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POLICE have charged a 57-year-old Hope Vale man with traffic offences allegedly committed in the community earlier this month.
It will be alleged at about 6pm on 10 July, the man was driving along Flierl Street when he hit a 45-year-old man who was walking.
The 57-year-old man then fled the scene.
The 45-year-old man was transported to the Hope Vale health clinic for treatment for minor injuries.
Police located the 57-year-old man a short time after, where he provided a roadside breath test and, as a result, was transported to Cooktown police station where he allegedly provided a breath alcohol reading of 0.109.
The man was charged with three offences, including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, drink driving and driver fail to remain at incident and render assistance showing callous disregard for the needs of a person injured.
He is due to appear in Cooktown Magistrates Court on 6 August.
POLICE have charged a 31-year-old Bloomfield man with multiple offences allegedly carried out in Cooktown this month.
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THE date has been set for Weipa voters to determine which community member will fill the vacant seat in the Weipa Town Authority (WTA) chamber.
The vacancy was created after popular elected member Lisa Scharf resigned from office in June to join her husband at his new job, and WTA Chair Jaime Gane said she had left big shoes to fill as a community advocate.
“Lisa does leave a bit of a gap – she will be missed,” Ms Gane said.
“She did a lot for the community in the time that she was here.”
Nominations to fill the vacancy opened on 21
July, and anyone wishing to throw their hat in the ring must have their nomination submitted by midday on 29 July.
If more than one person nominates and a by-election is required, Weipa voters will head to the ballot box on 16 August.
Ms Gane urged eligible residents to consider nominating to represent the interests of the Weipa community at a local, state and federal level.
“I think people should put their hand up,” she said.
“There’s a lot of very passionate people in this community, as we know.
“I think the only way
really to have your voice heard and help influence the future of the town is to have a seat at the table, so, I’m encouraging those people who are passionate about the future of this community to put their hand up and have a go.”
Voters wanting to check or update their enrolment status ahead of the potential polling day can do so by going to www.aec.gov. au.
For information about the by-election, or to get an approved nomination form, contact WTA on 4030 9400 or by emailing admin@weipatownauthority.com.au.
Police will allege at about 6:15pm on 7 July, a 31-year-old man attended a Cooktown address and caused a disturbance.
He then allegedly used a tyre iron to damage a vehicle parked at the residence before leaving.
It will be further alleged at about 1pm on 15 July, the man returned to the Cooktown address, where he again began yelling and swearing, before allegedly throwing a rock at a vehicle parked at the address, causing the windscreen to shatter.
Police arrived a short time later and located the man at the front of the residence.
He was arrested at the scene and transported to the Cooktown police station.
The man was charged with three offences, including two counts of wilful damage and one count of obstruct police.
He is due to appear in Cooktown Magistrates Court on 6 August.
by LYNDON KEANE
AN $89 million investment in fast-tracking remote and regional housing has been welcomed by Far North Queensland mayors.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, who also holds the state development, infrastructure and planning portfolios, was in Cairns on 17 July to announce eight northern councils – including five on Cape York and in the Torres Strait – would benefit through the State Government’s $2 billion Residential Activation Fund (RAF).
Round one funding will focus on the construction of critical trunk infrastructure needed to unlock new remote residential developments, including water supply, sewerage, stormwater and roads.
In the far north of the state, projects will be delivered in partnership with Aurukun Shire Council, Cook Shire Council, Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC), Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council and Torres Shire Council.
Cook MP David
Kempton welcomed the announcement and said the 10 projects funded in his electorate would ultimately deliver more than 2,200 homes.
“I’m really pleased to have received funding for 10 critical projects within my Cook electorate, with the projects set to unlock more than 2,200 homes,” he said.
Aurukun Mayor Barbara Bandicootcha said the RAF would deliver a “critical” subdivision in the western Cape York community, while her NPARC opposite number, Mayor Robert Poi Poi,
said the funding was vital to the region’s remote housing ambition.
“NPARC, like most remote communities, struggles with the cost of living and the cost to develop infrastructure and community facilities, and it is vital that we obtain funding to develop our community and make it a place that is welcoming and accommodating for local people to grow and practice their cultures,” he said.
Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes said her council’s share of the funding would help it de-
velop the Lakeland master plan.
“This is a major step toward unlocking more new homes and supporting growth in the area in line with council’s Lakeland master plan,” she said.
“It’s an important milestone that lays the groundwork for longterm, sustainable growth in one of Queensland’s key agricultural regions.”
The RAF has received 178 submissions to date – 114 from regional, rural and remote Queensland, and 64 from the southeast corner of the state.
The Deputy Premier said “this partnership with local councils will transform the housing landscape in regional Queensland and give more Queenslanders a place to call home”.
“The Residential Activation Fund is just one way the Crisafulli Government is creating jobs, unlocking housing and ensuring that Queensland continues to manage population growth, address housing affordability and protect the lifestyle of local communities,” he said.
RIO Tino has announced a significant update to its Weipa electricity supply as a new hot water tariff is prepared to be offered from 1 August.
From next month, Off Peak Tariff 33 metering for hot water systems will be available to all approved customers on the Rio Tinto Weipa network, with the mining giant saying the change has the potential to save customers up to 30 per cent on their hot water bills.
Currently, the normal rate for hot water
under Tariff 11 is 30.972 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), with the rate under the new tariff to be 19.185 cents per kWh.
Weipa operations general manager Steve Dunstone said the new tariff was a big win for local households.
“This initiative marks a significant step forward for our community,” he said.
“By reducing the overall network load during peak times, we can better manage our infrastructure, decrease high loading events, and provide greater stability for
The Batavia Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (BTOAC) has commenced compliance patrols across Batavia Country, including Batavia National Park, as part of its annual dry season land management program.
This program will run from June-December 2025 and is aimed at protecting the land, enforcing cultural and environmental protocols, and supporting safe visitor behaviour during the critical fire season.
The rangers will also be carrying out hazard reduction burns and traditional fire management practices with other stakeholders during this period.
To ensure transparency, accountability and the safety of all involved, the rangers will wear body-worn cameras while undertaking patrols.
For more information about the program, contact the General Manager on 0438 880 289 or visit www.batavia.org.au
our network-connected customers.”
Conditions for application include connections on the Weipa network where billing is through Rio Tinto, and is for premises with a single-phase disconnection meter – more than 85 per cent of customers.
Rio Tinto said the off peak tariff was intended for electric hot water systems of 125 litres or greater, or heat pump units of 270L or greater.
For more information, or to apply, please contact weipa.electricity@riotinto.com.
Reporting to the Finance Manager, the Procurement Officer is responsible for the efficient and effective purchasing and stores support to Council, including the daily operations of procurement and contracting activities of Council.
The Procurement Officer will ensure prompt accurate and reliable service provision of purchasing and procurement activities and maintenance of purchasing and contract arrangements to meet the diverse range of goods and services required by Council.
Duties include but not limited to:
• Supporting Council staff with procurement of services, advice and support for goods, services, plant and equipment
• Assisting with the efficient delivery of purchasing, procurement and delivery functions
• Carrying out financial transactions, cash handling and receipting tasks in line with established procedures
• Preparing purchase requisitions in Practical Plus, ensuring purchase requisitions provided to suppliers and contractors including a copy of Council’s purchase order terms and conditions
• Consolidating all purchasing at Council
Please visit Council’s website to download a full position description and send a resume with 2 current references to HRManager@wujal.qld.gov.au
Position is open until filled
Thursday 21st August
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Junior Steer (10-14 years) $400
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Mini Bulls (11-15 years) $550
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Junior Bull (16-18 years) $1000
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Women’s Bullock (16 years & over) $1000
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Open Bullock (16 years & over) $1500
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Novice Barrel Race (16 years & over) $1000
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Junior Barrel Race (3- 15 years) $500
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Tiny Tots Barrel Race (3-15 years assisted)
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Ringers Ironman Challenge (16 years & over)
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Women’s Steer Wrestling (16 years & over)
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by LYNDON KEANE
IT’S hot, dusty and one of Cape York’s must-do annual events.
The date has been set for the 2025 Conquer the Corrugations, with more mental health and wellbeing support primed to be on offer than ever before when hundreds of participants take to the Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) on 4-5 October.
Now in its 11th year, founder and organiser Emma Jackson said significant behind-the-scenes work had gone into ensuring participants have as much support as possible on the ground when it came time to hit the PDR.
“We have been working carefully behind the scenes with RFDS’s Jos Middleton and Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service’s (TCHHS) Sarah Laxton to embed an even stronger mental health and emotional wellbeing component,” she told Cape York Weekly
“We notice each year, participants come for the challenge of walking 42 kilometres over the two days, but also to share their stories, engage with each other and learn tools that could help them when facing life’s challenges.
The Peninsula Developmental Road will again become a sea of colour for a cause on 4-5 October when participants walk shoulder-to-shoulder for this year’s Conquer the Corrugations. INSET: Eye-catching outfits are part of the Conquer the Corrugations fun, as demonstrated by Jenni Pinchen, Sue Volp and Mick Volp during last year’s walk.
“The support from RFDS and TCHHS is outstanding, and together, we are evolving this walk into so much more.”
Starting at the Coen airport turnoff on the Saturday and Archer River Roadhouse on the Sunday, the PDR will again become a sea of neon, tutus and balloons as participants start conversations aimed at reducing the stigma around mental health, and com-
memorating loved ones lost to personal battles.
With hundreds of regulars set to return in 2025, Ms Jackson said the event welcomed new participants looking to stretch themselves as they trekked back to Conquer HQ at 28 Mile Lagoon each day.
“Being that first weekend in October means that it is a challenge, as it is hot, potentially smoky if
bushfires are around, and dusty on the corrugations,” she said.
“We learn and grow when we stretch ourselves, and that’s exactly what this weekend is intended to do.
“It reminds walkers or those on a horse that life is full of corrugations, and as long as we put one foot in front of the other and ask for help if we need it, it’s possible to battle forwards.”
Businesses wishing to throw some prize or manpower muscle behind the event can contact Ms Jackson by emailing conquerthecorrugations@gmail. com.
To register to lace up your shoes – or saddle up your horse – in October, head to www. trybooking.com/events/landing/1435148.
Subsidised electricit y available for not-for-profits on the Weipa net work
Ef fective immediately, approved not-for-profit organisations connected to the Weipa electricit y net work
ting
APPLY TODAY
To apply, please submit a formal letter addressed to Weipa Electricit y@riotinto com including the following information: The registered name and not-for-profit status of your organisation
A summar y of the ser vices you provide to the Weipa and/or surrounding communities
Details of any current grants or funding received to of fset remote operating costs
Your current Rio T into power account number
Our team will review each application and provide feedback Additionally, Rio T into will review current account balances for organisations approved under this scheme
Please note This subsidy applies only to electricit y connections on the Weipa net work where billing is managed directly by Rio T into It does not apply to connections on the Napranum net work which is ser viced by Ergon Energy Organisations operating in Napranum are encouraged to contact Ergon directly to explore similar suppor t options
We thank you for your continued dedication to the Weipa communit y and look for ward to suppor ting your ef for ts through this initiative
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Weipa Electricit y@riotinto com
by LYNDON KEANE
THE culmination of a decadelong dream to have a place for the Lakeland community to have a private place to worship and commemorate special life events has been celebrated with the opening of the St Mary Queen of Peace Chapel on 13 July.
The stunning chapel, located on Mount McLean, welcomed hundreds of residents through its doors last Sunday and Frances Inderbitzin, who was one of the relentless champions of the project, said she was thrilled to see it completed.
“We finally found the little spot up on the hill, and it’s been a great outcome for the community of Lakeland,” she said.
“I think it’s a very important location, because it gives you a sense of peace when you come up there, away from all the hustle and bustle – I think all the attendees felt overwhelmed by the peace and quiet of that area.
“It was a very special day.”
“It was also really good for us, as priests,” he said.
“We are delighted with seeing the faith of the community, and the commitment to their faith.”
Bishop Joe Caddy and Father Dariusz Osinski from the Catholic Diocese of Cairns were on hand to bless the chapel, with the latter telling Cape York Weekly Lakeland residents had done a tremendous job developing and delivering the project.
Member for Cook David Kempton attended the opening and said it had been an inspiration to witness the 10-year journey end.
“About a decade ago, I was looking at vacant blocks of land in Lakeland with Frances Inderbitzin, as she had a dream of building a
church for the local community,” he said.
“Now, 10 years on, it was an honour to be part of the hundreds of people who gathered together on Mount McLean last Sunday for the blessing of the St Mary Queen of Peace Chapel.
“This beautiful chapel is interdenominational and multicultural, and is a testimonial to the vision and generosity of this amazing family; the mix of traditional worship, Tongan culture and family spirit was an experience to behold.”
by CHISA HASEGAWA
A COOKTOWN local is in the running for a top spot at the 2025 Cairns Trade Excellence Awards on 24 July.
Apprentice diesel fitter Connor Morgan was named a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year category after years of hard work and dedication with Cook Shire Council’s workshop team.
Mr Morgan said he had been thrilled to be named in contention for the award, and said it helped fuel his continued passion for the industry.
“It feels pretty good; it makes me aspire to do my best every day,” he said.
“I always had an interest in cars and machinery.”
With more than 2,500 apprentices currently training across Cairns and over 100 nominations received for the awards, Cook Shire Council congratulated Mr Morgan on this significant accomplishment of representing his community.
Workshop foreman Adam Snell said Mr Morgan was the first apprentice they had nominated in around a decade.
“He’s got a good attitude, he listens, he’s respectful, shows up for work on time, and he’s interested in the job,” he said.”
“I’ve viewed a few young fellas over time now, and Connor’s interviewed well at the beginning, and expressed lifelong interest in the trade, so we gave him a chance, and we’re more than happy with his performance.”
TWO men and a teenager have been charged with a combined 26 offences following an alleged series of crimes in the Northern Area Peninsula (NPA) in late June and early July.
Police will allege that between 27 June and 4 July, the trio committed the offences around the Bamaga, Umagico, New Mapoon and Somerset areas of the NPA.
The 16-year-old boy was located and charged with 15 offences, including five counts of unlaw-
ful use of a motor vehicle, four counts of enter premises and commit, three counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and one count each of enter premises with intent to commit, stealing and obstruct police.
He is due to appear in Bamaga Childrens Court on 19 August.
A 22-year-old man was located and charged on 14 July with nine offences, including three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, enter premises
and commit indictable offence and one count each of hooning, enter premises with intent and driving without a licence.
He is due to front Bamaga Magistrates Court on 18 August.
The second man, aged 18, was also located and charged on 14 July with two offences, being one count each of enter premises and commit and enter premises with intent.
He is due to appear in Bamaga Magistrates Court on 19 August.
FORMER Archer River quarry caretaker
Thomas Maxwell Byrnes will stand trial for the alleged murder of a Kowanyama mother of two more than 12 years ago.
Byrnes, 63, made no pleas or statements as Magistrate Scott Luxton last week committed him to trial on a charge of murdering 23-year-old Ms Bernard on or about 10 February 2013.
She is believed to have been last seen at the Archer River quarry and was expected to travel back to Kowanyama in the days following.
Ms Bernard’s family have been critical of how police handled the search for the missing mother, describing it as a “failed investigation”.
Byrnes did not make an application for bail, with the date of the trial yet to be set. Trott
RIO Tinto has announced who will succeed Jakob Stausholm as the company’s chief executive.
The miner announced last week Simon Trott would take up the reins in the top job from 25 August.
Mr Trott is currently Rio Tinto’s iron ore chief executive and board chair Dominic Barton described him as an “outstanding leader with a deep understanding of mining and a track record of delivering operational excellence”.
Mr Trott said he was thrilled to be appointed as Mr Stausholm’s successor.
“I want to personally thank Jakob for his leadership and guidance,” he said.
“As we move forward at pace, I will be listening closely to our shareholders, customers, employees, communities and other stakeholders to shape our next chapter together.”
Have your say, Weipa
COMMUNITY members are being asked for input about their aspirations for the township as Weipa Town Authority (WTA) undertakes consultation for its 2026-30 corporate plan.
The document will lay the foundation for Weipa for the next five years, and WTA is calling on residents to have their say by completing a short online survey to gauge community sentiment.
The confidential survey focuses on a range of key issues, including what amenities and attractions people believe are needed in the township to ensure its appeal and liveability.
To complete the survey, go to www. surveymonkey.com/r/corpplan2026-2030.
by CHISA HASEGAWA
A JOINT effort crackdown by the Weipa-based Queensland Police Service officers and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has resulted in several arrests related to drugs, alcohol and explosives in the western Cape York community.
The week-long operation included multiple search warrants
and baggage checks at Weipa Airport, and targeting a range of alleged offences.
Weipa officer in charge Senior Sergeant Warren Flegg said while there had not been an increase in drug offending, stolen property and weapons act offences in the community, recent additional resources had allowed more focus to be put on the operation.
“With the recent increase in staffing to Weipa, this has resulted in a higher capacity and visibility in addressing policing issues, and allowed the execution of warrants,” he said.
Senior Sergeant Flegg said the return of the AFP to the community was invaluable in the search and subsequent arrests, with two females charged with a total of nine drug and
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liquor offences, and one male charged with two offences relating to Explosives Act 1999 offences.
“The QPS dog squad were on prior taskings, and a request for the AFP assistance was sought and approved,” he said.
“The use of the AFP canine was invaluable, and further operations and expansion taskings are planned.”
A COOKTOWN woman has been arrested and issued with a notice to front court after allegedly stabbing a man in a domestic violence-related incident in the south-eastern Cape York town on 10 July.
It was reported at the time of the incident that at about 12:25am on 10 July, an intruder had gained access to a Helen Street residence and was then confronted by its male occupant.
It had then been alleged that the offender used a knife from the property to stab the occupant in the back.
The victim was transported to Cooktown Hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Initial information provided to police had indicated a male offender was involved, however, the 22-yearold Cooktown woman has now been charged over the incident.
A police spokesperson confirmed the charge was domestic violence related.
“Police have issued a 22-yearold Cooktown woman with a notice to appear following an alleged wounding in Cooktown on 10 July,” they said.
“She was charged with one count of wounding domestic violence and is due in the Cooktown Magistrates Court on 6 August.”
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The Wujal Wujal Justice Group is one of seven organisations across the state to receive a 2025 First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing grant, along with the Queensland Mental Health Commission.
The initiative will support community members with key services and emotional wellbeing programs such as on-Country cultural activities, traditional hunting and gathering, storytelling and yarning, and camping out on traditional homelands.
Cook MP David Kempton said he was pleased to see a Cape York entity amongst the grant recipients.
“Alongside major funding for the Queensland Mental Health Commission, I’m pleased to see targeted grants supporting local organisations in Wujal Wujal
– ensuring mental health support reaches those who need it most,” he said.
Wujal Wujal Justice Group Indigenous Corporation chief executive officer Joh Anthonis, on behalf of the organisation’s board, said the increased funding for their Healing On Country program was “absolutely welcomed”.
Traditional Owner and Wujal Wujal Justice Group director Kathleen Walker said the community was still recovering after devastating floods from ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper swept through the community and cut off the region in December 2023.
“It has been very tough returning to our community and the same homes that were flooded,” she said.
“The water took so much from us; most of the houses have now been fixed, but the damage is not just in the buildings – it is in our bubu (Country) and our wawu (spirit).
“The fear is still here, deep in our hearts, and the rain brings us bad memories; I am grateful for the support we now have from the Queensland Government, but healing will take time.”
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the funding addressed Closing the Gap target 14 by supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to have high levels of social and emotional wellbeing.
“By providing these grants directly to organisations working in local communities, we are supporting local leaders and empowering local decision-making to drive real outcomes in improved mental health,” she said.
QUITTING smoking will be even easier for Cape York and Torres Strait residents with increased access across the region to nicotine replacement therapies. Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) medical director primary health Dr Ineke Wever said a range of nicotine replacement options were now readily available through all primary health care centres for people to take home.
“These include options such as nicotine gum, lozenges, Quick Mist, inhalers and others,’’ she said.
“These will now be available in addition to existing quit smoking therapies, such as nicotine patches and tablets for heavier smokers.’’
Dr Wever said a five-month pilot program providing ready access to a range of nicotine replacement therapies at the point of care on Thursday Island had
been well received, with 17 per cent of patients who attended for a one-month follow up having successfully quit smoking.
She added the tobacco-related death statistics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples was concerning.
“Across Australia, tobacco use currently accounts for 37 per cent of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths, and half of all deaths for those aged 45 years and over,” Dr Wever said.
“Here, within our health service region, 48 per cent of First Nations patients identify as currently smoking, and 43 per cent of all our patients, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, identify as current smokers, which is almost half our population.”
From 1 July, a new lung cancer screening program offers a low-dose CT scan at the Weipa and Thursday Island hospitals to smokers and ex-smokers aged from 50-70 years.
TICKETS are still on sale for the Weipa Friends of the Hospital Foundation’s Tropical Christmas in July fundraiser on Friday night.
The event – which promises to have attendees sleighing the night away – will be held on the Albatross Bay Resort deck from 6pm on 25 July with raffles, auctions, fancy dress and live entertaining to make it a fundraiser to remember.
Tickets are $100 and include a sumptuous three-course dinner and welcome drink.
To secure your ticket, follow the link on the Weipa Friends of the Hospital Foundation Facebook page.
Get in quick before your chance at fundraising fun disappears like Santa in summer.
THE Parliamentary inquiry into volunteering in Queensland heard from Cooktown residents when it made its way to southeastern Cape York on 15 July.
The inquiry is being held to address declining volunteer numbers across the state, with blue card requirements one of the top issues raised by attendees of the Cooktown hearing.
Minister for Volunteers Ann Leahy said recent disaster events across Queensland had reaffirmed the vital contribution volunteers made.
“From the SES volunteers to the JPs in community recovery hubs across the state, our volunteers’ selfless work and passion to make a difference is the cornerstone of any effective disaster response and recovery,” she said.
The committee will hand its report to the State Government by September.
RIO Tinto is advising Weipa and Napranum residents power to the entire communities will be turned off for six hours tonight (Tuesday).
To conduct maintenance of the Lorim Point power station, there will be a planned blackout from 10pm on 22 July until 4am on 23 July.
The work will result in town-wide outages in Weipa, Napranum and East Weipa for the six-hour period.
For more information, call 1800 820 711 or email RTAWeipafeedback@riotinto.com.
IT is a library, but not as you know it.
With not a book in sight, Kowanyama opened the doors to its Studio Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC) on 17 July as part of a pilot project that is the first of its kind in Queensland.
Designed to help community members develop digital literacy, the digital IKC will create new opportunities for learning, employment, and cultural preservation.
Residents will have access to digital equipment such as micro-drone kits, podcasting equipment, iPads, laptops, video and audio kits, document/photo scanners and eSport kits to help boost digital inclusion and create new opportunities to play a role in the state’s digital economy.
Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council agreed to host the pilot IKC as part of the State Government’s Growing IKCs program, and Minister for Customer Services and Open Data Steve Minnikin praised the organisation’s de-
“The Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council’s decision to pilot a digital Indigenous Knowledge Centre, you have to be given a gold star, absolutely A-plus, a huge tick,” he said at the official opening.
“It’s indeed a milestone for this wonderful, wonderful community and the digital IKC, if I can just call it the IKC.
“It’s all about … empowerment through technology.”
With similar IKCs set to be built on Mornington Island and in Doomadgee, State Li-
The Western Cape Communities Co-Existence Agreement (WCCCA) is an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) over the Rio Tinto mining lease areas of the Western Cape York region of Northern Queensland. The Agreement is between the eleven Traditional Owner Groups, four Shire Councils (Aurukun, Napranum, Mapoon and New Mapoon), Rio Tinto, the Queensland State Government and the Cape York Land Council on behalf of the Native Title Parties.
The Western Cape Communities Coordinating Committee (WCCCC) and its five Sub-Committees transparently monitor, implement and review the objectives of the WCCCA to ensure that all parties’ obligations under the Agreement are met. The WCCT office is the administration arm for all Trusts and the WCCCC. It manages the overall business of the company, including servicing, assisting and supporting the above entities.
WCCT is committed to providing high quality services to our Traditional Owners, and we recognize the importance of employing the most suitable candidates. Currently we are seeking applications for the position of:
Reporting to the Executive Officer, the Office Manager is responsible for the efficient and effective functioning of the WCCT Office in order to meet organisational objectives. This includes demonstrating appropriate and professional workplace behaviours, performing their responsibilities in a manner which reflects and responds to continuous improvement, managing Administration staff, managing IT and communications systems and other office equipment, and providing support to the Executive Officer. The Office Manager is also responsible for the coordination and planning of all WCCT, WCCCC, Sub-Regional Trusts and Sub-Committees meetings scheduled throughout the year.
We anticipate the applicants will have completed a formal training in Business Administration or a similar field and have experience in a similar role where they have been responsible for the efficient and effective functioning of an office, managing administration staff, document control, managing IT and communications systems as well as compliance with organisation policies and procedures and workplace health and safety regulations. A current C class driver’s license is also required for this role.
Prior experience with MYOB, centralized database, and a sound knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island protocols are highly desired.
Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.
For further information, including a position description please contact the Executive Officer directly.
All applications should be clearly marked “Private and Confidential” and addressed as follows: Executive Officer PO Box 106
Weipa, QLD, 4874
Phone: (07) 4069 7945
Email: eo@westerncape.com.au
CLOSING DATE – FRIDAY 1st August 2025
brarian and chief executive officer of the Queensland State Library Vicki McDonald highlighted the importance of the initiative as a transformative step for First Nations communities.
“At State Library, we are committed to ensuring that First Nations communities
across the state, including Kowanyama, can access and benefit from the opportunities offered by digital inclusivity,” she said.
“Our digital program enables communities to celebrate and share their unique culture, language and stories through cutting-edge tools
such as drones and podcasting equipment; this initiative is about empowering creativity, connection, and cultural expression through technology.”
Kowanyama Mayor Territa Dick described the IKC as a “far-sighted initiative” that would allow the western Cape York community to embrace the booming digital economy while using the technology to preserve culture.
“The Kowanyama community will directly benefit from this far-sighted initiative, which brings vital opportunities for our people to operate within the digital economy,” she said.
“This particular space has been shaped by the needs, aspirations [and] strengths of the community of Kowanyama, ensuring it reflects who we are and where we are heading.
“Keeping culture strong through digital tools, the Studio gives us the power to preserve and share our stories language and tradition in digital form.”
THE Crisafulli Government has delivered a $6.8 million investment to save a Torres Strait Islander cultural recognition practice it says was due to be scrapped under Labor.
The former Miles government’s funding of the Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa (Torres Strait Islander Child Rearing Practices) Act 2020, expired on 30 June 2025, but the new government
says its commitment will ensure the initiative remains funded for the next three years.
The legislation recognises Torres Strait Islander lore in western law, and establishes a
process for legal recognition of Torres Strait Islander traditional child rearing. It has been overseen by Commissioner C’Zarke Maza and surpassed a significant milestone of
having issued 104 cultural recognition orders since the legislation’s inception on 1 July 2021.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said government was committed to ensuring the cultural recognition orders remained.
“This … announcement delivers on our commitment to break down barriers to full social and economic participation for our Torres Strait Islander peoples and takes real action on five Closing The Gap targets,” she said.
“For many applicants, a cultural recognition order provides their first-ever birth certificate, unlocking access to legal identification such as a passport and driver’s licence; these documents open doors to employment, travel and essential services such as school enrolment.”
Commissioner Maza said he was pleased to continue the important work.
“My role is about more than just legal recognition – it’s empowering our communities, strengthening cultural identity, and ensuring that these deeply rooted traditions are respected and protected for generations to come,” he said.
THE Cooktown Museum is now operating five days a week during the dry season, but the organisation responsible for its management says opening hours will again be slashed once tourists finish their annual Cape York pilgrimage.
The museum is run by the National Trust of Australian (Queensland), and had only been open from 10:30am-2:30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in a move that been slammed by Cook Shire Council, the Cooktown Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, and local business operators.
While the Trust said earlier this month it had no intention of permanently reinstating extended operations for the museum, in a 7 July email seen by Cape York Weekly, the new “extended” opening hours are advised as 10:30am-2:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The museum will be closed on Wednesday and Sunday.
Trust chief executive officer Jayme Cuttriss said the museum would continue to be run on a seasonal opening model and blamed low early tourist numbers for the delayed recommencement of fiveday operations.
“From June, we launched the high season trading model, as we do annually,” she said.
“We have a seasonal operating model; ordinarily, we would be in low season until Easter, then shoulder season until June; this
slashed operations to just three days -
year, due to very low visitor numbers, we extended the low season model until June before switching to the high season pattern.
“While visitation is higher now, it remains lower than anticipated, and with rising operational costs and no external government funding, we must manage our resources responsibly.
“The museum is staffed by employees, rather than volunteers, which also affects coverage.”
On 2 July, the Trust said in a statement the reduction to four hours, three days per week was “informed by on-the-ground insights, attendance data, and operational performance trends, and followed discussions that have already been held with Cook Shire Council and the Cooktown Chamber of Commerce”.
However, the council disputed the claim and said it had not been consulted on the change.
Mayor Robyn Holmes said the additional opening hours would benefit the Cooktown region.
“I think it’s really important that the hours were reinstated, especially at the onset of the tourist season, because it seems to be looking really positive from that angle,” she said.
Ms Cuttriss said the Trust was hoping to boost volunteer numbers at the museum and gave an undertaking to better consult Cooktown
stakeholders on future operational changes.
“We value Cooktown Museum’s role in telling the diverse stories of the region and acknowledge the benefit of keeping stakeholders informed,” she said.
“Although consultation has not historically occurred regarding operational changes, we agree this is something we can work on to improve.”
HE may now be the artistic director of one of most prestigious Indigenous art shows in Australia, but Teho Ropeyarn is also always more than happy to put his home on the international map.
Mr Ropeyarn designed the artwork that features on the new threemetre welcome sign to Injinoo, the first Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) community most travellers enter on their journey north of the Jardine River.
The Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) unveiled the eye-catching sign earlier this month, with Mr Ropeyarn’s mother, Jennifer, on hand to see her son’s stunning artwork come to life.
Mr Roperyarn is descended from the Angkamuthi and Yadhaykenu clans from Injinoo on the mainland, and Badu, Moa and Murray islands in the Torres Strait.
NPARC Mayor Robert Poi Poi said the culturally significant project had been two years in the making, and would provide visitors with a taste of Injinoo’s rich history.
“This sign is a welcome to Injinoo, representing traditional connections of the people to this land and sea Country,” he explained.
The sign was designed by former NPA Art Centre manager Dev Lengjel and, in addition to Mr Ropeyarn’s artwork, features traditional language Injinoo Ikaya, which has been curated by local linguists Sandra Woosup and Roy MacDonald.
GIVEN the hundreds of millions, or even billions of dollars – extracting an accurate figure is like pulling hen’s teeth – of public funds poured into Cape York and the Torres Strait every year, why do things up here feel like they never change?
As far as I’m concerned, it’s because policymakers in Canberra and Brisbane continue to give the bulk of the money to the wrong people.
Which people am I talking about? The service providers being paid millions to talk the talk and show off their latest liveried four-wheel drives while being completely unaccountable when it comes to delivering a single tangible result, that’s who.
This type of model has become synonymous with service delivery to communities – black, white, brindle and purple – across Australia for decades, because it provides a convenient out for the state and federal political types holding the purse strings when they’re asked what’s being done about any number of systemic issues plaguing places without a metropolitan postcode.
If the politicians and bureaucrats only ever listen to one thing that escapes my lips, please let it
be this: the status quo is utterly broken, and you’re only throwing good money after bad until you put on your big person pants and admit it’s time for change.
It’s hardly new news that I’m not a fan of the system we seem to have embraced as the norm, which has legions of cookie cutter service providers flying or driving into our communities on a Monday morning, only to get the hell out of Dodge as soon as it’s deemed pro-
fessionally appropriate on a Friday. If the community you’re allegedly providing a service to has no idea what you actually do, you have to ask yourself whether you’re giving local stakeholders –and the taxpayers footing your bill – any measure of tangible value by being there.
Why don’t we try ensuring our grassroots community groups and clubs are adequately funded to provide the incredible level of direct
and indirect support they do on a daily basis before lobbing bags of cash at organisations that only have as much skin in the game as it takes to complete a flimsy KPI report to secure their next feed at the government trough.
You only have to look at events like Weipa Fight Night 2.0 and the Weipa Running Festival to see the positive impact these local offerings have on participants and the wider community, yet they rely
on volunteers, the generosity of businesses, and the blood, sweat and tears of committee members to get off the ground to deliver a result.
Let’s try something different and redirect some of the current funding to local entities to see if there’s a quantifiable improvement in social and wellbeing outcomes on Cape York and in the Torres Strait. If it’s a failure, we can cross it off the list as an idea that won’t work, along with the status quo currently depleting the coffers.
I was talking to a young boxer on Saturday night before he stepped into the ring, and, as we yarned, he admitted he’d had a bit of trouble staying on the straight and narrow before he donned the gloves for the first time. He went on to tell me being part of the boxing club had instilled in him focus, discipline, pride and, most importantly, a sense of belonging to something bigger than himself.
If our political leaders can’t see the value in prioritising appropriate grassroots funding to allow someone to become an engaged member of the community who wants to better it and themselves, we may as well pack up and go home right now.
Improving our remote communities needs to begin in our own backyard with the people who know it best, not the fly-in, fly-out organisations getting rich by telling us how they can do it better.
in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can
Fit the numbers 1-6 once into every hexagon so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers are the same. No number is repeated in any single hexagon.
BOXING fans came, saw and were thrilled when Weipa Fight Night 2.0 sent the township into a pugilistic frenzy on Saturday night.
The 17-bout Sunstate Amateur Boxing League event sold out, with 800 people watching on from inside the Weipa Storm Surge Shelter, while about 200 who were unable to get tickets got their fighting fix from outside the venue.
Cape York Boxing Weipa’s Maynard Sagigi was the winner of the inaugural Lionel Rose championship belt after a thrilling heavyweight slugfest against Cleyton Simpson from the Innisfail-based Simo’s boxing club.
In the main event of the night, Weipa’s Jack Barton scored a unanimous win against Shaqalin Miller from Choppy’s Boxing Club at Yarrabah.
Former NRL star-turned-boxer Justin Hodges was the event’s special guest and said he had been impressed with the quality of amateur boxing on show.
“[Events like this] give them hope and a bit of that recognition that they deserve,” he said.
“Boxing’s a very, very hard sport, and things like tonight help the kids to know there are actually people out there like ourselves, and obviously the community, that care about them and want to see them have a really good dig.”
Cape York Boxing Weipa founder and coach Scott Wallace praised his committee, volunteers, sponsors and the community for making the event “a dream come true”.
“It shows you the strength of the Weipa community,” he said.
“There’s only like 3,000 people in the community and there’s nearly 1,000 here tonight.”
1: Dan Low def Sam Scott (unanimous)
2: Richard Tamwoy def Elias Wolferstan (split)
3: Jimmy McGuigan def Jed Hall (split)
4: Troy Hudson def Logan Jenkins (split)
5: Jet Savo def Robert Hostalek (split)
6: Phillip Walsh def James Hayman (unanimous)
7: John Brown def Morris Brumby (unanimous)
8: Cleyton Simpson def Maynard Sagigi (split)
9: Kevin Simpson drew Billy Reynolds (exhibition)
10: Willow Wells drew Emily Bloomfield (exhibition)
11: Scott Barton def Wayne WilshereCumming (unanimous)
12: Samuel Stafford def Jake Freiberg (TKO R1)
13: Billy Reynolds drew Samson Poi Poi (exhibition)
14: Kelvin Richardson drew Cooper Freiberg (exhibition)
15: Jimmy McGuigan def Donald Palmer (TKO R1)
16: Chris McGuigan drew Elias Wolferstan (exhibition)
17: Jack Barton def Shaqalin Miller (unanimous)
AURUKUN runner Jarrod Ausburn says he is already turning his mind to a cheeky trifecta after securing back-to-back wins in the men’s marathon at the 2025 Weipa Running Festival on 20 July.
Ausburn crossed the finish line in three hours, 22 minutes, 17 seconds ahead of Chrisden Russ (3:38:27) and Michael Collins (3:41:55), while Kim Adams (4:22:44) was the first female marathoner home from Stephanie Kurz (4:43:56) and Sandra Kirk (4:51:19).
After a self-confessed “less-than-perfect” preparation, Ausburn said he was thrilled with the outcome, and joked there would be no overseas trips ahead of next year’s threepeat attempt.
“Mate, I’m absolutely stoked,” he said.
“I think we’ll skip Bali next year and focus on coming back to Weipa and doing it again.”
In the half marathon, Nathaniel Collins
and Sophie Bee set the 22km circuit alight as they went on to win the men’s and women’s races in course record times.
A new participant record was set on Sunday, with 400 racers tackling five events ranging from the 42-kilometre marathon to the 2.5km fun run.
While many competitors celebrated their race day debut, there were plenty of other efforts worthy of note, including father-andson duo Scott and Jack Barton, who backed up for the marathon less than eight hours after notching up wins at Fight Night 2.0.
Michael Collins and Liam Cullin also completed an impressive milestone of crossing the finish line in three marathons in three weeks.
Bob Hall inspired fellow racers and the crowd by completing the 5km event with his daughter before immediately heading back to the bitumen to run side by side with his grandchildren in the 2.5km fun run.
Finishing times displayed as H:MM:SS
Men’s marathon (42km)
1: Jarrod AUSBURN 3:22:17
2: Chrisden RUSS 3:38:27
3: Michael COLLINS 3:41:55 Women’s marathon (42km) 1: Kim ADAMS 4:22:44 2: Stephanie KURZ 4:43:56 3: Sandra KIRK 4:51:19 Men’s half marathon (22km) 1. Nathaniel COLLINS 1:38:28 (course record)
2: Mark BOWDEN 1:48:49 3: Jimmy MANN 1:55:28 Women’s half marathon (22km) 1: Sophie BEE 1:39:27 (course record) 2: Jordyn MULHERIN
A FIELD of 58 participants pulled on their party hats, played pass the parcel and embraced warm early morning conditions to ensure Weipa parkrun celebrated an extremely happy eighth birthday on 19 July.
In the middle of a threemarathons-in-three-weeks campaign, Liam Cullin put
the final touches on his Weipa Running Festival preparation by being the first male to greet the timekeepers in 24 minutes, 45 seconds.
Lizzy Bagnall was the first female home and hot on Cullin’s heels in a 24:50 result, with the top five finishers crossing the line within six seconds of one another.
WITH four regulars in Mossman vying for Open glory, it was always going to be a small field that greeted the rising sun at Carpentaria Golf Club on 20 July.
Eight players and one noncombatant – being Grant Crossley, who told Cape York Weekly he was “still nursing a dramatic and horrific knee injury” – teed off on the front nine in the weekly instalment of Dawnbusters, with Peter Moore returning to the clubhouse as
With tourist season in full swing, it was hardly a surprise 15 of the field were first timers around the Weipa circuit.
Wilkee Querubin set the only personal best with a 28:32 effort.
Several significant individual achievements were also celebrated on Satur-
day morning, with Fiona Dyer notching up her 100th parkrun, while David Tuckwood, Michael Rowland and Yvonne Rowland recorded their respective half centuries.
Charlotte Buccholz also finished her 10th event in a morning of milestones.
A big group of volunteers
donned the red vests and party pacer T-shirts to make the birthday one to remember - Jacqui Beament, Jane Ostler, Kira Beament, Leigh Jewell, Linc Beament, Luther Freiberg, Michael Collins, Michael Rowland, Nanthini Kanthan, Nigel Tait, Sam Aschenbrenner, Vide Freiberg and Zig Freiberg.
every weekend, but new participants are guaranteed to have a
ing time.
the best of the reduced bunch. Moore (46/24) took the chocolates from runner-up Eddy Tiemens (55/25), but he will be teeing off with a handicap 12 strokes lighter the next time he dons his Dawnbusters cap for his efforts.
Scott Triffitt had the best gross round of the day with a 44 off the stick.
In an either impressive or greedy display, Moore also bagged the men’s long drive on
hole one, with Beth Dall taking women’s honours and the Hoffman’s gong for the day.
Jon “Rhinestone Cowboy” Dall returned to his (extremely rare) scintillating best form to claim the nearest to the pin prize on the ninth hole, with his tee shot followed by a successful birdie putt.
Players will take on the back nine on 27 July, with new golfers welcome to join the fun from about 6:45am.
by LYNDON KEANE
FACING new opponents for the first time can be a daunting experience, but it did not phase Weipa’s junior rugby league superstars when they travelled to Townsville to compete in the Laurie Spina Shield earlier this month.
Fifteen players from the under-11 Central Cape Suns – 14 boys and one girl – made the trip south to take part in the annual carnival on 4-5 July and club president Jess Rex said there had been plenty of positive feedback for the contingent from western Cape York.
“It was an amazing experience for our young players to showcase their footy skills against opposing clubs,” she said.
“For many of our selected players, this was their first time playing against an opposing team, and they certainly played their hearts out and left it all on the field.
“Over the two-day carnival, our team played seven games; players, supporters and coaching staff were judged on their sportsmanship and attitudes on and off the field.
“Our club received a lot of positive feedback from other teams and the carnival organisers – the team truly brought pride to our small, remote club.”
The trip was made possible with the assistance of dedicated coaching and support staff, and gave players a chance to meet some of their favourite NRL idols when the Melbourne Storm landed at the same time as the Weipa army, and then the North Queensland Cowboys held an autograph signing session.
The Suns were also lucky enough to meet Laurie Spina, who spoke to players and gave them pointers on how their love of the game could take them from the bush to unknown heights in the future.
Harrison Love said he had been thrilled to represent his club in Townsville.
“I had a lot of fun and really loved the whole experience,” he said.
“I really enjoyed spending time with the team and making new friends; I loved the atmosphere at the game in the stadium – the fact that we got to watch the professional players in real life was really great.
“It made me feel really excited for my future in footy.”
TO help the 20th Weipa Rodeo go off without a hitch, the event committee is calling on enthusiastic community members aged 18 or over to volunteer for a stint in front of the eskies at the Bucking Bull Bar on 22-23 August.
Three-hour shifts are available on the Friday and Saturday, with volunteers scoring a knock-off drink, VIP early access to rodeo merchandise, camp chair dibs around the arena and free entry to one of Weipa’s biggest annual celebrations.
To lend a hand for the milestone event, go to the Weipa Rodeo Facebook page.
WACKERS were met with hot mid-July conditions when a field of 12 teed off at Carpentaria Golf Club on 16 July.
With minimal wind and an apparent temperature still over 30 degrees at 4:30pm, many in the field delivered some sub-optimal performances as they attempted to keep hydrated.
Rob Richardson returned to the clubhouse with 48 off the stick for a winning nett 30.5, with Chelsie Buckley (54/34) picking up the runner-up cash for the week.
The pin prize on the 7th hole was never in danger, while Mick Cerneka impressed off the tee to bag the prize on offer on the 9th.
Eddy Tiemens collected the Bradman’s for the round.
THE on-field action continued after the holiday break when teams squared off in round 10 of the Weipa Touch Association season on 16 July.
Can’t Touch This notched up a big 13-3 win against Scrambled Legs, with Pisswrecks toppling Res Strong in a 15-2 result.
Spartans kept Weipa Weapons scoreless as they crossed for 19 tries in a one-sided affair, while Top End Taggers (15-nil) also stopped Lacking Stamina from finding the chalk line.
In a week of big scorelines, The OGs had a 22-5 victory over Cape Candies.
Cheers for Beers and Villains played the closest match of the round, with the former claiming a 4-3 win.
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