Cape York Weekly Edition 152

President: president@endeavourlions.org.au

Secretary: secretary@endeavourlions.org.au Treasurer: accounts@endeavourlions.org.au

Island community backs local Challenge cyclist

By SARAH MARTIN

THE Torres Strait community on Thursday Island has been praised for its support of local rider Matthew River, who just completed the gruelling 330km Cardiac Challenge bike ride.

He was one of the top 10 fundraisers for the three-day event, which injects millions into cardiac services for the Cape and Cairns.

Mr River, speaking to Cape York Weekly at the finish line in Cooktown on Monday, said the island had been supportive in helping him raise nearly $6000.

TUXWORTH

“We did sausage sizzles and cake stalls down at the local Ibis (store) and of course everyone

goes to the local Ibis so it’s the best spot to do it,” he said.

“I don’t have any family history of heart disease, but I’ve got friends up there, locals like Thomas Mosby who has just recently had heart issues; he’s just a good lad and I want to help.”

Mr River said it was a spur of the moment decision to take part last year but after enjoying the camaraderie he was hooked.

“The people in this event, I tell everyone, I can’t believe every single person here is a good person,” he said.

“Everybody is just amazing, the support and camaraderie, it’s just a really friendly challenge.”

With only a week’s training under his belt for the 2022 ride,

which traverses the Mulligan Highway from Cairns to Cooktown over three days, Mr River said he spent a solid month riding his tiny island home before this year’s event.

“It made a huge difference doing the four weeks’ training I did, it still wasn’t the eight weeks like it should’ve been, but compared to one week’s training last year it helped,” he said.

“It was good for training, but also good for the island in general, it got people out and involved and interested in what’s happening.”

Mr River said interest had been high and he planned to bring a whole team from Thursday Island for next year’s ride.

More than 180 riders streamed triumphantly down Cooktown’s main street after collectively raising nearly $400,000 in the annual Cardiac Challenge.

Matthew River raised $6000 for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.

Everyone who takes part in the annual fundraiser ride speaks of the great camaraderie and fun of the challenge.

Riders received a police escort as they arrived in Cooktown on Monday.

Arson a concern for NPA brigade short on helpers

By MATT NICHOLLS

EDDIE Newman says he’s tired of the phone ringing.

It’s been a busy month for the first officer of the NPA Rural Fire Brigade as spot fires keep popping up in the region.

He says all of them were preventable fires.

“They are all deliberately lit,” the former NPA mayor said.

“Kids are to blame mostly. Police are doing patrols when there are fires around but you have to catch them in the act.”

Mr Newman said a recent fire could have been catastrophic for the Seisia community.

“The smoke was bad enough. We had to get some Elders and community members to relocate so they wouldn’t get sick from smoke inhalation,” he said.

“The fire itself came pretty close to houses.

“We got on top of it with some back burning but it could have been a bad situation.”

Mr Newman urged parents to monitor their children over the school holidays and to talk with them about the danger of fires.

“Everything is so dry at the moment and the wind has been blowing,” he said.

“It makes it hard because we keep getting spot fires.”

With a new shed on its way, most likely next year, the first officer said he hoped it would attract more volunteers.

“We definitely need more people,” Mr Newman said.

“We’re all volunteers and at this time of year I’m always on call. It would be great to have more people to call on.

“There are times when we have quite a few people, but a lot of them are school teachers or go away on the holidays.

“That leaves us pretty stretched for people.”

A fire broke out in the Northern Peninsula Area last week. Officials believe that kids were the likely culprits.

This map shows the most recent fires in the NPA.

NPA Rural Fire Service first officer Eddie Newman.

More volunteers are needed in the NPA Rural Fire Service.

RFS volunteer Talei Elu sent in this photo of a recent fire in the NPA.

Brush with death: Couple’s trip of a lifetime goes up in flames

By MATT NICHOLLS

“I THOUGHT we were going to die.”

Those are the words of Sam Bakker, who said she had accepted her fate as she and her partner Jake Gretten were caught on foot in a bushfire last Tuesday.

What started as a morning stroll to watch new-found friends tackle the Old Telegraph Track ended with them medivacced via the Royal Flying Doctor Service with serious burns.

“I think we’re really lucky and really unlucky as well,” said 25-year-old Sam, a nurse from the Yarra Valley in Victoria.

“The fire just came out of nowhere.”

Their life-threatening experience put an end to what had been the adventure of a lifetime for the young couple.

Last year, Sam and Jake packed up their lives and hit the road, traversing across the Nullarbor, up the coast of Western Australia and into the Northern Territory.

After spending eight months in Darwin, working and exploring the Top End, they made their way to the Cape just a few weeks ago.

“We had left our boat at the Bramwell Roadhouse and spent two weeks up the top, driving the Old Tele Track and exploring around Bamaga and the Tip,” Sam said.

“We were on our way south again and were camping at the roadhouse again. That night, we met some people from back home, so we decided to go to Palm Creek in the morning to watch them start the Tele Track.

“Our vehicle had a broken spring leaf (suspension) so we just walked from the roadhouse. It’s not that far, only a few kilometres.”

As Sam and Jake walked up the bush track, they saw smouldering branches and logs, but didn’t think much of it.

“I just thought it had been from backburning,” she said.

“We’d just seen a lot of backburning in the NT, so we thought it was normal.

“We sat at Palm Creek and watched a heap of cars go through and then started to walk back.

“By then, it had gotten really smoky so we started to run because we didn’t want to inhale the smoke.

“At that stage, there was no fire we could see.”

However, the wind picked up and flames quickly emerged.

“We went from running to avoid the smoke to running for our lives,” Sam explained.

“I thought we were going to die.

“In my mind, I had accepted that we would die there.

“All I could hear was Jake yelling at me to keep running.

“I couldn’t see him because of the smoke.

“I don’t know how long we

were running through the fire but all of a sudden there was a break in the flames and we got out.

Sam said she didn’t realise the true extent of the injuries to her or Jake until they got closer to the roadhouse.

“Our bodies were red but the pain hadn’t kicked in from all of the adrenaline,” she said.

“We still had a couple of kilometres to get back to the roadhouse so we put all of our energy into getting there.

“No one knew we were there.”

The severity of their burns was immediate once at the roadhouse.

“I’ve got burns to my upper arms, both thighs and the left side of my face and ear,” Sam said.

“Jake has burns on the left side of his face, as well as his legs.”

They praised the quick-thinking of Mel and Mark from Bramwell Roadhouse, who helped with their injuries and promptly called for the Flying Doctors.

“Mel is a nurse and she sprang into action and got us into the showers under running water,” Sam said.

“She gave us morphine and she was constantly speaking to me, distracting me from the pain.

“Mark had organised the RFDS to fly into Bramwell Station and for the ambulance to come from Weipa.”

And while the ambulance didn’t make it – suffering a breakdown along the way – the RFDS didn’t take long to arrive from Cairns.

Once the plane landed, the onboard medical team was put into a

car and taken to Sam and Jake at the roadhouse.

“The chef from the station drove the doctors out,” Sam said.

“We were given incredible support from everyone at the roadhouse and the RFDS.

“Mel and Mark even packed up our campsite and took care of what was in our fridge and freezer.”

The generosity didn’t end there, however.

“I can’t praise the Cairns Hospital staff enough. They were so good to us,” Sam said.

“They got us into the ward quickly and gave us a room together, which they don’t normally do.

“The first day we had physios and dieticians come in and provide their services. And a social worker brought us clothes.”

And while the clothes weren’t a great fit for Sam, she was blown away by the gesture.

Again, the Far North Queensland hospitality came to the fore.

“We were going to get discharged on Friday and because we were going to fly straight home to Victoria, I wanted some clothes that fitted because I have all these bandages and didn’t want people staring at me,” Sam said.

“I put up a post on a local Facebook group for women and someone went to Kmart for me and

bought clothes and dropped them at the hospital, along with a box of chocolates.

“I don’t even know anything about this woman, except that her name is Amie. Her kindness made me start crying.”

And while there have been plenty of tears since their ordeal, Sam and Jake are moving forward with optimism.

“We’re all right. It’s been a traumatic event and while we’re not ready to go camping yet because the smell of smoke is quite triggering, I definitely want to get back out there,” Sam said.

“I feel lucky and we’re going to do a fundraiser for the RFDS to show our support to them.”

As for their vehicle and boat, that’s also been taken care of.

“The RACV called us (on Saturday) and we’re completely covered to get it brought back home. It had a mechanical issue before the fire so we’re feeling very blessed.”

The young couple said they wanted to thank everyone involved, as well as all those who sent messages.

“Cape York was so good to us and we won’t forget it,” Sam said.

“We rang Mark and Mel to thank them and our parents from Victoria have also rung them to thank them, too.”

Jake Gretten and Sam Bakker were getting ready to finish their trip around Australia before they got caught in a Cape York bushfire last week.

Sam and Jake made it to the Tip of the Cape before their bushfire experience.

Sam and Jake had ventured up this track to watch new-found friends tackle the Palm Creek section of the Old Telegraph Track.

Royston coming home for Mapoon’s milestone event Rio Tinto helps out sick sailor

By MATT NICHOLLS

AUSTRALIAN Idol winner and Mapoon’s favourite son, Royston Sagigi-Baira, will perform in his home community this Friday.

He’s the headline act as Mapoon commemorates the 60th anniversary of the forced removal of the townspeople.

While it was a dark day for both Mapoon and Australia in general, mayor Aileen Addo said Friday’s event would be a celebration.

“We are about looking forward and celebrating what we have achieved,” she said.

“While what happened was sad and very wrong, Mapoon’s modern history is built on the back of our old people who came back in 1974 and rebuilt the community.

“The future of their children and their grandchildren was at stake and they left a great legacy.”

Cr Addo said she was not sure if any of the remaining Elders would speak at Friday night’s event, to be held near Cullen Point at the site of the Old Mission.

“They will definitely have the opportunity,” she said.

“I’ll speak a little bit about the history of Mapoon and what has been achieved in the last 60 years.”

Friday’s celebrations will start with a game of touch footy, be-

fore speeches and the performance of Royston, and will finish with a special fireworks show.

“I think everyone is looking forward to seeing Royston,” Cr Addo said.

“He did come and visit when he was back for the Weipa Fish-

ing Classic, but this will be his first time performing in Mapoon since winning Australian Idol.”

The mayor said there would be “a feast” for those who came along and said those with a connection to Mapoon, including Weipa residents, were welcome to attend.

About our Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

A FILIPINO cook on a bulk carrier bound for Amrun can thank Rio Tinto for going above and beyond to ensure he received urgent medical care.

The 57-year-old suffered a suspected stroke on board the vessel Maizuru Kichijo as it was transiting between China and Australia.

The ship’s captain tried to get him treatment while steaming past Indonesia, but it was deemed that Weipa would be the best place for him to receive care.

Federal authorities made the arrangements with Rio Tinto, which organised the ship to be sent into the Port of Weipa, rather than Amrun.

“Lorim Point was identified as the quickest available option to allow for the safe disembarkation of the crew member into medical care, with the assistance of local emergency services, and the vessel was redirected there,” a Rio Tinto spokesperson said.

“I think we’ll see a lot more Weipa people the following weekend when we have our annual Barra Bash,” Cr Addo said.

“It keeps growing every year and we had a lot of Weipa people come up last year and it made it a great event.”

“The crew member was transferred to Weipa Hospital by ambulance and then to Cairns the next day via RFDS.

“We thank QAS and RFDS for their quick action.”

The man was in a stable condition at the time of press.

The Aurukun Bauxite Project is seeking approval to build a new bauxite mine 30 kilometres north of Aurukun on Cape York in Far North Queensland. It would be located on the land of the Wik Waya People.

The Aurukun Bauxite Project is owned 70% by Glencore and 30% by Mitsubishi Development, and is managed by Glencore, one of the world’s largest diversified natural resource companies.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The expected life of the proposed bauxite mine is over 20 years, with around eight million tonnes of bauxite produced each year for sale and export.

Bauxite is mined in shallow open cut pits, with no blasting needed. The raw bauxite is then screened and washed with water in a processing plant to remove impurities and produce bauxite for sale. The processed bauxite would be transported by road-trains along the Bauxite Transport Corridor to the coast, around 15 kilometres west of the mining area.

At the coast, the bauxite would be loaded onto a purpose-built, fully-enclosed vessel for transfer to a bulk carrier anchored about

WHAT IS AN EIS

An EIS describes the potential impacts of a proposed activity as well as how those impacts can be avoided or minimised. It also describes how any environmental impacts will be managed and monitored.

The EIS is part of the process to gain environmental approval from the government. Support is also needed from Traditional Owners, landowners as well as customer and the Joint Venture participants before the mine

Learn more about our EIS by reading the About our EIS information sheet.

Find out more about the project on our website at: aurukunbauxite.com.au.

Ask us a question at our office in Aurukun, or scan the QR code to use our feedback portal.

Mapoon’s Royston Sagigi-Baira performing at the Weipa Fishing Classic earlier this year.

Orange army needs your support

COOKTOWN SES volunteer

Mike Masding is calling for more locals to join the more than 5000 men and women in orange who make up the State’s Emergency Services.

Mr Masding is one of a team of only five in the Cooktown SES group, and urged others to consider joining to give back to reap the personal benefits while supporting the town.

“It’s good camaraderie, it’s a good group and a good way to improve yourself with general knowledge,” he said on what was SES Week.

“We live in an area with floods and cyclones. If you’ve got that prior knowledge not only does it help the community but you help yourself if we ever cop it.

“The SES is a good thing for a small community and it gives you a lot more confidence in yourself as well.”

Mr Masding joined the Cooktown SES in September last year, and contrary to popular belief that all the volunteers do is tarp roofs and fill sandbags, his first operation was quite serious.

“It was a CPR emergency; the ambulance, police and fire brigade were all out of town so I got a call to rush there,” he recalled.

“There was a gentleman who had collapsed and smashed his head, but fortunately by the time I got there he was breathing again and I just assessed him.”

For more

SES Far

area controller Matt Currey said joining had both personal and community benefits.

“You get to deal with like minded people that are volunteers as well, and we teach you a whole heap of new skills,” he said.

“We provide you with all the PPE that’s required, so you don’t have any expenses yourself and we provide you with first class training and the opportunity to deploy statewide and even interstate.”

Mr Currey said in a regional community like Cooktown, the

SES were always a valuable part of the town.

“When most people are in a panic you’re there to help them and support your local community and it helps build a resilient community when you’re able to help people out in their time of need.”

information or to arrange an inspection contact

New members will be quickly upskilled with an all-expenses paid week-long course leaving them ready to hit the ground running. Visit the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services website for more information on the SES and to register your interest to join.

Northern region

SES Far Northern Region area controller Matt Currey with Cooktown volunteers Mike Masding, George Tiemstra, Peter Symes and Katie Hooker.

Western Cape Trainee and Apprentice Awards

Combined Trade Apprentice of the Year Damian Parr and encouragement award winner Jacob Clegg.

Lisa May (centre) with the winner of the Murphy Rehn Most Outanding First Year Apprentice Award, Isabella King, and runner-up Sharni Louis.

Heavy Equipment Apprentice of the Year winner Hayley Beauchamp and runner-up Rohan Ebner.

Rio Tinto Weipa general manager Shona Markham.

Emily Moore was named the overall Apprentice of the Year for her outstanding work ethic and skill as an electrician with MRAEL/Rio Tinto Weipa.

The nominees for the Female Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award – a record number for the annual awards ceremony.

The nominees for the School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award.

Trainee of the Year Jarron Woodley and encouragement award winner Shaniqua Burke.

Sharni Louis, the Female Apprentice/Trainee of the Year, with runner-up Emily Moore.

Mechanical Engineering Apprentice of the Year Shani Louis with encouragement award winner Morgan Walker. Jarron Woodley was presented the Allan Sarago Trainee Award by Kathy Pablo.

School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year recipients Kyezaya Namai-Sabatino (encouragement) and winner Karl Ocate.

MC and Western Cape College principal Dan Tonon.

Electrical Apprentice of the Year Emily Moore and Matthew Moore, who was named runner-up.

Colin Vallance shared his story with the young apprentices in the crowd.

Congratulations to the 2023 Western Cape Apprentice and Trainee Award Winners

ATSI Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

Winner

Kyezaya Namai-Sabatino

Encouragement

Jarron Woodley

Combined Trade Apprentice of the Year

Winner

Damian Parr

Encouragement

Jacob Clegg

Electrical Apprentice of the Year

Winner

Emily Moore

Encouragement

Matthew Marshall

Female Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

Winner

Sharni Louis

Encouragement

Emily Moore

Heavy Equipment Apprentice of the Year Winner

Hayley Beauchamp

Encouragement

Rohan Ebner

Mechanical Engineering Apprentice of the Year Winner

Sharni Louis

Encouragement

Morgan Walker

Murphy Rehn Most Outstanding First Year

Apprentice Award Winner

Isabella King

Encouragement

Sharni Louis

School Based Apprentice/ Trainee of the Year Winner

Karl Ocate

Encouragement

Kyezaya Namai-Sabatino

Trainee of the Year Winner

Jarron Woodley

Encouragement

Shaniqua Burke

Allan Sarago Award Winner

Jarron Woodley

Encouragement

Timothy Tamwoy

Overall Apprentice of the Year Winner

Emily Moore

Encouragement

Hayley Beauchamp

Gulf war looms as net-free zones

By MATT NICHOLLS

THE future of commercial fishing in the Gulf of Carpentaria is under serious threat as the Queensland government looks to introduce widespread net-free zones from Karumba to the tip of Cape York Peninsula.

And while the government says no decision has been made on which areas will be closed off, a map was this month issued to the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fisheries Working Group that suggests more than half of the viable fishing area will soon become off limits.

For recreational anglers and charter fishing operators out of Weipa, the government’s decision provides good news – Albatross Bay will be closed to all net fishing operators.

But for commercial fishers based out of Karumba – and for all Queenslanders who enjoy wildcaught barramundi, king salmon and grey mackerel – the future appears dire.

The state government’s motive to create net-free fisheries in Far North Queensland is based on a UNESCO report into the Great Barrier Reef, which dropped last year.

In that report, it said gillnet fishing was harming the reef. As a result, all gillnet fishing on the east coast in the northern Great Barrier Reef zone will soon be banned by the Queensland government.

The Gulf was also touted for closures because many threatened species travel between the east coast and the Gulf to breed.

Commercial fishers in the Gulf are now reeling, having seen the potential extent of the closures.

They said they were prepared for some areas to be made netfree zones, including Albatross Bay, but did not expect to see such widespread closures when the proposed map was dropped on them this month.

KATTER UNIMPRESSED

LAST week in parliament, Member for Traeger Robbie Katter said he was blown away by the directive of the state government.

The MP, whose electorate includes Karumba, called for Fisheries Minister Mark Furner to stand

down as a result. He said good people and hard-working businesses would be impacted.

“The Minister is destroying their lives and everything they have worked for during their lives for political motivation,” Mr Katter said.

“If he was the Minister for the Environment, that is OK, but not when he is the Minister for Agriculture (and Fisheries).

“The Gulf of Carpentaria fishermen were advised of the Palaszczuk government’s plans to ban net fishing in the region.

“The repercussions are still sinking in, but essentially at least 80 per cent of the Gulf commer-

cial fishing fleet would be out of business and it would remove the supply of sustainable and widely sought-after barra and (grey) mackerel.

“The economic fallout would not just be for those fish shops but for all those people who contribute to the economy—the electricians, boilermakers, fuel suppliers and everyone else.

“Karumba is a pretty big industrial player in the context of fishing even though it is a small town.

“Taking 80 per cent of its main industry in town is a town killer for them.

“This is really driving a stake through the heart of that town.

“The Minister should stand down for this.”

MINISTER RESPONDS

IN a statement, Mr Furner said that no decision on net-free zones in the Gulf had been locked in.

“On June 5, the Australian and Queensland governments announced more than $160 million in funding to significantly reduce net and other high-risk fishing activities in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and the Gulf of Carpentaria,” he said.

“The funding will be used to create net-free zones including in the northern third of the GBR and parts of the Gulf of Carpentaria to better protect threatened species

that move between the GBR and the Gulf.

“The Queensland government has established a Future Fishing Taskforce to advise on the implementation of the commitments made, including the establishing of additional gillnet-free zones in the Gulf of Carpentaria and other locations of high ecological value.

“Claims that decisions have been made about the future of Gulf net fisheries are not correct. No such decisions have been made.

“On September 5 and 6, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries facilitated a meeting of the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fisheries Working Group in Cairns.

“At the meeting, a summary of several potential net-free zones that had been discussed with the Future Fishing Taskforce was presented to members.

“The list of potential closures was derived from the community following the media release or through submissions to the Future Fishing Taskforce.

“Again, no decision has been made at this point in time.

“DAF will also attend the annual general meeting in Karumba next month to continue to engage with the industry on these matters.”

INDUSTRY REELING

KARUMBA fisherman David Wren said if the proposed closures went ahead, it would spell the end of his business, Wren Fishing.

“We hold three N12 licences in the Gulf, which allows us to fish for grey mackerel and shark,” he said.

“Looking at the map with the proposed closures, half of our fishing ground will be taken away.

“And while you might be able to fish in the other areas, those places will get wrecked straight away because everyone will be fishing them.

“It’s like having a cattle property and only putting your cows in half of the paddocks. What will happen to the grass? It’ll disappear.”

Wren Fishing employs about 50 people and produces 600 tonnes of fillets per year.

“When that goes to market, that’s six million pieces of 100gram portions,” Mr Wren said.

The map showing potential gillnet closures, including Albatross Bay at Weipa, the Wenlock and Ducie Rivers, Bynoe River, Flinders River, Mitchell River, Kirke River, and the areas around Pormpuraaw and Mornington Island.

The arrogance and secrecy is worrying are pushed by govt

“At $10 per portion, that’s $60 million worth of Queensland caught mackerel that is lost to the market.

“The flow-on impacts to the North Queensland economy will be felt far and wide.”

Mr Wren, who is also the chair of the Gulf of Carpentaria Commercial Fishers Association, said the government needed to take a deep breath and take its time to work with the commercial fishing industry about any proposed net closures in the Gulf.

“We understand that we’ll have to give up some ground, but what that map says is just too much,” he said.

“We’re all flat out at the moment because the season closes on October 7. We don’t have time to be sitting in front of computers and making calls to fight this.

“Any decision should be put on pause and some compromises should be made.”

Mr Wren said that if the proposed closures went ahead, he would likely shut his business.

“I love Karumba. My kids are here and my grandkids are here,” he said.

“I won’t leave but there won’t be anything here for my grandkids if the net fishing is closed.

“It’s so sad because we’ve had a great season and we run a very sustainable fishing industry down here.”

PROTECTING SPECIES

BARBARA Wueringer is the director and principal scientist at Sharks and Rays Australia and knows the damage that can be caused by gillnets. She recently published her research linking the endangered sawfish with gillnetting.

However, she said she wasn’t pushing for a complete closure of net fishing in the Gulf.

“We know that fishers interact with sawfish,” she told the ABC in an interview.

“I’ve always tried to work with fishers to find ways of making these fisheries more sustainable when it comes to threatened species. If we can have regularly

spaced closures in the Gulf then these areas would act as refuges for threatened species.”

Dr Wueringer said the Ducie and Wenlock rivers were the only place in the world where four species of philopatric sawfish were found together and Australia had a “global responsibility” to look after them.

“I would like to see fisheries that are sustainable ... that provide fish for the general public, but at the same time don’t allow our threatened species to decline even further or go extinct,” she said.

“When it comes to sawfish, the whole world is watching because we are the safe haven for four species.”

COMMENT | Matt Nicholls

THERE’S something fishy about the way the Queensland government is handling the proposed net-free zones in the Gulf of Carpentaria and, frankly, it stinks.

The secrecy, the lack of public consultation and the lack of science behind decisions suggest that influences from outside the Cape and Gulf are pushing for these dramatic changes.

Queenslanders want Queensland seafood in their supermarkets, fish and chip shops and restaurants.

How can that continue if we continually make it harder for commercial fishing companies to operate in this state?

Yes, we must continue to strive to protect our threatened species, which can at times be caught up in these nets, but trying to shut them down completely will simply send the problem elsewhere.

If the state government has its way, we’ll be eating mostly imported seafood from places like Indonesia, which has virtually no commercial fishing management plan.

Out of sight, out of mind for our politicians? You bet.

What Minister Mark Furner and the Queensland government should be doing is establishing the world’s best practices in our own backyard.

Commercial fishing might not be the most glamorous job, but it’s an honourable one.

We can’t all sit behind a desk or drive a truck in the mines.

Having a diverse economy and range of career choices is what has made Queensland a great place to live and work.

But more and more jobs are being eroded.

Cattle grazing has been driven out of the Cape, while commercial fishing appears to be clinging to a liferaft in the Gulf.

It was great to see Robbie Katter stand up for this issue in

parliament, but where is Cynthia Lui on this topic?

Silent, as per usual.

A group of Weipa residents have been pushing for Albatross Bay to become a net-free zone, so the proposed closure map will no doubt please them, but shutting down most of the Gulf’s productive fishing area would be a step too far.

The Queensland government’s Fisheries Department has become a victim of its own incompetence over the years.

It has failed to do enough to manage the waterways and gather accurate data on catch numbers.

Now it has been backed into its corner by UNESCO and it believes the only option is to shut places down, rather than manage the situation.

Most people who work in the industry don’t even believe there is a major problem.

As Karumba’s David Wren said: “Commercial fishers are not in the business of killing our own livelihoods.

“We care about our patch of water and do everything we can to make sure it’s sustainable.

“There aren’t many cowboys left in the fishing industry because there’s so much paperwork required. You have to run a legitimate business to survive now.”

Minister Furner says no decision has been made on these netfree zones.

Now it’s time for him to show some leadership and put a pause on any closures until more consultation is done with stakeholders who have their livelihoods on the line.

Most commercial fishers in the Gulf concede they will lose some ground to net-free zones. But which ground is lost should be a two-way discussion.

Hopefully, common sense prevails. However, based on the growing arrogance of this government, that’s most likely wishful thinking.

Robber Katter is calling for Fisheries Minister Mark Furner to resign after a map was released showing potentially devastating gillnet closures in the Gulf.

Barbara Wueringer has dedicated her life to protecting and researching endangered sawfish species, but says there can be a happy medium between protecting the sawfish and allowing commercial gillnet fishing in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Festival to celebrate milestone

REVELLERS at this year’s Wallaby Creek Festival can look foward to a diverse line-up of music, workshops and captivating performances.

With a mixture of local, national and internationally acclaimed talent, this year’s festival – on its 21st birthday – promises to be a celebration like no other.

Community centre shows off its wares in Cooktown

COOKTOWN’S own neighbourhood centre brought their services to the public with a main street pop up open day at the CWA Hall on Friday, with the aim of increasing awareness of what the centre provides.

Cooktown District Community Centre CEO Tracey Boulton said there was a misconception that the centre was only for people in dire circumstances.

“You don’t have to be in desper-

ate need and in the worst possible situation, we want to support people to be happy, healthy community members,” Ms Boulton said.

“We offer parenting programs to support mums, we have programs to support kids transitioning to kindy, we support people who might be having a difficult time in their relationships.”

Ms Boulton said the Open Day, which ran from noon to 3pm on Friday, was held in Cooktown’s

main street CWA Hall to make it more accessible to all.

“We find it hard to attract community members who don’t know about our centre or who don’t normally come to our centre because we’re a little bit out of the middle of town,” she said.

“So we thought we’d bring the services into town to make it easier for people who are working, or foot traffic or people who are driving past.”

Ms Boulton said the team was working on a fun community day next year to bring families and residents together and promote the centre’s services.

The CDCC is located at 11 Charles Street and offers a range of programs in Cooktown, Wujal Wujal, Hope Vale and Laura, including playgroup, child and family support, community development, financial support, seniors group and youth engagement.

“From world-class musicians to thought-provoking workshops and awe-inspiring performances, Wallaby Creek Festival 2023 promises to be a transformative journey for all who attend,” said bands coordinator Sandra Lloyd.

“It’s a celebration of our shared love for music, art, culture and diversity.”

Program highlights include musical performances from Tijuana Cartel, Nathan Cavaleri, Toby Beard, Zennith, Harry James Angus, Cold Water Band, Julian Belbachir, Hussy Hicks, Ella Hartwig, Ben Janz, Opal Ocean and many more.

Ms Lloyd, who has overseen the entertainment team since 2008, said that choosing the festival lineup each year was a “daunting mission” but “comes together beautifully” in the end.

“We receive over 200 expressions of interest each year and only have stage time for 29 acts within a range of genres and a limited budget,” she said.

Although she actively hunts for the headliners that will sell tickets, the festival has always been a space for new and emerging local artists.

“We give all local young talent and new bands stage time every festival without having to compete,” she said.

Tickets for the festival can still be purchased at www.wallabycreekfestival.org.au/tickets/

Gaye McDonald won the baking competition with her gold-leaf and ricepaper decoration.

Endeavour Christian College’s hospitality class was on hand keeping the crowd well fed.

Cooktown locals, visitors and CDCC staff mingled over cake and a free lunch at the CDCC Open Day at the CWA Hall on Friday.

Susan Williams, Louise Sumption, Karen Thomson and Lisa Naylor at the open day.

Cape York band to open festival

WUJAL Wujal’s Cold Water Band will be the opening act at this weekend’s Wallaby Creek Festival.

The local group will play their hit song Bus Stop, along with several other originals.

“We do a bit of country, reggae, R&B, hip-hop ... that’s kind of our vibe,” lead singer and guitarist PJ Nandy said.

Wallaby Creek Festival bands cordinator Sandra Llloyd said that it was “vital” for Cold Water Band to be showcased.

“Wallaby Creek is the traditional land of the Kuku Yalanji and Kuku Nyungkal Country,” she said.

“It’s the home of the Creeks and

Nunns and the members of Cold Water Band are all Creeks and Nunns.”

The Shiptons Flat and Rossville land holds much significance for the members of Cold Water Band, who named the band after the traditional names of the area.

“It’s great to be back on Country. We’ve always been a part of the festival since we were young and we’ve kind of grown up in it,” Nandy said.

He credited the success of the band’s early years to the Wallaby Creek Festival, where they performed for one of the first times when he was just a teenager.

“We pretty much got our name

NEWS IN BRIEF

Free leadership workshop

TODAY is the last chance for aspiring leaders, community advocates and change-makers to register for a free Community Leadership Program being run in Cooktown next week.

The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation workshop is on September 26 and 27 from 9am to 4.30pm at the Lions Hall and aims to help those wanting to play a more active role in the community.

The sessions are funded by the Australian government’s Future Drought Fund as part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative.

The course will teach participants how to start community conversations, caring for community, shaping the community’s future and becoming a change-maker.

Contact Kathrina Southwell at Cape York Natural Resource Management at kathrina.southwell@capeyorknrm.com.

au or phone on 0419 655 780 for more information.

Cash limits at Woolies

WOOLWORTHS customers in Weipa will be restricted to just $200 in cash withdrawals after the supermarket giant reduced its limits.

Cash withdrawals have been cut by more than half from $500 to $200, a move that Woolworths said is due to customer demand.

“From mid September, we will be reducing the limit of cash customers can withdraw from our stores per transaction,” a Woolworths spokesperson said.

“This is due to the lack of cash being used in transactions, with the majority of customers opting for card-only transactions such as Everyday Pay.”

Woolworths also flagged that it would move away from allowing cash withdrawals without a purchase.

By the end of October, shoppers will need to make a purchase before withdrawing cash.

The changes are likely to have a major impact on Weipa customers, with just one bank ATM in the town.

The Queensland Country Bank ATM charges customers $3 for cash withdrawals for non-QCB users.

In Weipa, many people use Woolworths to get cash out without paying a fee.

“We understand cash remains an important payment option for some customers and that’s why we’ll continue to offer the ability to withdraw cash,” Woolworths said in a statement.

Rumours of a refurbishment to the Weipa store were quashed by head office.

out there with that festival and got new audiences and new followers on social media,” he said.

Cold Water Band has performed all over Queensland and has signed a record label, but they still love coming home to perform at the festival that started it all.

“Just seeing family all come together from different communities and enjoying the music together for the weekend, I really like to see that,” Nandy said.

“Some of them even travel to watch us play so we really appreciate that.”

The 2023 Wallaby Creek Festival starts on Friday. More details can be found below.

Wujal Wujal’s Cold Water Band will open the Wallaby Creek Festival.

Western Cape Feral Animal Control

Environment the biggest winner

THE native species on Cape York were the biggest winners from the annual Western Cape Feral Animal Control event in Weipa.

Hundreds of feral species were removed by hunters of all ages.

In total, 256 pigs were removed from the wild, which is 80 more than last year, despite fewer teams.

The biggest to weigh in was a 90.05kg boar from team Swine Time, most likely from a “secret spot”.

The biggest sow was a 76.05kg whopper from the Whippet Good team.

Ian and James Milne from team Ridgeback Twangers N Bangers got more pigs than any other team with a trailer load of 35.

The biggest tusks were 106mm, brought in by the Dean Team.

The most recent additions to the event that was formerly known as the Weipa Pig Hunt, the feral cat and cane toad categories, once again proved popular.

Twenty-four feral cats were killed, with 11 taken down by the Kelpie Crew team from Piccaninny Plains.

Youngster William Stock, who just moved to the nature reserve from Cooktown, was thrilled to get so many.

However, most were small compared to the 6.15kg cat that was shot by Damian Parr, who took the prize after teaming up with his father Greg.

A massive 231kg of cane toads were brought to the weigh-in station at the Albatross Bay Resort car park, caught by keen boys and girls eager to do their bit for the environment.

Team 3 Bad Toads captured more than 55kg between them!

The Murphy Rehn Memorial best and fairest prize went to Levi Jenkins and his team Chasing Bail.

They shot a feral cat and, when retrieving it, found an injured sugar glider in its mouth.

They brought it back to town and 13-year-old Levi was able to give it to Lauren from Ecotone, who took it into her care.

Because some teams had three people and some had two, there were some leftover prizes at the end of presentations.

Greg and Sally Parr put in a generous bid of $2100 for the lot, with the funds going to the Weipa Men’s Shed. The committee then matched the bid dollar-for-dollar. Punters then kicked on to the tunes of Jayson Watkins and his band until the late hours.

The Western Cape Feral Animal Control committee have made it kid-friendly. Greg and Damian Parr with the 6.15kg feral cat that took out top prize. The Parrs are always prominent in this event.

Jayson and Katie from The Temple on the east coast.

William Stock and his team killed 11 feral cats.

The Alby was pumping on Saturday.

A massive 231kg of cane toads were caught in 2023. Tilly and Steve Rehn didn’t have the best hunt, but had a ball out in the bush. Levi Jenkins with the sugar glider he rescued from a cat.

Western Cape Feral Animal Control

Modern tech used to clean up ocean

By CHISA HASEGAWA

TANGAROA Blue Foundation’s Project ReCon has tracked and retrieved its first destructive ghost gear four kilometres off the coast from Weipa using satellite technology.

With the support of Satlink, the Project ReCon team is re-purposing echo sounder buoys found on their clean ups to track and monitor discarded commercial fishing gear while retrieval teams are mobilised.

“This is Project ReCon in action, turning waste into effective tracking equipment and deploying it to help reduce the impact discarded commercial fishing has on our marine environment,” Tangaroa Blue Foundation CEO Heidi Tait said.

Senior Border Force officer Kim Hockey, from the Weipa District Office, said that the ABF was excited and pleased to be able to assist Tangaroa Blue.

“Here in Weipa, the ABF and Tangaroa Blue have developed a close working relationship as we collaborate in this space to improve the health and safety of Australia’s marine environment,” she said.

Tangaroa Blue Foundation worked closely with Satlink as well as Indigenous rangers, the Australian Border Force and Capricornia Contracting in tracking and retrieving the gear found near Weipa.

“Through Tangaroa Blue Foundation we’re building on the strengths of local communities, the government agencies that are involved, as well as Indigenous rangers in the area where the buoys are being recovered and re-used, while on Satlink’s end a huge part of the fishing industry has come on board and is involved in the project,” said Satlink’s head of science Kathryn Gavira.

“We are so proud to see yet another achievement for this fantastic collaboration, and we look forward to more ghost hear being recovered.”

Since its launch in December last year, more than 83 vessels and 21 tuna companies from around the world have become part of Project ReCon.

“Project ReCon represents the way forward for sustainability in tuna fishing, and for environmental projects in general,” Ms Gavira said.

Thank You

The Cabrall and Miller families would like to acknowledge all the hardworking and caring staff at Sunbird Cottage, Age Care facility here in Cooktown.

We cannot express enough our heartfelt thanks and appreciation in their care for our Dad/ Grandad, Winston, during his stay at Sunbird Cottage.

Dad made many friends there and often spoke of how grateful he was of the patience, care and kindness (that perfect cup of coffee and toasted banana sandwich) given to him.

We are blessed to have such wonderful staff and this facility available to our community.

Tangaroa Blue Foundation’s Project Recon retrieved its first ghost gear near Weipa this month.

The local health team at Weipa’s event on Saturday.

Jos Middleton from the RFDS was the keynote speaker at Weipa.

Elissa Nash spoke of her struggles and her coping mechanisms.

Kowanyama students joined a local march on Thursday.

Cooktown Hospital team members cooked up a barbecue for R U OK? Day.

Debbie Jackson and Jackie Perry from Talk About It Tuesday continue to raise awareness across the Cape. There was a big turnout in Kowanyama.

Mapoon, Weipa and Napranum community members and health workers with Starlight Foundation volunteers. All smiles on the R U OK? Day march in Kowanyama.

Fill

Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page

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

Spot the 5 Differences

IMPLEMENTATION OFFICER

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

It manages the overall business of the company including servicing, assisting and supporting the above entities. WCCT is committed to providing high quality services to our Traditional Owners, and we recognize the importance of employing the most suitable candidates to transparently monitor, implement and review the objectives of the WCCCA to ensure that all parties’ obligations under the agreement are met. Currently we are seeking applications for the position of an Implementation Officer.

About the role:

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

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

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

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

To be successful in this role the application must have:

- Minimum Year 12 education

- C Class Driver’s license

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

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

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

- Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively.

Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply. All applications should be clearly marked “Private and Confidential” and addressed as follows: Executive Officer PO Box 106 Weipa, QLD, 4874

Phone: (07) 4069 7945

Email: eo@westerncape.com.au

CLOSING DATE – FRIDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

Dear Shareholders

Your annual WCCCA Trusts and Sub-Regional Trusts Annual General Meetings will be held as follows:

WCCT Central Sub-Regional Trust Ltd ACN 102246042 as Trustee for the WCCT Central Sub-Regional Trust

Monday 16th October 2023

9:00am – 12:00pm

WCCT Administration Building (Achimbun)

Lot 21 Kamenjarin Drive, Evans Landing, WEIPA

WCCT Southern Sub-Regional Trust Ltd ACN 102246113 as Trustee for the WCCT Southern Sub-Regional Trust

Tuesday 17th October 2023

9:00am – 12:00pm

WCCT Administration Building (Achimbun)

Lot 21 Kamenjarin Drive, Evans Landing, WEIPA

WCCT Northern Sub-Regional Trust Ltd ACN 102245956 as Trustee for the WCCT Northern Sub-Regional Trust

Wednesday 18th October 2023

9:00am – 12:00pm

WCCT Administration Building (Achimbun)

Lot 21 Kamenjarin Drive, Evans Landing, WEIPA

Western Cape Communities Trust Pty Ltd ACN 102245607 as Trustee for the Western Cape Communities Trust, followed by Western Cape Communities Trust Pty Ltd ACN 102245607 as Trustee for the Western Cape Communities Property Trust

Thursday 19th October 2023

9:00am – 12:00pm

WCCT Administration Building (Achimbun)

Lot 21 Kamenjarin Drive, Evans Landing, WEIPA

All Shareholders are encouraged to attend. Morning tea will be provided.

The Executive Officer looks forward to seeing you.

If you have any further enquiries or want to RSVP please call the Administration Officer on (07) 4069 7945

SPORT IN BRIEF

Drought-breaking wins

GARY Head made the most of his handicap last week to card a nett 36 and claim victory in the Wednesday Wackers golf at Weipa.

He was one of 10 golfers who took to the back nine at the Carpentaria Golf Club.

Dave Sands was runner-up by two strokes on both gross and nett.

No one hit the green on 15, but Grant Crossley claimed the nearest to pin on 18.

Viv Chan took out the Bradman’s gong.

On Sunday morning at Dawn Busters golf, veteran Viv Dick took honours.

The Dawnies legend beat Mick Cerneka for the prize.

It was a tough week for Viv Chan, who claimed the Hoffman’s.

Top achievers honoured by Weipa Billfish Club

AFTER another strong 2022-23 season, the Weipa Billfish Club had plenty to celebrate at last week’s annual general meeting and presentation ceremony.

Some stellar achievements were recognised as the club prepares for its major event on the calendar, the Hastings Deeringsponsored Weipa Billfish Tournament.

Always held on the long weekend in October, club members and visiting anglers are hoping the wind stays away and conditions are flat for the deep water event.

In the 2022-23 season, Weipa club members tagged 201 sailfish and 27 black marlin in local waters.

Additionally, two black marlin were tagged near Townsville by a club member, while a further two were tagged off Bermagui in southern NSW.

2022-23 AWARD WINNERS

Champion male angler: Tom Hockey 31,970 points with 32 billfish tagged.

Runner-up male angler: Darryl French 13,900 points with 16 billfish tagged.

Third male angler: Ben Bright 12,800 points with 14 billfish tagged.

Champion female angler: Emmi Roberts, 11,000 points with 11 billfish tagged.

Runner-up female angler: Theona Down 10,300 points with 10 billfish tagged.

Third place senior female angler: Andrea Kennedy 5,300 with 5 billfish tagged.

Champion junior angler: Tobee Torenbeek-White 2070 points with 2 billfish tagged.

Runner-up junior angler: Isaac Griffin 1800 points with 2 billfish tagged on a countback from Amy Torenbeek-White, also with 1800 points with 2 billfish tagged.

Champion boat: Wine Down 45,800 points with 46 billfsih tagged.

Runner-up champion boat: No Bull 42,900 points with 45 billfish tagged.

Third champion boat: Last Cast/Screamer 33,770 points with 33 billfish tagged.

Champion fly angler: Ben Bright, 1500 points (1).

First billfish of the season: Tom Hockey: 10/09/2022.

Last billfish of the season: James Prentice: 29/06/2023.

Most meritorious effort: Tom Hockey for introducing so many anglers to billfishing.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting for Western Cape Centre Ltd ACN 129 162 652 will be held on Thursday 19th October 2023 from 2:00-4:00pm at 1 Central Avenue, Rocky Point, Weipa.

If you have any further enquiries or want to RSVP please call the Administration Officer on (07) 4069 7945

Footy clinic in Weipa

AFL Cape York, in partnership with Rio Tinto, is running a school holiday program in Weipa tomorrow (Wednesday).

There will be plenty of fun and games at the local footy ground in Rocky Point, with all primary school-aged kids and early high school-aged teens encouraged to attend.

Crusaders camp a hit

YOUNGSTERS from eight communities gathered earlier this month in the central location of Coen for an AFL Cape York Crusaders development camp in Coen.

“It was a great way for young people from across some of our most remote communities to come together and enjoy our great game,” said AFL Cape York development coordinator Matt Mellahn.

“Some of the participating students and staff travelled over 850km to get to Coen and back.”

The Hope Vale Bulldogs took out first place in the Central Cape Crusader Cup, after going through the carnival undefeated.

Tyeisha Creek from Coen State School took out the girls’ MVP award, with Quade Bowen from Hope Vale claiming the MVP for the boys.

Jairesse Butcher from Lockhart State School and Zephaniah Whap from NPA State College took home Crusader Medals for top performances on and off the field.

Big Saturday in Brisbane

THE Brisbane Broncos and the Brisbane Lions will host preliminary finals at Suncorp Stadium and the Gabba respectively on Saturday night.

The Lions take on Carlton from 5.15pm in the AFL decider, while the Broncos host the New Zealand Warriors from 7.50pm.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE A TELSTRA MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT LOT 165 PLAN SP 273361 ELU STREET BAMAGA QLD 4876, SITE ID: BAMAGA EXCHANGE & RT, WWW.RFNSA.COM.AU/ 4876001

1. The proposed facility comprises the swap out of nine (9) redundant panel antennas (2 x 2630mm L, 1 x 2091mm L, 6 x 2533mm L) with ten (10) new panel antennas (2 x 717mm L, 2 x 1328mm L, 4 x 2533mm L, 2 x 2438mm L); ancillary equipment to be upgraded including remote radio units, tower mounted amplifiers, mounts, cabling and feeders; and internal works within the equipment shelter, to improve Telstra’s mobile phone network (including 4G / 5G).

2. Telstra regards the proposed installation as a ‘Low impact’ Facility under the Telecommunications (Low Impact Facilities) Determination 2018, based on the description above. The proposed infrastructure will comply with the ACMA EME regulatory arrangements.

3. 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 comments should be directed to: Planning Consultant on behalf of Telstra, via email to telstra.submissions@servicestream.com.au, phone: 0487 949 301, via post to Planning Consultant, Servicestream, 129 Pilbara Street, Welshpool, WA 6106 by 5pm 04 October 2023.

Champion female angler Emmi Roberts with Ben Bright.

The future of the Weipa Billfish Club appears to be strong.

Champion male angler Tom Hockey with Ben Bright. Darryl French and the Weipa Billfish Club are looking forward to the upcoming tournament.

Bowlers have a ball at Cooktown

By SARAH MARTIN

MORE than 70 bowlers from across the Tablelands converged on the Cooktown Bowls Club earlier this month at the annual Orchid Festival competition.

Club marketing manager Kimberley Sullivan said players enjoyed two days of spectacular weather as they competed for $3000 in prizemoney.

“This event is a great opportunity not only for the Cooktown bowlers to compete against players from other clubs, but for our fellow bowling friends from Yungaburra, Ravenshoe, Atherton, Mossman, Herberton and surrounds to come and enjoy the hospitality of Cooktown for a couple of days,” Ms Sullivan said.

Saturday’s competition was

mixed fours, played over three rounds, with Yungaburra’s ‘Ring Ins’ team taking our first place, followed by Cooktown Two in second and Ravenshoe in third, with the Bradman’s prize going to Cooktown Three.

On Saturday night, players who were keen to get in a few more ends enjoyed a two-bowl lightning triples competition and, on Sunday, a men’s fours comp was staged, with some teams supplemented by willing women.

Sunday’s winners were Yungaburra One, with Gary Kriesel’s team taking second, Yungaburra

Three taking third and Mossman

One claiming the Bradman’s.

“Many hands make our event so successful each year,” Ms Sullivan said.

“The Bowls Club Bistro team

did an amazing job feeding everyone lunch on both days and a big thanks to our ladies for baking for our bowler’s morning and afternoon teas.”

Ms Sullivan said the green and grounds were also in top condition thanks to the hard work of Brett, Bob, Colleen, Russell and the club staff.

For those interested in trying lawn bowls, there are social games open to all every Wednesday at 1pm and 6pm and Sundays at 9am.

“It’s a great game for people of all ages and abilities, with kids aged 12 and over welcomed too,” Ms Sullivan said.

“Coming up on Saturday, October 28, we’ve got a free come and try bowls day starting at 1pm.

“Everyone is welcome to come down and give it a try!”

A FAIR SHARE FOR REGIONAL NEWS

The Orchid Festival winners on day one were the ‘Ring Ins’, comprising mainly Yunguburra bowlers. Yunguburra bowlers were on fire, winning on the Sunday as well. Pictures: Sophie Roberts

Cooktown bowlers Gloria Savage and Darren Taylor enjoyed the recent Orchid Festival competition.

Archer shines in Mongolian event

By SARAH MARTIN

TEAM Australia has returned from the International Horse Archery Association World Championships in chilly Mongolia with a meteoric rise in ranking and a swag of international competition invites for Cooktown rider Don Woods.

The young diesel fitter took to the mounted archery sport like a duck to water when he first tried it five years ago, so much so that he qualified for the Australian team this year.

“It’s hard to explain how it feels when they ring you up and tell you you’ve made the Australian team,” Woods said.

“And I don’t think anyone can describe how it feels to ride under your flag, the feeling of pride, with your team around you, it was a once in a lifetime experience.”

The 22-year-old didn’t let the experience overwhelm him, and said although the crowds were the largest he’d ever competed in front

of, and he was given a fast, barely broken horse, he gave it his best shot.

“I never worry about the crowds watching, it’s just me, the horse and the target when I compete; that’s all I’m worried about,” he said.

“I came 31st overall and Aus-

tralia is now ranked eighth in the world, which is a vast improvement from around 21st the last time Australia competed in a world event.

“I was given a very fast horse and ran some of the fastest tracks there, and although I’ve got a bit of a reputation for speed, I honestly

wouldn’t have minded something a little quieter and a touch slower.”

New South Wales-based Australian team captain Rodney Deaman said despite setbacks, including arriving late and not being able to choose their mounts, the team competed well.

“Don Woods is a bloody inspiration,” he said.

“The way he rode that horse – or semi-guided missile – was amazing! I am beyond privileged to have had the opportunity to captain this team, and now we can work on bringing the sport back to what it was pre-COVID and showing the world what Australia can do at the next one.”

Woods said the results spoke for themselves, with invitations for several international events pouring in during the competition.

“There’s nothing booked yet, but there’s a good chance I’ll be competing internationally between April and March next year,” he said.

“Before that we have the Australian Nationals coming up in November, which is going to be an interesting competition as Team Australia will be competing against each other.”

With the Mongolian trip costing more than $4000 per rider, Cape York businesses got behind the young rider with generous sponsorship.

“I’d like to give a big shout out to my employer, Weipa’s Steady Contracting, and WDS Saddlery, who are in Mareeba, as well as Lousiana Emporium in Cooktown,” Woods said.

“Their support was really appreciated.”

The youngster flew back into Australia last Tuesday and was straight back to work in Weipa on Thursday, ready to save up for the next competition.

“These things aren’t cheap, and we really appreciate all the donations and raffle tickets bought,” he said.

Underwater hockey stars geared up for Auckland

COOKTOWN’S star siblings are putting the finishing touches to their training regime after being selected to represent Australia at the Trans Tasman Underwater Hockey Championships.

The Thomason teens, Rocco and Sienna, along with father Scott, who is Cooktown Crocs Underwater Hockey coach and will be assistant coach for the Australian team, fly out on Saturday for four days of action in Auckland.

“I’m really excited, and a little bit nervous,” 16-year-old Rocco said of his first international competition.

“I’m excited too, but not really nervous yet, although I do get nervous before the games,” 18-year-old sister Sienna said.

The siblings are no strangers to high level competition, having competed as part of the Queensland team

at the past four national championships, and their proud dad said the pair have a good chance at selection for the 2024 world championships.

“I think they’ve got a pretty good chance, they’re part of an awesome team with a really strong core group,” their dad said.

“The Trans Tasmans are held on the alternating year to the world championships and how you play there has a big influence on the selection of the 12 best players who go to the 2024 World Championships in Malaysia.”

Mr Thomason said the youngsters had been training hard in and out of the pool in the lead up, as well as juggling work and study commitments. Even the training has been a learning curve, they’ve been training with school and work,” he said.

Sienna said the pair had been increasing their out of pool strength

training alongiside the underwater skills and fitness.

The trio are looking forward to the high-level competition ahead of the Australian nationals in Cairns in early 2024, hopefully followed by the Malaysia World Championships.

“It’s going to be awesome for the team to play some really high-level hockey against players at their own age level,” Mr Thomason said.

“It’s going to be a learning curve for Sienna and Rocco, this is the first overseas competition for them but the coaches Anton and Ben are awesome.

“It’ll be good for me being assistant coach as well because usually it’s pretty hectic, I’m trying to coach under 15s and play and watch these guys but now I’ll be able to watch every game.”

The Cooktown team returns on Monday, October 2.

Don Woods mingles with some international competitors in Mongolia.

Cooktown teens Rocco and Sienna Thomason are headed for the Trans Tasman Underwater Hockey Championships.