Minister wants answers on newly opened bridge
By LYNDON KEANE
THE newly-minted Minister for Transport and Main Roads has slammed mismanagement by the former Labor government as the $131.25 million Archer River bridge has finally welcomed traffic almost two years behind schedule.
One lane of the crossing was opened to traffic this month after a series of construction delays and a cost blowout of nearly $100m hampered the project, which was initially budgeted to cost $32.3m and be completed by the end of 2022.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg told Cape York Weekly while it was a positive
the crossing had been completed before the wet season, he intended to get an answer on the delays and budget explosion, which the previous government attributed to “significant geotechnical challenges” at the site.
“While it’s exciting for Far North Queenslanders to finally see the Archer River bridge open and secure better access for our remote communities, the project was mismanaged from the start by the former Labor government,” he said.
“The budget for the critical Archer River Crossing project was blown out by almost $100 million under Labor; I am being briefed on this important project and I am keen to
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understand what went wrong under Labor to cause such significant delays and budget blowouts.”
Mr Mickelberg said he would advocate with his federal colleagues to ensure stage three of the Cape York Region Package, which aims to seal the Peninsula Developmental Road to Weipa, was funded.
“I’ll be fighting for Queensland’s fair share from the Federal Government, including an 80:20 funding arrangement for critical projects like the Cape York Region Package,” he said.
Weather and construction conditions permitting, both lanes of the bridge are expected to be open to traffic by the end of the year.
Weipa schools lead way in menstrual education
By CHISA HASEGAWA
WESTERN Cape College and St Joseph’s Parish School are celebrating the launch of a culturally appropriate menstrual and puberty teaching guide aimed at bridging a significant gap in female biology education.
Mind Your Body, featuring artwork from selected WCC students, was unveiled last week, bringing eight years of research from the University of Queensland (UQ) to light.
Weipa local and UQ researcher Minnie King started the project when she noticed “inconsistencies” in period education.
“The launch is quite a profound thing, because it’s the first of its kind in this country – it’s student-led in a remote community with majority Indigenous populations,” she said.
“In the research, we looked at ACARA, which is the national curriculum body that sets the curriculum, and what we saw is it’s just so light on in this space.
“In schools, it’s up to the teachers; some teachers are more comfortable and more confident in this space – sometimes it might come down to the gender of a teacher, so there
were all these inconsistencies in the education.”
Ms King said the community support had been outstanding, adding the guide could now be used to help young people all over the country.
“We’ve gone with an opt-out option in terms of students attending, and it’s been 99 per cent attendance,” she said.
“Clearly the community, the families, the carers and the schools see this as an important biological process that needs to be taught in a safe environment.
“Potentially, it can be adopted anywhere, so we’re really fortunate that the community was brave in putting their hands up and saying ‘you know what, we need this in our community, and this will benefit our kids’.”
UQ researcher Nina Lansbury said shame and stigma were two of the top reasons for the lack of knowledge.
cramps and I’m not feeling my best’,” she said.
“We were just blown away by the honesty of the students when we created the right conversations, and they had the right leaders in the room, culturally as well as educationally.
“There are shame issues around it, where you feel you can’t ask questions and get more information, or even reach out and say
‘I’ve got these terrible
“Now we have this beautiful guide that’s online, free to download, and we’re hoping that up here across the Cape and the rest of Queensland, the teachers will reach for it, and it just makes it easier to have those conversations.”
After a delay of almost two years, the $131 million Archer River bridge has been opened to vehicular traffic ahead of the 2024 wet season.
Western Cape College deputy principal Siobhan Wilson and Minnie King congratulate Chelsea Steele (centre) on being chosen for the guide’s front cover artwork.
Candidates hit the Cape ahead of the wet season
By LYNDON KEANE
WITH a wet season federal election becoming ever more likely, candidates for the two major parties have already hit the hustings across Cape York over the past two weeks as the battle for Leichhardt unofficially begins.
While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is yet to pull the trigger on setting a date for the country to go to the polls in 2025, speculation is mounting he may do so around Australia Day, with many political pundits tipping 8 March as election day.
Former Cairns Taipan Matt Smith will attempt to win the seat for Labor and kicked off his Cape York campaign with visits to Weipa, Mapoon and Lockhart River last week.
The candidate said the trip had been an opportunity to meet key stakeholders and community members in their own backyard, as well as run a number
of basketball clinics for remote pint-sized future stars of the game.
“It was a great opportunity to not only get out into these communities, but to meet with a wide range of people, councils and businesses, and hear about their priorities and what is important to the people of Cape York,” he said.
“I have been travelling into the Cape for years with my work, but a highlight always is for me the basketball clinics I get to run for the kids in these communities; I have been running these clinics in the Cape and NPA for about three years now, because it has always been important to me to use basketball as a way to give back to communities that
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have always been so welcoming to me.
“[The kids] really give it their all and it is so much fun for everyone involved.”
Liberal National Party candidate Jeremy Neal, who will be fighting to keep Leichhardt in conservative hands following the looming retirement of longserving MP Warren Entsch, has also been hitting the road across Cape York and ended his first trip by being part of the big crowd celebrating the 150th Cooktown Races on 9 November.
No other runners have yet announced their candidacy to replace Mr Entsch, but Cape York Weekly understands Duane Amos, who flew the flag for Katter’s Australian Party in Cook at last month’s state election, is considering his options to run as an independent.
At the 2022 federal election, 11 candidates contested Leichhardt.
Labor candidate for Leichhardt Matt Smith (right) talks to Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council CEO David Clarke about the issues impacting the eastern Cape York community during a factfinding trip this month.
LNP candidate for Leichhardt Jeremy Neal, pictured with his wife Leearna, was part of the crowd enjoying the 150th Cooktown Races.
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.
Movember event to get a bit hairy
By CHISA HASEGAWA
NEED plans for this Friday afternoon? How about a couple of beers and a shave at the Alby in support of men’s health?
The Rio Tinto Great Northern Flavour Savers are calling on the Weipa community to come together on 22 November at 4pm for a fun-filled and meaningful Movember fundraising event.
Fundraising team captain Fiona Langsdorf encouraged everyone to get involved in any way they could.
“Even if growing a moustache isn’t your thing, there are so many other ways to join in and make a difference,” she said.
“Movember is about finding your way to support men’s health – it’s something we can all be part of, whether we’re men or women, young or old.”
ing, you’re part of something bigger than any one of us,” Ms Langsdorf said.
“You’re helping to create change, whether it’s improving mental health support, helping someone navigate a cancer diagnosis, or just opening up important conversations; every bit of help adds up to a healthier, stronger future for men.”
team, because we’ve seen the toll that mental and physical health issues can take on men in our lives, especially living remotely,” she said.
“We want to encourage more open conversations about men’s health, and show that taking care of yourself, physically and mentally, isn’t something you have to do alone.
Alongside a best mo competition, patrons will enjoy trivia, raffles, mechanical bull rides, guest speakers, live music, and meaningful discussions on men’s health.
“By attending or donat-
Ms Langsdorf said they hoped to raise $8,000 for research into “issues that don’t always get the attention they deserve”, such as mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate and testicular cancer.
“Movember and men’s health are personal to our
“We’ve had a huge response from local businesses to support the event by ways of donations to use as prizes and for raffles; the community has been incredible with their support, and we hope that energy continues through the fundraiser.”
MONDAY - FRIDAY: 8 30AM TO 5 30PM
9.00AM TO 1PM SUNDAY:
Movember fundraising team captain Fiona Langsdorf is calling on the Weipa community to support men’s health.
Graduation caps fly across Cape
By CHISA HASEGAWA
TEXTBOOKS away, pens down, exams are over, it’s time to breathe.
Graduation caps flew high last week as Year 12 students in Cooktown and Weipa celebrated the end of their secondary schooling journey.
As graduates prepare for the first chapter of their lives as adults, Cooktown State School school captain and sports captain Lucas Giese told Cape York Weekly what he would miss the most.
“Probably just coming to school and seeing my mates, being able to have that banter with the teachers, and that little bit of leeway as a kid at school,” he said.
“Even though we’ve got to be the older, mature ones, we’ve still had that little bit of leeway being children, but now we got to grow up and act like responsible adults.”
After a final week of water balloon fights, dressing up as teachers and acing his exams, Mr Giese said
he now had his sights set on a diesel fitting apprenticeship around town.
He thanked his peers for their time together, and encouraged them all to chase their goals.
“I don’t think I would’ve got through the year if it wasn’t for them; being school captain, having the support from them was pretty good,” he said.
“As long as they’re all going in the right way, none of them are going to turn into little kids that just don’t do anything with their life, and they do all succeed really well, because I know they all can.”
Whether going to university, taking a gap year or going straight into work, educators of Cooktown State School, Endeavour Christian College and Western Cape College congratulated the now-past students on their milestone achievement.
Cooktown State School deputy principal senior secondary Danielle Furmage said the class of
2024 was a kind group of students that she would miss dearly.
“One of the hardest parts of being a teacher is losing contact with students after they graduate,” she said.
“We start teaching these students when they are quite young, but in return, end up learning from them and getting to know them as real people with shared interests and laughs.
“Losing contact can mean that we don’t always know what students end up doing, and therefore, are unable to continue to celebrate their successes with or for them.”
She also added they were an incredibly resilient bunch, working hard to maximise their academic outcomes in the face of many obstacles.
“It’s the time when many are turning 18 and responsibilities change; most have part-time jobs and many have family responsibilities, so studying a full course load on top of that requires great
self-discipline and motivation,” Ms Furmage said.
“They started the year bouncing back from devasting local flooding, changes in staff and the usual difficulties in living rural and remote.
“It’s the challenges in our life that really shape who we are; our ability to deal with these situations can be when the most growth happens, so don’t be scared of difficult things.”
Over at Endeavour Christian College, the graduating class of three received an extremely personal, red-carpet send-off.
“After a memorable entrance on the red carpet, our Year 12 teachers [and I] shared reflections and encouragements for each graduating student,” principal Jenny Nelson said.
“Video packages of the student’s time at Endeavour Christian College were shown, including congratulatory messages from many of our students.
“As our graduates step into the next chapter of their lives, we wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”
Western Cape College principal Dan Tonon addressed 71 students at the graduation ceremony and encouraged them to hold on to the connection made at school as they forged their own paths.
“Each of you have unique talents, strengths, qualities and gifts that will enrich our world in ways only you can,” he said to them.
“You’ll go on to become great things – bull riders, nurses, musicians, artists, engineers, teachers, business owners, and countless other roles that make our communities vibrant and strong.
“Go forward with courage, stay connected to your roots, and know that WCC will always be here, a place where your journey began.”
Tagai State College was contacted to be included in the article, but did not respond by the time Cape York Weekly went to press.
Cooktown State School Year 12s get ready throw their caps in the air as they prepare to start the next chapter of their lives.
Principal Dan Tonon says Western Cape College graduates will always be a part of the school family, no matter where they end up.
The Endeavour Christian College class of 2024 was small but mighty.
Project building pride in Wujal
By CHISA HASEGAWA
WHEN it comes to reinvigorating Wujal Wujal after the devastation left by Cyclone Jasper, there is nothing better than the determination and pride of the local people.
Hosted by the Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council, nine First Nations trainees have been hard at work with their tools as part of My Pathway’s latest Skilling Queenslanders for Work project.
As they assist with the clean-up and rebuilding of assets and facilities lost in the flooding, Wujal Wujal Pride of Place trainees are also working towards a Certificate I in Construction, which will provide them with the skills and practical knowledge for a range of potential future roles upon completion of the six-month project.
Mayor Alister Gibson said the project was a great boost for the community and for the participants.
“The clean-up efforts to rebuild our community have been going on for months already, and there is still a lot to do,” he said last week.
“This project is a great addition to the work we have already done, and providing employment for our local My Pathway jobseekers makes it so much better.”
A third of the way in, the Pride of Place team has already achieved an enormous amount, including a mass clean-up of the community nursey, a repair and repaint of the council’s ablution block and rural transaction centre building, and restoring the council hall furniture.
“The participants are working to better their community, learning new skills and gaining valuable experience while they do,” Mayor Gibson said.
“It’s just such a great way to grow our community again after the hardships we have all been through.”
m m u n i t
Wujal Wujal construction trainees are helping their community and building a better future for themselves along the way.
Singer goes old-school for launch
By CHISA HASEGAWA
IN today’s digital world of music, Cooktown’s Ella Hartwig has made the controversial decision to release her debut album as a physical exclusive.
Putting months of work and tens of thousands of dollars on the line in a bid to better connect with fans, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter said “Take Me South” would not be available anywhere online, and instead, listeners would need to go retro and purchase a CD.
“The digital release world is so overly saturated, and I just want this album to be quite a big change in my career,” Ms Hartwig explained.
“I wanted there to be something special about it; I didn’t want to just send it off into the digital world, and have it just get lost inside the Spotify abyss.
“It’s really scary and unknown and very interesting, but I feel like this is the most perfect way to do it.”
As a small artist, Ms Hartwig said she had seen friends put everything they had into a single or an album, only for it to disappear in the streaming ether.
“I really wanted this album to be a bigger story than itself, because I didn’t want it to be just another small-town-girl-re-
leases-an-album kind of thing,” she said.
“I moved 2,000 kilometres away from my hometown to chase my dream, and I don’t want to risk just letting this fall into nothing; I believe in my music – my art deserves to be believed in, and it’s about giving my children – my songs –the best life they can have.
“I’m holding this CD in my hand and thinking this is such a milestone in my career; it’s 13 songs and it’s only 44 minutes to some people, but to me, it’s my heart and soul, it’s 17 months of recording, and it’s $30,000 of my own money that I’ve worked hard for.”
If you think the artist is delusional for trying to sell CDs in 2024, you are not alone.
Ms Hartwig said she was warned by a friend that not many people even owned CD players anymore, and she herself was “freaking out”, but was glad she followed her gut after the initial hometown release.
“I’ve been selling more than I thought I would, and defining your success with sales and all the numbers is a big part of it, but for me, it was never really about how many CDs I sold –that’s not very realistic or practical, because a lot of people don’t actually have CD players,” she said.
“For me, it’s more about be-
ing able to connect with my fans, and knowing who the CDs are going to, and I can actually post it to them and be a part of that process.
“Thankfully, I’ve gotten a much better response than I thought I would, and it just makes me so happy, because recording an album, there’s just so much work involved.”
The singer said she has loved getting to really know her listeners through the CDs, adding that the first batch was almost sold out.
“I had a lady, who, at a gig, bought one, and then she was like ‘my daughter won’t share it with me, so I need to buy another one off you’, and just yesterday, I sent one off to Sweden, which is just crazy,” Ms Hartwig said.
“These people get my CDs from me, and I know who they are – they told me their dogs’ names and stuff like that, and you just don’t get that from the statistics and analytics of streaming services. You can see age demographics and that kind of thing, but I don’t know that it’s Richard or Perry requesting one for their nieces.
“We’re almost at the end of the first run of CDs, which are a little bit different like a limited edition, and we’re chatting about creating a second edition now.”
CALLING ALL MO BROS
Cooktown singer-songwriter Ella Hartwig is risking it all by making a controversial move for the release of her debut album, “Take Me South”. Photo: Callum Johnston Films.
UMI Arts gearing up for summer
WELL-KNOWN artists from Coen and Bamaga will be among 12 creatives showcasing their personal perspectives of summer when UMI Arts opens its final exhibition of 2024 on Friday night.
The Summer Show features 41 works in various mediums and represents the culmination of a busy year of exhibitions, workshops, events and art fair representation for the artists and the gallery.
The display will be officially opened at 6pm on 22 November and UMI Arts exhibition officer Aleksandra Kostic said the artwork on display had been priced affordably to take advantage of the lead-up to Christmas.
“The artists who created this vibrant show of works were asked to draw inspiration from the far northern summer and dynamic, electrical energy of the tropics,” she said.
“Each piece expresses inspiration through various materials and mediums and has a unique story or provenance.
“The artwork’s lines, forms, textures, and structures tell stories about the artist, their existence and how they experience a typical tropical summer … [and] will be a colourful celebration of First Nations culture and the
Coen artist Marilyn Kepple and Bamaga’s Anzak Newman will feature strongly in the exhibition, along with Connie Rovina, Michelle Yeatman, Shirley Collins, Dorothy Edwards, Kevin Edmondstone, Jinneecka Don, Melanie Hava and Ethel Larry, Shane Gibson and Gaylee de Bree.
The Summer Show is open until 20 February, Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm, at UMI Arts in Manoora.
incredibly diverse environment we experience here in the Far North.”
Wik Mungkan artist Marilyn Kepple shows off some of her paintings that will feature in final UMI Arts exhibition of the year, The Summer Show. Photos: Lovegreen Photography.
Bamaga artist Anzak Newman will showcase his unique style as part of the exhibition.
Lakeland’s excited about Christmas fair
THE sleigh bells will be jingling and ring tingle tingling when the Lakeland community comes together to celebrate the festive season with its annual Christmas fair on 7 December.
The fair is a favourite with Lakeland residents of all sizes and there promises to be something for everyone again in 2024 with the opportunity for a Christmas photo in front of the town tree, market stalls, local performers, craft activities for the kids, as well as food and drinks.
The event will be hosted by the Lakeland Progress Association and a spokesperson said it provided a relaxed way for the community to get together and prepare for Santa Claus’ visit to Cape York. “The Lakeland Christmas
fair is the sole Christmas event held in Lakeland, and therefore a great opportunity for everyone
to come together and relax,” the spokesperson said.
“The afternoon and evening are topped off to the chime of Christmas carols under ‘candle lights’ accompanied by the sounds of the ukelele.”
The action will get under way with the markets from 3pm on the grassed area in front of the Lakeland coffee shop, local entertainment from 4:30pm and Christmas carols from 6:30pm.
Stallholders hoping to ply their wares at the event are asked to call 0417 625 121 or email lakeland@outlook.com. au to register for their free site.
For more information about the fair, check out the progress association’s Facebook page.
Golf clubs swapped for rods at casting courses
By LYNDON KEANE
THEY may be better known as the dynamic duo behind the menu at Carpentaria Golf Club, but Mick Parry and Lil McKeown are hoping their passion for fly fishing will help drive a new generation of anglers interested in the sport.
As self-confessed fly fishing addicts, the pair organised a workshop at the golf club on 12 November for almost 40 curious and budding fishers with the help of fishing icons Mark “Bargy” Bargenquast and Alan “Fish” Philliskirk, and Tackleworld Weipa’s Nathan Reardon.
Mr Parry said the workshop had been borne out of a love of fly fishing and questions from people witnessing him and Ms McKeown casting on beaches around Weipa.
“Since we took up fly fishing a few years ago, Lil and I have been travelling around Australia to find that the uptake in the sport with women and juniors was few and far between,” he explained.
“Since moving to Weipa – being the saltwater capital of Aus-
tralia in our view – and fishing every day, we were constantly approached by youngsters on the beach asking ‘what is that?’ and ‘how does it work?’, so we thought why not hold an event to hopefully inspire a new breed of young fly fishers.
“We knew to host an event like this we would need help, so we called on Bargy and Fish to assist us in promoting the sport and teaching on the night.”
The workshop consisted of an information session about the basic concepts of fly fishing,
before participants split into two groups to try their hand at a casting clinic on the fairways and watch Ms McKeown put on a fly tying demonstration.
Tackleworld Weipa provided more than $1,000 in prizes and gift packs for the workshop and Mr Parry said he was confident the township was about to see a lot more anglers trying their hand at fly fishing, especially when the “addiction begins” after hooking their first fish.
“It’s a misconception that fly casting is difficult, however,
under the right instruction, anybody can achieve a fishable fly cast in a matter of hours,” he said.
“This is why these fly fishing workshops are excellent for beginners, as they get off on the right foot with basic technique.
“Trust me, when you hook up your fish on fly, the addiction begins.
“I like to think that fly fishing acts as a catalyst in connecting us closer to our natural instincts and connecting us with beautiful people from all walks of life.”
NEWS IN BRIEF
NPA men’s barbecues
THE Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) will mark International Men’s Day today (19 November) with two free barbecues in New Mapoon and Injinoo.
The lunches are being put on by NPA Family and Community Services, with New Mapoon firing up the barbecue today, and the Injinoo lookout smelling of sizzling sausages and onions on 20 November.
Both free barbecues will kick off at 12pm. For more information, call Frankie Cook on 4212 4000 or email frankiecook@ npaws.com.au.
$30m for reef projects
EASTERN Cape York primary producers are able to share in $30 million in Federal Government funding to deliver projects aimed at reducing nutrient pollution on agricultural land within the Great Barrier Reef regions.
The Reefwise Farming Program was unveiled on 15 November and will help accelerate and expand sustainable agriculture practices that boost farm productivity and profitability while improving water quality flow into the reef.
Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said the funding would provide the financial support needed for primary producers to ensure they were minimising potentially harmful run-off.
“This funding will encourage sustainable agricultural practices, reducing water usage and preventing harmful chemicals from entering waterways,” she said.
Projects available for funding include on-farm precision irrigation to achieve significant savings in water and manual labour, and floodplain management interventions.
Weipa Christmas markets
WITH only two weeks to go, Weipa Town Authority (WTA) is encouraging all residents to mark the community’s annual Christmas markets in their calendars.
The events will be held at the Weipa Storm Surge Shelter from 9am-12pm on 30 November, with WTA promising an activity or attraction to keep everyone entertained, including a special visit from Santa Claus.
The big guy in red will be at the markets to say hello and take photos to create Christmas memories, irrespective of whether you have been naughty or nice, but we recommend the latter.
There will be a bumper range of stalls, activities for the kids and a delicious range of sweet treats on offer.
The Carpentaria Golf Club fairways were perfect for working on casting techniques during the recent fly fishing workshop held in Weipa.
The annual Lakeland Christmas fair is set to be a hit with the kids once again when the community unites on 7 December.
Monthly Community Update
Message from the Chair
Hi Weipa,
It’s been a busy time in the lead up to Christmas, and there is much to update you on.
Since my last update, I have attended the annual LGAQ conference in Brisbane, which brings together all of the Councils in Queensland along with government representatives. It was a great chance to network, meet other elected representatives from all over the state, and have face to face time with new government ministers. It's a very worth while event which enables me to speak to as many people as possible about the opportunity in Weipa and the Western Cape.
My last couple of Open Door Days haven't had any takers, so I am going to change it to an Open Door Policy, which basically means that you can email the office at any time if you would like to come in and have a chat with me, and we will just schedule a time that suits. I think this will just make it easier for everyone rather than having a specific day allocated.
On the project front, probably the most exciting thing to report is the completion of the Pool upgrades including the fabulous additions to the leisure pool. It has definitely been a hit since opening, and just lifts the whole facility to a new level. The other main project we have underway and nearing completion is the Nanum Hospital link pathway, which greatly improves safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, adds another designated sealed parking area and just making the whole area look better.
We have now completed the Systematic Animal Inspection Program which was very successful, and saw a whopping 366 new animals registered. It's a tough job, but the WTA team rose to the challenge, and got some great outcomes, with lots of great conversations had with community members to improve the safety of our pets and residents.
While we all wait for the rain to arrive, our water consumption this dry season has skyrocketed – we’re using 50% more water than usual, and it’s simply unsustainable.
Many of you are doing your best to keep your lawns green, but unfortunately, our treatment facility is struggling to keep up with the demand. That’s why you’ve been seeing signboards and social media posts urging everyone to cut back where possible. It might mean letting your lawn go a little brown for now, but rest assured, the rain will come, and it will bounce back. It’s important to remember that our township’s water supply is separate from East Weipa and Evans Landing, which is why your help is vital to conserve water and avoid further restrictions.
On a fun note, I participated in the annual Ladies Gamefish Day Competition, which saw a record number of teams enter for an awesome day of fishing, and fundraising for cancer. The committee do such a fabulous job organising the event, and the increasing numbers every year are testament to what a fun and well run event it is. Although my team didn't manage to get any Billfish this year, we still got a couple of prizes for Cobia and Tuna. Hopefully we can find the Billfish next year.
appearance by Santa.
As always, thanks for reading, and see you out and about.
Festive Fun Awaits at Weipa’s Traditional Christmas Markets!
Join us for our upcoming Christmas Markets - a morning filled with holiday cheer.
Date: Saturday, 30 November 2024
Time: 9am - 12noon
Location: Weipa Storm Surge Shelter
for the 2025 Weipa Australia Day Awards
you’re staying in Weipa for the holidays or taking a break later on, there’s a range of activities planned for every interest—from arts and crafts sessions to outdoor games (weather permitting).
Tickets will be available seven days before each week of activities begins, so mark your calendars!
Santa will be on hand for festive photo opportunities, while families can explore stalls filled with holiday crafts, gifts, and goodies. Children can enjoy free craft activities, and attendees are encouraged to come hungry, as food vendors will be serving sweet treats throughout the event. Entry is free, and all are invited to celebrate the holiday season in true community spirit.
Do you know a Weipa local who shines bright through their dedication and community spirit? Now’s the time to celebrate them! Nominations for the 2025 Weipa Australia Day Awards are open, and this is your chance to recognise those who make a positive impact in our town. With categories like Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and the Community Spirit Award, there’s an opportunity to honour individuals from all walks of life. Don’t wait—nominations close Friday, 6 December 2024. Visit the Weipa Town Authority website to submit your nomination and show appreciation for our community’s stars! 30 November 2024
CHAIR JAIME GANE
Students showcase their culture
By CHISA HASEGAWA
SELF-portraits and cultural expression are helping students at AFL Cape York feel close to their roots as they work through their secondary education in Cairns.
More than 350 attendees filled the Pullman Cairns International for AFL Cape York’s second Me. The Exhibition to see the exquisite self-portraits of students based on this year’s theme, culture.
AFL Cape York transition teacher Amanda Black said the exhibition allowed students the opportunity to reflect on who they are and where they come from.
“The young people brainstormed, and were asked to describe their culture, what that culture represents, and how it represents them,” she said.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Kempton misses out
RETURNED Cook MP David Kempton has missed out on being included in the new State Government’s assistant ministry.
Premier David Crisafulli unveiled the 10-person assistant ministry on 10 November the government described as including “representatives from every region to ensure a strong voice for regional Queensland”.
Political newcomer and Barron River MP Bree James was the northernmost winner in the announcement and will assist with Tourism, Early Learning, Creative Industries and Far North Queensland.
Mr Kempton was not expected to feature in the Premier’s line-up, despite serving former premier Campbell Newman as an assistant minister from 2012-2015.
“I promised regional Queensland would have a strong voice in the leadership of government and every region is represented in this assistant ministry,” the Premier said.
Symposium date saver
STAKEHOLDERS with an interest in Weipa and the surrounding communities are being urged to cross out 7-8 May in their 2025 diaries to attend the Western Cape Futures Forum.
The biennial event was conceived from the need to create a vision and plan for a sustainable future for the region, and is being hosted by the Western Cape Chamber of Commerce in partnership with local councils, private sector entities and not-for-profit organisations.
For more information about the event, visit www.westerncapechamber.com.au.
Cooktown stolen vehicle
POLICE are asking for public assistance to locate a vehicle reported stolen in Cooktown earlier this month.
The black 2009 Holden Captiva SUV –registration 335KQ4 – was allegedly stolen on 4 November and is one of 33 already stolen in the Far Northern Region for the month. Anyone with information about the vehicle is asked to call 13 14 44.
Carols in Cooktown
A BIG turnout is expected in Cooktown’s Lions Park when Carols by Candlelight is held in a fortnight.
The free event, hosted by the Combined Churches of Cooktown, will kick off at 6:30pm on 30 November with a sausage sizzle, with attendees set to sing the first carols from 7pm.
An event spokesperson asked attendees to bring their own chairs to ensure they were comfortable for the performance.
“Discussions were had on the various questions that people might ask of them and their culture – they were encouraged to go to the highest level of thinking in
determining what the imagery may imply or suggest. They looked at all the details around the photography, including what artefacts and objects to use, and how they wanted to stand and move.”
With students as young as 12 moving away from their communities to pursue an education, Ms Black said they faced many challenges adjusting to city life.
“AFL Cape York’s young people are constantly code-switching, all day, every day – at school, speaking and learning in another language with no students having English as their first language,” she said.
“With living 40 weeks of the year off Country away from family and community, these portraits allow young people an opportunity to have a guided, strength-based conversation where they can decide on how they want to present themselves and showcase their culture to the Cairns community.”
Ms Black said the exhibition was a “roaring success”, with many asking about the 2025 show.
“The biggest takeaway was the confidence of our young people in having a second opportunity to participate in this project, and with a concept that they felt really connected to,” she said.
Jaime Pratt (Coen), Norman Gibson (Weipa) and Nakoda David (Kowanyama) put their cultures on display with the exhibition. Photo: Adllins Media.
Grades won’t determine your life
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
IF you’re part of the graduating Class of 2024 who farewelled what feels like an eternity of schooling last week and are now anxiously awaiting the results of your exams, I’m going to spill a little secret: the grades you receive next month will likely mean little in the overall course of your life.
Before parents, principals and teachers across Cape York pick up their pitchforks and torches and come hunting for me, I am not dismissing the importance of education and applying oneself to achieving the best academic outcome possible as a strong foundation for the future – far from it.
What I’m saying is the result we get in our final year is often framed as the single most important facet of what becomes our adult existence on this mortal coil. I don’t know whether it’s done intentionally by sadistic educators attempting to shore up their careers, or good-intentioned parents just wanting the best for their children – the only thing I’m completely positive of is that the myth has caused more unwarranted pressure on year 12 students than any other aspect of adolescent life.
As a visual aid, I’ve included my year 12 class photo from 1998 in this missive.
Go on, have a look. Try not to laugh. Weren’t we an incredibly cool, fashion conscious lot? There are no prizes for picking yours truly out of the line-up, so please don’t email or text to say you know which one is me.
The point of the photo is to demonstrate that less than 20 per cent of the kids you see ended up doing what they thought they would be doing when they sat their final exams. Me included.
What they don’t tell you in high
school is that when you step out into the real world, bumps in the road and changes of course are almost guaranteed.
The result showing on your Queensland Certificate of Education won’t play a huge role in most cases. I can count on one hand how many times since 1998 someone’s asked what my OP – an ATAR for old people, for the benefit of those who have graduated since 2020 –was.
Did the result play a part in the
direction my life took? It did for a little while, but the beauty about life is that there’s generally plenty of time – and myriad options – for academic improvement if that’s something you want to do to chase a burning career ambition.
In short, the result you get on 11 December will not make or break your life, nor will it diminish your schooling achievement or worth as a member of the community. Don’t let anyone – including the person in the mirror – tell you otherwise.
Some of you will get the result you want. Some of you won’t. Some of you will go on to tertiary or vocational education. Some of you won’t.
An incredibly small percentage of you will go on to do world-renowned, life-changing things and become household names. Most of you won’t. And you know what? All of these options are fine, no matter what the stress of exams and waiting for a ranking of how you compare to other students across Queensland may make you otherwise feel.
If you’ve got passion, curiosity and a sense of community, it doesn’t matter what ATAR you get. Getting a number 90 and above isn’t going to automatically arm you with those traits, and it sure as hell isn’t going to make you happy. That’s not how the script for the reality show called life reads. Only you can work out what drives you, and what direction you want your journey to take.
To our combined Cape York and Torres Strait Class of 2024, congratulations. Remember to trust your gut, be willing to make mistakes, embrace new experiences and be open to the distinct possibility the career path you’re currently certain you’re going to embark on doesn’t end up being the road you follow.
Life’s an unpredictable, amazing adventure.
Make the most of it.
Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page
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.
TENDER NOTICE
New Mapoon Multi-Purpose Facility Improvements
Northern Peninsular Area Regional Council (NPARC) is accepting Expressions of Interest from approved Building Contractors for Tender Proposals: Construction of New Mapoon Multi-Purpose Facility Improvements (MPF)
Contractors MUST be Registered with Vendor Panel (https:// vendorpanel.com/) in order to tender on this project - VP Reference # VP437334
This project is a Queensland State Government funding commitment to upgrade the New Mapoon Multi-Purpose Facility (MPF).
The new facility intends to meet cyclone standards and accommodate over 500 people - with associated infrastructure and facilities - ensuring a designated cyclone shelter, or place of refuge, significantly enhancing community safety during disaster events.
RPS AAP Consulting Pty Ltd (RPS) has been engaged by NPARC as Project Managers for the MPF. The current facility is located at 7 Parry Street, New Mapoon, Queensland.
The Tender closing date is Wednesday 11 December at 3pm, with Tender and contract award to be undertaken in mid-December 2024.
The Project is to be completed by June 2025 for the facilities to be available for the community.
Full details - see: https://www.nparc.qld.gov.au/news/article/34/ tender-notice
For further information - email:- Amy.yates@nparc.qld.gov.au or phone NPARC: (07) 4090 4100.
The Northern Pride, pictured during a preseason training run at Barlow Park in Cairns, will “almost certainly” play its 2025 Country Week clash in Weipa as the team aims to get its hands on the grand final silverware after claiming this year’s minor premiership and then losing a thrilling preliminary final.
Pride aiming high for 2025 season
AS Cape York waits to see where the Northern Pride’s 2025 Hostplus Cup Country Week round will be played, the team is already into its preseason campaign as it attempts to get its hands on next year’s trophy.
After finishing the regular season as convincing minor premiers, the Pride lost a thrilling golden point preliminary final against the Redcliffe Dolphins to miss out on a spot in the grand final.
With players now back in training, new coach Russ Aitken said the 2024 season had set a benchmark for the Pride as the team aimed to go one better when it took to the paddock in the new year.
“New levels of performance have been reached across the 2024 season – this resulted in a minor premiership and a preliminary final,” he said.
“The standard has now been set and it will be up to the current group – staff and players – to again raise the bar in 2025.”
After hugely successful Country Week clashes in Weipa in 2023 and Cooktown in July, a big crowd is expected to turn out wherever Queensland Rugby League decides to hold the game, with one source saying western Cape York would “almost certainly” get the nod again in 2025 due to the availability of infrastructure to host a match.
GUNGARDE COMMUNITY CENTRE
ABORIGINAL CORPORTATION
(I.C.N. 148)
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
All members of the corporation are advised that an Annual General Meeting of Gungarde Community Centre Aboriginal Corporation will be held as follows:
TIME: 11:30AM
DATE: 28 November 2024
PLACE: Gungarde Hall – 92 Charlotte Street, Cooktown Qld 4895
Agenda Items:
• Acceptance of previous minutes 23 November 2023
• Chairperson’s/Director report
• CEO report
• Financial report
• Auditor’s report
Please note this is a non-voting AGM PHONE: 07 4069 5412 for further information
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 Convenor
Applications close 5pm, 22ND November 2024
For further information or to request a copy of the Position Description please contact 07 4069 5412 or swilson@gungarde.com.au ICN:
Pauls, TRAWQ, Ugar Island and Warraber Island.
Voting will not take place in the ward of Boigu Island, as only one candidate nominated for this ward, which makes it uncontested.
Saturday 30 November 2024
Who can vote?
You can vote in the TSRA election if you are:
a Torres Strait Islander or an Aboriginal person
aged 18 years or over on polling day, and
enrolled at an address in a TSRA ward by 5pm (AEST) on Friday 15 November 2024
Where to vote
ELECTION DAY If you live in the wards of Bamaga, Port Kennedy, TRAWQ, or Ngurapai and Muralag, you can vote at the following times and locations:
Location Ward Address
Bamaga Bamaga NPA State College Junior Campus 24 Sagaukaz
and Time (AEST)
EARLY VOTING If you live on one of the 19 contested wards and you cannot attend a polling booth on election day, you can vote early at one of the following locations:
MOBILE POLLING: If you live in the wards of Badu Island, Dauan Island, Erub Island, Hammond Island, Iama Island, Kubin, Mabuiag Island, Masig Island, Mer Island, Ngurapai and Muralag, Poruma Island, Saibai Island, Seisia, St Pauls, Ugar Island and Warraber Island, mobile voting teams will come to these islands between 19-29 November.
For locations, dates and times for mobile polling visit the AEC website at www.aec.gov.au/tsra
HOSPITAL & AGED CARE FACILITY POLLING: A polling team will visit the following hospitals and aged care facilities on Thursday Island:
For further information on this election contact: Jacqueline McHenry Returning Officer | Australian Electoral Commission Telephone: (02) 9375 6366 (extension 4) Email: tsra@aec.gov.au Or visit www.aec.gov.au/tsra
For the wards of Badu Island, Bamaga, 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
Cooktown Amateur Turf Club ~ 150 Years
More snaps from milestone meet
THE 150th Cooktown Races were such a big celebration we couldn’t fit all the photos we took on 9 November into one edition.
You asked to see more, so here’s another look at how Cooktown frocked up to mark a
IDENTIFIED POSITION VACANT:
Gungarde Community Centre Aboriginal Corporation is seeking applicants suitable for the role of Family Participation Support Worker
Applications close 5pm, 22ND November 2024
For further information or to request a copy of the Position Description please contact 07 4069 5412 or swilson@gungarde.com.au
POSITION VACANT:
Gungarde Community Centre is seeking applications from suitably qualified people to join our team in the role of Housing Support Worker
Applications close at noon on 29TH November 2024
For further information or to request a copy of the Position Description please contact 07 4069 5412 or swilson@gungarde.com.au
Chris Jones, Emma Travers and Belinda Fischer. Tess and Veronika Buhmann.
Journalist Chisa Hasegawa presents connections with the winning sash after Lacey Morrison steered Rough Cut Jewel to an impressive win in the Cape York Weekly Benchmark 65 to kick off the 150th Cooktown Races.
Daniel Hadgelias, Sarah Lewis, Andrea English, Eliza Smith, Jacana Bright and Danielle Furmage.
Tania Hickmott, Holly Rogers and Tab Axtell make sure no punters go thirsty.
Lacey Morrison salutes after piloting $1.80 favourite Crystal Chief to victory in the Cooktown Bowls Club Cooktown Bracelet over 1290 metres.
The ladies dressed to impress and wowed judges.
There were some weird and wonderful entries in the Best Suited Gent category in Fashions on the Field.
ABC Far North’s Bluey Forsyth calls Choir Boy’s remarkable track record victory in the Cooktown RSL Memorial Club Cooktown Cup.
Punters line the fence to watch horses turn on the afterburners in the straight.
Jockey Nathan Day reflects on his win aboard Choir Boy in the Cooktown RSL Memorial Club Cooktown Cup.
Hetaraka’s hot hand delivers the goods
“I’M putting like a demon.”
That was the sentiment shared by the ever-modest Brent Hetaraka as he carded a handy round of nett 63 to claim bragging rights on countback from Paul Humphries at Cooktown Golf Club on 16 November.
Both players returned to the clubhouse on nett 63, however, an inferior back nine relegated Humphries to the weekly bridesmaid and allowed Hetaraka to claim the chocolates and tell everyone the victory was down to his second-to-none ability on the greens.
Graham Burton (nett 69) secured the bronze medal for the round.
Hetaraka (2/11), Burton (14) and Steve Butler (9/18) were the nearest to the pin winners.
The Sovereign Resort December Medal will be contested this weekend, as well as the Medal of Medals qualifier for the two best scores from the group of runner-up players from all previous medals played during 2024.
With only three rounds to go, Daniel Biddle holds a 610-point lead over Steve Butler, who is just 10 points ahead of Hetaraka.
With Wal Welsh sitting 90 points from pipping Hetaraka off his perch to claim third spot, the remainder of the 2024 season is set to be a thriller.
Swimmers light up meet with 18 firsts at Malanda
THE strength of Cooktown’s swimming ranks was on display for all of Far North Queensland to see when 11 junior athletes travelled to Malanda to compete in a short course transition meeting on 16 November.
Cooktown Amateur Swimming Club was missing some of its senior stars due to graduation commitments but the members – aged eight to 16 – who made the four-hour trip to the Atherton Tablelands for the meeting shone in their absence and competed in a combined 62 events against more than 100 other swimmers from across the state’s far north.
The Cooktown crew took home 18 first placings, 13 second placings and seven thirds for the meeting, with the 11 swimmers recording 28 personal best times between them on the day.
One of the standout performances of the meeting was delivered by Cooktown’s Rudi
SPORT IN BRIEF
Weipa golf AGM
FULL members of Carpentaria Golf Club are being asked to attend the 2024 annual general meeting on 14 December to help appoint a new committee for the coming year. The AGM will commence at 9am at the clubhouse, with all current standing committee positions set to be declared vacant.
Nomination forms for those wanting to be on the new committee are available at the bar, or members can nominate at the meeting.
In addition to selecting a new committee, the AGM will provide an update on the financial position of the club.
Sabatino claims Wackers
HELEN Sabatino claimed the weekly Wackers bragging rights in Weipa after eking out the narrowest of victories on 13 November.
Sabatino returned to the clubhouse just half a stroke ahead of Scott Andrews, who had to settle for runner-up honours.
Andrews impressed with the short sticks to bag the pin prize on hole 7, while Mick Foy was the best on the 9th.
Randall O’Neill was crowned the Bradman’s recipient for the round.
Horse sports celebration
HORSES and riders will have a chance to reflect on 2024 and get into the festive spirit when the Cooktown Horse Sports Association hosts a Christmas break up event on 7 December.
With a $10 entry fee, the fun will get under way at the Cooktown Racecourse from 3:30pm, and conclude with a barbecue and drinks when horses have been unsaddled for the final time this year.
Prizes will be on offer across tiny tots, junior and senior club classes for those who dress to impress with a Christmas theme.
Three parkrun PBs
JENNA Parker, Nigel Tait and Sam Aschenbrenner clocked personal bests when a field of 47 tackled Weipa parkrun #392 on Saturday.
Ross Dawson was the first man to cross the line in 22:11, with Claire McKeown taking women’s honours in 26:38.
Habermann, who finished in the pool with six wins and six personal bests.
Adele Dooley, Job Kurudu-
adua and Archer Meyer also impressed in their first carnival outside of Cooktown.
Once the action in the pool
had concluded, the swimmers headed to Lake Eacham to cool off and reflect on their stellar efforts at the meeting.
The big-hitting and ever-modest Brent Hetaraka credited his countback victory over Paul Humphries at Cooktown Golf Club on 16 November to his demon-like ability on the greens.
Cooktown Amateur Swimming Club members lit up the pool with 38 placings and 28 personal best performances when they travelled to Malanda to compete on 16 November.
