Cape York Weekly Edition 122

MATT NICHOLLS

remote communities.

“Any assessment of a freight equalisation scheme should consider the value of potential government health expenditure savings and quality of life improvements, that could result from lower food security issues facilitated by a freight subsidy,” the report said.

“Ultimately, the design of the scheme should ensure that household end-consumers tangibly benefit from lower prices of goods and services.

“This study also recommends a price monitoring program to ensure any scheme translates into lower cost-of-living.”

Special report – Pages 4 & 5

Most Cape York and all Torres Strait communities rely on sea freight, which is more expensive and requires additional on-the-ground infrastructure.

Detectives investigate teen’s stabbing

A COOKTOWN teenager was airlifted to Townsville after he was rushed to Cooktown Hospital with stab wounds in the early hours of Sunday.

Officer in charge, Senior Sergeant John McArthur, said detectives were investigating the stabbing, after the teen was found on a footpath in Cooktown just after midnight.

“The investigation is in the early stages at the moment and

police are sourcing witnesses,” he said.

The teenager was yesterday in a stable condition.

Meanwhile, police are yet to provide an update regarding the sudden death of Cooktown woman Pippa Lanko.

The 38-year-old was found in her neighbour’s yard on the afternoon of Monday, February 6.

Police believe she died the night before.

Youth crime increasing, say concerned residents

By SARAH MARTIN

SCARED, frustrated and feeling helpless; emotions are running high in Cooktown as locals fear their quiet town is turning sour after a spate of burglaries and vandalism.

Alleged offenders as young as eight are reported to be roaming the streets after midnight, and young criminals are taking to social media to boast about stolen cash and vehicles.

One upset resident, who did not wish to be named, said a door at their home was opened while the family was inside, but dogs deterred the would-be intruder.

“I don’t blame the kids, what hope have they got, I know some of them and they are covered in

bruises and walking the streets at night, but no one is doing anything,” they said.

Residents fear the crime wave will have a tragic outcome.

“Some of the people who live around here, if one of these kids breaks into their house, it’ll be a one-way ticket,” the resident said.

“What about next time they steal a car and roll it? Last time they rolled a car on Endeavour Valley Road with kids who were about 10 years old in it.”

The Ampol service station on Hope Street was broken into two nights running, with the offenders captured on security camera, first stealing lollies after smashing in the front door.

On the second night, an offender tried to bludgeon his way

into the ATM with a hammer before giving up, leaving a trail of blood across the counter to steal cigarettes.

“The first night kids took chewing gum and chocolate, the second night an older male got in and went straight for the ATM with a hammer, but had no success so jumped the counter and helped himself to about $1300 worth of smokes,” an employee said.

“It’s a massive cost, thousands and thousands, and lost business turning customers away while we’re closed.

“I think we need bars over all the windows because now they know it can be done and there’s nothing stopping them.”

The youths appeared to be on a town-wide crime spree,

with windows smashed on a car left parked overnight on Helen Street and an attempted break-in at the Camping Cape York store on Charlotte Street which was thwarted when a gutsy local lady chased the kids.

The Sovereign Resort Hotel bottleshop was also broken into, with alcohol stolen, while expensive solar lights and bollards on the newly-finished Sherrin Esplanade were vandalised.

Cooktown officer in charge, Senior Sergeant John McArthur said police had identified the juvenile offender who attacked the Ampol ATM with a hammer, and a search warrant had been conducted, with stolen items recovered.

He said the other incidents were under investigation.

Police are calling for witnesses to a stabbing on Saturday night.

Despite the doors being unlocked, thieves smashed windows and went through the contents of this car parked on Helen Street in Cooktown last week.

The Ampol service station was targeted two nights in a row, with boards covering the smashed glass panels.

Royston chasing Cape’s votes for Australian Idol

By MATT NICHOLLS

FORMER Western Cape College student Royston Sagigi-Baira is in the top 12 of Australian Idol after his range wowed judges in the opening month of the show.

However, he will now need the support of the Cape York and Torres Strait community – along with the rest of the nation – if he is to progress further.

Royston, who graduated from his Weipa school in 2016, said the support from the Cape had been enormous.

“My phone has been blowing up. I have had so much support,” he said from his hotel room in Sydney.

“Everyone is saying they are really supportive and proud of me.”

Although not every message has been positive.

“There have been some trolls here and there. A few people commenting on social media that I can’t sing or (racist) stuff,” Royston said.

“All of that is pretty new to me.”

However, the Mapoon boy says he has no time to dwell on the negatives as he vows to become a role model for the next generation.

“One of the main reasons I went on the show is for the kids to have that representation,” he told Cape York Weekly

“We don’t get a lot of our own mob on TV and for kids in remote Indigenous areas, it’s good for them to see that.

“I remember seeing Jessica Mauboy on Australian Idol and she was so inspiring.

“That really lit a fire in me.”

Royston has been singing for as long as anyone can remember, but paid tribute to some former school teachers who helped him along the way.

“Mr Willis in grade five and Ms Berry in high school were really awesome,” he said.

“The principal of the res cam-

pus, Miss Amanda (Allender), was really crucial in helping me.

“She he got me to apply for university.”

Western Cape College’s secondary principal Dan Tonon said the school was throwing its support behind Royston.

“I think anyone who was at the school when Royston was here can remember his voice,” he said.

“He was a regular performer at the school and we knew he was destined for great things.”

Royston said he was now bracing for the next challenge as Australian Idol moves to live shows with the top 12.

“I’ve never performed live on TV before but the good thing is they have been preparing us for the live shows,” he said.

“The voting now comes into the hands of the people, so I’m going to need everyone in the Cape to get behind me and vote.”

The winner of Australian Idol will receive $100,000 and a recording contract with Sony.

Royston Sagigi-Baira with Australian Idol host Ricki-Lee Coulter on Sunday night.

Royston has been one of the public’s favourites since auditions aired.

We need help: Cape York mayors

By MATT NICHOLLS

TWO of Cape York’s most vocal leaders have called for a freight equalisation subsidy to be established to help fight the crippling cost-of-living battles in remote Far North Queensland.

Robbie Sands is the mayor of Kowanyama and also the chair of the Torres and Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance, which has put together an independent report on the freight challenges facing those living in remote areas.

Backed by former TCICA chair and Lockhart River mayor Wayne Butcher, the alliance is calling for government action on the soaring freight prices impacting residents in the Cape, Torres Strait and Gulf.

“This is something that will help our communities,” Cr Sands told Cape York Weekly

“Families are just making ends meet and some are struggling.

“The cost of everything is going up and we haven’t seen a rise in wages or (Centrelink) payments.”

WET SEASON INFLAMES

FREIGHT SITUATION

KOWANYAMA, on the western side of Cape York, relies on road freight in the dry season.

When rain cuts off road access to Cairns and the Tablelands, air freight is the only option.

“A subsidy shouldn’t be a permanent fixture because we don’t want to be relying on help forever, but we need it now,” Cr Sands said.

“Investing in our roads can help extend our dry season access and also help reduce that cost of living.

“Another idea could be to bring in vouchers like they do with the power cards to spend at the local store, which would ease a lot of pressure.”

Cr Butcher said Lockhart River residents had become resilient, but were almost at breaking point with the rising cost of living.

“This is something that should have been picked up a long time ago,” he said.

“Just about every community on the Cape has been battling high freight costs for many years. It’s become a lot worse with the cost of fuel rising, though.”

Lockhart River doesn’t have a port or a jetty, which means that its

freight is unloaded from a mother ship at Horn Island and then sent back down.

“It goes past us and then comes back down. Everything is double handled,” the mayor said.

“We used to have a little barge called the Temple Bay which was here for 12 months of the year. It would meet the ship as it was on its way north.”

WE SURVIVE OFF THE LAND AND SEA WITHOUT hunting and fishing, many households would struggle to survive, Cr Butcher said.

“Our people are getting by from turtle, dugong and fish,” he said.

“They’ll get a wild cow out of the bush or maybe a pig.

“When I go out hunting I’m expected to bring back enough for five households.”

Part of that had a cultural element, Cr Butcher said.

“We are taught to look after our family. Not everyone has a job,” he told Cape York Weekly

Cr Sands echoed the thoughts of his counterpart.

“A lot of people in Kowanyama

cope by sourcing their own types of food,” he said.

“But there are restraints because not all of our families have roadworthy vehicles.

“People are just getting by with what they can.”

Cr Butcher said the TCICA study showed the issue was larger than one company and that there was no need for finger-pointing.

“I don’t blame Sea Swift or CEQ, which has the supermarket, for high prices – the cost of everything has gone up.

“But wages haven’t gone up and those on fixed incomes haven’t seen a rise that has matched the increased cost of living.”

HIGH COSTS

IMPACT

HAVE

ON HEALTH

IN the report, which was written by Dr Shashi Karunanethy from multi-national firm Geografia, it says that a freight equalisation subsidy would improve health outcomes in remote communities and likely result in a net benefit to the state government.

“The high transportation costs in Cape York Peninsula and Torres

Strait Island communities have led to high prices for goods and services and a high cost of living for remote Queenslanders,” wrote Dr Karunanethy.

“The availability of quality and affordable fresh produce has arguably led to poorer health outcomes amongst remote communities in these regions.

“Historically, government programs have recognised this and sought to address the high costs faced by remote communities.

“However, most have focused on essential goods and services, like travel, medicine and education. Where tax concessions do exist, these fall short of alleviating the full cost burdens of very remote communities and have not kept pace with rising costs.”

The report, which used five communities (Aurukun, Bamaga, Horn/Thursday Island, Weipa and Mornington Island), along with the Torres Strait Outer Islands as case studies, estimated the cost of shipping household goods was between $28 million to $43 million in 2021.

Dr Karunanethy wrote: “At present, the region faces high transport costs due to a combination of several factors:

● The poor condition of the region’s road infrastructure, which largely remains unsealed, making it difficult for road freight services to operate;

● Flooding during wet seasons that makes roads impassable, limiting road freight opportunities;

● Poor condition of infrastructure for sea freight and last-mile road infrastructure on many islands, making it more costly for transport providers.

“Additionally, the market characteristics of the region exacerbates the cost effects.

“Low population density and high operating costs limit the number of food retail and transportation operators, leading to the formation of local monopolies in some communities.

“As a result, consumers are shouldering the full transportation cost burden, which would otherwise be reduced in more accessible and competitive markets.”

Kowanyama mayor and TCICA chair Robbie Sands and Lockhart River mayor Wayne Butcher (inset) say that a freight subsidy would help their communities.

Remote store operator feeling the pinch

THE biggest supermarket operator in remote Queensland says this year’s wet season will cost more than $1 million than forecast as freight costs soar through the roof.

Michael Dykes, the CEO of notfor-profit organisation Community Enterprise Queensland, said unless there was a measure in place to help cover the cost of freight, costs would have to be passed on to the customers.

“In principle, we’re very supportive of a freight subsidy that makes the daily shop for local people more affordable,” he said.

“Something that targets healthy options and fresh produce would be welcomed by us, for sure.”

CEQ has ABIS and IBIS stores

across Cape York, Torres Strait and the Gulf.

Mr Dykes said while Sea Swift carried goods to most stores, some like Doomadgee, Kowanyama and Pormpuraaw relied on air freight in the wet season.

“We’ve got a $1 million bill on our hands from air freight alone,” he said.

“And it’s not because we aren’t prepared. Before the wet we make sure our stores are well stocked.

“But this wet season the roads

have been cut off for longer in some communities and the stock has been used at an alarming rate.”

Passing on the costs has so far been largely avoided.

“Our board have been very solid in the direction they want, which is to hold as many of the prices as we can,” the CEO said.

“That has also cost us $700,000 this financial year to date.”

Mr Dykes said he encouraged those living in remote areas to be responsible when shopping.

“We do our very best to keep healthy and essential items affordable,” he said.

“Items like tobacco are really expensive and it’s important that families make the right choices.”

Upgrades to infrastructure are critical: Sea Swift CEO

By MATT NICHOLLS

NORTHERN Australia’s biggest marine freight company says it opened up its books to help the TCICA-commissioned report into a freight equalisation subsidy.

Sea Swift chief executive officer Dwayne Freeman said increasing costs were having an impact on both the company and customers.

“It’s something we would be supportive of but it has got nothing to do with the profitability of Sea Swift or us taking some of the money or propping up our profitability,” he said.

“A (freight equalisation subsidy) should be purely around finding a way to provide the service to these communities and getting it there at a lower cost.”

Mr Freeman said it was hard to keep the cost of freight down when travelling large distances.

“There are probably 14 touch points between the product getting from the southern states all the way up to communities,” he said.

“As a supplier, we have to continue to maintain a margin to be able to reinvest in our business.”

One way to reduce costs in the Cape and Torres Strait would be to improve efficiency at ports.

Subsidy for region is a must

THE Queensland government must act immediately and introduce a freight subsidy for remote communities.

Families living in the Cape, Torres Strait and Gulf are at breaking point.

Putting healthy options on the dinner table is becoming more and more difficult as prices soar in the supermarket and at the bowser.

The rising cost of diesel, in particular, has proven to be a major burden for the region as Sea Swift requires millions of litres per year to service our communities.

It’s a cost that has been passed on through levies and is being felt across the board.

Last week, a Weipa-based business said they were unable to continue operating in the wet season due to soaring freight charges.

“How can you possibly run a business when the freight is more expensive than the product? The customer won’t pay the additional costs,” they said.

Wayne Butcher said a local resident was shocked after ordering an air conditioner.

“The box air-con was $400 and the freight was more than that,” he said.

The summit scheduled on Thursday Island in December was a step in the right direction from the state government, but it made two critical mistakes.

“One of the things we need to discuss is the infrastructure that we have to deal with,” the CEO said.

“We run a configuration of vessels that is limited by landing equipment and infrastructure in most (ports).”

State and federal government investment at ports would allow Sea Swift to bring bigger vessels and improve efficiency.

Mr Freeman said remote ports in the Northern Territory were an

example of investments that were paying dividends at a local level.

“In the NT, we are putting larger landing craft into the regions because the infrastructure can handle it,” he said.

“It’s like a Dash-8 versus a 747. The differentials in terms of efficiency are massive.”

However, Mr Freeman believed that major investment was on the government’s radar.

“The announcement of a cost of

living summit last year (which was postponed) is a sign that they are aware of the situation,” he said.

Mr Freeman said Sea Swift was doing all it could to keep prices as low as possible and that the board was considering its options around future rate rises.

“It’s a very big decision for us because the reputation of our organisation and the impact of our rates on the community is taken very seriously,” he said.

Firstly, it called it the Torres Strait and NPA Cost of Living Summit, snubbing the rest of the Cape and the Gulf.

Then, it cancelled due to Sorry Business and didn’t immediately reschedule.

We hear it could be held next month, although we’re yet to hear anything official.

Let’s hope the Premier shows up and is armed with announcements.

CEQ is using Hevilift to send groceries to remote stores each week in the wet.

Improving port infrastructure in Cape York communities and on Torres Strait islands would help improve efficiency.

Shire desperate for car chargers

By MATT NICHOLLS

COOK Shire Council has called on the state government to extend the rollout of electric vehicle charging stations to Lakeland and Cooktown after dozens of enquiries from EV car owners, who want to visit the region.

The state government has been a world leader in rolling out charging stations having launched sites in Cloncurry, Charleville, Charters Towers and Cunnamulla, but so far the Far North has been left out.

The Super Electric Highway – branded by the government – reaches Cairns and Port Douglas but hasn’t yet been extended to Atherton, Mareeba or Cook Shire.

Mayor Peter Scott said the council had received so many requests that it was now looking at options to install its own.

He said it was a “no-brainer” that the Cape was included in the next roll-out.

“Cape York Peninsula is home to some of the most remote and vulnerable environments and communities in Australia, so extending the green highway to Cooktown and then further into the Cape is a no-brainer,” Cr Scott said.

“There are the obvious social and economic benefits for the region, which include more jobs and tourism growth.

“There’s also the opportunity to reduce Australia’s dependence on foreign oil imports and improve our energy security.

“The sheer size and remoteness of our region also presents a unique opportunity to become a hub for clean energy research and development.

“Australia has made a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting clean energy yet the exclusion of Cape York from the electric highway is incredibly inconsistent with this and represents a missed opportunity to build a more sustainable, prosperous and resilient future for the region and the country as a whole.”

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey, who drives an electric vehicle, said he hoped to have good news for Cook Shire in the coming weeks.

“Last year we announced a $10 million electric vehicle charging infrastructure co-fund, which allowed organisations and councils such as those in FNQ to apply for co-funded infrastructure,” he said.

“We’ve received a huge number of applications and will be making an announcement about their locations in the coming weeks.

“Some councils have chosen to supplement the Super Electric Highway by installing their own EV charging units and I welcome any moves to do so.

“As EV numbers grow, we are starting to increasingly see private sector funded EV chargers installed in more locations as well.

“The Palaszczuk government has led the way on electric vehicles. We were the first Australian state to develop an EV strategy, and the Queensland Electric Super Highway has been leading the nation when it comes to charging infrastructure.

“The Electric Super Highway is currently being expanded to almost 3800km, and will be made up of 55 charging stations across the state once fully complete later this year.”

Roads cut as heavy rain soaks most of Peninsula

By SARAH MARTIN

SCHOOLS closed, almost every road was cut off and some residents were forced to evacuate as heavy rain coincided with king tides to smash Cape York.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s intense rainfall warning proved accurate, with a monsoon trough unleashing more than 100mm in a matter of hours on some parts of the Cape on Thursday and Friday.

Wujal Wujal residents were shocked awake to a valley-wide flood warning siren at 2am on Friday, as the rapidly rising Bloomfield River threatened low-lying homes.

“We had a lot of bleary eyes on Friday, but it was a good reason to get out of bed at 2am,” a Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council employee said.

“It lets you know you have about 15 minutes to get to higher ground, and for our southside residents to get across the bridge and into the evacuation centre.

“Thankfully, the water went

back under the bridge later on Friday.”

Bloomfield State School students were sent home early on Thursday, with nearby Rossville State School closed on Friday, and classes looking empty with school buses cancelled in the Cooktown area due to widespread flooding.

Road travel was held up overnight as the Mulligan Highway was cut by floodwaters at the McLeod River crossing and Little Annan Bridge, with dozens of people, including a contingent of competitors from the Cooktown Amateur Swimming Club, spending an uncomfortable night on Friday sleeping in their vehicles before waters dropped low enough to make the crossing safe in the early hours of Saturday.

Weipa copped plenty of rain throughout the week, with a fierce storm smashing the town on Sunday night, although it was Kowanyama who got most of it, with 138mm recorded in a sixhour window.

Shed lost in blaze

A COOKTOWN man almost lost his home after fire ripped through the shed attached to his house on Friday.

Emergency services, including police, fire brigade and paramedics, as well as Ergon staff, raced to the rural property after a Triple Zero call was placed by the neighbours about 6.30pm.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Cooktown brigade captain Jason Carroll said the man lost his entire shed and contents before firies were able to staunch the flames.

“He was pretty upset, understandably,” Mr Carroll said.

“Thankfully the no one was injured, and the neighbours were there straight away directing us where to park and where the meter box was.”

Mr Carroll said 4000L of water mixed with foam had the blaze under control within about 20 minutes, with the man’s dwelling able to be saved.

“We stayed on scene for some time using thermal imaging cameras to scan the structure for hot spots. It’s really sad for the man, who came back to the property while we were there.”

Cooktown Police said there were no suspicious circumstances, and the owner, who was not home at the time, believed the blaze may have been sparked by an electrical fault.

Don’t mess with powerlines

CAPE York residents are being warned not to dice with death by messing with high voltage powerlines, after a stockwhip thrown into powerlines cut power to Aurukun residents recently.

Ergon Energy slammed the dangerous act, which forced an emergency outage.

“Anyone who throws objects at live powerlines is dicing with death and putting other members of the community at risk,” said Ergon’s area manager Charlie Casa. “These acts of vandalism cause damage to the network and expose the community to life-threatening hazards, like fallen powerlines.

“They also inconvenience the community by causing outages that could easily be avoided. It’s not the first time our crews have found a whip in powerlines, but we sincerely hope it’s the last because someone could have been hurt or killed through this act of stupidity.”

Power was also out in Kowanyama overnight on February 16 after tree branches connected with the high voltage network.

The Jardine River broke its banks last week. Luckily, the ferry is not required. Ferry workers stand 1km from the terminal in the NPA.

Fast flowing water and a log cut access on the Little Annan. The McLeod River near Mount Carbine forced a backlog on the Mulligan Highway.

Wujal Wujal residents got a flood alert at 2am on Friday.

Hard work pays dividends for Weipa’s newest nurse

FIFTH-generation Cape resident

Jess McDougall is among four new nurse graduates welcomed to the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service in 2023.

Becoming a nurse was a dream

Ms McDougall never thought would become reality.

“I’m thrilled to be able to join the nursing team as a new registered nurse,” the Coen local said after joining the team at Weipa Hospital.

The mother of two started her career at the Coen Primary Healthcare Centre, taking a role after finishing high school.

For the past nine years though, she has been working at Weipa, predominantly in the patient travel team.

Ms McDougall said initially she didn’t think she had the dedication for university, but was inspired by a previous colleague at Coen and her mum, who graduated as a teacher as a mature-aged student.

She bit the bullet and signed up to sign up to nursing through Central Queensland University, juggling full-time study, part-time work, two young children and a shift-working husband.

“As part of my studies, I was able to do my first and last student placements at Weipa,” she said.

“It’s been a real advantage

knowing the workplace and having colleagues around whom I know.”

TCHHS executive director of nursing and midwifery Services

Kim Veiwasenavanua said the new graduates were working in Weipa, Cooktown and Thursday Island.

“We are happy to welcome them as they begin their careers with the Torres and Cape HHS,’’ she said.

“They are an important part of our team, and we value the contribution they will make.’’

Ms Veiwasenavanua said the new nurses would undertake a 12-month graduate program that involved theoretical and practical assessments.

“Registered nurse graduates and midwives are provided support and mentorship by experienced staff to help make the transition from studying at university to life in the workforce,” she said.

“They have chosen a rewarding and fulfilling vocation that provides many pathways for career development and is a fabulous way of serving the community in which we live.

“We hope their first year of practice in our diverse health service will open their eyes to the opportunities and diverse range of professional experiences in our region and opt to continue their career with us in the future.”

KAP eyes support of Cook MP

KATTER’S Australian Party head Robbie Katter has issued an appeal to garner the state government’s support for his Blue Card Bill by writing to Cynthia Lui.

Mr Katter said the Member for Cook represented many of the communities where the “lifechanging” legislation would apply.

The Traeger MP said mayors, elders and community leaders from across Cape York supported his Blue Card Bill, and he implored Ms Lui to stand behind her communities and ensure Indigenous people wanting to improve their lives through meaningful employment were given a fair go.

“The Member for Cook was celebrated in 2020 when she had her Kupai Omasker legislation passed, which formally incorporated into law traditional Torres Strait cultural practices,” he said.

“This was a great achievement and now I am asking she again muster that same bravery and loyalty to her people to either win over her party room or cross the floor to stand with the First Australians who would benefit from my Bill.

“My Bill seeks to break down some of these barriers by handing Blue Card decision-making capacity to the communities (namely the Community Justice Groups) in a limited set of circumstances.”

DON’T believe the fake news – Bramwell Station Tourist Park will be open for business in 2023 and beyond.

That’s the message from Ken Godfrey, the man who helped put Bramwell on the map as one of the Cape’s leading tourist destinations and camping spots.

The Queensland government purchased Bramwell Station last year, which included the tourist park and roadhouse, however has been able to broker lease arrangements for the businesses.

Mr Godfrey said he had signed a five-year lease with the government and said it had been great to deal with thus far.

“I have no complaints; I’m very happy,” he told Cape York Weekly

“The Bramwell Station Tourist Park will open at the start of May and we’ve got a busy year ahead, with a lot of bookings from tour groups.

“As we’ve always done, we’ve got a big line-up of entertainment locked in so visitors have something to enjoy each night.

“We’ll be doing meals again as well, with the big station feed proving a hit.”

Mr Godfrey said tourists looking to book in 2023 should visit the website for details. “Go to bramwellstationcapeyork.com.au and you’ll find everything you need.”

Jess McDougall is one of the new nurses in the Torres and Cape HHS.

PDR package helps boost employment

WHILE work has come to a halt in the wet season, the figures compiled from works on the Peninsula Developmental Road continue to impress.

RSL donates $200k to support services

COOKTOWN RSL Memorial Club has pledged almost quarter of a million dollars to a community health program supporting some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.

The RSL will donate $200,000 over two years to support the work of the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service’s community care program, which provides aged care and disability services.

Cooktown RSL Memorial Club treasurer Janne Stewart said each year the club chose a community group or cause to support.

“We had a chat to a local councillor who suggested the Community Care Program would be a re-

ally good cause,” Ms Stewart said last week.

“They do great work for the people of Cooktown and it’s really important for us to give back to the community.”

TCHHS Cooktown community care coordinator Jasmine Sieverding said the group was ecstatic with the generous donation which would be used for several projects.

This will include providing medical alert systems for clients in their own homes, building a community garden and commissioning a book being published by the RSL club about elderly members of the community.

“On behalf of both the Cook-

Shaelanee heads off to serve her country

SHAELANEE Hegamaea will follow in the footsteps of her grandfathers and join the armed forces after enlisting in the Royal Australian Air Force.

The Cooktown teenager was accompanied by her parents for the occasion in Townsville.

“Her grandfather on her dad’s side was in the Papua New Guinea army and my great grandfather was in the Australian army,” proud mum Melissa Gunton said.

“She always wanted to join either the army or air force and the initial recruiting process began back in 2011.”

Ms Gunton said it was a bittersweet moment for her and husband Ivan Hegamaea saying their goodbyes.

“It was very emotional knowing our eldest had flown the nest, but also good to know she is do-

ing something she is passionate about and has worked very hard for; the recruitment process took a very long two years.”

The couple has four younger girls, but so far Ms Gunton said Shaelanee was the only one heading for a military career.

“At the moment our other children want to be a teacher, an Olympic swimmer and a doctor, but that may change!”

Shaelanee will spend four years training as an armament technician, before being posted with the special services team.

town Community Care Program and the entire health service, I thank the RSL for their donation which is going to improve the lives of people in our small community,” Ms Sieverding said.

TCHHS executive director of allied health Amanda Wilson said the club’s donation was a wonderful example of grassroots community spirit.

“Cooktown is a small town and there is no doubt those from the club will likely know many of the beneficiaries of their generosity,” she said.

“We thank them for reaching out to help those in need within their community.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island workers have played a key role in delivering the Cape York Region Package’s second stage.

Almost 62,000 training and upskilling hours have been worked on the package so far, passing the package’s original target.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads says more than 140 trainees have trained in civil construction over the life of the second stage of the package.

In partnership with Traditional Owners and Cape York Land Council, TMR developed the PDR Indigenous Land Use Agreement, which sets out key result areas relating to economic opportunities, training, and local industry participation.

“So far, 36 First Nations businesses have been engaged to work in civil construction, vegetation and road maintenance works on the package, worth

more than $35 million,” the Department said last week.

Catherine King, the federal Minister for Transport and Regional Development, said: “The Australian government understands the importance of safe and reliable road infrastructure in Queensland’s remote and unique Cape York region.

“Those who have travelled the remote roads of the Cape York region will understand the PDR will always be susceptible to flooding and closures.

“This investment will not only provide a safer and more flood resilient journey for motorists, but provide local communities better access to health services, employment, education and training opportunities.”

Queensland counterpart Mark Bailey added: “The Cape York Region Package isn’t just making roads in the Far North safer, it’s also supporting local job and training opportunities.”

The $237.5 million Cape York Region Package Stage 2 package is jointly funded by the state and federal governments on an 80:20 basis.

Cooktown RSL manager Julie Delaney with Cooktown community care coordinators Jeneen Clark and Jasmine Sieverding.

Shaelanee Hegamaea in Townsville.

An agreement to produce First Nations trainees as part of works on the PDR is so far exceeding expectations of stakeholders.

Couple stranded after yacht sinks

By SARAH MARTIN

PENSIONERS Rob and Gay McDonald have been left homeless after their home of 23 years, the Dancing Dolphin, began to sink on Friday.

They have since been fishing belongings from the floodwater of the Endeavour River.

A devastated Ms McDonald said she didn’t know what was next, with expensive repairs required to fix the small hole responsible, and the depth of their keel meant the Cooktown slip was not an option.

“All the wiring needs to come out, it’s all full of seawater; the timber I don’t know,” she told Cape York Weekly

“At this stage we just don’t know. “We don’t know if we have the money, either.”

The Cooktown Coast Guard rescued the couple from their mooring in the harbour, and towed the boat to the shallows near the boat ramp, but the highest tides of the year were making salvage and containment efforts harder.

“On the low (tide) she’s laying right over,” Ms McDonald said.

“The Coast Guard is going to put in containment booms to try to stop things floating away.”

She said in addition to the loss of their home, the couple had lost many of their belongings, including some with great sentimental value.

“I can’t find my cookware set, it cost me $800 in the 1980s, and my knitting needles

from my grandma made from actual bone and tortoiseshell are all gone; all our photos are gone,” Ms McDonald said.

Locals have rallied around the couple, with offers of accommodation, homewares, vehicles and even home cooked meals, but Ms McDonald said it was hard to even plan or think what they needed.

“At the moment getting what we can off the boat has got to be our first priority,” she said.

“My husband is an invalid pensioner and I’m his carer, so we have a pretty limited income; in the near future we would like to get settled somewhere, and we will need some homewares, but we’re still hoping to get some from the boat.”

Expression Of Interest

Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council (LARSC)

Piiramo Subdivision

LRASC are requesting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably qualified Contractors for Construction of the Piiramo Street Subdivision, located in Piiramo Street, Lockhart River.

The development is a serviced 25 lot development with the scope of works being broken down into a number of discrete Work Packages.

The Council is looking to engage a Head Contractor to construct and manage the Work Packages, a number of which the Council reserves the right to construct with Council work crews (Bulk Earthworks, Sewer and Water Reticulation), novated to, and under the management and supervision of the Head Contractor. The intent being to strengthen the capability of the Council’s work crews under the supervision, leadership and mentorship of a competent Head Contractor.

A project Procurement Methodology and Draft Construction Program Schedule are available upon request from Black and More.

Works are to be completed in 2023.

Expressions of Interest including evidence of the Company’s capacity and capability to achieve the project goals successfully within the proposed timeline are to be emailed to Black and More at tenders@blackm.com by 12pm Noon 28th February 2023.

Rob and Gay McDonald are shattered after the Dancing Dolphin began to sink on Friday.

The Cooktown Coast Guard brought Dancing Dolphin into shallow water on Friday.

Sudoku

Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block.

DAILY CONVENTIONAL CROSSWORD 15 X 15 GRID V

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.

Crossword

Note to Editor:

Focus

TODAY’S Good: 12 words

FOCUS Very good: 21 words

Excellent: 34 words

Spot the 5 Differences

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION elope eloper else enrol leer lens leper lerp lone loner lope loper lore lose loser peel PERSONNEL pole poler reel repel resole role sleep sloe slop slope sloper sole spleen

Reference: Macquarie Concise Dictionary

Focus No. 3949

Join the Dots

What is this? Find out by joining the dots.

CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM LEADER

CASUAL. COOKTOWN.

Do you have a knack for leading and motivating teams to deliver exceptional customer service?

We're seeking a skilled and experienced Team Leader to oversee our customer service function and drive our team to new heights. If you're a dynamic communicator, problem-solver, and natural leader, we want to hear from you!

Salary range: $79,572 to $82,010 per annum

Locality Allowance

5 weeks annual leave

3 weeks personal leave

Be part of a friendly and dedicated team

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 10 PM MONDAY 6 MARCH 2023

Administration Position Available

REMONDIS is one of the world’s largest recycling, service and water companies. The waste industry is evolving at a cracking pace and REMONDIS is building the systems and infrastructure to remain at the forefront of the circular economy journey. As such, we’re searching for a highly organized Administrative Officer who has the resilience and drive required to help us on that path.

• Permanent, secure + stable employment

• Competitive salary

• Weipa location

• 4 days/week (Wednesday – Saturday)

Step into a role where you can deepen your knowledge within general administration and support in the areas of accounts payables, procurement, and records management. You’ll work with internal and external stakeholders to deliver on a range of activities such as handling customers queries, purchases and processing assisting, maintaining office supplies and much more. You’ll have the support and direction you need to be successful and a wonderful team around you to make coming to work a joy!

Key Role Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining our operating system

• Subcontractor services and associated invoicing

• Administer and maintain logistics records

• Being the go-to person in the office and adapting your day to fit with different schedules

• Ensuring all requests from clients/customers are answered and actioned promptly

• Month-end processing, plant tracking, reporting, and data integrity

• Daily processing of time sheets

• Weekly completion of payroll to Head Office

• Assist with health, safety, environment and quality administration

Skills and Competencies required:

• Great communication skills with the ability to engage with customers

• Proven experience in business administration or accounts receivables/payables

• Strong MS Office experience inclusive of Excel

• IT literacy and experience working on systems

• A background in heavy industry, logistics and/or waste management is desirable

• Problem solving skills with the ability to juggle multiple competing priorities and having a clear sense of urgency

• The ability to work autonomously and in a team environment

• Be solutions orientated and willing to assist where needed

• High attention to detail

Applications close on 5 March 2023

APPLY ONLINE AT careers.remondis-australia.com.au or email resume direct to: Andrew.crichton@remondis.com.au

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

FULL TIME. COOKTOWN.

We're seeking an Economic Development Manager to help shape and execute our economic development strategy. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to work with key stakeholders to identify new business opportunities, attract investment, and build a thriving local economy. If you're a strategic thinker, natural problem-solver, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you!

Salary range: $97,704 to $107,843 per annum

Locality Allowance

5 weeks annual leave

3 weeks personal leave

NOTICE OF GROUP DESCRIPTION MEETING FOR KUKU WARRA NATIVE TITLE GROUP Cape York United # 1 Native Title Claim (QUD673/2014)

Tuesday 7 March 2023 – PCYC Cooktown

This notice is to advise that Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will be holding a group description meeting in Cooktown for members of the Kuku Warra Native Title Group in relation to the Cape York United #1 Claim.

This meeting is a Decision-Making Meeting

Details of this meeting are as follows:

Day #1: Kuku Warra group description meeting

Date: Tuesday 7 March 2023

Time: 10:00am–4:00pm

Venue: PCYC Cooktown 3 May Street Cooktown QLD 4895

Purpose of Meeting

CYLC will be facilitating a meeting for the Kuku Warra Native Title Group to resolve their group description and review the list of apical ancestors for the area generally shown in the map (at right).

CYLC will take instructions about the group description by way of written resolution.

The group description agreed at this meeting will form the final group description of the Kuku Warra Native Title Group.

Attendance

If you have queries about this meeting, or for travel assistance or to confirm attendance, please contact Jayd Copelin by Monday 27 February 2023 on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email jcopeli@cylc.org.au. Note that there is limited funding available for travel assistance.

Video-Conferencing

Video-conferencing facilities will be made available at the meeting, including because of the potential for COVID-19 to interfere with attendance. If you would like CYLC to arrange a video-conference from your location into the meeting, whether you live at the location of the meeting or elsewhere, please contact CYLC on (07) 4053 9222.

Public Notice

Awonga Point Waste Water Treatment Facility

Due to elevated storm water levels the Awonga Point Waste Water Treatment Facility is currently at full capacity.

In accordance with standard operating procedures, storm water from the network will be discharged simultaneously with treated effluent through the approved existing outfall infrastructure, under the Mission River Bridge. This action is periodically required to alleviate the system and ensure continued safe operation.

The discharge will be at minimal flow and will continue until storm water levels abate.

As a precautionary measure, fishing is not recommended within the immediate vicinity of the outfall which is located on the sea floor under the Mission River Bridge, approximately 60m offshore.

Please contact WTA on 4030 9400 for further information.

IMPROVE CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ACROSS CAPE YORK.

Cook Shire Council invites submissions from suitably experienced Civil Construction Supervisors to oversee Council’s DRFA work across Cape York Peninsula.

Offers must be submitted electronically via Vendor Panel. Offer documents should be downloaded from the Cook Shire Council Specific Tenders page on Vendor Panel.

TENDER T07622 MUST CLOSE AT 2PM, WEDNESDAY 8 MARCH 2023.

For more information or if you experience difficulties accessing Vendor Panel, please mail mail@cook qld gov au

Indigenous Engagement Coordinator – CUC Cape York

Employment type: Full time or part time job share contract until 30 June 2025

Country Universities Centre (CUC) Cape York is a not-for-profit community driven organisation, which is funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Regional University Centres program with key local support. CUC Cape York provides a new opportunity to make higher education more accessible for students of all ages in the region. CUC Cape York is part of an affiliated network of the Country Universities Centre (CUC). Our students have free access to high-speed Internet, modern technology and general academic support all delivered locally at our Cooktown Centre. Students also have the opportunity to build a network of like-minded fellow students and can take advantage of being part of a nation-wide

This is a new role that has been created within the Centre and will require a self-starter with the ability to listen, learn and

• Consultation with Traditional Owners and Indigenous stakeholders throughout Cape York in a holistic way

AGM NOTICE

WEDNESDAY 15TH MARCH 2023

MAPOON CULTURAL HALL

9AM - 11.30AM

MORE INFO, INCLUDING MEETING AGENDA, PROPOSED RULE CHANGES AND PROXY FORM CAN BE FOUND AT OMAC.NET.AU

• An individual who is passionate and enthusiastic about creating opportunities for students, primarily Indigenous students.

• Demonstrated high level interpersonal and communication skills; the ability to connect with and engage with others on an

• Demonstrated capacity to work as part of a team and contribute to a positive teamwork environment.

• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and create culturally safe spaces to empower

• Demonstrated ability in project implementation through professional communication and reporting.

• Proven time management and organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.

SWIMMING POOL ATTENDANTS

CASUAL. COOKTOWN.

Are you looking to make a splash in the job market? We're seeking two (2) casual swimming pool attendants to join the dedicated team at the Cooktown Swimming Pool.

If you love being poolside and are passionate about providing top-notch customer service, this is the job for you.

Immediate start

Be part of a friendly and dedicated team

Attractive hourly rate: $35.81 per hour

Must be willing to work weekends if needed

Training provided for the right people!

Submit your application online, by email or in person to Council's Administration Building located at 10 Furneaux Street Cooktown.

APPLICATIONS WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL THE POSITIONS ARE FILLED.

Caleb Fauid

Mitch Tarlinton

crabbing.

Mia Fauid and Eli Fauid with their latest boar.

Riley Wright’s smile says it all.

Quade Coleing with a great kingy.

Jonny Hillhouse.

Justin Cabrall with a Robinson’s seabream.

Monica Dalglish was stoked with her barra.

Jake Whitherage with a huge red emperor.

Jorvan Lamperd.

STEVE Head beat his son Gary by one shot in last week’s Wednesday Wackers golf at Weipa.

The hardy 11 players took to the back nine in challenging conditions, although it turned out to be the back eight instead as Steve the superintendent cut off access to the 10th green.

Not only was it an island due to recent rain, but there was a whisper about a croc sighting nearby.

Grant Crossley picked up the nearest to pin on the 15th and none of the 11 found the green on the 18th.

Helen Sabatino picked up the Bradman’s for rounding up the field.

Four-way countback

JON Dall beat a cluster of four to be the winner of Sunday’s Dawn Busters Golf at Carpentaria Golf Club.

A four-way countback was required to determine the runner-up, with Lucas Duvenhague claiming the honour.

Raechel Dick claimed the Hoffman’s, while Grant Crossley won another nearest to pin prize.

Dawnies is played every Sunday from about 6.30am. Visitors and new members are welcome to join for nine holes.

Eddie the eagle soars

EDDIE Cridland was Saturday’s stableford winner at Cooktown Golf Club after an impressive 39 points.

He beat Jamie Dobson, who carded 38 points, while Steve Butler was third with a credible 35.

Nearest the pins went to Campbell Venables for 2/11, Paul Humphries on 14 and Matt Firth on 9/18.

Snakes eliminated

THE Cairns Taipans are out of the NBL finals are losing 2-1 to the Sydney Kings in the best-of-three semi-final series.

The Taipans managed to square the ledger with an impressive win over Sydney in Cairns on Friday night, but were outpointed by the reigning champions in the habour city on Sunday.

The Kings will face the New Zealand Breakers in a best-of-five grand final series, which starts on March 3.

Broncos pip Cowboys in a thriller on Sunny Coast

THE Broncos have ended their 2023 pre-season challenge campaign on a winning note, coming from behind to down North Queensland 20-18 in humid conditions on the Sunshine Coast.

Having led for the majority of the contest, the Broncos fell behind with 20 minutes to play when Jeremiah Nanai crossed untouched for the Cowboys, before regaining the lead late on through Jesse Arthars to secure a narrow two-point victory.

Stepping in at halfback with captain Adam Reynolds rested, Jock Madden looked comfortable alongside Ezra Mam and young sensation Selwyn Cobbo at fullback, with the trio scoring

or assisting all of the Broncos’ first half tries.

Cobbo was particularly impressive in the number one jersey, which will no doubt fill coach Kevin Walters with confidence should he be required for the Broncos’ season opener against Penrith as Reece Walsh races the clock with a facial fracture.

With a number of Todd Payten’s big names playing their usual rotation of minutes, it was fullback Scott Drinkwater who stood out for the Cowboys with a hand in two tries, while halves Tom Dearden and Chad Townsend also played well.

Having amassed 21 try as-

sists in 2022, the form of his star number one will no doubt pleased Payten, with the fullback providing a clever cutout for Kyle Feldt to score untouched in the first half before kicking for Nanai in the second.

In warm conditions, both sides moved the ball freely and created a number of opportunities with Brisbane starting fast to post a 10-0 lead after as many minutes.

Cobbo produced the play of the game to somehow ground the ball out wide after Madden’s grubbed was deflected into his arms, with Kotoni Staggs showing his wares with the boot –stepping up as goal-kicker to

land two of his three attempts to give Walters’ side a slender 1612 advantage at half-time.

After a mountain of possession on their opponents’ line, the Cowboys eventually took the lead in the 60th minute when a Drinkwater grubber bounced up into the arms of birthday boy Nanai, who capped off a week in which he inked a long-term deal with the club to score his side’s third try.

However, it would be the Broncos who had the final say with young half Josh Rogers putting Brisbane back in front with a pin-point cross field kick collected by Arthars.

– story via NRL.com

Archer Giese, Maia Pensio, Max Giese, Chase Hunt and Teila Hunt at the Woree Pool. Playing cards under the car at the McLeod River.

Dedicated swimmers rewarded in Cairns

DESPITE a cramped night of sleeping beside the McLeod River, Cooktown’s superfish smashed a string of personal bests at the Cairns Stingrays Long Course meet in Woree.

With a severe weather warning in place, the original contingent of 18 swimmers from the Cooktown Amateur Swimming Club was whittled down to just five and their families.

Jacynta Hunt said her fam-

ily had other commitments in Cairns, so not travelling down wasn’t an option.

“We spent the night beside the road at the McLeod and the kids were so good,” she said.

“Not once did they whinge, they were playing cards under the car, and slept in the car and on the roadside between cars as best they could.”

The team was able to cross at about 4am and make their way

to the “best McDonald’s we’ve ever had” before heading to the two-day meet in Cairns.

Max Giese and Maia Pensio blitzed the pool in the 10-yearold boys age group, with 13 personal bests between them, while Chase Hunt scooped nine personal bests in the 11-year-old boys group.

Archer Giese in the 12-yearold boys and Teila Hunt in the 14-year-old girls also swam bril-

liantly, picking up two personals bests and a second place.

Ms Hunt said the Cooktown team was thankful for the support of the Cairns Central swimming club on the day, as well as the help of her husband Wayne and fellow Cooktown swim parents who made the trip down to support their children.

The team is preparing for the Far North swimming championships in March.

First point of contact: Weipa Police Ph: (07) 4090 6000 VHF WEDNESDAY FEB 22 Time m 0402 0.40 1030 2.92 1655 0.83 2241 2.31

VHF 16 & 23 Shed 5,

Channel 16 Ph: 0417 075 695 Marine

DEB DUFFY

Principal Licencee 0418 773 747

debduffy@weiparealestate.com.au

www.weiparealestate.com.au PO Box 552, Weipa QLD4874

Cape York Weekly is a free, locally-owned newspaper, published every Tuedsay by Cape York Weekly Pty Ltd

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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.