GROTH,
Late
Passed
On Saturday 15 April 23 at 11am there will be a brief ashes cermony held at the Cooktown Cemetery followed by a celebration of Paddy’s life at the Cooktown Bowls Club.
DESPITE road closures and the threat of rain keeping visitors away from much of the Cape at Easter, local businesses say they are expecting another bumper tourist season to kick off soon.
Dave Hartwell from Seisiabased fishing and tour business Cape York Adventures said bookings were coming in fast for May onwards.
“It’s looking like it’s going to be a pretty busy season,” he told Cape York Weekly
“I think we’re going to be busy up here for a few years to come, all those people who invested in cars, camper trailers and caravans are going to use them for a while yet.”
Weipa Camping Ground owner Brooke Quartermaine agreed, saying the self-drive market provided reliable annual bookings.
“We’re really looking forward to a strong season and can’t wait for it to start,” she said.
“We might also find a bit of clientele heading our way because of the recent flooding and
natural disasters in Burketown and the Kimberley, which is a real shame for the other regions; I feel for those guys.”
Leslyn Auchterlonie at Cooktown Caravan Park said she was booked out for the Easter weekend but was expecting cancellations if it rained.
“Weather pending, Easter is always a really good start to the busy season,” she said.
“We’re booked out, and I’m confident the weather is going to remain fantastic.”
Ms Auchterlonie said the town was eagerly waiting for visitors after a very quiet wet season.
“It was the quietest off-season we’ve had in two years, probably because of the rain and some people still think it’s an unsealed road to get to Cooktown.
“I think the town is going to be welcoming an early start to the season.”
Ms Auchterlonie said, in addition to the weather, Cooktown’s season also depended on the opening of the Peninsula Developmental Road.
“Our busy season kicks off about a week before the road opens, and if it doesn’t open, we have a slow start.
“But this time of year, we’re all aware that it could be a month or more before it opens.”
Mick Brandt and Paula Clancy were spending their Easter between Cooktown and the Lion’s Den Hotel at Helenvale, and said they loved getting away from their home at Port Douglas.
“It’s our fifth time up here, we love coming up for a weekend and just chilling out,” Mr Brandt said.
“We came up for the races last year, and we’re coming again this year.
“We might have a hit of golf, we’re going for a massage this morning, maybe a fish and go to the markets, do some walking.”
FRIENDS of the Bloomfield man who escaped a croc attack while spearfishing north of Archer Point on Saturday have described hearing his yells as the reptile dragged him under.
The men, visitors from South America, were spearfishing the rocky coastline just north of Archer Point with their local friend, about half an hour’s drive from Cooktown, on Saturday.
Two of the men had returned to shore while the local man and another remained in the water.
The pair heard screaming and that was when the croc allegedly bit the man multiple times and dragged him under, before he managed to escape.
Initial reports suggested the victim was from Cairns, however Cape York Weekly has been told he was living locally in Bloomfield and was well aware of the risks of crocodiles and sharks.
Queensland Ambulance critical care flight paramedic Valerie Noble said the man had multiple fractures and puncture wounds from the croc’s teeth.
“He has been in the water where he’s noticed approximately a 4.5m crocodile swimming towards him which he has tried to fend off with his spear gun unsuccessfully,” she said.
“It has bitten him three times and dragged him to the bottom where he has managed to stick his fingers in the crocodile’s eyes multiple times and escape before swimming towards the shore.”
The man climbed onto rocks and his mates, who were visibly shaken when retelling the story, applied rudimentary first aid at the site, but said they weren’t sure if their friend was going to make it.
Paramedics were unable to access the site by land, and the rescue chopper personnel had to be winched onto shore to stop
the bleeding before winching the man on board.
“He’s an extremely lucky man, not many people would live to tell the story like that,” Ms Noble said.
While many have criticised the man for being in croc habitat, Vince Parkes, who has been spearfishing the coastline from Cooktown south to Archer Point his whole life, said diving could be done safely.
“I don’t shore dive like that any more,” he said.
“You have to have a dinghy driver, someone in a boat who is sticking close and keeping an eye on you, as well as a lookout for sharks and crocs.”
Mr Parkes described several close encounters with crocodiles in the area while spearfishing, including where one large croc swam straight at his friend while diving south of Archer.
“I heard Jake yelling croc and I boated over and he said a big croc surfaced and started swimming towards him, but got spooked when he yelled and went back under.”
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Yuku Baja Muliku rangers were onsite on Saturday and had been searching for the croc by boat, but no further sightings were reported.
CAPE York’s Noel Pearson has slammed the Liberal Party for a “Judas betrayal” over its opposition to The Voice referendum, branding leader Peter Dutton an “undertaker preparing the grave to bury” the Uluru Statement From The Heart.
“Dutton sees his own political future tied up with getting this referendum to fail. This is more about his calculations about Liberal versus Labor, rather than what’s good for the country,” Pearson told ABC radio on Thursday.
“He doesn’t mind chucking Indigenous Australians and the future of the country under the bus so he can preserve his miserable political hide.”
The Liberal Party last week formally resolved to oppose the referendum for a constitutionally enshrined voice to parliament, instead proposing symbolic constitutional recognition of Indigenous people along with local and regional voices set up by legislation.
Symbolic constitutional recognition was rejected in the detailed consultation processes leading up to the Uluru Statement From The Heart, which called for a constitutionally enshrined voice.
Mr Pearson, one of the architects of the Uluru statement, has for years attempted to convince
conservatives of the merit of the voice concept.
He was scathing of Dutton’s decision, calling it “very sad”.
“I couldn’t sleep last night. I was troubled by dreams and the spectre of the Dutton Liberal Party’s Judas betrayal of our country,” Mr Pearson said.
“They’ve had 11 years of power to work on a proper proposal for recognition and the decision they’ve taken yesterday is a very poor outcome … I see the leader of the Liberal party, Mr Dutton, as an
undertaker preparing the grave to bury (the Uluru statement).”
Mr Pearson said Mr Dutton was on a “unity ticket” with One Nation’s Pauline Hanson and former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who are both campaigning against The Voice.
“I believe that the Liberal party is greatly out of step with the sentiment of the Australian people on this issue, and we will succeed notwithstanding their very disappointing stance,” he said.
“I am certain that every attempt
to try and kill Uluru and bury it will not succeed.
“The Australian people will rise to the historic opportunity we have to achieve reconciliation at last.”
Mr Pearson noted the former Coalition government did not secure constitutional recognition of Indigenous people over its decade in office.
He also rejected Mr Dutton’s claims that the Indigenous consultation body would be a “Canberra voice”, saying it would be a “voice to Canberra”.
PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese has praised former Minister Ken Wyatt for taking a stand in quitting the Liberal Party over its position on The Voice.
Mr Albanese said Mr Wyatt had “shown a great deal of principle” in resigning his Liberal membership after opposition leader Peter Dutton revealed the party would not support enshrining The Voice in the constitution.
“(Mr Wyatt) worked very hard for such a long period of time … for years John Howard said we needed to recognise Aboriginal people in our constitution and it hasn’t happened,” the PM told Sydney radio station 2GB.
“I think Peter Dutton has underestimated the number of Liberal and National party voters who will show generosity and goodwill and who will vote yes in this referendum.”
Mr Wyatt, the first Indigenous person to be elected to the House of Representatives, resigned from the Liberals on Thursday, saying he did not believe in what the party had become.
He had called for the party to allow a conscience vote as he expected many MPs would back the ‘yes’ campaign if given a chance.
HISTORY will be the judge of our decision when it comes to The Voice, however, we should not be afraid to use the past to guide us.
When Australia goes to the polls for this year’s referendum, think about our nation’s history and how future generations will view our pending decision.
Will you be on the right side?
I know I look back at how our nation has been shaped and the key decisions that have been made for the betterment of our country.
Did you know that it took until 1962 for voting rights to be granted to all First Nations Australians?
Worse still, it was a further 22 years until Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people gained full equality with other electors.
Could my ancestors have done more? Or were they part of the problem?
In 1992, I was five years old when the High Court handed down its landmark ruling on Mabo v Queensland No. 2 establishing the principle of Native Title rights in Australian common law.
The judgment overturned the concept of terra nullius – that Australia was a ‘land belonging to no one’ at the time James Cook in 1770 declared possession in the name of the British Crown.
Closer to home, that decision sparked the Wik ruling in 1996, which led to the creation of the Western Cape Communities CoExistence Agreement between 11 Traditional Owner groups and Comalco (now Rio Tinto).
Those TOs are now better off as a result of having the WCCCA and all future mining projects in the Cape must now develop a land use agreement as a result.
Remember the Apology?
Kevin Rudd was howled down by opponents about the damage an apology could bring the nation if he were to stand up and say sorry for the Stolen Generation and other atrocities of the past.
WARREN Entsch says he supports the decision made last week by the Liberals in the opposition party room.
The Liberals, under the leadership of Peter Dutton, voted to campaign for the ‘no’ position at the upcoming referendum.
The Member for Leichhardt said he wanted to see actual change rather than “tokenism” and supported new approaches to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians.
“I’ve always argued that recognition is absolutely overdue and should be in the constitution, and I support that wholeheartedly,” Mr Entsch said.
“However, The Voice as currently put forward by the government won’t make a tangible difference without involving local popularly elected leaders to present their case for their own respective communities.”
The current Opposition Leader Peter Dutton walked out on that very apology, something he now supposedly regrets.
Mr Dutton is also opposed to The Voice. Will he regret that?
I hope so.
With all of these moments in our history, we start to heal some of the damage that was done and pave a way towards reconciliation and better relationships between our First Nations peoples and nonIndigenous Australians.
The pending referendum should help further the cause.
There will be a lot of emotion and debate when it comes to The Voice but, in my view, the people’s vote should be fact-based.
It is a fact that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tribes were the first sovereign nations of the Australian continent and its adjacent islands.
Our constitution, which came into effect in 1901, does not reflect that fact.
Voting ‘yes’ will fix that.
Prior to Cook arriving, the First
Nations people had a say on their country and their future.
Today, they make up just 3.2 per cent of the population and have no guaranteed say about how their country or future is managed.
Voting ‘yes’ will change that.
Despite what opponents say, there is nothing to fear about The Voice. For the most part, we won’t see a lot of change in how our country operates.
This year’s referendum is all about respect.
Six years ago, a collective of leaders from all corners of our country gathered at Uluru as part of the National First Nations Constitutional Convention.
The meeting was organised by the Referendum Council – which was appointed by a Liberal Prime Minister in Malcolm Turnbull.
From that meeting, the Uluru Statement of the Heart was scripted and signed by 250 people from 100 different First Nations tribes.
It was a consensus like we’d never seen before.
In that statement was the call
for a voice to parliament to be enshrined in the constitution.
This is not about taking over the country or removing power from our federal government.
This is about respecting the oldest surviving culture and consulting them on key decisions that will shape their future and ours.
It’s about ensuring that when our governments change, there is always a platform for Traditional Owners to be heard.
Australia is a better place when we have people from all cultures and upbringings having input into the direction of our country.
But for too long, our First Nations people have been forced to the sidelines or simply consulted for tokenistic purposes.
It’s time to change that and shift attitudes regarding how we value our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
By voting ‘yes’, you’ll go a long way towards uniting a nation.
By voting ‘no’, you’ll create a bigger wedge in dividing a nation.
I know what I’ll be voting for.
The MP emphasised that he would support a legislated voice mechanism, but the focus must be on local voices and addressing a range of issues, including birthing clinics, improved health services, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres closer to remote communities, and better housing configurations.
“We must engage in local and regional solutions,” Mr Entsch said.
“We don’t need more metropolitan, academic self-appointed leaders dictating to local communities – we can see how well that approach has worked so far.”
The veteran MP, who is in his last term, said that he believed the current proposal, if passed, would likely not address long-standing issues that have plagued many remote Indigenous communities.
“Enshrining a voice in the constitution may seem to some like a solution, but I have significant reservations that it won’t actually address the issues in remote communities and could, in fact, make things worse.”
CONSIDERED to be a major milestone for Cooktown Police Station, freshly-minted Constable Kelsey Wilson is the first officer to complete her first-year training in Cooktown.
Officer in charge, Senior Sergeant John McArthur, said the volume and variety of call-outs qualified Cooktown as a training station.
“The training environment that the area provides will make sure Constable Wilson experiences a broad cross section of policing scenarios,” he said.
The 26-year-old is also the first in her family to join the police, and said she was proud to be Cooktown’s first ever rookie constable.
“At the academy, whenever I would say Cooktown, all the instructors were surprised to hear a first-year was going there,” she said.
“I am definitely proud, but I also think it’s a credit to the station itself; all my colleagues have been really supportive of having a first-year here and they’ve gone above and beyond to pass on their knowledge and skills and I’m super grateful and appreciative of them all.”
Originally from Victoria, Constable Wilson moved to the Far North four years ago and said the variety of the job attracted her to the police.
“I wanted a stable career that I could go home and be proud of what I do,” she said.
“I always thought I needed a 9 to 5 job, until I did that and realised it wasn’t stimulating enough; policing is the total opposite, it’s exciting because no two days are the same.”
Following a six-month training period in the Townsville Po-
lice Academy, Constable Wilson will complete her training with 12 months in Cooktown.
“I’ve been in Cooktown for roughly three months now; my first shift was actually on Christmas Day, so that’s definitely something I won’t ever forget,” she said.
“There have been some funny moments, mostly just from me making mistakes and having a
laugh at myself, and there have also been some memorable moments that I won’t forget any time soon.”
Although missing her partner and family, who are based in Cairns, Constable Wilson said so far the role had been everything she’d hoped for.
“It’s exactly how I imagined it would be,” she said.
“I’m still finding my feet given I’ve only been doing the job for three months, but I’m very happy with my decision to join the police.”
Constable Wilson told Cape York Weekly that she was looking forward to drier weather and being able to explore more of the Cooktown area’s waterfalls and camping spots.
front & back and a 2 car covered parking on the side of the house. Two bedrooms & an open plan kitchen, lounge & dining area with sliding doors onto timber verandas. The large bathroom & laundry opens out the side of the house where there is an outdoor shower for the nature lovers!. A separate two room art studio would lend itself to a guest accommodation conversion or ideal ‘work from home’ retreat. This property is vacant & available for immediate occupation on settlement. Located in a quiet no through street tucked behind our stunning botanical gardens & natures powerhouse.
CAPE York locals have had a win in keeping a strategic track open for use, while others are frustrated about the delays in improving road access for locals and tourists.
Last week, the Department of Resources responded to those who made submissions regarding the proposed closure of a track linking Weipa to Bramwell Roadhouse via the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.
The proposal to close the road was made by lawyers acting on behalf of Australia Zoo, including Terri Irwin.
Cape York Weekly understands the Department of Resources was swamped with objections from the public, with submissions coming from all over the country.
The loop road is intended to be a four-wheel drive track only and is only accessible late into the dry season.
In a response to those who made submissions, Senior Land Officer Janine York wrote: “The department wishes to advise that the investigations into the above application has been finalised.
“The department has determined that area of road is still needed for
its dedicated purpose, being ‘road’ and it has been decided that the application be refused.”
Meanwhile, locals are frustrated about the lack of clarity around planned works to grade and repair roads following the wet season.
The PDR was only officially opened on Thursday, just in time for Easter, having been closed since Christmas.
However, trucks still require a permit to travel on the road.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads wouldn’t commit to grading dates when asked.
“RoadTek crews have been out on the road assessing conditions and repairing damage since early March,” a spokesperson said.
“In coming weeks, RoadTek will start its annual opening grade of the unsealed sections of the PDR to restore the condition of the road formation.”
Cook Shire manages most of the Bamaga Road, from the junction north of Archer River to about 18km south of the Jardine River.
A council spokesperson said the shire’s contractors wouldn’t start works until “late May”.
BIG black cars, a bigger black boat and trademark sunburnt guns on show, the All 4 Adventure crew attracted quite a crowd when stopping in Cooktown on their way back from the Cape.
The team, headed by the sleeveless duo of Jase Andrews and Simon Anderson, came ashore at the Cooktown boat ramp after a trip up the eastern coast filming episodes for an exclusive series on Unleashed.TV.
Coming ashore in their distinctive “mega barge”, the boys drew a small crowd of onlookers as they battled strong tides and a busy boat ramp.
One crew member even fell in the drink while trying to climb aboard the huge boat, which didn’t deter punters from stopping the team for selfies in the mid-morning sun.
The boys were again mobbed as they stocked up with several trollies of supplies at Cornett’s IGA Cooktown, with people photographing them inside the store and posting to local social media groups.
The All 4 Adventure team are no strangers to the Cape, having filmed several episodes around the Peninsula. One clip shot on a Cape York river has attracted more than two million views.
Sausages, bacon, eggs, hash browns, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, toast, yoghurt & fruit
POLICE have shared images and further details after the Rural and Stock Crime Squad seized drugs, a firearm, ammo and croc skulls at a bush camp near Lakeland in late March.
Mareeba RSCS officers raided the caravan and campsite in the Byerstown Reserve, just south of Lakeland, on March 27.
Police allege a 38-year-old Lakeland man was found in possession of ammunition, a loaded gun, 60 grams of cannabis and more than 200 cannabis seedlings – updated from the original count of 135 – as well as two freshwater crocodile skulls, a croc skin and a drug utensil.
In images shared to Cape York Weekly, the firearm seized by of-
ficers resembles an automatic or semi-automatic weapon.
Police said the man had been charged with producing and possessing a dangerous drug and drug utensil, unlawful possession of a Category D weapon, keeping a loaded firearm, possessing explosives without authority and two counts of keeping or using a Class 3 protected animal.
He is due to appear in the Cooktown Magistrates Court on May 10.
WORKS will soon start on a small diversion on the Weipa to Mapoon Road ahead of boom gates being installed later this year.
The diversion will be in place by early May and will be about 32km north of the Mission River bridge, past the Stone’s Crossing turnoff when travelling from Weipa to Mapoon.
Travelling from Mapoon, the diversion is about 46km south of the Mapoon township.
The road diversion will be 350m long and will be in place until September, when the new boom gates are due to be in operation on the Mapoon Road.
This project will also affect access to the bush track known as ‘Tent Poles low road’ however access will still be available via the Stone’s Crossing track.
“During this time, there will be traffic management signage and speed restrictions in place,” a Rio Tinto Weipa spokesperson said.
“The community is urged to take care while adjusting to these new traffic conditions and follow all traffic controls and signage.”
Once complete, this boom gate system will become the second haul road crossing on the Weipa-Mapoon Road.
INFURIATED locals say they are being gouged by one of Australia’s biggest banks, with one of Cooktown’s two big-bank ATMs changed to a privately owned machine that charges withdrawal fees.
Cooktown resident Ella Gonda said the Westpac ATM outside the Cooktown Post Office on the town’s main street was one of only two options for people to withdraw larger sums of cash at any time, but it had recently been replaced with a Precinct ATM which charged withdrawal fees.
A DEDICATED team offering specialised kidney care to those in western Cape York have been acknowledged at the Premier’s Awards for Excellence.
The Cape York Kidney Care team, who are based in Weipa, was a finalist in the Better Health and Wellbeing Services category at this year’s awards.
Members of the team went
to Brisbane last week for the awards ceremony. The team’s GP Dr Andrea Miller said they were honoured to be nominated and hoped it would further increase awareness about the discrepancies in health for people in remote communities.
“I also hope it will show the importance of increasing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander workforce,” she said prior to the awards.
“It would be great to see that capacity built more.”
The CYKC team have been operating since late 2019 and service six communities: Weipa, Napranum, Mapoon, Aurukun, Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama.
Dr Miller said they were now caring for more than 500 people.
price
“We are very much directed by the person, and aim to empower them to achieve their goals through education and shared decision making,” she said.
“We believe this is how we are able to improve health outcomes such as improved blood pressure and delay progression of kidney and heart disease.”
“Charging people $3 to withdraw funds from their own account is gouging, especially because we have very limited options,” she said.
“Now everyone is going to the ANZ ATM, it constantly runs out of money.
“The ATMs at the Bowls and RSL clubs have a $200 limit per transaction and charge each time. Australia Post provides banking but that doesn’t help if you need to access funds out of business hours.
A Westpac spokesman said residents using the Precinct ATM would not be charged, provided they were customers of Westpac Group.
“It applies to customers of Westpac, St George, BankSA and Bank of Melbourne.”
PASSION for her community and caring for others has guided Hope Vale’s Farzana Woibo into a new career in the growing disability support sector.
Ms Woibo has always loved helping others, with experience in aged care, and a move into disability support was a natural choice.
She was one of the first support workers recruited by My Pathway in her small home town, and is now leading a team of 11.
“I’m very grateful for the support of the team, especially (program co-ordinator) Shariel, who boosted my confidence to take on the team leader role,” she said.
“It’s a new role for me, and I wasn’t sure I could do it, but now I’m excited for the challenge.”
A My Pathway spokesperson said Ms Woibo was instrumental in the program’s success in Hope Vale.
“She immediately grasped the opportunity to help NDIS participants reconnect with their community and country,” they said.
cook, and enjoys sharing those skills with others.
“She has become instrumental to the cultural and communitybased supports we provide,” the spokesperson said.
As Farzana gets settled into leading the team, which currently includes 11 Indigenous workers providing support to 17 participants in and around Hope Vale, she hopes to grow the program even further, as well as helping new community members access support for the first time.
Her family ties to the Wujal Wujal community will also assist as services grow there in the coming months.
She is committed to seeing the program grow “like a family” so that both participants and local people wanting to take up the opportunity to become support workers are keen to join.
This is already paying off at the Hope Vale Hub, where participants gather daily for social and capacity building activities supported by the team alongside their new leader.
WITH the ground barely dry from the wet season, Cape York Natural Resource Management is already at work on this year’s coordinated fire management plan.
Cape York NRM’s Andrew Drenen said a series of workshops aimed to bring stakeholders together to plan fire management as a coordinated effort.
“This year we hope to hold three workshops, in the north at Moreton, the centre at Coen and the south at Lakeland or Cooktown,” he said.
“It’s a great way to discuss methodology, drawing from the latest science as well as the more traditional cultural knowledge, and how we can achieve more by working with everyone from Indigenous ranger groups, private reserves Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services, stations, Cape York fire management consultants and Rio Tinto.
“It’s a support network and resource-sharing opportunity.”
The group of stakeholders has been meeting annually for about six years to coordinate early dry season burns to reduce the risk of more destructive wildfires in the later dry season, as well as the deliberately lit fires which plague the region.
Mr Drenen said as well as protecting livelihoods, homes, cultural assets and the environment, early burns were key in reducing carbon emissions for carbon capture projects run under the federal government’s savanna burning program.
BAYDHAM, the protector of the reef, will fly high on a Cairnsbased rescue jet, following the installation of a new design by Badu Island artist Michael Nona.
The baydham, or shark, is an important symbol in the Torres Strait.
Mr Nona said it was exciting to
know his creation was flying on an AMSA rescue jet.
“I’m passionate about the culture and stories of Badu Island and my people,” he said.
“So much of it represents our deep connection to the islands, sea and marine life. I am very proud to have been able to share a small
part of our story. The Torres Strait is a beautiful place and unique in so many ways.”
AMSA Executive Director for Response Mark Morrow said the artwork was part of AMSA’s acknowledgement of the strong connection First Nations people have to their land and sea.
“We have a major new stakeholder in the Coen region, as three more stations have been purchased by Paniri Agricultural, an arm of Corporate Carbon Group,” he said.
The group also bought Watson River Station in September.
“This is why CYNRM has expanded the number of workshops this year, with the first workshop in Coen on May 3 at the Town Hall.”
The Regional Fire Planning Project is supported by the federal government’s Reef Trust Program. – story by Sarah Martin
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. Focus
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.
Reference: Macquarie Concise Dictionary Focus No. 3956
What is this? Find out by joining the dots.
Friday
Aurukun Shire Council provides a full range of community services including childcare, aged care, community police, library, postal/bank agencies. Aurukun Community is located 1.5 hours flight northwest of Cairns and 2.5 hours by road south of Weipa.
In accordance with Council’s Local Laws, Keeping and Control of Animals, this position will take responsibility for domestic animals, holding facility maintenance and animal care, animal registrations and record keeping, animal welfare activities and educational programs and feral animal monitoring. A Certificate IV in Animal Control, C Class manual driver’s licence, Senior First Aid and a Firearms Licence or clearance to obtain within first 6 months of employment.
Applications close when a suitable applicant is recruited. Excellent salaries and conditions are offered.
A Position Description and information on how to apply is available on Council’s website www.aurukun.qld.gov.au.
Applications are to be sent to: recruitment@aurukun.qld.gov.au. For additional enquiries contact the Human Resources Manager (07) 4060 6855.
Alan Neilan Acting Chief Executive OfficerHope Vale Council is looking for an enthusiastic, energetic, and motivated Construction Manager to manage and supervise Councils annual building and construction program.
POSITION STATUS: (Full-Time/maximum Term - 2 Years)
LOCATION: Hope Vale
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Friday 14th April 2023
Primary objectives of the position:
• To manage all aspects of various Council building construction and capital works projects from commencement to completion, ensuring efficient and effective delivery, on time, and within budget.
• To lead, motivate and manage both staff and contractors required to deliver allocated projects.
• To lead and champion WH&S, quality and environmentally responsible work practices
Qualifications & Experience:
• Minimum 5 years project management experience delivering both residential and commercial construction projects.
• Tertiary qualifications in either Building and Construction, Project Management or similar.
• QBCC Builder’s Licence.
• Current QLD (Class ‘C’) Driver’s Licence.
• Demonstrated effective people management skills specifically in the areas of staff supervision, leadership, and sub-contractor arrangements.
• Highly developed organisational skills including a demonstrated ability to effectively plan, program, organise and schedule a multitude of diverse and complex construction projects.
Benefits include:
• Salary package based on experience and qualifications
• 5 weeks annual leave
• 12% contribution to superannuation for contributing members
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Phone allowance
• Vehicle allowance
• Accommodation available
• On-going opportunities for learning and professional development Please email resumes to gene.brookes@hopevale.qld.gov.au
For information please call the Operations Manager on 07 4083 8000.
Join our dedicated team of health professionals – immerse yourself in a community rich and diverse. Attractive conditions and benefits.
The Community Care Program Assistant in Nursing assists the team in the provision of client basic care needs, assist with activities of daily living and client observations under the direction of the Registered Nurse whilst assisting in the achievement of service goals.
Job Ref No. TC467868
Salary Range $2355.50 – $2579.10 per fortnight
Location Weipa
Classification Nurse Grade 1 (NRG1)
Temporary Part Time up to 30 June 2023 (with possibility of extension)
Status
Flexible hours
Training can be provided
APPLY ONLINE: www.smartjobs.qld.gov.au
Contact: Bronwyn Sieverding on (07)4043 0275 for further information
148)
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:
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 little 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; and
• 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
This notice is to advise that Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will hold a meeting in Cooktown for the whose traditional country is within the area as shown on the map below and which is part of the area claimed under the Cape York United #1 native title claim (CYU#1 claim).
Date: Thursday 20 April 2023
Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm
Venue: PCYC Cooktown, 3 May Street, Cooktown QLD 4895
Meeting purpose:
Quotes are required for the Audit of Gungarde and GCAC Enterprise Pty Ltd for the Financial year ending 30/06/2024.
Audits for each entity is required and a consolidated audit report. Quotes with total costs for the year, or a break down quotes with travel, hourly costing, and AGM attendances.
Audit must be done complying to the CATSI act and have the approval to do these audits.
Please address all quotes to:
Gungarde Community Centre Aboriginal Corporation, by the 30th April 2023
Greg Whittaker Chief
The purpose of this meeting is for CYLC to consult with, and facilitate discussions between family groups about their views as to potential land-holding group structures for the purposes of a determination of native title and prescribed bodies corporate (PBCs).
This is an important meeting for Traditional Owners to attend as the outcomes will be required to progress the resolution of the CYU#1 claim for groups affiliated with the region as shown on the map above and described below. If you are planning on attending this meeting, please call CYLC the day before to confirm your attendance.
Who may attend this meeting?
greg Whittaker
ExecutiveOfficer PO Box 6 Cooktown QLD 4895 or Email to gwhittaker@gungarde.com.au
For further information: call 0400 695 177
CEo gungarde Community Centre aboriginal Corporation
This meeting is for key persons who represent the families whose traditional country lies within the area from Lakeland through Springvale and Kings Plain.
If you would like to discuss the content of this notice, or if you have any questions about whether you should attend the meeting, please contact CYLC’s office on freecall 1800 623 548 and ask to speak with Angel Bottaro
Travel assistance:
For travel assistance queries or to confirm your attendance in person or remotely via Zoom video conferencing, please contact Jayd Copelin at CYLC on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email jcopelin@cylc.org.au by Thursday 13 April 2023. Please note that there is limited funding available for travel assistance.
Taepadhighi Native Title Group Cape York United # 1 Native Title Claim (QUD673/2014)
Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will hold a pre-authorisation meeting on Thursday 20 April 2023 in Cairns to discuss the proposed authorisation process for the Taepadhighi Native Title Group to authorise the proposed s87A native title agreement for a determination of native title over the Taepadhighi claim area (as shown on the map below).
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:
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.
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
CLOSING DATE – FRIDAY 14TH APRIL 2023
A determination of native title involves a decision of the Federal Court. Important things about a determination of native title include that the Federal Court determines (1) who holds native title, (2) what the native title rights are, (3) the area to which the native title rights apply after any determination is made, and (4) which corporation will represent the members of the determined native title group. Following the pre-authorisation meeting on Thursday 20 April 2023, there will be a meeting to authorise the s87A native title agreement on Thursday 11 May 2023, where the Taepadhighi Native Title Group will consider whether to authorise the proposed agreement for a determination of native title. If the Native Title Group decides in the affirmative, the determination will then be sought in the Federal Court.
Who is invited to attend the meetings?
The meetings are open to all descendants by birth, or adoption in accordance with traditional law and custom, of one or more of the following apical ancestors:
Wednesday 19 April 2023
Any person who is a descendant of one or more of the apical ancestors listed above is invited to attend these meetings. Please contact CYLC if you would like to confirm whether you are a descendant of one or more of the apical ancestors listed above and so entitled to attend the meeting.
The meeting will be held as follows:
Date: Thursday 20 April 2023
Venue: Weipa Motel & Resort, 2 Central Avenue, Rocky Point
Time: 10.00am to 3.00pm
The location and time of the authorisation meeting on 11 May 2023 will be publicly notified and notices will be sent out to all members of the Native Title Group with contact details on the CYLC database. Please contact us on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email jcopelin@ cylc.org.au to update your details.
For travel assistance or to confirm attendance or for any other questions about this notice, please contact Jayd Copelin before 13 April 2023 on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email jcopelin@cylc.org.au Note that there is limited funding available for travel assistance.
Video-conferencing and COVID-19
Video-conferencing facilities will be made available at the meeting. 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 the number above. Attendance by video-conference is offered because of the potential for the COVID-19 emergency to interfere with attendance. It is important to provide every opportunity for persons entitled to attend the meeting. Your safety is our priority. CYLC will take whatever means necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of its staff and clients and to mitigate the risk of the spread
Telstra have advised they will be performing maintenance work that may impact the fibre link to Weipa Internet, radio, mobile phone and external landline phone connectivity may be impacted
The outages will take place on Wednesday 19 April during the following times:
12:00am to 6:00am
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience and understanding
THE North Queensland Cowboys have signed two “locals” for their inaugural NRLW squad.
Last week, Emma Manzelmann was unveiled as the first signing, followed by Tahlulah Tillett.
Born and raised in Mackay, Manzelmann announced herself on the senior rugby league stage with a stunning two-try performance in the North Queensland Gold Stars’ first ever game, in Round 1 of the 2020 season, which was cancelled after one round due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A dynamic dummy half, Manzelmann returned to the Gold Stars for the 2021 season and was named Player of the Year after a sensational campaign.
Her performances earned Manzelmann a contract with the Newcastle Knights for the 2021 NRLW seaso.
Manzelmann returned to the Gold Stars in 2022 and helped guide the team to premiership glory, starring in the thrilling 14-12 grand final victory over the Central Queensland Capras.
Although that wouldn’t be her only premiership in 2022.
Manzelmann returned to the Knights and appeared in all seven games in their march to grand final glory, including the resounding 3212 victory in the decider over the Parramatta Eels.
“This a monumental day for
both our club and rugby league in North Queensland,” Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel said.
“Emma epitomises everything our club stands for. Hailing from Mackay, she is a North Queensland girl who has progressed through our development program and has dreamt of playing on rugby league’s biggest stage, she will now have that opportunity whilst not having to leave her region.”
Joining her in Townsville will be 24-year-old Tillett.
A talented halfback from Cairns, Tillett played four games for the Knights during the 2021 NRLW season.
She appeared in 14 games for the North Queensland Gold Stars across the 2021-2022 seasons, including a starring role in the grand final triumph last season. Tillett’s father Stephen played reserve grade for the Cowboys in their inaugural season in 1995 and her grandfather Nigel is the current chairman of the Northern Pride.
TKASC2023-004
Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council is inviting expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced individuals to be appointed as Chair of its Audit and Risk Committee.
The Chair will have strong communication and leadership skills. The Chair will preferably be a qualified accountant, who is a current member of one of the professional accounting bodies in Australia and who has relevant financial experience in professional accounting or audit. The Committee Charter is available to download via www.kowanyama.qld.gov.au/tenders
Initial term of appointment will be 4 years, commencing June 2023.
Expressions of interest should comprise a cover letter, current resume and a proposed hourly rate (GST excl). Applicants must have a registered ABN.
EOI’s close at 4.00pm Friday 14 April 2023.
EOI’s must be submitted electronically to tenders@kowanyama.qld.gov.au by close.
Kevin Bell, Chief Executive OfficerPRE-QUALIFIED SUPPLIER OF PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council is inviting tenders from organisations interested in the supply of plant and equipment throughout the region Tenderers to email tenders@kowanyama.qld.gov.au for the purpose of Tender registration and documentation is available to download via https://www.kowanyama.qld.gov.au/ council/tenders-and-opportunities/
Tenders Close at 4.00pm Wednesday 26th April
All tender responses can be submitted electronically to tenders@kowanyama.qld.gov.au or hard copies can be submitted to KASC Cairns Office or KASC Kowanyama Office.
For more information, please contact tenders@kowanyama.qld.gov.au
Kevin Bell, Chief Executive Officer
“Tahlulah has been a highly talented touch footballer from a young age,” Cowboys NRLW coach Ben Jeffries said.
“She’s a homegrown product from Cairns who brings Indigenous All-Stars and NRLW experience with her.
“She was also part of the core
group who won the inaugural QRLW 2022 premiership with the NQ Gold Stars.
“As a proud Torres Strait Islander and a prominent figure within her community, Tahlulah will have an influence on the group from both a cultural aspect and her performance on the field.”
Request for Quote (RFQ) – Development of Five-Year Corporate Plan
Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council is inviting quotations from suitably qualified and experienced suppliers to undertake the development of Council’s Five-Year Corporate Plan.
The Councils Five-Year Corporate Plan will provide the strategic connection between community aspirations and corporate strategy and is an integral document to Council.
The RFQ is available to download via www.kowanyama.qld.gov.au/tenders-andopportunites/
This project will commence no later than 1st May 2023 with completion no later than 8th December 2023.
The RFQ should comprise of a completed Supplier Response Form and any relevant supporting documentation.
Applicants must have a registered ABN.
RFQ closes at 5.00pm Wednesday 19 April 2023.
RFQ’s must be submitted electronically to tenders@kowanyama.qld.gov.au by close.
Kevin Bell, Chief Executive OfficerCOOKTOWN Amateur Turf Club president
Darryl Paradise enjoyed a winner at the annual Einasleigh Easter race meeting on Saturday.
Paradise saddled up Yarralinda in the Benchmark 65 (1220m) and jockey Nathan Day rode the four-year-old mare to perfection.
The $3 elect won by three-and-a-half lengths, beating the Athol Ryan-trained Macipenko.
Lacey Morrison had three winners on the day, including the Einasleigh Cup on board the Krystin Allender-trained Peter The Piper.
GOLFERS had the choice of completing their monthly medal round on either Friday or Saturday at Cooktown and it was Rick Butler who prevailed in the Easter event.
He carded a superb nett 61 to take the chocolates (pun intended), ahead of John McArthur, who had a nett 64.
Those who participated on either Good Friday or Saturday faced oppressive humidity and trick breezes.
Eddie Cridland was the overnight leader with a nett 67 and early Saturday starter Laurie Downs pipped him with a 66, only for McArthur and then Butler to overtake them all.
Nearest to pins went to Brent Hetaraka for 2/11 and 14, while Aaron Hobbs held onto 9/18 from Friday.
JAMIE Hutton and Jay Murray combined to win the Easter Sunday pairs ambrose event at Carpentaria Golf Club, sponsored by Ma’s Rides.
They had a score of 65.25, which was just enough to beat Matt Slade and Steve Abraham, who carded a 66.
Both nearest to pins were won by Slade, who was closest on 7 and 18.
Meanwhile, at last week’s Wednesday Wackers, 18 players braved the heat on the front nine.
Randall O’Neill came out on top with a nett 34, squeezing out Grant Crossley, Nearest to pins went to Helen Sabatino and Viv Chan, while the Bradman’s was claimed by Rachel Dick.
DENZEL King hasn’t given up on his dreams to play NRL, even if the odds are against him.
The Weipa product, who turns 29 in June, says he still has the desire to play at the highest level of rugby league.
“I still look at NRL players who are 34 and running around and think that could be me,” said King.
“That’s one of the things that motivates me. The opportunity in front of me gives me hope and playing just one game on NRL would be a dream come true.”
King, who spent most of his teenage years as a boarder at Ipswich Grammar School, has struggled to make his mark in the Queensland Cup.
He started his footy career at the Northern Pride in 2015 and, after two years and eight games, left for the Ipswich Jets, hoping for more opportunities.
Another two seasons later, he only added three more senior games to his tally before returning to Cairns and the Pride.
It’s been a rollercoaster ride since. A mixture of injuries and jostling for a position in the team has King with just 23 games to his name from nine years in the system.
But has the switch been flicked in 2023?
After missing selection for the Pride’s first game of the year, King was picked against the CQ Capras in round 3 and played a key role off the bench.
Impressed coach Ty Williams repeated King’s role against arch rivals Townsville Blackhawks in round 4 and the utility didn’t let him down, playing a key role in the 13-12 victory.
Shortly after coming off the bench, King scrambled across the line to score the Pride’s first try of the match and his second career try.
“Ty drums it into us that if we see a late retreater, to run hard,” he said.
“I was five metres out and saw an opportunity.”
While King said he would prefer to be a starter – ideally in the number 9 – he was happy to play a role for the team.
“It’s my job to be ready and do whatever Ty needs me to do,” he said.
“At the moment I’m just happy to be in the team and contributing.”
King, who is a mental health worker throughout the week, said having a healthy body was critical to his form.
In recent years he’s had issues with his shoulder, torn a calf, a PCL (knee) and broken his hand.
“The body feels pretty good at the moment,” King said prior to the Easter weekend bye.
The same can’t be said of his younger brother, Seamus KingSmith, who signed on with the Pride this year but has been restricted with a back injury.
King hopes he can take to the field at some point this season.
There is strong speculation that Weipa is in line to host a Queensland Cup match in July
as part of the competition’s annual Country Week round.
“That would be pretty cool for me,” King said of the possibility of playing in front of old friends and family.
“Being able to play on that field (Andoom Oval) would be massive.”
His father, Northern Pride CEO Garreth Smith, is trying to make it happen.
King said the role suited his old man.
“He’s definitely a lot happier and you can see the passion he has for the club and for the game of rugby league,” King said.
“He’s made a massive difference in the club.”
Cape York Weekly is a free, locally-owned newspaper, published every Tuedsay by Cape York Weekly Pty Ltd
ABN: 506 391 612 92
EDITOR: Matt Nicholls
Ph: 0477 450 558
editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au
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DEB DUFFY
Principal Licencee 0418 773 747
debduffy@weiparealestate.com.au
www.weiparealestate.com.au PO Box 552, Weipa QLD4874
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.
