Cairns Local News May 30 2025 by Cairns Local News

Local News Cairns

Carnivale brings town to life

PORT Douglas swelled to bursting point as 10,000 people packed the streets, parks and Four Mile Beach for the 2025 Carnivale. Organisers are confident the economic boost to the town and surrounding area topped at least $5 million.

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said Carnivale brought the town to life with more than 10,000 people attending events last weekend.

P11, P14

Youngsters thoroughly enjoyed the tugof-war at the Four Mile Beach party.

Business as usual

The Reef Hotel Casino still weighing up two takeover bids

an Wendy Morris and Abigail Cheadle were appointed by the board to consider the proposals by Iris Hotel Group in February and a second from the Morris Group last month.

Last Friday’s annual meeting was told that Iris submitted “a confidential, non-binding and highly conditional proposal” to acquire all of the trust’s units,

which included Reef Corporate Services Ltd (the owner of the casino and hotel properties) and Casinos Austria International (Cairns) Pty Ltd (the operator of the hotel-casino) on February 26 with a similar offer from the Morris Group on April 30.

“Discussions remain confidential and incomplete,” Ms Morris told the meeting of

about 25 unitholders.

“At this time, there remains no certainty that the discussions will lead to a transaction, nor as to the terms and conditions (including price) of any such transaction (if agreed),” she said.

“However, you can rest assured the independent board committee will use its best en-

deavours to seek to achieve the most successful outcome for all unitholders.

“We will continue to keep the market informed in accordance with our continuous disclosure requirements.”

Ms Morris was unable to elaborate further when questioned by Cairns Local News.

CONTINUED PAGE 3

Picture: Alison George

Woolies in push for seven-day retailing operations at Gordonvale

Sunday trading move

l GORDONVALE

| Nick Dalton

WOOLWORTHS has started the process to trade on Sundays at its Gordonvale supermarket and shopping centre.

An application has been lodged in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC), on behalf of Woolworths Group, to allow for Sunday hours at Gordonvale.

If the application is granted, Woolworths and other larger stores in Gordonvale will be able to open from 9am until 6pm on Sundays, bringing the town in line with the majority of Queensland.

PARK/EARLVILLE

THE beloved KidsLife Expo will return next weekend, bigger, better and bursting with two days of family fun.

CityLife and KidsLife publisher Danae Jones said the event was being expanded this year to include the Cairns Pregnancy and Baby Expo.

She said the 2025 program would feature educational workshops and expert speakers, market stalls and local exhibitors, craft activities, kids’ entertainment and live shows, food vendors and street performers, plus face painting, a jumping castle, DJ ACE, the White Wizard Magic Show, balloon sculpting, lawn games, Kooee the Kangaroo and more.

Dates:

• Saturday, June 7 – ‘Thrive Through The Ages’ Speakers Day at Seville Mercy Centre

• Sunday, June 8 - KidsLife Expo at Fred Moule Pavilion, Cairns Showgrounds.

“We are also proud to once again be raising money for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s spe-

The application, lodged by the National Retail Association, will benefit those stores that currently cannot trade on Sundays in Gordonvale, as well as future retailers looking to open a store in the region.

Woolworths’ Queensland assistant state manager Sophie Hobden said the company had been “a proud part of the Gordonvale community since 2022 employing over 90 team members”.

“Our customers have told us they want greater flexibility to shop for their food and groceries when it suits them. The ability to trade on Sunday would allow for that,” she said.

“We surveyed our customers

and found that the overwhelming majority said they would shop on Sundays if it was available.

“It would also provide a choice for our team to work further hours – which many of the team would like to have the opportunity to do – and earn additional income.”

National Retail Association interim chief executive officer Lindsay Carroll said if approved, the application would bring convenience for locals and a great incentive for tourists on the Bruce Highway to stop and shop in town.

“It will allow Gordonvale locals to enjoy the same convenience and choice that shop -

pers already enjoy in Brisbane, Cairns and centres across the state including Ingham, Innisfail, Mackay and Emu Park,” she said.

“This application recognises the recent and planned future growth in the area and will ensure that retail trade keeps pace with the evolving nature of the region.

“In our experience, Sunday trading benefits local small businesses because it draws people from outside the region into town where they spend with all kinds of stores – local cafes, fruit shops, clothing stores and the like. Sunday trading brings regional centres to life and that benefits every-

one – from small businesses to residents to visitors to workers.”

Woolworths conducted a survey of Gordonvale shoppers in March 2024 and found that 87 per cent of respondents confirmed that they currently shop at grocery stores on a Sunday, whether at nearby Woolworths stores or other grocery stores. If Sunday trade was available, 91 per cent of respondents said they would shop on Sundays, with 79 per cent preferring to shop in store and 12 per cent online.

It is understood the nearby IGA supermarket does a roaring trade on Sundays when Woolworths is closed.

cial care nursery at Cairns Hospital, with proceeds from raffles and fundraising efforts going directly to this vital cause,” Ms Jones said.

“This event is truly about community. We know how hard things are for families right now with cost of living pressures, and we want to give them something uplift-

ing, exciting and affordable to look forward to.

“For $10 per person, they can be treated to a full day of entertainment for all ages. Children under two are free.

“It’s also a fantastic way for local businesses to connect with families in a really meaningful way. We also have back again our kid

entrepreneurs selling their wares and getting amongst the market stall action.”

CityLife & KidsLife Events

Manager Victoria Jennings said she was excited to bring a bigger and better KidsLife Expo to Cairns.

“As a mother of three, I know what it is like looking for exciting affordable ac-

tivities to do in our region, that is enjoyable for, not just the kids, but also the parents, and the KidsLife Expo reflects this,” she said.

“Our ‘Thrive Through The Ages’ Day is an affordable way for parents to reach renowned experts and is such a valuable addition to the expo.”

Jaxon Corbett and Dakota and Trinity Jones are looking forward to the KidsLIfe Expo. Picture: Supplied

Italian Festival oﬀers expanded ‘25 program

l

FAR NORTH

| Isabella Guzman

Gonzalez

THE Cairns Italian Festi-

val is back for its fourth iteration with classic beloved events like La Festa and adding a few new twists with a masquerade cocktail party, a long lunch and ‘opera in the tropics’ this July.

For 11 days from July 24 to August 3 Cairns will be the home to the best of Italian cuisine, entertainment and community as the fourth Italian Festival gears up to receive thousands of locals and visitors to join in the celebration across an array of local venues.

This year the festival is bringing some variety to its classic program with new and refreshing additions, some staples of the event and – as always – the best Italian food.

“The Cairns Italian Festival is back for another year and we’re very excited. We have a bigger program and lots of people involved,” said festival president Claudio Di Bartolomeo.

“We have a lot of support from the local community, from the Cairns Regional Council, from our sponsors and people are really excited

for another year.

“The festival will run for 11 days and we have 13 events. This year, instead of the gala ball, we have a masquerade cocktail party, a long lunch at Ollie’s Italian and we have the opera in the tropics at the Wharf One Café, so there few new twists to keep people excited. La Festa is coming back, it’s

our biggest day, we are expecting 15 to 17,000 people through the door. Last year we had a lot of people from down south at the event so this is bringing visitation to Cairns.”

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said she was getting ready for all the delicious treats she would be eating this July.

“The famous La Festa –

Food and Wine, I’m fasting now so I can just eat myself silly and enjoy the music,” she said.

“And this is just something that brings the community together and it’s for our Italian community to celebrate their culture but also to share it with many more.

“Last year I met a couple who came from Sydney who

couldn’t get flights to their hometown in Italy so they came to Cairns instead and after coming to the festival they said they’d be coming every year.”

Cr Eden said local food producers would be proudly showcasing their products.

To ﬁnd out more and buy tickets, visit https://bit.ly/43OLy43

Four-year bridge build

Business case released for $450m Barron River crossing at Kuranda

l KURANDA

| Konnor Furber

A NEW Barron River bridge at Kuranda will take at least four years to be completed, according to the highly-anticipated business case released by the state government last week.

Replacing the old bridge with a new superstructure was the preferred option recommended to the government, however, the expected timeline for “enabling works, construction works, and decommissioning works” would take a minimum of four years, when factoring wet seasons.

The new bridge, expected to

cost $490 million, would cover about 270m of river with three spans, located downstream from the existing structure.

It would have broader traffic lanes, a wide centre-line treatment and a painted median.

A new pathway for pedestrians and bike riders, separated from traffic with a barrier, was also recommended to improve safety.

The concept layout for the new bridge includes a turnaround capability on the Kennedy Highway at the top of the Kuranda Range.

The existing bridge would remain in service with routine maintenance and testing, and

would only be removed once the new bridge was open.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg said the new bridge would improve network reliability and safety for all road users, while minimising potential environmental and cultural heritage impacts.

The original bridge, constructed in 1963, stretches 256m with six spans over the river and is the vital link in commuting, tourism and transportation from Cairns to the Tablelands.

Since 2020, the bridge has been regularly closed, or open for one lane only, after fatigue cracks in certain steel compo-

nents of the bridge were identified.

“The Barron River Bridge is an important road connecting communities in the Far North, which is why we committed to fi xing it,” Mr Mickelberg said.

“We welcome the federal government’s funding commitment of $245 million to the project and look forward to making further funding announcements at the earliest opportunity,” he said.

“Engagement with key stakeholders and local government is already underway, with industry briefi ngs on the project to be held in the next few months.” Mareeba Mayor An-

gela Toppin said the news was “encouraging”.

“The Kuranda Range is a critical route between Cairns, Mareeba Shire and further to the Cape,” she said.

Member for Barron River Bree James said the release of the summary business case was “the news my community has been waiting for”.

“We can now move forward with a long-term solution for Barron River and ensure the Far North stays connected,” she said.

Member for Cook David Kempton said “the community has been fighting tooth and nail for a safe and reliable bridge.”

Casino considers takeover oﬀers

FROM PAGE 1

Ms Morris said she could not to comment on the prices offered by the two parties nor the status of discussions with either bidders.

In a statement to the ASX, trust chief executive officer Brad Sheahon said the estimated distributable profit for the first half of this year was down on the same period of last year, between $3.2 million and $3.8m ($4.336m in 2024). He said, while the trust was trading profitably with revenues comparable to the first half of 2024, hotel-casino costs were primarily higher due to ongoing regulatory and compliance costs. Trust expenses were also higher due to the costs associated with the two takeover bids.

Ms Morris told the meeting that the 2024 revenues of $25.5m were lower than 2023 ($26.3m). Total revenues were higher than 2023 due to strong local and domestic patronage, however, higher costs, primarily payroll and regulatoryrelated expenses, resulted in slightly lower rentals to the trust than in 2023.

Mr Sheahon said that, although international tourism had not quite recovered to prepandemic levels, the local and domestic markets had returned to the complex, with overall numbers to the complex rising in 2024.

The two bidders for The Reef Hotel Casino are both casino and hotel operators. It has been suggested their bids for the business and property are more than $200 million each. The trust’s current market capitalisation is $151.9m and shares were last trading at $3.05 after a high of $3.63 in March.

The Morris Group is owned by billionaire Chris Morris, a co-founder of Computershare, who also owns The Ville resort-casino and the Ardo five-star hotel in Townsville, as well as luxury lodges and a fleet of helicopters and superyachts.

Iris, operated by rich lister Sam Arnaout, owns the Canberra and Alice Springs casinos, as well as 13 hotels, mostly in Sydney.

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.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden (left), Italian Festival committee member Nerina Tuoto, festival president Claudio Di Bartolomeo, Luigi Tuoto and Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith at the launch of the 2025 Cairns Italian Festival. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

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

Lacking Conﬁdence?

Anxious?

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

Doco series highlights regional talents

Of course you can do that

l CAIRNS MARINA

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

A NEW documentary series celebrating bold characters making change in regional Australia, ‘You Can’t Do That in the Bush’, has premiered in Cairns –with its first episodes spotlighting trailblazing entrepreneurs and environmentalists from Far North Queensland.

In collaboration with regional storytellers Blue Clay Creatives and HOLGRO – a platform dedicated to cultivating regional leadership and amplifying the voices of rural and remote communities – the series challenges outdated perceptions of what is possible in the bush.

Sonya Alba-Miller and Liana Hastie from Mareeba, the founders of high fashion brand Sonlia.

More episodes are yet to be announced as the producers are hoping to get funding and sponsorship to continue the series.

“‘You Can’t Do That in the Bush’ is a love letter to the bush,” said executive producer Laticia Braving.

“So many people who have a city postcode have a bit of a misconception around what actually is possible in the country.

“There are extraordinary businesses and world-changing ideas emerging from remote Australia every day — it’s time we gave them the stage they deserve.”

much debris along the beautiful shores,” Mr Fay said.

“Plastic Pirates has been working since 2020 with innovative machines that turn plastic into fuel or melt it down into various building materials, or decking planks, or anything you want and we have quite a following in the Torres Strait, so we decided to join and collaborate to bring all parts of the puzzle together,” Mr Clarke said.

“So I lead the marine debris task force with the Torres Strait Island Regional Council and we do clean-ups across the region with the aim of collecting data and understand what we’re dealing with, so we can come up with innovative solutions with Plastic Pirates,” Mr Fay said.

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

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/

The premiere was held at Salt House on Tuesday with the stories’ protagonists, industry stakeholders and government officials. The two episodes are now available on Youtube.

Two episodes have been released so far featuring Cairns local Connor Clarke from Plastics Pirate and Torres Straits local Dennis Fay of Salty Monkeys, who are innovating in marine debris repurposing and sisters

Episode one ‘Plastic Fantastic’ protagonists Mr Clarke and Mr Fay said they wanted for people to take away that there’s lots that could be done for the environment in the Far North.

“Dennis and I met each other through a Parks Australia grant and we were both working on marine debris and ghost net innovations,” Mr Clarke said.

“Salty Monkeys started out creating content online in the Torres Strait promoting the beauty but how do you promote this beauty when you can see so

“Our message to the community with this documentary is that collaboration is key. Without everybody working together the problem that we’re trying to deal with is enormous, and as people become more and more aware of it, means that we can give back to people as well and have successful outcomes,” Mr Clarke said.

To watch You Can’t Do That in the Bush, visit https://bit.ly/3SWNn9M

THE most remarkable budgie specimens were on display at the Brothers Leagues Club last weekend when the Victorian team took the win at the 49th Australian National Budgerigar Council National Titles with 595 points.

Over 600 budgies were on display last weekend where hundreds gathered to witness the most beautiful and unique budgies in Australia with 25 clubs from across Australia participating and even a worldwide stream for bird aficionados

around the world.

Despite bringing their A game in 16 carefully bred budgies, North Queensland ended up in fifth place with 361 points behind Victoria, New South Wales, South Queensland and South Australia.

“We had about 300 people watching the show. We had a meet and greet on Friday which went smoothly and I was told it was the best they’d had in 20 years,” said event coordinator and NQ team member Bruce Schuster.

“On the Saturday we had the morning sessions and winners

of these classes and there were just magnificent birds. I was really impressed by the grey green and the grey wing winner. I’ve never seen a grey wing like that.

“On Sunday we also had magnificent birds for the remainder of the classes and we had our auction where the 29 lots were all sold.

“The NQ team got some second and third places. I won third place in the normal grey category.” NQ also took second and third place in normal green, black eyed self, albino, dark eyed clear and fallow.

Episode two leading ladies Sonlia founders Sonya Alba-Miller (left), Liana Haste, You Can’t Do That in the Bush executive producer Laticia Braving, episode one leading men Connor Clarke from Plastic Pirates and Dennis Fay from Salty Monkeys. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

l MANUNDA

Rates protest gets rowdy

l PORTSMITH

ONE hundred pensioners have conducted a raucous protest about increasing retirement village rates. They gathered in the foyer of the Cairns Regional Council headquarters on Wednesday for an hour, greeting arriving councillors and staff with chants such as: “Your policy, our poverty”.

It is the first of at least two protests at the council chambers.

Plan causes disharmony

Reconciliation decision not unanimous

l CAIRNS REGION

| Nick Dalton

TWO Cairns regional councillors have failed to overthrow the organisation’s latest reconciliation action plan (RAP) which they described as divisive and racist.

Crs Matthew Tickner and deputy mayor Brett Olds sought to reject the ‘CRC Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2025 – 2027’ but were outvoted 2-8.

to further divide, further spend and further progress the ideology of virtue signalling over action”.

Cr Tickner said the plan had “rather ludicrous goals” including:

• ‘Identify and record staff who attend First Nations celebrations like NAIDOC week’. “The only assumed result of this would be to then apply pressure to the names not on the list who weren’t attending,” he said

also identified existing locations like parks, streets, creeks to rename with Indigenous names –“not, in my opinion, supported by the majority of the community”.

“Further embedding Welcome to Country ceremonies –costing the ratepayers thousands of dollars every year,” he said. Cr Olds said the plan had the potential to create division and “ultimately was a racist policy” He said people should be treated equally, not on the basis of the colour of their skin.

At issue is a move by the council to slug retirement village property occupiers with the minimum general rate, (about $1071), which for some is an 800 per cent increase on their current rating which amounts to as low as $60 a year.

A protest organiser, Colleen Duplock, said she was pleased with the demonstration but was disapppointed that only one councillor – Cr Cathy Zeiger – spoke to the group. “It was a really good turnout,” she said. Ms Duplock said Mayor

Amy Eden ignored a call to come down from her office to meet them.

Cr Zeiger said she believed the new policy was unfair and she was undertaking due diligence to try to find a solution.

She said she was investigating a grandfather clause – a provision in a law or policy that allows certain individuals or situations to be exempt from a new rule or regulation while it applies to everyone else. The pensioners plan another protest on June 11.

“In my opinion this is fairy floss policy – high calorie, appears large in volume, but in reality, is made from a small amount of sugar and has no nutritional value,” Cr Tickner told Wednesday’s fortnightly council meeting.

“It’s a vanilla, box-ticking exercise designed for corporations like ours to stand behind and say ‘look how great we are – we are doing stuff’, yet in practice this plan provides little in the way of localised, targeted actions that make any significant impact to the community we represent.

“In fact, numerous items within this plan will only work

• Hard percentage quotas placed on how many council staff have to identify as First Nations within council ranks

• Hard percentage quotas on local procurement activities to be awarded only to First Nations run companies.

• Additional ratepayer funds towards even more culture heritage monitoring on all capital works projects – further increasing the cost of projects.

Cr Tickner said the plan included “an overwhelming amount of fluff about ‘encouraging’ staff to wear First Nations T-shirts and attend First Nations cultural training seminars”. It

Cr Brett Moller, who moved the motion, said the council had a RAP policy for 14 years and “this was not a new journey”. He said it was well known that First Nations people were the most disadvantaged in terms of employment, imprisonment and living in broken homes.

Cr Moller said reconciliation was a two-way street of “coming together and moving forward”.

The council’s only indigenous councillor, Trevor Tim, said it was “a very important document” and “we councillors should be leading from the front (on reconciliation)”.

Council News Update

doggy details

Council is calling on dog owners to update their pet details before registration renewal notices are sent out at the end of June.

Getting in contact with Council now ensures will receive correct registration renewal notice and the correct fee.

Getting in contact with Council now ensures you will receive the correct registration renewal notice and the correct fee.

Dog owners can update their details online at Council’s website, by emailing regadmin@cairns.qld.gov.au or in person at the Customer Service Centre, 119-145 Spence St, Cairns. Owners need to provide evidence of desexing, pensioner status and obedience qualification to be eligible for the reduced registration fee.

Dog owners can update their details online at Council’s website, by emailing regadmin@cairns.qld.gov.au or in person at the Customer Centre, 119-145 Spence St, Cairns. Owners need to provide evidence of pensioner status and obedience qualification to be eligible for the reduced registration fee. Update

Improvement works

Hope St, Clifton Beach: New footpath construction north of Trinity Beach Rd, from Monday 2 June. Traffic control as required.

Hope St, Clifton Beach: New footpath construction north of Trinity Beach Rd, Monday 2 June. Traffic control as required.

Council offers free disposal household (domestic) waste times a year. The scheduled 2025 are:

n 15 to February

n 15 to 23 February

information visit cairns.qld.gov.au

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

n 17 to 25 May

n 17 to May

n 16 to August, and

n 16 to 24 August, and

Council offers of household (domestic) green waste times a year. The dates for 2025 are: n 15 23 February n 17 25 May n 16 24 August, and n 15 to 23 November.

n 15 to 23 November.

n 15 to November.

Mt Peter Rd, Edmonton: Pavement rehabilitation works between Graham St and Mill Rd. Road closures and traffic control as required.

Mt Peter Rd, Edmonton: Pavement rehabilitation works between Graham St and Rd. Road closures and traffic as required.

Council News Update works

Ishmael Rd, Earlville: Road resealing from Mulgrave Rd to Telford St on Saturday 31 May. Temporary lane closures and traffic control as required.

Ishmael Rd, Earlville: Road resealing from Rd to Telford St on Saturday 31 May. Temporary lane closures and traffic as required.

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

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

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

Upolu Esplanade. Clifton Beach: Pedestrian/cycle bridge maintenance at Deadmans Gully.

Upolu Esplanade. Clifton Beach: Pedestrian/cycle bridge maintenance at

Improvement works

Visit cairns.qld.gov.au to find your nearest 2025 free green waste disposal

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

Reed Rd, Trinity Park: Construction of three new bus stops – near Debbie St,

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

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

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

of near Debbie St, trailer park, between streets, 13 January.

| 28 | JUN

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

}For all works underway, see Council’s cairns.qld.gov.au disposal household (domestic) green waste four times a year. The scheduled dates for n n n off free Portsmith, Smithfield, Gordonvale and transfer

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

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

Retirement village resident Colleen Duplock leads a chant at a protest of 100 pensioners at the Cairns Regional Council chambers on Wednesday morning. Picture: Nick Dalton

Rates postage charge anger

Cassowary council slugs ratepayers $2.25 to send notices via

l CASSOWARY COAST

| Nick Dalton

CASSOWARY Coast ratepayers are to be slugged $2.25 extra every six months to receive their rates by mail.

The regional council is trying to get ratepayers to receive their rates notices via email (eRates) and save the local authority thousands of dollars in postage

but there has been slow take up.

Some residents are furious.

Stuart Cole on Facebook described it as “extortion”.

“An absolute joke that you want to charge that on $4000plus rates yearly that will no doubt go up after the land valuation increases,” he said.

“How about you start spending ratepayers money more wisely? I seem to remember during the recent federal elec-

tion that ‘cost of living’ was a talking point. This’ll definitely help. As usual, CCRC out of touch.”

Diane Brownsey, also on Facebook, said the paper rates notices could go in the recycling bin “they have just introduced at great cost to the rate payers”.

“Then you have the audacity to charge an extra $2.25 to send out rates notices in the mail, that are already among the highest

rates in the state?,” she said.

“Not everyone has an email, and the elderly will struggle with this as well … just extra costs for the people already struggling in our town”

The council has offered an incentive to encourage the eRates method, giving five lucky ratepayers the chance to win $500 off their rates by signing up to receive their rate notices via email through the new eRates

New Aussies

l CAIRNS REGION

SIXTY-five people have become the newest citizens of Cairns – each with their own story, journey and hopes for the future.

The council has just hosted a citizenship ceremony, with Cairns Mayor Amy Eden welcoming 65 new Australians from 20 different nations, including Brazil, Ethiopia, Myanmar, Rwanda and Colombia.

“Citizenship ceremonies are always a highlight,” she said.

“They’re a reminder of what makes Cairns so special: a community woven together by many cultures, shared values and a deep love for this place we all call home.

“To everyone who took the pledge today –thank you for choosing Cairns. We’re richer for it.”

The council hosts 11 ceremonies each year, with an average of 70 at each ceremony, but on Australia Day, nearly 200 people are inducted.

Australia Post

campaign. Mayor Teresa Millwood said the eRates initiative was part of the council’s push towards a more digital and sustainable future.

“(The) council has been offering delivery of rate notices via email since 2016 and transitioned to EzyBill at the start of 2024,” she said.

“However, uptake has been slow, and each rate run costs more due to increased postage

costs to over 15,000 residents.

“The traditional mail system costs more, takes longer and isn’t good for our environment. By following the lead of other local governments and private sector, we’re moving towards offering rate notices and statements online. It’s time to go green by going paperless on the Cassowary Coast.”

To sign up for eRates visit

https://bit.ly/43fyjdx

Daughters Nipaporn (left) and Varaporn Nithithanaphakdee with mum Pornpadee Nithithanaphakdee. Pictures: Cairns Regional Council

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden with Ching Wa Chong, daughter Hanaah Cheng and Henry Cheng at the latest citizenship ceremony.

Getting best deal for city

Advocacy key role of council leaders

l OPINION

| Mayor Amy Eden

NO more campaign slogans, no more roadside signs and no election in sight for another three years or so.

It’s a welcome breather for our city. We now enter a period of stability and delivery by all three levels of government.

While Cairns Regional Council’s advocacy efforts ramp up in a public way during campaigns, we don’t take our foot off the pedal when it comes to getting the best deal for Cairns.

Advocacy isn’t something we switch on and off when the votes are counted – it’s a yearround discipline.

A mix of strategy, persistence and timing that underpins everything from budget bids to MP and ministerial briefings, with a whole raft of community and stakeholder engagement along the way.

So, what is advocacy? At its core, advocacy is the strategic pursuit of funding, infrastructure and policy change to meet our local needs. It’s making sure our voice is heard in Bris-

bane and Canberra, clearly and consistently. Speaking up. Getting results. Delivering what our city needs, when it needs it. Across the council, we are continually engaging with state and federal counterparts, business and industry leaders and community groups to get the best outcomes for Cairns.

It’s not about headlines – it’s about housing, infrastructure, jobs, liveability and long-term sustainability.

The perfect example of our advocacy efforts is the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project. Across the political divide and

spanning several years, we secured funding of $390 million from the Queensland and Australian governments to deliver long-term water security for our growing city.

Our top advocacy priority right now is housing. The council is seeking significant investment in enabling infrastructure at Mount Peter – the city’s last greenfield growth corridor of its scale – to help unlock new housing supply and improve affordability for current and future residents.

Advocacy isn’t always loud. Often, it’s built on the back of quiet conversations, shared vision and steady relationshipbuilding over time.

Advocacy is about alignment. Knowing what our region needs, articulating it clearly and working every channel and opportunity to make it happen.

And it’s never done solo. Advocacy at the council is a team effort – involving elected members, senior leaders, technical experts and the community itself.

When Team Cairns pulls together, we speak with a powerful voice.

Digital health rolled out

l FAR NORTH

EVERY hospital within the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) has now been converted from paper to digital health records in a significant improvement to health services across the region.

Nine rural facilities implemented the integrated electronic medical record (ieMR) system last week as part of an 18-month project, including Gordonvale, Innisfail, Tully, Mossman, Yarrabah and Babinda. Cairns Hospital also underwent an upgrade to its existing ieMR system in November last year.

CHHHS rural and remote services director Terry Johnson said every patient who attended one of the facilities would now receive a digital record.

“This is going to have such a positive impact on our rural and remote patients as it means their digital record can be securely accessed by clinicians across the state,” she said.

“It can be so overwhelming for patients who need to be transported to other facilities for care where they have previously had to repeat their stories to unfamiliar clinicians.

“Having a digital system

is also going to allow our clinicians to spend more time with their patients and potentially reduce the need for unnecessary tests and travel.”

Ms Johnson said as part of the upgrade, more than 4700 staff across CHHHS had received dedicated training and at-elbow support and more than 110 new devices had been installed at each of

the facilities. She said significant infrastructure upgrades were required at each site, including Babinda and Mossman hospitals which are 101 and 95 years old respectively.

CHHHS rural medical services director Dr Tjaart Grobbelaar said ieMR was going to improve patient care.

Innisfail director of nursing Michelle Slater in the emergency department and the new ieMR system. Picture: CHHHS

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden.

Giddy up at your pony club

l GORDONVALE

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has thrown his support behind the next generation of riders during a visit to the Gordonvale Pony Club – urging more young people to take up horse riding, not just as a sport, but as a proud part of Australia’s heritage.

“Since the dawn of time, man has been riding horses, and he will continue to do so until the end of time,” he said.

“Our history, not just in Australia but across the world, has been shaped on horseback. You can’t understand world history without understanding the role that horses played on the Silk Road – from China to Europe. Those horses were the beating heart of civilisation.

“Working with horses gives you courage, discipline and pride – all the things our

country desperately needs more of.

“Horse riding is the most enjoyable pastime – and it keeps you fit and grounded in the real world, not glued to a screen.”

Gordonvale Pony Club president Kisten Bodkin said pony clubs were for anyone, even those like Mr Katter whose riding careers had been less than glorious.

“Horse riding builds more than just riding skills. We’ve always said that ‘pony club is fun’, and that’s kind of our motto. Even when you’re having a rough time, pony club is fun and it’s truly for everyone,” she said.

“Working with horses teaches personal responsibility and discipline and gives a goal for young people to aim for and we love seeing them excel at their passion.”

Club secretary Zoe Macor said the club had become a multi-generational legacy in her family. “My kids have grown up in the club and are now instructors here and my grandchildren are coming up the ranks,” she said.

Cairns literary venues rated among the best in state according to benchmarks

Libraries more than books

l CAIRNS REGION

| Nick Dalton CAIRNS Libraries have emerged as a top performer in several key areas of the latest public library benchmarking report. Key services were benchmarked against similar libraries in Queensland, including Ipswich, Redland, Toowoomba

and Townsville. A council report said in terms of physical visitation rate, Cairns leads with 4.10 visits per capita, with Ipswich ranked second at 3.50 visits per capita, ahead of Redlands at 2.80, Toowoomba at 2.00, and Townsville at 1.80.

“Cairns ranked second in program attendance per capita (0.32), behind Ipswich (0.37) with a near-even balance of onsite and offsite participation,”

it said. “In the field of digital infrastructure, Cairns Libraries offer 1.51 internet access devices per 2500 people – well above the benchmark average of 0.94.

“The city also recorded the highest internet usage, with over 170,000 hours logged, underscoring its role in supporting digital access for everyone.

“Providing up-to-date resources remains a priority, with 77 per cent of Cairns’ physical

SMARTPHONE & TABLET SOLUTIONS

collection acquired within the past five years, only Redland scored higher with 86 per cent.

“Cairns Libraries ranked second in acquisition of physical items with 0.17 items per capita, although collection usage (6.65 loans per capita) and physical items per capita (1.01) were in the lower half compared with other benchmarked councils.”

The report said, although recording the lowest membership

percentage (16.9 per cent), it was noted that Cairns’ data reflects only active users, offering a more accurate picture of engaged residents.

Cr Cathy Zeiger (Div. 3) said it was clear “we love our libraries”.

She told the May 14 council meeting that the community embraced the region’s libraries and it was not just books.

Cr Rob Pyne (Div. 5) said

library membership was beneficial and informative. He said the service levels were “fantastic” and libraries played an important role for those of lower socio-economic backgrounds.

The council report said that Cairns Libraries “have strong community engagement with a well-utilised network and a high level of community reliance on technology access”.

Federal MP Bob Katter with pony club members (from left) Kisten Bodkin, Eboni Fordyce, Marlee Fordyce (on horse), Lilly Toohey, Alex Fahlstrom and Zoe Macor. Picture: Supplied

Lettersto the editor

WANT TO BE HEARD? send your text to 0473 424 877 or email letters@cairnslocalnews.com.au

Youpla Support Program

Free financial counselling in Cairns and Yarrabah

Free financial counselling in Mt Isa

Were you affected by the ACBF or Youpla going broke?

As part of the Australian Government’s Youpla Support Program, eligible former Youpla members can access free financial counselling from Mob Strong Debt Help.

As part of the Youpla Support Program, eligible former Youpla members can access free financial counselling from Mob Strong Debt Help.

Mob Strong will be visiting Cairns and Yarrabah in June to provide financial counselling to former Youpla members.

As part of the Australian Government’s Youpla Support Program, eligible former Youpla members can access free financial counselling from Mob Strong Debt Help.

You can find out more on the Mob Strong Facebook page.

Mob Strong will be visiting Mt Isa in May to provide financial counselling to former Youpla members.

Mob Strong will be visiting Cairns and Yarrabah in June to provide financial counselling to former Youpla members.

You can find out more on the Mob Strong Facebook page.

Last week we asked readers: Do you think the council has been too heavy-handed over the Cominos House lease? Why or why not? Here are just some of your comments.

Spaces like Cominos House are priceless for grassroots groups.

- Botanical Chemist, Facebook

So the council “renovates” then ups the rent to the point no community/not-for-profit help group can afford the rent prices. Way to go councillors who are allegedly there to serve the community.

- Jenifer Kingsford, Facebook

This facility has been underutilised for 20 years. Time for a change with a new organisation that can instill some life into the place.

- David Couplan Jones, Facebook

The ratepayers pay for everything, not the council, therefore the ratepayers need to be informed about

Soloman, Redlynch

anything going on with our assets, especially if they are being sold and we should have a say.

- Jude Fussy, Facebook

It has not been maintained at all. So sad, it deserves someone who will.

- Vicki Baker, Facebook

So I think the council is actually about to sell off assets like this because of the cost of maintenance. The council has a number of ageing properties that I think they don’t want to repair or replace. I just wonder how many are listed for removing from the council’s property portfolio. This council can’t afford this, can’t afford that, and the place looks overgrown and dirty.

- Su O’Carroll, Facebook

Peter Campion, Tolga

Maggie Hill, Redlynch

Michael Honduras, Brinsmead

Sean McGinn, Clifton Beach

Richard Holme, Edmonton

Gazza’s Gossip

Carnivale captivates people

l PORT DOUGLAS

CARNIVALE weekend in Port Douglas came and went like a flash, similar to the amazing fireworks on Friday night. It was definite proof that time flies when you are having fun.

After speaking to numerous Carnivale regulars, the general impression seemed to be that this year was a particularly well attended weekend and overall, the attractions were as good, if not better than before.

This is most likely due to new attractions such as the Maho Magic Bar from Japan and three nights of music, with Savannah Sounds at Rex Smeal Park. Amazingly, it has been estimated that over 10,000 people were in attendance during the weekend.

Two highlights for me personally were the Friday street parade and the

final act of Savannah Sounds, that being the legendary Glenn Shorrock. I was privileged to MC the Sunday evening, so was therefore lucky enough to see him perform various classics from backstage.

I caught up with the great man for a quiet chat after his performance and, although the veteran singer/songwriter admitted a little tiredness after the flawless performance, he was pleased to say “the voice is still there” and it certainly was.

“It’s very special to perform in my part-time home of Port Douglas” he said.

The Macrossan Street parade, as always, was a key attraction for the weekend and drew crowds in their thousands on Friday night, with this year’s ‘Tropical Treasures’ theme setting the tone for a colourful night of floats, dancers and costumes.

This was coupled with the buzzing pubs, restaurants and firework finale which provided a fun night for all.

The winning float went to Port Douglas State School for best overall, with Windswell Adventures and Sea Circus Productions taking out best business, Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club named best community and Back Country Bliss Adventures awarded best eco themed.

Carnivale weekend also included the usual beach day antics with The Tin Shed family beach day, involving sandcastle competitions, giant kites, beach games, live music and water sports by Windswell.

The popular longest lunch at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas treated guests to a long table feast beneath the palms, complete with cocktails, a seven-course meal and sweeping views of the 9th fairway. The event

also raised $18,000 for Douglas Shire charity KIND.

Other weekend highlights included the high-energy Temple of Fire pool party at Pullman Sea Temple, Café del Mar at Sheraton Sunset Sessions, the new Makers tropic lights projection trail turning Macrossan St and the sugar wharf into a glowing marine dreamscape.

The quirky Maho Magic Bar served up cocktails and close-up illusions at Dixie Park, while Sea Circus Treasured Tales brought aerial performers, fire dancers and circus magic to the Surf Club. Sunday eased into a slower pace with the poolside fiesta at Oaks Resort, Port Douglas Markets, and art exhibitions including Go Troppo and the Tropical Destinations Photography showcase. The pooch party raised over $3000 funds for Paws and Claws and trail runners wrapped up the weekend

with the Douglas dash.

Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said early feedback from businesses and the community had been overwhelmingly positive.

“Everywhere you went, there were smiling faces. That’s what Carnivale is all about. A great weekend of food, fun and entertainment while also giving our local businesses and tour operators a well-needed boost ahead of season,” she said. “Last year’s event delivered more than $5 million in direct economic value for the Douglas Shire and we are hopeful this year’s numbers will be just as strong, if not better.”

I can’t wait for next year already, but for now it’s Gazza signing out.

Send your stories to gazza@ cairnslocalnews.com.au

Friday’s fireworks go off with a bang.

A packed and colourful Rex Smeal Park for Savannah Sounds on Saturday.

Packed restaurants after Friday’s street parade.

Headline act Glenn Shorrock entertains a large crowd. Stunning kites on Four Mile Beach. Pictures: Gary Gazza’ McIlroy

Spotlight on Northern Beaches

Invigorating tandem paragliding oﬀ the coastline for 10 weeks from June 6

Soar high above the beach

| Nick Dalton

TANDEM paragliding is coming back to the Captain Cook Highway coastline.

A 10-week season opens at Wangetti Beach on June 6 to be operated by High Adventure Paragliding.

Operations manager Nikki Callan said, after a successful trial in June last year and a season in September, the company was returning to take advantage of the tradewinds.

“We launch from Wangetti Beach, which is an unusual take-off as it is normally off a cliff, such as the Rex Lookout,” she said.

“We take flight from Wangetti Beach, just a two-minute drive from the popular Rex Lookout, 30 minutes from Port Douglas and 40 minutes from Cairns.

“With the stunning backdrop of the Coral Sea, beautiful beaches and rainforest-clad mountains, our tropical coastal location is a paragliding paradise.

“Exhilarating aerobatics are optional.”

Miss Callan said pilots used a winch method to take-off and customers were taken on a 15-20 joyflight up over the lookout, along the coastline and, if the winds were favourable, up to 1000 feet (333m) over the nearby mountain range.

Miss Callan said the flights were avail-

able to tourists, visitors and locals.

She said last year’s activities were well received.

Jef Chui said he booked a flight for his wife’s birthday last year.

“Dave is a great instructor and we felt safe throughout the whole process,” he said.

“What a great way to enjoy the scenery of the coast of Far North Queensland.

“Very impressed with the precise and gentle landing as well.

“Highly recommended and thanks again for the great memory.

“We went to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures in the morning and paragliding in the afternoon which worked out perfect.”

Customers complete required documentation and receive a briefing on safety and what to expect during the flight before taking off.

The flight is $295 or $345 with the video. A full day combination with a morning visit to Hartley’s and a flight in the afternoon is $379.

All activities include free transfers from Cairns, Trinity Beach and Palm Cove. Port Douglas depends upon demand.

Flights are available daily 12pm - 5pm. To book or further details visit https://bit.ly/43z1vuX

Tandem paragliding above Wangetti Beach on the Captain Cook Highway returns in June. Picture: High Adventure Paragliding

TimeOut

Get prepared to break free

‘It’s a Kind of Magic’ celebrates the best of Queen and Freddie Mercury at CPAC

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

GET ready to break free, the international Queen tribute show – It’s a Kind of Magic – will be back at CPAC on June 7 bringing the iconic sound of Freddie Mercury and the band back to life as they celebrate 50 years of Bohemian Rhapsody.

Classic rock lovers will live an unforgettable night when It’s a Kind of Magic makes an epic return to Cairns for one night only to bring an authentic Queen live experience and celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of music’s greatest songs – Bohemian Rhapsody on June 7 at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

The show will be led by the South African classically trained vocalist and pianist Warren Vernon-Driscoll, who will take on the role of the incomparable

Freddie Mercury, singing and performing on both piano and guitar live on all in Freddie’s original key.

“I fell in love with Queen when I was about 16-years-old and I realised that I found it as challenging as singing some Bach arias, so this journey started off with me doing a few covers and then I got involved with Showtime in 2019. That’s how this show came about,” Mr Vernon-Driscoll said.

“We’ve been to Australia twice and we’re really excited to return because things have changed since we visited last. We’ve added more songs and we’re excited to share it with everyone.

“It’s also very exciting to commemorate 50 years of Bohemian Rhapsody, I can’t believe it’s been that long. Freddie passed away the year before I was born, so when I look back

Author’s stories of amazing comebacks

l TRINITY BEACH

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

TRINITY Beach author and illustrator

Andrew Matthews is back with a bounce, his 12th book 'Bouncing Back' – an illustrated guide to more resilience in the face of challenges – is now available at Cairns bookstores.

Having sold more than eight million copies around the world and published 12 books so far, the internationally renowned local author and illustrator is back with an anthology of real-life stories of people who turned their setbacks into comebacks.

The stories are accompanied by his

classic 90s style cartoons to make for an entertaining and lighthearted reading that he hopes will inspire readers.

“We’re all bouncing back from something, we’re bouncing back from spending too much, eating too much, or we’re bouncing back from a relationship that isn’t going too well, we’re bouncing back from having lost a job or missing out on a promotion,” he said.

“So Bouncing Back is about the things that resilient people do, so the book tells you that people who bounce back tend to accept their situation early on and I wouldn’t have chosen to be in this situation, but this is what

I’ve got and now I move on to what I want.

“Acceptance of our situation is power and

it’s the first step to being happier and it’s a demonstration of resilience and from there we bite off our problems one chunk at a time.

“Also resilient people tend to have a picture of a better life in their mind.”

Mr Matthews says he expects the book brings hope to people who are struggling.

“I write self-help books for people who don’t like self-help books,” he said.

“I want people to take away hope from this book, this is a book about hope, wherever we are life can be better if we do some simple things that anyone can do."

The book is available at the Crystal Ball Bookstore, Cairns Books at Cairns Central Shopping Centre or from Amazon.

and see the impact of this song and how it has changed the lives of so many people for 50 years, it’s incredible.”

Mr Vernon-Driscoll said this show aimed to get as close as possible to a real Queen concert.

“For this show we’ve used the 1986’s Wembley concert as a blueprint for how we do the concert and we’ve included songs that Queen couldn’t perform live like ‘The Show Must Go On’.

“You’re coming to a rock concert. We want you to believe that you’re watching Queen when you come see us, so we’ve got all the crazy costumes, all the crazy lights, we’ve got an exact replica of Brian May’s guitar, so we’ve taken a lot of attention to detail in trying to recreate a Queen experience.”

To buy tickets to It’s a Kind of Magic, visit https://bit.ly/4dHSFje

Trinity Beach author and illustrator Andrew Matthews has launched his 12th book ‘Bouncing Back’. Picture: Supplied

Tribute band It’s a Kind of Magic is coming to Cairns for a world-class authentic Queen experience at CPAC on June 7. Picture: Supplied

Annual Port Douglas Carnivale had something for everyone with eclectic list

Town buzzes during festival

l PORT DOUGLAS

| Nick Dalton

PORT Douglas swelled to bursting point as 10,000 people packed the streets, parks and Four Mile Beach for the 2025 Carnivale last weekend.

Organisers are confident the economic boost to the town and surrounding area topped $5 million.

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said Carnivale brought the town to life with more than 10,000 people attending events across the weekend.

She said early feedback from businesses and the community

had been overwhelmingly positive.

“Last year’s event delivered more than $5m in direct economic value for the Douglas Shire and we are hopeful this year’s numbers will be just as strong or if not better.”

The three days of celebrations from May 23 to 25 ended last Sunday.

From big-name acts at Rex Smeal Park to beach day antics, long lunches and late-night magic shows, the 2025 program delivered a weekend of fun across the town’s most iconic locations.

Organisers said the Macrossan street parade drew crowds in their thousands on Friday night, with this year’s ‘Tropical Treasures’ theme setting the tone for a colourful night of floats, dancers and costumes.

The winning float went to Port Douglas State School for best overall, with Windswell Adventures and Sea Circus Productions taking out best business, Port Douglas Surf Life Saving

Club named best community and Back Country Bliss Adventures awarded best eco theme.

The weekend opened with the longest lunch at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas, where guests were treated to a long table feast beneath the palms, complete with cocktails, a seven-venue culinary journey, a live DJ set by Jolyon Petch and sweeping views of the 9th fairway. The event also raised $18,000 for Douglas Shire charity KIND.

Music lovers had plenty to choose from, with the launch of Savannah Sounds drawing big crowds to Rex Smeal Park.

Zoe Badwi, Sheppard, The Black Sorrows, Glenn Shorrock and others headlined across the three-day program.

Families hit Four Mile Beach on Saturday for The Tin Shed family beach day, with sandcastle competitions, giant kites, beach games, live music and water sports by Windswell.

Other weekend highlights included the high-energy Temple of Fire pool party at Pullman Sea Temple, Café del Mar at Sheraton Sunset Sessions, the new Makers tropic lights projection trail turning Macrossan Street and the sugar wharf into a glowing marine dreamscape.

The quirky Maho Magic Bar served up cocktails and closeup illusions at Dixie Park, while Sea Circus Treasured Tales brought aerial performers, fire dancers and circus magic to the surf club.

Sunday eased into a slower pace with the poolside fiesta at Oaks Resort, Port Douglas Markets and art exhibitions including Go Troppo and the Tropical Destinations Photography showcase.

The pooch party raised over $3000 funds for Paws and Claws and trail runners wrapped up the weekend with the Douglas dash.

Port Douglas Carnivale offered a host of events from beach and pooch parties, to music concerts, long lunches, a street parade, lots of food, fun and good times. Pictures: Alison George

High tea cancer fundraiser

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THE beautiful gardens at St Monica’s College will come alive next Saturday for a special afternoon tea garden party – a celebration to support students and staff currently navigating their cancer journey and a fundraiser for COUCH.

On June 7, the high tea will celebrate the courage of the St Monica’s students and staff living with cancer and

fundraise for vital funds for COUCH’s cancer services in the region.

“A staff member approached us to do a fundraising event for COUCH. As a Mercy school and with several staff and a student using the valuable services of COUCH, we decided to hold a combined garden party high tea to bring together the community to raise much needed funds,” said college principal Leanne Webster. The afternoon kicks off at 3pm with sweet and

savoury treats plus juice or champagne on arrival, followed by a fashion parade, entertainment and raffles with exciting prizes.

The fashion parade featuring designs by acclaimed local designer Regan O'Neill, offers a glimpse into their latest collection and to add to the atmosphere, St Monica’s performing arts students will present a diverse program of entertainment.

To buy tickets to the garden party, visit https://bit.ly/4dvQM8W

Jazz up your picnic in park

Snazzy Sunday arvo session of music

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman

Gonzalez

PACK your picnic rug and get ready to groove on the Munro Martin Parklands lawn with the perfect Sunday jazz session at the Jazz Picnic on June 8 featuring a stellar lineup of Australia jazz, soul and funk artists. Jazz and soul stars like Mike Rivett, Emma Pask and her trio, the Vince Jones Quintet and Cookin’ On 3 Burners will fill your afternoon with saxophone, finger snapping and great musicality.

The event – kicking off at 4pm by the musical genius of Mike Rivett – will have food vans on site, a fully stocked bar and the best sunsets. Picnic rugs, baskets and chair are encouraged.

Local saxophonist and producer Mike Rivett will get the show started with his highly creative style, followed by Emma Pask and her unforgettable vocals accompanied by a trio that will bring timeless swinging jazz, upbeat Latin rhythms and emotional ballads.

Next is the legend Vince Jones and his quintet, one of the most influential musicians in

Australian jazz history who will bring his 50 years of experience and great musicianship to the stage and closing the night will be Cookin’ On 3 Burners.

Organist and founding member of Cookin’ On 3 Burners, Jake Mason, said this would be one not to miss.

“It’s been so long since we’ve been in Cairns that you might as well count this as our debut,” he said.

“We’re a band made up of a Hammond organ, drums and guitar, so it has its roots in a 60s jazz, soul and funk mould, we also have a fabulous vocalist in Raleigh Williams who’ll be

joining us, but we also try to put a modern twist to it.

“It’s going to be awesome to be able to play on the same stage as someone like Vince Jones, he has such history and catalogue of music, there’s also Emma Pask who’s a wonderful vocalist.

“For our set we’ll play a few instrumental trio songs, we’ll also preview songs from our upcoming album and then we’ll invite Raleigh on stage where she’ll sing some classic songs from our catalogue like ‘This Girl’.”

To buy tickets, visit https://bit.ly/43r0AwA

Sr Therese Masterson has tea with college captains Emily Chester and Sofia Hoorn as they prepare for the garden party high tea for COUCH next weekend. Picture: Supplied

Cookin’ On 3 Burners will be at the Jazz Picnic. Picture: Supplied

WHAT’S ON

SWIM WITH THE SALTIES @ WILDLIFE HABITAT l DAILY

Only at Wildlife Habitat’s CrocArena, Queensland’s premier and exclusive swim-with-crocs experience, can you get this close to colossal Estuarine Crocodiles. For a limited time during Carnivale, gather two fellow adventurers and dive into the ultimate adrenaline rush for the price of just two! Are you ready to make your Carnivale legendary? Book your 3 for the price of 2 Carnivale Croc Special now. Limited time offer - book between May 17th and June 2nd. Redeem your triple thrill: Use code CARNIVALECROCS online. Not valid with other offers. To book visit: www.wildlifehabitat.com.au

HIGH TEA @ ST MONICA’S COLLEGE CAIRNS

l SAT JUN 7TH, 3:00PM-5:00PM

St Monica’s College Cairns is hosting a Garden Party Afternoon Tea. This event is a joint venture of the school, P&F, and Alumni, and is open to alumni, parents, students, staff, and mothers and daughters. It will feature delicious treats, a fashion parade, entertainment, and a raffle with prizes.

All proceeds will benefit COUCH.

Tickets are available and can be purchased through TryBooking. The event will take place at St Monica’s College Cairns.

COMEDY CORNER @ THE BENSON HOTEL

l FRI MAY 30TH, 7:00PM-9:00PM

If you love to laugh, this event is for you!

5 very funny highly experienceed comedic talents are sure to have you in stitches. This bunch of gifted humans have taken it upon themselves to help you see the funny side of life and its situations. You don’t want to miss out on your chance of healing, learning and most of all - laughing! A Stand-up Comedy Show, brought to you by Cairns Comedy Corner at the Benson Hotel, 50 Grafton Street.

There’ll be loads of laughter, guaranteed! Booking can be made via try booking : https://www.trybooking.com/DAWTR

NQ BURNOUTS @ CAIRNS SPEEDWAY

l SAT MAY 31ST, 4:30PM

Mulgrave Motors presents NQ Burnouts Round 1 of the Championship Series 2025 at the Cairns Speedway May 31st.

Come on down for an afternoon and night full of skids and entertainment. Whether you are a competitor, spectator or looking for something fun to do with the family, there will be something for everyone!

The canteen with be full of delicious food and the bar will stocked. Free jumping castle and balloon creations for all the kids from 5.00pm8.00pm. Merchandise and raffle tickets on sale at the marquee near the canteen. 1308 Thomson Rd, Edmonton - Spectator entry: $25, Spectator under 13yrs is free, Spectator 13-17yrs with ID: $15

FESTIVAL PICNIC @ FIG TREE PLAYGROUND

l SAT MAY 31ST, 12:30PM-3:30PM

Come down to the Fig Tree Playground on Saturday, May 31st to join the Cairns Chinese community as they celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival with their annual picnic.

On this special day, they will also be blessing and christening their newest Chinese Lion.

Bring a plate of food to share and something to sit on. All are welcome, pls text 0488288943 to RSVP.

WHITE HARMONY @ WHARF ONE CAFE

l SAT MAY 30TH, 5:00PM

Get ready, Cairns! WHITE HARMONY presented by DJ SAFIRE, is set to take over Wharf One Café, bringing you a night of elegance, tropical vibes, and feel-good energy – all for a great cause.

In addition to an unforgettable night, there will be prizes generously donated from local businesses up for grabs in the raffle. Every raffle ticket purchased will go directly to COUCH, helping them continue their incredible work in our community.

Dress Code: White chic – elegant, fresh, and stylish

Tickets available via https://events.humanitix.com/white-harmony

GIG Guide

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

FRIDAY 30TH

Dunwoody’s Shannae Sclippa, 4:00pm

O’Sheas Two Dogs Music, 4:00pm

Lunico Miss Tee Music, 4:30pm

The Benson Callum Brauer, 4:30pm

Court House & Mulgrave Galleries El Moth + Los Caracoles, 5:00pm Folly Mia Rose, 5:00pm

Muddy’s Cafe Christina Ukulele, 5:00pm

Salt House DJ Cilla, 5:00pm

Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Sneaky Horse, 5:30pm

Surf Club Palm Cove Cam Kettle, 6:00pm

Trinity Beach Sports Club Andrea & Leon, 6:00pm West Cairns Bowls Club Jim Sackley Hot Country Band, 6:00pm Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Davo, 6:00pm

Bourbon St. Sports Bar Nicole Nighthawk, 6:30pm

Brothers Leagues Club Cairns SAX MAN - Troy Stevens, 6:30pm Cazalys SOUNDS OF THE 70s - Rowly Band, 6:30pm

Atherton International Club INFINITY DUO, 7:00pm Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail Mark Nugent, 7:00pm Merrymakers Progress Hall Carrizma, 7:00pm The Pier Bar DJ Gerry, 7:30pm

Elixir Music House Savidas, 8:00pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Liam Sciacca, 8:00pm

Salt House DJ Matt Caseli, 8:00pm

Rattle’N’Hum Cairns RAN, 8:30pm

BAR36 RUNNING IN THE SHADOWS FLEETWOOD MAC, 9:00pm The Pier Bar Reggaeton, 9:00pm THE VOID TOGETHER - PURPLE MIND + ANDYZ + DIEGO + LUKEH FT MIKE RIVETT, 9:00pm

P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns Sanchez Brothers, 9:30pm Heritage Nightclub JKLMS + ESI + BALA KAIJO + WILDCARD, 10:00pm

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

SATURDAY 31ST

Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett THE DEPTH - DOPPEL + TOBO & Baksta + Iniko + Cilla + KV2 Audio, 12:00pm The Beach House Dave Cook, 3:00pm Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Blue Reed, 3:00pm Narrow Tracks Nicole Nighthawk, 4:00pm The Benson SAXMAN - Troy Stevens, 4:30pm Salt House Stan Stone, 5:00pm Ellis Beach Bar & Grill So P!NK, 6:00pm Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park Two Dogs Music, 6:00pm The Platform Ravenshoe Pauly P, 6:00pm Trinity Beach Sports Club In Ya Face + Kris Hutchinson, 6:00pm Cazalys Rowly Band, 6:30pm Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Tropical Jitterbugs, 6:30pm The Esplanade Cairns The Vibez, 7:00pm TANKS James Reyne, 7:30pm The Pier Bar DJ Dyzzie, 7:30pm Elixir Music House THE 45 SESSIONS - SMOOTH E + CHOOKY + JC FUNKDAFIED + BRYAN BERGMAN, 8:00pm Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Lexi & Waha, 8:00pm Red Beret My Deaf Eyes, 8:00pm Salt House DJ Rodrigo, 8:00pm The Pier Bar GTA, 8:00pm

Rattle’N’Hum Cairns RAN, 8:30pm BAR36 RUNNING IN THE SHADOWS FLEETWOOD MAC, 9:00pm BAR 94 ONLY BANGERZ - 2NIGHTS + DELIOS + ENTOMDRE + GROOVE DIVA + IWAVVA + WILLOW B + YOUNGSTAR, 9:00pm THE VOID CHAOS - SAFIRE FT MARC APELLA + ADDISON + NACHTUIL + MCCAN, 9:00pm

P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns Sanchez Brothers, 9:30pm Heritage Nightclub DJ BLACK MACK + ESI + BALA KAIJO, 10:00pm

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

SUNDAY 1ST

Petit Cafe Blue Reed, 10:00am

Herberton Historic Village Carinda Christie, 11:00am

Dunwoody’s Katie Richards, 2:00pm Palm Cove Surf Club Miss Tee Music, 2:00pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Cam Kettle, 3:00pm The Beach House Nicole Nighthawk, 4:00pm

Salt House Pauly P, 5:00pm

The Pier Bar Drewboy, 5:00pm

BAR36 RUNNING IN THE SHADOWS FLEETWOOD MAC, 5:30pm

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

Solutions

This week brings a boost in ambition—perfect for tackling goals or launching projects.

Weekly Horoscopes

You’ll feel conﬁdent, but be mindful not to steamroll others. A miscommunication midweek needs gentle handling. By the weekend, you’ll want rest and quiet time to recharge.

You’re craving something different—travel, learning or a creative challenge could call your name. Financial decisions carry weight now, so move with care. Relationships feel warm and supportive, offering chances for deeper connection through honest chats.

Jul 22

CROSSWORD

With the Sun in your sign, you’re magnetic and ready to express yourself. Use your voice wisely, especially in personal matters. A midweek emotional insight helps release the past. You’re learning to balance vulnerability with conﬁdence.

This is a reﬂective week, ideal for slowing down and turning inward. You may feel nostalgic or emotionally tender—use that energy for self-care or journalling. Relationships need extra nurturing. Clarity returns by the weekend.

You’re ready for new experiences— whether through travel, learning or fresh perspectives. Keep an eye on legal or formal matters midweek. Relationships beneﬁt from a more adventurous, open-hearted approach. Inspiration strikes in the most unexpected places.

consistent, but look after your health too. A ﬁnancial or homerelated issue needs care. Come the weekend, slow down and treat yourself.

Team efforts thrive now, and you’re shining in collaborative roles. Share your ideas, but stay open to feedback. Networking could bring opportunity. A creative spark or playful moment over the weekend lifts your spirits and inspires you.

Transformation is your theme this week. Let go of emotional or ﬁnancial baggage, and make space for healing. Deeper bonds grow from open conversations. You’ll feel stronger for facing what you’ve been avoiding. Take the weekend to reset.

Career moves and public recognition are in focus. It’s a strong week to step up and take charge— but don’t neglect your wellbeing. Set clear boundaries to avoid burnout. Celebrate your wins, even the quiet ones.

One-on-one connections are in the spotlight—this is a great time to strengthen bonds or make peace. Avoid dodging hard talks. Professional partnerships could offer something surprising. The weekend brings a spark of joy or creative fun.

ACROSS

1. natural hot spring that intermittently ejects water and steam (6)

5. without careful consideration (6)

10. device for inﬂating tyres or balls (3,4)

11. rod that spins ﬁbres into yarn (7)

12. tight grasp or a group of eggs (6)

15. metal pin used to secure parts together (6)

16. metal fastener with a looped head for attaching ropes or cables (7)

17. elevation provided by a mechanical device or an encouraging boost (4)

18. device for winding and unwinding

ﬁshing line or ﬁlm (4)

19. keep safe from harm or damage (7)

20. throw or shape by moulding (4)

22. self-righteous person acting superior (4)

25. undo fastening of metal parts (7)

27. brief period of time (6)

28. put right or ﬁx (6)

31. hold up or back (7)

32. sticky patch in a swamp or paddock (3,4)

33. showing little emotion or reaction (6)

34. mental or emotional strain (6)

DOWN

2. cover ears to keep warm (7)

3. water channel with a gate (6)

4. strong cord or string (4)

5. oxidation causing decay (4)

6. tap or faucet controlling ﬂow (6)

7. rowdy girl behaving badly (7)

8. mischievous youngster (6)

9. fuel for your motor (6)

13. ﬁreﬁghter’s water source (7)

14. refuse to participate or vote (7)

15. old-fashioned noise maker (7)

20. edible bulb eaten by Indigenous Australians and Native Americans (6)

21. underground pit for collecting liquid or waste (4-3)

23. causes or explanations (7)

24. main support beam (6)

25. undo coil (6)

26. offer or gentle (6)

29. male animal or fastener (4)

30. mischievous children or small demons (4)

Tenants are struggling to find any sort of property to lease across the state

Rental market tightens up

l FAR NORTH

QUEENLAND’S rental market has started 2025 with even fewer options for tenants, as vacancy rates continue to tighten across most of the state in the March 2025 quarter, with the number of tightening regions outweighing those that eased.

According to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland’s (REIQ) latest residential vacancy Rate Report, 24 of the 50 regions tightened, 12 held steady and just 14 saw any relief.

The statewide vacancy rate has slipped from one per cent to 0.9 per cent – breaking a three-quarter period of steady conditions and reinforcing the entrenched strain on rental supply.

Notably, the pressure is being felt across most of the state, with 38 out of 50 local government areas (LGAs) and subregions reporting vacancy rates of one per cent or less. This puts it firmly in ‘tight’ territory and far below the REIQ’s healthy benchmark of 2.6–3.5 per cent.

REIQ chief executive officer Antonia Mercorella said Queensland’s rental market had started 2025 with even fewer rental options, with vacancy rates tightening in nearly half of the report’s regions.

She said despite the pressure across most of Queensland, property managers were reporting more subdued letting activity, increased days on market and lessors being more careful with tenant selection.

“This paradox of lower activity despite a tight market reflects some fatigue on both sides: many renters are being priced out, stretching too far, or grouping up to rent, while lessors are holding firm on terms and expectations due to rising costs and more onerous legislative requirements.”

At the more extreme end, Cook and Goondiwindi both recorded zero vacancy, meaning virtually no lasting rental availability. A further 16 regions – including Maryborough, Toowoomba, Caloundra Coast and the Southern Downs – reported rates at or below 0.5 per cent.

Families are finding it hard to find rental properties in the Far North.

Picture: iStock

Real Estate Guide

From cabinets to contracts

Russell Kelly switches careers and takes his Bungalow factory to auction

BUNGALOW

AFTER more than four decades as a nationally award-winning kitchen designer and cabinetmaker, Russell Kelly has embarked on a bold new chapter in his professional journey – transitioning into the dynamic world of real estate.

Now a sales agent at Powerhouse Property Cairns, he brings with him a wealth of experience and a keen eye for detail.

His extensive background in the construction industry, particularly as the owner of Artizan Cabinets, has equipped him with a deep understanding of quality craftsmanship and design.

This foundation gives him a unique edge in the property market, enabling him to spot and showcase potential that others might easily overlook.

It also provides clients with confidence, knowing they’re working with someone who understands homes and buildings from the ground up – not just from a sales perspective, but from hands-on experience.

As the final stage of his transition, Powerhouse Property is auctioning 178 Scott St, Bungalow – his former business premises.

The versatile 300sqm commercial property, once home to Arti-

Perfectly

zan Cabinets, includes a spacious workshop, mezzanine storage, and a well-presented showroom with a studio apartment upstairs.

Positioned on a 449sqm block with high traffic flow, the site is an excellent opportunity for owner-occupiers or investors seeking a high-demand commercial asset.

The on-site auction is scheduled for May 31, 2025, at 11am. With flexible options available for sale or lease, the property is expected to draw strong interest from a variety of buyers.

Mr Kelly’s shift from cabinetmaking to real estate is a testament to how professionals can successfully leverage their existing skills in entirely new arenas.

His story is a powerful example of what’s possible with dedication, vision and the willingness to embrace change.

It also reflects the growing trend of career reinvention, where long-time tradespeople and business owners are discovering new ways to apply their expertise in today’s ever-evolving market. Now firmly planted in the real estate industry, Mr Kelly’s commitment to excellence and eye for detail remain his greatest assets.

His journey highlights the value of transferable skills – and the exciting new opportunities that await those ready to take the leap.

Russell Kelly (inset) is selling his Artizan Cabinets’ property at Bungalow. Pictures: Supplied

Cairns Local Classifieds

Publishers Terms and Conditions

Advertising agencies, advertisers and individuals by lodging material with the publisher for publication, approving or authorizing of the publication of any material INDEMNIFY the publisher, it’s Directors, employees and their 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.

The placing or positioning of an advertisement within the requested classiﬁcation is at the discretion of Cairns Local News, except where agreed upon by the publisher. The monetary level of advertising is based upon the frequency used within the period of the order. The term may vary from three months to one year. The word “Advertisement” will be used on advertising copy which in the opinion of the publisher resembles editorial. The terms set out above are subject to change without notiﬁcation at the discretion of the publisher.

Advertisement Prooﬁng

The proofing of advertisements cannot be guaranteed unless advertising copy content is received at Cairns Local News by 4pm TUESDAY prior to publication. The final proofing deadline is 5pm Wednesday prior to publication, any revisions requested after 5pm Wednesday

Local News Cairns

Cairns Local News collects personal information to assist us in providing goods and services which you have requested to process competition entries, giveaways and to improve our products and services to you. We may be in touch by phone, mail, fax or internet to inform you of any services and promotions which may be of interest.

If you would prefer us not to do so, please write to us at: Cairns Local News, Suite F03, The Conservatory, 12-14 Lake St, Cairns, Qld 4870

Access to your personal information can be obtained by calling (07) 4031 7678.

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUP

Help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics. If someone in your family has a drinking problem, you can often see what it is doing to them, but can you see what it is doing to you?

Al-Anon can help you.

Meetings held weekly at:

Cairns City: Tuesday nights, 6pm-7pm

Edmonton: Thursdays, 12pm-1pm

Innisfail: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 10am-11:30am

• Kuranda: Mondays, 11am-12pm

For further information, Call 1300 25 2666 or www.al-anon.org.au

HOW DO I CANCEL AN ADVERTISEMENT?

Should you need to cancel an advertisement campaign, please advise in writing 7 days prior to publication. Should you need to cancel an existing advertisement, please call the ofﬁce on 4031 7678 before the weekly deadline: Display Ads: 5:00pm Tuesdays Classiﬁeds: 4:00pm Wednesdays

Another method of cancellation is by emailing: admin@cairnslocalnews.com.au

Friday May 30th

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 May 31st

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

Garage & Car Boot Sale: Crossroads Cafe, ALL DAY

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

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

Mareeba Markets: 100 Park, 07:00-12:30

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

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

Sunday June 1st

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

Garage & Car Boot Sale: Crossroads Cafe, ALL DAY

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

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

Lions Den Markets: Lions Den Hotel, 09:00-12:00

Mission Beach Markets: Ulysses Park, 07:00-12:00

Palm Cove Markets: Williams Esplanade, 08:00-14:00

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

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

The Preloved Project: 179 Bunda St, 10:00-14:00

Tolga Markets: Morrow Park Racecourse, 07:00-12:00

Pride ﬁnally breaks drought

l RUGBY LEAGUE

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THE tide has finally turned for Northern Pride, the team has defeated the Central Queensland Capras in a high-pressure match 32-14 and have reignited the hope of climbing the ladder in the Hostplus Cup.

After weeks of ‘almost’ wins, Pride has finally broken the curse and brought a win home after defeating the Capras 32-14 in what coach Russ Aitken called a match with too many fundamental errors but with lots of resilience from the team and now they’re looking to get back into the competition.

Although currently sitting in 14th place, Mr Aitken believes they can still turn the competition around and are hoping to do so against the PNG Hunters on Sunday, a team that defeated them in pre-season.

“It’s always a rough trip down to Rockhampton. Having a look at what sort of team they’d be and we knew they wouldn’t go away the whole game, they’re a team that hangs in there, so we needed to be tough and show more character than we’ve been showing in the previous weeks,” Mr Aitken said.

“Our performance wasn’t great, however, the mindset that we went in with allowed us to navigate all the pressure that we put ourselves under, so I’m pleased with the mindset of the group.

“We’ve learned from our performance the week before against the Bears but we’re still putting too much pressure on ourselves and it’s definitely something we need to fix leading into this weekend.

“There were too many fundamental errors from the group and that’s two weeks in a row that we’ve done this and we need to rectify

that going into what’s going to be a real tough match with PNG.

“I don’t think this is over, there’s plenty of rounds to go and that’s not the issue, the issue is how we play and how we keep progressing, our footy has plateaued over the last two weeks and we need to fix that.

“So we have time to turn the season around, we just need to keep stacking good performances. I’ve got no doubt we’ll win the required games.”

Mr Aitken said they were gearing up for another physical match against the Hunters.

“After 10 rounds of footy both teams have progressed a fair bit since we met in pre-season,” he said.

“We’ve obviously learned things from the trial game and they’ll bring a similar game than the Capras, a combative style, really physical, so last week was a good precursor to this week.”

Crankworx ends amazingly

l MOUNTAIN BIKING

CRANKWORX Cairns has wrapped up in spectacular style with two crowd-favourite events bringing the week to a close on Sunday: Crankworx Cairns slopestyle and the specialised dual slalom.

After a week of sunshine, fast tracks and high stoke, the tropical vibes carried through to the final day at Smithfield Mountain Bike Park, with just a few gusts of wind and a brief shower unable to dampen the energy of fans and riders alike.

A Crankworx spokeswoman said this year’s slopestyle course in Cairns underwent a major revamp, ditching most of its wooden features in favour of a more natural, flowy build – a change that gave athletes space to link technical tricks and push progression.

“Riders had two runs each, with the best score counting. And what a showdown it turned out to be. A field stacked with legends, podium contenders and rising stars brought one of the most competitive events the FMBA Slopestyle World Championship (SWC) has seen in recent memory,” she said.

The spokeswoman said defending cham-

pion Alma Wiggberg returned to the Crankworx stage in dominant form after coming back from a shoulder injury.

“Her first run set the bar sky-high with a massive 90.50, a score that went unmatched all day,” she said.

“Alma’s run blended style and amplitude, showcasing, suicide no hander, backflip bar spin, toboggan, 360, backflip one foot can, 360 bar spin.”

Ms Wiggberg said the mental part had “been difficult to feel confident and trusting since I had the same injury for four years”.

“It’s been hard to find the confidence that it will be good. But I’ve been working a lot on it and just being here riding gives me a lot of confidence”, she said.

In the men’s competition Tim Bringer stole the show. The French rider threw down what might go down what may have been of his greatest runs so far.

“Leading with a double backflip tuck no hander over the course’s only wooden feature, Tim’s high-amplitude run racked up a 92.37, securing him the win,” the spokeswoman said.

Tom Duffy giving it his all on the oval. Northern Pride finally won with a good 32-14 win against Capras.

Picture: Emily Barker

Alma Wiggberg’s spectacular performance in the slopestyle event. Picture: Clint Trahan

AFL’s finest during representative round this weekend

AFL

| John Gillett Representative round preview

A BUMPER stretch in the AFL Cairns schedule continues this week with the Indigenous and South Pacific All Stars matching up against the All Stars in both the men’s and women’s games.

Selection means players have been recognised as the very best that ‘Footy in Paradise’ has to offer and is always a proud moment for them, their families and their clubs.

After each team in both comps have played each other at least once, this week is about putting those hostilities aside (momentarily) to prepare for what is a showcase event on the footy calendar.

To highlight the parity that we have seen so far in both comps this year, all clubs are very well represented in both games. The Tigers are a

standout with a whopping 29 players selected, with the Lions a close second seeing 22 of their players rewarded for their early season form.

Both games are at Cazalys, with the women getting things underway at 6.15pm, while the men get to enjoy a rare, primetime time slot when their first bounce happens at 7.50pm on what is an unmissable evening of watching the cream of the crop go at it.

Punters can expect eight quarters of absolute end-toend footy (and a number of coast-to-coast goals).

To add to the stakes, the ISP players will be hellbent on a clean sweep of results two years in a row.

For the All-Stars players, none of them have got to this point without having an insane competitive streak that we get to see week in, week out.

There is no way they will be mailing in a result, exhibition game or not.

Big time boxing to wow fans

Showdowns and high-level stakes to punch the hell out of convention centre

l BOXING

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THE Cairns Convention Centre is set to host a battle for the ages when former boxing world champion and North Queenslander Liam Paro gets ready to face the American Jonathan Navarro in his first fight back in Australia on June 25.

After three years outside of Australia, Liam Paro from Mackay is ready to come home and show that after his first defeat he’s ready to get back up, especially in North Queensland.

The match organised by No Limit Boxing is coming to the Cairns Convention Centre for a night of epic matches with Paro vs Navarro and Liam Wilson (pictured above right) vs Aryton Gimenez on June 25, an event not often seen in Cairns.

The former world champion, who lost his record of 25-0 in December of 2024 against Richardson Hitchins in Puerto Rico, said he was eager to return to the top starting with Navarro.

“It’s truly exciting and truly humbling. I’m a proud North

Queenslander, I started my career up in North Queensland and it’s already exciting to have a homecoming in Australia – this is my first fight on home soil in three years – but to have in North Queensland, you can’t write the script any better,” Mr Paro told Cairns Local News.

“What a way to come back, it’s truly exciting.

“Every fight is hard at this level. He’s (Jonathan Navarro) a respectable opponent, he’s good quality. Like me, he’s just had one loss, so he’s going to come to fight and he knows what’s on the table for him, he knows he’s fighting a former world champion.

“If he was to get the win that would skyrocket his career, so for me it’s just putting me back in the line for title contender and back on the seat for another shot at world titles, so I’m going to go out there and dominate and show the world that I’m back like I never left.”

No Limit chief executive George Rose said this was a great opportunity for Far North Queenslanders to experience world-class boxing in their backyard.

“Liam Paro is up there with the very best in the world and we’re stoked to be giving him the homecoming fight in Queensland he really deserved to have when he was world champion,” he said.

“And Liam Wilson has already gone to war twice for a world title on the global stage. To have both elite Queenslanders fighting at home, on the same night, in Cairns – it’s something special.

“We’ve taken boxing to every corner of Australia and now it’s Cairns’ turn. This is going to be an unforgettable event – the type of show that helps inspire the next generation. And we’re just getting started.”

Presale starts on Monday at 9am. To register for presale, visit https://bit.ly/43vWTpk

Liam Paro from Mackay is eager to have his first fight back in Australia in North Queensland against American Jonathan Navarro. Picture: Supplied

Tom Simpson (City Lions) looks to handball along his way to collecting 47 disposals against Tigers last weekend.

Picture: rawi/AFL Cairns

Local Sport

BIG FIGHT NIGHT FOR DUO

Former world champion Liam Paro (left) and two-time world title challenger Liam Wilson are in Cairns for a big ﬁght night on June 25. Pictures: Supplied