Cooktown Local News 15 March 2012

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$2 • PH: 1300 4895 00 • EDITORIAL: editor@cooktownlocalnews.com.au • Issue 555 • Thursday, March 15, 2012

Chat with Matt is back!

See page 24 of today’s Cooktown Local News

NOT even the North Queensland Cowboys’ most ardent supporters expected them to turn their horrendous performance against the Titans into a victory against the Broncos last Friday night. But that is exactly what they did on the back of a Man of the Match performance from Matt Bowen. The mercurial custodian scored two scintillating tries to leave Broncos defenders grasping at thin air. Read his thoughts on the Cows’ form reversal on page 24.

Pigs not welcome at Botanic Gardens

By GARY HUTCHISON

Seen at Tuesday’s announcement that a fence will be constructed to keep feral pigs out of Cooktown Botanical Gardens are (from left): Curator Sandy Lloyd, Parks Manager Jim Doidge, Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott and Member for Cook Jason O’Brien.

Inset photo at right: Damage to the Cooktown Botanical Gardens rutted by feral pigs last year.

COOKTOWN’S iconic, Heritage Listed Botanical Gardens will soon be protected from the ravages of feral pigs with Tuesday’s announcement that funding has been approved for the construction of a fence to keep the menace out.

Member for Cook Jason O’Brien said the state government would provide $72,000 from the $45M Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program for the purchase of materials for project.

“The Botanic Gardens were first established in 1878 and are protected under the Queensland Heritage Register,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The biodiversity of the Cooktown area is second to none and is home to some of the state’s most beautiful flora and fauna including the floral

emblem of Queensland, the Cooktown Orchid.

“With increasing wild pig numbers, we’re seeing more and more damage to plant species including some that are rare or endangered.

“That’s why we need fencing to keep the pigs out and preserve this very important natural asset.”

Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott said the total cost of the project will be $180,000 the balance of which will be supplied by Council by way of labour.

“Our gardens are one of the biggest assets this shire has,” he said.

“The tourists flock here just to see them in all their glory, which has been regularly put at risk by the pigs.”

Parks manager Jim Doidge, who has designed

LANDLAND

the fence in a heritage look, said the 600m by 1.5m high structure would be built at the top half of the gardens on the bush side.

“The proposed fence is comprised of square tubular pickets with press formed spear tops located through tubular rails, and is made of steel,” Mr Doidge said.

“Because the gardens are Heritage Listed, the fence has to have a look similar to that of the cemetery fence.”

And no one could be happier with the announcement than Gardens curator Sandy Lloyd who described the distress she and her staff suffered every morning they came to work to find their garden creations destroyed.

“During the dry season, the gardens have been decimated on a daily basis,” she said.

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“To come to work to find some major works turned into a quagmire by pigs is just heart breaking.”

Ms Lloyd recalled a rainforest garden her crew tried to establish.

“We got to a stage where we had all the materials in - the mulch and the plants and bedding, only to see it destroyed within days,” she said.

“So now that we’re getting a fence, we can’t wait to build a new rainforest garden.”

Work will not start on the fence until the start of the dry season, but according to Ms Lloyd, that will not be a problem.

“The pigs only come in during the dry, when the wet is on, they have no reason to come to the gardens,” she said.

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editor@cooktownlocalnews.com.au

 letters to the editor

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 1300 867 737.

Born to be wi-i-i-ld . . . honk if you agree I’D like to propose a further intervention in Cape York. This to be called the “The Wild People Covenant”.

It will address the steadily increasing and wonderfully vocal group who are getting really “wild” about being pushed around and shoved into the ‘enforced welfare/sometimes there but mostly not, fake jobs bin’.

It’s great to appreciate the environment, but if you are forced to live in poverty, imperatives do change. As in some third-world countries where environmental damage is endemic due to lack of funds to protect it - a condition already present in Cape York.

March Fri 16. Shave or Colour for a Cure at Cooktown Hair and Beauty from 3–5pm.

Sat 17. Shave or Colour for a Cure with the Sunbird Lodge

Blokes and Sheilas at the RSL from 11am.

Sat 17. Roswell will be playing at the Top Pub for St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Sun 18. Cooktown Alcoholics Anonymous meeting from 1.30pm at the CWA Hall in Charlotte Street. Call 4069 5626 for information.

Mon 19. Cooktown Chamber of Commerce & Tourism AGM at River of Gold Motel. 6pm for 6.30pm start.

Tue 20. Swim for Your Life from 11am to noon at Cooktown Pool.

Tue 20. Cooktown Alcoholics Anonymous meeting from 8pm at the CWA Hall in Charlotte Street. Call 4069 5088 for information.

Wed 21. Cooktown SSAA Sunset shoot from 5.30pm, alternating between Combined Service Core and Sports pistol/Centrefire.

Fri 23. Cooktown State School P&C annual general meeting at the Events Centre from 9.45am.

Sat 24. Cooktown Junior League sign-on at John Street Oval from 10am to 2pm. For information call Nardia on 4069 6683 or 0429 062 262.

Sun 25. Cooktown SSAA Practical shoot from 9am.

Sun 25. Cooktown Alcoholics Anonymous meeting from 1.30pm at the CWA Hall in Charlotte Street. Call 4069 5626 for information.

Mon 26. Take your treasures down to Nature’s PowerHouse for display in the “Finders Keepers” exhibition, which will open on April 1.

Mon 26. Meeting of Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery Association from 3–4pm at Nature’s PowerHouse. Afternoon tea from 2.30pm.

Tue 27. Swim for Your Life from 11am to noon at Cooktown Pool.

Tue 27. Lions Club meeting in the Lions Hall, Amos Street from 7pm.

Tue 27. Cooktown Alcoholics Anonymous meeting from 8pm at the CWA Hall in Charlotte Street. Call 4069 5088 for information.

Wed 28. Cooktown SSAA general meeting from 5.30pm, followed by a Sunset shoot alternating between Combined Service Core and Sports pistol/Centrefire.

Mayoral candidate answers questions posed about eligibility ONE of the fascinating things about election policies is that you can’t please everyone.

Some of the more unusual things that seem to be worrying people about my nomination for Cook Shire Mayor are, firstly, the fact that I am not a landowner/ratepayer, although I have been a resident and on the shire’s electoral roll for the past eight years.

If that were the case, no person who lives in any rental property would be entitled to stand for any position as Cook Shire Mayor or Councillor.

In a way they would be - in awful English - disenfranchised. Luckily, those tenants are ok to stand if they wish, as long as they are Australian, over 18, and enrolled for a minimum of one month, Think of all those landowner/ ratepayers in Brisbane, Melbourne and even in France, who cannot vote in regard to council actions that affect their investment.

Secondly, some people think that because I live in my little motor home, that I will be unreliable, a gypsy.

Please rest assured.

I promise not to go to Tasmania.

In fact, I consider my mobility to be a real bonus for Cook Shire residents. It will allow me to travel through the shire to smaller areas of population, to live where you live, and let you come to talk to me while I am in Bloomfield, Ayton, Rossville, Helenvale, Lakeland, Laura and even Coen.

Remember, over the past eight years, I have provided a caretaking service, free of charge, to residents wanting to get away for a break of a month or more.

There are 14 families who have been able to get away, leaving homes, pets, and farm animals to be cared for safely. I have lived at Poison Creek, and Endeavour Valley, and even minded a functioning business for people who are now

AS the LNP candidate for Cook, I am in full support of Campbell Newman’s policy on the revisiting of Alcohol Management Plans in Cape York and Torres Strait.

I first appeared in court for Aboriginal people in Cooktown in 1988.

With regards to comments by Curtis Pitt the Minister for Indigenous issues in the Bligh government who claims “to drink alcohol is not a fundamental right”, he is out of touch with reality.

Labor should concentrate on the fundamental rights of Indigenous people - like the opportunity to own a home, the choice to have a better education and a job, the right to self determination, the right to have adequate health services and the option to escape welfare and so on.

Labor has let Indigenous people down, and Jason O’Brien, in eight years has failed to make any impact on the plight of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Alcohol Management Plans are not working. They are at best, a band aid and fail to address the real issues. At worst, they make criminals of innocent people and shift the problem elsewhere.

There are several inconsistencies with

April PowerHouse.

Tue 3. Cooktown Writers’ Group meeting is cancelled.

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

Assembly of God: Gungarde, 9.30am Sun; Home group 7.30pm Tue; young adults 7pm Thu. Phone 4069 5070.

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.

Rossville Christian Fellowship: Elsie Hatfield’s, 8am Sun. Phone 4060 3968.

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

Phone either 4060 9197 or 0419 023 114.

Office hours: 8.30am - Midday OPEN ALL DAY WEDNESDAY

PLEASE NOTE: The office is frequently unattended Please call to make an appointment to see the editor Where we go: Approx 1400 copies distributed every Friday 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.

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

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2 – Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012

THE proposed new $2.3m Office Hub for Cooktown, like most other ALP pork barrels will actually cost jobs and investment in the town and leave the struggling main street with a facade of deserted shops.

I can’t believe this promise was ever thought out by the Labor back room boys, because if they had done their sums they would discover the town will lose at least $350,000 a year in lost rents and community reinvestment because of absentee land owners. No extra permanent jobs will be created and none are available now.

I ask from where is the ALP is going to get this money, which is a part of the billions already promised, mainly for the south east corner. We already owe $85 billion overseas.

If the United Nations mob which is touring the north this week, more than likely at our expense, decides to turn the Peninsula into World Heritage, only then will a few more jobs be available to control this huge international land grab.

I welcome new investment, especially in our local towns like Cooktown, but this investment could lead to more damage then good. I am very doubtful as to whether any proper consultation was done with existing business and lease owners and whether or not any compensation packages have been talked about to service those who will lose out considerably on future rental incomes.

If the new Hub is ever built, will the air conditioning be controlled from Brisbane like the new government offices in Peters St, Mareeba?

I ask everybody to look at our policies at http://www.ausparty. org.au/ Lachlan Bensted Katter’s Australian Party Candidate for Cook

 Letters to the editor

Publisher’s Details Publishers of the Cooktown Local News

you. $50,000 per year will go into a special fund for community projects.

For example, if Rossville wants to plant jacarandas through the village, the relevant group applies for funds.

If people in Coen want Club Veg to come up and help establish a community vegetable garden to achieve sustainable fresh food supplies, the relevant group/s ask re funds. My preference is that what is effectively your money, be used to help fund established community groups, and permanent achievements within the shire.

Of course, my personal costs will rise as pension discounts go, and there will be establishment costs for the Community Fund, but in the long run, Cook Shire communities will get back $200,000 over the next four years.

Hopefully, that will help you a bit?

Jenny Moxham Candidate for Cook Shire Mayor

Government hub will cost

the current plans.

Hope Vale has carriage restrictions, Lockhart people travel to Archer River, Pormpuraaw has a canteen and workers in Kowanyama can’t have a quiet beer after work. Young people don’t know how to have a social drink as they are forced into secrecy and binging. You can’t buy a cask of wine in Cooktown at certain times, but can get a carton of Bundy rum. I have many friends in Hope Vale who feel they are being treated like children.

Where they are in place, accords with hotels and police and communitycontrolled canteens appear to be working and may be part of the answer.

Let’s not hide behind the real issue here. It is time for government at every level to start listening to the people from within the community and work together to find solutions.

It’s a matter of choice and opportunity, not restriction and prohibition. Labor has failed Cape York and Torres Strait.

The LNP will give Indigenous Queenslanders a fair go and the respect and self determination they deserve.

David Kempton LNP candidate for Cook

Contacts & Deadlines

Phones attended 8.30am to 5pm - Monday to Friday

friends, and always have a waiting list for future places.

Lastly, some folk are actually upset that I do not want the $89,000 mayoral wage, but would be content with the lesser amount of $30,000.

Now, you may have figured out that I am not a greedy person.

The two mottos by which I live are: the Golden Rule - “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, and “Live simply, so others may simply live”.

I don’t need $89,000. Through forward planning and budgeting, I currently live quite contentedly on the Age Pension of a bit more than the sitting mayor now pays in tax: $17,000. I have no mortgage, no overheads and no dependents.

But some people feel a $30,000 mayor would be a “cheap” mayor, so here’s my resolution to the puzzle.

Cook Shire residents can pay me $89,000, but I will only accept $30,000 for my personal costs.

I will give the balance back to

Kempton calls for solutions

Sun 1. Opening of “Finders Keepers” exhibition at Nature’s

Editor: (07) 4069 5773 Editor’s mobile: 0411 722 807 All advertising / accounts enquiries, please call: 1300 4895 00 or (07) 4099 4633 Fax: 1300 7872 48

The Wild People Covenant will be able to be overruled. But there will of course be 22 separate pieces of legislation to protect the WPC stringing any legal process out to 20 years and several million dollars.

Under the WPC we will have the right to build a chook house next to an anthill, after which, concerned bodies may challenge the construction through the above legal process.

If you love the idea, honk!

Serge Petelin Cooktown

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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.

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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

Dog lucky to survive croc attack

By GARY HUTCHISON ONE Wolfhound’s miraculous escape from a crocodile attack last weekend is another stark warning to locals to stay out of the waterways in which the predators lurk.

Jessie White and her family live on Endeavour Valley Road near McLeod Creek, with the Endeavour River directly behind their home.

Jessie said her two-and-a-half year old bitch named “Moosie� and her Labrador X dog named “Cruz� disappeared just after noon last Saturday. “They often go down to the river for a

swim, but for a long time they didn’t come back,� she said. “Then at about 2.30 that afternoon when Cruz came home by himself, I thought something bad had happened to Moosie.�

She said Moosie limped home at about 2pm on Sunday, covered in mud and with a huge wound in her left front leg. “I’ve been told Moosie’s definitely been bitten by a crocodile,� she said. “One of my neighbours runs pig hunting and fishing tours, and another lady who is an animal carer have both said it was done by a croc, not a pig or a dingo.�

Jessie said she had never seen a croc

near her place, but friends who went fishing nearby reported having seen fresh slide marks in the mud. “And the pig hunter reckons he’s seen a croc that’s more than three metres long near here,� she said.

As deep as Moosie’s wound was, it was not stitched for fear infection might have already set in. “She was up and walking around today (Tuesday) and looks a lot better,� she said. “But she’s still feeling pretty sore and sorry for herself. “She’s very lucky to be alive.�

Serving the Cape since 1954

Cricket legend Thommo to visit Cooktown FORMER firebrand Australian test fast bowler Jeff Thomson will be a guest speaker at the Top Pub next Tuesday, March 20, from 6.30pm.

Admission to the function is free.

Cooktown District Cricket Association Secretary Steve Wilton said the opportunity to have “Thommo� tell his tales at the Toppy was too good to resist. “Cooktown is rarely considered for this type of event, so when the promoters rang to offer the guest speaking gig, it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up,� he said. “From all accounts Thommo is a very good speaker who entertains with his natural humour and great stories about his life experiences, not just cricketing stories. “It’s a very rare occasion you get to see living legends for free, so I would expect it will be standing room only at the Toppy on Tuesday night.�

Wilton said any Australian who had the slightest interest in sport during the period from 1972 to 1985 would have been aware Thommo who put the fear of God into many batting line ups during his 51 test matches for his country.

A devout cricket fan, Wilton said he refreshed his own personal memories of Thommo with some online homework. “ESPN Cricket correspondent Dave Liverman wrote ‘Jeff Thomson was one of the fastest bowlers to have played Test cricket. With an unusual slinging action, and an aggressive approach, he was a fearsome sight to batsmen. He debuted against Pakistan in 1972-73, but hampered by a broken bone in his foot, which he hid from the selectors he was ineffective. Recalled in 1974-5, and forming a partnership with Dennis Lillee, he terrorised the England tourists with consistent spells of extreme fast bowling, taking 33 wickets in the series. His action put considerable stress on his body, particularly his right shoulder and he was rarely fit enough to reach those peaks again. He adapted his methods, relying less on pure pace, and more on an excellent cutter, and seam and swing. He was always capable of unleashing a very fast bouncer that would skid and follow the batsman from only just short of a length’.� “I’m certainly looking forward to it,� he said.

Former Australian test cricket fast bowler Jeff Thomson will be the guest speaker at the Top Pub on Tuesday, March 20.

Wet, wet, wet . . . are we there yet?

WELL, it looks like the wet season has finally arrived, with recent heavy rainfalls recorded around the shire.

True to form, the Little Annan River became a raging torrent and went under water on Tuesday afternoon at about 1.30pm and remained closed to all traffic until about 6.30pm.

Cook Shire Council officers

Locals working for locals

reported that on Wednesday morning at 6.30am, the Little Annan was flowing about one metre under the bridge and falling fast.

The disparity of rainfall locally though is highlighted by the fact that at Jacqui Sykes’ and D’Arcy Gallop’s Endeavour Valley Road property, only 69.5mm has been received this month and at the secondary measuring facility at

Cooktown Airport, 38.7mm was recorded between Saturday and Monday, while Sandy Lloyd’s Rossville property received 310mm between for the same period.

Wallaby Creek was flooded on Saturday night, with water levels reaching the start of the new rock wall on the Bloomfield Road, but had subsided by Sunday.

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Bite marks on “Moosie’s� leg are believed to have been inflicted by a crocodile.

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Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012 – 3

NEWS

Returning Officer for the upcoming Cook Shire Council elections Cass Sorensen firing up the computer in her Events Centre office. Photo: GARY HUTCHISON.

Nominations now open for council elections RETURNING Officer for the April 28 Cook Shire Council elections Cass Sorensen opened her Events Centre office last Saturday ready to take nominations.

Those wanting to stand for either Mayor or Councillor, now have until noon on Tuesday, March 27, to contact Ms Sorensen to arrange an appointment to meet with her to nominate their relevant candidacy.

But her first afternoon was not without difficulty, with IT issues forcing her to leave the office unattended for a short period while she sorted the problem.

Ms Sorensen said the nature of her role did not demand the office be manned

continuously, and that she was willing to arrange mutually agreeable times to meet with nominees at the Events Centre.

At this very early stage, the Cooktown Local News is aware that incumbent Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott is running again, with Greg Whittaker and Jenny Moxham his opponents.

And while 14 names have been mooted as potential Councillors, it has also been rumoured that as many as 25 people throughout the Shire are considering nominating.

To arrange an appointment with Ms Sorensen, call either 4069 6657 or 0438 699 379.

Sawfishes sure can wield a saw

A sawfish being studied - photo courtesy Dr Barbara Wueringer.

Sawfishes wouldn’t be sawfishes if they didn’t come equipped with long toothy snouts - their saws. Now, researchers reporting in the March issue of Current Biology, have figured out what they use those saws for, and it turns out the answer is quite impressive. It might even help save the critically endangered and incredibly elusive sawfishes, the website Physorg.com reports.

“I was surprised to see how skilled sawfish are with their saw,” said Dr Barbara Wueringer of the University of Queensland.

“They use their saw to impale prey on the rostral teeth by producing several lateral swipes per second.”

Unlike sawfishes in the wild, the animals she and her team caught on hidden cameras were fed on dead fish, “but their strikes were sometimes strong enough to split those fish in half.”

The animals then proceeded to swipe their meals onto the floor and dig in.

Sawfishes don’t use their saws just to kill and manipulate prey, but also to sense their next mark in the first place. That’s contrary to other jawed fishes whose long “noses” are generally used for one or the other purpose, not both, the researchers said.

Wueringer’s team earlier found that the saws of freshwater sawfishes are covered in thousands of electroreceptors.

Those tiny sensors enable sawfishes to detect the electric fields of other animals in their midst. Tiny canals in the skin covering the saw also allow them to detect water movements. The two senses together give them an edge as hunters in the dark and murky waters in which they live.

In the new study, the researchers observed recently captured sawfishes in action. They watched as those sawfishes tore into already dead fish and responded to weak electrical fields that mimicked live, hidden prey.

“Now we know that sawfish are not sluggish bottom dwellers as previously believed, but agile hunters that hunt in the three-dimensional space of the water,” Wueringer said.

What the researchers observed is contrary to what you might read in any textbook, she added.

The sawfishes’ saw had been considered more like a rake, used by the fish to sift through sand in search of something to eat.

Wueringer said this new view might even lead to changes in the fishing practices that are allowed in prime sawfish territory, noting that the saw is partly to blame for sawfishes’ global decline: their saws are easily entangled in fishing gear.

4 – Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012

Prodigal nerd returns

NEWS

Sharing the theme at Women’s Day MORE than 50 women put a Cooktown flavour to International Women’s Day at the Old Shire Hall on Saturday.

Clothes swapping, food sharing, painting and and an open microphone were available to those who wanted to participate.

And for those who didn’t, they just found the function a good opportunity to sit down with a cuppa and have a chin wag.

The open microphone especially was a hit, with six women intending to nominate

for the upcoming Council elections using the opportunity to introduce themselve and outline their plans if elected.

Co-ordinator of the event Jennifer Midgley said the day was enjoyed by all who attended.

“And part of that enjoyment was made possible by the generous donations of pizzas by the Wogs’ Italian Restaurant, as well as drinks supplied at a 20 per cent discount by the Sovereign Hotel, I would like to say a very big thank-you.”

For photos from the event see page 15 >>

OCALS L E H T E R E “WH EAT!” MEET AND Michael Shay has returned to his roots to take the reins from Helen Greaves as the new proprietor of ‘Cooktown Computer Stuff’. Photo: GARY HUTCHISON. MICHAEL Shay could well be called “Cooktown’s Prodigal Nerd” with his decision to return to his roots and take over Helen Greaves’ business, ‘Computer Stuff’.

While Helen, the original town nerd, said it is definitely time for a change and was glad to see the business being handed over to a local.

“I’ve enjoyed my 14 years in Computer Stuff,” she said.

“I remember Telstra charging over $7 an hour for dial up internet, and how the town got together to get some competition happening by getting TPG as a local ISP.” She said IT had come a long way since she first opened her doors in 1997, and endorsed Michael’s ownership and future plans.

“I’m delighted Michael is taking over the reins here, his IT skills are right up there,” she said.

“His expansion into the gaming world is very exciting and I’m sure will prove extremely popular in a town where there’s not a hell of a lot for young people to do.”

Hank Green

Michael said he grew up in Cooktown, but like most, had to leave for further studies which now see him with a Diploma in Multimedia, and a Bachelor degree in IT majoring in multimedia game development from JCU. “I’ve been repairing and upgrading computers since before I knew what RAM stood for,” he said.

“And since I have worked for EB Games in Cairns and Darwin for the last five years, so I will be able to help with any computer or internet related problems you may come across, and no problem is too small.”

He said the opportunity to buy Helen’s business was the excuse he had been looking for to come home, but also opened up new career doors for him.

“Along with the old services Computer Stuff offered such as repair, virus removal, upgrades and sales, I will now be offering video game console repairs, including the famous Xbox 360 ‘red ring of death’ and PS3s ‘yellow light of death’,” he said.

“Plus any other problems you have with your Xbox, Playstation, ds or psp.”

He said in the near future he will start selling video games, for which he is already taking, and intends opening Cooktown’s only gaming lounge.

“Anyone will be able to come along and play the latest Xbox 360 games and compete against each other for kudos and glory,” he said.

“We will also be building custom made gaming computers, so if the old machine just isn’t up to the latest and greatest new release, we can upgrade or build a whole new one for you.”

Website design and hosting is another venture he wants to pursue.

“We’ll also be designing web sites and hope to start actually hosting sites here in Cooktown very soon, which will make it really easy for anyone to make changes or updates to their site hosted with us,” he said.

Shave or colour to raise funds for cancer THIS Saturday will see a bunch of Cooktown’s most funky senior citizens at the Cooktown RSL Memorial Club getting their hair coloured in aid of the 2012 Leukaemia Foundation’s Shave for a Cure Campaign.

“The Sunbird Lodge Blokes and Sheilas” as they have registered themselves, will have morning tea with their compatriots who are unable to attend the function and then head to the RSL for lunch, after which the fun will begin.

Fingernails will be painted and hair will be coloured in all shades of the rainbow, with an emphasis on green - in tune with St Patrick’s Day. And what’s more, the cheeky old buggers have

challenged the rest of the community to try and out-do them as to who will be the most outrageous during their quest to raise money for the worthy cause.

Cooktown Hair and Beauty’s Alana will be on hand from 10am to apply the colour, as well as shave the heads of anyone willing to make the sacrifice.

Actually, Alana will be getting a head-start on the Sunbird Lodge mob by making the salon available from 3pm to 5pm on Friday for those who cannot make the RSL function.

Participation in the campaign is easy, just roll up to either Cooktown Hair and Beauty on Friday afternoon or to the RSL on Saturday morning.

COURTESY BUS operates 7 DAYS A WEEK Ph 4069 5308 for pick-up

Keno at the Top Pub

– Come and try your luck!

COMING EVENTS AT THE TOP PUB

It’s all happening here at the toppy!

St Patrick’s Day

This Saturday, March 17 with traditional Irish food, music fun and laughter.

Roswell live from 8pm

And the entertainment at the Toppy just gets better and better!  Watch your favourite NRL team play live on our big screen  Saturday Raffles are on every week from 12 noon  Pool comps Thursday night and Saturday afternoons  Restaurant open 7 days Lunch and Dinner  GO 4 GOLD pizza deal - that’s gold pizza + XXXX Gold 30 pack for just $55. Starts 15/3/12, ends 30/3/12  Tuesday is pizza mania – 3 for 2! Gotta love it!

COOKTOWN HOTEL - THE TOP PUB $)"3-055& 453&&5 $00,508/ t 1)0/&

Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012 – 5

NEWS

Roll-up roll-up . . . young ladies of Cooktown

By JACQUI SYKES COOKTOWN and District Country Show organisers are looking to find a showgirl, in a quest they emphasise is not a beauty contest.

We are looking to find a young woman aged between 18 and 28 to help us promote the 2012 Cooktown and District Country Show. She will need to be articulate, outgoing and well presented.

Now that the Cooktown and District Country Show is affiliated with the Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies Inc (QCAS), we can take part in the Queensland Country Life Miss Showgirl Awards.

If you win in Cooktown, you will go on to compete in the sub-chamber finals in Cairns and possibly to Brisbane for the state finals.

The rules for entry are set by QCAS and they require Miss Showgirl entrants to be unmarried and without children on August 1 in the year of competition - 2012.

This is a life-changing opportunity to gain confidence, enjoy new experiences and challenges, while having a lot of fun along the way. There are also some fabulous prizes to be won.

Show committee members are so enthusiastic about holding our first Miss Showgirl event that we have decided to look for Miss Junior Showgirl (12 to 17-year-olds) at the same time.

While this is a strictly local event, Junior Showgirl entrants will be judged by the same judges and at the same time as the older group.

Finalists in the 2011 Queensland Country Life Miss Showgirl Awards in Brisbane. Photo submitted.

Do you think this might be for you or one of your friends? We know you are out there as we saw how well-turned out you were at the Cooktown Races last November.

We’d like to hear from young women

who would be prepared to extend their horizons by taking part in this exciting new opportunity in the Cooktown community.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or to get a copy of

the guidelines or application form.

Contact the Show Committee via email: show@cook.qld.gov.au or phone either Jacqui Sykes on 4069 5442 or Kimberley Roberts on 0400 757 890.

These boots were made for beachcombing

Locals are being asked to submit ther treasures from beachcombing expeditions in the “Finders Keepers” exhibition, which opens at Nature’s PowerHouse on Sunday, April 1. Photo submitted.

IT’S a favourite hobby for lots of locals - checking out our beaches, sea and riverbanks to see what they can find. It is amazing what handy and interesting bits and pieces turn up.

Why not get your boots on and hunt up some treasures from the shore and enter them in the “Finders Keepers” exhibition which opens at Nature’s PowerHouse on Sunday, April 1, at 11am.

One very dedicated scavenger is loaning us a sign that drifted here after a journey of around 2000km from Norfolk Island. And there’ll be messages in bottles (and answers) as well as lots of other fun and fascinating surprises.

Over a cuppa at the opening, well-known shore-scavenger, Barrie Hunter hopes to get everybody swapping yarns.

If you are a beachcomber too, we’d love you to share and show off your favourites with us all, so please bring your exhibits (large or small) to Nature’s PowerHouse by March 29. For more information, call Jacqui or Bev on 4069 6004.

6 – Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012

NEWS

Council make plans to stop straying stock COOK Shire Council has met with members of the Queensland Police Stock Squad in relation to a recent incident on the Mulligan Highway in which two vehicles were involved in a collision with straying cattle.

Two occupants in the vehicles involved sustained minor injuries, while two bulls were killed and both vehicles extensively damaged in the crash.

A Cook Shire Council spokeswoman said that from the meeting, it was decided that officers from the Council and the Stock Squad will hold a meeting with property owners around the Archer Point turn-off area of the Mulligan Highway to advise stock owners about Cook Shire Council’s Local Laws and possible impounding of straying stock.

“Council understands that the Archer Point turn-off area is not the only location where stock stray, but is concentrating on this area initially as properties in this location are largely fenced and owners should be able to contain their stock without difficulty,” the spokeswoman said.

“Upon report of straying stock, Council will open an investigation and decide the appropriate course of action which may include destruction or impounding of the stock.”

She said impounded stock will be either agisted locally, or transported to the Tablelands Regional Council’s holding yard in Mareeba and held for the statutory minimum holding period prior to sale or the relevant impounding fee being paid.

“While Council understands the importance of livestock production to the region,

The bull bar of Ben Kruger’s Landcruiser 4WD ute was shorn off on impact, when the vehicle collided with two bulls on the Mulligan Highway in February. Photo submitted. it is recognised that this must be balanced against the needs and safety of the community as a whole and considered in the context of Local Laws,” she said.

“Council desires to minimise the potential for conflict and will undertake the impound-

Cape York TOs take Wild Rivers fight to Ashgrove MORNING SHOPPERS at a centre in the Brisbane electorate of Ashgrove were greeted last Saturday by 10 Indigenous Traditional Owners from Cape York spreading the word about their lives and aspirations.

They made the 2000 kilometre trip to raise their concerns about the state’s contentious Wild Rivers laws directly with the voters of Ashgrove, in what is the most fiercely-contested battleground in the state election campaign.

The unprecedented step was taken by the Cape York people - who came from Hope Vale, Aurukun, Coen and Lockhart River - distressed that their lives had become political footballs in the campaign.

The state’s Wild Rivers legislation is a hot button issue in Ashgrove, being contested by LNP Leader-in-waiting Campbell Newman and Labor’s Kate Jones, the government’s former Environment Minister.

Environmental groups supporting Labor and the Wild Rivers laws have bombarded homes with pro-Wild Rivers material, and erected billboards around the suburbs.

Gerhardt Pearson, CEO of Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation, said it was an unprecedented situation where voters in an inner-city Brisbane electorate were being asked to vote on the future of Cape York Indigenous people without hearing their stories.

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David Kempton for Cook

ing of livestock only as a last resort.

“Council aims to maintain open and fruitful working relationships with stock owners and external agencies, and as such, undertakes to provide information and assistance wherever possible.”

“To make as a centrepiece of the Ashgrove campaign, a piece of legislation that significantly affects one of the largest Aboriginal populations in Australia is a first,” he said.

“Traditional Owners wanted to set the record straight, they wanted to directly tell the people of Ashgrove that the Wild Rivers laws have been imposed on their lands without their permission and against their wishes.

“These are reserved people who were prepared to travel 2000 kilometres to talk to strangers, because the Wild Rivers laws will affect their futures and their children’s futures.”

Mr Pearson said Cape York Traditional Owners wanted to

build their own river protection system that they could own and manage.

“The material being circulated in Ashgrove by The Wilderness Society, claiming that lifting Wild River declarations on Cape York would result in open-slather mining and the destruction of rivers, was deeply insulting to Traditional Owners, who have nurtured their rivers and country for tens of generations,” he said.

“The irony is that it was the Labor Government that quarantined mines from the Wild Rivers laws.

“Traditional Owners are the environmentalists in this equation, that’s the message they took to Ashgrove.”

David is supporting:

• Reduce cost of living by reducing waste • review alcohol management plans • enhanced hospital services and improved aged care • cutting of red and green tape • restructure DERM and review town planning laws • the revitalization of the water front • tourism marketing initiatives • indigenous home ownership on freehold title • No Wild Rivers or World Heritage Listings

VOTE

1

Kempton for Cook

LIBERAL NATIONAL PARTY

Authorised by M.O’Dwyer, 66 Bowen St, Spring Hill, Qld 4000

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

Nominations for candidates at the upcoming Queensland Local Government elections are now open. Forms are available at the Commission’s website www.ecq.qld.gov.au. Returning Officers addresses’ are also available on the website. Nominations need to be lodged with the relevant Returning Officer on or before the closing date, 12 noon Tuesday 27 March 2012. For further information visit the website or call 1300 881 665 (8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 6pm Saturday).

Local Government election day is Saturday 28 April 2012.

Voting is compulsory. Don’t risk a fine.

BECQ4126_CLN

Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012 – 7

NEWS

A message in this barra that goes beyond fins and scales THE Cook Shire Council recently received funding from the Regional Arts Fund for the public artwork initiative titled, “Barra”, a playful, eight- metre long barramundi that will be installed on the Welcome Wall - the large, red ochre-coloured wall at the entrance to the Events Centre.

A Council spokeswoman said RAF gives artists and communities throughout regional, rural and remote Australia better access to opportunities to practise and experience the arts.

“This funding will facilitate community workshops to develop skills in visual art and design and decorate the estimated 100 individual scales of the barramundi sculpture,” she said.

“Council will also be contributing cash and in-kind support to this project.”

Designed by local Indigenous artist and Cooktown Art Society President Lea Stevens, “Barra” will combine different art media into an experimental new sculptural relief installation using the theme, “Why we love it up here”.

“Barra will connect people across communities ultimately creating an artistic legacy for our region,” the spokeswoman said.

“It will engage the community with its multi-dimensional concepts.”

Ms Stevens said the scales portray a sense of protection and survival.

“They link together commenting on the way community members pull together and support each other and the need to protect our environment,” she said.

“The metallic fins offer a stark contrast, complementing the rainbow of colours in the scales reminding the viewer of a brief glimpse of sun glistening on fish, captured while peering into deep clear water.”

She said the strokes of blue, green and steel framing “Barra” represent the unceasing move-

ment of light dancing in water, the pristine rivers and deep oceans that surround us, expressing freedom of movement, transformation and acceptance of change.

Expressing, “Why we love it up here”, the fish scales will be made from Weathertex board and painted during visual art workshops, which will be open to community groups, individuals of all ages as well as noted artists.

Local master carvers, Gary McClelland and Mark Berg, have been commissioned to carve the head and tail from local timbers with detailed relief designs.

“Barra’s” single 20cm eye will be a slumped glass wonder created by local glass artist Kim Fowler, while local master metal workers will construct the fins from stainless steel and alloy.

The spokeswoman said the concept of “Barra” was initiated through the Public Art Community Consultation Project on public art to be featured at the Events Centre, funded by Regional Arts Development Fund in 2010.

“RADF has continued to fund the development of the Welcome Wall concept with the engagement of Waratah Nicholls to manage the “Barra” project,” she said.

“Ms Nicholls previously consolidated the public art project, “Freedom Flight”, installed for the opening of the Events Centre and funded

by RADF in 2011.”

Visual art workshops will be held between April and June 2012 in Coen, Laura, Lakeland, Rossville, Bloomfield, Wujal Wujal and Cooktown, with dates to be advertised soon.

To register your interest to paint a scale or attend a workshop please contact Council’s Project Manager, Waratah Nicholls on 0429 695 533 or email welcomebarra@gmail. “Barra” project manager Waratah Nicholls (left) and designer Lea Stevens found more art to view at com last weekend’s International Women’s Day celebration. Photo: FAYE PINI

What’s on at the Sov!

            Live music from 1pm with   Good old Irish fair including…   • BEEF AND GUINNESS POT PIE  • IRISH STEW   Buy a drink or meal and you could  WIN A HAMPER full of Irish goodies!   Cold GUINNESS on tap and  special Irish drinks   Fun family day for all, and when you   buy a drink or meal, you go in the draw  to WIN a year's worth of Groceries!  Promotion starts 1.3.12. Drawn Labour Day weekend 6.5.12.   Cnr Charlotte & Green Sts, Cooktown • Ph: 4043 0500 • Fax: 4069 5582 info@sovereignresort.com.au • www.sovereignresort.com.au 

Cooktown Food Connect improves knowledge with Tropical Cuisine

ST. PADDY'S DAY! NELSON

8 – Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012

Cooktown Food Connect member Becky Payne with “Tropical Cuisine” author Clare Richards. Photo submitted.

COOKTOWN Food Connect suppli“But we have managed to provide ers and team members had the chance to a wide range of produce and, together quiz Clare Richard, the author of “Tropi- with our customers, have enjoyed cal Cuisine”, when she dropped into the experimenting with tropical recipes with Clare’s help.”

CTFC packing shed last Thursday.

“Clare’s book is full of wonderful CTFC are keen to contact locals with ideas for using fruit and veggies that other fruit and COOKTOWN Food grow well locally, especially produce Connect suppliers and team members that can be grown during the wet season,” had the chance to quiz Clare Richard, the author of “Tropical Cuisine”, when CTFC member Becky Payne said.

“It was great to talk to Clare and get she dropped into the CTFC packing shed recipe ideas to put on our website for our last Thursday. customers.”

“Clare’s book is full of wonderful Ms Payne said one of the challenges ideas for using fruit and veggies that for CTFC has been supplying a range grow well locally, especially produce that of locally grown produce over the wet can be grown during the wet season,” season.

CTFC member Becky Payne said.

“Most cooler climate veggies like “It was great to talk to Clare and get spinach and broccoli just don’t grow recipe ideas to put on our website for our during our summer,” Becky said. customers.”

COMMUNITY

A taste of Christmas in Cooktown in circa 1939 Step Back

IT’S not Christmas, but this story was unearthed and comprised by Marje Scully from stories in the Cairns Post and the Townsville Daily Bulletins of 1939. It highlights the plight of our Indigenous families at that period of time. Please note the terminology used in the following tale, reflects the terminology and attitudes of the time and not of the Cooktown Historical Society or the Cooktown Local News.

“Christmas in Cooktown, 1939” It was an exceptionally quiet time.

The late shopping was observed by one store only. Muller and Muller’s store kept open and were busy until the last minute.

On Saturday morning, their store presented an empty appearance. The other stores did a good trade while they were open, and on Saturday, were filled with people until after closing time.

The hotels report that they did a remarkable trade. One publican said that this was the best Christmas trade he had done since he came into the business. The weather was very hot and most of the local residents took advantage of the proximity of the beaches and spent the Sunday and Christmas afternoon on picnics.

Boating occupied quite a number.

Midnight Mass ushered in Christmas Day. St Mary’s Church was packed WITHä #OOKTOWNä (ISTORIALä 3OCIETY

Aboriginal in camp about 1900. Photo submitted. with people and practically all of these approached the altar rails. Rev. Father Breen preached an appropriate sermon.

Two other masses were celebrated on Christmas Day. Christmas services were held in the Methodist Church on Sunday morning and again in the evening, and popular Christmas hymns and carols were sung.

Meanwhile, Christmas was being celebrated at the black’s camp through the generosity of Topsy Cook, a former

Laura girl who is now living in Subiaco, Western Australia. Topsy had left the Laura district, fifty years ago, with a family named Crowley who settled in West Australia. The Crowleys died and Topsy came under the care of another woman, who encouraged her to open a bank account. The woman left for Melbourne and Topsy came under the care of Mr and Mrs James Jones of Subiaco. Topsy has kept herself all these years by taking in washing and

other work for better class people. She doesn’t know her real name but she does know that her parents were killed in a tribal fight in Laura, just before the Crowley’s took her to Western Australia.

Last August, the Cooktown Protector of Aborigines (Sergeant J R Meade) received a letter from Mr Jones, asking on Topsy’s behalf, for information of her brother Larry, a black tracker attached to the Cooktown Police.

Sadly, Mr Jones was informed that Larry had died some years ago at Palm Island.

The next letter from Mr Jones came saying that Topsy had arranged to send 30 shillings to a local Aborigine camp to buy treats for Christmas. Sergeant Meade bought aerated water, sweets and cakes and delivered them on Sunday afternoon (Christmas Eve) to the camp at the back of the hospital.

Prominent among the Aborigines was Jinny, widow of Larry, the only brother of Topsy, the benefactor.

Jinny had been for the past few years wandering from camp to camp and, being beyond the age where she could do any work, was often on the breadline. In this respect she resembled many of the former crowned heads of state of Europe. Jinny was a former queen. Of more or less royal status herself, she, being the wife of Larry, who was elected king of the local tribe, was also the queen.

A couple of very old natives who enjoyed the soft drinks and cakes were relics of the days before the white man came, as it is only 66 years since the Palmer rush took place, these Aborigines were then young men and women.

The local Aborigines, some of whom no doubt remembered Topsy, were very grateful to their benefactress. To them, Christmas did not mean a thing but the gesture of Topsy meant everything.

Will I grow old and wear purple?

THIS month we had some new attendees to our meeting and they showed themselves to be imaginative and at ease with a pen. We welcome the first contribution to our column from one of these writers, Helen Hagen. Please note there will be no April meeting, but that our get-togethers will resume on Tuesday, May 1 at at 6.30pm at the Lions Hall.

Send your efforts into our column. Email: thekellers@ bigpond.com or post to: P O Box 645, Cooktown, 4895.

Dianne Keller Cooktown Writers’ Group.

“Purple and Spit” I once read,

Writers’ Corner

“When I grow old I will wear purple and spit.”

But so many hues! Which one would I choose?

The pale, pinky grey, like lavender and lace, So dainty and fragile but not very agile; Trotting along in a world of her own, Anxiously eager to return to her home, To teacups and doyleys and things that she knows; A little old lady. No, not one of those.

Then purply-grey, so dark, almost black.

That purple is stern and rigid and strong; The purple you see when you wait for the thunder.

You’re glad there’s a house

with a porch to get under.

That woman’s worked hard to get, have and hold.

She cannot relax now; just slowly grows old.

Then there’s bright, vivid purple, The kind you would find On a beach, in the sunshine, just playing in sand; With breeze on your face and salt on your hand.

Flapping and flying, glad you’re alive To keep setting goals to aim for and strive.

Sometimes you reach them; sometimes you lose.

That’s the purple I would choose But I don’t think I would spit.

By HELEN HAGEN

God’s choice shaping tools Romans 12:1-5 GOD’S kindness to us is demonstrated by the fact He doesn’t leave us in the condition we were in before coming to faith. How tragic it would be if we still From the Pulpit thought, felt, and acted the same way we did before receiving Christ as our Savior? Throughout our lives, the Lord uses His choice tools to shape us into the image of His Son. Prayer: By talking to the Lord in open dialogue, we develop a relationship with Him. He becomes not just our Saviour, but our friend, and as the intimacy grows, so will our passion to be with Him. Setting aside time for prayer each day will become a delight, not a duty.

God’s word: You can’t grow in your Christian life if you keep the Bible closed all week long. No one lives on one meal a week, yet many Christians try to get by with just a Sunday dinner of the word served up

by their pastor. How can we expect God’s truth to do its transforming work if we never let it into our minds and hearts?

The Church: Christ uses His body of believers as a place for transformation. That’s where we rub against each other and have the rough edges of our character smoothed. It is a place of instruction, accountability, and encouragement.

Are you letting the Lord use His character-shaping tools in your life? Our culture has no shortage of distracting and negative voices and pressures that fill minds and influence behaviour. Only when we intentionally schedule time for God, His word and His people can Christ do His transforming work in our lives.

Used with permission - InTouch Magazine Have an awesome week Pastor Wayne Brennan Cooktown Community Church

Troncs

Transport Solutions Cairns to Cooktown Refrigerated and General Freight Arrives in Cooktown Monday to Friday Departs Cooktown for Cairns, 3pm daily Cooktown Office and Depot – Phone: (07) 4069 5661 After hours: 0417 645 101 Lot 214 Endeavour Valley Road Cairns to Karumba via Gulf Development Road Refrigerated and General Freight Departs Cairns Tuesday and Friday Cairns Office and Depot – Phone: (07) 4035 3360 Fax: (07) 4035 3316 169 Little Spence Street, Monday to Friday  Container and Oversize Transport also available – Phone enquiries on (07) 4035 3360

Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012 – 9

NEWS

Master Stone Mason falls in love with Cooktown craft Along the BLOOMFIELD TRACK

Country Road Coachlines CAIRNS TO COOKTOWN ~ Passenger and freight ~

EXPRESS BUS SERVICE

Bus Services DEPARTS CAIRNS Inland Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun at 7am Coastal Mon, Wed and Fri at 7am DEPARTS COOKTOWN Inland Mon, Tues, Sat at 12.30pm Wed, Fri, Sun at 1.30pm Coastal Tues, Thurs and Sat at 7.30am

Master Stone Mason, “Tombstone “ Kevin Jordan chats with Old digger at the Cooktown Cemetery. Photos: MIKE D’ARCY. THE Cooktown cemetery is one of the “must-do” visits for many tourists with a sense of history.

The feel of the old rogues and characters of the gold rush and early European settlement days is still around in bucket loads. The Normanby Woman, captured against her will by well-meaning settlers, and Mary Watson, her son Ferrier and Ah Sam their servant, who perished after fleeing from Lizard Island are all remembered.

I took Kevin “Tombstone” and Mary Jordan from Adelaide to our famous cemetery last week and, as often happens, they finished up showing me a few things. Unlike his nickname, “Tombstone”, Kevin is a bright, cheery bloke, happy to pass on gems from his 45 years experience as a Master Monumental Mason (that is, tombstones and things).

“Tombstone” explained: ‘The old marble tombstones were all brought in from the famous 2000 year old Carrara marble quarries in Italy, but later the industry moved to granite, a more durable material when machinery improvements enabled it to be used’.

“In recent years, the Australian War Graves Commission has been providing headstones for thousands of forgotten service people around Australia.

“They’re all the same size and thickness.

“The cemetery is very well kept and obviously treasured by the locals.”

“I just loved to see the plug and feather techniques used to split the granite on the kerbs and gutters around town.

“I can’t recall any place that has such an extensive use of granite, both in the uprights and the flagstone (paver) - it’s a unique part of Australian history.”

The heavy rains over the last few days are less unique at this time of the year. Crossing has been impossible both at Bloomfield and Woobadda. With the monsoonal trough on its way down, the situation probably won’t change much in the next few days.

So, enjoy your local beaches and rainforest over the next few days.

INLAND SERVICE – Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun Departs Cairns 7am. Arrives CTN 11.45am.

Departs Cooktown Mon, Tues, Sat 12.30pm, arrives CNS 5pm.

Departs Cooktown Wed, Fri, Sun 1.30pm, arrives CNS 6pm.

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

Bus Service and Airport Shuttle Bus Bookings essential: 7 days 4069 5446 ‘Travel with the Local Boy’ Owned and operated by Allan Harlow

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

National “Closing the Gap” Day When: Thursday, March 22, 2012 (11am to 3pm) Where: Cooktown Events Centre, May St, Cooktown – Opposite the School

Deadly Health Check Program

Come and meet with local Health Workers who will do free checks of: t #MPPE QSFTTVSF t #MPPE TVHBS MFWFMT t 8FJHIU BOE IFJHIU t &ZFT BOE FBST t "OEy HFU ZPVS FREE FLU SHOTS Talk with Health Workers at: t "50%4 JOGPSNBUJPO TUBUJPO t .FOUBM )FBMUI JOGPSNBUJPO TUBUJPO t $IJME BOE :PVUI .FOUBM )FBMUI TUBUJPO t 4FYVBM )FBMUI JOGPSNBUJPO TUBUJPO t /VUSJUJPO BOE %JBCFUFT JOGPSNBUJPO TUBUJPO t *OEJHFOPVT )FBMUI *ODFOUJWF o '/23%(1 t .FEJDBSF 4UBMM o BTTJTUBODF UP HFU .FEJDBSF $BSET 5SZ ZVNNZ OVUSJUJPVT USFBUT BU B )FBMUI 'PPE 5BTUJOH 4UBMM )BWF GVO o UBLF QBSU JO IFBMUIZ TQPSUT BDUJWJUJFT FREE lunch provided FREE TRANSPORT – Pick up by Gungarde bus from 10.45am Call 4069 5412 to arrange bus pick-up if required This is an Alcohol and Drug Free Event

This event is an initiative of the Closing the Gap Planning Committee – March 2012

As well as the diverse flotsam on the beaches, we’ve seen lots of starlings, torresian/nutmeg pigeons and buff-breasted paradise kingfishers stocking up and practising their flying before returning to Papua New Guinea in a few weeks.

A few golden pendas are in flower, and it’s a treat to see the rainbow lorikeets indulging themselves, if you get the chance.

Happy travelling Mike and Trish D’Arcy D’Arcy of Daintree 4WD Tours www.darcyofdaintree.com.au Ph: +61 7 4098 9180

Rainbow lorikeet loving the golden penda.

What does this tourist season hold for Cooktown?

HURRAY - it’s raining at last.

Not just View namby-pamby from showers, but the Hill p r o p e r r a i n hammering on the roof and blotting out the satellite television channels. Those southerners in New South Wales and Victoria may have taken most of our rain so far, but we’re happy to be getting their leavings.

The grass is growing, everything is green and Cooktown is looking beautiful. Just in time for the tourist season.

10 – Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012

I wonder what the season will be like this year. We definitely suffered last year, perhaps because of the bad press from cyclone Yasi and the Brisbane floods. Touch wood, we will be in better shape this year.

Foreign visitors were scarce too, mostly because our miners have made the Aussie dollar very expensive. Still, we’re all hoping for a good year.

Thing is, the tourists are not very good at appreciating the wonders of Cooktown. They don’t seem to get past our business owners shrieking at the tops of their voices that the only thing

to do in Cooktown is drink my coffee, buy my postcards or eat in my restaurant.

Once the tourists have done that, they may as well leave for all the good they are doing.

Fortunately, the Shire is ready to step in and organise things.

Who better? They are famous for successful organisation.

The plan is to stop the tourists at the Little Annan and gather them into manageable convoys.

Each convoy will be escorted to the top of Grassy Hill and then to their allocated hotel or caravan park. In the evening, they will be taken to a bar, then

on to their reserved tables at one of Cooktown’s many first class restaurants.

Next morning, a visit to the James Cook Museum followed by a shopping opportunity in Charlotte Street before they are escorted back to the little Annan. Our tourism officers are confident this system will result in a much more efficient distribution of the tourist dollar and result in only a minor charge on our rates.

Our visitors will go home happy that they saw all Cooktown has to offer and will surely tell their friends to visit too.

COMMUNITY

Cannon ball tree fires salvos of bad smells and many cures

A cannonball tree flower. Photos: FAITH NULLEY. WELCOME plant lovers.

This place is for all those out there who share a passion for plants, gardening or Passion just being in our beautiful for Plants bushland.

My passion is for natives, however, this week I would like to talk about a very unusual tree, the cannonball tree (Couroupita guinensis) which is flowering profusely now. This tall exotic tree of the tropical rainforest is rare in cultivation. The strange, pink/red-violet flowers are shaped like a clam shell and these are followed by large six to eight inch round woody “cannonball” fruits, which smell bad when ripe.

The cannonball tree apparently possesses antibiotic, antifungal, antiseptic and analgesic qualities. The trees are used to cure colds and stomach aches. Juice made from the leaves is used to cure skin diseases, and shamans of South America have even used tree parts for treating malaria. The inside of the fruit

can disinfect wounds and young leaves ease toothache.

There is a tree at the Lions Den Hotel, Helenvale and one in a front yard on Racecourse Road. Both were purchased 25 years ago from the old nursery as avocados.

I can understand why, as young plants do look rather like avocados. There is also one in your Botanic Gardens, however, it will be quite a few years before it produces those amazing cannonballs containing up to 200 or 300 seeds apiece.

This is an evergreen tree allied to the Brazil nut, and is native to tropical northern South America and to the southern Caribbean. In India it has been growing for the past two or three thousand years at least, so it is possible that it is native to India also.

Cannonball tree flowers do not have nectar, so these flowers are mainly visited by bees in search of pollen outside the native range of habitat. Carpenter bees and bats pollinate the highly perfumed flowers. The flowers are

found on thick, tangled extrusions that grow on the trunk of the tree, just below the foliage branches. The extrusions however, can range from two to six feet in length. The flowers are attached to an upwardly bent, white fleshy disk, have six petals, which are large, pink/ orange-red, and strongly perfumed. As a bee enters to pollinate the flower, its back rubs against the ring with fertile pollen and this allows the bee to carry the fertile pollen to another flower.

The tree gets its common name from the large, spherical fruits it produces. The fruit falls from the tree and cracks open when it hits the ground when mature, often causing the sound of a small explosion.

The fruit emits an unpleasant aroma when exposed to the air. Individual seeds within the “ball” are coated with hair, which is thought to protect the seed when it is ingested and may also help in the passage of the seed through the intestines. The cannonball tree and its fruit are thought by some to be remnants of the last ice age, like the “hedge apple” or “osage orange” of north America. The fruit is thought to be an adaptation provided for the giant ground sloth, a long extinct species. Today, instead of seeds being dispersed by the large extinct mammal, the fruit simply rots around the base of its mother tree.

Like coconut palms, the trees should not be planted near paths or near traffic-filled areas, as the heavy nut is known to fall without notice.

The trees are grown extensively in Shiva temples in India. Hindus revere it as a sacred tree because the petals of the flower resemble the hood of the Naga, a sacred snake, protecting a Shiva Lingam, the stigma. In Buddhist countries the tree is often planted at Buddhist temples.

Remember this is your column too. Call me on either 0437 910 883 or 4060 3102 or email: sandylloyd@skymesh.com.au Sandy Lloyd

Cannon ball tree fruit, so named because of the shape of its fruit.

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New uniforms create a sea of blue and white AT the last meeting of the P&C, we were treated to a presentation by Ali Ward, the P&C’s Uniform Convener.

Ali informed us of a new supplier of the school uniforms who could not only supply us with a longer lasting product, but a cheaper product as well. All at the meeting were in favour of changing our current uniform supplier, the only change to the uniform will be that the girls’ dresses will be a slightly different, more stylish cut.

Thank you, Ali for all your hard work in arranging the change to suppliers and organising the supply of uniforms. Our school parades are now a sea of blue and white, with nearly all students wearing the correct uniform.

Well done to both students and parents for making Cooktown State School students proudly identifiable within our community.

The organiser of the Discovery Festival, Bronwyn Sieverding also addressed the meeting, informing us of the new arrangements for this year’s festival with local clubs erecting a side show alley. Bronwyn is interested in the P&C running a stall over the June long weekend.

It was discussed that the small amount of active volunteers the P&C has, are already overworked, and unless new members were willing to take up the challenge for the Discovery Festival, we will not be able to participate with a stall.

If anyone would like to put their hand up to run and man a P&C stall over that weekend, please get in contact with me at nikki@capecrusaders.net.au or come to the next meeting.

Finally the Annual General Meeting of the P&C is on Friday, March 23, in the Events Centre meeting room from 9.45am after parade. The positions of President, Vice- President and Secretary will all become vacant. If you have an interest in becoming a member or executive member please attend the meeting and express your interest.

Stay safe and stay in school.

Nikki Darvell - President Cooktown State School P&C

Marlin Coast Veterinary Surgery Will be visiting Cooktown WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 from 2pm and THURSDAY, APRIL 12 until 12 noon Clinic is at the CWA rooms FOR APPOINTMENTS PLEASE PHONE

Sylvia Geraghty 4069 5337 or Clinic 4057 6033 Appointments are essential

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

CAIRNS OFFICE

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

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

Tuxworth & Woods Carriers

Established more than 30 years Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012 – 11

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Queensland state election – March 24, 2012

Meet the candidates for Cook

George Riley The Greens

GEORGE was born in Cairns in 1964. His mother’s dreaming is Djabugay from Kuranda, and his father’s dreaming is Kuku Mulurudji from Mount Carbine country. He has five children.

He has been involved in community development projects, for example at Mona Mona, as well as networking numerous groups with the aim of

Jason O’Brien ALP - Queensland

AS the member for one of the largest electorates in Queensland, Jason O’Brien knows what it takes to be an effective, hard-working representative.

Before being elected to Parliament in 2004, he was a Cairns City Councillor and previously a research officer to the former member, Steve Bredhauer.

At various times Jason has worked as an electrician, taxi driver, administrator and bar manager.

Jim Evans One Nation

MY name is Jim Evans, I am married to my wonderful wife Tonia and have 2 children who have both nearly completed their education and my older four children are now adults and upstanding citizens in their communities.

Lachlan Bensted Katter’s Australian Party

After growing up on a Dairy Farm in Victoria, I took a job with Shell and became Depot manager. I also worked for Nestle Foods and was Office manager and Production Programmer for them before becoming a partner in a very large Piggery operation, which was a very successful venture.

After selling that business I moved to Far North

AS a very proud local resident in the Cook electorate, I am fortunate to be the Katter’s Australian Party candidate for Cook and to be part of a party that has enshrined in it’s core values and principles the right for members to put their electorate first.

This is unique and separates us from all other parties and is a basic right that has been lost in today’s current political environment.

Our policies are really the words that you, Bob Katter and I have spoken for many years. Issues like not selling our state assets, firearm laws and

bridging the Bama and mainstream communities.

He has been involved in Permaculture-Cairns, TransitionTowns-Cairns, and Recharge Kuranda projects, activities and workshops, and working for the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC).

George has studied Visual Arts at Deakin University, Geelong, Cultural and Natural

He was educated at Saint Augustines College in Cairns and James Cook University where he was awarded the prestigious Convocation Medal in 1993.

Jason understands that people want the Government to focus on providing infrastructure and services, especially in the areas of health, education, transport and housing.

He strongly believes that Queenslanders have a unique lifestyle in a superb environment and is

committed to the preservation and enhancement of our natural areas.

Jason wants to see a Queensland; where the environment is protected and valued, that is reconciled with its indigenous peoples, where economic growth is sustainable and assists local people, and where access to justice is readily available.

Jason is involved in a number of community organisations, with a particular focus on youth services, and referees A-Grade Rugby League.

Queensland where I firstly managed a motel, before taking up a position with the National Parks in Chillagoe as a National Park Ranger and Guide in tourism at the Chillagoe Caves. I then took various jobs including marble Quarrying, Chillagoe Limeworks, and I took on the administration for the major contractor at a large open cut Gold mine just out of Chillagoe. I gained tickets to drive Cranes, Loaders etc. which I still hold today.

Tonia and I then went into private enterprise, initially with the Chillagoe Museum and then we took over the Chillagoe Post Office. This we combined with the Tourist information Centre at

the Chillagoe Hub about ten years ago. I have lived and worked in the Electorate of Cook for more than 30 years.

Some of the major issues in the Cook Electorate are:Health all hospitals must remain open with no diminishment of services or staff; additional specialist services should be returned or acquired.

Education: It is one of the most important investments we make in our children. sending children to High school at the end of Grade six will be a great impost on many parents in the Cook Electorate.

protecting our small business owners and farmers are just some of the common sense policies that we will be immediately implementing. We will restore the right for first Australians to own their own home, business and land (free hold title deeds). No longer will we be dictated to from the South East.

I do not have to toe the party line at the expenses of the people of Cook. De-amalgamation, future funding for our hospitals, opposing world heritage and Wild Rivers and red tape every corner we turn are just some of the issues that I and Katter’s Australian Party will be championing in Parliament.

In the Cape we have a huge opportunity to see economic development in industries that have been locked away by successive governments. Timber, Silica sand, Fishing, Mining are on our door step but only if we have a member of Parliament who is able to allow these industries to succeed.

I can always put Cook first. My ability to put my electorate first means that many of the major issues in Cook can be fixed or will never happen.

No longer will we be known as the forgotten North if I have your blessing to be your member in Parliament.

JIM EVANS

CANDIDATE FOR COOK

ONE NATION POLICIES 1. De-amalgamate shires 2. Abolish Wild Rivers Legislation 3. Not allow World Heritage listing for the Cape 4. Against Year 7 kids attending boarding school

Authorised by Ian Nelson, 1a Johns Lane, Beenleigh, Qld, 4207.

12 – Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012

David Kempton LNP

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VOTE 1

Resource Management also at Deakin University, Social Welfare at Preston TAFE College, Melbourne (where he lived for 7 years), Biblical Studies at Mamarapha Bible College, Perth, and has a Certificate in Youth Mentoring (Ingham).

George is also an artist and has sold numerous paintings in Kuranda and Cairns.

I HAVE a lifetime of experience to bring to Cook as a lawyer, small business operator and grazier. I raised my 2 girls in Cooktown.

If elected the LNP will attack Qld $85 billion debt and the loss of our AAA credit rating debt by cutting waste and growing agriculture tourism construction and mining. (even after $17b asset sales and in a resources boom we are paying over $600,000 per hr in interest).

I will support foreshore improvement plans for Cooktown I have said no to Wild Rivers and blanket World Heritage Listing on the Cape. The LNP will manage the environment with land owners looking after their own country and being rewarded with stewardship, secure tenure and rangers positions.

The LNP will restore the decision making process to the people of the towns communities and islands and will make bureaucrats accountable. DERM will be broken down into manageable departments.

As Australians all indigenous people will have an option for freehold home ownership not government leases.

I will be fighting to remove Alcohol Management Plans and will work with towns and communities to find better solutions.

The LNP will increase police on the beat to make our towns safe.

I support the south of Embley

expansion of Rio Tinto without excessive red and green tape while ensuring protection of the environment. I will work with Rio and Government to resolve the land and housing shortage in Weipa and the impact of Sherger on the town.

The LNP will provide better health services and will reinstate local health boards. An LNP will double the allowances under the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme.

I will be relentless in my pursuit of our share of available funding from both Federal and State resources to improved infrastructure in Cook. I have already received supporting visits from State and Federal Shadow ministers during the campaign and I have impressed on them the neglect that Cook has suffered under 20 years of Labor.

If elected I guarantee I will represent Cook in Brisbane. I have the experience and will to stand up and fight for a fair go for us all here in Cook.

Queensland state election – March 24, 2012

Feeding time at the Cape York Zoo

LNP clarifies hunting position Dugong hunting rights is becoming a hot topic in the current state election. Photo by Andreas Marz.

THE LNP candidate for Cook David Kempton says Campbell Newman will not take away traditional hunting rights from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

He said the LNP policy on cruelty and exploitation of dugongs and turtle is a measured response and offers the best long term solution.

“The images recently seen on ABC are horrendous and these activities could not be condoned on any grounds,” Mr Kempton said.

While strong laws are necessary, it is also important to work closely with communities, traditional hunters and leaders to stamp out illegal trade and gross cruelty.

“Prohibition laws alone may only serve to increase the illegal trade on the black market,” he said.

“The LNP is not about to prevent traditional hunting and fishing, or punish those traditional hunters who are doing the right thing.

“However, the loophole that allows cruelty and the illegal sale of dugong and turtle meat needs to be closed.

“A small number of people are spoiling the rights of the majority of people.”

Mr Kempton said the federal government also needed to address illegal poaching in Australian waters as a matter of urgency.

He questioned whether all movement of meat was for illegal sale.

“The island communities in particular are under severe financial strain due to the high cost of living, food, fuel, transport and housing, lack of employment and business opportunity,” he said.

“In many cases the meat is being distributed to feed families, while it is often also transported to Cairns for traditional ceremony as there are a large number of Indigenous people who have moved to the city for health, education or employment reasons.”

He said a workable long term solution that is consistent across the region needs to be worked out as a matter of priority and backed up with the appropriate laws, resources and personnel to ensure that not only exploitation and cruelty is stamped

out, but the dugong and turtle fisheries are sustained for future generations.

Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch supported Mr Kempton’s view and said the LNP policy in protecting dugong and turtle populations focuses on stopping the needless cruelty towards the animals, not preventing hunting for cultural reasons.

Mr Entsch said his statement has come as a result of self-proclaimed activists, including failed federal election candidate Yodie Batzke trying to misinform people in the Torres Strait and on Cape York about their policy.

“I have serious concerns about Yodi Batzke and a small number of other individuals in the Torres Strait who, in pushing their own agendas, are grossly misrepresenting the LNP’s policy on the controversial turtle and dugong issue with suggestions that an LNP government would extinguish Native Title rights with regards to the traditional hunting of turtles and dugongs,” Mr Entsch said.

If not Campbell then who?

By MARK BOUSEN

LNP candidate for the seat of Cook David Kempton says he has no knowledge of any contingency plan about who would be the Queensland Premier should Leader Campbell Newman get defeated in the seat of Ashgrove and the LNP win this month’s State election.

“I don’t know of any contingency plan; I haven’t spoken to anyone about it.

“My sole focus is for the Bligh Government to be defeated and me being elected in the seat of Cook and putting an end to Jason O’Brien as the Member.

“I will represent Cook like it’s never been represented before.”

Mr Kempton was responding to questions from the Cooktown Local News about who would be the likely Premier should there be a change of Government and Campbell Newman is defeated.

Polling last week in Ashgrove found Mr Newman trailing his ALP opponent and sitting Member Kate Jones by 50.7 per cent to 49.3 per cent on a two-party preferred basis.

This is the first time Mr Newman has been behind Ms Jones in the polls.

Mr Newman told a media conference last week that, if he lost Ashgrove, the LNP would not win government.

State-wide polling has the LNP comfortably placed to win the election.

Mr Kempton said Mr Newman would win Ashgrove and would become the new State Premier.

“This is a hypothetical, what-if situation. That will cause only more confusion.

“What if Anna Bligh got hit by a bus tomorrow?

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What would happen?

“I don’t know of any contingency plan; I just want to get rid of the Bligh Government and Jason O’Brien who has done nothing worthwhile in Cook.”

Speaking at an International Women’s Day breakfast on Thursday Island on March 8, Mr O’Brien said the LNP needed to answer the question.

“Campbell Newman looks like he is not going to win his seat of Ashgrove,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The question that needs to be asked is: ‘who will be leader if the LNP wins government?

“Will it be Jeff Seeney? Or will they try to parachute Newman into another seat?

“On our side of politics we are united behind one strong leader in Anna Bligh and we are relishing the task of focusing on the issues that matter to people: education, health and jobs.”

Mr Kempton rejected my assertions that the voters were entitled to know who would be the alternate Premier should Mr Newman not be elected in an LNP victory.

Mr Kempton said he had campaigned extensively in the Torres Strait.

“This is the first time I’ve been asked this question.

If I had an answer, I’d give it to you.

“But I don’t know what will happen.

“I’m not aware of any Plan B, and I’m not conversant with any contingency plan.

“My biggest interest is winning the seat.

“I’m not going to speculate about what might or might not happen.

“The election is a democratic process, and the Party has a democratic process which would elect a new leader should one be needed.

“But it won’t be needed, Campbell Newman will be the next Premier, and Cook will have a new Member to serve them and their needs,” Mr Kempton said.

DID you know - Cape York but think of all the advanis as big as Great Britain. tages we get. We’re rich!

Yes, yes, heard it all before, We don’t have to live on View top of each like Europeans so what? from do. We have unlimited Well, personally, I don’t trust stuff like that. Has the Hill resources. We can grow anyone actually done the State Election far more food than we measurements? Mmh - now special report could possibly eat. If we we have the internet, it can chew our way through should be possible... Yes, a cow or two for breakfast, anyone can do the comparison now. we have a warm tropical sea lapping Just call up a map of Cape York and our coast that can give us a bath tub overlay a map of Great Britain (ask of fresh fish for supper. your grandchild to help, if you can’t We’re not only rich, we’re free manage it yourself). Want to know as well. Except... except... there’s what you get? always an ‘except’, isn’t there?

It’s really very interesting. At the I’m afraid our only problem is that top, where they have John o’Groats, we’re too stupid to run our own we have The Tip, or as it is now lives. We have to rely on people officially known, The Recycling down south to tell us what to do, and Waste Transfer Station. and that makes for problems. They Great Britain is governed and might be smart people but they controlled by London, a large don’t have the first idea of what it city in its remote, south-eastern is like to live up here. corner. Rather like Queensland So instead of fresh steak, we and Brisbane, in fact. Cape York is dine on factory-made pies from different. If you look for London Down South. We are not permitted on our composite map, you’ll find to buy fresh fish at the wharf. Fresh it hiding under Mount Garnet. vegetables from the rich soils of the What about our other towns? Cape are a pipe-dream. We have Well, Norwich and Cairns are in to eat tasteless supermarket food about the same place. Mount Mol- instead. loy is in the wastes of East Anglia.

Instead of working for a living Musgrave twins with Carlisle, and keeping our money up here, we and Weipa, on the west coast of rely on Government handouts for Scotland, is the perfect place to all sorts of things. Unfortunately, catch a ferry for the Hebrides. who pays the piper call the tune, And Cooktown? You’re not and the tune we are dancing to is the going to believe this, but Cooktown Government’s, not ours. They want sits right next to Whitby - Cap- to run the place as the Cape York tain Cook’s home port. Isn’t that Zoo. We could fight it, or we could spooky? take the money and relax.

OK, I believe you. Cape York Personally, I think I’ll open is as big as Great Britain. A slight another beer and put my feet up. difference in population, of course Soon someone will tell me what (18,000 souls versus 59 million), to do next.

Polling booth locations announced POLLING booths for the Cook electorate in the upcoming state elections are situated at: ● Cooktown - Cooktown State School, corner of May and Charles

Streets, Cooktown ● Hope Vale - Hope Vale State School, corner of Thiele and Poland Streets, Hope Vale. ● Wujal Wujal - CDEP offices, 1 Hartwig Street,

Wujal Wujal. ● Laura - Town Hall, 4 Terminus Street, Laura.

Booths will open at 8am and close at 6pm on Saturday, March 24 2012.

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Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012 – 13

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Queensland state election – March 24, 2012

Three local questions answered by only three candidates

By GARY HUTCHISON AS the 2012 state election draws closer, and the respective parties churn out their state policies, the Cooktown Local News canvassed its readership to gauge three questions of local importance that the candidates for Cook should be asked.

A new Cooktown hospital, harbour dredging and protecting the community from repeat offenders were the three most impressing issues for those readers contacted.

Emails were sent to the candidates, the Labor Party incumbent Jason O’Brien, the LNP’s David Kempton, Katter’s Australia Party candidate Lachlan Bensted, One Nation’s Jim Evans and Greens’ candidate George Riley requesting their responses to the questions.

In Cooktown on Monday, Mr O’Brien answered the questions personally, as did Mr Kempton on his visit on Tuesday, while Mr Bensted replied in an email.

Mr O’Brien said that in relation to a hospital, the construction of a new hospital in Cooktown would be his highest priority if re-elected.

“The study we announced last year into

what is required as a hospital study facility for Cooktown will go ahead,” he said.

“And if re-elected, my number-one focus for Cooktown will be getting that hospital built.”

Mr Kempton said the LNP’s policy was to completely overhaul the health system in Queensland.

“Administration outweighs service delivery by three-to-one,” he said.

“We will re-establish hospital boards and systematically upgrade hospitals throughout the state, but this will take time, because if elected, the LNP will inherit an $85 billion Labor debt.”

Mr Bensted said if elected, he would welcome an up-grade of considerable size to the existing facility, or even a new hospital in Cooktown.

“I would like this new service/s to be widely consulted within the community and others like Wujal Wujal and Hopevale to make sure the services that will be provided will be used,” he said.

“For example, Weipa has a new $40M with a maternity ward that is unable to deliver babies.”

He said the Cooktown Hospital would be

supervised by a local hospital board.

On the subject of dredging, Mr O’Brien re-enforced that funding promised to the Cook Shire last year by the Labor government for harbour dredging would be delivered.

Mr Kempton said he would support the Cook Shire’s project with the money already promised, but would also be seeking a fairer share of infrastructure funding for the region.

Mr Bensted said dredging and other infrastructure projects are on his “tick list” when it comes to the electorate of Cook.

“If I am to become your elected Member, I would be championing this funding immediately, so we are able to perhaps make Cooktown a more accessible tourism town with larger vessels, at the same time also providing more jobs and operations.”

In regards to repeat offenders, Mr O’Brien said it was his personal opinion that they should be “slotted” (imprisoned).

“But I won’t dictate to magistrates, my job is to ensure the laws are strong enough,” he said.

“In my time as the Member for Cook, we’ve seen new police stations in Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal, as well as doubling the size of Lotus

Glen prison.”

Mr Kempton said an LNP government would review the Penalties & Sentencing Act to ensure the penalties for repeat offenders meets community expectations.

“We’re committed to cleaning up the streets in Queensland, and will provide for a further 1100 front-line officers,” he said.

Mr Bensted said the current judicial system is in need of a complete overhaul Queenslandwide.

“Judges and police officers need more capacity, less red tape and the ability to implement the laws to the real extent,” he said.

“I believe that if you have broken the law, you have forfeited any rights of having a lenient sentence like we have been seeing across Queensland’s courts.

“If you are a repeat offender, then you obviously have not learnt from your previous sentence, and I would like to see some mandatory sentences of repeat offenders in crimes of significance.”

At the time of publication, neither Mr Evans nor Mr Riley had replied to the Cooktown Local News’ email.

ROCCY has its say on Alcohol Management Plans THE statement made by Premier Bligh on Thursday, March 8 accusing Liberal National Party leader Campbell Newman of trying to “buy Aboriginal votes with grog’’, is most certainly a blot on the good work of the elected leaders of Indigenous townships in Queensland to support prohibition on alcohol, once it was imposed. Deputy Premier Andrew Fraser backed Ms Bligh, saying Mr Newman was “sly-groging for votes’’.

These comments were made the day after Mr Newman said he would review “paternalistic’’ alcohol management plans in Aboriginal communities if elected.

The elected leaders, via the ROCCY, under the then leadership of Mayor Greg McLean, attempted to work with the Department of Liquor and Gaming in 2008/9/10 to look at a strategy, township by township, (blanket policy is not a best fit) to develop a ‘Shared Responsibility Agreement’ and exit strategy for AMP’s and were never engaged in any discussion.

We identified post AMP intervention and that evidence showed the use of marijuana had increased.

We were able to work with the Queensland Police to adopt a ‘Shared Responsibility Agreement”, which has proved to be effective in allowing a partnership with the James Cook University research phases to be undertaken and awareness programs to be implemented.

Other concerns were evident when an independent valuer valued the Tavern in Kowanyama at around $1.2M and we also noted that $400K was written off with destroyed stock on hand. Aurukun Tavern goodwill would be similar to Kowanyama, however, their stock loss we believe was in the order of $50K to $60K. Councils did take this to the High Court based on the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.

However, the High Court refused to hear the appeal and we understand that the documents may have been sent to the United Nations to deal with at a government level should the UN find that the Australian Courts were inconsistent at variance with established international practice.

This has resulted in significant social, employment and financial losses. The government’s own figures indicated in the “Highlights Report for Discrete Indigenous Communities” shows mixed and limited results after 10 years.

The report shows major increases over time of breeches to sections 168b and c of the Liquor Act 1992 which relate to charges for breaking, access of alcohol carriage limits in Indigenous communities.

One community, and this is reflected in others, lost over $1.6M and it is to be noted that these communities are non-rateable.

The state government has also sat on the Morton

Alcohol Management Plan signage near Napranum on Cape York.

Report which was prepared in 2006, that proved that Indigenous Councils were under-funded by more than 45 per cent to do core business.

The fact that one township had six bottles of rum confiscated at an airport recently, and 42 bottles confiscated earlier in 2012, suggests that intervention of this type is not working.

While the ROCCY remains apolitical/unbiased, Campbell Newman requested to come to our table and the issue of AMPs was raised, among other issues we have that are of concern. Other party representatives have not made any request to come to the table of the peak body of elected leaders since the last state election.

ROCCY looked to government for funding some years ago to undertake community consultation to prepare and implement a “Safe Consumption of Alcohol” program and develop and implement ‘Shared Responsibility Agreements’ tailored to meet the needs of each area and were not successful.

The proof that there are workable programs is evident at Pormpuraaw where the canteen is run very professionally, is a pleasure to visit and the rules and regulations are respected by the majority.

There are other Indigenous townships outside the Cape that also exist without massive trauma where clubs and hotels are operational. It must be noted that the 10 most disadvantaged communities in Queensland are Indigenous (SEIFA and ABS), and that Kowanyama

14 – Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012

is noted as the third most disadvantaged and number seven in the top 10 of nationally disadvantaged.

The elected leaders know that the time has come to take a stand on the 10 years of failure of the current processes, and that the responsibility to change the present situation lies entirely with the people and not with government departments, but with the support of governments.

Change must be owned and implemented by the people and not done to them or for them, but with them leading the way. The current programs and projects implemented by the Hope Vale Shire Council are evidence that the town is moving forward with freehold land sales, while business and industry is thriving.

The pressure the current AMP strategy places on the operational capacity of police and health is astounding, and the Councils believe that there has merely been a shift in the recording processes which produces statistics that are not revealing the true position of the issue. Many people have left the communities and moved to areas such as Cooktown, Mareeba, Mossman and Cairns which we believe has placed undue pressure on their services and housing and the need for large amounts of funding to be provided for the increase in homelessness.

Mayor Neville Pootchemunka Aurukun Shire Council and Chairman of the ROCCY

Early voting in full swing for state election 2012 WITH state election day on Saturday, March 24, fast approaching, more than 15,000 electors have already taken the opportunity to vote at pre-poll centres located throughout Queensland.

A list of centres is available on the Electoral Commission of Queensland’s website: www.ecq.qld.gov.au, or by calling the Commission’s Voters’ Helpline on 1300 881 665. Pre-poll centres are open Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

According to Electoral Commissioner, David Kerslake, this is the first Queensland state election where electors have been able to vote early without needing a special reason.

“In the past, electors had to fill out a written declaration stating why they were unable to attend a polling booth on election day,” he said.

“The legislation now recognises that, with changes to modern lifestyles, there are many reasons why electors may choose to vote early.

“The process at pre-poll centres is quick and easy, with electors now able to cast an ordinary vote just as they would on election eay.”

Electors also have the option of applying for a postal vote. Postal Vote applications may be obtained through the Electoral Commission’s website: www.ecq. qld.gov.au, at any Australia Post Office or by contacting the Voters’ Helpline on 1300 881 665.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2012

PHOTOS: GARY HUTCHISON

Sue Juffs and Trish Allen chat over coffee.

True Oldaker joines Xanthe and Amber Welsh at their table to paint.

Helena Loncaric and Germany’s Lisa Kroll had as much fun painting as the children did.

Faye Pini, Heather Willcox and Betty Clarke found plenty to laugh and talk about.

Kaz Price and Jacqui Sykes found their seats in front of the art on display.

Sally Gribble, Annette Davey and Nikki Darvell were in just the right spot to hear the addresses by those ladies who gave them.

Bronwyn Sieverding and Janet Barns found a quiet corner to enjoy a chat.

Prue Mulcahy and Jo Wynter with afternoon tea after the speaches.

Ben Quin watched German visitor Andrea Dannehl’s painting style.

Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012 – 15

FRIDAY 16 SATURDAY 17

4:00 Rage (MA) 5:00 Rage (PG) 6:00 Rage (G) 10:00 Rage: Guest Programmer: Ladyhawke 11:00 Spicks And Specks 11:30 7.30 (QLD) 12:00 Foreign Correspondent 12:30 Australian Story 1:00 Talking Heads: Tony Glaze 3:00 Movie: “To Sir, With Love” (PG) 3:10 Movie: “Don’t Knock The Rock” 4:35 QI 5:05 Whale Shark 5:55 At The Movies: Short Cuts 6:10 Minder: Till Debt Do Us Part 7:00 ABC News 7:30 New Tricks: Gloves Off 8:30 Spooks: Section D face the very real threat of a dirty bomb in London. Dimitri has to honeytrap a woman who may hold the key to stopping the attack.

9:35 Strike Back: A compelling story of betrayal, glory, redemption and revenge played out through the interlinking lives of two former soldiers: military hero Hugh Collinson and discharged veteran John Porter.

10:20 The Honathon Ross Show 11:05 Ashes To Ashes: Tension mounts as Gene Hunt and his team are investigating a diamond heist, and Alex decides to pursue her own investigation to the bitter end - did Gene really murder Sam Tyler?

12:00 Rage: Guest Programmer: Ladyhawke

6:00 Children’s Programs 7:00 Weekend Today - Saturday 9:00 Danoz Direct 10:00 Getaway 10:30 Alive And Cooking 11:00 Children’s Programs 2:30 Kicthen Whiz 3:00 Fresh Prince Of Bel Air 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are? 4:30 Garden Gurus 5:00 South Aussie With Cosi 5:30 4WD TV 6:00 National News Saturday 6:30 Australia’s Funniest Home Videos 7:40 Movie: “Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire” 9:40 Movie: “TBA” 11:00 Movie: “The Final Cut” (M a,v) - In a time when a video recording device is implanted into your mind at birth, cutters are then hired to edit the highlights of your memories to show at your funeral. But what happens when the cutter sees something he is not meant to see.

1:55 Movie: “A Divided Heart” (M s,a) - War time Australia was never the same once the Americans came to town. For sisters Alice and Millie there were good times to be had during the war but a mutual attraction to an American officer stationed in Sydney threatens to destroy their sisterly love.

3:35 Skippy - The Bush Kangaroo 4:05 Danoz Direct 5:30 Wesley Impact Summer Series

6:00 Children’s Programs 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 9:00 Children’s Programs 1:00 Movie: “Because Of Winn-Dixie” (PG a) 3:00 Movie: “Eloise At The Plaza” (G) 5:00 Creek To Coast 5:30 Queensland Weekender 6:00 Seven News 6:30 2012 NAB Cup 9:30 Movie: “Green Zone” (M a,v,l) 12:00 Movie: “The Great Outdoors” (PG) - Two brothers-in-law with an intense dislike for one another, set off on a comic misadventure when their families are forced to share a summer vacation home.

1:50 Special: Louis Theroux - Crystal Meth (MA a,d) - Join Louis Theroux as he seeks out the stories and the people behind the drug, crystal-meth.

2:10 Special: Across The Sea Of Galilee - Tour Israel as the historic peace agreement with the Palestinians is negotiated, and see the traditional fishermen on the Sea of Galilee.

3:10 Auction Squad 4:00 Home Shopping 5:00 Dr Oz: “Could You Be Depressed? 5 Warning Signs For Women” - Dr Oz reveals the five warning signs of depression. Plus, the five ingredients revealed for a Brain Boosting smoothie.

5:00 Weatherwatch & Music 5:05 World News 1:00 Leonard Cohen: Live At The Isle Of Wight 2:15 Hidden History 2:45 Art In The 21st Century: Transformation 3:55 The Beauty Of Maps: Atlas Maps: Thinking Big 4:30 PBS Newshour 5:35 Hot Cities: Surviving Climate Change 6:30 World News Australia 7:35 Monster Moves: Mountain Mission 8:30 RocKwiz: Johnny Galvatron & Wendy Matthews 9:15 Mad Men: “Wee Small Hours / The Colour Blue” 11:05 Movie: “SPL” (MAV v) - In Cantonese. Inspector Chan, a veteran cop close to retirement, decides to use every means available to bring down the crime boss Wong Po, even if means framing him for murder. Acclaimed for its martial arts talent and all-star cast, including Donnie Yen and Sammo Hung, the film won the Best Action Choreography Award at the 2006 Hong Kong Film Awards.

12:45 Movie: “Jar City” (MAV v,a,l) In Icelandic. detective attempts to solve a brutal murder case whilst a biologist goes to extreme measures to cure his daughter’s rare and fatal disease.

Their two stories become intertwined with an unexpected twist that follows deep into the maze of the genetic bloodline of a whole nation.

2:30 Weatherwatch Overnight

SUNDAY 18

4:00 Rage 6:30 Children’s Programs 9:00 Insiders 10:00 Inside Business 10:30 Offsiders 11:00 Asia Pacific Focus 11:30 Songs Of Praise: Edinburgh 12:00 Landline 1:00 Gardening Australia Shorts 1:05 Last Of The Independents 2:00 The Ascent Of Money: Safe As Houses 3:00 Last Night Of The Proms Part Two 4:30 First Tuesday Book Club With Jennifer Byrne 5:00 How The Earth Made Us: Wind 6:00 Best Of Collectors 6:30 Compass: Donor Unknown: Part Two 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Great Expectations: Pip wants nothing to do with Magwitch and confronts Miss Havisham. He discovers Estella may be lost to him. The penalty for Magwitch’s return from Australia is hanging. Now Pip must help him escape.

8:35 Waking The Dead: Harbinger: Part Two 9:30 Fry’s Planet Word: Identity 10:30 Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries: Death At Victoria Dock 11:25 Movie: “Stage Beauty” (M l,s) - In the 1660s, with women forbidden to appear on stage, Edward ‘Ned’ Kynaston uses his beauty and skill to make the great female roles his own.

1:15 Order In The House 2:15 Waking The Dead: Harbinger: Part Two 3:10 Rage

6:00 Children’s Programs 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Wild World Of Sports 11:00 The Sunday Footy Show 1:00 Surfsport 1:30 The Bill Engvall Show 2:00 Hotel Paradiso 4:00 Sunday Football: Penrith Panthers Vs South Sydney Rabbitohs 6:00 National News Sunday 6:30 The Great Barrier Reef: From Reef To Rainforest - From turtles that migrate thousands of miles across the pacific ocean , to whales travelling here each year from the Antarctic, creatures cover vast distances to visit the reef.

7:30 60 Minutes 8:30 The Mentalist 9:30 CSI: Miami 10:30 Australian Families Of Crime 11:30 The Apprentice: “Window Of Opportunity” (PG l) - The celeb contingent must create a living window display for a mattress company. George Ross and Donald Trump Jr. observe the project, while fashion designer Vera Wang makes an appearance.

1:30 Spyforce 2:30 Danoz Direct 3:30 Newstyle Direct 4:00 Goodmorning America - Sunday 5:00 National Early Morning News / 5:30 Today

6:00 Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil 6:30 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 World’s Strictest Parents 11:00 The One - Australia’s Most Gifted Psychic 1:15 Minute To Win It 2:15 That ‘70s Show 2:45 Movie: “Bring It On: Fight To The Finish” 4:45 Special: Faulty Towers: Bazil The Rat 5:30 Great South East 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Sunday Night 7:30 My Kitchen Rules 8:30 Castle: “Kill Shot / Setup” (M) 10:30 Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior: “Smother” The Red Cell team must track down a suspect who is kidnapping young mothers. Meanwhile, Beth discovers why this particular case hits close to home for Mick.

11:30 Forensic Investigators - Australia’s True Crimes 12:30 The Real Seachange 1:00 Auction Squad 2:00 Home Shopping 3:00 NBC Today 4:00 NBC Meet The Press 5:00 Sunrise Extra 5:30 Seven Early News

5:00 World News 8:30 PopAsia 10:30 UEFA Europa League Highlights 11:00 Les Murray’s Football Feature 12:00 UEFA Champions League Magazine Program 12:30 Speedweek 2:00 Al Jazeera News 3:30 ADbc 4:00 Kick 4:30 Living Black 5:00 Cycling Central 6:00 Thalassa: Big Games In Macao 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Lost Worlds: Becoming Human: Last Human Standing 8:30 Brave New World with Stephen Hawking: Health 9:30 Movie: “Welcome” (M a,l) - In French, English And Kurdish.

The life of swimming instructor Simon is turned upside down when he helps Bilal, a young Iraqi refugee stranded in Calais.

Non-swimmer Bilal is determined to reunite with his fiancée in England by swimming across the English Channel.

11:30 Celtic Thunder: Heritage - Recorded live in front of an enthralled audience, Celtic Thunder’s Heritage show accentuates the musical culture of Ireland. The program contains a selection of old Irish folk songs as well as new compositions created by musical director Phil Coulter, including: An Irish Blessing, A Place in the Choir and Whiskey in the Jar. 12:30 Spaceflies 12:45 Scottish League Cup Final: Celtic Vs Kilmarnock 2:10 Weatherwatch Overnight

MONDAY 19

SBS 5:00 Weatherwatch & Music 5:05 Korean News 5:45 UEFA Europa League 8:10 World News 3:00 Letters And Numbers 3:30 Al Jazeera News 4:00 The Journal 4:30 PBS Newshour 5:30 Global Village: Chile 6:00 Letters and Numbers 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Coast: Whitstable To Isle Of Wight 8:30 God In America: A New Light 9:30 As It Happened: The Real M*A*S*H 10:30 World News Australia 11:05 Movie: “Manhood” (MA s) - In French. Romain Duris stars as directionless bachelor Samuel, who vows to spend the next twenty-four hours re-evaluating his life so he can make the ultimate decision of whether he is capable of fulfilling his commitment to his new love, fashion photographer Tina.

12:35 Movie: “Kurt Wallander: The Village Idiot” (M v,a) - In Swedish. Goran, the village idiot, robs a bank then blows himself up. When investigations get under way, more sinister activities are revealed involving a doctor who works in the Ystad Hospital. Directed by Kjell-Ake Andersson and Jorn Faurschou, and stars Krister Henriksson and Johanna Sallstrom.

2:15 Weatherwatch Overnight

4:00 The New Inventors 4:30 Can we Help? 5:00 ABC News Breakfast 8:30 Business Today 9:00 ABC News Mornings 10:00 Children’s Programs 10:55 Catalyst: Macleay Museum 11:00 Landline 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 Great Expectations 1:30 The New Inventors 2:00 Parliament Question Time 3:00 Children’s Programs 6:00 Grand Designs Revisited: Georgian Indoors 6:50 Minuscule: The Chocolate Chase!

7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Australian Story 8:30 Four Corners 9:20 Media Watch 9:35 Q & A 10:35 Lateline 11:10 The Business 11:35 Spooks: M I5 attempt to negotiate with al Qaeda, while Harry is tipped off that Connie, his old colleague, is the Russian mole.

12:35 Parliament Question Time: The House Of Representatives 1:35 Hans Van Manen Festival 3:05 Rage

6:00 Today 9:00 Mornings 11:00 National Morning News 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 Danoz Direct 2:00 Days Of Our Lives 3:00 Entertainment Tonight 3:30 Hi-5 4:00 Kitchen Whiz 4:30 National Afternoon News 5:30 Hot Seat 6:00 National News 6:30 A Current Affair 7:00 The Big Bang Theory: “The Benefactor Factor” (PG s) 7:30 The Big Bang Theory: “The Cohabitation Formulation” (PG s) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory: “The Weekend Vortex” 8:30 Alcatraz: “Johnny McKee” (M) - Madsen and Hauser pursue Johnny McKee, a murderous former inmate with a background in chemistry.

9:30 Person Of Intrest: “Risk” (M) 10:30 CSI: NY 11:30 Super Rugby Extra Time 12:30 Damages: “You Were His Little Monkey” (M v,d,s,a) - Patty Hewes meets with Judge Reilly who, given the events in Antigua, decides she is making enough progress to keep her on the Tobin case.

1:30 Entertainment Tonight 2:00 Danoz Direct 3:00 Newstyle Direct 3:30 Good Morning America 5:00 National Early Morning News / 5:30 Today

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Fat Family Diet 1:00 Seven News Special 2:00 Dr Oz 3:00 Surf Patrol 3:30 Children’s Programs 4:30 Seven News At 4.30 5:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 5:30 Deal Or No Deal 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 Home And Away 7:30 My Kitchen Rules 8:30 Revenge 10:00 How I Met Your Mother 10:30 Happy Endings: “Baby Steps / Yesandwitch” (PG) - Alex’s cute line of slogan t-shirts for babies become inappropriately popular with teen girls who make her store their newest hangout. Penny’s mum is in town and her enthusiasm inspires the gang. But when Penny finds out she’s hiding some less- than-happy news she decides it’s time to give her mum a reality check.

11:30 Sports Fever 12:30 Picture This 1:00 Infomercials 3:00 Home Shopping 3:30 Stag 4:00 NBC Today 5:00 Sunrise Extra / 5:30 Seven Early News

5:00 Weatherwatch & Music 5:05 World News 1:00 Movie: “The Homecoming” (M l,n,v) 2:45 Spaceflies 3:00 Letters And Numbers 3:30 Al Jazeera News 4:00 The Journal 4:30 FIFA Futbol Mundial 5:00 The Crew 5:30 Living Black 6:00 Letters And Numbers 6:30 World News Australia 7:35 Mythbusters: Curving Bullets - First it’s a sonic boom soundoff as Adam and Jamie want to know if a sonic shock wave can shatter glass. Meanwhile, Kari, Grant and Tory take on a tall tale from tinsel town, investigating the movie Wanted in which Angelina Jolie bends bullets around obstacles with a side arm flick of the wrist.

8:30 James May’s Man Lab 9:30 Danger 5: Hitler’s Golden Murder Palace - An Allied agent has uncovered strange happenings at a Nazi-owned casino in Morocco where Hitler is rumoured to be located.

10:05 The Ricky Gervais Show 10:30 World News Australia 11:05 The World Game 12:05 SOS: Bale 1:05 Living Black 1:35 The Trial Of Ramush Haradinaj 2:40 Weatherwatch Overnight

TUESDAY 20

7 CENTRAL 6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “Miracle On The I-880” (M s) 2:00 Dr Oz 3:00 Surf Patrol 3:30 Children’s Programs 4:30 Seven News 5:30 Deal Or No Deal 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 Home And Away: John reveals his connection with Brax to Gina and moves out. Roo flirts with a tradie to get under Harvey’s skin. And questions are unanswered about whether the Walker family will move for Sid’s new job?

7:30 Better Homes And Gardens 9:00 Movie: “Slumdog Millionaire” (MA a,v) 11:30 Movie: “Kingdom Of Heaven” (M v) - Balian is a blacksmith who has lost his family and nearly lost his faith. The religious wars raging in the far-off Holy Land seem remote to him, yet he is pulled into that immense drama. Amid the pageantry and intrigues of medieval Jerusalem he falls in love, grows into a leader, and ultimately uses all his courage and skill to defend the city against staggering odds.

2:30 Room For Improvement 3:00 Infomercials 4:00 NBC Today

4:00 The New Inventors 4:30 Can we Help? 5:00 ABC News Breakfast 8:30 Business Today 9:00 ABC News Mornings 10:00 Behind The News 10:25 Australia’s Heritage: National Treasures 10:30 Australian Prime Ministers 10:35 My Place 11:00 Big Ideas 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 Q&A 1:30 Compass 2:00 Children’s Programs 6:00 Grand Designs Revisited: Islington 2 6:50 Policy Launch: Liberal National Party 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Foreign Correspondent 8:30 Lake Eyre 10:00 Artscape: Anatomy: Tissue 10:35 Lateline 11:10 The Business 11:40 Four Corners 12:25 Media Watch 12:40 Parliament Question Time: The Senate 1:40 Hungry Beast: Perfection 2:15 Gardening Australia: J Stephen Ryan drops in on a local gardener to chat about her passion for plants; Tino Carnevale is in the Vegie Patch; and Jane Edmanson visits a family who have designed their suburban garden to cater for everyone.

2:40 Catalyst 3:15 Rage

6:00 Today 9:00 Mornings 11:00 National Morning News 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 Danoz Direct 2:00 Days Of Our Lives 3:00 Entertainment Tonight 3:30 Hi-5 4:00 Kitchen Whiz 4:30 National Afternoon News 5:30 Hot Seat 6:00 National News 6:30 A Current Affair 7:00 The Big Bang Theory: “The Toast Derivation” (PG s) 7:30 The Big Bang Theory: “The Prestidigation Approximation” (PG) 8:00 2 Broke Girls: “And The Disappearing Bed” (PG s,l) 8:30 2 Broke Girls: “And The Pretty Problem” 9:00 Two And A Half Men: “The War Against Gingivitis” (M) 9:30 Top Gear 11:00 Kitchen Nightmares U.S.A.: “Hot Potato” (MA l) - Chef Ramsay visits the Hot Potato Cafe in Philadelphia and is surprised to see the owners’ evaporated passion, replaced by negative attitudes.

12:00 Men Of A Certain Age 1:00 Entertainment Tonight 1:30 Danoz Direct 3:00 Newstyle Direct 3:30 Goodmorning America 5:00 National Early Morning News 5:30 Today

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “The Locked Room Mystery” (M v) 2:00 Dr Oz 3:00 Surf Patrol 3:30 Children’s Programs 4:30 Seven News At 4.30 5:30 Deal Or No Deal 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 Home And Away - Sasha reveals who has been bullying her and Sid is offered his old job back.

7:30 My Kitchen Rules 8:30 Packed To The Rafters 9:30 Parenthood 10:30 Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior - “The Time Is Now” Cooper is called to testify when a case involving a woman on death row petitions for a mistrial based on the testimony given by FBI director Fickler. Meanwhile, Cooper puts Beth in charge of threat analysis.

11:30 Royal Pains 12:30 Sons And Daughters 1:00 Infomercials 3:00 Home Shopping 4:00 NBC Today 5:00 Sunrise Extra 5:30 Seven Early News

5:00 Weatherwatch & Music 5:05 World News 1:00 Movie: “The New Mankind” (M a) 3:00 Letters And Numbers 3:30 Al Jazeera News 4:00 The Journal 4:30 PBS Newshour 5:30 Global Village: Chinese School: Hard Beginnings 6:00 Letters And Numbers 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8:30 Insight 9:30 Dateline 10:30 World News Australia 11:05 Movie: “My Dear Enemy” - In Korean. Jobless, single and with very little money, Hee-su sets out to find her ex-boyfriend, Byung-woon, who still owes her $3,000 and she wants it back today. It turns out that Byung-woon is also broke but he suggests she drives him around town to meet some friends who can help. A deadpan comedy of love and social awkwardness.

1:20 Movie: “The Bothersome Man” (MA a) - In Norwegian. Fortyyear-old Andreas arrives in a strange city with no memory of how he got there. He is presented with a job, an apartment - even a wife. But before long, Andreas notices that something is very wrong. He makes an attempt to escape the city, but he discovers there’s no way out.

3:05 Weatherwatch Overnight

WEDNESDAY 21

IMPARJA 6:00 Today 9:00 Mornings 11:00 National Morning News 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 Danoz Direct 2:00 Days Of Our Lives 3:00 Entertainment Tonight 3:30 Hi-5 4:00 Kitchen Whiz 4:30 National Afternoon News 5:30 Hot Seat 6:00 National News 6:30 A Current Affair 7:00 The Big Bang Theory: “The Justice League Reombination” (PG s) 7:30 Friday Night Football: Newcastle Knights Vs Brisbane Broncos 9:30 Friday Night Football: St George Illawarra Dragons Vs Wests Tigers 11:30 Movie: “Hard To Kill” (AV v,l,s) - S Steven Seagal is in fine, butt-kicking form in this action-packed follow-up. This time, a corrupt California politico and his henchmen gun down Det. Mason Storm and leave him for dead. Nursed back to health by the lovely Andy Stewart, Storm sets out for revenge, and his enemies are about to learn a tough lesson.

1:30 Movie: “Edge Of The World” (AV v,d,l) 3:00 Skippy - The Bush Kangaroo 3:30 Danoz Direct 4:30 Good Morning America

4:00 The New Inventors 4:30 Can We Help? 5:00 ABC News Breakfast 8:30 Business Today 9:00 ABC News Mornings 10:00 Children’s Programs 11:00 Big Ideas 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 National Press Club Address 1:30 E2: Transport 2:00 Children’s Programs 6:00 River Cottage: Everyday: Bread 6:45 Policy Launch: Australian Labor Party 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Woodley: Vern’s Last Gig 8:30 Adam Hills In Gordon St Tonight 9:30 Agony Uncles 10:00 At The Movies 10:30 Lateline 11:05 The Business 11:35 Lawrence Leung’s Unbelievable: Ghosts - Lawrence’s investigation into the spirit world takes him on a thrill ride filled with spooky castles, Scottish ghost hunters, séances, spontaneous vomit and Patrick Swayze. But will he find a ghost?

12:00 Moving Wallpaper 12:25 Parliament Question Time: The Senate 1:25 Movie: “None Shall Escape” (M v) - On trial for being a war criminal, an ex-Nazi general has the story of his violence and inhumanity recounted.

2:50 Rage

6:00 Today 9:00 Mornings 11:00 National Morning News 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 Danoz Direct 2:00 Days Of Our Lives 3:00 Entertainment Tonight 3:30 Hi-5 4:00 Kitchen Whiz 4:30 National Afternoon News 5:30 Hot Seat 6:00 National News 6:30 A Current Affair 7:00 The Big Bang Theory: “The Zarnecki Incursion” (PG s) 7:30 The Big Bang Theory: “The Herb Garden Germination” (PG s) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory: “The Agreement Dissection” (PG s) 8:30 The Mentalist 9:30 Unforgettable 10:30 CSI: Miami: “Fallen” (M) - The season begins with poison gas being pumped into the CSI lab and one team member dying from the attack. The probe focuses on a bitter university professor who is suspected of killing some colleagues and wanted the case evidence to be destroyed.

11:30 Weeds: “Protection” (MA d,l,s) 12:00 Dark Blue: “Home Sweet Home” (M v) 1:00 Entertainment Tonight 1:30 Danoz Direct 3:00 Newstyle Direct 3:30 Good Morning America 5:00 National Early Morning News 5:30 Today

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “First Daughter” (M v) - When the US president’s daughter is kidnapped by terrorists, a Secret Service agent sets out to ensure that she makes it home alive. 2:00 Dr Oz 3:00 Surf Patrol 3:30 Children’s Programs 4:30 Seven News At 4.30 5:30 Deal Or No Deal 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 Home And Away - Henri decides she can no longer tutor Casey and Irene invites Eddie to her birthday dinner.

7:30 My Kitchen Rules - Twelve teams of two from around Australia compete in this cooking competition in order to determine whose kitchen rules.

8:30 Please Marry My Boy 10:00 The Amazing Race 10:30 How I Met Your Mother 11:30 The Marriage Ref 12:30 Sons And Daughters 1:00 Infomercials 3:00 Home Shopping 3:30 Stag 4:00 NBC Today 5:00 Sunrise Extra / 5:30 Seven Early News

5:00 Weatherwatch & Music 5:05 World News 1:00 Insight 2:00 Dateline 3:00 Letters And Numbers 3:30 Al Jazeera News 4:00 The Journal 4:30 PBS Newshour 5:30 Global Village: Chinese School: Hard Beginnings 6:00 Letters And Numbers 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Wildest Africa: Congo: Untamed Heart 8:30 Arctic with Bruce Parry: Norway 9:30 Empire: Making A Fortune - Tonight’s episode looks at how the empire began as a pirates’ treasure hunt, grew into an informal empire based on trade - and slavery - and later expanded into a global financial network.

10:30 World News Australia 11:05 Movie: “The Silence” (M a,l,n,s) - In German. When 13year-old Sinikka vanishes one summer’s night, the police are reminded of an almost identical case they failed to solve 23 years previously. The events surrounding Sinikka’s disappearance puzzle the police and torment her family - and force those involved in the original case to face their past.

1:15 Movie: “The Flower Of Evil” (M v,l) - In French. The dark secrets of a bourgeois family from Bordeaux are revealed in a tale of family indiscretions: incest, adultery, murder and even war crimes.

3:05 Weatherwatch Overnight

THURSDAY 22

ABC 4:00 WNBL: Grand Final Highlights 6:00 ABC News Breakfast 9:30 Business Today 10:00 Children’s Programs 11:00 Catalyst 11:30 One Plus One 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 Dalziel And Pascoe 2:00 Monarch Of The Glen 3:00 Children’s Programs 6:00 Minuscule: Night Of The Gastropods 6:05 Grand Designs Revisited: Oxford 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (QLD) 8:00 QI 8:30 Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries: Death At Victoria Dock After a brutal murder at the docks, Phryne finds herself in the middle of the anarchists’ movement, a bank robbery and a steamy love affair, in her search for the murderer.

9:30 Luther: Luther struggles to hold it together as his personal and professional life intersect and at the same time, find and catch a vicious killer picking off people at the throw of a dice.

10:25 Lateline 11:05 Adam Hills In Gordon St Tonight: Adam Hills returns to Gordon Street with his unique take on the traditional tonight show - monologue, interviews and top musical acts, plus the added excitement of spontaneous and unpredictable interactions with the audience.

12:10 Rage

4:00 The New Inventors 4:30 Can We Help? 5:00 ABC News Breakfast 8:30 Business Today 9:00 ABC News Mornings 10:00 Children’s Programs 11:00 River Cottage: Everyday 11:45 Minuscule 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes 1:30 At The Movies 2:00 Children’s Programs 6:00 A Farmer’s Life For Me 6:50 Minuscule:papatas Fritas 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Catalyst 8:30 The Straits: Noel is on the run, from both the police and the DC bikies, and makes his getaway plan. Meanwhile, Harry is also desperately worried about Marou, who hasn’t been seen since he disappeared with Lola.

9:30 Whitechapel 10:15 Lateline 10:50 The Business 11:20 Museum Of Life: The Power Of Insects 12:20 Parliament Question Time: The House Of Representatives 1:20 The Clinic 2:10 A Farmer’s Life For Me 3:10 Catalyst

6:00 Today 9:00 Mornings 11:00 National Morning News 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 Danoz Direct 2:00 Days Of Our Lives 3:00 Entertainment Tonight 3:30 Hi-5 4:00 Kitchen Whiz 4:30 National Afternoon News 5:30 Hot Seat 6:00 National News 6:30 A Current Affair 7:00 The Big Bang Theory: “The Wildebeest Implementation” (PG s) 7:30 Earthflight: “Australia & Asia” 8:30 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: “CSI Unplugged” 9:30 The NRL Footy Show 11:00 The AFL Footy Show 12:45 Damages: “The Next One’s Gonna Go In Your Throat” (M v,d,s,a) - Tom and Ellen continue with their plan to get information on the Tobin family’s Ponzi scheme from Leonard Winstone even though Patty has inexplicably told them to stop.

1:45 Nine Presents 1:30 Danoz Direct 3:00 Newstyle Direct 3:30 Good Morning America 5:00 National Early Morning News 5:30 Today

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “Our House” (M a) - In response to a good deed, a wealthy widow opens her home to the homeless amid the objections of her family and friends. 2:00 Dr Oz 3:00 Surf Patrol 3:30 Children’s Programs 4:30 Seven News At 4.30 5:30 Deal Or No Deal 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 Home And Away 7:30 My Kitchen Rules 8:30 Grey’s Anatomy 9:30 Desperate Housewives: “Putting It Together” 10:30 Private Practice: “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” (MA d) - Amelia’s drug addiction spins further out of control as she plays hooky from work with a new fling, starts writing pill prescriptions for herself, and has a run-in with the cops.

11:30 30 Rock 12:00 My Big Friggin Wedding 1:00 Infomercials 3:00 Home Shopping 4:00 NBC Today 5:00 Sunrise Extra 5:30 Seven Early News

5:00 Weatherwatch & Music 5:05 Korean News 1:00 The Food Lover’s Guide To Australia 1:30 House Of Food Obsessives 2:30 LThe Squiz 3:00 Letters And Numbers 3:30 Al Jazeera News 4:00 The Journal 4:30 PBS Newshour 5:30 Global Village: Cuba’s Underground Cabaret 6:00 Letters And Numbers 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Luke Nguyen’s Greater Mekong 8:00 Food Safari: English 8:30 The Spice Trail With Kate Humble: Vanilla And Saffron 9:35 24 Hours In Emergency 10:30 World News Australia 11:00 Stripped 12:30 The Fixer 1:25 Movie: “Memories Of Murder” (MA v,a,l) - In Korean. Based on a series of real-life murders, this is a gripping and compelling thriller that broke box office records in South Korea. A small-town cop and a more sophisticated city cop try to track down a serial killer on a murder spree in a small town south of Seoul. Winner of the Asian Film Award at the 2003 Tokyo International Film Festival. Directed by Bong Joon-ho and stars Song Kang-ho, Kim Sang-kyung and Song Jae-ho.

3:45 Weatherwatch Overnight

16 – Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012

CROSSWORD No. 89

SUDOKU No. 89

Your Lucky

ARIES (March 21st - April 20th) Time spent helping out a friend at work may take up more of your energy than you expect.

Your input will not go unnoticed, however.

Romance. Don’t allow yourself to be ruled by your emotions. You need to make an important decision and must wait until you are more relaxed.

TAURUS (April 21st - May 21st) Once you have started a new project nobody will be able to stop you! Your momentum will help you to push through a barrier which has stopped other people in their tracks.

Romance. Your partner may find it hard to cope with all your excess energy! A powerful aspect to Mars later in the week could make you a little tense: do your best to use your excess energy constructively.

GEMINI (May 22nd - June 21st) A few negative comments this week may sap your confidence for a while. You need to take the remarks in context, however, and not overreact. Romance. A person whom you have known for some time may still be interested in you. They will do their best to pretend not to be interested, but their actions will give them away.

FOR KIDS

CANCER (June 22nd - July 23rd) Be careful that problems at work don’t spill over into your home-life. So long as you try hard to be patient, everything will be resolved.

Romance. You may need a little extra emotional support from your partner at the moment. Communications between you will be especially strong, but be careful not to be too demanding.

LEO (July 24th - August 23rd) Activities which don’t need much money will give you a chance to get back on your feet financially. Some recent extravagances have taken their toll. Romance. A favourable aspect to Venus will give your love-life a push in the right direction. A romantic get-together this week will put your relationship onto much firmer ground after a recent misunderstanding.

VIRGO (August 24th - September 23rd)

FINDWORD No. 89

A surprise move later in the week may leave you wondering what is going on. Talk to a person whom you can trust – your other colleagues may not be so quick to tell you everything. Romance. A power-struggle between you and your partner will not help either of you. Do your best to settle a recent dispute in a way which satisfies both sides.

LIBRA (September 24th - October 23rd) You may find it difficult to tolerate people who don’t know what they are doing. You won’t appreciate having to clear up a mess caused by someone else. Romance. If you are able to relax properly this will be an excellent week for both of you. Be especially careful not to get into arguments, especially ones involving money. You won’t be in a mood for compromise at the moment!

A LAUGH WITH LOTSA

SCORPIO (October 24th - November 22nd) At times this week you will need to spend more time by yourself. You have a lot of work to get through and won’t be happy if you are constantly interrupted. Romance. A new relationship may pick up speed faster than you expect. Very soon you will have to make a decision about how quickly you want to get involved with this person.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd - December 21st) A kind word will go a– long way. Your enthuFor all your printing needs www.lotsa.com.au siasm and energy will be appreciated by the people around you; however you must be sympathetic to people who are not so dynamic.

Romance. A favourable aspect to Neptune this week will improve your powers of intuition, just when you most need them!

MUDDY RIVER

CAPRICORN (December 22nd - January 20th) Your ability to spot a financial opportunity will help to bring in some money just when you need it most. Make sure you don’t take any more risks than you have to, however.

Romance. Time spent with someone whom you hardly know could prove interesting. This person may be much keener on you than you realised. Don’t expect any dramatic developments for the time being, however.

AQUARIUS (January 21st - February 19th)

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“

“

Some people, no matter how old they get, never lose their beauty - they merely move it from their faces into their hearts.

– Martin Buxbaum

A favourable aspect to Jupiter will help to bring a little more luck into your life over the next few days. Don’t miss an opportunity just because a friend tries to put you off. Romance. Your self-confidence will be especially high at the moment.

You may need to be the one who takes the initiative in a new relationship.

SOLUTIONS No. 89

PISCES (February 20th - March 20th) A favourable aspect to Jupiter will give you the confidence you need to sort out a long-standing problem. You need to deal head-on with an issue which you have been trying to avoid.

Romance. Your partner will appreciate a few words of encouragement. You might not realise how much they value your support.

Your  Lucky 



 



Stars  









ARIES (March 21st - April 20th) A friend will have a much more positive approach to an important issue than you.

Their views to this incident will help you to see things in a better light. Romance. A powerful aspect to Neptune will help to put you in a dreamy and slightly unrealistic mood. This will be a good period for romance, but make sure that you don’t get carried away later in the week.

TAURUS (April 21st - May 21st) There is a lot more work to do than you can manage by yourself this week. There are only so many available hours in a day so you must try to get some people to give you a hand. Romance. You may find your partner a little tricky to handle at the moment. Be especially careful at the beginning of the week, when you could both be a little tense at times.

GEMINI (May 22nd - June 21st) Some changes are coming up, and you will have to keep a clear head to decide on the best course of action. Try to avoid getting into a disagreement with your boss. Romance. Good communications will be essential for your relationship this week. You will have a great deal of emotional energy, but must be careful to use this constructively.

CANCER (June 22nd - July 23rd) This would be an excellent time to get rid of all your old junk. Be careful not to throw away anything that you might need later, however! Romance. You may be a little too quick to point out mistakes that your partner makes. Even though you will be in the right you should try hard not to be too critical.

LEO (July 24th - August 23rd) Time spent buying a few things for the home will be well-spent. You will be surprised what a difference this makes to your quality of life. Romance. Your mind may not be very focussed on your love-life at the moment. Later in the week a favourable aspect to Venus will help to get you back on track.

VIRGO (August 24th - September 23rd) A powerful aspect to Uranus could make you feel a need for more independence in your life. It may be difficult to find a balance between this and your ties to the other people in your life. Romance. A friend that you know from work may want a closer relationship with you. It might be difficult to find the right balance between your needs and theirs.

LIBRA (September 24th - October 23rd)

A long-standing financial deal will work out much better than you expected. Don’t waste your windfall on something which will only give you a short-term benefit.

Romance. You will be thinking about your partner a lot at the moment, even when they are not around.

SCORPIO (October 24th - November 22nd)

A dream which frightens you at first could be a more positive omen than you think.

Think through the imagery of the dream carefully and you will understand its true meaning. Romance. Your partner can be quite demanding at times. Do your best to find a better balance between your own needs and the needs of the people who are close to you.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd - December 21st) This would be a good time for taking stock of recent events. You will have to make some changes in your life, but they don’t need to be quite as drastic as you think.

Romance. Don’t be afraid to show your feelings more directly than you have up to now. If you are too subtle, you will not be noticed.

CAPRICORN (December 22nd - January 20th) You will need to make an important decision before you get a chance to learn all the facts. So long as you trust to your intuition, you shouldn’t go far wrong. Romance. A friend who contacts you from out of the blue may not realise how busy you are. Don’t miss a chance to get together with this person, however, because they have an important message for you.

AQUARIUS (January 21st - February 19th) A small change to your daily routine will help to reduce the amount of stress. At first it may be difficult to adapt to the new regime. Romance. A comment from a stranger will help you to feel more positively about your appearance. This person is very interested in you, but is too shy to make a move.

PISCES (February 20th - March 20th) Don’t be too quick to blame someone else for problems which were nobody’s fault.

You need to put this problem behind you and move onto other, more important, things. Romance. A friend who understands your partner very well will be able to give you some advice. Listen carefully to what they have to say.

Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012 – 17

Trades and Services BLINDS & AWNINGS

EARTHMOVING

EQUIPMENT HIRE

Cooktown Blinds & Awnings All aspects of earthmoving – Experienced and professional operators

4ELEPHONE ä ä

%DITOR Sä EMAIL EDITOR COOKTOWNä LOCALNEWS COM AU !DVERTISINGä EMAIL ADS COOKTOWNä LOCALNEWS COM AU

ď – Blinds ď – Awnings ď – Shade Sails ď – for a FREE measure and quote Phone: 4069 6625 or 0439 393 546

Contact us on 0408 181 894 or 4069 6407

BUILDERS

ELECTRICAL

CLANCY GANFIELD Electrician 0439 046 555 ANDREW DAVIES LICENSED BUILDER PH: 0408 930 905 BUILDING * RENOVATIONS * FURNITURE * LICENSED ASBESTOS REMOVAL *

!DVERTISINGän sä"OXäADä BOOKINGS BYä AMä 45%3$!93 sä"OXäADä MATERIAL BYä.//.ä 45%3$!93 sä,INEä #LASSIlEDS BYä AMä 7%$.%3$!93 %DITORIALän sä'ENERALä PICS ä STORIES äLETTERS ä ETC BYä.//.ä -/.$!93 sä2EGULARä COLUMNS BYä PMä &2)$!93 sä3PORTSä COLUMNS BYä PMä -/.$!93

clancy_ganďŹ eld@hotmail.com Lic. No. 73751

CABINET MAKING

/FlCEä(OURS AMänä -IDDAY /0%.äALLäDAYä 7%$.%3$!9

$EADLINES

Based in Cooktown Servicing Cairns to the Tip

FENCING

Kingfisher Licence number 12261

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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

PO Box 317 Cooktown 4895

Bart and John Harrison • New installations/additions and repair work

ph/fax: 4069 5289 – mob: 0427 695 289

FENCING

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

Licensed Contractor QBSA 1093073

0428 128 044

X 4098

1866

CONTRACTORS

Attention-seeking space seeks like-minded advertiser

CONCRETING & CARPENTRY

ENGINE REPAIRS

THIS COLOUR SPACE COSTS ONLY $45 PER WEEK* Email ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au or call 1300 4895 00 *CONDITIONS APPLY – GST inclusive – Minimum 6 month booking. $30 per week Mono.

COMMERCIAL

Got products to sell, or services you need to let the community know about?

ADVERTISE HERE

EARTHMOVING

Great value for your advertising $

Advertise your business Call 1300 4895 00

Email ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au or call 1300 4895 00

EQUIPMENT HIRE

INSURANCE

MICK DELAHUNTY EXCAVATOR HIRE EXPERIENCED OWNER/OPERATOR Specialising in: t )PVTF TIFE QBET t -BOE DMFBSJOH t %BNT t #VML FBSUIXPSLT t 3PBE DPOTUSVDUJPO t %SJWFXBZT

Call Mick 0411 985 507 or 4069 6721

18 – Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012

ph: 4031 1222 mob: 0417 708 814

Trades and Services CONTRACTORS

PLUMBING

Attention-seeking space seeks like-minded advertiser

• Plumber • Drainer • GasďŹ tter

R&C Lemon BSA No 736944

THIS COLOUR SPACE COSTS ONLY $45 PER WEEK* Email ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au or call 1300 4895 00

7HUPLWH 6SHFLDOLVWV

Got products to sell, or services you need to let the community know about?

ADVERTISE HERE

$%1 %6$ 7HUPLWHV 3UH WUHDWV 3UH SXUFKDVH 7HUPLWH 5HSRUWV 5HWLFXODWLRQ %DLWLQJ 6\VWHPV &RFNURDFKHV $QWV 6SLGHUV 5RGHQWV )OHDV HWF

Email ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au or call 1300 4895 00

ALL PEST

& WEED CONTROL

6HUYLFLQJ &DUGZHOO WR &DSH <RUN 7RUUHV 6WUDLW

Telephone: 1300 4895 00 Fax: 1300 7872 48

â&#x20AC;˘ All Maintenance and New Work â&#x20AC;˘ Remote Work a Specialty

PH: 4069 5378

*CONDITIONS APPLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; GST inclusive â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Minimum 6 month booking. $30 per week Mono.

PEST CONTROL

STORAGE SHEDS

Great value for your advertising $

ROOFING

199 Newell St Bungalow Ph: 4054 2888 E: admin@allpestandweed.com.au

Phones attended 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday

TOWING / TYRES

TOWING - TYRES - MECHANICAL OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

GENERAL TOWING â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Special local & Cooktown to Cairns rates TYRES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cars, Utes, 4x4â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Trucks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; most sizes MECHANICAL REPAIRS & SERVICING â&#x20AC;&#x201C; All makes & models, 2WD & 4WD

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

Phone: 4069 5545 â&#x20AC;˘ Mobile: 0408 772 361

TREELOPPING

Email your

classiďŹ eds thru to

ads@ cooktownlocal news. com.au

Pre-payment required so please include your postal address and your credit card details, or we can provide direct debit information

Deadline â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10.30am WEDNESDAYS

BSA: 101 86 85

Advertise in the SHEDS

TRADESMEN

Attention-seeking space seeks like-minded advertiser

PLASTERING

Got products to sell, or services you need to let the community know about?

ADVERTISE HERE

Advertise your business in the Trades and Services Section

Email ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au or call 1300 4895 00

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

Great value for your advertising $

Advertise your business Call 1300 4895 00

THIS COLOUR SPACE COSTS ONLY $45 PER WEEK* Email ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au or call 1300 4895 00 *CONDITIONS APPLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; GST inclusive â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Minimum 6 month booking. $30 per week Mono.

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 â&#x20AC;˘ state their name and BSA licence number on their advertisement or â&#x20AC;˘ state words to the effect â&#x20AC;&#x153;cannot perform building work valued at more than $3,300â&#x20AC;?.

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

Telephone: 1300 4895 00 Fax: 1300 7872 48 Email: ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au

TRADES and SERVICES section in

C O L O U R

For more details call

1300 4895 00 or email

ads@ cooktownlocalnews .com.au to book your advertisement

Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 19

Cooktown Computer Stuff

Cooktown Skip Bins

72 Charlotte St

Rubbish removal and disposal

#OMPUTERäSALESäsäSERVICEäsäREPAIRS säCABLESäsäMEDIAäNETWORKING säSOFTWAREä äVIRUSäTROUBLESHOOTING säCARTRIDGESäsäRE INKING

Ph: Deb Smith 4069 5851 or 0428 106 136

Phone 4069 6010

%MAIL äCOMPUTERSTUFF BIGPOND COM

M O B I L I T Y A N D H E A LT H C A R E P R O D U C T S

MOBILITY SOLUTIONS MADE EASY

Ph: 07 4035 6588

FNQ Authorised Sales & Service Agents for:

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING DEADLINE: 10.30AM WEDNESDAYS

Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery Association Inc.

Meeting

The Cooktown and District Youth Association Inc.

Monday, March 26 at Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Powerhouse

Afternoon Tea from 2.30pm, Meeting 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;4pm Members and friends all welcome

ď ´ Mobility Scooters ď ´ Electric Wheelchairs ď ´ Manual Wheelchairs ď ´ Electric Lift Chairs ď ´ Walkers ď ´ Patient Hoists/Lifts ď ´ Patient Electric Beds ď ´ Bathroom Aids ď ´ Mobility and Independent Living Products

Optometrist visiting Servicing Cooktown since 1997

Visiting regularly ď &#x2020; ď &#x2020; ď &#x2020; ď &#x2020; ď &#x2020;

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

Eyedentity Optical phone: (07) 4033 7575

CAPE YORK ENGINEERING COOKTOWN MARINE Penrite Oil Agent

Steel and Aluminium supplies â&#x20AC;˘ Welding Fabrication: steel, alloy, stainless, site work â&#x20AC;˘ Guillotine, Bender, Roller: pipe threading and bending â&#x20AC;˘ Machining: lathe, milling â&#x20AC;˘ Hydraulics: hose repairs â&#x20AC;˘ Bolts, welding equipment â&#x20AC;˘ Metroll products, perlins, iron by order â&#x20AC;˘ Marine: boat, trailer, outboard repairs, parts and oils MacMillan St, Cooktown

Ph Phil 4069 5224 or Mob 0417 776 524

Proposed Development Have your say From: Rural Agricultural Storage To:

Storage Facility (Civil Contractors Yard)

At:

Lot 217 Peninsula Developmental Road, Lakeland

On:

Lot 217 on RP881059

By:

JBM Investments Pty Ltd and Dabary Investments Pty Ltd c/- RPS Australia East Pty Ltd

ď&#x20AC;Ľ:

07 4031 1336

web:

www.rpsgroup.com.au

Approval sought: Development Permit for Material Change of Use Application No.: DA/2954

Comment period: 15 March 2012 to 10 April 2012 Written comments to the assessment manager Assessment Manager: Chief Executive OfďŹ cer Cook Shire Council Post: PO Box 3, Cooktown QLD 4895 ď&#x20AC;Ľ: (07) 4069 5444 email: mail@cook.qld.gov.au web: www.cook.qld.gov.au Copies of the full application can be viewed or obtained from the Assessment Manager Public NotiďŹ cation Requirement Sustainable Planning Act 2009 Form 5 v 1

20 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012

Enterprise Development Officer

Barrier Reef Childcare

Positions Vacant Barrier Reef Childcare has an opening to ďŹ ll the position of Child Care Assistant and/or Group Leader. Applicants must be enthusiastic, well organised, punctual, self motivated and possess good communication skills.

This is a full-time position between the hours of 7.30am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday including School Holidays.

Email your

classiďŹ eds thru to

ads@ cooktownlocal news. com.au

Sunday, April 1. Bike entry free, bikes set up by 8.30am. Gates open 9.30am.

All proceeds to go to two local families in need. Enquiries phone Prong on 0457 098 582.

Cooktown Kindergarten Association Inc 15 Charles Street PO Box 727 Cooktown, Qld, 4895 P/F: 4069 5182

Administrative Officer

www.jobs.qld.gov.au

Phones attended 8.30am to 5pm - Monday to Friday

Ellis Beach Olâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Skool Pre â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;85 Motorcycle Show

Agriculture Food and Regional Services (One temporary full-time position until 31 March 2013) Employment, Economic Development and Innovation Salary: $81 962 - $87 691 p.a.

Location: Cairns/Cooktown/Laura REF: QLD/EEDI32955/12 Key Duties: Drive opportunities outlined in Key Opportunities for Laura report: build community capacity, attract investment, identify assistance/funding sources, create successful business environment.

Skills/Abilities: Communication; Customer focus; Knowledge of factors impacting on Indigenous business expansion, investment and economic development; Presenting, Reporting.

Enquiries: Michael Ross (07) 3405 6593 Closing Date: Friday, 30 March 2012

Regional Service Delivery Operations (One permanent part-time position available) Communities Salary: $24 766 - $29 267 p.a.

Location: Cooktown REF: QLD/DOC22893/12 Key Duties: The purpose of this position is to provide efficient and effective administrative support to the Department of Communities Disability & Community Care Services, Local Area Coordination Office.

Skills/Abilities: Provide effective and efficient administrative services including purchasing, records management, travel, data entry and confident operation of modern office equipment.

Enquiries: Barbara Leys (07) 4069 5940 Closing Date: Monday, 2 April 2012

Telephone: 1300 4895 00 Fax: 1300 7872 48

Will be held at the Events Centre Wednesday, March 28, 2012, from 5.30pm All positions will be ďŹ lled Please come along and support us

AGM to be held 5pm, Wednesday, March 20, at Cooktown Kindergarten.

Advertise in the Trades and Services Section in

COLLOUR For more details call 1300 4895 00 or email

ads@ cooktownlocalnews .com.au to book your advertisement

Please contact Gisela at the Kindy if you have any queries.

AGM

Blaze Q022213

Now Located at: 69 Anderson Street, Manunda, Cairns, QLD 4870 Fax: 4035 6566 â&#x20AC;˘ Email: info@scootersnq.com.au www.scootersnq.com.au

AGM

Monday, March 19 The River of Gold Motel 6pm for 6.30pm start Light refreshments provided

COOK SHIRE COUNCIL JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Council is currently recruiting the following positions. We offer diversity, work/life balance and generous employee beneďŹ ts.

SENIOR FINANCE OFFICER

Successful applicants must: â&#x20AC;˘ Possess, or willing to obtain a Blue Card in Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x203A;s Services. â&#x20AC;˘ Have a current First Aid CertiďŹ cate or willing to obtain. â&#x20AC;˘ Hold a CertiďŹ cate 3 in Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x203A;s Services and be willing to undertake further study to obtain a Diploma in Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x203A;s Services. â&#x20AC;˘ Have a sound knowledge and understanding of children and their development

Job applications for the above positions close: April 2, 2012.

Employment is subject to a Working with Children check.

Job applications for the above positions close: March 26, 2012.

Barrier Reef Childcare is an equal opportunity employer.

Information kits are available via website or by contacting the Customer Service Team.

For further information, contact the Centre Director on (ph) 4069 6440, or email director@Barrierreefchildcarecooktown.com.au

Enquiries to: Executive Services Division Personnel OfďŹ cer Telephone: 07 4069 5444 Facsimile: 07 4069 5423 Email: mmulhall@cook.qld.gov.au Web: www.cook.qld.gov.au

Please forward resumes to: Company Directors Barrier Reef Childcare PO Box 590 Cooktown Qld 4895

RATES OFFICER PROJECT MANAGER (CYWAFAP) (Re-advertised)

WASTE MANAGEMENT OPERATOR LABOURER (CYWAFAP)

Applications to: Personal & ConďŹ dential Chief Executive OfďŹ cer Cook Shire Council PO Box 3 COOKTOWN Q 4895 E: mail@cook.qld.gov.au

Cook Shire Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer

OUT & ABOUT

PHOTOS: GARY HUTCHISON

Just three weeks old, newborn Cooktowner Caleb Kamholtz took dad, David (better known as Chappie) and mum, Emily to the Wog’s for dinner on Tuesday night.

Taking a break from their Wog’s dinner on Tuesday night were (from left): Joshua Lukanovic, Celeste Galton and John Young.

Workmates waiting for dinner at the Bowlo on Monday night were Peter Marin, Michael Friday and Rowan Shee.

In Cooktown for work, were (from left): Canberra’s Paul Rowberry and Sydney’s Richard Stewart and Lindsey who reckoned the Wog’s on a Tuesday night was the place to be for dinner.

TRADES

FOR SALE

PUBLIC NOTICES

COOKTOWN Skip Bins.

Commercial and domestic rubbish removal and disposal. Ph 4069 5851 or 0428 106 136.

CONTAINERS for sale or hire.

Ph Cooktown Towing, Tyres & Mechanical 4069 5545.

STANDBY Response Service.

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

MOTELS AAA CBD CBD CBD – Inn Cairns Boutique Apartments, 17 Lake Street, Cairns. Self catering, secure car parking, pool/gazebo, opp PO and Woolworths. Ph 07 4041 2350.

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

ACCOMMODATION COMING to Cairns? Floriana Guest House on the Esplanade near the Cairns Base Hospital, offers self contained double of single rooms for $65 per night to locals. Email maggie@ florianaguesthouse.com or phone 4051 7886.

FOR SALE TOYOTA Landcruiser Ute, 1985 model, diesel, drop sides. July rego, $4000 o.n.o. Call 4060 8146 after 5.30pm or anytime weekends.

FOR RENT 2 BEDROOM Recently renovated high set unit with lots of undercover space. Quiet culde-sac at the bottom of Grassy Hill. Lovely garden and bush surroundings. Two minutes walk to Post Office. Reasonable Rental Ph 0415 369 874

Having dinner at the Wog’s on Tuesday night were Robbie Corrie and Shaz Wardle.

CLASSIFIEDS Education Queensland Laura State School Lakeland State School - Southern Cape Cluster (SCC)

Administration Officer AO2 (AAEP) Temporary from 23/04/2012 to 07/12/2012

PUBLIC NOTICES

10.5 hours/week - Lakeland State School 10 hours/week - Laura State School Applications are invited for the position of Administration Officer AO2 (AAEP). Applicants need to apply in writing, addressing abilities against the selection criteria of the position description which is available from the BSM SCC on Ph: 0459825965 or email jmmcc1@eq.edu.au (Max 2 Pages).

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

4069 5004 or 0427 695 004

PUBLIC NOTICES CIVIL celebrant Beverley J Stone for weddings, namings and funeral ceremonies. Ph 0419 376 133 or 4069 5162.

CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS

Attention-seeking space seeks like-minded advertiser. Email ads@ cooktownlocalnews.com. au or call 1300 4895 00.

ADVERTISE your classified here! Garage Sales, Meetings, Car or Boat for Sale! Email ads@cooktownlocalnews. com.au

Completed applications need to be forwarded to the Principal Laura SS: Terminus Street, Laura Qld 4871, fax to (07) 4060 3376 or email: kgunt10@eq.edu.au

SIGN UP NOW! 15-17 March 2012 worldsgreatestshave.com

1800 500 088

The closing date for receipt of applications is 4pm on Friday, March 30, 2012.

The Commission for Children and Young People Act 2000 requires the preferred applicant to be subject to a Working With Children Check and as part of Education Queensland policy, employees must undergo a Criminal History Check. Education Queensland is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a smoke free environment.

Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012 – 21

SPORT

Rebels hot in season opener Northern Pride stage a comeback to take the win on a sloppy Barlow Park

Red Soil Rebels half Nigel Bowen dummies to a team mate, but has his eyes on taking on the defence himself. Photo: GARY HUTCHISON FRIDAY night’s Three Rivers’ season opener saw 2012 premiers, the Hope Vale Red Soil Rebels inflict a 30-16 defeat over the Warriors in a grand final replay to prove last year’s title victory was no fluke.

The first half was an intense, tight, torrid affair played at a cracking pace and featured exceptional ball skills despite the soggy ground and wet, greasy ball.

After only 10 minutes each side had scored a try to see the scores locked at six all, but a 40/20 kick from inside their own half gave the Warriors the loose-head and feed in the ensuing scrum.

From the scrum win, Warriors five-eight Brandon Roughsey displayed his blistering acceleration and side-step to stand up his Rebels’ opponent and duck in behind their scrum to race over the try line without a hand being put on him.

With the score at 10-6, the Warriors looked to have the better of field position and ball possession, but an 80 metre Rebels burst against the run-of-play left the Warriors’ defence in tatters.

Two rucks later the Rebels crossed wide-out to score the equalizer.

And the score remained at 10 all at half time.

Then in the second stanza, Roughsey displayed his freakish reflexes and ball skills with another brilliant solo display at the

end of the first set of six.

A Rebels downtown kick was charged down on the fifth, with another Rebel trying to soccer the ball in another clearing effort, but Roughsey was johnny-on-the-spot to charge that kick down and leap high to catch the bouncing ball and then outstrip the cover to score under the posts.

With the score at 16-10 in their favour, the Warriors seemed to have the early advantage, but those were the last points they were meant to score.

As they did so often in the closing games of last season, the Rebels regained their composure to take control of the match and score an unanswered 20 points.

And they did it with Rowan Hart spending the last 10 minutes of the game in the sin bin after tensions built during second half.

Three Rivers President Peter Scott said the game was a great opener for the season.

“Physically and skills-wise, the Warriors were right up there with the Rebels,” Scott said.

“But it just seemed as though the Rebels were mentally tough and that’s why they toughed it out for the win.”

Despite being in a losing side, Roughsey picked up the Caltex Cooktown $25 voucher as Man of the Match.

Although that game carried on in the same vein as last year, the second encounter between the

Cooktown Crocs and the Wujal Wujal Yindili was an abysmal anti-climax.

A Crocs outfit intent on divesting themselves of last year’s wooden spoon blew the Yindili off the park in an emphatic 70-6 demolition that left the crowd with their mouths open in disbelief.

“The Crocs seemed to be just too big, too strong, too fit and too organised,” Scott said.

“But then again, I think they’ve been down here (John Street Oval) every day in the last week training, so they deserved the win.”

So, after the fi rst round, the Crocs and Rebels lead the competition, with the Crocs in front on percentages, with the Warriors and Yindili trailing with their respective losses.

Results: Red Soil Rebels def Warriors 30-16.

Scorers - Rebels - Tries to Blake Deemal (2), Les Snyder, Nigel Bowen and Preston Deemal. Warriors - Tries to Brandon Moon (2) and Zane McGreen.

Crocs 70 def Yindili 6.

Scorers - Crocs - Tries to Waylon Bramwell (2), Tyrell Ross-Kelly (2), Clive Kulka (2), Adrian Kulka (2), with Gundalbii Michael, Grasen Meldrum, Warren Kulka, Terrence Newman and Michael Graham each scoring one.

Yindili - Try to Josh Salt.

THE Northern Pride recovered from an abysmal first 30 minutes to take the honours 22-14 from the Ipswich Jets in the first round of the Intrust Super Cup at Barlow Park on Saturday night.

Right from the kick-off the Pride were lethargic and paid the price by conceding a try in the fifth minute to winger Ramon Filipine after his opposite Kalifa Faifai Loa dropped the ball. Five-eight Brendon Lindsay slotted the conversion to give the Jets a 6-0 lead.

Slippery conditions saw Pride discipline slide out the Barlow Park turnstiles as poor ball control and penalties swamped their game.

And when the home team did manage to hang on to the ball, halves Shaun Nona and Robert Lui were unable to force any inroads into the Jets defence.

The Jets took their lead to 14-0 after a soft-as-butter, barge-over try to rake Michael Fisher was converted in the 28th minute.

But the last 10 minutes saw the Pride pack regoup and take control with powerful downfield surges that saw back-rower Ethan Lowe crash over for a try with two minutes left on the clock.

Nona failed to convert, which left the half-time score in favour of the Jets, 14-4.

The handling of both teams deteriorated even further into the second half as the conditions got sloppier, and while the Pride’s defence handled the extra defensive load, the Jets’ did not.

The Pride went on to score an unanswered 18 points to take the game 22-14.

Scorers: Northern Pride 22 (Ethan Lowe 2, Ben Spina, Hezron Murgha, Brett Anderson tries; Shaun Nona 1 goal) d Ipswich Jets 14 (Ramon Filipine, Michael Fisher tries; Brendon Lindsay 3 goals)

Cracklin multi-tasks to lay tricky trail CRACKLIN was hare and host for this week’s run and she decided to start from the golf club turnoff on Quarantine Bay Road.

Laying a good trail can be tricky at this time of the year. You might go out on Sunday and lay a pleasant run through the bush, only to find that come run time on Monday, everything is mud up to your knees and the rain has washed the toilet paper clues away.

Never mind, Cracklin is an old hand and she had laid most of the trail with shredded paper, which survives heavy showers fairly well. She also stuck to trails that would be passable even in the most tropical rainfall. She started off along the old road. How long has it been since we were driving along it?

Now you have to push through grass up to your ears, creepers and fallen trees. Leaving that, we continued down the Walker Bay Road. At least, the front runners did. Cracklin had passed the word to the rest of the pack that the trail

was false, and so they continued on to Quarantine Bay. A pleasant stroll along the beach and we came to a garden party. Cracklin’s family had prepared a fine cold punch for us. In fact, it was so fine that the pack spent far too long enjoying it and got caught by the rain on the walk home.

Back at the bash, we got stuck into some excellent nibbles that Cracklin had made herself, before settling down for the ceremonies. GM Thermo was in a good mood. She recognised Matchbox’s 10 carton run, and Whizz’s 55-1/2 carton run and the fact that Ice Maiden had come home to visit. Meaning she caught the whole family in one go.

Moses was blamed for the rain, even though this was his first failure in two years, and Lunasea was given a drink for muttering disrespectful things about the GM. Next week’s run will be hosted by Archive and Barran, with a St Patrick’s Day theme. Just turn up at 5.30 pm on March 19 to join the fun. Call Moses for details on 4069 5854 0409 686 032.

On-on! Lye Bak

News NRL Tipping Competition

Proudly sponsored by the Sovereign Resort Hotel Cooktown DRAW ROUND 3 (March 16 – 19, home team first)

Cooktown Local

LEADERS AFTER ROUND 2

ROUND 2 RESULTS (home team first) 22

Sea Eagles Tigers

18

26

Broncos

Cowboys

28

12

Titans

Raiders

24

30

Bulldogs

Dragons

4

6

Sharks

Knights

18

0

Roosters

Panthers

18

24

Storm

Rabbitohs

10

20

Eels

Warriors

36

Name Total Score Total Margin Mickey Blue Eyes 10 13 jetd_39 10 13 Prickly 10 13 Kintaine 10 15 2Rebels 9 3 bubsie1981 9 17 sandra83 9 49 PrincessAnnie 8 5 Team Terr 8 11 jatzgal 8 17

TERMS & CONDITIONS: The Cooktown Local News NRL footy tipping competition is free – there is no joining fee and no charges whatsoever are associated with it. The Cooktown Local News footy competition

22 – Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012

NRL LADDER AFTER ROUND 2 1 Bulldogs

9

Titans

2 Storm

10 Tigers

3 Sea Eagles

11 Roosters

4 Knights

12 Cowboys

5 Panthers

13 Dragons

6 Broncos

Dragons

Tigers

Knights

Broncos

Titans

Storm

Cowboys

Eels

Warriors

Bulldogs

14 Sharks

Roosters

Raiders

7 Warriors

15 Rabbitohs

Panthers

Rabbitohs

8 Raiders

16 Eels

Sharks

Sea Eagles

is computer generated, with all selections being lodged to an independent, national footy tipping website. Neither the Cooktown Local News nor sponsors can access the website, and all results are generated by the website operators. The results will be provided in the

Friday, March 16 Saturday, March 17 Sunday, March 18

Monday, March 19

Cooktown Local News, the Cooktown Local News website and the competition operator’s website after each round. Staff from the Cooktown Local News and sponsors are ineligible to enter. In the event of a tie, the prize value will be divided among the joint winners.

SPORT

Dirty rivers have limited fishing options RECENT rains in the last week have left dirty rivers, which has limited the options of our local anglers.

Despite this though, the Wharf has still produced some quality mangrove jacks, with strips of mullet flesh the best bait.

And while the barra have been a bit hit-and-miss, there were still some reports of good captures of that species.

As for next week, while the Endeavour and Annan continue to run strong and dirty, it’ll just be a matter of waiting and seeing I guess, as well as looking at the weather chart.

Otherwise, we could just be doing a bit of land-based fishing, or, if the flow slows a little, it will be a great time to go crabbing.

Also, the creek crossings and river mouths will be well worth a look with a view to casting a lure.

Tight lines Russell Bowman The Lure Shop

ABOVE: An uncommon capture - this 69cm Jew, landed by Lisa Ronaldson at the fishing club lease on March 5. Photo submitted.

RIGHT: Shawn Humphreys with a barra he caught near the Wharf last week. Photo: SHANNON HUMPHREYS. BELOW: Viktor, the Lure Shop’s almost resident Swiss visitor went out fishing with Mark (Gone Fishing ) and had a good morning out at the reef. Viktor finally managed not to lose a big , this GT, which he landed using a Halco Rooster popper.

Pengelly fires off a personal best nett score of 58 in weekly event TREY Pengelly fi red a personal best nett score of 58 in last week’s Italian Restaurant Weekly Stroke Competition In the to retain the lead, five strokes Bunker ahead of Richard Steel in runner-up with 63.

Saturday’s inaugural Cooktown Golf Club 3-Person Ambrose saw only seven teams compete, which was great, but it would have been good to see more out there.

Team winners for the day were the “Ucvuc’s” (Kim Copland, Blue Hobbs and Richard Steele) with a combined nett score of 51.66, with runners-up the “Goat Farmers”

(Craig Claydon, Bret Crosby and Luke Sullivan) with a combined nett 53.5.

The nearest the pins for the day were landed

by Graham Burton for 2/11, Kim Copland for 14 and Brian ‘Terr’ Lemon for 9/18.

Round 2 of the Ambrose Championship will be held on Saturday, April 14 and for this round, each team member will provide six tee shots each.

A handful of members competed in the Graham and Alice Burton Sunday 9-Hole Stableford Competition, with only three returning scores. Kim Haskell had a great round to win the day with 23 Stableford points.

Brian Lemon was next in line with 22.

Having just missed out on the Sunday 9-Hole Competition, ‘Terr’ Lemon is leading the field for The Italian Restaurant Weekly Stableford Competition with 41 Stableford points.

Last Friday, the owner, senior editor and head of sales from Inside Golf Magazine together, with the general manager of Sea Temple Golf Course were flown up by Sky Safari Helicopter Tours for a visit.

The magazine is running a special on Far North Queensland Golf Courses in their April issue and the whole team was really impressed with our course and, as a result, we will be included in their review.

Inside Golf Magazine is the most read golfing magazine in Australia and this will be great exposure for us.

Hopefully it will generate a few more tourists coming our way, especially now that they can be flown up by Sky Safari Helicopter Tours of Port Douglas.

Find Cooktown Golf Links at Walker Bay on Facebook and friend us. Spread the word to your family and friends about our little piece of paradise.

Happy golfing everyone Kelly Barnett Manager Cooktown Golf Club

Good scores at Combined Services Shoot

Mal, Janne and Toby step up to take honours

RIFLE Discipline Captain Toby Graves has reported that everyone enjoyed themselves at the Cameron Creek range last Sunday for the Combined Services shoot.

From a possible score of 150.30 points, results were as follows: Accurised class - First was Mal Foxlee with 139.8, second was Andy Gardner with 138.8 and third was Toby Graves with 135.4.

Standard class - Bernie Snape was first with 133.9, Trevor Maudsley was second with 131.9 and Gopher Maudsley finished third with 129.6.

Gopher and Bernie each scored three hits from five shots at the 300 metre gong event, with Gopher the winner after a shoot off.

The monthly working bee is scheduled for this Saturday, March 17th at 9am.

Please check with your discipline captain for jobs which will depend on the weather.

Our next rifle shoot will be on Saturday, March 24. For further details contact Toby on 4069 5663.

Anne Williams Secretary

LAST week was a busy one for Cooktown SSAA and its members, with two competitions and two practice shoots.

Wednesday saw seven shooters to the line for our Service Core Match. Mal took out first with a score of 354, second went to Rod with 335 and Toby came in third with a score of 328. In the ladies competition, Janne took out first with 314, second went to Ema with 296 and in third with a score of 257 was Lina.

On Saturday morning, we held our first Field Rifle shoot using .22 scoped rifles. This involves shooting out to 25 metres free standing with rapid fire and slow fire, and 50 metres standing and sitting while supporting yourself against a post. With a good turn out of seven shooters, fun was had by all. Toby took out first with 367, second went to Chris with 352 and Melinda took out third with a score of 278.

Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning saw 11 people turn up for some practice shoots.

The first Saturday of the month at 9am will now be the Field Rifle shoot.

March dates for your diary include: Sunset shoots - Wednesdays - 21 and 28 from 5.30pm, alternating between Combined Service Core and Sports pistol/Centrefire; Practical shoot - March 25 from 9am; and General meeting - March 28 at 5.30pm.

Chris Stewart Publicity Officer

Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012 – 23

Sport Cooktown Local

SPORTS CONTRIBUTIONS

Phone: 1300 4895 00 • Fax: 1300 787 248 • Email: editor@cooktownlocalnews.com.au

Sports reports deadline is 5pm, Monday prior to publication

editor@cooktownlocalnews.com.au

Joe earns a shot at the world title

Chat with Matt

G’DAY, I bet you didn’t think we could beat the Broncos last Friday night, but believe it or not we did. We knew we couldn’t possibly play that badly again and were confident we could improve and we’ve always believed in our ability.

We had a point to prove, it was just a matter of going out and doing it, which we did and came up with the two points.

Playing against the Broncos, especially at Suncorp Stadium is always tough and it’s a game we always look forward to. They were the first Queensland team in the Sydney competition, so it’s always good to get a win up against them.

For myself, it was great to get across for those two tries, but I did make mistakes I don’t usually make. I’m not making excuses, but it was really hot, humid and sweaty down there and that made it hard for everyone to hold on to the ball.

No excuses though, it’s everyone’s responsibility for ball possession.

I’ve been asked whether I could have got to the ball that the Broncs scored off after it was knocked out of my arms. I reckon I could have, and the boys behind the try line were saying the same thing, that’s why JT (Johnathan Thurston) went up to the referee to question him about it. The ref said in his opinion the Bronco was still in the motion of making his tackle.

Anyway, you have to live with the good and the bad decisions and in the long run, it didn’t affect the result of the game.

One aspect of my game I was really pleased with, was that I achieved most of the personal goals I set myself for the game. Things like support play, how I ran the ball, chimed into the backline and my kicking game.

There’s still room for improvement though, but the big thing I’ve got to strive for now is consistency - doing it week in and week out.

All footballers set themselves goals, it’s achieving them that’s the hard thing.

On the injury front, I pulled up really good and none of the other boys reported any injuries after the game.

This week, we’re up against the Eels at home on Saturday night. It’d be great to see some of the locals down in Townsville cheering us on.

And I hear the Hope Vale Red Soil Rebels rolled the Warriors in a Three Rivers grand final replay on Friday night. Sweet!

But what about the Crocs thrashing the Yindili?

Didn’t those teams start off the same way last year?

Only to see the Yindili nearly make the grand final and the Cooktown boys finish up with the wooden spoon?

Just like us, the Wujal boys have got to try and improve and turn that score around as the season goes on.

Anyway, don’t forget, if you can’t get to Dairy Farmers, then tune-in on Fox to cheer us along.

- Matt Bowen

With his new World Kickboxing Federation’s Australian under-47kg title belt around his waist and the first that he won in 2011, Smokin’ Joe Pope had every reason to be all smiles at the Full Boar Muay Thai Boxing Club on Monday night. Photo: GARY HUTCHISON.

By GARY HUTCHISON TWO rounds into his Australian title defence against Chris Peru in Brisbane on Saturday night, Cooktown’s Smokin’ Joe Pope was staring down the barrel of an imminent defeat.

Peru, fitter and stronger than he was last year when Pope wrested the World Kick Boxing Federation’s Australian under-47kg championship belt from him, sniped at Pope’s inner and outer thighs with well-placed leg kicks to take the honours in the first two rounds.

“Full credit to Chris, Joe couldn’t get anywhere near him in those opening rounds,”Full Boar Muay Thai Boxing Club trainer Vince Parkes said.

“It was pretty obvious he knew he had no chance of knocking Joe out, so his game plan was to wear him down and take the points over the five rounds.

“Plus, Joe was a bit slow getting started too and it took him a while to get his head around the start Chris had made.”

But according to Parkes, that’s when Pope’s survival instinct kicked in.

“I told him straight up when he came back to the corner at the end of the second that he was behind the eight ball and had to win the next

Cooktown Bowls Club AIRCONDITIONED

Members’ Draw & Raffles: Members not present for early draw #255 J Sperring and #683 J Hill.

FRIDAY, MARCH 16: Jackpots to $850 in the Early draw between 6.30 and 7pm.

Social Bowls:

Wednesday register 1pm, play 1.30pm.

Sunday register 9am, for 9.30am.

Jackpot $88.

Barefoot Bowls:

Corduroy Country Connections

LIVE This Friday, March 16!

Every Wednesday night. Register by 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Jackpot $42.

Pokies Lucky Seat:

EVERY FRIDAY: Drawn between 8pm and 8.30pm. 4 x $25 raffles for food or fuel. Cannot be exchanged for cash.

Bush Bingo:

From 6.30pm onwards

Every Thursday morning, 9am start.

New Jackpot $140 in 54 calls.

Wednesdays and Fridays – Courtesy Bus – out to Marton & Keatings Lagoon –

Ph 4069 5819

Tide times – Cooktown

FRIDAY, MARCH 16 TO FRIDAY, MARCH. 23

three or he’d lose his title,” Parkes said.

“And if he didn’t win the third, he’d have to knock him out.

“And that’s when he fired up and went out and gave ‘everything’ he had to him.”

Parkes said a series of kicks into Peru’s mid-section in the third had the referee stopping the fight to put a standing-eight count on the challenger.

And Pope repeated the dose in the fourth to enforce another count.

“Joe was bringing his kicks all the way up from Cooktown into Chris’ gut, it was awesome,” he said.

“Little wonder the ref thought about stopping the fight.”

Then in the fifth, Pope unlocked his full armoury of Muay Thai weapons, raining a barrage of left and right combination punches and kicks to leave his opponent a spent force at the end of the gruelling five, two-minute round encounter and retain his title in a unanimous points decision.

Pope said he knew he was in trouble after the second, but Parkes’ mid-round talk fired him up.

“I said to myself that it was my belt and I was going to give it everything to hang on to it,” he said.

“Chris would have had to knock me out to beat me and I wasn’t going to let that happen.”

Datum is Lowest Astronomical Tide. Tide times are provided by courtesy of Maritime Safety Queensland, © The State of Queensland (Department of Transport and Main Roads) 2010.

Fri 16 Time 05:45 12:17 17:51 23:48

Sat 17 Ht 2.57 1 1.95 0.81

 =

Time 06:26 12:49 18:32

MOON PHASES

Ht 2.7 0.87 2.12 NEW MOON

Fri. Mar 23 . Time: 00.37

Sun 18

Mon 19

Tue 20

Time 00:31 07:00 13:19 19:06

Time 01:08 07:30 13:48 19:38

Time 01:40 07:57 14:14 20:07

Ht 0.7 2.76 0.78 2.25

FIRST QUARTER Sat. Mar 31. Time: 05.41

Ht 0.64 2.77 0.73 2.35

FULL MOON Sat. Apr 07. Time: 05.19

24 – Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 March 2012

Ht 0.64 2.74 0.72 2.41

LAST QUARTER Fri. Apr 13. Time: 20.50

ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au

Wed 21

Thu 22

Fri 23

Time 02:10 08:22 14:39 20:36

Time 02:39 08:45 15:02 21:05

Time 03:06 09:06 15:23 21:33

Ht 0.69 2.66 0.72 2.43

Ht 0.78 2.56 0.76 2.41

Ht 0.92 2.42 0.8 2.36

Weather Watch Endeavour Valley March montly rainfall totals: 69.5ml

The

LURE SHOP

Open 7 Days • • • • • •

He said the first standing-eight count inspired his performance for the duration of the fight.

“Getting that eight count on him really got me going, I knew I had him at that stage,” he said.

Parkes said the victory not only sees Joe with a new belt, but has scored him a shot at the under-51.5kg world title in June.

“Toby Westcott from Orange in New South Wales won the world title from an American boy in an earlier fight,” he said.

“And in the speeches after his fight, Joe said he could beat Toby and next thing you know, Toby’s jumped into the ring and taken up the challenge.

“So it’ll be on in Brisbane in June sometime.”

And so impressive was Pope’s performance, he earned the award for “Fighter of the Night” and scored two further sponsorship offers.

“To be down in the first two rounds the way he was and climb back up and win the way he did, took a lot of guts and determination” he said.

Parkes said Joe has since been approached by “Punch Fight Equipment” and “Sub Apparel” to come on board as sponsors.

“We’re not sure what the offers are at the moment, but they’re definitely interested,” he said.

Local advice Bait, Ice, Tackle Chandlery Garmin GME Supplies for commercial fleet

PO Box 571 142 Charlotte Street Cooktown Qld 4895 Ph/Fax: 07 4069 5396 Mob: 0427 623 398 russelltbowman@bigpond.com • • • • • • •

Charter bookings Marine batteries Snorkelling Spearfishing Trailer parts Bushpower Battery chargers