Cape York Weekly Edition 226 by Cape York Weekly

RANGERS TO THE RESCUE

Rangers completing a sea bird survey on a remote cay off the Northern Peninsula Area have rescued a pregnant Hawksbill turtle after the critically endangered reptile became stuck under driftwood. Read the full story on Page 2.

Dear Premier ... Chamber’s freight plea to Crisafulli

The Western Cape Chamber of Commerce has fired off a letter to Premier David Crisafulli, writing that his government has a “direct responsibility” to help reduce the cost of freight. Report – Page 5

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Treaty funds diverted to critical projects in Cape

MONEY earmarked for Queensland’s abandoned Path to Treaty will be used to deliver muchneeded water security upgrades for Aurukun and Kowanyama.

The State Government announced on 20 March Aurukun Shire Council and Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council would both receive $8 million to install new water reservoirs and upgrade the water treatment plants in the remote western Cape York communities.

The funding is part of $19m committed to three communities through the new Closing

the Gap Priorities Fund, which will redirect previous Path to Treaty funding into “impactful frontline projects for Indigenous Queenslanders”.

Further initiatives will be delivered in partnership with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the funding would be better used than on the Path to Treaty, with the government accusing Labor of wasting millions of dollars on lawyers instead of results.

“These communities face multiple layers of disadvantages, including lower rates of home ownership, poor access to basic amenities and services, lower life expectancy and deteriorating infrastructure,” she said.

“These three projects will help to significantly improve health and wellbeing outcomes, and I look forward to working closely with discrete communities to help deliver improvements for their communities in the years to come.”

Kowanyama Mayor Territa

Dick said funding was critical to the community.

“The new bore, water storage and treatment plant upgrades are essential to ensure we can access reliable clean, safe drinking water,” she said.

“This funding helps futureproof our water supply and is a huge step forward for the health and well-being of our community.”

Aurukun Mayor Barbara Bandicootcha said the council was thankful for the funding to replace historical critical water infrastructure in the community.

Endangered turtle rescued by rangers

RANGERS have done their part to protect a critically endangered species of turtle after a pregnant female became wedged under a piece of driftwood on a remote island off Cape York earlier this year.

During a trip from Lockhart River to Horn island in late January, Department of the Environment, Science, Tourism and Innovation rangers were conducting surveys for crested terns and lesser crested terns on Womer Cay, about 60 kilometres east of the Northern Peninsula Area, when they discovered a female Hawksbill turtle trapped under the driftwood.

Ranger Katie Bampton said the turtle was most likely making her way up the beach to lay a clutch of eggs when she became stuck.

“Thankfully, she was spotted, and ranger Joman Tomasello carefully removed her from the log and carried her to the ocean,” Ms Bampton said.

“We assumed she had been stuck since the previous evening when she came ashore to lay, and we found her around 11am; she would’ve been stuck for hours and due to the very hot conditions, we believe she wouldn’t have survived much longer.

“When she was placed in front of the ocean, she took a little bit of time to get moving but eventually swam away.”

Hawksbill turtles are critically endangered due to the impacts of climate change, accidental capture in fishing equipment and reef habitat destruction.

Ms Bampton said the team had seen track marks on the sand at Womer Cay and were hopeful the rescued turtle would have had another attempt to lay her eggs.

“[W]e’re hoping she returned to Womer Cay that evening to come ashore and lay a clutch of eggs,” she said.

“While we were on Womer Cay, we saw track marks on the beach where turtles had come ashore to lay, and we saw pits in the sand where clutches had hatched.”

nest about four times each season and lay around 140 eggs.

Female Hawksbill turtles

The female Hawksbill turtle makes her way back into the water after being rescued by rangers on Womer Cay, about 60 kilometres east of the Northern Peninsula Area.

Police investigate Weipa airport thefts

damage and stealing complaints from the Weipa Airport car park last week.

Police allege that between midnight and 5am on 13 March, three vehicles parked in the airport carpark were damaged before property was stolen from them.

One vehicle had a side window smashed and the car appeared to have been rummaged through and left unlocked.

Another had the soft tonneau cover pulled up on the rear tray, and the third had the toolbox tampered with.

Police are asking for public assistance and believe the person pictured in grainy CCTV footage taken from the area may be

able to assist with ongoing inquiries into the incident.

The CCTV images are available on the Cape York Weekly website.

If you think you can identify the person, or can provide additional information in relation to this matter, please contact Policelink on 13 14 44 and quote reference number QP2500435021.

NPA family slams school over alleged yard attack

By CHISA HASEGAWA

THE family of the victims of an alleged horrific schoolyard attack in the Northern Peninsula Area say the girls have been left with no choice but to move to a school more than 2,500 kilometres away amid ongoing concerns for their safety.

On 13 March, a 16-year-old girl and a 17-year-old girl were left with serious injuries after being allegedly repeatedly beaten, with the 17-year-old being rushed to hospital after being punched in the head by a fist holding a rock during the alleged attack.

The grandmother and mother of the two victims claim pleas to the school, which cannot be named for legal reasons, to deal with the bullying – which they say started in 2021 – had gone ignored. They said the family was now left with no choice but to send the girls to Brisbane to complete their education.

“One of my friends in Brisbane reached out and said she’s willing to take the girls after Easter, and they’re best friends with one of her girls, who is also in grade 12 this year,” the grandmother and mother said.

“We have no choice.

“The shameful thing about it is, we’re Traditional Owners here, and our children can’t even feel safe on their own Country.”

In a statement made to police on 15 March, the 17-yearold victim said she waited at the school office alongside the 16-year-old victim to be picked

up early because they believed an incident was brewing and felt unsafe. Instead, the grandmother and mother claims the pair was told by a senior staff member they were “wagging” and needed to get back to class, soon after which the alleged attack occurred.

“[The bullies] were hovering, they circled the girls like a shark,” she said.

“[My daughter] was trying to grab [my granddaughter] and take her in to help her, and one of the other girls come from the side and started hitting [my daughter].

“By the time they got inside, [my granddaughter] collapsed on the cement, [my daughter] went inside and they kicked her in the

knee, knocked her knee out and they threw stuff onto her.”

After the distressing phone call from her daughter notifying her the girls had been assaulted, the grandmother alleges that by the time the family made it to the school, there were no teachers in sight offering assistance, a situation she described as “a complete failure of duty of care”.

“Why did my daughter have to make that phone call? She was injured ... why did she have to make that phone call?” she asked.

“When we got there, there was a student cleaning the blood off my granddaughter; she was covered in blood head-to-toe.”

Following the alleged attack, four teenagers have been

charged with two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm.

A 16-year-old Bamaga girl and a 16-year-old Injinoo girl are due to appear in the Bamaga Children’s Court on 8 April, while a 15 year-old girl and 16-year old girl from Bamaga have been dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 1992

The school principal did not respond to multiple requests for comment from Cape York Weekly, but said in a letter posted to social media after the alleged incident the safety and welfare of students was the highest priority for educators.

“The [school] does not tolerate violence or anti-social behaviour and are committed to work diligently to promote safe and respectful interactions among students, to ensure a secure learning environment for everyone in our school community,” the letter reads.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said there were no plans to close the school, which is attended by more than 600 students, despite some community leaders calling for the gates to be locked after the latest in a spate of alleged violent incidents.

“The department has already begun a thorough investigation in response to the unacceptable incident that occurred,” the spokesperson said.

“Concerns raised by students, families or staff will be dealt with appropriately, and support is available for anyone who requires it.”

A family member of two victims of a horrifying act of alleged bullying says the teenagers have been left with severe injuries and will not be returning to their far northern Cape York school.

sparks a letter to Premier’s office

By LYNDON KEANE

AN eye-watering $31,000 quote to transport a new garbage truck to Weipa has driven the region’s chamber of commerce to pen a letter to Premier David Crisafulli begging for a solution to what it says is a farcical and crippling freight situation.

In the 20 March letter, which has been seen by Cape York Weekly, Western Cape Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) president Jai Christie implores the State Government to urgently intervene to find a workable way around freighting goods to Weipa during the wet season, and highlights the criticality of the Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) seal being expedited.

“While Weipa is often perceived as a high-income mining town, the reality is that a significant portion of the population is not on mining wages and cannot afford to bear these excessive freight costs. Small businesses, schools, health services, and local industries depend on affordable, reliable freight services, and the current situation is hurting the community’s economic viability,” the letter reads.

The correspondence also takes aim at the government’s duty of care to ensure Sea Swift, of which it owns a 100 per cent share, is managed by the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) in the best interests of the state’s northernmost residents.

“Sea Swift is owned by [QIC], which is ultimately controlled by the Queensland Government,” Mr Christie says in the letter.

“This means the government has a direct responsibility to ensure that Sea Swift operates fairly and in the best interests of the communities it serves.

“Given the ongoing failures in affordability, reliability, and transparency, it is clear that Sea Swift, under Queensland Gov-

ernment control via QIC, is not operating in the best interests of the communities it serves; [i]f the government cannot ensure that Sea Swift provides a fair and effective service, then it must seriously consider divesting its ownership to allow the private sector to introduce greater competition, efficiency and accountability.”

The letter was also sent to Treasurer David Janetzki, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg, Member for Cook David Kempton and QIC boss Kylie Rampa.

Mr Christie told Cape York Weekly the chamber believed the letter “needed to shock” the Premier and his government, especially on the back of a recent $31,000 quote to sea freight a 22.5-tonne waste management truck to Weipa.

It is estimated the dry season cost to drive the vehicle to Weipa, including fuel and labour, would be about $1,500-2,000.

“The quotes mentioned in the letter are examples of the everyday costs we need to deal with,” he said.

“There are no justifications on any of the freight quotes; there has been representatives come up from the company (Sea Swift) to meet with the chamber of commerce, and the takeaway from that was that the prices need to be that high because of running costs and overheads.

“There are no guarantees on freight that is deemed non-essential.”

Mr Christie’s concern was mirrored by Weipa Town Authority Chair Jaime Gane, who said Cape York and Torres Strait communities were fed up with the longstanding status quo when it came to remote freight.

“I think [the letter] probably reflects the fact that people are fed up with situation,” she said.

“This is not the first time that concerns have been raised, but nothing has improved.

“The people of the Cape and Torres Strait aren’t just going to sit down and accept that this is just the way it is – this is not a ‘nice to have’ service, this is an essential service for our region, and when it fails, the people on the ground are the ones that suffer.”

Mr Christie said the WCCC wanted to work with the government to come up with an answer to the problem, including a completion of the PDR and vital bridge infrastructure to make road freight a viable option for more months each year.

“I am calling on the Premier and his ministers to come to the Western Cape Futures Symposium to get first-hand experiences of the logistical and financial issues we are facing, as well as options moving forward,” he said.

“We don’t want to just give him problems to deal with – we want to work with the government to have real and lasting solutions.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Women’s wellbeing line

A NEW service to support the wellbeing of women who are geographically or socially isolated from health services in places like Cape York is being lauded as a success by the State Government.

The $11.3 million Women’s Wellbeing Line is a virtual service providing essential mental health care, counselling, pregnancy loss advice and other health referrals.

Women’s Health and Equality

Queensland operates the service via a call line (1800 4 WOMEN), email and webchat six days a week, and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the four-year project was already delivering results.

“The service responds to the vital need for more accessible womenfocused mental health and wellbeing care statewide and is a lifeline for many Queensland women, especially in regional, rural and remote areas,” he said.

“The Women’s Wellbeing Line is one way our government is helping regional and rural women to have access to professional health support where and when they need it most.”

The Women’s Wellbeing Line operates Monday-Friday from 8am-8pm, and Saturday from 9am-5pm. To access the service, call 1800 4 WOMEN (1800 496 636) or email wellbeing@wheq.org.au.

Kowanyama stolen vehicles

POLICE are asking for public help in relation to three vehicles allegedly stolen in the south-western Cape York community of Kowanyama late last month.

A 2021 Toyota Prado was allegedly taken on 21 February, while a 2002 Toyota LandCruiser – Queensland registration 747GPW – and a 2023 Toyota HiLux –Queensland Registration 105IR4 – were stolen on 23 February.

Anyone with information about any of the three vehicles is urged to contact police.

Cooktown chamber AGM

THE Cooktown Chamber of Commerce and Tourism will select a new executive for 2025 when it holds its annual general meeting next month.

The meeting will commence at the Cooktown Events Centre on May Street from 9:30am on 9 April, and is set to include a full agenda, including the election of a new management committee and a review of the region’s business directoy.

The AGM will be followed by a networking event over coffee.

Western Cape Chamber of Commerce president Jai Christie has written to Premier David Crisafulli saying the region’s freight farce will continue until the Peninsula Developmental Road upgrade is completed to give residents and businesses a freight alternative for a few extra months each year.

Pastor nominating for Leichhardt

By LYNDON KEANE

A CAIRNS pastor, artist and business owner says he can be the “gamechanger” he believes is desperately needed for Leichhardt residents to be properly represented in Canberra.

Bar-Barrum and Wadjanbarra Yidinji man Munganbana Norman Miller is the first independent candidate to officially throw their hat into the ring in the battle for the Far North Queensland electorate and said he would campaign on a 10-priority platform designed to “govern for all Aussies”.

“My promise is to govern for all Aussies and I will work for you, the people of Leichhardt,” he told Cape York Weekly

“I stand for integrity and accountability, and will bring a fresh approach.

“People can’t afford their mortgages or even put food on the table; the cost of rents and petrol has skyrocketed [and] businesses are going bankrupt because the cost of doing business has increased with the cost-of-living crisis.

“We cannot go on like this as a nation.”

Mr Miller said his 10 priorities were to fix the cost of living crisis, better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, anti-Semitism and social cohesion, small business and the economy, education, housing and homelessness, heath, reliable and affordable energy, crime and national security, and a sustainable migration program.

nation – we need a gamechanger; I can bring the change you are looking for; this government is stale and is struggling for relevance [and] at the last minute before the election, it is throwing money around, increasing inflation and making promises it probably won’t keep.”

In addition to making an undertaking to reduce federal red tape within the region’s tourism, mining, fishing, agricultural and small business sectors, Mr Miller said he was also committed to ensuring infrastructure and services in remote Cape York and Torres Strait communities was improved.

“While there has been progress on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Leichhardt with local government and various enterprises, I will work to have better implementation of the Closing the Gap strategy, which includes greater decision making by First Nations communities focusing on co-design and culturally appropriate approaches,” he said.

While he could not specify what his Cape York and Torres Strait campaign footprint would look like in the lead-up to the federal election, Mr Miller said he was committed to remaining engaged with constituents.

in the electorate, and meet with key organisations in their communities and when they visit Cairns.

“It is a very large and diverse electorate, which will have its challenges to representation, but I am determined to travel regularly

“I will be available to attend meetings of key stakeholders and attend to concerns raised quickly.

“We are at a crossroads in our

“I will be working for more investment by government in infrastructure in communities, including housing, renal dialysis clinics and high-rise, cycloneproof buildings in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for use by residents during natural disasters.”

Mr Miller is the sixth candidate to announce they will appear on the Leichhardt ballot paper.

Independent candidate Munganbana Norman Miller says he can be the “gamechanger” he believes is needed to improve representation across the 150,000 square kilometre Leichhardt electorate.

Cape York NRM unveils its big plan for Cooktown hub

IT may not look like much at the moment, but one Cape York organisation has grand plans to transform a vacant Cooktown block of land into a vibrant natural resource management hub.

Planning is underway for a shared natural resource management space for land trusts or corporations, First Nations prescribed body corporates and other interested organisations in Cooktown and from across Cape York to use in the battle to protect the region’s environment.

Cape York Natural Resource Management (NRM) is leading the development at 75 Charlotte Street, and said it hoped to hear from potential partners who may want to lease office space if they shared similar purposes and values to the organisation.

Cape York NRM Chair Jim Turnour said the board had established a Cooktown Land Development subcommittee and was keen to help support projects across the Cape.

“We are a not-for-profit organisation focused on supporting the sustainable development, management and protection of Cape York’s natural environment and cultural values,” Mr Turnour said.

“We are community-based and

work with Traditional Owners, producers, community groups, land carers, industry and NGOs, amongst others, to help build and strengthen networks to achieve shared land management goals.”

After Cape York NRM purchased the land in 2022, the subcommittee met on 11 March to start the ball rolling on the development of an office and temporary staff accommodation on the site.

Police lay charges in Cooktown

A MAN was airlifted to Cairns Hospital following an alleged wounding incident in Cooktown on Thursday morning.

Shortly after 4am on 20 March, police were called to a Hope Street health facility, understood to be the Cooktown Hospital emergency department, following reports a 26-year-old man had presented with serious injuries.

It is alleged an altercation occurred between two men known to each other on the street outside the hospital.

The injured man was flown to Cairns in a serious but stable condition, and police arrested a 24-year-old man at the facility.

“But we want to see if partners might be interested in being part of that, to develop a hub for natural resource management in the region,” Mr Turnour said.

“Preliminary planning has been undertaken; we know, however, that we deliver projects through partners, and don’t want to finalise plans until we have had an opportunity to talk to them about how any development could bring

broader benefits to the region’s NRM community.”

Cape York NRM will be undertaking stakeholder engagement with suitable business partners over the next two months, and Mr Turnour said a final concept for the site would be developed then.

“This will inform the design and size of the development so plans can be finalised to seek funding for construction,” he said.

The 24-year-old man was charged with one count of grievous bodily harm domestic violence offence. He is due to appear in the Cooktown Magistrates Court on 31 March.

Investigations are ongoing, and police as asking members of the public with information to call Policelink on 13 14 44 or the Cooktown police station.

The alleged incident is one of two to have occurred on Thursday, with another that evening witnessed by shoppers outside the IGA supermarket on Helen Street.

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

Cape York Natural Resource Management project officer Katelyn Greaves and biodiversity project officer Belinda Woodland check out the 75 Charlotte Street site the organisation is hoping to develop into a Cooktown hub.

‘Price match’ a coup for shoppers

REMOTE supermarket operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) has announced a $500,000 commitment it says will help the hip pockets of shoppers across Cape York and the Torres Strait.

CEQ will invest a further $500,000 in price reductions from now until 1 July to help customers with cost of living pressures for all of its stores, including those in the northernmost part of Queensland.

Prices in remote stores will now “mirror or better” major supermarket online prices on essential grocery items to ensure greater affordability for families and individuals on their weekly shop.

The price reductions, after current discounts have been applied at CEQ checkouts, will cover a wide range of essential items, including mince, bread, pasta, chicken, eggs,

milk, flour, baby food and women’s hygiene products.

CEQ Chairperson Joann Schmider said the initiative reinforced the organisation’s role in caring for the communities it served.

“This significant investment further demonstrates CEQ’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that people in remote North Queensland have access to affordable and essential groceries,” Ms Schmider said.

“We understand the financial pressures that many families face, and this initiative aligns with CEQ’s vision … by making a real difference in the cost of living for our customers.”

Chief executive officer Michael Dykes said CEQ was proud to be setting a new standard in price competitiveness for remote com-

NEWS IN BRIEF

Rio sponsorships open

COMMUNITY groups, clubs and organisations can now apply for a financial helping hand following the opening of the first round of the Rio Tinto Sponsorships and Donations Program this month.

The program provides funding for events, initiatives and activities that enrich the region around Weipa, Napranum, Aurukun, Mapoon and the Northern Peninsula Area.

Round one opened on 1 March and closes on 31 May, while round two will open on 1 June and receive its last submissions on 30 September.

For information, email RTAWeipaFeedback@riotinto.com.

Last chance for names

CAPE York residents only have one week left to put forward their suggestions for naming key bridges in the region.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is calling for community input into what names should adorn three bridges on the Peninsula Developmental Road – the new Archer River bridge, as well as the Saltwater Creek bridge at Musgrave and the South Laura bridge.

A TMR spokesperson said it was “important that the selected names honour the heritage, culture and aspirations of the communities they will serve”.

Community members have until 1 April to put forward their preferred names for the three bridges by visiting www.tmr.qld. gov.au/projects.

Weipa Easter markets

A BIG crowd is expected to converge on the Weipa Storm Surge Shelter (WSSS) on Saturday morning for the 2025 Easter Markets and Community Showcase.

The 29 March event is being hosted by Weipa Town Authority (WTA) and will celebrate the approaching Easter holidays, as well as give community groups and organisations who make the township a better place to live and play the chance to show off what it is they do.

Cape York Weekly has it on good authority the Easter Bunny will attempt to make an appearance at the event, despite the challenge presented by wet season roads on Cape York.

The market and showcase will be held at the WSSS at Rocky Point from 9am-12pm. For more information, visit the WTA website or Facebook page.

munities, and applauded the efforts of state and federal governments in doing likewise.

The Albanese government announced on 10 February it would lock the cost of the 30 products to match city pricing in more than 70 remote stores if it retained power following this year’s federal election, while a State Government review into the Remote Communities Freight Assistance Scheme is being completed.

“Matching or beating major supermarket prices on key grocery items is a major achievement for CEQ, and it highlights our commitment to reducing the financial strain on our customers,” Mr Dykes said.

“I also want to recognise our board and chairperson for keeping customer issues close to their hearts and taking positive action.”

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Real journalism isn’t about chasin g clicks or stirring outrage. It’s about accountability. It’s about getting the story right, not just being the first to talk about it.

It’s about knowing your community and knowing what matters most.

Because when the truth matters, shortcuts don’t cut it.

We believe facts make stories stronger, not weaker. That’s why everything we publish is grounded in independence, integrity and an unwavering commitment to accuracy and the community we are part of.

Truth isn’t a single person’s point of view.

It’s a responsibility. And it’s one we take seriously. Trust journalism to deliver you the truth.

CEQ nutritionist Georgia Day discusses baby food options with a customer as the remote supermarket operator announces a $500,000 commitment to “mirror or better” the prices of major players like Woolworths and Coles.

Race for Leichhardt taking shape

By LYNDON KEANE

A FORMER basketballer, paramedic, university adviser, pastor and artist, and chemical supply specialist are amongst the list of candidate professions as the ballot paper for Leichhardt begins to take shape ahead of the federal election.

But with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese set to call the election within weeks, some minor parties are still scrambling to announce candidates in the wake of those already on the campaign trail.

To date, six candidates have been unveiled in the battle for the 150,000 square kilometre seat heats up – Matt Smith for Labor, Jeremy Neal for the Liberal National Party, Phillip Musumeci for the Greens, One Nation’s Rob Hicks, Les Searle for Family First, and independent Munganbana Norman Miller.

One of the minor parties yet to roll out the corflutes for a candidate is Katter’s Australian Party (KAP), which says it is committed to fielding a Leichhardt runner amid speculation it was going to focus its energy on the Senate.

Several party sources have told Cape York Weekly KAP was contemplating only running patriarch and maverick Kennedy MP Bob Katter for the House of Representatives, and instead focusing on the Senate and increasing its footprint in the Queensland Parliament.

“It defies all common sense

if you only run Bob in the lower house and then still call yourself a national party,” one source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, suggested.

“What’s the ‘A’ [in KAP] meant to stand for if we aren’t trying to represent as much of Australia as we can?”

However, a KAP spokesperson

said the party was in the process of finalising which candidates would fly its flag on lower house ballot papers.

“Our preselection process remains ongoing,” the spokesperson said.

“We are determined to give more Queenslanders a real alternative to the major parties who con-

sistently ignore North Queensland and rural Australia.”

It remains to be seen whether Clive Palmer’s new Trumpet of Patriots (TOP) – which many political observers have branded merely a more right-wing reboot of his United Australia Party – will field a candidate in the fight to replace retiring MP Warren Entsch.

The TOP website does not show any candidates, but has a link asking people to register their interest in being an election runner for the party. Expressions of interest for being a TOP candidate closed on 7 March.

At the 2022 federal election, 11 candidates appeared on the Leichhardt ballot paper.

As the line-up on the Leichhardt ballot paper takes shape, Katter’s Australian Party says its “preselection process remains ongoing” amid speculation the party was only intending to run patriarch and maverick MP Bob Katter in the House of Representatives.

Weipa continues its hunt for invasive myna bird

WEIPA is being asked to keep its eyes peeled after several unwelcome Indian myna birds were successfully trapped earlier this month, with more still on the loose.

Featuring on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s list of the 100 most invasive species in the world, the Indian mynas have a track record of having a significant detrimental impact on native bird species.

After a pair was discovered two months ago in Weipa for what community leaders said was the first time, Ecotone Flora and Fauna Consultants moved to ensure the invasive species did not become an issue in the western Cape York township.

“Ecotone purchased four traps, so that if any more birds were located, we could respond swiftly to that,” owner and manager Lauren Dibben said.

After locating an Indian myna

nest, the team was able to trap one breeding adult and its chicks, but Ms Dibben said the breeding partner was still at large.

“When a nest is detected, you’ve got a little more leverage for trapping the adult birds, because you know they’re going back to that one place daily,” she said.

“They’re also staying at it over the night, so the fact that there’s usually one adult in the nest at night with the chicks or on the eggs allows you to be able to trap them then.”

After trapping the female, she said they tried to trap the male at the nest as well, but couldn’t wait any longer for ethical reasons.

“We gave it as long as possible ethics-wise, since there’s only one parent tending to the chicks,” Ms Dibben explained.

“Even though they’re a pest animal, you can’t be cruel about it, so we were making sure he was still

feeding the chicks, and we were trying to trap him at the nest, but he kind of got savvy on us pretty quick and avoided all [trapping] attempts.

“It got to the stage where those chicks were almost ready for fledging, and we were just going to create a bigger problem if we drew it out any longer and those chicks flew out of the nest.”

Ms Dibben said another nest was located and removed by a member of the public.

“I think there is potential there’s others already, but you’re looking for a needle in a haystack, so the assistance from the Weipa community is a massive leg-up,” she said.

“Without it, we don’t have the resources to just be sending people out searching for these birds, and they tend to hang around town locations, so members of the public are able to be helpful with this.”

– story by Chisa Hasegawa

Wujal youth step up to fill big gap

By CHISA HASEGAWA

AN emerging community-run signage business is helping Wujal Wujal youth stay out of the legal system and setting them up for success in a technological world.

Eight months after starting a design training program at the Baja Baja Youth Centre, Wujal Justice Group youth justice program coordinator Susan Bonaccorsi said the team was ready to take on clients looking for locally made signs.

Since starting at the centre in July 2023, Ms Bonaccorsi said she had focused on a holistic approach to keeping youth out of trouble, with empowering young people to fill a need in community being one of the aspects.

“We’ve got areas screaming out for a sign company up here –even my friends on the road crews always tell me that the one thing they’re always looking for is signage,” she said.

of both techniques for a unique and handcrafted feel difficult to get elsewhere. By having it done locally, Ms Bonaccorsi said there was scope for more clients to get personalised signs that incorporated Cape York’s First Nations culture authentically.

“Rossville Retreat, they’re interested in us doing signage for them, but they want that culture in them,” Ms Bonaccorsi said.

She hoped Cape York businesses would choose to support local, adding the project was not motivated by profit.

“Behind it, they’re helping a community in training in having their own business, and the money goes straight back into improving the program and into the community,” she said.

“We can do vehicles, boats, cars, buildings, windows, banners – everything.”

“There are no signwriters up here; Cape York has to go to Cairns, so we offer the service closer, getting these young people learning how to design on the computer, cut the signs, put them together and put them out there.

Ms Bonaccorsi said she had used her background as a qualified signwriter to help the youth with graphic design on the computer, as well as a more traditional brushwork style of sign-making.

“They’re in a modern world, so as much as they need to know their culture, they also need to know how to navigate the modern world,” she said.

“Let’s get them, instead of being on the chats all the time, let’s get them into design, let’s get them into how far they really want to go in this type of field.”

The young people are currently working on a range of signage for the Lion’s Den Hotel, making use

“We can buy more art gear, better equipment, because we want to actually get into printed signs, which has even more potential.

“We could do T-shirts, the ladies from the art centre can print their paintings, and sell them as prints, as well as original paintings; the whole community can grow so much from this.”

Ecotone graduate ecologist Alex Sinchak shows the trap deployed to catch the highly invasive Indian myna birds.

A signwriting project at Baja Baja Youth Centre is bringing culture and computer literacy together to empower young people in the Wujal Wujal community.

Region can’t be seen as a novelty

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

HAVE you ever felt like the main attraction in one of those 20th century circus freak shows, or an indoor plant suddenly forgotten after the initial novelty of caring for it wore off?

If you live on Cape York – or are part of its essential infrastructure and service network – it can be easy to live in a state of unwanted perpetuity, especially when it comes to convincing those down south we have genuine needs, and exist beyond the social media posts of the annual marauding hordes of tourists.

The missive Western Cape Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) president Jai Christie penned to Premier David Crisafulli late last week should be a grenade under the apathetic posteriors of our elected leaders in Brisbane and Canberra, because it articulates perfectly what everyone who lives on Cape York or in the Torres Strait has been screaming for so long.

The message is clear: we have zero chance of remote economic and social sustainability if we can’t get a helping hand to get the things we need to work and play here actually up here without breaking the bank.

Wistfully, it’s not just the politicians who don’t take our transport

infrastructure needs seriously. At a barbecue in Cairns on Sunday, I got talking to a bloke who’s planning a Cape trip this dry season. So I don’t publicly shame him for his blinkered urban arrogance and stupidity, let’s call him Mark. We got onto the subject of road conditions up this way, and I jokingly pointed out they would be fantastic if we could ever get the money needed to complete the Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) seal and associated bridge infrastructure. Poor old Mark re-

acted like I’d just let my dog leave a steaming surprise in his front yard.

Mark: Whaddya mean when the road is done? That’ll ruin it for everyone who goes up the Cape to experience the dirt roads.

Me: Those roads do cause a bit of grief for those who actually have to use them all year, particularly if you’re a business operator up there trying to get supplies so you can keep your doors open.

Mark: That’s crap. The drive to Weipa and Bamaga is a right of

passage for anyone who wants to do it. If it’s bitumen, what’s the attraction? Leave ‘em as they are, I say.

Me: I bet you have a ridiculously big caravan, don’t you?

Can you imagine a business owner in south-east Queensland –or an A-grade muppet like Mark –responding to a $31,000 quote to freight a new bit of kit essential to continuing their operation? Their response would be apoplectic, but the reality is it would never happen. It’s only those of us in the

northernmost part of the state who are treated like backwards circus freaks and told to like it or lump it when it comes to near-extortionate freight demands.

The WCCC president is the latest in a growing number of dissidents to speak publicly about the State Government’s 100 per cent ownership of the company with the sea freight monopoly, but the chorused outrage is only going to get louder as more and more Cape York and Torres Strait residents begin to draw a line in the sand and call out the bullshit.

I’m still waiting for an intelligent response from the Federal Government about how far off we were on getting a commitment for the $240 million needed to move on stage three of the Cape York Region Package. Despite that, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King announced on 20 March the government was releasing $38m to allow early works on a $500m Central Queensland beef roads project. The timing wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact Labor is desperate to get its hands on the three Liberal National Party-held electorates that make up the area, would it?

For change to happen, Cape York needs to be seen as more than a novelty, bucket list destination or ATM for mining royalties. For thousands of people, it’s home.

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It’s easy to feel like a circus novelty when so many southerners – including our political overlords – see Cape York and its infrastructure as nothing more than something that need be considered on a bucket list trip. Photo: Wikipedia

Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page

Sudoku

Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block.

Quick Workout

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.

Focus

the 5 Differences

the Dots

Crossword

Notice of an application to register an area agreement on the Register of Indigenous Land Use Agreements in Queensland

Notification day: 2 April 2025

5. Right to negotiate

QI2025/001 Wuthathi Captain Billy Landing Land Transfer ILUA

Description of the agreement area:

The agreement area covers about 148.2 sq km and is located in the vicinity of Captain Billy Landing approx. 137 km north east of Weipa Relevant LGA: Cook Shire Council

The agreement contains the following statements: [Explanatory notes in brackets inserted by the National Native Title Tribunal]

4. Consent to and validating of Agreed Acts

4.1 The Parties:

(a) consent to the doing of the Agreed Acts to the extent that they are Future Acts; and (b) subject to compliance with this Agreement, if any of the Agreed Acts done prior to the Registration Date are invalid Future Acts, the Parties agree to the validating of those Agreed Acts.

4.2 Clause 4.1(a) is a statement for the purposes of section 24EB(1)(b) of the NTA and clause 4.1(b) is a statement for the purposes of section 24EBA(1)(a) of the NTA.

5.1 To avoid any doubt, Part 2 Division 3 Subdivision P of the NTA does not apply to the doing of the Agreed Acts.

“Agreed Acts” means all acts necessary to give effect to this Agreement and the Deed of Variation and the IMA, including but not limited to any acts done as part of, or in relation to, the following acts:

(a) making any of the land within the Agreement Area Transferable Land;

(b) the grant or grants of part or all of the Proposed ALA Areas as Aboriginal Land to the Corporation under the ALA, to be held in accordance with the ALA;

(d) the State and Corporation being bound by and complying with the IMA;

(e) the dedication, use and management of the Proposed National Park (CYPAL) Area as national park (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal land);

(f) the doing of all acts in the Proposed National Park (CYPAL) Area that are covered by the IMA in accordance with the procedures set out in the IMA;

(g) any variation or assignment of the IMA in accordance with the terms of the IMA and the ALA;

(h) the making, approval, giving effect to, amendment or revocation of, and the making of any regulation giving effect to, any Management Instrument in relation to the Proposed National Park (CYPAL) Area;

(i) the Corporation granting the Southern Foreshore Licence to the State for pedestrian access to the Southern Foreshore Licence Area shown in the draft licence agreement in Schedule 4;

(j) the Corporation granting the Lookout Licence to the State for vehicular and pedestrian access to the Lookout Area as shown in Schedule 3;

(k) the State and the Corporation entering into, being bound by and complying with the Gravel Storage Lease;

(l) the Corporation constructing and maintaining access tracks on the Proposed ALA Areas after they become Aboriginal Land held by the Corporation;

(m) the registration and grant of a Carbon Abatement Interest, including any interest granting the right to deal with Carbon Abatement Products, or the declaration of an Eligible Offsets Project over any or all Proposed ALA Areas, after they become Aboriginal Land held by the Corporation, in favour of the Corporation;

(n) the making, approval, giving effect to, amendment or revocation of, and the making of any regulation giving effect to, any Management Instrument in relation to the Proposed National Park (CYPAL) Area; and (o) the Relevant Acts.

“Agreement Area” means the area of land as described and shown in Schedule 1 [of the agreement]

“ALA” means the Aboriginal Land Act 1991 (Qld).

“Associated Activity” means the doing of any activity in relation to a valid lease, agreement, licence, profit à prendre, permit or other authority created, authorised or otherwise granted in accordance with this Agreement, that is associated and consistent with the purpose for which the lease, agreement, licence, profit à prendre, permit or other authority is created including: (a) the construction or operation of infrastructure; (b) extraction of Quarry Materials or water in accordance with any lease, agreement, licence, profit à prendre, permit or other authority; and (c) survey activities and geotechnical investigations required prior to the creation, authorisation or grant of the lease, agreement, licence, profit à prendre, permit or other authority.

“CFI Act” means the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 (Cth).

“Corporation” means the Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (ICN 7157).

“Deed of Variation” means the deed of variation to the IMA to be made in accordance with the ALA between the State and the Corporation on substantially the same terms as the draft agreement in Schedule 2.

“Gravel Storage Lease” means the lease entered into between the State and the Corporation on substantially the same terms as the draft agreement in Schedule 5.

“IMA” means the indigenous management agreement entered into by the Corporation and

Parties to the agreement and their contact addresses:

The State of Queensland (Applicant) (State)

Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation ICN 7157 (Applicant) and Johnson Chippendale, Brian Macumboy, Smithy Wilson and Keron Murray on their own behalf and on behalf of the Wuthathi People (Applicant)

The Cape York United Number 1 Claim Group

the State on 13 December 2016 for the joint management of the Wuthathi (Shelburne Bay), Wuthathi (Sir Charles Hardy Group) and Wuthathi (Saunders Islands) National Parks (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land).

“Land Act” means the Land Act 1994 (Qld).

“Land Title Act” means the Land Title Act 1994 (Qld).

“Lookout Licence Area” means that area of land described as “Lookout Licence Area” in Part 1 of Schedule 1 and as shown in the plans in Part 2 of Schedule 1.

“Lookout Licence” means the licence granted by the Corporation to the State, on substantially the same terms as the draft licence agreement in Schedule 3.

“Management Instrument” means a Management Plan or Management Statement prepared under the NCA to specify how the Proposed National Park (CYPAL) Area is to be managed.

“NCA” means the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld).

“NTA” means the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).

“Parties” means the parties to this Agreement.

“Proposed ALA Areas” means those parts of the Agreement Area described as “Proposed ALA Areas” in Part 1 of Schedule 1 and shown in the plans in Part 2 of Schedule 1.

“Proposed National Park (CYPAL) Area” means those parts of the Agreement Area proposed to be dedicated as national park (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal land), in accordance with clause 12, described as “Proposed National Park (CYPAL) Area” in Part 1 of Schedule 1 and shown in the plans in Part 2 of Schedule 1.

“Quarry Materials” includes stone, gravel, sand, rock, clay, earth and soil but does not include minerals within the meaning of the Forestry Act 1959 (Qld).

“Registered” means registered on the Register of Indigenous Land Use Agreements.

“Registration Date” means the date that this Agreement is Registered.

“Relevant Acts” means:

(a) following the grants of the Proposed ALA Areas to the Corporation, the creation, authorisation, grant or transfer of any valid lease, agreement, licence, profit à prendre, permit or other authority over any of the Proposed ALA Areas by the Corporation subject to the requirements in (where applicable) the NCA;

(b) following the dedications of the Proposed National Park (CYPAL) Area in accordance with clause 12, the creation, authorisation or grant of a valid lease, agreement, licence, permit or other authority under section 42AD, section 42AE or section 42AEA of the NCA over the Proposed National Park (CYPAL) Area by the State, subject to the consent of the Corporation, and any other processes required under the IMA;

(c) the renewal or amendment of a lease, agreement, licence, profit à prendre, permit or other authority under (a) or (b) above; and

(d) an Associated Activity, but does not include the grant of a Mining Tenement or any authority relating to mining or mineral exploration under any legislation.

“Southern Foreshore Licence” means the licence granted by the Corporation, on substantially the same terms as the draft licence agreement in Schedule 4.

“Southern Foreshore Licence Area” means that area of land described as “Southern Foreshore Licence Area” in Part 1 of Schedule 1 and as shown in the plans in Part 2 of Schedule 1.

[“Aboriginal Land” and “Transferable Land” have the same meaning as in the ALA. “Carbon Abatement Interest” and “Carbon Abatement Product” have the same meaning as in the Land Title Act and the Land Act. “Eligible Offsets Project” has the same meaning as in the CFI Act. “Future Act” and “Register of Indigenous Land Use Agreements” have the same meaning as in the NTA. “Mining Tenement” has the same meaning as in the Mineral Resources Act 1989 (Qld).]

c/- Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Cape York Peninsula Tenure Resolution Program PO Box 4597, Cairns QLD 4870

c/- P & E Law PO Box 2337 Cairns QLD 4870

c/- Cape York Land Council Aboriginal Corporation PO Box 2496, Cairns QLD 4870

Responses to an application to register an ILUA—where the application has not been certified: Any person claiming to hold native title in relation to land or waters in the area covered by the agreement may wish, in response to this notice, to make a native title determination application or equivalent application under a law of a state or territory in respect of any part of the area. The application must be made by 2 July 2025. If that application is registered on the Register of Native Title Claims, the registered native title claimants must be a party to this agreement before it can be registered.

Details of the terms of the agreement are not available from the National Native Title Tribunal. For assistance and any further information about

application, including the

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 4th APRIL 2025

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 4th APRIL 2025

TENDER NOTICE

Northern Bypass Road - Northern Approach to Jardine Ferry Crossing

The Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) is now accepting tender submissions from businesses and individuals interested in the Northern Bypass Road upgrade to seal project (northern approach to Jardine River ferry crossing).

T002-25 Northern Bypass Road – Northern Approach to Jardine Ferry Crossing

Interested companies and individuals must download Tender documents, complete the Schedules and relevant attachments and submit their Tender Response via VendorPanel. Tender documents are available for download from the Local Buy VendorPanel website https://www.vendorpanel.com.au/ publictenders.aspx under the above Contract number and project name.

Tenders shall be lodged via Local Buy VendorPanel and must be received before 17:00 (AEST), Wednesday 2 April 2025.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Council’s Operations Department via email tenders@nparc.qld.gov.au

Lew Rojahn Acting Chief Executive Officer

GREAT RADIO CONNECTING NORTH QLD

Near-scratch effort gives Craven a Dawnies victory

RETURNING to the clubhouse with under 40 off the stick put Ross Craven in pole position to claim Dawnbusters honours at Carpentaria Golf Club on Sunday morning.

Fifteen players teed off in idyllic conditions for the weekly showdown, with Craven (gross 38/nett 19) too good around the front nine holes.

Mick Cernaka carded a gross 42 for nett 23 to take runner-up bragging rights.

Jake Smith was the only Dawnbuster to land a shot on the 9th green and took home the nearest to the pin prize for his effort,

while the rest of the field were left looking at their clubs after wayward offerings from the tee block.

Chelsea Buckley was the Hoffman’s recipient for 23 March, with Craven capping off a great day out by securing the men’s long drive.

Helen Sabatino was the biggest hitting woman on the course.

Players will battle the back nine on 30 March, with the first group getting away from about 6:45am.

New golfers are always welcome.

Archie packs his passport for UK

By LYNDON KEANE

ANOTHER member of Weipa’s soccer talent pool says he cannot wait to combine playing and watching the game as he prepares for a United Kingdom adventure.

Weipa Junior Soccer Club member Archie Thomas, 10, will jet out of Weipa next month for a family holiday that will also have him lacing up his boots at a trial in front of 30 scouts from professional leagues in the UK.

The trial will be held in South London at the Cray Wanderers Football Club and Archie said he was excited to be testing his skills in a much higher level of competition with the scouts watching on.

“I’m pretty excited but also a bit nervous,” he said.

“It will be a lot different and more difficult than playing in Weipa or Cairns.”

Archie’s father, Jamie Thomas, who has been driving the sport’s resurgence on western Cape York, said the trial opportunity arose by keeping a keen eye on social media, and added it would help the 10-year-old develop his skills and confidence on the pitch.

“The trip to the UK is to see family, but with a big side focus on football and giv-

ing my boys the full experience of the best league in the world,” he said.

“The trial came about by me constantly looking for these opportunities and experiences, plus my social media feed is football, football, football.

“Being seen by 30 scouts from the premiership down to the lower professional leagues will be a huge boost for Archie; exposure at these trials will give him the confidence to attend more in the future, and he may be asked to trial at a professional club.”

With the ultimate goal of becoming a professional footballer, Archie said another highlight of the trip would be watching Manchester United run onto the pitch in front of a full house of passionate Red Devils fans.

“I’d like to make it at the professional level, hopefully,” he said.

Archie’s looming trial comes on the back of fellow Weipa player Jack King heading to Europe to train with Spanish club Celta de Vigo, something Mr Thomas said highlighted the depth of soccer talent on western Cape York.

“There is an amazing pool of talent, and I’m working with some of these kids at the moment to prepare them for tournaments near the end of the year,” he said.

Weipa’s Archie Thomas, who is heading to the UK to participate in a soccer trial, shows off some of his fancy footwork in the indoor version of the game during last year’s FNQ Futsal Titles in Cairns.

Parkrunners notch 80,000km milestone

WEIPA parkrun moved past a significant milestone when 78 participants, including seven newbies and representatives from four clubs, crossed the finish line for event #411 on 22 March.

Since the first event in July 2016, more than 2,000 participants have collectively run 80,335 kilometres – a tremendous effort given each parkrun only covers a 5-kilometre circuit.

Chrisden Russ’ training for the 2025 Weipa Running Festival appears to be on track as he greeted the finishers in 21

minutes, 52 seconds to be the fastest male home, with Jordyn Mulherin being the first female finisher in 24:31.

Adam Reid, Hailee Ryan, Alister Munro, Ashley Msimanga, Tobias Rissman, Grace Prentice, Ali Scott, Meg Rintoul stopped the clock in personal best performances.

Rose Robins, Richelle Ryan, Lauren Gregory, Elizabeth Hamer, Melanie Ebner, Nicole Pritchard, Michelle Nester and Elissa Nash were on volunteer duty for the morning.

Weipa parkrun is held every Saturday morning from 7am.

Crusader Cup heading to Hope Vale after wet final

STUDENTS from Hope Vale have lifted the Cooktown Crusader Cup for 2025 after 75 players from across south-eastern Cape York impressed in slippery conditions during the annual showdown on 20 March. Teams from Cooktown State School, Endeavour Christian College, Rossville State School and Bloomfield River State School lined up beside their

Hope Vale counterparts for the competition, which was a precursor for selection in AFL Cape York’s under-12 Crusader teams that will represent Cape York and the Torres Strait on the Sunshine Coast in June.

AFL Cape York game development co-ordinator Matt Mellahn praised students for their efforts on the paddock and said the region had featured heavily

in Crusader line-ups over the past few years.

“It was still slippery and a bit muddy by the time the rain cleared and we started playing, but I don’t think the kids minded that at all,” he said.

“We’ve had high representation in our Crusader U12 teams from all those communities in the past, and we’ve traditionally only had a boys team, but

this year, we’re taking our first ever girls team away as well; we’ll have 22 boys and 22 girls heading to the Sunshine Coast in early June.”

Hope Vale and Cooktown State School went through the day undefeated and squared off in the final clash of the competition, with the former collecting the silverware with a spirited 4.3 (27) to 3.3 (21) victory.

SPORT IN BRIEF

Hetaraka unstoppable

NEWLYWED Brent Hetaraka had no problem with the full lagoons at Cooktown Golf Club on 22 March when he laid waste to the field in a par event.

Hetaraka returned to the clubhouse with +9 to earn himself a big slice of wedding cake, with Campbell Venables (+2) settling for bridesmaid honours and Wal Welsh (+1) bagging third place.

Welsh took the pin prize on 2/11, while Ryan Sperring (14th) and Venables (9/18) also impressed with their iron work.

In the 10th anniversary Race to the Bay, Wal Welsh now leads on 1,870 points, narrowly ahead of Hetaraka (1,850 points), with Graham Burton in third spot on 1,620 points.

Golfers will contest a white tee Stableford on 29 March.

Cooktown social bowls

ANYONE interested in the sport of bowls now has a chance to test themselves on the green in a relaxed environment at Cooktown Bowls Club.

The club is offering three social events a week, starting with social bowls at 1:30pm each Wednesday, followed by barefoot bowls at 6:30pm.

On Sundays, players will go head to head in social bowls from 9:30am.

Game fees are $7 for barefoot bowls and $10 for social bowls.

Names must be in 30 minutes before the first roll and the club has bowls available for use.

For more information, check out the club’s Facebook page.

Wackers crown for newbie

A FIELD of 20 Wackers took on a modified eight-hole round in Weipa on 19 March.

Despite the first hole at Carpentaria Golf Club being somewhat waterlogged, new player Dan from Smit Lamnalco embraced conditions to card a gross 45 for a nett 27 to grab the winner’s chocolates from the unlucky Richard Dawe, who hit 40 off the stick for his nett 27.

Dan made the most of his maiden Wackers outing by claiming the pin prize on the 15th hole.

Scott Andrews was the weekly Bradman’s recipient.

Weipa parkrun surpassed the 80,000 collective kilometre milestone when 78 participants laced up their shoes on Saturday morning.

Players celebrate another successful AFL Cape York Crusader Cup in Cooktown on 20 March.

FOR LEASE

Have you been looking to lease industrial land in Evans Landing? Here is your opportunity!

is 2 workshops with power and sewer x 116m2 each) together with Hardstand Area • AREA 2 - 765m2 driveway and plenty of parking plus 330m2 of caretakers accommodation adjoining • AREA 31780m2 fenced and gated. 2 x 20 foot storage containers with 2 x 8m covered workshops/storage adjoining Owners would prefer to lease in one parcel however will look at splitting if required.

If you have been looking for this type of property or a block of this size then here is your opportunity to secure it.

• Only furniture and electrical business in Weipa

• Established for over 10 years & run locally • Partnered with three great buying groups, Furniture Court, Beds R Us & Bi-Rite • Established relationships with all local government departments, community trusts & businesses within Weipa & surrounds • Premises currently leased until September 2026

• Price includes 2021 Isuzu NPR truck & a 2005 Isuzu truck + 5 storage containers behind the store front • Stock is at value

• Opportunity to purchase or lease a 24 x 14 metre shed, located at Evans Landing on a 1588 square meter industrial block • Last three years trading ﬁgures are available after the signing of a conﬁdentially agreement