WOOLWORTHS has agreed to be the main sponsor of The Great Pyramid Race this year.
The supermarket chain came on board again with a $15,000 deal after Cairns Local News (CLN) last week highlighted that the iconic event was in trouble from
next year unless a major sponsor could be found.
Woolworths had earlier told CLN that this year it was no longer able to support the race after three years.
However, in a change of heart, the business giant will become naming rights sponsor for 2025 and allow race organisers more time to secure a new deal for next year and beyond.
Gordonvale store manager Michael
Clark said “we’re thrilled to be able to continue our support of The Great Pyramid Race in 2025, just as we do with so many other community initiatives across Queensland, such as OzHarvest and Gordonvale State School’s weekly breakfast program”.
“It's a fantastic community event, attracting Cairns locals and visitors from far and wide for a bit of healthy competition while promoting health
and fitness,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to cheering on all the amazing participants as they conquer that mighty Pyramid.”
It is understood that Woolworths may consider further sponsorship next year.
Race organiser and president Renee Edwards said it was “a huge sigh of relief”.
“We’re pretty rapt about it,” she said.
CONTINUED PAGE 2
Woolworths Gordonvale store manager Michael Clark (far left) and his team leaders with The Great Pyramid Race president Renee Edwards (second from left). Walsh’s Pyramid is in the background.
Picture: Nick Dalton
Local News Cairns
$1.1m fix for Lake Placid
Restoration starts on cyclone-damaged popular recreational area
l CARAVONICA
| Nick Dalton
MORE than $1 million to repair the recreational area at Lake Placid, significantly damaged by flooding associated with Tropical Cyclone Jasper, is set to start next month.
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The area, on Cairns Regional Council freehold land, has previously been used as a takeaway shop, café and restaurant.
In late November 2023, a lease was awarded to Cairns Adventure Group to operate a rafting centre, café and restaurant, storage and training centre on the site.
But a month later the site was severely damaged by flooding.
The council is ready to forge ahead with repairs, with the finalisation of preconstruction works, including designs, obtaining necessary permits and a demolition plan for the former restaurant building, which was significantly damaged by the flooding.
Critical electrical, sewer and water infrastructure will also be replaced and upgraded.
Installation of a new viewing platform and extensive repairs will be undertaken to reinstate paths, rock walls and other landscaping.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the rebuilding process would restore a sense of pride to the community, which had been devastated by the flooding.
“Lake Placid holds a special place in the hearts of many Cairns locals and its restoration is a symbol of our community’s resilience after the devastation of Tropical Cyclone Jasper,” she said.
“This project is about more than rebuilding infrastructure
– it’s about restoring pride in a place that brings people together.
“Once completed, Lake Placid will be a revitalised hub for outdoor recreation and connection that our city can be proud of.”
Division 8 Councillor Rhonda Coghlan said, like the community, she had been frustrated by the delay in remediation works.
“However, after the devastation that followed TC Jasper, (the) council has been working with all levels of government to prioritise essential services and environmental rectifications first, before turning its attention to recreational assets such as Lake Placid now,” she said.
“More than 12 months on, we still have much to do.”
The works are expected to be completed by the end of the year, weather permitting.
Cairns Adventure Group is currently developing new plans to reactivate the site to be considered by the council.
It is their intention to progress shortly after the rectification works.
Group director Roderic Rees said the organisation was proud to move into the next phase of the development at Lake Placid, reinforcing its commitment to eco-tourism, sustainability and community engagement.
“We run daily rafting tours that showcase the breathtaking beauty of the (Barron) gorge to visitors from all over the world,” he said.
“This new facility is a step forward in enhancing the experience for our guests while creating a welcoming space for the local community to relax and enjoy Lake Placid.”
A proposed new rafting centre has been designed to improve
the overall customer experience, offering upgraded amenities and a seamless start/finish to the adventure.
The addition of a café will provide a vibrant, friendly space for locals and visitors alike to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings of Lake Placid.
“Our commitment to ecotourism and a sustainable build is something we, as a company, want to be proud of,” Mr Rees said.
“We’ve worked diligently with CleanCo Queensland and Cairns Regional Council to tackle the enormous infrastructure repair projects in the area.
“While we understand the frustrations caused by the ex-
tended timeframes and closures, we want to thank and applaud their efforts that have brought us to this point.”
The council is expecting to start work on reconstruction of
Great Pyramid Race receives last minute major sponsorship
FROM PAGE 1
Ms Edwards said, while it was a one-off, it gave organisers time to breathe and seek other deals,
“We’re pretty rapt about it. We’re relieved, a massive sigh of relief,” she said.
It was planned that this year’s race would still go ahead without a naming rights sponsor as there was a healthy surplus in the bank but next year was looking doubt-
ful. Ms Edwards said fortunately the story in last week’s CLN had generated interest.
She said she had been approached by three organisations keen for naming rights for three years or more.
Ms Edwards said the future was looking bright and other minor sponsors had also come forward.
“We appreciate Woolworths
coming back for this year and now we have three other potential sponsors interested,” she said.
Ms Edwards said they still needed a $10,000 sponsor of the half race.
Last week she revealed that it cost $70,000 to put on the race and, while entry fees, had gone up a little bit, it only covered 30 per cent.
from
August 2.
If you can help with sponsorships email Ms Edwards on admin@pyramidrace.com.au
Editor’s note: GRASSROOTS journalism works.
After Cairns Local News last week highlighted that the lack of
a
Not only that, but three other organisations have contacted organiser
about multi-year sponsorships from 2026 and beyond. Who says local newspapers are dying?
Barron Gorge Road shortly. The road has been closed to the public since December 2023 as a result of significant landslips and washout associated with Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
The race
Norman Park at Gordonvale to the top of the Pyramid and back is on Saturday,
major sponsorship was putting The Great Pyramid Race future in doubt, Woolworths agreed to a one-off naming rights deal for 2025.
Renee Edwards
– Nick Dalton.
Above and below: some of the damage at Lake Placid about to be repaired. Pictures: Cairns Regional Council
Friends of Cominos House to be kicked out of building over maintenance issues
Rage over council eviction
l EDGE HILL
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
A MOVE to evict the Friends of Cominos House has sparked community anger and a growing petition.
After nearly 40 years of nurturing arts and activism in Cairns, the Friends of Cominos House face eviction, with Cairns Regional Council choosing not to renew their lease.
Donated by George Cominos in the late 1980s for the purpose of highlighting visual arts and environmental activism in Cairns, Cominos House has been the home to a museum, the activism of CAFNEC and dozens of community groups that use its facilities for workshops and meetings.
Since its establishment on the corner of Greenslopes St, Friends of Cominos House has been managing the building and taking care of its maintenance but, after decades of leasing with the council, they were notified in early April that they would have to vacate the property by June 30.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the house was being completely renovated and a public tender process would open after June 30 to determine the lease and management of the house due to “challenges in meeting the maintenance and management obligations of the lease”, bringing uncertainty to the future of Friends of Cominos House who have been managing it for decades.
“We sincerely acknowledge
FOCH’s contribution over the years and the role they’ve played in supporting community access to this much-loved site,” she said.
“However, it’s clear there have been challenges in meeting the maintenance and management obligations of the lease.”
Cr Eden has insisted that community groups that use the space will continue to do so.
Friends of Cominos House president Lone White has rejected suggestions the group had failed to maintain the property.
“Back in the 80s we restored the building for $450,000, (the) council put $90,000 into that. Since then we run the place and we don’t charge the community groups much to use the space. We get just enough money to maintain and look after the building,” she said.
Committee member Di Forsyth said Ms White went to the council to check if the council could provide funds for major works and the committee would provide funds for minor works.
“I think that’s where it all started, I think they started thinking, ‘Maybe we could have that building back’,” she said.
“We’ve managed to keep money into long term deposits and spend whatever comes in on maintaining the building.
All we’ve asked is for funding for major works which we can’t afford. We even applied for a grant from the gambling fund for $100,000 to fix the roof when we received the notice from (the) council.”
Ms White said the group was fighting the council’s decision
and a petition – already signed by over 200 community members and groups – had been started to appeal the eviction.
“When George Cominos donated this house, he wanted it to be used for the arts and the environment and we’ve been passionate about making sure it stays that way, so it’s really
important for us that CAFNEC remain in the building and that this stays as a space for community groups,” she said.
“We don’t want other groups to take this place for their own purposes, but someone else coming in means they could kick out CAFNEC.
“We’ve been asking for help
funding some major works and now they’re saying they’re going to renovate the building, so what’s the plan? We’d like to see those plans because they’re talking about major renovations and this is a heritage listed building.
“We’re fighting this. The petition is for council to talk to us and hear what’s going on. In the letter they told us it was because we weren’t looking after the building. Now we’re hearing different things, that the management is the problem.” FOCH intends tendering for the new management lease. To sign the petition, visit https://bit.ly/4moh2pW
There’s no budgie smuggling going on here
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
A DISPLAY of colour, feathers and a lot of flair is coming to the Brothers Leagues Club this weekend when the Australian National Budgerigar Council National Titles brings over 400 budgie specimens and the best breeders in Australia under one roof.
Cairns and District Budgerigar Club secretary and three times national champion Bruce Schuster was a big influence in holding the 49th iteration of the national titles in Cairns to showcase the quality of the breeders in the Far North.
Mr Schuster, who was champion in 2003, 2009 and 2013, believes the glory will come back to the Far North this year with a special specimen he has prepared.
The event runs on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm each day and involves the best breeders from clubs around Australia bringing their best budgies to be judged by an expert panel.
“It’s been a while since I’ve won at nationals but I have a really special one this year,” he said.
“There are 25 clubs coming from across the country and they all must pick their three or four best budgies. Victoria are usually the big winners but we’re hoping to win some class-
es this year. We’ll have nearly 250 people at Brothers this weekend. We have to sit for our ANBC exam, we have to supply the birds for that. They look at the confirmation of the bird, the head quality, the feathers, how they stand on the perch.
“And then on Sunday afternoon we have our auction, there’s going to be lots of beautiful budgies for sale.
“Everyone is invited to come. What makes this event special is all the colours you get to see. These aren’t your ordinary pet budgies, this is another level. There are vibrant greens, grey greens, sky blues, cobalts, very rich vivid violets and cinnamons.”
To find out more, visit https://bit.ly/4kaSlfk
To keep making Queensland safer, the new Queensland Government is expanding ‘adult crime adult time’ to include 33 serious offences. We’re putting more police on the ground and rapid response for crime hotspots. We’re also taking knives off the street with Jack’s Law and breaking the cycle of youth crime with early intervention programs like Regional Reset.
To see how safety is being restored where you live, search Making Queensland Safer.
Authorised by the Queensland Government, William Street, Brisbane.
MAKING QUEENSLAND SAFER
Friends of Cominos commitee member Di Forsyth (left) and president Lone White outside the Edge Hill building. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
l MANUNDA
Whitfield budgie breeder Bruce Schuster with one of his prized specimens. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
Council’s responsible ownership drive
Dog conduct in crosshairs
l CASSOWARY COAST
| Nick Dalton
PATROLS are being stepped up on the Cassowary Coast as the council rolls out a campaign to urge all dog owners to do the right thing with their pets and the community.
The regional council has launched a new ‘responsible dog ownership’ campaign aimed at improving safety and shared enjoyment of public spaces across the region.
The campaign highlights the key responsibilities of pet ownership, reminding residents that dogs must be registered each year, kept on a lead in public places and not be a nuisance.
Mayor Teresa Millwood said the campaign would focus on education and enforcement.
“(The) Council understands dogs are an important part of many households,” she said.
“But with that comes responsibility. Whether it’s picking
up after your pet, making sure they’re secure at home or using a lead in public, these are the everyday actions that help keep our community safe and respectful.”
She said council local law officers would be out and about visiting local parks and beaches to provide information, promote awareness of responsible dog ownership and ensure compliance where needed.
The campaign also reminds dog owners to:
• Register their dog with the council annually
• Keep dogs on a lead in public or under effective control in designated off-leash areas
• Carry dog waste bags and clean up after the pet
• Make sure dogs are kept within secure enclosures at home
• Address excessive barking and avoid leaving dogs unattended in public places.
“These rules are based on
common sense,” Cr Millwood said.
“We’re simply asking people to be responsible and considerate so that everyone can enjoy our shared parks and beaches,” she said.
The council is looking for local dogs to feature in the campaign.
To enter:
• Send a photo of your dog showing good behaviour (for example, on a lead, in a secure yard or socialising)
• Include the dog’s name, suburb and a short description of their personality
• Proof of registration or a visible registration tag in the photo.
Submit to enquiries@ cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au by May 29, 2025 (photo size to be under 25mb)
For more information on dog ownership regulations or to register a dog, visit https://bit.ly/3H4HUv1
Indigenous veterans valued
l CAIRNS ESPLANADE
| Nick Dalton INDIGENOUS defence veterans are to be honoured at an annual ceremony in Cairns on Saturday, May 31.
The annual Indigenous veterans’ ceremony will once again take place at the Cairns (Gimuy) Esplanade Cenotaph.
Hosted by RSL Queensland and coinciding with National Reconciliation Week, the ceremony acknowledges the contributions of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have served or sacrificed for Australia.
Indigenous Australians have served in every war and
conflict involving Australia since 1899, despite being excluded from citizenship until 1967.
Many were also denied the same entitlements as other Australians who fought for their country, at the same time, in the same wars.
The ceremony is an important reminder of the injustices that many Indigenous veterans faced during, but particularly after, their service.
Thursday Island (Waibene)-born, Cairns (Gimuy)-based veteran Uncle Phillip Bowie, who now serves as a Royal Australian Navy Indigenous elder, mentoring Indigenous Navy recruits, will give the keynote
speech at the ceremony.
With a proud family history of service, Uncle Phillip was one of the first Torres Strait Islanders to join the Navy and served during the Vietnam War.
“My passion comes from serving and protecting my country,” he said.
“(In the Torres Strait) Indigenous veterans were our role models and we honour them because of our culture.”
Starting at 10am, the ceremony will also be live streamed on RSL Queensland’s YouTube channel.
All members of the community are welcome and attendance is free.
For more details, visit https://bit.ly/4dptzVS
Win ‘gold’ prizes at Vinnies
l FAR NORTH
FINDERFEST 2025 – Queensland’s biggest op-shop treasure hunt is back with a splash.
Finderfest 2025 starts today until Saturday, May 31, involving a thrilling golden treasure hunt and giveaway where savvy shoppers can uncover hidden gems and win their share of over $70,000 in prizes.
Queensland’s golden girls and this years’ Finderfest ambassadors, Mollie O’Callaghan (reigning Olympic champion in the 200m freestyle and Alexa
Leary (three-time gold medalwinning Paralympic swimmer) are diving in and urging Queenslanders to make a splash in the race to uncover the golden rewards.
Golden tokens will be hidden in Vinnies stores across Queensland, ready for shoppers to find, scan the QR code and go in the running to win five major prizes, including:
• Golden groceries: $20,000 in IGA vouchers to spend at IGA
• Golden getaway: $15,000 in Flight Centre vouchers to
spend on travel
• Golden fuel: $5000 to spend on a years’ worth of fuel
• Golden ticket: $5000 to spend on entertainment
• Golden cash: $5,000 to help ease any financial burdens. Five-time Olympic gold medallist Mollie O’Callaghan is encouraging Queenslanders to join the race, have fun and support a cause making a real difference for everyday Aussies.
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Vinnies Finderfest golden giveaway,” she said. Visit https://bit.ly/3FjjH3tok
10am | 31 May
Mayor Teresa Millwood (right) and a council local law officer (name withheld) take the lead on responsible dog ownership. Picture: Cassowary Coast Regional Council
Navy Indigenous development program recruits at the 2024 Indigenous veterans' ceremony. Inset: Vietnam veteran Uncle Phillip Bowie. Pictures: Supplied
Tribute to Frank Falappi
l PORTSMITH
A CAIRNS councillor has paid tribute to a mountain biker who was tragically killed while participating in his beloved sport.
Cr Rhonda Coghlan read out an accolade to Frank Falappi (pictured) at last week’s council meeting. The police officer, 57, was fatally injured in a crash on the Smithfield Mountain Bike Park on May 10.
“It is with heavy hearts today we wish to honour the life of a beloved father, husband, son, and brother – Frank Falappi,” Cr Coghlan said.
“Whose life was taken much too soon last week. Frank touched the lives of many through his passion, dedication, and unwavering spirit.
“A committed mountain biker and former president of the Cairns Mountain Bike Club, he was instrumental in shaping our local trails and the wider biking community.
“His efforts have left a lasting mark, ensuring future generations can enjoy the spaces he helped create. In addition to his contributions to the sport, Frank served with distinction as a police officer throughout Queensland. His passing is a profound loss to our community.”
Tree digs its new home
Cycad makes grand statement at entrance to botanic gardens
l EDGE HILL
| Nick Dalton
THE unofficial entranceway to the Cairns Botanic Gardens has finally been restored with an impressive 4m-high cycad.
The tree stands at the prominent corner of Collins Avenue and McCormack Street at Edge Hill, replacing the much-loved weeping fig tree, affectionately known as the ‘Bucket Tree’.
The fig was removed three years ago for safety reason after succumbing to pyrrhoderma noxium (brown root rot), a highly contagious root.
The corner remained bare while the council sought a replacement worthy of the fig’s legacy and the public’s strong emotional connection to it.
A suitable candidate emerged in the form of a large cycas revoluta, thought to be over 60-yearsold, which was slated for removal from a nearby site due to upcoming development.
The council seized the opportunity to rescue and relocate the plant at Patience St, Manoora.
The transplant began on Monday last week with excavations around the cycad’s base. By Tuesday, it had been carefully lifted by crane, transported and replanted at the prominent corner location.
“This tree marks a new chapter for this corner of Edge Hill,” she said.
“The original fig held a special place in people’s hearts, so we knew we had to get this right.
Division 7 Councillor Anna Middleton said it was the perfect mix of practicality and symbolism.
“The fact that we’ve been able to give another significant plant a second life here really resonates with the community and speaks to the values of sustainability and local character.
“As one resident who contacted me said, ‘It’s a large, robust and one of the very few examples of the coastal cycads that once existed across suitable habitat where the city now persists’.”
Mayor Amy Eden said it showed what could be achieved when the council worked together with the community.
“We needed to find a tree befitting of such a high-profile location – the intersection effectively serves as an entrance statement to the botanic gardens precinct – and this cycad certainly ticks the box.
“It’s a beautiful plant and no doubt over time will become part of the fabric of this precinct, just like the bucket tree before it.”
A 60-year-old cycad makes a grand statement at the botanic gardens, replacing a rotten weeping fig. Pictures: Cairns Regional Council
Garden Guru’s
May in the Tropics: Time to Get Growing
As May brings warm days and refreshing rain, tropical gardens are springing to life and they’re ready for your care.
Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or still trying to remember to water the basil, now’s the perfect time to dig in (literally).
Harvest herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary to encourage fresh growth and elevate the fl avours of your meal. Keep them in pots near the kitchen for easy access.
Cooler weather is perfect for leafy greens. Sow loose-leaf lettuces like Oakleaf or Mignonette, and add kale, spinach, or tropical varieties like Brazilian Spinach to round out the patch.
Ginger and turmeric are ready to harvest when their leaves fl op over, like they’ve had a long day — time to dig them up.
Don’t skip mulching. A layer of sugar cane, hay, or bark mulch keeps soil moist, suppresses weeds, and helps regulate temperature. On top of it adding organic matter to your garden, it’s also an easy way to make your garden look neat, tidy and well loved, even if you’re winging it. So, swap screen time for green time. Whether you’re planting, pruning, or just poking around in the dirt, your garden won’t judge — and it might even reward you with a yummy dinner.
Tune into 4CA on Thursdays from 7:30am for more great pointers.
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GP on board at COUCH
Doctor to help patients move from oncology to community care
l MANOORA
FOR the first time a general practitioner will be based at COUCH Cancer Wellness Centre and will begin consultations from June 9, focussing on helping patients transition from oncology to community-based care.
With more than 15 years’ experience working in the Far North, Dr Helen Hobson brings a strong clinical background and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by patients in regional and remote areas.
Her appointment marks a key step in COUCH’s new era of service delivery, outlined in its recently released business plan.
Currently working at Mossman Medical Centre, three days a week, Dr Hobson will be based at the centre in Reservoir Rd one day a week to help people during and after cancer treatment.
Living and working in a rural area with her husband and two young daughters, Dr Hobson has witnessed the impact cancer can have on individuals and families – especially when care requires relocation.
“I’ve been working with patients in rural areas who receive a cancer diagnosis and I’m seeing the gaps in care. They go to Cairns for treatment, away from their family and friends and support networks, and by the time they return, they’ve changed.
Their life has changed,” Dr Hobson said. “Finding the right support — no matter where someone lives — can be incredibly difficult. Being able to help people through that process is really important to me.”
Dr Hobson offers support whether you’re dealing with fatigue, emotions, pain, or simply figuring out what comes next.
Key services offered will be general medical support, survivorship care planning, Medicare-enabled coordination (including GP management plans and mental health care plans) and care navigation.
With a special interest in cancer and survivorship care, Dr Hobson is passionate about providing whole-person support grounded in compassion, clarity, and continuity.
COUCH chairman Dr Scott Davis said the team was looking forward to welcoming Dr Hobson and strengthening the centre’s integrated care model.
“Having a GP at the centre will help those who can’t find a doctor, make accessing a care plan easier and provide a trusted medical contact during a time that people are at their most vulnerable,” he said.
Appointments are now available for clients, their families and carers.
To book, contact the COUCH care team on 4032 0820 or email admin@couch.org.au
Dr Helen Hobson, of Mossman, will be joining the COUCH care team to help patients transition from oncology to communty-based treatment. Picture: Supplied
Better care for young patients
l CAIRNS NORTH
| Isaac Colman
YOUNG patients admitted to Cairns Hospital’s paediatric ward will now find cannulation a much easier process as a generous donation from Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation has equipped paediatric doctors with a new piece of ultrasound equipment.
Valued at $38,454, the cutting-edge Sonosite ST ultrasound system is a life-changing innovation for paediatric patients requiring intravenous treatment.
The system allows doctors to easily, efficiently and accurately locate veins for a much more
‘Meet the buyer’ event shows small business how
streamline cannulation process.
Cairns Hospital director of paediatrics Doctor Neil Archer said many young patients who were acutely unwell or had a chronic condition needed cannulation for IV fluid or medications.
“Cannulations can be very challenging,” he said.
“Not only for the child, but also for their families.
“When a child is very unwell, their body redirects blood flow away from superficial veins making a smaller target.
“Unfortunately, finding veins often becomes more challenging over time for young people with chronic conditions, as veins will tend to become harder to access as they are repeatedly used.”
Now fully operational in Cairns Hospital’s paediatric ward, the new ultrasound system has significantly enhanced the experience for vulnerable children, with paediatric doctors, now trained in ultrasound-guided cannulation, now able to accurately locate veins in the children for whom cannulation is difficult, in effect improving the chances of a successful first attempt.
Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation chief executive officer Gina Hogan said it was important that paediatric patients in the Far North had the same standard of care as they received in Brisbane.
to bid for jobs on big projects
Tap into lucrative contracts
l CAIRNS REGION
| Nick Dalton
SMALL business operators are being given the opportunity to tap into hundreds of millions of dollars of projects in the Cairns region next week.
Big deals are up for grabs when about 100 local small business owners pitch their products and services to large
organisations at the ‘Cairns Meet the Buyer’ event on Thursday, May 29.
The event will host construction companies working on some of the region’s biggest projects, including the Cairns Hospital expansion, upgrades to HMAS Cairns and the Cairns marine precinct.
Cairns Regional Council and the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small
and Family Business have partnered to provide the opportunity for small and family-owned businesses to pitch their goods and services to big buyers.
Part of Queensland Small Business Month, limited spots remain available for small business owners to register for the chance to connect one-on-one with large buyers from the public and private sector.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said
the annual event helped small businesses put themselves in front of large buyers and build their confidence when doing so.
“Small business is the backbone of our economy and that is why we are proud to be part of the Small Business Friendly Program,” she said.
“This event is about connecting small businesses with some of the biggest buyers in the Cairns economy.
“Cairns has more than 14,500 registered small businesses, representing 97 per cent of all businesses in our region.
“These small businesses contribute $11.5 billion to the city’s economy, supporting jobs and helping our local community prosper.”
Cairns Meet the Buyer 2025 is an opportunity for small businesses to connect with large, local organisations across numer-
ous sectors who regularly buy goods and services. Buyers will advise local business owners on upcoming projects and how best to work with them.
Last financial year, the council supported nearly 3900 local jobs with a total of $384 million, or 88 per cent of the council’s total expenditure, spent at Cairns businesses. To register for the event, visit https://bit.ly/42YTAbm
Cairns Hospital patient Harry Prior (left) is treated by paediatric ward's Dr Brandon Lo using the new ultrasound system. Picture: Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation
Gallery best designed Highway closures pending
Heritage building rated No.1 in 2025 FNQ architectural awards
l CAIRNS REGION
| Nick Dalton
THE Mulgrave Gallery in Cairns has won the Eddie Orbin Award for building of the year at the Far North Queensland Australian Institute of Architects awards.
Designed by local practice TPG Architects, the Mulgrave Gallery completes the restoration of the Cairns Gallery Precinct.
The precinct includes three repurposed heritage-listed buildings – the Cairns Art Gallery, Courthouse Gallery, and now the Mulgrave Gallery, turning the area into a hub for arts and culture.
The judges praised the Mulgrave Gallery for strengthening Cairns’ rich built history and enhancing the region’s cultural heritage.
The project received a commendation in the heritage category and was also shortlisted in the sustainable architecture category.
Floriana Boutique Hotel on the Esplanade has been awarded the Far North Queensland regional project of the year.
Designed by local practice CA Architects, judges said the 1939 interwar ‘art moderne’ landmark on Cairns’ northern esplanade has been “reborn as a vibrant icon”.
The jury applauded the design as a “masterful blend of historical preservation and contemporary functionality.”
The hotel also received commendations in the heritage and in-
terior architecture categories.
The Duffy residences have been awarded Far North Queensland house of the year.
Designed by local practice NEArchitecture, the project sets a new standard for medium-density housing in Cairns.
Duffy residences at freshwater consist of two compact and separate homes that appear as a single dwelling from the street.
The project also received a commendation in the residential architecture - houses (new) category.
The McLeod St administration redevelopment won this year’s Far North Queensland people’s choice award.
Designed by local practice Clarke and Prince Architects, the project in Cairns North includes office accommodation, workshops, training and maintenance facilities for the area’s Ergon regional electricity network.
Commended and shortlisted was the Cairns Neighbourhood Centre in the public architecture category and was shortlisted in both the sustainable architecture and Colorbond categories.
Designed by local practice JMc Architects, the centre is a multipurpose activity space in Manunda that encourages social interaction and provides access to services for everyone in the community.
All projects now in the running for the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland architecture awards in June.
l FAR NORTH
NIGHT closures of the Captain Cook Highway between Buchan Point and Yule Point for reconstruction works are likely in July.
A Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) spokeswoman said coinciding with the end of the wet season, the department would expand the extent of reconstruction works on the Captain Cook Highway between Buchan Point at Ellis Beach and Yule Point, Mowbray.
She said it would involve additional traffic control measures and night works starting from early June.
“Total traffic control and night works delays through all active sites are not expected to exceed 15 minutes outside of night closures,” the spokeswoman said.
“TMR can confirm no imminent night closures are scheduled for May or June on Captain Cook Highway.
“TMR anticipates night closures may be required in the month of July with dates to be confirmed pending weather, site conditions and progress of current works.”
There are more than 80 geotechnical sites requiring repairs along Captain Cook Highway including extensive repairs for pavement, guard rails, signs, drains, culverts and revegetation works.
For more details visit: https://bit.ly/44KLRPm
The heritage-listed Mulgrave Gallery is the Far North’s building of the year. Other winners are (at top from left) Duffy residences, Florian House and Ergon’s new building. Pictures: Andrew Watson
Ray White Cairns sells 22 of 35 homes under the hectic hammer Flights to Alice Springs
l AEROGLEN
DIRECT flights between Alice Springs and Cairns have started with Airnorth operating the service.
The new service strengthens links between two of Australia’s most iconic regions, offering more than 30,000 seats annually and enhancing domestic and international itineraries.
Airnorth boss Daniel Bowden said the airline was proud to expand its network with this important new connection.
“The Alice Springs-Cairns route strengthens Australia’s regional network, linking two dynamic destinations that offer unique tourism experiences and business opportunities,” he said.
“We’re thrilled to provide greater accessibility and choice for travellers.”
Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said Airnorth’s new service would entice more visitors to both Cairns and Alice Springs and encourage longer stays in each region.
“Each destination offers unique attractions and rich cultural experiences, so tourists are usually keen to visit both regions while they’re here,” he said. “This new, direct service will streamline their journey and prevent additional stops in capital city airports, which means more time for exploring the beauty of the Tropical North.”
Giant property auction
l CAIRNS CBD
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
THE biggest property auction in Cairns resulted in 22 sales from 35 homes going under the hammer last Monday night.
Ray White hosted the city’s biggest property auction, involving 35 homes from budget dwellings to luxury listings.
The auction at the Pullman International hotel drew over 150 buyers and sellers ready to get their paddles out and give their best bids for the 35 listings across Cairns, the northern beaches and even Goldsborough. It was led by Ray White Queensland’s chief auctioneer Gavin Croft, who kept the bidding running smoothly.
The night was a success, delivering a 62.8 per cent clearance rate with 22 out of 35 properties sold – 18 under the hammer, four sold under contract after the auction and the remainder still under negotiations.
Properties like 51 Mazlin St in Edge Hill sold under the hammer for $600,000, 4 Torazzi Place in Mooroobool sold postauction for $850,000 and 39 Pilosa Street, Redlynch sold under the hammer for $700,000 – some of the most successful sales of the night.
Ray White Cairns sales di-
rector David Murphy said the results of the auction showed a lot of confidence in the Cairns market.
“Multiple properties sold well above reserve, with one achieving $120,000 above and another $95,000 above. An unbelievable showcase of the strength and confidence in the Cairns market,” he said.“We anticipate an 80-90 per cent clear-
ance rate within seven-14 days.
“We have three of these gala auction events a year, and this one is the biggest we’ve had and it’s getting bigger and bigger. The very first we had 22 go under the hammer, then we had 27, now 35 and the goal for the next auction is to get 50 under the handle.”
First home buyers Jordan Monk and Kai Iso-Aho from
Smithfield were trying their luck as bidders for the first time for a property in Trinity Beach.
“You’ve got to be in it to win it, so we want to give it a go,” they said.
Whitfield residents Kristy and David (surname withheld) were interested in lot number two, a small house on Nolan St.
“We’re right next door to that house, it doesn’t have a kitchen,
but I’m a carpenter so I’d like to fix it and renovate it,” he said. The couple ended up bidding $485,000 for the house but they were outbid by another couple at $495,000.
Mr Murphy encouraged sellers to prepare for their next auction event in July. “No one in Cairns holds events like this, we’re leading the market in this space for Cairns,” he said.
FAST NBN® SPEEDS FOR CASSOWARY COAST
The Ray White Cairns team celebrate their largest property auction to date. Pictures: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
Last week we asked readers: What needs to be done to save The Great Pyramid Race? Here are just some of your comments.
street was blocked off, there were food vans, stalls and a heap of kids rides and games, face painting etc. It was like a mini show that went on into the night. The memories were amazing. And now it seems like a kind of flop with nothing to look forward to. I would love to have a Pyramid race like we got to enjoy as a kid to show my children what Gordonvale use to be like and what made us proud to live here.
- Stevie Reeves, Facebook
Volunteers. People of the community need to step in and help. People with experience in events and business are a great help. Un-
fortunately, the same volunteers end up getting burnt out and can’t do it year in year out. Everyone has ideas and comments on the event, they need to come to a meeting and get involved.
- Jodie Meikle, Facebook
The Great Pyramid is part of Cairns’ culture. I’m not saying other events like cricket and netball aren’t worthy of major sponsors, it’s just that almost everyone knows of the Great Pyramid Race, which is on the bucket list of the majority of sports people in the Far North. To race in The Great Pyramid Race is known as a great achievement. Mention it to anyone in Cairns and you instantly receive so many mixed stories and emotions.
Tony Liron, Facebook
Jacqueline Wyatte, Aeroglen
New acts to dazzle Carnivale
l PORT DOUGLAS
WRITING the ‘Goss’ has certain perks and with the Port Douglas Carnivale just about to get underway, I was lucky enough to capture an early glimpse of The Maho Magic Bar, a new attraction for this year’s event.
The bar has actually been up and running for over a week now and will be in Dixie Park, Port Douglas, for four weeks, organised by Broad Encounters Productions.
The bar, which offers earlier evening acts for families and a “raunchier” offering later at night, is one of the latest attractions to be added to the Carnivale after sell out shows across Australia.
Apart from enjoying the humour of each act as they rotated around the various tables in the venue, the sleight of hand was a pleasure to watch and certainly had me puzzled.
All up, Maho Magic Bar is a colourful and entertaining new feature for Carnivale, in my opinion, and this
thought was certainly shared by others
“The Port Douglas Carnivale is getting bigger and bigger every year and the Maho Magic Bar will be a great new addition for the Shire,” Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said.
Direct from Japan the bar, described as part-show, part-bar and all magic, offers the opportunity to be transported to a neon-lit Tokyo night of mischief, amazement, cocktails and laughter as Japan’s very best close-up magicians and sleight-of-hand specialists perform exclusive magic shows at your table.
The bar is said to put a wild contemporary spin on magic traditions that date back to Japan’s Edo period.
“The Japanese have a great affinity with magic and maho magic is a homage to traditional magic techniques in Japan with a contemporary twist,” said Kirsten Siddle, creative director of Broad Encounters Productions.
Another fantastic addition to this year’s Port Douglas Carnivale is Savannah Sounds, a music festival in the Douglas Shire, which has been a long
We invite you to come along and enjoy time in the company of others in a similar situation. You are not alone! Dementia Carers
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call: 0421 416 971
time coming I believe. Running over three days, this event is being more than welcomed by both locals and visitors.
Most regional communities would be more than happy with one or two headline acts, but thanks to renowned Savannah In The Round director James Dein, the new addition to Carnivale will host numerous well-known artists.
Located at Rex Smeal Park, from Friday, May 23 to Sunday, May 25, the event will support regional, national and international artists and DJs, both old and new, from country music to techno through to traditional Aussie pop and rock.
I have been lucky enough to catch up with a number of the acts on my radio show, together with Mr Dein who said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to deliver Savannah Sounds Port Douglas as part of Carnivale”.
“Having incredible artists like Glenn Shorrock, Sheppard, The Black Sorrows, The Wolfe Brothers, Max Jackson and many more alongside DJ pow-
erhouses Andy Van and Zoë Badwi, makes this a standout celebration of Australian music,” he said.
“With the tropical beauty of Port Douglas as the backdrop, it’s set to be an unforgettable weekend for music lovers from near and far.”
Day one, Friday, May 23, will include Australian disc jockey and record producer Andy Van, half of Maddison Avenue, best known for the UK chart topping hit ‘Don’t Call Me Baby’.
“I’ll be playing tracks from the 90s right through to current day music, so the weekend will bring a great dance element, plus some fantastic great rock and pop artists to the stage as well,” he said.
Friday’s line-up will also include Melbourne Artist Zoe Badwi known for tracks such as ‘Freefallin’.
Day two, Saturday, May 24, will include New Zealand-born, Australianbased DJ, producer and remixer Jolyon Petch, best known for his singles ‘Holding On’ and ‘Dreams’.
“I came up to Port Douglas for my
40th Birthday but didn’t get a chance to DJ,” Jolyon Petch said.
“When the opportunity came up to headline the main stage for Carnivale, I said definitely put me down,” Mr Petch said.
Headlining the night will be band Sheppard playing hits like ‘Geronimo’, plus tracks from their new album Zora. Amy Sheppard is looking forward to performing in the tropics saying: “You don’t want to miss this one with so many great acts. It will be a fantastic weekend”.
I am particularly looking forward to Sunday, as I will be hosting the afternoon and evening. This finale to the Port Douglas Carnivale will see a number of acts on stage, including veteran singer, song writer Glenn Shorrock.
I’m off to learn my lines for the big night, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@ cairnslocalnews.com.au
Singer and DJ Zoe Badwi will be on stage at Savannah Sounds. Pictures: Supplied
Magician Kaori Kitazawa from The Maho Magic Bar.
Magician E.O.Lee from The Maho Magic Bar.
Andy Van is another headline act for Friday night.
The grand finale with a sea of Japanese blossoms.
l PALM COVE
POOCHES were front and centre at the 11th annual Palm Cove Dog Show last Sunday with 65 pets turning up to the event.
Judges were Member for Barron River Bree James, Madison House (Marlin Coast Vets) and young woman of the year runner-up Kyra Hourigan while deputy mayor Brett Olds was master of ceremonies.
Organiser Rhonda Henderson said it was “a terrific day”.
“I’m very happy with the way the day went,” she said.
“Bree James and Brett Olds are really who make it wonderful.
“They have wonderful personalities and interact with everyone.”
Mrs Henderson said she appreciated all the dog owners who entered and thanked sponsors Palm Cove Tavern, Placid Pools and Marlin Waters Beachfront Apartments.
“The tavern are incredible. They have been fundraising
winners after dog show
all year and handed over a cheque of $3140 to Young Animal Protection Society (YAPS).
“Now in its 11th year, we had a huge array of cute pooches.”
Ms James thanked Mrs Henderson for organising the event.
“We raised $585 in registrations and the Palm Cove Tavern raised a further $3140 over the past 12 months which is awesome,” she said.
“Well done to the community for a great turn out and congratulations to all the winners .”
On Facebook, YAPS were delighted with the day.
“Thank you to the community for rocking up and making this event successful again. Top effort,” they said.
The major prize winners:
• Best rescue dog – Bruce (Owner Matthew Rejcha)
• Palm Cove puppy – Jasper (Sonja Schofield)
• Palm Cove Princess –Gypsy (Heather Yates)
• Palm Cove Prince – Bennie (Amanda Oates).
Temple of Tastes
Sponsor Joe Spelta with Palm Cove puppy winner Jasper and owner Sonja Schofield.
Sponsor Joe Spelta with Palm Cove Prince winner Bennie and owner Amanda Oates.
Sponsor Joe Spelta with Palm Cove rescue dog winner Bruce and owner Matthew Rejcha.
Mark Sorenson with his beloved dog. Sabria Franciskovic and her cute poodle. Pictures: Facebook Many of the dogs and their owners at the Palm Cove Dog Show.
Family focus for beach day
Host of things for children to do during Douglas Shire’s most popular event
l PORT DOUGLAS
A JAM-packed program of free family fun, adventure and entertainment will take centre stage during Port Douglas Carnivale from today until Sunday
The action kicks off on Friday afternoon with the ACE DJ-led Kids Disco from 4.30pm to 6.30pm outside Rattle N Hum on Macrossan Street.
Kids and older groovers can sing, dance and move to well-known hits before the Macrossan St parade lights up the evening with floats, dancers and performers.
The fun continues after the parade with sideshow alley and, for the first time, a fireworks display launched from a barge, best viewed from the park areas around Rex Smeal Park.
Sideshow alley will also be open from Wednesday evening, kicking off with a special locals’ night, and continuing each night through to Saturday
with rides and amusements for families to enjoy.
Saturday transforms Four Mile Beach into a playground for The Tin Shed’s family beach day. From 9am to 3pm, families can enjoy a huge variety of activities, including sandcastle competitions with prizes, giant kite displays from Kites Queensland, water sports with Windswell, market stalls, food trucks and free live entertainment.
Across Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, the Sugar Wharf and a feature wall in Macrossan St will be illuminated with tropic lights, a reef-inspired projection created by Maker Port Douglas in collaboration with Bio Quest and Culture Mechanics, offering a spectacular display of marine life after dark.
On Sunday, families can cool off at the poolside fiesta from 11am to 4pm at Oaks Resort Port Douglas with live music, food, drinks and a familyfriendly atmosphere perfect for
relaxing while the kids play.
For those wanting to indulge a little more, the ‘bigger than Ben Hur bottomless brunch’ package is also available.
Throughout the weekend, families can also visit the tropical destinations photography exhibition at the Port Douglas Community Hall and the popular ‘Go Troppo’ art exhibition and market at the Sugar Wharf.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said Port Douglas Carnivale was a wonderful opportunity for families to spend time together.
“Carnivale is a great time for families to enjoy everything Port Douglas has to offer,” she said.
“It brings our community together and creates lasting memories for visitors and locals alike.”
For more information on Port Douglas Carnivale and to download the program visit https://bit.ly/4jgOoFn
Nothing better than a very long lunch
l PORT DOUGLAS
ONE of Port Douglas Carnivale’s most celebrated dining experiences returns today (Friday, May 23) for ‘the longest lunch’ at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas.
Set along the resort’s iconic palmlined boulevard, this long table feast will showcase the region’s finest produce and culinary talent, accompanied by live entertainment from ARIA-nominated DJ
and producer Jolyon Petch.
Guests will be welcomed with Devil’s Thumb Distillery cocktails and freshly shucked oysters, before enjoying a progressive menu crafted by the Sheraton’s award-winning bars and restaurants, including Lagoon House Restaurant, The Daintree Bar and Lounge and Harrisons.
Each course will celebrate the distinct flavours of Tropical North Queensland, with a menu featuring tandoori lamb ribs, smoked Daintree barramundi, hot
sweet Korean-fried chicken, local salami antipasto, reef fish en papillote and a signature tropical trifle finale.
Belinda Tuckwell, executive chef at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas, said the lunch was a true collaboration across the resort’s kitchens.
“The longest lunch is such a special celebration of what makes our region unique – from the local produce to the incredible culinary talent we have here in Port Douglas,” she said.
Last year’s longest lunch at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort.
Adam Daher enjoyed the hula hoops during last year’s Port Douglas Carnivale family beach day on Four Mile Beach. Picture: Supplied
It’s just like visiting Greece
Annual Greek Festival is a journey of delicious cuisine, tradition and entertainment
l REDLYNCH
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
PREPARE to be transported to Greece for a day when the annual Cairns Greek Festival takes you on another journey of delicious cuisine, tradition and entertainment this June.
With a history of over three decades, the Cairns Greek Festival by the St John’s Greek Orthodox Parish, is a feast of the senses for Far North Queenslanders looking to get immersed into Greek culture and cuisine.
The event, which atracts more than 5000 people every year, is returning on Sunday, June 8 with lots of classic features that the community knows and loves, like the olive spitting and honey puff eating contest and new cuisine elements.
The festival begins at 10am and finishes at 3pm and entry is free with a gold coin donation at 450-462 Kamerunga Road in Redlynch next to St John’s Parish Church.
Festival coordinator Effie Bacalakis said there was a jam-packed program perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
“This year in the entertainment program we’ve got Mel Lathouras and Kat Manolatos from Brisbane. They’re seasoned performers from Girl From Greece, which is going to be fun to see,” she said.
“We’ve got the Cypriot dance group returning and we’ve got Alistair McLeod from Master Chef
doing a cooking demonstration showcasing the flavours of Greece.
“Our very popular competitions are coming back – the olive spitting and the honey puff eating competitions – which the kids really enjoy and people also enjoy seeing how the women cook the puffs.
“In our food area this year we’re introducing haloumi cheese wraps as well.”
Ms Bacalakis said it was a fun day out where you could learn about Greek culture.
“It’s a great family day. Last year we had over 7000 people coming through and every year the festival grows and grows,” Mrs Bacalakis said.
“It’s been 32 years and people keep coming back. We started over at the Esplanade and then we moved to the beautiful church grounds.
“This is a taste of Greek culture, people will feel as if they’re in Greece, join in the Zorba dancing and it’s lots of fun and it keeps growing with the Cairns community.
“We get so much enjoyment of running this event, seeing everybody have fun and engage the whole community with Greek culture.”
“Also a tip for everyone coming, I recommend carpooling so they don’t have to worry about parking or take an Uber.”
To find out more, visit https://bit.ly/3SIXFdz
Get Cairns Local News on May 30 for your free festival booklet.
Volunteers frying honey puffs. The honey puff eating competition is one of the highlights of the Greek Festival. Picture: Supplied
Award-winning performer Sarah-Louise Young is bringing her unique cabaret ‘An evening without Kate Bush’ to the CPAC stage on May 29.
Show brings Wuthering Heights to life
Great night without Kate
l CAIRNS CBD
| Isabella Guzman
Gonzalez
HOWL with the ‘Hounds of Love’, run up that hill and dance at the top of the Wuthering Heights in this one-of-a-kind cabaret where Kate Bush isn’t there but all that matters is that you are.
Next Thursday at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre prepare to experience Kate Bush like never before with the cult cabaret ‘An evening without Kate Bush’ a one-woman show interpreted by the talented multi award-winning performer Sarah-Louise Young, who will embark the audience on an eclectic and unexpected journey through Kate Bush’s discography.
According to its front woman ‘An evening without Kate Bush’ is and isn’t a tribute to Kate Bush. While Ms Young never attempts to impersonate Bush, the show does pay tribute to Bush’s music, fans and
almost mythological persona.
“I was in Adelaide doing a show about Julie Andrews called ‘Julie, Madly, Deeply’ which I had made with my creative collaborator Russell Lucas and we were both already massive fans of Kate Bush,” Ms Young told Cairns Local News.
“One of my earliest memories is dancing around in my living room to Wuthering Heights when I was about three-yearsold.
“So for this show we were really interested in the fans’ relationship with her music, though I don’t impersonate Kate Bush – and I stay away from the word tribute – it is a tribute of sorts, it’s just a very unconventional tribute.
“There’s no impersonation, no attempt to tell her life story, it’s looking at the relationship that we have with the artist, especially when the artist is not available to speak or sing for themselves.”
Ms Young said there would be lots of costumes, music and
dance but all in ways you don’t expect.
“It’s only me on stage and no two shows are the same because it’s very interactive with the audience,” she said.
“It’s as interactive as you want it to be. There are some very gentle invitations to join in. I collect stories from the audience during the show and they find themselves woven into the fabric of the piece.
“You’re going to hear songs that you know if you’re a fan of Kate Bush – ‘The Man With The Child in His Eyes’, ‘Running Up That Hill’ – but not necessarily performed in the context you might expect them.
“Right now there’s a lot of flat-pack Ikea experiences. You can go see a show in New York and one in the West End and it’s the same show, so coming to something that really is for you, that centres around the audience, is a very special thing to be a part of.”
To buy tickets, visit https://bit.ly/43mywdt
SUNDAY 8 JUNE
Pictures: Steve Ullathorne
Take a run in the shadows
Fleetwood Mac tribute show back at the Reef casino due to popular demand
l CAIRNS CBD
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
A TOWN favourite is back when Running in the Shadows of Fleetwood Mac returns to The Reef Hotel Casino for three nights of nonstop singing and dancing to the biggest hits of Fleetwood Mac next weekend.
Australia’s leading Fleetwood Mac tribute show Running in the Shadows is back and people can’t seem to get enough of the sixpiece band, so by public demand, they will be at BAR36 next weekend from May 30 to June 1. Fans can expect all the hits from classic to modern Fleetwood Mac, plus some of Stevie Nicks solo work. The event is free to attend and kicks off from 9pm on Friday and Saturday and at 5.30pm on Sunday.
Vocalist and keyboard at Running in the Shadows
Gary Stewart said it was always a memorable experience performing in Cairns.
“We’ve been coming regularly to Cairns for five years now and, every time we come, we’re received by one of the best audiences in Australia,” he said.
“They’re (Cairns fans) up for a good time, they get involved in all the singing along and dance, they’re very energetic and it makes for an event that’s full of energy.
“We’ve been performing this show for over 25 years and bringing the energy and enthusiasm of Fleetwood Mac in a live performance.
“We play all the hits from the Rumours album through to the Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham solo careers.
“People will get an enthusiastic live show that goes over two hours. We get the crowd involved, there’s singalongs and, overall, the
band is very entertaining and we have world class musicians playing, so it’s just an incredible experience for the audience.
“Some of the best songs we play and the ones that get more crowd appreciation are songs like ‘Don’t Stop’, ‘Go Your Own Way’, ‘Rhiannon’, ‘Everywhere’ and pretty much every song by Fleetwood Mac is a hit so everyone will know the songs.”
Mr Stewart said this was a fun chance to see the band over a whole weekend and experience a fun, high-energy show.
“We play over three nights and every night brings something different and brings a different energy,” he said.
“It’s a free event, so why wouldn’t you come and it’s in one of the best venues that we play in Australia and the crowds just keep turning up.”
To find out more, visit https://bit.ly/4fKj0gJ
Inspirational festival was more than just child’s play
l CAIRNS REGION
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
LAUGHTER, play and creativity took over Cairns last weekend as thousands of families went to the Cairns Children’s Festival for a jampacked weekend program of free and ticketed events for the kiddies and those young at heart.
The annual festival has wrapped up successfully with creativity and fun to spare as thousands of children in Cairns and the Far North attended the array of events on offer including exhibitions, plays, installations, art classes and even a quiet disco, which ended up being a roaring success.
Some highlights of the festival included the popular and ever-growing interactive installation Star Weaver Pavilion at the Court House
Gallery where children got to explore techniques like crochet, macrame and knot making, the funny and quirky play Ratburger inspired by David Walliams’ best-selling book, the ‘Quiet Riot Roving Disco’ that had children experiencing a silent disco and busting out their favourite moves.
The festival also saw the return of Picnic on the Lawn and its infinite possibilities with activities, live music and interactive games on the Court House Gallery Lawn. This year the free–to–attend program included a fun interactive game for the whole family in ‘Liar Liar’, the best of Disney classic songs by the angelic vocals of Grace Jones, the duo Whistle and Trick and their cheeky antics and live music by the Pierce Brothers.
On Sunday all the fun was at the Tanks and the Botanic
Gardens. The kids got to experiment and make their imaginations’ wildest dreams come through with the LEGO Brick Mania sessions where LEGO master Damian Hinds created a masterpiece in front of the children and two creating stations with The Hairy Place and Catch a Butterfly where kids could create quirky and hairy characters or craft their own butterfly with recyclable materials to create home.
All events were extremely well attended, wrapping up another successful year of helping the imaginations and minds of the youngest in our community to fly free through play.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said it was always a joyful occasion seeing the children of Cairns take their creativity to new levels, have fun and learn in a friendly and open community environment.
Tribute band Running in the Shadows are back in Cairns for a three-night Fleetwood Mac extravaganza at The Reef Hotel Casino. Picture: Supplied
Benny Brown enjoying the Cairns Children’s Festival. Picture: Supplied
WHAT’S ON
MILLION PAWS WALK @ COCONUT GROVE
l SUN MAY 25TH, 8:00AM-11:00AM
We are so excited to support the final Million Paws Walk coming to Cairns! Join us at Coconut Grove and the Fun Ship Parkland on Cairns Esplanade for the walk to fight animal cruelty.
• Buy your favourite stomping dog earrings, ornaments, stickers, keyrings and magnets
• Meet other dog lovers and their pooches
• Enjoy music, food and loads of activities
• Competitions and games.
Check out the website for more information on how you can participate in the event: https://www.millionpawswalk.com.au/cairns.
SUPER SUBURB SALE @ MACHANS BEACH
l SUN MAY 25TH, 8:00AM-2:00PM
The Machans Beach Super Suburb Sale is a fun event with multiple garage sales held in different locations around Machans Beach, at the same time. A great time to walk the streets of Machans, pick up a bargain, enjoy a brekkie burger or a coffee and cake – or both!
Get your Super Suburb Sale map at Machans Beach School for a gold coin donation or grab a raffle ticket ($5) and the map’s yours.
Come for the bargains, stay for the vibes!
LIVE VARIETY SHOW @ CPAC
l FRI MAY 23RD, 7:00PM
Engelbert Humperdinck, Tom Jones, Dolly Parton Tribute Variety Show. Embark on a nostalgic musical journey down memory lane, with Raff De, as his stunning voice brings the hits of Engelbert Humperdinck and Tom Jones to life. The incredibly talented Lisa Stewart will also perform beautiful Dolly Parton classics (and a very smooth saxophone), such as ‘Here You Come Again’, ‘Jolene’, and ‘9 To 5’. The show’s music will be performed by a dynamic live band, with the musical director, Alan Laguda from the internationally famous band ‘Street Café’. Completing the experience, the Cairns SwingRays dancers will add an extra flair to the performance. Book this entertaining night out via Ticketlink.
GBR MASTERS GAMES @ CAIRNS ESPLANADE
l SAT MAY 29TH-JUNE 1ST
For the first time since 2015, Pickleball is hitting the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games! This is your chance to play in paradise, surrounded by the stunning reef and tropical beauty.
All sports and the opening ceremony are free for spectators to attend. All social event attendees will need to show their GBRMG lanyard ID prior to entry. Supporter lanyard passes can not be purchased at social events –they must be purchased in advance and collected from the Games Hub during open hours. Supporters will also receive a registration kit bag on check in at the Games Hub. Find out more at www.gbrmg.com.au
PAINT & SIP @ CAIRNS JOCKEY CLUB
l SUN MAY 18TH, 1:30PM-5:30PM
The session is meant to be fun, so you will have plenty of time to grab drinks, and chat with friends throughout. Our sessions can be a little bit naughty so please do not take offence. Prizes for best (and ‘needs some styling advice’) dressed and more! Up to 3-hour session. Great tunes from the 80’s and 90’s. Tickets must be purchased before the date via the Paint Juicy website and not at the door.
We supply step-by-step guidance on how to paint the artwork, easel, paint, brushes, aprons, and canvas - which you take home!
Age Restrictions - 18 years and older. To book go to https://www.paintjuicy.com.au/collections/cairns-paint-and-sip
VEXPO @ THE TANKS (TANK 3)
l SUN MAY 25TH, 9:00AM-2:00PM
Dedicated to Volunteers and Not-for-Profit Organisations. VEXPO shines a spotlight on the incredible work of over 30 local organisations, all gathering at Tank 3. From grassroots social initiatives and cultural programs to environmental action and animal welfare, these groups are the heart of our community. Meet and connect with a wide range of volunteer-based community groups, discover opportunities to get involved - volunteer, join, or support a cause, learn about the inspiring projects making a difference in our region, and enjoy live performances, interactive dance sessions, and cultural showcases. Bring the kids along for a fun-filled day of face painting, crafts and more.
GIG Guide
*Please check with the Venues regarding any cancellations or entry requirements.
FRIDAY 23RD
Dunwoody’s Gumpy Savidas, 4:00pm The Benson Callum Brauer, 4:30pm Muddy’s Cafe Christina Ukulele, 5:00pm Salt House Amber Farnan, 5:00pm Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Cam Kettle, 5:30pm Innisfail RSL Two Dogs Music, 6:00pm Lions Den Hotel INFINITY DUO, 6:00pm Daintree Village Hotel Open Mic Night, 6:00pm Surf Club Palm Cove Janna Mercedes, 6:00pm
Trinity Beach Sports Club The Vibez, 6:00pm Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Davo, 6:00pm Cazalys Hot Ice, 6:30pm Brothers Leagues Club Cairns Blue Reed, 7:00pm Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail Cassady Connection, 7:00pm O’Donnells Wind and Wood, 7:00pm CPAC Englebert Humperdinck, Tom Jones, Dolly Parton Tribute Variety Show, 7:00pm The Pier Bar DJ Jackz, 7:30pm
Anthill Hotel Mississippi Shakedown, 8:00pm Elixir Music House Jordan Brodie & Elias Bartholomeo, 8:00pm
Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Johnny Sanchez, 8:00pm The Pier Bar Nightshift, 8:00pm
Rattle’N’Hum Cairns Flavour, 8:30pm BAR36 Big Noise, 9:00pm
Iron Bar CARNIVALE IRON BAR - CAREW + LEWIS, 9:30pm
P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns The Vibez, 9:30pm
P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns DJ Nakji, 10:00pm
SATURDAY 24TH
Yungaburra Hotel Two Dogs Music, 11:00am Cairns Area TECHNICAL DOOFICULTIES - SAM MCLAY + DIEGO + TASTEY DJ FT. VINJACKSON + 2 NIGHTS + EEGOR + KOOKSI + YAMAN + LEONARD KOMMA + GIVE WAY + DEADSPACE + ZOEY SUTRA + LEWIS + 50KAL + DARKEST + PURPLE MIND, 2:00pm Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Lexi & Waha, 3:00pm The Benson SAX MAN - Troy Stevens, 4:30pm Salt House Colourful Blak, 5:00pm Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Nicole Nighthawk, 5:30pm Lions Den Hotel INFINITY DUO, 6:00pm Yungaburra Hotel Whiskey Boat, 6:00pm Brothers Leagues Club Cairns Christina Ukulele, 6:30pm Cazalys Big Jim, 6:30pm TANKS R3B & Friends, 6:30pm Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail Mark Nugent, 7:00pm The Pier Bar DJ Dyzzie, 7:30pm Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Liam Sciacca, 8:00pm Red Beret Tropic Thunder, 8:00pm Salt House DJ Moose, 8:00pm The Pier Bar GTA, 8:00pm The Void BLACKOUT | THE FIRST OMEN, 8:00pm Rattle’N’Hum Cairns Janna Mercedes, 8:30pm The Jack PACIFIC NIGHTS LIVE - SAII KAY + JARAHN + MOQAI + GEORGE TELEK, 8:30pm BAR36 Big Noise, 9:00pm
P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns The Vibez, 9:30pm
P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns DJ Kayden, 10:00pm
SUNDAY 25TH
Machans Beach Community Hall Wind and Wood, 9:00am Ellis Beach Bar & Grill BIG PUPS, 1:00pm Garradunga Hotel Deja Vu Music, 1:00pm Rex Smeal Park Eddie Skiba, 1:00pm
Barrier Reef Hotel Barbary Coasters, 2:00pm
Dunwoody’s Peter Kinch, 2:00pm Edge Hill Cairns Bowls Club The Vibez, 2:00pm Surf Club Palm Cove Abi Muir Duo, 2:00pm
Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Andrea & Louie, 3:00pm Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Vivien Aisi + Vid Sehgal, 3:00pm Palm Cove Tavern Christina Ukulele, 4:00pm
St John the Evangelist Anglican Church Strings of the North, 4:30pm
The Pier Bar DJ Zaccu, 4:30pm
The Pier Bar Flavour, 5:00pm
BAR36 Justin Wellington, 5:30pm
Lions Den Hotel INFINITY DUO, 6:00pm
Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail Mark Nugent, 7:00pm
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
CROSSWORD
Social connections and ambitions get a boost from the
arrival in partnerships asks for effort and commitment to build lasting bonds.
Career focus sharpens as the Sun and Mercury fuel your work efforts. Venus and Mars power strong partnerships, with Saturn pushing commitment. Dedicate yourself to long-term goals for steady progress.
ACROSS
1. give or allow officially or formally (5) 4. bringing in a lot of money (9) 9. sound made by a cow (3)
10. postgraduate degree abbreviation for master of science (3)
11. old-fashioned sandal fastener or leather shoe tie (7)
12. quick hit to shoo a fly away (4)
13. person in charge of overseeing work or staff (10)
15. person who searches for talent or information especially in sport or the military (5)
16. legal removal of a tenant or occupant from property (9)
17. major Dutch port city (9)
21. puzzle made of pictures and letters (5)
23. larynx bump on a bloke’s neck (5,5)
24. egg-shaped form (4)
27. before birth inside the womb (2,5)
28. be indebted to (3)
29. vessel for ashes (3)
30. large central room in a castle or mansion (5,4)
31. makes fun of (5)
DOWN
1. activities for fun (5)
2. creamy green fruit often smashed on toast (7)
3. press down firmly (4)
4. talk given to students (7)
5. institution for higher learning (7)
6. agents that start a reaction or process (10)
7. quickly and without delay (2,5)
8. inflammation of the intestine causing upset (9)
14. medical check to assess heart under pressure (6,4)
15. watching online without stopping (9)
18. betray or translate (7)
19. certificate awarded after study (7)
20. aquatic plant found in freshwater ponds (7)
22. temporary camp without tents (7)
25. marks on a page or field (5)
26. word or phrase used in context (4)
Cairns Local
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Markets
Friday May 23rd
Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:30
Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30
Machans Beach Super Suburb Sale: Machans Beach, 08:00-14:00
Port Douglas Markets: Wharf St, 08:00-13:00
Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-15:00
Tanks Markets: Collins Ave, Edge Hill, 09:00-14:00
Tumoulin Country Markets: Tumoulin Railway Station, 08:00-12:00
Dreamtime clash expected to offer lots of thrills at Holloways
Tigers and Lions to roar
l AFL CAIRNS
| John Gillett
AFL Cairns Indigenous round preview
A SPECIAL occasion headlines the next round in ‘Paradise’ with the annual Dreamtime clash between the Tigers and Lions, kicking off with the men’s match.
Such is the magnitude of this occasion every year, the match almost exists outside the bounds of the ladder and the four points on offer.
Both teams will be desperate to put their best foot forward as an always appreciative crowd at ITEC watches on.
Anyone thinking of heading down should aim to get there around 2pm to witness one of the best pre-match ceremonies on offer. The match itself is lining up to be a thriller, with both teams on three wins, knowing this could be the tightest race for a top four spot Footy in Paradise has ever seen.
The main primetime slot belongs to the women’s fixture, and to raise the stakes even higher, it is the first rematch of the 2024 decider, which the Lions won to take home the premiership.
Three weeks ago, this was shaping up to be the battle of the two undefeated premiership favourites, but both sides have somewhat surprisingly lost to the upstart Bulldogs. Punters who head down to ITEC should be treated to an absolute treat of end-to-end footy. The combined percentage of these teams is a scarcely fathomable 721 per cent.
Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs vs Cairns Saints
WHEN objectively talking about the ladder, we have the rare occasion of two veritable eight-pointers in the men’s competitions in the same weekend.
This fixture sees the second place Bulldogs host the fifth placed Saints.
The Bulldogs will be looking to bounce back after losing to Tigers at home last week in their most disappointing match of a great start to the season, while the Saints will be looking to continue their irrepressible best form that saw them bounce back from an 89-point drubbing against Port to simply sweep away the Lions by 42 points. It is one of the biggest clichés in sport, but this one is just about impossible to pick.
The parallel fixture in the women’s game kicks off the day at Crathern.
The Bulldogs have well and truly sent a warning shot across the bow of the rest of the competition after they handled both of last year’s grand finalists in consecutive weeks. As the last unbeaten team in the comp, they will be looking to keep that streak going as long as possible.
Could they go undefeated?
For the streak to end this weekend, the Saints would have to pull off an upset for the ages.
Still a young team, their job is less about the result as they continue to build a cohesive unit.
Last week aside, they are a stoic defensive team, they just need to continue to develop their forward craft.
In the only standalone game this weekend, the rested Hawks host the premiers.
As the Brisbane Lions are
Sport Results
MARLIN COAST BOWLS
Tuesday, May 13. Tuesday morning bowls. Winner: No winners. R/U: No winners. Tuesday afternoon Men’s triples. Winners: Andy, Hugh, Dave. R/U: Ross, Adam, Rick Smith, Eddie Blythe. Tuesday night bowls. Winners: Sisca, Chris, Danny, David, Dennis, Deb, Joel, Brian, Rob. Wednesday, May 14.
finding out in the main comp, teams save their best for when they play the premiers.
Hawks showed some very promising signs last time out against the Tigers, where they just lacked a clinical finish.
After a week off, and former Cutters’ premiership hero Alex
Wednesday mixed bowls. Winners: P Chhin, D Young, B Nichols. R/U: I Hardman, D Russell, T Spicer/B Andreatta. Thursday, May 15. Thursday Mixed self-selected triples. Winners: B O’Connor, Ossie, J Russell. R/U: B Wright, R Lloyd, N Robson. Saturday, May 18. Saturday Morning Scroungers. Winner: No winner. R/U: No winner.
Club Championships. Men’s AGrade Singles. D Smith def. I Martis 25-12. N Robson def. K Burley 25-11.
BROTHERS EDMONTON
BOWLS
Wednesday, May 14. Overall Winners: M Borghero, S Paris, M Paris. Game 1. Winners: T Moulds, D Stewart, R Moody. Game 2. Winners: M Catalano, B Penny, G Moule. Thursday, May 15. Championship Triples.
Rogers’ first game against his former team, the Hawks should be raring to go.
The Cutters though will know that this is a fixture they simply cannot drop as they sit sixth on percentage.
Not many judges would have predicted this fixture to
D Hester, S Bates, L Backhouse def. R Langtree, L Ceely, L Hoskins. Winners of the day: D Hester, S Bates, L Backhouse. R/U: L Catalano, C Populin, S Rowe. Saturday, May 17. Mixed social bowls. Winners: A Clarke, C Populin, Q Bates. R/U: D Jacoora, R Fraser, L Ceely.
WEST CAIRNS BOWLS
Tuesday, May 13. Tuesday afternoon bowls. Winners: D Aumuller, M O’Halloran, J
be the clash between the two bottom teams in the comp, and the Cutters will be itching to show their back-to-back credentials while four of the top five teams above them go to battle over the weekend and so tight is the comp, the Cutters could end the round in first.
Populin. R/U: D Nicholls, S Wilson, T McAlary. Thursday, May 15. Thirsty Thursday. Winners: Slippery, D Hooper, B Fowler. Friday, May 16. Friday night scroungers. Winner: G Rowley. R/U: S Bragger. Sunday, May 18. Sunday morning bowls. Winners: L Vernon, D Lowe, N Mallyon. R/U: N Kehrer, D Lazarus, T Mitchell. Fours competition. T Moulds, F Clarke, G Stanley, A Paraha def. G Mills, J Bent, P Buntain, S Smith. K Rich-
Rangers beat Mackay
l SOCCER
MARLIN Coast Rangers are one step closer to their dream of an Australia Cup finals spot after a historic 5-2 victory over the Mackay Lions at Townsville’s Paradise Park last Saturday. The Rangers took the lead early when Josh Pin (right) scored in the ninth minute, and after a few missed chances to make it 2-0, the Lions replied through captain Tim Heller, equalising before the 20-minute mark. The match then became a battle for control, with both teams fighting for dominance for the next 40 minutes.
However, Marlin Coast player-coach Crios O’Hare took charge, scoring twice in quick succession to give his side a 3-1 lead.
Cooper Kennedy sealed the win for Marlin Coast with a fourth goal, making it 4-1 with just over 10 minutes remaining. Mackay added a second goal late in the match, but Henri Mackenzie restored the Coast’s three-goal cushion with a stoppage-time strike to seal the win. With this victory, Marlin Coast Rangers are now within reach of an Australia Cup final bid, and the potential of an ALeague opponent.
A win in their next match on the weekend of June 14-15 –likely to be against a South-East Queensland NPL side – will see them progress to the Australia Cup round of 32, while also securing a spot in the final four of the Queensland Cup.
ardson, M Hetherton, J Banes, S Kavanagh def. D Nicholls, T Mitchell, B Berger, P Travers. A-Grade Singles. Yakka def. G Blades.
EDGE HILL CAIRNS BOWLS
Wednesday, May 14. Social bowls. Winners: Ron, Elaine, Peter. R/U: Alan, Ray, John. Thursday, May 15. Social bowls. Winners: Margaret, Irene, Peter. R/U: Lorraine, Karina, Yvonne.
Grace Frost has been one of the Bulldogs best to start 2025. Picture: rawi/AFL Cairns
So close, yet so far for Northern Pride against Bears
l RUGBY LEAGUE
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
TIME is playing against a Northern Pride that can’t seem to withstand the pressure through the 80 minutes of play, once again, falling against the Burleigh Bears at home last weekend in a tight match 16-18.
Although their technical footy keeps improving, Northern Pride continue to be unable to deliver results.
Coach Russ Aitken said the team continued to have problems maintaining the pressure throughout the 80 minutes of play, resulting in continuous ‘almost’ wins.
After another disappointing match, where the team could’ve actually taken the win, they know they need to lift a gear to face the Central Queensland Capras once again on their home ground in Rockhampton.
The Capras currently sit 12th in the ladder giving the 15th placed Pride an opportunity to ascend the ranks.
“It was hugely disappointing to throw away a 16-0 lead with 16 minutes to go, it’s not up to Queensland cup standards,” Mr Aitken said.
“We do have a team that can be 16 up and to lose by only two against a top four team shows the quality we do have in the group, how-
ever, that doesn’t get you the results, so we let ourselves down defensively in the first half.
“Although we held on, we spent a lot of energy in areas where we shouldn’t have had to and in the second half when we gave away seven tackles that was turning point. From then we didn’t manage to regain the momentum that we had.”
Mr Aitken said to turn the cup around, they needed to learn to keep the pressure up from beginning to end.
“It’s all about individual accountability, that’s the only way we’ll be able to keep our footy up through the 80 minutes,” he said.
“Because we didn’t start
well, we’re spending a lot of energy in that early part and that costs us in the back end of the game.
“You can tell by the scores that we’re not being blown out of the water, our footy isn’t wrong but it’s on individuals not nailing their role, each play, through the 80 minutes.
“It’s also on me to look at what we’re doing and making subtle changes to our training.”
Mr Aitken said that the Capras was going to be a really physical team and Pride had to be prepared for it.
“What they lack in experience they make up with physicality, so we need to pay the Capras the respect they deserve,” he said.
Family fights reap rewards
Mother and son top taekwondo exponents have national champs in their sights
l MARTIAL ARTS
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
AFTER years of training side by side, a Manoora mother andson taekwondo team have reached new heights – both competing at nationals in June, with the son set to represent Australia at the world championships this October.
What began as a mother-son bonding activity for Jasmyn Grundy and a then nine–year–old Hunter Thomson has become an inspiring sport partnership that is now leading the pair to compete in the All Australian International Taekwon-Do Federation (AAITF) national and (ITF) world championships.
The nationals will take place in Melbourne on June 21 and 22 and the ITF world championships in Italy from October 3 to 13.
Mr Thomson, now 17, said he was proud to see how far they both have come under the guidance of North Queensland’s ITF chief instructor Master Jeff Dieben.
“I started taekwondo eight years ago. My mum’s friend’s son did it and told me I should give it a go. I tried it and really enjoyed
it and six months later I asked my mum to join with me,” he said.
“Doing this with my mum has been a very bonding experience. It’s really enjoyable to see how we both push each other to strive better in competitions.”
“I remember the first night, I was there because I wanted to be supportive of my son, I didn’t have the intention of staying,” Ms Grundy said.
“But I was there, and I thought, ‘This is absolutely incredible’.
“The whole sense of being connected to the physical body and the sense of personal power as well, the different doors that eight years of training have opened and that sense of family connection when we train together is amazing.”
Mother and son started competing in 2021 at the NQ Games followed by nationals last year and only a month ago the pair also competed in state championships in Brisbane where Mr Thomson won three gold medals in patterns, special technique and board breaking and a silver in sparring while Ms Grundy won a bronze medal in patterns.
Now the pair are gearing up for both upcoming nationals and Mr
Thomson’s debut in world championships.
“We’re training a minimum of six hours a week, every week to prepare for the competition,” he said.
“I’m proud of myself for achieving this. I think it’s the first time our club gets to a world level competition and my goal is to try to be my absolute best at nationals so I can be even better for worlds.”
The pair who train at the ITF Taekwondo Cairns Beaches club in Trinity Beach said they looked forward to continuing to be sparring partners into the future.
Coach Master Jeff Dieben said the precocious teen had a bright future ahead of him.
“Hunter has achieved really well in a very short period. He’s got a lot of years of opportunities ahead of him and it’s an honour for him to be selected in the first place to go and play at world championships,” he said.
“It will be a great opportunity to be inspired by some of the world’s best.”
Ms Grundy has set up a GoFundMe to fundraise for the world championships trip. To support it, visit https://bit.ly/3ZqvfbW
Mum Jasmyn Grundy, her son Hunter Thomson and master Jeff Dieben train in taekwondo on the Cairns Esplanade. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
Nick Lui Toso and his teammates attempt to slow down the Bears. Picture: Emily Barker
Mum Jasmyn Grundy and son Hunter Thomson are a taekwondo family partnership, training together
