Cape York Weekly Edition 139

LIGHTS UP FOR FESTIVAL

MAYOR SLAMS TCHHS AFTER CHILD DIES

‘Avoidable’ tragedy

By MATT NICHOLLS

THE mayor of the NPA has spoken out against the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service after a two-year-old girl died in Bamaga Hospital last Thursday from a “preventable illness”.

Cape York Weekly understands the child, from Umagico, was presented to the hospital several times with gastro-like symptoms.

The girl was given panadol and sent home, a community representative said.

However, the family was said

to have presented the child to the hospital several times, concerned about the girl’s welfare. She later died in the hospital on Thursday. Mayor Patricia Yusia said it was an avoidable tragedy, however TCHHS said “all appropriate care was provided to the child”.

“Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council is saddened to hear of the passing of a two-year-old child in Bamaga,” Cr Yusia said.

“The loss of any life, especially a child, is heartbreaking.

“Our communities are shocked by this tragedy and deeply upset

at this moment. NPARC understands that the coroner is currently reviewing this case, and strongly urges the coroner to consider an inquest to prevent the future loss of life of children within our communities.” Continued

Page 5

Dangerous intersection slammed

By MATT NICHOLLS

MOTORISTS are risking head-on collisions in order to avoid a damaged road in Weipa that is “well overdue” for repair.

The Evans Landing intersection has been in a state of disrepair for more than 12 months, however, it has descended into a farce as local drivers look to avoid the potholes and bumps to access the town’s industrial area.

Cape York Weekly put up a drone last week and immediately noticed drivers cutting the corner in order to get through with their vehicles unscathed.

But local business owner Kris Brooks, from Gulf Parts and Services, said it was even worse than what was captured.

“They aren’t just cutting the corner of the T-section, they are also coming up the slip lane which is one-way only,” he said.

“It’s only a matter of time before someone gets really hurt.”

A tongue-in-cheek Mr Brooks said the intersection was “good for business” due to the damage it caused to shock absorbers, but was clearly unimpressed with the lack of urgency to fix the road.

“In all seriousness, someone will get killed if people keep driving down the wrong side of the road just to avoid the intersection,” he said.

“Someone will run into someone and everyone in town will say ‘we knew this was a bad intersection’.

“On a daily basis, I watch locals try to avoid the damage and then see tourists who try to swerve out of the way at the last minute.”

Mr Brooks said Rio Tinto should have held the previous contractor accountable for what he said was “shoddy work”.

“I remember when they ‘fixed it’ and it was done incorrectly. It was shoddy workmanship that no one has bothered to do anything about,” he said.

“I’m flabbergasted that we have to bring people from out of our town to fix our roads. We’ve got good roadmakers in our town.”

In a statement, Rio Tinto Weipa general manager Shona Markham acknowledged there was a prob-

lem with the Evans Landing intersection.

“We understand that this is a critical issue and we need to get this right to improve road conditions for our community,” she said.

She said the project scope and design had been completed by Rio Tinto’s appointed civil engineer and the next phase of the project, which involved working with local contractors to coordinate the required works, was scheduled for late June.

A company spokesperson said: “The project remains on schedule for completion this dry season and Rio Tinto’s mine services team are working with local contractors to assist with completing this as quickly as possible.”

Western Cape Chamber of Commerce president Jai Christie said the intersection had been a hot topic at recent meetings.

“It’s been pretty bad ever since it was built, which was pre-COVID,” he said.

“I do understand that Rio Tinto tried to tender for it and no one quoted to fix it, but it’s becoming dangerous.

“It’s getting worse and worse and – especially with tourist traffic coming through – you have to be very careful.

“Bitumen will be fine if they do it correctly. You see intersections elsewhere that are bitumen that don’t fall apart.”

Weipa Taxi Service owner Murray Mountjoy said the intersection

had caused significant wear and tear on his vehicles. He also said there were safety concerns for his drivers and passengers.

“We see people cutting the corner and pulling out wide to avoid the damaged section,” he said.

“The last thing we want to see is an accident there when the town has been complaining about this intersection for quite a long time.

“It definitely puts a lot of strain on our vehicles and it’s virtually unavoidable.”

The Evans Landing turnoff is the gateway to the Weipa township and the industrial centre. Locals say it’s becoming unsafe and must be fixed immediately.

Our drone captured drivers regularly cutting the corner to avoid the damage. Potholes and corrugation-like bumps are damaging Weipa’s vehicles.

Laura weekend like a big Cape York family reunion

By MATT NICHOLLS

FAMILIAR faces will reunite in Laura this weekend for what has become Cape York Peninsula’s annual get-together.

For Debbie Gostelow (nee Shephard), it will definitely be a family reunion.

Of the 3000 people at Laura for the races, rodeo, campdraft and horse sports, Debbie will be related to more than 100 people.

“It would be a lot more than one hundred people. It could be several hundred once you count in-laws and out-laws,” said the secretary of the Laura Rodeo and Campdraft Association.

“Just in our camp alone there will be 40-odd people, then you have the Shephard camps up at the top (of the grounds).

“It’s not just family, but also the friends you make along the way. If it wasn’t for Laura you wouldn’t see a lot of these people, except maybe at a funeral.”

The sense of connection keeps Debbie and many others

making the trip to Laura each year and the thousands of hours of volunteer time that goes into putting on the event.

“There’s a real sense of history and if it wasn’t for the people I’m closest to you wouldn’t bother doing it,” she said.

While Laura is usually a three-day event, starting Friday,

the campdraft will actually start on Thursday this year to cater for the numbers.

Most people will turn up on the Friday, especially as this year is the first to feature a public holiday for those living in Cook Shire.

There will be horse sports and campdraft events on Friday, fol-

Caring for the environment for more than 35 years

lowed by the race club’s cabaret and calcutta that night.

More campdrafting will happen on Saturday morning before the races begin that afternoon.

The rodeo begins on Saturday night and finishes with music, which will be repeated the next day, with another big day of rodeo to determine the winners.

For many Cape York kids, the Laura horse sports provide the first taste of campdraft and rodeo, which forms into a lifelong love. Pictures: PETER ROY

There will be no shortage of action in the rodeo arena at Laura this weekend.

NPA communities mourn two-year-old girl’s death

From – Page 1

“The loss of a child to preventable illness in 2023 is inexcusable, and this is not the first time that our health system has failed the children of the NPA,” Cr Yusia said.

The mayor called on the TCHHS to provide a statement to the community.

“Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service need to provide some answers to the community as to how they allowed this tragedy to occur,” she said.

“NPARC has raised complaints consistently with leadership at the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service with little action.

“We strongly believe urgent intervention is required to ensure we have a robust health system that can care for our children and communities.

“Our people have the right to good healthcare and we will not settle for subpar health service delivery.

“Our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and

community during this time.”

In a statement, TCHHS chief executive Beverley Hamerton expressed her condolences to the family of the girl.

“My sincere sympathy goes to the family during this extremely difficult time,” she said.

“Our health service staff are committed to delivering the best possible care at all times and our Bamaga Hospital staff worked hard to save the child’s life when the family presented to hospital.

“Our staff are Bamaga Hospital are providing support to the family during this time.

“All appropriate care was provided to the child.

“Due to confidentiality, and as the matter has been referred to the coroner, we are unable to provide further comment.

“This is not the time for speculation.

“The coroner will provide accurate information on this matter once they have reviewed it.”

This is not the first time the Queensland Health body has faced scrutiny in Bamaga.

In 2020, Queensland’s Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO) released a damning report about the Bamaga Hospital after a six-year-old boy died after he was presented to the facility in 2017.

Charlie Gowa was taken to Bamaga Hospital on Thursday, January 5, 2017 after waking up unwell. Staff at the hospital said that he had a stomach bug and sent him home with an ice block and panadol.

His condition continued to get worse and his family took him back to the hospital on Fri-

day, Saturday, Sunday and Monday before he was admitted on Tuesday, January 10, 2017.

He was then flown to Cairns Hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma.

Four days after being admitted, Gowa died from overwhelming sepsis, which resulted from a delayed diagnosis of melioidosis – a bacterial infection found in tropical areas.

The OHO found that whilst Gowa presented to the hospital’s emergency department consecutively from January 5 to 10, the hospital’s clinical records only commenced on January 9.

This lack of documentation was a “substantial deficit in the quality of care”, according to the clinical advisor referenced in the report.

The report presented 20 recommendations, which included cultural competency and appropriate documentation processes.

It noted Gowa’s case was an example of the “ongoing challenges and barriers the hospital and community face”.

Cannabis raid in Cooktown

A COOKTOWN man has been arrested following a police raid on a local property last Tuesday morning.

A police squad attended a Railway Avenue address around 11am and located a large quantity of cannabis plants scattered across the property and drying in a shed.

Police will allege that they also located cannabis seeds, as well as drug utensils, inside the house.

A 32-year-old Cooktown man is expected to appear in the Cooktown Magistrates Court on July 7, charged with one count each of producing dangerous drugs over Schedule Two, possessing dangerous drugs over Schedule Two, supplying dangerous drugs and possessing drug utensils.

Police nab man in drain

A MAREEBA man has been charged after several incidents in Wujal Wujal between June 5-12.

It will be alleged that the man attended an address in Bloomfield and contravened a domestic violence order when he assaulted a woman known to him.

It will be further alleged that the man has continued to evade polices attempts to locate him at different addresses in Wujal. Police said the man struggled violently with officers when he was located in a drain on Hartwig Street on June 12 at about 4.30am.

It’s also alleged the man broke into a house and vehicle at an address in Kearney Street, Mareeba in April, stealing a debit card before using it multiple times to fraudulently purchase goods.

The 26-year-old is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on July 14, charged with four counts of obstructing police, two counts each of fraud and contravening a domestic violence order and one count of entering premises and committing an indictable offence.

Name your top Aussies

NOMINATIONS are now open for the 2024 Australian of the Year Awards.

The awards recognise the achievements and contributions of exceptional Australians who are making a positive difference in their communities.

There are four categories – Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Local Hero. To nominate an inspiring individual, visit www.australianoftheyear.org.au prior to July 31 this year.

NPARC mayor Patricia Yusia.

A two-year-old girl died at Bamaga Hospital on Thursday after she was presented multiple times for diarrhea/gastro-like symptoms.

Local’s dream to build rec centre

By SARAH MARTIN

COOKTOWN could have a brandnew recreation centre complete with dodgem cars, arcade games and a ten-pin bowling alley if Dan Robinson’s $5 million plan comes to fruition.

Mr Robinson and his partner Lee Murray have spent more than a year on a scoping study and said they were almost at the end of the process.

“The feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive,” Mr Robinson said.

“But we just need to know whether the demand is there before we approach the bank for finance, which is why I’ve launched a survey.”

Mr Robinson, a long-time local, said the idea had been in the back of his mind for years, but it wasn’t until he saw a photo of his glory days in a ten-pin bowling league as a young man that it solidified.

“I thought I really miss that, and there’s nothing like that up here, you have to drive four hours’ to Cairns and pay fuel and accommodation,” he said.

“I’d love to have four to six ten-pin lanes, an arcade area with games like air hockey, pinball and ticket games and a hybrid area with retractable seating which could be used as a movie theatre, skating rink and for dodgem cars.”

While the idea might sound like a dream come true for local fami-

lies, Mr Robinson said he and Ms Murray had been working hard on their business plan to ensure the idea was viable.

“I’ve done all the costings, I’ve got Census information on how

many households live here and designs for retractable seating, the dodgem cars, the air fryers for the cafe – I’ve been working at it pretty hard.

“I’m being realistic, I know it’s

not going to be busy all the time, and I have costed it so that even if it ran at only 33 per cent capacity, it would still make a profit.”

Mr Robinson said the centre would be a place for local fami-

lies from Cooktown and surrounding areas, as well as visitors, and his plans were to keep costs down while employing locals.

“There would be employment opportunities from cooks in the café to after-school juniors, cleaners and mechanics maintaining the games and dodgem cars,” he told Cape York Weekly

“I have plans to keep costs down so that the prices are affordable for local families, including a huge solar system which would get rid of most of the electricity costs.”

Mr Robinson said his dream centre would cost almost $5 million and one of the final stages of the scoping phase was determining community demand.

“All it’s cost me at the moment is my time, now it’s at the stage where it will start costing money to start the planning phase, and I need to know if the community demand is there,” he said.

Mr Robinson has launched an online survey he hopes will be completed honestly by as many people as possible to help him gauge how many people would use the centre, how often and what activities they would enjoy.

“It’s a huge project, it’s a massive risk, that’s why I need as many people as possible to complete the survey to show me whether there would be demand for the centre.”

Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6TL2ZXH to complete the survey.

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Local man Dan Robinson is planning a $5 million recreation centre for Cooktown.

Bailey’s epic journey to Cape York

MORE than a year after leaving Victoria, mental health advocate Bailey Seamer had her goal of reaching the tip of Cape York in sight as she walked into Cooktown. Her ambitious goal of walking Australia’s east coast from bottom to top stems from her personal journey living with bipolar disorder, and she is just five weeks from the finish line.

“There have been a lot of highlights and lowlights, as you can imagine,” Ms Seamer said.

“The encounters with wildlife have been unreal, I was chased by wild emus about three days into the walk, which was a baptism of

fire, and was woken up by a fox in my tent in Victoria.

“But the highlights have been the people I’ve met along the way who have expressed to me how much this walk has meant to them.

“They’ve never had the courage to talk about their condition, but because of what I’m doing, maybe it’s the ripple effect, they’ve reached out to people around them or sought help.

“There have been so many beautiful moments, laughing and crying with strangers, really just magic.”

Ms Seamer said despite some “really gnarly” days walking remote areas alone, her journey had

provided countless opportunities to inspire, connect and raise awareness and funds for the Black Dog Institute.

“I wouldn’t have had those opportunities to really connect with so many people if I wasn’t doing what I’m doing, Forrest Gump-ing up the coast,” she said.

“There is more motivation when you know you’re doing it for other people as well, it’s a lot more than your individual experience and pushes you to get over those swollen ankles and calluses and walking in the rain.”

Ms Seamer said she planned to put in long walking days as

she trekked through remote Cape York to the Tip, and had set herself a rough goal of finishing in five weeks’ time.

“I’m hoping to be able to punch out the long walking days. I’ve been walking for 13 months, it’s been a long time – about half of the walk has been in Queensland, it’s such a huge state,” she said.

She said for her the walk was also a metaphor for life with bipolar and reflected her own journey.

“The walk, to many, seems impossible, just like recovery seems to a person diagnosed with a chronic mental health disorder,” she said.

“I want to show if you have a mental health condition with the right treatment and commitment to surviving the tough times you can aim to achieve great things, both big and small, toward cumulatively having a long fulfilling life irrespective of what path you must walk to get there.

“If you just hang in there, day after day, pushing forward, bit by bit, with the love and support that surrounds you, we can all create a life worth living, one step at a time.”

Visit Ms Seamer’s website at www.wandering-minds.org to find out more, or to make a donation.

Bailey Seamer has traversed the east coast on foot.

While it has been a rewarding trip, it has also been a personal battle for Ms Seamer, who lives with bipolar disorder.

On the phone in Cairns, where she arrived early last week.

High praise for our ‘flying angels’

By SARAH MARTIN

DESCRIBED as guardian angels in disguise, the Royal Flying Doctor Service mental health team’s hard work supporting people across Cape York has been recognised by an independent review.

The review, conducted last year by Freestone Associates and Pamele Analytics, provided evidence of the profound impact the RFDS team had and showed that for every $1 spent, the community was receiving a $30 return in social value.

RFDS Far North Mental Health manager Jos Middleton said the report was validating for her team.

“It was so wonderful to read this report, the whole team was inspired by the results and proud of the fact this confirms that hard work does pay off and that the program and the clinicians within the program make a difference in people’s lives,” she said.

“The best part of our job is seeing the progress being made in the communities so being able to understand the big picture impact is truly inspiring.

“Armed with this review, we have the ability to hone in on the unique capabilities of our tailored approach to provide greater value back to the communities.”

Ms Middleton said since the review, the team had revisited key high-impact areas which ensured continued quality service delivery.

“This includes increased access to critical services, which result in reduced drug and alcohol use for those who engage, reduced domestic violence and an improved understanding of mental health,” she said.

Ms Middleton said it was humbling reading stories of change in the report, including one program recipient who said her staff were like angels.

“He comes to my house, he’s a

bit like a fairy angel, only hairier, and he helped me learn to deal with my emotions,” the recipient said.

The review contained feedback from individuals, their families, local organisations and stakeholders and showed that the RFDS’s successful approach was largely achieved through capable and experienced staff, culturally appropriate and localised context and building trust.

The RFDS Cape York mental

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health team is made up of 12 clinicians, including psychologists and mental health counsellors, social workers, nurses and an Indigenous training officer.

They visit Wujal Wujal, Cooktown, Laura, Lockhart River, Kowanyama, Pormpuraaw, Napranum, Weipa, Mapoon and all five Northern Peninsula Area communities.

“It is such a privilege to do the work that we do and an honour to

share the heavy stories that people trust with us on their healing journey,” Ms Middleton said.

To make a referral or find out more about the program, visit www.flyingdoctor.org.au/qld/what -we-do/mental-health/mentalhealth-far-north/ or call 4040 0444.

People can also join the closed RFDS Mental Health and Wellbeing Cape York Facebook group dedicated to Cape York for tips and tricks to support wellbeing.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service’s Far North mental health team is making a difference across Cape York.

Plaudits for home-based program

A HOME support program for elderly people or those with a disability is providing a new lease on life for residents in Weipa and Napranum.

The Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service is now running the Weipa Support@Home program to help allow residents to live independently in their own home.

The service, which operates from the Weipa Hospital is jointly funded by the Commonwealth Home Support Program and Queensland Community Support Scheme.

Weipa Community Care program coordinator Gemma Shaw said they were able to provide a range of services to clients, includ-

ing personal care – such as showering and dressing, transport to medical appointments, home nursing and shopping.

She said the team included a Clinical Nurse and two Assistants in Nursing.

“This program is a way to ensure people can be cared for in their own homes rather than at the hospital,” she said.

“Clients can be referred to the program through their doctor or nurse, or they can self-refer.

“The Torres and Cape HHS is passionate about health equity in our remote region and this program is a great example of that.”

Weipa resident Dennis ‘Des’ Glanville, 89, has been using the

service for several weeks and said it had already had a significant impact on his life.

“Most of my family has moved away from Weipa so instead of being dependent on friends and other people I can call the support team,” he said.

“If I need to go to the doctor, the clinic or shopping, they’re always there for me.

“It’s fantastic, I’m just full of praise for the staff.”

Residents in both Weipa and Napranum can access the Weipa Support@Home program by calling 4226 3685 or 0455 200 813.

They can also send an email to TCHHSCommunityCarePrograms @health.qld.gov.au.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ABANDONED VEHICLE AUCTION

Notice is hereby given under Section 100 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995, that the vehicles listed below were removed from public land by Weipa Town Authority (WTA), due to being abandoned All impounded vehicles are currently being kept at the WTA holding yard Vehicles can be viewed on the Weipa Town Authority website or by appointment.

Owners may claim vehicles by contacting WTA, with the following:

1. Proof of ownership must be provided, (rego. details and drivers licence)

2 Payment of associated fees must be received prior to release

If these vehicles remain unclaimed after one (1) month from SATURDAY 1ST JULY 2023, WTA proposes to dispose of said vehicles in accordance with the provision of the T.O.R.U.M Act through an online public auction to be held on Wednesday, 2 August 2023

NEWS IN BRIEF

Aurukun photo competition

IF you have snapped a photo of life in Aurukun, a beautiful sunset or even a work photo while in town, you could be in the running for some great prizes when you enter the seventh annual Living in Aurukun photo competition.

Entries are now open for the competition, which has seven categories: favourite activity; young photographer; best scene; best photo; Aurukun character; Aurukun at work; and best photo by an Aurukun resident.

The competition is sponsored by Cairns Hardware, BlackStar Radio, CBC Staff Selection, Kang Kang Café and Skytrans. Entries close on July 14 and must be high resolution and can be emailed to dircom@aurukun.qld.gov.au or dropped into the Cairns or Aurukun council offices.

Prospective miner visits

DIATREME Resources CEO Neil McIntyre flew into Hope Vale last Monday to answer community questions about the company’s proposed silica mines just outside the community.

Around 100 locals attended the open morning, which was also attended by Diatreme’s general managers Alastair Bauer and Robyn Bartlett, as well as Diatreme staff.

Mr McIntyre said the event was an opportunity to discuss the Northern Silica project with the community and show hands-on examples of how the company undertook mineral exploration.

“It also provides a more direct way for the community to voice concerns and discuss what mining really looks like,” he told Cape York Weekly

“We are committed to engaging with the local Hope Vale community, providing transparency around the project and our operations in the region, and the open morning is an important part of this process.”

Weipa resident and Support@Home client Dennis ‘Des’ Glanville with clinical nurse Jenna McKeon.

Diatreme Resources is a Brisbane-based company. Its key Cape York projects are the Northern Silica project and Galalar Silica project, both located near Hope Vale and the silica sand mine at Cape Flattery.

Diatreme CEO Neil McIntyre and staff at last week’s open day in Hope Vale.

Cooktown Discovery Festival 2023

Town turns it on for big weekend

By SARAH MARTIN

COOKTOWN came alive on the weekend with colourful floats, diesel fumes, fireworks, a healthy dose of competitive spirit, bucket loads of culture and a sprinkle of larrikin fun for the 44th annual Discovery Festival.

Despite grey clouds and a few light showers, there were huge crowds for the festival’s biggest day on Saturday.

Organised by Cook Shire, the annual event is one of the largest in the region, bringing hundreds of visitors to town.

“The community and its history are the reason the festival began in 1979,” council’s tourism, arts and events manager Sally Eales said.

“Four decades later we continue to proudly showcase our shared heritage and rich Indigenous and European history.”

As well as regular festival favourites, such as the spaghetti eating competition, which was booked out within five minutes, and the re-enactment of Captain Cook’s stay at the Endeavour River in 1770, several new events proved to be instant hits with the crowd.

“The bush dance at the Shire Hall was the highlight event with 110 people stamping their feet to the tunes of Whiskey Boat band,” Ms Eales said.

“The pedicabs from Cairns were also a crowd favourite, together with the spectacular fireworks display over the Endeavour River.

“The addition of the stage in Lions Park was well received with a range of entertainment on show all weekend including singers and dancers.”

The Big Run for Little Athletics, organised by the Cooktown Geckos Little Athletics Club, attracted runners from across the region – all of them hoping to share in the $10,000 prize pool.

The biggest money went to the winners of the gruelling 4km Go-

liath of Grassy Hill run, with first going to Atherton’s Liam Madin with locals Will Bird and Morgan Slykerman taking second.

Jess Darvell celebrated her birthday a day early, taking out the women’s division, followed by Theresa Munce and Mel Thomason, while Clive Tucker and Jimmy Tapau had podium finishes in the men’s masters and Bernie Wallace and Minnie McGibbon were crowned first and second in the women’s masters.

The visiting Turner family also had a great day out, taking out first and third in the junior males and first in the junior females.

The 1km kids dash was won by Natalie Treloar and Maia Pen-

sio, with Maia backing it up for another win in the 2km open fun run, alongside Grace Raleigh, and two more of the Turner family also having podium finishes.

Another new star on the program was the chunder-inducing Unfenced Asylum Challenge, organised by the West Coast Hotel.

Nine teams of three competed in the inaugural event, which involved sculling a beverage before a main street sprint with several tricky check points along the way, scoffing a soggy pie at the halfway point, and finishing by swilling another can.

There were laughs aplenty, and a few lunches lost, before the inaugural champions were declared

to be the Madin family, whose sizzling speed (despite all three team members having competed in the fun run that morning) put a gap between them and the competition.

All the sweat, some tears and possibly even a little blood that went into the dozens of street parade entries made for a colourful, noisy spectacle on Saturday, complete with a town crier and Chinese dragons.

The best in parade went to Barrier Reef Childcare’s giant deco-

rated truck, runner-up was the swim club, the best school was Cooktown State School, best community group was the Cooktown kindy and the most creative individual was Nikalai Gibson.

“The 2023 festival was a fantastic success thanks to the continued support of the local community groups, businesses, organisations and volunteers who make the event happen every year,” Ms Eales said.

“A big thank you to all those hard-working people!”

Festival had a family flavour for Callaghan clan

THE Discovery Festival was a family affair for the Callaghans, with the Cooktown couple and their children enjoying everything on offer across the weekend.

Kayla Callaghan, who grew up in Bloomfield, said the festival was all about having fun with her family.

“I did the Goliath of Grassy Hill run this morning and we all ran in the 2km family run,” she said.

Not only did Ms Callaghan tackle the 4km Grassy Hill run in the wee hours of Saturday, she also raced home for a quick costume change for her, partner Geoff and their four kids, and came back to win best-dressed in the family run.

“From there, we’re going

straight down to help decorate the floats – Holly is on the school float and the rest of us are on the Swim Club float.”

After the street parade it was

home for a quick rest, then back to the RSL for Jackson to defend his title in the spaghetti eating competition and down to the park for the Sunset Soiree and fireworks.

“It’s all for the kids, it’s so much fun and they love it,” Ms Callaghan said.

“Taking part in everything gets them more involved, and it’s also good for the town – I just love it!”

It wasn’t just locals getting amongst the action as a family, with the Madins bringing a group of eight from the Atherton tablelands and returning triumphantly with the coveted open men’s Goliath of Grassy Hill trophy.

“I heard about the festival through my running club Red Earth Running, who saw Cooktown Athletics’ post about the big Grassy Hill run,” oldest son Liam Madin said.

“The whole family came up to watch me run and enjoy the great weekend.

“I went in the Goliath of Grassy Hill with my brother, two of us went in the spaghetti eating and I went in the Unfenced Asylum Challenge with my mum and brother.”

Mr Madin smashed the gruelling 4km race in a blistering time of 16 minutes and 14 seconds and said although while running up Grassy Hill he swore he’d never do it again, he would be back every year to defend his title.

“I enjoyed everything about the festival, but I love the locals the most,” he said.

“I loved how the whole town was committed to making it the best weekend, and the fishing spots are way better up here than there!”

– Story by Sarah Martin

The fireworks display over the Endeavour River proved popular with families.

The Madin family proved too strong in the Unfenced Asylum Challenge.

Stallholders at the markets reported big takings on Saturday morning.

The Callaghans had a very busy but enjoyable Discovery Festival weekend.

Cooktown Discovery Festival 2023

Cape’s turtle team given a helping hand

IT’S tough being a turtle, but on Cape York’s western coast, a team of superheroes working hard to protect these threatened species has just been given a share of $4.5 million to boost their efforts.

When rising temperatures began to threaten the turtles, the Western Cape Turtle Threat Abatement Alliance launched into action to counteract this latest concern for the turtle species which nest along the Cape’s secluded beaches.

WCTTAA has been working to protect turtles on the Western Cape for the past decade and is now introducing ways to shade nests and lower sand temperatures as part of their annual program.

The federal government last week announced funding to Cape York NRM to support WCTTAA in modifying turtle nests as part of a nationwide $4.5 million investment in community projects to better protect oceans and the precious species that call them home.

“Warming temperatures are producing more female hatchlings which jeopardises the Olive Ridley population,” said Cape York NRM’s WCTTAA coordinator Dr Manuela Fischer.

“We will be trying to influence the sex ratios of Olive Ridley hatchlings to maintain a balance.”

Rangers will install shade over nest cages as well record sand temperatures during the nesting season. The results of the new project won’t be released until hatchlings reach breeding age in 15 to 30 years’ time and return to their nesting beaches.

“Protection is long-term,” Dr Fischer said.

“The communities along western Cape York are committed and work tirelessly each year to keep these endangered species safe.”

Seven key beaches are protected by WCTTAA – Crab Island, Jardine River, Skardon River to Namaleta Creek, Flinders Beach, Pennefather Beach, Hersey Creek to Christmas Creek and Christmas Creek to Balurga Creek.

WCTTAA is a partnership of six on-ground Indigenous land and sea owners and managers supported by Cape York NRM.

Its annual turtle nest protection program covers Olive Ridley, Flatback, and some Hawksbill and Green turtle nests along the coastline of Western Cape York.

Student relishes time in Weipa

A PROGRAM designed to bridge the gap between academia and real-world has provided a unique opportunity to one marine science student.

North Queensland Bulk Ports marine science scholarship recipient Amy Cantrill recently exchanged the familiarity of the classroom for the Cape, gaining first-hand exposure to a maintenance dredging campaign and daily operations at the Port of Weipa.

“While in Weipa I accompanied the surveyor team to observe how they installed and used sonar equipment on their boat to map the channel. I learnt about the software used to analyse and display survey results,”the JCU student said.

“I also had a tour of the dredge vessel, TSHD Brisbane, which included visiting the cabins, bridge, recreational areas, and the maze underneath the deck where the pumps and engines function.

“The experience has broadened my understanding of the port industry, which will balance my perspective of how to manage marine environments in future careers.”

Weipa offered Ms Cantrill more than just a glimpse into the port industry. She also had the chance to immerse herself in the community, enjoying fishing and sunsets on the beach.

“It has been an eye-opening experience to visit a remote town, witness a working dredge vessel, and learn about it firsthand,” Ms Cantrill said.

NQBP acting CEO Belinda Kenny said it hosted JCU Marine Science students each year to give them real-world experience in a port setting.

“Amy's experience in Weipa is a testament to the program, providing her with real-world exposure to ports alongside our industry experts, helping launch her career post-study.”

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NQBP engineer Daniel Harris with scholarship recipient Amy Cantrill during her time working at the Port of Weipa.

Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page

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

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

5 Differences

CURRENTLY CLOSED –WE APOLOGISE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE

Crusaders put pride into guernsey

STUDENTS from across Cape York and the Torres Strait returned home last week after competing at the 2023 AFL State School Championships on the Sunshine Coast.

The Crusaders team had representatives from 14 communities.

They took on the best junior footballers in the state at the threeday carnival.

“The effort on show by the young people throughout the week has been nothing short of outstanding,” said AFL Cape York participation programs coordinator Jake O’Halloran.

“For the team to go from not knowing each other at the start of

the tournament to being the best of mates by the end is something that you love to see. We’re extremely proud of the way our young people held themselves on the field.”

While they didn’t win a game, they won respect from rivals.

“They tackled ferociously, worked together as a team and their steps and speed were certainly something that you only see from Cape and Torres Strait kids,” said coach Matt Mellahn.

The Crusaders team once again took home the King/Coker shield for outstanding team spirit and sportsmanship.

Samuel Nakata-Binjuda (Thurs-

COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY 27 JUNE 9AM

day Island) captained the side, with Lebron and Yarrin Bosen (Weipa), Karmanhii Douglas-Josiah (Kowanyama), and Maria Gorogo (Badu) forming the leadership group.

Douglas-Josiah took home the MVP award with Quade Bowen (Hope Vale) the coach’s award recipient and Yarrin Bosen (Weipa) the Crusader medallist.

“We wouldn’t be able to offer young people these opportunities without the support of our partners at Virgin Australia, Hertz, Bamaga Enterprises, Torres Strait Youth Recreational and Sporting Association and Weipa Town Authority,” said Mellahn.

GUnGaRDE coMMUnitY cEntRE aBoRiGinaL coRPoRtation

Position Vacant

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

Applications close at noon on Friday, 14th July 2023

For further information or to request a copy of the Position Description please contact 07 4069 5412 or jelliott@gungarde.com.au

Under Section 258 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, the community is being advised of a Special Meeting of Council to be held at 9am on Tuesday 27 June 2023 at Council's Main Administration Building located at 10 Furneaux Street, Cooktown.

Business to be conducted will be:

Adoption of Cook Shire Council's 2023-24 Annual Budget.

GUnGaRDE coMMUnitY cEntRE aBoRiGinaL coRPoRtation

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, 14th July 2023

For further information or to request a copy of the Position Description please contact 07 4069 5412 or jelliott@gungarde.com.au

The Crusaders leadership group Lebron Bosen, Samuel Nakata-Binjuda, Karmanhii Douglas-Josiah, Yarrin Bosen and Maria Gorogo.

AFL Cape York’s Kieran Sciberras and Matt Mellahn with Weipa/Napranum/Mapoon players Lebron Bosen, Reuben Doolah, Yarrin Bosen and Hayden Clermont.

Southern Cape stars Leslie Snyder, Joubert Bredillet and Quade Bowen with Peter Yagmoor and Matt Mellahn.

Golfers geared up

By SARAH MARTIN

COOKTOWN’S biggest golfing weekend is back after a one-year hiatus, with big prizes on the line in the Cooktown Open.

Golfers from across the region are expected to flock to the east coast’s most northern club for the event, which kicks off on Friday with a nine-hole prawn run before the serious competition starts on Saturday.

After deciding to scrap last year’s event due to their poor condition, secretary-treasurer Alice Burton said the volunteers had been working tirelessly to improve the greens.

“A lot of people have put a lot of effort in,” she said.

“We get diseases in the grass and have to treat them, which is ongoing, then there is the fertilising, mowing and keeping the greens watered.

“(Volunteer) Glenn was here seven days a week last year watering, moving sprinklers, and keeping the green alive until the wet season – it just takes time and everyone’s pretty understanding.”

Vice president Graham Burton said they were expecting about 50 golfers over the weekend.

“We’ve got about 40 already

registered, and we’ll have more show up on the day,” he said.

Ms Burton was quietly confident in the Cooktown contingent putting good numbers on the scorecards, despite the expectation they would be outnumbered.

“Here, we play well. Playing with and against the Cooktown wind is a bit different,” she said.

“Because we have so much bush lining the fairways, other players are used to being able to go two or three fairways over and back again but you can’t do that here.

“And finding a ball – there’s no coming back when you lose a ball!”

Following Friday’s fun ninehole competition, Saturday and

Sunday will feature 18-hole competitions, with prizes for each day, as well as overall winners, and two massive $10,000 cash bonuses for any golfer lucky enough to score a hole-in-one.

Club captain Rick Butler said the event wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of the committee and other volunteers,

especially life member and live-in caretaker Graham Franke.

“We would also like to thank our major sponsors, the Cooktown RSL Memorial Club, Endeavour Falls Tourist Park and Far North Queensland Insurance Brokers,” he said.

Head to the club’s Facebook page for more information.

Maroons taking nil-all mentality into Origin clash

DESPITE having home ground advantage, a more settled line-up and history on their side, last year’s Wally Lewis Medal winner Pat Carrigan said there was no chance of complacency thwarting the Maroons in their quest to wrap up this year’s series on Wednesday.

Queensland head to Suncorp Stadium as favourites to go two-nil up to make their trip to Sydney a dead rubber match, but Carrigan said the team – guided by the coaching staff – were taking a ‘nil-all’ mindset into the match.

“Their team is stacked. It is a really good side and they have got players over the park that can do a job on us,” he said.

“Not for one second will I think there is any other way (than being fully switched on for the game).

“That is out of not only respect to them, but out of respect to our fans and coaching

staff and personally, the standard I want to be at.”

Carrigan also said playing in front a packed crowd at Suncorp Stadium would help the Maroons lift against a NSW side desperate to defy the history books which

has seen only one Blues side win in “the Cauldron” to keep the series alive.

“Suncorp is nuts. I like to learn to embrace moments. I was privileged to debut at ANZ and that was 90,000 people going nuts, but 55,000 at Suncorp is another level,” he told NRL.com

“I am super-keen and I know these boys are too.”

Maroons winger Murray Taulagi, who missed last year’s epic decider at Suncorp Stadium after being sidelined with COVID, agreed that the whole squad was switched on and preparing for a tough game.

“We have moved past that (Queensland’s win) now and we are focusing on this game here and we’re taking it as nilall,” Taulagi said.

“Right at this moment, we’re just worrying about ourselves and not the outside noise. It helps when you have coaching

staff that have been in that position and speak from experience.

“Having them around makes our mindset a lot easier and sort of flicks the switch on for all the boys to narrow focus.”

Murray is set to face off against Josh Addo-Carr on the wing and knew he’d need to be on his game to stop a fired-up Foxx.

“He’s a player I looked up to and he’s been playing top tier footy for so long, so I try and watch how he plays,” Taulagi said.

“I don’t have the speed that he does … he definitely keeps me on my toes when I’m marking up against him.

“I was pretty fortunate to be in the Kangaroos camp with him, so we have a pretty good bond together and, but when it comes to the field, it’s a different story.

“He’s a very good player and it’s always a good battle to go up against him.”

– story by Colleen Edwards

Cooktown Golf Club secretary Alice Burton, captain Rick Butler, vice president Graham Burton and president Eddie Cridland ahead of the Cooktown Open.

Pat Carrigan can’t wait to play in front of a big crowd at Suncorp on Wednesady night.

SPORT IN BRIEF

Welsh fires first-up

THE evergreen Wal Welsh returned to the Cooktown fairways from a spell and performed superbly first-up, winning with a nett 63.

He beat Alice Burton who had a nice 65 in preparation for the Open, while third went to Brent Hetaraka with a nett 67.

Nearest to pins went to Steve Butler on 2/11 and 14 whilst Welsh took out 9/18.

Eddie Cridland was also crowned the Race to the Bay wet season winner after his stellar opening six months of the year. He beat Steve Butler for the honours, while John McArthur finished third.

Jockey already a winner prior to Laura race meet

By MATT NICHOLLS

IT’S hard to know what excites jockey Frank Edwards more –winning another country Cup or having a hot shower at Laura.

The veteran Townsville hoop will make the long trip to Cape York on Saturday with a good book of rides, including the steer on Lord of Light in the $14,000 Laura Cup (1450m).

But while Edwards was rapt with his engagements, he saved his excitement for the news that Laura Amateur Turf Club has a new jockey room.

“Oh wow, that will be something,” he said when informed by Cape York Weekly

“We were excited when we moved from the tin shed (to a shipping container).

“I still remember having to walk through all the punters to use the bathroom, so this will be a big improvement.”

At 59, Edwards understands that his career in the saddle is at the pointy end, but don’t expect him to retire anytime soon.

“I really enjoy it, especially the good bush meetings and I’m going to keep at it while I’m still performing,” he said.

On Saturday, Edwards will resume his partnership with Lord of Light in the Cup after they combined for success in the Mareeba and Cooktown features last year.

“I expect him to be hard to beat again,” the jockey said.

“He failed in the Einasleigh and Mount Garnet Cups, but the tracks might have been a bit too hard for him.

“They normally cut into the ground a little bit at Laura so I think he’ll be well suited.”

Lord of Light is trained out of Tolga by Ricky Ludwig and most of the stable’s horses are ridden by Edwards.

“I was fortunate to get a ride

or two for Ricky and we did well and he kept putting me on,” the hoop said.

“I’m lucky because Ricky spends a lot of time picking the right horses for the races we have up here and prepares them well.

“Our strike rate is pretty good.”

Ludwig and Edwards will also join forces in the Class 3 Plate (1000m) with Whispering Tycoon and the Laura Bracelet Class B Handicap (1200m) with Sonofthebeast.

The new jockey rooms were paid for by Queensland Racing under the state government’s Country Racing Program.

Laura Amateur Turf Club secretary Jenni Sorensen said the prefabricated rooms arrived on the back of a truck and the club simply had to supply a concrete slab and then hook up the water and electricity.

Weipa weekly results

ROSS Craven had 41 off the stick on the front nine at Weipa last week to be the winner of Wednedsay Wackers.

His nett 33.5 was enough to edge out Matt Byrne (who had 42 off the stick) on a countback.

Nearest to pins went to the departing Mick Foy on 7 and Viv Chan on 9.

Darren Corke picked up the Bradman’s. Meanwhile, Sandy Nelson won Sunday’s 18-hole stroke competition at the Carpentaria Golf Club.

He had a nett 66 to be an easy winner, with Jeff Watson runner-up after a 73. Watson’s consolation prize was the nearest to pin prize on the 9th.

In Sunday morning’s Dawn Busters, Jon Dall was the winner from Jim Lucas. Rachel Dick claimed the Hoffman’s and the longest drive for the women.

Ross Craven was the men’s longest drive winner and also won the nearest to pin.

A massive crowd will flock to the Laura Amateur Turf Club on Saturday.

Ricky Ludwig and Frank Edwards combined to win the Cooktown Cup with Lord of Light last year. They’ll look to repeat the effort at Laura on Saturday.

Sunday’s Weipa winner Sandy Nelson with Carpentaria Golf Club’s Garry Breitkreutz.