Jacqueline Keppel and Chantelle Walmbeng remain in high spirits despite the challenging adventure journey component of the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. The pair represents half of the four youth leaders from Aurukun and Napranum motivating others to put themselves out of their comfort zone and build self-confidence. Meet our inspiring youth leaders on Page 7.
Island death
Mayor extends shire’s sympathy
CAPE York has reached out to the family of the 80-yearold Sydney woman who died on Lizard Island.
Suzanne Rees was reported missing hours after the Coral Adventurer cruise ship visited the island on Saturday, 25 October. A search recovered her body on the island the following morning. “I extend my sincerest con-
dolences to the woman’s family, friends and those affected by this tragedy,” Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes said on behalf of the community. – Continued page 2 The Coral
Facebook.
Photo: Supplied.
Adventurer cruise ship has returned to Cairns. Photo:
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A HANDFUL of Lockhart River residents reported their beds and doors shook when an earthquake struck near the town last Monday night.
One resident said he was watching TV with his wife when the bed started moving for about three to four seconds. He described it as light shaking.
“It was like someone rocked it [the bed] back and forward,” the resident reported on seismology website www.volcanodiscovery.com
Another resident described it as very weak shaking.
“It felt [like] someone pushed me sideward.”
He confirmed his wife felt the tremor. He then phoned his brother who also felt the shaking.
Other residents from Lockhart River described “vertical swinging, rattling and vibrating”.
“I was lying in my bed and
mograph network of RaspberryShake, also reported the quake at magnitude 3.8.
Based on the preliminary seismic data, it reported the quake should not have caused significant damage but was probably felt by many in the area of the epicentre as light vibration.
Outside of Lockhart River, very weak shaking was reported from 107 km south of the epicentre in Coen.
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felt my body and the bed shake up and down then looked at the door also shaking,” one report said.
Another shocked resident said he didn’t realise what had just happened until his mother phoned to confirm it had been an earthquake.
Seismology experts in Australia and around the globe recorded the 3.7 magnitude
earthquake 35 km southwest of Lockhart River at 8:31 pm on Monday 27 October.
According to Geoscience Australia (GeoAu), the earthquake hit at a shallow depth of 6.2 miles (10 km).
A second report from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) listed the quake at magnitude 3.8. A third agency, the citizen-seis-
Most reports on seismology sites came from Brisbane (10 reports) and amazingly 2463 km south of the epicentre in Sydney (two). All 12 of these reports described the shaking intensity as light.
No reports were received from Weipa (138 km from the epicentre), Aurukun (154 km), Bamaga (246 km), Pormpuraaw (265 km), Thursday Island (284 km), Kowanyama (312 km), Hope Vale (336 km) or Cooktown (360 km).
Mayor reaches out at ‘sensitive time’
– Continued from page 1
“This is a sensitive time and I extend my appreciation to those agencies in the ongoing investigation.
“I encourage anyone wanting information to contact the Queensland Police Service.”
Ms Rees had been on a group hiking tour to the island’s Cook’s Look summit but did not return to the ship. Unaware the woman had not reboarded, the ship departed the area in the early evening.
The ship turned back after reaching waters off Cape Melville National Park shortly before 9 pm when crew realised the passenger was not on board.
Emergency services, including Nautilus Aviation helicopters, were called just before midnight.
The 60-day cruise started in Cairns on Friday morning, 24 October. Initially heading to Darwin, the trip has now been cancelled and the ship turned around back to Cairns.
The vessel reportedly stayed near Thursday Island while passengers packed to leave.
The Coral Adventurer forms part of the Coral Expeditions fleet.
Chief executive officer of Coral Expeditions, Mark Fifield, said the company strived to deliver high-quality experiences for its guests.
“It was increasingly apparent, given the circumstances of the last week, we could not deliver on this promise,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Queensland Police and the
state coroner are investigating the incident. Police initially said the death was being treated as “sudden and non-suspicious”.
In a statement released on Saturday, AMSA said it had “issued a notice to the Master of Coral Adventurer prohibiting the embarkation of any new passengers”. AMSA officers plan to attend the vessel in Cairns.
According to the Coral Expeditions website, the Coral Adventurer was launched in April 2019 as a tropical expedition ship purpose-designed to access remote wilderness shores in Australia and internationally often inaccessible to large cruise vessels.
The 94.5-metre ship, with a 46-member crew on board, carries a maximum of 120 passengers.
Art Fair Showcase Artisans Showcase (Art Market)
A 3.7 magnitude earthquake struck 35 km southwest of Lockhart River on Monday 27 October. Image: Volcano Discovery.
Native Title decision ‘bittersweet’
Daughter reflects proudly on father’s lasting legacy
by CHISA HASEGAWA
AN element of grief and loss accompanied the recent Native Title celebration for Traditional Owners.
Eleven years after the Cape York United #1 Claim was filed, Guugu Yimidhirr, Yiithuwarra and Wuthathi people were declared rightful custodians of their traditional lands at the Federal Court hearing in Cooktown on 23-24 October.
But many who started the process did not live to see their hard work come to light.
The court decision marked a bittersweet day for Rickii-Lee Woibo. The Guugu Yimidhirr Traditional Owner stood without her father, an original land champion whose passion ultimately resulted in one of Australia’s largest Native Title processes.
“He passed before the [Cape York United #1 Claim] was lodged, so it was really mixed emotions for me,” she said.
“My dad didn’t really spend much time at home because he was out doing meetings and doing what he loved to do.
“He put everything into it because he loved what he did. It was through him passing away that I actually saw it for myself; it was a connection between me and him.”
Ms Woibo took on her father’s battle for traditional land reclamation, joining him at the Cape York Land Council in 2008 to fight alongside him.
She currently serves as one of the board of directors in Cooktown and works for Cape York Institute, dedicating her life to leading and supporting her community as she continues her father’s legacy.
“It’s good to have that connection back to Country, especially when you’ve been taken away, to find out for yourself you are connected to somewhere,” she said.
“It’s in regards to empowering our own mob. It’s making them believe in themselves that you don’t have to follow generational trauma ... and it’s a matter of how you do that, and what’s the support network.
“Whether it’s creating economic development or having connection to Country, [the Native Title determination] empowers the younger generation that there is life out there, and they have this massive land they’re connected to.”
Ms Woibo said she wished her father was alive to witness the determination and see his people recognised, but was happy to be surrounded by family and fellow First Na-
tions people who had all been working towards the same goal.
“[The determination] wasn’t only for the Guugu Yimidhirr people, but it was also for the Yiithuwarra people as well,” she said.
“They’ve been fighting the fight just as long as the Guugu Yimidhirr people have. So to actually share the day with them was, you could say, bittersweet.
“Having my family around, my dad’s siblings, his nephews and nieces, my cousins, was also bittersweet because he was the one fighting for it back then.
“For my mum and her sisters, it was a really proud moment because my mum’s mum was always pushing for her kids and grandkids to have that connection because she didn’t have that.”
Chief Justice Debra Mortimer and Guugu Yimidhirr Traditional Owner Rickii-Lee Woibo. Photo: Supplied.
Rickii-Lee Woibo stands alongside descendants of great-grandmother Lizzy Big Jack at the Cooktown Native Title hearing. Photo: Supplied.
More health centres follow Pormpuraaw
ADDITIONAL health facilities are on the drawing board across the Cape following news of the new $35.4 million Pormpuraaw Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) taking shape ( Cape York Weekly , 28 October).
New upgrades are planned for the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area and Cape York as part of the State Government’s ongoing health infrastructure development program.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) acting chief executive Michael Catt said wide-reaching plans were in place.
“In the longer term, under the Building Rural and Remote Health Program, funding will be provided to develop business cases for six new, updated or expanded primary health care centres at Bamaga, and on Badu, Boigu and Horn islands, as well as at Laura and Lockhart River,’’ he said.
“Preliminary planning and community consultation already is under way for these projects.
“A further two primary health care centres at St Paul’s and Kubin communities on Moa Island are also planned to be upgraded under the separate Queensland Health Sustaining Capital Program, aimed at im-
proving, renewing or replacing ageing assets.”
Work to complete the complex lining of the external walls as well as the general internal fi tout is now under way at the Pormpuraaw centre.
Based in Weipa, the Western Cape Centre Limited (WCCL) is a Company limited by guarantee. The Company sits within the overall governance framework of the WCCCA Trusts structure however it is a separate and distinct legal entity from the Main Trust and the Western Cape Communities Property Trust.
The WCCL currently primarily manages the business of the use, maintenance and management of the Western Cape Centre based at Rocky Point in Weipa.
The WCCL is responsible for ensuring that the operation of the facility are commercially sound through the activities of meeting venue hire, provision of office and residential accommodation and the provision of a secure environment for indigenous training. Future commercial activities are planned that the WCCL would also manage.
ADMINISTRATION OFFICER – CULTURAL CENTRE
Reporting to the WCCL Manager/Executive Officer, the Administration Officer – Cultural Centre provides daily cultural and administrative support to the Manager. This role is responsible for assisting with the Cultural Awareness Training program, liaising with Indigenous employees, and assisting at the Western Cape Cultural Centre as required.
We anticipate that applicants will have a minimum four (4) years of experience in an administration based role, demonstrated experience in providing high level customer service, IT knowledge and experience, and a class ‘C’ manual driver’s licence. A minimum Year 12 education and Certificate level qualifications in Business/Administration or higher would be advantageous.
Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply
For further information including a position description contact: Executive Officer PO Box 106
Weipa Qld. 4874 eo@westercape.com.au 07 4069 7945
CLOSING DATE: 5PM Friday 7th November 2025
We reserve the right to interview and close the vacancy prior to the specified closing date.
Lainie handed reins to drive growth
LAINIE Poon has become the full-time face to drive collaboration for economic growth across Far North Queensland.
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North appointed Ms Poon chief executive officer after serving as interim CEO for the past seven weeks.
Ms Poon said she was passionate about helping the region to speak with one voice.
“I will progress our Tropical North Economic Development Strategy pathways, provide support to achieve shared regional outcomes, and ensure Indigenous partic-
ipation is embedded into our regional development practices,” she said.
“Far North Queensland punches well above its weight – every day I am inspired by the innovators, entrepreneurs and community leaders who are driving our region forward with passion, determination and grit.
“My focus is on supporting these changemakers to amplify their impact and ensure the region’s collective voice is heard where it matters most.”
Ms Poon said she looked forward to continuing to work closely with the RDA chair
and board to further goals particularly around Indo-Pacific opportunities, regional water security, industry development and regional collaboration.
RDA Tropical North chair Hurriyet Babacan announced Ms Poon’s appointment at the organisation’s October board meeting.
“Lainie has been an integral part of the RDA Tropical North team for the past six years, joining as office manager in 2019 and progressing to Executive Services and Business Development manager before becoming Relationships manager four years ago,” she said.
“Her proven track record in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and regional economic development has been central to Lainie’s role in leading stakeholder collaboration and public relations for our independent organisation.”
She said among Lainie’s key achievements was the creation and delivery of the State of the Region Roadshow, now in its second year of collaborating with other regional stakeholders to provide economic development resources and connection across five local government areas.
Work continues inside the new Pormpuraaw centre, the next of several community health facilities to come. Photo: Supplied.
Lainie Poon with RDA Tropical North chair Hurriyet Babacan. Photo: Supplied.
Seisia team bags
ute-full of rubbish
Wet season dampener now approaches
by CHISA HASEGAWA
WITH another wet season onslaught of debris fast approaching, a young leader in Seisia has committed to keeping her community’s beach clean year-round after a statewide effort to protect the Great Barrier Reef from plastic pollution.
Talei Elu invited Seisia residents to do their part for the 2025 Great Barrier Reef Clean-up.
By the end of the day on 25 October, the Seisia group had collected enough debris to fill a ute tray.
“Water bottles, squid lures, a lot of marine rope and fishing lines – those were the usual culprits,” Ms Elu said.
“There was also a lot of smaller, disintegrated microplastics – the type where you try to pick it up and it just disintegrates in your hand.
“I always try to get as much as I can, even if it includes me picking up some of the sand with that because they’re probably the ones getting into our ecosystem and contributing the microplastics in marine life and animals.”
After the event, Ms Elu committed to organising a small beach clean-up at the end of every month except December.
She said the wet season would again fill the beachfront with debris.
“In wet season, the tides are much higher, the storm surges are more intense, so a lot of marine debris comes with those storm surges that wash everything back up onto the beach,” she said.
“Even though we’re cleaning the beach now, come December, January, February, all the plastic will be back.
“This is why it has to be consistent. Otherwise, if we don’t get it early enough, it will disintegrate being left out in the sun for ages and get into the ecosystem.”
She encouraged everyone to continue playing their small part, even outside of official clean-up events.
“Me and my family collect every time we go down to the beach just around where we gather,” Ms Elu said.
“I know a local family here, their kids do the PickUp3, a thing they learn in school that if you even pick up three pieces of rubbish, that helps.
“I think people are pretty proactive when they see something they know shouldn’t be there.”
The statewide 2025 Great Barrier Reef Clean-up, a major environmental campaign organised by Tangaroa Blue and Clean Up Australia, involved community-hosted clean-ups at local beaches, rivers and creeks throughout October.
The Seisia community does its part in the 2025 Great Barrier Reef Clean-up, filling up a ute tray with washed-up plastic waste and debris. Photo: Supplied.
The Seisia clean-up formed part of the Tangaroa Blue and Clean Up Australia campaign.
Photo: Tangaroa Blue Foundation
INSPIRING LEADERS
Trekkers take on an adventurous journey
by CHISA HASEGAWA
YOUTH leadership in Aurukun and Napranum has been boosted after four young trekkers completed the adventure journey component of their Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) Bronze Award.
The DoE aims to provide Australians aged 14-24 years with the opportunity to uncover their purpose, passion and place in the world.
The three levels, bronze, silver and gold, each consist of four components: physical recreation, skills, voluntary service and adventurous journey. Gold award participants are also required to take on the Gold Residential Project.
Aurukun police liaison officers (PLO) and PCYC youth leaders
Chantelle Walmbeng and Jacqueline Keppel completed the journey in Yeppoon with blistered feet and high spirits.
Each day, the pair made breakfast, packed their backpacks and hiked about five to seven kilometres.
At the end of each day, they
set up their tent, cooked dinner on the small gas cookers and sat around the fire yarning before resting.
Chantelle and Jacqueline started their DoE journeys in 2023 through the PCYC.
With the adventure journey now complete, Chantelle has fulfilled the necessary hours to receive her DoE Bronze Award in Brisbane on 6 November.
Jacqueline is following closely behind with just a few hours remaining in the physical recreation and skills components.
PCYC Aurukun manager Sergeant Steve Armstrong-Ravula said the DoE had helped both young women develop their leadership skills in the community.
“The last few years, I have watched them both excel in a lot of different ways with their leadership – the Duke of Edinburgh is just one of many areas they have put their focus into,” he said.
“The main thing is for youth to be busy, and hopefully busy doing things that are giving them qualifications or benefitting their life in good ways.”
Two young men from PCYC Napranum’s youth leadership team also completed the adventure journey in Bornhoffen on the Gold Coast, inspiring their peers as two of the first to do so.
“ Troy [Hudson] and Maurice [Brumby] are the first bronze award participants to complete their adventurous journey with Napranum PCYC and have proven how successful the Duke of Edinburgh framework is for personal development,” PCYC Napranum Youth Club officer Emma Wallis said.
“As role models, Troy and Maurice have demonstrated to the younger generation what is possible, helping others to believe they can do it too.”
Troy watches confidence grow
THE experiences of two young leaders in Napranum and Aurukun have been chosen to represent the Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) International Award program in Brisbane this week.
Troy Hudson and Chantelle Walmbeng will speak about their journey towards earning the Bronze DoE Award at the Duke of Edinburgh Ambassador Gala on 6 November.
Troy, from Napranum, started the award program in February this year to take on new challenges –and the benefits have been noticeable.
“I feel my confidence has grown and my skills have improved,” he said.
“I have learned more about goal setting and planning, and how to overcome challenges when I am facing them.
“I would recommend this award to people. I think it has really helped me and I’m glad I did it.”
The 15-year-old is some-
thing of a boxing champion in his community, crediting support from Cape York Boxing Weipa, the Clontarf Foundation and PCYC Napranum.
“I really liked being able to do things I already enjoyed and put them towards the award,” he said.
“It was good being able to do my boxing training as part of it.
“This training helped when I competed at the King of the Cape boxing match in Weipa in July. I was very happy when I won my match and that my training had been worth it.”
Troy recently completed the Bronze DoE Award when he finished the adventurous journey component, in which participants are encouraged to explore the outdoors and learn about the environment through an expedition, exploration or adventurous project.
Despite finding it the most challenging, it became his favourite stage –once he completed it!
NEWS IN BRIEF
Reef worth the fight
NEW data shows the Great Barrier Reef, as Australia’s fifth biggest employer, now contributes more than $9 billion each year to the national economy.
The findings were highlighted in a research report released by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, which measured the reef’s economic contribution to Australia.
The report found the World Heritage listed-property now supports 77,000 fulltime equivalent jobs.
Now with an estimated value of $95 billion, the reef has experienced a 69 per cent increase since 2017.
Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith said the local love for the reef was abundant.
“In Far North Queensland, the reef is a massive part of who we are.
“It delivers jobs, it attracts millions of visitors every year and makes for a sensational place to call home.
“We in the Far North take our custodianship of the reef very, very seriously. From rangers to the tourism industry, you will find people from FNQ dedicated to the protection and promotion of Australia’s greatest natural asset.”
Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the findings were encouraging but there was more work to be done.
Noah open for business
A BRIDGE described as a key link between Cape Tribulation, Wujal Wujal and other Daintree communities is again fully open for business.
The 16-tonne load rating for Noah Creek Bridge has been restored after temporary repairs, ensuring heavier delivery trucks can now use the route.
Large, purpose-built, timber girders have been installed on the bridge.
Construction of a new Noah Creek Bridge is set to begin in July 2026.
Tourism fund call TIME’S closing in to apply for up to $300,000, with no co-contribution required, in the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
Applications close on 12 November. Successful applicants will be advised in February 2026.
Guidelines and details about eligible funding projects: www.detsi.qld.gov.au
Chantelle Walmbeng is inspiring youth in Aurukun to take on the Duke of Edinburgh challenge.
Photo: Supplied.
Troy Hudson uses the Duke of Edinburgh Award as an opportunity to improve his art skills with Aunty Marsha Hall. Photo: Supplied.
Future fair inspires Cape’s young learners
A VIBRANT day of exploration and inspiration at Cooktown Events Centre has helped spark curiosity and expand students’ understanding of diverse study and career pathways.
The CUC Cape York Future Students Fair brought together 149 students from years 6 to 12 across five schools – Bloomfield River State School, Holy Spirit College, Hope Vale Campus, Cooktown State School and Endeavour Christian College – for 18 interactive activities on 24 October.
The students were fully engaged in topics from natural and cultural resource management, biosecurity and performing arts to entrepreneurship, medicine, community services, and immersive VR career experiences – some so captivated they barely noticed the call for free pizza!
The fair plays a vital role in connecting young people with opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings. And judging by feedback gathered on the day, many left inspired and eager to learn more about their options.
Country Universities
Centre (CUC) Cape York, part of the national Eastern Australian Regional University Centre Partnership Program (EARUCP), worked alongside local educators, facilitators and community members to deliver the event.
The Cooktown fair provided a shining example of this collaboration – bringing together community strengths, local knowledge, and higher education pathways to support regional and remote students.
CUC Cape York hopes to make the fair an annual event, building on the success of this year’s program to further strengthen connections between education, community, and opportunity across the Cape.
“I’d like to thank everyone who made this day a success,” CUC manager Jenni James said. “From the students and teachers to the exhibitors and volunteers and especially our university partners CQU, JCU and UQ.
“It’s great to hear such positive feedback about an event that your team has put so much effort into.”
Upcoming CUC events
CUC Cape York will next co-host two events this week with Central Queensland University:
• Wednesday 5 November at 5 pm: Career Ready Cooktown focusing on empowering Cooktown’s future workforce by showcasing education and employment pathways for students, their parents and caregivers. • Thursday 6 November at 9am: Open to the general public and current CQU students to learn about pathways to university and the CQU assistance provided to remote students.
“Whether you’re a student exploring your future, a parent supporting career choices, or a business leader looking to engage with emerging talent or upskill your current staff, this event offers valuable connections and practical direction,” Ms James said. Light refreshments will be provided at both events.
Open to the general public with information on pathways (STEPS) into University as well as support whilst you are studying (ALC)
Current CQU students are welcome to attend to learn more about the assistance they can tap into throughout their studies
THURSDAY 6 NOVEMBER 9:00 - 10:00AM Light breakfast provided
Location: CUC Cape York, 100 Charlotte Street, Cooktown S) t k, et,
Samantha Martin the Bush Tukka Woman inspires students with her presentation – and her roo burgers! Photo: Tiannie Otto, CUC Cape York.
University of Queensland travelled to Cooktown to deliver its Tourism Taster and Level Up activities. Photo: Alethea Turner Photography.
Students learn about careers in biosecurity with Michael Zitha from the Department of Primary Industries. Photo: Thaine Mills, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health conducted hands-on sessions to encourage students to consider careers as a nurse or doctor.
Photo: Alethea Turner Photography.
Tony Matchett from Hope Vale Foundation describes the use of AI in farming freshwater prawns. Photo: Alethea Turner Photography.
Quit program targets Closing the Gap
LOCAL health has been given the green light to play its part in a groundbreaking research project to Close the Gap.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) recently received approval to participate in the iSISTAQUIT project, an innovative national education initiative.
“iSISTAQUIT aims to assist practitioners in delivering culturally safe smoking and vaping cessation care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women during pregnancy,” project lead and clinical midwifery consultant, Healthier Pregnancies Initiative, Debbie Bannan said.
“The program supports brief, meaningful point-of-care interventions that preserve the thera-
peutic relationship between clinician and client.”
The voluntary, evidencebased program will assist practitioners to develop the skills to converse with First Nations women who wish to quit smoking or vaping.
iSISTAQUIT will support nicotine replacement therapy available through TCHHS primary health care centres after a successful pilot program championed by Dr Ineke Wever.
Nationally, 8.7 per cent of pregnant women smoke; this rate rises to more than 54 per cent among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
TCHHS also reports higherthan-average rates, which hinder progress towards achieving the Closing the Gap birth weight targets by 2031.
“Tobacco consumption is a leading risk factor in our region,” Dr Wever said.
“It contributes to low birthweight babies, preterm birth, stillbirth and significant morbidity that lasts into childhood.”
To help Close the Gap, practitioners can access iSISTAQUIT online training modules aimed to strengthen clinicians’ skills, confidence and optimism in delivering smoking and vaping cessation care.
The project was expected to roll out to TCHHS in late October.
“Smoking during pregnancy poses serious health risks to both mother and baby, with long-term impacts,” TCHHS executive director of Medical Services, Dr Marlow Coates said.
“It is linked to poorer perinatal outcomes such as low birth weight, small for gestational age, preterm birth, and perinatal death.
Call for council homes
“iSISTAQUIT will support meaningful interventions that preserve the therapeutic relationship between clinician and patient.”
iSISTAQUIT facts
• The research project is evidence based, voluntary, and designed to equip healthcare professionals with culturally informed resources to reduce the rates of smoking in pregnancy.
• It includes training on smokerlyzers, which measure CO2 levels on the breath and help with quitting smoking.
• iSISTAQUIT training is a self-paced, four-hour online program.
THE next tranche of funding under the $12.5 million Scheme Supply Fund is calling for grant submissions to further boost housing affordability.
It follows the recent approved round of funding which included Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the fund was helping councils to deliver critical housing for Queenslanders by resetting planning partnerships with local governments and scrapping red tape.
Visit www.planning.qld.gov.au
Have an energy initiative?
CAPE not-for-profit groups can now apply for grants of up to $10,000 from the 2026 Ergon-Energex Community Fund.
Ergon Energy Network is looking for initiatives that will make a lasting difference, including projects to boost the resilience and recovery of communities impacted by cyclones, floods and bushfires.
Area manager Katrina Lennon is encouraging grassroots groups to submit big ideas or simple solutions. “This year we supported a diverse range of community initiatives from Thursday Island to Toowong,” she said.
Apply online at www.ergon.com. au/network/our-commitment/in-thecommunity/community-fund
More than 54 per cent of pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women smoke. Photo: lilartsy.
iSISTAQUIT TCHHS champions Debbie Bannan, Michelle O’Connor and Ingrid Bertwistle. Photo: Supplied.
Rossville roars for Lions Den 150th
IT was uncertain whether the Lions Den Hotel would make it to its 150th birthday after Tropical Cyclone Jasper, but the community roared in resilience when the iconic venue celebrated the milestone anniversary.
The historic pub was full of life and laughter on 17-19 October as guests ate their body weight in food and cake, and partied to local live music all day and night.
“I give everyone 110 per cent on organising the 150th celebrations,” manager Linda Paradise said.
“It was Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and there was not one minute of those three days that there was nothing happening.
“There were competitions, games, auctions, fishing, a birthday cake, and music from 12 o’clock right through to when we closed at nighttime.”
After the weekend-long party was over and locals retreated for a much-needed rest, Ms Paradise reflected on what it took to keep the hotel alive after the flooding disaster of December 2023.
“We were completely wiped out – all that was standing was the roof, the walls and the floor, everything was just under mud. So that
was a complete rebuild for the Lions Den,” she said.
“It’s taken Judy [the owner] a lot to rebuild the hotel for the people; we just could not walk away from it because of its status as an iconic hotel and with the 150th celebrations that were coming up.
“The community all pulled together, they all came and helped and we really appreciated it. Day by day, it got cleaner and cleaner.”
The Annan River flood in 2023 temporarily closed the hotel but, spearheaded by a Rossville and Helenvale community effort, it reopened on Australia Day 2024 in a reduced capacity.
“The pub filled up like a bucket with holes,” publican Judy Fry told the Cape York Weekly last month.
“Every ceiling in the back part of the building was gone and we had to redo all the ceilings in the pub; in the kitchen, everything had to go out.”
More than three metres of water gushed through the hotel. A massive cleanup and million-dollar rebuild followed and the landmark hotel fully reopened for business five months later.
Jack Ross and his wife Annie founded the pub in 1875. Various stories about its name exist, including a claim it was named after the Lions Den tin mine in the area.
Seniors in saris celebrate Diwali Cooktown-style
COOKTOWN seniors celebrated Diwali, India’s biggest holiday of the year, in captivating style – amid lights, saris and belly dancing.
Organised by Cooktown District Community Centre’s 60 and Better support worker Chanelle Oldakre, 50 guests closed Seniors Month 2025 with a slice of South Asian culture on 23 October.
An avid traveller, Ms Oldakre recently visited India and experienced the festival, a celebration of light over darkness and good over evil.
“It was the lights that intrigued me. I wanted to share with everybody a little bit of what I experienced of India,” she said.
“Seniors Month is to appreciate seniors, so I went and did something a bit special and a bit different.”
Under the beautiful light display at Ms Oldakre’s home, guests in colourful traditional wear enjoyed an evening filled with cultural food, music and dance with local belly dancers Hot Flushes.
The day prior, the group members also participated in a morning tea and workshop where they learned how to make Indian jewellery and crafts.
“Even though I run 60s and Better every week, it’s important to do something special during Seniors Month,” Ms Oldakre said.
“This month, we’ve not only had the Diwali night, we’ve also been on the Riverbend Cruises boat trip and [we had] grandparents day on the 31st.”
What’s in a name? History runs deep at the Lions Den. Photo: Supplied.
Chanelle Oldakre’s holiday in India inspired a Diwali celebration in Cooktown to close Seniors Month 2025. Photo: Supplied.
Cooktown resident Hazel Moore gets colourful
sparkly
India’s festival of lights. Photo: Supplied.
Rossville put on its best historic garb for the Lions Den Hotel 150th anniversary celebration. Photo: Supplied.
Amazing Napranum kids celebrate Children’s Week
By CHISA HASEGAWA
PLENTY of smiling faces shone as PCYC Napranum celebrated Children’s Week with its third Amazing Race event.
Traditionally held during Child Protection Week in September, this year’s race on 23 October was filled with teamwork, fun and of course, food.
Youth support service coordinator Molly Wilkinson said the club was full of laughter and excitement as the children made their way to the finish line, where Scoopy Snacks was waiting with well-deserved ice creams for all.
“The Amazing Race included several challenges that encouraged young people to work together in pairs to overcome obstacles,” she said.
“Some of the activities were a three-legged obstacle course, pancake-eating competition, marshmallow tower building, the chocolate game, lolly pong, and the water bucket challenge.”
Several community stakeholders attended the event to join in on the fun, including Clontarf Foundation, Stars Foundation, Western Cape College, Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council, Weipa Community Care Association, and Weipa Child Safety.
“Highlighting children’s achievements and bringing stakeholders together for events like this is important in our community. It gives children the opportunity to be seen
and valued as active members of the community,” Ms Wilkinson said.
“Their interactions with families, community members, and external stakeholders during events like these show the importance of making chil-
dren feel heard and able to express themselves.
“Ongoing engagement between PCYC and stakeholders is important to meet the evolving needs and priorities of our youth.”
When: Friday 21st November 2025
Where: Mossman Bowls Club 4-8 Johnston Road MOSSMAN QLD 4873
Time: 10:30AM If you have any questions please contact Jabalbina
Phone: (07) 4098 3552 or 4079 2430
Email: reception@jabalbina.com.au
Office: 15 Sawmill Road MOSSMAN Q 4873
Postal: PO Box 463, Mossman Q 4873
Each year Children’s Week highlights the rights, achievements and needs of children across Australia.
The 2025 theme, Everyone should know about Children’s Rights, was observed from 18-26
October through various community activities to promote awareness of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
See more photos on our website: www.capeyorkweekly.com.au/
Amazing Race participants at PCYC Napranum celebrate young people’s rights and talents during Children’s Week 2025. Photos: Supplied.
Shykeisha Budby-Wapau, Rocklen Kris and Shanaya-Tae Asera.
Siri Kusu, Western Cape College Year 1 teacher Georgia Stoddart and David Clermont. Rodney Wapau.
Gallena Kris and Arianna Miskin.
Kio Wapau, Ambrose Clermont and Stephen Parry.
YOU NEVER STOP LEARNING World Teachers’ Day: Cape educators reflect
By CHISA HASEGAWA
WHETHER at the beginning, middle or end of their careers, the hard-working, committed teachers who ensure our remote kids get the best education possible deserve a big thank you.
This World Teachers’ Day, on 31 October, Cape York Weekly spoke to schools across the region about the passionate educators who shape young lives each and every day.
Two educators – one recently retired principal, the other a first-year teacher –shared their stories.
After 45 years in the education industry, Lakeland State School principal Ruth Ernst retired at the end of last year but still fondly looks back on the connections she’s made with students.
For almost half a decade, Ms Ernst dedicated herself to small schools in remote communities. But she said the five years at Lakeland had been the highlight of her career.
“Working in Lakeland
was the best time of my career,” she said.
“Working in the small community with such a supportive community and wonderful children, it was a very enriching time for me.
“Children were helping each other learn and looking after one another ... interactions with those children brought me so much joy.”
Ms Ernst said although resourcing was always a challenge in remote schools, setting realistic expectations and a little creative problem-solving were key.
“If you expect there to be the new of everything, the most up-to-date, then you’re going to be disappointed going into a remote area because those things won’t necessarily be there,” she said.
“If you’re prepared to work from what is there, that demonstrates to children and the community that you can connect with the life they have.
“It’s knowing the children, knowing their world, working from that and allowing them to make connections from their world to things that are more ab-
stract in their understanding.”
She encouraged everyone to appreciate and respect their teachers, who notoriously worked far more hours than they were paid for.
“I’ve been very fortunate I have always had the respect of community; and the appreciation for what I did for students was expressed by parents and community,” she said.
“I can’t speak for other teachers, but my understanding is that many feel they’re not appreciated. There seems to be a belief that the amount of time needed to complete work is not understood.
“To be a good teacher, your brain basically never switches off, which is not good wellbeing for teachers. It’s very difficult to find that balance.
“The number of teachers I’ve become aware of leaving the profession... I’m unsure how schools are going to be staffed and class sizes kept to a small number. That’s definitely a concern.”
‘Good morning Mr Downes’
TAKING lessons from the past, enter the future of education. Western Cape College (WCC) teacher Declan Downes moved to Weipa for his first teaching role at the beginning of the year and has fallen in love with the remote community.
After studying in Cairns, Mr Downes said he now had the opportunity to wear many hats and take on new challenges in his resource-limited setting.
“The reason I made the move to remote was the opportunity to test and grow my capabilities as an educator,” he said.
“So far, this has been the case. I’ve had to learn a new teaching discipline, maths, because my university specialisations were in science and humanities.
“I have [also] had the opportunity to step into
student support roles where I utilise the traumainformed practice I have grown since moving.”
Mr Downes said although taking on new specialities had been a challenge, the support and collaboration from fellow staff helped him through.
“At first this was challenging. However, I soon realised the wealth and skills within WCC, where I have been able to understand the curriculum and contextualise this to the students in my classroom,” he said.
“This adds another reason to the ever-growing list of things I love about being a teacher at WCC. Knowing the staff in this school hold a united front in supporting and sharing their skills and knowledge in the aim to provide high-level education to the contemporary learners at WCC.”
St Joseph’s Parish School teachers celebrate World Teachers’ Day with a special morning tea. Photo: Supplied.
Northern Peninsula Area State College celebrates its teachers across the three campuses: Bamaga Senior Campus, Bamaga Junior Campus, and Injinoo Junior Campus. Photo: Supplied.
Endeavour Christian College teachers bring the fun to education as part of their World Teachers’ Day celebration. Photo: Supplied.
Western Cape College shows appreciation for its Weipa educators. Photo: Supplied.
Deep connections with students kept Ruth Ernst in remote schools for 45 years. Photo: Supplied.
Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page
Fit the numbers 1-6 once into every hexagon so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers are the same. No number is repeated in any single hexagon.
A massive thank you to Crew, Volunteers and all who supported this year’s festival. Without you, this event couldn't happen!
Carol Gavin and Family
Cook Shire Council
Cooktown Food and Ice Services
Australian Government
Queensland Government
Rossville Retreat
G. & M. Civil
Mooks
Lion's Den Hotel
Barry Reddell
Lotsa Print
CDCC
Lure Shop Tackleworld
Beet and Sascha Rothlisberger
Ian and Carol McKinna
Earth Building FNQ
Krystal Symes
Cape York Weekly
Third Stage Sound
RASN
Gungarde Aboriginal Corporation
Cooktown Hardware
Mark Berg
ProGig
Cooktown Bakery
Steffi - Red Valley Mushrooms
See you next year!
Cooktown record breakers
By CHISA HASEGAWA
SOVEREIGN Resort Hotel Barramundi
Fishing Competition celebrated another record-breaking year as 1076 anglers went head to head for a new tinny in Cooktown.
Kerisca Woibo secured bragging rights and the Quintrex 460 Renegade SC as the adult winner with her 3.0-kilogram barra, which weighed in closest to the mystery weight of 3.33 kilograms.
Christmas came early for six-year-old Cheyse Ross, who was named the 12 and under category winner and new owner of a Quintrex F370 Yamaha 15 with a 3.35 kg effort.
Sovereign Resort Hotel general manager Rachael Webber said it was great to see the event grow each year since starting a decade ago with 82 competitors.
“It’s Sovereign’s day of giving back to the community and opening our doors for everyone to enjoy the resort for the day,” she said.
“The next one is the 10th one. We missed a year because of COVID, so next year will be the big one.”
Ms Webber said conditions on 24-26 October were challenging for anglers, but many barramundi were submitted for the weigh-in.
“A lot of people said it was very hard fishing,” she said.
“Tides weren’t great and the weather put the barra off; still a lot weighed in, but it was hard work to catch them.”
2025 Sovereign Resort Hotel Barramundi Fishing Competition RESULTS
Kids 12 and under
1st: Cheyse Ross
2nd: Karhliel Woibo
3rd: Kisha Woibo
4th: Garrgiil McLean
5th: Nhyron Ford Ross
Adults 13 and over
1st: Kerisca Woibo
2nd: Cameron Byrne
3rd: Archer Giese
4th: Monica Ross
5th: Blake Nevins
Heaviest barra
Kids: Rivah Bowen
Adults: Farzana Woibo
Most fish weighed in kids
Liam Lee Chue and Savannah Lemon (three barra, one mangrove jack)
Dawnies primed for title tilt
FIFTY Dawnbuster Sundays, 716 individual games, 36,724 strokes of the ball hit by 66 players throughout the season culminates in the 13-hole Dawnbuster Championships this Sunday 9 November.
Dawnies look forward to seeing all members who have supported Dawnbusters throughout the season with the back nine’s 13 holes in play starting at about 6:15 am.
As players primed for the season finale, a smaller field of 13 lined up in incessantly hot conditions at Carpentaria Golf Club last Sunday.
Scott Andrews continued with his rollercoaster of scores, hitting the low of 43 off the stick following the previous week’s high of 55 for nine holes. But it wasn’t enough to take out the day, won by Oliver Tata.
Olly hit 39 off the stick to clinch the win, seven shots better than his score posted one week earlier and his best to date since returning to Dawnbusters. Olly also reached the 10-game milestone, automatically qualifying him for the Dawnbuster Championships – A Grade naturally!
Leroy Ahmat again missed out on the illusive Dawnbuster polo shirt, finishing with the Bridesmaid title for the third time this season.
Kate Kennett, playing her last game for Dawnies having accepted a transfer to windier pastures, completed her swansong by stealing the Hoffmans trophy from Beth Dall with a clear six-stroke advantage.
Dawnies thank Kate and her other half Steve “Pom” for tending the grill plate on Dawnbuster mornings, knocking out her culinary take on the bacon and egg burger, “Kate’s Cremations”.
Unfazed by the theft, Beth rallied to win the women’s longest drive.
It was the men’s turn to leave the longest drive uncontested; none of the 10 male entrants kept their drives on the 10th fairway. Brandon Warratini, who secretly confessed he has shipped in a case of new experimental golf balls to help him with a championship win this week, won nearest the pin.
Young Cheyse Ross celebrates a new tinny with resort manager Dave Webber. Photos: Supplied.
Beers are already on board for adult winner Kerisca Woibo and her partner.
Adult category top 5 Cameron Byrne, Archer Giese, Blake Nevins, Monica Ross and Kerisca Woibo.
Kids winners Kisha Woibo, Nhyron Ford Ross, Karhliel Woibo and Garrgiil McLean.
What a catch: Thomas and Justin Cabrall.
Saddle up for Cooktown colour
by CHISA HASEGAWA
COOKTOWN will be chockfull of horse racing enthusiasts and bold fashionistas when the 151st Annual Cooktown Races jump on Saturday.
The six-race program on 8 November will bring thousands of locals and visitors together to place their bets, try for best-dressed in the field, run in the footrace for cash and party to live entertainment.
Cooktown Amateur Turf Club president and Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes said the event and town’s economy had been met with fantastic support.
“Corporate area tickets sold out within a few weeks with many requests for upgrades that we are unable to make a reality,” she said.
“Accommodation shortages are having an impact on patrons wanting to travel to Cooktown for the event.
“Cooktown is pretty much booked out.”
Patrons are reminded to change up the garb for this
year’s event, which will embrace vibrancy with a Bold Summer theme for The Seaview Fashions on the Field (FOTF).
Returning judge and Seaview owner Kate Fraser said she has been involved with FOTF for almost 30 years since her aunt sponsored the event as the Seaview owner in the 1990s.
“It is a bold call to move
away from the traditionally conservative race wear theme, pastels, black and white and tailored, but that is what makes this year’s event so exciting,” she said.
“I can honestly say that just when you think you have seen the best of Cooktown’s fashionistas and wonder how the next year will stack up, our colourful fashion-for-
Arthur gets his just desserts
YOUNG competitor Arthur Campbell moved into veteran status on Saturday when he notched his 25th Weipa parkrun.
And what else do you do after hitting a milestone in the 5 km event? Eat cake, of course!
Arthur (30:05) finished ninth overall in the 43-strong field on 1 November.
Four runners recorded personal bests in the 443rd edition – runner-up Jason
Smith (24:26), Adam McCluand (30:16), Inyika Nadredre (31:56) and John Whitty (33:24).
Three first-timers competed: Mike Fordham, Cooper Fogarty and Ashleigh Lievore. Joshua Stanek (23:22) won the day; first female Kathleen Love (24:48) finished third overall.
Volunteers again made the event possible: Camille Freiberg, Denica Bowden, Fiona Dyer, De -
bra Hamilton, Julie Dore, Shane Dore, Nanthini Kanthan and Mia Dore.
The full results and a complete event history can be found on the Weipa parkrun results page.
Weipa parkrun is a fun, free event organised by volunteers for the benefit of everyone.
The ever-popular event starts 7 am every Saturday at the hospital roundabout shelter in Nanum.
ward racegoers always come through.
“Whatever the day brings, I am confident this year’s entrants in The Seaview Fashions on the Field will put on a colourful, stylish show. I, for one, will be looking for confidence, creativity and bold summer colours combined with a little magic and je ne sais quoi [a quality that cannot be easily described].”
SPORT IN BRIEF
Familiar name, same C2K challenge ahead
CAPE riders will see a familiar name when they head south to line up for the iconic Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride (C2K) in 2026.
Cardzilla has again been announced as the event’s naming rights sponsor.
Now in its 29th year, the Cardzilla Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride will again see riders journey 780 kilometres from the Coral Sea to the Gulf of Carpentaria.
With preparations now underway, the 2026 event promises another unforgettable adventure for riders and supporters.
Australia’s longest event ride stretches across five shires at the base of Cape York. It’s more than just a ride – it’s a week-long celebration of community, challenge and connection.
Ride at your own pace, take advantage of all-inclusive support: meals, luggage transport and logistics, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery and unbeatable hospitality.
Riders of all experience levels are invited to take part in the 2026 ride, which runs from Saturday, 27 June to Friday, 3 July 2026.
Register now at www.C2KBikeRide.com. au
Wackers beat stormfront
ELEVEN Wackers took on hot afternoon conditions last Wednesday, but the last group beat the wild windy storm that blew through.
Pete Moore won the round with a 48 (nett 35.5). Second place Scott Andrews shot 46 (nett 36.5). Pin shots went to Scott Triffitt on the 15th and Pete Moore on the 18th.
Bradman’s went to Carolyn Head. Horse sports callout
DON’T miss this month’s 2025 Cooktown Horse Sports AGM.
The current committee is standing down and all positions need to be filled.
The annual general meeting at Cooktown Race Track on 19 November starts at 5pm.
