Cape York Weekly Edition 143

CLUB WINS HEARTS IN THE CAPE

Pride of Weipa

By MATT NICHOLLS

THEY didn’t get the result they wanted on the field, however the Northern Pride players left Weipa with a much bigger fan base after a week of community engagement that blew locals out of the water.

Trips to Aurukun, Mapoon and Napranum, combined with a local visits in Weipa proved popular as the Pride set a new bar for Country Round in the Queensland Cup.

Around 1000 people filled the sidelines of Andoom Oval to see the Cairns-based club take on the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

In a must-win game for both sides as they chased a finals berth,

it was the Falcons who prevailed, winning 24-8.

But rather than walk off the field, the Northern Pride players stood on the grass for more than an hour, chatting to kids, posing for photos and presenting their jerseys to be auctioned off.

It was an impromptu event and raised more than $10,000 as locals basked in the opportunity to buy a one-off uniform that was designed by Mapoon’s Luanna de Jersey.

The players themselves couldn’t help get caught up in the energy of the auction, proving that the game was a success, even if the result didn’t go their way.

Special liftout – Pages 13 to 16

The Northern Pride players show off their specially-designed Country Round jerseys with Mapoon artist Luanna de Jersey (centre) at a community breakfast held at the Weipa Camping Ground on the morning on the match. The jerseys worn by the players were then auctioned off after the game on Andoom Oval.

Northern Pride CEO Garreth Smith with Embley owner Ronnie Bosuen after he successful bid $7000 for the framed jersey after Saturday night’s game.

New primary principal back in familiar territory

WESTERN Cape College’s new primary school principal says she’s happy to be back in Weipa after making the move from Townsville over the school holidays.

Amanda Allender is no stranger to Weipa, having previously worked at Western Cape College from 2013 to 2020.

She arrived in the Cape as the head of the residential campus before shifting to the school grounds to

become the deputy primary principal under Craig Law.

With husband Leigh, who took over as head of the res campus, they moved to Townsville with their young family.

Leigh moved back to Weipa at the start of the year after a stint at NRL Cowboys House and Amanda said it was the right decision to follow.

“I was the deputy principal at Cranbrook State

School and I really loved it but it was important to be together as a family,” said Amanda.

“Weipa is a great place to raise kids and I’m really glad to be back.”

She said filling the shoes of Mr Law, the long-time primary principal, would be difficult.

“He’s left a long-lasting legacy and it’s important that I do things my way rather than try to be another

Craig, because he was oneof-a-kind,” Amanda said.

“I’ve only been back for a week and it feels like I never left – everyone has been really accommodating.”

The new principal praised her colleague, secondary counterpart Dan Tonon, who filled in as the acting primary principal during Term 2.

“There’s a really good morale amongst the teachers and a lot of that can be put down to Dan’s work.”

Lakeland melons heading to Japan after export trial

By SARAH MARTIN

THE first commercial shipment of Emperor’s Pearl melons from Daintree Fresh farm will hit shelves in Japan this year, as the Lakeland-based grower expands an export trial that started three years ago.

Boosted by funding from the state government, Daintree Fresh director Shaun Jackson created the new white-fleshed melon specifically for export.

“We were told they use rockmelons and honeydews and orange candy melons, so my answer for the Japanese market is a sweet, tasty fruit that gets there in good shape and remains in good shape for 20 days,” Mr Jackson told Cape York Weekly

“We set up trials three years ago and got a really good response from the Japanese market, so this year we have set up a program to increase to a fairly large commercial quantity.”

Mr Jackson, whose background is in seed and plant genetics, said the challenge was to grow a melon that maintained its quality over the long trip to stores overseas, and also finding new and improved ways to handle the fruit to help that process.

“We have been doing a whole lot of treatments on the fruit already, and some more will be coming into

play in the next few months on our first harvests,” he said.

“We will be trialling a heap of different things and by the time these fruit get (to Japan) we will have the answers we need.”

Mr Jackon said Daintree Fresh focused on sustainable, natural methods of growing, pest management and fruit handling and preservation.

“Our aim is to look at the cultural practices the farm uses to pro-

duce fruit with a longer shelf life,” he said.

“We are looking at how we grow, the nutrients we use, the post-harvest treatments.

“We use probiotics on the soil, bugs to control our insects, lots of organic carbons in the ground and we feed them with good bacteria out of capsicums, chilli, garlic and so on.

“This grant will helps us drill down on which of the many differ-

Sea Swift pulls out of service

SEA Swift has pulled the pin on its mothershipping operations ahead of the upcoming prawn season in the Gulf.

“Sea Swift has been an industry participant in mothershipping since 1987, however with Queensland’s prawn fishing industry facing multiple industry challenges over the past few years, Sea Swift has confirmed the sector is not currently commercially viable to service,” said CEO Dwayne Freeman.

He said that a major customer had modified its operating model to introduce its own vessel and, as a consequence, had no further need for Sea Swift’s services.

“This change has had a significant impact on the overall commercial viability of our mothershipping service,” he said.

ent applications and trials will ensure a good shelf life for the shipping to Japan.”

The farm’s commitment to natural processes had won over buyers in Japan, Mr Jackson said.

“It’s 50 per cent of the reason we’re getting business in Japan.

“It’s as much about the quality of the melons as the story of our farm, what we’re working towards and how we try to do things naturally and improve our soil.”

“We are continuing to work with the industry to identify any alternative options for servicing the upcoming prawn season.

“Like most businesses, our costs have also escalated and supply chain delays have added operating constraints.”

Mr Freeman said that he had informed mothershipping customers and staff of the decision, with a reassurance to staff around job security.

“I have assured all of our employees that there will be no forced job losses,” he said.

Daintree Fresh director Shaun Jackson is trialling a new melon export to Japan.

Western Cape College primary principal Amanda Allender.

By MATT NICHOLLS

THE ancestral remains of two females from the Western Cape will be returned to Traditional Owners of the Weipa Peninsula after they were discovered in a Victorian museum.

The remains were collected by renowned anthropologist Donald Thomson in the 1930s.

Their discovery in the Museum of Victoria was made by Napranum resident Dr Fiona Wirrer-George Oochunyung as she was completing her pHd. She reached out to the museum and the remains were then

put in the care of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council.

“It’s great that they are coming home and we get to lay these human remains back on Country,” she said.

“It’s significant for obvious reasons and there will be an appropriate ceremony held by the ancestors in due course.”

It’s expected the remains will return to the Weipa region in September.

Dr Wirrer-George Oochunyung said it was likely that more ancestral remains would also be returned to the region as research intensifies.

The return has been funded by the state government through a $4.6 million program over a five-year period.

“The return of these remains means the Weipa Peninsula people can finally fulfil their cultural and spiritual obligations to care for and bury their dead,” said Resources Minister Scott Stewart.

“The Palaszczuk Government will work with them, the Queensland Museum Network and our counterparts in Victoria to enable this to happen as soon as possible.

“I hope it provides a small

Ancestral remains to be brought home for burial Adoption

THE president of the Cape Animal Protection Shelter is hoping for a big turnout to the organisation’s Adoption Day in Weipa this Saturday as they look to relieve some pressure on the volunteer base.

“We’re running at maximum capacity and it’s not sustainable in the long-run,” said CAPS president Shayna Reeves.

“Since the COVID restrictions eased and people have been able to move around again we have seen a crazy increase in surrenders to CAPS.”

The not-for-profit has a limited amount of foster carers and needs more to sign up, as well as people looking to adopt a dog.

The CAPS Adoption Day will be held at

amount of peace, knowing that their loved ones are coming home.”

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Leeanne Enoch added: “I welcome the return of ancestral remains to the Weipa Peninsula people.

“Repatriation is fundamental to progressing our Path to Treaty and our journey to reconciliation, justice and healing.

“This new relationship will move forward with mutual respect, recognition and a willingness to speak the truth about our shared history.”

the Evans Landing facility from 10am until noon on Saturday.

“We’ll have the dogs out socialising and there will be some activities for the kids,” Ms Reeves said.

“It’s not just about finding new homes for dogs, it’s also about raising awareness for CAPS and what we do in the community.”

CAPS president Shayne Reeves with the beautiful Cous Cous, who has been surrendered to the welfare group. Cous Cous is looking for a new home.

Cape artwork recognised at CIAF

By SARAH MARTIN

CAPE York’s art, fashion and culture shone bright at the 14th annual Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, with many of the major prizes going home with proud locals.

Aurukun Elder, 86-year-old Janet Koongotema, took home the coveted $25,000 Premier’s Art Award for Excellence.

Pormpuraaw Arts Centre won the $10,000 Art Centre award, with local artist Mylene Holroyd awarded the $5000 Emerging Art award for her positive monoprints depicting community life on the Cape.

Torres Strait artist Toby Cedar, now based in NSW, won the 3D Design, Sculpture, Installation award, while Bamaga’s Douglas Tamwoy was the crowd favourite, taking the People’s Choice award at his first ever CIAF.

The only non-Cape artist to take home a prize was south-east Queenslander Darren Blackman, who won the coveted Innovation award and took home $10,000 for his boundary-pushing works which combine new and traditional methodologies.

Thousands attended events across Cairns during the four-day fair, with five of the nine ticketed events a sell-out, and all events exceeding ticket sales targets.

Among the sold-out events were two fashion shows, with bold designs by Wujal Wujal artists Lila Creek, Anne Nunn, Doreen Collins

and Junabel Doughboy featuring prominently.

CIAF artistic director Francoise Lane said the fair proved there was an increasingly strong appetite for immersive First Nations arts and culture experiences.

“I am proud that together we lifted artistic and public programming to a new and unprecedented level, all while capturing the attention and imaginations of visitors,” she said.

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“CIAF is such a powerful platform for storytelling, truth-telling, knowledge sharing and an inclusive meeting place for cultural exchange of two very distinct and diverse cultures.”

While final sales figures from the CIAF art fair and markets were still being compiled at the time of publication, organisers said they were expected to surpass the $1 million mark set at last year’s event.

The Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Dr Jeanette Young at the opening of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair on Thursday night.

Aurukun’s camp dog sculptures were once again a huge hit at CIAF.

Kowanyama artist Tania Major speaks with CIAF visitors on the weekend.

Pormpuraaw’s Syd Bruce Shortjoe has exhibited at every CIAF.

Picture: Paul Furse Frontrow Foto

Shy grandmother Janet Koongotema (centre) won CIAF’s top art award on Thursday.

Aurukun octogenarian still passing on her knowledge

BIRDLIKE and humble, Aurukun grandmother Janet Koongotema might not look like a leader, but she is spearheading an art explosion in her hometown of Aurukun.

The 86-year-old Winchanam Elder was earlier this year a finalist in the prestigious Wynne Prize, is in the running for Australia’s richest art award in Darwin later this year, and on Thursday took out the top prize at the annual Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.

A host of carvers and painters from Aurukun’s Wik and Kugu Art Centre attended CIAF, including Keith Wikmunea, Bevan Namponan, Lex Namponan, Nita Yunkaporta, Deven Wikmunea and Vera Koomeeta.

The proud Aurukun contingent were there to support Ms Koongotema as she received the $25,000 Premier’s Art Award for Excellence from Arts Minister

Leeanne Enoch at the CIAF opening ceremony.

Despite the steadily-growing list of honours, Ms Koongotema remains humble and focused on her work and passing on her knowledge to the next generation.

“I’m 86; I’m still doing it, I’m working hard,” she said.

“I learnt when I was the age of 20 – my mother passed away when I was a baby and my mother’s sister looked after me.

“After school when I go out to home, I see her hands and that’s why I learn to paint. Later, I was teaching in Mapoon.

“The girls and women – I taught them to paint.”

Although she may not think so,

the artistic grandmother is a big deal, being represented by Singapore-based Red Dot Fine Art Gallery where she currently has a solo exhibition.

Red Dot Fine Art Gallery director Giorgio Pilla said it seemed to be the year of Janet Koongotema.

“We’re absolutely delighted to announce yet another accolade,” Mr Pilla said.

“We are extremely excited to be representing this amazing new talent, in collaboration with Dreamcoat Paint and Wik and Kugu Art Centre.”

The CIAF judging panel, comprised of leading First Nations artist and creatives Archie Moore, Tony Albert and Leitha Assan,

remarked on Ms Koongotema’s unique style and striking use of colour.

“Her intrinsic knowledge of country lays claim to sovereignty, strength and resiliency of her people – stunning work,” the judges said.

Ms Koongotema has been exhibiting her dramatic colour compositions at CIAF since 2010 with Aurukun Shire Council’s social enterprise, the Wik and Kugu Arts Centre.

Prior to picking up the paintbrush, the Elder was known for her weaving, making dilly bags and pandanus fruit bowls from fibres collected from her country around Archer River.

Wujal fashion carves up catwalk

By SARAH MARTIN

THE flora and fauna of Wujal Wujal came alive in colourful designs on the catwalk at Cairns Indigenous Art Fair on Friday.

The talented team at Wujal’s Bana Yirriji Art Centre collaborated with designer Shannon Brett to convert metres of colourful cloth into bespoke garments.

“The designs represent our country, the plants and animals that are around the artists, things that are out in the bush,” Bana Yirriji manager Vikki Burrows said.

“The ladies are so proud, absolutely, representing their culture and their country at Wujal Wujal.”

Wujal Wujal artists Lila Creek, Anne Nunn, Doreen Collins and Junabel Doughboy travelled to Cairns with Ms Burrows for the four-day festival.

“We’ve been coming to CIAF for about 11 years, and we do everything, canvas and linen paintings, ochre, but we’re just in the fashions this year,” Ms Burrows said.

“We put the ladies art onto fabric and collaborated with Shannon Brett to create garments, we call it Kambi, which means flying fox and clothing in Kuku Yalanji.”

The Wujal contingent’s bold, colourful designs, featuring quan-

dongs, water lilies, dragonflies and other elements from their rainforest home, were on sale at a popup shop throughout the festival.

Ms Burrows said the artists had sold so much work at Bana Yirriji, that they didn’t have enough for their usual market stall at CIAF.

“We’re very lucky that we get a lot of tourists through our doors at Wujal Wujal, whereas a lot of the people at CIAF don’t have that opportunity,” she said.

“Our art just walks out the door at Bana Yirriji with all the visitors we get at Wujal.”

CIAF’s Woven fashion performance celebrated 10 years of fashion at the festival, featuring 14 Queensland designer collections and 18 Indigenous models.

Wujal Wujal artists collaborated with designer Shannon Brett for the CIAF fashion show.

Wujal designs on the catwalk.

Janet Koongotema with Minister for Arts Leeanne Enoch in Cairns.

AURUKUN has received a boost to employment opportunities with the launch of Rio Tinto’s Community Commute service.

The service means employees can travel by road from Aurukun to Rio Tinto’s Amrun mine via the south gate access road and they don’t need to live in Weipa or catch the ferry to work at Amrun.

Up to 10 employees will use this service (options available to suit each crew), which is expected to grow with the needs of the community.

Rio Tinto and local organisations and businesses have worked together on this solution to make it easier for people to get to work.

Rio Tinto Indigenous employment and development sperintendent Sasha Busch said the service would allow more people to access jobs, meaning more opportunities for local people.

“I feel proud to be part of

this project that contributes to improving opportunities for people in our communities while respecting the importance of the continued connectedness to country and family,” she said.

“This will support a more

sustainable work/life balance for all our existing and future employees from Aurukun.”

For proud Wik woman Nikaela Keridun, a trainee in the land and sea management program, the service

will have a big benefit for her young family.

“For my kids, it means everything,” she said.

“They want me home as much as I want to be home with them and it sometimes gets hard to be able to go

Long-serving construction boss farewells community

By SARAH MARTIN

AFTER more than a decade in charge of the construction of homes and major projects in Hope Vale, builder Rick Ashcroft was farewelled by a large crowd last week as he prepares for semi-retirement.

The senior construction manager at Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council has been in the role for 14 years and has led the mostly local Indigenous tradesmen to build 60 new homes in the community and numerous big-ticket projects.

“We built numerous commercial projects as well, including swimming pool facilities, the Council precinct and several health care facilities,” Mr Ashcroft said.

Mr Ashcroft started with Hope Vale council as assistant to former construction manager and longtime local builder Peter Irwin, before moving into the top job when Mr Irwin retired.

“I hope I have done Peter proud as he is an outstanding builder with a long-term connection to Hope Vale,” Mr Ashcroft said.

“Our team has renovated hundreds of houses and carried out maintenance on over 280 homes, as well as council and government buildings in Hope Vale.”

Mr Ashcroft isn’t completely severing ties with Hope Vale, as he will continue working from home in a sub-contractor role to support the council and community until the new senior construction manager recruitment is finalised.

“Rick Ericson, the construction

manager who has assisted me for the past six years, will continue in that role,” he said.

“I have forged many lifetime friendships with the residents of Hope Vale and thank them for their acceptance of me and the warm appreciation often displayed.

“I have worked with the best local government team anyone could wish for, including CEO Steve Linnane, chief financial officer Shannon Gibbs, operations man-

ager

Mr Ashcroft said he was slowing down to concentrate on his role as senior pastor for Cooktown Community Church and taking trips on his motorbike with his wife Terri.

“I hope to enjoy many more motorcycle trips with my wife around Australia, but mainly Queensland where it’s warmer,” he said

back on days off with fuel costs and having to support them financially, as well as the families that support me.

“This service will allow for less strain on my extended families to care for my children, while allowing me to have a career for my children’s future benefit.”

Rio Tinto Weipa general manager Shona Markham said it was a win-win for the company and employees.

“Rio Tinto acknowledges and respects the importance of connection to Country for our Indigenous employees,” she said.

“We need to make it easier for people to get home to their communities and families and we hope this service will do that.”

Diatreme signs deal to deliver

PROSPECTIVE silica miner Diatreme Resources has signed an agreement with one of the world’s largest solar panel glass manufacturers.

Diatreme CEO Neil McIntyre said the memorandum of understanding with FLAT Glass was a strong vote of confidence in the proposed Northern Silica Project, which he hopes will be under construction by 2025.

The site is located north of Cooktown and the closest community is Hope Vale.

“Diatreme’s potential supply of product for FLAT’s planned future expansion confirms our belief that the Northern Silica Project is truly a world-class project with an important role to play in the global renewable energy drive,” he said.

Following the release of its scoping study last month, Diatreme Resources has started the permit process.

If approved, the proposed $1 billion silica mine could produce 5 mega tonnes of silica annually for 25 years.

Consultation: Recognition of Cape York Land Council as a Native Title Representative Body

The Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Linda Burney MP, has invited Cape York Land Council (CYLC) to apply for a further term as the native title representative body for the Cape York region. CYLC’s current term as the native title representative body ends on 31 December 2023. Native title representative bodies help people to make native title claims and agreements.

People with native title interests in the Cape York region, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the region can make a submission to inform the Minister’s decision.

Submissions are due by 5.00 pm AEST on 15 August 2023 and can be made via email to nativetitle@niaa.gov.au. For more information, including how to send submissions by post, visit niaa.gov.au/get-involved/consultations or contact us on 1800 079 098

CYLC will be given an opportunity to comment on submissions.

Gene Brookes, mayor Jason Woibo, construction manager Rick Ericson and warehouse manager Tracey Rapihana.”

Rio Tinto Weipa has launched a commuter service from Aurukun to its Amrun site to help boost local employment opportunities.

Retiring Hope Vale construction manager Rick Ashcroft (centre, yellow shirt) was farewelled last week.

G a m e o n

i n we i p a

Rio Tinto proudly supports Athletics Australia in bringing the Rio Tinto Athletics for the Outback program to Weipa and surrounding communities for seven days of fun athletics activity and clinics.

Children of all ages, and adults of all abilities, can run, jump and throw alongside Athletics Australia’s top coaches and National Champion and Commonwealth Games sprinter, Jack Hale.

Join us on Thursday 20 July for a FREE community athletics session and BBQ at the Weipa cricket oval from 4pm – 6pm. Everyone is welcome! For more information contact Rio Tinto Weipa at RTAWeipaFeedback@riotinto.com or follow us on Facebook.

Orchestra in rainforest to boost gallery

By SARAH MARTIN

BLACK Cockatoo Gallery is planning a community celebration with a difference, bringing the Cairns Concert Orchestra to the tiny community of Bloomfield for a garden party that is open to all.

The gallery, owned by artists and long-time locals Ross and Lainie Franzi, houses the couple’s numerous artworks and is nestled among lush tropical gardens.

The pair brought the orchestra to Bloomfield in 2017 to celebrate the gallery’s 10th anniversary, and said the event was so popular they had decided to do it again.

“It’s quite nice to have a community celebration, and the orchestra loved it so much last time that they said yes straight away to coming back again,” Ms Franzi told Cape York Weekly

“There will be loads of them all camping up the back here – I think they’re bringing up about 20 members. Ross will do some garden tours because he’s so keen on native plants and educating people about them.

“We’re having a special Black Cockatoo cake, as well as tea and

coffee, sweet treats, scones with lilly pilly jam and a barbecue dinner and bar.”

The event centres around the orchestra and the couple’s extensive gallery, but also includes a visit from the Wallaby Creek Festival Trash Fairies, information on wildlife rescue, dinner and a bar.

As well as the current artworks on exhibition, Ms Franzi will be exhibiting her artistic passion, an illustrated manuscript which is more than 30 years in the making.

“I don’t sell it, it’s kind of my life’s personal work,” she said.

“It’s got elaborate words and pictures, some is my story, some is made up and some is just pictures.

“There are 80-odd pages in each chapter, and each chapter takes five or six years for me to do, so it’s a long-term project.”

Entry is $5 for adults and free for children, with food and drinks on sale and all proceeds from the bar going to Far North Queensland Wildlife Care and Rescue.

The Black Cockatoo Gallery garden party and community celebration is on Saturday 29 July from noon to 8pm at 2622 Bloomfield Road.

MP wants museum restoration

WITH the paint barely dry on recent repairs to the historical building, Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has called for a full restoration of the Cooktown Museum.

Speaking at an event at the museum that was celebrating federal government-funded repairs completed this year, Mr Entsch said he would throw his weight behind lobbying for further funding to bring the building back to it’s former glory.

“I congratulate and thank the museum staff and the National Trust for the work they have done,” the MP said.

“But I threw out a challenge, I asked why can’t I walk up the front steps (at the museum)?

“I’ve set a task for them. I want to know how much it’s going to cost to fix the whole front deck

and steps, to install a working lift so everyone can access the second-floor exhibits, and even to get solar power and do a repaint of the internal walls.

“It’s a very, very important facility that tells the story of Cook and his interaction with the Indigenous people, a story that should be shared and told throughout Australia.

“(Museum manager) Beverley (Grant) is great, the staff there are doing a fantastic job, but let’s make it the best it can be and bring it back to its former glory so it can be there for future generations to tell the true story of Cook.”

Recently completed repairs and upgrades include repairs to the roof, guttering and attic as well as the installation of new interpretive signage and repairs to the annex roof.

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Cooktown Museum staff Veronica O’Brien, Beverley Grant and Alex Sieverding with Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch.

Minister criticised after dodging council on visit

By MATT NICHOLLS

QUEENSLAND’S new Health Minister has been slammed by the Cook Shire leadership after an unannounced visit to Cooktown Hospital last week.

Shannon Fentiman and Member for Cook Cynthia Lui flew into Cooktown on Tuesday and met with hospital staff, but did not take the time to meet with the council.

“I heard about it second-hand from people who were on the plane with them,” mayor Peter Scott said.

“I think it’s very rude and goes against the usual protocol.

“Just yesterday I had (Senator) Anthony Chisholm here and I drove him around town for an hour-and-a-half and we discussed all things Cooktown and Cook Shire.

“I’m very disappointed that the Minister has not let us know about her visit or made the time to have a conversation.”

On Tuesday afternoon, a spokesperson for the Minster said: “The priority for this visit was to meet with frontline health workers, about returning maternity services to Cooktown.

“The minister is always happy to speak with Mayor Scott at any time, but as Health Minister, her priority will always be frontline staff.”

Ms Fentiman’s lack of consultation with Cook Shire flies in the face of her comments in the media when speaking about a review of the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service.

“I want to talk to the community about what they want to see in a review, I know they want to be involved as community leaders and I think that’s appropriate,” she told the Cairns Post

Ms Fentiman was recently sworn in as the Health Minister after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk removed Yvette D’Ath from the portfolio in May. Cr Scott said: “I’ve met her

before in the past and she was very nice so I’m not sure why we didn’t get the chance to sit down with her.

“This council has been very proactive in supporting the government and Queensland Health through a number of initiatives.

“We’ve taken big steps to get more staff accommodation here for government workers and recently came up with a policy to incentivise builders and developers. Every day we see the helicopter fly in and pick someone up at $35,000 a pop and it costs the government millions of dollars every year to do so.

“This council has been pushing for a new hospital and better services so fewer people have to be transported to Cairns.”

Deputy mayor Robyn Holmes has been on the working group for the new Cooktown Hospital and said she was disappointed the council was snubbed by the Health Minister.

“It was very disappointing to hear that the Health Minister and Member for Cook flew into Cooktown this morning to meet with hospital staff,” she said.

“Neither the mayor nor myself were invited to meet or comment on the provision of health services in Cooktown, including birthing.

“Without a birthing service, the knock-on effects – such as family separation for up to eight weeks, mental health issues, and social and emotional wellbeing leading into birthing – seem to go unnoticed.

“Cook Shire has recently conducted a community survey with health services high on the shire’s list of priorities.

“Given the council is more frequently challenged on the current level of service provision, one would feel the current government is not committed in delivering an acceptable standard of health services.

“Reading today’s Cape York Weekly, I totally agree with comments made by Dr Alex Dunn that services should not be determined by postcode.

“Health statistics have illustrated that people in Cape York are dying 10 to 15 years younger than the national average.”

Cr Holmes said the Queensland government had many emerging challenges in Cape York.

“If we were given the opportunity to meet with the Health Minister, we would have spoken about the necessity of health services in Lakeland given the population growth, with around 800 people living there at the moment,” she said.

“We could have also discussed the potential support for the Regional Aged Care Facility that Cook Shire is progressing with in partnership with the Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal councils.”

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Governor visits the Cape

THE Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency, the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young, is spending the week in Cape York after flying into Weipa on Sunday night.

The former state Chief Health Officer was in Napranum on Monday and will visit Mapoon, Lockhart River and Aurukun in the coming days.

On Friday, Her Excellency will catch up with community groups in Weipa, along with representatives from Rio Tinto and the Weipa Town Authority.

Her Excellency is the 27th Governor of Queensland and representative of His Majesty King Charles III.

The Governor is appointed by the Monarch upon advice provided by the Premier of Queensland.

Weipa road closure

WITH the Weipa Running Festival to be staged on Sunday morning, a small section of road will be closed off to motorists.

Part of McLeod Drive, from the eastern Golf Links entrance at Anzac Avenue will be shut between 6am and 10am.

Access to Andoom Oval will be via Northern Avenue.

Motorists are also urged to drive with caution around the lakes on Sunday morning as runners completing the marathon and half-marathon are expected to be on the road in the early hours.

Resilience funding

QUEENSLAND communities are sharing in more than $10 million to help build resilience and reduce the risk of natural disasters through the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund.

The QRRRF helps local governments mitigate and manage natural disaster risks, creating a stronger, safer and more resilient Queensland.

“The QRRRF is yet another way the Albanese and Palaszczuk governments are investing in a stronger Queensland, to ensure we remain the most disaster resilient state in Australia,” said Member for Cook Cynthia Lui.

“Communities across Cook will share in more than $1.6 million, to help make sure we are prepared for whatever mother nature may throw this way next.

“That includes more than $500,000 for Wujal Wujal for slope stabilisation works at China Camp Road, and more than $430,000 for the construction and connection of an above ground electrical reticulation line from Bamaga township, to the Northern Peninsula Area Airport.”

Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman with Cooktown doctor Tash Coventry last Tuesday.

DR. ANDRÉ LEU: "Growing life: Regenerative farming, biodiversity and our climate"

SALLY FIELDS "Soil health and nutrition"

DR WENDY SEABROOK: "Growing food eco-logically"

ADAM COLLINS: "Biodynamic agriculture, Syntropics & weeds"

KOA WINDSONG SuperStar Survival Plants ORI ALBERT Mushroom Cultivation

MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED

MIKE GAIA Food Forest Systems

University centre is kicking goals

By SARAH MARTIN

AFTER unofficially opening its doors only two months ago, Cooktown’s new university centre is already smashing target numbers, with more than 23 students using the facility to network and study.

The Country Universities Centre Cape York was opened in late April, and was last week officially opened by Assistant Education Minister Anthony Chisholm and Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch.

Mr Entsch said he had been advocating for a university hub in Cooktown for years, but the centre had already far outstripped what he had envisioned.

“What has happened there is quite amazing,” Mr Entsch told Cape York Weekly

“It’s much more than what I envisioned when I first started lobbying for it a number of years ago.”

Mr Entsch said special mention needed to be made for Cook Shire Council’s community, economy and innovation director Lawrence

Booth, who was instrumental in making the dream into a reality.

“Lawrence really was the one who picked up the idea that (mayor) Peter Scott and I had, and ran with it,” Mr Entsch said.

“It’s going to be an outstanding success and quite frankly it’s bloody exciting to see the opportunities that it has already opened up for people in Cooktown and surrounding communities.”

Mr Entsch said the centre encouraged people of all ages who wanted to study, providing a space

for those who couldn’t study at home and allowed people to study in their own community.

“The centre makes it so much easier and more conducive to students being successful and also gives them the opportunity to talk to like-minded individuals and offers that real sense of additional support that can be lacking when studying remotely on your own,” he said.

Centre manager Jenni James said the centre had an initial target of around 40 students enrolled in

the first year, and was already up to 24 enrolled.

“We are growing by the day and are now looking to work with stakeholders at how we can best provide opportunities for Hope Vale residents and other areas throughout the Cape,” Ms James said.

The centre offers dedicated study and networking spaces, a training room, as well as advice and support to help bridge the gap between remote and urban education.

Founding chair Marilyn Morris cuts the ribbon to officially open Country Universities Centre Cape York, flanked by Cook Shire mayor Peter Scott, Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch and Assistant Education Minister Anthony Chisholm. Local businesses were also invited down to take part in the opening.

Picture: KIM GIESE

QRL Country Round in Weipa

Sunshine Coast Falcons win the footy but Pride wins over Weipa

By MATT NICHOLLS

KNOCKED out of the top eight, the Northern Pride players could have been excused for being down in the dumps after Saturday night’s final whistle in Weipa.

But the scenes that followed at Andoom Oval highlighted just how successful the club’s Country Round engagement had been – the players found their smiles and got involved in the post-game antics.

It was the week that was for Pride CEO Garreth Smith, his Weipa family and the club itself.

Other clubs in the Hostplus Cup flew into their respective communities on the day of the game, or the day before if they were lucky. But not the Pride.

The club had representatives on the ground in the Cape all week, starting at the Aurukun school on Tuesday, where local product and Pride under-21s player Travis Cornthwaite was mobbed by the students.

The vibes continued the next day with visits to Napranum and Mapoon, as well as a pre-State of Origin sportsman’s night at the Albatross Bay Resort.

There, head coach Ty Williams, a former Queensland player, and ex-Cairns Taipans star Alex Loughton shared stories of their glory days.

The players flew in on Thursday and immediately hit the ground running, visiting schools around Weipa.

“I got sent to the kindy and it was a great experience,” said Chris Oswald, the Pride’s captain.

“I think being here and mixing with the community makes it a lot more special for the kids because they get to build relationships with the players.

“The club wanted to make it a special week and I think we did that in many ways.”

More visits were held on Friday, as well as a casual nine holes at the Carpentaria Golf Club, followed by a captain’s run that night on Andoom Oval.

Again, the players stuck around to sign autographs, pose for selfies and chat with the locals.

While all that was happening,

the Sunshine Coast Falcons had flown from Brisbane to Cairns and had a training run before retiring to their hotel rooms.

On game day, the Falcons were able to enjoy a sleep in before their charter flight to Weipa.

It was slightly different for the Pride players, who had to rise

early to be at the Weipa Camping Ground by 7am for a community breakfast and the unveiling of the special Country Round jersey.

Despite the impost, they took it in their stride, smiling all the time as Mapoon artist Luanna de Jersey explained her special design that was commissioned just for the Weipa game.

“This is my contemporary visual representation of the connections to all cultural heritage of our four communities – Mapoon, Weipa, Napranum and Aurukun –thriving with culture that is new, old and adopted,” she said.

After a disappointing 24-8 loss on the field, those same jerseys were auctioned off.

Originally meant to be three up for grabs, auctioneer Dan Tonon “went rogue” and ended up selling off just about every player’s jersey, much to the mirth of the group.

Napranum’s Jason Nixon put in a bid of $1550 to win fullback Julian Christian’s jersey.

A Torres Strait Islander, Christian was by far the most popular player in the team, with his Weipa-

based family coming out in droves to support him.

“I’ve not been to Weipa before but I do have a lot of family here and it’s great to visit,” he said.

Christian had a 10-minute spell in the sin bin during the game after a scuffle broke out between the two teams and he said after the game he wasn’t sure why he was the one singled out.

“At least they sent one off from the other team so it was even but I didn’t think I did much wrong,” the star player said.

The Pride might have made a few too many errors on the field, which opened the door for their rivals, but they didn’t put a foot wrong off the field.

The club set a new benchmark for how community engagement should be done by both Hostplus Cup teams, as well as those at the highest level.

For Garreth Smith, he was an exhausted man when his head hit the pillow on Saturday night.

But he would have woken up with a smile, knowing that his hard work had made a difference.

Northern Pride fullback Julian Christian is sent to the sin bin.

Former Cairns Taipans star Alex Loughton (Kenfrost Homes) with Northern Pride coach Ty Williams and club CEO Garreth Smih at a sportsman’s night at the Albatross Bay Resort on Wednesday.

Dan Tonon ‘went rogue’ while running the auction.

Northern Pride halfback Matthew Egan lays a tackle on his Sunshine Coast counterpart in Saturday night’s game. Matthew Egan gets a photo with a young Northern Pride fan.

QRL Country Round in Weipa

QRL Country Round in Weipa

Friday 18th & Saturday 19th August, 2023 Weipa Showgrounds, Andoom Road, Weipa

FREE RODEO SCHOOL FOR NOMINATED COMPETITORS

Thursday 17th August

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Competitors to attend with parent/ guardian supervision & in appropriate riding attire –jeans & enclosed footwear

Junior Poddy Ride (5-10 years)

Sponsored by: MKJ Machinery Hire, Cape Dingo

Mini Bulls (11-15 years) $500 (NEW EVENT)

Sponsored by: Albatross Bay Resort, Cairns Hardware

Junior Bullock (16-18 years) $1000

Sponsored by: Paniri Agricultural Co,

Evolution Mining + Civil

Women’s Bullock (16 years & over) $1000

Sponsored by: Kym-Maree Beauty Room, Paniri Agricultural Co

Open Bullock (16 years & over) $1500

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Open Barrel Race (18 years & over) $1000 (NEW EVENT)

Sponsored by: Country Mile Services, EMS Cape Contracting

Junior Barrel Race (Under18 years) $500 (NEW EVENT)

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Ringers Ironman Challenge (16 years & over)

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Women’s Steer Wrestling (16 years & over)

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Men’s Steer Wrestling (16 years & over)

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Entertainment sponsors: Weipa Bowls Club & Junction Engineering

Pass Weekend Pass

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Apply now for support with TAFE

TAFE Queensland scholarships are now open for applications until September 29 - giving 100 Australians the opportunity to create a better future through vocational education.

The TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program awards each recipient $5000 to study any Certificate III through to an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor Degree from over 60 campus locations across Queensland or online.

Pormpuraaw locals to get first look at health centre

PORMPURAAW residents will be able to get their first look at the proposed new Primary Health Care Centre during a community information session this week.

Locals will be able to view initial designs of the proposed facility and staff accommodation at the session, which will be held on Wednesday at the Justice Centre between 9am and 2pm.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service staff will be available to speak with community members about the project.

TCHHS acting executive director of strategy and investment

Lindsay Pickstone said the replacement of the existing facility was announced last year.

He said the concept designs were finalised in May this year and had been recently shared with the Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council.

“We are very excited for the community to see the proposed designs for their new Primary Health Care Centre,” Mr Pickstone said.

“TCHHS is dedicated to con-

tinually improving the standard of health care we offer in our remote communities, and a key part of that is improving the facilities where these services are provided from.

“We also want to ensure our staff are provided good quality accommodation.”

Mr Pickstone said it was hoped construction on the new facility could begin in mid-2024 and be completed by 2025.

The new centre and accommodation will be built on the same site as the existing facility.

There will be no interruption to services as the public will be able to continue to use the current facility until the new one is ready.

Once complete, it is proposed the new PHCC will include seven private consultation rooms – four more than the existing facility –and will have a specific infectious management space, as well as increased wet season storage.

The new build is part of Queensland Health’s $943 million Building Rural and Remote Health Program.

Interim CEO John Tucker said scholarships helped cover the costs of course fees, text books and living expenses.

“We know the power vocational education and training has to change people’s lives and we want to help people fulfil their career potential regardless of their circumstances,” he said.

“First launched in 2015, the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program has awarded over $2.6 million in scholarships, helping more than 550 Queenslanders pursue their career goals.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply with dedicated scholarships available for First Nations students.

To apply, visit tafeqld.edu.au/ scholarships before September 29.

An artist impression of the proposed new Pormpuraaw Primary Health Care Centre.

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 GRID R

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.

Note to Editor: Created in QUARK XPRESS. VER.4.03

Crossword

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

Created: Ted Whillier

Qxpress: 8489 Matt Trickey Checked: Rosemary

Dots Spot the 5 Differences

eyebrow moved, stripes under tie reversed, bottom lip smaller, shoe

NOTICE OF MEETING FOR KOWANYAMA PEOPLE WITH NATIVE TITLE INTERESTS IN PART OF SEFTON ORINERS AREA & KOWANYAMA TOWNSHIP AREA

ICN 1163 | A BN 22 965 382 705

Cape York United # 1 Native Title Claim (QUD673/2014)

Monday 24 July 2023 in Kowanyama

This notice is to advise that the Cape York Land Council (CYLC) is facilitating a meeting in Kowanyama for all Kowanyama People, in particular those persons who hold or may hold native title rights and interests in the area shown on the maps below as circled in black and shaded blue within the Cape York United #1 (CYU#1) Claim Area.

Kowanyama People – Parts of Sefton Oriners & Kowanyama Township Meeting

Date: Monday 24 July 2023

Time: 9.30 am – 3.30 pm

Location: Kowanyama Multipurpose Centre

Public Tickets Available for the Alliance Airlines Charter

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

Brisbane (Mondays)

Purpose of meeting:

The purpose of this meeting is for CYLC to provide an update on the status of the CYU#1 Claim and to discuss next steps required to progress towards a determination of native title, including taking instructions from the group as to the boundary resolution plan that the group would like to undertake to resolve its common boundaries with neighbours (in relation to part of the Sefton Oriners area). The CYLC will also discuss the apical ancestors associated with the areas set out on the maps above.

Who may attend this meeting:

This meeting is open to all Kowanyama People and in particular, those persons who hold or may hold native title rights and interests in the areas shown on the maps above.

Attendance and Video Conferencing

If you would like further information about the matters to be discussed at this meeting please contact our office on freecall 1800 623 548 and ask to speak to Kirstin Malyon (Principal Legal Officer) or Tahnee Innes (Anthropologist). For travel assistance queries, to confirm your attendance or to arrange a zoom link to this meeting, please contact Leah Thompson before noon on Wednesday 19 July 2023 at CYLC on (07) 4053 9222 or free call number 1800 623 548 or by email lthompson@cylc.org.au. Note that there is limited funding available for travel assistance.

NOTICE

NATIVE TITLE GROUP

Cape York United # 1 Native Title Claim (QUD673/2014)

Tuesday 1 August 2023, Cairns

This notice is to advise that the Cape York Land Council (CYLC) is facilitating a meeting in Cairns for all members of the Olkola Native Title Group who hold or may hold native title rights and interests in the area shown on the map below within the Cape York United #1 (CYU#1) Claim Area.

Date: Tuesday 1 August 2023

Time: 9.30 am – 3.00 pm

Location: Rydges Esplanade Resort, 209-217 Abbott St, Cairns City QLD 4870

Purpose of Meeting

The purpose of this meeting is for CYLC to provide an update on the status of the CYU#1 Claim and to discuss next steps required to progress towards a determination of native title, including taking instructions from the group as to:

(a) the boundary resolution plan that the group would like to undertake to resolve its common boundaries with neighbours;

(b) confirmation of the persons who hold cultural authority to speak for boundary areas; and

(c) the Olkola Native Title Group description.

Who is invited to attend the meetings?

All Olkola People are invited to attend this meeting. Attendance and Video-conferencing

Map for Indicative Purposes Only

If you would like further information about the matters to be discussed at this meeting please contact our office on freecall 1800 623 548 and ask to speak to Kirstin Malyon (Principal Legal Officer) or Dr Tahnee Innes (Anthropologist).

For travel assistance queries, to confirm your attendance or to arrange a zoom link to this meeting, please contact Sana Dorante before noon on Wednesday 26 July 2023 at CYLC on (07) 4053 9222 or free call number 1800 623 548 or by email sdorante@cylc.org.au. Note that there is limited funding available for travel assistance.

QQ7240 BNE 08:45 WEI 11:50

QQ7241 WEI 12:25 BNE 15:20

Cairns (Thursdays)

QQ7242 CNS 06:35 WEI 07:50

QQ7243 WEI 09:55 CNS 11:10

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

PRE-AUTHORISATION MEETING FOR A NATIVE TITLE DETERMINATION AGREEMENT

AURUKUN TOWNSHIP – WIK AND WIK WAY PEOPLE

Cape York United # 1 Native Title Claim (QUD673/2014)

Wednesday 2 August 2023, Aurukun

This notice is to advise that Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will hold a preauthorisation meeting on Wednesday 2 August 2023 in Aurukun to discuss the proposed authorisation process for the Wik and Wik Way People who claim native title rights and interests in those parts of the Aurukun Township which are within the Cape York United #1 Claim area (shown on the map below) to authorise the proposed s.87A native title agreement for a determination of native title.

A determination of native title involves a decision of the Federal Court. Determination of native title means that the Federal Court determines (1) who holds native title; (2) what the native title rights are; (3) the area to which the native title rights apply after any determination is made; and (4) which corporation will represent the members of the determined native title group. Following the pre-authorisation meeting on 2 August 2023, there will be a meeting to authorise the s.87A native title agreement on 16 August 2023, where the Wik and Wik Way People who clam native title rights and interests in those parts of the Aurukun Township within the Cape York United #1 Claim area (shown on the map above) will consider whether to authorise the proposed agreement for a determination of native title. If the Native Title Group decides in the affirmative, the determination will then be sought in the Federal Court.

Who is invited to attend the meetings?

The meetings are open to all Wik and Wik Way People with native title rights and interests in the Aurukun Township area.

The meeting will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday 2 August 2023

Venue: Wo’uw Ko’alam Community Centre, Aurukun

Time: 9:30 am to 3.00 pm

The authorisation meeting will be held on 16 August 2023 and will be publicly notified and notices will be sent out to all members of the Native Title Group with contact details on the CYLC database. Please contact us on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email sdorante@cylc.org.au to update your details.

For travel assistance or to confirm attendance or for any other questions about this notice, please contact Sana Dorante before noon on Wednesday 26 July 2023 on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email sdorante@cylc.org.au Note that there is limited funding available for travel assistance.

Video-conferencing

Video-conferencing facilities will be made available at the meeting. If you would like CYLC to arrange a video- conference from your location into the meeting, whether you live at the location of the meeting or elsewhere, please contact CYLC on the number above.

BRAG BOARD

Email your fishing & hunting photos to: editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au and earn your bragging rights!

TUXWORTH & WOODS CARRIERS

Need a reliable freight service to the Cape?

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WEIPA DEPOT

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Ph: 4069 7183 Fax: 4069 7472

COOKTOWN DEPOT

Cnr of Endeavour Road and McMillan Streets, Cooktown

Ph: 0419 759 892

CAIRNS OFFICE: Ph: 4035 4022 25 Redden St, Portsmith

Get carried away with Tuxworth & Woods

The Western Cape Communities Co-Existence Agreement (WCCCA) is an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) over the Rio Tinto mining lease areas of the Western Cape York region of Northern Queensland. The Agreement is between the eleven Traditional Owner Groups, four Shire Councils (Aurukun, Napranum, Mapoon and New Mapoon), Rio Tinto, the Queensland State Government and the Cape York Land Council on behalf of the Native Title Parties.

Carriers

The Western Cape Communities Coordinating Committee (WCCCC) and its three SubCommittees transparently monitor, implement and review the objectives of the WCCCA to ensure that all parties’ obligations under the agreement are met. The WCCT office is the administration arm for all the Trusts and the WCCCC. It manages the overall business of the company including servicing, assisting and supporting the above entities.

WCCT is committed to providing high quality services to our Traditional Owners, and we recognize the importance of employing the most suitable candidates. Currently we are seeking applications for the position of:

MAINTENANCE / GROUNDSPERSON

Reporting to the Office Manager, the Maintenance/Groundsperson is responsible for monitoring the health of all plants and greenscapes, watering and feeding plants, trimming trees and shrubs, fertilizing and mowing lawns, mulching and weeding gardens, keeping green spaces and walkways clear of debris and litter and providing support to the Office Manager as directed.

We anticipate that applicants will have:

• General knowledge in building maintenance

• Experience in a similar role and or familiarity with landscaping design;

• Knowledge of regional plant life;

• Knowledge of local pests and how to eliminate them;

• Knowledge of synthetic and natural fertilizers;

• Knowledge of health and safety regulations for landscaping;

• The ability to lift heavy objects and remain on your feet for long periods of time; Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply. For further information including a position description please contact:

Office Manager

Phone: (07) 4069 7945

Email: offmgr@westerncape.com.au

All applications should be clearly marked “Private and Confidential” and addressed as follows:

Executive Officer PO Box 106

Weipa, QLD, 4874

Phone: (07) 4069 7945

Email: eo@westerncape.com.au

CLOSING DATE – FRIDAY 28TH JULY 2023

Tender No: KASC-2023-009

KOWANYAMA-BASED MECHNICAL SERVICES

Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council is inviting tenders from qualified and experienced tenderers interested in the supply of Kowanyama-based Mechanical Services (Small Plant, Light Vehicle and Heavy Diesel). Tenderers to email tenders@kowanyama.qld.gov.au for the purpose of Tender registration and documentation is available to download via https://www.kowanyama.qld.gov.au/council/tenders-and-opportunities/.

Tenders Close at 12pm Friday 7 July 2023

All tender responses can be submitted electronically to tenders@kowanyama.qld.gov.au or hard copies can be submitted to KASC Cairns Office or KASC Kowanyama Office. For more information, please contact tenders@kowanyama.qld.gov.au

Kevin Bell, Chief Executive Officer

Falcons soar into eight with crucial win in Weipa

THE Sunshine Coast Falcons have upset the Northern Pride’s party in Weipa, taking home the two points and leapfrogging them on the ladder.

In a thrilling showdown at Andoom Oval, crowd favourites the Pride were unable to stop a powerhouse performance from the Falcons, who claimed four tries to two in a 24-8 win.

With fullback Luke Polselli captaining the team for the first time, the Sunshine Coast arrived in Weipa determined to push themselves into the top eight.

“It was definitely something we needed,” Polselli said of the win.

“We’ve been close over the last few weeks. Taking out

Burleigh was a big confidence boost and last week we let ourselves down but we’re back on top now after today’s win.

“We’re just trying to be

consistent. There’s too much dropped ball at the moment and we’re really trying hard to fix that.

“I also feel like our team has been changing a fair bit. But now we have a solid squad, I think we’re just going to keep getting better and better.”

The Weipa crowd were loud and proud on Saturday, with the majority of those in attendance backing the Pride.

The Cairns-based club were in Weipa for most of the week in some capacity and fullback Julian Christian said he was disappointed the Pride weren’t able to deliver a win to their supporters.

However, he was proud of his side’s effort, with the Pride still

SPORT IN BRIEF

Visitors shine at Mossman

COOKTOWN and Weipa golfers did their respective clubs proud at the Mossman Open on the weekend.

in the battle to make this year’s finals series.

“We wished it could have went different,” Christian said.

“Hopefully they’re all so proud of our efforts.

“The crowd were outstanding and we wanted to give them everything we could. We hope they’re so proud.

“We left everything out there for them.

“The scoreboard doesn’t reflect our efforts.

“I was proud of the boys’ efforts for the full game.

“It’s a great community, great people and we hope we get the opportunity to come back and do it again.”

– story by Rikki-Lee Arnold

Corrine hoping to represent Australia

COOKTOWN lawn bowls star

Corinne Stallan has her fingers crossed for a national team selection after a strong showing amid tough competition in Sydney earlier this month.

The 17-year-old student has bounced back after a disappointing outing at her first open competition in May as she represented Queensland against NSW and Victoria.

“I was happy with how it went, but it was a really tough competition,” Corinne said.

“I played fours, triples and pairs and skipped (captained) all of them. We lost our first game of fours and pairs, won our first game of triples and our second game of pairs and lost our last game of triples.”

The three-day competition was monitored closely by selectors who will pick eight prospective players for the nationals in Perth.

“We are not sure when those teams will get announced, but it will go from the initial eight selected down to five boys and five girls,” Corinne said.

While the overall event was a thriller won by Port Doulgas golfer Troy Cox, the Cape was well represented in other grades.

Cooktown’s Brent Hetaraka was the B-grade gross and nett champion and also carded the best nett score of the event.

He beat former Weipa golfer Ian Street by five strokes to win the gross, with current Weipa golfer Jamie Hutton in third, a further two strokes away.

C-grade nett and gross was won by Heath Craft, while Weipa’s Randall O’Neill picked up third in the nett, while Campbell Venables was sixth.

Weipa’s Viv Chan was runner-up in both the nett and gross in the women’s Div 2 event, with Pris Freeman taking honours.

In the main events, gun golfer Troy Cox shot -3 on Saturday and -2 on Sunday to be -5 for the tournament and claim the trophy.

Runner-up was 17-year-old Mossman golfer Couper Smith, who was -5 on Saturday and +1 on Sunday to lose by a single stroke.

The difference was the 18th hole on the final day. Both Cox and Smith eagled the hole on Saturday, but the teenager had to settle for a bogey on Sunday, while Cox made a steady par.

The Div 1 women’s event was won by Michelle Field, who beat Ashleigh Hay.

World Cup starts Thursday

THE Matildas will begin their home FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign on Thursday night in Sydney, taking on Ireland.

Still buzzing after Far North Queensland product Mary Fowler scored the goal to give them a win against France in a friendly on Saturday night in Melbourne, the Matildas will be hot favourites against the Irish side.

The tournament officially begins several hours earlier as co-hosts New Zealand take on Norway at Eden Park in Auckland.

Unlike their trans-Tasman neighbours, the Football Ferns are not favoured to win their match.

All matches in the FIFA Women’s World Cup are on Channel 7 or their associated digital channels.

In their other group matches, the Matildas will play Nigeria on July 27 and Canada on July 31.

Weipa parkrun celebrates

7th birthday this Saturday

THE birthday cake will be rolled out at Weipa parkrun this Saturday as the local event celebrates seven years.

Apart from a forced break during the pandemic, Weipa parkrun has been staged every Saturday at 7am in all kinds of weather conditions – mostly hot.

The first parkrun was held on July 23, 2016 and 98 people took part.

Since then, there have been 1600 official finishers and 12,065 finishes.

From 322 events, there have been 1770 personal bests recorded with an average finish time of 37 minutes and 18 seconds.

Ross Dawson has run the most times, notching up 198 appearances, along with many volunteering Saturdays, while Rose Robins has put her hand up to volunteer the most times, with 81 appearances.

In total, there have been 433 people put their hand up to volunteer.

The current record for the 5km circuit is 16:46, set by Damien Messmer in 2021, while Lizzy Bagnall holds the female title with a time of 18:41 from earlier this year.

Parkrun is held across the world and anyone interested in taking part in the timed, 5km event is welcome to join at any time.

Simply turn up just before 7am near the Nanum roundabout in Weipa and register (best to do it online first and get a barcode) and join in the fun.

You can run, jog or walk.

Cooktown’s Corinne Stallan and Queensland teammate Dakota Brindle in Sydney.

Weipa parkrun will celebrate its 7th birthday this Saturday and the community is invited along.

Parkrun is held every Saturday at 7am.

Falcons fullback Luke Polselli.

Boxers keen to put on epic show

By MATT NICHOLLS

A SHOW like nothing Cape York has experienced before is what Scott Wallace is promising ticket holders ahead of Saturday’s fight night in Weipa.

More than a dozen bouts will be held in the ring set up at the Storm Surge Shelter, the home of Weipa’s first official boxing event.

“It’s going to be unreal,” said Wallace, who has been running the Cape York Boxing Club since it first started on a concrete slab at the local cricket ground.

“This is just the first year but I think everyone who buys a ticket is going to get great value for their money. We’ve got fighters coming from across North Queensland and some of them will take on our local boxers.”

While the Cape York Boxing Club is the host, the fights are run by Sunstate Amateur Boxing League, who will make sure those in the ring are safe.

“Everything is being done by

the book. We’re flying in judges and we’ll have a doctor ringside,” said Wallace, who only started the club to get local youths engaged.

“The fight nights are a good reward for all the work they do in the gym. We’ve got a good bunch of regulars who turn up two or three times a week to train.”

Having moved into the former squash courts in Nanum, the Cape

York Boxing Club is now building a reputation around the state as a breeding ground for quality.

Wallace said Weipa would be impressed by the cohort of local fighters who step into the ring.

“Some will be fighting for their record, while others will be in an exhibition fight as we can’t always get the right match-up.”

Weipa teenager Jack Barton is

one fighter looking for someone his own age and weight.

He’s had five fights to date, but has struggled to find someone in his age and weight division.

At 15 and weighing 78kg, he’s heavier than most in his age group, although most of it is muscle.

“I’ve been training for fights for about three years,” he said.

“Even though I’ve had five fights for no wins, I think that I’ve learnt a lot. It would be nice to be able to get an even match-up.”

Wallace said Barton would step into the ring this Saturday, but the bigger goal was for the Golden Gloves bout in the coming weeks.

“He’s still considered a novice and I think he will do well when he goes down to the Gold Coast because he’s got experience against bigger and tougher opponents,” the coach said.

Schoolmate Rubyn Olsen is also 15 and well out of Barton’s weight division, even though the two are often seen sparring in the gym.

He’ll weigh in at around 58kg

this Saturday and should have a good match-up waiting for him.

Rubyn is hoping he can build on his record, which is one win from four bouts.

“I think I’ll be a bit nervous in front of my friends and family but I’m also looking forward to it,” he told Cape York Weekly

Also stepping into the ring will be Western Cape College teacher Sophia Michaelis, who has lived in Weipa for the past 18 months.

She will likely be in an exhibition fight, with the Golden Gloves also around the corner.

“I only first came (to the gym) in November. I think I’ll get a bit nervous but that’s probably a good thing,” she said.

However, it’s not the first time she’s stepped into an arena.

The judo black belt represented Australia and was in the mix for Olympic selection.

Catch all the local fighters, plus the visiting troupe, at the Weipa Fight Night this Saturday from 6pm at the Storm Surge Shelter.

Local school teacher Sophia Michaelis is stepping into the ring.

Weipa teenagers Jack Barton and Rubyn Olsen, both aged 15, are preparing to add to their fight tally on Saturday night when they step into the ring against visiting boxers.

Grand final day for Weipa runners

By MATT NICHOLLS

KEEN and not-so-keen runners will lace up their trainers on Sunday morning and take part in the annual Weipa Running Festival.

While many have already taken the time to lodge a run virtually, most will hit the pavement on the weekend in what has become a key social event for the community.

It’s the culmination of a busy period on the Weipa calendar, with many sporting events held in the weeks and days leading into the festival finale.

“Everyone is doing it for their own reason and some will want to set a personal best time, while others will just want to create a new challenge for themselves,” said dedicated committee member Rose Robins.

“For a lot taking part, it’s a social thing, while others are using it as training for other events.

“The committee just wants to see people participate and enjoying themselves.”

There will be five different runs held on Sunday, with a 5km, 10km, half-marathon, full marathon and a fun run being staged.

Those taking part in the full 42.2km marathon will have an early start, with the run to begin in the dark at 4.30am.

All runs will finish at Andoom Oval, with the community asked to come down to cheer on the finishers and enjoy the festivities.

Runners will start crossing the finish line around 8am and those who clock the fastest times will be put on the podium from 10.30am.

“The coffee van will be down at the oval from 7am and the Weipa Men’s Shed will be cooking a barbecue,” said Rose.

“There are also some great places to watch the runners on their route and all of the maps are on the Weipa Running Festival website, so you can pick out a vantage point if you want to cheer them on.

“We just ask that those driving,

The marathon will start at 4.30am and runners cover 42.2km that takes them to almost every corner of Weipa, including the lakes and Mission River bridge. especially around the lakes, take extra precaution as we will have some runners in that area.

“There is also a minor road closure on McLeod Drive (see Page 9 for details) to be aware of.”

After the runners and volunteers have had the chance to cool down

and enjoy a well-earned shower, they’ll head to the Albatross Bay Resort for the official after party.

“That kicks off at 3pm and we’ll have raffles and games to make it a real family afternoon,” Rose said. For more details, visit website weiparunningfestival.org.au

The 5km run starts at 7.30am on Andoom Road and goes through Rocky Point.

The Weipa Running Festival has a large number of enthusiastic committee members (some are absent from the photo) and they are looking forward to Sunday.

The 10km starts at 6.30am and will be on both paved and gravel surfaces.