Cape York Weekly
CASH INJECTION FOR KINDY
Queensland Country Bank’s Weipa branch manager Luke O’Day and local C&K Kindy director Stephanie Neil check out the new playground equipment funded through the bank’s Good for Good community grants program. Find out how it will benefit its excited new users on Page 7.
Search tragedy
The search for a 60-year-old Aurukun man missing for more than a week took a tragic turn on Saturday when human remains were found in a four-metre saltwater crocodile. Full story – Page 2
Space body to hold community session
RADARS, rockets and remote economic sustainability will be on the agenda when Space Centre Australia (SCA) holds a community consultation session in Weipa on 20 February.
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The session will provide an update on the SCA launch centre project, its planned operation of air traffic control and marine traffic monitoring radar systems on behalf of German sensor technology and defence giant HENSOLDT in Weipa, Lockhart River, Bamaga and Horn Island, and the role SCA believes it has to play in the long-term economic diversification of the region.
“Our key goals are to gain a better understanding of the cur-
rent challenges the community faces with land tenure, realising future investment opportunities in critical infrastructure development, perceived impacts of the East Weipa mine closure and the prospect of achieving normalisation for the western Cape,” SCA chief executive officer James Palmer told Cape York Weekly
“For the first radar site, after an extensive assessment period, we have determined that the most suitable location for the first air traffic radar is near the Weipa Airport; we are yet to fully lock down a permanent site, but we have narrowed it down to three locations around the Weipa Airport area.
“As to the location [of the main launch centre], this still remains the same – east of RAAF Scherger near the Billys Lagoon area.”
Mr Palmer said a capital raising exercise was currently under way in the United States, adding Weipa residents could expect to see a more permanent presence by the company in the township by the end of 2025.
“We are aiming to have a more permanent presence in Weipa later this year,” he said.
“[The capital raising] will enable us to ramp up staff, and open a project office and information centre directly in the Weipa region.”
The SCA boss said he ex-
pected operational phases of the launch and radar projects to still be at least three years away.
“Taking current conditions and progress into account, we expect these operational phases to commence late 2028 [or] early 2029 to support smaller launch operations and the radar operations,” Mr Palmer said.
“We expect larger launch operations to commence in the early 2030s.”
The session will be held in the Albatross Bay Resort conference room from 6:30pm on Thursday, 20 February, with all community members welcome to attend.
To register, visit www.trybooking.com/CYWJX.
Human remains found in crocodile during search
Editor’s note: While police have not confirmed the human remains found inside the crocodile are those of the missing 60-year-old man, Cape York Weekly has opted not to publish his first name out of respect for cultural protocols.
THE search for a 60-year-old Aurukun man missing for more than a week has taken a tragic turn after human remains were located inside a large saltwater crocodile in the nearby Watson River on Friday night.
Police confirmed on 8 February the remains had been discovered as part of a recovery effort to locate Waal Waal Yunkaporta, who was reported missing after last being seen leaving his house in the western Cape York community at about 12pm on 30 January.
It is believed he intended to go fishing at the mouth of the Ward, Watson and Archer rivers.
Police and wildlife officers located the four-metre crocodile along the Watson River on 7 February, where it was humanely euthanised, with forensic testing finding human remains inside the reptile.
Further testing will be conducted to identify the remains.
A spokesperson for the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation said the euthanised animal was “very distinguishable” due to its dark skin colouration when compared to other large crocodiles in the area.
An official update circulated by Aurukun Shire Council last
week and seen by Cape York Weekly said there was “no indication of any wrongdoing by another person” and that police believed the missing man may have “suffered either a serious health condition or crocodile attack”.
Police said on Saturday afternoon the missing man’s family and the council had been advised about the discovery
of human remains inside the crocodile. A family member of the missing man, who asked not to be named, said the Aurukun community was preparing for the worst.
“It is very sad,” they said.
“We are praying and asking God for a miracle but we think that person in the pikkuw (saltwater crocodile) is probably him (the missing man).”
The foot, water and air search included areas of swamp around Aurukun. Photo: Queensland Police Service
Olympic focus will make it tough for Cape funding
By LYNDON KEANE
THE returned Member for Cook says he is concerned a south-east corner focus on infrastructure for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games will create a “real battle” for Cape York to receive a fair share of available funding in coming years.
Speaking to Cape York Weekly about his biggest takeaways from his first three months back in office, David Kempton flagged infrastructure development as one of the major issues he had identified and spoken to stakeholders in the northernmost part of the electorate about.
“Without being unfair, it just seems to me there’s been a lack of attention to infrastructure and service delivery,” he said.
“There would appear to be a void in the delivery of essential services, and in particular, in things like health, there’s been a lack of even maintenance funding for hospitals; there’s a catchup period when I need to understand what hasn’t been done, what needs to be done immediately, and then start some longterm planning, so that we’re getting a fair slice of the funding and infrastructure delivery in this region.”
With the region crying out for wide-ranging infrastructure upgrades, especially to the road network, Mr Kempton said he
believed a Brisbane-centric focus on developing facilities for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games put remote parts of the state like Cape York at risk of missing the funding boat.
“This is particularly the case looking over the next eight years with the Olympic Games and the concentration in the southeast, it’s going to be a real battle up here to make sure we get our share of the pie,” he said.
Mr Kempton, who will attend the 2025 Western Cape Futures Symposium in Weipa in May,
said he was committed to being a strong advocate for the region, but called on Cape York communities to help the case for funding by identifying local priorities requiring immediate government attention.
“I think it’s critical, because we’ve got to get away from this attitude that things will be fixed by the government in the southeast,” he said.
“I would like to see right across the board, the position put forward by the communities and their leaders as to what
they see should be done, and I should become an advocate for that, rather than just coming up here delivering messages from Brisbane.”
Mr Kempton is currently working out of former Labor MP Cynthia Lui’s office in Cairns and has a temporary office in Mareeba operating as suitability concerns over a permanent office in the town are rectified.
The topic of electorate office siting became a contentious issue during campaigning for the October 2024 state election, with all candidates except Ms Lui committing to scrap the Cairns location in favour of a presence within the Cook boundary.
“I have opened the office in Mareeba – it’s a temporary office,” Mr Kempton explained.
“At the moment, it’s not compliant with the rules in terms of security, public safety and amenity for staff, and we’re working on rectifying that; so, the Cairns office is an interim arrangement to make sure that the electorate is properly serviced, and as soon as I can get that Mareeba office fully operational, then we’ll make a decision about the future of Cairns.
“But at the moment, if I didn’t have this (Cairns) office open, there’d be no office; I’m doing the very best I can to make sure that the entire electorate is serviced as well as it can be.”
Wet season can impact health: TCHHS
WITH wet conditions affecting large parts of Cape York, health authorities are reminding residents to take precautions against melioidosis after the first case of the year in the region was recorded last week.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) public health medical Officer
Dr Allison Hempenstall said the first melioidosis case of 2025 had been recorded on Cape York.
“With the first case recorded, it’s worth our communities being aware that cases are starting to occur,’’ she said.
“Melioidosis is a soil-borne bacterial dis-
ease that can cause pneumonia, abdominal organ, skin and bloodstream infections.
“While potentially fatal, melioidosis is treatable and curable with antibiotics; melioidosis is very uncommon in healthy adults and rarely seen in children, however, people who have diabetes, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease, cancer, medication that suppresses their immune system, or drink too much alcohol are most at risk of developing the infection.”
A total of 13 cases of melioidosis were reported throughout the TCHHS region in 2024, with seven recorded in 2023.
Dr Hempenstall said melioidosis was caused by a germ typically found in muddy surface water. Cape York residents should avoid unnecessary contact with such muddy water or floodwater to minimise their risk of contracting the disease.
“The majority of infections occur when skin abrasions or wounds come into contact with wet soil, or water contaminated by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. Symptoms of acute melioidosis include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing; the effects can be very severe and almost always result in hospitalisation,” she said.
Member for Cook David Kempton believes the Olympics in south-east Queensland will create a “real battle” for Cape York to get its fair share of the funding pie over the next few years.
Government squad could help unite Cape services
By LYNDON KEANE
A DEDICATED team tasked with being a central point of contact for government, funding partners and those looking to invest on western Cape York could help unlock the region and secure its economic future, according to the chair of Weipa Town Authority (WTA).
As planning continues for the 2025 Western Cape Futures Symposium in May, WTA Chair Jaime Gane has mooted the concept of implementing a team that would help stakeholders – particularly business operators looking to expand or those wanting to develop new industries – navigate through the red tape and engagement hurdles that currently exist.
“In my mind, it would probably be a small team of people who had the ability to work across all levels of government and government departments, as well as liaise with the private sector, regional bodies and potential investors to be the single point of contact for all entities who are interested in the economic development of the region,” she explained.
“A team that can co-ordinate all of the work that is being done to progress the future of the region.”
Ms Gane said she believed a lack of stakeholder communication and collaboration had led to development “silos” being created, a scenario that could be overcome with the introduction of a western Cape York government liaison team.
“At the moment, there is a lot of work being done in silos on the future of Weipa and the western Cape, and without a single point of co-ordination for all of that work, we waste valuable time, money and resources redoing reports and studies which have likely already been done,” she said, adding the concept had the potential to benefit the rest of
Cape York and the Torres Strait.
“It’s a role that absolutely could benefit the broader region as well; we all face many of the same issues and challenges in respect to economic development,” she said.
The concept has received the support of Cook MP David Kempton, who said he believed locally-driven solutions were the key to driving remote economic development opportunities.
“I’d certainly encourage that,” he told Cape York Weekly when asked whether he thought the concept had merit.
“I think that’s where the genesis should be from, the local area, and opportunities that
arise, rather than waiting for something to happen for someone. I absolutely, absolutely support that.”
Several business owners Cape York Weekly spoke also supported the plan, with one, who asked not to be named, suggesting it would “open the floodgate” for new investment.
“Something like that’d be such a help,” they said.
“We’re looking to expand and I know a few more guys who are looking to come up here, but the moment you start talking government and grants and jumping through all the hoops, you tend to just shake your head and put it in the too hard basket.”
When asked about who she believed should foot the bill for the liaison team, Ms Gane ruled out a public-private funding agreement between the State Government and Rio Tinto.
“I think it should be the job of government to fund this,” she said.
“It’s not Rio Tinto’s responsibility to fund a role dedicated to the economic development of a region, and ensure the security and sustainability of services –that’s the job of government.
“Perhaps the State Government could allocate some of the mining royalties they receive from our region back into the communities it comes from.”
Festival date set
ALL roads will lead to the Torres Strait in September for the region’s event of 2025, the Winds of Zenadth Cultural Festival.
The two-day event, hosted by Torres Shire Council, will showcase dance and culture from the islands with a theme of “connecting past, present and future”. The festival will be held on Thursday Island from 16-19 September.
Stolen vehicle, Napranum
POLICE are calling for public assistance to locate a four-wheel drive stolen from western Cape York last Monday.
The silver 2017 Ford Ranger (above) –Queensland registration 846XOQ – was stolen from Napranum on 3 February, and anyone with information about the theft, or the whereabouts of the vehicle, is asked to contact the Queensland Police Service and quote reference QP250010934.
The dual cab is one of six already stolen in the Far Northern Region in February, with 101 reported stolen in the policing region so far for 2025.
Lockhart woman arrested
A 27-YEAR-OLD Lockhart River woman was refused bail following her arrest after being located at a Lake Street bus stop in Cairns in the early hours of 4 February.
Police allege the woman had failed to appear in court on 10 January in relation to two previous matters, resulting in warrants being issued. She was charged with two counts of fail to appear in accordance with undertaking and appeared in Cairns Magistrates Court on 4 February.
Cadetship program open
RIO Tinto is currently seeking expressions of interest for its Weipa cadetship program.
The program is available to Local Aboriginal Persons (LAP) undertaking tertiary studies in any mining-related discipline. Cadets will be able to study fulltime while gaining hands-on experience in their specialised field in the mining sector.
For more information, email Rosselle. Canilao@riotinto.com.
Weipa Town Authority Chair Jaime Gane (right), pictured with Kowanyama Mayor Territa Dick at last year’s Developing Northern Australia Conference, is calling on the State Government to create a stakeholder liaison team to streamline the investment and economic development process on western Cape York.
A vehicle similar to this Ford Ranger was allegedly stolen in Napranum last week.
Collaboration provides food security in Torres Strait
AS the severe wet weather event continues to impact supply routes in Far North Queensland, a collaboration between Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ), Sea Swift and Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) is ensuring food, fuel and other essentials get to remote communities.
The extreme weather conditions over the past fortnight have caused significant disruptions to supply chains, affecting the ability to fully stock all stores across not only Cape York and the Torres Strait, but in urban areas like Cairns.
CEQ chief executive officer Michael Dykes said the
focus remained on keeping communities informed and ensuring essential goods were available, and urged customers to avoid panic buying.
“While efforts are being made to maintain a steady supply, residents may notice some shortages, particularly in fresh produce, and communities are encouraged to
consider alternative products where possible, such as long-life milk instead of fresh milk,” he said.
“It’s also important to think of others in the com-
munity, especially our more vulnerable residents, during difficult times like these.”
TSIRC chief executive officer James William said the council was committed to doing what it could to ensure continuity of service during wet season weather events.
“Our council provides a diverse range of services to the communities we serve,” he said.
“In times of uncertainty, such as extreme weather events, we prioritise strengthening partnerships and communication; this collaborative approach allows us to work efficiently with other service provid-
ers, ensuring continuity of services.”
Sea Swift executive chairman Chris Pearce highlighted the Torres Strait region was a unique environment to operate in, with the wet season offering additional challenges.
“Sea Swift are a resilient service, committed to the Far North and Torres Strait”, Mr Pearce said.
“The climate and environment are a constant challenge for the communities and can present operational hurdles in logistics, transportation and freight, [and] we are working together to ensure we minimise the impact on our customers.”
CIAF director settles into the job
By CHISA HASEGAWA
FROM a boy in a remote Cape York community to a leader in Queensland’s Indigenous art scene, one Injinoo man’s decadeslong dedication to his craft is being celebrated across the country.
Teho Ropeyarn was announced as the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair’s (CIAF) newest artistic director last week, bringing with him a decade of curatorial and leadership experience, and a deep-rooted passion for preserving First Nations art and culture.
As the 16th iteration of the event prepares to return to its roots at the Tanks Arts Centre this year, Mr Ropeyarn said he hoped to highlight a wider variety of artists and artworks throughout his reign.
“I think it will be a brilliant event; we definitely want to do a bit more work around commissioning artworks to push practices with different artists,” he said.
“Whether it’s large-scale or small-scale works in and around the precincts or inside the tanks, as well as outdoor pieces, we just want to bring that life and spark into the event, and really focus on highlighting artists and new work.”
Mr Ropeyarn said he first fell in love with art at school, and had several talented family members to
look up to. He went on to study at the College of Fine Arts in Sydney before returning to his community and starting a career based on keeping Indigenous art and culture alive.
“I think very much in the early days, it stemmed from preserving culture, so that was language and identity, and for myself, art became the vehicle for it,” he said.
“I did see that we did not have that identity, our Aboriginal heritage from Injinoo, so documenting that, doing research, digging up our tribal material, just to grasp some sort of an idea on who we are and who we are as people, was my focus.
“That was the whole purpose to go and study at the College of Fine Arts – to return back to community and encourage the revitalisation of culture through art.”
Mr Ropeyarn’s work will also soon be seen by commuters all over Brisbane, with his piece based on Cape York’s vast landscape currently being installed at the city’s Boggo Road train station.
Ataga Ulumu (red clay/road), which will measure approximately eight metres high and 25 metres across, highlights the similarities between the Jardine River and the Brisbane River, which runs close to the station.
“I touched on the Peninsula Developmental Road, and Country in itself, with water and the sky and land, and cross-referenced that with the Brisbane River,” he said.
“It’s a nice crossover between Brisbane, where the work is being presented, and where I’m from in Cape York.
“It’s a long journey to get to this point, so it’s very exciting; you know, you come from a small Aboriginal community with mostly your family surrounding you, and to have been selected for something of that scale in the city, it’s massive.”
In the midst of a thriving career, Mr Ropeyarn continues to stay true to his original mission of promoting culture through art in the Northern Peninsula Area, and will share his expertise as a guest judge at this year’s Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award in June.
“I think it’s not just judging, it’s looking at the works and artists that are coming out of the Cape and Torres Strait, and see what we can support at CIAF,” he said.
“I was a finalist in the 2009 Gab Titui art award, and I was still studying in Sydney at the time; I’ve come a long way through my different roles, so to now be invited back to judge, it’s like it’s come full-circle.”
Sea Swift is collaborating with remote supermarket operator Community Enterprise Queensland and Torres Strait Island Regional Council to ensure the recent North Queensland flood event will not have a detrimental impact on island communities.
From aspiring artist to the new artistic director of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, Injinoo artist Teho Ropeyarn is leading the way in cultural preservation.
Kindergarten stoked to win grant
By LYNDON KEANE
HE may be too big to test the equipment himself, but that did not stop Queensland Country Bank (QCB) Weipa branch manager Luke O’Day handing over a cheque to provide the township’s smallest kindy kids with new playground adventures last week.
Through its Good for Good community grants program, QCB provided almost $10,000 for wooden playground equipment for Weipa Community Kindergarten’s “Little Kindy” in the Pebbles Building that will unlock sustainable learning opportunities, as well as increased physical and mental health as the children explore the new play time addition.
C&K Kindy director Stephanie Neil thanked QCB and outlined the positive impact the new equipment would have.
“The kindy is an integral part of the close-knit Weipa community, and the grant has allowed us to purchase new playground equipment which incorporates natural materials and elements,” she said.
“We are very committed to ensuring our service environment is inclusive, promotes curiosity, confidence and supports play-based learning. As a community-based, not-for-profit organisation, grants like this are vital to our ability to continue to provide high quality resources for children and families.”
The new equipment has proven
a hit with kindergarteners already, with 4-year-old Lincoln Borden and Adelyn Collins giving it a glowing endorsement.
“I just play all day on there,” said Lincoln.
“I go down the slide and have fun,” added Adelyn.
Mr O’Day said the outcomes already being achieved with the installation of the equipment aligned with the objectives of the Good for Good program.
“As a member-owned bank, Queensland Country Bank has always been committed to giving back to our local communities who support us,” he said.
“This is especially important in regional communities like Weipa, where funding can be hard to come by.
“[Our] Good for Good commu-
nity grants and sponsorships are an integral part of what we do as a member-owned bank to help fund infrastructure and projects that bring long-term benefits for local residents.
“I would have loved to give the new playground equipment a try, but I didn’t quite get the chance, and I’m not sure I’d meet the weight limit anyway; jokes aside, it’s fantastic to see this new play space in action [and] wonderful knowing that local kids will enjoy it for years to come.”
Mr O’Day urged other community groups to check out the eligibility requirements for the Good for Good program by either jumping on the QCB website or dropping into the Weipa branch to discuss their proposed project with staff.
The new playground equipment funded by the grant has already been put to good use by kids from Weipa Community Kindergarten’s “Little Kindy” in the Pebbles building at Rocky Point.
Queensland Country Bank Weipa branch manager Luke O’Day hands over the cheque for new playground equipment to Weipa Community Kindergarten director Stephanie Neil last week.
Cape leaders back NAIF strategy
By LYNDON KEANE
A COALITION election promise to make the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) permanent has been welcomed by Cape York leaders who say the $7 billion fund has the capacity to make the region more appealing to investors if it is properly utilised.
On 25 January, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton announced the NAIF would remain a key part of the Northern Australia conversation if the Coalition won this year’s federal election.
The fund currently has a sunset clause of 30 June 2026, but Mr Dutton said he believed it had a pivotal long-term role to play to “power up Northern Australia’s economy and jobs market”.
“Northern Australia is front and centre of the Coalition’s plans to get Australia back on track,” he said.
“We want to power up Northern Australia’s economy and jobs market; making the NAIF permanent will give private enterprises the long-term certainty they need to invest in the north.
“It is critical to the region’s long-term economic success, which relies on the successful collaboration of public and private sectors to achieve economic growth and opportunity.”
“I think that it (the NAIF) is definitely being underutilised on the Cape,” she said.
would like to see
York and the Torres Strait receive a greater focus from the government’s Office of Northern Australia.
“There is no shortage of people wanting to invest in the Cape and start new enterprises; the struggle we have is complicated and restrictive land tenure arrangements,
XTREMECARE AUSTRALIA
which makes it very hard for new investments to come into the region. If we can resolve the issues that obstruct new investment into the region, the NAIF will definitely help to attract new industries; there is so much untapped potential in the western Cape, we just
need help to unlock it so we can make way for new and sustainable development, which will deliver a diverse and stable economy.”
The WTA chair’s sentiment was shared by one Cape York council chief executive officer, who spoke to Cape York Weekly on the condition of anonymity.
“It’s a positive they want to keep [the NAIF] but it almost feels like a wall goes up when you mention Cape York as the location of a project.
“It can’t just be the Northern Territory and northern [Western Australia] being the centre of attention for investment and government attention; we’ve got a few tremendous opportunities here but no one’s going to write a cheque if the Cape doesn’t look like a priority for government.”
Liberal National Party candidate for Leichhardt Jeremy Neal, who was with Mr Dutton and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Senator Susan McDonald for the announcement, said making the NAIF a permanent fixture was an important part of the party’s plan for the northernmost part of Queensland.
“We want to ensure Northern Australia is the economic powerhouse that we know it can be, and [this] announcement is an important part of achieving this,” he said.
Weipa Town Authority (WTA) Chair Jaime Gane said the announcement would benefit the region, adding she
Cape
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s promise to make the $7 billion Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility permanent if the Coalition wins government has been welcomed by Cape York community and business leaders, including Weipa Town Authority Chair Jaime Gane.
Ingrid feels the love in Rossville
By CHISA HASEGAWA
A ROSE on Valentine’s Day is a classic show of love, but not many of them will last forever like the ones handmade by a dedicated Rossville mother.
To raise funds for her daughter Ingrid’s continuing brain tumour treatments, Belle Newman has crocheted 120 roses ahead of 14 February, which are currently being sold at local businesses across Cooktown and Ayton.
Ms Newman said the project, which she announced on her daughter’s sixth birthday last week, was one of the bigger challenges she had taken on since starting her small business, Crocheting for Ingrid, just over a year ago.
She encouraged community members wanting a rose to get in quickly before they sold out.
“There are no extras – I ran completely out of red yarn,” she said.
“A friend taught me a couple of years ago and I really enjoyed it, and then someone wanted to buy something that I made, and I thought it’s something I could keep going with.
“Last year was when it really mostly took off and I created the [Facebook] page, and I got a few stores wanting to have my stuff in town.”
The roses have been sent out for purchase from Monday (10 February) and are available at Bektopia, the Cooktown RSL, Sovereign Hotel Resort bar, Cooktown Pharmacy, Carrots Fruit and Veg, Top End Tucker, Cooktown Hardware, IGA Cooktown, the Lion’s Den Hotel and IGA Ayton.
Ms Newman said the businesses held a
special place in her heart, as they were run by people who knew of Ingrid’s condition and had supported the family through its journey.
“I’m friends with the people who manage or run those businesses, so it means something more to have them at those certain businesses,” she said.
“I originally started going to other places but I didn’t know them, and I did a quick blurb about what I was doing and about Ingrid, and one of them was like ‘oh, I’ll have a look’, and I thought ‘nah, this is not somewhere I want them’.
“I wanted them to be with people who know Ingrid and know what she’s been going through, not just have them anywhere, so it’s all people that are friends with us and have supported us.”
Have your say in naming key infrastructure on the Peninsula Developmental Road
Here’s your chance to have your say in naming the bridges along the Peninsula Developmental Road. The Department of Transport and Main Roads is looking for ideas for names that highlight the area’s culture and histor y – be it a person, place, event, flora or fauna.
We are seeking ideas to name the Archer River bridge, Saltwater Creek bridge at Musgrave and South Laura bridge.
Naming the bridges will help simplify finding locations on the Peninsula Developmental Road for tourists, freight operators and residents. It will also provide a unique opportunity to give meaning to the bridge names from the community.
To make a submission and learn more, visit the website: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/cape-york-region-package-stage-2
Submissions close 5 pm Tuesday 1 April 2025
For more information:
Visit: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/cape-york-region-package-stage-2
Email: cyrp@tmr.qld.gov.au
Phone: 1800 184 317
Post: Peninsula Developmental Road Infrastructure Naming Department of Transport and Main Roads Far North District Office PO Box 6185 Cairns Qld 4870
Ingrid with a bunch of crocheted roses.
Crocheted roses will be appearing between Cooktown and Ayton this Valentine’s Day as a show of love that local mum Belle Newman has for daughter Ingrid, who has been battling a brain tumour.
PCYC driving program off to a positive start in 2025
By CHISA HASEGAWA
THIS year is shaping up to be a great year for Napranum youth wanting to hit the road as the first 2025 graduates of the PCYC Braking the Cycle program start to press the accelerator on their driving success.
The program, which has been running at PCYC Napranum since 2021, supports aspiring drivers who do not have access to a vehicle or supervisor in obtaining their licence.
“The program matches participants with volunteer mentors where they are provided with encouragement to help with their self-esteem and confidence, while developing positive road safety habits,” club manager Sergeant Rhonda Spence explained.
“It also provides people in Napranum the opportunity to gain their licence requirements in the comfort of their community, feeling proud and committed to gaining employment to support their families.”
The first graduate of 2025, Andrewina Madua, completed her 100 logbook hours and passed the test with the help of fellow community members.
“[I’m] extremely grateful,” she said.
“I can now get to and from work without having to rely on others, and I can also support my family with their needs.”
With many job opportunities in the Napranum area being with Rio Tinto, program co-ordinator Beth De Bruin said having a licence was a significant step towards career development.
“We’ve got one car in Napranum and it’s a manual, because a
lot of the younger students that we try and help, we want to encourage them to get a job, and Rio, which is a big one here, you need your manual licence,” she said.
Ms De Bruin said the club was always looking for more volunteers to help the young people reach their full potential.
“It is a little bit difficult finding volunteers in a small community, unfortunately, but I think we’ve
A fortnight until vote on fluoride
COOK Shire Council elected members will vote in a fortnight on the future of fluoride in Cooktown’s water supply.
The council resolved on 17 December 2024 to decide on the fate of continued fluoridation “no later than 25 February”, meaning it is set to be the highest profile item on the agenda for this month’s ordinary meeting.
already signed up four this month, which is exciting, because we can do more drives the more volunteers we have,” she said.
“I think our issue with volunteers is that a lot of them don’t have the time, but I also think a lot of people just aren’t aware, so I think it’s more us reaching out to the community and trying to find mentors that are willing and have that spare time.”
The issue of fluoridation has been the subject of intense public debate in Cooktown since October last year, with several locals vehemently opposed to the ongoing addition of the mineral to the community’s drinking water.
In December, elected members voted on a substantive motion from Councillor Gavin Dear to “undertake their own consultation” to allow them “the opportunity for full consideration of the issue” before the next meeting on 25 February.
PCYC Napranum’s first Braking the Cycle graduate for 2025, Andrewina Madua, celebrates her new-found independence.
Different views make us stronger
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
WHEN did the rulebook begin demanding anyone with opinions and experiences that differ from our own be branded an enemy and excoriated simply because they dare have a belief that opposes our own?
Long gone are the days of hearing someone’s differing perspective and considering it on its merits before determining whether it may be closer to reality than your own. In the age of social media, armies of keyboard warriors and nameless, faceless accounts are leading a raging battle in which vitriol and criticism are the ammunition, and anyone who doesn’t completely align with your ideologies the enemy. Leave independent thought, reasoning and common sense at the door, ladies and gentlemen, because this war is being fought by blinkered battalions hellbent on ensuring a my-way-or-the-highway mentality wins the day, rather than the overall betterment of our community.
Just look at the comments on any political story any media outlet runs to witness the war in action.
Over the past week alone, I’ve been accused of being a communist, a Labor lover and a sycophant for the Liberal National Party, often by the same people, all de-
pending on what mood they’re in, and how horribly they’ve misinterpreted the story they’re commenting on.
This, of course, assumes they’ve actually read the story, not just the headline, before lobbing their nonsensical thought grenade. Most online commentary these days leaves you feeling like you’ve been lobotomised and in desperate need of hand sanitiser and a plunger.
Sadly, the divisive mindset has crept into life beyond the laptop. I was talking to a Canberra-based mate at the weekend, and I mentioned I supported Peter Dutton’s
election promise to make the $7 billion Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility permanent if the Coalition wins the battle of the ballot box later this year.
My friend, who probably owns more red ties than any other 30-something in the country, gave a condescending laugh and said it was a stupid plan. When I pressed him for the basis of his assertion, it became clear he’d put a red line (see what I did there?) through the concept because the announcement came out of the Opposition Leader’s mouth.
Had Anthony Albanese made
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besties are having on intelligent, rational political discourse globally to see how rapidly the cistern is emptying. With a focus on division, our politicians don’t have to deliver for anyone other than themselves, their donors and fellow ideologists.
Cook MP David Kempton has admitted he is concerned it’s going to be “a real battle up here to make sure we get our share of the pie” in coming years. He’s not wrong, nor is he alone in his worry – he’s just the first of our elected leaders or candidates to stand up and say it. With our region representing just one state and one federal seat, we’re a political afterthought at the best of times, let alone when we’re baselessly arguing with one another while every available dollar gets thrown at south-east Queensland infrastructure to allow a few medals to be dished out in 2032.
an identical commitment, my mate would have been all over it like a fat kid on the last cupcake at a birthday party.
The problem is the ever-growing chasm is crippling us as a community and flushing any chance people power has of getting our elected leaders to take us seriously and give us the attention – and money – we need to succeed right down the toilet.
Its not just here on Cape York. It’s not even confined to state or national borders. You only have to look at the impact Donald Trump and his entourage of billionaire
If we aren’t united in identifying and championing the benefit of Cape York priorities to those holding the purse strings in Canberra and Brisbane, the disinterested absence of government funding for the region will be lost in the haze of online bickering, name calling and sanctimonious rage.
The easiest way to ignore us is to divide us. Perhaps we should consider that before we next prepare to fire a comment bomb at part of our Cape York family just because they don’t fly the same coloured political flag as us.
Instead of strengthening debate and providing more considered decision making, editor Lyndon Keane says narrow minds and differing perspectives are sending conversations of critical community importance down the toilet and diluting the clout of people power.
The Western Cape Communities Co-Existence Agreement (WCCCA) is an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) over the Rio Tinto mining lease areas of the Western Cape York region of Northern Queensland. The Agreement is between the eleven Traditional Owner Groups, four Shire Councils (Aurukun, Napranum, Mapoon and New Mapoon), Rio Tinto, the Queensland State Government and the Cape York Land Council on behalf of the Native Title Parties.
The Western Cape Communities Coordinating Committee (WCCCC) and its five Sub-Committees transparently monitor, implement and review the objectives of the WCCCA to ensure that all parties’ obligations under the Agreement are met. The WCCT office is the administration arm for all Trusts and the WCCCC. It manages the overall business of the company, including servicing, assisting and supporting the above entities.
WCCT is committed to providing high quality services to our Traditional Owners, and we recognize the importance of employing the most suitable candidates. Currently we are seeking applications for the position of:
OFFICE MANAGER
Reporting to the Executive Officer, the Office Manager is responsible for the efficient and effective functioning of the WCCT Office in order to meet organisational objectives. This includes demonstrating appropriate and professional workplace behaviours, performing their responsibilities in a manner which reflects and responds to continuous improvement, managing Administration staff, managing IT and communications systems and other office equipment, and providing support to the Executive Officer. The Office Manager is also responsible for the coordination and planning of all WCCT, WCCCC, Sub-Regional Trusts and Sub-Committees meetings scheduled throughout the year.
We anticipate the applicants will have completed a formal training in Business Administration or a similar field and have experience in a similar role where they have been responsible for the efficient and effective functioning of an office, managing administration staff, document control, managing IT and communications systems as well as compliance with organisation policies and procedures and workplace health and safety regulations. A current C class driver’s license is also required for this role.
Prior experience with MYOB, centralized database, and a sound knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island protocols are highly desired.
Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.
For further information, including a position description please contact the Executive Officer directly.
All applications should be clearly marked “Private and Confidential” and addressed as follows:
Executive Officer PO Box 106 Weipa, QLD, 4874 Phone: (07) 4069 7945
Email: eo@westerncape.com.au
CLOSING DATE – FRIDAY 14th FEBRUARY 2025
The Western Cape Communities Co-Existence Agreement (WCCCA) is an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) over the Rio Tinto mining lease areas of the Western Cape York region of Northern Queensland. The Agreement is between the eleven Traditional Owner Groups, four Shire Councils (Aurukun, Napranum, Mapoon and New Mapoon), Rio Tinto, the Queensland State Government and the Cape York Land Council on behalf of the Native Title Parties.
The Western Cape Communities Coordinating Committee (WCCCC) and its five Sub-Committees transparently monitor, implement and review the objectives of the WCCCA to ensure that all parties’ obligations under the Agreement are met. The WCCT office is the administration arm for all Trusts and the WCCCC. It manages the overall business of the company, including servicing, assisting and supporting the above entities.
WCCT is committed to providing high quality services to our Traditional Owners, and we recognize the importance of employing the most suitable candidates. Currently we are seeking applications for the position of:
IMPLEMENTATION OFFICER
Reporting to the Implementation Manager, the Implementation Officer is responsible for assisting in the monitoring and implementation of the WCCCA, with a focus on key areas such as employment and training, environmental and cultural heritage management, mine closure, and land management. In this role, the Implementation Officer will play a crucial part in ensuring the active participation of Aboriginal communities in the key areas. This position involves conducting regular reporting, collecting data, and performing administrative tasks to support the efficient execution of the WCCCA objectives.
We anticipate that applicants will have;
• Minimum Year 12 education
• C Class Driver License
• Knowledge and experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, society and culture and an understanding of relevant issues preferably in relation to the WCCCA region.
• Ability and willingness to travel to and work in remote communities.
• Experience or background in Education or Environment Science would be desirable (tertiary qualifications are highly regarded but not essential).
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to build and maintain trust and positive relationships with community members and stakeholders.
Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia. For further information, including a position description please contact the Executive Officer directly.
All applications should be clearly marked “Private and Confidential” and addressed as follows: Executive Officer PO Box 106
Weipa, QLD, 4874
Phone: (07) 4069 7945
Email: eo@westerncape.com.au
CLOSING DATE – FRIDAY 14th FEBRUARY 2025
Rising star rides to national finals
By CHISA HASEGAWA
AFTER just one year of competing seriously, a junior Hope Vale bull rider can now say he has represented his community on the national stage.
Ten-year-old Tyson “TJ” Ford comfortably made his way into the 2024 Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association National Finals Rodeo held in Tamworth on 23-25 January after recording a stellar competitive season travelling across Queensland.
“I was proud of myself,” he said.
In the lead-up to his first national rodeo, TJ practiced every day, whether on an actual bull or on a bucking drum.
“There’s four bulls on our farm, we practice on the farm, and I ride six times,” he said.
“I [also] practice on a bucking drum.”
TJ competed in three rounds in the 8-U11 Mini Bull category, touching down for no score in his first attempt before coming back strong and riding time for two 65-point efforts in rounds two and three.
Mum Ashleigh Oberluter explained the top 15 junior cowboys, based on scores from competitions throughout the season, were invited to the national finals.
“Out of the national ladder, TJ was sitting in sixth,” she said.
“The last 12 months, we’ve really focused on making sure that we can get to as many events as we can to ensure that he can get as many points as possible, because we know that especially down south, there’s bigger competition and more events for kids to attend.
“It was just a matter of sacrificing and committing to the sport, making sure that he’s attending competitions and being in-
volved, because every rodeo he’s placed in, he gets a certain amount of points that count towards a national standing.”
Ms Oberluter also thanked the many people who supported TJ in chasing his dream in the arena.
“We’re grateful for so many people, near and far, who supported us to get a young kid from Cape York to attend such a grand scale event; we were lucky enough to have Cooktown RSL and Hope Vale Congress supporting and sponsoring TJ to attend the finals,” she said.
“TJ has his eyes set on attending the World Mini Bull Riding Series in America in September this year; we will continue to fundraise to ensure no opportunity is missed.
“Although cowboys ride the bulls by themself, they’re carried by so many people supporting and wishing them nothing but success, a safe ride and a safe exit from the arena.”
POSITION VACANT:
21st February 2025 For further information or to request a copy of the Position Description please contact 07 4069 5412 or
Hope Vale junior rodeo star Tyson ‘TJ’ Ford.
After successfully making it to the national arena, TJ Ford now has his sights set the world stage.
Butler celebrates ace with huge win
NOT content with taking home the winner’s chocolates, Steve Butler left his mark on the weekly Cooktown Golf Club competition by bagging a thrilling hole-in-one on Saturday.
The fourball best ball was a hotly contested showdown, with Butler and Alice Burton combining for a winning nett 56, two strokes ahead of the field.
As if that were not enough, Butler carded the ace on hole 18 after a nervous 10-second wait
for his ball to disappear from view.
“His shot lipped out, spun around the hole and stopped on the edge, and we waited 10 or so seconds,” one of Butler’s playing partners who witnessed the shot explained.
“By the time Steve had picked up his tee, he looked back and the ball had fallen in.”
Wal Welsh (nett 62) was the best individual performer on the day. There were no protests
when Butler claimed the pin prize for the 18th, with Chris Hatton (2/11) and Brent Hetaraka (14th) showing deft touches to put their names on the other holes.
Welsh (790 points) has taken the lead in the 10th anniversary of the Race to the Bay, with Jamie Dobson and Graham Burton next best on 740 points.
Players will contest a par event from the white tees on 15 February.
Rain fails to dampen fun
By LYNDON KEANE
A WET season afternoon deluge failed to dampen the enthusiasm of junior footballers when AFL Cape York held its first AFL Superkick program of the year on 5 February.
The program offers an extension of the skills development year 4-6 students learn during in-school sessions and AFL Cape York game development co-ordinator Matt Mellahn said it had been a promising start to 2025.
“We had about 15 kids and a
few adults as well, which was nice,” he said.
“We’ve retained a few of the ones who were here last year – they came back and brought some mates with them, which is good for the program.
“The rain swamped in for the last 15 minutes, so we had to head for shelter.”
Mr Mellahn described AFL Superkick as “an advanced Auskick session” and encouraged any junior players interested in improving their skill on the paddock to attend one of the upcoming four sessions.
“After the [in-school clinics], we then do a clinic after school for those who are really keen,” he explained.
“The ones who have done Auskick for the last three or four years and want to develop their skills more can come down and play a game to learn more about the game.”
Despite the wet and humid start to the AFL year on Cape York, Mr Mellahn said there was an increasing interest in the football code from Cooktown up to the Torres Strait.
“After our school programs,
we have our Crusader Cup carnival as well, and at the end of all the skills clinics in the schools, we have a big carnival at the end of the term – that definitely builds interest,” he told Cape York Weekly
“We get about 80 kids to it each year; the kids keep showing up, and the kids who are showing up have demonstrated they are keen and want to learn more.”
AFL Superkick will be held at the John Street Oval from 5-6pm on 12 and 19 February, and 12 and 19 March.
SPORT IN BRIEF
Foy bags Wednesday win
MICK Foy was the best in a strong field of 16 at Carpentaria Golf Club on 5 February when competitors tackled the front nine in the weekly instalment of Wackers.
Foy carded a gross 46 for a nett 34.5 to take narrow bragging rights over runner-up Scott Andrews, who continued his purple patch of form by returning to the clubhouse after shooting 47 off the stick for a nett 35. It was a two-man Scott show with the weekly pin prizes, with Scott Triffitt getting closest on the 7th hole and Andrews too good on the 9th. Chelsie Chan secured the Bradman’s.
Meanwhile, heavy rain slashed the field from 13 to seven when Dawnbusters teed off in Weipa on Sunday morning
Dave Sands secured victory with 58 off the stick for nett 20, while Grant Crossley was runner-up with a nett 23.
Sands and Beth Dall took out the men’s and women’s long drive prizes, while Josh Martin picked up the Hoffman’s gong.
Huge crowd for parkrun
TWELVE first timers made up a bumper field of 91 participants when Weipa parkrun #405 was held on 8 February.
With storm clouds threatening, it was a morning of big numbers as 16 parkrunners notched up personal bests over the 5-kilometre circuit.
Parkrun newbie Adam Turner impressed on debut by being the first person to greet the timekeepers in 22 minutes, 36 seconds, with Marin Harada the first woman home in a time of 24:41.
Weipa parkrun is held every Saturday at 7am when participants meet at the hospital roundabout in Nanum.
Weipa BMX AGM
THE Weipa BMX Club is calling for community help to allow its 2025 season to go ahead as it prepares to hold its annual general meeting this Wednesday night.
The meeting will be held on 12 February at the Weipa Bowls Club at 6pm, with all committee positions needing to be filled in order for junior riders to continue racing this year.
For more information, visit the club’s Facebook page.
Cooktown’s junior Australian footballers are set to fly high over the next two months as AFL Cape York brings the wet season action of the AFL Superkick program to the region for another year.
Steve Butler after his ace on 18.
Dr Avril Howard
Kim Dunstan
