Cairns Local News February 24 2023

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

WOREE resident Len Bennett has donated blood and plasma for more than 45 years, reaching the 650 milestone on Valentine’s Day.

One blood donation can save up to three lives. It is difficult to estimate how many lives plasma saves since at least 18 blood products from plasma are used; however, after 45 years of donating, it is safe to say that Mr Bennett has touched hundreds of lives.

Mr Bennett has become one of the highest milestone donors in the state and nationwide, but he does not do it for recognition; he does it because it is the right thing to do.

“Initially, I just went with a friend, and I continued ever since,” the 66-year-old said.

“Approximately 25 years ago, my wife had leukemia, and I could see the real need for these blood products.

“She needed a lot of transfusions and blood products, so I could see the real need and the benefit of donating. “It all reinforced my desire to donate and continue donating.”

Every two weeks, Mr Bennet steps into the LifeBlood Cairns Donor Centre at Cairns North; he comes prepared with a chocolate bar and a drink, waves hello to the familiar staff, and prepares to donate plasma.

“Numbers don’t mean that much to me,” he said. “If I’m healthy enough, I’ll continue to do it. I want to do whatever I can do, with no real goal in mind, just continue while I can.“It’s a very rewarding thing; you can meet nice people, have a snack

after, and it’s essential for the blood banks in Australia.”

LifeBlood Cairns Donor Service nurse assistant Kaori Sasakura said Mr Bennett’s commitment was remarkable.

“It’s very exciting to see him reach 650 donations,” Ms Sasakura said. “You have to be really committed to achieve that; he comes every two weeks; not many people do this.

“I’m a donor as well, so I know how hard it is to commit; your life gets in the way, and you forget to donate, but not him.

“He’s impacted heaps of lives.”

As a donor for 45 years, Mr Bennett has witnessed many changes in the health industry and the growing need for blood products.

“When I first started, plasma donations didn’t exist; I only started donating plasma in the mid-90s,” he said. “First of all, they didn’t have a dedicated building like this, just a small wooden building in the Esplanade as part of the hospital.

“For a while, I moved to a dedicated ward in the hospital, then again to a unit in the Esplanade and now to this dedicated building. It’s good that it has evolved the way it has; they’re using these blood products in so many ways that weren’t used in the past.

“Initially, we didn’t have plasma donations; now we use it for so many other things. “The need is there every day,” Mr Bennett said.

Ms Sasakura said donating might one day save your life. “It’s not only about helping others,” she said. “You could be a recipient of one of these blood products.

“Kindness goes around, and we have to help each other; it’s not one-way, you might get sick, or your mother might get sick, and how horrible is that you cannot save lives because no one donates.

“Every individual’s life is dependant on someone else’s kindness.”

Visit lifeblood.com.au for more information.

Hearts and souls of communities sought for prestigious Queensland volunteering awards

NOMINATIONS are being called to recognise those who give so much to their communities across the Cairns region.

Volunteers from all over Queensland will be showcased at the Queensland Volunteering Awards at Brisbane City Hall during National Volunteer Week May 15-21.

Volunteering Queensland chief executive Mara Basanovic said the state’s volunteers had always been the life force of their communities, extending helping hands and fostering vital human connections that gave hope and meaning to the lives of others.

“In a year that continues to see so much uncertainty with the continued disruption of COVID-19, devastating natural disasters and rising costs of living, the one thing Queenslanders have been able to count on is the selfless generosity, hard work and commitment of our extraordinary volunteers who have worked tirelessly to support their communities,” she said.

“Despite the fall in volunteering in formal settings, informal volunteering continues to thrive, often hiding in the shadows of sporting clubs, schools and charities.

“The power and spirit of volunteering is alive and well across Queensland and evidenced every day.

“Queenslanders are generous, compassionate, and supportive of

one another and their local and wider communities.

“Volunteering Queensland is privileged to present the awards and we want to recognise the contributions from each and every region of Queensland.

“We also recognise that one of Queensland’s strengths is its diversity and the collective contribution of all its citizens. We therefore welcome and encourage nominations from all members and sectors of the community.”

The awards acknowledge and honour the astonishing contribution and spirit of service of all Queensland volunteers and volunteer involving organisations.

There are six categories:

• Queensland Volunteer of the Year Award

• Queensland Youth Volunteer of the Year Award

• Queensland Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award

• Queensland Excellence in Volunteer Management Award

• Queensland Volunteering Impact Award

• Queensland Corporate Volunteering Award.

To nominate, visit the Volunteering Queensland website: Queensland Volunteering Awards – Volunteering Queensland (volunteeringqld.org.au).

Len Bennett has been donating blood and plasma for over 45 years

winning post jackpot for economy

By Nick Dalton

THE most popular event on the Far North’s social calendar, Cairns Amateurs, generated $3.5 million for the region’s economy last year, according to a new report.

IER’s 2022 research study found the carnival generated $3.5m for the local economy, attracted 6441 carnival goers, created 8598 visitor night expenditure and boosted the wider Queensland economy by $1.5m.

The number of participants was slightly down on 2021 (6556) but overall attendance was 9737, up from 9182 plus nearly $1m more was spent in Cairns ($2.7m in 2021) and more than $1m in Queensland ($363,899 in 2021)

It also received an outstanding commendation of ‘high to very high’ from visitors for enhancing the city’s community pride and destinational appeal.

Cairns Amateurs Carnival president

David Goodman said he was thrilled with the results and thanked and congratulated the event’s hard-working and voluntary committee and management team as well as the community for coming together and embracing the Amateurs’ spirit.

“This report not only endorses our efforts that underpin the event’s success, it also illustrates areas we can direct our focus in the future,” he said.

Mr Goodman said he believed it was the unique and special brand of Far North Queensland hospitality blending with a colourful history, stretching back to 1959, that maintained the event’s high intergenerational appeal and relevance.

“This report is an invaluable resource for our committee, all of whom are volunteers.

“What these findings do is endorse how we are spending our time and directing our efforts in a way that is

meaningful to visitors,” he said.

In 2023 the carnival will spark another significant milestone celebrating 65 years, its Blue Sapphire Jubilee, between September 7 and 9.

Mr Goodman said planning for the 2023 carnival was well underway and promised many highlights destined to impress first time visitors and return guests.

“While details of the carnival’s 2023 anniversary program are yet to be announced, key events will include time-honoured favourites: two days of racing and hotly contested Fashions on the Field at Cannon Park plus two glamorous marquee events on the Cairns Esplanade – themed under the stars, black tie ball and fashion high tea,” he said.

Key findings:

• 9373 total attendance while 6441 individuals attended or participated in one event during the three-day program

• $3,520,707 direct and incremental expenditure attributable to the Cairns economy

• $1,578,609 direct and incremental expenditure attributable to Queensland’s economy

• 8598 direct visitor nights generated, of which 4172 were generated by intrastate visitors and 4230 were generated by interstate visitors

• $2,249,756 was spent overnight by ‘out of town’ visitors, generating $1,133,845 by intrastate visitors

• Community pride rated high to very high; 99 per cent participants agreed ‘Cairns is a great location for Cairns Amateurs’ while 94 per cent supported ‘Cairns Amateurs adds to the appeal of Cairns’

• $1,754,858 total fashion and grooming spend Racegoers bought more than 14,997 fashion items to wear to Cairns Amateurs.

A QUEENSLAND-based bank is pledging to keep its branches open across the country despite other banks closing their presence in regional areas.

A Bank of Queensland spokeswoman said BOQ was growing its number of branches in metro and regional areas across the country, during a time when in-person service was needed more than ever.

“Supporting the bank to keep its doors open is its Owner Managed (OM) model,” she said.

The spokeswoman said 116 of BOQ’s 153 branches nationwide were OM.

“This means they are operated by locals as small businesses focused on establishing long standing, deep relationships with customers to help them achieve their personal and financial aspirations,” she said.

“The bank’s OM to corporate branch mix has grown to over 80 per cent during the current financial year.”

Westpac closed its Port Douglas branch last week and the Cairns CBD site closed in October last year. The Grafton Street St George bank, a subsidiary of Westpac, is to close on March 31.

BOQ Edge Hill Cairns manager Janette Burberry, who has owned the branch since 2008, said it was here to stay.

“Even during these increasingly digitised times, we know so many Australians are still choosing to visit their local branch. This is especially the case for regional areas like Cairns, which is why we understand the real need to keep branches open,” she said.

“Time and time again we are hearing from our customers how much peace of mind they get from knowing their local bank branch is located just around the corner to assist them with whatever they need.”

Janette Burberry

Shynade Smith at last year’s Amateurs Picture: Blueclick Photography

A voice for First Nations people

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

WEAVING Our Future:

Claiming Our Sovereignty, is the theme of the 14th annual Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) in July 2023.

CIAF artistic director Francoise Lane said the theme aimed to raise national consciousness of Queensland’s First Nation peoples and the issues, conversations and experiences that shape their narrative.

Ms Lane said the 2023 theme was both apt and timely and was destined to culminate in a powerful and pivotal collection of artistic expression.

“We are living in a time where a collective voice is being positioned to drive change across our state and nation,” she said.

“Within this context, CIAF’s 2023 theme was developed to both inspire and harness the sentiments of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

“CIAF has and always will be a platform for meaningful cultural and artistic exchange.

“In its 13 years, CIAF has evolved into so much more than an event or a place where you can acquire ethically sourced and marketed artwork.

“In 2023, CIAF is a ‘movement’, a meeting place and, in essence, a holistic expression of two very distinct and diverse cultures – past, present, and future.

“With Australia on the cusp of a new chapter promoting inclusion and empowerment of First Peoples, we are living in a time where a collective

Flecker Gardens to close for rotten Kauri pine removal

FLECKER Gardens, within the Cairns Botanic Gardens precinct, will be closed for three days from Monday, February 27 to allow a large Kauri pine to be removed.

The closure at Edge Hill in Collins Avenue will include the Conservatory, Aboriginal plant use garden, Botanic Gardens Restaurant Cafe and Friends House. Other areas of the gardens, including the Visitor Centre and Tanks Arts Centre, will remain open to the public.

“After extensive consultation and planning with the contractor, (the) council has now finalised a plan for its removal, which will require closure of the Cairns Botanic Gar-

dens from Monday, February 27 to Wednesday, March 1,” a Cairns Regional Council spokesman said.

“An assessment of the tree using tomographic scans and resistograph drilling confirmed decay, which had compromised the tree’s structural integrity.

“The tree has a large, two-metre-high wound that extends about a third of its circumference, as well as significant decay to about 45 per cent of the root plate.”

The council will offer community groups the chance to obtain viable timber from the tree, via an expression of interest process through the Go Clubs program.

voice is being positioned to drive change across our state and nation. Queensland’s path to Treaty is a prime example,” she said.

Integrating visual art exhibitions and high-end art markets with music, cultural dance, fashion performances and more, CIAF is Queensland’s peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander celebration of arts and culture, presented annually since 2009.

From July 13-16, 2023, CIAF will welcome art collectors, curators, and visitors from near and far to its world-class hub at Cairns Convention Centre and satellite venues across Cairns.

The satellite venues include Cairns Art Gallery, Cairns Court House Gallery, North Site Contemporary Arts, and Tanks Arts Centre.

A much-anticipated program highlight will observe CIAF’s innovative spirit and be regarded as the pioneer of Australia’s Indigenous fashion industry with a milestone fashion performance marking 10 years.

Added to this will be a raft of exciting new activations, including a signature exhibition of large-scale, 3-D woven works using natural fibre.

This year will also see the return of CIAF’s popular children’s program of guided fun, colourful and age-appropriate art and craft activities.

To participate or experience CIAF 2023, visit https://ciaf. com.au/cairns-indigenous-artfair-ciaf or stay in touch and up to date on CIAF Socials (Facebook and Instagram).

Retailer’s fundraiser

OFFICEWORKS Cairns and their customers have raised nearly $11,000 for children’s education charity The Smith Family, as part of the 2023 Officeworks Back to School Appeal.

Officeworks Cairns business manager Yvonne Tang-Hauk said: “We are so proud to be donating $10,901 to the charity, thanks to the Cairns community.”

The appeal will help to sponsor 2224 students across Australia after nearly $1.5 million was raised.

Performers at last year’s CIAF event

Artist Anne Nunn in the studio, Bana Yirriji Art Centre, Picture: Edwina Circuitt

Newcastle services take to the air in June

DIRECT seasonal Jetstar services between Cairns and Newcastle are to resume from June 24 until October 28.

The flights will take off three times a week, carrying close to 6000 customers on an Airbus A320 aircraft every month.

Jetstar’s chief customer officer Alan McIntyre said the partnership with Cairns and Newcastle airport originally took off in June 2021 and was relaunching following strong demand. He said Jetstar was the only airline offering direct flights between the two destinations.

“We saw strong demand in both directions when the route was first launched in 2021 and we expect it will be more popular than ever this year, with one-way fares starting from $119,” Mr McIntyre said.

“We extend our thanks to Cairns and Newcastle airports for their continued support of these flights.”

Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker said the direct services provided attractive holiday options for both Queensland and New South Wales travellers.

“The climate in Far North Queensland is particularly ideal during the winter period. These flights mean it has never been easier for southern residents to relax and reset with a tropical getaway,” he said.

“This service also gives FNQ locals a seamless connection to the NSW Hunter Valley and its highly popular premier wine regions.”

Newcastle Airport chief executive Dr Peter Cock said, “we are thrilled to once again partner with Jetstar and Cairns Airport for a third season of this incredibly popular direct service”.

“People of our region love Tropical North Queensland and Cairns has proven to be one of our most in-demand destinations over the past two years,” he said The route is included in Jetstar’s Return for Free Holiday Packages Sale. The packages include return starter fares, accommodation and a range of inclusions for select travel dates from July to October 2023.

For example, fly from Newcastle to Cairns and stay three nights at the Rydges Esplanade Cairns, with late checkout, welcome drinks and free parking from $373 per person.

It’s up, up and away for $50m airport redesign

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

USERS of Cairns Airport’s international terminal are welcoming a long-awaited $40-$50 million upgrade – the first in 30 years.

Works are set to begin in March and will be rolled out in stages to minimise disruptions to passengers.

A leading international airline and a foremost city travel agent are delighted with the start of the works.

Singapore Airlines public affairs and government relations regional manager Karl Schubert said the airline was excited about the redevelopment.

“Singapore Airlines is proud to connect Tropical North Queensland with the world via our Cairns-Singapore services. We look forward to seeing the refurbished Cairns Airport, and the enhanced travel experience it will bring to our customers,” he said.

“We will continue to work with Cairns Airport authorities to minimise the disruption to our customers during the refurbishment.”

Mercedes Travel commended the renovations.

“This is extremely long overdue for Cairns, I believe we have the most dated terminal in Australia,” said Mercedes Travel founder and travel services specialist Mercedes Gonzalez.

“There are not sufficient facilities for the market at Cairns Airport; we don’t

have lounges, bars, the fact that we even have carpet in our terminal already rings many bells.

“Even its outlook it’s going to make a big difference to us selling tickets out of Cairns. This is an absolute bonus for Cairns, people are not just looking for flights, they’re looking for an overall experience.”

White Rock resident and recent terminal user Rob Goodwin said the redevelopment would improve tourists’ experience.

“I had no trouble using the terminal since I had very little luggage, my biggest struggle was finding transport and I was surprised at how expensive it was compared to Bali,” Mr Goodwin said.

“I think the redevelopment is going to involve people with tourism on all levels, it will get people talking positively about the new airport terminal, so I’m excited about it, I think it’s great.”

Cairns CBD resident and traveller Berta Perez-Bermudez said the redevelopment was not as important as solving understaffing issues in the terminal.

“It’s not like the building is falling apart,” she said.

“Although the baggage claim was really efficient, the customs line was too long and there was only one person taking care of the whole flight.

“It’s not a bad thing getting renovations, new floors, painting on the walls and more spaces, but I think it’s more

important to get more staff to speed up the process within the terminal.”

Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker said the terminal would be transformed into a space that reflected the region’s atmosphere.

“Nearly 30 years after the international terminal was first opened, we’re happy to announce that we’re going to start a significant refurbishing of the terminal,” he said.

“This includes four new glass airbridges so when our international visitors arrive, they will immediately see the mountains and the beautiful landscape.

“The first part of the project, which will take about 14 months, will be the check-in and arrivals area.

“We’re working with architects to create a real sense of place, so it reflects the beautiful area of Far North Queensland where we live; the Reef and the rainforest.

“For the first part, the famous blue carpet will be removed in April, and we intend to have the first stage largely done by Christmas this year, in time for the rebuilding of international tourism,” he said.

The terminal’s redevelopment will be rolled out in three stages. The first stage will take 14 months and includes a complete refurbishment of the check-in and arrival areas with new escalators, elevators, bathrooms, and artwork; the

terminal’s façade will also be retouched.

Stage two aims to increase capacity for arrivals with new baggage reclaim belts.

“We’ll be replacing all of the baggage belts with larger belts that can handle all the bags from a large international plane,” Mr Barker said.

“And the last stage will be a refurbishment of the international departures area.”

A total of $40-$50 million will be invested in the upgrade and represents a commitment to the return of international tourism to the region.

“As international tourism has started to come back, we see good signs of confidence,” Mr Barker said.

“We thought it’s an appropriate time for us to invest, and we’re committed to this building for the future.

“We’re really excited that it’s going to create about 100 local jobs for the first phase of the project, and we want to have a facility that Cairns locals can be proud of.”

The complete project will take about three years, but it has been set to minimise disturbances to international terminal users.

Hutchinson Builders are the main contractors and team leader Kyle Hare said it was an exciting project for the company. He said the firm was looking forward to contributing to “the redevelopment of this important space”.

A studiospillane artist’s impression of the new escalators at the international terminal

Joyce’s generous million-dollar legacy

By Nick Dalton

JOYCE Swinton just keeps on giving and her latest $250,000 donation to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation has now topped over $1 million.

This week the 92-year-old handed over $250,000 to the region’s Cancer Care Hub with her generosity totalling $1.2m to cancer services through the foundation, as well as cardiology and a training ultrasound simulator.

The nonagenarian has been personally touched by cancer, having lost her husband, daughter and son-in-law to this disease, which is why she is supporting the appeal.

Mrs Swinton said she didn’t need the money and preferred to see it used for the benefit of the community.

“It was very important to my daughter and therefore to me, that the money she left goes towards helping local people,” she said.

The Westcourt resident, who lives a very simple life, said the donations were her way of paying forward the money her daughter bequeathed to her.

She has personally had to travel to Townsville for medical treat-

ment and feels it is important for people to have health care close to home, as much as possible.

Foundation chief executive Gina Hogan paid special tribute to Mrs Swinton and called her a hero of the region.

“What she has done for future generations is truly incredible and an amazing legacy for which we will be eternally grateful,” she said.

The foundation’s Cancer Care Hub $1.5m campaign is gathering steam with almost a quarter of the funds needed, already raised.

Taking patient care to the next level is the catch-cry of the campaign, which will mean less cancer patients have to travel south for treatment, more will live longer with cancer as new treatments are discovered, more can be treated each day, chemotherapy manufacturing will be expanded on site and inpatients will have a more peaceful treatment experience.

“There has been a 40 per cent increase in cancer activity at the Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre in the past five years.

“This is primarily because of the vast array of cancer treatments now available – people are living longer with cancer rather than dying prematurely,” Mrs Hogan said.

Navy base open day

THE gates to HMAS Cairns will swing open this Saturday to give the community an insight into the workings of a naval base.

The public is invited to the base in Draper St, Portsmith, from 9am-1pm. It is free but tickets must be obtained through Eventbrite.

According to Eventbrite, ticket times were for staggered entry and people also could register at the gate.

A host of activities have been organised, including:

• Tours on Cape Otway and boarding party equipment displays

• Rigid hull inflatable boat and sea boat rides through the basin (see below)

• Armoury tours, weapons display and a boarding party display

• Workshop tours through the Fleet Support Unit – Northeast and laser engraving display

• Sea-Spider static displays

• Two survey craft static displays supported by various hydrographic equipment

and imagery

• Clearance diver static display of equipment

• Obstacle course managed and run by the Cairns personal training instructors

• Bandaging/CPR/PPE demonstrations by naval medics

• Sea training group first aid attack races

• Naval communication flag scavenger hunt throughout HMAS Cairns

• Stationary joint military police unit service vehicle tours

• Training ship Endeavour cadet tour and training displays

• Navy Indigenous developmental program and Defence Force recruiting information.

Eventbrite said participants must have enclosed shoes (no thongs), no alcohol was allowed, bags might be searched upon arrival, children must be accompanied/supervised by an adult at all times and there was car parking in Cook Street. There will be toilet access and a cafe will be open.

Foundation fundraising and marketing manager Glenys Duncombe, Joyce Swinton and foundation chief executive Gina Hogan

Brazilian Carnival is back after 20 years

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THE Cairns Brazilian community has united to put their culture on display for the first Brazilian Carnival in 20 years.

After three weeks of preparation, the celebration will kick off at the Cock and Bull pub on Grove Street, with doors opening at 4pm on Saturday (February 25).

Cairns Brazilian Carnival 2023 organiser Taciano Cavalcante said it was a historic moment for the Brazilian community in Cairns.

“The carnival is a nationwide event in Brazil, and carnival happens in pretty much every country where Brazilians have gone to,” Mr Cavalcante said.

“It’s something we see as our national identity and pride, and it brings the Brazilian community together when we’re outside Brazil.

“I did the first Cairns Brazilian Carnival 25 years ago, and then others took over, but there hasn’t been one for 20 years.

“The Brazilian community has been disjointed, there hasn’t been a lot of people who know about the music and dance, but as I moved back, I started my own Samba group, and we’re getting, not just Brazilians, but the broader community involved in our music and dance.”

Mr Cavalcante said the carnival would be the first step toward

strengthening the Brazilian community in Cairns.

“I organised the carnival in three weeks, and it’s good that it was a spur of the moment, but we’re looking to grow this into an annual event,” he said.

“Our current venue only fits 250 people; we want to move to a venue that can accommodate 500-1000 people, bring some state and international artists, get some funding, and really grow this event.”

The carnival will feature virtuosic international artist Marcio Mendes, a multi-instrumentalist who has caused a sensation in South America, Europe and Australia.

Mr Cavalcante will introduce Sambalicious, a dynamic Brazilian Samba group that transports audiences to the streets of Carnival in Rio De Janeiro and Salvador of Bahia.

Weaving the night together will be DJ Dread Juan sharing the stage with world-class percussionist Kilagung (Daniel Guerrero).

Adding local flavour will be group SambAfro featuring Jeff Cotter from Cairns Drum and Dance, along with well-known musician Ross Nargar and lead dancer Pippa Travers-Mason and guests.

There is no carnival without feathered dancers, and the Cairns Brazilian Carnival is no exception, with professional dancers Zoe

Ruiz, Tamara Shai, Carolyn Yakase, SambaElle and Donna Gardiner. Mr Cavalcante said this event would be of great significance to the Brazilian community, and everyone was invited to join.

“The carnival is going to unify our community,” he said.

“Brazilians have never had our culture on display, and it’s great to see all the Latinos supporting our culture.

“It’s going to be something that really pulls us together, and we’re looking to form a Brazilian Culture Association, a not-forprofit, in the future so we can have a place where young and old can come together and celebrate that identity together.

“So, if you’ve been doing it tough over the last few years, and if you want to shake the cobwebs away, we’re going to have musician Marcio Mendes; he is going to come and deliver a unique show, lots of colour, lots of sound and fun.

“It’s the ultimate happiness when people come together, play music, and dance. Because this is not just for Brazilians, is for everyone; everybody loves carnival,” Mr Cavalcante said.

Doors open at 4pm at the Cock and Bull, activities kick off at 6.30pm, and shows start at 8:30pm. For more information, visit their Facebook event, or click the following link in our online edition: https://bit.ly/3XSSR5G.

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Marcio Mendes will be performing at the Cairns Brazilian Carnival

The Cairns Brazilian Carnival will feature Carnival Samba Dancers

It’s paws up for loyal dog after years of searching

EDEN, one of the longest serving members of the National Electric Ant Eradication Program’s odour detection dog team, has retired after eight and a half years of dedicated service.

A program spokesman said Eden was now 10 and had “certainly earned her rest and relaxation time”.

“The program has benefited significantly from developing and utilising odour detection dogs as an integral tool in its fight to achieve eradication, due to their high level of sensitivity and reliability,” he said.

“During her working career, Eden has been a valued and important member of the team, covering an enormous number of hectares of surveillance and identified countless colonies in a variety of locations, often working in difficult habitat in harsh tropical conditions.

“While we will miss Eden dearly, it is great news that she is staying in the family, spending her retirement on the property of one of the team members, where she will enjoy family life with lots of love, cuddles and fun walks.”

In the meantime, officers from the program have finished delivering educational workshops to local ranger groups over the second half of 2022.

“Groups from Yarrabah, Kuranda, Innisfail, Cardwell, Mossman and Cairns have learnt about the common behaviour and biology of invasive ants, their habitats, impacts, and gaining identification knowledge,” he said.“The particular focus was on electric ants and yellow crazy ants, both of which are found in the greater Cairns area.

“Each session was then followed by practical hands-on training in field surveillance methods and sample collection.

“Held in collaboration with the Wet Tropics Management Authority’s Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program, these workshops are a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge between the programs and traditional owners with the common goal of protecting FNQ’s unique environment. The groups all now have the skills and knowledge to conduct their own invasive ant surveillance in their own culturally important areas within their lands.”

Bird attack warning signs in parks

SIGNS warning people of bird attacks are being placed on the Cairns Esplanade and other public areas in Cairns.

Cairns Regional Council acting lifestyle and community director Tim Dendle said during their breeding season, species such as magpie-larks, plovers and pee wees, were instinctively protective of their territory and young, and might swoop if people got too close to their nest.

“Council will proactively place signs in public areas, including the Esplanade, Munro Martin Parklands and Barlow

Park, if birds are seen nesting in the area or swooping,” he said.

“Signs will also be placed in areas in response to reports of bird attacks.

“Not all birds become aggressive, and it should be remembered that native animals are part of our environment and are a shared responsibility.

“If you are swooped, leave the area as quickly as possible but don’t run, and watch the birds while walking away as they are less likely to swoop if they know you’re watching.

“Never harass or provoke birds as this makes them more defensive and may lead to a worse attack next time, and do not attempt to move a nest that is being used by birds (with or without eggs or chicks).”

Mr Dendle said if residents believe a swooping bird was a threat to human safety, report it to the council, either via the My Cairns app, the council’s website or customer service 1300 69 22 47.

He said residents were urged to heed warning signs and avoid areas where birds were nesting, if possible.

Palm Cove receives highway safety fixes

SAFETY upgrades are scheduled to begin this month on the Captain Cook Highway between Palm Cove Boulevard and Buchan Street.

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said a new wide centre line would separate opposing directions of traffic by about 1m, creating a safer driving environment.

“We know how important it is to make our roads as safe as possible, which is why it’s so great to see we’ve got even more upgrades about to be underway,” he said.

“To limit the impacts on traf-

fic, some of the works will be carried out at night.

“Motorists should expect minor delays and plan their journeys accordingly.

Mr Crawford said the works were part of a $21.7 million program of safety upgrades on the Captain Cook Highway between Florence Street (Cairns City) and Buchan Street (Palm Cove). The works are expected to be completed in mid-2023, weather and construction conditions permitting, with works on other sections between Kewarra Beach and Palm Cove to follow.

Eden heads for retirement after years of detection work

One of the council’s bird attack warning signs

VOCAL LOCAL

THE comment from Ross as a ‘vocal local’ spot on mate, but you left out the bit where they also receive a discount if they wish to buy a vehicle. Get unemployment because they can’t find work and rental assistance, they don’t have to line up (with hundreds of Aussies) trying to find rent, as rent for ‘illegals’ is automatic.

Noel, Cairns

WHO ARE AUSTRALIANS?

Are we Australians or what?

Why do we have three flags plus now a LGBTIQA+ flag?

Surely the Australian flag covers all Australians, so why have separate flags for ethnic minority groups?

If we are going to have separate flags based on race or gender, why not flags for the multitude of ethnic races who live in Australia?

Oh, that’s right, they came here to be Australians.

Our Defence Force fought under the Australian flag for the freedom of all Australian citizens. It is an insult to their memory to denigrate their sacrifice.

I don’t recognise Australia anymore. It is divided into bickering tribes thanks to the woke left. What happened to the lucky country?

People should reflect on the fact that if our Diggers, British and US hadn’t fought for Australia, they would be speaking Japanese now.

I don’t think the British will be getting compensation from the Romans who fed their

Want to be heard? Send a text to the Editor

Rangers to target Manoora’s 2m croc

THE New Zealand floods were terrible and Queensland bushfires are also terrible. So let’s pray to save people’s lives and homes.

Nelly, Woree

When will all these government guys realise that normal people are going broke and losing their homes due to the interest rate increases.

Bec, Southside

ancestors to the lions. The ‘Voice’ is nothing but another elite bureaucracy.

We have Aboriginal parliamentarians to speak on behalf of Aboriginal people. The last thing we need is yet another bunch of highly paid bureaucrats, sitting in Canberra telling the government what to do.

We are facing the biggest threat of our time (China) and we are bickering about separate flags, races and gender. Race and gender should not even be an issue.

We should all be treated the same but not celebrated and promoted for what has become an agenda that is undermining the very fabric of our society.

What we need is a united people. We need to teach patriotism in schools, not gender diversity.

Our children need to be taught to be proud of who they are, no matter the colour, race or gender.

We are all Australians and that is what our national anthem is all about.

Suzy M, Cairns

A CROCODILE of about 2m long spotted in a creek at Manoora has been targeted for removal.

Cairns Local News reported last week that signs had been installed in the area behind the IGA Piccone’s shopping centre to warn people of the croc.

A Department of Environment and Science (DES) spokeswoman said the department had received three sighting reports of a crocodile in the creek since January 30, 2023.

“Members of the public reported seeing a crocodile of approximately 2m in length,” she said.

“Wildlife officers conducted a site assessment of the area and notified its crocodile management contractors at the Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation.

“Under the Queensland Crocodile Manage-

ment Plan, the Cairns suburb of Manoora is located within zone B (active removal zone).

This means that any crocodile confirmed to be present is targeted for removal.

“Should the contractors from the Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation locate the crocodile, it will be targeted for removal from the wild.”

The signs have since been removed.

“Recent crocodile warning signs are only put in place for seven days in locations where the public should be warned about recent crocodile activity in the area.

“They are not permanent signs,” the spokeswoman said.

She said the public were encouraged to report crocodile sightings as soon as possible, through the QWildlife app or by calling 1300 130 372. DES investigates all reports it receives.

The drain where the crocodile was seen at Manoora

Holiday bookings at touch of app

SAND nourishment works at Holloways Beach are being fasttracked by Cairns Regional Council due to continuing erosion.

A council report said the $1 million project would involve 25,000 cubic metres of sand being distributed on the beach next month (weather permitting), with 10,000 cubic metres between two existing groynes, and a further 15,000 cubic metres up to 700 metres north of the northern groyne.

The report said the council had budgeted funding for the sand nourishment to be undertaken in the 2023-24 financial year as part of the scheduled headland installations.

“However, due to current erosion concerns the works have been separated into two packages to initially protect the foreshore, before completing sand nourishment with the headland construction next year,” it said.

The report said bounded by Barr Creek to the south and Richter Creek to the north, Holloways Beach had a long history of erosion.

“Due to ongoing erosion issues, (the) council completed the construction of two, 30m rock groynes, in 2021, which have reduced the amount of sand being washed away south of each groyne and provided greater long-term protection of the (Hol-

loways Beach) foreshore,” it said.

“Additional rock headlands are also proposed to be installed to limit erosion to the north, which is scheduled to commence within the next year.”

COUNCIL NEWS

Flecker Gardens closure

The Flecker Gardens, within the Cairns Botanic Gardens precinct, will be closed from Monday 27 February to Wednesday 1 March to allow a decayed Kauri Pine to be removed.

The closure will include the Conservatory, Aboriginal Plant Use Garden, Botanic Gardens Restaurant Cafe and Friends House. Other areas of the gardens, including the Visitor Centre and Tanks Arts Centre, will remain open to the public.

An assessment of the tree using tomographic scans and resistograph drilling confirmed decay, which had compromised the tree’s structural integrity.

Council will offer community groups the chance to obtain viable timber from the tree, via an expression of interest process through the Go Clubs program.

Visit

Download

A NEW widget on the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef destination website will give people of all abilities an easier way to research their Tropical North Queensland holiday more comfortably.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said accessibility was about helping all people to travel, starting with the dreaming phase of researching a holiday, through to booking and finally accessing the tours and accommodation of their choice.

“Queensland marks 2023 as the Year of Accessible Tourism and, after launching an accessibility hub on the destination website late last year, Tourism Tropical North Queensland has added an accessibility widget to help people choose a user-friendly mode for their individual needs.

The My Cairns app has been designed to make it easier for residents to go about their lives.

The app brings together events at all Council venues, as well as many ticketed and community events, in one place. Download the app to also receive notifications, such as bin night reminders and the next green waste drop off day.

And if you’ve got a problem to report – from a pothole to a fallen tree – you can take a pic and send it straight to us.

“The many viewing options include an ADHDfriendly mode which reduces distractions and different visual impairment modes to adjust the website’s display,” he said.

“One of our region’s iconic experiences, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, has also introduced an accessibility widget to help customers to better navigate their website and we anticipate many more of our operators will be doing the same.”

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway general manager Richard Berman-Hardman said Skyrail had prioritised making the rainforest experience universally accessible and the addition of the artificial intelligence accessibility widget was another step forward. Go to www. tropicalnorthqueensland.org. au/plan-your-trip/accessibletravel/ or click on http://bit.ly/3BTZ61c .

Council is working with local rehoming organisations to find new homes for rescue cats and kittens.

Come down to the Animal Care and Education Centre at 55-57 Links Rd, Woree, on Saturday 25 February from 9am to midday to meet the pets available for adoption.

Spence St, Cairns City: Traffic light upgrade at the McLeod St intersection from Monday 27 February.

Temporary lane closures.

Grafton St, Cairns City: Traffic light upgrade at the Florence St intersection from Monday 27 February. Temporary lane closures.

Hickory St, Holloways Beach: Culvert renewal at the Almond St intersection from Monday 27 February.

Council’s website for Waste Transfer Station operating hours

Sand works fast-tracked at depleted Holloways Beach

No barriers to caring volunteers

IF I was asked the question as to the most popular topic for the ‘Goss’ over the last couple of years, it would definitely be stories about the amazing volunteers in our communities.

People of all ages and backgrounds who give up their time and energy to improve our lives and make things happen. Without their input and effort, many day to day activities simply would not go ahead.

It was fairly recently that I wrote about the Queensland Care Army Connect Project and how it was being rolled out in the Douglas Shire.

Now ‘Breaking Down Barriers to Volunteering in Douglas Shire’ is a new program running out of Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre.

It follows on from the Care Army Connect Program and encompasses the also previously written about, Douglas Grass + Roots Volunteer Network.

Breaking Down Barriers to Volunteering in Douglas Shire is intended to develop the capacity of volunteer involving organisations and empower them to attract, recruit, retain and manage volunteers across the Shire.

This project also aims to identify priority groups including, First Nations people, people with disabilities, and newly arrived immigrants.

To further enhance the opportunity, there will be collaboration with Douglas Shire Council, support services, local schools, NDIS providers, job network providers and First Nations’ organisations.

The project will also support volunteer involving groups, stakeholders and the volunteers themselves, by allowing access to

online and face to face training, resources and services which are vital tools to build volunteering capacity in Douglas Shire.

At present, work is being carried out to create a dedicated Douglas Grass + Roots Volunteer Network Web Page, aimed at promoting and advertising local volunteering opportunities. This page will have direct links to establishments in the Douglas Shire, which will enable potential volunteers to connect directly with opportunities.

It will be possible to have a direct link to your volunteer setup placed on this webpage. Details of how this can be achieved are available by emailing dgrn@pdnc.org.au

Breaking Down Barriers to Volunteering in Douglas Shire is also working towards hosting an inaugural ‘Community of Practice’ meeting. This will give volunteer involving bodies an opportunity to meet on a bi-monthly basis and will act as a support network for people who share a common role as managers, coordinators and leaders of our local volunteer groups. It will also create opportunities for learning, building capability, sharing knowledge and reducing duplication of work.

In the coming weeks the Breaking Down Barriers group will be reaching out to individual organisations, either in person or by phone, to gain a better understanding of their local needs and how to best support our communities in the volunteering workspace.

I’m off to meet some more amazing people, so for now it’s Gazza signing out!

Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au

Local volunteers training with Volunteering Queensland

Bruce Ferguson doing his bit for food rescue at The Neighbourhood Centre, Mossman

Truly Erdman interviewed whilst volunteering at last year’s Mossman Christmas Street Party

Vivienne Ruffles, a volunteer superstar from the Port Douglas CWA, the Historical Society and Meals on Wheels to name but a few

Great history, modern style

GORDONVALE was established on Yidinji tribal land. The British settlement began in 1877 where the Alley and Blackwell families cut a road through to the Trinity Inlet to haul cedar logs.

Gordonvale became predominantly a sugar milling town with one of the earliest cane farms being the Pyramid plantation in 1882. A butcher, John Gordon, moved there in the early 1880s and the township was officially named after him in 1913, superseding the name Nelson which had been the town’s name in 1896 for the Mulgrave Central Mill.

In the 1990s a number of mosaics were commissioned by the ‘Friends of Gordonvale’ to commemorate the original businesses and stores in the town. These are cemented permanently in the footpath, in front of the original sites of where the businesses stood.

Behind the town stands ‘The Pyramid’, a volcanic core which is shaped as its name suggests. The Pyramid is 922 metres high and hosts an annual race, ‘The Great Pyramid Race,’ which was started by two cane farmers and became an official event in 1959.

With many modern appeals such as great dining and coffee at Caffin8 Café, the latest fashion at Miss Marci, inspirational homewares from The Vale Emporium or fabulous gift and event hire ideas from The Fickle Flower, there is something for everyone, and it is well worth the short 15-minute drive down the road from Cairns.

Gordonvale is rapidly transforming into a suburb of the larger city.

The town’s appeal is in its quiet historic charm with traditional structures dating back to the 1930s and 40s.

Robyn is a phenomenal agent. Sticks to the job and gets it done beyond expectations. She is driven by a high level of integrity and delivers outstanding results regardless of market conditions. She is a true professional and I would say the best in the business! She sold 3 of our estate properties where others had promised and failed. I would choose to work again with her in a heartbeat.

Gordonvale township is worth a visit for food, coffee or shopping

Eye-opening exhibition sure to provoke

A HARD-hitting and thought-provoking exhibition has opened at NorthSite Contemporary Arts.

e VULVA lution comprises eight works by Cairns-based, Canadian-born artist India Collins.

They are made of pre-worn women’s clothing and embody the experience and stories of local women.

Ms Collins said the works with titles, such as Eyes on My Heart and The Vagina Has Eyes, knitted together existing works created in the past five years with new technologies, digital and material responses.

She said the exhibition’s importance was steeped in a call to action for female identifying audience members to contribute their own garments and stories via a Golden Mailbox at the gallery or remotely via a link (see below).

“Over the next year I will weave new works with donated clothing items while wrapping together individual and collective narratives that are shared,” Ms Collins said.

“This call to action is intended to be both cathartic and symbolic and somewhat reminiscent of a purge, can slam dunk them into the net housed within the gallery space.

“Drawing down on contemporary symbolism and elements of

pop culture, my work presents playful and exaggerated sexualised imagery luring the audience in to reveal more serious stories to share women’s (home) truths.

“The materials I use in my weaves once sat against skin and harnessed energy which means they still hold an embodied memory and meaning.

“Previously these clothes may have enabled us to be seen as we choose, they may have contributed to our individual style and identity or told of our social status. They may have marked milestones or major days in our lives.

“These materials may have once kept us protected, they may have sexualized us, they may have empowered us, spoken for us when we had no words, or assisted us to go unnoticed through our days, allowing us to either fit in or stand out in society.

“Ultimately each clothing item I incorporate into an art piece, retains the intimate memories of women’s experiences within its fibres.

“I hope this project and installation shines a spotlight on the multiplicity of women’s stories, our plurality and commonality, the cause and effect of positionality and how bias, assumption and opinion inevitably lead to stigma,” she said.

Ms Collins said the provenance of her earlier works currently featured in the exhibition were born from the Flame project, a mentoring program for young women artists initiated by the Tanks Art Centre.

For five consecutive years, she was invited to mentor a small group of young women which culminated in the production of a new work slated for the annual International Women’s Day exhibition.

“The program continues to grow and is aimed at teaching these young artists the importance and value of maintaining an arts practice as ongoing personal development - even if it falls outside their preferred area of study or is not their main career choice,” she said.

“The creation of my own work during these mentorships was a great catalyst to explore new mediums and develop new themes authentically aligned with who I was becoming as a person.

“The focus for these artworks was on the message and the process, not on the outcome. For me personally, it was evolutionary and guided me into new areas of experimental textile practice.” Visit https://northsite.org.au/exhibitions/e-vulva-lution/ to find out more and be involved.

India Collins with Eyes on My Heart

India Collins, Francoise Lane, Megsi O’Toole and Jack Wilkie-Jans. Pictures: The Photo Corner

COMMUNITY CONNECT

One Coast - Cassowary Coast

COMMUNITY SHAPES PUMP TRACK DESIGN

THE community spoke loud and strong in support for the Warrina Lakes Pump Track design with Council confirming the smaller beginner’s pump track will progress.

Council undertook successful community consultation on the draft design late last year and into early 2023, obtaining valuable feedback, which proved the design hit the nail on the head, said Councillor Nick Pervan.

“The final design includes two pump tracks; a smaller one for beginners and a larger track that includes roller and large berms, rollers, multiple transitions, dragon back and doubles. Pump tracks are not only great fun but also develop key bicycle (or other wheeled recreational device) skills.

Councillor Pervan said news that the contractor will begin site establishment activities from Monday 21 February 2023 were welcomed.

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of April, subject to site and weather conditions.

“I look forward to seeing children, both young and old, enjoying the track once complete, plus enjoying the other facilities on offer at Warrina Lakes.”

“Feedback from the community demonstrated widespread support for the pump track design; including the proposed beginner’s pump track.”

Community provided feedback via a Your Say survey and an Information Session held

at the Innisfail Markets in December 2022. Council would like to sincerely thank community members for their interest and input into the consultation process

Delivery of the pump track is Stage One of the Warrina Lakes Parklands Master Plan with further stages of the Plan subject to future budget considerations.

The Warrina Lakes Pump Track project was made possible through $400,000 funding from the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia.

For more information on the project, please visit www.yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/warrina-lakes-pump-track

Cr Pervan standing near pump track construction

COMMUNITY GRANTS ROUND TWO NOW OPEN

ROUND two of Council’s Community Grants program is now open, with grants available for up to $5,000 in the areas of Community Wellbeing and Lifestyle, Economic Development and Environmental Sustainability.

The Community Grants Program provides support for local community organisations that endeavour to make positive change and contribute to a vibrant community. Applicants are subject to eligibility criteria and must complete the relevant application with all required documentation to be considered.

If you are unsure whether your organisation or event falls into the three categories, visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/ funding-grants and read the Community Grants Guidelines which breaks down each category, including examples of the types of events relevant to that category.

Alternatively, if you are ready to apply, visit cassowarycoast.smartygrants.com.au/ - Council’s online grant management platform, which makes applying for grants more accessible for the community.

If you’re unsure of where to start or would like to talk through your options Council officers will be available to provide additional

Respectful behaviour starts with good manners

support. Community Grant Information Session will run throughout March to offer potential applicants assistance. Information Session will be held at the following times and locations listed below:

Innisfail Library

• Tuesday 28 February from 9:30am to 4:00pm

• Monday 6 March from 9:30am to 4:00pm

Mission Beach Library

• Wednesday 1 March from 9:30am to 3:30pm

• Friday 10 March from 12:00pm to 4:00pm

Tully Civic Centre

• Thursday 2 March from 9:00am o 4:00pm

• Friday 17 March from 9:00am to 4:00pm

Cardwell Library

• Friday 3 March from 9:30 am to 4:00pm

• Monday 20 March from 10:00am to 3:00pm

Contact the Community Relations and Services Team to book an appointment by emailing shared.CommunityRelationsandServices@ccrc.qld.gov.au

Submissions for the Community Grants Program round two open Friday 24 February 2023 and submissions will close on Friday 24 March 2023.

WHENEVER your dog is in a dog off leash area make sure they:

Stay within the designated off leash zone

• Follow your command

• interact in a friendly manner with other dogs and people

• Refrain from excessive barking

• Give wildlife space.

If you know that your dog doesn’t interact well with other sized dogs, be aware and consider alternative exercise options to ensure every dog is safe.

For more information regarding the Dog off leash trials, visit: www.yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/dog-off-leash

Seat with a View Have Your Say

THERE is nothing quite like sitting on a beach overlooking our region’s pristine, unspoiled golden white sands and Council is looking for input from the community to identify foreshore areas where the provision of picnic tables, benches and other furniture would improve enjoyment of the area and encourage increased visitation.

Across the region, Council provides benches and picnic areas, in a variety of settings, including grassy, beachside and rainforest. There are many tables to choose from that are perfect for family outings, birthday parties or just to sit and enjoy our World Heritage environment.

Cowley Beach Caravan ParkRequest for Caretaker Services

COUNCIL is seeking quotations for onsite Caretaker Services at the Cowley Beach Caravan Park. The proposed term is from April 2023 to April 2024, with potential to extend thereafter.

The site comprises a total of 32 powered sites, 14 unpowered sites, newly refurbished amenity block, camp kitchen, coin operated laundry and a free-standing,

onsite two-bedroom residence with office and reception area.

Cowley Beach in the Cassowary Coast region, just 20 minutes south of Innisfail. This quiet beachfront hamlet is 8kms off the Bruce Highway and has a kiosk and caravan park, and a small army camp to the north. Cowley Beach is just half an hour from the towns of Tully and Mission Beach.

Cassowary Coast Mayor and Planning portfolio holder Mark Nolan said with the current Beach Furniture Clean Up program being undertaken; Council want to provide an opportunity to consider permanent struc-

tures as replacements in areas that matter to you and support residents and visitors who make use of our beach foreshore areas.

“We want to hear from the community on where they would like to see benches and picnic tables installed. Works will commence in the coming months and continue into 2024. It’s easy to have your say with by visiting Council’s Your Say page.

“Interested residents, and visitors, can visit the site and place a pin where they would like to see these facilities installed. The survey is open now and will close at 4pm, Friday 24 March 2023.”

Council is currently developing its Open Space Strategy and suggestions for additional furniture in Council managed Parks and Open Space will be assessed in conjunction with that process.

Innisfail CBD revitalisation consultation commences

Banyan and Lions Park community consultation begins for residents

THE community is being asked to join the conversation on the future of Banyan and Lions Park, Tully.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Divisional Councillor Teresa Millwood said the Banyan Beautification project was an exciting project that the community was encouraged to get behind and have their say.

“The overall intention of the Beautification project is to enhance the appearance and sense of arrival into Tully. Visitors, both local and passing through, will be encouraged to spend time in Banyan and Lions Parks and make the most of our unique landscape and nearby friendly shopping area.

“I grew up in Tully and it’s my desire to preserve Tully’s historic small-town character,

whilst promoting our community as a familyfriendly place to visit, live and work.”

Councillor Millwood said the project will breathe new life into the area.

“Community consultation is now open and offers a range of tools for the community to provide feedback.

“I encourage you to visit Council’s Your Say page to help inform Council on your vision for the site. The first stage of Council’s community engagement process is to understand what you currently like about the park, what elements should remain, be removed or upgraded and what is missing from the site.

The feedback provided by you will help shape and determine what the detailed design looks like.”

CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council is excited to announce the launch of community engagement on the Innisfail CBD Revitalisation project.

Strategically positioned on the banks of the Johnston River, access to incredible natural landscapes and a passionate and connected community, Innisfail has a lot to offer.

Tourism and Economic Development

Portfolio Holder, Councillor Renee McLeod said, through physical improvements, events and activity, there is an opportunity to revitalise our CBD, encouraging people to stop, spend time and, in-turn, contribute to the local economy.

“Council needs your help to understand our community’s ideas and vision for the Innisfail CBD.”

“This engagement progresses the ideas and aspirations captured by community and Council through the development of

the 2018 Innisfail Master Plan. The Master Plan remains a valuable document with many great ideas for the town’s future.”

Council is now ready to revisit and further progress this master plan to ensure it provides a clear and ground-truthed roadmap for future investment in the town said Councillor McLeod.

“As with all places, Innisfail’s revitalisation will require support from all of us. There is a role for everyone in our community to play. This process will explore how our businesses, local residents, community groups and youth can work collaboratively to assist in delivering a shared vision to revitalise Innisfail,” said Councillor McLeod.

Be involved, and let Council know what you love about Innisfail and what you would like to see prioritised in the next 10 years. Keep an eye out for opportunities to meet with Council at face-to-face workshops

pop-up events.

Beach furniture cleanup

A CLEAN-UP program of items left on our beaches and foreshore areas commenced from Monday 20 February in Wongaling Beach.

Council has established the program to clear unapproved structures, furniture, boats, and debris that is left on the beach and to give owners the opportunity to remove any items within fourteen days.

After the fourteen days, Council Officers will remove the item and store it at a Council depot for up to 30 days for collection. A fee of $63 per item will be applicable for items when they are collected. After the 30 days, Council will dispose of, auction, or donate items to a local charity.

It is great to take a chair down to the beach to enjoy the scenery, but we ask that you take it to the beach, enjoy it and then take it home when you are done.

Cassowary Coast residents who would like to apply to have a structure, such as picnic tables, benches, or memorials, can view Council’s Park and Street Furniture Donation and Memorial Plaque Policy for more information on this process and the application criteria.

Let’s keep our paradise clean, and when visiting the beach, leave only footprints in the sand when you leave. Council sincerely thanks and appreciates our community’s support.

Clean Up Australia Day is nearly here!

REGISTER a clean-up site for Sunday 5th March 2023.

If you register early, Clean Up Australia will send you a free kit with bags, gloves and everything you need to get started.

Schools, businesses, families, neighbourhoods, community groups; anyone and everyone is welcome to register a clean-up event.

If you have registered your site with Clean Up Australia, Council will be provided with this information and will organise free pick up and disposal of rubbish collected by your team.

For more information on how you can get involved, visit www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au

Looking to green up your home or add some colour to your garden?

COUNCIL’S Nurseries are stocked with local rainforest plants for your garden and specialise in native flowering trees, bush food, butterfly host, Cassowary feeding and bird attracting species. Our nurseries also stock a wide range of native species for wind break plantings and larger revegetation projects. Council Nursery hours are:

• Innisfail open between 8:00am – 3:00pm on Thursdays.

• Tully open between 8:00am – 3:00pm on Fridays.

Innisfail and Tully Nurseries are also looking for volunteers to support the facilities. If you want to get involved, pop into one of our local nurseries either Innisfail on Thursday between 8:00am and 11:00am or Tully on Friday between 9:00am and 12:00pm

For further information contact Council at enquiries@ ccrc.qld.gov.au or 1300 763 903.

Free creative workshops for region’s talented teenagers

THE Jute Theatre Company and the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) are presenting “world-class creative industry practice and skills-based training for young people” in Cairns next month.

From acting and performance design to technical stage production, the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA), in partnership with JUTE Theatre Company, will present a series of free workshops for Far North Queensland’s young and aspiring creatives starting next month.

The initiative of Australia’s centre for excellence in performing arts education, NIDA Connect is being delivered across Australia in partnership with a small group of leading regional performing arts organisations and training providers.

A NIDA spokesman said the aim of NIDA Connect was to ensure training and skills development opportunities for young people were not exclusive to metropolitan areas but extend countrywide.

The workshops begin with design in performance and technical production in March and April 2023. Acting workshops will be held later in the year to round the series.

The design in performance workshops will be facilitated by

Italian-born and trained set and costume designer Simona Cosentini from Saturday March 18 to Sunday March 26 at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre.

“Participants will be introduced to the principles of creating design concepts for the stage including costume and set design while learning simple construction techniques,” she said.

The second workshop, technical production will be presented by Eben Love who will give participants practical insights into the various roles, equipment, and production processes in theatre.

“Participants will be introduced to the ‘magic’ of theatre that relies on a team of skilled stage managers, mechanists, lighting, and sound operators,” he said.

“At the end of the four-day program, Tuesday, April 11 – Friday, April 14, 2023, participants will stage a mini-show and have gained real life insights into what happens behind the scenes.”

To register for the free NIDA Connect workshop series go to presented by JUTE Theatre Company or find out more, visit NIDA Open, https://www.open.nida.edu.au/ or click the following link in our online edition: http://bit.ly/3EnVOnS

Participants must be aged between 15 and 18 years to register (limited numbers).

Inspiring women to share their stories at weekend writer’s fest

AUSTRALIAN of the Year

Taryn Brumfitt, whose struggle to accept her body inspired millions of people worldwide, is a keynote speaker at this weekend’s Cairns Tropical Writers’ Festival.

The 2023 award winner will join 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame at the event in conversation with festival committee chairwoman Jules Steer.

Ms Brumfitt is the fiercely passionate thought leader behind the Body Image Movement and a four-time bestselling author.

Almost a decade ago, Ms Brumfitt was at war with her body. Disillusioned and completely lost, she committed to a body-building competition in the hope that a perfect body would mean a perfect life.

It didn’t. In 2013, Ms Brumfitt posted to social media a non-traditional reversed ‘before and after’ photo. It sparked an international movement to teach people to consider their bodies not like they are ornaments but rather the vehicles to their dreams.

And so, the Body Image Movement was born. Her 2016 documentary Embrace tackled the serious issue of women’s body loathing and Ms Brumfitt’s path to body acceptance. It was seen by millions of people in 190 countries and is available on Netflix.

She has collaborated with body image expert Dr Zali Yager to create an Embrace Kids companion parenting book. They have also created the Embrace Hub – a free, research-based resource for teachers, parents, children, and communities on fostering body positivity.

Ms Brumfitt’s work has reached more than 200 million people. She is an internationally recognised keynote speaker whose work is recognised by UN Women and was named alongside Emma Watson and Beyonce in Germany’s Brigitte magazine’s ‘Woman of the Year’.

Learn how to embrace and accept your body. Hear from Ms Brumfitt this Saturday, February 25, at the Pullman Cairns International from 3-3.45pm Hear Grace Tame’s story, in her own words, on her terms on Sunday February 26, from 3-3.45pm also at the Pullman Cairns International hotel.

Taryn Brumfitt

Eben Love and Simona Cosentini

Palm Cove

Palm Cove - the locals’ getaway

LOCATED 25 minutes north of Cairns, Palm Cove has developed dramatically over the last seven years. Palm Cove has one of Australia’s most picturesque beaches, the inaugural winner of Australia’s cleanest beach.

Nestled in between the sprawling city of Cairns and the tropical town of Port Douglas lies Palm Cove - a 1.5km long beachfront village, perfect for tropical holidays, surrounded by the mountains of the Great Dividing Range and looks over the pristine Coral Sea.

Palm Cove is also well known for its fine dining; many of the resorts along the palm-lined esplanade have restaurants overlooking the sea. There are several bars and cafes that also sit on the beachfront, so there is never a shortage of views whenever you need a bite to eat or a cool drink.

Dotted in amongst the accommodation providers are various fashion outlets to be perused with some specialising in beach and resort wear. Or take your fishing rod and enjoy some relaxing on the Palm Cove pier.

If you’re a local, from Cairns, Port Douglas, or the Cassowary Coast and looking at having a weekend or long weekend break there are some great off-peak deals to have, and don’t forget to ask for that local discount.

Whether your thing is laying by the pool, getting a relaxing massage or day spa experience, a long lunch or a touch of shopping, the offseason is a great time to visit the iconic Palm Cove strip to grab a rest and a bargain.

Make a day of your visit to the beachside resort village

THE owner of a popular clothing store at Palm Cove is encouraging visitors to make a day of visiting the seaside resort town, not just a couple of hours.

Annie’s at the Beach boutique owner Annie Gillow said Palm Cove had a unique charm and great range of retail stores to cater for all.

“Make a day of it,” Ms Gillow said.

“Plan a coffee at one of the many spots, I personally enjoy Espresso & Co for their special blend and I’m often tempted with a delicious piece of banana cake, warmed and buttered.

“Then 20 paces away you will find a selection of retail stores at Peppers Beach Club.

“With very few tourists around this time of the year, it’s a perfect time for clever locals to zip out and enjoy a relaxing day, spoiling yourself with a spa visit, nice food, coffee and cocktails and, of course, retail therapy.”

Ms Gillow said another reason to visit the town was her current sale with 25 per cent off.

“Annie’s at the Beach is a boutique with something for everyone,” she said.

“Clever swimwear for all, ladies shoes with comfort and support like no other and clothing for men and women.”

As a lover of everything fashion, Ms Gil-

low said her boutique offered an extensive range of natural fabrics.

“From cool cottons and comfortable linens to bamboo, silk-wear and beach style clothing synonymous with our tropical lifestyle,” she said.

“Timeless wearability is important, and you will find a celebration of niche labels in a wide range of colours, styles and sizes.

“From handpicked pieces you’ll want to try on everything, to swimwear that fits all body types, our friendly staff are always on hand to ensure you find the perfect outfit.”

Ms Gillow said Annie’s at the Beach had lots to discover at affordable prices.

“If you’re looking for that finishing touch, you’ll have fun with the stylish and eclectic range of hats, bags and jewellery,” she said.

“With so many discoveries in-store, you’ll be surprised at what else you’ll find when you visit.

“And if you have never been to Annie’s at the Beach before, now is the moment to check it out and find wonderful pieces at ridiculous prices.”

Palm Cove’s go-to boutique Annie’s at the Beach opens five days a week from 10am - 2pm (closing on Wednesdays and Sundays) during February and most of March.

To find out more visit https://palmcoveboutiques.com.au/

Annie’s at the Beach is happy to accept small dogs and their owners in the shop

ENTERTAINMENT

1

Fri February 24 – Sun February 26, 2023

Cairns Tropical Writers Festival 2023

Cairns Tropical Writers Festival 2023 will be held over the weekend of 24th to the 26th February 2023.

The Cairns Tropical Writers Festival is the heart of literature in the tropics. It brings together stories and storytellers from across the region, the country and the world, to inspire us and feed our literary minds.

Visit the Cairns Tropical Writers Festival website to view the Full Program of Events: https://ctwf.com.au/program/

Cost: Weekend Pass – $120.00 / Saturday Day Pass – $80.00 Sunday

Day Pass – $80.00

Book tickets through eventbrite

Fri February 24, 2023 @ 6:00pm-10:00pm

Opening Night of World Pride 2023 Boardwalk Social

Join us for the opening of World Pride at Boardwalk Social and celebrate the start of the festival with the Live and Pride concert from Sydney.

Pop on your fancy pants, or fanciest get up and get ready to be glammed and glittered, featuring Pop up bars, DJ’s and entertainment, Resident host David Subritzky. Interactive games, limbo, water pistols to keep you cool, and a twerk off (if you’re lucky), Big screens broadcasting the ‘Live and Pride’ opening concert hosted by Casey Donovan and Courtney Act with special performances by Kylie Minogue, Charli XCX, Jessica Mauboy and more

Cost: Entry is free, Pop Up Bar Pass: Pre-purchase for $79 (includes four hour drinks package) Purchase Pop Up Bar Pass from Crystalbrook Flynn

2 3 7 6 5 4

Mon February 27, 2023 @ 10:00am-5:00pm

Samuel Moffat Elegance Exhibition Australia.Gallery

Samuel Moffat in his Elegance art series presents an expressive pictorial presentation of the female nude through various poses and postures. Figurative paintings of the nude have been part of many Western, Asian, European and Eastern cultures since earliest forms of civilization.Humans have been sculpted, drawn and painted for various reasons over the Centuries. Figurative paintings of the nude bring out different meanings in distinct contexts and introduce a deeper symbolic meaning and expresses the beauty of the human female body.

Exhibition Runs: 24 February 2023 to 25 March 2023

Free Entry

Mon February 27, 2023 @ 5:30pm-7:00pm

Rotary Showcase Evening Dundee’s at the Aquarium

The Rotary Club of Cairns Sunrise is having an OPEN Night which is your opportunity to come along and find out what is Rotary and what do Rotarians do.

This is a great opportunity to find out a little more depending on whether you know a little or a lot. Come along – you might be surprised who you already know and what we actually do for YOUR community both near and far.

Cost: The event is free but please RSVP as it is essential for catering purposes.

RSVP for this free event through trybooking.

Wed March 1, 2023 @ 5:45pm-7:15pm

AFL Umpiring Come and Try Cazaly’s Stadium

CASH, FITNESS, FOOTBALL & FRIENDS – and that’s just for starters!

Umpiring is a great way to get paid whilst having fun and meet some friends. Once you try it – you’ll love it.

From this year, the umpires are training on a Wednesday. This means that you can get to still train and play with your footy team and learn to umpire at the same time.

Come along to the Try AFL Umpiring at Cazaly’s Stadium and see if its for you! Free

GIG Guide

FRIDAY

Barbary Coasters - Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, 4.00pm

Cinnamon Sun - Dunwoody’s, 4.00pm

Pete Bennett - Mayhem at Machans Café Bar, 5.30pm

Christina Ukulele - The Cotton Club, 5.30pm

Carinda Christie - Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail, 6.00pm

SAX MAN Troy Stevens - Chill @ Portofino, 6.00pm

Bad Boys of Uke - Nonna Leotta’s, 6.30pm

Kick Start - Cazalys Cairns, 6.30pm

Infinity Duo - Innisfail RSL, 7.00pm

Eric Bibb - Tanks Arts Centre, 7.30pm

Janna Mercedes - Rattle n Hum, Palm Cove, 8.00pm

Mississippi Shakedown - The Ant Hill Hotel, 8.00pm

Kaweyova - Rattle n Hum, Cairns, 8.00pm

DJ Noiz, Kennyon Brown, Bina Butta - The Jack, 8.30pm

Big Noise - Bar36 @ The Reef Hotel Casino, 9.00pm

SATURDAY

Janna Mercedes - Beach House at Trinity, 3.00pm

The Blues Healers - Yorkeys Knob Boating Club, 3.00pm

Cairns Musical Night - Tanks Arts Centre, 6.00pm

Carrizma - Cazalys Cairns, 6.15pm

DJ Darkside - The Secret Jungle, 6.30pm

Infinity Duo - Atherton International Club, 7.00pm

Andy Brassett - The Canecutter Bar, Innisfail, 7.00pm

SAX MAN Troy Stevens - Fishery Falls Hotel, 7.00pm

Carinda Christie - The Red Beret, 8.00pm

Sanchez - Bar36 @ The Reef Hotel Casino, 9.00pm

SUNDAY

DjGlennW - Dundees at the Cairns Aquarium, 11.30am

Nick Atherton - Dunwoody’s, 2.00pm

Katie Richards - Hemingways Brewery Cairns, 2.00pm

Lexi and Al - Yorkeys Knob Boating Club, 3.00pm

Jasmine Maraea - Ten06, 3.00pm

Kaweyova - Rattle n Hum, Palm Cove, 3.00pm

Wind and Wood - Palm Cove Tavern, 4.00pm

Joshua Breakstone - The Melting Pot, 6.00pm

Justin Wellington - Bar36 @ The Reef Hotel Casino, 7.30pm

Vivien Aisi - Boardwalk Social by Crystalbrook, 8.00am

Sat February 25, 2023 @ 11:30am-5:00pm

Century Cranes Tradies & Ladies Race Day 2023

Century Cranes Tradies and Ladies Race features 6 Local Races, Tradies Bar, Fashions on the Field, Couch Tradies Sprint Race, TAB and Bookie Facilities.

Triple M Cairns Tradies Bar: Brought to you by The Cairns Jockey Club and 99.5 FM Triple M Cairns. Dust off the tools and head trackside for the Century Cranes Tradies and Ladies Race Day!

Cost: General Admission $10.00 per person Members for the Day $30.00

Book tickets through Cairns

Two decades of celebrating the Cassowary Coast’s iconic tropical produce and lifestyle

A FESTIVAL celebrating the fruit and produce of the tropics marks a significant milestone of 20 years next month.

The Feast of the Senses celebrates its 20th birthday this year after starting as a a one-day event in 2003.

Festival president Rosi Jensen said the event had grown to be the biggest on the Cassowary Coast and Queensland’s premier fruit festival.

“The festival has grown and evolved over the 20 years to include river cruises, food trails, the Taste of the Tropics Dinner, a fun fancy-dress trivia night and this year includes a cooking workshop,” she said.

“Held over four days, there is something for everyone. The four-day festival kicks off on Thursday 23 March.

“Over the festival period visitors will be able to see, touch, taste, and smell the amazing ultra-tropical fruit and food that comes from this vibrant region.

“Our festival has something for everyone that will tantalise all of the senses. A veritable feast.”

Ms Jensen said the festival attracted visitors from all over Queensland and interstate, with 5000 people taking part at the Sunday Australian Bananas River Feast, where the Innisfail riverfront came alive on Sunday 26 March with stalls, entertainment,

river cruises, cooking demonstrations in Canecutter Court and the magnificent rare and tropical fruit display and tastings, with A fruit auction held later in the day.

‘“We haven’t forgotten the kids. ‘The Kid Zone’ is packed with activities and fun stuff for kids to do while mum and dad take a well-earned break,” she said.

‘All of our ticketed events and stall bookings are now open. Check our website or Facebook for booking details. You can also put your name down to volunteer on the day.’

Don’t miss this 20th birthday event. For all information on the festival visit www.feastofthesenses.com.au

All the fun of previous years’ events

Get puzzled by . .

SUDOKU

Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.

WORD SEARCH

Puzzle Solutions

Changes in your home are apparent, and you must be willing to bend if you don’t want to find yourself alone. Business or pleasure trips will be knowledgeable as well as highly successful. Don’t be afraid to push your beliefs and attitudes.

Be diplomatic but stern. Don’t offer to pay for others. Your changing philosophies may lead you into new circles and open doors that will give you a unique outlook on life. Look at the possibilities of starting a small part time business with friends or relatives.

CROSSWORD

If you address those in a position to grant you favours you should get the support you require. Quarrels will erupt if you get into philosophical debates with friends. You may be somewhat emotional concerning a rather private matter.

Sudden changes regarding work and colleagues are apparent.

Children may be less than honest with you. Sudden changes regarding colleagues may surprise you. Your interest in helping others may take you back to school. Someone you work with may be emotional.

You may be frustrated by the way situations are being handled in your personal life. You will have to face each issue separately and in person. Get involved in activities that will bring you knowledge about foreign land, philosophies, or cultures.

You may find a rare antique this week. You can make career changes that may put you in a much higher earning bracket. Be careful what you consume this week. Romantic opportunities may not be as they appear.

ACROSS

Entertainment should include your whole family. Be discreet about any information you uncover.

Children may be demanding, and entertainment could cost a lot more than you can really afford. You could find that children will be a handful.

You should get out and enjoy social events where you are likely to meet new potential mates; however, don’t overspend. You can certainly gain popularity; however, don’t do it by paying for everyone else. Talk to someone you trust if you need advice about broaching the subject.

Do things you enjoy instead of being a chameleon. Your added discipline will help you complete the impossible at work. Selfimprovement programs will bring you in contact with interesting people. An intellectual approach will bring the best results.

You can make money if you concentrate on producing services that will make domestic chores easier. Don’t let those close to you get under your skin. Make changes around your house and plan to do some entertaining. You can buy or sell if you’re so inclined.

7. a canoe made of a light frame with a watertight covering (5)

8. waxed cloth used for wrapping a corpse (9)

10. not often; rarely (6)

11. an unexpected or astonishing event, fact, etc (8)

12. a colourless, odourless, highly flammable gas (8)

13. (of a bird) strike or bite something with its beak (4)

25. formal word used to refer to this document (8)

26. a male godchild (6)

27. appeared in a production as a co-star (2-7)

28. trite, banal, or mawkishly sentimental (5)

DOWN

1. a safeguard against possible hardship or adversity (6,3)

2. the standard literary and official form of Chinese language (8)

3. the aspect of someone’s character that is presented to or perceived by others (7)

4. worn out or ruined because of age or neglect (8)

5. a priest or religious leader, especially a Christian or Muslim one (6)

6. to store something safely in a hidden or secret place (5)

9. having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one’s achievements (4)

14. to greatly astonish or amaze (9)

16. green foliage, growing plants, or vegetation (8)

18. a single drop of rain (8)

19. a private soldier in a cavalry or armoured unit (7)

Arguments may flare up in your home. You will reap the benefits if you put money into upgrading your residence. Make sure that you take time to remember those you love. Don’t let your health suffer because of abuse.

15. denoting a person between 13 and 19 years old (7)

17. the breastbone (7)

21. a person who investigates crimes; a detective (6)

23. almost (4)

to hurt your partner’s feelings. Situations in your personal life are moving a little fast lately.

20. an island or peninsula, especially a small one (4)

22. the system of currency of the People’s Republic of China, introduced in 1948 (8)

24. a pale yellow oval citrus fruit with thick skin and fragrant, acidic juice (5)

Rugged British 4WD prototype on display at dealer

By Nick Dalton

THE latest and one of the most sought-after four-wheel-drives has arrived in the Far North.

Westco Motors in Cairns has been appointed an Ineos Grenadier retailer for the region.

Westco dealer-principal Chris King said a prototype was on display at the Mulgrave Rd dealership for two weeks only, “and we can’t wait for you to see it”.

“Gutsy, capable, tough, the Grenadier is built for the world to get the job done,” he said.

“Come and see for yourself. It’s a great chance to share more details about this rugged 4X4 with you. And for you to get to know us and what we have to offer.”

Mr King said there were limited spots and appointments were essential on https://go.westco.mobi/ineos or by phoning 4044

4121. The Ineos Grenadier is an off-road utility vehicle designed and produced by Ineos Automotive Ltd. It went into production in July 2022.

The Grenadier was designed to be a modern replacement of the original Land Rover Defender, with boxy bodywork, a steel ladder chassis, beam axles with long-travel progressive-rate coil spring suspension (front and rear), and powered by BMW six-cylinder diesel and petrol internal combustion engines.

Ineos Automotive Ltd was founded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, billionaire and chairman of the multinational chemicals company Ineos. Ratcliffe came up with the idea of building a replacement for his Land Rover Defender and initiated a project to design and build a similar vehicle under the codename Projekt Grenadier.

Westco will be one of 28 outlets nationally and 160 locations around the world to sell the British designed and engineered vehi-

cle, named after a pub.

By year’s end, Ineos expects to have at least 200 sales and service sites in more than 50 countries.

Testing on the vehicle began at the start of last year and took in 15 countries, targeting the toughest terrains in the worst possible weather.

According to Ineos’ website, engineers put 130 vehicles through 1.8 million kilometres of testing and development in Sweden, Austria, Granada, Kosovo and Morocco.

The vehicle is expected to start retailing from $97,000 to $109,525 in Australia and has been described by motoring reporters as the ‘spiritual successor’ to the original Land Rover Defender, despite being independently developed. It has a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

The Grenadier’s marque is a ladder-frame chassis off-roader with beam axles and mechanicals described by those who’ve been behind the wheel as ‘straightforward’.

Ineos is a London-based multinational chemical company with interests in the oil and gas sectors.

In 2019, Ineos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe was at his favourite London pub, the Grenadier, wondering aloud how he was going to replace his old Land Rover Defender and believing the replacement model was ‘too soft’.

From those discussions the Grenadier was born and in less than three years the vehicle was expected to be on the market.

It’s aimed at fleets and farmers as well as adventurers and those tempted by the burly demeanour of a utilitarian off-roader.

The Grenadier is a five-door wagon available in two- or fiveseat configurations – with a ute on the way.

The six-cylinder turbocharged BMW engines, either petrol or diesel, drive all four wheels. Split British and German flags on the front guards are reinforcement the company has embraced its cross-border partnership. Having F1 champion Lewis Hamilton as part of the down’n’dirty marketing reinforces the connections and broader business dealings of Sir Jim.

Unlike many modern off-roaders, the Grenadier designed as an “uncompromising, no frills, no fuss vehicle that provides the bestin-class off-road capability, durability and utility”.

The Grenadier at Westco Motors

Prices start from $80 Ph: 07 4031 7678

PRIVACY POLICY

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.

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

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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

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Advertising Code Clearance

Rulings by the Trade Practices Commission require that all advertisements relating to alcoholic beverages, therapeutic goods, weight loss/slimming clinics and products or programmes must carry an APB Clearance Number. All advertisements that do not carry the APB Number first must be submitted for clearance and the issue of an APB number for inclusion in the advertisement directed to: Australian Publishers Bureau, Suite 2/1, 741 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072, Phone (02) 9499 3412.

HOW DO I CANCEL AN ADVERTISEMENT?

Should you need to cancel an existing advertisement campaign please advise in writing 7 days prior to publication. Should you need to cancel and existing advertisement please call the office on 07 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

FNQ Markets

Friday February 24th

Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:00

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

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 7 Therwine St, 09:30-15:00

Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-18:00

Saturday February 25th

Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:00

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

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 7 Therwine St, 09:30-15:00

Mossman: St David’s Church, 07:00-13:00

Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-18:00

Tully: Lions Park, 08:00-12:00

Yungaburra: Bruce Jones Park, Main St, 07:30-12:30

Sunday February 26th

Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:00

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

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 7 Therwine St, 09:30-15:00

Port Douglas: by St Mary’s Church, 07:30-14:00

Tumoulin:

SPORT

MOSSMAN LADIES’

BOWLS

Thursday February 16th:

2 Bowls Singles: Winner: Janice Brlyack; R/up: Margaret Smith. Due to the inclement weather, with the possibility of flooding, we did not have the ladies as usual, but 6 ladies turned up for a roll up. Pleased to see that the new bowlers are willing to enter competitions and compete at other clubs. Check the board for any upcoming events. Names in by 12pm and play is at 1pm. All ladies welcomed. For more information contact Carole Maxted: caroles44bb@dodo.com. au or 0400 954 537. Sunday

February 12th: Social Mixed Bowls: Winners: Brian King, Jim Geddes and Ted Holms; R/ up: Peter McGrory, Margaret Smith and Trish Arnold. Any visitors are welcome. Casual attire. Names in by 12pm and play at 1pm. For more information contact Mossman Bowls Club: 4098 1434.

MAREEBA BOWLS CLUB

Tuesday night bowls we had a great turn up with 24 bowlers. Tuesdays: names in by 6pm. Come and try bowls, club bowls available and bar open every Tuesday night. For information and nominations ph 4092 5288. Sunday February

19th: Winners: S Tiraboschi, E Thompson, S Stefferson; R/up: G Morrow, R Parry, J Dennis. Sunday February 26th: there will be bowls for the birthday people, names in by 12pm play to start 1pm. Competition to be played on February 28th: G Morrow vs K Wiltshire; E Lennord vs P Kriesel. A Grade: E Thompson vs L Plowman; J Dennis vs S Stefferson; D Harrigton vs E Tiraboschi; P Soda vs I Sayed; B Lynne vs G Kriesel.

MARLIN COAST BOWLS

CLUB

Tuesday Afternoon Men’s

Triples: Winner: Rick, Dave, Ross; R/up: Gordon, Alan, Brian. Tuesday Night Bowls: Spider: Deb, Sandy, Mick, Barry, Michell, Jennette, Keith.

Wednesday Mixed Bowls:

Winner: A Jacobs, J Jenner, A Mattsson; R/up: K Elliott, S Bettess, G Andersen. Thursday Mixed Triples: Winner: G Reynolds, R Blake, N Robson; R/up: P Standidge, R Gillman, A Tymms, W Morris.

Club Championships: Men’s

4’s: P Williamson, A Birch, B Ludwig, A Mattsson def B Wright, G Andreatta, R Lloyd, N Robson, 18-17; S Vidgen, L Idiens, P Cavanagh, D Gibson def P Osborne, G McCall, C Twigger, B Findlay, 28-13;

Ladies 4’s: R Blake, E Herwig, J Ward, G Andersen def C Scott, J Smith, A Lim, L Mikic, 20-14. All bowlers, nonbowlers and tourists welcome. Bowls available for free, ph 4057 6931. Note: All social games played, cards are called 15 minutes before start. Club championships to be played: Check boards for play by dates

for Championship games. Like us on Facebook. Special Events: Raffles Friday night also trivia.

WEST CAIRNS LADIES

Wednesday February 15th: White Lady Day, we wish to thank all the ladies and men that came along to make this day a great success. A big thank you to our sponsor White Lady Funerals, Helen and Mirella, and all the ladies that brought prizes for raffles. Well done everyone. Winner: Elaine Whitehead, Joyce Alexander, Glenys Buttigieg; R/up: Yvonne Best, Kay Paki, Ken Vivian: what a close game only 1 end separated the 1st and 2nd teams. Wednesday February 22nd: Social

against Edmonton and Cairns. Next Saturday 25th we will be contesting the final at South Johnstone at 1pm.

EDGE HILL BOWLS CLUB

Ladies Bowls: Social bowls for Thursday February 16th: No results available. Ladies your names must be in by 2:30pm for a 3pm start on Thursday 23rd February 2023.

Men’s Bowls: District Pairs: Lyle Braggins, Nick Twining def Don Lawton, Dave Goode, forfeit due to flood waters on the way from Cooktown.

Semi Final: Kim Mitchell def Mick DeVries, 25-22. Final: Ben Moore def Kim Mitchell, 22-25. Great bowling by both players. Nominations have closed for Singles, Pairs,

Facebook page. You can also contact Ray Webster 0402 182 230 for social bowls assistance and volunteering your time or ring the Club 4053 1036.

MOSSMAN MEN’S BOWLS

Saturday February 18th: 30 Bowlers for Jackpot Bowls. Peter Fairchild, Richard Anderson, Nev Tesch def Steve Cue, Wayne Parkes, Bernie Savage, 21-19; Col Widdows, Dave Egan, Nev Fletcher def Kiwi, John Fleming, Bill Allison, 2014; Ranald Edwards, Jim Geddes, Tony Brlyack def David White, Daryl Hoskins, Peter Gorsuch, 25-13; Ted Holmes, Terry Richards, Peter Worley def Eric Smith, Sas, Jock Constantine 28-15; and the winners of the day, Malachy McTag-

now posted on the noticeboard.

Club Championship book for 2023 is now open and will close at 4pm March 6th with the draw to be done after the Men’s Section Committee meeting. For those that may be away (travelling/holidays etc)

- after March 6th - please list your name & dates when you will be away for Club Championship. This will assist with the scheduling of games. Anyone interested in playing bowls, either for the first time or returning to the game, contact David White on 0407 630 759. Follow Mossman Bowls Club Men’s Section on Facebook or see our new website www. mossmanbowlsclub.com.au.

WEST CAIRNS TPI ME-

at 1.15pm with play commencing at 1.30pm. After a break for afternoon tea which is included in the green fee, play concludes at 4.30pm when the winning team is selected. Any registered lawn bowler is welcome to visit the club during play to see how we enjoy the game which is always played in a friendly manner. The green is carpet covered and the playing surface protected from the elements by a covered roof and sides protected from the rain. We hope to see you soon.

WEST CAIRNS MEN’S BOWLS CLUB

Friday Scroungers: Winner: Simon McVardy; R/up: Tania Sprenger. Tuesday afternoon: Winners: Ray, Barry and Rob, 22pts on a countback; R/up: Wayne Vella, Steve Howells and Eddie Czarnecki, 22pts and +13 in the second game.

Thirsty Thursday: Best players: Chris Auger, Kevin Lee, and Edna. Sunday Morning: Winners: Richo, Wally Edwards, and Mal Taylor, 19pts; R/up: Trevor Moulds, Billy Gill and Earnie Harris, 19pts. The Jackpot was not won. Club Championship Season 2023: Men’s Fours first round was won by T Moulds, J Wilcox, Des Lazarus and M Taylor, 19pts def G Blades, S Kavanagh, A Snow and J Banes, 10pts. Happy bowling and see you on the Green. Social bowlers are always welcome.

LAST MAN STANDS

Results February 19th Weare Oval: Cairns Challengers 118/6 (20) def 2 for 222 111/4 (20).

POTM: Gurman Saini. Boundary Hunters 117/2 (14.4) def Defender Squad 116/7 (20.0). Ranvir Singh Basra 66(49). Jahmal Deen 4/26 (4). POTM: Jahmal Deen.

MILLAA MILLAA GOLF

bowls. If you wish a fun game of mixed social bowls on Wednesday’s, give Liz a call on 0400 626 765 names in by 10.45am, game starts 11.30am, finish about 3pm men are most welcome to come along. Please BYO lunch as the kitchen is not open during the day. Good Bowling to All.

INNISFAIL MENS

Thursday afternoon social bowls was a wash-out this week. Visitors and new members are most welcome. Names in by 12.30pm for a 1.00pm start. In A-Grade Club Singles, Jim Martinod out lasted Allan Morrison for a comfortable win. In Club Pairs: Alf Siliato and Alf Strano def Mal Clifford and Sam Micale, 18-14. On Saturday afternoon our Wallis Shield teams had two wins

Triples and Fours. Check the notice board for draws and arrange your games ASAP. Remember that all entrants MUST be Financial Members to be eligible for these Club Events. Thanks to Terri and Tony McAlary for assisting with Dementia Bowls.

Saturday February 18th Social Bowls Winners: Lou Pomroy and Peter Whitehead; R/up: Col Whyte and Bruce Moseley.

Social Bowls: Social Bowls will continue on Tuesday at 1pm and Night bowls remain at 7pm, Wednesday night Self Selected Triples will also remain at 7pm. Saturday Social Bowls will still be played 1pm on Saturday. Check with the Club for other times or use of the new Social Bowls Booking forms online on Edge Hill Club Website and check out our

gart, Steve Hudson, Michael Sims def Charlie Toohey, Dick Pitt, Bob Carroll, 30-15. No Jackpot Bowls this Saturday due to the Club hosting the Mossman Threes. We will hold Social Bowls this Sunday with names in by 9am for a 9.30am start. To register ring the Club on 4098 1434. Jackpot Bowls will resume on Saturday March 4th. Names in by 12pm with card call at 12.45pm for a 1pm start. A reminder, the next Men’s Social Bowls will be held Thursday March 2nd from 5.30pm with names in by 5pm at a cost of $10 per person. Social Bowls now held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month and open to all members, non-members and beginners wishing to try bowls for the first time. Calendar of events for February and March

MORIAL BOWLS CLUB

Twelve players played their game of social mixed bowls last Monday under sultry conditions The winning team was led by Mick Ford and supported by Gwen Cory and Kay Hellmuth. The Annual General Meeting where the new committee will be selected is to be held at 11am on Monday March 6th and all members are urged to attend and volunteer for any position on the committee. Next week players including visiting bowlers wishing to join in the social game should contact selector Rosemary on 0409 624 623 as soon as possible to confirm their desire to play. Nominations close at 12pm or can also be made by using the players list available at the clubhouse in Gatton Street, Cards are drawn

Sunday February 19th: Millaa Millaa Hotel sponsored Two Ball Medley Ambrose. Four visitors, Marty Ots, Mark Skehan, Robert Goldfinch and Reg Dwyer. Winners: Warwick Howarth and Kelvin Groves, nett 63; R/up: Mark Twomey and Alan Hapgood, 64 1/4; 3rd: Ash Healy and David Welch, 64 1/2. NTP: Warwick Howarth and Kelvin Groves 1/10, Geoff Errey and Bruce Hunter 5/14, Mark and Happy 2nd shot nearest 8/17. Four raffle draws: Warwick Howarth, Ash Healy (three wins). Next week is a straight Stableford competition, sponsored by Malanda Rural Supplies so 9am for 9.30am. A couple of things from the committee meeting: players will now be penalised for throwing equipment, i.e. clubs: the player will be disqualified on that day and the following week. We have lost the sponsor for our stroke event on the Sunday of the Millaa Millaa Open Weekend. We are looking for a replacement and if you have any contacts call 0417 749 070.

Junior cricket players at Cazalys

Vigoro in need of young players

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

DECADES ago, Vigoro was a popular sport in Queensland; it attracted cities and towns from north to south into fiery championships.

Today, Cairns Vigoro Association is fighting to bring the sport back into the spotlight.

Vigoro is a team sport combining elements of cricket and baseball, making for a fast-paced and competitive game. The association has been introducing the game to locals for 90 years.

Association president Lynelle Crappe said the organisation needed more junior players in 2023 to bring more attention to the sport.

“Previously, it used to be many centres, towns and cities competing,” she said.

“From Cairns down to Brisbane, this included Townsville, Mackay, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, so that’s how it used to be.

“It slowly dwindled away, the sport isn’t what it used to be, and now we have Cairns, Ipswich and Fassifern in Boonah.

“We believe the juniors are the way to go; we still want senior players, but to keep vigoro running, you need to have your juniors coming through.

“We’ve been doing a junior competition for many years; we run it for 10 weeks starting in July.

“Today, we only have two teams of juniors ranging from ages seven to 14.

“We send out flyers to all the local schools from Gordonvale to Edmonton down to Aloomba, and we get it into their school magazines to try and get more recruits,” Ms Crappe said.

With the 2023 season starting in July, right before the school holidays, Ms Crappe said the association would hold many events to attract junior players.

“On Saturday morning, June 17, we’re holding a colour run to attract more kids to come and try,” she said.

“From there, we will hold our sign-on day for tryouts right before the junior season.”

Ms Crappe said Vigoro Cairns constantly needed new players, scorers and umpires and she encouraged Cairns residents to fall in love with the exciting sport before the season begins in July.

“For those who may not know, Vigoro is a sport quite like cricket,” she said.

“Vigoro has basically the same rules as cricket but in a faster format, so you can be run out, bowled, caught, stomped, caught behind, lbw (leg before wicket), any way you can get out of cricket as well.

“However, Vigoro has two bowlers, one with a red ball, one with a white ball, and they bowl alternately, and there’s an umpire that regulates the bowling.

“The main difference is that it’s tipsy run, so if you hit the ball in front of the crease, you must run.

“You don’t need the experience to play; come along, have fun, and we’ll teach you as you go.

“We had six senior teams, but we’re hoping to build on that; some teams might struggle to get the 12 players in their team, so the more players we get, the better.

“We play in Gordonvale at Johnson Park on Saturdays, 2.30pm-5pm; it is a two-hour-and-ahalf game.

“Our fees are approximately $100 for the whole season from July to December, so it’s an affordable sport, and we supply all the gear, the bats, the balls, the wickets and everything,” Ms Crappe said.

Ms Crappe said vigoro was a competitive yet friendly sport for people who enjoyed a fastpaced game.

“It’s a fast-action game, and it makes it more exciting when you’re playing,” she said.

“It’s fun and competitive, but all the teams

are friendly and very social.

“We would welcome new members with open arms.”

During presentation night on February 18, the association celebrated its best players and team and bid farewell to the 2022 season in hopes of a dynamic 2023 season.

The awards, celebrated at Edge Hill Bowls Club, involved 93 participants and commemoration of iconic teams like PJays and the Mighty Ducks.

“During presentation night, we award the winners and runner-ups, and we give trophies to the most captures, the most runs, the most wickets taken for individuals and teams,” Ms Crappe, said.

“This year, our theme for the night was heroes and villains. Our season runs from July to December, so we celebrate the end of the season on presentation night.

“In 2022, we saw the team Mighty Ducks become the victors and PJays coming runner up; it was a very close competition overall.”

For more information and to join Cairns Vigoro Association, email cairnsvigoro@gmail. com, contact Lynelle Crappe at 0428126281 or Nadine Pinto at 0424252944.

Best all-rounder Cooper Simpson and Collette Crappe

Cairns Vigoro team PJays was awarded on presentation night

Cairns Vigoro players U14 at Ipswich state titles

Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride secures major sponsor for

THE 26th annual Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride is being sponsored by Cardzilla for the fourth year with added support from Smartech Business Systems.

Ride Coordinator Helena McInnes said the contribution and sponsorship to the ongoing growth of the event ensured that the Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride continued to positively impact the education of kids in remote regions who needed access distance education.

The event is a 780km-long bucket list bike ride across the top of Australia.

The multi-day event has many unique aspects, including being predominantly volunteerbased.

Cardzilla co-owner Steve Bates said the organisation was proud to step up as a sponsor for 2023.

“We are very proud to be the major sponsors

of the Cardzilla Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride 2023, with the support of Smartech Business Systems and to continue to support this amazing cause,” Mr Bates said.

“Over the years of being involved with this event, we have seen the gratitude first-hand of the families that are the recipients of the fundraising and the impact it has on the education of their children that rely on distance education,” he said.

Initially called the Coast to Coast Bike Ride, it began through the Cairns School of Distance Education P&C Association in 1997 to originally address the need to build a multi-purpose activity centre for the school site in Cairns.

Early in the life of the event the decision was made to spread the benefits of funds raised to include many communities and organisations across the North Queensland region.

Today beneficiaries include Cairns School of Distance Education, primary schools, P&Cs –including Mt Garnet, Mt Surprise, Georgetown, Croydon, Normanton and Karumba - child care centres, sports associations and more.

The funds from the ride have supported the introduction of telephone bridging into schools and stations and a much improved and very reliable communication system for students to undertake classes.

Smartech Business Systems chief executive Vincent Nair said as a sponsor, they wanted to support the community.

“Smartech has partnered with Cardzilla, one of our larger clients, as we believe the opportunity to give back to the community, especially in the development of children,” he said.

“It’s an important cause, and we could see the enthusiasm the guys from Cardzilla had for the

ride and cause. We wish you all the best.”

Ms McInnes said they were excited to return once more for a great cause.

“It is wonderful to have the support of the business community to ensure the continuity of this charity event,” she said.

“No matter where you live, access to quality education should always be a priority for everyone.

“We are very excited and grateful to have Cardzilla as our major sponsor for this year’s event.”

The seven-day charity bike ride involves more than 250 participants each year.

Registrations are now open, and riders have until May 31, 2023, to secure their place in the event. The ride dates are from June 24-30, and riders who register before May 1 will be guaranteed their preferred jersey size.

Cyclists tackle a water crossing

Youngsters with a police officer

A pack of riders on the road