Cape York Weekly Edition 147

Aurukun artist picks up

Keith’s big

By MATT NICHOLLS

LEGENDARY Cape York artist

Keith Wikmunea has cemented his legacy as one of the nation’s most prolific sculptors after he won the Telstra Art Award on Friday night.

The proud Thu’ Apalech man, who works out of the Wik and Kugu Aurukun Art Centre, wowed judges with his masterpiece called Ku’, Theewith & Kalampang: The White Cockatoo, Galah and the Wandering Dog

“The sculpture is my totem. The white cockatoo is my main totem, and the galah is my mother’s main totem,” Keith said.

“The colours on this tree are specific to my clan, the Thu’ Apalech people.

“In Wik-Mungkan, my first spoken language, we call this tree ‘yuk thanchal’.

“This tree is also known as milkwood in English and is the same tree that my ancestors have been using since the beginning of time to create their artefacts.”

Keith said it took two months to complete the towering sculpture.

“Chip away at it day by day. It takes a long time,” he said.

When asked what he would do with the $100,000 prize money for taking out the top billing at the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, Keith said: “I’m going to buy myself a boat.

“Winning this award has made me feel really good and my partner and my family are really proud of me. When I told my kids the news they were really happy and that made me feel good inside.”

Continued – Page 2

prize

Aurukun artist Keith Wikmunea was announced as the winner of the Telstra Art Award in Darwin on Friday night.

Award-winning artist full of praise for arts centre

From – Page 1

Keith said there was a lot of sentiment behind his art.

“These sculptural practices come from the beginning,” he said.

“The old people showed us how to collect the milkwood ... we mostly use this when we carve.

“The dog that I made has a songline. This story comes from the beginning of time.

“Our old people passed this knowledge to us and that’s what we still do today; we carve these stories.”

The sculptor praised the Wik and Kugu Arts Centre.

“The art centre is good for our community,” Keith said.

“We pass on our cultural knowledge to our children here, just like when I was young.”

Adam Worrall, the director of Museum and Art Galley of the Northern Territory praised Keith for his award-winning piece.

“He is truly a master carver and I am awed with the might of his work and its celebration of his culture as a Thu’ Apalech man from

the Cape York Peninsula,” Mr Worrall said.

“I extend my warmest congratulations to all the selected finalists and category winners.

“Over the past 40 years, Telstra NATSIAA has provided a snapshot of the magnificent artworks currently being created around the country. I am filled with immense pride and excitement for the remarkable journey that NATSIAA has undertaken.

“I express my deepest gratitude to the individuals and communities who have contributed to the awards and their success.”

AWARD WINNERS

Work on Paper Award

Brenda Croft

General Painting Award

Julie Nangala Robertson

Multimedia Award

Jimmy John Thaiday

Bark Painting Award

Owen Yalandja

Wandjuk Marika 3D Award

Anne Nginyangka Thompson

Emerging Artist Award

Dhalmula Burarrwaŋa

Aurukun artist Keith Wikmunea collects milkwood in his trailer so that he can turn it into sculptures at the Wik and Kugu Arts Centre.

Keith Wikmunea with his award-winning sculpture in Aurukun.

Vietnam veteran reflects on service after 50 years

By SARAH MARTIN

PETER Sanderson says that his local RSL sub-branch has given him a family after spending two decades in the army.

The Cooktown local shared his story ahead of the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War.

“We got a pretty cold reception when we came home,” he said of his return after duty.

“We felt alone and we weren’t recognised, everyone just sucked it up and got on with what we could do, but a lot of blokes couldn’t handle that – we lost too many along the way.”

Mr Sanderson was a corporal in the army and spent 13 months routing enemy soldiers with Three Platoon A Company in the Seventh Royal Australian Regiment, before doing a second tour in 1970 which ended after four months when he was injured by a rocket blast.

“I joined the army at 17 and flew into Vietnam in 1967 – it was my first active duty,” he told Cape York Weekly

“I was an infantry soldier and we did operations up to six weeks long looking for the enemy, living in a base camp of tents and walking and camping through the wet season when we were out on operations.

“In 1970 I went back in the training team, but got stuff through the legs when a rocket blew up near me and I got sent home. I don’t really have problems with that now, it’s more the problems in my head.”

He recalls sleeping naked back-to-back with his fellow soldiers to keep warm under a tarp strung between trees, and peeling wet socks off in the dark after a day’s marching to find his sodden skin pulled off along with the fabric.

“I have some very good friends and a lot of funny things happened, but we never talk about the nasty bits I suppose you’d call them – you have to

see the funny side to keep yourself sane,” he said.

“I did get counselling, but many years later, when I was discharged after 22 years, things started to come back to me pretty quick then.”

He encouraged other veterans, especially younger personnel from Afghanistan and Iraq, to join their local RSL subbranch.

“What you get at the subbranch is everybody happy, the jokes are flying, the beers are going down well and you wouldn’t know unless you were told what they’re actually doing,” he said.

“Not celebrating or anything like that, but a common interest and an understanding.

“There’s that mateship, it doesn’t matter if you’re in the navy, army or air force, there’s always someone there who will give you a hand – we all look after each other.”

Mr Sanderson and his wife Julie Oliver have been together for 38 years, meeting in the

army mess hall when he was a corporal and she was a warrant officer.

“I saw him in the distance with his blonde hair, and I said to myself that’s the bloke I’m going to spend the rest of my life with,” Ms Oliver said.

“We were both in uniform and I marched up to him and said I’m Warrant Officer Julie Oliver and that was it.”

Mr Sanderson said for him and his wife, who have lived in Cooktown for 21 years, joining the local sub-branch provided the family atmosphere he missed after two decades in the army.

“When you’re a soldier, you’re protected and it’s one big family, then you come out and the difference is just colossal,” he said.

“When you get into a group like the RSL sub-branch no matter what you did or what corp you belonged to, army, navy or air force, it doesn’t matter.

“You don’t have to talk about it because you know and you

know that those around you know. That’s when the funny yarns come out, someone will remember something and away it goes – it’s good.”

They are now stalwarts of Cooktown’s small sub-branch, with Ms Oliver serving as the president and Mr Sanderson as vice-president, but the retired soldier said it was time to hand over the baton.

“The Afghanistan and Iraq veterans are coming along and they will take our place,” he said.

“We like to think we took our father’s places, and they’re all gone and I’m 79 and I’m in the age group that went to Vietnam.

“We’re ready to hand over the baton and hopefully we can help them, they can learn from our mistakes and pass that on.”

 A commemorative service will be held at Anzac Park in Cooktown at 11am on Friday for Vietnam Veteran’s Day.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend.

Julie Oliver and her husband Peter Sanderson will this week pay tribute to fellow Vietnam veterans.

Department of Defence in strife over croc attack

THE Department of Defence has been charged over an incident in which two Army members were attacked by a crocodile on the east coast of Cape York in 2021.

The pair were swimming near Portland Roads, when they were attacked.

One of the soldiers suffered broken bones and other upper body injuries when he was mauled in the water. The second soldier had his arm ripped open when he tried to help.

The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions alleges

Defence failed in its duties under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011

In a statement, national work health and safety and workers’ compensation authority Comcare said the charge had been brought after an investigation by the regulator.

“The soldiers were transporting a landing craft from Darwin to Townsville for maintenance,” Comcare said.

“The Darwin-based Army members, a private and a corporal, were given permission to go

fishing in a Zodiac at Portland Road. After anchoring the boat, the men went swimming and were almost immediately attacked by a 2.5-metre saltwater crocodile.”

Comcare said the crocodile dragged one of the soldiers under water and mauled him. His colleague fought off the animal and the men were able to escape to the Zodiac.

It is alleged Defence failed to train workers and to provide and maintain a safe system of work, including implementing policies

Teenager caught in Laura

A LAURA P-plater will appear in the Cooktown Magistrates Court next month after he was allegedly caught drink driving and driving without a licence.

prohibiting workers from entering crocodile-inhabited waters unless there was an operational or safety reason.

It is also alleged that Defence failed to conduct risk assessments and failed to provide a detailed safety briefing about the risk of a crocodile attack.

The charge against Defence is a category 2 offence that carries a maximum penalty of a $1.5 million fine.

The matter is listed for mention in the Brisbane Magistrates Court in September.

FIFA rolls out red carpet for Aurukun girls

THE six Aurukun girls who were invited to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brisbane have returned home after a once-in-alifetime experience.

They were one of several Indigenous community groups across Australia who were flown out to watch the Nigeria versus England round of 16 contest.

Norma Armstrong-Ravula, who accom-

panied the girls on the trip, said they were “treated like VIPs”, from the welcoming committee at the airport to the lavish hotel and even the private corporate box with the Secretary General of FIFA.

For some of the girls, it was their first time travelling outside of Aurukun.

Norma said the girls were full of questions and that the magnitude of some of

their experiences and the people they met may have gone over the girls’ heads.

Jennifer Ngakyunkwokka, who had never left Aurukun before, said that the match was the best part of the trip.

For Harriet Pootchemunka, watching the game inspired her to continue being active in the PCYC’s indoor soccer program.

– story by Chisa Hasegawa

Police intercepted him in Laura around 7.30pm on Saturday, August 5.

It will be alleged he returned an alleged reading of 0.099 per cent BAC. He was later charged with low-range drink driving.

Meanwhile, a 39-year-old Napranum man is scheduled to appear in the Weipa Magistrates Court today, charged with drink driving.

He was intercepted by police on Kerr Point Drive in Nanum at 11am on July 30 and allegedly returned a reading of 0.152 per cent BAC.

The man was taken to the Weipa Police Station for further testing.

He was later charged with highrange drink driving and his licence was immediately disqualified.

The man was also charged with driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle.

Unlicensed driver nabbed

A WEIPA woman will face court today after she was caught driving without a licence.

Earlier this month, on Wednesday, August 2, Weipa police pulled over a 40-year-old local woman on John Evans Drive at about 10pm in relation to her manner of driving. It will be alleged that when spoken to, the woman denied having a driver’s licence.

Police will also allege that further investigations revealed the woman may have been involved in the stealing of a vehicle from a Manunda address in May.

The woman was charged with one count each of failing to appear in accordance with an undertaking, driving without a driver’s licence and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Bloomfield man charged

COOKTOWN police have charged a 40-yearold Bloomfield man following an incident in Cooktown on August 5.

It will be alleged the man has become involved in an altercation with another man on Charlotte Street and chased him up the road towards the police station.

Police said that when they spoke to the victim, the man was standing a short distance away holding a piece of timber above his head, threatening the victim.

The Bloomfield man is expected to appear in the Cooktown Magistrates Court on September 5, charged with committing a public nuisance.

Aurukun girls Chantelle Walmbeng, Shanika Upton, Jennifer Ngakyunkwokka, Norma Armstrong-Ravula, Helena Armstrong-Ravula, Harriet Pootchemunka, Roxanne Yunkaporta and Zhanna Kawangka wear Matildas gear outside Suncorp Stadium, where they watched England v Nigeria.

By SARAH MARTIN

MORE than 50 service providers gathered last week to brainstorm solutions and support for struggling children and families after a spike in property crime and car thefts in Cooktown.

There has been an ongoing crime wave since late 2022, with car jackings, jewellery heists and armed burglars threatening and even attacking people during the numerous incidents.

Cape York Weekly reported in November on the ongoing crime wave in Cooktown, which included four cars stolen, masked and armed intruders terrorising nurses in the Cooktown Hospital and multiple break-ins across town in a four-week period.

The crime wave continued in early 2023, with the Ampol service station broken into two nights in a row, windows smashed in parked cars, an attempted break in at another business, vandalism at Sherrin Esplanade and grog stolen from the Sovereign Resort Hotel after a late-night break-in.

Endeavour Lions Club member and local father Justin Coventry said the group wanted to find solutions before the problem escalated further, and met with Cook Shire mayor Peter Scott.

“We wanted Lions to be part of the solution, so we went to Peter Scott and it all snowballed from there,” Mr Coventry said of last week’s giant youth forum.

“The forum was awesome, everyone was so passionate to get something done and it was amazing just to see how many different services were there to be part of the solution, not just whinge about it –we’re looking to help.”

Cr Scott agreed, saying the turnout and enthusiasm shown by service providers was heartwarming.

“There was a lot of discussion and some great ideas, and what

we’re looking at is a working group to carry things forward,” he said.

“Communication was highlighted as a key opportunity – there are so many things going on, Lions Club, junior rangers, fishing club, we just need to get that support to the kids.

“I like to think that it’ll get to the stage where we can identify kids who are starting to go off the

rails and approach them individually to find out their issues and find out what we can do to support them and their family.”

Cr Scott also said data didn’t show there was an issue with youth crime in Cooktown.

“We’ve identified that the numbers are really low in Cooktown, it’s often just one bad egg leading others astray and if we can case manage those kids, we can have a

positive impact,” the mayor said.

The forum was held at the PCYC Events Centre and brought together government agencies, not for profit groups, service providers and community members from Hope Vale, Wujal Wujal and Cooktown.

The forum was facilitated by regional director of Far North Queensland Youth Justice Tracey Harding.

“It was inspiring to see such a large and diverse group of stakeholders there to discuss issues using logic and facts to work together to identify what we can do to support young people and families,” Ms Harding said.

“While the discussions during the day indicated that there’s not a youth crime wave in Cooktown, every community member has the right to feel safe and business people have the right to not have to continue repairing damage.

“The positive message that came out of the forum is that there are a whole bunch of people willing to work together to support young people and families and community and reduce what is happening so we have a safe and happy generation of kids.

“The way we approach it is to see what the underlying causes of the behaviour are and how to prevent that – bad behaviour doesn’t equal a bad person, it is sometimes the product of a whole range of very, very complicated circumstances.”

Cook Shire mayor Peter Scott, FNQ Youth Justice regional director Tracey Harding and Endeavour Lions Club president Jim Fay at last week’s youth crime forum in Cooktown.

Ready to lead in their community

By CHISA HASEGAWA

INDIGENOUS women from across North Queensland celebrated their success at the Indigenous Women’s Leadership & Development Program (Deadly Women) graduation ceremony on Friday.

The government-funded program travels to different communities and provides First Nations women with nationally recognised entry-level qualifications that will open more doors to future opportunities.

“It’s about building agency with the women and allowing them to actually develop their aspirations,” said program manager Sheridan Morris.

Among the graduates was Napranum woman Julie Mairu of the Taepithiggi clan.

She said that the program inspired her to consider starting a business in the tourism industry.

Before the program, Ms Mairu said she had never thought about tourism, but after hearing from mentors, she noticed the number of tourists that visited her hometown and walked away with a newfound goal.

Ms Morris said that though there were many similar programs to Deadly Women, they often didn’t have an entry-level focus.

“The program is strongly focused on giving First Nations women who haven’t had many opportunities to actually take the first steps,” she said.

After the 10-day intensive program, women walk away with a Certificate I in Business and a Certificate I in Tourism, which cover many of the basic skills needed to enter the workforce and even start their own business.

“It means they’re digitally competent, they are good in any business they go into now, they’ll know how to perform in an office and are work-ready,” Ms Morris said.

Some have already gone on to start their

own businesses, including Hammond Island graduate Georgina Dorante.

She initially participated in the program to advance her skills in supporting her husband’s business, but decided to start her own small food truck, ‘Kirr-rock’, after getting her qualifications in March.

“This program has really given me the understanding of business and a lot of confidence, especially in the technology side of things,” she said.

Following the success of the program, the Deadly Women team is hoping the federal government will continue its funding and enable more First Nations women to take the opportunity.

“When we go back home, we’ll encourage all the young ones and let them know what we did and how we feel. It was very good,” Ms Mairu said.

Powerful Tips

• one Weipa representative and

•

Indigenous women from across North Queensland celebrated their graduation in Cairns last Friday.

Napranum’s Julie Mairu was cheered on by fellow Deadly Women graduates last week.

to be held at 7pm Saturday, 9th September at the Kumrumja Centre

All past and present members can attend, presentation to follow

Free flu jabs available in Cape York health clinics

CAPE York residents are urged to take advantage of the free flu vaccination program that’s available in Queensland until the end of the month.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service public health medical officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said 761 laboratory-confirmed cases had been recorded so far this year across the region.

“We’ve also had 54 people hospitalised with flu to date across our region,” she said.

“Being vaccinated every year is the best way to protect your-

ENDEAVOUR LIONS CLUB COOKTOWN

We would like to inform the community of Cooktown and wider region that we now have new email accounts. Old email accounts will be phased out in the coming weeks.

President: president@endeavourlions.org.au

Secretary: secretary@endeavourlions.org.au

Treasurer: accounts@endeavourlions.org.au

Bookings for the Lions Hall on Amos Street can be made directly with Cook Shire Council Hall hire: mail@cook.qld.gov.au

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

F: Endeavour Lions Club Cooktown

I: @endeavour_lions_cooktown

Cape York Weekly

self and your family from the flu. With the seasonal flu vaccine now readily available, everyone should take the opportunity to be vaccinated.

“It’s a safe vaccine for children and is offered annually to everyone older than six months of age.”

Dr Hempenstall said the vaccine was free every year for people who were most at risk.

“However, this year, the state government has extended the free flu vaccination program to all Queenslanders from July 22 to August 31 at GPs and phar-

macies across the state,’’ DrHempenstall said.

“The free vaccines also are available through all primary health centres in the Torres Strait, Cape York, and Northern Peninsula Area, as well as the hospitals at Thursday Island, Bamaga, Weipa and Cooktown.

“I encourage everyone to take advantage of this free program.

“But as well as vaccination, good hygiene also is very important in preventing flu, just as it was during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The best way to prevent the

spread of flu is to wash your hands, cover your coughs, put tissues straight in the bin and stay away from other people if you or they are sick.”

Dr Hempenstall said the flu could be a serious illness, especially for high-risk people like young children, old people, pregnant women, and people with some illnesses – like breathing problems or diabetes.

“While healthy adults usually recover quite well, influenza infection can lead to other medical complications such as pneumonia,’’ she said.

Wellness Embodied’s third birthday

The Wellness Embodied team – Danielle Erskine, Chloe Beresford, Maigi Korbe, Nicolas Olguin, Ry Darcy, Jesse Booysen and Suzanne Rath – were celebrating their third year of providing physio, occupational therapy and wellness services to Cooktown on Friday.

Local artist Lauren Bowyer created this beautiful artwork, titled Healing Together, held by owner Suzanne Rath, for the Cooktown Wellness Embodied offices.

Mark and Lesley Hodgson, on a one-year cycling holiday from the UK, were thrilled to be able to get treatment for Lesley’s shoulder injury and celebrate Wellness Embodied’s third birthday.

Cook Shire Council colleagues Taase Taase and Shane Gibson were among the locals dropping in to celebrate with coffee and cake.

Wow factor will be crucial to success in photo comp

CAPE York photographer and competition judge Tess Buhmann has tipped a unique perspective on the everyday and “wow factor” as two things to focus on for entrants of the fifth annual Lakeland Photo Competition.

Ms Buhmann has judged the competition several times and said the entries inspired her.

“Every time I see someone doing something creative I get inspired again,” the Cooktownbased photographer of more than 25 years said.

“Every single year it gets bigger and better, the prizes are more amazing and it’s so well done.

“I’m looking forward to being part of it again.”

Ms Buhmann said when judging she was always looking for the fundamental elements of photography, such as composition and lighting, but the images also had to have appeal.

“If they have all the fundamentals, then I’m also looking at whether it’s unique or unusual or has that wow factor,” she said.

“I like to see something ordinary portrayed in a different or unique way.”

There are more than $3000 in prizes across five categories, with entries closing on August 22 ahead of the big award event on Saturday,

August 26 at the Lakeland Town Hall.

Organiser Sam Simmonds said this year the group had introduced the Snapchat Worthy category to appeal to teen snappers.

“We’ve introduced that to keep up with the times and try get a few more entries from teenagers,” the Lakeland local said.

“We have changed the prizes quite a bit and have photography charter flights as first prizes for all the categories – we had to change the budget to be able to manage it, but it’s worth it.”

Mr Simmonds, who was a teacher at Lakeland State School, has moved to nearby Laura and

said his primary students were excited to be part of the competition.

“We had a school trip recently out to the rock art sites and the kids have taken photos and they’re constantly asking if they can enter them in the photo competition,” he said.

“I know all the kids in my class hadn’t used an actual SLR camera, they were amazed with it and the way it worked and one of them wants to be a photographer now.

“It’s pretty good the photo competition has opened them up to something else and allowed that opportunity for them.”

More than 25 entries were already in, with hundreds more

LNP after a timeline for mums

THE LNP’s health spokesperson has called on the state government to provide a timeline on when maternity services will start or resume in two Cape York hospitals.

Ros Bates said regional mums were paying the price for the chaos and crisis within the government.

At last week’s Estimates Hearings in Brisbane, Ms Bates called on Health Minister Shannon Fentiman to provide more certainty for those living in places like Weipa or Cooktown.

expected before the judging and public display on August 26, Mr Simmonds said.

“It’s become quite a part of the community, the kids in Lakeland all talk about it all through the year and people look forward to it,” he said.

“We’ve got new prizes this year, they are bigger and better, so get snapping and get entering.”

Everyone is welcome to the photo competition judging and display at the Lakeland Town Hall.

There will be hot food, a bar, live music from Lakeland songstress Jazz Chapman and all the photo competition entries on display.

“For years regional mums have been strung along by Premier Palaszczuk and her conga line of health ministers,” she said.

“Shannon Fentiman had the chance to tell regional Queenslanders her plan to reopen maternity services but she flat-out refused.

“Weipa has been promised maternity services since 2019, and Cooktown has been shut for one and a half years.

“It’s clear the government doesn’t have a plan.”

The Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service said birthing was paused at Cooktown and the maternity ward at Weipa was yet to open due to staff shortages.

A new category has been introduced to this year’s Lakeland Photo Competition, which is to attract teens like Kane Jones, Tyrone Henson and Noah Paradise to take part.

New renal facility for Kowanyama

WORK will soon start on a renal dialysis facility in Kowanyama, which should reduce the amount of travel to Cairns for local patients.

The new $4.5 million unit will be built adjacent to the existing Kowanyama Primary Healthcare Centre and will include consultation and storage rooms and a stateof-the-art communications room, in addition to the four-chair renal dialysis unit.

“Work on the new unit will start later this month and construction is expected to be completed and the unit operational in early 2024,” said Dean Davidson, the acting CEO of Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service.

“We are developing a model of care that will allow haemodialysis services at Kowanyama to be delivered with the support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners with advanced training in kidney health.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Diatreme’s green light

DIATREME Resources’ proposed Northern Silica Project has been deemed a project of regional significance by the Queensland government, as the resource company moves through the approvals process for the sand mine.

Diatreme CEO Neil McIntyre said the announcement was an important regulatory boost for the project as the company moved through the environmental approval and permit process.

“We are delighted to receive this designation, which is an important regulatory vote of confidence in our Northern Silica Project and its economic and social significance for the region, particularly the local communities of Hope Vale and Cooktown,” Mr McIntyre said.

The project of regional significance designation would allow Diatreme to apply in future for water entitlements for the mine. If approved, the proposed $1 billion silica mine in the dunes near Hope Vale could produce five mega tonnes of silica annually for 25 years.

Get vaxxed: TCHHS

CAPE York parents and certain vulnerable people are being urged to take up the pneumococcal vaccine after rising cases of the pneumococcal disease emerge.

So far there have been six cases this year after the region recorded eight cases in 2022 and five in 2021.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service public health medical officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said anyone who wanted to protect themselves or their children against pneumococcal disease should talk to their vaccination provider or local primary health care centre about getting vaccinated.

She said the Australian Immunisation Handbook recommended pneumococcal vaccination for specific groups.

Two types of pneumococcal vaccine are provided free under the National Immunisation Program for different age groups and circumstances:

Dr Hempenstall said pneumococcal disease was caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (also known as the pneumococcus).

“These bacteria are commonly carried in the nose and throat without causing any health problems,” she said.

“They are easily spread by coughing or sneezing. Sometimes, when people get this bacterium, they go on to develop disease.

“There are several strains of the bacteria, some of which are more likely than others to cause disease.”

“The health service already has an advanced kidney health practitioner at Thursday Island unit and is training another for Bamaga.

“We are also developing a training pathway for other Indigenous health practitioners to build skills

to support all our health service’s remote dialysis services and other specialist services.”

The Kowanyama haemodialysis unit will be the fifth assisted dialysis unit in the Torres and Cape region, with units already estab-

lished at Thursday Island, Weipa, Cooktown, and Bamaga.

However, not all patients requiring dialysis are able to have their dialysis in one of these units.

“Due to the complexity of their conditions and the clinical requirement for them to have immediate access to highly specialised kidney services that are not available locally, there may always be some patients who will need to relocate permanently to Cairns, or another large centre, to access those services,” Mr Davidson said.

“But for those deemed clinically suitable, the availability of assisted dialysis services is a major improvement in their lives.”

A new building will be constructed at the Kowanyama Primary Healthcare Centre to acommodate a renal dialysis unit.

Pressure’s on protection athletes

By SARAH MARTIN

PASSION for the sport and respect for the rodeo committee keeps Joel Fabiani putting his body on the line to help riders and stock stay safe at the Weipa Rodeo – years after his planned retirement.

With just days to go until the 18th annual event, Joel is lining up for his 15th straight year as a protection athlete – colloquially known as a rodeo clown – in what is arguably a more dangerous position than the bullriders.

“I’ve retired for the last four years, but every year I seem to come back,” he said.

“It’s the adrenaline. You’re out there potentially saving people’s lives, protecting people and I just enjoy what I do.

“It’s also the rodeo committee and the people up in Weipa ... I’ll always keep doing it while my body allows it because they’ve looked after me for so many years.”

The 33-year-old used to follow the rodeo circuit as a protection athlete, looking after bullriders in more than 25 rodeos a year, but has now dropped back to just half a dozen of his favourite events, including Laura and Weipa.

“I need two knee replacements, shoulder reconstructions, I’ve got broken bones and bits and pieces and every bit of my body is pulled together with a bit of tape,” the contract musterer admitted.

“But you have to throw your

body on the line every time. You only have a split second to make that decision and if you hesitate that rider gets hurt.”

He said nerves were definitely part of the gig, but he didn’t get scared.

“There’s always nerves, but if you’re scared that’s when it’s time – you shouldn’t be in there anymore,” Joel said.

“That’s when you can’t do what you need to do and you can’t protect yourself or the riders.”

He said the appreciation showed by the rodeo committee and the

Sponsorships and Donations Program

riders and their friends and family was all the thanks he needed for the brutal role.

“At the end of the night there’s parents or riders or someone’s partner coming over and shaking your hand and saying thank you very much ... people you don’t even know showing their appreciation for what you’ve done for the night – that’s a big thing for us rodeo clowns,” Joel said.

CHARITY SUPPORT

ALTHOUGH Joel hasn’t backed down from 800kg bulls, he admitted his tough exterior had caused

problems when he split with the mother of his two children.

“That was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through, and the hardest part was everyone looked up to me; I was a big tough figure, and I felt like I couldn’t turn to anyone,” he said of what he calls the lowest point in his life.

He said that this year’s Weipa Rodeo partner charity, Talk About It Tuesday, which was started by two Cape York mothers who lost their sons to suicide and shines a light on mental health and suicide prevention, was a brilliant cause.

“I didn’t think I was going to come back from it, but I’m back doing what I’m doing, I own my own business and I’m happy every day,” Joel said.

“My motto is ‘it is what it is’, keep smiling and keep moving on and no matter how tough the situation is, just keep on keeping on.”

The Weipa Rodeo runs on Friday at the showgrounds adjacent to Andoom Oval, with gates opening at 3pm on Friday and 2pm on Saturday.

Tickets are available for sale at the gate.

Watch out! Joel Fabiani gets chased down by a bull at the Laura rodeo. Joel has been a protection athlete for 15 years. Pictures: PETER ROY PHOTOGRAPHY

Locals keen for new horse event

By SARAH MARTIN

ALTHOUGH she basically grew up in a saddle, Weipa’s Brooke Quartermaine is the first to admit she’s not much of a barrel racer. However, that’s not stopping her from competing at this weekend’s Weipa Rodeo.

Barrel racing is a new addition to the 18th annual rodeo, and Brooke said she was thrilled to have a more inclusive event.

“Even though I wouldn’t consider myself a barrel racer by any means, being able to compete so close to home, I’m going to go for it,” the campdraft regular said.

“In the past if I wanted to compete at Weipa I had to jump on a steer, so to have something more for the girls is just great.

“The rodeo is interactive for everyone, there’s the barrels now, whip cracking for kids who don’t want to jump on something; there really is something for everyone.”

A former secretary of the Weipa Rodeo committee, Brooke said she took her hat off to the current committee for the standard of the event, which brings thousands through the gates.

“It’s awesome, it’s just so professionally run and one of the best rodeos around,” the owner of Weipa Camp Ground said.

“Our rooms are all booked and camping is nearly booked; there’s a real buzz and people are very excited about it.

“It’s not just Cape York people either, we have travellers from Melbourne who are

changing their schedules so they can see the rodeo.”

It’s a family affair for Brooke, who grew up on Watson River Station and has attended almost every rodeo for the past 17 years.

“My kids are going to compete; my son (Cody) is in the poddy ride, junior barrels and whipcracking, and my daughter (Kayla) is in the barrels as well,” she said.

“For us our next closest event is Laura, so for us to be able to do something where the travel isn’t a seven-hour drive is nice.”

Brooke is also secretary of the Weipa Horseowners Club and said there were several club members signed up to compete now that barrels had been included on the rodeo program.

“That’s really cool for a town that’s considered a mining town, that we have such a huge interest in horsesports,” she said.

Although she was realistic about her chances of taking out top honours in the barrel race, Brooke said “you never know”.

“I’m more of a cow chaser, but at the end of the day you never know when you’re going to have your Bradbury moment and everyone else knocks over the barrels and you end up winning!”

In addition to the much-anticipated barrel races, there is a full complement of bull riding events, steer wrestling, the popular Cape of Origin competition, saddle bronc and bushman’s buckjump, bar, stalls and food and live entertainment by Danny Phegan.

Du y

While Brooke Quartermaine would rather be chasing cattle than skirting around barrels, she’s keen to take part in the newest event at the Weipa Rodeo this weekend. Picture: KARLENE SHEPHARD

Boomers raring to go, says Junior

By SAMUEL DAVIS

AT a high school gym in Cairns, the greatest collection of Australian basketball talent to don the green-and-gold burn through a blistering on-court session.

Collectively, the squad members assembled on Cairns State High School’s court have earned in excess of US $280 million during their professional careers.

Emerging NBA stars like Dyson Daniels and Josh Giddey battle Boomers veterans like Joe Ingles and Patty Mills as part of a 10-day camp ahead of this month’s FIBA World Cup.

Watching attentively is longtime team manager Junior Viranatuleo, the former Cape York truck driver who answered Mills’ call to join the Boomers breakthrough bronze medal campaign at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Since then, the softly-spoken Boomers stalwart has worked for the Utah Jazz, before joining Mills’ philanthropic foundation last year.

“This is the best team we’ve ever put on the floor,” Viranatuleo says.

“It’s physical the way these boys are going at it.

“They’re competing against each other for those World Cup spots. It’s unreal to watch.”

The Boomers success in Japan, ending a 65-year journey to claim a medal, is cherished and celebrated within the group.

But the quest to stand atop the dais at this month’s FIBA World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics means the group’s standards must lift again.

Together with Mills, Viranatuleo helped plan the team’s Queensland camp in a bid to bring back gold for the first time.

A proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man, Mills has helped dramatically re-shape the Boomers culture since joining the national team in 2007.

In 2016, the NBA champion led a team trip to Uluru prior to the Rio Olympics.

This time, celebrating the abundance of life and culture in Cape York, the Torres Strait and Cairns was identified as a priority.

To start, the squad gathered to

enjoy a Kup Murri, a traditional First Nations feast wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked over hot stones in an earth oven.

Artwork from Daniel O’Shane, whose vinyl carving tapestries reflect his Erub Island roots, is splashed across the team bus and player apparel.

“We’re a national team, we have pride in being able to represent our country and being here has been special for us,” Mills says.

“(This is where) that bond, that camaraderie, that brotherhood and what it means to be a Boomer comes to fruition.”

Choosing the right training venue was important, too.

Viranatuleo personally inspected Cairns State High School’s facilities before giving it the nod.

“We’ve never been in a camp where we’ve had access to three courts, side-by-side, locker rooms, a full storage room five minutes from the team hotel,” he said.

“It’s the best facility we’ve had at camp.

A tireless worker, Viranatuleo meticulously prepares every train-

ing down to the soles on each players’ feet for every session.

“We carry all the players’ sneakers for games,” he says.

“They’ve been doing it for a long time in the NBA. We have these shoe bags with 18 slots. Bag one is your game shoe you play in, then we have a back-up bag and a third bag, just in case.

“Almost all our guys play in the NBA now, so it just made sense.

“Now, the players come off the bus in casual gear, finish training, pop their uniforms in the laundry bag before they leave and hop back on the bus.”

The long hours, plus time away from home and family, make the work challenging – but it’s the players that keep Viranatuleo coming back.

“Working in the NBA was an unreal experience for me but nothing beats the feeling of being in a Boomers camp,” he says.

“This camp means a lot to us because this is our backyard and I really want the team to come back here.

“It’s just a special group.”

Skipper’s pick keeps Aussies in harmony

PATTY Mills’ all-Aussie playlist is still powering the Boomers’ ‘gold vibes only’ mantra ahead of the FIBA World Cup.

Prior to the squad’s 10-day camp in Cairns, rookie Dyson Daniels expressed a desire to become the team’s unofficial DJ.

And when the New Orleans Pelicans guard exited the team bus with a portable speaker ahead of training last week, some wondered if Mills had passed on the responsibility.

But team staff have confirmed the Aussie anthems that fuelled the national team’s bronze medal run at the Tokyo Olympics remain on high rotation.

“Carrying the speaker doesn’t mean you have control of the aux cord, or the bluetooth,” team photographer Matthew Adekponya says laughing.

“If anything, you could say

Patty’s doubled down. Things get added but there’s only one guy in charge of the music.

“It’s basically all the pub classics ... kind of like a Sunday sesh at your local hotel and it’s 2pm.”

In addition to belters from AC/DC, Cold Chisel, Men at Work and Dire Straits, more contemporary Aussie gems have been added.

“Everyone had to add their top three Australian tracks and send them through to Patty first,” Junior Viranatuleo says.

The name of Mills’ patriotic playlist remains unknown.

“It’s very tight-lipped and not publicly accessible. It’s just for the camp,” Adekponya says.

Mills has also been known to pepper his team playlists with First Nations artists including Yothu Yindi in the past.

Boomers team manager Junior Viranatuleo is still proud to call Cooktown home and was eager to bring the men’s national basketball team to Far North Queensland ahead of the upcoming FIBA World Cup. Picture: Samuel Davis

Patty Mills is a proud Torres Strait Islander and has instilled a ‘gold vibes only’ mantra in the squad. Picture: Matthew Adekponya.

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

DAILY CONVENTIONAL CROSSWORD 15 X 15

Quick Workout

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

Crossword

Queensland Employment Opportunities

Looking for a career that makes a difference in people’s lives? Join our QLD Team!

We have opportunities for highly motivated candidates to join the QLD National Delivery team.

• APS 5 Remote Planners

• Ongoing / Non-Ongoing Positions

• Cairns, Townsville, Mt Isa, Longreach, Weipa, Thursday Island, Cooktown

NDIA provides a socially inclusive and culturally diverse workplace that is making a meaningful impact to the lives of more than 500,000 Australians.

The Planner role will undertake planning activities and tasks related to the participant journey. You will have a significant level of contact with our internal and external stakeholders.

If this sounds like your ideal role, we encourage you to submit an application by 11.30pm (AEST) 24 August 2023.

For further information on the role and to apply please visit National Disability Insurance Agency – Jobs List (nga.net.au)

National Disability Insurance Agency welcomes and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse culture and linguistic backgrounds and people with disability.

TRUCK DRIVER/ LABOURER

FULL-TIME. COOKTOWN.

Are you an experienced and reliable truck driver looking for a new opportunity? Do you have the below qualities and qualifications? Then we're looking for you!

Heavy Combination (HC) Driver’s Licence

Construction White Card

Experience in civil construction and maintenance operations

Mechanical knowledge

High standard of work

A proactive attitude towards work health and safety

We are seeking a qualified Plumber to join our busy Building and Facilities team. The successful candidate will enjoy:

9 day fortnight

5 weeks annual leave

3 weeks personal leave

Work as part of a friendly and supportive team

Salary $82,986 per annum plus allowances

APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ONCE THE POSITION IS FILLED

APPLY ONLINE AT

4082 0500 mail@cook.qld.gov.au www.cook.qld.gov.au

Cook Shire Council is seeking a reliable and proactive Cleaner on a full time basis.

Previous cleaning experience highly regarded

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)

APPLICATIONS WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL THE POSITION IS FILLED

APPLY ONLINE AT

4082 0500 mail@cook.qld.gov.au www.cook.qld.gov.au

Cooktown embraces soccer fever

By SARAH MARTIN

AS Australia watches the Matildas rising through the FIFA Women’s World Cup, a love of the world game has led two coaches to start up Cooktown’s newest sporting group, the Reefs Cooktown Football Club, with a sign-on day this week.

John and Jen Jenyns had been dreaming of starting a soccer club for several years, and recently decided the time was right.

Fellow local mum Cherie Maher, who has 20 years’ junior soccer coaching under her belt, had also been hoping to start a club and put a post asking for expressions of interest on Facebook just when the Jenyns family were also wanting to kick off their soccer group.

“I was studying before and couldn’t do it, but now I’ve finished and was keen to get it started and Cherie happened to put the post up on Facebook at the same time we were thinking about it,” Ms Jenyns explained.

“It was just a random coincidence, and our son Benji, he’s mad about soccer, he loves it, which is our primary reason for doing this and now we’re all available and it just gelled and worked.”

The dynamic group quickly got to work, signing up with Football Queensland and registering the

Reefs Cooktown Football Club, with a sign-on day planned for this Wednesday from 3.30pm at Endeavour Christian College.

“Right now we’ve got two age groups – under-6 to 10 years and under-11 to 16 years – but we’re hoping to grow pretty quickly and as more coaches come on board, we’ll be able to expand,” Ms Jenyns said.

“We’re hoping to play indoors

for the winter and outdoors for the summer.

“For the moment we’ll be doing skills and drills and children will have the opportunity to earn a ball licence and then they can play.”

Mr Jenyns said soccer was a great inclusive sport that anyone could play and practice with minimal experience or equipment.

“You can come in cold turkey and just grab a ball and go kick it

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

Applications close at midnight on Thursday, August 31 2023

For further information or to request a copy of the Position

Description please contact 07 4069 5412 or jelliott@gungarde.com.au

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

at that goal and anyone can join in, but then there’s so much between beginner and professional in honing your skills ... so much opportunity to improve and get better and better, but anyone can start,” he said.

Mr Jenyns has a sport coaching and teaching background and has been playing soccer and futsal his whole life.

“Heaps of people have said

they’re coming along and there are lots of people in town like us who have been keen for a while,” he said.

The free 6 to 10 years sign-on is Wednesday from 3.30pm at Endeavour Christian College. The sign-on for 11 to 16 years players is from 4.30pm. For more information, visit the Reefs Cooktown Football Club on Facebook.

NORTHERN PENINSULA AREA REGIONAL COUNCIL EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) is seeking Expressions of Interest from any interested businesses, organisations or individuals who are interested in leasing or licensing Lot 40 on SP 273359, located at Tradesman Way, Seisia, for commercial and/or industrial purposes.

For more information on the Expression of Interest including to obtain a copy of the relevant forms or arrange an inspection, interested parties should contact Kate Gallaway on 0437 030 980 or ceo@nparc.qld.gov.au

Expressions of Interest must be made in writing, in the approved form, by 8 September 2023. Expressions of interest may be emailed to ceo@nparc.qld.gov.au, posted to PO Box 200, Bamaga Qld 4876 or hand-delivered to 180 Adidi Street, Bamaga Qld 4876. Expressions of interest received after the time specified above may not be considered. Council may decide to accept an Expression of Interest most advantageous to Council, or may decide to accept no Expression of Interest.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

NORTHERN PENINSULA AREA REGIONAL COUNCIL

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION LOCATED AT MAPOON

Telstra plans to upgrade an existing telecommunications facility located at 1 Weipa Road, Mapoon QLD 4874 (Lot 26 on SP278077) www.rfnsa.com.au/4874006

1. Telstra Limited (A.C.N 051 775 556) are currently upgrading existing mobile network facilities to allow for the introduction of 5G to Telstra’s network. As part of this network upgrade, Telstra proposes the installation of NR850 (5G) and LTE700 (4G) technologies at Mapoon locality and surrounds.

2. The upgrade comprises of the removal of seven (7) existing panel antennas and one (1) existing parabolic antenna and the installation of six (6) new panel antennas (each no more than 2.8m long) and one (1) new parabolic antenna (no more than 1.2m in diameter). The proposal also includes the removal and installation of associated ancillary equipment. All internal equipment will be housed within the existing equipment shelter located at the base of the facility.

3. Telstra regards the proposed installation as a Low-Impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the above description.

4. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or written submissions should be directed to Meg Wilson, Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd (A.B.N 54 005 139 873) via email to: Meg.Wilson@aurecongroup.com or via post to: Meg Wilson, Aurecon Australasia, 25 Grenfell Street, Adelaide SA 5000 by 5pm on 30/08/2023.

The Jenyns family – Jen, Benji and John – are part of a new soccer club starting in Cooktown this week.

Skipper rapt with Classic victory

By MATT NICHOLLS

NEEDING just a draw to claim the overall prize in the Weipa Bauxite Classic, skipper Troy Somerville admitted there were some nervy moments for his side in their final round match on Sunday.

“We were down 13-4 and we managed to sort ourselves out and ended up winning 17-13,” he said of the Bowlers Barn foursome that featured two local bowlers.

Somerville made the trip from Maroochydore along with Hervey Bay’s Wayne Nairn.

They combined with Weipa’s Fraser Maguire and Mark “Osha” O’Shaughnessy to win the $10,000 prize for first place.

“This was my second year here but Osha has been bowling in the Weipa Classic for 24 years,” the skipper said.

“This is the first time he’s won it

and he only came into the team last week after one of our players had pulled out.”

The Bowlers Barn was formed through a long-time friendship of former Kiwis Maguire and Nairn, who were bowling together many decades ago on the other side of the Tasman.

“Wayne took Fraser under his wing over in New Zealand. He was a former national player. I think they have kept in touch and Fraser invited him to Weipa for this event,” Somerville said.

“I was the best man at Wayne’s wedding 27 years ago.”

Bowlers Barn was the only side to go through the Bauxite Classic undefeated.

“We knew that we only had to draw to win, but we didn’t get off to the best start,” Somerville said.

“I thought we rallied well and made a couple of threes and one

four. With one end to go, we were up by three so we were able to play pretty safe.”

The visiting skipper praised the hospitality of the Weipa Bowls Club and the lucrative prizemoney on offer.

The only downside was that the foursome was unable to buy themselves in the Calcutta, which landed the winners $18,500.

“The positive is we haven’t had to buy a drink all night,” the skip said on Sunday evening.

BAUXITE CLASSIC TOP 10

1. Bowlers Barn (Troy Somerville)

2. Beaver Whisperers (Trent Healey)

3. Kegs on Legs (Matt Norie)

4. Hookers (Robert Hammond)

5. Mud Crabs (Russell Hubbard)

6. The Mongrels (Kevin Deegan)

7. Lick My Bowls (Ben Moore)

8. Kitty Lickers (Darren Turner)

9. Kickarse Crew (Ronny Plunkett)

10. 3 C (Craig Campbell)

Weipa Bauxite Classic champions Bowlers Barn – lead Mark O’Shaughnessy, second Fraser Maguire, third Wayne Nairn and skipper Troy Somerville.

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 Conveyor 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

Matildas win ends in joy after two hours of agony

By MATT NICHOLLS

ELON Musk, you better not let me down on Wednesday night.

I’ll be in remote Cape York, camping somewhere near Chilli Beach on the east coast and I am relying on my Starlink service to watch the Matildas semi-final.

I might have to make a dash to Lockhart River and take over mayor Wayne Butcher’s lounge room if you let me down, Elon.

Having said that, I’m sure that most TVs in Cape York will be tuned into the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final between Australia and England.

It will be a moment that rivals Cathy Freeman’s gold medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

But if we win? Not sure that anything will beat it.

I was lucky enough to be at Saturday night’s quarter-final in Brisbane. And lucky is probably the best way to put it.

My soon-to-be mother-in-law gifted my partner Emily and me tickets for Christmas this year.

It was the only final played in Queensland and it just worked out that the Matildas made it.

I remember grabbing my phone on Christmas morning to look up the FIFA website and do the maths.

“If we finish on top of our group AND if we make it to the quarter-finals then we’ll be able to get to see Australia play,” I remember saying at the time.

Needless to say, I was stressed when we lost to Nigeria in our second group game.

Not only were our hopes in the tournament fast eroding, but it severely dented the chances of finishing on top of the group.

Thankfully, Hayley Raso did her thing against Canada.

The Women’s World Cup has

Cortnee Vine celebrates victory with her team after scoring the winning penalty.

some fond memories for me (and hopefully Emily) as it was happening at the same time we met in Cairns four years ago.

Our first date was on June 13 and – if memory serves me well – just a few days later we were sitting side by side watching the Matildas play Jamaica at 5 o’clock in the morning.

Sam Kerr scored four goals in that game as Australia won 4-1.

Saturday night’s match was far more stressful.

In fact, I don’t think I enjoyed it at all until the very end.

The whole crowd was on the edge of their seats for the duration of the contest.

The French, to their credit, were worthy adversaries.

Neither side deserved to lose that quarter-final.

I had perfect seats to see our best in-play chance of taking the lead as Far North product Mary Fowler found herself with an open net in front of her.

Her strike was solid and on target, but was thwarted at the last moment by a plucky French defender who put her body on the line to stop it.

I can’t print what was said by me and thousands of others as we watched it get saved.

The penalty shootout, needless to say, was almost unbear-

able and hard to watch. Every attempt had the crowd holding its breath, then roaring or groaning, depending on the outcome.

It was pure euphoria when Cortnee Vine nailed the winner – the 21st penalty attempt of the night (one was re-taken after Mackenzie Arnold came off her line too early). As I won’t be there for the semi or the final, I don’t think the euphoria of the quarter-final will be matched for some time. However, the tension might be surpassed if Starlink drops out on me on Wednesday night. Mayor Butcher, make sure you’re ready, just in case!

“Eric brings a wealth of experience and an outstanding track record in rugby league coaching,” the Pride said in a statement.

“With more than 18 years of coaching at various levels, Eric has consistently demonstrated a passion for player development, tactical innovation, and shifting performance through a winning culture.

“He has a proven ability to identify and nurture talent, and he believes in the importance of empowering athletes to reach their full potential both on and off the field. We are confident that Eric will play a pivotal role in shaping the future success of the Northern Pride.”

Smith has previously been involved as a coach with the Sunshine Coast Falcons and Brisbane Tigers, as well as the Melbourne Storm and Newcastle Knights.

Jim an easy winner

A BIG field of 12 golfers turned out for Wednesday Wackers last week and it was Jim Taylor who prevailed.

He had 43 off the stick for a nett 33.5 to beat Ross Craven, who had the same gross score but a nett 36.

Jim Hunter picked up the nearest to pin on the 7th and no one hit the green on 9.

Bruce Brockhurst picked up the Bradman’s for bringing in the field.

Huge game for Cowboys

WITH their finals chances hanging on by a thread, the North Queensland Cowboys find themselves in a must-win match on Thursday night.

At home in Townsville, the ninth-placed Cowboys will take on the fifth-placed Cronulla Sharks.

While there are three rounds left in the NRL season, the Cowboys find themselves behind the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the resurgent Newcastle Knights, who have won six matches in a row.

North Queensland goes into the game against the Sharks on the back of a bye, having previously lost to the Broncos. Cronulla travel to Townsville full of confidence after smashing the Titans.

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

Channel

VHF 16 & 23

Picture: Getty Images

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

Semi-detached neat & tidy half duplex

• 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 do

• 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 You

• 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