Local News Cairns
Master the tropics
l FAR NORTH
| Nick Dalton MASTER games competitors are converging on the Far North this month with hockey teams, mountain bikers and an array of athletes swimming, running, playing netball and competing in new events like pickleball. The three key sporting championships together will inject $9.4 million into the region's businesses, including hotels. The events are:
• The Masters Trans-Tasman Challenge on May 13-17, involving 34 hockey teams from across Australia and New Zealand in Cairns for the fi rst time
• The biennial Great Barrier Reef Masters Games are back on May 29 to June 1 with 24 sports and an anticipated 2500 athletes.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive officer Mark Olsen said it was exciting to welcome the athletes and their supporters to Cairns in May to ‘master the tropics’ in their preferred
• The UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships returning for the second year on May 14-18, bringing hundreds of riders from around the world
sporting discipline.
“Tropical North Queensland is recognised as a prime location for sporting events, especially for masters’ athletes who look forward to catching up with old friends for some rest and relaxation after the event,” he said.
“These three events alone are predicted to bring 41,500 visitor nights to Tropical North Queensland."
CONTINUED PAGE 4
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About 1000 unionists gather for annual Labour Day ceremonies
United after ALP wins
l CAIRNS ESPLANADE
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
ABOUT 1000 Cairns workers of all industries united to rally for better working conditions, increased wages and equality at the 2025 Labour Day march.
Workers, local unions and their families gathered once again to celebrate the victories of workers in Australia and the still ongoing fights for better wages, workloads and conditions at the FNQ Council of Unions Labour Day march and family day on Monday.
The march departed from the Fig Tree Playground by Hemingway’s Brewery at 9.30am up to the Esplanade and back. This year the march was led by the Transport Workers Union.
Bronwen Forster, a librarian at James Cook University and a member of the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), said it was important to participate every year and make workers feel supported.
“We’re here to celebrate the unions and the fact that the unions have supported workers across Australia for a very long time and in that time we’ve had a lot of wins like improving the rights of workers and our working conditions,” she said.
“So it’s a celebration of that and an acknowledgement that there’s still work to be done to improve our working life to ensure that we’re not exploited.
“In our case, most universities are entering a period of enterprise bargaining, so we’re mainly looking at improving our conditions and workloads are one of those elements and a decent pay rise given the current conditions.
“A day like this is very important to let workers know that unions have their backs.”
Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union member Matthew Richardson said that as one of the work industries that saw most exploitation and low retention rates, there was still a lot of things
to fight for in this day and age.
“We’re here to stand up for the nurses and midwives and show some solidarity and make sure that, as a collective, our voices are heard and we can get the respect and fight towards retaining strong employment opportunities for nurses across the state,” he said.
“We’re currently negotiating at the state enterprise agreement so we’re trying to make sure that we have a strong voice and the state government knows that we are standing together to
maintain nation leading wages and conditions for nurses in Queensland.
“There’s, unfortunately, a lot of fear in the community about standing up and letting your voice be heard, because there’s not always that security in employment. Events like this are important to show people that we can stand together and have a collective security and fight for the conditions that are fair.”
After the march, the workers and their families enjoyed a family fun day with a sausage sizzle, games for the kids and live music.
Union members march along the Cairns Esplanade during Monday’s Labour Day parade. Pictures: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
Bronwen Forster and Suzanne McIntyre from the National Tertiary Education Union.
Kirsty Rankin, Doe Ahmat, Moira McCole, Skye Vass and daughter Abigail from the Queensland Teachers Union.
Andrew Lyle, Timothy Panopoulos, Theo Panopoulos, Judd Ward, Ian Butler and Stewie Squires of the TWU.
Royce Grimwade and Shannon Swanson from the Australian Workers Union.
Local Briefs
l POTTERY FAIR
CAIRNS Potters Club is holding their annual Mother’s Day Fair tomorrow (Saturday, May 10) from 8am2pm. Club president Lone White said, as well as pottery gifts for sale, adult visitors could have a go at making pottery either handbuilding or on the electric turntable and children could also get an opportunity to play with clay. The clubhouse is at 28A Grove St, Cairns North.
l SEATS ROLL OUT
FIVE sports groups will benefit from the repurposing of seating from the temporary grandstand at Barlow Park, which is being redeveloped in preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Cairns Speedway will receive 1000 of the total 2036 seats available from the temporary grandstand, with Babinda and District Pony Club (64 seats), Cairns Pirates Touch Football Association (120 seats), AFL Cairns (300 seats) and Stratford Dolphins Football Club (400 seats) also benefitting. The remaining 152 seats will stay at Barlow Park for future use.
Blooming good appeal
$100,000 for hampers aim of Mayor’s annual Christmas fundraiser
l CAIRNS REGION
| Nick Dalton
AN ambitious target of $100,000 and a new signature event heralds the launch of the 2025 Mayor’s Christmas Charity food hamper drive.
The annual appeal provides hampers for local families and senior citizens who need a helping hand during the Christmas festive period.
Last year’s drive raised over $92,000 and delivered 800 food hampers to support vulnerable individuals and families during Christmas.
“In 2025, our fundraising target is an ambitious $100,000,” Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said.
“Last year’s fundraising event enabled us to distribute 800 food hampers through 27 local charity agencies, reaching 37 locations across the Cairns region, adding a little festive cheer to individuals and families doing it tough during Christmas,” she said.
“There’s every possibility that demand could grow and we will exceed that number this year.”
The fundraising drive was kicked-off at last week’s launch with a $25,000 donation from Kenfrost Homes.
Coles Cairns Central has come on board again to support this worthy cause.
“Coles is passionate about supporting local communities and our Cairns stores are delighted to grow our grocery supplier partnership with the Mayor’s Christmas Charity in 2025,” said Coles regional banager Brad Stewart.
Cr Eden said a new signature event for this year’s charity drive, Charity in Bloom, would be held at the Cairns Botanic Gardens on June 28.
Since 2020, the council has partnered with local businesses to stage a signature event to boost the fundraising effort.
This included the 5-Star Chefs for Charity events and last year’s Sawmill Soirée at the former Rankine Sawmill.
“Together, these signature events have raised over $170,000, showing how crucial they are to our fundraising success,” Cr Eden said.
The curated Charity in Bloom buffet lunch will include live jazz music and raffles and auctions.
Heightened Security is the major events sponsor of Charity in Bloom.
As well, the council has partnered with the Cairns Jockey Club, as part of the Great Northern Brewing Co. Cairns Super Carnival, to be exclusive charity partner.
Tickets to the Charity in Bloom event are available from here: https://bit.ly/4mkxszR
SALEOFLANDFOR OVERDUERATES
togetherwithanyexpensesincurredonthefollowinglandispaid,thesaidlandwillbesoldby publicauctionon: 17May2025commencing10.00am ShireHallFoyer,InnisfailShireHall,70RankinStreet,Innisfail
42 Jodrell Street
WEBB Q 4860
Tenure: Freehold
Land Area: 0.3020 Ha
30 Fitzgerald Street EAST INNISFAIL Q 4860
Tenure: Freehold
Land Area: 0.1120 Ha
51 Paradise Palm Drive
TULLY HEADS Q 4854
Tenure: Freehold Land Area: 0.8000 Ha
1 Kittabah Road
JAPOONVALE Q 4856
Tenure: Freehold, Road Licence Land Area: 448.4420 Ha
17 Judy Street
FLYING FISH POINT Q 4860
Tenure: Freehold
Land Area: 0.0809 Ha
43 Dunkalli Crescent, WONGALING BEACH Q 4852
Tenure: Freehold
Land Area: 0.1000 Ha
Bruce Highway, ELLERBECK Q 4816
Tenure: Freehold
Land Area: 255.2162 Ha
211-243 Houston Road
MURRAY UPPER Q 4854
Tenure: Freehold, Road Licence Land Area: 309.7395 Ha
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden (centre), Marlin Coast Neighbourhood Centre manager Prue Rhueben and Salvation Army Cairns Major Ben Johnson at the launch of the Christmas cheer appeal. Picture: Cairns Regional Council
Uni graduates in first Outdoor expo back in city
l CAIRNS CBD
NEARLY 200 graduates have crossed the stage at CQUniversity Cairns graduation – as the campus marks a milestone year and major plans for new growth.
The biggest-ever CQU graduation event for Far North Queensland, held at the Cairns Convention Centre last week, came a decade after CQU first opened its Cairns campus in 2015.
The celebration also followed bipartisan support for new federal funding for the second stage of the new CQUniversity Cairns CBD campus on Hartley St, with work to start later this year.
CQU’s latest FNQ graduates earned qualifications to meet high demand across a range of sectors for the region, including medical imaging, nursing, teaching, paramedic science, allied health, aviation, psychological science, engineering, IT and accounting.
CQU deputy chancellor Sheila Houston challenged graduates to “continue to learn, aspire to more, find joy, and give generously to others”.
“My career has given me more than I could have imagined on the day I crossed my own graduation stage in Kansas,” she said.
“Whether your path takes you
exactly where you want to go, or somewhere different entirely, please pause today to reflect on the journey to here and the challenges and triumphs you’ve already experienced.”
Bachelor of Medical Science (Nutrition) graduate and Keith M Harrower Memorial Prize recipient Anna Rea gave the graduate response.
A qualified accountant, Ms Rea described her dream to study nutrition – and the realisation that CQU Cairns made it possible.
“I was ready to give up on my dream, because I couldn’t move to another city to study… but finding CQU shaped my naïve dream into something greater,” she said.
Her study journey included a New Colombo Plan Scholarship to study in Japan in 2023, as well as travels to Canberra, Spain and Vietnam.
Ms Rea paid tribute to CQUniversity academics and staff, who “help shape not just what we know, but what we’ve become.”
Other scholarship recipients to graduate were:
• Bachelor of Accounting graduate Kim Turner, Women in Finance and Economics Scholarship
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) graduate Yuhang Sun, CQUniCares
BMA Hay Point Engineering Scholarship
• Bachelor of Nursing graduate Gabrielle Sabatino, CQUniCares BHP Indigenous Scholarship
l PARRAMATTA PARK
THE Cairns Outdoor Adventure plus Home and Lifestyle Expo 2025 returns to the Cairns Showgrounds from today until Sunday.
The event features the best in caravans, camper trailers, 4x4 vehicles and accessories, fishing gear, boating equipment and more.
An event spokeswoman said if people were into sustainable living and looking for captivating home and lifestyle ideas such as garages, pools, bedding and more, the Cairns Outdoor Adventure plus Home and Lifestyle Expo covered everything.
“Across three jam-packed days, the Cairns Showgrounds turns up the heat with the region’s most anticipated lifestyle event and has something for the whole family,” she said.
“Running from May 9-11, this is the ultimate one-stop-shop for outdoor (and indoor) adventure and is seriously not to be missed. Get up close and personal with the latest and greatest in gear, technology, and accessories.
Mareeba nurse Michelle Mills travelled with her five children to attend the graduation and celebrate her Bachelor of Nursing.
“It really is a lifelong dream, and one that was so difficult to
• Bachelor of Property graduate Lia Nucifora, Herron Todd White Rural Property Valuations Prize.
sustain, managing the study as a single mum,” Ms Mill said.
“When I reached out to CQU’s student services, they were so understanding about the challenges and so supportive - it really kept me on track, and able to stay mentally healthy and get me here today.”
“Showcasing the best in camper trailers, caravans, boating, and 4x4 accessories, but give you access to hundreds of exhibitors ready to help craft your next big adventure – all in one convenient location.”
Save 20 per cent off the gate price by buying your tickets online at: https://bit.ly/4m4w9og
CQU graduate Anna Rea of Cairns.
CQU graduate Michelle Mills from Mareeba.
Getting ready for Shire’s ball
l MOSSMAN
| Nick Dalton
THE Mossman Show Ball is being revived after decades in hiatus.
This year’s cabaret will be held at the Mossman Shire Hall on June 21.
Preparations for the event have been boosted with the Douglas Shire Council awarding the Mossman and District Show Society a $10,000 community grant.
Show society president Matty Hatfield said the grant would play a big part in the event’s success.
“The community grant will go
towards catering and decorating the hall. The show society can’t thank the Douglas Shire Council enough for its support,” he said.
“Back in the 70s, 80s and 90s the ball was all about the show queens but this year the focus has shifted to introducing the show’s young rural ambassadors to their community.
“We hope the Mossman Show Ball will bring together the community for a fun night of dancing and a three-course meal.
Tickets are on sale at Ives Mensland, book your table now so you don’t miss out.”
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the council was pleased to award the show society a community grant.
“It’s been many years since the
show ball last took place and this is a great opportunity to showcase our show youth ambassadors, an initiative that started last year,” she said.
“The past couple of years have been challenging following the closure of the Mossman mill and the recovery process following the Cyclone Jasper flooding event,” she said.
“We hope the show ball can lift morale, bring a sense of connection and most of all provide a fun event people can look forward to right here in Mossman.”
Cr Abigail Noli told last week’s monthly council meeting she couldn’t remember the last ball.
“I absolutely support this,” she said.
$9m contract awarded for riverside upgrades while new vessel decision soon
Ferry reaches critical stage
l DAINTREE
| Nick Dalton
THE new Daintree River ferry has reached a critical stage with Douglas Shire Council considering offers to design, construct, deliver and operate the new vessel ferry while more than $9 million has been committed to upgrading surrounding roads and infrastructure on
either side of the crossing.
The landside infrastructure design will include priority, dual waiting and exit lanes that will aim to reduce queue lengths and waiting times.
Councillors voted at last week’s monthly meeting to award a contract for the work –which aligns with the planned introduction of a new larger capacity ferry – to south-west Queensland company Durack
Civil. The tender process for the ferry ended on April 9. A report for councillors will be prepared subject to evaluation and negotiation with tenderers.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the completion of the tender process and the contract for landside infrastructure were significant.
“The Daintree River ferry upgrade and associated landside civil works will provide quicker
access for locals and tourists across the Daintree River and reduce queuing congestion and potential blockages during peak tourism season,” she said.
“We need to improve the road infrastructure both north and south of the river to accommodate the eventual larger fourlane ferry,” Cr Scomazzon said.
“An $8.8 million contract has been awarded to Durack Civil to develop the new infrastructure
which will contain dual waiting and exits lanes, reducing waiting times for locals and tourists.
“Work will hopefully be started after the wet season, next year.”
During the meeting Cr Scomazzon said: “It’s finally starting, we’re moving forward, it’s been awhile.”
Cr Michael Rees, who moved the motion to award the contract, said it was “exciting” and
described the project as a “ginormous body of work”.
“We are hoping that the new ferry will transport 30 per cent more traffic. It sounds like there will be work done on both sides simultaneously and I am very happy to hear that some of the concept drawings will be published at some point so the community can see what we are talking about and it is not just abstract,’’ he said.
Nathan Vorwerk (left) and Ella Bellman are looking forward to the return of the Mossman Show Ball. Picture: Douglaa Shire Council
Lettersto the editor
Vocal Local
business. What’s going to happen in 40 years time? Will soccer Queensland be sold to a foreign billionaire? That sounds stupid. But look at the sporting teams, that were once clubs, that are privately owned.
- Peter Gammie, Facebook
Absolutely ridiculous charging parents/guardians and families to supervise/watch their children play soccer. We should be promoting and supporting healthy habits for our kids, not penalising us.
- Sebastian Torrisi, Facebook
This is outrageous, the irony of a fast-food chain sponsoring children’s sport. We have many wonderful fresh food suppliers in Cairns - why not get them on board? On top of that the $5 entrance fee introduced last year to watch our young children play results in now only one parent attending, rather than it being a family affair. Completely deaf to the community needs. Oh, and how about providing some food and coffee vans for the parents that pay to be there?
- Carol Harris, Facebook
It’s terrible the way soccer is going. Where does all the money go? They charge the parents to watch their kids. Are the kids players or product? This is bullshit. It’s just turning into a
This is terrible. Will Macca’s make it so we don’t have to pay to watch our kids play?
- Corrine Angel, Facebook
Applying an entrance fee to kids sport (especially at the present) will only result in kids leaving the sport. Parents can’t afford it. Kids leaving = no adolescent teams. No adolescent teams = no senior teams. Then the senior teams will spend a couple of years gazing at their navels and scratching their heads wondering why they have no players. The senior teams should be paying the kids $5 per game to come and play. I am wondering if the parent-volunteers get a discount or rebate? What happened to the weekly raffles, the $100 boards? The name of the field in my opinion is irrelevant. Cheque book sport does not work. Other leagues have tried this to their cost. Time for Football Australia to spend more of their millions on development.
- Steve Bathurst, Facebook
You have to be kidding. Many parents, clubs and, not to mention committees, which includes numerous life members who gave untold hours
of their lives for the kids who loved the sport should and will be incensed at this suggestion by Football Queensland who don’t give a damn about our kids. Yes, I gave 14 years for the development of our kids in soccer (football), along with many others. Yes, I am a life member and am appalled at this idea. Time to get this decision reversed. McDonald’s Park, what a joke. How has the council allowed this? It is a council facility. Who benefits from the handing out of a certificate to the player of the day ... not the players, but McDonald’s. Time to take this on past members and committees. Let’s get things rolling. Contact me. We are not going to take this lying down ... surely?
-Margaret Cochrane, Facebook
Is this a joke? Will we get fries with our gate fees then?
- Maria Orazia, Facebook
Football Queensland at their brilliant best. Arrogant mob.
- Kev Maher, Facebook
Is Macca’s going to fund any upkeep and rebuilds? Our kids spend enough on Maccas going home after the game.
- Thresea Jankowski, Facebook
Huge step backwards for children’s health. Sounds like FQ needs an election to be rid of this ‘Americanism’.
- Dave Strang, Facebook
OMG. What brain dead person thought of this most stupid idea.
- Sharmayne Costa Mitchell, Facebook
Here’s a theory. Maybe instead of changing the name, they stop charging people and actually give
back to the community, football clubs who actually care about their players, instead of making a profit, and here’s another idea, actually providing refs that don’t have social endeavours against clubs or players. I’m pretty sure there’s a lot more of a problem within the football community of Cairns than changing a name of a place.
- Stephanie Dorante, Facebook
No one bats an eyelid when stadiums are re-named when new sponsors invest in them.
- Grant Miller, Facebook
Whose decision was this to change the name? Why wasn’t the community consulted?
- Paula Buckman, Facebook
Put some shade in there for the poor families paying $5 per head to watch their kids and get burnt to a crisp.
- Darren Young, Facebook
Someone is getting rich off the people. Sad there should there be a price for fun.
- Cal Maclean, Facebook
Why change the name? What’s the reason behind it?
- Luke Martin, Facebook
No way, it’s been Endeavour Park forever.
- Susan Lee, Facebook
Waste of money for a name change.
- Robert Anthony Collins, Facebook
Endeavour Park. It always was and always will be.
- Ellen Hawke, Facebook
Will Macca’s upgrade look halfway
decent, seeing as the council hasn’t bothered. That outside facade is yuck and so is the car park.
- Julie Morris, Facebook
Endeavour perk?
-Kent Moody, Facebook
The council owns the ground. Do not change.
- John Addie, Facebook
I am a life member of Cairns and District Soccer Association and I totally object to the name change, especially to a sponsor’s name.
- Phil Starr, Facebook
That’s disgusting. The kids were getting Macca’s vouchers years ago, that’s all good, but to rename Endeavour Park, I think not.
- Bel N Glen, Facebook
Since clearly money has changed hands, does this mean parents don’t have to fork out $5 per person to watch their own kids play sport now?
- Kelly Schirripa, Facebook
For a minute there I thought it was April 1, until I read the article.
- Vicki Bieler, Facebook
Cairns Local News, I’m glad you quoted me. I can’t believe I was blocked for merely pointing out what a joke it was. FQ have not unblocked me nor answered my message asking why. Not that I care.
- Abigail Jamieson, Facebook
So where’s the money from all the gatetakings last year? Have seen no upgrades with that money. Where’s the money for the name sponsorship? I’m guessing heading to SEQ?
- Jennie Kumar, Facebook
Little ant, but a big problem
l FAR NORTH
THE electric ant issue has been covered before in the ‘Goss’ and, while the problem with this minute critter continues across the whole of our region, there is help out there.
As a reminder, while they might well be tiny, electric ants, or Wassmania auropunctata for the experts, are one of the world’s worst invasive pests and can cause significant damage and disruption to native flora, fauna and ecosystems.
Electric ants are native to Central and South America but have now invaded many other counties, including Australia.
Electric ant infestations are limited to Far North Queensland, found from Bingil Bay in the south, to Kuranda and the Tablelands in the west, plus Cairns and further north in the Douglas Shire, including the Daintree.
The National Electric Ant Eradication Program (NEAEP) has made significant progress reducing the number of infestations overall, but needs everyone’s help to find them all.
NEAEP acting principal project officer Gary Morton said more than 40 per cent of electric ant infestations were found during registered free yard checks.
“Free yard checks are quick and easy to organise and are a huge help in detecting electric ants. While colony numbers may still be low, making eradication much faster and reducing the risk of spread,” he said.
“Self-checking is not effective or thorough, but the program’s field officers are trained to
lure, detect and collect ant samples.
“In the past, many residents were completely unaware they had electric ants on their properties until we detected them. Early, proactive action is key.”
Free yard checks involve the use of small pieces of sausage meat attached to bamboo skewers which are placed around the garden areas for about an hour where ants are most likely to be.
Samples are collected for identification in the Cairns diagnostics laboratory. Following the identification, residents receive a report on any ant species identified.
“Yard checks that find no electric ants are equally valuable to the program and are never a waste of time,” Mr Morton said.
“We encourage residents to have their yard checked at least every 12 months. The more properties the program can check, the closer they get to eradication.”
Recovery is usually rapid following electric ant eradication, with native frogs, ground nesting birds, insects and pollinators returning quickly to their natural habitats after treatment.
Mr Morton said there was often confusion between the different species of invasive ants present in Queensland, which could lead to misinformation.
“The different eradication programs, their detection methodologies and treatments are all designed specifically for each invasive ant,” he said.
“The treatment we use for electric ants
is different to that of other eradication programs.
“We use a small, protein-based granular bait designed specifically for electric ants, which is harmless to humans and animals.”
Apparently, on an average 1000sqm block, just 250 grams is used in each treatment. The granules contain less than one per cent of the active chemical – so about two grams of chemical is distributed.
“The treatment is designed to attract the worker ants who carry it back to feed the queens, before it breaks down within about 48 hours,” Mr Morton said.
“Only the infested areas receive treatment. In those infested areas, it is unlikely any other species will be present as they will have been driven out by electric ants.”
If NEAEP officers detect a different invasive ant during a free yard check, the relevant program will be contacted so they can commence their specific treatment regimes.
So, help is definitely out there, it’s just up to you to take it up.
To register for your free yard check, either scan the QR code, visit https://bit. ly/3GFofS2, email electricantinfo@daf.qld. gov.au or call 13 25 23.
I’m rushing off to check my back yard, so for now it’s Gazza signing out. Send your stories to gazza@ cairnslocalnews.com.au
Government officers out in the field looking for electric ants. Picture: Supplied
Electric ants have a nasty sting. Inset: Click on the QR code for a free inspection. Pictures: Supplied
The pesky electric ant is found across the Far North. Picture: iStock
Spotlight on Palm Cove
Supercar lovers set to rev up
High performance brands roll out for customers at exclusive Palm Cove resort
l PALM COVE
FAR North Queenslanders will have the opportunity to drive the world’s most coveted supercars on the iconic Great Barrier Reef Drive when four luxury vehicles are based at The Reef House Adults Retreat in Palm Cove from May 22 to June 7. Prancing Horse Luxury Driving
Experience co-founder Matt Thio said couples could book to get behind the wheel of a stable of the latest model supercars including the new Ferrari 296 GTB, McLaren GT, Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition and more, with multiple drive swaps on the 250km scenic journey from Palm Cove to the Daintree and back via Mount Molloy.
“The driving experience includes private instruction and discreet support via a two-way radio with the dedicated lead vehicle, morning tea and lunch before returning to The Reef House Adults Retreat,” he said.
The Reef House Adults Retreat Director Malcolm Bean said Prancing Horse had been a successful part of the exclusive offerings at The Reef House’s sister properties, Mount Lofty House and Sequoia Lodge in the Adelaide Hills for nine years.
“On the back of The Reef House’s
award-winning success we are inviting the local community to be a part of the exclusive guest experience for a day while the supercars are in residence,” he said.
“Of course, locals wanting to make a holiday of the event can book the two and three-night Reef House packages created to celebrate the arrival of the supercars and indulge in more than 28 complimentary Signature Inclusions valued at $2356 which are individually curated by Escape Planning Specialists for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.”
The one-day Luxury Drive Experience from Prancing Horse is $4990.
The Aston two-night package starts at $1888 per couple and includes daily breakfast, a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, a degustation dinner for two with matched wines and the 28 Signature Inclusions.
The Ferrari three-night package starts at $2814 per couple and includes daily breakfast, a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, a degustation dinner for two with matched wines, a Reef House Signature seafood platter served in the room and the 28 Signature Inclusions. For more information: https://bit.ly/3NnXP7y
Up to 40 households selling a wide range of goods across the seaside suburb
Spotlight on Northern Beaches The mother of garage sales
l MACHANS BEACH
| Isaac Colman
ICONIC to the region, the Machans Beach-based annual garage sale event is making its eighth consecutive return in 2025.
Up to 40 residents are expected to set up shop from their own garage on Sunday, May 25 for the ‘Super Suburb Sale’.
With sales beginning from 8am, residents and visitors alike will be encouraged to go on a treasure hunt and explore the wide range of goodies available throughout the beach, ranging from homemade snacks and treats all the way to clothes, antiques, appliances and furniture.
Machans Beach Super Suburb organiser Dympna Leonard said the event was a contribution from the entire Machans Beach local community.
“I think what attracts people is the friendly atmosphere and the buzz of excitement, from both sellers and buyers,” she said.
“It always helps if the weather comes to the party.” Considered the heart and soul
of the suburb, Tucker Street’s Machans Beach Community Hall will serve as the event hub, with coffee and tea being served as well as the iconic cake stalls possible due to the creative efforts of local bakers.
The day will involve the Machans Beach Primary School and social club facilities as information centres for visitors, providing a comprehensive map of the beach’s garage sales, alongside brekkie burgers available and a chance to enter the raffle before exploring the suburb.
Ms Leonard said the event always attracted a fantastic turnout.
“This is the eighth Super Suburb Sale we’ve held in Machans,” she said.
“At the last sale we had 39 garage sales, we’re hoping to break that record.
“Machans Beach is an eclectic community and I think the garage sales reflect this.
“We have retro, antiques, clothes, toys, books, work tools, a bit of something for everyone.”
For more information: https://bit.ly/3SqMOVq
Health and Wellbeing Get pretty in pink for cancer
Mother’s Day classic event aims to raise more than $45,000 for research
l FUNDRAISER
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
BRING your most extravagant pink or teal outfits, invite your mum and some friends and get your walk on for breast and ovarian cancer with the 2025 Mother’s Day Classic to fundraise for cancer research this May.
After its successful return to Cairns, the Mother’s Day Classic on Sunday is looking to keep the momentum going and get more Cairns residents involved in 2025.
The event is taking place at the coconut grove by the funship playground on the esplanade making a loop going 2km south.
All 2.5km and 5km walks and 5km and 10km runs kick off from 8am.
Last year the event had 360 people in attendance and fundraised $45,000 for ovarian and breast cancer research. This year organiser Amy Rein is hoping to see similar numbers.
“This year is similar to what we had last year but this year we’re more organised and have more fun things in store,” she said.
“We’ve got more signs for people to take pictures with, we’ll have a professional photographer this year, we’ve got some giveaways which I’m keeping secret until the day.
“There’ll also be merchandise, earrings, key rings, cookies, dog treats and we’ve got some cool prizes this year for
best dressed child, best dressed team, best dressed dog and a prize for the fastest 10k runner.
“The walks and runs begin from 8am but we’ll have a photographer from 7am and opening speeches from 7.40am.
“Last year was our first year, so if we get similar numbers I’ll be happy and according to the forecast we’ll have good weather which I hope boosts our numbers.”
Ms Rein said this was an opportunity for people to start their Mother’s Day celebration with a healthy and fun event.
“It’s going to be a fun and colourful day. It’s something you can do with your mum in the morning and then head out for your Mother’s Day plans,” she said.
“Most of our events will be done by 9.30am so you can then head to breakfast, lunch and the events you have planned.
“All the funds raised will go to breast cancer and ovarian cancer research, so participants can choose one of the charities or both and their funds get split.
“We encourage people to come dressed up in pink – the colour for breast cancer – or in teal – colour for ovarian cancer –or in any other costumes. There’s a group coming dressed as chickens called ‘The Mothercluckers,’ but if you’re not down for a costume, pink or teal are the way to go.”
To register for the Mother’s Day Classic, visit https://bit.ly/3GAi8OR
Cairns Mother’s Day Classic committee members Stephanie Barchetti, organiser Amy Rein and Louise Zupp are urging the community to get behind the cancer fundraiser. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
Stevie Wonder tribute show at The Reef Hotel Casino this weekend
Timeless sounds of soul
TimeOut Suburb strikes a chord
l CAIRNS CBD
l CAIRNS CBD
| Isabella Guzman
Gonzalez
THE timeless soul sounds of Stevie Wonder will echo through Cairns this weekend as Motown recording artist Peter Cupples bring Australia’s first Stevie Wonder tribute with Celebrating the Music of Stevie Wonder to The Reef Hotel Casino.
One of its kind, Celebrating the ‘Music of Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life’ is bringing the hits of one of the most influential artists in music history paired with one of the greatest albums of all time to the BAR36 stage today and tomorrow, led by the unique vocals of former lead singer of Motown’s only all-white band STYLUS, Peter Cupples.
The show, not only features Cupples’ remarkable vocals, but the company of a live band including horns, guitar, bass, drums and keyboards. The show is free to attend.
“About seven years ago I put together this show that I’m bringing to Cairns which brings together the best of Stevie Wonder,” Mr Cupples said.
“I’ve taken this show around Australia, and it has been in Cairns once before at the early stages and it’s finally coming back” he said.
“What you can expect from it is hit after hit, there are so many songs that in fact I put together a medley
of his hits from the 60s with ‘Uptight’, ‘I was made to love her’, ‘For once in my life’, ‘Signed, sealed delivered’ and that takes about 13 minutes.
“Then we move to the first album he did where he had full control of production which is ‘Music Of My Mind’ and from it we do ‘I love every little thing about you’, then we move on to ‘Talking Book’ which is the album that really set him on fire with ‘Superstition’ and ‘You’re the Sunshine of my Life’.
“From then on we move through different albums and we play ‘Sir Duke’, ‘Isn’t she lovely’, ‘Lately’, ‘Master Blaster’ and it’s just full of incredible stuff, I think we have a good mix of his early, middle and late work.
“I love every song but I really enjoy performing ‘Overjoyed’ and ‘As’.”
Mr Cupples said that what made this show so exciting was that there was no other like it in Australia.
“Nobody has put together a Stevie Wonder tribute show and I understand why, it’s incredibly difficult to sing a full night of Stevie Wonder, especially if you’re doing them in the key he does,” he said.
“I saw that there was a gap in the market and it’s something I challenged myself to do and something I really love doing and we’ve got a fantastic band as well and we’re looking forward to coming back to Cairns.”
THE charming suburb of Stratford is set to come alive with music on Saturday, July 5, as ‘Live and Local: Stratford Sounds’ transforms local streets and spaces into a vibrant, all-ages music trail, all completely free.
Presented by Cairns Regional Council in partnership with the Live Music Office and APRA AMCOS, Stratford Sounds invites music lovers of all ages to discover local talent in an unexpected mix of venues from cafés and small bars to barbershops and distilleries.
Running from morning through to evening, the event will showcase a mix of established and emerging local artists performing across a variety of genres, including acoustic, indie, country and more.
Stratford’s everyday spaces will be reimagined as pop-up performance venues, encouraging locals and visitors to explore the suburb, discover new artists and support small businesses in the process.
Mayor Amy Eden said the initiative built on momentum from the 2024 Live and Local Cairns Music Industry Gathering and reflects a growing commitment to supporting Cairns’ creative community.
“This is about bringing music to the places where people already live, work and gather,” Cr Eden said.
“Stratford Sounds will highlight the incredible talent we have here in Cairns while driving foot traffic for local businesses and creating a real sense of vibrancy,” she said.
To find out more, visit: https://bit.ly/3F4wAhE
Music powerhouse Peter Cupples will lead the vocals of the tribute show ‘Celebrating the Music of Stevie Wonder’ at The Reef Hotel Casino this weekend. Picture: Supplied
CLUB RIDE @ HARLEY MAGIC
l SUN MAY 11TH, 8:00AM
MOTHER’S DAY FAIR @ ST MARGARET’S CHURCH
l SAT MAY 10TH, 7:00AM
EXPO @ CAIRN SHOWGROUNDS
l FRI MAY 9TH, 8:30AM
MOTHER’S DAY CLASSIC @ COCONUT GROVE
l SUN MAY 11TH, 7:30AM (REGISTRATIONS)
GIG Guide
*Please check with the Venues regarding any cancellations or entry requirements.
FRIDAY 9TH
Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron Barbary Coasters, 4:00pm Dunwoody’s Harmonique, 4:00pm O’Sheas Two Dogs Music, 4:00pm Court House & Mulgrave Galleries ART SOUNDS - Fools + Kaweyova, 5:00pm Salt House Stan Stone, 5:00pm Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Stuie Harcourt, 5:30pm Ten06 Christina Ukulele, 5:30pm West Cairns Bowls Club Jim Sackley Hot Country Band, 6:00pm
Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Davo, 6:00pm Trinity Beach Sports Club Miss Wendy & Ben, 6:15pm Bourbon St. Sports Bar Nicole Nighthawk, 6:30pm Cazalys INFINITY DUO, 6:30pm Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail Rowly Band, 7:00pm CPAC Hindley Street Country Club, 7:30pm Tablelands Music Lovers FNQ Mitch King, 7:30pm The Pier Bar DJ Jackz, 7:30pm Freshwater CWA Hall Blue Reed, 8:00pm Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Bourban Gorillas, 8:00pm
Salt House DJ Moose, 8:00pm The Pier Bar Deluxe, 8:00pm
Rattle’N’Hum Cairns Kaweyova, 8:30pm
BAR36 STEVIE WONDER SHOW - Peter Cupples, 9:00pm
BAR 94 ONLY BANGERZ - DYMATIX + GROOVE DIVA + YOUNGSTAR + TECHNODELIC + WILLOW B + STEPASIDE + IWAWA + HYPERORGANIC, 9:00pm
P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns Big Noise, 9:30pm
Heritage Nightclub BREEZE SUPERCLUB - DJ ESI + DJ MANA + BENNZ + ZACCU + KAIJO, 10:00pm
P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns DJ Nakji, 10:00pm
SATURDAY 10TH
Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Mitch King, 1:00pm Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Bad Boys of Uke, 3:00pm Palm Cove Tavern Ivy Amara, 3:00pm Ellis Beach Bar & Grill AFROBEATS FESTIVAL - WAZEE
WAAKIJIJI + CHRIS BERRY + KIMANI + YOYO + DJINNA, 1:00pm
The Benson Hotel SAX MAN - Troy Stevens, 4:30pm Salt House Phoebe & Zane, 5:00pm
The Crown Hotel Janna Mercedes, 6:00pm Cazalys Victoria Boxall and David Pyke, 6:30pm Railways Hall INFINITY DUO, 7:00pm The Pier Bar DJ Dyzzie, 7:30pm
Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Andrea & Leon, 8:00pm Salt House DJ, 8:00pm The Pier Bar Sanchez, 8:00pm
Rattle’N’Hum Cairns Sanchez Brothers, 8:30pm BAR36 STEVIE WONDER SHOW - Peter Cupples, 9:00pm
EXHIBITION OF FIRST NATIONS YOUTH @ UMI ARTS
l FRI MAY 9TH, 6:00PM
WORKSHOP @ STRATFORD COMMUNITY HALL
l TUE MAY 13TH, 6:00PM
P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns Big Noise, 9:30pm Heritage Nightclub NZ TAKEOVER TOUR - SIRVERE + JORDAN
LEE + MANCHOO + ILLCHAYS + PETER GUNZ, 10:00pm
P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns DJ Kayden, 10:00pm
SUNDAY 11TH
Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail Ashleigh Binello, 12:00pm
Cazalys Fingerprint, 12:00pm
Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Rowly Duo, 1:00pm
Barrier Reef Hotel Terry Doyle, 2:00pm
Dunwoody’s Eddie Skiba, 2:00pm
Palm Cove Surf Club Nicole Nighthawk, 2:00pm
Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Cam Kettle, 3:00pm Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Barbary Coasters, 3:00pm
Yungaburra Rotunda Walkamin Country Music Club
Showcase, 3:00pm
O’Sheas Wind and Wood, 4:00pm
Trinity Beach Tavern Christina Ukulele, 4:00pm
The Pier Bar DJ Zaccu, 4:30pm
Salt House Pauly P, 5:00pm
The Garage Bar and Brewhouse Mitch King, 5:00pm
The Pier Bar The Vibez, 5:00pm BAR36 Hot Ice, 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.
Motoring
CX-60 gets price cuts plus suspension modifications
l NEW MODEL LAUNCH
| Nick Dalton
MAZDA has slashed up to $10,560 from its CX-60 luxury SUV with the introduction of a new entry-level variant, as well as price cuts for existing grades.
The 2025 Mazda CX-60 will start from $50,240 before onroad costs in a new G40e Pure turbocharged inline-six petrol grade.
Prices have been cut between $7560 and $5560 across the rest of the CX-60 range to better line up with the seven-seat CX-80 sibling, which costs about $5000 more than an equivalent CX-60 across the board.
It follows price reductions on the flagship CX-90.
Mazda has also revised the CX-60’s suspension after customer and media criticism over its ride quality. They include softer rear
springs, firmer shock absorber settings – with increased rear rebound damping and front compression damping – and recalibrated stability systems “to improve overall handling and comfort balance”.
The 2025 CX-60’s eightspeed multi-clutch automatic transmission has been updated too, with “clutch control improvements” for a “smoother and more responsible” transition between the internal-combustion
engine and electric motor and a wider gear range.
While its entry price is $10,560 less than before, the G40e Pure is $3000 cheaper with Mazda’s national driveaway offers. The G40e Pure is $53,990 on the road in Queensland compared to $56,990 for a 2024 G40e Evolve.
The CX-60 G40e Pure will be the only variant offered at a nationwide drive-away price at launch.
Current drive-away offers for the Evolve and GT end with the updated model.
Several features have been deleted from the CX-60 Pure compared to the Evolve – which continues with more standard equipment at $7560 less than before, including ‘Maztex’ synthetic leather and suede seat upholstery, with black cloth instead.
The Pure goes without the Evolve’s electric tailgate, 360-degree camera, wireless
smartphone charger and padded dashboard and door panels.
In addition, Mazda has added the mid-spec Touring to the CX60 line-up to replace the outgoing Evolve fitted with the $4000 luxury package, at $6560 less than before.
Mazda no longer offers any option packages for the Evolve, with the $2000 vision technology package now fitted as standard and the luxury package now included in the separate Touring
grade.
The 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Pure is more than $10,000 cheaper, now $53,990 drive away. Pictures: Mazda Australia
The price cuts are expected to attract more buyers to the Mazda CX-60.
The Mazda CX-60 has had the suspension modified to improve the ride.
Cairns Local Directory
Cairns Local
ACCOMMODATION CAIRNS
Self Contained, Nightly, Weekly or Flood Affected, Ground Floor, Pet Friendly, 50m Beach, Very Affordable Villa Marine Holiday Apartments
From $189 p/n 4055 7158
Classie deadline is 4pm every
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Advertising Code Clearance
Friday May 9th
Local News
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:
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Access to your personal information can be obtained by calling (07) 4031 7678.
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Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:30
Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30
Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 13 Therwine St, 10:00-15:00
Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-16:00
FNQ Markets
Saturday May 10th
Babinda Markets: Munro St, 07:00-12:00
Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:30
Cooktown Markets: 116 Charlotte St, 07:30-11:30
Earlville Markets: Earlville Shopping Town, 09:00-14:30
Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30
Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 13 Therwine St, 10:00-15:00
Mareeba Markets: Mareeba Turf Club, 07:00-12:30
Mossman Markets: 13 Foxton Ave, 07:00-13:00
Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-16:00
Make a submission from 13 May 2025 to 4 June 2025
Where: 1 & 3 Kidston Street, Bungalow On: Lots 36 & 37 on C198104
Approval sought: Development
Permit for Reconfiguring a Lot & Material Change of Use Application ref: 13273/2025
You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to: Cairns Regional Council PO Box 359, Cairns QLD 4870 council@cairns.qld.gov.au 1300 692 247 www.cairns.qld.gov.au Proposed Development
Reconfiguration of a Lot (2 into 3 Lots) & Material Change of Use (Low Impact Industry and Warehouse)
Public notification requirements are in accordance with the Planning Act 2016 Lady 77 years seeks health-conscious friend.
AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS
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 Kuranda: Mondays, 11am-12pm For further information, Call 1300 25 2666 or www.al-anon.org.au
Sunday May 11th
Archer Creek: Rest Area, Kennedy Highway, 07:00-12:00
Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:30
Cardwell Jetty Markets: 132 Victoria St, 08:00-13:00
Community Markets: Mount Sheridan Plaza, 09:00-15:00
Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30
Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 13 Therwine St, 10:00-15:00
Kurrimine Beach Markets: 919 Murdering Point Rd, 07:00-12:00
Lions Club Atherton Markets: Merriland Hall, 07:00-12:00
Port Douglas Markets: Wharf St, 08:00-13:00
Rossville Markets: Hatfield Market Place, 10:00-13:00
Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-15:00
The Preloved Project: 179 Bunda St, 10:00-14:00
Local Sport
