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$2 • PH: 1300 4895 00 • EDITORIAL: editor@cooktownlocalnews.com.au • Issue 645 • Thursday, December 12, 2013

Sophia’s fundraiser a ‘roaring’ success Seen here at last Saturday afternoon’s fund raising function for the CollinsHerrmann family at the Sovereign Resort Hotel were Michael, Paige and Alana Czarnecki. The event was organised to help the popular local family with medical and travelling expenses incurred for the ultimate removal of a benign tumour from their daughter Sophia’s arm and ongoing monitoring required by her condition.

However, the afternoon was as much about families who have either been “touched” by cancer, or are ever fearful the dreaded ‘c-word’ will curse the existence of children in their lives. See how much was raised, along with photos of some of those who attended the event on page 13.

Battle lines drawn Group at Poison Creek.

By GARY HUTCHISON

BATTLE lines were drawn on Sunday, when a group of about 20 residents and rate payers formed the Cook Shire Community Action

H H H H H H H H H H H H H

Along with those who have told the Cooktown Local News many times that they believe they are being victimised by a discriminatory, Cook Shire Council “selective inspection program” and a forced waste col-

lection program, were others who are vehemently opposed to the ‘illegal, mass medication of residents through water fluoridation’.

mour, tinged with the irony of their respective plights surfaced regularly to lighten the at-times, very intense mood of the meeting.

While anger and frustration simmered like molten lava during the meeting’s proceedings, senses of hu-

Most have locked the front gates to their properties and posted “No Trespassing” signs, warning council

inspectors to stay off their land – action they have taken in response to what they believe is ‘council payback’ for their opposition to the waste collection program.  continued page 2

What’s on at the Sov! H The most beautiful place in Cooktown H Courtesy Bus available H

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Cnr Charlotte & Green Streets, Cooktown • Phone: 4043 0500 • info@sovereignresort.com.au • www.sovereignresort.com.au

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7pm Friday the 13th

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• Prizes for Best (Scariest) Dressed...

Come dressed in your scariest outfit for a chance to win some awesome prizes

What’s On

editor@cooktownlocalnews.com.au

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you have an upcoming event, please let us know by email to editor@cooktownlocalnews.com.au or phone Gary Hutchison on (07) 4069 5773.

WEEKLY Every Thursday. Bush Bingo, 9am, and Social Darts,

7pm, at the Bowls Club.

Every Friday. Monster Meat Raffles in the Caf Bar, @ The Sovereign, from 6pm.

Every Friday. Members Draw, from 6.30pm; Raffles and Lucky Pokies Seat, 8-8.30pm, at the Bowls Club.

Every Friday. Members Draw (7.30-8.30pm) @ the Cooktown RSL Memorial Club.

Every Saturday. Lions Club raffles and members' draw at the Top Pub, from 12 noon to 3pm.

Every Sunday. Social Bowls, from 1pm, Bowls Club.

Every Sunday and Tuesday. Cooktown Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in the CWA Hall in Charlotte Street.

Sunday: from 1.30pm, Tuesday from 8pm. Call 4069 5626 for details.

Every Tuesday and Thursday. Swim for Your Life at the Cooktown Pool from 9am to 10pm.

Every Wednesday. Social Bowls, from 8.30am, at the Bowls Club.

Every Wednesday and Saturday. Cooktown Pool - Aqua Aerobics: Wednesday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, Saturday 12 noon to 1pm.

DECEMBER Thu 12. Marlin Coast Veterinary Surgery visiting at

the CWA rooms. Phone 4069 5337 or 4057 6033 for appointments.

Fri 13. Gungarde Christmas Party, at Gungarde Hall.

RSVP: 4069 5412.

Fri 13. PCYC Cooktown Christmas Party, 5.30pm 'til late.

Ph: 4069 5890. Tickets on sale Thu 12 until 4pm Fri 13.

Fri 13. Friday the 13th Theme Party with Big Wheel playing live, from 7pm @ The Sovereign.

Sat 14. Poison Creek Rural Fire Brigade general meeting and Christmas party, 4pm at Minke Rd. Sun 15. Cooktowm Amateur Turf Club General Meeting, 9.30am at Racecourse Clubrooms.

Thu 19. Last issue of the Cooktown Local News for the year. Booking and copy deadline 10.30am, Tuesday, December 17. Office closing today for the Christmas break, re-opening Monday, January 6.

Sat 21. Christmas Lights Self Drive Tour, 7pm. Ph: 4069 5444.

Sat 21. Lions Den Hotel Christmas Party with The Hillbilly Goats live. RSVP by 17 Dec 4060 3911.

Sun 22. Christmas Carols @ Lions and Endeavour Parks, from 6pm. Ph: 4069 5070.

Can club secretaries please send in a list of their events planned for the year to editor@cooktownlocalnews.com. au so they can be included in the What's On section.

CHURCH SERVICES Baptist: Hogg Street, near IGA, 9.30am Sun. Phone 4069 5155.

Cooktown Community Church (AOG/ACC): Gungarde Hall, 9.30am Sun; Home Group 7.30am Wed. Phone 4069 5070, 0427 756 793.

Catholic: 6pm Sat and 8.30am Sun, St Mary's, Cooktown. Phone 4069 5730.

Anglican: Christ Church Chapel, Sun 8.30am.

Phone 4069 6778, 0428 696 493.

Lutheran: Hope Vale at 9am on Sunday, Cooktown.

Phone either 4060 9197 or 0419 023 114.

 letters to the editor Brigade says ‘thank you’

Where we go: Approx 1400 copies distributed every Thursday throughout Cooktown, Hope Vale, Rossville, Wujal Wujal, Bloomfield, Ayton, Marton, Port Douglas, Mossman, Cairns, Lakeland Downs/Laura, Mt Carbine/Mt Molloy, Mareeba and Coen, and subscribers across Australia and overseas.

The money has been well-spent on much-needed safety equipment,

namely breathing respirators for the active volunteer members, fire-fighting equipment and vital maintenance of the fire truck. Your consideration of our brigade for this donation is very appreciated.

Karen Thomas Marton RFB.

Lock the gate for Christmas WHAT a great Christmas present for the families and children caught up in this shameful invasion of privacy referred to as an approved selective inspection program, supported by the elected members of the community referred to as Councillors - people elected by the people to support and protect peoples’ rights.

Councillors! Have any of you bothered to contact any of these people concerned?

Have you read any of the nasty, threatening correspondence sent to them?

Tell us this is not a vendetta, with three of the remaining six land holders who stood up for their rights being singled out for an inspection. This is victimisation is it not?

Against the very people who support the community and businesses, have jobs, pay off mortgages, bills, rates, shop locally, send kids to school, feed and cloth the family all on a low budget income. Incomces which are incidentally much lower than the exorbitant remuneration package Councillors receive for attending functions and meetings for a few days a month.

Councillors, you should try it. Familiarise yourself with the art of low income living, hardship and financial stress, etc. It would be a very good learning curve and would assist your conscience when voting on future motions that concern people of this community.

Some of these people simply can not afford the living standards and levels of comfort

enjoyed by the higher paid fraternity such as yourselves.

This is why they live where they live.

This whole charade could have been avoided if the Councillors had acted responsibly and applied investigative principles and sought the fundamental truth, instead of jumping to conclusions to please the bureaucracy. Having had many years of managerial experience to rely, on I applied various models to the how, when, where and why principle and I continually end up with the same results. Departmental failure to implement policy over a period of years with no procedural follow up. It appears respect for conditions etc. that previous administrators, Mayors and Councillors were prepared to accept given the remoteness of the shire not so many years ago were totally ignored.

One of the properties singled out and advised in writing that they reside on land in an illegal dwelling, has been continually lived in by the same family for more than 15 years.

Fifteen to 20 years ago, the Cook Shire were only too pleased to see people moving into the district. In those days, Poison Creek Road, Railway Avenue, Mc Ivor Road (now Endeavour Valley Road) were nothing more then boggy goat tracks, which meandered their way through swamps and scrub and could take hours, if not days, to negotiate

depending on the weather. People including Councillors weren’t overly concerned how or where you lived in those days so long as you supported the community.

Obviously present-day Councillors chose blindly to disregard the past and carelessly ruled on the day in support of the bureaucracy and with pitiful results.

Our lawful democratic rights are being undermined.

Nothing short of a full apology should be accepted by the land owners and renters whose democratic rights and privacy were abused and treated like dirt.

If council was truly concerned, a simple survey conducted in a polite manner without the standover bureaucratic tactics is all that was required. This is what other Queensland shire councils did some years ago. People despise being stood over.

Incidentally, there has been an active “shut the gate” alliance west of Leggett’s Crossing, Endeavour Valley for a number of years, which has had several positive results evicting undesirable trespassers legally and lawfully.

Trespass is illegal!

Merry Christmas to all.

Ray Kluck Retied farmer Endeavour Valley.

Battle lines drawn at Poison Creek  from page 1 As well as the main topics of discussion, was what three residents regard as “illegal entry” onto their land by inspectors, which has since resulted in them being advised they are living in unapproved/illegal dwellings.

The meeting was told of council refusal to communicate with one resident and documented evidence of what was described as “monumental bureaucratic inefficiencies” were highlighted during discussions.

However, the targets for most

of the collective ire were the elected councillors, who were almost unanimously villified for “not doing their jobs”.

The meeting accused council of not listening to constituents, failing to consult and failing to properly represent the ratepayers who elected them were the accusations levelled, while they were accused of being virtual “puppets” of the bureaucratic arm of council.

Also criticised, was the failure of any councillors to attend the meeting, but this was explained by the lack of reasonable notice

Contacts & Deadlines Editor: (07) 4069 5773 Editor’s mobile: 0411 722 807 People wishing to meet in person with the editor can do so by calling him, and he will arrange a time to meet with you at a mutually convenient location.

All advertising / accounts enquiries, please call: 1300 4895 00 or (07) 4098 2281 Mobile: 0419 828 639 Fax: 1300 787 248

MARTON Rural Fire Brigade would like to say thank you to the management, staff and patrons of the Cooktown Hotel for their generous and kind donation received recently.

EDITOR: Gary Hutchison editor@cooktownlocalnews.com.au GENERAL MANAGER & AD DESIGN: Sharon Gallery ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au

ADVERTISING – Box ad bookings: Box ad material: Line Classifieds: EDITORIAL – General copy:

by 10.30am TUESDAYS

by NOON TUESDAYS by 10.30am WEDNESDAYS

by NOON MONDAYS (pics, stories, letters, etc) Regular columns: by 5pm FRIDAYS Sports columns: by 5pm MONDAYS

2 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013

of the meeting schedule.

“What can we do?” What legal action can we take?” were the frequently asked questions.

So it was determined that the Cook Shire Community Action Group, “acting in the best interests of all residents of the shire” be formed, with all residents invited to participate.

Before the group’s first official meeting, Helen Rutherford and Ray Kluck, two of the prime movers within the group, have undertaken to investigate and collate evidence of the collective

Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott said council would welcome representation from the group.

The first meeting will be held on the verandah of Nature’s PowerHouse on Sunday, February 14, 2014 from 2pm. Light lunches and refreshments will be available until 4pm.

 Letters to the editor

Publisher’s Details Publishers of the Cooktown Local News

concerns so far, to determine future options open to them to try and correct what was referred to as a “grossly inequitable” situation in regards to the ‘selective inspection program’ as it stands.

regional & remote N E W S P A P E R S

Real news for real Australia

CHAIRMAN: Mark Bousen editor@regionalandremote.com.au PUBLISHER: Corey Bousen publisher@regionalandremote.com.au MANAGING EDITOR: Mark Bousen editor@regionalandremote.com.au ACCOUNTS: Sharon Gallery, General Manager accounts@cooktownlocalnews.com.au

Letters to the Editor are published as a free community service and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Cooktown Local News nor its management.

Letters must be legible, preferably less than 250 words, carry a name and address, and be signed. A telephone number or similar identification must also be provided.

Unsigned and anonymous letters, or use of a nom de plume, eg Concerned Citizen, etc will not be accepted.

Names withheld on discretion of the publisher.

Letters may be edited for space or content or omitted altogether at the discretion of the editor.

Mail to: PO Box 36, Cooktown, Qld, 4895 Fax: 1300 787 248 or Email: editor@cooktownlocalnews.com.au.

COUNCIL

Business as usual for council building services DESPITE the departure of two key staff members, it will be business as usual for building certification services at Cook Shire Council.

vember 2013, 142 building applications were approved by Council – 30 of which were houses. Commercial buildings, offices, units, tourist accommodation, workers accommodation and sheds also make up the pool of recent approvals, which equates to over eight per month on average during that time.

At the end of 2013, Director of Planning and Environment, Ian McCrae, and Building Certifier, Steve Toolen, will both be moving on from council.

As an interim measure until the appointment of a new building certifier, council will be employing a private contractor to carry out these duties, ensuring a consistent and professional service. Council will continue to perform all other building-related administration services, including development

applications, and all current fees and charges will remain the same.

It has been a busy year for development in Cook Shire. From July 2012 until No-

NEXT Friday, December 20, will see the final curtain fall on the 24-year public service career of Cook Shire Council’s Director Planning and Environment Services, Ian McCrae.

It all started for Ian when he left the then Cairns City Council to assume the position of the shire’s building inspector.

Since then, he has performed in a wide variety of roles and duties, some of which have included plumbing inspector, local laws and illegal camping.

His adaptability saw him recognise opportunities for the shire to receive grant funding, which has been beneficial for the improvement, restoration and preservation of council buildings, signs and the cemetery and the shire’s cultural heritage.

He recognised early that to be successful, he needed to re-train himself, so he studied for, and achieved, a Graduate Diploma in Archaeological Heritage, which has been instrumental in

his involvement with the conservation of the Cooktown Cemetery – a project he described as, “considerable”.

Asked what he thought was one of his major achievements during his service with council, he replied, “Being a major member of the committee set up for the construction and development of Nature’s PowerHouse. I was involved in the design, tendering process and construction of it.”

Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott said his quietly-spoken director has had the “toughest job in council for a long time”.

“Ian’s done a great job in a thankless task,” he said.

“He’s tried very hard to bring the shire into the 21st century, introducing and overseeing laws and developing and maintaining standards that have tried to bring people into line who have been used to doing their ‘own thing’ for a long time.

Cooktown

Friday, Decmber 20, 2013 Vacant Residential Lots by DNR 2, 4, 6 and 10 Harrigan Street

First home buyers – now is your big chance to secure a block of land at today’s market price. Get $15,000 towards building your first home. Or builders... Take this opportunity to buy and build a spec house.

Builders and owner builders who require a building inspection are to book as per normal, through Council’s Customer Service team, allowing at least 48 hours notice of when the service is required.

For more information, contact Council’s Planning and Environment Division on 4069 5444 or email mail@cook.qld.gov.au.

Curtain closing on long career in Council

By GARY HUTCHISON

AUCTION

the only thing for which he will be remembered, with his involvement in a number of community organisation, but with a major commitment to the Endeavour Lions Club.

“Work and personal commitments made it very difficult to be in a number of clubs and organisations, so I decided to devote my time to Lions, which has been very rewarding for me,” Ian said.

During his time with the Lions, he has held the executive positions of President, Second President and Vice-President.

So what does the future hold for Ian in his retirement? Will he leave?

“Oh no, Cooktown is the best place I have ever lived,”he said.

“It’s a wonderful, close-knit community.

“I’ll be staying.”

“We thank him for his diligence, determination, commitment and professionalism.”

But the keen sailor and yacht owner does plan to explore the reef and islands of the north, along with continuing his involvement with his beloved Lions when in town.

His public service will not be

And what of his replacement?

Newly-appointed to Ian’s position, Mark Marziale, said he is grateful he will have had the opportunity of spending a month with Ian. “I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity of having some handover time with Ian and learning from his experience and expertise,” Mark said.

Holding university degrees in Architecture and Town Planning, he said his focus has been on town planning in urban and regional areas. He said his experience in state and local government positions has spanned a total of about 18 years since 1995, while he has lived and worked in rural and regional communities since 2003.

So what attracted Mark, his wife Natalie and children, Thomas and Katharyn, to the far north from the Northern Grampian Shires of Western Victoria.

Phone: Karen (07) 4069 5775 or email: karenolsen@bigpond.com The

RESTAURANT

Da Wogs will be Closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. d like to Da Wogs woul Merry ry wish you a ve d a happy, an as tm is hr C erous safe and prosp . ar New Ye u to A big thank yo s for er m all our custo 2013. in rt o p their sup 14...

See you in 20

as in Italian!)

(Merry Christm

“A change of lifestyle,” he laughed.

“We’re sick of the cold weather.

“And Cook Shire is growing, and has good future prospects.”

95 Charlotte Street, Cooktown

Ph 4069 6338

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Members please check out our takeaway prices for your Christmas supplies.

Wednesdays and Fridays – Courtesy Bus – To Marton & Keatings Lagoon

Incoming Cook Shire Council Director Planning and Environment Services, Mark Marziale, with his predecessor, Ian McCrae, who will retire on Friday, December 20 after 24 years of public service with council. Photo: GARY HUTCHISON.

Barra ‘n’ Bull Bistro would like to wish all their patrons a very Merry Christmas and wish to advise the Bistro will be closed the 25th, 26th and 27th December.

The BEST and the TASTIEST MEALS • in Town! •• • Kids receive a FREE drink & ice cream with a meal!

“Cooktown’s largest and newest kitchen and menu!” Bookings Appreciated: 4069 5829 Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013 – 3

NEWS LOW RESERVE REMINDER

AUCTION IN COOKTOWN

THIS SATURDAY, December 14, 2013 at Cooktown Paradise Realty Office, corner of Walker and Charlotte Sts

RESIDENCE ON 14 ACRES Subdividable, elevated land, river, mountain outlook. Just mins to town on Endeavour Valley Rd. 3 bedroom residence with town water, power, phone. Seller will meet the market!

OFFERS INVITED PRIOR TO AUCTION

COOKTOWN PARADISE REALTY John Hay 0417 786 922 or 4069 5922 e: johnhay@cooktownparadise.com.au

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Ph: 4069 5780 • Fax: 4069 6080 Email: cooktown.rsl@bigpond.com

• Relax, enjoy a cold beer in airconditioned comfort • Friday Night Courtesy Bus • Bar Snacks, 5pm • Pokies • Plus… Members Draw (you must be here to win) Member not present: Jim Hendrick

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Bridge work makes good progress With good weather allowing for steady progress, work continues on the new Wujal Wujal bridge as its foundations creep steadily towards the Wujal side of the Bloomfield River.

Photo: GARY HUTCHISON.

Artist sought for bronze statue A PROJECT of national historical significance has commenced in Cooktown in recognition of the first recorded reconciliation in Australia’s history.

“Eexpressions of interest have been called from bronze work artists for a statue of a little old man who instigated this first recorded reconciliation between Captain Cook and the Endeavour River Bama-ngay during Cook’s 48-day stay here at the Endeavour River in 1770,” Cooktown Re-enactment Association President Loretta Sullivan said “This project will showcase the unique events which took place here and bring significant historical information to the fore, which has been hidden in the journals of Captain Cook and Joseph Banks for more than 243 years, but recently uncovered by our researchers.”

Cook and his compliment of 86 men camped on the banks of the Endeavour River for almost seven weeks when they landed the ship for repairs after being holed on the Great Barrier Reef.

During this time a total of six meetings took place between Cook and the local Aborigines and the explorer’s journals have revealed a number of very interesting “firsts”: •The first recorded reconciliation in Australia’s history; •The first meaningful contact between Cook and Australian Aborigines;

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the Aboriginal perspective. Fortunately for us, the Endeavour Journals and our knowledge of land, culture and language allowed us to construct this historical account from the Bama perspective. In fact it is from the Endeavour Journals that we learned of the little old man; for me, the actions of this man demonstrated ‘respect’ for the laws that governed this land and his desire to avoid bloodshed on Waymbuurr, a neutral territory. The little old man is also a symbol of courage, resilience and survival demonstrated by our ancestors since 1770. This little old man showed a spirit of reconciliation, for the sake of his people, Cook recognised this and demonstrated the same spirit of reconciliation by handing back their spears.”

In the being of this little old man the wisdom of almost countless ages lay stored. He did not need to learn the lore of forgiveness and reconciliation passed down through the centuries since Moses. He called upon the high values treasured in his heart and acted.

Today, the little old man and the great captain still speak to all Australians and to the people of our world. They beg us to live out our mutual dependence on each other in lasting peace and trust.”

“The little old man is to be honoured through the erection of a life size bronze statue at Reconciliation Rocks - the location where we believe that first reconciliation took place,” Mrs Sullivan said.

“We are working with the ancestors of the little old man still residing here today, who have joined the Re-enactment Association to assist us in driving this important project.”

Waymbuurr Warra Traditional Owner, Erica Deeral said, “This is a very exciting project for Cooktown and we are looking forward to seeing our people recognised for the part our ancestors played in these significant events in Australia’s history.”

Bama historian and Vice President of the Association, Alberta Hornsby said, “The Endeavour story is not complete without

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want to live in peace together.’

Expressions of interest have been called for a suitable design and quote and funding sources are being investigated for the statue and landscaping of the site which will also incorporate an interpretive mangrove boardwalk through the whole area.

For further information contact either Cooktown Re-enactment Association President Loretta Sullivan on 0427 194 820, Bama Historian Alberta Hornsby on 0437 934 119 or Waymbuurr Warra Traditional Owner Erica Deeral on 0458 375 802, email endeavourriver1770@ gmail.com

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•The first record of the Aboriginal language – Sydney Parkinson recorded 132 Guugu Yimithirr words and phrases in his journal, including the word kangaroo (gunguuru) •The kangaroo was first sighted, shot and eaten by Cook and his crew, described by Joseph Banks and drawn by Sydney Parkinson.

After boarding the Endeavour, the Aborigines discovered a large number of turtle on deck - precious belongings to the Bama, but to Cook they were vital for survival on the long voyage to Batavia. He refused to share his bounty with them, and in retaliation the Bama set fire to Cook’s camp.

No life was lost and violence was minimal, but trust had been breached and the Bama retreated, leaving some spears behind.

Cook wanted no trouble, so seizing the spears, he and several of his companions followed the Aborigines until they came to some rocks where they sat down.

In the words of Emeritus Professor John Molony ANU: “From among the rocks near the bank of the river a little old man emerged carrying his spear which was a weapon no longer. He had broken off its point. Words could not mean more than the message spoken in his gesture. His bearing, his openness of mind and heart said to Cook, ‘I forgive you. Let us be men who understand and

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Council to host business conference in February COOK Shire Council will host the first Cooktown and Cape York Business Conference on Thursday, February 20, 2014, to be held at the PCYC Cooktown Events Centre.

Delegates from all over Cape York and across the region will arrive in Cooktown to hear from business industry leaders and experts who will explore a range of topics to help strengthen and develop local businesses.

“This is a prime opportunity for business owners and their key staff to expand their knowledge and implement some new and exciting initiatives into their business operations,” Mayor Peter Scott said.

“A fantastic line-up of speakers has been confirmed.

“Tom O’Toole, founder of the famous Beechworth Bakery, will speak about how he spearheaded the rebirth of a dying country town by turning his bakery into a phenomenon of Australian small business.

“Specialising in shaping town centres to support their social, cultural and economic futures, Robert Prestipino brings a unique understanding of how to use public infrastructure projects as catalysts to secure vital futures for local communities.

“Social media can be daunting for some, but not Nicky Jurd.

“Nicky has assisted hundreds of businesses profit through ethical marketing practices and well-planned website architecture.

“For the conference, Nicky will focus on social media for small business owners – the who, what, when, why and how.”

Register now to take advantage of early bird rates.

Full fees will apply from January 4, 2014. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are included in the conference pricing, as well as a networking dinner available in the evening.

Registration forms are available from Council’s administration building, Shire libraries and via Council’s website www.cook.qld.gov.au/businessconference or on request.

For more information about the 2014 Cooktown and Cape York Business Conference contact Council’s Economic Development Officer by phoning (07) 4069 5444 or email mail@cook.qld.gov.au.

Registrations close Friday, January 31, 2014.

Memories of Mandela

By MARK BOUSEN THE late Madiba Nelson Mandela was a humble freedom fighter who promoted truth, justice and reconciliation with violence, a prominent world, human rights figure has said.

“We were among the millions and we were waving the Aboriginal and Torres Islander flags near Mr Mandela.

“The flags were spotted by Mr Mandela’s good friend Kwame Ture, the former Black Panther who was previously known as Stokely Carmichael, who was seated next to Mr Mandela.

“Mr Mandela sent one of his guards who was carrying a machine gun and with a dog to invite us to sit in a vacant chair next to him.

“As there was only one seat, Dr Sarra and I decided to take a rain check and would meet the President at a small function that night.”

Professor Smallwood recounts that President Manela was accompanied by journalist Donald Woods, who promoted and assisted with the movie Cry Freedom, the movie based on Biko’s live and death.

“Mr Mandela made a humble statement about obtaining recon-

News PHOTO COMP Cooktown Local

Photo competition winner to be announced next week

Captures have been varied, with landscape, wild life and portraits topping the choices of local “snappers” for consideration.

CORNETT’S IGA Cooktown judges will be hard at it this week trying to select the overall winner of its weekly photo competition, with a $500 voucher up for grabs for the lucky winner.

Such has been the quality of images received, that some copies displayed in the IGA gallery established for the purpose, have been stolen.

Every photographer who has won the weekly $25 meat voucher is eligible to take out the grand prize.

So photography enthusiasts, don’t forget to buy your copy of next week’s edition of the Cooktown Local News, where you will see who wins the ultimate prize, along with the winning image once again being published for your pleasure and personal consideration.

Hundreds of photographic submissions have been received at by the Cooktown Local News during the year, with outstanding images some of which have been of National Geographic quality received each week.

What’s AT THE TOP PUB

ON

1

“Where the locals meet and eat!”

DAY SALE

Professor Gracelyn Smallwood, who last month received a United Nations Award for her 45 years of work and service for national and international health and human rights, told the Cooktown Local News at the Australian South Sea Islanders (ASSI) forum at Tweed Heads on the weekend.

Professor Smallwood, who lives in Townsville, met Mr Mandela in 1997 when she and Dr Chris Sarra were VIP guests of the South African President for the 20th anniversary of the death in custody of the late Steve Biko.

NEWS

$ Professor Gracelyn Smallwood at the Tweed Heads Forum. ciliation with the truth. But in Australia, we’re trying to have reconciliation without the truth.

Professor Smallwood said there will be harmony only when reconciliation is achieved with truth.

“President Mandela also played a prominent role in the mediation with (Libyan leader) Colonel Gaddafi over the Pan Am incident (also known as the Lockerbie bombing).

“Reparation and reconciliation needs to be made to the First Families, Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islanders/South Sea Islanders as this country has, in the last 230 years, become one of the wealthiest countries in the world on the back of black slavery.”

“In a sense, my father, Archie Smallwood, did in Australia what President Mandela did in South Africa about human rights.”

The day following the celebrations in South Africa and Professor Smallwood and Dr Sarra travelled to Libya via Malta to attend a human rights conference where Professor Smallwood talked about how the land rights fought for and won by the late Eddie Koiki Mabo were being watered down in Australia.

“This created a massive breakdown and disharmony in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.”

Professor Smallwood is a registered nurse and midwife, prominent figure in Indigenous Mental health and holds a Master of Science Degree in Public Health, as well as a PhD in First Nations Australian health and human rights.

“The United Nations Award is a real honour as I have retired, but it also reflects on my parents, particularly my father who was from the Juru Birrigubba homeland (in the Bundaberg district) and was sent to the infamous Palm Island at a young age under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protection Act,” she said.

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COOKTOWN HOTEL CHARLOTTE ST, COOKTOWN • PH 4069 5308 COURTESY BUS operates 7 DAYS A WEEK • Phone for pick-up Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013 – 5

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COOKTOWN MEDICAL CENTRE The Doctors and staff at the Cooktown Medical Centre wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

Please note the Surgery will be closed for the Christmas break from Wednesday, December 25, 2013 and will be re-opening on Friday, December 27, 2013 at 8am.

We will also be closed on New Year’s Day Wednesday, January 1, 2014.

The Surgery will return to normal hours again from Thursday, January 2, 2014.

Please ensure you have your scripts and supply of regular medications before the Christmas holiday break as we will be closed some days and have reduced staff other days.

From the Pulpit

Gossip isn’t a popular subject, but it certainly is a popular activity.

Many people spend a great deal of time participating in idle talk about someone else, usually with the intention of injuring the individual in some way. Unfortunately, believers are oftentimes just as guilty of gossiping as unbelievers. But our Father wants us to see the practice for what it truly is.

The Bible includes gossip in a couple of odious categories. Paul lists it amidst interrelated sins like deceit, malice, slander, and arrogance (Rom. 1:29-30). Gossip is deceptive and defamatory, and it is accompanied by both cruelty and pride.

These are all characteristics of “haters of God,” according to the apostle. In another passage describing ungodly practices, Paul places gossip in the middle. And of course, everyone recognizes the Ten Commandments, whose last decree is, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Ex. 20:16).

Gossip does not fit who we are as God’s children.

6 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013

Just as you can’t have poison and pure water pouring from the same stream, you cannot have both God-honoring talk and gossip coming from a believer. When evil words pass our lips, they are indicative of what we harbour in our heart. However, God is in the heart-cleaning business. If we falter - allowing gossip and its cohorts, malice and deceit, into our lives we should pray as David did: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer” (Ps. 19:14).

In regard to this subject; at Cooktown Community Church, we operate with the philosophy - “If you are not part of the problem, or part of the solution, then why are we talking about this?”

Also, I have a personal goal that, as I depart from spending time with someone; that they feel better about themselves, than when I first started talking to them.

Have an awesome week!

God bless ya heaps.

Pastor Wayne Brennan Cooktown Community Church.

View from the Hill Where is Cooktown again?

WELL, that concludes all I have to say about the wonderful future for power supply companies in Queensland, and I’m ready to take questions. The gentleman at the front?

Oh, I thought I made that clear.

Now the Federal Government has stopped worrying about carbon dioxide and is scrapping the carbon tax, we expect to be able to hold the rate of electricity price rises to perhaps as low as 10 per cent. That’s good news for all our consumers. Only a 10 per cent rise in prices! Or perhaps a little more, but not much more. The gentleman at the back with the large hat?

My word, what a long question.

The thing is, residents in the outer suburbs must understand that it takes a little longer to reach them if there is a problem. Where did you say you are from?

Cooktown. Yes, I think I have seen that name. Yes, definitely outer suburbs. So you get exactly the same service as central Brisbane - it just reaches you a little later.

Of course I visit the outer suburbs. My golf club is out there.

And my favourite shopping centre. I understand exactly the sort of place you are talking of.

I am afraid you are deliberately misunderstanding. Yes, it is always possible for power lines

to fail, but it’s very rare. And if it does happen, it doesn’t matter.

Queensland’s power grid means that problems can be by-passed.

You can always draw power from one of the neighbouring towns.

If there is a break in supply to where was it? - Cooktown, we’ll just feed in power from your neighbours.

Really? That sounds an awfully long way away. Just let me consult my assistant a moment...

Ah yes, you are on what we call a spur line. Where a power line runs from a population centre out into the bush. There’s still nothing to worry about. Those lines never fail.

I keep telling you, we don’t need a Plan B because Plan A will always work. And if anything goes wrong in your town, we can always get a service crew to you within half an hour.

Excuse me... My assistant tells me that getting service crews to Cooktown might take a bit longer.

Several hours - what was that? If the road is not flooded? Oh well, if it’s going to flood. Look, Sir, if you choose to live in such a place, that’s your affair. I’d move into town during the wet season, if I were you.

An irreverent, satirical (and totally fictional) comment upon the issues of life, by our faceless correspondent.

NEWS

Power on with news History of grant

Bodies not recovered from ketch sinking CONTINUING the story of the ketch, Port Stewart with a look at the inquest into its loss in 1908.

Witnesses called to the inquest in January 1909, were John Schulter, Captain of the Melbidir, Cooktown; Ernest Evanson, Mariner, Cooktown; H Shaw, Harbour Master, Cooktown; Leonard Evanson, Clerk, Cooktown; H Evanson, Mariner, Cooktown; Alice O’Regan, Coen; J Lee, District Registrar Cooktown; Philip Tibo and Mariner, Cooktown.

Capt. Schulter was the Master of the Government ketch Melbidir and was on his way south from Thursday Island, on March 26,1908, when he called at and spoke to the Master of the Claremont Island Lightship, who informed him of the hurricane that had raged on March 23. Two days later, Schulter hove to under Pipon Island to collect the mail for Cooktown.

A man named Erickson and another by the name Carter came to report that the ketch, Port Stewart had been anchored at Pipon at the time of the storm. Apparently, it came on very thick and that after it cleared, he could see nothing of them. The report was in the mail bag for Cooktown, where Schulter reached on April 1.

So, one week after the storm, the Melbidir along with Ernest Evanson, son of the missing Captain Evanson, headed north again in search of any sign of the ketch, or the missing men. They searched for a week before finding some wreckage on April 9, five miles south of Port Stewart, and about 45 miles from Pipon Island. There was a large quantity of wreckage broken up small and scattered along the beach. They managed to collect a piece of the mast, a piece of the decking and outside planking a port hole slide and a piece of fittings from the cabin.

According to Ernest Evanson, his father had

By GARY HUTCHISON MINISTER for Local Government and Community Resilience David Crisafulli has responded quickly and positively to Cook Shire Council’s application for a grant, which will see emergency generators fitted to the PCYC Cooktown Events Centre.

Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott had made a personal approach to the minister after it was recently revealed the old generators that had powered the town during a blackout have been decommissioned by Ergon Energy.

Busy Cooktown wharf area in about 1900. Photo submitted. left Port Stewart with a cargo of tin ore, about 30 bags, weighing oneand-a-half tons and five passengers. They were to call at Pipon Island for mail and deliver some timber, they were then to go to Noble Island for mail, before calling at the Starcke with cargo.

Much later, in October, the Master of the Venus, Philip Tibo, reported finding part of the keel and centreboard of the ketch, “three miles north of No. 4 bank, 18 miles north west of Pipon Island”.

Those lost were: John Charles Evanson – Master mariner and Captain of ketch, 66-years-old, born in

Norway, but had been in the colonies for 38 years. He left his wife of 35 years and three adult sons in Cooktown; Edward John O’Regan – schoolboy from Coen, and son of Alice and Daniel O’Regan, a police constable in Coen. Aged 13 years, he was returning to school; Patrick Ryan - unmarried, a policeman with prisoner, “John” from Weipa Mission station; Arthur Wright – Miner, unmarried, 58-year-old born in Suffolk, England, 30 years in Queensland; Edward Stoneley – Miner, unmarried, 39 years old born Gladstone and two Aboriginal crew

– Willie and “Potato”, (Details of these men were not recorded as, sadly, at that time, registration of their deaths was not required.)

None of the bodies were ever recovered.

Ironically, the 1907 cyclone had also been hard on the Evansons, with their boat shed 80ft long by 40ft - completely destroyed. Two of Evanson’s boats dragged their anchors and were ultimately blown out to sea and wrecked off Indian Head, and Mr Evanson’s private residence was wrecked. However, the family remained in Cooktown for many more years.

The state will provide $40,000 of the cost of the equipment, with Cook Shire to contribute $20,000 to the final balance.

Mayor Scott said news of the grant was wonderful.

“Minister Crisafulli and his department have to be commended for their quick response to our request,” he said.

The Bill amends the regulatory framework that applies to the use of restrictive practices (eg, seclusion and restraint) by funded disability service providers on adults with intellectual or cognitive disability in response to behaviour that results in physical harm or a serious risk of physical harm to the adult or others.

Submissions close: 9 January 2014 Report date: 3 February 2014 Submissions: hcsc@parliament.qld.gov.au

Website: parliament.qld.gov.au/hcsc Phone: 3406 7688

The State Development, Infrastructure and Industry Committee is seeking submissions on the Regional Planning Interests Bill 2013.

The main objective of the Bill is to identify areas of Queensland that are of regional interest because they contribute to Queensland’s economic, social or environmental prosperity and give effect to policies about matters of State interest in regional plans.

Submissions close: 17 January 2014 Report date: 17 March 2014

Ergon Energy Acting Manager Regional Services Graham Lynes told the Cooktown Local News last week that the incumbent generation equipment, which is still on site, while being a useful backup option for most parts of the Cooktown district network more than ten years ago, is no longer considered to be the best option for emergency supply in the future.

Mr Lynes said that due to technical incompatibilities between the old generators and the now reconfigured Cooktown substation and network, Ergon Energy believes it would not be prudent to reinstate the older control capability between these generators and the local network.

Notices issued to skippers WATER Police patrols of Cooktown Harbour and surrounding waters on November 29 resulted in the interception of 21 vessels, which netted six infringement notices and one arrest.

Three of the boats intercepted were commercial vessels.

Of the notices issued, five were for maritime infringements – four relating to safety, while the other was for failing to

Water Police display registration.

The sixth notice was for a traffic infringement relating to an unregistered trailer, while the

Have your say…

The Health and Community Services Committee is seeking submissions on the Disability Services (Restrictive Practices) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013.

“Our engineering department is hopeful of having the generators installed before the Christmas break, well-before our normal wet season, which will see the events centre with emergency power in a worst-case scenario during the cyclone season.”

The Transport, Housing and Local Government Committee is seeking submissions to its Rail freight use by the agriculture and livestock industries inquiry.

The full terms of reference are available on the committee’s website.

Submissions close: 21 February 2014 Report date: 10 June 2014 Submissions:thlgc@parliament.qld.gov.au

Website: parliament.qld.gov.au/thlgc Phone: 3406 7486

arrest was made for the operation of a vessel with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .058 per cent.

And in a land-based arrest, a 51-year-old Cooktown man was intercepted by local police on December 7 while he was driving with an alleged BAC of .152 per cent. He is due to appear at the January 9 sittings of the Cooktown Magistrates Court.

Submissions Please note that submissions to inquiries become committee documents and are made public only after a decision of the committee.

Committees reserve the right to not receive a submission in whole or in part. Persons making submissions must not release them until they have been published by the committee. The prior publication of a submission will not be protected by parliamentary privilege.

Submissions can be posted to the relevant committee at: Parliament House, George Street, Brisbane Qld 4000 Bills Bills and Explanatory Notes can be accessed via the committee’s website or at www.legislation.qld.gov.au/ Bill_Pages/Bill_54_13.htm Public hearings Committees will hear from invited witnesses. Members of the public are welcome to observe the proceedings.

Submissions: sdiic@parliament.qld.gov.au

Website: parliament.qld.gov.au/sdiic Phone: 3406 7230 Parliament House, George St, Brisbane Qld 4000 www.parliament.qld.gov.au/committees

Information and enquiries For general information and enquiries about parliamentary committees visit our website parliament.qld.gov.au/ committees or phone 1800 504 022.

Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013 – 7

NEWS

A roaring good Christmas party “HO Ho Ho,” Santa said.

And another Lions’ senior citizens’ Christmas party got under way at the Cooktown Bowls Club last Thursday.

A huge thank you to all who helped on the day and for all the work that needed to be done in the lead up. We had 75 locals join us for lunch this year, when we had a few hours of fun.

I’m sure all would agree the children from the Cooktown State School Choir gave a fantastic performance of some much-loved Christmas carols.

Thank you for another beautiful meal from the team in the kitchen of the Cooktown Bowls Club, followed by some beautiful Lions Christmas cake.

We where also graced with the winners of “Cooktown’s Got Talent” contest - the Sapphires with their ever-so famous dance number.

Santa even came for a visit to hand out a few Christmas presents before the day concluded.

It’s events like these that

make the Lions Club so proud to be able to give back into the Cooktown community. We have been chartered as a service club in Cooktown since 1979, and we all enjoy being able to give back to those who have given so much of themselves over the years.

We are always looking for new members, so please consider becoming an Endeavour Cooktown Lion. My email is always at the ready: endeavourlions201@gmail. com if you have any questions about the Lions organisation.

Top left: Lion Joan Royal (right) serving a couple of drinks to Loanne and Karl Benke.

Top right: “Cooktown’s Got Talent” winners, The Sapphire Dancers, with Santa: (from left) Hannah Gibson, Neneh McIvor, Julija Gibson, Trinity McCudden and Morli McCudden.

Bottom left: Cooktown State School Choir singing their renditions of some classic Christmas carols for the Lions’ senior citizens’ lunch.

See you all in a few weeks at the next exciting event in Cooktown on Sunday, December 22 at “Carols by Candle Light”, when Lions will be flipping snags for a great cause again this year.

Endeavour Lions Club would like to take this opportunity to wish each of you and your families a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year Yours in “Lionism” Michael Czarnecki Club Secretary.

Photos: MICHAEL CZARNECKI.

Cooktown & Cape York

Business Conference

February 20, 2014 | Cooktown Events Centre Invest Today, Succeed Tomorrow Register now for this fantastic opportunity to hear from business industry leaders and experts who will explore a range of topics to help build and strengthen your business

Keynote Speaker

Keynote Speaker

Founder of the famous Beechworth Bakery, Tom will speak about how he spearheaded the rebirth of a dying country town by turning his bakery into a phenomenon of Australian small business.

Robert specialises in shaping town centres to support their social, cultural and economic futures.

Robert brings a unique understanding of how to use public infrastructure projects as catalysts to secure vital futures for local communities.

Tom O’Toole “Breadwinner – A fresh approach to business success”

To register or find out more, contact Cook Shire Council P | 07 4069 5444 A | 10 Furneaux Street (PO Box 3) Cooktown, Qld, 4895 E | mail@cook.qld.gov.au W | www.cook.qld.gov.au/businessconference 8 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013

Robert Prestipino “Developing our Place”

Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013 – 9

NEWS

New TQ massed choir

Council obliged to collect new fire levy THE state government’s recently-introduced State Emergency Management, Fire and Rescue (EMFR) Levy will apply to all prescribed properties in Queensland.

As such, Cook Shire Council has a legal obligation under the Fire and Rescue Services Regulation 2011, to collect this annual levy on behalf of the Queensland government.

The EMFR Levy replaces the former Urban State Fire Levy, which applied to urban areas only. Ratepayers within this category will notice a small increase and a difference in appearance to this item on their rates notice. Property owners previously unaffected however, will notice the new levy as a new line item and increase

By JACQUI SYKES

on their notice. Council advises property owners that this levy does not replace the Rural Fire Levy; collected for and distributed directly to local Rural Fire Brigades.

Cook Shire ratepayers will see the EMFR Levy incorporated on their rates notice for the period January 1, 2014 to June 30, 2014.

The reform aims to provide a more sustainable funding base for emergency services, recognising that all Queenslanders are at risk from possible floods, cyclones, storms, fire and accidents.

For more information regarding this levy, contact the Department of Community Safety on (07) 3635 3041 or email QFRS_RevCom@dcs. qld.gov.au.

FOURTEEN members of the HoRoCo Singers represented Cook Shire in the first performance of the Tropical Queensland Oratorio Society, led by the inspirational Alteouise DeVaughn.

It was a thrilling concert with choirs from Dimbulah, Cairns and Douglas Shire, as well as Cook Shire, making up more than 55 singers.

With Alteouise conducting, they made a most impressive sound!

Among the performers at St Mary’s Catholic Church on December 1 was Port Douglas chorister, Andrea Collisson, who has written about the excitement of being right there in the midst of it all: “I spent the 90 minutes not sitting with the audience, but crammed in around the altar, sweating it out on a steamy afternoon with the rest of the choir. And I had a blast! We in the choir had prime ‘seats’ for the conductor’s performance. I am an unabashed fan of Ms DeVaughn’s conducting, which is a full-body experience. You might say athletic and dramatic. She

Fourteen members of the HoRoCo Singers represented Cook Shire in the first performance of the Tropical Queensland Oratorio Society, led by Alteouise DeVaughn. Photo: ANDREA COLLISSON. surged across the space before the choir with urgency, to direct the out-of-sight pianist and band to ‘pick it up now!’. Her animated face radiated positive energy, intended to infect us so that we could turn it on for the audience, while her hands and eyes told us ‘louder’, ‘your turn’, ‘move this direction’, and sometimes even ‘take a breath now’. We needed all this help, not least because some pieces, like The Hallelujah Chorus are musically complex and others, like the American Spiritual, Steal Away, involved a degree of improvisation.

While we choristers had our own one-person show to thrill us, we shared the audience’s aural experience of the first half, sitting, like them, with rapt attention through a

series of fine classical solos from Handel’s Messiah. This was rather a lot of high art for a community of 3000, far from major cities. And yet I think the 180-member audience realised their entry donation was paid back in full measure with the overture alone, performed by Jo-anne Kemp. Later, she kicked her electronic piano into a gorgeous harpsichord effect for Alteouise’s solo.

In the second half, the program made a nicely considered transition into Christmas carols in a series of songs with a nocturnal theme, finishing up on Christmas night with a twinkle-toed angel, eight-yearold Shannon Dwyer singing Away in a Manger.

With one more carol from

three of our own wise men, who’d dressed up in gold paper crowns and long gowns for a nativity scene playing out left of stage, the choir was set to start belting out gospel songs and American Spirituals. We had five songs on which to flex our vocal chords and feel the beat.”

Andrea is working on a facebook page being developed for interested members of the public and choirs. It should be found by googling: port douglas choir.

The HoRoCo singers are grateful for the opportunity to participate, which was made possible by a grant from the Regional Arts Development Fund, a Queensland Government and Cook Shire Council partnership to support local arts and culture.

Carols by Candlelight

7pm, Sunday, December 22 in Endeavour Park • Preceeded by FREE Sausage Sizzle at 6pm (prepared by the Lions Club) • Bring a rug or chair • FREE glo-sticks and lollies for the children

Alternate venue if WET weather Cooktown Events Centre

• Remember to bring a rug. Chairs provided

Come and celebrate Christmas with the Family… See you there!

Carols are conducted by the Combined Christian Churches of Cooktown Enquiries: Pastor Peter – Phone 4069 5155 10 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013

Proud Major Sponsor

NEWS

‘Tippanys Cash for Christmas’ competition very successful ON October 24, Cook Shire Council announced its “Tippanys Cash for Christmas” competition.

The Council-operated buy-back shop had donated $3000 (20 per cent of its last year’s revenue) back to the community – wanting to give everyone in the community a chance to nominate the organisation worthy of money in their opinion.

To be eligible, the organisation had to be a school, child care center, not-for-profit community group or charity group.

The terms and conditions were very simple.

The competition was opened to all residents of Cook Shire who could nominate an eligible organisation to receive a prize if chosen a winner. A valid entry had to include, “Top Recycling Tip” in 25 words or less.

The number of entries was unlimited as long as the tip was different and a variety of options for entry were also provided (Facebook, email or entry forms were collected from the Council office or downloaded from the Council website).

Any nominated organisation was eligible to receive more than one prize out of five, $600 prizes.

The competition closed on November 29, 2013.

Anne Kelly won $600 for the Endeavour Lions Club with her recycling tip in Cook Shire Council’s, “Tippanys Cash for Christmas” competition.

Cook Shire Council Waste Management Team received 135 entries from 91 people on behalf of 13 organisations - Endeavour Christian College received an amazing 81 nominations, Full Boar Thai Boxing received 15 nominations, Cape York Folk Club received 12 nominations, The Environment Club from Cooktown State School received 11 nominations, Cooktown Coast Guard received five nominations, Cooktown Re-enactment Association received three nominations, Great Barrier Reef Childcare received two nominations and Cooktown State School 5T, Endeavour Family Daycare, Endeavour Lions Club, Cooktown Asylum Production,

Cooktown District Community Centre’s (CDCC) Christmas Presents for Less Fortunate Children program and Cooktown P&C Association all received one nomination each.

Unfortunately, 26 entries were disqualified as the top recycling tip requirement in the judge’s opinion was not fulfilled.

Deciding on the remaining 109 tips proved to be harder than first-imagined, but after long and careful consideration the following entries/organisations were chosen to be the winners: • “Reuse paper that has only been painted on one side. A pencil line could be drawn on the old painted side. One printer could be set up for just

recycled paper.” Judges thought this tip not only recycles paper, but also saves it and saves the money. This clever tip has brought $600 to the Endeavour Lions Club on behalf of Anne Kelly; • “Make a fly trap with a water bottle. Vegemite is mixed with water and placed in the bottom.

Flies are attracted to the smell. Plant into recycled water bottle, this creates its own eco system.” This clever tip for the wet season has brought $600 to Endeavour Christian College on behalf of Cheyanne Whittaker; • “You can build a retaining wall or fence of old tyres. Use star pickets to stabilize and fill with sand or gravel.” A tyre wall has brought $600 to the Full Boar Muay Thai Boxing Club on behalf of Leone Collett; • “Make it easy and make it a habit! Have an extra box or bin next to your rubbish bin for recyclables and involve the kids in dropping it off regularly.” Simplicity in this tip in the judges’ opinion is just brilliant and has brought $600 to Endeavour Family Daycare on behalf of Jacynta Hunt; and • “Grow a permaculture garden (p-garden) so you can go shopping in your own garden and you can live a happy and sustainable future.” This tip addresses waste hierarchy on avoiding waste level, which is much more delicate than recycling and has brought

Paying dearly for drugs AUSTRALIANS are paying many times more for prescription drugs than residents of other countries, such as the United Kingdom, a new study has found.

In the “Poor Pricing Progress” report for independent thinktank, Grattan Institute health economist Dr Stephen Duckett said that unnecessarily inflated prices have cost patients and taxpayers because price cuts, when a drug is off patent, are far smaller than those overseas.

Dr Duckett said that, although the wholesale price of a few widely-used medicines fell by about one third from the start of December, Australian drug wholesale prices were also on average 14 times higher than

under price disclosure requirements, pharmacies are forced to reveal discounts on drug prices that manufacturers provide them, and the government accordingly reduces the amount paid to pharmacies for each drug.

$600 to The Environment Club (Cooktown State School) on behalf of Ella Hartwig.

The full list of entries will be published on Cook Shire Councils website: http://www. cook.qld.gov.au/cashforchristmas.

Council would like to thank all the participants and congratulate all the winners.

Please try to reduce the amount of waste you create. Knowing that it’s not always possible, reuse your items by selling them, giving them away or just donating them to

your local buy-back and charity shops. Whatever is left, endeavour to recycle your waste.

If you have any questions about what to recycle and where, contact Cook Shire Council’s Waste Management Coordinator on 4069 5444.

Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning

Have your say on the draft Cape York Regional Plan The Queensland Government has released a draft land use plan for Cape York to encourage economic development, balanced with protecting the region’s significant environmental and cultural resources.

The plan has the vision of providing communities on Cape York with the opportunities to create a sound economic future, while protecting the environment.

You can have your say on the draft Cape York Regional Plan until 25 March 2014. Submissions will be considered before the plan is finalised in mid-2014.

For a copy of the plan and more information on how to make a submission: visit email call

www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/cape-york cyregionalplan@dsdip.qld.gov.au 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

Blaze027347

Story and photo

by KRISTINA KOSSINSKAJA

Great state. Great opportunity.

LIONS DEN HOTEL

CHRISTMAS PARTY!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21

Live Music with The Hillbilly Goats

• Delicious Christmas Buffet • Lollies and goodies for the kids Adults $20, kids $10, under 6 Free • RSVP: By 17th Dec please!

Phone: 4060 3911 • www.lionsdenhotel.com.au

In an earlier report, “Australia’s Bad Drug Deal” the institute said that if the government benchmarked the prices of generic drugs against prices paid overseas, it could save more than $1 billion a year in payments to manufacturers.

prices for the same medicines in the United Kingdom.

The Grattan Institute said that

The Grattan Institute has called for an independent, impartial and expert pharmaceuticals pricing board, with strong membership from the medical profession and a defined budget.

Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013 – 11

PHOTOS: GARY HUTCHISON

UT&about

RSL CHRISTMAS PARTY @ Restaurant 1770

Cass Sorensen and Wal Welsh.

Rick Reid and Jim Fay.

Rebeccah and Paul Buldo.

Laurie and Sue Steffensen.

Vicki Kirk and Jack Degney.

Christine Brady and Peter Shields.

Wayne Brennan, Trae Nicholls, Nathaniel West and Sue Brennan.

Julie Olive and Peter Sanderson

Evie Slater and Clive Clarke.

12 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013

Peter Hore and Graeme Andrews.

Beatrice and Bob Rowles.

PHOTOS: GARY HUTCHISON

SOVVY SATURDAY FOR SOPHIA SATURDAY’S fund raising function at the Sovereign Resort Hotel was as much about all kids, as it was about helping the CollinsHerrmann family, whose daughter Sophia, recently had a tumour removed from her arm.

The tumour has since been diagnosed as benign.

More than $11,000 was raised to help the popular young family cover their massive medical and travelling costs, which will be ongoing as Sophia’s progress will still require monitoring.

A large number of children of all ages formed the capacity audience, which included parents and grandparents who have either been “touched” by cancer, or are ever fearful the dreaded ‘c-word’ will curse the existence of children in their lives.

UT&about

Local musicians donated their time to enterain the crowd, while businesses and individuals freely donated prizes and services for raffles and auctions that were run during the day.

“Not bad for a little place like Cooktown?”

Sovereign Resort Hotel manager Sally Kaye commented.

A grateful Jacqui Collins-Herrmann, Sophia’s mum, said her family was extremely grateful to all those involved in the function.

“These past couple of months have been a roller coaster ride for us all,” she said.

Sophia and Jacqui Collins-Herrmann with Master of Ceremonies, John “Da Wog” Dessmann.

Kelly Schoffelen and Carla Ceaser.

“We’ve really been overwhelmed by the generosity and support of so many people.

“It’s simply been fantastic, we can’t thank everyone enough.”

Bridie Bramwell had other things on her mind while Karen Nicolaou and Bridie’s mum, Kimberley Sullivan, were soaking up the Sovvy’s atmosphere.

Above: Julie and Taryn Frame.

Right: Cairns visitor Dianne Prior joined her friend Sue Gaynor.

Below: McKenzie Lewis with her dad, Jono.

Bottom right: Jaz Sieverding was having a great time painting all the children. Elora Ceasar is seen here getting some artwork on her arm.

Above: Tom Nijskens and Lek Jentrarat.

Right: Margaret Dessmann and Cath Jene enjoyed the function on the verandah bar.

Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013 – 13

SCHOOLS

Student of the Month

Bloomfield River State School’s Student of the month is Quincy Gibson. Congratulations to Quincy who graduated from Year 7 this year and is off to Western Cape College in Weipa next year for high school. On behalf of the staff, students and community of Bloomfield River State School, we wish you all the best for your future endeavours Quincy. Stay Deadly!

The Laura State School Student of the Month award goes to Rosheta Roughsey. Rosheta is dedicated to reading and enjoys devouring a wide variety of texts. She has a natural talent for reading and works well in class. At playtime, Rosheta enjoys playing sports and ball games with her friends Alerah and Hilda. She is a good friend to all and always shows respect to her peers, teachers and elders. Great work Miss Roughsey!

Dane Brejnak has been chosen as the Cooktown High School’s Student of the Month because he is an outstanding young man who has recently graduated Year 12.

During his time at Cooktown State School Dane has been a keen competitor in both swimming and athletics carnivals and this year won the Open Boys 400m event. He has also developed into quite a talented artist in the past few years and recently sold all three of his paintings at Cooktown SS “Art Soup Kitchen”. Well Done Dane for all your hard work over the years at school and good luck in the future!

Roxanne Wende has been chosen as the Cooktown Primary School’s Student of the Month because she is a studious young lady, who always strives to achieve high.

Her attitude is positive and her work ethic is strong. While volunteering in the Library during her lunch hours, Roxanne’s gentle and cheerful nature helps contribute to a positive environment where all students feel welcome.

Roxanne should be very proud of her efforts this year. She has performed very well in her school subjects and has grown into a mature student.

Endeavour Christian College’s Student of the Month for November is Otto Basson.

Otto is a diligent and happy student with a sense of responsibility. He is always ready to lend a helping hand where needed. He is a loyal friend and is quick to offer words of encouragement to fellow students. He enjoys playing the piano and singing in the choir. He was keen to learn some new moves during Dance Club. His favourite activities remain fishing and drawing, especially drawing different forms of wildlife.

Lakeland State School’s Student of the Moneth is Year 3 student, Liliana McCarthy.

Liliana has been chosen for her improved confidence and attitude towards playing sports.

Student of the Month for the Hope Vale Campus is Taya Josiah. Taya has excellent attendance and behaviour and loves coming to school everyday with all her friends. Taya loves playing sport and doing her club and culture lessons. Taya is also a keen writer and loves reading!

Jazmin Thomas is the Rossville State School’s Student of the Month because she is always enthusiastic and ready to learn.

Jazmin has been putting in a fantastic effort in her daily writing, which has resulted in some outstanding and interesting stories.

Your connection between Cairns and Cooktown Hinterland Aviation provides a reliable, regular transport service each week between Cairns and Cooktown.

That’s 26 scheduled flights between Cairns and Cooktown from Monday through to Saturday. Fortnightly Sunday flights now available.

For a reliable service, you can count on Hinterland Aviation to get you to where you need to be.

The Management and Staff of Hinterland Aviation wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Sunday Afternoon Fortnightly Flights

Cairns/Cooktown/Cairns Next scheduled flights

Dec. 15 Dec. 29 Jan. 12 Anytime, Anywhere

Telephone: [07] 4040 1333 | Email: info@hinterlandaviation.com.au | Book online at: www.hinterlandaviation.com.au 14 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013

COMMUNITY

Along the BLOOMFIELD TRACK Kangaroos’ balancing act Story and photos by MIKE D’ARCY ARE kangaroos’ legs locked mechanically together? Would they topple over if, while hopping, one leg accidentally hit some unusual protuberance?

Visitors ask lots of interesting questions. Fred and Christine Stagnitto from Paris were fascinated by the wildlife on a recent trip to Wujal, especially seeing that agile wallabies were active in the nearby grasslands.

My answer to Fred (with a little help from the internet) went along these lines: Kangaroos (genus macropus) and the macropod family are famous for being ridiculously good at jumping, and they do it so very effortlessly.

No doubt, their hopping ability evolved out of the need to cover long distances to forage for food.

The angle of their leg bone arrangement gives kangaroos a mechanical advantage by maximising the ability of the limb to absorb kinetic energy during contact

with the ground. This also helps increase stride length. Together, the tendons and muscle tissues act as an elastic spring, meaning that with each hop, some energy - a lot of energy - is reclaimed.

Kangaroos increase their speed by increasing their stride length, not their leg speed. Very interesting. Just like Usain Bolt - looks slow, but an enormous stride length.

How do the macropods get their balance? Balance is the result of several body systems working together - the visual system (eyes), vestibular system (ears) and proprioception (the body’s sense of where it is in space). In addition, kangaroos have their enormous tail as a balancing rudder.

When kangaroos are moving slowly, or feeding, they balance on their small front legs and tail, swing their hind legs forward like a pendulum, then bring up the tail and front legs to complete the movement. The muscles of the hind legs are attached in such a way that when travelling on land, the kangaroo always moves both limbs together. Interestingly, if

the kangaroo ever has occasion to swim, it can then move its hind legs separately.

So, that’s the clincher. Kangaroos can move their legs independent of each other - they’re not locked together. Sorry, Fred, but a brilliant question.

The two species of tree kangaroos that we have in Australia (12 in Papua New Guinea, cousins of the Aussie kangaroos and wallabies), can also move their legs independently. Otherwise they wouldn’t be able to climb up trees.

The mild weather has been good for the bridge builders on the Bloomfield River, and their schedule is looking good.

Cassowary sightings have been plentiful down around the Daintree, and the Wujal Falls are flowing well.

School holidays are coming up, so start planning a few little excursions for the family.

Happy travelling, Mike and Trish D’Arcy D’Arcy of Daintree 4WD Tours Phone: +61 7 4098 9180 www.darcy of daintree.com.au

A misty morning and “big mum” cassowary is crossing Oliver Creek near Marrja Boardwalk.

GORI MARBLE & GRANITE 18 Ishmael Road, CAIRNs, QLd, 4870 Ph: (07) 4054 4595 • Fax: (07) 4054 6631

Email: gori@optusnet.com.au • Web: www.gorimarbleandgranite.com.au

A locally owned and operated family business – Established in 1965 Specialising in designing and manufacturing: Headstones, Bases, Plaques, Graves – In stock or made to order Ceramic Photos, Frames, Statues, Crosses and Vases Inscriptions and Artwork completed at our factory in Cairns ~ Qualified Stonemasons with Queensland Apprentices ~

ntil 4pm u e l a s n o 3 Tickets ecember 1 D , y a d i r F , tomorrow

TOMORROW Fred and Christine Stagnitto from Paris.

Writers’ Corner

Thanks for the night sky THE inky vast blackness of the night sky and the winking sparkle of its attendant stars have the ability to dilute one’s troubles and reduce life’s difficulties to their proper proportions. Thank you for the night sky.

to either : editor@cooktownlocalnews.

Email your writings for our column

Cooktown Writers’ Group.

“The Night Sky” I looked up at the sky And the stars threw their blanket over me.

I walked on into the night of my life With God’s diamonds a’twinkle in my hair.

By DIANNE KELLER “Night in North Australia” A cross of stars hangs in the sky, An inspiration set on high For them to read who will.

And sepia she-oaks rim the dell Where stands the cedar sentinel, Alone, below the hill.

Moths flutter past on silken wing.

On dusky boles the goblins fling Circles of magic light And fireflies gleam on silvery stair.

Beetles are booming everywhere In bridal dress bedight.

Great flying foxes, winging slow, Swing ‘neath the cobalt arch and go;

com.au or thekellers@bigpond.com or post them to: PO Box 645, Cooktown, 4895.

Dianne Keller Marauders of the night.

A flitter-mouse with elfin cry, Alert for supper, brushes by And vanishes from sight.

The twilight deepens, dark on dusk, And through the trees, melodious, Comes chime of horse bells far; The roar of water as it falls, In cascades, through the granite walls, Away below the bar.

By NANCY FRANCIS, 1925

Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013 – 15

FRIDAY 13

6:00 ABC News Breakfast 10:00 Children’s Programs 11:00 Shamwari: A Wild Life 11:30 My Family 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 One Plus One 1:00 Hogfather 2:35 The Wonder Years 3:00 Children’s Programs 5:00 Eggheads 5:30 ABC News: Early Edition 6:00 Maggie Beer’s Christmas Feast 6:25 Antiques Master 6:55 What’s Your Story?

7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Gardening Australia: Canberra Special - Costa, Sophie and Angus visit Canberra to explore the art of gardening and the science of horticulture by visiting some of the nation’s most innovative institutions.

8:30 The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency: The Big Bonanza 9:25 Death In Paradise: Impossible murders on a beautiful Caribbean island. Detective Inspector Richard Poole is the perfect man to solve them - if only he didn’t just hate sun, sea and sand.

10:25 ABC News: Late Edition 10:35 Hustle 11:35 Rage

6:00 Today 9:00 Danoz Direct 10:00 Brand Developers 11:00 Extra 11:30 The Ashes: Third Test - Australia Vs England 5:00 National News 5:30 The Ashes: Third Test - Australia Vs England 7:30 The Big Bang Theory: The Bozeman Reaction - When their apartment is robbed, Leonard and Sheldon turn to their friends to create a state-of-the-art security system, and Sheldon struggles to cope.

8:00 The Big Bang Theory: The Einstein Approximation - Suffering from a case of “physicist’s block,” Sheldon’s search for the answer to a physics problem leads him to work at the Cheesecake Factory with Penny.

8:30 TBA 10:40 TBA 12:40 Movie: “Beautiful Kate” (MA l,n,a,s) - Ned Kendall returns to his family home to say goodbye to his dying father, only to have long-buried secrets from the family’s past awakened by memories of his beautiful sister.

2:00 Spyforce 3:30 Extra 4:00 Brand Developers / 4:30 Good Morning America

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:00 Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “Volcano: Fire On The Mountain” (PG v,a) 2:00 The Daily Edition 3:00 The Chase 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 Deal Or No Deal 5:30 Million Dollar Minute 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 8:30 TBA 10:45 Special: Alien Invasion - What if an extra-terrestrial force attacked Earth? What might that look like and how will the people of Earth respond? Experts reveal what could motivate alien invaders to attack Earth, and speculate on how the attack might play out - the strategy alien invaders might use and the most effective ways for humans to respond.

12:45 Off The Map: There’s Nothing To Fix 1:45 Harry’s Practice 2:10 Special: The Kimberley Coast 3:00 Home Shopping 4:00 NBC Today

5:00 World News 1:00 The Food Lover’s Guide To Australia 1:35 Rex In Rome 2:30 Living Black 3:00 France 24 International News 3:30 Al Jazeera News 4:00 The Journal 4:30 PBS Newshour 5:30 Global Village 6:00 The Dales With Ade Edmondson 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 A South American Journey With Jonathon Dimbleby 8:35 The Bible: A History 9:35 As It Happened 10:30 World News Australia 11:05 Movie: “Sleeping Beauty” (MA s,n,l) - Follows the haunting story of a young university student who begins an erotic freelance job where she is sedated and sleeps in bed with paying customers, unaware of what they have done to her when she awakes.

12:55 Movie: “The Paranoids” (MA s) - Debut director Gabriel Medina delivers a tragicomedy of errors centring on Luciano, a paranoid narcoleptic, and his meandering struggle to finish a screenplay and enter the rarefied world of film production.

2:50 Weatherwatch Overnight

SATURDAY 14

6:00 Rage 10:30 Rage Guest Programmer 11:30 Exhumed 12:30 At The Movies 1:30 Alexander McCall Smith 2:00 Mastercrafts: Stained Glass 3:00 Basketball: WNBL: Round 11 - Dandenong Vs Sydney Uni 5:00 Great Southern Land: Great Australian Bite 6:00 Monty Don’s French Gardens: The Artistic Garden 7:00 ABC News 7:30 The Paradise 8:30 Call The Midwife 9:30 The Doctor Blake Mysteries: Still Waters: It’s 1959, the maverick Dr Lucien Blake has returned to take over his deceased father’s medical practice. He also undertakes his other role as police surgeon with precision and gusto.

10:25 Upstairs Downstairs: All The Things You Are - Harry’s desire to impress Beryl leads him and Johnny into the world of boxing. Meanwhile, Lady Agnes is reacquainted with a familiar face who shows her an exciting world away from 165 Eaton Place.

11:25 Rage Guest Programmer 5:00 Rage

6:00 Children’s Programs 7:00 Weekend Today - Saturday 10:00 Danoz Direct 11:00 Cybershack 11:30 The Ashes: Third Test - Australia Vs England 2:30 The Cricket Show - Join Michael Slater and Brett Lee for all the latest news, updates and expert analysis on all the action as well as first-session recaps, player profiles, Master Classes, international and domestic updates, questions and feedback. 3:00 The Ashes: Third Test - Australia Vs England 5:00 National News Saturday 5:30 The Ashes: Third Test - Australia Vs New Zealand Live from the WACA, Perth, the Third Test. After losing The Ashes to England earlier in the year, can Australia push their home country advantage and take the First Test?

7:30 TBA 1:10 Movie: “The Bonfire Of The Vanities” (M l) - Financial “Master of the Universe” Sherman McCoy sees his life unravel when his mistress Maria Ruskin hits a boy with his car.

3:30 Skippy - The Bush Kangaroo 4:00 Brand Developers 5:00 Life Today With James Robison / 5:30 Wesley Impact

6:00 Saturday Disney 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend 12:00 Dr Oz 1:00 V8 Xtra 1:30 That ‘70s Show 2:00 Slideshow 3:00 Movie: “Santa Buddies” (G) - The buddies are off on a jolly new adventure when Puppy Paws, pup of the legendary Santa Paws, and his friends travel to the North Pole to save Christmas from disaster. 5:00 Creek To Coast 5:30 Queensland Weekender - Dean Miller and his team cover the length and breadth of Queensland with great suggestions for weekends, short breaks and holidays.

6:00 Seven News 7:00 TBA 12:30 Movie: “Borderline Normal” (M a,s) - Two sensitive teenagers from broken homes find comfort in each other’s arms as they help one another to cope with the emotional loss of their families.

3:00 Harry’s Practice 3:30 It Is Written Oceania 4:00 Home Shopping 5:00 Dr Oz

5:00 World News 1:00 Becoming Traviata 3:00 James Rhodes: Piano Man 3:30 Looking For Picasso 4:30 PBS Newshour 5:30 Finding Your Roots 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Wild Iran 8:35 Shackleton: Death Or Glory - In January 2013 polar explorer Tim Jarvis set out to complete the ‘Shackleton Double’ – an authentic recreation of the epic journey undertaken by Sir Ernest Shackleton nearly 100 years before after his ship sank and his 27 man crew we marooned in Antarctica.

9:30 Movie: “Lantana” (M l,s,v,d) - When psychiatrist Valerie Somers goes missing, Detective Leon Zat is called to investigate, whose wife had been getting advice from Somers.

11:40 Movie: “Loft” (M l,s,v,d) - In Flemish. Five friends, all of them married, share a loft apartment to meet their mistresses. One day, they find the body of a young woman there and since there are only five keys to the loft, the five men begin to suspect each other of murder.

1:45 Shameless 3:30 Weatherwatch Overnight

SUNDAY 15

6:00 Rage 6:30 Children’s Programs 9:00 Weekend Breakfast 11:30 Songs Of Praise 12:00 Best Of Landline 1:00 The Paradise 2:00 Young Performers Awards 3:00 Football: W-League: Round 5 - Brisbane Roar Vs Adelaide United 5:00 Midsomer Murders 6:30 Boomtown 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Possum Wars: Every night around Australia, native possums scamper across rooftops in an endless quest for food and shelter. Forced out of their bush habitats by encroaching development, these mischievous marsupials swarm into cities.

8:30 Agatha Christie’s Miss Maple: Greenshaw’s Folly 10:00 A Beauty Is Born: Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty 10:55 My Prince 11:40 Movie: “Charade” (M v) - Screen legends Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn keep their cool under preposterous twists in a deadly chase through Parisian environs.

3:20 Rage 4:00 The New Inventors 4:30 The Bionic Vet / 5:00 Order In The House

6:00 Weekend Today 9:00 Cybershack 10:00 Australian Fishing Championships 10:30 Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 11:30 The Ashes: Third Test - Australia Vs Englandm 2:30 The Cricket Show 3:00 The Ashes: Third Test - Australia Vs England 5:00 National News Sunday 5:30 The Ashes: Third Test - Australia Vs England 8:00 60 Minutes 9:00 The Mentalist: Wedding In Red 10:00 Unforgettable: Day Of The Jackie 11:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Coup de Grace - The team investigates the accidental shooting of an off-duty cop by another cop, whose unabashed racial bias raises the possibility that the shooting was not accidental.

12:00 Deep Water 12:30 Survivors 1:35 Impractical Jokers 2:00 Skippy - The Bush Kangaroo 2:30 Brand Developers 4:00 Good Morning America - Sunday 5:00 National Early Morning News / 5:30 Today

6:00 Sofia The First 6:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend 11:00 Kochie’s Business Builders 11:30 That ‘70s Show 12:00 Dr Oz 1:00 New Zealand On A Plate 1:30 Movie: “Leatherheads” (PG v,l) 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 The Great South East 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line 7:00 Coastwatch 7:30 Wild Planet: North America 8:30 Bones: The Mystery In The Meat - The Jeffersonian team investigates the murder of a food scientist whose remains were tossed in a meat grinder and mixed into cans of stew served in a school cafeteria.

9:30 Castle: Cisciple / A Deadly Game 11:30 Whitney 12:30 Young, Dumb and Living Off Mum 2:00 Home Shopping 3:00 NBC Today 4:00 NBC Meet The Press 5:00 Sunrise Extra / 5:30 Seven Early News

5:00 World News 1:00 Al Jazeera News 1:30 Launceston Cycling Classis 2013 2:00 Speedweek 4:00 Football Asia 4:30 UEFA Champions League Magazine 5:00 In The Frame 5:30 Mythbusters 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Lost Worlds: The Lost City Of El Dorado 8:30 Secrets Of Stonehenge 9:35 George Harrison: Living In A Material World 11:15 Movie: “The Stranger In Me” (M a,n) - In German, English Subtitles. A time of joy and new beginnings becomes a harrowing experience for new mother Rebecca as she struggles with severe post-natal depression. And with every day that passes, her inability to meet the demands of motherhood becomes more and more apparent.

1:05 Movie: “Unfair Competition” (PG) - In Italian. Gérard Depardieu stars in this poignant depiction of life in Fascist Italy in the 1930s. The lives of two rival tailors are chronicled in this bittersweet drama set during one of the darker moments in Italian history.

3:00 Weatherwatch Overnight

MONDAY 16

SBS

6:00 ABC News Breakfast 10:00 Children’s Programs 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 As Time Goes By 1:00 The Abbey 2:00 A Beauty Is Born: Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty 3:00 Children’s Programs 5:00 Eggheads 5:30 ABC News: Early Edition 6:00 River Cottage: Christmas Special 6:45 Little Crackers 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Family Confidential 8:30 Rick Stein’s India 9:30 Rake 10:30 ABC News: Late Edition 10:40 Dalziel And Pascoe: Sins Of The Fathers 12:10 Movie: “The White Tower” (PG) 1:50 Movie: “Morning Glory” (G) 3:10 Movie: “The Leopard Man” (M v) 4:20 Movie: “Journey Into Fear” (G) - An American munitions expert gets caught up in a web of espionage in Istanbul during WWII. 5:30 Eggheads

6:00 Today 9:00 Danoz Direct 10:00 Brand Developers 11:00 Extra 11:30 The Ashes: Third Test - Australia Vs England 2:30 The Cricket Show 3:00 The Ashes: Third Test - Australia Vs England 5:00 National News 6:00 The Ashes: Third Test - Australia Vs England 8:00 The Big Bang Theory: The Creepy Candy Coating Corollary 8:30 The Big Bang Theory: The Adhesive Duck Deficiency 9:00 2 Broke Girls: And The First Day Of School 9:30 Two And A Half Men: On Vodka, On Soad, On Blender, On Mixer!

10:00 TBA 12:40 Nitro Circus Live 1:00 Impractical Jokers: Panty Raid - The guys may be rubbing people the wrong way when they attempt to massage beachgoers on the boardwalk. Later, they head to Times Square to broadcast the news, and try their hands (and feet) at teaching karate 1:30 Extra 2:00 Brand Developers 3:30 Good Morning America 5:00 National Early Morning News 5:30 Today

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “Den Brother” (M v,l) 2:00 The Daily Edition 3:00 The Chase 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 Deal Or No Deal 5:30 Million Dollar Minute 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer 7:30 Dog Patrol 8:00 TBA 10:00 Suits 11:30 Mistresses: When One Door Closes... - The judge delivers a shocking ruling in Grey Vs Kim. While the case is closed, there is even more trouble on the horizon for Karen. Paul helps a frantic April search for Lucy after the school reports that she’s gone missing.

12:30 30 Rock 1:00 Home Shopping 3:30 Sons And Daughters 4:00 NBC Today 5:00 Sunrise Extra / 5:30 Seven Early News

5:00 World News 1:00 Words Of Captain Scott 1:55 Planet Egypt 2:50 My Grandmother Beijing 3:00 France 24 International News 3:30 Al Jazeera News 4:00 The Journal 4:30 FIFA Futbol Mundial 5:30 Global Village 6:00 The Dales With Ade Edmondson 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Monster Moves: Titanic Train Trek 8:30 America’s Stoned Kids 9:30 Small Time Gangster 10:00 Swift And Shift Couriers 10:30 World News Australia 11:00 The World Game 11:30 Hellfjord: Salmander and Johanne sneak into Hellfish at night and come across something strange. They overhear Bosse Nova talking about the infamous serpent Tulla, and despite Salmander’s chronic seasickness he decides to defy his fear and look into this phenomenon.

12:00 Shorts On Screen 12:35 Freddie Flintoff Versus The World 2:25 Weatherwatch Overnight

TUESDAY 17

7 CENTRAL

6:00 ABC News Breakfast 10:00 Children’s Programs 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 Last Of The Summer Wine Christmas Special 1:00 Rick Stein’s India 2:00 The Dolphins Of Shark Bay 3:00 Children’s Programs 5:00 Eggheads 5:30 ABC News: Early Edition 6:00 River Cottage: Christmas Special 6:45 Little Crackers 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Christmas With Poh 8:30 Nigellissima: An Italian Inspired Christmas 9:30 ABBA: Bang A Boomerang 10:30 ABC News: Late Edition 10:40 Orbit: Earth’s Extraordinary Journey 11:40 The Big Steal 1:20 Movie: “Fat City” (M a) - An off-beat drama that focuses on the flotsam and jetsam of a small western town; and on Tully, a boxer who is trying to re-establish himself as a fighter.

2:55 Songs Of Praise 3:30 Basketball: WNBL: Round 11 - Dandenong Vs Sydney Uni 5:30 Eggheads

6:00 Today 9:00 Danoz Direct 10:00 Brand Developers 11:00 Extra 11:30 The Ashes: Third Test - Australia Vs England 2:30 The Cricket Show 3:00 The Ashes: Third Test - Australia Vs England 5:00 National News 6:00 The Ashes: Third Test - Australia Vs England 8:00 House Husbands: Desperate to prove his manhood to his wife and friends, Mark creates major problems for Justin’s home renovation. Justin takes extreme measures to earn some quick cash for emergency work on his house.

9:00 TBA 12:00 20/20 1:00 Extra: Co-hosts Mario Lopez and Maria Menounos reporting in front of a live audience from The Grove in Los Angeles.

Catch up on all the latest in Hollywood’s current affairs as we find out what the world’s hottest stars have been up to this week.

1:30 Brand Developers 3:30 Good Morning America 5:00 National Early Morning News 5:30 Today

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “Angel Flight Down” (M s) 2:00 The Daily Edition 3:00 The Chase 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 Deal Or No Deal 5:30 Million Dollar Minute 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer 7:30 TBA 10:30 Suits 11:30 Cougar Town: You Tell Me - Confused by her mixed feelings for Travis, Laurie resorts to destroying things. But when her anger gets out of control, newly appointed mayor Andy has to step in.

12:00 Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia 12:30 30 Rock: Standards And Practices - Jenna hatches a new plan to get publicity, while Jack finds himself begrudgingly playing parent to his teenage nemesis.

1:00 Home Shopping 4:00 NBC Today 5:00 Sunrise Extra / 5:30 Seven Early News

5:00 World News 1:00 Celtic Woman: Home For Christmas 2:00 Hary Janos: Musical Fairytale 2:30 Dream Of Hope 3:00 France 24 International News 3:30 Al Jazeera News 4:00 The Journal 4:30 PBS Newshour 5:30 Global Village 6:00 The Dales With Ade Edmondson 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 56 Up - When a cross-section of British seven-year-olds were interviewed for 7 Up in 1964, it was evident that their social backgrounds influenced their attitudes towards life.

While the upper class children were self-assured, those from middle and working class backgrounds were resigned to a life of hard work. This premise was put to the test every seven years when the same group were interviewed about the state of their lives.

8:30 The Network 9:30 Coppers 10:30 World News Australia 11:00 Masters Of Sex 12:00 Prisoners Of War 1:00 Nuclear Meltdown 1:55 Weatherwatch Overnight

WEDNESDAY 18

IMPARJA

6:00 ABC News Breakfast 10:00 Children’s Programs 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 Last Of The Summer Wine Christmas Special 1:00 Nigellissima: An Italian Inspired Christmas 2:00 The Jonathon Ross Show 3:00 Children’s Programs 5:00 Eggheads 5:30 ABC News: Early Edition 6:00 Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Christmas 6:45 Little Crackers 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 QI: Jingle Bells 8:30 The Agony Of Christmas 9:00 Michael McIntyre’s Christmas Comedy Roadshow 10:00 A Moody Christmas: Last Minute Airfare 10:30 ABC News: Late Edition 10:40 The Straits: The Proposition 11:35 Criminal Justice 12:40 The Coca Cola Kid 2:20 Movie: “My Forbidden Past” (G) -A woman seeks revenge when family interferes with her marriage plans.

3:30 Football: W-League: Round 5 - Brisbane Roar Vs Adelaide United 5:30 Eggheads

6:00 Today 9:00 Danoz Direct 10:00 Brand Developers 11:00 National Morning News 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 Police Academy 3:00 National News Now 4:00 National Afternoon News 5:30 Hot Seat 6:00 National News 6:30 A Current Affair 7:00 The Big Bang Theory: The Gorilla Experiment 7:30 Makeover Street - Christmas Edition 9:00 Hostages 10:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Dead Air 11:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Double Fault - The CSIs investigate a case involving a rising tennis star, and react to news that Hodges is engaged to an Italian beauty.

12:00 Dallas 1:00 Extra 1:30 Brand Developers 3:30 Good Morning America 5:00 National Early Morning News 5:30 Today

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “Hatching Pete” (G) 2:00 The Daily Edition 3:00 The Chase 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 Deal Or No Deal 5:30 Million Dollar Minute 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer 7:30 Mighty Planes 8:30 TBA 11:15 Travel Unravelled 11:40 Cougar Town: Saving Grace - Travis and Andy take a backseat to Bobby’s new tomboy friend, Riggs. Grayson sparks a religious debate when he sighs during Jules’ family prayer. And the Cul-De-Sac Crew form a dodgeball league, but Andy’s attention toward another girl leads to a brawl with a group of pre-teens.

12:00 The Cult: Homecoming 1:00 Home Shopping 3:30 Sons And Daughters 4:00 NBC Today 5:00 Sunrise Extra / 5:30 Seven Early News

5:00 World News 1:00 James May’s Toy Stories 2:00 Richard Hammond’s Engineering Connections 3:00 France 24 International News 3:30 Al Jazeera News 4:00 The Journal 4:30 PBS Newshour 5:30 Global Village 6:00 The Dales With Ade Edmondson 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Lions On The Move 8:30 24 Hours In Emergency: For Better Or Worse 9:30 Borgen 10:35 World News Australia 11:05 Prisoners Of War: The Kidnapping 12:10 Movie: “Nobody Else But You” (M s,n,a,l) - In French. Rousseau is a best-selling crime novelist from Paris, who can’t seem to get over his writer’s block. He takes a trip to the coldest village in France, where a local beauty named Candice Lecoeur has been found dead. Candice believed she was the reincarnation of Marilyn Monroe after going under hypnosis, and her death is ruled a suicide cause by sleeping pills.

2:05 Weatherwatch Overnight

THURSDAY 19

ABC

6:00 ABC News Breakfast 10:00 Children’s Programs 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 Last Of The Summer Wine Christmas Special 1:00 Dragon’s Den Christmas Special 2:30 The Book Club 3:00 Children’s Programs 5:00 Eggheads 5:30 ABC News: Early Edition 6:00 Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Christmas 6:45 Little Crackers 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 At The Movies With Ben Stiller 8:30 Bodyline 9:30 The Hour 10:30 ABC News: Late Edition 10:40 Miracles: Miracle In The Desert 11:35 Criminal Justice 12:35 Summerfield 2:10 Movie: “One Minute To Zero” (PG) - A soldier during the Korean War finds romance.

3:55 Movie: “Here Comes Mr Jordan” (PG) 5:30 Eggheads

6:00 Today 9:00 Danoz Direct 10:00 Brand Developers 11:00 National Morning News 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 Movie: “Home Fries” (PG a,v,l) 3:00 National News Now 4:00 National Afternoon News 5:30 Hot Seat 6:00 National News 6:30 A Current Affair 7:00 The Big Bang Theory: The Maternal Congruence 7:30 Getaway 8:30 Person Of Interest: Reasonable Doubt 9:30 CSI: NY: Near Death 10:30 CSI: NY: Lat 40 Degrees 47’ N?Long 73 Degrees 58’W 11:30 Sullivan & Son 12:00 Extra 12:30 The Baron 1:30 Skippy - The Bush Kangaroo 2:00 Brand Developers 3:30 Good Morning America 5:00 National Early Morning News / 5:30 Today

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “G-Force” (PG v) 2:00 The Daily Edition 3:00 The Chase 4:00 Seven News at 4 5:00 Deal Or No Deal 5:30 Million Dollar Minute 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer 7:30 How I Met Your Mother 8:30 Grey’s Anatomy: Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word When an unexpected malpractice suit turns Callie’s world upside down, her supportive father arrives and shares an interesting secret with her.

9:30 Scandal 10:30 The Amazing Race 11:30 Grimm 12:30 Harry’s Practice 1:00 Home Shopping 4:00 NBC Today 5:00 Sunrise Extra / 5:30 Seven Early News

5:00 World News 1:00 Duncan Gifford: The Russian Experience 1:30 Meet My Wild Friends 2:30 Jason Mraz In Myanmar 3:00 France 24 International News 3:30 Al Jazeera News 4:00 The Journal 4:30 PBS Newshour 5:30 Global Village 6:00 The Dales With Ade Edmondson 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Italian Food Safari 8:00 Gourmet Farmer: Gone Kayaking 8:30 Two Greedy Italians: Still Hungry - Chefs Antonio Carluccio and Gennaro Contaldo return to Italy to discover how the country’s food and culture has changed since they left more than 40 years ago. In the first episode, Antonio and Gennaro revisit the food of their Italian childhood as they recall just how healthy and delicious children’s food can be.

9:30 Masters Of Sex 10:30 World News Australia 11:00 Thursday FC 12:00 Anthony Bourdian: No Reservations 1:45 Weatherwatch Overnight

16 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013

CROSSWORD No. 178

SUDOKU No. 178

Your  Lucky 





Stars



 

SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd - December 21st)

You may end up doing more than your fair share of work this week. Don’t let yourself be pressurised. Delegate work where you can! Romance. Your relationship may be a little heavy-going at the moment. However, your partner will not let you down if you need them. You need to remain strong!

CAPRICORN (December 22nd - January 20th)

You have forgotten some previously easily recalled information. Review old books and include some more current knowledge on the subject to advance your knowledge. Romance. An old relationship will be in focus this week. Try not to reflect too much on this person for the time being. It ended for a reason!

AQUARIUS (January 21st - February 19th)

You will have a lot of energy this week, but could make a mistake because you are not thinking clearly enough about what you are doing. Concentrate on what is in front of you! Romance. You may be more concerned about the way you look than your partner does. They may need to improve their appearance.

FOR KIDS

PISCES (February 20th - March 20th)

A social gathering will remind you to be open to meeting others. You need to stray from your group of friends and get some new insight. Romance. This will be a great time for your relationship. You may be tempted, but don’t boss your partner around too much. They need to feel in complete control of their life.

ARIES (March 21st - April 20th)

Don’t become jealous because of a friend’s success. Congratulate them for their accomplishment. They have worked hard to get where they are. Romance.

You may be embarking on a new relationship this coming week. Be sure to put your best foot forward. You don’t want to mislead a potential partner.

TAURUS (April 21st - May 21st)

You will receive some money from an unexpected source. If you can, save it rather than spend it because you may be short of cash in the next few weeks.

Romance. Your partner will have a suggestion which is worth taking up. It’s not often they feel so strongly about something. They’ll be happy you’re on board.

FINDWORD No. 178 A LAUGH WITH LOTSA

GEMINI (May 22nd - June 21st)

Try not to let yourself be dragged into something that could be difficult to get out of. Be sure to read the fine print! Romance.

The more honest you are with yourself about recent events, the more chance you have of improving the situation. Try to keep your feet on the ground and your partner may do the same.

CANCER (June 22nd - July 23rd)

For all your printing needs – www.lotsa.com.au

MUDDY RIVER

Try not to be too negative about your job.

There are some hidden benefits that you may have been taking for granted. Look for the perks and make a list! Romance.

A romance which appears to have lost momentum may suddenly pick up speed. You will need to prepare yourself for this change of pace.

LEO (July 24th - August 23rd)

A somewhat pointed remark about your appearance may take you by surprise. Try to think of something to say back to this person! Romance. A few changes in your relationship would strengthen it substantially. Don’t be afraid to make your point! Your partner may wish to change the same things!

VIRGO (August 24th - September 23rd)

Try not to take any unnecessary risks this week. An opportunity which seems worthwhile could have hidden dangers.

Take it one step at a time. Romance. An important decision will be easier if you don’t try to analyse it too much. You need to look at the basics of the situation versus the details of it.

“

LIBRA (September 24th - October 23rd)

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.

–Pablo Picasso

SOLUTIONS No. 178

You won’t be satisfied until you have gotten to the bottom of recent events.

Identify the key points and ask witnesses their side of the story. Romance. You may find yourself getting involved in a situation with your partner that is not easy to get out of. Take things slowly this coming week and tread lightly.

SCORPIO (October 24th - November 22nd)

A small concession will help you to get what you are after. Don’t be afraid to give up something of value. You may have to give a little to get a lot. Romance. The Moon/Uranus Midpoint in your sign may attract a rather unusual person to you. You may not be ready for someone like this in your life.

Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013 – 17

you’ll find your local tradie here

trades & services directory ABRASIVE BLASTING

EARTHMOVING

ABRASIVE BLASTING

DELAHUNTY PLANT HIRE

New Equipment...

Now in Cooktown

Phone 4069 5412 or Mobile 0400 695 177

Specialising in: • Land clearing • Rock walls • Driveways • Dams • Road construction • Bulk earthmoving

trades & services directory

COOKTOWN

s Gr assmaster

FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES AND QUALITY WORK

Call Mick 0411 985 507 or 4069 6721

Total Lawn & Garden Care Mobile: 0447 845 328 PAINTERS

All aspects of earthmoving – Experienced and professional operators

ANDREW DAVIES LICENSED BUILDER PH: 0408 930 905

MEAT PACK S available or create your own pack!

Specialising in roadworks, subdivisions, clearing, driveways, dams and rockwalls.

• 8, 12, 21, 23 and 26 Tonne Excavators • Grader, Backhoes, Rollers, Dozer • Float, Roadtrain Sidetippers and Water Trucks

Contact us on 0408 181 894 or 4069 6407

ELECTRICIANS / ELECTRICAL

“Mouth Watering Meats”

Bulk sides of Lamb, Beef and Pork available ~ Trawler bulk orders most welcomed

Shop 3, 1 Muni St, Hopevale • Ph: 4060 9392 Fax: 4060 9342 • Email: hopevalebutchery@bigpond.com

Opening hours: 8am to 5pm Monday to Thursday 8am to 2pm, Friday and 8am to noon Saturday FREE Delivery to the Cooktown area!

CONCRETING

BSA: 12141087

call us 1800 4895 00 or email us ads@cooktown localnews.com.au

ABN 97 891 892 195

BUILDERS

BUTCHERS

can’t see your ad here?

Kevin & Lesa McDougall

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

BUILDING * RENOVATIONS * FURNITURE * LICENSED ASBESTOS REMOVAL *

in the

GARDEN CARE

Advertise HERE in

COLOUR! $45/wk Colour • $30/wk Mono for a 6-month booking (GST inclusive)

The other local painter…

Endeavour Painting and Property Maintenance

BSA 1112207

Phone Dave or Silke anytime 0417 074 946 or 4069 6464

FULLY LICENCED AND INSURED FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND

PEST CONTROL

COOKTOWN

PEST PEST CONTROL ABN: 37 495 170 374 Mitigation Permit: WIMP01346103

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Call 1300 4895 00 or email ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au to book your advertisement

EQUIPMENT HIRE

BRACKENHURST CONCRETING

SNAKES Removed/Identified JIM SYMES

••Annual Annual Inspections Inspections ••Domestic Domestic and and Commercial Commercial Pre-purchase ••Pre-purchase Inspection Inspection Preand andPost Post ••Pre Construction Construction Physical ••Physical & Chemical &Barrier Chemical Barrier

3019•(ph/fax) mobile 04270427 818818 462462 Ph:4060 4060 3019 Fax: 4060or 3017 • Mobile:

• All aspects of concreting and civil work • Houses, sheds and driveways • Decorative and exposed concrete • Spraycrete and concrete grinding Nick Prendergast Phone: 0429 923 400

PLUMBING

EARTHMOVING & CONCRETE

ROOFING

0417 002 143 • Cooktown Concrete CLOSED Friday, December 20 to Monday, January 6 • Cooktown Civil Group ON CALL

Ho Ho Ho... Seasons Greetings from Steve, Nadine and your Civil and Concrete team!

We appreciate and thank you for your continued support during 2013.

Advertise your business in the Trades and Services Section Call 1300 4895 00 or email ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au to book your advertisement.

18 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013

FENCING

Kingfisher

FENCING

Timber – pine or hardwood Glass  Gates  Aluminium Security  Retaining walls Gramline / Colourbond New house lots a speciality PHONE GREG

Licensed Contractor QBSA 1093073

0428 128 044



4098 1866

Advertise your business in the Trades and Services Section Call 1300 4895 00 or email ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au to book your advertisement.

CLASSIFIEDS TRADES

PETS & LIVESTOCK

FOR SALE

COOKTOWN Skip Bins.

Commercial and domestic rubbish removal and disposal.

Ph 4069 5545 or 0408 772 361.

FARRIER. Ron Searle will be in Cooktown and Lakeland on DECEMBER 14, 15 & 16. Trims $30, shoes $70. Ph 0427 846 336.

great bUy!

SOIL TESTING Fully accredited, guaranteed rapid results

Soil Testing Contact Eric George, your local technician 4069 5854 • 0409 686 032 Cairns 4047 8600

STORAGE SHEDS

AAA CBD CBD CBD – Inn Cairns Boutique Apartments, 71 Lake Street, Cairns. Self catering, secure car parking, pool/gazebo, opp PO and Woolworths. Ph 07 4041 2350.

MOTELS

FOR SALE NISSAN PATHFINDER. 1999.

4WD, V6 wagon, auto, air, pwr steer, sunroof, elect wind, cruise, chrome wheels, towbar. Good condition. $4980. 0411 096 481.

FOR SALE

CAIRNS Rainbow Inn. 3½ star, all facilities including cable TV. Close to the city, from $65 per night. Ph 4051 1022.

Mitsubishi Magna, 1999 sedan, auto, aircond, power steering, very clean car, top mechanically, $2980. Phone 0411 096 481.

PUBLIC NOTICE

GARAGE SALE

Poison Creek Rural Fire Brigade general meeting and Christmas party. December 14th Minke Road. 4 pm. Bring a plate to share and your refreshments.

For more information please contact Secretary Cass Sorensen.

PUBLIC NOTICE STANDBY Response Service.

Support and information for people bereaved by suicide. Ph 0439 722 266. 24 hours – 7 days per week.

Mixed Use Zoning.

1521m2 vacant corner block in prime position close to CBD. Variety of fruit trees. River view possible with high-set building. $110,000.

Cooktown Property Agents 0417 848 966

Can You SEE your Business here?

SALE

HOP TO IT!

ADVERTISE YOUR GARAGE SALE HERE! Attention-seeking space seeks like-minded advertiser. Email your line classified through to ads@ cooktownlocalnews.com. au or call 1300 4895 00.

Don’t miss out on Business!

Advertise in the

News Cooktown Local

Call 1300 4895 00

Optometrist visiting Servicing Cooktown since 1997

TOWING / TYRES

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWING - TYRES - MECHANICAL OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

CIVIL celebrant Kathleen Roberts. Naming Ceremonies, Marriages, Funeral Co-ordination.

4069 5004 or 0427 695 004

GENERAL TOWING – Special local & Cooktown to Cairns rates TYRES – Cars, Utes, 4x4’s and Trucks – most sizes MECHANICAL REPAIRS & SERVICING – All makes & models, 2WD & 4WD

Cooktown Towing, Tyres & Mechanical Ferrari Street (behind Mobil S/S) Cooktown

Phone: 4069 5545 • Mobile: 0408 772 361

TREELOPPING

ADVERTISE your classified here! Call 1300 4895 00.

Cooktown Skip Bins Rubbish removal and disposal Ph: 4069 5545 or 0408 772 361

FOR LEASE Old Troncs depot, McIvor Road Attention: Trades & Services Advertisers To ensure that consumers locating contractors through advertisements published are protected, and that licensed contractors are not being disadvantaged, the Building Services Authority requires that all advertisers • state their name and BSA licence number on their advertisement or • state words to the effect “cannot perform building work valued at more than $3,300”.

Non-compliance with these requirements may result in the advertiser receiving a warning or a fine from the BSA. If you do not meet the above requirements in your present advertisement, please contact the Cooktown Local News as soon as possible with your details.

T: 1300 4895 00, 4098 2281 M: 0419 828 639 E: ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au

Ph: 4035 3636

www.csiro.au

Quiz questions 1. Green jade gets its colour from ions of which element?

2. Which organ is also known as the voice box?

3. In physics, what is the name given to a coil of wire used to make an electromagnet?

4. Tracy, Larry and Yasi were all examples of what weather phenomenon?

5. Which is denser: cold or warm air?

Quiz answers

MOTELS

DOUBLE HELIX science quiz

1. Green jade gets its colour from iron ions. 2. The voice box is also known as the larynx. 3. A solenoid is the coil used to make an electromagnet. 4. Tracy, Larry and Yasi were all examples of cyclones. 5. Cold air is denser than warm air.

trades & services directory

Visiting regularly     

Ocular health Eyesight testing Glaucoma assessment Diabetic sight analysis Contact Lens Consultations

To subscribe to Double Helix go to www.csiro.au/helix-subscribe or call 02 6276 6643

keep in touch

Read your subscription Online

Eyedentity Optical phone: (07) 4033 7575

CAPE YORK ENGINEERING COOKTOWN MARINE Penrite Oil Agent

Steel and Aluminium supplies • Welding Fabrication: steel, alloy, stainless, site work • Guillotine, Bender, Roller: pipe threading and bending • Machining: lathe, milling • Hydraulics: hose repairs • Bolts, welding equipment • Metroll products, perlins, iron by order • Marine: boat, trailer, outboard repairs, parts and oils

220 MacMillan St, Cooktown

Ph Phil 4069 5224 or Mob 0417 776 524

Turtle Rescue

Yuku-Baja-Muliku Rangers are offering their services to assist with any sick or injured Marine Turtles found.

We encourage contact with us at any time to implement a speedy recovery for these beautiful creatures to enable a better chance of rehabilitation.

Please contact our office on (07) 4069 6957 or Larissa - 0432 283 357 / Mick - 0408 577 193.

Yuku Baja Muliku Landowner & Reserves Ltd • Archer Point Land Trust • www.archerpoint.com.au Ph: (07) 4069 6957 ~ Fax: (07) 4069 6501 • PO Box 1011 Cooktown QLD 4895 Turtle Rescue is supported by

News

A subscription to read the Cooktown Local News online is a convenient way to read your weekly newspaper – no matter where you are in the world or how far you are from the shops.

For only $59, as long as you have a computer with an internet connection, you can read 50 editions a year and have access to back copies of the newspaper from October, 2011.

The online edition reads just like the print edition, plus the ability to zoom in on stories, photos and adverts of interest.

Jump online now and go to

www.regionaland remote.com.au

Go to the subscribe tab, and follow the prompts!

Read on your

Cooktown Local

Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013 – 19

Wallaby Creek Festival 2014 www.wallabycreekfestival.org.au The Festival is created each year by a small team of dedicated volunteer workers from the Cape York Folk Club who put an enormous effort and work tirelessly and with the generous help of others, make it all happen.

We need YOU to step up and become a part of this wonderful community driven event, especially locals.

KEY VOLUNTEER POSITIONS AVAILABLE (ALL POSITIONS BECOME VACANT AT THE AGM EARLY 2014)

DIRECTORS: COMMERCE, ENTERTAINMENT, SITE OPERATIONS & CONSTRUCTION, HOSPITALITY

CO-ORDINATORS:

ENTERTAINMENT: Bands, Workshops, Children’s Festival, Stage, Programming.

COMMERCE: Publicity, Sponsorship and promotions, Gate, Ticketing, Merchandise, Info Lounge, Website.

SITE and CONSTRUCTION: Visuals, Lighting, Stalls, Recycling.

HOSPITALITY: Bar, Security, Cleaning, Kitchen, Volunteers.

Also looking for Understudies for each of these Directors and Co-ordinators.

PLEASE NOTE ALL POSITIONS ARE VOLUNTEER

CLASSIFIEDS COOKTOWN AMATEUR TURF CLUB INC.

Next General Meeting: Sunday, December 15

9.30am at Racecourse Clubrooms Attention Parents: Cooktown Children’s Orchestra will start their first practice on Saturday, December 14 at 10.30am at the Cooktown State School G Block.

Our Readers could have Seen YOU!

This is a free service with no strings attached.

Parents: Please make sure that you accompany your children to the music room.

Children: Please bring your instruments, guitars, cellos, violins, key-boards, trumpets, trombones, recorders or any type of musical instrument that you may have.

Please contact Evelyn Henry on Mobile 0413 801 304 for further information.

Cook Shire Council would like to advise the following facility closures for the Christmas and New Year period:

COUNCIL’S ADMINISTRATION BUILDING Closed Thursday December 19 (from 12 noon only) Closed Tuesday December 24 (from 12 noon) Open Thursday January 2, 2014

COOK SHIRE LIBRARIES

Closed Thursday December 19 (from 12 noon only) Closed Tuesday December 24 (from 12 noon) Open From Thursday January 2, 2014 as per normal hours

Advertise in the

News Call 1300 4895 00!

Cooktown Local

Cooktown RSL Memorial Club

INCORPORATED

127 Charlotte St, Cooktown

Ph: 4069 5780 ABN:73132197536

INCORPORATED

Christmas and New Year

would sincerely like to thank Russell and Colleen Graham of Colleen’s Garden Care for all their help in the takeover of their mowing and garden care business. Thank you for spending the day with us to introduce us to all our valued customers in the Cooktown area.

We wish them all the best and Russell a very speedy recovery!

You sAW Us...

Cooktown RSL Memorial Club COUNCIL CLOSURES

Kevin and Lesa McDougall of Cooktown Grassmasters

COOKTOWN

s Gr assmaster

DONATION PROGRAM

Cooktown RSL Memorial Club’s donation program aims to provide assistance to not-for-profit organisations, groups or individuals who make a positive contribution to the quality of life of the community or offer benefit to the community as a whole, through projects, activities and events.

This round is for activities that will take place between 1 January, 2014 and 30 June, 2014.

Except in the case of emergency situations, no further requests for the period will be considered.

Applications will close on Friday, 3 January, 2014 and should be addressed to: The Manager, Cooktown RSL Memorial Club, PO Box 233, Cooktown, Qld 4895.

COOKTOWN SWIMMING POOL

Fax: 4069 6080 / PO Box 233, Cooktown, Qld, 4895 Email: cooktown.rsl@bigpond.com.au

Cooktown RSL memoRiaL CLub membeRShipS Memberships are due at the beginning of each financial year (July to June). The club’s new Secretary/Manager is extending the renewal time to the end of December 2013 so members don’t lose their membership points which have been accrued to date. Some members have thousands of points which will be lost as of the 1st January.

This can only be a once only offer.

John Gearn, Secretary/Manager

Can You SEE your Business here?

HOP TO IT!

Don’t miss out on Business!

Advertise in the

News Cooktown Local

Call 1300 4895 00 Now!

News Christmas and 2014

Closed Wednesday December 25, Thursday December 26 and Wednesday January 1, 2014 Open All other days as per normal hours

Cooktown Local

WASTE TRANSFER STATIONS (Shire wide) Closed Thursday December 19 (from 12 noon only) Closed Wednesday December 25 Open All other days as per normal hours

Deadlines

WORKS DEPOT

Closed Thursday December 19 (from 12 noon) Open Monday January 13, 2014

Last issue 2013: Thursday, December 19

CAPE YORK WEEDS & FERAL ANIMALS PROGRAM OFFICE

Box ad bookings: Box ad material: Line classifieds:

Closed Thursday December 19 (from 12 noon) Open Monday January 13, 2014

For all Council-related emergencies during this time phone 4069 5533. ~

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Cook Shire Council 20 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013

10am, Tuesday December 17 Noon, Tuesday, December 17 10.30am, Wednesday, December 18

First issue 2014: Thursday, January 9

Box ad bookings: 10am, Tuesday, January 7 Box ad material: Noon, Tuesday, January 7 Line classifieds: 10.30am, Wednesday, January 8 ENQUIRIES: CALL 4098 2281 OR 0419 828 639

COMMUNITY

Gardening

with Marty Pattie

The colour and vibrance of vines Story and photos by MARTY PATTIE VINES are an amazingly adaptable style of plant that can fill any space with colour and vibrance. Perhaps you have an ugly chain wire fence, an old tree, a rotting mother-in-law or even an unsightly garden shed you want to hide... a tropical vine will do the trick nicely.

Likewise, you can create an archway or a lattice overhang and plant and train a climber to it. They will obediently and happily grow whichever way you lead them.

There are many fantastic vines to choose from, and most will grow ballistically at this time of year during the growing season.

You’ll also be rewarded with shows of breathtaking flowers, sometimes more than once a year.

You only have to look at the vines that grow naturally around Cooktown to see how impressive they are. Take a walk into the rainforest, or the gallery forest flanking a creek and be awestruck by the massive matchbox bean vine (entada rheedii). Or check out the common button orchid, which isn’t an orchid despite its name, but a vine that grows commonly on local paperbarks. There is also the native jasmine or the hoya, or the native Dutchman’s pipe (aristolochia), which is the host food plant for the impressive Cairns Birdwing butterfly. It is vitally important that we grow the native aristolochia tagala because the introduced South American Dutchman’s pipe (aristolochia

Clitoria ternatea. elegans) is actually toxic to the Birdwing.

One of the most common Cooktown vines is the butterflypea, or clitoria ternatea. It is a native of Asia that has been introduced and grows as a weed.

Many a local gardener will testify to its hardy and invasive ways and curiously interesting flowers. It was named by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, who had a habit of naming plants, fungi and crustaceans after parts of the human anatomy that they resembled. He was responsible for recognising similarities between humans and apes (well before Charlie Darwin) and actually coined the term Homo sapiens.

Linnaeus was also a mentor to a young Joseph Banks.

Anyway, I digress. Other fantastic exotic vines that can be grown incredibly successfully are the jade vine (strongylodon macrobotrys) and flame of the forest (mucuna bennetti), with impressive shows of green and red flowers respectively. The pyrostegia venusta (orange trumpet) has masses of brilliant orange blooms and stephanotis floribunda, also called the bridal wreath vine, has amazingly perfumed waxy white sprays of flowers.

Flame of the forest (Mucuna bennettii).

Some of these ornamental vines are difficult to grow from cuttings, and seed can be unviable or difficult to source, but the nursery will order in any plants you wish that they haven’t in stock.

Also, do not forget all the food plants that grow on vines. Simply knock-up a trellis of sorts and get some snow peas, cucumbers or passion fruit growing. If you want to be a bit adventurous, try the vanilla bean vine - though pollination of the flower to form the pod is something of an artform that we have to perform ourselves (without the bee that does the job naturally in its native Mexico). It is, however, very easy to grow... as is the loofah (luffa aegyptiaca), which will provide you with free, homegrown bath sponges! The fibrous skeleton of the oblong fruit is also used in filters, doormats and sound absorbent material.

Living Well with

MICHELLE HODGKISS

Healthy, guilt free mango cheesecake. Photo submitted.

Mango magic cheesecake Mangoes, mangoes everywhere.

How lucky are we to have them growing in abundance around Cooktown?

Why not try this healthy, nutritious “guilt free” cake courtesy of www.roarfood.com.

Base Ingredients: 1½ cups desiccated coconut 1 cup cashews ½ cup Medjool dates Filtered water if needed

Vanilla bean and button orchid (vine).

Filling Ingredients: 2 mangoes 1½ cups cashews, soaked ¾ cup almond milk ½ cup coconut oil 10-15 Medjool dates 1 tbsp psyllium husk 2 limes juiced Blend in blender until smooth and creamy:

Blend in food processor until combined. Press firmly into a 22cm springform tin.

Pour into cake tin over base then smooth over and freeze or refrigerate until set.

Yummy!

CLASSIFIEDS COOKTOWN AMATEUR TURF CLUB INC. To all our valued sponsors, volunteers, helpers, supporters, members and all that attended the 100 Club, Stubby Bar, the fantastic 2013 Cooktown & District Country Show, RV Event and the hughly successful CATC Annual Races, and all events held throughout the year, and to our great supporters of our Friday night raffles held @ the Cooktown Bowls Club and the RSL.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year, and look forward to seeing you all again next year.

From the President, Committee and Members.

Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013 – 21

SPORT

Vote now to help Lakeland Horse Sports win grant THE simple act of taking a minute to vote online may help a local community group stay in the running for a cash grant to install some water tanks.

The Lakeland Horse

Sports Association says the tanks will provide much-needed drinking water at its grounds where the current water supply is only suitable for stock.

The Association has

Marlin Coast Veterinary Surgery Will be visiting Cooktown WedneSday, JanUaRy 15 from 2pm and ThURSday, JanUaRy 16 until 12 noon Clinic is at the CWA rooms

applied for support from the Philmac Project, a national initiative providing cash grants of up to $5000 for water-related projects that benefit regional Australian communities, particularly schools and sports associations.

Importantly, applicants need the support of individual votes via Facebook before applications and voting close on December 20.

Only submissions that attract the most votes on the Philmac Project Facebook page will make it onto a short list for final judging by a special panel that includes Irrigation

Australia chief executive Duane Findley and AgChatOz co-founder Sam Livingstone.

The Philmac Project is an initiative of leading Australian manufacturer Philmac, which has been designing, manufacturing and distributing fittings and valves for polyethylene pipes for more than 80 years.

It was set up by the company last year to give something back to regional Australian communities who have stood by the business, enabling Philmac to keep its manufacturing operation in Australia.

“We know it can be

difficult for community groups to source funding even for small projects these days, and sometimes all they need is a little bit of cash to get them started,” says Philmac General Manager, Group Marketing, Jason Mitchell.

“So we set up the Philmac Project to say thank you, and as an expression of our ongoing commitment to rural Australia and keeping communities connected.

“We are extremely pleased with the number of applications so far, and the quality and diversity of the projects being proposed. I think our

judges are in for quite a challenge.”

Applications are still being accepted from groups interested in applying for a grant.

To qualify for the initiative a project must be water-related, such as upgrading or installing watering or irrigation systems, plumbing installations or water capture facilities.

The project must be located in a regional area, and the work has to be completed within 12 months of the start date.

“The panel’s focus will be making sure the money goes to a project that will make a genuine

difference to the local community, and has the potential to reduce water use, improve water quality or benefit the environment in some way,” Mr Mitchell says.

To vote go to www. facebook.com/PhilmacAustralia and click on the ‘Enter now’ button, on the top right of the screen, which leads to summaries of all the entries. Use the search tool to find individual entries.

Voting can also be done via a mobile device.

For more information go to www.philmacproject.com.au Entries and voting closes at midnight on Friday, December 20.

FOR APPOINTMENTS PLEASE PHONE

Sylvia Geraghty 4069 5337 or Clinic 4057 6033 Appointments are essential

Country Road Coachlines

CAIRNS TO COOKTOWN

Work done on range extension

~ Passenger and freight ~

EXPRESS

BUS SERVICE

Bus Services

INLAND RUN DEPARTS CAIRNS

Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun at 7am – Arrives Cooktown 11.45am

DEPARTS COOKTOWN

Wed, Fri, Sun at 1.30pm – Arrives Cairns 6pm Sat at 12.30pm – arrives Cairns 5pm

COASTAL RUN DEPARTS CAIRNS

Mon, Wed and Fri at 7am

DEPARTS COOKTOWN

Tues, Thurs and Sat at 7.30am

AGENTS

COOKTOWN (Photo Shop) 4069 5446 BLOOMFIELD (Ayton Store) 4060 8125 LAKELAND (Mobil Roadhouse) 4060 2188

Bus Service and Airport Shuttle Bus Bookings essential: 7 days 4069 5446

‘Travel with the Local Boy’

Owned and operated

by Allan Harlow

• The schedule is subject to change or to cancel without notice • Child fares • Student fares • Pensioner rates (not available on Saturdays)

LAST Saturday morning’s Rifle Shoot was used as a practice day, while in the afternoon, machinery arrived to carry out the additional earthworks needed on the range extension.

On Sunday, Jason and Kristin successfully competed at the Atherton Clay Target Christmas Shoot.

The next shoot scheduled for the SSAA Cameron Creek Range is a Shotgun DTL event, which will be held this Saturday, December 14 at 1pm.

For details, contact Jim on 4069 5173.

Anne Williams Secretary.

Above: Troy and Demi D’Addona go through their paces at a Lakeland Horse Sports event earlier this year.

Left: Susan Sheppard sending her horse home at a Lakeland Horse Sports event.

Photos: KIRSTEN FLETCHER.

LEAVE CAIRNS MONDAY TO FRIDAY Deliveries 5 days – AND DELIVER THE NEXT MORNING Meeting all freight needs from Cairns to the Cape • Port Douglas • Mossman • Cooktown • Laura • Archer River • Coen • Musgrave • Kowanyama • Weipa • Croydon • Normanton • Karumba • Pormpuraaw – from 20 grams to 20 tonnes –

Fleet includes: Body trucks, Semi trailers, Refrigerated vans, Side lifter and Fork lift hire

COOKTOWN – tony

Down driveway at Peter Russell Windscreen Repairs Ph: 4069 5459 • Fax: 4035 4021 • Mob: 0419 759 892

CAIRNS OFFICE

25 Redden Street Ph: 4035 4022 • Fax: 4035 4021

Tuxworth & Woods Carriers

22 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013

Established more than 30 years

SPORT

Small window of calm wind conditions

It’s definitely not a whiting, but Rocco Thomason, seen here with his Dad, Scott will take a golden trevally like this any day. Photos submitted. and snorkelling.

THE winds flogged us during this last week in comparison to the quite-still conditions of recent weeks.

However, there appears to be a drop in this week’s winds, which will end on Sunday.

This calm wind window would be also the best time to do some diving

There have been mixed results for those fishing the reefs and their favourite offshore spots. Boats anchored near each other have had quite varied results as one boat gets some good catches and the other very little. The fish seem to be a little patchy currently. Otherwise, the offshore fishing has been holding up quite well with plenty of red emperor and large mouth nannygai.

But the Wharf has been holding its own in the fishing stakes – the main species being caught have been man-

grove Jacks, queenfish, mackerel and trevally.

After the rain we have had, the mud crabs could be looking for a mullet or fish frame to snack on in the side streams of the Annan and Endeavour Rivers.

Lastly, please ensure all of your boat’s safety gear is in good order and you have all the items specified by maritime regulations on board your boat as some people were caught out

by Maritime Safety patrols recently.

Tight lines.

Russell Bowman The Lure Shop.

Scott with a solid Spanish speared with his new Pelagic Roller Speargun.

Relay race confusion reigns out in the wild country near Poison Creek. Now Fakawe has a history with her trail setting, with some runs that were more memorable for their eccentricities than their successes.

THIS week’s host was Fakawe, on her ranch

This run was different. Christmas is coming, Fakawe must have been feeling her oats, and she decided to lay a relay race. Now I am not completely clear how this was meant to work, but

she started out by laying a trail starting with a Christmas tree and going around the dam to three stopping points. She allocated four Hashers to each stopping point, and another four to the Christmas tree. She gave a Christmas cracker (snooty Fakawe insisted on calling them “bonbonnières”) to each of the runners at the start, blew her whistle and started them off.

The original four sprinted - more or less around to the next point and handed over their crackers to the waiting Hashers. They rushed to the next point, and so on. From the point of view of the Hashers, things looked confusing.

They stood around doing nothing until someone burst out of the bush and handed them a cracker to carry to the next point.

Careful analysis has revealed the crackers got a lot of exercise, going around the dam three or possibly four times.

Everyone else just went around once...

Back at the bash, GM Thermo welcomed two virgin runners, one of whom was silly enough to appear in brand new fluorescent yellow shoes, which just had to be christened. Tuff celebrat-

ed her 24 carton run (576) and Wetcheck (298 runs) celebrated with Thermo (1298 runs). Granddad had appeared with not just one, but two new plastic drinking vessels, one of which was long, twisty and quite capable of drowning anyone who tried to drink from it.

After that it was definitely time for Fakawe’s famous meat loaf, which did everyone a lot of good.

Next week’s run is the traditional Charlotte Street Chunder Meet at F*&t and Thermo’s at 5.30pm sharp on Monday, December 16, in your best Christmas regalia. Just turn up to join the fun.

Contact Moses on either 4069 5854 or 0409 686 032 for details.

On-on! Lye Bak

Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013 – 23

Sport Cooktown Local

SPORTS CONTRIBUTIONS

Phone: 4069 5773 • Fax: 1300 787 248 • Email: editor@cooktownlocalnews.com.au

Sports reports deadline is 5pm, Monday prior to publication

editor@cooktownlocalnews.com.au

ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au

Play off needed to decide medal

Rick Butler chipping onto the green in last Sunday’s Wayne King Medal of Medals competition. Photos: GARY HUTCHISON.

Cooktown Golf Club members who contested the Wayne King Medal of Medals on Sunday were given their own special Pro V1 ‘W’ Ball with which to play in honour of the Club’s former Captain, the late Wayne King.

Seen here are (from front left) Marilyn Clark, Tanya Eizenberg, Alice Burton and Rick Butler, with (from back left) Bret Crosby, Carol McKinna, Beno Welsh, Robyn McDonald, Graham Burton, John Pettersen, Ron Beacroft and Steve Butler. Photo: KELLY BARNETT. IN memory of Cooktown Golf Club’s former Club Captain, the late Wayne King, members who contested Sunday’s Medal of Medals, which had been named in his honour, were given a special Pro V1 ball marked as Wayne would have, with which to play.

These were the last balls Wayne purchased.

All but one of our Monthly Medal winners competed, with Ron Beacroft invited to play in honour of Wayne, and it was good to see Bret Crosby out for a hit too in Wayne’s memory. It was a great day with quite a few laughs and a lot of high fives for fantastic putts and chips which were made, especially Graham Burton’s chip for a “birdie” on the 18th and Rick Butler’s putt for par also on the 18th.

The men’s competition came down to the wire with a play off required between Graham Burton and Mick Mason as both ended the day with a nett score of 66. They levelled the score on the 10th and it came down to the 15th, on which Graham snagged the prize. Well

done boys you both played great games.

Nearest-The-Pins in this competition were landed by Logan Idiens for 2/11 and 14 and by Wal Welsh for 9/18.

There was a small field who competed in last week’s Italian Restaurant Weekly Stableford competition, and Steve Butler sure had a great game to win the week’s event with a score of 37 points. Graham Burton was next in line for runner-up place with a score of 33.

Last Saturday saw the last of our main competition days for the year’s weekly competitions, which will now run from the Sunday through to Saturday until about the end of January.

This week’s competition is a Stroke and is to be played off the red tees.

Thanks to all members who have supported the Club throughout the year and it was a great way to end the year’s calendar with the Medal of Medal competitions and a barbecue lunch, which everyone enjoyed.

Happy golfing everyone.

Kelly Barnett Manager Cooktown Golf Links.

The ladies’ division was tight as well. with only one point between the winner and the runner-up. Carol McKinna emerged as the winner with a nett score of 75, with Alice Burton hot on her heels with 76.

Only two of the Nearest-The-Pins were landed - one by Ron Beacroft for 2/11 and the other by Mick Mason for 9/18.

Because the Wayne King Medal of Medals competition was postponed until Sunday, a Bisque Par competition was still held on the Saturday for those members who wished to play.

Graham Burton played to his handicap to win the day’s event with a square score. A count-back was required between Alice Burton and Logan Idiens to decide the runner-up, in which Logan was declared the winner with a score of minus–3.

Logan’s score was much better than his mate, Dallas’ (from Tewantin-Noosa Golf Club), who had a shocking round for a score of minus-11.

Tide times – Cooktown

Friday, dECEMBEr 13 to Friday, dECEMBEr 20

NOTE: these are predictions only, subject to change due to prevailing weather conditions. It is recommended you use this table as a guide only. Information from www.bom.gov.au .

Fri 13 Time 0034 0717 1302 1903

Ht 0.59 2.64 1.19 2.32

 =

Sat 14 Time 0110 0757 1343 1936

MOON PHASES

Ht 0.54 2.73 1.19 2.25

NEW MOON Tue. Dec 3. Time: 10.22

Sun 15

Time 0143 0831 1420 2003

Ht 0.53 2.78 1.20 2.17

FIRST QUARTER Sun. Dec 10. Time: 01.12

Mon 16 Time 0214 0902 1455 2028

Ht 0.55 2.77 1.23 2.10

FULL MOON Mon. Dec 17. Time: 19.28

Tue 17 Time 0244 0932 1528 2051

Ht 0.61 2.74 1.29 2.03

LAST QUARTER Tues. Dec 25. Time: 23.48

24 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, December 12, 2013

Wed 18 Time 0312 0960 1560 2113

Ht 0.69 2.68 1.35 1.96

Thu 19

Time 0337 1026 1631 2134

Ht 0.79 2.60 1.43 1.88

Fri 20

Time 0401 1054 1704 2201

Ht 0.91 2.50 1.50 1.79

Weather Watch Endeavour Valley rainfall total December: 7mm

Beno Welsh preferred his putter with this attempt at the hole.

Mick Mason with a difficult uphill, angled putt.

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