exclusive

inspection,

Raquel at Sommer set Realty

0408 983 879.

dining

with built-in

the hustle and bustle

from Atherton

UPGRADING to acreage has never been an easier decision. Presented immaculately on a 10 acres (4.05HA) with a combination of forest and cleared land is a family home, granny flat and office to run your business from.

The home has been updated with easy low maintenance floors throughout, whilst keeping a stylish country feel. The galley style kitchen has plenty of bench space and gas cooking and accesses the patio and timber entertainment deck.

The dining room flows through to a lounge room with wood fire heater. Three spacious bedrooms which are built in, and there is a study

nook at the entrance.

Renovations have brought a touch of class to the family sized bathroom with shower and bath and the laundry is separate.

Separate to the main home is a second dwelling complete with brand new kitchenette, lounge room and a stylish bathroom. The bedroom is double size, and there are two extra rooms forming two more bedrooms, or storage and a media room. Configurating this simple for an extra income or an ideal opportunity for an extended family.

Another separate dwelling is currently set up as an office with another lounge room/rumpus room. For car

accommodation, there is a single bay carport off the main residence, a spacious double bay carport off the second dwelling and a large machinery shed.

As well as town water, there is a bore, and fencing around both the home and the block. Driveways are concreted, lawns are manicured with established trees along the front boundary.

The owners have created

an easy lifestyle for the new owner, a rare and unique opportunity, just 5 minutes to Atherton. Only an inspection will give this property justice.

For more information or a private inspection please Contact exclusive marketing agent Kaydee Chatfield on 0417 468 941 at Main St Real Estate Atherton today.

Address: 346 Atherton/Herberton Road, CARRINGTON

to Kaydee Chatfield Main Street Real Estate

0417 468 941

is the perfect place to call home.

features of the

include:

air-conditioned living room with an open brick fire place, ideal for a cosy winter's night.

• Open plan dining and kitchen with cork flooring and windows overlooking the backyard.

• Quality built kitchen with

walk in pantry.

at

• Generous

• The

finger tips

someone

remaining

• Good sized bathroom

• Fenced and tiled

•

Properties in

at the

•

a second

which

• Single Garage

internal

CENTRAL Realty Mareeba presents this unique opportunity to purchase a longestablished working cane farm on the Atherton Tablelands of Far North Queensland. Situated peacefully in Biboohra is this 67.53 hectare property, currently farming 60 hectares of cane.

Benefiting the property is the 290 Megalitre water allocation from the Barron River, utilised through the 37kW 4 pole pump with 5kW Solar Power and 9 inch mainline to property.

The properties home is

a sturdy brick veneer home comprising of 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a single carport. The is also a single donga as well located near the home.

There is a large 20mx23m open bay shed with 3 phase power and a massive 45kW Solar Power System. Located beside this are 2 shipping containers fixed to concrete.

There is an inventory list of farming equipment and machinery to accompany the property (enquire for details).

The township of Biboohra is located only 10 minutes

from Mareeba CBD and 60 minutes (approx.) from the Cairns International Airport.

This property boasts plenty of convenience and privacy without an extensive drive, perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy a peaceful and convenient location.

With a property of this size, it is almost impossible to list all

the information and details in one place, its truly a must to inspect.

To arrange a private inspection or to discuss further information, contact exclusive agent Vince Costas on 0419 926 691 or pop into the Central Realty Mareeba office.

Karen Ranie

3 Bedroom home in Ravenshoe

Carpets in the bedroom and lounge room.

at $290

Special Features:

1012m2 Block

Why not give Michael a call from Town to Country Realty on 0417 118 618 or (07) 4097 6900 and organise your inspection today. (TC 316)

Address: RAVENSHOE Price: $195,000 Agent: Michael English Town to Country Realty Contact: 0417 118 618 or 4097 6900

What more could you ask for?

SITUATED in an exquisite and sought after area of Up per Barron is 4.25 hectares of beautiful lush ground, boast ing magical views of the green rolling hills and beyond.

From the moment you en ter this property you will be blown away by the luxury and views it has to offer.

Modern in design this im pressive quality home show cases the finest of family living. Featuring a beautiful timber kitchen, cork tile floor ing throughout and spacious open plan living which hous es a fireplace.

There are 4 great sized bedrooms, office as well as

2 luxuriously designed bath rooms, one of which features a large spa bath.

Wide sliding glass doors open out onto the patio which overlooks the pool and spectacular views of rural pastures, dams and all the way across to the Herberton Range.

Manicured lawns, estab lished trees and gardens cre ate beautiful tranquil spaces with plenty of room for the kids to play, grow vegetable gardens and raise chickens. There are two large sheds with lights and power con nected plus an additional toi let shower and laundry.

There are 3 paddocks with improved pastures, good fencing with the added pro tection of electric wire around the boundary fence. Smart water infrastructure has the ability to utilise both rain and bore water for the house and paddocks. Rain water stor age totals 85,000 litres across three tanks

This is the opportunity you

have been waiting for - a life style farm in a perfect loca tion.

For more information contact agent, Morgan Bren nan, at Ray White Atherton on 0407 730 450 or (07) 4091 7111 or visit www.ray whiteruralatherton.com.au/ L18447858

Address: UPPER BARRON Price: Offers Invited Agent: Morgan Brennan Ray White Atherton Contact: 0407 730 450 or 4091 7111

tioning barbeque bare feet bathing beach blistering blossoms boat bonfire breezy camping

canoering cricket cyclone dam dandelions daylight deck esky explore family fan fishing

friends fun holidays hot humidity icecream jellyfish jetski kayak lake lazy

mangoes memories mosquitos muggy nap nippers ocean outside park patio picnic

quench reading relax rest river road sail sand school season shade

shells shorts silly snags sprinkler stone fruit sunglasses sunny sweat sweltering swimming thongs

storm trampoline travel trip watermelon weeds wet

take a break...

1. a short leisurely walk.

2. a poem, word puzzle, or other composition in which certain letters in each line form a word or words

3. working permanently in or committed to a particular profession

4. a place where people from a particular neighbourhood can meet for social events, education classes, or recreational activities (9,6)

5. a rationalist outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters

6. in the existing circumstances (2,2,2)

7. a lens allowing a camera to vary the focal length (4,4)

15. lacking hair; bare or bald

tending to stimulate or facilitate evacuation of the bowels

17. difficult to move because of its size, shape, or weight

19. a wide-brimmed hat of strawlike material, originally made from the leaves of a particular tropical palm tree

21. a quick-growing East Asian climbing plant with reddish-purple flowers, used for fodder and erosion control

a gentle sheen or soft glow

a restless or strong desire to do something (4)

WEEKLY HOROSCOPES

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

This week, you’re taking a walk into the past. The energies this week are encouraging you to release anything blocking your foward momentum. It’s a good time for a cleaning out the old to usher in the new.

Cancer J UN 21 - JUL 22

This week, you can get help from extended family. You might find yourself dreaming about or remembering ones you’ve lost, or even ancestors. Over the week you could feel them guiding your path.

Libra sep 23 - oct 22

This week, troubles are leaving your life. Emotional burdens you’ve been carrying the past weeks, months or years will be detaching. You can help this along by literally cleaning your space, sweep out the negativity that’s been dogging you.

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19

This week, you’re connecting with some great people. You could find that social outings run long into the night as share stories and reminisce about days past. There is healing to be had in these conversations, healing you didn’t realise you needed.

Taurus apr 20 - may 20

This week, you’re bringing happiness forward. Tap into the energies to really let go of unwanted emotions and bad habits. You might feel a pull towards someone from your past, send them some good energy.

Leo JUL 23 - AUG 22

This week, you’re weaving a little magic. Mark the end of the month with a celebration. Light a candle or lift a glass to those no longer with you. Celebrate even the smallest wins. You might find it gives you a boost you didn’t know you needed.

Scorpio

Gemini May 21 - Jun 20

This week, you can cut away from the past. Use this time to mark the end of something, letting go of what isn’t serving you. Later in the week you could receive a gift. Accept it gracefully, even if it’s out of the blue.

Virgo Aug 23 -Sep 22

This week, you’re separating the old from the new. If you’re weighing up a decision, or trying to make some change. Writing down the pro’s and con’s, wants and releases, or journalling in general could give you the clarity you’re chasing.

oct 23 - nov 21

This week, you’re attracting the right people. It’s a good time to cleanse your space, both physically and mentally. Have a good spring clean, open the windows and let the fresh air in. Maybe try that meditation app you installed, quiet your mind.

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18

This week, you’re finding your way forward. Someone you might not even remember could pop up on your radar this week. You leave impressions on peoples minds and hearts in every interaction you have. This could be shown to you this week.

Sagittarius nov 22 - dec 21

This week, you’re learning to go with the ebb and flow. You could feel drawn to whatever connects you to your past, the present and into the future. Celebrate the wins, losses and lessons with loved ones over a delicious home cooked meal.

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

This week, you’re noticing and releasing obstacles. Feeling nostalgic this week? Take a trip down memory lane and look at how far you’ve come. Take note of the lessons you’ve learned and the growth you’ve experienced. Celebrate yourself.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Passed away peacefully on Saturday the 22nd of October, 2022. Aged 83 years.

Devoted Husband of Jan. Father of Kerry. Loved Brother, Father-in-Law, Grandfather and Friend of many.

John was a man of great wisdom, humour and character. He showed great bravery and strength in the final years of his life and is an inspiration to us all.

Family and friends farewelled John at a Funeral Service at St Thomas of Villanova Church, Mareeba on Monday 31st October, 2022. John has been privately cremated.

WELLS, Donald “Don”

Late of Atherton. Passed away on the 22nd of October, 2022. Aged 89 years.

Much loved Husband of Petronella (Dec.). Cherished Father, Uncle, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Great Great Grandfather and Friend to many.

and friends of Don are respectfully invited to attend Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church for his service at 10:30am on the 4th of November, 2022 moving on to the Atherton Cemetery for internment.

Guilfoyle Funeral Services

IN LOVING MEMORY OF LANCE SPENCER

DUFFY

05/11/1936 ~ 7/11/2020

A million times we’ve needed you, A million times we’ve cried.

If love alone could have saved you, You never would have died.

In life we loved you dearly,

In death we love you still.

In our hearts we hold a place, No one else can ever fill.

It broke our hearts to let you go, But you didn’t go alone.

Part of us went with you, The day God took you home.

Our loving Husband, Father, Father-in-Law, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. Beryle, Cam & Andrea, Ross & Anna, Robyn & Neville and their families.

DOROTHY GODFREY

1.5.1926 - 4.11.2021

In loving memory of our Mum. Always on our mind, forever in our hearts.

Love & miss you.

PHIL GODFREY 19.2.1920 - 25.11.2009

In loving memory of our Dad in heaven.

Rest in peace.

MARTIN, Neil Joseph

Passed 12th September, 2022

The family of Neil would like to extend their sincere thanks for the kindness, condolences and support received.

We also send our appreciation to the Staff and Doctors at Mareeba Medical Clinic for their wonderful friendship and loving care of Neil.

Thank you also to the Nurses and Doctors from Palliative Care, Mareeba Hospital. We are forever grateful for the loving care Neil received.

Thank you to Guilfoyle Funerals for assisting us with Neil’s final journey.

BURCHELL, Robert John

Late of Wondecla. Passed away peacefully at Atherton Hospital on the 19th of October, 2022. Aged 65 years.

Much loved Father & Father-in-Law of Rick & Trish, Kerry, Tyson & Alinta, and Connor. Loving Grandfather of Chloe-Anne, Mikayla, Thomas, Lucy and Parker.

Robert will be sadly missed by family and friends.

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

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

Mareeba

John Leamen “Stevo” STEPHENSON

If

Bus

Barron Catchment Care

A.G.M.

Wednesday 16th November, 2022

10.00am, Destiny Church Training Room, 57 Loder Street, Atherton

All Executive positions open for nominations. All members welcome to attend. Phone: 0431 005 233

RSVP to: info@barronrivercatchment.org.au

Of

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Inc. ABN 25 062

797

5:00pm, Thursday November 24, 2022

Mareeba Heritage Museum & Visitor Information Centre

345 Byrnes Street, Mareeba

All financial members are invited to attend

receive and consider the 2022 Financial Report, Presidents Report, Independent Audit Report, announce Board Members, Auditor appointment and any other business. For voting rights, members must be financial as at Thursday 17th November, 2022.

All Board positions will be declared vacant

nominations are welcome and must be received no later than 4pm on Thursday 10th, November 2022. Nomination forms are available now from the Secretary

At the completion of the AGM, please join us for light refreshments.

For catering purposes, Please phone in your RSVP to 4092 5674 by Friday November 18th, 2022

Janet Greenwood, Secretary

COME AND TRY

Cars winner Brett Scibo.

Street Sedans winner Brett Hardy.

Street Sedans Scott Vella.

1976 Holden Torana.

Highland Restorers Club won Best British Bike, 1949 James Comet.

Ronan McIlrath was all smiles at the show.

WB Holden

Ford Falcon.

1972 Ford Mustang

Studebaker Hawk.

Roosters 2022 awards night

LOCK forward James Clark was named first grade Player of the Year at the Atherton Senior Roosters Senior Rugby League Club’s 2022 presentation of trophies celebration held on Friday night at the Atherton Hotel.

It capped off a stellar season for Clark in the red, white and blue, which saw him play some big minutes putting claim to be ing one of the best forwards in the competition.

Young flyer Tom Cuda collected the 2022 Rising Star award along with the first grade most improved trophy. Connor Griffin was named reserve grade best and fairest while Coopa Strem ouchiw won Rookie of the Year.

The premiership winning Roosters under 18 side’s best and fairest trophy went to prop forward Jordan Torrisi.

HIT 97.9 TABLELANDS FIRST GRADE AWARDS:

All Wheel Drive Centre Player of the Year: James Clark

Best Forward: Rodney Griffin

Best Back: Ty Grogan

Most Consistent: Jermaine Pedro

Most Improved: Tom Cuda

DANIEL PAYNE BLOCKLAYING RESERVE

GRADE AWARDS

Best and Fairest: Connor Griffin

Best Forward: Adam Molloy

Best Back: Kyle Wyatt

Most Consistent: Oskar Coutts

Most Improved: Caleb Dawson

SPAR MALANDA UNDER 18 AWARDS

Best and Fairest: Jordan Torrisi

Best Forward: Kaleb Nielsen

Best Back: Zaimen Gilbert

Most Consistent: Jack Gatacre

Most Improved: Harvey Horan

CLUB AWARDS

Club Person of the Year: Joint winners Steve Hocking, Graham Steven, Stu Neasy, Brian Carleton

Rising Star: Tom Cuda

Rookie of the Year: Coopa Stremouchiw

Highest Try Scorer (Premiership Games): Ty Grogan (22).

Students give back to bike track

New netball facility approved

of

from Trinity Bay High School’s Clontarf program

spent some time helping clear up the Atherton Forest Moun tain Bike Park so local mountain bikers can continue to enjoy safe and scenic rides.

The group of grade 9 boys took the time out of their Clontarf Foun dation camp to give back to the mountain biking community of Atherton by spending a few hours grooming two of the most popular trails.

trails are usually maintained by volunteers from the Atherton based bike club Tableland Cy

Sports Inc in partnership with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Ser vices.

The Clontarf Foundation has 139 Academies operating across Austral ia and helps young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men by sup porting them to attend school, finish grade 12 and enter employment.

The program enhances self-es teem and confidence which assists students to participate in education, employment and society in a posi tive way.

Tablelands Cycle Sports Inc ap preciates the help and passion from the group of boys.

TABLELAND netballers will soon have a new place to host car nivals after a new facility proposed at Atherton State High School was approved by Tablelands Regional Council last week.

The new facility will be comprised of four netball courts under lights, two of which will be undercover with plans for a club house, toilets and canteen to be built.

The facility will be built on the vacant field at the corner of First Avenue and Maunds Road, in the south of Atherton State High School and will allow both it and the Tablelands Netball Association to use the new facilities.

Currently the Tableland Netball Association uses the commu nity hall at the school as their grounds but due to the restricted space, they have been forced to turn away potential players for years.

The new facility will enable the club to undergo a massive expansion and centralise the different netball divisions that play in Atherton and host weekend long carnivals.

Kaigas, Tyrell, Tushaun, Jesse, Gabe and Blake were ready to tackle some trail maintenance.

Senior Roosters first grade player of the year James Clark. Roosters reserve grade best and fairest Connor Griffin.

Club rising star and first grade most improved Tom Cuda. Under 18 best and fairest Jordan Torrisi

Bull ride set for nail biting finish

BY RHYS THOMAS

THE title for Great Northern Bullrid ing Series 2022 Champion is up for grabs as just a few points separate the top two riders, with the only thing standing between them and the title being some of toughest and rankest bulls in the north.

For the first time in the event’s his tory, the finals of the Great Bullriding Series will be held in the same town two years running at Atherton’s Mun gali Creek Dairy Stadium this Satur day night.

The final is set to be a nail-biter with 14 points separating the cur rent number one rider Lane Mellers from Mareeba boy Wyatt Milgate and Mount Molloy’s Jayden Britten fol lowing in close behind at third in his debut year.

Great Northern Bullriding Se ries spokesperson Peter Brown said a bull ride like this year’s final does not come along often and just a few points separating first, second and third, it will certainly come down to the wire.

“You’ve got Lane Mellers, a cur rent Australian bull riding champion who has been to Texas and done a scholarship over there – he is a very good bull rider,” Mr Brown said.

“Second is local cowboy Wyatt Milgate and this will be his last sea son with us before he heads to Amer ica.”

While the riders may be some of the best in the circuit, The Great

Northern Bullriding Series has pulled out all the stops and brought two of the most infamous bulls to Atherton for the finals – Pandemonium and Slide Out.

Pandemonium has been described as a gentleman when not spinning around ferociously like a tornado because after the cowboy inevitably falls off, he wanders right back into the yards with no fuss.

Slide Out on the other hand doesn’t play well with others and has “smoked” some of the protection clowns on more than one occasion.

“Pandemonium is just a pure gen tleman but he is one rank son of a gun – he is a good bull, there is no rubbish in him,” Mr Brown said.

“Whereas Slide Out, he will bite you, strike you, kick you, poke you –he is just not a very nice bull and he does not play well with others.

“He has smoked our clowns a cou ple of times and I think in Atherton last year he took one of our clowns down.”

Mellers began riding at the age of 10 when he got on a calf during a local rodeo where he got fourth, winning around six dollars and from there, he was hooked.

Now in his first ever season with the Great Northern Bullriding Series, the cowboy is leading the charge.

“Even though the title could be lost or won on the night I am not too worried, I just have to focus and do my ride,” he said.

Mellers has identified Pandemo

nium as the bull he wants to conquer, saying he has previous experience riding bulls of the same calibre.

“I do want to get on Pandemonium and I do have experience riding bulls like him before, I want to add another to my list,” he said.

Following the same sentiment is Mareeba’s Wyatt Milgate, a previous Great Northern Bullriding Champion who has had several chances on the back of Pandemonium.

Milgate nearly completed an eight second ride on the bull just a few months ago in Innisfail and reckons he has him all figured out.

“A couple of months ago I was re ally close, 7.6 seconds or something like that so I feel like this is the one – I reckon I’ve got him figured out,” he said.

“I am feeling pretty confident in myself and it has been a long year but I have been training hard.

“I’m focused on riding my bull for the eight seconds and not really worried about the competition, Lane is a good fella, in my eyes it doesn’t matter who wins just as long as I can cover my bull.

“All the trophies and the prize money come naturally when you just focus on the job at hand.”

Tickets for the final are still on sale and can be bought on the try booking website by searching “Great Northern Bullriding Series Finals Atherton”.

The gates open at 5pm with the first bull set to come out of the gate at 7pm.

Atherton sporting stars recognised

TWO of Atherton’s most well-known junior sport ing stars have been given hundreds of dollars by Tablelands Regional Council to help them on their way to stardom, being named the 2022 Sports Bur sary recipients.

Amy Hunter and Emily Mills have been recog nised for their feats in their chosen sports of crick et and gymnastics with Amy being one of the best female cricketers in the far north and Emily be coming the Tablelands first ever level 10 gymnast.

As the 2022 recipients of the bursary, Amy and Emily have been given $650 each to assist with the costs of competing and developing their sport ing skills.

Tablelands mayor Rod Marti recognised the recipients of the sports bursary at a ceremony last week in Atherton.

“It was an honour to congratulate Amy Hunter and Emily Mills on their successes, and to present them with their bursaries,” he said.

“Amy is passionate about cricket and has played most of her junior cricket in the boys’ league and has been asked to be a Queensland Cricket Ambassador for girls’ cricket this 2022 season.

“Amy intends to continue playing in the Queensland Premier League Cricket First Grade Ladies competition in Brisbane and is working towards selection for the Queensland Cricket U19 female side, while retaining her place in the Queensland School Sports 16–19 years Queens land side.

Atherton Cricket Club President Tony Potts

commends Amy’s achievements to date and her constant commitment to the club.

“Amy is a great athlete who is certainly bound for bigger and brighter things, with potential to play cricket for Australia one day,” he said.

“She supports her local club through volunteer ing in the canteen, at events and coaching other members.”

Mayor Marti was also impressed with Emily’s gymnastic achievements and dedication to the sport since she started at a young age.

“Emily is the first gymnast at Team Momentum to achieve state representation and the highest na tional level in gymnastics,” he said.

“She judges at local and state gymnastic events, coaches younger gymnasts, and assists in the development and promotion of gymnastics in our region.

“Emily plans to make the Queensland team for Nationals in 2023, with the hope of being selected in the representative team for the New Zealand/ Australian competition.”

Team Momentum’s head coach Dianne Ste phens values Emily’s contribution to the club and said Emily is the most committed and disciplined athlete she knows.

“Emily trains for 16hrs each week, shares her skills and experience through coaching and judg ing, and is a very high achiever in her sport includ ing finalist at the recent State Gymnastics Cham pionships and selection to the Queensland State Squad Team,” she said.

Tablelands Regional Council 2022 Sports Bur sary recipients Emily Mills and Amy Hunt er with mayor Rod Marti after receiving their bursaries.

Dallas Roesler from Make a Wish Australia, 2022 Great Northern Bullriding Series partners James, Melissa Fisher from NQ Agricultural Services and Rodeo clown Nathan Brown are all excited for the finals this weekend.

Lane Mellers leads the ladder for this year’s Great Northern Bullriding Series ahead of the finals this weekend. Photo by Peter Roy Photography

Pinkie punches above

AFTER over 50 years boxing, Pinkie Csoma has been named an Australian champion after he com peted in the recent World Boxing Foundation Aus tralian Masters super heavy weight competition.

The 72-year-old Mareeba local has been box ing since he was 18 years but has never won an Australian title until he fought in Townville at the end of October in his first ever masters’ bout.

After winning the Australian Title, Pinkie will now fly over to Las Vegas next year to compete in the world title and represent his country with pride.

He is only one of three fighters around his age to be named an Australian champion with one in Sydney and another in Queensland.

While Pinkie took a break from boxing for a while, he could not fully get away from the sport and instead moved into a training role before eventually putting the gloves back on.

“I have always been involved in boxing, I have trained hundreds of Australian, Queensland and Golden Gloves champions – you name it,” he said.

“I won quite a few titles when I was younger but I have never won an Australian Title.

“I knew I could do it and I was over the moon when they gave me the belt.”

Matthew Carroll was a constant support pil lar for Pinkie during the fight preparation, even just holding the mitts for Carroll to practice kept Pinkie on his toes and gave him a good workout.

Pinkie is still unsure how he feels about going away to America next year to compete but feels he will get more nervous as the day approaches.

“It is still sort of a dream at the moment,” he said.

In preparation for Vegas, Pinkie is looking to organise an exhibition match with another fighter to keep his skills sharp before the World Titles.

Atherton break Barron drought

ATHERTON have broken a four-year losing streak at Barron’s home ground Crathern Park after Saturday's match.

Atherton won the toss and elected to bat first on what looked a good wicket.

Barron struck early removing Chris Adams for 11 runs, Alex Nasser and Logan Poggioli were in good touch but both were out cheaply for 19 runs apiece.

Captain Tommy Boorman looked dangerous clearing the rope twice before falling for 36 runs from 39 deliveries leaving the side 4-99.

A middle order collapse left Atherton in big trouble at 7-110.

Teenagers Angus Vikionkorpi and Matthew Neilsen steadied the ship with an excellent 79 run partnership, both showing maturity well above their age.

Nielsen was run out on the second to last ball for 37 from 57 balls leaving the father-son duo

of Ben and Angus Vikionkorpi to finish the in nings. Angus was unbeaten on 37 from 65 help ing Atherton get to a competitive total of 8-191. Barron opener Tim Ward wasted no time in the chase with some early boundaries, putting the home side in the box seat at 1-94 at the 17 over mark.

Spinner Mason Blaney took the important wicket of Barron captain Andrew Phelps with a sharp catch on the boundary by Poggioli. Tim Ward fell shortly afterwards, swinging the momentum in Atherton’s favour. Blaney ripped through the middle order finishing with 4 for 37 from his 10 overs.

An impressive second spell from Ben Vi kionkorpi finished off the Barron River tail-end as the home side were bowled out for 138.

A 53-run victory for Atherton as they head into their next game against Norths at Loder Park on 12 November.

Mareeba unable to bounce back

MAREEBA were unable to bounce back from their defeat to town rivals Atherton last fortnight and lost a close game to Norths at Griffith Park on Sunday.

After a valiant start by the Mareeba openers, the side looked on track to post a total over 200 however tight bowling from Norths restricted the batters and kept the run rate low.

A quick collapse of the middle order gave Norths the chance to have a decent bowl at Ma reeba lower order however Tyson Brown made a valiant stand and made a quick-fire 24 off 16 balls to get Mareeba closer to a more defendable score.

Mareeba defended the last of their wickets

until the last ball of the innings was bowled, end ing up on 7/158 after their 40 overs.

Norths started off similarly to Mareeba with their openers making a good stand and getting the ball rolling for the side, a half century by Tommy Conn pushed Norths closer to Mareeba’s total.

More than half the batsman who walked out onto the pitch made scores past 20 and they end ed up being the deciding factor between the two teams. Norths looked comfortable in their run chase and passed Mareeba’s score with a bound ary in the 38th over.

Mareeba will travel down to Innisfail next Sun day to face off against Cassowary Coast.

Mareeba veteran boxer

Pinkie Csoma being awarded his belt by a referee after becoming an Australian Champion at his recent bout in Townsville.