Warren Brewer made it three wins in as many years in the Goodline Weipa Open on the weekend after he held out a quality field over the two days. Check out the results in our two page spread on 24 & 25.
THE small Cape York community of Laura is mourning the death of local publican Kevin Darmody after he was likely killed by a crocodile after falling into the water on Saturday.
The owner of the Peninsula Hotel in Laura was fishing in the Lakefield National Park with a mate – something he had done dozens of times before –
when he vanished. His shouting was heard, along with water splashing.
When his mate rushed over, he was nowhere to be seen.
But a large goanna on the bank could be the reason he ended up in the water.
Hear from Kev’s family and friends in our special tribute to “Stumpy” on Pages 4 and 5 of this edition.
A BULK carrier loaded with Cape York bauxite came close to disaster last week after hitting an uncharted reef on the Indonesian-West Papua coast.
The MV Indian Partnership, which was en route to China from Skardon River, hit the reef on April 23 and had to make its way to shallow water for inspection and repairs.
Images released by the Indonesian Navy show the vessel leaning heavily to one side and in danger of going under.
The vessel is UK-flagged and operated by Zodiac Maritime.
In a statement, the company said it had sent divers to the ship’s location.
“The Zodiac Maritime operated vessel Indian Partnership, in the Ceram Sea, while on course to China carrying bauxite ore, hit an uncharted reef which pierced her forward ballast tanks on the starboard side,” it said.
“After hitting the reef, the vessel proceeded under her own power to shallow water near Misool Island, Indonesia where she is now safely afloat.
“Water ingress was contained to the ballast tanks.
“Divers are at the vessel now and are conducting underwater repairs. The vessel is stable.
“The mixed nationality crew of 22 are all safe and unharmed.
“There is no pollution. The crew on board, with support from our shore based teams, are working closely with local authorities.”
Metro Mining, which produced and loaded the bauxite onto the vessel, said there was no concern for shareholders.
“Metro Mining informs the market that the bauxite cargo vessel Indian Partnership was recently loaded at Skardon River with 178,087mt of bauxite,” the company said in a statement.
“The cargo is sold under irrevocable letter of credit. The cargo is insured and Metro, customer and vessel owners are in contact.
“Metro assures the market should there be delayed payment for the cargo, it will not have any material risk on the company’s finances.
“The owners are not currently able to estimate when the vessel will be repaired and be able to re-commence the voyage to China until divers have completed their investigations.”
By MATT NICHOLLS
CAPE York’s pharmacists are weighing up their options after a major legislation change caught their businesses off guard.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler last week announced the government would increase the length of scripts from one to two months’ supply for 325 common medicines, halving the cost for consumers who have chronic conditions.
The government says this will save $1.2 billion over four years in dispensing fees.
But the snap decision, which the pharmacy industry says was done without consultation, now threatens the livelihood of small pharmacy owners, especially in regional areas.
“They have done this for a headline to say they are doing something to reduce the cost of living,” Cooktown pharmacy owner Nick Loukas said.
“But we are the ones that will suffer and then the communities will hurt because we’ll either have to cut staff or cut services.”
Mr Loukas said the decision was political and would not work as intended.
“They have fallen for the lobbying of the doctors,” he said.
“This change will free up people from going to the doctor but for a lot of those chronic conditions, a doctor can write a 12-month prescription anyway.
“Increasing the standard script from 30 days to 60 days will save on dispensing fees for the government, but we struggle to get stock as it is. How are we going to keep 60 days of stock?
“This has been done without any consultation and now we have to work out how to cope.”
Trent Twomey, the president of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, said millions of patients would be worse off because the proposal guaranteed medicine shortages across the country.
“If the federal government
proceeds with this proposal, everyday prescription medicine will be put into severe shortages lasting months, not days or weeks,” he said.
“The research is crystal clear: Australians do not support a policy if it means pharmacy shelves are bare and patients miss out on vital medicine that they need.
“We are calling on the federal government to reconsider.
“I don’t want to see a standoff in any community in Australia where some patients get double the medicine they need, while others get nothing.
“We want to work with the government to deliver cheaper medicine for millions of patients through our proposal to drop the PBS co-payment to $19, helping all Australians in this cost of living crisis.”
Cairns-based Labor Senator Nita Green has been bombarded
with calls and messages from pharmacists across the state and said her office was working to get in touch with those impacted by the changes.
However, she stood by her government’s decision.
“This is something that has been on the table for a while,” she said.
“It came from the Pharmacy Advisory Committee in 2018 and the previous government didn’t do it.
“We are stepping in and the consumers will save money and the taxpayers will save money.”
Senator Green said the federal government had pledged to re-invest the savings back into community pharmacies.
However, no details have been forthcoming about how that will work.
Weipa-based pharmacist Sam Harbison said he saw both sides
of the argument but didn’t support the changes.
“Reducing the cost of living is something I support, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of a small business like ours,” he told Cape York Weekly
“I didn’t see this decision coming and it will hurt us when the changes happen on September 1 this year.
“We will do everything we can to support the community, however I’ll have to weigh up my options and make some form of change when the time comes.
“You can’t have your legs cut out from under you unexpectedly and continue as if nothing has happened.”
Mr Harbison said getting enough medication to cater for 60-day scripts would be a challenge in a remote area.
The Weipa pharmacy also has to deal with an increase in trade throughout the tourist season.
“With 60-day scripts, we will lose even more trade than some pharmacists because the tourists will be able to get their stock in advance of leaving for their Cape trip,” he said.
“I wish the government would speak to regional pharmacies and hear how it’s going to impact us and the services we provide our communities.”
Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said he was against the change.
“Pharmacists are going to subsidise this government initiative and it really beggars belief,” he said.
“These are small businesses that pay tax, including payroll tax and tax on profits.
“This is just another tax on them.
“They play a critical role in our community and it doesn’t make sense to hurt them.
“What would happen if the Weipa pharmacy or Cooktown pharmacy were to shut down?
“It would be a disaster for the communities.”
FRIENDS and family of Laura publican Kevin Darmody have lined up to pay tribute to “Stumpy” after he was likely the victim of a preying crocodile on Saturday.
However, his close mate John Peiti, who was within earshot at the time of his disappearance in Lakefield National Park, said he didn’t believe the croc lunged out of the water to grab him.
“I heard Kev roaring about three times and I tried to look down to see what was going on,” said John.
“Next minute, I heard a big splash and I raced down. I reckon it only took me half a minute to get where he had been but there was no sign of him, just his thongs on the bank and nothing else.”
However, there was something else on the bank – a large goanna.
“I think Kev might have been roaring at this goanna and maybe he’s lost his balance and gone in (the water),” John said.
“I don’t think a croc has come out of the water and grabbed him because there was no water on the bank. The reports of a croc slide are not true.
“There was just no sign of him –no fishing rod, no hat.”
John, who was visiting Kev from Moruya in NSW, said he thought a croc was waiting in the water and grabbed him when he fell in.
“That’s the only explanation I
can think of,” he told Cape York Weekly from the pub in Laura on Monday morning.
The Peninsula Hotel had begun to fill up with those keen to pay their respects to the man who had been the Laura publican for two decades.
Bron Jones, the former Laura State School principal, flew to Cairns on Sunday and filled a hire car with friends and family of Kev.
“When I was at the school he
did so much for me and last year I came up to Laura and worked at the pub,” she said.
“I was all ready to come up again this year.”
Those plans were brought forward when news came through on Saturday night.
Bron said she was disgusted by some of the Facebook comments about Kev, many of whom said he should have been more careful in croc country.
“If anyone knew Kev they’d know that he was always one to give advice to tourists about being careful. He knew the risks and he wasn’t one to take risks,” she said.
With her in the car were two of Kev’s brothers in Pat and Dave Darmody.
One brother stayed home due to a pending heart operation, while his sister was encouraged to stay south until the dust settled.
Pat and Dave said they were still
in shock that their brother was no longer with them.
“It’s just unbelievable. The amount of times he’s been fishing in that area with no problem ... I’m stunned,” said Pat.
“He would have known the area as well as anyone.”
Dave said his brother, who grew up in Sutton on the outskirts of Canberra, first came to love northern Australia after he worked as a hunter and a tour guide on Bathurst Island.
“He and his mate had a pub down home and Kevin started looking for another one,” he said.
“He bought the original Laura Hotel and they say 20 years is a life sentence so he’s definitely done his time up here.
“I believe he ran this place more for his friends and visitors than for himself.”
A former bullrider, Kevin was well known on the rodeo circuit.
“The three of us travelled for years (for rodeo),” Pat said.
“He was a very good bullrider.”
The brothers said they had no immediate plans for a funeral and didn’t know what would happen to the pub.
“We’ve had so many people reach out to offer a hand, though,” Dave said.
“The phone hasn’t stopped ringing with people offering a kind word or some help.”
Peter Hannah said Stumpy was always one to lend a hand.
The president of the Pandanus Park Veterans Retreat, located about 100km from Laura on the Normanby River, said Kev would always help cook breakfast at their annual get-together.
“Every year he’d come out with 10kg of sausages and then help cook breakfast,” Mr Hannah said.
“I’d go to fix him up and he’d tell us not to worry about it. Then he’d put two bottles of rum on the table and leave, telling us he had a pub to run.”
The veterans gather every year on August 18 and Mr Hannah said this year would have extra meaning for those in attendance.
“I’d suggest we’ll have a service for him and perhaps get a plaque made up in his honour,” he said.
Former long-time Cooktown resident Jody Andrews, who now lives in South Australia, has been friends with Stumpy since the 90s.
She and her late husband Graeme first met him at Clancy’s pub in Canberra in 1994.
“He’s always been a friend to the veterans. All the bike clubs used to go there (Clancy)’s after the opening of the war memorial.
“He’s not a veteran himself, but would have had many mates who were.”
They crossed paths again more than a decade later – this time in Cape York.
“We went to Laura for the first time in 2006 and walked into the pub and we both went ‘what the
hell are you doing here’. Then the friendship just renewed from there,” Ms Andrews said.
“Hearing about his passing brought back a lot of memories as Graeme and I were first on the scene with Arthur Booker (who was taken by a croc at Endeavour River Escape in 2008).
“We were caretakers at River Escape when it happened. His wife came and said he was missing and we were the first there.”
She said Stumpy was not everyone’s cup of tea but had a good heart.
“He can be spicy as hell and he was an old bronco and bullrider who knew how to stand his ground
with anyone – skills which came into good measure as a publican.
“The whole thing is a real shock, He was so croc savvy and super conscious of the risks, always educating the tourists.
“He was loyal to a fault with his mates – he’ll always have your back.
“He loved the Laura pub and the tourists. I’ll never forget, one time we were staying there in a two-man tent and there’s Stumpy in the middle of the night in his jocks, it’s a full moon, and he’s got a bullwhip.
“One of the bulls had come into the campground and he’s cracking his whip.
“Even though he’s from Canberra he was a bushie at heart.
“We’ll miss him this year (at Pandanus). I was looking forward to spending a week with him.
“He’d bring all his staff and anyone at the campground up to the Long Tan Day service at Pandanus Park.
“I’d like to think Graeme was waiting for him at the gate with a beer. I wish (Kev) had gone on that bloody round-Australia trip he was wishing he could do because he was jealous when we left.”
Meanwhile, there has been no sighting of Kev or the crocodile suspected to be responsible for his disappearance.
His death – the first due to a croc in Cape York for more than a decade – has sparked a debate among state politicians regarding crocodile management.
Katter’s Australian Party has been pushing for a cull on crocs in the Far North, claiming they are pushing people out of waterways.
On Monday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was asked if she supported a crocodile cull.
“We know up north, it is croc country,” she said.
“If there is anything more that we can do in terms of crocodile management plans which are worked out with the councils, we will do that.”
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NAPRANUM locals are being urged to stay away from the water’s edge at the town’s beach area after a large croc grabbed a dog off the shoreline last Friday.
The croc has since been since patrolling the area.
The video of the croc grabbing the dog caused a social media storm, with some urging the person behind the camera to do more to usher the dogs away from the croc.
The Department of Environment and Science has been made aware of the croc and said it was investigating.
MORE than $1000 was raised for the Weipa RSL sub-branch at the Weipa Bowls Club on Anzac Day.
Punters took to two-up all afternoon, with Ken Pappin and Garry Hilton running the event for the RSL.
Bowls club manager Tania Iti said for every dollar raised, the club matched.
Weipa RSL president Lloyd Williams said the check for $2399 would be well spent.
“We’re only a small branch but we get a lot of bang for our buck,” he said.
“The bowls club always supports us and we’re grateful to those who came out to the dawn service and who supported the two-up at the Bowlies.”
WEIPA families looking for day care for their children or individuals interested in becoming family day care providers are being encouraged to attend an open day on Friday night.
“NQ Family Day Care have been lucky enough to be able to join your community by taking over the family day care educators from Weipa Community Centre,” service manager Katrina Bryant said.
“We have really seen the need of care in the Weipa community, so we need educators. If you are looking for a change in careers, come to our meet and greet night at the Albatross Bay Resort on Friday from 5pm to 6.30pm.”
By SARAH MARTIN
THOUGHTS of a grandfather he never met who fought for his country’s freedom on the same slippery slopes spurred Rob Scanlan through the 96km Kokoda Trail, an experience he described as overwhelming.
The 25-year-old Australian Army ground-based air defender grew up in Cooktown, but now lives in Adelaide.
He said he was thrilled to be able to complete the trek in Papua New Guinea.
“I’m immensely proud, but it’s a quiet proudness; too solemn to be loudly spoken,” Mr Scanlan said.
“During the big days (on the track) you would say to yourself ‘when will this end?’; but to put that into perspective, I was doing this with the freedom I was given by Australian soldiers.
“All I had to do was walk to the finish line.
“I didn’t have to stretchercarry anyone, I don’t have to let
my best mate’s mum know that her son died next to me.”
Mr Scanlan walked with a group of fellow soldiers and civilians, led by an Aussie guide, starting out on April 17 and completing the trek following
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an Anzac Day dawn service at Isurava.
“Hearing the Ode and the Papua New Guinean anthem, followed by the Australian anthem, sung at a cloudy summit that we just walked 100km to get to, was quite overwhelming,” he said.
Mr Scanlan was inspired to tackle the Kokoda Trail in honour of his grandfather, William “Bill” Coleman, who served with the 7th Signal Regiment in PNG during the World War II. The young soldier said the gruelling trek included walking up to 20km a day at times, through soaking rain and waist deep rivers.
“Those days were draining; it was mentally tough where you’d done six hours of walking and you still had three hours to go and you would look up and the hill would just get higher and higher,” he said.
“Resilience and fortitude came into play, as well as morale and good humour, which
I’m happy to say was supplied by me.”
In addition to the once-in-alifetime experience of an Anzac service among the clouds, Mr Scanlan said there were memorable and funny moments along the track.
“One time we were rushed for time, it was pouring and there was a swamp we had to cross,” he said.
“It was like hopscotch to get through and then there’s a flooded river and it was like what was the point of doing all that to avoid getting wet only to walk through a waist-deep river.”
Mr Scanlan said it was likely a once-in-a-lifetime experience for him, and one he encouraged others to do it.
“Less than one per cent of Australians have done Kokoda, and it almost feels like it should be a pre-requisite for people to understand themselves and others,” he said.
“More people should be doing it.”
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A MOVING Anzac Day service at Napranum was capped by two ceremonies for local men enlisted with the 51st Battalion.
Major Theo Hadgis, who leads the Bravo Company out of Weipa, said it was an important day for both Lieutenant Sebastian Jingle and Sergeant James Kawangka.
“I’m just so proud of both of them and they are both strong leaders and positive role models,” he said last Tuesday.
Lieutenant Jingle has quickly risen through the ranks after enlising into the Australian Army Reserve on November 1, 2019.
He is now officially an officer after he was surprised with a
signed certificate from the Governor-General.
It’s been a busy 12 months for Lieutenant Jingle, who has recently completed a number of courses,
including a Patrol Commanders Course and the Regimental Officer Basic Course, which now means he is a fully qualified Lieutenant. Meanwhile, Sergeant Kawangka
has earned the official title of Bravo Company Uncle and received the rank upgrade from Private.
With his family watching on, Sergeant Kawangka had his old rank removed from his uniform and replaced by a sergeant’s patch, installed by his sister.
Major Hadgis said Uncle James had been with the Australian Army Reserve since 2005 and played a key mentoring role with younger recruits.
“We are luck to have quality people like Sebastian and James among our ranks,” he said.
Anzac Day services were held all across the Cape last Tuesday.
Check out the coverage in our special four-page liftout on Pages 13, 14, 15 and 16.
AN aviation historian is calling for Cape York locals to help fill the gaps in his record of the first flight around Australia, a feat that will be recreated next year.
Retired teacher and full-time historian Tom Lockley has been researching the 1924 flight and said reaching out to locals often uncovered more information.
“I’ve found all the material I can and am now reaching out to groups along the route and asking if they have any information,” Mr Lockley said.
“I’ve done this before, and we found a lot of things that aren’t on the public record. We’re looking for any local knowledge of the (landings in Cooktown and Thursday Island), an idea of the size and facilities there in 1924 and any interesting history of Cooktown and Thursday Island, especially involving aviation.”
The first flight was made in a Royal Australian Air Force seaplane, flown by Wing Commander Stanley James ‘Jimmy’ Goble and Flying Officer Ivor McIntyre, stopping in Cooktown and Thursday Island on the sixweek journey.
Among the key aims of the flight, as set out by Defence Minister Bowden, was mapping a seaplane route to Thursday Island and “showing the flag” in northern Australia.
The pair arrived in Cooktown to blustery wind and heavy rain, forcing them to keep watch over the plane for the night.
After a six-hour flight hampered by more thick cloud, wind and heavy rain, the duo landed at Thursday Island.
Keen aviator and adventurer Michael Smith will mark the 100th anniversary of Goble and McIntyre’s flight by following their route.
Mr Lockley has worked alongside Mr Smith to research historical flights. Email tomlockley@gmail.com with any relevant information.
WEIPA locals take cyclone season seriously, and so do our local authorities who come together through the Weipa Local Disaster Management Group to protect the community.
The group meets regularly and brings together members of Queensland Police, Queensland Ambulance Service, Australian Defence Force, Australian Border Force, Queensland Health and Weipa Hospital as well as representatives from the Weipa Town Authority and Rio Tinto.
At its April meeting, the LDMG conducted a desktop training exercise, or event simulation, to test the region’s ability to respond to a real emergency.
This training is designed to test local response and communication capability and helps authorities plan for an integrated approach and response to any emergency event.
“This was a really valuable exercise for us,” said LDMG chair Stretch Noonan.
“We took away some actions to make improvements and changes to our existing emergency response plans.
“It was great to have everyone in the same room to understand the best way for us to all work together.”
The simulated scenario was based on a number of incidents occurring in conjunction with a onein-1000-year rainfall event, resulting in a simulated failure of the East Weipa 4 tailings dam system adjacent to the suburb of Nanum.
Despite the miniscule chance of such an event ever occurring, the training was undertaken as part of mandatory compliance for Rio
Tinto under the Global Industry Standard for Tailing Management, which sets a new global industry benchmark for tailings dam safety.
Rio Tinto Weipa general manager Shona Markham said ensuring the safety of local residents and the communities in which the company operated was fundamental.
“While we have no concerns about the integrity of our facili-
CAPE York’s bare air force base could be in line for some major upgrades after a review cited a $3.8 billion spend to strengthen Australia’s northern bases.
The Defence Strategic Review, released last week, noted “priority to be given to critical air bases”.
Weipa Town Authority chair Michael Rowland expects that some of that money will be directed to RAAF Base Scherger.
“It’s quite a huge statement they’re making,” Mr Rowland said.
“Some people might have concerns it paints a target on our back but defence in the north has always been an important part of Australia’s strategic positioning.”
ties, this work with the LDMG forms part of Rio Tinto’s ongoing efforts to comprehensively review all tailings operations, update dam break studies consistently and review emergency response plans,” she said.
“An exercise like this is also a really valuable opportunity to work collectively and support the community.”
He said the timing was right as Weipa and Western Cape communities planned for a future once the Rio Tinto-operated bauxite mine expired.
“The future of Weipa has to be diversified, it can’t be just mining.
“Something like a defence commitment to spending and operational capability brings along with it a lot of other interested parties and business to support that.”
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A HOPE Vale Health Action team member is calling for the community to step up and take responsibility for dogs and horses roaming the streets before someone is seriously injured.
Tracey Ludwick said the small town was overrun with wandering animals.
“Mangy dogs lie in the middle of the road forcing vehicles to stop, horses are roaming with ripped flesh bared,” a disgusted Ms Ludwick said.
“Residents are afraid to walk down the road, teachers have had to jump through barbed wire fences to escape horses, and children are stepping through manure at the front of our playschool centre.”
Ms Ludwick said locals need-
ed to stop waiting for someone else to solve the problem and take responsibility for their own animals.
“You can’t have 10 dogs in a house. This is the business of the Hope Vale people, they need to take responsibility,” she said.
The grandmother said wandering animals were a serious health and safety issue, with the risk of diseases transferred from animal faeces, car accidents caused by animals on the road, and dog and horse attacks a real fear.
“We have recently had a community member hospitalised with leptospirosis, which is a consequence of animal droppings and urine; this is not something to be blasé about,” she said.
Ms Ludwick said Hope Vale
Aboriginal Shire Council needed to lead the way by enforcing animal control regulations.
“A process was occurring where animal owners had been informed of their roaming animals by council,” she said.
“This has obviously not been fully addressed as the problem is remaining and there are no consequences for owners.”
The council’s acting CEO Shannon Gibbs said animal management was a council priority, and residents were expected to practice responsible pet ownership.
“Council may exercise powers under a range of animal management laws, including to deal with dog registrations, wandering animals and other animal management issues in the Shire,” Ms Gibbs said.
A SEA of candles will mark the first of a series of events to mark domestic and family violence awareness month in Cooktown, Wujal Wujal and Hope Vale.
“All dogs in Queensland are required to be registered.
“The council maintains a pound to assist in dealing with animal management issues and appoints authorised persons to consider and enforce various animal management laws.”
Ms Gibbs said the council also delivered a number of initiatives, including in conjunction with other government and not-for-profit bodies, aimed at assisting residents with their pets’ health.
“These initiatives are also targeted at helping residents comply with their obligations under animal management laws,” she said.
“Council-led animal management initiatives are advertised from time to time in the Hope Vale shire.”
IF you’re wondering what the Country Universities Centre in Cooktown is about, or just curious to check out the building, drop in to the centre’s community open day this Saturday.
Centre manager Jenni James said anyone currently studying, wanting to study, or just curious,
was invited to attend the opening.
“It’s an opportunity for people to come and have a look at the centre, take a tour of the facilities, ask us any questions and learn about what we do here,”
Ms James said.
“You can register as a student, talk to us about career and study
day
goals for yourself or your children or just pop in to say hello over a cuppa and bite to eat.”
The centre provides free federal government-funded support to students studying certificate or degree-level courses, including trade courses.
The team offers academic and
administrative support, helping to navigate online enrolments, tutoring and workshops, space for shared or private study and exams and more.
The open day is this Saturday, May 6, from 10am to 2pm at the CUC Cape York offices on Charlotte Street next to the chemist.
The candlelight vigil on Thursday is organised by the Cooktown District Community Centre, with locals encouraged to attend to remember loved ones lost as a result of domestic and family violence.
CEO Tracey Boulton said the event formed part of a series across the region to honour domestic and family violence awareness month.
“Coming together as a community to support families, women and men in domestic violence situations helps to show our support and solidarity with them. Please make the time to join us,” she said.
The vigil will be held at William Daku Park on the Cooktown waterfront on Thursday at 5.45pm.
LED candles will be provided.
IF you like coffee, cakes and the fun of the fete, the Cooktown Kindergarten’s annual fundraiser is the spot to be this Saturday.
The community fete even features a mini sideshow alley with six carnival games and plenty of prizes for little ones to enjoy, as well as a host of stalls and activities.
Cooktown Kindy director Nardia Whitman said the exciting day included show bags, lucky dips, cake and sweet stalls, plants, craft, jewellery, books and pre-loved clothes stalls and more.
“You can make your own necklace, get your face painted, check out Jim’s snake display or sit down and enjoy a cuppa and scone while the kids play,” she said.
“There’s also a sausage sizzle and cold drinks available all day.”
Local hairdresser Natalie Dooley is bringing her fun, sparkly festival braid stall to the fete, and said she was excited to be supporting the local kindy.
“I’m really looking forward to creating rainbow, glittery hair for all the kiddies,” Ms Dooley said.
“We have such a beautiful kindy, our Cooktown kids are so lucky; any funds raised go such a long way, so I’m always happy to help.”
Another highlight will be the raffling of a handmade and painted didgeridoo, donated by Kuku Bulkaway Gallery, and the drawing of the kindy’s Monster Raffle, which has a whopping $4500 in prizes donated by the local community.
The fete is this Saturday at the Cooktown PCYC Events Centre from 9.30am.
MOUNT Garnet brought a crack team of cricketers north to take out the men’s Musgrave Super 8s event over the weekend, beating a Mareeba team in the final.
Twelve sides made the trip to the remote roadhouse, with eight men’s teams and four women’s teams battling it out on three fields across two days.
Watching from the sidelines –and the middle as umpires – were Australian cricket champions Jeff Thomson and Doug Walters.
In Sunday’s final, the Mareeba Cattle Dogs compiled 118 to set up
a tantalising chase for the Mount Garnet Eagles.
However, David Kennedy led the chase with an unbeaten 54 to get the runs with two overs in hand.
Zambezi Stallan made 50 before retiring, while Jaime Ryder also notched a half century.
The tables were turned in the women’s final, with Mareeba beating Mount Garnet in a hotly contested match.
The player of the carnival went to William West from the B&W Boars, who received the Paddy and Tania Czislowski Shield.
Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block.
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.
Note to Editor: Created in QUARK XPRESS. VER.4.03 Items not needed for publication can be erased as each is in a separate text box.
An All Australian Word Game
* Each word must contain the centre ‘Focus’ letter and each letter may be used only once
* Each word must be four letters or more
* Find at least one nine letter word
* No swear words
* No verb forms or plurals ending in ‘s’
* No proper nouns and no hyphenated words
YESTERDAY’S
Created: Ted Whillier Qxpress: 8491 Matt Trickey Checked: Rosemary
Monday 15 May 2023 & Tuesday 16 May 2023, Cairns
Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will hold meetings on Monday 15 May 2023 and Tuesday 16 May 2023 in Cairns for the Central West Wik Native Title Group to consider whether to authorise a proposed agreement for a determination of native title for the area shown on the map below.
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. If the meeting on Tuesday 16 May 2023 authorises the proposed determination of native title, the determination will then be sought in the Federal Court. The Court has listed a hearing for a potential consent determination for the area shown on the map above, if there is to be a consent determination, on 5 or 6 July 2023
A copy of the proposed agreement for a determination of native title for the area shown on the map above will be available at the meetings on Monday 15 May 2023 and Tuesday 16 May 2023. At the request of the people who constitute the Applicant in the Cape York United Number 1 Native Title Claim, CYLC staff and consultants will be in attendance to be available to explain things such as the meaning and effect of the proposed agreement at the meeting. Any person attending the meeting will be able to ask questions about the proposed agreement and state their views about it
Who is invited to attend the meetings?
The Pre-Authorisation meeting is open to all descendants by birth, or adoption in accordance with traditional law and custom, of one or more of the following apical ancestors:
1. Peempa Thum-Kalban Ku’ekka;
2. Daojan (Koondumbin);
3. Jimmy (father of Polly Perkins and Connie Tartempenmiya);
4. Father of Short Charlie and Long Charlie (Chaalongk);
5. George Brown;
6. Chininga;
7. Ko’owata
8. Mosey;
9. Dhaabangchiy;
10. Jimmy Lawrence;
11. Kepple Ancestor;
12. Warnkoola Ancestor; or
13. Palpal (Old Blowdy)
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 individual, Brian Ross, is also invited to attend this meeting. The meeting will be held as follows:
Date: Monday 15 May 2023 & Tuesday 16 May 2023
Venue: Holiday Inn, 209-217 Esplanade, Cairns North QLD 4870
Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm (on both meeting days)
Video-conferencing
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 below. It is important to provide every opportunity for persons entitled to attend the meeting.
Day
The purpose of the meeting on Day 1, Monday 15 May 2023, is for the Board of Directors of Ngan Aak-Kunch Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (ICN 4097) to meet with members of the Central West Wik Native Title Group and CYLC in order to discuss the corporation required to be nominated at the Authorisation Meeting on Day 2, Tuesday 16 May 2023, to represent the native title holders identified in the proposed agreement for a determination of native title over the proposed determination area.
The purpose of the meeting on Day 2, Tuesday 16 May 2023, is to decide whether or not to approve the proposed agreement for a determination of native title for the area shown on the map above. The agenda of the meeting will be to consider whether the persons present:
• agree and adopt a decision-making process;
• agree to the proposed agreement for a determination of native title;
• agree to nominate a corporation to represent the native title holders identified in the proposed agreement for a determination of native title over the proposed determination area; and
• authorise the Principal Legal Officer of CYLC to nominate the proposed corporation in writing to the Federal Court for it to be the prescribed body corporate under s.57(2)(a) & (b) of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) for the proposed determination of native title.
Attendance
To register your interest in attending this meeting or to enquire about travel assistance, please contact Leah Thompson at CYLC on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email at lthompson@cylc.org.au no later than 11 May 2023 Please note that there is limited funding for travel assistance. If you have queries about this meeting, please contact Kirstin Malyon on 0407 157 737 or kmalyon@cylc.org.au
We are looking for Local Aboriginal Person (LAP) Mine Operators to operate haul trucks, rear tippers, water carts and other machinery to conduct surface extraction of bauxite at our Northern Operations (Andoom)
Duties include:
Operating excavating or ripping machines to remove vegetation, overburden and bauxite
Operating front-end loaders and equipment to load trucks for the transport of material to stockpile or processing
Operating long-haul trucks to move bauxite to the dump bridge prior to processing in the beatification plant
Operating mobile plant machinery (such as bulldozers graders front-end loaders backhoes and tip-trucks) to create haul roads and stockpiles
Use radio and information technology to communicate on-the-job
Successful applicants must:
Have a current manual drivers licence
Be committed to the safety of yourself and the team
Have a high degree of work ethic and self-motivation
Able to tolerate physically demanding work including shift work
To apply online go to the Rio Tinto Careers website. For further information contact Jo Moloney via email jo moloney@riotinto com or call 0473 016 007
Applications close 15 May 2023
Cape York United # 1 Native Title Claim (QUD673/2014)
Weipa Peninsula People Native Title Group
Wednesday 17 May 2023 Cairns
Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will hold an authorisation meeting on Wednesday 17 May 2023 in Cairns to consider whether to authorise a proposed agreement for a determination of native title for the area shown on the map below.
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) will undertake maintenance dredging from early May 2023 at the Port of Weipa.
Dredging will also be completed at Amrun on behalf of Rio Tinto.
The project will take up to seven (7) weeks to complete.
The dredge vessel TSHD Brisbane, as well as support vessels, have restricted manoeuvring capability. Local and visiting boaties are asked to take care and notice of all warning flags and lights.
Maintenance dredging needs to be carried out to ensure that safe, navigable shipping depths are maintained.
Environmental controls and management measures will be implemented throughout the program to minimise the risk of any potential impact on the marine environment.
Your cooperation and understanding is appreciated.
For more information contact
Monday 15 May 2023 0800hrs to 0900hrs (1 hour duration)
The Power Distribution team would like to inform you that there will be an outage for critical maintenance and repairs on Monday 15 May, from
Please call our feedback hotline 1800 820 711 or email RTAWeipafeedback@riotinto com
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. If the meeting on Wednesday 17 May 2023 authorises the proposed determination of native title, the determination will then be sought in the Federal Court. The Court has listed a hearing for a potential consent determination for the area shown on the map above, if there is to be a consent determination, on 5 or 6 July 2023
A copy of the proposed agreement for a determination of native title for the area shown on the map above will be available at the meeting on Wednesday 17 May 2023. At the request of the people who constitute the Applicant in the Cape York United Number 1 Native Title Claim, CYLC staff and consultants will be in attendance to be available to explain things such as the meaning and effect of the proposed agreement at the meeting. Any person attending the meeting will be able to ask questions about the proposed agreement and state their views about it.
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:
14. Okolkon (aka York Downs Mamoos);
15. Pearl Tuppan;
16. Aria;
17. Agotchepei;
18. Beachenugar;
19. Father of George Wakmathe (aka Waukmatha/Waukmathe) & Alec York Downs;
20. Quaingy;
21. Quopal-o;
and
22. John A-chi-chin-ga (father of Dick York);
23. Maggie;
24. Alalangbunge; or
25. Old Tic Tic Tano-kopei.
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: Wednesday 17 May 2023
Venue: Holiday Inn, 209-217 Esplanade, Cairns North QLD 4870
Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm
Purpose of the Authorisation Meeting
The purpose of the Authorisation Meeting on Wednesday 17 May 2023 is to decide whether or not to approve the proposed agreement for a determination of native title for the area shown on the map above. The agenda of the meeting will be to consider whether the persons present:
• agree and adopt a decision-making process;
• agree to the proposed agreement for a determination of native title;
• agree to nominate a corporation to represent the native title holders identified in the proposed agreement for a determination of native title over the proposed determination area; and
• authorise the Principal Legal Officer of CYLC to nominate the proposed corporation in writing to the Federal Court for it to be the prescribed body corporate under s.57(2)(a) & (b) of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) for the proposed determination of native title.
Video-conferencing
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 below. It is important to provide every opportunity for persons entitled to attend the meeting.
Attendance
To register your interest in attending this meeting or to enquire about travel assistance, please contact Leah Thompson at CYLC on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email thompson@cylc. org.au no later than 10 May 2023 Please note that there is limited funding for travel assistance. If you have queries about this meeting, please contact Kirstin Malyon on 0407 157 737 or kmalyon@ cylc.org.au.
CAPE YORK FOLK CLUB INC
SUNDAY, MAY 14 4PM @ TOP PUB
We need you! We need Management Committee members esp SECRETARY & TEAM MANAGERS
COMMERCE (all things financial) HOSPITALITY (are you a chef?)
FESTIVAL CREW CO-ORDINATOR POSITIONS also needed in many areas
COME JOIN US – step up & become a part of this wonderful creative event!
Info: Sandi 0437 910 883 info @wallabycreekfestival.org.au
SUNDAY, MAY 14 @ THE TOP PUB 10AM – 4PM to help us “Buy the Block”
LIVE MUSIC & DANCING Amber Farnan & The Legends of Perhaps return to Cooktown!
DOOR PRIZES RAFFLES STALLS OPEN MIC
POETRY FACE PAINTING LIVE AEROSOL ART
CARD READINGS CRAB RACES FREE POOL –CHALLENGE A CHAMPION!
Casual Bar & Gaming positions available for honest and reliable persons
30+ hours per week, Clubs Award wages
Must have RSA & RSG
Experience is preferred, training provided
Must be available for nights and weekends when required
Phone 4214 6500 or email the Club Manager manager@weipabowlsclub.com.au for further information or register your interest
(I.C.N. 148)
Gungarde Community Centre is seeking applications from suitably qualified people to join our team in the following roles:
FAMILY WELLBEING TEAM LEADER
1 Full Time Position
FAMILY WELLBEING SUPPORT WORKER
1 Casual position (22.8 hours)
FAMILY PARTICIPATION PROGRAM SUPPORT WORKER
1 Full Time Position
Applications close at noon on Friday, May 5, 2023
plant machinery our Northern Operations (Andoom)
Duties include:
Taking samples of bauxite material for testing
Cleaning washing and maintaining equipment and remove spillages
Clearing blockages, and maintaining systems such as drainage, fluids-pouring and conveyor belt systems
Operating the Bene Plant manual and computer-based systems, and participate in shutdowns
Assembling and dismantling
Successful applicants must:
For further information or to request a copy of the Position Description please contact 07 4069 5412 or gwhittaker@gungarde.com.au
The TSRA is seeking tenders from suitably qualified and experienced organisations for the Provision of Core Legal Services AND/OR Prevention, Intervention and Community Legal Education Services for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people living in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area region. This Request for Tender is for provision of services over a period of up to three (3) years.
Tender documentation can be obtained by sending an email to tenders@tsra.gov.au with ‘TENDER REQUEST – Core Legal Services Tender’ AND/OR Prevention, Intervention and Community Legal Education Services Tender in the subject line or on www.tsra.gov.au – under tenders.
Tenders may be submitted as an email attachment to tenders@tsra.gov.au. Tenders are to be clearly marked as ‘TENDER RESPONSE – CA-2023-00028 - Core Legal Services Tender’ AND/OR Prevention, Intervention and Community Legal Education Services Tender’ in the subject line. Alternatively, tenders may be posted to RFT – CA-2023-00028, Torres Strait Regional Authority PO Box 261, Thursday Island Qld 4875.
All enquiries regarding this RFT must be referred in writing to tenders@tsra.gov.au.
Tenders must be received by 5.00pm on Tuesday 30 May 2023
By MATT NICHOLLS
WARREN Brewer and Michelle
Field continue to have a firm grip on the Goodline Weipa Open after they both registered their third win in a row on the weekend.
Brewer, who moved to Weipa just before his first Open victory in 2021, was able to beat a strong men’s field with scores of 75 and 80 to win by two strokes.
“I certainly didn’t play my best golf,” a humble Brewer said after Sunday’s round.
He wasn’t alone as most golfers struggled to break their handicap in hot conditions at the Carpentaria Golf Club.
Field, one of several visiting players from Mossman, was five strokes off the lead on Saturday night but produced her best when it counted to win the women’s Open from local Jay Murray.
She beat her previous day’s
score by nine strokes to card 80 off the stick and ended up winning by five shots after Murray struggled to find her rhythm.
“It’s always a great weekend in Weipa and when we get back to Mossman we’ll start looking at airfares for next year,” Field said.
The men’s A-grade nett prize –which also determined the winners of the lucrative Calcutta – was just as hotly contested.
Jamie Hutton produced two consistent rounds of nett 73 and 70 to be a joint winner with Ross Craven, who carded 72 and 71.
However, Hutton was deemed the winner on a countback, while the cash was split in the Calcutta.
Club president Dave Morgan thanked the sponsors, especially major partner Goodline, and paid special tribute to superintendent Steve Jensen, who had the fairways and greens in great condition after a massive wet season.
A-grade men gross winner
Warren Brewer (75, 80: 155)
A-grade men gross runner-up
Anton Booy (78, 79: 157)
A-grade men nett winner
Jamie Hutton (73, 70: 143)
A-grade men nett runner-up
Ross Craven (72, 71: 143)
A-grade men Saturday winner
Danny Bradley (77-6-71)
A-grade men Sunday winner
Jamie Hutton (80-10-70)
Div 1 women gross winner
Michelle Field (89, 80: 169)
Div 1 women gross runner-up
Jay Murray (84, 90: 174)
Div 1 women nett winner
Jay Murray (72, 78: 150)
Div 1 women nett runner-up
Tula Junna (78, 77: 155)
Div 1 women Saturday winner
Jay Murray (84-8-72)
Div 1 women Sunday winner
Viv Chan (94-19-75)
B-grade men gross winner
Glenn Egan (91, 82: 173)
B-grade gross runner-up
Peter Sceresini (88, 86: 174)
B-grade men nett winner
Glenn Egan (74, 65: 139)
B-grade men nett runner-up
Peter Sceresini (74, 72: 146)
B-grade men Saturday winner
Tanner Granzien (82-14-68)
B-grade men Sunday winner
Glenn Egan (82-17-65)
Div 2 women gross winner
Sandy Lockhard (103-97:200)
Div 2 women gross runner-up
Jess Stecko (108, 110: 218)
Div 2 women nett winner
Sandy Lockhard (82, 76: 158)
Div 2 women nett runner-up
Jess Stecko (82, 84: 166)
Div 2 women Saturday winner
Kellie Kremmer (113-38-75)
Div 2 women Sunday winner
Sandy Lockhard (97-21-76)
C-grade men gross winner
Thorne Rice (96, 100: 196)
C-grade men gross runner-up
Jeff Watson (95, 105: 200)
C-grade men nett winner
Brock Lowrey (73, 77: 150)
C-grade men nett runner-up
Jim Lucas (75, 76: 151)
C-grade men Saturday winner
Brock Lowrey (101-28-73)
C-grade men Sunday winner
Stretch Noonan (110-34-76)
STEVE Butler played the round of his life at Cooktown on Saturday to claim the monthly medal and give the course record a nudge in the process.
There have been some greats rounds played at Walker Bay, but no one has come close to the course record of 64 held by the late Kim Copeland until Saturday.
Butler, with a handicap of 10, thought he left a couple shots out there to have 66 off the stick for a net 56.
The handicapper had a field day and chopped him three strokes in the process.
In second spot was Brent Hetaraka, who had a nett 62, while Eddie Cridland was third with a nett 64.
Nearest to pins went to Hetaraka on 2/11 and Cridland on 9/18.
No one was good enough to hit and stick on 14, although Graham Burton was incredibly unlucky not to hole out.
This week is the first round of the club championships. Tee off and grade announcements will be from 9.30am.
JAY Murray prepared for the Weipa Open in style last week, shooting 42 off the stick to win Wednesday Wackers.
Her nett 34 was enough to beat Mick Foy, who had a nett 36 but claimed the nearest to pin on 18 as a consolation. The Bradman’s in a field on 17 went to Rachel Dick.
THE AFL has announced long-serving executive Andrew Dillon as its next CEO.
The league’s chairman Richard Goyder said Dillon would replace the outgoing Gillon McLachlan, with the handover to take place at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
Dillon is currently the AFL’s executive general manager of football operations, legal, integrity and general counsel.
“I am honoured and truly humbled to lead the greatest game in the world into its next phase,” Dillon said on Monday.
“Football has been a defining part of my life and it is a privilege to be able to lead the industry in ensuring our game remains relevant, accessible and welcoming to all Australians.”
By SARAH MARTIN
IT was a girl’s night out with a difference when Cooktown muaythai fighters Shauna Gribble and Mariah Bowen took the biff to their Cairns opponents on Sunday.
The duo, training partners at Full Boar Gym under coach Vince Parkes, have been putting the hard yards in at the gym for their bouts on the Fight NQ event.
First into the ring was Bowen, taking on novice Tullita Miller from Cairns Fight Academy.
Bowen, who battled the flu in the week leading into her fight, paced herself and stayed on the back foot, but kept her work rate consistent.
She maintained a steady pace throughout the fight, and although she stayed on the backfoot, her shots were hard and found their mark.
After a hard three-by-threeminute round fight under full thai rules, the judges unanimously awarded the bout to Bowen.
Gribble, who has had a long lay-off between fights, had the ring-rust blown off in the opening seconds of the bout, with opponent Karlee Sellwood, also from Cairns Fight Academy, coming out of the gate hot.
Sellwood kept up her blistering pace throughout the first round, but Gribble soon found her rhythm and started to answer back with some big shots.
In the second round, Sellwood drilled the Cooktown fighter with some big midsection kicks, which sapped Gribble’s energy, but she fought on to finish the round.
Gribble’s energy was low in the final round but she continued to push through, defending to put in a solid first fight back, although the win went to her opponent.
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
PO Box 1079 Weipa, Qld 4874
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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.
