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Napranum youth celebrated during National Student Volunteer Week
by CHISA HASEGAWA
ALTHOUGH locals get so much
fulfilment from being part of a small community, it is also important to give back to that same community, and Napranum kids are doing just that.
Young leaders at PCYC Napranum were celebrated for their volunteering efforts during National Student Volunteer Week this month with a special dinner at Barramunchies in Weipa.
Club manager Sergeant Rhonda Spence said PCYC Napranum strongly encouraged volunteering as a way for young people to develop a sense of pride, responsibility and belonging.
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“By giving back to their community, they build valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, which will support them in their future careers and personal lives,” she said.
“Volunteering also gives them the opportunity to show respect and gratitude to those who have supported them along the way, whether it’s Elders, family, or community members.
“We believe that when young people give their time to help others, they not only grow as individuals, but also contribute to building a stronger, kinder, and more connected community.”
Young leaders in the commu-
nity have volunteered in a variety of ways throughout the year, including participating in club and beach clean-ups, delivering food to community members and Elders, cooking meals at the PCYC, and supporting community events with set-up, activities and welcoming attendees.
Thirteen-year-old Sophira Kris said she personally loved cooking dinner for the club’s After Dark program, as well as encouraging younger youth to participate in sports activities.
“I like it, because it’s fun to be in the kitchen, and I get to help make food for everyone, [and] I’ve also really enjoyed playing
sports with the younger kids, and encouraging them to join in,” she said.
“Volunteering makes me feel really happy, because I know I’m doing something good, not just for myself but for other people, too.
“It feels nice to see people enjoying what I’ve helped with; I especially like doing cooking at PCYC, because I’m learning a skill that I’ll be able to use in the future, but at the same time, I’m helping others by making meals for everyone.”
Sergeant Spence said by giving young people opportunities to volunteer and get involved with their communities, they flourished with a strong sense of achievement and pride in what they contributed.
“Many of them walk away from these experiences with a sense of joy and fulfilment, which motivates them to continue volunteering in the future,” she said.
“Most importantly, it helps create a cycle of positive achievement – the more they give back, the more they want to stay involved, and the more they grow as respectful, responsible, and community-minded young leaders.”
Mulligan Highway rollover claims life of Koah woman, 35
POLICE investigating a Mulligan Highway accident that claimed the life of a Far North Queensland woman last week say it is too early to determine what caused the incident.
Emergency services were called to the location of the single-vehicle accident, about “20-30 kilometres south” of the Palmer River Roadhouse at about 6:30am on 20 August after a motorist observed that a Toyota HiLux had rolled off the road.
Upon arrival, police located the driver and sole occupant of the fourwheel drive, a 35-year-old Koah woman.
While other media outlets have named the victim, Cape York Weekly
was unable to contact her family prior to going to press, so has decided to withhold it out of respect to them.
It is understood the vehicle was travelling north at the time of the accident, and that a nearby guard rail sustained damage, apparently after it was impacted by the vehicle.
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said it was too soon to determine what caused the fatality.
“The matter is still under investigation at this stage, so cause of accident is unable to be provided,” they said.
Anyone with dashcam footage or information about the incident is urged to contact police using reference QP2501465952.
Police say it is too early to determine the cause of a fatal vehicle accident that occurred on the Mulligan Highway near the Palmer River Roadhouse on 20 August.
PCYC Napranum youth celebrate their 2025 volunteering efforts at Barramunchies during National Student Volunteer Week.
by LYNDON KEANE
“THE fun’s finally started.”
It’s not a mindset many of us would adopt after knocking off the first 25 kilometres in an epic 17-day, 830km trek from Weipa to Cairns, but western Cape York’s favourite fundraisers – Michael Collins and David Tuckwood – have never been accused of being the status quo.
The pair are running to the Far North Queensland capital to raise money for the Cape Animal Protection Shelter (CAPS) and Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), and celebrated getting the initial stint of their adventure under their feet on Friday morning.
In a bid to avoid Cape York’s testing daytime conditions, Mr Collins and Mr Tuckwood will
be covering 50km each day in two bursts – 25km from 4am and 25km from 5pm.
About $15,000 for CAPS and nearly $3,000 for the RFDS Far North Mental Health and Wellbeing Service had already been raised before the pair made it past the East Weipa haul road crossing on 22 August, with Mr Collins admitting it had been a relief to finally get the run under way.
“The fun’s finally started,” he said as he and his running partner signed their names on stickers they will place on guide posts along the Peninsula Developmental Road to mark their progress.
“We’re not trying to hit any pace records, or set any world records, or anything like that.”
Mr Tuckwood agreed there
was no race mentality, adding they were approaching the marathon task ahead as “being out for a run with a mate”.
If you spot their stickers, the men are urging motorists to post selfies with them using the hashtag #c2c4c – Cruisin’ to Cairns 4 CAPS.
For anyone wanting to deliver snacks to the men on their journey, red snakes, bananas, watermelon, chips – salt, and salt and vinegar – and Powerade are high on their wish list.
“I love purple, and he likes green,” Mr Tuckwood laughed.
Land agreement signals giant leap for Cape space project
Centre.
SPACE Centre Australia (SCA) says the signing of a land lease for its proposed western Cape York spaceport represents a “landmark moment for Australia’s space industry”.
SCA announced on 13 August it had signed a multi-decade agreement with Luthiggi Traditional Owners for about 300 square kilometres of land at Billys Lagoon, paving the way for the development of the Atakani Space Centre.
The binding term sheet, signed with the support of Mokwiri RNTBC, marks the first time an Australian-based spaceport has se-
cured a lease and opportunity of this scale.
The agreement ensures Traditional Owner access to Country for cultural and ceremonial purposes, governance participation through the soon-to-be-established Luthiggi Corporation, and direct involvement in environmental management, cultural heritage monitoring and operational activities.
In its announcement, SCA said a royalty framework would also deliver longterm economic benefits in addition to the spaceport’s operational revenue.
SCA chief executive officer James
Palmer said he believed the agreement had “national significance” and would allow the spaceport project to take a giant leap forward.
“This is more than a commercial agreement – it’s a moment of national significance,” he said.
“The Atakani Space Centre is the first spaceport in Australia to achieve a lease of this size, and it’s the result of nearly six years of tireless work in Indigenous and community consultation; we have built this project with the Luthiggi people from the ground up, ensuring respect for culture, Country and community is at the core.”
Andrea Toby, representing the Billys Lagoon family area, praised the agreement.
“This agreement protects our cultural connection to Country, while opening new opportunities for our community,” she said.
“Atakani will be a place where our heritage is honoured, and our young people can reach for the stars both literally and figuratively.”
Michael Collins and David Tuckwood will be marking guide posts with their progress as they make their 830-kilometre fundraising trek from Weipa to Cairns.
Representatives from Space Centre Australia and Luthiggi Traditional Owners celebrate the acquisition of land needed to build Cape York’s Atakani Space
Aspiring Weipa pilot gets boost to jet towards dream
by CHISA HASEGAWA
IT is not easy studying to become a pilot when your nearest flight training ground is a nine-hour drive away, but one Western Cape College (WCC) student has gotten the boost of encouragement he needs to keep flying towards his dream.
Year 9 student Blake Kootoofa has been presented with a set of epaulettes by former pilot and motivational speaker Cran Middlecoat, promoting him to honorary first officer.
Mr Middlecoat, who is also the owner of school STEM workshop business It’s Rocket Science, visited WCC as part of National Science Week, and took the opportunity to encourage the next generation of aviators.
“I can no longer fly, because I was diagnosed with cystic brain disease in 2016, which resulted in having to have neurosurgery in 2020,” he said.
“It’s now left me with very minor brain damage, which is enough to not let me fly, so now I really enjoy connecting with young people like Blake, to inspire them to pursue a career in aviation.”
Epaulettes, the ornamental shoulder pieces worn on a uniform, showcase the rank of the pilot, with two gold stripes for second officer, three gold stripes for first officer, and four gold stripes for captain.
Mr Middlecoat, who was a senior first officer with Qantas before he
retired, took on the aviation community tradition of a senior pilot handing over epaulettes to a junior pilot once they had finished their training and achieved their next rank.
“I lost my medical before I became a captain, so I still have my three gold bars, which I earned, and I encourage young people to pursue their career by giving them a set of epaulettes,” he said.
“I say to them, ‘you’re going to have some tough times, it’s going to get really hard, and so every time it gets hard, look at those epaulettes, imagine them on your shoulders, and put it into perspective, and you’ll get through those tough times’.”
As an aspiring pilot growing up in a remote community, Mr Kootoofa said he did not usually have the opportunity to meet people in the aviation industry, adding the encouragement and epaulettes meant the world.
“Living up here, especially in a town with not many pilots at all, unless they’re cattle pilots living out on stations, it really did mean a lot,” he said.
“First officer is one of the bigger, significant ranks you get as an airline pilot, [so, getting the epaulettes] is very significant, especially from an experienced pilot like Cran.
“It’s inspired me to not give up on my journey and absolutely keep going; it gave me a glimpse of what could be my future in the next couple of years.”
He said in a town where most young people were interested in things like sport and fishing, the journey to becoming a pilot could get lonely at times.
“There’s not really anyone to talk to about it, or explain my interest to,” he said.
“A lot of the times, when mates are at footy or doing other sports or other hobbies, I’ll be studying, doing exams, or reviewing.
“With the epaulettes, [Cran] gave me his business card to reach out to him, even with just a conversation.”
Mr Kootoofa, who underwent his introductory flight around this time last year and has been continuing his training since, said he was largely supported by his parents, but also worked part-time at the Weipa Bowls Club to contribute financially.
“It’s not just the lessons that are expensive though, there are a lot of applications and exams that have to be paid for, all upwards of hundreds of dollars,” he explained.
Mr Middlecoat said he was thoroughly impressed with Mr Kootoofa’s determination and work ethic, adding that the epaulettes were not something he gave out “willy-nilly”.
“I was impressed by his dedication, the fact that he’s going to such an effort,” he said.
“Young people, it’s just all too hard sometimes, and if they can find an excuse not to pursue their dreams, sadly, a lot of the time they will, but Blake is absolutely not like that.”
Former pilot Cran Middlecoat and aspiring pilot Blake Kootoofa shake hands in the ultimate show of aviation encouragement.
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
Rossville’s ‘Mooks’ calls for Human Library on Cape York
As an avid conversationalist with a wealth of Indigenous knowledge, Mooks says he hopes Centacare FNQ’s Human Library initiative can be carried out on Cape York.
by CHISA HASEGAWA
A CAPE York guided tour leader and self-proclaimed chatterbox is calling for a Cairns initiative fostering genuine human connection through conversation to come farther north.
Earlier this month, Centacare FNQ ran a series of Human Library events as part of Queensland Multicultural Month cel-
ebrations, bringing together people of various backgrounds to be “loaned out” for a chat in place of books, offering open, one-on-one conversations that celebrated diversity, challenged stereotypes and fostered understanding across cultures.
Upon hearing about the initiative, Kuku Nyungkul Elder and Traditional Owner Harold “Mooks” Tayley called for the event to come to the Cape, where a wealth of Indigenous knowledge could be shared.
As the owner of a bush medicine and tucker guided tour business at Rossville Retreat, Mooks said he got the opportunity to talk with a variety of locals and tourists, and an initiative focused on meaningful conversations could provide others with this opportunity.
“Normally, when I do my tour, I speak 10 different dialects, and things that I explain to them, like plants and things like that, I do it in English, and then after, I explain it all in language and dialects,” he said.
“[The people who come on the tour] are totally different people, but they open their heart up.
“I always say to them, ‘I don’t care who you are, we could speak different dialects, different colour, but remember, we are family, we are sisters and brothers, and that’s what people really look for’.”
Mooks said there was nothing he loved more than a good chat when it came to getting to know people.
“They call me Kuku bugga, and that means I talk a lot,” he laughed.
“I love talking to people; if I see a tourist standing, I’ll walk up and say, ‘hello, how are you’, and my family will say to me, ‘why are you talking to them, you don’t even know them’.
“I’ll say, ‘well, if you don’t talk to them, you don’t get to know them’.”
Centacare FNQ general manager Andrea Obeyesekere said the Human Library con-
School attendance takes Wujal Wujal kids to Cowboys
by CHISA HASEGAWA
BLOOMFIELD River State School’s best attenders are reaping the rewards of their commitment to school with a special trip to see the North Queensland Cowboys.
Eight high-attendance students travelled to Townsville earlier this month to watch the Cowboys’ Indigenous rounds, getting up close and personal with the players, and even sharing a cultural dance.
Teacher Simon Calder said the trip was a fantastic reward for students who had shown dedication to their education.
“It’s [also] a big pat on the back to their parents, who help support them in coming to school five days a week,” he said.
“We’re a school that finishes at
grade 6, so it just improves their chances of getting into boarding school and opportunities for education further down the line.
“A trip like Townsville just opens their eyes to see the bigger world, to see that there is a world outside of Wujal and Bloomfield; it’s just a fantastic opportunity.”
Cowboys community engagement officer Tahlulah Tillet said she had built a strong relationship with the Bloomfield River State School students over the years.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be going to the school for about the last four years,” she said.
“That was sort of one of my first schools I went to when I joined the Try for 5! team, so I’ve built a really good rapport with the school and the wider community.
sisted of two phases – a facilitated session, where speakers could share life stories, and then the opportunity for people to “borrow” them for a one-onone conversation.
“The idea is for social cohesion and social connection through this opportunity to provide safe spaces for people to see things through a different lens, see other perspectives, and then search a little bit deeper in themselves, and why they may have held a prejudice about somebody,” she said.
“What we’ve noticed is that many people don’t know about the backgrounds of people, and sometimes, people feel nervous to ask, because they think it might offend someone or it might be seen as being nosy.
“With just a simple conversation, they can immediately make a connection with somebody that if they saw walking down the street, they would never think they have anything in common with.”
“A lot of the kids now call me aunty, so that’s pretty special.”
Mr Calder said the students were warmly welcomed, receiving autographs, spending time with players, and catching up with Tillet.
“These kids are pretty much being treated like celebrities – everyone’s so welcoming [and] so happy to see them,” he said.
“Just to see these kids smiling from ear to ear, delighted to be here, is just amazing.”
NFF bags biosecurity review
THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has described the 19 August release of the 2024 Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity (IGAB) review report and joint government response as an “underwhelming … missed opportunity” to secure the country’s biosecurity future.
The IGAB defines the roles and responsibilities of governments, and sets priority areas for collaboration to minimise the impact of pests and diseases on Australia’s economy, environment and communities.
The review found one of the biggest challenges was that no state or territory jurisdiction has long-term, predictable funding for all biosecurity functions.
The Queensland Government is continuing its review into the 2023 closure of the Cape York Biosecurity Centre at Coen, and what can be done to reestablish a biosecurity presence in the northernmost part of the state.
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.
OTT burns commence
THE Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is scheduled to commence controlled burns on the Old Telegraph Track (OTT) this week.
Rangers will aim to conduct annual load reduction burning along the iconic Cape York track from 25-29 August.
QPWS is urging visitors planning on tackling the (OTT) during this period to consider an alternative route.
For more information, call the Atambaya (Heathlands) ranger station on 4060 3241.
Tahlulah Tillet catches up with Bloomfield River State School students who were rewarded for their high attendance with a trip to see the Cowboys’ Indigenous rounds in Townsville.
Finch Bay to provide backdrop for big celebration of spring
FAMILIES, friends and beachgoers are being invited to celebrate the arrival of spring and the day before Father’s Day in spectacular style when Cook Shire Council rolls out the welcome mat at Finch Bay next month.
Sand and Sky: A Day at Finch Bay will be held from 2-5pm on 6 September, with the free community event set to transform the stunning beach into a vibrant celebration of wind, wonder and coastline.
The afternoon will feature giant kite installations up to 30 metres long, a sand sculpture competition, beach games, and plenty of space to kick back and soak up the sea breeze in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Mayor Robyn Holmes said the event would help celebrate “the very best” of the southeastern Cape York community as it welcomed spring’s arrival.
“Sand and Sky is a beautiful new event that celebrates the very best of Cooktown – our stunning coastline, our creative community and, of course, our famed Cooktown wind,” she said.
“It’s the perfect way to welcome spring and spend quality time with family the day before Father’s Day.”
Attendees are welcome to bring their own
kites, beach mats and picnic baskets, or enjoy the offerings
Free courtesy buses will run between the Cooktown Botanic Gardens car park and Finch Bay car park throughout the afternoon.
To help residents and visitors make the
Torres Strait cybersecurity expert says
by CHISA HASEGAWA
WITH more than 87,000 cybercrime reports made in Australia in 2023-24 and the cost of cybercrime to individuals rising by 17 per cent, a Torres Strait cybersecurity expert is urging community members to stay safe online.
The latest phase of the Australian Government’s Act Now. Stay Secure. campaign reminded Australians, particularly those in remote and regional communities, to take three simple behaviours to remain a step ahead of cybercriminals.
Act Now. Stay Secure. campaign ambassador, cybersecurity expert and Badu Island man Jack Reis said the community faced greater exposure to the harms of cybercrime than ever before.
“We hear so much in the news about dodgy computer
NEWS IN BRIEF
Calendar comp opens
RIO Tinto is asking to see the vibrant spirit of Cape York through the lens of the people who call it home as it opens entries for the 2026 calendar competition.
From dazzling sunsets and bauxite-rich earth to colourful wildlife, community events and icons, photographers are being urge to capture just what it is that makes life on the Cape so unforgettable.
The front cover winner will receive a $150 gift card, while each monthly winner will take home a $50 gift card for their efforts.
For more information, email RTAWeipaFeedback@riotinto.com.
To submit your favourite shots, go to www.form.jotform. com/252247795917875.
Wujal Wujal road funding
most of the event, a kite-making workshop will be held at the Cooktown Botanic Garden’s Yarning Circle from 9-11am on the morning of the event.
Bookings for the free workshop can be made by visiting www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/1445936.
it ‘isn’t just city
viruses and hackers stealing our info that it can make us scared to do anything online, but the fact is, we all spend so much time online,” he said.
“Whether you’re sharing stories, banking, or checking in on mob through socials, it’s important to protect your information and your identity.
“Cyber security isn’t just a city issue – it’s a community issue that affects us all, including those in regional and remote areas.”
The campaign highlighted three simple actions to protect personal information and keep online accounts and money secure: use unique and
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
issue’
strong passphrases (a series of words put together, rather than one word) on every account, install all software updates regularly, and always turn on multi-factor authentication.
Mr Reis said these actions must be undertaken regularly to be effective, and that cybersecurity was something to stay on top of.
“We’re all guilty of ignoring a software update on our phone or using the one password across all of our accounts, but if something bad happens online – like if you think you’ve been scammed or hacked — there’s no shame,” he said.
“Have a yarn with the people you care about and share what you know, because when we share knowledge with one another, we all get better at spotting online tricks and knowing how to stay protected.”
WUJAL Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council (WWAC) is one of 22 local governments across the state to share $100 million to boost safety on community road projects.
The funding is being delivered through the Country Roads Connect Program, with WWAC receiving money to deliver the China Camp Road upgrade.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the program was about keeping essential goods and services moving all year round.
“This program isn’t just about making sure towns aren’t stuck with goat tracks on a good day,” he said.
“It’s about ensuring they’re not completely cut off by flooded, impassable roads when things get worse; communities shouldn’t have to choose between poor access and no access at all.”
Wallaby Creek countdown on
THERE is a month to go until festivalgoers converge on Shiptons Flat Road for the 23rd Wallaby Creek Festival.
The beloved Cape York institution will be held from 26-28 September, and promises to be a three-day celebration of music, art, nature and connection.
The festival boasts an enviable live music bill in 2025, with headliners including Kingfisha, Fat Picnic, Anthony Forrest and Lemonise.
For more information, visit www. wallabycreekfestival.org.au or check out the festival’s Facebook page.
A Torres Strait cybersecurity expert is urging mob to stay safe online using the Act Now. Stay Secure. campaign’s three simple actions. Photo: Supplied.
The spectacular Finch Bay will be the setting for a community event celebrating “the very best” of Cooktown on 6 September.
of a local fundraising barbecue.
Great-great-granddaughter honours Fairview family link
THERE are plans under way to resurrect a display at Cape York’s Fairview Station that pays homage to its history, particularly the story of Jane Ann Thomas (nee Kinsey), who is buried in a “lonely grave” on the property.
Ms Thomas’ great-great-granddaughter, Pennie Manderson, penned the following tribute to her after learning about the family connection to Fairview Station while researching the history of the Cape York telegraph line.
Ms Manderson plans to travel to Fairview Station for the unveiling of the display when it has been completed. These are her words to a great-great-grandmother she wishes she had the opportunity to know.
‘‘
I NEVER even knew you existed until my family paid a visit to Laura, a little town west of Cooktown in North Queensland, in 1973. For two days, we searched for your final resting place and eventually found it. You lie in a lonely grave that stands by itself in the middle of nowhere – the stockmen who pass along the way, the only ones to see these fenced in headstones, apart from an occasional family visit.
As I stood reading the engraving on your headstones – one at the head placed there by your husband, the other at the foot erected by your children, I could not help but feel a sense of closeness to you. Over the years as I raised my own family, I thought of your tenacity many times. How I wish I had known you – but that was impossible, having been born 100 years before me.
Born in Wales, the only daughter of Thomas and Anne Kinsey, you were six years of age when your family decided to immigrate to Australia and were passengers on the immigrant ship Maria Somes, which arrived in Queensland in July 1852. These voyages were not what one would call a pleasure cruise. Maybe this is where you developed the spirit to face what life had in store.
From there, the journey proceeded by wagon over Spicers Gap, presumably by horse and cart, as the road over Cunninghams Gap did not exist in those days. A selection was taken up by your family at Swan Creek, near Warwick in Queensland, and this was where you met your future husband, John Thomas. He too was from Wales, and had come out to Queensland in 1856 and was working as a carrier with a bullock team and dray and at times worked for your father.
At the age of 16, you married John at Warwick, in a romantic little church, with slab walls and a thatched roof. Your first home was a tarpaulin tent and, later, John built your first home, a bark house which consisted of three rooms, but owing to the bark being unseasoned, all the dishes and tubs you possessed were required to catch the rain which came through the roof.
Here you gave birth to five children, but only three were to survive – one being my great-grandmother Emily. Around this time, your husband suffered a severe attack of sandy blight, depriving him of his eyesight and he was taken to Sydney and Newcastle, where medical treatment was to last for a period of 36 weeks and, with his sight restored, he returned home to you.
Around 1872, your husband wanted to move on to greener pastures and decided to head north, so
you packed up your little family and headed out with your bullock wagon and walked from near Ipswich to Townsville. This was to take you two years and this long trek was crammed with many hardships, and provided many thrilling experiences, the route followed was via Toowoomba, Dalby, Clermont, Springsure and Charters Towers.Some of the country traversed had been in the throes of a drought, followed by a very wet season and consequent heavy stock losses, so much so that many properties were found deserted, among them Carpentaria Downs. Through the windows could be seen the furniture, just as it was left, but no sign of life. I can only imagine how you felt, when you arrived at the homestead of some isolated cattle property to find it completely deserted. Surely this would have made you doubt your husband’s wisdom in setting out on this venture.
On your arrival in Townsville, your husband took up carrying to the gold mines at Charters Towers. A few more children were born. All told, you gave birth to 11 children, with only six surviving to reach adulthood.
Gold was discovered at the Palmer River, and once again you packed up and moved to Cooktown, where your husband at one time had up to 12 bullock teams carting supplies to the miners at the Palmer River goldfields. This was to prove very lucrative, and your husband earned enough money to take up pastoral leases in the Cape, on the Laura River, and entered into the business of horse and stock breeding, which was to prove very successful. These properties were Fairview and Olive Vale, and you finally got to settle down with your family.
Sadly, you only had seven years there before you died and, after years of hardship, you did not live to see the prosperous years, or your dreams fulfilled. These places even today are very isolated and lonely places for women, and it is beyond my imagination to understand what your life must have been like.
Did you get to see your parents anymore, or did distance make this impossible? Your parents died at Warwick not long after you – maybe after losing their only child, there was nothing left to live for.
Today, your descendants number many hundreds and we would all like to say thank you, as without your strength, courage and your willingness to follow your husband to the back and beyond, we would not be here today enjoying the wonderful life we have.
We remember you, Jane Ann Thomas. We remember you, Jane Ann
One of the headstones commemorating Jane Ann Thomas on her Cape York grave.
A woman inspects the grave of Jane Ann Thomas on Fairview Station, a final resting place great-great-granddaughter Pennie Manderson describes as standing “by itself in the middle of nowhere”.
Weipa celebrates 20 years of rodeo
Competitors deliver bucking big performance for rodeo’s anniversary
THE committee wanted to put on a celebration of rodeo to remember and they did not disappoint when more than an estimated 6,000 people from across Cape York and beyond attended the 20th Weipa Rodeo on 22-23 August.
There were plenty of thrills and spills across the two days of rodeo action,
with Southern claiming the coveted Cape of Origin honours and the bumper $13,000 prize purse that came with victory.
Southern skipper Braydon Wellby, who also claimed the $5,000 open bull ride with an 84-point effort on night one of the rodeo, said he was proud of how his team per-
formed in front of the big crowd on Saturday.
“We had a hell of a team this year, and everyone put 110 per cent into it,” he said.
“It was great to put on a good show for the crowd that was here; they were roaring to support us.”
After the winners left the stage with their prize-
money and buckles, a special presentation was held to acknowledge the efforts of long-term committee members Steve Fairbrother and David “Block” Rutherford, who have hung up their spurs following the conclusion of an overwhelmingly successful milestone edition of the rodeo.
2025 Weipa Rodeo Cape of Origin teams
Southern
Captain: Braydon
Jake
Central
Captain: Zane Hall; pro rider: Dallon Finch; open bull rider: Alan Gilbo; novice bull rider: Loncey Woibo; saddlebronc
Craig Gibson; barrel racer: Tegan Wallace; ladies bullock rider: Shashmin Pratt; mini bull rider: Reon Barber
Northern
Captain: Eli Hunter; pro rider: Bryn Francis; open bull rider: Darren George; novice bull rider: Matty Prychidczuk; saddlebronc rider: Clayton Hudson; barrel racer: Mylie Beacham; ladies bullock rider: Georgia Kirk; mini bull rider: Jaysek Callope
Long-serving committee members David “Block” Rutherford and Steve Fairbrother are hanging up their spurs after this year’s rodeo and were on Saturday night presented with mementos for their unyielding service to the Weipa Rodeo Association.
Southern captain Braydon Wellby leads by example with an 88-point ride on Fire and Ice during the 2025 Cape of Origin showdown.
Wellby; pro rider: Ky Borghero; open bull rider:
Simpson; novice bull rider: Trevor Callope; saddlebronc rider: Raymond Brown; barrel racer: Jasmine Scikluna; ladies bullock rider: Tayla Cardelli; mini bull rider: Joel Jaszczyszyn
rider:
Weipa celebrates 20 years of rodeo
2025 WEIPA RODEO RESULTS
Open bull ride
1: Braydon Wellby 84 points; 2: Bryn Francis 83 points; 3: Eli Hunter and Darren George 82 points
Novice bull ride
1: Alan Gilbo 79 points; 2: Matty Prychidczuk 74 points; 3: Trevor Callope and Jack Jepson 70 points
Mini bull ride
1: Joel Jaszczyszyn 81 points; 2: Levi O’Donohue 77 points; 3: Hunter Slingo 73 points
Open bullock ride 1: Shane Dyer and Jarvis Budby 75 points; 3: Alan Gilbo and Jared Borghero 71 points
Junior bull ride
1: Latrell Woibo and Shane Dyer 76 points; 3: Jack Jepson 74 points
Junior steer ride 1: Joel Jaszczyszyn 60 points; 2: Finlay Nadredre 55 points
Saddle bronc 1: Raymond Brown
Novice barrel race 1: Tegan Wallace 15.86s; 2: Jasmine Scikluna 16.32s; 3: Tegan Wallace 17.29s Junior barrel race 1: Summer van Pelt 20.92s; 2: Dakota Jackson 33.97s Ringers Ironman Challenge 1: Tegan Wallace and Dale Sommer 47s; 2: Mylie Beacham and Josh Fitzgerald 57s; 3: Rylee Wellby and Clayton Slade 57.88s
Dallon Finch holds onto Whip It during round one of the open bull ride.
Ty’eisha Motton in the poddy ride.
Madison Nash. Oliver Morana holds on in the mini bulls. Raymond Brown in the saddle bronc.
Protection athlete Jared Borghero swaps bullfighting for bullock riding.
Mila Scanlan, 3, gets a bit of help around the circuit on Chicka Lena Boom in the Tiny Tots barrel race. Matty Prychidczuk in the novice bull ride.
Southern Cape of Origin captain Braydon Wellby bettered Top Smoke with an 84-point ride to lead the open bull ride on Friday night.
Quailian Gutchen-Hodges.
Clayton Hudson gets airborne during the bushman’s buckjump.
Adani tries to dislodge Central captain Zane Hall.
Ryleigh Wone shows the crowd how it’s done in the women’s steer wrestling.
Lethal Force shows the bullfighters what he thinks of them.
Ky Borghero survives Whip It for 82 points. Shane Dyer in the novice bull ride.
Money Maker tests Craig Gibson in the open bull ride.
The Cape of Origin barrel race was a crowd favourite.
The bushman’s buckjump provided plenty of thrills on Saturday afternoon. Clancy Gordon.
Weipa celebrates 20 years of rodeo
Thousands turn out to celebrate rodeo’s big anniversary
ANDOOM Oval was a sea of faces in camp chairs and grandstands as thousands of rodeo fans from across the country converged on the 20th Weipa Rodeo on 22-23 August.
Did the Cape York Weekly team spot you in the crowd?
Brett Fraser and Danny Borghero behind the chutes.
Orrin and Bodhi Purcell.
Justin Matthew and Amanda Salam.
Samuel Woodman, Shay Lorenz, and Emma and Macquarie Rankin.
Fyn, Pippa and Ivy Gorman. Ashleigh Motton, Zendaya Parry and Anna Motton.
Brodie and Ash Roberts, and Reef, Zoe, Luke and Ryker Arnold. Kai, Harry, Reagan, Tahnee, Leyton and Talayah Cobb. Zachary Phipps and Alyssa Taari.
Len and Josslyn Paul, Johanson Thompson and Shuntay Marpoondin.
Dale Sommer, Tegan Wallace, Brooke Quartermaine and Rebecca Ford.
The Wheeler family get together at the Weipa Rodeo.
Julie Wheeler, Grace John, Krystal Booth and Leon Hall.
Warren and Sam Zuel, and Carmen and Mark Rath.
Billie-Joe Luscott and Karla Logan.
Elijah Tabuai and Azariah Reid.
Frances, David and William Nevin.
Kirby and Lenny Mintern, and Rupert and Luke Williams.
Brax Muller, and Liam and Kevin McDougall.
Joel and Emily Jaszczyszyn, and Kayla Barton.
Bullfighters Zac Maher, Liam Wellby, Jared Borghero and Joel Fabiani prepare to step into the arena.
‘This is what a rodeo should
by LYNDON KEANE
HE may have 10 Golden Guitars to his name, but there’s a chance not even James Blundell’s most evocative lyrics could accurately describe the enormous smile on his face.
“Mate, I bloody love this,” he grinned as he watched another cowboy explode from the chute on the back of a bull on Saturday night.
After delivering a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem on the final night of the 20th Weipa Rodeo, Blundell checked out most of the in-arena action from behind the chutes, or with a bird’s-eye view from the secretary’s box, but he won multiple new fans on Friday night after proving his country credentials extended well beyond award-winning albums.
Before taking to the stage on 22 August to headline the live entertainment with Weipa Rodeo stalwart Danny Phegan and his band, Blundell, a former rough rider and campdrafter, was behind the scenes helping cowboys and cowgirls prepare for their moment in the rodeo spotlight.
Speaking to Cape York Weekly, Blundell praised the event and said it had made his maiden trip to Weipa one to remember.
“I’m standing here with a grin like a Cheshire Cat, because for the last two days, I’ve watched some of the best
rough stock I’ve ever seen – beautifully conditioned, bucking really well, [and] really well handled by the contractor and his wife,” he said.
“And it’s a great community event –this is what rodeo should be.”
Anyone who witnessed Blundell over the two days could have been forgiven for thinking he was at any time moments away from begging the committee for a late nomination for one of the events, as was his genuine enthusiasm for the rodeo.
“The stupidest way I could hurt myself now is to think I can do what we used to do,” he laughed.
“All the instincts are still there – you just don’t land as gracefully; not that there’s anything particularly graceful about the way you come off anything, but it’s a really deep instinct, and a really deep passion.
“The memories are great; it’s fantastic, and it’s great to see so many young people doing it.”
And could Weipa see Blundell return to western Cape York to headline another rodeo? If the veteran musician has his way, the answer is an unequivocal yes.
“Just put it this way, I will put my hand up for every possible inclusion or involvement I can have with this event moving forward,” he said, still displaying the same grin he had for the past 48 hours.
TRADING
Australian country music star and self-confessed rodeo tragic James Blundell has praised the Weipa Rodeo as being one of the best around, adding he wants to continue his involvement with the event after headlining the 20th anniversary edition at the weekend. INSET: James Blundell sings the national anthem before the Cape of Origin clash begins in front of more than 3,000 people on the second night of the 20th Weipa Rodeo.
Connection to home trumps ‘inconvenient’
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
DO you ever get the feeling you’re not understood? Not wanted? That some of our political overlords and city cousins would like nothing more than to have everyone who calls Cape York home herded in the general direction of the nearest metropolitan centre and the lights turned off in our backyard?
It’s a vibe I’m certain you’ve all experienced at one time or another when dealing with anyone with an urban postcode, and one that was unabashedly shoved down my throat by a former colleague I crossed paths with during a flying trip to Brisbane last week.
I should preface the conversation that follows by pointing out (just in case it’s not glaringly obvious) that this particular individual has at no time in his 40-something years on this blue marble lived farther than about 20 kilometres from the Story Bridge. If you asked him to name some remote Queensland towns, he’d almost certainly include Toowoomba, Kilcoy and Rockhampton. He’s the sort of bloke who’d be morally outraged at not being able to source a venti oat milk caramel cappuccino in Lockhart River.
At any rate, we were discussing
politics and my perpetual stance that more needs to be committed for remote areas to ensure the longterm sustainability of the communities that make up our big Cape York and Torres Strait family.
Well, he couldn’t have reacted any more vehemently than if I’d poured his 20-ounce caffeine hit in his lap and set fire to his briefcase.
Him: Why should our money (yes, he said our money) be spent on propping up places people want to live where there’s no economy of scale? It’s rather inconvenient to have you all living up there when
everything you need’s here in the city.
Me: Not everyone wants to live in a bloody city. I certainly don’t ever again. Besides, ‘up there’ is home.
Him: But what sort of home is that? You’re a million miles from civilisation and need the Commonwealth and state to pay your bills for you to go on.
Me: Only because the status quo doesn’t accurately recognise what we contribute to the rest of the country in terms of royalties and product. Government’s happy to take, take, take, but less enthusiastic
about giving back when the money could be funnelled into a new stadium, monorail or 50-cent fares for those with public transport.
Him: We need those things in the city. You could have them as well if you just moved. Cities make a state great – no one’s moving to Western Australia because they want to live in Kalgoorlie, are they?
Me: Where would you set up Brisbane’s booming mining and agricultural sectors if you were king for a day? Are you going to look for bauxite under Southbank?
Do you reckon the botanic gardens
would hold 25,000 head of cattle?
Him: That’s stupid. We need to get the resources from the regional and remote areas, but that doesn’t mean we should pay you for the privilege when that money could be put to critical projects we have.
Me: Like?
I must admit I tuned out here, because I heard him mention “intergenerational infrastructure” to make the 2032 Olympic Games “one the world won’t forget”. I could see his lips moving, but I was grinding my teeth so hard it silenced the excrement pouring out of his mouth.
While my esteemed former colleague – and I suspect more than a few dozen politicians – would love to see life on Cape York and in other parts of the country become a distant memory, with our diverse contribution to our state and national economies effectively harvested by fly-in, fly-out workforces based in the city, what that blinkered argument doesn’t account for is the immeasurable value of our connection to the place we call home. In a time where we seem to be able to slap a price tag on everything, how do you put a dollar figure on our landscapes, our lifestyle and the place in the world we feel most like ourselves?
As the moustachioed protagonist in a fairly popular 1997 Australian movie put it – “You can’t buy what I’ve got”.
Cooktown’s Market is Moving!
Our Agency has been busy this August with multiple sales and settlements across Cook Shire. We’re now settled into our new Waterfront office – drop in and say hi! Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, we’re happy to provide free market updates, appraisals and advice at any stage.
Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page
Quick Workout
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Aurukun players kick up dedication for futsal title
by CHISA HASEGAWA
AURUKUN is kicking it up a notch for the upcoming FNQ Futsal Titles with a new pathway program encouraging commitment and dedication.
Aurukun Shire Council launched the program earlier this month after growing interest in the championships
since the western Cape York community participated in 2024.
Sport and recreation offi cer and coach Rathin Saha said last year, everyone who expressed interest was able to participate, but this year, with more players than needed interested in joining, they could be more selective, and build
talent in those taking the sport more seriously.
“After last year, we promoted the futsal program a lot in this community, and then we have, of course, a greater number than last year,” he said.
Mr Saha said though there were no offi cial tryouts for the team to travel to Cairns in early No-
vember, players would be looked at long term with their training and school attendance.
‘Now, we do weekend training – every Saturday and Sunday for the kids, and then every Monday, training for the adults,” he said.
“They need to go to school, they need to come to each and every training, and
they need to behave well in the community.”
He said programs such as futsal in Aurukun played a huge role in holding participants accountable, and, at times, had completely changed the trajectory of young people’s lives.
In the lead-up to the titles, Mr Saha said he felt good about the futsal talent in Au-
rukun, and the commitment to learning the finer points of the game.
“We are fortunate that we have got a good number of [participants], and we have the availability to choose from talent,” he said.
“I can see the potential already; they’re very athletic, and they’re already showing their commitment.”
Smith tastes Dawnbusters success
FIFTEEN golfers brushed off a late night at the 20th Weipa Rodeo to tackle the Carpentaria Golf Club back nine in a bid for Dawnbusters glory on 24 August.
Jake Smith (51/17) nabbed his second win of the season and stopped the visiting Julie Howard (58/18) from heading south with the coveted winner’s polo shirt by a one-stroke margin.
Howard did not return home empty handed, and added the women’s long drive and Hoffman’s
prizes to her runner-up honours.
Leroy Ahmat claimed the men’s long drive, while Grant Crossley had the best round of the morning with 44 off the stick.
Brandon Waretini stole Mick Cerneka’s nearest to the pin thunder by claiming the gong with one of the final shots of the round.
Eddy “Ant-Man” Tiemens would have been in the hunt for the lowest gross had it not been for ants on the greens, which were apparently the cause of multiple
three putts, as well as one horrific four-stroke effort with the putter. This is normally where comment would be made about handicap tomfoolery, however, certain Dawnbusters stalwarts have threatened Cape York Weekly with legal action if their discriminatory, editor-crippling system is again questioned publicly.
Dawnbusters will contest the front nine on 31 August, with new players welcome to join the fun from about 6:45am.
Aurukun athletes, parents and staff celebrate the launch of the FNQ Futsal Titles pathway program, which will nurture talent and dedication in the community.
Jake Smith and Julie Howard were the Dawnbusters winner and runner-up for 24 August.
NPA move lands successful blow for new boxing club
by LYNDON KEANE
AFTER starring at Weipa’s blockbuster Fight Night 2.0 in July, Dan Low is hoping his love of boxing can help trigger a surge of interest in the sport in the northernmost part of Cape York.
Now based in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA), Mr Low has launched a Bamaga-based boxing club and said he was inspired to give back through the sport after training under Cape York Boxing Weipa’s Scott Wallace for several years.
“Seeing Scotty work as hard as he has and basically do everything off his own back down there, working a full-time job, running a family and running the boxing is what’s inspired me to hopefully try and do something similar to help the community out up here,” he said.
“He’s the man.”
Mr Low is already a familiar face in Cape York boxing circles after producing a unanimous victory against Zenadth Kes Boxing Club’s Sam Scott to open last month’s pugilistic showdown in Weipa, which was attended by nearly 1,000 boxing fans.
The educator is running hour-long ses-
sions on Wednesdays in the clubhouse at Bamaga’s Yusia Ginau Oval, with junior boxers aged 7-12 training from 4:305:30pm before seniors aged 12 and over don the gloves from 5:30pm-6:30pm.
“The kids that I’ve spoken to about it are all just super keen and excited to have something extra to do after school in the afternoons,” Mr Low said.
Mr Wallace praised his former boxing student’s dedication to using the sport to better communities, and said he believed having the new NPA club would pay dividends for Cape York boxers.
“When we started [Cape York Boxing Weipa] eight years ago, when Ken Dalton and Beaver Brophy came up here, the plan always was to have a club in every community on the Cape, which hasn’t really happened,” he explained.
“But if we had a fight night in Bamaga, a fight night on Thursday Island and a fight night in Weipa, all the kids that really don’t have any money to travel could still have three fights on the Cape every year.
“With Zenadth Kes on Thursday Island going so well, bringing two fighters down to [Weipa Fight Night 2.0], it’s slowly coming into play.”
Weipa footballers showcase skills at Cairns carnival
SIX Weipa boys had the opportunity to show off the learnings of the current soccer season when they travelled to Cairns for the Football Queensland (FQ) Academy Carnival on 16-17 August.
Jack King (under-15), Archie Thomas (U11), Bradley Hughes (U11), Riley Fay (U11), Freddie Thomas (U9) and Tanyn Kirk (U9) made the trek south for the carnival, which included a skills acquisition identification phase, playing alongside fellow junior footballers from Townsville.
Weipa Junior Soccer Club coach Jamie Thomas said the sextet executed themselves fantastically on the paddock, given the gap between carnival-level opportunities for players from remote spots like western Cape York and Cairns or Townsville.
“They all did an exceptional, job playing with passion, courage, skill, and the Weipa spirit,” he said.
“The work these boys have been doing in Weipa has showed that they can compete on par with the academy boys and girls.
“I’m super proud of them for getting out of their comfort zone and playing the game they love.”
Former Weipa resident Dan Low puts some of his young charges to work at the Northern Peninsula Area’s new boxing club.
Jack King represented Weipa in the under-15 division of the carnival.
Six of Weipa’s rising soccer stars had a chance to showcase their skills at the Football Queensland Academy Carnival in Cairns this month.
Crocs sink teeth into season as Sharks
WHEN six Cooktown junior rugby league players discovered they were unable to get a game at home due to numbers for the 2025 season, they didn’t drop their bundles and look towards another sport – they hit the road.
The Cooktown District Junior Rugby League Club members – Rudi Habermann (under-16), Micah Parkes and Cecil Stewart (U14), and Chase Hunt, Max Giese and Zarrad Mansfield (U13) – have been spending hours in the car each Friday or Saturday since March to get a game because there were not enough players registered in their age divisions to make a full Crocs team.
So, what do you call a Croc without a team? A Shark.
The players joined the Mossman Sharks for the club’s 2025 campaign and the Cooktown footballers made their presence felt on the paddock, with the U13 team making the semi-finals, and the U14 lineup missing out on a finals berth by just one point after finishing fifth on the ladder.
Giese said becoming an honorary Shark had been a great experience, but admitted the travelling had taken its toll on players and their dedicated parents-cum-chauffeurs.
“It’s so good to play in a competitive competition this year,” he said.
“Mossman have been awesome and inclusive of us all after a while, the travelling gets boring, but once we are there, the footy vibes kick in – I appreciate mum and dad driving each week so I can play.
“I’ve never played in finals at this level, so I’m feeling nerv-
ous, but we have come so far this year and want to finish it off with a bang; to finish top four is awesome.”
Parkes’ mother, Sarah Martin, said the Croc-to-Shark transformation had been born out of necessity.
“We went into the footy season this year hopeful of having a good number of registrations, however, for various reasons, numbers in the older groups were low, with a number of boys swapping sports, focusing
on study and moving away for boarding school,” she said.
“We met with Cooktown Crocs coaches at the start of the year to discuss options, and approached Mossman Sharks, who were happy for our boys to join their teams.
“As a club and as parents, we’re very grateful to the Sharks for being so welcoming and supportive of our boys and their love of footy, as without their support, our kids would have missed out completely on playing this year.”
http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/tides/#!/qld-weipa
Sharks U14 coach Craig Ger said Parkes and Stewart had been “an absolute asset” to the team and said he would welcome them back in 2026 if the Crocs were again unable to field older age groups.
“They’re hardworking, show great teamwork, and are a real pleasure to have around.,” he said.
“We’d love to have them back again, and we’re already looking forward to what they’ll bring next season.”
SPORT IN BRIEF
Untouchables crush Candies
UNTOUCHABLES have continued their winning ways in the 2025 Weipa Touch Association finals with a monster 24-5 round two victory over Cape Candies on 20 August.
Spartans toppled Cheers for Beers 11-6, while Pisswrecks had a 10-2 win against Res Strong.
Lacking Stamina had fuel left in the tank and notched up a 13-4 win over Can’t Touch This, while The OGs and Top End Taggers played out a 10-9 thriller.
After forfeiting in week one, Weipa Weapons managed to field a team on Wednesday night but were dominated by Scrambled Legs in a 19-4 result.
Crossley hits Wackers PB
RHIANNAN Crossley delivered a personal best round when she claimed Wackers honours on 20 August.
Crossley returned to the clubhouse with 45/25.5 to take the chocolates and pip runner-up Mick Cerneka, whose 44/34 suggests he may finally be returning to form after spending 2025 in the golfing wilderness.
Leroy Ahmat took the pin prize on the 15th, while Crossley was the best on the 18th.
Gary Head won the weekly Bradman’s prize.
Newbies dominate parkrun
A MIX of regulars, returning visitors and first timers made up the field of 38 participants who took on Weipa parkrun #433 on 23 August.
A staggering 13 newbies were in the running pack, including Bec Winch and Zac Nelson, who were the first two finishers in 21 minutes, 14 seconds and 21:20 respectively.
Tash Tapper, Matthew Bakes and Inyika Nadredre notched personal best times over the 5-kilometre circuit.
Weipa parkrun is held every Saturday from 7am at the shelter on the Nanum hospital roundabout.
Cooktown District Junior Rugby League Club members Zarrad Mansfield, Micah Parkes, Chase Hunt, Rudi Habermann, Cecil Stewart and Max Giese have received praise for their commitment to travelling to lace up their footy boots this rugby league season.
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