Strait residents have been left with no real answers after a surge in illegal fishing activity on local waters over the past month.
In January alone, at least nine foreign fishing vessels were spotted on Torres Strait waters. While some were intercepted, questions remain on what is being done to proactively protect the region’s residents and environment.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) directed ABFC Storm Bay and a helicopter into waters off Roko Island on 14 January after receiving community reports of a vessel allegedly fishing illegally.
Officers seized fishing equipment and 200 kilograms of salt, used to preserve catch. But witnesses claim the response took more than six hours and the crew was simply sent on its way.
Crew members had already allegedly disembarked onto Roko Island and returned to their boat before ABF intercepted them.
“They [ABF] got them [the boat and its crew] to follow them out and around an island. We believe they gave them fuel and sent them on their way, so there’s nothing really being done,” Cape York Camping Punsand Bay’s Kahlia Colquhoun said.
“We watched the people in
before Border Force boarded them.
“As we’ve been talking to people, more have been sharing their stories. Apparently they were spotted around Christmas time.
Potentially they’ve been in our waters for over a month.”
Ms Colquhoun said she had
witnessed foreign crew embark onto the mainland as well.
“They were spotted in the mangroves on some islands and on Mabuiag Island. So they’ve touched Australian soil,” she said.
“We watched them come into the mainland. But we didn’t know if they were armed, so we got back into the vehicle.
“It’s really scary; I cannot fathom why nothing has happened.”
Ten days later, ABF intercepted four foreign vessels and their crews allegedly fishing illegally in Torres Strait waters.
– Continued page 2
An influx of foreign fishing vessels on Torres Strait waters has left locals concerned for their safety and the delicate ecosystem. Photo: Supplied.
TORRES
the boat throw stuff overboard
Leaders shine light on Sea Country laws
TORRES Strait leaders have called for stronger recognition of Sea Country rights as a recent surge in illegal fishing activities on local waters “exposed what has been a problem for a long time”.
Traditional Owners and members of Gur A Baradharaw Kod Sea and Land Council (GBK) gathered on Thursday Island last month in conjunction with the 90th Torres Strait Islander Maritime Strike anniversary.
The gathering set out seven principles focused on work to protect, manage and assert rights and responsibilities over Sea Country, calling for rights to be fully protected, not just in theory, but in practice.
GBK chair Ned David said while the Torres Strait region had seen recent success in Native Title determinations, the laws of sea rights were not well recognised and embedded.
“We’ve had so many illegal activities in our region, which is an incredible breach of the articles of the treaty, and that’s been going on for years,” he said.
“Our rights and interests should be primary, but we’re prevented from enjoying those rights because of the non-policing of some of these rules.
“We need to shine a light on some of these things. Funny enough, that forum happened during the 90year strike event, not knowing that while we were celebrating, there was someone cruising in our waters illegally.”
In Akiba v Common-
wealth [2013 HCA 33], the High Court of Australia unanimously ruled Commonwealth and Queensland laws regulating commercial fishing did not extinguish the native title rights of Torres Strait Islander communities to take fish and other marine resources for commercial purposes.
The court found such regulations merely placed a limitation on the exercise of the right, not its existence –affirming that Torres Strait
Islander peoples retain the right to take resources for any purpose, including trade.
Building on this legal foundation, GBK called for a national campaign to ensure those rights were recognised, respected, and embedded in legislation.
The seven Sea Country principles
• Recognition of ancestral custodianship
• Sea rights are human rights
• Self-determination in sea governance
• Caring for Sea Country as cultural obligation
• Intergenerational knowledge and youth empowerment
• Stronger alliances and shared voice
• Truth-telling and historical justice.
‘Little done to stop illegal boats’
From page 1
The Indonesian boats were intercepted on 24 January near Turnagain Island, where officers seized 38 shark fins and fishing equipment.
Two vessels and their crews were escorted out of Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone, while authorities seized the remaining two vessels to be destroyed.
But a video posted on social media the same day by a local resident flying from Mabuiag Island to Boigu Island showed eight vessels.
An ABF spokesperson said it was committed to targeting illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters, but did not provide details of proactive action.
“Australia implements a multi-faceted response to illegal foreign fishing. This
includes enforcement actions at sea, targeted operations, and coordinated patrols with Indonesia,” the spokesperson said.
“To ensure operational effectiveness, the ABF will not comment on the specific number or specific location of assets deployed, other than to say there are significant resources deployed along and off the Australian coast to respond to threats identified through our intelligence and surveillance capabilities.”
Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith said while he was aware of the issues on the Torres Strait border, he could not comment on solutions while “operations are ongoing”.
“I’m keenly aware of the incursion issues in the Torres Strait, and in fact took Assistant Minister Julian Hill for an inspection of the Thursday Island ABF base in September 2025.
“Assistant Minister Hill and myself met with the ABF and listened first-hand to the locals and border force staff directly impacted on the front line.
“I’m always keen to advocate for the region and raise awareness of the issues that arise in the Torres Strait, regularly speaking passionately about them in Parliament House.”
Three of the Indonesian fishing vessels intercepted by Australian Border Force on 24 January. Photo: Australian Border Force.
Torres Strait leaders call for sea rights to be better recognised and embedded in legislation. Photo: Gur A Baradharaw Kod.
SLOW DOWN NOW SCHOOL’S BACK
POLICE across the Far North division have been out in force since school returned.
Officers will continue to conduct speed detection around school zones, so remember to slow down, follow the signs, and help keep everyone safe.
“Whether you’re dropping off your kiddos or just cruising through, let’s keep it safe in the school zones,” urges a post on the myPolice Cape York Facebook site.
“Take it easy, keep your eyes peeled for pedestrians, and be the driver everyone appreciates.”
The following speed limits apply in Queensland school zones:
• 40 km/h on roads where the normal speed limit is 50/60/70 km/h
• 60 km/h on roads where the normal speed limit is 80 km/h or above.
Fines across the state for exceeding this limit start at $333 and one demerit point.
School zones operate from 7-9 am and 2-4 pm but times may vary between local government areas.
Police hope for a better year on our roads in 2026 after two major operations.
Operation Mistletoe –launched in December 2025
– cracked down on the Fatal 5 during the holiday period: speeding, drink/drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, driver distraction (especially mobile phones), and careless/fatigued driving.
Police detected more than 32,100 traffic offences during Operation Mistletoe, including:
• 16,000 speeding offences
• 300 seatbelt offences
• 200 distracted driving offences.
Operation X-Ray Surety
– targeting dangerous and illegal e-mobility behaviour –launched by the Queensland Police Service in November
2025 has resulted in almost 3000 fines issued and almost 150 non-compliant devices seized.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said he was deeply concerned by last year’s road toll and again urged motorists to make smart decisions and follow Queensland’s road rules. “Tragically, 308 lives were
lost on Queensland roads in 2025 including 14 deaths involving an e-bike or e-scooter – that’s 308 families that have been torn apart and forever changed,” Mr Purdie said.
“Every motorist has a role to play, and we will not tolerate drivers who disregard the Fatal 5 and put the lives of other road users at risk.”
Queensland Police Service
Superintendent Mark
said the operations targeted behaviours that continued to devastate Queensland families.
“As students return to school, Queenslanders can expect to see police on our roads and in school zones,” Mr Wheeler said.
Take it easy driving through our school zones, warn Cape police. Photo: myPolice Cape York (Facebook).
Chief
Wheeler
CHILDCARE OPTIONS DWINDLE
Cooktown mum forced to pause career
by CHISA HASEGAWA
A COOKTOWN mum has had no choice but to put her career on hold following the closure of her son’s daycare in an already scarce local childcare scene.
Alice Moreau is one of many parents in the eastern Cape York community struggling with the lack of childcare facilities – and things only seem to be getting worse.
She was set to go back to work at the local hospital this year. But after the closure of two family daycares in December 2025, one of which her two-year-old son Léon attended, Ms Moreau was forced to take long service leave.
“I never put him on the public daycare waitlist because I didn’t think my childcare was going to close,” she said.
“Halfway through last year, my private daycare said they were going to shut at the end of the year so I put him on the public list straight away. Knowing people are already waiting 18 months to get a spot, I wasn’t confident.
“I let my work know, and said we’ll see what’s happening in January, and it’s still nothing.”
Ms Moreau said she was lucky to have a permanent position with Queensland Health, which had been quite flexible with her two-day-a-
week work arrangement as a mum of two young children.
But after daycare closed, even that became impossible.
“Luckily, I just got my long service leave last year. Otherwise they could put me on fewer days per week, but I still need to have an income for weekly bills,” she said.
“If I’d go back to one day, that probably wouldn’t be enough. So I have to take some leave now, so I can still have some money coming in.
“I’ve already been at home for almost two years now and I don’t know when I can go back to work full-time.”
Ms Moreau said she was currently trying to work an arrangement out with a friend, but was increasingly concerned about the lack of a longterm solution – especially with her daughter Inès now in prep.
“Even with school, there’s no after-school care. So it’s also a hard one because not everyone can finish work at three o’clock in the afternoon. You have to rely on family and friends,” she said.
“I live 20 kilometres out of town, so it’s pretty hard. But it’s not just me, there are heaps of people in the same boat – not everyone lives in town.
“Mums are ready to go back to work and a family has already left town because of it. So it’s pretty sad.”
In 2017, Cook Shire Council pur-
chased the Barrier Reef Child Care Centre to help maintain access to local childcare services.
A range of service delivery models have since been trialled. But strict compliance requirements, workforce shortages, staffing qualifications, and operational costs have made childcare services particularly difficult to sustain in regional and remote communities.
Council acknowledged access to childcare had been a longstanding concern, especially for Cooktown and Lakeland. Council said its focus remained on advocacy for sustainable, long-term solutions.
While it was a difficult situation, Mayor Robyn Holmes said it was important for the community to understand sustainable childcare solutions took time and required collaboration beyond local government.
“Council is actively advocating to the Federal Government for funding to support childcare infrastructure, and to the Queensland Government to recognise Cooktown and Lakeland as ‘areas of need’ to help prioritise services in our region,” Mayor Holmes said.
“There is no quick fix and any expansion of services comes with additional costs.
“However, council will continue advocating strongly to ensure our community’s needs are heard and not overlooked.”
Alice Moreau and Lui Mara with children Inès and Léon make up just one of the families struggling with the lack of childcare facilities in Cooktown. Photo: Supplied.
Former busker starting to feel seen
Public Notice
Awonga Point Waste Water Treatment Facility
Due to elevated stormwater levels the Awonga Point Waste Water Treatment Facility is currently at full capacity.
In accordance with standard operating procedures, stormwater from the network will be discharged simultaneously with treated effluent through the approved existing outfall infrastructure, under the Mission River Bridge. This action is periodically required to alleviate the system and ensure continued safe operation.
The discharge will be at minimal flow and will continue until stormwater levels abate.
As a precautionary measure, fishing is not recommended within the immediate vicinity of the outfall which is located on the sea floor under the Mission River Bridge, approximately 60m offshore.
AT 20 years old, Cooktown singer-songwriter Ella Hartwig took a chance when she travelled to the country music capital of Australia with her guitar and a tent to busk on the street.
This year, her third appearance at the Tamworth Country Music Festival (TCMF), she took the stage as an independent artist for the first time, supporting the Credence Clearwater Revival tribute show.
Currently chasing her dream in Brisbane, Ella said performing at the festival this year made her feel more connected to listeners than ever before.
“Even though it’s a huge festival and it’s pretty overwhelming, I feel seen as an artist,” she said.
“I used to think, as an artist, what’s my brand? When I moved to Brisbane, I didn’t have a stage name and was surrounded by pop artists that had all these cool stage names.
“As soon as I started to realise I didn’t need all of that and leaned into who I am, where I’m from, and my story, I feel like people saw me – and it feels amazing.”
The 22-year-old was chosen to perform at the TCMF last year as part of the Country Music Association of Australia’s mentorship program, Academy of Country Music, during which she shared the stage with about 30 aspiring musicians.
This year, Ella played at the Country Music Hall of Fame –“and people came to see me”.
“I’ve really been leaning into the thing that is unique about me and trying to grow my following online. It’s been pretty effective,” she said.
“My album was one fan’s number one listened to on Spotify. He came and bought a shirt and then came to my other shows wearing it. It’s just so cool to see how it’s making an impact on people.”
Ella said she felt like she was building a community with her supporters, which included one of her first interactions in Tamworth.
When busking in front of a shop at her debut Tamworth appearance in 2024, the store manager sparked up a conversation that ended with her offering Ella accommodation. It’s become the singer’s Tamworth haven ever since.
“It’s an ongoing relationship,” she said. “I’m so grateful it worked out this way because so many people struggle with accommodation. This isn’t something I take for granted.
“It’s expensive and they were so kind. I’m trying to figure out ways I can pay them back for their kindness.”
Ella is now preparing to take the stage at Australia’s largest country music festival, CMC Rocks at Ipswich, on 20-22 March.
2026 Sponsorships and Donations Program
Applications open 1 March 2026
Rio Tinto Weipa is dedicated to the sustainable development and growth of local signatory communities.
Our Sponsorships and Donations Program provides funding for local programs, initiatives, activities, and events that enrich community life and contribute to making the region a vibrant place to live and work. The program's catchment area includes Weipa, Napranum, Aurukun, Mapoon, and the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA).
Do you volunteer with a local community group, club, or organisation? Or do you have a community initiative, event, or project you'd like to see supported?
Contact our communities team to request a new application form and learn more about eligibility and available funding.
Email: RTAWeipaFeedback@riotinto.com
Cooktown’s Ella Hartwig sings her heart out at the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival. Photo: Jake Davey Studios.
Training opens new doors for Aurukun
by CHISA HASEGAWA
COMPLETION of a plant and machinery course represents the fulfilment of a childhood ambition for one proud council employee in the remote western Cape York community of Aurukun.
The two-week course provided 20 Aurukun Shire Council workers the chance to get their accreditation to operate a range of machinery, including graders, bobcats, excavators and rollers. Bob Klaricich from Civil Safety delivered the course funded by the Local Government Association of Queensland.
Long-term council employee Aelan Wolmby said the completion of the training marked a milestone decades in the making.
“Since I was a small boy, I’ve always wanted to operate big machines,” he said.
“I’d never been given the opportunity before, so finally getting behind the controls of a loader, excavator and grader was huge for me; jumping into the machines in front of the crew was nerve-racking at first,
but Bob made us feel comfortable and allowed us to make mistakes and guided us through them properly.
“In previous jobs, I’d always be asked, ‘have you got your tickets for this or that? and I couldn’t say yes’. Now, I can finally say, ‘yes, yes I do’.
“These tickets open doors not just here, but for opportunities outside Aurukun too.”
Mr Wolmby said he hoped to inspire younger Aurukun residents and encouraged them to grab training opportunities with both hands.
“We need more of this training for our younger generations to gain skills, so we can work on our own Country instead of always bringing in contractors,” he said.
“This training changes your mindset; I feel more confident now and want to encourage other young people in the community to build their skills and contribute valuable work locally.”
Town Services supervisor Brian Jolliffe said the training enhanced council’s versatility and capacity to rapidly respond to civil works requirements.
“This training broadens our work scope and increases our versatility as a team,” he said.
“When you’ve got a strong pool of qualified operators on the ground, it means we can respond faster by managing works internally.
“Watching our employees gain these qualifications is something I am genuinely proud of.”
Aurukun Mayor Barbara Bandicootcha said the training would pay dividends for more than the 20 men who completed the course.
“This training not only empowers and upskills the staff who completed it, but also provides council with more control over vital service delivery areas like maintenance of our local roads,” she said.
“Now they’ve completed the training, greater employment opportunities have opened up for our staff, internally and with other employers across Cape York and beyond.
“This means more opportunities for the staff, their families, and the whole Aurukun community.”
Public Notice
Mission River Bridge and Andoom Creek Bridge Load Limits of Trucks and Cranes
The load signs at each end of the bridge show the maximum loads that can normally cross the bridges without an additional approval. Trucks and other machinery under these limits on the signs must obey the speed limit of 40km/hr for vehicles over 5t gross.
Operators of trucks must ensure that their vehicle does not exceed the gross mass on the sign, or for permit vehicles, the mass on the permit.
Permit vehicles are required to travel at 8km/hr, which will require 6 minutes to cross Mission River Bridge. Other drivers must not close up behind slow travelling vehicles.
Contact RTAWeipaBridge@riotinto.com for approval applications.
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:
OFFICE MANAGER
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
CLOSING DATE – FRIDAY 6th FEBRUARY 2026
The two-week training course involved theoretical and practical components aimed at upskilling Aurukun Shire Council staff in the operation of plant and equipment. Photo: Supplied.
Aurukun Shire Council staff are all smiles as they prepare to undertake practical training behind the wheel of a grader. Photo: Supplied.
Artists urged to strut their stuff in Cook
ELIGIBLE organisations, groups and individuals can apply for up to $6000 to deliver projects that support arts and culture in the Cook Shire region.
Applications close 12 pm, Thursday 26 February.
Cook Shire Council Mayor Robyn Holmes said the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) continued to play an important role in supporting creativity, connection and cultural development across the region.
“RADF gives artists and
creatives the opportunity to turn ideas into meaningful projects that bring people together and celebrate local stories,” Mayor Holmes said.
“From creative workshops for adults and children to live performances and community art projects, these initiatives enrich our communities and strengthen our cultural identity.”
Previously funded RADF projects in Cook Shire include wearable art workshops, dance, youth music
NEWS IN BRIEF
New officers sworn in TEN new police officers will be deployed to the Far North division following the swearing in of the first graduating cohort of 2026.
But it remains to be seen whether the Queensland Police Service will base any of the new recruits in the Cape York region.
According to the State Government, the new officers – 56 men and 23 women – will be deployed immediately to communities across the state, strengthening policing capacity from Brisbane to Cairns, Mount Isa, Townsville, Mackay, Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay and the Gold Coast.
The 79 new officers include recruits aged 18 to 50 from all over the world. Their previous careers include defence, health, engineering, trades, hospitality and customer service.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the graduation followed a breakout year of recruitment which delivered 1180 new officers in 2025.
Volunteer your vote
CELEBRATE the incredible impact of volunteers across the Cape and Torres Strait regions this year by nominating a volunteer, manager or organisation for the Queensland Volunteering Awards.
“The Queensland Volunteering Awards is the most significant event of the year in the state’s volunteering calendar and has been since its inception in 2016,” says Volunteering Queensland CEO Jane Hedger.
“As the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, 2026 is your year to recognise the value of volunteers in your community. I encourage everyone to nominate an individual or organisation that inspires them for an award.”
The awards ceremony on Friday 15 May will lead into National Volunteer Week from 18-24 May.
Nominations for the Queensland Volunteering Awards close 5pm, 31 March.
Start your nomination online at: https:// awards.volunteeringqld.org.au/
and performance, school holiday workshops, murals and sculpture.
A partnership between the Queensland Government and Cook Shire Council, RADF supports the growth and sustainability of arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Artists and organisations do not need to live in Cook Shire to apply. Applicants based outside the region are eligible, provided their project is delivered in Cook Shire or clearly benefits the local community.
Council encourages prospective applicants to speak with the RADF liaison officer early in the process.
“We want to see strong, well-supported applications,” Mayor Holmes said.
To discuss an application or book a meeting with the RADF liaison officer, contact Cook Shire Council on 4082 0500 or email communitygrants@cook.qld. gov.au
Application guidelines and online submissions are available at: www.cook.qld. gov.au/radf
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.
Young models proudly showcase their own handmade, recycled fashions on the catwalk at the 2025 Cooktown Discovery Festival, part of a youth dressmaking and sewing program funded by the 2025 RADF program. Photo: Supplied.
Hope Vale prawn plan could solve global food challenges
by CHISA HASEGAWA
GIANT prawns could be the next big thing in remote food security if all goes well for a Cape York business venture this month.
The Hope Vale Foundation (HVF) has been selected to join the line-up at EvokeAG’s Startup Alley, a premier agrifood innovation platform in Melbourne on 1718 February.
The prestigious event will see the Cape York organisation present its plan to commercialise Australia’s native giant freshwater prawn,
also known as cherabin, to solve two major problems: food insecurity in remote communities and the looming global protein supply gap.
HVF innovation and commercialisation manager Tony Matchett said despite the prawn being native to Northern Australia, and global demand for the product exceeding USD $5 billion, there was no commercial production in Australia.
“As an Indigenous-led corporation, we’ll be the first to progress towards commercialisation of this giant freshwater prawn in Australia,” he said.
“It’s exciting we’ve been accepted onto Startup Alley – it’s a real humbling achievement for the organisation.
“It allows us to lift the profile of Cape York and what Hope Vale Foundation is trying to achieve through this project. Hopefully, it will also give us the partnerships and collaborations we need to scale this to make it an opportunity for others to adopt.”
Mr Matchett said the hatchery phase was one of the key production challenges, and partnerships with research agencies such as the
University of the Sunshine Coast, CSIRO and Advance Queensland were blending ancient Indigenous wisdom with science.
“It grows out in the freshwater, but some of its breeding and lifecycle phases happen at the confluence of the freshwater and saltwater during the wet season,” he said.
“When it comes to aquaculture, and we’ve got to take the system out of nature, getting those features right so we can grow juvenile larval prawns is where the challenge has been in the past.” He said aquaculture was argu-
ably one of the most significant growth sectors in broader agriculture to address protein, especially on Cape York where not a lot of protein was produced.
“Yes, we have breeder herds of cattle that get turned into protein or steak in the southern regions, but aquaculture presents us with an immediate and local opportunity to create protein where we are,” he said.
“It’s a positive story to share at EvokeAG; everyone’s looking for food security and innovation is the way to do it.”
Hope Vale Foundation talks giant freshwater prawns and aquaculture at Careers Day in Cooktown. Photo: Supplied.
The giant freshwater prawn brings hope for locally produced protein on Cape York. Photo: Supplied.
McGrath thanks wondrous Weipa fundraisers
WEIPA may be a small town, but the generosity shown when the community comes together for a fundraising event is anything but small.
Last year, Carpentaria Golf Club raised just shy of $17,000 for the McGrath Foundation through its annual Pink Ribbon charity golf day.
The record-breaking effort has earned the club a beautiful and meaningful package in the mail – a plaque which now hangs as a reminder of the town’s willingness to help out while having a little fun in the sun.
“To say we are bowled over receiving this recognition from the McGrath Foundation is an understatement,” charity golf coorganiser Melanie Turner said.
NEWS IN BRIEF
$100 Back to School Boost buoys families
AS the first day of school rolls out across the Cape, every primary-school aged child in Queensland’s state, catholic and independent schools will receive a $100 credit to help ease costs for families.
Parents can choose to use it on the cost of items or activities offered by the school, such as camps, excursions, incursions and extracurricular activities, stationery, uniforms, or excellence programs.
For state school students, a $100 credit will be applied to the student’s school account. The non-state school sector will be responsible for administration of the $100, including how it can be applied to reduce fees or other related school costs.
The Back to School Boost is provided once a year. All students in primary school (Prep-Year 6) are eligible, including children who attend a special school or children enrolled in home education.
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said 895,000 students were attending schools across Queensland this year.
“It’s wonderful to see the excitement and energy as students return to classrooms across our state,” Mr Langbroek said.
Visit: www.qld.gov.au/backtoschool/ boost
NAIDOC grants open
COMMUNITIES, schools, businesses and local organisations can now apply for grants to celebrate this year’s National NAIDOC Week from 5 to 12 July.
The Federal Government is providing up to $3 million to support local NAIDOC Week events and activities across the country.
Applications for the 2026 NAIDOC Local Grants are now open. Funding is available across three streams: educational institutions (up to $1500), small-scale grants (up to $10,000), and large-scale grants (up to $25,000).
The grants are intended to support grassroots and community-led initiatives that bring people together to celebrate and reflect on the strength and diversity of First Nations cultures.
Applications can be submitted through GrantConnect and close at 3pm on 19 February.
Visit: www.naidoc.org.au
All smiles after receiving the McGrath Foundation plaque: 2026 CGC committee members (front) Chantelle Hackett, Melanie Turner, Rhiannan Head; (back) Oliver Tata, Len McKinley, Gary Head.
Photo: Supplied.
Flashback to October 2025 … Pink Ribbon Charity Golf Day organisers celebrate their biggest fundraising figure yet with Jane McGrath nurse Vicki Rutten (centre). Photo: Supplied.
Back to school Cape preppies take on first
day of school
THE Cape was bustling with excitement and nerves as parents sent their young ones off to school for the very first time last week.
Thank you to the schools and parents who sent in their first-day snaps – now we can all enjoy the smiling faces of the region’s littlest learners.
We hope 2026 turns out to be a great start to our preps’ school journeys.
Northern Peninsula Area State College
Endeavour Christian College
St Joseph’s Parish School
Northern Peninsula Area preps (names withheld on request) are all smiles on the first day of school. Photos: Northern Peninsula Area State College.
Inès Mara proudly shows off her new Endeavour Christian College uniform. Photo: Supplied.
Lulu Corea. Photo: Endeavour Christian College.
Pia Scanlan, Tilly Hansen, Tom Callope, Lucas Ryan Ruiz, Adelyn Collins, Vivianne Matthes, Matilda Dunstone, Clarke, Rueben Ramsamy, Freya Allen, Milo Eyre, Kenny Goodbun, Indie Hughes, Johan Matthes, Ariah Phillips, Beckett, Troy Backo, Biko Fielding; Mrs Hansen, Miss Madi.
Liam Cantarella. Photo: Endeavour Christian College.
Frederick Rippon. Photo: Supplied.
Titan Bowen-Friday.
Photo: Endeavour Christian
Odelle Hook. Photo: Christian College.
College Rossville State School
Western Cape College
Dunstone, River Phillips, Rory
Indica Facer.
Photo: Rossville State School.
Opal Musumeci. Photo: Western Cape College.
Sophie Milledge says bye to mum Amanda as she begins her first day of prep. Photo: Western Cape College.
Claire Franklin and Dana Braun prepare for the first day of Year 3.
Photo: Western Cape College.
Arthur Chubukoff. Photo: Rossville State School.
Frankie Timmermans. Photo: Rossville State School.
Hector Newman. Photo: Rossville State School.
Jalun Latt-Chapman. Photo: Rossville State School.
Christian College.
Endeavour
Prep C pupils meet their teacher, Ms Isabella Dooley. Photo: Western Cape College.
Back to school
Veteran, newbie teachers share their back-to-school butterflies
by CHISA HASEGAWA
WHETHER it’s the first year or 10th year teaching at St Joseph’s Parish School, it seems the first-day nerves never quite settle when taking on a new generation of children.
The Weipa school welcomed four new teachers to its tight-knit community as it prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in May this year.
New staff member Brad Hay, who moved to Weipa after teaching for two years in Emerald, said the transition had been smooth thanks to the welcoming group.
“I’m only a third-year teacher, so it’s always a bit of a nervous feeling. But I feel like it’s becoming easier every year I’ve done it,” he said.
“On top of that, moving to a new school and new town makes it nerve-racking as well. But the staff here made it a very easy transition for me and everyone was offering support where I needed it.”
Mr Hay said part of settling in to Weipa was to “get into lots of fishing and exploring”.
“The adventure and the outdoor lifestyle definitely were an attraction for me,” he said.
“In the near future, I could see myself being comfortable here and calling this place home.”
Veteran teacher and St Joseph’s Parish
School foundation member Melanie Turner, who has been at the school since day one and taught for more than three decades, said the first-day butterflies never fully went away.
“After 34 years, I still don’t sleep that great the night before we start,” she said.
“It’s just that feeling of going into the unknown ... and you want it to be fabulous.
“You want to make a good impression with parents and have that connection. They’re handing over their most precious thing in the world to you for six hours a day. That’s really important.”
She said since St Joseph’s Parish School was founded in 2016 with 72 students, the cohort had now doubled in size.
The experienced teacher has taken on many roles, but one thing that has never changed is her love for the community’s children.
“It was always about the children for me –that’s why I got into it in the first place,” she said.
“I’ve taught every grade over that time. I’ve been a specialist for PE, Auslan, and the arts, and became a swimming instructor in my time here for the school.
“There are lots of opportunities you may not get in other places because you wear so many hats. This year, I’ve stepped into the assistant principal Catholic identity and wellbeing role.”
St Joseph’s Parish School teachers Brad Hay and Melanie Turner are all smiles for the first day back at school. Photo: Supplied.
Back to school
All smiles as NPA kindy goes full-time
BAMAGA and Injinoo families now have access to a free, fulltime kindergarten at the Northern Peninsula Area State College (NPASC), ensuring a strong start for community children.
The NPASC’s Bamaga Junior Campus and Ama Mary Eseli Injinoo Junior Campus opened their kindies for five days a week from the beginning of the school year as part of the Queensland Government’s State Delivered Kindergarten (SDK) program.
Previously, the kindergartens were only operating five days a fortnight.
NPASC principal Andrea Killen said the SDK opportunity was one of her top priorities since taking on her role in November.
While there was only one Injinoo cohort, two alternated to use one classroom in Bamaga, meaning a second kindergarten-compliant classroom was needed to offer the service 30 hours a week.
“It looked like it might be quite some time before we were in a position for a new building, so I
thought that might be the end of that opportunity for us because we just didn’t have the facilities,” she said.
“Through talking to people in the State Delivered Kindy space, I started thinking about what we could do. It’s not great for our community not to have access to a full-time service because of lack of facilities.”
The solution: an upgrade of a prep classroom at the school to meet the requirements of a kindergarten facility, which is now being used as a combined space.
Bamaga Junior Campus head of campus Helen Chivers said enrolments were growing quickly as residents came to know about the service.
“We’re able to ensure we’re creating a connection between kindy and prep. The kids feel more at ease when they start school the following year,” she said.
“The community has been really positive; parents are grateful to have their children in childcare
that is cost effective for their family.
“We’re excited by this opportunity to offer a great start for all our students and that strong foundation going into school for the years ahead.”
SDK programs are delivered in prescribed state schools located at least 40 kilometres by road from the nearest approved kindergarten in selected, discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities or other selected communities where there have been barriers to accessing kindergarten.
“Extending free kindergarten hours for four-year-olds in discrete communities from 15 hours up to 30 hours per week is one of the investments to support the individual learning and wellbeing needs of the kindergarten children in those communities,” a Department of Education spokesperson said.
“In Term 1, 2026, six additional SDKs in Far North Queensland schools will join 20 other SDK schools in delivering kindergarten for more than 15 hours per week.”
Bamaga and Injinoo children will now be able to attend kindy full-time as part of the State Delivered Kindy program. Photo: Northern Peninsula Area State College.
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Tennis great Ash Barty supports a house close to her heart
FORMER world number one tennis player Ash Barty is bringing her passion for sport and education to North Queensland – and to one of sport’s best supporters across Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands.
The Ash Barty Foundation (ABF) is partnering with the Cowboys Community Foundation to expand sporting opportunities for Indigenous students from remote communities.
Barty, a three-time Grand Slam singles title winner, launched the ABF in January 2024 following her retirement from professional tennis.
The ABF aims to use sport and education as a vehicle to give young Australians the chance to follow their dreams.
This new collaboration, through the ABF’s Community Grants Program, will support the more than 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students aged 12–18 to pursue their sporting dreams. All while boarding at NRL Cowboys House and completing their secondary education in Townsville.
“Partnering with the NRL Cowboys House was something really close to my heart,” Barty said. “I know how important sport and education are in connecting people and giving kids in remote communities the opportunity to come together and discover the sport they love.
“It shouldn’t matter where you come from or where you live – you should have the same chance to learn, to grow and to try something new.
“As a young athlete I had to be away from home a lot. I know how challenging that can be, which is why creating supportive environments and opportunities for these students is so important.”
She said Cowboys House provided a wonderful, supportive environment for young people and “we’re proud to support them”.
The grant will help cover essential costs such as sport registration fees, equipment and participation in school, club and representative sport, as well as the house’s weekly Power Hour fitness and wellbeing program.
Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling said uniting with one of Australia’s most-loved sportspeople
was an exciting step for the foundation and the students.
“Ash is a wonderful role model and her foundation’s purpose to give all young Australians a chance to follow their dreams no matter where they are from aligns perfectly with ours,” she said.
“Our young people needed to move away from their families, homes and communities to access equitable education, so this partnership helps us to also provide them with the same sporting opportunities as their peers.
“Sport is about more than winning; it builds physical health, confidence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging.”
She said NRL Cowboys House was grateful and excited to work together with the Ash Barty Foundation to help its talented young sportspeople reach their full potential.
NRL Cowboys House is managed by the Cowboys Community Foundation and is the charity arm of the North Queensland Cowboys. Its dedicated education, wellbeing, culture and career transitions teams support students as part of an award-winning wraparound model of care.
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NRL Cowboys House boarders Jacob and William Mareko from Yam island compete at their school athletics day.
Former tennis star Ash Barty is partnering with the Cowboys Community Foundation to expand sporting opportunities for Indigenous students from remote communities.
Photos: Cowboys Community Foundation.
ABF’s Community Grants Program will help cover a raft of costs including the weekly Power Hour fitness and wellbeing program.
‘Wicket’ time for Weipa as indoor cricket takes centre
by CHISA HASEGAWA
WEIPA athletes are not letting the rain dampen their competitive spirits as they take the cricket indoors for a third year.
The competition, which began on 28 January, is at full capacity once again, highlighting the community’s hunger for sport during the wet season.
Coach Brendan Coleing said the idea initially came from fellow coach Kurt Gane, who suggested utilising the Weipa Aquatic and Sports Precinct (WASP) for an indoor cricket competition.
The competition started with adult teams. But in 2025, it opened to juniors and has been supported by community volunteers assisting with umpiring, scoring, and behind-the-scenes work.
“Nearly every game, it’s pouring rain this time of the year. So the kids are stoked to get in and have a good competition amongst their mates in a really good facility,” he said.
“It coincides with the Australian cricket season, so all the kids are right into that. It’s perfect for them.”
He said while it was great to see so much interest in the competition, time constraints meant demand for spots exceeded availability.
“This year I’ve had too many people. We couldn’t accommodate everyone to ensure we were finishing at a reasonable time at night,” Coleing said.
“It was such a hit last year ... the numbers went through the roof.
“I’d love to see everyone participate, but we just don’t have the time to do it.”
With eight players per team, he said the indoor competition was easier to pull together than the outdoor cricket season later in the year, which came with its own challenges.
“Outdoor cricket is 11 a side and unless you have two teams of similar-aged children, it’s hard to actually have a competition,” he said.
“Cricket runs at a time when Weipa is out camping, it coincides with people’s shift work, so it’s harder to get the kids together.
“Indoor cricket has been great for the wet season. It’s very interactive and everyone’s involved because you’re in a smaller space.”
Charlotte spins PB web in Weipa run
YOUNG runner Charlotte Buchholz notched a personal best time in Saturday’s Weipa parkrun to finish on the female podium of the event’s 456th edition.
Charlotte ran 28:44 to blitz the JW10 category and finish sixth overall, behind top females Emma Eyre (26:38) and Sherece McCulloch (27:28).
Three other participants in the 54-strong field recorded new PBs: Jai Christie (32:10), Leah Derby (37:11) and Jamie Jewell (52:51).
Ross Dawson (21:53) won the event ahead of Luke O’Day (24:52) and Clayton Morrison (26:14).
Three first-timers joined the parkrun family: Dannii Mathee, Jon Anu and Cody Wain. The event was made possible with the help of nine volunteers: Leigh Jewell, Donna Jewell, Judey Haeusler, Glen Slade, Emily McLeod, Colin Wei, Jem-
Dawnies working bee leaves Oliver abuzz
DESPITE the overnight rain and the weather bureau’s threat of more, a band of 14 Dawnbusters braved the conditions and soggy fairways in what eventually turned out to be a not-so-bad day.
Three golfers acclimatised quickly, going on to hit scores they would be proud of in the dry, let alone the wet.
Oliver Tata’s 39 off the stick netted him 19 (handicap of 20) and overall win on the day. His handicap, however, took a hit and has plummeted to three for his next game.
Tata credited his victory to the Carpentaria Golf Club’s working bee the previous day, which removed trees, branches and undergrowth. He said the work provided a better view of the green from the various spots his golf ball found itself in.
Scott “Silent Assassin” Triffit, four shots off the
lead, had to be content with his second “Bridesmaid” in a row.
Second place was hotly contested and came down to a countback between Triffit who edged out Harrie Ginate by the narrowest of margins and went on to take Nearest the Pin on the 18th.
Tom Whittle made a triumphant return to the course, finishing his first Dawnies in years with a respectable 41, while Mick “Magic Apples” Cerneka finished with a 40.
Big guns on the day were awarded to Dave Sands, who took out the men’s longest drive, and Vivian Chan who won the women’s longest drive.
Paiwan Lui picked up the coveted Hoffman’s after hitting an uncharacteristic 60.
The Dawnbusters will take on the front 9 on 8 February with an expected teeoff time of 6:45 am.
ma Collins, Damien Fogarty and Ellie Parker.
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. It starts 7 am every Saturday at the hospital roundabout shelter in Nanum.
The event started on 23 July 2016. Since then, 2333 participants have completed 18,205 parkruns covering a total distance of 91,025 km, including 2482 new personal bests. A total of 545 individuals have volunteered 3130 times.
Snake waits out the rain with Wackers
A HARMLESS tree snake in the shelter beside the 6th tee block at Carpentaria Golf Club on Wednesday was simply trying to do what the Wackers were doing – keep dry! Fortunately, most of the 13 players did as two storms passed through on the back 9.
Scott Triffitt won the wet day with a great 40 off the stick; Pete Moore with a terrific 42 wasn’t far behind. No pin shot was awarded for the 15th but Jim Lucas was closest on the 18th. Bradman’s went to Aaron May.
Charlotte Buchholz powers home in a personal best on Saturday. Photos: Weipa parkun Facebook.
Weipa’s indoor cricket competition season is keeping athletes dry and active during the wet season. Photo: Supplied.
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