Cape York Weekly Edition 175

Candidate: strategy is to keep region in the dark

By LYNDON KEANE

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ONE Nation’s candidate for Cook says he believes there is “nothing accidental” about the Queensland Government’s lack of consultation with freehold property owners in the current Cape York World Heritage listing debate.

Cape York Weekly revealed on 5 March that the government had taken no steps to consult with the owner of Mountain View, a 12,300-acre property north of Lakeland, despite approximately 30 per cent of it falling within the proposed Quinkan Country land parcel Traditional Owners are currently being asked whether they want to receive World Heritage status.

Despite the government admitting any land put forward to UNESCO for listing “must have landholder consent”, freehold property owners have been left in the dark and say they have not had any contact to determine their views.

Peter Campion, who will fly One Nation’s flag when voters have their say at the October 2024 state election, slammed the move and said it appeared as though the government had the best interests of UNESCO, not freehold pastoralists, in mind.

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“If Cape York residents and property owners wanted evidence that the Labor party is not representing their interests, but is instead representing the interests of unelected foreign organisations … they only need to consider Labor’s abject and inexcusable failure to consult the actual owners of the freehold properties that are being proposed for World Heritage Listing,” Mr Campion said.

While the State Government has engaged the Cape York Land Council to seek support from Traditional Owners about the World Heritage plan, Mr Campion said it was concerning similar consultation with free-

hold property owners had not been deemed a priority.

“I am very concerned about this thinly-disguised attack on a foundational pillar of Western society and, in my considered opinion, there is nothing accidental about the Labor gov-

ernment’s failure to consult the owners of the affected freehold properties.

“Everything Labor and the Labor-lite LNP have done in recent years seems deliberately designed to weaken our state and country, and to place us at

the mercy of these foreign organisations [and] the law of averages precludes accidents and coincidences when it’s happening all the time.

“So, yes, Labor’s sneaky theft of individuals’ property rights seems to be a fait accompli, and its timing appears rushed to beat the October [election] deadline.”

Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reed Leanne Linard told Cape York Weekly consultation was currently under way with some Traditional Owner groups but would not provide a response to why owners of freehold land had not been spoken to.

“The Miles and Albanese Governments are committed to World Heritage listing for Cape York,” she said.

“An application for listing will only proceed with the free, prior and informed consent of interested Traditional Owners.

“If a tentative listing is successful, more detailed and wider consultation will occur in the preparation of a subsequent, more detailed nomination.”

One Nation candidate for Cook Peter Campion says the current stakeholder engagement on Cape York World Heritage status is an “inexcusable failure”.

The Quinkan Country National Heritage List area includes Joy Marriott’s property Mountain View at Lakeland.

Forum to provide updates for community

RIO Tinto Weipa will host its first community forum for the year when staff and Weipa residents converge on the Carpentaria Golf Club from 6pm on Thursday.

The bi-annual forums represent an opportunity for community members to find out what is happening both with the mining giant and the Weipa township itself, with Rio Tinto Weipa general manager Shona Markham to provide an update to attendees.

“We have a deep connection with the

Weipa community, so it’s important we take the time to come together, share information, answer questions and hear concerns and feedback,” Ms Markham said.

“This time, we are having an expo-style event where community members can talk directly to our team about local procurement, job opportunities, employee benefits, community funding programs and electricity billing.”

In addition to Rio Tinto, representatives

from Weipa Town Authority and Queensland Health will be in attendance to provide updates about their operations.

Ms Markham said free pizza would be rolled out to ensure community members were well fed while they listened and spoke to presenters and staff.

Rio Tinto has advised community forums will also be held in Napranum, Mapoon, Aurukun and New Mapoon over the coming months.

New nurses for the Cape

By CHISA HASEGAWA

FOUR freshly graduated nurses have started work with the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service team this year, with two more to join in September.

The six nurses will be spread across Weipa, Cooktown and Thursday Island, bringing along their range of clinical experiences in acute medical, surgical, emergency care, community and primary health care.

Newly-graduated registered nurse Karyn Teece, who has been working as an enrolled nurse at the Weipa Hospital

since 2017, said she would continue her journey as a registered nurse at the same clinic.

“I chose Weipa to do my graduate year as a registered nurse because, having worked here for seven years already, I know we have a wonderful supportive nursing team and many experienced clinical and registered nurses whom I believe will contribute significantly to my learning and development,” Ms Teece said.

She explained nurses working in Cape York and the Torres Strait had to be resourceful to overcome the challenges of working in a remote setting, a

unique part of the profession which drew her to the field.

“I believe rural and remote nursing offers a diverse range of practice opportunities and deals with a variety of medical conditions and situations, which can contribute to both professional and personal growth, and which can be deeply rewarding,” Ms Teece said.

“I just love living and working in the Cape.

“Going forward as a registered nurse, I would particularly like to develop my nursing skills to work in emergency and theatre, and I’m looking forward to expanding my experience.”

TCHHS executive director of nursing and midwifery services

Sarah Worth said the new nurses would undertake a 12-month program that involved theoretical and practical assessments.

“This year, we have also appointed Thursday Island clinical nurse Ivy Hodges as a First Nations clinical facilitator to support our new graduates.

“She will be there to support, advise, and mentor our new graduates making the transition from studying at university to life in the workforce, as well as reinforcing our commitment to delivering culturally safe care to our First Nations communities.”

Nurse graduates Christine Hall, Karyn Teece, Juliana Fontana and Jaleesa Basnight. Photo: Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service

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Changing of the guard across Cape’s councils

By LYNDON KEANE

RESIDENTS in five council areas across Cape York and the Torres Strait are guaranteed to wake up to a new mayor on Sunday morning as voters prepare to have their say at the 2024 local government elections.

Long-serving Mapoon and Cook Shire mayors Aileen Addo and Peter Scott are set to celebrate the end of their formal representation of their respective communities, as is outgoing Weipa Town Authority (WTA) Chair Michael Rowland.

Between then, the trio have dedicated almost 50 years’ service to local advocacy and representation of some of the state’s remotest residents.

Jaime Gane will replace Mr Rowland as the new head of WTA, while voters in Cook Shire Council – three nominees – and Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council – four nominees – have plenty of mayoral options to choose from.

Douglas Shire Council will also welcome a new mayor, with incumbent Michael Kerr announcing in late 2023 he would not seek re-election, opting instead to chase Liberal National Party preselection for Cook at October’s state election.

Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council

Mayor Richard Tarpencha is aiming to remain on the council, but has nominated for one of the councillor vacancies.

With 223 candidates having nominated for mayoral and councillor positions in the 14 Cape York and Torres Strait council areas, one current mayor told Cape York Weekly they were nervous about who would make up the new-look council elected to serve until 2028.

“You never know how these things are gonna work out,” they laughed when asked about their chances.

“You think you’ve done a pretty good job for your community, but elections are bloody funny things.”

The hottest mayoral races look to be taking shape in Kowanyama and Hope Vale, with a combined 17 candidates throwing their hat in the ring for two vacancies.

Torres Strait Island Regional Council has claimed bragging rights for the most overall candidates, with 38 – five mayoral and 33 councillor – seeking to represent their communities.

Cape York Weekly will bring you the results of Saturday’s election as they are declared by the Electoral Commission of Queensland.

Cape York’s candidates – Page 17

Outgoing Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott says he’s looking forward to spending more time with his wife Sayah.

Retiring Mapoon Mayor Aileen Addo says the community is in good hands.

Candidates flag interest in dividing up Cook Shire

By LYNDON KEANE

INTRODUCING divisions to the state’s largest local government area could be on the cards after Saturday in a bid to better represent constituents living outside Cooktown.

That was the clear message from the overwhelming majority of Cook Shire mayoral and councillor candidates Cape York Weekly posed the question to after the subject was raised a number of times at the Meet Your Local Candidates Forum.

Currently, the gargantuan 106,000 square kilometre Cook Shire council area – a footprint half the size of Victoria – is encompassed by a single division, meaning votes can historically go the way of candidates living in more densely-populated parts of the shire.

The Local Government Act 2009 allows councils to request changes to elector representation, including through the implementation of divisions, with any proposal requiring ministerial approval before being assessed by the Local Government Change Commission.

It is not the first time divisions have been on the radar of Cook Shire Council.

In early 2019, the council investigated the option of introducing a second “North-Western Division” that would have included communities like Lakeland, Laura, Coen and Portland Roads, and been represented by two councillors.

However, the looming 2020 Queensland local government elections and the COVID-19 pandemic shelved the plan before the council decided in October 2021 that it no longer wished to proceed with the proposed change.

Of the three mayoral and 19 candidates who face an election showdown on Saturday, 14 responded to questions from Cape York Weekly gauging the likely

appetite of the new council to reassess its position.

Most said they supported the concept of introducing divisions, although several suggested it was unlikely to be a priority for the new council.

Portland Roads-based candidate Jayson Watkin said “Cook Shire residents living outside the south-east corner of the electorate could definitely benefit from a division or two”.

“There’s an existing boundary at Musgrave where the Lilyvale Road heads east to Princess Charlotte Bay, and the Strathgordon Road heads west to the Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire [Council] boundary, which dissects the shire,” he said.

“It seems like a fairly convenient and strategic location for a divisional boundary.”

Councillor candidate Nash Snider said “given Cook Shire is the largest local government area in Queensland, and that our community is geographically dispersed and culturally diverse, yes, I believe the question about divisions is definitely worth exploring”.

Mayoral candidate Robyn Holmes, who was involved in the 2021 decision to maintain a single division, said she was not opposed to a discussion, adding she “would like to see a greater input from people who live north of Laura, as they are the ones who would benefit or

be impacted if change is to happen”.

It was a no on the question of divisions from councillor candidate Nick Davidson, who told Cape York Weekly: “I don’t think it’s a priority issue at this stage”.

Ian Murray, who is vying to be the mayor, said he believed Cooktown had seemed, at times, to be the council’s priority, a focus he said was to the detriment of the 4500 Cook Shire residents not living in the town.

“I am in favour of divisional representatives to ensure the region is fairly represented at council level,” he said.

Cook Shire voters will elect a new mayor and six councillors this Saturday.

Weipa careers expo returns

CURIOUS minds, ambitious students and potential employers will come together once again at this year’s 2024 Weipa Western Cape Careers Expo.

Local businesses and institutions are currently being invited to attend this year’s expo on 6 June to showcase different career pathways to students in years 7-12.

Western Cape College industry liaison officer Fiona Marshall said the expo was a great chance for students and community members to connect.

“This is a major event for the community and provides an excellent opportunity to showcase and or recruit for your business, organisation or institution,” she said

Ms Marshall also thanked the exhibitors of the 2023 expo “for the amount of effort, enthusiasm and professionalism” that went into creating a valuable experience for students.

“The expo showcased our years 7-12 students in a positive light, and assisted them with making meaningful connections [and] career guidance,” she said.

“[Thank you] for your continued support in enabling our students to engage in workplace visits and work experience opportunities.”

The 2024 Western Cape Careers Expo will be held at the Weipa Storm Surge Shelter from 9:15am-3pm. Businesses and institutions interested in being showcased can email fmars7@eq.edu.au.

Palm cockatoo research

PEOPLE for Wildlife will use its share in State Government funding to ensure the preservation of one of Cape York’s most revered bird species.

The group has received $67,546 to develop palm cockatoo call recognisers to aid in long-term population and nest success monitoring through the Queensland Threatened Species Program, which supports research projects aimed at increasing the knowledge of threatened species and help their recovery in the wild.

The Cape York project will also identify the location of nesting hollows to guide priority fire management and conservation research, and install cameras at nest hollows to determine the reproductive success rate, the cause of low reproductive success for the palm cockatoo, and ways to improve it.

Minister for the Environment and Great Barrier Reef Leanne Linard said the funding would give the palm cockatoo the best chance of increasing population size in the wild.

Does Cook Shire need to have divisions to get better representation from outside of Cooktown?

Life-saving scan draws big praise

A WEIPA resident has praised the availability of a local CT scan and the expertise of health staff in Weipa and Townsville for saving her life after being diagnosed with an aneurysm.

Barbara McConnell – known by everyone as Flo – attended the Weipa Hospital emergency department in November 2023 with a crippling headache.

The CT scan showed the cause of Ms McConnell’s pain was a bleeding aneurysm, an emergency diagnosis that required immediate evacuation to the Townsville hospital.

Once on the ground in Townsville, she was treated by the hospital’s interventional neuroradiology service, a pioneering nonsurgical treatment for brain aneurysm and clots in the brain caused by stroke.

Ms McConnell said the pain in her head had come from nowhere.

“I had been singing in the kitchen that morning before I started suffering a severe headache,” she explained.

“I called my husband, initially believing I was just dehydrated, but my husband said he found me slumped at the kitchen table and insisted we go to hospital.”

The 66-year-old, who runs an accommodation house in Weipa with her husband, has since paid tribute to medical staff in Weipa and Townsville, as well as the Royal Flying Doctor Service, for saving her life.

“Everybody was all around absolutely fabulous,” Ms McConnell said.

“They were kind and caring and wonderful. The availability of the CT scanner in Weipa and the information provided by lo-

cal doctors had likely been a huge benefit to Townsville staff.

“They didn’t need to take another scan in Townsville, they just went right in with the information sent from Weipa.’’

The Weipa scanner has completed almost 2100 scans since going into operation in June 2021, and the hospital’s senior medical officer, Dr Brock Newtown, said it had been a game changer for local diagnostic options.

“Barbara presented with a severe headache that was very sudden in onset,” he said.

“It reached its maximum severity instantly [and] that is a red flag for us for the potential of a bleed on the brain. This was very much a medical emergency.

“We are really fortunate in Weipa to have a great group of clinicians, including doctors with advanced skills in anaesthetics and emergency, which means appropriate care can be provided until the transfer.”

Away from home but still flying the flag for school

IN the unsettlement of being displaced from their community following Cyclone Jasper, school has been a beacon of normality for Wujal Wujal students and their families.

This year, Centacare’s School Savvy FNQ initiative aided in sending Wujal Wujal students based in Cairns to school in their usual Bloomfield River State School uniforms.

School Savvy FNQ manager Andrea Obeyesekere said with Cape York Partnerships and the Department of Education, Bloomfield River State School had been able to set up its own unit at Cairns West State School.

“The teachers are based there and the children go in their own uniforms and have their classes together, so that they maintain their identities for when they are able to return to their community,” she said.

“Fortunately, the uniform shop [in Wujal Wujal] wasn’t damaged in the flooding, so they were able to get the uniforms airlifted to us here in Cairns and School Savvy was able to purchase the uniforms for the students.

“There was a lot of little kids starting prep this year, so you can imagine the drama of being evacuated and then starting school in Cairns, but this way, they’re able to go in the Bloomfield uniform and go with their family.”

She said it was crucial that the students continue their education with as much normalcy as possible and that having their own uniforms played a key role.

“It must be scary as a little person, because Bloomfield is such a small, connected school, and then to come here and be thrust into so much change,” Ms Obeyesekere said.

“This is also a great opportunity to really allow them to be proud of the school they’re going to.

“I think this has been a small way that we in Cairns were able to support a community that our hearts are breaking for.”

School Savvy FNQ is an initiative which provides access to pre-loved school uniforms and supplies for students in families struggling financially.

The pop-up shop has become an allround “soft entry point” for families to access services they may have not heard about or know they needed.

Families can access services such as financial literacy, digital literacy, backto-school haircuts and assistance with school busses.

“It’s open to anyone in the community who needs assistance and we don’t do any kind of checks,” Ms Obeyesekere said.

“There’s a lot of dignity in the program, and it’s completely based on community generosity and community donations.”

– story by Chisa Hasegawa

Barbara ‘Flo’ McConnell with Weipa Hospital senior medical officer Dr Brock Newtown.

Wujal Wujal students in Cairns received their Bloomfield River State School uniforms as well as backpacks and stationery packs.

Photo: School Savvy FNQ

Farewell Mayor Scott

To the Cook Shire community and our neighbours across Cape York, Council elections are on this weekend. Our Cook Shire communities will choose six Councillors and, for the first time in over a decade, we will have a new Mayor. Retiring Mayor Peter Scott is handing over the reins after 20 years in Local Government, the last 16 as Mayor of Cook Shire Council. A lot has been written about Mayor Scott over the last few months but I wanted to pay my own tribute on behalf of the staff of Cook Shire.

Local Government is an incredibly hard business with an enormous amount of regulation, and intense scrutiny from the community and external agencies. In this business you need a very thick skin to survive. Elected officials are the public face of our organisation and are accountable to the community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Unlike Council staff they don’t get to change companies or towns if it gets too hard. They have pledged to their communities that they will serve them for their term.

Mayor Scott has been the face of Cook Shire for 16 years and has seen many Councillors, CEOs and staff come and go over his time. He has rejoiced with the successes and been front and centre for the failures. You don’t get to be on Council for this long without making some mistakes and annoying some residents.

However, it is important that we all remember the legacy that Mayor Scott is leaving by recognising the achievements of Council during his tenure. The full list would require a paper of its own but the bigger achievements include:

• Grassy Hill lookout redevelopment

• Cooktown Foreshore & Webber Esplanade Revitalisation including the William Daku Park and waterfront development

• Lakeland Gateway to the Cape – Tourist Information Centre and Interactive Sculpture Park

• Coen sports field upgrades including a new playground and amenities

• Construction of the Cooktown Events Centre as a multipurpose facility and place of refuge

• Lakeland Recreation Park

• Ayton library and sports ground facilities.

• Cooktown Airport and Coen Aerodrome runway and facility upgrades

• John Street Oval clubhouse and lighting upgrades

• Cooktown Shire Hall refurbishment

• Country Universities Centre Cape York

It is incredibly difficult to only mention a couple but these examples show a person who has worked for the entire Shire. There are also a lot of community achievements through advocacy for schools, access to medical services, roads, social housing, and so on. If we think how far our communities have come over the past 20 years a lot of it has been because of the work of Mayor Scott.

As Mayor Scott finishes in public office we also need to thank Sayah Scott for the sacrifice she has made through having a husband who has also been married to his work. I’m sure there are times when she has wished for a more peaceful existence out of the public limelight. On behalf of the staff of Cook Shire Council I thank Mayor Scott for his work and dedication and wish him and Sayah the best in their semiretirement.

Brian Joiner Chief Executive Officer – Cook Shire Council

FOR COOK SHIRE COUNCIL

COMMUNITY. INTEGRITY.

As a devoted father, a proud Yalanji man, an Allied Health Assistant with TCHHS, Masters student, cultural leader and an award winning artist, I bring a rich and diverse portfolio of experience, as well as passion and dedication to my community.

Community, integrity and connection are values and beliefs that I live by, and am dedicated to upholding as Councillor for Cook Shire Council.

COMMUNITY is about people and lifestyle. It’s about creating meaningful opportunities for all people to grow, learn, colloborate, contribute and to better access essential services so we can all enjoy the lifestyle we love living in the Cape.

CONNECTION.

INTEGRITY must be the backbone for any public servant: Honesty, transparency and pride are nonnegotiables. Integrity for me is about asking the hard questions, being open, fair and kind, and fighting for what’s right.

CONNECTION refers to the threads that weave us together: from upgrading roads, river crossings and telecommunication infrastructre, to connecting and protecting our natural environment and celebrating Indigenous cultures, alongside the unique and diverse culture that connects our community as a whole.

I do love to yarn, so I invite you to reach out and let me know how my values can be of service to you.

Gallery unveils exhibition dates

The Annual Art Award, which is Cooktown’s flagship exhibition, will be held for the 45th time from 13-29 June, with a record number of works tipped to hang and impress gallery visitors.

CSAS president and secretary Jane Dennis told Cape York Weekly the group was adopting a “fresh new approach” for its 2024 schedule of exhibitions.

“Nestled in the heart of the Cooktown main street, it is vital that we grow a strong cultural and art scene,” she explained.

“We are aiming to showcase artists from the north and offering a money award for encouragement.

“North of Cairns, there is very little opportunity for artists to have a permanent space representing their work.

“The group’s core membership was wanting, so it needed a fresh new approach.”

Ms Dennis said she believed the growth of the group had a flow-on impact on the greater community.

“I have a strong belief that self-expression is the source of our sanity, so, last year, we focused on creating a safe and creative space through workshops, with life drawing, portraiture and even a mural on the RSL fire wall, which is still growing,” she said.

“This year, we return to the events.”

Ms Dennis said the Annual Art Award, through humble beginnings with Elizabeth

Guzsely, proved it only required a paint brush and some paper to get the exhibition ball rolling.

“The fact that this exhibition continues today strongly indicates the determination of artists who wish to share their voice and knowledge,” she said.

“This exhibition focuses on the beauty and the character of the north.”

The other high-profile local exhibition is The Archies, the local portrait award scheduled to run from 1-20 October this year.

“This was my favourite event, as all walks of life arrived,” Ms Dennis reflected.

“It was like we had a night market brimming with social connection.”

The other events on the 2024 exhibition calendar are RAW (20 April-3 May), the Muddies Youth Exhibition (17 July-1 August) and The Odies, which will be a celebration of all things pet portrait, in September.

For more information, send an email to cooktownart@hotmail.com.

For Cook Shire Council

I have lived in Cook Shire since 1997, first in Rossville and later in Cooktown, where I finished school in 2002

I have run my own business, worked as a journalist with the Cooktown Local News and Cape York Weekly, and as a communications advisor with Cook Shire Council, Yuku Baja Muliku Landowners and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

I raised my two older daughters and son in Cooktown, and have been a ratepayer since 2007. I have family in Cooktown, Coen and Hope Vale and hope one day to be sharing our region with my grandkids.

My background, upbringing and experience is what drives me to want to make a difference by representing my fellow locals as a Cook Shire Councillor

I understand the responsibilities and constraints of State and Local Government, and am ready to represent the community to improve our amazing and diverse Shire without losing what we love about it.

If you would like to know more about me and how I plan to represent the Shire, stop and say hi next time you see me out and about or give me a call on 0429 477 624

For honest, realistic representation from a long-term local with State and Local Government experience, Vote 1 Sarah Martin.

Authorised

Cooktown School of Art Society’s Jane Dennis.

MARITIME Safety Queensland is taking action to remove an 11.4-metre abandoned yacht from mangroves near Cooktown as part of the Queensland Government’s War on Wrecks program.

The ferro cement-hulled, named Cooinda, is a well-known sight for anyone on the Endeavour River and MSQ announced last week it had commenced procurement for a contractor to remove the eyesore.

The Cooinda will be the 115th vessel removed from the Cairns maritime region since the program was launched in mid-2018, with an additional 40 vessels identified by the program also removed or remediated by their owners.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said abandoned and unseaworthy vessels were a blight on Far North Queensland’s postcard coastline.

“Far North Queensland is renowned for its pristine tropical beauty, and that includes its rivers, creeks, mangroves and coastline,” he said.

“Maritime Safety Queensland is working hard to ensure FNQ’s reputation stays that way, by removing abandoned wrecks that could otherwise pollute the marine environment.”

He added MSQ would not hesitate to call out owners for their lack of accountability.

“It is first and foremost an owner’s responsibility to ensure their vessel remains seaworthy or, failing that, to remove it from the water,” Minister Mellish said.

“But where they fail to act,

MSQ will step in and look to hold owners accountable, through the courts, for any costs it incurs.”

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the removal of Cooinda would be a win for the community.

“The environment around Cooktown will be much better for Cooinda no longer being there, as was the case at Yorkeys Knob, after a similar vessel, Eagle, was removed in September,” she said.

KAP slams proposed govt probe

DESPITE being asked to chair it, Katter’s Australian Party has come out swinging against the “thought bubble media stunt” supermarket inquiry proposed by the Queensland Government.

KAP leader Robbie Katter said last week he believed the government had no interest in an independent examination of the country’s major supermarkets, even though his party has been lobbying for one for years.

“We could come out and claim a victory following this announcement, but our cynicism is on overdrive,” Mr Katter said.

“We know full well that the government uses inquiries to make excuses, not meaningful decisions. We did not have high expectations in the first place about the independence, or the possibility of genuine outcomes from this thought bubble media stunt from the Premier.”

Mr Katter admitted his party had been approached to provide an independent chair for the inquiry but said he believed doing so would be a waste of time.

“Our conscience would not be clear if we chaired a committee that was effectively controlled by the government, with its report doomed to be parked on a Brisbane shelf to collect dust,” the Member for Traeger said.

The 11.4-metre Cooinda, which is currently decaying near mangroves in Cooktown’s Endeavour River, will be removed as part of the State Government’s War on Wrecks program.

Chamber sets its agenda

THE soaring cost of freight and

local businesses

be front and centre for the new executive of the Western Cape Chamber of Commerce following the group’s annual general meeting.

The meeting started with the election of a new executive, with Jai Christie to stay as president in 2024.

Luke Puglisi was elected the chamber’s vice-president, with Jay Murray and Gemma Shaw filling the treasurer and secretary spots respectively.

The AGM was also used to

showcase the chamber’s new website home page, which will allow local businesses to join the organisation by simply clicking on a link.

Ms Shaw told Cape York Weekly the impact of freight on local business growth and access to State Government traffic cameras were quickly added to the new executive’s agenda for the coming year.

“At the completion of the AGM, the cost of freight and what options are available to the chamber to assist local businesses was discussed,” she said.

“[Transport and Main Roads] cameras were also discussed, and how the Weipa community can access these cameras.”

The highlights of the previous 12 months were also celebrated during the meeting, with the Western Cape Futures Symposium crowned the chamber’s major achievement.

The March 2023 symposium attracted 180 attendees that injected an estimated $90,000 into the local economy.

The digital Western Cape Business Directory will also be updated this year and is an inval-

uable tool for locals and tourists to search for businesses.

Ms Shaw said the new-look website would allow the Chamber to grow its membership in a “seamless” way.

“By clicking the link and entering details, it will automatically add the business to the chamber,” she explained.

“Membership fees will be able to be paid on the website.

“We are in the final stages of the website becoming live, and we will advertise via Facebook and the Cape York Weekly once it goes live.”

With an understanding of regional issues, from rural & business, waste & infrastructure, community services, communications and with demonstrated ability to respond and prioritise disaster management

NEWS IN BRIEF

Entries open for art prize

ARTISTS from across Cape York and the Torres Strait are being encouraged to submit entries for a chance to win $49,000 in prizes as part of the 2024 National Contemporary Art Prize (NCAP).

Now in its fourth year, artists have until midnight on 30 June to submit their work.

The Open Prize has a prize purse valued at $20,000, as does the First Nations Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

The Sustainability Prize winner will receive a prize valued at $8,000, while the People’s Choice Award will secure the successful artist $1,000.

Formerly known as the National Capital Art Prize, the competition was renamed to better align with the art it represents, rather than the competition’s city of origin.

For more information, visit www.ncapart. com.au.

Kowanyama celebrates IWD

THE Kowanyama community recognised the achievements of local women and celebrated inclusion when Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council held an International Women’s Day lunch on Friday, 8 March.

In line with the Inspire Inclusion theme of the 2024 celebration of women, the event provided attendees with an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in the community, as well being a mechanism to inspire understanding, value, and a sense of belonging both locally and globally.

The event, which was well attended, included a special barbecue lunch, cakes and fresh fruit to turn the celebration into a true feast.

I grew up in Cape York and following a time gaining experience in agriculture and management returned to raise my young family in my favourite part of the world. We live in a place of opportunity and growth, a place that my family will always call home. I am committed to improving the quality of life for everyone on the Cape through my dedication to my business and creating opportunities. Since 2016 I purchased and have successfully expanded businesses within the Cook Shire – providing local jobs to local people! By building capacity in my business, I am now able to dedicate the necessary time to the Community and the people who myself and my family have been fortunate enough to be part of throughout the years If elected as Mayor, I will dedicate the necessary time and knowledge to enter a new era of progress for the Cook Shire

With fresh community direction, these are my main priorities

A Shire Council that is of the people, for the people – with improved opportunities for our children and meaningful jobs and career paths within the region

A strong focus on the disaster affected regions with targeted support and strong advocacy for reconstruction and Community support following TC Jasper flood event

Continued lobbying of Government for development of new housing and essential infrastructure including the hospital upgrade and Aged Care accommodation and facilities for the Cape to enable residential and industry growth Support and advocacy for ongoing Cook Shire rural and regional initiatives (Lakeland Dam, strategic bridges, PDR)

Arts, Sports and Cultural Development across the region

Focus on development, business and job opportunities, future-proofing and sustainability for the region

Yours sincerely,

Authorised by Kenny

what can be done to assist

will

The Western Cape Chamber of Commerce executive team – Jai Christie, Gemma Shaw, Luke Puglisi and Jay Murray.

Bright minds inspire Cape York youths

By CHISA HASEGAWA

THREE scientists boarded a plane, bus and boat to reach students in Cape York and the Torres Strait to inspire the next generation of science superstars.

The QIMR Berghofer Regional Education Program is aimed at delivering science to children across Queensland, while demonstrating and encouraging pathways to careers in medical research.

Dr Nigel Waterhouse, Dr Ellie Paige and Andrew Laskary joined the education team on the northern outreach, the first leg of the ongoing program which will take QIMR Berghofer across the state.

Mr Laskary, who is currently undertaking a PhD, said the touring presentation showed students what the career of a scientist might look like.

“It was three different scientists from different stages in their careers,” he said.

“So, me being very early on, and then the other two scientists more established in their careers, it gave the students perspective of what it looks like when you progress in your career.”

He said the program was an opportunity for students to be exposed to pathways they may have not otherwise considered.

“It’s really just about trying to let them know about science as a viable career option, especially youth in remote regions that don’t typically have exposure to scientific programs,” Mr Laskary said.

“I was born in Egypt, so for me personally, I had no idea what science is or what a scientist does until I got exposure to that.

“So, it’s really about cultivating those experiences early on so that they could think about these options down the line when it’s time to choose.”

Jude Di Giacomo from the Northern Peninsula Area State

College said the visit opened the eyes of many students, particularly those with a flair for science.

“It’s not often a team of renowned scientists in their field working at an amazing institute in Brisbane travel all this way. How the research was presented was just outstanding,” she said.

Mr Laskary said the students enjoyed the hands-on work.

“We brought a bunch of microscopes with us, and a lot of slides of things like human blood, different organs and even a mosquito,” he said.

“They all looked at those under the microscope and they absolutely loved that, especially the blood slides. We also had another station with getting them to know what DNA is, and playing around with how to manipulate DNA in different ways.”

QIMR Berghofer education coordinator Dr Manuel Serrano Santos said the program was designed specifically for children in regional Queensland in consultation with the Department of Education, with the strategy receiving widespread support.

“We were received with open arms,” he said.

“It was great to show students that science is possible for them, no matter how remote they are.”

an unconventional celebration of all things friendship and inspiration for International Women’s Day.

Not a cliche in sight at IWD

celebrations in Cooktown

THERE was not a purple cupcake to be seen when more than 50 women united to celebrate International Women’s Day in Cooktown on Friday.

Unconventionally billed as having “no frothy feminism, just real women connecting and inspiring”, the event took the form of a sundown soiree at Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery.

With the cliched cupcakes swapped for champagne and guest speakers benched in favour of an epic grazing table of gourmet cheeses, dips and crudites, organiser Kristina Olsen told Cape York Weekly the gathering was a fitting representation of the strength and power of female friendships.

“I truly believe that when we’re confident in who we are, we simply don’t feel the need to judge and criticise others,” she said.

“I wanted to frock up and celebrate women being women, whatever that means to them, without judgement.”

Between return visits to the grazing table, attendees caught up with old friends and made new ones in an authentic celebration of International Women’s Day.

Ms Olsen said the event had been incredibly well received,

Dear Cape York, welcome to my first column I thought, with International Women’s Day (IWD) this month, the theme, ‘inspire inclusion’ would be a good place to start As a First Nations woman, a mother and a representative of the communities of Cook, this theme resonates with me strongly In my work and in my life, I have seen many places, policies and situations where the exclusion, particularly of women, from decisions, power, and economic participation has had heartbreaking and challenging consequences I have also seen and worked with some amazing, strong and powerful women –working against the odds, and against the grain to

with plans in place to hold another get together well before the 8 March, 2025 appears on the calendar.

The event was one of a number held across Cape York and Torres Strait to mark International Women’s Day, including Regional Art Services Tropical North, which hosted a Cooktown gathering involving poetry, dance, and an exhibition of quilts from the part 25 years of International Women’s Day celebrations.

make changes and inspire inclusion Women still shoulder a disproportionate amount of the mental and physical load of caring for families, communities, and finances - often balancing this with a career Gender equity is still not the norm IWD is a good time to take stock, think about where we are, where we have come from, and what our aspirations are for the future Like many women, I will consider the ways I can, do, and will ‘inspire inclusion’ for our communities

Congratulations

Cape York

Our community and sporting groups connect and enrich our communities Congratulations to these recent State Government grant recipients from the Cape: Active Women and Girls grants ($7500) for Weipa Dirt Karts, Cape York Boxing Weipa and Weipa BMX

A massive 13 Gambling Community Funding Fund grants to the Cape including Cooktown State School, Kindy, Folk Club, Athletics Club, Napranum and Lockhart River Councils and Puuya Foundation

PhD candidate Andrew Laskary encourages science as a career option to young people in Bamaga.

There were no purple cupcakes or guest speakers to be seen when about 50 Cooktown women frocked up for

Katina McGregor and Tara Litzow soak up the atmosphere.

The Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery was the perfect space for the IWD event.

Palmer River mine given $1.3m to fire up in 2025

REVOLVER Resources has accelerated plans to recommission a Far North Queensland copper project after a $1.3 million injection of funds from the State Government.

The miner announced last week the funding would assist in the development of a series of technical studies, and engineering and environmental management designs, and fast-track the project by up to six months.

The funding has been provided by the government’s Queensland Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Fund.

The project at Palmer River,

south-west of Cooktown, is scheduled to be fully operational in the next 18 months, subject to regulatory approvals and finance.

Revolver Resources managing director Pat Williams said the company was seeking to reestablish the mine in line with the rising global demand for copper to supply electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging infrastructure, batteries, and renewable energy generation.

“The objectives of the fund and our plans at the Dianne Copper Mine Project align neatly,” he said.

“This grant enables us to accelerate the final engineering and design workstreams for the project as we drive towards targeted recommencement of mining activities at Dianne.”

Prior to its closure in 1983, the mine was producing 63,758 tonnes of ore, with an average copper grade of 22.7 per cent –the highest-grade copper in Australia’s history.

Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals Scott Stewart said the funding would continue the state’s ongoing association with copper production.

“Queensland is host to large

and long-lived copper mining activities, with new deposits still being discovered, and developments successfully progressed,” he said.

“The renewal of old mines is a key action identified in our Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan, and it’s great to see Revolver Resources take advantage of the opportunity a legacy operation like this is presenting.”

Revolver Resources said it believed the mine would support about 23 new full-time jobs and opportunities for 10 apprentices and trainees.

Carbine operation taking dust seriously

DUST from a nearby tungsten mine blowing over the tiny township of Mount Carbine will soon cease to be an issue following the construction of a high-bund wall along the mine perimeter.

Mount Carbine Tungsten Mine operations manager Ryan MacNeill said although there had been few complaints about excessive dust or noise, the construction of the wall would mitigate most of the dust and

machinery noise concerns from affected nearby houses.

More than 600,000 of tonnes of earth fill has been transported from other sections of the site to form the massive bund.

Mr MacNeill said building the wall was a proactive measure to ensure the relationship between the mine and the Mount Carbine township remained strong.

“When the wall is finished in two months’ time, we will regularly water down the area

on the inside of the bund, and we believe that will prevent most of the dust from going near any houses, but the prevailing wind blows from the south-east, taking it away from houses anyway,” he explained.

“We have been doing everything we can to mitigate truck movements and limit dust.”

Mount Carbine publican Mitch Newman said he had “no issues” with dust or noise coming from the mine adding he be-

lieved the wall, when finished, should stop any complaints.

The EQ Resources Mount Carbine Project has been shifting up a gear with tungsten concentrate production from existing stockpiles, but has plans to go underground in the near future to mine richer lodes of the valuable mineral.

Since the company acquired the mine and quarry site in 2019, capacity has been expanded to 300,000 tonnes per year.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Early council voting open

VOTERS not wanting to wait until Saturday to cast their vote in the 2024 local government elections can have their say this week with early polling centres operating across the region.

While Electoral Commission of Queensland early voting booths have been available in Cooktown for the past week, those in more remote areas will have the opportunity to vote early as ECQ staff begin to arrive in communities from Wednesday.

Weipa voters can cast an early vote at the Weipa Town Authority office from 9am until 4pm from today until election day.

Cape York and Torres Strait residents can find details about local early polling at www.event.elections.qld.gov.au.

Licence expiry check urged

MOTORISTS are being reminded to check the validity of their drivers licence after a number were intercepted with either expired or no licence at all over the past few weeks.

Police said it was critical for drivers to ensure their licence was current, as it is an offence to be in control of a motor vehicle with one that is only one day out of date.

Unlicenced driving is an offence, but police said there could be several other serious consequences in the event the vehicle was in an accident, including an insurer deeming coverage invalid.

To check the status of your licence, visit www.qld.gov.au/transport.

Boost for early childhood

EARLY childhood services in regional and remote parts of Far North Queensland are set for a boost following a $33 million investment by the State Government.

The initiative will aim to build the state’s early childhood workforce, including opportunities for staff working in the sector to develop and advance their qualifications.

Minister for Education Di Farmer said the Queensland Early Childhood Workforce Strategy included a number of key components, including a qualification pathways program, a practical placement scheme and $2.3m to fund two planning days in 2024 for every eligible long day care service offering kindergarten programs.

“We all believe that every child deserves the same opportunity, and we know an early childhood education is the best way to give them a strong start,” Minister Farmer said.

Production manager Brad Goodwin and operations manager Ryan MacNeill inspect the perimeter wall built using 600,000 tonnes of fill that will protect Mount Carbine homes from dust and noise from Mount Carbine Tungsten Mine operations.

Campaign mudslinging must stop

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

THEY say death and taxes are the only certainties on this mechanical bull ride called life, but I think it’s fair to add a third inevitability to the list: mudslinging in election campaigns.

It feels like an opportune time to make the addition, given Cape York and Torres Strait voters are now only five days away from casting their vote in the 2024 Queensland local government elections.

If you’ve made a postal vote to have your say in how your new council will look for the next four years, congratulations on avoiding the mudslinging, political spin and unrealistic promises that accompany a trip to the ballot box.

Should you heading to a prepoll this week, or waiting until Saturday to make your representation selection comforted by the olfactory magnificence that is a democracy sausage sizzling away on a barbecue, you might want to brace yourself and read on.

Actually, with a state election in October and voters set to choose new representation in Canberra

sometime in 2025, it’s probably better everyone stays focused, because the bane of the democratic process does not discriminate between the three tiers of government. It’s a bit like a parent saying every child is their favourite in that sense, even when they’re clearly lying through their teeth.

While they will never admit it, you’d be hard pressed to find a candidate of any political persuasion – and I’m also looking at those incumbents already representing loyal and potentially foolhardy constituents – who could say hand-on-heart they have never

flung a political mud pie, pointed the finger and blamed the previous council or government, or engaged in a bit of old-fashioned gossiping about their competition. Go on, prove me wrong. I’ll wait.

Since the council candidate lists were announced earlier this year, I’ve been lucky enough to be on the receiving end of myriad calls, texts and comments from candidates, their family members and “unofficial” campaign assistants trying to drum up interest in why they believed Candidate X or Candidate Y was crooked and unfit for public office. You’ll be stunned to

read not one allegation was based on anything that could be rationally categorised as fact. People, for the love of whatever omnipotent being plays a central role in your life, something you saw on a Facebook whinge group or heard at the bowls club at 2am on a Saturday doesn’t generally turn out to be a verifiable truth.

For reasons known only to those with a predisposition for elected public service, mudslinging and outlining why your opponents are completely incompetent – or simply corrupt – is now the go-to strategy when it comes to political campaigns.

Unfortunately, for these candidates and their entourages, the reality is that most of your lucid voters are completely fed up with the lies, blaming and total absence of accountability.

An important note to political candidates, whether they be local, state or federal: we are sick of hearing what you think your opponents have done wrong, and why you believe spreading rumour and innuendo makes you deserving of our vote. If you’re reading this and aren’t a candidate, please highlight the last sentence and pass it onto any wannabe political types you

feel would benefit from having a gander.

It’s reached the point where we could spiritedly petition the International Olympic Committee to include the political mud toss as an athletic inclusion for the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.

What we should be driving to celebrate, however, is the value of a campaign based on honesty, unpretentious ambition and a genuine desire to represent your community to make it a better place to live, work and play. I know, I know, there goes a pig across the northern horizon. A jaded and cynical newspaper editor can dream, can’t he?

Media shouldn’t be in the habit of telling readers who needs to get their vote when they number the boxes in a giddy, post-democracy sausage euphoria. But they should be prepared to point out the glaringly obvious in that the acceptance – or ignorance – of the mudslinging status quo has led to the state of not only our own communities, but the entire democratic system of government.

If you aren’t happy with what you see, hear or read, it might be time to dodge the mud and scuttlebutt, scream out and make your vote stick on Saturday.

Collaboration tackles remote food security concern

CAPE York and the Torres Strait’s remote store operator and Foodbank Queensland have teamed up to combat food security in the region.

Community Enterprise Queensland, most known for its IBIS and ABIS supermarkets, launched the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Foodbank Queensland earlier this year, with outlined initiatives and commitments to reduce hunger and food issues in Cape York and the Torres Strait.

CEQ chief executive officer Michael Dykes said the collaboration marked a significant step towards creating sustainable solutions to alleviate hunger and promote food security.

“The MoU is an exciting announcement, and further reaffirms CEQ’s aim to support healthier, more sustainable communities,” he said.

“Through our Good Pasin

program, we cover the cost of the freight from Cairns for the food provided by Foodbank Queensland, ensuring that nutritious breakfast products reach schools

and communities throughout FNQ.”

The first MoU initiative launched was the school breakfast program, which started in term one and in-

volves 14 remote Far North Queensland schools.

“We are excited about the collaborative potential that this partnership brings, with the school breakfast pro-

gram the first joint initiative with Foodbank Queensland [and] many more to come,” Mr Dykes said.

Foodbank Queensland CEO Jess Watkinson said she was excited to work with CEQ.

“Foodbank Queensland is honoured to join forces with CEQ in our shared commitment to address hunger and improve nutrition in Far North Queensland,” she said.

“This strategic partnership allows us to leverage our strengths and resources to make a significant impact on the lives of children and young people, working towards a future where no one goes hungry.”

– story by Chisa Hasegawa

With Queenslanders gearing up to elect new councils, candidates would do well to remember that voters are sick of having to wade through mudslinging, rhetoric and finger pointing in the search for authentic political leadership.

Students with full tummies are ready to learn, thanks to the CEQ and Foodbank Queensland collaborative school breakfast program.

Leadership skills honed through Duke of Ed award

By LYNDON KEANE

THE endpoint for their journeys will differ, but a growing number of Aurukun youth are using the same prestigious pathway to start them on their adventure towards leadership and learning new skills.

Through PCYC Aurukun, the cohort – all aged 14 or older – have embarked on their Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, commonly referred to as the Duke of Ed.

The Duke of Ed Award has three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold – with each level consisting of four key sections: physical recreation, skills, voluntary service, and an adventurous journey. The Bronze Award is for participants ages 14 and above, with the Silver Award and Gold Award aimed at youth 15 years and older, and 16 years and above respectively.

The catalyst for the local involvement was one of PCYC Aurukun’s Kang Kang Youth leaders, Helena Armstrong-Ravula, completing her Bronze Award and starting the conversation about the program’s benefits to both individual participants and their community.

From there, interest in the Duke of Ed snowballed, with 11 Aurukun youth now enrolled in the program.

PCYC Queensland general manager of community, cultural and social innovation Dean Woods said it had been identified that many of the Kang Kang Youth participants were already undertaking tasks that aligned with the Duke of Ed’s four key sections.

“PCYC Queensland received special funding to assist in establishing the DoE within Aurukun, so we took it to a Kang Kang Youth leadership team meeting and spoke to them about DoE,” he said.

“When you look at the DoE criteria and the hours that are needed, most of our Kang Kang Youth leadership team are already doing all aspects of DoE.”

Duke of Ed participant John Wolmby, 17, said his love of sport and helping in the remote community were a natural fit for the program.

“I come to PCYC every day. I love to play all the sports [and] I always try to help out,” he said.

“I’m happy I do the Duke of Edinburgh Award.”

The sentiment was shared by 19-year-old Jacqueline Kepple, who said she would be incredibly proud when she completed her Bronze Award.

Mr Woods said participants had shown commendable accountability for themselves and other members of the cohort.

“Regardless of whether a young person is looking to earn their Bronze, Silver or Gold awards, they’re constantly improving and developing their leadership and personal effectiveness through goal setting, selfmanagement, teamwork and commitment,” he said.

“The nature of the awards requires the young person to be very motivated and selfdriven.”

Chantelle Walmbeng and Jacqueline Kepple are part of a cohort of Aurukun youth leading by example by completing the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award through PCYC Aurukun.

Council elections: the nominees

AURUKUN

Mayor

Barbara Bandicootcha

Dereck Walpo

Keri Tamwoy

Councillor

Jayden Marrott

Leona Yunkaporta

Craig Koomeeta

Eloise Yunkaporta

Kemuel Tamwoy

Bobby Adidi

COOK SHIRE

Mayor

Kenny Reid

Ian Murray

Robyn Holmes

Councillor

Sam Godfrey-Roberts

Walter Moessner

Nash Snider

Dave Goode

Marilyn Morris

Beau Peberdy

Jayson Watkin

Gavin Dear

Nick Davidson

Stephanie Hook

Ross Logan

John Dessman

Hongyu Feng

Gregory Whittaker

Sarah Martin

Joy Marriott

Justin Coventry

Jeanne Masding

Melinda Parker

HOPE VALE

Mayor

Jason Woibo

Bruce Gibson

Bruce Woibo

Timothy McGreen

June Pearson

Trevor Gibson

Preston Deemal

Neville Bowen

Stephen Wallace

Councillor

Allison Michael

Eva Bounghi

Colin Bowen

Angela McIvor

Graham Bowen

Lyndell Gibson

Wesley Pearson

Rowan Hart

Harold Bowen

Robert Bowen

Robert Gibson

Farzana Woibo

Russell Gibson

Sha-Lane Gibson

Clinton Woibo

Elaine McGreen

Barry Bowen

Brandon Ford

Charmaine Bowen

Tracey Ludwick

KOWANYAMA

Mayor

Territa Dick

Thomas Hudson

Jacob Josiah

Michael Yam

Robbie Sands

Aaron Teddy

Robert Holness

Leslie Gilbert

Councillor

David Jack

Teddy Bernard

Michelle Jimmy

Dion Bermister

Coralie Lawrence

Richard Stafford

Tania Major

Scott Olds

Charmaine Lawrence

Wendy Wust

LOCKHART RIVER

Mayor

Rodney Accoom

Wayne Butcher

Councillor

Alistair Bowie

Morgan Hobson

Steven Bally

Kimberly Rocky

Daniel Accoom

Krystal Dean

Karen Koko

Dorothy Hobson

MAPOON

Mayor

Kiri Tabuai

Daphne De Jersey

Cameron Hudson

Ronaldo Guivarra

Councillor

Allena Tabuai

Janelle Ling

Linda McLachlan

Eli Tabuai

Maria Pitt

Justina Reid

Sheree Jia

NAPRANUM

Mayor

Janita Motton

Roy Chevathen

Councillor

Margie Adidi

Egito Mairu

Rex Burke

Tam Wees

Ernest Madua Jnr

Robert Wigness

NPARC

Mayor

Cassandra Sabatino

Patricia Yusia

Robert Poipoi

Michael Solomon

Dale Salee

Councillor – Div 1

Tapee Salee

Gina Nona

Dave Byrne

Councillor – Div 2

Mary Yoelu

Dennis Getawan

Councillor – Div 3

Kitty Gebadi*

Councillor – Div 4

Pauline Lifu

Marlene Bond

Councillor – Div 5

Kawia Sunai

Mabelene Whap

Sabrina Mudu

Willie Fulton

Brad Elu

PORMPURAAW

Mayor

Ralph Kendall

Vanessa Deakin

Stephen Ambrum

Ronald Kingi

Councillor

Budhagi Gibuma

Christine Coleman

Lucy Foote

Margaret Coleman

Peter Yunkaporta

Glen Simpson

Romina Edwards

Keith Barney

Tim Koo-aga

Janey Deakin

Devon Tarpencha

Richard Tarpencha

WEIPA

Chair

Jaime Gane*

Member

Lisa Scharf

Deborah Duffy

Scott Hackett

Trent Gordon

Geoffrey Robins

Gemma Shaw

WUJAL WUJAL Mayor

Bradley Creek

Alister Gibson

Councillor

Nikita Jack-Tayley

Ava Snyder-Doughboy

Lucas Creek

Claudia Grogan-Doughboy

Talika Greenwool

Robert Bloomfield

* Denotes elected unopposed

Source: Electoral Commission of Queensland

DAILY CONVENTIONAL CROSSWORD 15 X 15 GRID R

Quick Crossword

Sudoku

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

TODAY’S Good: 12 B T G L Y I A L O

words FOCUS Very good: 18 words

Spot the 5 Differences

Note to Editor: Created in QUARK XPRESS.

VER.4.03

not needed for publication can be erased as each is in a separate text box.

Created:

Ted Whillier

Qxpress: 8489

Matt Trickey Checked:

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Puzzles and pagination supplied by

Media

CAPE YORK LAND COUNCIL

YUK PUYNGK

ICN 1163 | A BN 22 965 382 705

NOTICE OF CONSULTATION

EPM 27900 – West Cape Sands Pty Ltd

Northern Cape York #2 Native Title Claim Group

This notice is to advise that Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will facilitate a meeting in Weipa in relation to Exploration Permit for Minerals (EPM) 27900 (as shown on the map below) held by West Cape Sands Pty Ltd. EPM 27900 was notified by the State of Queensland as an act that attracts the expedited procedure on 21 August 2021 and granted with the Native Title Protection Conditions on 8 February 2022.

Details of the meeting are as follows:

Embark on a rewarding career journey with Cook Shire Council, where professionalism meets passion for community service. We are currently recruiting for the following roles:

CAREERS WITH COOK SHIRE COUNCIL PLUMBER

ELECTRICIAN

SENIOR RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER

As a valued member of our team, you'll find yourself at the forefront of positive change, working alongside dedicated professionals committed to enhancing the lives of our residents.

APPLY ONLINE AT

www.cook.qld.gov.au/work

Who: People who hold Native Title rights and interests in the EPM area

Date: Tuesday, 19 March 2023

When: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

*Video conference facilities will also be available upon request.

Purpose of this meeting:

The purpose of this meeting is for CYLC

to:

• discuss the grant of EPM 27900 under the expedited procedure;

• provide information about the functions of the Native Title Protection Conditions; and

• discuss the cultural heritage implications of the grant of EPM 27900.

P E W

| | |

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

The Western Cape Communities Co-Existence Agreement (WCCCA) is an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) over the Rio Tinto mining lease areas of the Western Cape York region of Northern Queensland. The Agreement is between the eleven Traditional Owner Groups, four Shire Councils (Aurukun, Napranum, Mapoon and New Mapoon), Rio Tinto, the Queensland State Government and the Cape York Land Council on behalf of the Native Title Parties.

The Western Cape Communities Coordinating Committee (WCCCC) and its three SubCommittees transparently monitor, implement and review the objectives of the WCCCA to ensure that all parties’ obligations under the agreement are met. The WCCT office is the administration arm for all the Trusts and the WCCCC. 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. Currently we are seeking applications for the position of:

ADMINISTRATION OFFICER

Reporting to the Office Manager, the Administration Officer is responsible for assisting in the efficient and effective functioning of the WCCT Office in order to meet organisational objectives. This includes demonstrating appropriate and professional workplace behaviours, performing their responsibilities in a manner which reflects and responds to continuous improvement, and providing administrative support to the Office Manager as directed, and to other areas as required within the office of the WCCT. The Administration Officer is also responsible for assisting in the coordination of all WCCT, WCCCA Sub-Regional Trusts and Sub-Committees meetings scheduled throughout the year.

We anticipate that applicants will have;

• Minimum Year 12 education;

• Minimum 1 year experience in a similar administrative role;

• Sound IT and MYOB experience;

• C Class Driver’s license; and

• An understanding of engaging with Aboriginal people.

Tertiary qualifications in Business/Administration or higher will be considered favorably. Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply.

For further information including a position description please contact: Office Manager

Phone: (07) 4069 7945

Email: offmgr@westerncape.com.au

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

Venue*

Weipa Motel

1 Tom Morrison Drive Weipa Queensland 4874

Please contact Sana Dorante at CYLC for free at 1800 623 548 or email sdorante@cylc.org.au or 0488 702 099 if you have any questions regarding this notice or to confirm your attendance. If there are any changes to this meeting, this will be advised on CYLC’s Facebook page and website.

CAPE YORK

LAND COUNCIL

YUK PUYNGK

ICN 1163 | A BN 22 965 382 705

NOTICE OF CONSULTATION

EPM 28626 – Abercrombie Resources Pty Ltd

Northern Cape York #2 Native Title Claim Group

This notice is to advise that CYLC will be facilitating a consultation with people who hold Native Title rights and interests in the proposed Exploration Permit for Minerals (EPM) 28626 (as shown on the map below). On 9 August 2023, the Department of Resources issued a notification under section 29(7) of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (NTA) identifying that EPM 28626 is an act that attracts the expedited procedure. Mokwiri AC RNTBC objected to the expedited statement on 4 December 2023.

Details of the meeting are as follows:

Who: People who hold Native Title rights and interests in the EPM area

Date: Wednesday, 20 March 2023

When: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

*Video conference facilities will also be available upon request.

Purpose of this meeting:

• To discuss the expedited statement under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) attached to the notification of EPM 28626.

• To discuss cultural heritage that may be affected within the EPM area;

• To discuss options available to progress this matter under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld).

Venue* Weipa Motel 1 Tom Morrison Drive Weipa Queensland 4874

www.skytrans.com.au

Please contact Sana Dorante at CYLC for free at 1800 623 548 or email sdorante@cylc.org.au or 0488 702 099 if you have any questions regarding this notice or to confirm your attendance. If there are any changes to this meeting, this will be advised on CYLC’s Facebook page and website.

Fishos hook Cape bragging rights

DO you want to be as famous (well, Cape York famous) as this week’s fishos with their impressive river and open water catches?

Cape Catches of the Week will showcase Cape York and Torres Strait anglers – big or small – and provide them ultimate bragging rights around the barbecue or campfire.

All you have to do is send us a photo of you and your catch, and

answer a few simple questions. If everything goes to plan, we are hoping to be able to offer a great weekly prize, but for the time being, the best you can hope for is seeing your mug and your catch online, and sticking the clipping from the paper on your beer fridge as a conversation starter.

Send your pictures to editor@ capeyorkweekly.com.au to feature in our next edition.

Tender No: KASC-2024-017

KOWANYAMA MUSTER 2024 - 2025 - TENDER

CATEGORY: CATTLE MUSTER

Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council is inviting tenders from suitably experienced Cattle Musterers for the 2024 – 2025 Muster seasons (2 years).

Interested parties should obtain a copy of the Tender Documents at www.kowanyama.qld.gov.au/tenders

Tenders Close at 12pm (midday) Friday 5 April 2024

All tender enquiries, requests for information and tender responses can be submitted electronically to the Contracts Manager at chris@culturev8.com.au quoting the tender description above.

Local Musterers are encouraged to apply.

Kevin Bell, Chief Executive Officer

Gungarde

Position Vacant

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

FaMiLY WELLBEinG sUPPoRt WoRKER

Applications close at noon on Thursday 28th March 2024

For further information or to request a copy of the Position Description please contact 07 4069 5412 or

jelliott@gungarde.com.au

Loretta Skorin made the most of a recent reef trip off Cooktown.

Andrew Purvis and Pete Moore were too good for these 15gk and 20kg Spanish mackerels after a battle off Weipa.

Aaron Singo had reason to smile after landing this 83cm, personal best Spanish mackerel off Pera Head.

Peter Rowles was understandably impressed with this nice Cooktown barramundi.

Cape swimmers make a splash in Cairns

COOKTOWN swimmers set 68 personal bests from just 113 events when they competed in the 2024 FNQ Long Course Championships in Cairns from 2-3 March.

The annual showcase proved to be the perfect preparation for the five Cooktown Amateur Swimming Club (CASC) members who will represent Peninsula at the Queensland Representative School Sports Swimming State Championships in Brisbane later this month, with both Rudolf Habermann and Samuel Ryder collecting medals.

Ryder celebrated silver in the 16 years boys 100 metre butterfly and backstroke, and a bronze in the 100m freestyle, while Habermann was crowned runner-up age

champion for the 13 years boys division after claiming gold in the 100m butterfly, and silver in the 200m individual medley and 100m backstroke.

Maiika Hegamaea was the club’s superstar for the event, taking the nine years girls age champion after winning the 50m butterfly and backstroke events, claiming silver in the 50m freestyle and bronze in the 50m backstroke.

Cruze Ryder secured bronze in the 12 years boys 100m butterfly before joining Carrick Macmillan, Max Giese and Habermann to finish third in the boys 13 years and under 200m medley relay.

CASC president Melissa Gunton said the

club was thrilled with the result from the meeting.

“On top of the medals, one age champion and one runners-up age champion, we also had some of our Peninsula team members qualify for extra events due to their new personal best times,” she said.

Ms Gunton added that preparation for the Brisbane competition was hitting full swing as fundraising progressed well for the $9000 needed to get swimmers poolside.

“The preparation for Brisbane is quite intense at the moment. Some of the members have been doing extra morning training, and our head coach is adding in extra fitness sessions for all our senior teams,” she said.

Junior Crocs pushing for spot in Peninsula squad

By CHISA HASEGAWA

TWO rugby league players from the Cooktown Crocs Junior Rugby League Club will head to Atherton in April after being selected to represent their district.

Out of 75 boys aged 11 and 12, Chase Hunt and Max Giese made the 17-player team that will play at the Peninsula School Sports regional trials.

This trial will be used to form the Peninsula team that will compete at the Queensland Regional School Sport rugby league championships.

Crocs secretary Jacynta Hunt said the result was a testament to the boys’ hard work.

“Both boys just live and breathe their footy, both on and off season,” she said.

“They’ve been a part of the Crocs since they were in under8s, so it’s wonderful to see them come this far.”

Ms Hunt said the club was especially proud to see their small town boys hold their own against players from bigger schools, who generally have more opportunities.

“They’re selected purely on the basis of their skills, not their location, so it shows that their skills are comparable to those in bigger areas who have access to more clubs, more games and more challenges in those sporting areas,” she said.

Being so remote, she said the players were not able to play as many games as other boys in their district.

“The obstacle in Cooktown is that our kids can only play Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal; they’re the only other teams we have to

play,” Ms Hunt said.

“So they’re not given the same opportunities that kids their own age would get everywhere else as part of the competitive circuit, where they would be playing all the teams in Cairns and all the teams in the Tablelands, and get the growth that comes from regularly challenging yourself against other players.

Ms Hunt said the junior rugby league club had been putting effort in to sending the boys on away games over the past few

years to increase their opportunities to play.

“We’ve built a relationship with some of the other clubs, so they play in Atherton and Malanda and Mossman,” she said.

“The kids down there have obviously got a much wider pool to choose their coaches from, so you often have experienced coaches who have been coaching for years and have played in competitive leagues themselves.”

She said this was a good challenge for the Cooktown league, where it is difficult to find coaches for the number of kids interested in the sport.

“We had 93 players across six teams, so that’s a really big deal in a small town,” she said.

“However, we do rely on volunteers and every year, it is a struggle to get enough coaches to field as many teams as we have because the club has grown.”

If you have a love of rugby league and are interested in putting your hand up to get involved with coaching in Cooktown, call the club on 0429 351 804.

SPORT IN BRIEF

School takes over parkrun

ST Joseph’s Parish School converged on Weipa parkrun #356 in preparation for the school’s annual cross country event on Saturday morning.

In total, 116 competitors turned out, which combined the weekly 5km run with a celebration of International Women’s Day and an opportunity for students to hone their cross country training.

Twenty-one first timers laced up for parkrun, with 19 of the 116 chalking up personal best performances.

Specsavers trip needed

SIMON Ayles provided one of the most unconventional International Women’s Day celebrations on Cape York during Dawnbusters action at Carpentaria Golf Club on Sunday.

In his haste to record a thumping tee shot down the middle of the fairway, Ayles accidentally grabbed the women’s longest drive marker as he hurried to formalise his achievement, much to the amusement and confusion of his fellow competitors.

Grant Crossley (nett 17) secured the winner’s chocolates from the field of 14, with Jim Lucas (nett 19) finishing the front nine as runner-up.

Jon Dall bagged the Hoffman’s, while no one was able to take nearest to the pin bragging rights.

Players will get away from 6:30am on 17 March when Dawnbusters pit themselves against the course’s back nine holes.

Wackers washed out

PLAYERS had to be rescued from a rising gully as play was abandoned during Wackers action at Carpentaria Golf Club on Wednesday.

In a true homage to wet season weather, 15 players tackled the back nine, with the first group away finishing their round without getting wet, while the second group was drenched.

Matt Byrne and Jim Hunter were trapped in the halfway house for two hours due to the gully rising and had to be rescued by other players. They came back the next morning to retrieve their cart.

Gary Head was left cursing the weather gods after carding a personal best round of 45 before the competition was abandoned.

Max Giese and Chase Hunt will be vying for Peninsula selection when then lace up their footy boots at the regional trials in Atherton in April.