Cape York Weekly Edition 182

SUITE SUCCESS FOR CAPE MUMS

Expectant Cape York mothers like Weipa’s Liz Weidman are celebrating the news that birthing services will return to Weipa Hospital after a 25-year hiatus. Turn to Page 5 to read what it means for the community.

‘No

Housing failure

A frustrated and furious Cape York mayor is calling on the State Government to scrap its current remote social housing program and find a solution that will work for remote communities in the Cape and Torres Strait. Find out why he says Far North Queensland communities are being failed on Page 3.

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Have your say on telecommunications

CAPE York and Torres Strait residents can now highlight their issues with staying connected after the Federal Government opened submissions for the Regional Telecommunications review on 23 April.

The review – which is held once every three years – allows the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee to deliver recommenda-

tions to the government about what is needed to keep those in regional and remote areas in touch.

While the efficacy of the review process has been severely criticised in past years, committee chair Alannah MacTiernan urged residents and businesses to highlight their frustrations and service issues.

“Access to telecommunica-

tions services is critical for regional residents and businesses across so many aspects of everyday life, and we want to understand the lived experience of these services, so that future policy actions are well-targeted and backed up by evidence,” she said.

“With technology changing rapidly, we also want your ideas about how things can be im-

proved, and what would make the most difference for you and your community.

The review will examine the lived experiences of locals with telecommunications delivery, as well as consider the unique needs of First Nations communities.

To have your say, visit www. infrastructure.gov.au and search “2024 regional review”.

Wujal Wujal store ready for residents to return

BEFORE the devasting flood event that displaced the Wujal Wujal community in December 2023, Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) was preparing to take over the local store.

While the initial takeover plan had to be scrapped after the community was evacuated, a brand new store – Wujal Bayan Mayiji – is now awaiting residents as they begin to return home after four months.

CEQ general manager of enterprise and engagement Fred Gela said the organisation was keen to get involved in the Wujal Wujal community.

A

“This is the first time CEQ is making its way into Wujal, so we’re really excited about it, and we want to thank council

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and community for giving us a go,” Mr Gela said.

“We operate in communities that no other operator would in a commercial sense.

“We’ve got some stores that don’t even break even, however, we do it because it’s a part of our community service obligation.”

Mr Gela said CEQ would be rolling out several initiatives over the coming weeks to ease cost-of-living pressures on families getting back on their feet after living in Cairns, Cooktown and a number of other locations since the end of 2023.

In addition to the 5.2 per cent

Queensland Government freight subsidy discount available at all CEQ stores, the Wujal Wujal store will also offer the Savvy Seniors card, something Mr Gela said would provide a 10 per cent discount arrangement for all Elders in the community.

“We’re looking at bringing some exciting, innovative initiatives that the community never had at the time when their stores were operating,” he said.

CEQ was a significant part of Wujal Wujal’s recovery efforts when they donated $20,000 to the Cape York Weekly fundraiser for the community last year.

Fred Gela says the new store will support Wujal Wujal residents.

Housing strategy not fit for purpose, says mayor

By LYNDON KEANE

A CAPE York mayor has used meetings with the Federal and State Governments to slam a “paternalistic approach” to remote social housing he says is failing Indigenous communities.

After meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Queensland housing minister Meaghan Scanlon in Brisbane earlier this month, Lockhart River Mayor Wayne Butcher said he had no confidence either tier of government had the capacity to deliver remote housing across Cape York and the Torres Strait.

While the Queensland government is responsible for the provision of social housing, Mayor Butcher said he had used the meeting with the Prime Minister to ask whether he had plans to match the $4 billion recently committed to the Northern Territory for Indigenous housing infrastructure.

“I pretty much said the same thing [to him] that we’re in the same position as the Territory; the Cape and Torres are in the same situation,” he said.

“I really didn’t get an answer back from him.”

A journalist asked the Prime Minister the same question shortly after at a Queensland Media Club event, to which he provided a vague response stating “we’ve already got substantial deals for Queensland”.

Mayor Butcher said his meeting with Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning, and Public Works Meaghan Scanlon had been an opportunity to provide direct criticism of the State Government’s controversial plan to use modular housing in remote communities.

The strategy has been ridiculed by some involved in remote housing construction and maintenance, with the boss of one Indigenous building compa-

ny telling Cape York Weekly the plan would kill off remote apprenticeship pathways and cost more than traditional dwellings over the life of the infrastructure.

“I’m not accepting any [modular buildings] in Lockhart, that’s number one,” Mayor Butcher said.

“It’s pretty well what that builder’s said; it doesn’t give us any employment opportunities, or it won’t give us any business opportunities for local builders, either.

“It’s a short-term fix to a long-term problem.

“We’re renovating modular homes that were put here 12 or 13 years ago, and the cost of renovating them and keeping them maintained because of overcrowding is huge; they aren’t designed for the environment.”

Minister Scanlon refuted claims the government was failing to engage with Cape York and Torres Strait communities

about remote housing design suitability, and the impact modular dwellings would have on local apprenticeship and business pathways.

“Last week, we launched new actions co-designed with First Nations people to build more homes in remote communities, focussed heavily on opportunities for Indigenous-owned businesses, apprentices and traineeships,” she said.

“We’ve been very clear that we can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results, that’s why we set out actions that will deliver homes built by community for community; that includes building both traditional homes, and working with communities to design and build modular homes, if that is what they want.

“I’ll continue to work with Mayor Butcher about the homes, training and economic opportunities he’d like to see for his community in particular.”

A QBuild spokesperson said “the team is very keen to work collaboratively with all Indigenous councils to co-design and deliver modular housing that meets the cultural and environmental needs of their individual communities, if it is the appropriate solution for their community”.

Despite assertions from Minister Scanlon her government was committed to working with remote communities to delivery a workable solution, Mayor Butcher said it was a line he had heard too many times before.

“I don’t know why we keep reinventing the wheel, you know,” he said.

“Life is a circle in politics [and] I just keep seeing the wheel go around in circles.

“No wonder we can’t close the gap; we never will until we change the method of delivery.

“We need to change the paternalistic approach.”

Editor’s view – Page 12

Lockhart River Mayor Wayne Butcher (right), pictured with Palm Island Mayor Alf Lacey and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a recent Brisbane meeting, says the Federal Government needs to make a commitment to Queensland after it announced a $4 billion Indigenous housing package for the Northern Territory.

History for Cape York super mum

By LYNDON KEANE

FORMER Weipa resident Bianca Graham says her recent world record marathon effort in London was for her family, friends and the entire Cape York community.

Graham became the first Torres Strait Islander woman to complete the world’s six major marathons on 21 April when she crossed the finish line in London, almost 15,000 kilometres from where her running journey began on Weipa’s bauxiterich soil 13 years ago.

The quietly-spoken Graham undertook the mammoth effort of completing the 42.2km courses in Toyko, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York – the so-called Abbott Six – as part of the Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP), which uses running to inspire and empower participants from across Australia.

With family connections to Mer (Murray) Island, Graham – who now lives in Townsville – said Weipa and the western Cape would always be home, adding she only took on the IMP challenge in 2011 “out of spite”.

“I always tell the story that I remember a family friend in Weipa handing me a flyer that said ‘do you want to run the New York Marathon this year?’’’ she laughed.

“It wasn’t the location that attracted me; I knew marathons had something to do with the Olympics, and when I saw I could run

one this year, I was really doubting it, and I actually applied out of spite.

“I just thought marathons were for the Olympics, not in Weipa; I thought ‘it’s ridiculous and let me so you why’.”

Despite the unconventional start to running, the 42-year-old embraced the IMP ethos and made history for the first time when she and teammate Nadine Hunt crossed the New York City finish line hand

in hand in 2011 to become the first Indigenous women from Australia to conquer the event.

Reflecting on her journey from that first marathon, Graham said her motivation had always been about making her family and community proud, rather than personal accolades.

“Leading up to it, it was always about the western Cape and my community, because I knew when I got selected, the penny dropped

we were going to be … the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to run the New York City Marathon,” she told Cape York Weekly after returning from London.

“[The preparation] was lonely; no one got what I was doing, but it was about them and my family.

“People in Weipa and Napranum saw the clips of the finish line and were so stoked, so I was just so proud.”

While ticking off the Abbott Six was not initially on Graham’s radar, she said she had been thrilled to cross the finish line in London after two false starts, one of which included 18-month-old son Kai.

“This was a really tough one,” she explained.

“I originally wanted to do it in 2020, but we know what happened

there [with COVID-19], then in 2022 I was pregnant, so this was the third time trying to run it.

“I was pretty determined to do it as soon as I could after having Kai.

“A whole village has enabled me to be there, and I literally mean that; I just wanted to do it for them.”

Now on the Indigenous Marathon Foundation board, Graham described how the IMP had changed her life, in that it had opened her world up well beyond the asphalt and concrete path she had followed since 2011.

“That’s part of the ripple effect of the project,” she said.

“You start to see what capacity you’ve got, and start to challenge yourself in different ways.

“It’s what’s kept me running; I just want to be that example.”

East Weipa | the last ore & Sunset Night Market

Saturday 11 May & Saturday 18 May

7.45pm-8.00pm

keeping your pet indoors for the evening or making sure they are secure in your yard. ensuring they're wearing a WTA registration tag (with up to date details) or name tag with a contact phone number. ensuring they're exercised and well fed so they're as calm as possible.

providing distractions i.e a tv or radio playing at home, treats, toys and where possible, your presence.

It's important to make sure our furry friends are safe during this time!

Former Weipa resident Bianca Graham makes history after crossing the line in the 2024 London Marathon on 21 April.

Where it all began: Bianca Graham (left) with IMP teammates Michael Purcell, Nadine Hunt and Bridgette Willams, and IMP founder Rob de Castella at the New York City Marathon in 2011.

‘Basic human right’ returns to Weipa after 25 years

FOR the first time in 25 years, expectant mothers in Weipa and surrounding western Cape York communities will be able to welcome their bundle of joy at the Weipa Hospital.

From 22 May, soon-tobe-mothers from across the region will no longer need to travel to Cairns to access maternity care, with 18 expectant mums due to give birth between 1 June and 31 August already identified as being suitable to birth in Weipa if they choose.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) western director of medical services Dr John Hall said it had been difficult to find the staff needed to offer the service.

“One of our challenges in recruiting to

Weipa

[was] you can’t get midwives and doctors who want to do

birthing to come into a unit when you’re not birthing [yet],” Dr Hall said. With the positions fi-

nally filled, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman assured the community the new birthing team was “very sustainable”.

“There are many positions that are now permanently based at Weipa, plus locum support,” she said.

“We believe the service will support 50 women a year from Weipa, Napranum, Aurukun and Mapoon; this is such great news for mums and bubs and families in communities across the western Cape.”

Dr Hall, a rural generalist in obstetrics, said the team was highly capable, even when things did not go according to plan.

Six weeks ago, the team performed a successful emergency caesarean, after which the baby was transported to Brisbane.

“One of the most important things about providing a birthing service in a remote community is access to emergency services,” he said.

“We don’t have a special care nursery as is, but we do have the doctors and midwives who are highly trained; we can manage and provide the same sorts of care that you get in a special care nursery in a temporising way to make sure that baby stays well for transfer.

“It means that we can provide the service and the community can feel safe that

they’ve got good backup in Weipa.”

Dr Hall said there was a high need for people with similar qualifications in rural and remote areas.

“In the last 20 years, 150 birthing services have closed across rural Australia,” he explained.

“[It] is so important to maintain the services in these towns, so that community gets access to care across a broad range of services, particularly in remote [areas] where people physically can’t get in and out easily.

“I think it’s a basic human right to be able to have access to birthing and emergency services.”

Birthing news thrills local mother

By CHISA HASEGAWA

WEIPA mother of two Liz Weidman had to travel to Atherton to birth her sons and was planning to do the same with baby number three until the announcement Weipa Hospital would be reintroducing birthing services from next month.

Ms Weidman, who is due in July, got news that she would have the option to give birth in her hometown with the commencement of Weipa’s new birthing service from 22 May.

The announcement by Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) is a major coup for the hospital, with local birthing services being a notable absence from the township for 25 years.

Ms Weidman will be one of at least 18 women who will be able to give birth in the western Cape region between June and August if they choose.

“It’s still sinking in that it’s an option,” she said.

“The fact that I can be at home with my support, with my family, I can feel confident about having a birth experience that’s going to be positive.

“There’s no place like home and Weipa is my home.”

The expectant mother said, in a monumental time like birth, it was difficult to be without the support of family and community.

“In most cases, you do have to leave your partner behind, because they can’t come with you, so it can be quite discomforting and stressful,” Ms Weidman told Cape York Weekly

“[At] 36 weeks you are required to leave Weipa; you’ve got to organise accommodation, a rental

car, [and] you’ve got to re-engage into whatever hospitals you’re going to.

“I was lucky Atherton is quite familiar to me; it’s where I grew up but, that said, I still found it quite difficult to be away from home.”

TCHHS director of midwifery Michelle O’Connor said the announcement came on the back of a sustained recruitment effort, adding the service would provide western Cape York women with

a chance to birth close to family, friends and cultural support.

“I’d like to thank women and families in Weipa and the surrounding area for their understanding as we worked towards introducing a safe and sustainable birthing service at Weipa Integrated Health Service,’’ Ms O’Connor said.

“Recruitment of the team has been challenging, however, we are confident we can now we can get on with providing a birthing ser-

vice for women and families. This is about making sure rural and remote women get the best possible care, and I am very cognisant and aware of the cultural importance of birthing and how important that is for remote women.”

The new birthing unit is expected to initially support about 50 births a year for Weipa and surrounding western Cape communities, including Napranum, Aurukun and Mapoon.

– story by Chisa Hasegawa

Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman, expectant Weipa mother Liz Weidman, TCHHS midwifery director Michelle O’Connor and western director of medical services Dr John Hall discuss what local birthing services will mean for the Weipa community.

The new birthing unit will ensure more Western Cape York women will get access to maternity care closer to home.

From trolleys to tractors, Tom is winning fanfare on the fairways

By LYNDON KEANE

HE might be more readily recognisable to long-term Weipa residents in a Woolworths uniform, but Tom Lankester has swapped the supermarket for the carefully manicured greens and fairways of the golf course.

Tom, the Carpentaria Golf Club family and greater Weipa community are celebrating the completion of his greenkeeping apprenticeship, which started with a leap into the unknown during the midst of COVID-19 in 2021.

He told Cape York Weekly the global pandemic had presented a bumpy start to his apprenticeship, but that he was incredibly proud to have reached the finish line and obtained his qualification.

“Well, I’m glad that COVID didn’t unravel things too much for me,” he explained.

“I thought there might have been a few hiccups along the way, because some of the courses I had to do were closed.”

With potential hiccups in the rear-view mirror and a bright career as a greenkeeper ahead of him, Tom said he loved living close to the course he was now responsible for, adding having an open air office was one of his favourite elements of the job.

“It’s great,” he said.

“I basically live on the golf course, and I get to walk to work every morning and do a job I want to do.”

After substituting trolleys for a tractor and aisles for fairways, Tom said he enjoyed being recognised by former colleagues and shoppers each time he returned to the supermarket as a customer.

“Everyone knows your name, and I have to go back to Woolies, because it’s the only shop in town,” he said.

“A lot of people do remember me, which is really nice.”

Course superintendent Steven Jensen said Tom’s dedication to his apprenticeship meant he was able to sign off on his qualification almost six months ahead of the

usual three-year indenture period.

“He’s struggled through it, but he got there in the end, which is the main thing,” Mr Jensen said.

“He’s a quiet, loyal young bloke, and he’s going to be a big asset for the club in the future.

“Tom, obviously, was working at Woolies when I put him on, and he seemed like a nice young fella, so I gave him the opportunity.”

Ahead of presenting his first course as a qualified greenkeeper for the 2024 Weipa Goodline Open this weekend, Tom said he hoped competitors would be impressed with what they saw.

“I honestly hope that they appreciate it, because we’ve had quite a few busy weeks preparing it,” he reflected.

Open preview – Page 19

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Well-known Weipa identity Tom Lankester has swapped supermarket aisles for fairways after completing his greenkeeping apprenticeship at Carpentaria Golf Club.

NPA gears up for cultural festival

By CHISA HASEGAWA

ABORIGINAL and Torres Strait Islander groups from across the Northern Peninsula Area will unite once again at the biennial NPA Cultural Festival on 11-13 July.

The 2024 festival will travel between the communities of Injinoo, Umagico, Seisia and New Mapoon before it finishes in Bamaga, where a fire torch will be lit to signify peace, unity and the flame of culture.

Themed United Cultures = Strong Future, the festival will feature Torres Strait Islander dance groups from Mabuaig, Murray and Boigu islands, alongside Cape

dance groups from Lockhart River, Aurukun, Coen and Old Mapoon.

“Dance is the unifying aspect, we all love to dance,” festival coordinator Dev Lengjel said.

In a festival first, Mr Lengjel

NEWS IN BRIEF

Robot gives reef help

QUEENSLAND University of Technology

researchers have developed a robot to capture images of baby tank-grown corals destined for the Great Barrier Reef.

The system has been designed to help keep the growing corals happy and healthy before they are deployed and save researchers thousands of hours of coral counting time.

With the manual process costing a staggering $500,000 per week in labour costs, QUT associate investigator and research fellow Dr Dorian Tsai said the Coral Growout Robotic Assessment System (CGRAS) project would play a major role in streamlining the baby coral growout process.

“The challenge is that when we are growing corals en masse during their growout phase inside tanks on flat tiles, the corals are tiny, about one millimetre in diameter,” Dr Tsai explained.

“There are hundreds of thousands of these corals, and it takes on average 45 minutes for a trained expert to count a single coral tile.”

Dr Tsai said CGRAS would undertake the equivalent of over 7200 hours of coral counting time each week, a task “highly repetitive and completely infeasible to complete manually”.

Eat Street gets CCTV

WEIPA Town Authority says it has taken another major step to enhancing public safety in the township after a CCTV camera was installed at the township’s popular food van haunt.

WTA announced last week a camera had been brought online at Eat Street to complement three previously installed at Evans Landing and Rocky Point as part of the organisation’s capital works projects.

Council deadline extended

COUNCILS across Cape York and the Torres Strait have an extra month to make a submission about the sector’s sustainability after the Federal Government extended the deadline for a committee review of the issue.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport has extended the submission deadline by four weeks to 31 May, 2024.

Committee chair Luke Gosling said the extension reflected the complexity of the role of councils and would allow the inquiry “to inform a deeper understanding of local government financial sustainability and service delivery obligations”.

said he hoped to have traditional stories and songs translated into English as well.

“I always felt that was missing, for me; I want to understand the words throughout, not just get

the story at the beginning of the dance,” he said.

“When they jump around and have words for that jumping, what does it actually mean?

“I want everyone watching to be able to associate what they see with what they hear.”

Cultural dances will not be the only performance, with First Nations musician Mitch Tambo and comedian Sean Choolburra on the roster to entertain what are expected to be big crowds.

“Sean Choolburra is on Friday night and Mitch Tambo closes the festival on Saturday night, when we also have the giant fireworks,” Mr Lengjel said.

“It’s really cool to have two Indigenous headline acts as part of the festival.”

The NPA is situated at the northernmost tip of Cape York, and is home to three Aboriginal communities – Injinoo, Umagico and New Mapoon – and two Torres Strait Islander communities, Bamaga and Seisia.

The festival aims to create unity through a variety of events that display dance, music, art, food and culture.

Festival goers will also have the chance to pick up new skills at the various workshops on offer, such as weaving, spear making, and jewellery making.

Tax cuts for every taxpayer

Dancers from various cultural backgrounds will unite at the 2024 Northern Peninsula Area Cultural Festival in July.

Singer calls for community help to launch debut album

By CHISA HASEGAWA

COOKTOWN singer Ella Hartwig is looking to her hometown community for help as she prepares to release her debut album.

While performing countless gigs in pubs to fund her dream, she has now registered the album as a project with the Australian Cultural Fund, aiming to raise $10,000 to help with post-production costs.

She said she hoped to launch her first album in her hometown on the Black Mountain Unplugged stage later this year, but had hit a financial barrier after investing more than $25,000.

Although she moved to Brisbane two years ago to chase music opportunities, many will remember her as a 12-year-old busking at the Cooktown Discovery Festival, or playing gigs at the Lion’s Den Hotel.

“I will be up there again and I’m still connected; I’m not just someone who used to be there and not interested in benefitting the community,” she said.

“I’m just trying to make my hometown proud.”

The Australian Cultural Fund is a dedicated fundraising platform for Australian artists, where individuals and organisations can make taxdeductible donations.

Fundraising for the project will

continue until the end of the financial year in June.

“At the end of my campaign, the Australian Cultural Fund will match whatever has been donated,” Ms Hartwig explained.

Traineeship Administration Officer

“It’s all been from gigs and paying as I go so far, but I need some more funds for post-production –marketing, tour costs, and management costs.”

Despite following her dream, the

singer told Cape York Weekly it had not been easy juggling the album, studying at university and playing gigs to pay her rent.

Her latest single Backup encapsulates her battle with mental health, homesickness, and asking for help.

“Sometimes, we spend so much time and energy trying to convince other people that we’re okay, but sometimes, you need help and you shouldn’t be afraid to reach out,” the singer said.

“Especially in the music industry, there’s still such a stigma around asking for help with mental health, so that’s why I wanted to write about it and put it out there.

“Often I think ‘what am I doing, this is so hard and I just moved my whole life for this’.”

In difficult times, Ms Hartwig said she pulled out a list she wrote in colourful crayon with the reasons she pursued the musical pathway.

“I refer to it all the time, and it’s a big factor in helping me align with my goals and remember why I’m doing what I’m doing,” she said.

“My Western Star music video was added to Country Music Television, which is a pretty big thing, so there’s been really good motivators to keep going as well.

“I also think back to the support from my hometown and trying to make them proud.”

Upgrade to silica resource

FAR North Queensland silica miner Diatreme Resources has upgraded the quality of the silica sand resource at its Cape Flattery project, with a 17 per cent increase in the indicated resource and the establishment of a maiden 49.5 million tonnes measured resource.

The company made the market announcement about its Northern Silica Project (NSP) on 17 April, with chief executive officer Neil McIntyre saying the upgrade provided confidence ahead of an upcoming pre-feasibility study.

“It is pleasing to report a further enhancement in the quality of the resource estimate for our flagship NSP, with the establishment of its first measured category mineral resource, and significant increase in its indicated category mineral resource,” he said.

The latest data showed an increase in indicated resource to 120.5 million tonnes. The company’s total low-iron, high-purity silica resource base exceeds 402 million tonnes.

completed

Ella Hartwig has been recording her debut album in Brisbane, but now needs community support to fund her dream. Photo: Callum Johnston Films

Weipa dietician offers Heart Week advice

A WEIPA dietician is urging Cape York residents to take their coronary health seriously ahead of Heart Week 2024.

Cape Dietetics founder and accredited practising dietician Jillian Clements said making a few small changes and healthy swaps could have a marked impact on heart health.

“Small, sustainable changes are the key to overall lifestyle change that stick,” she said.

“Choose one healthy change that you’re thinking of making and chip away at that.

“A few healthy food choices and healthy swaps can go a long way to improving our health and making us feel better on the inside; the good news in a place like Weipa is that fish and seafood are abundant.”

Ms Clements said opening her business was the result of an identified demand for local,

accessible health and nutrition advice.

“I have lived in Weipa for four years, and before that I lived in Brisbane and Mount Isa working as a dietitian,” she said.

“I saw a need in Weipa for nutrition advice and healthy lifestyle support for both adults and children.

“My mum worked as a home economics teacher, so I grew up helping her in the kitchen, and I

have always been interested in healthy cooking and eating.

“I love the social aspect of food and how it brings people together, so that inspired me to become a dietitian nearly 10 years ago.”

With one Australian having a heart attack or stroke every four minutes, Ms Clements said it was vital for people to understand their personal heart disease risk.

New clinic opens to help Cape and Torres patients

MORE Cape York and Torres Strait patients travelling to Cairns will be able to access culturally safe healthcare with the opening of Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan’s new clinic.

Mookai Family Health is the new home of the organisation’s medical service, which originally commenced out of its Edmonton accommodation site 18 months ago.

Mookai Rosie community communications and program development officer Samantha Schofield said demand for culturally safe care was always high.

“There’s always been a real shortage of culturally safe, medically supported accommodation for the many families that come down to receive healthcare,” Ms Schofield said.

The healthcare and accommodation provider received funding from the Queensland Government’s Growing Deadly Families program to lease a new property when the Edmonton office reached capacity.

“We got requests from people not staying at the accommodation too, so there was an increased need that we couldn’t facilitate in the Edmonton facility,” Ms Schofield said.

With the separate location, Ms Schofield said they could make the service available to men for the first time. “One of the big things was that because

the accommodation space needs to be as safe as possible, it was always for women and children only,” she said.

“The clinic rooms were situated right in the middle of the accommodation, so that needed to stay a safe space.

“Part of opening the clinic and separating those services was, yes, we could take ample more clients, but we could also open it up for the whole family.”

CEO Theresa Simpson said the increased staff and appointment availability allowed them to improve their services further by providing the time and space for patients to sit down and have a yarn.

“We do not provide 10-minute consults; our people really need to sit down and have a conversation so they can open up,” she said.

Suspected croc killed

WILDLIFE officers have euthanised a large crocodile believed to be responsible for a fatal attack on a 16-year-old boy on Saibai Island last week.

A four-metre crocodile was located during night spotlight searches on 19 April near where the teenager was killed.

Department of Environment, Science and Innovation rangers said the animal displayed parading behaviour, such as raising its head as it swam, consistent with it being the target animal.

The crocodile was humanely euthanised on 20 April and disposed of at sea, in keeping with the wishes of the Saibai Island community.

The fatal attack occurred on 18 April after the teenager and a 13-year-old boy attempted to swim back to shore after the dinghy they were in suffered engine trouble and began taking on water.

The 13-year-old was uninjured during the incident.

East Weipa celebrations

MORE than six decades of mining operations at East Weipa will be commemorated when stakeholders gather for a special event at the Achimbum Building on 3 May.

In January 2024, Rio Tinto reached a significant milestone by extracting the last ore from the East Weipa after 63 years of active mining.

The mining giant and Western Cape Communities Trust will host the gala event on Friday night to provide an opportunity for guests to reflect on the importance of the milestone, and the community collaborations and partnerships required to achieve the result.

A range of public community events to commemorate the East Weipa closure will be held in Weipa and Napranum in May.

Paper at Palmer River

IN a win for readers who prefer the tactile feel of a newspaper in their hands, Cape York Weekly will be available from the Palmer River Roadhouse from this week.

Ms Schofield added that addressing as many issues as possible while patients were in Cairns was important.

“It’s never just one issue, and we’re not doing any service to the clients if they’re coming all the way down from the north and then only addressing one issue,” she said.

“Our meetings might be an hour, so we can get down to the root of our client’s health problems.”

Editor Lyndon Keane said the move was in response to reader feedback.

“Many people still prefer to get their local news by holding a paper, so that’s now an option for those living around or passing through Palmer River each week,” he said.

“We thank Tuxies for their help moving our paper to all corners of the Cape.”

The digital edition of the paper will continue to be available to readers every Monday afternoon.

Mookai Family Health offers culturally safe healthcare to Cape York patients who have travelled to Cairns.

Magootheheroichelicopterpilotwhosavedmorethan20peoplefromfloodwaterduringthedisaster. AlecDunncollectedstrandedpeoplefromRossvilleandAytoninhistinny.

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Anzac Day around the Cape

The Cooktown Kindy was one of many organisations to lay a wreath at the Anzac Day service. Picture: Jacynta Hunt

Police and SES personnel at the Cooktown service.

A large crowd turned out in Weipa to pay their respects and commemorate Anzac Day at the dawn service on Thursday.

There was a big crowd on hand in Cooktown to reflect on what Anzac Day meant to them.

Photo: Jacynta Hunt

The Northern Peninsula Area community turned out in force to commemorate Anzac Day at a range of events during the day. Photo: Dev Lengjel

Descendants of Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion soldiers, Australia’s only all-Indigenous military unit, reflected on the contributions of their family members at Anzac Day in Townsville.

NPARC Mayor Robert Poi Poi at the Northern Peninsula Area service.

Members of the Cooktown community of all sizes converged on the town’s cenotaph to commemorate Anzac Day on 25 April.

Martha Wolmby stands with son and 51st Battallion representative Aelan Wolmby following the wreath laying at the Aurukun Anzac Day service. The Rocky Point cenotaph at Weipa following the service.

A veteran takes a moment alone to reflect on Anzac Day 2024 following Weipa’s dawn service.

The flag raising is completed at the service in Bamaga.

Cries falling on political deaf ears

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

IT’S time to book some of our political leaders in for an urgent hearing test, because they seem to be struggling to comprehend the sustained on-the-ground opposition to the ridiculous remote housing options being imposed on Cape York and Torres Strait communities.

Those in Canberra and Brisbane say they are listening, and their policies, plans and sound bites all suggest that’s the case at a cursory glance, however, their words are at complete odds with those being roared by remote leaders about what’s needed and wanted.

Lockhart River Mayor Wayne Butcher has been the most publicly vocal opponent to the current state of play in recent times, but he’s not alone.

I spoke to several Cape York mayors and chief executives to get a read of the room, and they are all echoing the sentiment the existing approach is akin to trying to use a splash of paint to rectify a loadbearing wall collapse.

Mayor Butcher flagged his concerns during meetings with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister Meaghan Scanlon recently, but his genuine and detailed criticisms of funding, policy and program delivery look to have fallen on deaf ears, with the State

Government unable to acknowledge it’s left its hardhat and nail gun at home when it comes to driving tangible improvement in the embarrassment that is Queensland’s remote social housing situation.

It’s hard to envy Minister Scanlon’s position, having been saddled with arguably four of the most politically toxic portfolios in the state – housing, local government and planning, and public works.

She’s described as a savvy op-

erator by those who have observed her at close quarters, but the reality is she is at risk of becoming the sacrificial lamb for a government clearly bereft of ideas on how to deliver a workable solution.

It’s not an ideal position to be in six months out from an election.

The major antipathy to what is on the table revolves around the suitability of the modular housing being rolled out, from both environmental and overcrowding perspectives, the impact these

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buildings will have on future Indigenous business and apprenticeship pathways, and the fact communities aren’t getting a real say in what’s most appropriate for their part of the world.

The Prime Minister told journalists at the Queensland Media Club the Federal Government already had “substantial deals for Queensland that are going right now” in response to a question about whether he would match the $4 billion remote social housing

commitment made to the Northern Territory, but he failed to flesh out what the apparent deals involved.

His nebulous comment came about two seconds after he was given an overcrowding example of 11 people living in a two-bedroom Lockhart River house.

Minister Scanlon told this publication her government had an action plan that “will deliver homes built by community for community”. That revelation will certainly come as news to Mayor Butcher and other Cape York and Torres Strait leaders asking to have their knowledge and lived remote housing experiences listened to.

It’s not good enough. Mayor Butcher described the current plan as a “short-term fix to a long-term problem” and, while it’s an accurate assessment, it’s one that goes way beyond describing a brickand-mortar situation in some of the remotest communities in the country.

It can also be used to sum up the lack of interest and understanding being shown by those responsible for bettering the situation.

Our remote leaders are screaming out that things aren’t working, but the message is either getting lost in translation or intentionally ignored by metropolitan politicians and departmental staff in favour of clueless policy that reeks of existing only to score cheap points ahead of upcoming state and federal elections.

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Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning Meaghan Scanlon says she will work with Cape York and Torres Strait councils on a workable remote housing solution, but is her government really listening to what communities want?

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

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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.

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* Each word must contain the centre ‘Focus’ letter and each letter may be used only once

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Join the Dots

Tender Number: PSA 2024-03

Operational Services 2024–2026

Tenders are invited from Contractors wishing to be included in Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council’s Panel of Preferred Suppliers 2024–2026 for Operational Services.

Obtaining Documentation: Tenderers may register expressions of interest for the tender documentation by emailing tenders@lockhart.qld. gov.au

Lodgement of Tenders: Tenders must be lodged via email to tenders@lockhart.qld.gov.au or lodged in the Tender Box at Council by the closing time.

Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council 7 Anderson Street, Manunda Cairns QLD 4870

Closing Time: The closing time for lodgement of Tenders is 2.00pm Tuesday 14 May 2024.

Tender Number: PSA 2024-01

Occasional Plant Hire 2024–2026

Tenders are invited from Contractors wishing to be included in Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council’s Panel of Preferred Suppliers 2024–2026 for occasional plant hire, labour, and raw materials for roadworks.

Obtaining Documentation: Tenderers may register expressions of interest for the tender documentation by emailing tenders@blackm.com

Lodgement of Tenders: Tenders must be lodged via email to tenders@blackm.com or lodged in the Tender Box at the Black & More Office by the closing time.

Black & More 93 Digger Street Cairns North QLD 4870

Closing Time: The closing time for lodgement of Tenders is 2.00pm Tuesday 14 May 2024.

Proposed Development

Make a submission from 1 May to 23 May 2024

Teleco MM unicaT ions Facili T y

Where: Peninsula Developmental Road, Yarraden Qld 4892

on: Lot 1 on SP314593

approval sought: Development

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application ref: DA/4673

you may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to: Cook Shire Council

PO Box 3, Cooktown Qld 4895

mail@cook.qld.gov.au

(07) 4082 0500

www.cook.qld.gov.au

Public

Tender Number: PSA 2024-02

Trade Services 2024–2026

Tenders are invited from Contractors wishing to be included in Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council’s Panel of Preferred Suppliers 2024–2026 for Trade Services.

Obtaining Documentation: Tenderers may register expressions of interest for the tender documentation by emailing tenders@blackm.com

Lodgement of Tenders: Tenders must be lodged via email to tenders@blackm.com or lodged in the Tender Box at the Black & More office by the closing time.

Black & More 93 Digger Street

Cairns North QLD 4870

Closing Time: The closing time for lodgment of Tenders is 2.00pm Tuesday 14 May 2024.

PCYC Napranum ready to take on netball program

By CHISA HASEGAWA

CHILDREN from PCYC Napranum will get the opportunity to train and compete in netball games in Weipa alongside players from surrounding communities.

In partnership with Weipa Social Netball Club, the children will travel to the township twice a week, with one day dedicated to training and skill development, and the other competition.

PCYC Napranum club manager Sergeant Rhonda Spence said it was a great collaboration for a community without many local sporting opportunities.

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“There’s no fixture sport played outside of PCYC or school in Napranum, so if kids want to be involved in a sporting group, we support them by taking them to Weipa, so they can get exposure to every kind of sport,” she said.

“Last year, we mentioned to the kids that we’d like to get them involved in a new sport, and netball was their choice.

“We reached out to Weipa Social Netball Club and they gave us a kind donation of $500 for the kids to get to Weipa and participate.”

Club treasurer Abbey Martin said the 2024 program was the biggest in its history.

“We’ve only ever been able to offer three

age groups and limited numbers, but this year, we’ve got five age groups,” she said.

Rio Tinto donated $5,000 to the program this year, allowing the club to purchase more equipment, lower the price of participation, and split overcrowded age groups.

Ms Martin explained the 10-week program had previously only offered training on Mondays, but more volunteers meant the club could also hold games on Wednesdays in 2024.

“A lot of the times, when we took kids out to carnivals, it was an eye-opener for them, because they’ve only ever done training,” Ms Martin said.

“With the games, they get more experience with the format of it, so that when we do take them to carnivals, it’s definitely less daunting for them.”

Sergeant Spence said the Napranum netball contingent could not wait to start after visiting Weipa for the sign-up event.

“Their energy was happy, enthusiastic, keen; all those good qualities you want to see in a child to do well at what they’re doing or want to do,” Sergeant Spence said.

“On the way back, they were singing and smiling and laughing, and talking about how much fun it was, not only to do some netball drills, but also to have fun with the other kids there.”

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 4pm Thursday 2 May 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

Junior netballers from Napranum have joined the competition in Weipa and will train on Mondays and hit the court to compete on Wednesdays over the next 10 weeks.

AFL season kicks off in the Cape

THE first ball-ups of the Australian football season in Weipa have been done and won after junior and senior competitions got under way last week.

Mondays will be the day for a senior social competition at Andoom Oval, with players scheduled to take to the field on 20 May, 10 June and 17 June from 5:306:30pm.

Junior footballers in years 4-6 will star on Tuesdays when they participate in a development program from 6:15pm on 30 April, 7 and 21 May, 11 June and 18 June.

The competitions are being facilitated by AFL Cape York, with the junior program designed to

practice the skills players learn at school and transfer them into a real match scenario against other students from Weipa, Napranum and Mapoon.

AFL Cape York game development officer Matt Mellahn said the senior competition was free to play in and open to footballers 16 years or older, adding it would take the format of modified rules to ensure everyone enjoyed their time on the paddock.

“We’ve come in here for the last 20 years, so we’re a familiar face in the community,” he told Cape York Weekly

“I think it’s just that relationship and consistency; there’s no ice

breakers required, they just roll in and know what to expect.”

As the junior and senior seasons gather momentum over the coming weeks, Mr Mellahn said he was excited to see the skills that would go on display, especially by younger footballers.

“There’s talent all through here,” he said when asked about how impressive the western Cape York juniors were.

“I don’t know if they know how talented they are, some of these kids.

“It’s exciting for us.”

For more information about junior or senior AFL in Weipa, call 0405 514 547.

WEIPA TIDE TIMES

http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/tides/#!/qld-weipa

No shortage of great catches in the Cape

THERE is still plenty of red hot fishing happening around the traps, but top billing this week must go to Ellen Maugeri, who finally joined the one-metre barramundi club after landing a 105-centimetre cracker at Pormpuraaw.

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.

To feature in next week’s paper, email your picture (with some basic details like name and general location) to editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au.

http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/tides/#!/qld-cooktown

Junior footballers from Weipa, Napranum and Mapoon are set to impress at Andoom Oval during term two as AFL Cape York launches its 2024 season.

Wylee Cook was far too good for this thumping western Cape York queenfish.

Chris Beck landed this 109cm monster barra near Weipa.

Ellen Maugeri has 105 reasons to smile after joining the coveted metre-plus barramundi club.

Loretta Skorin enjoyed a great day on the reef off Cooktown and bagged this barramundi cod.

Loraine Smith landed this nice blue salmon during a recent trip.

WEDNESDAY

BURGER NIGHT

THURSDAY

Full menu + steak

SATURDAY,

2

FRIDAY

Kitchen open for: LUNCH (lunch menu)

DINNER (full menu + steak)

SATURDAY SUNDAY

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DINNER (closed for private function)

WEIPA OPEN Player’s

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WEIPA OPEN Presentation & Bistro Dinner

Brewer the hot favourite as Open field assembles

By LYNDON KEANE

ALL eyes will be on local golfer Warren Brewer to see if he can make it four crowns on the trot when competitors tee off in the 2024 Weipa Goodline Open on 4-5 May.

The Carpentaria Golf Club greens and fairways will be a hive of activity for the event, with a strong contingent of players having already registered to vie for western Cape York golfing’s ultimate prize.

Club captain Clinton Wonfor said the course was in good shape for the big weekend of competition, adding he was excited to see whether Brewer could add this year’s Open to his 2021, 2022 and 2023 trophies.

“I don’t think we’ve had that [winning streak] in the past, but with the number of movements of people in Weipa as well, it’s been difficult to keep consistent members,” he explained.

“It will be good if he does win a fourth time; it will be something to celebrate.

“The course is actually pretty good; with the additional rain, it’s very, very green, and it’s soft, which is good.”

In the lead-up to the weekend’s on-course action, a round of the popular Survivor Golf

series will be played on 3 May, with the winners of the twoperson Ambrose booking themselves a ticket for the event’s grand final in Port Douglas later in the year.

Mr Wonfor said he believed everything was in order for the club’s biggest weekend of golf for the year.

“We’ll have Survivor on the Friday morning, with a shotgun start from 7am,” he said.

“That will go until 12pm, then the course opens for practice rounds for the Open.”

Players will tee off in the Open from 7am on both Saturday and Sunday as they contest the 36-hole event.

When asked if he could provide any tips for Open competitors, Mr Wonfor provided timeless golfing advice.

“The course looks easy, but there’s a lot of trees on the course, and it’s not as straight as it looks,” he said.

“Aim for the middle and hope for the best.”

Crocs keen to take honours at Musgrave

THE Weipa Crocs will be looking for an about-face of the team’s 2023 form when cricketers take to the field at Musgrave Roadhouse this weekend.

But they will have to fend off a record number of teams all seeking Cape York cricketing bragging rights when they contest the 2024 Musgrave Super 8s with the historic homestead as a backdrop on 4-5 May.

Crocs captain and stalwart Aaron Johnson said the annual competition had created a lot of interest in the western Cape York township, with several Weipa teams expected to make

the trip down the Peninsula Developmental Road.

“I think there’s three teams coming from Weipa,” he said.

“It’s excellent.”

Mr Johnson said local pride would be on the line when the Weipa teams took to the field after a disappointing result 12 months ago.

“We didn’t perform all that well last year, so hopefully one of the Weipa teams does well this year. Weipa Crocs has always been about giving everyone a run,” he told Cape York Weekly

“We definitely need to focus

on the cricket a little bit more this year than we did last year.

“No one likes to get beaten; we got beaten in every event, and we need to improve on that.”

When asked how many Super 8s showdowns he had left in him as a key member of the Crocs line-up, Mr Johnson remained coy.

“I’ll definitely play one game and see how it goes after that,” he laughed.

“I’m 60 this year, so I’m slowing up.”

Musgrave Roadhouse boss Adam McDowall said the fourth pitch had been installed ahead of

Ayles smashes field

SIMON Ayles will be teeing off with a much shorter handicap on his next round after notching up a big five-stroke win during Dawnbusters action on 28 April.

Fifteen players took to the Carpentaria Golf Club fairways to contest the back nine, with Ayles carding a stunning nett 11 to take the chocolates and boast a comfortable margin to runner-up Jamie Hutton.

Mick Cerneka proved he was at home with either a driver or short club in his hands by claiming both the men’s longest drive and nearest to the pin prizes.

Elle Marie Duvenhague finished the round as the Hoffman’s winner.

There will be no Dawnbusters on 5 May because of the Weipa Goodline Open, but competitors will be back on 12 May for a special Mother’s Day event.

The first group will tee off at 6:30am, with new members and beginners always welcome.

Weipa league AGM

THE past and future of rugby league in the region will be on the agenda when the Western Cape Rugby League Association holds its annual general meeting on 9 May.

The positions of president, secretary and treasurer will also be elected at the meeting, which will commence at 6:30pm at Carpentaria Golf Club.

Craven best wet Wacker

RAIN did not deter players when they battled the back nine at Carpentaria Golf Club in weekly Wackers action on 24 April.

Ross Craven finished the best of the waterlogged golfing contingent to return to the clubhouse with a nett 32 to take the chocolates, while Grant Crossley recorded nett 32.5 to secure runner-up honours by just half a stroke for the second week in a row.

Crossley added to his second place by topping the field and winning nearest to the pin on the 18th hole, while Elijah Graham earned the Bradman’s.

NQ Games on radar

COOKTOWN Little Athletics members are being encouraged to make a beeline for Carins to compete in the NQ Games at Barlow Park on 4-5 May.

The club is eager to have plenty of members flying the Cooktown flag at the event, and said it would assist families with support to cover registration fees in order to boost local numbers.

For more information, visit the Cooktown Little Athletics Facebook page.

PB for Reed at parkrun

REECE Reed set a new personal best when he led a field of 58 competitors home at Weipa parkrun #363 on 27 April.

the weekend’s on-field action, meaning spectators will have plenty of cricket entertainment options over the two days.

While getting a few wins on the board will be a priority for the Crocs, Mr Johnson said he believed the social element of the competition would always be the biggest drawcard for players.

“A lot of the time, it’s the only time we see people [from across Cape York] we only see once a year,” he said.

“It’s a really, really good feel about it; it’s a good, enjoyable, relaxed catch-up for everyone.”

Reed’s result over the five-kilometre course was one of six PBs on the day, and he set a blistering pace to stop the clock in 22 minutes, 2 seconds, more than two minutes clear of the next runner.

Michael Collins, Ross Dawson, Emma Purvis, Cass Taske and Jenna Parker all helped out as volunteers.

Cowboys eye turnaround

THE North Queensland Cowboys will be hoping to take its second-half momentum from Saturday’s 26-20 loss to Penrith into its all-Queensland clash this weekend.

The ninth-placed Cowboys and sixthplaced Dolphins will go head-to-head in Townsville at 7.35pm on Saturday.

Players will be hoping to avoid the handful of bunkers at Carpentaria Golf Club this weekend as they take aim at the dozens of prizes on offer in the 2024 Weipa Goodline Open.

The Musgrave Super 8s fields have possibly the most unique backdrop of any cricket venue in the country.

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