Cape York Weekly Edition 245 by Cape York Weekly

Cape York Weekly

WHAT A CROC

Far North MPs at odds over saltie management

David Kempton and Shane Knuth have traded barbs over their positions on how Queensland’s saltwater crocodile population should be managed. Read the story on Page 4.

Business brilliance

CAPE BUSINESS OPERATORS SHINE AT AWARDS

Two well-known Cape York companies have popped the Champagne corks after their owners cleaned up at a women’s business awards gala in Cairns last week. Find out who brought home the silverware on Pages 14-15.

Photo: Australia Zoo.

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Beloved Croc Tent mascot returned by croc-nappers

HE is bruised, battered and missing two legs, but the Croc Tent’s beloved mascot has been returned home after being targeted by thieves last week.

The replica saltwater crocodile is a must-see and photo favourite for tourists visiting the iconic Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) business, but he caused a panic on 28 July when Croc Tent staﬀ awoke to ﬁnd him missing from his holding cage.

Cape York Weekly understands from multiple sources the alleged thieves took the crocodile as part of a drunken dare, and Croc Tent owner Lea Webb said they had been caught red-handed on the business’ CCTV system.

“The croc has had a few-night expedition,” she said after the crocodile was returned.

“The people who stole

him were local contractors, and, whilst we had them on video footage, we didn’t want to oust them publicly; we wanted to give them the opportunity to come and apologise and do what was right, and they did – they came back and apologised and they were completely regretful for their silly behaviour.”

Ms Webb said the business had been inundated with inquiries about the crocodile’s wellbeing and return, adding she wanted to make it clear locals or visiting southerners were not responsible for the theft.

“There is an issue at the moment where we haven’t had a whole lot of great contractors in community,” she said.

“It was local contractors – it was not locals and it was not tourists.”

Nominations set Weipa up for 16 August by-election

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voters will head to the ballot box in less than a fortnight to determine who will ﬁll the vacant seat in the Weipa Town Authority (WTA) chamber.

The by-election comes after ﬁve candidates nominated to ﬁll the vacancy created by the resignation of former elected member Lisa Scharf.

Tacita de Tournouer, Rikki Cooper,

Hughes, Malcolm Slack and Sheridan Teitzel are the candidates set to vie for votes when the by-election is held on 16 August.

WTA Chair Jaime Gane said she was thrilled to see so many candidates put their hand up to take on a community leadership role, and urged electors to get to know the ﬁve before having their say in 10 days.

“I’m very happy that we have ﬁve candidates for the by-election, all of which are passionate and engaged community members, which is amazing,” she said.

“I think that community members should take any opportunity to have a chat to the candidates, to understand what has motivated them to put their hand up, and then vote for the person whose values align with their own.

“I’m very much looking forward to seeing the outcome of this election, and encourage everyone to get down and vote.”

For those wanting to cast their vote before by-election date, pre-polling will be available at the WTA oﬃce from 11 August between 9am-4pm.

Make sure you check out next week’s edition of Cape York Weekly, where we will have proﬁles on each of the ﬁve candidates seeking to represent the Weipa community.

The Croc Tent’s crocodile is looking a bit worse for wear after being stolen as part of a drunken prank by local contractors last week.

WEIPA

Jeﬀ

The township is known for its six tunnels, but Weipa voters will head to the polls on 16 August after ﬁve candidates threw their hat in the ring to ﬁll the vacancy in the Weipa Town Authority chamber.

‘Most Australian place in Australia’: MP sells Leichhardt in maiden address

by LYNDON KEANE

CAPE York, self-deprecating humour and raw honesty featured heavily when rookie Leichhardt MP Matt Smith delivered his maiden speech in Parliament on 28 July.

Mr Smith used part of his 20-minute allocation to praise the beauty and potential of Cape York and the Torres Strait, sharing the region’s history with his parliamentary colleagues and the nation.

“Leichhardt is a place of unfathomable beauty and diversity,” he said.

“It is the most Australian place in Australia.”

After admitting he was wearing a tie “that he had to buy four weeks ago because he only owned one”, Mr Smith spoke about Cape York’s rich characters and culture, before sharing the heartbreaking impact climate change is having on Torres Strait communities.

“In Aurukun, children speak to me first in Wik,” he said.

“Everyone else they know speaks Wik, so they figure I should also speak Wik, and that is beauty.

“The Cape is the great frontier; there, you will find mining, agriculture, fishing, tourism, small business and services; it is a place where people go to find themselves, lose themselves; [if] you head up to the Cape to live, you last either six months or 30 years –there is no in-between.

“I met a bloke in Weipa who told me he drifted up north on a fishing trip in the mid80s, wet a line off the bridge, caught a barra and was like, ‘yep, I live here now’.

“Climate change is hurting the Torres

Strait; on the island of Masig, the bodies of the ancestors and more recently departed family members, including babies, are washed out to sea when the cemetery gets inundated.”

The former Cairns Taipan, union organiser, and sport and recreation officer spoke openly about his mental health struggle after his basketball career, and used his maiden speech to challenge men across the country to take a stand against domestic and family violence.

“Without the structure and identity that basketball gave me, I quickly spiralled into depression,” he said.

“I will not pretend that it was fine.

“I lost five years of my life, wildly oscillating between a fight-or-flight response and numb blankness; I looked at every possible option to make it stop.”

In closing his speech, Mr Smith committed to doing what it took to better social and economic outcomes for the 150,000 square kilometre electorate, and paid homage to former Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch, who has played an unconventional mentoring role in recent months.

“Since the election, my transition has been made smoother, not because of my awesome knowledge of parliamentary procedure, but because former member Warren Entsch, despite coming from the opposite side of the aisle, has helped me navigate this large and diverse electorate,” he said.

“And this is a collaborative approach – I am drawn to teams, and with my staff, our volunteers, my fellow caucus members, my family, and my community, led by the Prime Minister, this is what I’m a part of.”

Have your say on state’s private protected areas

CAPE York residents are being asked to have their say on the future of private protected areas across the region as part of a State Government commitment to boosting Queensland’s protected area estate through strategic acquisitions and voluntary partnerships with landholders.

A Fresh Start for Private Protected Areas - Discussion Paper has been released for consultation, marking the first step in developing a sustainable strategy for protected area expansion in Queensland.

Private protected areas, like nature refuges and special wild-

life reserves, make up around a third of Queensland’s total terrestrial protected areas, which currently cover 14.9 million hectares.

Private protected areas are created through voluntary agreements between landholders and the government to safeguard lands with significant environmental value, while allowing landholders to retain ownership and use of the land.

Minister for the Environment

Andrew Powell said the government was committed to working with farmers and landholders as environmental stewards to pro-

tect Queensland’s natural and cultural heritage.

“We are committed to unlocking new opportunities for private land conservation by working in partnership with landholders through voluntary agreements and strategic support to unlock new opportunities on productive private land,” he said.

“We know our primary producers are great environmental stewards, as they rely on healthy land for their livelihoods.”

Queensland Farmers Federation chief executive officer Jo Sheppard said the discussion paper was an important step in

ensuring private protected areas worked for farmers.

“The agriculture sector appreciates having the opportunity to provide input to ensure the design of these programs reflects the realities of modern agriculture,” she said.

A six-week public consultation process is now underway, including an online feedback form, a submissions page, and roundtable discussions with key stakeholders and industry representatives.

To find out more about the consultation, go to www.detsi. qld.gov.au before 12 September.

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.

Lyndon Keane | 0419 891 666 editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au Advertising: (02) 6188 7123 sales@region.com.au

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

Leichhardt MP Matt Smith delivers his maiden speech in Parliament on 28 July.

Kempton, Knuth divergent over crocodile management

by LYNDON KEANE

TWO Far North Queensland MPs are at loggerheads about what should be done to manage the state’s growing saltwater crocodile population.

On 25 July, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) had its Crocodile Control and Conservation Bill 2025 rebuﬀed by the government’s Health, Environment and Innovation Committee on the basis that one of its key aims – the establishment of “crocodile-free zones”, where all animals would be culled or relocated – was “neither practical nor sustainable”.

The bill proposed an overhaul of the state’s crocodile management framework, with the primary objective of lowering the chance of humans encountering the reptiles in North Queensland to an “acceptable risk”.

It also looked at potential economic opportunities for remote communities on the back of crocodiles, including regulated trophy hunting and egg harvesting.

Member for Cook David Kempton welcomed the committee’s decision and said he did not believe the bill would mitigate issues in areas like Mareeba, where crocodiles

are now being sighted in some waterways for the ﬁrst time.

“The problem with Katter’s bill, as I see it, is by simply reducing the population of animals by culling does not solve the problem in the Mareeba district, where crocodiles need to be removed, not reduced in numbers,” he said.

“Notwithstanding the current crocodile management plan and the committee’s ﬁndings, I will continue to advocate for a comprehensive survey of all the tableland waterways, including the Barron

Public Notice

Notice of Poll

and Mitchell rivers and tributaries, to locate and identify all estuarine crocodiles and remove them pursuant to Zone F of the current management plan.”

Mr Kempton slammed the concept of trophy hunting as a means of population control, and said it was fraught with danger from multiple perspectives, including how the correct reptile was identiﬁed, who issued a hunting licence, and how any proceeds were distributed.

“The concept of trophy hunting

A By-election for one (1) Member of Weipa Town Authority will take place on Saturday, 16th of August 2025.

The nominated candidates are as followsDE TOURNOUER, Tacita COOPER, Rikki HUGHES, Jeff SLACK, Malcolm Andrew TEITZEL, Sheridan

Voting on election day:

The polling booth will be located at the Weipa Storm Surge Shelter, Rocky Point.

Ordinary voting hours are from 8.00am to 6.00pm.

Voting before election day:

Pre-polling is available at the Weipa Town Authority Office, 6 Hibberd Drive, Rocky Point, Weipa from Monday, 11th August 2025 between 9.00am and 4.00pm.

Nicky Perriman Returning Officer

29 July 2025

a protected native animal, which is an iconic apex predator, as a control method is unworkable,” he said.

“Quite apart from the fact that Katter does not appear to have consulted with Indigenous leaders about the hunting of a totem species, trophy hunting as a means of removing problem crocodiles faces many challenges.”

KAP MP and Member for Hill Shane Knuth, who has been championing the bill for the party, said he was “baﬄed” by Mr Kempton’s

“inaccuracies” on the proposed legislation to the point it “begs the question if he has even read it”.

“The Member for Cook’s claims of big game hunters marching down Four Mile Beach in khaki pants with high-powered riﬂes is completely delusional, considering the bill only allows for the Queensland Crocodile Authority to authorise a set quota for Indigenous landowners to bring in highpaying clients to harvest selected crocodiles for economic beneﬁt to Indigenous communities,” Mr Knuth said.

“A far cry from the free-for-all shooting sessions in tourism areas the Member for Cook has implied.

“Denying the bill is also denying Indigenous landowners in his electorate economic opportunities, which also includes egg harvesting.”

Mr Knuth said he was “disappointed, but not surprised” the committee had failed to support the bill, and criticised the “weak recommendations” made in its 106-page report.

“There has been a mass explosion in croc numbers taking over our waterways because of back-toback governments and politicians lacking the intestinal fortitude to take action,” he said.

Far North Queensland MPs David Kempton and Shane Knuth are at odds about what should be done about the state’s growing saltwater crocodile population. Photo: Australia Zoo.

The new Queensland Government is helping kids get active and play their favourite sport with $200 Play On! Sports Vouchers.

There’s heaps of sports to play all across Queensland, from the city to the country, in winter or summer, for families with kids aged 5 to 17.

We’re also investing $250 million for upgrades to grassroots community clubs across the State through Games On! funding.

Play On!

Parrot survival rate takes ﬂight with Artemis Station initiative

by CHISA HASEGAWA

CONSERVATION eﬀorts

for one of Cape York’s most famous birds have shown undeniable results, with a 43 per cent increase in nesting success reported over three breeding seasons.

In the 2023 breeding season, a dedicated group of conservationists at Artemis Station began a trial to protect the nests of the golden-shouldered parrots, which have now been on the endangered species list for a quarter of a century.

The trial involved an electric fence barrier placed around nests to deter natural predators like goannas and tree snakes, and with each breeding season, the team were able to secure more fences to protect more nests.

While simple, the impact was profound.

Pre-management, just 33 per cent of nests resulted in chicks, and by the end of the 2025 breeding season last month, the team reported a 76 per cent nest success rate – more than doubling the chances of baby parrot survival.

Conservation Partners sen-

ior conservation oﬃcer Patrick Webster said the 76 per cent success rate ﬁgure was a huge accomplishment.

“That’s exceptionally high; the thing that we’ve got to remember is that predation of nests is natural,” he explained.

“The only diﬀerence here is that we are dealing with a really endangered population, where we’ve got all these other threatening processes, and we can’t aﬀord these other predation pressures to further limit the population.

“That ﬂedgling success rate of 76 per cent, it would be sitting above what would be considered natural for the [species], which means we’re adding more parrots to the population, which is what we want.”

The conservationist said the golden-shouldered parrots typically had a clutch size of ﬁve to six eggs, and, when predated, all the eggs were usually taken.

The success rate ﬁgure was standardised based on the nests they managed to ﬁnd throughout each breeding season.

“They typically nest from the end of March, beginning of April, all the way through to July,” he said.

“Obviously, we try our best to find every nest, but even with the weeks and months of search effort we put in, we’re never going to find them all, and we aren’t going to know the fate of those that we don’t find.

“This year, we fenced 12 nests; there was one further nest we found that, unfortunately, had been taken by a goanna just before we’d found it.”

Mr Webster said with the team spending months searching for nests in order to install the fences, the sight of baby parrots ﬂying out of the nest for the ﬁrst time was a touching moment to witness.

“It’s a pretty incredible feeling, because you put so much eﬀ ort and care into each nest, not only in ﬁ nding them, but then protecting them,” he said.

“You get to know the parents really well, because you’re monitoring them, and then you get to know the chick really well while you’re watching them grow, and you can become so invested in them.

“You want every single one to be successful and go on and add to the population.”

A young golden-shouldered parrots ﬂies out of its nest for the ﬁrst time - an increasingly common sight thanks to a simple-yet-effective conservation method. Photo: Braydon Moloney.

Cape, Torres nature caretakers celebrated on World Ranger Day

by CHISA HASEGAWA

WHETHER on land or out at sea, rangers dedicate their lives to working on the frontlines of conservation, cultural preservation and community support.

On World Ranger Day (31 July), Cape York and Torres Strait communities shone a light on the integral role rangers play in connecting culture and science to protect the awe-inspiring environment of the region.

Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) celebrated the contributions of the 55 people who make up the nation’s northernmost ranger program and work to preserve the cultural and ecological integrity of the Islands.

Chairperson George Nona said the rangers worked in some of the most remote and unique parts of Australia, rich in language, culture and environmental treasures.

“Our rangers reflect the

strength of our people and the wisdom of our Elders,” he said.

“They are land and sea custodians, knowledge holders, scientists and role models – preserving culture and biodiversity in one of the world’s most beautiful locations.

“From inspiring children and working with Elders, to connecting traditional wisdom with western science, and showcasing conservation leadership in international ranger exchanges, TSRA rangers continue to prove that local knowledge and global action go hand in hand.”

Cape York is home to a multitude of ranger groups that care for the beautiful, yet often rugged and harsh environment of the region, including those working for the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the myriad Indigenous ranger groups doing their bit to protect Country.

“It’s important we commemorate the vital work of rangers who protect our natural and cultural heritage,” Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Senator Murray Watt said.

“In Australia, Indigenous rangers stand at the forefront of this effort, combining traditional knowledge with contemporary science to care for Country.

“Their connection to Country runs deep; it is the foundation of Indigenous identity and culture, rooted in more than 65,000 years of continuous care for land, rivers, seas and the living ecosystems of Country across Australia.”

Tropical get-together puts fun in fundraising for Weipa health

by CHISA HASEGAWA

SANTA ditched the snow boots for sandals late last month when the Weipa community gathered in support of health services in the region.

Thousands of dollars were raised at the Weipa Hospital Friends of the Foundation’s Tropical Christmas in July fundraiser, which brought together more than 80 festive attendees at the Albatross Bay Resort.

A Weipa Hospital Friends of the Foundation spokesperson said the event had been an overwhelming success as people donned their best tropical outfits, dug their toes into the sand and fundraised for a great cause.

“More than $4,000 was raised on the night, with plans underway to develop a wish list of locally-needed equipment,” the spokesperson said.

“Attendees enjoyed a spectacular themed three-course dinner, raffles, auctions, live entertainment and the opportunity to win amazing prizes.

“All

Skytrans gets rebrand

THE regional airline servicing remote communities across Cape York has undergone a name change.

Skytrans has rebranded to SmartLynx Australia as of July, with the change following the purchase of the carrier by Avia Solutions Group.

The company purchased Skytrans in 2024 and expanded it into wet-leasing operations, with the rename bringing the Queensland-based airline in line with other carriers it owns, including Thai SmartLynx and SmartLynx Airlines.

In a social media post on 29 July, SmartLynx Australia promised customers the airline had kept “the same Queensland heart, now with added global wings”.

Stolen motorbike, Bamaga

POLICE are asking for public assistance regarding a motorbike allegedly stolen from the Northern Peninsula Area community of Bamaga last month.

The black 2010 Suzuki DR-Z400 –Queensland registration 081FS – was reported stolen on 12 July.

The motorbike is one of more than 400 vehicles stolen to date in 2025 in the Far Northern policing region.

Anyone with information about the alleged theft is urged to call Policelink on 13 14 44.

OTT burns planned

THE Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is urging visitors planning on tackling the Old Telegraph Track (OTT) early this month to consider an alternative route while controlled burns are being carried out.

In a social media post, QPWS said rangers and fire units would be operating along the iconic track to conduct annual load reduction burning in late July and early August, with delays to traffic movement expected.

Impacted areas may include Eliot Falls, Cannibal Creek, Canal Creek and Cypress Creek.

For more information, call the Atambaya (Heathlands) ranger station on 4060 3241.

New Leichhardt MP Matt Smith participates in a smoking ceremony to welcome parliamentarians back to Canberra last week. Photo: Facebook (Matt Smith MP).

Torres Strait Regional Authority rangers wear their uniforms with pride on World Ranger Day on 31 July.

Christmas came early in Weipa when the community gathered in support of growing health services in the region.

funds raised in Weipa by the Weipa Hospital Friends of the Foundation will stay local to be used to improve local health services.”

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

New TCICA boss focused on giving remote councils stronger voice

by LYNDON KEANE

THE newly appointed senior executive oﬃcer of the organisation advocating for Cape York’s Indigenous councils says she is committed to ensuring the voices of remote community leaders are heard at the political table.

Guugu Yimithiir Traditional Owner Lucy Deemal has been announced as the new SEO of the Torres Cape Indigenous Council Alliance (TCICA), which represents 16 remote local governments, including Weipa Town Authority and Cook Shire Council.

Ms Deemal has moved into the role after most recently working as Cook Shire Council’s chief ﬁnancial oﬃcer, and said she was ready to hit the ground running to help TCICA’s member councils get some runs on the board.

“I’ve been in local government for probably the last seven years, but I’ve been around gov-

ernment since I graduated uni,”

she told Cape York Weekly

“I was previously an auditor for the [Federal Government], and was then working in accounting and auditing at the state level.

“I’ve always wanted to contribute to government in some way, and being closer to local government, you’re at the grassroots, and you can see where the money’s going and the positive things that are being achieved and happening because of it.”

Ms Deemal said she believed a family connection to running a remote business provided a unique perspective she could utilise to help TCICA member councils boost local economic development.

“I’m a Traditional Owner myself – I’m from just outside of Hope Vale and 20 years ago, my grandfather started a tourism business called Elim Beach Campgrounds, which my dad and brother run now,” she explained.

“Being back here and living

in Cooktown, things like industry investment and economic growth in communities can be diﬃcult, and it’s a diﬃculty that I’ve seen from my own family.

“The Cape is a very important place to Queensland’s growth, but over time and over the years, we’ve obviously been a little bit neglected, and we’ve seen the gaps come up and things that we need to be more proactive about,

Cape shows gratitude during Rural Fire Service Week

by CHISA HASEGAWA

CAPE York communities are extending a heartfelt thank you to the rural ﬁre volunteers who donate their time to keeping their fellow residents safe.

More than 27,000 volunteers across the state were celebrated last week for their dedication as part of Rural Fire Service Week 2025.

Western Cape Rural Fire Brigade ﬁrst of-

the work of the people

look after

and surrounding areas.

“We’re a little bit unique up here on the Cape, because we’re pretty much isolated from everywhere else, and we cover a huge area, probably one of the biggest areas in Queensland,” he said.

“We’re all volunteers here, and we all have other jobs and other lives, so it’s really important to recognise that and to acknowl-

and the only way we can do that is through a co-ordinated eﬀort through government and NGOs, and that’s what TCICA does.”

Ms Deemal said she believed it was vital remote elected member had an opportunity to get in front of policymakers in Canberra and Brisbane to share the aspirations and needs of their communities.

“We’ve got elected members that have been elected through a proper process and that are living in those communities, that are there every day, understanding the challenges and what’s going on,” she said.

“We want to make sure that the information used for policy decisions is coming directly from communities; we want to make sure that the person that’s asking the question is asking it of the people who have the knowledge and lived experience to provide an answer.

“It’s having the elected members talking for their communities.”

edge the people who donate their time and eﬀort and energy.”

Mr Lankester said especially in a remote community, volunteers wore many hats to make up for the lack of manpower.

“We respond to wildﬁres and grassﬁres in the local community and surrounding areas, and assist outlying stations when required to protect their livelihoods out there with the cattle industry as well,” he said.

“We assist with emergency services here at Rio Tinto to do the hazard reduction burn program every year; we’ve been involved in search and rescues, too, with SES and Queensland Police.

“The more remote you are, the more diverse I suppose you have to be.”

Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said rural ﬁries dedicated themselves to keeping Queenslanders safe, adding the week was the perfect opportunity to recognise their eﬀorts and extend gratitude for the unwavering commitment to protecting communities.

“Queenslanders right across the state rely on RFSQ volunteers in times of need, and it’s important to reﬂect and show our support for the incredible work they do,” she said.

Schuler petition closes

ALL eyes are on the state’s top law ofﬁcer after a parliamentary petition to hold an inquest into the 2012 disappearance of prospector Bruce Schuler on Palmerville Station received more than 5,000 signatures last month.

In total, 5,367 Queenslanders signed the petition calling for a coronial inquest to be held into Mr Schuler’s disappearance.

Former Palmerville Station owners Stephen Struber and Dianne WilsonStruber are serving life sentences after being convicted of the prospector’s murder in 2015.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington would not comment on the case while the petition was open.

Power subsidy for Weipa NFPs

EFFECTIVE immediately, approved notfor-proﬁt groups connected to the Weipa power network will be eligible to receive free electricity under Tariff N.

Rio Tinto said the change reﬂected its ongoing commitment to supporting the vital work the groups did for the community.

The subsidy applies only to connections on the Weipa network where billing is managed by Rio Tinto.

For more information on how to apply, email Weipa.Electricity@riotinto.com.

Bridge closures

THE Mission River Bridge will be closed for up to two hours at a time between 18-20 August to allow annual maintenance work to the infrastructure.

The closure will be implemented from 8pm on 18 August until 2am on 19 August, and from 8pm on 19 August to 2am on 20 August.

During the closure windows, the maximum single closure will be two hours.

The bridge will be open to normal trafﬁc outside these hours.

For more information, call 1800 820 711 or email RTAWeipaFeedback@riotinto.com.

The Western Cape Rural Fire Brigade covers one of the largest, most isolated areas of Queensland.

Lucy Deemal has been appointed as the new senior executive ofﬁcer of the Torres Cape Indigenous Council Alliance.

ﬁcer Tony Lankester highlighted

who

Weipa

AUTHORISATION MEETING FOR NATIVE TITLE DETERMINATION AGREEMENTS

GUUGU YIMIDHIRR NATIVE TITLE GROUP

Cape York United # 1 Native Title Claim (QUD673/2014)

Wednesday, 20 August 2025

HOPE VALE

This notice is to advise that the Applicant in the Cape York United #1 (CYU#1) Claim will convene a decision-making meeting on Wednesday 20 August 2025 in Hope Vale for the Guugu Yimidhirr Native Title Group to consider whether to authorise proposed native title agreements under s.87A of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (NTA) for consent determinations of native title over the areas shown on the map at right. Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will facilitate the meeting on behalf of the Applicant in the CYU#1 Claim.

Section 87A Authorisation Meeting

A determination of native title involves a decision of the Federal Court. A determination of native title means that the Federal Court determines (1) who holds native title; (2) what the native title rights are; (3) the area to which the native title rights apply after any determination is made; and (4) which corporation will represent the members of the determined native title group. If the meeting on Wednesday 20 August 2025 decides to authorise the proposed s.87A native title agreements, each determination will then be sought in the Federal Court. The Court may list a hearing for consent determination on Thursday 23 October 2025 for the area bordered with a purple line on the map and identified as the “Proposed Guugu Yimidhirr Determination Area”.

A copy of the proposed s.87A native title agreements for a determination of native title for the areas shown on the map will be available at the meeting on Wednesday 20 August 2025. At the request of the Applicant in the CYU#1 Claim, CYLC staff and consultants will be in attendance at the meeting to be available to explain matters such as the meaning and effect of the proposed agreements. Any person attending the meeting will be able to ask questions about the proposed agreements and state their views about the proposed agreements. The authorisation meeting will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday 20 August 2025

Venue: Pioneer Hall, Muni Street, Hopevale Times: 10:00am – 3:00pm (registration opens at 9:30am)

Who is invited to attend the Authorisation Meeting?

The Guugu Yimidhirr People are invited and entitled to attend this authorisation meeting. The Guugu Yimidhirr People are the descendants by birth, or adoption in accordance with traditional law and custom, of one or more of the following apical ancestors (listed alphabetically):

1. Andy Butchan

2. Baabi

3. Balkan (wife of Baabi)

4. Barney

5. Bawayga Jack

6. Biddy (mother of Bobby Dixon and others)

7. Billy (father of Dudley Bulmer)

8. Billy Webb

9. Bilmbil (wife of Ngamu Ngakuburla)

10. Bindadelma

11. Bujin

12. Buthal (brother of Charlie Wallace)

13. Charlie Gibson (aka Charlie Cooktown)

14. Charlie Wallace

15. Dirngulu (Maggie aka Maude)

16. Duka

17. Elizabeth Tulo

18. Father of Tommy and Sammy Brown

19. Gaalgujan (Maggie Wallis)

20. Galganji

21. Gulgi Galbay (Maggie Webb)

22. Gungunbi

23. Henry Baru

24. Jack McIvor

25. Jalbanmun Peter (grandfather of Lizzie Big Jack)

26. Jimmy (father of Charlie Wunbu Gordon and Tommy Confin)

27. Jimmy (father of Tommy Dowling and others)

28. Jinnie Bluey (mother of Sandy Petersen, Rita Florrie (Katchewan) and others)

29. Johnny (Binhdiwarra)

30. Kalgurdam (spouse of Orlander Rattler)

31. Lizzie Douglas

32. Lyla Gibson (wife of Charlie Summerhaze)

33. Maggie (mother of Sambo Walsh)

34. Maggie (wife of Jimmy Snider)

35. Maria (Burrun) (wife of Mulun Jacko)

36. Maria (mother of Dudley Bulmer)

37. Matyi

38. Maudie (wife of Ngandal George Northcotte)

39. Midhaking

40. Minnie aka Wawumduha (wife of Norman Arrami)

41. Minnie Gibson (wife of Peter Rosser)

42. Miriam Ngamu Bandir

43. Moira (wife of Mulun Jacko)

44. Mulgal

45. Mulun Jacko

46. Nellie (mother of Polly Bulmer)

47. Nellie (mother of Polly Holdsworth and others)

48. Nellie (mother of Tommy and Sammy Brown)

49. Nellie (mother of Tommy Dowling and others)

50. Nellie Nunggal (Yarkan)

51. Ngamu Bayambi

52. Ngamu Darnchidir (Stumpy)

53. Ngamu Guubanyu

54. Ngamu Marrgu (Jimmy)

55. Ngamu Ngakuburla

56. Ngandal (George Northcotte)

57. Ngolongolo (Kitty)

58. Ngumbuibigu (Billy)

59. Paddy McIvor

60. Peggy Rootsey

61. Ruth Bandir (Dudur)

62. Tommy Point Lookout

63. Topsy (mother of Peter Gibson and others)

64. Waarigan

65. Wulgali (mother of Charlie Wunbu Gordon and Tommy Confin)

66. Wuthal (Nellie Coates)

67. Yaalugure (wife of Barney)

68. Yalngkarijubur (father of Earl Mitchell)

69. Yegeran (wife of Bindadelma)

70. Yirbil (Emma Capebedford)

*Please note that the State of Queensland has not agreed to the inclusion of the apical ancestor named “Otoro”. This matter will be discussed at the authorisation meeting. Please contact the CYLC Anthropology Unit if you would like to confirm whether you are a descendant of one or more of the apical ancestors listed above and so entitled to attend the meeting.

Purpose of the Authorisation Meeting

The purpose of the authorisation meeting on Wednesday 20 August 2025 is to decide whether or not to approve the proposed s.87A native title agreements for a consent determination of native title for the areas shown on the map above. The agenda of the meeting will be to consider whether the persons present:

1. agree and adopt a decision-making process;

2. agree to the proposed s.87A agreements for a determination of native title; and

3. agree to either:

a) incorporate a new corporation to be the prescribed body corporate (PBC) to represent the native title holders identified in the proposed s.87A agreements for determinations of native title, and so:

i. make a decision (1) to approve the rules of the new corporation, (2) to identify who will be the initial directors and contact person for the new corporation, and (3) to authorise one or more named persons to apply to the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to register the new corporation; and

ii. agree to nominate the new corporation, once it is registered, to be PBC for the Guugu Yimidhirr People; or b) on certain conditions, nominate an existing corporation to be the PBC for the Guugu Yimidhirr People, and so:

i. make a decision (1) to specify the existing corporation to be the PBC, and (2) direct the identified corporation to take steps to make itself eligible to be appointed as the PBC by amending its rules, and to ensure it is representative of Guugu Yimidhirr People (by accepting new membership applications, holding new elections for directors or other matters); and

ii. agree to nominate the identified existing corporation, once it has complied with the directions made by the meeting in 3(b)(i) above, to be the PBC for Guugu Yimidhirr People; and

iii. incorporate a new corporation as set out in 3(a) above, which corporation will be nominated to be the PBC for Guugu Yimidhirr People in the event that the identified existing corporation has not complied with the directions made by the meeting in (b)(i) above by 15 September 2025; and 4.authorise the Principal Legal Officer of CYLC to nominate the proposed corporation in writing to the Federal Court for it to be the PBC under ss.56 or 57 of the NTA for the proposed determinations of native title.

At the request of the Guugu Yimidhirr Native Title Group, a further workshop will be held on Monday 18 August 2025 at 2pm to 5pm at the Pioneer Hall in Hope Vale for participants to discuss the nomination of the PBC and the proposed structure. See attached notice for details. If you have queries about the purpose of the s.87A Authorisation Meeting, please contact Deputy Principal Legal Officer Louise Keepa on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email lkeepa@cylc.org.au.

Attendance, Travel Assistance & Teleconferencing

IMPORTANT

For travel assistance, to confirm your attendance or for any general queries about the meeting, please contact CYLC Business Support Officer Lee Ann Miller on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email lmiller@cylc.org.au Note that there is limited funding available for travel assistance and requests must be made by 12 August 2025 Teleconferencing facilities will also be made available at the meeting. If you would like CYLC to arrange a teleconference from your location into the meeting, whether you live at the location of the meeting or elsewhere, please contact Lee Ann Miller at CYLC. CYLC is committed to providing every opportunity for eligible persons to attend the meeting.

Atkins takes lead on far northern biosecurity

EMMA Atkins has been appointed as the regional biosecurity lead for the northern part of Queensland as one of three frontline oﬃcers recruited into the key positions across the state.

Ms Atkins said she was passionate about connecting with communities, listening to their needs and strengthening biosecurity systems to protect the environment, economy and food security in the state’s far north.

Having lived in the Northern Peninsula Area for several years, Ms Atkins said she understood the unique biosecurity challenges of remote and Indigenous communities.

“Living and working in Cape York has given me a deep appreciation of the unique strengths and challenges faced by remote and Indigenous communities,” she said.

The appointment of the three regional leads is part of the State Government’s $50 million investment to strengthen Queensland’s biosecurity frontline and safeguard its primary industries.

Member for Cook David Kempton welcomed Ms Atkins appointment and described it as “a big win for our region”.

“With her expertise and understanding of the Cape, Emma will be on the front line – detecting and responding to biosecurity threats, carrying out inspections, monitoring risks and upholding Queens-

land’s gold-standard biosecurity laws,” he said.

“Having Emma Atkins based right here in Far North Queensland is a big win for our region; strong biosecurity is key to safeguarding our lifestyle and keeping our industries thriving.”

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said it was critical the government got it right when it came to bolstering the state’s biosecurity footprint.

“This is about securing the long-term future of Queensland’s traditional industries and supporting the productivity and proﬁtability of growers, graziers and producers right across the state,” he said.

Cape York Weekly understands a review into the 2023 closure of Cape York Biosecurity Centre at Coen by the former Labor government is ongoing.

Young Cape leaders use holidays to take up conservation crusade

by CHISA HASEGAWA

CAPE York is raising the next generation of young environmental leaders with a hands-on trip on Country.

Over the recent school holidays, high school students selected for the South Cape York Catchments (SCYC) Young Cape York Leaders program travelled to Lockhart River and Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park to dip their toes into the world of conservation and land management.

SCYC youth program coordinator Kyle Sanderson said the trip was a great opportunity for students interested in eco-management work, adding that only eight to 10 participants were selected each year.

“We got them involved in doing some maintenance on a walking track that the local

rangers are about to open up for tourists,” he said.

“We [also] got them involved in conservation for the palm cockatoos – doing ﬁre breaks around their nesting trees; we did a bit of a beach clean-up, and a whole heap of awesome wildlife spotting, and cooking as well.

“It’s really good to be able to provide them with that experience, and really let them see if that’s a path that they might want to go down for their careers.”

Mr Sanderson said many of the students were already involved in environmental studies at Cooktown State School, and the week-long trip was a chance to immerse themselves further and make industry connections.

“We work with the conservation and land management students a lot, so a lot

of the students that are a part of the group have had a taste of the activities that we do through the program, and we kind of kick it up a notch and get them a little more immersed through these trips,” he explained.

“That builds relationships with these people that work for national parks and Indigenous rangers, and the botanic gardens is also another place we do a lot of work at; all of those people in those roles at those places are great contacts for these students to make.

“They can show their face and show who they are, show that they’re keen and interested, so that down the track, when these jobs become available, they’ve had that experience and people know their faces, so it can really help with career opportunities.”

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Young leaders from Cooktown immerse themselves in the world of land management and conservation through a South Cape York Catchments school holiday program.

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett congratulates new biosecurity regional leads Emma Atkins, Dr John Alawneh and Jason Bode.

This notice is to advise that the Applicant in the Cape York United #1 (CYU#1) will convene a decision-making meeting on Tuesday 19 August 2025 in Cooktown for the Yiithuwarra Native Title Group to consider whether to authorise a proposed native title agreement under s.87A of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (NTA) for a determination of native title over the area outlined in purple shown on the map at right. Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will facilitate the meeting on behalf of the Applicant in the CYU#1 Claim.

Section 87A Authorisation Information Meeting

A determination of native title involves a decision of the Federal Court. A determination of native title means that the Federal Court determines (1) who holds native title; (2) what the native title rights are; (3) the area to which the native title rights apply after any determination is made; and (4) which corporation will represent the members of the determined native title group. If the meeting on Tuesday 19 August 2025 decides to authorise the proposed s.87A native title agreement, the determination will then be sought in the Federal Court. The Court may list a hearing for consent determination on Thursday 23 October 2025 for the area bordered with a purple line on the map above and identified as “Yiithuwarra Native Title Agreed Area”.

A copy of the proposed s.87A native title agreement for a determination of native title for the areas shown on the map above will be available at the meeting on Tuesday 19 August 2025. At the request of the Applicant in the CYU#1 Claim, CYLC staff and consultants will be in attendance at the meeting to be available to explain matters such as the meaning and effect of the proposed agreements. Any person attending the meeting will be able to ask questions about the proposed agreements and state their views about the proposed agreements.

Who is invited to attend the meeting and workshop?

The authorisation meeting and workshop is open to all descendants by birth, or adoption in accordance with traditional law and custom, of one or more of the following apical ancestors:

1. Wathi (Billy Salt)

2. Ngapurrwil

3. Yebonini

4. Odhay

5. Warreygini (Kitty)

6. Wilurinta

7. Yamburunda

8. In-girr (German Harry)

9. Albert Barrow Point

10. Rosie (wife of Albert Barrow Point)

11. Aiejene (Jimmy Robinson)

12. Akalwaljul (father of Wondal Charlie Monaghan)

13. Ekanjin (mother of Wondal Charlie Monaghan)

14. Tommy Merrilees

15. Thalnggulu

16. Akuthirarka

17. Otoro

18. Ngamu Dhaarridyin

19. Charlie Tarpaulin

20. Thilkwuna (Nellie Robinson)

AUTHORISATION INFORMATION MEETING FOR A NATIVE TITLE DETERMINATION AGREEMENT

YIITHUWARRA NATIVE TITLE GROUP

Cape York United # 1 Native Title Claim (QUD673/2014)

Tuesday 19 August 2025

Cooktown Events Centre (formerly PCYC), Cooktown

27. Thurralwinga (Alice Johnson)

28. Charlie McGreen

29. Harry Mole

30. Tharramali

31. Ngarungal

32. Rosie aka Nellie (wife of Barney Laura)

33. Mother of Billy Hart

21. Wandyarriny (Charlie Lefthander)

22. Eva (wife of Barney Laura)

23. Nellie Nunggul (Yarkan)

24. Jacky Red Point

25. Bessie O’Burnes

26. Charlie Chookie

34. Miriam Ngamu Bandir

35. Ruth Bandir (Dudur)

36. Waarigan

37. Minnie aka Wawumudha (wife of Norman Arrami)

38. Billy (father of Dudley Bulmer)

39. Dirngulu (Maggie aka Maude)

Any person who is a descendant of one or more of the apical ancestors listed above is invited to attend this meeting. Please contact the CYLC Anthropology Unit if you would like to confirm whether you are a descendant of one or more of the apical ancestors listed above and so entitled to attend the meeting. The meetings will be held as follows:

Date: Tuesday 19 August 2025

Venue: Cooktown Events Centre (formerly PCYC Cooktown), 3 May Street, Cooktown Times: 9:30am – 2:00pm

Purpose of the Authorisation Meeting

The purpose of the Authorisation Meeting on Tuesday 19 August 2025 is to decide whether or not to approve the proposed s.87A native title agreement for a consent determination of native title for the area shown on the map above. The agenda of the meeting will be to consider whether the persons present:

• agree and adopt a decision-making process;

• agree to the proposed s.87A agreement for a determination of native title; and

• agree to nominate a corporation (a “prescribed body corporate” or “PBC”) to represent the native title holders identified in the proposed agreement for a determination of native title over the proposed determination area*.

*At the request of the Yiithuwarra Native Title Group, a further workshop will be held on Monday 18 August 2025 at 9:30am – 12:30pm at Cooktown Events Centre for participants to discuss the nomination of the PBC and the proposed structure. See attached notice for details.

If you have queries about the purpose of the s.87A Authorisation Meeting, please contact Legal Officer Fiona Beman on 0491 136 144 or free call number 1800 623 548 or by email fbeman@cylc.org.au.

Attendance, Travel Assistance & Teleconferencing

IMPORTANT

Teleconferencing facilities will also be made available at the meeting. If you would like CYLC to arrange a teleconference from your location into the meeting, whether you live at the location of the meeting or elsewhere, please contact Lee Ann Miller at CYLC. CYLC is committed to providing every opportunity for eligible persons to attend the meeting.

Teamwork gives Aurukun animals new lease on life

by CHISA HASEGAWA

AFTER changing the lives of community animals through sheer dedication, Aurukun Shire Council is bidding farewell to one of its longestserving animal management officers.

Since starting in the role a year and a half ago, Lauren Quigley completely revamped the rehoming system in community, reaching out to Cape Animal Protection Shelter (CAPS), Cairns Animal Rescue, Stray to Stay, and Remote Animal Assistance to collaborate in overcoming logistical challenges and rehome as many animals as possible.

The shelters worked together to find which ones had space to take in animals and find foster families across Far North Queensland, resulting in the rehoming of 88 animals, many of them stray, injured or unclaimed.

“I got in contact with Shayna (CAPS president Shayna Reeves), so she was my first support, and then bridged out when she couldn’t take them,” Ms Quigley said.

“There’s some beautiful stories, and Shayna sends me pictures of the dogs we have gotten out, and it just warms my heart; it makes everything that I do here worthwhile.”

When all else failed, Ms Quigley

said she opened her own home to foster until they could be adopted.

“I’ve got a little pup here that I’ve been fostering for about a week and a half,” she said.

“People don’t realise when I clock off, I don’t really clock off; I’ve still got fosters at the pound, fosters at my house.”

Ms Reeves said Ms Quigley would be extremely missed on western Cape York.

“She’s put so many things in place in Aurukun – they now have a vet there every three months, they run desexing clinics, and they’ve got a significant more amount of their dogs microchipped and vaccinated,” she said.

“She also goes around the community and administers the three-monthly tick and flea prevention, so, as a whole, the dogs in Aurukun, when we’re getting them, are ultimately coming to us in a much better condition.

“When it comes to animal rescue, it’s not a one shelter battle; you’re not going to make a difference on your own, it hugely relies on working together.

“She’s going to be really missed, and I don’t think it will just be from us, I think it will be from the Aurukun council and from community – she’s really made a huge impact.”

Lauren Quigley has saved more than 80 animals in a year and a half through dedication and teamwork.

CAPE WOMEN SHINE AT BUSINESS AWARDS

Kemp bags business gong for leading remote Evolution

by CHISA HASEGAWA

IT is no easy feat to run a business, especially in a remote community, but one Weipa woman's leadership has earned her the Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year title at a prestigious Cairns awards gala.

Evolution Mining and Civil managing director Sandra Kemp was presented with the prize on 26 July at the Cairns Business Women's Club Awards, an achievement one employee described as a testament to her passion and dedication to providing employment and career pathways for local young Indigenous people.

Ms Kemp said the win had not quite sunk in yet, but that she was proud of the growth opportunities the business had been able to oﬀer to its employees.

“The changes that I see in my people, what we develop, the conﬁdence, their laughter ... that's what keeps me going,” she said.

“For me, it's the personal gains, whether it's someone buying their first car or having their first baby, or being able to afford to go on a holiday.”

The western Cape York business leader said providing opportunities to upskill had always been a passion of hers, which was reﬂected in the business name, Evolution, or its

traditional name, Nunni Dulgeih, meaning “from the ground up”, which was given to her by Birriah Elder.

Ms Kemp explained that her Elder mentioned she was constantly talking about training and development, and came up with the traditional name, which was not to be used as the oﬃcial business name, only a part of it.

"So, then we chose Evolution, which is around the evolving of people, the evolving of the business, and the evolving of everything we do,” she said.

“I would never have gone into business if it wasn't to oﬀer entrylevel employment, and to train and develop."

With much of Evolution Mining and Civil's work involving the maintenance of Weipa's community amenities and environment, Ms Kemp said having a sense of pride in the work they carried out as a team was integral.

“Instilling pride in what everyone was doing was a very important part of starting our business,” she said.

“It doesn't matter what you do; whether you're scrubbing a toilet or picking up rubbish along the side of the road, having pride in what you do is important, because that's what people see, and that's what people are going to remember you for.”

Evolution Mining and Civil managing director Sandra Kemp has been named the Cairns Business Women’s Club 2025 Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year.

CAPE WOMEN SHINE AT BUSINESS AWARDS

Cape connection sparks award-winning adventure

by LYNDON KEANE

WHAT started as a chance crossing of paths on Cape York has morphed into an award-winning business recognised as one of the best in Far North Queensland for one couple.

Ellwood Motorcycle Adventures co-owner Ellyse Woodward was named the 2025 Small Business Owner of the Year at the Cairns Business Women’s Club (CWBC) Business Woman of the Year Awards on 26 July for helping steer the growth of the company that now runs tours across Australia, as well as in parts of south-east Asia.

While the business has expanded well beyond Cape York, Ms Woodward said the northernmost part of Queensland held special signiﬁcance for her and her now-husband, Craig “Woody” Woodward.

“Cape York is special to us, because it’s where Woody and I met,” she told Cape York Weekly while on a tour in Western Australia last week.

“He was the lead rider on one of the Cape trips … and I went up for a trip with my dad, and that’s where we met.

“So, it’s always been a pretty special place to us, and it’s still one of our signature tours for a reason – every day is dif-

ferent with the scenery and places we get to visit.”

Ms Woodward described the win as a signiﬁcant step for the business and explained how she came to be nominated for the award.

“It was actually our website lady,” she said.

“She was updating our website and learning all about what we do and us and everything, and she’s like, ‘you guys need to be nominated for an award, because what you do is really cool and incredible, and you need some recognition’, so, she’s nominated us for some awards, and the [CBWC] one was one of them.”

Ms Woodward added the nomination process had provided the couple and their team a rare opportunity to stop and reﬂect on how far the business had come.

“It was actually a really cool process, because they asked some questions about the business and where we came from and what we do, and why we do it,” she said.

“It was a pretty cool reﬂection to sort of look back, look at what we do and where we’ve come from, and how cool our team is; and it’s just been great recognition of our whole team.”

Cape York holds a special place in the hearts of Craig “Woody” Woodward and Cairns Business Women’s Club 2025 Small Business Owner of the Year Ellyse Woodward after the couple met on a far northern motorcycle tour before launching their own business.

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We love you, but please listen up

I WAS travelling down the Peninsula Developmental Road last week when I was hit with the question no Cape York resident wants fired in their direction.

“What do Cape York people really think of us tourists?”

The query was lobbed at me by a woman whose name turned out to be Rachael, who was a week into a tour of our part of the world with her partner, Chris. We’d ended up standing near one another after the obligatory refuel and leg stretch that comes with distance driving, and got talking about how their trip was going, where their “not far from Adelaide” home actually was, and Cape York in general.

A few minutes into our chat, my new crow-eating chums hit me with the ponderance about how we viewed the annual convoys of southern visitors.

“You guys play a vital role in our economic livelihoods, so it goes without saying we love you up here, but there are definitely a few things you do that have us nearly biting through our tongues,” I suggested diplomatically.

“Like what?” asked Rachael as she and Chris exchanged quizzical glances.

from somewhere near Adelaide, editor Lyndon Keane is offering all visitors some handy dos and don’ts about exploring the northernmost part of the country.

Well, guys, I promised I’d make a list and give you a mention in the paper, so, without further ado, here are some handy dos and don’ts tourists should keep in mind when they point their caravan or motorhome north.

1. Don’t whinge about costs We’re painfully aware things are bloody expensive up here. You know why? Because, unlike our southern cousins, we’re stuck with paying upwards of $2.50 a litre for fuel and eye-watering prices in our stores 52 weeks of the year, not just the week or two the caravanning cavalcade is forced to dig deep in their hip pocket.

If you’re trying to befriend the locals, walking around the community supermarket complaining loudly about the cost of a tin of baked beans and absence of organic quinoa options to your adoring Instagram followers is unlikely to help. You don’t make friends with salad, and you certainly don’t make them with snarky comments about the only options we have.

2. Do turn on your lights

This one should be a no-brainer for anyone travelling on our roads, especially when the unsealed sections turn into dustbowls and drop driver visibility to almost zero. You’ve never experienced just how

rapidly a sphincter can pucker until you’ve overtaken a slower vehicle thinking you’re in the clear, only to have some boofhead with no headlights appear out of the dust heading directly towards you at about 90 kilometres per hour.

3. Do learn how to poo properly

Speaking of sphincters, I can’t believe I’m saying this to adults, but you need to learn how to answer the call of the wild in an appropriate way when you’re on your Cape York adventure.

That’s right, I’m talking about the behaviours demonstrated way too many times each dry season when it comes to number twos.

We all know bears shit in the woods, but what they don’t do is set fire to the toilet paper they’ve just used to put the finishing touches on their outdoor bowel movement.

Never, ever light up your TP in an attempt to hide the evidence of your impromptu poo. The number of bushfires it causes every year is ridiculous, most of which put unnecessary pressure on the resources of landholders, as well as putting them, their stock and motorists at risk.

Just dig a hole and bury everything. If you ask nicely, a frustrated property owner may even give you a lesson or two on building your single-use bush Porta Potti.

4. Don’t buy before you drive

It’s a common question on Cape York groups on social media: do we need to stock up before we embark on our trip, or do we just buy stuff along the way?

The answer to this question is that you should always support local businesses while on your trip of a lifetime. We know, we know, it’s going to cost you a few extra rubles, but the reality is our Cape York business operators rely on you and your wallets during the limited months of the year our region’s not completely impassable by road.

•

Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page

Quick Workout

Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.

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.

Russ delivers sharp parkrun performance

THERE were nine newbies and representatives of four running clubs among the ﬁeld of 46 participants that pounded the pavement for Weipa parkrun #430 on 2 August.

On the back of his strong Weipa Running Festival marathon second placing a fortnight ago, Chrisden Russ showed a clean set of heels to be the ﬁrst runner to greet the timekeepers in a time of 19 minutes, 17 seconds.

Adele Vergis was the fastest female home and crossed the ﬁnish line in 24:50.

Andrew Bates from the Bun-

bury Runners Club made his presence on western Cape York felt by notching up a personal best performance of 20:57 - the only PB set during the morning.

It is impossible to put on a successful parkrun without a volunteer army, with Amanda Johnson, Michael Collines, Amanda Allender, Yasmine Kemmerling, Denica Bowden, Emma Eyre and Georgi Jenkins donning the red vest this week.

Weipa parkrun is held every Saturday morning at 7am at the shelter opposite the hospital roundabout in Nanum.

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Tickets racing out the door

PUNTERS and fashionistas are being urged to book their ticket for the 2025 Cooktown Races after event organisers used the celebration of the horses’ birthday to put them on sale on 1 August.

The 151st Cooktown Races will be held on 8 November and feature a sixrace card, including the prestigious Cooktown Cup, fashions on the ﬁeld, a foot race with cash on oﬀer, and live entertainment into the night.

Cooktown Amateur Turf Club president Robyn Holmes said it was hoped increasing the program from ﬁve races to six would lure trainers and owners north.

“We’re hoping to increase the ﬁelds a little bit, make it a little bit more competitive, and bump up the prize money a little bit,” she said.

Ms Holmes added tickets had been snapped up quickly since they went on sale.

“We had a group of 25 purchase some tickets straight up, so it’s looking really good to begin with,” she said.

“I think there’s a bit of momentum happening there.”

To book your tickets, go to www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1441393.

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Tickets are on sale for the 2025 Cooktown Races.

Chrisden Russ shows parkrun a bit of love as he ﬁnds the ﬁnish line in 19 minutes, 17 seconds on 2 August.

First timer Roberta McNamee and parkrun regular Donna Jewell hit the ﬁnish line.

Rodeo competitors set to return to classroom

by LYNDON KEANE

THERE may not be a crowd of thousands cheering from around the arena, but it is an annual event held before the chutes are pulled open that helps set the Weipa Rodeo apart from all others.

The 2025 Weipa Rodeo school will be held on the Thursday and Friday before this year’s milestone edition of the rodeo, with a cohort of cowboys and cowgirls preparing to return to the classroom to learn about how to get the most from the sport they love.

The interactive school has gone from strength to strength over the past few years, a move Weipa Rodeo Association (WRA) president Reuben Slingo said had been made possible by sponsor support.

“We’ve gone from practicing on drums suspended by ropes to fabricated mechanical bucking machines made by

Jai-Mec and, in recent years, the inclusion of livestock,” he said.

“Jai and Sandy have been a longstanding sponsor of our rodeo school, and we couldn’t put this on every year without their support.

“Taking care of our riders is one of our highest priorities; our riders, and in particular, our younger riders, are the future of our sport; teaching them to ride safely and respect the stock is essential in having a safe and entertaining weekend for everyone.”

School for the bull riders will be held on 21 August, with seniors and youth from 9am-2pm, and juniors and poddies from 3-5pm.

The horse sports school will run from 3:30-5:30pm on 21 August, and from 8-10am on 22 August.

Before competitors head back to school, the WRA committee will hold

its fundraising night at the Albatross Bay Resort on 8 August from 5pm with Cameron Cusack set to get everyone in the mood with his music.

“It started off as a social night for the committee a few years ago selling raffle tickets, and we are quite proud of what it has grown to since then,” Mr Slingo said.

“We will have the mechanical bull set up and ready for riders of all ages; we will be selling tickets in our event raffle and 50-50 raffle, as well as some spot raffles drawn on the night; our prizes this year are absolutely amazing, and we greatly thank our sponsors for their contributions.

“All proceeds from the raffles will go to this year’s major charity, Redkite, which is there with emotional, financial and practical support for families who have a child with cancer.”

Byrne lights up to bag narrow Dawnbusters win

THE field of 16 was confronted by an unusually cool Weipa morning when players picked up their clubs to challenge for Dawnbusters glory on 3 August.

There were some hot scores recorded off the stick, with Jamie Hutton (39), Matt Byrne (41) and Viv Chan (43) carding the best efforts.

The result was enough to deliver a nett 19 and victory for Byrne, who denied runnerup Rob McVean (46/20) the Dawnbusters winner’s polo shirt prior to leaving western Cape York in four weeks.

In his last 16 Sunday morning outings, Byrne has averaged 49 strokes.

Byrne was pleased with his win, despite it costing him 17 handicap strokes, and had some life advice for his fellow Dawnbusters.

“I woke up, showed up, and teed off like a legend,” he commented.

“Turns out sleep’s overrated when you are this good at golf.”

With a bit of luck, some of his golfing wisdom will rub off on Jon Dall, Mick Cerneka and Grant Crossley, who all carded disappointing rounds of 52 off the stick.

Chelsie Buckley and Laurie Turner bagged the women’s and men’s long drives for the day, while Scott Triffitt notched up his third nearest to the pin for the season with his tee shot on the 9th hole.

Julie Howard was the week’s Hoffman’s winner.

On 10 August, players will tackle the back nine, with new golfers welcome to join as the first group gets away from about 6:45am.

The region’s budding cowboys and cowgirls will have a chance to learn from some of the best in the business when the Weipa Rodeo school is held on 21-22 August. Photo: Karlene Shephard Photography.

Rob McVean and Matt Byrne.

Cooktown swimmers overcome coachless preparation for short course showdown

THE absence of a coach in the lead-up to the FNQ Short Course Championships did not faze seven of Cooktown’s junior swim stars when they took to the pool last month.

The Cooktown Amateur Swimming Club members travelled to Cairns for the short course showdown on 26-27 July and president Melissa Gunton praised their dedication to their sport in preparing without a club coach.

“The team did extremely well, seeing they haven’t had a coach for the past three months,” she explained.

“I have been training the seven team members twice a week, using programs from the Central Cairns Swimming team.”

The seven swimmers competed in 53 events to record a stunning 44 personal bests over the two days of competition.

Maiika Hegamaea was crowned the 10 years girls FNQ age champion after returning eight PBs from her eight events, recording gold in the 50-metre butterfly, 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 50m freestyle, 100 butterfly, 100m individual medley and 200m individual medley.

She also picked up the Complete Swimmer Award and gold junior excellence time.

Cruze Ryder claimed the 14 years boys FNQ runner-up age champion with eight PBs from eight attempts in the pool, including gold in the 100m backstroke, and bronze in the 100m butterfly and breaststroke.

Jett Ryder also bagged the runner-up age champion title for his division, with six PBs from eight events.

Ryder impressed with wins in the 100m butterfly and backstroke, and bronze in the 100m freestyle and breaststroke.

Job Kuruduadua won a Complete Swimmer Award in the

nine years boys with a second in the 50m butterfly and bronze in the 50m backstroke, and recorded four PBs from five events.

Mackenzie Treloar (11 years girls) recorded eight PBs from her eight events, while Natalie Treloar (13 years girls) notched up five new bests from eight attempts in the water.

Haila Hegamaea (13 years girls) also finished the meeting with five PBs from her eight events.

Ms Gunton said the trip would not have been possible without the ongoing support of Cooktown businesses.

“Thank you once again to our sponsors who keep supporting our club – the Cooktown RSL, Endeavour Lions Club, Cook Shire Council, Sovereign Resort Hotel, Cooktown Bowls Club and the Gungarde Community Centre,” she said.

SPORT IN BRIEF

Three-club win for Smith

EIGHTEEN players tackled the front nine at Carpentaria Golf Club with empty bags when Wackers held a three-club challenge on 30 July.

Jake Smith shot 53 off the stick for a winning nett 34 after a countback with runner-up Rhiannan Crossley, who was in the hunt after firing off a gross 55.

Smith used a putter, 9-iron and 7-iron for the round to claim three-club bragging rights.

New player Paiwan Lui bagged the pin prize on the 7th hole, while Mick Foy was the closest on the 9th.

Peter Kenny, who took home the winner’s chocolates last week, had to settle for the Bradman’s this time around.

Mt Carbine set to buck

ALL Far North Queensland rodeo roads will lead to Mount Carbine this weekend.

The Mount Carbine Rodeo Association is hosting its 2025 Bull and Bronc Ride on 9 August, with hundreds of cowboys, cowgirls and rodeo fans set to converge on the community’s rodeo grounds.

There will be events for competitors of all ages, with the $1,500 open bull ride, $1,500 open saddle bronc and $1,200 bushman’s saddle bronc shaping up to be crowd favourites.

Gates open at 12pm on Saturday, with the chutes set to fly open from 5pm.

Weipa touch results

UNTOUCHABLES delivered one of the demolitions of the season when they toppled Weipa Weapons 23-2 in round 12 Weipa Touch Association action on 30 July.

Top End Taggers defeated Pisswrecks 10-5, while Spartans (16-4) and Lacking Stamina (13-6) also had big respective wins against Scrambled Legs and Can’t Touch This.

Res Strong had an 11-7 victory over Cape Candies, while Villains bested The OGs 11-8 in one of the games of the round.

Natalie Treloar, Job Kuruduadua, Cruze Ryder, Haila Hegamaea, Lakea Hegamaea, Jett Ryder, Maiika Hegamaea and Mackenzie Treloar get ready to compete.

Maiika Hegamaea, Cruze Ryder, Job Kuruduadua and Jett Ryder show off their silverware.

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