Cape York Weekly Edition 177

New mayor to push on, despite drink driving charge

A DRINK-DRIVING charge is unlikely to impact the candidate leading the race to be the next mayor of Aurukun from taking office.

Barbara Sue Bandicootcha appeared in Aurukun Magistrates Court earlier this month charged with driving a motor vehicle while over the middle alcohol limit.

The middle alcohol limit is one of at least 0.1 per cent or more blood alcohol, but under the high alcohol limit of 0.15 per cent.

The charge means Ms Ban-

dicootcha was allegedly at least twice the legal limit allowed to operate a motor vehicle, however, her situation is complicated by the fact she was caught drink-driving in a community where alcohol is banned.

Aurukun is subject to the provisions of an alcohol management plan, which operate in 15 communities across Queensland and aim to reduce alcohol-related violence.

While Aurukun’s four new councillors – returning councillors

Craig Koomeeta and Jayden Marrott, and Leona Yunkaporta and Eloise Yunkaporta – were declared by the Electoral Commission of Queensland last week, a final announcement about the mayoral position is yet to be made.

Ms Bandicootcha currently leads the mayoral race with 43.7 per cent of the official first preference votes, with a large margin to Keri Tamwoy (34.35 per cent) and Dereck Walpo (21.95 per cent), both of whom are former mayors.

The maximum penalty for driving over the middle alcohol limit is six months’ imprisonment, which would disqualify Ms Bandicootcha from taking office, however, the penalty would be “extremely unlikely unless a repeated offence”, according to a criminal lawyer Cape York Weekly spoke to.

Section 153 of the Local Government Act 2009 prescribes the convictions which disqualify a person from acting as a mayor or councillor, which include those re-

lating to treason, electoral offences and serious integrity offences.

Drink-driving does not meet the criteria for a disqualification offence.

A spokesperson for the council said the organisation could not comment on the matter.

Ms Bandicootcha did not respond to multiple requests for comment from Cape York Weekly

She is scheduled to reappear in Aurukun Magistrates Court on 11 April, 2024.

Breaking down barriers in kitchen

By LYNDON KEANE

CUTTING, chopping and an array of other culinary skills are being used as a way for traditional barriers between police and youth to be broken down in Cooktown.

The Eat, Cook, Live program has now been running at PCYC Cooktown for a decade, with the six-week course bringing police and youth together for two hours to learn about cooking and nutrition as they chat about life and what is happening in their community.

The program is the brainchild of club manager Sergeant Dave Goode, who explained he saw his love of cooking as an innovative way to connect with youth.

“I have a passion for cooking and I love to share my knowledge with the students,” he said.

“We have a lot of fun in the kitchen, and it is great to see them grow in confidence through the program, whether it be with their knife skills, working with potential hazards in the kitchen, or showing them that they can produce great tasting meals.

“The idea of the program is to have a police officer engaging with youth, and to break down the barriers and perceived ideas from both sides.

“I use food as the medium to bring both parties together.”

The program teaches participants a range of skills, from food hygiene and identification, to how to follow a recipe and present your cooking.

Of the six recipes cooked during the program, Sergeant Goode said the chicken and bacon carbonara,

and spaghetti Bolognese were the standout favourites, adding he had one strict rule when it came to ingredients.

“The students have to put all the ingredients into the meal whether they like it or not, then, they are given the option to pull what they don’t like out of the finished meal,” he said.

“To date, I haven’t had any student do that.

“The program packs a lot of vegetables into the recipes, which are masked by the great flavour of the resulting meals.”

The program was initially funded by My Pathway but is now supported through the State Government’s GenQ Health and Wellbeing Community Grant Scheme in a testament to the positive impact Sergeant Goode’s initiative has had in Cooktown.

While cooking skills are one of the most significant outcomes from the program, participants explained engaging with Sergeant Goode had also played a role in shifting their perceptions about police.

“Sergeant Dave is a good cook, so I think he’s all right!” one respondent commented in their postprogram survey.

The only controversy to rear its

head during the program has been whether pineapple has any place in fried rice, a battle which resulted in a 66 per cent vote in the negative.

Notwithstanding the result, Sergeant Goode was adamant the tropical fruit made all the difference to the end product.

“I love pineapple in my fried rice,” he laughed.

“It adds sweetness and a surprise element to the final dish.”

It is smiles all round at PCYC Cooktown as club manager Sergeant Dave Goode and participants use the Eat, Cook, Live program to learn handy kitchen skills.

Wannabe gangsters light up Instagram with antics

By LYNDON KEANE

DESPITE anger and frustration bubbling under the surface, the latest victim of a group of alleged car thieves based in Napranum says his biggest concern is that their actions will cause death and community division.

Last week, Weipa resident Brad Kershaw had his work vehicle, a Toyota LandCruiser utility, stolen from his home, only to have it turn up abandoned the next morning after being rolled.

Between being stolen and crashed, the vehicle appeared in videos uploaded to a new Instagram account boasting a glimpse “under the mask” of offenders as they hoon in stolen vehicles, many of which can easily be identified as belonging to Weipa businesses.

The Instagram account, which Cape York Weekly has chosen not to name as to not draw further attention to it, had 331 followers at the time of writing, with most of the accounts 20 posts featuring allegedly stolen vehicles being driven dangerously around Napranum to the soundtrack of rappers like The Notorious B.I.G and Ice Cube.

In many videos, community members can be seen laughing and celebrating the occupants of the stolen vehicles as they film their actions.

Mr Kershaw slammed the offenders and said he believed they were attempting to “copycat” other social media accounts depicting motor vehicle and property crime.

“I’ve worked in communities a lot, and I think it’s because they’ve seen the boys in the city do it,” he said.

“I think it’s just copycat stuff really.”

Mr Kershaw said the loss of the vehicle had a major impact on his day-to-day life but added his greatest fear was the impact the behaviour could have on Weipa and Napranum if it was not stopped.

“The impact it has on me is that I use it every day for work, and that’s my only vehicle besides driving a [heavy rigid] truck; that’s the only other vehicle I’ve got,” he said.

“To do shopping and that now, I’m going to have to take the flatbed truck instead of the ute.

“The car’s a material object ... they stole the car, but they’re still human beings; they’re going to either kill themselves, and that will wreck their families, or they will kill someone else.

“It’s got to stop.”

A Queensland Police Service spokesperson told Cape York Weekly they were aware of the Instagram account and said charges were yet to be laid over

the theft of Mr Kershaw’s vehicle.

“Initial information suggests unknown offenders gained access to the property and stole a Toyota LandCruiser, which was later involved in dangerous driving offences,” the spokesperson said.

“No charges have been laid;

anyone with information is urged to contact police.

“Weipa police are aware of vision posted to social media of dangerous driving activity in the Cape York area [and] multiple people have been charged with property offences in Weipa in the last month.”

Seven charged – Page 11

Members of the public can be seen laughing as they film stolen vehicles being driven in Napranum.

Brad Kershaw’s LandCruiser ute was rolled after it was stolen from his home in Weipa and taken for a joyride.

Olympics can’t compromise Cape

By LYNDON KEANE

QUEENSLAND opposition leader

David Crisafulli says whatever form the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games take, the global events cannot come at the expense of vital infrastructure projects for the far north of the state.

The Queensland Government announced last week it had accepted 27 of the 30 recommendations made by the independent Sport Venue Review for the events, but ruled out a new stadium at Victoria

Park and a proposed rebuild of the Gabba.

The cost and feasibility of upgrading Suncorp Stadium and the ageing Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre are being investigated, but Mr Crisafulli said he was concerned the government was focusing on spending money on the wrong sort of infrastructure.

“The Games must deliver for all Queenslanders with generational infrastructure and a 20-yeartourism plan,” he told Cape York Weekly

“This would drive new product and bring visitors to places like the Far North of our state.”

While the opposition leader would not specify whether his “generational infrastructure” plan included much-needed upgrades to road and bridge infrastructure linking Weipa to Cairns, it is not the first time the planned $7.1 billion taxpayer commitment to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games has been criticised.

In February 2024, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) moved

an unsuccessful crossbench motion to immediately take the steps required to completely cancel the event and redirect its budget to improving State Government services and rolling out critical infrastructure projects in regional and remote areas.

Premier Steven Miles’ office has denied it sought advice about cancelling the events in recent weeks, with International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach labelling the speculation “some kind of fake news”.

KAP leader Robbie Katter told Cape York Weekly after the motion attempt it was “delusional” to expect the Olympic and Paralympic Games would provide any benefit to Cape York and Torres Strait residents, despite assertions by the government every Queenslander would reap the rewards of playing host.

“Regional Queensland will be frozen in time as everything is syphoned to the south-east for 2032 and the years beyond,” he said.

Editor’s view – Page 12

Easter Bunny makes early appearance at markets

THE Weipa community got together to catch up and celebrate the arrival of the Easter Bunny at the first market of the year on Saturday morning.

While the absence of rain for the first time in several weekends meant overall numbers were down as residents of the township headed for the great outdoors, the event was a hit as hundreds of patrons converged on the Weipa Storm Surge Shelter to see what stallholders had to offer.

Weipa Town Authority (WTA) Chair Jaime Gane said the event was the first public outing for elected members since the 16 March election, explaining the markets were a great place to engage with stakeholders.

“It’s always just a really great vibe at the markets,” she said.

“It’s really informal and casual, and I think people feel really comfortable talking to you there.

“The markets are really good for community engagement.”

The arrival of the Easter Bunny in hot and humid wet season conditions triggered a flurry of photos with the fluffy visitor, while the Easter Bunny mask-making stall was a winner with children.

“The WTA ladies that work in the library ran the mask stall and do some other little craft activities in the middle [of the markets],” Ms Gane explained.

“That’s always really well received by the younger kids.”

The new chair added she had been thrilled to see local businesses using the markets as a way to promote new products and service offerings not usually found in Weipa.

“I love that there’s these little new businesses that have just started making new items,” Ms Gane said.

“It’s a really good opportunity for people like that to say ‘hey, this is what I’m doing now’.

“I came back [home] with a little goody bag.”

Weipa Town Authority elected members Trent Gordon, Jaime Gane and Lisa Scharf catch up with the Easter Bunny.

Market patrons lined up to have their hands decorated with stunning henna artwork.

Children got creative at the ever popular Easter Bunny mask making stall at the WTA Easter markets on Saturday.

The Easter Bunny was (mostly) a big hit with parents and kids alike on Saturday morning.

Plans for agricultural park proving popular in Weipa

By LYNDON KEANE

WEIPA will be poised to host agricultural events and training more commonly associated with other parts of the state if an ambitious vision to create a new community precinct is realised.

Initially driven by the desire to have a dedicated space for equestrian events, the scope of the proposed Western Cape Agricultural Park (WCAP) has evolved into a place everything agriculture will be able to call home.

While discussions about the precinct’s actual location continue, WCAP committee president Brooke Quartermaine said ideas for its potential use had snowballed.

“Originally, we needed a better block of land to put horses on,” she explained.

“The current block of land for the horse club is on a bauxite slab next to a swamp.

“For me, we’d just sold our cattle station and I realised there’s no way I can give up this lifestyle or experience to my kids or my kids’ friends; that’s what we had growing up.

“[The current concept] covers far more than equestrian and what we were originally looking at.”

Ms Quartermaine said WCAP

was expecting a feasibility study into the project – being undertaken by James Cook University through a $100,000 Rio Tinto grant – to be completed by November 2024.

She added there had been strong stakeholder support for the precinct and what it could deliver for western Cape York communities.

“It’s kind of been a unanimous yes from everyone,” she said.

“We’ve recently had an AGM and general meeting, and we are thinking that other places have a show, so we could potentially do

that, as well as things like a bakeoff, competitions for artists and cattle showing. We plan to have in the space, a community garden, but we’re not just sure how it looks; the feasibility study will help with those decisions.”

In a boost for those seeking a career in agriculture, the precinct could one day include training for agricultural subjects, as well as land and fire management.

“The sky’s the limit,” Ms Quartermaine said.

“If there’s a training area, the

Woibo set to stay on as mayor

THE Electoral Commission of Queensland is yet to make declarations, but it appears as though only two sitting Cape York and Torres Strait mayors will be returned to power following the local government elections.

Lockhart River Mayor Wayne Butcher looks set for re-election with a 12.34 per cent margin in a two-candidate race, while Hope Vale Mayor Jason Woibo holds a four-vote lead from the eight other candidates seeking to replace him.

Mayor Butcher will likely survive a voting swing against him and said it was the closest result he had experienced during his four election cycles.

“It’s a big relief,” he said.

school may introduce an ag subject if we can set up some classrooms [and] they may decide to take on some animals as well.

WCAP is hoping to secure a lease off Rio Tinto for about 100 acres of land for the precinct, which could one day also boast an undercover arena to provide a solution to activities that historically stop in the wet season.

“We’re still sourcing the appropriate land to get a lease done up for, but it’s all going well,” Ms Quartermaine said.

“There’s been a swing against me there, for sure.”

At the time Cape York Weekly went to press, no count data was available for Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC), despite the ECQ stating tallying would commence on Saturday.

The ECQ extended voting by a week for TSIRC electors after inclement weather hampered mobile polling attempts.

Postal ballots must be received by 26 March, meaning the ECQ is expected to start making declarations by the end of the week.

st Weipa | the la Weipa

we take a journey through time from the discovery of bauxite to last ore at East Weipa Hosted where the township’s hub was d in 1967, these events are open to everyone and we hope to ast employees there on the day!

Saturday, 11 May and Saturday, 18 May 2024 Kumrumja Centre / WASP/ Hibberd Library 2 00pm - 8 00pm

od and softdrinks tivities at the WASP ork Collection history chats with Geoff Wharton inema - East Weipa | a journey through time al activities s, live music, sunset bar rks and much more!

er today for your free food/ softdrink wristband!

Brooke Quartermaine is hoping to get an agricultural park off the ground in Weipa, so that people like her niece Bella and sister-in-law Ally (pictured) have a place to practise equestrian and other agriculture-related activities.

Councils at ‘tipping

By LYNDON KEANE

COUNCILS across Cape York and the Torres Strait have welcomed the announcement a Federal Government inquiry will investigate local government sustainability in Australia.

The government unveiled the inquiry on Thursday, with chair and Member for Solomon Luke Gosling admitting there was significant work to be done to fully understand the pressure councils were under to service their communities.

“Local government sustainability is essential to supporting our Australian communities through

the provision of vital infrastructure and related services” he said.

“The committee is seeking to understand the challenges faced by local governments in servicing infrastructure requirements across Australia’s regional, rural, and remote locations.”

While the committee has promised to visit rural and remote locations as part of the inquiry, it remains to be seen whether Cape York and the Torres Strait will make the agenda.

Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) chief executive officer Alison Smith said councils had reached a “tipping point” through cost-shifting and

Lions helping flood victims

THE Endeavour Lions Club is urging those impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the subsequent flood devastation of December 2023 to apply for $1000 in assistance to get back on their feet.

The funding has been made available through the Lions Club International Fund (LCIF) Adopt a Family Grant, and is available per impacted household.

The aim of the grants is to help families in affected areas recover and rebuild their lives, and only covers essential household items.

Two forms must be completed and submitted to the club for review before being forwarded for approval – a request for assistance and the Adopt a Family Grant form.

There is no deadline for applications and for more information, email the club at admin@endeavourlions.org.au.

Boat theft: four charged

THURSDAY Island police have charged four men following the alleged theft of a vessel from Ugar Island (Stephen Island) on 10 March, 2024.

It will be alleged around 2am on the Sunday, four men stole a dinghy from the wharf. The dinghy became stuck on reef due to a low tide, and the vessel’s owner confronted the men, who subsequently fled on foot.

Officers arrived on the island a few hours later and arrested the group, but were unable to return to Thursday Island due to poor weather conditions.

All four men from Daru Island – aged 46, 33, 27 and 27 – were charged with one count each of unlawful use of a motor vessel and receiving tainted property.

All four were denied bail and appeared in the Cairns Magistrates Court via video link. Police said they were continuing high visibility patrols in the Torres Strait.

Farewell to East Weipa

AFTER six decades of mining, Rio Tinto and the greater western Cape community will farewell East Weipa operations at a formal commemorative event on 3 May.

The event will mark the final mining of East Weipa, showcase 60 years of mining, and also show Rio Tinto’s long-term commitment and connection to the region.

Hosted by Rio Tinto and the Western Cape Communities Trust, the celebration will have guests converging on the Achimbun Building at Evans Landing to reflect on the significance of the mine’s end of operation and toast the role it has played in the growth in the social and economic growth of Weipa.

being expected to offer communities services well beyond the traditional remit of the sector.

“The LGAQ’s cost shifting research found councils – and their ratepayers – are being forced to cover a $360 million black hole every single year, up 378 per cent since we last tallied up the cost shifting burden two decades ago,” Ms Smith said.

“That’s money that could otherwise be spent on core council services, which ratepayers rightfully expect. Instead, our cost shifting research has found that Queensland councils are doing the work of others by running post offices, aged care and childcare, rebroad-

casting free-to-air television, operating morgues, and owning and managing concrete plants.

“Councils have reached a tipping point; they either need fair funding to continue to provide these services, or they need the levels of government whose responsibility these other functions belong to, to shoulder their fair burden.”

Ms Smith’s sentiment was echoed by one Cape York council CEO, who shared the realities of local government operation in remote areas on the condition they not be identified.

“I’d like to think [the inquiry] will make a difference, but the problems are things government

already knows all about; they just don’t want to do anything to fix it,” they explained to Cape York Weekly

“LGAQ is spot on; things are pretty dire around the issue of our sustainability through no fault of our own.

“It’s worse for those of us up here with no ratepayer bases, because we have to go cap in hand to government every time we need funding to do something … most of the time, that something’s a responsibility that the state or feds have handballed to council.”

Written submissions can be made to the Standing Committee by the 3 May deadline.

Cape York Weekly is is the only media outlet covering news in every community on Cape York Peninsula

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Flood-impacted business adapting so it can survive

By CHISA HASEGAWA

WHEN Tropical Cyclone Jasper washed away the homes of many Bloomfield, Ayton and Wujal Wujal residents, Bloomfield Cabins and Camping opened their doors and hearts to community members who had nowhere else to go.

Although the business was flooded, the infrastructure itself was not heavily impacted, and owners Kat Hewitt and Yogi Noble were able to accommodate residents in need.

Earlier this month, with the Bloomfield Track unlikely to reopen this year, Kat and Yogi made the decision to rent out the property to the Department of Housing to provide accommodation to residents while they worked on getting them into new homes.

“They’ve rented the whole property with their own management for at least three months, potentially four, while they do that,” said Kat.

The arrangement also helped the owners, who were quickly becoming aware of what a washed out track meant for the coming tourist season.

With a large portion of their guests travellers on the Bloomfield Track, Kat and Yogi realised they were facing financial catastrophe.

“Our business is 75 per cent based on the Bloomfield Track. With no track, we were pretty much looking at bankruptcy, and I know we’re not the only ones,” Kat said.

By handing over the reins to the State Government, the pair said they were able to continue helping the community while keeping themselves afloat.

“Given that we were already full to capacity with people who had been displaced from the flood,

when the Department of Housing came, we focused on those people and said this would be an ideal situation for community housing,” she explained.

“Then they asked us if it was possible to rent for three to four months whilst they try to figure out what it was that the community needed, and how they could do that.

“There was lots of ideas that I found where they could utilise our property in a different format

to what we would be using it, or could have the potential to use it that would benefit the community.

“Of course, I won’t say we weren’t looking out for our own self-interest as well, but when you’re faced with potential bankruptcy you’re going to be looking out for opportunities for your business and what it can provide.”

Kat said although she appreciated the workers that had come to Cape York to aid the region’s recovery, her priority was to make sure as many community members as possible had a dry place to sleep.

“We were more concerned about how we can help community, and we had to stop a lot of workers coming on to the site,” she said.

“I’m really sorry about that, but the workers did have the option to stay in Cooktown and even though it did add travel time, they had cars and they had a life they could get back to.

“Community didn’t have that; they were stuck, and if I could get them to be stuck close to home, particularly for those that were on Country, then to me it was a more compassionate option.”

While no one knows what the future holds, Kat and Yogi said they could not wait to be reunited with the community and continue their work.

Nominate Cape York achievers

FIRST Nations-led organisations looking after communities in Cape York are being encouraged to nominate for the 2024 Indigenous Governance Awards as a way to celebrate their achievements and contributions.

Held every two years since 2005, Reconciliation Australia and the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute have hosted the awards to honour such organisations for their strong governance practices and operational success.

The awards publicly recognise and celebrate outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations and projects that use effective governance models to make extraordinary contributions to communities and to the nation.

With no winners hailing from Cape York or Torres Strait communities for many years, event organisers are urging local groups to throw up their hand and submit a nomination.

Winners in each category receive $20,000 and opportunities for further development as part of the prize package.

Applications must be submitted by 3 April. For information, visit www.reconciliation.org.au/ indigenous-governance-awards.

East Weipa | the last ore Napranum

Join us as we take a journey through time from the discovery of bauxite to mining the last ore at East Weipa Hosted along the Napranum Foreshore, these events are open to everyone and we hope to see some past employees there on the day!

Date:

Venue:

Time:

Wednesday, 8 May 2024 Napranum Foreshore

00pm - 8 00pm

(tug-of-war,

Kat Hewitt and Yogi Noble have leased out their Bloomfield business to the State Government so they can keep paying their bills and accommodate locals who lost thier homes during the flooding.

Another gong for Lodge at national tourism gala

By CHISA HASEGAWA

A BAMAGA communityowned lodge is celebrating an impressive result at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.

Taking home silver in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism category and bronze in the 4-4.5 Star De luxe Accommodation category, Bamaga Enterprises’ Cape York Peninsula Lodge has added to their impressive list of accolades as one of the must-visit spots for travellers making their way to Pajinka.

The result comes on the back of a major win last year, when the venue won gold at the Queensland Tourism Awards.

Bamaga Enterprises general manager Adrian Williams said the honour was a testament to local First Nations peoples, and was a positive for the community overall.

community.

“I’m very proud of not just the Queensland recognition, but also the national recognition,” he said.

“Bamaga Enterprises is an Indigenous-owned organisation,

“We’re a charitable organisation; we support those in the community with funeral expenses, educational support and medical support when necessary.

“The directors, with the exception of the company secretary, are local Indigenous

them, bringing this up over the years and making it what it is.”

Mr Williams said he believed the awards helped put the Lodge on the map.

“I think for people who are coming up to the top end of the Cape, it’s an experience that has been a long time in the running,” he said.

“[The awards] are something we’ve been well recognised with, and we’d like to think that this will just enhance in the tourism industry’s eyes that we have a quality product.”

He said the Lodge provided a link to a range of Northern Peninsula Area cultural experiences.

“We’re really proud of the tours that we’re able to do with one of our local Traditional Owners,” Mr Williams said.

“He takes tours in our own bus out to a number of different areas in the NPA, including Fruit Bat Falls and down that area, and it’s a wonderful cultural experience.”

Mr Williams, who has only called the NPA home since November 2023, said he wanted to share his love of Cape York with visitors.

“I had never thought about coming here, and neither had my wife, but the experience here has surpassed our expectations,” he said.

“It’s a beautiful experience, enjoying the people and the culture; it’s just such a nice, relaxed feeling.”

New birthing program launched in NPA

A NEW birthing initiative in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) is helping support mothers and families in growing and raising healthy babies.

The First 1000 Days program focuses on maternal and child health, as well as the social and emotional wellbeing of mothers, fathers, carers and children to help reduce health inequalities and ensure all children in the region have a healthy start to life.

Delivered by the Northern Peninsula Area Family and Community Services (NPAFACS) and funded by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), the program allows for families to stay in touch with their community and support systems.

NPAFACS project manager health projects Ugari Nona said the program was vital in the absence of a local birthing facility in the NPA.

“We don’t have birthing facilities in the NPA, so women either go to Cairns, Thursday Island or Townsville to birth their babies,” Ms Nona said.

“This can mean they are away from their communities, sometimes for many weeks, at this crucial time in their family life.

“When we saw the opportunity to be a part of the program, we knew it would help ensure that mothers, children, dads, and families had someone watching out for them, and linking them to the resources they needed in those early days from birth to a child’s second birthday.”

NQPHN chief executive officer Sean Rooney said the first 1000 days was a critical time in a child’s life, with early experiences being a predictor of health, development, education, and social outcomes.

“During this period, parents and children may receive access to a range of care

and supports, including pregnancy care, birthing, post-birth care and child development,” he said.

Prior to implementation in the NPA, Ms Nona said more than 80 women and men shared their experiences with bringing a child into the remote region.

“Before we started the program, we went into our communities to hear from women about their birth experiences and the social contexts that either helped them and their children thrive, or imposed challenges on them, their babies and their families,” she explained.

“One of our strongest findings [was] the importance of sustaining women’s connection to each other during pregnancy and birth, with one of their strongest desires to be able to birth our babies in the NPA.

“We love our children and want them to thrive.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Whooping cough warning

TORRES and Cape Hospital and Health Service is warning Cape York residents to be aware of whooping cough (pertussis) after several cases around Cooktown were confirmed over the past few months.

At the same time in 2023, zero cases had been recorded.

Spread by coughing and sneezing, the illness is highly contagious and is particularly serious in infants, although it can affect anyone of any age.

TCHHS public health medical officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said early intervention was key to stopping the spread of whooping cough.

“It’s very important that people with coughing illnesses seek early medical attention,” she said.

“This will facilitate timely treatment of pertussis cases and help reduce the risk of infecting others.”

One of the main symptoms of pertussis is “coughing, violently and rapidly, until all the air has left the lungs and a person is forced to inhale, causing a whooping sound”, Dr Hempenstal said.

$134,428 boost for clubs

FIVE clubs and groups in the Far North have received a collective $134,428 in the latest round of the Queensland Government Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) program.

Facilities will be upgraded and improved from the Douglas Shire to Weipa, with GCBF grants awarded to buy stables, design a multipurpose court, purchase a kiln, and install grandstand seating.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the variety of projects supported in her electorate reflected the wide diversity of people and interests in the area.

“These grants will support artists, sportspeople, adventure sportspeople, horse and rodeo enthusiasts, as well as enhancing our community facilities, spaces and meeting places for people in Cook,” Ms Lui said.

The local recipients were:

1. Cooktown and District Rugby League Club: $23,024.32 for shaded seating.

2. Douglas Arts Studio gallery: $29,436.20 to purchase a kiln.

3. Lakeland Progress Association: $10,373 for design of multipurpose court and clubhouse engineering plan.

4. Weipa Dirt Karts: $35,000 to construct an amenities block.

5. Weipa Horse Owners Club: $35,000 to purchase stables, cattle yard panels and gates.

Cape York Peninsula Lodge was recognised for the second year in a row at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.

Fake art industry will hurt region

By CHISA HASEGAWA

FOUR years ago, KukuThaypan and Widi artist Connie Rovina was asked to pick up the paintbrush again after leaving the professional art world behind for almost two decades.

At a time when plagiarism of Indigenous art was rampant and being sold cheaply, many artists were pushed out of the industry that once fed their families.

The consequence was a huge setback in the representation of Queensland’s distinct First Nations art style, which Ms Rovina now fights to bring to the forefront.

“Going back to the eighties in particular, that’s when it was sort of really coming to the fore,” Ms Rovina said.

“Designs were being photographed and then, without the artists’ knowledge, were being reproduced, and there were no royalties or recognition coming back to those Indigenous artists.”

She said didgeridoos, for example, were being mass produced in places like Indonesia and brought back into Australia at a cheap rate.

“We had backpackers in Cairns who were painting them in sheds and then putting them on the market,” Ms Rovina said.

“At the time, you could get paid $300 to $400 for a didgeridoo that was really well decorated and was the real deal, but when those Indonesian pieces started being import-

ed in that the backpackers were painting, people could get those for $20.

“We all tried to fight against it, but I know a lot of the Indigenous people here gave up, including me.

“In the end, I walked away for 19 years because it was just heartbreaking to see; it was so wrong.”

To this day, Ms Rovina said Indigenous art and designs were being plagiarised and printed onto various items like pillowcases, cushion covers and towels.

“The thing is, tourists just don’t know the difference; they come to Australia, see something that looks like Aboriginal art, and they think it’s the real deal,” she said.

“Even in places like Holland,

I’ve heard that there are Aboriginal works being sold over there [that] have nothing to do with Aboriginal people.

“They’re just making money off of our designs.”

In a twist of fate, Ms Rovina became the owner of WidiWorks art gallery at Kuranda in 2020, ending her 19-year break from the industry.

“When they asked me to supply artwork, I thought ‘well, maybe I can kickstart this thing again’, and the next thing you know, that day I walked away with the shop,” she laughed.

“It was the start of me getting back on that bandwagon.”

After three months creating her

works, the opening was a huge success.

“The first weekend that I was back after all of that time, I sold just about everything I had in my little shop,” she said.

“I haven’t looked back, [and] I think it helps that I can explain my artwork and talk about the style.”

Her main goal now is to promote Queensland’s unique style and break the myth that Aboriginal art is just one style.

“A lot of people see dot painting and cross hatching and things like that as nationwide designs for everyone to follow, but we don’t do that in Queensland,” Ms Rovina said.

“Due to the Stolen Generation, a

lot of people became displaced and didn’t know what Country within Queensland they came from.

“So young people trying to get back into culture and trying to find themselves in the artwork, a lot of people start on those designs without knowing where it comes from.

“Once you start to get into it, you realise that the style isn’t actually from Far North Queensland, so that’s shaped the way that I do my artwork.”

Ms Rovina, who also works as the acting director at UMI Arts in Cairns, said it was great to see more opportunities and education for First Nations artists to shine.

“I think Queensland artwork would’ve been more full on today if we got the recognition we were needing back then, but I’m really happy to see we’re coming back,” she said.

“Indigenous artists from Cape York have the opportunity to engage in UMI Arts’ artists workshops and exhibitions that aim to develop skills and professionalism to promote themselves and also our specific Cape York Queensland type of artwork.

“I think young people especially are feeling more proud about the design, and are willing to stand up and explore art through social media as well.

“It’s much better to be able to paint about your own Country using your own style, and it gives you a sense of identity.”

Artist Connie Rovina is determined to promote Queensland’s unique Indigenous art style after seeing many artists pushed out through plagiarism.

Photo: Chisa Hasegawa

Seven teenagers charged by Weipa CIB

DETECTIVES from the Weipa

Criminal Investigation Branch have charged seven teenagers with more than 77 property offences over the past two weeks.

It will be alleged during one incident on March 3, 2024, six boys entered a property on Central Avenue at Rocky Point, causing significant damage and attempted to steal a vehicle.

A 15-year-old Napranum boy

was charged with 18 offences, including three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, enter premises and commit indictable offence, trespass, attempted unlawful use of a motor vehicle, wilful damage, one count of stealing, attempted enter premises.

A 14-year-old Napranum boy was charged with 11 offences, including four counts each of

unlawful use of a motor vehicle and enter premises, two counts each of attempt enter premises, and one count of wilful damage.

Both boys are scheduled to appear in the Weipa Children’s Court at a later date.

Three 16-year-old Napranum boys and two 14-year-old Napranum boys will also be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 1992

Police said they were also investigating a break and enter that occurred at a Mankina Court address at Rocky Point around midnight on March 13.

A window and security screen were damaged, however, no property was stolen.

Police are reminding Weipa residents to stay vigilant and ensure they lock up and to report any suspicious behaviour.

Boarding strategy aims to bridge education gap

By CHISA HASEGAWA

A PROGRAM providing scholarships to remote Indigenous students on Cape York says it is doing its part to close the educational gap.

Ensuring that students are reaching their full learning potential (Outcome 5) is one of the targets of the National Closing the Gap Agreement.

The latest Closing the Gap data shows only five out of 19 targets for First Nations Australians are on track, with Outcome 5 showing improvement but not on track to increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people attaining year 12 or equivalent qualification to 96 per cent by 2031.

The education, health, security, employment, housing and life expectancy of Indigenous

and non-Indigenous Australians are monitored by the Productivity Commission, and where these outcomes between the two cultural groups are different is described as the gap.

The Cape York Leaders Program (CYLP) has been working to close the education gap for almost two decades, awarding Indigenous students throughout the Cape with scholarships to Queensland’s leading boarding schools.

CYLP manager Rhys HolloRussell said the boarding program currently supported 110 students through their journey to high school graduation.

“We are in our nineteenth year, and the program has been responsible for hundreds of students changing the course of their lives through education,” Mr Hollo-Russell said.

“CYLP is the only scholarship provider that works exclusively with Indigenous students from remote and regional Cape York communities.

“We provide an incredibly comprehensive scholarship and ensure students have dedicated support officers in the location they attend boarding school.”

CYLP has 13 partner schools across Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton and Brisbane, and much of the support efforts lie in the transition period.

“[When] students join CYLP when they are in year 6, they have usually grown up in a community from regional and remote Queensland, where life moves at a different pace,” Mr Hollo-Russell said.

“It is important that we remember these young people may have never flown before,

may not have stayed away from family, and may have never visited a city bigger than Cairns.

“While CYLP has been successful in maintaining above 90 per cent completion rate, it is due to the wrap-around support of our student support officers, the dedication of our partner schools and their staff, and the tenacity the young leaders show in setting off on their education adventure far from home in a very different environment.”

Mr Hollo-Russell said CYLP was “very active” in the Cape York communities to adequately support families and students throughout the entire process.

“[This year], we have visited Cooktown, Hope Vale and Coen, and will hold information sessions in Aurukun, Pormpuraaw and Mossman as well,” he told Cape York Weekly

NEWS IN BRIEF

Govt extends deadline

FISHERS affected by the move to ban gillnet fishing in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area now have more time to seek financial advice.

Round one applications for licence buybacks and structural adjustments had been due on 16 March, but the government announced last week the deadline had been extended to 30 April.

Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the government had received feedback about delays in accessing financial advice and had therefore granted an extension.

For more information about the deadline extension and $3000 grant available for eligible fishers to seek independent advice, visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au/program/ fisheries-support.

Arts funding for businesses

THREE Cape York and Torres Strait organisations have received approximately $25,000 in funding as part of the Queensland Government’s latest round of First Nations Arts Business Grants.

In total, 11 recipients will share $104,541 to boost business skills and capacity in the creative arts space.

Local grant winners are Erub Arts, which has received $6160 for a new business and strategic plan, Hope Vale Arts and Cultural Centre, which will use $10,000 for a new website and online shop, and Torres Strait Kaziw Meta, which intends to utilise its $9090 grant to build a sales channel for outer island students’ artwork.

$12.1m for mill transition

THE State Government will provide $12.1 million to the Mossman community to assist with the transition to life without an operating sugar mill.

It was announced last week that a last-minute attempt to save the Mossman Mill from liquidation had failed after negotiations with an investor were halted.

The Mossman Region Transition Program will support local mill workers, with the government stating immediate actions under the program would include an information session assisting workers, the formation of the Mossman Region Stakeholder Advisory Committee, and the commencement of a regional transition opportunities study.

A community information session will be held this Wednesday (27 March) at the Port Douglas Community Hall on Mowbray Street, Port Douglas, from 10am-1pm.

The Cape York Leaders Program sends Indigenous students to leading boarding schools, doing their part to close the gap on educational disparity.

Games soaking up Cape funding

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

I’M going to say it loudly for those of you in the back: regional and remote Queensland can put a dirty red line through vital infrastructure projects if Brisbane ends up hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

They say you can’t put a price on happiness, but you can certainly whack a price sticker on the cost of backslapping and self-adulation for some of our state’s elected leaders.

For those playing along at home, that price tag reads $7.1 billion, a figure that’s an almost certainty to blow out over the next eight years.

That’s the eye-watering sum the State Government is willing to commit taxpayers to for Brisbane to host the quadrennial gathering of athletic greatness, most of which will be eaten up by upgrades to venues like the Gabba, Suncorp Stadium and the seen-better-days mess that is the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC), located about as far from public transport as one could imagine.

There are actually numerous track events in which athletes will cover less ground than patrons attempting to get to the venue from the current bus and train network.

It’s fitting the QSAC, constructed in 1975 and the venue for the

1982 Commonwealth Games, features in the 2032 equation, because I’m going to offer a cost-saving solution involving one of the stars from 42 years ago.

If implemented, this plan will allow the government to perhaps throw a few infrastructure bucks at Cape York assets in desperate need of the levels of affection Premier Steven Miles is giving to Gamesthemed projects in his backyard.

Remember Matilda, the 13-metre winking fibreglass kangaroo that wowed the crowd as she made

her way around the QSAC back in September 1982? For those of you not of that vintage, she was the benchmark of sporting mascots for decades to come, especially after 20 kids (unsurprisingly dressed like joeys) bounced out of her gargantuan pouch to perform a trampoline routine.

Hey, it clearly took less to captivate a global audience back then.

Matilda is now enjoying retirement standing guard outside a service station on the Bruce Highway, not far from Gympie, meaning

she’s the ideal candidate to show Brisbane to the world in 2032.

There’s no need to thank me, Mr Premier, we’ll just take any money allocated for mascot design and divert it to continuing the seal of the Peninsula Developmental Road.

Or building a more suitable bridge over Myall Creek. Or the McLeod River. Or Shelley’s Crossing at Laura.

For that matter, the Little Annan River crossing could probably do with being a few feet higher, too.

To get some idea just how disconnected from reality our State Government is, you only need to flick through the pages of the recently-released Sport Venue Review, an allegedly independent look at venue infrastructure for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. I say allegedly because the review was led by former Brisbane lord mayor and self-confessed Games aficionado Graham Quirk.

One of the 30 recommendations

Mr Quirk and his team made was to scrap plans to rebuild the Gabba – at a likely cost of $3b – in favour of a new stadium at Victoria Park with a “marginally more expensive” price tag of up to $3.4b.

Yes, you read that right.

According to those in power, $400 million is now considered only a minor price difference.

And you wonder how multibillion-dollar cost blowouts occur when you leave politicians alone with the cheque book and the

Kool-Aid. What will those who call the Cape and Torres Strait home get for the $7.1b spend?

Realistically, absolutely nothing. Any significant commitments to much-needed projects like the final stages of the Cape York Regional Package will be benched for south-east Queensland infrastructure to allow egotistical politicians to pose for selfies with the world’s best athletes, have their moment in the sun at official functions, and create social media content that will make everyone but them and their party sycophants cringe.

Anyone who genuinely believes the spin that the events will create a tourism flow-on for this part of the world need to seek urgent medical advice.

I implore Premier Miles to consider my plan to give Matilda an opportunity to be at the centre of the sporting universe once again.

Not only will it save spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on consultants to design a mascot for 2032, those of us on Cape York will be able to borrow her as a quasi infrastructure solution once the athletes and dignitaries have gone home.

With a bit of luck, she’s just tall enough to tip over, position on top of the existing Myall Creek bridge and drive over. It’s far from a perfect plan, but I suspect it’s one of the few wins remote infrastructure up this way will have between now and the opening ceremony.

Who needs things like adequate road and bridge infrastructure in remote spots like Cape York when politicians can instead spend the money on a quadrennial sporting event?

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.

DAILY CONVENTIONAL CROSSWORD 15 X 15 GRID T

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.

Note to Editor:

Created in QUARK XPRESS.

VER.4.03

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

Focus

Quick Crossword

Crossword

1

4

5

6

7 Deprived of

8 Tendency

Spot the 5 Differences

Created:

Ted Whillier

Qxpress: 8491

Matt Trickey Checked: Rosemary

Join the Dots

11 Makes up for

Proposed Development

Make a submission from

27 March to 19 April 2024

Reconfigu R ing A lot (1 lot into 72 in D u S t R i A l lot S, 1 b A l A nce lot, 1 e AS e M ent A n D c R e Ation of new R o ADS) A n D cle AR ing of vegetAtion

where: Weipa Mapoon Road, Mapoon on: Lot 4 on SP333339

Approval sought: Development

Permit for Reconfiguring a Lot and Development Permit for Operational Works

Application ref: DA2023_044

You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to:

Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council PO Box 213, Weipa QLD 4874

E: ceo@mapoon.qld.gov.au

T: (07) 40825200

www.mapoon.qld.gov.au

Public notification requirements are in accordance with the Planning Act 2016

Proposed development

Make a submission from 27 March to 19 April 2024

Reconfigu R ing A lot (1 lot into 18 indust R i A l lots, 1 b A l A nce lot A nd c R e Ation of new R o A d) A nd cle AR ing of vegetAtion

where: Weipa Mapoon Road, Mapoon on: Lot 4 on SP333339

Approval sought: Development

Permit for Reconfiguring a Lot and Development Permit for Operational Works

Application ref: dA2023_045

You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to:

Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council PO Box 213, Weipa QLD 4874

E: ceo@mapoon.qld.gov.au

T: (07) 40825200

www.mapoon.qld.gov.au

Public notification requirements are in accordance with the Planning Act 2016

Public Notice

Notice of Result of Election

Notice of Result of Election - Member

Local Government Area - Town of Weipa

On Monday 29 January 2024, the notice of election was published for the quadrennial election for the positions of Chairperson and three (3) Members

Notice is hereby given that at the election of Members for the Weipa Town Authority held on 16 March 2024, the following were duly elected for this Local Government Area –

SCHARF, Lisa Kaye

GORDON, Trent James

ROBINS, Geoffrey Phillip

Nicky Perriman

Returning Officer

March 2024

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

Public Notice

Notice of Result of Election

Notice of Result of Election – Chairperson

Local Government Area - Town of Weipa

On Monday 29 January 2024, the notice of election was published for the quadrennial election for the positions of Chairperson and three (3) Members

Notice is hereby given that the following nominee for Chairperson is taken to have been elected, as the number of nominees equals the number of persons required to be elected. The following nominee has been duly elected as Chairperson for this Local Government Area.

GANE, Jaime Rae

Nicky Perriman

Returning Officer

14 February 2024

Position Vacant

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

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

Mokwiri Aboriginal Corporation

RNTBC-ICN:7972

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) INCLUDING CHANGES IN THE MAC RNTBC RULE BOOK

Notice is hereby given that the MAC RNTBC Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at the Suzie Madua Conference Room on the 23rd of April 2024. Proxy Forms are available at the MAC RNTBC Office at Napranum.

Dated: Tuesday 23rd of April 2024

Venue: Suzie Madua Conference Room – Napranum – Jessica Point Civic Centre

Time: 9:00am

The Business of this AGM Meeting is as follows:

1. Accept Draft Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 3rd of March 2023.

2. All Directors to stand down.

3. Resolutions to Change in the MAC RNTBC Rule Book from a Maximum of 12 Directors to a Minium 6 Directors (1 from each Clan Group and (6) Proxies).

4. The New (6) Elected Directors to be appointed and if their Proxies require a DIR, the MAC RNTBC Company Secretary can help them with this process.

5. Resolutions to Change in the MAC RNTBC Rule Book the New Membership Forms to include (Pg1 and Pg2).

6. Resolution to Change in the MAC RNTBC Rule Book to set up an Elders Advisory Committee.

7. Chairperson/Company Secretary Report on behalf of the Board of Directors.

8. Financial Report.

9. General Busines

Date: 19th of March 2024

For any inquires, please contact Company Secretary.

• Email: info@mokwiripbc.com.au or Email: mokwiripbc@gmail.com

• Ph: (07) 4257 1000

• Ph: (07) 4257 1001

POSITION VACANT COORDINATOR

BROMLEY ABORIGINAL CORPORATION

The Bromley Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) is the Registered Native Title Body Corporate holding interests for Wuthathi, Kuuku Ya’u and Northern Kaanju people in country across north-eastern Cape York Peninsula.

BAC has an administrative office in Cairns and are currently establishing a ranger base on Bromley Country. The Bromley Board want to return Traditional Owners to manage their country and develop employment and business opportunities for sustainability.

About the Role

The Coordinator oversees the effective day-to-day management and administration of the office and projects. This position also plays an important role in the coordination of communication, human resource management, financial management and the development and implementation of corporation policies and procedures. This position provides strategic leadership and management to deliver on the organisation’s vision, mission, and strategic goals in line with the policies and procedures approved by the Board.

About You

The ideal candidate for this position will have senior management experience, preferably in an Aboriginal Corporation, and be adept in strategy, governance, HR, finance, and risk management. Have a deep respect for Aboriginal Lore, and an understanding of the impact of Australia’s colonial history. A proven track record in stakeholder engagement, partnership development, grant writing, and managing funding contracts. Strong communication skills, ability to manage diverse teams in a cross-cultural environment, and comprehensive knowledge of relevant cultural and environmental policies and legislation.

Essential requirements:

• Relevant qualifications in Business, Administration, Operations, Management or related field

• Current C Class Drivers Licence (QLD)

• Eligibility to successfully apply for a Queensland Blue Card for Working with Children

• Willingness to undertake travel involving overnight stays

• Willingness and ability to occasionally work after hours or on weekends

Bromley people are strongly encouraged to apply; however, this is not an identified position and selection will be based on the applicants’ ability to address the selection criteria.

How to Apply

Please scan the QR code for further instruction and to apply via Seek:

Application Close Date: 9am, Friday 26 April 2024

For further information about the position contact the current BAC Coordinator, Chrissy Warren on 0435 845 001 or email secretary@bromleyac.com

Favilla Natura Pty Ltd A.B.N. 51 640 623 703

Position Available:

Business Support Officer

Full time, part time or casual - Weipa, Queensland

Overview

Ecotone are seeking a keen individual to join our Flora Fauna Consulting business as a Business Support Officer. Ecotone is based in Weipa offering a range of environmental services throughout Cape York.

What We Offer:

For the right candidate this position may be full time, part time or casual to meet the needs of both the business and the applicant.

Full-time and part-time employment will include sick leave and annual leave with leave-loading. Superannuation payments are made in line with mandatory requirements (currently 11.0%). Ecotone also pays employees a general allowance to assist with the costs of living in Weipa.

Full-time, the role would be for a standard 38 hr week and can include a TOIL arrangement. There is reasonable flexibility in the weekly hours of work.

About the Role

This role will work closely with another Business Support Officer to assist the Business Manager in the day-to-day operations of the business ensuring Ecotone maintains and meets all statutory, HR and safety obligations.

Duties may include but not limited to:

• Bookkeeping/Financial Management – Invoicing, receipting and paying of invoices

• Preparation of employee pays.

• Preparation of business taxes and superannuation submissions.

• Employee onboarding and maintaining of employee records

• Maintaining up-to-date registers and records.

• Co-ordinating travel arrangements for staff

• Assisting project managers with organising logistics for projects.

• Scheduling and monitoring employee training

• Support HR Management of the Ecotone team

• Contribute to and support ongoing business improvement strategies

• Assist with Health and Safety systems management.

• Maintain and update safety policies, procedures and registers.

• Monitoring the safety of field teams.

About You:

The successful applicant will bring to this role, experience and relevant qualifications:

• In bookkeeping / finance and admin. duties, including payroll.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.

• Excellent organisation and time-management skills.

• High attention to detail.

• Demonstrated use of initiative to identify and tackle tasks to assist business operations

• Be willing and ready to work closely within the team to achieve the outcomes of the role.

• Experience in Reckon Accounts Hosted desirable but not essential.

Applications:

Applications should be forwarded to admin@ecotone.com.au and should include an up-to-date C.V. with references.

Cowboy winger one try from breaking Bowen’s record

DESPITE eight tries being scored by his team in an 80-minute romp on Saturday night, North Queensland Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt will have to wait another week to attempt to claim the club’s tryscoring record as his own.

The Cowboys thumped the St George Illawarra Dragons 46-24 at Sydney’s Jubilee Stadium on 23

March to cement their position at the top of the 2024 NRL ladder. Feldt tied with Matt Bowen on 130 tries during the Cowboys’ round two win over the Newcastle Knights, with one more set to hand him long-term bragging rights as the club’s all-time four-point king.

While all eyes were on the number two every time he touched the

ball, he was unable to cross the tryline, with fellow winger Murray Taulagi opening the Cowboys’ account with a four pointer in just the fourth minute of play.

Sam McIntyre, Griffin Neame and Scott Drinkwater all followed suit to give the Cowboys a 22-18 lead at the halftime siren before the team muscled up in defence and

hit the accelerator in the second 40 minutes.

Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Tom Dearden, Valentine Holmes and Chad Townsend claimed second half tries to extend the visitors’ margin, with Holmes slotting seven from eight conversion attempts to seal the competition points.

Centre Zac Lomax was impres-

sive in defeat for the Dragons, notching up 16 of his team’s 24 points with two tries and a 100 per cent success rate with the boot.

It is expected to be a near-full house at Suncorp Stadium on Good Friday when the Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos square off for a Queensland local derby in round four.

Impressive catches across Cape

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.

Email them to editor@ capeyorkweekly.com.au to feature in our next edition.

Tight lines!

are no

Chris La Rosa had plenty of reasons to grin after a recent trip off Cooktown.

They don’t come much better than this stunning coral trout caught by Brenden Santarossa.

It was a bumper mangrove jack for young Mack Grayson during a family fishing adventure.

There

words needed for Ryan Grayson and this cracking barramundi.

Trent Grayson showed he has great choices in fish and footy teams during a recent flick off the beach.

BMX season ready to roll once wet season finishes

By LYNDON KEANE

WITH a month to go before the gate drops on top of the hill for the first time in 2024, this year’s Weipa BMX Club racing season is already shaping up as actionpacked.

While club officials are waiting for the Cape York wet season to clear in order to undertake annual remediation work on the Rocky Point track, president Jeremy Plate said it was a great time for budding junior riders to consider the sport.

“As soon as we can get this track worked on, we’ll get the season up and running,” he explained.

“The season doesn’t finish until the end of September, so we’ll just keep an eye on it and try to predict what the weather’s going to do.

“It’s a great sport, and it’ll be from Mini Wheelers, which is virtually three years of age, up to under-16 or U17 here at the moment, so we’ve got 10 or so age divisions.”

Wet season inundation has left the track covered in weeds and grass, and in need of a retopping to make it suitable for

With about 10 age divisions on offer, from Mini Wheelers to under-17, there will be plenty of racing options for Weipa BMX fans during the 2024 season.

racing and, while the club waits for a break in the weather, Mr Plate outlined his plans for the season, including an ambitious push to take riders to Cairns to compete.

“It does make it a little bit tricky up here,” he reflected when asked about the difficulties in getting riders and bikes to competitions outside Weipa.

“We have, over the years, taken people out to trial and have a crack in the big smoke with it [and] there are a few people who

take their children out here and there. We’d like to do it this season, if that’s achievable.”

Mr Plate said the club would be hosting a number of come and try events once trackwork had been completed, adding the feeling for riders looking down the hill from the starting gate was something that had to be experienced.

“It’s pretty surreal [on top of the starting hill] at times,” he said.

“It’s good for the kids to be

able to have their fun on a Friday night and challenge each other on the track.

“We’re going to be running a couple of come and try days, so come down and have a ride around; we’re going to be doing the gate, and you can do a fourweek trial before signing up for the season. We’re still a month away, just the way things are at the moment.”

For more information, check out the Weipa BMX Club’s Facebook page.

You

Cooktown quintet lap up Brisbane life

By LYNDON KEANE

FIVE swimmers from Cooktown took to the pool in Brisbane at the weekend to pit themselves against the state’s best at the Queensland Representative School Sports Swimming State Championships.

Proudly flying the Peninsula team colours, Samuel Ryder, 17, Lakea Hegamaea, 16, Jett Ryder, 15, Rudolf Habermann, 14, and Haila Hegamaea, 13, joined 22 teammates from across the northernmost part of Queensland as they battled for swimming supremacy.

The quintet are members of the Cooktown Amateur Swimming Club (CASC) and president Melissa Gunton praised the performances of each athlete at the championships.

“I’m extremely proud of how

SPORT IN BRIEF

Weipa league sign-on today

WITH the 2024 season now less than a month away, the Central Cape Suns will be holding a sign-on day for junior players at Weipa’s Andoom Oval on 26 March.

The event will be the first of two prior to the season kick-off, with the second planned for 16 April.

A range of teams will lace up their boots, with under-6 to U16 teams preparing to compete, in addition to a dedicated girls team. The sign-on will commence at 3:30pm. For more information, head to the Central Cape Suns Junior Rugby League Facebook page.

Lucas cracks a win

IT was a case of the third time being the charm when Jim Lucas claimed a strong Dawnbusters victory at Carpentaria Golf Club on Sunday.

After threatening to become a perennial bridesmaid after successive runner-up finishes in recent weeks, Lucas proved too good for the field of 15 and returned to the clubhouse a four-shot winner.

Mick Cerneka replaced Lucas as the event’s runner-up, despite carding an impressive nett 15 to finish four strokes clear of third place.

Ross Craven and Viv Chan impressed with the big sticks to claim respective men’s and women’s longest drive honours.

Golfers struggled with their short games off the tee, meaning the nearest to the pin chocolates remained in the fridge for another week.

Viv Dick took the Hoffman’s prize.

Players will undoubtedly have chocolate in hand when they tackle the back nine holes on Easter Sunday.

Wet causes Wackers woe

THE wet season inundation was horrible for golf but great for the bar when players attempted to tee off at the Carpentaria Golf Club for Wackers action last Wednesday.

The spirit was willing as a strong contingent of golfers arrived at the course, but the weather gods had other plans, with heavy rain keeping Wackers competitors under cover.

Cape York Weekly has it on good authority that the day was not a complete waste, however, with most of the players staying on in the clubhouse bar where, according to one competitor, “it was safe” from the elements.

Bowl into social Sunday

our team handled the pressure and showed the city kids that we have what it takes to be right up there with the best swimmers in the Queensland,” she said.

“There were no expectations for them to get medals or make finals, that would have just been an extra bonus.

“The main aim was to have fun and try and get new personal best times.”

As competition at the threeday meet continued when Cape York Weekly went to press, Haila had recorded a new personal best for the 50-metre butterfly, with Rudolf stopping the clock in a new best when he contested the 50m freestyle.

Jett also impressed in his 50m butterfly with a new personal best.

All five Cooktown athletes performed admirably at the

championships, recording times that consistently put them with the top 20 and 30 fastest schoolaged swimmers in Queensland.

The feat was made even more impressive by the fact the Peninsula line-up was missing a coach.

“Overall, our squad of five did extremely well, considering the whole Peninsula swimming team didn’t have a team coach,” Ms Gunton said.

“Our team had to follow their usual training program for warm ups, which was led by our senior member, Samuel Ryder; he did extremely well with coaching and helping the rest of our team.

“Jett and Lakea looked very comfortable in the arena, despite it being one of their first major swimming championships.”

The swimmers said competing in an Olympic-sized pool,

riding Brisbane’s train network and visiting the city’s must-see Eat Street had been memorable.

Ms Gunton said the experience would not have been possible without the support of the Cooktown community, which rallied behind the swimmers to provide the financial help needed to travel to the championships.

“Thank you must go to Cooktown Memorial RSL, Endeavour Lions Club and also Cooktown Bowls Club, Endeavour Christian College, Cooktown State School, Hinterland Aviation and the wider Cooktown community for their sponsorships and donations,” she said.

“Without their support, our team would not have made the championships in such a limited timeframe due to the financial cost.”

A MORNING of on-green excitement and a sumptuous lunch are on the cards for just $15 every Sunday at Weipa Bowls Club.

The club will continue to host its popular Sunday social bowls event each week, with players of all ages and abilities invited to come and try their hand.

Competitors are required to have their names registered by 8:30am, with the first jacks set to be rolled at 9am. For more information, call the club on 4214 6501.

Venue change for league

WET weather has forced the Cowboys Skills and Drills session being hosted by Cooktown District Junior Rugby League this afternoon to be moved to Endeavour Christian College.

The two-hour session starts at 4pm on 26 March, and is targeted at children aged six to 17.

NRLW players Tahlulah Tillett and Krystall Blackwell will be there to share their knowledge and skills, as will former Melbourne Storm and North Queensland Cowboys utility Ben Hampton.

Cooktown Amateur Swimming Club members Haila Hegamaea, Samuel Ryder, Rudolf Habermann, Lakea Hegamaea and Jett Ryder in their Peninsula representative gear before taking to the pool in the Queensland Representative School Sports Swimming State Championships at the weekend.

don’t get a lot of experiences like public transportation when you call Cape York home.