Nine decades ago, Torres Strait Islander workers in the pearl shell industry took a stance against years of racist and restrictive conditions by government officials, leading to the historic 1936 Maritime Strike. Celebrations last week marked the milestone anniversary. For the full story, turn to page 3.
Weipa’s beloved rodeo will return in August after two well-known locals stepped up to fill key committee positions at an eleventh hour meeting last week. Find out who will wear the president’s hat in 2026 on page 5.
by CHISA HASEGAWA
Iraci Ave, Evans Landing Mob: 0429 003 743 Ph: 4069 7183 Fax: 4069 7472
COOKTOWN DEPOT
Cnr of Endeavour Road and McMillan Streets, Cooktown Ph: 0419 759 892
CAIRNS
CAPE York residents passionate about developing their region could be the next voices for their community.
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North is on the lookout for four new board members with expressions of interest for the roles now open.
Board member and Weipa Town Authority elected member Jaime Gane said it would be great to include voices from a variety of areas on Cape York.
“At the moment, I’m the only person representing the Cape, so to have more people from other areas to give that broader regional insight for the Cape would be fabulous,” she said.
“My perspective, obviously, has a strong Weipa and Western Cape focus, but things that impact and affect us also impact and affect all of the other communities on the Cape as well, like the PDR (Peninsula Developmental Road), for example.
“On the Cape, we’re all connected by a lot of shared struggles, so having someone
else on the Cape or even the Torres Strait would be helpful to shine a spotlight on some of the other unique challenges that we face living up here.”
Ms Gane said serving as a board member for an organisation focused on spotlighting the region and championing opportunities could be highly rewarding.
“The people that you work with are wonderful people who are very passionate about the development of Far North Queensland,” she said.
“I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for somebody on the Cape who is passionate about seeing a great future.
“It’s a really great network to be a part of, and to be able to take part in the conversations that help guide the direction for the future of the region.”
She encouraged Cape York leaders with a vision for the region to put their hands up.
“Even though we represent the Cape well with just myself, having that broader representation would de nitely strengthen the case for the focus on the Cape, the opportunities that exist, and also the chance to try and overcome some of the challenges,” she said.
“The rest of the group are already very understanding of the challenges we face up here, and are supportive of it being a key focus of RDA, but the more Cape voices, the better.”
RDA Tropical North CEO Lainie Poon said they were looking to highlight a diverse range of viewpoints.
“They don’t have to be Cairns-based — we certainly encourage people from across our remit to join us, and that
A THURSDAY Island property has hit the market for a cool $7 million – give or take a few hundred thousand.
The 1.28-hectare site on freehold land across two titles is believed to be the northernmost property for sale anywhere in the country, according to commercialrealestate.com.au
On the island’s south-eastern edge, the property is located at Lot 61 & 62 Douglas Street.
Often described locally as a former US Army outpost, the site is understood to be part of a 1943-built naval fuel and wharf installation to support allied operations across the Torres Strait.
The property, longtime home to ferry
business Rebel Marine which provides transfers to nearby islands, includes residential buildings where the company’s staff sleep, older industrial structures, a private slipway, and seafood processing facilities.
The next owner will also take on a 2.3-hectare seabed lease.
The site is zoned Residential 2 higher density and offers redevelopment options, including residential, maritime or industrial outcomes. The leasehold includes the wharf, car park and marine processing plant.
Plans for 30 multi-level luxury apartments on the site were drawn up in 2008 but fell through.
helps us represent the whole region,” she said.
“First Nations people, women, and anyone with a disability are also really important to us, [and] we want to encourage anyone with local expertise across industries to apply.
“More than anything, we want people who are passionate about the region, want to see that economic development, can bring expertise, and want to be actively involved in what’s going on.”
RDA Tropical North Chair Professor Hurriyet Babacan said the role was a career-developing opportunity for people with a deep understanding of the region.
“This is an opportunity to contribute at a strategic level to social and economic development that is inclusive, placebased and future-focused,” she said.
“Our board plays a critical role in facilitating investment, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring regional voices inform decision-making at all levels of government.”
Expressions of interest for the RDA Tropical North Board will close on 8 February.
by CHISA HASEGAWA
IT was a showcase of bravery that changed the nation forever.
Nine decades ago, Torres Strait Islander workers in the pearl shell industry took a stance against years of racist and restrictive conditions by government officials, leading to the historic 1936 Maritime Strike.
It was the first maritime strike in the country to be led by First Nations people, leading to many more fights against injustices, but it has not always received the recognition it deserved.
Ninety years later, the Torres Strait marked the milestone anniversary from 12-16 January with a series of public events organised by Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council (GBK), bringing an air of celebration to Waiben (Thursday Island).
The main proceedings took place on Wednesday 14 January, with a march and commemorative events officiated by Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn AC.
GBK Chair Ned David said the maritime strike was historically overshadowed by the 1937 Masig Conference, a meeting of Torres Strait Islander leaders which led to calls for self-determination and laid the groundwork for future regional governance.
“We’ve never really celebrated the event, because sadly, we’ve focused on that particular meeting in 1937, which is an important part of our history, but this is what made all of that possible,” he said.
“This piece of history got lost; this significant event was talked about, but not celebrated the way it should have been.
“A number of us made speeches today (Wednesday), and we all said the same thing: it’s taken us 89 years to celebrate this occasion, we can’t ignore this anymore, and it needs to be recognised, respected and observed as a critical moment in our history.”
It was years of enduring exploitative labour conditions, racism and government control as the price of survival before it came to a boiling point.
By the early 1930s, the
Queensland Government appointed so-called “protectors”, who legally controlled boats built, operated and owned by Torres Strait Islander people.
Many of the workers were also not paid wages, instead being paid in credit they had to spend in specific stores chosen by the government.
In the lead-up to the strike, protector JD McLean had introduced even more restrictions, including a curfew at night, deciding who would crew each boat, and meddling with the personal finances of Torres Strait Islander pearlers.
In January 1936, while McLean was on a recruitment tour of the islands, pearlers took a stand and refused to work on the boats, even as police started making arrests. At least 30 strikers were imprisoned.
Mr David said he was overwhelmed by the support, with the commemoration hosting people from across the country.
Surprisingly, in the middle of wet season, the sun shone brightly for the celebration — a sign he took as a blessing from ancestors.
“The weather hasn’t been all that friendly for us, but funny enough, today was perfect,” he said.
“It rained here and there, but the sun was out; I think a couple of the people who spoke said it feels like we’re doing the right thing, and it’s our ancestors ensuring the weather didn’t interrupt too much.”
Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith attended the occasion in memory of Australia’s first all-Indigenous strike.
“The Torres Strait Island community, both in Cairns and across the Cape, has given quite a lot in terms of culture, so to be able to come up and celebrate what is such a momentous achievement for this particular part of Australia is a very important part of the job,” he said.
“There is a direct line from the strike in 1936 to the Masig Conference a year later, to Mabo, to the Voice from the Deep (The Masig Statement –Malungu Yangu Wakay).
“It really is the start of Torres Strait Islanders stamping their claim on their identity with the rest of Australia.”
As kids head back to school, the new Queensland Government is delivering back to school relief for families.
There are $200 Play On! Sports Vouchers to help kids play their favourite sport, with heaps of sports to play all across Queensland.
Plus, there’s a $100 Back to School Boost for every primary school student to help cover the cost of school essentials.
by CHISA HASEGAWA
A LONG-TIME Weipa Rodeo lover is ensuring one of the town’s biggest events will go ahead this year after stepping up to lead the charge.
Yasmin Braes was named the rodeo committee’s new president at Thursday’s special general meeting (SGM), which was held after the initial annual general meeting on 8 January failed to fill several key roles.
With executive committee positions left open, the 2026 Weipa Rodeo risked cancellation but Ms Braes, who was a general committee member last year, could not let that happen.
“Weipa has been my home for the last eight years, [and] my family looks forward to the rodeo each year,” she said
“I knew I wanted to help keep the event happening this year.
“I didn’t expect to be president, but I am looking forward to working with all the committee, old and new, to make the 2026 rodeo bigger and better.”
Outgoing president Reuben Slingo said he was pleased to see so much engagement and commitment from the community to keep the rodeo running.
“We had quite a few people reach out and, while some of them maybe didn’t want to take on executive roles, there’s a lot of new people that want to get involved in the rodeo, that have been thinking about it for a few years, and this is their opportunity to jump on board,” he said.
“There was great interest from the community, and it just reinforces how much everyone does love this event, and wants to make sure that it succeeds.
“We were able to fill the positions with some great people, and we had a few new faces attend again, so that’s some more committee members, which is great.”
The SGM also welcomed new secretary Natasha Wellby, who brings with her years of experience as the parent of a bullfighter and secretary on another rodeo committee.
“There’s a heap of renewed energy and interest, and with that brings enthusiasm for the event,” Mr Slingo said.
“New people bring new ideas, which is how you grow.
“It’s always great to have a perspective in the team that you have not yet looked into, so the future is bright.”
by CHISA HASEGAWA
TWO Cape York communities are gearing up to celebrate their top local achievers as the annual Australia Day Awards approach.
The Cooktown event will recognise more nominees than ever before during its award ceremony on 26 January, highlighting the extraordinary contribution of individuals and community groups across the shire.
“The record number of nominations is a powerful reflection of the people who quietly and consistently give their time, energy and care to others,” Cook Shire Council Mayor Robyn Holmes said.
“These awards are about recognising those efforts and saying thank you.”
The town will welcome internationally renowned microbiologist Professor
Peter Timms as its 2026 Australia Day ambassador.
Weipa’s Australia Day Award nominees will be celebrated at the annual dinner on 21 January.
“We’ve got a lot of great people in the community who go above and beyond for the benefit of everyone else,” Weipa Town Authority Chair Jaime Gane said.
“We’re really lucky that we’ve got such a strong community spirit, and we’ve got so many people who give their time and effort to make sure the kids have sports and we have community events, because it’s all run by volunteers.
“The dinner makes it a bit more special, and it’s a nice way to acknowledge award recipients.”
Both communities will also hold their citizenship ceremonies at the events.
Our paper is distributed to more than 30 outlets and the digital edition reaches 21,000 readers a month, meaning your ad won’t just been seen, it’ll reach your ideal customer.
Cape York Weekly has a number of print and digital marketing packages to suit organisations of all sizes. If
by CHISA HASEGAWA
WEIPA residents going for their driver’s licence are being reassured that testing services will continue locally.
There was outrage on social media earlier this month when a resident reported they had been told police would no longer offer the service locally.
In the post, the resident wrote they were informed by Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Mareeba that “they have no idea when or if the service would return, and to contact my local member for parliament as they have nothing more to say”.
Numerous angry residents reached out to Member for Cook David Kempton, who confirmed a short-term solution was in place to ensure the continuation of the service.
“Over recent days, I have been working closely with the minister to identify both an immediate and a longer-term solution to address this matter,” he said.
“In the short-term, an Indigenous driver examiner with the appropriate
qualifications and capacity will be made available to conduct driving tests for Weipa residents.
“In the longer-term, I am committed to ensuring a permanent driver examiner is recruited for the area. While training for a driver examiner typically takes approximately six weeks, the interim arrangements will ensure continuity of service for the Weipa community.”
Mr Kempton said the local Queensland Police Service (QPS) officer who had been undertaking driving tests was on leave, and QPS was withdrawing from the service altogether across the state.
“Weipa Police no longer have suitably trained officers or the operational capacity to continue this nonpolice related role due to increased demand of core policing duties,” a QPS spokesperson said.
“Police have been advised that Transport and Main Roads are seeking a temporary and full-time solution so this service can resume for the greater Weipa area.”
For residents with a
booking in January or February, TMR’s Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business spokesperson con-
firmed the implementation of a fly-in-fly-out driving examiner from its Indigenous driver licensing unit.
“Weipa residents will
continue to receive their practical driving tests locally and won’t be required to travel for this important service,” a department spokesperson said.
“The 18 residents who had driver’s licence tests scheduled in January and February have been contacted to reschedule their appointments.”
Thursday 15 January to Friday 23 January 2026 Aerial Fertilising Campaign
Between Thursday, 15 January to Friday, 23 January 2026, aerial fertilising will be carried out over selected rehabilitated areas and stockpiles. This work will involve low-level aircraft flying in these locations.
To support these activities, several haul roads at Andoom and Amrun will be temporarily closed and used as short-term aircraft runways.
During this time: Road markings will be removed Restricted access signage and barricades will be installed Public access will not be permitted in these areas
For safety reasons, all community members are asked to follow signage and avoid entering any marked or restricted areas. Maps showing the locations of the temporary runways and fertilising are as follows.
Please call our feedback hotline 1800 820 711 or Email: RTAWeipaFeedback@riotinto.com
by CHRIS JOHNSON
FORMER long-serving Nationals Senator Ron Boswell has died, aged 85.
Elected as a Senator for Queensland in 1983, Mr Boswell served more than three decades in the Upper House of Federal Parliament, long enough to take on the mantle of Father of the Senate.
A colourful character, affectionately known as “Bozzie”, he entered parliament promising to be a voice for primary industries and small business, as well as for family values.
During election campaigns, he ran on the slogan: “Ron Boswell. He’s not pretty, but he’s pretty effective.”
Mr Boswell retired in 2014, citing his role in getting better telecommunications to regional areas as one of his greatest efforts.
But he claimed his proudest achievement was seeing off a challenge from Pauline Hanson and One Nation.
Nationals leader David Littleproud said the entire party was in mourning at Mr Boswell’s passing.
“Ron was a Nationals elder and statesman of the highest order, a giant of our great cause and a lifelong fighter for families, small business and regional and rural Australia,” he said.
“Known as the Father of the Senate, Ron served in the Senate for the Nationals and later the LNP for more than 30 years.
“Ron was Leader of the Nationals in the Senate for 17 years and successfully held numerous parliamentary positions in Opposition, from Shadow Minister for Regional Development to the portfolios of Northern Australia and External Affairs.”
A TORRES Strait mum has welcomed her second child and the first Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service baby for 2026.
Christina Baluz, who is from Yam Island, gave birth to daughter Sanikah at 10:03 am on 4 January 2026 at Thursday Island Hospital. Sanikah weighed in at three kilograms.
Christina chose the name in honour of her brother and his partner.
Ms Baluz acknowledged the TI Hospital maternity team for supporting her throughout her pregnancy.
“They were so great,” she said.
“Everyone has been coming around to ask if I’m doing okay.
“I’m a bit excited that she’s the first baby of the year.”
Ms Baluz already has a three-yearold daughter, Nairobi, who has been excited to take on big sister duties.
“She’s been trying to be a mum and feed the baby and change nappies,” Ms Baluz said.
“It’s amazing becoming a mum of two. They’re going to keep me occupied.”
It was a busy New Year period for TI Hospital, which also welcomed a baby on 31 December 2025.
Weipa couple Kahn Atutahi and Mathew Johnston welcomed their first baby Finn on 28 December.
Meanwhile Weipa couple Kahn Atutahi and Mathew Johnston received a late Christmas gift with the birth of their first child, Finn, on 28 December 2025.
The couple, who moved to the Far North from Perth two years ago, were thrilled to have their little boy just minutes from their home at Weipa Integrated Health Service.
Ms Atutahi said she went into labour about one o’clock that morning, and went to hospital a couple of hours before he was born at 11:40 am, weighing 3.36 kg.
“I had really wanted to have my baby here,” she said.
“We had organised a big Christmas lunch at our place and I was worried I was going to sit down and go into labour!”
Finn is the 46th baby born at the Weipa facility since birthing recommenced in 2024.
A by-election is being held to elect a new Councillor for Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council on Saturday 21 February 2026.
DO YOU WANT TO BE A COUNCILLOR?
To nominate as a councillor, you must:
• complete a free online training course
• have a dedicated bank account for campaign expenses
• provide a $250 candidate deposit by cash, bank cheque or BPoint
Nominations close: 12pm Thursday 29 January 2026.
For more information, contact the Returning Officer:
Name: Faye Gates
Office: Jean Jimmy Centre, Red Beach Road, Mapoon
Email: faye.gates@elections.qld.gov.au
Phone: 0458 010 168
Scan or visit check.aec.gov.au to check you’re enrolled
by CHISA HASEGAWA
AFTER a drop in school attendance, the Napranum PCYC is extending a helping hand to local families and breaking down the barriers to education.
The club is calling for donations for its first uniform drive, which aims to provide students with the correct attire and tools they need to succeed.
Club manager Sergeant Rhonda Spence said they had reached out to the Napranum and Weipa communities earlier this month in preparation for the start of the school year on 27 January.
She said they were in need of Western Cape College shirts and shorts in all sizes, shoes and socks in all sizes, as well as lunch boxes, backpacks and stationery.
“Our planning phase started at the end of the school year in 2025, when we identified a drop in attendance numbers at our Breakfast Club Program and school attendance,” she said.
“We want to ensure that students have no challenges with basic school equipment to help support their learning journey.
“We are very fortunate that we
can support all students in Napranum to attend school without barriers, and this provides ongoing support to families to elevate any necessary challenges.”
While the countdown to the beginning of term 1 was on, Sergeant Spence said the uniform drive would be open for donations throughout the year to ensure support was available whenever necessary.
“Through our Breakfast Club Program in 2025, staff identified, through engagement with families, the need to support students’ attendance at school throughout the year, not just at the beginning with school equipment,” she said.
“Many students’ school supplies, throughout the year, get lost, damaged, are in poor condition, or they grow out of them quickly.
“We feel that when students have what they need, it will make their experience more positive, and it motivates them to succeed.”
Donations are being accepted at PCYC Napranum or through Sergeant Spence on 0438 297 788.
by CHISA HASEGAWA
WEIPA’S generosity has put more than $20,000 in the bank for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Near and Far Auxiliary.
Auxiliary member Sam Nolan’s annual charity event, League of Lemons, managed to raise a whopping $14,000 for the service, which has been a lifeline at one point or another for many in the remote region.
A donation of $3527.65 from the Running of the Bulls event and $3190 from Bramwell Roadhouse brought the total to $20,717.65 in a strong start to 2026.
Former RFDS Near and Far Auxiliary president Susanne Gane, who stepped down this year but is remaining active in fundraising, said the group was blown away by the figure.
“I’ve lived in Weipa for 30 years, so it doesn’t surprise me that the town is that generous, but it still amazes me in the circumstances and the way life is at the moment,” she said.
“Whether in a mining town or not, there’s still struggles for peo-
ple, so to put their hand in their pocket for something like that is amazing.”
“A lot of people didn’t know about the Near and Far Auxiliary for a long time, so when I went back up to Weipa, one of the big things was to spread the word that if we can bank the money into our auxiliary, we get a say in where that money goes in North Queensland.”
Ms Gane said larger donations such as the ones from the three groups were extremely helpful in what was a shrinking volunteer scene.
“Our auxiliary consists of a lot of elderly people; we have about 80 members, but there’s probably only 10 that are active, and that’s in our area,” she said.
She added that the funds also went towards on-board equipment, which all had to be made to fit the size and weight limits of the plane.
Ms Gane said fundraising was a vital aspect of the service, with an RFDS plane costing more than $2000 an hour to be in the air when including fuel and the pilot’s and medical staff wages.
Regional Development Australia Tropical North (RDATN) is seeking highly motivated, values-driven individuals to join its Board and contribute to the strategic leadership of Tropical North Queensland.
RDATN plays a critical role in driving regional economic development by facilitating investment in people, places and industries, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring regional priorities inform Australian Government decision-making.
Board Members contribute at a strategic and governance level, providing leadership and stewardship, guiding place-based economic development, and advocating for the opportunities and needs of the region.
Applications are sought from industry and community leaders who represent the region and the diverse communities within and have a proven ability to deliver meaningful outcomes in complex environments.
A clear commitment to the region, established networks and a strong understanding of Tropical North Queensland are highly valued.
Women, First Nations Australians, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and people with disability are encouraged to apply.
“Once you’ve used the service, I think you’re more aware of what they actually do for you.
“Flying Doctors is the main lifeline out of Weipa in a medical emergency; my husband has used it, and my children and grandchildren have used it,” she said.
“What’s great about the Running of the Bulls, the League of Lemons, Bramwell Roadhouse and people giving us bigger donations is our auxiliary doesn’t have to work so hard for a little money.
“We might make $3000 on a raffle, but it takes us three months because we’ve got to get it together, then we’ve got to sit and sell the tickets, and volunteers are few and far between these days.”
The Western Cape Communities Co-Existence Agreement (WCCCA) is an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) over the Rio Tinto mining lease areas of the Western Cape York region of Northern Queensland. The Agreement is between the eleven Traditional Owner Groups, four Shire Councils (Aurukun, Napranum, Mapoon and New Mapoon), Rio Tinto, the Queensland State Government and the Cape York Land Council on behalf of the Native Title Parties.
The Western Cape Communities Coordinating Committee (WCCCC) and its five Sub-Committees transparently monitor, implement and review the objectives of the WCCCA to ensure that all parties’ obligations under the Agreement are met. The WCCT office is the administration arm for all Trusts and the WCCCC. It manages the overall business of the company, including servicing, assisting and supporting the above entities.
WCCT is committed to providing high quality services to our Traditional Owners, and we recognize the importance of employing the most suitable candidates. Currently we are seeking applications for the position of:
Reporting to the Executive Officer, the Office Manager is responsible for the efficient and effective functioning of the WCCT Office in order to meet organisational objectives. This includes demonstrating appropriate and professional workplace behaviours, performing their responsibilities in a manner which reflects and responds to continuous improvement, managing Administration staff, managing IT and communications systems and other office equipment, and providing support to the Executive Officer. The Office Manager is also responsible for the coordination and planning of all WCCT, WCCCC, Sub-Regional Trusts and Sub-Committees meetings scheduled throughout the year.
We anticipate the applicants will have completed a formal training in Business Administration or a similar field and have experience in a similar role where they have been responsible for the efficient and effective functioning of an office, managing administration staff, document control, managing IT and communications systems as well as compliance with organisation policies and procedures and workplace health and safety regulations. A current C class driver’s license is also required for this role.
Prior experience with MYOB, centralized database, and a sound knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island protocols are highly desired.
Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.
For further information, including a position description please contact the Executive Officer directly.
All applications should be clearly marked “Private and Confidential” and addressed as follows: Executive Officer PO Box 106 Weipa, QLD, 4874
Phone: (07) 4069 7945
Email: eo@westerncape.com.au
ONE of our greatest community contributors and services has reflected on another busy year and more than a decade of support for the state’s north.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section) Far North Mental Health and Wellbeing team provides services in 15 locations across Cape York and operates a child and parenting program in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Manager Jos Middleton said the team offered psychological therapy for those experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges, utilising primary face-to-face counselling with occasional telehealth options.
“We also have two programs focused on disaster recovery that cover an area from Hopevale down to Mossman and Atherton and Mareeba shires,” Jos said.
“These programs primarily focus on working with people who have been impacted by a natural disaster.”
She said counselling sessions and community edu-
cation supported resilience, preparedness, and increased mental health literacy.
“It’s about guiding people to build resilience so they can prepare for the next hit life throws their way,” Jos said.
“The work we do across all programs is critical in supporting people living in rural and remote areas as the evidence tells us First Nations people experience higher rates of suicide and psychological distress.”
She said the team also supported primary producers in rural and remote locations because they were also at higher risk of suicide.
“It’s important we’re there to help all individuals and families navigate their way through stress, anxiety, relationship issues, depression, addictions, trauma and more.”
Thousands of Queenslanders have continued to benefit over the years as the team continues to look for new and innovative ways to help residents get back on their feet.
“As well as the more
AUSTRALIA’S biggest cane toad bust is calling on Cape York residents to do their part in a cross-country environmental protection movement.
Hundreds of Aussies are set to take part in the Watergum Community’s Great Cane Toad Bust on 17-25 January, and it is not too late for Cape York to join the action.
Invasive species manager Emily Straton said cane toads were “incredibly problematic” to native wildlife, and with Cape York being home to many, it was imperative the region got involved.
a major threat to biodiversity, pets and agriculture, she said.
“[They] are prolific breeders, producing between 8000 to 35,000 cane toad eggs at a time, whereas native frogs only produce 16 eggs for the Corroboree Frog, to nearly 4000 for the Bleating Tree Frog,” she said.
“They also release toxins from their glands that are deadly to some native wildlife, and can kill a medium-sized dog.
prominent programs, we continue to successfully partner with Emma Jackson from Swift FNQ to provide the Horse Wisdom program from her Cape York cattle station,” Jos said.
“Emma has a background in psychology and expert horsemanship and has developed an equineassisted learning program rolled out to participants over two days.
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.
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
“Now in its third year, the program has been successful in fostering personal growth, reflection and lasting improvements in wellbeing for those who’ve embraced it.”
RFDS (Queensland Section) Far North Mental Health and Wellbeing services are supported by the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network and Queensland Government.
Since their introduction in 1935 as a failed attempt at controlling cane beetles, cane toad populations have grown from just 102 individuals to more than 200 million across Australia.
With no natural predators and the ability to outcompete native species for food and habitat resources, cane toads continue to pose
“Cape York is a naturally beautiful area, and locals can help play a direct role in creating safe havens for native wildlife and pets.”
In 2025, participants removed a record-breaking 199,231 cane toads in just one week — a result Watergum Community hopes to beat in 2026.
Register for the event (even after 17 January) on the Watergum Community’s Great Cane Toad Bust webpage.
Fill in the blank cells using numbers from
Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.
Fit the numbers 1-6 once into every hexagon so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers are the same. No number is repeated in any single hexagon.
by CHISA HASEGAWA
COOKTOWN’S underwater hockey scene may not be the biggest in the country, but players did more than pull their weight when they helped Queensland get the gold at the 2026 Australian Underwater Hockey National Championships last week.
The Queensland under-15 and U19 teams both finished on a high
on Friday, not only winning the finals but also walking away from the Gold Coast showdown undefeated, conceding no goals.
“Both teams kept the opposition for the whole competition to zero, which is the first time it’s ever happened,” coach Scott Thomason said.
“The under-15s got over 100 goals, and they got zero goals put on them for the whole competition, which was unbelievable.
“The under-19s, they got zero goals scored on them too for the whole competition at a national level, which is pretty impressive.”
This year, there were more Cooktown Crocs players than any other club on Queensland’s U19 team — a testament to both local talent and community support.
Rocco Thomason led the charge as captain, and was supported by fellow Croc Sam Ryder (vice cap-
tain), Eli Carroll, Jett Ryder and Cruze Ryder.
Ryder also entered the pool as the captain of the U15 team, celebrating gold against team Western Australia with Cooktown-bred player Caleb Kamholtz.
Eamon Shanahan, Josh Slykerman and Alfred Joy were featured in the U15 Queensland/Western Australia combined developmental team.
“They ended up beating NSW
and had a really close game in their last game against Tassie,” Thomason said.
“A lot of the time, these B teams will go through the competition not even scoring a goal and getting pretty well beaten.
“They were really well-coached by one of the WA guys. They did amazing, they learned so much, and they’ll be good in the next few years, building into the Queensland side.”
WEIPA Touch Association is gearing up for another huge year on the field after a record number of teams last season.
It seemed like just about every kid in Weipa was kicking around the footy in 2025, and the community was there every step of the way to make it happen.
With the next annual general meeting (AGM) approaching at the end of the month, president Mitch Higgins said people were already showing their support for another successful season.
“We’ve got people actually reaching out, wanting to get involved, and that engagement and willingness from everyone helps a hell of a lot,” he said.
“There’s people ringing me, seeing when the next AGM is on, whereas in the first couple of years, it was a struggle to even form a committee.”
Entering its fourth year, the association has seen a significant increase in interest through engagement activities, including clinics at the local schools and PCYC Napranum.
The 2025 season was its biggest yet, with a record-breaking 13 teams across three divisions.
“We were sort of shocked with the numbers when we got them through,” he said.
“[In 2023 and 2024], we had 10 teams, so consistent there, and then [in 2025], we probably had 16 teams interested, but we had to knock two or three.
“It’s just good to see that the game’s grown, and all of the effort the whole committee over the last few years has been putting in is helping and growing the interest.”
This year’s touch season is set to begin in April during the first school holidays.
“We’re definitely hoping to go record numbers again, and depending on how the AGM goes, we’ve got a few little things in the pipeline,” he said.
“We’re hoping to get a good turnout at the AGM and keep the competition going and thriving.”
The Weipa Touch Association AGM will be held on 30 January from 6 pm at the Bowls Club.
by CHISA HASEGAWA
DESPITE frequent stops taking shelter from the rain scuds, golfers did not let the weather win again when players gathered for the first game of the year on 18 January.
The 10th round of this Dawnbusters season saw 13 players testing their wits against the Back 9 after severe weather came out as the only champion on 11 January.
Intrepid golfers Scott “Silent Assassin” Trif-
fit and Paiwan Lui were unfazed by the still lessthan-ideal conditions, both setting new personal bests after hitting a neat 40.
The day, however, belonged to Vivian Chan, who hit a 48 off the stick, netting a 22 and the win.
Triffit and Leeroy Ahmat battled for the 2ndplace Bridesmaid Award, with a countback going in favour of Ahmat after both netted a 23 for their round.
Ahmat went on to take
out the NTP on the 9th Hole, while Scott took out the men’s longest drive on the 1st.
The women’s longest drive was won by Helen Sabatino.
The converted “Hoffmans” award was easily won by Chelsea Buckley with her 62 for the 9 holes.
Dawnbusters will take on the Front 9 on 25 January to play the Australia Day Cup, with expected tee off time approximately 6:45 am.
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