Cooktown will only need to wait four years for a new hospital after the State Government casually mentioned it had tightened the completion timeline for the much-needed infrastructure to financial year 2027-28. Report – Page 6
WEDNESDAY
Search for woman on OTT after abandoned van found
POLICE are calling for public assistance in an attempt to locate a woman last seen in New South Wales after the vehicle she is believed to have been driving was discovered abandoned on Cape York’s Old Telegraph Track last week.
Jamilla Humphrey, 52, was last seen about 1am on 20 August 2024 leaving a home on Moss Avenue in Toukley, on the NSW Central Coast.
When she was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Ten days later, on 29 August, police announced the vehicle Ms Humphrey was believed to be driving had been found in far northern Cape York.
The white Mitsubishi van with NSW registration AE 92 WX was
TUXWORTH & WOODS CARRIERS
Need a reliable freight service to the Cape?
Tuxworth & Woods have all your refrigerated, dry & heavy haulage needs covered – from 20 grams to 20 tonnes
WEIPA DEPOT
Iraci Ave, Evans Landing Mob: 0429 003 743
Ph: 4069 7183 Fax: 4069 7472
COOKTOWN DEPOT
Cnr of Endeavour Road and McMillan Streets, Cooktown Ph: 0419 759 892
CAIRNS OFFICE: Ph: 4035 4022 25 Redden St, Portsmith
Get carried away with Tuxworth & Woods Carriers
located on the Old Telegraph Track (OTT) near the Jardine River.
A search operation was launched after the van was discovered, with police asking locals, tourists and anyone travelling in the vicinity of the OTT to keep an eye out for the
missing woman. Police and family hold concerns for her welfare.
Ms Humphrey is described as Caucasian in appearance with a fair complexion, about 180 centimetres tall, thin build, blonde shoulder length hair and blue eyes.
She was last seen wearing a green jacket and khaki long pants. Anyone who might have seen Ms Humphrey or her vehicle in the area is urged to call the Bamaga police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Entsch concerned about potential CYLC conflicts
By LYNDON KEANE
THE Cape York Land Council (CYLC) is refusing to comment on its leadership future despite one person now juggling the two most senior roles within the organisation, a situation the federal MP for Leichhardt says he believes will create major governance concerns.
CYLC chair Richie Ah Mat has been revealed as the organisation’s acting chief executive officer following the sensational sacking of former boss Dion Creek after he was arrested on 15 domestic violence-related charges in August.
Following Mr Creek’s arrest, the land council board held a crisis meeting on 15 August and announced in a statement it had terminated his employment “with immediate effect”.
While Cape York Weekly has been able to confirm Mr Ah Mat will operate as both the CYLC’s board chair and CEO, the organisation would not respond to questions about how the roles would be managed concurrently, and if an external search to recruit a replacement for Mr Creek would be undertaken.
“Acting CEO Richie Ah Mat will not be giving any followup statements,” a CYLC staff member said in an email on 30 August.
Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has been critical of the land council’s involvement and advocacy during the recent consultation for a Cape York World Heritage submission and said he could not see how Mr Ah Mat could successfully balance the top strategic and operational
positions within the organisation.
“I’ve had some serious concerns raised about the integrity of the land council and its leadership in recent times from people very closely associated with the land council,” he said.
“What’s happening now is that you’re just circulating it within the same small leadership group.
“Personally, I think it’s a serious conflict of interest and I
think it’s time they bought people in from outside to have a look at what’s going on. I don’t think these problems are going to be resolved by one individual who was already involved with some of those concerns ... taking on multiple roles.”
Mr Creek has not been found guilty on any of the charges and will face Cairns Magistrates Court on 11 October for a committal mention after being refused bail.
Missing woman Jamilla Humphrey. Police are concentrating their search on the Old Telegraph Track, however, she could be elsewhere on the Cape.
Cape York Land Council chair Richie Ah Mat (right) will also act as the organisation’s chief executive officer for the foreseeable future after former boss Dion Creek (left) was sacked following his arrest last month.
New helicopters to raise the bar in health service
By LYNDON KEANE
TWO new emergency service helicopters will soon take to the sky above the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) after their stunning livery was unveiled at a media event in Cairns on Friday.
Both the Leonardo AW139 helicopters will be based on Horn Island by the end of 2024 and replace the Bell 412 helicopters currently servicing the region.
The head-turning livery has been designed by well-known Badu Island artist Alick Tipoti, with the colours and designs representative of the communities the helicopters will serve.
The design features a distinctive dragonfly motif, known in the Torres Strait as kuyup – a term also used by locals to describe a helicopter – to provide the helicopters with the fitting name of the Lagaw Kuyup (Island Helicopter) Rescue Service.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Servic-
es Shannon Fentiman said the launch of the new aircraft meant improved emergency service delivery for an area of about 130,000 square kilometres.
“Today, we are launching Lagaw Kuyup Retrieval Services,” she said.
“You can see this amazing helicopter here – there’s two of them and, very soon, these helicopters will be taking to the sky across some of the most picturesque, beautiful parts of our state, but also some of the most remote communities.
“It will mean so much to com-
munities when they see these helicopters overhead, knowing that health is so close to hand; these choppers will cover about 130,000 square kilometres, providing 24/7 care.”
Each helicopter has enhanced capability including increased speed and range, improved search and rescue, and a powered stretcher loading system compatible with Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and Royal Flying Doctor Service stretchers.
QAS and the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service will provide around-the-clock coverage of doctors and paramedics dedicated to the aircraft, while Babcock Australasia will supply pilots, aircrew, and aircraft engineers.
QAS acting executive director of retrieval services Michael Cussen said the helicopters meant residents of and visitors to the northernmost part of the state could rely on state-ofthe-art support in the event of a medical emergency.
“With dedicated clinical resources and state-of-the-art facilities, we can ensure the same level of care provided in the major centres is available to Torres Strait and northern Cape York Peninsula communities,” he said.
“These two new helicopters can travel further and faster, helping to improve patient outcomes and deliver healthcare across the remote region.”
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the “dragonflies” were fit for purpose for the remote area they would be servicing.
“Everyone hopes they will never need to use an emergency helicopter, but these new ‘dragonflies’ will give people in Torres Strait and Cape York the confidence that this vital service will be available to them,” she said.
“The brand new Lagaw Kuyup Rescue Service helicopters are sophisticated, fast, high-powered, and far-reaching, which is exactly what we need in our vast and remote location.”
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui.
One of the two new Leonardo AW139 helicopters that will form the Lagaw Kuyup Rescue Service sits on the helipad at Cairns Hospital.
LNP picks ambo to fill the shoes of outgoing MP
By LYNDON KEANE
A PARAMEDIC and former Cairns councillor has been preselected by the Liberal National Party to replace retiring party stalwart and Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch.
In what is understood to have been a heated preselection stoush, Jeremy Neal emerged as the candidate whose name will appear on the ballot paper for the LNP when Mr Entsch hangs up his hat after more than 25 years’ service to the electorate.
Mr Neal served briefly as a Unity Team councillor for Division 4 in Cairns after he was chosen by the council to fill a casual vacancy in January 2024, but was unsuccessful in retaining it at the 16 March local government elections.
He said he was excited about the prospect of representing Cape York and Torres Strait constituents if elected, adding he believed there was significant scope for sustainable growth.
“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to fight hard for the electorate of Leichhardt and Cape York Peninsula and the Torres Strait Islands,” he said.
“Warren Entsch has been a champion for the Cape and the Islands, and I’m ready to
pick up the ball and run with it. Cape York Peninsula has enormous potential for sustainable growth; I want to make it clear that I will support agriculture, resources, tourism and other economic development opportunities for our communities, which I believe can progress without adverse impacts on the environment.”
Mr Neal’s preselection is said to have come as a shock to many in the local LNP branch, with one member telling Cape York Weekly that 2024 Cairns Woman of the Year Alanna McKenna was “Warren’s pick” and expected to succeed the outgoing MP.
When contacted for comment about the preselection result, Mr Entsch was uncharacteristically reserved.
“He won the preselection and he’s a young guy with a family, and he’s ambitious,” the long-serving Leichhardt MP said.
“I wish him well.”
Mr Neal’s selection squares up the two major party’s runners in the looming federal election, with Labor announcing in July former Cairns Taipan Matt Smith would attempt to wrestle Leichhardt back to a red electorate for the first time in almost 20 years. The other parties are yet to reveal who their candidates will be.
Hartwig delighted after a successful album launch
COOKTOWN musician Ella Hartwig says she is still on cloud nine after a full-house launch of her debut album at the Sovereign Resort Hotel on Friday night.
The singer exclusively performed and released her 13-track album CD in her hometown on Friday before it goes live digitally in the coming months.
Ms Hartwig currently resides in Brisbane following her dreams as a singer and songwriter, but told Cape York Weekly she felt it was important to share the album first with the town and people that raised her.
“It was just amazing to come back and sing the songs in the place I wrote them about,” she said.
“I’m 21 now and I’ve had 10 years of experience writing songs; I first played on a stage when I was like 12 years old, and I
wouldn’t have gotten that living in the city.
“I’m so grateful that I’ve had those kinds of opportunities, and so it made sense to share it with my hometown first, because these are the people that have watched me grow up.”
Ms Hartwig said the support from her community was “overwhelming and beautiful”.
“I was worried that there wouldn’t be people there, and I don’t know why, because it wasn’t true at all,” she laughed.
“I called up for a table for my mum and dad, and it was the last table that we could book, and it just felt so good.
“People were screaming my songs at me and dancing – without it sounding too cliched, my heart is so full.”
– story by Chisa Hasegawa
Pictured: Mackay Army Cadets.
Cooktown was treated to an exclusive release of Ella Hartwig’s debut album on Friday, a fitting spot given the 13-track offering is dedicated to her hometown. Photo: Callum Johnston Films.
New Aurukun CEO wants to unite the community
By LYNDON KEANE
THE new chief executive officer of Aurukun Shire Council says listening is the short-term focus as he and the elected body set their sights on a number of key strategic goals over the current four-year term of government.
Former Bundaberg mayor and Queensland police minister Jack Dempsey commenced in the role in late July and said he had hit the ground running as he aimed to provide some muchneeded stability in the council’s top job.
“We’ve got a fantastic community,” he said.
“The community of Aurukun is certainly a very resilient community; they’re a community that is strongly united, and the first six weeks and the many months ahead is about listening to the community, taking on all of the different issues, and just working hard.”
When asked how the remote
western Cape York community ended up on his radar after failing to gain a third term as Bundaberg Regional Council mayor at the 16 March local government elections, Mr Dempsey said he had a long-standing relationship with Aurukun from his time in government.
“I’ve been to Aurukun a number of times in other occupations and certainly it’s always appealed to me, the Aurukun community,” the former LNP minister said.
“It certainly has a number of opportunities, and for me and my family, who will be here in the coming months, it’s a time where I’m able to utilise all of the learning experiences over many years to be able to then work and work hard, and listen to the Aurukun community to look at how we can improve the liveability and lifestyle.”
Mr Dempsey said he harboured an ambitious goal to mentor locals so the council
could boast a homegrown executive leadership team within a decade, a vision welcomed by Deputy Mayor Craig Koomeeta and councillors Jayden Marrott and Leona Yunkaporta, who sat down with the new CEO and Cape York Weekly to discuss Aurukun’s future.
“Hopefully, in 10 years’ time, I will work towards a leadership team here that is based from the Aurukun community, and I would love to be able to either mentor or bring in place a person, born and bred from Aurukun, as the CEO of this council,” Mr Dempsey explained.
The elected members identified community safety, public housing and education as the three key areas they wanted to see improvement in before the next council election in 2028, with Deputy Mayor Koomeeta saying stakeholder accountability was a critical element in the plan.
“We haven’t ticked any of
the boxes that we are wanting to achieve [as a community],” he said.
“You know, we’ve been talking about the same issues all the time and every time; I’m hoping that with the leadership that we have here … we’ll start ticking some boxes.”
First-term elected member Councillor Yunkaporta echoed the accountability sentiment and said the more than 100 stakeholders sharing approximately $150 million per year in funding needed to work together for the betterment of Aurukun.
“We show the community, OK, this is what we are doing as the leaders of our community, but we also need to sit and listen with the community and have that yarn, so that if there are issues arising, then we can all say, OK, so there’s 120 services in the community, how are we working together with these services as leaders of our community?” she said.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Telstra upgrade dates
MOBILE phone users in Weipa, Pormpuraaw and the Northern Peninsula Area will experience service disruptions over the next two months as Telstra upgrades its base stations in the communities.
Work will take place in Injinoo from 13-18 September, Nanum from 20-30 September and Pormpuraaw from 2-8 October.
Telstra has advised the works will require “some temporary service disruptions or reduction in mobile coverage”, with each site to be “intermittently off the air for up to eight hours each day” from 7am-5pm.
Landline services, NBN internet services and mobile coverage from other providers will not be impacted during this time, and Telstra mobile customers will receive text messages to remind them of the planned works.
Cooktown council updates
COOK Shire residents are being invited to attend one of two upcoming workshops designed to provide an update on the issues that really matter to the community.
The Rubbish, Roads, Rates and Water information sessions will be held at the Cooktown Shire Hall on 10 and 17 September from 4:30-6pm, and give stakeholders an opportunity to ask questions about the key local government topics in the region.
Pormpuraaw work begins
GROUND clearing and fencing at the site of the new Pormpuraaw primary healthcare centre (PHCC) is about to begin ahead of the wet season on western Cape York.
Minister For Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Leeanne Enoch and Member for Cook Cynthia Lui visited the new site last week.
WIP Construction has been awarded the tender to undertake the project, with construction of the $12 million facility set to be completed in late 2026.
Premier Steven Miles, who is also the State Government’s Ministerial Champion for Pormpuraaw, praised the Cook MP for her advocacy for a new PHCC.
“As Ministerial Champion for the region, the people of Pormpuraaw have told me local x-ray facilities, upgraded treatment spaces and dedicated spaces for visiting specialists are critical,” he said.
“Cynthia Lui has worked hard to secure this for her community and she and I are
Aurukun Deputy Mayor Craig Koomeeta, Councillor Jayden Marrott, CEO Jack Dempsey and Councillor Leona Yunkaporta have sat down with Cape York Weekly to outline their priorities for the current local government term.
Speedier delivery time for $200m hospital upgrade
By LYNDON KEANE
IT was a major announcement in the most unconventional way for a government in full election mode, but Cooktown residents will now only have to wait four years for the town’s new $200 million hospital to be built.
On 11 June, the State Government gave the green light for the staged project to be rolled out “over seven years”, with only $8m of the total amount included in the 2024-25 budget.
While the project’s longawaited approval was welcomed by the community, many criticised the seven-year timeframe and questioned what the ultimate cost would be above and beyond $200m if the project was not completed until 2031.
However, following a press conference in Cairns on 30 August to unveil two new aeromedical retrieval helicopters that will service the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman approached the Cape York Weekly and casually mentioned the government had tightened up its pro
been announced publicly by the government but this publication can confirm the new Cooktown Hospital will be operational in the 2027-28 financial year if Labor holds power when voters go to the polls on 26 October.
“I’ve been working with Cynthia Lui to ensure that the people of Cooktown have access to the quality health care they deserve. That’s why at budget, we commit
scheduled for completion by 202728,” Minister Fentiman said.
The revelation represents a significant win for Cooktown and the greater region, with Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes praising Minister Fentiman’s commitment to the project.
“This is great news for Cooktown, but also for Cook Shire and the surrounding [local government areas] as it services Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal,” Mayor Holmes said.
“The investment in this project, along with other projects … will
RUBBISH ROADS RATES &
Service to launch in our region
TORRES and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) will launch a culturally safe sexual assault service later this year after receiving $2.2 million in funding over four years as part of the State Government’s Sexual Assault Reform Program.
The team providing the service will be made up of a clinical nurse consultant, a social worker and an advanced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker who are expertly trained in supporting victim-survivors of sexual assault in a culturally appropriate manner.
The team will work directly with staff based across the TCHHS footprint.
underpin economic growth for the shire well into the next decade.”
Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has previously committed to honouring the project if the LNP claims government in 54 days and Mayor Holmes said she hoped this would extend to the new timeframe.
“Mr Crisafulli has publicly committed to honouring the investment in the hospital,” she said.
“We would expect that he would honour the new timeframes for the hospital project.”
The launch of the new service follows a sharp increase in TCHHS nurses having completed the sexual assault nurse examiner course to provide greater support to communities.
TCHHS chief executive Rex O’Rourke said the funding built upon the health service’s existing capability.
“We understand the trauma associated with disclosing this type of offending and we want to ensure we can provide the best and most appropriate support possible, regardless of where you live,” he said.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman (left), pictured at a media conference to unveil the new aeromedical retrieval helicopters that will service the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area, has announced the State Government will now deliver the $200 million Cooktown Hospital project in four years.
Cape’s talent to shine at festival
By CHISA HASEGAWA
CAPE York’s abundant perform ing arts talent will take centre stage at this year’s Big Talk One Fire Cultural Festival in Cairns this weekend.
The Yimbala dancers of Hope Vale will share their strong con nection to culture through move ment and rhythmical clapsticks, while Mapoon-born Australian Idol winner Royston Noell is set to headline the festival.
With a mission to preserve, strengthen, maintain and celebrate Indigenous arts and culture, the UMI Arts Big Talk One Fire will bring together First Nations per formers, artists and cultural leaders from across Far North Queensland.
Choreographer Tamara Pearson said this would be the biggest stage yet for the Yimbala dancers.
“It’s the first time our Yimbala dancers are performing in Cairns,” she said.
“The most they’ve performed is in Cooktown, and the reason they were asked to perform for Big Talk One Fire is because of how amazing they were at this year’s Cooktown Discovery Festival.
“It’s also a great reward, because the kids do work hard in rehearsals, and it’s a great opportunity for them to showcase how amazing they are.”
Ms Pearson said they would be keeping the dances very traditional to best represent their culture.
“When we’re doing our dancing, it’s a story, so there will be explanations in regard to all the dances as well,” she said.
“It’s all about keeping them strong in their culture and making sure they continue it on as they grow older, even when they go off to boarding school or high school.
“What we want to do is make
come back to community, they can just jump right in and pick up the clapsticks.”
Just like the Hope Vale kids, Noell was a young boy with big dreams in a remote Indigenous community.
“There’s not a lot of musicians and singers and artsy kind of people that come from Cape York, especially Mapoon as well, so I’m really excited to be able to represent my community and show the kids that it doesn’t matter where you come from,” he said.
“Being able to have that platform and be the headliner of the festival is really awesome, because I get to spread that message further, especially to all the Cape York communities, which is very close to my heart.”
Noell said his passion for representation originated from his own journey to becoming a singer, when he realised his dream was possible after seeing Jessica Mauboy.
“I think watching The Sapphires and seeing Jessica Mauboy, I kind of related to her, and that’s how
Blackfella and coming from Darwin, and I just thought ‘wow, like if she can do it, how come I can’t?’”
“That’s all it took for me to believe that I could do it, and if I could change one little kid’s mindset into thinking they can actually do it, that’s all I can ask for, because I’m very passionate about that.”
The 17th Big Talk One Fire Cultural Festival will take place on 7 September at the Munro Martin Parklands from 3-9pm.
Coal royalties help pay for cost-of-living support
Ask any Queenslander and they will tell you we’re number one. Number one for sunshine and lifestyle. We are also number one to benefit from coal royalties.
Coal royalties help to pay for cost-of-living support like electricity rebates and free kindy. They also help pay for infrastructure and services.
Queensland is the world’s largest exporter of coal used to make steel for wind turbines and electric vehicles needed for the global transition to clean energy. This demand means a record 44,000* people have jobs in Queensland coal mines.
*Queensland Mines Inspectorate as of 30 June 2023
William Street,
Above – The Hope Vale Yimbala dancers will take to their biggest stage yet at this year’s Big Talk One Fire Cultural Festival in Cairns this weekend. Left – Royston Noell hopes his headline act will inspire Indigenous kids to follow their dreams.
Community Feedback and Complaints
At Rio Tinto the strength of our relationships with the communities where we operate, and broader society, is fundamental to our business
Rio Tinto is willing to learn from our mistakes, by listening to understand and genuine partnering, we will deliver better long-term outcomes for everyone
Every complaint will be carefully considered and a written response will be provided We encourage open communication and collaboration to work towards an agreed resolution for all involved
If a resolution cannot be reached your complaint will be escalated to management who will reassess the issue and undertake an internal investigation to confirm the next steps An independent tribunal may be considered for complaints of a serious or complex nature
How can I provide feedback or make a complaint?
Complaints can be made anonymously, please let us know if you wish to remain anonymous
1800 820 711 to speak to our Commun ties and Social Performance team Monday to Friday 8am-4pm
RTAWeipaFeedback@riotinto com
In person at R o Tinto Community Relations, Artie Wales Dr ve, Weipa Monday to Friday 8am-4pm
Bush business support for Jai-Mec Rural Contracting
WEIPA’S Jai-Mec Rural Contracting is one of 18 regional and remote businesses to receive funding support through the State Government’s $50 million Backing Business in the Bush Fund.
The well-known Weipa business was one of the first tranche of small and medium enterprises from across Queensland to receive co-investments ranging from $500,000 to $2 million. Up to 20 additional regional businesses are expected to have their agreements finalised in the coming weeks supporting them to expand, enhance or diversify their operations.
Jai-Mec Rural Contracting will use its coinvestment to boost its local facility to diver-
sify and expand its offerings in the mining, transport fleet vehicles and machinery maintenance fields.
Treasurer Cameron Dick said it was important the fund assisted a range of businesses in diverse sectors.
“Small and medium-sized are the engine rooms of so many regional communities across our state,” he said.
“Many of these businesses are already industry-leading when it comes to innovation, sustainability and international competitiveness; now, we want to give more SMEs the opportunity to join in that leadership, growing and capitalising on their existing success.”
myVoice is Rio Tinto’s confidential wh stleb ower program
myVoice is available to anyone who has concerns or information relating to misconduct or improper circumstances or behaviours connected to Rio Tinto
myVoice 1800 963 501
Aurukun student recognised for his camera skills
By CHISA HASEGAWA
A BUDDING photographer from Aurukun is using his talent to inspire young kids from his community to work hard and believe in themselves.
Tyrell Wolmby, currently a senior at Marist College Ashgrove in Brisbane, won the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation Creative Arts Competition for his outstanding photographic work last month.
Mr Wolmby, who is also a member of PCYC Aurukun’s Kang Kang Youth leadership team when he is in community over the school holidays, said he hoped his win would inspire kids aspiring to boarding school.
“I reckon I can let the younger ones know they can do big stuff and follow their passions and win competitions if they work hard,” he said.
The young photographer’s winning work
was a portrait photo of a friend, but he didn’t take it expecting to win any competitions.
“It was for my art assignment, and I was just taking photos of my friend – I told him, go for a walk, and I took a back photo of him,” Mr Wolmby explained.
“I thought it was going to be a regular photo, but then I handed that to Miss and she was really impressed about my photo skills.
“She told me there’s a competition going on and she entered me, and I’m like, yeah cool.”
Parents Anthony Yunkaporta and Marcia Wolmby said they were extremely proud of their son, not only for his skills with the camera, but also for the way he was representing himself and the Aurukun community.
“He’s one of those people who is, you know, good at art and has a good eye for it, I think,” Mr Yunkaporta said.
“This is good for our family, but Aurukun too,” Ms Wolmby said.
“He makes us all very proud.”
Young Aurukun leader Tyrell Wolmby is using his photography win to inspire the next generation.
NQBP launches annual community fund
A TOTAL of $100,000 in funding is available for initiatives across port communities following the launch of the North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) 2024-25 Community Fund.
The fund is open to the communities of Weipa, Hay Point, Mackay and Bowen’s Abbot Point, and represents a $40,000 spike from previous years.
NQBP chief executive officer Brendan Webb said the annual fund supported local groups and organisations in delivering initiatives that made a real difference in their communities.
“NQBP values the impor-
tance of giving back to the communities in which it operates and has proudly provided more than $1 million in community sponsorships and donations over the last decade,” Mr Webb said.
“The NQBP Community Fund provides funding opportunities for community events, programs and activities that benefit our communities and promote the goals of NQBP.
“We’re proud to see the NQBP Community Fund at work within our port communities, with each initiative promoting our values of care, connection, courage and curiosity.”
The 122 Army Cadet Unit in Mackay was a recipient of the last round of funding and commanding officer Major AAC John Zimmermann said NQBP’s sponsorship had provided lifesaving potential.
“The generous support provided by NQBP enabled cadets to receive accredited first aid training”, Major Zimmermann said.
“Our beautiful part of Queensland has its fair share of natural disasters, and this raises the potential for a range of injuries; training cadets to be capable first aiders living within the
local community helps to develop self-confidence and is a valuable local resource when people suffer an injury, either from a disaster event or from everyday accidents.”
The NQBP Community Fund is open to non-profit groups and organisations, and registered charities. Applications that identify a community or environmental need that are consistent with or promote the principles of diversity and inclusion are encouraged.
Applications close on 20 September and for more information, visit www.nqbp.com.au.
Mookai Rosie offers new service for mums-to-be
By CHISA HASEGAWA
A UNIQUE, culturally safe maternal program for First Nations mums-to-be in Cape York is becoming available through Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan.
An expansion of Mookai Rosie’s existing midwifery services, Mookai Maternal Health will offer a community-integrated, trauma-, attachment-, and culturally-informed model of care led by midwives and doulas.
Mookai Rosie spokesperson Samantha Schofield said with two Indigenous doulas currently in training, Mookai Maternal Health could already offer most of the services provided through the program.
“At the moment, they’re at the point of their training where they can join the patient, if they want, at their antenatal appointments and checkups at the hospital, so that’s already started,” she said.
Ms Schofield said they had already seen significant value in the doulas attending the appointments, with most clients answering no when asked if they have any questions at the end, but then asking many questions to the doulas afterwards.
“The fact that we’re build-
ing our own internal training to make sure that it’s a culturally safe doula program led alongside midwifery is a really unique offering,” she said.
“We’re hoping that within another few months, our doulas will be at the point where they can attend the birth.”
As part of the program, Ms Schofield said Mookai Rosie was progressing towards becoming a recognised birthing centre in the long term.
“We’d be able to support the early labour process at the soon-to-be more comprehensive birthing centre, and then go with them and be there through
the birth, and return back to the accommodation for continued care, if that’s what the client wants,” she said.
She said another main goal for the new maternal program was to put together a team that would go out to community to educate before pregnant women travel to Cairns.
“The plan is to start through early intervention in community, so we’re aiming to pilot a representative in three communities – Aurukun, Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama – and a health literacy program will be based in community before our ladies even come down,” she said.
“Often, when our ladies come down to us at 34 or 36 weeks, addressing a lot of the main issues, including smoking during pregnancy, drinking during pregnancy, it’s too late to intervene. The sad reality is, we know from the recent Close the Gap reports that there are just so many child and maternal health outcomes that aren’t being met, and we know that in remote and rural areas like Cape and Torres, the reports are even worse, so we really need to change the game plan.”
Ms Schofield said the community integration aspect was also crucial in ensuring the travel and birth process felt safe and comforting.
“They’d have increased health literacy through our community representatives, but they also maybe have met the people that will be involved in their birth, which is really powerful,” she said.
“Transferring to the hospital is really scary, especially your first time, so being able to offer that physical and emotional support is so important.
“Building that trust and those relationships, we know, plays a really important role in having positive birth outcomes.”
New IGA for Cooktown
COOKTOWN is one step closer to having a new and improved supermarket after Cook Shire Council held a special meeting on 2 September to vote on a development application for its construction.
The project is believed to be worth about $10 million and will involve the construction of a brand new, larger premises to house the town’s IGA on Savage Street, behind Cooktown Hardware.
Check out next week’s Cape York Weekly for a full wrap of the council’s decision and what’s next for the project.
Road Safety Week warning
DURING Queensland Road Safety Week, police are reminding motorists to drive safely throughout Cape York.
The message comes after a number of motorists were intercepted in the region committing numerous traffic offences recently.
Twenty-five drivers were allegedly detected exceeding the speed limit, driving unlicensed, unregistered, failing to display P plates, while three motorists were issued with traffic infringement notices for having unrestrained passengers in their vehicle.
In one instance, police intercepted a 25-year-old Napranum woman on Kerr Point Road in Weipa, and allegedly observed the passengers, including two children, exceeding the seating capacity of the vehicle. It is further alleged she was travelling at 94 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.
She was issued with six traffic infringement notices totalling $3,223.
$9m
for local mental health
THE State Government has unveiled a $9 million package aimed at communitydriven mental health and wellbeing solutions.
The grants program will be delivered by the Queensland Mental Health Commission and help organisations implement local projects and initiatives to respond to the unique needs of their local community.
Eligible applicants will be able to apply for up to $150,000 for initiatives and activities that support and promote mental health and wellbeing, encourage early help-seeking, and improve mental health, wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs or suicide prevention literacy.
The annual grants program will initially run for three years, with the current round closing on 2 October. For more information, go to www.qmhc.qld.gov.au and search for “mental health and wellbeing grants”.
Two Indigenous doulas are in training for Mookai Rosie’s new culturally safe maternal program.
Cape York Weekly’s 200th Edition
200 not out: Your paper notches up double century
By LYNDON KEANE
IT gives me tremendous pride to be the editor of the Cape York Weekly as we celebrate our 200th edition, but the truth is I took up the reins when my horse was already barrelling down the home straight with less than a furlong to go.
There are several similarities between today’s milestone edition and the first one that rolled off the
press on 7 September 2020, the main one being a front page committed to advocating for critical community infrastructure, whether it be a pontoon in Weipa or a new hospital in Cooktown.
We were awfully critical of the State Government when it announced in June the $200 million Cooktown Hospital project would not be delivered until sometime in 2031, so we are going to use our 200th edition to be a
little self-indulgent – we can blame the sugar high from the cake – and suggest our unwavering view the facility needed to be constructed as a priority had something to do with Premier Steven Miles and his team sharpening their project timeframe pencil this week.
When he launched the Cape York Weekly four years ago, founding editor Matt Nicholls suggested “a region without a newspaper is a re-
gion that gets forgotten” –sentiment that is as true now as it was back then.
The focus of this publication remains the positive stories and unique characters that make our part of the world one of a kind – we tell the stories the mainstream media will not, because they either do not care or cannot see enough clicks in the story being told.
We said from the beginning we would not turn a
blind eye to the hard news and negative stories, and I think we have managed that in a way not many could successfully do if they wished to remain part of the communities they reported on.
I doubt any Cape York Weekly editors or journalists, past or present, will be receiving many Christmas cards from political types anytime soon, but that speaks volumes as to our commitment to not backing
away from a fight with those up the food chain if it was going to benefit our readers and their way of life.
Some things change and some things never will – our dedication to frank, fearless and impartial communitydriven journalism is one of the things that falls into the latter category.
Here’s to a prosperous Cape York and Torres Strait, and the next 200 editions of your newspaper.
Journalist picks her favourite five
By CHISA HASEGAWA
AS I pass one year at Cape York Weekly, it has been my honour to learn about the wonderful people who make up these unique communities.
I didn’t imagine I’d begin my career writing about Cape York, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.
The interesting characters I’ve spoken to, the talented and hardworking people I’ve written about, the conversations that taught me something I didn’t know, and the stories that pushed my limits and helped me grow have made this journey incredible.
A huge thank you to my mentors – Lyndon, Matt and Sarah – for helping me become the journalist I am today, and the journalist I hope to become in the future.
FIFA rolls out red carpet for Aurukun girls (Edition 147 – 15 August 2023)
It’s always great to hear about young people in remote Indigenous communities getting a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity like this for their hard work. This story was about six girls from PCYC Aurukun who were selected to attend an all-expenses-paid trip to watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup. It was also my first connection to PCYC Aurukun youth support worker Norma, who has helped me highlight Aurukun’s hardworking youth many times since.
Parents call out bullies after daughter’s struggle (Edition 166 – 9 January 2024)
Up until this story, I had only written positive stories, so when I was asked to cover a young girl’s suicide attempt after struggles with bullying, I was incredibly nervous. It was heartbreaking to talk to her
parents, who wanted to spread awareness about the impact bullying can have, but I was also honoured that they felt safe to share their family’s story with me. I was touched when they thanked me for the story, and it humanised journalism to another level and reminded me how important this job is.
Barefoot Ballerinas win new fans (Edition 189 – 18 June 2024)
As a former ballet dancer, I am an absolute sucker for tiny dancers in pink tutus. We attended this year’s Cooktown Discovery Festival, where I finally got to see the Hope Vale Barefoot Ballerinas live – spoiler alert, they’re even cuter
than the photos show. I loved hearing about how the kids used dance to connect with their culture and learn their language.
It’s a boy: Vin makes history as first Weipa-born baby in 25 years (Edition 187 – 4 June 2024)
My first front page byline –of course, it has to make the top five. In all seriousness, after writing about the many challenges of healthcare in remote communities, it was nice to write about a win as big as this. After learning about the travel soon-to-be-mothers had to undertake, often without their partner, it was amazing to hear that they would be able to give birth in their hometown surrounded by family and friends.
‘Heartbreaking’ fake Indigenous art drives artists from industry (Edition 177 – 26 March 2024)
For this story, I spoke to KukuThaypan and Widi artist Connie Rovina, who told me all about the devastating history of Queensland Indigenous art. After rampant plagiarism drove First Nations artists out of the industry and essentially erased Queensland’s unique style, Ms Rovina has made it her mission to promote the state’s distinctive art style. When I think about the fact that I would have never even know this if not for this job, it makes me glad to be a journalist and have the opportunity to chat with people with so much knowledge.
Cape York Weekly’s Chisa Hasegawa shows off the 200th edition cake as she reflects on her top five stories and why she loves community-driven, public-interest journalism. Inset – One of Chisa’s favourite stories that made front page news.
Cape York Weekly’s 200th Edition
Editor chooses his top five yarns
By LYNDON KEANE
I MAY have only been in the editor’s chair for 31 editions but news moves at a rate that often feels like dog years on Cape York.
Like founding editor Matt Nicholls – who sold the masthead to Canberra-based Region Media in mid-2023 – I’ve already lost count of how many times the Peninsula Developmental Road and other vital-yet-overlooked transport infrastructure has reared its head as a story topic, but it will not get a run as a top five story until we can effect some genuine change in how government views funding and delivering upgrades to the road literally linking us with the rest of the state.
I reckon this list showcases the unique mix of community, characters and concerns when it comes to reporting on day-to-day life up here.
Faulty app lands tourists in strife (Edition 172 – 20 February 2024)
This yarn could have only happened in Cape York, and in just my third week at the helm of the newspaper. A Google Maps failure gave German tourists Marcel Schoene and Philipp Maier a seven-day, 100-kilometre wet season ordeal that made international news and had the Cape York Weekly phone ringing off the hook with calls from journalists in Australia and across the globe trying to track down the boys. The whole story started with a casual call from a contact in Coen, so it quickly cemented the importance of maintaining local sources and strong networks in somewhere as vast as Cape York. Thankfully, the lads were fine and left Australia with the story of a lifetime. We’re still waiting to hear back from Google about the inadequacy of their mapping software in remote spots, however.
Landholder kept in dark over World Heritage bid (Edition 174 –5 March 2024)
This was one of the first stories to wave a red flag at the mission to tentatively list part of Cape York to receive World Heritage status. From this point, the ball of yarn started to unravel for the State Government and they were forced to backtrack and spin on how they were running their consultation process, which involved speaking to Traditional Owners but no one else. The tentative submission was made to UNESCO in July but the fight for transparency goes on.
Junior cowboy gearing up for a trip to United States (Edition 197 – 13 August 2024)
It’s always fun to write a yarn about a rising star at the beginning of their career, and there seems little doubt 15-year-old Josh Snell is going to be just that. This story was written after Snell was invited to
ride in the 2024 International Miniature Bullriders Association World Finals in the United State this week, barely a month after he told Cape York Weekly “I want to make it to America and get over there for those events and the big money” on his way to this year’s Laura Rodeo and Campdraft. By the time we reach edition 300, I have no doubt this young cowboy will be carving out an impressive rodeo career both here and overseas.
Pub reopening to honour Stumpy (Edition 171 – 13 February 2024)
This story had it all – a publican tragically taken by a saltwater crocodile and the best mate moving from the nation’s capital to a remote town on Cape York to honour his memory and ensure the pub remained operational as a legacy. Anyone who has been to the Peninsula Hotel in Laura since new publican Stuart Wiggins reopened
the doors earlier this year will know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t been yet, mark it down as a priority must-visit spot. Cape York Land Council CEO sacked after arrest (Edition 198 –20 August 2024)
The arrest of former Cape York Land Council (CYLC) boss Dion Creek on 15 domestic violencerelated charges made national headlines last month, but it was the Cape York Weekly that broke the news that the board of the powerful land council had sensationally sacked him with “immediate effect” after a crisis meeting. The CYLC plays an important role for many Traditional Owners and related stakeholders in this part of the world, so it was vital we reported on what was happening, as it happened, when the organisation went to ground amid the controversy. Expect to read more about this story in coming months.
Edition 170 – the first with Lyndon Keane in the editor’s chair after replacing Matt Nicholls in the Cape York Weekly’s top job.
Stuart Wiggins shifted his life from Canberra to Laura to ensure the memory of his best mate, former publican Kevin ‘Stumpy’ Darmody, would live on at the popular Cape York watering hole.
German tourists Marcel Schoene and Philipp Maier had plenty of awkward crossings to contend with when Google Maps sent them into a flooded and impassable national park in February.
Yes, it absolutely tasted as good as it looks. No, there’s none left over to share.
HE may have handed over the reins after edition 169, but it would not be right to celebrate the 200th printing of the Cape York Weekly without asking founding editor Matt Nicholls what his top five stories were.
Matt remains an impassioned advocate for remote parts of the state, whether it be Cape York or North West Queensland, so it was no surprise to see his top picks involved critical infrastructure or community members standing up to be counted.
Sadly, issues like the condition of our roads and phone service in the region are still unresolved.
Weipa needs upgraded pontoon (Editions 1-4 – 7-28 September 2020)
One of my favourite pieces of journalism, because it showed how valuable a local newspaper is to a region. When Cape York Weekly started, I remember sitting down with then WTA chair Michael Rowland, who highlighted some of the key issues for the community. A new pontoon was at the top of the list. Despite the town fighting for one, it took a series of stories, including two front pages, for the Queensland government to stump up the cash. The result? A piece of legacy infrastructure for the Weipa boating community.
Cape York Weekly’s 200th Edition
Our local heroes (Edition 16522 December 2023)
This was a historic edition for Cape York Weekly, as it was the first paper to not come out on time. I still remember the phone call at 3am on 18 December from a distressed Wujal Wujal woman who was stuck on the roof of the health clinic, begging me to help. You could hear the fear in her voice. No one was coming to rescue those stranded locals and, thankfully, the water didn’t rise any higher. It was a miracle that more people didn’t die from the Cyclone Jasper floods and it was partly due
to a number of heroes, including people like Magoo the chopper pilot, Alec Dunn in his tinny, and dozens of others who lent a helping hand when the going got tough. Because of the flooding situation, the print edition was pushed back and we were able to tell the world about the situation in the southern Cape. It was world-class journalism and I was incredibly proud of the around-the-clock coverage we gave on the floods. It was accurate, informative and caring.
Mushroom business takes off (Edition 146 – 8 August 2023)
This story about a Lakeland ba-
nana farming family transitioning to mushroom farming was probably the most-read story in my time as editor. Peter Inderbitzin Jnr gave us a media exclusive as we walked the enormous mushroom shed on their property, which would have cost in excess of $20 million to create. The mushrooms grown at Lakeland are now available across the country and will create jobs and shore up the family’s farming business for generations to come.
Telstra and roads ... (seemingly almost every single edition)
It’s hard to pinpoint individual stories, but I did love campaign-
ing on infrastructure projects and wrote countless stories on two Cape York issues – telecommunications and roads. I’m proud of the paper’s advocacy for improved roads and bridges, as well as highlighting the countless blunders made by Telstra. In fact, it was this coverage that resulted in recognition from the LGAQ with an award in 2022 for excellence in regional journalism. The judges loved that fact the paper gave the region a voice on those critical issues. I can’t wait to drive over the Archer River bridge one day!
Royston wins Australian Idol (Edition 127 – 28 March, 2023)
Now I’ll admit I’m not an avid watcher of reality TV, but it was hard not to follow the progression of this Cape York kid on the big stage. Watching Royston Sagigi-Baira go all of the way on Australian Idol was an incredible experience and I had the benefit of being in regular communication with him along the way. What people won’t know about the boy from Mapoon is how grateful he was for every bit of coverage. His manners were spot on and he’d always text a thank you note when he got a plug. Seeing him go from a shy-but-talented high schooler to a household name filled me with a sense of pride.
The power of the press ... despite intense lobbying by the Weipa Town Authority and the Western Cape Chamber of Commerce, it took a series of newspaper articles to bring about the much-needed funding for a new pontoon in Weipa.
TSRA celebrates 30 years with ranger boat facelift
AS part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, the Torres Strait Regional Authority is rolling out local artwork across its fleet of Indigenous ranger vessels for the first time.
An eye-catching piece “Zugubaw Baydham” by Badu artist Aiona Gaidan has been launched on three TSRA ranger vessels based out of Badu, Mabuyag and Mer Islands following a scheduled full refurbishment.
The stunning work is the artist’s biggest piece and represents the star constellation used by ancestors to navigate the sea, and is inspired by the popular and distinct black and white lino cut technique used across the islands.
TSRA chairperson Pedro Stephen said the new initiative would provide exposure for local artists on a total of nine existing TSRA ranger vessels.
“Torres Strait Islanders are seafaring people, so what better way to celebrate our art and culture than at sea,” Mr Stephen said.
“To witness artwork by our people out on the water as part of TSRA ranger operations is an achievement our staff and communities can take pride in.
“Art is part of our identity and connection, the new-look vessels are a visual reminder that culture is always at the heart of our work caring for land and sea.”
TSRA marine co-ordinator Koeygab Pabai said the artwork was already making big waves around the region.
“Bala Aiona could not stop smiling when he saw the artwork in person for the first time,” Mr Pabai said.
“The artwork has had instant impact; business owners who have seen the TSRA ranger vessel in transit in Cairns have already approached Aiona to create artwork for them – he can’t believe the interest from everyone.”
The artwork will be applied across the full TSRA fleet as vessels go in for scheduled maintenance.
Strangers unite for epic clean-up
By CHISA HASEGAWA
A STREAM of backpackers who arrived in Rossville in May to help with the community’s flood cleanup efforts have now become lifelong friends with residents.
Earlier this year, Wallaby Creek Festival volunteer co-ordinator Pasha Lynch explored the option of inviting visitors on Working Holiday Maker visas to help Rossvillians with the seemingly never-
ending clean-up job ahead of them.
In exchange, the backpackers could count their 88 days of disaster recovery volunteering towards their second-year visa extension.
Starting on 12 August, Ms Lynch headed up a clean-up program to remove flood-related debris from the waterways, and gathered community members and backpacker volunteers for the job.
By the fourth clean-up on 29 August, the team had begun filling
Tender No: KASC-2024-024
up skip bin number three with fallen trees, built-up silt and debris, much of which required “brute force to untangle”.
“Nothing was too much for them, always giving it a go,” Ms Lynch said.
“In just four hours, we managed to fill a full trailer and ute load.
“[It] might sound like hard work, but believe me, it doesn’t feel like it – the camaraderie, personal satisfaction, and reward of
MAGNIFICENT CREEK BANK STABILISATION – KOWANYAMA
CATEGORY: CIVIL WORKS
For suitably qualified parties for the Supply and Construction Delivery of the Magnificent Creek Bank Revetment Works in Kowanyama QLD.
Interested parties should obtain a copy of the Tender Documents at www. kowanyama.qld.gov.au/tenders or on Vendor Panel.
Tenders Close at 12PM Friday 20th September 2024
All tender enquiries, requests for information can be submitted electronically to tenders@kowanyama.qld.gov.au quoting the tender description above. All tender responses can be submitted either through Vendor Panel or electronically to tenders@kowanyama.qld.gov.au
Kevin Bell, Chief Executive Officer
making our environment better is immeasurable.”
Ms Lynch said welcoming the backpackers into the community had been a boost for local morale.
After months of cleaning up after the Tropical Cyclone Jasper flooding event with no end in sight, she said community spirit was at an all-time low.
“The work ahead seemed insurmountable; already tired from the constant clean-up, we had to look
elsewhere for the help that was required,” she said.
“Early on, it was difficult to imagine letting strangers into our homes and our lives.
“Over the past four months, 20 properties have welcomed them into their lives; the end result is not only the physical work that has been completed, but more so that their very presence has brought in hope and the belief that we can overcome this together.”
XTREMECARE AUSTRALIA
TSRA acting CEO Charlie Kaddy, Badu Island artist Aiona Gaidan and TSRA chairperson Pedro Stephen inspect one of the ranger vessels.
Rossville community members and backpacker volunteers came together for a working bee to clear the community’s waterways.
Hospital ‘win’ shouldn’t be buried
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
THERE’S an old adage in journalism about “burying the lede”, which refers to hiding the most important and relevant aspects of a story within other distracting information. It’s an unforgivable mistake among those of us who tell tales for a living, and something likely to result in an editor hurling a piece of office equipment in your direction back in the good old days of newsrooms when clickbait was something you employed to catch a fish and smoking was permitted –nay encouraged – at the typewriter.
But it’s exactly what the State Government did on Friday morning when it assembled more media and stakeholders in one place than anywhere in recent memory to announce the launch of the two new helicopters that will form the Lagaw Kuyup Rescue Service servicing the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area.
Don’t get me wrong. Only a lunatic would criticise two new 24/7 emergency helicopters being rolled out to service the northernmost part of the state, even if it happened less than 60 days away from a state election amid fanfare even the most politically unjaded reporter – yes, there are a few of them around – quietly suggested may have something to do with
pork barrelling and retaining Cook for the incumbent government. For the record, I haven’t fallen into the category of politically unjaded for about a decade now, and it was in fact one of the questions I lobbed at Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman at the press conference that triggered the revelation the Miles Government had sharpened the pencil to deliver the new $200 million Cooktown Hospital three years faster than the timeframe it announced two-anda-half months ago when the 202425 budget was released.
After I asked the question in front of my media brethren and
about two dozen assembled stakeholders, Minister Fentiman and one of her advisers bailed me up as I was checking out the eye-catching Leonardo AW139 helicopter on the Cairns Hospital helipad to suggest my criticism of helicopters over regional hospitals in terms of government priorities wasn’t going to fly.
Apparently, the Cooktown Hospital was no longer a seven-year project that would have patients being welcomed less than 12 months out from Brisbane hosting the 2032 Olympic Games. I had it wrong and was unfair in my criticism, Minister Fentiman said. I was asking questions based
on false information, her adviser proffered. I repeated the facts and figures the State Government had shouted from the rooftop at budget time. The minister looked at her adviser. The adviser looked at the minister. They both looked at me. I stared blankly back at them and reiterated there had been no announcement I could find to suggest Cooktown would now have its new hospital in four years.
Minister Fentiman confirmed less than 15 minutes later the $200m staged project would now be completed in the 2027-28 financial year, more than 36 months ahead of the publicly announced schedule. The government had just
failed to let anyone – including journalists like me who had pilloried the original completion date – know it had knocked off more than 40 per cent of the timeframe to deliver an already long-overdue piece of health infrastructure.
How the government and its battalion of spin doctors could have failed to promote the updated timeframe boggles the mind and opens the door to a lot of questions about public sector competency, but it’s a victory the Cooktown community and greater region will readily take as the statewide election battle heats up. Perhaps if Cape York and the Torres Strait encompassed more than one state seat, we would have been drowned by a tsunami of government backslapping, chest beating and media releases.
I will readily admit I’ve been one of the government’s most vocal critics when it comes to the delivery of healthcare in our part of the world. It has at times been acerbic, gloves-off criticism, and I won’t apologise for that, because it’s our role as a newspaper serving some of the remotest and most vulnerable people in Queensland. But I will set aside the criticism and take my hat off to Minister Fentiman for committing to make Cooktown’s new hospital a reality three years ahead of schedule, even if we wouldn’t have known about it were it not for a shot across the bow at a press conference about dragonfly motif helicopters.
•
•
•
•
•
•
The launch of the Lagaw Kuyup Rescue Service in Cairns was a huge win for emergency medical assistance in the Far North, but it was in no way the most significant healthcare revelation for Cape York made on the day.
Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page
Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block.
Sudoku Join the Dots Spot the 5 Differences
Quick Workout
Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.
Fit the numbers 1-6 once into every hexagon so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers are the same. No number is repeated in any single hexagon.
Public Notice
Animal Systematic Inspection Program
2nd October 2024 to 30th October 2024
The Weipa Town Authority would like to advise that the Animal Systematic Inspection Program (SIP) will commence on the 2nd October 2024.
The program will run until 30th October 2024 and will help to ensure animal owners are keeping their pets in accordance with State and Local legislation.
The inspection program will focus on: Registrations
Additional Animal Permits
Enclosures/Fencing
The program will operate in the following suburbs: Evans Landing, Rocky Point, Trunding, Nanum and Golf Links
Pursuant to the Calmaco Act 1957 (clause 45), Rio Tinto are able to perform services a Local Government. The Local Government Act 2009 sections 133 and 134 outline the provisions for power of entry and the Systematic Inspection Program. This SIP has been approved by resolution under section 113 of the Animal Management (Cats and Dog) Act 2008.
Non compliance with the State and/or Local Laws may result in the WTA issuing you with a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN)/s and/or a Compliance Notice.
Please refer to the Weipa Town Authority website for further information.
www.weipatownauthority.com.au
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
Dear Shareholders
Your annual WCCCA Trusts and Sub-Regional Trusts Annual General Meetings will be held as follows:
WCCT Central Sub-Regional Trust Ltd ACN 102246042 as Trustee for the WCCT Central Sub-Regional Trust
Monday 14th October 2024 9:00am – 12:00pm
WCCT Administration Building (Achimbun) Lot 21 Kamenjarin Drive, Evans Landing, WEIPA
WCCT Southern Sub-Regional Trust Ltd ACN 102246113 as Trustee for the WCCT Southern Sub-Regional Trust
Tuesday 15th October 2024 9:00am – 12:00pm
WCCT Administration Building (Achimbun) Lot 21 Kamenjarin Drive, Evans Landing, WEIPA
WCCT Northern Sub-Regional Trust Ltd ACN 102245956 as Trustee for the WCCT Northern Sub-Regional Trust
Wednesday 16th October 2024 9:00am – 12:00pm
WCCT Administration Building (Achimbun) Lot 21 Kamenjarin Drive, Evans Landing, WEIPA
Western Cape Communities Trust Pty Ltd ACN 102245607 as Trustee for the Western Cape Communities Trust, followed by Western Cape Communities Trust Pty Ltd ACN 102245607 as Trustee for the Western Cape Communities Property Trust
Thursday 17th October 2024
9:00am – 12:00pm
WCCT Administration Building (Achimbun) Lot 21 Kamenjarin Drive, Evans Landing, WEIPA
All Shareholders are encouraged to attend.
Morning tea will be provided.
If you have any further enquiries or want to RSVP please call the Administration Officer on (07) 4069 7945
Banana stocks in Chicago plummet
By LYNDON KEANE
HE will be more than 14,000 kilometres from home when the starter’s pistol sounds, but make no mistake Michael Collins will be running for his Weipa teammates – and charity – when he starts in the 2024 Chicago Marathon on 13 October.
The 42.2-kilometre race will represent the culmination of a 14-year challenge for the much-loved Weipa runner, who gained entry to what is ranked as one of the world’s top-six marathons after year-upon-year of attempts both pounding the pavement and through philanthropic avenues.
“I was 20 – I’m 34 now – when I first had the dream of running in one of the big US marathons,” Collins told Cape York Weekly before his departure for the United States.
“I remember running laps around my local oval one night in Western Australia and thinking about the idea and how amazing the experience would be; I then went home and wrote the goal down on a piece of paper that I stuck onto my bedroom door; between the ages of 22 to 26, I failed to get an entry by race time after doing five consecutive Perth Marathons and I also didn’t make the interview stage for any of the limited charity sponsorships available by application.”
Fast forward to 2024, and going painfully close to recording a qualifying time in last year’s Weipa Running Festival (WRF) marathon, Collins has booked his ticket to Chicago through his involvement with charity World Bicycle Relief, which empowers people and communities through providing bikes as an affordable and safe transport option.
“After the 2023 Weipa marathon, I fell short of the cut-off time by 29 seconds,” Collins reflected.
“This was the closest that I had ever been, however, even if I got under the cut-off, I knew in my heart that I still had to submit more times on other courses, as only certain marathons are accepted for a race invitation.
“I had a good look through all the listed charities and I submitted a detailed application for the non-profit organisation World Bicycle Relief.
“In the first few minutes of the online interview, I knew that I resonated with this particular charity and I was in; it took a good couple of months for it to truly sink in once I received the official race email confirming that my entry had been accepted.”
With the marathon barely more than a month away, Collins said he would not have
been preparing for the race of his life were it not for Weipa’s close-knit running community.
“I wouldn’t have this opportunity today if it weren’t for the Weipa Running Festival and the Weipa parkrun communities,” Collins said.
“When I first moved to Weipa in January 2022, the Weipa community spirit inspired me to commit to running and volunteering again after previously having a few years of hanging up my running shoes.”
WRF president Rose Robins said Collins’ ability to focus on a running goal while ensuring there was a benefit to the community was part of the reason he inspired so many people involved in the sport in Weipa.
“Mick is an enigma, we love him,” she said.
“His precise planning and execution is impressive and we all love that he is such a stats man.
“He’s always inclusive and encouraging, and his positivity is infectious.”
Collins’ penchant for incorporating bananas into his race preparation before and during a big event has reached almost legendary status in Weipa, and he admitted he had already turned his mind to sourcing a potassium hit when he got to Chicago.
“Researching the availability and quality of bananas in Chicago was very high on my priority list,” the marathoner admitted.
“I discovered that Chicago holds the Guiness World Record for displaying the most bananas in one storefront display, which has increased my confidence in sourcing some good bananas for race day.
“Unlike Weipa, I don’t suspect that the aid stations in Chicago will be as generous on the bananas during the race.”
More than 120,000 people applied to compete in this year’s Chicago Marathon and more than 50,000 starters are expected to cross the finish line, but Collins said his biggest goal would be achieved before the race began.
“My goal on race day is to beat my current marathon PB, which I set on the Weipa course,” he said.
“The nature of the Chicago course is flat and fast, and the current marathon world record was set on this course in last year’s event.
“My biggest goal, however, is just getting to the start line – it seems odd to say, but just standing at the start line before the race will feel like I have already won the race within myself.”
Don’t worry about the Crocs – Weipa’s Michael Collins has definitely packed the right shoes for when he contests the 2024 Chicago Marathon next month.
NPA saddles up for annual rodeo
THE excitement levels in the Northern Peninsula Area will be tough to contain from Thursday night as Bamaga’s Yusia Ginau Oval opens the gates for three days of show, rodeo and racing fun.
The 2024 Red Dust Show, Rodeo and Races will kick off on Thursday night with an opening ceremony before competitors get right down to the action with junior poddy riding.
Horse sports will feature during the day Friday before all eyes turn to the rodeo arena that night for bull riding, a bushman’s saddle ride and show events, including the much-anticipated tug-of-war.
Rodeo co-ordinator Rosco Bensted said the final touches were being put on the venue and racetrack, which will feature the 300-metre Trumby Cup and Calcutta on Saturday afternoon.
“Several NPA riders travelled to the Weipa Rodeo to get warmed up for NPA,” he said.
“As Australia’s northernmost rodeo and races, we are in a unique position to showcase the Northern Peninsula Area and the tip of Queensland. We have had several inquiries from southern riders for open events and we have the Warren Bethel local bull ride for NPA residents.”
Mr Bensted said this year’s Trumby Cup would be run over a shorter course than punters would be used to from previous runnings of the NPA’s favourite horse race.
“Each year, we hold a Calcutta for the Trumby
which used to be an 800m event, but due to insurance conditions, it is now only a 300m race.”
With the tourist season in full swing, Mr Bensted said he expected a large contingent of southern visitors would be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with locals to ex-
perience the event, which has been made possible through a collaboration between Bamaga Enterprises and the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council.
NPARC & Bamaga Enterprises
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
to 7th SEPTEMBER 2024
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
Cup,
“All Peninsula and Torres Strait residents are welcome to attend, and we expect a number of local tourists to be among spectators,” he said.
Gordon Pablo, Ian Bond and Richard Tamwoy prepare the Bamaga course for three horse races ahead of the 2024 Red Dust Show, Rodeo and Races.
Sun sets on a big rugby league season in Weipa
IN a season that included the under-11 team running onto Queensland Country Bank Stadium ahead of an NRL game to the club’s U14 and U16 girls and boys participating in the QRL RISE remote carnival in Cairns, the Central Cape Suns wrapped up a huge 2024 with grand final day in Weipa on 31 August.
With player numbers swelling during the season, club president Jess Rex said the committee was looking forward to another record year when teams took to the field in 2025.
“This year’s committee are extremely happy and proud of all our players this season,” she said.
“It’s definitely been the biggest and best yet for Weipa; all
our volunteer coaches really went above and beyond for their players, providing quality training and game experiences consistently each week – we are very grateful to them.”
While the U14 and U16 girl and boys shone at the RISE carnival in Cairns in July, the U11 impressed at the Laurie Spina Shield in Townsville the same month and earned their Queensland Country Bank Stadium experience due to their sportsmanship, attitude and behaviour towards opponents and match officials during the two-day carnival.
The smaller players also tasted what it was like to play on the North Queensland Cowboys’ home turf when the U8s were invited to a mini mod match between the Peak Downs Pirates before a Cowboys match last month.
In a fortnight, the club will send two teams – an U14 line-up and, for the first time, a western Cape
York girls’ team – to Cairns to contest the Tassell Trophy Challenge.
Ms Rex said it had been thrilling to watch junior players develop as the season progressed.
“It’s been amazing to watch the growth of our players and to provide these opportunities,” she said.
“All of this would not be possible without support from our major sponsors, Embley and Rio Tinto, as well as our other sponsors.”
GRAND FINAL MVPs
Under-6: Kayd Rennie
Under-7: James Fagan
Under-8: Parx Hall
Under-10: Tanner Smith
Under-12: Jamie Dick-Walsh
Under-14: Jarrod Farber
Under-16 girls: Jana Michealis
Under-16 boys: Brock Blain
New uniforms for Cooktown club
By LYNDON KEANE
AN emerging Cooktown sporting club is using one of the fastest growing sports in the world to ensure the viability of its future for members both on and off the playing surface.
Reefs Football Club recently celebrated its 12-month anniversary with the arrival of head-turning new player strips as officials work hard to build the profile of soccer in the community with both traditional outdoor clashes and indoor futsal showdowns.
Club spokesperson Jen Jenyns said officials and players were thrilled with the new uniform, which was made possible with sponsorship assistance from Cooktown Caravan Park.
“It was worth the wait to get the design and quality right,” she said.
“The uniform makes us more legit – not only does it help players feel more ownership of their team, but it will support our team building and identity when we travel for competitions, or have teams visiting us in Cooktown.”
As the Reefs gain momentum, Ms Jenyns said the current aims were to send players to more competitions for the remainder of 2024, as well as host visiting teams for a carnival next year.
“We are looking forward to expanding to outdoor [games] as the new [Endeavour Christian College] school oval and more specialised coaching staff become available,” she said.
“Futsal is perfect for North Queensland, as play isn’t impeded
by rain or heat; our club runs all year-round. Unlike other sports, it’s low skill level requirement makes it enjoyable from a very young age ... and it’s very cost effective for families, as players only need a ball at home to practice with and shin guards when they play at our sessions.”
With the FNQ titles on the radar for players in November, Ms Jenyns said the club was hoping to transform into a breeding ground for high-level representatives in
both the indoor and outdoor forms of the sport.
“This year’s Pacific championships are in Maroochydore, and we hope to be able to travel with sponsored funding to the next year’s competition,” she said.
“We also want to provide pathways for individual players for selection to Football Australia, so the Socceroos, Matildas, Pararoos and Paramatildas.”
Newly-appointed head coach John Jenyns said his priority in the
role would be to ensure there was an element of fun included as players developed their on-field skills and confidence.
“My main aim is to support the other coaches to create a fun, safe and challenging experience for all of our mini football stars,” he said.
“We want to ensure that all the children enjoy their time by including fun skill activities and games in a structured environment where they can continually be developing their skills and teamwork.”
Rocky Russell leads the under-10 line-up onto the field to a warm welcome from their U8 Central Cape Suns club mates.
The Reefs show off their new uniform, which officials say will help players feel more ownership for the Cooktown football team.
Aurukun ready for River to Ramp
COMPETITORS have just 10 days to get their names in to compete in a western Cape York fun run aimed at boosting the physical and mental wellbeing of entrants, but also the spirit of an entire community.
The 2024 Aurukun River to Ramp will be held on 21 September and will offer those lacing up their shoes the choice of a seven-kilometre run or 3km walk in senior and junior categories. Runners will commence at 8am along the stunning course from the starting point to the Aurukun boat ramp, while walkers kick off 30 minutes later.
The annual event celebrates the vibrant community and promotes healthy, active lifestyles through a series of engaging activities along the picturesque waterfront, with the day culminating with a presentation ceremony and concert from 3-9pm.
Aurukun Shire councillor Jayden Marrott
SPORT IN BRIEF
Dick cleans up at Wackers
VIV Dick had plenty to smile about when he claimed both the winner’s chocolates and nearest to the pin bragging rights during Wackers action in Weipa on 28 August.
Dick was rather happy with himself when he returned to the clubhouse with a 49 off the stick – his first result below the half century – to record a nett 31 and secure a two-stroke victory from runner-up Jim Lucas.
The Wackers stalwart also landed his tee shot on the 18th hole just a metre from the cup to lock up that hole’s NTP prize and a handy birdie.
Matt Byrne got closest on the 15th hole.
Lenny McKinley bagged the weekly Bradman’s honours.
Newbie Rathe sets pace
FIRST timer John Rathe did not take long to stamp his authority on Weipa parkrun when 48 competitors tackled the 381st running of the event on 31 August.
Rathe was one of six newbies in the pack and finished the five-kilometre circuit in 23 minutes, 56 seconds to be the fastest runner home.
Nicole Widmer was the quickest woman past the finishing post in 25:40.
Navneeth Gounder, Travis Radford, Sian Edwards and Flynn Widmer all notched up personal best performances on the day.
Weipa parkrun is held from 7am every Saturday, starting at the hospital roundabout.
Snell touches down in USA
AFTER a successful fundraiser, rising rodeo star Josh Snell has landed in the United States and is ready to show off his skill on the international stage.
Snell was invited to compete at the 2024 International Miniature Bullriders Association World Finals in Utah from 3-7 September, and a whole-of-community fundraising effort at the Mount Carbine Hotel-Motel booked his ticket there.
Between the fundraiser and contributions from other local businesses, $13,000 was raised to get Snell to the USA to follow his rodeo dream.
One spot up for grabs
A FINAL round blockbuster between the Dolphins and Newcastle Knights will decide who gets the last spot in the NRL’s top-eight.
The winner of the final match of the regular season will play finals. If they draw, the Canberra Raiders can nab eighth spot if they beat the Dragons on Saturday.
urged residents and runners from across the region to get involved.
“The River to Ramp event is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together, enjoy our beautiful natural surroundings, and engage in activities that promote a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
“It’s not just about physical health, but also about mental wellbeing and fostering a sense of community spirit.
“By participating in events like River to Ramp, we can inspire each other to lead healthier, more active lives; it’s a chance to connect with our neighbours, support local initiatives, and have fun while doing it.”
For more information, or to register as a runner, speak to the council’s sport and recreation officer, Rathin Saha, on 4060 6858 or email sro@aurukun.qld.gov.au. Nominations close at 4:15pm on 13 September.
Runners and walkers from across western Cape York will converge on Aurukun for the 2024 River to Ramp event on 21 September, which promotes physical and mental wellbeing, as well as a strong sense of community spirit.
