www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au
www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au
Delivering news across our region
WEDNESDAY 12 MARCH, 2025
WEDNESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER, 2024 Delivering news across our region
IT was a class in cleaning up the land for Butchers Creek students last week, who completed the school’s fourth Clean Up Australia Day event in a row. For students like Year 1’s Haylee (pictured), it was a great opportunity to learn about the importance of keeping the environment clean. See story Page 2
to names of countries like Barbados, Thailand and Venezuela, the little local town of Walkamin sounds a bit out of place, and rightly so.
But our very own FNQ Rum from Mt Uncle Distillery has been shortlisted alongside other renowned distilleries from those countries for Rum Producer of the Year at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC).
The IWSC is renowned for its rigorous judging process, which evaluates spirits based on taste, balance, finish, and value.
“This competition is also known as the ‘Oscars of the Spirits industry’ or it’s like the Olympics in a way, the Rum Producer Trophy is one of the most sought-after accolades,” Mt Uncle’s head distiller Mark Watkins said.
“Being recognised on this level by the IWSC is incredibly rewarding for our team.
“We strive to craft rums that reflect the unique terroir of Far North Queensland, and this nomination reaffirms that our efforts are resonating on the world stage.”
FNQ Rum is the only Australian brand shortlisted for the Rum Producer Trophy, “standing proudly” alongside global giants such as Foursquare Rum USA from Barbados, Sang Som Distillery from Thailand, and Ron Roble Viejo from Venezuela.
“This nomination cements FNQ Rum’s position as a leading force in the global rum industry and is a testament to years of hard work, dedication, and innovation,” Mark said.
FNQ Rum describes its rums as being crafted “from the rich volcanic soils and sugarcane of this unique tropical region” and “produces a range of rums that have been celebrated both
locally and internationally for their distinct flavours and exceptional quality”.
“We use sugar cane nectar to produce a more rich and sweet flavour and then we age the spirit in ex-Australian red wine barrels, so it combines these nice flavours well,” Mark said.
“And we’re situated in a really nice area, the fluctuations in temperature with the hot days and cold nights helps the spirit age really well.”
The Mt Uncle Distillery has also recently started distribution in the UK, adding to their many successes.
This IWSC recognition follows
a stellar year for FNQ Rum, during which it has already secured multiple awards. At the World Rum Awards earlier this year, FNQ Rum took home two gold medals for its Platinum Cane Spirit and Iridium Agave Cask Finish, alongside being named World’s Best Sugarcane Spirit. Additionally, the brand’s commitment to quality was further highlighted with a silver medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition for its Iridium X Rum. Mark will be travelling to London to attend the awards ceremony on 12 November.
NEW offences and increased fines have been brought in by the State Government to crack down on feeding and interfering with crocodiles.
Two new offences have been introduced making it unlawful to unintentionally feed a crocodile by discarding food and remaining in close proximity to a crocodile.
penalties for existing offences which aim to deter people from engaging in behaviours that pose a serious risk to public safety and animal conservation.
The on-the-spot fine for deliberately disturbing or feeding crocodiles has increased from $483 to $2580, with the maximum court-imposed fine increasing from $6452 to $26,615.
Discarding food, including fish frames, scraps and bait, in a way that may attract crocodiles to a public place such as a boat ramp, jetty, pontoon or camping area can now result in an on-the-spot fine of $483 or a maximum court-imposed fine of $6,452.
The on-the-spot fine for interfering with a crocodile trap has increased from $645 to $2580, with the maximum court-imposed fine increasing from $19,356 to $26,615.
Knowingly remaining within close proximity to a crocodile that is on, or partly on, land can now result in an on-the-spot fine of $806 or a maximum courtimposed fine of $16,130.
This offence complements the existing “disturbing” offence which prevents people from approaching or pursuing a crocodile or driving a boat or vehicle within 10m of it.
Conservation officers now also have the power to direct people to move away from a crocodile to avoid any potential human-crocodile interactions.
The government has also significantly increased
But State Member for Hill Shane Knuth, who introduced the KAP’s Crocodile Control, Conservation, and Safety Bill 2024 into Parliament last month, slammed the new offences and fines as “nothing more than a band-aid fix”.
“The State Government has failed to manage the crocodile crisis for over a decade, and now it’s completely out of control,” he said.
“Ask anyone who regularly fishes or uses our waterways - they’ll tell you the crocodile population has exploded. “This is a Northern Queensland issue, and it should be managed locally, not from over 1,800 km away in an ivory tower.”
By ROBYN HOLMES
AROUND 40 residents wanting to remove dangerously tall trees in their street have put their case to Tablelands Regional Council and it appears their concerns have been taken seriously.
Residents of Mountain View Drive, Atherton, want a number of cadaghi trees planted along the verge to be removed, saying they pose a risk to electricity supply, a risk to their property, and are a driver hazard.
A group spokesman told the council the trees, that can grow as high as 30m, are planted around a 90-degree corner on the road, with branches hanging down to 2.9m off the road.
They are currently around 27m high, twice as high as the power lines that feed electricity to the homes in the area, which has created problems in the past, costing residents thousands of dollars.
The spokesman explained to the council how dangerous the trees were to motorists, bike riders, and pedestrians.
“A huge problem with these trees is the substantial amount of twigs and limbs they unpredictably drop in the drier months,” he said.
“Large limbs have unexpectedly fallen in the past and luckily no one has
been hurt – yet.
“Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists are at enormous risk, not just from the threat of falling branches, but there are presently many low branches hanging only 2.9m above the road. (The legal height for trucks in Queensland is 4.3m).
“This road is also a school bus route.
Higher vehicles such as buses and trucks are forced into the wrong lane to avoid low branches, and on the right-angled corner, this is a potential calamity.”
The spokesman also cited the risk to electrical infrastructure as another major reason to remove the trees, which are regarded as an environmental weed in South-east Queensland and as a potential environmental weed in New South Wales.
“The power system in Mountain View Drive consists of 22,000-volt lines which overtop the 240-volt lines that service our properties,” he said.
“The cadaghi trees run alongside and overhang this system. In September 2023, a tree fell over the power lines which pushed one of the high-voltage lines onto one of the three phases of the low-voltage lines.
“This caused immediate catastrophic damage to many residents’ electrical equipment. From records we have gathered, that incident caused over
$42,000 worth of damage for which, under legislation, Ergon is not responsible.
“Some residents could not claim insurance as their high excesses precluded them from claiming.
“Now every time we have a storm or impending cyclone, locals become very worried as to what could happen if a limb or tree fell on the lines again.”
In January this year, after a windstorm, a small branch fell over the line and Ergon had to be alerted to remove it before it contacted one of the 240-volt phases, he said.
“In last year’s Cyclone Jasper event, our electrician rang us and other locals, warning us to turn off our power completely just in case one of these trees fell,” the spokesman said.
“This meant even though power was available, it was his opinion that we were putting our electrical equipment at risk had we stayed connected.”
The residents also warned council that the trees were damaging public infrastructure such as the concrete kerbing where the roots of the trees were breaking through.
They also showed images of the massive amount of leaves and twigs that pile up against neighbouring fences
and in house gutters and have to be constantly removed.
“The TRC vacuum truck has to continually sweep this section of the road. This is a never-ending expense to the council and ratepayers, as is trimming these trees to Ergon,” the spokesman said.
Residents had raised the issue with council in February last year but after Ergon advised council officers that no action was required, the matter was not progressed further.
“We really wanted the issue of the danger these trees presented addressed, not just the powerline issue, as the higher limbs and very low branches are outside Ergon’s responsibility,” the spokesman said.
After intervention by Member for Hill Shane Knuth, Ergon trimmed the trees to meet its requirements.
“Ergon have done what they are required to do and now it is up to council to deal with the tree problem as these trees are on a council footpath.”
After the presentation, council voted to investigate the issue and report back to the April meeting with estimates to remove the trees, and also to undertake a review of its policy position in relation to trees on road reserves in urban areas.
By ANDREE STEPHENS
A NEW councillor for the Mareeba Shire will be decided at a poll to be held on Saturday 5 April.
Days out from a deadline to legally fill a councillor vacancy, the council was given Ministerial approval to hold a byelection via postal vote but it will cost $65,000 less than it would have if there were polling booths.
“At the request of the council, I have approved a postal vote for the by-election
which will enable all voters to have their say,” Local Government Minister Ann Leahy said in a statement on Friday.
“Importantly, this will also save ratepayers $65,000 compared with a regular in-person election.”
The council paid the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) $141,000 to hold the 2024 election to choose six councillors, but it is unknown what a “normal” by-election for one representative would cost.
On Monday, ECQ revealed the date
of the by-election will be 5 April and candidates have only until 18 March to nominate. It is understood ECQ has already appointed a local election manager for the poll.
Under the Local Government Act 2009, a councillor vacancy “must be filled within two months after the office becomes vacant”. If local government does not do so, “the Governor in Council may appoint a qualified person to fill the vacant office”.
The position became vacant after the death on January 14 of Cr Kevin Davies.
Just over three weeks later, council opted to hold a by-election instead of appointing the next in line from last year’s election ballot.
To save on costs, council requested Minister Leahy approve a postal vote instead of making residents head to the polling booths.
The two-month deadline will be up on March 15, about four weeks after council approached the Minister. This theoretically could have given the Minister the legal right to appoint someone.
The by-election decision has caused a public backlash in the community, with local groups, business representatives, and online commentary criticising the move as a waste of time and money, and that no costings were available.
Runner-up Mladen Bosnic had also been critical of the decision, saying it was unnecessary, did not take into account election fatigue (with the state and council elections last year and a federal election looming), and was not in the spirit of the legislation.
HEALTH care in Mareeba has received a significant boost, with more than $183,480 worth of extra medical equipment now in place, thanks to the generosity of local donors and community organisations through the Mareeba Hospital Friends of the Foundation.
From advanced rehabilitation tools to life-saving emergency department monitors, the addition of the equipment is directly improving patient care and outcomes across multiple departments.
Funds for all the equipment came from specific grants, as well as fundraising activities by the Mareeba Hospital Friends of the Foundation, a subsidiary of the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
Mareeba foundation president Tom Braes OAM, who also chairs the Mt Emerald Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund advisory committee, emphasised the importance of providing new medical equipment.
“The generosity of our community partners has brought tangible improvements to health care services in Mareeba,” he said.
“These critical additions will directly benefit patients, enhance health care delivery, and support our hardworking medical teams.”
Mareeba and Dimbulah Financial Services chair Rhonda Stevens said when assessing applications, the Board looked at the overall community benefit and looked favourably at applications submitted by community minded organisations.
“That is why on this occasion and why, in the past, we have supported the Mareeba Friends of the Hospital Foundation to purchase various medical equipment and supplies,” she said.
Gifts such as those received from the Mareeba Fruit and Vegetable Growers annual dinner also contributed to the purchases.
Mareeba Hospital Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Michelle Bombardieri, said the partnership with the Mareeba Friends of the Foundation had been positive for the health service and the community.
“This has allowed clinicians providing critical services to our community the opportunity
to prioritise and communicate with the FOF opportunities for donations of essential equipment and resources which has directly improved care and outcomes for our patients and our community,” she said.
The equipment that has been funded includes:
• Phillips Monitors ($44,312) for the Mareeba Hospital Emergency Department, allows nurses to monitor isolated patients remotely while providing continuous observation for critically ill patients. This reduces staff workload and enhances patient safety. These were partly funded by Bendigo Bank’s Mareeba & Dimbulah Community Grants Program.
• Giraffe Infant Warmer ($34,000), funded by the Bendigo Bank’s Mareeba & Dimbulah Community Grants Program, provides newborns with a state-of-the-art micro-
environment to improve clinical outcomes. Equipped with in-bed scales, cardiac monitoring, and resuscitation capabilities.
• New dental chair ($35,000) for the Mareeba School Dental Clinic, improves patient comfort and treatment efficiency funded by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
• LUCAS Chest Compression System ($22,902) for the Emergency Department, automates high-quality chest compressions, ensuring uninterrupted CPR for prolonged resuscitation attempts through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
• A $15,350 Omi Vista Interactive Mobile Projector, funded by the Mt Emerald Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, transforms therapy for OPERA (Older Persons Evaluation Rehabilitation Assessment) patients. The projector encourages movement, cognitive stimulation, and social interaction, ultimately helping patients regain mobility and coordination in an engaging and
meaningful way.
• Birthing Simulator ($16,805) to train midwives and medical staff in critical birthing procedures, helping improve emergency response times and maternal care
• Video otoscope ($2494) for Mareeba Child and Family Health Service, enabling parents to view their child’s ear drum in real time and improving diagnosis and treatment engagement.
• Vesticam Infrared Video Goggles ($3384) revolutionise dizziness and balance disorder assessments at Tablelands Allied Health.
• Three bariatric waiting room chairs ($2285) for Mareeba Community Health/Outpatients Department, ensuring individuals requiring wider and sturdier seating have a comfortable and dignified experience.
• An Accuvein device ($6950) has been acquired for Dimbulah, making vein detection easier for health care professionals and reducing patient discomfort during procedures.
A NEW report which keeps a record of disaster recovery funding and remediation work across the Mareeba Shire has been welcomed by council.
The January Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) report, will be a continuing record of funds and projects provided by the federal and state governments after a natural disaster.
“We desperately need this funding when it comes to disaster repairs and projects, otherwise we’d have to impose on our ratepayers and we don’t want to do that,” Mayor Angela Toppin said at the meeting.
“This is a very comprehensive report.
“The remediation works date back to weather events from 2022. There are just so many.
Gully Betterment program to restore and improve gully crossings across the shire to make them resilient for the future. The report said this work was completed in December last year.
The report also updated works for damage caused by cyclone Jasper flooding in December 2023. Cobra Creek crossing on Emerald End Road was washed way during the floods, cutting off water supply and road access to over 100 properties.
Mayor Toppin said the repairs had been extensive with a temporary track installed while bridge works were undertaken. This was expected to be completed this month.
Multiple landslips had also occurred around Kuranda after it received over two metres of rain.
“It’s easy to lose track when you go right back to 2022 and some of the projects are so major they take years to complete.”
In February 2022 a low-pressure trough caused significant damage across the shire including to the Gamboola Crossing, nearly four hours west of Mareeba.
“The 300m bridge is an important link between the Burke Development Road and the Peninsula Development Road,” Mayor Toppin said. “We are delighted to report that the practical completion of this $16m project was reached in November 2024.”
Council also received DRFA to undertake the
“The DRFA supported repairs to the Barron Falls Road site, with a safety guard rail being completed [in January].
Works at Jarawee Close were also expected to be completed in March, and the Bushy Creek Bridge on Mt Lewis Road, Julatten, which was washed away during the floods, had now been reinstated and reopened to traffic since December.
Mayor Toppin said there had been no activation of DRFA for the current wet season, but council would continue to work with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to ensure funding could become available.
By ANDREE STEPHENS
A HAPPY crowd of 30 people, including toddlers and bubs, as well as a couple of dogs, rallied together as Team Ivy, to walk for Rare Disease Day along the Mareeba Rail Trail on Sunday.
Ivy’s Mum, Christine Byrnes, organised the walk on behalf of her daughter, who has has a rare chromosomal unbalance known as Trisomy10 Monosomy 4.
For Christie the event is a celebration of her daughter’s tenacity.
When doctors discovered the anomaly – carried on the side of the father’s genetic historythey predicted the baby would likely miscarry, or be stillborn, or at best survive two weeks.
Ivy will turn 17 at the end of this month.
The family began attending events for Rare Disease Day when Ivy was three.
The day was created on 29 February, 2008, in Europe, to raise awareness for rare diseases and improve access to treatment and medical representation for individuals with rare diseases and their families. It is celebrated
n RARE Disease Day was established by the European Organisation for Rare Diseases in 2008 and supported by European nations and Canada.
n In 2009, it went global as the National Organization for Rare Disorders and included Australia, China, Latin America and the United States.
on the last day of February, as it falls on a rare leap year day, and is now a worldwide movement.
Christie said they attended many events held in Cairns over eight years when they lived near Kuranda. But schoolteacher Christie and the family decided to move back to Mareeba, to be closer to family and friends.
That’s when Christie “put the call out” to create Team Ivy, to mark Rare Disease Day in Mareeba with a walk along the Rail Trail.
She said her family loves the trail – Christie has three daughters – and they go on regular park runs.
This is the fourth Team Ivy Walk, (last year they couldn’t go because Ivy had spinal surgery) and it had been a great morning.
“We have a lot of family and friends who come each year, it resonates with a lot of people,” Christie said.
“We had another little guy come along with his family, who has Angelman’s syndrome (a genetic change syndrome), which is a really good way for them to meet people.”
As for Ivy, she thoroughly enjoys herself.
Ivy’s condition has left her with affected intellect, physicality and speech.
“She’s delayed in every aspect,” her mother explained. “She’s had upward of 30, maybe closer to 40, medical operations in her life.
“She’s a very a happy, cheeky girl; very social and loves interacting with everyone,” Christie said.
And she enjoys the simple things in life, such as ice cream.
“She’s a regular at the Emerald Creek Ice-creamery,” Christie said. “We should buy shares in the place.”
Ivy also loves going to the airport and watching the helicopters swishing their rotors.
And she loves art. This year she will be joining the art society at the Centenary Park.
Now that Ivy has finished school, she plans to volunteer with her carer at the Park Runs.
“We’ll see how she goes,” Christie said. “A lot of people know Ivy.
“Mareeba is a nice community.”
By ROBYN HOLMES
JUST a month after an impassioned speech by Cr Kevin Cardew on how Tablelands Regional Council should be servicing the community better, Mayor Rod Marti has moved to review its response to customers and the council’s road maintenance budget.
Cr Cardew has been relentless over the past five years in calling for the council’s road maintenance budget to be increased, regularly pointing out it is less than the council’s IT budget, and has also been critical of the organisation’s response to customer service requests.
Last month, his frustration erupted in an address to his fellow councillors in which he vowed to start publicly exposing the failures of the organisation, particularly in light of, what he believes, is inaction on the recommendations made in a comprehensive service review of its operations.
At its last meeting which was attended by new chief executive officer Dr Nicola Stepanov, Mayor Marti delivered a Mayoral Minute in which he ordered a review of the council’s customer request management system and its road maintenance and gravel resheet programs.
“By reviewing these processes we’ll identify areas for improvements and efficiencies, and if resourcing changes are needed to meet agreed service levels and requirements,” he said.
“I’ve asked Dr Stepanov to broaden the scope and nature of the reviews if she identifies the need during the assessment process.”
In his Mayoral Minute address, Mayor Marti welcomed Dr Stepanov, who has come from Toowoomba Regional Council, and noted that while TRC was smaller than the previous organisation she worked for, “the challenges we face to meet community and business expectations are proportionally equivalent”.
“As a much smaller council, Tablelands has far fewer resources – capital and human – to support and deliver for our community,” he said.
“So, while we’re smaller, the challenges to lift our level, lift our game, are arguably larger.
“It means we must be smart and continually review and adjust our way of doing business, so whether it’s delivering critical services on the ground or how we are effective within the community, business and state and federal governments, it comes down to just how productive those engagements are for the Tablelands community.
“Dr Stepanov will bring a new way of doing business. Her record in leadership, cultural reform, major projects, advocacy, and her specialised knowledge of the law and the Local Government Act are attributes that Tablelands highly values and needs.”
He then went on to table two motions that “related to challenges we have faced in exercising our duty as elected members”.
“The CRM system that relates to customer requests and complaints and issues around our road maintenance and gravel re-sheet programs have consumed much time and energy for councillors and council officers,” he said.
“With the arrival of the new CEO, its timely for a comprehensive review of these areas be undertaken with a fresh set of eyes.
“All councillors and council officers are committed to the outcomes for the community and if we make improvements to the areas, we will all rest a little easier, and most of all, our community will be better served.”
Cr Maree Baade welcomed the announcement, saying issues related to road maintenance and customer service requests “take up the bulk” of her time.Describing the move as “long overdue”, Cr Cardew said both of the issues “have been significant for councillors and challenging for staff”.
The results of the CEO’s reviews and recommendations are expected to be presented to council at the April ordinary meeting.
n In Australia, almost 8 % of the population is impacted by a rare or little-known disease. In Far North Queensland that could be up to 23,000 people.
n In 2010, 46 countries participated.
n Individuals observing Rare Disease Day take part in walks, fundraisers and other events to raise public awareness of rare diseases.
n Parliaments and policymakers dedicate sessions to meeting with individuals with rare diseases and to discuss issues with treatment, access, diagnosis and more.
n In 2012, thousands of patient advocacy organisations around the world were involved.
n In 2014, 84 countries were participating, with over 400 events worldwide.
n In 2018, Cape Verde, Ghana, Syria, Togo, and Trinidad and Tobago participated for the first time.
n In 2020 Team Ivy started walking in Mareeba.
By ROBYN HOLMES
A REQUEST from the developer of a major residential development at Malanda to remove a condition to fence three farm dams on the property has been rejected by Tablelands Regional Council.
The approval for TW Hedley Pty Ltd’s 140-lot subdivision on Davies Road, which covers nearly 98 hectares, was given in July 2022, but the developers came back to council in May 2023 to ask for the condition that requires three farm dams to be fenced removed, saying it an “unreasonable” condition.
That attempt was unsuccessful.
At TRC’s last meeting, an application by the developer to again have the fence condition removed was up for decision, with officers recommending it be refused, based on the public risk the dams posed to those in the new subdivision.
The fence required would be a fourstrand plain wire fence, which Cr Kevin Cardew argued would do nothing to keep children or others from entering the area around the dams.
He said the fence condition the council placed on the approval contradicted State legislation (Queensland Building Act) on fencing for swimming pools, which states that “a dam or tank solely or principally used, or designed, manufactured or adapted to be solely or principally used, for aquaculture, marine research or storage of water” was exempt from the requirement.
“A four-strand wire fence would not keep a child out of the waterway anyway,” he said.
“(The condition) is extremely onerous
and would, in my view, set a precedent where there was a dam or watercourse on a property.”
But Cr Dave Bilney defended the condition, saying “once this 140-lot development is complete, it will introduce a significant safety issue in an urban setting” and he noted that the high number of people who had drowned in dams was a significant concern.
“I’m not sure about the efficacy of a fourstrand wire fence being sufficient to achieve that safety, but my understanding is that it is also for protection of that vegetation zone,” he said. “Maybe we should be looking in the future at what fencing standards should be achieved.”
TRC Development Services executive manager Sean Lisle told the council that nothing had changed since the last time the developers brought the matter to council which, on that occasion, chose to retain the condition on public safety grounds.
The developers say that the condition does not pass the legal test of what is a “reasonable and relevant” condition under the Planning Act 2016 because the condition was not based on any provision contained in an applicable code.
But officers assert that the code applicable is Performance Outcome (PO) 17 of the Planning Scheme’s Works, Services and Infrastructure Code.
“The risk to public safety remains in this instance as the ex-farm infrastructure is incorporated into a semi-urbanised landscape,” the council report stated.
Council voted 5-2 to refuse to lift the condition, with Crs Cardew and Con Spanos voting against.
By KONNOR FURBER
IT was all St Stephen’s at the recent Mareeba and Atherton Lions Youth of the Year competitions with three of the Catholic College students, including one who has lived in Australia for only a year, taking home all the awards.
For Atherton’s competition it was Year 11 student and Australian resident of just one year, Diwani Mapolisa, who won Youth of the Year and the public speaking award.
Over at Mareeba’s competition, school captain Harley Cek claimed Youth of the Year and Yun Kang Dang took out the public speaking award.
Diwani’s achievement is quite impressive considering she has only lived in Australia for a short period of time after moving from Zimbabwe early last year.
She then started as a student at St Stephen’s and has hit the ground running since.
“I decided that the competition was my chance to use my voice to speak out on issues that I am passionate about,” Diwani said.
“I wanted to use the opportunity to be a voice for the voiceless.”
“My prepared speech was titled, ‘Your Silence is a Crime’, and was centred around bullying.
“I spoke on how we have developed a “one man for himself” culture and reprimanded the stigma held towards workplace whistleblowers.
“I ended my speech by calling for us as a society to bring back community by caring for one another and using our voices.”
Diwani was “shocked” to have been chosen as the winner of the competition amongst her peers.
“I am honoured to have been chosen as the representative of the wonderful community of Atherton,” she said.
The Mareeba Lions Youth of the Year competition was “well supported”, according to club director Tom Braes, with nine students from Mareeba State High School and St Stephen’s participating.
“The topics of discussion ranged from artificial intelligence, technology and children, and reforming the National AntiCorruption Commission,” he said.
The Youth of the Year was taken out by Harley Cek, who spoke about the corporatisation of farming and the public speaking award went to Yun Kang Dang who spoke about climate change.
Harley “felt a great sense of pride” after he won and was extremely grateful for everyone who had helped to get him there.
“I’ve competed in public speaking for some time now and was runner up for the competition last year, so it was a great feeling to have won in my final year of schooling.
“I really admire how the competition encourages young people to maintain well-read and presents them with opportunities.
“I spoke about the corporatisation of the agricultural industry, specifically
in our region, as the topic resonated with me given that my parents are former farmers.
Harley was also awarded as the overall winner at the Lions District Q2 Zones 2 and 3 Youth of the Year final that was held in Atherton over the weekend.
He will now progress to District judging which will be held in Townsville this weekend.
By KONNOR FURBER
firefighters
Queensland Fire and Rescue Inspector Tablelands Command Brad Fleming said the number of recruits was low for the smaller towns in the region.
“The numbers we have now are a bit below what we would like,” he said.
“We desperately need recruit firefighters for Millaa Millaa, Ravenshoe and Herberton, we’ve definitely got big gaps there that we would like to see filled.
“We’re still protecting those towns so there’s no need for fear from the public, but we would like to bring the numbers up to be in a position where we’re more comfortable.
“Where we sit right now with Atherton and Mareeba we’ve got sufficient numbers, but for smaller towns such as Dimbulah and Malanda, we could do with more.
“We’re always looking for recruits and we absolutely welcome anyone to come and give it a go.”
Rural Fire Service Queensland Assistant Chief Officer for Savannah District Clint Tunnie said because their volunteer workforce is ageing, they are always trying to attract younger members into the groups and show them the benefits it can bring.
“I can’t highly recommend enough joining one of your local fire brigades to support your community,” he said.
“Joining a volunteer brigade or an urban brigade as an auxiliary provides you a sense of belonging, and it’s great to join a motivated team that’s out there to serve and protect the community.
“There’s a great opportunity for people to join the QFD at an entry level position and give them an idea of what we actually do in a holistic sense of protecting the community.
“We could always use the help whether
it’s fighting fires or providing support to your community during major disaster events.
“People go on and make full-time careers out of it, I did that many years ago myself.”
Within Queensland Fire and Rescue there are auxiliary and career firefighters (part-time and fulltime).
Auxiliary firefighters are part time workers who are on call mainly during fire seasons and are recruited and trained locally.
“We’ve had a lot of firefighters, myself included, who started as an auxiliary and got a taste for it, then applied through the permanent ranks,” Brad said.
“Becoming an auxiliary is a very good way to get your foot in the door if you want to chase firefighting as a career.”
Fire and Rescue typically deal with structural fires, bush and landscape fires, car accidents, and swift water and technical rescues, while the Rural Fire Service volunteers mainly address bushfire
mitigation
The volunteer members also provide services including hazard prevention and mitigation advice, issuing permits and fire warden activities, community education and engagement, and disaster management response and recovery options.
For more information on joining the Queensland Fire Department visit their website at www.fire.qld. gov.au or visit your local station or brigade.
“For anyone 18 years and above, we encourage them to come and try their hand and see if they like it, they might actually find it’s their calling,” Brad said.
Clint said it’s been a “very rewarding” career for himself, and he finds that “when people join the job they very rarely ever leave.”
“They find that’s it’s an exciting career to get into and it certainly has a huge number of benefits, whether it’s on a volunteer or full-time basis,” he said.
THE deaths of Lumholtz tree kangaroos on the road near the Malanda Falls have prompted Tablelands Regional Council to request an urgent review into speed limits and other factors that may reduce the number of animals hit by vehicles.
The recommendation came from council’s Natural Asset Management Advisory Committee (NAMAC) at its latest meeting after the issue was raised, amidst suggestions signage could be updated in the area that could warn motorists about the presence of wildlife crossing the Malanda-Atherton Road.
The disturbing number of tree kangaroos who are injured or killed on the road was brought into the spotlight last year, with a local carer desperately pleading with road users to be on the lookout for the animals.
At the NAMAC meeting, Cr Dave Bilney suggested the group take the issue a step further than just updating signage, advising that the council’s Traffic Advisory Committee had sought a meeting with the Department of Transport and Main Roads months ago to address the problem.
He advised that due to additional issues at the location with pedestrians could warrant a more comprehensive approach to keep the wildlife and people safe.
The matter was endorsed at TRC’s last ordinary meeting and calls for an urgent meeting with DTMR to implement “adequate safety improvements” to tackle the problem.
Friday 7 March, 2025 – Atherton International Club
Mareeba and the district have been gripped by a crime crisis for some time, which is often overlooked as the media emphasis is on Cairns, particularly in light of the recent horrendous home invasion and vicious assault.
Youth crime has been a problem in our community for some time; however, it has escalated over the past decade for a number of reasons, including the watering down of laws and no consequence for actions creating anxiety across the community.
As the Member for Cook, I support the LNP’s commitment to toughening up on serious and repeat youth offenders.
The first step was the Making Queensland Safer Laws passed before Christmas which did away with detention as a last resort and introduced Adult Crime Adult Time.
Next, we have enabled the police to do their job by recruiting more police and providing additional resources. The police have been
doing an incredible job in very difficult circumstances.
Whilst there is a perception that the Judiciary may not have been meeting community expectations in relation to bail and sentencing of serious and repeat offenders by letting them back on the street, I am pleased to report that this is turning around with more serious and repeat offenders being held in custody.
The LNP is looking at options to establish appropriate remand and detention centres across the state. I am lobbying hard to see such and facility built at Lotus Glen, separate from the adult prison.
As an indication that the LNP is getting tough on crime initiative is starting to have an impact, the statistics for the Mareeba District since Christmas indicate that break-and-enter is down 50% and motor vehicle theft is down 45%.
It will take time to turn this crisis around, and I assure the people of Mareeba I am dedicated to seeing a reduction in victims of youth crime.
By KONNOR FURBER
AFTER being diagnosed with epilepsy early last year, a young local has decided to “take on a challenge that’s bigger than himself” by running solo in the Great Wheelbarrow Race.
Bodie Bloore is a young man from Mt Molloy who led a seemingly normal life. He left school after Year 11 to pursue an electrical apprenticeship but ventured off to create his own software engineering business and was striving towards his fitness and career goals.
It wasn’t until he was on holiday with some family early last year when he experienced something that turned his world upside down.
“About this time last year, I was visiting Phillip Island (Victoria) with my family,” he said.
“I was playing a board game called Rummikub, I was just sitting there and then my arms just started jolting.
“I dropped my cup and smashed all my pieces over. So, I went to my room to try and just chill out, then I had a full-blown seizure.
“I turned purple and even dislocated one of my shoulders during it.”
Bodie had experienced his first seizure, but after being taken to the hospital, the doctors couldn’t confirm whether it was epilepsy or something else.
Upon returning to Cairns, he underwent “test, after test, after test” yet doctors were still unable to identify what had caused the seizure.
He lost his drivers license, his independence, and the certainty that he could continue the life he had worked so hard to build.
“Eventually, I had my second seizure when I was travelling in Thailand,” Bodie said.
“I had just finished dinner and was walking down the street, then bang, I had a seizure.
“I dislocated both my shoulders during that one. When I got home, I had to have a 24-hour brain scan. After that they found out I had epilepsy and then from there they were able to actually start to medicate me.”
It was a long and “pretty scary” eight months
Bodie Bloore will be running solo in the Great Wheelbarrow race for the Epilepsy Foundation. Photo credit: Jessica Lockhart Photography.
for Bodie, but he considers himself one of the lucky ones who is responsive to the “lifechanging” medication.
“The medication has pretty much cured it for me, which is awesome. I’m honestly so grateful,” he said.
“I’ve been able to do so many more things again, and I wouldn’t be able to do the Wheelbarrow Race without it.”
For some time before his first seizure, Bodie had been experiencing minor “hand jolts” on an irregular basis.
But after his first seizure, “everything just got worse and worse”.
“It had got to the point where it was every
day or every second day. My hands, arms and shoulders would start jolting and my mind would go blank, it was pretty scary,” he said.
“Before I was medicated it was a worry for me to hang out with someone, because I kept thinking, ‘Is something going to happen?’, ‘Are they going to judge me if something happens?’, and ‘Are they going to be able to help?’”
The soon to be 19-year-old will be running for the Epilepsy Foundation in the Wheelbarrow race.
“It’s always something I’ve always looked at as being impossible, like there’s no way you can run solo while pushing a wheelbarrow for that long,” he said.
“I don’t even know what it was, I just checked out the website to see if anyone else was doing it solo, and there’d been a few people in the last couple of years.
“So, I was like ‘alright, I can do it’ or at least give it my best shot anyway. I’ve been training really hard, I recently ran an ultra-marathon, which was 50km.
“I’m slowly getting more and more confident in my physical abilities, but I’m mostly focused on improving my mental toughness.
“I’m not very nervous, I just know the pain that’s going to come and I’ve kind of accepted it.
“I just know that I’m not going to quit. They’re going to have to drag me off that track if something happens, because I won’t be walking off there.”
Bodie has raised about $1,800 since launching his campaign on social media, with $600 being raised in the first 48 hours.
“It blew me away to be honest, I did not expect that in the slightest, so hopefully we can keep it going,” he said.
Bodie’s message for anyone living with epilepsy is to “just keep enduring”.
“It sounds pretty weird, but I didn’t think I was a normal person, I thought I was less valuable because I have this condition, but everyone, no matter what, is valuable, and people still love you. You just have to keep pushing and try to live as normal as you can.”
Mareeba Shire
Cr Ross Cardillo has been appointed as the new Advisory Committee Chair for the Great Wheelbarrow Race.
THE Great Wheelbarrow Race has a new Advisory Committee chair following the appointment of Mareeba Cr Ross Cardillo at a recent council meeting.
He replaces the previous chair, Cr Kevin Davies, following his passing in January.
“Cr Kevin Davies has been a part of the Great Wheelbarrow Race for many years, and I would like to sincerely thank him for his immense contributions,” Cr Cardillo said.
“Cr Davies’ advocacy was a key reason the event was showcased on Sunrise last year, raising awareness for the Mareeba Shire on a national scale.
“The Great Wheelbarrow Race is one of our region’s biggest events, and I look forward to working with the committee and the community to help deliver this iconic race for its 22nd year.”
Teams will follow the 140km ‘Wheelbarrow Way’ from Mareeba to Chillagoe starting 9 May and finishing 11 May.
Registrations are open until 30 April and interested participants can learn more and register on the event website via www.greatwheelbarrowrace.com.au.
AMK Art
Apels Solicitors & Notary
Bloom & Grow Physiotherapy
Blundell Classic Ford Museum
Bowerbird Publishing - Crystal Leonardi
Cage & Co
Cairns Adventure Group
Cairns Hardware
Cheers Photo Booth
Circuit Tree Mobiles & Technology
Coles Mareeba
Color Studio
Domigo Coffee
Essential Fitness
FNQ Filters & Parts
Girles Signs
Golden Drop Mango Winery
Hair By Yahni
Hansen Ford & Mareeba Toyota
Hartley’s Creek Crocodile Adventures
Hungry Pug
Inner Elysium Massage
Intimo – Raylene Shroj
LJ Hooker Mareeba
Mango Lagoon Resort - Palm Cove
Mareeba & Dimbulah Community Bank
Branches of Bendigo Bank
Mareeba Chamber of Commerce
Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate and for your support of the third annual International Women’s Day event. Thanks to our guest speakers Monica Madrid and Nadine Cockrem for sharing your inspiring stories, Singer Shandell, and our wonderful MC Amy Braes, and Mareeba International Club for the hospitality.
Mareeba Deli & Wellbeing Cafe
Mareeba Heritage Museum & Visitor
Information Centre
Mareeba Leagues Club
Mareeba Lions Club
Mareeba Priceline Pharmacy
Mayor Angela Toppin
McDonalds
Moro Auto
Mt Uncle Distillery
O’Donnells Office Products Depot
Palm Cove Spa & Beauty
Queensland & Northern NSW Lions
Medical Research Foundation
Queensland Police Service
Reef Hotel Casino
Relished Food & Gifts
Rosie’s Haven
Skybury
Tablelands Farm to Fork
The Express Newspaper
The Hope Deck - Nadine Cockrem
Trinity Petroleum
Uniquely Made XO
W J Beauty
You Beautyy
• complete a free online training course
• have a dedicated bank account for campaign expenses
• provide a $250 candidate deposit by cash or bank cheque
• complete your nomination form online at the self-service portal at ecq.qld.gov.au
Nominations close: 12pm 18 March 2025.
For more information contact the Returning Officer:
Name: Julie Wells
Office: Cedric Davies Community Hub, 43 Anzac Avenue, Mareeba
Email: Julie.Wells@elections.qld.gov.au
Phone: 0486 183 705
Scan to find out more about the by-election
We are seeking donations of native seeds and fruit to help with revegetation projects. Our plantings help to increase canopy cover, improve water quality, provide wildlife habitat and protect biodiversity.
We continuously propagate local species for revegetation projects and can do even more if we can source more seeds.
At this time of year we’re particularly looking for seeds and fruit from Pencil Cedars Ackama australiensis, Maiden’s Blush / Blush Alder Sloanea australis and Sarcopteryx martyana
You can drop seeds and fruit at the Community Revegetation Nursery in Winfield Park on Lake Barrine Road near Malanda. If the nursery is closed just leave the seeds and fruit at the gate in a bag or container that you don’t want returned. Include a note about where and when you collected the seeds and fruit, and a branch with leaves (to help with identification). We’ll propagate the seeds straight away or store them for future use.
Department of Transport and Main Roads has provided funding to develop walking network plans for Atherton, Malanda and Yungaburra. The plans will help us understand the walking transport needs and opportunities, and how we can achieve a safer, more comfortable, accessible and better-connected walking environment to meet the needs of the community.
The walking network plans inform action plans, which will contribute to securing funding for implementation in the coming years.
We want to hear from the community about footpaths in the Atherton, Malanda and Yungaburra central business districts — how the current footpaths are used, what challenges are faced with the current footpaths, what footpaths are needed, where there are trip and other hazards, etc.
Join the conversation at trc.qld.gov.au/joinconversation by Monday 14 April.
Rate notices have been issued and payments must to be cleared by Monday 24 March 2025 for the 2.5% discount to apply. Get in touch if your notice hasn’t arrived — check your junk mail folder if you receive your notice by email.
We may be able to set up an agreed arrangement if you are having difficulty paying your rates. Get in touch within 60 days from the date of issue of the notice so we can organise weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments.
Advance payments can be made at any time. Contact us to work out how much to pay and how often. Check in if you are making regular payments towards your rates and would like to know if you will be paid up by the due date.
Remember we have concessions for pensioners, not-for-profit organisations and community groups.
Find out more at trc.qld.gov.au/rates
We are making reading to children even easier with pre-packed bags of books that parents and carers can borrow from our libraries.
These free, borrowable Book Packs are filled with quality resources chosen by our Collections Team to help develop children’s formative years of language and reading development. The more you read to children the better their speech will develop, and they’ll build a rich network of words.
The resources include board books, picture books, simple stories, CDs, audiobooks and nursery rhymes, and come in bright and colourful bags for two age groups. The blue Baby Book Packs are for up to two-year-olds, and the red Toddler Book Packs are for two to three-year-olds.
Library membership is free so pop into one of our libraries to join up if you aren’t already a member.
Jubilee Christian College would like to introduce our 2025 College Captains – Oliver Freeman and Holly Bunce.
Our College is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where students are valued, respected, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Guided by integrity, honesty, and service, our student leaders make a meaningful impact on our community.
Our 2025 College Captains exemplify these values through their leadership, dedication, and heart for serving others. We are confident they will lead with wisdom and kindness, inspiring their peers along the way.
Congratulations to our College Captains and all our elected student leaders.
We look forward to a great year ahead! Developing
Dimbulah State School P-10 are proud to introduce our Secondary School and Primary School Captains. These young leaders have been chosen for their dedication, integrity, and commitment to making a difference in our school community.
As this year’s Secondary School Captains, Chloe and Meika are excited to take on the responsibility of representing students, fostering school spirit, and working closely with staff and peers to create a supportive learning environment.
Leadership begins at a young age, and our Primary School Captains, Ben and Bruce, are ready to step up and make a positive impact. With a friendly and approachable nature, they aim to inspire younger students to be confident, kind, and active participants in school life.
As we embark on another exciting year, we are confident that our School Captains will lead with pride, responsibility, and a commitment to making a difference. Congratulations to our leaders—we look forward to seeing all that you will achieve!
We are proud to introduce our 2025 School Captains: Connor Ashford, Ryland Bird and Avleen Dhillon.
At Biboohra State School, our Captains are chosen for their leadership qualities, positive attitude, and dedication to our school community. They demonstrate responsibility, kindness, and respect, inspiring their peers through their actions and commitment to making our school the best it can be.
Our 2025 Captains have many exciting ideas to support their fellow students and contribute to the school. Their leadership will focus on fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, encouraging student participation, and setting a strong example of teamwork and school spirit.
Congratulations to our 2025 School Captains!
We wish you a fantastic year of leadership and success.
Phone: (07) 4095 9000 Cnr Jack & Alice Streets, Atherton
St Joseph’s School community congratulates our School Leaders for 2025. It is indeed a credit to be recognised by their peers as students who can exemplify the special qualities that are required in serving as leaders in our school.
Our school leaders were commissioned at our Opening School Mass on Thursday, 6 February.
Our school leaders will be actively involved in many school activities, religious celebrations and extra-curricular activities throughout the year, as well as representing our school at various community events.
They are responsible for organising and running our weekly school assembly and being Playground Guardians volunteering to help younger students in the playground. They are also active members of our social justice group, Mini Vinnies.
We are confident that they will fulfil their positions as leaders of St Joseph’s with a genuine sense of responsibility and commitment – supported by the entire school community. We wish them all the best in their busy year ahead.
We are delighted to introduce our 2025 student leaders! This year, we proudly welcome Matilda Alford and Lucas Kattenberg as our captains, alongside Bronte Kochi and Jordan Cox as our vice-captains. These outstanding students have been chosen for their dedication, integrity, and strong leadership qualities.
Our student leaders play a crucial role in representing the student body, promoting our core values, and contributing to a positive, supportive school culture. Matilda, Lucas, Bronte, and Jordan have already demonstrated a genuine passion for their school community, and we are confident they will lead with enthusiasm, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Please join us in congratulating our 2025 school captains and vice-captains. We look forward to seeing them make a meaningful impact throughout the year ahead!
Yungaburra State School Announces 2025 Student Leaders!
Congratulations to the Senior Student Leadership Team for 2025.
Our school community wishes them the best with their pledge: “Living fully, embrace every moment, chase every dream. Make it happen!”
Yungaburra State School is proud to introduce our 2025 School Leaders! Congratulations to our School Captains, Alana Hill and Pia Kidner, and our School Vice-Captains, Belle Suthers and Asher Brennan
With a big year ahead, our School Captains and the 2025 Student Council have exciting projects and events planned. Their vision for 2025 is to foster a strong sense of belonging at Yungaburra SS by creating kind, safe, and engaging activities for all students. They are eager to refresh various areas of the school and organise student-led lunchtime activities and events that make school life even more enjoyable. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of their leadership - congratulations, Alana, Pia, Belle, and Asher!
L - R: Jo McDougall (Principal), Asher Brennan (School Vice-Captain), Belle Suthers (School Vice-Captain), Alana Hill (School Captain), and Pia Kidner (School Captain).
Malanda State High School is proud to introduce our exceptional Senior School Captains for 2025: Shizuki A, Macey H, Tom R, and Gabriella S. These outstanding students have been selected for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to the school community.
As Senior School Captains, Shizuki, Macey, Tom, and Gabriella play a pivotal role in shaping the school culture, representing the student body, and leading by example. Their responsibilities include organising school events, promoting school spirit, and acting as role models for their peers.
Each of them brings a unique set of skills and a passion for making Malanda a better place for everyone. Whether it’s through their involvement in extracurricular activities or their ability to communicate effectively with students and staff, these leaders are sure to leave a lasting impact.
We look forward to an exciting and inspiring year under their leadership.
The Mareeba State School leaders for 2025 are Macauley Ballin, Imogen McLennan, Kipp Fealy and Mateo Tatti.
These four students will proudly represent Mareeba State School at events within the school and the broader community.
They have committed to representing Mareeba State School by promoting and upholding the values of the school, upholding the high standards of leadership, behaviour and learning, and by following Mareeba State School’s three school rules:
Safety,
Me and You.
MEMBER for Kennedy Bob Katter has written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese requesting more help for farmers and small business owners affected by recent natural disasters.
Mr Katter called on the Prime Minister to urgently address the financial hardships faced by farmers and small business owners after recent weather events, particularly the severe flooding and power outages that crippled communities across Northern Queensland last month.
Mr Katter has requested the government extend financial assistance to the agricultural sector and small businesses suffering as a result of flooded transport routes and power outages.
He said that farmers, particularly those from the Tablelands, Cassowary Coast and Hinchinbrook regions, had suffered immense losses due to road closures that halted access to major fruit-growing areas for nearly three weeks.
“The inability to transport produce to markets, coupled with increased freight costs once access was restored, has placed a substantial financial burden on local farmers, particularly banana and avocado producers,” he said.
The Australian Banana Growers’ Council recently called for urgent action to improve infrastructure connecting Far North Queensland to the south.
“Weather resilient road corridors are crucial not only for those of us who live and work in the Far North, but also for maintaining the flow of essential goods, including bananas,” council chair Leon Collins said.
“Given we are seeing more frequent and intense weather events, we are calling for State and Federal Governments to prioritise upgrading these
important freight routes.”
Mr Collins said the banana industry was losing approximately $20 million per week (farm gate value) and $37 million per week (retail value) while the Bruce Highway, and alternate routes, were cut.
Mr Katter says more needs to be done to support farmers.
“Some agricultural businesses didn’t experience direct property damage and are now ineligible for these flood relief grants, but these farmers faced significant losses due to the disruption of their operations,” he said.
Small business owners across the north, many of whom lost weeks of revenue due to road closures and power outages, were also feeling the strain.
related damages despite suffering significant financial losses.
Additionally, small businesses that have struggled to maintain their workforce through the disaster urgently needed wage subsidies to support their employees during the recovery period.
Mr Katter said he was calling on the Prime Minister to broaden the eligibility criteria for small businesses to include compensation for power-related stock losses and to introduce wage subsidies for those businesses that have gone above and beyond to keep their staff employed during the prolonged flooding event.
LEADERS in agriculture and business have met with the State Government in a bid to boost investment in one of Queensland’s most crucial economic sectors.
Treasurer David Janetzki joined private sector investors, agtech bosses and primary industry leaders at the Agribusiness Investment Roundtable late February to boost the State’s investment opportunities, drive innovation and expand its market share of the global food supply chain.
The roundtable came after the government announced it was developing a 25-year blueprint to future-proof Queensland’s primary industries and boost output to $30 billion by 2030. It was worth about $22.7 billion in 2023-24.
The government has also announced the $30 million Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund to promote new technologies and practices, 100 additional frontline officers for biosecurity, and heavy support for flood-hit farmers in North Queensland.
The Agribusiness Investment Roundtable followed evokeAG 2025 held in Brisbane, which was attended by more than 2,000 domestic and international agriculture leaders, innovators and delegates.
Mr Janetzki said he recognised the enormous value of Queensland’s agriculture industry, as the son of a sixth-generation dairy farmer.
“Agriculture is a bedrock for our economy, but under the former government it was left to wither on the vine,” he said.
“Our focus is driving-down operational costs for farmers and boosting investment and productivity, because productivity increases prosperity – for all Queenslanders.
“Queensland’s agriculture sector is renowned right across the world and, as part of this State’s fresh start, we will encourage new investment to drive innovation, science and technology.”
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said his government would never take the agricultural, fisheries or forestry sectors for granted.
“Under this Government, the future is much brighter for primary producers and investors, no longer will producers be hamstrung by policies designed to placate other interest groups,” he said.
“Agriculture is big business and deserves its rightful place at the table, which is exactly what our government is delivering.
“Investors and producers can have confidence knowing we are also investing in the sector, and we have set an ambitious target to boost the industry by $6.5 billion in the next five years.”
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) estimates the value of Australian agriculture exports dropped by $7 billion between 2022-23 and 2023-24 and forecast exports to shrink another 2% this financial year.
Mr Katter said that many of these businesses were ineligible for funding because their premises were not directly inundated by floodwaters. However, the loss of power – rendering refrigeration and other essential operations impossible – has caused significant stock losses, impacting their ability to continue trading.
Businesses like The Express newspaper were unable to get their product to customers due to the inability to transport it from the Townsville printing press.
Mr Katter pointed to the Forrest Beach Supermarket (south of Lucinda) which lost over $9000 in perishables. The supermarket and other small businesses in the region could not claim compensation due to power-
“Farmers and small business owners in my electorate have been hit hard by this disaster, and they need the government to step up and provide the support they deserve,” he said.
“These businesses, many of which are the backbone of our community, are suffering not only from the direct impacts of the disaster but from years of inaction on infrastructure upgrades and disaster preparedness. I urge the prime minister to ensure that these industries receive the financial assistance they need to rebuild and recover.”
Mr Katter has provided the Prime Minister’s office with additional documentation from local agricultural groups and small business owners to further highlight the extent of the financial hardship caused by the recent disasters.
and Marine Debris Clean Up and Prevention.
Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to on-ground projects which encourage communities and volunteers to participate in the removal of harmful litter from parks and reserves, and marine debris from beaches, creeks, rivers and wetlands.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the funding was vital to ensuring we preserved our natural environment and protect precious wildlife into the future.
“These grants provide valuable funding to community groups, not-for-profit organisations and First Nations groups allowing them to take immediate action to prevent rubbish and harmful marine debris from ending up on our shores and polluting our oceans,” he said.
“Every piece of rubbish we keep out of the environment makes a difference.”
Applications close 4pm on Thursday, 27 March. For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/environment/management/ funding/community-sustainability.
RACING returns to Mareeba for 2025 this Saturday, with a St Patrick’s Day theme and a five-race card for punters to enjoy.
The racecourse will be brimming with Irish humour and lots of green to be seen, with the Fashions on the Field to be determined on the St Patrick’s Day theme for the categories of Couples, Open Ladies and Under 18s.
There will also be live music and lots of other fun for the family. The gates open at 11am.
WHAT better way to learn a bit about history than by going on a pub crawl?
A new companion book by the writer of the popular Herberton Hotels has been launched about such establishments around the Irvinebank region.
Released by Wondecla local Colin Purchase, Irvinebank District Hotels takes the reader on a journey to the towns Watsonville, Bakerville, Irvinebank, Montalbion, Stannary Hills, Orient Camp, Hales Siding, Rocky Bluffs and Boonmoo.
The book covers the 44 hotels that were in that district, with information garnered from the wealth of information at the Herberton Mining Centre.
PEOPLE living in the Mareeba Shire are being asked their views on what types of arts and cultural activities they enjoy and what they would like to see more of.
The council is currently running a survey to seek input from residents to help shape the future of arts, culture, and heritage activities in the shire.
The feedback will be used to guide the direction of the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Program.
The survey asks locals how they interact with arts, cultural or heritage events including whether they volunteer, attend or participate in them, what art forms interest them the most and what types of activities they would like to see more of.
The survey is available on council’s website at www.msc.qld.gov.au/current-communityconsultation or hard copies are available at the council’s customer service centres and libraries.
The survey closes on 16 March.
Mr Purchase, a former banker and administration manager from Queensland, said his writing came out of a need for “new purpose” after he retired. He began volunteering at the mining centre and buried himself in the history of the region.
He found inspiration for his first book from a poster up on the wall of the old hotels in the Herberton area dating back to 1884.
He published the Herberton Hotels book last year and after its success, began researching the history of the hotels and towns in the hills further west of Cairns.
“Some of the hotels were bush shanties, others quite substantial twostorey structures,” he said. “When a town declined, whole hotels were dismantled and moved to another town.
“Towns with small populations had a
more than generous number of hotels to quench the thirst of the residents and transient miners of the day.”
The latest book includes a map of the
area, and while the hotels “don’t exist anymore” the locations “are accessible with a 4WD”.
He also includes the rare anecdote or word-of-mouth tale, but they are hard to come by.
Mr Purchase said apart from mining, the area was known for growing tobacco in the 1930s, with farms in Watsonville, Montalbion, Hales Siding and Boonmoo.
The hotels that sprang up also followed the same route as the Stannary Hills tramway, which opened in 1902, and was an important connector between the towns.
“This tramway was used to transport firewood and ore to the Irvinebank smelters, ore to Rocky Bluff from Stannary Hills, goods for the towns and provided a connection at Boonmoo to the main line to Chillagoe, Mareeba and Cairns,” he added.
So what next for this hotel detective?
“Actually, I’m starting to look at the hotels in the Atherton Tablelands, within the regional council boundaries,” he said, agreeing it makes a nice book trifecta.
“There were 66 hotels once, and now only 12 trading – which I’d just say is just economics.”
“I used to drink at a few,” he added, with a laugh.
No doubt he will enjoy the research.
Copies of Irvinebank District Hotels can be bought online at www.colinpurchase.square.site and at Loudoun House Museum and Herberton Mining Centre.
FIRSTLY, I would like to say a big thank you to NQ Tenpin Atherton for using your common sense and helping to solve the issue of overflowing rubbish dumps.
My family and I went there a few weeks ago for a few games and bought burgers and hot dogs for lunch in their kiosk (good food too). The food was served on real plates. I was pleasantly surprised as a lot of cafes in Atherton are serving eat-in meals and drinks on single use plastic plates and cups.
Now someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m sure all food businesses have industrial dishwashers, so why use single use plastic? I now avoid those cafes for this single-minded reason.
Secondly, I would like to say a big thank you to Cr Cardew for having the guts to speak openly about the brainless decisions TRC are making which consequently cost ratepayers and/or taxpayers.
Now I’d like to refer to the comment made by Cr Dave Bilney in The Express (19/02/25), advising that the toilet block construction at Prior’s Creek was coming out of a grant, not TRC funding, implying that it was free money, that it didn’t really matter that it may get pulled down due to the sale of the land it will be built on.
Far out Dave, you just keep digging yourself in deeper and deeper. If the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program read your comment, we may never get another grant again.
The staff you employ solely to apply for those grants are probably pulling their hair out and on the quiet, looking for another job.
Thirdly, come the next local election, it’s high time we all got our heads out of the sand and started voting with our brain and not our heart.
I’ll admit that I used to vote on how visually safe and pleasing a candidate looked rather than doing some research into their history and their vision for our home. For example, someone with a financial background isn’t likely to recognise the struggles of a family’s budgetary life, or issues that face the elderly – from the cost of rates to the lack of benches in town communal areas, wheelchair accessibility crossing streets and coloured aids for the visually impaired.
We need TRC staff who have real life budget skills, not ones who got a certificate for it, because our lives matter. We need councillors that listen to us, not so much those who are in business (yes, I’m referring to the Chamber of Commerce).
So, we need people with real life budget skills, empathy, whole community vision, honesty and integrity to stand up at the next election.
Hmmm, does that sound like our average mums and dads? Yes, it does. So, mums and dads start working on your campaign, get to know people, get your name out there (especially Malanda). Start attending council meetings. Start the process now so you are ready for election time.
Cr Cardew, please stand up for Mayor, I know of quite a lot of people who will vote for you without hesitation.
Tansy Gleed MALANDA
THE science of climate change is not solely based on models as Bruce Jones incorrectly claims (Letters 26/02/25).
It is based on 150 years of knowledge regarding greenhouse gases, data from standardised temperature readings around the world; on research into ice cores and tree rings giving us climate data going back hundreds of years; to rates of ice melt in the Arctic and Antarctic and numerous other data sources that clearly demonstrate dramatic changes in the climate since the start of the industrial revolution.
Models are used taking the known data in order to predict the future trajectory of climate change. Climate models are constantly modified as new data emerges.
It isn’t always right – in fact, its primary shortcoming is that it has failed to predict both the speed and severity with which climate changes are occurring globally. The 10 hottest years on record globally have all been in the last decade.
You can fabricate, prevaricate, yell as loud as you want in the belief system you have constructed out of nothing, but the fact remains we are now in a changed climate and it is unstable, unpredictable and already killing people.
Those who insist on denying the undeniable without any shred of evidence are bluntly – WRONG. And to The Express – this is not a debate – it’s a stupid yelling match across an unbridgeable divide between science and ignorance, illogic and plain bloody-minded stupidity.
It goes nowhere, tells us nothing and gives us nothing to think about. Let’s actually have a discussion about climate change that acknowledges what thousands of climate scientists know and talk about the steps we need to take to protect the planet and ourselves.
Jeremy Tager TOPAZ
PRESIDENT Trump’s MAGA patriots are upsetting liberals in a variety of ways. Some of these are by:
• Closing the borders and sending illegal alien invaders home.
• Resetting birth-right citizenship to the rules laid out in the Constitution.
• Pardoning the January 6 protesters, who never were engaged in an insurrection.
• Recognising the climate hoax and ending spending on it.
• Resuming harvesting domestic hydrocarbons for cheap fuel and energy.
• Investigating the obesity pandemic and making Americans healthy again.
• Getting poisons such as glysophate out of America’s food.
• Removing toxins such as fluoride from America’s water supplies.
• Investigating childhood diseases that have become more prevalent in the vaccine era.
• Finding out what’s in vaccines and whether they cause autism.
• Exposing fraud and waste within US government systems and cutting wasteful spending.
• Ending the Democrats’ weaponisation of the Justice Department.
• Cutting federal regulations, unneeded agencies, and the bureaucracy.
• Releasing the JFK, RFK, and MLK files, and the Epstein and Diddy client lists.
• Exploring replacing income tax with tariffs on imports.
• Bringing American manufacturers and American jobs home from overseas.
• Ending US involvement in foreign wars.
• Ending racist and sexist DEI programs and returning to merit-based selections.
• Preventing woke doctors from
mutilating children’s genitalia with their “transgender” delusion.
• Getting men who think they’re women out of women’s sports and bathrooms.
• Ending the globalists’ influence in US governance.
• Investigating chemtrails and ending programs like Bill Gates’ SCoPEx aerosol spraying.
• Investigating whether America’s gold is still in the Fort Knox vaults.
Sane people agree that these are all rational and desirable objectives, but the left in the US, overseas, and here are absolutely melting down over them.
Whatever happened to the left that they lost the plot so badly?
Peter Campion TOLGA
MY summary of Peta Weaver’s letter to the editor(12/2/25) is that she doesn’t have expertise in climate science and therefore trusts scientific orthodoxy.
As far as I can see, that’s a nonthreatening sensible rational viewpoint. Stan Thornton (6/2/25) doesn’t think so.
He sees it in political terms. He immediately and irrationally invents a socialist club that she, and presumably I, belong to, simply because we support scientific orthodoxy.
Now let’s look at it another way. Stan, maybe you read a book once by a maverick doctor, who said brain surgery was actually part of a cult led by a huge conspiracy of international medical plotters, all committed to perpetuating the myth that brain surgery was necessary,
You’d agree with that maverick and forego surgery if you had a tumour, wouldn’t you?
Maybe you would, but I’m thinking that in this instance, to save your life, you’d go with the science.
Science is not political, it’s not a joke, and it’s definitely not a thing that you can have your own opinion about if you’re not qualified to have one.
As Peta said, leave it to the experts. You’d do that if you needed surgery or you needed someone to pilot your passenger jet... wouldn’t you?
Mike Webb
KURANDA
GRAEME Congdon (Letters 05/03/25) complains that he has never received a scientifically controlled reply to his question regards CO2 and climate.
The short(ish) answer is that there is an implicit suggestion in Graeme’s question that the second law of thermodynamics dictates that CO2 can emit long-wave radiation only towards a cooler body i.e. space. This is simply not correct.
The second law dictates the net flow of energy. Within this net flow are flows via any number of different mechanisms and in all kinds of directions. A longer and more complete explanation can be found for e.g. at https://www.aap.com.au/ factcheck/climate-sceptics-on-wrong-sideof-thermodynamics-law/.
Another way to think about it might be to consider that the absorption and radiation of photons is a quantised process. Atoms and molecules absorb photons whose wavelengths correspond to some internal energy transition (e.g. electron excitation/deexcitation or a change in a vibrational state).
The atom or molecule will always
LET us pay homage to all the woman in our lives - mothers, grandmothers, even great grandmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins and friends. Just stop and think, without women such as Emily Pankhurst and her suffragettes, none of us gals would have the right to vote. Also caring women like Florence Nightingale and her group of hardworking nurses. These are two examples that spring to mind and I know there are hundreds more out there.
Think about them and give thanks. Remembering Cleopatra and the warrior Boadicea, both who changed the course of history.
Check out the Australian bank notes, everyone has a woman featured on it:
• Queen Elizabeth 11, who has featured on Aussie notes from 1966. A charming and dedicated woman.
• Dame Mary Gilmore (on $10 note), a prolific writer and socialist, passionate about the rights of workers welfare of woman and indigenous Australians.
• Mary Reibey (on $20 note) nee Haydock, convicted of stealing a horse and transported to Australia. A true rags to riches story as Mary acquired many ships and buildings in Sydney.
• Edith Dircksey Cowan (on $50 note) was Australia’s first female politician and lobbied hard to establish a Children’s Court. She belonged to many organisations including the Red Cross.
• Dame Nellie Melba (on $100 note – pictured above) AKA Helen Porter Mitchell, internationally well known because of her beautiful near three-octave soprano range. Dame Nellie retired in 1928 and died in 1931.
Let us not forget our own wonderful women such as Catherine Atherton, who along with husband John founded Mareeba. Catherine belonged to many organisations assisting the people of the town including the Country Woman’s Association.
Ida Dempster was another person who worked hard for Mareeba and was also a member of the CWA, both doing good deeds.
Pamela Joyce Dickenson was vote in as Shire Councillor 1976-1982. Was Pamela our first councillor? Please advise me one way or the other.
Ellen Emmerson nee Gallaghan was known for her skills in tightrope walking and horse riding in Ashton’s Circus.
Amazing the skills of these women!
Can’t forget Isabella Emslie who was placed in charge of a nursing home in Walsh Street due to her skills in looking after people’s health.
Australian banknotes information can be found a google search. Catherine Atherton etc – check Street Names of Mareeba.
People interested in preserving Mareeba Shire’s wonderful history can come and chat about how to with Helen at the Historical Society Rooms at 100 Park, 345 Byrnes Street. Times are: Tuesday 8am till 12, Wednesday 8am till 3pm, Mareeba Market day 2nd and 5th Saturdays on the month, 7am till 12 or email sec@ mbahistsoc.org.au
Look forward to interesting discussions.
– Helen Kindt
try to return to its lowest energy state by re-radiating a photon. This process is completely random. The atom or molecule doesn’t know in which direction it’s pointed. It has no preferred direction of photon emission.
So, CO2 molecules absorb infrared photons (which would otherwise be headed out to space) and then re-radiates them in all directions evenly. So, the net effect is that a proportion of these photons head back towards the planet instead of heading on their merry way.
In response to Stan Thornton’s accusation (Letters 5/3/25) of selfrighteousness, pretentiousness etc, I’d simply question why his compatriot, Peter Campion isn’t subjected to the same standard? Recently in these pages, Peter chastised Peta Weaver for falling for “an appeal to authority” but in the very next breath suggested she should submit to his authority because he’s done the work, and he knows better.
David Blake DANBULLA
SHIRE residents voted on 16 March 2024 in local government elections. Mareeba is a 1 Division Shire.
On 14 January 2025, Councillor Kevin Davies passed away. On 10 February MSC held a special meeting and voted to proceed by way of a by-election as opposed to the other option to approach the runner up.
Whilst it can be agreed that MSC
complied with the legislation, it can be argued that MSC did not comply with the intent and spirit. The Act gives two options to replace a councillor vacancy that occurs within a certain time frame – a by election or offer to runner up. The Act also requires that the vacancy be filled within two months.
The option to go to a by-election would have been appropriate where there were no runner ups.
The MSC voted to proceed with a byelection without any consideration of cost. This is irresponsible decision making. In a recent interview with ABC Far North, when questioned on proceeding down a path for which a cost is unknown, the Mayor replied, “what is the price of democracy?” How does it not follow that under that same democratic system, the next in line in the ballot result takes the vacant position? This no cost replacement option is democratic and allowed.
MSC have devalued the vote of every voter who cast their vote at the 2024 election other than those cast for the remaining five councillors. This must be bitter disappointment to voters who believed that their vote would be valued.
Should shire residents be forced to the polls, please consider MSC’s ill informed decision to proceed down this path when filling out the ballot paper as opposed to appointing the ‘next in line’ that would have been a democratic, fair and a no-cost replacement option.
Mladen Bosnic MAREEBA
WELCOME to your own slice of rural paradise, a sprawling 162-acre property that promises a blend of tranquil country living and convenient access to nearby towns.
Located just a short 3km from Tolga Township and 6km from Atherton, this Property offers the best of both worlds, the peace and quiet of rural life coupled with easy reach
to essential amenities. Step onto the property and discover exceptional grazing land, meticulously divided into 5 spacious paddocks adorned with lush gunni, brachi, and abundant glycine. Each paddock is equipped with water troughs. The heart of the property is its robust infrastructure, featuring large cattle yards
shaded by native trees. Complete with a crush, weight box and loading ramp, these facilities are perfectly set up for cattle management.
Nestled amidst this picturesque landscape is a charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home with a modern kitchen and pantry. Imagine savouring your morning coffee on
the veranda, soaking in panoramic views of the property stretching towards the distant mountains, a serene spot ideal for relaxation and contemplation. Additional highlights include several practical sheds for storage and a thoughtfully landscaped low maintenance house yard.
the joy of rural living where every day is an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature and
Suzey Whitby 0438 090 306
THIS property offers a range of possibilities for agricultural ventures beyond poultry farming, with a great location, secure infrastructure, and established income stream. It’s a solid choice for someone seeking immediate returns and room for expansion. This poultry farm property near Biboohra, offering immediate income, and has a strong investment opportunity. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
Property Features:
• Location: 10 minutes from Mareeba, just over an hour from Port Douglas and Cairns airports.
• Size: 24.38 hectares of mostly cleared land.
• Current Use: Poultry farming, specifically an RSPCA Broiler farm producing 125,000 chickens per batch.
• Income: Immediate income stream through ongoing contracts, including a 5-year contract with Baiada.
Farm Infrastructure:
• Sheds: 4 tunnel ventilated sheds, including a mix of curtain-sided and panelsided sheds, all monitored by Rotem Platinum controllers.
• Solar Power: 60kw solar power system to reduce electricity costs, with an additional 8kw system for houses and workshops.
• Machinery Shed: A 20m x 18m shed housing
Address: Price: Agent:
essential equipment like a Merlo telehandler, - Kubota tractors, sweepers, slasher, and a workshop area.
Dwellings:
• Main Farm Residence: 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with large living areas, office, and entertainment deck.
• Second Dwelling: 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom cottage with office and spacious living area.
• Worker Barracks: Additional accommodation for farm workers.
• Water & Irrigation:
• Water Supply: 3 bores supply water for chicken sheds and livestock.
• Rainwater Tanks: For domestic use.
Other Features:
• Fencing: Boundary and internal paddocks for grazing, plus steel cattle yards.
• Mango Trees: Approximately 200 mango trees that could potentially be farmed for dry or frozen fruit.
• Natural Bushland & Seasonal Creek: Adds to the property’s charm and agricultural potential.
For more information or to arrange your own private inspection, contact marketing agent Rino Gava today on 0427779086 or email: rino@girgentigroup. com
Contact: 1004 Bilwon Road, BIBOOHRA $2,750,000 Rino Gava Sibi Girgenti Real Estate 0408 983 879
PROMINENTLY positioned
overlooking bushland surrounds with stunning views to Mount Emerald
– this grand five bedroom family home exudes a relaxed opulence and offers multiple indoor and outdoor living options.
With room for everything, as well as the extended family, all encompassed on an expansive 4 acre allotment – it's positioned for privacy and to take advantage of the exceptional views.
Quality constructed of double brick with hardwood trusses, 900mm eaves and 2.8m high ceilings, the home is meticulously presented and offers an extensive list of features including:
• Approx 542m2 floorplan consisting of 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 toilets plus multiple living areas and patios
• Massive air-conditioned internal layout incorporating a sunken lounge, separate dining and living areas, a generous central kitchen, enclosed patio/gym area as well as a 2nd screened patio/entertainment area overlooking the in-ground
pool
• Substantial bedrooms, 5th bedroom separated by the living area with adjacent bathroom and toilet – perfect for guests or extended family
• Sunken lounge with fireplace feature
• Massive living room with built-in brick bar
• 2 enclosed patios, one with built-in bbq area adjoining a large covered entertainment patio leading out to the pool
HOME Saturday 15 March 10am to 11am
• 40,000L Compass self-cleaning pool with advantage in-built cleaning system and automated chemical doser
• Hallway and laundry built-in storage cupboards + builtin robes in
• Sizeable, brick and tile central kitchen with walk-in pantry and servery window to the patio
• Main bathroom tiled to the ceiling with corner spa bath
• Energy efficient led lights, tinted windows and security
screens + multiple TV and power points throughout
• Sizeable fully tiled double garage
• 1000L stainless steel rainwater tank plumbed into the kitchen
• 4kw solar power system and solar hot water
• 2ML gravity fed water allocation + 20,000L concrete storage tank and pressure pump
• 9m x 6m powered colorbond shed with 15amp power point, 2 x
roller door access and covered walkway from the house
• 1.63ha allotment with manual pop-up irrigation around the house
This meticulously kept home has been designed, not just built, to offer you an exceptional lifestyle. For further information or to arrange a private inspection please contact exclusive agent Joe Torrisi on 0417 700 468 today.
THIS charming 3 bedroom Hardiplank home boasts great street appeal. Inside, you’ll find a modern kitchen that opens into a spacious, open-plan living area, perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The property includes a one-bay carport and a one-bay powered shed, providing ample storage and workspace. Nestled on an 809m² allotment, this home offers plenty of outdoor space for your enjoyment and privacy. Property Features; • Hardiplank weatherboard
• Open plan living
• Modern kitchen with electric appliances, pantry, breakfast bar & dishwasher
• 3 bedrooms, 2 bedrooms with built-in robes & access onto rear patio through French doors
• Bathroom with a shower/ bath & vanity unit. Separate toilet • Hallway linen press
• Internal laundry with a sink & direct external access
• Ceiling fans and crimsafe security screens throughout home
• Semi enclosed rear patio
• 1 bay carport attached to side of home
• 1 bay powered shed with electric roller doors
• Garden shed for additional storage
• Rainwater storage tank
• Mostly fenced 809m2 allotment
• Well established and maintained gardens
• Zoned: Medium Density Ideally located in a quiet street within walking distance to the Atherton Hospital, schools, shopping & medical facilities.
For further information or to arrange an inspection, call exclusive marketing agent Raquel at Sommerset Realty on 0408 983 879.
8 Pink Street, ATHERTON $485,000 EXCLUSIVE to Raquel Cunzolo Sommerset Realty 0408 983 879
NESTLED in one of Atherton’s newest estates and surrounded by quality homes, this brand-new residence is move-in ready! An excellent opportunity for first-home buyers looking to take advantage of the First Home Owner Grant-without the hassle of building.
Designed with a neutral colour palette and vinyl plank flooring inside this home is a perfect blank canvas to make your own. Features include:
• Spacious Open-Plan Living – Air-conditioned with stylish vinyl plank flooring, abundant natural light, and excellent cross-ventilation.
• Modern Kitchen – Featuring stone benchtops, subway tiles, and a well-positioned island bench that doubles as a breakfast bar.
• Fully Tiled Patio – Ideal for outdoor relaxation or entertaining.
• Master bedroom with air conditioning, direct access on to the patio, walk in robe and en-suite
• 3 remaining bedrooms all with built-in wardrobes
• Main Bathroom with a bathtub and a walk-in shower for easy access.
• Internal Laundry With linen storage and external access to the clothesline.
• Security screens throughout.
• Generous 862m² flat block
• Fully fenced backyard with side access, offering ample space for a future pool, etc For more information or to arrange an inspection, contact Elders Real Estate Tablelands agent Michelle Raso on 0428 116 136 today.
HAVE you been searching for 5 acres of land, multiple dwellings and a massive shed? Then look no further, 21 Cater Road, Mareeba ticks all the boxes.
Conveniently located only minutes from town on the Atherton side, right beside the St Stephen’s Catholic College, this property is a fantastic location for those wanting the peace and quiet of a lifestyle property without the distance.
The main home has plenty of room for the whole family and features a large kitchen with plenty of bench and cupboard space, with a dishwasher, and the
dining space to the side.
The large living space is located off the kitchen and dining space, and the entire area is serviced by a large split-system air-conditioner.
The living room opens onto the front patio, and there is also a great rumpus room downstairs. All three bedrooms are a great size, all with built-ins and two with air-conditioning. The main bathroom has a shower and separate tub, located near the bedrooms, and the second bathroom is near the laundry and rumpus room.
The cottage offers a great space for grandparents, teenagers or guests to
retreat to. It has a compact kitchen, dining room and air-conditioned living room. There are two bedrooms, one is air-conditioned, and an office as well. The renovated bathroom is separate to the cottage, alongside the laundry and toilet.
There is a third dwelling which has been stripped out for its new lease on life.
The shed is massive in size, with the main portion measuring 14x30m (approx.), and additional storage rooms/workshops measuring up to around 12x21m (approx.).
This property is truly a
must to inspect with more features than can be listed here.
Property Features:
• 2ha / 5 acres (approx.)
• Minutes from town
• Massive Shed (14mx30m approx.) & additional storage rooms (12mx21m approx.)
• Channel Water
• Various fruit trees & veggie gardens
• Tractor & farm machinery included (enquire for more info)
Main Home:
• Large kitchen with plenty of cabinetry & dishwasher
• Spacious living room with large air-conditioner,
space off the
Rumpus room downstairs
• 3 spacious bedrooms, all with built-ins, 2 with air-con • 2 bathrooms
• Internal laundry, additional storage room
• 2 bay carport
• Front & rear patios
• Recently re-roofed to cyclone standards Cottage:
22. Belief in the existence of a god or gods, (6)
23. Mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person (6)
25. A large amount or number (informal.) (8)
26. Form of visual communication, usually illegal, (8)
27. Feel or manipulate with the hands. (6)
DOWN:
1. The partially shaded outer region of the shadow cast by an opaque object. (8)
2. Gather into a crowd or mass. (10)
3. Easily bent. (6)
4. The academic environment or community; academia. (7)
V N C X U O
K Y E P I W K H U L T H G I N D I M N
Q C R H N A E G B I R S F V Y O U N G
T D K E E T R U L S Z O Z R X G Q A G
C
ACROSS:
8. Suddenly spring or flinch back in fear, horror, or disgust. (6)
9. A street or passage closed at one end (3,2,3)
10. A curved strip or cover over a wheel of a vehicle (8)
11. Entice (someone) into sexual activity. (6)
12. A material thing that can be seen and touched. (6)
13. A photoelectric cell or similar electrical device used for detection or measurement. (5,3)
15. Liable to be taxed; subject to tax. (7)
17. Not known or familiar (7)
20. The notes of a chord played in rapid succession, either ascending or descending. (8)
5. A device which gives a brief flash of intense light, used for taking photographs indoors or in poor light. (8)
6. A wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants. (4)
7. A call made to rally soldiers for battle or to gather together participants in a campaign. (3,3)
14. A cylindrical type of egg-based stuffed pasta (10)
16. A hut built of whole or split logs. (3,5)
18. (Especially of fabric or clothes) able to be washed without shrinkage or other damage. (8)
19. Designed to reduce or prevent slipping (7)
21. Come or go back to a place or person. (6)
22. Grow or cut milk teeth. (6)
24. A stick with a hook or barbed spear, for landing large fish. (4)
Enjoy a quiet dinner for two and discuss some of the plans you have for the future. Don’t let your anger consume you and don’t allow important matters go unattended to. Your high energy will help you through this rather hectic day.
Don’t let your stubborn nature get the better of you. Your best efforts will come through hard work. Problems with large corporations or institutions are apparent. You will have some wonderful ideas that should bring you extra money.
Lowered vitality could affect your work. Communication will be your best bet. Resist secret affairs that could be detrimental to your reputation. Short trips may be tiring but rewarding. You’ll remember how invigorating the great outdoors are.
Get more involved in group efforts at work. Go out with friends, you perhaps haven’t seen in a while, it will be refreshing to get different perspectives. You can’t help everyone. Problems with financial investments could make you nervous.
You can evade the issue as usual by being affectionate, and far too active for your lover to catch on. You will find that social activities will be enjoyable and will promote new connections. Your lack of responsibility and attention has been a key issue in your relationship.
Be aware that joint financial ventures could fall apart. Don’t overlook that fact that someone you care about may be hiding something. You will get drawn into groups that are not favourable to you. You will find your vitality is lowered.
You should be making plans to spend some time with the ones you love. You may find that children are not as accepting as you have been. Group endeavours will provide you with entertainment. You may have difficulties while travelling or problems dealing with close friends or relatives.
Your lover may disappoint you in such a way that estrangement will follow. Try to do things with others that will enable you to bond closer to them. Don’t evade important issues; you may find yourself backed into a corner.
You can expect opposition at work. Don’t let your competition be privy to information that could be incriminating. Your partner may not understand your mood swings but if you are willing to communicate, a lot of grief can be avoided.
A romantic dinner, followed by a quiet evening with the one who is enticing you, should be most satisfying. Sign up for tours or courses that will enlighten you. You will have the discipline to make changes you feel are necessary.
You will enjoy interaction with others this week. You will learn a great deal from people with different cultural backgrounds. You will do best to entertain those you wish to close deals with. Control those desires to cast your fate to the wind.
Don’t forget that your budget is limited right now. It’s a good time to make changes to your living quarters that will give you more space. Do a little shopping. You’re likely to find a real bargain. Get back into a routine that promises positvity.
KUMPULAINEN, Sirkka-Liisa
Late of Millaa Millaa. Passed away peacefully on the 4th of March, 2025. Aged 79 years.
Beloved Wife of Ahti (Dec.). Very much adored Mum and Mother-in-Law of Sari & James, Johnny & Federica, David & Melanie-Ann. Cherished Mummu of Kirsten, Shaun, Annaliisa, Patrick, Andrew and their partners. Iso Mummu of Toby, Aili, Brenton (Dec.), Conor, Jacob, Lucas, Charlie and Ella. Treasured Kummitati of Tiina Ja Matti. Loved Sister and Friend to many.
Family and friends of Sirkka are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service which is to be held at Mountain View Chapel, Guilfoyle’s Tablelands Crematorium, 3 Nasser Road, Atherton on Wednesday 12th March, 2025 commencing at 11.00am.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF DE BLASIO, Angelo
Late of Mareeba, formerly Casalduni, Italy. Passed away peacefully on Tuesday the 4th of March, 2025. Aged 94 years.
Much loved Husband of Maria. Loving Father of Peter, Carmel, and Tina. Cherished Nonno of Andrew, Daniel, Hayden, and their families.
Relatives and friends of Angelo are respectfully invited to attend his service which is appointed to move from St. Thomas Catholic Church, 57 Constance Street, Mareeba on Thursday 13th March, 2025 after a service commencing at 10:30am for interment in the Mareeba Cemetery.
GORDON DOUGLAS ALSTON
11.08.1926 - 16.03.2009
‘Doug’
My Wonderful Dad
Dad never looked for praises, He was never one to boast.
Dad just went on quietly working, For the ones he loved the most.
Dad’s dreams were seldom spoken, His wants were very few.
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
RACK, Ulrich
Passed away surrounded by his family on the 27th of February, 2025. Aged 66 years.
Most of the time his worries, Went unspoken too.
Dad was there… a firm foundation, Through all my dreams of life.
A sturdy hand to hold onto, In times of stress and strife.
A true friend I could turn to, When times were good or bad.
One of my greatest blessings, The many that I called Dad.
Briody Plumbing Pty Ltd is looking for a QUALIFIED PLUMBER
Full Time • $40-50 Per Hour
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
BAILEY, Beryl Irene
Late of Herberton. Passed away peacefully on the Sunshine Coast with her family by her side on Saturday the 22nd of February, 2025. Aged 79 years. Much loved Companion of Bill. Cherished Mother and Mother-in-Law of Annette & Allan and Graham & Leanne. Beloved Grandma of Nell and Tom.
Beryl will be sadly missed by all family and friends.
Family and friends of Beryl are respectfully invited to attend her memorial service which is to be held at Mountain View Chapel, Guilfoyles Crematorium, 3 Nasser Road, Atherton on Friday 14th March, 2025 commencing at 10.30am.
Loving Husband to Judith. Cherished Father and Father-in-Law to Bianca and Madaleine, and their partners. Devoted Pa to 4 grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service to be held in the Garden Chapel of Albany Creek Memorial Park, Albany Creek Road, Bridgeman Downs, on Thursday 13th March, 2025, at 9:00am. For livestreaming please visit: kmsmith.com.au
WEST, Allan Roy
Late of Atherton. Passed away with family by his side on the 27th of February, 2025. Aged 90 years. Cherished Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather.
Briody Plumbing is a locally owned company, operating in Cairns and surrounding areas. We currently have a permanent, full time opportunity for a Qualified Plumber with experience in either of the following areas; Domestic, Commercial and Civil Plumbing. Qualifi cations & Experience:
Construction White Card
Must have own basic tools Great company benefi ts. If you are interested, we would love to hear from you.
Please send your resume to: admin@briodyplumbing.com.au
Guilfoyle Funeral Services
Chapels, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens
Atherton: 4091 2147 Mareeba: 4092 1013 Local Family Owned & “Entrusted for over 70 years” www.guilfoylefunerals.com.au
IN LOVING MEMORY OF O’NEILL, Matthew Ernest
Late of Mareeba. Passed away suddenly on Tuesday the 25th of February, 2025. Aged 60 years. Much loved Son of Nelson (Dec.) and Phyllis (Dec.). Loving Brother of Lynette, Greg, Lois, Waverley, Dorothy, and Timothy. Much loved Stepfather of Margarita. Cherished Uncle of Ciana, Patricia, John, Deon, David, Josh, Lyle, Candice, Renee, Sharon, Jazamaine, Nelson, and Phyllita. Loving Godfather of Neesha. Cherished Grandfather of Renzi and family, Ashton and family, Drew and family, Briannah, Jacinta and family, Tristan and family, Jonah, Edward, and Mathiess. Much loved Uncle, Brother, Brother-in-Law, Grandfather, and Ngathi to many Grandchildren. Will be sadly missed by all family and friends.
Relatives and friends of Matthew are respectfully invited to attend his funeral which is appointed to move from Mareeba Memorial Chapel, 45 Constance Street, Mareeba on Friday 14th March after a service commencing at 11:00am, for interment in the Mareeba Cemetery.
In keeping with Allan’s wishes, a private cremation has been held.
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
Literacy/
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
DISCOUNTED DOMESTIC GREEN WASTE DAYS
Council advises Mareeba Shire residents of the upcoming discounted ($5) domestic green waste days.
Mareeba, Kuranda, Dimbulah and Julatten
Transfer Stations: Saturday 5 April, 2025 and Sunday 6 April, 2025.
Almaden, Irvinebank and Mt Molloy Transfer Stations: Saturday 5 April, 2025 and Tuesday 8 April, 2025.
Mt Carbine Transfer Station:
Thursday 3 April, 2025 and Sunday 6 April, 2025.
Mutchilba Transfer Station: Wednesday
2 April, 2025 and Saturday 5 April, 2025.
Chillagoe Transfer Station: Thursday
3 April, 2025 and Saturday 5 April, 2025.
Council has set the dates for the 2024/25
Discount Green Waste Disposal Days. This is for clean uncontaminated domestic quantities of green waste only. Multiple loads will be accepted on these days.
Visit: www.msc.qld.gov.au for more information
Peter Franks Chief Executive Officer PO Box 154, MAREEBA QLD 4880
T-MSC2025-06
LEASE OF SITE FOR AIRCRAFT REFUELLING FACILITY - TOM GILMORE MAREEBA AVIATION INDUSTRIAL PARK
Mareeba Shire Council invites Tenders from suitably qualified respondents for the Lease of the Aircraft Refuelling Facility at Tom Gilmore Mareeba Aviation Industrial Precinct.
Tender documents are available on Council’s online e-procurement system, VendorPanel - https://www. vendorpanel.com.au/PublicTenders.aspx.
All enquiries or clarifications must be via the online forum which will close 7 days prior to closing time. Council officers are unable to respond to verbal or emailed enquiries.
The closing time for electronic lodgement of Tenders is Thursday, 27 March 2025 at 11:00am.
Regulation 228(7) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 may be applied.
Tender(s) will not be opened publicly. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted
Peter Franks Chief Executive Officer PO Box 154, MAREEBA QLD 4880 MAREEBA INTERNATIONAL CLUB
A.G.M.
THURSDAY 3 APRIL @ 6.00PM
All Members invited to attend! Proposed amendment to Constitution. Any member wanting a copy contact the Secretary: mareebainternational@gmail.com
Mareeba State High School
MAREEBA State High School’s recent swimming carnival was full of fun and good competition with Kennedy claiming the winning house trophy.
Age Champions
12 years – Vincent Mathieson and Grace Read
13 years – Dominic Della Bosca and Brooke Carey
14 years – Jackson Francis and Willow Smith
15 years – Rueben Young and Gemma Read
16 years – Finn Ford and Lexi Fealy Open – Tyler Srhoj and Rebecca Quintieri
Malanda State High School
MALANDA State High School recently held their school swimming carnival which saw the Barrine house take home the shield for 2025.
A YUNGABURRA canoe club will be hosting the first regatta of the year for the Far North Queensland zone this weekend and is expected to attract clubs from the Torres Strait all the way to the Whitsundays to compete.
The Dam Outrigger Canoe Club’s annual regatta is the first competition for the region each year and currently will include teams from the Townsville, Mission Beach, Innisfail, Cairns, and Port Douglas clubs.
The event will be held this Saturday at Tinaburra from 6am-4pm and will host
a number of marathon and sprint events throughout the day.
“It’s hard to introduce a sport like ours when there’s so much sporting competition in the area,” club member Colleen said.
“We just want to let the Tablelands community know that we exist and that we’re a fun lot but also a competitive group of people.”
The club house is located at 15 Tinaburra Drive, Yungaburra. Food and drink will also be available on the day.
THE 2025 season for the Atherton Tableland Hockey Association begins this weekend and the club is encouraging members of the community to give it a try.
“We’ve been in Atherton for many years, so we’re a well-established club,” vice president Denelle Coutts said.
“We play at the same location each week, so there’s no travel, and we’re family friendly so both kids and parents can play.
“If there are any parents wondering what other sports are out there, we want to let them
know that we’re here and we welcome anyone to come and give hockey a shot.”
The club holds games every Saturday at Loder Park, Atherton, with teams from the ages of 3-9 all the way up to the open ladies division playing.
This year, the club will also enter two ladies’ teams in the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games.
The best way to contact the club is through their Facebook page, Atherton Tableland Hockey Association, or via their website www. athertonhockey.com.au.
LOCALS will have to wait until Round 1 of the FNQ Rugby League competition to determine who is the better team between Mareeba and Atherton after both the Reserve and A Grade teams tied their matches.
The stands were packed at Davies Park, Mareeba, for the trial matches between Mareeba Gladiators and Atherton Roosters, with the scores reflecting good competition.
Atherton claimed the first victory with the Under 19s match, defeating the home side 24-10, while the Reserve Grade tied at 18 apiece, as did A Grade who finished 22-22.
In the A Grade game it was Boaza Strickland, Joe Shadrick, Tyrone Williams, and Hubert Elu who went over for a try, with Kaleb Eaton converting three of the four goals.
For Atherton it was Sawyer Nehow, Graham Clark, and Brad Hammond who scored, including a player who was unidentified. Ty Grogan also converted three from four goals.
The first round of the FNQRL season will begin on 22 March where Mareeba will travel to Atherton to once again battle it out, this time for competition points.
A YOUNG girl from Tolga was the youngest player to compete at the recent International Pacific Australia Netball Series in Brisbane and was highlighted as one of the up-and-coming players by Netball Australia.
Bronte Grose was selected in the National PNG Pepes netball team that competed against teams including Scotland, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, and Indigenous Australia.
The series, that was broadcast on Kayo, showcased players from all around the world, with the 16-year-old local being the youngest in the competition.
In 2024 she was selected in the Under 21 Pepes team that competed in the Cook Islands.
This year, her skills set her apart from her competition with her ability to jump high and agility to move on the court, being deemed the player with the “highest hops” in the competition.
Bronte often sized up against players 10 or more years older than her and with heights of 6”4, but she was able to use her jumping ability to hold her own on the court, with numerous intercepts and turn overs forced by her defence.
The Pepe’s finished 6th in the competition, with the scores not always reflecting the fight and effort of the team during the games.
Bronte was also announced as one of the upand-coming players by Netball Australia.
The former Malanda State High School student is also a state runner for the 100m and 200m events and is about to head to Perth to compete in the National Athletic Championships.
She is currently attending school in Brisbane to be closer to her coaches, but is often seen training locally when she returns home on holidays.
THE Mareeba Bandits valiantly held on in their game on the weekend to claim a nail-biting win over the Cyclones who had just two runs to chase in the final few overs.
Mareeba went out to bat first at Borzi Park and got off to a slow start with their opening batsmen totalling just eight runs.
But things picked up after captain Brendan Falvo notched up 16 and vice-captain Ben Jones got a quick 30 from 34. Further efforts from Brendan Payne (54 from 49) and Simon Leeds (36-not-out from 43) helped to boost their score significantly.
Mareeba finished their innings with a defendable score of 7/168.
The Cyclones lost an opening batsman to a duck early in their innings thanks to a bowl from Brendan Payne and a catch from Ryan Jaszczyszyn.
However, efforts from Nicholas Rayner (34 from 56) and Luke McAvoy (53 from 62) got the Cyclones back on track to sit in a position well within contention of a win.
But an LBW from Mareeba’s Tristan Curmi
and a stumping from Ross Ferguson halted them in their tracks at 7/167, just two runs shy of a win. Ferguson then claimed another wicket shortly after, getting a Cyclone batsman out for a duck. With the over count dwindling, the Cyclones knew they were on the cusp of taking down Mareeba, but a desperate run attempt led to a runout from Mareeba’s Ruku Chilia and they were still on 167 runs.
The game then came down to whether the final two batsmen could produce the last effort.
After facing 11 balls between them and scoring no runs, the final blow was given by Payne for his third wicket of the day, ending the game with two balls left to play.
The Cyclones couldn’t get the job done and finished 10/167 in a nail-biting finish.
Next week will mark the last game of the cricket season before the final rounds begin.
This Saturday, Mareeba will take on Norths at 3pm at Griffith Park, Cairns, and Atherton will take on first-place Mulgrave at Loder Park, Atherton, at 12.30pm.
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“It’s an improvement on last week, and for me, that’s important. Now, we move on to next week and focus on what we need to improve.”
The Bulls notched up a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win over the Redlynch Strikers on Saturday night at Borzi Park.
After a tense first half, the sides went into the break locked at 0-0. The visitors struck early in the second stanza to take the lead, but the Bulls responded brilliantly.
Second-half goals from Corentin Royer and Mackenzie Kawisel sealed the victory, rewarding the Bulls for their persistence and determination.
Head coach Victor Madrid praised his side’s effort.
“It was a good win from the men tonight,” he said.
“They worked hard for the majority of the game, and their effort is paying off.
Madrid thanked all the supporters and members who came out to back the Bulls, saying their “support makes all the difference”.
Other results were:
• QPL Women: Unfortunately, the Bulls couldn’t build on their Round 1 success, falling 5-1 to the Stratford Dolphins in a tough outing.
• Men’s Division 1: A dominant 7-1 victory over the Innisfail Cutters set the tone for the season.
• FQPL U16s fought hard, but went down 4-2 in an improved performance from last weekend.
The Bulls will be playing at home next Saturday night, taking on the Leichhardt Lions, who went down to the Marlin Coast Rangers last Saturday night, in what promises to be a cracking game.
