Nathan Sciana, Dom Hoyal, Nick Loukas, Chloe White, Jackson Starmer, Katrina Starmer and Elena Pilat celebrate finishing day one of the 2024 QSuper Cardiac Challenge after arriving at the Mount Carbine pub on Saturday afternoon. Read all about the annual bike ride fundraiser on Page 11.
Commitment to Cape recognised
Weipa’s Mark Ward has received the prestigious Queensland Ambulance Service Commissioner’s Achievement Award for his innovative leadership and dedication to improving emergency responses and health outcomes on Cape York. Find out what’s next for the ‘explorer’ field officer on Page 3.
Suspected biosecurity threat found on Weipa vessel
WESTERN Cape York boaties and beach lovers are being asked to remain vigilant after a suspected prohibited marine pest was found in Cairns on a vessel that travelled from Weipa.
A marine biologist from Rio Tinto reported the discovery of three Asian green mussels to Biosecurity Queensland, but it is understood authorities do not believe they pose a strong risk of establishment in the Cairns port area due to their small size and immature status.
Biosecurity Queensland is working closely with port partners, including North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation and Rio Tinto, to confirm the identification of the sampled mussels and determine the extent of the detection.
TUXWORTH & WOODS CARRIERS
a
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
The Asian green mussel is an invasive and prohibited marine pest which has been detected in Queensland several times in recent years.
It out-competes native species, fouls hard surfaces, including vessel hulls, seawater systems, industrial intake pipes, wharves, artificial substrates and buoys, and can be poisonous to humans. The mussel can be found as biofouling on boat hulls, through internal seawater systems and via a ship’s ballast water.
Biosecurity Queensland said it acknowledged the prompt report from Rio Tinto and the mining giant’s support during surveillance efforts.
If you see something you think might be Asian green mussel, please report it immediately to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or via the online reporting portal at www.daf.qld. gov.au.
New program launched to help WCC stars shine
By CHISA HASEGAWA
FIRST Nations girls at Weipa’s Western Cape College (WCC) are getting the support they need to shine brightly after the launch of the Stars Foundation program on 3 September.
The Stars program is currently supporting around 150 girls from year 5 to year 12 in areas from academic mentoring to mental wellbeing and even food security – everything the students need to fully engage in learning and transition into an independent future.
The long-awaited program was launched with the unveiling of a special painting by Napranum artist Marsha Hall, which reflected her perspective on an educational journey of culture and excellence.
Her painting, Langhi P’wa, beautifully depicted a young girl’s ceremony as carried out by her Elders, and now serves as an inspiring memento for the young women in the program to thrive in their educational journey.
“Today, we celebrate more than just the opening of a new program; we celebrate a commitment to our young women, a commitment to their futures,
and a commitment to a stronger, more inclusive community,” principal Dan Tonon said at the launch.
“As we look into the future, I have no doubt that the impact of this program will be profound.
“I am confident that the Stars Foundation will help our students flourish, achieve their
goals, and make meaningful contributions to our community and beyond.”
Students now have access to a dedicated Stars room with fulltime mentors who celebrate their culture and nurture their dreams.
“It is a place where each of our students can find strength, confidence, and a sense of be-
longing. In this space, they are free to express themselves, explore their potential, and build the skills needed to navigate their futures with pride and purpose,” Mr Tonon said.
“Together, we will empower our young women to shine as brightly as the stars they are destined to be.”
The Asian green mussel is an invasive and prohibited marine pest which has been detected in Queensland several times in recent years.
The Western Cape College Stars Foundation program officially launched on 3 September and is helping First Nations girls thrive in their education.
Weipa ambulance officer receives top QAS honour
By LYNDON KEANE
THE ink is barely dry on the prestigious award bearing his name but Weipa’s Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) field officer is refusing to waste any time celebrating as he prepares to sink his teeth into his next project to provide better health outcomes on Cape York.
Mark Ward was presented with a 2024 Commissioner’s Achievement Award for his innovative leadership during a ceremony in Brisbane on 13 September and said it was “pretty special” to be recognised for his efforts.
“It means a lot,” he told Cape York Weekly after his win.
“It’s the highest recognition that I could have got, so that’s pretty special; it’s just recognition of the work I’ve been doing on Cape York but it definitely helps to support future project as well, knowing the work I’ve been doing has been recognised.”
Mr Ward received his award for empowering communities through excellence in leadership, improving remote ambulance service delivery and the myriad projects he has driven, including a three-year effort to map sites, tracks and airstrips across Cape York to tighten response times to remote medical emergencies.
“It’s about marking tracks on Cape York and landing strips and rivers and creeks, so we can use them as landmarks and get a much better location of incidents and patients,” he explained.
“The fact you’re dealing with an area just a bit smaller than the size of Victoria with just four ambulance stations makes it a really big challenge, and you’ve got to work out how to manage that.”
QAS Commissioner Craig Emery said the ceremony provided an occasion to pause and reflect on the achievements of staff from all corners of the state.
“Our emergency medical dispatchers experienced our busiest day for triple zero calls in all QAS’s history in February, and our paramedics are being called
out to more critical incidents than ever before,” he said.
“The dedication of QAS staff does not go unnoticed, and I thank them for their extraordi-
nary and compassionate efforts each and every day.”
Mr Ward said the nature of his work – especially the remote mapping project – meant he felt like a mix of paramedic and pioneering explorer, an element that helped ensure no two days were ever the same.
“It feels like that sometimes, because my work car has a fridge and rooftop tent in it, which makes it exciting for me, which is good,” he explained.
He added it was a case of getting back to “business as usual” following his return from Brisbane, with a focus on a new project aimed at determining the cause of iron deficiencies in young Indigenous children.
“One of the projects that we need to look at is trying to work out why Indigenous children have such low iron levels before school age, which is not heard of in the south-east corner and urban areas,” he said.
“That’s a project I want to get under way and try to get an answer from.
“There’s a lot to do, so it’s still head down, arse up and moving forward.”
Weipa-based Queensland Ambulance Service field officer Mark Ward says it is still a case of “head down, arse up and moving forward” trying to deliver better health outcomes for Cape York after being recognised with a prestigious Commissioner’s Achievement Award last week.
QAS Far Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Brina Keating presents Weipa field officer Mark Ward with his 2024 Commissioner’s Achievement Award for excellence in leadership.
Monthly Community Update
Message from the Chair
G’day Weipa. I hope everyone has been making the most of the nice camping weather before it starts getting too hot. I’ve managed to get in a couple of weekend trips, but not as many as I would have liked to.
I feel like I’ve been on planes a lot this last month, with a trip to Karratha for the Developing Northern Australia (DNA) Conference being the main reason for that. The DNA conference is held every year, in a different location in Northern Australia. This year it was WA’s turn to host, which meant it was a bit of a hike for those of us on this side of the country, but it was worth the effort. Next year it will be in Cairns which makes it much easier.
Over the three days of the conference, I met some great people who are doing awesome things in other remote communities across the north. It is also a great opportunity to look at the big picture, and consider the opportunities that we have on a national level, rather than just the community/cape level.
I handed out many business cards, had many great conversations, and drummed up a lot of interest for the Western Cape Futures Symposium which is our version of the DNA conference, and will be held in Weipa next May.
Looking ahead, the start of the school holidays means that our school holiday programs kick off, and the WTA team have put together some awesome activities to keep the kids busy. Make sure you head to the WTA Facebook page or website to find out what's on.
The pool upgrades are nearly complete, with the official reopening planned for Tuesday 8th October. To celebrate the re-opening and new upgrades, we will be offering reduced cost entry for the whole week following the re-opening, and will have the inflatables set up over the weekend.
The Systematic Animal Inspection Program will commence on the 2nd October and run until 30th October. The aim of this program is to increase
Wise Competition
Two weeks ago, we launched our Water Wise Competition, and there's still time to join in!
Share your best water conservation ideas by 25 September for a chance to win a 3-month child pool access pass —one for each category. Plus, every entry receives a child pass to the pool!
A3 entry forms are available at the Hibberd Library, WASP, and the Aquatic Centre. Get involved and help us make a difference!
awareness around the laws and obligations of pet ownership, and to improve compliance. It also focuses on ensuring animals are registered, and that appropriate enclosures/ fencing are in place.
My next open door day will be on Thursday 19th September, so be sure to book a time if you would like to come and have a chat to me about any suggestions you might have to improve the community, or if you have any concerns.
Thanks for reading, see you out and about in the community.
JaimeGane
Get Ready for Ride2School Day!
Weipa is buzzing with excitement for Ride2School Day on Wednesday, 9 October! Students are encouraged to ride, scoot, or walk to school, competing for awesome prizes. It's class versus class in a friendly competition, with the class boasting the highest percentage of participants in the running for some awesome prizes, so parents, register your children today!
This event is all about promoting physical activity and community spirit. Don’t miss out—mark your calendars and get your kids involved in this fun, healthy competition
Upcoming Event
Open Door Day Thurs 19 Sept 2024
8 Week Body Fitness Challenge Commences Sat 28 Sept 2024
Active After School Program - Basketball Commences Tues 8 Oct & Thurs 10 Oct 202460mins per session from 3.15pm - 6.15pm @ WSSS
Weipa Aquatic Centre Soft Open from Tues 8 Oct 2024
Ride2School 2024 Wed 9 Oct 2024
the Active After School Basketball Program!
From 8 October to 28 November, the Weipa Active After School Program will be offering exciting basketball sessions for children of all ages! Held at the Weipa Storm Surge Shelter, this program provides age-appropriate training to help kids develop their basketball skills, whether they're just starting or looking to advance. With sessions running on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, it's a fantastic way for your kids to stay active, learn new skills, and have a blast!
Registration is now open, so be sure to sign up your kids for a full term of basketball fun at only $80 per child!
CHAIR JAIME GANE
Assistant principal wins ‘surprise’ teaching gong
By LYNDON KEANE
A PRESTIGIOUS award for her contribution to education and inclusive learning has come as a last-minute surprise to Holy Spirit College’s assistant principal of diversity thanks to some cunning manoeuvring by her “beautiful but very tricky colleagues”.
Lisa Hurst, who reimagined the development and delivery of individualised learning plans (ILP) at the school’s Cooktown and two Cairns campuses, has been named by Schools Plus as one of 22 recipients of a 2024 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Award for making education more accessible to students for whom mainstream education was unattainable.
Ms Hurst was nominated by her colleagues and admitted she thought the emails she was receiving from the organisation were spam before one of them asked whether she had seen one about an award.
“I’ve got beautiful but very tricky colleagues who nominated me under the guise we’d started a partnership with Schools Plus,” she laughed.
“I wasn’t really taking much notice and then I opened an email I thought was spam and saw I was part of this awards process; I didn’t actually find out about it until I found out I’d got to the top 25 in Australia.
“It is a very big deal and I’m very, very honoured.”
Schools Plus was founded following a recommendation in the first Gonski review, which identified a need for philanthropic funding in schools to help close the education gap caused by disadvantage.
Ms Hurst said every student at Holy Spirit was coming from a position of disengagement and that the ILPs had been utilised to identify each unique strength, weakness and ambition.
“All three campuses are so
different from each other – the young people we serve and the staff and the needs of our campuses are all so unique. We really place the young people at the centre of everything we do; knowing how they learn and knowing what they want is really important,” she said.
“What we’ve found in the past is that the ILPs were box ticking, but that they didn’t really capture the individual spirit of every student at Holy Spirt.
“Now, it’s about their voice their journey; they can tell us what their strengths are and what their challenges are in school, and they can tell us about what they want to do.”
With students coming from communities all across Cape York, Ms Hurst said a blanket approach to education simply was not workable.
“We’ve got young people from really remote Cape communities,” she said.
“We can’t just throw them back into a school and say ‘we’re going to teach you how to read and write, and do maths’ – you can’t do that if you blanket everyone.
“We want to hear their story and honour that – a young person from Wujal Wujal has a very different story from someone who comes from the centre of Cairns.
Hurst used the
to federal Minister for Education Jason Clare about Holy Spirit College and said she was buoyed by the interest he showed, adding she hoped her win would provide a foothold to be a disruptor in the education space.
“Any exposure we can get through the award is great,” she said.
“The work we do is real, and we’re working with young people who require us to think outside the box and be disruptors. I intend to use the win to keep letting people know about our college, our staff and, of course, our beautiful young people.”
NEWS IN BRIEF
$454,000 win for school
COOKTOWN State School will share in $14.1 million in State Government funding to upgrade its car park and build a new bus area.
The school has been announced as one of 46 across Queensland to receive a grant through the School Transport Infrastructure Program (STIP), with $454,000 approved for the project, which will involve the construction of new pavement and sprayed seal for its car park, and the relocation of the current bus zone.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the project would improve safety for both students and parents.
“There is no doubt that improving school safety in regional areas is a priority, for the safety of our school children and their parents,” she said.
“Through the STIP program, Cooktown State School … will receive vital funding to improve safety and efficiency for school transport infrastructure.”
Date set for Weipa expo
THE Weipa Local Disaster Management Group is calling on agencies and relevant community groups to participate in the 2024 Get Ready Weipa Disaster Expo.
The event is aimed at engaging all community demographics in ensuring the Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery message is heard loud and clear as cyclone season approaches.
The expo will be held on 12 October at the SES headquarters at Rocky Point from 9am-12pm.
Stakeholders interested in participating in the expo are asked to contact Weipa Town Authority by close of business on 20 September.
Hospital info session
TORRES and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) will hold a community information session about the Cooktown Hospital redevelopment on 19 September. The event will be held at the Sovereign Resort Hotel from 3-5pm and give Cooktown stakeholders a chance to meet the project team and hospital staff, and find out what the $200 million project will mean for local health services.
On 30 August, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman confirmed to Cape York Weekly the project would now be delivered in four years, not the seven-year timeframe originally announced in the 2024-25 Queensland budget.
Ms
award ceremony to speak briefly
Holy Spirt College assistant principal of diversity Lisa Hurst is congratulated on her award win by federal Minister for Education Jason Clare during a ceremony at Parliament House.
Milestone for Uncle Darryl
By LYNDON KEANE
NO one is really sure how many orders Darryl Pollard has placed in his 30 years as Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council’s purchasing manager, but no one was counting anything but his “extraordinary milestone” as the community celebrated his achievement last week.
Mr Pollard started in the role in 1994 and has been the head of the council’s procurement operation ever since, a feat chief executive officer Kevin Bell put down to his “toxic” approach to both work and people.
“Darryl is never overwhelmed and his positive nature and ap-
proach to his work is toxic in a positive way. People are drawn to Darryl because he is always happy and has a smile on his face, and no task is too hard,” Mr Bell said.
“It makes me extremely proud seeing such a valued, well-liked member of our team celebrate such an amazing milestone; 30 years’ service to the Kowanyama community is an incredible feat and a testament to Darryl as a person; he has seen our organisation go through many challenges and changes, and just continued to do his part for the council and community.”
Not one to bask in the spotlight, Mr Pollard said it was his passion
for the Kowanyama community and its residents that drove him professionally.
“I love the Kowanyama community and each day I remain motivated by the people and knowing what I am doing is contributing to making those community members’ lives better,” he said.
Kowanyama Mayor Territa Dick praised Mr Pollard’s achievement and said he was “truly a gem” that improved the liveability of the community.
“I would like to congratulate and acknowledge Uncle Darryl on his outstanding commitment and achievements to Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council,” she said.
“This is an extraordinary milestone. [Over] the years I have seen your hard work ... your drive for Kowanyama never goes unnoticed.”
Mr Bell said Mr Pollard was an anomaly in the current local government employment environment.
“The biggest challenge facing all local governments right now is the attraction and retention of key personnel, and we are lucky that we have had that corporate knowledge retained through Darryl and some other staff within our organisation to keep our operation progressing and moving forward,” he explained.
CEQ brings recycling into stores
RECYCLABLES taking up limited waste disposal space in Cape York and the Torres Strait will now be given a second life thanks to a new waste management initiative.
Remote supermarket operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) announced the launch of its Resource Recovery Project earlier this month, which is aimed at preventing cardboard and pallet wrap from ending up in landfill.
Collection containers will initially roll out in 14 ABIS and IBIS supermarkets – Lockhart River, Napranum, Bamaga, Nurupai, Warraber, Tamwoy, Iama, Mer, Mabuiag, Wug, Boigu, Kubin, Saibai, and Masig – with a total of 20 sites planned.
CEO Michael Dykes said the project supported CEQ’s growing focus on environmental sustainability and effective waste management practices.
The collected materials will be sent to Cairns by Sea Swift, where they will be processed into usable products at North Queensland Recycling Agents.
“Through collaboration, we have been able to implement a practical solution that addresses waste management challenges,” Mr Dykes said.
Pictured: Mackay Army
Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council purchasing manager Darryl Pollard is celebrating a stunning three decades in the role.
2024 Queensland election: Cook decides
Candidates preparing for battle
With the 2024 Queensland general election now only 40 days away, Cape York Weekly asked each of the five candidates vying to represent Cook for the next four years about how their campaigns were shaping up, and what the main issue Cape York and Torres Strait residents had raised with them. We know political aspirants have a tendency for verbosity, so we asked each candidate, in their own words, to answer the following two questions: 1. What’s your campaign looking like less than 50 days out from 26 October and how much time will you be spending on Cape York/Torres Strait between now and election day? 2. Since announcing your candidacy and hitting the campaign trail, what is the single biggest issue Cape York/Torres Strait electors have flagged with you? Independent Thursday Island-based candidate Yen Loban did not provide a response to Cape York Weekly
Question 1: This past few months has looked much like the past seven years of my terms as the member – listening, visiting my communities, talking to people about what is important to them, meeting with mayors, health workers, arts workers, youth workers, business owners, dropping in to the community stores, talking to people in person and on the phone, and advocating hard and strong for Cook. I will continue to maximise the time I spend in communities throughout Cape York and Torres Strait. I will have visited most of the 15 local government areas in Cook at least once in the few months prior to the election.
Question 2: Cost of living was the biggest issue in Cape York and Torres Strait when I announced my candidacy, and it is still the biggest issue raised. Higher living costs for people in remote communities in Cook are, as we know up here, tied to the tyranny of distance and I don’t think that’s fair. That is why I am, have, and continue to, advocate strongly for outcomes that reduce the impact of high freight costs, and improve our land and sea transport infrastructure. This month, Cape and Torres residents should feel the relief of the 20 per cent discount at the checkout. And I’m pleased to have been able to announce the funding commitment for the Cape York Region Package stage three.
Question 1: An honest political candidate is rarer than a tourist with ACT plates who knows how to drive on dirt, so the Cape York Weekly’s readers will be shocked when I admit my campaign ran out of fuel before it left the bitumen.
Unlike the ALP and LNP, One Nation has no mega donors and every candidate is selffunded. I’m a superannuation pensioner and money is a huge challenge with Labor’s skyrocketing inflation. An unexpected $10,000 vet’s bill ripped a gaping hole in my campaign fuel tank right at the start.
Fortunately, voters know One Nation and don’t need me on their doorstep.
Question 2: It’s hard to say which is the single biggest issue being discussed in Cook, because there’s so many big issues after more than a century of neglect by the state and federal Labor-Liberal uniparty.
The Peninsula Developmental Road is a big issue in the north, while juvenile crime is a bigger worry further south. The cost of living, the housing crisis, the price of fuel and electricity, government inefficiency and incompetence, crumbling bridges and infrastructure, and transferring our right to make decisions about our land to the faceless and unelected bureaucrats at the UN through World Heritage listing have all been mentioned.
Question 1: Cook is a very large and diverse electorate the size and shape of Victoria. Since my preselection in May 2024, I have been working from the bottom up and, by the end of this week, will have visited most towns and communities south of Weipa at least once.
Within the next fortnight, I will have visited every community all the way to Torres Strait.
I have been to most of the major events but have been far more involved in conversations with residents, businesses and elected representatives to hear their views.
Question 2: The single biggest message from all the people I have talked to is they want a strong, experienced and committed member of Parliament who will stand up for them.
The biggest issue for me should I be elected is the terrible state of the roads throughout the entire electorate.
I will establish a regional roads advisory group to determine all transport and road issues, priorities and funding and ensure there is no more waste on cost over runs, cassowary bridges and cameras, and our roads are safe and trafficable.
Question 1: I have lived and travelled extensively in Cape York. Since announcing, I have over 4,200km of vehicle travel in the Cook electorate, notwithstanding the number of flights into Cape communities and conducting meetings in Cairns and Mareeba when constituents are out of the Cape. I have invested heavily in listening to the voice of Cape York and attending community events to engage with locals, even calling out the State Government freight subsidy through my social media, which resulted in an increase to 20 per cent. Next week, I will be in Torres Strait with Bob Katter and I have travelled with Rob Katter to communities ensuring constituents have direct contact with sitting members of state and federal Parliament.
Question 2: The diversity of Cook is complex and varies markedly with the differing needs for each area. This is why it requires a member who travels, engages and invests heavily in discussion at all levels of government and community members to ensure each community has a voice. Water security and the ageing infrastructure has resonated across a number of areas, freight costs are impacting cost of living, road conditions are consistently raised, but so is access to housing for both community and government/ NGO providers servicing remote areas.
Cynthia Lui Australian Labor Party
Peter Campion One Nation
David Kempton Liberal National Party
Duane Amos Katter’s Australian Party
NPA’s next generation has sights set on biosecurity
By CHISA HASEGAWA
FOUR Northern Peninsula Area youth are ready to have their say on the planet’s future after attending the inaugural Biosecurity Youth Summit on the Gold Coast.
The recent two-day event brought together 39 year 10 students from across the state, with an aim to raise awareness about potential threats, empower young people to act, incorporate their perspectives and ideas into the biosecurity system, and provide future employment pathways.
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Far North biosecurity director Emma Atkins said she hoped the young people were inspired to actively contribute to biosecurity in their communities.
“Education and awareness are vitally important to increasing public knowledge of biosecurity risks, and how they can do their part in protecting Cape York,” she said.
“The summit provided a valuable platform for them to voice their unique perspectives and engage with issues that directly affect them. The young people clearly demonstrated their strong environmental conscience, so are well-positioned to champion biosecurity initiatives.”
Ms Atkins, who is based in the NPA, said there were several factors that made biosecurity measures in the northern Cape York region important.
She listed the high levels of domestic and international travel, neighbouring countries, and a climate suited to pests and diseases as some of the main threats.
“Indonesia and Papua New Guinea have a significant number of high-priority plant and animal pests and diseases,” she explained.
“Tropical climate and biodiversity suit a range of pests and diseases, [and] adverse weather con-
ditions, such as cyclones, increases the risk of pests and diseases which may be airborne or spread by insects or ocean currents.
“The vast, remote areas and coastlines make surveillance for early detection more difficult.”
Ms Atkins also said food security and way of life in community were major priorities, with the NPA’s high cost of living and heavy reliance on land and sea for food and cultural practices.
“Biosecurity risks have the potential to threaten the environment, economy and way of life, so it is important that young people un-
derstand the increasing risks and lean in to protect what they value in their community,” she said.
“There are numerous job opportunities in the region in the biosecurity space; it is great to showcase these to young people so that they can see alternative career paths, and how varied and exciting biosecurity can be. We hope they will take the lead in promoting biosecurity practices within their community, from raising awareness about the importance of protecting our ecosystems, to taking direct action in reducing risks to people, animals and the environment.”
Upcoming outages in Cooktown
5G is coming to Cooktown, but it will require a series of mobile outages being planned by Telstra for the end of September and early October.
Telstra will be upgrading its mobile base station at Cooktown by adding extra infrastructure to bring better 4G services and 5G to the community, with a series of outages set to temporarily impact mobile coverage from 23 September-4 October.
The base station provides mobile reception to Cooktown, Boulder Reef, Egret Reef, along the Endeavour Valley Road and the Mulligan Highway.
The first phase of disruptions will be experienced from 7am5pm from 24-28 September.
During each of the three phases, the site will be off the air for up to eight hours each day and will switched back on at night.
Landline services and NBN internet services will not be impacted.
Telstra regional engagement manager Josie Pickering said crews would be working to minimise the impact to the community.
“There’s never a good time to undertake this sort of work but once it is completed, it will mean better mobile services for local residents,” she said.
Four NPA youth heard from biosecurity experts and shared their own ideas at the first Biosecurity Youth Summit.
Cape cleaned up after a record turnout at event
RECORD numbers across the board were a highlight of this year’s Western Cape Feral Animal Control event in Weipa on Saturday.
In total, 166 pig and cat hunting competitors, 83 Toad Busters and 15 juniors took part in the annual event, with a whopping 442.53 kilograms of cane toads removed from the township’s amphibian army.
The biggest toad recorded weighed 488 grams and was caught by the Coleing Clan –Matilda and Quade Coleing, while the Toad Bounty Hunters – Olivia Emmett, Naveyah Nester and Harlen Nester –took runner-up honours with a 457g entry.
Over the target dates, 333 pigs and 65 feral cats removed were from the Cape landscape.
Black and White – Remo Mazzacato, Blake Amory and Jaydon West-Busch – won the coveted biggest boar prize with their 92.65kg effort, while Nick Stock, Rod Wawrzniak, Martin Sheger, Will Stock and Blaine Wawrzniak took the silver with an 88kg pig.
The Ridgeback Bangers and Twangers – Ian and James Milne – bagged the biggest sow of the event with a 60.1kg
entry, with Steve Clegg, Craig Argent and Brayden Argent’s Stakin’ Bacon line-up grabbing second spot on the podium with a 58.05kg porker.
In the tusk department, father-and-son duo Scott and Jack Barton bagged a pig with 85.5mm of prize-winning ivory, with Kodie, Courtney, Bonnie and Amelia Bailey’s 80mm tusk enough to take runner-up bragging rights.
The biggest feral cat of the event weighed in at 5.15kg and was taken by the Piggy Tails team of Rhys Parr, Damian Parr and Bri Lewis, with the Numb Skulls – Samantha Midgley and Dayne Stewart – the next best with a 5.1kg runner-up feline.
An event spokesperson thanked sponsors and competitors for making the 2024 edition a record breaker and said they were expecting next year’s hunt to be even bigger.
“Thank you to everyone that came and supported our local champions who are helping to make a difference on the Cape,” they said.
“We can’t do this without everyone’s involvement, so we’re looking forward to another record event in 2025.”
NEWS IN BRIEF
Kindy set for fundraiser
THE community will be out in force on 12 October to help Cooktown Kindergarten with its major fundraising event.
The annual fete is a favourite with Cooktown residents, but also the kindy’s biggest fundraiser, with a gold coin entry opening the door to a full range of events, stalls, raffles and activities.
An event spokesperson said the mini sideshow alley, fairy floss, face painting and crazy hair offerings were expected to be popular with both children and adults. The fete will be held at PCYC Cooktown from 9:30am-1pm.
For more information, call 0447 240 677 or 0429 062 262.
Sea Swift career program
CAPE York and Torres Strait residents looking for a career pivot are being encouraged to check out Sea Swift’s new Local Jobs, Local People program.
In a bid to boost local employment, the freight company said the initiative would build local skills in the region.
A key focus of the program is to tap into local knowledge and champion diversity by encouraging women and First Nations people from the northernmost part of Queensland to apply.
Sea Swift chairman Chris Pearce said the program provided an opportunity for school leavers and those without marine qualifications to obtain the relevant certificates and skills needed.
“In a region where options for training and career development are often limited, Sea Swift is excited about the opportunity to engage with communities and welcome more local people to our team,” he said.
On-the-spot fines of $483 and maximum fines of up to $6,542 may apply to those who do the wrong thing.
Crocodile interactions: New offences and increased fines to boost public safety
From 1 September 2024, new laws are in place to prevent people from engaging in dangerous or careless behaviours around crocodiles including:
• Feeding, disturbing and interfering with crocodiles (including crocodile traps).
• Remaining in close proximity to a crocodile on land.
• Unintentionally feeding a crocodile.
What is unintentional feeding?
It is now an offence to leave or discard food— including fish frames, food scraps and bait—in a way that may attract a crocodile to a public place.
A public place includes a boat ramp, jetty, pontoon or camping area or park adjacent to water and where there is a sign warning of the presence of crocodiles in the vicinity.
Unintentional feeding encourages crocodiles to loiter around waiting for an easy feed—putting everyone at risk.
Always put your fish scraps in the bin or take them home.
A record number of competitors did their bit to put a dent in the number of pigs around Weipa during the 2024 Western Cape Feral Animal Control event. For a full list of the results, check out the event’s Facebook page.
Co-ordination hub delivers outcomes for FNQ patients
A LOCKHART River man is praising a new “one-stop shop” for complex health support for allowing him and other remote patients to go from strength to strength on their medical journey.
The Queensland Government opened the Care Co-ordination Service Centre (CCSC) in Cairns in November 2023 and it has since supported more than 1,600 patients from across the state’s far north in getting improved access to highquality healthcare closer to home.
The centre is the first of its kind in Queensland and supports patients with complex care needs by offering a range of co-located services including travel, finance and referral systems.
Lockhart River resident Patrick Butcher Jnr said the CCSC was making a significant difference in his healthcare.
“They’ve supported me with transport and organising food packs,” he said.
“To have a service like that, for them to provide support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it’s so good – all I need to do is rock up at the right time.
“It makes a whole lot of differ-
ence to have someone there so you know you’re not forgotten in the health system.
“Since I’ve been going through the service, it’s got me back on track and I’m going from strength to strength.”
The CCSC is a joint project between the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health
Service, and Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services
Shannon Fentiman said the centre provided patients with a single point of contact as they navigated through the health system.
“This amazing initiative has already enhanced the health and wellbeing of those in rural and
XTREMECARE AUSTRALIA
Xtremecare Australia offers NDIS Support Coordination, Plan Management and face to face Allied Health services in the following Cape York communities: Weipa, Napranum, Mapoon, Aurukun, Kowanyama and Pormpuraaw
Health (Currently only servicing Weipa and surrounds)
07 4069 9077
remote communities across Far North Queensland,” she said.
“In the first six months since (the centre) was officially launched, it has proven to be an enormous success; more than 1,600 people have accessed more streamlined care and treatment closer to home, reducing their need to travel, which we know can be a stressful, sometimes costly, experience.”
Coordination
www.xtremecareaustralia.com.au
ICN: 148
CARE WEIPA OFFICE/CLINIC Unit 3/56 Commercial Avenue WEIPA QLD 4874
GuNGARDE FAMILY WELLBEING SERVICE
Gungarde Community Centre Aboriginal Corporation 92 Charlotte Street, PO Box 6, COOKTOWN QLD 4895 T: 07 4069 5412
NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING
(This meeting has been called to Propose Rule Book Changes)
Date: 20-September-2024
Time: 10:00am Place: Gungarde Hall, 92 Charlotte St Cooktown Qld 4895
The members resolve that:
• The whole current rule book of the corporation be repealed and
• The proposed rule book attached to the notice of the meeting of the members of the corporation be adopted as the rule book of the corporation.
Discussion points
1. Proposed name change
2. Proposed area change
To obtain a copy of the proposed rule book, contact the Gungarde office.
to get more cash from state
THE State Government has pulled out its chequebook ahead of next month’s general election and committed $60 million to stage three of the Cape York Region Package.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said the commitment was subject to the Federal Government coming on board to continue the joint funding arrangement currently in place.
“The Peninsula Developmental Road is so important to the Far North, but anyone who knows the Cape knows it is prone to flooding and closures,” he said.
“With money on the table for stage three, it’s essential we get this work done. The Miles Government has put $60 million on the table, and I would encourage the Federal Government to assist us with further funding to ensure that our work to connect remote communities in FNQ continues.”
The rollout of stage two of the CYRP has been heavily criticised due in part to the cost blowout of the Archer River bridge, with the delayed project almost quadrupling in cost to $131.25m.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said it was vital all stages of the CYRP were seen to completion.
Missing woman crossed Jardine River twice: QPS
New South Wales woman Jamilla Humphrey crossed the Jardine River twice in a short period of time before disappearing in remote Cape York, police have confirmed.
The extensive search for the 52-yearold was called off on 6 September after her white Mitsubishi van was located on the Old Telegraph Track, about three kilometres south of the Jardine River in the Northern Peninsula Area on 29 August.
Ms Humphrey has not been seen since her disappearance and the Queensland Police Service confirmed she had been heading northbound on the Bamaga Road after using the Jardine River ferry, only to cross back to the southern side of the river the same day.
“Investigations indicate Ms Humphrey crossed the Jardine River ferry travelling
north. Ms Humphrey crossed the river ferry a short time later travelling south on the same day,” a police spokesperson said. Her vehicle was subsequently found bogged and abandoned on the OTT, which runs parallel to the Bamaga Road.
There has been speculation in the NPA the woman’s disappearance was linked to the two Torres Strait men allegedly arrested in possession of 110kg of cocaine at Seisia around the same time, however, police said there was no evidence to support the rumour.
“Police have identified no link between Ms Humphrey’s disappearance and the recent arrest of two men is Seisia,” the police spokesperson said.
Anyone with information about the disappearance is urged to call 1800 333 000.
Tender No: KASC-2024-024
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
MISSING
Care Co-ordination Service Centre patient experience officer Joshua Janke (left) and patient Patrick Butcher Jnr discuss the impact the new hub is having on the Lockhart River man’s health outcomes.
Cyclists pedal for a worthy cause
AFTER 333 kilometres ridden and more than $300,000 raised, the 2024 QSuper Cardiac Challenge convoy rolled into Cooktown and across the finish line of the annual fundraiser on Monday.
Hundreds of riders transformed the Mulligan Highway into waves of lycra and smiles over the three-day event, which made overnight stops in Mount Carbine and Lakeland before a final push to Cooktown on Monday.
Some massive individual and team efforts had the event pass 76 per cent of its $400,000 fundraising target at the time Cape York Weekly went to press, with Annie’s Army ($36,270), Canardly’s ($21,624) and Cardiac Maniacs ($20,780) the top three teams.
For the individuals, Nick Lyngcoln ($20,197), Shaun Karran ($11,000) and Sandy McEachan ($8,000) led the fundraising pack.
Rider Nathan Sciana said it had been a privilege to saddle up on his bike for the event.
“It’s fantastic to be here and a part of it,” he said.
“The start of the first leg (Cairns to Mount Carbine) was tough into a headwind, but I got into a rhythm after that.
“It’s such a great event.”
Nothing but smiles on the faces of Andrew Griffin, Ryan Agnew, Matt Millwater and David Brook after completing the first leg.
A riding pack enjoys a big tailwind on the Mulligan Highway as they approach Mount Carbine on Saturday afternoon.
First-time riders Jack De Guingand, James Close, Xavier Conner and Maddison Close enjoy a cold drink at the Mount Carbine pub.
Robert Ibell, Bryan Hawarden, Tanya Rodney, Tomas Rodney and Andy Potter cool off in the shade.
Even rain couldn’t wipe the smiles off riders as they approached Cooktown on Monday.
More than $300,000 was raised at this year’s Cardiac Challenge.
Nick Lyngcoln and Dion Miller.
Angie Sutcliffe passes on 16 years of event experience to first-time medic Dillon Shannon.
Freight subsidy misses the mark
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
IF I were to dust off the old crystal ball and offer a prescient suggestion, it would be that increasing the Remote Communities Freight Assistance Scheme discount to 20 per cent as of 9 September will make absolutely zero per cent change to the cost of living up here.
It’s hardly a Nostradamus-like prediction, and one any of the government policy boffins in Brisbane could have worked out for themselves had they gotten their boots dusty on the ground and spoken to anyone who calls Cape York or the Torres Strait home before rolling out another remote strategy destined for failure.
The problem is with government’s definition of “eligible essential goods” – that is, a definition that essentially ignores the reality of which day-to-day items are causing the most cost of living grief for residents of the northernmost part of Queensland.
If you’re scratching your head thinking this feels like a familiar argument, you aren’t losing the plot – it’s effectively the same one I made when Premier Steven Miles announced the increase was on its way from a media conference on the Cairns Esplanade back in late June as the government began to ratchet up its pork barrelling ahead
of next month’s state election.
At the time, I asked him whether his government would consider expanding its definition of “eligible essential goods” because it excluded what even the dumbest person in the room would consider vital to everyday life – I’m talking about things like fuel, clothing and whitegoods. Premier Miles refused to be drawn into the debate and said “[a]nd over time, of course, we’ll continue to do more, but right now, this is a major announcement to reduce the costs of
fresh fruit and vegetables”, which is the political equivalent of admitting it wasn’t something that had been considered, nor would it be in the foreseeable future.
A discount at the supermarket on bread, milk, and fruit and vegetables is great, but it does little to assist the family budget when it costs close to $3 per litre to fuel up in some spots up this way.
For comparison, the same fuel currently costs about $1.70 per litre in Cairns, while the service stations in Brisbane closest to the
Parliament House office were charging motorists about the same.
When you repeat the us-versusthem cost assessment with other non-eligible essentials like whitegoods, clothing and household furniture, it’s a cut-and-paste result that highlights why a 20 per cent discount at the supermarket checkout will not lessen the crippling cost of living pressures being experienced up here every day.
I’m not the only one who’s overheard visitors griping about fuel
and food costs during their Cape York adventure, but it’s probably fair to suggest the ones who have a genuine right to be a bit whingy are the ones stuck with the ridiculous prices 52 weeks of the year, not just two or three.
Irrespective of which dictionary you pick up, they all seem to agree an essential item is one that is “absolutely necessary” and “extremely important”.
I know politics and bureaucracies aren’t renowned for pumping out a conga line of geniuses, but anyone driving policy development for the betterment of the lives of Queensland’s remotest residents doesn’t need a Mensa membership to determine fuel is absolutely necessary and extremely important for getting places.
Like supermarkets, for example. And jobs. They still want us to have one of those and contribute to the economic and social growth of the state, don’t they?
I’d argue clothes are also fairly critical in the equation, because I’m told no one wants to employ an applicant who has to walk to work bare-arse.
Until the government pulls its head out of the sands of essentiality and admits it’s the everyday items not on the discount eligibility list causing the most financial distress up here, the oversight will continue to fuel the failure of its remote freight subsidy scheme. That failure comes at our cost.
Premier’s
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.
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.
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
COMMUNITY MEETING
Cooktown Racecource 24 September 2024 | 5.30pm
Cooktown Amateur Turf Club, as trustee of the State Reserve on which the racecourse is located, has prepared a draft Land Management Plan (LMP) to manage future interests and activities on the trust land, including leasing a portion of the reserve to Cooktown Horse Sports Association; and an overflow tourist park.
The Club is now seeking the community’s feedback to ensure the LMP reflects thecommunity’s requirements.
Copies of the draft Land Management Plan are available by emailing cooktownturfclub@outlook.com or by phoning 0428 873 187.
COOKTOWN AMATEUR TURF CLUB Inc PO Box 332 Cooktown QLD 4895, cooktownturfclub@outlook.com
Golden point heartbreak for Pride
THE Northern Pride’s 2024 season is over after the team was trumped by the visiting Redcliffe Dolphins in a golden point thriller at Barlow Park in Cairns on Saturday.
The clash was a fast and fiery affair from the start, with both teams eager to take control to book themselves a place in this weekend’s Hostplus Cup grand final.
The Dolphins went into the halftime break with a 10-6 lead but the Pride fired back early in the second 40 minutes after second rower Ewan Moore crashed over the line to even the score, with a Thomas Duffy penalty kick giving the home team a lead at the 55-minute mark.
A try in the 72nd minute put the Dolphins in the box seat before Pride centre Will Partridge found
the tryline just three minutes later to keep the game alive at 16-16 before Duffy missed a tough conversion attempt to send the preliminary final into extra time.
It only took two minutes of golden point time for Dolphins halfback Joshua James to slot a field goal into the wind and secure his team a place in the season decider.
“I can’t believe it,” James said after booking the Dolphins’ grand final ticket.
Despite the loss, the Pride can still begin the off season with their heads held high after claiming the minor premiership with a dominant record of 17 wins and only three losses in 23 rounds.
The Dolphins will battle the Norths Devils in the grand final on 22 September at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium.
2024 TORRES STRAIT REGIONAL AUTHORITY ELECTION
2024 Torres Strait Regional Authority Election
For the wards of Badu Island, Bamaga, Boigu Island, Dauan Island, Erub Island, Hammond Island, Iama Island, Kubin, Mabuiag Island, Masig Island, Mer Island, Ngurapai and Muralag, Port Kennedy, Poruma Island, Saibai Island, Seisia, St Pauls, TRAWQ, Ugar Island and Warraber Island.
Saturday 30 November 2024
There will be an election on Saturday 30 November 2024 to elect board members for the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA). An election is held every four years to elect one Torres Strait Islander or Aboriginal member from each of the 20 wards.
Candidate Nominations
Nominations for candidates open on Tuesday 1 October 2024 and close at 5pm (AEST) on Wednesday 30 October 2024.
Nomination forms and the Election Guide will be available from:
– TSRA Office, Level 1 Torres Strait Haus, 46 Victoria Parade, Thursday Island – Australian Electoral Commission, Ground Floor, Commonwealth Centre, 104 Grafton Street, Cairns City – online at www.aec.gov.au/tsra
Completed nomination forms can be delivered to the Returning Officer in person, by email, post or fax.
If you need to enrol or update your enrolment details, head to www.aec.gov.au/enrol, or pick up an enrolment form from any AEC office or the TSRA office, and return it to the AEC.
More information
For any further information about this election and how to nominate as a candidate, or how to enrol to vote, contact:
Jacqueline
McHenry
Returning Officer
PO Box 5024
Cairns QLD 4870
Telephone (02) 9375 6366 or (02) 8201 4010
Email: tsra@aec.gov.au or visit www.aec.gov.au/tsra
Information sessions schedule
Badu Island Thursday 19 September 2024 1.45pm - 3.15pm
Badu Community Hall
Bamaga Thursday 26 September 2024 10.00am - 11.30am
Bamaga Community Hall
Boigu Island Tuesday 17 September 2024 10.30am - 12.00 Noon Boigu Community Hall
Dauan Island Wednesday 25 September 2024 2.00pm - 3.30pm Dauan Community Hall
Erub Island Wednesday 18 September 10.30am - 12.00 Noon
Omei Tree (behind Council Office)
Hammond Island Friday 27 September 2024 10.30am - 12.00 Noon
Hammond Community Hall
Iama Island Monday 30 September 2024 10.30am - 12.00 Noon Iama Community Hall
Kubin Tuesday 24 September 2024 1.30pm - 3.00pm Kubin Community Hall
Mabuiag Island Tuesday 17 September 2024 1.30pm - 3.00pm Mabuiag Community Hall
Masig Island Tuesday 1 October 2024 1.45pm - 3.15pm Masig Community Hall
Mer Island Wednesday 25 September 2024 9.30am - 11.00am Mer Community Hall
Ngurapai and Muralag Saturday 21 September 2024 10.30am - 12.00 Noon Ngurapai Sports Complex
Port Kennedy Friday 20 September 2024 6.00pm - 7.30pm Anglican Parish Hall
Poruma Island Tuesday 1 October 2024 10.30am - 12.00 Noon Poruma Community Hall
Saibai Island Thursday 19 September 2024 10.30am - 12.00 Noon Saibai Bistro Undercover Area
Seisia Thursday 26 September 2024 1.00pm - 2.30pm Seisia Community Hall
St Pauls Tuesday 24 September 2024 10.30am - 12.00 Noon
St Pauls Community Hall
TRAWQ Saturday 21 September 2024 2.00pm - 3.30pm Tamwoy Hall
Ugar Island Wednesday 18 September 2024 1.30pm - 3.00pm Ugar Community Hall
Warraber Island Monday 30 September 2024 1.30pm - 3.00pm Warraber Community Hall
All Wards Friday 27 September 2024 6.00pm - 7.30pm Thursday Island Boat Club
SPORT IN BRIEF
Big win for Byrne
LONG driving and an impressive pin shot were the highlights of Matt Byrne’s winning round when 13 golfers contested Wackers in Weipa on 11 September.
Byrne was dominant over the Carpentaria Golf Club’s back nine holes, returning to the clubhouse with 41 off the stick for a comfortable victory with nett 28.5.
Steve Head shot gross 49 for a nett 33 and runner-up bragging rights.
Byrne claimed the nearest to the pin prize on hole 18, with Jon Dall being crowned the week’s Bradman’s recipient.
Maher trumps parkrun field
JUNIOR runner Bridie Maher showed the field of 35 a clean set of heels when she took finish line honours in Weipa parkrun #383 on 14 September.
Maher stopped the clock in a time of 20 minutes, 32 seconds, more than a minute clear of Ross Dawson, who was the fastest male home in 21:33.
Jenna Parker notched up a personal best time for the five-kilometre circuit during the event.
Weipa laces up for parkrun each Saturday morning at 7am, with competitors assembling at the hospital roundabout.
Byrne backs up for double
A FIELD of 15 tackled the Sunday morning Dawnbusters challenge at Carpentaria Golf Club on 15 September.
A number of nice gross scores were carded, with Matt Byrne hitting an irregular 39, Ross Craven recording an expected 40 and Peter Lamond hitting a personal best for the Weipa course of 41.
Following on from his Wednesday Wackers success, Byrne finished on nett 18 with Scott Andrews, with his sub-40 off the stick handing him the win while Andrews was crowned the bridesmaid for the second Sunday in a row.
New player J Ross-Pye etched her name in the hall of fame by taking out the Hoffman’s gong.
Craven rounded off his strong round by claiming the pin and men’s long drive prizes, with Krystle Ellis the biggest hitting woman on the course.
Dawnbusters will tee off on the back nine on 23 September and new players are always welcome when the chaos begins from 7am.
After dominating the regular season, minor premiers the Northern Pride will not line up in this weekend’s 2024 Hostplus Cup decider after losing to the Redcliffe Dolphins in an extra time thriller in Cairns on Saturday.
Cape footballers shine at AFL tri-series carnival
FOOTBALLERS from Cape York and Torres Strait have shone on the paddock during a unique tri-series competition hosted by AFL Cape York and AFL Cairns.
The event was held in Cairns from 30 August until 1 September, and welcomed two under-16 teams from Papua New Guinea to join AFL Cape York Crusader teams in a weekend of friendly competition and cultural exchange.
The four-team competition for boys and girls had games being played at the Buchan Street Reserve and on the hallowed turf of Cazalys Stadium.
In addition to the on-field excitement, AFL Cape York House general manager Rick Hanlon said the event had been about using sport as a connection to foster deeper relationships, cultural understanding and respect between the young players and their communities.
“This wasn’t just about playing football,” he said.
“It was about engaging our closest international neighbour, Papua New Guinea, to come together in the spirit of friendship and culture.
“Football was the vehicle, but the
highlight was the way it brought us together to celebrate our diverse backgrounds.”
The main attraction of the tournament was a cultural feast at AFL Cape York House for Boys, with more than 200 people converging on the venue to experience a spread of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Papua New Guinean foods.
“We had well over 200 people in attendance – players, officials, and some guests,” Mr Hanlon said.
“We shared in song, we shared dance, and food – it was just fantastic.”
Countdown to billfish tournament
WEIPA’S reputation of being home to “arguably the best sailfishing” in Queensland will be put to the test when teams converge to battle for billfishing bragging rights next month.
The 2024 Weipa Billfish Tournament will be held from 5-7 October with teams from across the state set to make the trek north.
The competition is offering those who nominate before 27 September the chance to go into the draw for an early bird prize and Weipa Billfish Club president Ben Bright said he expected there would be a wave of registrations before the deadline.
“We generally expect around 15 or so teams to compete, and no doubt there will be a flurry of nominations just prior to the early bird cut-off on [27 September],” he said.
“Final nominations will be accepted up until 5pm on 30 September.”
Mr Bright said he believed Weipa’s laid-back attitude, landscape and the fishing made the annual tournament unique within Queensland Game Fishing Association (QGFA) competitions.
“Weipa represents a totally unique fishery and boasts arguably the best sailfishing the state has to offer,” he said.
“The club focuses closely on competitors having a great time and the tournament showcases the town and its charismatic relaxed way of life
“This year, we will have some competitors travel from Mackay, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Townsville and Exmouth.”
The topic of shark depredation has been at the forefront of recreational fishing conversations across Cape York in recent months and Mr Bright said the tournament was not immune from the issue, adding it also played a vital role in research relating to billfish.
“Shark depredation is becoming more of an issue right around the country and offshore game fishing in Weipa isn’t immune,” he said.
“As this is a QGFA-sanctioned tag and release tournament, we are continually educating anglers and adopting and modifying best fish handling practices to ensure the very best outcome for the sport. Recreational tagging of billfish has directly led to much of what is known about them by the scientific community, and the Weipa Billfish Club has been directly involved in recent groundbreaking fish handling and acoustic tagging techniques.”
COOKTOWN TIDE TIMES
Tom Gagai gets a kick away during the AFL Cape York and AFL Cairns tri-series event.
There will be plenty of action on the water when anglers battle for bragging rights in the 2024 Weipa Billfish Tournament.
