Cape York Weekly Edition 105

Held

By SAMUEL DAVIS

THE private medical records of Cape York patients may have al ready fallen into the hands of crime syndicates lurking on the dark web, a cyber security expert has warned.

Apunipima Cape York Health Council confirmed on Thursday that a third party had accessed its data and possibly download ed medical records after leaked emails revealed a major data breach.

As first reported by Cape York Weekly, it’s understood the hack ers used a malicious software known as Lockbit to block users’ access to Apunipima’s systems.

The systems are now effective ly locked and being held ransom by the hackers who are seeking an undisclosed payment.

University of Queensland cyber director Professor Ryan Ko said hackers preyed on vulnerable or ganisations and often researched their targets before breaching their data.

“Typically the users of these ransomware services look at pub lic information,” he said.

“They’ll read annual reports, know how much money you turn over and base a ransom on what you can afford.

“Cyber attacks typically come from organised criminals based overseas. Sometimes they are multinational groups spanning across the globe.

“Cyber crime is profitable and it’s relatively easy to evade detec tion and is very difficult to attrib ute to the source.”

Continued – Pages 4 and 5

local teenager Tom Hockey, left, was crowned

prevailed over experience at

new faces, Ben Bright

Celebration planned to celebrate 100th

THE iconic Country Women’s Association scones with jam and cream will be on offer at Cook town CWA Hall this Saturday to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the institution.

Queensland CWA Cooktown branch president Ruth Mc Coombes said it would be a fun morning, with her team dressing up to get into the spirit.

“Cooktown CWA has been around since 1937 and the CWA itself for 100 years, so it’s a pret ty big event all over Australia,” she said.

“We will have the cutting of the centenary cake, as well as morning tea with cakes, scones, tea and coffee.”

The fun morning also in cludes 1920s children’s games,

such as coits, a lucky door prize, raffle, plants and jams for sale and a display of the Cooktown CWA’s history.

“We’re also taking the oppor tunity to officially open our gar den, which has become a reality through funding and hard work over the past few years,” Ms McCoombes said.

The CWA always welcomed

both members and volunteers, Ms McCoombes said, and the ability to cook or craft was not a requirement.

“We’re a bit different to most CWAs, a lot of our members are younger women, and we don’t knit or crochet! You don’t have to be a member to come along and volunteer in the soup kitch en or cooking.”

East coast sawfish find brings joy to researchers

By SAMUEL DAVIS

THE search for an endangered green sawfish in the Cape has finally ended with a juvenile found in central Cape York.

The bottom-dweller reared its rostrum at Running Creek during a 12-day expedition with Lama Lama Traditional Owners last month.

Sharks and Rays Australia’s Dr Barbara Wueringer said she was relieved to see the 1.7-metre

freshwater fish after a recent trip failed to find any sawfish in the western Cape.

“It’s special because when you work with endangered spe cies, spotting something is few and far between,” she said of the creek sighting, not too far from Princess Charlotte Bay.

“If you catch something that keeps you motivated.

“It’s the first time we’ve col lected a DNA sample from a sawfish from the east coast.

“It’s also the first sawfish I’ve seen alive on the east coast.

We’ve also had sightings in the area from rangers and campers.”

Green sawfish, which can reach more than seven metres in length, are commonly found in shallow waters like river mouths, embankments, sandy beaches and estuaries.

“They take 10 years to be come sexually mature,” Dr Wueringer said.

“We were handlining for the

animals and were super excited when we spotted one.

“We may have seen a second animal, too.”

Once considered a strong hold for sawfish internationally, researchers are concerned num bers of sawfish in northern Aus tralia may be dwindling.

Dr Wueringer will give a presentation in Spain this month on the status of Queensland saw fish at the Sharks International conference.

Sharks and Rays Australia spent 12 days with Lama Lama custodians searching for sawfish in northern Cape York.

House saved by firies already on the job

ALREADY in the truck and kit ted up on their way to another job, Cooktown firefighters said the precious minutes saved when they were diverted to a residen tial fire in Kerr Street probably saved the home.

“We arrived in the nick of time; the flames were on the back of the house,” Cooktown Fire and Rescue acting captain Donald MacMillan said of last Monday’s blaze.

“Luckily we were on the road to a grass fire and were already halfway down Hope Street when we were diverted, which is why we arrived so quickly and prob ably what saved his house.

“The flames were right up against the back of the house and it was only a matter of minutes before the whole house went.”

Police were quick to block off

the dead-end street. Other ser vices to attend included Ergon Energy, Queensland Ambulance Service and Cook Shire Council.

“We’re not really sure how it

started, there are multiple places it could have, but the fire was so extensive,” acting captain Mac Millan said.

“The shed was tin, but the frame was wooden, so a large portion of the shed and the con tents are gone; it’s very sad.”

He said after the fire was con trolled, a skeleton crew stayed for another hour to ensure flames didn’t reignite, while the rest of the brigade headed to a further two jobs that day.

The owner of the property was believed to be home or nearby when the fire broke out but was unharmed.

– Story by Sarah Martin

Emma’s a worthy winner of RFDS Qld Hero award

WOLVERTON Station’s Emma Jackson said she “burst into tears” when she was informed that she was the winner of the 2022 RFDS Queensland Hero award.

Ms Jackson, who late last year helped save the life of her friend Karryn Dolan in an epic six-hour struggle, was on Friday named the statewide winner of the $20,000 grant, sponsored by Ergon Energy.

RFDS Queensland CEO Mer edith Staib congratulated Ms Jackson for her achievements.

“Emma’s bravery and nevergive-up spirit, along with her dedication to her community is truly inspiring,” Ms Staib said.

“We’re proud to be able to recognise Emma’s achieve ments and the amazing work she does to support the region.

“Delivering healthcare and supporting communities is a team effort, which is why we are so incredibly grateful to have people like Emma on the ground each and every day.”

Ergon Energy retail executive general manager Ayesha Razzaq said Ms Jackson’s $20,000 could go towards a health or wellbeing initiative in the community.

“All of the nominations for

this year’s Local Hero Awards were amazing, but Emma’s sto ry of courage and determination was an absolute standout,” Ms Razzaq said.

“While her efforts to save a friend’s life were nothing short of heroic, the initiative she’s proposing to set up with this

grant is also inspirational. I am so pleased that we will be able to help her to achieve her goal.”

Ms Jackson said she was honoured to be named the 2022 Queensland Hero and was al ready planning how she would use the grant.

“I am hoping to use it to help

fund an equine-assisted learning program at Wolverton Station for communities and other prop erties across the Cape,” she said.

“I look forward to working with the RFDS and Ergon Ener gy Retail to develop this initia tive further to benefit our com munity.”

Emergency services were quick to arrive to a Kerr Street fire last week.

Karryn Dolan and Emma Jackson caught up again at Conquer the Corrugtions earlier this month.

Cape York mayors want answers

By SAMUEL DAVIS and MATT NICHOLLS

COMMUNITY leaders are seek ing answers as to how a Cape York health care service’s computer sys tems were hacked leaving medical records and staff information vul nerable to cyber crime.

Apunipima Cape York Health Council contacted the Australian Cyber Security Centre and law enforcement authorities last week after a third party gained unauthor ised access to its computer net work.

Health officials believe hun dreds of patient’s health records may be compromised as a result of the breach.

“While we are making measur able progress, we do not yet have an expected timeline for system functionality restoration,” an Apu nipima spokesperson said.

“However our I.T. teams are working around the clock to achieve this, supported by our leading external advisors and ex perts. Our number one priority is the continuity of care and health services to the people and commu nities we serve, which is proceed ing accordingly.

“Per our business continuity plan, we have transitioned to man ual processes, which are working effectively, albeit with some minor delays.”

It’s understood the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Or

ganisation – which provides care to 11 communities across the Cape – first became aware of the issue on Monday morning.

Staff have told Cape York Week ly some Cairns-based staff were sent home during the week while computer systems were down.

Kowanyama mayor Robbie Sands said he had yet to be con tacted by Apunipima.

“I’ve only heard about it on the news,” said Cr Sands, who is also the chair of the Torres and Cape In digenous Councils Alliance.

“It’s a concern when data gets sucked in. I haven’t spoken to the chair or the board yet.

“At some stage, I’d like to get briefed on what they’ll do to pro tect data and improve security ef forts in the future.

The breach should serve as a warning to all Cape-based busi nesses and councils, Cr Sands said.

“It’s not good when anybody’s information is potentially taken,” he said.

“That’s the perils of this day and age with everyone connected.

“It shows that it doesn’t matter how small your business is, it’s still vulnerable if you’re not pro tected.”

Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council mayor Wayne Butcher said he would be seeking answers on behalf of his community.

“I think it’s concerning if we are talking about people’s privacy and the potential for identity theft,” Cr Butcher said.

Apunipima sent staff home and made workers in Cape York health clinics use pen and paper following last week’s cyber security breach.

A screenshot taken last week, detailing the time left to pay the ransom.

following major security breach

Ransomware attacks are far from random

From – Page 1

While some businesses choose to pay ransoms after be ing hacked, Professor Ko said doing so can be dangerous.

“Some people and some or ganisations pay the ransom but then get placed into what’s called a ‘sucker list’,” he told Cape York Weekly

“The criminals then share the ‘sucker list’ and the same organ isations get targeted again. So, never pay.

“Instead, we should be con stantly backing up our data so we can restore our systems with out paying a ransom.

“The question they can’t answer is, how did this happen?

“Did they have proper security measures?”

The attack comes in the after math of two of Australia’s biggest telecommunication companies be ing hacked by cyber criminals.

“It is worrying after what hap pened with Optus,” Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council CEO Edward Natera said.

“No one has been able to tell us what has been accessed. Why don’t they have security to prevent these things from happening?”

Monash University clinical ethicist Dr Paul Komesaroff said safeguarding private health infor mation from falling into the wrong hands is critical.

“We’ve got to find ways for Queensland Health to work with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to make sure communities are adequately pro tected,” Dr Komesaroff said.

“Because next time there may be serious adverse consequences.

“The impact on people in those communities is that there could be information that can’t be shared

because of cultural norms. Maybe that’s related to men’s or women’s business and sharing it can be cor rosive to society.

“The other issue is the data pri vacy issue and identity theft with information used for illegal pur poses.”

Cape York Weekly submitted specific questions to Apunipima regarding the cyber security breach last week.

The health service declined to comment, pointing to an update published on its website on Sunday evening.

“(Once you’ve been breached), this information can then be sold online on the dark web.

“The key difference between physical crime and cyber crime is that in physical crime you lose the item.

“But when it’s sensitive infor mation, if it’s stolen, the crimi nal has access to it that can lead to further crimes like identity theft and other sinister uses.”

“We need to understand or in quire about the use of informa tion and its retention,” he said.

With cyber crime on the rise, Professor Ko said private citizens must also consider how they protect personal informa tion.

“You should ask businesses what information of yours is be ing retained and if it’s retained, what for?

“In places where age has to be verified for example, there’s no need for the location to have your address or other details,” he said.

“That’s where legal reforms have to come in. New malware is created every quarter of a sec ond.

“The scale of it is beyond what manual intervention can handle. At the Tokyo Games, in the span of two weeks they faced 450 million attempted cy ber attacks.

“As long as you’re connected to the internet, you’re exposed to these criminal networks. You need to look at ways to protect yourself from attacks.”

State and federal health min isters, Yvette D’Ath and Mark Butler, refused multiple requests for comment when contacted by Cape York Weekly

Find out more:

COVID-19 vaccinations are available from 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.

Apunipima

WTA chairman urges Cape to prepare for wet season Coen strip extension for RFDS

By MATT NICHOLLS

EVERYONE should have a plan in place if a disaster strikes, says Weipa Town Authority chairman Michael Rowland.

“When you live in Cape York you need to be prepared, especial ly in the summer months when we can be hit by big storms and even cyclones,” he said.

“In Weipa, we’ve been very lucky over the years to have avoid ed a major cyclone, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen in the future.

“Complacency is the biggest risk and this time of year is the best time to start reviewing your plans and what you might do if a major weather event happens.”

Those new to the Cape and those keen to refresh their memo ries are being encouraged to turn up at Weipa’s new SES facility this Saturday for the Western Cape Get Ready Disaster Expo.

“It’ll be a great chance to see the new building and some of the ca pabilities of the SES unit we have in Weipa,” Mr Rowland said.

“I know Jo Moloney (WTA disaster management officer) has spent a lot of time organising ex hibits and information for those who turn up.”

Ms Moloney said locals would be able to find every bit of infor

mation they need to know about preparing for a major disaster in Cape York.

“The SES will be there and we’ll also have demonstrations from the Western Cape Rural Fire Service and Rio Tinto’s Emergen cy Services team,” she said.

“We’ll have something for the kids, too.”

Townsville-based company So lar Relief is also making the trip to Weipa to showcase its portable solar power supply units.

The technology was developed after Cyclone Yasi ripped through North Queensland.

The Expo will run from 9am on Saturday until lunchtime, with the SES putting on a barbecue.

The Weipa ice cream van will also make an appearance.

“We’re in a La Niña year and we’ve seen down south how the weather can be unpredictable,” Mr Rowland said.

“Being ready for storms and cy clones is really important and we encourage everyone to pop in to help their preparations.”

A VITAL extension to the Coen airport which will allow the Roy al Flying Doctor Service’s new planes to land is scheduled for completion this month.

Cook Shire mayor Peter Scott said the airport upgrade would ensure the continued delivery of supplies, access to services and other support to ensure Coen’s safety and wellbeing.

“The Coen Airport is a genu ine lifeline,” Cr Scott said.

“The RFDS were previously able to land smaller planes at Coen, however this upgrade will allow their new King Air B350 aircraft to land.”

The $1.2 million project was entirely funded by the Aborigi nal and Torres Strait Islander Transport Infrastructure Devel opment Scheme.

The runway will be extended by 180m and the damaged pe rimeter fence and lighting will also be upgraded.

In addition to commercial flights and charter planes, the RFDS lands in Coen fortnightly providing primary health clinics, including general practitioners and nursing services.

The RFDS also undertake ap proximately 30 retrieval land ings per year for emergencies and urgent medical procedures.

Weipa Town Authority’s Jo Moloney, Michael Rowland and Judey Hausler with James Barber from the SES.

Major blow for Cooktown as cafe is forced to close

By SARAH MARTIN

COOKTOWN’S Driftwood Cafe closed its doors permanently on Friday, a week after the building’s owner told the family business to cough up 60 per cent more rent.

Opened in 2018 by food-loving local mums Kristina Davidson and Jo Reuben, the cafe has served home cooking, coffee and curios with an international twist and has been a favourite of locals.

Ms Davidson and husband Nick took over the ownership last year, however never owned the prem ises and had been operating with a month-to-month lease.

“For a year now, our future has been hanging in the air and it was finally decided last Tuesday,” she said.

“We can’t afford to purchase the building or absorb a 60 per cent rent hike so we are forced to va cate.”

Devastatingly for the David sons, the business they built from the ground up can’t be sold.

“It’s quite amazing what we have built and now it feels like we’re just throwing it away; four and a half years of bloody hard work, sweat and tears saw us through road construction, lock downs and COVID stipulations,”

Ms Davidson said.

“We got our first TripAdvisor award for excellence last week, too, which was very bittersweet.

“But apparently operating Drift

wood Cafe on the premises doesn’t make it an appealing investment opportunity.

“Apparently, the vacant prop

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erty will attract investors willing to pay the asking price.”

Along with the Davidsons’ los ing their business, two full-time employees and two casual juniors will also be out of a job.

Support has flooded in since the cafe announced its closure last week, with Jennifer Lanyon say ing staff should be proud of their efforts.

“So very sorry it’s coming to an end; you can be damn proud of what you have created,” she said.

“As former cafe owners our selves, we know what a hard slog it is.”

Lisa Miller said she was devas tated.

“So sorry to hear Kristina and crew, your dedication, passion and beautiful food and coffee will be missed by all,” she said.

Ms Davidson said she didn’t know what was in store next, but the first thing on her list was tak ing some much-needed time off to spend with her family.

“We would like to thank you all for your ongoing support, for mak ing Driftwood the success it is to day,” she said.

“We have made many lifelong friends along the way and we will miss you all; luckily Cooktown is only small and we’ll see you in the IGA!”

Funds for ghost net programs

GRANTS between $30,000 and $400,000 are available as part of a federal government program to remove ghost nets.

Cairns-based Senator Nita Green said the government was supporting communities and or ganisations with the $3 million program.

She said projects were encour aged to help detect or remove ghost nets and debris from our waters and dispose of them sus tainably, possibly through new technological solutions.

The program builds upon years of hard work by Indig enous rangers, non-government organisations and communities in Cape York who have been locating and removing deadly ghost nets and marine debris from our coastlines.

These groups have removed nearly 15,000 ghost nets from the Gulf of Carpentaria over a 15 year period.

“I hope to see many Tradi tional Owner groups participate in this grants process in recogni tion of the vital role First Nations communities play in restoring the health of Northern Australia waterways and oceans,” Senator Green said.

Applications are open until December 5.

Driftwood Cafe owner Kristina Davidson with Kelley Miller and Abbey Cook.

Celebrations around the Cape as

By SAMUEL DAVIS

EMPOWERING Traditional Own ers to create new economic oppor tunities and improving consulta tion with mining companies will be two key areas of focus for Cape York Land Council’s newly ap pointed CEO.

Dion Creek wasted little time settling into the role, serving as master of ceremonies at an event recognising the Native Title rights of Traditional Owners in the North ern Peninsula Area last week.

Last month, the Queensland government handed back more

than 362,000 hectares of land to the Gudang Yadhaykenu, Atam baya and Angkamuthi (Seven Riv ers) peoples in a special ceremony.

“It was a huge honour to be there,” the Southern Kaantju man said of the event held in Injinoo.

“All together we’ve had eight (Native Title) determinations in the last 12 months.

“It’s an exciting time for this or ganisation post Native Title.”

Mr Creek, whose mother Ann Creek became Cape York Land Council’s first female CEO in 1997, said there was still important work to be done across the Cape.

Proudly supporting the Weipa community

Her Honour, Justice Debra Mortimer with Traditional Owner Michael Solomon.

New Cape York Land Council CEO Dion Creek with long-serving chairman Richie Ah Mat in Injinoo last week.

Traditional Owners from the Gudang Yadhaykenu Native Title Group with Her Honour, Justice Debra Mortimer.

Injinoo dancers performed the frilled neck lizard dance at last week’s celebrations.

Musicians sang and performed for the traditional dancing throughout the celebrations.

new CEO kicks off tenure in NPA

“My family’s played a very important role in laying CYLC’s foundations, so I’m very privi leged to be in this role,” he said.

“The challenge for us will be how do we empower our PBCs (Prescribed Body Corporates) and give them the right structure and support to create employment and opportunity.”

The destruction of Jukkan Gorge, a sacred Aboriginal site in Western Australia, by Rio Tinto in 2020 raised concerns among Traditional Owners about the in fluence of mining companies, Mr Creek said.

“One of the things we need to look at are the mining exploration permits,” he said.

“At the moment, anyone can lodge an EPM (Exploration Permit Minerals).

“We want to look at those and ensure that Traditional Owners’ in terests are protected.

“My approach would be that in the future there must be culture heritage management done and full consultation before any dirt is moved.”

Mr Creek is well known across Cape York as a long-time Coen resident and an advocate for Tra

ditional Owner rights in the region.

Cape York Land Council chair man Richie Ah Mat said Mr Creek was the right person for the job.

“We need strong leadership and we need a strong voice for Tradi tional Owners,” Mr Ah Mat said.

“Dion’s track record of lead ership in various organisations across the Cape, and his work as a former CYLC board director give him a valuable insight into the pri orities and the challenges that face us as a land council.”

“I am looking forward to a pro ductive relationship that will ben efit all Cape York Pama.”

Her Honour, Justice Debra Mortimer with Traditional Owners from the Atambaya Native Title Group.

CYLC’s deputy PLO Michelle Cioffi discusses the day’s proceedings with CEO Dion Creek.

Traditional dancing from the Saibai Island was a highlight of last week’s celebrations in the Northern Peninsula Area.

Justice Mortimer with members of the Blanco family.

Willie Charcoal, centre, caught up with members of his family on his return to Injinoo for the first time in about 50 years.

PDR: One bridge down, one more to go

COEN will benefit most from the completion of the Saltwater Creek bridge on the Peninsula Developmental Road, which was finished in time for the wet season.

And with the Archer River bridge due to be finished next year, the Cape should have much better year-round road transport from 2024 onwards.

Flooding at the Myall Creek and Archer will mean motor ists leaving from Weipa won’t see the benefit of the Saltwater Creek bridge this year, but those living in Coen should expect to notice improved accessibility this wet season.

In past wet seasons, groceries have been flown into Coen due to flooding on the PDR.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said it was an important milestone un der Stage 2 of the $237.5 million Cape York Region Package.

“The PDR is a key connector for the Far North, so it’s great to see we’re continuing to hit mile stones and making the road safer and more resilient,” he said.

“Projects like these aren’t just about improving our road network – they’re also sup

porting good, secure jobs for Queenslanders.

“In fact, more than 24,800 training and upskilling hours have been worked on these up grades, more than double our original target.”

Construction of the 90-metrelong Saltwater Creek bridge, located next to Musgrave Road house, started in June last year.

“The construction of the first bridge under this package is a positive step towards easing floodwater levels and road clo sures during the prolonged wet season each year,” said federal Minister for Regional Develop ment Catherine King.

Fashion stakes lifted for this year’s Cup meeting

By SARAH MARTIN

WHILE punters get excited at the prospect of putting on a bet and cheering on the horses, for many the highlight of the annual Cook town Races is the hotly contested Fashions on the Field.

Organisers of the 148th annual Cooktown race meet are pull ing out all the stops to make the fashions event bigger than ever, including two new categories, a new major sponsor, revamped event program and custom-made photo backdrop.

Co-organiser Katrina Lewis said she had put up her hand to help the committee for love of the event.

“They are all so busy, so I put my hand up, and it should be a great event this year,” she said.

“It’s my first time organis ing, but with the help of Jacinta, Leeanne and Janne it is coming along.”

Ms Lewis said two new, fun categories this year encouraged punters to have a bit of a laugh.

“We have the best mo to raise awareness for Movember, and for a bit of fun, as well as the best shoe; there are no special rules, just whatever the judges think.

“It might be the highest shoe or the one that looks most like you won’t be wearing it at the end of the night!”

In addition to the fun catego ries, entrants will be vying for big prizes in the best dressed sections for children, teens, local and vis iting ladies and gents, as well as best millinery and couple of the day.

“The Seaview Motel has come on board this year as our major sponsor for Fashions on the Field and is providing great cash prizes as well as all our winners’ sash es,” said Ms Lewis, who will be joined by former fashions winner Sally Eales, as a guest judge.

Ms Eales said she had her outfit ready to go but was looking for ward to being a judge rather than being judged.

“I always look forward to the Cooktown races, it’s a fun day out for locals and visitors and I enjoy being a part of the fashions,” she said.

“My tip for entrants would be to dress in appropriate race attire for the spring season, make sure you pay attention to detail and definitely wear a headpiece.

“But above all, be yourself, be creative, be classy and have fun.”

Weipa

Chopper has town abuzz

ROUTINE maintenance was the cause of a helicopter buzzing around Mount Cook on Wednesday and Thursday.

Cairns-based company Miles Electronics, contracted to maintain the telecommunications tower at the mountain’s peak, and Cook Shire Council staff were dropped on the helipad at the peak along with their heavy equipment.

Council staff undertook ground maintenance, clearing vegetation, while the Miles Electronics technicians ensured the communication equipment was operating correctly.

Name proposed for reef

A HUGE piece of reef discovered two years ago by James Cook University scientists is set to be formally named, sharing its name with a ship and a dragon from a classic fantasy movie.

JCU’s Dr Robin Beaman, who led the expedition that discovered the 500-metre tall reef about 70km north-east of Lockhart River, has proposed the name Falkor Reef as a hat tip to the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor

“We were mapping the northern Great Barrier Reef seabed aboard the Falkor –named after a dragon in the children’s book The Never Ending Story – when we made the discovery,” Dr Beaman said.

“It seems appropriate to name the reef after the ship.”

Dr Beaman said the reef started about 40 metres below the surface, was 300 metres long, 50 metres wide and was taller than the Empire State Building.

“It’s the first detached reef found in more than 120 years. The seven other tall detached reefs in the area were all mapped in the late 1800s, which also includes Raine Island,” he said.

Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart said consultation on the naming of the reef was open until November 27.

Grant for mental health

A COOKTOWN organisation has been awarded a grant of $10,000 to help run an event to connect locals to mental health resources and services.

Coined the Cook Shire Wellbeing and Mental Health Big Day Out, the event seeks to build stronger connections between people, communities and services.

To help fund the event, South Cape York Catchments applied for a grant through Australia Post’s Community Grants and were successful in gaining the maximum amount of $10,000.

Sally Eales will be a judge at the Cooktown Fashions on the Field.

The bridge over Saltwater Creek near Musgrave Roadhouse is complete.

New nature refuges for Far North

TWO parcels of land in Cape York equal in size to 4000 Suncorp Sta diums will be added to the state’s protected area network in an agree ment struck between the state gov ernment and South Endeavour Trust.

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon has announced new nature refuges – Mount Gibson Nature Refuge and Oakey Scrub Nature Refuge – will be established southwest of Cooktown.

Nature refuges are protected under the state’s Nature Conserva tion Act and administered by a le gally binding conservation agree ment between a landholder and the government.

“Queenslanders have made it clear: they want us to continue to protect our environment and grow our protected area estate,” Ms Scanlon said.

“This new agreement does just that, building on the record $262 million we announced in the budg et to create new national parks.”

The proposed Mount Gibson Nature Refuge is on Mount Gibson Station, a property of exceptional conservation significance acquired by South Endeavour Trust with the generous financial support of The Wyss Foundation in late 2021.

“The property contains more than 34,000 hectares of remnant vegetation comprising a diversity of vegetation communities across 29 regional ecosystems,” Ms Scan lon said.

“These include four ecosystems with an ‘endangered’ biodiversity status and two that have no current representation in protected areas in Queensland.

The property also supports hab itat for a range of threatened spe cies including quolls, ghost bat, Semon’s leaf-nosed bat and the Cooktown orchid.

Molly McUsic, the President of The Wyss Foundation, said the foundation was proud to support the expansion of the private pro tected area network in the uniquely biodiverse Queensland through their investment in the acquisition of Mount Gibson.

“The science shows that we need to protect at least 30 percent

of world’s lands and ocean by 2030 to help safeguard our planet’s incredible biodiversity,” Ms McU sic said.

“No one person or organisation alone can meet this goal.

“It will take the collective ef fort of governments like Queens land’s, NGOs like South Endeavor Trust, philanthropy like the Wyss

Foundation, and local communi ties working together on specific projects aimed at identifying and protecting critical lands.”

South Endeavour Trust Director Tim Hughes said the new nature refuges would provide connectiv ity with several other protected ar eas in the region.

“We purchased these lands not only for the ecosystems they in clude, but also for their strategic location providing valuable con nectivity between lands already listed as protected in Queensland,” Mr Hughes said.

“South Endeavour Trust now owns and manages more than 145,000 hectares of land west of Cooktown that are declared, or soon to be declared, as nature ref uges.”

Ms Scanlon acknowledged Queensland’s nature refuge land holders, saying they were dedi cated to the environment by preserving their land for future generations.

The state’s nature refuges, which will number 555 when the new refuges are declared, cover more than 4.4 million hectares –almost a third of Queensland’s pro tected area system, which itself to tals 14.2 million hectares or 8.2% of the state’s total land area.

“Queensland has the largest private protected area network in Australia by land area protecting a diversity of ecosystems and threat ened species,” Ms Scanlon said.

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NQBP launches annual community fund

NORTH Queensland Bulk Ports has launched its annual com munity fund and wants Weipa groups to apply.

A total of $60,000 in funding is available for initiatives within NQBP’s port communities.

NQBP chief executive officer Nicolas Fertin said the commu nity fund would deliver tangible benefits and stronger commu nity connections.

“In more than a decade, NQBP has invested more than $1 million in its community programs, with benefits extend

ing far beyond the dollar value to often long-lasting impacts on the health and wellbeing of our port communities,” he said.

“The community fund pro vides funding opportunities for small to large community events, programs and activities that benefit the communities in which we operate and promote the goals of NQBP.

“We are proud to continue to provide funding opportuni ties to local groups and organi sations and empower them to make a real difference in their

community. We’re also proud of the role we play in supporting Queensland’s economy through our strategic importance in con necting regional Queensland to the world.

“Our successes can only be achieved with the support and commitment of our people, port partners, customers and, impor tantly, our port communities.”

NQBP is a state governmentowned corporation responsible for the ports of Hay Point, Mac kay, Abbot Point and Weipa.

The NQBP community fund

is open to non-profit groups and organisations, and registered charities, and seeks to support events, programs and activities that align with NQBP’s vision.

Applications that identify a community or environmental need, and are consistent with or promote the principles of diver sity and inclusion are encour aged.

Applications for this year’s fund close on Tuesday, Novem ber 1.

For details, or to apply, visit www.nqbp.com.au

Incident in Aurukun

A MAN is in a stable condition after being transported from Aurukun by the Royal Flying Doctor Service after allegedly being struck in the leg with a metal bar.

Police responded to a large street disturbance on Kang Kang Rd in Aurukun at 12.15pm on Friday.

During the altercation, authorities allege a boy threw the sharpened metal bar at a 23-year-old man striking him in the leg.

Police later charged a 16-year-old boy with one count of wounding in relation to the matter.

The incident happened just hours after a community meeting where local leaders spoke about violence in the township.

Cairns Hinterland and Health Service spokesperson confirmed the man had been treated at Cairns hospital and was still in care on Monday morning.

Funding to help reef

THE Queensland government is seeking submissions for projects aimed at tackling harmful sediment runoff into the Great Barrier Reef, announcing $6 million to repair eroded stream banks in key reef catchments.

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the Great Barrier Reef was an intrinsic part of Queensland’s environment, great lifestyle and good jobs.

“Pollution and climate change are the biggest threats to our reef,” she said.

“We’re looking for major projects that will repair and reverse some of the damage caused by eroded streambanks.

“The Reef is crucial not just to our environment but to Queensland’s economy, generating around $6 billion annually and supporting more than 60,000 jobs.”

Hog Hunt gets thumbs up

By SARAH MARTIN

ALTHOUGH a swag of prizes and bragging rights was a thrill, Sha-lane Gibson says the high light of the Cooktown Hog Hunt was simply spending a weekend hunting on country with family.

Ms Gibson joined her partner and family to form team Risk It, bringing in 10 pigs, including her 87.2kg winning boar.

“Fishing, spearfishing, shoot ing, I’ve been doing that my whole life,” she said.

“We get out on country hunt ing, fishing, camping and boat ing every chance we get. Hunt ing is a massive part of our community lifestyle, especially in my home town of Hope Vale.”

Ms Gibson said a highlight of the trips was teaching the next generation.

“All of the kids that came with us are our nephews and nieces; it is so important to con tinue to pass down knowledge not only of hunting but of their land, stories and, most impor

tantly, the best places to catch what you need sustainably.”

The Risk It team are self-con fessed “massive supporters” of the annual Hog Hunt.

“A big thank you to Denicka and Frog from FrogDogs Aus tralia for going above and be yond again this year to ensure the event was a success,” Ms Gibson said.

“Your hard work, community spirit and overall commitment to pig hunting doesn’t go unno ticed.”

Transition

Organisations are invited to submit their projects as part of a tender process which will close on November 4.

Board positions available

NORTHERN Queensland Primary Health Network is seeking applications from people to become board directors and who have the qualifications, knowledge, experience, and attributes that will contribute to the organisation.

Co-chairs Tara Diversi and Ben Tooth said expressions of interest were being sought for qualified applicants to fill six upcoming vacancies that were skills-based and would complement the three directors who were not required to re-nominate.

Applications will be considered and reviewed by the NQPHN nomination and remuneration committee.

The Risk It team – Erica Kulka, Jasilyn Bowen, Sha-lane Gibson, Makeila Gibson and Tahlia Kulka – had great success at the 2022 Cooktown Hog Hunt.

Makeila Gibson with a piglet.

Happy Smiles Exhibition opening

Opening encompasses free spirit

By SARAH MARTIN

GOOD vibes and big smiles were everywhere at the opening of the Happy Smiles Exhibition on the weekend.

The special exhibition was a tribute to much-loved and always cheerful Cooktown artist Betty Clarke, who passed away last year.

The exhibition was the brain child of Mrs Clarke and good friend Carol Hunter, with Mrs Clarke bequeathing money to the Cooktown School of Art Society to run the event.

“It was a great turnout, with lots of new faces, and everyone really was smiling all the time; it was a lot of fun,” said art society presi dent Jane Dennis.

The exhibition features artworks reflecting the artist’s interpretation of happiness, laughter and fun across three categories – Happy

Memories, Things That Make You Laugh and Three-Dimensional.

Guests at the opening, held on Saturday, were encouraged to dress up, with local lady Jasmine Broad winning the best-dressed clown, along with Mareeba young ster Lily Stallan.

Youth encouragement awards went to Elizabeth Anabela and Leaha Van Dyk-Angus.

The Happy Memories category was won by Hazel Moore, with Di ana Burns runner-up.

Things That Make You Laugh was won by Gail Hearsey, with Hazel Moore again runner-up and the Three-Dimensional prize was won by Diana Burns, with Di Furs don the runner-up.

The Happy Smiles Exhibition is on show at the Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery on Charlotte Street, next to the Cooktown Post Office, until October 22.

Beatrice Rowles, Ann Witts, Di Fursdon, Hazel Moore and Carol Hunter enjoying the opening.

Art lovers, supporters and visitors attended the opening.

Lily Stallan and Beatrice Rowles enjoying some bubble blowing.

Diana Burns dressed to impress.

Carol Hunter and Irene Masterson enjoyed the event.

People flocked to the Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery for Saturday’s opening.

Jasmine Broad was best dressed.

Face painting proved popular.

Magnolia Miles draws with chalk.

The exhibition includes 3D art.

Attendees walked away impressed.

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Hoops gear heading to kids in Cape

By SAMUEL DAVIS

EAGER young basketball stars from Cooktown and Hope Vale will be rewarded with rare treas ures from some of the sport’s big gest brands, stars and sporting teams.

Almost $10,000 worth of shoes, shorts, singlets and bags, courtesy of Australian Boomer Aron Baynes and the Utah Jazz, will make their way to Cape York kids this month.

The giveaway was organised by Australian Boomers team manager Junior Viranatuleo, who recently reached out to contacts all over Australia and the world.

Viranatuleo, who is based in Cooktown, said he’d received more than 20 pairs of shoes along with dozens of gym bags and ap parel.

“It’s a nice way to say thank you to the kids,” Viranatuleo said.

“It’s been a tough couple of years for kids with COVID and a lot of basketball and other sporting competitions’ got cancelled.

“So, if it can put a smile on a kids’ face that’s all you can ask for.”

The goods will be delivered to Hope Vale and Cooktown State School later this week.

“It’s mainly for younger kids,” Viranatuleo said.

“A friend from Nike donated a whole bunch of bags. An awesome family from the Gold Coast sent some items up, too.

“My old basketball coach from when I was living in Sydney chipped in as well.

“It’s based on participation, ef fort and commitment and as small rewards.”

Next month, Viranatuleo will return to the US for his second sea son with the Utah Jazz in the NBA.

Hope Vale girls shine at carnival

FOUR Hope Vale schoolgirls were among hundreds of Abo riginal and Torres Strait Islander players at the annual Murri Rug by League carnival in Redcliffe.

Deemal sisters Kyomie and Kaysharn took to the field, along with Casiarna Bowen and Skye Ludwick.

The Deemal girls, who go to boarding school in Toowoomba, played for Southern Suburbs Ti

gers, while Casiarna and Skye are boarders in Brisbane and play for West Bulldogs.

Proud father Preston Deemal said he was proud of his girls.

“Bring on next year; bigger and better,” Mr Deemal said.

Beaming mother and auntie Carmelita Bowen was at home watching the livestream.

“The girls just loved being on the field with their friends and

family beside them,” she said.

Her daughter Casiarna said she didn’t have the best compe tition, coming off a knee injury, but was proud of herself.

“Meeting new people and making bonds are the things I loved about this comp; I did it for my family back in Hope Vale and I hope I made them proud – next year I’ll push harder and make my name heard!”

Kyomie Deemal, Skye Ludwick, Casiarna Bowen and Kaysharn Deemal played in the Murri Carnival.

Junior Viranatuleo.

SPORT IN BRIEF

Swimmers fast in Darwin

COOKTOWN Amateur Swimming Club’s squad returned from the Country Swimming Championships in Darwin with a swag of personal best times and qualification for next year’s event.

Rudi Habermann, 12, Lakea Hegamaea and Slayde Whittaker, both 14, and Sam Ryder, 15, attended the event over the long weekend.

Sam competed in 12 events and scored eight personal bests (PB), three finals and two state long-course times. Lakea competed in eight events and scored seven PBs, Rudi competed in seven events and scored three PBs, Slayde competed in five events and swam PB times in all.

Club president Melissa Gunton said all four swimmers had pre-qualified for next year’s Country Championships, and would be joined by several other Cooktown swimmers.

“We’re hoping to have a team of at least 10 for next year,” she said.

Craven shoots low

THIRTEEN players took to the Carpentaria Golf Club course last week for Wednesday Wackers but 12 of them were wasting their time after Ross Craven shot the lights out.

He had 37 off the stick to be an easy winner, beating Grant Crossley by 3.5 strokes after handicaps were added.

Craven also had the nearest to pin on 15, with Rob Richardson closest on 18.

Matt Byrne picked up the Bradman’s. Please note the next two Wednesday events will be “three club” events. And yes, the putter counts as a club!

Viv strikes gold

VIV Chan was the winner of Sunday’s Dawn Busters golf at Weipa, beating nine rivals on a toasty morning.

Grant Crossley added another runner-up to his name for the week, but did have the longest drive off the opening tee.

No one picked up the nearest to pin, while Dave Sands won the Hoffman’s.

Byrne fires in stableford

SUNDAY’S single stableford at Carpentaria Golf Club was taken out by Jerrod Byrne in an event sponsored by Alan Wyness.

Byrne had 37 points to be the C-grade and overall winner.

In A-grade, Wyness had 36 points to beat Jamie Hutton.

B-grade was taken out by Grant Crossley from Jim Taylor.

C-grade’s runner-up was Desley McIntosh.

Nearest the pins went to Wyness on 7 and Simon Ayles on 18.

Tula Junna had the longest drive for the women, while Brock Lowrey has the men’s longest drive winner.

Eddie breaks 90

COOKTOWN golfers like to mix up their formats and on Saturday played a bisque par event, which tends to favour those with high handicaps.

Sensing his chance, the ever-improving Eddie Cridland played the round of his life, breaking 90 for the first time to win with a score of +8, beating Campbell Venables (+5) and Wal Welsh (+3).

Eddie also scooped the side bet to make it a very enjoyable outing.

Nearest the pins went to Daniel Biddle for 2/11, Rick Butler on 14 and Jamie Dobson for 9/18.

This Saturday’s round will be a red tee stroke event at the usual time.

Crocs crowned best at underwater hockey titles

THE Cooktown Crocs Under water Hockey has been named the best club in Queensland af ter the Crocs juniors won at last week’s state titles in Cairns.

Coach Scott Thomason said the under-15s team played in credibly well against teams from Brisbane, Gold Coast, Moray field, Toowoomba, Townsville and Cairns.

“They had about 10 games over the weekend, playing really well throughout the tournament and beating Cairns 4-nil in the final,” Thomason said.

The young team – comprising Rocco Thomason, Jett and Cru ze Ryder, Natalie and Lachlan Little, Ned Sail and Ruby Lang – also wowed state coaches.

Jett, Cruze and Ned were

picked to compete for Queens land’s under-15 team, while Rocco and Sienna Thomason, along with Amber Frame, were selected for the under-19s team.

They will head to next year’s national titles.

Cooktown Crocs also fielded a team in the A-grade competi tion, with Thomason joining his children Sienna and Rocco, along with Jett, Amber and Alistair Frame, Hudson Dagge and Natalie James.

“It was pretty cool for our little club to have an A-grade team, and we did absolutely amazingly, considering we’re so young,” Thomason said.

“Gold Coast have won the state titles 20 years in a row and we only got beaten by them

1-nil, a super close game, and we had a play-off for bronze but got beaten by Morayfield.”

Thomason said Sam Ryder, the eldest of the Ryder boys, couldn’t attend as he was com peting at a swimming competi tion in Darwin.

“Sam is a big part of our team, and we would have loved to have him there,” the coach said.

“Some of the kids played up to nine games a day.

“It’s been a busy week and weekend for Sienna and Amber, who just returned from Tasma nia after being invited to play for the women’s elite side.

“They are both only just 17, and they played absolutely un real.

“We got some amazing feed back and they both have a good chance of being picked for the elite worlds on the Gold Coast next year.”

Thomason said the upcoming 2023 Elite Worlds on the Gold Coast, 2023 National Titles in Bunbury, 2023 Asia Pacific Cup and 2024 Worlds in Turkey gave the team something to work to wards.

“All the hard work they have put in is paying off; it’s look ing like a really good chance we’ll have a few Cooktown kids picked for the worlds,” he said.

Thomason said to keep an eye on the club’s Facebook page for upcoming fundraisers as they raise money to send the young players away to compete.

Corinne wins gold at U18 championships

COOKTOWN’S teen bowling sensation Corinne Stallan has reached the pinnacle of junior competition, taking out gold and silver at the Australian under-18 championships.

It capped a stellar year on the greens for Corinne as she be came the first junior from Far North Queensland to play in a Queensland v New South Wales match earlier in the year and then selected as one of only five girls to represent Queensland at the Australian Championships.

“I came home with three medals, a gold in fours, a sil ver in triples, gold for Queens land as we also got the overall girls’ trophy and overall winners of the national competition,” Corinne said.

The 16-year-old said winning gold in the fours on her first day of competition was incredible.

“My whole team was so hap py that we got to bring home a gold medal and add to the points for Queensland on the first day; I

was just so happy to win my first gold medal in my first national titles,” Corinne said.

“I was also thrilled when we won silver as I was skipping the triples team and I felt we really bonded well together to win our games and make it to the gold medal match.”

Proud mum Katrina Lewis travelled with Corinne to the championships and was joined by fellow Cooktown Bowls

“We were so excited, we were all jumping up and down, cheer ing as loud as we could,” Ms Lewis said.

“The Australian Champion ships is the peak of where you can go as a junior bowler and the experience of being there to sup port Corinne was just amazing.”

Corinne said Queensland’s success at the competition didn’t surprise her, crediting hard work, training and friendship for the success.

“I knew from the very start that Queensland had only picked the best of the best to win the competition,” she said.

“Leading up to the event I was working so hard on what needed to be fixed.

“Going into the competition we just kept thinking positive which would bring home the win.

“In both triples and fours we had really strong teams that got along really well, encouraging each other and creating stronger friendships.”

So what’s next for the teenage bowler?

First she will celebrate her 17th birthday this month, and then continue training and en joying bowls at her hometown club, Cooktown Bowls Club, in preparation for the 2023 season.

Club member Gloria Savage, Corinne’s coach Mal Mack ney and parents of other junior Queensland players.

Corinne Stallan (second right) with her fours gold medal-winning team of Stella Palmer, Sophie Kiepe and Dekota Brindle.

Corinne Stallan in action for Queensland on the Gold Coast.

Weipa fishing icon Dave Donald caught this monster barra just before the season closed.

Ashleigh Jerome sent in this picture from the Cooktown Hog Hunt.

Geoffrey Kulka gives his prey the thumbs up.

David Fox was stoked with this queenie.

Erica Kulka rounds up a hog.

Jack Wright with a nice barra caught near Mapoon. These youngsters had a great time hunting in the Cooktown Hog Hunt.

Billfish Tournament

Young guns shine at tournament

THE future of the Weipa Billfish Club appears to be bright if the re sults from the club’s annual major tournament are any indication.

Young anglers Emmi Roberts and Tom Hockey were crowned as champions of their respective gen der divisions in a coup for the an nual October long weekend event.

The 2022 Hastings Deering Weipa Billfish Tournament attract ed 54 anglers in 16 boats, compris ing five juniors, 10 women and 39 men. There were also 19 visitors.

Conditions were perfect for those out on the water and there were no shortage of fish to target.

Across the three days, the teams reported 218 bites, with 153 hookups and 103 tagged fish (19 black marlins and 84 sailfish).

Seven fish were tagged by jun iors, 36 by women and 60 by men with a lot of first billfish tags re corded.

There was also a recapture, with Emmi Roberts raising a sail fish that was tagged by Ben Bright back in August last year.

It was estimated to have grown 1kg in that period.

The competition was the closest in the tournament’s 11-year his tory with three boats ending on 11 tags with the winners decided on a countback.

The raft up in Boyd Bay each night was once again a highlight.

TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Champion Boat

No Bull: 11,600 points

Runner-up boat Wine Down: 11,600 points Third Boat Happy Ours: 11,000 points Champion Male Tom Hockey: 9600 points

Runner-up male Nathan Billing: 5000 points

Third place male Dave Cordukes: 4600 points Champion female Emmi Roberts: 11000 points

Runner up female Theona Down: 7300 points

Third place female Lorinda Billing: 6600 points Champion junior Tobee Torenbeek-White: 2070pts

Runner-up junior Isaac Griffin: 1800 points

Third place junior Amy Torenbeek-White: 1800pts Champion visiting angler Lorinda Billing: 6600 points

Most meritorious Murray Harcus: 100kg black marlin on 10kg line

Heaviest mackerel Simon Milevskiy: 9.2kg Heaviest long tail tuna Tom Hockey: 3.18kg

Gav Roberts presents the prize for champion female angler to his daughter Emmi Roberts.

There were no shortage of smiles at last Tuesday’s presentation ceremony at the Weipa Bowls Club.

The father and son combination of Duncan and Tom Hockey claimed champion boat honours.

Jai Christie, Annabell Griffin, Phil Camsell, James Prentice, Amy and Tobee Torenbeek-White and Mark Mitchell caught their first billfish.

Johnny Portelli started the tournament in fine style.

Weipa Billfish Tournament

Smiles all-round for the lucky sked draw winners.

Simon Milevskiy with Gav Roberts.

Darren Lee and Dave Cordukes with a micro marlin.

Lorinda Billing with one of her sailfish.

Theona Down and Ben Bright.

The 2022 brains trust – Darren Lee, Gav Roberts, Andrea Kennedy, Darryl French and Ben Bright.

The 2022 Weipa Billfish Tournament was once again a family-friendly event.

Emmi Roberts with dad Gav and mum Andrea after cleaning up in the awards.

Lorinda Billing, Darryl French and Nathan Billing.

Dave Cordukes had a great time.

Runner-up junior Isaac Griffin.

Amy Torenbeek-White finished third in the junior category.

Tobee Torenbeek-White was the champion junior angler of 2022.

League legends heading to Kowy

MORE than 20 rugby league greats, including Matty Bowen, Petero Civoniceva, Ben Hannant and Scott Prince, will jet into Kowanyama with the RAAF this weekend for the inaugural Future Immortals Tour.

The tour, organised by the Arthur Beetson Foundation, is planned to be rolled out in com munities across Queensland.

Kowanyama will host the first event over four days.

The former league superstars will kick off their Cape tour with a special dinner with community elders on Thursday, before split ting up for various activities on

Young ref impresses at Townsville camp

TEENAGE rugby league official

Lucas Giese has caught the eye of former Australian rugby league player Renae Kunst after referee ing at the Rise Carnival in Towns ville on the school holidays.

The Cooktown Junior Rugby League Club player began helping club officials last season but has only been an accredited referee for one season.

He was among a group of youth invited to the Townsville carnival and the NQ Rugby League Refer ees Camp.

“I’ve been playing since I was 7, and that’s the main reason I wanted to be a referee,” the 15-year-old said.

“I wanted to give back to the kids and the community and show them what I’ve learnt along the way.”

Lucas said he took a lot from the Townsville experience.

“The referee camp was good, I could really see the difference in how I reffed at that level and how I ref in Cooktown,” he said.

The teenage officials refereed with retired professional referees mentoring them along the way, and

also took part in cultural and health activities.

“The coaches would watch us referee then tell us what we need ed to fix, and sometimes we’d get filmed and then we’d all sit down and watch it afterwards and pick out what we needed to change,” Lucas said

Proud mum Kim Giese said huge thanks had to go to the Cook town club for funding Lucas to at tend the camp and providing him with the opportunity.

“We’ve had some really good feedback about Lucas from former Jillaroo Renae Kunst, who is now the Queensland Rugby League De velopment Officer,” Ms Giese said.

“It was a great chance for him to build up his confidence as well.”

Lucas said the mentoring would stay with him as he continues his refereeing at local games.

“Now it’s something I can have in the back of my mind next season when I’m reffing here,” he said.

Friday. The players will attend a community barbecue on Friday night and have a game of touch footy with the RAAF.

It all heats up on Saturday with the main event to be played in the evening, with local contests to provide a curtain raiser.

“It’s all about fun, giving back to the community and mak ing connections,” tour organiser Nicole Lacey said.

“We have been working with the Kowanyama community to learn what their priorities are and how we can work with them to achieve that.”

The festivities will conclude

with a corporate dinner on Sat urday night, and a community breakfast at the airport on Sunday morning before the team flies out.

Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council acting chief executive officer Kevin Bell said the com munity was extremely excited for the event.

“We’re less than a week out, we’re super excited, it’s all sys tems go and we’re about to put on an amazing event for the commu nity,” Mr Bell said.

The council has been instru mental in supporting and helping organise the event.

“It’s a real opportunity for

Kowanyama to partner with a reputable organisation like the Arthur Beetson Foundation and put on an event for our little com munity and our neighbours who are going to come and visit,” Mr Bell said.

We know how popular rugby league is on the Cape and we’re utilsing that to bring people to gether and have a good, fun, fam ily friendly weekend.”

Mr Bell said the council and the Arthur Beetson Foundation had been working on legacy framework to support future work with the Immortals players.

– Story by Sarah Martin

“

I really want to stick with rug by league and my club for as long as I can, because it’s something I’ve enjoyed for a long time now.”

– Story by Sarah Martin Lucas Giese has finished his first season as a rugby league official with a trip to the NQ Rugby League Referees Camp.

Scott Prince is heading to Kowanyama.

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