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Cape York Weekly FREE – #029 | Monday, April 12, 2021

Editor: Matt Nicholls 0477 450 558 | editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au

CHOPPER BUSINESS READY TO TAKE OFF

WEIPA resident Bevan Duke has purchased a four-seater helicopter as he prepares to launch a tourism venture for Cape York visitors. Heartland Helicopters will offer scenic flights, heli-fishing and other services around the region. Full story – Page 8

TORRES AND CAPE ROLLOUT IN JEOPARDY

Vaccination crisis By MATT NICHOLLS

TORRES and Cape health officials were forced to put the vaccination rollout on hold after changes to the AstraZeneca guidelines were made suddenly on Thursday night. The vaccine was the preferred

choice for the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service due to transport logistics. AstraZeneca doesn’t have to be stored in freezers like the Pfizer vaccine, which has now become the preferred vaccine for those aged under 50.

The federal government last week accepted medical advice to “prefer” Pfizer’s vaccine over AstraZeneca’s for under-50s, although people in that age group could still have the AstraZeneca jab if the benefits outweighed the risks, Scott Morrison said.

DROPPING BEATS NOT BALLS!

TCHHS executive director of medical services Dr Tony Brown said the new recommendations had forced a change of tactics. “The recommendation that Pfizer be administered to under-50s for people who have not yet had their first dose has implications

for regions such as ours where the majority of our population base is under 50,” he said. “It is sensible that we pause the vaccination program rollout to allow us to realign to the new guidelines.” Continued – Page 2

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Health service rushes to adjust vaccine program From – Page 1 “The AstraZeneca vaccine remains recommended for all adults aged 18 and over who have already had a first dose with no adverse effects,” Dr Brown said. “In addition, we are yet to receive information from the Commonwealth as to how and when the necessary doses of Pfizer might be delivered to regions such as ours in order to comply with the new vaccination recommendations. “We also need to work out how we will manage the transport and distribution of the Pfizer vaccine in remote areas and our vaccination teams will need to be trained in the administration of Pfizer.

TCCHS head doctor Tony Brown.

“And we need to update the ‘informed consent’ information material given to recipients ahead of their jabs.” Dr Brown said he could not put a timeframe on when the vaccination rollout would resume in the

Torres Strait, before moving south to Cape York, including Weipa. “All these matters need time to be worked out,” he said. “We regret any inconvenience caused to our communities, but I am sure everyone will understand the need for us to do this while a strategy is worked out for the continued safe delivery of the COVID-19 vaccination program – both locally and at the state and national levels. “We will keep our communities informed as we firm up plans for the continuing rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program across our region and the delivery of second doses to communities such as

Saibai, Boigu and Dauan, which have already had their first doses. “In the meantime, I would like to emphasise that vaccination, of any kind, now and in the future, will not be a silver bullet, but rather just a new piece of protection to help contain COVID-19.” Meanwhile, many of the nation’s GPs are refusing to offer AstraZeneca’s vaccine to people under 50 until the federal government clarifies legal liability if patients suffer serious or fatal side effects. President of the Royal Australian College of GPs Karen Price said she was considering stopping offering AstraZeneca’s vaccine to people under 50.

“Can you imagine how a lawyer might feel if someone did have a catastrophic reaction? The uncertainty and litigation risk warrants pause,” she said. “Right now in Australia, we don’t have an alternative vaccine. “What would happen if we had an outbreak? What would happen if someone could not get their vaccine – and they suffered a severe consequence of COVID?” A federal Department of Health spokeswoman said the government would continue to provide comprehensive information to GPs “as we have done right through the GP vaccination program” and they should contact their insurers.

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THERE are fears the Jardine River Ferry may not be up and running before the Peninsula Developmental Road is re-opened after scheduled maintenence was delayed last week. Repairs to the ferry were due to start on April 6 but the old girl was still in the water on Friday. “Following heavy rain, work on the ferry has been delayed until water levels subside,” the council said. “This may delay the reopening of services across the Jardine River. “Council will provide further updates on the progress of the repairs as conditions change.”

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Page 2 – Cape York Weekly – Monday, April 12, 2021

Picture: MICHAEL NAMOK

What’s on at...

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• Great prizes! • Come and WEIPA support our local volunteers Some sections of the Peninsula Developmental Road have been destroyed by floodwater and TMR is assessing possible detours to make access safe.

Road crew inspects PDR but no opening date set By MATT NICHOLLS

DON’T expect the Peninsula Developmental Road to be open for at least a few more weeks as the Department of Transport and Main Roads plays it safe with Cape York’s unofficial highway. Speaking exclusively with Cape York Weekly, TMR district director Ross Hodgman said he did not expect the road to be open in the short term. “RoadTek have been through for their primary assessment,” Mr Hodgman said on Friday. “Once that initial inspection is done, it allows them to do highlevel scoping on the worst areas. “We will throw as many resources as we can to open it as quickly as possible.” Mr Hodgson said he heard the frustration of Cape York locals who have been unable to drive on the road since December. “Safety is always our number one priority and it’s not just about opening the road, it’s about making sure we sign post the damaged areas correctly so motorists are informed.”

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WEIPA BOWLS CLUB INC. TMR won’t have to fix all the damaged sections immediately, Mr Hodgson said, but would need to forge a way around the worst parts. “We call it an opening grade, which is all about getting that road open,” he said. “It won’t be perfect but it will

be safe and provide access. We’ll open it to cars before we allow the trucks back on it.” TMR had yet to receive the written report from RoadTek on Friday and Mr Hodgson said Cape York locals, as well as tourists, might have to be patient. “We rely a lot on working

with the local community, such as roadhouses, the police, and Cook Shire Council,” he said. “It’s been a very good wet season and there’s still a chance for more rain, so we need to be mindful of not doing the work, only for it to be undone, costing a lot more money.”

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www.norlift.com.au Monday, April 12, 2021 – Cape York Weekly – Page 3

WEIPA – LIVE

PROPERTY INVESTMENT SEMINAR FREE FOOD & DRINKS Tuesday, April 13, 2021 7pm – 9pm at Carpentaria Golf Club FREE TO ATTEND – ALL WELCOME Must register – only 30 spots available due to covid restrictions Scan QR cODE tO REgiStER Good, clear conveying of fundamentals. You have nothing to lose and lots to gain if you attend and engage. – Michael Page 4 – Cape York Weekly – Monday, April 12, 2021

Knowledgeable, easy going, practical and easy to understand. Just give it a go. Listen! – Jess

Mariners still stranded on vessel By MATT NICHOLLS

MORE than 20 men are still stuck on a cargo vessel outside the Port of Weipa as its owner attempts to avoid responsibility for fixing the ship’s deficiencies. Movers 3 is owned by Qatari company Aswan Shipping, which appears to be in financial stress, based on the fact that half of its six-ship fleet is non-operational. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has placed Movers 3 and sister ship Maryam in detention. The latter is docked at Port Kembla in Wollongong. AMSA said the ships would be

released when they met regulations and were no longer in breach of the Maritime Labour Convention. “Our inspector has made multiple trips out to Movers 3 since its detention in early March,” an AMSA spokesperson said. “This week the Classification Society, on behalf of the flag State of Panama, attended the ship to undertake a flag state inspection focusing on crew welfare. “Several inconsistencies, mostly relating to the write-up of crew contracts and documentation of work and rest hours, were identified and the flag state is working with the operator to resolve these

issues. We are supporting the flag state and are pleased to see their engagement in resolving these issues. Our inspector also attended the ship at the same time.” AMSA said Aswan Shipping was required to have Movers 3 surveyed to ensure that all of the ship’s certificates were revalidated. “The ship will remain under detention in Weipa until this serious deficiency has been rectified.” There are 21 crew members on board Movers 3 after the cook was repatriated from Weipa. “Arrangements have been made on board for another qualified crew member, the ship’s steward,

to step-in to this role in the absence of the cook who was repatriated in recent weeks,” AMSA said. “The welfare of the seafarers on both Movers 3 and Maryam is AMSA’s highest priority, followed closely by the safety and seaworthiness of these ships. “Crews on both ships have access to provisions and fresh water, those that have requested repatriation are having those requests facilitated wherever possible. “We are maintaining open lines of communication with both crews.” AMSA said it did not have a time frame on when either ship

would be released, but sources told Cape York Weekly that it could take months. “Our focus right now is ensuring that the operator, Aswan Shipping, rectifies the serious outstanding deficiencies on both ships,” the AMSA spokesperson said. “We are working with all parties involved in this complex and concerning situation. “We fully expect Aswan Shipping to step-up and fulfil its responsibility to maintain its ships and provide appropriate living and working conditions for its seafarers. Both ships will remain under detention until such time.”

Border Force ship makes scheduled stop at Weipa THE Royal Australian Navy was in Weipa last week as part of a scheduled trip to the region. Dignitaries from Weipa were invited for a tour on Border Force vessel Cape Inscription, which had been commandeered by the Navy. Another vessel is due to arrive at the Evans Landing wharf this week, according to officials, and Cape York Weekly has been promised a first-hand look at the ship.

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Monday, April 12, 2021 – Cape York Weekly – Page 5

What’s On? APRIL TUE 13

Integrity Property Investment Seminar 7 – 9pm @ Carpentaria Golf Club. Free event.

Dawn service to go ahead on Anzac Day ANZAC Day in Weipa will be a little bit different this year, although there will still be a parade and dawn service. The gunshot breakfast at the 51st Battalion barracks has been cancelled, while there won’t be any two-up at the bowls club. Weipa RSL president Lloyd Williams said the changes were necessary.

“We just want to be as safe as possible. The parade and dawn service are held outside and people can socially distance pretty easily,” he said. “The gunshot breakfast is a bit harder to manage and the two-up at the bowls club usually has big gatherings in a small space.” “We hope it’s the last year that COVID impacts us.”

Those who are feeling unwell will be asked to stay at home and participate in the Light Up The Dawn initiative. The idea originated last year and was supported and promoted across Australia in a year of great challenge and change. As the sun peeked above the horizon, the country stood at the end of their driveways united –

in uniforms or pyjamas, wearing medals, poppies and sprigs of rosemary – to let Australia’s veterans know that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. “While the services are a very important part of Anzac Day, what is most important is that remember the sacrifices of the men and women who have served this country,” Mr Williams said.

School Holiday movie

WED 14 @ Kumrumja Centre SUN 25 ANZAC Day MAY Goodline Weipa 1&2 Open 7&8

Variety Cabaret Show @ Carpentaria Golf Club from 7pm. Ph: 4069 7332 for tickets.

SAT 8

Kumrumja Centre Night Markets

SAT 29

Girl’s Night In 2021 Movie Night @ Kumrumja Centre

JUNE Reconciliation Rocks 11 – 13 Music Festival Cooktown Discovery

18 – 20 Festival

Ron Brooker Go Kart

19 – 20 Championships

School Holiday movie

WED 30 @ Kumrumja Centre

JULY Bramwell Music 8 – 10 Muster AUGUST 20 & 21 Weipa Bullride SEPTEMBER 3, 4 & 5 Weipa Fishing Classic OCTOBER Conquer the 2&3 Corrugations 1–5

Weipa Billfish Tournament

Do you have an upcoming community function? Forward brief function details, location and time to: design@capeyorkweekly.com.au and we will add your function to the What’s On? column

Weipa RSL sub-branch’s Karen Inglis, also representing the Australian Army, salutes the flag after it was lowered to half-mast on Saturday morning.

Weipa RSL lowers flag in memory of Prince Philip THE flag at Rocky Point’s Memorial Square will fly at half mast out of respect for the Royal Family following the death of Prince Philip on Friday night. The Weipa RSL sub-branch’s Karen Inglis lowered the flag at 11am on Saturday. The Duke of Edinburgh died at Windsor Castle with the Queen by his side. He was 99. The UK’s COVID restrictions mean just 30 guests can sit

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inside Windsor Castle’s historic St George’s Chapel for the Saturday, April 17 funeral service. Buckingham Palace said that Prince Harry would fly home for the funeral but Meghan Markle has been advised not to fly over due to her pregnancy. Prince Charles paid tribute to his “dear papa”, saying that Prince Philip would have been “amazed” at the reaction to his passing.

The Prince of Wales, 72, made a video statement outside his property in Gloucestershire, about two hours west of London. Prince Charles said: “As you can imagine, my family and I miss my father enormously.” “My dear Papa was a very special person who I think above all else would have been amazed by the reaction and the touching things that have been said about him, and from that point of view

we are, my family, deeply grateful for all that. “It will sustain us in this particular loss and at this particularly sad time.” The funeral will be held on Saturday night, Australian time and will be broadcast on TV. Positioned outside the chapel will be Defence Advisors from the Commonwealth nations of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Trinidad and Tobago.

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Monday, April 12, 2021 – Cape York Weekly – Page 7

New business a coup for tourism By MATT NICHOLLS

TOURISTS wanting a unique Cape York experience are in for a treat this year following the launch of Heartland Helicopters in Weipa. Local pilot Bevan Duke has added a four-seater Robinson R44 to the fleet, which will allow him to offer scenic heli-fishing tours and scenic flights. The 37-year-old is based out of the Weipa Camping Ground and said he was expecting a bumper tourism season. “We just need that road to open but we’re expecting huge numbers,” he said. “Cape York needs more tourism

experiences and this is something pretty unique for visitors.” Seeing the Red Cliffs south of Weipa or landing at some unique waterholes filled with barramundi are some of the highlights. Mr Duke said he would also do other flights to complement the business, including mustering, charters, aerial shooting, burning, and search and rescue. His chopper came in handy just on the weekend when he picked up three stranded people from Weipa at Moreton Telegraph Station. “The Wenlock came up and they couldn’t get home so I was able to go there and pick them up. It was really handy for them,” he said.

Bevan Duke has started up Heartland Helicopters and is based out of the Weipa Camping Ground.

The famous Red Cliffs south of Weipa are a must-see from the air.

Picture: Weipa Sportsfishing

Heli-fishing tours will be a popular drawcard for those wanting to find an exclusive waterhole.

AURUKUN SHIRE UPDATE COMMUNITY EVENTS

Aurukun Have Your Say Day Thursday 22 April, 10am – 2pm Venue: Wo’uw Ko’alam Community Centre

Open forum to discuss community issues • Aurukun Master Plan • Bicentenary Park • Waterfront Development Development • ASC Local laws • ASC Corporate Plan We want to hear what you have to say on how Aurukun can be a better place to live

Anzac Day Service

Sunday 25 April 2021 at 9.00am

Town Square – BBQ breakfast/drinks will be provided.

ASC Local Laws

Draft Local Laws have been circulated for comment by Friday 30 April. Please visit Council website for further information.

Master Plan Amendment

Aurukun Master Plan Amendment, public comments open until Thursday 29 April. For further information, please visit Council website or come along to the “Aurukun Have Your Say Day”.

Airport

All passengers travelling to and from Aurukun are required to wear masks within the Aurukun and Cairns Airports and onto their departing and arriving planes.Federal Government regulations requires the wearing of masks.

Council Meetings Tuesday 20 April Tuesday 18 May Tuesday 15 June

Employment Opportunities

ASC has many positions and traineeships. For information phone 4060 6820 or call into Council reception.

Waste Facility

All residents are requested to dump their rubbish in the push pit bays to the left of the entrance.

Dog Control

All dog owners are always required to keep their dogs under control. Heavy fines apply for any offences. Next Vet visit 13 – 15 April 2021.

Overgrown Allotments

All tenants are requested to maintain their properties in a neat and tidy condition. Mowing of allotments and nature strips is the responsibility of tenants.

Garbage Collection

Reminder to put wheelie bins out on Tuesday evening for Wednesday collection.

Page 8 – Cape York Weekly – Monday, April 12, 2021

Weipa local Jai Christie went on a scenic tour over Easter and gave the service the thumbs up.

NEWS IN BRIEF Date for Fishing Classic THIS year’s Weipa Fishing Classic will be held in September after the committee locked in the dates last week. The annual event was held at the end of October in 2020 after being postponed due to COVID-19. The Weipa Fishing Classic was usually held in June each year. “We didn’t have enough time to go from October to June but there’s no reason why it has to go back to being in June,” said president Aaron Schleich. “We’re hoping to have the public holiday this year but that is being confirmed.” If the public holiday is locked in, it would most likely be on Friday, September 3, paving the way for fishing to be staged on the Friday and Saturday, with the closing day to be held on Sunday, which is also Father’s Day. Events like the Weipa Fishing Classic will be on the radar for the Cape York and Torres Strait Regional Events Strategy.

Councils combine to look at broad tourism strategy By MATT NICHOLLS

A TOURISM strategy revolving around events in Cape York will be rolled out this year as part of a joint initiative from councils in the region. The Cape York and Torres Strait Regional Events Strategy is an initiative of the Torres and Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance (TCICA). The strategy aims to increase tourism on the Cape and in the Torres Strait by developing frameworks for regional event coordination and event growth. The project has been funded by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning. TCICA executive officer Melinda Eades said there were a number of key strategic objectives, including:  Promoting Cape York and the Torres Strait as a tourism destination;  Promoting the outstanding natural environment, and historical and cultural values, of Cape York and the Torres Strait;  Driving regional, and com-

Rivers up ... again A LATE wet season blast of rain caused the Archer and Wenlock Rivers to be impassable for periods last week. Bramwell Station had the most rain, with 127mm recorded, while Merluna Station measured just over 100mm for the week. At Weipa, 84mm was recorded at the airport, although more rain fell in town. Campers who visited Fruit Bat Falls were caught out when the Wenlock rose above the bridge back to Weipa, with some needing to be helicoptered out from Moreton Telegraph Station so they could get back to work.

Supply issues in Lockhart

The Laura Rodeo has been cancelled this year but will be part of the framework for the tourism strategy.

munity – economic growth and opportunity;  Growing existing and new events;  Developing an annual events program;  Increasing cooperation and collaboration between Cape York and Torres Strait event coordinators;  Identifying viable event funding frameworks and governance structures. “TCICA’s regional events strategy will help to grow and develop many of our wonderful

local events and festivals as well as identify other types of events our region could focus on,” Ms Eades said. “Finding ways to improve the coordination and sequencing of tourism and community events better positions councils and event organisers to leverage visitor activity and keep people in the region for longer. “The Cape York and Torres Strait Regional Events Network is a first for our region and is a great step forward in bringing event professionals and volun-

teers together to collaborate, share information, and learn from each other. “I encourage anyone working in the events space, or interested in getting involved, to jump on board and connect with others across Cape York and the Torres Strait.” TCICA has engaged with Far North communications expert Juliana Foxlee to help put together the strategy. More details can be found on the advertisement on Page 5 of this week’s edition.

LOCKHART River residents were unable to access unleaded fuel for most of last week, while the town also suffered a lengthy power outage on Tuesday. Ergon Energy said the outage happened at about 3am on Tuesday and was caused by objects being thrown into powerlines. A crew was sent from Mareeba to fix the outage, which lasted about 15 hours. The company said the crew had found Christmas lights, a spear from a spear gun, a hula hoop, a power board and speaker wire entangled in the lines. Ergon’s Brett Judge said the blackout was caused when the network’s failsafe mechanism was triggered. The CEQ store is the only retail fuel outlet in Lockhart River. CEQ chief executive Ian Copeland said unleaded petrol had been unavailable since April 2 due to a quality control issue, although diesel was available. More supplies of unleaded were due in on Thursday and by Friday, locals were able to fill up again.

Monday, April 12, 2021 – Cape York Weekly – Page 9

up Grace’s hard work results Grants to $5000 in permanent Rio position available GRACE Barrett is kicking more career goals after earning a fulltime position as an operator with Rio Tinto Weipa. Grace, a descendant of the Wuthathi Nara Jira Para family group, grew up in Weipa, but moved away to pursue a career in the broader mining sector. With 14 years of mining experience under her belt, Grace has worked in various operational and training contracting roles within the coal mining sector. In 2019, Grace and her husband Jason moved back to Weipa after deciding it was time to be closer to home. They were both successful in obtaining operator roles with Workpac in November that year, joining Crew 2 at Amrun. Grace’s hard work, commitment and dedication to her journey in mining has paid off, with both Grace and her husband recently offered full-time, permanent Rio Tinto positions. “Words can’t describe how excited I am to be joining the Rio team. I have worked as a contractor for so many years and it can be a struggle sometimes when you’re not in a permanent role,” she said. “I am really happy to become part of such a great team.” She said hard work was the key to success.

Grace Barrett, pictured with husband Jason, has been offered a permanent position with Rio Tinto Weipa.

“My advice to other colleagues who are seeking full time positions is to stay true to what you believe and work hard towards your goals. “If at first you don’t succeed, try again and strive to be the best you can.”

Page 10 – Cape York Weekly – Monday, April 12, 2021

Grace thanked her leaders Greg Barnes, Chas Reinhardt and Pana Canaweka for their support and for the opportunity to gain full-time employment with the business. She also said Crew 2 was the best crew she had worked in since

joining the mining industry back in 2006. Currently in training for her next powerlifting competition, you will find Grace spending her days off training for her upcoming competition.

INDIVIDUALS and community groups in Cape York are eligible for up to $5000 in community grants from My Pathway. Applicants are asked to share #whatsyourReason for requesting funds and the impact it will have on the community. Preference will be given to applicants who will use the grant to support employment outcomes, people with a disability, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders, disadvantaged communities or those with literacy and numeracy barriers. My Pathway chief executive Paul Synnott said investing in community-led initiatives was part of the organisation’s fabric and important to its people. “Our organisation invests in the communities where we work every day. Offering community grants provides an additional boost to help to fund grassroots activities or equipment,” he said. “We’re eager to support applicants to purchase products or services that will improve community participation, connect people to employment or grow social and financial wellbeing. More information is available from mypathway.com.au/whatsyour-reason Applications are open now and close on Friday, May 21.

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