Bulldozer operator loves putting a smile on faces

By MATT NICHOLLS

BRIONY Kopp might be the only bulldozer operator/florist in Australia.

The founder and owner of Weipa Wildflowers says she loves her balanced lifestyle, although admits that the days leading into Valentine’s Day are a bit longer.

“It’s definitely the busiest time of the year with all the fresh flowers arriving,” she told Cape York Weekly

“Like any business up here we have freight issues.”

In the dry season, Briony’s flowers come to Weipa via truck in refrigerated storage.

But when the roads are closed, it means her freight comes via Qantas, which means significant additional costs.

“It gets here quickly but you are relying on Qantas and the cost of air freight is three to five times the price,” she said.

“We make it work, though.”

Briony said she had been in the floristry industry for more than a decade, having started as a junior in a florist shop.

“I think that’s how most people get into the industry. I’ve been a qualified florist since 2016,” she said.

After moving to Weipa in 2020, Briony doubted if she would continue in the flower industry.

“I thought it would only be mining but floristry is my passion. I love anything with flowers,” the Aurukun Earthmoving bulldozer operator said.

The Western Cape has been a big winner as a result.

Getting flowers had been a challenge in Weipa and special occasions often went without.

“I think that’s one of the most pleasing parts of the business; making floristry accessible,” Briony said.

“Over time I’ve also worked out what flowers do best in the warmer climate so we do a lot of

Crash victim update

COOKTOWN’S Shayne Chessor is no longer in a critical condition after spending more than three weeks in hospital following a motorised scooter crash on January 20.

A Townsville Hospital and Health Service spokesman confirmed on Monday that Mr Chessor remained in hospital, but was now in a stable condition.

The 42-year-old was airlifted to Townsville and placed in an induced coma after hitting a traffic island while riding his moped in Cooktown.

Family said the long-time Cooktown local was awake and communicating through nods, but it would be a long road to recovery.

Artists sought for RAP

YOUNG Indigenous artists are being encouraged to submit their works to feature as the centrepiece of Cook Shire Council’s new blueprint for reconciliation.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists aged 10-18 could pocket $500 if their artwork wins, and have the work featured on the cover of the Council’s new Reconciliation Action Plan.

Submissions must be print, painting, drawing or digital and reflect the theme of The Spirit of Reconciliation. Submissions are due by noon on Monday, February 27.

Visit Cook Shire’s website for more information.

“This year I’ve been very impressed with the number of blokes in Weipa who are getting in early with their orders,” she said with a laugh.

“They’ve had a couple of years of practice now.”

It can be a risky business.

To make sure she has enough stock, Briony has to order her flowers in December.

This year, she has not only taken personalised orders, but has diversified to making flowers available to buy at the Weipa Servicentre.

Vandals trash clubhouse

FURIOUS volunteers are again picking up the pieces after vandals broke into the Cooktown District Junior Rugby League clubhouse at John Street Oval.

Recently installed security cameras captured footage of youths who smashed windows and walls.

The clubhouse was also broken into late last year, and volunteers had also been forced to scour the grounds and facilities before training and games after uncapped needles were found on the field.

natives and dried flowers. I want to sell a product that will last.”

Most of the fresh flowers come from Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands, while the dried flowers are sourced from further south.

Briony said Weipa Wildflowers had been able to supply decorations at a number of key local events, including several Cape York weddings.

“It’s a real thrill when you can provide a service that people didn’t think was possible,” she said.

“I still think the best part is when you deliver flowers to someone who isn’t expecting them.

“Seeing someone’s face light up gives me a big thrill.”

This year’s Valentine’s Day will likely result in a sell-out.

On the weekend, they were snapped up quickly.

She said the Rio Tinto Let’s Keep It Local voucher scheme had been a big help to the business.

“It’s been amazing. People get a voucher at Christmas and spend it locally in the community and that helps every business in town,” she said.

“I’ve had quite a few orders from people with vouchers.”

Cook Shire mayor Peter Scott said the actions of a few were affecting the many who loved and used the oval and facilities.

“The oval used to be a paddock and over the last 20 years the council and community has strived to get it to the great facility it is today,” he said.

“There has been so much effort and dedication by so many people over such a long time; it is wrong for a small group in a stupid moment to damage what belongs to and is loved by all of us.”

CCTV footage has been supplied to officers at Cooktown Police Station.