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$2 • PH: 1300 4895 00 • EDITORIAL: editor@cooktownlocalnews.com.au • Issue 648 • Thursday, January 16, 2014
Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott with Robert Fenn, Manager Water and Sewerage, inspecting Tuesday’s water levels flowing over the Annan Weir. Photo: GARY HUTCHISON.
LAST minute rains have saved Cooktown from water restrictions twice since November, with water levels flowing over the Annan Weir recorded at a dangerous one millimetre on both occasions. Cook Shire Council Manager Water and Sewerage Robert Fenn said that with no winter rain prior to November, 2013, Cooktown was looking at water restrictions then. “But some lucky storms saved us from then and we thought the water we had on
H H H H H H H H H H H H H
hand would take us through to the Wet,” he said. “But up until the rains came last Wednesday, we were looking at restrictions again.” As at Monday afternoon, the water level flowing over the weir was recorded at .8 metres.
time, he can only remember two other occasions when Cooktown was faced with the same water dilemma. He said it was rainfall that fell in the upper reaches of the Annan River near Rossville that fed the town’s water supply.
“That should get us through the rest of the year,” he said.
“We keep rainfall records at the weir, but any rain that falls there has no effect on flow over the weir,” he said.
Mr Fenn said that since the weir was built in the early 1990s, he has worked in a number of different roles at the facility, during which
Rainfall statistics compiled by Endeavour Valley resident D’Arcy Gallop throw light onto the reason Cooktown was placed in its
most recent predicaments. “The average yearly rainfall here (on his property) for the past 14 years has been about 1596mm, but in 2013, it was only 1043mm, he said. “That gave us only about 65 per cent of our yearly average, which is considerably less.” Mr Gallop said the December rainfall was only 14.5mm, while up until last Monday, January 6, he had recorded only .5mm. “That could well be the January total so far unless the heavens open up tonight
(Monday) and that’s not forecast,” he said last Tuesday. And open up they did last Wednesday through until Tuesday, with a series of intermittent showers accompanied by some good soaking rain, filling up rain water tanks, greening the landscape and putting smiles on the thirsty lips of waterconscious residents. Since then Mr Gallop has recorded 201.5mm at his property. And what about the rainfall at Rossville during the
same period? Sandy Lloyd said she returned from holidays last Wednesday to find all the vegetation on her property looking very sun-burned, dry and “sad”. However, between 6am last Wednesday and 6am on Tuesday, she had recorded a total of 238mm. “It’s been real good, wet season-type rain,” she said. Weather forecasts for today until Sunday predict between 60 and 90 per cent chances of rain until Monday.
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Join us for Australia Day 2014 See inside (page 7) for Australia Day Celebrations!
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.
JANUARY 2014
Thu 16. Marlin Coast Veterinary Surgery visiting at the CWA rooms. Phone 4069 5337 or 4057 6033 for appointments. Fri 17. Col Fitz live in the Caf Bar, from 6pm @ The Sovereign. Fri 17. Roswell playing live at the Top Pub. Sat 18. Cooktown Children's Orchestra practice, 10.30am @ Cooktown State School G Block. Ph: 0413 801 304 Evelyn. Mon 20. Beat It Information, Registration and Fitness Screening Session, 9-11am, Cooktown Wellbeing Centre, underneath Croc Shop, access via Adelaide St. Ph: Sandy 4043 0170 or Chanelle 0455 541 488. Mon - Wed, 20 - 22. Ordinary Meeting of Cook Shire Council, from 9am @ Council's administration building. Phone 4069 5444. Sat 25. Australia Day Eve: Wizard's Sleeve live at the Top Pub. Sun 26. Australia Day celebrations @ PCYC Cooktown Events Centre. Ph: Cook Shire Council 4069 5444. Sun 26. Smash 'n' Splash available, 1-3pm @ Cooktown Pool. Ph: 4069 6928.
FEBRUARY
Sat 8. Cook Shire Community Action Group meeting at
Nature's PowerHouse from 2-4pm. Light lunches and refreshments available.
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
More information on the ‘Normanby Woman’ I WRITE in response to Bev Shay’s request of Thursday, January 9, 2014 made in the Cooktown Local News, page 6, under the heading, “Normanby Woman’ has a name”. In the light of the true facts being known concerning the albino, Walberman, the so-called Normanby Woman, also recorded in some official sources as ‘White Mary’, Bev sought the local view concerning the incorrect information presently posted at the cemetery inasmuch as should this signage be replaced with updated information? Although I am fully aware that there exists a view that myth and mystery reads better than reality, my own view is that the present placard should be replaced.
Of course my opinion counts for very little, but I feel that the view of the person who placed the information, attached to the cruciform cross, should be respected. On April 20, 2010 at the Cooktown Hospital, I visited Johane (Hans) Looser who I first met in November, 1965. Hans, also known as “Mr Cooktown”, the man responsible for placing the information; information which he at the time considered to be correct, was, I was informed suffering from terminal cancer. Before he departed this life, I considered that I owed Hans the answer to the mystery of the unfortunate woman, not a white shipwrecked girl, who with her brother, had arrived on a remote, wild shore so very distant
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.
from her Nordic homeland, but a native merely displaying the effects of albinism, not as common as it is in Papua New Guinea, but certainly not unknown amongst certain Aboriginal tribes. I was pleased to find that Hans Looser was happy to know the truth, requesting of me that I make it largely known. Two days following my visit to the hospital Hans Looser passed away.
mother was Wimborra. The name of her father would seem to be lost to history. I note that in Bev’s article the lady in focus is referred to as “Wallerman”. My own research conducted at the Parliamentary Library, Brisbane, and then at the Queensland State Archives, Brisbane
I compiled a 12,000 word paper on Walberman and the many ins and outs of the story, but such a large document is difficult to place in a published form. As such, I am most thankful to Bev Shay for bringing the truth to the attention of the Cooktown public. It may be of interest to some readers to learn that the name of the lady’s
Tony Abbott wants this Schoolkids Bonus to be the last, and has introduced legislation to repeal the payment. As parents start getting their kids ready for school over the next few weeks, they’ll know how helpful the Schoolkids Bonus has been and they’ll be asking the PM why he wants to rip it away. Thanks to Labor’s actions, families will receive $410 for each primary school child and $820 for each secondary school child. 1.3 million Australian families will begin receiving Labor’s Schoolkids Bonus payment tomorrow, to help them meet the cost of getting their kids ready for the new school year. This will help families pay for things like school uniforms, shoes, books and stationery, as well as other costs like school excursions, music lessons and sports registration fees.
DISTRIBUTION of this week’s edition of the Cooktown Local News was again delayed because the Thursday morning Hinterland Aviation flight was cancelled. With the papers arriving on the evening flight, full distribution could not be made until Friday. We apolo-
their kids ready to go back to school. And it comes on top of the Abbott Government’s plans for a GP tax, as well as the Private Health Insurance premium hike announcement made two days before Christmas. This assistance is targeted at families who need it to help make ends meet. Every one of these families will be worse off if Tony Abbott gets his way. Scrapping the Schoolkids Bonus means the average Australian family with two kids will be $1230 worse off every year and $15,000 worse off over the life of their child’s education. This is a savage cut from a government that clearly doesn’t care about cost of living pressures or our kids’ education. Tony Abbott’s priorities are all wrong.
At a time when family budgets can be tight, this is much needed relief for families as they got
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, January 16, 2014
Senator Jan McLucas Acting Shadow Minister for Families and Payments Senator for Queensland
Jim McJannett, Cooktown.
gise to our readers for any inconvenience suffered. We have been advised by Hinterland Aviation that the morning flight will be operational again next week, which will enable paper deliveries to be made on Thursday as usual.
‘Win’ for sound precinct THANKS heaps to everyone who supported my proposal to create a music precinct in our main street. The council has sent its officers around town to measure the sound levels at the main venues while bands have been playing, and have determined that the sound levels were at a reasonable level. In my eyes, that is a win for us. I won’t be pursuing this any further at this stage, but I will keep the facebook page alive and keep the petitions on file in case the need arises again. Thanks once again. See you all at the next gig! Michael Shay Cooktown.
Letters to the editor
Publisher’s Details Publishers of the Cooktown Local News
in 2000, uncovered the name “Walberman’. Before any new signage is displayed, if indeed new signage is to be posted, I suggest that the spelling ‘Walberman’ that given by Police Inspector Murray is used, other than that of Wallerman.
Late paper delivery
Schoolkids bonus to be last: McLucas
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
continued page 9
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.
NEWS
Mother nature takes care of small diesel spill COOK Shire Council has confirmed there has been minimal to no ecological impact sustained from a small diesel leak near Cook’s Landing Kiosk on January 7. Council staff were unable to determine the cause
of the leak, which was detected coming from the re-fuelling pontoon in front of the kiosk. Tidal movement at the time quickly dispersed the diesel, which negated the need for further action by the council officers.
Free P&C directory next week NEXT week’s edition of Cooktown Local News will include a free copy of the P&C’s 2014 Cooktown Business and Community Directory. The phone book, which costs more than $6.50 each to print, is available free-of-charge with your weekly copy of the Cooktown Local News (local Cook Shire distribution only). When you buy your copy of the Cooktown Local News next week, please ensure that the retailer has given you a copy of
the directory. Readers who want more than one copy of the directory can purchase additional copies of the phone book for $2 each from the Cooktown Newsagency from 23 January. (Please don’t buy multiple copies of the newspaper to get multiple copies of the phone book, as this will mean other readers will miss out on getting their copy of the Cooktown Local News next week). The local phone book is published by the Cooktown State
School P&C Association and compiled by Cooktown Local News. The 2014 phone book will again be the largest single fundraiser for the P&C, with a guaranteed $10,000 to be donated from Cooktown Local News to the P&C. The price of the directory will rise to its usual $10 a copy from 1 March, and will continue to be available from the Cooktown Newsagency.
Add your opinion to debate ANYONE wanting to voice their opinion on possible changes as to how council elections should be held, only have until tomorrow, Friday, January 17 to forward their submissions. In the December 19 edition of the Cooktown Local News, Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said a discussion paper on the Local Government Electoral Act had been released to get the ball rolling. “We inherited a local government sector that had been worn down by years of Labor suspicion and red tape,” Mr Crisafulli said.“Councils were treated as little more than a collection agency for the State, and we knew an important part of the job of getting Queensland back on track was empowering communities.“I visited each local government area in the first six months of office, and we listened to what councils wanted. “As a result of these meetings, we introduced more than 150 changes to the Local Government Act and the City of Brisbane Act. “This review of council elections is another piece of the jigsaw to make sure coun-
cils are positioned to best reflect the wishes of their communities.”
And what about the CEO having the option of being the returning officer?
Mr Crisafulli said issues to be resolved included:
“I think that whatever is the most cost-effective should be the choice, obviously the CEO would have all the amenities at his disposal.”
• Preferential voting for all mayoral candidates; • Providing CEOs with the option of being the returning officer; • Electronic voting for voters with a disability; and • Review of postal voting provisions. Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott said that on the issue of voting options, he thought voters should have a choice of either going to the ballot boxes or voting online. “People enjoy the social occasion of voting, but with our weather, sometimes it’s easier for them to register postal votes or online,” he said. “However, notification of the voting trends to be quicker with ballot boxes, rather than have to wait for the results of postal voting to come in.” “As for preferential voting for mayor, I’m not in favour of it because it can be confusing. “First past the post is simpler.
Mayor candidate at the 2012 election, Greg Whittatker, announced his intention to run for the next council elections. Mr Whittaker said he was in favour of a preferential voting system for mayor and had no problems with the CEO being the returning officer. But he was highly-criticial of the state government’s timing of their announcement of this review. “So many people I have spoken to about this review know nothing about it,” he said. “With school holidays starting at that time of the year, people went away and the announcement got lost with its poor timing.” As for the option of going to the ballot box as opposed to postal votes or online voting, he said those methods were discriminatory to those people in the region with literacy issues.
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“I’ve been on there and can find no where to make complaints,” he said.
“The state came in over the top of the local, which resulted in people thinking their mail after the state election was junk mail. “So when they realised what they had thrown away was their postal voting options, it was too late for them to get another chance.
He was also critical of the
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Returning officer for the 2012 Cook state and local government elections, Cass Sorensen, said she was not in favour of a preferential system for choosing a mayor.
Greg Whittaker.
“I don’t think we have the numbers here for it to make a difference,” she said.
she questioned the sense of returning to a system which was removed in 2011.
Ms Sorensen said she believed people should have a choice of either online voting or going to the ballot box, and in regards to the council CEO being the returning officer,
“With no designated mail service for Cooktown, I am opposed to postal voting.”
The discussion paper can be found at www.dlgcrr.qld. gov.au/haveyoursay . Submissions close on Friday, January 17, 2014.
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He highlighted what he described as a fiasco, the timng of the state and local government elections at virtually the same time.
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NEWS What do I do if I find sick, injured or orphaned wildlife?
Call FNQ Wildlife Rescue on (07) 4053 4467
The two sides to caring
The Wildlife Rescue emergency number is manned by volunteers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will assess the animal and, depending on that assessment, take the animal to a vet or a wildlife foster carer.
Email: fnqwr@bigpond.com Web: www.fnqwildliferescue.org.au
Cooktown RSL Memorial Club
INCORPORATED
127 Charlotte St, Cooktown
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 • Big screen TV • Pokies • Plus… Members Draw (you must be here to win)
Member not present for the $500 draw was Graham Elems.
This week:
$600
Drawn between 7.30pm - 8.30pm.
The
RESTAURANT
Da Wogs Kitchen is Closed... until the first week in March... Da Old Wog is on his honeymoon!
BUT... BUT... BUT...
Da Little Wog is keeping the pizza takeaway going right thru January and February! Normal trading hours of Tuesday – Saturday, 4pm ‘til close.
Bon Appetit, The Wogs! 95 Charlotte Street, Cooktown
Ph 4069 6338
Wildlife carer Cass Sorensen with “Laura”, an orphaned agile wallaby, for which she has been caring since Laura was only 600g in weight. Photo: GARY HUTCHISON. DESPITE the heart-wrenching anguish of the death of “Ollie”, an agile wallaby she had fostered from a 600g joey, wildlife carer Cass Sorensen is still urging locals to take on the role. Cass said that although Ollie had been released and had integrated with a mob of other wallabies that lived around her Poison Creek property, he still came “home” occasionally for a visit and his favourite snack, sweet potato chips. But it was the practice of his wallaby mates that he tried to emulate that resulted in him sustaining fatal injuries that required he be euthanised on Monday. “Ollie first came into my care in February, 2013 after his mum had run into a car on the Endeavour Valley Road,” Cass said. “He spent a couple of terms travelling to and from school (Cass’ ‘real’ job is a teacher) as he required four-hourly feeds. “Last September he demonstrated enough independence to stay at home and start integrating in with the local wallabies. “He had started coming back in the morning or afternoon for water and sweet potato snacks during our recent dry weather. “I think he was trying to follow his older mates by jumping the passion fruit fence and this went horribly wrong, with the top wire wrapped around his foot.” Cass said the time Ollie spent “hung up” on the fence caused his foot to die and that despite her best efforts with intensive home treatment, along with a trip to a vet in Cairns who examined him, the injuries were such that putting him to sleep was the most humane course of action. While still very upset about Ollie’s fate, Cass is kept busy caring for “Laura”, another joey that recently came into her care. “Look, you have to be philosophical about the fact that some animals that come into your care are either sick or injured and may not survive anyway,” she said. “But even though you may help them to survive, once they are released they have
4 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, January 16, 2014
to deal with what’s out there in the wild. “However, it’s an amazing feeling if you can raise them to be healthy and see them go into their natural habitat. “You feel so proud, but sad – it’s like your own children leaving the nest.” She has urged that motorists check the pouches of dead wallabies on the side of the road. “Quite often, even though the mother is dead, the joey is still alive in the pouch and that’s where wildlife carers come in,” she said. And she is further urging that more locals take up the baton as wildlife carers. The role just does not revolve around wallabies, but includes animals, birds, amphibians and reptiles. Training and mentoring is necessary to obtain the skills required, and a permit is required. “Technically, anyone who finds an injured animal can care for it for up to 72 hours, but after that, the animal should be given to an accredited carer,” she said. But she warned that the role of wildlife carer is not one that can be taken lightly or is one for the lazy. “Raising orphaned and/or injured wild-
life is no easy task,” she said. “It is lovely to be able to feed a healthy joey their bottled milk, but carers also need to consider that feeding is required every four hours; that their bottoms need to be wiped to stimulate to make them defecate and urinate and that wounds need to be cleaned and treated. “Although you may provide the best of care, death associated with injuries and shock may occur.” Cass said that in relation to Ollie’s fate, she would like to acknowledge the assistance she received from local Karen Cross and Damien Bullock the owner and senior veterinarian of Ulysses Veterinary Clinic who provided his professional services free of charge and Ken and Karen White for transporting Ollie to the clinic. She said we need to maintain a Rescue Centre locally to provide a 24-hour phone coverage service for the public to report injured wildlife as well as offering mentoring and training to volunteers. Information about the role of wildlife carer can be obtained from: http://www.fnqwildliferescue.org.au/ For further information, contact Cass on either 4069 6657 or 0438 699 379.
“Ollie”, an agile wallaby, cared for by Cass Sorensen, munches on a sweet potato chip while trying to recover from leg injuries, which ultimately required him to be euthanised. Photo: CASS SORENSEN.
NEWS
‘Real’ local cements future in earth moving the creek and get dressed in your Cairns clothes, because that is where the bitumen started.” What was Cairns like to a boy from Cooktown? Full of bright lights? “It seemed like it to me. It seemed like a very busy city. They used to have arcades for Coles and Woolworths; they didn’t have the big shopping centres then.”
Story and photo by ERIC GEORGE ERIC Clark is well known around Cooktown in the earth moving and quarrying business and, until recently, as owner of our concrete plant. The Clarks are very much local, and Eric was born in the old Cooktown Hospital. As he looks around him, does he feel he was born into a different world? “Definitely it was more of a friendly, country-style town. More people knew more people - more people knew everybody, I’d say. Everybody knew everybody’s kids.” Did that mean he was not able to get into any mischief? “There would be someone who told your oldies, and you would be in trouble when you got home, for sure. That’s a little different today.” Cooktown must have looked different. How many of the roads had bitumen? “Well, there was Charlotte Street from the Wharf to Boundary Street, and that was about it, that I remember. Then there might have been Hope Street and Helen Street, but it was very patchy from there. “If you wanted to go to Cairns, you dressed in your everyday work clothes and jumped into something like the good old Landrover. Mum and dad in the front and the kids in the back and away you went. You got as far as Luster Creek, which was a pretty common thing for locals to do, have a quick tub in
Eric studied until Grade 7 in Cooktown - there was no high school then - and went on to St Augustine’s College in Cairns. What are his memories of that time? “I definitely remember it as some of the best times of my life. I made a lot of good friends. You can imagine boys of that age spending 24/7 with kids of their own age, you all have a good time together.” Was Eric a sporty person at school? “No. I didn’t do much sport at all. I didn’t have the interest in a lot of sports like a lot of kids. I was active, having fun, but I never did it as a competitive thing. “I graduated and did another 12 months in Cairns at TAFE. I did a pre-vocational course that varied from brick-laying, ‘mechanicing’, electrician, car mechanics. Then you narrowed the field down into what you wanted to do. I specialised in the mechanical side of things.” When Eric first went away to high school, his father had started in the plant hire business with a bulldozer, and the family business progressed from there. In the meantime, Eric started an apprenticeship in Cairns with a large company, Blackwood Hodge. “It had a workforce of about 12. By the time I had finished my trade, they went from a workforce of 12 to a workforce of three. Three-quarters of us were told that we were no longer needed. By that time my old man had gone into running a fulltime business in the earth moving and gravel industry. He bought the old airport block as a place to expand, and to get the resources off
the block. There was a big need for gravel around town. There were a lot of roads to be constructed, and house pads, and somewhere to get the raw resources from was a big thing.” When Eric returned to Cooktown, he had a wide range of machinery to play with: “Yes, it was a time of expansion. We were also supplying the concrete plant, so we were getting the gravel from Oakey Creek. By the time I got back to give my father a hand, he had just bought the concrete plant from the receivers. At that point I was more of a helper, keeping the gear going and giving him a hand. As you can imagine, when you first start off in business, you don’t always have new gear and it does require quite a lot of fixing. I spent quite a bit of my time fixing. “As time went on, we got slightly better gear and more of it, and you become more of an organiser than a worker, I suppose.” With the acquisition of the concrete plant, there must have been new skills to learn. Was it difficult? “Yeah, definitely. We had to learn from scratch. It’s a bit like mixing a cake. You have to have a certain percentage of stones, and fine sand, and coarse sand.” But how did Eric weigh tonnes and tonnes of sand and gravel accurately? “In an aggregate weigh-bin which has load cells on each leg. You weigh the cement powder too, and the amount of water you put in is measured by the litre. There is a guide, but you work out the ratios that produce good concrete, stick with it. You can’t be blasé about it. You need to keep your finger on the pulse.” Eric’s business has now sold the concrete plant and is concentrating on earth moving and quarrying - more than enough to keep him busy. Now he has a little more time to look around, how does he see
Eric Clark has gouged out a future in the earth moving, quarrying and cement industries. Cooktown developing? “I’d say slowly. It’s always been steadysteady. It’s the end of the road. Most of the time, when tourists get to Cooktown they have already done what they want to do. They have done their reef trips, they’ve seen what they want to see. I think we will be a town that goes ahead quietly.” What sort of projects should Cooktown be concentrating on? “Foreshore is one of the biggest points of any small coastal community, and the nicer you make it - the easier to enjoy - the better it will be. We need small barbecue
areas on the foreshore. Travellers can come and enjoy a feed there on the foreshore. That’s a really good thing for travellers to eat and enjoy the scenery.” Is Cooktown suffering from a tyranny of mangroves? Has Eric seen them taking over in his lifetime? “Absolutely. Definitely. Some of the creeks I remember, you are flat out finding them. Certainly they were a lot thinner.” What should we do? Make a mangrove walk? “Anything that makes the foreshore more useable is a big plus for the town.”
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Cooktown Local News – Thursday, January 16, 2014 – 5
NEWS
Nursing graduate wants to ‘make a difference’ Story and photos by ALF WILSON HOPE Vale’s TANIKA Deemal-Parker, who recently graduated with a nursing degree, wants to work in remote Indigenous communities in the near future. The 24-year-old Tanika graduated at a James Cook University Faculty of Medicine, Health and Molecular Sciences ceremony in Townsville on December 18. Tanika Deemal-Parker, whose tribe is the Bagarrmugu people and can speak the local language Guuguyimithirr, graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing Science, majoring in Mental Health. “I will work at the Townsville Hospital rotating between different wards during the next year and after that would like to go to gain more experience in Indigenous health,” Tanika said. “I want to push for better health for the people of Hope Vale and then branch out to other communities within Australia.” Three relatives, Debo-
rah Pearson, Selina Bowen-Kerr and Nancee-Rae Bowen, aged 7, spent 12 hours travelling from Hope Vale to Townsville, including catching a midnight Greyhound bus in Cairns. They were very excited to see Tanika dress in her gown at her graduation. Tanika attended Hope Vale and Cooktown Primary Schools. She then went to Cooktown High for year eight, before finishing her secondary education at Townsville’s Cathedral School. “I was back in Hope Vale on December 5 to give a speech to the younger generation about the importance of having an education,” she said. She chose the threeyear nursing course to study because she had a passion for health and caring for people with a more hands on approach. “I particularly want to also make positive changes in my community, in the near future, with the goal of closing the gap in health and promoting better lifestyle choices and healthy living among communi-
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Attention Parents: Cooktown Children’s Orchestra will start their practice on Saturday, January 18 at 10.30am at the Cooktown State School G Block. 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.
ties,” she said. “I would also like to drive these initiatives and schemes globally as a future goal.” Tanika said she enjoyed “every bit” of her studies. “I enjoy the company of people, so meeting many different people from different backgrounds was truly amazing,” she said. “Many people have encouraged me and all have said that I should ‘follow my dream’. “Now that I have my degree, I will endeavour to gain good experiences and then I will go back to my community, use my new skills to make a significant difference to people’s health. “My nursing placements have given me a foundation, and experiences that I couldn’t have gained in any other profession. “A strong work ethic and a determination to succeed will in the not too distant future help me to return home and help improve the health and wellbeing of all people, including indigenous
Selina Bowen-Kerr, Nancee-Rae Bowen, graduate Tanika Deemal-Parker and Deborah Pearson. people.” Tanika was also recently invited to participate in the Women as Global Leaders Conference 2012 held at Zayed University, Abu Dhabi and was also nominated for a NAIDOC Award. At the conference, Tanika and her cousin addressed the theme, “How can you keep your country sustainable?” “The experience was awesome, we both
learned about the different cultures and their religions, it was eye-opening and we were also able to dispel many of the stereotypes that we had come to believe about the Arab culture,” she said. She chose JCU because it was a “perfect location for a north Queensland girl”. “As one of the world’s leading universities it has a formidable reputation,” she said.
“James Cook University offered an excellent learning environment and the support from the nursing faculty was first class. “My mum Gwen also studied at JCU and I was strongly influenced by her direction and encouragement.” Tanika said there were a few particular challenges along the way to obtaining her degree. “I have strong links
with my family, so being away from home most of the year was a huge challenge,” she said. “Making sacrifices are a fact of life when you are a student, so like all students I had to work as well as study. “Fortunately, I have not settled with my own family so I admire many of my colleagues who also had to raise young families whilst studying.”
Next RADF funding round closes on January 24 COOK Shire Council is seeking applications under its Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) to support arts projects in 2014. The next round of funding will close on Friday, January 24, 2014. Art groups and arts workers are encouraged to discuss their ideas and intended projects with a RADF Committee member to determine how best to utilise this funding. There are seven application categories available to the public under RADF. They are: • Developing regional skills - Objective: For individual professional artists and arts workers living in regional Queensland to attend professional development seminars or activities; master classes; mentorships with recognised arts and cultural peers and placements with recognised arts and cultural organisations; • Building community cultural capacity – Objective: For community groups to engage
6 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, January 16, 2014
a professional artist or arts worker to work with them on developing their arts practice or to run arts development workshops or community projects; • Interest-free arts loan Objective: For arts activities that will generate an income greater than the amount of the loan, and where no other funding source is available;
held collections of significance, and collect and tell local stories from the past and the present that can demonstrate state and/or local significance. The priorities for this category are proposals for post-1960 heritage and Indigenous stories that can demonstrate strong community participation and ownership; • Regional partnerships Objective: To encourage innovative and energising arts and cultural projects where artists, communities and councils work together in their community, or in partnership with another community, to achieve enhanced outcomes from RADF grants; and
• Cultural tourism – Objective: For projects and activities that focus on communities’ locally distinct arts, culture and heritage both for members of that community and for visitors;
• Concept development Objective: To develop arts and cultural research ideas and project proposals to the implementation stage and identify funding sources outside of RADF to implement project proposals.
• Contemporary collections/ stories - Objective: To preserve and provide access to locally
Successful applications will be chosen based on how well they align with the objectives
of the Regional Arts Development Fund program, and the cultural priorities of Cook Shire. Applications close on Friday, January 24, after which they will be tabled before a RADF assessment meeting by February 7 and then a report and recommendations will be tabled at the next council meeting to be held between February 17 and 19. Applicants will be advised of the outcomes of their respective applications by February 28. Application forms and guidelines are available from Council’s website www.cook. qld.gov.au/radf or for more information contact Council’s RADF Liaison Officer, Johannes Anthonis on 07 4069 5444 or email mail@cook.qld. gov.au. The Regional Arts Development Fund is a Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Cook Shire Council partnership to support local arts and culture.
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Cooktown Local News – Thursday, January 16, 2014 – 7
NEWS
It’s what I always needed
From the Pulpit 1 Cor 15:19 BILLY fancied a new pencil case so he went home and said he “needed” it. He further emphasised his “need” by telling mum his teacher said he ‘had to have it’. The wise young mum fobbed him off on an old one of his big sister’s. Remember as kids, getting what we “need-
ed”? If you’re a baby boomer or older, you’ll smile. It was either a dose of castor oil (a horrible greasy laxative) or “six of the best” from the headmaster. Someone once said we really only need three things - someone to love us, something to do, and something to look forward to. The Bible assures us we each have that. “God loves us with a great love” (John 3:16), and he demonstrated that love even when we were ‘sinners’ (Romans 5:8) I John 4:19 says, “We love him because he first loved us”. Something to do: We
are called to follow Jesus to shine as lights in a world that has lost its way. In fact Jesus said to “Let our lights (lives) so shine that other will see what you do and recognise God in our lives”. (Matt 5:16) Something to look forward to: There’s a longing to be in Heaven. Paul the great apostle had it (2 Cor 5:8), Abraham the pilgrim and “Father of Our Faith” had it and so do Christians today (Hebrews 11:16) – who are “looking for the heavenly country”. It may look heavenly around here with all the new green grass shoots
or feel heavenly under the cool water of Trevethan Falls, but this is nothing to what has been promised to those who love God. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Cor 2:9) God’s plan for mankind to love him anew was revealed to us that first Christmas when a Saviour was born and named “Jesus” for ‘He shall save his people from their sins’ (Matt 1:21) Blessings, Pastor Peter Cooktown Baptist Church
Abbott Government to impact on Indigenous health CUTTING legal services makes no economic sense when the wider implications of incarceration on issues, such as employment, education and health, are taken into account, according to National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) Chair Justin Mohamed. “The fact is people in our jail system often suffer from poor mental and physical health,” Mr Mohamed said. “Incarceration also can have broader impacts on the health of those left behind - on the imprisoned person’s family and broader community. “With rates of incarceration of Aboriginal people increasing, we should be doing everything we can to turn around the huge numbers of Aboriginal people in our prisons.” The National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples (Congress) also strongly opposes the decision by the Federal Government to cut funding to community controlled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. Co-Chair Les Malezer said: “ The government’s ‘hit or miss’ funding cuts to our organisations, at the beginning of their term and before the completion of their highlypublicised inquiries, endangers the collaborative approach offered by the Prime Minister. “The news that the national body for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services is to be de-funded is a significant blow and does not reflect an effort to engage in partnership.
8 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, January 16, 2014
“Having a national body for the legal services increases the skills, experience and effectiveness of all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
their people face and the factors that contribute to them entering the justice system.
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) Chair Justin Mohamed. Islander Legal Services, and brings greater efficiency to the expenditure incurred by those legal services.” he said. “Congress calls upon the Prime Minister to show leadership and understanding of the need for increased capacity in our organisations and communities. He can demonstrate that by ensuring the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services is retained and strengthened.” Mr Mohamed said: “NACCHO supports the good work of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services - both who play an important role in keeping our people out of jail. “They provide education and early intervention support and advice which can mean the difference between a life of incarceration and one that makes a contribution to the community. “The Federal Government need to rethink their position and recognise how crucial a national voice on Aboriginal legal policy is in reducing the disproportionate numbers of Aboriginal people in the justice system. “Aboriginal peak bodies understand better than anyone the issues
“Taking that voice from the mix to save a few dollars will just hamper future efforts to improve outcomes across a range of factors including health, education and employment.” Mr Mohamed said closing the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people needed an integrated approach. “Aboriginal people make up more than thirty percent of the prison population, despite being only a fraction of the Australian population. “Closing the gap requires a coordinated approach at the state and federal levels as the challenges faced by Aboriginal people are interconnected. “You can’t improve overall health outcomes without also looking at the social determinants, things like housing, education and poverty. Similarly, you can’t improve health outcomes while the numbers of Aboriginal people in our jails continues to rise,” Mr Mohamed said. Mr Malezer said: “Our Peoples must be selfdetermining and will not accept Governments making decisions on funding priorities without us. “Removing our capacity for policy reform and advocacy to legal assistance programs delivered by Aboriginal, community and legal aid services will affect the most marginalised and vulnerable members of our community. “Congress supports organisations controlled by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to continue representing our interests and to provide expert advice on service delivery.”
HISTORY/LETTERS
Believe them or not?
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Did you know that disposing of the following items is free at any of Cook Shire Council’s Waste Transfer Stations? Yes, you read it right, IT’S FREE OF CHARGE! Car bodies, scrap metal, cardboard, paper, glass, plastic containers, tin cans, aluminium cans, green waste, household chemicals e.g. paints and solvents (<20 litres), pesticides (<5 litres), car batteries and other lead acid batteries, gas bottles, waste oil, e-waste and white goods (except fridges, freezers, air conditioners). All you have to do is keep them separate and make sure that all food containers are completely empty and rinsed.
Kuranda family with three-metre python. Photo: The Cairns Post, 2007. THE photo this week was displayed in The Cairns Post in 2007, with a story of a family from Kuranda who found this three-metre long python attacking their dog. I am sure we all have stories of large pythons, especially if you have animals. I know we had our fair share when we kept chickens. Just recently, there have been stories and photos on Facebook from locals with similar problems. Well it wasn’t any different 100 years ago. In my search for a story, I found the following from 1914, which you may or may not enjoy. Some light hearted humour. From the Cooktown Courier comes this story: “from a farmer not a hundred miles from the Endeavour. The story is that he had a hen that was sitting, but unluckily, her hatching operations were interrupted by a 20ft carpet snake, which entered through a hole in the hen-house. The snake made a fine meal of well-warmed eggs, but when it essayed to retire by the same hole through which it had entered, found those eggs in the way. It was much too large to get out, so it stuck in the hole, half in the hen-house and half
History outside. There it was discovered the next morning in a surfeited condition. It paid for its greediness with its life, and then it paid back the eggs it had stolen, for when the body of the snake was opened the eggs were all found unbroken and warm. They were replaced under the hen, and in due time were hatched, none the worse for their peculiar incubation.” This was reported in the Western Herald (Bourke, NSW) Saturday, January 17, 1914, a correspondent of the same paper writes: “The snake episode at Cooktown … reminds me when we were at Wilkesbarre, in the Wyoming Valley (USA), some years ago, a big snake was seen crawling away from the fowl house one moonlight night. I picked up the handiest thing lying around, a big sapling, and hit him hard on the back. It was just like hitting a football, but the result was that three chickens and a parrot shot out of the reptile’s mouth as if they had been fired from a catapult. The chickens had nothing to say on the subject, but the parrot remarked:
‘By George, it was hot in there.’ That was nothing to what occurred in Bourke in 1890. There was a family in which there was a little girl, about three years old. Every night her mother was in the habit of leaving a cup of milk on a table close to the cot where the child could reach it in the morning. A large carpet snake had frequently been seen about the premises, but little notice taken of it. But one morning very early, a terrible noise in the child’s room brought other members of the household on the scene, when to their surprise and dismay, they beheld the house cat with its hair on end, and its tail like the business portion of a porcupine, facing the snake, which, with its head raised over the cup, was prepared to strike, while, at the same time it was gently tapping the child on the face with its tail in order to wake her up. The snake was defending the milk from the thirsty cat. It was discovered when the little girl awoke that she had been in the habit of sharing her milk with the snake every morning.” Well, believe them or not?
letters to the editor
Your trash might be someone else’s treasure!
NEWS FLASH ! COOKTOWN BEAT IT: Physical Activity & Lifestyle Program RESTARTS FEBRUARY 2014 Wednesdays and Fridays 9am - 10am
Do you WANT to IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH, FITNESS and WELLBEING? BEAT It is a 12 week exercise program with fortnightly education sessions.
Exercises are specifically tailored to suit individual health and fitness levels especially for people with diabetes, unhealthy weight or at risk of diabetes and other chronic conditions. Includes aerobic fitness, strength training, stretching, joint mobility and balance.
If YOU are READY to BEAT IT? Come along to our
INFORMATION, REGISTRATION and FITNESS SCREENING SESSION Monday 20th January 9am - 11am:
Cooktown Wellbeing Centre (Underneath CROC SHOP - access via Adelaide St) Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for exercise For more information or to collect a Starter Pack Please call Cooktown BEAT IT Facilitators and Personal Trainers – Sandy Jones 4043 0170 or Chanelle Oldaker 0455 541 488 The benefits start the day you do!
from page 2
Proposed new levy on containers to ‘add extra $300 to shopping budget’ Federal and State environment ministers are considering a proposal to introduce a national Container Deposit Levy (CDL) in Australia. This levy would see Cook Shire residents paying an additional 10c on every water bottle, drink can, milk or wine bottle purchased. This is termed as a ‘’deposit’’, which can be redeemed if a consumer takes the clean container to new public collection points. Sounds great in theory, doesn’t it? But unfortunately the plan simply hasn’t been thought through. There are a host of unintended consequences, including studies that show an estimated $300 will be added to a Cook Shire resident’s average annual shopping basket just when they are finding it tough to balance the household budget. The proposals also threaten recycling and garbage collection services, as Cook Shire Council will find it more costly to run regular recycling collections if these containers are being taken out of the system.
You can also dump all reusable items such as furniture, clothes, books, toys, bikes etc for FREE at Cooktown Waste Transfer Station.
On top of this, there is also an increased risk to public health and sanitation caused by the hoarding and scavenging of bottles from private and public bins. The alternative solution is to not only continue with the current scheme, but to expand on this through added corporate and public initiatives. For example, over the next 10 years, through the Australian Packaging Covenant, industry aims to invest $115 million in litter reduction and recycling schemes across the country. The Queensland government doesn’t currently support a Container Deposit Levy. However, there is a concerted push from CDL supporters to get states to sign up to the program. So encourage Andrew Powell to keep doing the right thing and support your Queensland residents’ efforts in setting an example to the rest of Australia. Stan Moore CEO, The National Packaging Covenant Industry Association
REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS ON OUTSTATIONS Ingkerreke Commercial is pleased to announce that it has been selected as the service provider to deliver repairs and maintenance to existing solar systems currently being serviced by Bushlight under the Bushlight maintenance program across selected communities and outstations throughout QLD, WA and the NT as of 1 January 2014. The repairs and maintenance service will remain the same and shouldn’t affect households, however; households will have a new phone number to call to report faults as of 1 January 2014. The National number to call is 1800 266 464 (24 Hour Hotline) A technician will be able to take your call and assist you with your query. www.ingkerrekecommercial.com.au | info@ingkerreke.com.au Cooktown Local News – Thursday, January 16, 2014 – 9
PHOTOS: GARY HUTCHISON
UT&about
Dining out @ the Bowls Club
Lynette Wescott and Rebecca Kendray.
Steven and Greg Kerkow.
Ben and Jenny Turra.
Mark and Gemma Turra.
New friends, Sharon Vicente and Maggie Craven, connect for dinner at the Cooktown Bowls Club.
Paul and Joanne Delio.
Ronnie, Earl and Jane Dimitui from Port Douglas, enjoying the cool of the Bowls Club verandah.
From Cairns and working in Cooktown during the week are Ryan Taylor and Johnny Head.
Alexander, Anna and Lucas Eriksson.
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.
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Telephone: [07] 4040 1333 | Email: info@hinterlandaviation.com.au | Book online at: www.hinterlandaviation.com.au 10 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, January 16, 2014
PHOTOS: GARY HUTCHISON
Dining out @ the Bowls Club
UT&about
Estelle Reddel and Antonia Costa. Melissa Gunton with Haila, Ivan, Shaelanee and Lakea Hegamaea and Aunty Fifi.
Andrea Quick and Karen Nicolaou.
Cindy Mallari, Ashley Patrag and Barry Riddell.
Sam Eastwood and Sally Aird.
Tim Woulfe and Danielle Gillespie.
Maurie and Heather Killeen.
Penny Gillman and Carmel Dayes.
Chris Jamieson and Monica Storesni.
Sr Carmel Mary Arnold, Noela Brewer and Katey Dayes.
Heather and Yzabelle Willcox.
Cooktown Local News – Thursday, January 16, 2014 – 11
FRIDAY 17
6:00 ABC News Breakfast 10:00 Children’s Programs 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 One Plus One 1:00 Land Girls 3:00 Children’s Programs 5:00 Eggheads 5:30 ABC News: Early Edition 6:00 Grand Designs 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Gardening Australia 8:30 Death In Paradise - With Richard (Ben Miller) struck down by a tropical disease and Camille (Sara Martins) in Paris, it’s up to Dwayne and Fidel to solve the apparently impossible murder of a local diver. 9:30 The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency: The detective agency is hit by a string of break-ins and someone from Precious’s past threatens to jeopardise her future plans. 10:25 ABC News: Late Edition 10:35 Hustle 11:35 Rage 1:30 Hockey: Men’s World League: Semi Final 3:30 Rage
6:00 Today 9:00 Danoz Direct 10:00 Brand Developers 11:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 12:00 Extra 12:30 One Day Series - Australia Vs England 5:00 National News 5:30 One Day Series - Australia Vs England 9:00 House Husbands - Still reeling from her parent’s separation, Gemma rekindles her friendship with a childhood sweetheart. Kane and Tom’s relationship faces its biggest challenge yet when Stella’s father returns. And Lewis struggles with Lucy’s decision to move out with Tilda’s teacher, Mr Tuck. 10:00 TBA 12:30 Movie: “Cannonball Run 2” (PG) - The sequel to the all-star hit the Cannonball Run. Once again a bunch of crazies, in a disparate collection of cars, are engaged in racing across the country to collect a cash prize. 2:30 The Avengers: A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Station 3:30 Extra 4:00 Brand Developers / 4:30 Good Morning America
6:00 Sunrise 9:00 2014 Australian Open 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 2014 Australian Open 11:30 That ‘70s Show: Radio Daze - Donna gets a job at a radio station and Eric is afraid she’s ready to dump him so she can spend all her time hanging out with rock stars. Guest starring Alice Cooper. 12:00 Harry’s Practice 12:30 Special: Sea Snakes Or Marion Reef - Ben Cropp leads an expedition to meet and study sea snakes learning about their unique daily movements and behaviour. 1:30 Auction Squad 2:30 Room For Improvement - Red-bricks and shag-pile get the boot as a nightmare ‘70s house becomes a showpiece for modern living. 3:00 Home Shopping 4:00 NBC Today - International news and weather including interviews with newsmakers in the world of politics, business, media, entertainment and sport.
5:00 World News 1:00 Behind The Front Door 1:30 Inspector Rex 2:30 NITV News Week In Review 3:00 France 24 International News 3:30 Al Jazeera News 4:00 The Journal 4:30 PBS Newshour 5:30 Dakar Rally Daily Highlights 6:00 Grand Tours Of The Scottish Islands 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Town With Nicolas Crane 8:35 David Starkey’s Music And Monarchy: Revolutions 9:40 As It Happened: My Enemy, My Friend 10:35 World News Australia Late 11:05 Movie: “Bruna: Surfer Girl” (MA d,a,l,s) - In Portuguese. Raquel is adopted by a middle class family in São Paulo, but runs away at the age of 17 to become a call girl. Her clients thinks she looks like a beautiful surfer, and she soon starts a blog about her experiences under her nickname Surfistinha (Little Surfer Girl). 1:00 Inspector Montalbano: Track Of Sand 2:50 Weatherwatch Overnight
SATURDAY 18
6:00 Rage 10:30 Rage Goes Retro - Preview 11:30 My Family: An Embarrassment Of Susans 12:00 Agatha Christie’s Poirot: The Mysterious Affair At Styles 1:45 Movie: “Dangerous Mission” (PG) 3:00 Basketball: WNBL: Round 15 - Bendigo Vs Townsville 5:05 Nature’s Miracle Babies: Ele’s Cats (Amur, Gorilla, Eles) 6:00 TBA 7:00 ABC News 7:30 The Paradise 8:30 Midsomer Murders: Schooled In Murder - Debbie Moffet is crushed to death by a giant round of cheese just hours after an argument at a Parents’ Council meeting at Midsomer Pastures Prep School, Barnaby and Jones investigate. 10:00 Silent Witness: Lost (Part 1) - Leo finds himself haunted by past memories when he returns to Sheffield after an ancient body is unearthed on Bleaklow Moor. 11:00 Rage 1:30 Hockey: Men’s World League: Final 3:30 rage Goes Retro 5:00 rage
6:00 Children’s Programs 7:00 Weekend Today - Saturday 10:00 Danoz Direct 11:00 Antiques Roadshow 11:30 Alive And Cooking 12:00 Discover Downunder Summer Series 12:30 The Middle 1:00 Movie: “The Colour Purple” (PG a,l) 4:00 Explore Canada 5:00 4WD TV 5:30 Customs 6:00 National News Saturday 7:00 Australia’s Funniest Home Videos 7:30 Movie: “The Spy Next Door” (PG v) - A colleague who has been irritating you must be dealt with as sensitively as possible. Try to find out the reason for this person’s hostile attitude. Romance. Spend time remembering the little things you fell in love with. Small reminders around the house will help you. 9:30 Movie: “Mr. Nice Guy” (M v) 11:30 Movie: “Wag The Dog” (M l,s) 1:20 Movie: “The Devil’s Advocate” (MA l,s,v,a) 3:50 Nine Presents 4:05 Brand Developers 5:00 Skippy - The Bush Kangaroo 5:30 Wesley Impact
6:00 Saturday Disney 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 2014 Australian Open 6:00 Seven News 6:30 2014 Australian Open 11:30 World’s Wildest Police Videos: Female protestors steal the spotlight with a topless demonstration, a gangland murder trial turns to chaos when the victim’s friends attack the accused in court, and a Motor City car chase ends in a ball of fire! 12:30 Movie: “We Own The Night” (AV v,d,l) - A nightclub manager has only one night to save his cop father and brother who are next on the hit list. 3:00 Harry’s Practice - Join Dr Harry Cooper and Dr Katrina Warren for everything you need to know about animals. 3:30 It’s Written Oceania 4:00 Home Shopping 5:00 Dr Oz: Quick Fixes To Prevent The Diseases You Fear Most Dr. Oz reveals his quick fixes for the diseases you fear most: diabetes, cancer, heart attack and stroke.
5:00 World News 1:00 Lang Lang: The Art Of Being Virtuoso 2:20 Daphnis And Chloe 2:55 James Rhodes: Piano Man 3:30 Microtopia 4:30 PBS Newshour 5:30 Dakar Rally Daily Highlights 6:00 Grand Tours Of Scotland 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Wild Amazon 8:30 Meet The Amish 9:30 Movie: “Legend Of The First: The Return Of Chen Zhen” (MAV v) - In Cantonese and Japanese. Set in 1920s Shanghai, ex-soldier Chen Zhen is posing as a rich playboy to infiltrate the local mafia, who have formed an alliance with the invading Japanese. By night, Zhen masquerades as a caped crusader, determined to reclaim the city, one fly kick at a time. 11:25 Movie: “District B13: Ultimatium” (M v,l) - In French. 1:15 Movie: “The Singer” (PG) - In French. Gérard Depardieu stars as Alain, an aging dance hall singer infatuated with Marion, a guarded and wary beauty half his age. 3:15 Weatherwatch Overnight
SUNDAY 19
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 A Letter To Elia 3:00 Football: W-League: Round 9 - Sydney FC Vs Brisbane Roar 5:00 Midsomer Murders: Beyond The Grave 6:30 Boomtown 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Australian Story: Anna Meares: Know Thy Enemy 8:30 Foyle’s War: Sunflower - Foyle is drawn into the bizarre murder of an ex Nazi defector. Meanwhile Sam’s husband Adam is so pre-occupied with his new job, she worries whether she’ll be able to share some big news with him. 11:35 Lilian’s Story 1:05 Emerald City 2:40 Movie: “Met By Moonlight” (G) - World War II action drama about a daring plan for a handful of men to kidnap a German general on Crete. 4:30 The New Inventors 5:00 Catalyst 5:30 Collectors
6:00 Children’s Programs 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Cybershack 10:30 Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman Series 12:30 One Day Series Australia Vs England 5:00 National News Sunday 5:30 One Day Series - Australia Vs England 9:00 2014 Santos Tour Down Under - Highlights: The People’s Choice Classic is a closed circuit road race, held as a preview to the 2014 Santos Tour Down Under. Get up close and personal with some of the world’s best riders in Australia’s premier international cycling race, staged in and around Adelaide, South Australia. 10:30 CSI: Miami: Match Made In Hell - A millionaire is murdered and the investigation leads to an elite dating service. 11:30 Weeds: Threshold 12:00 Survivors 1:00 Spyforce 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 Children’s Programs 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 2014 Australian Open 6:00 Seven News 6:30 2014 Australian Open 11:30 That ‘70s Show: Romantic Weekend - Trouble starts when Red and Kitty sneak off for a romantic weekend to the same hotel where Donna and Eric are staying. Meanwhile, Kelso is plagued with impotence. 12:00 Harry’s Practice 1:00 Auction Squad - A faded Federation sleeping beauty gets a one-day wake-up, as Jason’s brick-laying dad comes to his son’s rescue. 2:00 Home Shopping 3:00 NBC Today 4:00 NBC Meet The Press 5:00 Sunrise Extra 5:30 Seven Early News - Natalie Barr and Mark Beretta present the latest news, sport and weather from around Australia and overseas.
5:00 World News 1:00 Road National Championships Highlights 2:00 Speedweek 4:00 Football Asia 4:30 FIFA Futbol Mundial 5:00 Living Black Conversations 5:30 Dakar Rally Daily Highlights 6:00 Grand Tours Of Scotland 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Lost Worlds: Myth Hunters 8:30 Generation War 10:10 America In Primetime 11:15 Movie: “A Brand New Life” (PG) - In Korean. Inspired by her childhood, French-Korean filmmaker Ounie Lecomte recounts the emotional journey of a little girl abandoned by her father in an orphanage. Young Jinhee is taken by her father to an orphanage near Seoul. He leaves her there never to return, and she struggles to come to grips with her fate. Jinhee desperately believes her father will come back for her and take her on a trip. 1:00 Movie: “Paprika” (M a) 2:40 Weatherwatch Overnight
MONDAY 20
SBS
6:00 ABC News Breakfast 10:00 Children’s Programs 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 As Time Goes By 1:00 Going Postal 2:35 The Wonder Years 3:00 Children’s Programs 5:00 Eggheads 5:30 ABC News: Early Edition 6:00 Grand Designs 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 QI 8:30 Stephen Fry 9:30 Rake 10:30 ABC News: Late Edition 10:40 Dalziel And Pascoe: Soft Touch 12:10 Shame 1:45 Movie: “Blue Collar” (M n,v) - When three Detroit autoworkers band together against their employer’s corrupt union, the results are stirring and outrageous. 3:35 Movie: “Witness For The Prosecution” (G) - An exceptional courtroom drama about a young man on trial for a wealthy widow’s murder after he suspiciously profits from her will. 5:30 Eggheads
6:00 Today 9:00 Danoz Direct 9:30 Brand Developers 11:00 National Morning News 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 Movie: “A Little Princess” (G) 3:00 National News Now 4:15 National Afternoon News 5:30 Hot Seat 6:00 National News 6:30 A Current Affair 7:00 The Big Bang Theory: The Hot Troll Deviation 7:30 World’s Scariest Animal Attacks 2 8:30 The Big Bang Theory: The Cruciferous Vegetable Amplification 9:00 2 Broke Girls: And The Soft Opening 9:30 TBA 10:30 TBA 11:30 Partners: My Best Friend’s Wedding Ring - Joe is torn as to where he and Ali should socialize when he realizes that he doesn’t fit in with her friends and she doesn’t fit in with Louis’s. 12:00 Oh Sit! 1:00 Extra 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 2014 Australian Open 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 2014 Australian Open 11:30 That ‘70s Show: Roller Disco - Kelso is jealous when Jackie picks Fez be her partner in a roller-disco competition, and Red gets sued by a former employee for wrongful termination. 12:00 Harry’s Practice 1:00 Home Shopping 3:30 Sons And Daughters - Mitch erupts when Andy comes to Woombai and tries to make Amanda see reason. Liz returns to the Hamilton’s.... causing a rift to develop between Gordon and Barbara. 4:00 NBC Today 5:00 Sunrise Extra 5:30 Seven Early News - Natalie Barr and Mark Beretta present the latest news, sport and weather from around Australia and overseas.
5:00 World News 1:00 Maritime Mysteries: Martyred Ships 2:00 Paris: The Luminous Years 3:00 France 24 International News 3:30 Al Jazeera News 4:00 The Journal 4:30 FIFA Futbol Mundial 5:00 One Man And His Campervan 5:30 Dakar Rally Daily Highlights 6:00 Grand Tours Of The Scottish Islands 6:30 World News Australia 7:35 Monster Moves 8:30 How Small Is The Universe? 9:30 Small Time Gangster 10:00 Swift And Shift Couriers 10:30 World News Australia Late 11:00 The World Game 11:30 Clown: The Butler - In Danish. Michael Glick becomes a father and celebrates with a stag night. Frank hires a stripper and gets nicknamed Pat-man. Frank is upset that Mia never buys enough bacon when she goes shopping so in response, she makes him do the shopping. 12:05 Shorts On Screen 12:40 Monster Bug Wars 2:30 Weatherwatch Overnight
TUESDAY 21
7 CENTRAL
6:00 ABC News Breakfast 10:00 Children’s Programs 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 Compass 1:00 Love, Lust & Lies 2:35 The Wonder Years 3:00 Children’s Programs 5:00 Eggheads 5:30 ABC News: Early Edition 6:00 Grand Designs 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 QI 8:30 New Tricks: Left Behind 9:30 By Any Means 10:30 ABC News: Late Edition 10:40 Our Queen 11:40 Life: Insects 12:25 The Mango Tree 1:55 Ochre And Ink 2:30 By Any Means 3:30 Basketball: WNBL: Round 15: Bendigo Vs Townsville 5:30 Eggheads
6:00 Today 9:00 Danoz Direct 9:30 Brand Developers 11:00 National Morning News 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 Movie: “Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day” (PG v,s) 3:00 National News Now 4:15 National Afternoon News 5:30 Hot Seat 6:00 National News 6:30 A Current Affair 7:00 The Big Bang Theory: The Irish Pub Formulation 7:30 The Big Bang Theory: The Zazzy Substitution 8:00 The Big Bang Theory: The Hot Troll Deviation 8:30 Movie: “Valentines Day” (M s) - An ensemble romantic comedy following a group of different couples as they find and lose love in all its many forms over the course of the title holiday. 11:00 2014 Santos Tour Down Under - Highlights 12:00 20/20 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 2014 Australian Open 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 2014 Australian Open 11:30 Border Security: International - An inebriated snowboarder causes trouble at the airport. Two mail centre packages add up to one deadly surprise. An American woman has a one-way ticket to meet her online boyfriend. The Inland Enforcement Team hunts for a wanted sex-offender on the streets of Vancouver. And Shell casings and an orphan licence plate cause trouble for two Australian lads in an empty U-Haul. 12:00 Harry’s Practice - Join Dr Harry Cooper and Dr Katrina Warren for everything you need to know about animals. 1:00 Home Shopping 4:00 NBC Today 5:00 Sunrise Extra 5:30 Seven Early News
5:00 World News 1:00 Movie: The Marriage Certificate 2:55 The People Who Never Stop 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 Grand Tours Of The Scottish Islands 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8:30 Person Of Interest 9:30 Extreme ER 10:30 World News Australia Late 11:00 The Bridge: In Danish and Swedish. In Copenhagen, several homeless people have been poisoned to death. The killer wants to draw attention to the problem of the increased number of people falling through the cracks of society. A homeless man is kidnapped and the only thing that can prevent his murder is a large sum of money from four landlords. So what is the price of a human being after all? Stars Kim Bodnia and Sofia Helin. 12:10 Prisoners Of War 1:20 Wikirebels 2:25 Weatherwatch Overnight
WEDNESDAY 22
IMPARJA
6:00 ABC News Breakfast 10:00 Children’s Programs 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 The Dolphins Of Shark Bay 1:30 The Jonathan Ross Show 2:35 The Wonder Years 3:00 Children’s Programs 5:00 Eggheads 5:30 ABC: Early Edition 6:00 Grand Designs 6:50 The Checkout: Snack Size 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 QI 8:30 Kevin McCloud’s Beach Hut: Tower Planning 9:20 Beeny’s Restoration Nightmare 10:10 ABC News: Late Edition 10:20 The Straits: Yawor My Lovely - A hired killer has Harry Montebello in his sights, while Sissi’s revelations about Paddy’s embezzlement of the family business force a deadly confrontation. Meanwhile, Gary’s confession spells trouble for Lola. 11:15 Life: Hunters And Hunted 12:10 Celia 1:40 Kevin McCloud’s Beach Hut: Tower Planning 2:35 Surviving Extremes 3:30 Football: W-League: Round 9 - Sydney FC Vs Brisbane Roar 5:30 Eggheads
6:00 Today 9:00 Danoz Direct 9:30 Brand Developers 11:00 National Morning News 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 Movie: “Centre Stage: Turn It Up” (PG s,l) 3:00 National News Now 4:15 National Afternoon News 5:30 Hot Seat 6:00 National News 6:30 A Current Affair 7:00 The Big Bang Theory: The Boyfriend Complexity 7:30 RBT 8:30 TBA 9:30 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Last Woman Standing 10:30 TBA 11:30 2014 Santos Tour Down Under - Highlights 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 2014 Australian Open 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 2014 Australian Open 11:30 Travel Unravelled: Storm Warning - The weather forecast calls for high winds, hail storms and hilarious mishaps. A cliff-diving frat boy nearly loses his life - and definitely loses his shorts. And a man is kicked in the head by a horse. 12:00 Harry’s Practice 1:00 Home Shopping 3:30 Sons And Daughters - Patricia uses the fact that Jim is staying with Beryl to further her own ends. Barbara’s jealous reaction strengthens Liz’s resolve to take Gordon from her. 4:00 NBC Today - International news and weather including interviews with newsmakers in the world of politics, business, media, entertainment and sport. 5:00 Sunrise Extra 5:30 Seven Early News
5:00 World News 1:00 How To Build - A Super Jumbo Wing 2:00 Oz And Hugh Raise The Bar 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 Grand Tours Of Scotland 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 The Burrowers 8:35 One Born Every Minute 9:30 Borgen 10:30 World News Australia Late 11:10 Movie: “We Have A Pope” (M l) - In Italian. The newly elected Pope suffers a panic attack just as he is about to appear on St Peter’s balcony to greet the faithful who have gathered to see him. His advisors, unable to convince him he is the right man for the job, call on a renowned therapist who also happens to be an atheist. But his fear of the newfound responsibility suddenly thrust upon him is one he must face alone. 1:00 Movie: “After The Wedding” (M a,n,s) - In Danish, Swedish and English. 2:10 Weatherwatch Overnight
THURSDAY 23
ABC
6:00 ABC News Breakfast 10:00 Children’s Programs 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 Last Of The Summer Wine 1:00 Dragon’s Den 2:00 A Quiet Word... With Bill Bailey 2:30 The Wonder Years 3:00 Children’s Programs 5:00 Eggheads 5:30 ABC News: Early Edition 6:00 Grand Designs 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 QI 8:30 Michael Palin’s Brazil: The Deep South 9:30 The Moaning Of Life 10:20 ABC News: Late Edition 10:30 The Trip: Hipping Hall 11:00 Genius: Chris Addison And Mel Giedroyc 11:30 Life: Creatures Of The Deep 12:20 The Picture Show Man 2:00 The Moaning Of Life 2:45 Sticky Bricks 3:40 Movie: “Saint Joan” (PG) 5:30 Eggheads
6:00 Today 9:00 Danoz Direct 9:30 Brand Developers 11:00 National Morning News 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 Movie: “With Honors” (PG l,s) 3:00 National News Now 4:15 National Afternoon News 5:30 Hot Seat 6:00 National News 6:30 A Current Affair 7:00 The Big Bang Theory: The Alien Parasite Hypothesis 7:30 Getaway 8:30 Person Of Interest: The Crossing 9:30 CSI: NY: Misconceptions 10:30 TBA 11:00 2014 Santos Tour Down Under - Highlights 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 2014 Australian Open 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 2014 Australian Open 11:30 That ‘70s Show: The Trials Of M.Kelso - Jackie tests Kelso to see if he’s cleaned up his act enough for them to get back together; Kitty and Red are upset to learn that the Pinciotti’s are throwing a party and they’re not invited, but their plan backfires when Fez, Hyde and Eric decide to trash a rival school’s locker room. 12:00 Harry’s Practice 1:00 Home Shopping 4:00 NBC Today - International news and weather including interviews with newsmakers in the world of politics, business, media, entertainment and sport. 5:00 Sunrise Extra 5:30 Seven Early News
5:00 World News 1:00 Man Vs Wild 2:00 One Born Every Minute USA 2:50 Destination Flavour 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 Grand Tours Of Scotland 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Italian Food Safari 8:00 Gourmet Farmer 8:30 Luke Nguyen’s Memories Of The Mekong 9:30 Falcon: The Silent And The Damned: Part 1 9:30 pm Falcon – The Silent and the Damned: Part 1 - Falcón is still recovering from the loss of his nephew and the shocking discovery that he is the product of an affair that cost his mother her life. Unable to face staying at home with his demons and nothing to keep them at bay but the amphetamines he’s addicted to, Falcón asks to be allowed to return to work. 10:25 World News Australia Late 11:00 Thursday FC 12:00 Is Seeing Believing? 1:00 Miracle Cure? / 2:00 Weatherwatch Overnight
12 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, January 16, 2014
CROSSWORD No. 181
SUDOKU No. 181
Your Lucky
Stars
CAPRICORN (December 22nd - January 20th)
Someone whom you admire may be much keener on you than you realise. Apply yourself to your work as much as they do and soon you’ll be admired. Romance. A person that you see every day at work may be more interested in you than you realise. Go for it!
AQUARIUS (January 21st - February 19th)
The marriage of a close friend will give you food for thought. This person’s experiences have been very different from you own, but they may have taught you an important lesson. Romance. This promises to be an exciting week. Someone new will cross your path – be enthusiastic!
PISCES (February 20th - March 20th)
FOR KIDS
Your relationship with a friend from work will gradually become less formal. This is fine, but they may begin to divulge personal information you don’t want to hear. Romance. A dream about an exotic trip which you once made with your partner will cheer you up.
ARIES (March 21st - April 20th)
You may need to be a little firmer with someone close to you. Their severe bossiness is not what you need this week. Romance. A romantic connection with a person from overseas is on the cards. Be careful not to overstep any cultural norms. They may not appreciate that!
TAURUS (April 21st - May 21st)
Time spent by yourself might help you to sort things out in your mind. A recent meeting will have given you food for thought. Romance. A relationship issue which you have been putting off for too long will have to be tackled. Things could become irreversible if you don’t act now.
GEMINI (May 22nd - June 21st)
FINDWORD No. 181
A small boost to your career will come just at the right time. You have been working well recently, but may have felt that your extra effort was not being appreciated. Romance. Your partner will be bragging about you to all of their friends this week. Enjoy the praise!
A LAUGH WITH LOTSA
CANCER (June 22nd - July 23rd)
Don’t let some minor practical concerns get in the way of your family life. Things will work themselves out in time. Romance. You may need to push ahead by yourself. Your partner doesn’t have as much energy as you and could be holding you back. Stop waiting for them!
LEO (July 24th - August 23rd)
For all your printing needs – www.lotsa.com.au
MUDDY RIVER
A close friend may be dating someone you don’t approve of. Try to talk sense into them. After that, it is up to them to make the next move. Romance. You will have a better opinion of your partner after you hear more about their childhood and meet their family members.
VIRGO (August 24th - September 23rd)
A difficult problem will be much easier to solve with the help of other people. However, someone needs to take responsibility for the decisions. Romance. You may be looking in the wrong places if you want to meet a potential mate. Try something opposite of you’re now doing.
LIBRA (September 24th - October 23rd)
A person who has little idea what to do himself may try to give you advice. Ignore it completely. You’re better off going with your instinct. Romance. Make sure that you consider all the possible angles before you act. This is not the time to rush in without looking.
SCORPIO (October 24th - November 22nd)
“
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“
Either you run the day, or the day runs you.
–Jim Rohn
SOLUTIONS No. 181
You will be getting all of the praise for a joint project at work. Be sure to acknowledge those who contributed. Provide correction where needed! Romance. Your opinions may differ severely, but your mate still wants to hear what you think. You may have a convincing argument!
SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd - December 21st)
A colleague who has been irritating you must be dealt with as sensitively as possible. Try to find out the reason for this person’s hostile attitude. Romance. Spend time remembering the little things you fell in love with. Small reminders around the house will help you.
Cooktown Local News – Thursday, January 16, 2014 – 13
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
GARDEN CARE Kevin & Lesa McDougall ABN 97 891 892 195
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED Specialising in: • Land clearing • Rock walls • Driveways • Dams • Road construction • Bulk earthmoving
FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES AND QUALITY WORK
Call Mick 0411 985 507 or 4069 6721
COOKTOWN
s Gr r e t assmas
Total Lawn & Garden Care Mobile: 0447 845 328 PAINTERS
BUILDING SUPPLIES
Got products to sell, or services you need to let the community know about? ADVERTISE HERE Great value for your advertising $
Email ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au or call 1300 4895 00
All aspects of earthmoving – Experienced and professional operators 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
Advertise HERE in
COLOUR! $45/wk Colour • $30/wk Mono for a 6-month booking (GST inclusive)
Call 1300 4895 00 or email ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au to book your advertisement
ELECTRICIANS / ELECTRICAL
BUTCHERS
PEST CONTROL
trades & services directory
in the
MEAT PACK S available or create your own pack!
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
can’t see your ad here?
“Mouth Watering Meats”
Licence number 12261
COOKTOWN
PO Box 317 Cooktown 4895
Bart and John Harrison • New installations/additions and repair work
PEST CONTROL ABN: 37 495 170 374 Mitigation Permit: WIMP01346103
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED
ph/fax: 4069 5289 – mob: 0427 695 289
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:
PLUMBING
• 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
Attention-seeking space seeks like-minded advertiser THIS COLOUR SPACE COSTS ONLY $45 PER WEEK* Email ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au or call 1300 4895 00
EARTHMOVING & CONCRETE
*CONDITIONS APPLY – GST inclusive – Minimum 6 month booking. $30 per week Mono.
ROOFING
0417 002 143
• Concrete – Earthmoving & Civil Works – Building Pads – Subdivisions – Driveways – Trenches – Post Holes – Clearing – Drainage – Demolition • Plumbing & Pool Preparation – Raw Materials & Cartage – Rock & Tree Removal • Small & Large Excavators & Attachments – Bobcats – Tip Trucks – Water Carts – Rollers – Tag & Dog Trailers Local multi-skilled operators providing you a competant, reliable & hassle-free service in Earthmoving & Civil Works
Nadine & Steve Scholz • PO Box 964 Cooktown Q 4895 admin@cooktowncivilgroup.com cooktowncivilgroup
Advertise your business in the Trades and Services Section Call 1300 4895 00 or email ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au to book your advertisement.
14 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, January 16, 2014
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.
Great value for your advertising $
Email ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au or call 1300 4895 00
STORAGE SHEDS
PUBLIC NOTICE
TWO reclining lounge chairs, beige fabric, $25 each. Ph: 4069 5015.
STANDBY Response Service. Support and information for people bereaved by suicide. Ph 0439 722 266. 24 hours – 7 days per week.
HOUSE FOR SALE BARGAIN! Four bedroom house Charlotte St, Cooktown, full width verandah at front, airconditioned, $225,000. Ph: 07 4946 9507.
PETS & LIVESTOCK FARRIER. Ron Searle will be in Cooktown and Lakeland on JANUARY 18, 19 & 20. Trims $30, shoes $70. Ph 0427 846 336.
TRADES COOKTOWN Skip Bins. Commercial and domestic rubbish removal and disposal. Ph 4069 5545 or 0408 772 361.
MOTELS 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.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING DEADLINE: 10.30AM WED.
PUBLIC NOTICE CIVIL celebrant Kathleen Roberts. Naming Ceremonies, Marriages, Funeral Co-ordination. 4069 5004 or 0427 695 004 Photo: Michael Amendolia
Got products to sell, or services you need to let the community know about? ADVERTISE HERE
FOR SALE
IGHT S E R O T S RE $25 T S U J R O F DONATE NOW
1800 352 352
H O L LOWS .O R G . AU
MOTELS CAIRNS Rainbow Inn. 3½ star, all facilities including cable TV. Close to the city, from $65 per night. Ph 4051 1022.
TOWING / TYRES
CLASSIFIEDS
TOWING - TYRES - MECHANICAL OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
ADVERTISE your classified here! Garage Sales, Meetings, Car or Boat for Sale! Email ads@cooktownlocalnews. com.au
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
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
Optometrist visiting Servicing Cooktown since 1997
Visiting regularly
Ocular health Eyesight testing Glaucoma assessment Diabetic sight analysis Contact Lens Consultations
DOUBLE HELIX science quiz www.csiro.au
Quiz questions 1. How long does a biennial plant typically take to complete its lifecycle? 2. Was Richard Feynman a famous geologist, biologist or physicist? 3. What is a rattlesnake’s rattle made from? 4. In nutrition, what does HDL stand for? 5. Ions of which element are used as signals to make muscles contract?
Quiz answers
SOIL TESTING
CLASSIFIEDS
1. A biennial plant typically takes about two years to complete its lifecycle. 2. Richard Feynman was a famous physicist. 3. A rattlesnake’s rattle is made from keratin, the same material that makes up hair and nails. 4. In nutrition, HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. 5. Calcium ions are used as signals to make muscles contract.
trades & services directory
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
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Cooktown Local
Cooktown Local News – Thursday, January 16, 2014 – 15
CLASSIFIEDS
COMMUNITY FOR RENT 2 and 3 bedroom houses available now.
TENDER
T0114 – Panel of Preferred Suppliers for Plant Hire 2014 Tenders are invited from parties who wish to be appointed to Cook Shire Council’s 2014 Panel of Preferred Suppliers for Plant Hire.
$260 to $290 pw. 2 BR furnished, 3 BR unfurnished. Pet friendly. Previous rental references required. Call Karen at Cooktown Property Agents 0417 848 966
Can You SEE your Business here?
Tenders close at 2.00pm, Thursday March 20, 2014. No late submissions will be accepted.
For further information regarding the Tender please contact Council’s Engineering department on 07 4069 5444. The panel will run from May 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015.
with
WITH Christmas and New Year now just a distant memory, how many of us made the resolution to “Change unhealthy habits, unclutter and get organised”? Forget the myth of “21 days” or ‘just one habit at a time’. Here’s what works. Step 1: Make it small and achievable. To create a new behavior, you must first simplify the behavior, make it small and achievable;
Tender Documents will be available for purchase from Monday January 20, 2014 and will cost $15.00. Documents can be purchased by phone (on 07 4069 5444) or in person from Cook Shire Council’s administration office at 10 Furneaux Street, Cooktown Qld 4895. Tender Documents will be distributed (after payment has been receipted) at close of business each working day. March 18, 2014 is the last date Tender Documents can be purchased.
Living Well
HOP TO IT!
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Call 1300 4895 00
Beloved family and friends, Please be advised that on Monday, January 13, 2014 we held a private cremation service for our son and brother, Brett Williams, who was tragically taken from us in a traffic accident on Sunday, January 5, 2014. As Brett always wanted to come home to Cooktown, we will be holding a celebration of his life service at Cooktown’s public Wharf and at Restaurant 1770, next Monday, January 20, 2014 from 2pm. Those wishing to join us in this celebration of his life are very welcome. Jake, Jim, Anne, Jason and Kristin
Examples - Cut down to half a sugar instead of one, do five press-ups against the wall, park your car half way up Grassy Hill and walk around the top and back, if walking all the way up seems too daunting. Step 2: Find a spot. Find a spot in your existing routine where this small new behavior could fit. Put it “after” some act that is a solid habit for you, like making a cup of tea, or laying your clothes that you intend to wear in the morning out ready the night before so you have an
Writers’ Corner
Australia Day public holiday – Monday, January 27 The Cooktown Local News office will be closed for the above public holiday. If you wish to place advertising in the issue of Thursday, January 30, you can either email through your requests prior to the above date, or advertising can still be placed until the deadline of 10.30am on Tuesday, January 28. Enquiries: Call Sharon (Shaz) Gallery, General Manager on 1300 4895 00 or 07 4098 2281 or email ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au 16 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, January 16, 2014
THIS week we have a true blue Aussie poem by Greg Slack, enshrining three Australian bush icons - the rugged, hardworking country man, his loyal and equally hardworking dog and, of course, our “downunder” laconic brand of humour. Email your original scribblings, in verse or prose, for our column to either: editor@cooktownlocalnews.com.au or thekellers@bigpond. com or post them to: PO Box 645, Cooktown, 4895. Dianne Keller, Cooktown Writers’ Group.
extra five minutes to do those five press-ups. Step 3: Train the cycle. Now focus on doing the small behavior change as part of your routine every day.At first, you’ll need reminders, but soon those small behaviors will become more automatic. Keep the behavior simple until it becomes a solid habit. That’s the secret to success! What about getting organised? You know what the hardest part of getting organized is? Getting started. And there’s no better time to get started than now. Here are some ideas to get you started: Hang up clothes you will wear again after you have taken them off.
MICHELLE HODGKISS bin after reading it. Put bills to pay into a “Bills to Pay” folder after receiving them in the mail. Can you think of other small behaviors that you can fit into your everyday routine to help you create the habit of un-cluttering and getting organised? One of the many things I learnt in the military was being organised, and one way to ensure uniformity and organisation was folding your clothes into A4 size and is something I still do to this day! Directions: Step 1: Place a magazine or hard backed notebook on the item of clothing, which is placed face down. The folding applies to any item of clothing, shirts, t-shirts, dresses, trousers…
Step 2: fold in the sides and then the bottom end of the garment. Once the end is folded up, if it comes above the ‘neck’ of the garment, then just tuck it in the top of the garment, behind the ‘magazine’ and the garment.
Step 3: Slide out the magazine or hard backed notebook, and place either upright or flat in draw or box.
Any items of clothing that you have not worn in more than a year donate to “Vinnie’s”. Return an item to where it belongs after using it. Throw the newspaper into the recycling
It may appear “finicky” but it saves you time and effort in the long run.
“Maternity Leave” Old family friend, Jack, was the salt of the earth. His slow style of talking matched his dry mirth. Cow cocky by trade, this was his roots, And he hoped he could die wearing rubber boots. He was kind to his stock, with most of them tame, But, typically, some indulged in this game Where they’d play hard-to-get at milking time But Jack’s blood pressure never once would climb. His ace-up-the-sleeve was his kelpie bitch pup, Who relished the task of rounding them up, Be it hot, cold or rainy, frost or fog! Said Jack, “She’s a beggar for work, that dog!” He came out this morning in the pre-dawn To find a proud Suzie with two pups new born. She beamed up at Jack from her nice warm bed In the maternity section of the big shed.
So he praised her up and generally fussed. This way with a new mum is a must. But when Jack got going Suzie came too; A working dog this one, through and through. She performed all her work with her usual dash Then disappeared back to her kids in a flash. Later, when Jack finished with his stock And called in on Suzie, what a shock! The new mum was sitting there, proud as punch, With five squealing pups in a tangled bunch! Suzie was nonchalant, like, “What’s the big deal?” Jack shook his head at her working zeal And, with the typical words of his epilogue, Jack declared, “She’s a beggar for work, that dog!” By GREG SLACK
COMMUNITY
g n i n e d r a G The king of the garden with Marty Pattie
Left top: Heliconia with a difference - Indica rubra. Left centre: The exquisite flower of the shell ginger - Alpinia zerumbet. Left bottom: Torch ginger (etlingia elatior) flower. Below: The pendulous racemes of heliconia rostrata.
Along the
BLOOMFIELD TRACK Bridge milestone is completed - just in time
Story and photos by MIKE D’ARCY THERE were some enormously relieved and proud faces on the Bloomfield River late last week. Drillers were fighting deadlines - the drill’s imminent return to Brisbane and the coming wet weather. And they did it - by the skin of their teeth. Another milestone completed. Another challenge overcome. The “just-in time” principle in operation. Fourteen giant pillars, drilled and filled and hopefully solid enough to withstand nature’s floods for decades. It now means that the formwork and concreting of the Bloomfield Bridge superstructure will be able to continue through (most of) the Wet.
SOME of the most impressive focal points in any tropical garden are the magnificent heliconias and gingers. With big, bold strapping foliage and spectacular flowers they are the mainstay of many a garden. Even though they grow naturally well in our hot, wet climate, our dry and windy winters can knock them around a bit, but do not let that deter you. On the verge of the rainy months, this is a fantastic time to get things planted and let nature go to work for you in helping establish them. The larger heliconias and ornamental gingers preferably need a sheltered spot from the harsh south-east trade winds that blow for much of the year. A great example of how well they can grow is the front garden of the James Cook Museum. Here, giant red ginger (alpinia purpurea) prosper and flourish. Their large cascading red flowers emerge at the top of fourfive metre high stalks. They grow amongst the impressive torch ginger (etlingia elatior) and the resplendent heliconia rostrata with its pendulous parrot’s beaklike flowers putting on a
splendid show. Some important factors to take into consideration if wishing to plant heliconias - firstly, they grow via a rhizome, which is basically an underground running root system, therefore they “can” become invasive. An effective root barrier can be used to keep them harnessed to one particular area, or the whole clump can be dug up every year or two, and young suckers replanted. Most heliconia rhizomes grow in just the top 10 - 15 centimetres of soil, and prefer to live in rich organic matter including a generous layer of mulch. The low horizontal running of the roots makes digging up and replanting or transplanting somewhat easier. For maximum flowering heliconias enjoy a generous feed. A good balanced all-purpose fertiliser can be applied a couple of times a year over the growing season (the warm, wet months), with an added liquid and/or slow release feeding higher in potassium (k) and phosphorus (p) prior to flowering to enhance the size and colour. Adding to their relative high maintenance status, they will require regular
watering over the dry spells – like many rhizomatous plants i.e. bananas they can be thirsty buggers. Most importantly, after each stalk has flowered, it needs to be cut out. It will do nothing more except slowly wilt, yellow and die. Therefore a poorly maintained grouping of heliconias can look absolutely terrible, though the rewards for keeping them well maintained, fed and watered are amazing. Other species of ornamental ginger or heliconia worth growing are the shell ginger (alpinia zerumbet) which has a fantastic and hardy variegated specimen; heliconia caribaea, which grows in dense bananalike clumps, with big bulky flowering bracts; heliconia stricta, which is a dwarf specimen barely growing knee high, it prefers to be sheltered from the direct sun and produces mini crab claw inflorescence and heliconia rubra indica, which is one with a difference - it is grown not for its flowers, but its foliage - with its large robust leaves of bronze and burgundy a fantastic accent plant in a shaded position, sheltered from the wind. It looks fantastic amongst lots of greenery.
Of course, it doesn’t mean that locals, businesses and travellers will yet be able to cross the river through this year’s Wet season. That’ll have to wait until completion in a few months time. Similarly at Woobadda where foundations are finished, waiting until the end of the Wet enables work to re-commence around April. But now hope is being matched by reality! The heavy rains have meant closure of the Bloom-
field River and Woobadda Creek for several days earlier this week. It’s that time of the year. Travellers are urged to be extremely careful, not just crossing waters (including Emmagen Creek), but also with slippery conditions along the Bloomfield Track and between Ayton and Rossville. Before the rains put a dampener on travel, quite a few visitors travelled up the Track to Wujal Wujal, spotting the odd croc and cassowary along the way. One delightfully entertaining couple from the UK was Mac MacConnell and Katie Greenyer. Now, Katie’s hair is red. A very vivid red, or maybe “Shocking Pink” (it depends on your perspective). And she’s been dyeing it this way since she was a girl. So, it was funny hearing Gloria Walker explaining to Katie about the plant that the Kuku Yalanji bama use to dye hair black. No doubt they were checking out options for a mid-life crisis. Despite this shockingly pink diversion, it’s really “green” time. The rains have created instant green, with the old dust washed away and new shoots starting their annual tangle of rainforest growth. We were lucky enough to see the sun gleaming on a slightly moist green-trunk-
ed gum tree, the cadaghi or Barron Gorge gum (Corymbia torreliana) last week. The tree had just completed its annual “peeling”, and this ramrod straight forest tree was a startling bright green in the sunlight. Its annual peeling means that neither moss nor epiphytic ferns and vines can grow on their trunk, so they certainly stand out. It’s very unusual that eucalyptus species survive in the rainforest, but this is one of the more famous and spectacular ones. There are several Barron Gorge gum specimens as the Track drops from Cowie Range towards the concreted Switchback. Actually, rainforest trees generally are considerably drought-resistant. A study by David Bowman in 2000 showed that young plants survived for seven weeks without water before dieing. So, there are lots to see and think about when you’re in the rainforest. When you’re out taking the family for a drive, ask them to spot unusual plants, so you can safely stop and look at them. Happy travelling, Mike and Trish D’Arcy D’Arcy of Daintree 4WD Tours Phone: +61 7 4098 9180 www.darcy of daintree.com.au
Above: The Wet’s arrived at Old Sugar Wharf, Ayton. Left: UK visitors Katie Greenyer and Mac MacConnell swap yarns with Gloria Walkerat Wujal Falls.
Cooktown Local News – Thursday, January 16, 2014 – 17
COMMUNITY
Youth set to steal parliament’s seats The YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament is preparing for its 19th consecutive year and it’s time for those who want to make a difference to stand up and
take their seat! Applications for the 2014 YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament are now open. The program once again seeks to provide young Queens-
Marlin Coast Veterinary Surgery Will be visiting Cooktown WedneSday, FeBRUaRy 12 from 2pm and ThURSday, FeBRUaRy 13 until 12 noon Clinic is at the CWA rooms
FOR APPOINTMENTS PLEASE PHONE
Sylvia Geraghty 4069 5337 or Clinic 4057 6033 Appointments are essential
Country Road Coachlines
CAIRNS TO COOKTOWN ~ Passenger and freight ~
EXPRESS
BUS SERVICE
Bus Services
INLAND RUN DEPARTS CAIRNS
landers with the opportunity to have their voices heard, debate key issues and propose new legislation. After 4 months of bill drafting the program will culminate in September with a four-day sitting of parliament, where Members of state Parliament will hand over the reins - and their desks - to 93 young people aged 15-25 years. Bella Vecchio 19, Youth Governor for 2014, will lead the Youth Members and says this year is shaping up to be the most inspiring yet. “YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament allows society’s most engaged, passionate and energetic youth to make a tangible difference in their communities,” she said. A unique opportunity, the 2014 YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament will be comprised of one Youth Member from each of the 89 state electorates including 4 Indigenous seats. With such a diverse group of participants, Ms Vecchio says the program operates primarily
to empower and support individual beliefs. Numerous YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament bills have influenced Queensland legislation and provide an insight into the issues that our state’s next generation of leaders prioritise. From mental health legislation and debate on same-sex marriage to a matter of public importance promoting compulsory organ donation, the 2013 sitting of Queens-
land Youth Parliament saw an array of fresh ideas. Once again, each Youth Bill passed by the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament in 2014 will be handed directly to the Government before being distributed to Members of Parliament. “Queensland Youth Parliament isn’t just a program about political education, it is an experience that changes lives, affords the opportunity
to bond with like-minded individuals and equips members with the tools to make ongoing statewide change,” says Ms Vecchio. Individuals aged 1525 years can be part of the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament by contacting their local Members of Parliament, or by visiting www.ymcaqyp.org/. For more information about the YMCA Queensland Youth Par-
liament, visit • www.ymcaqyp.org or www.brisbaneymca. org.au • YouTube - http:// w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / user/TheYMCAQYP? feature=watch • Twitter - http://twitter.com /YMCA_QYP • Facebook -http:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / YMCAQueenslandYouthParliament • Instagram – search ymcaqyp
Refreshing weather can totally change your outlook
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’
YMCA Youth Leaders Parliament.
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)
View from the Hill IT’S raining again, and doesn’t that feel good? Every day, more and more water falling from the sky. You can’t hear yourself think for the drumming on the roof. The nights have cooled down, to say nothing
of the days. Everything is clean and green, and growing like mad. The only people who could possible complain are the ones who will have to cut the grass. Now everyone’s favourite game is guessing whether we will have a proper Wet, like we did in the Old Days, or if climate change has moved the goal posts so far we will never be flooded again. Only time will tell I suppose, and in the mean time, we can get on with the gardening. At least
the ground is soft enough to let me attack all that bloody sensitive weed. I don’t know where it comes from, but it will take the place over, given half a chance. You’ve got to say things are getting better with the roads. The Little Annan still gives trouble sometimes, and why Main Roads is unable to sort out McCleod Creek escapes me. Still, it’s not so long ago that the road to Cairns was regularly in such poor shape it could not be used for weeks. Of course, that’s still true past Laura, but the tide of
bitumen is creeping north year by year. It won’t be long before you can drive to Weipa whenever you like. Not something I will indulge in very often; it’s still a long, long way north. If you listen to the gossip around town (something I never do, of course), we have good times coming. The tin mine is going to reopen, the harbour will be dredged, wind turbines are going to sprout all over Archer Point. People will be moving into town, and house prices will go up. It will be
worth building rental properties again, and that will make the builders happy. There will be all sorts of jobs for those that want them, and for those that don’t, the fish will be jumping onto their hooks. Isn’t it funny how a few days of refreshing weather can totally change your outlook on life? An irreverent, satirical (and totally fictional) comment upon the issues of life, by our faceless correspondent.
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
18 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, January 16, 2014
Established more than 30 years
SPORT/COMMUNITY
Toilet paper does tend to dissolve in water made a significant contribution to the fields of Physics and Material Technology, but this week is special.
IT is not every week that I am able to report that the Hash has
Hosting the Hash was Archive, who is well known to be a serious, professorial sort of chap. The sort of chap who thinks long and hard about philosophy, the meaning of life, and questions like, “If I fall over in the forest and nobody sees me, will I get a down-down?” This week
he decided to conduct a complex experiment and, at lunch time on Monday, laid the trail using the best toilet paper IGA could provide. He then sat at home while the heavens opened. Just before the run, he went out to check his trail and discovered that, yes, when toilet paper is exposed to heavy rain, it tends to dissolve. The effect is unmistakeable. All the pretty pieces of paper tied to bushes
had disappeared. He had to lead the pack around by running at the front, which upset all the traditionalists. It would have been a good run. A little damp of course, but fun none the less, if only we had not been following Archive like lost sheep. Back at the bash, we celebrated the return of no less than four younger runners, although they had to drink water be-
cause they had absorbed all of the softies by then. We celebrated Muff’s 25 carton run (600!), and Sewezy’s birthday (less than 600). We even celebrated Moses’ magic touch at turning off the rain at 5.30 sharp to allow us to run in the dry. Then the punishments. Sewezy and Oyster for spinning a line to Cracklin and Thermo, and Cracklin and Thermo for believing them. That’s justice!
Santa and his elves in blue deliver Christmas cheer
On-on! Lye Bak
Clean hands for shooters
Following the delivery drive, police and the Hope Vale Council put on a sausage sizzle and pool party which was open to all residents from the small community. “The small township of Hope Vale is a very closeknit community. A positive relationship between police and members of the community is an important aspect of policing, especially in remote communities” said Officer in Charge of Hope Vale Police Station, Sergeant Matthew Robertson. “This annual event provides a great opportunity for police to interact with the entire community.
Santa and the staff from Hope Vale Police Station. Photos submitted.
Hope Vale Police Christmas pool party.
Just turn up at 5.30pm on Monday, January 20 to join the fun. Contact Moses on either 4069 5854 or 0409 686 032 for details.
Tide Times 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/australia/tides/ - select "Around Cairns" red tag, then select Cooktown from the list.
Fri 17 Jan
tue 21 Jan
Low 3:07 am 0.62 m High 9:49 am 2.54 m Low 4:04 pm 1.18 m High 9:14 pm 1.90 m
Low 4:39 am 1.15 m High 11:44 am 2.15 m Low 6:33 pm 1.32 m High 11:48 pm 1.61 m
Sat 18 Jan wed 22 Jan
Now in its third year, the Hope Vale police social club funded an annual Christmas delivery to the children of the Hope Vale community. Santa and his crew of trusty Police Elves loaded treats into the police truck to spread the good cheer to all.
“A great day was had by all, the smiles on the faces of the kids made it all worthwhile.”
Next week’s run will be hosted by F*&t & Thermo and will start at Culvert 271 on the Mulligan Highway (about 4 km past the Annan Bridge, and stop at the parked cars.)
Cooktown
Volunteers assisting with the community sausage sizzle.
COOKTOWN SSAA has received a grant from the Cook Shire Council, which will cater for the purchase and installation of a rain water tank and hand washing facility at the 50m range. And, weather permitting, we are hoping to have earth works to the 25m range completed around the end of the month. A working bee is to be arranged to carry out this work. Last Wednesday, several members attended the club, when a Standard Match Shoot was held, but no scores were recorded. With the Christmas and New Year break now over, regular shoots will resume. The shooting calendar for the rest of January is as follows: • Sunday, 19 - Service Shoot at 9.30am; • Wednesday, 22 - Sunset Shoot at 5.30pm; • Sunday, 26 – IPSC Shoot at 9.30am; and • Wednesday, 29 – General meeting at 5.30pm followed by a Sunset Shoot. Mal Soutar President
Low 3:29 am 0.71 m High 10:14 am 2.47 m Low 4:30 pm 1.22 m High 9:38 pm 1.86 m
Low 5:07 am 1.34 m High 12:28 pm 2.03 m Low 7:58 pm 1.30 m
Sun 19 Jan thu 23 Jan Low 3:53 am 0.82 m High 10:41 am 2.39 m Low 5:02 pm 1.26 m High 10:06 pm 1.79 m
High 2:48 am 1.58 m Low 6:24 am 1.55 m High 1:48 pm 1.91 m Low 9:32 pm 1.19 m
Mon 20 Jan Fri 24 Jan Low 4:16 am 0.97 m High 11:10 am 2.28 m Low 5:41 pm 1.30 m High 10:44 pm 1.70 m
High 5:04 am 1.80 m Low 10:08 am 1.58 m High 3:36 pm 1.89 m Low 10:33 pm 1.01 m
COASt GuArd marine radio channels: 21 & 16
MOON PHASES NEW MOON Friday, Jan 31. Time: 07.39
FIRST QUARTER Friday, Feb 7. Time: 05.22
FULL LAST MOON QUARTER Thursday, Jan 16. Friday, Jan 24. Time: 14.52 Time: 15.19
weather watch
Endeavour Valley rainfall total January: 202mm
TheLURE SHOP
• Local advice • Bait, Ice, Tackle • Chandlery • Garmin • GME • Supplies for commercial fleet • Charter bookings • Marine batteries • Snorkelling • Spearfishing • Bushpower • Trailer parts • Battery chargers
146 Charlotte St, Cooktown Ph/Fax: 07 4069 6655 Mob: 0427 623 398 russelltbowman@ bigpond.com
Open 7 Days
Cooktown Local News – Thursday, January 16, 2014 – 19
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
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Mud crabs love the Wet FINALLY! The Wet has arrived! It truly is a relief for us all and for the quality of the fishing through the Wet season.
Patience from Mt Isa with her first coral trout. Photos submitted.
With the rain and the larger tides this week around Tuesday’s full moon, the mud crabs will be out looking for some tucker. So, if you want some muddies for Australia Day, get those pots out pronto, but beware of our crocodiles patrolling the rivers and estuaries. You need to remember that your crab pot floats have to
be labelled with your name. You do not want to lose your pots to the inspectors because you forgot to put your name on the floats. Cooktown’s reputation as a sport fishing destination is being maintained by the strong biting and performing of the barramundi through the species’ closed season, which ends at noon on Saturday, February 1 - just over two weeks away. Anglers up and down the river have been getting plenty of excitement from hooking nice big barramundi and releasing them. During the wet, the big female barramundi come upstream and spawn. The strong fresh water flows are a good cleanser for the rivers and streams as it also flushes the prawns out into the main body of the river providing a feast for the big fish. In the coming weeks, we
can expect some stronger activity with both the large estuary varieties and the reef fish which come in and patrol the mouth of the Annan and Endeavour Rivers. Some species you are likely to find performing well in these areas are grunter, mangrove jack and queen fish. The recent periods of moderate S-E winds have caused the offshore conditions to be somewhat unfavourable. However, for those adventurous anglers who don’t mind choppy seas and spray, there have been some good catches this last week. Spanish mackerel are still out there lurking around for some juicy bait, or a good lure that looks delicious. Coral trout have also continued to bite fairly well along with red emperor and nannygai. Tight lines Russell Bowman The Lure Shop
Chilli mud crab Recipe and photo from taste.com.au
MasterChef - July 2011. Recipe by Marion Grasby. Photography by Sharyn Cairns.
Ingredients
Andrew Mirtschin with a red emperor from a recent trip.
2 x 1kg live mud crabs 140g (1/2 cup) tomato sauce 55g (1/4 cup) white sugar 60ml (1/4 cup) fish sauce 2 tbs tamarind concentrate 60ml (1/4 cup) Chinese rice wine 80ml (1/3 cup) vegetable oil 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 long red chilli, finely chopped 1/4 cup coriander leaves, roughly chopped Lemon wedges, for finger bowls
Method
Judy Bowman, visiting from Hervey Bay, with a red emperor.
20 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, January 16, 2014
Step 1 Place the crabs in the freezer for about 1 hour to put them to ‘sleep’. Step 2 To clean the crabs, lift the flap on the underside and pull off the top shell. Remove and discard the grey, spongy, finger-like gills. Rinse the crabs quickly under cold water to get rid of any gunk. Step 3 Use a heavy knife or cleaver to cut each crab in half lengthwise, then cut each half into thirds. Use the back of the knife to crack the claws and legs to let the sauce seep in while they cook. Step 4 Place the tomato sauce, sugar, fish sauce, tamarind, rice wine and 60ml (1/4 cup) water in a bowl. Stir to combine. Step 5 Heat the oil in a large wok over high heat. Add the garlic and chilli, and fry for about
30 seconds. Add the crab pieces and give everything a bit of a mix. Add the tomato sauce mixture and toss the crabs around to coat them well. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes. Remove lid and shake crabs around, then replace lid and cook for another 5 minutes or until the shells turn orange and the meat is cooked through. Step 6 Pile the crabs and sauce into a large serving bowl and scatter over the coriander. Serve with lots of napkins and small bowls of water with lemon wedges to clean sticky fingers.
Notes • Allow an extra 1 hour to freeze crabs. • Wander the aisles of an Asian food shop to find Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing). • If you can’t get hold of mud crabs, use four medium blue swimmer crabs instead. Clean as for the mud crabs, then cut each into four pieces before cooking.