Cape York Weekly Edition 179

Loss of life was thankfully avoided when a stolen four-wheel drive crashed through a fence and into the side of a Weipa residence last week in the latest spate of crimes by youth perpetrators. Cape York Weekly editor Lyndon Keane spoke to the owner of the vehicle and the house about the incident, and why one says it’s “the straw that broke the camel’s back” for the Weipa community. Read what they had to say on Page 3.

DATE CLAIMER

Saturday, 21 September 2024

Tombstone Unveiling of the late Mr Stanislaus

“Parley/Stan” Sabatino

Martyn St Cemetery (New Area) – CAIRNS

Formal invitation to follow

For further information please contact

• Yosi Sabatino: 0423 581 870

• Risha Sabatino: 0455 505 519

New councils locked in after long count

NINETEEN days after they voted, Cape York and Torres Strait residents now have certainty around who will lead their communities for the next four years.

The Electoral Commission of Queensland finally declared the results of all mayoral and councillor votes on 4 April, including those for Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC), which had been delayed after bad weather caused mobile polling chaos in mid-March.

With the dust having set-

tled, only two of the 14 Cape York and Torres Strait councils will welcome back a returning mayor – Mayor Wayne Butcher in Lockhart River, and Mayor Phillemon Mosby for TSIRC.

Optional preferential voting proved the difference in Hope Vale, with outgoing mayor Jason Woibo looking to have secured another four years before ECQ distributed preferences to hand the win to opponent Bruce Gibson.

An ECQ spokesperson said

preferences had given Mayor Gibson a four-vote margin.

“On 28 March 2024, the ECQ declared Bruce Gibson as the elected candidate for the position of Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor,” the spokesperson said.

“The declaration was made following the commencement of a distribution of preference count, which provided absolute certainty about the outcome of the election.”

Every elected council – Page 7 TSIRC

Rio Tinto searching for a new

RIO Tinto will soon have a new Weipa leader in place following the announcement general manger Shona Markham was leaving the western Cape York township to take up a new role in Gladstone.

Ms Markham has accepted the role of the general manager of the global mining giant’s Boyne Smelter (BSL), and will start in the new role in late May after finishing up in Weipa on 14 April.

testing • Hot water specialist

In internal emails seen by Cape York Weekly, Ms Markham told staff it had been an “absolute privilege” to lead Rio Tinto’s Weipa operation.

“It’s with mixed emotions I’m sharing the news that I’ve accepted the role of general manager at BSL, based in Gladstone,” she said in the email.

“In doing so, I will be close to my young children, who have moved there late last year.

“My last day as Weipa [general manager] will be [14 April], with a couple of trips back up here following that date.

“It’s been an absolute privilege leading such an amazing team, and you should all feel proud of what we’ve accomplished together; I’ll sincerely miss being part of it [and] I have learnt so much because of you.

“I truly believe there is something incredible about this com-

munity and the Cape York region, and how this team works together for the best outcomes.”

Northern operations manager Mark Arkell will step up to replace Ms Markham in an acting capacity until a permanent replacement can be recruited.

In another internal email, chief operating officer Steve Badenhorst praised Ms Markham’s leadership.

Mr Arkell will commence as acting general manager in Weipa on 26 April.

“Shona has a proven track record leading operational teams, with a focus on safe and stable operations that positions people at the centre,” he told staff in the email.

mayor Phillemon Mosby.

Rio Tinto Weipa operations general manager Shona Markham has taken up a new role in Gladstone.

Town at breaking point: theft victim speaks out

By LYNDON KEANE

A WEIPA business owner says she is at her wit’s end after losing six vehicles during a spate of property crimes across the township over the past month.

On 2 April, a Toyota Prado was allegedly stolen from the Sixt Weipa yard at Evans Landing before being used in a breakin at the Weipa Servicentre at Rocky Point and ultimately crashing through a fence and into a Golf Links Estate house.

Sixt Weipa director Gayle Collings described the latest incident as “almost like it’s a common occurrence now” and said she was frustrated the crimes were allegedly being committed by repeat offenders.

Cape York Weekly understands the alleged youth perpetrators are part of a group using an Instagram account to boast about their crimes, including driving stolen vehicles dangerously around Napranum.

“I fear they’re just going to be out on the streets again once they go in front of a magistrate,” Ms Collings said.

“It’s just so much wilful damage that they’ve done and we’re just over it, absolutely over it.

“It’s the same kids offending over and over and over.”

was to her and her husband’s bedroom.

offences over the alleged incident, with two refused bail.

“This event feels like the tipping point for the town; it feels like it’s the straw that broke the camel’s back,” she said.

“It’s different this time.

“I’m surprised no one was killed, actually; when I saw all that damage [to the car], I was just so surprised no one was killed.”

Meedz Tai lives in the Eagle Terrace property the alleged offenders crashed into and she told Cape York Weekly the damage

Ms Collings added she believed the latest incident, during which no one was injured, had pushed the western Cape York township to breaking point.

“The only feeling you have is ‘what the hell happened?’ You don’t set yourself up for something [like that] to happen,” she said.

“We have three other rooms that we can occupy for now, and once we know what’s going to happen [regarding] reconstruction of the walls, we will cross that bridge.”

Police confirmed they had charged two 14-year-old Napranum boys and a 15-year-old Napranum boy with a range of

Ms Collings praised the efforts of police and said she was still working out what the financial impact to her business would be with three of the six vehicles already written off.

“I haven’t worked it out, but if you talk about the downtime, you’ve got it booked out on hire, it gets damaged or destroyed, it’s a loss of income; I don’t know how you’d put a cost to it if you go and add up all the downtime to those vehicles,” she said.

Editor’s view – Page 16

Servo faces a bumper bill after break-in

THE owner of the Weipa Servicentre says he is facing a bill of “tens of thousands” of dollars after the Rocky Point business was broken into and vandalised on 2 April.

The same vehicle that crashed into the Golf Links Estate residence was allegedly used in the incident, with the actions of offenders causing the service station to remain closed for four days as staff undertook a massive clean-up.

Business director Richard Ireland said offenders had discharged a dry powder fire extinguisher inside the business, meaning the majority of stock had to be dumped as part of the clean-up effort.

“All of the stock that was touched by the fire extinguisher has to be destroyed; it can’t be sold,” he said.

“All the electronics will need to be replaced, we expect, because the [dry] powder is corrosive; it can be a fire risk, so we had to replace that.”

Mr Ireland said the clean-up and loss of four days’ trade would leave him with a bill he admitted he was yet to get his head around.

“Just in damage alone it’s tens of thousands of dollars; I haven’t got a fix on that at the moment. No matter what happens with insurance, you’re out of pocket to some ex-

tent. I’m expecting to be out of pocket tens of thousands,” he said.

Police have confirmed three Napranum teenagers had been charged over a range of alleged offences, including the service station break-in, but a frustrated Mr Ireland said enough was enough.

“It’s a debacle, it’s just a debacle. It’s totally [a rinse and repeat] situation; I feel sorry for the police, to be honest, because they’re between a rock and a hard place,” he said.

“Really, it’s something the extended families of these people need to step up and sort out; sort the parents out; sort the kids out.”

Luckily, neither the residents nor the alleged vehicle thieves were injured when the stolen four-wheel drive smashed through the fence and master bedroom wall of the Eagle Terrace property at about 4am on 2 April.

Rossville-bred pup makes his way home after Jasper

By CHISA HASEGAWA

FATE has brought a puppy conceived in Rossville back home to Cape York after being born in Cairns when its mother was surrendered due to Tropical Cyclone Jasper flooding.

It was love at first sight for Cooktown resident Melissa Griffiths, who had been looking for a dog with her partner when they found Rocky.

Being a former Rossville resident, she knew it was a sign when she was told Rocky had been born from a dog originally from her former home.

“I was going to look at a few different dog places that weekend in Cairns, but I ended up choosing at the first place I went to,” Ms Griffiths said.

“I think because I knew he was from Rossville, that made it more special to me, and I was like ‘I’m definitely meant to get this one, because I have that connection with Rossville’.

“It’s weird how it worked out, of all the places a puppy could come from.”

Ms Griffiths took to Facebook to try and connect with the former owner of the mother that was pregnant with the pups at the time.

“Pretty much straight away, I got a message from a young lady who said she was the one that gave her up,” she said. “It was actually someone I knew from years ago, when she was in primary school and I worked at the Rossville school. She thought it was awesome and was glad he’s going to a good home.”

Rocky is settling into his new home well and Ms Griffiths said he seemed happy to be back on Cape York.

“He could’ve ended up anywhere,” Ms Griffiths said.

“He’s very chilled and he’s happy to just follow us around. He’s also pretty clever; he’s already sit-

Desexing program in Cook Shire

COOK Shire Council is encouraging all dog owners to Spay the Day as the organisation prepares for the final round of its successful 2023-24 desexing program.

The round is scheduled to take place from 30 April to 2 May, with the free dog desexing program having already performed more than 30 procedures in the Cooktown district.

Mayor Robyn Holmes urged dog owners to do the right thing and play their part in reducing the number of dogs on the streets across the local government area.

“The program is a proactive step towards creating a safer and more responsible pet ownership environment in Cook Shire,” Mayor Holmes said.

Cook Shire’s compliance officer Kylie McAllister added: “Reducing unwanted litters means fewer dogs on the streets.

ting when we tell him and [when] we were throwing a stick to him, he was actually fetching, so I thought that was quite good for his age, because he’s only 10 weeks old.”

Ms Griffiths said she would love to catch up with Rocky’s mum’s former owner soon and show her how the puppy was doing.

With grants of up to $5,000 available for eligible costs, this initiative aims to empower projects that protect and enhance our environment while fostering sustainable practices.

Key objectives for this funding program are: prioritising environmental benefits investing in renewable energy infrastructure promoting sustainable solutions enhancing environmental education, and fostering collaborative efforts among stakeholders. For more information and to apply, visit

“This has proven repeatedly to reduce the likelihood of dog attacks on humans, other pets, and native wildlife. The reality is that desexing does save lives.”

Justin Little of Central Veterinary Surgery will perform the procedures.

Places are limited, and residents are asked to call Kylie McAllister on 4082 0500 to secure a spot for their four-legged friend.

Rocky was born in Cairns when his pregnant mum was surrendered from Rossville, but fate brought him back to the Cape.

Enough is enough: local business targeted again

By CHISA HASEGAWA

A COOKTOWN business has been vandalised and robbed for the third time by an alleged youth gang after opening only 12 months ago.

Caritta’s Pizzas has already faced a repair bills of more than $2000 and is currently unable to open for lunch while their van undergoes another round of repairs.

Co-owner Grant Fagberg said he believed the same youth, aged around 7 to 13 years old, had come each time, stealing Nutella and soft drinks.

“Each time they’ve broken in, we’ve improved our security measures,” he said.

“The last repair cost us $1650 all for the sake of half a tub of Nutella and a dozen soft drinks.”

Mr Fagberg said the kids would attempt to break in whether it was day or night, leading to the decision to operate for dinner service only while waiting for new security measures.

“We can’t lock our van up, so we can’t leave it on site,” he said.

“We’ve got to bring it home, because as soon as we drive off, it doesn’t matter if it’s the middle of the day or not, they’re in.”

He said he had identified six individuals and had them on camera and reported to police.

“The prosecutor told the police to go around and give them a good talking to,” Mr Faberg claimed.

“These kids are running around knowing that they have complete anonymity and impunity from the law; they’re doing these things in broad daylight in full view of the police station; we park our van directly opposite the police station.

“Everyone’s just fed up, because we all know who they are and the police are the same, and yet these kids from around 7 to 13 at most are holding us all to ransom.

“People are starting to take things into their own hands, and these kids are going to get seriously hurt.”

Mr Fagberg also claimed the same group was consistently targeting the elderly at Endeavour Lodge, a local aged care residence, although Queensland Police Service could not confirm the link to Cape York Weekly QPS was unable to comment about the incident at Caritta’s

Pizzas, but did say they were investigating two break-ins at a “Howard Street address”.

Jack Martin, a senior resident at Endeavour Lodge on Howard Street, said he no longer felt safe in his own home after being broken into and robbed several times.

“They just keep coming back, because they know we’re older people and an easy target,” he said.

CONNECTING COOK

with Cynthia Lui, MP

As the new Mayor and Councillors are sworn in across the Cape, the post-election attention will quickly turn to delivering for our communities. It takes courage to put your name on a ballot paper. I thank all those who participated and I’m looking forward to forging strong relationships with the new Councils. Many people in our community are talking about cost of living right now. Remote communities of Cape York, Torres Strait and the Gulf face significant challenges with everyday cost of living pressures. People in these regions are paying a lot more than their counterparts in cities and large towns and this take a high social and emotional toll on families.

Ute driver fined in Coen

POLICE have fined a 24-year-old Aurukun man after officers observed a parked vehicle on Peninsula Developmental Road on 1 April.

At just after 5pm, Coen police allegedly located a white utility with pieces of scrap material that had not been fastened or contained.

It is alleged a piece of scrap metal was protruding from the rear tray of the vehicle.

Police further allege the vehicle’s registration had been cancelled, and the vehicle was uninsured.

The man was issued a traffic infringement notice for driving or parking vehicle when load not secured/likely to fall, and the vehicle’s owner, a 40-year old man, was fined for having an unregistered vehicle.

Far North District police are reminding motorists transporting any kind of load in their vehicles or trailers to secure their loads correctly.

A QPS spokesperson said the two incidents at Mr Martin’s residence were being investigated.

“Initial information indicates just before 10pm on February 23, unknown offenders have knocked on the door of the property before stealing items from the front porch and inside a vehicle,” the spokesperson said.

“Around 6:45pm on March 2, unknown offenders have knocked on the back door of the same property before stealing a camera from inside.”

“I put [the camera] on my coffee table and went to the toilet, and when I came out, it was gone,” Mr Martin said.

“They must have been waiting or very close when I exclaimed that we’ve got them on film, and they’ve come in and taken the camera.

“It was just heart-breaking and frightening.”

Mr Martin said he was not used to living in a society he had to “be paranoid” about.

“We have to lock our doors, even if I’m sitting in the lounge, where I can see my front door and my front garden,” he said.

“I’m 80 years old and I’ve never lived like this; you used to be able to trust your neighbours and trust the people that live in your town.”

Our communities deserve better and I am working hard to see changes made to ease this burden on families. We need different solutions in Torres and Cape because of the tyranny of distance. This is why we hosted the Cost of Living Summit in 2023 on Thursday Island, and have announced initiatives like the $64 million freight subsidy scheme to deliver a 5.2 per cent discount at the cash register for groceries, electricity rebates, the PowerSavvy program, and free vaccines, Kindy and TAFE. We have made progress but there is still a way to go to make a real difference for families.

Drivers should ensure the items are properly restrained.

Three youths charged

DETECTIVES from the Weipa Criminal Investigation Branch charged multiple people with number of property offences following a number of incidents in the township on 2 April.

Police allege at about 2:30am, a Toyota Prado was stolen from an Iraci Crescent property before it collided with a Toyota HiLux parked in the driveway.

It is further alleged the vehicle was used to break into a Rocky Point service station, before crashing into an Eagle Terrace property just before 4am.

A 14-year-old Napranum boy was charged with three counts each of wilful damage, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, enter premises with intent, enter premises and commit, and one count each of driving without a licence, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and attempted unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

A 15-year-old Napranum boy was charged with two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and one count each of enter premises and commit and driving without a licence.

He was refused bail and is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Childrens Court.

A 14-year-old Napranum boy was charged with two counts each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and one count each of enter premises and driving without a licence. He is scheduled to appear in the Weipa Childrens Court.

Boost for sport and inclusive facilities across Cape York and Torres

Six Cape York Councils and two Torres Strait Councils have been awarded grants of more than $250,000 each from the Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities fund to upgrade facilities. Projects in Hope Vale, Coen, Kowanyama, Mapoon, Napranum, Wujal Wujal, Masig Island, Thursday Island and Kubin Island have been funded to upgrade facilities related to general fitness, rugby league, soccer, swimming, volleyball, and basketball.

The alleged perpetrators have racked up more than $2000 worth of damage at Caritta’s Pizzas in Cooktown.

Caritta and Grant Fagberg have been robbed three times since starting their business last year. Photos: Supplied

Hospital, ag precinct top of list for Holmes

By LYNDON KEANE

WITH her feet now firmly under the desk, the new Mayor of Cook Shire Council has wasted no time in looking towards the future of the region as she prepares to welcome her fellow elected members on 9 April.

Robyn Holmes was declared the winner of the race to replace long-time mayor Peter Scott with an overwhelming majority of votes, with the former deputy mayor taking her oath of office last week to finalise the transition to the council’s top job.

Mayor Holmes will be joined in the chamber by returning councillors Marilyn Morris and Ross Logan, and new faces Gavin Dear, Sarah Martin, Justin Coventry and Melinda Parker.

The councillors will be sworn in ahead of a special meeting of council on Tuesday, and Mayor Holmes said she believed the elected line-up reflected the diversity of the Cook Shire community.

“I think it’ll cover a very broad cross section of the community,” she said.

“They all have different skills that they’ll bring to the table.”

Mayor Holmes told Cape York Weekly the first gathering of the council would allow elected members to share their vision for what they hope the next four years of leadership will look like.

“The first steps for the new council will be the induction, and a bit of a learning exercise for the first week, trying to find out what their visions are for the next four years, so the CEO can build a bit of a platform around what their vision and values are,” Mayor Holmes explained.

“I’ve gone back and had a look at the elected councillors’ speeches from the meet the councillor [public forum on 2 March]; some of them were quite specific about what they wanted to do; some of them weren’t quite so specific, but I’m pretty sure that will all come out when we get a better idea of their priorities.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, councillors will also elect a deputy mayor, choose portfolios and discuss the possibility of designating “community champions” for townships within the 106,000

square kilometre local government area.

While the day-to-day operation of the new council takes shape, Mayor Holmes said she was committed to ensuring advocacy for major projects like the Cooktown hospital redevelopment and Lakeland agricultural precinct continued.

Council chief executive officer Brian Joiner said he believed the hospital upgrade was now at the stage of waiting for a funding green light from the State Government.

“The business case is sitting with the department of treasury, I think, waiting for funding,” he said.

“It’s just whether it gets funded as

part of this [state] budget coming up, or whether it becomes election commitment funding, or whether it blows out to a following year.”

When asked about the fact only two incumbent Cape York and Torres Strait mayors were returned following the 16 March elections, Mayor Holmes said it remained to be seen what the upheaval would mean for council governance in the region.

“It’s been a pretty massive change,” she reflected.

“Some of those [changes] are due to retirements; it will be really interesting to see how we go forward.

“I guess it will be a really steep learning curve for a lot of them.”

AURUKUN

Mayor

Barbara Bandicootcha Councillors

Craig Koomeeta

Jayden Marrott

Eloise Yunkaporta

Leona Yunkaporta

COOK SHIRE

Mayor

Robyn Holmes Councillors

Justin Coventry

Gavin Dear

Ross Logan

Sarah Martin

Marilyn Morris

Melinda Parker

HOPE VALE

Mayor

Bruce Gibson Councillors

Eva Bounghi

Barry Bowen

Sha-Lane Gibson

Yalungin Harat

KOWANYAMA

Mayor

Territa Dick Councillors

Teddy Bernard

Charmaine Lawrence

Coralie Lawrence

Richard Stafford

LOCKHART RIVER

Mayor

Wayne Butcher Councillors

Steven Bally

Alastair Bowie

Krystal Dean

Dorothy Hobson

MAPOON

Mayor

Ronaldo Guivarra Councillors

Sheree Jia

Linda McLachlan

Maria Pitt

Justina Reid

NAPRANUM

Mayor

Roy Chevathen Councillors

Margie Adidi

Ernest Madua Jnr

Egito Mairu

Robert Wigness

NPARC

Mayor

Robert Poipoi

Councillors

Div 1: Dave Byrne

Div 2: Mary Yoelu

Div 3: Kitty Gebadi

Div 4: Marlene Bond

Div 5: Brad Elu

PORMPURAAW

Mayor

Ralph Kendall Councillors

Keith Barney

Romina Edwards

Lucy Foote

Tim Koo-Aga

TORRES SHIRE

Mayor

Elsie Seriat Councillors

Gabriel Bani

Thomas Fujii Jnr

Thomas Loban

Toshio Nakata

TORRES REGIONAL

Mayor

Phillemon Mosby

Councillors

Div 1: Dimas Toby

Div 2: Torenzo Elisala

Div 3: Chelsea Aniba

Div 4: Keith Fell

Div 5: Ranetta Wosomo

Div 6: Iona Manis

Div 7: John Levi

Div 8: Seriako Dorante

Div 9: Aggie Hankin

Div 10: Kabay Tamu

Div 11: Francis Pearson

Div 12: Ted Mosby

Div 13: Rocky Stephen

Div 14: Nixon Mye

Div 15: Bob Kaigey

WEIPA Chair

Jaime Gane

Members

Trent Gordon

Geoff Robins

Lisa Scharf

WUJAL WUJAL

Mayor

Alister Gibson

Councillors

Robert Bloomfield

Lucas Creek

Claudia Grogan-Doughboy

Nikita Jack-Tayley

New Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes says the six incoming councillors that will join her in the chamber represent a “very broad cross section of the community” as the council prepares to get down to business this week.

Pormpuraaw artists in spotlight

By LYNDON KEANE

THE incredible talent of 15 Pormpuraaw artists played an extremely visible role in promoting the importance of science during World Science Festival Brisbane (WSFB) in the Queensland capital in March.

The Queensland Museum event aims to engage audiences outside the traditional education frameworks to “create a general public informed by science, inspired by its wonder, convinced of its value, and prepared to engage with its implications for the future”.

The Pormpuraaw artists showcased their ghost net creations, which not only shared their culture and creativity with WSFB visi-

tors, but also reinforced the impact items like discarded fishing nets had on the environment.

Pormpuraaw Art and Culture Centre manager Ellen Maugeri accompanied three of the artists –Syd Bruce Shortjoe, Michael Norman and Christine Holroyd – to Brisbane to see the exhibition in the flesh, and said WSFB has presented an irresistible opportunity to show the artists’ work to a larger audience.

“It is one of the ways we can get our artwork known to the larger community,” she explained.

“It allows our artists to tell their stories. Most artwork is made to represent traditional stories or totems, [so] it gives our artists and

our art centre exposure, and helps generate traffic to our online store and sales.”

Mr Shortjoe also participated in a panel discussion during WSFB, and Ms Maugeri said this and workshops run by the artists allowed the dangers of ghost nets to be fully shared with visitors to the exhibition.

“The exhibition was to showcase our ghost net sculptures and highlight the environmental damage that ghost nets do to the environment, and how vulnerable the Gulf and Cape are to them,” Ms Maugeri said.

“The artists held four workshops where participants made a jellyfish from ghost nets.”

The logistics of safely transporting the fragile artwork from Pormpuraaw to Brisbane was significant, with Ms Maugeri explaining the wet season played a role.

“We had to decide the final pieces for the show by November 2023, so that they could be transported to Cairns from Pormpuraaw before the road cut,” she said.

“They were held in storage in Cairns until February, when staff had to travel by plane to Cairns to pack and ship artwork via truck to Brisbane.”

The trio of artists who made the trip to Brisbane said they were thrilled to see their work on display for a city audience, with Mr Shortjoe saying it was a bonus to

combine art and a vital environmental message.

“It’s important to educate people about what ghost nets are doing to the sea life at Pormpuraaw,” he said.

“The art is also a good way to share the stories that have been passed down through songlines and dance from my ancestors.”

The local artists whose work was displayed were Steven Kepper, Eric Norman, Michael Norman, Cathrine Coleman, Lillian Jackson, Syd Bruce Shortjoe, Jones Holroyd, Christine Yantumba, Christine Holroyd, Mylene Holroyd, Jillian Holroyd, Jill Yantumba, Matilda Chillagoe, Michell Coleman and Mavis Benjamin.

Christine Holroyd, Michael Norman and Syd Bruce Shortjoe at the Queensland Museum in Brisbane last month.

Cheryl Leavy talks activism and the environmental impact of ghost nets with Pormpuraaw artist Syd Bruce Shortjoe during a panel discussion at the Queensland Museum during the World Science Festival Brisbane.

Timely project proved invaluable

By CHISA HASEGAWA

JUST weeks before Tropical Cyclone Jasper devastated the region in December 2023, an independent power system was installed at Rossville Hall, which made it one of the few places in the community to maintain an electricity supply during the disaster.

Although unexpected that it would be put to use so quickly, the hall became a safe haven and place of communication for the entire Rossville community.

remote communities that do get cut off often,” he explained.

“It provided running water, amenities and storage for food, but more important, it provided a meeting place to organise volunteers to go to people that needed help.”

On the morning of 18 December, Ergon Energy and Telstra’s 4G mobile network failed, leaving residents in the dark.

“On 20 December, Cook Shire Council was able to fly in a Starlink internet unit, which because the hall had its own power, was crucial in allowing residents to communicate with the outside world in the chaotic aftermath of the flood.”

units so that community members were able to eat and cook until mains power was restored to their homes,” Mr Smith said.

“It was a place where supplies could get either helicoptered in or driven in, and then distributed from there.”

Brad Smith, who was president of the Rossville and District Citizens Association at the time, said the group applied for a grant in early 2023 to create a “refuge during emergencies”.

“It gave the community a place to go where there was power, where there was communication, and that was the reason we went for the grant – to build resilience in

COOK Shire businesses are being urged to apply for funding opportunities to bolster community security and support environmental innovation.

Designed to support eligible local businesses and organisations, the Cook Shire Security Upgrade Grants and Environmental Innovation Grants aim to let operators strengthen their security measures to help safeguard their businesses, and support initiatives to reduce the region’s carbon footprint.

Eligible organisations have until 16 April to apply for either grant. For more information, contact the council.

Don’t miss out: Rio Tinto

RIO Tinto is encouraging western Cape York community groups, clubs and organisations to make contact about potential opportunities for financial support before the end of April.

Through its Sponsorships and Donations Program, the company is encouraging eligible stakeholders to apply for funding for activities and initiatives that enhance the liveability of the region.

Applications for round one are currently open and close on 30 April, 2024, with round two of the annual program scheduled to open on 1 July, 2024. For more information about eligibility and available funding, or to obtain an application form, email RTAWeipaFeedback@riotinto.com.

IBA celebrates milestone

INDIGENOUS Business Australia (IBA) is celebrating that more than $1 billion in contracts have now been supported through its Performance Bond Trust.

Since the bonds were introduced in 2018, IBA said it had issued more than 500 valued at over $60 million to support the billion-dollar contract benchmark.

Performance bonds are issued to the beneficiary of a contract as security against the other party being unable to meet obligations specified in the contract.

IBA assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses by issuing bonds directly to the buyer, in cases where the business may not have the required level of security to provide a bond facility for their contracts.

IBA chief executive officer Kirsty Moore said the $1b achievement was “positive for everyone”.

“We’re extremely proud of this milestone figure; it ultimately contributes to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business growth, which is positive for everyone,” she said.

“Apart from satellite internet [if owners had standalone power], the only way of communicating was through UHF channel 12, which had been mandated by the fire services in Rossville before the cyclone,” Mr Smith said.

The grid connect solar system provided the hall with enough electricity to run eight power points that enabled fridges, freezers, lighting, fans and a water pump to successfully operate twenty-four seven during the event.

“Once road access had been established, supplies from Cooktown were able to be stored and processed at the hall in refrigerated

Mr Smith also said he believed the system would also “dramatically reduce” Cook Shire Council’s power bill for the community asset in the future.

“The Rossville and District Citizens Association has been advocating for [the council] to adopt similar systems in other facilities in the shire to build resilience and to reduce costs,” he said.

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The back-up solar power system ensured Rossville residents could stay connected with the outside world in the aftermath of the flood.

Better access to autism diagnosis for remote kids

CHILDREN in Cape York and the Torres Strait who may be on the autism spectrum are set to benefit from local staff undergoing specialist diagnosis training.

On the back of World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April, more than 30 Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) clinicians took part in social attention and communication surveillance (SACS) training.

The SACS program is an observation-based developmental surveillance tool which can identify

children as young as 12 months old who are likely to be on the autism spectrum.

TCHHS acting executive director of allied health Fiona Hall said a recent SACS study showed almost 85 per cent of children considered to have a high likelihood of diagnosis as infants were later officially diagnosed.

“As clinicians, we are so well aware of the benefits early intervention can have on the life of an infant or young child with developmental conditions,” she said.

The group, including child and maternal health nurses, allied health staff, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, were among the first in Queensland to receive the training.

“Having so many TCHHS staff trained in utilising this program is a huge benefit to children and their families in our communities,” Ms Hall said.

“With our growing allied health and maternal and child health teams, we are able to put in supports for children and their fami-

lies across our region who require it.

“Living remotely should not impact on the access children have to the clinical services they need, and TCHHS remains dedicated to bringing care closer to home, particularly to improve the lives of the youngest members of our communities.”

Ms Hall said any families that had concerns should speak to their local hospital or clinic, which have the capacity to refer children to the appropriate service.

Mum wishes for inclusive future

By CHISA HASEGAWA

JUGGLING two young kids is not an easy task for any parent, but when one is a neurodivergent child in a neurotypical world, navigating the needs for both proves to be an extra challenge.

Three-year-old Donald Sabatino was recently diagnosed with non-verbal autism when his family moved to Weipa last year from the tiny West Australian town of Paraburdoo.

With World Autism Awareness Day falling last week, mum Claire Sabatino said she hoped her sons grow up in a world that teaches children to be inclusive and open, and that values difference.

Ms Sabatino said the family was in the process of getting a diagnosis in Western Australia, but decided to move because access to support was so limited.

“We couldn’t get any therapy there at all, and no support for Donald,” she said.

“We couldn’t get into a paediatrician and we were driving about five-and-a-half hours to get speech therapy.”

In Weipa, Donald has been able to see a paediatrician and occupational therapist and, previously, a speech therapist.

“I guess the access to some therapies can be a little more challenging and probably the variety is not there as much as other places, but what we have found is that those that are here are incredibly welcoming and caring,” Ms Sabatino said.

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For the family, Weipa has been the perfect balance of support for Donald and everything they love about living in a small town.

“We love living in this environment, because I think small town people are more welcoming and more open to helping you,” Ms Sabatino said.

“Even things like going to the supermarket, Donald can some-

times have challenges with understanding that we have to wait and things like that, and the people in the supermarket and those that work there are always so helpful and patient, which is really nice when you’re on your own with a child that has special needs.”

She said the community-mindedness was especially appreciated when either she or her husband had

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both sons in their care by themselves.

“Edward is 15 months old and he’s talking and pointing and understanding things, and Donald hasn’t made those milestones yet, so it is challenging having two kids with very different needs,” Ms Sabatino explained.

Just like any other child his age, Donald loves to play, and Ms Sabatino said she wished public facilities for kids were more inclusive.

“One of the things Donald has with his autism is he does something called eloping, which is basically like right away with no fear and no sense of what’s happening around him; he’ll just take off and run,” she said.

“The parks here are all quite close to the road and we don’t have any fenced parks, so sometimes taking our kids to the park can be quite stressful, because you’re always trying to make sure he doesn’t run off onto the road.”

Ms Sabatino said despite the challenges, she was confident her kids would grow up in a kind and loving world.

“We do often think about the future for Donald, but I think it’s going to be OK; we live in a society where there is a lot more autism awareness in general, which is fantastic,” she said.

“I feel confident that both my kids are going to be able to thrive here.”

Health service welcomes new faces, including chair

TORRES Health Indigenous Corporation chief executive officer Renee Williams will increase her influence in the local healthcare space after being appointed chair of the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) board.

Ms Williams was previously the general manager policy and research for the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council. She is joined on the board by new member Dion Creek, who is currently the CEO of the Cape York Land Council.

The TCHHS new consists of Ms Williams, Mr Creek, Dr Scott Davis, Susan Hadfield, Darren Thamm, Karyn Watson, Tara Diversi, Kirstyne Davis and Jason Ramsamy.

After making the chair announcement,

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman praised the appointment of Ms Williams and Mr Creek.

“I’m pleased [TCHHS] has been able to attract and retain such experienced, knowledgeable, and well-respected people to the board this year,” Ms Fentiman said.

“I’d like to pay tribute to outgoing Chair Ella Kris who worked with dedication and commitment to guide the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Board.

“Incoming chair Renee Williams’ experience in First Nations health matters is wide, deep and unparalleled, and will be of enormous benefit for the communities of the Torres Strait, Cape York and Northern Peninsula Area.”

TCHHS acting executive director of allied health Fiona Hall.

The Sabatino family moved to Weipa after having no access to autism support in their West Australian hometown.

Claire Sabatino believes her two sons, Donald and Edward, will become inseparable as they get older.

community connect

From the general manager

Welcome to the latest edition of community connect!

First, it’s with mixed emotions to share the news that I have accepted the role of general manager at Boyne Smelters Ltd (BSL), based in Gladstone.

While I am deeply sad to say goodbye to this amazing community that we have been welcomed into, this move will allow me to be closer to my young children who have moved there late last year.

In taking the role with BSL, I am grateful to remain part of the Pacific Operations value chain and already know how proud I will feel to be standing in my new smelter place of work, knowing the final aluminium product started right here in Weipa.

My last day on the job will be April 14 and Northern Operations manager, Mark Arkell will act as general manager while recruitment for the role is underway. Our operations will be in great hands with Mark.

There is a lot happening around the Weipa township, especially around the conclusion of active mining at our East Weipa mine site. We will now embark on a new journey, working

closely with Traditional Owners and our agreement partners to transition through the next stages of post-mining, a journey which will take place over 20 years.

This brings many opportunities for economic development, local business partnerships and capacity building within our community, whilst ensuring responsible practices that support the environment.

Our teams are already busy developing plans to make the mine areas and plant safe, as well as carrying out works such as topsoil and weed eradication trials, tyre disposal and a social impact assessment.

There is still plenty of activity across East Weipa and we ask that you refrain from entering any mine or regeneration sites and stay aware of any active vehicles or teams operating in the surrounding areas.

The East Weipa boom gates are now inactive. Please take care when crossing the haul road and stay alert for any changes in traffic conditions as they may change.

In May we will be hosting three community family fun days to commemorate just over 60 years of

Highlights from this edition..

mining and reflect on the journey of where we started to where we are today. Check out page 2 for more information on these events and we hope to see you there!

Stay safe,

Shona Markham

Weipa Cadetships

Our Weipa Local Aboriginal Person’s Cadetship Program combines elements from both the National Indigenous Cadetship Program and our local Traineeship Program to provide a more localised option for students.

Cadets are able to study full-time whilst gaining hands-on experience in their specialised field at Rio Tinto Weipa. Upon graduating, they have the opportunity to fast-track into employment at one of our Weipa Operations.

Expressions of interest are currently open and we are looking for students currently pursuing tertiary studies in any of the following miningrelated disciplines; engineering, environment, early childhood education, law and archaeology/ anthropology.

To apply or find out more, please reach out to Roselle Christie on rosselle.canilao@riotinto.com by 30 April 2024.

Workplace diversity

17% 31%

Local Aboriginal People (LAP)

Female employment Indigenous employment

30%

Species spotlight: Red Goshawk

The Red Goshawk raptor is a cunning and striking bird, but as fierce as they are, they still need protection.

That’s why our Rio Tinto Weipa Biodiversity team has collaborated with the Queensland Department of Environment & Science (DES), Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC), and the University of Queensland to protect the rare bird of prey.

Check out this short documentary, which follows PhD Candidate Chris MacColl and colleagues on their journey to Cape York Peninsula during the 2021 breeding season.

The film captures the vital research they conduct including tagging juveniles to track their movements and survival rates in an effort to better understand and, hopefully, conserve this unique species.

Commemorating the end of an era

We have reached a significant milestone at our Weipa Operations, as we conclude active mining operations at our East Weipa Mine, marking the end of an incredible chapter in our company’s history.

To commemorate this milestone, we will be hosting a number of events in May to reflect on the history of operations at East Weipa by taking a journey through time and sharing stories along the way.

On Wed 8 May, we will be hosting our first family fun day along the Napranum Foreshore. This evening event will run from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

Two more family fun days will be held in Weipa on Saturday 11 and 18 of May. Hosted in Weipa

15 years of highflying fertilising

In February, we marked the 15th year of our annual aerial fertilising campaign. This year we carefully deposited 233 tonnes of fertiliser over rehabilitation across our three mine sites to support their growth and development.

Our contracted aircraft operators play a crucial role in the campaign, completing a total of 132 takeoffs and landings during the two-week operation.

Their aircraft serves as the most efficient platform for fertiliser application and has a unique and significant advantage over ground application of fertilisers and seed.

One particular focus was on the East Weipa tailings dam which is adjacent to Nanum in Weipa. Here, our efforts concentrated on both fertilising and seeding to improve soil quality and reduce dust generation.

Each flight not only delivered vital fertiliser but also demonstrated our commitment to

across the Kumrumja Park, Hibberd Library and WASP, these events will run from 2:00pm to 8:00pm.

There will be a range of different activities and experiences to be had across these events and something of interest for all ages. Not to mention free food, drinks and ice cream, kid’s activities, a historical exhibition and video, cultural activities and fireworks.

Everyone is welcome and we hope to see some past employees join us on the day!

Register for your free food/ softdrink wristband today using the QR code below or visit our Facebook page for the direct link.

progressive rehabilitation.

As we aim to become better environmental stewards, we strive to safeguard the land for future generations.

Caring for the land is also essential to the protection of biodiversity and the natural heritage of the environments where we live and work.

Weipa public notices and power outages

Office closures

The Community Relations office will be closed on the following public holidays:

Thursday 25 April (Anzac Day)

Monday 6 May (Labour Day)

Monday 10 June (Fishing Classic)

Amrun family and community site visits

25 May, 13 July, 31 August

East Weipa | the last ore community events

• Wednesday 8 May (Napranum)

• Saturday 11 May (Weipa)

• Saturday 18 May (Weipa)

Andoom family and community site visits

• Saturday 10 April

For planned power outages and live updates on unplanned outages please visit:

https://weipaelectricity.riotinto.com or our Facebook page facebook.com/RioTintoWeipa

The last ore from East Weipa was mined and processed through the beneficiation plant on 31 January 2024

Wired for a bright future

Massie Snr Zamiak, a proud Taepadhighi man, has dedicated 25 years to the mining industry, becoming an inspiration for his family and an influential leader in the community. Massie’s journey into mining commenced in 1998 with Comalco when he started an electrical apprenticeship, a move motivated by the need to support his growing family financially.

This career change led to Massie and the family relocating to Western Australia for 8 years before returning to the place they call home to be closer to family and focus on their children’s career progression.

“Rio Tinto in Weipa offer many opportunities for Local Aboriginal People and I wanted that for the kids” he said. Massie has come a long way since those first days of his apprenticeship and is now a Supervisor in the Amrun Plant Operations team, passing on his zest for life and laughter onto his crew.

The Zamiak family showcases a rare family career phenomenon, with three of his sons, Reece, Massie Junior and Jayden following their father’s footsteps into the electrical trade, working

side-by-side together at our Weipa Operations. Completing this dynamic family is youngest son Blayse who was part of our Paid School Leavers Program in 2021, who is currently studying Criminology and IS&T at University, and wife/mother Marissa Sabatino who is a Health Care Worker for Apunipima in Napranum, affectionately known as the family’s “backbone” for her unconditional support.

The hard work and commitment instilled by the family has received industry recognition, with Massie Snr winning awards in the Queensland Training Awards and Queensland Resources Council Awards, Reece taking home awards in the TAFE and MRAEL awards and now Massie Jnr who has recently been awarded MRAEL Apprentice of the Year. This highlights that their chosen field isn’t just ‘following footsteps’ but an inherited flair that is widely recognised.

The family’s positive energy, shared laughter and family bonds have propelled the Zamiak family to success in the mining industry, making them a notable force in their collective journey.

Their continued gratitude for the opportunities they have been presented, combined with family support and strong work ethic has driven the multitude of achievements so far in their career journeys…so it’s no shock that together this closeknit family is a force to be reckoned with!

Housing update

We are dedicated to ensuring the ongoing development and sustainability of Weipa as both a residential and working community. In line with this commitment, we are actively investing in various initiatives to improve housing availability.

Currently, there are two family dwelling construction projects underway, with an additional seven new houses scheduled for completion in 2024. Renovations are also scheduled for up to eight existing dwellings, enhancing the quality of residential options available to our employees.

We recently sold two older Rio Tinto houses to members of the public via auction and Rio Tinto employees who live in company supplied housing may have the opportunity apply to purchase their property.

What is next? To expand and optimise land use, we are conducting ongoing studies to explore potential expansion options and future developments within the township.

Community Forum a success

Thank you to everyone who came to our first Weipa Community Forum and Expo for the year. It was great to see so many people and have the opportunity to share an update about our operations and the future of Weipa.

Community Forums will also be held Napranum, Mapoon, Aurukun and New Mapoon in the coming months.

If you couldn’t make it, please email RTAWeipaFeedback@riotinto.com or call 1800 820 711 and we’ll answer any questions or queries.

Weipa electricity billing provider changes

We have changed the way you manage your electricity account in Weipa and have partnered with Accenture to create an online Customer Service Portal to manage your electricity account. This portal will allow you to:

- Update your Account Details and pay bills online

- Check current and past electricity invoices

- View planned and unplanned power outages

- Check policies, tariffs and charges, arrange connection/disconnection and more!

To register your online account, you will need a recent electricity invoice to verify your identity and account details.

Register today at www.weipaelectricity.riotinto.com

If you have any questions, please contact weipa.electricity@riotinto.com or call customer support on 1800 431 423.

Social investment

Are you part of a local not for profit group or club that is looking for funding or in-kind support from Rio Tinto? We have a number of social investment programs available:

Sponsorships and donations

Round #1 open 1 March to 30 April 2024

RioGivers program

Receive $500 per Rio Tinto employee who volunteers 50 hours for your organisation

Community Development Fund Expressions of interest opened in March and are ongoing throughout the year.

Conditions apply for each program. To find out more, please reach out to us at RTAWeipaFeedback@riotinto.com

Engagements

As the roads dry up, our teams will be heading out into communities across the Cape. If you would like to speak to one of our friendly team members, you can catch us at the following events April

Local expenditure

Total

You can’t ask the GM that!

Q: Have people lost their jobs now that mining at East Weipa is finished?

A: No, there have been no full-time equivalent (FTE) positions affected by the conclusion of active mining operations at East Weipa. It’s important to note that many of our employees hold roles that are versatile and can be deployed across various operational sites within our organisation.

Q: Will the new Amrun 7:7 roster encourage people to self-fund FIFO?

A: The new Amrun 7:7 roster is designed specifically for Weipa Operations, which operates as a residential mine. Therefore, it does not facilitate or support self-funded fly-in-fly-out arrangements. We have implemented a robust governance process to ensure adherence to this policy.

Q: What impact will the end of mining at East Weipa have on Weipa’s overall production?

The end of mining at East Weipa has been planned for many years and will not impact total production rates or the sustainable future of Weipa Operations. As East Weipa production rates have declined in recent years, production has been replaced by tonnes from the Amrun mine, which began producing in 2018.

Photos courtesy of Chang Qi

CASA warning after sweeps across Cape

THE Civil Aviation Safety Authority is reminding pilots and operators of the importance of properly restraining cargo and baggage following a recent surveillance sweep across Cape York and the Torres Strait.

The unannounced sweeps by CASA inspectors found operators were largely adhering to safety regulations, with fixed

wing and helicopter operations on the radar.

CASA officers visited Bamaga, Punsand Bay, Loyalty Beach and Seisa, before heading to Thursday and Horn islands, and then to Coen, Weipa, Musgrave and Archer River roadhouses, Hope Vale and Cooktown.

The sweeps included an examination of aircraft, mainte-

nance releases and how operators recorded hours.

CASA national manager surveillance Russell Dyer said the visits had provided valuable insight into how remote aircraft operators were working.

“It also provided a greater CASA presence and visibility in the remote areas of Australia,” he said.

CASA manager surveillance

Ron Salter urged remote residents to speak up if they had concerns about aircraft operating in their backyards.

“People in remote communities do a lot of air travel in small aircraft, but they’re not that confident about reporting if they see something they’re not happy about, or that appears wrong.”

Interest strong ahead of 2024 automotive muster

By LYNDON KEANE

CAR enthusiasts are renowned for talking a strong game about their vehicles, and locals now have an opportunity to prove how impressive their rides are with nominations opening for the 2024 Cape York Automotive Muster.

Nominations for the third running of the event opened on 1 April, and organiser Lauren Bowyer said she expected a convoy of competitors from across Cape York, North Queensland and interstate to arrive in Cooktown chasing car show glory.

“I have had so much interest in this event already,” she told Cape York Weekly

“I have had people from Charters Towers, Townsville, and even Barcaldine and Melbourne message me to say that

they are interested in coming up for the event.

“There’s also been a few locals that have mentioned that they are interested in registering their rigs this year.”

The muster will be held on 15 June during the Cooktown Discovery Festival, with competitors set to add a head-turning element to the festival parade before parking up to have their rides put under the judge’s magnifying glass.

The muster boasts seven categories for car lovers to nominate their pride and joy in: Best in Show, Best Flex, Best Motorcycle, Best Ladies Rig, Roughest Rig, Best Classic 4×4 Rig and Best Classic Car.

Ms Bowyer said prospective competitors could reach out to her via social media, text or email to nominate.

“I am working on an online form, so that it makes it easier for people from other areas to register for the event, however, I will have printouts of the registration forms at the front desk at the Kuku Bulkaway Gallery in Charlotte Street,” she said.

With the hunt for more sponsors still on, Ms Bowyer encouraged the Cooktown business community to help support an event that would bring additional visitors to town during the festival.

“I created this event so that the locals had something to look forward to during the Cooktown Discovery Festival weekend, since our much-loved and iconic events such as the truck pull and the billy cart race have been cancelled,” she explained.

In addition to organising the event, Ms Bowyer said she was

also working hard behind the scenes to ensure her own ride –Voodoo Queen – was a standout entry on the day.

“I am flat out trying to get my car looking spiffy for the parade, as it is the official car for the Cape York Automotive Muster, so final touches and repairs are getting done as we speak, and I am sure that everyone who is keen to register for the event will be making sure their pride and joy is looking and performing to the very best of their abilities, too,” she said.

“Some of these guys throw thousands of dollars at their rigs to make them stand out, and I am really excited to see what everyone has done to their vehicles this year.”

For more information, visit the Cape York Automotive Muster Facebook page.

New homes for the Cape

TWO houses in Kowanyama and two in the Northern Peninsula Area community of Umagico have been delivered through the State Government’s Homes for Queenslanders plan.

Through the plan, the Miles Government said it was partnering with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils to build more social housing in remote communities.

In Kowanyama, the duplex units have both been built to a platinum standard of the liveable housing design guidelines, meaning they are fully accessible and can be homes for those in a wheelchair.

The Umagico duplex units have been build to a gold standard, meaning they are accessible for people who need mobility aids, and suitable for older people to age in place.

The modular housing strategy has been criticised by some building industry operators, with one telling Cape York Weekly last week they believed the push would kill local apprenticeship pathways for those in Indigenous communities.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said she believed the development would drive local opportunity.

“You can’t have opportunity without a safe place to call home,” she said.

“That’s why I’ve fought to make sure our government builds the homes our communities need.”

$31m to protect infants

A FREE respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation program will be available to more than 70,000 eligible newborns and infants across Queensland from this month as the State Government invests $31 million to fight the top cause of their hospitalisation.

Cases of RSV have increased rapidly since last year.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service public health medical officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said cases of RSV had almost tripled since 2023.

“We have recorded 77 cases of respiratory syncytial virus so far this year, compared to 24 cases for the same period last year,” she said.

“While RSV can infect people of all ages, infants and young children are most at risk of contracting the disease and developing serious illness.”

Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman said immunisation against preventable diseases was a “top priority” for the government.

Automotive pride will be on display in Cooktown during the town’s Discovery Festival in June.

It’s time for action on youth crime

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

IF you need proof the Queensland Government has no answer to the youth crime crisis currently swamping the state in a tide of infuriated business owners, scared victims and frustrated police, you need only look towards Weipa over the past month.

The latest incident on 2 April, during which police allege a 15-year-old and two 14-year-old offenders stole a four-wheel drive and caused wanton damage to a Rocky Point business, ended when the driver crashed through a fence at speed and into a house in Golf Links Estate.

It is sheer luck that no one was killed, especially the couple whose master bedroom was on the other side of the wall that stopped the 2300kg, Toyota-badged missile.

You only have to look at the photo on the front page of this paper to see part of the Colorbond fence speared through the front wheel arch of the vehicle to get an idea of how much force was involved.

One of the victims described the incident as being “the straw that broke the camel’s back” for Weipa, which is probably a fair read of community sentiment at this point in the game.

One of the things a number of

victims – and police – have told me is that the alleged crime sprees are being carried out by the same band of offenders. This publication understands these offenders are part of the group posting and boasting about their criminal exploits on Instagram, which we reported on just a fortnight ago.

While it may only be a small group of youth committing the alleged offences, the social media footage shows them being lauded and egged on by community members as they drive stolen vehicles

dangerously, often only metres from the gaggle of spectators. Unfortunately, many adults can be seen whooping and filming the offenders on their mobile phones. Why aren’t these adults, the family and friends of the offenders, and senior community leaders up in arms about the behaviour, and the impact it’s having on western Cape York?

Youth crime isn’t isolated to our part of the world. It’s completely out of hand across the state, with the government ostensibly clue-

less about how to respond. Our youth justice system is broken, and there’s enough evidence to show just locking problem kids up isn’t the answer.

Pundits have turned the issue into an overinflated political football, especially ahead of October’s state election, but where is the outrage and genuine attempts to stop the crisis from those closest to the offenders?

Six weeks ago, I wrote it was time for community stakeholders funded by the State and Federal

Governments to put up and deliver some tangible outcomes, or risk having their gravy trains derailed.

Strangely enough, those funded on Cape York to support social and community justice initiatives have been conspicuous by their silence regarding youth crime. Do they not have useful input, or is it just many don’t care, because it’s difficult to have your vehicle stolen or property broken into when you jump on the big metal bird and head home every Friday afternoon?

These youth offenders clearly aren’t prepared to consider the impact of their actions, let alone be accountable for them, so it’s time for those close to them and the leaders of their communities to take whatever steps are needed to bring the madness to a stop.

These stakeholders need to work with the government and relevant funded organisations to work out why it’s happening and how to fix the root cause, and say “no more” to this dangerous antisocial behaviour that’s putting lives at risk.

Enough is enough. The victims of these crimes deserve better. Our police deserve better. Our communities deserve better. Even these young offenders deserve better.

We need a solution and we need it now. If we don’t get one, it’s only a matter of time before we are mourning a tragic loss of life, rather than just cursing another vehicle being stolen or property broken into.

The Weipa Servicentre at Rocky Point had to close for several days after youths smashed up the place.

Car thieves are showing off their exploits on social media, drawing ire from the law-abiding community.

A Weipa house was damaged when the driver of a stolen car lost control and crashed into it in the early hours.

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.

Quick Workout

Fit the numbers

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same.

No number is repeated in any hexagon.

Spot the 5 Differences

Join the Dots

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

Jardine River Ferry: Closure 3-24 April 2024

The Jardine River Ferry will be closed for planned major maintenance during April 3rd to 24th, 2024.

Thank you for your understanding and patience during this major infrastructure maintenance event.

For further information on progress during the maintenance period, please call NPARC Bamaga Office on tel. (07) 4090 4100 or 4090 4120.

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

Wednesday, 8 May 2024

Napranum Foreshore 5 00pm - 8 00pm

tivities (tug-of-war, coconut husking, sack races and more) od and softdrink stalls

premier - East Weipa | a journey through time rks display and much more!

er today for your free food/ softdrink wristband! Free community event!

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! Free community event!

Virtual events bring international field to Weipa Running Festival

By LYNDON KEANE

TECHNOLOGY will give the 2024 Weipa Running Festival an international flavour when competitors lace up their shoes in July.

While all eyes will be on the Weipa courses for the official race day on 21 July, a series of virtual events being held from 9-21 July will allow competitors from all over the world to take part in Cape York’s premier running event.

WRF president Rose Robins said the virtual format would ensure the tyranny of distance would not exclude runners from testing themselves, adding the event’s marathon record was still held by a visitor.

“The marathon record is held by Adrian Royce from Brisbane, however, thanks to our virtual component, we can boast runners in Singapore and, this year, Chicago [in the] USA,” Ms Robins said.

Both the official race day and virtual races will offer full marathons (individual and team), half marathons (individual and team), a 10-kilometre event, a 5km event and a fun run.

The Mission Team event will bring an exciting new element to the festival this year, and will consist of one participant in every race on the day, with the winning team set to be crowned for having the shortest elapsed race time.

Local school spirit will also be on show on race day, with students from Western Cape College’s Weipa and Mapoon campuses, St Joseph’s Parish School in Weipa, and Napranum’s Kluthuthu Christian College set to go head to head in an interschool and sports house competition.

“It will see who has the most entries, and a perpetual trophy and bragging rights are up for grabs,” Ms Robins said.

“Be sure to register your school or sports house in your registration.”

The family fun run will be a timed event over the 2.5km course, however, due to the fun element suggested by its name, no placings will be awarded.

Ms Robins said the 10km event was always the most popular of the festival, adding she believed Weipa’s limited elevation and natural beauty was a big drawcard for runners.

“It’s a unique beautiful landscape; there isn’t much elevation, if any, which often appeals to some runners, too,” she said.

“It’s been great to see travellers who are chasing their parkrun statesman tie in both Weipa parkrun and our running festival at the same time.”

For more information about the 2024 festival, visit www.weiparunningfestival.org.au.

Siblings Bridie and Elsie Maher at last year’s Weipa Running Festival. The Weipa Running Festival continues to rise in stature each year. International virtual entries are expected in 2024.

The women’s marathon podium from 2023 – Erica Leota finished first, Liz O’Connor was runner-up and Lorraine Lawson rounded out the placings.

Waterways prove fruitful from east coast to west

WITH rivers and catchments running and the wet season (hopefully) behind us, anglers have been making the most of sensational fishing conditions to land some absolute belters over the past week.

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 your pictures to editor@ capeyorkweekly.com.au to feature in the paper.

Feldt breaks record with stunning try as Cowboys hold out Gold Coast rivals

NORTH Queensland Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has become the club’s all-time highest try scorer in sensational fashion as the team secured an impressive 35-22 victory against the Gold Coast Titans in Townsville on Sunday.

After tying with club legend Matt Bowen on 130 tries during the Cowboys’ round two win over the Newcastle Knights, Feldt had to wait until the Sunday’s round five clash to claim the record as the club’s fourpoint king when he crossed the chalk for try 131.

Zac Laybutt, Murray Taulagi

SPORT IN BRIEF

Craven too good at Wackers

A HEAVY downpour did not deter a strong field of 21 players when they took to the Carpentaria Golf Club fairways seeking Wackers glory on 3 April.

When the rain stopped and golfers returned to the clubhouse, Ross Craven proved the best over the front nine holes, carding a nett 34 to claim the winner’s chocolates.

Gary Head took runner-up honours with a solid nett 36.

Peter Lamond was the nearest to the pin winner on the seventh hole, while none of the players managed to bother the scorer with their ninth hole nearest to the pin attempts.

Chris Hamill secured the Bradman’s bragging rights for the round.

Little Athletics fires up

JUNIOR athletes of all abilities are being encouraged to sign up for the 2024 Cooktown Little Athletics season ahead of its launch on 17 April.

The Cooktown Geckos are looking forward to a big season, however, with participant numbers critical to design age groups and programs, club officials are asking families to register as soon as possible.

Tiny Tots (3-4 years) will be the youngest competitors to take to the track and field during the season, with under-6 to U17 age groups also available.

Little Athletics will be held from 4:305:30pm each Wednesday from next week at the Cooktown State School back oval.

For more information, check out the Cooktown Little Athletics Facebook page.

Dawnies legend honoured

IT was an extremely special edition of Dawnbusters on Sunday as players feasted on burgers and beer to celebrate 50 years in Weipa for the competition’s patriarch, Viv Dick.

Sixteen competitors took to the Carpentaria Golf Club course in hot and humid conditions, with fog making it difficult to track any errant tee shots.

The sustenance and frothy hydration clearly did the trick for Scott Andrews, who carded a nett 17 to secure an impressive four-stroke win over runner-up Jon Dall.

Derek Tata and Ross Craven took nearest to the pin and long drive honours respectively, while Chris Hamill claimed the Hoffman’s crown.

Players will contest the back nine hole on 14 April, with beginners and new members always welcome to join golfers from 6:30am.

Championships moved

DUE to the inclement weather, Carpentaria Golf Club has moved its Weipa Taxi Servicesponsored club championships.

and Scott Drinkwater notched up first half tries to give the home side an imposing 16-0 lead after the first 40 minutes of play, with Drinkwater securing his second in the 50th minute, with Reece Robson adding the team’s fifth four pointer before a stunning interception by Feldt resulted in try number six and club history being created in the 68th minute.

Valentine Holmes slotted five of his six conversion attempts, while number seven Chad Townsend made victory a certainty with a field goal in the 72nd minute of play.

bell, Klese Haas and Beau Fermor scored the visitors’ four tries, with Tanah Boyd finishing the game with a 75 per cent conversion rate.

The Cowboys have recorded a 4-1 start to the 2024 NRL season and currently sit in second place on the ladder, locked on eight competition points with the Dolphins, Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks.

The North Queenslanders will start short-priced favourites to pick up their fifth win of the year when they travel to Sydney to tackle the eleventh-placed Paramatta

The 72-hole event will now be held on 25-26 May and 1-2 June.

Junior netball returns

WEIPA Netball Club has unveiled its junior program that will run during the second school term from next Monday (15 April) until 19 June.

The 10-week program will include training for all age divisions on Mondays, with players taking to the court to show off their skills in games on Wednesdays.

Players must be registered to be eligible to compete, with 5-6 years, 7-8 years, 9-10 years, 11-13 years and 14-18 years age divisions on offer.

For more information, check out the Weipa Social Netball Club Facebook page.

Brian Kelly, Jayden Camp-

Eels on Saturday.

Little Arizona Cook looks rightfully impressed with her barramundi effort.

There were plenty of reasons for Wylee and Zanda Cook to smile on a recent fishing trip off Weipa’s spectacular red cliffs, including this solid queenfish.

Pint-sized fishing superstar Mia Fauid showed the bigger members of her fishing party how it was done with this cracking specimen.

Scott Garnaut was too good for this 92-centimetre beauty during a recent trip near Weipa.

This queenfish was no match for Aurukun-based angler Ben Green.

Chris Norton managed to land this impressive tusky during a break in wet season storms.

Kyle Feldt has broken the record of Cape York’s Matt Bowen to be the Cowboys’ leading try scorer.

deb@deborahduffyestateagent.com.au

www.deborahduffyestateagent.com.au

2/17 INA COURT, ROCKY POINT

$429,000

3 2 1

Nicely appointed unit in complex of three!

• Three spacious bedrooms

• Fully tiled

• Ensuite

• Built-ins to all bedrooms

• Split system air conditioning

• Galley style kitchen with new dishwasher

• Open plan living

• Single lock up garage including laundry (would fit to small cars)

• Large undercover rear patio

• Lock up storage

• Fenced and suitable for a small dog

• Concreted area down the side of the unit suitable for a quad or storage

• Rates are approx $3400 per annum

• Very hard to find this quality of unit in Rocky Point

• Corporate tenant in place until 30/9/26 paying $800 per week!

Do the sums and call for immediate inspection!

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