Sisters Charlotte and Lucy Munro help Santa Claus ring in the festive season on western Cape York at the Weipa Christmas market on Saturday morning. Find out whether Weipa’s boys and girls are on his naughty or nice list on Page 12.
Cape York businesses say crippling freight costs and wet season monopolies are causing many to question their futures as operators beg the State Government for financial relief. Full story – Page 4
Date: Thurs December 5 2024
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TWO community groups have been successful in securing funding to host events in Weipa next year through North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation’s (NQBP) 2024-25 Community Fund.
The Pacific-Australia Youth Association (PAYA) and Weipa Running Festival were two of the 14 organisations to share $100,000 in funding, with the former to use the money to host a two-day youth entrepreneurial regional summit.
PAYA co-founder and co-chief executive officer Dominic de Moura McCarthy said
the group was thrilled to be a successful applicant.
“Our team is excited to deliver a youthled, two-day youth entrepreneurship regional summit in Weipa during 2025 for Indigenous youth to create meaningful economic opportunities,” Mr de Moura McCarthy said.
“It’s only through support from partners like NQBP that we can bring our community initiatives to life.”
NQBP CEO Brendan Webb congratulated recipients and said a boost in the fund had allowed more groups to receive support.
“We had more than 50 strong applications in our third year of the Community Fund from a large range of community groups across all of our port communities,” he said.
“Our team worked carefully to evaluate each application, and I am proud to say each of our successful applicants demonstrated an ability to make a real difference in their respective communities.
“I am also pleased that this year due to our increase in funding, we were able to support an additional five community groups, up to 14 from nine in the previous two years.”
Weipa nurse reflects on voluntary Cambodia trip
By CHISA HASEGAWA
A WEIPA surgical nurse who volunteered in Cambodia last month is already itching to go back after a “life-changing” experience helping locals with their vision.
Grace-Ann Prentice travelled with not-for-profit organisation Cambodia Vision, providing eye and ear testing, and assisting with surgeries.
“We provided help for anything to do with eyesight, and also hearing; they can get a hearing aid, they either get glasses to help them see or they come and have cataract surgery with us,”
Ms Prentice said.
“We also did GP appointments – a lot of the patients in Cambodia have poorly controlled diabetes due to their diet, and poorly controlled hypertension, and that’s the reason Cambodians have a lot of issues with their vision, so they came to see the GP to get medications for those.
“I was assisting in the clinic, so doing eye checks on the patients, and once we had more numbers of patients and knew who needed what, I started assisting the eye surgeon with the eye surgeries.”
Ms Prentice, who currently works in the Weipa Hospital maternity ward, said she was inspired by a fellow nurse to take the trip.
“We have a wonderful nurse named Peter who comes up to Weipa every year to work with the eye team to do outreach programs at the hospital, and he was actually the one that got me into it,” she said.
“He’s been going for three years now and he suggested that I come this year, and it’s been a great experience.”
The nurse said she was already making plans to be involved again next year, and encouraged others to think about doing the same.
“I encourage everyone to get involved; you don’t have to be a healthcare worker to be involved, you can be anyone and go over there,” Ms Prentice said.
“There’s lots of things they
need help with; they need people doing things like registration and assisting blind people to make sure they’re going to the correct clinic as well, so it’s definitely not only healthcare workers that are needed.
“It was just incredible – one of the best experiences of my life so far, and I’ll definitely be doing it again.”
Weipa nurse Grace-Ann Prentice conducts eye tests in Cambodia.
Retiring MP lands a few final punches in speech
By LYNDON KEANE
HE has been a fixture in the chamber for more than a quarter of a century, but veteran Far North Queensland MP Warren Entsch may have risen to speak in the House of Representatives for the last time.
The long-term Leichhardt MP, who will retire before next year’s federal election, delivered his valedictory speech on 25 November and used the occasion to reflect on the highlights of 26 years’ representation of the northernmost part of the country, as well as slam the Albanese government for turning its back on the Daintree Microgrid Project.
The project would have provided renewable, mains-equivalent energy for about 300 residents on the northern side of the Daintree River via an 8 megawatt solar farm and 1MW clean hydrogen plant.
In his speech, Mr Entsch fired both barrels at Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, describing the project backflip as an “absolute disgrace”.
“Mr Bowen, his department and his bureaucrats have done everything in their power to prevent this project from going ahead,” the Leichhardt MP told Parliament.
“They bluntly refused to release the money that had been set aside by previous governments.
“It is an absolute disgrace and, in my view, an act of political bastardry.”
Speaking to Cape York Weekly after delivering his valedictory, Mr Entsch took a final shot at Minister Bowen as he spoke openly about why he believed it was time to “change the baton” to a younger MP.
“What he’s (Chris Bowen) done there is nothing short of disgusting,” he said.
“It’s impossible to name the
myriad of people who have supported me on this journey; this is what made me realise it was time to change the baton – so many of those people who supported me when I first got (elected) in ’96, they’re my age or older; to me, this seems like it’s time for another generation.”
Mr Entsch received a standing ovation from his Parliamentary colleagues following his speech and said having his youngest son, Jacob, in Canberra to witness his farewell to political life had capped off the moment.
“It’s very difficult to try and condense 26 years in this place into a speech,” he said from Canberra.
“The only emotional part about it was the fact I just left my office to go and do it, and my girls brought my youngest son into my office; I had no idea he was coming down.
“The fact he was sitting in the gallery when I delivered the speech, I was quite emotional.”
With political pundits tipping late January for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to call the federal election, there is every chance the Mr Entsch has sat in the House of Representatives for the last time.
While the veteran MP said he was proud of his achievements over the past 26 years, he was quick to add there was still “a lot
of work to do” to unlock Cape York and the Torres Strait.
When asked what he viewed as the top local priorities for the new Member for Leichhardt, he identified bridge infrastructure at Myall Creek and Shelley’s Crossing, stage three funding for the Cape York Region Package and developing Weipa into a far northern economic hub.
“Get a business case together for making Weipa the hub for that entire area,” he said.
“Utilise the wharf and the infrastructure that’s there.
“Weipa’s going to be the northern hub once that road (the Peninsula Developmental Road) is sealed.”
Warren Entsch, wearing a colourful Great Barrier Reef-themed tie, reflects on 26 years as the Leichhardt MP as he delivers his valedictory speech in Parliament House on 25 November.
Freight costs impacting industry
By LYNDON KEANE
IMPROVING the State Government’s remote freight subsidy scheme for Cape York and Torres Strait residents will be for naught if there are no local businesses left standing to provide the goods and services.
That is the message frustrated Cape York business operators are hoping is heard loud and clear in Brisbane after Premier David Crisafulli last month committed to investigating the existing Remote Communities Freight Assistance Scheme and whether it is delivering any discernible cost of living relief.
Freight is one of the most significant costs for all businesses in the northernmost part of Queensland and a growing number say the sustainability of their operations hinge on the government acknowledging the crippling impact freight bills are having.
Weipa Camping Ground owner Brooke Quartermaine – who earlier this year paid almost $1,000 to sea freight 48 rolls of industrial toilet paper to western Cape York – said she believed the answer was either freight relief for remote business operators or improving the Peninsula Developmental Road to provide an all-weather road transport option.
“Freight costs are certainly a major factor affecting our business, especially in the wet season,
when our only transport option is via sea,” she said.
“A freight subsidy would support businesses until such time that an all-weather road was finally built, and there were road transport companies competing with sea transport companies.”
“If we continue to go down the same road we’ve been on for the last several years, small businesses will step away from remote communities altogether.”
Another Cape York business operator, who asked not to be named, said there needed to be a “freight subsidy across the board” to ensure
all businesses were competitive, not just the supermarkets currently eligible for the 20 per cent subsidy on essential items.
“We are not asking for anything more that the subsidy that is in place for supermarkets,” they said.
“Current freights costs for a small business are approximately 25 per cent on top of the cost of goods. Without a freight subsidy … some small business will become unviable.”
Cooktown Chamber of Commerce and Tourism president Russell Bowman echoed the sentiment and called on Minister for
Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg to take action on the “ridiculous” cost of doing business in the region.
“It’s one of the things that makes any of our reasonable stores seem uncompetitive at times – people expect to pay the same instore as online these days,” he said.
“[Freight from] Cairns to Cooktown is bad enough, but Cairns to Weipa is just ridiculous.”
Minister Mickelberg said he was reviewing the current freight subsidy scheme to see how it could be improved.
“I am asking questions around
the freight subsidy scheme to explore ways it can be enhanced to maximise its value and ensure it is delivering the right level of service to the communities most in need,” he said.
“One of our top priorities is driving down skyrocketing cost of living for Queenslanders, and I know living in more remote and regional parts of our state comes with its own set of challenges.
“We are always assessing ways to improve services to give small businesses every chance to remain viable, as they are the backbone of every community.”
Business operators on Cape York are calling on new Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg to include them in the Remote Communities Freight Assistance Scheme as the State Government reviews the efficacy of the program.
Aurukun excursion helps
NEWS IN BRIEF
Iron Range burn
THE Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) will conduct planned burns in Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park on 3-4 December if weather conditions remain favourable.
As a result of the planned burn, smoke may be seen in the nearby areas.
Visitors to Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park are asked to observe all signs and barriers, and directions from QPWS rangers, and never enter closed areas.
The burns aim to mitigate the risk and intensity of bushfires and their potential impacts on communities, infrastructure, parks, and forests. QPWS said the planned burns were highly weather dependent and generally required milder conditions and minimal wind.
For more information about QPWS fire activities, visit www.parks.desi.qld.gov.au/ park-alerts.
Australia Day awards
DO you know a member of the Weipa community deserving of having their efforts recognised on Australia Day?
By CHISA HASEGAWA
FOR years, the passing down of art through generations has been an important part of cultural resilience, and six Western Cape College (WCC) students were the lucky recipients of new skills and knowledge during a recent visit to Aurukun.
Guided by award-winning artist Uncle Keith Wikmunea, the students were treated to an in-depth look into the cultural significance behind his sculptures and the materials he uses.
“It feels good to share my art practice with young people, especially when they are interested to learn,” Mr Wikmunea said.
“Art can take you around the world and provides opportunities to teach others about important cultural matters.
“This is one of the most challenging but important things to do as a senior artist from Aurukun; my people have always passed on their cultural knowledge through art, song, dance and language.”
The students participated in collecting some of the milkwood used in the sculptures, and even got to preview a large tree sculpture Mr Wikmunea is currently working on for an exhibition.
“This tree includes ochre body paint designs from my clan and my cockatoo totem,” he explained.
“The knowledge of how to carve my totems was passed
down to me by my late father, and I’m keeping it alive at the art centre.”
Teacher Stephanie Kurz, who accompanied the students on the trip, said the experience was an invaluable addition to the Year 11 and 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies program. She said the group was made up of three senior students enrolled in the program, and three
art.
“The goal was to engage students in on-Country learning, helping them connect their curriculum studies to local knowledge and cultural experiences,” she said.
“The students highly valued the experience and were inspired by Uncle Keith’s work and the profound meaning behind his art.
“Exposing students to firsthand local knowledge enhances their learning and deepens their cultural awareness, [and] as teachers, it is vital that we learn from the rich history and culture of this land, and recognise the invaluable role of Elders and local people as resources in this learning journey.
“Not being from Cape York, on-Country experiences are invaluable not only for our students, but also for us as educators, helping us to deepen our understanding and better integrate local perspectives into the classroom.”
Nominations for Weipa Town Authority’s 2025 Australia Day Awards are now open, with the call going out for submissions in the Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Spirit Award categories.
Nominations close on 6 December and must be submitted online.
To nominate someone you believe deserves recognition for their contribution to Weipa, go to www.weipatownauthority. com.au/nominations.
Schools Gateway growth
THE State Government says the expansion of the Gateway to Industry Schools Program will help secure thousands of new skilled workers to assist with Queensland’s future growth.
The government announced on 25 November the program’s expansion would allow school students across the state, including on Cape York, to pursue careers in priority industries, which now include agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, hospitality and tourism.
The program was delivered in 372 Queensland schools and reached 45,000 students last year.
Minister for Employment and Training Ros Bates said the program was a partnership with Queensland schools and employer businesses to build future workforces in priority industries.
junior students who had shown a keen interest in
Aurukun senior artist Keith Wikmunea teaches students from Western Cape College the skills and cultural meaning behind his award-winning artwork.
The WCC students were treated to a preview and cultural explanation of Mr Wikmunea’s tree sculpture.
Weipa Movember event a success
By CHISA HASEGAWA
WEIPA is a little less hairy and a lot more knowledgeable about men’s health after a successful Movember fundraising event late last month.
The Rio Tinto Weipa Great Northern Flavour Savers added more than $1,900 to their Movember donation after the community
came together for an afternoon of men’s health education and hair removal at the Albatross Bay Resort on 22 November.
“It was fantastic and we’ve heard it was one of the biggest nights at the Alby for some time; it was great to see so many locals come out to support Movember,” team captain Fiona Langsdorf told Cape York Weekly
“The energy was high with enthusiasm and the crowd was thirsty for information regarding men’s health.
“Kodie Carter, national health and wellbeing manager for Sodexo, presented an informative overview, and attendees definitely walked away with a higher level of knowledge regarding men’s health issues, women included.”
TSIRC celebrates a record spend on new machinery
TORRES Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) says a record spend on green machinery for its fleet is a reflection of its commitment to improve the local government area’s general liveability for years to come.
The council, along with representatives from machinery supplier Kubota, unveiled the new fleet at an event in Cairns on 28 November, which is set to be put into use across the Torres Strait’s outer islands over the coming months.
The purchase of the new fleet is TSIRC’s highest single spend on such assets, with CEO James William saying the machinery would be used to maintain vital infrastructure under the council’s control.
“TSIRC has made this record investment as part of the asset management plan to replace the majority of assets, as 15 of the cur-
rent divisions are nearing the end of their lifecycle,” he said.
“The green fleet is considered essential for maintaining critical infrastructure, including airstrips, water supply systems, and other key facilities that are vital for supporting the community’s wellbeing and operational readiness onsite.
“As part of the green fleet, the primary focus will be to support the maintenance of airstrips, waterways, water plantations, and to manage vegetation to mitigate fire risk by controlling general greenery levels.
“A total of 21 assets have been ordered, with the first asset already delivered to site on [30 September]; several additional units are currently being constructed and established in Cairns, with plans to ship them north in the coming weeks.”
Ms Langsdorf said the highlight of the event was Rio Tinto Northern Operations superintendent Gerard Montafia getting his legs waxed live in the name of charity, as well as mechanical bull rides that raised $636.
“This [was] the first time our team [had] taken on a Movember fundraiser like this,” she said.
“From the success and support
received, we will definitely be back bigger and better in 2025 to raise awareness and funds for Movember.
“A huge thank you to Sodexo and the Albatross Bay Resort for their support, and a huge shout out to the Rio Tinto Weipa Great Northern Flavour Savers Movember team, who have raised over $12,000 towards the cause.”
The Rio Tinto Weipa Great Northern Flavour Savers have raised more than $12,000 for Movember.
TSIRC Mayor Phillemon Mosby and CEO James William receive a briefing on the new machinery.
Dedicated nursing boss recognised for his work
By CHISA HASEGAWA
AFTER being recognised as a leader in remote Australian nursing and midwifery, a Cape York nursing director is pledging to continue advocating for improvements and celebrating achievements in the region.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) Lockhart River and Coen director of nursing Josh Stafford was announced as a CRANAplus Fellow at the CRANA Remote Nursing and Midwifery Conference in Melbourne recently.
The fellowship honours those who are leaders in their area of influence, show a commitment to their development and demonstrate excellence in community, clinical, management, research, teaching, quality, cultural, or professional contribution.
“CRANAplus is the peak professional body that represents the remote area workforce
in Australia, so the fellowship is sort of a recognition of being a leader in that field,” Mr Stafford explained.
“It’s also a commitment to progressing the issues and ideas of the remote workforce, and to be an advocate for the remote workforce.
“It’s a big responsibility for me to be able to champion what we do here on the Cape and Torres Strait, as well as highlight
some of the issues that we face.”
Having dedicated most of his career to remote community nursing, Mr Stafford said he was passionate not only about pushing for improvements, but also celebrating how far healthcare had come on Cape York and the Torres Strait.
He first arrived in Aurukun in 2007 with no remote nursing experience, but said he knew almost right away he had found his passion.
“What’s really important to me, as a person and as a professional, is that I can contribute to making the world a better place, and I think that I can really do that in remote communities because of the connections I can make with the community and the team,” he said.
“I’ve also been encouraged over the years by the improvements I’ve seen in the Cape, and I think that’s really important to note, is that the Cape I came
to in 2007 is not the Cape I’m working in now.
“The improvements have been slow, but they have been vast; the immunisation rates in the Cape have soared in the time that I’ve been here, and other health statistics have definitely increased as well, and I’m really pleased to be a part of that.”
With the fellowship under his belt, Mr Stafford will now have a seat at the table at various policy-making forums.
For him, attracting healthcare professionals to remote areas for the “long haul” was one of his top priorities.
“Since COVID, the nursing workforce has really changed, and we need to encourage more nurses and other healthcare professionals to enter into the field.
“We need to make improvements in the way that we treat nurses, and we need to make improvements in nurses’ housing, conditions and pay.”
Monster mo helps Cooktown spread word
THERE was no mistaking it was Movember last month as Cooktown temporarily found itself on the list of Australian towns boasting big things.
To help spread awareness for men’s health issues as part of the annual monthlong event, Cook Shire Council’s communications and engagement, and events teams got creative and constructed an oversized moustache to install at the town’s water park on Webber Esplanade.
While the council undertakes regular fundraising and awareness initiatives for important causes and charities, staff decided to think big with their effort to mark Movember, which Cape York Weekly understands (well, guesses) ensured Cape York was momentarily home to the country’s largest, most outlandish nod to a hairy upper lip.
The “spontaneous brainchild” made Movember in Cooktown memorable by not only blending creativity with advocacy, but also
Escaping Violence Payment
RAATSICC are excited to announce the Escaping Violence Payment (Cairns-based trail) has been extended until 30 June 2026. The Escaping Violence Payment offers support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) to have access to financial support and goods / services for their immediate needs to live safely.
Support includes:
providing a fun photo opportunity that was able to be shared on social media to kickstart conversations about men’s health issues, including mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
The Big Mo will be taken down and replaced with a Christmas banner ahead of Sunset with Santa on 6 December, but this publication has heard a whisper it will return in November 2025 bigger, better and hairier than ever.
• Financial assistance up to $1,500 in cash or vouchers
• Up to $3,500 in goods and services (Eg. removalists, bond, items for a new home)
• Confidential support and referrals up to 12 weeks.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Volunteer grants EOI opens
MEMBER for Leichhardt Warren Entsch is encouraging local not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding through the 2024–25 Volunteer Grants program, which is now accepting expressions of interest.
The grants range from $1,000-5,000 and any not-for-profit organisation supporting volunteers is eligible to apply.
EOIs must be received before close of business on 10 January and will be reviewed by a local community committee, with selected organisations then invited to apply for the grant through the Department of Social Services in February 2025.
“The funding can be used to purchase essential equipment, deliver training, or run activities that directly benefit our local volunteers,” Mr Entsch said.
“These grants will go a long way to strengthening volunteer participation.”
To download the EOI form, visit www. warrenentsch.com.au/grants.
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 yet scheduled to be 14 January.
Distribution of both editions to our readers across Cape York will be as normal, weather permitting.
News never really takes a break, so 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 or sent via our Facebook page during this time.
Path to Treaty scrapped
THE State Government has repealed the Path to Treaty Act 2023 and says the funds committed to facilitate a Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry in Queensland will be reallocated to Indigenous communities.
The LNP made scrapping the legislation an election commitment and wasted no time in following through with its promise when the new Parliament sat for the first time last week. Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the repeal would immediately cease the activities of the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry and the First Nations Treaty Institute.
“Our government looks forward to working in partnership with local communities to redirect funding into projects and programs that will be measurable and align with improving the lives of Indigenous Queenslanders,” she said.
Eligibility
an Australian citizen, permanent resident or holder of a protected special category visa over the age of 18, living in Australia. have changed your living arrangements within the last 12 weeks due to intimate partner violence are experiencing financial stress. have not accessed EVP in the past 12 months.
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Cook Shire Council staff Linda McNab, Stephanie Hook, Glen McGrath and Heather Kelly get acquainted with the larger-than-life moustache installed at the water park on Cooktown’s Webber Esplanade to raise awareness for Movember.
Josh Stafford was recognised as a leader in remote nursing.
MAJOR PRIZES DRAWN 14 DECEMBER 2024
4 PRIZES TO THE VALUE OF $10,000 $8,000 holiday voucher $1,000 Cooktown Tyre Service Voucher $500 Marano’s Shell Fuel Voucher $500 Trinity Petroleum Mobil Fuel Voucher PLUS 6 WEEKLY MYSTERY PRIZE DRAWS OF $1,500 PRIZES DRAWN EACH SATURDAY 3 – 6.30PM FROM 2 NOVEMBER TO 7 DECEMBER 2024 Entry ticket for Weekly & Major Prize Draws received from 28 October 24 with every purchase $10 or over in the Bar or Bistro
Entry ticket received for Weekly Smaller Prizes to the value of $500 with any purchase from Club open to 3 pm on the day of the Draw Come into the Club to
WINNERS MUST BE PRESENT AT THE DRAW Unclaimed weekly prizes will jackpot to the Major Prize Draw 14 December 2024 Conditions Apply – terms and conditions available from the Bar or Bistro
Lions support Cooktown students
FOUR Cooktown students have received a combined $9,000 leg-up to help with furthering their education thanks to the Endeavour Lions Club.
The club announced the recipients of the 2024 Bert Mason Award and its financial assistance award last month, with students at Cooktown State School and Endeavour Christian College benefitting from the annual show of generosity and community spirit.
The Bert Mason Award, worth $4,000, is a tertiary scholarship open to students wishing to undertake further study at an Australian university in 2025, and can be used to assist with expenses including textbooks, accommodation or university fees.
The $500 Endeavour Lions Financial Assistance Award helps students with costs associated with textbooks, laptops, software or other out-of-pocket expenses for senior high school studies.
Imogen Hocking was the Cooktown State School recipient of the Bert Mason Award and was selected because of her outstanding
overall grades, which will help her excel at studying a double undergraduate degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast next year.
At Endeavour Christian College, Sophie Wright was chosen as the Bert Mason Award winner and will be studying Bachelor of Nursing Science in 2025.
Tyson Brennan and Teila Hunt
received the Endeavour Lions Financial Assistance Awards, with the former set to use his $500 to complete a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management, as well as a Certificate II in Health Services.
Ms Hunt will travel to Townsville to complete James Cook University’s Heroes in Health and He-
roes in Sport programs, which will provide her with a deeper insight into the health industry, a career path she is working towards.
A club spokesperson said all applications for the 2024 bursaries had been of a high calibre.
“It is never easy due to the fact that the applicants are all so deserving,” the spokesperson said.
“Well done to everyone who applied, and we have confidence in your ability to complete your studies and reach your full potential.”
Spider snap recognised by Australian Geographic
By CHISA HASEGAWA
THE flora and fauna at Mungumby Lodge in Rossville are no strangers to being the focus of a wildlife lover’s lens, attracting photographers from across the world on the hunt for interesting subjects.
It was no different for Slovakian photographers Adam Javorčík and Jakub Hodan, who travelled all the way to Cape York for their entries in the 2024 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year award.
The pair recently reached out to lodge co-owner Hamish Haslop to share the great news – Mr Javorčík won the Macro category with an extreme close-up shot of a spider taken on site, while Mr Hodan took runner-up honours in the same category with an image of a spider web taken nearby.
“We get notified about all sorts of things when people get home and they look through their photos, but in terms of the Australian Geo-
graphic awards, I would say it’s the first time the lodge has been featured – certainly the first one we’ve been notified about,” Mr
Haslop said.
“Jakub and Adam came to the lodge this time last year, and because they were interested in in-
sects and macro photography, I spent some time with them showing them areas where we found some unique species.”
Mr Haslop said he bought the lodge with his wife 23 years ago, and moments like this continued to remind them why they fell in love with the place.
“Tourism on the Cape goes up and down, but at the end of the day, because we specialise in sharing what we love and the beautiful nature that kept us here, it really endorses that fact of why we bought the place and why we love the place,” he said.
“It’s really nice to have likeminded customers coming through, sharing their experiences, and being able to share our knowledge so that they go home rich with new thoughts and memories about the place they visited.”
Mr Javorčík said he was eager to return in the coming years after falling in love with Australia.
“The Australian continent has an amazing atmosphere that got under my skin, and this trip was an unforgettable experience for me,” he said.
A stay at Mungumby Lodge got Adam Javorčík an Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year award in the Macro category with this image, Symmetry of Lurking. Photo: Adam Javorčík.
Melinda Parker presents Cooktown State School’s Imogen Hocking with the 2024 Bert Mason Award on behalf of the Endeavour Lions Club.
Endeavour Lions Club president Justin Coventry congratulates Endeavour Christian College student Sophie Wright on winning the $4,000 Bert Mason Award for her school.
PCYC Napranum youth committed to giving back
By CHISA HASEGAWA
WHILE many children eagerly await their presents from Santa, the youth at PCYC Napranum are preparing to spread the Christmas cheer in their community this festive season.
After a year of fulfilment through being of service, the 2024 club theme of Giving Back will conclude with the youth handmaking Christmas decorations for their loved ones.
“We are helping our young emerging leaders learn how it feels to have purpose – having that feeling that they are doing more than just living for themselves,” club manager Sergeant Rhonda Spence said.
“These young leaders are now encouraging other younger youth to be a part of this journey through means such as the making of Christmas decorations to give to families in Napranum to spread the joy of the holiday season.
“Our youth over our Christmas holiday program will be busy making plenty of Christmas decorations and will be delivering them to family before Christmas.”
and a new year of learning, Sergeant Spence said PCYC Napranum will open its new youth facilities in the coming weeks.
“Our new youth spaces are nearing completion, and once completed, our youth will have the opportunity to do more exciting activities across the club with minimal distraction from sports and games,” she told Cape York Weekly
“It will also support our desire to hold more events for our youth with community attendance to help us showcase all the good work our youth do.
Throughout the year, the young leaders also learned how to be of service by cooking and delivering meals to community Elders.
“With the increase in cost of living, our youth came together and brainstormed ideas on how to start their journey of giving back,” Sergeant Spence said.
“They immediately knew that family is most important in their lives, and looking after their grandparents is essential so that [the Elders] know that they are important to them.”
Just in time for the wet season
“In 2025, our club theme is Together, where we will teach our youth to support peers and community together, displaying kindness, happiness and teamwork.
“Our passion in 2025 is also to encourage school attendance; we believe that education is the key to unlocking opportunities for our youth and it also helps them to reach their full potential.”
Weipa spreads Christmas cheer
By LYNDON KEANE
IT was just a little bit warmer than the North Pole in November, but it did not stop a special guest grinning from ear to ear as he took hundreds of photos with Weipa children and families on Saturday.
A bumper crowd converged on the Weipa Storm Shelter for the community’s 2024 Christmas
market on 30 November to celebrate the start of the silly season on western Cape York and create memorable moments with Santa Claus, who flew in especially for the event and to undertake some reconnaissance ahead of his return on Christmas Eve.
Between photographs, Santa told Cape York Weekly he had been impressed by the behaviour of
Weipa children, but added he was yet to double check his famous list before completing his annual around-the-world adventure.
“I’ve seen lots of very good girls and boys here today, but there are a few who could be on the naughty list if they don’t listen to their parents between now and Christmas,” he said.
“I had to fly in with Qantas for
this visit so I didn’t tire Rudolph and the other reindeer out before the big event on Christmas Eve.”
Weipa Town Authority (WTA) Chair Jaime Gane said she was thrilled to see such a big crowd turn out to ring in the festive season and support local stallholders.
“It’s brilliant to see everyone here today showing what the spirit of Weipa is all about,” she said.
“We’ve got great numbers coming through the doors and Santa and his helpers are being run off their feet getting photos with kids and families.
“Thanks to the WTA team for organising the markets, and thanks to the stallholders who have turned out in force to show off their wares and provide plenty of local Christmas gift options.”
Santa Claus catches up with Harradine sisters – Charlotte, 4, Ava, 6, and Bella, 2 – at the Weipa Christmas market.
Evie, Frankie, Samie and Tommy McKie got into the festive spirit with their headwear choices at the Weipa Storm Shelter on Saturday.
Mya, Karla, Chase and Ryleigh Walton from Karla’s Kandles were on hand with dozens of other stallholders to help Weipa residents with all their Christmas gift needs.
Bri Lewis, Mikaela D’Addona and Melissa Joass get ready for a spot of Christmas shopping at the market.
Sergeant Rhonda Spence and PCYC Napranum youth are all smiles after a year of giving back to their community.
Freight issue must be prioritised
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
IF you ask any Cape York or Torres Strait business owner how things are going and they answer honestly, the overwhelming majority are going to tell you it’s never been more difficult to be an entrepreneur in this part of the world.
Dozens I’ve spoken to over the past few months even went so far as to admit they had genuine concerns about the viability of their operation, albeit through gritted teeth and with the laid-back stoicism we’ve adopted as our own.
You can’t blame them, because they are copping it from both ends when it comes to the cost of living pressures crippling the most northern part of the state.
Not only are they getting slugged with skyrocketing costs at the cash register when they’ve got their remote resident hat on, they’re also feeling the pinch as they attempt to source the materials needed to provide the goods and services they rely on to keep their business afloat.
The Remote Communities Freight Assistance Scheme introduced by the former Miles government is an unworkable train wreck that should be scrapped and taken back to the drawing board, because it will never provide tangible cost of living relief as long as everyday
items like fuel, household goods and clothing are not deemed “eligible essential goods” by those in Brisbane creating the policy.
Notwithstanding this little political oopsie, one of the most significant concerns for my money is that our business operators are currently getting zero financial help to procure the everyday materials they can’t source locally up here to keep their doors open.
Whether it’s produce for a cafe in the Northern Peninsula Area,
spare parts for an automotive retailer in Cooktown, or toilet paper for a caravan park in Weipa, every business owner is getting utterly gouged with freight costs to the extent it would be more financially viable for a lot of them to shut up shop and go and find work somewhere else.
But where does that leave our remote communities and their ultimate sustainability?
It’s a glum but simple proposition – without a diverse range of
businesses supporting the local economy, sporting groups and organisations, we may as well start the countdown to the death of the places we love and call home.
Freight is the biggest financial burden facing most business operators up here because their hands are tied for much of the year when wet season rain renders the road network impassable and forces them to use what is a sea freight monopoly.
A monopoly solely owned by
Queensland Government Insurance Fund, mind you, but I digress. Now I’m just a humble newspaper editor, not a fancy, know-it-all politician, but it strikes me that if we had adequate all-weather road infrastructure to allow business operators the option of road transport for a few more months each year, or a dilution of the current sea freight monopoly, freight bills would shrink. The sad thing is that I wouldn’t even have to point this out were we talking about freight costs for businesses in the southeast corner of the state.
The Liberal National Party promised “a fresh start” for the state and a commitment to regional Queenslanders on its way to securing a majority government in October – that includes us all the way up here on Cape York and across the water in the Torres Strait.
You don’t get any more regional than us.
It’s now time for Premier David Crisafulli and his team to make good on the campaign slogans by delivering change that effects hip pocket relief not only for Cape York and Torres Strait residents, but also for those brave and ambitious enough to dip their toes into the entrepreneurial waters this far north.
How the government handles the remote freight farce will be an unmistakeable litmus test for how much attention we are likely to receive over the coming four years.
Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page
Quick Workout
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.
He may be bruised and battered, but Weipa boxer Jack Barton is as confident as ever about a future in the ring after impressing on the sport’s amateur national stage last week.
Barton donned the gloves for Queensland at the 2024 Australian Amateur Boxing League National Titles in Gosford from 28-30 November and returned to western Cape York with a strong first-up win, a split decision loss against
a fighter two years his senior, and a reputation as one to watch in the ring in the coming years.
The 17-year-old Weipa product delivered one of the fights of the event when he clashed with Malakai Katene in the 75-78 kilogram intermediate division, with the judges handing the win – and his third Australian title – to the Victorian boxer after they thrilled the crowd over four two-minute rounds.
Weipa pair prepared for Survivor Golf showdown
By LYNDON KEANE
IT will be a case of “bombs away” and plenty of big hitting when Weipa’s Brock Lowrey and Jamie Hutton tee off in Port Douglas this weekend as they vie for Survivor Golf glory.
The pair – better known on the course as Gingerman and Robin – booked their appearance in the 8 December grand final at Palmer Sea Reef after securing bragging rights and golden tickets in the local qualifying event in May, and told Cape York Weekly they were focused and raring to go.
“We are looking forward to the challenge and to find out how two casual golfers from Carpentaria Golf Club stack up against the other winners from around the country,” Lowrey said before the pair’s departure for Port Douglas.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for two blokes from a remote town.”
Hutton played the Port Douglas course in July to undertake “reconnaissance work” and said its forgiving design would allow them to play their natural games, adding recent preparation for
Survivor Golf’s big dance had involved staying out of Weipa’s soaring temperatures and reflecting on their performances.
“We’ve spent a few early mornings out on the course to beat the heat, and the rest of the day resting and recovering in the ice cold aircon of the Gingercave,” he said.
“We want to show up as fresh as possible, ready to perform.”
The format of Survivor Golf allows it to be used as a mechanism to spread mental health awareness both on and off the greens and fairways, and founder and CEO Dave Cameron said
he could not wait to see what qualifiers from across Australia brought to the course.
“It’s going to be our best one yet,” he said.
“It’s really exciting – all the teams are bringing family and friends, and it’s going to be elite.
“Anyone that steps on the tee box can win it and the qualifiers all basically qualified with the same score, which is really cool.
“The correlation between being outdoors and playing with two new people in that environment, there’s a really nice synergy there using golf as a way to create the connections; it
definitely does drive and trigger these conversations.”
While Weipa will be cheering Gingerman and Robin on as they tackle the Port Douglas course on Sunday, Lowrey said he believed they would be “very competitive” thanks to likely being at the higher end of the handicap spectrum, with several unofficial sponsors set to get a mention if the pair taste success.
“Brock is the speechwriter and is prepared to thank all our sponsors for the chafing cream and anti-inflammatories that allow us to play the sport we love,” Hutton said.
SPORT IN BRIEF
Big win for Triffitt
THE field could not get close to Scott Triffitt’s scorecard when 14 golfers teed off in Wednesday Wackers action at Carpentaria Golf Club on 27 November. Triffitt carded 39 off the stick for a round-winning nett 28, five strokes clear of Mick Foy, who returned to the clubhouse with a gross 44 for nett 30.5 and runnerup honours. Foy claimed the pin prize on the 9th, with Grant Crossley shooting straight and true to put his name on the 7th measuring card. Josh Martin was the weekly Bradman’s winner.
Tomorrow (3 December), players will contest the back nine for the 2024 Wackers Championships.
Fishing Classic AGM
THOSE wanting to play a key role in one of western Cape York’s biggest annual events have a chance to do so when the Weipa Fishing Classic holds its annual general meeting this Thursday (5 December).
The meeting will be held in the outside area of the Weipa Bowls Club from 6:30pm, with determining the new line-up for the 2025 committee on the agenda.
Crossley fires at Dawnies
GRANT Crossley was the best in a field of 15 battling for Dawnbusters pride in Weipa on 1 December.
Crossley and runner-up Peter Lamond both carded 47 off the stick, however, the former claimed the winner’s chocolates with a nett 14, three strokes clear of the latter. Ross Craven and Viv Chan were the men’s and women’s long drive prize winners, with Jamie Hutton the week’s best close to the pin. Chelsea Buckley took the Hoffman’s crown.
Napranum youth sports
FROM table tennis to handball and touch football, dodge ball to basketball, there will be plenty of sporting activities to keep youth engaged with this week’s Deadly and Active program at PCYC Napranum.
Different events will be held from 3-6pm, Monday to Friday, all aimed at promoting good health and physical activity.
To check out which sport is happening on which afternoon, visit the PCYC Napranum Facebook page.
Weipa’s Jack Barton (right) poses for a photo with Malakai Katene after the pair put on a great fight in Gosford on 30 November.
Brock Lowrey and Jamie Hutton – better known in Survivor Golf circles as Gingerman and Robin – celebrate after winning the Weipa qualifying event to book their golden tickets to the grand final in Port Douglas this weekend.
