The strength of Wujal Wujal residents to bounce back after the devastation of the 2023 flood event that decimated their community was recognised at the 2025 Queensland Resilient Australia Awards in Brisbane on 28 August. Read the story on Page 3.
PAIR PASS HALFWAY POINT OF 830KM RUN
By the time you read this, Weipa’s David Tuckwood and Michael Collins will have left the bulldust holes and corrugations of the PDR behind them as they hit the bitumen and aim their compass at Cairns. Find out where the boys are on Page 7.
The Yellow Company director Jo Killick, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Alister Gibson, aged care co-ordinator Gina Manai and The Yellow Company managing director Ben Norling celebrate the community’s success at the Queensland Resilient Australia Awards on 28 August. Photo: Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
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WITH less than three weeks to go until the annual QSuper Cardiac Challenge, one rider’s heart scare is reminding everyone why they are taking on the monstrous 333-kilometre journey.
Tony Cristaudo was pushing hard for his first Cairns to Cooktown bike ride in support of cardiac services in the region, but became increasingly breathless the more training he undertook.
“Then I woke up on Monday morning, I couldn’t breathe, and I coughed up some blood, so my wife took me to the Cairns Hospital,” he recalled.
In a full-circle moment, it was determined that Mr Cristaudo had a leaking mitral valve that needed repair, and it was the ultrasound and cardiac catheter laboratory services purchased by the fundraising ride that helped him receive the lifesaving diagnosis.
Although Mr Cristaudo will not be able to participate in this year’s ride, he said he was determined to get on the bike next year for the 20th anniversary event.
“I had a friend do it last year, and he sort of talked me into it, but he’s not doing it this year,
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but we’re both going to do it next year,” he said.
“It makes you want to raise money for it; it’s a great unit, and they’re all a very dedicated team of medical professionals.”
Over 19 events, the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation (FNQHF) QSuper Cardiac Challenge has provided more than $6 million worth of equip-
ment and services to cardiac and related services throughout the region to match the standard of care in metropolitan areas.
FNQHF chief executive of-
ficer Gina Hogan said Mr Cristaudo’s story was a remarkable reminder of the impact of the event, which ended up being critically involved with his diagnosis.
“Over the years, this fundraising bike ride to Cooktown has bought millions of dollars’ worth of equipment, and it’s in situations like Tony’s that we get to hear the real heartbeat of why we do what we do,” she said.
The 2025 QSuper Cardiac Challenge, which has already raised more than $140,000, will be held on 20-22 September.
Lakefield accident claims life of Canadian national, 72
A MOTORBIKE rider has died following a single-vehicle accident at Lakefield on Friday afternoon.
Just before 1:30pm on 29 August, emergency services were called to Lakefield Road following reports of a motorcycle crash.
Police say initial investigations indicate the rider lost control of the motorcycle on a dirt track and crashed.
The rider, a 72-year-old Canadian national, died at the scene.
The Forensic Crash Unit is continuing its investigation into the circumstances of the accident.
The fatality is the second in southern Cape York in less than 10 days.
On 20 August, a 35-year-old Koah woman was killed when the Toyota HiLux she was driving struck a guard rail and rolled on the Mulligan Highway, approximately 22 kilometres south of the Palmer River Roadhouse.
Anyone who can assist police with their investigation into the motorcycle incident can quote reference number QP2501534334.
Southern Cape York has recorded its second road fatality in less than 10 days after a motorbike rider died following a single-vehicle accident at Lakefield on Friday afternoon.
In a full-circle moment, a QSuper Cardiac Challenge rider’s heart condition diagnosis was made thanks to equipment purchased by the fundraising event, serving as a reminder of why riders take on the huge Cairns to Cooktown bike ride.
Resilient Wujal Wujal council cleans up at Brisbane awards
by LYNDON KEANE
IT was a natural disaster that devastated the community, but Wujal Wujal’s resilience and recovery from the 2023 ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper flood event has been recognised after it won two categories of the Queensland Resilient Australia Awards in Brisbane last week.
The south-eastern Cape York community claimed the Business and Local Government categories at the awards for its Wujal Wujal Rising: A Community-first Recovery Project, which was managed by Yellow, and the Wujal Wujal Master Plan Review, run in partnership with Meridian Urban and Water Technology.
In early 2024, Yellow was engaged by the council to support the delivery of a community recovery project that extended beyond the restoration of infrastructure, and prioritised
the revitalisation of community life.
The project was run by Yellow director Jo Killick, and managing director Ben Norling said her existing relationship with the community had played a role in the success of its delivery.
“She’s director of prepared communities with Yellow, and put her hand up, having previously had plenty of work and relationships in and around Wujal, and plenty of connections,” he explained after the 28 August win.
“She was keen to do it, so Jo basically performed the role of a community recovery project manager on behalf of council there for three to four months while they worked through that return to community.”
Mr Norling added part of the challenge was ensuring the community had a say in the recovery with so many external stake-
holders involved in the evacuation and subsequent clean-up and rebuilding effort.
“When you’ve got a situation like that in Wujal, it can be tempting for government and the system to want to take over, and want to provide the support, but almost overwhelmingly so,” he said.
“So, I think it was our role to ensure that the community’s heard, and that it (the recovery) is truly led from local government.”
The community secured its second win for the master plan review, which guided the safe, resilient and culturally grounded development of Wujal Wujal once the floodwater had receded.
The project delivered a floodresponsive, community-driven update of the township’s master plan to shape future land use, infrastructure and community development.
Minister for Disaster Recov-
ery Ann Leahy praised the ingenuity and spirit of all category winners.
“Each initiative recognised has improved the lives of others, and in doing so is telling an important story about selflessness and growth,” she said.
“It’s also clear recent disaster events have created an appetite for change in our regions and cities, with awarded resilience innovations helping people from Wujal Wujal to Brisbane’s West End.
“What these Queensland Resilient Australia Award winners remind us is our impact is only limited by our imagination.”
After winning on the state stage, Wujal Wujal is now in the running for the national Resilient Australia Awards, which will be announced later in the year.
Mayor Alister Gibson could not be contacted for comment before Cape York Weekly went to press.
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
Queensland Reconstruction Authority CEO Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd) and Tropical Cyclone Alfred state recovery co-ordinator Colonel Justin O’Connor (Retd) congratulate Meridian Urban principal Upendo Kowero and Wujal Wujal Mayor Alister Gibson on the community winning the Local Government category of the Queensland Resilient Australia Awards. Photo: Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
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
Wallaby Creek Festival goers to connect mind, body, environment
by CHISA HASEGAWA
FROM pumping out rock music to environmental care and finding personal truths, 2025 Wallaby Creek Festival attendees are in for a jam-packed and diverse three days on 26-28 September.
After a smaller festival last year in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which heavily flooded and damaged the grounds, festival director Jen Midgley said organisers were looking forward to a bigger crowd this time around.
“Our camping festival is like no other in Australia, with something for everyone, from three years old to 100,” she said.
“We are proud of our grounds, [which are] fully recovered, except Wallaby Creek bank, from Cyclone Jasper.”
Hosted by the Cape York Folk Club, the three-day fiesta has been running since 2001, bringing local creatives together for a celebration of all things music and art.
This year, the festival will welcome headliners like Anthony Forrest, Fat Picnic and Kingfisha to fill the fresh air with sublime reggae, dub and modern rock, while female duos Salt & Steel and Hussy Hicks are set to make a return after wowing audiences at past festivals.
In addition to returning crowd favourites such as weaving, drumming and ukulele for kids, several new alternative workshops will provide festival goers the opportunity to get in touch with their minds, bodies and souls.
“Alternative workshops like psilocybin magic mushrooms, soma lumens, breath, body and
vibrational awakening, and the infinity flag workshop are new this year, along with the sovereignty circle,” Ms Midgley said.
“Both of these last two are about connection – one through music, and the other to find personal truth.”
Set in the heart of Rossville’s tropical rainforest, she said care
for the environment was also an integral part of the annual festival.
“Wallaby prides itself on its environmental focus, choosing to recycle, repair and reuse resources,” the festival director said.
“We have an active Trash Fairy group who educate campers on litter solutions, and we have a marketplace with food for sale, and
Ms Midgley also encouraged locals to volunteer their time, which counts towards a ticket in, at the Saturday morning working bees to prepare for the festival.
To sign up as a volunteer or buy a ticket, go to www.wallabycreekfestival.org.au.
The Trash Fairy group are ready to ensure Wallaby Creek Festival campers are being litter-conscious as they celebrate local music and arts. Photo: Lovegreen Photography.
Weipa to embrace ‘deep human instinct’ with food initiative
by LYNDON KEANE
SOME well-known household names are encouraging Weipa residents to get into the garden to embrace the rewards of growing their own food from this month.
Grow It Local has partnered with Weipa Town Authority (WTA) to provide the seeds and gardening know how needed for community members to grow fruit and vegetables in their own backyard and, in doing so, address several food security and social wellbeing issues.
The organisation has more than 40,000 members across Australia and has had Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis and Paul West, best known for his starring role in River Cottage Australia, throw their weight behind the push to get more people growing their own food.
Mr West told Cape York Weekly he believed the initiative could help participants rediscover a “deep human instinct” to be self-sufficient.
“But there’s all this great stuff that happens to you as an individual, physically, to your mental health, that flows onto your community and the environment [when you do grow your own food].
“There’s a bit of a skill gap these days; it used to be something that the grandparents taught the parents, who taught the kids, and it just was handed down the generations; but we’ve kind of lost that for a lot of people, and if they want to start growing food, which I think is like a deep human instinct, they don’t know where to start or how to how to learn – that’s where we come in.”
Grow It Local supplies seed kits as well as expert support through its website to help members taste growing success, with WTA becoming the latest of more than 30 local governments across the country to partner with the organisation.
“It’s become bigger than Ben Hur,” Mr West said.
“The good thing about growing food is I don’t think that it’s
“For tens of thousands of years, human beings have been growing the things that they eat, and it’s something that relatively recently, we’ve lost the knack for,” he said.
ever a bad thing to get more people out in the garden; in fact, I think if everyone in Australia was doing a bit of gardening, I think the world would be a better place.
“If you have some friends over for a barbecue or whatever, and you serve up something you’ve grown, because you know the story of the ingredient, and being able to share with people something you’ve grown yourself, it just adds a deeper meaning and a deeper connection to our human interactions.”
While launching the program in Weipa will not represent a silver bullet for the region’s food security issues, especially during the wet season, Mr West said he believed “every additional plant that is grown, every additional garden that is built, is a step in the right direction” to addressing the problem.
WTA will be offering the Grow It Local seeds and starter kits from 15 September.
For more information about the initiative, keep an eye on the WTA Facebook page or visit www.growitlocal.com for plenty of hints and tips.
Paul West, who became a household name through his starring role in River Cottage Australia, is urging Weipa residents to embrace their green thumbs through the Grow It Local initiative, which launches in the western Cape York township on 15 September.
Dusty fundraising duo farewell PDR corrugations
by LYNDON KEANE
BY the time you read this, Weipa’s David Tuckwood and Michael Collins will have their feet firmly on the bitumen after passing the halfway mark of their 830-kilometre fundraising run to Cairns.
Speaking to Cape York Weekly after arriving at the Hann River Roadhouse on day 10 of their trek on Sunday morning, Mr Collins said their bodies were feeling the brunt of more than 400km of corrugations and bulldust holes on the Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR).
“It pretty much gets to a point where it feels like everything’s hurting in general, but whatever’s hurting most sort of just takes the place of everything else,” he said.
“So, it sort of rotates between them all – a sore knee, sore legs, fatigue; you really think about the thing that’s the most
sore, and then, that’ll last for a while, but then it’ll rotate.”
Mr Tuckwood was unavailable for comment having not long before crashed for some welldeserved sleep, with all involved agreeing it was unwise to wake him for an interview.
The men knocked off the last 7km of dirt road
on their run on Sunday night and Mr Collins said they were looking forward to putting the gruelling unsealed sections of the PDR behind them.
“That’s probably the thing we’re most looking forward to,” he said.
“It seems like it’ll be smooth sailing from then on; we’re slightly behind schedule – probably about
$1.1m windfall to activate new Cooktown residential development
A COOKTOWN subdivision is one of five projects across Far North Queensland to share $18.1 million aimed at kickstarting residential developments that are set to deliver 190 new homes.
The State Government announced on 28 August Cook Shire Council would receive $1.1m towards its Gigers subdivision in Cooktown, with funded works to include the construction of water, sewer and stormwater networks, new roads, and the installation of utilities.
20 kilometres or half a day – and we’re sort of relying on the sealed road to make that up.”
The fundraising duo have been buoyed by the enthusiasm and generosity of motorists during the first 10 days of their run, including a Zimbabwean couple, who were broken down on the PDR near Wolverton Station
and set up a camp chairs with cut-out pictures of Mr Collins and Mr Tuckwood as a show of support after reading about their fundraiser.
“Every day, probably nearly hourly, someone is stopping to give us a packet of lollies, say hello, cheer us on, or just get a photo,” Mr Collins said.
“It’s becoming more and more common as we get down the road, and it’s just great; we had the Wolverton Station crew all come out and set up an aid station with party lights and all this other stuff going on late the other night.”
“It’s hard to explain the motivation you get when someone stops and you just have a chat – it almost gives you that energy boost more than having a hit of sugar or something like that.”
The men are expecting to reach Laura by Tuesday morning.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Join TCHHS board
APPLICATIONS are now open for various board chairs and members across all Queensland hospital and health boards, including the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS).
The board roles with TCHHS will allow successful candidates to help set the health agenda for the region, and play a pivotal role in improving local healthcare services and delivery.
For more information, or to apply, visit www.careers.health.qld.gov.au and search “join a hospital board”.
Applications close on 7 September, with appointments to commence from 1 April 2026.
CEO gets extension
THE chief executive officer of Cook Shire Council will remain in the top job until 2028 after receiving a contract extension last week.
At a special meeting of council on 25 August, elected members voted to extend Brian Joiner’s tenure in the CEO’s office following his annual review.
Mr Joiner’s contract had been due to expire in August 2026 but last week’s decision will now have him in the role until August 2028.
Mayor Robyn Holmes said Mr Joiner’s leadership and performance had been the catalysts for extension decision.
“The Residential Activation Fund is critical to unlocking more homes in Far North Queensland and easing Labor’s housing crisis,” he said.
The announcement comes less than two months after it was announced five Cape York and Torres Strait local governments – Aurukun Shire Council, Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council, Torres Shire Council and Cook Shire Council – would also receive RAF funding to fast track residential developments.
Cook Shire Mayor Robyn
The funding is being delivered through the government’s Residential Activation Fund (RAF) and Cook MP David Kempton said it would help unlock much-needed housing in the state’s northernmost electorate.
Holmes said the council welcomed projects that unlocked housing supply in some of the remotest communities in Queensland.
“Housing remains one of the greatest challenges across our region, and we welcome projects that will help unlock new supply and provide more homes for our communities,” she said.
“Cook Shire Council has
consistently advocated for greater investment in housing, and it is encouraging to see funding flow to projects that will help unlock much-needed homes for our region.”
Other FNQ projects to be funded through last week’s announcement include the Craiglie residential subdivision near Port Douglas ($6.6m) and the Seaview Estate subdivision at Mission Beach ($5.4m).
“Council are very confident in his level of management and the progress he’s achieved over the last three years,” she said.
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 urged to capture just what it is that makes life on the Cape so incredible.
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.
Cape York Weekly’s Chisa Hasegawa and Lyndon Keane catch up with David Tuckwood and Michael Collins on the PDR between Archer River and Coen last week.
The $1.1 million funding allocation will help kickstart addition residential housing projects to those already under way in Cooktown, including the State Government’s Garden Street development.
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Kidney doctor to highlight Cape York at national conference
by CHISA HASEGAWA
A CAPE York doctor work-
ing to improve kidney health in First Nations communities has been selected to represent the region at the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Emerging Leaders Conference.
Dr Natalie Pink was just one of 23 rural generalists from across the country to be invited to the inaugural event, which will be held in Western Australia from 19-21 October.
Her selection was based on her leadership of the Cape York Kidney Care program, which has shown promising results in slowing kidney disease progression and reducing the commencement of dialysis, thanks to the flexible, community-based model, and use of clinical yarning.
As a First Nations doctor, Dr Pink said her lived experience had shaped both her values and her drive.
“My sense of social justice has always driven me, but it’s personal, too,” the proud Nyikina woman said.
“Improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples directly impacts the lives of my family and loved ones, so I feel a deep responsibility to keep leading and advocating in this space.”
Beyond her clinical leadership, Dr Pink serves as a Board Member of the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association, has created the Weipa Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Clinical Network, and is establishing the Indigenous Health Advanced Specialised Training to embed cultural knowledge into training pathways.
She is also the current lead medical educator for the Indigenous General Practice Trainee Network, and medical educator for ACRRM in Queensland.
Looking ahead to the conference, Dr Pink said she was ea-
NEWS IN BRIEF
Clean-up grants available
CAPE York councils are being invited to apply for a grant of up to $100,000 to fund community projects aimed at cleaning up debris and restoring flood-damaged landscapes and habitats.
In total, $2 million has been made available through a joint funding arrangement between the federal and state governments, and Queensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell said the program was “a great opportunity for communities to come together, recover their local environment, and build resilience for the future”.
Eligible activities include removing flood debris from coastlines, reserves and waterways, replanting and weeding to help habitats bounce back, and boat-based cleanups in impacted rivers, islands, and coastal areas.
Details are available at www.detsi.qld. gov.au, with applications closing on 24 September.
Rio simplifies structure
ger to exchange knowledge and experiences with like-minded health professionals.
“I want to keep growing my leadership skills, share what we’ve learnt in Cape York Kidney Care program, and learn from others who are
innovating in this space,” she said.
“Building these networks is how we strengthen rural, remote, and First Nations medicine for the future, ultimately closing the gap and improving health outcomes.”
Diatreme eyes Cape Flattery expansion
SILICA miner Diatreme Resources
says it is eyeing a potential expansion of its Northern Silica Project (NSP) after defining two conceptual exploration targets within the Cape Flattery tenement area.
The Casuarina East and Casuarina West dune systems have been delineated through LiDAR-based terrain modelling and remote geomorphological interpretation, identifying substantial volumes of potentially low-iron, high-purity silica sand.
The targets are located immediately adjacent to the current operations of Cape Flattery Silica Mines, owned by Mitsubishi, and represent a strategic opportunity to significantly expand Diatreme’s regional resource footprint.
The company said it believed there could be between 80-190 million tonnes (Mt) of high-grade silica in the Casuarina East deposit, while the
Casuarina West deposit could yield between 35-85Mt.
Diatreme chief executive officer Neil McIntyre said the Casuarina deposit could extend the life of the NSP.
“This is a progressive and important step in unlocking the broader potential of our Northern Silica Project tenement package,” he said.
“Casuarina sits directly alongside a globally recognised silica operation, and while we are at an early stage, the scale and geometry appear compelling, with an estimated total target tonnage range from 115 million tonnes to 275 million tonnes.
“With exploration approvals in hand and access planning underway, we look forward to drilling and defining what could be another world class high-grade silica sand resource extension to our already long life mine project in Far North Queensland.”
RIO Tinto has announced that, effective immediately, it will simplify its product group structure into three businesses – Iron Ore, Aluminium and Lithium, and Copper.
The company made the announcement on 27 August and said the change would “simplify and streamline the organisation to drive greater accountability and safe, sustainable, profitable growth through focusing on the most compelling opportunities to deliver long-term shareholder value”.
Canada-based Jerome Pecresse will lead the Aluminium and Lithium arm of the mining giant – which will include Weipa operations – and the combined product group will consist of three businesses –Atlantic Operations Aluminium, Pacific Operations Aluminium and Lithium.
Chief executive Simon Trott said the change would allow the company to “deliver new standards of operational excellence and value creation”.
Den turns 150
IT is one of the most iconic watering holes in Australia, and Lion’s Den Hotel is gearing up to celebrate a milestone birthday in true Cape York style in October.
The pub is getting ready to notch up 150 years of serving thirsty patrons and will celebrate with a three-day party from 17-19 October, with live music from artists including the Roadtrippers, Ella Hartwig and Shannon Hunter.
On the Saturday, guests will be asked to turn back the fashion clock and return to the 1800s to celebrate in the style of the era.
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Dr Natalie Pink’s dedication to improving health outcomes in her community has earned her a spot at the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine Emerging Leaders Conference. Photo: Facebook (Indigenous General Practice Trainee Network).
Diatreme Resources believes two new conceptual exploration targets on its Northern Silica Project tenement could yield between 115-275 million tonnes of the resource.
RIO Tinto and Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section) have announced a new partnership to strengthen health services in some of the remotest parts of the state, including Cape York.
The companies unveiled the $14.675 million, five-year agreement on 27 August, which is aimed at expanding local access to vital healthcare services, and adds to the support the mining giant has provided the RFDS since 2020.
Key areas of the partnership include enhancing telehealth triage capability to better prioritise patient needs, introducing podiatry services to support chronic disease care, expanding mental health support across North and Far North Queensland, and improving access to culturally appropriate care by increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers.
State manager mental health Dr Tim Driscoll said the new agreement would play a part in addressing the “very real” mental health challenges facing those in regional and remote areas.
“With Rio Tinto’s support, we can expand our mental health services into some of Queensland’s most remote communities, placing
clinicians where they’re needed most, and that gives individuals and families earlier access to quality psychological care, close to home,” he said.
Rio Tinto Pacific Operations
Aluminium managing director Armando Torres said the company was proud to extend its partnership with the RFDS.
“This partnership is about mak-
ing a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people living in some of Queensland’s most remote and hard-to-reach areas,” he said.
“What began as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into a long-term collaboration focused on improving health outcomes across the state; this next chapter reflects a shared commitment to removing barriers and
expanding access critical services, and building a healthier future for all Queenslanders.”
RFDS (Queensland Section)
chief executive officer Meredith Staib said the extended partnership would deliver real and measurable improvements for patients and communities.
“I can’t thank Rio Tinto enough for their commitment to improv-
ing the health of regional Queenslanders,” Ms Staib said.
“This agreement will be a catalyst for change in the health and wellbeing of people living in some of the most remote parts of the state – from enabling earlier intervention and preventive care, to supporting better management of complex and chronic conditions closer to home.”
Rio Tinto global head of communities and social performance Melinda Buckland, Rio Tinto Pacific Operations Aluminium managing director Armando Torres and RFDS (Queensland Section) chief executive officer Meredith Staib celebrate the partnership announcement on 27 August.
Fantasy comes alive on Cape for Book Week
by CHISA HASEGAWA
WHEN you need a break from the real world, immersing yourself in the fantasy world of books can be a joyous escape, especially when you get to become your favourite character.
Cooktown and Weipa schools embraced Book Week 2025, dressing up as their favourite princesses, superheroes and everything in between.
Classrooms became physical representations of students’ beloved books as they decorated the
walls with posters and bookmarks, with students of various year levels coming together for shared reading sessions.
Endeavour Christian College welcomed Cook Shire Council
Mayor Robyn Holmes to their special book week parade, who spoke about her favourite books as a child, and judged the best-dressed primary and secondary student competition.
“It was an absolute delight to see the students arrive in their imaginative costumes, proudly embodying characters from their
stories,” principal Jenny Nelson said.
“Watching children connect their love of reading to dress-ups made their engagement with stories visible in a powerful way; they just weren’t reading about characters, they were living them.
and highlighted how deeply books
“Their character costumes displayed students’ enthusiasm, and highlighted how deeply books capture imagination and inspire confidence.”
You can check out the full Book
You can check out the full Book Week 2025 gallery on the Cape York Weekly website.
Calendar Photo Competition
Cooktown State School students show off their Book Week best.
Endeavour Christian College teachers embrace colour and fantasy.
Cooktown State School students decorated themselves and their school with their favourite book characters for Book Week 2025.
Titan Bowen-Friday as Spider-Man.
Endeavour Christian College’s Thomas Cabrall as Sam I Am.
VR opens eyes of Cape residents to career opportunities
A PARTNERSHIP between My Pathway, Mining Skills Australia and Motion Curve has allowed community members in south-eastern Cape York a unique opportunity to experience career insights and practice virtual work skills in their own backyards.
Following extensive community consultation to identify locally available roles experiencing skills gaps, Motion Curve developed a “choose your own adventure” style virtual reality (VR) experience for some of the most in-demand careers on Cape York, including mining, dialysis nursing and more than 20 diverse options in between.
While initially developed to assist local jobseekers identify available careers that align with their interests and identify training opportunities to pursue these, the program has also proved to be a huge hit with those preparing to enter the workforce.
My Pathway regional community engagement manager Kristofer Grulke said local schools had been keen to integrate the experiences into their career curriculums.
“We were invited to the Holy Spirit College open day to showcase our A Day in the Life Of VR program,” he said.
“The kids loved the hands-on experience, and the school asked us to come
back every fortnight for their students to keep enjoying and learning from the technology.
“From this, My Pathway have now also included the VR headsets in regular engagement sessions at Cooktown State School, and it’s a core part of the Hope Vale Culture, Country and Connection youth program.”
The technology has also been enjoyed at career expos in Cooktown, Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal, and is also regularly taken to Laura.
My Pathway community engager Marley Sharp said the outdoor careers, and especially those connected to Country, had been the most popular for users to experience.
“The on-Country ranger experience, where they get to drive around in a sideby-side, checking out Country, and the cattle farmer, are some of the most popular picks,” he said.
“Alongside Taylor, the virtual owner of Junction Farm, they get to herd virtual cattle, tag them, feed them and get them back into their paddocks.
“When they get through the full experience, they fill out a short survey to gauge their interest in that career, identify the relevant qualifications and skills they already have, and any that we could help them to get.”
A new virtual reality system is giving remote Cape York residents a chance to experience different career options without leaving home.
Sideline critics should put up or shut up
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
THERE’S nothing worse than someone who refuses to get involved, but is more than willing to fire a barrage of criticism and snarky comments behind the defensive lines of those who are lifting the load to ensure our clubs and community events don’t fade into a distant memory.
I found myself unwillingly involved in three such conversations last week after several community know-it-alls bailed me up to vent their spleen about what they believed was wrong with the management of a couple of high-profile western Cape York events and sporting groups.
As they pointed out the 3,944 things they would do better if they were in control, I asked them whether they were on the committee of the club or event and, if not, why not, given they apparently had all the answers.
Well, you can imagine my feigned surprise when it turned out none of the extremely vocal critics who took the time to actively seek me out to whinge about who was doing what wrong had considered actually contributing to the event or club seemingly causing them so much mental anguish.
One told me they “don’t have time for that behind-the-scenes crap”, while another said they refused to be on the committee of one club while current executive members were still on this side of the dirt. The latter articulated their view somewhat more col-
ourfully than that, but you get the idea.
Here’s the problem with refusing to play a role in a part of the world with a limited population base: our volunteering ranks are already spread pretty thin on the ground, and being the target of the critical, behind-the-back rantings of muppets who have all of the answers but none of the execution isn’t likely to bolster the numbers of those willing to have a go. Who are going to be the first ones to moan and scream from the rooftops when the event or club
they were happy to bag but unwilling to contribute to folds due to a lack of volunteers? Because I’m feeling generous, I’ll offer $1.03 it’s the armchair experts as they reach for more mud to sling.
The funny thing – I’m talking sad clown funny – about these critics is how quick they are to profess their love of the club, activity or event they are even faster to shoot down the success of with opinions about what would be better if they had the reins. It’s almost as if some of them want to see [insert random club or event] fail, as it would fuel their twisted belief that a similar fate would have been avoided had they swapped their snipered criticism for getting their hands dirty on a management committee.
If you’ve read this and are wondering if I’m talking about you, chances are I am.
The sideline and armchair critics in our communities do nothing but detract from the value and potential of our local clubs and events when they hurl their self-declared expert opinions in the direction of those who are prepared to roll up their sleeves and ensure the show goes on year after year.
It’s time for those critics to drag their critical, refuse-to-take-anactive-role arse off their chair on the sideline and get some skin in the game.
Put up or shut up.
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. We have buyers waiting for homes all price ranges, vacant land, in and out of town.
As a results-focused agency, we’re committed to delivering exceptional outcomes and provide 7-day service to support our clients every step of the way
Editor Lyndon Keane says if you aren’t prepared to play a part in nailing an outcome for a community event or club, you have no right banging on about what you reckon those who are volunteering their time are doing wrong.
Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page
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Milestone thrills, spills continue
THERE was no way we were going to fit the hundreds of photos we took over two days of rodeo action on 22-23 August into one edition, and given the number of requests we’ve had to see more high- flying cowboys and cowgirls doing their thing, here’s another look at some of the thrills, spills and faces of the 20th Weipa Rodeo.
Did we spot you or someone you know? To request photos, email editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au.
Jayce Christie’s ride comes to an end in the junior steer event.
The Tiny Tots barrel race was a crowd favourite.
Corey Clarke in the novice bull ride.
Georgia Kirk in the Cape of Origin ladies bullock ride.
Mylie Beacham gives her all for Northern during the Cape of Origin.
Jake Luscott takes flight during his poddy ride. Jack Jepson in the fourth round of the novice bull ride.
Clayton Slade comes unstuck in the bushman’s buckjump.
Marshall Budby flies out of the chute.
Pro rider Bryn Francis on Face Book.
The bullfighters offer Drew McDonnell a helping hand.
Tegan Wallace works hard during the women’s steer wrestling.
Latrell Woibo goes to work.
The battle between cowboy and beast kept the big crowd on the edge of its seat. Ross Ford on Warrior in the open bull ride.
Spring is out: Cooktown Races to embrace fresh summer style
Jasmine
by CHISA HASEGAWA
IT is in with the new and out with the old for this year’s highly anticipated Cooktown Races, with a new fashion guideline to spice up the classic spring style of race day.
The Seaview Fashions on the Field will embrace the sweltering November heat of Cape York with a Bold Summer theme, calling for the retirement of the usual pastel spring look.
“The idea is to wear fashion that is unapologetically bold and summery, making a statement both visually and in terms of self-expression,” Fashions on the Field co-ordinator Jacinta McCosh said.
“It’s all about standing out with vivid colours, striking silhouettes, and daring designs that exude personality and flair.”
She encouraged both ladies and gentlemen to think vibrantly for their outfits, and opt for eye-catching colours over the classic black, white or navy.
“[For the ladies], try daring headwear, from oversized hats to fascinators with feathers, summer flowers, or a striking headpiece that links summer to your outfit,” she said.
“Men should opt for contemporary interpretations of the classic summer suit; classic jackets and ties
are essential, but instead of a boring black suit, try light grey, beige, a soft light blue or a bold summer colour.”
In addition to the usual age group categories and couple category, this year’s fun category will call for families and friend groups in “matching, co-ordinated and catchy” outfits for a chance at winning the Clan Chaos sash.
Returning judge and Seaview owner Kate Fraser said this was the year to impress, teasing a mystery judge with over three decades of experience in making people look their best.
“We’ve been lucky enough to secure, as a judge, one of the foremost hairstylists in Cairns who has recently retired and moved to Brisbane, but will be returning to Far North Queensland for this year’s Cooktown Races,” she said.
“He attended Fashions on the Field as my guest a couple of years ago, and was super impressed with the calibre of entries.
“Fashions on the Field is not only a great opportunity for racegoing fashionistas to showcase their personal style, it’s also a unique platform to showcase Cooktown, its community and its personality through fashion.”
and Ben Broad wowed the judges with their unique moss green look in 2024, but this year’s Cooktown Races Fashions on the Field is calling for entrants to embrace the colours of summer.
Sun sets on best Weipa junior league season yet
THERE were plenty of season highlights to be celebrated when players in all age divisions ran onto the paddock for the final time in 2025 at the Central Cape Suns grand final day on 30 August.
In the under-7 division, players went from playing tag to tackling by the end of the season, a skill most were far too eager to learn.
The U8 age group had many players experiencing their first season of rugby league due to a partnership with Mapoon – it was a special game to watch as the majority of kids just enjoyed making new friends and learning new skills.
The U10 division was one of the biggest of the season, with players demonstrating increased confidence as they honed their skills.
An excited crowd greeted U12 players as they showed off their skills, with several standout efforts to take the opportunity for their team when it arose.
The U14s gave a stellar performance and put their Tommy Tassell preparation into practice – these boys are going to give a great show during the September carnival, so watch this space.
The club’s U16 girls demonstrated their skills and delivered one of the best games of their season – the team is looking to make its mark alongside the U14 boys when they pull on their jerseys for the Sandy Tassell carnival this month.
The U16 boys team left nothing to chance and all out on the field after players spent the year harnessing their knowledge of the game and how to make strategic plays.
Club president Jess Rex said grand final day had been a fitting end to the 2025 campaign and praised the whole-of-community approach that had made it one of the best junior rugby league seasons yet.
“All these players were
shown support by the community,” she said.
“There wasn’t much empty field space as family, friends and supporters settled in for the big day; it was wonderful to see how many people came out to celebrate our young players and the club.
“Of course, we couldn’t have pulled any of this off without our amazing volunteer coaches, canteen staff, parents, and committee, and also our fantastic sponsors.”
First timer Davis claims parkrun line honours
A NEWBIE was the first participant to greet the timekeepers when a field of 47 laced up their sneakers for Weipa parkrun #434 on 30 August.
In all, 10 runners tackled the 5-kilometre Weipa circuit for the first time, with newbie James Davis impressing to stop the clock in a time of 19 minutes, 47 seconds.
There was then a flurry of Saturday morning regulars, with Zig Freiberg, Chrisden Russ and Ross Dawson claiming second, third and fourth sports just three seconds apart.
Another first timer, Franceska Edis was the fastest woman home and knocked off her maiden Weipa parkrun in 25:10.
Matthew Bakes, Kasey Alley and Jemma Collins were the three participants to notch up personal best efforts when they crossed the finish line.
Volunteering duties for the event were looked after by Ali Scott, Vide Freiberg, Samantha Roberts, Chris Blythe, Tiffany Barber and Tash Tapper.
Weipa parkrun is held every Saturday from 7am at the shelter adjacent to the hospital roundabout in Nanum.
New and visiting parkrunners are always welcome, and participants are asked to muster by about 6:45am to allow the event to start on time.
The crowd was treated to plenty of fancy footwork on the paddock during grand final day on 30 August. Photo: Alex Rethus Photography.
Zig Freiberg stops the clock with Ross Dawnson and Chrisden Russ hot on his heels on Saturday morning.
Kohen Parkinson and James Hayman lead the under-16s through a guard of honour and onto the field. Photo: Alex Rethus Photography.
Caitlin McAllister takes on a four-on-one tackle from Elsie Daniel-Elia, Grethel Mairu, Teeahne-Rae Masso and Alvina Motton. Photo: Alex Rethus Photography.
Dall adds another Dawnbusters polo to wardrobe
IN a sign spring has well and truly sprung, 14 golfers were greeted with warm conditions when they took to the front nine of Carpentaria Golf Club for the latest Dawnbusters showdown on 31 August.
Stalwart and keeper of the handicaps Jon “Secret Scorebook” Dall returned to the clubhouse with 49 off the stick for a nett 14 and victory, relegating Jim Lucas, who was making his first Dawnbusters appearance since returning from his caravanning odyssey, to bridesmaid with his 52/20 effort.
billfish showdown
EARLY birds keen to flex their fishing muscle only have until 26 September to register for Weipa’s ultimate billfish competition.
The 2025 Carpentaria Marine Services Weipa Billfish Tournament will be held from 3-7 October, with teams already fine-tuning their gear after sailfish made an early season appearance in the waters off western Cape York.
Weipa Billfish Club spokesperson Ben Bright said it was good to see competitors already practicing for the fight for sailfish bragging rights.
“If this past week was anything to go by, club members
are super keen on getting as much practice in as possible leading up to the annual tournament,” he said.
“Plenty of club members have been out, and the sailfish have made an appearance already this season, keeping anglers well entertained.”
Following a briefing on 3 October, teams will spend 4-6 October on the water fishing before success is celebrated and tales of lost monsters told at the presentation dinner on 7 October.
Mr Bright said the social aspect of the competition was a big lure for many competitors.
“The 2025 Carpentaria Ma-
rine Services Weipa Billfish Tournament has a proud tradition of focusing on everyone having a great time,” he said.
“The tournament format typically sees most teams spending two nights anchored in the sheltered waters of Boyd Bay, and enjoying the after-fishing socialising and camaraderie.”
While competition in the tournament is fierce, the event has proved to play a critical role in understanding the region’s fishery after a sailfish tagged in 2023 was detected off Groote Eylandt five months later in a first.
“The phrase ‘there’s no fences at sea’ is a term often coined
in Weipa’s fishery, and recent data analysis has revealed one of our acoustically tagged sailfish has been detected near Groote Eylandt about 5 months after release – the first confirmed record of one crossing the Gulf,” Mr Bright said.
“It adds another piece to the puzzle as we wonder about the life cycle of Weipa’s sailfish; while information like this is always super interesting, we will have to wait and see what statistics come from this year’s tournament.”
For more information about registering for the event, check out the Weipa Billfish Club’s Facebook page.
When questioned about his win, the cagey veteran simply put it down to raw talent that was defying the octogenarian’s (we assume) years.
“The older I get, the more I realise how good I used to be,” Dall mused.
As he celebrated his latest win and polo shirt, Dall refused to answer questions about whether he still asserted a certain newspaper editor had been treated fairly when it came to handicap allocations.
New player Oliver Tata produced the gross round of the morning with a 43 off the stick to be the real scintillating Sunday success story.
Another new player, Luke Marston, made his presence felt by claiming the men’s long drive, while the everconsistent Viv Chan took home the women’s honours with the big stick.
Beth Dall was the recipient of the weekly Hoffman’s gong, while the pin prize went begging on the 9th hole.
Golfers will take on the back nine on 7 September, with the first group teeing off from about 6:45am as they attempt to drown out Dall war stories.
There are few bragging rights in the angling world like sailfish bragging rights, and they will be on the line when teams contest the 2025 Carpentaria Marine Services Weipa Billfish Tournament in October.
Dawnbusters runner-up Jim Lucas asks Jon “Secret Scorebook” Dall for a look at the results after the Sunday morning stalwart notched up another win on 31 August.
Cooktown swimmer reaches for sponge ahead of national stage
A BUCKET and a sponge are not the most conventional training tools for a swimmer preparing to represent their state on the national stage, but one Cooktown athlete is hoping they –along with a bit of elbow grease – will help fund her dream in the pool.
Ten-year-old Maiika Hegamaea has been selected to represent Queensland in the 200 metre individual medley at the 2025 School Sport Australia Swimming Championships in Ballarat from 25-29 October.
But before she heads south chasing national swimming glory, Hegamaea will hold a car wash at Cooktown Hardware on 13 September to help cover the cost of travelling more than 3,000 kilometres for representative honours.
The soapy fundraiser will be held from 8:30am-12:30pm next Saturday, with sedans and hatchbacks $15, and larger cars and four-wheel drives $20.
The young swimming star said she was thrilled to have been selected to don maroon at the championships, adding she was hoping a few unconventional vehicles made their way to the car wash.
“I’d love to wash a truck again,” she said after her and her fellow Cooktown Amateur Swimming Club (CASA) members tackled a prime mover at their last car wash fundraiser.
“I’m very excited because this will be my first time swimming at a national event; I have never been to Victoria, and I have never been outside of Queensland; I would love to visit Melbourne Zoo when I’m down there.”
“I am also excited because it is an Olympic-size pool.”
CASA president Melissa Gunton said Hegamaea had
received strong support from Cooktown businesses and clubs to help her realise her representative potential.
“Luckily for Maiika, she has the backing of the community,” she said.
“Some businesses have donated prizes for a raffle, and the Lions Club and RSL have given her donations to help get her there.”
SPORT IN BRIEF
Weipa touch results
CAN’T Touch This had the biggest turnaround of form when teams took to the paddock for week three of the Weipa Touch Association finals on 27 August.
After going down in week two, the team rallied to produce a stunning 28-nil result against Weipa Weapons.
The OGs trumped Villains 6-nil, while Pisswrecks had an easy 10-nil win after Untouchables forfeited.
Scrambled Legs and Lacking Stamina played out a 9-7 result, with Top End Taggers tasting success after defeating Cheers for Beers 13-6.
In the final game of the week, Cape Candies chalked up a narrow 7-6 win against Res Strong.
Aurukun laces up
PARTICIPANTS from Weipa’s running community are expected to make the journey south to Aurukun for its annual River to Ramp fun run later this month.
Aurukun Shire Council has announced the event, which will have the option of a 7-kilometre run or 3.5km walk, will be held on 27 September.
River to Ramp aims to encourage community members to lead healthier lives through physical activity.
Registrations for the event open on 8 September.
For more information, keep an eye on the council website at www.aurukun.qld. gov.au.
Lucas fails to fire on return
EDDY “Ant-Man” Tiemens didn’t let insects or returning adventurer Jim Lucas distract him when he claimed a Wackers victory from a big field on 23 golfers on 27 August. Tiemens recorded 49/30.5 around the front nine, with Helen Sabatino (42/31) taking runner-up honours on countback from Leeroy Ahmat, who carded a personal best gross round of 44.
“She can swim anywhere from 2.5- 3.7km in the hour session, and is averaging 17.5km per week,” Ms Gunton said.
In addition to wielding the sponge and bucket in preparation for the national showdown, Hegamaea has also increased her time in the pool from two to seven sessions per week, swimming at least 100 laps (2.5km) each session.
Paiwan Lui took the pin prize on the 7th hole, with Hari Ginate leaving Carpentaria Golf Club with the weekly Bradman’s.
