Cape York Weekly Edition 154

LONG-SERVING OFFICER RETIRES

End of an era

By MATT NICHOLLS

CAPE York’s longest serving police officer has called it a day, signing off on Friday after a Police Remembrance Day service.

Cooktown’s officer in charge, Senior Sergeant John McArthur has led the local station since 2004, having previously enjoyed stints around the Far North, including Coen, Aurukun, Kowanyama and Normanton.

“I think every police officer should experience the Cape at least once,” he told Cape York Weekly on Monday.

“Everyone has heard about what it’s like to police in the Cape, but unless you’re on the ground you don’t really know what it’s like.

“I don’t think it would hurt to see every recruit do at least six months working in the Cape at some stage.”

For those who know Snr Sgt McArthur, he was happy to retire from Queensland Police Service with as little fanfare as possible.

“Don’t go writing anything too long,” he said, not knowing that his story would end up on page 1.

Unsurprisingly, his colleagues and superiors, as well as community leaders, were happy to speak about his service.

“He’s one of the very good blokes,” said former Weipa officer in charge Brett Jenkins, now the Inspector at the Cassowary Coast.

“John was always big on promoting the Cape as a great place to work for younger officers.”

Continued – Page 2

BRING ON NUMBER TEN!

More than 150 people braved the heat, wind and blisters to complete Conquer the Corrugations on the weekend. The mental health-focused event opened hearts and minds as walkers traversed 42km between Coen and the Archer River. Backed by health professionals, this year’s Conquer introduced participants to some of the many services on offer in the Cape. All focus now turns to next year’s event, with up to 1000 people tipped to partcipate in the 10th walk in 2024. Event gallery – INSIDE

Lathe: Macson 54mm

Spindle Shaper: Douglas 250mm Stroke Mill: Denbigh No 4 x 1” Spindle No 4 Chuck Spindle

Gantry: Swivel Hard Tyre & Girdle Trolley

End of an era as officer hangs up the handcuffs

From – Page 1

Acting Chief Superintendent Rhys Newton said his long-time mate and colleague was “one of nature’s gentlemen”.

“John’s professional approach to policing and ability to establish and nurture relationships for community safety had significant impact for Cooktown police and the community they serve,” he said.

“His ability to manage police service delivery in a country setting was second to none.

‘Highly respected by his colleagues, he positively led policing across the district.

“It was my honour, on behalf of the Commissioner and Police Minister, to attend John’s farewell function in Cooktown and, together with a wonderful gathering of police and community members, thank and congratulate John on his policing career and wish him all the very best for the next stage of life.”

Cook Shire mayor Peter Scott said the Cooktown community owed a great deal of gratitude to Snr Sgt McArthur.

“We’re very proud and very thankful that Cooktown and the shire is such a peaceful and friendly place,” he said.

“A lot of that has got to do with John’s approach to policing.

“He’s very empathetic and understanding.

“He had a real familiarity with the community, which is what happens when you work at one place for so long.

“Peter Williamson, who is the acting Inspector at the moment, said John’s effectiveness could be measured by the fact that even the criminals respect him!”

Cr Scott said the officer in charge would be sorely missed.

“His legacy is here to stay because he’s set a high bar and everybody will try and keep to that standard,” he said.

Cook Shire deputy mayor and colleague Robyn Holmes,

also paid tribute to her outgoing “boss” and friend of 18 years.

“His unwavering commitment to the community has been exemplary, along with his expectation that a high level of service delivery be provided with integrity and professionalism,” she said.

“He’s a person who led by example and in doing so gained the respect of his colleagues and the wider community.”

Snr Sgt McArthur might be hanging up his uniform, but he will remain a sworn police officer for some time.

The 57-year-old has worked so hard over the years that he’s accrued enough leave to be able to walk away now and remain on leave until his retirement age of 60.

“They call it pre-retirement leave, which means I’m using

up all my leave in one continuous block,” he said.

Born in Mossman, the Far North Queensland product has never ventured too far away.

“I spent a lot of my younger years on the Tablelands because dad moved around a bit as a policeman,” Snr Sgt McArthur said.

“But Cooktown has been home for the last 20 years and I’ve really enjoyed it.”

However, he said there were challenges to policing in country towns.

“The people you police you see very regularly and you have to have working relationships with them. It doesn’t have to be social, but you have to be able to get along,” he said.

Snr Sgt McArthur said he had seen a big growth in resources since taking on the job in 2004.

“When I got here there were six uniform officers and one plain-clothes officer,” he said.

“We covered the whole region but now we have 10 here in town, four at Hope Vale and a couple in Wujal Wujal.

“There are two detectives and we have a couple of highway patrol officers as well.”

While he’ll remain in town for at least a month or two, Snr Sgt McArthur will retire in the Tablelands.

He said he would leave with fond memories and thanked those who supported him over the journey.

“I’d like to thank the community in general, but especially all of the agencies and service providers that we interact with on an almost-daily basis,” he said.

Police Remembrance Day across the Cape – Page 13

John McArthur is presented with the Queensland Police Commissioner’s Certificate of Service by the Far North’s Acting Chief Superintendent Rhys Newton. Senior Sergeant McArthur said he was shocked by the surprise visit.

Former dux back home to finish medical degree

By MATT NICHOLLS

FORMER Western Cape College captain Katelyn McCahon says a remote upbringing should not be a barrier for Cape kids to follow their dreams as she pursues her goal to work for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Just weeks away from graduating with her medical degree from James Cook University, Katelyn has returned to Weipa to complete a rural placement.

“I put Weipa as my top preference from a list of five places,” she said.

“It’s been one of the best rural placements I’ve had and there’s a really good group of students up here.

“It’s a nice, busy hospital so we’re constantly doing skills and learning new things.”

Katelyn said she wasn’t sure what career she wanted in her early high school years, but leant towards medicine in Grade 11.

In 2017, she graduated as the college’s dux, sharing the honour with Liam Parr, her fellow school captain.

Since then, it’s been a slog.

The 23-year-old has spent the last six years at JCU and is now

pushing to become a rural generalist, having secured a position at Cairns Hospital for next year.

“I’ve applied for what they call the Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway, which allows you to get extra mentoring and support,” Katelyn said.

I can apply for that college

from mid next year and then that’s another five or six years of training to become a senior generalist after that.”

Asked what she’d like to be doing in a decade from now, Katelyn had no hesitation.

“RFDS. Being a doctor at the Royal Flying Doctor Service is

definitely my dream job,” she said.

The decision was no doubt influenced by her upbringing in Cape York, with the RFDS providing a lifeline to remote communities.

Her parents, Linda and Scott, also encouraged her down the health pathway.

Scott was the former pharmacy owner before selling up and moving to a farm on the Atherton Tablelands.

“Mum and dad definitely told me plenty of stories about healthcare and how rewarding it can be,” Katelyn said.

And while it’s been mostly work in Weipa, that hasn’t stopped her from enjoying herself while back in her old stomping ground.

On the weekend, Katelyn took part in the Conquer the Corrugations walk, while last month she went out on the water with Jim Borthwick and caught two massive barramundi.

“Dad and (brother) Tom were definitely jealous,” she said with a laugh.

“It’s been great to be back in Weipa and I can’t thank the hospital staff enough.”

Katelyn McCahon with two barras caught near Weipa.

Former Western Cape College principal Noel Rawlins and now-current principal Dan Tonon with 2017 dux recipients Katelyn McCahon and Liam Parr.

Katelyn McCahon has loved her work placement at Weipa Hospital.

We didn’t know: Aurukun voters caught out by AEC

By MATT NICHOLLS

AURUKUN mayor Keri Tamwoy says the Australian Electoral Commission must do more to inform the communities of their voting options after many missed out on having their say in this year’s referendum.

A polling booth was set up in Aurukun last week for two days and the mayor said that a lot of locals did not understand that it was their only chance to cast a vote in person.

“We were told October 14 and a lot of people thought we could vote in Aurukun on that date,” she said.

“This week there has been a lot going on and a lot of people are away with school holidays.”

A bus was used on Tuesday to transport some community members to the polling booths, but numbers were well down on Wednesday when the town was virtually put on lockdown as an allegedly drunk driver hooned around the streets in a stolen vehicle.

“These are the things that can happen in communities and the AEC needs to understand that,” Cr Tamwoy said.

“There is no consistency from year to year on these remote booths. In other years we have been able to vote on the actual day, as well as early voting.”

Cape York Weekly was told by an AEC insider that many remote booths in the Cape and Torres Strait had poor attendance numbers last week.

Turnout at Lakeland and Laura was below par, they said.

Poorly-worded posters were placed in communities on notice boards that are rarely updated or often overcrowded.

In Aurukun, finding the AEC’s poster was like a game of Where’s Wally?

The AEC is hoping that more people turn out for this week’s remote booths, with polling to take place in Napranum and

Weipa, although Weipa will also have a polling booth on October 14 at the storm surge shelter in Rocky Point.

Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said he was disappointed that many people did not know about the visits of the remote polling booths.

The MP wrote to Senator Don Farrell, the Special Minister of State, outlining his concerns.

“I write to bring to your attention a deeply troubling issue,” Mr Entsch said.

“The concerns focus on the lack of effective advertising and communication by the AEC in the lead-up to the upcoming ref-

erendum, particularly in Cape York and similar communities.

“Despite these communities’ limited internet connectivity, the AEC appears to rely heavily on digital and social media channels, with only one generic ad scheduled for print in Cape York Weekly

“Moreover, the AEC has outsourced its advertising strategy to a Sydney-based firm, which is likely not attuned to the specific needs and circumstances of remote communities.

“The issue of communication extends to the very heart of democratic participation. Mr Nicholls has pointed out that the

AEC has not actively advertised the dates and locations of its remote polling booths, which are crucial for enabling the residents of these communities to participate in the democratic process.

“In some cases, these booths are operational for only a few hours on a single day.

“If people are unaware of this, how are they expected to vote?

“I urge you to address these issues with the highest priority.

“I request that the AEC, under your purview, make immediate adjustments to its advertising strategy to better serve the needs of remote communities in Cape York and similar regions.”

PDR grading works

THE Department of Transport and Main Roads says they will soon grade the section of road between Myall Creek and York Downs on the Peninsula Developmental Road, following complaints from motorists. That section of road is by far the worst on the PDR, although there are other parts that are quickly catching up.

Cape York Weekly understands that TMR contractors were having issues accessing water from a local station for the works around Myall Creek, but the Department did not address those questions.

“The Department of Transport and Main Roads will commence grading works between York Downs and Myall Creek in early October,” a spokesperson said.

“Since May 2023, TMR has had up to five crews continuously carrying out grading and maintenance repairs along the entire PDR.

“Each crew completes three to four kilometres of grading each day.”

Cook Shire drop-in session

STAFF from Cook Shire Council will be on hand to offer information on a host of council services and projects at a community drop-in session this month.

The informal information session will run from 4pm to 6pm on Thursday, October 12 at the Cooktown Shire Halls.

Mayor Peter Scott said the sessions were aimed to increase awareness of council’s services and projects and give people an easy avenue to ask questions.

“We’re all part of the community, and all excited about where we’re going,” he said.

“Part of progress is listening to our community, and being accountable and transparent, and we hope regular community update sessions like this will help that.”

There will be displays and information on a range of council functions, including disaster management, biosecurity, animal management, planning, the local government election, Council’s budget, grants and current projects.

Cooktown District Community Centre will also join the Council team with information on its services and events.

Weipa forum tonight

RIO Tinto Weipa will host its latest community forum tonight at the Carpentaria Golf Club.

General manager Shona Markham and a range of other speakers will provide key updates and answer questions from the floor. The event starts at 5pm.

Aurukun mayor Keri Tamwoy and her son, Cr Kempo Tamwoy with last week’s edition of Cape York Weekly, which highlighted some of the Australian Electoral Commission’s shortcomings with remote polling booths in the Cape.

Huge hauls at Cooktown Hog Hunt

By SARAH MARTIN

A RECORD 308 entrants scoured Cape York to bring in almost 10 tonnes of feral hogs in North Queensland’s biggest pig hunt, the Cooktown Hotel Hog Hunt.

The annual event brings hunters from across Queensland and even interstate, with entrants this year vying for more than $40,000 in cash and prizes including a brand new CF Moto 625 quad bike.

Of the 9087kg of feral pigs that were eradicated over the three-day competition, the biggest boar went to Cooktown’s Cody Larkin for a fat 109kg monster.

The female award for biggest pig went to Donna Paradise with a hefty 95.3kg boar.

Cody, who hunted with partner Athena Buckley Rougier and mates Finn Slaughter and Delainey Griggs, caught the competitionwinning hog on Saturday.

“We got the big fella in a cane paddock. He had just came out of the cane and was laid up in the raspberries,” Athena said.

Athena and Cody have been in four Cooktown Hog Hunts so far, and said they knew they were in with a chance when they eradicated the big boar.

“Most definitely; we thought we had a good chance,” she said.

The pair are avid hunters and outdoors people, and said the Hog Hunt was a great event for those with similar interests.

“We love hunting with the dogs

and watching them improve and get better every hunt, they love it,” Athena said.

“The Hog Hunt is an awesome event that brings like-minded people together to do what we all love doing.”

Biggest sow was won by Brendan Graham with an 87kg beast and the junior prize for biggest pig was won by Cooktown youngster Blake Wawrzyniak, who also had an 87kg capture.

Mick Delahunty’s 166mm tusks took out the longest tusks prize and mystery weight went to Shannen Larnach with her 44.55kg pig.

Organiser Denicka Danaher said thanks was due to everyone who entered, as well as the officials team and Cooktown Hotel staff.

Sean Law, Kasey Meldrum and Cameron McDougall at the Cooktown Hotel Hog Hunt weigh-in. Photo: Abbey Rogers

The Roberts kids – Lucy, Trojan, Alex, Leon and Josephine, with friends Nash and Teo Smart.

Cody Larkin and Finn Slaughter with the 109kg boar that took out heaviest at the annual Cooktown Hog Hunt.

Sam Midgley with a nice boar caught during the Cooktown Hog Hunt.

Larissa flies the flag for ranger team

“WHAT a year” said Larissa Hale as she flew out of Australia to speak alongside Prince William, Bill Gates and the director general of the World Trade Organisation at the Earthshot Innovation Summit in New York.

Despite hating the limelight, the Cooktown ranger coordinator has bravely led the way for Indigenous women rangers, creating a network to connect, mentor and encourage them which won the £1 million Earthshot Prize in 2022.

Ms Hale vowed to use the money to take the women’s ranger network global, a goal she had set firmly in her sights as she rubbed shoulders with world leaders and change-makers at the summit.

“It has been such an honour to be in New York for the Summit and to meet the new 2023 cohort of 15 finalists for the Earthshot Prize,” she said.

“It’s fantastic to see fellow Australians Seaforest as finalists for the Fix Our Climate category.”

She said her week in the Big Apple had been a whirlwind.

“It’s pretty surreal sitting in a room and having dinner and shar-

ing thoughts with Jacinda Ardern, Prince William, Prince Albert of Monaco, Mike Bloomberg, Caroline Kennedy, Patty Harris, Bill Gates and many more global leaders and change-makers,” she said.

“I was on a panel moderated by Jacinda Ardern, and met James Larsen, the UN Ambassador for Australia.”

The summit, held during Climate Week, aims to accelerate the investments needed to scale the solutions developed by Ms Hale and the other Earthshot Prize winners.

“We’re going to create a global opportunity for First Nations female-led conservation programs, a network for women coming together to help repair the planet,” Ms Hale said.

Immediate success for new team

A NEW public health unit has been set up to focus directly on treating and preventing serious diseases in Cape York and the Torres Strait.

The Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service launched the new unit earlier this year and it is already seeing great results, with targeted community responses to malaria, diphtheria, tuberculosis, COVID-19 and influenza.

The team is led by an operations manager with support from a public health medical officer and includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, tuberculosis staff specialists and nurses, public health nurses and public health officers.

TCHHS executive director of medical services Marlow Coates said the communities within the region were affected by a range of communica-

ble diseases rarely seen in mainstream Australia. He said in the past three years there had also been outbreaks of shigella, salmonella, influenza, and COVID-19 in the region.

“More than two thirds of our residents identify as Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander peoples who suffer a higher incidence of chronic disease including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and kidney disease,” Dr Coates said.

“This new unit allows us to partner with local stakeholders to respond to outbreaks very quickly and in a culturally appropriate manner,.

“The unit proved highly effective in July when it partnered with primary health care teams and local leaders to respond to the first cases of malaria in the Torres Strait in 10 years.”

Queensland’s Health Minister Shannon Fentiman (centre) with Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Unit staff Allison Hempenstall, Jared Noah, Melissa Sprague and and Rotona Martin.

Larissa Hale with Jacinda Ardern.

Former Weipa dancer giving back

By CHISA HASEGAWA

GROWING up as the boy who did ballet in Weipa didn’t make for the easiest childhood, but Douglas Stewart’s passion never faltered.

He’s now inspiring the next generation of dancers.

After a professional stint in Romania, he has now returned to country Queensland and is a source of inspiration for the kids at Emerald Academy of Dance.

Douglas said a major part of his successful career was his first ballet teacher at Weipa Dance Academy.

“We always called her Miss Amanda ... she was very supportive,” he said of Amanda Seawright.

“She saw that I had potential and she actually pushed me towards dance.”

Since starting at the age of five, he was the only boy who participated in the female-dominated art form for most of the time.

“It was really terrible for myself growing up in that period; there was a lot of bullying in regards to that,” he said.

“Even though for the majority of it I tried to ignore it, there were days where it did get a little bit too much and I did feel a bit embar-

rassed if somebody asked me what I do after school.”

Ballet is an extremely difficult profession to enter, with limited job availability and low turnover rates making it very competitive.

It can be even more so for rural dancers who aren’t exposed to different styles, syllabuses and teachers.

Taking classes in London and Brisbane helped Douglas to overcome these challenges, but he felt like he “sort of lived under a rock”.

“When I first went to London, I found it very hard to adjust because the teacher at the time was trained under a syllabus I’d never heard of,” he said.

Despite the difficulties, he be-

lieves that anyone with enough passion and work ethic trained under a great teacher can be a contender.

“It’s like any sort of athletic sport, people can come from all walks of life in this sort of profession. How much you put in is how much you get back,” he said.

“Even in these small communities, you can produce one of the best dancers in the world...it all depends on the teacher and the student.”

Douglas dreams of making ballet more accessible and recognised by everyone, especially in rural communities, and was disappointed in hearing that Weipa no longer has an active dance school.

He explained that the closing down of dance schools was a common theme in bush communities.

“I feel sad for the kids that don’t get to have the experiences and opportunities that I did,” he said.

He hopes that ballet can be recognised and supported as an important art form so that studios like Weipa’s don’t have to close down.

Though he is only able to teach part-time currently, Douglas hopes that he will be able to support aspiring rural dancers full-time in the future.

Weipa-raised ballet dancer Douglas Stewart danced professionally in Romanian theatres before returning to rural Australia.

Douglas Stewart in his Weipa days.

Cooktown ready for big milestone

By SARAH MARTIN

COOKTOWN will this month celebrate 150 years since the town was formed, with a series of events planned for the community.

Although it was named after James Cook who spent 28 days ashore in 1770, the town was formed a century after his arrival.

The discovery of gold at Palmer River had settlers rushing to the region.

Prior to Cook’s arrival in 1770, the area was home to the Guugu Yimithirr tribal nation, and was historically a place of meetings and peace, something which Cook Shire mayor Peter Scott said has stayed with the community.

“Cooktown was the site of the first recorded act of reconciliation in 1770, between Cook and his crew and the Guugu Yimithirr people, and today we still have something really special here that people appreciate,” Cr Scott said.

“Even though we’re commemorating 150 years of the town in October, there is such a rich history prior to that and the beaut story of the great interaction between the Guugu Yimithirr and Cook.”

Guugu Yimithirr Traditional Owner and historian Alberta Hornsby said Cook himself summed up what was special about the area in his journal.

“He recognised the people as living in a tranquil land, a place where the land and sea provided

everything and the people were content,” Ms Hornsby said.

“That all exploded into disruption and upheaval for the Guugu Yimithirr in 1873, but then looking forward to 2023 to what we have learnt and how Cooktown today recognises and continues to recognise the Guugu Yimithirr people.”

Cook Shire Council is hosting a family-friendly bush dance at the Cooktown Shire Hall on October, 20 bringing back popular band Whiskey Boat, and holding a free community barbecue in William Daku Park on October 25.

The Cooktown School of Art Society is also holding the Cooktown Archies portrait competition to celebrate the characters that make up our town, with the opening night at the Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery on October 13.

“It’s fabulous that we’re commemorating this, and I’m sure the community is going to get on board big time because we all love Cooktown and we’re all very proud of it,” Cr Scott said.

“We’re commemorating the past and celebrating the future –come and have some fun with us!”

Cooktown was initially called Cook’s Town, and formed on October 25, 1873 when the ship Leichhardt arrived carrying government officials and miners keen to hit the Palmer goldfields.

Among the government staff aboard was the gold commissioner, a roads engineer, a lieutenant to survey the river and a police party to keep law and order, as well as more than 70 miners and prospectors.

In just 12 months, the fledgling town’s population had swollen to 4000, with buildings lining what

would become Charlotte Street, and the same year its name was changed to Cooktown.

Many of the distinctive historical buildings still lining Cooktown’s streets, including the Old Bank, Seagren’s Inn and Ferrari Building on Charlotte Street, the Cooktown Museum on Helen Street and the old Cooktown Hospital on May Street were built in the next two decades.

Visit www.cook.qld.gov.au for more information on 150th commemoration events, or to buy bush dance tickets.

The 1875 view of Cooktown looking over the police complex towards the unloading of stores, where today’s wharf now sits. Photo: Cooktown Historical Society.

Charity founder impressed at ball

By MATT NICHOLLS

THE woman who arranged for the suits and gowns that were sent to Aurukun for the PCYC’s NAIDOC Ball says she was blown away by the community.

Tammy Robinson is the founder of Formally Ever After, a charity that puts formal wear in the hands of those who need a helping hand.

“I’m from Logan and everyone says there are a lot of disadvantaged people here,” she said.

“I don’t look at them as being disadvantaged, I look at them as needing a helping hand.”

All of the gowns or suits were practically brand new, donated by people from all over the country.

Tammy said she supported last year’s inaugural NAIDOC Ball in Aurukun, but this was her first time attending.

“I’m still buzzing,” she said on Friday.

“The girls looked so beautiful and the boys were so handsome.

“It was everything I hoped it could be – and more!”

Organised by Steve and Norma from PCYC Aurukun, teenagers from the community were able to pick out a dress or a suit of their choosing.

On Wednesday afternoon,

both the boys and girls, as well as some Elders, got glammed up at the PCYC before posing for photos and walking to the Wo’uw Ko’alam Community Centre.

There, they walked down the

red carpet, brushing shoulders with politicians, community leaders and PCYC head honchos. They were then treated to a buffet dinner.

“I thought it was an amazing night and the kids were rightly the

centre of attention,” said Tammy, who said the outfits would remain in Aurukun, to be used at next year’s NAIDOC Ball.

“I had to keep telling myself ‘don’t cry, don’t cry because it was just so beautiful.”

She said Formally Ever After was made possible by generous donations. The pictures of smiling faces from Aurukun will no doubt travel far and wide.

“Our motto is that we want to be the best. I don’t want kids having to wear gowns with stains on them or with tears, so we make sure that they are thoroughly cleaned or in great condition or they don’t make the cut,” she said.

“For many of these kids, this will be their big chance to dress up and feel special.”

Tammy said she loved that the girls opted to go bare-footed.

Norma said: “We gave them the option of wearing shoes to match their dresses, but they said to me that it’s Aurukun-style to wear thongs or bare feet!”

Pictures – Pages 13 and 14

Cape officers pause for Police Remembrance Day

These ladies were looking their best at last week’s NAIDOC Ball, thanks to donations through Formally Ever After.

Officers from the Weipa Police Station at Kumrumja Park on Friday evening for a special sunset service.

Cape Patrol Inspector Dave Rutherford in Weipa. Officers from the Cooktown Police Station also farewelled officer in charge, Senior Sergeant John McArthur (far right) on Friday.

Cooktown staged its service in the park opposite the police station.

PCYC Aurukun NAIDOC Ball

Pictures: MATT NICHOLLS

PCYC Aurukun NAIDOC Ball

Conquer the Corrugations

Conquer the Corrugations

Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page

Quick Crossword

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

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.

Spot the 5 Differences

gluer

grin gruel GRUELLING grunge guile gull gulling gurgle ingle liger ligule ling linger lugger lung lunge luring niggle niggler reign ring ruing ruling rung uglier unrig urge urging

Reference: Macquarie Concise Dictionary Focus No. 3979

the Dots

ENDEAVOUR LIONS CLUB COOKTOWN

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

President: president@endeavourlions.org.au

Secretary: secretary@endeavourlions.org.au

Treasurer: accounts@endeavourlions.org.au

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

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

F: Endeavour Lions Club Cooktown

I: @endeavour_lions_cooktown

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You have the unique opportunity to work and engage directly with First Na�ons communi�es and service providers to deliver outcomes in line with community aspira�ons on behalf of the Australian Government. We offer challenging, interes�ng and s�mula�ng work, engaging across all levels of government and work alongside First Na�ons people, who con�nue to maintain their ancient connec�on to country and share their rich culture and language. You will work as part of a dynamic team to implement and deliver on a range of government ini�a�ves and commitments that support and improve the wellbeing of First Na�ons people.

Classifica�on: APS 5 ($82,339 – $88,028 plus superannua�on)

Applica�on closing date: If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you! Submit an online applica�on by Wednesday, 11 October 2023 by 11:30pm AEDT

How to apply: Visit h�ps://www.niaa.gov.au/careers or contact Flo Bridger on 0418 352 687 or at flo.bridger@official.niaa.gov.au

Mokwiri Aboriginal Corporation

(ICN:7972)

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

(Election of New Directors - all members to become a director must have a “Director ID”)

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Mokwiri Aboriginal Corporation is being held at Napranum. Proxy forms are available at the MAC Office in Napranum.

Dated: Thursday 25th of October 2023

Venue: Suzie Madua Conference Room – Napranum Council Civic Centre

Time: 9:00am

The Business of this meeting is as follows:

1. Accept Draft Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 27th of January 2023

2. Directors to stand down and New Elected Directors

3. Resolutions for the New Application Forms for Membership

4. Chairperson/Secretary Report on behalf of the Board of Directors

5. Financial Report

6. General Business – DOGIT Transfer update

Dated: 25th of September 2023

For any inquires please contact: Secretary.

Mokwiri Aboriginal Corporation (ICN:7972)

Email: info@mokwiripbc.com.au

Ph: (07) 4257 1000

2023 Mapoon Barra Bash

Pictures: MATT NICHOLLS

Strong start for our swim stars

WITH six medals already in the bag and personal bests getting smashed, Cooktown’s swimming team is kicking goals at the Darwin Country Championships.

The group of 10 youngsters from Cooktown’s Amateur Swimming Club, accompanied by coach Donald Macmillan, club president Mel Hegamaea and parent John Habermann, flew into Darwin on Friday for four days of competition.

“The Country Championships is a national level event for clubs based outside of the metro centres like Brisbane and Sydney, and there will be an expected 500 competitors attending,” Mr Macmillan said.

“The kids are doing really well, working on focus and hydration and rest in between their preliminaries and finals.

“I’m really proud of their attitude and

commitment, and they’re smashing last year’s performances (at the Country Championships) which is a testament to their winter training commitments.”

Sam Ryder bagged three medals during Saturday’s finals, taking second in the 200m individual medley, and third in 50m backstroke and 100m breaststroke, and two more medals on day two, with a second in 100m butterfly and third in 50m breaststroke.

Rudi Habermann also had a podium finish on Saturday, with a bronze in the 50m backstroke event.

The group also enjoyed a junior excellence coaching clinic with Australian Olympian Chelsea Hodges, with young Cooktown swimmer Lakea Hegamaea even swimming against the star during the 200m freestyle relay.

The Cooktown Amateur Swimming Club team in Darwin for the Country Championships.

Natalie Treloar, Isla Winton and Haila Hegamaea enjoying some down time at the Darwin Museum.

Corinne to lead state at national championships

COOKTOWN lawn bowler

Corinne Stallan will represent Queensland at the Australian Championships in Perth this week after a surprise call up from selectors.

The 17-year-old bowler has had a big year on the greens representing Queensland but said competition for spots was tight.

“I was surprised when I found out I had made it to the nationals because there was tough competition between the Queensland girls this year,” she said.

“I’m very excited to not only play for Queensland, but to travel to Perth for the championships.”

The Endeavour Christian College Year 12 student, who plays at Cooktown Bowls Club, will be skipper for both the fours

and triples teams at the championships, and was confident about their chances.

“I think we will do OK; our team this year is pretty strong,” she said.

“We just have to put our heads down while we are there and work hard to get the trophy for Queensland.”

Corinne flies out with her Queensland teammates today (Tuesday) and will be joined by her proud mum Katrina Lewis when competition starts on Friday.

Following the Australian championships, the youngster will take off her sporting hat to celebrate her 18th birthday, before getting straight back into competition playing for North Queensland in Mackay.

Duyfken wins at long last ...

A GROUP of racehorse owners with ties to Weipa finally enjoyed success on Saturday as their well-named gelding Duyfken broke through for a win at Innisfail.

Unfortunately for some of the owners, the win came a week too late.

“Donna and Bluey Koitka and Lynette Olsen were also in the horse but they sold their shares to the trainer last week,” said Sue Wallin, a former Weipa resident who now lives on the Sunshine Coast.

“I still have my share with my daughters and Stello (Jason Stelling).”

The Weipa contingent purchased the horse at the Magic Millions sale and named him Duyfken to keep the Cape connection. However, he’d been luckless prior to Saturday’s win, having raced 21 times for nine placings.

Trained out of Cairns by Mark Dale, the win proved to be perfect timing for some, as Dale picked up the lion’s share of the prizemoney after taking on the half-ownership.

Three-way countback

HELEN Sabatino was last week’s Wednesday Wackers winner at Weipa, but the handicapper had his work cut out for him that day.

Three players, including Alan ‘Fish’ Philliskirk and Grant Crossley, were tied on nett 34 and had to be separated on a countback.

Helen came out on top, while Fish claimed second prize.

Ross Craven picked up both nearest to pins for his efforts on 15 and 18, while Gary Head claimed the Bradman’s.

Early bird gets the worm

MICK Cerneka was an early riser on Sunday and it paid off as he beat a field of 10 to win the Dawn Busters golf.

Cameron Hart had to settle for runner-up and Jimmy Hoffman rounded up the field to be the Hoffman’s recipient.

Lee Williams had the longest drive and no one picked up the nearest to pin.

Big stableford win

DAVID Sands was Sunday’s stableford winner at the Carpentaria Golf Club, winning the member event sponsored by Weipa Camping Ground.

He had 39 points to beat Kellie Linnehan, who carded 35.

Brock Lowrey was nearest to the pin on the 9th, while Grant Crossley was closest on the 15th.

We’ll bounce back: Broncos

DEVASTATED Brisbane coach Kevin Walters is confident his team will win premierships in the future if they learn a vital lesson from their 26-24 grand final loss to Penrith.

After giving up a 16-point lead late in the second half on Sunday, Walters said it was “hard to get your head around what happened”.

The Broncos came back from an 8-6 half-time deficit to lead 24-8 with 24 minutes remaining after Ezra Mam scored three tries in 10 minutes.

“That second period for 20 minutes at the start of the second half is the Broncos I know. We need to do that for 80,” Walters said in his post-match press conference.

“We are not there yet, but when we do, we will win premierships.”

Corinne Stallan will arrive in Perth today for the bowls championships.

Duyfken wins at Innisfail on Saturday with Morgan Butler in the saddle.

Picture: Peter Roy

Price adjusted – nicely presented unit

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

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

• 4 spacious bedrooms • Built-ins • Ensuite • 24/7 power with the fully wired generator that automatically cuts in when main power is lost & shuts itself off when it is restored – runs the whole house –great for shift workers & families • Open plan extended living area

• Good size kitchen with walk-in pantry • Fully air conditioned

• Large undercover entertainment area • Fully fenced corner block with double gate access • Lock-up laundry & storage area with extra toilet • Roof has been rescrewed • Vinly flooring • Security screened • Carport for three vehicles tandem