Cairns Local News February 21 2025

Local News Cairns

New housing projects alarm long-term residents Flooding fears

flooding has increased

MERINGA residents backing onto new residential developments west of the Bruce Highway at Gordonvale fear a flooding disaster if storm water is not channelled efficiently and adequately.

Already residents of the rural-residential area of Grey St have experienced moderate-to minor flooding three times in December and this month since earthworks started on the former Straguszi cane farm (Cutters Rise development).

Cairns Regional Council has also given preliminary approval for another housing project

to CFV Pty Ltd on the former Pappalardo caneland next to Cutters Rise, adjacent to Stanley St.

Grey St residents, some of whom have lived in the street for nearly 40 years, say there has never been flooding until the cane fields were cleared and earthworks started on the Cutters Rise site.

Len and Janita Pavey said their back shed flooded and water covered their driveway and carport while a container on Myles Bryan’s property shifted half a metre by the force of the water. It didn’t move any further because it was stopped by a fence.

Mr Bryan said after Cyclone Jasper (before the Cutters Rise

earthworks) there was 1800mm of rain and, while there was significant run-off, there was no flooding. He said previously the rain soaked naturally into the ground of the original cane paddocks and any run-off was slowed and controlled by the ground contours, limiting soil erosion.

CONTINUED PAGE 2

l FAR NORTH

| Nick Dalton

CAIRNS Mayor Amy Eden is confident of some wins after meeting Woolworths executives this week following her call for the supermarket giant, as well as Coles, to establish warehouses or a distribution centre in the city.

Last week Cr Eden called on the supermarket giants to establish warehouses in the region to prevent shelves being stripped bare when the Bruce Highway is cut every wet season.

The big brands have distribution centres in Townsville to supply the Far North, as well as north-western and central Queensland.

“The past week hasn’t been grocery shopping – it’s been a scavenger hunt,” Cr Eden said last week.

However, Woolworths said prior to the wet it had stocked up with supplies despite the empty shelves after the highway and railway line were cut in the recent floods.

“Once the immediate issues around restocking shelves at its nine FNQ supermarkets are done, we’ll meet again to progress the ideas raised during this morning’s video call,” Cr Eden said.

She said she had yet to hear back from Coles.

CONTINUED PAGE 3

Meringa residents Janita Pavey (left), Myles Bryan, Len Pavey and Geoff Leigh above the drain which has flooded. They believe since the canefields were cleared for the Cutters Rise project

in their street. Picture: Nick Dalton

Flooding causes concern

Residents believe land clearing has led to excess stormwater flows

FROM PAGE 1

“Another resident, Fran Moore, said the council believed that two easements with swale drains between Loftus St and Grey St would be able to handle stormwater from Cutters Rise through to Mackey Creek.

But, she said, residents wanted a channel built on the developers’ properties running alongside Loftus St through to Stanley St, with water funnelled through to the Draper St retention basin.

Mr Bryan called for the developers to do a full hydrographic assessment of flood modelling.

He said Cutters Rise project manager Paul Kelly had met three residents and told them he was not aware of the flooding issues and was looking at ways to fix the problem.

The CFV Pty Ltd Pappalardo project, which also includes mixed commercial uses, was given preliminary approval at the February 12 council meeting.

Council principal planner Ian ElliottSmith told the meeting that, while it was given initial approval, it was also subject to further “downstream” development applications, including a detailed stormwater management plan (DSWMP).

“The DSWMP must demonstrate the local drainage characteristics of the site to determine the drainage impacts on upstream and downstream properties and the mitigation measures required to minimise such impacts,” the report said.

Mr Elliott-Smith said the developers of Cutters Rise had also met residents about the flooding problems.

More than 30 residents have submitted their objections to the Pappalardo project and their concerns include drainage, the change from low to medium density housing, lack of footpaths and lighting. They also want Loftus St retained as a barricade between their properties and the new subdivision and also as a water drainage easement, construction of a noise barrier and were worried aboutcrime associated with any proposed fast- food outlets.

Councillor Brett Moller, whose divi-

sion one includes Meringa, inspected the area after the December 22 flooding and has met residents.

He told the February 12 meeting that the council must get the flood modelling “right” for this area.

“It is important as we see new development progress in the southern corridor between Gordonvale and Edmonton, with sugar cane farms that are being replaced with housing and commercial developments, that the flood modelling for stormwater run-off is accurate, and there are no upstream or downstream impacts,” Cr Moller told Cairns Local News.

“It is the responsibility of the developer’s engineers with Registered Professional Engineers of Queensland qualifications to ensure the storm water drainage plans for any subdivision residential or commercial works provide the engineering solutions that have no adverse impacts,” he said.

“Certainly, with the significant rain events earlier this month, along with king tides impacting drainage flows, on my site visits with residents, I was receiving numerous comments along the lines of ‘in the many years I have resided here, I have never experienced the flooding we are getting’.

“Along with the housing and commercial development that is occurring, we have also had the E2G Bruce Highway upgrade, and as the local councillor receiving community feedback, I have asked our council drainage engineers to look at the flood modelling to ensure that there are no adverse flooding consequences to properties east and west of the highway.

“This investigation and data collection will feed into an updated drainage management plan being prepared by our council’s infrastructure officers, that will look to provide engineering solutions to address any issues arising. I will keep the community updated in respect to such.”

Town planning consultant Kelly Reaston, acting for CFV Ltd, said most of the stormwater would be discharged towards

“Detailed design will need to occur as

the Bruce Highway via Stanley St and through the Draper Rd detention basin, although some would use the Loftus St easement.

this development progresses and stormwater impacts will be assessed and addressed at each stage,” she said. Mr Kelly did not respond to a request to comment.

Top: The easement off Grey St came close to overflowing during recent heavy rain. Below: The Pavey driveway and carport were flooded for the first time in 37 years.

Pictures: Supplied

Ideas wanted for gateway to Cairns Airport passenger terminals

Cash in on thousands

l AEROGLEN

| Nick Dalton

A KEY gateway at Cairns Airport is open for commercial enterprises to tap into the thousands of people who visit the complex every day.

The airport has unveiled artist’s impressions which suggest uses for the site, near the entrance to the domestic terminal, include a service station and a bakery/cafe.

Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said expressions of interest for the site were being sought.

“This large, gateway parcel of land presents a significant development opportunity for local businesses and operators, located in our growing commercial precinct with exposure to the thousands of visitors we welcome every day,” he said.

“Creating a dynamic commercial hub at Cairns Airport aligns with our business’ core purpose, growing sustainably to support our community. Innovative, strategic developments within our existing footprint will help meet the evolving needs of our community and contribute to the region’s long-term economic stability.

“A great example of this, already underway at Cairns Airport, is the MiHaven shortterm accommodation precinct, which is aimed at addressing our region’s critical shortage of quality worker accommodation.”

The multi-million-dollar proposal could be funded by the airport with the intention

of construction starting within six months. Lot 31 is a prime 8869sqm gateway site at the entrance of the airport.

Possible operators could include a variety of uses, such as a café, retail, car wash, showroom or service station.

It is understood the airport will consider various options, including either a build and lease back agreement or ground lease only with project-

specific commercial terms to be negotiated.

On Facebook, the airport describes it as “a game-changer” for the region.

“This is an unparalleled opportunity to secure your stake in one of Far North Queensland’s most dynamic commercial precincts, with endless possibilities for development,” it said.

“With thousands of visitors

passing through daily, Lot 31 ensures optimal exposure and direct access to a bustling commercial district”.

Reaction on Facebook has been mainly positive.

Paris Holly said the airport needed a hotel for early morning flights so passengers could just walk to boarding areas.

Kate Jesseca called for a car wash “with vacuums for all the transport transfer vehicles to

wash and vac in between runs, plus rental cars”.

Matthew Dobson said a service station “would be fantastic for us workers out there, plus an attached 7-Eleven.”

Expressions of interest close on March 31, 2025. Contact Patrick Bellot on 0416 945 827 or email: patrick.bellot@cairnsairport. com.au

For more details visit https://bit.ly/4k52ZUX

Have a say at state community cabinet on March 2

l CAIRNS

| Isaac Colman

QUEENSLAND Premier David Crisafulli, alongside his ministers, are scheduled to host their first Queensland Government community cabinet in Cairns next month.

Tasked with meeting residents, community leaders, businesses and stakeholders to discuss local priorities, the

cabinet will also discuss how the community and government can work together to improve the lives of Far North Queenslanders.

Residents are being urged to have their say, identify new opportunities and share ideas with the goal of building a brighter future for all Queenslanders.

Mr Crisafulli said the Cairns event would be the first of a number of community cabinets to be held throughout the year.

“It’s important to me and to our ministers that we meet as many Queenslanders as possible to discuss the challenges and opportunities to build a better Queensland together,” he said.

Member for Mulgrave Terry James said the community cabinet would play a big role in helping the region.

“This is a great opportunity,” he said.

“For the Cairns community to meet the cabinet and have

their say about the issues affecting them and the opportunities which we have to develop our wonderful region.”

Member for Barron River Bree James encouraged residents to engage and participate in the event.

“This is a golden opportunity for the community to be bold and to create a vision for Cairns which future generations will be proud of,” Ms James said.

“I look forward to seeing many

residents and hearing about their exciting ideas at the event.”

The Crisafulli government’s key elections commitments for the Cairns region, include a multi-million dollar performing arts centre at Whitfield State School, investment to expand the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre with a new centre on Green Island and investment in a satellite learning centre in Cairns to assist the next generation of TAFE teachers. Visit https://bit.ly/3EG4GIz

Mayor pushes big brands on stock

FROM PAGE 1

“I’m still waiting to hear back from Coles following my letter to the CEO on Thursday (last week).”

Cr Eden has proposed an action plan to be be implemented by all stakeholders before the next wet season, including seasonal storage/warehousing solution (potentially on land already owned by Woolworths), more limits on bulk purchasing of essential items to be implemented earlier, stronger, consistent messaging from all levels of government, community groups and supermarkets to change behaviour around panic buying, continued pressure and advocacy on fixing the Bruce Highway.

“Even though stock levels are returning to normal, we can’t let this one slide,” Cr Eden said.

A Woolworths spokeswoman said ahead of each wet season, “we proactively put aside extra contingency stock for our Far North stores in case transport lines are cut, increasing stock levels in our Cairns stores and filling storage containers in the region with emergency long-life products”.

She said Woolworths stores had been receiving “a consistent stream of deliveries since the Bruce Highway reopened on Friday”.

“From Friday and over the weekend, we delivered more than 2000 pallets of groceries into the Cairns region, with deliveries continuing throughout the week.”

The spokeswoman said a barge carrying Woolworths stock by sea arrived in Cairns on Tuesday to help boost supply.

“It will take a while longer before our stores are back to normal, but we are now on track to recovery. Our Townsville distribution centre plays an important role in stocking our stores throughout the Far North with fresh produce and key packaged items.”

She said, while shelf-stable products and stock could be built up and stored for long periods, fresh products and those in high demand needed to be constantly replenished by a steady flow into the distribution centres before being quickly sent into stores. Coles did not respond to a request for comment.

An artist’s impression of the gateway development which includes a cafe/bakery and service station. Picture: Gabbert Design

HYPNOTIC CONFIDENCE

HI THERE and thanks for joining me as I discuss hypnotherapy and the positive changes it can make in your life.

Last week I gave you an overview of some of the issues which can be successfully treated by hypnotherapy. This week I’m going to talk about anxiety, a widespread issue that hypnotherapy has proven to be a particularly effective treatment for.

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. On average, one in four people – one in three women and one in five men – will experience anxiety at some stage of their life. At the moment with all the uncertainty around the globe, anxiety has become particularly prevalent.

Anxiety is a feeling of fear or apprehension about what is going to happen. It is more than just feeling stressed or worried. While stress and anxious feelings are a common response to pressure, those feelings usually pass once the stressful situation has gone.

But when anxious feelings don’t go away or kick in without any particular reason, this becomes a problem. This is caused by negative thought patterns. Sometimes you can have unrealistic and deeply pessimistic thoughts about the future. The result is anxiety and it is a terrible feeling for those who suffer it.

Research has shown that hypnotherapy can help relieve anxiety, along with stress and fear. Hypnotherapy is also very good in alleviating the symptoms of panic disorder.

Hypnotherapy is evidence-based and works by connecting with your powerful subconscious mind to change negative ways of thinking into positive and more realistic thought patterns, which then removes the anxiety. The results can be life changing.

One of the benefits of hypnotherapy

Stressed?

Hypnotherapy could be the answer.

is that results are seen in a short amount of time.

If you’re interested in what hypnotherapy can do for you, feel free to get in touch for a FREE online strategy session.

Together we can look at working on your individual roadmap to recovery and a more fulfilled life. You can contact me on 0401 223780 or support@confidencecontrol.com.au

Dave is a Cairns-based Clinical Hypnotherapist and Hypnotic Life Coach who works online. He is university educated and vocationally trained in delivering evidence-based psychoeducation, including CBT and Solution-Focused Therapy. He is a clinical member of the Australian Guild of Hypnotherapists (GoAH) and the Hypnotherapy Council of Australia (HCA). His website is: www.confidencecontrol.com.au

‘Croc Candy’ inspires novel

l CAIRNS

| Isaac Colman

LOCAL young entrepreneur

Angus Copelin-Waters has become an inspiration for young Australians for years to come, celebrating his star role in the new children’s book ‘Croc Candy’.

Written by Queenslandbased children’s author Claire Thompson, ‘Croc Candy’ tells the story of his journey from struggling with dyslexia at seven-years-old to forming confectionary business Croc Candy, donating profits to charity.

Reflecting aspects familiar to Cairns life, Croc Candy consists of a crocodile-shaped flavoured confectionery, available in unique bush-tucker flavours and innovations.

Now 14, Master CopelinWaters has raised over $50,000 for various organisations, such as Made by Dyslexia, who named him as Australia’s young ambassador in 2021.

Having won multiple awards, he has met former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and received a letter from the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Illustrated by Deborah Brown, author Claire Thompson said Croc Candy was a “vibrant celebration of kindness, courage and crocodiles”.

Ms Thompson, a former journalist writing stories of inspiring young Australians, first read about Master Copelin-Waters in a news feature, immediately knowing his story would be a testament to success.

‘‘I hope this book encourages young readers to believe in their potential, showing they can achieve great things at any age,” she said.

“Angus's story is a testament to the power of dreams, drive and determination.”

Master Copelin-Waters said he was extremely excited

for his story becoming a children’s book.

“(The story is) about my little struggle with dyslexia,” he said.

“It’s now my superpower to never give up on my entrepreneurial dreams.

“I hope readers will learn about making their own dreams come true in their own way.”

Towards 2035

10-year plan outlines region’s diversity

Hypnotherapy is a powerful, proven method that can change your negative thought patterns and subconscious beliefs which are disrupting your mental wellbeing. It works by communicating directly with the most powerful and creative part of your mind, putting you back in charge of your own thoughts and responses. With hypnotherapy, you can change almost any current behaviour that you are unhappy with.

Hypnotherapy can help with the following: Anxiety | Alcohol and Drug Habits | Allergies | Anger Issues | Bad Habits | Bereavement Blushing | Bruxism (teeth grinding) | Depression | Fears | Guilt | Headaches | Insomnia

Jealousy | Migraines | Motivation | Nail Biting | Nightmares | Pain Relief | Performance Anxiety

Phobias | Public Speaking | Sports Performance | Stammering | Trauma | Weight Loss

Contact Dave at Confi denceControl for a FREE strategy session on 0401 223780 or support@confi dencecontrol.com.au https://www.confi dencecontrol.com.au/contact-rates/ Lacking Confidence? Anxious?

l FAR NORTH

| Nick Dalton

A NEW roadmap to show the Far North is not just a tourist destination has been unveiled by Advance Cairns.

Roadmap 2035 is based on fiver pillars of ‘our place in the region’, diversification and innovation, liveability, sustainability and jobs and skills.

Key focuses are:

• A more resilient and robust Bruce Highway

• A fully-sealed Kennedy development Road (alternative inland route)

• Completion of the 5000 tonne common user facility shiplift in the Cairns marine precinct

• A thriving sustainable aviation fuel industry across the North and Far North.

Advance Cairns chairman Nick Trompf said there were clear advantages unique to the region, such as the proximity to Asia-Pacific, natural assets and the international airport “which set us apart”.

“While Advance Cairns has led its development, the success

of this roadmap will be determined by how it is adopted and adapted by a far broader church of influential leaders of business, industry and governmentthroughout the region.

“This roadmap identifies these advantages – and others – and acts to harness the opportunity, ambition and future markets to set ourselves clear goals over the next decade to ensure a prosperous future for the region.”

Advance Cairns chief executive officer Jacina Reddan said Roadmap 2035 provided “a clear, actionable framework to guide our region’s growth, ensuring we capitalise on our strengths while addressing challenges”.

The roadmap was launched at a lunch last Friday attended by more than 150 people.

Among the speakers were Silica Resources Australia executive chairman Peter Lansom who gave details of their silica sands project at Mourilyan set to start mining in 2028 and regarded as among the “purest’ in the world.

Jet Zero industrial manager Adam Douglas spoke about a sustainable aviation fuel plant

being established in Townsville and backed by Airbus and Qantas. It would use renewable biomass from sugar mills and supply fuel to Cairns Airport.

EQ Resources operations manager Rayn MacNeill outlined how their critical tungsten mine, which employed 150 people at Mt Carbine, supplied stocks to the rest of the world outside China (which had 83 per cent) and the US which no longer exported the product.

In the roadmap, Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said, by 2035, Cairns Airport was well placed to be the second major international airport in Queensland.

“In addition to being the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is ideally located to take advantage of the rapidly emerging middle class in Asia, using a new generation of long-range narrow body jets that can reach Cairns from deep in Asia,” he said. “These aircraft, which make up most new aircraft orders, can reach Cairns from destinations such as Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam, but they cannot reach Brisbane or Gold Coast.”

Local young entrepreneur Angus Copelin-Waters has become an inspiration for young Australians for years to come, celebrating his star role in new children’s book ‘Croc Candy’. Picture: Claire Thompson

$4m Chinese cultural and heritage centre build to start late ‘25 Nominate our best women

l CAIRNS REGION

CAIRNS Regional Council is searching for the region’s most inspirational women, with nominations open for the 2025 Cairns International Women’s Day Awards.

With three categories consisting of woman of the year, young woman of the year and women’s recognition award, winners will be announced at a special event at Tanks Arts Centre on Saturday, March 8.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the awards were an important opportunity to recognise women who had made a real difference to the lives of others.

“These awards are an opportunity to raise the profile of women, celebrate achievements and showcase successes,” she said.

“Across our region there are countless women who are making highly valuable contributions to our community.

“If you know a woman who has made a valuable contribution to the community, be that through sport, social and welfare contributions, or the arts, I strongly encourage you to nominate them for an award.”

Tickets to the awards event at the Tanks Arts Centre can be bought from https://bit.ly/4gJbhz5

To nominate visit the council’s website https://bit.ly/4k02FHh

Dream becomes reality

l EDGE HILL

| Nick Dalton

CONSTRUCTION of a new Chinese Cultural and Heritage Centre at Edge Hill is due to start mid-to-late this year after the Crisafulli government promised $2.7 million towards the $4m building.

The centre in Greenslopes St, opposite the city’s Chinese Friendship Garden, will also be funded to the tune of $1.3m by the Cairns and District Chinese Association (CADCAI).

Association president Lai Chu Chan said a further $500,000 from public donations was required for landscaping, operational and contingency works.

She said the aim was to have the centre, which had been a dream of the association for almost 40 years, ready for Chinese New Year celebrations in 2027.

It will provide a permanent home and exhibition space to preserve Cairns’ Lit Sung Goong Temple collection, as well as a venue for community performing arts, research, education, celebrations and festivals.

Mrs Chan said a meeting was held with TPG Architects on Monday to work out the tender process.

She said the centre, which

was ‘shovel-ready’, already had council approval. The association’s money would be used to start the project with the government and public donations to be used for completion.

She said it would also be available for other multi-cultural groups for get togethers, performances and their own festivals.

Mrs Chan said the centre

would promote stories of Chinese migrants from the Gold Rush era and their shared history and experiences alongside European and the First Nations people of Australia.

“The Lit Sung Goong Temple collection of artifacts remain a tangible link to the early Chinese presence in Cairns and are considered rare and significant due to their quality, size and

level of intactness,” she said.

Multiculturalism Minister Fiona Simpson said the centre was an opportunity to share an important part of local history with a broader audience.

“The Chinese Cultural and Heritage Centre delivers on a key Crisafulli government commitment to the Cairns community and is part of delivering a fresh start for Queensland,” she

said. “This centre will honour and embrace the social, agricultural, economic and cultural contributions this community made in developing modern day Cairns, while supporting jobs and tourism.

“During the gold rush, almost a third of Cairns’ population was Chinese migrants, with those ancestral ties still running deep across the community today.”

Council News Update

Council News Update

Keep recycling out of waste

In the Cairns region, thousands of tonnes of recyclable material ends up our waste bins each year.

Every time we place something recyclable in our waste bin, its recycling journey stops in landfill, forever.

So let’s lift the right lid with our recyclables and make sure to keep these resources in use for generations, let’s keep recycling out of waste.

To learn more about how to recycle correctly, visit our website.

King tides are expected to impact Cairns next week at the following times (other areas may vary):

• Monday 24 February: 2.9m at 7.27am

• Tuesday 25 February: 3.1m at 7.55am

Council offers free disposal of household (domestic) green waste four times a year. The scheduled dates for 2025 are:

Council offers of household (domestic) green waste times a year. The dates for 2025 are:

• Wednesday 26 February: 3.27m at 8.26am

n 15 to 23 February

n 15 23 February

• Thursday 27 February: 3.39m at 8.58am

n 17 to 25 May

n 17 25 May

• Friday 28 February: 3.41m at 9.30am

• Saturday 1 March: 3.31m at 10am

n 16 to 24 August, and n 15 to 23 November.

n 16 24 August, and n 15 23 November.

• Sunday 2 March: 3.11m at 10.31am

• Monday 3 March: 2.79m at 11.03am. For more information, visit bom.gov.au

During these periods, domestic green waste can be dropped off for free at Portsmith, Smithfield, Gordonvale and Babinda transfer stations.

During these periods, domestic green waste can be dropped off for free at Portsmith, Smithfield, Gordonvale Babinda stations.

Improvement works

Improvement works

Improvement works

Jensen St, Edge Hill: Saltwater Creek drainage upgrade between Iona Cl and Hutchinson St. Includes road closure of Hutchinson St, between Montrose Ave and Jensen St, from Monday 24 February.

Reed Rd, Trinity Park: Construction of three new bus stops – near Debbie St, outside the boat trailer park, and between Seton and Parkway streets, from Monday 13 January.

Reed Rd, Trinity Park: Construction three new bus stops – near Debbie St, outside the boat and Seton and Parkway streets, from Monday 13 January.

}For all works underway, see Council’s website, cairns.qld.gov.au.

}For all works underway, see Council’s website, cairns.qld.gov.au

}For all works underway, see Council’s website,

available For tickets scan QR code or visit ticketlink.com.au

An artist’s impression of the new $4 million Chinese Cultural and Heritage Centre at Edge Hill. Picture: TPG Architects

Brave Poppy’s struggle

Child’s life almost normal after battling blood anaemia for five years

l INNISFAIL

| Isabella Guzman

Gonzalez

AT just five years old, Innisfail’s Poppy Jennifer Pickett has endured over 50 blood transfusions, countless hospital stays, and a bone marrow transplant in her battle with Diamond-Blackfan anaemia — but after four years, life is finally smiling on the brave little girl.

In a battle that started at only six-weeks-old, Poppy was put into intensive care when a blood test revealed her body didn’t produce red blood cells. This would be the beginning of a journey for the girl’s young family, including 30-year-old mum Emma-Joy and older brother Hunter.

“Poppy was born in Cairns and at six-weeks-old she had a blood test that came back and said that she had really low haemoglobin and that we needed to go to emergency,” Ms Pickett said.

“She really didn’t have that newborn phase, she’s had this condition – Diamond-Blackfan anaemia – since she was sixweeks-old, which is the red blood disease where she can’t make her own red blood cells, so she needs blood transfusions.

“It took us probably a year of tests to know what her condition was. We were just doing blood

transfusions, hoping that it would be a top up, and that’s it. But she never made it (red blood cells) herself.

“Initially we were on a steroid trial to see if that would prompt her bone marrow to make red blood cells but it failed, so she would need blood transfusions for the rest of her life.

“Eventually we looked at a bone marrow transplant because her transfusions were getting more frequent which was causing an iron buildup which is hard to expel from the body, but there are a lot of risks associated with the transplant – she could’ve died.”

Ms Pickett said the struggles went beyond the hospitals, treatments and diagnostics – it was the emotional and mental toll what drained the most.

“Poppy’s coming up to the 18th month milestone of her bone marrow transplant, she can now travel overseas, she’s not on any medication, she’s done a full year of school – prep last year – and she just started grade one,” she said.

“She’s coming over the medical trauma that she’s had, so she was so withdrawn and shy and when she started school last year. She had no hair, she had an NG tube, so it was rough this year. Her hair has grown back a bit so I’m looking forward to her having a positive start to school.

“This has affected her emo-

tionally with making friends and not being able to do what other children can do. Her brother Hunter also felt the impact, people at school would tell him his sister was going to die or that his sister was a boy, so it was really hard on our family, but it also brought us closer together.

“Being at this new stage it’s a massive weight off, we don’t have to go to appointments as regularly, we don’t have to administer any medication. As a working parent to make the time for appointments and continue

to pay the bills it’s really hard.”

Ms Pickett thanked the notfor-profit Childhood Cancer Support for their help through the long hospital stays at the Brisbane Children’s Hospital where Poppy had to receive treatment.

“I had to take unpaid carer’s leave from work and I was away from work for seven months. In that time, I didn’t know if I had a job to come back to,” she said.

“I didn’t have an income for a long time, so having Childhood Cancer Support there as a home

– because we had to go from Cairns to Brisbane and stay there for seven months – so having accommodation at low or no cost was amazing. They had beds, linens, some food. They also offered toys, presents, counsellors to talk to.”

After four years of hospitals and struggles for Poppy and her family, Ms Pickett said she was excited about the new journey ahead. “This has brought us closer together and for us to go back to some sort of normalcy is amazing,” she said.

Students mark JCU

‘O

Week’

l SMITHFIELD

HUNDREDS of students have marked the start of their academic journey at James Cook University’s Nguma-bada Campus at Smithfield last Monday.

Running the week before period one classes begin, JCU’s ‘O Week’ program invites new students to spend the week preparing for their studies, both academically and socially.

With over 2600 new students enrolled so far, these new students will join over 8200 students enrolled across Townsville’s Bebegu Yumba campus and Cairns’ Bebegu Yumba campus.

New arrivals were able to attend course introductions, a student lunch, networking night, market day, and an O Week breakfast across this week. JCU vice chancellor Professor Simon Biggs said it was an exciting atmosphere at both campuses as staff prepared to welcome new and returning students.

“O Week is a special time for our new students as they begin their JCU journey and experience campus life for the first time,” he said.

“It offers an ideal opportunity for new students to experience the best of what JCU has to offer, both academically and socially.

“Our staff will be on hand to offer any support and advice they need in what I am sure will be an unforgettable week.”

Five-year-old Poppy and mum Emma Joy Pickett are grateful for the help of Childhood Cancer Support for their support. To assist Childhood Cancer Support visit https://bit.ly/3EIDDSy. Picture: Supplied

Governor cheers up town

l CARDWELL

THE Governor of Queensland Dr Jeannette Young and husband Professor Graeme Nimmo have visited Cardwell in a morale-boosting visit after the recent floods.

A Cassowary Coast Regional Council spokeswoman said the visit “highlights the concern and support from the monarch and state government for our affected communities”.

“We were proud to show her excellency the incredible efforts of our volunteers and emergency services, whose hard work has been critical to the recovery,” she said.

“From clearing roads to supporting residents, their dedication has made a real difference.

“The visit raised awareness of the ongoing recovery, provided moral support to those affected and showcased the progress being made as we rebuild

stronger and more resilient communities.

“A big thank you to all those involved in the recovery efforts. We are grateful for the support from all levels of government and the efforts of our local heroes.”

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, Premier David Crisafulli, and Member for Kennedy Bob Katter also visited Ingham last weekend to get updates on the floods.

Coast in full recovery mode

Council digs in to assess damage and prioritise repairs but residents still angry

l CASSOWARY COAST

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

AS the sun begins to shine on Cardwell, the real challenge starts for the council and the community as all efforts go to filling up the shelves, repairing homes and businesses and supporting families that lost everything.

After two weeks of what seemed like non-stop rains, Cardwell is now into recovery as the Cassowary Coast Regional Council focuses on supporting impacted families and businesses while the community continues to ap-

ply for hardship.

Although families and businesses continue to struggle, big steps have occurred over the last week. The Bruce Highway was finally reopened to Cairns, meaning hundreds of trucks rolled in and were speeding up the supply shortage issues.

The council has also extended rates payment for residents so they can instead focus on cleaning, contacting their insurance companies or just resting after the traumatic event.

“To everyone affected, the Cassowary Coast Regional Council is here to support you.

We know this is a hard time and we’re listening,” said Mayor Teresa Millwood.

“We know many residents are flat out trying to clean up and get their lives back on track,” she said.

“While we cannot postpone rates bills indefinitely, and still provide services that residents rely on and that some need now more than ever, we’ve worked to buy time for residents and further assist those that are hard hit.

“Cassowary Coast Regional Council is pushing back the dates for rates payments by a fortnight to March 14, we’ve

also set a simpler system for everybody affected by the flooding to access hardship help.”

Other services like the Cardwell Community Hub will remain open indefinitely to help with anything from supplies and a chat to advise on how to apply for disaster funding.

The council is also still offering cleaning supplies and mosquito repellent for free to prevent any soil-borne diseases that become prevalent after a weather event like this, however, there’s still a sentiment within the community that more should’ve been done ahead of the tragedy.

Deb Churton, her partner Brent and her two children Elle and Aston lost their home on Roma St on February 2. Two weeks after the tragedy the family is still readjusting to managing life and a small business.

Ms Churton said there was an overall feeling by Roma St residents that much of the tragedy could’ve been avoided.

“Not being in our house is challenging, we haven’t got out home to run normal everyday life,” she said.

“Our belongings are not with us and attempting to run our business without our office at

home is very challenging, we feel so scattered.

“The council have only supported us and the wider community by setting up the hub and visiting damaged homes. They haven’t come to our house or spoken to us just to see how we’re doing.”

A council spokeswoman said recovery was a long and complex process, but the council would focus their efforts on infrastructure repairs and financial aid for Cassowary Coast residents. She said the council would advocate for assistance to businesses which were suffering.

AYMENT

Queensland Governor Jeannete Young (centre right) and her husband Professor Graeme Nimmo thanked SES volunteers for the help during the recent floods at Cardwell. Picture: Supplied

BABINDA

Babinda

BENTLEY

BRINSMEAD

CAIRNS

Cairns

GORDONVALE

Cignall Gordonvale Peak Mobility & Rehab Piefection SUPA IGA Gordonvale United Fuel Gordonvale

HOLLOWAYS BEACH Holloways Beach Spar

KEWARRA BEACH

Cairns

CLIFTON BEACH

Marano

Nextra

CARDWELL

Brearleys Bakery Cardwell Butchery Cardwell Ice Works Cardwell IGA Cardwell

MACHANS BEACH Machans Beach Store

MANOORA

Cignall Resevoir Rd

MANUNDA

MOUNT SHERIDAN

Friendly Grocer Mount

CASSOWARY COAST

PALM COVE

Friendly Grocer Kewarra Park

Brothers Leagues Club Cairns Byrnes Meats Café Mateo N News Agency Raintrees

Sheridan Mount Sheridan Newspower

O’Donnells Bar

Petes Place

Mango Lagoon Coffee

Palm Cove Supermarket

Surf Club Palm Cove

PORTSMITH

Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron

Cairns Regional Council

Food4u Catering

Portsmith Quality Meats

United Woree

REDLYNCH

Redlynch Central Shopping Centre

SMITHFIELD

Nextra Marlin Coast

Newsagency

Smithfield Shopping Centre

SPAR Express Campus

TSG Smithfield

STRATFORD

Jonsson’s Farm Market

Stratford General Store

TRINITY BEACH

The Beach House at Trinity

Trinity Beach Night Owl

TRINITY PARK Reed Road Store & Takeaway

WESTCOURT

Cazaly’s Cairns

Cignall Westcourt

DFO Cairns - Info Desk

Freechoice Tobacconist

TSG Tobacco Station - DFO

WHITE ROCK

Friendly Grocer White Rock

General Store

WOREE

Bayview Gardens Newsagency

Shorts IGA Woree

YORKEYS KNOB

Yorkeys Knob Boat Club Yorkey’s Post Office

‘Seems unsafe’

Most residents against youth project

l DAINTREE

| Nick Dalton

MOST submissions about a proposed ‘youth training village’ in the Daintree oppose the idea.

Douglas Shire Council has received 50 submissions with 90 per cent against the development. Submissions have now closed

Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation has applied to the council for a material change of use for the education establishment which would include accommodation and facilities to provide “agriculturally-based vocational training and other cultural and therapeutic programs”.

The names and addresses on the submissions, which are on the council’s website, have been redacted.

A Daintree Village resident for more than 20 years, a Rural Fire Brigade member and part of the disaster response team in the village said he had observed many and varied floods

and cyclones in the area. “I have looked at the flood overlay FST013 (Fig.1) which is included in the application and note that it was drawn up prior to the most recent floods.

“The January 2019 and December 2023 floods both exceeded the overlay by at least 2-3m.

“The last two flood events were close together and suggest the 1-in-100 year flood data is no longer a reliable indicator, especially as we are affected by climate change.

“A proposed educational facility in an isolated location with only river access, subject to increasing severe flooding, seems unsafe.”

The resident said juvenile crime was “like a blanket over our towns and cities”.

“In Daintree Village we are fortunate that residents live in a very peaceful and safe location.

“If this project is approved Daintree Village will change forever.

“Most sadly know victims of juvenile crime and their lives are forever changed. No-one

thinks of the victims. It will take only one incident and it will ignite fear and anxiety.”

But a Bamboo resident, who is a Julaywarra Traditional Owner, supports the project.

“As a former Aboriginal reserve it was home to several of our families, including my family and has great cultural significance to us,” the resident said.

The Traditional Owner said the community should have no fear “as it is our turn again now to be the guardians once again of the land and, hopefully in time, the non-Indigenous youth can also be part of this program”.

“We want to be given the chance to protect and preserve our Kuku Yalanji culture and land and to take care of our own.

“I strongly support the proposal to develop the property to provide training for young people through the intensive On Country program as well as creating employment for Kuku Yalanji Bama.”

Jabalbina was asked to respond to the submissions.

Stories ease hospital stay

l CAIRNS NORTH

THE community is being asked to share the sometimessurprising benefits of their local public libraries as part of a statewide campaign launched last week.

‘How do you library?’ encourages Queenslanders from Mossman to Cardwell to tell their local communities what they love about their library and to make the most of its free activities and resources, which nurture creativity, connection and lifelong learning.

Whether parents are building LEGO towers with their kids, discovering family history, joining a First 5 Forever story time session, or developing a new skill, there is something for everyone at more than 325 public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKCs)

across Queensland.

At Cairns Hospital the writing is on the walls and the children at the paediatric unit are loving the newlyinstalled immersive literary experience.

Council Libraries, First 5 Forever and the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) joined forces to bring education and comfort to young patients with the installation of two story walks in the children’s ward.

The displays feature beloved books from the State Library of Queensland’s ‘Stories for Little Queenslanders’ collection.

‘One Remarkable Reef’ by Kellie Byrnes brightens the children’s playground, while ‘The Little Queenslanders’ Alphabet Book’ by Sally Scudamore comes to life

in one of the ward’s main corridors. Cairns Hospital paediatrics nurse unit manager Rylie Lee Long said the story walks were a great addition to the children’s ward. She said it would complement other resources available within the paediatric unit, particularly for longer stay patients, such as the Cairns Hospital School.

“Hospital can be a scary place, at times, for our young patients, so providing something to brighten their days is just fantastic,” she said.

“Reading and storytelling is such an important activity at an early age, particularly keeping those busy little brains occupied. Reading books engages children’s senses far more than a screen.”

Paediatrics nurse Rylee Lee Long and patient Jaylene Stanley check out the story walks. Picture: Supplied

He’s not taking any rubbish

l MACHANS BEACH

| Isaac Colman

MACHANS Beach

Community Association has rolled out a new initiative to help reduce landfill, encouraging members of the community to separate their waste from what can be reused with the trial of new recycling containers.

Currently consisting of crates attached to each rubbish bin, the containers display signs encouraging people to reduce unnecessary landfill by placing their cans and bottles in the container instead of general waste.

Association member Leon Bradley has volunteered to empty each container around the suburb.

He said the initiative had been successful so far, holding high hopes and

plans for the future.

“The response (so far) has been really good,” Mr Bradley said.

“We're planning to put a couple more on the other bins along the Esplanade,” he said.

“I (also) think it's really important to put one down on the mouth of the Barron River.

“Many people go down to the river mouth with lots of drink, and a lot of them just leave empty cans and bottles on the ground.

“There’s a lot of locals who go down there and clean up the area, with many actually saving them for me.

“The attitude of the locals has been really good.

“As far as recognising that I'm actually doing something about reducing the amount of waste going to landfill, they like it.”

Another association member Deryck Thompson said the new initiative was a great way for the community to help make a difference in the amount of recyclable material that was reused, and use their creativity to tackle issues that impact their day-to-day lives.

“The trial at Machans will hopefully encourage other organisations and individuals to place additional collection boxes alongside public rubbish bins, so that drink containers will be recycled and not end up as landfill,” he said.

“Every year, Queensland generates about three billion drink containers,” Mr Thompson said.

“Approximately half are returned under the ‘Containers for Change’ scheme.”

Uni academic hits hustings for Greens

Federal target

| Nick Dalton

JAMES Cook University aca-

demic Phillip Musumeci has been named the Queensland Greens candidate for Leichhardt at the upcoming federal election.

It is Mr Musumeci’s second tilt at the seat, having contested Leichhardt as the Greens candidate in 2022. He also unsuccessfully contested division 8 in last year’s Cairns Regional Council elections.

Mr Musumeci is a fourth generation local who was born in Babinda, grew up on a family farm and now lives in Cairns with his wife and son.

He has spent half his working life as a systems engineer and the other half teaching computing science and engineering at a number of universities, including James Cook University.

Mr Musumeci said he was running for Leichhardt again because the major parties had failed the community on the issues of cost-of-living, housing and climate change.

“As an academic adviser at James Cook University, I saw first-hand how difficult it is for young people to pay the bills, juggle study and part-time work, and how hopeless many feel about ever owning a home of their own,” he said.

“Too many people in our community are struggling to pay the bills and are being ripped off every time they buy groceries at the supermarket.

“From Cairns to Thursday Island, climate change is affecting our everyday lives and extreme weather events are becoming more common, yet the major parties are too beholden to their corporate donors to take action.

“The Greens are committed to tackling the cost-of-living crisis by making supermarket price gouging illegal, putting dental and mental health into Medicare and making visits to the GP free.

“We will address the housing crisis by capping rent increases and building more affordable housing.

“We will take strong action on climate change by stopping new coal and gas projects and investing in renewables to create thousands of well paid, longterm jobs in clean energy.”

Senator Larissa Waters, who is running for re-election to the Senate, has praised Mr Musumeci as a hardworking and passionate advocate for the community.

“We need people like Phillip in Parliament who will represent the community, not corporate interests,” she said.

“More Greens will keep Dutton out and get Labor to act.

“With a minority government, we can deliver dental and mental health into Medicare and take strong action on the housing and climate crisis.”

Machans Beach resident Leon Bradley is leading a recycling push in the seaside suburb. Picture: Supplied

Phillip Musumeci.

Lettersto the editor

Vocal Local join our online debate be

a

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION

What’s the single most important thing that the Far North should lobby the hardest for and why?

@cairnslocalnews

Last week’s question was: Should supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths set up a warehouse in Cairns? Why or why not? Here are just some of your comments.

Yes, and just transport fruit and vegetables from Tablelands direct to Cairns instead of to Brisbane and back again.

- Lisa Conyers, Facebook

I’d like to see a shift away from majority support for Coles and Woolies and see a shift to supporting local and/or independent suppliers. Cairns is big enough now to have a permanent fresh food co-op. We produce so much food in the north, only for most of it to be sent south to be distributed back up here.

- Pammy Dee, Facebook

Definitely. It would bring jobs to the Cairns area which would be fantastic. Yes, I agree, stock up more when the wet season is here but some people can’t afford to. I felt so saddened to see the elder-

ly wandering around and around Woolies with nothing in their trolley during those two weeks when the shelves were bare.

- Hesta De Roma, Facebook

Why don’t you all just stock up your pantry/freezer with essential dry goods etc before the wet/cyclone season? That would be too easy. Don’t rely on others when you can do it yourself.

- Shirley Richards, Facebook

No, we need to support the more independently-owned local businesses not the giants. Locals support locals and keep the cash circulating in the same town or city. Local businesses look after their community and keep things stocked far more then Woolworths or Coles can.

- Sharnie Koster, Facebook

Perri Conti, Cairns CBD Power tariffs

Maggie Hill, Redlynch Capitalist system

Sean McGinn, Clifton Beach

Greg McNaught, Westcourt

Tanya Murphy, Parramatta Park

Schmidlin, Yorkeys Knob

Deryck Thompson, Machans Beach

Deb Frecklington

Let’s get positive in Douglas

l DOUGLAS SHIRE

I GENERALLY try to keep the ‘Goss’ travelling along on a positive note, but it would be fair to say there has been some negativity around the Douglas Shire in recent weeks.

This may well be partly due to the heavy rain, which has certainly triggered some painful reminders of last year’s post Cyclone Jasper deluge. Thoughts go out to those in the south of our region who are suffering currently from the recent floods.

Other issues for the Douglas Shire have included the increase in crime, such as property damage in Mossman, vehicle damage in Port Douglas and some generally anti-social behaviour.

A number of locals have suggested to me that our community appears to be “quite divided” at the moment which is, without doubt, a sad scenario, if true.

On the flip side, as I have often reported in this column, there are many positives happening in front of our very eyes and also behind the scenes.

Individuals and groups who give their time to help others and keep the community ticking along harmoniously.

The above-mentioned property damage in Mossman, particularly to businesses in Front Street, is already being addressed by lo-

cal business owners, the council, police and elders to put things right. Further meetings are planned soon, following one earlier this month, to try and bring a positive end to the unfortunate situation.

As all locals and visitors know, the Shire has many positives to celebrate and Queenslanders are now being called on to nominate their favourite hotspots, local treasures and hidden gems for the 2025 Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards.

This may indeed be an excellent opportunity to bring the positivity back, not just for Port Douglas and its attractions, but also for Mossman with its cafes and the gorge, the beautiful Daintree and the world’s oldest rainforest, plus other areas of the shire.

Presented by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), the annual Top Tourism Town Awards recognise Queensland’s diverse and outstanding regional destinations.

QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler encourages all Queenslanders to get involved and to throw their support behind the Sunshine State’s regional getaways and nominating their beloved spots.

“We’re calling on locals and tourism operators to nominate their town and show us what makes their slice of paradise truly special,” she said.

There are four awards in the program:

• Top Tourism Town award – those with a population over 5000

• Top Small Tourism Town award – those with a population between 1500 – 5000

• Top Tiny Tourism Town award – those with a population below 1500

• Top Tour Guide award.

I’m pretty sure our great towns and people must easily fit into one of these categories, so let’s get in it to win it.

With nominations now open and closing Monday, March 10, Queenslanders have just one month to nominate their favourite town through the QTIC website at https://www. qtic.com.au/top-tourism-town-awards State winners will go on to represent Queensland at the national awards held later in the year, where they have the chance to be crowned one of Australia’s Top Tourism Towns or Australia’s Top Tour Guide. Winners will be announced in June at an awards ceremony in Brisbane.

As this week’s pictures show, there is plenty to celebrate in the Douglas Shire.

Naturally, I’m off to nominate straight away, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.

Send your stories to gazza@ cairnslocalnews.com.au

Dementia Carers

We invite you to come along and enjoy time in the company of others in a similar situation You are not alone!

COME JOIN US! Every 2nd Wednesday 10am - 12pm Cominos House, 27 Greenslopes st, Edge Hill

COST: Gold coin donation for morning tea.

The community coming together for a traditional smoking ceremony at Mossman Gorge.

Evening fishing at Four Mile Beach.

Beautiful scenery north of the Daintree River.

Spotlight on Northern Beaches

State takes over tourism attraction

New era for island resort

l PALM COVE

| Nick Dalton

EXPRESSIONS of interest are being called for the rundown Double Island Resort.

The Crisafulli government has converted Double Island to state-owned freehold to activate tourism opportunities.

Natural Resources Minister Dale Last said the change would allow the state government to negotiate fit-for-purpose commercial leases that will help restore the island as a premier tourist attraction.

“We know the community has immense pride in this local gem and they’ve advocated strongly for the restoration of Double Island for both locals and visitors,” he said.

“We promised a fresh start for Double Island and this is the first step in delivering it.

“Expressions of interest, looking for an operator with a forward-looking tourism vision for Double Island, will soon be open to ensure the gem in the Far North’s tourism crown is finally reopened to Queenslanders and the world.

“Converting the island to state-owned freehold land gives us stronger powers to negoti-

ate commercial leases and ensure leaseholders provide world-class tourism offerings and are accountable to the people of Queensland.”

Member for Barron River and assistant tourism minister Bree James said it was “a new era for an island treasure that Far North Queenslanders know and love”.

“Our community has loudly advocated for the restoration of Double Island to its former glory, and this is an important step toward achieving that,” she said.

Advance Palm Cove president Robert Van Den Hoven said a “forward-looking tourism vision” for Double Island aligned perfectly with his organisation’s vision for Palm Cove.

“Together, Palm Cove and Double Island will offer guests and locals an incredible tourism experience right on our doorstep. We are pleased that the government has emphasised accessibility and a commitment to sustainable tourism,” he said.

Tourism Palm Cove president Matthew Cork said the island was “crucial for the future of Palm Cove as it carries a profound history from both a First Nations perspective and a tourism point of view.” He said it would “pave the way for a thriving community and vibrant tourism that honours its extraordinary heritage”.

Natural Resources Minister Dale Last (left) and Member for Barron River Bree James are delighted that Double Island (inset) is back in public hands. Pictures: Supplied

Centre has highway appeal

Retail site with Coles supermarket is last on main route north of Cairns CBD

l

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

| Nick Dalton

THE northern most shopping centre in Cairns – Clifton Village Shopping Centre – is on the market.

The Indigenous Real Estate Investment Trust (I-REIT) has listed the Coles-anchored property on the Cape Cook Highway for sale through expressions of interest.

CBRE’s Michael Hedger, Joe Tynan and Danny Betros have been appointed to manage the sale of the centre at 55 Endeavour Rd.

Mr Hedger said the strong performing, dominant shopping centre was well-established within the trade area of Clifton Beach.

“Located 24km north of the Cairns CBD in one of the fastest growing Queensland regions, the centre is set to benefit from a growing population, supported by a 4.9 per cent per annum retail spending increase

until 2036, along with a $18,068 catchment retail spend per capita rate, which is 6.2 per cent above the Queensland regional average,” he said.

“As the only supermarket in a 7km radius, and the last shopping centre for the next 45km when travelling north to Port Douglas, Clifton Village is a one-stop shop for locals and visitors passing through the region.”

The Coles supermarket has recently undergone refurbishment and is secured by a new lease extension to 2034, with options extending to 2049.

The 7904sqm neighbourhood shopping centre has a strong national tenancy profile representing 78 per cent of the centre’s GLA (leased). Tenants include Coles, The Reject Shop, Liquorland and Domino’s, supported by an allied health precinct with Terry White Chemist, QML Pathology and a large medical centre.

Mr Tynan said a significant surge in transaction activity in

in market conditions.

“We expect Clifton Village Shopping Centre to be highly sought-after from the market due to the high performing Coles supermarket with continued income growth, the high weighting towards non-discretionary retailers, and the genuine future value add potential with the opportunity to unlock additional income in the next two years,” he said.

The trust acquired Clifton Village in November 2017 and it is understood the sale is part of the management of its property portfolio.

The trust has property assets of more than $164.2 million. It also owns office buildings in Victoria, Townsville and Kalgoorlie, shopping centres in Mackay, Warabrook, an Amart furniture store in Wagga Wagga and service stations in West Australia.

Contact Danny Betros at CBRE Cairns on 0418 772 049.

The Clifton Village Shopping Centre is on the market for the first time in eight years. Picture: Supplied

Your Home inside and out

Free house designs online

Plans by architects suited to Cairns meet local, green and lifestyle grades

l HOUSING TEMPLATES

THE Australia Government has created free ‘design for place’ home designs to help people create an energy-efficient, sustainable home that suits your climate and lifestyle.

Design For Place designs are designed by an architect in collaboration with an energy assessor to provide tailored options to suit different climates across Australia.

They can be customised to suit your needs, lifestyle, block orientation and local requirements and meet new Australian building standards, including achieving a minimum thermal performance rating of 7 stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) and Whole of Home (WoH) performance rating of 60 out of 100.

There are five specific designs for the Cairns region:

• Acacia House, a two-bedroom home that features two courtyards, giving lots of natural light to the living areas. It suits couples, empty nesters and downsizers, with the potential to build side-by-side as a townhouse development. The orientation of this house places north to the street. It includes two bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, two living areas covering 123sqm (excluding carport)

Banksia House, a spacious single-storey house with large windows that give lots of natural light to the living areas and

bedrooms. Suits couples or families and supports a dedicated home office. The orientation of this house places north to the side of the block. Includes three bedrooms plus a study, two bathrooms, one living area, covering 172sqm (excluding garage)

• Grevillea House, a compact single-storey house with a central courtyard and connection to outdoor living areas. Suits couples or families and supports a dedicated home office. The orientation of this house places north to the street. It includes three bedrooms plus a study, two bathrooms, one living area, covering 153sqm (excluding garage)

• Mallee House, a compact single storey house designed to maximise natural light on a narrow block. Suits couples or families and supports a dedicated home office. The orientation of this house places north to the rear of the block. It includes three bedrooms plus a study, two bathrooms, a living area, covering148sqm (excluding garage)

• Telopea House, a two-storey home with sun-filled, flexible living areas. Suits larger families and provides a modern solution to a narrow suburban block. The orientation of this house places north to the side of the block. Includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living areas, 182sqm (excluding garage).

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A Telopea House two-storey, four-bedroom design for the tropics. Picture: Your Home

Your Home inside and out

Financial planners celebrate

One-year milestone

l FISCAL ADVICE

FREEDOM Planning, a respected financial planning firm in Cairns, is proudly celebrating one year under the leadership of Alaina Woolcock and Jacinta Tim So.

In the past year, the firm has remained committed to delivering trusted financial advice while introducing innovative strategies to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

“We’ve had the privilege of helping our clients navigate pivotal financial decisions, from retirement planning to wealth creation,” Ms Woolcock said.

“Every story and milestone reinforces why we do what we do,” she said.

Ms Tim So said the firm had a clear vision for the business.

“Our goal has always been to inspire families, couples, professionals and business owners to take control of their financial future with confidence,” she said.

“We’ve worked hard to simplify complex decisions and provide personalised strategies that deliver results.”

Since stepping into their leadership roles, the duo have introduced initiatives to enhance client experiences. These include:

• tailored financial strategies

• streamlined planning processes

• educational resources designed to enable clients to make more informed decisions.

The Freedom Planning team attributes its success to the trust of its clients and the support of the Cairns community.

“This milestone is as much about our clients as it is about us,” Ms Woolcock said.

“We’re grateful for the partnerships we’ve built and look forward to creating even more opportunities for our clients to achieve their goals,” she said.

Freedom Planning has been a trusted partner for 30 years in helping clients achieve clarity, confidence and financial security.

To learn more about Freedom Planning’s services, visit https://bit.ly/4b5kzUR or call (07) 4053 6000.

Freedom Planning co-directors Jacinta Tim So (left) and Alaina Woodcock are thrilled to mark their first anniversary in business together. Picture: Supplied

TimeOut

Marvel-lous casino concert

Guardians of the Galaxy by Soft Treadly

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THE epic soundtrack of one of Marvel’s most beloved films is coming to The Reef Hotel Casino next week when Brisbane band Soft Treadly pays tribute to the epic 70s sounds of Guardians of the Galaxy.

Brisbane band Soft Treadly, which last year brought to BAR36 the David Bowie and Talking Heads tribute, are back in Cairns with a new and exciting show for both Marvel fans and 60s and 70s music as they breathe new life into the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack, known as Awesome Mix Vol. 1, 2, 3 from February 28 to March

1. The soundtrack includes a great balance between classic rock, Motown hits and party anthems, making the perfect mix for all tastes.

“This music really resonates with everyone and even more now with the success of the movie and the soundtrack,” said Soft Treadly vocalist Joe White.

“You could say the movie targets a younger market and introduces them to classic songs that they would never have heard otherwise,” he said.

“BAR36 is having a spacethemed start to the year, so we decided to go and do this show. We’ll play most of the songs from the first and second Guardians of the Galaxy movies with a handful of our favourite party-starter tracks and space-themed songs that we like.”

Mr White said the show would be one that all music lovers, young and old, would enjoy for its great catalogue of songs.

“I went through a Marvel movie phase when I was younger but this movie immediately stood out to me because

some of the songs are massive, songs that everyone knows, but others are a bit more eclectic, songs that you don’t hear everyday and may got lost that aren’t featured in those top 100 70s songs,” he said.

“There are songs I hadn’t heard before but go so perfectly with the others and it’s a soundtrack that spans a decade and it’s an iconic selection of songs.

“We had an amazing time the last time we were in Cairns, it was one of the best shows we’ve ever had so we hope to see some familiar faces. It’s a nonstop set of classic hits with something for everyone, young or old.”

Some hits and artists include Blue Swede’s ‘Hooked on a feeling’, Redbone’s ‘Come and get your love’, some David Bowie, 10cc, The Jackson 5 and many more. To find out more, visit https://bit.ly/4fKj0gJ

Savannah Sounds to jazz up Carnivale

l DOUGLAS SHIRE

THE team behind the Savannah in the Round will curate a weekend of music and entertainment for this year’s Port Douglas Carnivale.

Running across three days from 23-25 May, the Savannah Sounds Port Douglas program, presented by Douglas Shire Council, will kick off with a Friday night party, followed by

a headline music event on Saturday, before wrapping up with a locals’ day on Sunday.

Just who will be performing has yet to be confirmed.

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the collaboration with Sound Australia was a great opportunity for Port Douglas Carnivale and the region.

“We are delighted to be partnering with the Sound Australia team to deliver this program in

what we hope will become a Carnivale highlight for years to come,” she said.

“We know the success of Savannah in the Round, the quality of what they do and the acts they attract is a great fit for Carnivale and the future of event tourism in the region.

“Savannah in the Round has proven to be a major economic driver, generating over $9.4 million in direct and incremental expenditure for

Queensland in 2024.

“With the introduction of Savannah Sounds, Port Douglas Carnivale is set to benefit from the same high-quality music experience that draws visitors and boosts local economies.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said Savannah Sounds Port Douglas would give interstate visitors another exciting reason to visit Tropical North Queensland in May.

“This nationally visible event will reinforce the region’s back in business messaging to bring visitors to Port Douglas during the shoulder season when they can experience the festivities of Port Douglas Carnivale,” he said.

In 2024, Port Douglas Carnivale delivered a significant economic boost, generating over $5.7m in direct and incremental expenditure across Queensland, with $5.09m spent

in the Douglas Shire. The event attracted strong intrastate and interstate visitation, reinforcing its value as a key tourism and economic driver for the region.

Savannah Sounds joins a packed Carnivale weekend, which includes The Longest Lunch at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas, the iconic Street Parade, Beach Day and Maho Magic Bar, with more events to come.

Brisbane cover band Soft Treadly is coming to The Reef Hotel Casino for an intergalactic show featuring the hits from the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack. Picture: Supplied

Nothing off-limits at comedian’s gig

Chaos is what Frenchy does

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman

Gonzalez

MORE unfiltered and chaotic than ever, the menace from Wollongong – Frenchy – is coming this March with his latest standup show ‘Embrace the Chaos’ full of crazy stories where nothing is taboo.

Benjamin French aka Frenchy is back in Cairns and it’s all for the laughter, no nonsense, no statements, no politics, just unfiltered laughter as he brings all the insanity with ‘Embrace the Chaos’ to CPAC on March 15.

This new show will go in all sorts of directions, anything from Pokémon to dildos is game for the outspoken comedian.

“This is probably my sixth show in Cairns and it’s just a crazy audience, they just like jokes, they don’t care about any of the Sydney, city stuff, they want to laugh, they like beers,

jokes and fishing,” he said.

“The thing that I found about my shows over the years is that chaotic things happen, whether I want it to or not. We had a farmer called ‘Socks’ who’s fought people in the crowd, we’ve had people pull their pants down and show their things and we’ve had a lot of jokes and songs get out of control.

“Instead of trying to fight against them, because some shows I’d be like, ‘I want to tell my jokes, stop doing crazy things’, but sometimes it’s better to embrace them and realise that this is live comedy, this is what’s happening tonight.

“I’ll talk about anything and everything, I do a lot of stuff about Pokemon, drinking, dildos, president Trump, hamsters, there’s so much I cover.”

Mr French, who was by trade a PE teacher, is also celebrating 10 years as a comedian and he said he was more eager than

ever to continue down this path of political incorrectness.

“It’s exciting, every year I’m not teaching teenagers is a blessing,” he said.

“I like that I became a comedian later in life, I like that I had a full-time job, a career and got to live like a normal human because it made me more in touch with real life which makes my jokes more accurate and relatable.

“The big thing with this show is that all I care about is people laughing. Comedy went through a weird time where people were trying to make statements and all I want is for people to come to my show, have a few drinks and forget about all the troubles and have a laugh.

“With this show, it’s new every time and there’s always new jokes when I come up to Cairns.”

Frenchy is bringing the chaos of his new show to Cairns. Picture: Supplied

Looking back will resonate

Toni Childs stages ‘A Retrospective’ that brings 30 years of her classic songs

l CAIRNS

CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

LEGENDARY songstress Toni

Childs is looking back at over 30 years of her music in the new show ‘A Retrospective’ coming to Cairns on March 27.

Known for her music production prowess and enchanting voice, Toni Childs is bringing some of her most beloved classics like the ‘Union’ album, ‘House of Hope’, the ‘Woman’s Boat’ and ‘Keep the Faith’ to the Cairns Performing Arts Centre for an introspective journey full of stories and songs.

Emmy winner and three-time Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Toni Childs said this was an opportunity for fans to listen to the stories behind albums like Union.

“I like to think about this evening like a chocolate box of memories and the thing about a chocolate box is that when you get one – I don’t know if everyone’s like this – you go for your favourite ones first,” she said.

“The first hour is all the fan favourites, I hold one song until the very end that I know they’d be really mad at me if I don’t play, and during the show I tell stories, one in the first hour and one in the second and the rest is all music.

“The stories are about what’s driv-

Sarah’s

ing me, what made Union, Union and there’s one song in particular and a journey with that song and how if I didn’t complete that journey and meet all the obstacles in my way Union wouldn’t have been Union.

“The second hour is all about the new stuff. I have three productions that are rolling out this decade, one is ‘It’s All a Beautiful Noise’ and the second is ‘Citizens of the Planet’ and it’s just going to be two hours of nonstop animation, a lot of high-tech audience engagement and more.”

Ms Childs said this was a show where the audience was going to be pampered and loved.

“The timing couldn’t be better for people to be loved up and I realised that as I’ve grown older I’ve become sweeter and my music has become more empowering and I’m having fun singing to people, looking at their eyes, seeing the expression on their faces and feeling like they’re soaking it in,” she said.

“When I sing it feels like a conversation with the audience, I get to see the audience be present.

“So come and get loved up, you’re needing it, we’ve got a lot of stuff between the pandemic and what’s happening globally and what I bring to the table is a reset, come feel the joy.”

To buy tickets, visit https://bit.ly/41iMLQP

focus on International Women’s Day

l EDGE HILL

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

ACCLAIMED singer songwriter Sarah Blasko will celebrate International Women’s Day in Cairns bringing her latest album and an empowering message for a gig at the Tanks and a keynote speech at the International Women’s Day Awards on March 8.

As part of her regional tour, indie artist Sarah Blasko is coming to the Tanks Arts Centre with her latest album ‘I just need to conquer this mountain’ a deeply personal record reflecting on grief, new beginnings and her childhood.

The show takes place on International Women’s Day but earlier that day Ms Blasko will also make a special appearance at the Cairns International Women’s Day Awards where she’ll deliver a speech and give a special performance.

“It feels wonderful to be coming back to Cairns and having a little extra time there to talk and to meet other women,” she said.

“It’s a rare thing for me to engage, so I will relish the opportunity.

“On International Women’s Day I’d like to tell women to keep doing what you love every chance you get.

“It’s so important to nourish ourselves and often, we as women, sacrifice our time and energy for others. Also, if you’re a mother, I’m here to remind you that it’s not all over for you, motherhood has brought with it one of the most creative periods of my life.”

Reflecting on her new album and the music she’s bringing to her Cairns fans, Ms Blasko said that this was an album that had a lot of emotions in it.

“The title was something I said in a mock serious voice when I kept making mistakes on the piano when we were rehearsing the album,” she said.

“There’s an absurdity to the statement that I really liked – the ‘just’ in it – because conquering a mountain is a huge undertaking, no small feat.

“With the record I wanted to convey the sense that there are many ‘mountains’ to conquer, big and small, in everyday life and some you manage to overcome and others you don’t and need to accept.

“The process of making this album was really beautiful, working with the people I’ve played with for so many years, the ease we have with one another was obvious so it was really fun.

“I’m bringing my full band for our Cairns show and they are truly incredible, we’ll play my new record and songs from each of my seven albums.

“It’ll be dramatic and emotional and send you out with a spring in your step. I’ll also be signing records after the show.”

To buy tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3QgDwu3

Toni Childs is coming to Cairns with a show celebrating the greatest hits of her career. Pictures: Rae Mitchell

Singer songwriter Sarah Blasko is commemorating International Women’s Day with one show at the Tanks and a special appearance at the International Women’s Day Awards.

Picture: Marcus Coblyn

Johnny Spiteri is back with balding mullet and all, trying to be a better man

Getting square after 23 years

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

TWENTY-THREE years after the cult classic ‘Gettin’ Square’ David Wenham has returned to his iconic character Johnny Spitieri in the new comedy ‘Spit’ coming to Cairns’ cinemas on March 6.

The beloved Johnny ‘Spit’ Spitieri is returning to the big screen, this time in his own film, ‘Spit’ –directed by Jonathan Teplitzky – 23 years after his first appearance.

This time an older and drug-free Spit finds himself in trouble after attempting to return to Australia with a false passport and ends up in an immigration detention centre. There he’ll make new friends and allies and find the true meaning of being Australian.

Currently the film is touring across the country. Last week it made it to Cairns for a screening and special Q&A with David Wenham on Saturday, February 15 at Event Cinemas Cairns Central before officially coming to the cinema on March 6.

“It’s been a pretty amazing journey. It’s been 23 years between films and I never anticipated that I’d play the same character twice in my life, especially one 22 years apart, but as soon as I put the thongs on, he suddenly came back, it’s as if he had been dormant in me all those years,” Mr Wenham said.

“Time just went way back and

now I’m travelling around the screenings and hearing the audience’s response. It really makes us as a filmmaking team very satisfied that we went with the decision to make this film.

“Creatively, it was very, very satisfying, one of the most creative things I’ve ever done in my life.”

In ‘Spit’ we see our protagonist in a new light and dive deep into his story while we also experience life in an immigration centre alongside refugees and immigrants. Despite what seems very topical, Mr Wenham said the story was not political and it was just meant to be funny and heartwarming.

“This is a standalone film,” he said.

“It’s like a character piece of one man – Johnny Spitieri – and he’s been clean for 20 years, which is a big change for him and he’s aged, but besides that, he’s still the same.

“He tries to sneak into Australia under a false passport, and he doesn’t really succeed, so he hasn’t changed but Australia has quite a bit. The whole film is about mateship and when you sit through the movie you realise that for all of Johnny’s faults – and he has lots of them – he’s a real good man and the most unjudgmental person you’ll come across.

“This is not a political film, it’s a comedy. The idea for the film came a long time ago from Chris Nyst (writer), there was a little bit of dis-

cussion at the time about migration and he couldn’t really understand the heat of the argument.

“He said: ‘I’m a migrant and we’re all either migrants or the product of migrants’, so he thought that today’s migrants will be tomorrow’s incredible Australian citizens, that’s where it came from.

“But it’s not political and people will laugh immensely through it. There are some characters there played by refugees or offspring of refugees and they said they were tired of people looking at this issue in such a serious way. They said: ‘We’re all the same, some of us are smart, some aren’t’.

“It’s not divisive or controversial, it’s just a film that brings people together.”

Mr Wenham said the film would only be released in theatres and not streaming services to return to the culture of enjoying films in the cinema.

“I think everybody needs a laugh at the moment, and you’re going to get more than one laugh. Your laughs will be in the triple figures,” he said.

“You get as many people to go to the cinema with you as possible, bums on seats, and it’s a great community, community, uplifting experience.

“I can’t tell you how enriching it’s been for me to sit in the cinema with different communities around the country.”

“charley’s aunt”

Directed by Kevin Shorey the hilarious victorian comedy by Brandon Thomas & adapted by Paul Thain

Oscar Wilde, perhaps, set the standard when it came to witty sophisticated Period Comedy, especially with his very successful play, “The Importance of being Earnest”, and this is a similar rollicking comedy. Once again it features the ‘possible’ love life of young couples as they negotiate the allowed courtship of the period, and the acceptable dalliances therein. Complications arise when the chaperone fails to appear, causing one of the funniest early ‘cross-dressing’ situations to be seen on stage. Confusion, passion, intrigue and innuendo abound in this very funny two act comedy set in the rooms and grounds of a prestigious college, with the butler/ valet facilitating the entire catastrophe.

Twenty-three years after ‘Getting’ Square’ David Wenham returns to the iconic role of Johnny Spitieri with ‘Spit’. Picture: Supplied

WHAT’S

LISA CREMA WORKSHOP @ ARTVIEW GALLERY

l SAT FEB 22ND, 9:00AM

This workshop is perfect for you if you have a renovation, build or home styling project in mind (big or small) and really need to dedicate some time to getting your vision right before you start. This workshop is also perfect if you love interiors and would enjoy spending a fun morning with a styling expert and other styling enthusiasts planning your dream home! Grab a friend and come along.

Venue: Artview Gallery, 220 Toogood Road, Bayview Heights

Cost: $95 (inc all moodboard materials, a barista coffee, snacks and fun) Book your ticket at https://bit.ly/4gEZVw4

MARGARITA DAY @ CABANA BAR PALM COVE

l SAT FEB 22ND, 2:00PM

When life gives you lemons, trade them for limes and make margaritas! Come learn the best tips and tricks to make the perfect margarita.

Venue: 27/111 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

Remember to enter your Locals’ Card discount code at checkout to receive 10% off. Proof of card upon arrival is required. Discount Code: LOCALS

$55 per person – book at https://bit.ly/4135u1n Tickets are limited so get in quick.

RHCP TRIBUTE @ ELLIS BEACH BAR & GRILL

l SAT FEB 22ND, 6:00PM

Welcome to Suck My Kiss – Red Hot Chili Peppers Tribute with special guest Nicole Nighthawk.

“Suck My Kiss” is Melbourne’s premier Red Hot Chili Peppers Tribute Band. This quartet embodies the essence of the Californian funk-rock legends. With a dynamic fusion of talent and passion, their extensive repertoire spans the Chili Peppers’ illustrious career, delivering highoctane performances that keep audiences on their feet. More than a tribute, Suck My Kiss is an authentic experience, paying homage to the timeless legacy of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Book tickets via eventbrite.com.au

CHARLEY’S AUNT @ THE RONDO

l SUN FEB 23RD, 2:00PM

‘CHARLEY’S AUNT’ by Brandon Thomas & adapted by Paul Thain, Directed by Kevin Shorey.

Combine Edwardian college lads and lasses with chaperones, an amorous, repressed solicitor, and a doting ex-army father. Then mix them with a wealthy aristocratic aunt and a cross-dressing ‘stand in’, and you’ll have the laugh of your life.

Book now at www.therondo.com.au

SKETCHIN’ @ CAZALY’S

l TUE FEB 25TH, 6:30PM

Cazalys is super excited to announce they are partnering with Pub Games Galore to bring Sketchin’ to you all!

Sketchin’ is a brand-new, competitive, Pictionary-style drawing game where teams will compete to correctly guess drawn clues. Come try this fun, new, family friendly game each Tuesday night in the lounge. Grab your mates, bring the family!

Cost: $5pp – For more details visit: https://bit.ly/42Xf5tc

ARMOUR @ CAIRNS CITY LIBRARY

l FRI FEB 21ST, 12:00PM

Join fellow movie lovers each month for a screening and discussion in a relaxed setting. Head to the Cairns City library on the third Friday of every month for a free movie screening!

Watch a film in the comfort of the library and stick around afterwards to chat with fellow movie lovers. This month’s film is Amour.

Georges and Anne are an octogenarian couple. They are cultivated, retired music teachers. Their daughter, also a musician, lives in Britain with her family. One day, Anne has a stroke, and the couple’s bond of love is severely tested.

GIG Guide

*Please check with the Venues regarding any cancellations or entry requirements.

FRIDAY 21ST

Dunwoody’s Lunar Solarmoon, 4:00pm

Muddy’s Cafe Raine Dance, 4:00pm

Salt House Anais Campbell, 5:00pm

Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Suck My Kiss - Red Hot Chilli Peppers Tribute + Nicole Nighthawk, 5:30pm

Barron River Hotel Eddie Skiba, 6:00pm

The Crown Janna Mercedes, 6:00pm

Trinity Beach Sports Club Blues Healers, 6:00pm

Boardwalk Social Grace Jones, 6:30pm

Cazalys Cairns Hot Ice, 6:30pm

Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail Cassady Connection, 7:00pm

Mt Molloy Hotel Miss Wendy and Ben, 7:00pm

Club Mossman Rob Longstaff, 7:30pm

The Pier Bar DJ Jackz, 7:30pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Bourban Gorillas, 8:00pm

Salt House DJ Cilla, 8:00pm

The Pier Bar Flavour, 8:00pm

Rattle’N’Hum Cairns Big Noise, 8:30pm

BAR36 Tony George, 9:00pm

P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns Paper Jam, 9:30pm

P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns DJ Nakji, 10:00pm

SATURDAY 22ND

The Yoga School Sound Angel - Renee Cashman, 12:00pm Club Mossman Yahdoh, 5:00pm Salt House Amber Farnan, 5:00pm Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Suck My Kiss - Red Hot Chilli Peppers Tribute + Nicole Nighthawk, 5:30pm Trinity Beach Sports Club Zdenek Styk Duo, 6:00pm Boardwalk Social Callum Brauer, 6:30pm Cazalys Cairns Fingerprint, 6:30pm Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Swingrays, 6:30pm Red Beret Sydney Hotshots, 7:30pm The Pier Bar DJ Dyzzie, 7:30pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Janna Mercedes, 8:00pm Red Beret Poundcake, 8:00pm Salt House DJ Matt Caseli, 8:00pm The Pier Bar The Vibez, 8:00pm

Rattle’N’Hum Cairns Big Noise, 8:30pm BAR36 Tony George, 9:00pm

P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns Paper Jam, 9:30pm

P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns DJ Syntax, 10:00pm

SUNDAY 23RD

Cairns RSL Kim Settle, 1:00pm Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Christina Ukulele Duo, 1:00pm Dunwoody’s Amber McIntosh, 2:00pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Andrea & Louie, 3:00pm Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Two Dogs Music, 3:00pm Boardwalk Social Anais Campbell, 4:00pm O’Sheas Wind & Wood, 4:00pm The Pier Bar DJ Zaccu, 4:30pm

Salt House Stan Stone, 5:00pm The Pier Bar GTA, 5:00pm

BAR36 Jasmine, 5:30pm The Edge Bar & Grill Same Pains, 8:00pm

Are you a venue or an artist that wants to be listed in the Gig Guide? Complete the form on www.cairnslocalnews.com.au/gig-guide to submit your gig each week to be listed in Friday’s paper.

Take a minute... Puzzles for you

Weekly Horoscopes

You need to refrain from being the generous one in the group. Be on your best behaviour. Difficulties with females you live with could cause emotional stress. Avoid scandals of any sort.

CROSSWORD

Stick to doing things that will make you a better person both physically and mentally. Direct your energy into physical entertainment. You could find yourself left with someone’s dirty laundry. You might find that a coworker has been two-faced.

You may be able to impart knowledge that’s innovative to those searching for a new angle. Losses are evident. You’ll have great insight. It’s a good time to make changes to your living quarters that will give you more space.

Exercise your talents and present your ideas to groups you think you can contribute to. Take your time. You must be careful not to ignore the needs of the youngsters in your family. Don’t count on getting any help from those you live with.

Things will be emotional with your mate. Be sure to cover all the necessary groundwork before signing binding contracts. You will be emotional about family matters. Avoid overloading your plate.

You will reach the most people if you speak out at an organisational function. Family talks may get a little combative. You will need to do a lot of research if you wish to get to the bottom of things. Jealousy may be a contributing factor to your emotional ups and downs.

You may want to take a look at your direction in life. Arguments with employers or colleagues will be to your detriment. Your lover probably won’t put up with your behaviour. New relationships will surface through work-related events.

Make sure that all your legal papers are in proper order. Don’t expect new acquaintances to be completely honest about themselves. You should visit a friend or relative who hasn’t been well. Make plans that will take you to exotic destinations.

You can gain valuable cultural knowledge through dealing with foreigners. Take care of yourself or you can expect to suffer from minor illness. Don’t blame others for your own stubbornness. They may cost you dearly.

26. a garden tool with a long handle and a set of prongs used for gathering leaves (4)

28. taking place outdoors, without a roof or cover (4-3)

29. a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring (7)

30. worn out or ragged (8)

31. a channel along the edge of a street or roof to collect and direct rainwater (6)

DOWN

1. thin sheets of gold used for decoration (4,4)

2. the quality of a sound being deep, full, and reverberating (9)

3. a movable barrier used to close off an entrance or exit (4)

5. a foam on top of ocean waves (8)

week. If you’re looking to do something worthwhile, consider volunteer work.

You have more energy than the rest of the people you live with anyway. Use your quick wit to win points with friends. Re-evaluate your situation. Rid yourself of that which is old and no longer of use.

ACROSS

1. a space used for storing vehicles (6)

4. a playground structure with swings suspended from a frame (5,3)

10. a landlocked country in southern Africa, surrounded by South Africa (7)

11. the internal organs or inner parts of something, especially a body or machine (7)

12. the solid surface of the Earth (4)

13. good enough to be agreed upon (10)

15. a roof-like cover extending over a window, door, or patio for shade or protection (6)

16. metal rods used to push gunpowder and bullets into old firearms or people who enforce strict discipline (7)

20. a flat, raised area or platform (7)

21. rows of shrubs or small trees planted for boundaries or decoration (6)

24. the small set of steps leading up to the front door of a house (5,5)

6. an idea, plan, or person that is not likely to succeed or be effective (10)

7. a small to medium-sized woody plant (5)

8. a person who samples food or drink to evaluate its quality or flavor (6)

9. a covered shelter or platform at the entrance of a house (5)

14. to try to win favor or approval by doing things to please others (10)

17. a person who is strongly committed to their own set of beliefs or principles (9)

18. to escape without any punishment (4,4)

19. a person who evaluates or estimates the value, quality, or significance of something (8)

22. floating on water or remaining in a state of stability or success (6)

23. a small group of trees or a thicket (5)

25. done or shown openly, without attempt at concealment (5)

27. a man who is courting or in a romantic relationship with someone (4)

Motoring

More power and equipment for high-performance GTI and R sporty hatches

VW tees-off new Golf range

l MODEL LAUNCH

| Nick Dalton

VOLKSWAGEN has revealed details of the new Golf range, including the GTI, but no prices as yet.

The upgraded Mark 8.5 generation is due to arrive in April with more technology, more luxury and more power for GTI and R flagship versions.

The new Golf Life opens the range with comprehensive equipment, including 17in alloys, front and rear parking sensors, park assist, rear view camera, LED headlights with light assist, keyless entry and alarm, surround lighting, leather-wrapped steering wheel, single-zone climate control airconditioning, 10.3in infotainment, DAB+ digital radio, more powerful ventilated wireless smartphone charging and wireless App-Connect as standard.

New to the range, the Style includes

18in alloy wheels with chrome exterior highlights, dark tinted privacy glass and LED Plus headlights. Inside, the larger and new 12.9in infotainment screen includes embedded navigation and IDA voice assistance, while 30 colour ambient lighting complements luxurious seating – ErgoActive 14-way electric driver’s seat with memory and ArtVelours microfleece upholstery throughout the five-person cabin seating.

Style customers can also option a panoramic sunroof and a sound and vision package incorporating Harman/ Kardon premium audio, head-up display and, for the first time on a Golf, area view 360-degree camera.

The popular Golf R-Line continues, with the availability of a sunroof and the sound and vision pack.

R-Line features include 18in alloy wheels, driving profile selection, including sport mode, progressive steering for sharper responses, R-Line

exterior and interior styling including front sports seats, plus newly standard Vienna leather-appointed upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats and electric driver’s seat with memory.

Golf Life, Style and R-Line continue with the 1.4-litre turbocharged fourcylinder petrol engine with 250Nm and 110kW of power, linked to an eightspeed automatic transmission.

Often accounting for more than half of Volkswagen Golf sales, the performance-focused GTI and R icons step up in 2025 with more features and more power.

The GTI also comes with revised steering and Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC Pro), plus 15kW extra –195kW and 370Nm of torque from the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol GTI, including a new 19in alloy wheel and tyre package as standard, replacing the previous 18s.

A new 12.9in infotainment screen is standard, along with metallic paint, fog lights, new park assist plus, tri-zone cli-

mate control, LED Plus headlights and 30 colour ambient lighting.

The panoramic sunroof is a standalone option, allowing customers to select the iconic ‘tartan’ cloth interior with a sunroof for the first time.

The newly-introduced leather package features Vienna leather, electric driver’s seat and heated and ventilated front seats without a sunroof.

The sound and vision package adds area view 360-degree camera for the first time, in addition to Harman/Kardon premium audio and head-up display.

The flagship Volkswagen Golf R also steps up with 245kW as standard for the first time, up 10kW on the outgoing series.

LED matrix headlights, premium LED tail-lights, Nappa leather, electric driver’s seat with memory, heated and ventilated front seats, Harman/Kardon audio, area view and 19in alloy wheels are included in the R specs.

In New Zealand, a GTI Mk 8.5 base model with similar specifications is $NZ69,990 drive away, converted to $AUD63,400. An R is $NZ82,990 or $AUD75,173.

Currently in run-out mode and available for some months, the Aussie GTI Mk 8 is $59,990 with luxury and sound and style packs (the standard GTI was $59,990).

Interestingly, the Skoda Octavia RS Mk 8.5 wagon is $NZ73,990 in NZ or $AUD67,020, yet in Australia it is $AUD64,490.

You would expect that Australia’s Golfs would be a lot cheaper considering we have a much bigger market and cheaper shipping costs.

Will VW Australia be fair or greedy? In the past the Octavia RS wagon has always been $2200 cheaper than the GTI, so will we see a $66,690 GTI?

I hope not, it should be cheaper than the Kiwi GTI.

The Mk 8.5 Golf GTI has received more power, gear and interior improvements than the current model. Pictures: Volkswagen Australia

Nissan’s 10-year warranty

Japanese importer offers class-leading assurance for buyers of popular brand

l ATTRACTIVE GUARANTEE

| Nick Dalton NISSAN has introduced Australia’s only 10-year, 300,000km warranty when owners service their vehicle with Nissan.

In addition to the 10-year 300,000km warranty when servicing with Nissan, Nissan buyers can also benefit from cheaper servicing via a new five-year flat price servicing program and up to 10 years of roadside assistance.

The warranty is in addition to the competitive five-year unlimited kilometre warranty in place on new Nissans sold Down Under. The additional five-year coverage is complimentary. To activate the Nissan 10-year 300,000km warranty, Nissan owners simply need to service their vehicle at the correct intervals at a Nissan dealer.

Nissan’s new five-year flat price service (FPS) program complements the Nissan 10-year 300,000km warranty, with savings of up to $1145.

Nissan Qashqai, X-TRAIL, Juke and Pathfinder owners will pay a flat price of just $399 each service for the first five services. Patrol, Navara and Z will cost just $100 more each service, at $499 per service. Finally, Nissan LEAF owners will pay a flat price of $349 per service.

Nissan ocean aftersales director Michael Hill said in tough times

and in a period where the new car market was full of mixed messages, “Nissan Australia is putting our customers first”.

“The new service-activated warranty is Australia’s only 10-year 300,000km warranty and is industry-leading. It’s designed to deliver peace of mind to our customers. Peace of mind that Nissan has your back. Peace of mind that Nissan is with you for the long term,” he said.

Mr Hill said the Nissan FPS program positioned Nissan very competitively in key vehicle segments.

“Our comprehensive flat price servicing program is a direct response to customer feedback. We’ve listened and acted,” he said.

“Nissan genuine service is the best solution for a customer’s car. When our customers service with a Nissan dealer, they can have the confidence of knowing that they are covered under our Nissan customer service promise. Customers can be assured their vehicle will be serviced by factory-trained technicians using only Nissan genuine parts –giving the best care for their car in the long term.

“And this is not just about new cars. We’re sure this inclusive industry-leading ownership program will also ensure that your Nissan will be even more attractive when it comes time to buy your next car, as the warranty is fully transferable to the next owner aiding and supporting your future resale value.”

A 10-year warranty is now available on Nissan products, including the X-Trail. Picture: Nissan Australia

Cairns Local

PRIVACY POLICY

Cairns

Local News

agents against all demands, claims, costs, expenses, proceedings and damages wholly or partially arising directly or indirectly in relation with the publication of the material without limiting the generality, indemnify all associated in relation to libel, defamation, infringement of copyright, slender of title, infringement of trademarks or publication titles, breach of trade practices or fair trading legislation, unfair competition, violation of privacy, confidential information, royalty rights, licenses or other property rights and thus WARRANT that all material complies with relevant laws and that its publication will not give rise to claims or liabilities to the publisher, directors, employees and agents, and without limiting the generality that nothing is in breach of the Trade Practices Act 1974 or the Copyright Act 1968, the Fair Trading Act 1987 or the Consumer Protection, Defamation and Sale of Goods Legislation of the States and Territories or infringes the right of any person.

Advertising Conditions

Any advertisement accepted for publication in Cairns Local News is subject to the rules applicable to advertising laws laid down by the Media Council of Australia. All advertising is subject to the publisher’s approval and at its discretion can refuse to accept any advertisement it believes the message portrayed within the advertisement might infringe the rights of an individual or may not comply with all the laws and regulations of the States and Territories. The publisher does not accept any responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear according to instructions.

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Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:30

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 13 Therwine St, 10:00-15:00

Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-16:00

Saturday February 22nd

Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:30

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 13 Therwine St, 10:00-15:00

Mossman Markets: 13 Foxton Ave, 07:00-13:00

Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-16:00

Yungaburra Markets: Bruce Jones Market Grounds, 07:30-12:30

Sunday February 23rd

Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:30

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 13 Therwine St, 10:00-15:00

Port Douglas Markets: Wharf St, 08:00-13:00

Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-15:00

Tumoulin Country Markets: Tumoulin Railway Station, 08:00-12:00

PNG Hunters win 24-20 against Cairns in trial matches of the Hostplus Cup

Pride lose in tough contest

l RUGBY LEAGUE

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

DESPITE a very close match, Northern Pride couldn’t defeat an aggressive and focused PNG Hunters falling 24-20 in their first match of the year, but coach Russ Aitken says they’ll return stronger in the next match Friday night footy ended up being a bittersweet night for fans after both local teams lost their matches. Northern Pride lost to the PNG Hunters in the second half of the game 24-20 but the real disappointment came when a

Sport Results

EDGE HILL CAIRNS

BOWLS

Thursday, February 13. Winners: Yvonne Bolton, Jill Alexander-Sacshe. Club Championship. Men’s B grade singles. Semi-finals. Justin Hyytinen def. Lawrence Green 25-12. Gary Terry def.

disconnected NQ Cowboys lost to the very dominant Dolphins 50-8.

Although they seemed to have the game in their pocket in the first half, with a score of 14-4 against the Hunters, Northern Pride took a tumble in the second half and ended up losing the match 24-20.

Head coach Russ Aitken said his focus wasn’t on the result, he said this trial match was the opportunity to trial combinations and see if the team could take their footy to the level they wanted for the season.

“I’m not worried with the result,

Alan Tunstall 25-20. Ladies A grade singles. First round. Elaine Whitehead def. Kaytlyn Smith 25-24.

BROTHERS EDMONTON BOWLS

Wednesday, February 12. Overall Winners: T Moulds, D Stewart, R Moody. R/U: Q

I’m more concerned about the way we played,” he said.

“We wanted to play a certain way, we wanted to start fast, compete and connect really well which we’ve been working on all the pre-season.

“I think the boys did that well for large parts of the game, we dominated the game and played our style of footy, however, we still have got a long way to go to be where we want to be.

“We were a little too undisciplined without the ball and too many fundamental skill errors with the ball but overall, with the way we connected and

Bates, J Blain, B Power. Thursday, February 13. Winners: K Paki, L Hoskin, D Quinn. R/U: C Morris, L Uhrenholt, A Windsor. Saturday February 15. Mixed social bowls. Winners: S Finocchiro, Q Bates, K O’Halloran. R/U: S McQuade, R Fraser, M O’Halloran.

WEST CAIRNS MENS

BOWLS

Tuesday, February 11. Winners: Richo, Rick Radinga,

SMARTPHONE & TABLET SOLUTIONS

competed, I was happy with the performance.”

Mr Aitken said it was only the beginning and that he was confident that this team could go far.

“With trial matches you’re playing around with your team more than in the normal setting,” he said.

“We were working on combinations. We had a lot of young fellas – who I was really happy with the way they played – but that inexperience at the end of the game, when we had a lot of our young boys on and playing against an experienced Hunters team, prob-

Larry Mills. R/U: L Vernon, T Mitchell, R Morris. Thursday, February 13. Best on day: Micky Ford, Julie Arena, Kev Lee. Friday, February 14. Friday night Scroungers. Winner: Geoff Rowley. R/U: Ann Winsor. Sunday, February 16. Sunday morning. Winners: Rod Solo, N. Mallyon, Yakka. R/U: M Gordon, F Clarke, John Bent.

MARLIN COAST BOWLS

Tuesday, February 11. Tues-

ably made a difference at the end of the game.

“But we’re continuing to get better every training session and our discipline and fundamental skill – it’s going to be key this start of the year, so we won’t be looking to play too expansive, we’ll be looking to nail down the basics.

“We have another trial game against Brothers next week and then a week off and then we’re into round one so we’re looking to get better at all the basics.

“I think we have a great combination of youth and experience.”

day morning bowls. Winners: Honey, Olga. R/U: Pat, Trev. Tuesday afternoon Men’s triples. Winners: Brad, Ross, Robbo. R/U: Hugh, Shane, Alan T. Tuesday night bowls. Winners: Esther, Ian, Hans, Mick, Chriss, Rod.

Wednesday, February 12. Wednesday mixed bowls. Winners: G Andersen, Val Rheuben, Linda Hamilton. R/U: R. McWhirter, B Howieson, B Nichol. Pairs. Winners: L Rob-

erts, H McGregor. Thursday, February 13. Thursday Mixed self-selected triples. Winners: Olga, Christine, Glenda. R/U: Birchy, Andy M, Peter W. Saturday, February 15. Saturday Morning Scroungers. Winner: Brett. R/U; Deb. Club Championships.

Men’s Fours. B Wright, E Blythe, R Lloyd, N Robson def. B Smith, R Forder, G Andreatta, R Bowes 25-17.

Northern Pride’s fullback Seamus King-Smith in control of the footy in the trial match against PNG Hunters. Travis Cornthwaite giving his all on the oval in the trial match against the PNG Hunters. Pictures: Chris Robson

Ironman takes off in 2025

New routes expected to lure more athletes to Cairns Airport Ironman Cairns

l

IRONMAN

| Nick Dalton

NEW aviation routes are expected to help lure more athletes to this year’s Ironman Cairns with more than 3000 expected to take part in June.

Cairns Airport this week extended its naming-rights sponsorship of Ironman Cairns for a further five years.

Dubbed the ‘race in paradise’, last year’s event attracted more than 6500 visitors to the region, injecting an estimated $12 million into the local economy and showcasing the destination across the world, with international broadcasts.

This year, more than 3000 are expected to compete with contingents from Japan, New Zealand and Europe.

However, airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said the event would probably get more American competitors via Fiji Airways service through Nadi and even more Kiwi athletes when the direct Jetstar service to and from Christchurch begins. Both services take-off in April.

“In 2025, we expect to see more overseas competitors than ever, with our new international services well underway,” he said.

“Fiji Airways’ flights from Nadi will provide seamless connectivity from key destinations in the United States, such as Dallas, Los Angeles and San Francisco, while our competitive Kiwi neighbours on New

Tennis prodigy has high hopes

l TENNIS

ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD Vanessa Fitzgerald from Bentley Park is the future of Australian tennis, having claimed the top ranking in Australia in under10s. It seems like the sky is the limit for the young prodigy.

There seems to be no stopping Vanessa Fitzgerald, remaining undefeated over the last three years in her age category, having the Queensland title since she was eight and even flipping the coin at the Australian Open women’s final. The young athlete keeps breaking records.

However, it’s not the titles or the prizes that move her, but her pure love for tennis

and discipline to take it to the next level.

Miss Fitzgerald turned 11 this week which means she’ll lose her number one ranking but her focus isn’t on ranking but on making it to nationals this year.

“It’s not every day that you meet a kid like this,” said coaching legend and Miss Fitzgerald’s coach Guy Thomas.

“Vanessa can go all the way, I have no doubt,” he said.

Mr Thomas said what made the 11-year-old the future of Australian tennis was her discipline and devotion to the game.

“She won the Queensland state title for under-10s at eight-years-old, the last per-

son to do that was Ash Barty, and she’s won that each year,” he said.

“She played in the Rod Laver Queensland title in Brisbane this year, she won that, singles and doubles and she hasn’t been beaten in three or four years in her age group.

“If you’re going to make a top ranked tennis player, you must have that propensity to work, just to be there every day and work, work, work and that’s her, she wants to be there.

“With her 11th birthday last Wednesday, she has Wednesday mornings off. For a birthday present she asked mum if she could come train on Wednesday morning.

“She tries and she’s very

strong mentally, a lot of kids fall apart but not Vanessa, I can’t recall her ever losing a tie break, she’s that tough.”

This year Miss Fitzgerald is looking to go to nationals and test herself out.

“We don’t really set goals, at this age you have to let the kids enjoy not add pressure, she’s out there winning every time,” Mr Thomas said.

“It’s hard out here, it’s expensive getting out, going to Brisbane or Melbourne, so we’ll play it by ear, but she’ll concentrate on national events, she’s doing all of this and she’s only 11.

“You need hundreds and hundreds of kids to find one like her, they don’t come along every day.”

Zealand’s South Island will soon have fast, direct access to this event, for the first time.

“Closer to home, it has never been easier for southern Queenslanders to take part, with regular direct services from the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast with Jetstar.”

Ironman Group Oceania managing director Michelle Pepper said the Cairns event was an annual highlight for athletes and their supporters.

“Cairns Airport Ironman Cairns is a special event on our calendar each year, from the incredible setting, breathtaking course and atmosphere from the crowd, it is always a week to remember,” she said.

“It is also an ideal opportunity to stay and holiday in paradise, during Tropical North Queensland’s idyllic winter.”

Leading Indigenous Ironman competitor Nadine Hunt urged more Far Northerners to take part, even if it was one of the sole events: the swim, cycle ride or the run.

She said she was proud more Indigenous athletes were competing.

Ms Hunt is part of TriMob, which encourages Indigenous competition in running, swimming and cycling. TriMob has a team in this year’s event.

Ms Hunt said five or six years ago there were only two indigenous competitors in Ironman Cairns and now there were 10.

Ironman Cairns takes place on Sunday, June 15. Visit https://bit.ly/40X8Lzq

Vanessa Fitzgerald (centre) with Australian Open champion Madison Keyes and runner up Aryna Sabalenka. Picture: Supplied

Airport chief Richard Barker (left), Ironman competitor Nadine Hunt and Ironman’s Michelle Pepper. Picture: Nick Dalton

Picture: Cairns Airport