FUTSAL FUN
IN CAIRNS
The
to the
for its first
of the FNQ
Cape’s calling Premier urged to attend symposium
The chair of Weipa Town Authority has wasted no time in putting pen to paper to invite Premier David Crisafulli and his ministers to “get out of their Brisbane offices” and attend the 2025 Western Cape Futures Symposium. Turn to Page 3 to hear Jaime Gane’s pitch to the Premier.
Weipa under-8 team gets excited about taking
pitch
match
Futsal Titles in Cairns on Saturday. See how the teams from Weipa, Cooktown and Aurukun performed on Page 17.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery Association Inc
When: Sunday 24 November 2024
Where: Nature’s PowerHouse
Time: 10:30am – 12:00pm
We invite members and friends of the
Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery Association to join us
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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
HAMBELL PLUMBING
New vessel to help VMR increase rescue capacity
By CHISA HASEGAWA
THE Weipa Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) will welcome its new $2 million vessel this month as the organisation prepares to transition into a government-funded entity.
Previously a charity organisation that relied on fundraising to carry out its vital work, the Weipa VMR will fall under the Queensland Police Service as of March 2025.
VMR president Brendon Fay said this was a welcome change for the community, providing rescuers with more time and resources.
“Being properly funded will mean we’ll gain access to train-
ing, which is urgently needed; we’re running very short of skippers,” he said.
“We only have a very limited number of skippers that are actually trained up and ready to go at any given time.
“There’ll be people to do all the mundane administration stuff that comes with owning a commercial vessel and keeping it in survey, and also organising the maintenance, rather than relying on volunteers, which we’re very thin on the floor with.”
Mr Fay said the new vessel would be used in conjunction with the current boat, which is 22 years old.
“We will be keeping our old vessel at this stage for long-
distance rescues, because at the moment, the new vessel doesn’t have the range of the old vessel, and we cover an area similar to Cairns to Mackay,” he said.
“We’re looking at options for bringing super fuel in, and we really need to work out the range of it and how well it’s going to operate up here.
“The new vessel will be quicker and easier to launch, and it’s set out with state of the art technology; if you punch in the type of boat into the computer, it’ll calculate a search pattern and the most likely spot to start the search without us having to do it manually anymore.”
The VMR president said the group’s rescue capability had
also increased with the addition of two jet skis to the fleet.
“If there’s a rescue on and there’s someone in the water, at the moment, it’s going to take us an hour to get the boat in the water, which is not ideal, but it’s the best of what we can do at the moment,” Mr Fay said.
“With the jet skis, if there’s people in the water, we can launch them very rapidly, and because they’ve got a lot more capability for speed, you can go and pull four or five people out of the water with two jet skis while the boat follows behind.
“It’s definitely exciting times ahead, and we’re really hoping the vessel and changes will attract more volunteers.”
Weipa Volunteer Marine Rescue president Brendon Fay prepares to trial the new $2 million vessel, which will help increase the organisation’s capacity.
WTA chair urges Premier to visit Cape symposium
By LYNDON KEANE
PREMIER David Crisafulli and his ministers responsible for transport and regional development will be big-name attendees at the 2025 Western Cape Futures Symposium if the chair of Weipa Town Authority (WTA) has her way.
With the new cabinet sworn in on 1 November, WTA Chair Jaime Gane said she would now write to Mr Crisafulli, the relevant ministers – including Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last – and likely Member for Cook David Kempton to ensure they had their tickets booked for the event, which will be held in Weipa on 7-8 May.
“I want to be sure that our new State Government reps have the best opportunity to put the symposium in their 2025 calendar,”
Ms Gane told Cape York Weekly
“The Western Cape Futures Symposium is the perfect opportunity for the new government to get out of their Brisbane offices, come to the western Cape and see first-hand the opportunity
that the region presents not only for Cape York, but for the rest of the state.
“It’s also an opportunity for the new premier and his government to show their commitment to the people of Cape York, who support the government’s vision of attracting investment, building a strong economy, and improving roads and infrastruc-
ture, all of which our region desperately needs.”
The symposium, co-ordinated by the Western Cape Chamber of Commerce and supported by the western Cape York councils, was an overwhelming success when it was held for the first time in March 2023, something organisers will be aiming to replicate next year.
Ms Gane said attending the symposium would give the Premier and his ministers the chance to see the evolution of the region, as well as help solidify relationships between the government, councils, private industry and the not-for-profit sector.
“The symposium is all about highlighting the vast opportunity in Weipa and the western Cape, but we also explore some of the barriers to progress,” she said.
“I would like them to see that Weipa is no longer just a mining town – we have grown to become the unofficial capital of the Cape, and the opportunities that exist here go far beyond just mining. We are excited about what our post-mining future looks like, and we want the State Government to support us in our quest for a diverse, innovative and sustainable economy.
“The new State Government ran their campaign with a slogan of ‘a fresh start for Queensland’, so I am very much looking forward to working with them to create a fresh start for the western Cape, and reset the narrative and perceptions about what’s possible.”
The inaugural Western Cape Futures Symposium in March 2023 was an overwhelming success. Pictured from left are Fraser Nai from Strait Experience, Mark Olsen from Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Dr Tammie Matson and Bill Ferguson from Australia Zoo, and then Assistant Minister Michael Healy.
Weipa Town Authority Chair Jaime Gane says Premier David Crisafulli and his relevant ministers attending the Western Cape Futures Symposium will allow them “to show their commitment to the people of Cape York”.
Early Christmas gift for families
By CHISA HASEGAWA
A LACK of childcare options will soon be a thing of the past for many working parents in Weipa as the community prepares to welcome the return of outside of school hours care (OSHC) services next month.
After a few months delay due to staffing issues, the new Weipa OSHC will open its door in time for the Christmas holidays at St Joseph’s Parish School.
Kim Wallace, who will be heading up the service as its nominated supervisor, said it had been a challenging year for parents juggling work and children.
“It’s really impacted a lot of parents, because a lot of them don’t have family up here,” she said.
“I know a lot of them had to change their hours and they weren’t able to do their full-time hours anymore.
“Even the people that work at the early childhood centre have had to change their hours, and that’s had a flow-on effect, because their ratios have dropped and less kids can go.”
Following the closure of OSHC services in the region late last year, the Diocese of Cairns had plans to reopen during term three, but postponed to ensure staff shortages would not interfere with consistent service.
“We just want to make sure that when we’re open, we’re properly
open and there’s continuous service for the community; we don’t want to have to be closing sometimes because we can’t get enough staff on,” Catholic Early Learning and Care director Alison Forster said.
“It’s going to be open to both schools, and at the moment, we’re looking at 30 total that we can take, depending on how things go.
“It feels fantastic – for my colleagues and I, it’s the first new centre we’ve opened, so it’s been a great learning curve, but it also gives us optimism that we can do this in more remote parts of the diocese.”
Ms Forster said after the delay,
they planned to begin services in the new year, but were encouraged to offer services over the Christmas holiday period.
“Our logical step would have been opening for the new school year, but we were really encouraged to think about the fact that it’s a long Christmas break for people in Weipa who don’t have anyone there to help,” she told Cape York Weekly
“It’s a little bit outside of the box to actually start a program at the end of the year, but we did get the message that that’s a really tricky time to get your kids looked after, so we thought we might as well start in December.”
NEWS IN BRIEF
Fatal crash at Mt Carbine
A MAN has died following a fatal twovehicle accident at Battle Creek near Mount Carbine on Saturday morning.
At about 9.20am on 2 November, a truck and vehicle were travelling in opposite directions on the Mulligan Highway, approximately 5 kilometres north-west of Mount Carbine, when they crashed.
The driver and sole occupant of the truck, a 39-year-old White Rock man, was airlifted to Cairns Hospital for observation. The accident sparked a bushfire which was eventually brought under control.
A man in his 20s, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, died at the scene. Investigations into the incident are ongoing. Any witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam vision is urged to contact police on 13 14 144.
No FNQ ministers in cabinet
FAR North Queensland has missed out on a seat at the cabinet table following Premier David Crisafulli’s unveiling of his new Liberal National Party (LNP) cabinet.
Mr Crisafulli announced his 19-person executive – the maximum allowable – on Friday afternoon, with no MPs from north of the Burdekin getting a portfolio.
In the portfolios most relevant to Cape York and Torres Strait residents, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie will take on State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, while Warrego MP Ann Leahy has been crowned the Minister for Local Government.
Dale Last will oversee the Natural Resources and Mines, and Regional and Rural Development portfolios, with Maroochydore MP Fiona Simpson handed responsibility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships.
Brent Mickelberg has become Minister for Transport and Main Roads and will play a pivotal role in the attention the government pays to Cape York road and bridge infrastructure, including the Peninsula Developmental Road.
Sunshine Coast-based Member for Glass House Andrew Powell has been named Minister for the Environment and Tourism, and Minister for Science and Innovation.
Mr Crisafulli is yet to announce what role assistant ministers will play in his majority government, however, an LNP source told Cape York Weekly it was “a Hail Mary shot” likely incoming Cook MP David Kempton would feature.
Mr Kempton was the assistant minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs under former premier Campbell Newman from 2012 until 2015.
Catholic Early Learning and Care director Alison Forster.
New hairdo the gift that keep that keeps giving
By CHISA HASEGAWA
A WEIPA girl says she is loving her new hairdo for a good cause after chopping off her locks to provide sick kids with luscious wigs.
On her 11th birthday in late October, Pearl Jenkins took on the Variety Hair with Heart big chop surrounded by family and friends, donating 35 centimetres of hair and raising more than $1,500 for children in need.
After losing a close family friend to cancer and watching her brother participate in the World’s Greatest Shave, she was inspired to get involved and started a two year hair growth journey.
Now rocking a French-chic bob around town, Pearl said she was nervous at first, but fell in love with her new look.
“It was a little bit scary, because I couldn’t see myself in the mirror or anything, but when I finally looked, I was like ‘oh, I actually do like it’,” she said.
“After that, everyone said that they liked it, and I felt a little bit more confident about how I did. Now, I want to keep doing it – I feel like I’m going to measure it every two years, and once my hair is 35 centimetres or longer, I’m going to cut it off again.”
In September, Pearl told Cape York Weekly she had already more than doubled her original fundraising goal of $250 at $581.
Just over a month later, with the support of the Weipa community, she was able to donate a total of $1,553 to Variety, which helps kids experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability through grants, scholarships and programs.
“I feel like I’ve done something pretty good, and that what I’m doing is helping someone,” she said.
“There’s a lot of people who have helped me to do this, so I just want to say thank you to all of those people, and they know who they are.”
Forum to scrutinise PDR funding
By LYNDON KEANE
THE question of multimilliondollar project overruns and prioritising Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) targets to focus available funding on will be in the spotlight at what is expected to be a well-attended forum in Cairns on Thursday.
The Cape York Region Package (CYRP) taskforce will host the meeting at the Cairns RSL from 10am-12pm on 7 November, with dozens of stakeholders based along the PDR expected to dial in remotely to have their say on what road upgrades should be at the top of the list when stage three is rolled out.
Money – both sourcing it to start stage three and getting answers on staggering stage two cost blowouts – will be high on the agenda as the taskforce, Cape York residents and road freight operators wait to see what money will be offered up by the new State Government following the 26 October election.
The former Labor government committed $60 million to stage three through an 80:20 funding ar-
rangement with its federal counterpart, however, it remains to be seen whether Premier David Crisafulli and his Liberal National Party (LNP) majority government will honour the pledge.
LNP candidate David Kempton, who has declared victory to unseat incumbent Labor MP Cynthia Lui
in Cook, slammed the funding announcement as a “hollow” election stunt in September
“[It’s] a hollow vote-buying stunt, five weeks before an election, that Labor cannot deliver,” he said at the time of the announcement.
“[Former Transport and Main
Roads minister Bart Mellish] knows full well that the state cannot commit funds to stage three without the Federal Government putting up its share pursuant to the bilateral funding agreement.”
Mr Kempton did not respond to a request for comment from Cape York Weekly about whether he
stood by his assertion, and what he would do to ensure stage three of the CYRP did not fall off the new State Government’s radar.
With the Archer River bridge nearing completion, it is anticipated the forum will ask the Department of Transport and Main Roads for an explanation about the project’s $100m cost overrun, and how similar blowouts will be avoided on future works.
Taskforce co-chair Professor Allan Dale urged Cape York stakeholders to attend the forum, either in person or virtually, to ensure their voices were heard in the stage three discussion.
“Public involvement is key to ensuring that these objectives remain central to our planning and advocacy, and engaging with the community allows the taskforce to shape projects that deliver meaningful and lasting benefits, contributing to the overall wellbeing and equity for Cape York residents,” he said.
To register for the forum, call RDA Tropical North on 4041 1729 or email engage@redtropicalnorth. org.au.
ROCKY POINT MARKET
ROSIE’S CHICKEN SPARE
Pearl Jenkins’ generous donation will help sick kids across the country feel beautiful and confident.
Cape York Region Package taskforce co-chair Professor Allan Dale (inset) says Thursday’s forum in Cairns will identify priorities for stage three of the project, as well as ask for explanations about budget overruns of up to $100 million experienced during the rollout of its second stage.
STOP LABOR LOCKING UP CAPE YORK
Cape York is indeed a place of immense beauty and value, deserving of protection, but our Labor Governments are intent on giving power to UNESCO instead of the people who live, work and depend on this important area.
The Government has suggested they will engage with locals throughout this process, but it is clear that they only intend on engaging wth people who agree with the proposed listing.
To impose a world heritage listing on the Cape York Peninsula region is a decision that could have devastating implications for landholders and traditional owner groups.
Restricting rights and the ability to utilise land that many have struggled and fought over for decades.
We don’t need the United Nations telling us how we can use and how we should preserve our land. Locals have the best knowledge and solutions to the challenges we face.
Sign the petition and demand that the Australian and Queensland Governments halt their proposed world heritage listing for the Cape York Peninsula Region.
Sign the petition by scanning the QR code above or visit: tinyurl.com/CAPEYWHL
Community champions honoured
By CHRISTINE HOWES
A FORMER mayor, community chair, board member and now small business owner has been one of several community stars whose efforts were recognised at a gala dinner and awards night hosted by the Kowanyama Sport and Recreation Association (KSRA).
Thomas Hudson was honoured by his community and at the top of KSRA list of award winners on the night, with Mayor Territa Dick describing him as a true pioneer who had spent more than four decades pushing the limits of what was possible in Kowanyama.
“Thomas, your commitment has been extraordinary,” she said.
“From your early days, you’ve never stopped pushing to get things done – your groundbreaking work on the club and community events have changed how we approach Kowanyama.
“Your influence goes far beyond your professional achievements – you’ve mentored countless individuals, your generosity in sharing your knowledge, your patience in guiding others and your constant support for new things is inspiring.”
Mr Hudson thanked the community for its recognition and praised its support since he arrived in Kowanyama in 1979.
“I tried my best and I tried to make everyone happy, especially when I run a rodeo. This community has given me a good life and
we made a good family who are a blessing to me now,” he said.
“Most members in this community call me dad or pop.
“I love you all for giving me that support and the wonder of my life and this journey, thanks a lot.”
KSRA Club Support Award winner and former mayor Robbie Sands said the biggest event the community used to have was the football carnival until Mr Hudson took the reins to relaunch the rodeo.
for horses and cattle and he said ‘let’s start up the rodeo committee again and let’s start the rodeo’,” Mr Sands reflected.
“So, the council, I think, got money to build the rodeo grounds through CDEP funds and we were able to do that.
tional things in our community.”
“Uncle Thomas had a passion
“I’ve got lots of memories of those times, but that’s how it started to where we are today; I think without what is now the KSRA, our community wouldn’t be able to do a lot of the social and recrea-
Other award winners recognised for their volunteer work, support and commitment included Gilbert Gibbo, Ian Butterworth, Evans Josiah, Fitzroy Lawrence, Anzac Frank, Maxanne Brumby, Beatrice Lawrence, Json Koolatah, Shirly Yam, Jarred Warren, Fry Gang, Troy Friedrich, Kevin Bell, the Kowanyama Women’s Group, Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council’s rangers team and Mayor Dick.
The Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council ranger team was recognised for its support of the Kowanyama Sport and Recreation Association. Photos: Christine Howes.
Gilbert Gibbo was recognised for his work supporting local events.
New men’s mental health group in NPA
A NEW men’s mental health group will be formed in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) thanks to a grant targeted at reducing suicide.
The NPA Men’s Network will be funded by the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) Targeted Regional Initiative for Suicide Prevention (TRISP) program, which aims to promote accessible and affordable communityled mental health initiatives.
NPA Men’s Network founder Pafetai Morseau said a program dedicated to the wellbeing of men in the community was a long time coming.
“In partnership with NQPHN, we identified a need to provide an innovative way of improving men’s mental health support and suicide awareness, and promote overall health and wellbeing,” he said.
“Our goal is to address social issues, create positive role models, and strengthen cultural connections by moving past traditional healthcare methods. Starting a men’s network in the NPA will allow men to support each other, build resilience, and create a stronger community.”
Mr Morseau said the network would be available to men from all five NPA communities, add-
ing that while it would be based in Seisia, much of the time will be spent outdoors on Country.
“We have a variety of activities, including men’s workshops, connecting to and caring for Country and culture, marine debris clean-ups and conservation, jet ski fishing and working with rangers,” he said.
“This is an innovative and culturally appropriate initiative that will help participants’ wellbeing by combining discussions and strategies on mental health with outdoor and cultural activities to create a holistic support network.”
The NPA network was one of
13 community groups to receive the TRISP grant, which are valued at up to $50,000.
NQPHN interim CEO Ben Tooth said the grants would help address factors that contributed to suicide across the region.
“In the past 12 months, our teams have actively engaged with a diverse and inclusive range of people regarding community wellness and suicide prevention activities in North Queensland,” he said.
“We’ve been inspired by the innovative initiatives that have been created by and for the community, and more specifically, for their local area.”
Cape performers ‘learn to be brave’ on big stage
By CHISA HASEGAWA
YOUNG girls from Kowanyama and Lockhart River say they are learning to be brave as they experience life as a performer in Sydney.
As part of the 21st Girls from Oz (G-oz) travel program, girls from the two remote Cape York communities spent the past week learning, practicing and experiencing as they prepared for a performance with the Australian Girls Choir at the Sydney Opera House.
Rotana Grainer from Kowanyama said she found her first experience in the big city both overwhelming and exciting.
“It’s a bit scary being away from family. I’m enjoying meeting new friends,” the 11-yearold said.
“I’m learning to be brave, like introducing myself to new people and trying new things.”
G-oz general manager Kylie Lee-Archer said the travel program was designed to help girls like Rotana challenge themselves, and open their eyes to future possibilities.
“I think the performing is about stepping outside of your comfort zone and working as
part of a team. I guess that’s an interesting part of the program, is that we’ve got the girls from Lockhart River who all know each other, and the girls from Kowanyama all know each other, but they don’t know one another and need to build that team quite fast,” she said.
Throughout the week, the girls participated in workshops at the National Institute of Dra-
Art (NIDA) and Bangarra Dance Theatre, did a radio interview, and toured Google and Qantas headquarters, as they prepared to sing their hearts out on the iconic Australian stage.
“We really try to make sure that they feel optimistic and like they can do it, so they perform throughout the week and we build them up to it,” Ms LeeArcher said.
“It’s not that different when you’re singing for 20 people in a room at Google, or when you’re singing for students in a room at NIDA.
“It’s the same activity when you’re standing on stage at the Sydney Opera House; of course, it’s a bit more daunting, but I think they’re feeling that success build and their confidence is growing, which is great.”
NEWS IN BRIEF
Lakeland Christmas fair
LAKELAND will come alive with festive season excitement when the Lakeland Christmas fair is held on 7 December.
The event will be hosted by the Lakeland Progress Association and is promising a range of activities including markets, a Christmas photo booth and gifts for the kids. The action will get under way with the markets from 3pm on the grassed area in front of the Lakeland coffee shop, with local entertainment from 4:30pm and Christmas carols from 6:30pm.
Stallholders are asked to call 0417 625 121 or email lakeland@outlook. com.au to register for their free site. For more information, check out the Lakeland Progress Association Facebook page.
Still no Cook declaration
IT is unlikely an official result in the battle for Cook will be known until at least the end of this week as the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) waits for last-minute postal votes to be received.
Postal voters had until 5 November (today) to return their ballot paper, but they were not expected to have any impact on the final result for the electorate.
At the close of business on 1 November, incumbent Labor MP Cynthia Lui had rallied to hold 33.45 per cent of the official primary vote, edging ahead of the Liberal National Party’s (LNP) David Kempton, who is sitting on 33.3 per cent.
Mr Kempton claimed victory in a Facebook post on 28 October and while the primary vote race is neck and neck, preferences are expected to provide the LNP candidate with a narrow win.
Crime laws up first
PREMIER David Crisafulli will introduce his new crime laws as one of the first pieces of legislation to be debated by the new State Government after announcing the final Parliament sitting dates for 2024.
The final two sittings of the year will be from 26-28 November and 10-12 December, with the Premier set to table the Making Queensland Safer Laws Bill in the first sitting before it is debated during the December sitting.
Mr Crisafulli said restoring safety to Queensland was the government’s number one priority.
“I promised we would get straight to work and that’s what we are going to do to deliver these tougher laws before the end of the year,” he said.
“We’ve always been upfront the priority is to pass these laws by Christmas.”
matic
Kowanyama and Lockhart River girls prepare for the performance of their life as they explore future job possibilities during their Girls from Oz exchange to Sydney.
BOOK LAUNCH
Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery Association Inc
We warmly invite Community Members, Association Members and Friends to the launch of the eagerly awaited second edition of Vera Scarth-Johnson’s ‘National Treasures’ book. Please join us in celebrating the remarkable work of our renowned botanical illustrator and passionate advocate for the Endeavour River [Waalmbal Birri].
WHERE: Nature’s PowerHouse
WHEN: Saturday 16 November 2024, 4 – 6pm
Milestone for RDA Tropical North
SECURING funding for stage three of the Cape York Region Package (CYRP) and finding a proponent to take on a $1.6 billion irrigation project at Lakeland remain priorities for Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North as it celebrated its 15th birthday last week.
The organisation marked the advocacy milestone with an event in Cairns on 22 October and Deputy Chair Brett Moller identified the continued sealing of the Peninsula Developmental Road through the CYRP and the Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme – which is estimat-
ed would inject $500 million into the local economy annually – as projects viewed as vital to Cape York’s prosperity.
“We’re working with federal government, TMR (Department of Transport and Main Roads), all the stakeholders, to secure a stage three funding proposal [for the CYRP],” he said.
“[With the Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme], there’s a massive benefit if there’s political will there to make that investment.”
RDA Tropical North Chair Professor Hurriyet Babacan said the organisation had a proud history
NEWS IN BRIEF
Weipa Christmas fun
IT is beginning to look a lot like Christmas on western Cape York with the annual Weipa Christmas markets set to be held at the end of the month.
The free markets will be held at the Weipa Storm Surge Shelter from 9am12pm on 30 November, with Weipa Town Authority promising something for everyone, including a special visit from the big guy in red.
Santa Claus will make a pre-Christmas visit to Weipa for the event to say hello and take photos, irrespective of whether you have been naughty or nice.
In addition, there will be a bumper range of stalls, activities for the kids and a delicious range of sweet treats on offer.
Jasper clean-up help
COOK Shire residents still cleaning up the outside of their properties as a result of the December 2023 flood event are being encouraged to register for a helping hand before next month’s deadline.
Cook Shire Council is offering floodimpacted property owners assistance with external clean-up efforts for a range of tasks, including the removal and disposal of green waste, the disposal of damaged goods, clearing structural remnants and handling hazardous materials.
Registrations must be completed by 1 December by calling 4082 0500 or emailing dmo@cook.qld.gov.au.
Paper closure dates
THE final edition of Cape York Weekly for 2024 will be printed on 17 December, with the first edition back for the new year scheduled to be 14 January.
Distribution of both editions to our readers across Cape York will be as normal, weather permitting.
You can keep up to date with breaking news during the printing closure period on the Cape York Weekly website.
Story leads can still be emailed to editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au.
Leisure pool unveiled
WITH the mercury soaring on Cape York, Weipa residents can now cool off as they check out the latest addition to the Weipa Aquatic Centre.
The new leisure pool made its official debut on Monday, with Weipa Town Authority (WTA) staff working hard to put the finishing touches on before summer.
The shade sails are yet to be installed above the leisure pool, so WTA is asking users to ensure they are being sun safe as they make the most of the new aquatic attraction.
of brokering regional development solutions that created jobs and growth for the Far North Queensland economy, describing it as a “backbone organisation” for the region.
“Our independent organisation has been driven by community leaders volunteering their time to collaborate with communities and work across all levels of government to advocate for funding for projects and feasibility studies that steer our region towards a prosperous and well-planned future,” she said.
“The RDA Tropical North board
positions have been held by 43 community leaders over the past 15 years, with Deputy Chair Brett Moller celebrating the significant milestone of 15 years volunteering for RDA.
“Many of the significant projects achieved during the past 15 years have assisted with developing and improving key road infrastructure throughout the region.”
Professor Babacan echoed the deputy chair’s sentiment.
“I am particularly proud of RDA Tropical North’s advocacy for the landmark $276m stage one Cape York Region Package, the most
significant infrastructure investment in that region since Federation,” she said.
“We were also part of the team that brokered the 10-year, $8.5 billion commitment to enhance the Bruce Highway’s safety, efficiency and capacity.
“Water security is another key area that we have championed, most recently with the completion of the detailed business case for the Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme, and taking the lead in 2020 to deliver the inaugural RDA Tropical North Regional Water Summit to develop a joint advocacy vision.”
A how-to guide for Cape success
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
THE announcement that none of the 19 ministers who make up Premier David Crisafulli’s new Liberal National Party (LNP) cabinet hail from any farther north than the cane fields of the Burdekin is disappointing but hardly surprising, given the party lobbed barely more than commitment scraps outside the south-east corner of the state during the recent election campaign.
Feigned shock and festering frustration notwithstanding, I still believe Cape York and the Torres Strait have the opportunity to progress between now and voters returning to the polls in 2028 – as long as the government is prepared to admit it doesn’t quite understand this part of the world and the people who work and play up here, and is willing to listen to advice about what local priorities it can address to kick some early goals as it maintains a focus on that patch of dirt stretching from the Sunshine Coast to the QueenslandNew South Walers border.
With Labor’s Cynthia Lui and the LNP’s David Kempton engaged in a vote-by-vote tussle to claim Cook, it makes sense to offer this advice directly to the Premier and his executive council in the hope one of their umpteen
advisers will print it out and file it away in the folder of easy wins.
Mr Kempton will almost certainly end up claiming the seat on preferences based on trends over the past 10 days, but even then, it remains to be seen how much influence he will wield with the newly-minted Premier and cabinet.
From talking to councils, advocacy groups, primary producers, business leaders and more than a few dozen disillusioned, schoonerwaving voters across Cape York, here are what I suspect should be the top three priorities for the State Government if it is to convince us
we aren’t just that embarrassing relative who always seems to miss out on featuring in family photos.
Priority 1: Fix the freight farce
The current 20 per cent discount offered under the Remote Communities Freight Assistance Scheme isn’t making a difference to the wallets of Cape York and Torres Strait residents, despite what the former Labor government asserted. The main problem is that the items causing the most cost of living grief – fuel, clothing and household goods – are not deemed “essential” items and eligible for the rebate. Hopefully, new Minis-
ter for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg listens to this and acts swiftly, because there’s no point saving a few dollars on your fruit and vegetables at the checkout when you’re paying up to $3 per litre to drive your groceries home. It also doesn’t help when the subsidy hasn’t been taken up by every supermarket, nor when the government effectively owns 100 per cent of the operator with the monopoly on sea freight – I’m looking at you, Queensland Government Insurance Fund. If only we had the infrastructure to make road freight a viable option for a
few extra months during the wet season.
Priority 2: Seal our salvation
I’ll keep this one simple. Until the Cape York Region Package is seen as something of political criticality to Brisbane and Canberra, Cape York will remain bogged in a state of economic and social stagnation. Allocate the money to finish sealing the Peninsula Developmental Road and upgrading the bridge infrastructure that causes us so many wet season headaches. Doing so will literally pave the way to remote prosperity, as well as have positive flow-on impacts for things like health, education and tourism.
Priority 3: More empowerment, less excuses
Our communities are full of individuals and organisations with fantastic ideas to make the region more liveable through projects that will potentially inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy each year, as well as provide diversity in the industries operating on Cape York and a boost to our population. The problem is these projects often fail to gain traction because most politicians aren’t interested in investing big dollars in a part of the world with a single state and federal seat. Ignore the politics and get these projects moving, and let us do the rest – start with the Weipa freight hub concept and the Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme.
Premier David Crisafulli and his new cabinet need to make drastic changes to what is considered
under the State Government’s remote freight subsidy if the LNP is going to offer any real relief to crippling cost
living pressures in the far north of Queensland, says editor Lyndon Keane.
Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page
Fit
numbers 1, 2, 3,
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.
Cape teams kick goals in Cairns
SIX teams from Cape York have impressed on tournament debut after delivering strong performances at the FNQ Futsal Titles in Cairns on 2-3 November.
Two Weipa FNQ Futsal Club teams in the under-8 and U10 divisions joined the U11 Aurukun Active Boys and Aurukun United Girls line-ups, and U9 and U12 Cooktown Reefs Football Club teams to contest the 59-team futsal showdown at the Redlynch Central Sports Stadium.
It was the first time many of the players had taken to the pitch as a team and their sportsmanship, teamwork and burgeoning skills
were praised by the coaches of all three clubs.
The Weipa U8 and U10 teams made it to the semifinals and quarterfinals respectively, and coach Jamie Thomas said the players were keen to return home to keep practicing before targeting their next tournament in 2025.
“It was a fantastic achievement for their first ever futsal tournament and playing together as a team,” he said.
“They all want to compete in another one very soon.
“They played their best, gave 100 per cent and we were all proud.”
GUNGARDE FAMILY PARTICIPATION
Gungarde Community Centre Aboriginal Corporation 92 Charlotte Street, Cooktown QLD 4895 T: 07 4069 5412
IDENTIFIED POSITION VACANT:
Gungarde Community Centre Aboriginal Corporation is seeking applicants suitable for the role of Family Participation Support Worker
Applications close 5pm, 8th November 2025
For further information or to request a copy of the Position Description please contact 07 4069 5412 or swilson@gungarde.com.au
GUNGARDE FAMILY PARTICIPATION
Gungarde Community Centre Aboriginal Corporation 92 Charlotte Street, Cooktown QLD 4895 T: 07 4069 5412
IDENTIFIED POSITION VACANT:
Gungarde Community Centre Aboriginal Corporation is seeking applicants suitable for the role of Family Participation Support Worker
Applications close 5pm, 8th November 2025
For further information or to request a copy of the Position Description please contact 07 4069 5412 or swilson@gungarde.com.au
Aurukun Active Boys under-11 team.
Weipa FNQ Futsal Club under-8 team.
Photos: Lyndon Keane.
Aurukun United Girls under-11 team.
Weipa FNQ Futsal Club under-10 team.
Cooktown Reefs Football Club.
Have
your say on issues affecting the
future of the Western Cape!
We are seeking input and comment from residents of Weipa and other western Cape Communities to inform a comprehensive socio-economic impact assessment (SEIA) which will support planning the future of the region.
The study is being undertaken as Rio Tinto considers expansion of the Amrun operation and the closure of the East Weipa mine, where active mining recently finished, and the Andoom mine, which is set to finish active mining later this decade.
The SEIA is being delivered by an independent specialist consultancy called EMM. It will take six to seven months to complete.
Have your say!
Scan the QR code and complete the confidential 10 minute survey.
Record numbers for Weipa Ladies Gamefish outing
A RECORD 26 teams set sail in the waters off Weipa to bag billfish glory in the 2024 Clearwater Ladies Gamefish Day on 2 November.
The competition kicked off with a sail past on Saturday morning so the 77 anglers could show off the creativity put into decorating their vessels before the action on the water became frenetic.
In total, 15 sailfish and one black marlin were caught and released, with 28 mackerel, three longtail tuna and two cobia brought to the weigh station.
Event co-ordinator Fifi Down said this year’s event had exceeded expectations, with plenty of nominations and good fishing conditions.
“The fishing was not as concentrated as it was a month ago [during the Weipa Billfish Tournament], but there were still good numbers around,” she said.
“The good conditions allowed boats as small as a 4.85-metre barra boat to even catch a sailfish.”
At Sunday’s gala lunch and presentation, The Wrong Spread was crowned the champion team with 1,504.52 points, with Reel Knockers (1,005.84 points) taking the silver and Hakuna Ma Titties (1,000 points) the bronze on countback.
Shanni Strongman and Heni Bramley
were named the senior champion and runner-up respectively, with Stacey Sorbello finishing third.
In the junior division, Ashton Villari topped runner-up Kelsie Jones and thirdplaced Layla Egan.
Ms Down said the feedback received from first-time competitors had been extremely positive, adding she believed it would help bring new people to the sport of game fishing on western Cape York.
“There were six juniors fishing, and several ladies got to catch their first ever billfish on Saturday,” she said.
“This event has in the past sparked an interest in game fishing, and the subsequent purchase of a new boat in some Weipa households.”
champion team The Wrong Spread shows off the perpetual trophy at the 2024 Clearwater Ladies Gamefish Day gala lunch and presentation.
Teams put plenty of thought into decorating their vessels for the traditional sail past at the commencement of fishing on Saturday.
Cooktown club to gallop towards major milestone
By LYNDON KEANE
HEALING Game will not be returning to south-eastern Cape York to defend his crown when the field jumps in the 2024 edition of the Cooktown Cup on Saturday, but trainer Fred Wieland is still confident of returning to Cairns with some silverware.
Thousands of patrons will converge on the Cooktown Racecourse on 9 November for the town’s 150th race meeting but they will not see last year’s winner in the racebook after the six-year-old gelding was retired.
Wieland said despite Healing Game’s retirement, he believed he would be a chance in the showcase race – which is a qualifier for the 2024 Country Cups Challenge – with Battle Royale set to step up in trip to 1760 metres.
“We’re going to have Battle Royale in the cup most likely at this stage,” he said of the Tom Hedley-owned five-year-old.
“It would be good to win it again.
“We’ve probably got about four going up; Cooktown’s a good weekend and a good race meeting to go to if you can win some of the prizemoney.”
Battle Royale has five wins from 18 starts to his name but will but seeking a turnaround in fortunes after finishing sixth in a field of eight over 1500m at Innisfail on 19 October.
The Cooktown Cup will be the highlight of the seven-race program, which kicks off at 12:15pm with the Cape York Weekly Benchmark 65 sprint over 1000m.
meeting would allow the community to reflect on a centuryand-a-half of local racing and its links to the region’s gold rush in the late 1800s.
“The 150th anniversary of racing in Cooktown goes back to the gold rush, where horse racing became very popular by providing entertainment and a sense of community,” she said.
“With such a long and preserved history, the club has supported the spirit of racing and highlighted the town’s resilient spirit.
SPORT IN BRIEF
Pom bests Wackers crew
THERE was no countback required to determine the winner of the Wackers showdown when a field of 19 took to Carpentaria Golf Club on 30 October.
Pom was too good over the front nine and returned to the clubhouse with a gross 46 for a chocolate-claiming nett 27.5.
Mick Cerneka shot a solid 41 off the stick to secure runner-up honours with nett 33. Scott Triffitt bagged the pin prize on the 7th hole, while no one got close to the flag on the 9th.
Bruce “Turtle” Brockhurst was crowned the weekly Bradman’s recipient.
Cooktown golf AGM
COOKTOWN Golf Club is encouraging anyone with an interest in the sport to attend its annual general meeting this month.
The AGM will be held in the clubhouse of the Walker Bay course at 8am on 23 November, with all committee spots to be declared open. For more information, check out the club’s Facebook page.
Five parkrun PBs
SIAN Edwards was one of five parkrunners to set a personal best on her way to being the first female across the finish line in Weipa on 2 November.
A field of 42 – including six first timers – laced up their shoes to tackle the 5-kilometre circuit for parkrun #390, with Edwards stopping the clock in 25 minutes, 59 seconds to notch up her best time to date. Susan Tuckwood, Tyrone Tuckwood, Jemma Collins and Mel Scott also delivered PB performances.
Chrisden Russ was the fastest male home in a time of 20:43.
Stableford win for Butler
“You don’t need to support horse racing to enjoy the 150th anniversary meeting,” she said.
“Keen fashion enthusiasts often embrace the opportunity to frock up and come to enjoy
Cooktown Amateur Turf Club president Robyn Holmes said the milestone meeting would have something for everyone both on and off the track.
a great day of fashion, barefoot racing and entertainment; there are a number of fashion categories with excellent prizes on offer.
“Bush racing can be enjoyed by all.”
Ms Holmes said this year’s
“Being our 150th race meeting, I am looking forward to showcasing Cooktown’s rich heritage by bringing patrons and members of the racing fraternity together to enjoy the spirit of racing, fashion and entertainment.”
Gates open at the racecourse at 10am on Saturday.
STEVE Butler was unstoppable as he carded a 39-point Stableford round and bagged the winner’s chocolates at Cooktown Golf Club on 26 October.
His “absolutely delightful” effort bested the field and relegated Alice Burton to runner-up on 33 points, with Darren Powell rounding out the trifecta with 31 points. Graham Burton secured the pin prizes on 2/11 and 9/18, with Sam Godfrey-Roberts getting closest to the flag on the 14th.
Healing Game, the winner of the 2023 Cooktown Cup, will not be returning to defend his crown after being retired by connections.
A bumper crowd is expected to turn out to celebrate 150 years of racing in Cooktown on Saturday.
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