Cape York Weekly Edition 137

REMOTE BEACH BLITZ PAYS OFF

Hospital a hot potato for LNP

Cooktown needs a new hospital, but which party will be the one to deliver it? Queensland’s Opposition Leader David Crisafulli was noncommittal on Monday as he visited the Cape to discuss a ‘health crisis’ in the state. The LNP leader said he hoped the funding would be forthcoming well before next year’s election, but stopped short of making a promise if the current government didn’t deliver on the expected $50 million project. Full story – Page 7

Wuthathi Traditional Owners Ashley Wilson, Rex Pablo, Jordan Solomon and Brian Macumboy hold giant pieces of marine debris gathered from a remote Cape York beach last week. The expedition, done in partnership with Tangaroa Blue, was so remote that the 10 tonnes of rubbish collected had to be flown out. Full story – Page 12

Opposition says cuts to biosecurity will backfire

By MATT NICHOLLS

THE Palaszczuk government’s decision to close the Cape York Biosecurity Centre without notice or consultation has been met with fierce opposition from both the Liberal National Party and Katter’s Australian Party.

As revealed by Cape York Weekly, the Coen facility will be shut at the end of the month.

Gympie MP Tony Perrett is the LNP’s spokesperson for agriculture and said the state government was eroding Queensland’s biosecurity measures.

“It is unfathomable the

Palaszczuk government is closing biosecurity facilities at such a critical time,” he said.

“The Palaszczuk Labor government is overcome with chaos and crisis and it’s now eroding Queensland’s biosecurity measures, too.

“The fact the issues surrounding tenure couldn’t be resolved also shows complete mismanagement by the Minister.

“The Labor Member for Cook is failing to fight for the community she claims to represent.

“Weasel words from the Palaszczuk government aren’t going to do anything about safe-

guarding the cape from future biosecurity outbreaks as a result of this closure.

“This facility must remain open in its existing form or in a similar nearby location.”

KAP Member for Hill Shane Knuth said he was appalled by the decision.

“I am ropable about the closure of the biosecurity centre at Coen and the impact this could have on agriculture and livestock operations throughout the Cape and the Atherton Tablelands,” he said.

“Agriculture is booming on the Atherton Tablelands and the

last thing we need is a relaxation on biosecurity in the region.

“We have recently had a massive scare on the spread of foot and mouth disease, with many in the dairy, beef and livestock sectors expressing huge concerns, due to the devastation this could cause to their industries.

“The port of Weipa is a critical gateway to the Asia Pacific region and, if anything, we should be beefing up our biosecurity vigilance, not closing existing centres.”

Both parties have urged the state government to reconsider the closure.

Fledgling artists show off their talent

TEEN Aurukun artists Mareja and Olivia Pootchemunka are following the footsteps of community artist Janet Koongotema, a finalist in the 2023 Wynne Prize, with their work on display at UMI Arts in Cairns.

The Culture Through Our Eyes exhibition opened on Friday and was the first time the

fledgling artists’ work had been exhibited in a professional gallery. Their work was part of a 23-piece exhibition by 15 students from Djarragun College.

UMI Arts exhibition officer Robyne Pacey said the gallery shone with the vibrant works which told stories from across the north.

“Culture Through Our Eyes is a youth arts initiative launched in 2022 to provide a user-friendly introduction to Queensland’s vibrant Indigenous arts industry,” Ms Pacey said.

“This program provides an inclusive and supportive platform for young, First Nations creators to use artistic expres-

sion to show their talent and share their culture.

“It is wonderful to see this collective response from our young people and more importantly, their fresh perspectives about society and culture.”

Culture Through Our Eyes is on show until June 30 at UMI Arts Gallery in Manoora.

Djarragun College students and staff at the Culture Through Our Eyes exhibition opening in Cairns. Their work is on show until the end of the month.

Rio Tinto housing pledge a tick for Weipa’s future

By MATT NICHOLLS

ANY doubts about Rio Tinto’s future in Weipa have surely been quashed after the mining giant last week announced a major housing plan for the town.

Up to 28 new houses will be built over the next four years, while another 20 homes owned by Rio Tinto will be renovated.

The company will also offer up a number of vacant homes to existing employees.

Further, Cape York Weekly understands that Rio Tinto is also in talks with the state about opening up land for 16 new government homes.

It’s the shot in the arm needed for the Weipa housing market, which has struggled to keep up with demand.

“This is a multi-year plan over the next four or five years with the aim to build seven new houses per year,” said Rio Tinto Weipa general manager Shona Markham.

“We know that housing remains a key issue for the Weipa community and we are committed to helping address the shortage in town.

“We also want to release land for other parties to build on, but that may come with conditions so we are not selling land for people to sit on.

“What I like about this plan is that we’re aiming for an achievable number and we’re also improving the current housing market with renovations.”

Rio Tinto owns a number of vacant properties that have been taken out of the housing pool as they are deemed to be not suitable for the company to maintain or renovate.

Those houses will be offered

to existing staff first, then the general public if they are not snapped up.

“We think there is an appetite for those houses for people who might want to fix them up themselves or find an affordable home,” Ms Markham said.

“I think the message to come from this is that Weipa is critically important to Rio Tinto’s operations and we’re not going anywhere.”

Weipa Town Authority chair Michael Rowland said it was a positive move.

“It says to me that Rio Tinto

is invested in Weipa’s future and that’s a good thing,” he said. “They wouldn’t be building these new houses if they were planning on leaving.”

All the new houses are likely to be built in Golf Links Estate.

Rio Tinto has also increased its allowances for those living and working in Weipa in a bid to improve retention and attract more employees.

Ms Markham said the mining company had also worked to open up more seats to the public on its charter flights, particularly in the school holidays.

Rio Tinto Weipa’s Shona Giradi and Shona Markham with Weipa Town Authority’s Judey Haeusler and Michael Rowland.

The new houses slated for Weipa will be built in Golf Links Estate, Rio Tinto said.

Fishbrain brand born out of Cape

By MATT NICHOLLS

AFTER spending more than a decade climbing the ranks of Rio Tinto, Weipa’s Chas Reinhardt has walked away from mining to launch his own apparel brand.

And while he might end up back as a FIFO worker, Chas hopes his new brand Fishbrain will keep him busy for the foreseeable future.

Along with his wife Maddison, who has been the long-serving manager of the Weipa Servicentre, Chas will have a stall at the Weipa Fishing Classic in what will be a farewell to the community.

“I’d always wanted to do some kind of apparel or brand, although not necessarily fishing,” Chas told Cape York Weekly

“Fishbrain came about from a saying I developed with my mates.

“If the fish weren’t biting and we were out just talking rubbish, I’d say we all had fish brain.

“I first named my boat after it and then the apparel brand.”

His website went live in April and Fishbrain has started to gain some traction on Instagram and throughout the Australian fishing community.

“We’ve got a few ambassadors around the place but originally it was just friends and family who were buying the gear,” Chas said.

“Then when we told Weipa about it we saw some local orders, but definitely from a lot of people that Maddi or I didn’t know.

“The highlight, though, was seeing orders come in from other parts of Australia that we had no connection to.”

Shirts, hats and stickers will be available at a unique-looking stall at the Classic, with more stock to buy through Fishbrain’s website.

“This is our goodbye to Weipa as we’re moving to Townsville,” said Chas.

“We leave with fond memories but we are going somewhere that is close to friends and family.”

Chas said he didn’t know what the immediate future held, but hoped that Fishbrain would be a profitable enterprise.

“I’m realistic in that I might have to work FIFO in the mines but we’re going to give it a go. I

might just work in a place like Tackleworld down there to get a lay of the land to see how the retail business works,” he said.

The Aussie Rules and motocross fan said he also had plans to give back to the community through a mentorship program.

“I haven’t been that involved in clubs or volunteering in Weipa and I’d like to do some time giving back to the community,” he said.

“I’d love to teach kids to fish, maybe for those who don’t have parents or the funds.

“Something like that would be pretty cool.”

You can catch Chas and Maddie at the Weipa Fishing Classic this weekend or find their online store at fishbrainaustralia.au

Public seats on the Alliance Airlines Charter flights are available for the community to purchase. See below, the weekly charter flight schedule:

Brisbane (Mondays)

QQ7240 BNE 08:45 WEI 11:50

QQ7241 WEI 12:25 BNE 15:20

Cairns (Thursdays)

QQ7242 CNS 06:35 WEI 07:50

QQ7243 WEI 09:55 CNS 11:10

Seats are limited, to book please visit www allianceairlines com au or scan the QR code!

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

Chas Reinhardt shows off the Fishbrain hat and shirt that launched the brand.

All of the Fishbrain apparel was designed by Chas and Maddison Reinhardt.

No bids at land auction

THERE were no bidders for three Cook Shire Council blocks at Saturday’s public auction in Cooktown.

All blocks were passed in at auction, held at the Cooktown RSL Memorial Club by agent Jamie Sail of Cape York Realty.

Mr Sail said although no one had come to the party, negotiations were underway after the auction and that he was confident the land would sell in the future.

The council voted earlier this year to sell the three town blocks, on Boundary Street.

Planned power outages

WEIPA residents should be aware of two scheduled power outages this week.

Golf Links residents should experience a blackout from 8am to around 2pm this Thursday (June 8), while businesses and the handful of residents in Evans Landing will be without power on Sunday (June 11) from 1pm to 6pm.

Our biggest ever Classic: president praises team

By MATT NICHOLLS

WEIPA Fishing Classic president

Aaron Schleich has praised his hard-working committee ahead of what should be the biggest event on record.

With the biggest prize pool on offer, those at the Andoom Oval grounds on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will also be blessed with top-notch entertainment, including two fireworks displays and performances from home-grown Australian Idol winner Royston Sagigi-Baira.

Mr Schleich, who had to steer the event through COVID in his first year as president, said all the thanks should go to the team of committee members.

“They are the unsung heroes,” he said

“We know that our sponsors are important and we couldn’t

put on an event without them, but without a committee, we wouldn’t even be in a position to chase those businesses.

“I’m pleased to say that this year’s Classic has returned to having a Top 30 prize pool in the main draw, with prizes surpassing pre-COVID levels.

“It will definitely be the biggest Weipa Fishing Classic on record in terms of prizes.”

Mr Schleich, backed by event

Boat Loans

secretary Jo Moloney, treasurer Lisa May, vice-president Joelene Bray and a strong committee, said it was a team effort to put the Classic on each year.

“You’ll see the results on the weekend but a lot of the work is done months in advance,” he said.

“We’ve got a very good and robust committee and at our meetings, everyone gets a chance to have their say and share ideas.

“I’ve noticed in my time in Weipa that it’s becoming harder and harder to get volunteers and we’ve probably seen a drop in community participation in the Fishing Classic as a result.

“We’d love to see more clubs and groups put on performances as they have in the past, but there just hasn’t been a lot of interest from them.”

Mr Schleich, who will also

Festival a big hit

MC the live-streamed event over the three nights, said he expected the last of the raffle tickets to sell by the middle of the week.

“For those who haven’t been to a Weipa Fishing Classic before, entry is free all weekend to Andoom Oval,” he said.

“You can enjoy the music and the fireworks for free, but if you want to enter the draw to win a boat or one of the other excellent prizes, you’ll need to buy a keyring.

“That will also get you entry into the fishing competition, which also has great prizes.”

There are just 2600 keyrings sold this year and, at the time of writing, fewer than 300 were left to sell.

Those wanting to buy one prior to the weekend should go to Weipa Furniture and Electrical to avoid disappointment.

THE Winds of Zenadth Cultural Festival has wrapped up after four days of singing, dancing and feasting in the Torres Strait. Kicking off with a grand parade, the festival on Thursday Island included more than 60 performances by dance teams.

It also featured marches, musical performances and political discussions.

Torres Shire Council chief executive Dallasa Yorkston said it was the first time the festival could be held in several years due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“It was an emotional time for everyone reconnecting from across the islands, it has been a wonderful festival,” she said.

Torres Strait Flag Day last Monday began with the raising of the flag by Bernard Namok Jnr, the son of the designer.

The festival hosted a session on the Masig Statement, a declaration of selfdetermination for the Torres Strait Islands.

Torres Shire mayor Yen Loban welcomed the community to the ceremony and called on attendees to vote ‘yes’ at the upcoming referendum on an Indigenous voice.

President Aaron Schleich.

The winners of the main prize boat last year were the Hamill family – Chris and wife Lani with children Lachie and Miley.

Thursday Island came to life last week.

Hospital a hot topic in Cooktown

By SARAH MARTIN

STATE Opposition Leader David Crisafulli remains ambiguous about whether the LNP would fund a new Cooktown Hospital if elected in October next year.

Speaking at a “health crisis town meeting” in Cooktown on Monday, a week out from the state budget announcement, Mr Crisafulli put the funding issue firmly back onto the incumbent government.

“The business case has been sitting on the Premier’s desk for a long time,” he said at what was the 32nd town meeting he’s staged in Queensland to discuss health.

“Let’s have a look at what the government does first.

“There is still 18 months before the next election and I sincerely hope that it doesn’t have to get to an election for a commitment to be made for something that this community deserves.

“In the meantime, I’m going to put the government on notice – this is the budget to show the people of Cooktown that you’re serious about their welfare.”

The Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service has put together a business case for the new hospital but is waiting for funding.

The LNP leader said in addition to the need for a new hospital, reinstating maternity services in Cooktown and Weipa was essential.

Housing and crime were also major issues, he said.

“It boils down to service delivery,” Mr Crisafulli told the small crowd.

“Service delivery is breaking down in this state and the further you are away from the capital, the more these things are pronounced and impact your daily life.”

Many of the 15 local attendees were current or former doctors, nurses and Queensland Health staff, who brought issues to the Opposition Leader, including the need for dedicated local dementia and disabled care, and more aged care beds.

Mr Crisafulli committed to cutting waiting list times for those needing surgery, asking locals to

send details to his office of anyone stuck on a surgery list for excessively long.

“It’s bloody fulfilling to be able to do that for people,” he said of his success in advocating on behalf of those stuck on surgery waiting lists.

The Member for Broadwater also said that locals would know the LNP candidate for Cook well in advance of the elections.

“We will preselect someone who is from here, who understands the place and, more importantly, will be able to go in to bat for you,” he said.

“We will have someone who will have a red-hot crack for you.”

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A small crowd aired their issues with Opposition Leader David Crisafulli at a meeting in Cooktown on Monday.

David Crisafulli speaks with locals in Cooktown at a public meeting he hosted.

Holistic history on display at festival’s drawcard

COOKTOWN’S Reenactment

Association is inviting locals and visitors alike to share a slice of history as the group tells the story of Captain Cook’s 1770 interaction with local Indigenous people at this month’s Discovery Festival, the biggest drawcard at the annual event.

Association vice-president and Dandi Warra woman Alberta Hornsby said the little-known story of the Indigenous Elder who brokered peace with Cook following a hunting dispute should be more widely told.

“We all know the history of Cook, that he came here and met with the Guugu Yimithirr people,” Ms Hornsby said.

“We try to tell a holistic story

in the reenactment so that we can better understand our history.”

Now in its 62nd year, the reenactment has been a major drawcard at the annual Discovery Festival since the 1950s.

“We try very hard, we’ve got a fantastic team and crew,” Ms Hornsby said.

“When they first started the reenactment in 1959 it was to bring people back to Cooktown

and boost the economy, it’s still the biggest drawcard of the festival and we all benefit.

“What better way to do that than bringing people here to share our holistic history.”

Thousands of people flock to Cooktown for the festival, which runs from June 16 to 18, and includes a myriad of events to cater for all ages and interests, including a street parade, live entertainment, competitions, tours and more.

Now is the time to plan your festival weekend, with the full program available on the festival website, and bookings open for free events which require registration and the handful of events that require paid tickets.

Free events which require registration are the street parade and Cape York Automotive Muster, and paid events which need a ticket are the paranormal investigations tour at the Cooktown Museum, Riverbend Tours river cruises, the Friday night bush dance, Banks and Solander guided walk, fun run, tug-of-war and unfenced asylum challenge.

The popular Chinese lion dancers are sure to be a hit as they return to town after a long hiatus, bringing noise, colour and a splash of Eastern culture to the festival, and for those after a novel way to get around town, for the first time this year pedicabs will be available to hire.

Equine program launched in Cape

WHERE there is a will, there is a guided way.

That is the essence to the free program being run from Cape York’s Wolverton Station with the dynamic duo of Emma Jackson and the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s Jos Middleton.

The two-day equine wellbeing program is for anyone across Cape York looking to build their awareness and become more authentic with themselves.

It’s an opportunity to understand how to tune into your body, feel physical sensations that are messages of communication and recognise thoughts – however desirable or undesirable.

Emma and Jos work with you, offering evidence-based tools and strategies around what you then do with those sensations and thoughts, channelling them so they become helpful and productive.

“When you notice feelings and thoughts, you have more control and power over how you respond, emotionally and physically,” said Emma, who has lived on Wolverton Station for two decades.

“Your behaviours, whether intentional or unintentional, impact on everyone around you so building awareness helps shape your communication style, approach and response to any situation.

“Life is full of challenges. This program supports and guides you to create a ‘toolkit’ that will help you through any situation, be it one of conflict, anger, sadness or frustration.

“You will also be taught how to recognise those emotions and appreciate them for what they are –information.”

Emma is trained across psychology, health and fitness and relationship therapy.

She is a fully registered teacher, pulling together her ability to design and deliver learning programs for any outcome with equine learning.

Emma is also a certified Equine Assisted Learning Practitioner and began incorporating horses into learning programs a few years ago on the station, in the Archer River region, through her business, Swift FNQ.

Jos is a Credentialed Mental Health Nurse who works for RFDS Queensland.

She has more than 25 years of experience working in mental health and seven years experience in Cape York.

Jos also offers mental health education to communities and leadership to the RFDS Mental Health and Wellbeing team across the region.

As a clinician, Jos is partnering with Emma to offer an incredible depth of knowledge and wisdom for anyone looking to develop and strengthen take-home evidencebased tools and strategies, supporting them on their journey for years to come.

The unique combination of both Emma and Jos’ knowledge and skills brings together high-quality, specially designed material underpinned by theoretical frameworks, which will be thoughtfully delivered.

“With a mental health and wellbeing approach integrated through the two days this collaboration also creates a safe space where private one on one conversations with Jos as a mental health practitioner can take place offering deep and continuing support if necessary,” said Emma.

“Everybody is generally aware of their physical health, but are you aware of your mental health?

“This wellbeing program is for anyone and everyone, over the ages of 16 looking to connect with themselves and perhaps understand themselves a little more.

“All activities are ground-based so no prior experience with horses is necessary.”

To find out more, or book, visit www.swiftfnq.com/horse-wisdom

Long-time friends Jos Middleton and Emma Jackson, pictured at Conquer the Corrugations, are joining forces to deliver an equine wellbeing program.

– story by Sarah Martin

Frederick Deeral and Andrew Mirtschin at the reenactment rehearsals.

Attempted murder: police earn veteran cop’s praise

By MATT NICHOLLS

A MAPOON man has been charged with attempted murder after a “terrifying” incident in Weipa last week.

Police allege the 31-year-old man used his vehicle to chase after a woman, running her and her passengers off the road and into a power pole on McLeod Drive in Rocky Point.

“It must have been a terrifying experience for her,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Brett Devine, who flew to Weipa to lead the investigation.

He said the alleged incident occurred around 8.30am on Saturday, May 27.

“Weipa police responded to what they believed to be a twovehicle traffic accident and when they arrived they observed a vehicle had collided with a power

pole,” Det Snr Sgt Devine said.

“They also saw that an additional vehicle was also involved in the incident.

“On arrival, a male person was walking across the road with a large knife in his hand. He was seen to be injuring himself with the knife.

“Police responded to the threat and took the man into custody immediately.”

Cape York Weekly understands police had to taser the man in order to disarm him.

Det Snr Sgt Devine said police notified Queensland Ambulance Service and other emergency services to take care of the female driver and her two passengers, as well as the alleged offender.

“Police will allege that he was attempting to seriously injure the driver of the vehicle and

he will be charged with attempted murder, vehicle-related offences, including the dangerous operations of a motor vehicle, as well as driving while under the influence of alcohol,” he said.

“We will also allege that he was chasing the vehicle (a Mazda 3) in his Toyota Landcruiser single cab.”

The female driver was taken to Weipa Hospital for treatment and then flown to Townsville.

The alleged offender is now in custody in Cairns Hospital and has been charged with a number of offences, Det Snr Sgt Devine said.

OFFICERS EARN PRAISE

THE first responders to the incident likely saved two lives, said Det Snr Sgt Devine, who has been the leading detective on the Tablelands for two decades.

“In my opinion, the actions

Boggy road upgrade

of the first response officers most certainly saved the life of the alleged offender and, highly likely, the female driver of the vehicle,” he said.

“They did a great job in difficult circumstances.”

Police allege that after the man ran the Mazda off the road, he then assaulted the female driver, before attempting to self harm.

The veteran cop also praised the actions of the members of the public who rendered assistance to the injured people in the car and called Triple Zero.

“It would have been quite scary for them,” he said.

There was an interruption to power in parts of Rocky Point as a result of the incident, with Rio Tinto crews working with emergency services to restore services in a safe and timely manner.

LOCKHART River mayor Wayne Butcher says an upgrade to the West Claudie River crossing on the town’s access road will make a huge difference to community access.

At this month’s Cook Shire meeting, the council awarded a $1.9 million contract to Burketown-based company Gulf Civil to complete the works.

The section of the road is around 5km from the Portland Road-Lockhart River junction and approximately 16km from the Lockhart River township.

The upgrade will start this month and is scheduled to be completed this year, with a two-lane culvert crossing replacing the section which has been described as a “small dam” for part of the year.

“That’s the worst section of the whole access road,” Cr Butcher said.

“It’s a 3-4km section that is always challenging, even after the wet season when the Pascoe and Wenlock rivers are down and we should be able to get out.

“This upgrade will do us a world of good.”

Cook Shire mayor Peter Scott said the boggy section, which is in Cook Shire but provides access to the communities of Lockhart River and Portland Roads, had been identified by the Torres and Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance as a priority.

“Every year the West Claudie River floods and that section of road stays a bog for months at a time,” Cr Scott said.

“This upgrade will improve all-weather access to the Portland Roads and Lockhart River communities.”

The project was funded under the joint federal and state government Cape York Region Package – Stage 2.

Voice information session

MEMBERS of the public are invited to a community information session on The Voice in Cooktown tonight (Tuesday).

Major upgrade for Mitchell River Crossing

A CAPE York “shortcut” that is used by locals and tourists is getting a major upgrade to improve access throughout the year.

The Mitchell River Crossing, which is technically in Carpentaria Shire Council but benefits those wanting quicker access between the Gulf and Peninsula,

will get a $22 million upgrade this year.

The project is jointly funded by the state and federal governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) Betterment Fund.

The Dunbar Koolatah Road has been closed since December

2022 and is regularly closed due to the river height at Mitchell River Crossing.

Murray Watt, the federal Minister for Emergency Management, said the works would be a coup for the region.

“The closure of Dunbar Koolatah Road is proving especially

challenging right now for livestock transport providers, adding hours to their travel as they use an alternate route,” he said.

“Repairing this crossing to a more resilient standard will be a huge boost for the region, especially local cattle properties and FNQ communities.”

Organised by the Uluru Dialogue group in partnership with FNQ Voice, a number of community information sessions in Far North Queensland will be held on the Voice to Parliament and referendum before the end of the year.

The sessions are designed to ensure as many Australians as possible are informed before they vote at the national referendum at the end of the year.

All questions and issues are welcome – whether you’re a supporter, unsure, leaning toward no, or would just like to know what this is all about.

Tonight’s session will run from 6 to 8pm at the Cooktown Shire Hall on Helen Street.

The Mitchell River crossing is often unpassable for months after the wet season has finished. It is slated for a $22 million upgrade to improve access.

Partnership to manage campsite

By SARAH MARTIN

A PARTNERSHIP has been formed between a Traditional Owner group and Cook Shire Council to create a management plan for a popular but neglected camping area.

The Starcke River boat ramp is managed by the council and is on the Juunjuwarra homelands, but for years has been used and abused with illegal camps, makeshift tracks forged through the rainforest, and sensitive dunes and cultural sites trashed.

Traditional Owner Neil Jacko launched the Juunjuwarra Starcke River Catchment Plan in Cooktown last Tuesday and said the collaborative management proposal was a first for the region and that the idea could be rolled out in other areas.

“This is about working together and putting our backs behind each other,” Mr Jacko said.

“The rubbish and damage, it’s everybody’s problem and we’re working on a solution together.

“There’s no blame, we aren’t looking at the past, we’re working towards a solution for the future.”

Juunjuwarra Corporation and Cook Shire are working towards an MOU that will see the organisations collaboratively manage the Starcke area, a plan that council CEO Brian Joiner said could be used elsewhere.

“This is a groundbreaking pro-

ject, working together collaboratively to better manage the land,” Mr Joiner said.

“We’re looking at empowering the Juunjuwarra rangers under council’s local laws to manage the land effectively.

“It is a great opportunity for the rangers to upskill and take personal ownership over management of their country, and it also helps council as our resources are fairly constrained.

“It’s a fairly complex process, but once the MoU is in place it is a model which could be used by other Traditional Owner groups, lo-

cal governments and stakeholders to pool resources and effectively manage country.”

Juunjuwarra mentor Mike Winer said the council was in a hard position with limited resources to manage remote areas like Starcke River, where up to 40 visitors per night camped illegally during the tourist season.

“They are cutting down trees, camping on the dunes, leaving behind toilet waste and rubbish,” Mr Winer said.

“We were quite shocked at the extent of the damage, more than 8km of illegal tracks, 50 illegal

campsites, middens driven over, food and medicine trees cut down and huge areas that were rainforest now churned up dunes.”

Mr Winer said a number of organisations had come together on the project, with funding from Cape York Natural Resource Management and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation helping with planning and rehabilitation.

“We will be helping the council enforce the laws that are already in place to protect the land and create that experience for all,” he said.

Mr Winer said Juunjuwarra aimed to have a HipCamp open in

July for online bookings of up to eight sites per night, with the beach and dunes off-limits for camping and vehicles.

“While we’re working on the MoU with council, we will have a HipCamp set up so people have somewhere to go,” he said.

“We’re working towards having a really nice day-use area with proper car parks, walking tracks to the beach, signage and toilets, and dedicated camp sites with rubbish bins. We want to repair the damage that’s been done and make a better experience for people when they visit in future.”

Juunjuwarra Traditional Owners Aaron Yoren, Vernon Yoren, Neil Jacko and Emerson Yoren are working to restore their homelands.

Lakeland local steps up to take on landcare role

By SARAH MARTIN

LAKELAND local Katrina Shaw is the new face of Landcare in Cape York, stepping into the regional agriculture and landcare facilitator role with Cape York Natural Resource Management following the retirement of longtime RALF Andy Hartwig last year.

Ms Shaw grew up dividing her time between cattle properties at Lakeland and professional fishing in the Gulf and is no stranger to the region and the challenges faced by the agriculture industry.

“It helps when you’re working with farmers and land managers to have that background, because I can talk to them, I’m not coming at it from a business perspective,” Ms Shaw said.

“I’ve approached them as a fellow landholder on country,” Ms Shaw said.

RALFs are funded under the federal National Landcare Program and work to

support farmers, industry and community groups to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.

CYNRM sustainable agriculture and water quality manager Michael Goddard said Ms Shaw was a fantastic fit for the role.

“Being a local gives her the opportunity to hit the ground running on projects as she has existing relationships across the Cape and a broad understanding of the issues faced by our producers in their everyday business activities,” he said.

The mother of two started in November last year and said she was enjoying working in an industry she loved.

“It’s great because everyone who gets involved with Cape York NRM is there because they want to participate and have an interest in a more sustainable way of doing things,” Ms Shaw said.

“It’s helping themselves and helping the environment – they both go hand in hand.”

Weipa Integrated Health Service Childbirth Education Classes

6pm to 8pm at Weipa Hospital

Class 1 – Learn about your pregnancy

1st Wednesday of the month

Class 2 – All you need to know about Labour and birth

2nd Wednesday of the month

Class 3 – What to expect in parenting

3rd Wednesday of the month

Program runs each month!

For more information please talk to your midwife or call 4082 3910

Indigenous Employment and Development (IED) Team Community Visits

The IED team will be visiting local communities over the following dates to conduct Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessments with invited LAP Traineeship applicants.

They will also be conducting a meet and greet with any interested community members, regarding further Rio Tinto employment opportunities.

Napranum

IKC office, Tuesday 6 June, 9am- 12pm

Mapoon

Kuku’nathi conference room, Wednesday 7 June, 10am- 1pm

For further information or to find out how you can register your interest in potentially working for Rio Tinto, contact Jo Moloney via email Jo.Moloney@riotinto.com or call 0473 016 007.

Local Project Mapping Track Erosion in SE Cape York!

Aims:

• Document erosion issues

• Improve water quality

• Reduce sediment loads to rivers and reef

• Build skills of partners to reduce track erosion

• Collaboratively develop best management practices

• Build a case for greater investment into erosion control on Cape York Peninsula

We are looking to involve as many people as possible in this project.

Particularly seeking collaboration with land managers in the Endeavour, Annan, and McIvor catchments.

For more information, Get in touch!

Phone: 0456718397

Email: ori@capeyorkwaterpartnership.org. Facebook: capeyorkwaterpartnership or find us at the Cooktown markets 17/06/2023

Katrina Shaw has hit the ground running as Cape York NRM’s new RALF.

Remote beach given a makeover

MORE than 10 tonnes of marine debris has been removed from a Cape York beach that is so remote you need a helicopter to access it.

Last week, a team of 25 people, including volunteers, Elders and Traditional Owners were flown by helicopter to a remote beach on Wuthathi country on the east coast to pick up rubbish and record it.

The unique clean-up, which targeted almost three kilometres of coastline along Wuthathi Ngaachi (country) and Karakara (sea country), was one of the hundreds of clean-ups marine debris organisation Tangaroa Blue Foundation runs each year.

“Through our helicopter surveys over the past four years we could see marine debris piling up along the Cape York coastline between Cooktown and Horn Island, but given the remote location we were unable to get teams on the ground to remove it,” said Tangaroa Blue CEO Heidi Tait.

“Our usual boats and four-wheel drives were no match for this remote location, which has become a debris drain for plastic waste from around the world.

“But with the help of Heartland Helicopters (out of Weipa), we were able to reach, remove and record the waste in the Australian Marine Debris Initiative Database.”

Wuthathi custodian coordinator

Clayton Enoch said the ranger base and associated equipment which supported the clean-up on country was completed in 2021 as part of the Wuthathi peoples’ fight for self-determination and return-tocountry movement.

Wuthathi IPA Coordinator Sophie Holt said the project was a good example of the great environmental and cultural outcomes that can be achieved when First Nations Corporations and Indigenous Land and Sea programs were better supported and resourced.

The clean-up has helped implement the Wuthathi Healthy Country Plan, where marine debris is listed as a major threat to marine

totems, islands, coastal ngaachi, reefs and seagrass beds.

The Wuthathi clean-up team removed more than 300,000 individual items, including thousands of plastic bottles, 1.3 tonnes of net and rope, 345 kilograms of commercial fishing beacons and six ghost nets.

Moira Macumboy, a member of the Wuthathi Tribal Elders Council said: “In our days our old people have been living on our country and on our beaches, they camp, and no rubbish was on our beach.

“But now, today, it is the modern world and there’s a lot of boats, fishing boats and big ships from overseas, they chuck all that mass

of rubbish in the water and it all washes up on our beaches, that’s really sad.”

To help reduce and reuse plastic waste that litters our beaches, Tangaroa Blue uses a range of tools to analyse each item collected to identify opportunities for source reduction plans and further scientific understanding and conservation efforts.

With fishing litter dominating the debris in Cape York, the team was able to use handheld trinamiX spectrometers to identify plastics for the Tangaroa Blue’s Rig Recycle program.

The program allows volunteers to instantly identify usable and re-

coverable plastics for processing and recycling.

“I would like to thank the Tangaroa Blue team, the Wuthathi Custodians, Elders and all those involved in delivering this recordbreaking 10-tonne clean-up,” Ms Tait said.

The Cape York clean-up was made possible through the support of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, Reef Trust, The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australian Border Force, Cape York NRM, Ocean Conservancy, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, BASF/TrinamiX and University of NSW.

Volunteers celebrate after their huge clean-up effort.

Tangaroa team members and volunteers taking a well-earned break.

Ten tonnes of marine debris was removed by helicopter. Jordan Solomon, Marco Wilson and Ashley Wilson.

A volunteer removes debris from the beach. Cecil Macumboy sorts through the rubbish.

Elder Brian Macumboy, Sophie Holt and Mathilde Gordon.

Jordan Solomon examines a piece of coral that had washed ashore.

The clean-up was held on a remote beach on the eastern coast of Cape York. Bevan Dukes from Heartland Helicopters brings in an ATV for use on the beach.

Cassar-Daley wins hearts in Wujal

THERE wasn’t a whiff of celebrity in the air as down-to-earth country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley kicked off his Cape York tour in a little tin shed at Wujal Wujal’s footy oval on Sunday night.

And with a grin from ear to ear as he performed, Cassar-Daley clearly loved it as much as the crowd did.

The country singer has a packed schedule and was in Coen last night (Monday) and Hope Vale today. He delighted fans in Wujal with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal.

There was no personal security, and the laidback celebrity drove himself around in a local hire car and enjoyed pizza and the free barbecue put on by the Wujal council while he chatted with locals and watched the other bands.

In the finale for Wujal Wujal’s Community Fun Day, a few hundred locals were treated to homegrown musicians Black Image Band playing alongside the recordbreaking 40-time Golden Guitar winner.

Under the full moon, kids kicked a ball as parents and families sat on rugs on the grass and danced under the stars, with Wujal mayor Bradley Creek jumping on the guitar before Cassar-Daley closed the night singing Black Image’s hit You Fella Too Deadly Now Cassar-Daley also paid tribute to Cape York Weekly, tapping journalist Sarah Martin on the shoulder between sets to say thank you for last week’s “great write up”.

Troy Cassar-Daley was smiling all night as he performed in Wujal.

On BBQ duties were Wujal council CEO Kiley Hanslow, her husband Lawrence Fry (left), and Micah Nkiwane.

It was a family affair for the Doughboys, who turned out in force to watch Troy Cassar-Daley, Black Image and Big Pups.

Pictures: SARAH MARTIN

Enjoying the live music at Wujal were Amelia Britton, Katrina Rutherford, Marie Shipton and Andrew Lloyd.

Tourists Pam McRae from Broken Hill and Liz Venning from Adelaide enjoying the music at Wujal Wujal. Kim Penman, Jasmine Jackson, Alec Dunn and Josephine Hanney.

The Doughboy, Ball and Walker families enjoyed Wujal’s Community Fun Day.

Jaylarni Harrigan, Grace Raleigh, Tisharna Dita, Braxton Ross-Kelly. Big Pups warmed up the crowd.

Bonnie Thompson and daughter Coral watching Troy Cassar-Daley.

Long-serving supervisor is recognised by Bulk Ports

NORTH Queensland Bulk Ports is honouring some of its long-serving staff members by naming some of its new assets in their honour.

The legendary Weipa Port supervisor John Clark will have a first-strike oil response vessel named in his honour, as will NQBP’s financial reporting officer Debbie McDonald.

Additionally, a maintenance truck has been named after port service Worker Greg Steward.

NQBP acting CEO Belinda Kenny said the trio had amassed an impressive 103 years of service.

“We know our success is achieved through the support and commitment of our people, port partners, customers and port communities,” Ms Kenny said.

“It is fitting we name the assets after long-serving staff members who have contributed a significant part of their lives to helping our ports operate safely and efficiently.”

Mr Clark, or Clarky as he’s known best in Weipa, credited his love for the people, the bush, family connections and the Western Cape lifestyle as the secret to his 20 years with the company.

“The people are lovely to work for. I couldn’t have had a better set of bosses,” Mr Clark said.

“My office in Weipa is about 20

metres from the water and there’s a nice south-east breeze all year round – it’s a pleasure to come to work.”

Mrs McDonald, who said she was humbled by the move to name a vessel in her honour, shared her favourite memories at the Port of Mackay.

“Over my 43 years in the finance team, I have been involved in exciting major projects that have changed the look of the port like the construction of the grain terminal, wharf five, the workshop complex and the new southern breakwater to name a few,” she said.

“I feel privileged every day to work at the port that has been a large part of the Mackay community and economy. The view of the water and the people are pretty special as well.”

Mr Steward said his proudest achievement since joining the Port of Mackay four decades ago is helping train young people.

“There are so many memories but my favourites are from working with a great bunch of people and making life-long friendships,” he said.

When asked what he most enjoys about working at the port, he responded, “Working beside the water and no two days are the same.”

Grants to preserve languages

GRANTS of up to $10,000 are available for Queensland-based initiatives that support the preservation of First Nations languages.

The Indigenous Languages Grants program supports projects and cultural activities that preserve, maintain and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

The grants are co-funded by the Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts and the Department of Education.

Emma Schuh, the director of the Puuya Foundation’s Kuunchi Kakana Centre in Lockhart River, praised the program.

“The Indigenous Languages Grant has allowed us to fill a gap in language resources for preschool and primary school-aged children in Lockhart River and promote literacy and language learning,” she said.

“The funding was used to create six storybooks in Umpila and Kuuku Ya’u language about everyday activities and conversations that the children can relate to in digital and hardcopy formats.”

Applications for the latest round of Indigenous Languages Grants close on June 12. More information, including how to apply, is available at qld.gov.au/ilg

NQBP has named a vessel in honour of Weipa port supervisor John Clark.

Sudoku

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

DAILY CONVENTIONAL CROSSWORD 15 X 15 GRID Y

Quick Workout

Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.

Crossword

Note to Editor: Created in QUARK XPRESS. VER.4.03 Items not needed for publication can be erased as each is in a separate text box.

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION apart carp carpi chap chip chirp haptic harp pact pair parch pariah part patch path

TODAY’S Good: 10 words

FOCUS Very good: 16 words

26 words

PATRIARCH pica pita pitch pith rapt tapir tarp trap trip

Created: Ted Whillier Creator Number: Matt Trickey Qxpress: 8484

Reference: Macquarie Concise Dictionary Focus No. 3964

Dots Spot the 5 Differences

What is this? Find out by joining the dots.

NOTICE OF NOTICE OF MEETING IN COOKTOWN Cape York United # 1 Native Title Claim (QUD673/2014)

This notice is to advise that Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will facilitate the meeting re-scheduled from 20 April 2023 in Cooktown on 20 June 2023. All people 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) are invited to attend.

Date: Tuesday, 20 June 2023

Time: 10.00am to 3.30pm

Meeting purpose:

Venue: PCYC Cooktown 3 May Street Cooktown, Qld 4895

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?

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 Leah Thompson at CYLC on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email lthompson@cylc.org.au by Wednesday 14 June 2023. Please note that there is limited funding available for travel assistance.

POSITIONS VACANT

30+

Phone 4214 6500 or email the Club Manager manager@weipabowlsclub.com.au

Position Vacant

Gungarde Community Centre is seeking applications from suitably qualified people to join our team in the role of aDMinistRation sUPPoRt

Applications close at noon on Friday, 16th June 2023 For further information or to request a copy of the Position Description please contact 07 4069 5412 or jelliott@gungarde.com.au

Cape York Weekly

CADET JOURNALIST

Weipa/Napranum

Cape York Weekly is looking for a new team member to join our rapidly-growing publication. Ideally, we are looking for a junior reporter who can take photos and write stories in the western part of Cape York. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to be trained by a team of experienced journalists, so experience is not necessary. You will need a passion for telling stories and advocating for your community.

If you have an interest in working for Cape York Weekly, please reach out to editor Matt Nicholls by email: editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au or by phone: 0477 450 558.

Cape

Cape Y

toTHEREhasneverbeenabettertimeforWeipa decisionbecomeanormalisedcommunityandamustbemade,MichaelRowlandsays. theThechairoftheWeipaTownAuthoritywants stategovernmenttopushaheadwithplans tofreethecommunityofRioTinto’scontrol. mine“It’stimeforWeipatobecomeatownwitha “We’veandnotaminingtown,”MrRowlandsaid. beensittingatthetablewithRioTintoandtheQueenslandgovernmentand

Expr E ssion of i nt E r E st

Lot 311 Adidi s t B A m A g A

Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) is seeking Expressions of Interest from any interested businesses, organisations or individuals who be in interested in leasing the following block of land and building.

Lot details: Lot 311 on sp273361

Address: 311 Adidi street, Bamaga QLd 4876

For more information on the Expression of Interest including to obtain a copy of the relevant forms or arrange an inspection, interested parties should contact: Peri Sunai on 0439 198 633 or peri.sunai@nparc.qld.gov.au

Expression of Interest closes 30th June, 2023

Tender No: TKASC2023-008

19 Lot Subdivision (Stage 1 only) – Kowanyama

Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council is inviting tenders from suitably qualified and experienced civil works contractors interested in construction of a 19-lot Subdivision at lots 81 and 84 on SP272069, Kowanyama (Stage 1 only). Tenderers to email tenders@kowanyama.qld.gov.au for the purpose of Tender registration / RFIs.

Tender documentation is available to download on Council’s Website https://www.kowanyama.qld.gov.au/council/tenders-and-opportunities

Tenders Close at 12pm Friday 16th June

All tender responses must be submitted electronically to tenders@kowanyama.qld.gov.au and be received by close.

For more information, please contact: tenders@kowanyama.qld.gov.au

Kevin Bell, Chief Executive Officer

Swimmers make a splash at home

ELEVEN Cooktown swimmers will make the trip to Darwin for the 2023 Country Championships after several posted qualifying times in their home pool on Saturday.

Cooktown Amateur Swimming Club president Melissa Gunton was thrilled with the results after 124 swimmers from across FNQ competed in the short course event at Charles Street.

“Last year we took four across to Darwin, so to have 11 qualify is a great outcome,” she said.

“Saturday was the last time to qualify because we need to get the funding together and book. It will cost about $30,000 to send the team this year.”

The club has been fundraising in creative ways. It recently held a successful car wash and will host a movie night and colour run during the Discovery Festival weekend.

“We made $1800 through food and the raffle on Saturday and about $3100 from entry fees,” Ms Gunton said.

“We’re lucky to get support from the local businesses in town and that’s because we’re probably Cooktown’s oldest running club as we’ve been going since 1991.”

The 2023 Country Championships will be held from September 30 to October 3.

Cooktown’s qualifiers are: Isla Winton, Carrick Macmillan, Haila Hegamaea, Lakea Hegamaea, Jett Ryder, Cruze Ryder, Samuel Ryder, Natalie Treloar, Slayde Whittaker, Mali Cooper and Rudi Habermann.

Horse Wisdom

The

Cruze Ryder competes in the breast stroke.

Violet Snider and Teila Hunt talking with Wayne Hunt.

Chase Hunt congratulates a Marlin Coast opponent.

Archer Giese comes up for air.

Holly Callaghan prepares for her backstroke race.

Swimmers launch themselves into the pool during a relay event. Slayde Whittaker gives his all in the butterfly.

Some of the Cooktown swimmers – Topaz Rist, Saphire Whittaker, Lakea Hegamaea, Maia Pensio, Mali Cooper, Cruze Ryder, Mackenzie Treloar, Maiika Hegamaea and Carrick Macmillan.

Mali Cooper, centre, diving off the blocks in her relay race.

Isla Winton keeping warm.

Archer Meyer with his dad.

Fellow swimmers formed a guard of honour for competitors leaving the pool. Pictures: JACYNTA HUNT

Cape kids ready for footy fest

FOUR kids from the Western Cape will play representative footy on the Sunshine Coast this week after starring performances for AFL Cape York.

Weipa’s Yarrin Bosen and his brother Lebron, will travel with Napranum’s Hayden Clermont and Mapoon’s Reuben Doolah for the School State Championships.

They will join students from across the Cape and Torres Strait to play for the Crusaders.

“I think we’ve got kids from 15 or 16 different communities,” said AFL Cape York coordinator Matt Mellahan, who will travel to the Sunshine Coast with the team.

“These players have not just been selected on their football ability. Their consistency at school and being a valued member of their individual communities played a role in picking the squad.”

Cleary ruled out of Origin after injuring hamstring

NEW South Wales halfback

Nathan Cleary will miss the remainder of the State of Origin series after picking up a hamstring injury in Penrith’s win over the Dragons on Sunday.

The Panthers confirmed on Monday that the Blues star would be sidelined for up to six weeks, ruling him out for selection for the remaining two Origin fixtures.

Cleary was running back to-

SPORT IN BRIEF

Hunter shoots low

JIM Hunter was in fine form last week, shooting 43 off the stick to be the winner of Wednesday Wackers.

His nett score of 33 was enough to hold out Randall O’Neill, who carded a 34. Nearest to pin on the 7th when to Matt Byrne, while none of the 15 golfers found the green on the 9th.

The Bradman’s went to a new player in Dom, who has yet to reveal his surname.

Meanwhile, Rachel Dick was Sunday’s Dawn Busters winner, beating Viv Dick.

It was a fine reward for Rachel after many early mornings of toil.

Dave Sands picked up the Hoffman’s in a field of 11, while Eugene Ventner had the nearest to pin.

Jon Dall and Viv Chan were the longest drive winners.

Personal best for Eddie

AFTER slicing through his handicap over the summer, Eddie Cridland had found golf a bit harder in recent times, so he was thrilled to play a personal best round in Saturday’s monthly medal event at Cooktown.

He had 84 off the stick for a nett 61 to claim his second medal of the year at the Walker Bay course.

Runner-up by a fair margin was the everconsistent John McArthur with a nett 65, while Graham Burton’s nett 66 saw him claim third place.

Nearest to the pins went to Cridland for a fine shot on 2/11, Paul Sperring on 14 and Rick Butler pipped Chris Hatton by a ball width on 9/18.

This Saturday will be a white tee stableford event.

Stecko simply superb

wards the defensive line in the 15th minute before clutching at his hamstring and reluctantly leaving the field.

In the same game, Dragons forward Jack de Belin was placed on a stretcher and taken from the field after suffering a head injury while tackling Lindsay Smith following a kick restart.

Meanwhile, Rabbitohs forwards Jai Arrow and Cameron

Murray are also in doubt for Origin II after failing to finish their side’s match against the Titans.

Arrow suffered an ankle injury in the 20th minute and hobbled from the field before undergoing a fitness test that ruled him out of the match. He watched from the sideline in a moonboot, while holding a set of crutches.

“It feels really jammed up at the back and I did get told it is a

syndesmosis (injury), but hopefully it is a minor grading. It is a bit disappointing,” Arrow told Fox League Murray came from the field after aggravating a groin injury from Wednesday night’s series opener and he did not return.

Game II of the Origin series will be played at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, June 21. A Queensland win will shore up the series for the Maroons.

WEIPA

A BREEZY Weipa Saturday made life tough for golfers at Carpentaria Golf Club, with no one able to beat their handicap.

Jess Stecko was the winner of the stableford event, sponsored by LiveLife Pharmacy, beating Bill Grant on a countback.

They each had 37 points, but Stecko’s back nine proved superior in the eyes of the handicapper.

Jeff Watson picked up the nearest to pin prize with a near-ace.

First point of contact: Weipa Police

Ph: (07) 4090 6000

VHF Channel 16

Shed 5, Evans Landing, Weipa QLD 4874

Ph: 0417 075 695

Marine Radio Channel

VHF 16 & 23

Yarrin Bosen, Hayden Clermont and Reuben Doolah are playing for the Crusaders on the Sunny Coast.