Cape York Weekly Edition 107

Woolworths products to feature at remote stores

CAPE York’s leading remote store operator Community En terprise Queensland has entered a partnership agreement with Australian Grocery Wholesalers (AGW), a wholesale business within Woolworths Group.

Under the agreement, AGW brings Woolworths products to CEQ’s extensive network of re mote stores across Cape York.

CEQ chief executive Michael Dykes said the deal would give customers greater variety when shopping at their local store.

“The feedback we’ve had so far on the new range has been encouraging,” he said.

“Serving remote local com

munities is very different from the locations that Woolworths primarily operate in.

“Our customers do not have the opportunity to go to the next store if we have items that are not available.

“Before embarking on this bold change, we needed to en sure the partnership with AGW recognised this difference and that we had a shared understand ing on the importance of con sistent supply to our community stores.”

Woolworths Wholesale gen eral manager Shaun Burton said AGW utilised Australia’s largest food and grocery supply chain

network, which would ensure continuity of food supply to CEQ’s remote stores.

“CEQ is a leader in deliver ing quality retail and essential services within Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities, and AGW is all about sourcing and merchandising Australia’s very best fresh food and groceries for customers,” Mr Burton said.

“Drawing on our respective strengths, we’re confident our partnership will help deliver a better food and grocery shop ping experience for Far North Queensland and Torres Strait communities.

“In doing so, we also hope to

have a positive impact on health outcomes and contribute to clos ing the relevant gaps in this space.”

As part of the agreement, AGW is assisting CEQ’s remote store teams with retail training via coaching and mentoring, as well as online support from Woolworths Food Academy.

While this is Woolworths Group’s first commercial ar rangement into remote com munities, the company has sup ported supply and food relief to impacted Cape York com munities during severe weather events and during the COVID pandemic.

Crucial foot bridge open in time for wet

A LIFESAVING access bridge will reopen this week just in time for the wet season.

Cook Shire Council said it was pleased to announce that repairs to the approach ramps of the Marton Swing Bridge are al most finished.

The council reluctantly closed the bridge in March when routine inspections identified that while the 25-year old bridge was structurally sound, the ap proach ramps on either side had

been damaged by a white ant in festation.

“For residents and commu nity members living and work ing beyond Minke and Poison Creek crossings, the bridge is a critical lifeline into town and the Cooktown airport during the wet season,” mayor Peter Scott said.

“With this in mind, it was im perative that we did whatever it took, to undertake the repairs before the weather sets in.”

Local Darren Powell said he

was relieved to hear the bridge was re-opening.

“During the wet season, when Minke, Poison and Jensen (creeks and rivers) all come up, the bridge is the girls’ only way into school,” Mr Powell said.

“It’s the only way we can get into town and, if there’s an emergency, it’s the only way ser vices can get to us.”

With the increasing cost of maintaining and repairing in frastructure and assets, Cr Scott

said that the challenge now was to secure the funding required to upgrade and future-proof the bridge itself.

“For now, we’re glad to be able to get the bridge open ahead of whatever weather might come,” he said.

“I’d also like to thank coun cil’s infrastructure and disaster management teams for their commitment and dedication to wards making it all happen for the community.”

The Powell family – Eva, Jamie and Darren, rely on this swing bridge at Marton in the height of the wet season. Cook Shire says it will re-open this week.

Weipa base preparing to play key role in exercise

By MATT NICHOLLS

A BARE base sitting on the outskirts of Weipa will come to life next year as Australian and American troops descend on the Cape as part of a major training exercise.

RAAF Base Scherger will be a central location for Talisman Sabre, a biennial exercise that brings the Australian and United States armed forces together, along with other allied nations.

Historically, most exercises have been staged near training bases at Townsville and Shoal water Bay.

Scherger has played a minor role in past exercises, including last year’s rendition, however that is expected to change next year.

“We’ve been in discussions about it for quite a while now,” Weipa Town Authority chairman Michael Rowland said.

“Most of the exercises will be centred around Scherger, but there will be some activity around the harbour.”

Mr Rowland said an advance team from the US was expected to visit Weipa next month to scout locations.

“I think it will be a good thing for Weipa, even if we don’t see a great deal in town,” he said.

“I think the Americans see real value in Scherger and its lo cation and harbour access.”

While no dates have been an nounced by the Australian De fence Force, next year’s Exer cise Talisman Sabre is expected to happen between late July and early August.

Specialist forces from Japan, New Zealand and other nations could also participate.

The ADF did not respond to

Keeping your community connected for more than 35 years

Cape York Weekly in time for publication, however an officer said locals could expect to see plenty of action next year.

“There’ll be a lot of jets fly ing in and out and there’s likely to be an activity that locals can come and watch,” he said.

“We’re still in the planning phase, though.”

Sea Swift is the lifeblood of many remote communities across the Torres Strait and Cape York.

RAAF Base Scherger, located about 30km east of Weipa, is expected to play a major role in next year’s Exercise Talisman Sabre.

A beach landing could also be staged near Napranum at next year’s Exercise Talisman Sabre.

Bigger regional towns can help ease pressure: Scott

By SAMUEL DAVIS

A GROWING regional centre can double in population, easing Cape York’s housing burden while cre ating new business opportunities, Cook Shire mayor Peter Scott says.

Cr Scott was the lone Cape York representative at the Queensland housing summit in Brisbane last week.

Among the suggestions raised at the event, Cr Scott proposed changes to zoning laws that would allow for more medium density developments to be built in places like Cooktown.

“Currently, changing something from low density can take about two years and is a pain,” he said.

“Right now, any investor that comes to Cooktown wants to put as many residences on their land as possible.

“The problem is we’re stymied by zoning restrictions.”

A wave of southerners moving north during the global pandemic had squeezed many low income earners out of the rental market, Cr Scott said.

“People who’ve been renting for a decade all of a sudden found themselves getting kicked out,” he said.

“Maybe if you’re a single mum or someone with insecure work,

you struggle. The fact of life is if you can build a residential area, everything’s cheaper because it’s all nicely consolidated.

“If it serves a purpose and is in the public interest, I think it makes sense.”

Cr Scott said increasing Cook town’s population to 6000 resi dents over time would also help remote Indigenous communities experiencing overcrowding.

“We’ve got an urban footprint, along with water and sewerage in place,” he said.

“We have three schools instead

of one now and the hospital is be ing upgraded. We have the capac ity to grow. What we’re saying is give us the discretion in a low den sity zone to upgrade it .”

Cr Scott said he raised the is sue with Housing Minister Leanne Enoch and has drafted a letter to her making his case.

At the summit, the state gov ernment said it would double the size of the Housing Investment Fund to help start construction on more than 13,000 new homes for Queenslanders.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk

said the extra $1 billion would help more Queenslanders get into new homes.

“To tackle the housing challenge being faced right across Australia, we need to find short-term solu tions and create longer term strat egies to address supply,” she said.

“This increased investment means we are now targeting con struction of 5600 new social and affordable homes by June 2027.”

Medium density housing typi cally features duplexes, row homes with small garden areas or walk-up apartment buildings.

Truth must be told for real action

A TRUTH telling process will be a critical part of Queensland’s path to treaty, one mayor says.

An Indigenous leaders forum in Cairns last week heard pres entations on the Voice to Parlia ment and Treaty.

Hope Vale’s Jason Woibo said hearing from director-general Chris Sarra and Professor Meg an Davis highlighted why raising past injustices was a critical part of reconciliation.

“It’s the foundation,” the Hope Vale mayor said.

“There’s a lot of truth telling to be told. There are stories a lot of people may not like hearing.

“The way Australia accepts it, will have a lot to do with how we go forward.”

Cr Woibo said he hoped the path didn’t draw attention away from the disadvantages experi enced in remote communities.

“The magic words are ‘Close the Gap’,” he said.

“We’re still trying to do it.

“I recognise that there should be a Voice to Parliament but we’ve got to get it right.”

Research will take place over the next 12 months to provide a firm foundation for government, First Nations and the broader community to prepare for Trea ty-making.

Cooktown has the capacity to grow and take the pressure off remote communities, mayor Peter Scott says.

Housing crisis frustrating: mayor

By SAMUEL DAVIS

JUGGLING Cape York’s imme diate housing crisis with creating long-term solutions leaves Hope Vale mayor Jason Woibo shaking his head.

“We’ve got houses where there are about 20 people living in a three-bedroom house,” the father of four said in Cairns last week.

“There are mattresses on the floors, kids that don’t go to school. They need an education.”

Last week, around 200 stake holders met for the Premier An nastacia Palaszczuk’s emergency housing summit in Brisbane as Queensland’s homelessness crisis spirals out of control.

The Premier said no solutions were off the table.

“Nothing horrifies me more than the stories we’ve all heard recently of people and families un able to put a roof over their heads,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Living in tents or cars, sleep ing rough, relying on friends and families for beds.”

But while housing pressure is a relatively new problem for many Queensland communities, the is sue has plagued the Cape for dec ades.

“It’s the same for us as every where else,” Cr Woibo said of oth er remote communities.

“We’ve all got overcrowding issues. There are people who’ve been on wait lists for years. We

need more funding to get houses into our community.”

To ease the problem, Hope Vale’s council has helped build granny flats on some properties.

But the state and federal gov ernment must help, too.

“We probably need around 153 more bedrooms,” Cr Woibo said.

“That’s about 50 or 60 houses and Hope Vale’s only getting big ger. There’s also those living out side of the community waiting to return home.”

Along with remote First Nations mayors from across Queensland, Cr Woibo attended an Indigenous Leaders Forum in Cairns last week.

“The ILF is important because it brings all the councils together,” he said.

“If you’re just a little council going up against the big beast you get nowhere.

“We need to show a united front. That way you can have a greater say and we can advocate for com munities together.”

ENERGY AND

PLAN Power for generations

Hope Vale councillor Keithean Bowen, mayor Jason Woibo, CEO Steve Linnane and councillor Barry Bowen at the LGAQ conference held in Cairns last week.

LGAQ presents editor with award

PUTTING the spotlight on major issues facing Cape York residents has landed this newspaper with a major award.

Cape York Weekly editor and publisher Matt Nicholls was last week announced as the winner of one of Queensland’s most sig nificant reporting prizes, the Bean Lockyer Ticehurst Award for Ex cellence in Regional Journalism.

Mr Nicholls accepted the award at the Local Government Associa tion of Queensland’s annual con ference in Cairns.

It was his reporting on the poor telecommunications in the region and the lack of housing that put him in contention.

LGAQ president and Sunshine Coast mayor Mark Jamieson said Cape York was one of the most beautiful and ecologically rich parts of our state, but could be a

challenging patch to cover from a media perspective.

He said Cape York Weekly was a critical voice for the region, its councils and communities.

“Nothing is so fundamental as housing – something Queensland councils and the LGAQ have been campaigning on for some time –and the Cape York Weekly has re inforced this in its coverage,” Cr Jamieson said.

“Telecommunications is one of the other critical issues in the Cape, which is too often overlooked when it comes to infrastructure and services needs that we can take for granted in urban areas of the state.

“Every edition shows the Cape York Weekly fights hard and con sistently, but constructively, for its readers.

“That it is so well read within communities is further proof of

NEWS IN BRIEF

Apunipima staff in dark

EMPLOYEES at Apunipima Cape York Health Council are still dealing with the consequences of a major cyber security attack on their computer network earlier this month.

The severity of the breach has been so crippling for the health service that no staff members were sent to the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation conference last week.

Board member Trevor Shane Gibson was the only Apunipima representative at the two-day conference held in Canberra.

The event saw delegates from more than 140 First Nations health services come together for the first time since 2019.

On October 3, Apunipima suffered a ransomware attack, locking out staff from all of their information systems, including Best Practice, which is used to collect patient health information.

The attack has raised concerns about private staff and patient information being sold online.

Cape York Weekly has requested an update from Apunipima on the cyber hack.

Funding for reef

RECORD funding will go towards protecting the Great Barrier Reef, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek says.

The federal government will spend $1.2 billion on projects that aim to protect, manage and restore the world’s largest coral reef system.

The increase of more than $200 million will focus on protection activities and addressing gaps in long-term sustainability plans and Ms Plibersek said.

“If we protect the Reef, we protect our future. This new investment will bring forward actions that have been long overdue,” she said.

“Budget funding will improve water quality by restoring and expanding mangrove and seagrass beds to reduce sediment run-off into the reef and provide important habitat for marine life.

“This funding will ensure our Reef’s health improves and thrives into the future.”

The government said $20 million would be dedicated to assist corals to evolve more quickly and adapt to their changing environment, as well as supporting natural restoration of damaged and degraded reefs.

the good work it does, week in and week out.”

Mr Nicholls said he was hum bled to receive an award named after a group of top-shelf regional journalists.

“Since starting this paper, one of my priorities has been to shine a light on injustices happening in our backyard,” he said.

“It’s always nice to have that work recognised but our fight still continues for our communities.

“The telecommunications in places like Lockhart River and parts of the NPA is still poor, while overcrowding in most Cape York communities has no end in sight.

“Just because we are a long way from Brisbane and Canberra does not mean we are easily ignored.”

Mr Nicholls thanked the LGAQ for its backing of regional journal ism in a tough era for the industry.

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LGAQ president Mark Jamieson with Cape York Weekly editor Matt Nicholls.

Industry urged to support Cape’s new education hub

By SAMUEL DAVIS

SPORTING a dapper tweed jacket with hair sharply parted to the side, Cook Shire’s Peter Scott more closely resembled a university pro fessor than a Far North mayor in Cairns last week.

And while his stylish grey coat didn’t feature leather elbow patch es, education was clearly front of mind.

A guest speaker at the Lo cal Government Association of Queensland’s forum on regional university centres, Cr Scott will open a learning hub in Cooktown next year.

“It’s not necessarily about someone getting a PhD in nuclear physics or a Bachelor of Arts,” the long-serving mayor said.

“But we want to deliver placebased and targeted courses to give people in the Cape relevant skills, training and opportunity.

“That can be done by focussing on industries where jobs are in our region.”

Mining and agriculture cours es will be available, but Cr Scott hopes other professions are also catered for at the multi-million dollar facility.

“Tourism and hospitality is a very important component of our economy but we don’t have any

way to offer training currently,” he said.

“When you look at it on a map, Cooktown is essentially the clos est community to the Great Barrier Reef.”

The remote learning hub, which has received federal government funding, will be managed by Cook Shire Council’s outgoing grants of ficer Jenni James.

A former betting agency shop

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on Charlotte Street will be renovat ed to create a new learning envi ronment for future students in the coming months, Cr Scott said.

“We’ve got the funding ap proved and we’re out looking at other models in other communi ties,” he said.

“We’ve appointed a centre man ager. We’ll get additional staff soon. We’re basically ready to go.

“There’ll be a strong emphasis

on using the NBN to support re mote learning too. A large number of students in Cape York are al ready used to working online.”

Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council’s CEO Steve Linnane also supports the initiative.

“It gives locals the opportu nity to get academic qualifica tions without having to leave Hope Vale,” Mr Linnane said.

“It also enables other profes sionals within the community, like teachers, nurses and police offic ers, a place to progress their edu cation.

“We’re creating an incentive for people applying for government service jobs to stay in Hope Vale.”

Investment from private enter prise will be the next step for the venture, Cr Scott said.

“It’s very exciting,” he said.

“We had a terrific careers expo recently at our PCYC with major exhibitors like Rio Tinto, the De fence Force, Main Roads, Ergon Energy.

“They’re the types of organisa tions we need to approach to be involved with this project.”

“There’s no reason why it can’t become a centre of excellence in its own right.”

The learning hub will be operat ed by Country Universities Centre and Cook Shire Council.

Principal’s leadership recognised

WESTERN Cape College’s as sociate principal Dan Tonon has been named as a finalist for the Excellent Leadership in Teach ing and Learning award

The head of the secondary col lege was nominated for helping forge a partnership with Schools Up North, a pilot project that empowers teachers and support teams to respond to students’ emotional and mental health.

Mr Tonon is also connected with the Western Cape Coordi nated Care for Young People, a partnership between 14 agencies to provide coordinated care for young people experiencing mul tiple and complex issues.

The winners of the TEACHX Awards will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday.

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.

For more information visit health.qld.gov.au/torres-cape

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Cook Shire Council mayor Peter Scott in Cairns last week.

Western Cape College’s Dan Tonon.

Artists painting a brighter future

By SAMUEL DAVIS

BRUSHSTROKES from some of the art world’s most acclaimed First Nations painters will pave the way for a better future for a remote Cape York community.

Around 220 guests, including Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, at tended the Annual Lockhart River Art Gala Auction in Brisbane last week, raising funds for the com munity’s Puuya Foundation.

Featuring works from awardwinning artist Rosella Namok and Fiona Omeenyo, the foundation’s chief executive Kirsty Davis said art sold at the event had raised more than $100,000.

After covering its expenses, funds will go towards new com munity-driven programs aimed at improving health and wellbeing.

“Last year, there was about

$45,000 worth of clear profit, so this is a great result. This money allows us to self-fund ideas that are designed by community mem bers,” Ms Davis said.

“In 2021, funds went towards our youth-based services, includ ing a youth club and a program de veloping life-based skills for high school aged students.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Storm season begins

CAPE York residents are being urged to clean up their yards and gutters as the build up to the wet season begins.

Thunderstorms have already hit parts of the Peninsula in the last couple of weeks.

Coen had 30mm of rain on the weekend, while more than 60mm drenched Lockhart River.

Cape Flattery recorded 18mm, while Cooktown also received a welcome shower with 10mm falling in town.

Heavier rain fell near Palmerville Station with more than 40mm measured, while Hann River Roadhouse also copped a drenching.

While river levels are expected to stay low in the short-term, the conditions of the Cape’s unsealed roads will fluctuate as more storms hit the region. Police urge motorists to drive with caution.

Cattle killer wanted

WEIPA police are investigating the unlawful killing of a cow on the Peninsula Developmental Road, approximately 6km south of York Downs.

Initial investigations suggest the animal was shot between October 13 and October 14, before being dragged off the road and butchered.

The remains of the animal were located on October 14.

Anyone with any information in relation to this matter, or who may have dashcam footage is encouraged to contact police and quote QP2201776011.

Even if unbranded (cleanskins), cattle are still subject to ownership and cannot be killed or taken without permission or authority.

Drink driving charge

A 65-YEAR-OLD man is scheduled to appear at the Lockhart Magistrates Court in relation to a high range drink driving charge.

Around 4.30am on Saturday, October 15, officers intercepted the tourist for the purposes of a roadside breath test on Portland Road.

As a result of the test, he was transported to Lockhart River police station for further testing.

It will be alleged he returned a positive reading of 0.154 percent BAC. His licence was suspended and he is scheduled to appear in court on November 8.

community-based programs can deliver,” she said.

“It creates an understanding about what life looks like in a re mote community.

“But we’re telling people about how the community is creating change.

“It allows non-Indigenous Aus tralia to walk together on a journey with the common goal of closing the gap.”

Founded in 2008, the Puuya Foundation runs several health and wellbeing programs out of the Ku unchi Kakana centre in Lockhart River.

“We do a number of things, in cluding run an early years parent ing program four days a week,” Ms Davis said.

“So young parents come in with

young kids – from bubs all the way up to four-year-olds.”

Considered one of the most eco nomically and socially disadvan taged communities in Australia, Ms Davis said the event gave out siders an insight into life in Lock hart River.

“It helps to raise our profile and lets us tell a story about what our

Ms Davis said the event would not be possible without the sup port of Powerlink CEO, Paul Sim hauser.

“They purchase around 45 piec es of art from the community, then they take them down to Brisbane and stretch and frame them for the event,” she said.

“There are four pieces that go to auction and the rest are part of a silent auction.”

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Fresh faces required at race club

By SARAH MARTIN

less than a fortnight until

open for the 148th annual

Cup races, organisers

urging punters to put up their hands to ensure the future of the popular event.

Local retirees Gloria and Des Savage, who have been volunteer ing with the Cooktown Amateur Turf Club since the 1960s, said it was time for new blood to take over and continue the tradition.

“We need some young ones to take over the committee so us old ies can resign, and we need more volunteers during the year,” Ms Savage said.

“There are mostly just the four of us volunteering – Peter Shields, Terry Taylor, Desy and I.

“Desy is out there at least six hours a day, seven days a week most times, and so are Peter and Terry; we’re all getting too bloody old.”

Ms Savage and Mr Shields spend hours cleaning, mowing and maintaining the enormous race track, clubhouse, amenities and grounds and also sit on the turf club committee.

The pair fear that without more help and new faces on the commit tee, the annual event could fall by the wayside.

“I really don’t know what is go ing to become of the club because we’re getting too old to keep doing it all,” Ms Savage said.

“But if we don’t keep going it’s going to fold and I’d hate to see that happen.

“I just hope we can get some new people to take it over and we’ll be there in the background if they want to ask any questions, but they can do what they think is best.”

Ms Savage said volunteers

weren’t expected to commit to hours of help every week, with any support appreciated.

“If we had more volunteers we wouldn’t have to do so many hours,” she said.

“If we could get half a dozen people who could do a few hours here and there it would soon add up.”

Mr Shields, who is the turf club vice-president, said the bulk of the ground and clubhouse mainte nance had fallen on himself, Terry and Des.

“Leading up to the races, we’re here every day,” he said.

“We’re pretty lucky in that we are retired and physically fit, but we really need more help.”

He encouraged racegoers to en joy the November 5 event and con sider putting up their hand to be involved as a committee member or volunteer.

For more information on vol unteering, contact Mr Shields on 0428 873 187 or 4069 6181. Visit www.cooktownraces.com. au for tickets and information.

Peter Shields and Terry Taylor are among a dwindling crew of volunteers working around the clock in preparation for the Cooktown Cup meeting on Saturday week.

Nurse retires after three decades

WHEN nurse Marie Barnes moved to Cape York for love 30 years ago, little did she know it was the start of a love affair with a job and a community.

The Irish-born clinical nurse consultant worked her final shift at Napranum Primary Health Care Centre this month after three dec ades of dedicated care.

This included 27 years at Weipa Hospital and the past 18 months at Napranum.

“The people I have met, the pa

tients for starters, have been amaz ing,” she said.

“The work colleagues along the way, I’ve met some fabulous peo ple who I will never forget.

“I’ve loved finishing my career in Napranum, too – just going out in the community, doing home vis its for people who can’t come in.”

Ms Barnes said she had seen an incredible change in nursing dur ing her 30 years, going from just being “doctor’s handmaidens” to a broad scope of practice.

“These days we can do so much, we can assist and treat people in dependently which is really help ful in remote places like Napranum where sometimes there may be no doctor on,” she said.

Her other career highlight was moving into the new Weipa Hos pital in 2009 and the expansion of services to allow people to be treated for various ailments closer to home, rather than needing to be transferred to larger facilities.

Western Director of Nursing

and Midwifery Kindee Lawty paid tribute to Ms Barnes’ career.

“It has been an outstanding service from a clinician that, both personally and professionally, has been very admirable,” she said.

“Her service to the Weipa com munity for an extended period is a such an achievement, especially with rural and isolated services and how much they have evolved.”

Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Kim Veiwasena vanua said Marie’s contribution to

the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service was significant.

“I thank Marie for her dedicated service to our region,” she said.

“Remote nursing is both a chal lenging and incredibly rewarding career and she is a great example of the types of passionate staff we have in our organisation.”

Ms Barnes, who fought cancer three years ago and is now in re mission, said she is now ready for the next chapter of her life, travel ling Australia with her husband.

Region’s health service is well prepared for cyclones

CAPE York’s health facilities are ready in the event of an emergency having completed disaster management planning ahead of the wet season.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service disaster management boss Danielle Hoins said preparations for summer started months in advance to ensure the region’s health facilities were ready.

“Whether it’s a cyclone, bushfire, floods or prolonged power outages, our region has seen it all,” Ms Hoins said.

“Natural disasters are unpredictable which is why preparation is important, not only for the health service, but everyone in the community.

“On a personal level, people need to have a disaster kit ready just in case they have to evacuate.

“In the disaster kit, you should ensure you have enough medicines, including prescrip tion medicines, and other supplies available to last you a week or so.

“And don’t forget supplies for your pets.’’ Ms Hoins said being prepared helped health services respond to major disasters.

“If you are prepared and self-sufficient at home that will not only benefit your house hold, but keep our emergency departments free for people who need urgent care,’’ she said.

Ms Hoins said every health facility in the TCHHS had individual emergency manage ment plans in place and staff members were familiar with these.

“If a cyclone forms or other natural disas ter occurs, the plans for those facilities likely to be affected will be activated,’’ she said.

“Emergency generators at all our health facilities are regularly tested and well sup plied with adequate stocks of fuel.

“Our facilities are also well stocked with food and medical supplies.

“We now have backup satellite systems in place for most of our facilities in the event voice and data services go down.

“We also have post-cyclone recovery plans in place to move relieving clinical staff and repair and maintenance teams quickly around the region to any affected facilities where they might be needed following a cy clone.”

The Torres Cape Indigenous Council Alliance congratulates Cape York Weekly editor and publisher Matt Nicholls for taking out the 2022 LGAQ Regional Journalism Award. The award recognises Matt’s strong representation of the issues important to our communities and helps gives our region a loud voice across the state and nationally.

Much-loved nurse Marie Barnes was farewelled by the team at the Napranum Primary Health Clinic earlier this month, having spent 30 years working in both Weipa and Napranum.

All of Cape York’s health care facilities, including Weipa Hospital, are ready for the wet season.

Barra hard to come by for anglers

By SARAH MARTIN

STEVE Law’s fishing line barely had a chance to dry between snag ging the winning barra on Satur day and taking off in his brand new tinny on Monday.

The Cooktown local was stoked with his 3.45kg catch, which was closest to the random weight of 3.43kg and won him the major prize of a 4.6m Quintrex Renegade and motor in the Cooktown Barra Competition.

“He’s going bush (Portland Roads) tomorrow for work, so he’ll tow it to his camp,” proud wife Carol said.

“It is a bit awesome, especially

as he’s missed out on the compe tition for the last couple of years because he’s been away for work.”

The fish didn’t make it easy for the 818 entrants in the competi tion, with conditions great for reef fishing, but not so great for those chasing a prized barra.

Ethan Ross Jnr bucked the trend, hauling in a massive 6.8kg barra lured in by strip bait on the beach at Princess Charlotte Bay, with the help of his dad Ethan.

The usually plentiful barra in the lagoons and creeks of Lake field proved elusive for most this year, with anglers reporting that upriver around Cooktown was the place to be.

Despite this, Steve caught his winning barra in Lakefield.

Second place in the adult barra section went to Brendon Ross, fol lowed by Shaquille Ford, Kiani Greig and Justin Cabrall.

The junior barra comp was won by Jakhi Ludwick, with a threeway tie for second between Bro die D’Addona, Rakeem Ford and Markisha Woibo.

Dwayne Craven-Pavey won the adult mangrove jack section, with second going to Thomas Logan and third to Ethan Ross.

Buthalyah Ford won the junior jack category, with Ethan Ross Jnr in second, with third place shared by Hazel Port and Jakhi Ludwick.

Pictures: JACYNTA HUNT & SARAH MARTIN

Carol and Steve Law with their new boat and Sovereign Resort general manager Dave Webber.

A big crowd gathered for Sunday’s weigh-in and prize announcements.

Reid, Michael and Tiarna Miller enjoying the weigh in.

Brad and Stacey Maresch enjoyed a weekend of family fishing with their children.

Cruze Ryder, Jesse Wright, Sophie Wright, Sam Ryder, Jett Ryder and Paddy Groth.

Lucky door prize winner Tilahni Michael.

Kehl Yeomans weighing in his barra.

Daraysha Deeral, Keishon Kulka, Lauren and Devon Deemal, and Devon Bally.

The Loose Units kept the crowd entertained at Sunday’s weigh-in.

Dave Webber with Kyra Parker and Kel Simmons.

Connor Meldrum, Cam McDougall and Kasey Meldrum. Brooke Prior and daughter Isla Harrison.

Ellison Kulka and Ethan Ross Jnr, who pulled in a 6.8kg barra at Princess Charlotte Bay.

Peter Polacik and Stephen were thrilled to be in it.

The Byrne family – Mason, Courtney, Roy and Cam – stay in the shade.

Lachlan Dotoi with a new reel.

Hazel Port and Tarla Woibo.

Sarah Frew and Will Bliss.

Lionel and Akivah Bowen.

From Aurukun to Athens: runner prepares for overseas marathon

By SAMUEL DAVIS

WAYNEAD Wolmby admits he has “marathon fever”.

“People always ask me why I do it but it’s just what I love,” the 21-year-old from Aurukun said.

“It’s good for your mood, your body, your mind.”

After joining the Indigenous Marathon Project last year, the Athens-bound runner is set to com plete his third 42km race in Greece next month.

“I’m nervous. I can’t believe I’m going there to run a marathon in the country where it all started,” Wolmby said.

“It’s crazy. I’m running on dirt roads with kangaroos, snakes and emus in the bush.

“But it’s about inspiring other Indigenous Australians.

“I want them to think, ‘If Waynead Wolmby can do it, I can do it.’”

Ahead of his big run, Wolmby and PCYC Aurukun held a 12hour walkathon to raise funds last week, with more than 90 com munity members walking almost 200km together.

So far, the event has raised more than $4000 in donations.

“The support and love was great,” Wolmby said.

“It’s nice to put Aurukun on the map and showcase what the com munity’s about.”

Recently, Wolmby has been in spired by the feats of inspirational Aussie Nedd Brockmann, who completed a 3800km run from Perth to Sydney earlier this month.

Brockmann’s 46-day run has raised around $2 million for Mo bilise, a charity that helps those experiencing homelessness.

“It’s not easy waking up at 5.30am to do 20km but I’m ob sessed with it,” Wolmby said.

“It can get hard but when you see what Ned Brockmann just did, that’s a big inspiration.

“Following him on Instragram was amazing. I think about the amount of pain he was suffering through sometimes when I run.”

The Athens Marathon takes place on Sunday, November 13.

“I’m thinking about going for four or five hours but it doesn’t matter,” he said.

“I love doing it. I’m built for it.”

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Waynead recently teamed up with

PCYC Aurukun for a walking fundraiser ahead of his trip.

Early starts are a struggle but Waynead takes inspiration from others as he trains for marathons.

Aurukun’s Indigenous Marathon Project athlete Waynead Wolmby is heading to Greece next month for an Athens event.

Quick Workout

Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.

Raiders go deep at major carnival

SNAGGING a trophy would have been nice but the Weipa Raiders return home this week knowing they can match it with the best in Far North Queensland.

The Western Cape Rugby League premiers were the surprise package of the Gordonvale Indig enous Rugby League Carnival at the weekend, narrowly losing to eventual champions Erub United (1) in Sunday’s semi-final.

With around 30 players donning the green-and-gold across five games, skipper Lumbee Pablo said the team was keen to show they could match it with some of the best players in the region.

“Some of the boys out here play footy almost every weekend whereas we only get to play six games a season,” he said.

“I think a lot of the other teams play more structured footy as a re

sult. Coming off the back of our (premiership) win, we mentioned to the boys that we were looking at bringing a team down.

“The boys were keen but also nervous. For a lot of them, this is their first time playing carnival footy. But it’s been a really good experience.”

Club president, Billy Dix said the experience was invaluable for the playing group.

“We’ve got a lot of shift work ers in the mines,” Dix said.

“They might only play a couple of games during the season, so it’s a chance for some of them to play a few more games.

“We lean on a lot of people to make this happen. A couple of boys flew down because of work and we also had a few former play ers from Townsville come up to play with us.”

The Raiders were forced to play in an old strip with strapping tape used to make numbers on the back of their jerseys.

“There was a miscommunica tion with our supplier,” Dix said.

“We’re here now and we made it work.”

Several Raiders players will also feature in mixed teams at the Dan Ropeyarn Cup starting this Friday.

The annual tournament will be held at Yusia Ginau Memorial Oval in Bamaga.

RAIDERS RESULTS

DAY ONE

Won 34-4 v Mixed Relations

Drew 18-18 v Erub United (1)

DAY TWO

Won 24-6 v Erub United (2)

Won 16-12 v Takala Waangu

Lost 10-16 v Erub United (1)

Champions: Erub United (1)

Notice of 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC Jabalbina Yalanji Land Trust

When: Saturday 12 November 2022 Where: Wujal Wujal Sports Hall Time: 11:00 am

If you have any questions please contact Jabalbina Phone: (07) 4098 3552 or 4079 2430 Email: reception@jabalbina.com.au Office: 15 Sawmill Road, MOSSMAN Q 4873 Postal: PO Box 463, Mossman Q 4873

*Lunch & Afternoon Tea provided

Talk to your health worker about Telehealth

With Telehealth you don’t have to travel to Thursday Island, Cairns or Brisbane to visit the doctor or specialist.

With Telehealth you see them through videoconferencing at your nearest health facility. www.health.qld.gov.au/torres-cape/html/telehealth

Notice of Annual General Meeting of the Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery Association

The VS-J Gallery Assoc Inc is the legal Trustee for Vera’s collection

The Western Cape Cultural Centre will close for 2022 from October through to late April 2023. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their patronage and ongoing support.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you again in the New Year!

All VS-J members and interested community members are invited to join us on Wednesday 2 November 2022 at 2pm at Nature’s PowerHouse Tea, coffee and cake provided ~ we look forward to seeing you there!

The Vera Scarth-Johnson Collection comprises 150+ botanical illustrations of the flora in the Endeavour River Valley. In 1994 Vera Scarth-Johnson left her collection to the people of Cooktown.

Vera was often accompanied on her trips up the Endeavour River and into the rainforest ranges beyond by Aboriginal friends from the local Guugu Yimithirr people, principally Fred Deeral and Tulo Gordon.

Their collaboration is evident in the notes Scarth-Johnson appended to her sketches and specimens.

Vera’s art has been academically assessed as being of National Significance. It is housed today at Nature’s Powerhouse, in our Botanic Gardens.

Vera’s keenest wish was that the collection would encourage people to “appreciate and protect our natural environment”.

Weipa Raiders captain Lumbee Pablo and president Billy Dix at the Gordonvale Indigenous Rugby League Carnival.

Picture: SAMUEL DAVIS

The Weipa Raiders and Erub United players and support staff after going head to head at Gordonvale.

Future

Tour

Kowanyama laps up special visit

AS the dust settles on the inaugural Arthur Beetson Foundation Future Immortals Tour, which saw a co hort of rugby league legends spend a long weekend in Kowanyama, the excited superstars are already asking when they can return to community.

Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council chief executive officer Kevin Bell, a passionate rugby league fan, said the positive out comes from the event were already being felt.

“I would love to see this event take place again in the years to come,” he said.

“We also have a unique advan tage being the first community to host this event and will be able to aid other communities in imple menting events like this.”

Mr Bell joined fellow Kowany ama and Cape locals in Saturday’s rugby league matches, playing alongside some of league’s great est in the main match.

Players who took to the field in cluded Ben Hannant, Matt Bowen, Petero Civoniceva and Scott Prince.

“I’ve been playing league my whole life, and it was a really en

joyable game played in good spir its; we had a sort of gentleman’s agreement not to go to hard and try to enjoy ourselves,” the CEO said.

The league superstars flew into Kowanyama on Thursday with the Royal Australian Air Force for four days of events.

Mr Bell said not only were the players giving back to community through positive engagement and participation, but they were also forming important connections.

“The players were also given a cultural experience through activi ties at Kowanyama State School and the aged care centre, tours on Country and at the cultural re search centre,” he said.

“They were also presented with traditional gifts from local com munity members.

“All of the feedback I have received from both community members and the Future Immortals participants has been extremely

positive. The local community also got the opportunity to show off our slice of paradise, as well as engag ing with the players and showcas ing the athletic talent we have here in Kowanyama.

“At the conclusion of the tour, all the players were eager to return to community, asking when they could come back.”

Saturday’s curtain raiser was a two-game tournament between the Kowanyama Warriors, Kowany

ama Memorial Team and Porm puraaw Crocs.

The Warriors won their first game against Memorial and went on to face the Crocs, who took the final victory.

The main match between the Mal Meninga All Stars and Wally Lewis All Stars, comprising 20plus former professional league players and local talent, was won by the Wally Lewis All Stars.

– Story by Sarah Martin

Kowanyama CEO Kevin Bell and mayor Robbie Sands.

The stars shared a dinner with elders and seniors at the aged care centre.

Mark Tookey was presented with a shell necklace.

Kowanyama Warriors took on Kowanyama Memorial Team for the curtain raiser on the Saturday afternoon.

Mount Isa product Scotty Prince in action in the main event.

Tyrone Roberts from the Wally Lewis All Stars . Rob Lui catches up with locals.

RAAF personnel got involved, helping out with the community barbecue.

Future Immortals Tour

Aged care staff Charlie Butterworth and Colin Barney. Cape York’s footy skills were on show in the touch game. Kowanyama ranger Fitzroy Lawrence shows the players a crocodile nest.

Albert Kelly of the Wally Lewis All Stars.

Kowanyama CEO Kevin Bell gave the visit a thumbs up. Kowanyama Warriors’ defence capture a Crocs rival.

Sam Tagataese speaking to students and staff at Kowanyama State School.

Kowanyama seniors and elders enjoyed some one-on-one time with the Immortals.

Hope Vale’s Matty Bowen, centre, with locals.

The Warriors take down a Crocs player.

Local youngsters took to the footy field for the warm up matches.

Kowanyama students welcomed the Immortals team to their school. The visiting players and RAAF personnel got a special trip out on country with Kowanyama locals.

HOOK UP WITH A

Jeremy Hughes with a 68cm fingermark.

Alex Rethus with a nice boar.

Brock Haimes with a Weipa barra.

Mikey Rogan was happy with this outing.

Josh Peters with a tusky boar.

Jack Ross shows off his mangrove jack.

Phil Camsell caught a nice GT last week.

IN BRIEF

Hatton loves a zephyr

CONDITIONS were so good at Cooktown on Saturday that regular members struggled to pick which club to use on the golf course.

With light breezes coming from every direction, Saturday’s stableford event had golfers more than a little confused as to which club was needed for any particular shot, with regulars much more accustomed to getting blasted from the south-east.

Likeable lefty Chris Hatton plotted his way around the course masterfully to card 40 points and win the day’s event.

Alice Burton was runner-up with 39 points, ahead of Daniel Biddle.

Nearest to pins went to Burton for 2/11, Steve Butler for 14 and Hatton for 9/18.

This Saturday is the November medal from the red markers at the usual time.

There are four rounds left for the Cooktown Golf Club’s dry season Race to the Bay challenge and Steve Butler, the three-time champion, is leading the way.

Behind him is wily veteran Wal Welsh, who has used his boost cards but can still be in the finish.

Nipping at their heels are Cam Venables, Jamie Dobson and Eddie Cridland.

Sands simply superb

DAVE Sands was Sunday’s Dawn Busters winner at Weipa, with a big field of 16 turning up to play.

Jamie Hutton had to settle for runner-up, while Dylan Wonfor rounded up the field by claiming the Hoffman’s.

Grant Crossley had the longest drive and Mark Jorgensen picked up the nearest to pin prize.

Wackers only need three

TWENTY-ONE players and 63 golf clubs took to the Carpentaria Golf Club last week for the Wednesday Wackers’ three-club event and scores were relatively consistent with what golfers usually card each week.

Mick Cerneka and ‘Dasha’ Holmquest each had 44 off the stick, but it was not enough to get them on the leaderboard.

Leigh Daniels was the nett winner with a 34, narrowly beating Viv Chan.

Nearest to pins went to power couple Helen Sabatino and Randall O’Neill, while newcomer Mark picked up the Bradman’s.

Weipa footy talent set to shine for Northern Pride

By SAMUEL DAVIS

WEIPA teenager Rebecca Sepon will join the Northern Pride’s under-19s women’s team this summer after showcasing her rugby league skills with the Queensland Country under-17 squad last month.

Sepon, who became the first girl from Weipa to make the team, will graduate from West ern Cape College this term, be fore relocating to Cairns.

The fleet-footed 17-year-

old, who models her game after Melbourne Storm star Cameron Munster, said the chance to play week-in-week-out in an elite competition was exciting.

“I just love the game. I like the physical contact and how you have to communicate with your teammates,” she said.

“My defence and reading the game are the two things I pride myself on.”

Sepon was first spotted by Australian Jillaroos great Renae Kunst while running develop

ment clinics in the region earlier this year.

After impressing in a match for North Queensland United, the talented winger earned selec tion with Queensland Country.

And despite Country losing to City 40-6, Kunst said Sepon had shown she was good enough to earn a spot in the team.

“No matter where you are in the region or state, this shows that there’s an opportunity to be part of our pathways moving forward,” she said.

“We take great pride in ensur ing we have every avenue pos sible for those in our most rural and remote communities to give them the opportunity to play representative footy.”

While living in Cairns, Sepon is hoping to study at university.

“I was interested in maybe doing something in Information Technology,” she said.

“I did some work experience at Rio Tinto.

“It’s pretty exciting. I wasn’t expecting any of this.”

Another win for Kenny in ring

COOKTOWN’S Sam Kenny has a third win under his belt following a successful foray into centre ring for his fourth muaythai fight in Cairns on Saturday.

The 15-year-old, who trains under Vince Parkes and Oliver Hanson at Full Boar Gym in Cooktown, was matched against Ashton Ryan from Atherton, but the Cape fighter’s strength and workrate brought home the win.

“Kenny won every round. He would have knocked Ashton out at one point – he had him rattled – but then being the good sports man he is, stopped to let the ref know his elbow guard had come down and let Ashton off the hook,” Parkes said.

Parkes said the fight had gone as predict ed, with Kenny’s strength, fitness and skills proving too good for his opponent.

QF 16 Cooktown Charlotte Street, Cooktown

Cooktown’s Sam Kenny, right, with opponent Ashton Ryan after Saturday’s fight. Pictures: Paul Collyer

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