Bamaga performers Jaroyston Larry, Santiago Wasiu and Samuel Jacob prepare to take to the arena at the 2024 NPA Cultural Festival on 12 July. Turn to Pages 12-13 for our coverage of the biennial celebration of First Nations culture.
Native title for 1.76m ha of Cape York
Olkola, Kunjen Olkol, and Kowanyama Traditional Owners have praised a landmark native title ruling that recognises the right to manage their lands across more than 1.76m hectares of Cape York. Report – Page 3
Proposed Development
Make a submission from 22 July to 9 August 2024
Proposed Material Change of Use
(Shop, Food & Drink Outlet and Office)
Where: Corner of Adidi Street and Mosby Street, Bamaga
On: Lot 155 on SP273361
Approval sought: Development
Permit for Material Change of Use
(Shop, Food & Drink Outlet and Office)
Application ref: DA2024_013
You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to: Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council PO Box 200, Bamaga QLD 4876
THE State Government has announced it will honour its $1,000 electricity rebate for more than 1,200 households in Weipa and surrounding communities, despite them not being connected to the Ergon Energy network.
As part of the 2024-25 budget, Premier Steven Miles announced every Queensland
$1,000 rebate on their electricity bills from 1 July, however, there was uncertainty whether the government had a plan to extend it to Weipa residents, whose power is supplied through Rio Tinto’s private network.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said last week the government had agreed to pay the re-
“I am very pleased to announce that Weipa residents will receive this cost of living rebate on their energy bills, just as customers on the Ergon network would,” she said.
“Just like last year, I called upon the Energy Minister and the Miles Government to ensure that residents in the Weipa com-
of living rebate, and they have delivered.
“This is one of the many ways we are helping Far North Queenslanders to make ends meet in remote communities.”
The $1,000 rebate will be applied to eligible customers’ electricity bills by their supplier, Rio Tinto, with the rebate appearing
Lockhart wows on red carpet!
LOCKHART River youth turned heads when they made grand red carpet entrances to the eastern Cape York community’s first NAIDOC Ball on 6 July.
There was no way to keep the smiles off the faces of the boys and girls as they glitzed and glammed their way into the event, which was made possible through the Puuya Foundation and formalwear donations by Brisbanebased charity Formally Ever After.
Puuya Foundation chief executive officer Emma Schuh said the ball showed Lockhart River youth who had over 40 per cent school attendance, were enrolled at boarding school, or who were studying and earning “that we recognise their efforts and we see their hard work”.
After attendees wowed on the red carpet and danced, the community was treated to a spectacular fireworks show to end what organisers hope will become an annual celebration in Lockhart River.
Lockhart River’s youth looked a million bucks when they made their grand entrance at the NAIDOC Ball. Photos: Christine Howes/Puuya Foundation.
Celebrations aplenty for historic determinations
By LYNDON KEANE
The Federal Court of Australia has recognised the native title rights of three Cape York Traditional Owner groups during a landmark determination in Cairns on 10-11 July.
Chief Justice Debra Mortimer was at the Cairns Convention Centre to preside over the ceremony to formally recognise the ruling, which determined 1,300,457 hectares for the Olkola group, 442,858ha for the neighbouring Kunjen Olkol group, and 21,777ha for the Kowanyama peoples.
The determined areas are part of the Cape York United Number 1 Claim, which was authorised in 2014 and registered on 6 February this year with the objective of “resolving native title claims in a strategic and efficient way”.
The total determination area is 1,765,092ha, and includes the Olkola and Awal national parks, which serve as an important habitat for the endangered golden-shouldered parrot.
Olkola Traditional Owner Rosemary Bulmer celebrated the ruling and said it represented the conclusion of a 35-year campaign.
“I’ve been fighting for my country ever since I was 18 with my parents,” she said.
“When they died, I lost motivation for Country but then one day, my uncle said come back and fight for Country and I realised that I carried the knowledge and values of my parents.
“A recognition means my people won’t be forgotten, especially our old people.
“I hope this will mean employment opportunities for our people and more funds to get Traditional Owners back to healthy Country and generally improve lifestyle.”
Kowanyama Traditional Owner Tania Major described the determination as a “vital
step” towards local empowerment. “The recognition of native title will transform my life by affirming my cultural identity, enhancing economic prospects, securing legal rights, and empowering my community to sustainably manage and preserve our heritage,” she explained.
“This recognition is a vital step towards a more just and equitable future for our people.”
Olkola Senior Elder and
Traditional Owner Michael Ross said he believed the Federal Court decision would allow emerging generations to embrace and maintain traditional knowledge and customs.
“It will mostly change the lives of the young ones – they can walk on that country, freely, knowing that this is their home,” he said.
“They own something, and they don’t have to ask permis-
Working to keep your community connected all-year round
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
sion. The young ones can learn the laws and customs of the Olkola people, and the knowledge from the land.”
Since 2021, there have been 18 native title determinations, with a further 10 timetabled by the Federal Court to take place this year.
The remaining determinations for the Cape York United Number 1 Claim will take place in 2025.
Olkola Traditional Owners and representatives celebrate the landmark native title determination in Cairns.
Kowanyama Traditional Owners have described the Federal Court native title ruling as a ‘vital step’ forward for self-determined prosperity.
DNA study could help croc safety
WHILE the Be Crocwise message remains, a new research program could help change the management of Cape York’s saltwater crocodiles and help improve public safety.
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) is supporting the project being undertaken by University of Canberra (UC), which leads environmental DNA (eDNA) research in the country.
Researchers from the university have mapped regions of the crocodile’s mitochondrial DNA using samples collected from animals throughout Queensland, the NT and WA.
Those samples have then been used to develop research to develop a technique that can specifically detect minute amounts of a crocodile’s mitochondrial DNA in water samples.
DESI program co-ordinator Simon Booth said wildlife officers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service hoped the eDNA research would provide a valuable technique for detecting crocodiles in waterways without having to see them. A recent long-range genetic study of Queensland’s saltwater crocodiles showed about 40 per cent of the total non-hatchling population was found in north-western part Cape York.
“Occasionally, wildlife officers respond to a crocodile sighting report and our conventional methods
such as land or vessel-based surveys don’t confirm the presence of a crocodile,” Mr Booth said.
“This program is in the preliminary phase, but if the research program is successful, wildlife officers could take water samples to detect crocodiles in waterways that are hard to access, or areas the public use regularly such as swimming holes. Investigations into the
eDNA detection are expected to continue for the next 12 months, but initial results are promising.”
UC researchers Dr Peta Hill and Dr Elise Furlan said eDNA surveys relied on detecting a species from trace amounts of DNA shed into the environment through sloughed skin cells, faeces or urine.
“We conducted trials to detect DNA in water samples collected
Department of Transport and Main Roads
from crocodile holding ponds at the DESI facility in Cairns, and compared them with control samples of water,” Dr Hill said.
“We will use these trials to confirm estuarine crocodiles having been present in those ponds.
Dr Furlan said water samples would continue to be collected once the crocodile had been removed from the pond to “investi-
gate DNA degradation over time”.
Mr Booth said while the research’s potential was exciting, people needed to maintain vigilance in northern waterways and be responsible for their own safety.
“People are responsible for their own safety in croc country, but eDNA testing could assist us in managing crocodiles in Queensland and across the country.”
University of Canberra researchers believe a new program testing environmental DNA could change how saltwater crocodiles are monitored and managed, potentially improving public safety.
STOP LABOR LOCKING UP CAPE YORK
Cape York is indeed a place of immense beauty and value, deserving of protection, but our Labor Governments are intent on giving power to UNESCO instead of the people who live, work and depend on this important area.
The Government has suggested they will engage with locals throughout this process, but it is clear that they only intend on engaging wth people who agree with the proposed listing.
To impose a world heritage listing on the Cape York Peninsula region is a decision that could have devastating implications for landholders and traditional owner groups.
Restricting rights and the ability to utilise land that many have struggled and fought over for decades.
We don’t need the United Nations telling us how we can use and how we should preserve our land. Locals have the best knowledge and solutions to the challenges we face.
Sign the petition and demand that the Australian and Queensland Governments halt their proposed world heritage listing for the Cape York Peninsula Region.
Sign the petition by scanning the QR code above or visit: tinyurl.com/CAPEYWHL
Register now for milestone event
By CHISA HASEGAWA
WHAT started as a humble walking event to honour a boy who lost his battle with mental health has now grown into an entire support network for people across Cape York and beyond.
Conquer the Corrugations will celebrate 10 years of raising mental health awareness and will encourage participants to “walk and talk” openly about their struggles when they lace up their shoes and hit the red dirt on 28-29 September.
Co-founder Emma Jackson said it had been touching to see participants overcome their personal challenges and connect with one another over the past decade, adding she would love to see some old faces for the milestone anniversary walk.
“It would be wonderful to see a lot of past conquerors come together for the tenth walk, and it’d be almost like a reunion,” she said.
The inaugural walk was small and personal, but now attracts people affected by mental health struggles and their supporters from across the region, as well as those in Victoria and East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.
“The work initially began to honour my nephew and to bring together a group of people to remember him,” Ms Jackson said.
“Each year, it grew into remembering and honouring other peo-
ple across the Cape communities who’ve lost to mental health challenges or been affected by mental health challenges, and we realised that there were a lot more people impacted than we ever thought.
“Through Conquer attracting more people and growing in numbers, it grew in strength, so we were able to offer more support
and weave a stronger mental health element through it by bringing on Queensland Health, RDFS (Royal Flying Doctor Service), Apunipima and mental health professionals who were then able to offer more support.”
This year, Conquer the Corrugations will also host a gala event, themed Diamonds in the Dust, to
celebrate everyone who contributed to the event since it began in 2014.
“It’s to acknowledge and thank those who supported the walk and participated in the walk, and also really acknowledge the sponsors, because it’s a completely free event,” Ms Jackson said.
“It’s a network now, it’s not just
an annual walk; it’s created a huge team of people behind the scenes who have become good friends who pull the event together, it’s quite incredible.”
Registrations for the 2024 walk are now open at www.conquerthecorrugations.com.au/capeyorkpeninsula2024 and will close on 14 September.
The 10th Conquer the Corrugations walk will aim to bring conquerors of the past and present together for a special reunion in September.
Hero rangers recognised by QAS
THE Northern Peninsula Area has celebrated two of its own after they helped save the life of a drowning one-year-old earlier this year.
On 6 January, the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) received a triple zero call to attend a reported drowning involving the girl, who was found unresponsive in the water at Somerset Bay, about 50km north-east of Bamaga.
The child was pulled from the water by a family member and brought to shore, where Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) Apudthama Indig-
enous ranger Trevor Nona and Ipima Ikaya Aboriginal Corporation (IIAC) senior ranger Frankie Cook were nearby on the beach.
Trained in CPR, Mr Nona and Mr Cook swung into action to save the girl’s life, providing compressions for eight to 10 minutes until the child began to cough and show signs of consciousness.
The two rangers carefully followed instructions provided over the phone by emergency medical dispatcher Lisa Zolnowski, who remained on the phone while help was being arranged.
At the same time, QAS paramedic Karl Visser responded with lights and sirens from the Bamaga Ambulance Station, while Rescue 700 was also proceeding by air from Horn Island with QAS flight critical care paramedic Gerard O’Brien on board.
Once on scene, Mr Visser continued resuscitation measures, before Rescue 700 landed on the beach Mr O’Brien stabilised the girl for airlifting to the Thursday Island Hospital.
IED Community Visits
On 4 July, both rangers were awarded certificates of appre-
ciation from QAS senior management, who travelled to Bamaga.
QAS Bamaga officer in charge
Adam Marston said the child’s chance of survival would have been critically low without Mr Nona and Mr Cook’s intervention.
“This case highlights the need for bystanders to instigate CPR as soon as possible prior to the ambulance arriving,” he said.
“Given the remoteness of Cape York, an ambulance can often be quite a distance from a scene.
“If the two rangers, Frankie and Trevor, didn’t commence CPR on
that day, the child’s chances of survival would have been very slim.
“Their actions undoubtedly saved her life.”
NPARC CEO Kate Gallaway commended the rangers.
“In this remote region, we all need to be vigilant in skills training and especially advanced lifesaving techniques – it is the difference between life and death,” she said.
“Council is extremely proud of the local rangers, for their dedication and training, and the precious life saved for a thankful local family”.
- 12pm
9am - 12pm
Apudthama Indigenous ranger Trevor Nona talks Queensland Ambulance Service staff through the Somerset Beach rescue he undertook on 6 January with Ipima Ikaya Aboriginal Corporation senior ranger Frankie Cook.
Indigenous ranger Trevor Nona and senior ranger Frankie Cook celebrate their awards with family, NPA community members and emergency services representatives after the ceremony.
Family Wellbeing Services support better futures for First Nations families
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Services are a culturally safe and free service for all First Nations families who have children under 18 living in their care.
The service covers the whole of Queensland, including the Torres Strait Islands and Cape York Peninsula.
Each year over 4,000 families use Family Wellbeing Services for support with parenting and family issues. Families receive culturally safe support based on their families’ strengths and local community needs.
The services are delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations and are available for all family members including parents, grandparents, and other kin.
Families and communities can access a range of services including parenting programs, relationship counselling, playgroups, and cultural support. The aim is to improve the emotional and physical wellbeing of families, children, and young people.
The Queensland Government provides over $45 million per annum in funding for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Services to better support First Nations families across the state.
One couple who have benefitted from the service are Shelly and Henry*. They said that with the help of Family Wellbeing Service workers, they were able to make goals as a couple while Shelly was pregnant and access safe housing before the baby arrived.
Shelly grew up in a small remote community and had a difficult life. There were constant arguments in her family, and she struggled with drugs. Shelly found herself abusing alcohol and fighting a lot at a young age.
Faced with the choice of rehab or jail, Shelly chose rehab as she felt it would allow her to build a better life.
Shortly after meeting her partner in a rehab facility, Shelly and Henry became pregnant with their first child. While this was an exciting time for the young family, Shelly worried about what the future would hold for their baby.
While they loved each other, neither of them knew how to control their anger. Both grew up around violence and abuse and didn’t know what a healthy relationship looked like, but they knew they wanted their baby to have a better life than they did growing up.
Shelly visited her local community health service which encouraged her to reach out to a local Family Wellbeing Service for help.
Shelly and Henry were appointed workers who helped them set individual goals as well as goals to help them as a couple.
The workers were able to assist the young family with making a successful application for a unit and helped them furnish it for the baby’s arrival.
Shelly attended a parenting course dedicated to new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and Henry attended a men’s group and received counselling to address his anger issues.
“Our arguments were bad. We never hit each other but we yelled and screamed at each other,” said Henry.
They bought me a bike so I could get out of the house for a while to cool down. When I came back, we can talk better. I know not to go too long or she will worry about me.”
Family Wellbeing Services were able to connect Shelly to a local playgroup, where she met new mums and made friends.
Henry still attends the men’s group which played a vital role in helping him manage his emotions and become a better father to his new baby.
Since reaching out to the service, Shelly has the confidence to provide a safe and stable environment for her family.
Through the service, Shelly and Henry were able to get the individual support they needed in a safe, non-judgemental, and culturally sensitive way.
For more information on accessing Family Wellbeing Services near you, call 1300 117 095 or visit www.familywellbeingqld.org.au
*Not their real names
“We talked to the Family Wellbeing Services workers and then I went to the men’s group.
WALKING WITH FAMILY
For our children, we all walk together, to keep them safe, strong and connected to culture. Community organisations you trust are here to walk with you. To contact them and find free and confidential support near you, visit the Family Wellbeing Services website. Because we all want the best for our kids. Visit familywellbeingqld.org.au or call 1300 117 095
Monthly Community Update
Message from the Chair
Hi Weipa,
I hope everyone enjoyed the school holidays and got to have a nice break. The holiday activities that the WTA staff organised were a hit! All activities were well attended, and the family movie sessions at Kumrumja were a sell out! A big shout out to the WTA staff who go above and beyond to organise these events and activities for the community.
We also had the re-opening of the Hibberd Library, after receiving funding from the Strategic Priorities Grant. This funded exciting new furniture and a dedicated space for the First 5 Forever sessions which are held in the library each week and are always popular.
Coming up later this month, we have the Weipa Running Festival to look forward to on the 21st, and a citizenship ceremony on the 24th for our newest Australian Citizens. It is always a pleasure to welcome new citizens, and is a great reminder of how lucky we are to live in this special part of the world.
The pool refurbishment is well under way and making good progress. The toddler pool extension which includes a beach entry, splash park bucket and other water play features will be a huge hit come summer.
Discover the Creche Services at WASP
Parents, enjoy your workout knowing your little ones are in safe hands at the WASP crèche! Our crèche, run by the dedicated Miss Bec and Miss Harmony (newly joined the team), is available Monday to Thursday from 8:30am to 11:30am and 3pm to 6pm for children aged 6 mths to 5 years.
This service is available to all gym, pool, or combo members with any membership plan. With limited spots, be sure to book in advance. For more information, visit our website to download the crèche parent handbook or reach out via email. We encourage more parents to use this convenient service and stay active while your children are well cared for.
Thanks for reading, and keep an eye on the WTA facebook page and website for all the latest news.
See you out and about.
JaimeGane
2024 - 45mins per session from 3.15pm6.15pm @ WSSS
First 5 Forever program Term 3
Wednesday’s Toddler Rock ‘n’ Rhyme @ 9.30am
Thursday’s Baby Wiggle ‘n’ Giggle @ 9.30am
Youth Night @ WASP Grade 6-8 Fri 19 July 2024
Children’s Book Week
Hibberd Library is excited to celebrate Children’s Book Week 2024, from Saturday 17 – Friday 23 August.
This year’s theme is “Reading is Magic”, so cast your spells and conjure up your amazing Book Week Costumes!
Wear your costume to the library, borrow a book, attend a book reading, complete a colouring in, take a selfie and participate in a magical activity at the library to enter our Passport Challenge.
Fully completed passports will go into a draw to win a voucher. Join us for this enchanting celebration of books and reading!
To find out more head to the Library and ask Miss Ali or Miss Emily, or hop onto our wonderful Hibberd Library F/B page, closer to the date.
Community Works
The construction of new ‘wombat’ priority crossings are progressing well, with Phase 1, John Evans Drive nearing completion and Phase 2, Kerr Point Drive set to commence shortly. This project aims to enhance cyclist and pedestrian safety and accessibility in our community. An official opening event will be scheduled to celebrate this important infrastructure addition, and we look forward to sharing the details with you soon. The Nanum Hospital Pathway Link Project is proudly supported by the Queensland Government’s Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.
We appreciate your continued patience with the changed traffic conditions during this time. The WTA is committed to keeping residents informed throughout the process. For more FAQs and updates on the project, please visit the WTA website.
CHAIR JAIME GANE
Student teachers eye off a future remote posting
By CHISA HASEGAWA
TWO student teachers who chose to do their placements in Bamaga say they have fallen in love with the remote Northern Peninsula Area school and community.
This year, Australian Catholic University (ACU), the country’s largest provider of teachers, has broken records for the number of students doing teaching placements in rural, regional and remote schools.
ACU Queensland head of school Associate Professor Tracey Sanders said it was the first time students had been sent to Cape York, adding there had been a 42 per cent increase in students opting to head to FNQ since last year.
“We only had one or two students putting their hands up to go north in the last couple of years, and now we’ve got 17 who are either up there or going to go up there, so there’s definitely been a big surge,” she said.
“[This year], we’ve had a very deliberate what we call ‘disruption push’, where students who might otherwise have just gone to metropolitan schools are now going all over Queensland, and particularly FNQ.
“The exciting thing is they’re
going up there and they’re loving it, but also staying there; our students are not just going there for placement, but they’re also deciding to stay here when they graduate and be teachers in these areas.”
Two of the 17 students who chose to venture north were Lara Tribel and Alana Gures, who are placed at Northern Peninsula
Area State College until the end of July.
After a placement experience in the Solomon Islands, both students said they were eager for more opportunities to teach in remote settings.
“We wanted to work on Country and really connect with the culture within Australia in a rural town,” Ms Tribel said.
“I’ve really wanted to learn from people on the land to grow myself as a teacher with my pedagogy, and be able to drive those relationship-first incentives within schools.”
Growing up in a tiny town just outside of Gympie, Ms Tribel said education in rural and remote communities had always been close to her heart.
For Ms Gures, her experience in the Solomon Islands solidified her passion for teaching in lesser-known settings.
“I’ve always grown up in very populated city areas, I live just outside of Brisbane,” Ms Gures explained.
“After the Solomon Islands, I really pushed for my third [placement] to be in a remote community, and I chose Bamaga because of the strong sense of community.
“I’ve been loving it; it’s such an invaluable experience that’s hard to describe.”
The students said they had learned so much already and would be back in the future.
“For my next [placement], I’m allowed to do it in a primary setting and I’ve already started thinking about how do I go about asking ACU to come back up here for my primary one,” Ms Tribel said.
TAFE gets healthy boost with hub plan
HUNDREDS of Torres Strait Islanders looking to get their foot in the healthcare industry door will soon have access to a state-of-the-art learning facility right at home.
Construction of TAFE Queensland’s Health Hub on Thursday Island has commenced, and is scheduled to be completed by mid-2025.
Once completed, the $3.5 million upgrade is expected to support more than 350 students by 2026-27 to receive free TAFE qualifications in health.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the project was “fantastic news”, adding it
would support long-term sustainable jobs in the region.
“Health is one of our huge economic drivers in the region, and this new training facility will enable more people in our region [to] get the skills they need, especially with issues around the ageing workforce,” she said.
“This is going to address unemployment by providing employment opportunities for the future and give locals opportunities to get a foot in the door to gain qualifications that enable them to walk into jobs.”
The upgraded facility will simulate hospital facilities, with an operational three-
to-five bed flexible clinical ward with connected training bathrooms, a flexible medication room, and a general learning area for classroom learning.
Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman described the project as a “game-changer” for locals wishing to learn in their own backyard.
“Providing lifelike training facilities will be a game-changer for students, allowing them to gain valuable skills to assist them to find a job,” she said.
The hub will be constructed by H.C Building and Construction, which operates from offices in Cairns and Cape York.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Bloomfield fundraiser set
THE Bloomfield River District Residents Association has announced its annual fundraiser will be held on 3 August.
Dubbed the Bloomfield Bounce-Back Bazaar, the event has been sponsored by Cook Shire Council in response to the flood event that devastated the community in December 2023, and continues to make its presence felt eight months later.
The fundraiser will be held at the Bloomfield Hall from 1:30-6pm, and includes live entertainment by Rachel Bradley, Tim Woodz and the Dirty Shoes, and the Cold Water Band.
There will be food stalls on the day, as well as big raffle prizes on offer.
An ag show will also be a highlight, with entries due from 9-11:30am.
Anyone wanting to operate a market stall at the fundraiser can email rozgrillo3@ gmail.com.
Dredging safety reminder
AS annual maintenance dredging at the Port of Weipa continues this month, North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) is reminding boaties to take extra care while navigating local waterways.
The dredge vessel TSHD Brisbane commenced work in mid-May, and is scheduled to complete the project during July. NQBP chief executive officer Brendan Webb said the dredging was “critical for maintaining port infrastructure”, adding those on the water this month still needed to be vigilant in the vicinity of the Port of Weipa.
“The Brisbane and its support vessels have restricted manoeuvring capability. We urge people on the water to pay close attention to displayed warning flags and lights,” he said.
Environmental monitoring will be implemented throughout the campaign.
Fishing export renewed
QUEENSLAND’S reef line fishery has been granted Federal Government export approvals after it met key sustainability requirements.
The reef line fishery consists of commercial line fishers operating exclusively in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and is subject to stringent conditions to ensure protection of the World Heritagelisted reef, with coral trout being the primary species targeted.
An updated stock assessment by Queensland Fisheries found the stock levels of species targeted by the fishery were being sustainably managed.
They may come from different worlds, but student teachers Alana Gures and Lara Tribel share a passion for education in remote communities.
Karen Keane, Rita Gibuma and Jada Pomare were at Yusia Ginau Oval representing Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service.
Shay Corbett, Albert Wisby and Billy Marriott check out the entertainment and stalls at Yusia Ginau Oval.
Pacific Nights gets the audience warmed up as day two of the NPA Cultural Festival begins.
Lavinia Jacob and Judith Wapau on Friday.
Maudie Whap, Val Sebasio-Williams, Skyla Williams, Lythe Williams and Romina Nona prepare to show their support for dancers.
Macquarie Rankin, James Philp, Arlo Philp, Brook Philp and Kirsten Wilson were part of a big day one crowd.
Performers from across Cape York and the Torres Strait made entrances to remember that thrilled the big crowd at Bamaga’s Yusia Ginau Oval. The young performers from the Island Stars dance up a storm on Saturday.
Heather Campbell and Mark Haydon enjoy the festival performances while visiting the NPA from Victoria.
Lara Tribeu and Alana Gures check out the festival offerings.
Kirsty Lord, Isla Lord and Marie Rayeroux got to the festival early on Saturday.
Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan, Molly Hill and Brent Guglielmi were on hand to broadcast the festival to communities from Cairns to Cape York.
Injinoo teachers Bec and Rod Drummond take a break.
Max and Stefanie Garavaglia made the trip from Sydney.
Dorothy Mara, Vera Christian, Iris Bula and Gebie Bon found a prime position to watch the dances from on Friday.
A talented array of musicians, storytellers and songmen from across Cape York and the Torres Strait supported dancers during the two days of performances at the festival.
Cultures unite for special festival
UNSEASONABLY hot dry season weather did not deter a united celebration of Cape York and Torres Strait First Nations communities when gates opened at the 2024 NPA Cultural Festival on 12-13 July.
The weather tested performers and spectators alike as dancers, storytellers, songmen and musicians from Coen to Thursday Island took to the stage at Yusia Ginau Oval in Bamaga.
The theme for the biennial event was United Cultures = Strong Future: Let’s Dance, with comedian Sean Choolburra headlining on Friday night, while Mitch Tambo, who blends traditional Aboriginal sounds and language with contemporary beats and production methods, had the crowd on its feet to close the festival on Saturday.
Festival co-ordinator Dev Lengjel said feedback from the performances had been extremely positive, adding the biennial event would not have been possible without a big effort from Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) staff.
“It’s been really quite outstanding,” he said.
“I mean, first of all, I have to commend the team – the Community Services team and the Parks and Gardens team from NPARC have just been astounding to put this festival together.
“Everybody just pulled in, especially the women from the Community Services team, who have been absolutely tireless and without whom we could not do this.
“The public itself has been extremely responsive [and] we had great feedback for yesterday; the dancers are so happy to be here.”
Monique Simpson, who extended her NPA visit with her family in order to attend the festival, said it had been “one of those experiences you just have to be part of”.
Mr Lengjel said attendees had come from all corners of Australia to celebrate the event.
“It’s a real pleasure to see the smiles on the faces of people,” he said.
“Those faces, those smiles –that tells you it’s been a success and makes it all worthwhile.”
Louise Barnes and Nicole Carroll from NBN Co were popular with the kids over the two days of the festival.
Victorian visitors Michelle and Tony Boreham check out what the 2024 NPA Cultural Festival is all about.
Fifth-generation descendent of Bamaga, Uncle John Tabuai, walks the festival torch to Yusia Ginau Oval for a handover ceremony with community Elders.
Dancers mesmerised the crowd with their storytelling performances over two days of cultural celebration in the NPA.
Roger Paii was at Yusia Ginau Oval early.
Mary Solomon and Temias Young catch up on the first day of the biennial festival.
The Bamaga dancers lead the 2024 NPA Cultural Festival parade along Adidi Street in hot conditions.
The 2024 NPA Cultural Festival was a true celebration of culture, community and family.
Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council aged care and disability support services staff and clients found a great spot to watch the first day’s entertainment from.
C APE YORK PENINSUL A Conquer the Corrugations
Strives to raise awareness of the ‘corrugations’ in life, support and remember those affected, and to remove the stigma that surrounds mental health
Free, family friendly community event open to all ages and abilities. Supported by local mental health services.
EVENT
Walk from Coen Airport Turnoff to Archer River Roadhous (42km) on Foot, Horseback, or Cycle over 2 days
ITI NERARY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
MONDAY
• Check in @ 28 Mile Lagoon (between Archer River and Coen, Cape York)
• Set up camp for the duration of the event & attend Conquer Activity Tents
• Self-cater for dinner (BBQ available to cook on)
• Self-cater for breakfast
• Walk starts at Coen Airport Turnoff (Sat) & Archer River Roadhouse (Sun)
“I lost my brother to suicide about eight years ago and this is my fourth Conquer the Corrugations. Every time we come to this event, it’s very touching. It’s overwhelming the support that I get here and having all our family with me.”
“The corrugations represent tough parts of your life. You will have a dip and a dust hole and that’s what life is… sometimes you have smooth sailing on the bitumen, the road is very similar to life I think.”
“I may be a bit stiff and sore, but I’ll be back next year! People really come together to cheer each other on, give you a hug if it’s needed or simply listen to your story while you walk. Often that is all you need to do to help someone whose mental health is suffering.”
“All of us know how important this awareness walk for mental health. The best event by a country mile and we all know how long one of those are!”
family of Wolverton Station, after 18 year old Dillon Jackson took his own life.
Determined not to let Dillon be forgotten and to break the stigma, the Jackson family along with the large Conquer Crew family, ensures that this event occurs year on year.
Bamaga artist shares his culture
By CHISA HASEGAWA
STORIES of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples come together in a colourful showcase of cultural diversity at the 11th Freshwater Saltwater exhibition at UMI Arts in Cairns.
The highly-anticipated exhibition features 36 works, including paintings, artefacts and jewellery from a diverse lineup of artists from cultural groups from across Queensland, including Cape York and the Torres Strait.
According to UMI Arts artistic director Lisa Michl Ko-manggén, the exhibition’s name reflects a metaphorical ideology of Far North Queensland’s two distinct and diverse cultures.
“From a purely artistic perspective, Freshwater Saltwater is a nod to mainland Aboriginal custodians who are mostly connected to ‘freshwater’, while Torres Strait Islanders find a closer association to ‘saltwater’,” Ms Michl komanngén said.
“This year’s beautiful and thought-provoking collection of artwork and jewellery represents the flowing together of our peoples’ cultures and stories, from rainforest to desert to island.”
Representing his connection with Bamaga and the Torres Strait was exhibitor Anzak Newman, who is sharing his unique combination of painting and carving at the Cairns gallery.
“My ancestors, they were natural carvers and a lot of the artists from the region do the lino printing,” he explained. “I like acrylic painting and lino printing, so I wanted to combine that with the carving in one piece.”
Detailed curves of natural wood carved into a beautiful combination of colours representing the
natural environment showcased animals significant to the Torres Strait, such as sharks and turtles.
“Always in my art I try to tell stories about the sea, because my people are saltwater people, and these works in this exhibition, the animals are significant to my people,” Mr Newman said.
“The colours [I use] normally
relate to the colours surrounding the region, [representing] the oceans and islands with the greens and blues.”
At his second Freshwater Saltwater exhibition, Mr Newman said it was an honour to share the stories of his people.
“UMI, for many years now, have represented a lot of artists
coming through, especially artists starting out, and it’s good to be a part of a different show every year with different artists,” he said.
“You feel very proud of yourself and we are very lucky to have a place like UMI to help us showcase our work and provide a space where a wide audience can see our work.”
Bamaga and Torres Strait Islander artist Anzak Newman showcases his unique carving and painting combination to Cairns audiences.
Cooktown Friends provide a helping hand to hospital
FORGETFUL post office box keyholders are among donors helping to buy medical equipment for the Cooktown Hospital.
Two i-STAT patient monitoring devices have been purchased for the facility through the hard work of volunteers and a number of innovative fundraising initiatives co-ordinated by the Cooktown Hospital Friends of the Foundation (CHFF).
CHFF president Daphne Fenton explained when people forgot their post office key, they gave a gold coin donation to the organisation, which was then added to the pot of funds raised throughout the Cooktown community.
“Our biggest fundraiser is our biannual fete, which is well supported by residents and surrounding communities,” she said.
“Our business houses are extremely generous with their support, which allows us to run a successful event.”
Cooktown Hospital community health nurse unit manager Narelle Stokes thanked the community for its generous support and said the two i-STAT devices, valued at $20,000, allowed the local renal unit and community health staff to undertake point-of-care testing.
“For community health, it allows us to provide an additional
service to the community and reduce the patients returning to the emergency department to have these tests done,” Ms Stokes said.
“For the renal unit, it allows the team to easily access a point-
of-care pathology result for regular and/or emergent monitoring of their clients.
“This gives the ability to speak with the medical team or nephrologist with the latest results.”
The Cooktown Hospital Friends of the Foundation is a subsidiary of the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, which has raised more than $27 million for the region since it began in 1997.
Expansion for refuge near Coen
A CAPE York nature refuge near Coen is one of two in the north of the state set for expansion through a collaboration between the federal and state governments.
The project will support the 64,000 hectare expansion of the Crystalvale Nature Refuge, about 15km south-west of Coen, and establish the new 244,000ha Abingdon Downs North Nature Refuge, about 85km north-west of Georgetown.
Through the Protecting Important Biodiversity Areas Program, the two land parcels will protect more than 300,000ha.
Protected land at the Crystalvale Nature Refuge will now cover 90,286ha of dry eucalypt woodlands and open forests in the upper catchment of the Holroyd River, and the project is being delivered in partnership with the property owner, Corporate Carbon Group.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said the expansion would help the government move closer to an ambitious goal.
“We have set an ambitious target to protect and conserve 30 per cent of our landmass and 30 per cent of our marine areas by 2030,” she said.
Seniors Legal & Social Support Service
Free legal and social work support for older people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing elder abuse or financial exploitation, Cape York & Torres Strait
• Think someone is humbugging you for your money
• Think you might have been scammed or financially exploited
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Cooktown Hospital staff Paula Archer, Fiona Gibson, Irvin Siddayao and David Chung check out one of the I-STAT monitoring devices with Friends of the Foundation president Daphne Fenton.
Diatreme’s takeover will be critical to silica plans
THE boss of silica miner Diatreme Resources has given remaining shareholders of the neighbouring miner it is targeting for takeover a simple message: accept the offer or risk being “stuck” in a minority.
The company, which is running the ambitious Northern Silica Project at Cape Flattery, near Hope Vale, announced on 5 July it had secured a 71.2% stake in Metallica Minerals, giving it effective control of the Brisbanebased company.
The takeover would create Australia’s biggest silica sand mining entity.
Diatreme Resources has also restructured Metallica Minerals’ board to ensure group synergies can be fully realised, with Greg Starr and Michael Chapman appointed as directors of the takeover target from 8 July.
Stephen Everett has joined the pair as an independent director, while Theo Psaros and Mark Bojanjac have resigned from the Metallica Minerals board.
Diatreme Resources’ offmarket takeover offer remained open for Metallica Minerals shareholders until 9 July, a situation chief executive officer Neil McIntyre said would allow remaining shareholders, for a limited period, to accept Diatreme Resources shares or risk being “stuck” in an illiquid minority
position within Metallica Minerals.
“We strongly urge the remaining Metallica shareholders to immediately accept Diatreme’s offer and gain the benefits of the combined group,” he said.
“This offer is only open for a limited time and may not be further extended.”
Mr McIntyre said a successful takeover would create a “leading ASX-listed silica company with a pro-forma market capitalisa-
tion of approximately $110 million and a significant combined mineral resource base”.
“Diatreme has the financial capacity, technical expertise, industry partners and thirdparty stakeholder relationships required to advance the silica assets of the combined entity in the interest of all combined shareholders, with the aim of bringing the projects into timely production,” he said.
“This will create Australia’s
pre-eminent silica sand miner, strategically located in proximity to fast-growing Asian markets and also with the potential to supply a domestic solar [photovoltaic] manufacturing industry.
“Importantly, it will generate new employment, training and business opportunities for the community of Hope Vale and Cooktown, with a focus on ensuring the benefits flow to all local stakeholders, including Traditional Owners.”
Councils score $735k for disaster
PORMPURAAW and the Northern Peninsula Area have been the major local winners from the recent Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund (QRRF) grant allocation announcement.
The QRRF is funded by the state and federal governments, and aims to help communities better prepare for natural disasters and get back on their feet sooner after impact events.
Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council has received more than $529,000 to secure five back-up generators to en-
hance power resilience and essential services after natural disaster events.
The QRRF will also provide $206,000 to Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council for a solar and satellite-enabled communications trailer with internet and iPad access and UHF CB radio connectivity.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the QRRF was designed to back local initiatives driven by communities.
“The Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund’s investment builds the resilience we need now, while backing great
help
ideas like mobile green energy hubs that could have many uses in remote communities,” she said.
Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt echoed the sentiment, adding “the more we do to prepare for disasters beforehand, the better off communities will be”.
“These grants are informed by local priorities, to address risks that local organisations have identified and create solutions to help them better prepare,” Minister Watt said.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Jasper community survey
SOUTHERN Cape York residents are being asked to participate in a survey to determine the environmental impacts of Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the subsequent flood event from December.
Cape York Water Partnership is leading the investigation into the impacts of the extreme weather event on behalf of the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.
The project will document environmental and cultural values in the Annan, Bloomfield, Endeavour and Normanby catchments affected by the flooding, and local priorities for funding environmental recovery actions relating to flood impacts.
The survey can be found at www.cape yorkwaterpartnership.org/cyclone-jasper.
Kempton slams critics
LIBERAL National Party candidate for Cook
David Kempton has slammed “so-called experts” critical of the party’s new youth crime initiative.
Last week, the LNP announced its “adult crime, adult time” policy, which could have minors tried as adults for serious crimes if the party wins the October’s state election. The policy has been criticised by several lawyers and youth advocates, but Mr Kempton said the attitude ignored the impact youth crime was having.
“It’s easy for these so-called experts to be critical of the LNP policy on the basis it infringes the rights of the perpetrators, however, they ignore the impact that rampant youth crime is having on everyday Queenslanders, every day,” he said.
Great marks for reef report
THE 2021 and 2021 Reef Water Quality Report Card has just been released with great results indicated for Cape York’s catchments and waterways.
Modelling in the report card estimates the Endeavour catchment is making good progress towards reduction in fine sediment and particulate phosphorus, with an overall progress of 8.3 per cent for sediment and 5.9 per cent for particulate phosphorus, with a 2025 target for both of 10 per cent reduction.
Cape York NRM project office Katelyn Greaves said the result was a win for the reef and the region.
“This was a successful project involving multiple landholders, who all contributed and made tremendous efforts to implement and alter their land management practice change in order to lower sediment loads,” she said.
If Diatreme Resources’ takeover bid of neighbouring Metallica Minerals goes ahead, the merger would create the country’s largest silica sand mining company.
RODEO
Friday 23rd & Saturday 24th
August, 2024
Weipa Showgrounds, Andoom Road, Weipa
FREE RODEO SCHOOL FOR NOMINATED COMPETITORS
Thursday 22nd August
Sponsored by: JaiMec
Junior Poddy Ride (5-10 years)
Sponsored by: MKJ Machinery Hire & Live Life Pharmacy
Junior Steer (10-14 years) $400
Sponsored by: Trelleborg
Mini Bulls (11-15 years) $550
Sponsored by: Country Mile Services
Junior Bullock (16-18 years) $1000
Sponsored by: Cynthia Lui & Blackwoods
Women’s Bullock (16 years & over) $1000
Sponsored by: Kym-Maree’s Beauty Room
Open Bullock (16 years & over) $1500
Sponsored by: Weipa Real Estate & EMS Cape Contracting
ORGANISERS and performers should be patting themselves on the back after delivering what was a fantastic Northern Peninsula Area Cultural Festival.
The biennial event was a vivid, energetic celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and culture, but after speaking to probably hundreds of First Nations people over the two days, it made me realise a true celebration is impossible until key stakeholders are held to task about blatant leadership, service delivery and dissemination failures.
The key stakeholders I’m referring to are the state and federal governments, the Indigenous leaders and service organisations happy to take billions of dollars and deliver nothing tangible in return, communities unwilling to stand up to these generally self-appointed representatives, and the media, which, for the most part, has failed to ask the difficult questions and treated First Nations affairs as clickbait folly.
If the health, education, justice and employment chasm – let’s face it, there’s been too much sustained failure to call it a gap anymore – between Indigenous and nonIndigenous Australians is ever going to narrow, government needs
to stop throwing money at third parties to provide remote services and support it has no interest in addressing itself.
Real leadership and policy development doesn’t mean funding unsuitable entities to do the work and then absolving yourself of any responsibility because you’ve outsourced the problem.
Signing the cheques year after year without asking for any real proof it’s translating to positive outcomes on the ground and then arguing you’re meeting your ob-
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ligations as a key stakeholder is laughable. It’s also stopping any meaningful change in remote Indigenous communities, and is about as appropriate a use of taxpayer funds as stacking the cash in a big pile and setting it alight. Don’t get me wrong, there are some wonderful Indigenous leaders and community organisations delivering vital advocacy and services, however, you only have to look at any remote First Nations community to see their strong work has been diluted by a bat-
talion of often self-appointed representatives, spokespeople and institutions more interested in the billions than betterment.
When you ask those who fall into the latter category to demonstrate their value to the communities they operate in, you’ll be hit with a barrage of abuse and obfuscation, rather than any response of qualitative or quantitative value.
The media has failed because we refuse to ask the questions that need to be asked to highlight the failings I’ve mentioned, preferring
instead to generally regurgitate anything lobbed out in a media release or waffled at a press conference. We’re terrified of inquiring of the aforementioned Indigenous leaders and organisations what positive change they’ve achieved from the waterfall of funding at the risk of being branded racist.
Moreover, most newsrooms have developed a penchant for framing Indigenous affairs stories as sensationalised chaos designed to maximise website views.
After hearing countless times how disconnected most Indigenous stakeholders are with government and the leadership elite – I was told this same story at least 50 times in the NPA alone on my visit – it’s up to communities to stand together and have an honest conversation about the people and organisations whose sole, ridiculously well-funded purpose is to improve their quality of life.
It’s about responsibility and accountability, and that must start at the grassroots level.
Festivals and celebrations of culture must continue, but a truly collective celebration won’t be possible until we unite to effect genuine change for First Nations communities, and that can’t happen until Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians stand shoulder to shoulder to hold those in power to account for decades of failed promises, policy and leadership.
Festivals and other recognition of culture must continue, however, editor Lyndon Keane says the biggest celebration will only come when key stakeholders are held to account about their efforts relating to First Nations communities.
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.
Register of Pre-qualified Suppliers
Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) is re-opening the tender submissions from businesses and individuals seeking to be placed on Council’s Register of Prequalified Suppliers for:
Supply of Trades Services – Contract No. 2023-03-01 and
Plant Machinery Hire (Civil & Building Works) –Contract No. 2023-03-02
Existing Pre-qualified Suppliers do not need to re-tender for the above tenders.
Interested companies and individuals may complete a Schedule for one, multiple, or all of the listed categories in the supplier registers and return with the completed Tender Response.
Tenderers shall submit their Tender Response via email tenders@nparc.qld.gov.au by close of business, 5pm Friday 2 August 2024.
Tender Specification documents are available to download via Council’s website: www.nparc.qld.gov.au\Council Information\Tenders and Expressions of Interest.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Council’s Operations Department via email tenders@nparc.qld.gov.au.
Kate Gallaway CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Public Notice 2024 Aerial Burns Campaign
Tuesday 23 July to Saturday 27 July 2024 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Please
The Western Cape Communities Co-Existence Agreement (WCCCA) is an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) over the Rio Tinto mining lease areas of the Western Cape York region of Northern Queensland. The Agreement is between the eleven Traditional Owner Groups, four Shire Councils (Aurukun, Napranum, Mapoon and New Mapoon), Rio Tinto, the Queensland State Government and the Cape York Land Council on behalf of the Native Title Parties. The Western Cape Communities Coordinating Committee (WCCCC) and its three SubCommittees transparently monitor, implement and review the objectives of the WCCCA to ensure that all parties’ obligations under the agreement are met. The WCCT office is the administration arm for all the Trusts and the WCCCC. It manages the overall business of the company including servicing, assisting and supporting the above entities.
WCCT is committed to providing high quality services to our Traditional Owners, and we recognize the importance of employing the most suitable candidates. Currently we are seeking applications for the position of:
ADMINISTRATION OFFICER
Reporting to the Office Manager, the Administration Officer is responsible for assisting in the efficient and effective functioning of the WCCT Office in order to meet organisational objectives. This includes demonstrating appropriate and professional workplace behaviours, performing their responsibilities in a manner which reflects and responds to continuous improvement, and providing administrative support to the Office Manager as directed, and to other areas as required within the office of the WCCT. The Administration Officer is also responsible for assisting in the coordination of all WCCT, WCCCA Sub-Regional Trusts and Sub-Committees meetings scheduled throughout the year.
We anticipate that applicants will have;
• Minimum Year 12 education;
• Minimum 1 year experience in a similar administrative role;
• Sound IT and MYOB experience;
• C Class Driver’s license; and
• An understanding of engaging with Aboriginal people.
Tertiary qualifications in Business/Administration or higher will be considered favorably. Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply.
For further information including a position description please contact: Executive Officer PO Box 106
Weipa, QLD, 4874
Phone: (07) 4069 7945
Email: eo@westerncape.com.au CLOSING DATE – FRIDAY, 26TH JULY 2024
Annual Controlled Burns Program
Weipa’s banana man clocks up a massive 103km
By CHISA HASEGAWA
A WEIPA runner famous for fuelling up on bananas to get through long runs decided to challenge himself by limiting his intake for his recent 100-kilometre effort, as if the mammoth distance needed any extra challenges.
Fuelled with less sugar but a lot of determination and community support, Michael Collins ran from Mapoon to Weipa in 14 hours and clocked up 103km, his longest run yet.
When Collins set his personal best in last year’s Weipa Running Festival marathon, he consumed 23 bananas for his 42.2km journey.
“I’ve actually cut back on my banana intake – roughly one every 10km for the bananas,” he said proudly.
“I think I wanted to know if I could still do it without having so many bananas in the marathon, so it felt good to perform just as well but not having to rely on them.
“I did have 33 bananas there, just in case.”
and food ready, helping with stretching and massages and all sorts of things,” the runner said.
“They probably clocked up about 40km of running and 40km of biking between themselves.
PILOT TRANSFER SENIOR DECKHAND (PORT OF WEIPA)
Ports North is responsible for the provision of marine pilotage services to Far North Queensland ports including Weipa.
The corporation is seeking an appropriately qualified senior deckhand to provide a safe, timely and efficient vessel transfer service for the marine pilot operation in the Port of Weipa.
The position is based in Weipa and will involve a shift work roster arrangement. The role will also be required to undertake general maintenance and repair work to ensure the transfer vessel and equipment is maintained in operational readiness taking account of maritime safety and workplace health and safety requirements.
The successful applicant will work closely with the Ports North Marine Pilot Group to ensure pilot transfers are operated so as to meet all pilotage service requirements in the Port of Weipa. Applicants will require a cooperative flexible approach to work with good communication skills.
Relevant marine qualifications and experience are mandatory (Master Class 5 licence and MEDll will give the applicant preferred advantage), and candidates will be required to be able to satisfy the criteria for obtaining a Maritime Security Identification Card.
Further information on the role is available on: www.portsnorth.com.au/about-us/employment/ or for any other enquiries please contact Captain Trond Kildal (Manager Pilot Services) on 4052 3841.
Applications close 31 July 2024 and can be sent to: recruitment@portsnorth.com.au
Carrying those bananas, as well as water and plenty of snacks to keep him going, was the support team that accompanied Collins throughout the 100km journey, including the woman who inspired the long journey.
The three supporters –Amanda Haines, Donna Jewell and Chris Blythe –started in Mapoon at 5pm with Collins, and rotated between driving, cycling and running with him.
“I’m just really thankful to the people that helped me, having all the drinks
“Amanda Haines was the first person I’d ever met personally who had previously run 100km; meeting her and having a chat with her helped inspire me to undertake this run.”
Right on schedule, the group reached Mission River Bridge at 3am and was met by Weipa Running Festival chairperson Rose Robins.
“Rose supported me and pushed me with moral support and storytelling in the last 30km from a bike ...[she] also helped inspire me to undertake this run through the awesome community spirit and support from the Weipa parkrun and Weipa Running Festival,” Collins said.
“Without these community events and community
spirit, my goal would not have been possible, as well as for many other community runners who are continually pushing themselves past what they previously thought were their limits.”
For the last 5km of the marathon journey, he joined the weekly Weipa Parkrun, where he was greeted by proud fellow runners and a hand-drawn 100km finish line banner made by 10-yearold Zigmund Freiberg.
“I think that goal of having to make it in time to start parkrun with everyone really motivated me and kept me going,” Collins said.
“They put up streamers and set up an ice bath at the end; it’s amazing what everyone did to help, you obviously can’t do it alone.
“I’ll have to wait to fully find out for sure, but walking around at parkrun after the 100km felt like it gave me a sneaky sample of what it might actually be like to be 100 years old, both physically and mentally.”
Tender No: KASC-2024-022
Batching Plant Operator – Kowanyama-based
Council is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced batching plant operator to manage the batching plant as its agent.
Tender documentation is available to download on Council’s Website https://www.kowanyama.qld.gov.au/council/tenders-and-opportunities/
Tenders Close 12:00PM, Friday 26 July
All tender responses must be submitted electronically to: tenders@kowanyama.qld.gov.au and be received by close.
For more information, please contact: tenders@kowanyama.qld.gov.au
Kevin Bell, Chief Executive Officer
Michael Collins at the start of his 100-kilometre run attempt with support crew Donna Jewell, Chris Blythe and Amanda Haines. Photo: Supplied.
Festival competitors fire up for town’s biggest run
By LYNDON KEANE
IT will be an early start on Sunday morning for competitors hoping to claim marathon glory at the 2024 Weipa Running Festival (WRF).
More than 200 runners will be pounding the pavement in Weipa for the annual event, with another 85 competitors set to lace up their shoes virtually.
The marathon starter’s pistol is set to fire at 5am, with a WRF spokesperson saying the committee was celebrating an event first in 2024.
“This year is the first year we have a registered runner in every state and territory of Australia, as well a participant from Chicago,” they said.
“Spectators are welcome at Andoom Oval and all over town to cheer on fellow runners, friends and family.”
After the marathoners hit the course, competitors in the 22-kilometre half marathon will start their race at 6am, with the 10km and 5km races getting under way at 6:30am and 7:30am respectively.
The event starter will send fun runners on their way at 8:30am.
The spokesperson thanked the Weipa community for its ongoing support, adding support-
ers could track the progress of friends and family in real time during their race.
“Weipa Running Festival has been fortunate to be well supported by our event partners, sponsors, volunteers and participants for the past seven years,” they said,
“Watching participants achieve their goals each year is the driving force for the volunteer committee to continue to bring the event to fruition each year.
“All participants will be able to be live tracked while on-course via the onetime timing app, and you will be able to watch your friends finish down the finish chute via a YouTube link, which will be on our Facebook page.”
After runners recover, presentations will be held at 10am before the much anticipated after party fires up from 3pm.
A seasoned festival competitor, who asked not to be named, provided a bit of advice on what
first-time runners could expect on race day.
“There will be a few early morning nerves, overwhelming support on course from our amazing volunteers, a bit of hard work on their behalf, and the most amazing finish line experience, hopefully filled with a sense of great pride and achievement,” they said.
All race day information is available on the event website at www.weiparunningfestival. org.au.
Viv claims Dawnbusters bragging rights
A FIELD of 12 golfers took to the Carpentaria Golf Club course in what most longterm Weipa residents would describe as almost-Arctic conditions when they battled for Dawnbusters supremacy on 14 July.
Players teed off into fog on the first fairway, with Rob McVean rugged up to the extent his fellow Dawnbusters wondered if he was heading off to the Mawson Research Station after his round.
Viv Chan returned to the clubhouse with 42 off the stick for a round-winning nett 12, with Matt Byrne claiming bridesmaid honours with a nett 16.
Jon Dall completed the most unwanted double in Weipa golf with the Hoffman’s to add to his Wackers Bradman’s effort.
Grant Crossley shone with both the driver and short irons to bag the long drive and nearest to the pin crowns.
When asked about her stoic victory, Chan allegedly admitted she had drawn inspiration from her lifelong mentor, who coincidently happens to provide the weekly report under the nom de plume of G Crossley.
Golfers will test themselves on the front nine holes on 21 July, with the first group set to take their first shots around 7am.
New players are always welcome to join on a Sunday morning.
SPORT IN BRIEF
McVean bests small field
ROB McVean only had to fight off eight opponents to claim victory when a small field teed off in Wednesday Wackers action at Carpentaria Golf Club on 10 July.
McVean carded a nett 31 for the front nine holes to secure the win, two strokes clear of runner-up Grant Crossley, who shot an impressive 39 off the stick.
Jon Dall grabbed the nearest to the pin prize on the 7th hole, with Jim Lucas winning the week’s Bradman’s bragging rights.
Pentathlon date saver
COOKTOWN’S smallest athletes are being urged to cross out 11 August in their diaries to compete in Tolga’s annual pentathlon.
Tablelands Athletics Club is hosting the Interclub Pentathlon Day at the Tolga Sports Reserve from 8:30am-3pm, with athletes aged six and above up to Masters able to test themselves in a fixed five-event program.
A tetrathlon will be available for four- and five-year-old competitors.
14 parkrun PBs set
A MASSIVE 14 personal best times were recorded when a big field of 75 participated in Weipa parkrun #374 on 13 July. The event also welcomed 10 new runners on the five-kilometre circuit, with Ross Dawson (20 minutes, 55 seconds) and Emma Eyre (24:44) the fastest male and female to the finish line.
One to watch will be newbie Oscar Schweinberger, who finished just behind Dawson in a strong time of 21:25 at his first attempt.
Suns season photo shoots
JUNIOR rugby league players in Weipa will don their best smiles from today as the Central Cape Suns 2024 season photo sessions begin at Andoom Oval.
Sessions will start at 3:30pm on the following dates: 16 July – under-6 and U7 players; 18 July – U8 and U10; 23 July –U12 and U14; 25 July – U16 boys and girls. Players are asked to wear their season shirts for the photos. For more information, check out the Central Cape Suns Junior Rugby League Facebook page.
The 2024 Weipa Running Festival marathon will get under way at 5am on Sunday.
