Cape York Weekly Edition 145

big crowd, including local woman Rachel Mango, turned out to see the US Army vehicles and troops in Napranum on Saturday.

Picture: ALEX RETHUS

No dentist causing grief for cash-strapped locals

By MATT NICHOLLS

GOING to the dentist is a task that most of us dread at the best of times – but doing so in Weipa just simply isn’t an option.

It’s been more than a year since the Weipa hospital has had a permanent dentist and there appears to be no fix in sight.

The impact is profound, says local pharmacist Sam Harbison, who has been doing his best to provide relief to those suffering.

“Since we haven’t had a fulltime dentist here the prescriptions for dental pain has gone up, as well as the uptick in sales for paracetamol,” he said.

“I’ve had more people come in for dental pain than any other time in my five years here.

“It’s people of all ages, too. Teeth don’t discriminate.”

Mr Harbison said he could only provided limited pain relief and sympathised with those who were struggling.

“It can be quite debilitating,” he said of oral pain.

“It affects your ability to

function and your sleep changes and your diet changes.

“I had one bloke in here not that long ago who was almost in tears because he couldn’t afford to take the time off work and fly to Cairns to see a dentist.”

Weipa Town Authority chair Michael Rowland said that the state government should provide a travel subsidy for those needing dental care.

“At the moment, dental care is not covered by the patient travel scheme,” he said.

“I have raised it with them before and asked why it’s not classed like other medical travel appointments.

“In my view, if they can’t provide the service at the hospital, then they should provide a travel subsidy so you can get treated elsewhere.”

Mr Rowland said the cost of getting an appointment in Cairns could add up to the thousands of dollars for families once travel and accommodation were added to the total.

“I understand that it’s hard to

get qualified staff in some places and I’d love to see a private dentist start up in Weipa, but there are things that could help in the meantime and that is adding dental appointments to the patient travel scheme.

The Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service said it was trying to recruit another fulltime dentist to Weipa.

“Weipa Integrated Health Service has been without a permanent dentist for more than a year, despite extensive and ongoing recruitment efforts,” said Dr Deborah Cockrell, TCHHS’s director of oral health.

“We have been able during that time to source locum dentists to deliver services.

“However, even sourcing locums has become increasingly difficult in recent times, and we have not had a locum in Weipa since April.

“We recently have been able to source a short-term locum dentist who will arrive in Weipa on Monday (July 31) and be in place for about three weeks.

“A week after that, we will have an oral health therapist arriving for three weeks, who will be able to do cleans and fillings for adults and some other treatments.”

Dr Cockrell said some dental services were available in Weipa for children.

“We already have two dental therapists in Weipa who provide some treatments for children,” she said.

“When there is no dentist available, emergency care is available from a non-dentist medical officer through the emergency department at Weipa Integrated Health Service.

“There is a nationwide shortage of dentists and especially dentists wishing to work in the public sector and in a remote area.

“We will continue to work to source further locum dentist cover for Weipa while we recruit for a permanent dentist.

“We apologise to Weipa residents for the inconvenience and are doing our best to recruit.”

The Weipa Hospital hasn’t had a permanent dentist for more than a year, with locums filling gaps when they can be sourced.

Wandering dogs a major issue, local citizens say

By SARAH MARTIN

MORE than 400 people across Cook Shire have voiced their concerns over wandering dogs and crime in a recent Cook Shire Council survey.

While almost all respondents agreed Cook Shire was a great place to live, more than 35 per cent thought Cook Shire Council as the governing body needed improvement, with community safety and animal management considered two key areas that were failing.

More than 200 people ranked Cook Shire “poor to terrible” for community safety and crime prevention, while 66 per cent also thought the council’s animal management was sub-par.

“The dogs roaming around town are a major concern and worry us as parents with young kids,” one respondent said.

“I feel it’s only a matter of time until there is a tragic incident.”

Many of the issues raised by respondents were outside the sphere of local government, including calls to beef up the police presence in Cooktown and making parents accountable for youth crime.

“(There) needs to be more police available at the right times,” one survey respondent commented.

“Perhaps one stationed at small communities over different weekends.”

Access to housing, health ser-

vices, local roads and bridges and youth services rounded out the top six priority areas that ranked poorly in the survey.

Cook Shire has created an action plan to tackle the priority areas, and the council’s CEO Brian Joiner said it would provide regular updates.

“We also intend to do community surveys on a regular basis so we can measure our progress and stay engaged with our residents and ratepayers,” Mr Joiner said.

“We want to make sure we’re engaging with the community and have residents involved in community-led solutions.”

Mr Joiner also highlighted a number of measures already in place to begin improving the key

priorities, including funding in the 2023-24 council budget for animal de-sexing and security cameras.

The survey also showed residents and ratepayers thought the council was providing great recognition for First Nations peoples and top-notch airport and library services.

Cook Shire also ranked better than comparative councils for senior services, community facilities and tourism and destination marketing.

“This is very much a baseline,” Mr Joiner said.

“We haven’t done a community survey on this scale for more than a decade, and these results will give us something to measure from going forward.”

Derelict yacht removed by authorities

JUST days after we published a story on the ongoing stalemate between the owners and Maritime Safety Queensland, the marine watchdog removed the Dancing Dolphin yacht from Cooktown’s boat ramp.

The yacht had been on its side next to the public boat ramp since being dragged there by the Coast Guard after it began to sink in February.

Owners Rob and Gay McDonald had lived aboard for

more than 20 years, but have now made their home on land and signed the yacht over to the maritime authority which moved promptly to get rid of the boat. A small crowd gathered on Friday to watch as the barnacle-

Caring for the environment for more than 35 years

encrusted vessel, weighing more than 10 tonnes, was lifted by crane from the mud and carted away by truck.

The vessel was taken to the Cooktown Waste Transfer Station for disposal.

Maritime Safety Queensland removed the yacht from Cooktown’s boat ramp on Friday.

A crane was used to lift it onto a truck.

Aurukun sacks CEO just months after taking role

By MATT NICHOLLS

AURUKUN Shire Council CEO

Kate Rosier has been sacked less than three months after taking on the position.

At Wednesday’s ordinary council meeting, councillors voted on a motion to remove Ms Rosier from the role while she was still under her probation period.

Cape York Weekly understands Ms Rosier is still living in Aurukun, although not in her council residence.

In a statement, an Aurukun Shire Council spokesperson said: “Aurukun Shire Council has ceased the employment of Kate Rosier as chief executive officer as of July 26.

“Council does not comment on employment matters.

“Council has appointed director of corporate services Lyndon Keane as acting CEO until a recruitment process for a new CEO is finalised.”

Ms Rosier was the first woman to be CEO of the council, moving to the Cape York com-

munity from Toowoomba after her appointment in May.

It’s been a turbulent time for the Aurukun council following the retirement of long-time CEO Bernie McCarthy in 2021. He was replaced by John Thomas, who started in January, 2022, but he resigned just weeks later. Ilario Sabatino took the reins in February, 2022, however lasted just six months.

Alan Nielan was the acting CEO for around nine months before Ms Rosier was appointed in May this year.

Get your breasts checked

A FREE breast screening service is coming to Cooktown this month, with BreastScreen Queensland’s truck visiting for two weeks from August 15.

The mobile service will be on Charlotte Street opposite the courthouse, with women aged 40 and older eligible for a free check.

Appointments are necessary, and were booking out fast, a spokeswoman said.

“Women aged 50 to 74 are strongly encouraged to have a free breast screen and women in their 40s and over 75 are also eligible,” she said.

“Remember, early detection saves lives.”

Visit breastscreen.qld.gov.au or phone 13 20 50 to book your free breast screen.

Volunteer grants available

CAPE York volunteers and their local organisations will receive part of the federal government’s $10 million volunteer grants to support the crucial role that they play within the community.

The 2023-24 program provides organisations with grants of between $1000 to $5000 to help them buy small equipment for volunteers or reimbursing volunteer fuel, transport or training costs, or support promotional activities.

“These grants are a fabulous opportunity for our local community organisations to support their volunteers and boost engagement in their initiatives and programs. I strongly encourage all eligible groups to apply and to contact my office if you have any questions,” said Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch.

Welsh joins nib board

Western Cape thrust into the spotlight

FOLLOWING the success of this year’s Western Cape Futures Symposium, Jaime Gane has spread the word far and wide of the region’s potential.

Not only did the Weipa Town Authority elected member get to network with the 500 other attendees at the Developing Northern Australia Conference in Darwin, she was also able to deliver a keynote speech. Almost unrecognisable with her hair straightened and make

up applied, Ms Gane told the audience of the opportunities that beckoned in Weipa and the surrounding region.

“What I said to them is what we probably all know back here and that’s the potential to grow outside of mining,” she said.

“Especially with a deep water port and the focus on growing ties with the Asia Pacific region.

“So while what I said won’t be anything new to Cape York locals, I think it was important

to spread the word to an outside audience and explain a bit about the symposium we held and why that was successful.”

Ms Gane, who was joined in Darwin by fellow WTA member Dave Donald, said she flew home with a swag of new ideas.

“Everyone was there for the same reason and I think a lot of people who went were just as frustrated as we are here,” she said.

“The governments are happy

to take our mining royalties but not as keen to put back into the northern regions.”

She said one speaker stood out: Dr Amanda Cahill of The Next Economy.

“She did a 10-year economic roadmap for Gladstone and I think that’s exactly what we need in Weipa and the Western Cape,” Ms Gane said.

“I was emailing (WTA chair) Michael Rowland as soon as her presentation finished.”

FORMER Rio Tinto Weipa community relations manager Brad Welsh, who spent almost a year in charge as acting GM of the Weipa operations, has joined the board of private health company nib.

Mr Welsh, who is currently living and working in the Northern Territory as the CEO and managing director of Energy Resources of Australia, said he was one of just a handful of Indigenous Australians to be on the board of an ASX-listed company.

“It’s an incredible privilege to get involved in the health sector, which is critical to the future of our people,” he said last week.

“It’s a really collaborative board and I think we’re all ambitious about the future.”

Mr Welsh said he hoped nib would be an industry leader in supporting First Nations people in Australia after demonstrating groundbreaking progress in New Zealand.

Weipa Town Authority member Jaime Gane speaks to the ABC in Darwin. Jaime on the podium at the Darwin Convention Centre.

Former CEO Kate Rosier.

Locals voice concerns to festival crew

From – Page 1

Mr Asulin said he struggled to understand the negative reaction of people who had never been to one of the previous Orin Aya festivals.

“It’s an amazing experience and we have people coming from all over Australia, and the world,” he told Cape York Weekly

“A lot of people who were talking have never been to our festival.

“We create a platform for people to express themselves.”

In previous years, there has been a number of reports of nudity from festivalgoers who have exposed themselves in the main street of Cooktown, Rossville and Lakeland, often lingering in the region for weeks after the event.

Mr Asulin said he was hopeful that Cook Shire would take a more objective approach when assessing future event applications.

“We were told we had to consult with the Lakeland community and it was a horrible meeting,” he said.

“They didn’t want to hear anything from us. Some of their concerns we could have definitely addressed.

“Now we are looking for other venues outside of Cook Shire, but

at the end of the day, if I have to postpone the festival it’s not the end of the world.”

After two years at Home Rule Rainforest Lodge, which drew a number of complaints from locals in Rossville, Orin Aya was going to be shifted to Olive Vale Station at Laura until organisers were told that it was unlikely to be approved due to its remote location and lack of infrastructure.

Tickets have been sold for this year’s festival, which is due to be held from September 1, but those who have purchased tickets did so believing it was at Olive Vale.

Cr Holmes said she sympathised with the Orin Aya organisers but said her loyalty was with the local community.

“If the people of Lakeland don’t want it, I couldn’t support it being held there,” she said.

“The meeting did get a bit heated at times but it wasn’t too bad.

“A lot of the concerns were about the lack of first responders in the community and the safety of locals.

“Some businesses even said they would shut their doors for the weekend if the event went ahead.”

Nutritionist joins the CEQ team

A NEW community nutritionist has joined Cape York’s leading remote retail operator to further drive healthy eating in communities.

Community Enterprise Queensland welcomed Georgia Day, who will be working to improve the position of healthy food options and make it easier for customers to purchase.

Ms Day said her role was to be “focused on instore environments and promoting health and wellbeing by encouraging healthier choices”.

The Monash University graduate has hit the ground running, working closely with the CEQ team as it prepares to release the 2023-2027 Nutrition and Wellbeing Strategy

“My passion is creating health-enabling food environments. I’m excited to be a part of implementing long-lasting and positive changes within CEQ that will support community aspirations for health,” Ms Day said.

CEQ’s nutrition and wellbeing manager Melinda Hammond said the new recruit was a “real driving force in health promotion”, and that now was the perfect time for her to “come in and further improve on that side of our business”.

Ms Hammond added that CEQ was also seeking to appoint a First Nations nutrition cadet to work alongside Ms Day in promoting healthy eating and increasing nutrition capacity in stores.

on high demand in the Cooktown area this property is a very sought after size, 19 acres & fully fenced. Positioned on the outskirts of Cooktown just 18.1km from the Cooktown CBD this block makes up part of a new subdivision offering an excellent opportunity for construction of a new home & enabling you to create your very own self sufficient piece of paradise. The sizeable block would allow you to grow your own fruit & veg & run a hobby farm with a few head of cattle & other farm animals. Property features include access to power via Railway Avenue West, fully fenced into two paddocks, a cleared house pad & yard area with views over the permanent dam/billabong. The possibilities are endless! Call for an inspection today!

For more information or to arrange an inspection contact Cooktown Platinum Realty today!

Georgia Day says she’s excited to be taking on a nutritionist role in remote Cape York communities.

End of an era as Piccaninny says

By SARAH MARTIN

AFTER a decade of hard work on the Cape, much-loved Piccaninny Plains managers Graham Woods and Sally Gray are hanging up their boots.

When the couple took over management of the derelict cattle station for the Australian Wildlife Conservancy in 2013, it was “out of control” with tens of thousands of feral animals running riot and a barely liveable dwelling.

“We’ve spent years bringing it up to scratch and now it’s one of the most beautiful properties in the Cape,” Graham said proudly.

“It’s a total lifestyle job, 24 hours a day.

“For five months of the year you’re completely cut off from the outside world, then there’s the heat – for some people it was just way out of their comfort zone.”

But the lifestyle suited the hardworking duo, who brought the perfect combination of conservation knowledge from Sally and stock and machinery know-how from Graham that has seen the property flourish.

“We’re a good fit for this place,” he said.

“I’ve got no background in conservation, I’m just an old ringer with a broad spectrum of skills.”

Sally agreed, saying Graham’s experience, from running cattle

Disability Supports

rywhere, fix everything, run everything, and it’s not a conservation job in that regard,” she said.

“You have to be able to drive a grader, fix electronics, fix the machinery.”

Among the couple’s proudest achievements was the restoration of 1200 hectares of grassland that was being invaded by bohemia trees.

“Those plains, they were literally gone,” Graham said.

“They would have been calling this place Piccaninny Scrub, so that’s going to be our legacy and that will last way beyond us.

“We’re very thankful to AWC for giving us the opportunity, especially me, because this is my last job and to be able to go out putting something like this back into the land, that’s something really nice.

“All my life the land has been my living, and now to give my heart and soul back to it is special, but it’s time to hand it over to young eyes.”

goons all classified as of national significance,” Sally said.

“We protect 27 threatened species, and we’ve got really iconic species like the riflebird and spotted cuscus and our wetlands are important migratory habitat for birds, which is why the feral control is so important.”

The station is still an operational cattle property, although stock has been reduced to more manageable numbers, with only 20,000 acres being used for cattle and the remaining 470,000 acres kept for conservation.

Over the years there have been too many stories to write about, including dingoes sheltering in the house with them through cyclones. However, three special stories stand out for the couple.

One was an encounter of the slithering kind that would have had many packing their bags straight away.

properties to commercial fishing and mine work, had been invaluable.

“You have to be incredibly multi-skilled, you have to be eve-

During their tenure, 2000 feral horses, 11,000 feral cattle and countless feral pigs have been removed from the 490,000 acre property.

“We have 70 wetlands and la-

“We had a season a couple of years ago when we had death adders in the house probably twice a week – it was just an influx. We would just get rid of one and another one would be there, and not the same one, a different one,” Sally said.

Graham with Fred the jabiru – who was rescued by a Weipa family – on Piccaninny Plains.

One thing Graham and Sally won’t miss is fighting late-season bush fires.

Sally in the yards at Piccaninny. She hopes to remain as the chair of Cape York NRM.

farewell to much-loved managers

Another standout was a much cuter and more welcome, but equally wild, house guest.

“He was an adolescent jabiru named Fred who was released at Piccaninny, but he kept following Sally around,” Graham said.

“You’d look up and he’d be sticking his head through our office window or in the kitchen stealing dinner.

“It used to be so funny, for a wild bird, you’d look out the back and the two dogs would be lying down and Fred would literally be lying down next to them.

“Then one day he sort of matured, he had mastered flying and the last time I saw him he was following another stork and they were heading south.”

The couple also swear their local green tree frogs – which are a particular favourite of Sally’s –had learnt to ask to be let inside.

“The first time I heard it I thought ‘something is out there having a go at the frog’. Sal poked me in the ribs and said ‘go out and rescue that frog’ so I got up and here’s this frog just sitting at the shower door and as soon as I opened the door he bounded straight in,” Graham said.

Not fond of cleaning up the

definitely-not-toilet-trained frog’s mess, Graham kept putting them back outside, only to be woken the next night by the frogs crying to be let back in again.

“They’re probably three of our highlights – the death adders, Fred and the frogs,” Sally laughed.

As well as their work on Piccaninny Plains, the pair have become

an integral part of the Cape York community and will be a huge loss to the region.

“We’re definitely part of the community, we’ve been quite involved with the Wenlock Catchment Management Group and Graham’s worked with Australia Zoo and the Steve Irwin Reserve,” Sally said.

Enrol Now for 2024 and 2025

“Over the years a lot of people have come to us for advice and input into burning, including Rio Tinto.

“I’m the chair of Cape York NRM and will stay until my tenure is up next year, and see if I get voted back in again.”

Although it was bittersweet driving out of Piccaninny for the

last time on the weekend, the couple said they were looking forward to a good rest and catching up with family.

“I lost my father a year ago; my mum is getting on and Sally’s mum passed away while we were here, too,” Graham said.

“Family is always put on the backburner because we can’t get out and we can’t just get up and leave the property.

“It’ll be nice too to say let’s go out for dinner, or let’s go to the movies.”

Despite no longer having a permanent Cape York home, the red dirt has left its mark on the couple and they plan to travel back.

“Cape York does get under your skin,” Sally said.

“We feel very connected and while we are leaving Piccaninny, we won’t be leaving the Cape for good. Once you’ve been here for any length of time it’s very hard to leave.”

Graham and Sally said they were planning to move to their property near Ravenshoe, however Graham said winters would see them back up in Cape York, escaping the cold weather and visiting their long-time friends.

Graham and Sally are leaving Piccaninny Plains after a decade of management.

Graham and Sally in their element in the tinny. They were involved with the Wenlock Catchment Management Group.

Graham celebrates rain on Piccaninny Plains Wildlife Reserve.

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

FREE RODEO SCHOOL FOR NOMINATED COMPETITORS

Thursday 17th August

Sponsored by: JaiMec

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

Sponsored by: Feral Verterbrate Reduction Contracting, Paniri Agricultural Co

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)

Sponsored by: Ezyquip, Cape York Plumbing

Ringers Ironman Challenge (16 years & over)

Sponsored by: Enzed, Weipa Lawn Mowing, Rob Roy Earthmoving, Civil Safety, Steelsco

Women’s Steer Wrestling (16 years & over)

Sponsored by: Steady Fabrication, Steady Contracting, Western Cape Eco Tours, Whiskey and Wildflowers, Capeaccino Crew

Men’s Steer Wrestling (16 years & over)

Sponsored by: Steady Fabrication, Steady Contracting, Western Cape Eco Tours, Albatross Bay Resort, Weipa Rent-a-Car

Bushman’s Buckjump (18 years & over) $2000

Sponsored by: Evolution Mining + Civil, Sixt

Saddle Bronc (18 years & over) $2000 (NEW EVENT)

Sponsored by: Haymans Electrical

Novice Bull (16 years & over) $2000

Sponsored by: Ezyquip

Open Bull (18 years & over) $5000

Sponsored by: Goodline

Whip Cracking Competition

Sponsored by: Whiskey and Wildflowers, Sodexo, Ash Palms Resort, Weipa Real Estate

Kids Dance Comp

Sponsored by: Sodexo, Whiskey and Wildflowers, Outback Body Shop

Kids Colouring in Comp

Sponsored by: Sodexo, Whiskey and Wildflowers, Weipa

Real Estate

Lolly Throw

Sponsored by: Moo and Terry Saunders, Weipa Woolworths

Best Dressed Cowboy/Cowgirl

Sponsored by: Sodexo, Whiskey and Wildflowers

Sponsored by: Anderson Conveyancing Services, Paniri Agricultural Co, Ecotone, Cairns Hardware, Maxitool, Haymans Electrical, Heartland Helicopters

Entertainment sponsors: Weipa Bowls Club & Junction Engineering

Pass Weekend Pass

Adults $20 $30

Cape York achievers shine at TAFE awards ceremony Rio Tinto’s putting on mine tours

CAPE York apprentices have matched it with the best in the Far North, picking up a swag of awards at a Cairns ceremony on Thursday night.

Weipa’s Emily Moore was named the Female Trade Student of the Year at the TAFE Queensland 2023 Cairns Trade Excellence Awards.

She was joined by fellow locals Kyezaya Namai-Sabatino, Zach May and Karl Ocate on the stage.

Carpenter Sam Ederveen took out top honours, claiming the awards for Building and Construction Apprentice of the Year and Outstanding Apprentice of the Year.

Mr Ederveen, 25, recently completed his carpentry apprenticeship training at TAFE Queensland and said winning the night’s major award was a shock.

“It’s such an honour,” he said.

“I had always enjoyed construction and manual arts classes in high school and wanted to take that enjoyment further.

“The teachers at TAFE instilled in me a passion for the work, and my successful completion became a very effective foot-in-the-doortype scenario, securing me an apprenticeship with a local builder.

“The most common recommendation I make to young people

looking to get started in the trades is to set themselves up to receive apprenticeship offers from highranking companies.

“Apprenticeship providers look for people who show initiative and dedication, and a certificate I or other introductory qualification is a strong way to display those attributes.”

Around 200 people attended the Cairns Trade Excellence Awards and 12 trophies were handed out to recognise and celebrate the hard work of the region’s most dedicated trade students.

TAFE Queensland Cairns Trade Excellence Award winners

TAFE at School Trade

Student of the Year

Karl Ocate

Female Trade

Student of the Year

Emily Moore

Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander Trade

Student of the Year

Kyezaya Namai-Sabatino

Automotive and Diesel Fitting

Apprentice of the Year

Zach May

Building and Construction

Apprentice of the Year

Sam Ederveen

Cookery Apprentice of the Year

Zenn Baker

Electrical and Instrumentation

Apprentice of the Year

Andrew Albert

Engineering Apprentice of the Year

Ashlee Scarcella

Hairdressing and Barbering

Apprentice of the Year

Macey Laybourne

Plumbing Apprentice of the Year

Reef Ward

Refrigeration Apprentice of the Year

Joshua Sagigi

Outstanding Apprentice of the Year

Sam Ederveen

HAVE you ever wondered what it looks like inside the Rio Tinto Weipa operations?

Now you have the chance to find out as Rio Tinto invites the local community to participate in the upcoming family and community site visits throughout August and September.

This unique opportunity will give a behind-the-scenes tour of Rio Tinto’s Andoom and Amrun bauxite operations.

Think loads of bauxite being mined by heavy loaders and loaded into haul trucks, all happening right in front of your eyes! You will also be able to get up close to some of their trucks and heavy vehicles and learn how bauxite becomes the aluminium used in everyday life.

“We look forward to welcoming the community for the first time to see behind the scenes of our Weipa operations,” said Rio Tinto Weipa general manager Shona Markham.

“Bring the family, it will be a fantastic day!”

Registration is required and accompanied children aged four and over are welcome.

Participants will be required to comply with safety requirements and wear protective gear during the visit.

Emily Moore was named Female Trade Student of the Year.

Weipa apprentice Zach May.

Kyezaya Namai-Sabatino.

Top trade student Karl Ocate.

Wits wanted for adults-only trivia

IT’S time to crack out the fancy dress and sharpen your wits, with the Cooktown Amateur Swimming Club throwing an adults-only trivia night to help send their swim team to the Country Championships.

Hosted by Paralympian Grant ‘Scooter’ Paterson and Australian swim coach Herbie Howard, the fundraiser fancy dress event is on August 26 at the Shire Hall.

Club president Mel Hegamaea said they were very proud of the achievements of the 10 youngsters who qualified for the NT Country Swimming Championships, to be held in Darwin in September.

“From a team of four to now having a team of 10 qualifying for a national event is amazing,” she said.

“They have all gone above and

beyond in their swimming, pushing themselves to the next level. To say we’re proud is an understatement.”

To help raise funds to get the young team to Darwin, the club has thrown out a challenge to the sharpest minds to enter the trivia night.

Teams of eight will battle for the glory of winning, as well as a sunset cruise with Riverbend Cruises, with more prizes for lucky door, bestdressed team and even a wooden spoon prize for the losing team.

There will be a bar and hot food available on the night,.

Entry is $50 per person, with registration due by August 12.

For more information, or to register, email cooktownasc@gmail.com or phone Mel Hegamaea on 0455 600 853.

BLOO M FIELD

Bazaar brings out the best of community

BLOOMFIELD will be buzzing on Saturday with all the fun of the fair at the tiny town’s inaugural Cultural Bazaar.

Organisers said they hoped the event would become a permanent fixture on the region’s social calendar, as it provided a combination of community celebration, markets and agricultural show.

“We used to have the Bloomfield Agricultural Show and decided we wanted to have a cultural bazaar with an ag show component and, if it takes off, we will do more next year,” said Bloomfield River District Residents Association secretary Robyn Guedes.

“I’ve got my marmalade and my chutney ready and we’ve got local bands playing and quite a few market stalls coming.

“It’s free entry, and we’re still open for more market stalls and ag show entries can be brought on the day – we have categories for cakes, jams, chutneys and preserves, fruit, eggs and more.”

Ms Guedes, a Bloomfield local for more than 40 years, said there had been a positive community response to the event, which was a chance to bring the community together after not having an agricultural show in recent years.

“We have quite a diverse population in the Bloomfield Valley and this is an opportunity for everyone to come together, and event that we can all enjoy, and we’ve had a lot of enthusiasm from all parts of the community,” she said.

The Bloomfield Cultural Bazaar is this Saturday from 2pm to 7pm. For more information, phone Ms Guedes on 0427 748 211.

The Cooktown Amateur Swimming Club has thrown out the challenge – dress up, study up and get ready for trivia!

Volunteers Alec and Grace hlep prepare the Bloomfield Hall for the inaugural bazaar.

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

2 1 6 9 7 5 2 2 7 3 4 8 4 5 5 9 3 7 6 1 8 4

An All Australian Word Game

* Each word must contain the centre ‘Focus’ letter and each letter may be used only once

* Each word must be four letters or more

* Find at least one nine letter word

* No

the 5 Differences

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 Solutions

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)

POSTPONED FROM Wednesday 2 August 2023 TO Wednesday 16 August 2023

Aurukun

This notice is to advise that Cape York Land Council ( the pre-authorisation meeting on to Wednesday 16 August 2023 due to sorry business. tThis meeting is to discuss the proposed authorisation process for the Wik and Wik Way People who clam 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 16 August 2023, there will be a meeting to authorise the s.87A native title agreement on 6 September 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 16 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 6 September 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 Monday 7 August 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.

The WCCT office is the administration arm for all the Trusts and the Western Cape Communities Coordinating Committee that were created under the Western Cape Communities Co-Existence Agreement (WCCCA).

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 to transparently monitor, implement and review the objectives of the WCCCA to ensure that all parties’ obligations under the agreement are met. Currently we are seeking applications for the position of an Implementation Officer.

About the role:

- The Implementation Officer is the primary contact point with the eleven Traditional Owner Groups, who are signatories to the WCCCA, and Rio Tinto.

- Assisting with the monitoring and implementation of objectives under the WCCCA and Strategic Plan in the areas of Employment and Training, Cultural Heritage, Community Liaison

- Reporting and data collection, basic administrative duties using Microsoft 365 & Windows

- Facilitation of Aboriginal community participation in cultural, environment and heritage management at a local and regional level.

To be successful in this role the application must have:

- Minimum Year 12 education

- C Class Driver’s license

- Knowledge and experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, society and culture and an understanding of relevant issues preferably in relation to the WCCCA region

- Ability and willingness to travel to and work in remote communities.

- Experience or a background in Education or Environmental Science would be desirable (tertiary qualifications are highly regarded but not essential)

- Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively.

Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply. All applications should be clearly marked “Private and Confidential” and addressed as follows:

9-hole competition every Wednesday

Cook Shire Council is seeking a reliable and proactive cleaner:

Must be able to work independently and with initiative

Must have current Queensland Class ‘C’ drivers licence

Must be able to work rotating weekends (subject to a rotating roster)

AMS is currently seeking an Aviation Screening Supervisor based in Weipa Queensland. The Supervisor’s role is diverse, but ultimately focuses on ensuring the safety, security and integrity of the airport, aircraft and passengers. This role is being offered on a residential or FIFO basis.

About the role:

The Screening Supervisor’s role will involve supervising a team of Screening Officers, preparing staff rosters, monthly reports and work at the screening point with the traveling public. The successful applicant will have demonstrated strong leadership skills, excellent communication and an intermediate knowledge of software programs, word, excel and outlook.

Essential Criteria for the Supervisor position:

• Experience in an aviation screening role and a sound understanding of the relevant sections of the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004, the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 and the Aviation Screening Notice

• Hold Certificate II in Transport Security Protection

• Hold or ability to obtain First Aid Certificate

• Demonstrated ability to follow procedures and work well in public and a team

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

• A professional attitude and excellent grooming standards

• High level of interpersonal and customer service skills

Desirable Criteria:

• CASA Drug & Alcohol Management Plan (DAMP) Awareness Training

• Dangerous Goods Awareness Training Applications can be sent to recruitment@amsaustralia.com All applications will be treated in confidence. For queries regarding the positions contact Eva on PH: 08 9221 6777.

The successful applicants will be subject to random testing for drugs and alcohol in accordance with Civil Aviation Safety Regulations. AMS is a veteran-friendly employer, and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Indigenous people to apply. You must have the right to work in Australia to be considered for this position.

Barrel racers to be well rewarded

THE competition should be fierce with $1000 up for grabs in the open barrel race at the Cooktown Horsesports this Saturday.

The fastest horse across the line will win $500, with generous prizes for second and third, said Sarah Frew, the president of Cooktown Horsesports.

“Anyone can nominate for the open barrels if they have competed in the other events,” Ms Frew said.

“We have prizemoney for all categories, as well as some other great prizes like engraved Yetis.”

“Thanks must go to G&M Civil Contracting for their support.”

The family-friendly event is held in the arena at the Cooktown Racecourse, with nominations opening at 8am and gates open for spectators and others at 8.30am. There will be a barbecue and soft drinks on sale, with camping and stables also available for competitors.

All competitors must be Cooktown Horsesports members, with nominations costing $30 for a family or $15 per person.

To pre-nominate or to find out more, email cooktownhorse sports4895@gmail.com or phone 0447 296 319.

School excited about prospect of full-sized oval

By SARAH MARTIN

STUDENTS at Cooktown’s Endeavour Christian College will soon be able to play sports and compete in athletics on a full-sized oval after construction on the project recently started.

School sports coordinator Amy

Meyer said the new oval would be life-changing for the students and teachers, who had for the past decade been playing on a mini oval or travelling to the state school’s oval for sports days.

“It will be amazing; so good for the kids and so good for us teachers to have that resource right there, to

Tender No: KASC2023-010

be able to play a full game of football or softball and to have a full athletics track,” Ms Meyer said.

The new oval will boast a fullsized 400m athletics track, rubgy league and soccer goals, cricket nets, eating areas, long jump pits and shot put circles, as well as storage sheds.

REQUEST FOR TENDER: Material Supply & Delivery –Various Locations

Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council is inviting tenders from organisations interested in the supply and delivery of road base gravel in various locations. 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 Wednesday 16 August 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

“I’m really happy for our teachers and students to be able to have a full-sized oval,” principal Peter Connell said.

Mr Connell is leaving the school this year to be closer to his new grandchild in the state’s south-east, and said completion of the oval was a nice legacy.

“I’m hoping it’s going to get finished before the wet comes, and some of the students have asked if I’ll come back to volunteer at the athletics carnival,” he said.

Land for the oval was bought from Cook Shire Council and has been cleared, with works starting last week.

Support @ Home Program

Providing

Endeavour Christian College sports coordinator Amy Meyer, students Shantal Wilson, Corrine Stallan, Ethan Smith and Sam Ryder, with principal Peter Connell on what will be the school’s new oval.

Madi Case, Sarah Frew and Ashleigh Jerome are ready for the Cooktown Horsesports this Saturday.

Gav Roberts shows off a sailfish he caught and tagged.

Madelyn, with her first fish – a nice queenie – gets a hand from older brother Jake to hold it up.

Steve Rehn with a beauty caught off the Weipa jetty.

Billfishing diehard Tom Hockey braved

Bala Tabz showing off his huge rock cod caught out at Pennefather over the school holidays.

Jake Luscott’s first barra on a lure that he cast himself!

William shows off his big buck!

Pearl Jenkins at Rocky Point.

Wallace all smiles after success of boxing event

By MATT NICHOLLS

SCOTT Wallace still can’t go to the shops without getting pulled up to receive a compliment.

It’s been just over a week since the first Weipa Fight Night was staged and Wallace was still beaming when we spoke to him on Monday morning.

“It was unreal and I can’t get in and out of the shops without half an hour of conversations with people who were there and loved it,” he said.

“It was all kinds of people as well – school teachers, government workers ... everyone.”

Wallace said the most encouraging feedback he had received was about the professionalism of the night, which was administered by the Sunstate Amateur Boxing League.

“So many people have come up to me and said how impressed they were about the safety of the fights and the way the referee had control all night,” he said.

“I suppose a lot of people are new to boxing or have only seen some highlights on TV so don’t really know what it’s like.

“Amateur boxing is about technique and not about trying to kill your opponent.”

The founder and coach of the Cape York Boxing Club, which started on a concrete slab at the Weipa Cricket Ground but has now shifted to the old squash courts in Nanum, said he was thrilled with the performances of his local fighters.

“For some it was their first fight and it would have been nerve wracking,” Wallace said.

“But I thought everyone from the club stuck together and supported one another all night.”

Wallace reserved special praise for Napranum youngsters

Coach Scott Wallace said he was proud of Napranum youngsters Troy Hudson and Jet Savo for their efforts.

Troy Hudson and Jet Savo, who stepped into the ring for the first time in front of many peers and family members.

“These two lads are amazing and they come in twice a week to train,” he said.

“They get great support from Emma at the Napranum PCYC and they are dedicated.

“You saw with Troy, who had two fights on the night, grow with confidence after his first.

“Once they realise it’s safe they go to a new level and we saw that with Troy and a few of the other boys.”

Former uniformed officer Emma Wallis, who is the acting manager for PCYC Napranum, said she was thrilled to see Jet and Troy get in the ring.

“They are dedicated and committed to travelling into Weipa every Monday and Wednesday for training,” she said.

“They’ve become good role models for the other kids at the PCYC and we now have others who want to start training.”

Meanwhile, Wallace said a group of seven fighters from the Cape York Boxing Club would head to Cairns this weekend for

the Sunstate Amateur Boxing League’s golden gloves event.

The Barton boys, Scott and Jack, as well as the Reynolds duo of Jackson and Billy, will join Rueben Olsen, Jed Hall and Xander Wone at the event.

“I think they’ll do very well considering they are going to be properly matched up,” Wallace said.

“It’s been hard at some of the smaller fight nights to find the right opponents, but we think our boys will stack up in the right weight and age divisions and I’m looking forward to it.”

AFTER top performances in the Cooktown and Mossman Opens, Brent Hetaraka continues to fire with the golf clubs, winning the Sovereign Resort-sponsored monthly medal at Cooktown on Saturday.

The local had a nett 61 and 39 points ahead of this weekend’s Atherton Open.

Runner-up was Daniel Biddle, who carded a nett 64 and 35 points, while third was split between brothers Rick and Steve Butler who each had 65 and 35, only for Steve to win third on a countback.

Nearest to pins went to Steve Butler on 2/11, Rick on 14 and Hetaraka on 9/18.

A record 12 Cooktown Golf Club players will travel to the Tablelands this weekend to play in the Atherton Open.

Medal win for Viv

VIVIAN Chan was Sunday’s monthly medal winner at Carpentaria Golf Club, shooting a nett 70 to take honours.

She won C-grade and beat Dale Egan on a countback for the overall prize.

Egan won A-grade, while Grant Crossley’s nett 72 was enough to claim B-grade.

Viv also won the nearest to pin on the 9th hole!

On Saturday, Weipa Taxis sponsored the 36-hole members foursomes and owner Murray Mountjoy joined forces with Bill Grant to claim his own prize.

Jamie Hutton and Alan Wyness still won great prizes for being runners-up.

Viv Chan and Giembra Noonan won the women’s event ahead of Desley McIntosh and Deb Duffy.

Two wins in one day

A MONTHLY medal was not enough for Viv Chan, who also claimed the Sunday morning Dawn Busters event at Weipa.

She beat a field of eight early risers, including partner Jim Hunter, who was runner-up.

Matt Byrne picked up the Hoffman’s, while Dave Sands had the longest drive of the blokes and Viv was the women’s biggest hitter.

Jim Taylor snagged the nearest to pin prize.

More players are welcome at Dawnies every Sunday from around 6.45am for nine holes of social golf.

First point of contact: Weipa Police Ph: (07) 4090 6000 VHF

Channel

Marine

deb@deborahduffyestateagent.com.au www.deborahduffyestateagent.com.au

2

• The tenants are taking great care of this property • Two spacious bedrooms • Built-ins • Split system air conditioning • Open plan living • Galley style kitchen in good condition • Carpets to the bedrooms and timber paneling in the living areas • Louvers have been replaced with sliding windows • Bathroom has been renovated • Front balcony • Downstairs is the laundry and plenty of room for storage • Undercover entertainment area • Double gate access at the rear of the yard • Fully fenced • Tenant on a lease until 24/11/23 @ $600 per week

• Two spacious bedrooms each with their own ensuites • Built-in robes • Split system air conditioning throughout • Breezy open plan living • Outdoor patio overlooking fully fenced yard • Laundry and third toilet downstairs • Easy stroll to both Carpentaria Golf Club and Weipa Bowls Club • Tandem lockable carport • Shared swimming pool, barbecue & common area

You

• Two spacious bedrooms each with their own ensuites • Builtin robes • Split system air conditioning throughout • Outdoor patio overlooking the fully fenced yard • Breezy open plan living • Laundry and a third toilet downstairs • Located within an easy stroll to both Carpentaria Golf Club & Weipa Bowls Club

• Tandem lockable carport • Body Corporate Levies $3022.24 approx • This townhouse is in a complex of 16 homes with a shared swimming pool, barbecue & common area

2

• Two bedrooms • Built-ins • Open plan living area • Large formal entry could be set up as an office • Large kitchen with pantry • Renovated bathroom • Split system air conditioning throughout • Under cover entertainment area • Fully fenced with double gate access • Garden shed • Lock-up garage with storage • Rented until 10/11/23 at $700 per week • Body Corporate Levies $5,150 per annum approx