Cape York Weekly Edition 115

Warmest

Christmas wishes

from ENDEAVOUR LIONS CLUB COOKTOWN

We wish you a happy Christmas and hope you have a safe and joyous festive season. Thank you to all the many business owners that have helped our Club over the past twelve months. To all our hardworking volunteers, we could not achieve what we do without you, so thank you for being awesome!

LIONS CHRISTMAS CAKES

Available from the Post Office, Chemist and Newsagency for only $15.00. Get yours today!

Bamaga supermarket to be ready for tourist rush

CATERING for a growing population in the NPA and a busy tourist trade, a new supermarket will open in Bamaga next year.

Construction of the new IBIS supermarket in Bamaga is progressing rapidly, with a grand opening planned mid-2023.

The new store, which began construction in September with ground clearance and slab pouring, is being built next door to the current CEQ store, meaning customer disruption is minimised.

It will include:

• Increased shop floor trading area of approximately 800 square metres – almost double the size of the current store;

• New, energy-efficient chiller and freezer refrigeration;

• A focused range of goods available to customers, including increased fruit, vegetable and healthy ranges;

• Full back-up of refrigeration equipment to prevent loss of products;

• Refrigeration mechanical equipment built on roof platform to improve airflow, reduce

ground level noise, and keep machinery cleaner.

CEQ said builders were aiming to have the new store’s roof on by this Christmas.

Chief executive Michael Dykes said the new supermarket was a major bonus for Bamaga residents and visitors to the community.

“We’re delighted to build a new IBIS Supermarket in Bamaga to continue to provide the best possible service to the local community,” he said.

“We would like to thank the Traditional Owners for their continued support for the community in making this happen.

“The architects have done a

fantastic job with a new build design which captures the essence of the NPA with its colour, shape and structure.”

The Bamaga store follows a similar design concept to the new IBIS Supermarket on Horn Island, which opened in 2020.

“Our aim is for the team and people of Bamaga to be proud of their new store, which will provide a focused range, quality fruit and vegetables, and healthy food options,” Mr Dykes said.

“These new stores show how we are reinvesting in infrastructure to increase capacity, employment, quality and affordability in communities.”

Work only started on the new Bamaga supermarket in September and CEQ chief executive says its likely a roof will be completed before Christmas.

A conceptual pictured of the new Bamaga supermarket, which is located next door to the existing IBIS store.

The new supermarket is almost double the size of the existing store.

police rocked by deaths of colleagues

By MATT NICHOLLS

THE officers in charge of Cape York’s regional police stations say they have been overwhelmed by support since the tragic deaths of two colleagues at Wieambilla last week.

Weipa-based Senior Sergeant Warren Flegg and long-serving Cooktown Senior Sergeant John McArthur also said the murders had made them reflect on their own careers and situations that could have resulted in a similar outcome.

Constables Matthew Arnold, 26, and Rachel McCrow, 29, along with 58-year-old resident Alan Dare were gunned down in an ambush and siege at a remote

property in the Western Downs region last Monday.

“It is not easy to put into words how I feel about the senseless loss of life earlier in the week,” Senior Sergeant McArthur said.

“The civilian has been robbed of time with his wife, grandchildren and other family members because he was being a decent human.

“The two officers will never get to experience a full life which everyone deserves to do so.

“The families of all involved will probably never get over this experience as the manner in which the lives were lost was horrendous.

“The circumstances do make you think a bit and make realise that I may have been too complacent on occasion during the course of my policing career.

“It has had some effect on everyone at Cooktown station as more officers than you realise have had some form of connection with the deceased officers.

“There has been some deep thought and reflection taking place in the days following this tragedy.”

Senior Sergeant Flegg said the Weipa station had received a number of condolence messages and letters from the public, including the Weipa Town Authority.

He said the murders were a

chilling reminder of the daily danger police officers were in, whether it was obvious or not.

“Where does it put us now? It was a missing person enquiry and it has resulted in two police officers murdered,” he said.

“A place like Weipa has a high number of weapons, just like a lot of country towns.

“It will be in the back of every police officer’s mind, especially the younger ones.”

Senior Sergeant Flegg said his thoughts were with the Tara Police Station and the family and friends of the officers, as well as the civilian who was killed when trying to assist.

The funeral for the officers will be held tomorrow.

Do the right thing and earn an ice cream

ANYWHERE, anytime is the message from Cooktown Police to young cyclists – but the men and women in blue will be handing out cold treats rather than warnings in a new initiative.

Cooktown PCYC manager, Sergeant Dave Goode, said local police were always keeping a keen eye out for cyclists not wearing helmets. However, he said the team

had been encouraged to also be on the lookout for kids doing the right thing and rewarding them.

“If you’re out and about riding around town doing the right thing, wearing your helmet, you

might get pulled up by police and given a voucher,” Sergeant Goode said.

The vouchers can be redeemed at the Cooktown PCYC for an ice cream.

Cooktown youngsters Tayah, Matilda, Micah, Maia and Chase claimed their free ice creams from Sergeant Dave Goode at the PCYC.

Albatross Bay Resort

Cape York Ecoblast

Capeaccino Crew

Carpentaria Golf Club Inc. Kym-Maree’s Beauty Room

LiveLife Pharmacy

Tackleworld Weipa Weipa 4WD, Fishing & Camping Supplies

Weipa Asian Store

Weipa Bowls Club

Weipa Community Care Weipa Furniture & Electrical

Weipa Gourmet Meats

Weipa News & Traders

Weipa Property Care

Weipa Service Centre Pty Ltd Weipa Wildflowers

Pilot error the likely cause of fatal plane crash: ATSB

THE deaths of five people in a light plane crash in bad weather at Lockhart River could have been avoided if the aircraft had a terrain avoidance and warning system, investigators say.

The Cessna 404 was making its second attempt to land at Lockhart River on Cape York in heavy rain and cloud when it hit sand dunes, killing the pilot and four passengers, on March 11, 2020.

The victims included QBuild workers Wayne Ganter, 63, Henry Roebig, 62, and Wayne Brischke, 57, as well as contractor Mark Rawlings, 49 and pilot Stuart Weavell, 36.

They had been flown in to the area for the day to carry out work on a school.

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau probe found the aircraft was being flown about 1000 feet below the recommended height before it crashed.

However, the pilot had been in control until the point of impact and there was no evidence of mechanical problems in the lead-up to the accident, the bureau’s report released on Thursday found.

ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said the plane didn’t have a black box, which wasn’t required, so it was impossible to work out a conclusive cause.

However, investigators decided that the pilot had probably failed to check the Cessna’s height and tried to land it solo in very poor visibility.

“Overall, misreading the altimeter by 1000ft appears to be the most likely scenario, although there was insufficient evidence to provide a definitive conclusion,” Mr Mitchell said in a statement.

“Regardless, it is evident from the continued descent that the pilot did not effectively monitor the aircraft’s altitude and descent rate for an extended period, and that they were probably experiencing a very high workload.”

The pilot had five years of experience flying into remote airports

and had landed at Lockhart River Airport eight times previously.

However, he was “probably experiencing a very high workload” due to the bad weather, poor visibility, having to take a different approach to the airstrip and keep checking that approach, and coming in at a faster speed than normal.

The ATSB said its probe highlighted the importance of terrain avoidance and warning systems (TAWS) in helping pilots to avoid flying into the ground, particularly when visibility is poor.

The Cessna did not have a TAWS at the time as they were only mandated in December 2021, but Mr Mitchell said the system could have prevented the accident.

“Given the aircraft’s descent profile on the second approach, a TAWS would have provided the pilot with both visual and aural alerts of the approaching terrain for an extended period,” he added.

In light of those findings, the ATSB said air transport operators should install a TAWS in aircraft, or ensure they understand the limitations of terrain warnings in GPS or navigation systems.

“The ATSB urges all operators conducting air transport operations to evaluate the risk of CFIT (controlled flight into terrain) in your operations and to actively seek to install TAWS in your aircraft to maximise the safety of your operations,” Mr Mitchell said.

Storm cell hammers Lakeland

BANANA

week after a “freak

Crops were flattened and locals had plenty to clean up as a result of the storm.

North at Cooktown, locals were stunned to see hail fall from the sky in another rare event for the Cape.

Despite the unusual weather activity, it has been a relatively dry month around the region.

Weipa has been the wettest place in the Cape in December, with 133mm of rain falling up to 9am on Sunday.

Lockhart River (105mm) and Coen (102mm) were next in the rainfall count, with Cooktown receiving 61mm for the month, Horn Island measured 89mm.

Holiday park recognised as a leader in tourism industry

GUESTS have rocketed the Cooktown Holiday Park back onto the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s gold list for the second time, consistently rating the popular tourist park highly throughout 2022.

Manager Tammy Martland said it was a team effort to get so many positive reviews, paying tribute to her husband and fellow manager Dave, the park’s assistant managers, cleaning crew and groundsmen.

“By making it to the gold list we’re demonstrating our commitment to consistently exceeding the guests’ expectations,” she said.

“It’s a really nice achievement, and it is due to the efforts of all our staff, from our grounds to our entry and reception area, the cleanliness of the rooms, all that sort of thing.

“The listing is gathered from hundreds of different ratings across sites like TripAdvisor.”

The park, which sits on eight acres just outside the Cooktown CBD and features 32

rooms and 72 powered sites, made the gold list in 2020 and also received a Queensland Caravan Industry Tidy Park award this year.

The Martlands moved to Cooktown a decade ago to manage the park, and live onsite full-time.

“In the busy season, from about May to November we have an assistant manager couple as well,” Ms Martland said.

“We also have a casual groundsman and three casual cleaners.”

She said despite COVID restrictions, business had remained fairly steady over the past two years.

“When only Queenslanders could travel, we still had good numbers, last year’s season people were staying longer because of the border closures, waiting for them to open to get home and this year has been a fairly normal season,” she said.

Ms Martland said while the park was busiest from May to November, fishermen and Christmas holiday makers had been steadily trickling in this month. – by Sarah Martin

growers in Lakeland were left reeling last

storm cell” hit the region, producing massive wind gusts.

Cooktown Holiday Park manager Tammy Martland is chuffed with the park’s second gold listing.

Police at the site of the Lockhart River plane crash in March, 2020.

A banana plantation in Lakeland was felled by a storm cell.

Reconciliation story gives museum an edge on rivals

By SARAH MARTIN

A PROJECT telling the story of the first recorded act of reconciliation in Australia has resulted in the Cooktown Museum taking out a major gong at the Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards in Brisbane.

The Cooktown Museum, owned and managed by the National Trust of Australia Queensland, was a joint winner for its Reimagining James Cook project, which tells the fascinating story of the Guugu Yimithirr people’s interactions with Cook from both a European and First Nations perspective.

Community members, Traditional Owners and design studio Relative Creative began engagement in 2018 to redevelop and modernise the museum, which included re-branding from James Cook Museum, new interpretive collateral and two new rooms.

Cape York Weekly took a tour of the museum with heritage site coordinator Beverley Grant and heritage officer Nikki Darvell following the award announcement, enjoying the view from the recently refurbished verandah, which is now open to the public.

The new displays, including the Bama Room, Maritime Room and a collection of curios from the mu-

seum attic, are on display for the first time.

The Bama Room features seven pillars wrapped in exquisite fabric created by Elders at the Hope Vale Art Centre.

Rebekah Butler, the Museums and Galleries Queensland executive director, said Cooktown Museum and the National Trust of Australia Queensland had remarkable vision.

“A key measure of the success of the Cooktown Museum project has been the continued engagement with the Cooktown community, including the Guugu Yimithirr traditional owners,” she said.

“Reimagining the museum has proved to be a major drawcard for tourism in the region, as well as sharing an important message of reconciliation.”

Amenities targeted by vandals

SANITARY pads stuck to fences, buildings and signs and paper towels strewn for nearly a kilometre along the waterfront are among the recent acts that have forced Cook Shire Council to close public toilets at the Cooktown waterfront.

Social media posts were rife around Cooktown showing the trail of vandalism and mess stretching from IGA on Helen Street right to the end of the waterfront, believed to have been created by three local teens caught on camera at the Cooktown Fisherman’s Wharf.

While the recent mess might seem a minor annoyance, Cook Shire has reported serious vandalism at many of its public facilities, forcing the closure of waterfront public toilets.

“So many of our public facilities, including those at the waterfront, have been subjected to vandalism,” mayor Peter Scott said.

“The most disappointing part is all the facilities in this area are used by local families and visitors – especially at this time of year, with summer setting in, temperatures rising and festive celebrations in full swing.”

All but two of the public toilets in William Daku Park will be locked from 3.30pm to 6am on weekdays and 5pm to 6am on weekends.

Cooktown Museum heritage officer Nikki Darvell and heritage site coordinator Beverley Grant were thrilled with the museum’s recent award win.

There is more to see than ever before at the Cooktown Museum.

All systems are go: new birthing

By MATT NICHOLLS

FOR the first time this century, expecting mums in Weipa and the surrounding community will be able to give birth in a local hospital when a new service begins early in 2023.

The Weipa Hospital has a fully equipped birthing suite and a top team of staff lined up to welcome Cape York’s newest arrivals.

A start date has yet to be locked in for the new service to commence, however expect the switch to be flicked in the first quarter of the year, says the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service.

Alison Weatherstone, the acting director of midwifery at TCHHS, reckons it’ll be a momentous occasion when the first baby is born.

“I’m absolutely excited, as is the community and all of the staff in Weipa. They’re really keen and eager to see that official opening of Weipa birthing,” she said.

“This has been in progress since 2018 – starting with a business

case – and we’re now getting to the pointy end.

“As

a secondary clinical space so that if we have more than one woman birthing at the same time, or there’s maybe a potential transfer or relocation, we’ve also got another clinical space.

“So that’s been part of our infrastructure build, including a waiting area that is very family-centred, and then we’ve got the beautiful outdoor area that includes a yarning circle.”

Ms Weatherstone said staff at Weipa had been providing maternity services to women for decades, with only the delivery of babies missing from the equation.

“There has always been an antenatal and postnatal service in Weipa,” she said.

“But we’ve transitioned to a midwifery group practice, which is where the women are allocated and known midwife to care for them through their pregnancy journey.”

While Weipa’s birthing service will only cater for low-risk pregnancies, all expecting mums can receive care in the lead-up.

“Alongside the implementation of a new birthing service, comes the infrastructure side of things.

“We’ve had a new build of a pretty modern and very familycentred birth space.

“Alongside that we’ve got an overnight stay room as we are

looking at early discharge options, so women who have a normal birth can go home really quite early and be with their newborn baby.

well as that, we’ve also got

Staff at Weipa Hospital welcome the arrival of the Panda resuscitaire. The device, which was donated by the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, is a purpose-built examination bed for newborn babies.

Clinical staff in Weipa recently undertook neonatal resuscitation training under the guidance of two external nurse educators. While the staff were already highly skilled and experienced, staff said it was important that clinicians do regular training. They also undertook a “train the trainer” course which will allow them to train future colleagues.

suite to come online in new year

“Midwifery group practice is an all-risk model of care, which means all women, regardless of any pre-existing or new or developed, complexities they have during their pregnancy, will still have their own midwife in Weipa,” Ms Weatherstone said.

“But to birth in our local area, which is all of our facilities in Torres and the Cape, you have to be what we consider low-risk.”

Women in the Western Cape who are rated as low-risk will still have a choice to give birth locally or fly out in advance of their due date, Ms Weatherstone said.

“Ultimately, we want the birth experience to be a safe and positive one for the mum and baby,” she told Cape York Weekly

“It’s also good to reassure the community that no matter what gestation of your pregnancy you’re at, no matter what complications arise, you’ll always get emergency care in the hospital and there will be qualified staff to manage that situation.”

As a result of birthing services coming to the region, Weipa now boasts some of the best facilities of any remote hospital in Australia.

“As part of this bigger picture project, there’s been the CT scan-

ner implementation in Weipa and with that has come some specialist radiography and cinematography services,” Ms Weatherstone said.

“That also means that you can do things like ultrasound locally,

which previously you’ve had to go off and have that procedure in Cairns.

“That’s been a huge benefit, I think, to the community.

“On top of that, we have the amazing bath. I think we’re very proud of this beautiful, big bath.

“We’ll be offering water immersion and, when we are ready to do so, that will extend to water birthing, which is a huge pain relief option for women.

“On top of the bath, we obviously have all of the beautiful equipment that we need for birthing, including the neonatal resuscitation machine that’s been donated (by Humpty Dumpty Foundation).

“Overall, it’s a very wellequipped facility.”

Having qualified staff in key roles has also been one of the challenges for the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, with a shortage around the country.

However, the final pieces of the puzzle are expected to arrive in Weipa in January.

“For one woman to birth in this community for a planned birth, we have to have 24-hour access to maternity care and clinicians that can actually provide that service,” Ms Weatherstone said.

“So part of that is we need GPs that are obstetric trained and we need GPs that are anaesthetic trained.

“We also need nurses that can provide emergency and planned theatre.

“There are also six midwives as part of that midwifery group practice. In Weipa, they have a midwifery unit manager and then you’ve got your normal roles, like director of nursing, who supports the whole model of care.

“Weipa is very much focused around a multidisciplinary team approach, so we have access to allied health, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, dietitians and diabetes educators and a physiotherapist, so it is an absolute wraparound service for women.”

Weipa midwifery unit manager Rukhsana Aziz by the neonatal stabilisation cot in the birthing unit, which is expected to officially open in the early months of 2023.

Weipa midwife and proud Gubbi Gubbi woman Megan Briffa recently attended a conference on First Nations birthing in Alice Springs. Megan is part of the Weipa Midwifery Group Practice which supports women and babies in the Western Cape.

The birthing bath is the pride and joy of the midwifery team at Weipa.

NRM has grand plans for big site

THERE will be no McDonalds, nor a KFC at the old Cooktown Bakery block, with the rumour mill put to bed this month when Cape York NRM announced it had purchased the site.

Ever since the bakery went up in flames two years ago, locals have been whispering about options for the premium block on the corner of Charlotte and Hogg streets.

Some have even suggested the site was going to house a new supermarket.

However, Cape York Natural Resource Management CEO Adam Sadler has quashed those rumours.

“There was a lot of commentary about it being a KFC or a Woolies,” he said.

“We’ve put the sign up at the block to highlight to everyone that we’re investing in our region and that our future is going to be at that site.”

Mr Sadler said he was unable to go into detail about the bigger plans ahead, with the board yet to determine exactly what the new site will look like.

“At the last board meeting, the board endorsed a master planning exercise,” he said.

“We haven’t got a detailed perspective of what we’re going to do – we are still working to set up a project team at the moment.”

Cape York Weekly understands that NRM will look at creating a large office space on the half-acre block, with the view to potentially

adding accommodation quarters for some staff or visitors.

There is also talk that Cooktown will become the sole office for the organisation, with Cape York NRM currently housing some staff in Atherton.

“It’s exciting but we just haven’t locked in the details yet,” Mr Sadler said.

“We’ve had a big year, the team’s delivered a lot with all our

business partners and we’re making a difference across the landscape.

“There are a lot of projects and opportunities in the pipeline.”

Mr Sadler said Cape York residents could expect more news in the early part of 2023.

“On behalf of the team we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe festive season,” he said.

From myself, Athena, Jenny and Tamara we would like to thank all of our amazing clients and wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and the happiest of New Years. We had a huge year and I am so proud of our team and the commitment and attention to detail along with all the hard work which has seen our properties go from appraisal to settlement one after the other. We broke all of our records this year and are looking forward to an even bigger 2023 with some exciting new projects and marketing on the horizon. We are so passionate about what we do, it is a privilege to assist our clients with their big life decisions and making their goals and dreams come true.

Our office will be closed from Thursday 22nd December to January 3rd. We are contactable by phone/email or fill out a contact form on our website.

Stay safe and whether it’s the reef, rainforest, waterfront or waterfalls take some time to get out and enjoy the very unique and special place we call home.

Cheers Julie

The Cooktown Bakery going up in flames in December, 2020.

Cape York NRM biodiversity project officer James Dobson and project officer Ben Ansell at the former bakery site in Cooktown.

WEIPA Community Care and the Weipa Running Festival are among nine community groups to be supported under North Queensland Bulk Ports’ community fund.

The recipients will share $60,000 in funding, with each initiative expected to deliver tangible benefits and promote goodwill across NQBP’s port communities.

NQBP acting chief executive officer Belinda Kenny congratulated the Weipa recipients and said each initiative demonstrated the ability to make a real difference in the community.

“We had a great response to our 2022-23 Community Fund, the inaugural year of the fund, with 56 applications received,” she said.

“We’re proud to support a broad range of initiatives such as Weipa Community Care and the Running Festival.

“All the initiatives supported under the 2022-23 Community Fund have a strong alignment with NQBP’s values of excellence, unity, respect and integrity.”

Weipa Community Care CEO Josephine Tait said NQBP’s sponsorship would assist the volunteer

organisation in bringing joy to disadvantaged families and individuals in the Weipa community this Christmas.

“We thank NQBP for supporting us in creating Christmas hampers with non-perishable food items, and thoughtful Christmas presents for those in need in our community this year,” she said

“With the help of NQBP and other local businesses, we will deliver hampers and presents to 37 children and their foster families across Weipa over the coming days.”

Bamaga Enterprises Ltd New Year Update

Christmas cake, iced coffee, milkshakes and more at Bamaga Tavern

Bamaga Tavern and Regina’s Bistro are spicing things up this fes�ve season with several new items on the menu that are sure to sa�sfy everyone’s Christmas cravings.

Treat yourself to a decadent slice of house-made Christmas cake and relish it with a cup of tea or a smooth hot chocolate.

And if you’re craving something refreshing, check out the range of delicious iced coffees while the kids sip on a cool milkshake.

Don’t forget, the Tavern also has the best range of mouthwatering gourmet pizzas in town.

Gather with friends and family and celebrate the Christmas cheer at the Tavern.

The Tavern and Bistro are open this fes�ve season, except for 25 December.

Bamaga Tavern Christmas opera�ng hours:

• Christmas Eve 24 December: 12pm to 9pm

• Christmas Day 25 December: CLOSED

• Boxing Day 26 December: 12pm to 6pm

• Boxing Day Holiday 27 December: 12pm to 6pm

• 28 December – 31 December: Normal trading hours

Bamaga Tavern and Regina’s Bistro New Year opera�ng hours:

• New Year’s Day 1 January: CLOSED

• New Year’s Day Holiday 2 January: Bistro CLOSED, Tavern: 12pm to 6pm

Check our full list of opera�ng hours at bamagatavern.com.au

Regina’s Lounge & Bistro, Bamaga Tavern, 182 Adidi Street, Bamaga Ph 4069 3256 bamagatavern.com.au

Regina’s Bistro at Bamaga Tavern is serving Christmas cake throughout December.

Weipa Community Care chief executive officer Josephine Tait with long-serving North Queensland Bulk Ports staff member John Clark in Weipa last week.

The Weipa Running Festival was another local recipient of NQBP funding.

New tech takes aim at ghost nets

A TRAILBLAZING tracking

method for unused and abandoned fishing nets is being launched by an Australian charity – and it’s all hinges on upcycled beach trash.

Ghost nets can be the size of football fields and kill wherever they go, ensnaring turtles, dugongs, dolphins, sea birds, large fish and more. They can even get hooked on reefs and wrap around ship propellers.

For years, large ghost nets found in Australian waters have been giving clean-up crew the slip, appearing just long enough to be reported by sea-goers before disappearing by the time authorities arrive.

The

ers can be attached to the nets, monitoring their movements.

Tangaroa Blue CEO Heidi Tait said this new project was vital.

“There hasn’t been a project like this before, which enables the tracking of ghost nets immediately once they are found,” she said.

The idea first came to Tangaroa Blue when their cleaners kept finding old tracking beacons from the commercial fishing industry washed up on beaches.

“These trackers are echo-sounding GPS locators,” Ms Tait said.

“They sit on the surface attached to floats, buoys or bamboo structures and look at what type

of fish are underneath them. Some drift off and end up on our beaches.

“By then,the owners don’t want them back because they’re all the way in Australia.”

Rather than sending the expensive trackers to landfill, Tangaroa Blue ripped one apart and found the name Satlink inside the device.

“We called Satlink and said we wanted to try using them and they said it was a great idea,” she said.

The Spanish tech company started getting in contact with the original owners, asking to transfer the trackers to Tangaroa Blue –which many agreed to.

“Satlink is looking to do this as

-

an international case study,” Ms Tait said.

“We get so many ghost nets from the currents.

“When we do our annual chopper surveys in Cape York we’re finding hundreds of nets every year ... recently Sea Swift brought a net in and we pulled it apart to find out where it came from. It was from a government subsidised fishing operation in Vanuatu.”

The trackers will be handed out to Tangaroa Blue’s partners in New Year.

“The thing about ghost nets is that we don’t know how many are out there,” Ms Tait said.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Biosecurity joint project

CAPE York biosecurity risks and pest management will be the focus of a new collaboration between five Cape and Gulf councils.

Funded by the state government, the $75,000 project will involve Kowanyama, Pormpuraaw, Cook Shire, Mareeba and Carpentaria councils.

Kowanyama CEO Kevin Bell said the funding would boost pest management across multiple boundaries.

“We will engage a consultant to survey and review pest management capabilities across the participating local government areas,” he said.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said Far North Queensland was vulnerable to biosecurity threats due to its proximity to international borders and high levels of tourism.

Orphans Christmas offer

CHRISTMAS can be a time when loneliness and depression hits many, and the Cape York Folk Club is helping ease the burden with a shady venue and open invitation for Christmas lunch.

Club president Jen Midgley said an open lunch was enjoyed by about 30 people last Christmas, and they were again throwing out a welcome this year.

“A lot of people have asked us to do it again, they have neighbours or friends who will be on their own,” she said.

“We thought why not, all we have to do is put out tables and chairs and an esky with ice. It’s all about people being able to connect and uplift each other.”

The lunch is open to anyone, with attendees asked to bring a plate to share, musical instruments if they wish and their own drinks.

Two charged with theft

WEIPA police have charged two women after an incident in Rocky Point, on Monday, December 12.

It will be alleged that the women were at a licenced premise at about 7.45pm, when they have stolen a wallet from another patron.

Police will also allege that both women were involved in the theft of money from a taxi, on Monday, December 5.

A 38-year-old Napranum woman was charged with three counts of stealing.

A 20-year-old Napranum woman was charged with two counts of stealing and one count of commit public nuisance.

They are both expected to appear in the Weipa Magistrates Court in January.

Now not-for-profit Tangaroa Blue is teaming up with Satlink and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to repurpose satellite tracking buoys they’ve found among beach trash.

second-hand satellite track

Thousands of feral pigs culled from the skies

SKILLED and experienced marksmen in helicopters have removed a significant number of feral pigs from national parks in the Cape York region.

Ranger Dan Mead said Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service conducted feral animal control programs within the Oyala Thumotang, Rinyirru (Lakefield), and Lama Lama National Parks during early December.

“QPWS is a large land manager in collaboration with Aboriginal Joint Management partners across Cape York, and like all land managers, we are responsible for managing feral animals on these lands,” Mr Mead said.

“The feral animal program targeted feral pigs, and between December 1 and 4, we removed 2041 pigs from the environment in our Cape York national parks.

“Removing that number of feral pigs is a fantastic outcome, as they are highly destructive and cause extensive damage especially to our immensely valuable wetland areas that form the lifeblood of the Cape York landscape.

“Poor water quality is a major threat to the health of the reef, and many of the wetlands targeted act like nature’s kidneys by improving the water quality for the inshore areas of the far northern section of the Great Barrier Reef.

“Removing feral animals from these wetlands is critical and contributes enormously to the quality of land-based water run-off by providing well-functioning landscape scale filters that capture, and trap sediment and nutrients, which would otherwise end up on the reef.

“Feral pigs trample and uproot vegetation while they forage for food, and once-clear waters with native lilies are turned into muddy bogs no longer suitable for many native species.

“Though they mainly eat plant material, they are highly adapted to our environment, and they will eat anything they can find or catch, including birds, insects, frogs, small mammals and reptiles.

“Their diet also includes marine turtle eggs and hatchlings as they emerge from the nest, and I’m pleased to add that we removed 155 feral pigs in eastern Cape York turtle nesting habitat in November, just before turtle nesting season commenced.”

Mr Mead said the Department of Environment and Science placed a high priority on managing feral pests, and conducted an integrated approach to feral pig management.

“Across Queensland, feral pig populations are monitored to measure the effective-

ness of our control programs, and we also monitor and control populations of feral horses and feral cattle,” he said.

“Control activities are prioritised to focus on feral pig populations that are having the greatest impact on key areas and values within our national parks.

“QPWS also conduct extensive control programs that target weeds, feral horses, feral cattle, foxes and feral cats on our estate.

“Our control programs in our national parks are ongoing, and these are meticulously planned to ensure we can remove as many feral animals as possible while the choppers are in the air or the traps are on the ground.

“Regarding feral pigs, we also use baits, fencing and ground control, and we are trialling the use of new and innovative techniques such as the boar-buster traps in far north Queensland national parks.

“Removing thousands of feral pigs from these very special and unique landscapes will have immediate benefits, including less trampling, improved water quality, regeneration of native vegetation and more habitat and food for native animals.

“Given the vast size and remoteness of Cape York national parks, populations of feral pigs are most effectively controlled through aerial shooting.

“Our aerial shooting programs are conducted by skilled and experienced QPWS staff from helicopters with the support and participation of Traditional Owners and landholders through our Joint Management agreements.

“As with all control programs, human safety is the highest priority, and aerial control operations are conducted humanely and in accordance with approved pest plans.

“QPWS complies with standard operating procedures and codes of practice to ensure animal welfare requirements are met.”

Season’s Greetings

This is the last edition of the Cape York Weekly for 2022. 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

Feral pigs are known for destroying pristine wetlands across Cape York Peninsula.

More than 2000 feral pigs were shot by marksmen in helicopters earlier this month.

Christmas Lights @ Weipa

Pictures: GIEMBRA BUSMER

Pictures: SARAH MARTIN

Pool Inflatable Fun @ Cooktown

Ava Pensio finishing her run on the obstacle course. Holly Clarke and Dash Goodall waiting for their turn.

Haila Hegamaea keeping cool in the pool.

Jodie Legge and Rheanna Lauriston stayed in the shade poolside.

Micah Parkes finishing the course with a splash.

Cooktown Pool staffer Richard Lee kept things in order.

Brothers Mason and Roy Byrne enjoying a morning out. April Greaves ready to finish on the slide.

Cold drinks and cards poolside was the order of the day for Teila Winton and Jacynta and Chase Hunt.

Jack Murray was loving the inflatable course.

Haywen Kulka was down but not beaten by the course.

Karla Kulka took her nieces and nephews out for a day at the pool.

Good King Wenceslas, aka Eric George, led a merry troupe of carollers through Cooktown on Friday night, raising more than $1200 for the Cooktown Hospital Friends of the Foundation.

The Western Cape Communities Co-Existence Agreement (WCCCA) is an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) over the Rio Tinto mining lease areas of the Western Cape York region of Northern Queensland. The Agreement is between the eleven Traditional Owner Groups, four Shire Councils (Aurukun, Napranum, Mapoon and New Mapoon), Rio Tinto, the Queensland State Government and the Cape York Land Council on behalf of the Native Title Parties.

The Western Cape Communities Coordinating Committee (WCCCC) and its three SubCommittees transparently monitor, implement and review the objectives of the WCCCA to ensure that all parties’ obligations under the agreement are met. The WCCT office is the administration arm for all the Trusts and the WCCCC. It manages the overall business of the company including servicing, assisting and supporting the above entities.

WCCT is committed to providing high quality services to our Traditional Owners, and we recognize the importance of employing the most suitable candidates. Currently we are seeking applications for the position of:

GARDENER

Reporting to the Office Manager, the Gardener is responsible for monitoring the health of all plants and greenscapes, watering and feeding plants, trimming trees and shrubs, fertilizing and mowing lawns, mulching and weeding gardens, keeping green spaces and walkways clear of debris and litter and providing support to the Office Manager as directed. Applicants should have knowledge and experience in using and maintaining landscaping equipment, including mowers, trimmers and fertilizers while following health and safety regulations.

We anticipate that applicants will have;

• Experience in a similar role and or familiarity with landscaping design;

• Knowledge of regional plant life;

• Knowledge of local pests and how to eliminate them;

• Knowledge of synthetic and natural fertilizers;

• Knowledge of health and safety regulations for landscaping;

• The ability to lift heavy objects and remain on your feet for long periods of time;

Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply.

For further information including a position description please contact: Office Manager

Phone: (07) 4069 7945

Email: offmgr@westerncape.com.au

All applications should be clearly marked “Private and Confidential” and addressed as follows: Executive Officer PO Box 106 Weipa, QLD, 4874

Phone: (07) 4069 7945

Email: eo@westerncape.com.au

DATE – FRIDAY, 23RD DECEMBER 2022

The Western Cape Communities Co-Existence Agreement (WCCCA) is an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) over the Rio Tinto mining lease areas of the Western Cape York region of Northern Queensland. The Agreement is between the eleven Traditional Owner Groups, four Shire Councils (Aurukun, Napranum, Mapoon and New Mapoon), Rio Tinto, the Queensland State Government and the Cape York Land Council on behalf of the Native Title Parties.

The Western Cape Communities Coordinating Committee (WCCCC) and its three SubCommittees transparently monitor, implement and review the objectives of the WCCCA to ensure that all parties’ obligations under the agreement are met. The WCCT office is the administration arm for all the Trusts and the WCCCC. It manages the overall business of the company including servicing, assisting and supporting the above entities.

WCCT is committed to providing high quality services to our Traditional Owners, and we recognize the importance of employing the most suitable candidates. Currently we are seeking applications for the position of:

ADMINSTRATION OFFICER

Reporting to the Office Manager, the Administration Officer is responsible for assisting in the efficient and effective functioning of the WCCT Office in order to meet organisational objectives. This includes demonstrating appropriate and professional workplace behaviours, performing their responsibilities in a manner which reflects and responds to continuous improvement, and providing administrative support to the Office Manager as directed, and to other areas as required within the office of the WCCT. The Administration Officer is also responsible for assisting in the coordination of all WCCT, WCCCA Sub-Regional Trusts and Sub-Committees meetings scheduled throughout the year.

We anticipate that applicants will have;

- Minimum Year 12 education;

- Minimum 1 year experience in a similar administrative role;

- Sound IT and MYOB experience;

- C Class Driver’s license; and

- An understanding of engaging with Aboriginal people.

Tertiary qualifications in Business/Administration or higher will be considered favorably. Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply.

For further information including a position description please contact: Office Manager

Phone: (07) 4069 7945 Email: offmgr@westerncape.com.au

All applications should be clearly marked “Private and Confidential” and addressed as follows: Executive Officer PO Box 106 Weipa, QLD, 4874 Phone: (07) 4069 7945 Email: eo@westerncape.com.au

6TH JANUARY 2023

Christmas Closure

The

SPORT IN BRIEF

Win for The Muppets

REGGIE Williams and Aaron Hobbs were the winners of Cooktown Golf Club’s Happy Pat Day on Saturday.

Playing as The Muppets, they defeated Team Man de la Meat, featuring Eddie Cridland and Rick Butler.

Nearest the pins went to Chris Hatton, Paul Humphries and Brent Hetaraka.

A chipping comp was also held with Mrs Patricia Gibbons (Happy Pat’s wife) needing just three balls to pick up the win and an Engel esky and $140 in cash.

End of taekwondo

AFTER eight years, Cooktown Taekwondo Academy coach Dan Hodgson has hung up his ghi, with lessons ceasing for good last month.

He attributed the difficult decision to close the club on lack of time and personal injuries.

“With my growing number of injuries that never have time to fully recover and the difficulties of balancing my busy work life, SES, rural firies and music, I have made the difficult decision that it’s time to wrap things up,” he announced.

Cameron Johnson, one of only four CTA students to achieve black belt grading with the club, said Hodgson’s hard work hadn’t gone unnoticed.

“Thank you to Dan for the effort you put in, it is something I won’t forget,” she said.

Mr Hodgson thanked the Gungarde Community Centre Aboriginal Corporation who provided a training venue for the club, and the supporters and students who helped along the way.

“To the hundreds of kids and the mums and dads who gave them the opportunity, especially the only four students in that time who overcame all of the challenges and difficulties to succeed in making their black belt a reality; you are amazing.”

Victory for power couple

DAVID Morgan and Tula Junna were the winners of Carpentaria Golf Club’s pairs stableford competition on Sunday.

They had 34 points to beat Eugene Venter and Vivian Chan, who had 33 points.

Nearest to pins went to Dale Egan on 15 and Jeff Watson on 18.

Wackers is back

TEN players took to the Weipa course last week for Wednesday Wackers, with a new season underway.

Steve Head was the winner, beating Jim Taylor on nett after both had 47 off the stick.

No one picked up a nearest the pin and Darren Molloy settled for the Bradman’s.

Free 12-week bootcamp

IF your New Year’s resolution includes getting fit, Cook Shire Council’s free 12week bootcamp could help shift you out of you festive slump.

Funded by the North Queensland Sports Foundation, the Move It Cook Shire program includes free fortnightly fitness sessions in Cooktown and Lakeland, complemented by nutrition advice, live online classes and a 12-week bodyweight workout e-book.

Delivered by Dale Fahey from Open Road Co, the sessions kicked off in November, and will begin again on Tuesday, January 17 at 5.30pm at Lakeland and Wednesday, January 18 at 6am at Cooktown.

Sessions are completely free and inclusive for all fitness levels and abilities, and will be held fortnightly.

Happy Pat Golf Day

Pictures: SARAH MARTIN

Campbell Venables and Wal Welsh at the clubhouse for the Cooktown Golf Club’s Happy Pat Cup social event.

Stephen Fetz braved the steamy conditions. Dayna Law tees off.

Steve Butler and sister-in-law Hazel enjoying a cool drink at the clubhouse.

Reggie Williams and Aaron Hobbs were the best dresssed and winners! Rick Butler and Eddie Cridland made sure the day ran smoothly.

Long-time local golfer Sel Wendt was still in form.

Ben Sperring and Paul Humphries on the course.

Lee Gordon on a recent outing with his family.

Amanda Gordon wasn’t going to be outdone by Lee. Dave Donald with a ripping east coast cod.

Ashton Gordon with a nice fingermark. Mitch and Clay with ripper nannies on the east coast.

Stuie Brown with a fine catch.

Ken Gostelow got out of his truck and into his boat to bag his PB large mouth nannygai.

Logan Gordon with a beaut tuskie caught off Mapoon.

Shanni with her PB nannygai.

Weipa’s Mal Slack with Mark Berg in New Zealand.

Ben Bright shows off his GT, caught on the east coast.

Liz Weidman and Mark Berg in NZ.

THE search for the 2023 Indigenous Marathon Project squad is underway.

The IMP is a six-month health and leadership development program which transforms the lives of its participants while opening doors they may not have once dared to knock at.

Applications are now open, with the national tour set to take place early next year to identify 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to take on the New York City Marathon.

The IMP hopes to mentor the participants to use the skills the marathon teaches them to find their strength and return to their communities as healthy lifestyle advocates.

The project, a core program of the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, is open to all Indigenous Australians aged 18-30 with no prior running experience necessary.

Successful applicants will have just six months to train for New York, with the support of IMF founder Rob de Castella and coach Damian Tuck.

All costs are covered by the Indigenous Marathon Foundation.

“It’s a really exciting time,’’ Mr Tuck said.

“I’ve seen firsthand the impact and transformation that the IMP has on its participants.

“I know how tough a marathon can be and I’m really excited to find our next squad to share this incredibly rewarding and life-changing journey with.”

In addition, the squad will be mentored by the 132 IMP graduates who have passed through the program since its inception in

2010, and who continue to be an integral part of the IMF family.

Aurukun’s Waynead Wolmby was a 2022 graduate and recently returned from Athens in Greece after running in the European event.

Mr de Castella said the search was not about discovering the fastest runners.

“It is about finding motivated people who have the strength and character to inspire their communities and the nation through their commitment and ability to tackle challenges, one step at a time,” he said.

“Don’t hesitate, register now and take up the IMP challenge.

“Running is easy, just one step after the other, but running a marathon is hard, just like life can be, especially if you want to make a difference.

“IMP will change your life and the lives of others in your community and family.”

Next year’s national tour will visit communities around Australia and select six men and six women in a trial that includes a 3km run, and an informal interview.

Applications can be made online at www.imf.org.au

NQ Sportstar Awards recognition

UNDERWATER hockey star

Rocco Thomason and longtime muaythai trainer Vince Parkes were recognised for their contributions to the sporting community at a ceremony at Cook Shire Council last week.

Councillor Marilyn Morris presented Rocco and Vince’s son Micah Parkes, with framed certificates and goody bags to recognise the pair being finalists in

the North Queensland Sportstar Awards.

Parkes, who was unable to attend the ceremony, was a finalist in the Alan Ticehurst Award for Service to NQ Sport for his 30plus years of dedication to muaythai in Cooktown and Far North Queensland.

Rocco was a finalist in the junior sportsperson category, with his nomination highlighting

the teen’s stellar achievements in underwater hockey in 2022, including selection for the 2023 Queensland squad headed for the national titles in Bunbury in January.

The Sportstar Awards are held annually, with local governments encouraged to nominate those who have contributed to sport in their area during the previous year.

Cook Shire councillor Marilyn Morris with Rocco Thomason and Micah Parkes (accepting his dad Vince’s plaque).

IMP graduate Waynead Wolmby.

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.