An extensive military homeland defence training exercise – a “continent-wide rehearsal for the defence of Australia” – has wrapped up on the Cape. Members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) were embedded at Weipa Hospital, liaised with locals and tested a range of impressive equipment, among other tasks. Stories pages 8 & 9.
The Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs is holding vital hearings in the Far North as it examines online racism, hate and violence. Meta, the social media giant behind Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other platforms, is due to give evidence. Full story Page 3.
Personnel deployed as Joint Task Force 629 with Peppan custodians at RAAF Base Scherger near Weipa during Exercise Austral Shield 2026. Photo: ADF/Corporal Luke Bellman.
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A NEW high-tech $60 million medical training and research facility has been shaping the next generation of healthcare workers in Far North Queensland.
James Cook University (JCU) has of cially opened the four-storey Yeinie Building in Cairns, which was fully funded by the Federal Government.
It’s expected the facility –which has already been training students for a year – will improve outcomes across the region, which faces considerable healthcare challenges, especially in isolated and remote areas such as Cape York Peninsula and the Torres Strait.
Cape and Torres Strait communities experience substantially higher rates of preventable conditions such as diabetes, kidney and heart disease.
JCU vice-chancellor and president Professor Simon Biggs said: “It’s important we recognise how important the role the Yeinie Building will play in training the next generation of healthcare workers – from nurses to doctors and midwives – that will treat patients in northern Australia and the tropics.”
Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS).
Midwifery students will soon use the Cairns Health and Innovation Precinct building too, creating a multidisciplinary environment meant to re ect the realities of modern healthcare.
“The Yeinie Building is the result of a transformative $60 million investment by the Commonwealth Government — an investment in the health of the north and in the people who will shape its future,” he said.
“It’s also important to acknowledge the efforts of the Commonwealth Government, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, traditional owners and all our project partners for helping bring this state-of-the-art facility to life.”
Medicine and nursing students are trained in the building, which is co-located in
“Here, students, clinicians, researchers and industry partners will work side by side — learning from each other, collaborating and ultimately improving health outcomes for communities across Far North Queensland and the tropics,” Professor Biggs said.
“It is a place where academic and practical learning converge. Where the next generation of healthcare professionals will be shaped not only by knowledge, but by experience, collaboration and purpose.”
The name of the facility, Yeinie, was suggested by Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji elder Professor Henrietta Marrie AM and
her people, and honours an ancestor and warrior.
Professor Biggs said: “At JCU, we have always believed that where you train shapes how you serve.”
“By embedding our students in the communities they will go on to support, we strengthen both our workforce and our impact,” he said.
“The impact of what happens here will extend far beyond these walls — into hospitals, clinics, communities and lives across the tropics.”
The building includes multipurpose and specialised clinical teaching rooms, lecture spaces, desks for 50 staff, a two-bed ward for clinical skills demonstrations, as well as a 10-bed hospital ward.
Professor Biggs and JCU Chancellor Ngiare Brown met with Leichhardt MP Matt Smith, CHHHS chief executive Leena Singh and Professor Marrie during an opening celebration with university staff, students and other guests on 16 July.
the Cairns and Hinterland
JCU Professor Simon Biggs, Professor Henrietta Marrie AM, Leichhardt MP Matt Smith, Cairns Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Leena Singh and JCU Chancellor Ngiare Brown. Photos: Supplied.
The new $60 million Yeinie Building.
Meta to appear as racism inquiry hits Far North
by LUKE MORTIMER
THE Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs will hold hearings on Thursday Island and in Cairns and Brisbane as it examines racism, hate and violence directed at Indigenous people – and the social media giant behind Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other platforms is in the spotlight.
The Commonwealth institution has been exploring the prevalence, impacts and drivers of racism, hate and violence focusing on online racism, reporting and how governments and institutions can better respond to incidents.
Public inquiry hearings will be held in the Queensland capital on Tuesday 28 July, followed by the Far North hearings in Cairns on 29 and 30 July and on Thursday Island on 31 July.
The inquiry began on 4 March following a referral from Indigenous Australians Minister Senator Malarndirri McCarthy.
Joint Standing Committee chair Senator Jana Stewart said United States multina-
tional tech company Meta would give evidence.
“The upcoming hearings will allow the committee to hear from a range of key stakeholders for this inquiry, including the Australian Human Rights Commission, Australia’s principle human rights organisation,” she said.
“Meta will also be appearing to give evidence, presenting a crucial opportunity for direct accountability given the clear focus on online racism in the submissions and the harms associated with social media platforms in particular.”
The committee said the final Thursday Island hearing showed commitment to ensuring the experiences and interests of Torres Strait Islander communities formed an integral part of the inquiry.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and LGBTQIA+ members of the community were urged to speak up about their own experiences of racism, and the kind of changes they wanted to see.
The committee said in a statement it invited state government agencies such as Queensland Police, Corrective Services, the State Emergency
Service and Queensland Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety – but the organisations declined to appear.
Witnesses who are due to appear include individuals with lived experience of racism, alongside representatives of the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), Carumba Institute, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and local government organisations.
Other witnesses include youth and LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups, social services experts and community organisations, as well as members of the legal and justice, university and health sectors.
Evidence gathered during the Brisbane, Cairns and Thursday Island hearings will be used in the committee’s final report to parliament.
More information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and the public hearing program, is available on the committee’s website.
Anyone who would like to attend as an observer should contact the committee secretariat via email at JSCATSIA@aph.gov.au, or by phone: (02) 6277 4559.
If this story has raised any issues for you, you can contact Brother to Brother on 1800 435 799, Yarning SafeNStrong on 1800 959 563, Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line on 13 11 14 or Kids helpline on 1800 551 800.
Closing Date: 31 July 2026.
Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs chair Senator Jana Stewart. Photo: Supplied.
The inquiry is focusing on online racism, reporting and how incidents are dealt with. Photo: Priscilla Du Preez/Unsplash.
More homes ‘unlocked’ in bid to ease crisis
by LUKE MORTIMER
ALMOST 3200 much-needed new homes have been “unlocked” across Far North Queensland over the past 18 months, according to the State Government.
The Queensland Government doubled round two of the Residential Activation Fund (RAF) from $500 million to $1 billion in the recent budget following an “overwhelming response” by councils and industry, paving the way for the installation of essential infrastructure such as roads, water, power and sewerage.
Across the state, more than 100,000 homes have been “unlocked” to help nudge up concerningly low vacancy rates and ease the housing crisis.
The state-wide vacancy rate dropped slightly to 0.9 per cent in the March quarter, down from 1 per cent in the previous three quarters, according to the latest Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) Residential Vacancy Rate Report.
Cook in the Far North recorded a zero vacancy rate – the lowest in the state. The REIQ deems a healthy vacancy rate between 2.6 and 3.5 per cent.
The government describes the RAF as a key pillar to drive up housing supply and provide access to more land for growing communities.
The fund has a focus on remote
and regional housing and has resulted in projects being taken on by Far North local governments such as Aurukun Shire Council, Cook Shire Council, Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC), Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council and Torres Shire Council.
It comes as the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), which includes all of the state’s mayors, has been pushing for federal funding to reduce chronic levels of overcrowding in Indigenous communities “having devastating flow-on impacts to health and education”.
Maintenance dredging notice
NPARC revealed in May that work had started on 114 lots for new homes across the region, beginning with the Injinoo Housing Subdivision by local workers.
Since the RAF’s launch, there has been about $107 million worth of investment, with the next round of RAF investments rolling out progressively state-wide.
Deputy Premier and State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie said the RAF showed the government was committed to building for the future and giving residents a place to call home.
“For too long, the dream of hav-
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.
For more information contact
ing a place of your own was denied to too many Queenslanders in Far North Queensland,” he said.
“We’re playing our part to help make that dream a reality again.”
Mr Bleijie said the state had faced record-low rental vacancy rates, a skyrocketing social housing waitlist and the lowest home ownership rate in the country.
However, he said thousands of homes had already been unlocked in the Far North and to “watch this space for more as we continue”.
Mr Bleijie said one of the best ways to tackle the housing crisis was to unlock land and “break down barriers that have been hold-
ing back councils and the industry, and in turn the keys to Queenslanders’ front doors”.
“Availability equals affordability and by ensuring supply is unlocked, while also delivering a record number of social and affordable homes and support for first home buyers, we’re delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders, and the fresh start we promised them,” he said.
The government’s overarching Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan aims for one million new homes to be built in Queensland by 2044, including a record 53,500 social and community homes.
Request for Tender (RFT) KASC-2026-057
Kowanyama Museum Cultural Vault Construction
Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council invites suitably qualified and experienced construction contractors to undertake the construction of the Kowanyama Museum Cultural Vault in accordance with the approved design/ technical specification documentation provided.
RFT documentation is available to download via https://www.kowanyama.qld.gov.au/council/ tenders-and-opportunities/
Tenders Close
4:00 PM, Monday 3 August 2026
All tender responses can 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
Work underway on the new Injinoo subdivision earlier this year. Photo: Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council.
Deputy Premier and State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie. Photo: Supplied.
Rio Tinto Emergency Services will be undertaking the annual controlled burns program to reduce the risk of fires impacting environmentally sensitive areas and community infrastructure
During this time, there is potential for moderate smoke impact and reduced visibility
Specific locations of planned burns will be posted on the Rio Tinto Weipa Facebook page 24 hours prior to burns taking place
Please call our feedback hotline 1800 820 711 or RTAWeipafeedback@riotinto.com
Cape, TSI artists star in Princess Theatre cultural showcase
by LUKE MORTIMER
YOUNG Indigenous performers from the Cape and Torres Strait will join counterparts from across the country and New Zealand in a new contemporary performing arts production premiering in Brisbane later this year.
Stories of Our Land will be showcased at the Princess Theatre in Woolloongabba on 9 and 10 September.
The production by narrator Diana David starts with harmonised voices, dancing and yidaki (the wind instrument of the Yolnu Aboriginal people of north-east Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory). It then turns to the artists’ individual stories about family, identity, belonging and Country.
cording to the The
Audiences can expect powerful and emotive vocals to be interwoven with the live strings and dance, as well as projected First Nations artworks and cinematic performances lmed on Country, according to the The Youth Mill Performing Arts Foundation, which is presenting the show.
The performance covers island, coastal, rainforest, inland and urban Country and re ects the diversity of the performers’ cultural identities, lived experiences and connections to place. The cast comes from the Northern Territory, Victoria, Western Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as Far North Queensland.
The young cast includes dancers Jahmarly Davis (Kabi Kabi Country, Sunshine Coast) and Lolarose Lyons (Yidinji Country, Cairns and Moa Island), and vocalists Attani Enosa (Torres Strait and Cairns), Edwin Fejo (Larrakia Country, Darwin and Warray Country, Batchelor), Lenae Haerewa-Kaa (Kaalamaya and Ngãti Porou connections), Breanna Lee Wilson (Wemba Wemba Country, Victoria) and Josiah Nehow (Mer Island, the Atherton Tablelands and Tanna Island).
Margaret Lim, CEO and artistic director of the Performing Arts Foundation, said Stories of Our Land was about empowering young Indigenous voices.
The show invites audiences to experience cultures from authentic perspectives through stories, music and performance.
“Every performer brings their own
story, culture and lived experience to the stage, creating a powerful journey that is deeply personal while speaking to something we all share – connection,” Ms Lim said.
“This production celebrates the strength, diversity and creativity of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, while honouring the cultures and communities that have shaped them.”
The performance features four original musical works: A Culture Within, To Walk 2 Paths, Mergence and Together. It culminates in a performance including the entire cast of Land Called Australia, and features contributions from the Australian Girls Choir and Budapest Orchestra.
The Performing Arts Foundation aims to create meaningful professional pathways in the performing arts by providing a national platform for emerging artists.
It’s hoped the production, which took a year of development, will be shown at festivals and to other audiences during a tour following the premiere.
Stories of Our Land will be performed from 7pm on 9-10 September. Tickets are available online via Humanitix.
Stories of Our Land, featuring young Cape and TSI performers, will hit the stage in Brisbane come September. Photos: Supplied.
The performance at Brisbane’s Princess Theatre will be narrated by Diana David.
Message from the Chair
Hi Weipa,
How good is Winter in Weipa?! It’s the best time of year for enjoying the great outdoors, so I hope you’ve all had a chance to do some camping Here is a brief update on what’s been keeping me busy in June/July
Camping and family time: This time of year is busy on our family calendar with visitors and multiple birthdays and anniversaries in quick succession This year was extra busy because we celebrated some special milestones with our daughters 21 birthday, and our 20 year Wedding anniversary, so we got to have a bit of a break and enjoy some family time
st
Having time off camping meant we missed out on the Weipa Fishing Classic this year, but from what I heard it was another successful event Congratulations to the hard working committee for delivering yet again, what I think is one of the best family friendly, volunteer run
fishing competitions in the country (I might be biased, but that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it)
We had a last minute visit from the member for Cook - David Kempton, who Trent Gordon (Deputy Chair) and I met with to discuss local priorities We have invited David back up in August to attend our WTA members meeting so that we can spend some more time discussing local and regional issues and aspirations
We also met with our neighbouring councils (Napranum, Mapoon & Aurukun) to work together on regional issues and advocacy Working closely with our fellow Western Cape Councils is important to strengthen our relationships, and alignment on key priority areas I also visited Mapoon to attend the unveiling of their new unnamed statue which recognises and pays tribute to the resilience of the Mapoon people who suffered many historic injustices, while also looking to the future and building opportunity for community growth Thanks to
to W W es Co so of the worst offending school crossing areas We receive regular complaints and feedback about some of the crossings and the dangerous interactions between vehicles and pedestrians in which WTA are actively working to secure funding to upgrade the crossing points on school access routes as a priority Unfortunately it's not a quick process, but we are working on it
It's been an exciting time for Weipa and the surrounding communities with Exercise Austral Shield taking place There was much planning in the lead up to the exercise, and it was an exciting opportunity for the community to engage with Defence and get up close to some of the awesome vehicles
and equipment they use From what I am told, both the community and the defence personnel got a lot out of the visit, and I'm sure there are a few more local kids who now want to join the Defence Force as a result of their visit
That’s just a quick wrap up of what’s been happening There is much more that goes on in the background, and if you ever want to come down and have a chat about anything community related, my door is always open Enjoy the good weather, and I’ll see you out and about
Term 3 F5F Program Wednesday’s Toddler Rock ’n’ Rhyme @ 9 30am Thursday’s Baby Wiggle n’ Giggle @ 9 30am Seniors Social Lounge Each Monday during school term @ Hibberd Library 10am - 11 30am
Sunset Markets @ Kumrumja Park Saturday 1 August 4pm - 8pm
Term 3 STEAM Kids @ Hibberd Library Thursday’s 3:15pm - 4pm U
FREE Tyre Disposal for Weipa Residents
The Weipa Town Authority, in partnership with Rio Tinto Weipa and REMONDIS, is pleased to offer FREE tyre disposal for Weipa Residents
Personal details will be collected by landfill staff for regulated waste record management
Aquatic Centre Winter Operating Hours
As the cooler weather settles in, the Aquatic Centre will be operating on winter hours from 13 July to 18 September 2026.
Monday to Friday
Morning: 6:00am to 10:00am
Afternoon: 3:00pm to 7:00pm
Saturday 9:00am - 2:00pm Sunday 12:00 - 5:00pm
These seasonal hours allow us to make the most of the warmer parts of the day while continuing to provide plenty of opportunities for lap
Grab your family and friends and join us on Friday 7 August for a super night under the stars as Supergirl flies onto the big screen!
PUBLIC SCREENING
4:00pm - 6:00pm
$10pp - includes a FREE small popcorn!
YOUTH NIGHT SCREENING 6:00pm - 9:00pm
$20pp - includes a FREE small popcorn, lawn games and more!
Tickets are limited and go on sale from 27 July Scan the QR code to book your ticket
Defence wraps up huge homeland training exercise
by LUKE MORTIMER
THE Australian Defence Force (ADF) has finished a major homeland defence training exercise on the Cape involving armed soldiers, military vehicles, watercraft, aircraft and specialist drones.
Exercise Austral Shield 2026 brought together ADF personnel, government agencies and security partners in a “continent-wide rehearsal for the defence of Australia”.
Personnel were on the ground around Weipa, Mapoon and Napranum from Friday 3 July to 19 July, the ADF advised.
The training is conducted every two years under Joint Task Force 629 (JTF629) and tests the ADF’s ability to safeguard critical infrastructure, respond to security contingencies and integrate with agencies and communities called on during a domestic operation.
Vice Admiral Justin Jones, Chief of Joint Operations, said Austral Shield allowed the ADF to validate plans developed through strategic command post training.
“Annually, Headquarters Joint Operations Command conducts a major command post exercise, with elements focused on contingency planning and homeland security,” he said.
“What we learn out of those command post exercises is arguably theoretical, so we use exercises like Austral Shield to actually test, trial and rehearse the vignettes that we gain from those command post exercises.”
As well as the Cape, training was also undertaken at Gladstone further south in Queensland and Perth in Western Australia. Locations were picked to provide realistic environments for rehearsing protection of critical infrastructure and Defence establishments.
Scenarios covered emerging security challenges such as countering drones, while also testing ADF’s ability to coordinate and sustain operations across the nation’s vast geography, according to the ADF.
“Austral Shield is a continental-sized activity,” Vice Admiral Jones said.
“It tells the citizens of Australia that we take our remit to protect them and Australia’s interests extremely seriously, and this is rehearsal for that mission.”
Director General of Joint Collective Training Commodore Phillipa Hay said the exercise brought together organisations expected to work side-by-side during a realworld homeland security response.
“Under JTF629, whose motto is ‘to protect community and country’, we deploy our
people around the nation in order to integrate and train for the defence of the homeland,” she said.
“Exercise Austral Shield provides an opportunity to bring together the ADF, the police and other security and emergency services so that we can integrate and cooperate successfully when the call out comes.”
Building relationships with locals was a key part of Austral Shield and engagement involved leaders, industry representatives and traditional owners.
“Exercises such as Austral Shield cannot be done without the support of local communities,” Commodore Hay said.
“In Weipa, for instance, we were welcomed by the community, had the full support of the traditional owners, and the local residents.
“We are exceptionally grateful for their support, and look forward to ongoing engagement.”
Earlier, Peppan traditional owners took Trakapayn Springs water and sprinkled it over the heads of personnel in a ceremony to welcome JTF629 to Country.
Peppan custodian Janice Wilson said the ceremony was a tradition passed down through generations.
“The purpose of Welcome to Country is important for the protection of the soldiers that are here on the base,” she said.
“When you come out here, you can feel the presence of our elders, the ones that have passed.”
Ms Wilson said ADF soldiers protected the nation as ancestors watched over those who came onto their land.
‘The interaction and engagement with the local community is probably the most fulfilling part of it,” she said.
Commander of RAAF Base Scherger near Weipa Tai Kohn, also Task Unit Wing Commander, said the use of water from local springs made the ceremony especially meaningful.
“This blessing was even more special because of the natural connection to the springs. It is something we don’t see elsewhere,” she said.
Warrant Officer Scott Triffit, who leads a five-person caretaker team at RAAF Base Scherger, said community engagement was one of the most rewarding parts of living and working in Weipa.
“The interaction and engagement with the local community is probably the most fulfilling part of it,” he said.
“It’s very important to embrace the community.
A Peppan traditional owner welcomes personnel deployed as Joint Task Force 629 to Country during Exercise Austral Shield 2026 at RAAF Base Scherger in Weipa. Photo: ADF/Corporal Luke Bellman.
Take our hats off: Defence team praises Weipa clinicians
by LUKE MORTIMER
AN Australian Defence Force (ADF) surgical team has spent time embedded at Weipa Hospital on the western Cape as part of widespread training to better respond to domestic security threats.
The ADF team of seven was put in place at Weipa Integrated Health Service during Exercise Austral Shield carried out from 3 to 19 July to bolster emergency healthcare for deployed Joint Task Force 629 (JTF629) personnel.
Service men and women exchanged knowledge, built relationships and assisted with surgeries alongside dedicated Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service clinicians providing healthcare in the peninsula’s biggest town.
Army Reserve perioperative nurse Major Angela Grein said teaming up with the Weipa Hospital workers provided a valuable opportunity to aid locals while supporting the Joint Task Force.
“Our main effort is in support of JTF629, but it has also been a great opportunity to work alongside the local staff here, share knowledge and assist wherever we can,” she said.
“We identified opportunities to
strengthen consistency in perioperative practice and developed two resources: an airway trolley and checklist package, as well as an unplanned emergency caesarean section learning resource.
“These resources support a workforce with a high proportion of transient staff and help ensure knowledge and procedures remain consistent as personnel rotate through the hospital.”
The ADF team, mostly from the Australian Army 2nd Health Brigade, included two surgeons, two
infection was able to be treated locally and avoided being taken to Cairns.
Army Reserve anaesthetic nurse Lieutenant Kristy Stokes helped establish a dedicated anaesthetic airway trolley and develop training resources for nurses during her time at the hospital.
“They needed an anaesthetic airway trolley and in a week I was able to create one with all the equipment needed,” she said.
“Due to the remoteness of the exercise we’re an extra echelon of care between Weipa and Cairns. If the need arose, we are ready to deliver that capability.”
nurses, two anaesthetists and an emergency physician.
Army 2nd Health Brigade director of clinical services Colonel Julian Williams said the team was embedded at Weipa because of the region’s remoteness and the importance of rapid surgical care.
“Given we have several hundred Defence personnel operating in a very remote location, the surgical team is here just in case someone becomes substantially injured or unwell during this exercise,” he said.
The deployment also created
“vital relationships between deployable Defence Health and the civilian healthcare system that’s necessary in the plan to defend Australia”, according to Colonel Williams.
Any Defence patients were treated at a frontline health facility at RAAF Base Scherger before being taken to Weipa Hospital for ongoing care.
The ADF team helped hospital staff carry out two operations. It meant a patient suffering a finger
Major Grein said her team also helped workers clean, stock and organise equipment throughout the facility.
She said the deployment strengthened relationships with local healthcare providers and showed how ADF teams could back regional communities as well as deploy personnel.
“The people here have been incredibly welcoming and supportive throughout our time in Weipa,” Colonel Williams said.
“We take our hats off to these clinicians, who provide such good care to this community in such a remote location.”
Please be advised that due to current mining activity within the fallout zone of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (Weipa Branch), the Weipa Gun Club will be closed from 20 July 2026 to 1 August 2026
During this period, the area highlighted in red has been incorporated into an active mining zone For safety reasons, all access points into the Gun Club are clearly signposted with ‘Exclusion Zone - No Entry’ signage
This area is strictly closed to the public for the duration of these works We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring the
The ADF medical personnel deployed as part of Joint Task Force 629 at Weipa Hospital. Photo: ADF/Corporal Luke Bellman.
COOKTOWN COMMUNITY NAIDOC MARCH
“50 Years of Deadly”
GUNGARDE Community Centre
Aboriginal Corporation worked hard to make Cook Shire’s “50 Years of Deadly” NAIDOC Week celebration one to remember this year.
NAIDOC recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Cooktown Community NAIDOC March & Barbecue on July 10 was a popular part of the diverse program. Supporters included Cook Shire Council, Hope Vale Foundation, EMG Capability Partner, Sovereign Resort Hotel and Life Without Barriers.
Photos: Gungarde Community Centre Aboriginal Corporation/ Facebook.
PublicNotice
Re-Opening of Country
Wik & Wik Wa W ya Countr y
Please be advised that access to Wik & Wik Waya Country is now open, with the exception of the beach areas between Awelombok (Waterfall), Alechan Point and Wilapon Point and the Waterfall shortcut access track This area will have signage on country and is shown on the below map
All community members, visitors and contractors are expected to follow closure signage and instructions at all times Respecting closures protects Country, people and the relationships that sustain our operations and our future
Fill
Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page
Quick Workout
Fit the numbers 1,
and
into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.
Good: 13 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.
Champion bowlers Dwayne Brooks and Patricia Price. Photo: Supplied.
Weipa stalwart smashes Mossman Open despite crook hip
THE course superintendent of Carpentaria Golf Club at Weipa went above and beyond at the Mossman Golf Open despite a looming hip replacement operation.
Steve Jensen played from July 17-19 and emerged as the C Grade champion and C Grade gross champion. Long-time golfer Jensen was also crowned overall 36-hole Nett Champion.
Jensen competed at Mossman Golf Club with seven other Weipa golfers, including local legend Sandy Nelson, 82.
Jensen is a veteran competitor, but said he still did not expect to do so well.
“I’m very competitive, so even at 62, I like winning. I couldn’t believe it. They just kept calling my name out: winner, winner, winner,” he said.
“I’ve got a crook hip at the moment and I haven’t played much golf.
“But we had a practice round on the Friday and my old mate from up here Sandy Nelson – he’s like a legend up here in Weipa, everyone knows Sandy, I
TRADING HOURS:
can tell you – we went around together and he played 54 holes too.
“On the second day, halfway through, I said to Sandy ‘I’ve got to stop for a few minutes, my hip is starting to get some sharp pains in it.’
“But I just sort of walked around for a few minutes and then it came good, so I just kept going.
“When I got back I found out I pretty well cleaned up everybody. I was pretty happy.”
Jensen said he had “won a lot of championships over the years” and “been a pretty good golfer”,
TUESDAY TO SUNDAY 8AM – 7PM
SOCIAL GOLF!
representing North Queensland in the pennants.
However, finding time to play can be tough these days.
“I’m always busy up here on the golf course, so I don’t get to play a lot And when we have our Open, well, I’m busy working through the night preparing the course,” Jensen said.
“So I thought I’ll go down to the Mossman Open – at least I don’t have to do any mowing and stuff down there.”
Jensen, who started golfing when he was 11, was pleased to
see fellow Weipa players perform well in the Mossman competition.
“Jamie Hutton was runner-up in B Grade 36-hole Gross. And Helen Sabatino, she got a nearest the pin prize,” he said.
Leigh Allender, Jim Lucas, Kris Brooks and Murray Mountjoy were also part of the Weipa crew at the Mossman Open.
Jensen said about 30 locals regularly play at Carpentaria Golf Club and new members were always welcome.
Well-known Weipa golfer Sandy Nelson competing at the Mossman Open.
Carpentaria Golf Club course superintendent Steve Jensen was named C Grade and C Grade gross champion, as well as overall 36-hole Nett Champion, at the Mossman Golf Open, despite an impending hip replacement. Photos: Supplied.
Weipa’s Helen Sabatino played well at Mossman.
Weipa Running Festival results
North Queensland Bulk Ports
Marathon
Male
1st: Jarrod Ausburn
2nd: Sam Collinson
3rd: Nic Clarke
Female
1st: Celeste O’shannessy
2nd: Gemma Price
3rd: Kirra Whelow
Hambell Plumbing Service Half
Marathon
Male
1st: Trev Staader (course record holder 1:33:24)
2nd: Toby Gordon
3rd: Nathaniel Collins
Female
1st: Sophie Bee
2nd: Brooke Louise Webb
3rd: Jordan Mulherin
Team
1st: Rhett Lamperd & Aaron Singleton
2nd: Jesse Johnson & Molly
Toomey
Evolution Mining & Civil 10km
Male
1st: Sam Hansen
2nd: Darren Froggatt
3rd: Michael Foley Female
1st: Liz Weidman
2nd: Melanie Olsen
3rd: Keiryn Pandel
Rio Tinto 5km
Male
1st: Tj Cora (course record holder 19:49)
2nd: Travis Ison
3rd: Darren Froggatt
Female
1st: Kim Turner
2nd: Abbey Lamperd
3rd: Erin Gagilano
Under-17 Male
1st: Beau Ison
2nd: Cohen Pattinson
3rd: Riley Weidman
Under-17 Female
1st: Tillie Russ
2nd: Jayda Ison
3rd: Violet Bithell
Redemption at Dawnbusters
CONDITIONS were a bit nippy when 17 Dawnbusters took to the Carpentaria Golf Club back 9 on Sunday.
Matt Byrne and Brandon Warratini led the way with impressive 41s off the stick. Byrne found the situation quite surprising because he carded a 59 the previous day.
Scott Triffitt was a single stroke behind the leaders, however, he eventually came out on top.
Triffitt was Bridesmaid last week and passed the baton to Dave Sands – marking Sands’ third Bridesmaid in just four weeks.
Beth Dall went on to take the Hoffman’s award for the day.
Triffitt said it was nice to unwind
and tuck a win under his belt as he began some well-earned rest and relaxation after Australian Defence Force (ADF) Exercise Austral Shield.
Big hitters for the day were Warratini with the Men’s Longest Drive and Helen Sabatino with the Women’s Longest Drive. Sabatino had just returned from the Mossman Golf Open.
Matt Byrne showcased his accuracy by taking out nearest the pin on the 18th hole.
The Dawnbusters also welcomed a new player to the Group: Darwie Sutton.
New players are welcome when the Dawnbusters tee off on the front 9 on Sunday, starting about 7am.
Paralympian joins Weipa parkrun
ALMOST 65 people – including world champion paralympian Michael Roeger – took part in Weipa parkrun #480 on Saturday, despite the popular Weipa Running Festival (WRF) being held on the same weekend.
Parkrun welcomed 63 participants who ran, jogged and walked the 5 kilometre course, including representatives of five clubs.
Of those who took part, 17 were first-timers and nine recorded new personal best times.
Roeger, who was a special guest at the WRF on Sunday, was fi rst over the line during the parkrun. He recorded a time of 14 minutes and 57 seconds.
Darren Froggatt representing Run Port Mac
was second with a time of 19:59 and he was followed by Calumn Hockey with 21:11.
Hailey Winney was the first female over the line with a personal best time of 21:12.
Volunteers who made the parkrun possible were Leeanne Rotondo, Ricky Falzdeen, Robin Rishworth, George Glass, Adam Winney, Lyndsey Fielding, Hadley Fielding and Ben Fielding.
Since Weipa parkrun began on 23 July a decade ago, 2514 participants have finished 19,647 events covering 98,235km.
Anyone who would like to join Weipa parkrun should assemble by the shelter next to the hospital roundabout in Nanum before the starter’s pistol fires at 7am each Saturday.
Triffitt tops big Wackers field
SCOTT Triffitt won convincingly with a 38 off the stick when a large field of 20 Wackers played the front 9 at Carpentaria Golf Club on Wednesday.
Triffitt’s handicap was 6.5 and his win means he will play off just 2 this week.
Runner-up on the day was between Leeroy Ahmat and Steve Head, who both netted a 32.5.
After a countback on the 9th, second place went to Head, who parred the hole. However, Leeroy did take nearest to the pin on the 7th.
Rhiannan Head took the 9th pinshot, but was unfortunate enough to end up with the Bradman’s.
Wackers welcomed Jennifer Sands, who played well and will likely play regularly.
Wackers encourages all golfers, new and experienced, to join in. Tee off is between 2.30 and 4pm every Wednesday.
Dawnbusters winner Scott Triffitt and Bridesmaid Dave Sands on Sunday. Photo: Supplied.
Weipa parkrun #480 on Saturday. Photo: Weipa parkrun/Facebook.
SOLE MATES
Tight-knit town throws support behind Weipa Running Festival
by LUKE MORTIMER
ALMOST 500 competitors, most of them locals, took part in the sellout 9th annual Weipa Running Festival on Sunday.
Weipa Running Festival (WRF) president and run co-director Rose Robins said the popular community event widely backed by the Cape town marked the culmination of months of training for many.
Paralympian and world champion Michael Roeger, as well as about 70 runners from the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, were special inclusions in this year’s WRF.
The WRF extends far beyond the Cape – competitors at Weipa have been joined by about 70 virtual runners across the country taking part anytime and anywhere between 12-26 July.
Robins said the 2026 WRF was “amazing” and it was satisfying to see the town bustling.
“It was a really phenomenal day that exceeded anything that we had initially pipe-dreamed for this year’s event,” she said.
“It’s super satisfying. And you know, it’s almost selfishly satisfying because you’re kind of riding on the coat-tails of these people that have trained so hard. We just put the event on. For us to be able to deliver for them is amazing.
“It’s a trust exercise. We say ‘we’re going to give you this amazing event’ and they go and train for it. They’ve made a commitment to themselves for multiple weeks. And a lot of them might run the 10km this year and then think ‘well, maybe I can run the Half Marathon”. I guess that is what the
spirit of the sport is all about.”
Robins said the WRF was known for supporting and encouraging the efforts of not only elite athletes, but every competitor, regardless of skill level.
Diverse races included the HJC Group 2.5km Family Fun Run, Rio Tinto 5km, Evolution Mining & Civil 10km, Hambell Plumbing Service Half Marathon and the North Queensland Bulk Ports Marathon.
“We’re pretty special in that we celebrate every single runner
equally. A lot of events don’t wait around for the last runner, where we’ve built a culture that nobody leaves until that last runner is in,” Robins said.
“I believe that that’s heavily in the spirit of the sport – to celebrate everybody, whether, you know, you’re a marathoner or you’re a 2.5km runner. It’s not about the pace, it’s about celebrating each other in that finish line moment.”
Volunteers and the WRF, including run co-director Emma Eyre, put considerable work into
the event It’s thought roughly 80 per cent of competitors were from Weipa.
“But we’ve had some travelers that have come back to Weipa. And we’ve even had people divert their tip trip to hop into Weipa for the event,” Robins said.
“We started planning almost immediately [after last year’s WRF].
And we do a lot of community engagements, between yoga and group runs and seminars and that sort of thing. And it all branches out into a wider community aspect
where we go away for the Cairns Marathon, not necessarily as the Weipa Running Festival, but as a running community representing Weipa.
“And the two or so weeks leading into the event are massive. And the event weekend is bigger than anybody can envision.”
Robins expected next year’s 10th festival would be a particularly “massive” affair.
– Weipa Running Festival results page 15
Hundreds of competitors and spectators turned out for the Weipa Running Festival on Sunday. Photo: Calumn Hockey Photography.
