Cape York Weekly Edition 183

Cape York Weekly

FREE – #183 | Tuesday, May 7, 2024 Editor Lyndon Keane: 0419 891 666 |

DYNAMIC DUO CLAIM VICTORY

Brock Lowrey and Jamie Hutton have secured their golden tickets to represent Weipa in the Survivor Golf Series grand final in December after a thrilling win in the local qualifying event. Read about how team Gingerman and Robin rated their winning round on Page 22.

Toilet paper ‘world’s most expensive’

PDR bog costly

The crappy condition of the PDR has left a Weipa tourism operator with a bill of almost $1000 to sea freight essential toilet paper for the business. Both the Weipa Town Authority and Western Cape Chamber of Commerce say it’s ludicrous proof the road’s sealing is now urgent. Full story – Page 3

SUNDAY, MAY 12

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Set menu with a choice of entree, main & dessert

$70 per head with a glass of sparkling or tap beer on arrival

Bookings can be made by calling reception on 4090 6666

State government sets date for gillnet bans in Gulf

THE State Government announcement gillnet fishing will be banned in areas of the Gulf of Carpentaria and western Cape York from 17 May has divided the fishing industry, politicians and environmental groups.

The government provided details on a $12 million “adjustment and support package” for commercial fishers impacted by the changes last week, but the plan has been ridiculed by Katter’s Aus-

tralian Party leader Robbie Katter.

“Without any scientific backing, the fisheries minister has pulled the rug from under hard-working and law-abiding fishing businesses,” he said from Brisbane last week.

“What other business would accept 14 days’ notice to the operating environment under which they operate?”

Three of the five areas

will impact western Cape York fishers: the Northern Gulf of Carpentaria zone, which includes all waters within the defined area from Boyd Point north to Cape York; the Pormpurraw zone, capturing all waters within the defined area from north of Balurga Creek to south of the Chapman River; and the Topsy Creek zone, which covers all waters within the defined area between north of the South Mitchell River

to south of Horse Creek.

The announcement the Topsy Creek zone would become the fifth gillnet-free area has been welcomed by Kowanyama community leader Michael Yam, who said he believed the changes would benefit the local river system.

“Including Topsy Creek in the new net-free zones is a good outcome for the Kowanyama community,” he said.

“These river systems are an important food source for our community and of high cultural importance.

“Removing commercial gillnet fishing ensures we can get a feed and protects our local wildlife.”

While the government said the changes were being implemented after a “rigorous consultation process”, one Gulf of Carpentaria commercial operator who spoke to Cape York Weekly

on the condition of anonymity said the $12m package was “complete bullshit”.

“The [commercial fishing] industry is being made out as the bloody crooks in all this,” they said.

“What are we going to do with $12 million bucks?

“It shows the government doesn’t understand what we do, and it’s gonna cause the death of a lot of Gulf fishing businesses and communities.”

RFDS award for Coen health hero

By CHISA HASEGAWA

COEN’S Jodi Hamilton has been crowned the Cairns region winner of the 2024 Royal Flying Doctor Service’s Local Hero Award for her unwavering dedication to remote healthcare accessibility and her work with the RFDS and Coen clinic.

Ms Hamilton said she had been pushing for a palliative and aged care facility in Coen, so that community members could die with dignity at home.

“My mum was a nurse here in Coen for 30 years, and she tried as hard as she could to bring people home to pass away,” she said.

“It’s really hard in these small towns, because when someone falls ill, they need to be taken away for medical treatment and if it’s not successful, they’re not necessarily coming home in time.”

Ms Hamilton explained that in Coen, without any residential end-of-life care facilities, the only choice was to move to Weipa or Cooktown, where the nearest aged care facilities were, or for family to take the individual in.

Having gone through the overwhelming process herself, she said she was now aiming to provide families with as much information and support as possible regarding end-of-life care.

“It’s something that has happened in Coen for a long time; families have taken on that role,” she said.

“My mum chose to pass away at home, and I think that really helps with the grieving process.

“I just find it really important that if families are in a position to take on that role, that we give them as much advice and services, because I found the process really overwhelming.”

RFDS Queensland chief executive officer Meredith Staib emphasised the extraordinary efforts of this year’s regional winners, including Ms Hamilton.

“There are unsung heroes in

every region whose remarkable achievements often go unnoticed, yet the impact of their hard work and dedication is felt deeply in their local communities,” she said.

“From the quiet achievers to the tireless volunteers and dedicated professionals, each of this year’s winners embodies the spirit of service and compassion, and many have been touched personally by the life-saving interventions of the

S P A R E P A R T S F O R A L L M A K E S A N D M O D E L S

RFDS, which has helped fuel their commitment to giving back.”

Ms Hamilton said she was humbled to be recognised and encouraged communities to continue their support for the RDFS.

“I sort of feel like I’m trying to follow in my mum’s footsteps, so there’s some big shoes to fill,” she said.

With the regional award achieved, a people’s choice sys-

tem will be used to determine the state’s overall 2024 Local Hero Award winner, and Cape York and Torres Strait residents are being asked to show their support for Ms Hamilton’s work by voting for her to take top billing.

To throw your support behind Ms Hamilton, visit the RFDS Local Hero Awards website and vote for her as Queensland’s overall local hero winner.

Coen’s Jodi Hamilton is following in her late mother’s footsteps as she supports her community with end-of-life care, and has been recognised as an RFDS Local Hero Award winner.

$952 toilet paper freight bill highlights PDR woes

By LYNDON KEANE

A WEIPA tourism operator says she had no option but to pay almost $1000 to sea freight an urgent supply of toilet paper due to the abysmal post-wet season condition of the Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR).

Weipa Camping Ground owner Brooke Quartermaine said she had been stunned by the invoice, which equated to about $20 extra per roll for a pallet –48 rolls – of the industrial toilet paper used by the business.

“Unfortunately, because of Jasper last year, it came in so quickly, we weren’t really prepared, and we couldn’t get some of our bigger freight up,” she said.

“Normally, we wouldn’t use Sea Swift because it is a bit too expensive for us in the wet season, but we got a bit stuck this year.

“I think it was $952 for a pallet of toilet paper.”

With the product costing $42 per roll to supply, the freight charge means guests during the 2024 dry season will use what is likely the most expensive toilet paper in Australia during their Weipa experience.

Ms Quartermaine said while it was amusing to ponder $62

toilet paper, it reflected a serious situation that would remain for local businesses unless the PDR seal was completed as a priority.

“As far as how critical the road is, given the cost of business has just gone up and up and up … it’s nearly not viable in the real world [to not have a yearround road freight option],” she said.

“We really only operate for six months of the year, so we’re trying to eliminate as many costs as possible. Having things like the PDR [sealed] just changes everything.”

Cape York Weekly asked both Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish and opposition leader David Crisafulli if they would commit to delivering the remaining stages of the Cape York Region Package (CYRP) if elected to power in October.

Minister Mellish did not respond to the question, with a TMR spokesperson providing a list of information points about the PDR and stating the department would now “carry out grading and maintenance repairs along the entire PDR until the next wet season starts”.

Mr Crisafulli also refused to make a PDR commitment, with an LNP spokesperson blaming financial mismanagement by the government.

“Labor’s waste continues to cost Cape York, and the tens of billions of dollars Labor has wasted on cost blowouts on infrastructure would have more than funded the Peninsula Developmental Road,” they said.

Weipa Town Authority Chair Jaime Gane said the government’s reluctance to commit to finalising the CYRP was unacceptable, adding it was “absolutely critical” the PDR was sealed.

“I think the relevant parties should all get in their cars and drive the PDR for a start; maybe then, they would understand the impact it would have to the people of the Cape,” she said.

“But in all seriousness, I think it requires a united front by all Cape York communities, advocacy groups and relevant bodies to demand the timely completion of the project.

“The completion of the PDR is the key to having a more diverse and sustainable economy for Weipa ... there is so much opportunity in Weipa and the western Cape, but it’s not a great incentive for business to grow or establish in the region.”

Chamber calls for freight competition

AS the perpetual political debate about sealing the Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) drags on, the Western Cape Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) says the time is right to get a second sea freight operator to service the region.

With a Weipa business forced to spend the equivalent of $20 per roll to freight toilet paper while PDR post-wet season remediation works are completed, WCCC president Jai Christie said skyrocketing sea freight costs had made some local projects unviable.

“The PDR really needs to be sealed for a lot of reasons, mainly our freight issues,” he said.

“This increases project costs and, because of this, a lot of projects don’t go ahead through the wet and are pushed out to the dry season, which increases workload on businesses and stretches capabilities.”

Mr Christie said it was far from hyperbole that a failure to seal the PDR would be catastrophic for business sustainability.

“If the government fails to prioritise the road, business in town will stagnate,” he said.

Neither Labor nor the LNP would commit to prioritising the PDR if it won the October state election, and Mr Christie said it represented an opportunity to discuss whether a second sea freight operator

community connected all-year round

was needed to break the current monopoly.

“There is definitely an argument around another sea freight company to compete with Sea Swift,” he said.

“There is talk of the Torres Strait councils looking for another sea freight carrier; we are hoping to get on board with this to make it more attractive for other companies to come to the Cape and Torres Strait.

“It is early days, but there is quite a lot of support for competition, and discussions are happening.”

Read more of the WCCC president’s comments about the need for sea freight competition on the Cape York Weekly website.

Sea Swift has provided regular, reliable deliveries of essential goods and services to the Torres Strait for over 35 years We are passionate about working with councils and remote communities, and keeping the Torres Strait connected

Weipa Town Authority Chair Jaime Gane inspects the state of some of the Peninsula Developmental Road’s potholes and washouts during a road trip to Musgrave Roadhouse last weekend.

Missy Higgins gig ‘a dream come true’ for Cape singer

By CHISA HASEGAWA

A COOKTOWN musician will open the show for celebrated Australian artist Missy Higgins on the Cairns leg of her national tour this weekend.

Songwriter Amber Farnan said she was preparing to play an original setlist to kick off The Second Act Tour 2024 concert at Munro Martin Parklands in what she described as her biggest musical opportunity to date.

“Missy Higgins is actually my favourite artist of all time, so it’s pretty surreal; it’s like my life dream coming true,” the 21-yearold told Cape York Weekly

“I’ve wanted to support her since I first watched her perform when I was eight.”

The authenticity and vulnerability of Higgins’ music has been a major inspiration to Ms Farnan, who bases her creations on “real experiences”.

“She’s a very good storyteller in her songwriting, and she sings with a lot of emotion and rawness in her voice,” she said.

“I have a chronic health condition and I wrote a few of the songs about that.

“I like to write about real stuff, because I want to connect it to myself, and not just write what’s

trending or what everybody writes about.”

The artist said she believed her own vulnerability was the reason Higgins and her team chose her out of an extensive list of aspiring performers.

Ms Farnan moved to Cairns in 2018 to chase a larger music scene,

but said she looked back fondly on her start on Cape York, including the influence of her primary school music teacher.

“She taught me piano when I was a kid, and I actually recall her teaching me some Missy Higgins songs, so it’s a bit of a full circle moment,” she said.

World Heritage Tentative Listing Submission—Cape York Peninsula

The Queensland and Australian governments are working on the first step towards a World Heritage Nomination—a Tentative Listing Submission. The Queensland Government has started broader community engagement with the Cape York community regarding the World Heritage Nomination process and is holding information sessions.

Any Tentative Listing will be with the free, prior and informed consent of Cape York Peninsula Traditional Owners as the submission focuses only on existing areas within the State’s Protected Area Estate (for example, National Parks) or areas that are Indigenous Owned Land.

Register now for an upcoming information session either online or in-person at Laura, Coen or Cairns. Scan the QR code below for further information.

Being placed on Australia’s Tentative List is the first step in a years-long World Heritage Nomination process.

A future World Heritage Listing may bring benefits to the Cape York region including:

• potential for increased tourism opportunities

• increased environmental protections

• global recognition of the region’s natural and cultural values

• increased land management and employment opportunities

• economic development opportunities.

If you’d like to know more, please visit www.qld.gov.au/worldheritage to register for an upcoming information session or use this QR code.

$15k grant on offer for resilience

HOMEOWNERS along the eastern and western coastlines of Cape York with properties more than 40 years old can now apply for a grant of up to $15,000 to improve its cyclone resilience.

The Queensland Government has opened round four of the Household Resilience Program, which allows homeowners with builds completed prior to 1984 to apply for funding to put towards building upgrades.

Owner-occupiers located within 50 kilometres of the coastline from Bundaberg to the Queensland-Northern Territory border are eligible to apply for a grant of 80 per cent of the cost of improvements, up to the funding limit.

The minimum value of works eligible for funding is $3300.

Currently in the songwriting process with hopes to release a single in the near future, the show will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Ms Farnan to make her mark.

Missy Higgins and Amber Farnan will take the stage on 11 May at the Munro Martin Parklands in Cairns from 6:30pm.

Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery Nikki Boyd said cyclonic events had a demonstrable impact on economic and social wellbeing of northern Queenslanders.

“The fact this program has already helped so many vulnerable households tells a fantastic story of success,” she said.

For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au and search for “Household Resilience Program”.

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) will undertake maintenance dredging from mid-May 2024 at the Port of Weipa.

Dredging will also be completed at Amrun on behalf of Rio Tinto.

The project will take up to seven (7) weeks to complete.

The dredge vessel TSHD Brisbane, as well as support vessels, have restricted manoeuvring capability. Local and visiting boaties are asked to take care and notice of all warning flags and lights.

Maintenance dredging needs to be carried out to ensure that safe, navigable shipping depths are maintained.

Environmental controls and management measures will be implemented throughout the program to minimise the risk of any potential impact on the marine environment. Your cooperation and understanding is appreciated.

Cooktown’s Amber Farnan has been chosen as the opening act for Missy Higgins’ The Second Act Tour in Cairns.

Big challenge ahead, says mayor

AURUKUN’S new mayor has identified employment, housing and community safety as priority issues for the new council and says there needs to more Wik-driven decision making involved in plotting the remote western Cape York community’s future.

After winning the 16 March election by a margin of almost 11 per cent, Mayor Barbara Bandicootcha said she was looking forward to working with Deputy Mayor Craig Koomeeta, and councillors Jayden Marrott, Leona Yunkaporta and Eloise Yunkaporta to develop priorities based on community need.

“I was voted in by the community, and I’m willing to sit down and hear what they have to say,” she said.

within community and amongst us along family lines.

“The community didn’t have choices back when the missionaries rounded people up from the surrounding area, [but] now things have changed, and I want the community to have a say.”

Mayor Bandicootcha slammed members of the community she described as refusing to play an active role in the success of Aurukun.

“We are all the Wik nation, but we live differently within our tribe and our clan groups,” she said.

“Wik people need to be in the driver’s seat; solutions should always be driven by the Wik nation.

“As a new council, we need to discuss issues such as education, and how we get our children to school.

a child, but a lot of people are refusing to be a part of that and not stepping in when they see children doing the wrong thing.

“I want to see more people becoming involved in community issues instead of the same people having to take responsibility all the time.”

The outspoken mayor said she was hoping to lead a repair of the division the community was currently experiencing, adding the council was committed to holding Aurukun’s service providers to account.

“There needs to be a review of effective service delivery against the funds that are currently provided in our community, to ensure there is no duplication and the community’s needs are being

royalties help pay for cost-of-living support

Ask any Queenslander and they will tell you we’re number one. Number one for sunshine and lifestyle. We are also number one to benefit from coal royalties.

Coal royalties help to pay for cost-of-living support like electricity rebates and free kindy. They also help pay for infrastructure and services.

Queensland is the world’s largest exporter of coal used to make steel for wind turbines and electric vehicles needed for the global transition to clean energy. This demand means a record 44,000* people have jobs in Queensland coal mines.

William Street,

New Aurukun Shire Council Mayor Barbara Bandicootcha (centre), pictured with fellow elected members Deputy Mayor Craig Koomeeta and councillors Jayden Marrott, Leona Yunkaporta and Eloise Yunkaporta, says she wants to see more Wik input into decision-making impacting the western Cape York community.

Aurukun Mayor Barbara Bandicootcha discussed her vision for her community with Minister for Treaty, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Leeanne Enoch during a recent trip to Brisbane to meet other mayors from across the state.

Fishing trip in honour of publican

FRIENDS of the late owner of Laura’s Peninsula Hotel have commemorated the 12-month anniversary of his passing in a way he would have approved of: by wetting a line and chasing barramundi.

Kev “Stumpy” Darmody was tragically attacked and killed by a crocodile while fishing along the Kennedy River in Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park in April 2023, and new pub owner Stuart Wiggins told Cape York Weekly it had been a low-key nod to his best mate’s memory.

“Mate, it was a good day and a sad day,” he said.

“It was sad to think what happened but, you know, he went the way doing what he loved doing, and that was fishing, but he was still too young.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Survey for Cape’s future

TIME is running out for Cape York residents to have their say about the future management and protection of the region.

In February, Cape York Natural Resource Management released a public questionnaire aimed at seeking a wide range of views on the top priorities for protecting people, culture, business, water, flora and fauna across Cape York.

The Cape York Peninsula Land and Water Plan will capture the feedback and be used as a guide for the future management of natural resources to safeguard these, communities and livelihoods.

With only a limited time left before the survey closes, a Cape York NRM spokesperson said “after the flooding and extreme weather we have been experiencing in the region, now, more than ever, we should be developing a practical and sustainable plan”.

To complete the confidential survey, visit www.capeyorknrm.com.au.

‘Bitumen bandits’ warning

POLICE are urging Cape York residents and businesses to be wary of people approaching them with offers to do bitumen work at a reduced cost.

Dubbed “bitumen bandits”, these operators are unlicensed tradespeople who claim to have leftover bitumen from a job and offer to work on driveways and paths. Cairns detectives said they were currently investigating reports of people posing as a bitumen company, offering to resurface areas damaged by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

Police warned if people were approached by individuals offering to carry out work for a low rate, they should research the business and contact the company to verify if the people work for them.

Share your local news

DO you have a story you think needs covering in the Cape York Weekly?

As the local media voice for those who call the northernmost part of Australia home, we’re here to share the stories and tell the tales that need to be told.

Editor Lyndon Keane urged readers to help set the news agenda for the region.

“The Cape’s a huge, diverse place, and we’re here to tell its stories, the good, bad and ugly,” he said.

“We love celebrating a good story with our audience, but we’re also happy to take off the gloves and give you a voice on the matters that are important to you.”

To submit a news tip, email editor@ capeyorkweekly.com.au.

Mr Wiggins said the group made the journey to the site of the attack to “say a few words to him” and inspect the makeshift memorial attached to a gum tree beside the river.

“One of my friends put it on last year, and we’re going to get another proper plaque there,” he said.

With the pub having now been reopened for several weeks, Mr Wiggins said he and staff had been warmed by the memories both locals and early dry season travellers had been sharing of Mr Darmody.

“There’s people who have been there before and who knew Kev, and they are stopping in and having a chat about him, which is good,” he reflected.

“His memory’s still carrying on.”

Tax cuts for every taxpayer

Friends of former Peninsula Hotel publican Kev “Stumpy” Darmody mark the 12-month anniversary of his tragic death with a fishing trip at the Kennedy River site of the April 2023 crocodile attack.

East Weipa | the last ore & Sunset Night Market

Saturday 11 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!

Council to review itself post-Jasper

COOK Shire Council says it is taking proactive steps towards enhancing community resilience and accountability by engaging an external consultant to review and report on the organisation’s response to the catastrophic weather event in December 2023.

Strategic Disaster Solutions will undertake the review and council chief executive officer Brian Joiner said the move reflected a community commitment to transparency and accountability.

“In the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Jasper, it’s imperative for us to assess our response comprehensively,” he said following the announcement.

“We owe it to our community to ensure that we learn from this experience and continually improve our disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

“We are committed to conducting a thorough and transparent review process, [and]

the insights gleaned from this exercise will not only inform our future strategies, but also serve to strengthen our bonds with the communities we serve.”

Strategic Disaster Solutions will collaborate closely with the council’s disaster management team and relevant agencies and stakeholders, as well as communities impacted by the disaster.

Debriefing sessions will be held in Ayton from 9am-12pm on 11 May at the Bloomfield library, Rossville the following day from 10am-1pm at the Rossville markets, and at the council chambers in Cooktown from 9am-12pm on 13 May.

Additionally, a survey has been developed by the consultants to further capture community input, and is available both online and as a hard copy at the debriefing events. For more information, call 4802 0500 or email mail@cook.qld.gov.au.

Cook Shire Council CEO Brian Joiner says the organisation is “committed to conducting a thorough and transparent review process” of its response to the devastation caused locally by Jasper.

Weipa port dredging set to begin

NORTH Queensland Bulk Ports will soon begin maintenance dredging at the Port of Weipa.

NQBP chief executive officer Brendan Webb said the dredge vessel TSHD Brisbane was due to begin work from mid-May.

“Maintenance dredging works are an integral part of port operations,” Mr Webb said.

“In the same way we maintain roads and rail lines for freight transport, we need to look after our port infrastructure to keep trade flowing.

“Regular maintenance dredging ensures efficient, navigable shipping depths for our port users.

“It’s undertaken by port authorities around the world and is critical for maintaining port infrastructure.”

Mr Webb said the 2024 maintenance dredge was scheduled to take place over a seven-week span.

“This year’s dredge campaign will occur during two visits for a total of seven weeks between mid-May and mid-July 2024,” he explained.

Mr Webb reminded boaties to take extra care when on the water during the dredging works, as the Brisbane was restricted in its manoeuvrability.

“The Brisbane and its support

NEWS IN BRIEF

Slow start to flu jabs

TORRES and Cape Hospital and Health Service is urging residents to consider a flu vaccination after 27 people have already been hospitalised this influenza season.

Public health medical officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said take-up of the flu vaccination so far had been slower than expected.

“So far, we have had only between two per cent and 14 per cent take-up of the flu vaccination across our various communities,” she said.

“This is much lower than we would like, and means many people across our health service region are still unprotected.”

So far this year, 182 lab-confirmed cases of influenza have been recorded, with 27 requiring admission to hospital.

Dr Hempenstall said the flu could be a serious illness, especially for high-risk people like young children, old people, pregnant women, and people with some illnesses.

“It is recommended that everyone aged six months and older get a flu vaccine this year; it is the single most important measure many of us can take to protect each other,” she said.

Fishing Classic tickets

WITH the 2024 Weipa Fishing Classic now just a month away, the team will be regularly out and about selling tickets for the annual event raffle.

The crew was out in force in the Woolworths car park on Saturday morning, with plenty of early interest shown by anglers in getting amongst the incredible prizes that will be on offer from 7-9 June.

As they say, you’ve got to be in it to win it!

For more information, keep an eye on the Weipa Fishing Classic Facebook page, or send an email to secretary. weipafishingclassic@gmail.com.

Mental health first aid

A FREE Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health first aid course will be held over two days at PCYC Napranum this week.

The 8-9 May event, which will be facilitated by the Royal Flying Doctor Service, will teach participants how to provide initial support to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.

The course will also explore social and emotional wellbeing, and will cost nothing for organisations to enrol suitable staff in. For more information, call 4040 0444 or email MHAdmin@rfdsqld.com.au.

vessels have restricted manoeuvring capability,” he said.

“We urge people on the water to pay close attention to displayed warning flags and lights.”

Environmental monitoring and management measures will be implemented throughout the campaign to minimise the risk of any potential impacts on the marine environment.

NQBP has managed the annual maintenance dredging program at the Port of Weipa for more than 35 years, and the organisation will also undertake dredging at Amrun on behalf of Rio Tinto.

The dredging vessel TSHD Brisbane at Evans Landing in Weipa last year.

Weipa welcomes midwifery boss

WITH birthing services set to make a return to Weipa after 25 years later this month, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service has announced experienced rural and remote midwife Michelle O’Connor will lead the organisation’s midwifery offering in the region.

Ms O’Connor has most recently served as Queensland Health’s assistant director of midwifery in the Office of the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer in the state capital, and the Weipa appointment coincides with the International Day of the Midwife on 5 May.

The recommencement of local birthing at Weipa Hospital has been celebrated by expectant mothers across western Cape York and Ms O’Connor said she was

focused on supporting midwives to work in continuity of care and scope of practice to benefit the women they were caring for.

“I’m excited to have joined [TCHHS] and am committed to ensuring rural and remote women get the best possible care, both clinically and culturally,” she said.

Ms O’Connor previously spent about 10 years working in New Zealand in her early career as a lead maternity carer offering continuity of midwifery care.

She said she was passionate about state-wide growth in midwifery continuity of care for pregnant and post-natal women, and rolling out of more midwifery group practice (MGP) services, particularly across Cape York and the Torres Strait.

Ms O’Connor will oversee the MGP teams in Weipa, Thursday Island and Cooktown, although the latter birthing service remains temporarily suspended due to staff shortages.

TCHHS acting executive director nursing and midwifery Sarah Worth said Ms O’Connor’s significant experience would benefit women throughout the region.

“We are delighted to welcome Michelle to our region,” she said last week.

“Her reputation in the midwifery industry is impeccable and having her here, based in Weipa, as we relaunch the birthing service will no doubt assist us in attracting high quality staff.”

Birthing services are set to commence in Weipa on 22 May.

Touring fairytale to bring vital message across Cape

By CHISA HASEGAWA

A MODERN-DAY fairytale production starring Indigenous actresses is on its way to Cape York to teach children about trusting their gut instinct.

JUTE Theatre Company’s First Nations-led Dare to Dream initiative will bring I Gut This Feeling to the remote community stage, delivering a vital message about trust and staying safe through a clever and comical theatre experience.

The play will be presented to students from grades four to nine in Cooktown, Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama.

“[It’s about] gut instincts, trusting your intuition, and just listening whenever your body feels off or uncomfortable, and how to actually respond to the feelings you might be feeling,” actress Sheyan Walker said.

In going to the remote communities of Cape York, Ms Walker said she felt the significance of representing mob as an Indigenous artist.

“I loved it when we had First Nations artists, performers, and creators come

to my school; I felt seen [and] I felt heard,” she said.

“It just opens up a more empathetic and intimate connection with the people coming to teach you and create with you, so I genuinely hope that when these kids see me rock up, they see themselves rock up in a way.”

According to the theatre company’s First Nations creative producer Monica Stevens, Dare to Dream breaks from the convention of passive social teaching methods to engage and empower young people.

“We have discovered that magic happens when children participate,” she said.

“The rapport in the theatre workshops is genuine and transformative for young people, who may never have had this type of experience in remote and isolated communities.”

Shahnee Hunter, who plays the little girl navigating trust and safety in the production, said she hoped

CONNECTING COOK

with Cynthia Lui, MP

May is Small Business Month in Queensland – a time to recognise and celebrate the small businesses and family operations that are the backbone of our communities here in Cook. Our small businesses don’t just provide us with our coffees, takeaways, trades services, and our tourism ventures, they are the bedrock of the local economy. Beyond the ‘business’ side of operations, they also support our clubs, charities and help to foster community connection. Most of our small businesses proudly display the certificates they receive for contributing to the latest fundraiser for the local school or charity.

Nations children would walk away knowing “there is no limit on what you want to be in life”.

“Being creative and being storytellers, it’s us; we’ve been telling stories for thousands of years,” she said.

“To tell kids, ‘keep doing it, keep using your voices, keep using everything, your

Many are also active in their local tourism and business networks, and are focused on far more than their bottom line. They strongly support the communities that support them. It is important and valuable for us to provide opportunities and promotion in May, but I think every month is really small business month.

I’d like to personally thank the many small businesses in Cook, where I have held my mobile offices recently or dropped in for a chat, like Wild Cape Cafe in Mapoon. Happy Small Business Month!

dance, your storytelling, your art, your music’, it’s just incredible and it’s valuable that we get to be the ones to go and help them share those stories.”

I Gut This Feeling will be in Cooktown from 13-16 May, Pormpuraaw from 2023 May, and Kowanyama from 27-30 May.

The Miles Government is providing more than $1.2 million to support ongoing community recovery and environmental clean-ups following TC Jasper:

$1 million for Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council to replace machinery and equipment for clean-up, recovery and restoration of waste collection services.

$260,000 in funding to support litter and marine debri clean-ups by Tangaroa Blue, Parley and ClimateForce between Cairns and Cape Flattery.

First

Sheyan Walker and Shahnee Hunter are the stars of I Gut This Feeling, a modern-day fairytale about trusting your instinct, which will tour Cape York during May.

Newly-appointed director of midwifery Michelle O’Connor will oversee birthing teams in teams in Weipa, Thursday Island and Cooktown.

$1.2m for Jasper clean-up

NEW machinery and equipment to support community and environmental recovery in Wujal Wujal is coming following a $1.2 million funding commitment from the Queensland Government.

The Wujal Wujal local government area was one of the regions most severely impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023, with heavy rainfall causing catastrophic damage to critical housing and essential services infrastructure.

As residents begin returning to community, the $1m funding

will assist the ongoing clean-up, recovery and repair efforts, and enable restoration of waste collection services.

Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council chief executive officer

Kiley Hanslow said the council was working to get community members back home as quickly and safely as possible.

“This funding will help us purchase more of the equipment we need to continue our journey to recovery from this devastating natural disaster,” she said.

“We are so grateful for the support from the Queensland

Government to help us clean up and restore essential services to our community, so that we can return to a new normal together.”

The government has announced it will also provide an additional $260,000 to support locally-led marine clean-up initiatives by Parley Foundation, Tangaroa Blue and ClimateForce on eastern Cape York.

Heavy rainfall and flooding that followed the cyclone washed tonnes of litter into waterways and coastal areas that flow into the Great Barrier Reef.

Parley Foundation spokesper-

son Christian Miller said plastic pollution had been increasingly evident over the past decade, adding events like cyclones only exacerbated the situation.

“Extreme weather events, such as Cyclone Jasper, is flashing large amounts of this waste [into] our mangroves, rivers, and beaches, exposing it again to marine life,” he said.

“It is very important to combine all efforts from governments, industries, individuals, and organisations to remove these toxic materials from the environment.”

Virtual home care given the thumbs up

A NEW study has shown virtual care is a promising way to support remote communities across Cape York and the Torres Strait during major health responses.

During the first COVID-19 wave across the region in 2022, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) offered daily phone calls to positive cases and their families to assist them in isolating safely at home.

The program, called COVID-19 Care in the Home (CCITH), involved more than 108 team members, including a significant number of First Nations

staff to ensure cultural sensitivity and safety.

The study, led by public health unit nurse Rittia Matysek, surveyed 140 people who were part of the CCITH program.

“As part of this study, we spoke to dozens of our community members who were part of the program and overwhelmingly, they felt their health needs were met by TCHHS and the CCITH team,” Ms Matysek said.

She said regular calls, unlike other models across the state which only provided text message updates to patients, were

integral to the success of the program.

“This study showed that a virtual model of care can be used in a geographically isolated area with vulnerable communities and can be well-received by these communities,” Ms Matysek explained.

“Most did not need to attend hospitals or primary health care centres, as they were able to speak directly to someone daily and this helped ease the burden on our facilities.”

5,457 positive COVID-19 cases were recorded across Cape York and the Torres Strait

between December 2021 and April 2022, with almost 3,500 enrolled in the CCITH program.

TCHHS executive director of medical services Dr Marlow Coates said while the pandemic forced the delivery of many clinical services to temporarily cease, the home care program ensured services could be delivered directly to patients.

“This study shows communities were happy with the support they received, and I believe the CCITH model has many potential applications in the future for the TCHHS and other health services,” he said.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Closure of Country

RIO Tinto has advised that access to Bouchat and Vyces Crossing from its mining lease has been closed out of respect following the passing of a Traditional Owner connected to that Country.

The closure has been made in accordance with a request from the Thanikwithi Traditional Owners to observe cultural practices.

The community will be advised when access to the area is reopened.

For more information about the closure, call 1800 820 711 or email RTAWeipaFeedback@riotinto.com.

DFV Prevention Month

“IT’S in our control to end coercive control” is the message every Queenslander is being asked to promote loudly in May in support of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month 2024.

Supported by the Queensland Government and various community organisations, the month-long campaign aims to raise awareness, provide support, and foster collaboration against domestic and family violence, with a focus on coercive control behaviours.

Organisations and community groups across Cape York and the Torres Strait will be holding a number of local events to further reinforce the key messages and present a strong visible show of unified support.

$1000 power rebate

PREMIER Steven Miles says all Queensland households will receive a $1000 rebate on their electricity bills from the start of the 2024-25 financial year.

The announcement nearly doubles the $550 electricity rebate paid to households during the current financial year, with eligible seniors, pensioners and concession card holders set to receive $1372 off their power bills.

Upfront $1000 rebates will be applied to household bills from July, with the government spruiking most residents “will not pay a single cent on their first power bill of the next financial year”.

Premier Miles said the announcement was a direct response to the skyrocketing cost of living pressures being experienced by all Queenslanders, especially those in remote parts of the state like Cape York.

“Queenslanders tell me that inflation and rising mortgage payments, rents and grocery prices are their biggest concern,” he said.

–

TCHHS public health unit nurses Rittia Matysek and Leanne Hawthorn were lead authors of the COVID-19 Care in the Home study.

I HAVE an unconventional proposition for the Queensland Government: let us utilise the royalties derived from mining our bauxite backyard on projects of importance to Cape York, and we’ll stop pointing out you don’t really care what we think about anything.

It may be a ridiculous notion, but it seems fitting, given we are now using the cost of a toilet roll landed in Weipa to gauge just how much of an infrastructure failure the Peninsula Developmental Road is.

While $62 toilet paper represents another unique element of Cape York life, it’s unlikely tourists will be clearing their schedules to make a special trip just to say they’ve used the world’s most expensive bathroom kit. All it means is that local business operators must absorb another effect of the disinterest of successive governments and a sea freight monopoly that is the only option to bring goods this far north four or five months of the year.

signalled they have no interest in up here, other than the money our extracted resources generate for the state’s coffers. They may as well have come back with “Cape Where?” and “PDWhat?” as their official positions on the matter. That brings us to my outsidethe-box offer to the government. Rio Tinto paid $3.3 billion in royalties from its Australian mining operations in 2023, with a substantial part of that going to Brisbane from western Cape York bauxite projects. What we get in return is one of life’s truly perplexing questions, so I want to make a deal with whichever party assumes power in October.

In hindsight, it was the journalism equivalent of a fool’s errand, but this publication put a simple question to both Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish and opposition leader David Crisafulli to gauge their interest in taking the repetitive, frustrated cries of Cape York residents and business operators seriously when it comes to the road linking us with the rest of the state. The question

In short, the PDR is a joke, but the impact it continues to have on the social and economic wellbeing of Cape York is as serious as, well, paying a ludicrous sum for an everyday necessity, rather than handing tourists a handful of leaves or pointing them in the direction of a communal pressure cleaner.

was: If their party was in power following the October election, would they prioritise the funding and delivery of the final stages of the Cape York Region Package, in order to finally seal the PDR to Weipa?

Neither leader responded directly, with a Transport and Main Roads spokesperson offering dot points about the PDR, including that it was now being graded after the wet season. Truly informative stuff. An LNP spokesperson

simply ranted about Labor’s failings and misspending, and how it probably wouldn’t happen on their watch.

For those playing along at home, when you see a comment attributed to a spokesperson, it’s the political equivalent of stating you have absolutely no interest in getting your fingerprints – and, by doing so, accountability – over whatever contentious issue the response pertains to. By playing the old spokesperson card, both major parties have

Let us keep the royalties payable from local mining operations on Cape York to invest in infrastructure and projects we deem critical to bettering our communities. That will allow us to seal the PDR and improve bridge infrastructure in a matter of years, not decades. The alternatives are the royalties get spent on the chest-puffing exercise that is the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, or building the umpteenth tunnel under a capital city that’s got to be one engineer’s sideways glance away from collapsing on itself. In return, we’ll stop guilting you that you don’t love us, and mentioning each election cycle you only keep inviting us to family Christmas dinners because we have something you don’t, but so desperately need.

While there’s clearly no genuine appetite for either major party in Queensland to prioritise Cape York, they are quite happy to commit the bauxite royalties derived from our backyard on infrastructure projects in more electorate-dense parts of the state while pretending they can’t hear our frustrated cries for attention.

Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page

Fit the numbers 1-6 once into every hexagon so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers are the same. No number is repeated in any single hexagon.

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.

Phone 4214 6501 or email the Club Manager: manager@weipabowlsclub.com.au for further information or to register your interest

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.

Field claims her fourth, Slade ends Brewer reign

By LYNDON KEANE

MATT Slade is the first fresh Agrade men’s competitor to get his hands on the Weipa Goodline Open silverware in more than three years after claiming a thrilling one-stroke victory over Warren Brewer on Sunday afternoon.

Brewer was aiming for a fourpeat in the 2024 edition of the 36-hole stroke competition, but was unable make up the twoshot round one gap between himself and Slade, with the latter carding rounds of 81 and 77.

Slade said he was happy to turn the tables on Brewer after finishing second the past few times he had competed in the event.

“He was in the group ahead of us, so I didn’t know how he was playing, but they were telling me ‘he’s doing good’,” he told Cape York Weekly

“I didn’t really check anything until the last couple of holes; I got to the 18th and had a 30-footer and got that in two putts [for par], so I was happy with that.

“I just had to hold it together.”

Jamie Hutton recorded nett rounds of 72 to secure the A-

grade men’s nett honours and cap off a strong three days of competition after winning the Survivor Golf qualifying round on Friday.

Nett rounds of 70 and 76 were enough to hand Danny Bradley the A-grade nett runner-up chocolates.

In the women’s A-grade, Mossman golfer Michelle Field made it four on the trot after dominating the field to secure a stunning 22-stroke gross win over runner-up Shirley Carney with rounds of 80 and 82.

The pair’s performance also handed them A-grade nett winner and runner-up honours respectively. Field praised the Weipa course and said while she was thrilled with her winning streak, it was more about returning to the township to renew bonds made during the event.

“The course is always tough and challenging, but the greenkeepers do a great job for the conditions they have to deal with,” she said.

“Winning four in a row is an achievement I’m proud of, but it’s more about returning to Weipa each year and catching up with the friends we have made over the years.”

WEIPA GOODLINE OPEN

2024 HONOUR BOARD

A-grade men gross winner

Matt Slade (81, 77: 158)

A-grade men gross runner-up

Warren Brewer (83, 76: 159)

A-grade men nett winner

Jamie Hutton (72, 72: 144)

A-grade men nett runner-up

Danny Bradley (70, 76: 146)

A-grade women gross winner

Michelle Field (80, 82: 162)

A-grade women gross runner-up

Shirley Carney (90, 94: 184)

A-grade women nett winner

Michelle Field (76, 78: 154)

A-grade women nett runner-up

Shirley Carney (76, 80: 156)

B-grade men gross winner

Scott Andrews (88, 93: 181)

B-grade men gross runner-up

Dave Frieberg (90, 92: 182)

B-grade men nett winner

Jeremy Carter (76, 73: 149)

B-grade men nett runner-up

Warren Flegg (73, 77: 150)

B-grade women gross winner

Helen Sabatino (100, 98: 198)

B-grade women gross runner-up

Kindee Lawly (95, 105: 200)

B-grade women nett winner

Kindee Lawly (63, 73: 136)

B-grade women nett runner-up

Helen Sabatino (80, 78: 158)

C-grade men gross winner

Taps Machaya (91, 95: 186)

C-grade men gross runner-up

Leigh Allender (94, 101: 195)

C-grade men nett winner

Peter Lamond (68, 73: 141)

Chris Hamill (73, 68: 141)

C-grade men nett runner-up

Taps Machaya (70, 74: 144)

Warren Flegg tries to sink a long putt to end his campaign on Sunday.

Elijah Graham and Grant Jamieson wait for their playing partners to tee off on the 1st.

Bruce Brockhurst attempts a long birdie putt on the par-three 9th hole on Saturday.

Kris Brooks, Murray Mountjoy and Grant Dyer at the halfway mark of day one.

Mossman golfers Michelle Field, Rachel Byrne, Kerrie Brady and Kim Edwards.

Weipa Goodline Open champion Matt Slade watches his putt drop to help the local star seal victory on day two.

Dramatic scenes at Survivor Golf

By LYNDON KEANE

THERE were champagne showers and absolute scenes at Carpentaria Golf Club on 3 May when the dynamic duo of Gingerman and Robin booked their golden tickets to the Survivor Golf grand final in December.

The team – better known as Weipa locals Brock Lowrey and Jamie Hutton – was too good over the 18-hole event, managing to hold off the fast-finishing pairing of Warren Brewer and Peter Anderson, who looked set to send the showdown to a playoff on the penultimate hole.

Needing a birdie to lock the scores, Anderson nearly sank a stunning 10-metre putt on the 18th hole, but the shot painfully lipped out to hand Lowrey and Hutton victory.

Lowrey said the nett 10-under result represented his best effort on the course since moving to Weipa about five years ago.

“This is the best golf I’ve played in my time up here in Weipa,” he said.

“Drivers going long and straight, and putts were dropping.

“It’s awesome for the two of us to represent Weipa; Jamie’s been here 10-odd years [and] this is my fifth-odd year.”

Hutton said he had taken some

confidence into the tournament after a number of impressive practice rounds.

“I’m so pumped,” he explained.

“Brock and I both had a couple of practice rounds getting ready for today, and we were very happy with how we were hitting them.”

After experiencing exponential growth since its inception three years ago, Survivor Golf founder and chief executive officer Dave Cameron said the “tournament with a purpose” continued to use golf as a mechanism to spread mental health awareness both on the course and across the communities qualifying rounds were played in.

“We feel that Survivor Golf is one of the cleanest, exciting amateur golf tournaments in Australia, but when people learn the reasons behind Survivor Golf, they get really excited to contribute and play,” he said.

“Survivor Golf is a tournament with a purpose, and that’s about raising awareness for mental health.

“We make amateurs feel like professionals; the format allows the opportunity for everyone who stands on the first tee the chance to win the tournament.

“We weren’t going to miss the opportunity to have our golf tournament here in Weipa.”

Warren Brewer watches Choppers teammate Peter Anderson attempt a long putt that would have sent Friday’s Survivor Golf to a playoff.

Darren Corke and Dave Freiberg were the standout winners of the best dressed prize.

Tyler Nicholson is a picture of concentration as he watches his approach shot on the first hole.

Jess Stecko sends a long putt from the fringe of the green.

Teams took to the Carpentaria Golf Club fairways in a “tournament with a purpose” when they teed off in the Weipa round of the 2024 Survivor Golf Series on Friday morning. Photos: Lyndon Keane

Graham Dyer watches his tee shot down the sixth fairway at Carpentaria Golf Club.

No ovals, no worries for Cape-Torres footy team

By CHISA HASEGAWA

A LINE-UP of girls from Bamaga and Thursday Island are celebrating success on the Australian football paddock after impressive performances in an interschool competition in Cairns last week.

With no AFL ovals back home, the young footballers finished third overall in the AFLQ School Cup, despite only playing together for the first time on game day.

AFL Cape York game development coordinator Kieran Sciberras said it was a remarkable display of natural talent.

“The girls don’t necessarily have as much access to the competition as some of their southern or urban counterparts, but the natural talent still shines,” he said.

“They might have a bit of an underdog tag, because they’re newer to the game at this level, but they don’t give up.

“The confidence and bond built after they played one or two games, and they just kept improving.”

Last year’s AFLQ School Cup helped first-time Torres Strait player Mistee Sagigi show off her skill with the Sherrin, which put her on the radar of

the under-16 Gold Coast Suns Academy.

Sagigi said knowing she could have professional football opportunities despite the tyranny of distance was special.

“Getting to know AFL changed my life and I’m surprised I’ve made it this far. This year, I was more confident, and was able to lead the younger girls, talk to them and make them feel a part of our group,” she said.

The girls-only training was part of the AFL Cape York school clinic program, which travels all over the vast Cape York and Torres Strait catch-

ment area to provide five- to sixweek football programs.

Mr Sciberras said AFL Cape York delivered more than 931 football clinics to over 13,500 young people in 58 schools across 44 communities in 2023.

“Last year, AFL Cape York was the only organisation to run school sport clinics at every school campus across the Northern Peninsula Area and the Torres Strait, including all outer islands,” he said.

“Some communities are only accessible by four-wheel drive or boat, plane and even helicopter, so we rely heavily on sponsorship to make it happen.”

Weipa claims Division 1 pennants glory

THE Division 1 Tropical Far North Queensland Bowls pennants silverware is on its way to western Cape York after a dominant performance by Weipa bowlers at the weekend. Weipa Bowls Club sent three teams of four competitors to Yungaburra for the annual Division 1 pennants competition on 4-5 May, with the visitors proving far too strong.

SPORT IN BRIEF

Dead heat in parkrun

A STRONG field of 52 runners started the long weekend with their best foot forward when they participated in Weipa parkrun #364 on 4 May.

Reece Reed continued his recent good form by setting a new personal best of 21 minutes, 44 seconds over the fivekilometre course, and in doing so shared top billing with Ross Dawson as the quickest runner of the event.

Sophie Tree, Mia Aldcroft, Lorraine Powers, Tanya Tallis and Mike Owens also chalked up personal best performances on the day.

Volunteers Jenna Parker and the entire Robins clan – Geoff, Rose, Ayda and Olive – made Weipa’s latest parkrun a success.

Register for Big Run

REGISTRATIONS are now open for the Big Run for Little Athletics, which will be held on 15 June during the Cooktown Discovery Festival.

Hosted by Cooktown Little Athletics, 1km, 2km and 4km courses will be offered for fun runners.

The Diabetes on Track Goliath of Grassy Hill (4km) will commence at 7am, while the Wellness Embodied Kids’ Dash for primary school-aged children (1km) starts at 8:30am.

The 2km Cooktown RSL Fun Run will get under way at 9am.

For more information about the event, or to register, visit www.cooktownexpo.com.au and search under events.

RISE rugby league camps

FUTURE stars of the NRL are being encouraged to attend a two-day RISE player development program camp in Weipa next week.

The free camp will run from 11-12 May at Andoom Oval, and is open to male and female players aged 13-17.

The NRL and Northern Pride will be running the camp, which will include a refereeing course for any western Cape York parents keen to pick up a whistle and volunteer for the 2024 junior rugby league season. For more information, check out the Central Cape Suns Junior Rugby League Facebook page.

Two games were held on Saturday and with combined scores, Weipa beat Mossman 56-51 in the first game before overwhelming hosts Yungaburra 71-41 in the second.

The performance gave Weipa bowlers a strong head start for the final clash against Atherton on Sunday, which resulted in the western Cape York club claiming a 49-43 victory over the Tablelanders and the pennants for 2024.

The bowlers who made the trip to Yungaburra were Rod Enman, Carlton Schapel, Fraser Maguire, Dwayne Brooks, Louis Drake, Mick Cerneka, Ben Moore, Jack Phillips, Steven Pye, Russell Wellby, Daylen Maunsell and Jesse Pye.

Social golf this week

FOLLOWING the Weipa Goodline Open, the usual nine-hole social golf competitions return this week.

Wednesday Wackers is played from 2:30pm, while Dawn Busters tees off around 6:30am on Sundays.

Weipa Bowls Club members stood up to be counted when they claimed the annual Division 1 Pennants crown over two days in Yungaburra.