2:30pm 22nd March 2025
Natures PowerHouse Cooktown
Executive and Wallaby Creek Festival
Team Leader positions available
Membership Drive - all welcome
Afternoon Tea plus live music by Cooktown Collective
-- and just because we can -3pm Botanical Fungi Forest Walk with Sandi Lloyd and Ori Albert-Mitchell
IN the spirit of Clean Up Australia Day on the first Sunday of March, a Cooktown school is reflecting on the lessons learned at a notoriously rubbish-ridden local spot after seeing the aftermath of dumping first-hand.
Students and staff of Holy Spirit College (HSC) Cooktown donned their gloves at Isabella Falls on 27 February to remove half a dozen bags of rubbish, abandoned camping equipment and even a dumped tractor tyre.
TUXWORTH & WOODS CARRIERS
Need a reliable freight service to the Cape?
Tuxworth & Woods have all your refrigerated, dry & heavy haulage needs covered – from 20 grams to 20 tonnes
WEIPA DEPOT
Iraci Ave, Evans Landing Mob: 0429 003 743
Ph: 4069 7183 Fax: 4069 7472
COOKTOWN DEPOT
Cnr of Endeavour Road and McMillan Streets, Cooktown Ph: 0419 759 892
CAIRNS OFFICE: Ph: 4035 4022 25 Redden St, Portsmith
Get carried away with Tuxworth & Woods Carriers
Student Dwayne Matheson, who assisted in collecting the huge tyre, said he enjoyed doing his part in keeping Cooktown clean, adding he hoped others would follow the students’ example.
“[I enjoyed] looking after the environment, and everyone working together like a community,” he said.
“[It’s important] to make sure people in the community can teach their kids to look after the environment, and teach tourists who come to the area about keeping the area clean.”
The school was invited by
South Cape York Catchments (SCYC) to learn about the significance of Clean Up Australia Day.
“Isabella Falls is an area known as a bit of a place where people leave all their rubbish behind after they’ve visited, so it was a good spot for us to all get together and do a clean-up of the
area,” SYCY operations manager Denis Kelly said.
“Giving the students opportunities to go out and do this kind of stuff is invaluable; they get to see that adults are interested in this stuff as well, and they get to see the disrespect that some of their fellow community members leave the places in, so it
gives them a bit more pride in their community.
“You can talk about it until the cows come home in a classroom, but until people actually get out there and do it, and experience some of the hardships that come with a clean-up, it’s hard to fully understand.”
HSC head of campus Sila Pati said the day was an important experience for the students in helping even if it was not their mess, with many reluctant to get involved at first.
“Straight away, the kids were like, ‘I’m not cleaning up their rubbish’, but we helped them to understand, you know, this is what we do, we try our best. It was really about understanding the significance of looking after our country, looking after the environment, and maintaining a safe environment, and all that stuff has to start somewhere,” he said.
“The young people thought, ‘let’s do this then’, and there were no more complaints, they all jumped on the bus ready to have a go.”
MORE than 150 Weipa women are gearing up to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March after managing to nab tickets to the popular community luncheon.
Run by Weipa Social Aerobics and Fitness (WSAF) since 2019, tickets to the annual event have been highly sought after, with this year’s luncheon selling out in three minutes.
“The first event sat 90 women,” an event spokesperson said.
“Since then, Weipa Social Aerobics and Fitness have organised the annual event, with growing interest leading to various venues, [and eventually] settling on the Albatross hotel, now seating 160, which ticket sales have proved not to be enough.”
The spokesperson said WSAF
had been running for the past 20 years as a space for women in all stages of life to get together and exercise, and when the group
realised there was no IWD celebration in the community, they planned their first luncheon in four weeks.
“The message was too important to let go uncelebrated,” the spokesperson said.
“Originally starting to offer a service that was not in the community at the time, class fees have always been kept to a bare minimum to ensure everyone could attend, regardless of circumstance.
“[The luncheon has] since been our annual fundraiser to help cover costs of insurance, rent and equipment, so we can ensure participant costs stay as low as possible.
“The celebration of International Women’s Day is an extension of our beliefs.”
Attendees will frock up and converge on the deck at the Albatross Bay Resort from 11:30am on Saturday.
–
By LYNDON KEANE
COOKTOWN’S water supply will no longer have fluoride added to it by the end of the month after councillors opposed to continuing the practice won a narrow vote in front of a packed public gallery on 25 February.
Almost 50 community members, the majority of whom were calling for water fluoridation to be scrapped, were in the Cook Shire Council chamber to watch the debate and vote, which was the headline agenda item for the ordinary meeting.
The meeting commenced with deputations for and against the continuation of water fluoridation from the Cook Shire Residents and Ratepayers Association (CSRRA) and Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS).
Lee House of Stapleton, speaking for CSRRA, said the group believed the council did not have informed consent to fluoridate Cooktown’s water supply on the grounds it represented mass medication and a human rights violation, and alleged the media had not provided balanced coverage of the debate.
“This and other research has received little coverage in mainstream news outlets, leaving the broad public, journalists and professionals missing incredibly important information and context,” she said.
Dr Natasha Coventry and Dr Desmond Hill spoke in favour
TALE OF THE TAPE
How Cook Shire councillors voted on fluoride motion AGAINST: Marilyn Morris, Ross Logan, Gavin Dear, Melinda Parker. FOR: Robyn Holmes, Justin Coventry, Sarah Martin.
of ongoing fluoridation, arguing it was “not medication” and acknowledging in a utopian “ideal world”, the practice would not be required.
When the seven elected members commenced their debate, Councillor Gavin Dear thanked the deputations and public gallery before outlining why he believed fluoride should no longer be added to the town’s reticulated water.
“This is UFC, non-contact democracy in action,” he said.
“It’s wonderful that everyone is so passionate about this.”
Speaking against fluoridation, Cr Ross Logan noted a “general degree of apathy” among many of the community members he had spoken to.
Mayor Robyn Holmes voted in favour of continuing fluoridation but said she was disappointed such a decision fell on elected members, rather than the State Government, which oversees the provision of health services in Queensland.
“Irrespective of today’s decision, I believe the subject is a health matter, and the verdict should be the responsibility of the Queensland Government,” she said.
Cr Melinda Parker told the meeting while she acknowledged there were some benefits in terms of dental health, she wanted to see an end to fluoridation, saying she believed it posed an “unacceptable level of risk”.
“[I]t’s our responsibility as
council to treat water to make it safe for drinking and fluoride, in my opinion, is to treat the people, as opposed to treating the water to make it safe,” she said.
At the conclusion of the debate, councillors voted 3-4 against chief executive officer Brian Joiner’s recommendation to continue fluoridating Cooktown’s water supply, a decision that drew jubilant, raucous applause from the public gallery.
Cr Justin Coventry then moved an alternative motion, seconded by Cr Logan, that the council stop adding fluoride to the reticulated water, which was resolved with a 4-3 vote.
Following the vote, Mayor Holmes said councillors and the community needed to “respect the democratic process” in regard to the decision.
Fluoride will stop being added to Cooktown’s water supply on 28 March.
A TORRES Strait Indigenous corporation has received $150,000 in funding to deliver five projects aimed at improving the literacy, numeracy and digital skills of jobseekers.
The Federal Government announced this week Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Corporation (GBK) had been successful in securing funding through its Skills for Education and Employment (SEE)
First Nations program. Around 20 per cent of Australian adults lack the basic literacy, numeracy and digital skills to gain better jobs and participate fully in society.
For First Nations people, it is estimated that 40 per cent of adults have minimal English literacy and this figure can rise as high as 70 per cent in remote communities.
Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles travelled to the Torres Strait for the an-
nouncement on 4 March, with projects set to be delivered on Thursday, Saibai, Poruma, Mer and Badu islands.
GBK Chair Ned David said the funding would help empower locals by ensuring access to quality education and skills training.
“We are strengthening pathways for our people to develop core literacy, numeracy, and digital skills – building brighter futures and stronger communities,” he said.
Sea Swift has provided regular, reliable deliveries of essential goods and services to the Torres Strait for over 35 years We are passionate about working with councils and remote communities, and keeping the Torres Strait connected.
By LYNDON KEANE
THE candidate aiming to turn Leichhardt red for Labor says he wants to be a part of Cape York’s future as the race to claim “underdog status” in the gargantuan electorate begins to heat up.
Former Cairns Taipan Matt Smith told Cape York Weekly he was enjoying life in the political arena, adding early doorknocking and constituent engagement had provided him with a better understanding of what was important to Leichhardt voters.
“Well, I don’t think they (political parties) ever tell you what to expect, really,” he laughed.
“They just kind of wind you up and let you go; no, look, it’s a grind, it’s a lot of hard work, but you get to meet a lot of people, and you find that most people are trying to do their best with their little patch of the world to make their little area better.
“Door-knocking has been very rewarding in that sense, [but] it can be challenging, because you don’t know what the other person on the other side of the door’s experiencing – they might have the best day of their life or the worst day of their life, and then a giant man shows up and wants to talk to them about politics.”
With the wet season in full swing, Mr Smith acknowledged an exhaustive campaign on Cape York and in the Torres Strait was
probably not going to be possible as the country waits on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to call the election.
“The wet season presents challenges for the Cape every year … so it will be a lot of flying I guess, which is not my preferred method of getting around [up there],” he said.
“I think it’s important to drive to
truly understand the distances and understand the challenges that locals face up there.
“We’re going to try to get to as many communities as we can; we did get up to the Cape towards the end of last year, but we were unable to get into some communities just due to the horrific amount of sorry business that’s been going on, but we definitely plan on get-
ting back up there around the NPA, and I’m trying desperately to get back to Weipa.”
With more candidates expected to emerge in coming weeks, Mr Smith said there would be a battle to claim underdog status, and gave a nod to retiring Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch, who is hanging up his political hat after 26 years.
“I think there’ll be a race for un-
derdog status, as there always is in these sort of things,” he said.
“The reality is that the LNP come in with a 4 per cent advantage here, and it has been an LNP seat, notionally, for the better part of 30 years.
“It’s naive to suggest that Warren’s not a part of that; you know, he’s got a massive personal following, and he’s done some really great work up the Cape and in the Torres Strait, as well as in Cairns; he has been a fantastic representative for a long time.
“It’s going to be a tough fight.
“Communities know the answer to their own problems, so I’m not necessarily meant to show up with the answers, but I need to be able to get there and they can say to me ‘hey, this is what we think’ and then I have to find where that fits in a broader spectrum to make that happen for them.”
Mr Smith said he believed the Cape York region had a bright future and that he was committed to being a part of it if voters gave him the tick of approval when they headed to the ballot box.
“I am so impressed by the potential and the people of the Cape,” he said.
“It is a stunning and fantastic part of the world, and I think that there are untapped opportunities there, in tourism, in resources, in manufacturing, that we should get behind, and I really want to be a part of the future of Cape York.”
By LYNDON KEANE
AS frustrated Cape York elected and business leaders demand a sea freight alternative to alleviate wet season delivery bottlenecks and soaring bills, one veteran politician says the only solution is for the State Government to sell off the region’s monopoly operator.
With delays of months for some non-essential freight due to backlogs and mechanical breakdowns causing headaches for residents and businesses on Cape York and in the Torres Strait, many have called for a second sea freight option, including Weipa Town Authority Chair Jaime Gane.
“Feedback from the community is a mix of frustration and anger” she said.
“I don’t think the people on the Cape have outrageous expectation when it comes to freight and ease of getting things here, we accept a certain level of inconvenience from living remotely, but we have our limits, too, and they have well and truly been reached.
“An alternative sea freight provider is … needed; the issue with that is that it would need to be an attractive proposition for a new company to come in.”
Western Cape Chamber of Commerce president Jai Christie said he believed improved
infrastructure on the Peninsula Developmental Road would provide a sea freight alternative for at least part of the year, adding alternative shipping routes could also play a role.
“A discussion is needed around possibly opening up a freight route from the Karumba port directly to western Cape communities, and even possibly to [Thursday Island],” he said.
“TI now has another local barge company that is shipping from Cairns and also to outer islands where Sea Swift has dropped the ball – expanding this option should be on the cards as well.”
One long-term Cape York business operator, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the current situation had them at “breaking point”.
“You can’t run a business when stuff you’re waiting for keeps getting pushed back and back while they (Sea Swift) freight apparently essential items,” they said angrily.
“There’s no communication about the delays and where your stuff’s at, and the cost of getting equipment and materials up here pretty well has us at breaking point each wet.”
The State Government purchased 100 per cent of Sea Swift for a reported $300 million in 2019, with the company managed by the Queensland Invest-
ment Corporation (QIC) on behalf of the Queensland Government Insurance Fund.
Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch slammed the State Government and said he believed the only solution was for it to divest its interest in Sea Swift.
“I’ve had several calls from Weipa regarding concerns about availability and continuity of supply,” he said.
“The issues are not flood related – it’s the regularity of supply from Sea Swift; it’s also the cost of freight for items coming from Sea Swift.
“Quite frankly, it’s become a dog’s breakfast when it’s been taken over by the Queensland Investment Corporation (QGIF).
“I just came back from the Torres Strait yesterday and the cost of getting stuff up there from Sea Swift is prohibitive –it’s eye-wateringly expensive.”
In a statement, executive chairman Chris Pearce defended the sea freight operator and denied claims the availability of suitably qualified staff to operate the Sea Swift fleet had exacerbated delivery delays.
“Sea Swift is not aware of any issues in the months leading up to the wet season, however, the wet season is a particularly difficult time with delays due to extreme weather, large tides and monsoons leading to lack of supply,” he said.
“Sea Swift is not a government body; we do not receive regular payments for services, training, crew, vessels or operations from any government; QIC manages Sea Swift on behalf of the QGIF.”
Member for Cook David Kempton said sea freight competition could work, but said the cost could be a major hurdle.
“I am continuing to work with all stakeholders to determine if there are changes that can be made to reduce costs and improve service in the face of the many challenges,” he said.
“Competition in freight delivery and food distribution may be an option, however, this is a very difficult environment in which private organisations would find it risky to enter; it is easy to suggest competitors are the solution, however, it is not that simple, as it is a complex problem.”
When asked whether he believed the State Government had an obligation to step in to address the sea freight situation, Minister for Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Brent Mickelberg said: “Sea Swift is a commercial operator not governed by TMR or under contract obligations to TMR.
“The Crisafulli government is investigating options about how we can support sustainable maritime freight operations that benefit customers in the region.”
NONE of the 55 new police officers set to be deployed to regional parts of the state next week will be heading to Cape York.
The cohort graduated and were sworn in at a ceremony in Townsville on 27 February, however, they will initially be posted to stations no remoter than Cairns, Ingham, Gladstone and the Whitsundays.
The State Government said the 55 officers were “just the start of the pipeline that will see hundreds more recruits reinforce the police frontline across Queensland this year”.
Minister for Police Dan Purdie, himself a former officer, thanked the recruits for their commitment to serve Queensland.
“I was a police officer for more than 25 years and during that time I saw the worst of the worst and the best of the best, sometimes in the same day,” he said.
“My message to our newest officers is that you will be rewarded with mateship and gain a unique perspective on the value of service to your community.”
THE Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) is calling for tenders to maintain the ageing Jardine River ferry.
The council announced on 26 February it was accepting tender submissions from businesses and individuals interested in undertaking maintenance work on the ferry, which is the only road transport link between the NPA and the rest of the Cape. Tenders close at 5pm on 10 March. For more information, visit the NPARC website.
RESIDENTS and ratepayers will have a chance to quiz Cook Shire Council about its financial position and provide input on priorities for the upcoming budget at an information session in Cooktown tomorrow night (Wednesday).
The council will host the session on 5 March at the Cooktown Events Centre from 5:30-7:30pm, with the agenda to include a look at the proposed 2025-26 budget, what the community sees as funding priorities, and a Q&A session with elected members about the organisation’s finances.
Mayor Robyn Holmes highlighted the importance of community involvement in the budget process and encouraged residents to take part in the discussion.
“This is your opportunity to get the facts, learn about the budget process and have your say on what should be prioritised in the year ahead,” she said.
By CHISA HASEGAWA
Are you an employer in a remote community or want to become one?
You can apply for a grant to create new jobs in your community, through the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program.
This is the first stage in replacing the Community Development Program (CDP).
Grants will support eligible employers to hire local people in new jobs by funding wages and equipment.
To apply or find out more –visit www.niaa.gov.au/remote-jobs call 1800 079 098 or visit your local NIAA office.
CAPE York’s Containers for Change operator is hoping a government inquiry into the refund scheme can help communities that currently have no access to the program during the wet season.
The State Government announced a Parliamentary inquiry into Queensland’s container refund scheme on 20 February as the return rate continues to fall short of the legislated target return rate of 85 per cent amid claims the former Labor government failed to review the program to determine why the numbers were falling short.
Kenny Reid, who owns Auswaste Environmental Services and manages Containers for Change across Cape York with partner Stef, said he believed the installation of reverse vending machines in the many communities that do not have a depot could increase return rates.
In addition to depots in Cooktown, Weipa and New Mapoon, Mr Reid said they also managed a fortnightly mobile collection run covering more than 4,500km across the Cape, a service not possible in the wet season.
“We visit all the Indigenous communities once a fortnight, and that goes reasonably well during the dry, but obviously, during the wet season, we can’t travel on the roads to get to them,” Mr Reid explained.
“That’s where we’d like to trial a couple of reverse vending machines that could potentially get rid of that shortfall, and is more accessible to the people in those communities.”
He said the beauty of the reverse vending machine was that it would not need to be staffed at all times, which was another challenge in making Containers for Change accessible in remote communities.
“Wujal Wujal opened and then closed, just due to volume; it’s really hard for small communities to run a change point, because you don’t have the volume to sustain a living,” Mr Reid said.
“Some of our points are a bit the same, but we negotiated pretty heavily with Containers for Change to make sure that we could operate successfully and continue to supply the service to all throughout the Cape.
“You do have to service [the reverse vending machines], but if one plays up or something like that, you can at least fly into those communities during the wet season and get it sorted.”
Mr Reid told Cape York Weeky that in the communities with depots, return rates were not too bad, with around 60,000 to 70,000 containers returned in Cooktown each week, but added with the influx of tourists during the dry season, it was difficult to get an accurate return rate.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the inquiry would help the government identify how the program could be improved to put more refunds in Queenslanders’ pockets.
“We promised a fresh start for Queensland, and that includes getting Containers for Change back on track so more Queenslanders can benefit from refunds,” Minister Powell said.
“We need to understand why the program has fallen short of its targets under the former government and how it can be improved to deliver more benefits for Queenslanders.
“The inquiry will also assess deposit location coverage, to help boost Queenslanders’ access.”
The inquiry committee will be tasked with delivering a report to Parliament by August 2025.
By LYNDON KEANE
DISSATISFACTION with the interest shown in remote parts of the country by Canberra is driving the candidate hoisting the One Nation flag as the fight for Leichhardt begins to take shape.
Rob Hicks has been announced as Pauline Hanson’s candidate for the 150,000 square kilometre seat and said he was picking up the political boxing gloves in a bid to get southern politicians to take areas like Cape York and the Torres Strait seriously.
“I’m tired of the political state of Australia and, in particular, regional areas,” he said.
“I see One Nation bringing commonsense policies to the table both locally and nationally.
“My goal is to listen to, and work for and with the people of the entire electorate from Cairns to Thursday Island; my catchphrase is ‘A Better Future Begins with Better Representation’.
“My view of the area is that over time, the electorate has been let down by the political parties, particularly the far northern region.”
An avid angler, recreational shooter, tennis player and lover of everything outdoors, Mr Hicks has a connection to Cape York and the Torres Strait through his work in chemical supply sales, and said something needed to be done about easing cost of living pressures and
reducing red tape hindering remote business investment.
“We have mining, agriculture, marine, manufacturing and many other enterprises that are suffering the huge cost of living and operational costs in remote areas,” he said.
“There is also too much government interference in a lot of the mentioned businesses that hinder their operations and cause cost blowouts on projects that are economically good for the area and employment – there’s too much red tape.”
With a trade background in sheet metal work and welding, Mr Hicks said improving educational opportunities across the spectrum was also a campaign priority.
“Education is big with me, from prep through to year 12, and after that we need to address TAFE providing the best possible trade training for anyone not academically inclined to go on to university,” he explained.
Four candidates have so far been formally announced to appear on the Leichhardt ballot paper – Mr Hicks, Labor’s Matt Smith, Jeremy Neal for the Liberal National Party and Phillip Musumeci for the Greens.
All are jostling to replace outgoing MP Warren Entsch, who will retire from federal politics after 26 years as soon as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calls the election.
By LYNDON KEANE
THE 93 per cent of the Leichhardt electorate without mobile phone reception will be a memory under a Labor government plan to boost remote coverage.
Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland announced on 26 February the Albanese government would introduce “world-first reform” to provide basic universal outdoor mobile coverage across the country, including on Cape York and in the Torres Strait, if it retains power following this year’s federal election.
The Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) would require mobile carriers to provide access to mobile voice and SMS services to everywhere across Australia in a bid to improve coverage in existing black spots and increase the availability of mobile signals during disasters and power outages.
It is understood the UOMO would include low Earth orbit satellites, such as Starlink, and the emerging direct-to-device technology, which enables signals from space direct to mobile devices.
The government said, if re-elected, it would introduce the UOMO legislation later this year, with the implementation of outdoor voice
and SMS coverage expected by the end of 2027.
“Our Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation will improve public safety, increase resilience during natural disasters, and provide an extra layer of coverage in areas previously thought too difficult or costly to reach,” the Minister said.
“Building our mobile future with the latest technology is a vital
Labor Leichhardt candidate Matt Smith welcomed the announcement and said he believed the UOMO would pay big dividends for those living in the northernmost part of the electorate.
“Far North Queenslanders are tough, they know how to ride out
natural disasters, and they know what it means to be without reception in times they need it most, but that doesn’t mean they should,” he said.
LABOR’S plan to introduce a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) if it wins the federal election has received support from across the floor.
The Albanese government announced it would require mobile carriers to provide access to voice and SMS across Australia.
Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch welcomed the election promise and said he believed it would require a combination of technologies to be effective in the vast electorate.
“I think that it makes a lot of sense,” he said of the plan.
“Given the remoteness and the challenges up in some of those areas, and the sparse population, I think it has to be a combination of services to make it work.
“I’ve been encouraging people to use Starlink now as long as it’s been available.
“The key is to make sure they’re affordable – that’s what we need to do.”
Kennedy MP Bob Katter said he “cautiously welcomed” the announcement,.
“People in Far North Queensland stand to benefit massively from this announcement; whether you’re in Wujal Wujal, Aurukun or Saibai, if you can see the sky, you will be connected.”
“This is a win,” he said.
“However, we note that it is one thing to make a commitment on the eve of an election, but another entirely to ensure it is actually enforced.”
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
ARTIST, musician and cultural ambassador Dr David Hudson demonstrated his unique ability to transcend cultural and generational divides when he launched his new exhibition at Nature’s Powerhouse in Cooktown on 22 February.
The exhibition, Ancestral Lines: Art Beyond Boundaries, uses repurposed fence posts as an unconventional canvas as they are transformed into powerful storytelling mediums.
“To showcase the exhibition is great, and I’m very happy it’s in Guugu Yimithirr Country,” the proud Ewamian and Western Yalanji artist said.
“I’m related to a lot of people up there and it’s all about inspiring the next generations, and I’m happy it’s in Cooktown.
“It’s a great showcase, and I’m very pleased with the gallery up there.”
Through interactive and immersive elements, visitors to the exhibition will be encouraged to engage with the artwork on a deeper level to break down perceived barriers and foster meaningful connections.
“The posts are 100-yard posts,” Dr Hudson explained.
“They have been given a new life standing straight and tall as soldiers, and my people could’ve worked with those posts back in the day.
“To add my artwork, horsewhip, hair, and stirrup is an acknowledgment to my mob, and to all stockmen, because they are the backbone of this country of ours.
“Others may have seen the posts as old derelict, but to me, they are
standing proud and tall warriors again.
“I would like to acknowledge that the exhibition came about as an invitation from the Cooktown [Regional Arts Services Network] representative Waratah Nicholls and Cook Shire event staff.”
Member for Cook David Kempton was at the opening of his friend’s exhibition and urged art lovers to see it at Nature’s Powerhouse.
“I have known Dr Hudson for many years, and his work is phenomenal at bringing cultures together,” Mr Kempton said.
“To see his artwork displayed in a building I worked hard to have established to protect and exhibit artworks that depict Cooktown’s natural environment is such a great success for the community.”
By LYNDON KEANE
A RETURN to nature and the event’s roots will help connect artists and attendees when the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) opens its doors to what are expected to be record crowds in July.
The program for the 2025 CIAF was officially launched at the Tanks Arts Centre on Friday, with some big-name Cape York and Torres Strait artists to feature alongside creatives from across the country.
The 16th CIAF will embrace the theme of Pay Attention!, something artistic director Teho Ropeyarn said he believed married contemporary and traditional sensibilities and connotations, and would a compelling artistic response and interest from art collectors and curators from Australia and overseas.
“Pay Attention! is a timely and urgent prompt to remain
vigilant about the realities First Nations people continue to face,” he said.
“Our artists will use their creative voices to document, challenge, and inspire, ensuring that today’s messages become tomorrow’s narratives.
“CIAF is a movement – a joyful convergence of community that inspires and delights – and welcomes everyone from art lovers, festivalgoers and visitors from home and away, near and far, shining a light on our special place in the world.”
The inaugural CIAF was held at the Tanks Arts Centre in 2009 and Mr Ropeyarn told Cape York Weekly returning the event to its roots and the natural environment of the Cairns Botanic Gardens would help inspire artists as they shared their culture and messaging through their work.
“Artists are incredible people, and we draw inspiration from, you know, the environment around us,” he said.
“So, you can imagine, like just doing art in a studio or in
a room, it brings that sense of calmness and focus, and I think to just be back at the Tanks Arts Centre and within nature, it just goes hand in hand.
“It brings a tropical experience for visitors, too; it will help with drawing in a crowd and the Tanks Arts Centre is just a venue that sells itself.”
This year’s CIAF program incorporates more than 600 visual artists and 150 performers, something Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said cemented the event’s position as a must-do experience for art lovers.
“Each year the CIAF offers a captivating program, which attracts thousands of interstate and international visitors, and its success continues to reinforce Queensland’s reputation as a unique arts and cultural destination,” he said.
CIAF will run from 10-13 July.
HAVE you ever dreamed of taking to the stage and showing off your talent at the iconic Wallaby Creek Festival?
The festival will be held on 26-28 September and organisers are calling for expressions of interest (EOI) from bands and stage performers interested in entertaining the horde of revellers expected to converge on the Rossville area for the annual event.
The EOI window will remain open until the end of March.
For more information, or to submit an EOI, visit www.wallabycreekfestival.org.au.
CAPE York’s small business operators have the opportunity to have their say on what changes would make running a business less stressful as part of a State Government plan to reduce red tape.
The government has consulted Queensland’s 120 chambers of commerce and is now seeking feedback from small and family business operators from all sectors.
Data from Business Chamber Queensland shows the cost of regulation has doubled in two years to $50,000 and, on average, businesses were having to engage the equivalent of a fulltime employee just to manage red tape.
Small and Family Business Minister Steve Minnikin said the Crisafulli government was committed to allowing small businesses to unlock their full potential.
“Feedback is now open to all 495,000 small and family businesses across Queensland,” he said.
Feedback can be provided at www.qsbc. qld.gov.au/advocacy/red-tape-examples.
WEIPA Town Authority (WTA) is calling on community groups and business operators interested in taking part in the 2025 Community Easter Market and Showcase to submit an expression of interest to be a stallholder.
If you have goodies to sell, a cause to promote or a club to showcase, the 29 March event will get hundreds of sets of eyes on you, and a WTA spokesperson said potential stallholders had to get in quick.
“Don’t let this golden opportunity hop on by,” they said.
EOIs must be submitted online on the WTA website by close of business tomorrow (5 March).
IF it looks like a duck, swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.
The same can be said of the government or government-owned entities, especially when they quack on with identical lines about an issue causing daily detriment to the residents and business operators of the northernmost part of the state.
I’m talking, of course, about the freight crisis that seems to worsen each wet season, and getting the State Government, politicians and the operator with the monopoly on the northern high seas to admit they are at least partially to blame.
The facts are that the State Government owns 100 per cent of Sea Swift, which is managed by the $68 billion Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) on behalf of the Queensland Government Insurance Fund (QGIF), the state’s selfinsurance scheme.
The government paid a reported $300 million for the company in 2019, yet trying to get anyone in Brisbane to acknowledge the state doesn’t have its fingers deep in the Sea Swift pie is nothing short of infuriating.
If you need proof the sea freight company and the State Government are effectively one and the same, you only have to look at the
verbatim response I got from executive chairman Chris Pearce and one of our political types when I asked about ownership.
In separate responses, both told me Sea Swift does “not receive regular” government funding “for services, training, crew, vessels or operations”. Surely the identical wording is just an uncanny coincidence, right?
In in the interest of transparency, I should mention here Sea Swift is an advertiser with this
masthead. Well, it was, and it remains to be seen whether that continues after the powers that be read this editorial.
Newspaper editors criticising advertisers used to be the absolute taboo of media land, and it’s probably more so now, with revenue becoming increasingly difficult to come by for regional publications, however, I’ve seen the first-hand impact wet season freight dramas are having on our communities and it’s time to get our elected leaders
to pay attention. Biting off my nose to spite my face, perhaps, but what cost can you put on a situation crippling the social and economic growth of a region already struggling to remain relevant in the eyes of government?
The solution to the embarrassing annual situation is, as Cook MP David Kempton has pointed out, a complex, multifaceted one, however, I reckon we could do a lot worse than having a bit of wet season freight competition while
we continue banging the tin in Brisbane and Canberra for the funding needed to get the Peninsula Developmental Road to the point where road transport isn’t off the table as an option for as long each year.
As it stands, there’s no incentive for the government-owned Sea Swift to do anything about what one Weipa business owner described as “monopolistic price gouging”.
The more money the company makes, the more money can be funnelled back through QIC to the QGIF.
The better Sea Swift does, as with all commercial operations managed by QIC, the better the State Government’s self-insurance coffers.
Commercially, it makes perfect sense, but does the situation strike anyone else as just a teeny weeny conflict of interest when it comes to addressing remote cost of living pressures on Cape York and in the Torres Strait?
No one in this part of the world is being fooled by the political spin, subterfuge and arm’s length assertions.
Whatever the path to freight options that don’t cripple the region is, a handy first step would be the government waddling towards an admission it could do something about the farcical situation as the sole owner of the monopoly operator, if only it wanted to.
Free Appraisals – Start the year by discovering your property’s true value, obligation-free
Results-Focused – We’re dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for every sale
Expert Advice – Benefit from local knowledge & personalized service from a boutique agency
Sales Only – 100% focused on selling your property & delivering outstanding results
Don’t wait – kickstart your plans today and let
Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block.
Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.
Ankamuthi Native Title Group
Thursday 27 March 2025
Injinoo
This notice is to advise that Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will hold a meeting on Thursday 27 March 2025 in Injinoo for all members of the Ankamuthi Native Title Group. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss a proposed native title determination application (a native title claim) on behalf of the Ankamuthi Native Title Group over the areas not yet determined in the Northern Peninsula Sea Claim (QUD 114/2017) (NP Sea Claim) or the North Eastern Peninsula Sea Claim (QUD 115/2017) (NEP Sea Claim) that are part of the Endeavour Strait as shown on the map below (Disputed Area) and consider, if the meeting decides, to authorise the proposed native title determination application for the Disputed Area and Ankamuthi people to be the members of the Applicant for the proposed application. The CYLC lawyer assisting the Applicant in each of the NP Sea Claim and NEP Sea Claim will facilitate the meeting. Depending on the outcomes of the authorisation meeting on Thursday 27 March 2025, that CYLC lawyer will then assist the Applicant in the new claim for the Disputed Area to brief a new and separate lawyer (not employed by CYLC) to take over the running of the new native title claim.
The meeting will be held as follows:
Date: Thursday 27 March 2025
Time: 5.00pm – 8.00pm
Venue: Injinoo Hall, 54 McDonnell Street, Injinoo, QLD 4876
Purpose of the meeting
The CYLC lawyer and consultant assisting the Applicants in each of the NP Sea Claim and NEP Sea Claim will discuss with the Ankamuthi Native Title Group the process for authorising the proposed native title determination application over the Disputed Area. A native title determination application for the Disputed Area is required under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) because the Ankamuthi Native Title Group members claim they alone hold native title rights and interests over the whole of the Disputed Area, and there is currently no native title claim over the Disputed Area that is made only on behalf the Ankamuthi Native Title Group. The authorisation process for the proposed claim will also include discussion about (1) the proposed discontinuation of that part of the NP Sea Claim within the Disputed Area and the reasons why that part of the NP Sea Claim should be discontinued and replaced with a new application for determination of native title, (2) which members of the Ankamuthi Native Title Group should be nominated as members of the Applicant for the proposed native title determination application, and so be authorised to make, and to deal with matters arising in relation to the proposed application.
Following discussion of the matters outlined above, the Ankamuthi Native Title Group will be asked to consider whether to authorise the making of the proposed application for the Disputed Area and those other matters outlined above. Who is invited to attend the meeting?
The meeting is open to those Aboriginal people who are descendants by birth or adoption, in accordance with the traditional laws acknowledged and traditional customs observed by the Ankamuthi Native Title Group, from one or more of the following apical ancestors:
1. Woobumu and Inmare
2. Bullock (father of Mamoose Pitt, husband of Rosie/Lena Braidley)
3. Charlie Mamoose (father of Silas, Larry, Johnny and Harry Mamoose)
4. Charlie Seven River
5. Toby Seven River (father of Jack Toby)
6. Asai Charlie
7. Sam and Nellie (parents of George Stephen)
8. Mammus/Mamoos/Mark/Mamoose plus his siblings Peter and Elizabeth
9. Charlie Maganu (husband of Sarah McDonnell)
10. Polly (wife of Wautaba Charlie Ropeyarn)
Any person who is a descendant of one or more of the apical ancestors listed above is invited to attend the meeting. Please contact CYLC if you would like to confirm whether you are a descendant of one or more of the apical ancestors listed above and so entitled to attend the meeting.
Confirmation of attendance and attendance by video-conference
To confirm attendance at this meeting please contact Jasmin Schubert on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email jschubert@cylc.org.au. If you have queries about this meeting, please contact Parky Wirrick on 0409 548 569 or pwirrick@cylc.org.au. Note that there is limited funding available for travel assistance. Any requests for travel assistance should be made by Wednesday 19 March 2025. Video-conferencing facilities will be made available at the meeting. If you would like CYLC to arrange a video-conference so you can attend the meeting please contact CYLC on Jasmin Schubert’s number or email address above well in advance of the meeting date.
Listen anywhere via our streaming audio and the FREE Black Star App
Great music
National and local news
FNQ weather updates
Emergency informationroads, cyclones, fire and flood
Local and regional events
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:
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 7th MARCH 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:
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 7th MARCH 2025
CAPE YORK
LAND COUNCIL
YUK PUYNGK
ICN 1163 | A BN 22 965 382 705
PRE-AUTHORISATION MEETING AND AUTHORISATION MEETING ABOUT A PROPOSED NATIVE TITLE DETERMINATION APPLICATION
Gudang Yadhaykenu Native Title Group
Wednesday 26 March 2025 & Friday 28 March 2025 New Mapoon
This notice is to advise that Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will hold a meeting on Wednesday 26 March 2025 and on Friday 28 March 2025 in New Mapoon for all members of the Gudang Yadhaykenu Native Title Group. The purpose of first meeting on 26 March is to discuss a proposed native title determination application (a native title claim) on behalf of the Gudang Yadhaykenu Native Title Group over the areas not yet determined in the Northern Peninsula Sea Claim (QUD 114/2017) (NP Sea Claim) or the North Eastern Peninsula Sea Claim (QUD 115/2017) (NEP Sea Claim) that are part of the Endeavour Strait as shown on the map below (Disputed Area). The purpose of the second meeting on 28 March is to consider and, if the meeting decides, to authorise the proposed native title determination application for the Disputed Area and Gudang Yadhaykenu people to be the members of the Applicant for the proposed application. The CYLC lawyer assisting the Applicant in each of the NP Sea Claim and NEP Sea Claim will facilitate the meetings. Depending on the outcomes of the authorisation meeting on Friday 28 March 2025, that CYLC lawyer will then assist the Applicant in the new claim for the Disputed Area to brief a new and separate lawyer (not employed by CYLC) to take over the running of the new native title claim. The second meeting on 28 March will also consider the reauthorisation of the NEP Sea Claim outside of the Disputed Area, and consider whether the members of the Applicant for the NEP Sea Claim should be changed to ensure those people are the same as any appointed for a new claim to the Disputed Area.
The Pre-Authorisation Meeting will be held as follows:
Date: Wednesday 26 March 2025
Time: 5.00pm – 8.00pm
Venue: New Mapoon Hall, 81 Brown Street, New Mapoon , QLD 4876
The Authorisation Meeting will be held as follows:
Date: Friday 28 March 2025
Time: 5.00pm – 8.00pm
Venue: New Mapoon Hall, 81 Brown Street, New Mapoon , QLD 4876
Purpose of the meetings
The CYLC lawyer and consultant assisting the Applicants in each of the NP Sea Claim and NEP Sea Claim will, at the pre-authorisation meeting on Wednesday 26 March 2025, discuss with the Gudang Yadhaykenu Native Title Group the process for authorising the proposed native title determination application over the Disputed Area and process for re-authorisation of the Applicant in the NEP Sea Claim for those parts of the NEP Sea Claim not within the Disputed Area.
A native title determination application for the Disputed Area is required under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) because the Gudang Yadhaykenu Native Title Group members claim they alone hold native title rights and interests over the whole of the Disputed Area, and there is currently no native title claim over the Disputed Area that is made only on behalf the Gudang Yadhaykenu Native Title Group.
Discussion of the authorisation process for the proposed claim will also include discussion about (1) the proposed discontinuation of that part of the NEP Sea Claim within the Disputed Area and the reasons why that part of the NEP Sea Claim should be discontinued and replaced with a new application for determination of native title, (2) which members of the Gudang Yadhaykenu Native Title Group should be nominated as members of the Applicant for the proposed native title determination application, and so be authorised to make, and to deal with matters arising in relation to the proposed application, and (3) which members of the Gudang Yadhaykenu Native Title Group should be nominated to replace the current Applicant in the NEP Sea Claim to continue to deal with matters arising in relation to those parts of the NEP Sea Claim not within the Disputed Area and the reasons why the NEP Sea Claim Applicant should be replaced in relation to those areas.
Following the pre-authorisation meeting on Wednesday 26 March 2025, there will be a meeting of the Gudang Yadhaykenu Native Title Group on Friday 28 March 2025 to consider whether to authorise the making of the proposed application for the Disputed Area and those other matters outlined above.
Who is invited to attend these meeting?
The meetings are open to those Aboriginal people who are descendants by birth or adoption, in accordance with the traditional laws acknowledged and traditional customs observed by the Gudang Yadhaykenu Native Title Group, from one or more of the following apical ancestors:
1. Wymarra (Wymara Outaiakindi);
2. Tchiako (aka Chaiku/Chakoo) & Baki (siblings);
3. Peter Padhing Pablo;
4. Mathew Charlie Gelapa;
5. Annie Blanco;
6. Ila-Ela;
7. Woonduinagrun & Tariba (parents of Tom Redhead);
8. Charlotte (spouse of Billy Doyle and Wilson Ware)
9. Pijame and Daudi (sisters);
10. Mother of Thompson Olwinjinkwi; or 11. Nara Jira Para
Any person who is a descendant of one or more of the apical ancestors listed above is invited to attend the meeting. Please contact CYLC if you would like to confirm whether you are a descendant of one or more of the apical ancestors listed above and so entitled to attend the meeting.
Confirmation of attendance and attendance by video-conference
To confirm attendance at this meeting please contact Jasmin Schubert on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email jschubert@cylc.org.au. If you have queries about this meeting, please contact Parky Wirrick on 0409 548 569 or pwirrick@cylc.org.au. Note that there is limited funding available for travel assistance. Any requests for travel assistance should be made by Wednesday 19 March 2025. Video-conferencing facilities will be made available at the meeting. If you would like CYLC to arrange a video-conference so you can attend the meeting please contact CYLC on Jasmin Schubert’s number or email address above well in advance of the meeting date.
THE competition was as hot as the weather when a bumper cohort of 101 participants tackled Weipa parkrun #408 on 1 March.
With 12 newbies in the pack, young Ziggy Freiberg showed them how it was done by notching up a personal best performance in being the first person to greet the timekeepers in 22 minutes, 37 seconds.
The first three finishers knocked off the 5-kilometre circuit within 60 seconds of one another.
Marin Harada was the first female across the finish line in 24:29.
Jimmy Mann, Thomas Brewer, Nigel Tait, Sam Aschenbrenner, Hailee Ryan, Emma Cerruto, Cruze Parkinson, Silvie Hynes, Mia Despot, Nanthini Kanthan, Kate Corbett, Lorraine Woods, Ansie van Teijlingen, Aloesi Poi Poi, Daniela Ramirez, Christine Young were the others who joined Freiberg in recording PBs.
Anthony Newsome, Camille
Freiberg, Chris Blythe, Denica Bowden, Fiona Dyer, Luke O’Day, Nicole Braun and Nicole Pritchard looked resplendent in the volunteer vests on the day.
Those intending to lace up their shoes on 8 March are being encouraged to don purple as parkrun celebrates International Women’s Day.
“We are celebrating International Women’s Day next weekend, so wear your purple and help celebrate the amazing women in our lives,” a parkrun spokesperson said.
With the 2025 Weipa Running Festival now just 20 weeks away, weekly parkrun numbers are tipped to swell as participants notch up their training in preparation for event.
Weipa parkrun is held every Saturday morning – rain, hail or shine – from 7am when participants meet at the hospital roundabout in Nanum.
Number: 8238-1 2025 DRFA REPA Works Portland Road North and Town Streets
Tenders are invited for the rectification of approved Disaster Relief Funding Arrangement (DRFA), Restoration Essential Public Assets (REPA) works to Portland Road North and Town Streets in Lockhart River. Works generally include: Portland Road North Restoration
• Pavement seal reconstruction and repairs
• Road shoulder and batter repairs
• Drainage and culvert clean up and repairs
Town Streets
• Pavement seal reconstruction and repairs
• Road shoulder repairs
• Concrete reconstruction
A compulsory site visit for tenderers will be held. A date will be provided via addendum.
Obtaining Documentation: Tenderers may register expressions of interest for the Tender documentation by emailing tenders@blackm.com
Lodgment of Tenders: Tenders must be lodged in the Tender Box at the Black & More office.
& More 93 Digger
Cairns
QLD 4870 or submitted via email to tenders@blackm.com by the closing time.
Closing Time: The closing time for lodgment of Tenders is 2pm 26 March 2025.
A MASIG Island teenager looks to have a bright future on the rugby league field and in the workplace after graduating from NRL Cowboys House last year.
Zaleah Mosby-Nona, 18, has taken the next step towards achieving her future career goals by earning a role as a trainee administration officer with the Cowboys Community Foundation after finishing her secondary education in Townsville in 2024.
She said she was thrilled to embark on the journey, which will allow her to assist the organisation and community that supported her.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and grow as a person and an employee, it will also provide me with excellent career options in the future,” Mosby-Nona said.
“My main role is supporting the team with administration tasks and helping out where I can with community programs like the Cowboys 50-50 Charity Raffle.
“This job is also rewarding because it’s a way I can give back
to the community and the organisation which has helped support me.”
When Mosby-Nona is not behind her desk, she can be found working hard in the Cowboys gym as one of only 12 under-19 players in the club’s Junior Women’s Elite Pathways Squad, which nurtures young talent for opportunities in the NRLW.
Cowboys Community Foundation chief executive officer Fiona Pelling said Mosby-Nona was a wonderful new asset to the club.
“We have had the pleasure of getting to know Zaleah over the years she was a member of our Cowboys House family; she was always so kind, had beautiful manners and an ability and commitment to support other new young girls in their journeys,” Ms Pelling said.
“Our NRL Cowboys House career transitions team worked with Zaleah to prepare her for this opportunity, she did a fantastic job in her interview and has already slotted into our team seamlessly.”
By LYNDON KEANE
IT is impossible to wipe the grin off Jarrod Ausburn’s face when you ask him how eager he is to defend his Weipa Running Festival (WRF) marathon crown when competitors line up for the 2025 instalment of the event on 20 July.
“As most runners do in January every year, pen goes to paper to make a plan of our key events for the new year, and right at the top of that list for me is the Weipa Running Festival,” he told Cape York Weekly
“I’ll certainly be there with one goal in mind; Weipa legend Chrisden Russ kept me on my toes last year and no doubt he’ll be coming back hungry to take that top stop this year – game on.”
Ausburn claimed last year’s marathon – and 12 months’ worth of bragging rights – after stopping the clock in three hours, 10 minutes and 25 seconds, four minutes ahead of his “archrival” Russ over the 42.2km course.
With registrations for the 2025 WRF set to open on 5 March, Ausburn encouraged other runners to tackle the event and one of the five distances on offer, ranging from 2.5km to the full marathon.
“Name a better place to be than Weipa in July,” he said.
“Starting in the dark and getting to watch the first light spill out over the Mission River and Albatross Bay is magic, but the camaraderie between the competitors and [volunteers] is the ticket back; you won’t just leave with a medal, but a swag of new mates.”
WRF president Rose Robins said this year’s committee had grown to more than 20 members, with the Rio Tinto run club, interschool sports house competition and the Mission
CARPENTARIA Golf Club course proved an unforgiving master when 13 Dawnbusters teed off in hot conditions on Sunday.
Beth Dall won the day with a nett 13 to secure the coveted Dawnbusters winner’s polo shirt on just her seventh attempt at Sunday morning success, but her victory came at a cost as the handicappers slashed 23 strokes off her game ahead of next week’s action.
team events in the lead-up to race day set to whet the appetites of participants.
“We also have a few exciting additions to the event, like free yoga sessions for registered participants, course familiarisation group runs, a little bit of sport psychology and more activities planned for race day,” she said.
Ms Robins echoed Ausburn’s sentiment that it was a combination of people and the landscape that made the WRF so popular.
“The draw card for WRF is
the way it brings the community together in a family-friendly, inclusive way,” she said.
“The beautiful country our event runs across is very special and can quite literally keep you on your toes in some spots; the camaraderie of all runners is strong, be it on the paths around town leading into the event or on course on race day – the running community is very special.”
For more information about the 2025 event, visit www.weiparunningfestival.org.au.
Simon Ayles, who will line up for his final game of Dawnbusters on 9 March as he prepares to farewell Weipa, took runner-up honours with nett 22.
Scott Andrews and Chelsea Buckley were impressive with the big sticks and took home the men’s and women’s long drive gongs respectively.
Kaylie Wong was crowned the weekly
Hoffman’s recipient playing only her second game of Dawnbusters.
Players will tackle the front nine holes this Sunday morning at Weipa, with the round of golf to be followed by a barbecue and drinks to farewell Ayles in his Dawnbusters swansong.
The first group will tee off from about 6:45am, with new golfers always welcome.
THE Carpentaria Golf Club course proved tough on man and machine when 12 players vied for Wackers honours in Weipa on 26 February.
The 4th fairway laid waste to Mick Cerneka’s personal buggy, while the 5th claimed a club cart piloted by Richard Dawe. When the mechanical chaos subsided, Cerneka and Fish returned to the clubhouse with nett 32.5 showing on their scorecards, with a countback handing the former weekly bragging rights, despite the busted buggy.
Matt Byrne took out the nearest to the pin on hole seven, with the prize on the 9th going begging due to some wayward tee shots. Dawe’s mechanical breakdown led to a golfing meltdown over the nine holes and he claimed the Bradman’s with 60 off the stick.
Wackers tee off every Wednesday from about 3pm.
IT will be a car wash for a cause this month as the Cooktown Amateur Swimming Club (CASC) fundraises to help competitors don Peninsula colours later this year.
CASC will hold car washes at Cooktown Hardware on 8 and 15 March from 8:15am-12:30pm, with money raised set to assist club members travel to fulfil representative duties.
A sausage sizzle and drinks will be available while you wait to have your vehicle washed.
The best car wash in Cooktown will cost $15 for sedans and hatchbacks, and $20 for larger vehicles, including four-wheel drives.
A RENEWED focus handed Rick Butler the Sovereign Resort Monthly Medal at Cooktown Golf Club on 1 March.
Butler carded a nett 61 to relegate Sam Godfrey-Roberts, who found some (rare) form, to be branded the weekly bridesmaid with nett 67.
Pin prizes went to Cam Venables (2/11), Steve Butler (14) and Butler (9/18).
Players will contest the long-running Ambrose grudge match from the red tees this Saturday.
