Competitive fun was the name of the game when hundreds of residents and tourists converged on the Weipa Aquatic and Sports Centre and Kumrumja Park on Saturday afternoon to farewell East Weipa mining operations. Turn to Page 12 to see who we spotted out and about.
The 2024-25 federal budget has “pretty much totally ignored” the needs of Cape York and Torres Strait residents, according to Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch. Turn to Page 5 to find out why the veteran MP says it does not deal with the challenges facing Queensland’s remote communities.
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THE Queensland Police Service has confirmed the officer in charge of the Aurukun station has been suspended amid allegations of misconduct in the workplace.
A QPS spokesperson told Cape York Weekly Senior Sergeant Amit Singh had been stood down earlier in the month, pending an investigation.
“The officer in charge of Aurukun station was suspended from official duty from the Queensland Police Service on Thursday, [9 May],” the spokesperson said.
“The officer is subject to an ongoing Ethical Standards Command investigation into allegations of workplace misconduct.”
While QPS would not specify the nature of the misconduct allegations, the spokesperson stated Senior Sergeant Singh had not been charged with any criminal offences.
“In keeping with our commitment to high standards of behaviour, transparency and accountability, we will inform the public
when a member of the service faces allegations of serious misconduct,” they said.
“Investigations are continuing, and the officer has not been charged with any criminal offences.”
Another officer in charge is currently relieving at the Aurukun police station.
THE Cook Shire community is being asked to rally around one of their own as she continues to brave the fight against stage four breast cancer.
Nathalie Roberts was diagnosed late last year and is currently on her third round of chemotherapy.
For the first two rounds, she and her family, including three young children, have had to travel to Cairns for three months at a time to receive aggressive treatment.
With the financial strain only getting tougher each time, family friend Melinda Parker organised a fundraiser event for the community to get behind Nathalie and her family.
“It’s really taking a toll on them financially, so the aim is to relieve some of the pressure they’re experiencing,” Ms Parker said.
Tickets are now on sale for the 1 June event, which will feature a major item auction, monster raffle, food and drinks, and entertainment for the whole family.
“Everyone’s welcome, we want people from everywhere –people from Coen, Laura, Hope Vale, Wujal Wujal, the entire Shire,” Ms Parker said.
“We’re hoping most people will book tickets so we can adequately cater, but they can purchase tickets on the night as well if they don’t get around to it.”
David Roberts, Nathalie’s
husband, said they were overwhelmed by the support from Ms Parker and the community.
“[Melinda] is one of our best friends and this girl has got so much on her plate; she’s a councillor, she’s a solicitor, and still has found time to organise this,” he said.
“All the other ladies in town have gotten behind it; they’ve all got full-time jobs and families, and still found the time to support us.”
With the constant back and forth travel taking its toll mentally and financially, Mr Roberts said they had considered mov-
ing to Cairns but couldn’t give up the supportive community they were a part of.
“We weighed up the odds of leaving town to be closer to resources, but when we saw how Cooktown reacted, we couldn’t,” he said.
“We’d lose all the support that’s probably going to heal her better than any medicine at the end of the day.”
Proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards covering out-ofpocket costs included in travelling for treatment.
Mr Roberts said the financial support from the community has
helped Nathalie live her life to the fullest.
“Nathalie’s long-term dreams that would take a few years of hard work, we’ve had to short cut and bring in a few treats now,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter if we’re not ready yet, because cancer is not waiting until we’re ready; we have to be ready now. That’s another thing of community support that’s been great, they say ‘we don’t care what you spend the money on, live life now’.”
To buy tickets to the fundraiser, google “Eventbrite Nathalie Roberts”.
A DIAMOND, barrel smoker and premium cowhide bag are just a few of the raffle prizes attendees will be trying to win when they frock up to fundraise for the Weipa Community Kindergarten on Saturday night.
C&K Kindy will host its major annual fundraiser, Wine by the Sea (WBTS), on 25 May, as the who’s who of Weipa dress and dance to impress as they embrace this year’s theme of Music Through the Eras.
Rocky Point’s Kumrumja Centre will come alive with the sounds of the 1920s to today for the popular event, with Weipa Community Kindergarten committee vice-president Caitlyn Moore admitting it had sold out within 24 hours.
“We had a huge response and sold out all our tickets for the actual event within 24 hours,” she told Cape York Weekly
“We have a phenomenal raffle that will be drawn on the night, thanks to some amazing local businesses who continually support our community.
“Winners do not need to be present, so people can still be involved by purchasing tickets for their chance to win a great prize.”
With more than $5,000 in prizes on offer in the raffle, a stunning sunset, and live acoustic musician scheduled to take to the stage before DJ Scotty Burzerk has attendees burning up the dancefloor, Ms Moore said the format of the annual fundraiser was what made it so popular with the community.
“WBTS is definitely a highlight on Weipa’s social calendar, being essentially the only event where you can get your good clothes out or get creative with your costume skills,” she explained.
“There is always a lot of anticipation around what the theme will be, and choosing a theme is
the hardest part of planning the event, especially on the back of the amazing Colours of Cape York last year.
“We’ve had some great
feedback for this year’s Music Through the Eras, though, and we’re really excited to see everyone’s outfits and to see our vision come to life on the night.”
While the event was traditionally used to fund facility and equipment upgrades, Ms Moore said skyrocketing operational costs meant the not-for-profit organisation would now use the fundraising effort to simply keep the doors open for its families.
“We’re still working really hard towards achieving upgrades and improvements, however, the reality is that our priority is to be able to offer Weipa’s little people and families a great kindergarten service, and WBTS helps us with that.”
To buy your raffle tickets to support C&K Kindy, visit www. rafflelink.com.au/2024wbts.
CAPE York and the Torres Strait have been “pretty much totally ignored” in the Federal Government’s 2024-25 budget, says Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch.
Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers unveiled where the government will spend its money over the coming 12 months on 14 May, with almost no reference to the northernmost part of Queensland in hundreds of pages of budget documents.
Cape York and Torres Strait stakeholders continue to pour over the budget, but Mr Entsch said it was difficult to find any commitment to the region.
“I think it’s fair to say Cape York and the Torres Strait have been left in a rain shadow. I look at this budget and there’s a lot of a little sweeteners there; it’s an election budget and they’re not dealing with a lot of the challenges we have,” the MP said.
“We’ve been pretty much totally ignored.”
Mr Entsch said he was disappointed the government appeared to have no intention of matching the $4 billion allocated to the Northern Territory for remote housing, while the Peninsula Developmental Road seemed to be completely forgotten.
“There’s $4 billion in there for housing for the Northern Territory, but there’s nothing I can see for our communities up there,” he said.
“My understanding is that
there’s a top-up required for stage two [of the Cape York Region Package] and that’s not referenced at all; we’ve got to start hunting for that again.”
Political pundits have speculated the budget could signal Prime Minister Anthony Albanese intended to call an early election, something Mr Entsch said would not surprise him.
“I wouldn’t be surprised, I wouldn’t be surprised; it would be late this year or early next year, that would be my guess.”
ANGLERS from every corner of Australia will converge on Cape York in three weeks to wet a line in the 2024 instalment of one of the most hotly-contested fishing competitions available.
The Weipa Fishing Classic will be held on 7-9 June and transform the township into a melting pot of angling fanatics and families all vying to get their hands on more than $200,000 in prizes, including a number of boats.
There are only 2,400 tickets available for the event, and new WFC president Lisa Lui said this year’s schedule offered
something for every member of the family.
“There’s a lure casting competition, a cast net throwing competition, best mullet competition, random prizes, one-ofa-kind memorabilia and kids’ jumping amusements,” she said.
“People can expect an amazing, family-friendly atmosphere at one of Weipa’s premier events of the year, and it’s just an allround memorable weekend to brag to their friends about.”
Committee members will be selling tickets in the Woolworths car park each weekend in the lead-up to the event, but anglers
can also purchase them from Weipa Furniture and Electrical.
Ms Lui said 2024 would likely be another record year for the popular event.
“For some families, this is an annual fishing trip; for others, it is one to cross off their bucket list,” she explained.
“It is shaping up to be another event for the record books.
“It is the atmosphere and the community spirit that draws people in and back year on year; the committee knows how to put on a show and how to party.”
While a convoy of four-wheel drives and boats will arrive in
Weipa to compete in the WFC, Ms Lui said the committee was focused on ensuring western Cape York residents were not forgotten in the flurry of angling excitement.
“The needs of the community are at the heart of this committee, and we try to keep this affordable for our families in the local and surrounding communities,” she said.
“We are so proud of Weipa, and what the WFC brings to our community year on year.”
For more information, keep an eye on the Weipa Fishing Classic Facebook page.
CAPE York and Torres Strait stakeholders are being asked to have their say on the State Government’s reviewed crocodile management plan.
Public consultation on a draft new plan, which includes updates to the existing crocodile management zones and specific information about the risks and management responses for each zone, opened earlier this month and closes on 5 June.
Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leanne Linard said community education would remain a critical element of the revised plan.
“I acknowledge that the management of crocodiles is an emotive issue, with a wide variety of views within the community. Community education will remain a major part of our strategy,” she said.
Minister Linard said last month’s fatal crocodile attack on Saibai Island reinforced the danger the reptiles posed to people.
“The recent tragic event in the Torres Strait has again highlighted the dangers posed by crocodiles in the wild,” she said.
FAR North Queensland construction company WIP Construction has been awarded the tender to build Pormpuraaw’s new primary healthcare centre (PHCC).
The State Government announced the tender outcome on 16 May, which will deliver the new PHCC on the existing health precinct grounds to ensure service continuity during the construction phase.
Construction of the 1,197-square-metre facility is expected to commence in mid2024 and be finished by late 2026.
Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman said the project would ensure local medical services remained available to the Pormpuraaw community.
CONQUER the Corrugations and the Royal Flying Doctor Services have partnered up to offer free mental health first aid training in Weipa on a weekend for the first time.
The two-day course will be held at the Albatross Bay Resort from 8:30am-3:30pm on 1-2 June, and RFDS Far North mental health manager Jos Middleton said the weekend scheduling was in response to community feedback.
“We have often had requests for weekend sessions, so here we are, offering what community has asked for,” she said.
To register, or for more information, email mhadmin@rfdsqld.com.
WEIPA will say goodbye to a face that has been a comfort for patients and families for more than 30 years at the township’s hospital this month.
Lead nurse Esther Rutherford is set to retire at the end of May after decades of service at Weipa Hospital, and director of nursing Kindee Lawty said her departure would leave a “huge hole” in both the facility and community.
“She’s pretty much one of the backbones of the hospital with her knowledge and ability to pick up the bits and pieces of the day-today stuff that happens,” she said.
“We’re busily trying to get that knowledge extracted from her and nominate certain people to take on those jobs, but she’s quietly gone about her business to perform certain tasks, so it’s going to be very difficult to replace her.”
As a long-term community member, the retiring nurse has an extensive knowledge of Weipa and its residents.
“Esther has good community connections, so she is aware of people, their families, and their circumstances,” Ms Lawty said.
“That certainly has contributed to the hospital being able to provide really good care to people in the community.”
Ms Rutherford did her nurse training in Cairns in the late 1970s, and moved to Weipa with her hus-
after having two more children, and has been a familiar face ever since.
“There’s a couple of us longterm nursing staff who community members would always be happy to see, because they would be more comfortable seeing someone they knew,” Ms Rutherford said.
“It’s been a privilege to assist
people during some significant times in their life.”
She said patient advocacy was one of the most important things she learned, especially in a remote facility with minimal staff.
“I remember as a student nurse I was a bit shy, but you have to overcome that, because you realise that the patient is in a situation where they are vulnerable. Especially in
THE boss of Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals Incorporated has been announced as one of six new Queensland Government Biosecurity Mates ambassadors.
With over 30 years’ experience in natural resource management, Trevor Meldrum’s appointment comes on the back of his ground-level biosecurity work and demonstrated advocacy to ensure the voices of Indigenous stakeholders were heard in biosecurity discussions.
The announcement of the Biosecurity Mates, who will be tasked with spreading the message of vigilance in their communities, aligns with the release of the government’s second five-year biosecurity strategy.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the ambassadors would help drive community awareness of a “most wanted” list of biosecurity threats.
“I commend our six ambassadors, who have put their hands up to advocate for a stronger biosecurity system,” he said.
Mr Meldrum said he hoped his appointment would help get Cape York’s cultural knowledge in the state’s biosecurity spotlight.
“I’ve put me hand up to be an ambassador to be able to get our cultural knowledge across, to let people know we’re willing to protect our Country,” he said.
the days when we only had a single doctor, you can imagine him getting fatigued,” she reflected.
“If you saw something that wasn’t quite right, it was important to talk to the doctor in a respectful manner and confirm that was the treatment he was wanting.
“There’s times when he could go ‘oh, thanks for that’, and there’s other times you didn’t realise some
treatments could work for other illnesses, and you learn as you go.”
Once she hangs up her scrubs, Ms Rutherford said she was excited to be moving to Cairns to be closer to family, but admitted the hospital and community would always hold a place in her heart.
“They’ve got my number, and I’ve told them they can call me anytime,” she said.
A RED ribbon symbolised rebirth when stakeholders celebrated the official return of health services to Wujal Wujal on 14 May.
A temporary modular clinic was installed in the community after its previous clinic was decimated by post-Tropical Cyclone Jasper flooding in December 2023, with last week’s formal opening ceremony signalling the return of doctor clinics, specialist and outpatient services, as well as allied health and midwifery outreach clinics.
The temporary clinic will remain in place while the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) works with the Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council and other stakeholders over the coming months to develop options for a future permanent clinic to replace the old, flood-damaged facility.
Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman said the State Government was “dedicated to providing the same high-quality levels of health care service to Wujal Wujal and the surrounding communities as prior to the flooding event”.
“I want to thank the community for its patience and the Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council for working closely with [TCHHS] to get services back up and running as quickly as possible,” she said last week.
“We will continue to support the Wujal Wujal and surrounding communities and ensure they are provided with the resources and services they need as they continue to rebuild after the flooding.’’ Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the return of local health services was critical to Wujal Wujal’s recovery.
“Resuming the health, social and emotional wellbeing services people need in community is critical, and I celebrate and thank the many people who have been working tirelessly to make this happen,” she said.
Following the ribbon cutting, director of nursing Vince Connellan said he believed residents of Wujal
Wujal and surrounding communities could now return from months of displacement confident there was again local medical support.
“These communities can now feel safe to return home and also feel confident that services are finally back close to home where they belong,” he said.
Due to the size of the new mod-
ular clinic, medical imaging and dental services are still limited, and will be provided from Cooktown in the interim.
The temporary clinic does also not have capacity for an onsite morgue, but a TCHHS spokesperson said culturally and clinically safe transfers would occur until burials could take place locally.
COMMUNITY excitement is building with less than a month to go until the iconic Cooktown Discovery Festival weekend.
Locals and visitors will gather to commemorate and celebrate Cooktown’s unique history and culture in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
Cook Shire Council Mayor Robyn Holmes said the annual event was always a huge boost for the communities of the local government area, as well as Wujal Wujal and Hope Vale.
“As this year’s Cooktown Discovery Festival approaches, council is becoming increasingly excited about showcasing our history, culture and unique community character,” she said.
“The festival is a time to bring family and communities together to celebrate and reflect on our strength and resilience, and what makes Cape York Peninsula a great place to live, work and play.”
“I’ve been coming to the festival since I was a child, so there’s a lot that’s changed, but each year there’s something new to be excited about,” she said.
“I was raised in Cape Flattery, and it was just something we did; we drove over to Cooktown whenever the festival was on.
“Growing up in somewhere like Cape Flattery, where there were like seven children, coming to Cooktown was like coming to the big smoke, so coming to the festival was even better and there were definitely lots of fun memories.”
THE Queensland Resources Council has launched an initiative it says will create job opportunities for groups currently underrepresented in the state’s mining and energy workforce.
The Resources Workforce Inclusion and Diversity Engagement (WIDE) project has been developed via a $963,000 funding injection by the State Government.
QRC chief executive officer Janette Hewson said a new digital hub would support resource companies to implement diversity and inclusivity initiatives to aid in the attraction, retention and advancement of people from diverse backgrounds.
“This initiative is focussed on making the resources sector in Queensland a better, more inclusive place for people from underrepresented groups to work,” she said.
“That includes women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, veterans, refugees, and neurodiverse people.”
Ms Hewson added the project had been developed with “strong support” from resource companies.
RIO Tinto is reminding the community 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.
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In addition to fan favourites including the re-enactment of Captain Cook’s landing, live performances and fun run, the Cape York Automotive Muster will return for the third time after successful runs in 2022 and 2023.
Long-term Cooktown resident and muster organiser Lauren Bowyer said the Discovery Festival weekend had been a highlight for as long as she could remember.
While Ms Bowyer has her radar targeted on making the muster the best edition yet, she said she could not wait to see the community unite for the festival, including the annual parade.
“The whole community coming together is always something exciting,” she said.
Editor Lyndon Keane said readers played a vital role in setting the news agenda.
“There’s never a shortage of colourful characters, great yarns and community concern across a place as big as the Cape,” he said.
To submit a news tip, email editor@ capeyorkweekly.com.au.
FRIDAY JUNE 7 TO SUNDAY JUNE 9, 2024
entitles entry into the fishing competition top 30 major prize draw (approx. $200,000 in prizes) and random prizes! Come & wet a line in Weipa!
• Major raffle with awesome prizes
• Random draws throughout the event
• Live music & family fun for everyone
• Food stalls & product stalls
FERAL cattle control will be undertaken in four Cape York national parks later this year to help the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) prevent damage to native and cultural elements of the assets.
Feral and branded cattle cause damage to water bodies, rare and endangered plants, habitat for endangered animals and places of cultural significance for First Nations peoples.
QPWS conduct regular feral animal control programs in national parks on Cape York that target feral pigs, feral cats, feral horses and unbranded cattle, and
assistant principal ranger Steve Coulson said survey data will be used to inform the programs and feral cattle management.
A 2022-23 aerial monitoring and satellite tracking program on Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land (CYPAL) conducted by QPWS and CSIRO used helicopters and satellite tracking to establish the number and movement patterns of feral cattle, as well as their distribution.
“It is estimated that thousands of unbranded cattle are still grazing and forming herds in the vast, unique and diverse landscapes on the Peninsula, includ-
ing on CYPAL national parks” Mr Coulson said.
“QPWS is working with neighbouring landowners to facilitate the issue of stock mustering permits, so that they can retrieve their cattle from protected areas. In 2023, we issued 33 stock mustering permits, and we’re asking any neighbouring landowners to contact QPWS early and obtain permits for 2024. The feral cattle need to be removed from managed herds, so they don’t reduce the value of landholders’ stock.”
Mr Coulson said landholders had until September 2024 to
muster their branded cattle from CYPAL national parks, after which, remaining cattle would be seized.
“Given the damage feral cattle can cause to the natural environment and culturally significant places, our primary objective is to significantly reduce the numbers of cattle on protected area estate, and to prevent re-population from occurring,” he said.
The program will be undertaken in Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park, Olkola National Park, Oyala Thumotang National Park and Cape Melville National Park.
GLAMOROUS gowns and swanky suits are arriving in Lockhart River for the community’s first NAIDOC ball.
The Puuya Foundation, which aims to develop everyday leaders and empower the local community, has organised a youth-focused ball to celebrate the efforts of people aged 12-25 in the eastern Cape York community.
Donations of formalwear, make-up and hair accessories have already begun to arrive in the mail in preparation for the July event.
Puuya Foundation chief executive officer Emma Schuh said the youth focus of the ball aligned with this year’s NAIDOC theme of Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.
“This is our next generation of leaders that is going to continue this fight,” she said.
“The result of the referendum was quite disheartening and we as adults felt that we didn’t want the taste of defeat with our next generation, we wanted to keep the fire burning.”
Donations are still needed to help make the gala event a success for all attendees.
“We’re having some difficulties with our grades 7-10 cohorts, because a lot of formal dresses are used for year 12 formal,” Ms Schuh said.
“We’re also going to have a fireworks display, which is going to be the first fireworks display in Lockhart River, so if anyone out there would like to support that, that would be fantastic.”
They are also looking for a red carpet for the youth to get a five-star entrance.
“We’ve put on our Facebook
page to encourage the kids to start thinking of what transport they’ll be coming in, so there’s a lot of chatter that they’re going to use their auntie’s car or their uncle’s car, and they’re going to do it up,” Ms Schuh said.
“We’ve even had kids saying they want to come on a horse.”
The ball will be open to youth who have over 40 per cent attendance at school, are enrolled in boarding school, or are studying and earning.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a reward, but it’s showing these children
that we recognise their efforts and we see their hard work,” the Puuya Foundation CEO said.
“With one of the criteria being school attendance, we think it’s a great initiative for those children that for whatever reason, aren’t at that stage.
“We’ve got a couple of kids that are just under that 40 per cent, and they’re working really hard to go to school every day, so that they can come.”
To support the ball, call 4021 2610 or email admin@puuyafoundation.com.au.
FURTHER support is now available for eligible commercial fishers, skippers and crew affected by the State Government’s zonal gillnet fishing ban.
The government announced on 17 May an additional $15.9 million was now available to a range of impacted stakeholders, including Gulf of Carpentaria commercial operators.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said he believed the additional funding would support those whose livelihoods had been impacted by the 17 May gillnet ban.
“Commercial fishers impacted by the new gillnet-free areas will be paid for their loss of income,” he said.
“In recognition of the impacts these changes have had on the employees of commercial fishers, this stage also includes support payments for skippers and crew who were employed to fish on eligible vessels.”
Applications for support must be received by the 30 June deadline. For more information, call 1800 623 946.
LOCALS and visitors to the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) are celebrating the launch of a locally-owned Indigenous business that will provide a water view of some of the region’s major tourist attractions.
Cape York Jetski Tours commenced operation last week, and is run by wellknown NPA residents Pafetai and Rita Morseau.
The business is the first of its kind in the NPA, and will allow customers to see the region’s stunning coastline from Sesia to Pajinka. The business said its inception signified a “significant milestone for regional tourism”, adding one of the key aims would be use it as a way to create local job opportunities and foster community growth.
THERE is still time for Cape York residents to throw their support behind Coen’s Jodi Hamilton as voting continues for the 2024 Royal Flying Doctor Service Local Hero.
Ms Hamilton was announced as the Cairns region winner of the award earlier this month for her dedication to remote healthcare accessibility, and work with the RFDS and Coen clinic.
To vote for Ms Hamilton, visit www. rfdslocalhero.com.au and click on the heart to show your support.
LASER tag, mini golf, live music and fireworks were just some of the activities hundreds of residents and tourists participated in to farewell East Weipa mining operations on 18 May.
The commemoration was coordinated by Rio Tinto and Weipa Town Authority (WTA), and came on the back of a similar event on 11 May, and gave attendees an opportunity to reflect on 60 years of bauxite operations at East Weipa as they let their hair down in perfect weather conditions.
Events started at the Weipa Aquatic and Sports Centre before the crowd moved to Kumrumja Park to watch the sunset and fireworks, and WTA Chair Jaime Gane said she had not been surprised by the show of community support.
“It’s been fantastic, but then the Weipa community are always very supportive of community events; that’s part of what makes it such a great place to live,” she said.
Rio Tinto acting general manager Weipa operations Mark Arkell said the commemoration of East Weipa’s closure represented a “new chapter” for the township.
“The end of mining operations
at East Weipa marks the beginning of a new chapter, which will see us working closely with Traditional Owners of the land and our agreement partners as we transition through the next stages,” he said.
“This new chapter brings opportunities for economic development, local business partnerships and capacity building within our community, ensuring responsible practices that support the environment.
“Rio Tinto is committed to the future of Weipa as we continue to support the town through projects such as housing development, local business support and the funding of community development projects.”
Ms Gane praised staff involved with planning and delivering both events, adding her favourite part had simply been “seeing everyone getting involved and enjoying themselves”.
“It’s no easy task organising these type of events, and the Rio Tinto and WTA staff who put it all together have done a fantastic job, so it’s just great to see that the community appreciates the effort,” she said.
FORMER Queensland mine and quarry workers will have an opportunity to access a free lung check when the HEART5 Mobile Health Unit rolls into Weipa on 11-12 June.
The service is operated by Heart of Australia in partnership with Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ).
RSHQ’s director of the health surveillance unit, Evan Pengelly, said HEART5 travelled across the state to provide free lung checks for eligible former workers.
“The tests are important because mine dust lung diseases can take 10 years or more to develop, and even longer to produce noticeable symptoms,” he said.
“While no one wants to test positive to lung disease, early detection means access to support and treatment sooner, which can slow disease progression and maintain quality of life.”
The unmissable B-double medical truck was built specifically to travel into regional and remote parts of the state like Cape York to provide former mine and quarry workers with access to the best respiratory health services available.
Onboard is state-of-the-art medical equipment operated by skilled medical staff who provide examination, chest X-ray and spirometry services, along with access to the world’s first battery-powered CT scanner if required.
Since its maiden trip in February 2022, HEART5 has provided lung health checks for almost 1,000 former workers and has clocked up over 90,000 kilometres around Queensland in the process.
Checks are free for those who no longer work in the industry, have three or more years’ experience in coal mines, mineral mines or quarries, including six months in Queensland.
If former workers cannot visit HEART5, other options to get a free lung check can be discussed.
HEART5 will be parked at the Weipa Storm Surge Shelter during its western Cape York visit next month.
Bookings are essential and can be made by calling the Mine Dust Health Support Service on 1300 445 715.
THE installation of a new flood monitoring system at the Bloomfield Bridge is helping Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council, Cook Shire Council and Douglas Shire Council better notify their residents of flood risks.
After residents across the region reported not hearing local flood sirens following Tropical Cyclone Jasper, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council chief executive officer Kiley Hanslow sought a cost-effective and reliable solution.
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) identified a solution that uses LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology to send an SMS warning when water get within 50 centimetres of the bridge deck.
Ms Hanslow said after the previous flood warning system was washed away, the councils needed a cheap and easily replaceable solution.
“LiDAR takes measurements using a laser from the sensor itself, which reduces the number of hardware components required to take a flood height reading,” she said.
“In an instance where tra-
ditional flood infrastructure is washed away or damaged, installers need to revisit the site and replace several components, or even the entire solution, as we saw with the washed away siren, which can be extremely costly.
“With the new solution, if these LiDAR sensors are washed away, council can re-install a replacement themselves, which minimises cost and length of time the community will go without a working solution.”
Ms Hanslow said on 17 December, 2023, the flood siren had sounded earlier in the day, but by night, the level sensor in the flood
camera pole had been destroyed when the water level rose within minutes.
“Having a flood alert system in place in our community is essential for enhancing public safety, improving emergency response capabilities, and promoting disaster preparedness,” she said.
“By investing in advanced warning systems and proactive measures like the LiDAR sensors and flood alerting solution, our community can better protect residents, reduce the impact of floods, and build a more resilient future.”
– story by Chisa Hasegawa
your say on the design of the Remote Jobs
A new jobs program is coming to remote communi�es and the Australian Government wants to hear from you about how it should work.
People living in remote communi�es are invited to provide feedback to help design the new program.
You can have your say at an upcoming mee�ng in your area, or fill out a survey on the NIAA website.
To find out more visit www.niaa.gov.au/rjed-consulta�ons, call 1800 079 098 or visit your local NIAA office
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MEMORIES of a beloved son, mother and father pour into the Cooktown Anglican Church in the afternoon light through its exquisite stained glass window.
When the new church was being built last year, warden Christa Palmer requested to design and install a window in dedication to her family and community members.
“We lost our son in 2007, and I’ve lost both my parents, they’re all buried here in the church cemetery,” Ms Palmer said.
She commissioned local artist Kim Fowler to design a window incorporating Cooktown orchids, a birdwing butterfly, a cross and a dove.
“Everything in there has got a symbolic meaning,” Ms Palmer explained.
“When we buried [my son], somebody saw the clouds form a cross, and somebody else saw the clouds form a dove.
“There was also a birdwing butterfly which just kept flying around the coffin.”
She collaborated with other members of the church to ensure the window was special to the entire community.
“It was important to me that they were happy with what I designed, because it’s not only my son and my parents, but it’s also depicting Cooktown, especially with the orchids,” the warden said.
“Most churches have Jesus Christ or angels, but we wanted something that was different and specific to us.”
Every detail, including the swirl of colours used on the piece, was carefully thought out.
“The green depicts earth and the yellow depicts the sun; the sun gives us life and the earth gives us life,” Ms Palmer said.
“You’ll see the edging is red, which represents the blood of Christ.”
The artist, Ms Fowler, said the stunning work had come together over a year.
A LONG-RANGE genetic study of Queensland’s saltwater crocodiles has shown about 40 per cent of the total non-hatchling population is found in the north-western part of Cape York.
The study was led by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) in collaboration with CSIRO, and also determined the estimated 20-30,000 reptiles living in the state’s waterways could be broadly categorised as coming from six populations living within 12 distinct bioregions.
The local sub-populations include north-west Cape York and the Torres Strait, north-east Cape York and Rinyirru (Lakefield) and the north-eastern coast.
DESI program coordinator wildlife monitoring and research Simon Booth said the study found about 91 per cent of Queensland crocodiles also live within 50km of where they hatched.
“Although estuarine crocodiles are capable of moving anywhere along Queensland’s coastline, the study has redefined what we know about Queensland’s crocodile population,” Mr Booth said.
“[T]he genetics study has shown where crocodiles come from, where they go and how far they travel.
“Almost 80 per cent of Queensland’s crocodile population is located north of Cooktown and in the Gulf of Carpentaria, with around 20 per cent located along the coastline between Cooktown and Rockhampton.
“This information can help us manage local populations, and we will use the findings to help inform the management of crocodiles.”
The study found the saltwater crocodile population in Queensland had recovered from widescale commercial hunting prior to protections being introduced in 1974, with those on Cape York recorded at a density of three per kilometre, two-
and-a-half times the 1.2 per kilometre density of populations around Cairns and the southern Gulf.
1176 genetic samples were used for analysis in the study and CSIRO senior research scientist Luke LloydJones said it had been a great collaboration between the organisations.
“The study integrated ecological and management knowledge with exciting genetic data generated from DNA samples,” he said.
“This data, coupled with advanced analytics, allowed us to gain insights into how Queensland’s crocodiles are connected across the species range both historically, through patterns of genetic variation, and more recently, via the distribution of close relatives.”
Stained glass proved to be a challenge in community the size of Cooktown, with glass having to be sourced from bigger towns.
Ms Fowler said glass would often arrive broken, or not the exact shade she was hoping for.
“I’m very particular, and you just never know until you actually put that piece of glass next to another one and hold it up against the light,” Ms Fowler said.
Despite the enormous task, the artist said she was proud to have played a role in making the concept come to life.
“I’ve done a lot over the years, but I’d never done a memorial window that has so much meaning before,” she said.
“I’ve never had an unhappy customer, but Christa and her husband’s reaction was so special and that’s what made me the happiest.”
Registrations are now open for our first Amrun Family and Community Site Visit!
When: Time:
Saturday, 25 May 2024 8:00am - 3:00pm
This unique and exciting opportunity will give your family a behind the scenes tour of our Amrun Operations.
Children must be 4 years old and above to attend. If you have any questions please contact RTAWeipaFeedback@riotinto.com.
Register your interest via the QR code or visit https://form.jotform.com/240867361977875. Family
Limited seats available.
IF there was any lingering doubt about whether those in Canberra allegedly making decisions in our best interests wanted anything to do with Cape York, they were officially laid to rest when the Federal Government handed down its 2024-25 budget on 14 May.
In the hundreds of pages of documents that make up the budget, it’s impossible to find any reference to our part of the world, let alone any mention of investment likely to improve our social and economic wellbeing.
I may have missed it, but many people smarter than me have also struggled to find anything in the budget that suggests the government even knows we exist.
There was nothing for the perennial bridesmaid of infrastructure, the Peninsula Developmental Road, which means we’ve got at least another 12 months of pleading a case our politicians aren’t listening to.
Trying to find a remote housing commitment similar to the $4 billion Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made to the Northern Territory? Don’t bother, it’s not there. How much has been promised to lower skyrocketing freight bills to deliver genuine cost of living relief?
If you’re thinking of a number close to zero, please come and collect your prize.
Warren Entsch said Cape York had been “pretty much totally ignored” in the budget, which is quite the understatement for my money.
There are some words you can’t print, but they seem a fitting way to describe the budget, as well as the deplorable muppets who thought it appropriate to completely ignore the 8000 or so of us who call Cape York home.
I tried to maintain my budget rage on a Weipa road trip last
week, but as I spoke to residents and business owners on my way north, it was replaced with the realisation everyone was just getting on with life, because that’s what we do.
We’re a community and a family, and a bloody resilient one at that. Sure, it would have been wonderful to have been thrown a few bucks to spend on vital infrastructure, but we understand the money had to be committed to pork barrelling in areas of higher electorate density.
We could mope around after again being forgotten – it seems
less harsh than saying we’ve been completely ignored – but what would be the point? The show must go on, so we’ve got to dust ourselves off and just get on with it. We won’t stop fighting for a fair slice of the budget pie and the attention of our political overlords, but for now, we will just keep doing the best we can with what we’ve got. Think of it as starting another season with a pair of footy boots you should have thrown out a couple of years ago. We have our Cape York community and each other’s backs, and that’s priceless.
To our esteemed leaders south
of the border: we don’t forgive you for your budget bastardry, but we’ll get over it. It’s not the first time we’ve been screwed over by a government, and I strongly suspect it won’t be the last time.
You may have forgotten us with last week’s budget, but we promise we won’t forget you at election time.
And you can be certain your city-first approach to leadership won’t diminish the community spirit that makes Cape York such an incredible place to work and play. There are some things you can’t put a price on.
Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block.
Sudoku Join the Dots Spot the 5 Differences
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.
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.
WEIPA Bowls Club has donated more than $5000 to the township’s Returned and Services League sub-branch following a highly successful commemoration of Anzac Day at the venue last month.
Weipa locals turned out in force to support the event, with a big crowd treated to live music, a DJ and entertainment that kept spirits high as the community reflected on the contribution of former and current military personnel.
Club operations manager Karen Phillips said the event was not only a fantastic way to commemorate Anzac Day, but also a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together in support of a great cause.
“The highlight of the day for many people was the annual two-up, with nearly $2000 being raised at two-up, and an additional
$600 or so being donated from staff tips and the raffles held by the bowlers,” she said.
“In all, the total raised on the day came to $2517.35 and Weipa Bowls Club matched this amount, making a total of $5034.70 to donate to the Weipa RSL sub-branch.
“These funds go towards supporting local veterans and their families in the Weipa community, providing vital assistance where it is needed.”
Weipa RSL sub-branch’s Lloyd Williams thanked the community for its generous support and gave a special shout-out to Ken Pappin who, for the first time in over a decade, was not available to assist on the day.
“Ken has been a large part of two-up each year, and unfortunately he missed what was to be his last two-up event in Weipa,” he said.
The Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals intends to appoint the Gudang Yadhaykenu
Native Title Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC as grantee for the following land:
• Lot 23 on SP344533 (North, Middle and South Brother Islands)
The appointment is proposed to be made pursuant to section 39 of the Aboriginal Land Act 1991 with the grantee holding the land for the native title holders of the land.
An Aboriginal person particularly concerned with the land may make written representations to the Minister about the proposed appointment.
A locality map showing these areas is available from the Department of Resources.
Representations must be received by 5:00pm on 18 June 2024 and may be made to:
Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals
C/- Kylie Eddie (Manager)
Indigenous Land Operations
Department of Resources PO Box 937
Cairns QLD 4870
For further information, contact Kylie Eddie, Manager,
Indigenous Land Operations on 0427 575 892.
The Honourable Scott Stewart MP
Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals
Embark on a rewarding career journey with Cook Shire Council, where professionalism meets passion for community service. We are currently recruiting for the following roles:
MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
NETWORK OPERATOR (WATER & WASTEWATER)
HORTICULTURALIST
PLUMBERS X 2
ELECTRICIAN
As a valued member of our team, you'll find yourself at the forefront of positive change, working alongside dedicated professionals committed to enhancing the lives of our residents.
www.cook.qld.gov.au/work
Expressions of interest are hereby called to fill one unit at the Endeavour Lodge Senior Accommodation at Howard Street, Cooktown. Guidelines for candidates apply, including:
Must be aged 60 or older
Cook Shire residents only
Must be able to live independently
Strictly no pets
APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON MONDAY, JUNE 10 2024.
Application for housing assistance forms are available at www.hpw.qld.gov.au or at the Cook Shire Council main office. Applicants must also submit a confidential medical report. Applications can be emailed, posted, or dropped in to Council’s office at 10 Furneaux Street.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please contact Council’s Housing Officer by email t o mail@cook.qld.gov.au or phone on 4082 0500
the
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.
It was a tale of two opposites with this week’s anglers – Chris Beck and his new personal best barra, and poor Arlie Mitchell, who couldn’t catch a break fishing off Weipa’s Boyd Point. If you’ve got a fishing picture to share, you can feature in the paper by emailing the photo to editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au by Saturday night.
NORTH Queensland Cowboys coach Todd Payten has admitted feeling the stress of his side’s run of bad form and breathed a sigh of relief after a 28-22 win against South Sydney on Saturday night.
“I’ve been consumed by the job more than I have ever before ... so make of that what you will,” Payten said post-match.
“It’s just the thought process that goes into it. Trying to find ways and reasons,
looking at what you’re doing, the program, the messaging, yourself, the team, their connection ... all that stuff is part of it.
“[I question myself] always. It’s the first place you’ve gotta look.
“My language, my demeanour, my energy, and my messaging to the team is really important.”
The 12th placed Cowboys host the Wests Tigers at 6pm on Friday in Townsville.
RIDERS of all abilities have had the perfect lead-in to their first competition of the year with a two-day horsemanship clinic in Cooktown on 18-19 May.
Cooktown Horse Sports Association (CHSA) brought the Alyce Sadleir beginner horsemanship clinic to town to enable those interested in getting into the sport, or simply improving their existing skills, to learn from an expert.
The event was made possible through funding from the State Government’s Active Women and Girls Program, and CHSA president Sarah Frew said it had been an overwhelming success.
“All levels of riders were welcome to attend, and we got a range of levels from be-
ginner to experienced. Everyone has taken something from it, which is great,” she said. As the name suggests, the clinic taught participants the basics of horsemanship, the learnings of which will be used on 25 May when CHSA holds a competition at Cooktown Racecourse, with the feature event set to be the $400 open barrel race.
Ms Frew said the skills learnt at the clinic could be applied to any horse sports discipline.
“It’s about the fundamentals,” she said.
“Everything you learn for each event is all the same, you just apply it differently.
“It’s not very often we get people up to do stuff like [the clinic], so it’s a good experience.”
AIRPORT Drive came alive with the sounds and smells of two-stroke action when Weipa Dirt Karts held its first round of the 2024 season on 18 May.
While a few key competitors were missing due to other commitments, club president Dave Hancock said the extra space on the track had allowed drivers a bit more breathing room to ease back into competition.
“This round, we had a few
people out, so it was a bit of a smaller gig, but probably a good one to step back into season,” he said.
“We’ve had a few people leave the club at the end of last year, but pretty much all of our karts were sold locally, so hopefully that translates into exactly the same number of licences and nominations for the season.”
Drivers competed in three eight-lap heats across four class-
es on Saturday night, and Mr Hancock said the combination of the on-track exhilaration of karts reaching between 80-100 kilometres per hour and a family-friendly racing format made it a popular sport.
“I honestly think it’s probably more exciting than racing bitumen cars,” he said when asked how the dirt surface compared to the more common karting track surface.
“I’ve got four kids that race; the drawcard for the family is what it gives to the kids in terms of experience and exposure; my oldest has been racing for about eight years and he’s 16, and it goes through to my youngest, who’s six and racing.
“We’ve got all age groups and all skills levels.”
Results from round one can be found in the online version at www.capeyorkweekly.com.au.
MORE than 70 students from eight schools across Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula Area put on one stunning combined performance when they battled for annual AFL Cape York Crusader Cup bragging rights on 10 May.
Players converged on Thursday Island’s Ken Brown Oval for the showdown, which is used as the selection carnival to form the Cape York Torres Strait Crusaders team which will contest the state school sports championships at the end of the month.
AFL Cape York game development co-ordinator Keiran Sciberras described the event as “great football, tremendous sportsmanship and a lot of fun”.
“The players are awesome,” he said.
“They’re really, really good,
ROSS Craven was too good when a small field of nine golfers teed off in Wednesday Wackers action in Weipa on 15 May.
Players contested the back nine holes, with Craven (nett 34.5) providing the strongest scorecard when they returned to the Carpentaria Golf Club clubhouse.
Pete Harley (nett 35) was declared runner-up for the day, while Craven added to his prize haul by claiming nearest to the pin honours on the 9th hole.
Jim Lucas impressed with the short clubs to take nearest to the pin bragging rights on hole seven.
Jon Dall won the Bradman’s gong.
RIDERS from around Cooktown will make tracks for the town’s racecourse on 25 May to compete in a range of horse sports events.
Cooktown Horse Sports Association is hosting the event, which will feature a range of disciplines including barrel racing, figure-eight and stake racing.
Four age divisions will be representedled class, 10 years and under, 11-16 years, and 17 and over.
The feature event will be the $400 open barrel race, which will pay for first, second and third places, as well as a mystery time. Riders must compete in five events to be eligible to nominate for the open showdown.
To nominate, email cooktownhorsesports4895@gmail.com and include the rider’s name, age group, horse’s name and events to be contested. Camping and stables are available.
A COUNTBACK relegated Jon Dall to Dawnbusters bridesmaid and gave Viv Dick Sunday morning bragging rights when players stood at the tee boxes at Carpentaria Golf Club.
Twelve golfers contested the back nine holes, with Dick and Dall both finishing with nett 13 and triggering the countback.
Lennie Dick and Viv Chan secured the men’s and women’s long drive honours respectively.
Peter Lamond was the nearest to the pin king, while newcomer Lachlan Hamilton claimed the Hoffman’s.
Dawnbusters will battle the front nine holes on 26 May, with players set to tee off from about 6:45am.
and that raw talent is on show as they develop their game skills.
“[The Crusader Cup] is a very important part of what we do; it’s one of the only forms of interschool sport they may get
to experience with their schools being so far apart.”
In a bumper day of on-field action, the Red Bandits claimed victory, with the Wasps crowned runner-up.
CRUSADER CUP TEAMS
Outer Islands Wasps: Tagai State College (Horn, Saibai, Badu, Mer islands)
Red Bandits: Tagai State College (Thursday Island, Horn Island)
NPA Crows: NPA State College (Bamaga, Injinoo)
Dockers: Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (Thursday Island)
One Speed: Tagai State College (Thursday Island) PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Outer Islands Wasps: Zazwood Banu
Red Bandits: James Seden
NPA Crows: Azaydra Poi Poi
Dockers: Brae Wylie
One Speed: Rosanna Solomon
AFL CAPE YORK MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS
Female: Yancy Billy
Male: Ezra Gaibri
GUSTING 40-50 kilometre per hour winds made a low score almost an impossibility when competitors went head to head in round two of the 2024 club championships at Cooktown Golf Club on 18 May.
C-grader Daniel Biddle found the going to his liking, however, and carded an even par nett 65 to win the day from A-grader Brent Hetaraka (nett 66) and B-grader Rick Butler, who shot a nett 67 to claim third spot. Nearest to the pin honours went to Hetaraka on 2/11, Wal Welsh on 14 and Graham Burton on 9/18.
Golfers will be hoping the wind stays away when they contest the final round of the club championships on 25 May.
QUEENSLAND playmaker Cameron Munster will almost certainly miss this year’s State of Origin opener after suffering a serious groin injury on Sunday.
The five-eighth went down in agonising pain late in the first half of the Storm’s 4816 win over Parramatta.
