Cape York Weekly Edition 150

Truck

want more money spent on the PDR

From – Page 1

There is less than 250km of dirt between Laura and Weipa, yet the quality of those sections is getting worse each year.

“Because more of it is sealed, more people are coming up here and that means more traffic on the dirt,” Mr Roy said.

“There just needs to be more money spent on maintaining those dirt sections.”

Mr Roy, 34, who helps run Rob Roy Earthmoving with his father, said the trucking industry copped it the worst when roads were in bad condition.

“You can probably drive at 100km/h on the corrugations in a brand new LandCruiser, but we have to go along at a crawl,” he said.

“It’s bad on the trucks – there is constant and ongoing costs to maintain them – and it takes a toll on the driver, too.

“Not just physically, but my mental health and mood is no good after driving along on these bad roads for long periods.”

Mr Roy said anyone doubting

the claims made by him or other truck drivers should experience it for themselves.

“If the Minister or any politician wants to fly up I’ll happily put them in the truck and take them for a drive,” he said.

“They won’t want to do it again.”

A number of complaints have been made to the Queensland Trucking Association about the poor state of the PDR.

North Queensland represent-

ative Frances Schaefer said she had been in contact with TMR about the road, but had been given no firm answers on maintenance budgets or schedules.

“While corrugations on the PDR are fairly normal for this time of year, the road is under more pressure due to the yearly increases in road traffic and shortened dry season because of the longer than usual wet,” she said.

“The roads are just not standing up and the maintenance is just not adequate.

“We’re hoping the councils in the Cape see it as a priority issue ahead of the next state election.

“It will take a lot of support and a lot of people and organisations with the same voice to get any spending north of the Toowoomba range with the pending Olympic Games.”

When speaking to Cape York Weekly last month, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said he would look into the budget for the maintenance of the PDR.

Truck drivers are forced to the edge of the road or even the table drains to find the smoothest possible part of the road when traversing the PDR.

More maintenance is needed on the dirt sections of the PDR.

Weipa businesses brace for electricity price hike

By MATT NICHOLLS

WEIPA residents and businesses will not be immune from the state’s electricity price increases after Rio Tinto said last week that it would enforce the rises.

Letters were sent out last week informing locals of the increases and that they would come into effect from August 1.

However, after receiving a flood of complaints, Rio Tinto issued corrected letters to electricity customers, informing them that the increases would not take place until October 1.

The price increase was not a mistake.

Small businesses will be slugged up to a 35 per cent increase on their usage, from 25.408 cents per kWh to 34.319 cents per kWh.

The daily service fee will also increase by 15.4 per cent from 123.14 cents per day to 142.18 cents per day.

For residential customers, the price goes up by 36.5 per cent, from 22.135 cents per kWh to 30.227 cents per kWh and a daily service fee increase of 21 per cent from 90.408 cents per day to 109.521 cents per day.

While Rio Tinto maintains

that it does not profit from providing the town’s electricity through diesel generation and in fact loses money on powering the town, it also subsidises the cost of electricity for all staff members.

It means that those hardest hit by the increase are non-Rio Tinto employees and businesses.

The Weipa Bowls Club spends about $20,000 per month on electricity.

Manager Tania Iti said a 35 per cent increase would cost the club $7000 extra per month, or $84,000 per year.

“That’s a big chunk of money that could be spent elsewhere,” she said.

In a statement, Rio Tinto said that the price increases were based on government advice.

“Electricity prices in Weipa will increase from October 1, in line with changes to the Queensland government’s gazetted rates for regional electricity pricing, which are used as the benchmark for local prices,” a spokesperson said.

“Tariffs for regional Queensland are regulated and determined by the Queensland Competition Authority and electricity prices are gazetted each year by the government on July 1.

“As Weipa township’s electricity provider, Rio Tinto adjusts electricity prices accordingly.

“Rio Tinto continues to operate the township’s electricity supply at a loss to keep Weipa power prices in line with the tariffs and reduce impact on the community.

“We recognise that power price increases add to cost-ofliving pressures already being experienced by residents and businesses.

“If residents are experiencing financial hardship or anticipate requiring assistance paying their bill, please call 1800 316 720.”

Why Rio Tinto should reduce increase

WHILE Rio Tinto has done everything by the book when increasing the electricity prices, one has to wonder if it crossed anyone’s mind to consider the impacts of not following the usual procedure.

It’s no secret that Australians are facing a cost-of-living crisis. It’s also well known that Rio Tinto is having trouble attracting and retaining employees in Weipa.

Which is why the mining giant could have either put the electricity price rise on pause, or at least reduced the increase.

Rio Tinto employees, who have largely subsidised power bills, will barely see the impacts of the rise in their household.

But they will be seen elsewhere.

For small businesses, the impacts will be

EDITOR’S VIEW

three-fold. Take the Albatross Bay Resort, one of the biggest businesses in Weipa, as an example.

Not only will it have to pay 35 per cent more for electricity, it will then have to try and find a way to recoup some of that from the customers.

The customers won’t appreciate spending more on a schooner or a schnitzel, so they’ll be inclined to stay at home more often.

The Alby then loses patronage, yet still has the same electricity bill to pay because

you can’t just turn off the air-con when there are fewer punters in the sports bar.

The disadvantage that Weipa residents have over their regional counterparts is that they don’t get access to the regular rebates issued by the state government.

In June this year, $550 was subtracted off the electricity bill of every household in the state. That number increased to $700 for vulnerable households.

That’s a big bonus for a lot of people.

Weipa people live in one of the hottest climates in the world and need to run air conditioning for large portions of the year.

Rio Tinto still has time to weigh up the pros and cons and consider the true cost of putting up these electricity prices.

The Weipa Bowls Club is facing an $84,000 annual increase in the cost of electricity after gazetted rates went up by 35 per cent.

Graduate nurse delighted to get a job close to home

By SARAH MARTIN

A LIFELONG dream has come true for Bloomfield’s Emma Smith as she returns to the region as a qualified nurse.

Ms Smith, an Aboriginal woman who grew up in Ayton and attended Bloomfield River and Rossville state schools before completing high school as a boarder at Saint Monica’s College, said coming home to work at the Cooktown Hospital was an amazing feeling.

“I’m so excited to be returning closer to Ayton and my family, who I know are really proud of me,” she said.

Working as a nurse had been her dream since childhood, with longtime family friend Virginia Nikora, who worked as a remote nurse throughout the Cape for many years, a big role model.

“I’ve wanted to be a nurse for pretty much as long as I can remember,” Ms Smith said.

“Just growing up in a rural and remote area and seeing how deadly the nurses like Virginia were really inspired me to pursue this career.”

The young nurse completed her degree through James Cook University and had an intense start to her working life as a student nurse at Townsville Hospital throughout the pandemic.

“It was definitely a shock, especially in the heat of COVID, but it was also so surreal working during a pandemic,” Ms Smith said.

“We had to wear scrubs, full PPE, cap, mask, face shield and protective gowns, gloves and shoe covers.

“It was extremely hot and uncomfortable, especially working outside in the Townsville heat in the drive through COVID testing centre during summer.”

Ms Smith worked both in the testing centre and in the COVID

Experts on AI to speak next week

CURIOUS locals will have a chance to learn more about what many are calling the defining technology of our generation –artificial intelligence or AI – at several presentations planned in Cooktown next week.

The Cooktown Chamber of Commerce and Tourism and Country Universities Centre Cape York have collaborated to bring experts from James Cook University for the three sessions.

Chamber secretary Will Peck said artificial intelligence had a myriad of uses for individuals and businesses of all sizes.

“It will affect everything and in many ways we might see AI being used more in a regional town than a larger city,” he said.

“The amount of work being done in AI and facial diagnostic work is really interesting, in the near future you might not need to fly down to Cairns for some things, you will be able to have things diagnosed from a screen here.

“From a business point of view, AI is already being used in agriculture to predict watering and planting times, in genetics and data analysis for crops and animals.

ward, and said it was daunting at first, but also rewarding.

“I enjoyed working as a COVID nurse immensely, it was hard and challenging at times, but I’m thankful for every minute of it,” she said.

“Never have I experienced so much gratitude from people who are unwell or struggling, just saying thank you for doing this.”

Ms Smith said she was proud looking back on her time as a student nurse and knowing she made a difference and did her part during the pandemic.

“It was just nice to be able to

help others during such a difficult time.”

Ms Smith was then accepted into the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service’s registered graduate nurse program and spent a year based on Thursday Island working in the dialysis and general wards.

Ms Smith said the graduate program had opened up a lot of doors for getting into rural and remote nursing.

“The graduate program really exposed me to all the different types of cases that come through the door every day, which wouldn’t

happen working in a single ward at a larger city hospital,” she said.

Ms Smith has now landed a fulltime position as a rural generalist nurse at Cooktown Hospital, starting this week.

TCHHS acting executive director of nursing and midwifery Sarah Worth said the health service was committed to growing its First Nations workforce.

“Emma performed exceptionally well in the program and we were thrilled to be able to offer her a position so close to her home community, who are no doubt very proud of her,” she said.

“I think that’s the message, be curious because like it or not, AI will affect all of us and for the most part for the better.”

There is a student and school leavers’ session at the Country Universities Centre at 3.15pm on Wednesday, September 13, followed by a presentation with refreshments at the PCYC from 5.15pm, and a business discovery session at the uni centre at 9.30am on September 14.

For more information or to book a spot, phone Mr Peck on 0450 308 995 or CUC’s Jenni James on 0499 202 249.

Emma Smith has returned to the Cape to pursue her dream career as a registered nurse.

support to mums

WHILE the birthing services are still on pause, an intensive recruitment process has resulted in the Cooktown Hospital’s midwifery team being fully staffed for the first time in three years.

The team provides antenatal and post-natal care to women and babies in Cooktown, Hope Vale, Wujal Wujal, Lakeland and Laura.

Cooktown-based director of nursing Vikki Jackson said the team comprised a clinical midwife consultant, three midwives and a women’s health nurse.

“We are thrilled to offer a full complement of midwifery staff to the local community for the first time since 2020,’’ she said.

“We now have an extremely balanced team who are very experienced in working in rural and remote locations.

“They are working very well together and are determined to ensure women and their families in our communities get the best care possible.”

A new maternal and child health nurse in the Cooktown team is part of the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service’s wider investment in maternal, child and family health.

A major expansion of the maternal, child and family health service, which was announced in

May, included six new clinicians –who are both midwives and child health nurses – and four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker positions. They will provide a comprehen-

sive visiting outreach service to communities across Cape York.

“We know that providing maternity services close to where women live significantly improves health and well-being outcomes

Award for Cooktown company

A COOKTOWN-based tourism company has been acknowledged for its unique experience and customer service.

Daintree Air was recently awarded a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award, placing them in the top 10 per cent of listed businesses.

Each year, Tripadvisor recognises businesses that consistently earn positive reviews, with the top 10 per cent listings receiving the Travellers’ Choice awards.

Daintree Air owner Greg Letondeur was thrilled with the recognition.

“It’s really good news that a company such as ours can go to Cooktown and then, seven years later, get an award like that. It’s pretty special,” he said.

“It’s a big deal.”

Daintree Air provides charter flights and joy flights around Cooktown and Cape York.

Being a small town that “doesn’t get a lot of exposure”, Mr Letondeur said the award was great for both the business and for Cooktown.

for both the mother and baby,” Ms Jackson said.

“This also allows culturally responsive care and ‘birthing on country’ to become an accessible service for First Nations women.’’

“Not that many people know about Cooktown and it doesn’t get a lot of free advertising from anywhere, so we’ll definitely be using this in any advertising we do,” he said

The Cooktown-based midwifery team is now fully staffed for the first time in three years and is eager to get to work.

New arrival to shore up Sea Swift

By MATT NICHOLLS

SEA Swift’s much-anticipated new vessel will be in service for the wet season, the CEO has confirmed.

Dwayne Freeman said Weipa residents could expect to see the Newcastle Bay II steam into the port in November.

“I can’t wait,” he said.

“It’s been a long while in the coming and it’s so close now.”

Mr Freeman said Sea Swift was waiting on a sail date for the new vessel to depart Indonesia so it could come to Cairns, but expect that to be in October.

“Our own crew will sail it across, so they’ll have a period of time on the vessel for that trip,” he said.

“We’ll have to do some trials and some dummy runs to make sure we’re commissioning in the equipment and all that, and then we’ll pick a live date and take it from there.

“Unless something goes wrong we’re aiming to have it in commission in Q4 this year.

“Realistically, we’re looking at sometime in November.”

The CEO, who took the job in July last year, admitted that he was frustrated by the delays, but said some where unavoidable.

“The vessel has been constructed by a third party vessel construction company but for the whole time our project team has been over there with it,” he told Cape York Weekly

“We’ve got various staff that go over there – masters, engineers and the crew are all over there right now preparing the vessel.

“So we’ve had a significant number of staff over there at various stages, and certainly the project team has been there since the start of construction.

“Through COVID we actually suspended the construction of the vessel for the reason that we couldn’t get our own project teams over there to manage and monitor the construction of the vessel.

“And, given the vessel had a layoff period where it wasn’t under construction ... as with all builds you have issues and we have had issues around pitting and some electrical stuff.

“Having said that, those issues are now under control and the vessel has passed its sea trials so now we’re waiting for the sail date to bring it over.

“We’re pretty confident that when it gets here, it’ll be it’ll be full speed ahead.”

The arrival of the Newcastle Bay could signal the death of the Trinity Bay, however.

Sea Swift’s workhorse and best performing vessel over the past two decades might be sold.

The Trinity Bay is currently anchored just outside the Cairns harbour, unable to be used as it waits an out-of-water survey, a requirement of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

The Sea Swift CEO and board are currently assessing their op-

tions. Do they keep the Trinity Bay and get the vessel surveyed and refitted, or do they sell her?

Mr Freeman said the pending arrival of the Newcastle Bay gave Sea Swift some breathing room.

“We’re lucky enough to have a large fleet and that gives us flexibility in what we can do, unlike some other companies,” he said.

“The Trinity Bay was always going to have to come out of the water at some stage anyway and we’re in the process of working through where that is and whether we re-fit her.

“We don’t need her right now as we’ve got other vessels that are doing the tasks that we’ve got.

“She would have gone out (for surveying) earlier, but with the with the Newcastle Bay pushing

back, we kept her in service longer to service our customers.

“That means there’s a short period of time where she’ll be not in revenue service and not getting a re-fit.

“A decision (on her future) is imminent and there are lots of decisions to be made in terms of what our fleet configuration looks like going forward.

“When they are not young vessels you have got to make a choice on whether we go and build a new vessel, acquire a new vessel, or refit an old vessel.

“Those decisions aren’t taken lightly and I’m sure myself and the board will come up with a decision in the next number of weeks.”

In the meantime, Sea Swift is now facing pressure on the reliability of its fleet, with very little wriggle room if a vessel were to break down.

However, the CEO is remaining relaxed about the situation.

“I’m a pretty cool and calm man; I’m not really sweating about it,” he said.

“One of those things you do to try and reduce cost to your customers is make sure you’re as efficient as possible, which means you don’t tend to hold a range of vessels in your fleet just hanging around.

“So you’ve always got these

transition risks. We’re pretty comfortable with the timeframes at the moment.”

Should the Trinity Bay be sold, it would mark the end of an era.

Originally a sand dredge in the late 1990s, Sea Swift took over the vessel in 2000 and converted it to a commercial cargo ship.

It’s been the mainstay of the company for two decades.

Mr Freeman said the addition of the Newcastle Bay would give customers more freight capacity and greater reliability.

“The vessel itself does have a greater capacity ... at the moment we operate a hybrid model of three vessels,” he said.

“Another benefit is speed. While the schedule might not change, we should see less delays for weather.

“If the vessel can, under all conditions, effectively get to the location in an easier way, you remove the variability out of the schedule, where at times with weather conditions, it’s difficult for the other vessels to maintain that schedule.

“So one of the big benefits here is meeting our customers’ requirements in terms of schedule compliance.

“It’s quite a large vessel so it’ll be striking when we see it for the first time.”

 Hear more from the CEO of Sea Swift in next week’s edition.

The future of the Trinity Bay is now up in the air with the arrival of the Newcastle Bay II, with Sea Swift in discussions to re-fit or sell the 25-year-old vessel.

The Newcastle Bay II should be operating in the Cape by November this year.

Lockhart River ready to embrace

By MATT NICHOLLS

LOCATED in one of the prettiest parts of Cape York, Lockhart River is one of the best-kept secrets in Queensland.

While thousands of tourists take to the Peninsula Developmental Road each year bound for Weipa, Bamaga, Seisia and – the pinnacle – the Tip of Cape York, just a small percentage make it over to the east coast.

And even if they do, it’s usually to Portland Roads, Chilli Beach and the famous Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park.

“We really only get tourists coming into Lockhart for fuel or the supermarket,” says long-time mayor Wayne Butcher.

“That can be a problem because they are not run by the community, which means we see very little of the tourism dollar. There’s the odd sale at the art centre.”

However, opening the doors to tourism is a catch-22 for Lockhart River residents, who are concerned that more visitors will mean less groceries on the shelves and fewer fish to catch.

“We’ve got to be respectful of the Traditional Owners and their needs,” Cr Butcher said.

“If the locals can’t go out and get a feed of fish then we’ll have a problem. The supermarkets already cop a hammering from the tourists at this time of year.”

Which is why Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council, under

the leadership of experienced CEO David Clarke, is trying to ease into the tourism space and create a sustainable industry for the township.

Work is just about complete on the camping ground, located just up the road from the main boat ramp and picturesque foreshore.

“It’s been built just to cater for tourists,” Cr Butcher said.

“The road into Lockhart River is getting better every year and the number of cars coming across to the east coast is growing, so it’s time for us to cater for them.

“There is a growing number of birdwatching tours and visitors

who come from all over the world to see what’s in our backyard.”

The mayor said tourists would benefit from a campground that will cater for tents, camper trailers and the ever-growing number of caravans in the Cape.

“We think it’ll have about 50 sites and we’ve got toilets and showers for them to use,” he said.

“The details are still being worked out but visitors will likely book online through the council website.

“Hopefully our Telstra service is a bit better by the time it’s up and running.”

The east coast of Cape York is one of Australia’s best kept secrets.

The Lockhart River camping ground will feature toilets and showers.

Lockhart River is preparing to host a boutique dance festival in November.

Lockhart River mayor Wayne Butcher says his community is ready to embrace tourism so that it can boost the town’s economy and provide local jobs.

Cape’s growing tourism industry

The mayor was referring to the poor phone signal experienced in Lockhart River – one of the last communities in Australia to still be reliant on the 3G network.

“Telstra has promised we’ll have 4G by October so I’ll be keeping an eye on it to make sure it’s done before the wet season,” Cr Butcher said.

“Not having a reliable telecommunication system is another reason we haven’t been able to open our doors to visitors.”

The council is also putting the finishing touches on its cultural precinct down by the foreshore.

Cr Butcher and his team hope to bring more festivals to Lockhart River, providing new experiences for the growing population.

“In November this year we are going to stage a dance festival at the precinct to officially open it,” he said.

“It will mark 50 years since the first dance festival was staged at Lockhart River. It was the start of the Cape York dancing festivals and it’s now ended up at Laura.”

In 1973, more than 100 dancers from eight communities flew into the famous Iron Range Airport for the event.

“I was only three years old so I can’t remember it. I know we had dancers come across from Groote Eylandt and we’ve invited them to come across this year for the anniversary,” Cr Butcher said.

“We’ve also asked the Saibai

dancers from Bamaga as well as the Pormpuraaw team, which won at Laura this year.

“It will be held on November 18 and that will be a good opening for the camp ground and for the cultural precinct.”

However, tourists hoping to book a site at the new campground should be patient.

“We’ll be up and running for next year’s tourist season but I don’t think we’ll be ready for the late-season travellers this year,” Cr Butcher said.

“Once we’re open properly we’ll let everyone know because we’re keen to welcome visitors to.

“We’ve got a lot of positive things happening. We recently opened the social club, which serves meals and alcohol, while our new football ground is in great condition.”

Visitors to Lockhart River can also enjoy the splash park and buy locally-produced art from the town’s art centre.

“Managing the people who come to fish will be a challenge be-

cause we don’t have the facilities at the boat ramp to handle them and we don’t want them to leave with a sour taste,” the mayor said.

“It’s something the council is

working on with our Traditional Owners to find the right balance.

“We’ve got a beautiful place to visit so we’re expecting (the camp ground) to be busy.”

The picturesque Lockhart River camp grounds will be officially opened next year.

People come from all over the world for birdwatching at Lockhart River and the surrounding rainforest, with the palm cockatoo in hot demand.

Mayor asks Australians to vote ‘Yes’

AURUKUN mayor Keri Tamwoy says a Voice to Parliament would give First Nations people around Australia a say in decisions affecting their health, education and living conditions.

“We have very educated and wise people within our Indigenous communities in Cape York who can bring grassroots knowledge and experience to inform the body that will report to parliament,” she said.

“When we do anything new there is always a feeling of uncertainty because we don’t know what this new thing looks like.

“We are supposed to be together as one nation. That means Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people need to be treated as equals.”

Last week, the referendum date was confirmed for October 14.

Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said that all Australian citizens aged 18 years and over were required by law to enrol and vote in the first referendum in nearly a quarter of a century.

“Any federal Referendum is a significant moment for the coun-

try, and for voters, with only 44 conducted in our nation’s history,” he said.

Cr Tamwoy said a yes vote was critical for Cape York residents.

“First Nations people are simply asking to be recognised in the Constitution and to be heard,” she said.

“We are asking for Australia to support its First Nations people by voting yes.

“When we have elite politicians sitting in parliament, especially Indigenous representatives, who are so against the Voice, I ask why?

“Is it because they feel they will be irrelevant when the grassroots people finally have a voice?

“I can guarantee that these elite Indigenous Members of Parliament have never set foot in remote communities in Cape York and the Torres Strait.

“They would have no idea what it is like to live in one of most disadvantaged communities in the country.

“A change in the Constitution to recognise our people through the Voice would guarantee First Nations people will be heard.”

Bowled over by shade funding

GRAND plans to build a roof over the Weipa Bowls Club greens have been put on the backburner, but bowlers will soon enjoy protection from the sun.

Work is underway at the club to install shade structures around the two greens.

The massive project, which will cost in excess of $600,000 has been co-funded by the club and the state government.

“We’re getting $370,000 through the Queensland government’s Active Clubs program and covering the rest ourselves,” said Weipa Bowls Club manager Tania Iti.

August 2023 Community Update

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

As we approach the coming wet season all the volunteers and event organisers of Weipa breathe a collective sigh of relief It has been a very busy time for community events and for a small community like ours of only 4,100 we certainly punch above our weight

Another highly successful Weipa Running Festival which also had an appearance from some of the American Defence personnel that were here for the Talisman Sabre exercise

And speaking of the Defence exercise, from conversations with some of the Officers they said they were very happy with the exercise, and they achieved the outcomes they were wanting

The Weipa Sub Branch of the RSL hosted some of the American Officers and Soldiers to a good ol Aussie BBQ which the Americans certain appreciated, they commented on what a friend place Weipa is and they hoped to come back on day

We also hosted Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, G Queensland and Professor Graeme N and the Governor’s husband While in met with many members of the commu as visiting the surrounding communities I just want to give a huge shout

I estimated the crowd to be in the hundreds and you wouldn’t want a better setting than Kumrumja Park with a beautiful sunset Our Members took the opportunity to use the markets to showcase WTA Projects for 2023 and some good conversations were had with members of the community

- Michael Rowland

SEWER RELINING PROJECT UPDATE

The Sewer Relining Project involves upgrading approximately 7 6km of Weipa's essential sewer network mains, using industry recognised process of rehabilitating and relining the existing asbestos cement pipes This will assist to alleviate concerns with ingress of groundwater into the sewerage system during the wet season The project is at 50% completion stage and is on track for completion in early October 2023

“We’re incredibly grateful for the funding and I know the bowlers are looking forward to having some shade.”

Ken Pappin, the bowls club’s project manager said the contract had been awarded to Goodline.

“It’s great to give the work to a local company which supports the town,” he said.

“The shade structures should be done by the end of October and the greens will be out of action while that happens.

“It gives our greenskeeper a chance to do some maintenance, so it’s a good result all-round.”

Pay in full by 25, September to receive your discount

Weipa Bowls Club project manager Ken Pappin, general manager Tania Iti and Goodline’s Matthew Bright.

COOKTOWN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE

CDCC invites all members of the public to come along to the CWA Hall in Cooktown to meet our team and hear all about our programs. Please join us for an entertaining afternoon including a cake competition, a light meal and refreshments.

When: Friday 15th September Time: Noon – 3:00PM

Where: CWA Charlotte Street opposite Marano’s

The Queensland Government has a vision for Neighbourhood Centres to “support and empower every person to connect, participate, contribute, and thrive” by offering a physical space that welcomes and empowers people to connect with each other, as well as access the services and supports they need to thrive.

The Cooktown District Community Centre (CDCC) is a funded Neighbourhood Centre delivering a range of community services from early years programs through to adolescence, family support and senior’s programs.

COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

AND GRANTS

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Lions Den ready to rally for Ingrid

By SARAH MARTIN

THE mother of brain tumour patient Ingrid Newman says it has been “unreal” to see the support and excitement building for this Saturday’s fundraiser auto show at the Lions Den Hotel.

Belle Newman said it had been so heartwarming for her and her family to see the whole Far North community rally behind them as the four-year-old’s two-year battle with cancer continues.

“It’s been unreal and heartwarming to know there are still such caring people around us,” she said.

“It’s one of the things we love about living in a small community.”

Ms Newman, husband Jaxon and children Ingrid, Hector, Ragnar and Silas, have been deeply impacted by Ingrid’s 2020 diagnosis and ongoing treatment, with financial stress now a constant in their lives.

But the community’s support had been incredible, Ms Newman said, and went a long way to taking some pressure off their finances.

“Last week Compound Automotive serviced my car for a donation, which was so generous of them as services are a lot of time and labour,” she said.

“I was hugely grateful as my car was in

need of a service which kept getting pushed back because we needed to keep money for other things for Ingrid.”

Local man Prong Trimble heard about the family’s plight, and with a love of vintage motorbikes and cars and a history of organising auto shows, immediately knew how he could help.

The inaugural Lions Den Automotive Show was the result, with motorbikes, cars and trucks from across the Far North already registered for the event, and more expected this week.

The show, to be held this Saturday at the Lions Den Hotel south of Cooktown, kicks off at 1pm, and also includes live music, trade displays, an auction and car boot sale.

Entry for vehicles is free, and entry for spectators is $5, with trades and stallholders welcome to apply for a space.

Ms Newman said Ingrid was getting excited for the event, with dozens of vehicles and more than 1000 people expected through the doors.

“She is excited, she loves trucks, cars and bikes,” her mum said.

“I didn’t expect a response like this at all, you’d never get this in the city.”

For more information, contact Ms Newman on 0497 345 790 or Mr Trimble on 0457 098 582.

Powerful Tips

Cooktown Kindergarten director Nardia Whitman and handyman Prong Trimble with Ingrid Newman.

Men’s shed a safe haven in

MORE than five years of tireless lobbying has paid off for the town of Coen after a men’s shed was finally opened last week.

Coen Regional Aboriginal Corporation chair Dion Creek said the community had been pushing for a men’s shed to counter the high rate of suicides devastating the tightknit community.

“Last year we had something like four suicides in 12 months,” Mr Creek said.

“Over the last decade we’ve had about seven suicides.

“The community has a long history of mental health and

suicide with little to no response.”

Mr Creek said Coen’s men finally had a safe place to call their own, and support when they needed it most.

“The men’s shed is open everyday, and we also now have full time counsellors working in the community,” he said.

“When men are having issues at 2am, there’s a number they can call and a door they can knock on, where in the past there wasn’t.”

Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick, who is Ministerial Champion for the town,

NEWS IN BRIEF

New houses for Coen

THE state government will build six new houses in Coen, Ministerial Champion and Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick announced during a visit to the community last week.

Community consultation will continue around the location and construction of the planned six two-bedroom homes, with a date for construction yet to be announced.

The homes will be delivered under the government’s QuickStarts Qld program and are part of broader works occurring in Coen in cooperation with key stakeholders, including Cook Shire Council.

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said her department had been investigating options for suitable housing to address the needs of the Coen community.

“(My department) will continue to work with the community and will engage with (Cook Shire) Council as these projects progress,” Ms Scanlon said.

Nominate for Wujal rodeo

IT’S time to dust off your hat and polish your boots, with nominations about to open for the much-anticipated return of the Wujal Wujal Rodeo on September 23.

Once a regular event in the small town, there hasn’t been a rodeo since before COVID, but Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council has teamed up with the Central Rodeo Cowboys Association to bring back the popular bullride.

The event will include a $2000 open bullride, $1000 rookie bullride, $800 junior bull and $200 poddy ride, as well as food, stalls, kids activities and live music.

Nominations open from September 13 to 15, with late nominations accepted up until September 18.

To nominate, phone Central Rodeo Cowboys Association on 0448 767 760.

Free service available

THE state government has launched an ongoing campaign to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to access free Family Wellbeing Services.

Family Wellbeing Services help Indigenous parents to manage the everyday issues of raising a family, like sending kids to school, budgeting to make ends meet and learning how to prepare affordable and healthy meals.

Parents can also speak with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Services about complex issues like domestic and family violence, gambling and alcohol misuse.

For more information visit www. familywellbeingqld.org.au

said the Men’s Shed would contribute to a strong and connected community in Coen.

“I announced initial funding for a business case towards this Men’s Shed back in 2019,” he said.

“This centre will provide a culturally safe place to deal with men’s business, a place for men to connect and to access support services.

“And what makes the centre great is that the initiative has been driven by then men from Coen, for the men in Coen.”

Mr Creek said the centre was open and operational,

with only a few finishing touches to be completed.

“It will be used as a bit of a leisure centre, we’ve got a dart board, TV and barbecue, but also we’ll run open and closed sessions on alcohol and drug counselling and training there,” he said.

“We are also getting a two bedroom donga with temporary accommodation set up, so men can have a place to come and sleep on it and get support.

“For the first time in our community, there’s a safe place for men that they can call their own.”

The ribbon is cut to officially open the Coen men’s shed.

FNQ councils working together to reduce landfill

AN eight-step action plan to reduce household waste going to landfill and improve resource recovery has been mooted by Cook, Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal councils.

The councils, members of the 11-strong FNQ Regional Organisation of Councils, released a Regional Resource Recovery Plan last week which will help the local governments better manage waste.

Cook Shire mayor Peter Scott said it was time for the region to step up.

“The real need is for more focus, commitment and incentive at the household level,” Cr Scott said.

“With targeted state and federal funding support, local government is well placed to implement and assist our ratepayers and visitors in becoming personally responsible for environmental health and welfare.”

The plan outlines immediate through to long-term actions for Councils to reduce waste going to landfill, as well as improve resource

recovery and economic development.

Among the key actions identified in the plan is better education, better services for rural and remote communities, new transfer stations and closure of existing landfills, better kerbside collection and developing a centralized resource recovery precinct.

FNQROC chair and Douglas Shire Council mayor Michael Kerr said the region faced a unique set of challenges in delivering cost

effective and sustainable waste services.

“All councils in the region wrestle with issues such as access to secondary markets and transport costs and the increasing costs and difficulties in developing new waste infrastructure,” Cr Kerr said.

“The new plan will help provide clear direction for our Councils, and we can help ensure the best ‘bang for the buck’ investment in critical waste infrastructure and programs.”

Volunteers required for big clean

By CHISA HASEGAWA

THE Cooktown community will come together again this Saturday to reduce rubbish and keep North Shore beach clean.

South Cape York Catchments and Tangaroa Blue have worked together annually to organise a volunteer-run clean up at the beach and track the origins of the rubbish that is collected.

The North Shore beach is a hot spot for rubbish, with an average of 1.5 tonnes to 3 tonnes of debris collected every year.

“It’s a huge amount of rubbish,” said South Cape York Catchments manager Jason Carroll.

The collected debris is then sorted and analysed to track it back

to its source. Mr Carroll said this could be particular items such as plastic water bottles, or come from

industry practices such as packaging or fishing gear dumping.

“It’s quite common that certain

kinds of rubbish will come out of this clean up and (Tangaroa Blue) will talk to an industry and something is actually done about it,” he said.

“There has been some amazing stories of rubbish that no longer appears on our beaches anymore because of us this process.”

He said that data collection was an integral part of the clean up in reducing waste long-term.

“It’s very important to do that, otherwise we’ll just be picking up the rubbish on the beach forever.”

Due to tides and ocean system flows, around half of the rubbish found on North Shore beach comes from countries to Australia’s north.

“The further north you go, the more international and the further

south you go, the more Australian rubbish there is,” he said.

The clean up is also important in making a “community statement” against waste and inspiring changes at the local level.

“We’re just one tiny town and there’s a massive plastic pollution problem,” Mr Carroll said.

“We’re doing our bit for our local area and making a statement.

“It’s really nice coming together. It’ll be social and fun.”

SCYC is calling for any volunteers who are passionate about reducing waste in the oceans.

The morning starts at 7am and ends with a barbecue back in Cooktown.

To get involved, register at www.scyc.com.au/volunteer

The Cooktown community comes together every year to reduce plastic pollution at North Shore beach.

Boats are used to transport the rubbish so it can be sorted and documented.

Cook Shire Council has adopted a Regional Resource Recovery Plan to guide waste management across the shire.

Art prize to showcase local faces

By SARAH MARTIN

MUMS, dads and local “celebrities” will be immortalised in the inaugural Cooktown Archies portrait awards, as artists vie for the yet-to-be disclosed prizemoney.

While Cooktown School of Art Society president Jane Dennis was keeping that information close, she did reveal that interest had already been strong for the competition, a local version of the famed Archibald Prize portrait award.

“We’ve had lots of interest and excitement already, and people are talking about it, which is great,” Ms Dennis said.

The Art Society has been running regular portrait workshops throughout the year, and would also be running two kids sessions in the lead-up to the Archies.

“We will put on pop-up workshops for kids on September 10 and 17, with all materials supplied,” Ms Dennis said.

“Children aged between 10 and

18 can bring a relative or someone famous in their family to be their own model.”

Ms Dennis said the awards tied in with the celebrations of 150

years of Cooktown, which occur in October.

“This award is based on the acknowledgement of Cooktown’s local community, past and present

and aims to reflect the diversity of our local culture,” she said.

“Our art workshop sessions provide an array of famous and infamous locals, and these workshops will continue up until the Archies – you are welcome to join us for a workshop or choose your own local character.”

Archies entries can be in any medium, with the stipulation that models must have some current or historic connection to Cooktown, and entries must be accompanied by a short story or video.

Archies nominations are open now, and close on September 27, with the opening night and award presentations on September 30. For more information, phone Ms Dennis on 0400 617 467 or drop into the Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery on Hope Street.

My Pathway collects gong for innovation

A CAPE York-based social and economic development organisation has beaten some of the Trans Tasman’s largest corporations to take home a prestigious tech award.

My Pathway’s three-person business systems received Award for Best Run Fast Growth Business at the SAP ANZ Awards.

The company was recognised for its unique data collection and reporting system that is allowing client-facing staff to invest more time in their community.

My Pathway business systems analyst Glenn Gregory said it was the improved outcomes for community and staff that stood out in their pitch.

“Integrating SAP software to draw on multiple internal and external data sources has transformed how we do business,” he said.

The integration has significantly reduced the time required for staff to manage their budgets, compliance and performance reporting, said My Pathway chief financial officer Darren Spencer.

“We work with several partners to deliver programs that are funded by Australians. It’s imperative we are accountable, transparent and making sure the investment is effective,” he said.

“In the past this has consumed considerable resources for reporting and administration.”

My Pathway delivers employment services, training, business mentoring, community projects and facility service in remote Australian communities.

Cooktown Art Society president Jane Dennis and volunteer Ejypt Reuben are excited for the inaugural Archies awards.

My Pathway’s Darren Spencer and Siddeq Mohammed with SAP ANZ president Damien Bueno and My Pathway’s Glenn Gregory.

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 X

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

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION aegis agio agonis agonise anion anise assign easing ensign gain gneiss

Spot the 5 Differences

THIS

WEDNESDAY WACKERS

9-hole competition every Wednesday from 3pm

DAWNIES

9-hole competition every Sunday from 6.30am

Front Office Receptionist

Sovereign Resort Hotel Cooktown

Front Office & Guest Services (Hospitality & Tourism)

Multiple Positions Available

Traineeship available

Part Time 16 hours + to Full time 38 hours

Salary subject to hrs and experience up to $65000-

The Sovereign Resort Hotel Cooktown is a 4-star resort based in Tropical Far North Queensland. We are seeking a professionally presented and well-spoken experienced Receptionist. You will be the first point of contact to all our clients and will play an important role in the front of house administration, working closely with the General Managers. The Sovereign Resort Hotel consists of 38 rooms, Al A Carte Restaurant, Café Bar Bistro, Bottle shop and is a Hinterland Aviation Agent and Toll Freight Agent.

Your responsibilities & daily duties will include:

• Entering reservation into RMS operating system

• Answering calls & email correspondence

• Meeting & Greeting Clients & Groups

• Booking Transfers & Flights

Skills & Experience:

• Experience in Administration and Accounts

• Microsoft Office, Word, Excel & Outlook

• Excellent Customer Service Skills

• Opera or equivalent RMS systems

• Literacy & Numeracy Skills

• Ability to take initiative

• Communication Skills

• Must work well in a team

Please email your resume to: rachael.webber@sovereignresort.com.au

Resumes only accepted by email

Indigenous Engagement Coordinator – CUC Cape York

Employment type: Full time or part time job share contract until 30 June 2025

Location: Cooktown

Annual salary range: $76,000 – $82,000 plus super (job share pro rata)

About Us

Country Universities Centre (CUC) Cape York is a not-for-profit community driven organisation, which is funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Regional University Study Hubs program with key local support. CUC Cape York provides a new opportunity to make higher education more accessible for students of all ages in the region. CUC Cape York is part of an affiliated network of the Country Universities Centre (CUC). Our students have free access to high-speed Internet, modern technology and general academic support all delivered locally at our Cooktown Centre. Students also have the opportunity to build a network of like-minded fellow students and can take advantage of being part of a nation-wide learning community.

Your role

This role requires a self-starter with the ability to listen, learn and problem solve with the community.

• Completing thorough and continual community consultation and building key stakeholder relationships to identify needs, key barriers to participation and areas for collaboration.

• Co-designing, planning and implementing key programs and projects including engagement activities and events, workshops, one-on-one support and mentoring.

• Reporting and documentation on programs and projects identified and implemented to Centre Manager, Board and key stakeholders.

•Assist the Centre Manager and other staff with the day-to-day operations of the Centre including general enquiries, enrolments, student services, administrative tasks and cleaning.

• Adopt innovative approaches to improving aspirations and outcomes for Indigenous students, including through service delivery, partnerships and community engagement.

• Identify culturally appropriate strategies to deliver increased access and participation of study by Indigenous students in the Cape York Peninsula region.

• Work well with other team members and the Board to provide a welcoming and professional study space for all users and potential users of CUC Cape York.

Who We Are Looking For

• An individual who is passionate and enthusiastic about creating opportunities for students, primarily Indigenous students.

• Demonstrated high level interpersonal and communication skills; the ability to connect with and engage with others on an individual level, as well as lead small groups and workshops.

• Demonstrated capacity to work as part of a team and contribute to a positive teamwork environment.

• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and create culturally safe spaces to empower the community to participate.

• Demonstrated ability in project implementation through professional communication and reporting.

• Proven time management and organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.

• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of digital technologies such as word, excel, outlook etc.

For all key selection criteria and more information about the position: Email jenni.james@cuccapeyork.edu.au

Confidential enquiries can be made to Jenni James on 0499 202 249.

ABF Tour aiming to leave a legacy

By SARAH MARTIN

WHILE a fun footy carnival and a chance to meet and play alongside some of rugby league’s greatest stars will be a highlight, the long-lasting effects of this week’s Arthur Beetson Foundation Future Immortals Tour are much greater.

More than 20 former league greats, including Hope Vale cousins Matty and Brenton Bowen, Petero Civoniceva, Willie Tonga and Steve Southern arrive in Cooktown on Wednesday for four days of community engagement and giving back.

My Pathway is one of the local partners bringing the event to the area,.

“The excitement generated by our rugby league greats will create positive environments for people to consider how they live

well, play well and generally be well,” said My Pathway regional manager Josie Flores.

“This extends to accessing good healthcare, housing, food and education; the ability to participate in social activities, sports and employment; and being able to give back.”

The ABF Future Immortals Tours aim to promote grassroots rugby league, allow former league stars to remain connected with their sport, raise funds for local priorities and increase community wellbeing.

The footy stars have a packed schedule, with welcome smoking ceremonies and community and school visits and cultural activities planned in their first two days in Cooktown, Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal.

The team will continue with school visits on Friday, before

heading to the Cooktown Bowls Club for a fun charity bowls night with raffles, footy doubles, and silent auction.

The group will have a busy day focused on football and development on Saturday with coaching clinics in between the junior rugby league matches at Cooktown’s John Street Oval in the morning before the players themselves take to the field at 3pm for a footy game with local senior players.

The tour finale is a fundraiser cocktail evening at the River of Gold Motel where attendees have the chance to mingle with the stars and enjoy some fine dining.

Tickets for the Barefoot Bowls fundraiser are $65, and the cocktail evening is $135. Visit www.abffit.com.au to get your tickets.

Sore but not sorry, Bowen wins tough bout in Cairns

the weekend.

Matched against Townsville-based Elle List from Courage Training Centre, the Cooktown fighter had a rough start as she was peppered with straight shots from List and clearly lost round one on the Elite Fight Series event.

Full Boar Gym coach Vince Parkes and stablemate Ferlene David provided sound advice in the corner after the first round

Shoes coup for Little Aths

THE next generation of aspiring athletes will be on the front foot after dozens of pairs of high quality athletics and sports shoes were donated to the Cooktown Geckos Little Athletics Club.

The club’s Liesl Pensio said she reached out to the Athletics Australia Facebook page and was overwhelmed with the response.

“We got a huge donation of shoes for Cooktown, donated by a range of different people,” Ms Pensio said.

“One lady sent a heap from her nephew who plays for (AFL club) Port Adelaide,

another donated two brand new pairs she bought from Rebel Sport.”

Ms Pensio said the haul of 26 pairs of new and almost new spikes and trainers cost $116 in postage and arrived recently.

“They will be on loan for an event, anyone who needs running or athletics shoes can wear them for an event and then give them back,” she said.

“They are insanely expensive shoes and not a lot of kids can afford to buy a pair just for one event, so this gives them that advantage.”

which saw Bowen come back stronger in the second and third rounds, evading List’s punches, attacking first and counter attacking.

Sporting large ice packs strapped to her shins, an ecstatic but sore Bowen was congratulated by the large crowd of family and well-wishers in attendance to watch her bout.

Bowen and stablemate David are both hoping to be matched on the next Elite Fight series event in Cairns in December.

– story by Sarah Martin

EXPRESSIONS OF

INTEREST ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITY – KOWANYAMA BAKERY (Lot 79 Chapman Road)

Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council is inviting Expressions of Interest from suitably experienced suppliers to operate the Kowanyama Bakery, under a Licence Agreement with Council.

Interested parties should obtain a copy of the EOI scope at https://www.kowanyama.qld.gov.au/council/tenders-and-opportunities/ EOI closes at 12pm Friday 8 September 2023

All EOI enquiries, requests for information and EOI responses to be submitted electronically to tenders@kowanyama.qld.gov.au quoting the EOI description above.

Kevin Bell, Chief Executive Officer

MARIAH Bowen came back from a first round defeat to win the second and third to take out her fourth muaythai fight in Cairns on

Mariah Bowen with coach Vince Parkes before her bout in Cairns on Saturday.

Wujal Wujal mayor Bradley Creek (centre) with Ian Lacey and Brad Beetson in the community earlier this year, planning for this week’s Future Immortals Tour.

Cooktown Little Athletics received a bulk donation of sports and track shoes to help local athletes.

Crocs finish season on high note

COOKTOWN hosted Mossman Sharks on Saturday for a big day of junior rugby league to officially end the season.

The weather at John Street Oval was kind for the grand final day with blue skies and a light breeze, but action on the field was hot, with matches between the Crocs and Sharks incorporating all ages from 6 to 14.

Cooktown Junior Rugby League Club’s Jacynta Hunt paid tribute to the coaches and volunteers.

“Special thanks to our awesome coaches who volunteer their time every week to train our kids – our club could not happen without you,” she said, before giving a special mention to tireless juniors Sam Ryder and Lucas Giese who referee and run water, as well as play league.

The Crocs will hold their annual presentations on Thursday before a gala day to support the ABF Future Immortals Tour on Saturday.

Frederick Darkan with his twin baby daughters Shikeya and Khileah McLean-Darkan. They came in from Hope Vale to cheer on their players.

The Cooktown Crocs and Mossman Sharks pose for a picture after their hard-fought under 13/14 match.

Proud mum Kelly Calcott with son Ashton Gilmour who had a stellar game in the under 8/9 age group.

Teila Hunt, TiSharna Dita and Haila Hegamaea with baby Caira Boadle.

Casey Barbour and mother-in-law Marilyn Morris enjoy an afternoon at the footy. Harrison Crowe puts in a big run in the under-7s.

Tylin Harrigan and Geoffrey Miller were all smiles.

Holly and Kayla Callaghan bake in the sunshine with Jo McSullea.

Ashton Gilmour was player of the match for Cooktown Crocs in the under-8/9 game against Mossman.

Luke Reeves had some ball time in the under-7 league tag match.

Archer ready to take on world’s best in Mongolia

By SARAH MARTIN

FROM small-town Cooktown to wild Mongolia, Don Woods is taking on the world in the littleknown sport of horse archery.

The talented horseman has been riding since before he could walk and using a bow for more than a decade, and said as soon as he put the two together, he was hooked.

“Apparently I took to it like a duck to water which surprised a lot of people, but it makes a lot of sense when you know how long I’ve been riding and shooting for,” Woods said.

The 22-year-old, who has been competing in horse archery events for the past five years, said he was excited to put his skills to the test on the world stage at the International Horse Archery Association World Championships this week.

“I’m very excited, it’s hard to explain how it feels when they ring you up and tell you you’ve made the Australian team,” he told Cape York Weekly

“The last few days I haven’t had much time to think about it, but with the ABC turning up to film last week, it was pretty full on and I started to get pretty excited.”

After he was scheduled to land in Mongolia yesterday (Monday) Woods will spend today bonding with the horse allocated to him for the competition, before competitors will be split into three groups to take on three different courses.

“Out of those three groups, the top 20 will go on to do the traditional Mongolian ball shoot, where a ball is towed behind another horse and shot by us,” he said.

The Cooktown rider, who

Stalwart farewelled

A MUCH-LOVED regular of Weipa’s Wednesday Wackers was farewelled last week, with Jim Taylor playing his last round before leaving town.

After 11 years of fronting up at Wackers, Taylor carded a good score of 44.

However, it was not enough for victory as Gee Busmer prevailed with a nett 29.5 to be a big winner ahead of Bruce Brockhurst, who had a nett 36.

Nearest the pins went to Grant Crossley on 15 and Matt Byrne on 18.

Crossley picked up the Bradman’s.

Dasha wins tight contest

A COUNTBACK was required to determine the winner of Sunday’s single stableford event at Carpentaria Golf Club.

Dale ‘Dasha’ Holmquest got the nod from Deb Duffy after they both carded 39 points in the Ma’s Rides-sponsored event.

Nearest the pins went to Simon Ayles on 7 and Les Sariman on 18.

Dobson breaks drought

PICTURE perfect conditions greeted golfers at Cooktown on Saturday for the Sovereign Resort September monthly medal and the course was set up to reward good shot making.

20 to take part in championships finale.

“For big competitions like this it’s all done at a fast pace like a canter or a gallop, and I have a bit of a reputation for speed,” he said.

Woods has created a horse archery track at his Cooktown property, and trains regularly to hone the skills of both horse and rider.

The Cooktown archer has high hopes of success in Mongolia.

will be up against 122 competitors from 22 countries, said he was hoping to be among the top

“There’s a fair bit with the horses, desensitising them to the bow and arrow and also in the control, because you drop the reigns and ride without hand control,” he said.

“Although it only took me a few hours to get the hang of it when I first started, there have of course been big improve-

WEIPA TIDE TIMES

ments since then, and there’s a big difference between hitting the target and hitting it consistently and accurately.”

Woods will be joined by fellow Australian team members, NSW-based Rodney, Liberty and Amelia Deaman.

The trip has cost the team more than $14,000, and a fundraising page has been set up to help assist.

“That’s a rough estimate, but in reality with all the extra gear it’s probably costing $4500 per person,” Woods said.

“Current living expenses pulled up a lot of people who might have been on the Australian team otherwise, but I don’t care, I’m just going to work out a way to pay for it!”

Winning the medal for the first time in a long time was Jamie Dobson, who carded a nett 65. This was just good enough to hold out Graham Burton’s nett 66 and Rick Butler’s nett 69.

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

Broncos ready for Storm

THE Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm will do battle for a home preliminary final when they face off in Friday night’s qualifying final at Suncorp Stadium.

The two teams played each other in the final round, with both sides resting star players with their top-four spots secured. While the Storm won 32-22, many expect the Broncos to turn the tables on Friday.

On Saturday afternoon, minor premiers Penrith host the New Zealand Warriors, while the Sharks and Roosters play off that night. On Sunday afternoon, Newcastle will host the Canberra Raiders.

Don Woods is representing Australia in the International Horse Archery Association World Championships.

•

generator set supplied with the property

• Security cameras • Tropically landscaped

$689,000

4

Set back from the road –2 x 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouses!

• Two freestanding dwellings

• Both two bedrooms with two bathrooms • Open plan tiled living downstairs

• Upstairs quality vinyl flooring

• Good size kitchens

• Air conditioned • Security screened • Side B is newly painted with a new bathroom upstairs • Balconies on both levels • Two garden sheds

• Great 1345m2 block

• Fully fenced & the back yard of each unit is fully fenced

• Triple carport at the front of the property • Plenty of room for off road parking

• Rental return between $725 & $750 per week each side

• Rates are approx $6948 per annum • Insurance is approx $2434.97 per annum

• Landlord Protection Insurance $290 per unit per annum

• Large undercover entertainment area • Three spacious bedrooms

• Built-ins • Ensuite • Fully tiled • Split system air conditioning throughout • Open plan living • Huge internal laundry with storage • Separate storage cupboard • Direct entry from lock-up garage • Stone bench tops with breakfast bar • Pantry • Room for a dishwasher • Plenty of cupboards • Security screened • 10 units in complex • Currently rented to corporate tenant until 28/2/24 @ $650 per week * Body Corporate Levies approx $612.50 per quarter

• Rates approx $1477.96 six monthly – you do the sums!