Jack Colquhoun from Cape York Camping Punsand Bay and Punsand Bay Aviation is just one local operator excited for the start of the tourism season on the peninsula after an extended soaking. Businesses remain optimistic fuel prices won’t stop many visitors embarking on an iconic road trip north. Page 3.
Cape York Camping Punsand Bay and Punsand Bay Aviation’s Jack Colquhoun with a group of happy customers. Photo: Supplied.
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by LUKE MORTIMER
YOUNG people from Cape York and the Torres Strait will soon take advantage of a new partnership between two prominent organisations, which is creating pathways into healthcare careers.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) and AFL Cape York have joined forces to back up students considering working in healthcare and provide them with personalised support.
TCHHS workers from specialties including nursing and allied health will deliver career, as well as health advice, to kids living at AFL Cape York’s girls and boys boarding houses, and at carnivals.
The health service is also the main sponsor for AFL’s Pacific Nations Cup, which will bring 300 football players from across the Pacific together at Cairns in September.
Rex O’Rourke, TCHHS
chief executive, said the partnership was a natural fit for the organisations – both of which are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of First Nations people.
“As a health service, we are focused on growing our own workforce by creating pathways for young people across Cape York, the Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula Area,” he said.
“This partnership allows us to engage early, build understanding of health and wellbeing and support students to pursue careers within their own communities.
“For those interested in a career in health, we can provide practical pathways including work experience and Deadly Start traineeships, strengthening our workforce and long-term outcomes for the region.
“We are also proud to be the main sponsor of the Pacific Nations Cup and recognise
the positive impact AFL Cape York has across the region.”
Boarding house student Jaime Pratt from Coen has her sights set on a career in health, following in her mum, grandmother and uncle’s footsteps.
The Year 12 Cairns High School student has been doing a traineeship with TCHHS and plans to study nursing, and potentially psychiatry.
“My grandmother, my uncles and my mother have all worked for Queensland Health and my mother is currently the manager of the Coen Primary Health Care Centre so working in health is in my family,” she said.
“I’m looking at universities at the moment and am hoping to go into nursing first.
“My main reason for wanting to go into psychiatry though is because I know mental health in the Cape and Torres Strait is an issue and I really want to make a difference.”
AFL Cape York general
manager Rick Hanlon said his team was focused on creating opportunities for Indigenous kids and the partnership would assist.
“When we first opened the boys boarding house in 2013, it has always been about providing these kids opportunities for education and growth,” he said.
“We know how much harder it is for students in remote areas to pursue careers, or even just to know what options are available to them and by having TCHHS staff be able to speak to them directly is going to be so significant.
“A lot of these young people would not even know what jobs like podiatrists or physiotherapists do, so this is just going to open up even more doors.
“We thank TCHHS for being part of this partnership and for their sponsorship of the Pacific Nations Cup and look forward to building a partnership into the future.”
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service chief Rex O’Rourke, Kowanyama student Jeremiah Michael, Coen student Jaime Pratt and AFL Cape York GM Rick Hanlon. Photo: Supplied.
Tourism operators cheer end of wet season
by LUKE MORTIMER
OPERATORS hope the allure of a bucket list Cape trip will result in solid visitation as the tourism season begins, despite high fuel prices.
Roads have opened after an extended wet season, the Jardine Ferry is operational and drawcard events are on the horizon.
Some tourism businesses are still tackling repairs after Cyclone Narelle, but most are taking bookings or will open shortly.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) has been tempering expectations, but is working to help attract a reasonable flow of visitors from MayOctober.
Fuel prices have increased somewhat, but Cape prices were already comparatively high.
TTNQ CEO Mark Olsen said trends showed inland Queensland and outback NSW routes typically used by the longhaul drive visitor market were down at least 40 per cent year-on-year.
“This is flowing into significantly slower forward bookings and much higher cancellations for the independent drive market for Cape York this year, while tour groups appear to be holding,” he said.
“TTNQ is currently rolling out a
drive campaign with Cape York, including the Daintree and Cape Tribulation, and the Gulf featured in it.”
Kahlia and Jack Colquhoun, the couple behind Cape York Camping Punsand Bay and Punsand Bay Aviation, are thrilled to welcome guests.
“We’re excited for the season ahead, prepped and ready to go,” Ms Colquhoun said late last week.
“We’ve got our first lot of guests this week, which has been fantastic.”
Ms Colquhoun said there had been “a lot of cancellations with the fuel crisis”, but she was still expecting the campground near “The Tip” to be fairly busy.
“We’re trying to stay really positive. There’s lots of incredible people that have been calling saying they’re still coming,” she said.
“I guess we’re just trying to advocate that Cape York’s still open, we’re still operating – we’re excited.”
Countdown to Cooktown Discovery Festival
by LUKE MORTIMER
less than seven weeks to go until the popular
Discovery Festival – and a gig by Aussie rock favourites Kingswood.
Cook
21 June event and is hoping to draw visitors from far and wide, but particularly across the Far North.
Mayor Robyn Holmes said the launch of the fresh Cooktown Discovery Festival website signalled the official start of the festival countdown.
“The Cooktown Discovery Festival is one of the most anticipated events on our calendar, and this new website really captures the energy, excitement and spirit of what’s to come,” she said.
“With just weeks to go, now is the perfect time for people to start planning their trip, get involved and be part of something truly special for our community.”
Kingswood is the headline act for the festival’s free Saturday night concert and the council expects the show will attract a crowd from across the region and beyond.
Other drawcards include the colourful Cook Shire’s Got Talent competition, street parade and busking competition.
The council has encouraged residents, performers and groups keen to get involved to hop online and secure places early, amid strong interest this year.
Attendees will also enjoy workshops, various performances and riverside markets.
For more information visit the festival website: www. cooktowndiscovery.com.au.
COOKTOWN is readying for one of the biggest events on the Cape, with
Shire Council has launched a new festival website to help promote the 19-
The much-loved Cooktown Discovery Festival will feature performances, markets, live music, workshops and much more from 19-21 June. Photo: Cook Shire Council.
Cape York Camping Punsand Bay is about 5km southwest of ‘The Tip’.
Big plans for gambling fund cash injection
by LUKE MORTIMER
NOT-FOR PROFIT groups from Weipa have been given a much-needed boost thanks to the latest round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
Cook MP David Kempton has announced Cape York Boxing Weipa and Weipa Potters Club as recipients.
The fund is Queensland’s largest one-off grants program and about $60 million is given to not-for-profit community groups annually.
Mr Kempton said: “The Gambling Community Benefit Fund is supporting Cape York Boxing Weipa and Weipa Potters Cub, helping organisations purchase equipment and young boxers travel to competitions they couldn’t otherwise afford.”
“For over 30 years, grants have supported diverse initiatives that build community pride, from volunteer-led services and sporting groups to programs for young people, seniors, and people of all abilities,” he said.
New Digital Services Centre at Hope Vale
by LUKE MORTIMER
HOPE Vale Aboriginal Shire Council has announced a new Digital Services Centre will be built to help address long-standing challenges associated with access to education and jobs.
Construction on the new centre to increase opportunities for the community on the northeast of the Cape is expected to start in the middle of the year and be finished sometime in 2027.
The project involves building an extension to the existing Business Hub and Council Chambers to create a dedicated space focused on community support services and boosting digital capabilities.
Once the doors open, the new Digital Services Centre will “deliver a wide range of practical programs”, according to the council.
That includes digital literacy training, short courses and comprehensive employment support such as CV development and training in job readiness.
Residents will also gain crucial access to online services, technology and opportunities to build new skills aligned with emerging industries.
“The centre will play a key role in strengthening workforce capability across the region by providing accessible educational pathways, supporting job creation and encouraging economic diversification,” the council said in a statement.
“The initiative specifically targets the needs of Hope Vale’s remote First Nations community by addressing long-standing challenges associated with limited access to education and employment.
“This transformative project is designed to enhance digital access, skills development, and employment pathways for the local community.”
The centre is funded by the Federal Government through the Growing Regions Fund.
Cape York Boxing Weipa founder and trainer Scott Wallace said the club’s $35,000 grant as part of round 125 of the fund would help him buy a vehicle to drive competitors hundreds of kilometres for competitions.
“Over the past couple of years, some kids and their families in our communities have struggled financially, which has meant some young people missing out on tournaments in Townsville, Mareeba, Cairns and Tully,” he said.
“Instead of paying about $700 per person for return flights from Weipa to Cairns and constantly trying to raise funds, we decided a vehicle was the best long-term solution and that’s why we applied for the grant.”
The Gambling Community Benefit Fund uses revenue from state gambling taxes to fund projects, equipment upgrades and essential services for not-for-profits.
For more information about the remaining funding rounds for 2026 and how to apply, visit the Department of Justice and AttorneyGeneral website.
Remote Area Management Team
Cape York Boxing Weipa founder and trainer Scott Wallace (left) ringside. Photo: Supplied.
Hope Vale will soon have a new Digital Services Centre to help increase community access to education and jobs.
Photo: Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council.
Upgrading six community halls in Far North Queensland
• Upgrading Jeff Pezzutti Park Youth Activities Space
• Upgrading Cairns Western Arterial Road
• Delivering new classrooms at Cairns State Special School
• Upgrading the lighting at Cooktown Oval
• Upgrading Barlow Park and the Manunda Sports Precinct for 2032 and beyond
As well as upgrading six community halls, here are some of the ways the new Queensland Government is delivering for Far North Queensland:
• Delivering public transport for Babinda, Dimbulah and Ravenshoe
• Upgrading Cairns’ Queensland Ambulance Service Operational Centre
• Upgrading the Cooktown Multipurpose Health Service Facility
• Delivering emergency communication between Cooktown and Cairns.
Aboriginal rock artwork uncovered during burns
by LUKE MORTIMER
UNDOCUMENTED Aboriginal rock art has been uncovered within sandstone cliffs on Cape York as rangers carried out cultural burns near other significant sites.
For now, the exact location of the artwork is under wraps to give traditional owners a chance to consider the significance of the find, connect with Country and study the cultural heritage.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers were working with Balnggarrawarra, Buubu Gujin, and Waarnthurr-iin Aboriginal corporations on the Yugu Minthil Cultural Burn program when they found the artwork on Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land (CYPAL).
The discovery of the historic galleries and art shelters could “help redefine Queensland’s ancient cultural history”, according to the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
QPWS works with First Nations peoples to manage about 2.75 million hectares of national park land and the use of fire on Country is central to arrangements.
Josh Smith, a ranger with QPWS, said the collaboration and planned burn program was vital to protect cultural heritage across the peninsula.
“This work supports the ongoing care and protection of cultural sites across the Cooktown Management Unit, ensuring these important places are looked after for generations to come,” he said.
Director of Waarnthurr-iin Aboriginal Corporation Steven Harrigan said: “I’m really proud to be listened to and given the opportunity to work on Country and be out there.”
“It has been a long time of waiting, but finally we are out here given a chance and being respected,” he said.
Cultural assessments, brushcutting, and various methods of burning were carried out over about 500 ha of land in Muundhi (Jack River), Melsonby (Gaarraay), Biniir, and Ngaynggarr national parks.
The efforts were part of the broader Southern Cape fire program, which has treated 63,000 hectares across 227,686 ha of land.
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation said the cultural burns protected culturally sensitive locations, while enhancing understanding of fire behaviour in the area.
Photos of the rock art were not made available for cultural reasons.
Tender Number: PSA 2026-01 Occasional Plant Hire 2026-2028
Tenders are invited from Contractors wishing to be included in Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council’s Panel of Preferred Suppliers 2026–2028 for occasional plant hire, labor, and raw materials for roadworks.
Obtaining Documentation: Tenderers may register expressions of interest for the tender documentation by emailing tenders@blackm.com
Lodgement of Tenders: Tenders must be lodged via email to tenders@blackm.com
Closing Time: The closing time for lodgement of Tenders is 2.00pm Tuesday 12 May 2026.
Tender Number: PSA 2026-02
Tenders are invited from Contractors wishing to be included in Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council’s Panel of Preferred Suppliers 2026–2028 for Trade Services.
Obtaining Documentation: Tenderers may register expressions of interest for the tender documentation by emailing tenders@blackm.com
Lodgement of Tenders: Tenders must be lodged via email to tenders@blackm.com
Closing Time: The closing time for lodgement of Tenders is 2.00pm Tuesday 12 May 2026.
Tender Number: PSA 2026-03
Tenders are invited from Contractors wishing to be included in Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council’s Panel of Preferred Suppliers 2026–2028 for Operational Services.
Obtaining Documentation: Tenderers may register expressions of interest for the tender documentation by emailing tenders@lockhart.qld.gov.au
Lodgement of Tenders: Tenders must be lodged via email to tenders@lockhart.qld.gov.au or lodged in the Tender Box at Council by the closing time. Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council 7 Anderson Street Manunda Cairns QLD 4870
Closing Time: The closing time for lodgement of Tenders is 2.00pm Tuesday 12 May 2026.
Cultural burning activities on Cape York have uncovered Indigenous artwork. Photos: DETSI.
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULING OF PRE-AUTHORISATION INFORMATION MEETING ABOUT A NATIVE TITLE DETERMINATION AGREEMENT WESTERN YALANJI NATIVE TITLE GROUP Cape York United # 1 Native Title Claim (QUD673/2014)
TUESDAY 19 MAY 2026 CAIRNS
This notice is to advise that Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will convene a Pre-Authorisation Information Meeting on behalf of the Cape York United #1 (CYU#1) Claim Applicant to discuss the process for the Western Yalanji Native Title Group to authorise a proposed native title agreement for a determination of native title over the area shaded in blue shown on the map below Please note that the meeting, previously scheduled for Friday 15 May 2026, is cancelled and is now re-scheduled for Tuesday 19 May 2025 due to Sorry Business
The purpose of the pre-authorisation information meeting is to provide information to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Native Title Group about the terms of a draft native title agreement for a determination of native title, before the Authorisation meeting.
A determination of native title involves a decision of the Federal Court on (1) who holds native title; (2) what the native title rights are; (3) the area to which the native title rights apply after any determination is made; and (4) which corporation (PBC) will represent the members of the determined native title group. These are the main matters that are included in the proposed native title agreement and will be discussed at the preauthorisation meeting.
Please note that no decisions are proposed to be made at this pre-authorisation information meeting.
On Tuesday 26 May 2026, there will be an Authorisation meeting where the Western Yalanji Native Title Group will be asked to consider whether to authorise the proposed native title agreement for a determination of native title. If the Western Yalanji Native Title Group decides to authorise the proposed agreement, the determination will then be sought in the Federal Court.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND?
All members of the Western Yalanji Native Title Group as described below are invited and eligible to attend the preauthorisation information meeting.
The Western Yalanji Native Title Group are the descendants by birth or adoption in accordance with traditional law and custom, of one or more of the following apical ancestors (listed alphabetically):
1. Alena Ida (mother of Bernard Castors)
2. Biddy Mango (aka Biddy Looney)
3. Billy (father of Jimmy Riley and others)
4. Buiku Buiku
5. Bula Burton
6. Charlie Curraghmore
7. Charlie Fox
8. Charlie Jubilee
9. Charlie Lee Cheu
10. Danyulgulga Lizzie
11. Dianna (Dinah) (sister of Mary (Maggie) Anderson)
12. Dolly (mother of Alice Roberts and others)
13. Dolly (maother of Charlotte Palmer and others)
14. George Dodd (aka George Maytown)
15. Hilda (mother of Jessie Pauletta Davis and others)
16. Jack Burton
17. Jangga Dolo (aka George Maytown)
18. Jimmy (father of Jack Lawyer and others)
19. Jimmy Snider
20. Johnnie Cake (aka Johnny Stewart)
21. Jukumu George Pegus
22. Kitty (mother of Jimmy Riley and others)
Map of Proposed Western Yalanji Determination Area under the CYU#1 Claim
23. Maggie (mother of Dave Crowley and others)
24. Maggie (mother of George Sibley Snr and others)
25. Maggie (mother of James Andrew Mossman and others)
26. Mary (Maggie) Anderson
27. Molly (mother of Annie Green and Dolly Walker)
28. Mother of Rosie Simpson nee Murray
29. Mujilabu Sandy Tippo (aka Deppo King)
30. Nellie (mother of Doris Choikee and others)
31. Ngamu Minkidji
32. Ngamu Yarrkin Mitchell Earl
33. Ngamukaia Billy Carroll
34. Palmer McLean (aka Old Palmer)
35. Railu aka Mary
36. Rob Miller Snr
37. Rosie (Ross) Palmer
38. Ruby Barney Maytown (aka Ruby Meldrum)
39. Sambo (father of Dave Crowley and others)
40. Wautalunggu Maggie
41. Wur’purdam (aka Ngarrabulga)
PLEASE NOTE:
THE MEETING ON FRIDAY 15 MAY 2026 IS CANCELLED AND HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY 19 MAY 2026
To enquire as to whether you are a member of the Western Yalanji Native Title Group as described above and are eligible to attend, please contact CYLC Anthropologist Hannah Nott by email HNott@cylc.org.au or on free call number 1800 623 548
If you have any queries about the purpose of the meeting, please contact CYLC Deputy Principal Legal Officer Louise Keepa by email LKeepa@cylc.org.au or on the free call number. For all other enquiries, please contact CYLC Senior Business Support Officer Clementine Rushford by email CRushford@cylc.org.au or on the free call number.
IMPORTANT - Attendance, Travel Assistance & Teleconferencing
For travel assistance, to confirm your attendance or for any general queries about the meeting, please contact Clementine Rushford at CYLC on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email CRushford@cylc.org.au Note that there is limited funding available for travel assistance and requests must be made by 11 May 2026. Teleconferencing facilities will also be made available at the meeting. If you would like CYLC to arrange a teleconference from your location into the meeting, whether you live at the location of the meeting or elsewhere, please contact Clementine Rushford at CYLC. CYLC is committed to providing every opportunity for eligible persons to attend the meeting.
Communities in line for disaster resilience upgrades
by LUKE MORTIMER
SEVERAL remote Cape York communities are due to receive important infrastructure improvements to help protect residents and strengthen resilience in the face of natural disasters.
The Federal and Queensland governments have jointly announced that Mapoon’s water treatment plant will be upgraded and work will be undertaken to safeguard it against coastal erosion and other severe weather threats, ensuring a consistent local water supply.
Teens accused of machete carjacking
by LUKE MORTIMER
CAPE York police have charged a pair of teenagers who allegedly carjacked a woman while armed with a machete.
Police allege the two boys, aged 15 and 16, threatened the woman with the machete and stole her car while she was parked on Kang Kang Road at Aurukun about 5 pm on 24 April. The woman was not physically injured.
Police found her vehicle abandoned a short distance away and the boys allegedly fled the area on foot.
On 29 April, police said in a statement that Aurukun Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) and general duties officers had charged the Aurukun boys with one count each of armed robbery and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
They were remanded in custody to face Cairns Childrens Court the same day.
Police also charged a 13-year-old Aurukun boy with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle in relation to the incident.
He is due to face Aurukun Childrens Court on 13 May.
Know more? Phone CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
Meanwhile, work is due to start on a storage facility at Coen, which will provide Cook Shire Council with substantial dry and cold storage space during periods of isolation, reducing a reliance on costly resupplies via air.
Drainage and pavement upgrades are also due to be carried out throughout Kowanyama township to improve waterflow and address reoccurring flooding issues along streets.
Federal Member for Leichardt Matt Smith said the projects would “reinforce water security and give people across Leichhardt the peace of mind they truly deserve”.
“With two cyclones and a tropical low making landfall in the Far North this year, the 2026 wet season has been particularly active,” he said.
“When communities are cut off and isolated by flood water, it’s essential that people can still rely on hygienic water supply for the essentials like washing, drinking and food preparation.”
State Member for Cook David Kempton said the investment as part of the joint $450 million Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Program “means stronger infrastructure, better protection during disaster season and more certainty for locals”.
“Most importantly, it helps communities stay connected, safe and supported when it matters most,” he said.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the work would ensure families could rely on crucial infrastructure, no matter the weather.
“Reliable services and better
flood resistant assets aren’t luxuries – they’re essential for keeping people safe and connected,” she said.
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the state was doubling investment into Betterment resilience projects to $80 million annually.
“Every Queenslander, no matter where they live, deserves access to reliable infrastructure that stands up to severe weather,” she said.
Alongside the Coen, Kowanyama and Mapoon improvements, it was announced the Kuranda water treatment plant would soon return to full capacity after it was damaged by Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023.
Construction was undertaken on new intake pipework, a raised intake structure and strengthened sludge armour.
Cleaning up in the wake of Cyclone Jasper in 2023. Photo: Cook Shire Council.
Cape York police allege two teenage boys wielded a machete during a carjacking on Kang Kang Road at Aurukun. Photo: File image/Aurukun Shire Council
‘Sitting idle’: State ‘unlocks’ access to more water
by LUKE MORTIMER
THE Queensland Government says it has slashed red-tape and “unlocked” up to 55,000 megalitres of water from the Mitchell River and 15,400 ML from the Wet Tropics to be made available for agricultural use.
Analysis of all 23 water plans state-wide, including on Cape York, has been a focus of the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers following the October 2024 election.
The Crisafulli Government is now “delivering on a key election
commitment with the release of the first seven Unlocking Water Project studies”, Local Government and Water Minister Ann Leahy said in a statement.
Applications to use more water as part of the Mitchell water release are already being finalised.
The Mitchell River stretches from the Atherton Tableland about 50 kilometres northwest of Cairns and flows about 750 km northwest across the peninsula from Mareeba to the Gulf of Carpentaria, covering an area of 71,757 square kilometres.
The water to be made accessible
from the Mitchell and Wet Tropics would be part of a total 90,000 ML set to be used for agriculture and industry across Queensland after the first seven studies.
The project’s scope includes highlighting unallocated water reserves, matching them to known demand and reviewing water use entitlements.
It’s also examining increasing access to un-supplemented water (not supplied from infrastructure such as a dam or weir) for priority areas.
Recommendations from the studies include cutting red-tape,
supporting water trading and improving access across plan areas.
Ms Leahy said releasing underutilised water sources which were “sitting idle waiting years for allocation” would lead to stronger regional economies and the growth of agriculture.
“The Crisafulli Government has unlocked thousands of megalitres of water to drive growth and productivity, especially when we can take practical steps to make it more accessible for industry,” she said.
“This is just the beginning as
we work to unlock more water potential to benefit communities and industries right across Queensland.”
Cook MP David Kempton said:
“The Mitchell River represents a water resource opportunity for my electorate and access to water is critical for the future of agriculture and regional communities in my electorate.”
The department states new licences “will be limited to small volumes of water” and that “this is the best way to protect existing downstream water users and the environment”.
The Mitchell River stretches from the Atherton Tableland and flows about 750 km northwest across the peninsula. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Growing nursery considers shop sales
by LUKE MORTIMER
WUJAL Wujal community nursery is on the grow with two new leaders and five workers joining the team.
It comes as community surveys have shown strong interest in the production of taro, chillies and capsicums, as well as the installation of a commercial-size cool room to store produce ahead of market days and potential sales to local shops.
The community has also given the tick to growing native seedlings to help rejuvenate the banks of the Bloomfield River, which was left bare after flooding from Cyclone Jasper in late 2023.
It’s expected seedlings from the Community Owned Enterprisesbacked nursery could be sold to organisations replanting on the banks.
Last year, the nursery was reinvigorated through COE’s Pride of Place and Skilling Queenslanders for Work project and momentum keeps on building.
The new roles at the nursery came to be amid a partnership with Community Owned Enterprises (COE) and RACQ Foundation, and thanks to the Commonwealth’s Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program.
Project mentor and Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire councillor Lucas Creek as well as supervisor Eric
Upite have started alongside the
Mr Creek said the seed had been planted for the nursery to grow into a sustainable enterprise, providing ongoing jobs and community wealth through the remainder of the three-year RJED project.
“This project aims to grow a viable local enterprise right here in
“If we can grow produce that our community need and want not only will selling it give us cheap fresh fruit and veg, but it can also help with food security and costs of living.
“Collecting native seeds and growing local trees and plants for our council, and eventually for
Amrun Dredging Activities
May – July 2026
Rio Tinto Weipa will be undertaking capital dredging at the Amrun Port from early May 2026 until late July 2026.
Dredge vessels have restricted manoeuvring capability.
An exclusion zone applies for all boats operating within the vicinity of dredging activities. Please take care and notice of all warning flags and lights.
Dredging is being carried out to create an additional berth pocket, and deepen and widen the Amrun Port departure channel and existing berth pocket.
Environmental controls and management measures will be implemented throughout the program to minimise the risk of any potential impact on the marine environment.
For more information,
others around the area, is also a huge opportunity.
“It makes use of our cultural knowledge: what grows best where, where to find the strongest seeds for those plants and where they will fit best into revegetation projects, and there’s no shortage of them [projects] in a cyclone prone region.”
The nursery has been tidied up
since late last year and the team has already been planting various fruits and vegetables.
The first batch of produce was on display at the Community Easter Fun Day held during the first week of the recent school holidays.
Attendees discussed the nursery’s future and were treated to a free barbecue, while children enjoyed an Easter egg hunt.
Amrun
Kangwinan
five local nursery workers.
Wujal Wujal for the people of Wujal Wujal” he said.
Cape, TSI worst in state for hepatitis B
by LUKE MORTIMER
HEALTH organisations have called for improved testing and community outreach as it’s been revealed the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) area has recorded the highest number of hepatitis B cases state-wide.
Viral hepatitis causes about half of all liver cancer cases and while it can be treated, Queensland’s mortality rate has tripled since the 1980s – with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected at about 2.5 times the rate of the non-Indigenous population.
Hepatitis Queensland and Cancer Council Queensland (CCQ) have published findings from a joint report on 2025 data and said there was a clear opportunity to make a difference.
Liver cancer deaths in Queensland have jumped from 1.6 per 100,000 population in the 1980s to about five per 100,000 population. But the situation is worse in First Nations communities, with the mortality rate reaching 12.8 deaths per 100,000.
It comes as TCCHS recorded hepatitis B notification rates of 34 per 100,000 population – the highest in the state.
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service hepatitis C notifications reached 27.4 per 100,000, which is also high in comparison to other areas.
Hepatitis B can be prevented
with a vaccine and treated with ongoing medical care, while hepatitis C can be cured with tablets.
Just 24 per cent of the Queenslanders diagnosed with liver cancer will be alive five years later, according to the findings.
Hepatitis Queensland CEO Dr Anna Hawkes said many factors contributed to the rise in deaths, including late diagnosis. Symptoms may only appear in advanced stages.
“Gaps in testing, treatment and long-term care mean many Queenslanders are still not benefiting from effective prevention and care,” she said.
“These challenges are driven by late diagnosis, suboptimal linkage to and retention in care and persistent inequities in access to culturally safe and appropriate services,
particularly for priority populations and those living in regional and remote areas.”
Stigma surrounding hepatitis and a lack of community knowledge about cancer prevention and treatment have contributed. Risk factors apart from hepatitis include smoking, alcohol use and being overweight.
Dr Hawke said tools the state could use to prevent liver cancer included hepatitis B vaccinations and antiviral therapy, curative hepatitis C treatment, harm reduction services, surveillance for at-risk groups and more culturally safe care.
“Only 25 per cent of Queenslanders living with hepatitis B are receiving recommended monitoring and care, while some 40 per cent of hepatitis C infections are
occurring in correctional settings,” she said.
“Hepatitis C symptoms can be silent or flu-like, such as fatigue and fever. If you have had cosmetic surgery or dental work done overseas, a backyard tattoo or used drugs recreationally, even decades ago, don’t ignore ongoing flu-like symptoms. Ask your doctor to be tested for hepatitis.”
CCQ chief operating officer Mena Waller said liver cancer was one of the state’s fastest-growing causes of cancer mortality.
“With targeted action and sustained commitment, Queensland has a clear opportunity to reduce preventable liver cancer and improve outcomes across the population, particularly amongst at-risk groups,” she said.
Ms Waller said the findings highlighted inequity and the need to improve hepatitis awareness, screening and access to care for priority groups such as those living regionally or remotely, First Nations people and individuals experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage.
“I have seen, particularly in remote communities, how hard it is to manage treatment of cancers like liver cancer,” she said.
“It’s one of a number of cancers that disproportionately impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“We need to acknowledge the hard work that’s being done across
the sector, and in particular by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) that are often underfunded and under-resourced while approaching health in culturally grounded and holistic ways.”
Hepatitis Queensland cultural lead and Wuthathi woman Nicky Guivarra was cured of hepatitis C and has called for a mix of improved testing, treatment and culturally-sensitive outreach.
She helps Hepatitis Queensland with its Strong Liver, Strong Mob initiative by avoiding jargon and using storytelling and sand art to connect.
“I tell people the liver is the most amazing organ in your body – it cleans the blood, and that resonates in our cultures as bloodlines are very important,” she said.
Ms Guivarra urged Indigenous people to ask for hepatitis testing if it was not raised during health checks.
Hepatitis Queensland cultural lead and Wuthathi woman Nicky Guivarra has been working to raise awareness about hepatitis and liver cancer in Indigenous communities. Photos: Supplied.
Hepatitis Queensland CEO Dr Anna Hawkes.
Scientists uncovering hidden coral reefs
by LUKE MORTIMER
SCIENTISTS have been using satellite technology and unique identification methods to uncover and map new coral reefs in the nation’s north, stretching from waters off western Cape York to Western Australia.
The reefs typically hidden in sedimentrich, murky waters have been mostly invisible and overlooked in conservation and development planning until now, according to the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).
AIMS has also been scouring the Great Barrier Reef to see whether new reefs can be found as part of The Marine and Coastal Hub project, which has been undertaken in partnership with the University of Queensland (UQ).
Project leader Dr Eric Lawrey, AIMS eAtlas project manager, said the team’s work revealed more than 1000 new reefs and that northern Australia had a similar number as the Great Barrier Reef, though many were much smaller.
“It’s a vast set of reefs that’s been largely unknown about,” he said.
“Well, I say unknown, maybe I should say unmapped, because I’m sure people that are there, or locals, know about all these places.”
It all started about 12 years ago, when the use of Google Earth and similar satellite imagery became widespread.
Dr Lawrey spent time peering at the northern coastline on screen, noticed possible reefs and wondered why they were not mapped.
“If you look at any one satellite image, the water just looks like turquoise paint and you can’t really see reefs,” he said.
“But if we overlay 200 images of the area taken at different times to create a composite image, all the swirly patterns of the moving water move around and average out while the reefs are constant.
“Their signal gets reinforced and they
become much clearer. It allows us to peek deeper into the water column than we could in one image.
“And that’s pretty much the process we used. Once we could see the reefs, we could map them.”
The process sounds deceptively simple, however, it took the team about 700 hours just to digitise reefs and assign classifications.
Work had to be carried out manually due to false positives using automation techniques and Dr Lawrey said each area of interest “needed a different strategy to map the reefs”.
“And for a lot of them we had to learn about the geology of the place before we could map them,” he said.
Most of the northern Australian coastline was not surveyed before the mapping, according to Dr Lawrey.
Marine chart mapping did not distinguish between coral and rocky reefs as they were simply designed as a warning to boat operators.
“The number of reefs we found inshore was a surprise. It became a bit of a problem for our project because we had to map so many of them,” Dr Lawrey said.
AIMS hopes the mapping leads to stronger protection for marine ecosystems which went unnoticed.
The project was undertaken while UQ was remapping the outer reefs of the Great Barrier Reef in a separate but similar endeavour.
“They adopted our new imagery technique to identify hundreds of additional reefs and to remove false reefs,” Dr Lawrey said.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is now reviewing the new mapping information.
Funding for the project was provided by the Federal Government.
Train Safety
Bauxite trains are a vital part of our community in Weipabut they are fast, heavy, and unforgiving They travel up to 65 km/h, overhang the track by around a metre, carry 3,300 tonnes, and can take nearly a kilometre to stop.
Please call our feedback hotline 1800 820 711 or RTAWeipafeedback@riotinto.com
Closure of Country
Paiden Countr y
Please be advised that access to Paiden Country is closed until further notice, due to sorry business It is important that we acknowledge and respect the advice from Traditional Owners so that cultural customs can be observed and practiced Rio Tinto personnel, contractors and the public are not to enter the area until further notice
This includes the following areas: Amban Road South (inclusive of the road), Beagle Road (inclusive of the road), Possum Creek, Sandy Creek, Ward River, Obon (Ward River Side), Yagalmungkan, Coastal areas from Big Horse Creek to Alechin Point including Ikleth, Six Ti Tree, and Awelombok (Waterfall)
The unique mapping techniques are also being used to get a better overview of the Great Barrier Reef. Photo: JCU.
Marine and Coastal Hub project leader Dr Eric Lawrey, who is AIMS e-Atlas project manager. Photo: Luke Lythgoe/AIMS.
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Foreign fishing crackdown continues
by LUKE MORTIMER
AUSTRALIAN Border Force (ABF) has found another foreign boat loaded with sea cucumbers as it continues to crack down on illegal fishing across northern Queensland and the Torres Strait.
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and ABF launched Operation Broadstaff in February to deter, detect and disrupt foreign anglers, who have largely been coming from Indonesia.
The ABF has intercepted 21 illegal vessels and seized more than 3.5 tonnes of sea cucumbers since 1 January, according to the latest figures released by authorities.
Sea cucumbers are highly regarded as a delicacy in parts of Asia, partly due to purported aphrodisiac and medicinal properties, and can fetch high prices.
Earlier this month, it was revealed 160 Indonesian fishers had been prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2025.
David Kempton said the Torres Strait community had called for action, resulting in Broadstaff, after a “400 per cent increase in illegal fishing vessels in Torres Strait over recent years”.
Mr Kempton and Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett previously warned illegal fishing could lead to outbreaks of malaria, tuberculosis and
arboviruses affecting humans, and screw worm fly, lumpy skin and foot-and-mouth disease affecting farm animals.
The latest interception aired by the ABF occurred at Prince of Wales Island (Muralag) off the tip of Cape York Peninsula in the Torres Strait on 13 April.
ABF aerial and surface assets responded to community reports and officers quickly found two boats hiding in a shallow creek on the island, which is the largest in the Torres Strait.
Officers from ABFC Roebuck Bay found 300 kilograms of sea cucumbers and 300 kg of salt used to preserve catch, as well as fishing gear.
The ABF consulted with AFMA and the crew of the boats were arrested.
They were due to be taken to Darwin to be further investigated by AFMA for suspected offences against the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984.
The ABF has been burning foreign boats at sea and it’s expected
these two boats will also be disposed of by fire.
ABF Acting Deputy Commander of Maritime Border Command Brooke Dewar said the ABF used a layered enforcement approach and combined reports from the local community with air, sea and land patrols.
“This is a clear example of our layered approach in action – strong patrols backed by real-time information from the community,” she said.
“Anyone who attempts to fish
illegally in Australian waters will be detected, intercepted and held accountable. Operation Broadstaff continues to deliver results.
“The ABF maintains a constant intelligence-led posture across the Torres Strait and northern Australia, and we will continue this enhanced response for as long as necessary.”
To report illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters phone the CRIMFISH hotline on 1800 274 634, or email intelligence@afma. gov.au.
ABF officers found 300 kg of sea cucumbers during an Operation Broadstaff interception on 13 April. Photo: ABF.
Sea cucumbers found during an interception earlier this year. Photo: AFMA.
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Golfers battle it out in Weipa
by LUKE MORTIMER
GOLFERS braved considerable heat and strong winds to get involved in the annual Weipa Goodline Open at Carpentaria Golf Club over the weekend.
Organiser Jamie Hutton said he was happy with the turnout of 55 players at the 36-hole competition on Saturday and Sunday (2-3 May) and expected it was a sign of bigger things to come.
“We’re just hoping that this is the first building block to make it an even bigger and better event,” he said.
Matt Slade (77, 78: 155) came away Agrade men’s gross champion, winning by a single stroke, and runner-up was Ross Craven (77, 79: 156). Vivian Chan topped the A-grade women’s gross contest (89, 91: 180), followed by Helen Sabatino (94, 100: 194).
Scott Triffitt (86, 85: 171) won the Bgrade men’s gross title and runner-up was Glenn Egan (86, 87: 173), while David Sands (86, 95: 181) claimed the C-grade win and Danny Bradley (87, 86: 173) was Seniors gross champion.
In the nett divisions, Ross Craven (140) took the A-grade win. Leeroy Jorden Ahmat (146) topped B-grade and David Sands (141) led C-grade.
Hutton said there was impressive talent
on display as competitors battled it out in “very warm” and gusty conditions.
“Not a lot of clouds in the sky, the sun was beaming all day,” he said.
Hutton pointed to two players as particularly interesting to watch: “Matt Slade
Dad and daughter square off at Wackers
A FIELD of 22 players were battling for a win at Wackers in Weipa on Wednesday (29 April).
Ex-Weipaite Thorne Rice was one of those, visiting again to participate in the Goodline Weipa Open at Carpentaria Golf Club.
Great scores came in from a number of players, including Bob Marshall, Mick Foy and Ross Craven, but the real
competition was between father and daughter Grant and Rhi Crossley.
Rhi proved too good for dad and came in with a PB of 47 off the stick. Grant claimed the 7th pinshot and Rhi managed a great hit to finish centimetres from the 9th.
Leeroy Ahmat was sure he had the Bradman’s, but Paiwan secured it convincingly.
won (A-grade men’s gross) by one shot and Ross Craven did very well over the weekend. Luckily for Slade, his (ball) went in and Craven’s didn’t so that’s how it was decided.
“It was definitely tough conditions.
Former winner Warren Brewer found the course challenging. But there were some good scores out there,” Hutton said.
“The greens were nice and quick like the greenkeeper likes to have them on the Open weekend. Not too easy, a bit of a challenge.”
Hutton worked with fellow co-ordinators Oliver Tata and Peter Sceresini to ensure the popular Open went ahead.
Community members were instrumental in helping clean up the battered course following Cyclone Narelle.
“The Open couldn’t have happened without them,” Hutton said.
“We’ve got really good volunteers out here to help the greenkeeper sort the course out before the Open. It was only, I think, four weeks ago a quarter of the course was underwater, so it was looking pretty bad a month out, but we got it together really well.”
Volunteers, “just to name a few”, included Warren Flegg, Matt Detournouer, Glenn Egan Michael Hall and Aaron Haines.
Thanks to Mura Buai Enterprises, the Open was able to offer up a $50,000 prize for anyone who hit a hole-in-one on the 18th Par 3 on Sunday, but no one took home the cash.
Goodline was the major sponsor of the golfing showdown once again.
Parkrun family farewells duo
by LUKE MORTIMER
ALMOST 70 participants hit the footpath for the 468th Weipa parkrun, assisted by seven volunteers.
The event marked the farewell of Ali Scott and Ross Dawson after more than 14 years at Weipa. They also put their hands up to volunteer on Saturday (2 May).
The pair said in a parkrun Facebook post: “We both would love to thank the parkrun and greater running community for their care, love, support and overwhelming positiveness.”
“We have a brilliant community here which is something very special,” they said.
“Thanks folks! Hope to see you one day at Gladstone or Tannum Sands parkrun.”
Clayton Morrison smashed it with 23:09 over the five
kilometres to take first. He placed second the previous week, when he recorded a personal best of 22:53. Morrison was followed by Luke Oday who recorded 24:18 and Samuel Russ on 24:34.
Emma Eyre was the first woman over the line when she greeted the timekeeper at 25:08.
Billy Reynolds came in fourth and with a PB of 24:47. Other PBs were set by Ariel Ampado, Hadley Fielding, Catherine Samuel, Natasha DavuI, Kate Salmucci, Adrian Salmucci and Samuel Salmucci.
Volunteers helping on the day alongside Scott and Dawson were Amanda Allender, Jonathan Wesson, Nigel Tait, Sam Aschenbrenner and Sarah Agnew.
To get involved in Weipa parkrun, a free community event, make sure you are at the shelter next to the hospital roundabout in Nanum by 7 am on Saturdays.
Goodline’s Warren Luscombe with Weipa Goodline Open A-grade men’s gross champion Matt Slade. Photos: Supplied.
Goodline’s Warren Luscombe with A-grade women’s gross champion Vivian Chan.
FISHING FRENZY
Weipa Fishing Classic gears up for big one
by LUKE MORTIMER
COMPETITORS are set to descend on Weipa from far and wide for the hotly anticipated 21st annual Weipa Fishing Classic (WFC) – one keen angler even ventured up from Tasmania for last year’s event.
WFC president Lisa Lui said early entry tickets for the 5-7 June competition have been snapped up fast in town.
“We’re going well. We’ve only been doing it (selling tickets) for two weekends and we’re reaching the first 1000 tickets sold,” she said.
Ms Lui said organisers have taken a string of calls from people outside the area asking when they can buy tickets and wondering if they might miss out on taking part in the three days of non-stop fishing action.
Organisers held off on selling tickets remotely amid some concerns fuel prices might deter budget-conscious attendees. But interest is evidently strong and tickets will soon be more widely available.
“The furthest call I’ve had is from a guy, I think he was near Brisbane somewhere,” Ms Lui said.
“I think it’s because it is a bucket list thing that they’ll do it. It might be their only big trip this year, but they’re willing to do it.
“A couple of years ago we had a guy drag his boat from Tasmania up here.”
Ms Lui said the crowd numbered about 3000 each night during last year’s competition. It’s a case of ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ this year and the format will remain “business as usual” .
“The first day we welcome everybody and we read out the rules. And then we’ve got Saturday, Sunday fishing,” Ms Lui said.
“I love the fishing comp’. It’s the one event I make sure – even before I came on the committee – that I’m there for. Just the crowd, all the locals. Everybody’s there for a good time. No one cares that much about anything else.
“Probably because it’s the first big event
for the year after the rain. Everyone’s looking forward to it. It’s been an extended wet season for us up here and the rain has just finally, in the last few weeks, tapered off a bit.
“Everyone’s looking forward to getting out and going camping and fishing and everything again. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone.”
The annual Top 30 prize draw and other
giveaways are sure to be a hit and local and interstate fishers at the Andoom Oval competition are likely to be eyeing off a sizeable prize pool, though plans are still in the works.
During last year’s landmark 20th annual competition, Beau Graafland topped the seniors after weighing in a 10.63 kilogram cobia and a 3.84 kg fingermark.
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Remote ticket purchases will be available soon and can be picked up when attendees arrive in town.
Visit the Weipa Fishing Classic Facebook page for more information.
Last year’s Weipa Fishing Classic senior champion Beau Graafland shows off the new addition to his trophy cabinet with Darryl French and Geoff Robins. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Fyn Gorman, 7, was crowned overall junior champion after landing a monster 106cm barramundi, which was his first ever fish measuring over a metre.
