Cape York Weekly Edition 140

Cape York cowboy Luke Quartermaine held on for dear life to win the Bushman’s Saddle Bronc at Laura as thousands turned out for the annual races and rodeo weekend. Four-page liftout – Inside

Review needed Health boss walks after girl’s death

By MATT NICHOLLS

QUEENSLAND’S Leader of the Opposition has called on Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and the Health Minister to urgently visit Cape York and the Torres Strait to discuss “serious health service failures” in the region.

Speaking from Thursday Island yesterday, David Crisafulli backed

the calls from local leaders for an independent review of local health services, held at arms-length from Queensland Health.

“There has to be an independent inquiry,” the LNP leader said.

“Queenslanders deserve a worldclass health service, no matter where they live.

“This is not the fault of the frontline doctors and nurses.

“I’m calling on the Premier and the Minister (Shannon Fentiman) to get here immediately.

“This is situation critical.”

Mr Crisafulli’s statement came on the back of the resignation of Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service CEO Beverley Hamerton, who stood down last Thursday for “personal reasons”. Her resignation was a week

after the death of girl at Bamaga Hospital, which was said to be a preventable death by NPA mayor Patricia Yusia.

Mr Crisafulli said the community deserved answers.

“A review must be conducted independently. This cannot be another inside job that is never publicly released,” he said.

Continued – Page 2

Picture: PETER ROY PHOTOGRAPHY

BRAG BOARD

LNP leader wants review into our health services

From – Page 1

The Opposition Leader said he had heard “shocking allegations” while on TI, including that the lack of primary healthcare services was resulting in avoidable deaths.

“For too long this government have failed to listen, they’ve failed to heed the warnings and now the Torres Strait community is paying a high price,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“This community deserves better than having their concerns ridiculed and ignored.

“This community deserves answers on why things have gone terribly wrong and what’s being done to fix it.

“There are genuine problems here and the fact the head of the health service is gone shows urgent action is required.”

Ms Hamerton resigned with almost immediate effect.

She informed the board last Wednesday and officially ended her tenure as the TCHHS chief executive on Friday.

Ella Kris, the chair of the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health board, said Ms Hamerton resigned for personal reasons.

“It is with deep regret that I announce the resignation of our long-time health service chief executive Beverley Hamerton,” she said in a statement.

“Ms Hamerton has advised she is resigning for personal reasons, effective from June 23.

“The board and I have accepted her resignation and respect her desire for privacy at this time. Ms Hamerton has been chief executive since April 2018 and prior to that appointment she had served with the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service as Executive General Manager South (Cape York).”

Ms Hamerton was praised for the region’s handling of the COVID-19 outbreak and for reducing the number of cases throughout Cape York and the Torres Strait.

However, in more recent times, she has faced scrutiny following the closure of Cooktown Hospital’s birthing unit, and the inability to get the Weipa Hospital birthing unit up and running.

Ms Kris said the outgoing CEO was an experienced nurse and nurse practitioner, and was also Executive Director of Nursing Services for the previous Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Health Service District, prior to the creation of the hospital and health services in 2012. She also served as Clinical Nurse Consultant on Mer Island

between September 2002 and July 2009.

“As such, she has had a long and distinguished career serving our Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area, and Cape York communities,” the chair said.

“She and I have developed a strong personal connection since my appointment as board chair in 2019.

“I will miss her strong leadership, and her commitment and dedication to our communities, our staff, our health service and to our board.

“Since her appointment as chief executive, Ms Hamerton has worked with a strong focus on responsible financial stewardship and staff engagement initiatives to support the delivery of quality, safe health care during what has been an immensely challenging environment.”

“She has strengthened partnerships with all who interact with our health service and suc-

cessfully advocated on behalf of our diverse communities for a range of improvements that will benefit our health service into the future.

“I am sure our staff and our communities will join me and the Board in wishing Ms Hamerton all the best for her future.

“We will now begin the process of recruitment for a new chief executive.”

In the interim, TCHHS executive director of strategy and investment, Dean Davidson, has agreed to act as interim CEO.

“Mr Davidson has been with us since 2016 in a variety of senior managerial and executive positions and is very familiar with our health service, our communities, and our challenges,” Ms Kris said.

“He will be able to provide strong continuity of leadership for our health service and our communities and I and the board welcome him to the position.”

AnnuAl GenerAl meetInG

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli with TSRA chairman Pedro Stephen at Thursday Island Hospital on Monday.

Former CEO Beverley Hamerton.

You’re gonna need a bigger boat ...

IT’S bad enough when the tax man comes along while you’re out fishing, but spare a thought for Chris Jones, who had two catches torn apart by sharks in one cast.

While out on the water for the Weipa Fishing Classic, Chris hooked a “good reef fish”, only to cop a five-foot shark taking his feed.

But as he was reeling it back to the boat, karma intervened as a much bigger shark took a chunk out of its side.

As Chief Brody from Amity Island would say, “you’re gonna need a bigger boat”.

Rio Tinto looks at major roster change for Amrun

By MATT NICHOLLS

A WEEK-on, week-off roster is being considered for Rio Tinto

Weipa’s Amrun mine as the company looks to address high employee turnover at the site.

If the change were to happen, it could have a major impact on the town and employees at the Andoom mine.

Earlier this month, Rio Tinto sent an email to all employees with a link to a survey.

However, only those working at Amrun were able to respond.

“Commencing (June 12) we are inviting all Amrun-based employees and Cat 1 Contractors to advise us of their preferred roster with two choices,” wrote general manager Shona Markham.

The choices were to keep the current 4/5/5 “lifestyle” roster or change to a week-on, weekoff roster.

Voting closes this Friday.

In a statement to Cape York Weekly, Ms Markham said that while Rio Tinto was looking at

different roster options, no decision had been made.

“Following comments in our recent People Survey from Amrun employees requesting a roster change, we are currently seeking to understand whether this is a change the majority of our team would like,” she said.

“Once we receive their feedback, we will engage further both internally and with the broader community before any change is made.

“Through the current process, we have encouraged employees based in northern operations to raise any concerns with their direct leaders.”

Several Rio Tinto employees have reached out to criticise the proposed change in roster.

Those working at Andoom have already changed their roster to accommodate the Amrun site, and it appears that Rio Tinto won’t shift Andoom to a weekon, week-off roster if the southern site changes.

“There has been a lack of consultation in the workplace,

with only 18 days notice given to employees to provide feedback, and only employees and contractors of Amrun are allowed to have a say.

“There are many employees that have other family members who work in northern operations who will no longer share the same days off and this will have a detrimental impact on the social fabric of maintaining strong families and strong communities in which Weipa prides itself on.

“It is also unclear what determines a ‘majority’.

“It should be supported by an overwhelming majority and would need to be supported across the entire Weipa operations due to the nature of the impact on both north and south.”

Another employee called for the return of the four-on, fouroff roster for all sites.

“If the lifestyle roster has proven to be ineffective then I would prefer it return to what it was,” they said.

Another blamed the culture at Amrun, not the roster, for the

high turnover in staff, as well as the lack of affordable housing in Weipa, driving people away.

“The poor leadership and toxic culture at Amrun is not going to be resolved with a roster change,” they said.

“A roster won’t fix the issues. It’s the terrible leadership and bullying and racism and discrimination that’s going on that is the major problem.

“Rio Tinto should have also invested in more development and growth in housing when they decided to expand the business to Amrun.

“They are looking for an easy solution to their lack of housing strategy and this will have a detrimental impact on the social performance and capacity of the Weipa community by providing a roster that encourages employees and contractors to live outside of Weipa.

“The community is going to be negatively effected and no feasibility studies have been shared with the community on this proposed change.”

Sights set on engineering degree

WEIPA’S Montanna Homosi is on her way to building a dream career in engineering and wants to see other women follow her passion for the field.

The QUT student said she followed her interests in her choice of university study.

“I don’t really categorise things as a male job or a female job – I just do what I like,” she said.

“I’ve always liked math and science since I was young, and I like getting the right answer: with maths and science you’re either right or wrong. It’s very logical.

“My dad has been encouraging. He works in the mines as a diesel fitter, and when I told him engineering was something I wanted to do, he said it was good for Indigenous women to go into those fields so we could bring a new perspective.

“I noticed when I moved from Weipa that having grown up in a different environment has helped me see things differently.”

Fellow Indigenous student Kiah Faiva is in her second-year of civil engineering at QUT and said she was enjoying her studies and was already working with AECOM during university breaks.

“I’ve already had the opportunity to get a job in the engineering industry through Career Trackers, and it’s really helpful with uni because we work on real examples: it’s fun and challenging,” she said.

Kiah is a Kalkadoon woman who grew up on Gubbi Gubbi country, while first-year student Montanna is a Ankamuthi and Bulgoone Wara woman from FNQ.

Montanna said she had built good networks at QUT.

“It’s been really good connecting with other women in engineer-

ing as we have a ‘we’re in this together mindset’ – it’s challenging sometimes walking into a room seeing 50 guys and maybe four or five girls,” she said.

She said she appreciated the support of the Oodgeroo Unit (the QUT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student support cen-

June 2023 Community Update

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Well done to the Weipa Fishing Classic committee for providing another spectacular event, it just seems to get bigger and better every year If ever you wondered about the value of volunteers to our community you would not have to go any further than the Weipa Fishing Classic committee

This small group of dedicated and passionate individuals give so much of their time to put on this event for our community to enjoy and benefit from They are ordinary people like you and me with only 24 hours in their day and yet they find the time to give to an event like the classic for us to enjoy

We can also add to that great little group the Weipa Bull Ride committee, also the volunteers at the Relay for Life, Conquer the Corrugations, and so many other activities that we probably take for granted If you were to ask them why they do it I am sure most of them would say it is their way of giving something back to their community

There will always be more needs and more causes than there will ever be the money or the people to meet them, and this is where the role of the volunteers is so vital I have heard of a few events this year that are not going to happen because they can’t get anyone to help out and that is sad

cont.

tre), which helped her to face the changes in her life when she started university.

“I went from Weipa, where there’s only a bakery and a Woollies and no stop lights, to here, where there’s four lanes in the road,” she said.

“It was very nerve wracking go-

ing from the small town to the big city.”

The Executive Dean of Engineering, Professor Ana Deletic, said QUT was working hard to create a pipeline for more women and students from diverse backgrounds to become engineers.

“Engineering companies want teams of both men and women, from diverse backgrounds, so that they are developing products and solutions that serve everyone in their community,” she said.

Professor Deletic said Indigenous Australian engineers’ knowledge of Country provided an advantage as the world looked for more sustainable solutions.

“That connection to Country is unique and makes a huge difference in some engineering disciplines,” she said.

“As the world adapts to the threat of climate change, we are searching for ways to connect better with nature so we can build functional, sustainable cities, and understanding Country can help with this.”

QUT offers a Women in Engineering scholarship, as well as a range of scholarships for Indigenous Australian students, including the CS Energy Scholarship, the Arcadia Landscape Architecture Indigenous Scholarship, the Go Further Indigenous Tertiary Scholarship and the Oodgeroo Noonuccal Undergraduate Scholarship.

UPCOMING EVENTS

If you enjoyed the Weipa Fishing Classic this year then why not touch base with the committee and see where you could help out, even a small amount of your time will make a difference

- Michael Rowland

PROGRAM PROGRAM SCHOOL HOLIDAY

Week 1 - Monday 26 June to Friday 30 June, 2023

Week 2 - Monday 3 July to Thursday 6 July, 2023

Bookings essential via WTA website

ANIMAL REGISTRATION RENEWALS

JUNE

26 June - School Holiday Program Starts

27-29 - WASP Tennis Camp

JULY

4 July - Movie @ Kumrumja Park

22 July - Weipa Fight Night

23 July - Weipa Running Festival

28 July - Youth Night @ the WASP

29 July - Kumrumja Sunset Markets

WEIPA AQUATIC CENTRE NOTICE

Weekend operating hours changed until further notice Saturday & Sunday 10am to 3pm

Weipa’s Montanna Homosi is a first-year engineering student at QUT and wants others to follow in her footsteps.

New silica mine still years away

A PROPOSED $1 billion silica mine near Hope Vale is a step closer, with Diatreme Resources releasing the project scoping study this month.

CEO Neil McIntyre said the study was the first step in an important process that he hoped would culminate with construction at the Northern Silica Project in two years’ time.

Local knowledge will help scientists study dolphins

CAPE York Traditional Owners are working with marine biologists from two universities to conduct a census of the Great Barrier Reef’s unique dolphin species.

In a scientific first, researchers from Southern Cross University and Flinders University are collaborating with Indigenous communities about their sea country to conduct an extensive study of threatened inshore dolphins in the wild – the Australian humpback dolphin and the snubfin dolphin.

The aim is to better understand the dolphins’ distribution and numbers, as well as to assess threats they’re facing to better inform conservation efforts, filling a key data gap for iconic species on the Reef. Data will also be collected on any whale and dolphin species found during the survey.

The study area between Cairns and the tip of Cape York is regarded as some of the most pristine and unexplored sections of the Reef due to low population and coastal development.

The Great Barrier Reef Dolphin Project is a collaboration between the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Southern Cross University and Flinders University and is funded by the partnership between the fed-

eral government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

“In this remote and unexplored region, we need to understand the number, distribution and threats to inshore dolphins from the coast to the outer reef,” said project lead Dr Daniele Cagnazzi, from Southern Cross University.

“Traditional Owner and Indigenous ranger groups will be key to this new study of their sea countries, as they provide consent for the study and access to their distinct sea country regions.”

Traditional Owners also have opportunities to get involved in all aspects of the project, starting from the survey design alongside the research team.

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is visited by more than 30 species of

cetaceans. Yet very little is known about two in particular that are regarded as highly charismatic: the Australian humpback dolphin and the snubfin dolphin.

“Both species are vulnerable because they live in small numbers, have a low reproduction rate and are dependent on the quality of coastal habitat,” said Dr Cagnazzi.

Co-lead research partner Associate Professor Guido Parra, from Flinders University’s Cetacean Ecology Behaviour and Evolution Lab, said the fieldwork would involve extensive consultation, engagement and use of technology including AI and drones.

“This is an unprecedented opportunity for scientists and traditional owners to work together and fill in important gaps of knowledge

concerning inshore dolphins in sea countries and the Great Barrier Reef,” Dr Parra said.

“The public more generally can also play a big role in these complex environmental projects. People are invited to be our ‘eyes on the Reef’ and report sightings of dolphins to the Great Barrier Reef Dolphin Project.”

In addition to looking for and recording key animal and environmental indicators, the researchers will seek to uncover new insights and measures that take into account the diverse social, economic and cultural values the Reef brings.

Great Barrier Reef Foundation managing director Anna Marsden said the Great Barrier Reef was an irreplaceable ecosystem, home to thousands of species.

“We are proud to support this project to gain critical knowledge about these iconic species. The condition and behaviour of individual marine species can tell us a lot about the health of the Reef,” Ms Marden said.

“We will expand our knowledge of the early warning signs of ecological change so that Reef managers and researchers can proactively manage and support these three key species of inshore dolphins.”

“The next step for us which we’ve already started is the environmental permit and approval process, public consultation and the mining leases at the end of that,” he said.

“The scoping study was incredibly positive, and now we look forward to advancing it through the next steps and giving it that certainty so people can start planning around the economic opportunities to come out of it.”

The study indicated the Northern Silica Project could produce 5 mega tonnes of high purity low iron silica product each year for 25 years.

Mr McIntyre said the mine would have a profound economic impact on the surrounding region, with an estimated 100 staff needed to keep it running.

“We’ve got about a dozen people on the ground now with an office in Hope Vale and another in Cairns,” he said.

“We’ll be adding some more people to the workforce over the next 12 to 18 months to undertake all the studies and surveys.”

Mr McIntyre said it was Diatreme’s view that the area would become a world-class silica hub.

“The resources here are unique in the world,” he said.

“Silica is the primary feed product for solar panels and high-end architectural glass.

“The demand for the product is growing year on year and we don’t see that diminishing.”

Mr McIntyre said the scoping study was part of building a solid foundation for the proposed mine, which would have a minimum 25-year life span.

The snubfin dolphin is a highly animated species, yet not a lot is known about them.

Scientists want to know more about the humpback dolphin.

A squad of humpback dolphins off the Cape York coastline.

By SARAH MARTIN

AFTER a final trip to Cape York, former Cooktown couple Don and Carol Sinclair were farewelled by family and friends in a small ceremony on Grassy Hill.

The extended Sinclair family this month travelled back to their late parents’ favourite place to spread their ashes and spend some time with old friends.

“We went up the Cape and took

mum and dad on the backseat for one last trip,” daughter Donna Lewis told Cape York Weekly

“There are nine of us here, my two brothers, one has his wife and kids and my husband and kids.”

The Sinclairs lived in Cooktown for over a decade and were active members of the community before leaving to be closer to their grandchildren in the early 2000s.

“I can’t believe how much my dad actually did,” Ms Lewis said.

“Mum was the quiet one behind him, she loved it here and had a wonderful life but when I had my first child she said she wasn’t missing out on her grandkids so they moved to Manly.

“My dad ran Cooktown Cruises when he first came here; he started the Historical Society with John and Bev Shay and he and Terry Dukes did the big memorial at the airport.”

The Sinclairs were also the driv-

ing force behind reinvigorating the Cooktown RSL and the Coast Guard.

“Dad an ex-digger and, when he first arrived, he said we need to get the RSL going so he started holding sausage sizzles on Sunday nights,” Ms Lewis remembered.

“They used to live on Hope Street in the big double-storey block house dad built opposite Palmer Kate’s.

“They had a big back verandah

and everyone would turn up for morning tea.

“Mum had a little tea and coffee book with your name and what you had and how many sugars, as they were walking in she would say ‘I’ve got you’.”

Ms Sinclair passed away four years ago and Mr Sinclair died in 2022.

They are survived by their children Greg and Martin Sinclair and Donna Lewis and their families.

Family and friends gathered on Grassy Hill to farewell Don and Carol Sinclair on June 21.

Don and Carol with their beloved dog Tippy in front of their Hope Street home in the late 1990s.

Rodeo’s done and dusted, now for the dance festival Roadworks near Coen for months

By SARAH MARTIN

AS the dust settles from the Laura Rodeo and Races, the tiny town will fill again as thousands of people flock to the ancient bora grounds for the biennial Laura Quinkan Dance Festival.

Around 6000 people are expected to attend the three-day event as dance troupes from across the Cape and Torres Strait showcase stories through movement and song at Australia’s longest-running cultural festival.

“By showcasing traditional dances and rituals, the Laura Quinkan Indigenous Dance Festival not only educates and entertains, but also serves as a vital platform for passing on Indigenous knowledge to future generations,” said event director Fiona John.

“With our commitment to being drug and alcohol-free, the festival creates a safe and welcoming environment where families and individuals can enjoy the performances and immerse themselves in the richness of Indigenous traditions.”

Held from Friday, July 7 to Sunday, July 9 at the Ang-Gnarra festival grounds, the event kicks off with the official welcome parade and opening ceremony followed by the first round of competition.

The competition continues on Saturday, with the finals and winners of the Laura Dance Shield announced on Sunday.

Alongside the dance competition is a didgeridoo playing competition and the judging and display of the Cape York Art Awards.

There are a host of other activities over the weekend, including circus, basket weaving and didgeridoo making workshops, yarning circles, rock art tours and family movies.

There will also be a small forest of market stalls, with food focusing

on traditional flavours alongside the more mainstream offerings, as well as health, information, art and craft stalls.

More information, including ticket sales, can be found on the Laura Quinkan Dance Festival website.

MOTORISTS travelling on the PDR over the next few months should be prepared for changed conditions around Coen.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads is conducting culvert rehabilitation works at four locations.

“These works are part of our regular structures maintenance program to ensure the continued safety and reliability of bridges and culverts on the state-controlled road network,” a TMR representative said.

“The culverts are located about 6, 13 and 19km north of Coen and 2km south of Coen.”

Work to construct side tracks started on Monday.

Culvert works will follow and will take about 12 weeks to complete for all four sites.

TMR said crews would be on site between 6am and 6pm on a 14-day rotational roster consisting of 10 days on and four off.

“For the safety of road users and maintenance crews, changed traffic conditions will be in place including speed reductions, single lane closures and temporary single lane side track at two of the sites,” the spokesperson said.

“Variable Message Signs will be in place to warn motorists about the changes.”

Australia’s First Nations culture will be on display at the upcoming Laura Quinkan Dance Festival.

Disability support service expanded in communities Teamwork rewarded for parade

SUPPORT for those in need in the Cooktown area is growing after My Pathway expanded its disability support services with a new local coordinator.

Pietrina Dewaal, who has called Bloomfield home for more than 30 years, said she was looking forward to rolling out the support program, which is currently available to residents in Cooktown, Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal.

“I love people and to be able to put things in place for people to be able to have a life that they really enjoy, that excites me,” Ms Dewaal said.

“I feel like I’m making a difference and I look forward to bringing that to Wujal Wujal and Cooktown and the surrounding areas.”

Ms Dewaal said she had been learning on the ground with the My Pathway disability support team at Hope Vale and that she was looking forward to matching support workers with clients and providing tailored, culturally-appropriate services.

“This position is perfectly suited to my work experience and passion for making a difference in people’s lives,” she said.

“Joining My Pathway Disability Supports can only help to grow my network and impact.”

Ms Dewaal is developing a new

disability support hub at 94 Charlotte Street, next to the nursery.

“The Disability Supports Hub will become a space for participants to connect, escape the heat and receive support,” she said.

“I’m keen to explore activities like cooking, arts and crafts, and repair and maintenance. Anything

that could help participants develop and practice new skills and progress towards their individual goals.”

Participants with NDIS plans (or eligible to receive one) and anyone interested in support roles are encouraged to contact Ms Dewaal now to connect opportunities.

Bamaga Enterprises Ltd June Update

Cape York Peninsula Lodge develops tomorrow’s leaders

Cape York Peninsula Lodge has launched a six-month traineeship program so high school students in the Northern Peninsula Area can learn life-long skills for future careers.

The inspiring program supported by the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work ini�a�ve, offers work experience across the property’s award-winning dining and accommoda�on facili�es.

During the traineeship, students are offered regular work du�es including serving food and drinks, taking customer orders and clearing tables.

Working their way up

Locals Ivy Solomon (17 yo) and Zari Hosfield (16 yo), became the Lodge’s first high school trainees for 2023 in March, and have already been hired as casuals.

Both want to work in hospitality and tourism once they graduate from high school.

Ivy says the program pushed her “out of the comfort zone” and helped her gain invaluable customer service experience.

Meanwhile, Zari says the traineeship has proven to be very valuable in helping her gain work experience, which will be important when applying for future hospitality jobs.

Since Zari and Ivy started, the Lodge has already taken on four new trainees.

Cape York Peninsula Lodge is an Indigenousowned property owned and operated by Bamaga Enterprises Limited.

Email recep�on@cypl.com.au if you’d be interested in joining the next round of traineeships.

Cape York Peninsula Lodge, Corner Lui and Adidi Streets, Bamaga. Ph (07) 4069 3050 cypl.com.au

AFTER taking out the coveted Best in Parade award at the Discovery Festival, the Barrier Reef Childcare team is looking forward to spending the $1000 winnings on something for the children.

“We did well, we were so excited when we won,” said manager Terry Parsons.

“We have been talking with the children about what they’d like to spend it on, and so far we have the most votes for a doll house.”

Ms Parsons said the float was a team effort, with staff and community coming together to produce an amazing result around the parade theme of “our backyard”.

“We talked about it a lot and the children came up with our float name ‘little kids, big backyard’ because really for most of our people up here, our backyard is the whole of Cape York,” she said.

The float truck and driver were supplied by Cooktown Bargain Barn, with mums Louise Sumption and Simone Riley-Wason painting the murals, Paul Wilkes providing expertise on the signpost and local papier mache extraordinaire Annette Lee building Pumba the feral pig, the snake and glittery reef fish.

“We are blessed to have such community-spirited, kind and talented people among us,” Ms Parsons said.

But don’t just take our word for it here is what some of our Weipa clients say about us:

“John and the team have been an absolute pleasure to deal with whilst buying our rst home. ey were professional, iendly, open, honest and very approachable through the whole process. ey looked at the big picture to make sure the nance they secured for us best suits our needs. All our dealings were done via phone, email and internet and I am very impressed by the way they brought everything together and kept us completely informed the whole way through.

Highly recommended Mobile Finance Broker

Atherton” – Helen

Madge

“John was so helpful when we were buying our house. We really felt that he made the e ort to go the extra mile and have absolutely no hesitation in recommending others to him. 100% will use again.” – Denica

Bowden

BROKER OF THE YEAR

“Would recommend John and his team to everyone! ey were amazing, super iendly and knowledgeable. He guided me through the process of buying my rst home and I always felt he had my best interests at heart. He was always super easy to get hold of and happy to answer whatever questions I had for him. Will never go through a di erent broker. I was thoroughly impressed with their work! “– Rebecca

Nason

“A big thank you to John and the team for making this process so easy. We live in a remote location so ge ing face to face meetings was near impossible. We feel the team went above and beyond for us and really did make everything run smoothly. Highly recommend their services to anyone looking for nance!” – Gerard

Fox

BROKER OF THE YEAR

With interest rates continuing to rise, there has never been a be er time to review your current home loan options.

At Mobile Finance Broker, “We love what we do – helping people with their home loan!”

Student trainees Zari Hosfield (far left) and Ivy Solomon (middle) are currently working alongside Restaurant Supervisor Dharminder Singh (far right) at the Lodge.

Pietrina Dewaal is looking forward to supporting her community through My Pathway Disability Supports. INSET – Greta gets pampered with a hair treatment.

Night works on bridges to impact Weipa pig hunters

PIG hunters from Weipa, Mapoon and Napranum should take note of planned works at the Mission River and Andoom Creek bridges, with intermittent closures to impact those travelling at night.

Rio Tinto said that night works to replace a high voltage cable and provide more reliable power to Weipa township would begin on the Mission River bridge next month, followed by work on the Andoom Creek bridge in August.

Works will be undertaken using specialised under-bridge access equipment that, while in operation, will require the bridge to be closed to traffic.

The Mission River bridge works will take place from July 10 to August 21, during which time the bridge will be closed to traffic from 7pm to 5am, apart from at short intervals.

Intervals for public vehicle access will be from 10.30pm to

11pm, midnight to 1am and 4am to 4.30am. Outside of these times, delays of at least one hour should be expected.

Andoom Creek bridge works will run from August 21 to September 21. The same opening and closing times will apply.

Traffic is usually quiet on the bridges between 9pm and 4.30am, with most vehicles either pig hunters or those going fishing.

Emergency service vehicles

will be able to access the bridges as needed to ensure uninterrupted service to the Weipa, Mapoon and Napranum communities.

“The community is asked to adhere to all traffic controls during this time until works are completed in October. Pedestrian access and fishing from the bridges is prohibited, all members of the community are reminded to adhere to these restrictions,” a Rio Tinto spokesperson said.

A COMMUNITY celebration will be held in Napranum this week to commemorate the old Presbyterian mission’s relocation to Jessica Point.

Foundation Day will be held at the splash park on the foreshore from 5pm on Thursday.

The family event will include a host of children’s activities provided by the PCYC, free food, a colour run, storytime with the Elders and stallholders.

“We will have a free dinner for anyone who attends, with a traditional kup murri with three different dishes and also Thai food,” a Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council spokesperson said.

“Attendees will also receive a free Foundation Day t-shirt so they can get into the spirit of celebration with us.”

Attendees are asked to bring chairs or mats to sit on.

Napranum was originally established as the Weipa Mission at Spring Creek in 1898, before moving in 1932.

The government renamed it Weipa South, however residents pushed for it to be changed and Napranum is a combination of the Trotj word nap, meaning meeting place and the Thaynakwith word pranum meaning meeting of people.

The Mission River Bridge will be closed for most of the night from 7pm to 5am from July 10 to August 21, with only a few short opening periods.

First trip to Laura pays dividends

By MATT NICHOLLS

BRAYDON Wellby almost needed a security detail to leave Laura he won that much cash.

The champion bullrider, who has been a regular on the PBR tour, won just about everything he entered at his first Cape York rodeo.

“Everything except for my last bronc ride,” he said on Monday.

“It was a great weekend. I love the bush rodeos much more than the ones in the cities.

“I’d come back to Laura again, for sure.”

While some of his rivals might be glad to see the back of Wellby, the Burdekin cowboy was simply a class above.

He won the open bull ride on both Saturday and Sunday, plus the rope and tie and steer wrestling.

Saturday night’s saddle bronc also went his way, even if he can’t remember it.

“I rode time but afterwards I came off and I think I got knocked out because I can’t remember much from Saturday,” Wellby said.

“It was great to go in all those events – I even did a bit of bullfighting.”

Wellby is the nephew of Weipa lawn bowls star Russell Wellby and has friends and family across North Queensland.

It was no surprise that he won the all-round cowboy honours after he won almost $7000 in cash.

Nicole Gava didn’t win an event but managed to be crowned the all-round cowgirl after top performances across a range of events.

Three new life members were honoured by the Laura Rodeo and

Campdraft Association – Wal Vale, Kevin Jackson and Barry Shephard.

Secretary Deb Gostelow said the trio were worthy inductees.

“They’ve been long-time members and contributors,” she said.

“You can’t put on an event without the workers and these three have done more than most.”

Ms Gostelow praised the big crowd for its behaviour after police said there were no major incidents over the weekend.

“I think it was another great weekend and it’s great to see so many people come to the Cape to experience a bush event,” she said.

“There are a lot of first-timers

Still looking to Buy or Sell in

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clients are fully catered for.

If you are just after a market update or wanting to have a chat please

information! Our team are here to assist you with professional

here and I think they’ll all be back next year.”

She also thanked the volunteers and committee members for their hard work, as well as the sponsors and stations who provided stock for the rodeo and campdraft.

“We couldn’t do it without them and we appreciate them,” she said.

Like elsewhere, our market is pretty hot right now with an increasing

properties going straight

and listing to sale within the same day. With our current high turnover of listings, we have qualified buyers who are waiting

the right property and are ready to go. Your property may be our next sale contract. Cooktown offers excellent rental returns on investment properties or be

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Call for a chat if you would like to know what is happening in our Cooktown Property Market.

Braydon Wellby, far right, gave everything a go at Laura, including a stint as a protection athlete. He won five events over two days. Picture: PETER ROY

WEEKEND RESULTS

Laura Races, Rodeo & Campdraft 2023

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

the Dots Spot the 5 Differences

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

BBQ WILL BE

Meet our dogs, sooth the soul –it’s not only good enrichment, but socialisation for our dogs in care!

Schluenz strikes gold in the Cape

By MATT NICHOLLS

RENEE Schluenz celebrated her first country Cup winner in style on Saturday after stable star Forgiato was a sizzling winner in the feature race at Laura.

Ridden perfectly by Masayuki Abe, the $3.20 shot was an easy winner of the 1450m Laura Cup, beating odds-on favourite Lord of Light by more than a length.

The win made up for last year’s second placing in the same race and continues Schluenz’s brilliant strike rate in the Cape.

The Innisfail trainer has taken two horses to Cooktown for two winners, while she’s had four starts at Laura for two winners and a second placing.

“I only go up if there’s the right race for the right horse and we’re lucky it has suited us,” she said.

“I love going up there. The racing is so good. The prizemoney is good and the road is great to get there.”

Schluenz praised the ride of Abe, who showed patience in the run before making his move at the right time to catch his rivals off guard.

When the Japanese hoop took off just before the turn, he went from second to first in a handful of strides, putting a gap on the field.

“Last year he led and I knew that he wasn’t going to get the lead easily this year so I told him to take a sit,” Schluenz said.

“He rode him a treat and it was a good win.”

Five trainers shared the spoils across the six races.

The Cairns-based Fred Wieland was the only trainer to notch up a double.

Classic Chance ($2) won the Maiden over 1000m with apprentice Lauren Guernier in the saddle,

Burley Bash

while Nor Yadi got the chocolates on Pomade ($2.10) in the Class 3 Plate over the same distance.

Former Weipa resident Greg Williams wasn’t on track to see his horse Sir Roland ($5) win the 0-50 Handicap with Yadi in the saddle.

The owner of the Cape York Gateway Motel at Mareeba was enjoying a holiday in Canada.

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A long-time supporter of the Laura and Cooktown races, it was the first Cape York meeting Williams has missed for some time.

Trainer Jenny Ball joked that the owner’s absence was a good luck charm after several placings in recent local meetings.

Tolga trainer Ricky Ludwig saddled up three favourites, but

had to settle for one win.

Jockey Frank Edwards produced an effortless ride aboard Sonofthebeast ($1.60) in the Class B Handicap over 1200m.

Cooktown Amateur Turf Club president Darryl Paradise enjoyed a win when Yarralinda ($1.60) gave Yadi a treble for the day in the Class 6 Handicap (1200m).

Apprentice hoop notches first career win at Laura

LAUREN Guernier was all smiles at Laura on Saturday after she notched up her first career win in the saddle in the opening race of the day.

The 27-year-old, who is indentured to Cairns trainer Fred Wieland, won by the barest of margins in the Maiden Plate (1000m) on Classic Chance.

Slow out of the barriers in the three-horse field, Guernier didn’t panic when trailing the leading duo by several lengths early in the peace. She allowed the $2 second favourite to gather itself and made her move on the turn to overrun stablemate Cody’s Boy in the last stride, winning by a nose.

KID’S MENU EVERY NIGHT (EXCEPT SATURDAY): NUGGETS & CHIPS OR SPAGHETTI

It was the Gordonvale product’s first win from her seventh ride.

Guernier said she was quietly confident of getting her maiden victory.

“I ride the horse every day in trackwork and know him inside and out. I thought

today could be our lucky day. It was the horse’s first win, too.”

A mature age apprentice, Guernier grew up around horses but was working in the deli of her local IGA until she took a job riding trackwork in Cairns.

That was two years ago and she’s been with Wieland’s stable for the last 12 months.

“Fred’s always been behind me with me and has encouraged me along the way, even when I had doubts,” she said.

Her main challenge could be claiming her full 4kg allocation. On Saturday, Guernier was at 57kg and could only claim half a kilo on Classic Chance.

Wieland backed her to make the drop.

“She’s working hard and when she first started she was over 60kg, so she’s doing everything right so far,” he said.

“She can ride anything at trackwork so I think she’ll make it as a jockey.”

Masayuki Abe produced a stellar ride aboard Forgiato to win the Laura Cup for Innisfail trainer Renee Schluenz (inset). Pictures: PETER ROY PHOTOGRAPHY

Maiden winner Classic Chance and apprentice jockey Lauren Guernier return to scale at Laura.

Logan with a beaut barra.

Dakota Steele, Braxton Muller and Jake Luscott.

Pearl with her first ever barra.

Adam with a nice 70cm barramundi.

Chloe Sjoberg with her award-winning fingermark.

Layla Egan with a barra nearly as big as her!

Wylie Cook was rapt with this cobia.

Casey Lyon, supported by Josh, with the 105cm barramundi that won her first prize at the Weipa Fishing Classic.

Zac was thrilled with this shark he caught on a recent trip to Weipa.

COOKTOWN OPEN SCOREBOARD

Overall Open

Winner: Danny Bradley 71-74 (145)

Runner-up: Brent Hetaraka 72-75 (147)

A-grade gross

Winner: Danny Bradley 71-74 (145)

Runner-up: Ross Craven 80-80 (160)

A-grade stableford

Winner: Danny Bradley 36-33 (69)

Runner-up: Ross Craven 30-28 (58)

Women’s Div 1 gross

Winner: Michelle Field 83-82 (165)

Runner-up: Sue Job 93-92 (185)

Women’s Div 1 stableford

Winner: Therese O’Brien 31-30 (61)

Runner-up: Robyn Fleming 22-36 (58)

B-grade gross

Winner: Brent Hetaraka 72-75 (147)

Runner-up: Graham Burton 80-76 (156)

B-grade stableford

Winner: Brent Hetaraka 41-38 (79)

Runner-up: Graham Burton 33-37 (70)

Women’s Div 2 gross

Winner: Alice Burton 94-92 (186)

Runner-up: Melody Broad 103-108 (211)

Women’s Div 2 stableford

Winner: Alice Burton 33-33 (66)

Runner-up: Melody Broad 28-25 (53)

C-grade gross

Winner: Cam Venables 81-79 (160)

Runner-up: John McArthur 83-79 (162)

C-grade stableford

Winner: Cam Venables 37-38 (75)

Runner-up: Wal Welsh 33-37 (70)

Runner-up: John McArthur 33-37 (70)

Robyn Fleming, Deb Harvey, Michelle Field and Cathy Cobavie had an enjoyable weekend in Cooktown. Cam Venables, Brent Heteraka, Eddie Cridland and Sam Godfrey-Roberts. Paul Sperring, Ben Hiatt, John McArthur and Rick Butler.

Wal Welsh unleashes a drive. Ross Craven tees one up. Rick Butler with the big dog. Julie Hooker off the first tee. Jamie Dobson had a tough Sunday.

Daniel Biddle, Ben Sowden, Michael Deguara and Melody Broad. Pictures: MATT NICHOLLS

Graham Burton, Wal Welsh and Ross Craven.

Graham Burton had a top weekend. Robyn Fleming takes aim at the pin. Leo Leonard, Sue Job, Alice Burton and Jamie Dobson.

Doug Neill and Therese O’Brien. Jack Bradley, Danny Bradley, Julie Hooker and Russell Hooker.

John McArthur lets one fly.

SPORT IN BRIEF

Sponsor takes the lot

WITH his business Weipa Gourmet Meats sponsoring the monthly medal, Dasha Holmquest decided to keep the top prize after carding a nett 69 to be the A-grade and overall winner on the weekend.

B-grade went to David Morgan with a nett 72, while Dave Sands was the C-grade winner with a nett 71.

Nearest the pins went to Jim Hunter on the 7th and Steve Jensen on the 15th.

Almost an upset in Open

MAREEBA ace Danny Bradley might have been an easy winner of A-grade in the Cooktown Open on the weekend, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t made to work for his trophy.

Hot on his heels was B-grader Brent Hetaraka, who found his best form over the 36 holes to put pressure on the visitor.

Hetaraka, who arrived at Walker Bay with a low handicap, has not been able to produce his best golf in Cooktown, however he hit red hot form to get within two strokes of Bradley’s score.

He trailed by one stroke on Saturday and knew he needed a 73 or better on Sunday to claim the Open overall.

It just wasn’t to be, though.

Bradley had already made it back to Mareeba by the time his main rival finished that afternoon and carded a 75 to fall a couple of shots short.

That was still enough to give him a big win in B-grade.

C-grade was taken out by Cam Venables, while the women’s top division was won by Mossman’s Michelle Field, a regular on the Open circuit.

The women’s second division went to local star Alice Burton.

WEIPA TIDE TIMES

Comeback takes a hit

A DISAPPOINTED Ferlene David says she is counting her most recent muaythai fight as a win, despite the judges awarding the bout to her opponent.

After a six-year hiatus, David returned to fight training this year with Full Boar Gym in Cooktown, stepping into centre ring for her ninth fight against Cairns’ Natalie Wallace on Sunday.

The fight referee and all three judges were from Wallace’s gym, Nukzu, and Full Boar coach Vince Parkes said even the fight MC was shocked when he read out the win went to the Cairns fighter.

“Ferlene played it smart, she landed three times as many hits on Natalie and won every round,” he said.

“The judges didn’t score it right so I told her we’ll mark that as a win. Go home and tell people you won because you did.”

Despite the disappointment, David is keen to return to training and has her chance to get the win against Wallace on the judge’s scorecards, with a rematch already organised for September 2.

Ferlene David with coach Vince Parkes.

Danny Bradley was crowned the Cooktown Open champion after two consistent rounds on the weekend.

Cooktown Golf Club’s Walker Bay course turned it on over the weekend. Conditions were mild on Saturday before the breeze picked up on Sunday.