Bulls, riders and red dust will fly at Andoom Oval for two days from Friday when the chutes are pulled open for the 19th Weipa Rodeo. Check out our event preview, and why one pro bull rider is hoping the third time is the charm when it comes to Cape of Origin glory, on Pages 18-19.
Land council boss facing DV charges
CEO given boot
The board of the Cape York Land Council has sensationally sacked its chief executive officer Dion Creek with “immediate effect” after he was arrested and refused bail on 15 charges relating to alleged domestic violence offences last week. Report – Page 3
Government to roll out report recommendations
THE Queensland Government says it has accepted all recommendations of the Supermarket Pricing Select Committee report, which examined the causes and effects of increased supermarket prices across the state.
On 12 August, Premier Steven Miles said the government would also appoint an interim Queensland Food Farmers Commissioner for 12 months to “assist producers to navigate supplier arrangements with supermarkets, and scope a range of consultative, advisory, mediation, transparency and advocacy functions”.
Premier Miles said the current state of supermarket pricing in the state was unacceptable.
“It just isn’t good enough, so I am doing something about it,” he said.
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“As I’ve travelled the state Queenslanders have been telling me they’ve been feeling the pinch at the supermarket checkout, paying more for fresh produce while farmers make less.”
It is unclear whether the changes will have any positive impact on the pockets of Cape York and Torres Strait residents at the checkout, with the majority still paying 30-60 per cent or more than those in Cairns for a trolley of groceries.
In June, the government announced it was increasing the remote freight subsidy for Cape York and the Torres Strait to 20 per cent by the end of 2024, however, Premier Miles would not commit to expanding the definition of “essential” items to include fuel, clothing and household goods.
Lui opens favourite but ‘dark horse’ not worried
By LYNDON KEANE
IF online bookmaker Sportsbet has assessed the political winds in Queensland’s northernmost electorate correctly, incumbent MP
Cynthia Lui is set to romp to victory for a third term representing Cook when voters go to the polls on 26 October.
An early state election market for the seat was released last week, with Ms Lui set to enter the home straight of the race as the odds-on favourite at $1.36.
Ahead of the 2020 Queensland election, the two-term Labor MP opened as a $1.60 chance but drifted in the market to sit around $2 when votes were cast.
Liberal National Party candidate David Kempton, who is attempting to reclaim Cook after serving as its MP from 2012 to 2015, is currently $2.88 in the market, with Katter’s Australian Party candidate Duane Amos and One Nation’s Peter Campion being offered at $14 to punters.
Sportsbet has not offered a price for Torres Strait-based independent Yen Loban.
Despite the market, Mr Amos said in a tongue-in-cheek social media post on 17 August he was
prepared to let voters decide which runner they wanted representing them for the next four years.
“In this Cook Cup … take a long odds punt on the dark horse running from a local stable and coming from an outside barrier,” he quipped in the Facebook post.
“Runs well in the wet and won’t be bogged down on a Brisbane track.
“Track quality won’t be an issue as it’s been long forgotten and poorly maintained.
“Odds are out at [$14] but won’t stay this good for long, so get on this thoroughbred early.”
Sportsbet currently has Opposition Leader David Crisafulli as the $1.20 favourite to become Queensland’s 41st leader, with Premier Steven Miles and Labor at $5 to retain power.
Premier Steven Miles (centre), pictured with MPs Michael Healy and Cynthia Lui during a June visit to Cairns to announce an increase to the government’s remote freight subsidy, says the way supermarkets are treating Queensland shoppers “just isn’t good enough”.
David Kempton is the second elect with bookmakers at $2.88.
Katter’s Australian Party candidate Duane Amos isn’t phased by his $14 quote in the betting market in the race for Cook, stating in a tongue-in-cheek social media post he is a “dark horse running from a local stable and coming from an outside barrier”.
NSW man, 68, killed in Archer River crash
A NEW South Wales man has died following a single-vehicle accident at Archer River on 16 August.
Initial Forensic Crash Unit investigations indicate about 2pm on Friday, a silver Toyota LandCruiser was travelling along Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR), approximately 10 kilometres north of the Archer River Roadhouse, when the vehicle left the road and struck a tree.
The driver of the four-wheel drive, a 68-year-old man from NSW, was declared deceased at the scene. The single passenger in the vehicle, a 65-year-old NSW woman, was flown to Cairns by the Rescue 510 helicopter with non-life-threatening injuries.
A police source confirmed the vehicle was heading southbound and travelling on a sealed section of the PDR near Charlotte Creek when the crash occurred.
While the accident has been reported by emergency services as having occurred about 30km north of the roadhouse, the Cape York Weekly understands the distance was actually between 10-11km.
Investigations are continuing, and police are asking witnesses or anyone with relevant vision of the vehicle prior to the crash to come forward and quote reference number QP2401388899.
Cape York Land Council CEO sacked after arrest
By LYNDON KEANE
THE Cape York Land Council has sensationally terminated the employment of its chief executive officer after he was arrested and charged with 15 serious domestic violence offences last week.
Dion Creek was refused bail when he appeared in the Cairns Magistrates Court on 12 August on the charges, which Cape York Weekly understands relate to alleged offences over the past few years.
Mr Creek is charged with four counts of assault occasioning bodily harm aggravated by
domestic violence, one count of unlawful staking aggravated by domestic violence, one count of common assault aggravated by domestic violence, and nine counts of contravene a domestic violence order.
In 2022, Mr Creek became the youngest CEO of the CYLC and followed in the trailblazing footsteps of his mother, who was appointed as the organisation’s first female CEO in 1997.
Following a crisis meeting on 15 August, the CYLC board said in a statement it had sacked Mr Creek “with immediate effect”.
“The board of the Cape York Land Council, at its meeting
held on [15 August] 2024, terminates the tenure of Dion Creek as chief executive officer with immediate effect,” the board said in the statement.
“Mr Creek’s tenure is terminated due to the serious nature of charges he is facing.
“The board expressed concern for the welfare of the victims of domestic violence.
“The board expressed its unequivocal support for State and Federal Government policies to stamp out domestic and family violence. The Cape York Land Council adopts a zero tolerance approach, nor does it condone such behaviour.”
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
Mr Creek has not been found guilty on any of the 15 charges and has not entered a plea.
He is likely to remain behind bars for at least the next two months following the denial of his bail application.
The State Government reacted swiftly to Mr Creek’s arrest, with Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman immediately suspending him from the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service board, to which he was appointed in March 2024.
Mr Creek’s case will return to court on 11 October for a committal mention.
Cape York Land Council CEO Dion Creek (right) has been sacked by the board, chaired by Richie Ah Mat (left), with “immediate effect” after he was arrested and refused bail on 12 August in relation to 15 domestic violence-related charges, including four counts of assault occasioning bodily harm.
Queensland Health investigation
By LYNDON KEANE
THE mayors of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) councils have blasted a State Government investigation into the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) as a “rubber stamp process” they say will contribute to continued poor health outcomes for their communities.
The government released Part A of the investigation into the public health services provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the TCHHS health service area on 9 August, using it as an opportunity to spruik adding $1.4 million to the 2024-25 TCHHS budget of $351.75m.
The investigation was undertaken following the death of a twoyear-old girl in the Bamaga Hospital in June 2023 from what was described at the time as a “preventable illness”.
The release of the report was hampered by several delays, with Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) Mayor Phillemon Mosby criticising both the investigation terms of reference and the timeframe for its completion.
“They said the proposal they were putting forward would only take 12 months and that we would receive Part A of the report in December [2023], and in May 2024 we would receive the final report
– it’s now 16 months later and we only have Part A,” he said.
“I think it’s a total insult to the people of the Cape and Torres.”
REPORT BOYCOTT
A COALITION consisting of TSIRC, Torres Shire Council and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council boycotted attending the release of the report in Cairns and meeting with Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman be-
cause the government was “investigating themselves and making recommendations to themselves”, according to Mayor Mosby.
“I think they’ve built a culture where they think they know what’s best for us … without any consultation … where they’re in control of the narrative,” he told Cape York Weekly
“There was no validation [before Part A was released]; they didn’t come back to consult and to
validate what they took from people who participated in the [investigation] process.”
Minister Fentiman denied a lack of consultation with local stakeholders and said she believed the TCHHS “provides quality clinical care”, but acknowledged the report identified there was room for improvement.
“When the local government leaders in the Torres Strait first shared their concerns with me, I
visited Thursday Island to hear from Traditional Owners, Elders, community members who had lost loved ones, health practitioners and Indigenous health workers,” she said.
“What I heard was concerning and warranted an investigation.
“There’s a strong sense in the report that the HHS provides quality clinical care to its communities but that we can, and must, do better.”
Community Feedback and Complaints
The investigation into the public health services provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the TCHHS health service area was triggered by the death of a two-year-old girl in the Bamaga Hospital in June 2023 from a “preventable illness”.
a ‘total insult’ say trio of mayors
WIDESPREAD CONCERN
WHILE the focus of the investigation is the Torres Strait and NPA, Mayor Mosby said the coalition believed identified problems were not unique to the northernmost part of the TCHHS service footprint.
“This is not just about Torres Strait and the NPA,” he said.
“This is a public health system that’s failed the Torres Strait, NPA and Cape York.
The TSIRC mayor said the coalition had originally asked thenpremier Annastacia Palaszczuk to hold an independent coronial inquest into the remote health crisis, rather than an investigation co-ordinated by the government.
The report identifies “there has been no significant improvements in prevention and management of chronic disease” for First Nations peoples in the TCHHS service area, going further to highlight “ongoing high rates of potentially avoidable deaths and increasing hospitalisation rates for diabetes, which also represents the most significant cause of potentially preventable hospitalisations”.
Mayor Mosby said the findings demonstrated the need for a focus on preventative health, rather than a reactive model of patient care.
“Prevention is better than cure … that’s what our community was thriving off 20 or 30 years ago,” he said.
“What became so apparent and clear was that we were experienc-
ing three to four deaths per week for a growing population of 15,000 – it’s quite alarming.
“[The report] is telling us what we already we know in community.”
MAYORAL MANDATE
WITH the final investigation report scheduled to be released by the end of the year, Mayor Mosby said he and his fellow elected leaders would continue to fight for the voices of their communities to be heard by the government.
“We’re there to act in the best interests of our community and if there’s a public health and safety disaster or issue, we’re mandated – we’ve got the legislation – to be the whistleblowers and address that to the government, and yet the government walked straight past us,” he said.
“We raised concern at the very beginning when they proposed their [investigation] model.
Queensland Health directorgeneral Michael Walsh said the
government was committed to improving healthcare and patient outcomes on Cape York and the Torres Strait.
“Delivering care in a region as vast and as geographically and culturally diverse as the Torres Strait and Cape York is complex,” he said.
“But we are committed to providing equitable access to safe and high-quality health care for all Queenslanders, no matter where they live.
“I want the community to know that we have heard you; the investigators have heard you, and we will work with you to improve the care you receive.”
Despite the assertions by Minister Fentiman, the government and TCHHS leadership team following the release of the report, Mayor Mosby said communities had lost faith in the investigation.
“It’s a rubber stamp process to validate their investigation and recommendations,” he said.
NPARC & Bamaga Enterprises RED DUST RODEO & SHOW
YUSIA GINAU OVAL BAMAGA
5th to 7th SEPTEMBER 2024
THURSDAY NIGHT
Rodeo Events
Poddy Rides
M&F 5 to 12yrs – $10 entry
1st $150, 2nd $75, 3rd $50, 4th $20
FRIDAY Horse Events
Junior Barrel Race
M&F 5 to 15yrs – $10 entry
1st $75, 2nd $45, 3rd $30
Senior Barrel Race
M&F 16+yrs – $10 entry
1st $150, 2nd $90, 3rd $60
Boots & Saddle
M&F 10+yrs – $10 entry
1st $150, 2nd $90, 3rd $60
Figure of 8
M&F 10+yrs – $10 entry
1st $100, 2nd $60, 3rd $40
Bending Race
M&F 10+yrs – $10 entry
1st $100, 2nd $60, 3rd $40
Jockeys required to attend race
meeting one hour before event
Cape York Weekly
300m Sprint Race
M&F 18+yrs – $50 entry
1st $850, 2nd $400, 3rd $250
FRIDAY
Rodeo Events
4pm Poddy Rides
M&F 5 to 12yrs – $10 entry
1st $150, 2nd $75, 3rd $50, 4th $20
Warren Bethel Local Bull Ride (1st Round)
18+yrs – $50 entry
1st $1000, 2nd $500, 3rd $250
Novice Bull Ride
M&F 16+yrs – $50 entry
1st $1000, 2nd $500, 3rd $250
SATURDAY
Horse Events
Cowal Creek Horse Race
M&F 18+yrs – $50 entry
1st $850, 2nd $400, 3rd $250
Trumby Cup
M&F 18+yrs – $50 entry
1st $1200, 2nd $600, 3rd $400
**A Calcutta will be held at 2pm
SATURDAY
Rodeo Events
Bushmans Saddle Race
M&F 18+yrs – $30 entry
1st $700, 2nd $300, 3rd $150
Warren Bethel Local Bull Ride (2nd Round)
M&F 18+yrs – $50 entry
1st $1000, 2nd $500, 3rd $250
Bob Katter Saddle Bronc
18+yrs – $60 entry
1st $1000, 2nd $600, 3rd $400
Open Bull Ride
Men only 18+yrs – $60 entry
1st $1200, 2nd $600, 3rd $400
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman has denied a lack of consultation with local stakeholders and said she believed the TCHHS “provides quality clinical care”, but acknowledged the report identified there was room for improvement.
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
Skytrans prepares to jet towards expansion plan
By LYNDON KEANE
THEY will not be used on Cape York and Torres Strait routes, but Airbus jets with Skytrans livery will be a common sight in the skies from October as the airline embarks on an ambitious expansion plan its boss says will transform the profile of the company.
After being purchased by Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) service operator, earlier in the year, Skytrans has announced its growth plan will involve the commencement of local ACMI services in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the addition of Airbus A319 jets to its fleet.
Skytrans chief executive officer Alan Milne told Cape York Weekly it was anticipated the
introduction of ACMI services would provide a benefit to other airlines operating in the region while acting as the catalyst for significant organisational growth.
“The introduction of ACMI services will provide muchneeded surge capacity for the airlines operating in this region, for example, times when airlines are short on capacity due to the late delivery of new aircraft, unplanned maintenance events or even crew shortages,” he said.
“This will see Skytrans grow from a small regional airline to a high capacity jet operation in a very short space of time.”
While runways across Cape York and the Torres Strait on existing routes are too short to accommodate the new A319s, Mr Milne said remote customers would not be forgotten as the
airline added larger aircraft to its fleet.
“The A319 will not be used on the Cape services, as the airports around the Cape are not capable of supporting such a large aircraft,” he explained.
“Skytrans will continue to grow the turboprop operation around the Cape and the Torres Strait, including freight capacity.
“The A319 aircraft being introduced to Skytrans have always been dedicated passenger aircraft [and] we will also be looking at dedicated freighter aircraft if there is a market for that.”
Skytrans’ ambitious growth strategy comes on the back of the recent collapse of regional operator Rex, which entered voluntary administration on 30 July after an unsuccessful expan-
NEWS IN BRIEF
Cooktown protestor booked
A 51-YEAR-OLD Cooktown man has received an infringement notice after he was allegedly involved in a protest that turned disruptive in Brisbane earlier this month.
On 11 August, a group of approximately 40 people gathered near Eagle Street in the Brisbane CBD before conducting a march through the city, which was monitored by police.
Police alleged during the protest, members of the group became disruptive and obstructed police, with four men being taken into custody, including the Cooktown man, who was issued an infringement notice for contravening a police direction.
Election workers needed
APPLICATIONS have opened for nearly 15,000 casual election staff roles ahead of the Queensland general election on 26 October.
The roles on offer will cover work before, on, or after election day, and Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said applications were welcome from across the state, including Cape York and the Torres Strait.
“There will be many more roles to fill at this election at our early voting centres and polling booths across Queensland, as we increase the size of our state-wide team,” he said.
“We’re recruiting now, so if you’re interested in helping to deliver democracy on the ground and help people to have their say, one of these roles might be a great fit for you.”
sion bid that aimed to compete against Qantas and Virgin Australia on metropolitan routes.
At its first creditor’s meeting earlier this month, it was revealed Rex’s debts totalled about half a billion dollars owed to 4,800 creditors.
Mr Milne was not directly critical of the failed Rex growth plan, however, he said he believed it was “essential” regional operators remained independently viable to service communities on remote routes like those on Cape York.
“It is essential that regional airlines such as Skytrans remain viable to operate these routes,” he said.
“Skytrans has done so for many years without government assistance, and all airlines should be encouraged to stand on their own two feet.”
For more information, visit www.ecq.qld. gov.au.
One month until festival
WESTERN Cape York will celebrate the people, performances and history of Napranum when the community hosts the 2024 Ruchook Cultural Festival next month.
The two-day event will be held on 2021 September and kick off with a float competition that will have residents decorating their vehicles for a procession from the football oval to the festival grounds at 3pm on the Friday.
A big crowd is expected to converge on the community on the Saturday for a day and night of celebration, culture and dance, in addition to a range of other activities guaranteed to entertain.
For more information in the lead-up to the festival, keep an eye on the Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council website or Facebook page.
As the airline prepares to expand into jet operations from October and in the wake of Rex entering voluntary administration, Skytrans chief executive officer Alan Milne (left) says it is essential regional operations remain viable and “stand on their own two feet”.
Weipa students show off talents
By CHISA HASEGAWA
WESTERN Cape College has shown it is brimming with musical talent after four budding musicians showcased their skills at a competitive ensemble program in Cairns earlier this month.
Talei Rokosoi, Rhiannon Portell, Halle Kootoofa and Blake Kootoofa were selected to partici pate in this year’s State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) after outstanding work in the school’s
band program. Run by one of Australia’s leading music education institutions, the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, SHEP is a highly selective program which brings together talent from 26 schools across Far North Queensland.
Instrumental music teacher Amy Hosking, who nominated the
gram, and I’m extremely proud to say that four of our students got accepted into the program,” she said.
“They’re all really hardworking and dedicated musicians; they’re always asking questions and always wanting to know more information on how to get better.
“I thought it was a great opportunity for them to go and experience music outside of school.”
Ms Hosking said it was only the second time WCC had participated in the SHEP program.
“Last year was the first year that I nominated people, and it was mainly because when I first started the [band] program, it was very much beginner based,” she said.
“Now that the kids are progressing further through the levels, they’re getting to a point where they can actually go away and be successful at these opportunities.”
She explained programs like SHEP, which allowed students to venture out and learn from new teachers, see the calibre of their
peers, and collaborate with other musicians, were incredibly valuable to a musician’s progress.
“This is the first time most of them have experienced something like this,” Ms Hosking said.
“To be honest, having done the SHEP program myself through school, there is nothing quite like these programs – they’re amazing.
“The kids are all really excited to keep playing; it’s really reinvigorated their learning and helped them get more motivation.”
MOUNT TULLY GREEN WASTE FACILITY
Due to illegal dumping, residents and visitors are being advised that effective:
SUNDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2024
the Mt Tully Green Waste Facility on Endeavour Valley Road will no longer be accessible to the general public.
Community members may dispose of green waste five days a week at the Cooktown Waste Transfer Station (during opening hours). Green waste will be assessed for contamination, measured and the relevant Council fees and charges applied.
Businesses and organisations impacted by these changes are encouraged to contact Council to discuss access requirements. For more information, contact our Waste Managment team by calling 4082 0500 or emailing mail@cook.qld.gov.au
PUBLIC NOTICE OF THE ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT TO THE FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND REGIONAL ORGANISATION OF COUNCILS (FNQROC) REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT MANUAL PLANNING SCHEME POLICY
Planning Act 2016
Notice is given under the that on 23 January 2024, Cook Shire Council resolved to adopt an amendment to the FNQROC Regional Development Manual Planning Scheme Policy
The purpose and general effect of the amendment to the FNQROC Regional Development Manual Planning Scheme Policy is to reflect version 05/23 (Issue 9) of the Development Manual within the policy.
The amendments were effective from Tuesday 23 January 2024 A copy of the amendment is available at Cook Shire Council’s Main Administration building located at 10 Furneaux Street, Cooktown or can be viewed and downloaded from Council’s website The full manual can be found at the FNQROC website www fnqroc qld gov au
Brian Joiner Chief Executive Officer
Western Cape College music teacher Amy Hosking (middle) sends Talei Rokosoi, Rhiannon Portell, Halle Kootoofa and Blake Kootoofa off to their SHEP experience.
Council makes change to Mount Tully waste facility
COOK Shire Council has advised the Mount Tully green waste facility will no longer be accessible to the public from next month as it attempts to tackle illegal dumping.
Although the Cooktown facility will remain in operation, members of the public will be prohibited from entering it from 1 September,
with the council currently installing a security gate and surveillance cameras to help monitor access.
To help the community adjust during the transition and ensure properties are prepared for the wet season, the council will offer a free dumping period at all waste transfer stations from 19 October until 3 November.
Mayor Robyn Holmes said the changes would help shift the financial burden of operating the facility from Cook Shire ratepayers to users.
“Managing and processing green waste incurs substantial costs,” she said.
“Previously, residents have had free unmonitored use of the green waste area
at Mount Tully – this system has placed significant financial burden on council.
“Moving to a user-pays system will ensure those using the facility are contributing to the facility’s maintenance; introducing a monitored system will ensure environmental regulations are complied with while shifting the financial
burden from all ratepayers to users.”
Mayor Holmes urged residents to make the most of the free dumping period to ensure the community was prepared for extreme weather events.
“In the days before Cyclone Jasper was anticipated to make landfall, the Cooktown waste transfer sta-
tion was overwhelmed with waste as residents rushed to clear their yards,” she said.
“To prevent this situation from recurring, we encourage everyone to take advantage of the free dumping period and prepare their properties ahead of the extreme weather season.”
For more information, call 4082 0500.
Full brains, bellies for Endeavour students as sciences celebrated
By CHISA HASEGAWA
FIRE experiments, bread making and a trip to Canberra were just some of the activities that helped Endeavour Christian College (ECC) students discover the wonders of science during National Science Week.
The Cooktown school celebrated this year’s National Science Week theme – Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability – with a range of hands-on experiences that explored their interconnectedness of life on Earth.
“At ECC, we believe it’s hard to think of an aspect of life that doesn’t lean on science to some extent,” principal Jenny Nelson said.
“The theme encourages understanding that we’re all part of the big, interconnected web of life; every creature, from the bees that pollinate our fruit trees to the worms that enrich our soil, plays an essential part.
“Their survival doesn’t just protect nature’s beauty, it ensures the health of the ecosystems that provide our food, clean water and the air we breathe.”
Starting with a whole-of-school assembly presentation, students from all year levels got the opportunity to explore and learn about what makes their planet so unique.
“Our head of science, along with the year 11 and 12 chemistry students, presented an engaging and hands-on segment on fire,” Ms Nelson said.
“They had the students on the edge of their seats as they conducted experiments on the properties of fire and its impact on our environment.”
ECC head of science Chris McPhail said prep and year 1 students learned about chemical reactions using yeast – they were mesmerised as they watched it inflate a balloon, before making bread with the yeast to finish their National Science Week learning with full bellies and brains.
Year 5 and 6 students bundled up for a cold trip to Canberra, where they participated in activities at Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, while Year 9 and 10 students visited the Valley Farm in Lakeland as part of their biome and food security studies.
Year 7 and 8 students built on their exploration of flocculation, a water treatment process which encourages small particles to form larger clusters, and the role sea-
grass beds play in filtering rivers and reefs.
“Seagrass beds provide food and habitat for marine organisms, improve water quality by reducing nutrient levels, and reduce coastal erosion through stabilisation of sediment,” Mr McPhail said.
“As part of the unit, Jessie from Cape York Natural Resource Management, with Nick from Riverbend Tours, took the class on a tour of the seagrass beds at the mouth of the Endeavour River or near
Archer Point, and [taught] us how seagrass was cleverly designed to help our river and reefs.”
Ms Nelson said the response from students had been extremely positive.
“Students love to get involved with their learning, and science is the perfect topic for hands-on classes,” she said.
“[They] have enjoyed every aspect of the learning opportunities, and a lot of leaning has occurred this week.”
Head of science Chris McPhail steps students through the finer details of making and managing fire at an assembly as part of National Science Week activities at Endeavour Christian College. Photo: Facebook
Unique works a priority for artist
By CHISA HASEGAWA
A CAPE York artist on a mission to showcase Queensland’s unique Aboriginal art style has been selected to exhibit at a prominent gallery in Melbourne.
Connie Rovina, a proud KukuThaypan and Widi woman, will showcase her rich cultural heritage and sacred stories passed down through generations at Manyung Gallery Group (MGG) this year.
The creative force behind WidiWorks Aboriginal Art Gallery in Kuranda, Ms Rovina has established herself as a prominent figure in the art scene with her vibrant colour palettes, intricate details, and evocative storytelling.
Earlier this year, she spoke to Cape York Weekly about the heartbreaking history behind Queensland’s Aboriginal art – how it was plagiarised and sold cheaply, which had driven artists out of the industry and ultimately led to a lack of representation of the state’s specific style.
The artist said each of her creations aims to educate people about Queensland’s style and break the myth that all Aboriginal art is one and the same, adding that showcasing at MGG would help immensely.
“My work is the only Indigenous style they’ve got there,” Ms Rovina said.
“They wanted somebody to represent culture, and they had a look
at my work and liked it. I’ve been getting work out there, but when a gallery takes you up like this, it’s a really big thing, because they have the means and the know-how to really promote you to the next level.”
Ms Rovina’s pieces are set to reach the eyes of many art lovers, with MGG having five locations
across Victoria as one of Australia’s largest and longest-running contemporary art businesses.
“It’s an ongoing representation of my work, so we’re going to start out with the two galleries in Melbourne and see how we go,” she said.
“They’ve invited me to a cou-
ple of exhibitions they’re having later this year; one of them is a really big one on the weekend of the Melbourne Cup.
“The director said most of Melbourne turns up [at the Sorrento gallery] for that exhibition, so it’s big, and it means a lot of painting in the meanwhile.”
Ms Rovina said there was potential for this opportunity to take her works overseas to countries that had shown interest in her art.
“[The director] is already talking about a couple of international tours next year, mainly to the Asian countries, so we’ll see how that one turns out,” she said.
Vibrant colours, cultural connection and a passion for Queensland Aboriginal art got Connie Rovina a spot at a prominent gallery. Photo: Stacey Lee Photography
Council facing scrutiny over financial operations
THE mayor of Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) has told the community “there is no need to have concerns” about the embattled organisation despite the State Government appointing finance and governance experts to oversee operations for the next six months.
On 8 August, the council acknowledged the Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works (DHLGPPW) had appointed a financial controller and governance adviser in the wake of criticism about NPARC’s strategic, operational and financial management.
In a statement, Mayor Robert Poi Poi urged NPA residents and business owners not to worry about the appointment of BDO partner Ben Schierhuber as financial controller and former Noosa Shire Council chief executive officer Brett de Chastel as governance adviser.
“The department has advised [the appointment] relates to resolving financial challenges, high staff turnover and governance issues,” said Mayor Poi Poi, who replaced former mayor
Patricia Yusia following the 16 March local government elections.
“The council has faced significant challenges over the last 10 to 15 years including resource allocation, loss of self-determination, loss of community governance structures, financial deficits and high staff turnover.
“I wish to reiterate to the community that there is no need to have concerns about NPARC’s future or to pass judgement on the previous [c]ouncils or any staff.”
On its website, BDO describes Mr Schierhuber as specialising in business turnaround and restructuring, forensics, cor-
porate insolvency and viability assessments.
In June, the council voted unanimously to adopt an operating loss of more $5.7 million for the 2024-25 financial year, and Cape York Weekly understands two of NPARC’s six elected members have already expressed an interest in investigating de-amalgamation and returning to a community council model.
While neither Minister for Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works Meaghan Scanlon or the department would respond specifically to questions put to them by Cape York Weekly, a DHLGPPW source said there was “real worry” about nepotism and the performance of senior NPARC staff.
“You’ll find it’ll be like a house of cards when the finance and governance appointees pull back the covers,” the source said.
“You’ve got executive staff and other managers who seem to be in the role by virtue of being family or friend of someone in council, rather than being competent and qualified to do the
job. There’s a lot of question marks about finances and where money’s going, too, so I expect there’ll be a few empty seats within the next six months.”
A department spokesperson told Cape York Weekly “[t]he Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works appointed a financial controller and a governance advisor to the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council for an initial six-month period” and that “[a]ny need to extend their appointment would be determined on the outcomes of the initial six months”.
“If someone believes a council officer, councillor or mayor has acted inappropriately, they should make a complaint to the Office of the Independent Assessor or the Crime and Corruption Commission,” the spokesperson said.
In the 8 August statement, Mayor Poi Poi said “NPARC will ensure community is kept up to date on any information or developments” over the coming six months, and encouraged stakeholders to attend upcoming community meetings about the council’s situation.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Protection targets set
THE State Government is seeking community feedback on new targets to preserve the state’s unique biodiversity.
The proposed six targets aim to conserve species, help recover species in decline and restore ecosystems, and Queenslanders are being encouraged to have their say on how best to conserve the state’s iconic biodiversity, protect native species and restore ecosystems.
Queensland is home to 85 per cent of Australia’s native mammals, 72 per cent of Australia’s native birds, just over 50 per cent of the country’s native reptiles and frog species, plus more than 14,000 native plant species.
Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leanne Linard urged people to have their voices heard on the new targets.
Submissions can be made until 5pm on 11 September. For more information, go to www.intheloop.des.qld.gov.au.
Registrations overdue
PET owners in Weipa who are yet to renew their furry friends’ registration are being reminded this is now overdue.
Weipa Town Authority (WTA) is asking those pet owners who have not paid their registration fees, or those with new, unregistered animals, to do so as soon as possible.
“Registration helps quickly reunite lost pets with their owners. Don’t let your furry friend be without their tag,” a WTA spokesperson said.
Cairns to host Datathon
THE Indigenous Australian Datathon (IAD) will return to Cairns for the fourth year in a row from 1-3 November.
IAD is a unique event that fosters innovation and collaboration among Traditional Owners, technologists, data professionals, entrepreneurs and students to develop “innovative, communitycentric artificial intelligence and big data solutions” that address real problems faced by Indigenous communities.
Stakeholders from Cape York and the Torres Strait are expected to make the trip south for the event, including Salt Money founder Dennis Fay.
“The best thing I got out of the Datathon [in 2023] was to mix in with a diverse range of people from across the regions, to really sit down, look at solutions and put together a really good pitch,” he said.
For more information, visit www. indigenousaustraliandatathon.com.
Despite the State Government appointing a financial controller and governance adviser, Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council Mayor Robert Poi Poi says there is no need for community concern, adding there will be “no delays in the processing and approval of payments to suppliers and staff”.
NPARC Mayor Robert Poi Poi.
Review highlights broken system
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
IF you want to understand how truly delusional the Queensland Government is when it comes to the state of health services across Cape York and the Torres Strait, you only have to look at the headline of its 9 August media release in response to an investigation report into how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this part of the world are treated in the public health system.
“Funding boost to improve health services in the Torres and Cape” screamed the headline, possibly a bit of an oversell considering the financial injection in question is a paltry $1.4 million into an existing $351.75m 2024-25 budget for Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS).
For those good with maths, yes, that does represent a funding increase of just 0.4 per cent of the original budget. In fairness to the government though, 0.4 per cent is about the effort it’s putting into fixing a system its own review says is failing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
The investigation was ordered after a two-year-old girl died in the Bamaga Hospital in June 2023 from what has been described as a “preventable illness”.
Part A of the investigation re-
port – Part B is expected to be presented by the end of the year – provides eight recommendations and highlights a number of areas of concern within the TCHHS public health delivery model, with Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulances Services Shannon Fentiman admitting the government “… can, and must, do better”.
That’s certainly the perspective of a growing number of Cape York and Torres Strait mayors, several of whom boycotted the release of the report earlier this month amid vehement criticism of the investigation’s independence and lack of local consultation.
Blame for the current state of
healthcare in our backyard cannot be lumped entirely on TCHHS.
Whether the report will highlight it or not, some of the remote Indigenous health providers that receive tens of millions of dollars in taxpayer funding – one alone reported almost $40m in yearly grant-based revenue in a recent annual report – to aid the effective delivery of healthcare in First Nations communities up here have refused accountability, withdrawn services or are holding the government to ransom demanding more money, and must bear a portion of the burden of collective failure.
Healthcare failures up here aren’t new. In June, I was rather
scathing in my criticism of the government’s arrogance for suggesting it was perfectly appropriate to expect Lakeland residents to drive almost 80 kilometres for medical help.
Barely seven days later, fine print in the 2024-25 state budget revealed the lauded $200m commitment to build a new hospital in Cooktown would be spread out over seven years, with only 4 per cent of that amount to be invested before we are required to lodge our next tax return.
Nothing screams a genuine interest in improved remote healthcare like a plan that will take the best part of a decade to deliver
desperately needed medical infrastructure.
If the government is prepared to treat Cape York and the Torres Strait with this level of contempt while the resources revenue is rolling in to fund pipedream projects in more heavily populated parts of the state, it’s terrifying to ponder how much the health needs of the region will be ignored in three, four or five decades from now when the mining companies have moved on and turned off the royalties tap.
Don’t be surprised if Premier Steven Miles has a plan afoot to send an expedition of cartographers and surveyors north to make Cape York and the Torres Strait disappear from the map, with the northernmost part of the state suddenly somewhere around Port Douglas. It would certainly free up some money to spend on pork barrelling and the Brisbane Olympics.
Speaking of which, the government is delivering an Olympiclevel performance in political spin when it comes to trying to convince us, especially those in Indigenous communities, it is listening and responding to local feedback, and completely committed to providing a public health service representing even a fraction of what stakeholders in the south-east corner of the state are afforded.
It’s like putting a band-aid on a bullet wound and telling us everything’s going to be fine as the colour drains from our face.
Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page
2
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.
World Cup to benefit Weipa touch
By CHISA HASEGAWA
A WEIPA man is hoping his recent experience at the world’s premier touch football event can help raise the profile of the sport on western Cape York.
Weipa Touch Association treasurer Mitch Higgins was selected as manager of the Australian Men’s 40s team at the Federation of International Touch World Cup in England in July.
Australia comfortably asserted itself as the best of the best after winning gold in 12 out of 13 divisions and retaining the World Cup, which was last contested in Malaysia in 2019.
A well-deserved holiday later, Higgins landed home in Weipa last
week, ready to build the sport back up after a five-year hiatus of competitive touch in the town.
SPORT IN BRIEF
Dall too good on Wednesday
JON Dall returned to form with a convincing three-stroke win when 16 golfers teed off in Wednesday Wackers action on 14 August.
The back nine holes at Carpentaria Golf Club proved no challenge for Dall as he returned to the clubhouse with 45 off the stick to card a nett 30.
Runner-up honours went to Pete Harley (nett 33) with Matt Byrne dominating the nearest to the pin competition on the 15th and 18th holes.
Rhi Crossley bagged the weekly Bradman’s prize.
Aurukun laces up for run
EVENT organisers are hoping runners from across western Cape York will make tracks for Aurukun when the community hosts the 2024 River to Ramp Run on 21 September.
The annual event is a favourite with local and visiting competitors due to the stunning natural backdrop of the courses on offer.
A 7-kilometre course will be available to runners, while walkers are encouraged to tackle the 3km track.
Competitors will lace up their shoes for the starter’s gun at 8am.
For more information, or to nominate, contact Aurukun Shire Council sport and recreation officer Rathin Saha on 4060 6858 or sro@aurukun.qld.gov.au.
No driver, no problem
NOT being able to reach for the big stick did not prove a problem for Darren Powell when competitors went head to head in a No Driver Stableford at Cooktown Golf Club on 17 August.
Despite the Walker Bay course being in pristine condition, every player except Powell (37 points) produced a less-thanpristine performance, with Sam GodfreyRoberts the next best back on 31 points, while Brent Hetaraka, Wal Welsh and Rick Butler fought for third spot on 30 points.
When the dust and sledging subsided at the clubhouse, Hetaraka survived the countback to take the bronze.
Visiting golfer “Kick” claimed the nearest to the pin on 2/11, with Steve Butler securing 14 – and then failing with the subsequent two-metre putt for birdie – and the other Butler closest on 9/18. Players will contest a white tee Stableford on 24 August.
He said local competition had restarted last year, but no away games had happened yet.
“We’ve got the local comps here, and now, there’s a competition in Cairns in two months’ time, so we’re hoping to take a Weipa team away,” he said.
“There’s always coaches and people looking out for talent, so that’s how you move up in the game. As long as you’re out there, competing in every event and putting your best foot forward, you’ll catch someone’s eye and they’ll want you on their team.”
While there may be plenty of opportunities once players were on the paddock, Higgins said it was not a well-supported sport, which made playing the away games required to progress through the touch football ranks a financial burden on competitors.
“Touch is a pay-your-own-way sort of thing – there’s not enough sponsors and all that sort of support behind it,” he said.
“The more we can develop it and spread us as an affiliate up here around North Queensland, it’ll give a lot of the kids more opportunities to get noticed.”
Higgins said touch began at the grassroots level, adding he hoped his experience on the international stage would inspire Cape kids.
“There are some people that were picked up playing under-12s Peninsula, and now they’re playing Men’s Open Australia,” he said.
“It just kind of shows there’s a pathway and that it’s actually possible to go from here, all the way to the big events.”
Weipa’s Mitch Higgins (left) was selected as the Australian Men’s 40s team manager for the recent Touch World Cup held in England.
Murray puts big gap on field
CARPENTARIA Golf Club was a hive of activity on Sunday morning when 17 players took to the fairways to fight for Dawnbusters bragging rights.
Jay Murray led the way on the course to post a winning score of nett 13, with Scott Andrews and Grant Crossley finding themselves caught up in a countback battle for runner-up honours after both returning to the clubhouse with nett 19.
When the judges finished consulting the scorecards, it was Andrews who was awarded second place.
In an impressive outing, Andrews demonstrated he was more than a one-trick pony by also securing the nearest to the pin and men’s long drive prizes.
Maureen Savo landed the women’s longest drive gong with some strong hitting.
Three newcomers were welcomed into the Dawnbusters family including Beth Dall, who bagged the Hoffman’s.
New players are invited to join in the fun each Sunday, with golfers tackling the back nine on 25 August from 7am.
Rodeo prepared for huge crowds
By LYNDON KEANE
THE schedule is printed, the bucking stock have been delivered, and some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in Queensland are ready show off their skills to a pumped up crowd when the 2024 Weipa Rodeo kicks off at Andoom Oval on 23 August.
Weipa Rodeo Association (WRA) president Reuben Slingo said this year’s instalment of one of the township’s favourite events promised a “jam-packed” program and would feature competitors from across the state.
“Everything is looking great,” he said.
“The community and sponsorship have been amazing this year; without our sponsors, the Weipa Rodeo wouldn’t be possible.
“With seating each year in high demand, the Weipa Rodeo has purchased a brand new grandstand, and a concrete slab for a permanent bar area is being poured just in time for the event.
“We are set to have everything in place for a great weekend.”
A rodeo school will be held on Thursday and Friday for emerging bull riders and barrel racers, and Mr Slingo explained it was part of the WRA’s commitment to developing the sport on western Cape York.
“The Weipa Rodeo development program supports competitors who display dedication, commitment and talent,” he said.
“These funds cover costs associated with development clinics, pre-rodeo cattle school, and our professional mentors for the weekend.
This year, the development program introduces a horsemanship clinic for nominated riders on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.”
The Cape of Origin showdown between the Northern Cape, Central Cape and Southern Cape will be a feature of the rodeo, with a bumper $11,000 jackpot on offer for the winning team, as well as priceless bragging rights for the next 12 months.
Each team will be captained by a professional bull rider – Braydon Wellby, Anthony Ryan and Ky Borghero – and include an open bull rider, saddle bronc rider, novice bull rider, barrel racer, ladies bullock rider and mini bull rider.
“Anthony and Braydon are returning captains,” Mr Slingo explained.
“The captains will pull the shirt from a bag on the Friday night at the open bull grand entry and that’s when they know what region they will be representing.”
While the dust will settle for another year at Andoom Oval on Saturday night, Mr Slingo said the event had a lasting impact on the Weipa community.
“Weipa Rodeo is community – the committee work all year round to provide the Cape with not just a two-day event, but support many charities and organisations, as well as improvements to the grounds for all to enjoy.”
Gates open at Andoom Oval at 3pm on Friday, with competitors taking to the arena for the first events from 4pm.
The full 2024 Weipa Rodeo program is available on the event’s Facebook page.
There will be plenty of thrills and spills when the 2024 Weipa Rodeo kicks off at Andoom Oval.
$12m in funding to help sporting groups bounce back
A JOINT federal and state government initiative is offering $12 million to help sport and recreation groups impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper bounce back on and off the paddock.
The Sport and Recreation Community Facilities Recovery Program is boosting support for eligible sport and active recreation organisations and local governments hardest hit by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the South Queensland severe storms and rainfall.
The Sport and Recreation Recovery Grant opened on 31 July and will provide eligible organisations in the Cook, Douglas, Mareeba and Wujal Wujal local government areas, among others farther south, with funding between $20,000 and $1 million to assist with clean-up efforts, or repair or replacement of equipment and facilities
directly damaged by the disaster. Minister for Sports Michael Healy said the funding was reflective of the important role sport had in the wellbeing of Queenslanders.
“Sport and active recreation play a vital role in Queenslander’s lives, so it’s important that our clubs and sporting organisations are up and running for the communities they serve,” he said.
“This funding will ensure a speedier recovery and get Queenslanders in impacted areas back into sport and being active.”
The program focuses on damaged caused by Far North Queensland’s catastrophic weather event in December 2023, as well as that resulting from the severe storms and rainfall event in south-east Queensland.
For more information, and to check eligibility, go to www.qld.gov.au and search “sport and recreation recovery”.
Isa champ chasing Cape of Origin
By LYNDON KEANE
HE is flying high after blowing the competition away to claim the prestigious open bull ride at the 2024 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, but 27-year-old Braydon Wellby is hoping to change his fortune in Weipa this weekend when it comes to Cape of Origin glory.
“Hopefully this year I can get a winner,” he laughed when asked how he was feeling about returning to the Weipa Rodeo to captain one of the three Cape of Origin teams on 23-24 August.
“Third time’s a charm, they say.”
Wellby is yet to taste Cape of Origin success in Weipa but said he believed he was in the best form of his bull riding career and praised the format of the series, which pits cowboys and cowgirls from across the top of the state against one another in the arena.
“It’s a really good concept,” he said.
The Townsville cowboy is currently fourth in the 2024 Professional Bull Riders (PBR) national standings and impressed the Mount Isa crowd with a 168-point effort to claim the open bull ride,
including a thrilling 87-point ride on Nine Ball on 10 August.
Wellby said he was looking forward to coming out of the chutes in front of a big Weipa crowd at Andoom Oval.
“It’s a real good spot up there and you can hear when they get really vocal, and you can hear when they get right behind you,” he said of the venue.
“It definitely pumps you up and makes you bear down and focus on the ride, and grip a bit harder.
“It’s always a good atmosphere and they always put on a great show. I’ve got family up in Weipa, so it’s always good to get up there.”
Despite his red-hot recent form, Wellby said part of the lure of bull riding was that it was impossible to foreshadow how either he or his opponents were going to perform when the beasts started bucking on Friday night.
“All it comes down to is riding the bull in front of me and taking it as it comes,” he said.
Organisations like the Laura Rodeo and Campdraft Association, which suffered losses as a result of flooding from Cyclone Jasper, will be eligible for support under the $12 million program.
Braydon Wellby won the prestigious Mount Isa Rodeo bull ride on 10 August.
Braydon Wellby shows he is a class act on and off the back of a bucking bull as he helps a young competitor after a fall at the 2023 Weipa Rodeo.
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