SPIRITS were soaring, streets were bustling and venues were packed at the 47th annual Cooktown Discovery Festival.
The much-loved Cape York event drew a crowd of about a couple of thousand to the hub of the Cook Shire from Friday to Sunday.
Businesses like the Shipwreck Cafe were hectic, with available seats often few and far between. A small selection of busy market stalls pumped out food and drinks at a rapid rate, while watering holes like
Cook locals were out in force and many attendees the Cape York Weekly crossed paths with were long-time residents, keen to catch up with familiar faces.
But some visitors stopped off to soak in the colourful atmosphere, including those tackling bucket-list trips to the tip of the peninsula.
Dee and Art Dredge drove up from Victoria and decided to stay on the Cape a little longer for the festival.
“We were only just here for the tip and then realised the festival was on, so we just extended it a couple of days,” Mr Dredge said.
“We’ve just been towing a caravan, doing about four or ve hours on the road a day, seeing the sights along the way.”
The pair described the Cape as “beautiful” and Ms Dredge said the peninsula was “absolutely a bucket list trip”, particularly for her husband. They enjoyed the Friday morning reconciliation re-enactment. – Full coverage pages 16 & 17
Junior Burger rocks out with young fans at the 2026 Cooktown Discovery Festival. Photo: Cook Shire Council.
the Sovereign Hotel heaved with patrons quenching their thirst.
The 67th annual re-enactment of Captain Cook’s landing and first contact. Photo: Luke Mortimer/Cape York Weekly.
Classic cars conquer the Cape
& WOODS CARRIERS
by CHISA HASEGAWA
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THERE’S always a lot of discussion about what vehicles are needed to conquer Cape York, but a group of vintage vehicles made the Peninsula Developmental Road dust y as they caught the attention of locals and fellow travellers on the way to the Tip.
Eight classic car enthusiasts from the New South Walesbased Outback Model T Ford Club embarked on an eightweek-long journey up the eastern Australian coastline – the longest the group has done since forming 15 years ago.
Member Barry Burrows said they had never taken on Cape York in the Model T Fords.
“Some of the members have done it before, but not in the Model T Fords, in their modern cars,” he said.
“Every year, we do one decent drive; normally, it’s only about three, maybe four weeks, but this year, we decided to have a go at a big one.
“We started, I think it was the 8th of May, and it took us three weeks to get there (Cape York), but we had a week off in Cooktown for a bit of a rest and go shing and things like that.”
Unfortunately, a “major engine catastrophe” at Archer River forced the group to leave behind one of ve cars, but the rest of the trip was fairly drama-free.
“The cars are fully reconditioned; obviously, there might be something unforeseen that comes up, but we normally get through and come home again,” Mr Burrows said.
“We’ve got a few parts and bits and pieces there, but we don’t really need a great deal –they’re fairly basic old things.
“We had more trouble with the trailers, really, than we had with the cars – I had to fabricate a new drawbar at Cooktown.”
The group eventually made it all the way to the Tip by midJune, but not without taking in the rich scenery and having many conversations with locals and others on their bucket-list Cape trips.
“Every time we pull up for fuel or something, it takes you a while to get going again, because people always want to have a talk and nd out what’s going on, where you’ve been and where you’re going,
have the cars gotten into any problems, how fast do they go, how much petrol do they use, can you still get tyres for them, and all sorts of things,” he said.
“Up on the Cape, on those really rough roads you’ve got up there, we might’ve only been doing 20 kilometres an hour. You don’t miss much, you get to see everything, and it’s a great way to travel if you’ve got the time.”
A fleet of Model T Fords taking on their first Cape York trip have been the talk of the Peninsula Developmental Road. Photos: Supplied.
The Outback Model T Ford Club at the Tip of Cape York after a weeks-long journey from New South Wales.
Weipa families in ‘impossible position’ as OSHC faces closure
by CHISA HASEGAWA
AT a time when Weipa had no care options for school-aged children, the re-opening of the St Joseph’s Parish School outside school hours care (OSHC) in December 2024 came as a saving grace for working parents in the community.
Now, just months after celebrating its first anniversary, the service is back on the chopping block, leaving families “stressed, anxious and uncertain”.
One of the many parents severely affected by the news is Louise Andrews, who said she and her family may have no choice but to leave Weipa if the essential service is withdrawn.
As a dental nurse in the community, Ms Andrews said she and her family lived in government housing, and she needed to work a certain number of hours per week to qualify.
“If I had to drop hours or stop a day, that could jeopardise our housing,” she said.
“We left Perth Easter last
year to do the lap around Australia, and we stopped here, and my husband and I got jobs.
“If that all fell through, then we’d probably have to continue on our travels.”
Parents were given extremely short notice, with Centacare FNQ issuing a statement on 11 June about the potential closure and consultation period ending on 17 June.
Ms Andrews and several parents have written to Centacare FNQ to stress the importance of the OSHC service and fight for its continuation.
“The OSHC and vacation care program is not simply a convenience for parents — it is a critical service that enables workforce participation in Weipa,” she wrote in her letter.
“For a remote town such as Weipa, where childcare options are extremely limited, removing this service would place families in an impossible situation.
“The reality is that there are not sufficient alternative arrangements available to absorb the demand currently met by the OSHC and vacation care program.
“The closure of this service would not only impact individual families, but would also have broader economic and workforce implications for Weipa.”
She told Cape York Weekly that the impact would also be significant for her daughter
Mia, who had settled in and made friends after moving around the country.
“It wouldn’t be ideal at all, because we were planning on staying here until she started high school,” the concerned mother said.
Following the consultation period, parents were issued a further statement on 18 June, with more information expected this week.
“We recognise the importance of this service and understand the impact that any potential changes may have on children, families and the community,” the Centacare FNQ statement read.
“Given the volume of responses and the matters raised, we believe it is important to take the necessary time to carefully consider all information before making any decisions.
“At this stage, no final decision has been made regarding the future of the service.
“In the meantime, the St Joseph’s Weipa outside school hours care service will continue to operate as usual.”
Traditional owners look to future after land hand back
by LUKE MORTIMER
THE Bubu Nubuun Aboriginal Corporation is exploring opportunities after almost 3000 hectares of Cape York land was handed back to traditional owners.
Director Betty Woibo said the corporation was honoured to have ownership of the 2920 hectares recognised.
“This is a significant step towards selfdetermination and reconciliation and we look forward to working in partnership with the state to care for Country,” she said.
“We hope to create economic opportunities for our people and ensure its protection for future generations.”
The transfer includes land from Endeavour River National Park, Endeavour River Resources Reserve, Mount Cook National Park, Keatings Lagoon Con-
servation Park, as well as some unallocated state land.
It’s expected the return of the jointly managed Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land (CYPAL) will help ramp up the number of tourists visiting Waymbuurr (Mount Cook) National Park, according to the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
The Aboriginal Land and national park CYPAL will be owned by Bubu Nubuun Aboriginal Corporation and the national park CYPAL will be jointly managed with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) as a result of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement.
QPWS deputy director-general Ben Klaassen said the agreement was historic and national park visitation would grow.
“The spectacular landscape of the Finch Bay headland, next to the beach
and mountains is an important addition to the national park,” he said.
“The transfer will allow us to upgrade the carpark, formalise the entry to the Waymbuurr Lookout walking track and provide a defined starting point for visitors taking the rugged track to the mountain top.
“The addition of land into Waalmbaal Birri (Endeavour River) National Park (CYPAL) will help protect the near threatened Cooktown fan palm and the vulnerable Endeavour River litter-skink.
“This Country contains cultural sites of significant importance to the traditional owners, it supports rare and threatened species and we will work in partnership with the Bubu Nubuun Aboriginal Corporation on potential economic opportunities through increased tourism.”
Weipa parent Louise Andrews will have no choice but to leave town with her husband and daughter Mia if the outside school hours care service is shut down.
Photo: Supplied.
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Better Roads and Transport
Hope Vale aquaculture venture secures $500,000
A FIRST Nations-led organisation tackling remote food insecurity and a global protein supply gap has been announced as one of four Queensland producers sharing in a $2 million sustainability and innovation fund.
Hope Vale Foundation was awarded a $500,000 Coles Nurture Fund grant to scale up a native giant freshwater prawn project in Far North Queensland, creating new jobs and helping bring an Australian-grown native protein, long valued by the Hope Vale Aboriginal community, to more Australians.
The funding follows the team’s appearance at premier agrifood innovation event, EvokeAG, earlier this year, where they presented their plan to commercialise Aus-
tralia’s giant freshwater prawn, also known as cherabin, to solve two major problems: food insecurity in remote communities, and the looming global protein supply gap.
Despite the prawn being native to Northern Australia, and global demand for the product exceeding USD $5 billion dollars, Hope Vale Foundation is the first to progress towards commercialisation of the species in the country.
Hope Vale Foundation general manager Rachelle McIvor said the grant would help the 100 per cent Indigenous-owned and operated not-for-profit move from a successful hatchery trial to building its own hatchery and grow-out ponds on its 19-hectare research and de-
velopment farm near Cooktown.
“We’ve already proven this can work, with our hatchery trial producing around 200,000 juvenile prawns when we were expecting about 20,000, and now this funding helps us take the next big step,” she said.
“Cherabin is something our community knows and loves, but many Australians haven’t had the chance to experience it yet. It’s a beautiful native freshwater prawn, and we think it has a really exciting future as an Australian-grown native protein.
“This project is about much more than prawns. It’s about creating meaningful jobs that suit our community, building skills and opening up future opportunities
for local people to be part of the supply chain.”
Since 2015, the Coles Nurture Fund has awarded more than $43 million to 127 Australian businesses, providing grants of up to $500,000 for projects that support sustainability, efficiency and growth.
The latest round marked the largest amount awarded to Queensland producers in a single round of the program, with total support for Queensland businesses growing to $9.7 million.
Coles Group chief commercial and sustainability officer Anna Croft said the Queensland recipients in round 14 reflected the ingenuity, ambition and practical problem-solving of local producers.
“We’re proud to support four Queensland small and mediumsized businesses with $2 million in grants to help bring their ideas to life,” she said.
“These projects show the breadth of innovation happening across Queensland, from AI zucchini grading technology and Indigenous-led aquaculture to turning imperfect ginger and turmeric into Australian-grown pantry products and taking mobile dehydration technology directly to farms.
“Each recipient is tackling a real challenge in their business or industry, whether that’s reducing waste, improving efficiency, creating new opportunities for regional communities or developing more sustainable ways to produce food.”
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) will undertake maintenance dredging from mid-June at the Port of Weipa.
Dredging will also be completed at Amrun on behalf of Rio Tinto.
The project will take up to eight (8) weeks to complete.
The dredge vessel TSHD Brisbane, as well as support vessels, have restricted manoeuvring capability. Local and visiting boaties are asked to take care and notice of all warning flags and lights.
Maintenance dredging needs to be carried out to ensure that safe, navigable shipping depths are maintained.
Environmental controls and management measures will be implemented throughout the program to minimise the risk of any potential impact on the marine environment.
Your cooperation and understanding is appreciated.
Hope Vale Foundation has secured $500,000 towards its venture to commercialise the native giant freshwater prawn for the first time in Australia. Photos: Supplied.
One of the giant freshwater prawns found on Cape York.
Vote now: Weipa midwife
finalist in top state award
by CHISA HASEGAWA
JUST two years after birthing services resumed in Weipa, a day one member of its team is up for a 2026 Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union (QMNU) Award.
Endorsed midwife Lorraine Woods has been announced as one of three nalists in the Midwife of the Year category, and she needs the Cape York community’s votes to help highlight birthing in the remote region.
“It’s a great honour to have this nomination. We’ve only just started birthing in the last couple of years, and it’s nice to be a part of that, and to be able to represent the Torres and Cape,” she said.
“It would be really cool to put the Cape, put Weipa, on the map with this; I think I’m more excited for that than just myself, because Weipa is this small little place, and to think that a midwife can win a competition, and this is where they work, is huge.”
The experienced midwife’s posting in Weipa came down to a little bit of fate when she visited a friend in July 2021 and was told about the town’s new birthing project.
Intrigued, she applied for the job when it opened a month later, and made Weipa home in October, ready to take on a new chapter providing local births for women in the community.
“I thought maybe it’s time for me to have a bit of a challenge and get a birthing project up from scratch,” she said.
“I’ve never worked in a rural/ remote community before, and just getting to meet the women here and working with other like-minded people has been really good.
“A lot of women are birthing here now. To be able to follow through with their care and look after women in communities, and having equity for those women and the opportunity for them to birth close to home, I think, is really important, especially for our First Nations women as well.”
Though she brought extensive clinical practice and leadership experience, Ms Woods said her time on the Cape had allowed her to grow as an endorsed midwife and team player even more.
“I had never water birthed before, so I went to the Royal Women’s Hospital and upskilled there, and now we’re water birth-
ing in a rural/remote area, which is amazing, giving that opportunity for women,” she said.
“I think you realise how much you actually know. We don’t have core midwives on the oor, so when you have babies, we rely a lot on our nursing staff and our doctors, and it’s multidisciplinary.
“We’ve got an amazing team that all work together to service these women and provide the best possible care for them.”
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service midwifery director Michelle O’Connor said Ms Woods was truly deserving of the award, due to her commitment to women in community and through to being a role model for others working in the sector.
“We hadn’t had birthing services in Weipa for 25 years, so it was quite a big undertaking to bring birthing back to Weipa and the Western Cape, and she was there for all of that,” she said.
“It was quite a journey. There was quite a bit of changing staff and changing leadership at the time, but Lorraine was a constant during that really interesting and exciting but challenging time.
“She’s one of our most senior midwives; she was there for the rst baby to be born, and she’s so well-respected and known in the community as well.”
Vote for the 2026 QNMU Midwife of the Year with the QR code (right) by 6 July.
Winners will be announced at the Awards Dinner during the 2026 QNMU Annual Conference on 6 August.
Weipa endorsed midwife Lorraine Woods, who played a key role in bringing birthing back to the community, is a finalist for the 2026 Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union Midwife of the Year Award. Photo: Supplied.
Message from the Chair
Hi Weipa,
We are well and truly into the busy season with lots going on, and something that is always just around the corner A quick overview for the month of May from a WTA perspective looks like this:
Sunset Markets - The Mother's Day
Sunset Markets were a hit as usual, and very well attended by the community The timing this year wasn't ideal falling on the long weekend, but will be sure to factor that in next year to account for everyone getting away camping
I participated in the Cape York Regional Package meeting which is facilitated by RDA Tropical North and brings together all of the key stakeholders who have an interest in the Peninsula Development Road (PDR) It's an important forum which keeps the PDR on the agenda for the State and Federal Governments, and I am always there reminding the forum of the importance of the
PDR to the Western Cape and surrounding Cape York communities, and the opportunities that will come from the continued sealing of the road
We held a community clean up event as part of the Clean Up Australia Day campaign, and it was very well attended and supported by the community We need to give a special mention to the 51st Battalion, Far North Qld Regiment who showed up in force and made short work of cleaning up the Rocky Point foreshore area We also had great support from the Western Cape College Residential Campus students and a good number of community members It was great to see everyone getting stuck in and making a visible difference in the community
I was invited to speak to the year 4 class at St Josephs about how the WTA works, and how we make decisions and look after the township, and I was very impressed by the questions that the students had, and their interest in how their
W
meeting for the next Western Cape Futures Symposium, which has been pencilled in the calendar for the 5 & 6 May 2027, and has already received great interest The 2027 Symposium will be the third event of its kind, and has already proven to be one of the most meaningful and productive forums to produce positive outcomes and opportunities for our region We have high hopes for the 2027 event, and we are sure that it won't disappoint Watch this space th th
May also means National Simultaneous Storytime, which is an event run in conjunction with State Library Queensland This year the story was Luna Roo which I read to a very excited and
Jam Packed School Holiday Program
Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained these school holidays?
From LEGO adventures and cardboard creations to movie sessions, board games, sports and crafts, there's something for everyone to enjoy
Hibberd Library, WASP & Kumrumja
Many activities are FREE, with movie and sports sessions available at a low cost
Highlights include:
Mission to Mars – LEGO Day
Sidewalk Chalk
Jellyfish Hanging Craft
Storytime with an Auslan Interpreter Kumrumja Movie Sessions
Bring your friends, make new ones, and enjoy a holiday packed with creativity, fun and adventure!
Pet Rego Is Due
It’s that time of year again – animal registration renewals are due by 30 June! All dog and cat owners are reminded to renew their pet registrations to ensure compliance with local laws and to help keep our community and furry friends safe
and cat owners are
Registration helps us return lost pets to their families quickly and supports responsible pet ownership across the region
Renewing is quick, easy, and essential If your contact details have changed or if you've welcomed a new pet to the family, now’s the time to update your info Avoid late fees and help us keep tails wagging and paws protected – get your pet registered before 30 June!
e g y nd
students from Kluthuthu Christian College It was lots of fun Shout out to our Library and Events staff who organise these events for the community, they are always very well received
Thanks for reading, and remember my door is always open if you'd ever like to come and talk about any concerns you have, or feedback you'd like to share Be sure to follow the WTA Facebook, and community events calendar on the website to keep up to date with everything happening around town
See you out and about
As the dry season approaches, now is the time to stay prepared The Weipa Disaster Dashboard provides up-to-date information on bushfires, fire danger ratings, weather warnings and local emergency updates
Before heading out, make checking the dashboard part of your routine and stay informed about conditions that could affect you and your family
Seafood industry experts help fishers reel in new business
by LUKE MORTIMER
SEAFOOD industry experts have held sh processing courses in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area to help anglers unlock job opportunities, build businesses and strengthen the regional seafood supply chain.
Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) backed the hands-on Australian Paci c International Training Institute event held between 15 and 19 June, which gave participants national quali cations in seafood processing.
Training covered cleaning, lleting and preparing seafood to industry standards, as well as workplace health and safety.
Saiyan Nadredre took part in the course and said the training provided valuable information and practical skills.
“This course made me aware of our seafood supply chain and the proper standards to follow when handling seafood from start to nish,” she said.
“I feel con dent preparing sh and understanding what buyers and customers are looking for in terms of quality.
“I have new skills that I can apply to our family business.”
Indigenous Initiatives and Innovation experts Kenny Bedford and Shawn McAtamney taught the Fish Processor Induction Skill Set course.
Mr Bedford said: “The training is a response to a need identi ed to support families already shing commercially or wanting to engage in the sheries industry beyond harvesting.
“Seafood taken from our waters needs to meet the highest standards at every stage of handling — from the moment it’s brought out of the water and into the
dinghy, right through to every buyer along the supply chain,” he said.
“This accredited training is not just for our region, it is a national quali cation valid anywhere in Australia.”
The ve-day Bamaga course was the fth of its kind after sessions were held on Thursday Island, Masig, Kubin/St Pauls and Saibai.
There has been strong interest, according to TSRA, and seafood processing training is now planned for Poruma from 13-17 July.
Chairperson George Nona said the TSRA was proud to help locals build on existing shing knowledge.
“We are known as skilled shers, but to grow our industry we must also meet high standards in seafood preparation and workplace health and safety,” he said.
“To protect the Torres Strait’s reputation for quality seafood we must understand and use the highest standards of quality control.
“Maintaining quality from our pristine waters through to market builds the reputation of the Zenadth Kes brand and opens more opportunities for our products.”
TSRA supported the training through its Wapil project, paid for by the National Indigenous Australians Agency.
The project focuses on strengthening sustainable sheries, increasing employment and economic opportunities and building industry capacity.
The Queensland Government also pitched in via the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.
Tuesday 21 July 2026, 10:00pm to Wednesday 22 July 2026, 3:00am (5 hours)
The Power Generation team would like to advise that there will be
This
Shawn McAtamney, Flora Warrior, Dre Ahwang, Daniel Abednego, Ian Wymarra, Saiyan Nadredre, Naseli Kiwat, Daniel Sebasio, Andrew Sebasio and Iliesa Nadredre take part in the Bamaga seafood processing training course. Photos: Kenny Bedford.
Inaugural CAPS high tea raises $33k for Weipa animals
by CHISA HASEGAWA
AN afternoon of floral dresses and finger sandwiches in Weipa has raised $33,000 for shelter animals in the western Cape.
Cape Animal Protection Shelter (CAPS) hosted its inaugural high tea fundraiser event at the Albatross Bay Resort deck on 20 June – its first major fundraiser, thanks to more hands on deck in the committee.
The funds raised will contribute to the shelter’s expansion goal: an additional eight sets of exercise yards to increase enrichment for the dogs in care.
“We’ve never had the manpower to do something like this, but we’ve had some amazing new people join our fundraising team, and it’s really made a difference,” president Shayna Reeves said.
A highlight of the event was Brisbane singer Ashleigh McCarthy, who donated her time and money to fly up and perform for guests at the high tea.
“It was a very successful event, and that goes back to our outstanding fundraising team,” Ms Reeves said.
“The community really backed us; they were so generous, and we would like to make it an annual event.”
Cape Animal Protection Shelter put on its first major fundraiser after attracting more members to its committee. Photos: Supplied.
Shayna Reeves, Chelsea Bratt, Emily McGrath and Frankie McMillan.
Leah Pierotti, Trudy Turnbull, Fiona Langsdorf and Louise Montafia.
Brisbane singer Ashleigh McCarthy flew up from Brisbane to perform for guests at the high
Remote jobs program makes life-changing impacts
by CHISA HASEGAWA
A PROGRAM offering dignity of work, decent wages and a chance to support community priorities is changing the lives of First Nations locals on Cape York.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy visited workers employed under the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program in Cape Tribulation, Wujal Wujal and Cooktown last week, following a third round of grants earlier this year to fund 1500 jobs across the country.
Her first stop was the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Bamanga Muruku Tourism Hub at Cape Tribulation on 16 June, where she met the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation.
The community employer has created 11 new jobs through the RJED program, including an employment and training offi cer, hospitality workers, tour guides, and a culture and language offi cer.
Senator McCarthy then travelled to Wujal Wujal to engage with employees at the Wujal Wujal Nursery & Market Garden, gaining an insight into the workers’ lives as she planted a finger lime with them, before heading to Cooktown to meet one of three RJED workers employed at the Kuku Bulkaway Gallery.
Worker Chaysley* said the job was not only fulfilling for himself,
but also allowed him to become a better role model.
“It’s good to come to work and learn something new every day, and also teach my kids about fruit and veggies,” he said.
“I like helping the community, learning about native plants and trees and teaching it to the young generations.”
Green-thumbed Clinique expressed her pride in the 100 seed-
lings the nursery is raising as part of the Bloomfield River regeneration project.
“I love gardening. I always go home at the end of the day with a smile on my face, telling my families what I’ve done,” she said.
“You grow things not just for yourself but for community and others, like bringing in bush medicines or bush foods for old folks.”
In February 2026, the Federal
Planned Power Outage
Government announced its plan to double the RJED program from 3000 to 6000 jobs by 2030, with an additional $299 million investment.
Senator McCarthy said it had been fantastic to see the program’s positive impacts first-hand.
“Our Remote Jobs program is changing lives in remote communities, creating jobs and delivering the dignity of work with decent pay and conditions,” she said.
“A secure job with decent wages and conditions helps more than just the individual – it strengthens families and communities.
“Having a job and the dignity of work is a big part of Closing the Gap; that’s why we’re doubling the number of jobs being created under our Remote Jobs program.”
*Editor’s Note: Last names have been redacted for this article.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy (centre) gets an insight into the lives of Wujal Wujal Nursery & Market Garden workers employed under the Remote Jobs and Economic Development program. Photos: Supplied.
RJED worker Clinique is proud to serve her community as part of the Bloomfield River regeneration program.
Laura Races and Rodeo set to be ‘massive’
by LUKE MORTIMER
THE 49th Laura Races and Rodeo will be a sold-out affair following some early concerns the annual community gathering might not attract enough visitors to proceed this year.
Rodeo and Campdraft manager Karlene Shepherd said a couple of thousand tickets for the iconic event this Thursday to Sunday had flown out the door, surpassing expectations.
Ms Shepherd and her team were excited for a massive four days after significant planning and preparation, including upgrades to the rodeo yard.
“All the full weekend gate pass-
es are completely sold out,” she said.
“It’s the biggest event we have up here…everyone is looking forward to catching up.
“I suppose things have changed a bit since the old days where you only saw each other once a year or so, but I mean everyone comes, they get together here for the camping, the atmosphere.
“You go from camp to camp to see your mates and have a beer and a yarn. But then it does get exciting towards the end, you know, like there’s a bit of a buildup because we get quite busy towards the end [of the event].”
Ms Shepherd said her team “put in great effort to pull it all off”.
“It does get a bit tiring because you’re worried if you’ve got everything prepared and about how it all goes. We always feel relieved when it all comes off for us,” she said.’
Laura Amateur Turf Club secretary Belinda Deurloo said she was looking forward to welcoming a “sell-out crowd” of punters to the club, including visitors from out of town.
“The prep has been really good. We’ve got quite a large nomination for horses coming up to the field this year, so really strong competition on the track,” she said.
She was particularly excited for the pre-race Calcutta.
“It is massive. It’s 10am sharp
on race day. It can be a struggle to fit people in,” she said.
Ms Deurloo said the weekend was going to be “huge” and had been hotly anticipated.
She spoke highly of the collaboration between the races and rodeo organisers.
“Everyone supports one another. There’s a lot of people that you know are involved in both the club and association, which is awesome,” she said.
“The best thing about the event is catching up with everyone on an annual basis, you know, people from all over the Cape.”
The Races and Rodeo kicks off on Thursday with Campdraft in the Rodeo Arena and a family night
including live music at the racecourse.
On Friday, the Campdraft continues and Horse Sports will take place at the racecourse grounds. The day will finish with live music at the course.
Saturday is packed and includes the Campdraft, pre-racing Calcutta and horse racing, followed by rodeo events. Rodeo events will then be held throughout the Sunday.
Ms Shepherd and Ms Deurloo thanked supporters who rallied behind the event, financially or otherwise.
Check out the Laura Races FNQ and Laura Rodeo & Campdraft Association Facebook pages for details.
Operations Manager (12- month fixed term)
– Apudthama Land Trust
Lead with Purpose. Support Country. Build Community.
• Based in Injinoo, Cape York
• Rent free accommodation in Umagico
• Opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to Country, culture and community
The Apudthama Land Trust represents the Traditional Owners of over 1,063 km² of Northern Cape York Peninsula. We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead organisational operations, support the Ranger Program, and oversee governance, finance and people management.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead and support a high-performing team
• Manage organisational operations and Board administration
• Oversee budgets, finance and reporting
• Manage HR, recruitment and performance
• Build relationships with Traditional Owners and stakeholders
• Identify funding and grant opportunities
• Ensure legislative, governance and WHS compliance About You
You are a confident, respectful leader with strong operational management skills and a passion for working with First Nations communities.
You will have:
• 2+ years’ management experience
• Experience working with First Nations communities
• Knowledge of Native Title, Aboriginal Land and Cultural Heritage legislation
• Budget and financial management experience
• MYOB or Xero experience
• Current QLD C Class Driver Licence Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
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Council is seeking tenders from suitably experienced cattle musterers to perform muster services in Kowanyama, including the catch and transport of cattle from the Land to sale, as directed by the Principal and its nominated Sales Agent.
RFT documentation is available to download via https://www.kowanyama.qld.gov.au/council/ tenders-and-opportunities/
Tenders Close 4:00PM Wednesday 1st July 2026
Tender responses may be submitted electronically to tenders@kowanyama.qld.gov.au or hard copies can be submitted to KASC Cairns Office or KASC Kowanyama Office.
For more information, please contact tenders@kowanyama.qld.gov.au
Alan Neilan, Chief Executive Officer
The 49th Laura Races and Rodeo will be held from Thursday to Sunday. Pictured is action from a previous event. Photos: Cape York Weekly.
Laura Amateur Turf Club has put in a lot of work to repair the grounds and get them ready for racing following Cyclone Narelle.
Bananas devoured, history in lights at eclectic Discovery Festival
AS every year, the 67th annual re-enactment of Captain Cook’s landing and first contact with the Guugu Yimithirr Bamangay people at Endeavour River in 1770 was a highlight. That is saying something, considering the festival’s jam-packed and diverse program.
Cooktown Re-enactment Association poured their hearts into the Sunday morning performance – and even a comical accidental gatecrashing by a bloke in a tinny as muskets were raised over the river did not derail proceedings.
Other historical aspects of the festival were also popular and included the aforementioned reconciliation re-enactment and the gold delivery at the old bank, with costumed performers drawing rounds of applause for their concerted efforts.
Mad about the muster MEANWHILE, the Cape York Automotive Muster was a key part of the vibrant street parade, and a force unto itself throughout the festival.
Car enthusiasts were spoiled, with rides ranging from pristine classics to eye-catching beaters and roaring four-wheel drive rigs occupying centre stage along the main street.
Even those without the faintest interest in cars could not help but stop and stare.
The lights and sounds show on Friday night saw flames shooting from bonnets, engines revving and light bars blasting colours throughout one of Queensland’s oldest towns.
Challenger to 2025’s showstealing Frankenstein bush-basher Toyota Yaris was by some accounts the garish pink “Barbie” Hyundai Excel on display this year, which included a doll plastered unceremoniously to the bonnet.
Muster organiser Lauren Bowyer and her small team spent months preparing and she was
thrilled to see festival attendees enjoying the show.
“It is hugely rewarding to see it all come together. Every year I go ‘I’m not doing that again’, but every year – because I’m passionate about cars, I love cars, and I love the community – I do it again,” she said.
“And I love the fact that I’m able to give back to the Cancer Council after my issues with cancer – I’m a three-time cancer survivor.”
Ms Bowyer said the muster may need more space at the festival in future, considering its growing popularity.
“It is a huge part of the festival and it’s getting bigger and bigger,” she said.
Local Justin Webster was showcasing two vastly different beasts, both with their own appeal. One was a classic Holden while the other was a monstrously capable mishmash of parts from various cars, which took a couple of years to build.
“It was mainly built just to teach our son how to weld. He was about eight-years-old,” he said.
The other vehicle, Mr Webster’s ‘Blue Meanie’ Holden, is a “dying breed” with the iconic Aussie company long dead. He is constantly asked to sell the piece of motoring history.
“But it’s too much fun. I couldn’t,” he said.
Tummies tested
OUTSIDE the West Coast Hotel on Saturday afternoon, the Unfenced Asylum Challenge was as unhinged and entertaining as ever, but perhaps a little smaller this year, with callouts for participants coming at the last-minute.
Nevertheless, those involved got stuck in with gusto – chugging drinks, smashing pies of questionable quality and switching between grasping hobbyhorses and large stones as they dashed down the road, trying to hold it together, leaving many watching on in stitches.
Grace Dennis, a relatively recent arrival in Cooktown, was
roped into the challenge with little notice, but proved an impressive contestant (with an iron stomach).
“They’re like, they need a team. I got asked. The girls pushed me,” she laughed.
“You know, just your everyday Saturday. Cooktown’s like this. Standard Saturday.”
Ms Dennis sang the shire’s praises and said she had no trouble making friends in the tightknit community.
“I love Cooktown,” she said.
“The festival has been great. We had scones at the [CWA] Tea House this morning and then went to the market, and then went to the RSL for the wine tasting.”
A scene from the 67th annual re-enactment of Captain Cook’s landing and first contact with the Guugu Yimithirr Bamangay people at Endeavour River. Photos: Luke Mortimer/Cape York Weekly.
Cape York Automotive Muster’s Lauren Bowyer in her eyecatching pink four-wheel drive at the Discovery Festival.
The Banana Eating Competition had some entrants questioning their life choices.
The gold delivery on the way to the old heritage-listed Westpac Bank during the festival.
Sovereign Hotel food and beverage manager Beck Lingard, serving at the hotel on Friday night, thought the Discovery Festival was out of this world.
Grace Dennis stepped up to take on the wild Unfenced Asylum Challenge at the last minute, and managed to keep it together during the mayhem.
Family-focused
FRIENDLY
police officers milling about at the festival seemed to have relatively little to do but keep an eye on things.
They even got a brief moment or two to eyeball key sights alongside other spectators, such as the frantic spaghetti and banana eating competitions.
Results are yet to be confirmed for contests – and some people failed to register amid the excitement. But there was no lack of enthusiasm as kids and adults alike stuffed as many bananas into their gobs as they could and attempted to eat spaghetti hands-free.
With the weather by and large fine and sunny during the lightheated 1921 June gathering, firefighters were using truck hoses to cool down the kids, while bubbles filled the street.
Turn it up
LIVE music acts from the shire and further afield kept the crowd entertained throughout, including Djawarray, Burger Joint and headliners Kingswood, as well as buskers.
The United Tableland Pipe Band impressed, while the Stronger Together Community Choir was a crowd-pleasing standout for its emotive performance from novice singers.
The group came together after Cyclone Jasper, with some enduring traumatic events, and members have found solace and joy in singing together.
Fireworks – always a crowd favourite – lit up the Endeavour River, providing a once-a-year town spectacle before Kingswood rocked the main stage on Saturday night.
All smiles
COOK Shire Council Mayor Robyn Holmes and chief executive officer Brian Joiner were out and about enjoying the festival.
The council hosts the long-running event, one of the Cape’s biggest, with the assistance of a wide range of local organisations and supporters.
“It’s an amazing weekend. Lots of people out and about today. Beautiful weather as well,” Mr Joiner said on Saturday.
The mayor said the turnout was better than expected: “We weren’t really sure what was going to happen this year.”
“There were a lot of people here last night [Friday] too. It was really a surprise actually. I think it was a bit more than last year,” Ms Holmes said.
Mr Joiner said “the tourism season seems like it’s going to be a little bit down on previous years”, but he was still expecting “good numbers over the weekend”.
The mayor was asked if she was proud to see some of the best parts of the shire reflected in the festival.
“100 per cent. I mean, we all live here for a reason,” Ms Holmes said, adding there were “too many to name” when it came to those who helped the event come to fruition each year.
Check out the Cape York Weekly online for more from the Discovery Festival.
Djawarray on the main stage at the Discovery Festival on Saturday evening.
Photo: Cook Shire Council.
Banana Eating Competition organisers Rachel Rippon, Anna Humphries, Teala Hall and banana eating champ Luke Reeves.
Rachel Rippon, Brandon Walker and Zac Adams of the Unfenced Asylum Challenge team Purple Cobras. The challenge is named after the tongue-incheek moniker for Cooktown and the wider Cape, coined due to the area’s larger-than-life personalities. Photos: Luke Mortimer/Cape York Weekly.
Cook Shire’s Eva Powell and Harper Hocking waiting for the Banana Eating Competition to kick off at the Discovery Festival.
Fear not – fish for tea! One moment in the detailed 67th annual reenactment of Captain Cook’s landing and first contact at the festival.
Kristina Olsen speaks to Cook Shire Council Mayor Robyn Holmes and CEO Brian Joiner. The pair were pleased to see the community taking full advantage of the huge program at the council-presented Discovery Festival from Friday-Sunday.
The ‘wenches’ showing off during the gold delivery at the old heritage-listed Westpac Bank Building during the Cooktown Discovery Festival.
Bushy the Bushfire Wallaby represents the RFS at the Cooktown Discovery Festival street parade.
A member of the United Tableland Pipe Band, which played at the festival on Sunday morning.
The 67th annual re-enactment of Captain Cook’s landing and first contact.
Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page
Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block. Focus
Quick Workout
Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.
Very good: 15 words Excellent: 28 words
Fit the numbers 1-6 once into every hexagon so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers are the same. No number is repeated in any single hexagon.
PRE-AUTHORISATION MEETING AND AUTHORISATION MEETING ABOUT A PROPOSED NATIVE TITLE DETERMINATION APPLICATION
Gudang Yadhaykenu Native Title Group
Wednesday 15 July & Thursday 16 July 2026
New Mapoon
This notice is to advise that Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will hold a meeting on Wednesday 15 July 2026 and on Thursday 16 July 2026 in New Mapoon for all members of the Gudang Yadhaykenu Native Title Group. The purpose of the first meeting on 15 July is to discuss a proposed native title determination application (a native title claim) on behalf of the Gudang Yadhaykenu Native Title Group over areas not yet determined in the existing North Eastern Peninsula Sea Claim (QUD 115/2017) (NEP Sea Claim) as shown on the map below (the proposed NEP Sea Claim #2 Area). The purpose of the second meeting on 16 July is to consider and, if the meeting decides, to authorise the proposed native title determination application for the proposed NEP Sea Claim #2 Area, and to nominate and authorise particular Gudang Yadhaykenu people to be the members of the Applicant for the proposed application. The CYLC lawyer assisting the Applicant in the NEP Sea Claim will facilitate the meetings.
The Pre-Authorisation Meeting will be held as follows:
Date: Wednesday 15 July 2026
Time: 12.00pm – 2.00pm
Venue: New Mapoon Hall, 81 Brown Street, New Mapoon, 4876 Queensland
The Authorisation Meeting will be held as follows:
Date: Thursday 16 July 2026
Time: 11.30am – 1.30pm
Venue: New Mapoon Hall, 81 Brown Street, New Mapoon, 4876 Queensland
PURPOSE OF THE MEETINGS
The CYLC lawyer and consultant assisting the Applicant in the NEP Sea Claim will, at the pre-authorisation meeting on Wednesday 15 July 2026, discuss with the Gudang Yadhaykenu Native Title Group the process for authorising the proposed native title determination application over the proposed NEP Sea Claim #2 Area. Discussion of the authorisation process for the proposed claim will also include discussion about (1) the proposed discontinuation of that part of the NEP Sea Claim which would, if authorised, overlap the proposed NEP Sea Claim #2 Area and the reasons why that part of the NEP Sea Claim should be discontinued and replaced with a new application for determination of native title, and (2) which members of the Gudang Yadhaykenu Native Title Group should be nominated as members of the Applicant for the proposed native title determination application, and so be authorised to make the proposed application, and to deal with matters arising in relation to it. Following the preauthorisation meeting on Wednesday 15 July 2026, there will be a meeting of the Gudang Yadhaykenu Native Title Group on Thursday 16 July 2026 to consider whether (1) to authorise the making of the proposed application for the proposed NEP Sea Claim #2 Area, and (2) to make decisions about the other matters discussed at the preauthorisation meeting (as outlined above).
WHO IS INVITED TO ATTEND THESE MEETINGS?
The meetings are open to those Aboriginal persons who are descended by birth, or adoption in accordance with the traditional laws acknowledged and traditional customs observed by the Gudang Yadhaykenu People, from one or more of the following apical ancestors:
1. Wymarra (Wymara Outaiakindi);
2. Tchiako (aka Chaiku/Chakoo) & Baki (siblings);
3. Peter Padhing Pablo;
4. Mathew Charlie Gelapa;
Proposed NEP Sea Claim #2 Area
(please note Thursday Island and Bamaga as depicted on the map are for reference and information only. The proposed claim area is the islets, including Lot 2 on SP161893 as depicted in black on the map)
5. Annie Blanco;
6. Ila-Ela;
7. Woonduinagrun & Tariba (parents of Tom Redhead);
8. Charlotte (spouse of Billy Doyle and Wilson Ware);
9. Pijame and Daudi (sisters);
10. Mother of Thompson Olwinjinkwi;
11. Nara Jira Para.
Any person who is a descendant of one or more of the apical ancestors listed above is invited to attend the meetings. Please contact CYLC if you would like to confirm whether you are a descendant of one or more of the apical ancestors listed above and so entitled to attend the meetings.
CONFIRMATION OF ATTENDANCE AND ATTENDANCE BY VIDEO-CONFERENCE
To confirm attendance at this meeting please contact Jasmin Schubert on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email jschubert@cylc.org.au. If you have queries about this meeting, please contact Parky Wirrick on 0409 548 569 or pwirrick@cylc.org.au. Note that there is limited funding available for travel assistance. Any requests for travel assistance should be made by Wednesday 8 July 2026. Video-conferencing facilities will be made available at the meetings. If you would like CYLC to arrange a video-conference so you can attend the meetings please contact CYLC on Jasmin Schubert’s number or email address above well in advance of the meeting dates.
COOK SHIRE COUNCIL
WEEK ONE
MONDAY 29 JUNE
3:00PM - 4:30PM SPORTS DROP-IN
TUESDAY 30 JUNE
SCHOOL HOLIDAY
2:00PM - 4:00PM LIBRARY FUN AT COEN COEN LIBRARY
COOKTOWN EVENTS CENTRE
10:00AM - 1:00PM LAURA FAMILY FUN DAY LAURA TOWN HALL
10:30AM - 12:30PM SPLASH‘N’PLAY COOKTOWN SWIMMING POOL
1:00PM- 2:30PM PUPPETRY WORKSHOP* COOKTOWN EVENTS CENTRE
THURSDAY 9 JULY
10:00AM - 11:00AM STARK RAVEN MADCATBIRD THEATRE* COOKTOWN EVENTS CENTRE
10:30AM - 12:30PM SPLASH‘N’PLAY COOKTOWN SWIMMING POOL
1:00PM - 3:00PM POETRY WORKSHOP* COOKTOWN EVENTS CENTRE
FRIDAY 10 JULY
3:00PM - 5:00PM MOVIE AFTERNOON COOKTOWN EVENTS CENTRE
PLEASE NOTE THAT EVENTS MARKED WITH AN ASTERIX (*) INDICATE THAT BOOKINGS ARE REQUIRED.
Planets align as Crossley hits best score in years
by CHISA HASEGAWA
THERE must have been something in the winter solstice air when two golfers impressed with sub-40 scores in Sunday’s Dawnbusters showdown.
New players Mary Gorder, Maureen VanMaanen and Carpentaria Golf Club manager Judy Marshall, along with an ex-Dawnbuster visiting Weipa, John Graham, provided a fresh energy to the field on 21 June.
18-year-old Gorder, stepping onto unknown greens with a +2 handicap, showcased her abilities to score a 3 over par 39 off the stick.
Her score was matched only by Dawnbusters veteran Grant Crossley, who hit his best round in four years.
When handicaps were applied, Crossley’s 39 was enough to get him over the line as the morning’s winner, but he may not be so lucky next week with a handicap of 3 after a 21-point slashing.
The golfer was thrilled with the win anyway, adding that “every now and then, the planets do align to allow such a score”.
The golfing gods were looking down on
Crossley, who also took out the men’s longest drive. Gorder, visiting for the fishing, flew out of Weipa straight after her round, but not without claiming the women’s longest drive first.
Luke Marston, only one off the pace, came through in second place to claim the Bridesmaid on his ninth game of Dawn-
busters. Nearest the pin was won by the club’s very own manager, Marshall, while Beth Dall unsurprisingly took home the Hoffman’s crown.
New players are always welcome as Dawnbusters take on the back nine on 28 June, with an expected tee-off time of about 7am.
Bowden too sharp for fellow parkrunners
by CHISA HASEGAWA
PARTICIPANTS in a eld of 50 could not get within 90 seconds of Mark Bowden when the well-known Weipa local showed a clean pair of heels for the weekly instalment of parkrun on 20 June.
Bowden had clear air ahead of him on the course and greeted the timekeepers in 22 minutes, 9 seconds, with parkrun World Tourists member and Weipa rst timer David Ray second in a time of 23:38.
Pugilist Billy Reynolds, using the event as cardio training ahead of his next encounter in the ring, rounded out the top three with a 25:04 performance.
Lyndsey Fielding (26:42) was one of seven participants to record a personal best over the 5-kilometre circuit, with her effort rewarded by being the rst female over the nish line.
Susie Tuckwood, Edwin Oribin, Jai Christie, Cody Wain, Jessica Rex and Eddy Tiemens were the other parkrunnners to set new PBs for the morning.
Volunteering duties for the 475th instalment of the event were covered by Chris Blythe, Nanthini Kanthan, Jarrod Prakelt, Emma Eyre, Lisa May, Fiona Dyer and Camille Frieberg.
Weipa parkrun is held every Saturday from 7 am at the hospital roundabout shelter on the intersection of Kerr Point Drive and John Evans Drive.
SPORTS BRIEFS
Three-club showdown
WACKERS contested another three-club challenge on the Carpentaria back nine on 17 June to cater for several of Weipa’s shift workers who missed out on the last test of club selection.
Former long-time resident Gav Wust was a welcome addition to the line-up while visiting family on western Cape York, with Scott Triffitt and Ben Woods carding solid off-the-stick rounds of 43 and 47 respectively.
Unfortunately for Triffitt and Woods, once handicaps were applied, Helen Sabatino’s stylish gross 45 meant she returned to the clubhouse with nett 33 to claim victory.
Eddy Tiemens (53/35) made the most of his 18 handicap to claim runner-up honours.
Woods hit a great ball to bag the pin prize on the 15th, with Jim Lucas besting the field and landing his tee shot closest on hole 18.
Bob Marshall, who won the previous week’s Wackers encounter, is reported to have been rather sheepish in collecting his Bradman’s prize for a less-than-impressive gross round on Wednesday.
Final touch sign-on
THE final sign-on afternoon for the upcoming Weipa Touch Association junior competition will be held at Andoom Oval tomorrow (Wednesday).
The nine-week season will run from 15 July-9 September during term 3, with players in under-10, U12, U15 and U18 divisions set to take to the paddock.
The $80 season fee includes a skills-anddrills session in August with the Queensland Touch Football development officer.
The 24 June sign-on will run from 4-6pm. For more information, head to the Weipa Touch Association Facebook page.
Salties host Tigers
THERE was plenty of talent and sportsmanship on show when the Cooktown Salties rolled out the welcome mat for the Atherton Tigers for two days of basketball action on 13-14 July.
The crowd that lined the Cooktown Events Centre courts on the Saturday and Sunday were treated to some great games from the Salties’ under-10 mixed, U12 boys, U14 boys and girls, U16 boys and girls, and U18 boys teams.
A club spokesperson praised players and said it had been a tremendous opportunity to promote regional basketball.
“Win or lose, our kids played with great sportsmanship and respect, really owning the game,” they said.
“The values we hold high as a club were clearly on display, and Atherton noticed how well our Salties conducted themselves.”
Grant Crossley (right) played his best round in four years, with Luke Marston hot on his heels to claim the Bridesmaid prize. Photo: Supplied.
A field of 50 got a bright and early start and laced up their shoes to participate in parkrun in Weipa on 20 June. Photo: Facebook (Weipa parkrun).
BIGGER THAN EVER
by CHISA HASEGAWA
THE trophies have arrived, the putting techniques have been fine-tuned and traditional side bets have been placed as Cooktown prepares to crown its golfing gods for 2026.
Players from across Far North Queensland will converge on the Walker Bay course on 2728 June, with 36 holes of single stroke action set to determine who will take home the men’s and women’s champion silverware.
There will be $6000 in prizes on offer for gross and nett results in A-grade, B-grade and C-grade for the men, and Open, 1 and 2 divisions for the women who tee off.
In addition, players will have two opportunities to pocket $10,000 in cash for carding a hole-in-one on Saturday and the final round on Sunday.
Cooktown Golf Club president Brent Hetaraka – who will be desperately trying to get his hands on the men’s champion prize for the first time – said this year’s event was going to be one of the biggest on record in terms of nominations.
“It’s our biggest one in years – it’s insane,” he said.
“We’ve got some serious guns coming up this year, and our Agrade field, they’re all winning their club champs.”
That includes 2025 men’s champion Jake Perkins, who will make the trip north from El Arish in a bid to claim backto-back titles after thumping his home course record recently.
Hetaraka admitted it was go-
ing to be a challenge to make 2026 the year he ditched the dubious crown as Cooktown’s perennial bridesmaid – a golfer with more bouquets to his name than birdies.
“I’m not confident, but I’m going to bust my arse having a crack at it though,” he said stoically.
One Cooktown-based open competitor, who snitched to Cape York Weekly on the condition of absolute anonymity, said they were expecting to see some impressive scorecards returned to the clubhouse over the weekend if the on-course bragging leading up to the event was any guide.
“The way some of our local blokes have been mouthing off over the last few Saturdays, you’d think the open is their final hit-out before joining the PGA tour,” the B-grade tattletale laughed.
“If their performances this weekend live up to the smack talk, they’ll be carding 15-under rounds.
“The problem is, talk is cheap, three-putts don’t lie, and bridesmaids will always be catching the flowers of champions.”
The excitement – and mind games – of the 2026 Cooktown Golf Open will commence on Friday afternoon with the traditional Stableford Prawn Run.
Golfers still thinking about teeing off this weekend at Australia’s most northern east coast course have until 5pm on Wednesday (24 June) to nominate by emailing cooktowngccaptain@gmail.com.
Will 2026 be the year club president Brent “The Florist” Hetaraka finally adds the Cooktown Golf Open men’s champion silverware to his trophy cabinet? Photo: Cape York Weekly.
