Queensland Governor Her Excellency Dr Jeanette Young and her husband, Professor Graeme Nimmo, inspect the new Pormpuraaw primary health care centre during a community visit last week. Find out how the project is progressing on Page 6.
OVERTIME OOPS
Council scraps contract extension over timesheet ‘matter’
The state’s corruption watchdog is refusing to comment on whether it is investigating alleged timesheet discrepancies involving a prominent Cape York council boss. Read the story on Page 3.
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Bloomfield buzzing for annual bazaar fundraiser
by CHISA HASEGAWA
A BELOVED community event will double as a showcase of the resilience of its residents and support of each other this Saturday.
Organised by the Bloomfield River District Residents Association (BRDRA), the third rendition of the Bloomfield Cultural Bazaar will bring together the popular agricultural show, market stalls, art, and activities for the whole family to enjoy on 2 August.
Bazaar marketing lead Cassie Roatz said the event was an important fundraiser for the community.
“It’s really important to our community, because all the proceeds go towards the BRDRA helping the community fund projects, like renovating the Tin Shed,” she explained.
“We’re also renovating the hall, and putting in a commercial kitchen, new fans, new window – things that it really needs to become up to date with today’s world and temperatures.
Ms Roatz said.
4072 4010 E: admin@hambellps.com
“The Tin Shed, that’s being renovated so that it can be like the emergency hub centre for anybody in the future if we have another natural disaster like we did in Jasper.”
After many community members’ homes were washed away, they saw a need to fundraise for a kitchen facility at the local tin shed-turned-community hub.
She said there would also be plenty of live entertainment for all age groups, including an interactive bubble show, and music by Sole 2 Soul, The Mixeez and Naz McLean.
again, we’re trying to work out what works for everybody in Bloomfield, but not afraid to be reaching out to Cooktown and the likes to get people involved.
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Last year’s bazaar highlighted the strength of residents after the
“That has gone ahead, and the proceeds that we earned last year have actually helped, and
“We’d really like to do more of these types of events as well,” she said.
“With things ramping up
“I think it’s very important to know that even though we’re all these little towns, we’re all together as sort of one big community.”
The bazaar will be held at the Bloomfield Hall from 1:30-6pm.
$30m up for grabs for Far North sporting infrastructure
SPORTING clubs in five Cape York local government areas are being encouraged to apply for $30 million in funding to help repair or rebuild facilities damaged during flood events in Far North Queensland earlier this year.
The Sport and Recreation Recovery Program (SRRG), a joint federal and state funding program under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), is offering up to $1m per facility for eligible not-for-profit sport and racing clubs, and local councils.
The funding extends to the Cook, Wujal Wujal, Hope Vale, Kowanyama, Porm-
puraaw and Northern Peninsula Area council areas.
SRRG funding can be used to repair, rebuild and restore damaged sport and recreation facilities, equipment and infrastructure, including canteens, amenities, playing courts, fences, racetracks, electrical equipment, synthetic pitches, shade sails and carparks.
Where value for money can be demonstrated, damaged infrastructure can be rebuilt in accordance with current knowledge and practices, to help mitigate disaster impacts and improve a community’s capability to recover more effectively.
Queensland Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said the funding support came at a vital time for clubs.
“It is a well-known fact that sport and recreation plays a vital role in the community by providing much needed extracurricular activity through sport and social activities,” she said.
“Restoring the operations of impacted facilities contributes significantly to community recovery.”
To view the program guidelines, or to submit an application, go to www.qld. gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/sportand-recreation-recovery-grant.
After becoming a hit at last year’s Bloomfield Bazaar, the interactive bubble show by Bugzy Bumble Bee will return for a day of bubbly fun on 2 August.
Tropical Cyclone Jasper’s flood event, during which the community lost one of their own, with a special “bounce back” theme.
the kitchen is being installed soon,”
Wujal Wujal CEO contract extension canned following ‘overtime matter’
by LYNDON KEANE
THE state’s corruption watchdog is refusing to comment on whether it is investigating alleged timesheet discrepancies involving a prominent Cape York council boss.
At a special meeting on 2 July, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council (WWASC)
Mayor Alister Gibson sensationally moved a motion that the organisation not renew the contract of its chief executive officer, Kiley Hanslow, beyond 16 October this year.
Following a 42-minute closed session debate, the council also unanimously repealed a decision made at its ordinary meeting on 17 June to “await the outcome of the audit into the overtime matter before deciding on offering a new contract” (for the CEO) and approve “extending the
existing contract of employment for the CEO for a further six months from 17 October 2025 until the overtime audit is released and considered by council”.
It is understood the “overtime matter” pertains to claims made by Ms Hanslow on her own timesheets.
Typically, local government executives are not eligible for overtime, but it can vary depending on individual employment contracts and the council’s policies.
A human resources specialist with more than 20 years’ experience in local government recruitment told Cape York Weekly it was “almost unprecedented” a CEO would be claiming overtime as part of their remuneration.
“I can’t remember ever seeing it – I’d suggest it’s almost unprecedented,” they said.
TSIRC signs off on new trustee policy
TORRES Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) has adopted an updated trustee policy the organisation says will help drive local economic development on available land.
The council tabled the amended policy at its ordinary meeting last week, with the document aimed at guiding leasing deci-
en, determined and dedicated with a passion for improving council’s performance and delivery”.
She became a familiar face during the flood chaos that decimated Wujal Wujal in December 2023 as residents first had to evacuate, and then rebuild, their community.
“Senior council staff on fixed-term contracts, particularly CEOs, are generally remunerated accordingly to account for their ineligibility to claim overtime; these executives know that going into these roles.”
One of other resolutions to come out of the 2 July special meeting was that “operations manager Perry Gould or any other council manager cease signing the chief executive officer’s timesheets starting immediately”, and that only Mayor Gibson or Deputy Mayor Claudia Doughboy do so “from this time forward”.
The resolution was carried unanimously.
Ms Hanslow started in the role in October 2022, and was described by former mayor Bradley Creek in the organisation’s 2022-23 annual report as “a true force of nature … driv-
sions across the 13 divisions held by TSIRC as Deed of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) land.
The updated policy includes a specific decision-making process tailored to each community, with the council stating it would follow the procedures to assess applications and grant leases for home ownership and commercial opportunities.
Ailan Kastom and Aboriginal tradition embedded in the policy will allow the council to make merit-based, informed leasing decisions, according to TSIRC Mayor Phillemon Mosby.
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
Sources familiar with the situation told Cape York Weekly the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) was leading the investigation into the timesheet claims, however, a CCC spokesperson would not comment on whether the corruption watchdog was involved.
“The Crime and Corruption Commission recognises the important role the media plays in promoting transparency and accountability in government and public institutions,” the spokesperson said.
“The CCC also recognises the need to balance the public’s right to information with the need to protect the integrity of investigations and the privacy of individuals involved.
“On this basis, the CCC does not confirm or comment on any complaint or investigation, referrals to other agencies or matters before the court.”
WWASC is yet to speak publicly on the situation and Mayor Gibson said on 24 July “council cannot comment at this time”.
Ms Hanslow did not respond to requests for comment from Cape York Weekly
“The new trustee policy is a step forward for allowing economic development where there’s available land,” he said.
“This is in line with council’s broader plans for enterprise development and local prosperity we’ve outlined in our advocacy action plan.’
TSIRC, with support from the Queensland Government and the Torres Strait Regional Authority, consulted extensively with island communities for the new policy, and took the opportunity to highlight the options for local home ownership in the region.
Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council boss Kiley Hanslow (left) will not have her contract renewed beyond October amid claims of an “overtime matter” Cape York Weekly understands is being investigated by the Crime and Corruption Commission.
FIND
Christmas comes early for Cooktown burlesque newbies
by CHISA HASEGAWA
COOKTOWN’S newest burlesque dancers are walking a little taller after overcoming stage fright as student performers at the Bellahdi Dance Troupe Christmas in July showcase.
After a six-week workshop series, community ladies from their 20s to 60s donned their high heels and Santa hats when they joined the Bellahdi dancers on stage for their second self-produced show, Christmas Chaotica, on 11-12 July.
At the beginning of the workshops, troupe leader Jasmine “Madam Maeham” Sieverding told Cape York Weekly that everyone had the choice to perform or not, and many were hesitant, but by the end of the six weeks, all dancers had gained confidence and were keen to show off what they had learned.
Pasha Lynch was one of the students who were not initially enthusiastic about performing, but said the support of her fellow dancers helped her find the confidence to let loose under the stage lights.
“I’m a lot older than all the other people who were dancing, so the age thing came into it,” she said.
“I’m in my 60s, so it was like, can I do this in my 60s, but then I thought, why not, why has there got to be an age limit on having fun?
“I think it was the group wanting to do it together, but also, the whole Bellahdi Dance Troupe,
they were just amazing, they were there for us 100 per cent.”
Ms Lynch said the workshops and performance had been an incredible opportunity to connect with people she would not have normally engaged with.
“Women, we tend to have our own group of friends, and we don’t tend to make new friends as we get older,” she said.
“This gave me an opportunity to get to know so many new people, local people, that I’ve only seen in the street before, and I now feel very accepted as part of a bigger group.”
Trudie Culleton was one of the few dancers who were eager to perform from the beginning, describing herself as someone who has “never been a shy person”.
“I’m not an introvert, I like a challenge, I like to give things a go, and I’m not one that has ever really been worried about what other people think of me,” she said.
“It’s about what I want to do to make myself feel good, and also to learn, because when you learn new skills, you’re developing as a person.
“Also, overcoming stage fright is something that we all have to
do ... it doesn’t ever go away, but it’s when you’re finished and that sense of achievement, it’s overwhelmingly wonderful to know that you’ve done it, and you’ve done it really well.”
Ms Culleton said she dedicated herself to practicing the moves during every spare moment she got, so that when it came time to take the stage, she could simply let go and enjoy the moment.
“I didn’t have to think about where my feet needed to go and where my hips were supposed to be at any given point when the music was playing,” she said.
“Jasmine, she was a fantastic educator, because she staged it really well; she taught us move by move, and through repetition, we perfected those moves in time with the music, and then it just flowed.”
Ms Sieverding said she was “unbelievably proud and super emotional” as she watched the women get on stage after weeks of dedication.
“They were absolutely amazing, so confident, so excited, so fun,” she said.
“The audience completely went off for them, and I am incredibly proud and grateful to have been a part of their journey.”
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The Bellahdi Dance Troupe pulled up the curtain on their workshop student dancers at their recent showcase, Christmas Chaotica.
Governor gets look at $35.4m Pormpuraaw health project
QUEENSLAND’S Governor has been provided with an up close and personal look at progress on Pormpuraaw’s $35.4 million primary health care centre (PHCC) during a visit to the western Cape York community on 24 July.
Her Excellency Dr Jeanette Young and her husband, Professor Graeme Nimmo, made the stopover during a Gulf of Carpentaria tour and witnessed the erection of the facility’s steel frame after its
concrete slab was completed in June.
The new PHCC is being built on the grounds of the existing health facility complex, allowing the existing clinic to continue serving the community until the new centre is ready.
Construction is being undertaken by Cairns-based company WIP Constructions.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service general manager
south Michael Catt, who toured the construction site with Her Excellency and Prof Nimmo, said the Pormpuraaw community had been heavily involved with discussions about landscaping the new facility.
“This investment will ensure enhanced health care options for residents of Pormpuraaw and the surrounding region,” he said.
“This new facility will replace the existing centre, providing mod-
ern amenities for both patients and staff.
“It’s exciting to be able to equip the centre’s staff with modern facilities to help them deliver firstrate care to the community.”
The facility will include a resuscitation room and treatment room, multi-purpose medical imaging room, including X-ray and ultrasound, and clinical support spaces, as well as six dedicated outpatient mixed-used consult rooms.
A dental suite with consultation and clinical work areas, a pathology room for specimen collection, a medical records area and a new, culturally appropriate morgue also are part of the project.
The PHCC is part of the State Government’s Building Rural and Remote Health Program, with completion of all works, including landscaping and demolition of the existing facility, expected by mid2027.
Cape artist shares culture at Maori dental celebration
by CHISA HASEGAWA
A CAPE York artist’s take on health has made it to the shores of New Zealand after she was selected to represent Australian Indigenous culture to the Maori dental association.
Kuku-Thaypan and Widi woman Connie Rovina was commissioned to create a painting by Indigenous Dental Association Australia as a gift to the Te Ao Marama Aotearoa Maori Dental Association for its 30year celebration.
Ms Rovina travelled to New Zealand earlier this month to present the work at the organisation’s anniversary event, sharing the history and traditional practices of Aboriginal health, which were depicted in the painting.
“I put in some bush leaves and eucalypts and tea tree, and when I presented, I spoke about the importance of looking after our health as Indigenous people,” she said.
“I talked about our traditional
healers and how important they were in our times, and Maoris also use traditional healers for their healing work as well, so it resonated really well.”
The artist said she was honoured to share her work and culture with the roughly 200 people who attended the milestone celebration.
“The presentation was held in a really beautiful Marae, and it’s a traditional meeting house for Maoris, so it was a very important one,” she said.
“It was a way that we could connect with Maori people, in that we were talking the same language when it came to heal-
ing processes and using different plants.
“There’s an understanding that it’s not only just using the plants themselves, but it’s a spiritual thing, and it’s a faith thing, because you don’t get that healing just with the plants unless you are believing in it.”
Leichhardt MP’s maiden speech puts Cape on Canberra radar
by LYNDON KEANE
LOSING your voice before addressing your Parliamentary colleagues and the nation for the first time isn’t an ideal way to commence your Canberra career, but it was a hurdle new Leichhardt MP Matt Smith was able to overcome with Far North Queensland humour last week.
Mr Smith stood to deliver his maiden speech in Parliament at about 4pm on 28 July, and told Cape York Weekly he had been excited to put the northernmost part of his electorate on the radar.
“My voice went earlier this week, so I was a bit nervous about perhaps not being able to speak at all,” he said.
“I am really looking forward to introducing my vision for Leichhardt to the nation.”
The Member for Leichhardt said he wanted to use his first speech to highlight the opportunities and challenges remote regions like Cape York faced daily, including ongoing crippling freight costs for residents and business operators.
“I want the country to understand the challenges and the potential of our region, reinforcing that the Cape is perfectly positioned to be a part of the transition to renewable energy, the potential of our ports, but also that connectivity remains an issue, as is the cost and reliability of freight, which stifles the region’s growth,” he said.
Make sure you check out next week’s Cape York Weekly when we sit down with the Leichhardt MP to find out how his speech had been received by his fellow parliamentarians.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Rio signs lithium JV
RIO Tinto and Empresa Nacional de Minería (ENAMI), a state-owned Chilean mining company, have announced the companies have signed a binding agreement to form a joint venture to develop the Salares Altoandinos lithium project in the Atacama region of the country.
Rio Tinto has agreed to acquire a controlling 51 per cent interest in the project and provide up to $425 million cash and non-cash contributions to the project.
The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory and commercial approval.
Rio Tinto minerals chief executive Sinead Kaufmann said the project would “position Rio Tinto as a global leader in the responsible supply of critical minerals”.
Federal
funders
see investment impact
CAPE York Natural Resource Management recently hosted representatives from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for a tour of key conservation projects across Cape York. Chief executive officer Pip Schroor and biodiversity program manager David Preece led the delegation of project sites in Cooktown, Artemis Station and Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park.
The group saw the firsthand impact of projects, including work to support the recovery of the golden-shouldered parrot.
“We were privileged to see several adult parrots and even a fledgling in its mound nest on the tour – a hopeful sight that underscores the importance of our conservation efforts,” Mr Preece said.
New Weipa tariff
RIO Tinto has announced an update to its Weipa electricity supply as a new hot water tariff is set 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.
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.
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.
New Leichhardt MP Matt Smith participates in a smoking ceremony to welcome parliamentarians back to Canberra last week. Photo: Facebook (Matt Smith MP).
Cape York artist Connie Rovina presents her work at the Te Ao Marama Aotearoa Maori Dental Association’s 30th anniversary celebration event.
Delivering a new Barron River Bridge
As well as the new Barron River Bridge, here are some of the ways the new Queensland Government is delivering for the Far North:
➡ Delivering a new youth justice school
➡ Upgrading the Edmonton Police Station
➡ Fixing the Bruce Highway
➡ Upgrading Barlow Park and the Manunda Sports Precinct
➡ Backing tourism with the Wangetti Trail and the Smithfield Mountain Bike Trail
➡ Returning maternity services to Cooktown
➡ Expanding Cairns Hospital with more beds and a multi-storey car park.
Find out what else we’re delivering for you.
Delivering for Queensland
Artistic reminder of Cooktown reconciliation history returns home
by CHISA HASEGAWA
A SLICE of Cooktown’s reconciliation history has returned home and is being admired by all thanks to a generous art donation.
On the 255th anniversary of Australia’s first recorded act of reconciliation, the community was presented with a series of Elizabeth Guzsely originals which depict Cooktown’s historic Indigenous figures and histories, including the Guugu Yimithirr Elder and warrior who reconciled with Captain Cook at the Reconciliation Rocks on 19 July 1770.
The works were donated to the Cooktown Re-enactment Association by Peter Pamphilion on behalf of his brother Rick, who passed away earlier this year, and now hang proudly at the Waalmbal Birri Heritage and Culture Centre.
Mr Pamphilion explained that Rick, who lived in Cooktown in the 1970s, was gifted the artworks from his wife, who was good friends with Elizabeth Guzsely, every wedding anniversary.
“Those sketches were a pride of place in his lounge,” he said.
“When he died earlier this year in March, I went up there
as executor and was cleaning up his house, and I admired them, and a friend of his told me about the paintings and who did them.”
Mr Pamphilion said Rick was a well-known personality on Cape York, having run the airport in Coen after his time in
CAPE YORK CRIME WRAP
29 July, 2025
Multiple offenders charged, Bamaga
POLICE have charged an 18-year-old man and three teen boys with multiple offences in Bamaga between 27 June and 23 July. It will be alleged that on the night of 27 June, the group broke into a Bamaga business before stealing two vehicles.
The 18-year-old Bamaga man was charged on 23 July with three offences, including one count each of enter premises and commit, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and hooning.
Cooktown, until he retired and moved to Cairns.
Although his brother did not tell him what to do with the paintings, he believed Rick would have wanted them to be returned to where the history was made.
“I thought it might be nice
He is due to appear in Bamaga Magistrates Court on 19 August.
A 16-year-old Seisia boy was charged on 9 July with 15 offences, including five counts each of enter premises and commit and unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and three counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
He will face Bamaga Childrens Court on 19 August.
A 16-year old Bamaga boy was charged on 27 June with three offences, including two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and one count of enter premises and commit.
He was dealt with under the Youth Justice Act
A 17-year-old Seisia boy was charged on 4 July with nine offences, including
to donate them to a gallery up in Cooktown in Rick’s name, so I made some inquiries, and they welcomed them,” he said.
“I just couldn’t sell them; they were sitting there and I thought they need to be somewhere where they’ll be appreciated.”
three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and two counts each of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and enter premises and commit.
He was also dealt with under the Youth Justice Act
Property offence, Bamaga
A 13-YEAR-OLD Bamaga boy has been charged following an alleged incident in the Northern Peninsula Area last month.
Police alleged that on 25 June, keys were stolen from a Bamaga school with a number of items reported missing.
On 20 July, police located the boy where he was charged with one count of enter premises and commit indictable offence.
The boy was dealt with under the Youth Justice Act
Have your say with TI boat ramp survey
TORRES Shire Council and Maritime Safety Queensland are calling on community members to complete a survey to provide feedback on the proposed boat ramp facility at Quarantine Point on Thursday Island.
The facility is part of the State Government’s $40 million Torres Strait Islands Marine Infrastructure Program, and information from the survey will help inform the future direction of the project.
The survey closes on 8 August.
To have your say, head to www. surveymonkey.com/r/quarantine.
New dates for equine program
SWIFT FNQ has announced it will hold additional sessions of its RFDS-supported equine assistance wellbeing program later in the year.
The 17-18 September session has three slots available, while the 27-28 September date has seven remaining.
The November sessions (11-12 and 1718) currently have 10 positions available each.
For more information, go to www. swiftfnq.com.
WTA nominations close today
THOSE still contemplating throwing their hat in the ring as a candidate to fill the vacancy in the Weipa Town Authority (WTA) chamber only have until midday today (Tuesday) to do so.
Nominations for the position must be submitted by 12pm on 29 July, with a byelection scheduled to be held on 16 August if there is more than one candidate.
WTA Chair Jaime Gane said representing the community as an elected member was a way to ensure your voice was heard.
“I’m encouraging those people who are passionate about the future of this community to put their hand up and have a go,” she said.
To check or update your enrolment status ahead of the potential polling day, go 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.
Cooktown Elders admire a donated artwork depicting the Guugu Yimithirr Elder and warrior who reconciled with Captain Cook at the Reconciliation Rocks on 19 July 1770.
Call for directed Cape approach as Palmerville unveils new signage
by LYNDON KEANE
CAPE York needs a more co-ordinated approach to tourism signage to maximise the experience of exploring one of the remotest parts of the country, according to the chief executive officer of the company that owns Palmerville Station.
The must-see destination for many Cape York visitors unveiled new directional signage on the Mulligan Highway earlier this month in a move Diversified Agriculture CEO Darren Pearson said was aimed at mitigating some of the confusion caused by satellite navigation.
“The new signage on the Mulligan Highway has always been part of our broader tourism strategy, aligned with the recent updates to the Drive North Queensland touring map,” he told Cape York Weekly
“While we’ve seen a steady increase in visitors each dry season, the growing reliance on GPS navigation has highlighted the need for clearer on-ground direction.
“We’re pleased to report that Google Maps has now been updated to correctly show key routes to Palmerville Station, including the full length of Whites Creek Road, however, given the prop-
erty has four separate entry points, some visitors – particularly those travelling from Cairns or Mareeba – were still being misdirected through Chillagoe and Wrotham Park to the southern access via the Burke Developmental Road.
“The new signage helps eliminate confusion, and ensures guests are guided to the main eastern entry via the Mulligan Highway, improving both safety and the overall visitor experience.”
The technological glitch was creating a journey of more than six hours for some tourists for a trip that should have taken half the amount of time.
Mr Pearson said he would like to see Cape York councils, chambers of commerce and fellow tourism operators unify their approach to signage to help showcase the region’s rich geographical and cultural resources.
“We believe improved signage and co-ordinated tourism infrastructure are essential as Cape York continues to grow as a destination of national significance,” he said.
“Cape York is one of the last true frontiers of Australia – vast, remote, and rich in untapped natural beauty and deep cultural heritage; as upgrades to the Peninsula
Developmental Road progress, we’re seeing increased visitation and, with it, the need for better guidance to ensure visitors can access remote destinations safely and confidently.
“Importantly, the region is home to a wealth of culturally significant Aboriginal sites and artworks, many of which are of immense importance to Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities;
from the rock art galleries near Laura to sacred landscapes across the Cape, these areas deserve recognition, protection and accessible signage that respectfully educates and guides visitors.”
$1 / 60L bag / vehicle / day
For just $1, you can dispose of one bag (up to 60L) of general household rubbish per vehicle, per day at any of Cook Shire Council’s Waste Transfer Stations during their normal operating hours.
Find your nearest location at: www.cook.qld.gov.au
There should be no more confusion for prospectors, campers and explorers trying to get to Palmerville Station following the installation of new signage on the Mulligan Highway. INSET: The operators of Palmerville Station are hoping the new directional signage prevents a few navigational headaches for visitors.
Pair prepare to go back to 80s ahead of Cairns fundraising run
by LYNDON KEANE
WEIPA will be awash with denim, neon and outrageous hair on 16 August when the township heads back to the 80s to help Michael Collins and David Tuckwood with their marathon fundraising effort for two fantastic causes.
The pair are gearing up to run 820 kilometres between Weipa and Cairns over 17 days from 22 August to raise money for the Cape Animal Protection Shelter (CAPS) and the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s (RFDS) Far North Queensland service.
With the Weipa Running Festival now behind them, the men are taking mixed approaches to preparing for the mammoth undertaking, which will have them running a marathon each day as they head south to Cairns.
“People think we are crazy but are very supportive,” Mr Tuckwood said.
“This week has been a rest week, but I will start doing 10km in the morn-
ing and 10km at night for a week to condition the body; then, I will probably just do a mixture of long and short runs.”
Mr Collins said he was embracing a combination of strength training, swimming and yoga, along with light running.
“All of that will help keep my body conditioned and, more importantly, my mind focused,” he explained.
“The big key is eating well, and lots, to help with gaining weight before the run.”
The run is the biggest attempted by either man, and they said while there were understandably nerves, they were excited about seeing Cape York from a different perspective.
“I am looking forward to being out in the open air, experiencing the contours of the land during the 17 consecutive sunrises and the 17 consecutive sunsets,” Mr Collins said.
“This by far is the biggest running challenge I have
ever attempted, and the only known factor to help keep me going is that the sun will rise and fall each day without fail.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing some of the things you don’t normally stop to look at when you drive it,”
Mr Tuckwood said.
“I’m definitely not looking forward to the ranges.”
The fundraising party will rock the Weipa Bowls Club from 4pm on 16 August, and feature a best dressed competition, games, raffles, auctions, face painting and, of course, 80s music.
For more information about the Run Back to the 80s party, check out the Cruisin’ 2 Cairns 4 CAPS Facebook page.
To donate to CAPS for the fundraiser, go to www. tinyurl.com/4us2y3b9, or https://www.doyourthing. org.au/fundraisers/michaelcollins--david-tuckwood/ weipa-to-carins-820km-run to support the continuation of RFDS services across Cape York.
Weipa will run back to the 80s on 16 August to support Michael Collins and David Tuckwood before they embark on their 820-kilometre fundraising run to Cairns.
Mookai Rosie gets $200k to fight financial abuse
by CHISA HASEGAWA
CAPE York and Torres Strait Islander women are normally there for accommodation during a medical trip to Cairns, but a sense of safety and trust means they reveal other issues like financial abuse to the team at Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan.
The organisation was selected to receive up to $200,000 as part of CommBank’s Next Chapter Innovation Program, which is part of the bank’s broader commitment to help address domestic and family violence and financial abuse, to support victim-survivors on their path to long-term financial independence.
Mookai Rosie chief executive officer Theresa Simpson said the funds would be used to establish a Building Futures, Building Communities initiative, which would create a social enterprise that supports victim-survivor recovery and generates income by harnessing traditional knowledge of plants, to make medicinal
healing products, empowering women with both cultural and economic strength.
“A lot of our ladies need to travel to Cairns for their birthing and medical needs, and we try to provide that wraparound support to ensure that their needs are met in
a caring and safe environment,” she said.
“They can stay with us for a few days or a few months, depending on the complexity, so while they’re here, they start to open up and share.
“We build relationships, because they’re staying in a home envi-
ronment, we interact with them daily, and so they share their stories, and some of those are the effects from domestic violence and struggles that they’re experiencing.”
Ms Simpson said they hoped to change futures by providing positive mentors and empowering women to “stand up and have a voice”.
“The mentoring groups will be targeted towards victims of and survivors of domestic violence, offering a safe space to yarn about Indigenous plants, knowledge, cultural healing practices, and keeping language and culture alive,” she said.
“We’ll put a project brand in place, bring in Elders as mentors and really establish that ongoing support, and, hopefully, what we generate from the social enterprise will be able to sustain it.
“So many of our ladies have been affected by domestic violence ... the funding from CommBank allows us to specifically concentrate on this as a priority.”
Mapoon celebrates barge ramp completion
STAGE two of Mapoon’s Cullen Point barge ramp redevelopment has been completed via a $600,000 investment through the Federal Government’s Investing in Our Communities Program.
The first stage of the works included the construction of the barge ramp, which was finished in February.
The completed stage two works delivered a rock wall structure adjacent to the existing barge ramp to improve safety and access for both commercial and recreational vessels using the infrastructure.
The construction of the rock wall is critical for Mapoon’s disaster resilience, and ensures the barge ramp can withstand severe weather and be utilised in emergency evacuations.
Improved access will also mean greater food and fuel security for the Mapoon community during the wet season, providing a direct freight route for emergency response and resupply.
The $1.8 million project was jointly funded with the State Government and Leichhardt MP Matt Smith said it reflected the criticality of the
infrastructure for Mapoon
“The addition of the barge ramp at Cullen Point is an essential piece of infrastructure for the community,” he said.
“Not only is it improved access for disasters and flooding during the wet season in Cape York, but it is a huge part of recreational fishing in Mapoon.
“Communities like these should not be disadvantaged because of where they are located, and that is why I am so proud we are investing in projects such as these through our Investing in Our Communities Program.”
The Cullen Point barge ramp is a critical piece of infrastructure for the Mapoon community. Photo: Instagram (Matt Clough).
residents.
Mookai Rosie chief executive officer Theresa Simpson is celebrating a win for women as the organisation receives up to $200,000 to support victims and survivors of financial abuse.
NAIDOC celebrations show strength of intergenerational connections
by CHISA HASEGAWA
ALTHOUGH NAIDOC Week is officially observed from 6-13 July, the Cape kept the celebrations going all month long for the 50th anniversary of the annual event.
From cultural workshops to storytelling, and even a visit from the Queensland Governor, community leaders across Cape York and the Torres Strait passed on their knowledge and histories through a plethora of community activities in honour of this year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy
Queensland Reconciliation Award winner Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation (PPAC) welcomed Queensland Governor Dr Jeannette Young to the Pormpuraaw community last week in celebration of past achievements and the bright future ahead.
“She was keen to see Pormpuraaw after we won the Queensland Reconciliation Award for the Youth Summit,” PPAC president Ganthi Kuppusamy said.
“She’s interested in what’s happening in Pormpuraaw, and she’s coming back for the Youth Summit in September.”
Due to sorry business, the community had to cancel their official NAIDOC celebration, which was
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scheduled for last week with Dr Young, but Ms Kuppusamy mentioned several group activities were held earlier in the month.
“We had activities with the men’s group, women’s group, Elders, and also with youth,” she said.
“We mainly did storytelling between Elders and the young people, we went out to have a yarning session, and also some cultural activities like weaving near the beach.”
In Cooktown, young people connected with Torres Strait history during a dance, language and song workshop through Gungarde Community Care Aboriginal Association (GCCAA) earlier this month.
Organiser Melissa Griffiths said GCCAA initially approached two local Torres Strait Islander Elders to perform at the community NAIDOC celebrations, but the conversation turned into an opportunity to include youth.
“I could see they were feeling a bit reluctant, because it would only be them and one of their grandchildren,” she said.
“That’s where we came into this conversation about [whether] they could do a workshop in the lead-up, so that we would have dancers to perform as a group.
“NAIDOC is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, but often, here, there’s not a massive representation of Torres Strait Islander culture as much as Aboriginal, so I guess I wanted to see more of that, too.”
The young people from three to 18 years old performed on stage for the community alongside the Elders, gaining confidence throughout the three-day workshop series.
“I was really surprised with their engagement; even some of them that were a bit reluctant at first, they really came out of their shells and got into it,” Ms Griffiths said.
Youth at PCYC Napranum got crafty and colourful with an afternoon of weaving and basket-making, banner painting, and a colour run to finish off the day.
Club manager Sergeant Rhonda Spence said the young people also focused on connecting to their community as whole in honour of the theme.
“Our great team and youth also prepared, cooked and provided a cultural meal to community,” she said.
“It is also about teaching our young people about giving back, and how good it makes them feel.”
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Cooktown youth perform for their community after a Torres Strait Islander dance, song and language workshop to mark NAIDOC Week.
PCYC Napranum youth learn the importance of giving back to their community in honour of this year’s NAIDOC Week theme.
70 years of bauxite
The red cliffs of western Cape York
Editor’s note: this article references Aboriginal persons who have passed away.
by GEOFF WHARTON Introduction
THE discovery of economic bauxite on the western Cape York Peninsula region 70 years ago led to the development of one of Australia’s major companies: Comalco (now Rio Tinto Aluminium) and the Australian aluminium industry. Although geologist Henry James “Harry” Evans (1912-1990) is credited with making the discovery, he was not the first to recognise the potential of the area’s geological formations. This article examines some of the early European references to bauxite in the region, as well as the later expeditions by Evans in 1955 and the effects of the discovery on the Aboriginal people of the western Cape.
During the period 1891 to 1904, three Presbyterian mission stations were established on Queensland government reserves at Mapoon, Weipa and Aurukun. It was the residents of these missions who later bore the brunt of the mining industry, following the development of commercial bauxite deposits in the 1960s.
Matthew Flinders, 1802
On 3 November 1802, His Majesty’s Ship Investigator, under the command of Commander Matthew Flinders (1774-1814), sailed southwards into the eastern Gulf of Carpentaria. A few kilometres west from the Batavia River (re-named the Wenlock River in 1939), naturalist Robert Brown recorded that while taking soundings with the deep sea lead, “pisiform iron ore”
was brought to the surface.
Although Flinders did not mention the finding in his published account, he recorded in the ship’s journal on 6 November that “small round particles of iron ore, shaped like pearls” had been seen during soundings. A specimen was not kept, but it appears likely that this was the first sample of bauxite pisolites or perhaps ironstone (ferricrete, which underlies the Western Cape bauxite deposits) recorded in Australia by Europeans.
While sailing southwards past the coastal feature which Flinders called Pera Head “to preserve the
name of the second vessel which, in 1623, sailed along this coast”, he recorded the area was “remarkable for having some reddish cliffs in it, and deep water near the shore”. It was to be another 153 years before the economic significance of these red cliffs was recognised.
C F V Jackson, 1902
Assistant Queensland Government geologist Clements Frederick Vivian Jackson (1873-1955) made the first modern geological observation of the western Cape York Peninsula region in May 1902, when he visited Mapoon and Weipa Presbyterian missions.
Travelling up the Embley River to the old Weipa Mission station (now known as Twenty Mile, which lies about 30 kilometres east of today’s Napranum community), Jackson described his impressions of the surrounding lands:
In the vicinity of Weipa, the country has a generally level surface, and a series of flats and swamps extend as far as the low sandstone range about 8 miles to the east: rather ferruginous sandstone is to be seen here and there and among the intricacies of the swamps between the Embley and Mission Rivers outcrops of brown pisolitic ironstone …
With considerable foresight, Jackson predicted that it was “probable that if these deposits were systematically examined and sampled, they would be found to include masses of higher-grade ores; and ... might ultimately prove of some value, especially on account of their ready accessibility from the sea”. Although Jackson’s comments were published as a Geological Survey of Queensland (GSQ) report, neither the government nor mining companies of the early twentieth century showed any interest in his findings – Continued page 15
Geologist Harry Evans at the Weipa mission airstrip in 1966. Photo: Forster/Portch slide collection, Cape York Collection, Hibberd Library.
– From page 14
Early development of the aluminium industry
Aluminium metal, which is now used in a wide variety of domestic and industrial applications, was first produced commercially in 1854 by French metallurgist H Saint-Claire Deville. Bauxite had been discovered by P Bertier at Les Baux, in the Provence region of southern France in 1821, and was “composed primarily of one or more aluminium hydroxide minerals and impurities of silica, iron oxide and titanium”. Deville’s chemical reduction process was costly and the new metal did not achieve worldwide acceptance until the development of the electrolytic smelting process by Charles Hall in Ohio, United States of America, and Paul Heroult of Normandy, France, in 1886. Worldwide consumption of
aluminium steadily increased during the First World War, then dramatically during the Second World War, when aircraft construction and other metal products stimulated demand for aluminium. An example of this was the Australian-made Beaufort bomber, flown by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), which used Alclad, an aluminium alloy cladding, for the fuselage. By coincidence, an RAAF 7 Squadron Beaufort forcelanded near Mapoon in 1943, just 100 kilometres north of the area where bauxite was discovered 12 years later.
Recognition of the strategic importance of aluminium led to the establishment of the Australian Aluminium Production Commission (AAPC) by the Commonwealth Government to assist its defence efforts.
In 1949, the AAPC chose a site at Bell Bay in Tasmania to con-
70 years of bauxite
struct an alumina refinery and aluminium smelter. Once the refinery was completed, bauxite was imported from Malaya to produce the first alumina in Australia in February 1955 and the first aluminium ingot was poured on 23 September that year.
Harry Evans, Old Matthew, George Wilson and Lea Wassell, 1955
Also in 1955, a party of four geologists employed by Frome-Broken Hill Co Pty Ltd – a company associated with Consolidated Zinc Proprietary Limited (CZP) – conducted an overland reconnaissance of Cape York Peninsula to locate possible oil-bearing structures. The party’s leader, Harry Evans, had been asked by CZP’s exploration director Maurie Mawby, to keep an eye open for other minerals. Evans reported that his group travelled by “jeep and jeep utility, from Normanton north to the Dulhunty River”. Evans called into York Downs station and drove westwards to “see what the country looked like”.
He later recorded the historic events of 16 July 1955 and the days following:
… [O]n the edge of a high tableland [known locally as the Jump Up] overlooking the head waters of the Embley River, I found an outcrop of pisolitic bauxite. The bauxite outcropped as boulders and blocks up to three feet thick. There appeared to be about half a square mile of it. I collected three samples and returned to York Downs station. That night the possibility of continuing west to the Weipa Mission was discussed with the owner of the York Downs station, who stated that a track was known to exist between his station and the Mission. Next day I set off with a native guide. [This probably was George Wilson (Piiramu) of the Kaanju people, then working as a stockman on York Downs.] We reached the Weipa Mission Station that night … En route, we passed over at least six miles [9.6km] of pisolitic material which I sampled at approximately one mile [1.6km] intervals. By this time I was beginning to realise just how extensive
the bauxite deposit was and its possible economic significance.
The Weipa mission visitors’ book shows the signatures of geologists Harry Evans, John S Bain and Louis “Lou” H Dixon on 17 July 1955. Evans returned to Weipa in October 1955 to conduct a more comprehensive survey. This time, he had hired a Land Rover and dinghy from Lea Wassell at Silver Plains station.
Accompanied by local Aboriginal elder Old Matthew (Wakmatha – meaning Stormbird – of the Linngithigh people), George Wilson and Lea Wassell, Evans initially inspected the area between Moingum (Hey Point) and Mbang (Urquhart Point) then onwards to Duyfken Point and southwards to Pera Head.
The coastal voyage was not without perils and the dinghy was swamped several times during landing on the beaches. As Evans later wrote, during this journey he “examined 52 miles [83km] of coastline and travelled 180 miles [289km] in a nine feet [2.7-metre] dinghy”. Evans estimated the bauxite reserves at 250 million tonnes.
Establishment of Top Camp by Enterprise Exploration
The announcement in the Cairns Post on 20 August 1956 by Lyell Bryant “Bill” Robinson – chairman of Consolidated Zinc – that his company had discovered “hundreds of millions of tons of bauxite” on Cape York Peninsula heralded the dispossession of the lands of the Mapoon and Weipa Traditional Owners by governments eager to encourage development of Queensland’s north. These lands were classed by the Queensland Government as crown land reserved for Aboriginal people controlled by the Director of Native Affairs as trustee. Under the state laws of that time, neither the Aboriginal people nor the administrators of the Presbyterian Church missions had any form of legal title to the land. It took another 45 years before that dispossession was formally recognised by Comalco during the signing of the Western
Cape Communities Co-existence Agreement in 2001.
CZP appointed one of its subsidiary companies, Enterprise Exploration Pty Ltd, to manage the exploration programme and a camp – known as Top Camp – was established at Munding on the Embley River, about a kilometre east of Weipa mission in August 1956. This camp was situated adjacent to the mission airstrip and remained in operation until the new township of Weipa North was built in the mid-1960s.
Indigenous contributions
to bauxite exploration
Older residents of Aurukun, Mapoon and Napranum can recall the late 1950s and early 1960s, when Aboriginal men from Weipa Mission, as well as Aurukun and Mapoon, worked with the exploration crews and used their excellent knowledge of the country to guide drillers and surveyors across their lands. William Athol “Bill” McGuffie was one of the Enterprise Exploration drillers and later a Comalco foreman. At the time of his retirement from Comalco in 1978, McGuffie was interviewed by the local newspaper, the Bauxite Bulletin. Reminiscing about the local Aboriginal men who worked with him on the early bauxite drilling programme between the Mission River and Mapoon and later south of Weipa, he said that the drillers could not “have done all the work without their knowledge of the bush”.
Acknowledgements
The author respectfully remembers with fond appreciation the late George Wilson and the late Phillip Wilson who, in 2005, accompanied him to the Jump Up area where Harry Evans collected his first samples of bauxite; to the late Harry Evans OBE and A H “Tony” Bartlett, former general manager exploration for Comalco for arranging an interview with Evans in 1989; to the many local residents of Mapoon, Napranum and Weipa, whose encouragement and support have assisted so much in recording historical events such as the bauxite discoveries. The Harry Evans Heritage Collection, kindly supported by his family, is archived in the Cape York Collection. Commenced in 1980, the Cape York Collection is funded by the Weipa Town Authority.
Cemented bauxite boulders at the Jump Up, near the area visited by Harry Evans in July 1955. Photo: Geoff Wharton.
An extract from a map created by Harry Evans following his October 1955 expedition, showing the route (in red) taken in the dinghy. Photo: Digital copy held in the Harry Evans Heritage Collection, Cape York Collection, Hibberd Library.
A colour slide photographed by Harry Evans in October 1955, showing the small dinghy in which he and his crew travelled across Albatross Bay. Old Matthew (back to camera) approaches the dinghy at Duyfken Point; Lea Wassell (in hat) is obscured by the bow and George Wilson is on the starboard side. Photo: Harry Evans Heritage Collection, Cape York Collection, Hibberd Library.
Thursday Island embraces pedal power through initiative
THE delivery of 100 new bicycles to Waiben (Thursday Island) is helping empower community health, mobility and sustainability.
The bombardment of bikes is the result of a grassroots initiative led by Mobilise TI and the Ports North Community Investment Fund, and aims to boost active transport options for the 3,000 residents of the island.
The initiative, championed by Mobilise TI founder Sarah Tedder and ambassador Elsie Seriat, follows the community working together over the past 12 months to refurbish and rehome dozens of second-hand bikes.
Waiben already has a dedicated cycleway, however, without a local bike shop or public transport, many families lack suitable options for getting where they need to go.
Ms Tedder said the delivery of the 100 new bikes represented a “significant shift” for how residents commuted around the island.
“These bikes will enable a significant shift for TI,” she said.
“They’ll connect families around the island and reduce barriers to education, healthcare,
work, and community – especially for women, children, and families from First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
“We want other organisations and individuals to get on board so we can keep supplying bikes to TI and help even more people.”
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.
“It feels like there are more cars than people here, and traffic is becoming a serious problem,” she said.
The Western Cape Communities Coordinating Committee (WCCCC) and its five Sub-Committees transparently monitor, implement and review the objectives of the WCCCA to ensure that all parties’ obligations under the Agreement are met. The WCCT office is the administration arm for all Trusts and the WCCCC. It manages the overall business of the company, including servicing, assisting and supporting the above entities.
WCCT is committed to providing high quality services to our Traditional Owners, and we recognize the importance of employing the most suitable candidates. Currently we are seeking applications for the position of:
OFFICE MANAGER
Reporting to the Executive Officer, the Office Manager is responsible for the efficient and effective functioning of the WCCT Office in order to meet organisational objectives. This includes demonstrating appropriate and professional workplace behaviours, performing their responsibilities in a manner which reflects and responds to continuous improvement, managing Administration staff, managing IT and communications systems and other office equipment, and providing support to the Executive Officer. The Office Manager is also responsible for the coordination and planning of all WCCT, WCCCC, Sub-Regional Trusts and Sub-Committees meetings scheduled throughout the year.
We anticipate the applicants will have completed a formal training in Business Administration or a similar field and have experience in a similar role where they have been responsible for the efficient and effective functioning of an office, managing administration staff, document control, managing IT and communications systems as well as compliance with organisation policies and procedures and workplace health and safety regulations. A current C class driver’s license is also required for this role.
Prior experience with MYOB, centralized database, and a sound knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island protocols are highly desired.
Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.
For further information, including a position description please contact the Executive Officer directly.
All applications should be clearly marked “Private and Confidential” and addressed as follows: Executive Officer PO Box 106
Weipa, QLD, 4874
Phone: (07) 4069 7945
Email: eo@westerncape.com.au
DATE – FRIDAY 1st August 2025
“Encouraging our families to get outside for activities like cycling isn’t just enjoyable, it’s also essential for our health and wellbeing.
Member for Cook David Kempton praised the initiative and said improving mobility across the island would benefit everyone.
“The cost of buying and trans-
porting bikes to TI can be quite expensive,” he said.
“Providing these bikes, and the training to maintain them, will not only enable locals to get around the island; it will also help enhance their health, skills and independence, in an environmentally friendly way.”
Ms Seriat, who is also the Torres Shire Council mayor, is a founding partner of Mobilise TI and highlighted the rising number of cars on the island.
Mobilise TI and the Ports North Community Investment Fund are helping Thursday Island residents embrace pedal power with the delivery of 100 new bicycles aimed at boosting health, mobility and sustainability.
Navigation nonsense sad
I HATE to admit it, but it looks like the machines have won.
Worse still, it wasn’t the result of some futuristic apocalyptic showdown between us and a global legion of robots that suddenly became self-aware and reduced humanity to a pile of smouldering ashes.
There were no weapons involved with our demise, just a GPS navigation system.
The installation of the new directional signage for Palmerville Station last week is undoubtedly a win for tourists bereft of an internal compass, and while there’s probably a case for more signage around Cape York to highlight some of our lesser known destinations and attractions, it got me thinking about how we’ve seemingly abandoned common sense and gut instinct when it comes to finding our way from A to B.
There are stories about budding prospectors from down south taking six or more hours to get from Mareeba to their campsite on the 134,000-hectare property – a journey that should take about half that time – because they put their future in the hands of Google Maps and ended up travelling from A to B via F.
Unfortunately, tales like this are becoming increasingly frequent as we forget everything we know about navigating in favour of relying entirely on mapping applications powered by algorithms and allegedly artificial intelligence.
In February 2024, German tourists Marcel Schoene and Philipp Maier spent seven days stuck in the bush near Coen after Google
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Maps saw the Archer River crossing on the Peninsula Developmental Road was flooded and decided to send them on what turned out to be an impassable alternative route through Oyala Thumotang National Park.
It could have ended in disaster had the men not managed to trek about 100 kilometres through muddy scrub, and across swollen
waterways, back to civilisation.
We’ve seen plenty of examples of people becoming mindless sheep and following every direction their sat nav gives, even if it means they plough their vehicle into a dam, fence or tree. Did they at any stage consider the machine may have it wrong and revert to old fashioned navigation and decision making to avoid imminent
disaster? No? What, not even when the cattle in the paddock were fleeing in all directions to avoid their rental car? How about when they were ascending the dam bank at 80 kilometres per hour? I’m not an expert, but I don’t think they normally put random bodies of water in the middle of somewhere you’re meant to be driving.
William Bligh managed to navigate across the open ocean for more than 3,600 nautical miles after the mutiny on the Bounty using little more than a sextant, compass and his knowledge of working out how to get where you need to be. 236 years later, we plonk our car into someone’s backyard pool because technology suggests leaving the bitumen and cutting through a residential estate is the preferred way to reach our destination.
How did we go from navigating by the stars and country around us for tens of thousands of years, and undertaking incredible treks of exploration across the length and breadth of the globe to a civilisation that can’t find its way out of a shopping centre car park without engaging technological guidance? It’s time to rediscover our sense of direction and common sense when it comes to navigating our way around this adventure called life. If we don’t, the next instalment in the Terminator franchise is likely to be titled The Sat Nav Made Me Do It.
While our growing reliance on artificial intelligence and technology may help in some aspects of our lives, editor Lyndon Keane says it has crippled the application of common sense when it comes to basic skills - like navigation.
Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page
Workout
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Readers hungry for another boxing, running fix
WE’VE been inundated with requests to show more photos from last weekend’s incredible Weipa community events - Fight Night 2.0 and the Weipa Running Festival.
We took more than 1,100 snaps between the two sporting showcases, so here’s a little taste of what was offered up by competitors on 19 and 20 July.
Did we spot you or someone you know? To request photos, email editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au.
Stephanie Kurz, Kim Adams and Sandra Kirk celebrate their efforts in the marathon. Violet Bithell.
Chrisden Russ.
Connor Eastaughffe. Ava Wheeler.
Kelvin Richardson and Cooper Freiberg.
Jed Hall doesn’t take his eyes off Jimmy McGuigan.
Morris Brumby and John Brown trade blows.
Emily Bloomfield gets a helping hand from Jack Barton and Scott Wallace between rounds.
Elias Wolferstan and Richard Tamwoy square off. Dan Low gets points against Sam Scott.
Billy Reynolds goes to work on Kevin Simpson. Nicola Campbell is all smiles at the half marathon finish line.
Jack Barton and Shaqalin Miller congratulate one another after their main event bout.
Clayton Morrison and Annalise Rehbein stride it out on Kerr Point Drive.
Debra Hamilton gets plenty of crowd support as she completes her first marathon.
Cape kids RISE to occasion at Cairns league carnival
SOME of Cape York’s rising rugby league talent was on display for all to see when players from Weipa and Cooktown joined about 130 others from remote parts of the state in Cairns on 19-20 July.
Thirty-four players from the Central Cape Suns’ under-14, U16 and girls teams made the trip to the Far North Queensland capital, along with a smaller cohort from the Cooktown Crocs Junior Rugby League Club, to participate in Queensland Rugby League’s RISE development carnival.
The carnival seeks to provide a pathway beyond remote rugby league for aspiring players aged 13-17, as well as coaches wanting to advance their knowledge of the game and player development.
Cape players were selected to lace up their boots for the carnival based on their attendance at club training sessions, outstanding sportsmanship, positive attitude and respectful behaviour, as well as their commitment to learning and team values.
Suns treasurer Lauren Haimes said the trip was not just about the game of rugby league, but a “life experience full of personal growth, fun and memories”.
“This opportunity exposed our kids to a new level of play and built their confidence both on and off the field,” she said.
“It reinforced the importance of dedication, discipline and team culture; events like RISE open doors for future sporting
pathways and foster a deeper love of rugby league.”
Ms Haimes thanked the club’s coaches, volunteers and families who made the trip possible.
“Thanks to the QRL for visiting Weipa and supporting grassroots footy in remote communities,” she said.
“Most importantly, thanks to the kids for representing the Central Cape Suns with pride, passion and positivity.
“It truly was an amazing weekend.”
Waretini drives home four-stroke dawn win
BRANDON Waretini combined a strong gross round and healthy Dawnbusters handicap to post a comfortable win at Carpentaria Golf Club on 27 July.
A small field of 10 went head-tohead on the back nine, with Waretini returning to the clubhouse with 47 off the stick for a nett 17 to take the chocolates.
Dawnbusters patriarch Viv Dick (58/21) managed to bag both run-
ner-up honours and the coveted Hoffman’s bragging rights for the round.
Scott Triffitt continued his run of good form to post the best gross score of the morning with 42.
Cape York Weekly understands Mick “Magic Apples” Cerneka was lucky to keep his hands on the men’s long drive, with his shot being passed by both Waretini and Grant Crossley, however, neither
remained on the fairway, a situation that triggered protests and general whinging from certain players.
Viv Chan won the women’s long drive.
Waretini capped off a good morning on the course by snaring the pin prize.
Dawnbusters will tackle the front nine on 2 August, with new golfers always welcome to join in when the first group tees off about 6:45am.
Thirty-four players from the Central Cape Suns’ under-14, U16 and girls teams impressed at the Queensland Rugby League RISE carnival in Cairns earlier this month.
The Cooktown Crocs made the trip south to showcase their rugby league talent at the carnival.
Dawnbusters winner Brandon Waretini and event patriarch Viv Dick, who managed to bag both the runner-up gong and the coveted Hoffman’s when golfers took to the course on 27 July.
Thomason scores with Elite call-up to don green and gold
by CHISA HASEGAWA
laysia from 3-9 August as the town’s first representative in the Elite division, the highest level of competition in the unique sport.
“It feels pretty amazing to make it to this level, and be the first one in Cooktown to do it,” she said.
“Elite is kind of the pinnacle of competing in underwater hockey.”
town Crocs Underwater Hockey family with me, so it’s a bit different, but it’s in Malaysia again, so it’s a little less daunting, because I know what the pool is like, and I know what to expect this time.
SPORT IN BRIEF
Weipa touch results
WITH the exception of one clash, healthy margins dominated the scorelines of round 11 Weipa Touch Association games on 23 July.
The OGs and Res Strong delivered the match of the round with a thrilling 3-all draw, while Spartans kept Villains scoreless in a 9-nil result.
Top End Taggers defeated Scrambled Legs 12-2, with Cheers for Beers notching up an 11-6 win against Pisswrecks.
AFTER making the under-19 and U24 world championships with her team last year, a Cooktown underwater hockey player is shooting for the highest level in the sport after being selected to represent Australia at the 2025 Elite and Masters Underwater Hockey World Qualifying Championships next month.
In the lead-up to her first competition at the Elite level on an international scale, Thomason said the thought of being the only Cooktown player bound for Kuala Lumpur after attending the world championships with three other Crocs in 2024 was a little daunting, but added she trusted her 2025 team completely.
The Cooktown Crocs’ Sienna Thomason will travel to Ma-
“I’ve only played in Elite at nationals, and I was lucky enough to be the VC (vice-captain) of the Elite team, so this is a step up from that,” she said.
“Last year, I had all my Cook-
“I’m the youngest one on my team, and the other ladies have so much more experience than me; some of the others have been through like five world championships together.”
With the players spread out across the country before coming together in Malaysia, Thomason said she had already been to training camps in Tasmania and the Gold Coast to get a feel for her new teammates.
“Just playing with people that are that experienced, I think you soak in that energy, and I think I’ll learn so much,” she said.
“It’s a little bit of pressure, because the Australian team is actually the reigning world champions, so it’s big boots to fill.”
$13k Cape of Origin purse sets up rodeo showstopper
WHICH Cape York rodeo stars will shine when teams go head-to-head in the 2025 Cape of Origin at next month’s Weipa Rodeo?
The team jackpot has been boosted to $13,000 to mark the milestone 20th rodeo on 22-23 August, with professional bull riders Braydon Wellby, Eli Hunter and Zane Hall set to captain the three teams - Northern Cape, Central Cape and Southern Cape.
The Cape of Origin pits the six best-performing athletes from each region against one another in specific events - the open bull ride, novice bull ride, mini bull ride, ladies bullock ride, saddle bronc and novice barrel race.
In addition to the $13,000 purse, custom buckles and unquestionable bragging rights will be on offer for the winning team.
You have to be in it to have a chance of taking the prize, so go to www.weiparodeo.com.au/nominations to throw your hat in the ring in front of what will be a full house at Andoom Oval rodeo grounds.
Joel Fabiani, Liam Wellby, Jarod Borghero and Zac Maher have been announced as the protection athletes who will put their bodies on the line to keep competitors safe over the two days of thrills and spills.
Lacking Stamina found something left in the tank to post a 10-2 victory over Weipa Weapons.
Cape Candies captured easy competition points after Untouchables forfeited their Andoom Oval showdown.
PK lands another win
THE last group on the course had to deal with July rain when 16 players vied for Wackers glory on 23 July.
Peter Kenny (41/31) chalked up another Wednesday win after pipping runner-up Gary Head (48/32) by a stroke, and also bagged the pin prize on the 18th hole.
Viv Chan was the closest to the pin with her tee shot on the 15th.
Richie Hansen took home the weekly Bradman’s.
On 30 July, players will contest a threeclub event at Carpentaria Golf Club that will challenge even the best-performing Wackers.
“That’s three clubs only, including a putter, if you choose one,” a Wackers spokesperson said.
Cooktown futsal fun
FANS of the round ball game looking for a fix are encouraged to make a beeline for the Cooktown Events Centre on Saturday afternoon.
The Reefs Football Club will host Lakeland for their latest futsal clash on 2 August, with the Cooktown crew keen to reassert some dominance against the visitors.
The action starts from 3:30pm.
Underwater hockey star Sienna Thomason says she is thrilled to be the first Cooktown player selected to don the green and gold in the Elite division of the sport.
Junior and senior rodeo stars will be eager to get their hands on the $13,000 team jackpot and custom buckles when the Cape of Origin returns to the 20th Weipa Rodeo on 22-23 August.
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