Cape York Weekly Edition 113

TMR hits panic button as rain arrives in the region

By MATT NICHOLLS

TRUCK companies are up in arms following a shock decision by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to put restric tions on the PDR after just a few days of December rain.

On Friday morning, no trucks were allowed to travel on the Peninsula Developmental Road without a permit.

Later that day, a ban on nonfour-wheel drives was also put in place by TMR.

And despite the sun shining and road drying, the restrictions were still in place on Monday morning.

“It’s quite ridiculous. This week, the road is going to be in the best condition it has been in for months,” Simon Tuxworth from Tuxworth and Woods said.

“If you don’t drive on it in the pouring rain, the holes fill up and it smooths out with some traffic. The rivers and creeks aren’t even up at the moment, so there is no safety concern.”

The risk-averse TMR has pre viously said it puts restrictions on the road to protect it from further damage.

However, the load limit usu ally doesn’t kick in so soon after the first rain of the season.

One trucking company own er, who asked not to be named, said it was likely TMR was trying to protect the approach works at the Archer.

“I think they are worried they aren’t going to hold up in the wet,” he said.

“And I don’t blame them be cause it doesn’t look like Decmil have done a good job.

“When they get big rain at the Archer it’s all going to fall apart.”

Mr Tuxworth said he applied for a permit to travel on the road on Monday morning and was waiting to hear back from TMR.

“It will cost us money be cause we do a weekly run for Woolworths in Weipa and they’ll

cancel it going forward once they think the road is closed,” he said.

“The whole Cape suffers when the road closes because the cost of sea freight is more expensive and the time it takes to arrive is longer.

“There is also less capacity, so everything slows down.”

“Intermittent full bridge clo sures are required while crews are on-site,” the Department said in a notice.

“To facilitate through traf fic, crews will allow 30-minute openings during the day.

The bridge will be shut from 7am to 5pm, with openings at 8.30am and 12.30pm.

“A flood earlier in the year caused damage to the Laura Riv er bridge (Shelley’s Crossing) on the Peninsula Developmen tal Road,” a TMR spokesperson told Cape York Weekly

“At that time, there was no indication the bridge needed ur gent repairs.

“A recent inspection showed the deck had deteriorated much quicker than expected.

“Repairs are now required.

“Last month, we carried out temporary surface repairs to maintain safety for road users.

“Works to replace the deck sheets and surface are sched uled to start on December 6 and are expected to take two weeks, weather permitting.

“The second stage of works for bridge replacement will be carried out in January 2023, weather permitting.”

LAURA BRIDGE WORKS FOR motorists able to travel through Laura in the next fort night, TMR is advising delays at Shelley’s Crossing on the north ern side of town, due to repairs.

TMR is planning to spend the next two weeks repairing the bridge at Shelley’s Crossing at Laura after a recent inspection.

Trucks have been kicked off the Pensinula Developmental Road by TMR to protect the road.

Jubilant scenes as local women score royal prize

By SARAH MARTIN

A MODEST group of Queens land Indigenous women, led by trailblazing Cooktown ranger Larissa Hale, have gone down in history as the first Australians to win Prince William’s prestigious £1 million Earthshot Prize.

Cape York Weekly was given access to the BBC’s exclusive filming of the awards, which took place in Boston on Fri day night, with a live cross to Cooktown on Saturday morning where an emotional Ms Hale re ceived the Revive Our Oceans award on behalf of the Queens land Indigenous Women’s Rang er Network.

Ms Hale vowed to build a worldwide network to further environmental change.

She said the global platform and $1.8 million prizemoney would be a game changer.

“We’re going to create a global opportunity for First Na

tions female-led conservation programs, a network for women coming together to help repair the planet,” she said.

“With hope and with positive actions we can be hopeful for the future of our seas.”

Ms Hale established QIWRN in 2018 to provide a forum for women rangers to share infor mation, support each other and connect in remote communities.

“I am so humbled by this award,” she said.

“I’m grateful for every wom an ranger in our network; thank you for being a part of this and walking this journey with me.

“In 2008, I was the only woman ranger coordinator in Queensland. We now have 135.”

Launched by His Royal High ness Prince William and Sir Da vid Attenborough in 2020, the Earthshot Prize is considered the most prestigious environmental award in the world.

The award aims to discover,

spotlight and scale ground breaking solutions to the world’s greatest challenges, with awards across five categories: protect and restore nature, clean our air, revive our oceans, build a wastefree world and fix our climate.

“I believe that the Earthshot solutions prove we can over come our planet’s greatest chal lenges,” the Prince of Wales said during the ceremony.

“By supporting them and scaling them we can change our future. Alongside tonight’s win ners and finalists and those to be discovered over the years to come, it’s my hope the Earthshot legacy will continue to grow, helping our communities and our planet to thrive.”

Ms Hale said the platform Earthshot offered was extraor dinary.

“Thank you to Earthshot for bringing into focus the urgent need for action to protect our planet,” she said.

Three generations of Indigenous rangers – Irene Bowyer, granddaughter Leilani Hale and daughter Larissa Hale. Pictures: SARAH MARTIN

An emotional Larissa Hale celebrates the Earthshot win with family and fellow QIWRN members following the live announcement from Boston.

Vouchers to boost Weipa businesses

By MATT NICHOLLS

A POPULAR program will return to Weipa this Christmas, with Rio Tinto employees to be given $100 vouchers to spend in the local community.

Launched in 2020, the initiative has injected almost $300,000 into the Weipa business economy at a typically quiet time of the year.

The Let’s Keep It Local scheme is administered by the Western Cape Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re asking businesses to register again this year,” treasurer Jay Murray said.

“Even if you have accepted the vouchers before, you’ll still have to sign up again this year.

“We know it’s starting later than previous years, but the vouchers can be spent in the early part of 2023, so you won’t miss out.”

Rio Tinto Weipa community relations manager Janine Schleich said the company was delighted to be offering the Let’s Keep It Local program again.

“It’s been extremely popular in the business community and with our employees,” she said.

“All staff members will receive a voucher and some of our contrac tors will also receive vouchers.”

With most local businesses signing up for the program, there is a range of options to spend the vouchers.

“We’re seeing all kinds of busi nesses taking on the vouchers, not just the big stores,” Ms Murray told Cape York Weekly

“We have a lot of small and home-based businesses in Weipa and they are all eligible to register.

“We’ll be putting a form up on the Western Cape Chamber of Commerce website and you can also email westerncapechamber@ gmail.com to receive a form.”

Ms Murray said once business es collected a voucher, they had to store the voucher number and then send an invoice to the Chamber.

“It’s a smooth process and we make sure we pay quickly so the businesses get the money in their bank accounts as soon as possi ble,” she said.

“Anyone with any questions can give me a call on 0428 699 210 and we’ll do what we can to help you out and get you signed up.”

Partnering for stronger, healthier communities

Joy as Christmas tree lights up

WEIPA marked the start of the festive season last Thursday with the now-traditional lighting of the town’s Christmas tree. Dozens of people, including the Johnson family, gathered at Eat Street for the December 1 ceremony, with Weipa Town Authority deputy chair Stretch Noonan tasked to flick the switch. More pictures on Page 12.

Everyone should have access to healthcare no matter where they live, work or travel. The Flying Doctor flew Megan from Weipa to Cairns for the unexpected early arrival of baby Max.

Major win for Traditional Owners

By MATT NICHOLLS

THOUSANDS of generations of shared history across Cape York and the Torres Strait has been for mally recognised by the Federal Court of Australia.

Celebrations were held on Thursday Island as Justice Debbie Mortimer announced the historic Native Title consent determina tion, which covers about 65,000 square kilometres of land and sea.

Recognising the Native Title rights of the Kemer Kemer Meri am and Kulkalgal Nations and Kaurareg, Ankamuthi and Gudang Yadhaykenu people, the determi nation will resolve seven partially overlapping claims over land and sea and is the largest sea claim in Australia’s history.

It is also the first time that First Nations peoples of the Torres Strait region have joined with First Nations peoples of mainland Aus tralia to work together to seek to

achieve recognition of their Native Title rights.

Ankamuthi Traditional Owner, Charles Woosup said the determi nations would be celebrated across the Far North.

“It’s good to see that two Indig enous cultures are coming together

and fighting for the same thing,” he said.

“Our ancestors have been hunt ing and gathering on these waters together for a long, long time.”

The area covered by the seven claims stretches from Captain Bil ly Landing on the north-east coast

of Cape York, east to the Great Barrier Reef, north to the sea sur rounding Warral (Hawkesbury) Island and Ului (West) Island, and west to Skardon River, just north of Mapoon.

Although not all of the claimed areas were determined, the deter mination area will cover 50 is lands, islets, sand cays and rocks.

Gudang Yadhaykenu Elder Shorty Lifu said it was a major win for Traditional Owners.

Born in 1943 at Cowal Creek, now known as Injinoo, Shorty said it had been a long time coming.

“We’ve been waiting for a long time... generations have been wait ing for this,” he said.

“My dad said, ‘don’t give this place away, it’s our place.”

Cape York Land Council chair Richie Ah Mat said the historic occasion was a testament to the strength that came from speaking with a united voice.

“This is a momentous occasion

on so many levels,” he said from Thursday Island.

“The decision to unite to give one voice to this land and sea claim has ensured that First Nations peo ple of the Torres Strait and Cape York have finally been heard.

“This consent determination recognises so many things. Our right to use marine resources, our right to speak up to protect our land and sea Country and our un broken connection with this pre cious place.

“I want to acknowledge the ded ication of all the Traditional Own ers and the native title representa tive bodies and the long journey it has taken to get here.”

Justice Mortimer thanked the applicants for their “treasure trove” of cultural evidence to make the claim possible.

“Thank you for telling your stories… and documenting them. Today shows the strength of your Elders and communities.”

Ankamuthi Traditional Owner Charles Woosup and Emma Fenby from the Department of Resources at Thursday Island last Wednesday for the determination celebrations.

The Native Title determination ended a long-running saga for Traditional Owners.

Dancers during the community hearing on Thursday Island.

Cape York Land Council CEO Dion Creek (right), signs the paperwork to make it official.

A big crowd gathered for the determination celebrations last Wednesday.

Justice Mortimer and Father Ned Mosby.

Justice Mortimer receives a gift on Thursday Island.

Five cultures came together.

Leaders paid tribute to the united attitude of the Traditional Owners.

Gray takes the reins of NRM board

EXPERIENCED manager and long-time Cape resident Sally Gray was officially elected as chair of the board at Cape York Natural Resource Manage ment’s recent AGM in Coen.

Ms Gray has been a CYNRM board member for the past four years, including six months as interim chair, and has a wealth of experience from previous board and advisory roles.

Ms Gray joins re-elected member Marilyn Morris and vice-chair Hurriyet Babacan, and welcomed new members Jim Turnour, Pip Schroor and Cliff Harrigan.

Ms Schroor is the regional resilience coordinator for Tor res and Cape Indigenous Coun cils Alliance, Mr Harrigan is a Balnggarrawarra Ranger with South Cape York Catchments and a Director of Normanby Aboriginal Corporation, while Mr Turnour is general manager of Wuthathi Aboriginal Corpo ration.

“The board is really very di verse in skills and connections and community affiliations,”

said Ms Gray, who manages Piccaninny Plains Wildlife Sanctuary for the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.

“It’s really excellent from that aspect and everyone on the board is very passionate and totally committed to the Cape York community and managing land and country.”

The Cape York NRM an nual report was also released at the meeting, highlighting the group’s key projects across the 2021-22 financial year, includ ing discovering cassowaries on Gudang Yadhaykenu coun try in northern Cape York, an all-female Indigenous heavy machinery training course, and the Smart Farms Soil Solutions project in the Endeavour Valley near Cooktown.

Ms Gray congratulated the new board appointees, and said the team was looking forward to a productive year.

“I am looking forward to working with our stakeholders across the Cape to continue the great work the organisation has under way,” she said.

Op shop geared up for Christmas

COOKTOWN St Vincent De Paul volunteers Desiree Smith, Elizabeth Doggett-Ford, Bev Stone and Vivencia Willcox are ready with a host of festive-themed goodies going for a bar gain at the local op shop. Volunteer store coordinator Ms Stone said customers only had two weeks to shop before the store closed for the Christmas break on Tuesday December 20, with no more donations accepted from Saturday December 17. “We would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year, and thank you for your support during the year,” Ms Stone said. “Also please remember that donations cannot be left on the footpath during our closure.” The store will re-open on Tuesday, January 3.

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Boats torn to shreds by sudden off-shore storm

By SARAH MARTIN

SEASONED sailors have warned of the importance of remote telecommunications and be ing prepared following a freak storm that left dozens of yachts damaged at Lizard Island.

Watson’s Bay, a popular an chorage on the northern side of Lizard Island and home to some of the world’s most pristine reefs, had about 25 vessels an chored when a freak storm with winds over 100km/h burst in from the north.

“We were prepared, but not for a storm from that direction,” yachtie Leonie Leonardi said.

She and partner Dave Flynn rode out the four-hour storm, watching 7m tenders drift by to smash on shore as they desper ately tried to keep their yacht off the nearby reef.

“We had the motor running, keeping the yacht away from the reef behind us and dodging the three big white boats in front of us,” Mr Flynn said.

“If one of those big boats had come loose, we would have been in real trouble. If we jumped (overboard), the conditions were treacherous, we would have got cut to pieces on the coral and there was debris in the water.”

Ms Leonardi said if boaties had been able to see the storm

cell earlier, they could have moved to the sheltered southern side of the island, but the limited reception meant many didn’t have access to internet.

“Everyone was very, very lucky,” she said.

“At one point we registered 48 knots and when you’re not ready for that, it’s quite daunting.

“We had other boats anchored nearby, large boats in front of us, tenders floating past, gas bottles, wheelie bins and dive gear, all going over the side.

“The waves were breaking and coming in over the boat, and there was a lot of damage to boats.”

Cooktown-based boatie Jim Parker, who also experienced the storm aboard his yacht with partner Kathy Lawfer, agreed.

“There’s WiFi at the Marlin Bar (at nearby Lizard Island

Resort) and the guests have ac cess,” Mr Parker said.

“The resort also often puts the call out on the radio with the dinner specials or letting yachties know when the bar is open, that sort of thing.

“If we had access to their in ternet, or they had even put out a call on the radio, we could have prepared better.

‘Even 10 minutes warning would have made a difference.”

Mr Parker said a fellow boatie who had been visiting Lizard Is land for more than 50 years, said the storm was the worst he had seen in his time there.

Mr Flynn, who has been liv ing aboard his yacht for 15 years, said he had been through worse storms, but not one that severe with no warning or preparation.

“She was wild – waves and wind and lightning.”

Community council grants

MORE than $36,000 has been awarded to local businesses, community groups and projects under Cook Shire Council’s latest round of community and economic development grants.

Safety will be boosted at the annual Laura Rodeo, with $5000 to go towards solar lighting at the main gate and stock loading ramp, and new safety equipment for junior riders.

Bloomfield Beach Camp is planning weekly movie nights for guests and locals and an upgrade to its website with $4760 in funding and the Cooktown State School P&C will receive $5000 to install water bubblers at the primary and high school campuses.

Rossville Retreat was awarded $5000 to promote its business and Indigenous tourism, while Mossman Gymnastics will put $2636 towards free gymnastics classes in Cooktown next year.

Other recipients included Artisan Bay Workshops which will receive $5000 for art and craft workshops; Cooktown School of Arts which will receive $4100 for portrait workshops and Hill Top Farm which was awarded $4850 for a promotional video.

Carols to raise funds

MORE intravenous pumps and other vital equipment to boost Cooktown Hospital’s services are on the wishlist for the Friends of the Foundation, whose annual carol-singing fundraiser is coming up on December 16.

The group of about a dozen singers and actors dress in costume and regale diners at the Cooktown Bowls Club, RSL Club, Sovereign Hotel and Cooktown Hotel with a short performance and carols, in exchange for a donation.

Santa makes a flying trip to Pormpuraaw

HINTERLAND Aviation had a very special guest last week, with Santa Claus jumping aboard to catch a ride to Pormpuraaw while his sleigh was in the workshop for maintenance.

Santa surprised students at Pormpuraaw State School with lol lies at their awards ceremony and end of year celebrations, and also joined in community Christmas celebrations, helping decorate the community Christmas tree.

On his way, Santa couldn’t re sist having a quick cuddle with one of his favourite animals, a rescue wallaby on its way home after a short stay at animal hospital.

As well as ferrying important guests such as Santa around the Cape, Hinterland transports wild life free of charge to ensure they receive specialist care and can be returned to their natural environ ment once they are ready.

Pictures: Carley Weston

“Anyone is welcome to come along and join our group,” member Eric George said.

“We’ll give them a costume if they want one and they can help by singing as best they can.”

Last year’s performance, a highlight of which is Good King Wenceslas in full costume and traditional European Christmas carols, raised more than $800 for the Cooktown Hospital.

“It’s a very old tradition, we’re not having Jingle Bells or any of the modern carols,” Mr George said.

“Good King Wenceslas leads the party, we do a little skit and we mix it in with a few carols and we leave with your money; it’s something unique to Cooktown.”

For more information. phone Mr George on 4069 5854.

Wedding bliss by the beach

Hope Vale ready for hunt event

HUNDREDS are expected to take part in this weekend’s 19th annual Hope Vale Community Pig Hunt, with big prizes across several cat egories.

The community event received 140 nominations last year, with more expected to show up to nom inate this Friday at the old Hope Vale justice building between 10am and 4pm.

“Registration is open to anyone over 18, and costs $40, which in cludes a free shirt and stubby cool er and all competitors go into the draw for the lucky door prizes,” said Sha-Lane Gibson, one of the event organisers.

“The event attracts many com munity members, as well as others affiliated with the community, such as contractors, and surrounding lo cals; we encourage anyone who is keen to be involved and contribute to the hunt to come along.”

There are cash and merchan dise prizes for first, second and third place across the categories of heaviest boar and sow, heavi est women’s pig, longest tusks and mystery weight.

The weigh-in is at Hope Vale from 10am to 2pm on Sunday.

Ms Gibson said the organisers and community were grateful for the ongoing support of generous sponsors.

Weary Bay beach provided a stunning backdrop as long-time Ayton couple Barry Olbar and Melissa Gibson tied the knot in front of their children, family and friends on Friday. The intimate ceremony, with the groomsmen in matching royal blue and bridesmaids in tan and white linen, was presided over by a Lutheran pastor. The reception was held at a nearby residence.

Ahead of schedule: Jensen’s bridge open

POISON Creek residents now have a shorter and safer passage to Cooktown after the revamped Jensen’s Crossing bridge was opened last week.

The $1.3 million upgrade re placed the ageing and rickety log structure with a one-lane concrete bridge.

Timbers from the old bridge have been given a new lease on life as seating and barricades at the Queen’s Oval in the Bo tanic Gardens and are also being included in plans for the future wharf area redevelopment.

“We are delighted to see this project complete and would

like to congratulate the project team,” Cook Shire mayor Peter Scott said.

“The new bridge is wider, strong and safer and provides a crucial alternative route to Cooktown and Hope Vale for local residents.

“These works simply would

not have been possible without funding from the federal govern ment’s Bridge Renewal Program ($662,750) and the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads ($662,750).”

“It’s also great to see timbers from the old bridge being upcy cled and repurposed.”

Burglar is busted

A LOCAL man will spend Christmas behind bars after being charged with four offences following a break and enter spree around Cooktown last month.

The 33-year-old appeared in Cooktown Magistrates Court on November 29, charged with three counts of entering a dwelling with intent and one count of entering premises.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear in Cooktown court again on January 10.

No sign of Lions ute

MORE than a fortnight since it was stolen from a volunteer’s house, there is still no sign of the Endeavour Lions Club’s only work vehicle.

The charity group has been forced to buy a new ute to continue their work.

Anyone with information about the ute’s whereabouts is urged to contact Cooktown Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Festive cheer at Lakeland

Christmas gift for Sunbird

COOKTOWN’S Endeavour Lions Club has been spreading the festive spirit, last week donating $500 to the residents at Cooktown’s aged care facility, Sunbird Cottage, to go towards their Christmas celebrations.

Pictured above is Endeavour Lions Club president Jim Fay with Sunbird residents John Bass and Brian Boserio.

Police allege assault

WEIPA police have charged a local man with assault after an incident on Friday, November 25.

Officers from Weipa attended Prununum Street in Napranum in relation to a disturbance, and observed a man attempting to fight another man.

It will be alleged that when police attempted to separate the parties, he picked up a rock and made threats to kill the police officer.

It will further be alleged the man then struggled with officers, kicking one female officer in the head before biting the other female officer on the hand and spitting on both officers.

The 46-year-old Napranum man is due to appear in the Weipa Magistrates Court, charged with two counts of serious assault on police.

Drink driving charge

POLICE have charged a Weipa man after a traffic intercept in the local suburb of Trunding on Saturday, November 26.

The man was intercepted on York Road at about 8.30pm and was required to undertake a breath test.

Police will allege he returned a breath alcohol reading of 0.087 per cent BAC.

The 23-year-old local man is scheduled to appear in the Weipa Magistrates Court, charged with drink driving.

Cook Shire Council’s engineering manager Amir Akrami, infrastructure director Peter Tonkes, project support officer Ian Murray and shire overseer Glenn Dukes on the newly completed Jensen’s Crossing Bridge.

The rain cleared for Lakeland’s Christmas Fair, with a large crowd and lots of stalls and activities to keep everyone occupied. The community event featured a ute parade, markets, food stalls, gifts, Tongan dancing, a kid’s corner and carols.

Pictures: ALEX RETHUS

Sunset With Santa @ Cooktown

Pictures: SARAH MARTIN

Dave Roberts and his youngest daughter Josephine.

Amie and Lorena Samanes enjoying the event, which was moved to the PCYC.

Barry Lea and Katie Hooker were assisting Santa.

Connie William and Davon Ambrum loved meeting Santa. Sarah, Sidney and April Greaves had a ball.

Cooktown Underwater Hockey Club stopped to say hi to Santa in between keeping the crowd well fed.

Lauren and Charlotte Hook with Madi Case and Sophie Corbett.

Santa brought presents for almost 200 people at Friday’s Sunset with Santa, a free event organised by Cook Shire Council.

Meg Reeves and Bella Barbour dressed for the occasion.

Sisters Adele and Amersyn Dooley got into the festive spirit.

Carols by Candlelight @ Cooktown

Season’s Greetings

The last edition of the Cape York Weekly for 2022 will be December 20 and we’ll be back again in the New Year, with the first paper due to hit shelves on January 10 (advertising copy will need to be received by January 6).

The Cape York Weekly team would like to wish all of our readers a Merry Christmas and an enjoyable New Year. We would like to thank the Cape York, Weipa and Cooktown communities for supporting our publication and we cannot wait to bring you more news in 2023.

To the loyal advertisers who have been by our side, we, thank you for your continued backing and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the new year. Enjoy the festive season and stay safe, – Matt Nicholls and the Cape York Weekly team

Cape York Weekly

Pictures: SARAH MARTIN

Ancemo Bowen-Ling and Claytarna Woibo loved the colourful candles.

Amy Meyer and Heidi Slykerman.

Jason and Heidi Carroll got into the festive spirit.

Micah Parkes and Emmett Dukes hanging out.

Local youngsters played parts in the nativity scene, including an adorable donkey.

Three generations - Di Coles with daughter Barb Rosendale-Collie and grandsons Darby and Davidson.

Emily Meyer and Charlotte Pensio were angels in the nativity play.

MCs for the evening were Yindili Kamholtz and Ava Pensio.

Elizabeth Clements with her great granddaughter Athena Wells. Lina Astuti-Graves and Jola George enjoying the carols.

The singers from Hope Vale Choir led the crowd in two carols translated into Guugu Yimithirr.

Members of the churches of Cooktown came together to sing for the crowd.

Colby Gill with a beaut mangrove jack.

Rodney Furminger’s smile says it all!

Hayley Hober is one of Weipa’s keenest pig hunters.

Refreshed from long service leave, Jo Ross is back out on the water.

Denson Drum, left, with this beautiful 2m sailfish caught near Weipa with help from Tom Hockey.

Charlie Mollison with a ripper nanny.

Les Borthwick still loves getting out for a hunt.

Wackers wind down

THE Wednesday Wackers crew celebrated the end of the year with their annual championships/break-up last week.

With heavy rain around, just 10 brave Wackers took to the course at Weipa.

As the 17th hole was out of action due to irrigation work, the handicappers had their work cut out for them.

Grant Crossley was crowned the A-grade winner, beating Mick Foy.

B-grade honours went to Bruce Brockhurst ahead of Jim Taylor, while Jim Lucas claimed C-grade from Gary Head.

Christmas ambrose results

GRANT Crossley and John Dall combined to be the Christmas Pairs ambrose winners at Carpentaria Golf Club on Sunday.

They won the Bill Grant-sponosored event by half a stroke from Desley McIntosh and Euguene Venter.

Nearest to pins went to Randall O’Neill on the 15th and Venter on the 18th.

Bragging rights determined

BRENT Hetaraka and Alice Burton were crowned the ambrose champions at Cooktown on Saturday.

Brent’s length off the tee and Alice’s accuracy around the greens paid dividends for the duo, who narrowly beat Wal Welsh and Graham Burton.

Equal third were Eddie Cridland and Rick Butler, along with Steve Butler and Aaron Hobbs.

Nearest the pins went to Cam Venables on 2/11, John McArthur on 14 and Aaron Hobbs on 9/18.

This Saturday is a red tee stableford.

McArthur crowned

WET season champ John McArthur and dry season winner Steve Butler played off at Walker Bay on Sunday for the right to be crowned as the 2022 Race to the Bay Champion.

In a match that went down to the wire, McArthur took the advantage on the penultimate hole when Butler pulled his drive left, causing him to wipe the hole.

The stableford contest ended up in the much-improved McArthur’s favour, 38 points to 36. He was also named the player of the year for amassing the most points.

Race club president rapt to get new jockey rooms

By MATT NICHOLLS

JOCKEYS riding at Cape York’s iconic bush meeting will no longer have to get changed in a swelter ing shed after the Laura Amateur Turf Club was granted new facili ties under the state government’s Country Racing Program.

Club president Graham Love said the male and female jockey rooms would arrive on the back of a truck, ready to install.

“They are donga-type units but they have air conditioning. They are going to be a lot better than the old shed or the shipping container that we have now,” he said.

Mr Love estimated the rooms were worth about $50,000 and said the club would clear the space and do about $30,000 of civil works to have them ready in time for the an nual June races in 2023.

“They’ll have to get ticked off by Cook Shire Council but we’re working with them to get the pa perwork organised,” he said.

“I think there might also be a space for the stewards as well.”

A total of 48 projects were ap proved as part of the fifth round of the Country Racing Program.

The economic contribution of the Queensland racing industry has soared to almost $2 billion, with the industry supporting about 14,000 jobs a year.

Oliver loses controversial points decision

OLIVER Hanson’s team at Full Boar Gym are chalking up another win to the teen muaythai fighter, despite judg es awarding the decision to his opponent in Mackay.

Coach Vince Parkes said nu merous trainers and fighters had approached the 17-yearold after judges awarded the

split-points decision to Jye Van Polen on the Powerhouse 9 promotion.

“It’s easy to be one-sided when it’s your own fighter, but we’ve re-watched the fight on video, and a lot of the other trainers there, with years of experience, were saying the fight was Oliver’s,” he said.

“He won every round, dom inated and was more powerful and more skilful than Jye.”

Parkes said Oliver deliv ered the fight of the night, nearly knocking Jye out in the final round with a textbook performance.

“We took the fight on only 10 days notice, and we really

worked on perfecting four boxing combinations,” he said.

“Oliver knew everything had to be rock solid and pow erful and if you watch the fight he is just rallying those com bos out and they’re all con necting with power.”

Full Boar Gym is now closed, re-opening in January.

Laura Cup-winning jockey Nor Yadi will appreciate the new facilities when he returns in June next year.

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