Members of the Weipa Crocs and Mud Crabs prepare to take to the field to put western Cape York’s cricketing credentials on the line at the Musgrave Super 8s competition on Saturday afternoon. See who else we spotted on Page 18.
Eight months after a pre-election pledge to “beef up biosecurity” across Cape York, the state government is no closer to delivering a solution in the northernmost part of Queensland. Report – Page 3
SUNDAY, MAY 11 11:00AM – 2:00PM ON THE DECK
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COOK Shire Council is rolling out a new bin-labelling program to improve waste management, reduce contamination and ensure fairness and consistency across its local government area.
From 1 July, only bins that have been officially labelled by the council will be collected as part of the kerbside waste service.
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For a bin to receive the sticker of approval and be eligible for collection, it must have no cracks, two functioning wheels and a lid that closes securely, be the correct size, and be at a property with a paid waste service included on its rates notice.
“We know that some residents have concerns about waste service costs,” Mayor Robyn Holmes said.
“This new bin labelling program is designed to introduce safer waste handling methods, consistency and cost-efficiency to the current system so that no one is unfairly subsidising others.”
Cape York Weekly understands from several sources the
council also has concerns about the weight of some bins being collected and the inappropriate disposal of dangerous items, such as car batteries.
“This is about making our waste system more efficient, more sustainable and environmentally friendly and ultimately more cost-effective for ratepayers,” Mayor Holmes added.
“This is just the first step. Once we get the current system
running smoothly and fairly, we can start exploring additional services, such as kerbside recycling. But we need to get the basics right first.”
The council will undertake a bin audit from 12 May, with residents and businesses able to receive a 25 per cent discount if they opt to purchase a new bin to replace a broken one.
Council staff will also provide free bin repairs for eligible
bins during the audit period of 12 May-30 June as part of regular waste collection.
After 1 July, bins that are overfilled, facing the wrong way, or contain prohibited items will receive a Get It Sorted reminder label, which will provide guidance on how to correct any issues before the next collection.
For more information, call the council on 4082 0500 or email mail@cook.qld.gov.au.
CAIRNS OFFICE: Ph: 4035 4022 25 Redden St, Portsmith
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THE crew of a Sea Swift vessel is being praised for coming to the rescue of a group of 16 people who became stranded on a remote Torres Strait beach last week.
On 30 April, crew aboard the Fourcroy, which was midvoyage in the region, received a call from water police advising a group of people, including young children, was stranded in poor conditions on Cap Islet, north-west of Yam Island.
After rerouting the vessel, the crew spotted the group and the small boats they had been travelling in, and dropped anchor on the north side of the islet.
Members of the crew swiftly boarded the rescue vessel with life vests, food and water, and
headed for the beach. After several trips to and from the islet in rainy, windy and cold condi-
tions, the 16 stranded persons – which included five children, the youngest of whom was 12
months old – were taken into the Fourcroy’s mess hall, provided with food and water, and were comforted by the crew.
The group was returned safely to Yam Island and the Fourcroy continued on its voyage.
Sea Swift executive chairman Chris Pearce said the company was “immensely proud” of the crew, and the rapid actions of the Fourcroy’s master.
“The quick thinking of the master and his crew once they received the call at 5:30am [on 30 April] is a testament to the ability and depth of knowledge of the local area,” he said.
“We are so proud of the crew and are glad the stranded group are now back safely ashore on Yam Island.”
concessions apply to holders of means-tested concession cards and those with a genuine inability to pay.
By CHISA HASEGAWA
EIGHT months after the Liberal National Party (LNP) promised to re-establish a biosecurity presence on Cape York, locals still have no idea how and when the vital frontline defence of the region will return.
In the lead-up to the 2024 Queenland election, the party and now-Premier David Crisafulli announced a $50 million plan it said would “beef up biosecurity” across the state, which included a review of the controversial mid-2023 closure of the Cape York Biosecurity Centre at Coen.
The facility was shuttered by the former Labor government in June 2023 and handed back to Southern Kaantju Traditional Owners, despite overwhelming criticism from the agricultural sector and biosecurity experts.
In 2024, the vehicle inspection shed was removed by Traditional Owners and relocated to an unknown site.
Cape York Weekly has been unable to confirm whether the taxpayer-funded infrastructure was sold, or whether it is being utilised by Traditional Owners at another location.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the cen-
tre’s reopening was still a priority, with the prolonged review expected to be finalised in the second half of 2025.
“The Crisafulli government’s commitment to reinstate our northern line of biosecurity defence is steadfast and has not changed,” he said.
“Part of our commitment to strengthen biosecurity across the Cape includes a review of the former Labor government’s closure of the Coen facility, that work is underway.”
Member for Cook David Kempton said the government was in search of an “appropriate location” for a replacement cen-
tre, but did not speculate what the cost of constructing new infrastructure would be.
“As the Member for Cook, I am in continual conversation with the Minister for Primary Industries in relation to a raft of measures to bolster biosecurity in the far north and across the state,” he said.
“These measures include increasing the number of biosecurity officers, and the development of a replacement biosecurity centre in Cape York.
“I am working with the Minister and the department in relation to the most appropriate location in Cape York.”
By LYNDON KEANE
WHILE the Australian Electoral Commission is yet to formally declare the result, the Liberal National Party’s (LNP) nearlythree decade stranglehold on Leichhardt is over.
Amid the chaos of Labor’s demolition of the Peter Duttonled Coalition at a national level on 3 May, Cape York voters have sent an emphatic message to the LNP following the retirement of long-serving Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch.
When the Cape York Weekly went to press, Labor’s Matt Smith held a commanding 56.83 per cent of the two-party preferred vote, and was more than 11,000 votes clear of his LNP rival, Jeremy Neal.
It was a bloodbath across Cape York and the Torres Strait for the LNP, with Mr Neal recording a 14.01 per cent swing against the party in Weipa, with similar results in Cooktown (-12.62 per cent), Thursday Island (-16.12 per cent) and Bamaga (-16.63 per cent).
In Coen, there has been a 23.63 per cent swing against the conservative party, which went into Saturday’s federal election
as a short-priced favourite to keep Leichhardt as a blue seat following Mr Entsch’s departure from politics.
Other conservative candidates recorded primary vote increases, with Rob Hicks securing nearly 8 per cent for One Nation, and Daniel Collins 5.84 per cent for Katter’s Australian Party.
The Greens’ Phillip Musumeci had secured 9 per cent of first preference votes.
Mr Smith has declared victory and said he would hit the ground running by driving to Weipa for the 2025 Western Cape Futures Symposium.
“I will be the new Member for Leichhardt,” he said.
“I’m obviously excited and the work starts tomorrow, and I’m driving up your way; I made a commitment to Jaime (Gane) last time I was up there to do so, and there are no flights, so we’re driving.”
Mr Neal told Cape York Weekly he was disappointed with the swing against the LNP on Cape York and the Torres Strait, but added he respected the decision of electors.
“The voting results from Cape York reflect national trends,” he said.
“Whilst I’m disappointed in the results, I respect the choice of Leichhardt and wish the incoming government well.”
In a Facebook post on 4 May, he conceded defeat and thanked his supporters for their campaign efforts.
“With the election now over and the votes largely tallied, I congratulate Matt Smith on his win in Leichhardt,” the post reads.
“I would like to give a huge thank you to my volunteers and supporters, who put up a great fight. We left no stone unturned in this election.”
By LYNDON KEANE
THE planned $200 million upgrade of Cooktown’s hospital has survived a review into the state’s hospital expansion capacity but the delivery timeframe mooted by the former Labor government was “never achievable”, according to Member for Cook David Kempton.
The State Government released the findings and recommendations of the independent review in late April, and while the much-needed Cooktown Hospital project has not been flagged for the chopping
block, Mr Kempton said completion was now not scheduled until the 2029-30 financial year.
“The $200m upgrade of Cooktown Hospital is an election commitment of the Crisafulli LNP government, and a key election commitment made by me prior to the October election,” he said.
“The timeline completion date of 2027-2028 advised by the ALP government was never achievable, as the project was neither funded nor planned.”
Former health minister Shannon Fentiman told Cape York Weekly in August 2024 “major construction
works are scheduled for completion by 2027-28” on the project after it was initially announced less than three months earlier as not being finished in 2031.
Mr Kempton said the government had “progressed with the upgrade” and that “once a managing contractor is appointed, the project will progress to design completion and then to construction”.
“During the design process over the coming months, the project team will engage with stakeholders and the community to ensure the project reflects the diverse community and provides safe
and welcoming services closer to home,” he said.
“The current timeline for completion of the project is 2029-30, depending on weather, site conditions and any other construction impacts that may be encountered.”
Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes said she was pleased the upgrade had survived the review.
“It’s good to see that it is moving forward for the community with the commitment from the change in government,” she said.
“I think it was a really positive outcome that we weren’t affected by it (the review).”
Wujal man charged
A 58-YEAR-OLD Wujal Wujal man has been charged after he allegedly caused a disturbance outside a Cairns shopping centre on McLeod Street at about 11:30am on 28 April.
Police will allege the man abused several members of the public attempting to enter the centre.
When police attended, it will be alleged the man continued to verbally abuse officers and failed to comply with a move on direction.
He was taken into police custody and charged with obstruct police, contravening a police requirement and two counts of committing a public nuisance.
The man will face Cairns Magistrates Court on 13 May.
IT is not too late for those who have not registered to attend the Cape York Region Package (CYRP) taskforce meeting in Weipa this afternoon (Tuesday).
The meeting will be held in the Weipa Town Authority office on Hibberd Drive from 3-5pm on 6 May and give community members the chance to hear from the taskforce and the Department of Transport and Main Roads about what was delivered as part of stage two of the CYRP.
Regional Development Australia Tropical North is facilitating the meeting and a spokesperson said people could still attend, even if they had not registered.
“Registration is preferred, but it’s fine for people in Weipa to just turn up to the meeting,” they said
The meeting will also provide an opportunity for Cape York stakeholders to flag the parts of the Peninsula Developmental Road they believe should be prioritised when federal funding for the third stage of the CYRP was secured.
THE State Government says it is unlocking the door to home ownership by abolishing stamp duty for eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a new home in Queensland.
The key election pledge came into effect from 1 May, with the government saying it will provide potentially tens of thousands of dollars in savings to first home buyers across the state, including on Cape York.
Treasurer and Minister for Home Ownership David Janetzki said stamp duty was a significant disadvantage.
“Every Queenslander deserves a place to call home, and abolishing stamp duty is a critical step to help make that dream a reality,” he said.
By CHISA HASEGAWA
TEN locally grown construction workers are set up for employment success after reinvigorating their community through Community Owned Enterprises’ (COE) latest Skilling Queenslanders for Work project in Wujal Wujal.
The COE Pride of Place project officially concluded with a graduation ceremony in front of friends and family last month, with participants receiving a Certificate I in Construction after six months of work assisting with the cleanup and rebuilding of assets and facilities lost in the Tropical Cyclone Jasper flood event of 2023.
The trainees said they felt proud to see their work, with council buildings cleaned and repainted, community furniture constructed or restored, and fellow individual community members’ homes cleaned.
“I feel good and proud; we’ve had lots of new experiences, learning how to build and fix things,” trainee Jukai Greenwool said.
“I’m happy that I made new friends, and I feel good now, more confident.”
Mr Greenwool is one of four trainees who have already secured ongoing employment, having begun a role as a community engager with My Pathway within days of graduating, but said his aspirations did not end there.
“I’d like to complete a Certifi-
cate III or IV, maybe an apprenticeship,” he said.
“One day, I would like to be my own boss as a builder and show other young people the way to approach life.”
Project supervisor Brad Gould recalled the group was eager from the beginning, but the growth showed through the course of their training was what made this project so successful.
“The trainees began with fresh energy, an eagerness to do well and a clear motivation to prove themselves as valuable assets to their peers and the broader community” he said.
“It was so inspiring to see the graduates complete each project with pride, growing confidence and enthusiasm and be so eager to take on the next tasks.
“Their positive attitudes con-
tributed so much to the overall team spirit and with it, the project’s success.”
Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council chief executive officer Kiley Hanslow said the project had delivered much for the community, and that its impact would continue long into the future.
“This very positive community initiative has delivered real outcomes and pride for the commu-
nity, highlighting the strength of culturally appropriate, community-based training laying the foundation for long-term employment and growth,” she said.
“Council believes these skilled and motivated trainees will continue to positively impact Wujal Wujal’s future, and hopefully continue to further upskill and link in with the delivery of community projects here in Wujal Wujal.”
Are you looking for a job that offers flexibility and is focused on providing a safe and clean environment for customers? Then we’d love to hear from you. Apply now for roles available in our Trolley Collection and Cleaning Services teams.
By CHISA HASEGAWA
A COOKTOWN singer is reaching out to her community for support in her latest musical endeavour as she reaches for a Brisbane people’s choice prize.
Earlier this year, singer-songwriter Ella Hartwig was announced as one of 12 finalists for Brisbane City Council’s The QUBE Effect, an annual music development program which brings together young
artists with some of the country’s top industry experts.
Through the program, the finalists created live studio music videos to be voted on for the People’s Choice Award, which will be presented later this month.
“I’m very pleased with the quality of the video, because the point of that is so that we have an asset for applying for festivals and things like that,” she said.
“To book a gig, it’s not as sim-
THE state’s education minister has hit back at criticism a new $33 million anti-bullying initiative is a “band-aid” response to the growing schoolyard problem.
On 29 April, a Far North Queensland principal told Cape York Weekly they believed the State Government’s Rapid Support Squads would provide no real impact on the ground, a claim refuted by Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek.
“I want to assure the Cape York community that the Crisafulli government’s new five-point plan for bullying not only allows us to better respond to serious bullying incidents, but it also includes extra support for school staff and parents to address behavioural incidents before they turn into bullying,” he said.
“I also want to make it clear that our $33m anti-bullying strategy is just the start of our efforts in this four-year term to tackle this issue.
“Bullying is a scourge on our society – we recognise it is prevalent online, in the workplace, at sporting clubs, and in our schools.
ple as just getting in contact, everyone wants videos and to know what you sound like with a band.
“It’s not just filming a rehearsal, because if it’s bad quality, no one wants to listen to it, so you have to record it, mix it, film it, properly edit it; it’s actually such a big job, and it’s amazing that we got to be part of that.”
Ms Hartwig said she chose her song, Backup, which was about the challenges of leaving home to
chase her dreams, and asking for support from her community.
“Whenever I’ve played it live, there’s just some energy that I’ve never really been able to recreate with any other song,” she mused.
“It’s just so fun to play live, and the meaning for me is actually super deep, but it’s kind of delivered in a happier, more upbeat way.”
Just like the multi-layered meanings in Backup, the young artist said she hoped Cape York
He added an advisory group would provide direction to ensure collaboration between schools, government and non-government agencies in the bid to stamp out bullying.
“I know the quoted principal also expressed hopes that government and non-government agencies come together to address this growing issue; as part of our strategy, we are establishing an expert stakeholder group of government and non-government representatives to review key initiatives and advise on further anti-bullying measures in our schools and communities,” he said.
would stand behind her as she continued to shoot for the stars.
“When you live your dream, I feel guilty if I feel upset, but moving so far from home and making all these personal sacrifices to chase my dreams, as dramatic as that may be, it’s going to take a toll on you and that’s okay, I just need some backup,” she said.
To cast your vote, go to www. brisbane.qld.gov.au and search
“The QUBE Effect”.
Join Cape York NRM and a host of industry experts at this FREE 2-day event to discuss key topics including genetics breeding animal health & nutrition fire management, and more Entertainment on Tuesday night with dinner and live music by Ella Hartwig
Register now
Email jayme burkett@capeyorknrm com au or call 0477 720 359
THE generosity of Anzac Day punters and the ongoing support of a local club has helped refill the Weipa RSL sub-branch coffers for another year.
Following official Anzac Day commemorations in Weipa on 25 April, a big crowd made a beeline for the Weipa Bowls Club for the annual two-up competition, with sub-branch members circulating fundraising tins between patrons as they kept one eye on the kip.
The bowls club has historically matched the money raised during the event to assist with fundraising efforts, with more than $3,200 presented to sub-branch president Lloyd Williams once the cheers and calls of heads and tails subsided.
In total, a little over $350 in bar donations were received, with
$1,200 being raised during the two-up action.
Mr Williams thanked patrons and the bowls club, and said the contribution represented a “significant” part of the sub-branch’s fundraising for 2025.
“It was extremely well supported by the number of people that were there,” he said.
“The place wasn’t packed because it was a long weekend, but I think we did very well for the number of people that were there.
“It’s a commitment by the bowls club to us, which is basically a lifeline – it’s a big deal to our fundraising effort for the year.”
Bowls club manager Karen Phillips said the organisation was thrilled to be able to continue its Anzac Day fundraising association with the sub-branch.
ST Joseph’s Parish School students and staff reflected on the importance of Anzac Day and the contribution of past and present service personnel at a special liturgy on 24 April.
Students decorated a prayer space with Anzac Day items and laid a wreath for the liturgy before special guest Royal Australian Air Force Sergeant Steven Kennett talked about his experiences and shared his stories, before providing a simple reminder about engaging with other people.
“He reminded us to be kind to everyone we meet, and to treat others how we would like to be treated, and to always smile and say hello,” a school spokesperson said.
“Such simple things that can change someone’s day.
“During the liturgy, we remembered and honoured those who fought to protect our beautiful land; it was also a day to stop and pray for peace – peace in our world, peace in our families, and peace in our own hearts.”
Following the liturgy, The Ode was recited before the Last Post echoed around the school and one minute’s silence was observed.
CLOSURE: 23 APRIL – 23 MAY 2025
The Jardine River ferry will be removed from the Jardine River for essential repairs to the ferry hull to ensure ongoing safe operations.
Closure dates: Wednesday, 23 April to Friday, 23 May 2025.
Annual safety repairs to the Jardine Ferry are under compliance regulations set by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Council apologises for the inconvenience caused and thanks you for your patience during this essential repair period.
Tickets purchased for travel during closure period, remain valid when ferry is open.
NPARC T: (07) 4090 4100 or (07) 4090 4120 W: www.nparc.qld.gov.au
boy charged
POLICE have charged a 16-year-old Pormpuraaw boy with multiple offences following a number of alleged incidents in the western Cape York community.
It will be alleged between 31 March-28 April, the boy committed multiple offences at the same business on Piithamp Street.
On one occasion, the boy is alleged to have hidden within the business for some time until staff had left before using a tool to break into a shopfitting, taking several items and leaving the premises.
On a separate occasion, the boy allegedly stole other items from the store.
On 29 April, police located and arrested the boy at a Piithamp Street address.
He was charged with one count each of enter premises and commit indictable offence by break, enter premises with intent to commit indictable offence and unauthorised dealings with shop goods.
The boy will face the Pormpuraaw Childrens Court on 12 May.
dance date set
ALL roads will lead to Lockhart River on the King’s Birthday long weekend in October as the community rolls out the welcome mat for the 2025 Paytham Malkari Dance Festival.
The two-day celebration of culture, performance and community will be held on 3-4 October, with hundreds of festivalgoers expected to head to Lockhart River for the annual event.
For the latest information about the festival, go to the Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council Facebook page.
THERE will be planned power outages across Weipa from tomorrow until Friday for critical maintenance and repairs to be carried out.
On 7 May, from 8am-2pm, power will be interrupted to 1/13, 2/13 and 14-28 Eagle Terrace.
Noola Court, Yileen Court, Killara Place, Karingal Court, Wallanna Court (9, 10, 13, 14) and the Weipa Town Authority shed will be impacted from 8am-2pm on 8 May.
On 9 May, the Centrelink complex, My Pathway building, Queensland Country Bank, the community corrections office, Nonda Close, Bombax Court, 1-13 Alstonia Drive and 38-47A Pandanas Parade will be without power between 8am-12pm.
For further information, contact the Rio Tinto team on 1800 820 711 or RTAWeipafeedback@riotinto.com.
By CHISA HASEGAWA
WHAT started as a simple idea to honour a community member lost to Tropical Cyclone Jasper has turned into a beautiful celebration of life where Bloomfield residents can gather to remember their friend.
When 85-year-old Degarra man Ray Dark lost his life during the region’s worst flood disaster, he left a huge hole in the community he had called home for almost half a decade.
Earlier this year, volunteers from the Bloomfield River District Residents Association (BRDRA) came together to organise a memorial rock near the land on which his house used to sit, and on 3 May, people from near and far who had been part of Mr Dark’s life came together for its unveiling.
“It was a really good representation of his life and the cross-section of people who were in it,” BRDRA secretary Robyn Guedes said.
“We went around and spoke about Ray and our nice and funny memories of him.”
She said Mr Dark was one of around eight people who lived on the low-lying riverbanks and spent the 2023 flood night on roofs and clinging to trees, trying to escape the rapidly rising water.
“It was a real wake-up to us that someone actually died in one of our floods,” Ms Guedes said.
“We have floods regularly, and that was arguably the hugest flood we’ve ever had, but to actually lose someone, I think everyone poured their heart into it and wanted to
help out and wanted to make a monument for him.”
The unveiling also featured a painting of Mr Dark by local artist Dan Hodgson, which Ms Guedes said would likely be put up in the community hall to be enjoyed by all.
With the memorial rock now complete, the secretary encouraged everyone to visit and honour Mr Dark in their own way.
“That plaque on the rock is just the beginning, so come along and plant a flowering shrub,” she said.
“We need to put a little bit of chain up to make sure to protect it, and some more gravel, but it’ll grow, and people will add their own little personal tribute to him and improve it.”
The Weipa RSL Sub Branch would like to thank the following for their support of our Anzac Day commemoration:
Bravo Company, 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment
Royal Australian Air Force Base, Scherger
Senior Sailor Pelina Schuch
Weipa Town Authority , Matthew Turnbull and Crew
Soxedo Weipa Catering Staff
Woolworths Weipa
Weipa Bakery
Fritz Loban and the PCYC team from QPS
Silvie Nash – trumpet
The Grounds Staff of Evolution Minuing and Civil Sea Swift Weipa
The many volunteers that have helped to make it another successful Anzac Day commemoration
EVERY community, especially those as remote as ours on Cape York, has those people who go above and beyond to ensure where we work, play and call home is the best version of itself, usually without making a fuss or asking for anything in return.
You know the sort of individual I’m talking about. There’s a good chance you might even be one of them.
While there’s no doubt the efforts of all these people contribute to making the Cape one of the most incredible spots in the country to live, there is one group whose praises we should be singing way more than we do, especially when we point our vehicles at the Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) after the wet season.
That’s right, I’m talking about the guys and girls who make up our road crews.
Unless you’ve seen firsthand the mammoth task facing our road crews when the rain bids us farewell for another season, it’s difficult to grasp just how much of a mess the unsealed sections of the PDR are transformed into annually.
Were it a scenario most of us were greeted with in our workplaces, I suspect there would be mass
hysteria and sick days being taken left, right and centre until someone else made the kilometres of quagmire go away.
The thing I find most fascinating is that when you talk to them about the work they’re doing, our road crews just shrug if off in favour of a self-deprecating comment.
These kings (and queens) among men would rather get back
in the cab of their machine and get on with the job than stand in the middle of the PDR being told what an incredible job they’re doing.
Knowing some of the maintenance mob, a few would rather have their fingernails removed than be on the receiving end of recognition and thanks, which, for my money, makes their often unacknowledged contribution to
Driving between Weipa and Musgrave for the annual Super 8s showdown at the weekend, I pulled up to take some photos and have a yarn to a couple of plant operators to see how early dry season maintenance work was going ahead of the northern migration of the caravanning crowd.
When I suggested to one the PDR was looking as good as it had in ages for this time of the year, in spite of the late wet season, he looked down the road, took a Marlboro Man-size draw on his rollie and shook his head.
“I’d like to be further along, but parts have been a total mess –we’re lucky we haven’t been sunk trying to grade the bloody thing,” he offered thoughtfully.
Kings (and queens) among men, I tell you.
I hope when the returned Albanese government does find an interest in remote communities – and the $240 million needed to kick off stage three of the Cape York Region Package – we can get a few extra bucks to install bronzed graders, rollers and water trucks along the track as an homage to our biggest unsung heroes. Until the Federal Government does find its wallet, the reversing buzzers, flashing lights and fountains of water on freshly-rolled dirt will continue to signal our road transport salvation at this time every year.
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, when you pass our road crews on the PDR over coming months, make sure you slow down and give them a honk of gratitude to say thank you. They’re the only reason the fillings aren’t shaking out of your teeth, or why you’re not looking like a mud monster as you curse and attempt to attach a recovery strap to your vehicle.
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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.
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) will undertake maintenance dredging from early May 2025 at the Port of Weipa. Dredging will also be completed at Amrun on behalf of Rio Tinto.
The project will take up to four (4) weeks to complete.
The dredge vessel TSHD Brisbane, as well as support vessels, have restricted manoeuvring capability. Local and visiting boaties are asked to take care and notice of all warning flags and lights.
Maintenance dredging needs to be carried out to ensure that safe, navigable shipping depths are maintained.
Environmental controls and management measures will be implemented throughout the program to minimise the risk of any potential impact on the marine environment.
Your cooperation and understanding is appreciated.
By LYNDON KEANE
A MISSED short putt on the final hole did not cause the chaos it had the potential to as Warren Brewer returned to top billing at the 2025 Weipa Goodline Open on 3-4 May.
After a thrilling one-stroke margin cost Brewer a four-peat in the A-grade men’s competition at Carpentaria Golf Club in 2024, all eyes were on the on-course showdown between he and Matt Slade at the weekend as the pair battled for the winner’s chocolates.
Despite the short-range miss on the 18th green on Sunday afternoon, Brewer carded rounds of 72 and 82 to claim the gross winner gong, with Slade having to settle for gross runner-up and nett winner with efforts of 81 and 84 over the 36 holes.
In the Ladies division, Helen Sabatino and Kindee Lawty shared gross and nett honours, with the former carding rounds of 98 and 101 for a five-stroke gross win, while the latter celebrated a narrow one-shot nett victory with rounds of 77 and 81.
Glenn Egan took home the Bgrade men’s gross prize with a Saturday round of 90 and Sunday offering of 85, with club president Murray Mountjoy claiming gross runner-up bragging rights.
In the B-grade men’s nett, Grant Crossley carded impressive efforts of 76 and 72 to claim
and
with
Steve Kennett and Richard Dawe fought it out in C-grade men’s gross with matching cards of 193 off the stick, with the former ultimately claiming the winner’s prize.
In the Seniors division, visitors Danny Bradley and Charlie Kadic took winner and runner-up honours respectively, while locals Rob McVean and Kris Brooks finished first and second with their nett scores.
2025 WEIPA OPEN HONOUR BOARD
Name (R1, R2: total)
A-grade men gross winner
Warren Brewer (72, 82: 154)
A-grade men gross runner-up
Matt Slade (81, 84: 157)
A-grade men nett winner
Matt Slade (75, 70: 145)
A-grade men nett runner-up
Michael Hall (76, 75: 151)
B-grade men gross winner
Glenn Egan (90, 85: 175)
B-grade men gross runner-up
Murray Mountjoy (88, 92: 180)
B-grade men nett winner
Grant Crossley (76, 72: 148)
B-grade men nett runner-up
Matt Byrne (77, 72: 149)
C-grade men gross winner
Steve Kennett (98, 95: 193)
C-grade men gross runner-up
Richard Dawe: (98, 95: 193)
C-grade men nett winner
Richard Dawe: (71, 68: 139)
C-grade men nett runner-up
Rob Richardson (73, 75: 148)
Ladies gross winner
Helen Sabatino (98, 101: 199)
Ladies gross runner-up
Kindee Lawty (100, 104: 204)
Ladies nett winner
Kindee Lawty (77, 81: 158)
Ladies gross runner-up
Helen Sabatino (78, 81: 159)
Seniors gross winner
Danny Bradley (88, 92: 180)
Seniors gross runner-up
Charlie Kadic (90, 91: 181)
Seniors nett winner
Rob McVean (79, 74: 173)
Seniors nett runner-up
Kris Brooks (74, 82: 156)
HAD performances with the bat and ball matched the vigour put into sledging opponents and keeping hydrated at Musgrave Roadhouse over the Labour Day long weekend, more than a few players could have expected an Ashes callup this summer.
Teams from across Cape York and Far North Queensland converged on the historic venue for the annual Super 8s showdown at the weekend, and Cape York Weekly was there to capture all the action.
The Peninsula Developmental Road looked like it would have to be closed down at one stage after the bitumen was bombarded with sixes as the result of some once-ayear wayward deliveries and ferocious strikes with the willow.
MAGIC Round was anything but for Queensland teams as all four NRL sides failed to secure any competition points in Brisbane at the weekend.
The north-of-the-border woes began on Friday night when the Dolphins could not come up with an answer to the attack of the Sydney Roosters in the 3626 clash.
On 3 May, the North Queensland Cowboys ran out of time after a sluggish start in their
showdown against the New Zealand Warriors, with the visitors from across the ditch winning an exciting 30-26 encounter.
Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden said he believed the team came out of the gates firing in the second 40 minutes but could not make up for “missing our assignment” in the opening stanza of the game.
“I thought we fought back really well in the second half and it’s a shame. We had a lot of
ball there to win the game in the end, and we just couldn’t come up with the play,” the Cowboys five-eighth said.
“I think it’s just sort of nailing your job from the start from us; I thought we sort of missed our assignment to start the half, and ended up having to chase the game.”
Things got worse for Maroons fans on Sunday afternoon when the Titans were hammered 38-18 by the Bulldogs.
Immediately after, the Brisbane Broncos suffered at the hands of a Nathan Cleary masterclass when the home team was thumped 32-8 by Penrith.
Cleary shone with a 16-point personal haul, scoring a try and booting six from six with conversions and a penalty goal.
The Dolphins, Cowboys, Titans and Broncos will all be hoping for a turnaround in form when round 10 kicks off on Thursday night.
WEIPA parkrun continues to go from strength to strength as 80 participants laced up their shoes to tackle the 5-kilometre circuit on 3 May.
With many locals using the weekly event to ramp up their training ahead of the 2025 Weipa Running Festival, camaraderie and friendly competition was on show as 15 personal bests
were recorded and six participants joined the parkrun family on Saturday morning.
Marin Harada pushed herself to be the first finisher for Weipa parkrun #417 and greeted the timekeepers in 22 minutes, 11 seconds. Luke O’Day notched up a PB time in being the first male to conquer the 5km and stop the clock in 22:20.
Harvey Flynn, Jack Connor, Alister Munro, Arthur Campbell, Nicola Campbell, Grace Prentice, Keira Fogarty, Lyndsey Fielding, Jayansh Anumula, Louise Jones, Ananya Anumula, Lyle Daymond and Sandhya Kairamkonda were the other participants to set a new personal benchmark on the day.
Volunteering duties were car-
ried out by the trusty team of Donna Jewell, Michael Collins, Camille Freiberg, Sarah Agnew, Tiffany Barber, Tash Tapper, Fiona Dyer and Georgie Jenkins. Weipa parkrun is held every Saturday morning opposite the hospital roundabout in Nanum. Gather at 6:50am in preparation for the starter’s gun to fire at 7am.
THE Melbourne Cup may be the race that stops the nation, but it will be a country meeting in Cooktown that causes southeastern Cape York to pause and frock up in November.
The 2025 Cooktown Races will be held on 8 November and promise a full day of excitement on and off the track as a platoon of punters head to the Cooktown Amateur Turf Club for the 151st running of the event.
After the success of last year’s milestone 150th anniversary, racegoers will return to Cooktown for one of the must-do bush meetings in Queensland racing.
For the latest information on the event, keep an eye on the turf club’s Facebook page.
THERE were some lopsided outcomes when teams took to the field for round one of the 2025 Weipa Touch Association season at Andoom Oval on 30 April.
Six games were played, with Pisswrecks pipping Lacking Stamina in the closest game of the night in a 6-3 result.
The OGs trumped Spartans 15-6, Cape Candies took the win from Scrambled Legs 16-7, Untouchables secured a 14-2 win over Cheers for Beers and Res Strong thumped Can’t Touch This 15-4.
Villains started their 2025 campaign on a high with a 26-nil decimation of Weipa Weapons.
GREAT weather and a field of 18 players set up an exciting instalment of Wackers at Carpentaria Golf Club on 30 April.
Mick Foy’s 43 off the stick was enough to hand him a narrow win, and he collected the chocolates with nett 32.5, relegating the bruised and battered Jake Smith – who apparently fell out of a tree earlier in the day for reasons unknown – to runner-up with a round of 51/33.
Ross Craven took the pin prize on the 15th, and Pom went home with Bradman’s bragging rights.
There was still no sign of Mick Cernaka on the course – does anyone know how to reverse magic tricks?
