Cape York Weekly Edition 146

Random roadside stop results in bust

TIPPED off by the smell, police from Cooktown seized almost a kilogram of cannabis and more than $1400 in cash and jewellery in a recent roadside drug bust.

Officers were conducting routine roadside vehicle interceptions on the Mulligan Highway when they pulled over a car heading for town.

Senior Sergeant John McArthur said the strong smell of cannabis drew police attention to the car’s two male occupants.

“A subsequent search located the cannabis and other items, including money believed to

More than 1kg of cannabis was seized by roadside police.

be proceeds of the supply of drugs,” he said.

The 29-year-old passenger, a Cooktown man, has been

charged with possession of a dangerous drug and possessing property suspected to be the proceeds of supplying a dangerous drug.

Cooktown CIB officer in charge, Detective Sergeant Jett Stapleton, said the intercept was a positive outcome for the community.

“The transport of drugs into our community and subsequent supply has a negative effect on the mental health and general wellbeing of families, with money better spent on food and the welfare of children,” he said.

Stroke survivor finishes 9000km journey in Cape

By CHISA HASEGAWA

STROKE survivor Tommy Quick reached the tip of Cape York last Wednesday, the final destination of his 9000km trike journey across Australia.

The ‘4 points Australia’ trip started in August 2021 as a challenge to ride to the four most extreme edges of the country.

What started as a personal goal to physically and mentally conquer turned into a journey of raising awareness and funds for young Aussie stroke survivors.

Tommy, who suffered a stroke at just 12 years old, is passionate

about highlighting the fact that “stroke happens at any age”.

He says that “600 kids per annum in Australia will suffer a stroke from the age of 0 to 18.”

Two years after starting, on his 30th birthday, he completed the four points challenge with the support of loved ones.

The rider was overwhelmed with emotion upon reaching the final destination of a long and difficult journey.

“The first thing I did was cry,” he said on reaching the Tip.

Tommy suffered a major setback in late 2021 after he was hit by car before reaching the

second point. It put him in rehab for a year, but he didn’t let that stop him.

Friend David Jones described Tommy as “amazing” in his recovery journey, from regaining movement to overcoming post traumatic stress to getting back on the bike and completing his challenge.

“He’s a very remarkable person,” he said on Friday.

Along the way, Tommy raised $105,000 for the Stroke Foundation and gave talks at local schools about childhood stroke, disability and social inclusion.

As a child whose life had

completely changed, he said that social inclusion was a huge part of being able to accept his new way of living.

“Being able to participate, being able to be included, it began to change my view and I began to feel more empowered ... more self-drive,” Tommy said.

Although he’s reached all four points now, Tommy is not done yet.

After a well-deserved holiday in the Far North, he will begin the final leg of the ride back to his hometown in Victoria.

You can make a donation to the cause via the4points.org

Police allege this cash was from the proceeds of supplying drugs.

Tommy reached ‘The Tip’ last week after a two-year journey on his trike.

Tommy was surrounded by family and friends along the way.

Ranger Baz to showcase the Cape in documentary

By SARAH MARTIN

A PASSION for wildlife and more than 40 years of inside knowledge into Cape York’s unique flora, fauna and landscapes has led former ranger and iconic Cape bushman Barry Lyon to become a documentary filmmaker.

Based in Cooktown, Mr Lyon has spent most of his working life travelling the Cape, including 30 years as a ranger and 10 years living in a tent on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.

“I’ve been filming for the last four or five years, but I’ve not done something on this scale before,” Mr Lyon told Cape York Weekly

“There are so many amazing stories on the Cape and there haven’t been any comprehensive documentaries on the area.”

Mr Lyon has been working on the documentary for the past few years, aiming to make a two-part special featuring the southern Cape up to Princess Charlotte Bay and the second half showcasing the northern Peninsula.

“I’ve got a target list of species I want to film, and I want to do things like the springs that feed the Jardine River, the mangroves, turtles nesting and freshwater crocodiles,” he said.

He said numerous encounters stood out to him, including filming a rare frog which lives exclusively on the barren black boulders of Black Mountain National Park near Cooktown, the only footage he knows of in existence.

“I’ve got footage of the riflebirds doing their display to try and attract females, palm cockatoos and golden-shouldered parrots, as well as flatback turtles.

“There’s a type of rainforest in the Wenlock catchment; they’re like little islands surrounded by woodlands, it’s an ancient relic rainforest that probably covered Cape York once but has shrunk over the years as conditions dried.

“Most of the stuff I film is interesting to me, but for the documentary it has to tell a story, how it all connects and supports the ecosystems that make up Cape York.”

Doing most of the filming himself, and stepping in front of the camera to narrate, Mr Lyon said the documentary had been a challenge.

“Being in front of the camera terrifies me, but you just have to give it your best shot,” he said.

“I’ve got a friend who will co-present and narrate as well,

and I’ll also showcase some of the people involved with nature and conservation, including graziers, rangers and Traditional Owners.

“I’m learning all the time and have been doing bits and pieces of filming for other groups as well, a lot of it voluntary.”

Mr Lyon’s showreel has piqued the interest of two different European distribution companies, who are eagerly awaiting the final product, which he hopes will be ready next year.

Mr Lyon has been a Cape

York local for more than four decades, working and travelling across the countryside.

“I was really privileged to be the first ranger ever appointed to Cape York back in 1979 at Lakefield – we even had horses for work,” he said.

“I spent 10 years at the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve as a ranger and doing lots of research tracking crocs and speartooth sharks and then worked with Cape York Natural Resource Management doing fire management and threatened species work, but now I’m semi-retired and freelancing.”

Although he’s hard-pressed to admit it, the well-known Cape identity also has a Master’s degree in wildlife ecology and is regularly contracted by the government for his intimate knowledge of the area.

“You can just call me a former ranger,” he said.  Check out this story on our website for a link to some of the preliminary footage captured by Mr Lyon for his documentary.

Ranger Baz points out a bird to tourists on Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.

Former ranger Barry Lyon has turned documentary maker, creating a two-part series showcasing Cape York.

How a European holiday changed

By MATT NICHOLLS

PETER Inderbitzin Jnr says he’s happy to be running Australia’s biggest exotic mushroom farm, even though he wasn’t keen on the idea when it was pitched to him.

The first mushrooms grown out of Red Valley Farms’ massive shed hit the markets a month ago – a major milestone in what has been a six-year journey.

“We definitely had a few beers that night,” Peter said.

He said his parents, Peter Snr and Franziska Inderbitzin, came up with the idea to diversify away from bananas after going on a much-needed holiday.

“They were looking to retire so we were reducing their workload and sent them away for three months on a European holiday to catch up with family and enjoy themselves,” he said.

“They came back and said they had been to this amazing place.

“We want to get into exotic mushrooms, they said. And I said, no, I’m not interested. We’re too busy. I’ve just taken over the farm.

“They worked on us for nine months and said, ‘Oh, look, why don’t you just go on a holiday and have a look at the factory?’

“In the end, they convinced us and we went over to look.

“I was just blown away by how clean it is and how much easier it is for staff; it’s light work.

“So when I came back I said, yeah, let’s look into this.”

The rest, as they say, is history.

But when you take on a project that no one is doing in Australia –and certainly not in a remote area like Lakeland – it wasn’t a walk in the park.

Known for their innovation,

the Inderbitzins were pioneers of the Lakeland banana industry and hope their exotic mushrooms will create a new legacy for the family.

“Anything that mum and dad have done (on the farm) has always been for the next generation and I guess I’m trying to do that here,” Peter said.

“We’re not going to see the benefits until the next generation.”

At the moment, there are two types of mushrooms grown at Red Valley Farms.

“We’ve got the King Oyster and the standard Oyster at the moment but will also grow the Shimeji and the Shiitake, which is only about six weeks away from starting up,” Peter said.

“There is a huge amount of health benefits from your exotic range of mushrooms and there are a lot more flavours in those varieties.

“They’re not just a plain mushroom and they don’t break down in a food dish like the Champignon or your Button mushrooms.”

With more of the world going vegan or vegetarian, many kitchens are using exotic mushrooms as substitute ingredients.

“The varieties we are growing have the potential to go into a meatless product,” Peter said.

“They’re already using King Oysters as a full meat replacement in parts of Europe.”

Being grown in Australia will mean a lot in the long, run, Peter said.

“There’s a huge demand for Australian produce in Australia and overseas at the moment and we’re proud to be growing great fresh produce here,” he said.

“The mushrooms you buy at the supermarket, a very small percentage are grown in Australia.”

There is also pressure on being environmentally friendly and reducing carbon emissions.

Peter said those challenges were at the forefront of the design.

“We want zero waste and as far as water goes, we won’t use any more than 10 megalitres a year and that’s at the worst case,” he said.

“Our power is going to be a long-term issue, but we’re doing it in stages. For the time being, we’re connected to Ergon, but I want to disconnect within four years.

Peter Inderbitzin Jnr in one of the temperature controlled mushroom-growing rooms. Staff carefully weigh and package the exotic mushrooms in the Lakeland shed, ready for market.

Construction began on the massive shed at Lakeland, which was formerly a gravel pit for Red Valley Farms.

the fortunes of a Lakeland family

“Once we see how much power we’re using and require, we’ll be able to build our own standalone system.

“That might be using solar and batteries, potentially hydrogen, which is a growing industry.

“Even the plastics; I’m just in discussions with our supplier and we are looking to do a recycling process which will see it cleaned and put back into production.”

The Inderbitzins were already at the forefront of waste reduction, having created a company called Shark Recyclers, situated on the outskirts of Mareeba at Biboohra.

The compost business not only services their banana farm, but also sells to the public.

“We’ve always had quite a large waste product from the bananas and we were always looking for other opportunities to reduce our chemical inputs,” Peter said.

“What I mean by that is fertiliser, which comes at a cost. And it’s also not good to have repeated applications for many years on the same land.

“So we were looking for something to improve the health of our soil long-term, as well as keep diseases and pests out.

“Obviously, the mushroom

waste will go down there now and we can close the loop that way.

“Once the compost is made we bring it back and apply that on to the bananas.”

While there is no end sight for the banana business, Peter and his family acknowledge the challenges of growing produce in Australia.

“It’s becoming harder and harder to be in agriculture,” he said

“The wage increases, the cost increases, the cost of land ... it’s getting harder and harder.

“So I think you’ve got to think outside the box and try and find something that is going to work best for you in your environment.”

Building a giant 9600m2 shed on the outskirts of Lakeland might not have been the smartest business decision, but it did suit Peter and his family’s lifestyle.

“The best thing would have been building it in Sydney or Brisbane, so that was close to contractors and close to a large quantity of markets,” Peter said.

“The real reason (I built in Lakeland) is I just didn’t want to move.”

With no template to work off in Australia, meticulous research and planning went into the design.

“Everything had to be precise, like all the air pressures within a room. When you open up a door, the air has to flow a certain way to stop the room from sucking in contaminated air,” Peter said.

“All those little things had to be accounted for.”

When production is at full scale, the mushroom farm could employ about 45 people. The banana farm has about 130 employees.

“We’re hoping to get more local workers in the mushroom shed because of the nature of the work,” Peter said.

“It’s definitely not as tough as working with bananas and it could suit someone wanting to work around school hours.”

So when will you be able to buy Red Valley Farms mushrooms at your local supermarket?

“I’m hoping next year that we’ll be in all of the big supermarkets,” Peter said.

“At the moment, you can buy our Oysters and King Oysters at your smaller fresh fruit grocers in Brisbane and Melbourne.

“But we’re hoping by about January next year we will be in most Woolworths and then we’ll transition to Coles and Aldi.

“Overseas export is an option and maybe a long-term goal but I’d prefer to stay within Australia.”

Cape York locals wanting to get their hands on some can stop at the Steffie’s fruit and vegetable stall on the PDR, just outside of Lakeland.

The roadside business is run by Stef O’Kane, one of Peter’s sisters.

Mushrooms are kept on shelves in specially-designed rooms so they can grow and then get harvested.

A team of workers is still putting the final touches on the mushroom shed so production can be scaled up.

The purpose-built mushroom shed is 9600m2, which is bigger than a rugby league field.

Birthday celebrations for growing physio business

By CHISA HASEGAWA

A LIFE-changing Cooktown business will celebrate its third birthday on Friday after starting up to meet the needs of the community.

Wellness Embodied physiotherapist and principal Suzanne Rath said her Cooktown practice was still growing after a positive response from locals.

The inspiration for a satellite office came from the many Cape York residents who were travelling to her Cairns-based practice for treatment.

It led Ms Rath and two of her physiotherapists to take turns driving up once a month to Cooktown to provide their services.

The Cooktown practice has quickly grown since its beginning in 2020, now with a permanent location and two fulltime health care professionals, a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist.

“Many of the patients had never seen a physiotherapist or received allied healthcare before,” Ms Rath said of her Cooktown client base.

She said that the major advantage of Wellness Embodied was the ability for private patients to be seen quickly and that healthcare providers could “focus on each patient”.

“Hospitals are designed for acute injuries but often patients will already be in the chronic category by the time the hospital can get to them,” she said.

Having lived in Katherine as well as Cairns, Ms Rath saw the need for an approach that allowed patients to be seen quickly and focused on their longterm health.

Tour company goes bust

A PROMINENT Cape York tour company has told its customers it has stopped trading, causing issues for interstate tourists with bookings.

The team’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, with Wellness Embodied taking home two awards at the recent Cairns Business Women’s Club Awards.

Ms Rath won the main award for Business Woman of the Year, while general manager Danielle Erskine was named Manager of the Year.

The Cooktown community is invited to celebrate the third birthday of Wellness Embodied on Friday, August 11 from 10am to 1pm.

More details about the party can be found on Page 6.

Weipa nurse honoured for helping kids

A DEDICATED Weipa nurse has been joined by a spinal surgeon and a respected paediatrician to be honoured for the exceptional and enduring contribution they’ve made to improving the lives of children and young people in Queensland.

Esther Rutherford was one of three recipients of the Children’s Health Queensland Medal of Distinction.

She has worked as a nurse at Weipa Hos-

pital for the past 29 years, playing a critical role in the health and wellbeing of generations of children in Cape York.

Her care and commitment has helped address the health equity gap for both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as well as children living in rural and remote areas.

Ms Rutherford was recognised alongside Queensland Children’s Hospital’s visiting

medical officer Adjunct Professor Geoff Askin and the late Dr David Levitt.

“The Medal of Distinction acknowledges Queenslanders who have made a significant impact – either through direct health care, research, education, community support, engagement or activation, or outstanding advocacy – by dedicating themselves to our youngest and most vulnerable,” Children’s Health Queensland chair David Gow said.

4WD Adventures & Training Australia run tag-along tours to remote places, including the Cape and Simpson Desert.

Customers have been promised refunds for deposits, although some are still waiting to receive the funds.

It’s understood a Cape tour was due to depart this week, with those booked given minimal notice to make alternative plans.

Locals dig new garden

ROSSVILLE’S first community garden welcomed local green thumbs for the first time on the weekend.

The Rossville Community Garden is run by the Cape York Folk Club and dedicated volunteers at the site of the annual Wallaby Creek Festival, just south of the Lion’s Den Hotel on Shipton’s Flat Road.

Folk Club president Jen Midgley said the garden already had lots of tropical plants, herbs and spices, sweet potato and cassava planted.

“We’ve got a big swale garden down the side of the hill with heaps and heaps of stuff in there already,” she said.

“People can grow the things they like and pick from what is already growing, we have the most incredible land with the best soil ever, perfect pH and heaps of worms.”

The space was recently given a boost with more than $5600 in funding from the state government’s Community Sustainable Spaces program.

“The grant will help us get a garden shed, posthole digger and motorised tiller and wheelbarrow and tools, as well as a workshop with Dr Wendy Seabrook,” Ms Midgley said.

The garden is open Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday from 9am, with Cook Shire locals encouraged to take ownership and get involved.

Long-time Weipa nurse Esther Rutherford has been awarded the Medal of Disctinction from Children’s Health Queensland for her dedication to the job.

Brett Simon, Dr Chris and Guy Ousley working on the Rossville community garden.

From the Archer to Weipa: editor ready for huge hike

DESPITE not being in the best shape of his life, Cape York Weekly editor Matt Nicholls will attempt to walk from the Archer River Roadhouse to Weipa to raise funds for a terminal brain cancer patient.

The epic walk will be staged after the October long weekend and will see the long-time Cape York editor attempt to cover 200km in four days.

“I’m determined to do it in four days, but I’ve allowed six just in case my out-of-shape body can’t quite get there in the four days,” Matt said.

“Ideally, I’m leaving the Archer at 4am on Tuesday, October 3 and having beers at the Alby and Weipa Bowls Club on the Friday night.

“Brain cancer is one of the worst things to be diagnosed with and something I’m too familiar with after reporting on the journey of the late Jess Warner, who battled the illness bravely in Weipa back in the mid-2010s.

“This time, someone very close to me has been given a terminal diagnosis and a group of us have decided to raise funds to help him out. He’s given us the challenge of doing something outside of our comfort zones. I think walking 200km in the Cape York heat meets that criteria!”

Matt said he had set the fun-

draising target at $20,000, but hoped to surpass that.

“Anything we raise above the target will go directly to the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, the leading organisation for brain cancer research, advocacy and awareness in Australia,” he said.

“I’ll be looking at some creative fundraising ideas to generate community participation, so keep an eye out for those.”

To make a donation, go to www. gofundme.com/weipawalk

Powerlines not a toy, says Ergon

POWER company Ergon Energy says it is concerned for the safety of community members after a recent incident in Aurukun.

Ergon crews responding to a recent emergency outage at Aurukun found scorch marks on a nearby homemade whip with an aluminium handle, as well as damage to the electricity network.

Ergon’s Far North area manager Charlie Casa said he was concerned that someone would get hurt or killed if people continued to throw objects at powerlines.

“These acts of network vandalism not only cause extended outages for the community; they put people’s safety at risk,” he said.

“Our message is simple – do not throw anything at live powerlines because electricity can kill.”

Members of the community can help by reporting any damage, including sparking wires or fallen powerlines, to Ergon on 13 16 70.

“If you see anyone throwing objects at powerlines, call them out or call the police,” Mr Casa said.

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,

Cape York Weekly editor Matt Nicholls will walk 200km from the Archer River Roadhouse to Weipa in October.

This could be a common sight for Matt along the unsealed sections of PDR.

Barrel racing added to rodeo card

By SARAH MARTIN

NOMINATIONS are full, the bucking bulls and broncs are locked in and Weipa is geared up for one of the biggest events on the Cape, the annual Weipa Rodeo.

To be held on August 18 and 19 at the Andoom Oval showgrounds, this year’s rodeo will include junior and open barrel races and the saddle bronc, as well as all the usual bullriding action.

Weipa Rodeo Association vicepresident Reuben Slingo said the bushman’s buckjump had been popular in recent years and that the addition of more horse events was a no-brainer.

“It brings a little bit more diversity to the events, something that everyone enjoys and also for people travelling up and following the rodeo competition, it makes it more worthwhile for them,” he said.

The Cape of Origin concept will again pit north, central and southern Cape teams against each other in the rodeo.

“We’ve got our captains set, they are professional bullriders who will mentor the whole weekend, out the back on the chutes offering tips and techniques on how to set up and how to get off safely,” Mr Slingo said.

“They also run our rodeo school, a full day for nominated riders on the Thursday before the rodeo that gives a lot of value to the young-

sters looking to jump on their first beast and also to the older kids and adults.

“It gives everyone a chance to set themselves up and get some practice and some of the older ones we’ll actually buck them out on stock as well.”

Mr Slingo said between the experienced team of Brayden Wellby, Anthony Ryan and Donovan Rutherfurd leading the Cape of Origin

teams, and protection athletes Joel Fabiani, Liam Wellby and Leith Malone, competitors were in good hands.

“They’re all very experienced and will talk everyone through what they have to do,” he said.

“They’re built tough and go through a lot to make sure everyone is safe and hits the ground and gets out as safe as possible.”

A new addition to this year’s

Committee partners with the Alby for charity event

WEIPA and Napranum locals are encouraged to head to the Alby next Tuesday for a bucking good time in support of one of Cape York’s most important homegrown groups, Talk About It Tuesday.

Weipa Rodeo Association has thrown its weight behind mental health awareness, naming Talk About It Tuesday as this year’s partner charity.

To help out, it has organised a pre-rodeo event at the Albatross Bay Resort.

Vice-president Reuben Slingo said they were proud to be supporting Talk About It Tuesday ahead of the 18th annual rodeo.

“It’s a pretty amazing group to be supporting,” Mr Slingo said.

“Talk About It Tuesday is local and mental health hits every local one way or another in their lives.

“We want to do everything we can to support Talk About It Tuesday and promote it and get the word out there that people aren’t alone when they’re feeling like all else is lost, there are places to turn to and people to talk to and support there – that’s what it’s all about.”

The centrepiece of Tuesday’s fundraiser will be a mechanical bull, with punters able to get a taste of the rodeo action.

“It will be a good gathering, a bit of a calm before the storm of the rodeo, a chance to get out and have a couple of beers and pay for a ride on the mechanical bull,” Mr Slingo said.

Talk About It Tuesday co-founder Jackie Perry, who founded the group along with fellow Cape mum Debbie Jackson after they both lost their sons to suicide, said she would be heading to the Alby for the fundraiser.

“We’ll put up our little stall with informa-

tion and free bags with suicide prevention booklets and a journal and merchandise,” Ms Perry said.

“It’s just amazing that both the Laura and Weipa rodeos have taken on this subject this year; it’s really special and it’s starting to bring mental health awareness out in the open.”

Ms Perry said the money raised in Weipa would go towards continuing the group’s suicide prevention and mental health awareness campaign.

“We can use the money to get more motivational speakers up into the Cape and moving around in different communities,” she said.

“We also have a dream of one day having a helpline, someone from the Cape who people can ring, maybe each community has one or two people who can be on call, people that understand what life is like up here.

“We’re just blown away with how our Cape communities come together for something like this, it’s really, really wonderful.”

The Weipa Rodeo Association has already been busy raising funds through Chicken Poop Bingo at the Weipa Camping Ground over the past couple of months.

rodeo is the mini bulls, a category which will replace the junior steers and add a bit more excitement for the crowd and a better experience for the riders.

“We’ll still have poddy calves for the little tackers, but for the juniors they’re going to be professional stock, more technical and more controlled,” Mr Slingo said.

“They’re an intact bull, just small and they are safer for the

young ones and great training for them leading into the novice bull ride as well.”

There will also be a host of food stalls, brand new merchandise at the rodeo stall, jumping castles for the kids and a mechanical bull for those not quite ready to jump on the real thing.

Visit www.weiparodeo.com or follow Weipa Rodeo on Facebook for more information.

The countdown is on to this year’s Weipa Rodeo, which will see the Cape of Origin concept return, as well as barrel racing events for the first time.

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

Rio Tinto Weipa Service Awards

Long-term employees celebrated

RIO Tinto Weipa’s longest-serving employees have been celebrated by the mining company.

Those who had achieved milestones in the past 12 months were acknowledged at Rio’s annual “pin night”, formally called the service awards.

Cliff Lamotte was announced as the Weipa site’s longest-serving employee after he reached his 45-year milestone.

He was among 80 staff members recognised for their contributions, with 14 having more than 30 years of service.

After recently notching 40 years with the bauxite miner, Ian Russ was one of them.

He was able to reflect on his remarkable career, having witnessed a transformation from traditional labour to cutting-edge automation.

From humble beginnings as a plant operator to his current role as an electrical maintainer in the powerhouse, Mr Russ has seen the industry evolve in ways he could never have imagined.

He fondly recalled his

45 YEARS

Cliff Lamotte

40 YEARS

Ian Russ

35 YEARS

Peter Berry

Quinton Small

30 YEARS

Desmond Land

Jodie Jones

25 YEARS

Kerrilyn Taylor

Phillip Boyland

20 YEARS

Cal Seaborn

Cary Marshall

Darren Gobbey

Howard Waretini

Ian Dick

Kelvin Moon

15 YEARS

Aaron Schleich

Andreana Dorante

Andrew Jacobson

Ashley Ginn

Cecil Woodley

Christa Maza

early days at the beneficiation plant, where a pair of shorts and a T-shirt were standard workplace attire.

15 YEARS (cont)

Duane Jay

Frances Whittle

Ian Anderson

Janine Schleich

Jannett Lowcock

Jed Smith

Lorraine Parker

Maggie Wagstaff

Michael Widmer

Michelle Kostecki

Patricia Price

Rod Wilson

Russell Stamm

Scott Wallace

Tegan Witcher

Wendy Williams

10 YEARS

Aaron Whap

Adele Morris

Alexander Reid

Alexandra Coleman

Allan Polmear

Tony Michael

Anthony Gibson

Brad Ginn

Cole Haller

Dacko Mosby

Dane Rennie

Darren Khalu

Darren Lee

As the years passed, the evolution of the workplace uniform mirrored the advancements that have

10 YEARS (cont)

David Geitz

Derek Fordham

Derek Rosendale

Francis Elu

Gavin Jenkins

Gibson Charger

Glenn Morris

Hubert Marcello Fabila

James Francisco

Joel Deegan

Marvin Bell

Melissa Worthington

Michael Dunbar-Roberts

Michael Kuehn

Michael Van Uden

Mick Cerneka

Mick Gregory

Neville Turner

Nickolas Woodley

Olive Mosby

Ray Madge

Reuben Slingo

Rhiannan Crossley

Ronald Clermont

Sean Cieslak

Selicia Brumby

Shannin Sacchi

Steve Nash

Tammy Clegg

Trent Gordon

shaped the industry over time.

“The biggest change I’ve seen over the years is the

automation of a lot of jobs which has changed the way tasks are performed,” he said.

Despite these advancements, one thing that has remained constant and continues to drive Mr Russ’ passion for work is the people he works with.

Over the years, he has developed strong bonds with his team, which has kept

him motivated throughout his journey.

As Mr Russ looks back on his long and fulfilling career, he acknowledges that it is not just the evolution of technology that made his time at Rio Tinto rewarding.

It was also the sense of belonging and the genuine connections he formed with his colleagues that made every day enjoyable.

Rio Tinto Aluminium Pacific boss Armando Torres and Rio Tinto Weipa general manager Shona Markham congratulate Ian Russ on 40 years of service in the electrical department.

Rio Tinto Weipa Service Awards

Pictures: ALEX RETHUS

Heather Miller, Carl Seaborn, Una Miller and Peter Miller.

Tony Lankester, Kelvin Moon, Michiko Moon and Mary Lankester ready to celebrate their colleagues’ longevity. Eva and Duane Fewquandie. Colin and Sue Vallance.

Des Land, Sue Land, Jayde Land, Michael Hayman, Hayley Land and Reece Land ready for the service awards.

It was a big night at Rio Tinto Weipa’s Lodge.

Perry and Myra Adlawan.

Hannah and Cameron Hope. Gibson Charger and Sasha Parker.

Sam and Peter Humphries.

Armanda and Marta Torres.

Tim and Richelle Ryan. Audi and Dom Cigrovski.

Mark and Denica Bowden, Janine and Aaron Schleich, Elisa and Nick Brooks, Rose and Geoff Robins, and Aleece and Darren Khalu.

Cherise and Will Collins.

Derek and Tiffany Fordham. Dan and Karleigh Hall. Dacko and Olive Mosby. Hayley and Warren Rolston. Rod and Frances Whittle.

‘Pugwash’ Waldon, Garry Stainkey, Des Land, ‘Plum’ Berry, Brad Clarke, Ian Russ, Lloyd Stainkey, Bill Rollin, Theresa Mills, Warren Rolston, Jodie Jones, Stephen Cruse, Armando Torres, Barry Feeney, Barry Murray and Shona Markham.

Rio Tinto Weipa Service Awards

Jannett Lowcock and Geeza Guy. Petra and Andrew Jacobson.

Jess and Jed Smith.

Lachie and Penny Johnson.

Nicky Perriman and Darren Lee.

Darren Lee, Sean Cieslak, Tammy Clegg, Adam Clements, Dane Rennie, Armando Torres and Rio Tinto Weipa general manager Shona Markham.

‘Polly’ and Jade Polmear.

Much-loved locals Janine Schleich, Michael Widmer, Armando Torres and Shona Markham.

Amanda and Lee Gordon. Stuart and Natasha Smith. Tammy and Steven Clegg. Rosa and Barry Murray.

Michael van Uden and Cindy Bosse dressed to impress.

Darren and Aleece Khalu. Rose and Geoff Robins. Stacey Sorbello, Armando Torres, Cherie Woodham and Shona Markham.

Tim Ryan, Plum Berry, Rio Tinto’s Pacific Aluminium boss Armando Torres and Shona Markham.

Robyn and Lloyd Stainkey.

Courtney Gardiner and Joel Deegan.

Dev and Wendy Williams. Sarah and Mark Arkell.

Sean and Gina Cieslak.

Plum Berry is congratulated on 35 years of service.

Emma and Ian Russ.

Bruce Frank Martin 1983-2023

He transcended all walks of life

A HEARTBROKEN father has paid tribute to his son, describing him as generous and gifted across all walks of life.

“He had a very strong presence wherever he was from a very young age,” said David Martin of his eldest son Bruce.

“Wherever he was he lit up the room.”

David recalled the time he left Aurukun with Bruce, bound for Canberra.

“He came down with me when he was 4, maybe almost 5, and he barely spoke a word of English,” he said.

“I’d only ever talked to him in Wik-Mungkan and so I started teaching him English in the Greyhound bus on the way down from Cairns.

“We would go through endless fields of sugar cane so I pointed out the window and said to him ‘sugar cane, sugar cane’.

“Anyway, half an hour later we come to another field of sugar cane so I said ‘what’s that?’ and he thought for a while and said ‘corned beef’.

“He knew that it was a doublebarrelled word, but the only one he could think of was corned beef.”

Despite being a dark-skinned child in a white-skinned city, Bruce had no trouble fitting in, his father said.

“When I got him down to Canberra I was single parenting and he was staying with me in a university flat,” David recalled.

“I’d ride him on the back of my bicycle to a childcare centre.

“The first day I checked him in – this little boy with barely any English – and when I picked him up they told me he was organising games where they played crocodiles and all kinds of things.

“He was never fazed – a gift that not many of us have.

“As he grew up he created this big circle of friends and, as you can see from some of the tributes, people from that era – from his primary and secondary school years – still kept that friendship with him and talk about his impact on them.”

David said his son managed to fit in everywhere.

“Wherever he was – Aurukun, Cairns, Canberra or even Germany or England – he was different from the mainstream but confident and comfortable,” he said.

“It wasn’t just that he was different it was that he refused to be categorised as being lesser than those around him, or better, for that matter.

“He had this sublime confidence that the world was a good place and that he liked people and that people would respond well to being treated well.”

Although Bruce had more opportunities than most kids from Aurukun, that was his Aurukun family’s wish, David said.

“When he came with me to Canberra at first I was still with

Dorothy and the family ended up coming down for a period,” the renowned anthropologist said.

“He went through primary school and, by then, Dorothy and I had separated. However, the family were still saying that they wanted him to be educated.

“There was a family meeting and the unequivocal response was ‘we want to see him get an education’. We thought that Canberra Grammar was the best fit because it offered a wide range of courses, but also a lot of sport.

“Bruce was very good at just about every sport.

“But the general atmosphere of the school is what we liked most about it.”

Despite attending one of the capital’s best schools, Bruce wasn’t a silver-spoon child.

“He had friends from all walks of life there and he never changed who he was,” David said.

“He didn’t develop the upperclass attitude, which is the assumption that the world is made for you and it exists to serve you.

“We never saw anything remotely like that in him.”

A diverse upbringing that saw

Bruce sink his teeth into every challenge and opportunity produced a brilliant man.

Friends would joke that he was almost too gifted.

Everywhere he went he would have people eating out of the palm of his hand, such was his leadership and charisma.

Whether it was sport, politics, riding a horse or speaking with people – Bruce was brilliant at it.

He still had the ability to surprise, though.

“I’m looking at a wood print of a crocodile as I am talking to you and I hadn’t even known he was the artist until my wife told me,” David said.

“There are two side by side on our walls, and one of them was done by a prominent artist from Arnhem Land and the other was done by Bruce.

“I was told that this was the first one he had done and it’s absolutely beautiful.”

Asked if there were any talents that his son didn’t possess, David was quick to respond.

“Money,” he said.

“Holding his money and saving his money. For him, money existed for the moment and that didn’t serve him well.

“Although, it must be said, he was very generous with his money.

“It didn’t stay with him for very long.”

Despite some financial challenges, Bruce was still an achiever in business.

“He actually owned a small helicopter business for a short while,” David said.

While Bruce was a man with many interests and career paths, his father said a business opportunity in Weipa realised a dream, even if for just a short time.

In 2016, he purchased the successful North Queensland Civil Engineering Contracting business with two other partners.

Sadly, he eventually left the business as his partners had other visions for the company.

“I think owning NQCEC did realise a dream at the time,” David said.

“He wanted to be someone who could do things at some scale – not just small things – and NQCEC offered him that opportunity.

“What he wanted out of that was obviously a living for himself but also to make it a company that was thoroughly Indigenous.

“He didn’t want just Aboriginal employees, he wanted to hire Aboriginal sub-contractors so they could also have a viable business of their own.

“I think that was the closest thing to realising his dream and it ended tragically for all sides.”

David said his son was the victim of many pressures that young, educated and ambitious Indigenous Australians face.

“Everybody wanted a lot from him and even though he usually said yes, at times it became too much for him,” he said.

“In the last months of his life, he had stayed with friends in Townsville, I think in no small part to be able to better manage the range of pressures on him.

“But true to his deep commitment to his Aurukun family, he had made arrangements to get to Aurukun for the funeral of a muchloved uncle.

“His violent death at the hand of others meant that he never got there.”

Bruce will be farewelled at a funeral service at the Uniting Church in Aurukun this Friday.

Bruce Martin and his father David sit on the sand at Kendall River, about halfway between Aurukun and Pormpuraaw, and chat about country and life.

Back in Canberra ... David Martin and his sons Ricky and Bruce.

Little brother was like Peter Pan

Editor’s note: While the family has given permission to publish his name, traditional protocol would have us refer to him as Waal Waal Martin. For this story, we will show our respect to the Wik custom by not mentioning his first name. We thank those grieving family members for taking the time to talk to us ...

WHENEVER he was in Aurukun, Waal Waal Martin was constantly surrounded by children.

“I believe he was like a Peter Pan,” said his sister Keri Tamwoy, the town’s mayor.

“He was still a child at heart and I don’t think he really grew up.

“He connected to kids on their level; he was this fun uncle, fun older brother that would always take a child, wrap them up in his arms and do fun things with them or just sit down with them and be in their presence.

“Kids were basically drawn to him.”

Keri said while the family was grieving, it was Waal Waal’s nieces and nephews who were hurting the most.

“We were talking about pallbearers for the funeral and my sister asked one of his nephews and he couldn’t answer ... it was too much for him,” she said.

While Keri and Waal Waal don’t share the same parents, they still

called each other brother and sister, as is custom in their culture.

“His mum, mumma Dorothy is a sister-cousin to my mother. We have this close relationship and we don’t say cousins, we say ‘that’s my brother or that’s my sister’,” Keri explained.

“He’d come home for school holidays, of course, and for cultural purposes like funerals and house openings.

“One of the homes he would come back to and stay at was my

mum’s home. I’m nine years older than him but we were close.

“He understood the importance of coming home and just being immersed in culture and Wik traditions. We wanted him to know that even though he lived in the big smoke, this is your home, these are your people, this is your family.”

Keri said he was always putting a smile on the faces of those around him.

“I don’t want to say he was shy when he was little but as he got

older and into his teens he was such a prankster, always cracking jokes and making fun,” she said.

The mayor said the community was expecting another big funeral this Friday after a prolonged period of Sorry Business in Aurukun.

“I’m guessing that it’s going to be really big,” she said.

“The sisters and I have sat down and planned the funeral.

“Mum can’t make any decisions which is our culture ... part of our customs.

“Mum can say something but the sisters are responsible for the planning.”

Keri said Dorothy was doing her best in tough times.

“She is trying to stay strong for us and we’re all here for her,” she said.

“That’s her baby. She’s very heartbroken.

“She loved him very, very much, especially being her last child.

“She always held him in such high regard and he was the kind of son that would practically do anything for his mum.”

Keri said her brother would now be with his Elders.

“Our people believe that when we pass away we go to be with our ancestors,” she said.

“We go back to our homeland or just mingle around. We don’t go away. I think he’s with our ancestors now.”

She said Waal Waal’s legacy in Aurukun would be APN Cape York, which he founded, and his son, Thiikel-ee’enh Wilfred Martin.

“I’m aunty to baby Wilfy and we will always have a duty of care towards him,” Keri said.

“This tiny human will constantly remind us of our brother and it will be our duty to keep our brother’s memory alive for his son.”

Mayor Keri also thanked those who had passed on messages of condolences to the family.

Campaigning for the Cape at the Woodford Folk Festival. Catching barramundi on a hand line was one of his many talents.

Rugby, water polo, basketball – he could do it all.

Waal Waal with his mum Dorothy Pootchemunka, his brother Marty Shortjoe and one of his many nephews.

A young Wik dancer at the Laura Quinkan Indigenous Dance Festival. Looking after his country by shooting feral pigs from a helicopter. His disarming smile will be missed by many.

Aurukun mayor Keri Tamwoy says she’ll miss her younger brother, Waal Waal Martin.

Bruce Frank Martin 1983-2023

Pure joy: Proud dad was excited about challenge

FATHERHOOD came naturally to Bruce Martin, who beamed with pride when his son Thiikelee’enh Wilfred Martin was born in June last year.

“It’s something he had always wanted,” said Clancy Hearps, who also appears to be in her element as a first-time mum.

“Bruce was someone who was always loved by children and I think that’s because his own inner child was alive and well.

“The mental image of Bruce in Aurukun for a lot of people is an image of him with lots of young children hanging off him.”

Being a dad certainly agreed with him, Clancy said.

“For anyone who had the pleasure of witnessing Bruce as a father it was as pure and joyful as you could imagine,” she said.

“He just adored Wilfy.

“Whenever he was with him there was this pride.

“If he was walking down the street holding Wilfy he had this real sense of pride about him. ‘This is me and my son’.”

When the time came to pick out a name for their soon-to-beborn son, Bruce and Clancy did their research.

“Wilfred is a name from my family and we chose all of his names after he was born, with the help of the family and friend Peter Sutton,” Clancy said.

Thiikel-ee’enh refers to the Whale Story from the lower Love River area, with which the clan of Bruce’s mother Dorothy have connections.

“Wilfy was born in Warrnambool, Victoria where there are also many local Aboriginal whale stories,” Clancy said.

“There was also lots of whale activity in winter at the time of Wilfy’s birth.”

While their son might have picked up fair skin from both Clancy’s side and Bruce’s father’s side, there is still plenty of Bruce in Wilfy.

“I definitely see both of us in him,” his mum said.

“There are moments when he’s all Bruce; his little character, for sure.

“He’s a big boy – he’s in the over-98 percentile (for his age) – and definitely doesn’t get that from me.

“I can see Bruce in his face. His whole facial expressions are very much his dad’s. And his nature is very curious, very perceptive and very energetic.”

Clancy admits she has a challenge to raise Wilfy as a single parent and to maintain his strong cultural ties.

But she’s determined to make it happen.

WHAT THEY SAID

I AM shocked and sad that he has died so young and in such circumstances.

I put him on my Indigenous Advisory Council because I wanted people who were equally proud of being Aboriginal and Australian.

And, because I wanted Aboriginal people who were determined to make it in modern Australia as well as to respect their Indigenous heritage.

I also wanted to encourage Aboriginal people to succeed in the real economy as well as being the professional champions of people seen as victims.

In my experience, Bruce tried to be all these things and I’m so sorry that the very problems he wanted to help address are still unresolved.

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott HE was a diamond. He always tried his best with what he knew and used his connections and relationships for the better and for the good.

It was never about self gain or ego. He was a genuinely good person and will be missed.

Wolverton Station’s Emma Jackson HAVING known and been a colleague and friend of Mr Martin before our time at the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, I can attest that his vision was one with his Elders by finding economic prosperity whilst ensuring integrity in Wik history and culture.

He will be sadly missed.

ILSC Group CEO Joe Morrison BRUCE had so much potential and could have really been something that changed (Cape York).

to take Wilfy back to Aurukun as much as possible.”

Before Bruce died, they had discussed living in Aurukun.

“We both wanted Wilfy to live in Aurukun and a big part of our challenge or heartache, if you like, is that housing didn’t become an option,” Clancy said.

“It’s a really difficult thing to have to accept that he won’t have that same exposure that a kid like Bruce did when growing up.

“Wilfy’s experience will be different but I’m certainly keen to make sure he’s connected to his Wik family and his Wik culture.

It’s just a tragedy. 39 is just so young.

He was a really pleasant guy and so articulate. I worked with him and (former Minister for Indigenous Affairs) Nigel Scullion to help him buy NQCEC. Sadly he got pulled in many different directions in life and one of the struggles he had was saying no.

He had a lot of pressure put on him to be a leader and create change and I think that took a toll on him.

He’ll be missed.

Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch

“It’s something I ask myself. I think first and foremost his relationship to his Wik family is something that I will try to facilitate as much as possible,” she said.

“They all adore him.

“I took him to Aurukun all the way from Victoria when he was just three months old.

“His grandmother (Dorothy) greeted him off the plane – she

had been told to go to the airport because there was a big packet of smokes to pick up – and when she saw him her eyes just lit up and her arms went out ... she took him off me and immediately started parading him around.

“Bruce’s siblings and all of his family love Wilfy and they miss him.

“I guess, for me, it’s my job to keep that relationship open and

“I think he’s got his dad’s legacy to follow in that way as Bruce had to navigate both worlds and he talks about his dad (David) going to great lengths to help him get to Aurukun.

“What heartens me is that when Wilfy is older he’ll have the resources available to him.

“When he has questions and is curious it will be my responsibility to facilitate him learning and connecting with those relatives.”

IF we had more Bruce Martins in the world, Australia would be a better and more harmonious place. He was the most compelling person I have met. His ability to articulate his point of view in not many words was an amazing gift and I’m devastated it has been taken away from us.

The expectations on his shoulders were great and I knew he felt that pressure to deliver.

He really could have been anything, but I know that being a dad was his greatest accomplishment.

I hope his legacy inspires a new generation of Cape York leaders.

Cape York Weekly editor Matt Nicholls

Wilfy standing tall at 13 months.

Clancy Hearps and Bruce ahead of the birth of their first child.

Proud dad Bruce Frank Martin holds Thiikel-ee’enh Wilfred Martin in his arms in Warrnambool, Victoria.

Bruce Frank Martin 1983-2023

Everyone wanted to be around him

DAVE Lees says his best mate from school was a larger-thanlife figure who had the ability to draw people towards him.

“He was so much fun. He had a real spark and cheekiness about him,” he recalled from his home in Corowa on the Murray River.

“He was a wonderful person and everyone wanted to be around him – people were just drawn to him.”

Dave said he first met Bruce in pre-school and they both went to Turner School to start their primary years.

“He actually finished at Campbell Primary School but we were united again at Canberra Grammar School,” he said.

“We’ve always been good mates and we were almost inseparable for a time there as kids actually.”

It was at high school where Bruce developed his passion for sport and competing.

“We were both extremely athletic growing up; swimming basketball, water polo, rugby ... the whole lot,” Dave said.

“I don’t know how you describe it but literally any sport he did, he just excelled at it. Cross

country, athletics, swimming – I think he won every trophy possible at high school.

“He was doing that many sports I think it was hard for him to choose which ones to continue with.”

Dave said he thought Bruce was best at basketball, as well as swimming and water polo. In

fact, he was an Australian representative in the latter.

“He went with my eldest brother to Europe for the World Championships,” he said.

They remained close friends after graduating and Dave said his aura continued to grow.

“He was larger than life. He almost had this celebrity-type persona about him,” he recalled.

“I remember going out and drinking with him and everyone knew who he was.”

Friends from his Canberra life who won’t be able to make his Aurukun funeral this Friday are hoping to attend a secondary service in the capital.

“I’ve been in touch with (brother) Ricky and (father) David and I said that I’d love to be part of something in Canberra and I think it’ll happen in October,” Dave said.

Photographer shares images of his famous trip to Blue Lagoon

What

The

“It

“You’d

“He

BRIAN Cassey still remembers the first time he met Bruce Martin.

The prominent Cairns photographer had been tasked to head out to Blue Lagoon, a well-known Aurukun outstation, to shoot Aboriginal stockmen for

The Australian

he and reporter Michael McKenna came back with changed the perception of Aurukun and its people.

top left picture of Bruce made it on the front page and more than 20 pictures made it inside the feature piece.

was four or five days and we’d sit around the campfire at night and listening to Bruce speak was just sensational,” the award-winning photographer said.

be hanging on to every word and the young lads would be the same.”

He

also took a number of portrait shots on the trip and said Bruce made the effort to open one of his exhibitions at the Tanks Art Centre in Cairns, albeit on short notice.

was a hard man to get but when you were with him the time flew by.”

Dave Lees and Bruce Martin were reunited at Canberra Grammar.

Dave Lees and Bruce Martin met in pre-school and formed a lifelong friendship.

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Bloomfield bazaar proves popular

LOCALS and visitors flocked to the rainforest on Saturday for the inaugural Bloomfield Cultural Bazaar, filling the normally quiet town hall with music, bubbles, art and food.

Dozens of entries kept the judges busy in the agricultural show section, with cakes, chutneys and preserves, flower arrangements, pets and more entered.

Attendees were kept entertained by a string of local live bands, as well as stalls selling everything from show bags and dagwood dogs to locally grown tropical fruit and vanilla.

Kids enjoyed the giant bubble antics of children’s entertainer Bugzy Bumblebee, who also leant her skills as the day’s MC, while adults enjoyed tea and coffee in the hall and a drink at the Bazaar Bar.

Organisers said the day was a big success, and planned to make it an annual event.

Marley Sharp manning the Country Universities Centre Cape York stall with uni centre student Bindi Woodland. Amos and Eric Dick had a tropical fruit and plant stall.

Mike Owens, Kim Haskell and Peter Gunther catching up.

Rachel Salam was stoked with a first for her kokedama.

Andrew Mirtschin buying some goodies from Nick and Britta Upite of Bloomfield Vanilla.

Zhara Bathe and Aly Lee checking out the stalls.

Anyah Francois-Boneham and Emily Strange with Anyah’s homemade slime stall.

Bugzy Bumblebee was a hit with kids and adults alike.

Arlene and Nahani Poba chilling out at the Bazaar.

April Jaenke had plenty of sales at her jewellery stall.

Brad Smith and Kelly Train from the Ayton General Store were kept busy with their hot food and showbag stall. Barbara Dunn won first place for her home made flower arrangement.

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 U

Quick Workout

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

Crossword

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

Spot the 5 Differences

Created: Ted Whillier Qxpress: 8492 Matt

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

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Senior Records Management Officer to play a pivotal role administering Cook Shire Council’s records management systems, streamlining processes and ensuring regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will enjoy:

Leading a small and dedicated team

Attractive salary package

Locality allowance

5 weeks annual leave

3 weeks personal leave

GREAT RADIO CONNECTING NORTH QLD

Club makes a splash at FNQ champs

DESPITE a lack of pool time, Cooktown’s Amateur Swimming Club members continue to smash goals in the pool, bringing back a swag of medals from the FNQ Short Course Championships.

Coach Donald Macmillan said Cooktown’s swimmers spent less than half the time their competitors did in the pool, and didn’t have any other training facilities at their disposal.

“Most of the other clubs in the Far North have professional coaches and swim four to six sessions a week, but our kids are only swimming two,” Mr Macmillan said.

“But we’re still turning up and at the FNQ Short Course Championships we had 11 swimmers qualify for the Country Championships in Darwin.

“We had some standouts at the competition as well, with Maiika Hegamaea winning every event she entered and getting age champion, which was brilliant, and Rudi Habermann got runner-up age champion for 12-year-old boys

and Jett Ryder was age champion for the 14-year-old boys.”

Club president Mel Hegamaea said congratulations had to go to Mr Macmillan as well as the young swimmers.

“We had no disqualifications, lots of personal best times, quite a few placings and medals and the Cooktown team placed sixth overall out of 14 clubs – but most of all, lots of happy little faces,” she said.

Mr Macmillan said the focus was now on training for Darwin, with 10 swimmers attending the event and competing in more than 70 events between them.

“We had 11 swimmers qualify, but one of those families relocated so we’re only taking 10 kids,” he said.

“It’s a national event for all regional clubs across Australia, with about 600 competitors across four swimming days, which is really amazing.”

Mr Macmillan said the team would be busy fundraising in the lead up to the championships.

Francis Lex DEEMAL ‘Frankie’

It is with regret that we announce the passing of Francis Lex Deemal.

Lions lend a hand to sports star

RISING young athlete Sam Ryder’s sporting goals are a step closer after the teen received the Endeavour Lions Club’s annual award last month.

The $4000 Endeavour Lions Award aims to support local youth to excel in their chosen sporting or professional field, funding equipment, training, travel and self-improvement costs.

“I applied for the sporting part of it to help me with money towards my travel costs for swimming and underwater hockey,” Sam said.

“I’ve got Darwin in September for swimming

Late of Hope Vale. Passed away on 2nd August 2023 at the Mareeba Hospital. Aged 70 years.

Beloved son of Lex Deemal (dec.) and Eileen Deemal (nee Pearson) (dec.). Brother to Gwendoline, Robert, Shirley (dec.), Pearl and Petrina. Beloved father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, brother and friend.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Frankie’s funeral service to be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Hope Vale on Thursday, 17th August 2023 at 11:00am. A viewing will be held between 10:15am and 10:50am. Refreshments will be offered at the PCYC Hall following the service.

~ All Welcome ~

Tender No: KASC2023-010

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

and the nationals for underwater hockey next year and it will also go towards my equipment, mask, snorkel, caps, sticks and stuff.

“A big thank you to the Endeavour Lions Club, it’s awesome that I got the award and it will help me with my sport.”

The 16-year-old Endeavour Christian College student has been blitzing the competition in the pool and he also plays for Cooktown’s Crocs underwater hockey team and is planning to compete in the Asia Pacific Cup later this year.

Tender No: KASC2023-009

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 11 August 2023 (Please note: Council has extended the close date from 28 July to 11 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

GUnGaRDE coMMUnitY

cEntRE

aBoRiGinaL coRPoRtation (i c n. 148)

Gungarde community centre aboriginal corporation 52 charlotte street, Po Box 6, cooKtoWn QLD 4895 t: 07 4069 5412

Position Vacant

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

1 Full time Position

Description please contact 07 4069 5412 or

jelliott@gungarde.com.au

Sam Ryder accepts the $4000 Endeavour Lions Award from club secretary Jim Fay.

Lakeland teen takes out top prize

SHOWERS held off for a windy but successful day of competition at Saturday’s Cooktown Horsesports.

Dozens of horses and riders, with the youngest aged only 9 months old, tested themselves and their mounts across nine events including the coveted open barrel race.

Tiny competitor Peyton Seagren was cheered on by both grandmas as her proud parents supported her through the led events, with the tot taking home third place in the straight barrels and an encouragement award.

Lakeland teen Demi D’Addona took out first place and the top prize of $500 in the open barrels, closely followed by Cooktown cowgirl Ashleigh Jerome, with Lakeland’s Trudy Harris rounding out the top three.

Cooktown Horsesports president Sarah Frew said it was a great day of competition.

“It was awesome to see so many young and beginner riders having a go,” Ms Frew said.

“Thank you to those who came along and supported the club by competing, lending a hand or cheering from the sidelines, and a massive thank you to our sponsors.”

Peyton Seagren had both grandmas – Raeleen Veivers and Kath Russell –wrapped around her little finger.

Peyton Seagrean, supported by proud parents Albin and Georgia.

Ally-May Isabeth with Shrek and Bella-Rose Woods with Ralph.

Demi D’Addona, Ashleigh Jerome and Trudy Harris took out top honours in the open barrel race.

Beck Lingard and Lacey in the straight barrels.

Butterflies best in Weipa Classic

SPECTATORS were treated to a thrilling weekend of bowls that took until the last end of the final match to determine the winner.

The annual Goodline Weipa Ladies Classic, hosted by the Weipa Bowls Club drew another capacity field of 28 teams.

For many of the travelling bowlers, Weipa provided welcome relief after an unusually cold and wet winter in parts of North Queensland.

The ladies battled it out in the pairs event on both greens, with the top five taking home prizemoney from the lucrative tournament.

No side went undefeated and it was the Butterflies who came out on top when the points were added up. with Christine Scott and Ester Regan picking up the biggest cheque.

All attention now turns to the men’s Bauxite Fours event, which will be held this weekend at the Weipa Bowls Club.

The Goodline Weipa Ladies Classic drew 28 different teams from across North Queensland for the two-day pairs event. While its serious for some, for many its the highlight of the social calendar.

Christine Scott and Ester Regan of the first-placed Butterflies with Goodline’s Dave Hancock, who represented the tournament’s major sponsor.

Jill Alexander and Elaine Whithead formed The Eagles and had to settle for second place.

2 Fish In Weipa: Di Deegan and Lee Mikic placed third.

Meredith Lennon and Valerie Still finished fourth as team Valmere but were still rapt with their weekend. Mareeba Gals Sue Brady and Carmen Dezen came fifth.

Top End Taggers too good in final

BRIAN Millett and Lauren Barton produced stellar games to help lead Top End Taggers to a 9-5 win in last week’s Weipa Touch Association A-grade final.

They were named male and female players of the match in the clutch victory against Dream Crushers.

In B-grade, Western Wallabies won a thriller, beating Ellusions 10-9.

Richard Joinbee was named the male player of the match and Ashandra Bon picked up the top honours for best female player.

Southern Cape athletes shine at Mareeba meet

TWO busloads of Cooktown and Lakeland athletes matched their prowess against the region’s best at the Tableland athletics carnival in Mareeba last week.

Held at St Stephen’s Catholic College, students from Cooktown State School, Endeavour Christian College and Lakeland State School who qualified at their local athletics carnivals competed in track and field events across two days on Thursday and Friday.

Standouts included Maia Pensio winning his 100m final in 14.12 seconds, and Desmond Bowen, who won long jump with a 4.95m leap, and also brought home second in high jump and 800m and fourth in the 100m dash.

had a great day in the long jump pits, getting first and second respectively, while the track was lined with cheering locals when Tahnee Paradise, the only qualifier from tiny Lakeland State School, ran her 100m race.

Carradine Bally also won his 100m and 200m sprint and came fourth in long jump, while Jessica Crowe came first in long jump and the 100m and Codi Gibson was second in discus.

The young athletes displayed great sportsmanship, with lots of handshakes at the finish line and tips exchanged between competitors and are eagerly awaiting word on whether they qualify for the Peninsula athletics trials later in the month.

Captain’s team prevails over President

THE annual Captain’s v President’s challenge was held at the Carpentaria Golf Club on the weekend and it was Garry Breitkreutz and his team who prevailed, winning both days over president Steve Abraham’s group. Players enjoyed a mixture of formats over the two rounds in what was mostly a social event.

Grace Raleigh and Isla Winton

Endeavour CC’s Jessie Crowe in the shotput. Lakeland’s Tahnee Paradise in the 100m sprint. Endeavour Christian College athletes take a break in between competing.

Carlos Hocking ahead of his discus attempt.

Cooktown State School’s Max Giese in the 100m.

Cooktown State School boys were cheering on their fellow students in between competing.

Matilda Montgomery in the high jump. Joe Reid gives it his all.

Garry Breitkreutz and Steve Abraham.

Garry’s group of winners on Sunday.

The Captain’s team and President’s line-up on the first tee prior to Saturday’s round. They competed in mixed formats over two days for the trophy.

Win on debut the perfect 21st gift for Weipa junior

By MATT NICHOLLS

SEAMUS King-Smith was due for a bit of good fortune.

Crippled by injuries over the last four years, the rising rugby league star has barely been on the paddock.

If you asked him a couple of years ago where he’d like to be on his 21st birthday, the answer might have been: on an NRL list.

But that dream is far from dead and buried after the Weipa junior was able to step out onto the field for the Northern Pride on Saturday, starting at fullback in his Hostplus Cup debut.

It was a day after he turned 21 and the 34-24 win turned out to be the perfect birthday present.

“It was a great week, really. To get that win was probably the icing on the cake,” King-Smith said on Monday.

“I found out I was playing on Wednesday, I think, and the boys were quick to get around me which was great.”

A talented rugby union player at Ipswich Grammar School, the Cape York product was picked up by the Melbourne Storm at the end of 2021 as part of the club’s First Nations Pathway Program.

But King-Smith’s bad luck with injury – two shoulder reconstructions in two years while at high school – continued in Victoria.

“I had a bulging disc in my back and I couldn’t get it right,” he said.

“I spent most of my time in there in rehab.”

There’s no doubt it was tough on King-Smith, who was trying to fit in with the group while on the sidelines.

“Melbourne were really good to me and I had my family to

SPORT IN BRIEF

Billfish club shines

support me. Sometimes you can feel a bit lonely but you can’t let it get to you.”

Late last year, he made the decision to sign with the Pride, joining his brother Denzel King in the squad that’s administered by his dad, Garreth Smith, the club’s CEO.

A strong pre-season had him tracking for a debut in round one until he tweaked his back again in a trial match.

He saw a specialist and ended up going under the knife to fix the problem – not a common op eration for someone his age.

Again, he put the work in to get back on the park and was able to play in the Pride’s Colts team a week before the club flew to Weipa for its Country Round game.

While accepting the decision of coach Ty Williams, the young gun admitted he was desper ate to play in front of his home crowd at Andoom Oval.

“Of course I wanted to play. I mean how many chances will there be to play (at Weipa)? But that’s just rugby league.”

A bye following the game meant he celebrated his 21st with mates that weekend, so that footy wouldn’t get in the way.

One player’s misfortune gave King-Smith the opening to debut after Julian Christian found him self sidelined for three weeks through suspension.

Despite playing most of his rugby league in the halves, the coach was happy to throw him straight into the #1 jersey.

“I’ve played a bit of fullback in union but not much at all in league,” King-Smith said.

“I thought I got better as the game went on.

“Hopefully I’ve done enough to keep my spot.”

THE Weipa Billfish Club has once again performed outstandingly on the big stage, scooping a number of trophies at the Queensland Game Fishing Association awards night.

Teenager Tom Hockey was crowned both the champion male angler and champion senior angler. Clubmate and fellow youngster Emmi Roberts was named champion female angler.

The Weipa Billfish Club was also named the champion club for All Ports.

A reminder that the two biggest events for the club are on the horizon, with the Weipa Billfish Competition to be held from September 30 to October 2, while the Ladies Gamefish Day will be held on November 4.

Close finish in Wackers

ROSS Craven was last week’s Wednesday Wackers winner, beating Jim Hunter by half a stroke once the handicapper had his say.

Both he and Jim Hunter had 43 off the stick, but Craven got the nod on nett.

It wasn’t all bad for Jim, though, he claimed the nearest to pin on the 18th.

None of the 14 players managed to find the green on the 15th.

Matt Byrne picked up the Bradman’s.

Meanwhile, six players turned out for Dawn Busters on Sunday morning.

Dominic Cockatoo-Lui was the winner, with Grant Crossley runner-up.

Rachel Dick picked up the Hoffman’s, while the longest drives went to Crossley and Dick.

Golden Gloves for boxers

RUBYN Olsen and Jack Barton are Golden Gloves champions after winning their bouts at the Sunstate Amateur Boxing League event in Cairns on the weekend.

A host of youngsters made the trip south and it was Olsen and Barton who prevailed to win the prestigious honour.

Proud coach Scott Wallace said both fighters had to come from behind to win their contests.

He said Olsen clearly lost his first round, won the second and it was “50/50” in the third and final.

“I nearly fell off the ring when they held up his hand,” Wallace said.

Seamus King-Smith in action at fullback for the Northern Pride on debut against the Tweed Heads Seagulls on Saturday.

Picture: BAILEY SANDS

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