VE NEWS
MULGR
Edition 34, November 2012
Total Solar Eclipse Up to 50000 visitors are expected to converge on the Region on Wednesday November 14 when Cairns and its surrounds will be plunged into darkness during a total solar eclipse.
The Mulgrave Settlers Museum has embarked on a project to tell the story of the United States 503rd Parachute Regiment which was based in Gordonvale during World War II.
The natural phenomenon will start at about 5.45am, depending on where your are located in the region on Wednesday, November 14. Gordonvale will start the show at 5.45am and finish at 7.41 am. The town will be plunged into complete darkness at 6.38 am for 1 minute and 47seconds. An eclipse of the Sun occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun and completely covers the Sun. This casts a shadow that moves across the Earth's surface in what is called the Path of Totality. You must be in the Path of Totality to see the total eclipse. The Cairns region is in the Path and is perfectly located to experience the full awe inspiring event. The last total solar eclipse in Cairns was in 710 AD and the next one won’t be until April 25, 2237. At the time of the Total Eclipse, the sky will go very dark with a glowing light around the horizon, planets and bright stars will be visible
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Settlers Museum 503rd Parachute Regiment Project The story is able to be told thanks to a generous grant from the Cairns RSL through the club community benefit fund. The 503rd Parachute Regiment were the first US airborne regiment to arrive in the Southwest Pacific Area in WWII.
and the Sun's spectacular outer atmosphere The 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment was activated at Fort Benning, Georgia, USA on 24 (the Corona) will appear. February 1942. The 503rd moved to Fort Bragg, It is important that you are properly prepared to North Carolina in March 1942. The 1st Battalion view a Solar Eclipse before it takes place. It is and 3rd Battalion of the 503rd Parachute dangerous to look directly at the sun for even a Infantry Regiment moved from Fort Bragg to San few seconds and can cause permanent retina Francisco arriving on the 16th of October 1942. damage in your eye. “A” Company of the 504th Parachute Infantry As the retina senses no pain, the damage (82nd Airborne Division) attached itself to the caused from the intense radiation the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment on the night photosphere admits may not appear for a few of departure and travelled on the train with the hours. 503rd but retained its original designation at It is easy to stare at the sun during an eclipse, that time. as much of the sun is covered but is still unsafe.
On arrival in San Francisco they all boarded the MS Poleau Laut and departed on 20 October 1942 travelling via the Panama Canal Zone where the 501st Parachute Battalion, less "C" Company also boarded the ship. They arrived in Townsville, in north Queensland at 11:30 pm on This is done by projecting an image of the sun 1 December 1942. onto a white piece of paper using binoculars (with one side covered), a telescope or They then travelled to Cairns, and arrived at 8:45 pm on 2 December 1942. They were then another piece of cardboard which has been transported to their Camp at Gordonvale.The made into a pinhole camera (by making a non-commissioned officers and members of the small 1mm hole in it). Company participated in jump-master training The eclipse can also be viewed through from 31 May to 24 July 1943, where they spotwelder’s goggles that have a rating 14 or higher. jumped on White Field, at Gordonvale. Goggles are a fairly inexpensive method, The book is being printed and bound locally in allowing you to safely look directly at the sun. Gordonvale. The Mulgrave Settlers Museum If you can’t make it to the event the Cairns kindly thanks the Cairns RSL for their generous Regional Council has made it easy to view via a grant to be able to tell an important part of Gordonvales, history. live webcam on their website. Looking at the eclipse through a telescope of binoculars is extremely dangerous and should be avoided. Indirect projection is one of the safest ways to view an eclipse.
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Charitable Cyclists
Local Business Guide
Gordonvale cyclists took to the road as part of the Cairns to Cooktown Cardiac Challenge to do some serious fundraising for the FNQ Hospital Foundation to improve services and equipment in the cardiac unit at the Cairns Base Hospital.
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Supported by family and friends, the Gordonvale group pedalled the 335 kilometres in hot conditions, camping along the way. On the third and final day, cyclists rode into Cooktown in what was an impressive sight with 330 riders in orange, yellow and purple jerseys flanked by their supporting crew on the roadside.
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It was a particularly proud moment for 10 year old Luke Azzopardi and his family as Luke was the youngest cyclist in the event. The Gordonvale contingent contributed over $10,000 to the fundraising tally with cyclists and their support crews demonstrating their commitment to helping such a worthy cause.
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Inspired by the ride, a number of the Gordonvale riders are already committing to their next charity fitness event. Elva Metacalf’s comments say it all, “What an awesome experience! Driving back to Cairns after the Cardiac Challenge, I remembered the laughs, the new friendships, the fabulous support and the logistics that went into this wonderfully inspiring event for such a worthwhile cause.”
PAINTING CONTRACTOR Brendon Pearce Painting Contractor Domestic, commercial, repaints & decorative finishes. Ph: 0408 405 620
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UPHOLSTERY Paulie’s Upholstery For all Your Repairs and Full Recovers, Home and Office Furniture, Motorbike & Car Seats, Boat Covers and Furniture, Machinery Covers Ph: 0413 005 833 Fax: 4056 1052 pauliesupholstery@bigpond.com www.pauliesupholstery.com.au
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Photo: Back row, left to right - Clive Murray, Sharon Brain, Brendon Coutts, Elva Metcalf, Curtis Pitt, Helen Underwood, Robyn Lee. Front row - Damian Byrnes, Steve Brain, Sue Helmke, Luke Azzopardi & Sandra Charlton.
Gordonvale
Community Benefit Tokens For every $20 spent at Walters SUPA IGA (excluding Cigarettes and cig products) customers receive a token to deposit in the Community Token Box of their choice. Spend $100 and receive 5 tokens, etc. The value of the tokens is paid to the Community Organisation twice a year. Shopping locally puts money back into our local community through the token program.
Phone: 07 4056 6077 Address: Cnr George and Gordon Street Gordonvale Email: gordonvale@waltersiga.com.au 2
School News... FNQ Feral Fighters Last month, twenty two students from Gordonvale State School, Gordonvale State High School and Aloomba State School joined hundreds of other students from around the nation at the 2012 Melbourne Water International Kids Teaching Kids Conference. Through workshops, field activities and presentations, students were encouraged to develop practical solutions to the challenges faced by our environment. Targeting local animals in Far North Queensland, students from our three local schools used games and drama to teach their audience how to identify and manage specific pest animals that have the potential to invade other parts of Australia. Cane toads, tilapia and wild pigs have impacted on our waterways, our rainforests and our urban landscape. Students shared the unique strategies that have been implemented in the north to control the growth and spread of toads, tilapia and wild pigs.
Indigenous Youth Art
The workshop was well received by students and teachers from across Australia, with many participants indicating they would be taking steps to make members of their community aware of these animals. An abridged version of the FNQ Feral Fighters workshop will be presented at the prestigious Wet Tropics Management Authority’s “Cassowary Awards” in November.
Members of the local visual arts community recently attended the official launch of the School of Excellence in Indigenous Youth Art (SEIYA) at Gordonvale State High School. The brainchild of Veronica Johan, Gordonvale SHS’s Community Engagement officer, the SEIYA will provide mentors, workshops, a gallery and online sales opportunities to young indigenous students in order to foster their artistic talents. Veronica was keen to ensure that these students realised that working as a professional artist is a very real career choice. The Commonwealth Bank Foundation has provided mentors to assist in establishing the business and five very enthusiastic students are committed to making this opportunity a reality to benefit current and future indigenous student artists in the region. If you are an indigenous artist who would like to run a workshop, a business person who would like to become involved as a mentor or investor, or if you would just find out more please visit us at www.indigenousyouthart.com or contact Rebecca O’Brien on 07 4043 3222 or robri88@eq.edu.au.
St. Michael’s School News... Over the last term, St Michael’s School has been involved in a variety of sporting events which have seen our students perform very well in both rugby league and netball. At the recent Catholic Schools competition, the Jim Graham Cup, St Michael’s placed equal fourth out of 13 schools in rugby league. Boys from Aloomba and St Rita’s Babinda made up this very successful team. The girls performed equally well in the Mary Mills Cup for netball placing fourth out of 13. In the recent NAPLAN tests, the students of St Michael’s have shown significant improvement in their overall results, particularly in Year 3. In the majority of areas – Numeracy, Reading, Writing, Spelling and Grammar and Punctuation, St Michael’s students score was equal to or above the state average. St Michael’s School is currently in Stage 6 of our master plan and our new buildings are well under way.
Gordonvale Lions Club The following equipment & facilities are available for hire: Tables (seats 8) $ 7 Chairs $ 1 Large Barbeques $ 25 + gas Merry-go-round $100 Contact Norm Fitzpatrick 4056 3081
Air-conditioned club room with: • tables & seating for 60 • self-contained kitchen • data projector, laptop and screen Hire cost is $60/day or $10/day to non-profit organizations. Contact Glenn Pope 0417 707 447. A large food van with all accessories for cooking chips, hamburgers etc. Catering services to large functions available. Contact Hec Stampa 4056 1032.
The Mulgrave News is an independently owned newsletter printed and delivered free to the residents of Gordonvale every month. Any articles of interest can be included in the paper by emailing to admin@mulgravenews.com.au.Deadlineforarticlesandadvertisingisthe15thofthemonthtoallowtimeforsetupandprinting.Thepaperreliesonadvertisingbylocalbusinessestosucceed.Ifyoucannotadvertise inthepaper,pleasesupportthebusinessesthatdoadvertise.AuthorsareresponsibleforobtainingpermissiontoreproduceanymaterialpublishedintheMulgraveNewsforwhichtheydonotholdcopyright.
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Tickle Your Tastebuds
CALTEX COMMUNITY CALENDAR
sponsored by Julie’s Tasty Treats 76 Gordon Street Phone: 4056 3343 Email: juliestastytreats@live.com.au
Sue you are our lucky winner of ‘Tickle your Tastebuds’ November – Chicken Recipe competition. Congratulations will receive a $5.00 gift voucher from Julie’s Tasty Treats.
NOVEMBER 3
Markets, Norman Park 7.30am - 12pm 6 Story time at Gordonvale Library 10.30am 9 Computer for Beginners, Gordonvale Library 10.15am 11 Remembrance Day 14 Full Solar Eclipse 23 JP Signing Service, Gordonvale Hub 10am-2pm 27 AGM – Mulgrave Landcare and Catchment Group Inc. – 7pm 98a Norman Street, Gordonvale 1-31 Girls Night In National Breast Care Awareness 1-30 Movember
Chicken and Potato Mornay 500g old potatoes 2 onions No. 15 chicken 1 carrot 125g mushrooms sliced 45g butter or margarine 2 tbs flour 1 ½ cups milk ½ cup cream 90g cheddar cheese 1 tbs chopped parsley Salt & pepper 1. Place chicken in pan, add one peeled and quartered onion and roughly chopped carrot. Cover with enough water to come half way up sides of chicken. Cover, bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer 1 hour or until chicken is just tender. Remove chicken from pan (leftover stock can be used for soups and sauces.) 2. Peel potatoes, place in pan, cover with water, cover, bring to boil, boil 10 minutes, drain. Allow potatoes to cool then slice thinly. Remove meat from chicken, discard skin; chop meat roughly, peel and slice remaining onion. Layer alternately in ovenproof dish, potatoes, chicken, onion and mushroom. Season with salt and pepper. 3. Melt butter in separate pan, stir in flour, cook 10 seconds, stir in milk, stir until sauce boils and thickens. Stir in cream, cook 1 minute, season with salt and pepper, pour sauce over potato and chicken, cover, bake in moderate oven 1 hour. During last 15 of cooking, sprinkle over combined parsley and grated cheese. Cook uncovered for remainder of cooking time. Serves 4. Each month there will be a new theme. For our December edition we would like to get ready for the Festive season. So time to send in those CHRISTMAS recipes. Entries close 20th November. Ideas on how to submit your recipes: You could scan the recipe, take a photo, photocopy, or handwrite then mail to us at 86 Gordon Street, Gordonvale. Hand deliver, or slip under the door. Recipes can be emailed to admin@mulgravenews.com.au or visit our Facebook page and post your recipe on the wall. The winning recipe printed each month receives a $5.00 gift voucher from Julie’s Tasty Treats.
WEEKLY Mon Playgroup - 9.30am-11.30am Gordonvale QCWA Hall Mon Diverse Dance 3.30pm Gordonvale Hub Mon Active Games in Kenrick Park 3.30pm (not during school holidays) Mon Brownies (aged 7-10 ½ yo) Guide Hut 4pm-6pm Mon Guides (aged 10 ½ - 13) Guide Hut 6.30pm-8.30pm Mon Gordonvale Geckos Heart Foundation walking group meet near Pyramid Estate sign at roundabout entrance 7am Tue Mahjong - 9am Gordonvale Hub Tue Splash Dance at Gordonvale Aquatic Centre 9.15am Tue Active Games in Norman Park 3.15pm (not during school holidays) Tue Diverse Dance 3.45pm Gordonvale Hub Tue Aqua Gymstick at Gordonvale Aquatic Centre 6pm Tue Rangers (aged 13-18yo) Guide Hut 7pm-9pm
Wed Gordonvale Geckos Heart Foundation walking group meet near Pyramid Estate sign at roundabout entrance 7am Wed Diverse Dance 2.45pm Gordonvale Hub Wed Gumnuts (age 5-7yo) Guide Hut 4pm-5.30pm Thu Splash Dance at Gordonvale Aquatic Centre 9.15am Thu Early Years Gordonvale Hub 9.30am-11.30am Thu Mural Workshop with Nicky Gordonvale Hub 3.30pm Thu Diverse Dance - Hip Hop Dance Gordonvale Hub 4.45pm Sat Gordonvale Geckos Heart Foundation walking group meet near Pyramid Estate sign at roundabout entrance 7am Mon - Sat Mulgrave Settlers Museum, 60 Gordon Street 10am - 2pm Mon - Sat (excluding Tue) Learn to Swim at Gordonvale Aquatic Centre - 3pm Tue - Fri Junior Squad Training at Gordonvale Aquatic Centre 3.30pm Tue - Thu Adult Squad Training at Gordonvale Aquatic Centre 5pm Gordonvale Community Hub located at 17-19 Cannon Street, Gordonvale
DECEMBER 1 4 14 15 21
Markets, Norman Park 7.30am - 12pm Story time at Gordonvale Library 10.30am Computer for Beginners, Gordonvale Library 10.15am School Holidays Commence JP Signing Service, Gordonvale Hub 10am-2pm
If you would like to see your small or large event eg. fetes, cent sales, trivia nights, markets etc. published in the Caltex Community Calender please email your details to admin@mulgravenews.com.au or give us a call on 4056 5825
Robyn’s Real Estate Read...
CALTEX GORDONVALE 24hrs 7 DAYS PHONE 4056 6027
Welcome to this month's update on all things Real Estate. Confidence is back! I cannot keep up with the demand for property whether it be land, a unit, a house or an acreage property and am almost all sold out! What is quite unusual at the moment are the number of cash buyers who are waiting to buy straight away. In fact, more than half of my recent sales have been cash sales and many at list price or close to it - you have to love that! One of the reasons for this is that vacancy rates for Rentals is at approximately 2% which is almost at crisis point. With tenants not finding places to rent and rents going up as much as $30 per week in some cases, buying a property is making more sense financially. This is placing sale stocks at crisis point as well and prices are starting to firm. The lead up to Christmas is always very busy for selling real estate so if you have been thinking about a change in your circumstances and lifestyle by Christmas or the New Year, then please give me a call and we can discuss your options. For more information on any of these matters please give me a confidential call on 0488 071 007.
Mulgrave News is now available on Facebook, however, even if you are not a member of facebook the publication is still available online by googling “Facebook Mulgrave News.” Enjoy our online publication. Also remember any unwanted copies of Mulgrave News can be delivered to the Gordonvale Library for others to enjoy.
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Emmett Technique If you have had a treatment at Robyn's Bowen Therapy then you will have had an Emmett experience. Robyn is a trained therapist who uses Emmett Technique and / Bowen Therapy to achieveher results.
directly influence muscle action, these points may have a memory and emotional attachment. Results may sometimes be instantaneous where other clients need time for their body or muscle memory to respond to treatment.
The main aim is achieving results for easing pain and discomfort. If after a couple of treatments, you have experienced no change, then Robyn will refer you on.
Symptoms which have been relieved- Neck and shoulder issues, Lymphatic congestion and breathing, Migraines and headaches, Abdominal discomfort, Headaches dizziness and sinus congestion, Back and hip discomfort, Knee and ankle restrictions, Discomfort during pregnancy, Fluid retention... and much more.
Emmett Technique, created by Ross Emmett is a recognized and unique body therapy used to ease pain and discomfort, increase movement and improve quality of life. *Emmett Technique is an understanding of the body's response to light touch. It has been suggested that the body reacts similar to touch screen. Small sensors allow access to the brain via the therapist touch. As well as the ability to
If you require further information please contact Robyn John on 4056 3656 /0431 303 453 *Ross Emmett copyright. For further information regarding the Emmett Technique or courses available please refer to the website www.rossemmett.com.au
90 years of service
Robyn’s Bowen Therapy For Body, Mind and Spirit
Robyn John Remedial Therapist 90 Riverstone Road Gordonvale Phone 40563656 Mobile 0431303453 Member of BTFA Every ‘body’ is better with Bowen
Gift Vouchers Available
SUDOKU
www.brainbashers.com © Kevin Stone
By Wendy Maddocks What Gordonvale local has not enjoyed the delicious home-cooked food provided by the RSL Ladies Auxiliary? Formed in 1922, this group of wonderful women have given our community ninety years of continuous voluntary service. Their meetings were originally held in the School or Arts building which was situated where the library now stands and then, like now, they dedicated themselves to raising much needed funding for charitable and needy causes. One such was for the Centaur Memorial House appeal dedicated to the nurses of WW1 and 11. On the 14 May 1943, the Australian hospital ship “Centaur” was torpedoed 40 miles east of Brisbane with the loss of almost three hundred lives, many of them were Red Cross nursing sisters.
dire need of extensive maintenance to save it from demolition and a massive fundraising effort was launched by the Ladies Auxiliary.
Today, although the members number just eight, they continue to provide the wonderful food at yearly events such as Anzac Day Morning Tea and In 1952, the RSL purchased the Lyric Theatre on Melbourne Cup Day Luncheon. New volunteers Gordon Street which had been built in 1934. It are very welcome. was used by the American army as a storage shed and parachute repair facility in 1942/3 and after This group of hard-working, dedicated women, the war as a centre for dances and community like those before them, are to be commended for gatherings. Renamed the Diggers Memorial Hall, providing a much-loved and treasured the auxiliary catered at various functions to community tradition that will, hopefully, continue augment the funds for the re-modeling of the hall for another ninety years. and club rooms. The current President of the RSL Ladies Auxiliary In 1955, the Supper Rooms were opened to cater is Mrs Beryl Wilson who can be contacted on for social events but by 1990 it was once again in 4056 1715 for event and catering information.
See page 11 for solution
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Community Kindergarten Lessening Gordonvale Community Kindergarten is community owned and operated and is a nonprofit organisation.
qualified assistant implement the Early Years Learning Framework through C&K Building Waterfalls curriculum.
The kindergarten is a C&K affiliated centre that was built by the community of Gordonvale and officially opened on the 31st August 1971.
Our vision is to include and engage students and parents in a fun, interactive and educational experience encouraging children to become confident and independent learners.
Prior to this time the local Kindergarten operated from the private home of ‘Mrs North’ on Riverstone Road. When Mrs North retired the local community rallied together to build a new kindergarten in affiliation with the Creche and Kindergarten Association (C&K) ensuring correct standards of practice and the employment of a qualified early childhood teacher were in place. All the money raised to construct the Kindergarten came from within the Gordonvale Community. The people and businesses of Gordonvale were extremely generous in their support for the project realising it was a vital asset for the future of our ever growing population. The Mulgrave Shire Council donated the land in Moller Street upon which the Kindergarten is built.
Our spacious natural playground invites children to explore and investigate the natural world. One of our educational goals is a commitment to creating a sustainable environment through the establishment of vegetable and bush tucker gardens, worm farms, composting and through recycling practices. We aim to provide a safe, nurturing, educational environment that reflects the individual needs of children with a focus on learning through play, while responding to the changing needs of the community we serve.
Generous support was also received from the Gordonvale Lions Club and many dedicated individuals who tirelessly ran cake stalls, cabarets and various other fund raising events. Eventually enough money was raised to commence construction.
Tropical North Queensland has claimed a world first with a unique visiting service designed to help people overcome the loneliness caused by social isolation. Social Visitor offers quality time social visits, as well as optional video calls to relatives, and memoir writing.
Many local families adopted the Kindergarten construction as their second job with everyone offering a different skill to complete the project. There was a sense of great satisfaction of having done the job themselves from start to finish. With the introduction of the preschool education program the State Government took over operation of the Kindergarten as a Preschool for a number of years until a unit was established at G o rd o nv a l e P r i m a r y S c h o o l a n d t h e Kindergarten returned to the Community. Today the Kindergarten remains an integral part of the Gordonvale Community, and receives continued support from local families and businesses. A Management Committee of dedicated parents oversee the Kindy operations and the employment of staff. Long term staff consisting of a qualified early childhood teacher and
Mulgrave Landcare Interested in... • Native plants? • Re-vegetating streams? • Best practice agriculture? • Local environment issues? Check out our website: www.mulgravelandcare.org.au for upcoming information on: AGM: Tuesday, 27th November, 7pm Upcoming Tree Plantings The Catchment Centre, 98a Norman St. Phone 0438 720 179.
Loneliness
Taking another service to the Community Today’s society has become more complex and thousands of documents require formal signing each day to comply with government legislation. Justices’ of the Peace are trained highly respected citizens who are appointed by the Qld Government to take on special responsibilities, such as witnessing signatures of wills and powers of attorney, processing affidavits and statutory declarations, and certifying copies of documents etc – all on a voluntary basis. To provide this voluntary service to the community south of Cairns city, the QJA Cairns South Branch announces the operation of JP signing centres at Gordonvale and Edmonton. Gordonvale centre operates on the 2nd last Friday each month at Gordonvale Community Centre (the Hub), from 10:00am - 2:00pm. Edmonton centre operates on the last Friday each month at Hambledon House Community Centrefrom 10:00am –2:00pm. Queensland registered JPs interested in volunteering their time are asked to contact the QJA Cairns South Branch on 0434 510 333 or qjacsb@iig.com.au
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With Social Inclusion Week on this month from Saturday 24 November - Sunday 2 December, Social Visitor founder Mia Lacy says its timely to focus on the issue of loneliness. “The number of people reporting in a survey that they have no close confidant tripled between 1995 and 2010. Alterations in the family structure, coupled with the desire to move up the socio-economic ladder and relocating for employment that often goes with this have meant more people becoming more isolated, with the associated, proven negative health consequences,” she said. Ms Lacy is a member of the National Task Force for Social Isolation, which is currently seeking community feedback on good practice for reducing social isolation. “We would love to hear about great initiatives that are already working in the Mulgrave area that we can share nationally,” she said. Ms Lacy urged residents to think ahead to Social Isolation Week and what they themselves could do. “Actions can be simple. Social Visitor’s come up with an easy three point plan people can adopt: • Ring a relative: call a relative from another generation, have a chat - you’ll make their day. • Cop a cuppa: take someone out for a coffee or, if going out is difficult, take them a jar of coffee and a packet of biscuits and have a cuppa with them. • Speak to someone: we all see people every day of our lives who we know are lonely so just say something - start a conversation and give someone the most valuable thing of all: your attention. For more information about the new Social Visitor ser vice, call 1300 767 176 or visit www.socialvisitor.com.au. To learn more about Social Inclusion Week, visit www.socialinclusionweek.com.au.
The Mouse that Roared In recent weeks, as finals time was approaching, some club personnel wondered what might happen if Facebook and other social media were used to reach out to overseas and national AFL teams who shared a common interest in our great game. Within a week this “idea” had transformed into a catalogue of international and domestic teams willing to send the kids of Pyramid Power messages of encouragement, congratulations or just exchanging ideas.
16’s Girls team and Schools Liaison Officer said “I don’t know where this international journey is taking us, but I’m enjoying the ride.” The excitement is infectious with Orange County Bombers president, Seb Aguiari, saying “we would be privileged to have you as a “brother” club”. Jonathon Cooper, president of the Osaka Dingoes in Japan added “I hope what we do benefits your kids.”
Already the Osaka Dingoes In Japan, The North London Lions in England and the Toronto Eagles in Canada have embraced the opportunity to connect with AFL kids across the globe.
It is hoped that this international connection will benefit the kids of the Pyramid Power club, by connecting it to the world outside of Gordonvale, south of Cairns, where the club is based.
Pyramid Power, the smallest AFL club in the Cairns AFL, may yet prove to have the loudest voice and the greatest supporter base of all as it embraces social media and technology to “create” an international AFL community of its own.
This is in addition to the tremendous support coming out of he USA which sees the Kansas City Power, New York Magpies, Milwaukee Bombers, Orange County Bombers and the brilliantly named Fort Lauderdale Fighting Squids accepting the invitation.
The benefits to the kids of support, encouragement and excitement might also be supplemented by educational, social and cultural learning as they interact with people and clubs from other AFL loving countries.
The result of this contact now sees messages of support for their juniors coming in each week from as far afield as the United States, England, Germany, Canada and Japan.
The list won’t end here, according to club officials, with invitations about to be extended to clubs in France, Sweden, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand and many countries in the Pacific region. In fact, wherever AFL has clubs, Pyramid Power hopes to make a friend.
This is in addition to a network of Australian clubs who have already got behind Pyramid Power’s invitations.
Jim Floyd, coach of the Pyramid Power Under
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Whatever happens, Pyramid Power, a junior only club started in 2005, has certainly shown the world that it might be a small and young club, but it may yet have some serious international friends to support it. They may also have started a revolution as other teams follow suit to join together in support of the greatest game of all.
It’s going to be BIG It invades any open ground around the river, creeks, lagoons and their feeder-drains and out-competes all and any native species that previously would have colonized those areas. It too, ruins the waterquality for all other users. It was introduced to tropical Australia years ago as cattle feed. Pity about that. Though we have that serious money, the Landcare group will still be relying on our partners do that re-vegetation and weedcontrol on the large scale that we know is needed. Terrain NRM Ltd (the, regional, non-government, natural-resource body for the Wet Tropics region), currently supports Mulgrave Landcare’s base-operations.
Our group has secured some serious project money for some serious river restoration on a scale that we’ve always wanted - Big. Mulgrave Landcare has been around for a while now, working on a range of jobs to improving our local environment. Those projects have included the traditional tree plantings, as well as river and creek bank-stabilization, helping the local sugarindustry adopt even more efficient soil and fertilizer management, plugging away at local issues like the Mulgrave Aquifer, being part of any scientific research projects that come through the area and providing advice to local residents and landowners. We have also, through both regional and state processes, a finger in many pies that deal with planning - generally a subject perceived to be more boring than death itself. But, it’s really important to get some things right for the long-haul. Themes like long-term water-strategies, getting the balance between development, agriculture and environment right, and negotiations at various levels with governmental agencies over protecting and enhancing our unique North Queensland natural assets, all need our voice.
The Cairns Regional Council’s Pest Management Unit is critical to effective Hymenachne control, has always supported the group’s core efforts (despite the debate over the aquifer), and provides many, many free trees for re-vegetation. The Canegrowers Organization in Gordonvale and the Mulgrave Mill have always supported our efforts and are an extremely valuable conduit between the Landcare group and sugar-growers. The areas traditional owners have a mountain of knowledge to provide and have their own ‘bio-indicators for water-quality’ research going on.
Besides all that though, and what is really exciting at the moment, is that we have serious, Australian Govt funding over a 5 year period for an outstanding project to conduct re-vegetation and invasive weeds control along the Mulgrave River and it’s tributaries from Gordonvale down to Deeral. The theme is ‘Corridors’ and the idea is to work with local partners to fill-in any significant gaps in the tree-line along those watercourses and to bring the problem weeds (Pond Apple and Hymenachne), down to a manageable level of control.
Most importantly though, we have always had a good relationship with the local landowners along the river, creeks and wetlands of the catchment. They (mostly but certainly not all, sugar farmers), are the key in identifying sites, providing access and assisting with our efforts on public land as well as doing their bit on their own private land. It’s pretty damn good actually.
Most folk understand and support tree-planting to fill the un-vegetated gaps and to provide an unbroken, vegetated corridor along water-courses. The continuous habitat for wildlife both plants and animals is an obvious benefit as is the habitat for aquatic species in the water itself and the air and water conditioning of the river that really good riparian (stream-side) vegetation provides.
So, keep an ear out for Mulgrave Landcare’s Biodiversity Project and check out our website: www.mulgraveland.org.au for chances to help us out on planting days when the project gets into swing after the coming wet-season.
What is also provided are the ‘ecosystem services ‘ enhanced by a healthy river system - you know, the age old ideals of anyone bringing up kids - clean air, clean soil and clean water. And man, it looks good too. Just take another look at any documentary on Coober Pedy or Broken Hill to remind yourself of what we’ve got here. What is less obvious is the crippling effect that invasive weeds can have on our natural assets. Pond Apple is problem tree-weed that out-competes native tree species in our remnant wetlands on the lower Mulgrave and ruins the food supply and water-quality for native birds, fish and animals. Hymenachne is a prolific weed that grows in water and in water-logged areas.
Uniting through Care
Hailing from Gordonvale, Judy and Ken Scott have been foster carers for over 27 years. Judy and Ken have fostered children of many different ages and needs and now are using their skills and experience as carers in Uniting Care’s First Response Program. First Response supports children coming into foster care for the first time and work intensively with children and their families to ensure all of their needs are recognised and addressed, enabling Uniting Care to find a suitable placement with the best possible carer. Judy and Ken were unable to have children of their own, but through fostering now include four daughters, one son and four granddaughters as their family. This couple have opened their home and their
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hearts to hundreds of children doing an extraordinary job that they genuinely love. This love of caring for children has been passed on and now one of their first foster daughters, Patreicha is a Foster Carer herself. Judy and Ken see fostering as a way of giving back to the community and feel very privileged to be doing this role. At Uniting Care Community we believe that there is no stereotypical carer. We have people from all walks of life and backgrounds. You can be single, a couple or a family; as long as you are willing to work as part of a team and open your home for a child in need. If you would like to become a carer or just some further information, please call Uniting Care Community on 4058 3500.
Council Corner WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE REGION NORMAN PARK DEVELOPMENT
GORDONVALE RSL
The Gordonvale Community Hub Focus Group is currently looking for community feedback into the future of Norman Park. A hard copy survey will be delivered to 3500 homes in the Gordonvale area and is also available online for other members of the public. As well as identifying potential new infrastructure and facilities, the survey also asks respondents whether they would like to see the park’s 75year-old water tank restored. To take the online survey go to: http://yoursay.cairns.qld.gov.au/normanpark
Gordonvale RSL's 'Jock' is back cooking his famous steaks and fish and chips on Friday nights. Get on down for a family feed. Support your RSL. GORDONVALE STATE SCHOOL Prep information evening,Tuesday 23rd October 6-7pm at the multi purpose hall. Prep open day - Tuesday 6th November 9-10am at the prep playground area.
FLUORIDE
CAIRNS REGIONAL GALLERY Workshops for kids at The Hub, Monday 17 December. Xmas friezes with artist Deb Gray. Make and take home a Santa sleigh with an Australian twist from recycled materials, paint and glue. Great for little ones. $15, only 15 spaces available.
Several residents have recently asked if there is fluoride in our water supply. Currently there is NO fluoride in our water supply which comes from Behana. This may change in the future.
Friday 21 December: Windscreen memories with artist Louisa Ennis –Thomas Based on the travelling show by Cairns born Ian Smith, children will use memories of travel to create a windscreen painting using plastic and paint.
GORDONVALE BOWLS CLUB
Contact: Carley Clarke-Rushton Public Programs Manager, Ph: (07) 4046 4888 Fax: (07) 4031 6410. PO Box 7784 CAIRNS QLD 4870. Location: Cnr Abbott and Shields St, Cairns. www.cairnsregionalgallery.com.au
You can also pick up a copy at the Gordonvale Library or download a printable version below and drop it off at Gordonvale Library.
Every second Friday of the month there will be a roast meal served for $15 pp. Get on down for some food & play barefoot bowls!
JP SIGNING CENTRES - Reminder of the signing centres at Gordonvale and Edmonton. The next two dates are: Gordonvale Hub – Oct 19th – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (second Friday of each month). Edmonton – Oct 26th – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Training for existing Queensland registered JP's to upgrade from JP(Cdec) to JP(Qual) is now available through local accredited trainers in Cairns area. Please register your interest as we need at least five attendees. Contact: Ralph Powell, QJA Cairns South Branch, PO Box 363, Gordonvale Qld 4865,Australia. Ph: 0434 510 333, Fax: 07 4056 3111 Email: qjacsb@iig.com.au THE MULGRAVE NEWS IS NOW ONLINE! The Mulgrave News is now available at our community website. Check it out, click here http://www.focusongordonvale.com/mulgrave-news/ To keep up to date with what’s happening around Gordonvale check the website www.FocusOnGordonvale.com. If you have something to add to the weekly e-newsletter just send an email to M.Edwards4@cairns.qld.gov.au.
North Qld Junior Touch Championships A hard working team of volunteers, parents and children represented Gordonvale at the North Queensland Junior Touch Championships in Townsville last month. Teams in both girls and boys from under 10s through to under 16s sweated it out over three days in a very close fought out contest. Unfortunately none of the teams from Gordonvale finished in the top two spots in any of the divisions. With extremely hot temperatures many of the teams played up to 9 games over the three days. With up to 12 teams in some divisions Gordonvale 12 year and 16 year boys as well and the 14 year old girls teams finished in the top 4 spots.
Contact John for a quote Ph: 07 4056 3712 Mob: 0412 772 585 E: pearcepainters@bigpond.com BSA 52012
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sponsored by The Feed Shop. 12-14 George Street Ph: 4056 2510, enquiries@thefeedshop.com.au
We had three photos of cats last month looking like they all live a wonderful life, all entered into the ‘Pet of the Month’ competition. The photos were posted up on our Facebook page and our website for all to see. Thanks to all who entered. The winner for November is Mr Jusso. Congratulations A. Hemminway. Each month there will be a new theme. For our December edition we would like you to help us get a bit of that Christmas spirit happening. So we would like to see any animal photo that is celebrating the Christmas season . Entries close 20th November. Photo Entries to be emailed to admin@mulgravenews.com.au or visit our Facebook page and post your photo on the wall. To see the photos entered you can visit our ‘new’ website www.mulgravenews.com.au or our Facebook page. Please ensure you have permission from the animal owner before submitting entry. The winning photo printed each month receives a $5.00 gift voucher from The Feed Shop.
The Gillies Highway of yesteryear If you’ve ever travelled the Gillies Highway either as the driver or passenger, you’d be well aware of the amount of twists and turns you’d have to endure!
The incident ended in tragedy, with the trailer rolling off the side of the range and many lives needlessly lost. White Car Coaches started operating their coach service as soon as the range opened and could take 12 and 6 passengers.
Spare a thought for our early settlers who had to put up with a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour for 19km on a one way road that was very narrow and had 612 curves.
Theo, one of the drivers would spin the yarn to the tourists saying that the chimney stack of the Mulgrave Mill was funnel of the ship “Manunda” birthing at Gordonvale.
The Gillies Highway range road was opened in 1926 and was named after a former Queensland State Premier Mr William N. Gillies. Men used pick, shovel and wheelbarrow and the road was built at a cost of $60 000.
Evans Transport drivers were real characters. They would round up stray horses by going from side to side with their trucks. Once the horses were in the middle of the road, the truckies used to rush the horses at the kids walking to school on the side of the road and watch the kids go helter skelter.
So as to allow the safe passage for travellers, there was a “Bottom Gate” and a “Top Gate” allowing one hour for the journey, no more- no less. There was a strict timetable for vehicles travelling down and up the range to adhere to, allowing time in between in case there were any mishaps.
The fastest time on the range back then, or so the story goes was 10 minutes. Charles Studt one of the Main Roads Foremans, drove the work truck aptly named the “Flying Fortress” from the bottom gate through to the top gate against traffic to get his mate Frank to the Atherton hospital, as he’d got a snake bite.
Each vehicle would be counted going through the top gate and once all were accounted for, travellers at the bottom gate were able to proceed. The timetable was as follows:TOP GATE
BOTTOM GATE
6:00 – 7:00am 11:00 – 12:00 noon 4:00 – 5:00pm 9:00 – 10:00pm 1:30 – 2:00am
8:30 – 9:30am 1:30 – 2:30pm 6:30 – 7:30pm 11:30 – 12:00 midnight 3:30 – 4:30am
Information supplied by Mulgrave Settlers Museum Gordon Street Gordonvale.
During the construction of the Gillies Highway, a grocery store was built near the bottom gate to service the workmen on the range and travellers. This was owned by the Wiltshire’s, who also had a depot and smaller store 5km up the range near the start of Robson Track. Here they serviced workmen who were camped nearby and who were working at the face of the construction. For these business shop owners, it was a guaranteed income as the construction workers could not return to their homes often, due to the lack of transport. Workmen often just walked up to where they were working and camped nearby in tents. During WW2 the Americans tried to take a 40 foot trailer fully loaded with troops up the range, despite being repeatedly told that the road was very narrow and only suitable for domestic and light transport.
Strength Direction Success ...when it matters
Telephone: 4081 6700 www.marinomoller.com.au Port Douglas Cairns Edmonton Gordonvale Babinda 10
Ex Rental DVDs and new CDs for sale
Mon - Thurs
New Releases $3.30ea Mon-Thurs & Sun: 10am - 8pm Fri & Sat: 10am - 8.30pm 46 Norman St, Gordonvale
4056 1911
Modern treasure hunt
4F fitness group
Thanks to modern technology it is possible to find small hidden treasures in places of interest in the Gordonvale area and the rest of the world. This is due to a fun outdoor activity called Geocaching. Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Most new mobile phones haveaccesstoaGPS. A ‘geocache’ or ‘cache’ is a small waterproof container which holds a log book and swappable items. Caches are hidden in a place of interest on public property. The person hiding the ‘cache’ will make a note of the caches geographic coordinates then publishes these on the Internet with a small description of the area. Most geocaches are listed on the Groundspeak’s website www.geocaching.com. The Geocache finder goes to the Geocache website and enters the geographic coordinates into their GPS reciever and ‘follow the arrow’. Generally the geocache is hidden to ensure that non-geocachers do not find it. After the geocache is found, the geocacher opens the cache, dates and signs the logbook with their geocache nickname. They may trade items in and out of the container. The cache is then rehidden. All the time geocachers have to be wary of ‘muggles’ (thanks J.K. Rowling). Muggles is the term used for people who are non geocachers and are unaware that a ‘cache’ is hidden nearby. It is geocache etiquette that when the finder returns home they record their visit on the geocache website. Let the owner know if the cache requires maintenance. This a wonderful activity to get you, family and friends outside discovering some wonderful location in your area. These are some names of the caches in the Gordonvale area - Pharoahs Cure, Tutakamum was here, Cleopatra meets Ceaser, and Halfway Hero, Breakfast Rock. Visit www.geocaching.com for more information and lots of hidden treasures in this area and around the world.
“Fun, Fit and Feeling Fantastic” is an informal group that meets every Saturday morning with the aim of motivating each other to exercise in some way. Some 4F members choose to cycle, some choose to walk or jog and some choose to scoot, arriving at Julie’s Tasty Treats between 6.307.00 for coffee or breakfast. Everyone is encouraged to exercise at their own pace with members of all ages joining in. Members keep in touch via Facebook, word of mouth or just turn up. There is no cost associated with this and everyone is welcome.
SUDOKU
SOLUTION from page 5
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Your Local, Southern Agent Specialising in Gordonvale, Goldsborough, East Trinity and Mirriwinni to Cairns. Robyn Hawley-Whitton Telephone: 0488 071 007 or 07 4031 9222
robynhw@cpo.com.au S A L E S
www.cpo.com.au
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Lot 1, Gray Road, Gordonvale
Bush Retreat - Acreage Hideaway. Award winning builder's design in sought after quiet Close, this large home has 3 oversized bedrooms and 2 massive bath plus study on over an acre of private land. Man & Lady's Shed, outdoor spa.
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$433,000 Negotiable - Peace, Privacy and Serenity If you love living privately amongst nature this secluded location offers a beautiful Split Level, 4 bed, 2 bath, 2 car home with views from every room. Large deck and patio. Pebblecrete pool, water features plus a seasonal creek and fruit trees.
$228,000 - Invest or Nest 3 bed, 1 x large 2 way bath home with shed on corner block in quiet area. Tenant paying $270 pw until December.
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Some Recent Sales 1/25 Mendelsohn Cl, Gordonvale - Cash Buyer 30 Templar Cr, Bentley Park - Cash Buyer @ list price! 73 Swan St, Gordonvale - Cash Buyer 15 Klarwein Cl, Gordonvale - Cash Buyer 113 Timberlea Dr, Bentley Park 3 Goodsell Dr, Bentley Park 13 Delta View Cl, Freshwater 57 Giffin Rd, White Rock 11/2-5 Marella Cl, Manoora
Michael Whitton Mob: 0421 074 318 Large properties, vacant blocks, football fields, sport grounds, resorts & body corp.
For Results You Can Trust, Call Me for a Free Appraisal Robyn - 0488 071 007
micksmowingandmaintenance@bigpond.com
SUPPORT A LOCAL BUSINESS
Disclaimer The views expressed in the Mulgrave News are not necessarily the views of the production team. Any enquiries with regards to articles can be directed toemail admin@mulgravenews.com.au orbyphoning 40565877, Fax40565866orcoming into86Gordon Street, GordonvaleQld4865.
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