Young Cape creative Jacynta Ahwang is thrilled to have her work The Story Tree, Growing Together on the cover of The Benevolent Society’s new Reconciliation Action Plan. The up-and-coming First Nations artist won multiple awards at Northern Peninsula Area State College (NPASC) and has credited her success to her school art teacher. Full story page 5.
The State Government has moved to urgently fix the broken child safety system – described as more evident on the Cape than anywhere else in Queensland – following a damning inquiry. Full story page 3.
by CHISA HASEGAWA
LOCAL favourites. Out-oftown talents. New avours. A show like never before in Cooktown. Maehem Productions’ Cirque Du Strange.
The highly anticipated burlesque performance brought together Cooktown’s beloved dancers and guest artists from Cairns’ Buenos Nachos Productions on the Shire Hall stage for two nights of excitement on 24 and 25 July.
Maehem Productions founder Jasmine Sieverding said the sold-out show brought something completely new to Cooktown audiences.
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“The Cairns crew, especially because some of them are from overseas, brought a really nice, diverse avour that I hadn’t expected, and it’s the rst time we’ve had male performers as well, which was incredible,” she said.
“They really amped up the cirquelesque and surreal aspect of everything, which was very unexpected for Cooktown.
“We’ve always leaned more into the cabaret and the burlesque performance side of things, but this was a lot more surreal, a lot more theatrical, and a lot more weird, which the audience responded really well to.”
Cairns crew would just turn to me and be like, ‘This crowd is amazing’, and you could tell a lot of people were coming up to the performers at the end of the gig saying, ‘We’re so lucky to have this here; thank you for coming.’”
portunities for collaboration with burlesque artists interested in the region’s blossoming dance scene.
Ms Sieverding said the Cairns team also expressed their love for the Cooktown crowd, who were “very vocal with their praise”.
“We forget how spoiled we are in Cooktown, because it’s an unbelievably supportive community, and it’s also a community that is really appreciative when events happen,” she said.
“We had a bit of a problem with social media access, so everyone just rallied behind sharing our posters and helping with advertising, and it was an amazing community effort.
“At the end of every act, the
The show came after the local burlesque extraordinaire, known as Madame Maehem in the spotlight, connected with talent from across Queensland at a competition in Brisbane earlier this year for new and semi-established artists.
Her success at the competition was one of the key catalysts behind performing arts collective Maehem Productions, which was originally founded as the Bellahdi Dance Troupe in 2022.
Ms Sieverding said a key goal of the shift was to put Cooktown on the entertainment map by opening up op-
“We wanted to show other artists that there is a little community up here, there is a capacity to create really beautiful events, and turn this into an attraction for performers to come and visit,” she said.
“We’ve got beautiful performers already contacting us post-event saying they would love to come up. There are performers in Melbourne wanting to come to Cooktown now, which is not very common.
“It’s shown me it’s viable; that was the only concern, is expecting artists to travel to Cooktown is a huge thing just in North Queensland, let alone interstate, but it’s clear there is a drive within the community and people are happy to support.”
She said featuring travelling artists had also broadened their audiences, with the full house boasting both local and visiting spectators.
“Normally when the tickets come through, and I see the names, I’m like, I know them, I know them, but this time around, there was a huge portion of people that we didn’t know,” she said.
“It’s the rst time we’ve had people travelling from Cairns to come here, travelling from other communities to come to the show; it’s the rst time we had a lot of walk-ins and tourists and people we didn’t know.
“They were coming purely for the event, rather than to support particular people, which was incredible. I had hoped it was going to go well, but I didn’t anticipate that it would be this successful.”
by LUKE MORTIMER
THE broken child safety system – described as more evident on the Cape than anywhere else in Queensland – is set to undergo sweeping changes after the State Government accepted most recommendations of the Child Safety Commission of Inquiry.
Leading Indigenous think tank Cape York Institute told the Commission of Inquiry into Queensland’s Child Safety System, held from July 2025 to May 2026, that the region was at “the epicentre” of the state’s “child protection and youth justice crisis”.
A submission titled ‘We have to get it right this time‘ outlined damning issues and said the organisation had “seen outcomes in remote Indigenous regions such as Cape York collapse and not only remain by far the worst there are in Australia, but in key areas – such as child protection, youth justice and incarceration – continue to worsen” over more than three decades.
The institute detailed “families trapped in deep, multidimensional disadvantage, where child protection, youth detention and prison have become routine features of the life”. The “vast majority” of First Nations children in Cape communities sit in the nation’s disadvantaged “bottom million”.
Improving the situation was described as “far more important than the Brisbane Olympics”, but the institute expressed concern the Games “may yet receive more focus, resourcing and effort”.
Now, the government has accepted 32 of 52 inquiry recommendations in full and 16 recommendations in principle. Another two recommendations were noted and two more will be further considered.
The government has agreed with Commissioner Paul Anastassiou KC that signi cant change is needed to restore the
child safety system’s purpose and focus.
The commission exposed system failures which developed over years and outlined violence and sexual abuse experienced by children in care.
Warnings to the department as far back as 2020 were ignored and vulnerable children were left in deteriorating situations. Children were returned to dangerous circumstances and exposed to sexual abuse.
As of 31 March, 2819 children were in residential care, according to child safety data.
The government has pumped $200 million more into the system to deliver reform within two and a half years.
Justice and Integrity Minister Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the state would make the system safer for kids in care.
Ms Frecklington said the commission made it clear too many kids were “failed” by the broken system and “vulnerable Queenslanders” were “let down when they needed protection most”.
“Queenslanders expect action and that is exactly what this government is delivering –because keeping children safe
must always be our highest priority,” she said.
Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister Amanda Camm said the government’s response was a line in the sand.
“Today is the rst step in what will be a challenging process to x a broken system so children and young people can depend on a government that will keep them safe,” she said.
“From today the Crisafulli Government will begin the task of rebuilding the child safety system and drive change that vulnerable children, young people and families deserve.
“We can never promise the realities of cases we’re dealing with won’t continue to be challenging, but they are challenges we must rise to.”
Ms Camm said action to x the system would begin immediately and be undertaken in stages over 30 months.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Fiona Simpson said reforms would put the focus back on the best interests of the child.
“These reforms are focused on protecting the best interests of every Queensland child, just as they should be,” she said.
“These reforms will also in-
clude prioritising early intervention and prevention, as well as stability and permanency.
“It is vitally important that we work in the best interests of the child and in partnership with communities and families to achieve a safer future for children impacted by broken families and a broken system.”
PeakCare Queensland CEO Kelly Jebb said: “The sector stands ready and willing to work alongside government to implement reforms that improve outcomes for children and families.”
Phil Brooks, Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak CEO, welcomed reform.
He said the authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Organisations should be strengthened to support families, tackle challenges early and create conditions for children to thrive safely at home wherever possible.
“We look forward to working in partnership with government to implement these reforms and uphold the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle, which retain culturally safe decision-making and better outcomes for our children,” Mr Brooks said.
Queensland Foster and Kinship Care CEO Bryan Smith said the state must reduce its reliance on residential care and rebuild a system centred on family-based care.
“I am pleased to see the government’s response focuses on strengthening pathways into foster and kinship care, improving assessment processes to attract more carers, and ensuring more vulnerable children can grow up in safe, stable family environments where they have the best opportunity to thrive,” he said.
Keep an eye on the Cape York Weekly online and in print for a detailed response by the Cape York Institute on the Queensland Government’s planned reform.
by CHISA HASEGAWA
A KUKU Yalanji artist with a deep passion for keeping culture alive through her family totem is Far North Queensland’s only representative at the 2026 National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) on 5 August.
Yalanji Arts’ Lorna Shuan was named as one of three finalists from the state for the prestigious award earlier this year, with the other 22 nominees across seven categories representing mob from Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
The artist was shortlisted in the Textile Design Award category
with her Kurriyala (carpet snake) print, which represents a family totem that has spanned generations.
Ms Shuan said art had played an integral role in passing down knowledge to younger generations, adding that leaving a legacy of cultural pride was a key motivation for her creations.
“It’s important for me to share my art and everything else with my family, especially my grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and to be able to leave this behind for them,” she said.
“This is what my past family would have wanted me to do, and this is what I want my grandchildren and great-grandchildren to take on.
“This is their next step as younger generations to uphold their responsibility for their culture.”
She said the younger members of her family were already showing a strong interest in art, and the process had created a space for deeper conversations and sharing stories.
“They always have questions to ask about my artwork. It’s important for them to know this, because as they age, they will carry this on as artists,” she said.
“Passing down my knowledge to them is what I want to do. It’s an honour for me to be shortlisted, and I give thanks to everyone that’s been a part of this.”
Yalanji Arts manager Sabine
Hoeng congratulated Ms Shuan for her second NIFA nomination after her fabrics were also shortlisted in 2024.
“Queensland artists and art centres are rare at NIFA, so it’s really special,” she said.
NIFA is one of two Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) presented as part of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation’s landmark 20th anniversary program.
IFP manager Michelle Maynard said the growth of NIFA refl ected the strength, creativity and cultural leadership shaping First Nations fashion across Country.
“NIFA creates a space where First Nations designers and crea-
tives are recognised and celebrated by their peers, communities and the wider industry,” she said.
“That acknowledgement is powerful. It’s more than an award. It’s about community, visibility and celebrating the continuing cultural knowledge, creativity and hard work behind every designer and artist.
“These moments can be transformative for creatives and continue to strengthen the Indigenous fashion sector as a whole.”
Shortlisted works are currently being reviewed by a panel of judges, and winners will be announced at the NIFA sunset ceremony on 5 August in Darwin.
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by CHISA HASEGAWA
IN an industry still dominated by men, an Injinoo environmental leader is paving the way as the Queensland Indigenous Women Rangers Network’s (QIWRN) first Ranger of the Year.
Apudthama Land and Sea Ranger coordinator Angelina Williams received the honour at the inaugural QIWRN award ceremony in Brisbane last month as an “exceptional ranger who has demonstrated dedication, leadership and commitment to caring for Country through the ranger program”.
As the coordinator of 13 Indigenous rangers caring for Apudthama Land and Sea Country – some of the most remote and diverse ecosystems in the state – Ms Williams said “hard work, determination and continuous higher learning” was behind her success.
The proud Angkamuthi, Yadhaykenu and Sabai Islander woman said she always aspired to be a ranger, even when she sat at a desk as a business administrator before taking the leap to Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) just under a decade ago.
The work has allowed her to feel connected to the energy of nature, with one of her favourite parts of the job being eco-
system management and applying strict biosecurity measures.
NPARC Mayor Robert Poi Poi highlighted the vital role Ms Williams plays as a lead ranger in maintaining and protecting the region’s diverse ecosystem.
“NPARC is honoured to congratulate our lead ranger Angelina Williams on her accolade as Queensland’s first Woman Ranger of the Year,” he said.
“Her work makes a huge difference to protect our customary Land and Sea Country here in Northern Peninsula Area.”
The QIWRN was created in 2018 by Cape York woman Larissa Hale, who was Queensland’s first Indigenous female ranger coordinator.
Based in Cooktown, the network is a collaborative program by Indigenous women, government, non-government agencies and stakeholders which creates opportunities and career pathways for the Indigenous women rangers of Queensland.
Through their work on Country, Indigenous women rangers contribute not only to environmental stewardship but also to the sharing of knowledge and cultural values, helping strengthen connections between people, Country, and future generations.
by CHISA HASEGAWA
AT just 18 years old, a Bamaga artist is adding to her impressive resume after being selected to create the cover artwork of a new Reconciliation Action Plan.
Jacynta Ahwang’s work – featured on the front of The Benevolent Society’s new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for July 202628 – was unveiled late last month and drives home a message of unity, strength and shared responsibility.
Titled The Story Tree, Growing Together, the piece features a strong tree, hands and yarning circles with ocean and land reflecting the proud Gudang/Yadhaykenu and Torres Strait Islander digital artist’s home and strong connection to Country.
Ms Ahwang is also recognised in the RAP as one of Queensland’s promising young First Nations creatives, having won multiple student art awards during her time at the Northern Peninsula Area State College (NPASC).
She said being selected to represent the journey to reconciliation through her passion still felt “a bit like a dream”.
“It was exciting, but also a bit overwhelming,” she said.
“Seeing my art displayed on such a large scale — on walls, on people’s T-shirts, and on signs across Benevolent – felt pretty surreal.”
When asked about the creative process behind the piece, she said she was inspired by the work of the service provider, her family and Country.
“I started by looking at Benevolent’s values and the kind of work they do; I thought about how it takes many hands to do this kind of work and create change,” she said.
“At the centre is a strong tree — a symbol of connection, belonging and shared growth. The hands along the trunk and branches represent people, families, communities, and organisations coming together. The story reminds us that we are all connected to Country and that reconciliation grows through strong roots, connected branches and ongoing care.
“I’m inspired by the colours of Country and by my family. My great-grandmother was an artist and weaver, and my parents are also very creative. I hope that when my nieces and nephews see my artwork, they get excited about art too, and feel encouraged to develop their own talents.”
As a young woman from a remote Cape York community, Ms Ahwang said she never thought an opportunity like this was within reach.
She credited her success to NPASC art teacher Kristy Smythe, who acted as a strong mentor throughout her artistic journey, including when she experimented with digital art for the first time in 2023.
“The opportunities I was given through school helped me see what might be possible,” the recent graduate said.
“I was lucky to have Kristy as my art teacher at school, who really supported me. That support gave me opportunities and helped build my confidence as an artist.”
The Benevolent Society executive director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strategy and partnership Melissa Riley said they were looking for a young artist to take on the opportunity, and Ms Ahwang’s work caught their attention.
“I was searching online when I came across an article about Jacynta in the Cape York Weekly,” she said.
“I was immediately drawn to her artwork and her story. I could see the strength of connection to Country, family and community in her work, and I felt there was an opportunity for Benevolent to learn as much from Jacynta as she might from working with us.”
She said it had been a privilege to collaborate, adding that the artwork touched the hearts of the entire team.
“What has really been special is seeing how many people across Benevolent have wanted to be part of this story,” she said.
“For me, this has never just been about commissioning a piece of artwork. It’s been about relationships, creating opportunities, and celebrating the incredible talent that exists within our community.
“Jacynta’s artwork has sparked conversations, curiosity and connection in ways I don’t think any of us could have imagined.”
by LUKE MORTIMER
TRANSPORT and Main Roads (TMR) has provided an update on the Cape York Region Package Stage 2 and work to nally seal all of the vital Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) on the Cape.
TMR said on 31 July that seven projects had been nished under Stage 2 and four more pave and seal projects were commencing.
“More than 200 kilometres of the Peninsula Developmental Road has now been sealed under Stages 1 and 2,” the department said in a statement.
“Cape York Region Package Stage 2 road upgrades are continuing to improve
connectivity and resilience along the Peninsula Developmental Road for remote communities, freight operators and essential services across Cape York.”
TMR said work was underway on the rst of the last four paving projects along the PDR before the end of 2029, with two more projects set to begin later in 2026.
Work includes 2.4 km between Yarraden and Coen, 2.4 km between Laura and Musgrave and two projects covering 9.3 km between Musgrave and Yarraden. The Archer River and Saltwater Creek bridge upgrades are two of the seven Stage 2 projects completed.
Sealing work has also been completed by councils on Aurukun Access Road,
Portland Roads Road (Lockhart River Access Road) and Strathgordon Road (Pormpuraaw Access Road) through the Community Access Roads Program. Work is also continuing to seal a 20.3 km section of Northern Peninsula Road.
TMR acting regional director Brendan Clancy said the Package delivered a wide range of direct, indirect and ongoing bene ts for local workers, businesses and residents.
“With more than 200 kilometres sealed to date under stages 1 and 2, the PDR is an access lifeline for some of Australia’s most remote communities,” he said.
“Each additional kilometre of bitumen seal improves connectivity between
communities and accessibility to essential services, while improving safety and travel times.
“Each new section of sealed road helps improve year-round access, reduce maintenance requirements and shorten travel times for Cape York communities.
“Stage 2 set a target of $17 million for Indigenous economic opportunity and I’m proud to say we’ve exceeded that by investing almost $50 million with Indigenous businesses and communities.”
PDR work is carried out under an agreement with traditional owners known as the Peninsula Developmental Road Indigenous Land Use Agreement, which sets out targets for economic opportunities, training and local industry participation.
TMR noted that it was planning for Stage 3 of the Package “subject to negotiations with the Australian Government”.
At a Regional Development Australia Tropical North community forum at Cairns Council Chambers in early May, TMR district director (Far North) Darryl Jones said about 160 km of the road will remain unsealed after Stage 2.
The Queensland Government has earmarked $60m for Stage 3 and it’s expected the Commonwealth will ultimately pay for 80 per cent of the work with $240m.
But the latest Federal Budget did not include mention of Stage 3 funding, or improvements to the PDR and access roads.
Leichhardt Matt Smith told the Cape York Weekly he was aware of the importance of Stage 3 and working to advance funding.
“The thing about the PDR is that even if we were given four and a half, ve billion dollars tomorrow to do it, it will still take ve to 10 years to complete,” he said in late May.
by CHRIS JOHNSON
LINKEDIN will no longer be exempt from Australian laws requiring global tech giants to pay for news content on their platforms, and all will have to strike deals with more local media companies to avoid increased taxes.
Google, Meta, TikTok and now the Microsoft-owned LinkedIn will soon have to make deals with six media organisations, up from four under the current draft legislation, or pay 2.5 per cent of their digital revenue generated in Australia (up from 2.25 per cent).
A key concession to the tech companies, however, is that they will only have to pay a percentage of their digital advertising revenue made in Australia, rather than the previously planned total revenue.
Following industry consultation, the Federal Government has just released the final details of changes to the News Bargaining Incentive (NBI), and plans to introduce new legislation within weeks.
Anthony Albanese had previously promised to also carve out LinkedIn from the NBI, but the Prime Minister has now included the platform in the narrowerbased plan.
Changes mean that revenue from supplying news to customers and users by any method other than digital advertising will not attract the impost.
Artificial intelligence companies will also remain exempt from the NBI.
Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino pointed to the PM’s recent speech on AI, in which he promised copyright protections for local content.
“There’s a separate process which is looking at the ways in which AI might manipulate or use the content of news to produce something new, and I’m confident that that process will see appropriate outcomes over time,” he said.
But big social media platforms will have to pay to use journalism produced in Australia.
“We don’t want to discourage those large tech companies from having a growing footprint in Australia,” Mr Mulino said.
“What we do want though is that part of their business which is using news to be fairly compensating the producers of that news…Australian journalism is important to a well-functioning democracy, and we want it to be sustainable now and into the future.”
by LUKE MORTIMER
A LARGE saltwater crocodile has been spotted lurking in the water at one of Cape York’s most formidable four-wheel drive crossings.
The croc sighting at Nolans Brook on the Old Telegraph Track on 27 July was reported on the popular The Cape York And Back Information page on Facebook the following day.
Larissa Pattel reminded residents and peninsula travellers to “be croc wise in croc country” when she posted a video of the dangerous reptile swimming underwater at night.
Kelly Surman uploaded a similar video, which fea-
tured awed expletives from onlookers.
“This was filmed at Nolans Brook on Monday 27th July 2026 at 10:30pm. Please be croc safe and croc aware,” she wrote.
“Sorry about some French.”
The most recent crocodile attack in Far North Queensland was at Palm Creek near Ingham on January 19. A 26-year-old man suffered puncture wounds to his back, legs and hand.
A 14-year-old boy was hospitalised after he was attacked while fishing at Myall Beach near Cape Tribulation on 25 October last year.
The last fatal Far North crocodile attack was on 30
January 2025. A 60-yearold Aurukun man tragically lost his life at Watson River.
In crocodile country, keep out of the water, stay more than five metres away from the water’s edge and keep a sturdy object between yourself and the water.
Crocodiles are mobile, particularly after rain and flooding, and can be found in all types of waterways and the ocean. They can be lying in wait unseen.
Use “croc-free” swimming holes with extreme caution. No waterway within the dangerous animal’s natural range can be considered crocodile-free, the State Government advises.
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by CHISA HASEGAWA
A DOCTOR’S unwavering passion for art and health literacy has inspired a new children’s book set in Lockhart River with the hope of improving health outcomes for future generations.
Second-year doctor Sean Colrain is the brains behind Doc Iwayii & The 3 Kilas: Watch out for skin sores –the fourth book of the Doc Croc & The 3 Cockies series exploring health issues across Australian communities.
Earlier this year, the doctor, currently working at Cairns Base Hospital’s emergency department, did a 10-week rotation with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) Primary Health Care team in Lockhart River, where a new vision came to life with the encouragement of the community and support of local schoolchildren who provided artwork.
“I actually really enjoy making the books, and from speaking to the locals, they were excited about the prospect of me continuing on and doing one speci -
cally for Lockhart River,” he said.
“I had a lot of collaboration with the community in Lockhart River, who helped me with language, cultural sensitivity and topics for the book.
“There is a noticeable gap in health outcomes in those Indigenous communities, so I thought I’d try and do my best to make the tiny bit of difference I could.”
Doc Iwayii & The 3 Kilas, appropriately titled with the local language names for crocodile and cockatoos, covers skin issues in an engaging story for children to be involved in their own health.
“Talking to the staff in the clinic, they identi ed skin health and preventing skin sores as an important one in the community,” Dr Colrain said.
“Whenever we get skin sores come in, we treat them with antibiotics, which is slightly different to the way we treat people with skin sores in other parts of Australia, just due to the risk of rheumatic heart disease and kidney diseases as well.
“Educating, particularly kids, about looking after their skin and preventing these illnesses can improve their health signi cantly in the future. Children’s minds are very malleable and able to learn things quickly, and then sometimes, they teach their parents when they’re reading certain topics.”
Dr Colrain said that while he had ideas of health issues he would like to write about to continue the series, the topics were mostly in uenced by the various communities he visited as part of his hospital rotations.
The previous three books in the series touched on sun safety, concussions and staying safe while swimming.
“As a junior doctor, we don’t have set rotations, so we go through different rotations throughout the hospital, and I get a lot of inspiration from colleagues who I work with,” he said.
“I have some ideas lined up for future books, such as sleep hygiene and mental health, and it’s just about making things that are difcult to understand more comprehensible.”
DOZENS of long-time employees have been recognised at the Rio Tinto Service Awards
2026, which was held at the Rio Tinto Lodge in Weipa on Friday. 76 employees were awarded for reaching special milestones and a dozen of the workers had more than 30 years of service. One employee with 45 years of service, Theresa Mills, attended the celebration.
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by LUKE MORTIMER
CAPE York residents have been urged to stay alert after migratory seabirds suffering from a deadly strain of bird flu were found across the country for the first time, including in Queensland.
The H5 bird flu (avian influenza) strain has been spread by wild birds across the world since 2021 and has killed millions of animals. Infections in people are rare, but can be severe.
Cape York Natural Resource Management (NRM) has issued a statement and noted early detection matters.
It comes as the Commonwealth has been working with the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) to target invasive rats with specialised bait drones to combat a potential outbreak in the western Torres Strait.
“While Cape York NRM staff are not responsible for diagnosing or managing H5 bird flu, we play an important role in supporting early detection, surveillance and reporting,” the not-for-profit said.
“As part of Queensland’s network of 12 regional NRM organisations, our team is on the ground every day and well placed to identify unusual wild bird deaths and report suspected cases through the appropriate channels, helping strengthen Australia’s biosecurity preparedness.
“If you come across sick or dead wild birds remember: avoid, contact and record. Avoid handling sick or dead birds. Record what you see, including the location and number of birds affected.”
Cook Shire Council also issued a warning and asked residents to “stay vigilant for sick or dead wild birds”.
It was confirmed on 30 July there were “no known cases in Cook Shire”, which is the Cape’s largest local government area. The shire covers more than 100,000 square kilometres and about 80 per cent of the Cape York Peninsula.
“As part of ongoing surveillance, please remain vigilant and report any sick or dead wild birds. Reporting suspected cases helps authorities monitor bird health and respond quickly should the disease be detected locally,” the council states.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is the lead federal agency coordinating the national H5 bird flu response.
On 1 August, the country had recorded 52 confirmed detections of H5 bird flu in wild seabirds. Only one case was reported in Queensland, while 10 had emerged in Western Australia, 38 in South Australia, one in Victoria and two in New South Wales.
The disease has not been detected in farmed poultry or the wider agriculture industry and there is no evidence of any largescale bird deaths, the government has advised.
The Consultative Committee for Emergency Animal Disease (CCEAD) – a coordinating body linking industry, the Federal Government, and state and territory governments – has reviewed advice and backed heightened poultry biosecurity measures for up to two weeks while guidance plans are finalised.
Non-mandatory protection measures have been recommended, including housing freerange poultry where practical.
State and territory governments have been tasked with surveillance and response activities.
The Queensland Government has activated emergency arrangements and surveillance has been underway to determine the extent of the infection in wildlife.
“Poultry farmers, bird owners, bird fanciers and wild bird carers and watchers should be aware of this disease and remain vigilant for any unusual disease occurrence,” an alert reads.
“Do not handle sick or dead birds without suitable protective clothing and equipment (face mask, gloves).”
The risk to human health is low, but sick or dead wild birds or wildlife should be avoided.
Symptoms in birds include sudden death, loss of coordination, swimming in circles, twisted necks, inability to stand or fly, as well as difficulty breathing.
Anyone who suspects bird flu in any species of animal must phone the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 to make a report.
Earlier this year, the Federal Government announced funding for traditional owners, represented by the Maluilgal Registered Native Title Body Corporate, to eradicate rats by using drones to place baits across Warul Kawa (Deliverance Island).
Warul Kawa is a key resting point for mi-
gratory birds, including the Pacific golden plover and iconic little tern.
Australia was the only continent free of H5 bird flu at the time and Federal Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said the steps were being taken “to bolster native bird populations, so they are more resilient if it arrives”.
by LUKE MORTIMER
CAPE and Torres Strait communities faced with higher rates of chronic illnesses than much of the state will bene t from a new partnership between a remote store operator and the local health service.
Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) and Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) have signed a “transformative” Heads of Agreement (HoA), which reafrms a shared commitment to close the gap and improve social, economic, health and wellbeing outcomes.
The “historic” three-year agreement outlines a framework for developing strategic and innovative methods to support healthier lifestyles.
Cape and Torres Strait communities experience higher rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, airway diseases, chronic kidney disease, mental illness and cancer, as well as other conditions, than urban and regional Queensland communities, according to research by Apunipima Cape York Health Council and other organisations.
CEQ board member and Kabi Kabi man Dr Mark Wenitong said the focus of the agreement was on preventive health measures such as proper nutrition and equitable access to healthy foods.
“By collaborating with Torres and Cape HHS and using health data to inform nutrition education, we can ensure healthier options are available in our stores and support our customers to make healthy choices every day,” he said.
“This builds on CEQ’s Healthy Ways campaign, which celebrates the strength and wisdom of traditional practices that have supported health and wellbeing for generations.
“The campaign highlights the power of whole foods, drinking
water, cooking and eating with family, growing strong kids, active living, and nourishing ourselves from the land and sea.
“We are excited to work with Torres and Cape HHS and the communities we both serve to provide better health support to our customers across Northern Queensland and the Torres Strait.”
CEQ manages the Islanders Board of Industry and Service (IBIS) and Aboriginal Business, Industry and Service (ABIS) stores, as well as Community Home and Hardware at Bama-
ga and Col Jones, Mona’s Bazaar and Mitre 10 on Waibene (Thursday Island).
TCHHS board chair Renee Williams said the agreement would advance innovative solutions to make communities healthier and more resilient.
“We are already seeing it have a positive impact, with Torres and Cape HHS teams amplifying CEQ’s Healthy Ways campaign through our primary healthcare centres and activities in community,” she said.
“By leveraging our combined
resources and expertise, we will work together to implement innovative strategies and programs that address both immediate and long-term health challenges across our regions.
“We want the communities of Torres and Cape to be the healthiest they can be and partnerships such as this are vital to improving health outcomes and forging a better future for the Far North.”
The HoA runs until 2 July 2029, but may be reviewed and extended.
Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.
Fit the numbers 1-6 once into every hexagon so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers are the same. No number is repeated in any single hexagon.
CAIRNS TO KOWANYAMA and PORMPURAAW
by CHISA HASEGAWA
LAWN bowls may have a reputation as an activity for older people, but one Cape York bowls club is working to change those opinions by welcoming local students onto the greens.
The Cooktown Bowls Club hosted Year 7 students from Endeavour Christian College (ECC) on 29 July as they kicked off a four-week lawn bowls course led by vice president and accredited bowls coach Russell Graham.
Graham said it was great to see the 18 participants engaged in a sport that often struggled to attract young people.
“It was refreshing seeing the young ones enjoying themselves, and being willing to learn and ask questions,” he said.
“It gives us the opportunity to communicate through social media and word of mouth that it is not ‘old people’s marbles’, but a sport for all ages.”
The course comes after a big month for the Cooktown Bowls Club, which welcomed wellknown bowls player Josh Walker-Davies on 12 July.
Walker-Davies brought attention to the remote club on his social media, which has over 22,000 followers watching his journey across Australia as a top-rated travelling bowler.
President Delma Badger described the 25-year-old as a “breath of fresh air”.
“He is ranked number two in Australia, and loves to promote the smaller clubs as he knows they struggle to get people involved,” she said.
“I checked his Facebook reel this morning, and it was over 31,000 views; that’s a great endorsement for our club and bowling in Far North Queensland.”
The club also welcomed 17 players from Gordonvale on 1719 July for a weekend of social games, showcasing the opportu-
nity for connection across communities.
Including the Gordonvale Bowls Club, the Cooktown Bowls Club is affiliated with 22 others in the region.
Badger said the club was the perfect way to welcome visitors to Cooktown, boasting one of the best views in town with a location along the banks of the Endeavour River.
“We are extremely privileged to have state-of-the-art facilities,” she said.
“We are an all-weather club providing a shade cover, which enables year-round day and night bowling.
“The Gordonvale crew will be back next year, as they are keen to make it an annual event.”
She said she hoped the students from ECC would hone their skills over the next three weeks, and in the future, be keen to get involved in the tight-knit Far North Queensland bowls community.
“The youth are the future,
and bowls has been included in the Olympic Games, which will be held in Brisbane in 2023,” she said.
“The students of today can be ready to compete if they wanted to put the training in — wouldn’t that be an amazing accomplishment for our club.
“We look forward to welcoming anyone who would like to join us. Membership is not expensive, and we can assist with the use of club bowls to get them started.”
by CHISA HASEGAWA
IT was a day of firsts for many in Weipa when 19 newcomers and 11 personal best times crossed the parkrun finish line on 1 August.
On the back of his Weipa Running Festival half marathon win on 26 July, Trev Staader led the field of 57 to greet the timekeepers in a PB time of 18 minutes and 43 seconds.
More than three minutes passed before any runners managed to catch up, with Barry Cronin stopping the clock at 21:51, followed by Brayden Moor with a PB time of 22:09.
Kat Hansen also set a new personal record when she completed the five-kilometre circuit in 22:25 to be the first female across the finish line.
First-timers Sally Roberts (24:06), Lisa Fraser (24:08), Aiden Masters (24:50) and Jenna Bowyer (25:34) made their presence known by finishing in the top 10.
This week’s volunteering thanks went to Nicola Campbell, Nanthini Kanthan, Beth King, Ailish Kelly, Shayleigh Cantatore, Michael Rowland, Arthur Campbell, Elsie Campbell and Sophia Rex.
Anyone wanting to join the parkrun excitement every Saturday morning can do so by assembling at the shelter next to the hospital roundabout in Nanum before the starter’s pistol fires at 7am.
IT was standing room only for some when a record 28 golfers bid for Dawnbusters domination at the Carpentaria Golf Club on Sunday morning (2 August).
There were not enough golf carts to go around when five new players and four exDawnbusters bolstered the numbers on the front nine, with some groups walking the course in the morning’s windy conditions.
The strong gusts seemed to work in Peter Moore’s favour, who finally managed to shrug off the Bridesmaid hex after notching up four second places to emerge as this month’s first winner.
With a grin on his face, Moore said a high handicap would always beat a good score.
Following in his footsteps, Dave Sands took silver for the second week in a row, making it his fourth Bridesmaid in five weeks.
Bernie Salam returned after a two-week break to take the Hoffmans award for the morning, while golf club manager Judy Marshall proved her accuracy by taking out the pin prize on the 9th green.
Big hitters for the day were Grant Crossley and Giembra (Gee) Noonan, who took out the men’s longest drive and women’s longest drive, respectively.
The men’s longest drive was not awarded without controversy after a challenge was launched by Les Sariman. However, after scrutiny by game officials, Sariman’s tee shot was found to be not only short of the longest drive, but not even on the fairway.
New players are always welcome as Dawnbusters take on the back nine on 9 August, with an expected tee-off time of about 7am.
JUDI Marshall proved way too good when a field of 19 battled on the back nine of Carpentaria Golf Club for the Wackers win on 29 July. Marshall, coming in with a 47 and a net of 26.5, was delighted with her win, jokingly adding that she played well because her husband Bob was away.
Aaron May, showing great improvement throughout the year, took runner-up honours with a gross score of 55.
Hari Ginate took the 15th pin shot, while Leeroy Ahmat hit a superb shot to land just metres from the 18th hole.
Peter “PK” Kenny left soon after his game, blaming work, but it turns out he was a little embarrassed about his score, which secured him the Bradman’s category.
The Wackers crew also welcomed back exWeipaites Stretch and Giembra (Gee) Noonan.
AFTER an outstanding effort in the water, two Cooktown Crocs Underwater Hockey team members finished their World Championships campaign in style late last month.
Rocco Thomason and the Australian under-24 men’s team chomped on the competition to close the 2026 CMAS World Championship Underwater Hockey Age Group tournament as bronze medallists.
Eli Carroll and the Australian U19 men’s team dug deep to defeat Great Britain in the finals and place fifth overall despite multiple players battling illnesses.
AFTER a season defined by skill, perseverance and a united spirit, the Northern Peninsula Area basketball season came to a close with the grand finals on 30 July.
Team Invaders emerged as the 2026 women’s champions, and Team Ebuaubau scored their way to the top men’s spot.
Ellen Baira and Neville Bond proved their skills on the court as the women’s highest point scorer and men’s highest point scorer, respectively, while Philzaba Woosup and Silas Tamwoy impressed as the women’s and men’s most improved players.
Also recognised by their community were Alicia Tugai-Nona (women’s MVP), Neville Bond (men’s MVP), Maudie Whap (women’s finals MVP) and Thomas Pensio (men’s finals MVP).
by LUKE MORTIMER
AURUKUN came out in force to cheer for Kang Kang Rugby League Club as players took to the field on home turf for the first time since 2011.
Kang Kang played the Weipa Raiders and Bulldogs United in the third round of the Western Cape Cluster competition at Aurukun Oval on Saturday, 25 July.
Winning was not a huge concern for the Club, which is rebuilding its ranks and aiming to go from strength to strength under the leadership of president Kemuel Tamwoy and coach Leonard ‘LJ’ Yusia.
Yusia told the Cape York Weekly it was awesome to watch his team take to the field at home for the first time in many years.
“The last game was here in Aurukun, 2011, but we’ve still been playing footy. Travelling for away games,” he said.
“The majority of our boys are all
fresh, never played footy before. This is their first season. Most of them have just come out of AFL houses down in Cairns and rugby union down in Brisbane and all that, so rugby league is pretty fresh for the boys this year.
“We played pretty well for the first 15 minutes or so [of the games], and then because of the lack of experience in the team—everybody’s just come out of school—we struggled a bit.”
Yusia said he was pleased to see the community rally to support the Club, which recently became an officially incorporated association.
“At the end of the day, that’s what it was all about: bringing Aurukun together, seeing the smiles and laughter on all the families’ and friends’ faces,” he said.
“It was really good to see the community like that. We haven’t seen them like that since 2011. The only time the community all get together really is on Aurukun Day and Australia Day, that sort of thing. Footy really brings
people together here in Aurukun and I hope we get more of it happening.”
Yusia expects next season will bring more games to Aurukun Oval.
“I think next year will be bigger for us. Hopefully next season we’ll get two or three games in Aurukun, which will be good, because it was a success for the local committees, the cluster, and for Aurukun itself,” he said.
Aurukun Shire Council threw its support behind the game and applauded “the return of rugby league to the community.”
The council said on Facebook there was a “strong turnout” and the community spirit “showed just how much this game meant to everyone”.
The council thanked Kyle Adams and the Western Cape Rugby Association, Kang Kang’s Yusia and Jade Hema, Aurukun State School and Kang Kang Cafe.
The Raiders defeated Kang Kang 40-18, while Bulldogs United secured a 42-10 win.
