Cape York Weekly Edition 103

Family desperate to close popular loop road

Irwins still fighting

By MATT NICHOLLS

THE Irwin family has continued with its push to close a gazetted road in Cape York, despite a lack of support from Cook Shire or any of the neighbouring councils.

The Stones Crossing loop road, a shortcut between Weipa and Bramwell Station which traverses through part of the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, had only exist ed as a line on a map until locals pushed a track through last year.

through its company Silverback Properties Pty Ltd, has pulled out all stops to have the road closed, despite opposition from locals and the Torres and Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance.

Cook Shire earlier in the year, ask ing the council for support to have the road de-gazetted.

However, in May, Cook Shire councillors voted unanimously to keep the road open.

then known as the Bertiehaugh Road. However, the gate has been locked for years and is only opened for select tour groups.

Since four-wheel drivers started using the track, the Irwin family,

Legal representatives from the company sent a detailed case to

Prior to the property changing hands, there was a road through,

The new track is different to the old road and is only accessible for a handful of months per year.

Continued – Page 2

Picture: Karlene Shephard

Traditional Owners likely to take over Coen facility

By MATT NICHOLLS

THE state government appears likely to hand the keys to the Cape York Biosecurity Centre to local Traditional Owners, with no plans to keep a permanent biosecurity presence.

Cape York Weekly can reveal the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has been in talks with the Cape York Land Coun cil about giving the facility to Traditional Owners when it shuts down, which could be in a matter of months.

These secret discussions have been ongoing since last year.

DAF says it is committed to biosecurity in the Far North, but through different methods.

“In late 2018, Biosecurity Queensland established the Far Northern Biosecurity Initiative to better address the critical role the Torres Strait and Cape York Peninsula area play in mitigating biosecurity risks to Queensland and Australia,” a spokesperson said last week.

“The FNBI is changing the way biosecurity services are delivered in the region, allow ing more efficient and effective management of the risks of pests and diseases moving both north and south.

“The second phase of the FNBI project is about to com mence with the recent announce ment of additional emergency animal disease preparedness

funding by the Queensland gov ernment. Additional resources will build on the capacity of both DAF and local partners to detect biosecurity threats and re spond in a timely manner.

“As part of the Cape York Bi osecurity Centre review process, Biosecurity Queensland recently commenced consultations with broad range of stakeholders.

“That process is ongoing and will be vital in framing strat egy development and future in vestment in biosecurity in Far Northern Queensland.

“The Cape York United one claim, which includes the land the CYBC is located on, is a sep arate process from the CYBC review which commenced prior

to DAF becoming aware of the claim.

“DAF is working with Tradi tional Owners to work through the claim process.

“The process is ongoing and, out of respect for the process, further comment at this stage is not appropriate.”

Cape York Weekly spoke to one Traditional Owner last week who was in support of the facil ity being handed back.

However, he also believed the region should maintain a strong biosecurity presence.

“That’s something we can do in collaboration with the state government,” he said.

“We can upskill our own peo ple to do the job.”

Irwins continue fight to close loop road

Continued – Page 1

The future of the Stones Crossing loop road is now in the hands of the state government’s Department of Resources.

However, the department has already botched the notice of closure on its website.

Under the case number 2022/ 001285, the notice incorrectly states the road is in Aurukun Shire Council and says it is lo cated off the “Bamage (sic) Road”.

Despite the glaring errors, the Weipa Town Authority and the Western Cape Chamber of Com merce are already preparing to write submissions in support of keeping the road open.

With the popularity of the road increasing, a large number of submissions are expected.

Visit the Cape York Weekly Facebook page to find the link to make a submission.

Cook Shire and TCICA are also expected to follow suit. Those interested in keeping the Stones Crossing loop road open have until November 3 to lodge their objections.

The crew from Hema Maps have logged the Stones Crossing loop road.

This sign has been erected to remind motorists to stay on the track.

The Irwins allow some tour groups to access their property.

Tributes killed in NPA

THREE children are without their dad after NSW man Jaryd Buckley was killed while riding his motor bike in Cape York last Thursday.

The 32-year-old was riding with a tour group near the Tip on Narau Beach Road when he struck a wal laby, lost control and hit a tree.

Desperate efforts at the scene from his fellow riders and locals could not save the Muswellbrook plant mechanic.

“Jaryd was devoted to his fam ily and would often take his two

youngest girls camping all over the region,” his friend Brady Stair wrote.

“His untimely death has left us all scarred but none more so than his family.”

A GoFundMe campaign to sup port Mr Buckley’s wife and three children had already raised more than $60,000 by Monday morning.

Moto Odyssey Australia owner Charlie Bennison said Mr Buckley was “a true gentleman”.

“Sadly a tragic and fatal ac

cident has taken place on one of our Cape York tours. On Thursday Jaryd lost his life while riding a dirtbike, something so many of us do for fun.

“Jaryd was a true gentleman and so sadly leaves behind his wife and three young girls. We are deep ly saddened and rocked by this shocking accident.

“From all of the team at MOA, our hearts and sincerest condo lences go out to Jaryd’s wife, chil dren, family and friends.”

Cape York tourism hurt by fuel price uncertainty

By SAMUEL DAVIS

THE red dirt roads leading to the tip of Cape York have been surprisingly quiet this school holiday season, a Seisia-based tourism operator says.

David Hartwell owns Cape York Adventures and was ex pecting a flurry of four-wheel drives heading north this month.

But the last gasp of peak tour ism has been relatively slow, he said, with just two of his three boats running trips and charters during the first week of holidays.

“It’s funny. I thought it was going to be really flat stick,” Mr Hartwell said.

“Maybe it’s fuel prices.

There’s a lot to scare people off at the moment.”

A national 22-cent cut to pet rol taxes will end this Thursday, putting more pressure on the drive tourism market.

However, federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he didn’t ex pect to see an immediate jump in fuel prices due to large reserves still being held by suppliers.

“Fuel prices in most parts of

the country at the moment are now around 50 cents a litre be low the peak recorded in July,” he said.

“Industry estimates that there will be more than 700 million li tres of lower excise fuel in the system when the fuel excise is reintroduced.”

Mr Hartwell said fuel re mained the biggest expense for his business “by a fair way”.

“If I run both boats it’s about $1000 a day (in petrol),” he said last week.

“We’re pretty lucky. I buy

most of my fuel at Seisia. They buy in bulk so their next pur chase will likely have the excise on it but prices will hopefully come down.

“It’s about $2.40 up here at the moment.”

Mr Hartwell said he hoped fishing charters would help lure more visitors north this wet sea son.

“We’re looking at the east coast once the winds drop off and become more northerly and fish the reefs,” he said.

“It’s great fishing.”

Families like the Howes have a great time when they come to the Cape but most operators are reporting fewer numbers than previous seasons.

Jaryd Buckley.

Annual walk opens hearts, minds

By SARAH MARTIN

MORE than 200 people will tackle the bulldust of the Peninsula De velopmental Road this long week end for the Conquer the Corruga tions mental health awareness and support walk.

Organiser Emma Jackson, who started the walk in 2015 after los ing her nephew Dylan to suicide, said many would be walking the 42km in memory of lost loved ones.

“People really strip the layers and make strong connections, and by Sunday what you see and hear from everyone is so sincere,” she said.

“We’re all people who have lost someone, experienced their own mental health battles or know someone who is; it really is quite incredible to watch the connec tions among the walkers and the opportunities for them to talk.”

Coen’s Jackie Perry, whose son Daniel Perry suffered from ongo ing depression before taking his life just 17 months ago, will be joining 20 family members on the walk.

“Daniel actually did the walk in 2020, and just seven months later he was gone, leaving behind two little boys,” Ms Perry told Cape York Weekly

“It’s not an easy grief to get through, some days are good and others are bad, it’s bloody awful.”

Ms Perry said Conquer the Cor

rugations was a marvellous way to connect and support others.

“What a wonderful legacy young Dylan has left behind with the walk; it’s brought a whole lot of people from the Cape together,” she said.

“It gives you that feeling that there are people out there who want to help and support and who understand what you’re going through with the loss of a loved one or mental health.”

Ms Jackson, who lives on Wol

verton Station with her family, said the walk was evolving every year, changing and improving.

“We used to camp along the way at Coen and Archer River, but now we camp both nights at 28 Mile Lagoon, which gives us more time for awards and activities,” she said.

“We are also really evolving with our mental health angle, add ing those little quirky things that really complement the essence of what the weekend is about.”

Privacy & space without the work of a larger property Featured property...

• Positioned in a quiet & peaceful cul-desac just over 5 minutes from the Cooktown CBD sits this spacious 3 bedroom home with wrap around veranda, set on a 4428m2 block • Polished spotted gum timber flooring throughout • Three large bedrooms • Luxurious bathroom with deep jet spa bath, shower & separate toilet

• Generous open plan living & dining areas • Separate laundry/utility room

with external door • Split system air conditioning throughout the home

• Extra large kitchen area with huge bench space, gas cooker & ample storage designed for the serious cook! • 4 bay Colorbond shed has 2 roller door garage & two bay workshop (approx 9m x 13m) • Town water

• Two street access • School bus access

• 10,000L gravity fed rainwater tank

• 4.2Kw solar system

Among this year’s new addi tions is a questionnaire to be filled out during the event and several weeks post-event to gather data on how the event has helped them and what they may have implemented in their lives from the event.

The group will also release LED candles into 28 Mile Lagoon, play mental health trivia and write let ters to loved ones or themselves, to be delivered six months later.

Ms Jackson said she was con tinually amazed that the committee

could provide such a huge event for free, including catering and an event shirt.

“Local business is strained at the moment, but they are still sup porting us and making the event happen, which is just incredible,” she said.

“People bend over backwards to support the event.”

Visit www.conquerthecorruga tions.com.au for more information or to register – registrations remain open until the event.

The Conquer the Corrugations walk continues to provide a platform to make connections and learn about mental health and its impact on the community.

Cape’s housing crisis flows south

By SAMUEL DAVIS

CAPE York’s housing crisis is spilling onto the streets of Cairns as welfare services battle to find homes for families living in bush camps.

While remote Indigenous com munities contend with chronic overcrowding, those moving to Cairns are plunged into a “criti cally undersupplied” rental market according to REIQ.

Shelter Housing Action Cairns CEO Sally Watson said low va cancy rates and record client num bers are creating a “crisis housing blockage” in the Far North.

“We’re seeing more people need housing in Cairns than we’ve ever had and that includes people from Cape York,” Ms Watson said.

“In the past, people who can af ford rent have rarely come to us.

“Now we’re seeing people who have enough money but can’t get a property and wonder what we can do for them.

“That has a compounding effect for people who’ve always found it hard to get a house.”

SHAC, which manages 28 houses for families in critical need, said the rental squeeze has made it hard to transition clients into pub lic housing or the private rental market.

“So, other families living in cars

NEWS IN BRIEF

Kowanyama is prepared

EMERGENCY ser vices in western Cape York are ready for disaster after running a simulated training exercise recently.

Kowanyama’s Local Disaster Management Group ran a mock emergency landing at the community’s airport last month with volunteers acting as injured and distressed passengers.

JASKO Airport Services’ Sheryl De Bruyn said the drill would help the community respond in a crisis.

“The biggest achievement was the opportunity to test the response of airport personnel and first responders in an emergency involving 33 passengers,” she said.

“The exercise also provided the opportunity for all responders to discuss what resources each had and how they could help each other.”

Acting CEO of Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council, Kevin Bell, said prepping for disasters are crucial for emergency services, supporting organisations, airport, and airline staff.

“Seeing all of the key first responders and stakeholders come together for such a critical training exercise gives Council great confidence that in the event of an emergency, we would be greatly equipped to deal with it,” Mr Bell said.

Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council owns and operates the community’s airport. The council has developed an Aerodrome Emergency Plan in accordance with CASA regulations.

Community mural offer

EVERYONE is invited to join a series of workshops culminating in a community mural for Bloomfield.

Bloomfield artists Lainie Franzi and Jude Edwards are inviting young, old, new and experienced to the 2022 Bloomfield Art Club this week. Participants will take part in ceramic tile glazing workshops, with the finished tiles used to complete the Bloomfield community mural.

The workshops will be held at the Bloomfield Hall on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and cost $5 per person per day. The workshops are funded by the Queensland government’s Regional Arts Development Fund, Cook Shire Council and Black Cockatoo Gallery.

For more information, contact Ms Franzi on 4060 8153.

and tents are not getting housed because we can’t move anyone out,” Ms Watson said.

“At least 20 per cent of our ten ants have been with us 18 months now.

“40 per cent have been with us for more than a year. That’s un heard of.”

An influx of Cape residents also puts Cairns-based family members at risk of violating their tenancy agreements, Ms Watson said.

“Landlords have much more

choice on who can live in their houses and can end tenancies with out giving a reason when the lease ends,” she said.

“So, not only has the person from the Cape got nowhere else to live but neither has their family who have lived in that house (for a period of time).”

Changes to tenancy laws will al low homeowners with granny flats to rent them out to ease the state’s housing crisis.

“Many homeowners have gran ny flats that they’ve built or con verted for family members or teen agers who have since moved out,” Deputy Premier Steven Miles said.

“At the same time some Queens landers are sleeping in their cars or in tents.

“It just makes sense to allow existing accommodation to be oc cupied by someone other than a

relative to provide more afford able accommodation for Queens landers.”

But Ms Watson said more need ed to be done.

“In tourist towns we’re look ing at things like taxing holiday accommodation, including Air BnBs,” she said.

“We really want something like that in this town because we have lost a fair few rentals to Air BnBs.

“A bed tax on hotels has been raised where rather than going back into the tourism industry, it goes toward housing.

“We didn’t think we’d be talk ing about rent control but we never thought we’d see a rental market like this in Australia. That’s how critical it is.”

The Queensland government will hold a housing summit next month.

When you get a booster, you’re boosting much more than your immunity against COVID. You’re boosting everyone’s chance to do the things we love like travel and seeing family. Even if you’re double vaxxed, get your booster–more boosters means we’re all more protected.

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

Cairns is also feeling the impact of Cape York’s housing crisis.

Croc clickbait is dangerous, says business owner

By SAMUEL DAVIS

A MAN who has experienced one too many encounters with crocs in Cape York has blasted the publisher of a “dangerous” video that shows the apex predator being fed out of the side of a boat.

In a 12-second clip posted to Facebook, a saltwater croc snatches a fish tossed at its snout by fishermen as the vessel nears a muddy mangrove.

The large reptile then scurries into deeper water as two men cackle in the background.

The recording has garnered thousands of views and interactions online.

But it’s also received several stinging re bukes from social media users concerned the interaction could change the reptile’s behav iour.

“Not good mate. This s**t is why they keep coming up to boats and can cause is sues,” one man said.

Another wrote: “That thing is big enough to jump in your boat … imagine a child be ing taken.”

The Department of Environment and Sci ence has confirmed wildlife officers are in vestigating the video to determine the loca tion and date it was filmed.

Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, it is illegal to feed crocodiles in Queensland without permission and carries a fine of more than $5,000.

Last year Portland Roads resident Jayson Watkin came to the rescue of two soldiers who survived being death-rolled by a 2.5 metre crocodile.

The business owner said filming wild crocs made for frightening click bait.

“I love adventure as much as anyone but it’s risk versus reward,” he said.

“They’re not scared of anyone.

“Any interaction with a croc is taking your life in your own hands.

“Then, once you expose it to social media you’re showing it to an entire legion of idi ots who may do something worse.

“That’s when it becomes dangerous. So, maybe don’t post it on social media.”

Charles Darwin University’s Professor Grahame Webb said approaching the am phibious beasts in the wild is a mistake.

“As tempting as it is, it’s not a good idea,” he said.

“It shouldn’t be encouraged because they may associate being fed with the next guy that comes along.

“The cold hard reality is they may be come inquisitive about the boat you’re in or where you’re standing if you’re on the bank.

“You’re not going to have crocs tram pling through the bush and tearing people apart coming out of school buses.

“But it’s just not a good idea to get too close to these animals.”

Mr Watkin said he was “lucky to walk away” following a recent run-in with a “salt ie” while tying up his boat.

“I was in belly button deep water when I got this sick feeling that something was off,” he said.

“I started rushing to the boat for some reason and got straight in. Our friends were watching me from the deck.

“It was only when I got back they told me ‘You were about 10 metres away from a four-and-a-half metre crocodile.’

“That was about two weeks ago and I re alised how complacent I’d gotten.

“There’s been a resurgence of incidents that make you think ‘Holy s**t. We need to treat these things with more respect.”

It’s estimated there are up to 30,000 croc odiles in Queensland waters.

Since 1975 there have been 46 reported estuarine crocodile attacks in the state.

Sixteen have been fatal.

Anyone with information about the video is urged to contact DES on 1300 130 372.

Bamaga Enterprises Ltd September Update

BEL invests in Cape York’s vast tourism potential

On World Tourism Day, 27 September, Bamaga Enterprises Limited (BEL) is celebra�ng and spreading awareness about the importance of tourism and its posi�ve impact on our community.

Through its Socio Support Policy, BEL has been boos�ng the local economy with grants and dona�ons allocated to community infrastructure, training, enterprise crea�on and more.

In May, BEL also hosted a team from Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) to share with them Cape York Peninsula Lodge’s many experiences including the new Indigenous tours, new accommoda�on and a tradi�onal cultural dance performance by the local Naygayiw Gigi Dance Troupe. The TEQ team created a

variety of rich digital content to help promote the region.

The visit le� a las�ng impression and strengthened BEL’s rela�onship with TEQ.

BEL Chairperson, Robert Poipoi says BEL is perfectly poised to help grow local tourism in Bamaga and the Northern Peninsula Area.

“BEL is in a cri�cal posi�on to develop the region’s

tourism poten�al and enable travellers to extend their stay, spending more �me and money in our local communi�es,” he says.

Mr Poipoi says suppor�ng tourism not only brings new opportuni�es for the community, including new jobs, it also plays an important role in the recovery and growth of our community.

COVID-19 are available all health facilities!

Remember, you need booster doses to make sure you stay protected against COVID-19.

Talk to your doctor, nurse or health worker about how to stay up to date with vaccinations. Please keep protecting yourselves, your family and the community by washing your hands regularly and staying home if you are sick.

If you are sick please get tested for COVID-19. You can get a RAT test from your local Primary Health Care Centre or hospital, most council offices or buy them from a pharmacy.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest more information health.qld.gov.au/torres-cape

Corner

Tourism Queensland shoot at Cape York Peninsula Lodge

Through its Socio Support Policy, BEL proudly supports local organisations through various funding opportunities. Read more about the sponsorships and grants available via our website. www.bament.com.au/sponsorships-donation

Jayson Watkin from The Temple at Portland Roads has seen first-hand the impacts of crocs and has slammed those who feed them.

Mayor shares first-hand experiences of cyclones

By SAMUEL DAVIS

WAYNE Butcher will never for get the howling winds he heard the night Cyclone Trevor swept through Lockhart River.

“It absolutely roared all that night,” the mayor said of the category three cyclone.

“It got up to 200km/h gusts. A lot of people were surprised by it.

“When we all came out of it you could see the look on the faces of people in the communi ty. It was like, ‘wow’. You knew you’d experienced something.”

Last week the Cape York mayor gave a presentation on “old Trev” at the United Na tions’ Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Brisbane.

The cyclone which crossed the coast just south of Lockhart River on March 19, 2019 dam aged buildings and cut roads due to flooding.

But thankfully, Cr Butcher said, the community was ready for it.

“The critical part for us was preparation,” he said.

“Over the years we’ve invest ed in getting dwellings up to a good standard. There’s also been investment in water and sewer age infrastructure.

“Having all that in place made it easier.

“Also, every November we pick up any debris or anything that looks like it’ll be a flying object.

“You can build a house to cat

egory five standard but it’s the debris that does the real dam age.”

Sadly, the Iron Range rainfor est wasn’t so fortunate with trees felled and defoliated by the cy clonic winds.

The debris led to major bush fires later that year, Cr Butcher said.

“Mother Nature made the rainforest over thousands over years and Trevor destroyed it in 12 hours,” he said.

“You can see it’s still strug gling to recover today.

“It took the canopy off and left a lot of fuel on the ground. I never thought I’d see a rainfor est burn in my life.

“That was so sad to see that happen.”

The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that a La Niña event was under way in the Pacific Ocean, increasing the likelihood of above average rainfall this wet season.

“During La Niña events, wa ters in the eastern tropical Pacif ic Ocean are cooler than normal and waters in the western tropi

cal Pacific Ocean warmer than normal,” said head of long-range forecasts Andrew Watkins.

“This causes changes in wind, cloud and pressure patterns over the Pacific.

“When this change in the at mosphere combines with chang es in ocean temperature, it can influence global weather pat terns and climate, including in creasing rainfall over large parts of Australia.”

Representatives from Wujal Wujal and Cook Shire also at tended the conference.

State releases Disaster Resilience Strategy

PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk says a new five-year strategy to strengthen disas ter resilience will improve Queensland’s capacity to deal with cyclones, fires, floods and climate change.

She released the new strategy after ad dressing the United Nations’ Asia-Pacific Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction.

“Queensland is the most disaster im pacted state in Australia, but we’re also

the most resilient. Every year we could be faced with flooding, cyclones, bushfires, or other severe weather events, so it’s vital we continue to improve the framework to overcome any challenge,” she said.

The Queensland Strategy for Disaster Resilience 2022-27 focuses on commu nity-informed resilience investment and greater interagency coordination so com munities are well-prepared.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the latest five-year strategy built on many years of building disaster resilience.

“Every region across Queensland now has a locally-led and regionally-coordi nated blueprint to increase statewide dis aster resilience,” Mr Miles said.

“This new strategy looks to maximise local coordination to improve disaster re sponse and recovery.”

Lockhart River mayor Wayne Butcher and Transport Minister Mark Bailey in Brisbane for the Disaster Risk Reduction conference held last week.

Eighty years on: How a group of

LOCAL knowledge came to the fore when men from Weipa and Mapoon joined forces with the RAAF to rescue an American air crew after they crashed near Pennefather Beach. Western Cape historian GEOFF WHARTON writes ...

ON September 17 1942, 1st Lieutenant Claude Burcky and his crew of eight men from the 93rd Bombardment Squadron (known as the Gypsy 93rd), 19th Bombardment Group, United States Army Air Force (USAAF), were returning in their B-17E Flying Fortress bomber from a bombing mission to Rabaul in the south-west Pacific when –according to a later report – they were unable to land at either Port Moresby or Horn Island to refu el, due to enemy action and poor weather conditions.

The squadron was based at Ho evet Airfield near Mareeba. B-17E serial number 41-2650 was one of 512 Mark E four-engined bombers manufactured by the Boeing Air plane Company.

When he was rescued, the pilot recounted the events leading up to the crash:

We had been on a mission and were to return to Port Moresby but the drome [aerodrome] had been bombed by a Jap intruder plane and when we arrived they would not light up the strip so we decided to fly to Horn Island but could not locate that either so we became lost and with thick cloud and the fuel running out decided to bail out and hope we could find land and safety.

We did not know if we were over land or sea at the time.

The navigator went out first then all the rest of the crew. Eight of us located each other near the crash site but we could not find the navi gator.

Four of us had injuries in the landing and four were OK. We decided to split up with the four fit men to try and find help and the injured to find their way to the coast that we had seen as we came through the clouds on our chutes.

The crew parachuted into the swamp and forest country about six kilometres south of the Pen

nefather River near the headwaters of Nomenade Creek and the plane crashed and broke up on impact.

The remains of the bomber are located adjacent to and in a swamp at approximately Latitude 12° 18’ 13” South and 141° 45’ 57” East (WGS 84).

Crew members who landed safely included First Lieutenant Claude N. Burcky (pilot), Sec ond Lieutenants Gus Rapisardi (co-pilot) and Donald C. Miller (bombardier), Sergeants George W. Schmid (engineer), Lawrence Johnson (radio operator), Norris T. Reynolds (gunner), Lloyd H. Chamberlain (gunner), and Corpo ral John W. Naglich (gunner).

Missing in action was the navi gator Lieutenant William Francis Meenagh from New York.

From the various sources avail able to reconstruct the story, it appears that the four who set out to find help were Miller, Rap isardi, Reynolds and Naglich, while the injured four included Burcky, Johnson, Chamberlain and Schmid.

News of the missing aircraft was

relayed to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) 11 Squadron based at Cairns and Flying Officer Brian H. (Tubby) Higgins was tasked to fly a search and rescue mission in Catalina flying boat A24-2.

In the meantime, the Command ing Officer of 93 Squadron, Major Felix Hardison, had flown around the crash area and spotted one of the crew.

The American flew over Weipa Mission on Friday, September 18 and dropped a message to Jimmy Winn asking him to send a boat to pick up the pilot and search for the crew.

Jimmy knew he could rely on the Weipa men to find the crashed Americans.

He also activated his Volunteer Air Observer Corps wireless to send a message to his colleague Frank Cane at Mapoon seeking his assistance.

The Weipa men who volun teered to search included Hector Billy (Nyagwan), Ralph Cocoanut (Twitherran), Jimmy James (Am jak) and Ian Motton (Twitherran).

Later that year, the Queensland

Secretary for Health and Home Affairs, Hon. E.M. (Ned) Hanlon, read to the Queensland Parliament a stirring account of the rescue ef forts of the Weipa men: Here is the account given by Jim my James, the leader of the Weipa rescue party…

We left Weipa in the dinghy on Friday evening [September 18] and sailed across the bay to Duifken Point arriving there about 11pm. The crossing was very rough; we were bailing all the time and all soaking wet.

We hauled the dinghy above high-water mark, and, all loaded with medical supplies, stores, and water, set off up the coast walking and running all night.

[The distance along the coast from Duyfken Point to opposite the crash site is about 32 kilometres!]

Just at daybreak we heard a plane and ran fast just in time to see sup plies being dropped on the beach. We saw writing on the sand: ‘Go to others first,’ and an arrow drawn.

We rushed on and saw two men too weak to crawl north from where the writing was. Water was

the first thing they asked for. I gave them a little water from the demi john I had carried all night, and a little brandy, then after a little while more water.

Ian Motton got a fire going and made coffee. We spread some eats before them and tried to ease the pain in one man’s leg.

We made them comfortable and rigged up a shade for them, then went inside to search for another two badly injured. We had to creep and crawl a long way through the undergrowth before we could stand up and walk about.

We saw a bushfire coming, and something white moving in front of it. We ran over and found a man [probably Sergeant George Schmid] crawling, trying to get away from the fire, moving into a scrub, where he thought he would lie down and die.

His face was badly smashed, and his jawbone sticking through. He cried for water, and after he had some was able to walk slowly with Hector, while the other three of us looked for the other man [Sergeant L. Johnson].

The RAAF Catalina A24-2 crew waiting for the incoming tide at the Pennefather River.

Photo by Ron Francis, courtesy of David Vincent, author of the Catalina Chronicle.

locals rescued American troops

We found him with his head wrapped up to protect him from the smoke and fire.

This man’s leg was broken, and he was in a bad way for water. We gave him water, and I said, ‘Will you allow us to move you?’

He said ‘How?’ I said, ‘On a stretcher.’ He said ‘Where is it?’ I said, ‘We will make it.’

I broke off two strong saplings, took the man’s parachute and wrapped round the saplings and put him on the stretcher.

He was a big man like Mr Mac Kenzie [Superintendent of the Au rukun Mission].

I took one end and Ian and Co coanut 2 [Ralph Cocoanut] took the other.

I kneeled down and raised the handles onto my shoulders.

There are blisters where those handles rubbed.

When we were a quarter mile from the beach we met the Mapoon men with packhorses, and then Mr Cane came with the lugger.

That is Jimmy James’ story.

Mr Winn added: “The Weipa men’s early arrival certainly saved these men from a fearful day and probable death.”

WATCH SACRIFICED

MEANWHILE, Frank Cane at Mapoon reported later that he had sent his head stockman Benny Charger with four other men on horseback “with instructions that they were to be there at daylight

and do what they could in case I could not get there myself.

“Crossing the Coen (Pennefa ther) river Jerry Hudson lost his watch which was a good one, as they had to swim it with the hors es.”

Tim Savo also remembered how the rescuers nearly came to grief: We went down to Pennefather, camped there until the next morn ing, we swum our horses across the river…right at the mouth. We made a canvas boat, put our saddles in and swag in.

[Tim added later in the inter view:] We walked our horses from the main beach up to that sand bar. We unpacked there and made the boat…right where we made the boat, put the boat in, we had a groper [large fish]…so big, eh, it was right under us!].

After the stockmen had depart ed, Cane assembled emergency supplies and with Mapoon women Rosie (Woodley) and Mabel (prob ably Mabel Lee), sailed down to the Pennefather River on the mis sion vessel J.G. Ward

When they arrived at 11am on Saturday, September 19, Cane found the injured pilot (Burcky) and engineer (Sergeant George Schmid) being cared for by Hector.

He then saw “four men from Weipa Mission there and they were then carrying one of the crew of the plane who had broken his leg in the landing”.

Burcky, Schmid and Chamber lain were brought back to the J.G. Ward where they were fed soup and tea by Rosie and Mabel.

AIR SUPPORT ARRIVES

RAAF Sergeant Bob Caldwell continues the story as the RAAF Catalina A24-2 landed on the sea near the J.G. Ward: “We arrived and alighted at 1325 hours.

“There were two men visible on the very narrow beach. I think that the mission lugger had also arrived and we used their dinghy to reach the beach….”

The Catalina searched unsuc cessfully for Miller and his com panions then returned to Cairns with the first four men, believ ing that the other four could have walked to Weipa.

Even today with roads and bridges that would be a challenge in the summer heat!

Bob Caldwell wrote in his logbook that the Catalina returned to the Coen (Pennefather) River ac companied by an American offic er, collected more searchers from Weipa on the way and arrived at the river at 1430.

Having rowed the Weipa men ashore, the Catalina crew started an aerial search around the river system for the four Americans and Bob remembers that it was “quite a joy when the men were sighted very soon after the search began and on the Mapoon (north) side of the Coen river.

“This was not expected, but the four men were in a small lake and splashed water up to attract our at tention”.

It was dark by the time the Americans and their rescuers had reached the Catalina so they were made comfortable for the night.

Next morning, the RAAF crew awoke to find their flying boat stranded on the mud by the longdeparted tide.

By 1240 there was enough wa ter to take off and so the weary crews returned to Cairns, while the Mapoon and Weipa men continued searching over a wide area for the missing American.

The sad sequel was relayed to church authorities by Frank Cane, when he wrote that the Captain of the J.G. Ward, [Nicholas Wymara] “returned here Monday with the news that four had been found and that one was still missing these men and boys remained on the job of searching for two weeks and it is now presumed that the other man is dead….”

Despite the best efforts of the Mapoon and Weipa men who had excellent knowledge of the coun try, Lieutenant Meenagh was never found.

One year after his disappear ance, the United States War De partment issued a “Finding of Death” which would have assisted with any legal process required for his estate, but would have brought

awful sadness to his family in the realisation that despite surviving many dangerous missions against the Japanese, William would not be returning home.

Lieutenant Meenagh’s decora tions included the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters and a Purple Heart.

Pilot Claude Naylor Burcky (1915-2007) had a long Air Force career and retired with the rank of Colonel in 1970.

The story of the Flying For tress crew’s rescue is recorded at the war memorials at Mapoon and Napranum.

In 2012, author Michael Mu sumeci travelled to New York and presented a relic from the aircraft to the Meenagh family.

The American air crew, their brave rescuers from Weipa and Mapoon missions and the RAAF will never be forgotten.

 The author thanks the fam ily descendants of the rescuers from Napranum and Mapoon who kindly provided their memories, as well as the late Bob Caldwell DFM and Mrs Betty Caldwell, Jack Clarke, Don Egan, John Foss, Mick Isenbert, the late Margaret Little (née Winn), author Michael Musumeci, Chris and Kath New man, the late Bob Piper (ex-RAAF Historical Section), Jack Riddell, the late Tim Savo, Ted Sturtevant and David Vincent.

The B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber. This image taken in Townsville.

A message scrawled on a navigator’s log sheet and dropped at Weipa Mission by Major Felix Hardison. Courtesy of Winn Family Papers, Cape York Collection.

Not just one but many: cassowaries discovered

By SAMUEL DAVIS

AFTER years without even a single sighting, a signifi cant cassowary population has been discovered living in a remote section of north ern Cape York.

World Cassowary Day ar rived at a significant time for the Ipima Ikaya Traditional Owner clans with at least 10 of the endangered birds found in a remote section of Apudthama National Park.

The findings are part of the first formal ‘Wadthuu ny’ (cassowary) survey to

be conducted on Gudang Yadhaykenu country in the Ussher Point area.

“The recent findings of these cassowaries is good news for myself and my

people,” Myiesha Yoelu, of the Ipima Ikaya Aboriginal Corporation said.

“I’ve never been so ex cited when seeing the report. Wadthuuny play a key role in our rainforests ecosystem and it’s nice to see that our country is now the home of 10 or more cassowaries.

“I think the next step moving forward is for us to further monitor them throughout country and take steps to protect this beautiful bird at all costs.”

Conducted between June and August 2022, the survey

involved a five-day field trip during which camera traps were installed at strategic sites across 28km using lures resembling fruit.

Cameras captured 30 im ages of at least 10 cassowar ies, identified as four adults, four brown sub-adults and two stripey chicks.

“Our team found more than we ever expected and we are over the moon,” con sultant Wren Mclean said.

The results rule out the common perception that cassowaries in the region are extinct. This northern sec

tion of Apudthama National Park is not included in many formal cassowary distribu tion maps.

“The last memory of a sighting by traditional own ers was estimated to be around 40 years ago,” Ms McLean said.

“These results have been both surprising and hearten ing. To discover a breeding population of cassowaries in an area where they had not been sighted for so long … is wonderful news.”

In the report, Ms McLean noted the cassowary habitat

was found to be relatively pristine with a low detec tion rate of feral pigs and no weeds or other feral herbi vores recorded.

However, it is geographi cally restricted and thus the breeding population may be genetically isolated.

“Cassowaries remain a species of conservation concern and threats to this sub-population may be from inbreeding, reduced genetic diversity and increased ex treme cyclones and wild fires in the face of climate change,” Ms McLean said.

Future of Lakeland on agenda

FEEDBACK from the wider com munity will be sought at a public meeting in Lakeland today to dis cuss the community and social impact of the Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme.

Regional Development Aus tralia Tropical North CEO Sonja Johnson said the final stages of the detailed business case to build a dam to expand the Lakeland agri cultural area were under way after submitting a draft to the state gov ernment.

“We have held regular meet ings with the growers who will benefit from the water security the dam would provide and now need to hear how other businesses and residents think the Lakeland Irri gation Area Scheme would affect them,” she said.

“As part of our stakeholder en gagement we want to know what the aspirations of the wider com munity are if the Lakeland agricul tural area expands.

Huge numbers tipped for 2022 Cooktown Hog Hunt

By SARAH MARTIN

IF you’re in the market for a new side-by-side buggy or just want a ripping good time and a chance at sharing in $40,000 worth of prizes, get your nomination in for Queens land’s biggest feral pig hunting competition.

The major lucky door prize for the annual Cooktown Hotel Hog Hunt, held from September 30 to October 2, is a brand new deckedout CF Moto U-Force 600 buggy.

Co-organiser Denicka Danaher, of FrogDogs Australia, said they had been overwhelmed by sponsor enthusiasm this year.

“The amount of support we have had this year from local businesses and sponsors all around Australia is overwhelming,” she said.

“We have more than $40,000

worth of goodies to give away, in cluding cash prizes for all the ma jor categories. Last year, we had 30 random lucky door prizes, but this year there will be even more.”

Ms Danaher said last year’s ma jor lucky door prize, a quad bike, went to local Leslie Snyder Jnr.

“We always hope it goes to a lo cal, but you have to be in it to win it,” she said.

The 2021 Hog Hunt had more than 280 entrants, but this year organisers were planning for num bers to double, she said.

“Not everyone will bring a pig in, either, but that’s the beauty of it, as long as you’re registered, you are still in the draw for all the lucky door prizes.”

This year’s the biggest tusk cat egory has been renamed the Steve ‘Pez’ Perry Memorial Hog Hunt

Biggest Tusk Trophy, in remem brance of passionate hunter and outdoorsman Steve Perry, who died earlier this year.

“In honour of Pez, for his love of Cape York ivory, we have cre ated a shield which will be dis played in The Lure Shop where he worked, and each year a plaque will be added with the winner,” Ms Danaher said.

“We approached his partner and friends, and we want to keep that going for him, as he was a big part of the hunting community.”

Nominations are accepted in person at the Cooktown Hotel, known locally as the Top Pub, this Friday from 8am to 6pm, with hunting from Friday to Sunday. The weigh-in will be held at the Cooktown Hotel this Sunday from 10am to 2pm.

“Perhaps there are other eco nomic opportunities, what addi tional community services would be necessary, and are there any disadvantages to be overcome.

“We are working closely with Cook Shire Council to understand implementation pathways if the detailed business case shows the project is viable.

“The proposed 205,000ML dam, situated on the Palmer River, will more than triple the Lakeland agricultural area from 1370ha to 8000ha with the potential to fur ther service around 10,000ha of additional quality agricultural land adjacent to Lakeland.

“Lakeland would develop into a major food bowl, while construc tion would create hundreds of jobs at the township and bring in more than $400 million per annum to the region.

“If supported by the federal government, construction could begin in 2023.”

The Lakeland Area Irrigation Scheme Community Information Session is today (Tuesday) from noon at the Lakeland Community Hall.

Light refreshments will be pro vided for those who attend.

Cooktown Hog Hunt organisers Frog and Denicka Danaher with daughters Eadie and Addison.

The winner of the biggest tusks will take home the Steve ‘Pez’ Perry Memorial Trophy in his honour.

A cassowary caught on a trail camera in the NPA.

Grandfather showing no signs of hanging up bike

By SARAH MARTIN

COOKTOWN’S Ray Wright is one of only three cyclists to have completed every single Cardiac Challenge since the event began in 2006.

Mr Wright rode into Cook town with more than 200 other cyclists last week, and helped add more than $420,000 to the over $2 million raised for the re gion’s cardiac services since the Challenge’s inception.

“I keep doing it because I’ve had my own heart issues, back in 2008, and I could have used the services that we have provided through fundraising for the Car diac Challenge,” he said.

“I had to have surgery, and now that we’ve raised all that money, instead of having to go to Brisbane I could have had my surgery and follow-ups in Cairns.”

Mr Wright, 64, was joined by Weipa-based grandson Luke Wright, 11, who took the honour

of being the youngest rider in the 2022 event.

“Luke has been wanting to do it for years but he wasn’t big enough,” Mr Wright said.

“It was so good to see so many young ones this year, we also had two 12-year-olds and three 13-year-olds riding.”

Luke was also given the hon our of leading the riders into Lakeland for the end of the sec ond day of riding.

Despite being retired since his own heart issues, Mr Wright said he had no plans of slowing down any time soon.

“I’m still leading the same

speed groups as when I started,” he said.

“I led the third fastest pack this year, and have already been on four Cape York rides and the Cooktown State School father and sons ride.”

The Wright duo were part of the Wellness Embodied team, which is in the top 10 on the fun draising leaderboard, with more than $14,000 raised.

Physiotherapist and Wellness Embodied clinic owner Suzanne Rath, who rode in the Challenge, said her team were really pas sionate about the ride.

“I think for us with the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation (who organises the ride and distributes the funds) it’s a really big family, and that’s why people keep returning,” Ms Rath said.

“We feel like our values and vision for Cairns and the Far North to be the healthiest region in Australia make it a really easy cause to get behind.”

Torres Strait victory

AUSTRALIA has failed to adequately protect a group of Torres Strait islanders from the impacts of climate change, the United Nations Human Rights committee has found.

The landmark decision found the failure violated Indigenous people from Boigu, Poruma, Warraber and Masig islands’ right to enjoy their culture and maintain their way of life.

The committee took into account the Islanders’ close spiritual connection to the land and their culture’s dependence on the health of their surrounding environment.

The decision is in response to a 2019 complaint filed by eight adults and six children from low-lying islands in the Torres Strait.

Known as the “Torres Strait 8”, the Islanders argued their rights had been violated because Australia had failed to adapt to climate change by not upgrading seawalls on the islands and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“The decision marks a significant development as the committee has created a pathway for the individuals to assert claims where national systems have failed to take appropriate measures to protect those most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change,” committee member Hélène Trigjouda said.

Kulkalgal man, Yessie Mosby, a Traditional Owner on Masig Island and one of the claimants, said his ancestors would be “rejoicing knowing that Torres Strait Islander voices are being heard throughout the world through this landmark case”.

“This morning when I woke up on Masig, I saw that the sky was full of frigatebirds. In my culture, we take this as a sign from my ancestors that we would be hearing good news very soon about this case,” he said in a statement.

“Climate change affects our way of life every day. This win gives us hope that we can protect our island homes, culture and traditions for our kids and future generations to come.”

The committee has called for the Australian government to compensate for the harm they have suffered and engage in consultation to ensure their communities’ safe existence.

Cannabis, grog charges

POLICE have charged a Normanton man after an incident in Kowanyama last Wednesday.

Branch manager settling in at Weipa

WEIPA’S bank manager says he’s settling into the role after making the move from Cairns earlier in the year.

Having worked in banking and finance for the last 15 years, Luke O’Day relocated his young family to assume the role as branch manager for Queensland Country Bank’s most northern location.

Mr O’Day said the transi tion to life in the Cape had been relatively smooth sailing, with a prior secondment to the region making the decision to relocate easy.

“I visited Weipa to fill in for a week as the branch was a little light on with staff,” he said.

“I put my hand up to come up as I’d not been to Weipa be fore, and I loved how easy go

ing the members are up here and the branch had awesome staff committed to helping members reach their financial goals.

“We’ve got two young boys and St Joseph’s has been a great school for them.

“It’s been a great decision to move here and we have no re grets.”

As a member-owned bank, Mr O’Day said Queensland Country Bank was committed to supporting the local communi ties in which they operate.

He said this aligned closely with his personal values, and he has enjoyed taking an active role in the community and assisting members with their banking and lending requirements.

“It is essential that regional Queenslanders have access to banking services, particularly when they need to have a faceto-face conversation about their financial goals and lending needs with experienced staff who understand their local mar ket,” Mr O’Day said.

“Because we’re memberowned, our profits go straight back to our members and com

munity, which means that when our local community supports us, we’re able to give back and support local associations and events.

“Since we moved up six months ago, we’ve been in volved with Weipa Fishing Clas sic as volunteers and sponsors, the Carpentaria Golf Club’s President v Captains event, and the Weipa Rodeo.”

If you pop in on a Tuesday, you’ll see the Weipa team wear ing bright shirts for a special cause.

“Our team are big advocates for ‘Talk About It Tuesday’ to encourage people to talk about mental health issues that might be affecting them, and we wear our shirts every Tuesday with pride,” Mr O’Day said.

Authorities conducted an emergency search of a residence on Man Narkrh Street at about 1.45pm and located two people at the residence.

It will be alleged the man was located with 57 clip-seal bags containing cannabis in his possession, ready for sale.

It will further be alleged that he was also in possession of three, five-litre cases of wine which is in excess of the carriage limit in the region.

It will further be alleged that a woman at the address was found n possession of two, two-litre casks of port.

The 34-year-old Normanton man is scheduled to appear in the Kowanyama Magistrates Court on October 13, charged with one count each of supplying dangerous drugs, possession of drug utensils, possession of dangerous drugs and possession of liquor in a restricted area.

The 35-year-old local woman was charged with possession of liquor in a restricted area. She is expected to appear in the Kowanyama Magistrates Court on October 13.

Queensland Country Bank’s Weipa branch manager Luke O’Day with his team (from left) – Madeleine Fulton, Morgaine Crew, Nakita Lowe, Heather Seaborn, Bianca Vecchio-Ruggeri, Christine Brunjes and Brianna Manning.

Luke O’Day is enjoying Weipa.

Mariet Harper, Alyza Brown, Erin Martin, Suzanne Rath and Ian Rath were part of the Wellness Embodied team in the Cardiac Challenge.

Headliner praises Wallaby Creek Creek Festival

By SARAH MARTIN

BACK at one of his favourite fes tivals, Australia’s most successful blues musician Ash Grunwald had hundreds of people stomping and singing the night away at Wallaby Creek over the weekend.

More than 2000 people flocked to the rainforest site just outside Cooktown for the three-day event, which featured local and interstate musicians of all genres.

Grunwald, an APRA Awardwinning musician, said it was great to be back at the festival.

“I performed there before with my band and that was really fun, but this year I’m in solo mode and I’ve really been enjoying it,” he said.

“It’s such a great festival, with

a great line-up and great people – I love it!”

Grunwald played a 90 minute set to finish Saturday night at the festival, before flying out to shows in Victoria.

Joining him as Saturday night headliners were international world dance musician Ganga Giri and his band, reggae musicians Sun Salute, punk rockers the Go Set and dynamic blues rockers 19-Twenty.

Youngsters enjoyed their own dance party in the Kid’s Festival tent, with disco lighting and their own DJ.

Festival organisers reported a well-behaved, happy crowd, with numerous families enjoying the laid back atmosphere, camping grounds and children’s activities.

Alyssa Molloy, Michelle Martin and Lilly Molloy from Kuranda with Lyric and Shalev Mayor-Solell.

Karlee Robinson from Lockhart River with Stu Harcourt and Glenna Lynes, from Port Douglas.

Hard rocking, bluesy tunes and plenty of banter kept the crowd on their toes during 19-Twenty’s sets.

Barry Reddell and son Eros Mallari-Reddell in the shade.

Christiane Schreiber from Julatten.

Jolene and Frankie Reyes chilling out with Silvere Duchene.

An impromptu juggling session kept dancers entertained.

Matt Turner, Roadie and Yakov

Morris were kept busy manning the bar.

Kushii Welham and daughter Leuca.

2022 Wallaby Creek Festival

John Gwilliam of 19-Twenty.

Werner Schneider from Melbourne.

The well-padded Fashion Police kept a serious eye on proceedings.

Storytime was one of the many fun activities at the Kid’s Festival.

Local songstress Yazmindi performed during the festival.

Local ladies catching up – Jamie Powell, Wudarabin Snider, Kath, Zoe and Sarah Pennell and Violet Snider.

Micah Parkes couldn’t resist a pic with the Wallaby Creek Festival mascot.

Youngsters gave a whole new meaning to spinning vinyl with some artistic creations. Pictures: SARAH MARTIN The drumming workshop was a hit with youngsters.

Headliner Ash Grunwald had hundreds of people clapping and singing along.

19-Twenty frontman Kane Dennelly kickstarted the crowd into party mode. The award-winning Miriam Lieberman Duo.

Adek Jurss dressed up for the occasion, with friends Michelle Robinson, Astrid Elika and Travis Jackson.

Betty Clarke’s legacy lives on through exhibition

ENTRIES close this week for a special exhibition in honour of al ways smiling artist and long-time Cooktown resident Betty Clarke.

The Happy Smiles Exhibition, presented by the Cooktown School of Art Society, is a fun tribute to former Art Society president Betty Clarke, who passed away last year.

Current president Jane Dennis recalled the first time she met the effervescent Mrs Clarke.

“She was in the wearable art competition and she was running around in a black bin bag with a crazy wig,” Ms Dennis said.

“She was always having fun and was quite theatrical, and that’s re flected in this exhibition.”

Mrs Clarke left instructions for the Art Society and a cash donation to be used for generous prizes for all categories of the Happy Smiles exhibition.

“Artworks are to reflect your in terpretation of happiness, laughter and fun, and there are three catego ries,” Ms Dennis said.

“We have Happy Memories, Things That Make You Laugh and a Three-Dimensional category.”

The Happy Smiles Exhibition opens at 3pm on Saturday Octo ber 8, with fun activities for kids including a cash prize for the best dressed clown, face painting, bub

bles, balloons, chalk drawing and lolly bags.

Entries close this Friday Sep tember 30, with artwork due by noon on Tuesday October 4.

Entry forms are available at the Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery, Cook town Library or Cooktown Crea tive Arts Association building.

For more details contact the Art Society at cooktownart@hotmail. com or on 4069 5322.

The Block goes off for family day

A HUGE crowd of parents, carers and children ranging from babies to teenagers flocked to The Block in Cooktown for the inaugural Family Fun Day last week.

The first of many events planned to re-invigorate the Charlotte Street space, bequeathed to the youth of Cooktown in the 1980s by the late Robert MacLellan, the fun day was also an opportunity to gather feed back for future activities.

Organised by the Cooktown District Community Centre, My Pathway and the Cooktown Youth Centre Association, the event in cluded a free barbecue lunch, laser tag, community garden planting, art and craft.

Ideas for future activities put forward by attendees included movie nights, video games and a pool table, board game afternoons and horse riding.

CDCC program and quality manager Mick McDermott said the event was a huge success.

“We are so happy to hear what the youth want, and now we will work towards making it happen,” he said.

The late Betty Clarke.

Eamon Shanahan enjoys an icy cup.

Ruby Kulka and Taylor Ellis.

Max Giese, Connor and Blaine Salee having a blast with laser tag.

Necklace making and painting top hats kept attendees busy.

Reid Miller loved stacking block towers.

Cynthia Gordon and Natasha Duncan.

Karen Thompson and Mick McDermott on BBQ duties.

Nevaeh, Chloe and Joseph Diamond.

Nellah-Nae Bowen gets painted by Tijuana Gibson.

Charlotte Hook, Ava Pensio and Everleigh Hook.

Karen McClemens and Kristin Stone.

Jaunita Chillagoe and Khalil enjoy the shade.

Quick the numbers 1, and into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the No number is repeated in any hexagon.

Note to in

Crossword

Engagement Officer – Position Vacant

• Permanent Full Time (75 hr fortnight)

• Salary is $73,219 per annum including 5 weeks annual leave, plus 17.5% leave loading plus 10.5% superannuation guarantee

• Weipa or surrounding region

Cape York NRM works with the people of Cape York to encourage voluntary adoption of improved natural resource management across all land tenures and land uses on Cape York. We help people to work together and promote the sustainable use of Cape York’s natural resources.

About the position

This position is a foundational role for Cape York NRM that will set the groundwork for fostering inclusion and representation of First Nations Peoples’ interests as they relate to and complement Natural Resource Management on Cape York Peninsula. The position is responsible for facilitating effective engagement and participation of Cape York people in sustainable natural resource management (NRM) across the Cape York natural resource management region.

Applicants must apply via our website using the application kit found here: https://capeyorknrm.com.au/about/vacancies

Applications close 4pm Monday 3 October 2022

We are looking to build our team! Kids Early Learning is a place of early learning, in the heart of the Weipa community provide care and fundamental education a wealth of experience knowledge of early learning, are there the team

Interested?

If you are interested in becoming part of the team at Cape Kids Early Learning please send your resume to com

Pivotal

Unique

Attractive salary Super + 5 weeks' Relocation Assistance RDO

Reporting to the CFO and working closely with the Executive Management team, this is a pivotal role that requires 3 5years experience with the ability to supervise Accounts Receivable and the Rates Officer, and play a strong role in assisting the CFO on a range of deliverables The objectives of the role include:

Accurate and timely financial reporting within Council, ensuring statutory obligations are met and effective controls are in place.

Development and implementation of strong month end processes, including reconciliations, journals, monthly financial reporting, and cash flow forecasting.

Oversight of the Accounts Receivable and Rates function

Applications close 10pm Monday 10 October 2022 For a confidential conversation, please call Rona Horsfall on 0438 943854 at Peak Services Recruitment

Hope Vale Bulls and Broncs

Local hero bows out a champion

CLIFFY Pearson retired from ro deo in fine style on Saturday night, taking top points in the open sad dlebronc in front of adoring fans at the Hope Vale Bulls and Broncs event.

The win was bittersweet for Pearson, who dedicated it in hon our of Roxanne Hart, who passed away recently.

Hope Vale Rodeo Association president Colin Bowen said the event was well attended, with the addition of a big screen adding to the excitement.

“It was a great night, we had

visitors from afar as well as our local community and local riders,” he said.

“It was a first for Hope Vale Bulls and Broncs to have a big screen, which kept the crowd en tertained, especially watching the replays of exciting match ups with the stock.”

Travis Salam-Koolatah won the novice bull ride, but the stock proved too good for the riders in the open bull, station buckjump and junior bull rides.

The 11-14 years steer ride was won by Josh Snell, while Kaileb

Kyle was first in the 8-11 years steer ride, ahead of Tyson Ford.

Bowen said the hard work of the volunteers and sponsors was the key to the event’s success.

“Without support from our sponsors, faithful volunteers and families who ease the work for the committee, this event wouldn’t happen,” he said.

“I would like to acknowledge our main sponsor, Hope Vale Foun dation, and the work our secretary Ashleigh Oberleuter has done to pull this together, and the support of Kim Swindley.”

Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council Marie Chan, Finance Manager marie.chan@nparc.qld.gov.au. Interest email to by 5.00pm Friday 14th October, 2022

Kate Gallaway Acting

Leith Malone gave it his all in the open bull ride.

Coley Bowen doing what he does best with a guitar.

Best dressed cowgirl Mahaela-Shay McIvor.

Fourth generation bullrider TJ Ford in the steer ride.

Cliffy Pearson put on a show to win the open saddle bronc.

Travis Salam-Koolatah gets airborne during his winning ride.

Kaileb Kyle winning the 8-11 years steer ride.

Fishing’s hot for big tournament

EXPECT plenty of game fish to be tagged and released this weekend as anglers come from far and wide for the annual Weipa Billfish Club Tournament.

“If the weather is nice to us I think we’ll have a very nice time out on the water,” said Ben Bright, a long time official.

“The fish are spread far and wide at the moment, which is good for our tournament as you don’t re ally want them concentrated in any one spot.”

While there are prizes up for grabs, the tournament has built a reputation for being friendly, with competitors constantly on the radio sharing information about where

the marlin and sailfish are present, so that others can join the action.

“I think we do a pretty good job and I think that’s evident because we’ve got a group of guys coming up from Melbourne,” Bright said.

“They are even towing a boat up, so they are keen.

“They competed in the tourna ment a couple of years ago and said they would return and I guess it’s easier now without the COVID restrictions.”

Fishing runs from Saturday un til Monday, with the club to hold its post-tournament presentation on Tuesday night at the Weipa Bowls Club.

SPORT IN BRIEF

Super stableford win

NUMBERS were down for Cooktown Golf Club’s white tee stableford on Saturday but after seeing the winner’s score, most would be glad they stayed away.

High handicapper Daniel Biddle found his best form to card 44 points, which was more than enough to beat John McArthur and the early scores of Laurie Downs (38) and Bluey Hobbs (36).

Nearest to pins went to Rick Butler for 2/11, while McArthur took 14 and 9/18.

In the Race to the Bay, Steve Butler holds a 480 point lead over Jamie Dobson, while Wal Welsh is third, only 580 points from the lead.

This Saturday is the October Medal.

Brockhurst wins Wackers

BRUCE Brockhurst was last week’s winner of the Wednesday Wackers at Weipa.

He had a nett 30.5, which was just enough to beat Jim Lucas.

Former Weipa resident Liam Richards made an appearance for the school holidays and picked up the nearest to pin on 18.

Dave Morgan had the unfortunate honour of winning the Bradman’s.

Sent off in style

LUKE Wheeler was the winner of the A-grade monthly medal at Weipa in what was his final round before leaving town.

Dale ‘Dasha’ Holmquest was the day’s overall winner with a nett 69 and was the standout in B-grade.

C-grade honours went to David Sands with a nett 72.

Nearest to pins went to Holmquest and Lee Rawlinson.

Tata’s super Sunday

DEREK Tata was the winner of Sunday’s Dawn Busters golf at the Carpentaria Golf Club.

He beat longest driver winner Grant Crossley for the cash.

Jon Dall claimed the nearest to pin, while Ben Peterson won the Hoffman’s in a field of 10 players.

– Story by Matt Nicholls Shari Vallance caught and tagged this sailfish earlier in the year. The fishing has been good when the weather allows it.

Sunday’s monthly medal winners Dale ‘Dasha’ Holmquest, Luke Wheeler and David Sands.

Kohen Locke with a nice crab.

Phillip Port’s 102kg boar killed on Puntimu Outstation.

Mike Poppell landed a moonfish.

Daniel Baillie with a cobia caught off the Weipa coast.

William Rusis with a little mackerel caught near the Weipa shipping channel. Jack Barton with a 71kg boar.

Mitch Perrett with monster

Eli Rusis with

Lexi Sterling Whitty shows off her catch.

Toad Busters star Sharli Wallace.

Mapoon gears up for Barra Bash

IT’S time to pull out your tackle box and sharpen your hooks, with a brand new tinny and loads of other prizes up for grabs in the Mapoon Barra Bash.

The fourth annual event, run by Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council, was swamped with a record 260plus registrations in 2021 and or ganisers are expecting even more entries this year.

“There is no cap on registra tions, the more the merrier,” a council spokesperson said.

“Nominations are coming in thick and fast, but we are hoping to

crack the 260-plus registrations we had last year.”

With new CEO Tom Smith at the helm, the council is firmly be hind the event, which is also fund ed by Tourism and Events Queens land and numerous local Cape and Cairns businesses.

“We would like to thank the Tra ditional Owners and custodians of the land on which the event takes place,” the spokesperson said.

“They take great pride in their community and in return we ask all visitors to Mapoon to be respectful whilst on country.”

Registrations close this Friday at noon.

The competition kicks off at 8am on Saturday, with the weighin at Cullen Point on Sunday, fol lowed by presentations at Blanco Park from 4pm.

“Presentations will be next to the splash park so the kids can have a splash and enjoy a great af ternoon.”

Entrants will be keen to win the major prize of a Quintrex F390 Ex plorer, which comes with a 25hp outboard and trailer, and a host of other prizes.

Swimmers heading to NT carnival

FOUR Cooktown swimmers will compete in Darwin this week, tak ing on regional Australia’s best in the inaugural Country Swimming Championships.

Cooktown Amateur Swimming Club members Rudi Habermann, Lakea Hegamaea, Slayde Whit taker and Sam Ryder will fly out tomorrow, along with coach Shay lanee Hegamaea and club secre tary Leslie Ryder.

Club president Melissa Gunton said the team would be under the guidance of Central Cairns Swim Club head coach Herbie Howard.

“Our swimmers have just com pleted a week of intense training, called Hell Week, in Cairns with Herbie and fellow coach Lei Tutu,” Gunton said.

“This will help them get pre pared for their trip to Darwin.”

More than 800 swimmers are expected at the long-course event, held at Darwin’s Parap Pool from October 1 to 4.

Rudi will compete in five events, Sam in nine, Lakea in seven and Slayde in four, after qualifying at the FNQ Championships.

The Mapoon Barra Bash is all about having a fish with family.

Sam Ryder, Slayde Whittaker, Lakea Hegamaea and Rudi Habermann are prepped and ready for competition in Darwin this week.

Cape York Weekly recognises that our Indigenous forefathers have lived on this land for some 30,000 years. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners, both past, present and future, of the numerous clan groups on Cape York Peninsula. The newspaper is based in Weipa, on the land of the Alngith people, and we acknowledge them as the custodians of this land.