SCHOOL’S BACK FROM SUMMER
Western Cape College students
Ava Wheeler and Dana Braun were all smiles as they prepared to kick off their learning year in Miss Rose’s year 2A class on 28 January. Turn to Pages 8 and 9 to see many of the new faces at schools from across the Cape.
Three charged after horrific incident
Bush camp fear
Employees of one of the companies trying to make Cape York a space launch leader were allegedly victims of a chilling incident near Napranum late last month. Read the full story on Page 2.
Funeral notice in loving memory of
JONATHAN MARK LUDWICK
AUGUST 1975 –JANUARY 2025
Jonathan (known to many as Jon) passed away unexpectedly in January 2025. Beloved son of Irena Hammett (nee Gibson) & Harry Ludwick Snr (dec.) & stepfather Gerald Hammett. Partner of Nicole Pearson & father to 7 daughers & 1 son. Brother of Donna, Debra, Tracey, Caroline, Wayne, Harry Jnr, Harold & Ian. Grandpa, uncle & friend to many.
FUNERAL CEREMONY
8th February 2025 | 10am
Hopevale Cemetery
All family & friends of Jon are invited to attend graveside and later celebrate Jon’s memory with dinner at Hammetts Farm from 6:00pm
Space employees reeling
ONE of the companies looking to establish Cape York as a leader in commercial space launches has been involved in an alleged incident that resulted in three people facing court on 53 charges last week.
Officers from the Weipa Criminal Investigation branch, and Weipa and Aurukun police stations have charged the three individuals – a man and woman from Weipa and a man from Napranum – over the 23 January incident, during which it is alleged a group of five people attended a rural property on Peninsula Developmental Road near Napranum for work purposes.
Police allege three people not known to the group approached them, threatened them with weapons and made them dig a hole before they were permitted to leave what one police source described as a “bush camp”.
Cape York Weekly has confirmed from two police sources familiar with the incident that the group of five, the alleged victims, included representatives of Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA), which is attempting to set up a launch facility on Cape York after pulling the pin on its Arnhem Land operation in December 2024.
Neither ELA nor its chief ex-
ecutive officer, Michael Jones, responded to inquiries before deadline.
On 29 January, police charged the three people with a total of 53 offences.
Luke Drummond, a 35-yearold Weipa man, was charged with five counts each of going armed to cause fear, deprivation of liberty and threats, and one count each of serious assault of a person over 60 and unlawful entry of a vehicle for committing indictable offence while armed and in company.
Rocky Point woman Tamara McLean, 27, was charged with five counts each of going armed
to cause fear, deprivation of liberty and threats, and one count of wilful damage.
A 64-year-old Napranum man, Darryl Mitchell, was charged with five counts each of going armed to cause fear, deprivation of liberty and threats, and one count each of serious assault person over 60, possessing dangerous drug, possession of utensil, fail to take reasonable care and precaution in respect of syringe needle, failure to appear in accordance with bail undertaking.
All three were refused bail and appeared in Weipa Magistrates Court on 30 January.
Tuesday
18th February at 17:30
Held at the clubhouse at the racecourse
1. Present Audited financials
2. Election of all positions for committee Followed by a General Meeting
150 years of education to be celebrated
THE real students may have donned their backpacks and uniforms last week, but all of Cooktown will be going back to school for the state school’s 150th birthday this month.
From memorabilia in the library and old records of student behaviour to a special 2025 school leaders’ badge ceremony, old and new will come together for a nostalgia-filled celebration of Cooktown State School’s rich history on 22 February.
Principal Leanne Rayner, who has led the school since
2013, said it was an overwhelming yet exciting milestone.
“I’m just so excited to be in this position and be part of this celebration, because it is a fantastic milestone,” she said.
“Some of the old photos and records that we’ve got, it’s quite incredible that they’ve survived so long.
“I was alerted to the event by chance, because the greatgranddaughter of the very first principal contacted me and told me, so I believe she will be coming up, which is very exciting.”
The day will begin at 10am with the badge ceremony, before attendees get a chance to go back in time and reunite with old friends. There will also be a vintage best-dressed competition, so community members are encouraged to have a dig through the back of their closets.
“It can be back in the day 150 years ago, or they may even have old school uniforms, so that would be fun,” Ms Rayner said, adding there would also be several past principals, teachers and staff in town for the event.
“What I’m excited about is just the community all coming together, having lots of fun and talking about great experiences,” the principal said.
“It’s also an opportunity to celebrate our school – you know, we do a really good job, our kids are forefront, and we have a real passion for teaching and a passion for education, and also a passion for making great outcomes for whatever kids choose to follow in their future and supporting them through that.” – story by
Chisa Hasegawa
Cooktown State School principal Leanne Rayner and students hold a photo of the original school from 150 years ago.
Dance festival preparing to return to roots in 2026
By CHISA HASEGAWA
ANG-GNARRA Aboriginal Corporation (AGAC) has confirmed the Laura Quinkan Dance Festival is not done and dusted, and will return in 2026 in a “more grassroots version”, according to one of the new managers brought in amid internal operational concerns.
On 28 January, Cape York Weekly broke the news the iconic festival would not go ahead in 2025 due to funding issues and a staggering price tag of $600,000 to run.
Former AGAC chief executive officer August Stevens said last week he had “retired from the position of CEO” and cast doubt over the festival’s future, however, the organisation has since confirmed he was removed from his position last month.
Olkola Aboriginal Corporation chief executive officer Debbie Ross, who is part of a new management team co-ordinated by United UpRise brought in to steady the ship of the Laurabased AGAC, said Mr Stevens was not in a position to talk about the festival.
“August is just talking out of his arse,” Ms Ross said angrily.
“[He] is just trying to stir shit.
“[If] if he had done his job, we wouldn’t have had to pick up the mess that he’s left, and the dance festival would be going ahead.”
Mr Stevens did not respond to requests from Cape York Weekly for an interview to discuss the claims.
Ms Ross said the new management group believed a culture of outsourcing had led to skyrocketing costs to hold the biennial event, and said the festival would take on a more scaled-back form when it returned in 2026.
“It was never going to be canned,” she said.
“I think it’s because everything was outsourced, so instead
of using a lot of the local talent and local workers and preplanning ... if you try and rush everything through in three or four months, of course your costs are going to skyrocket.
“We need to go back and do a cost analysis of why it cost so much, because that ($600,000) is extraordinarily high.”
Kuku-Yalanji man and Traditional Owner Nash Snider, whose family has previously been involved with opening and performing at the festival, said they had been devastated at the news the 2025 festival would not be going ahead, and criticised AGAC for a lack of consultation.
“We are incredibly disappointed, especially since we were not consulted or advised of the decision; our family was preparing to start rehearsals when we heard the news,” he said.
“For us, and many other families and clans across Cape
York, the festival is more than an event, it’s a chance to return to Country, practice culture, and pass traditions to our young people. As people removed from our homelands, this is one of the few opportunities we have to reconnect with each other and on our traditional lands; the loss of this year’s festival is deeply felt.”
A spokesperson for Arts Queensland, which provides funding for the festival through its Backing Indigenous Arts program, confirmed $77,000 allocated for this year’s festival had not yet been released, and added it was working with AGAC regarding the event’s future.
“No funding had been released for the now-postponed 2025 festival; funding is available for future events, but none of these funds have been contracted or provided to the AngGnarra Aboriginal Corporation,” they said.
“Arts Queensland is continu-
Sea Swift has provided regular, reliable deliveries of essential goods and services to the Torres Strait for over 35 years We are passionate about working with councils and remote communities, and keeping the Torres Strait connected
ing discussions with the organisers of Laura Quinkan Dance Festival regarding the event’s future.”
Ms Ross said festivalgoers would notice a distinctive local focus when performers take to the bora ring in 2026.
“What we’re looking at now is trying to make it more financially viable, but also keeping the essence of what it’s supposed to be, which is traditional dances and competing against each other,” she said.
“We’re working on the dance grounds now; we’ve employed a [local] crew to go out and actually start working and maintaining it, so that it’s not such a huge job when we actually go to have the festival.
“[We’re] making sure that the locals have input into it and it’s owned by the locals; this festival has always been about locals, so that’s what we want to bring it back to.”
Traditional Owner Nash Snider said he was devastated to hear the Laura Quinkan Dance Festival would not be going ahead in 2025.
Delphina off to kick goals in our capital
By CHISA HASEGAWA
AFTER sharing her inspiring sporting journey with the world, a Weipa footy star is now gearing up to fight for more opportunities for girls in remote communities.
Delphina Day, 18, will attend the Heywire Regional Youth Summit in Canberra this week, from 7 February, after she was selected as one of 38 winners of the ABC Heywire competition in December.
“I’m not nervous or anything, but it’s still very surreal,” she said.
“I feel like it won’t feel real until I’m actually on the plane to Canberra.”
Over six days, the young leaders will share their ideas aimed at improving the lives of young people in remote Australia, before presenting them at Parliament House.
For Ms Day, she said she would like to see more sporting opportunities for teenage girls in Weipa.
As someone who previously said AFL helped her mentally when she felt “stuck and really lost”, she believed if more girls had the chance to continue sports in their community, it could change their futures.
“My point that I definitely want
to bring up when I’m with all the politicians is that there should be more opportunities for young females in rural areas,” she said.
“Once you hit that 12, 13 mark, there’s nothing there; there’s nothing in rural communities for females anymore, it’s all for the boys. That’s definitely been my experience as well, and I think that’s a strong reason why my mum and dad sent me to boarding school, because there were no sporting opportunities for girls once you hit around 12.”
She explained the struggles of being a teenage girl in a remote community.
“Growing up in Weipa, you do your mixed sports with everything; you do everything with the boys if you want to participate in sports,” Ms Day said.
“Once you pretty much hit 12, they don’t do them mixed anymore because the boys are growing, and they think it’s unsafe for females to be participating with the males, but I feel like no one’s interested in starting stuff up for the girls.”
Ms Day said she was lucky to have the opportunity to go to boarding school in Cairns.
Employee
A digital connection to Country
RIO Tinto and Indigenous social impact and community engagement company Indigital have partnered on an initiative that combines traditional knowledge with digital innovation to protect and restore Country, strengthen culture and advance sustainable mining practices.
Initially focused on communities in Far North Queensland, including on western Cape York, the Caring for Country program enables Indigenous communities to harness conservation technologies, such as AI-driven data analysis, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) for mapping land features, and “internet of things” environmental sensors to monitor soil and water health.
Indigital founder Mikaela Jade said the partnership was a “powerful example of what’s possible when Indigenous knowledge and technology come together to solve global challenges at a local level”.
Vouchers are accepted at the following businesses:
LiveLife Pharmacy Weipa
Albatross Bay Resort
Business Leisure Travel
Capeaccino Crew
Carpentaria Contracting
Carpentaria Golf Club
Eight Little Indians
Enzed Weipa
Gulf Parts & Service
Heritage Resort
Karla’s Kandles
Kym-Maree's Beauty Room
Sunshine Mitre 10
Tableland Veterinary Service
TackleWorld Weipa
Tableland Veterinary Service
TackleWorld Weipa
Weipa 4WD Fishing & Camping Supplies
Weipa Camping Ground
Weipa Community Care Centre
Weipa Bakery & Café
Weipa Bowls Club
Weipa Business Equipment
Weipa Furniture & Electrical
Weipa Gourmet Meats
Weipa News & Traders
Weipa Pottery
Weipa Servicentre Pty Ltd
Weipa's Beauty Within Whiskey & Wildflowers
Vouchers must be spent in one transaction and cannot be redeemed for cash.
Vouchers will expire on 01 March 2025
“This partnership is focused on building genuine, long term and mutual relationships where both the Indigenous community and Rio Tinto benefit and grow,” she said.
“We’re equipping the next generation with digital skills and conservation tools, while centering cultural wisdom to preserve Country and drive long-term sustainable change.”
Alngith Traditional Owner Ernest Madua Junior praised the collaboration and said it helped stakeholders turn their minds to future generations of community leaders.
“Gathering for the Indigital program, we’re like one big family, sitting around the fireplace, sharing stories,” he explained.
“With our Elders present and the kids involved, it sets the tone for our children to think differently, to be resilient and positive about the future.”
Just two candidates set in stone to contest election
AS Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remains mum on when he intends to call this year’s federal election, Cape York voters are playing a waiting game to see which candidates will be battling to represent them in Canberra for the next three years.
So far, only two candidates have been confirmed – former basketballer Matt Smith for Labor and paramedic Jeremy Neal for the Liberal National Party (LNP) – despite suggestions Mr Albanese could pull the trigger on calling an election within a fortnight.
Candidates will be vying to replace retiring LNP stalwart Warren Entsch.
Speculation had been rife the Greens
would not be running a candidate against Mr Smith in return for Labor’s advocacy for World Heritage recognition for Cape York, however, a party spokesperson confirmed this would not be the case.
“I can confirm that the Queensland Greens will be running candidates in every seat in the state, as we have proudly done in every federal election for decades now,” the spokeswoman said.
A spokesman for One Nation said it was still finalising its candidate selection and that “we will announce one in due course”.
Eleven candidates ran in the 2020 election for Leichhardt.
Rio Tinto
End of Year Recognition
A collaboration between Rio Tinto, Indigital and Cape York Traditional Owners is using a combination of emerging technology and cultural knowledge to protect and restore Country and advance sustainable mining practices.
Former PM locked in to take seat at symposium
By LYNDON KEANE
BRINGING a former prime minister to Weipa to play a part in strategising about the region’s economic growth and sustainability was a “no brainer”, according to the boss of one of the companies aiming to transform Cape York into a space hub.
As planning for the 2025 Western Cape Futures Symposium continues, former PM Scott Morrison has been confirmed as a delegate and will be flying the flag for Space Centre Australia (SCA) in his new role as its nonexecutive board chairman.
SCA chief executive officer James Palmer told Cape York Weekly he and Mr Morrison would be front and centre at the 7-8 May event as elected leaders, business owners and other key stakeholders seek to plot a long-term path to prosperity for Weipa and western Cape York.
“We’ve both got a very genuine interest in being up there and continuing on with getting integrated with the communities. I walked this past him a few months back now and it was really a no brainer; he was really quite keen on attending – hopefully, it will help with really amplifying it and getting it the attention it deserves,” he said.
Jaime Gane said organisers had welcomed the news Mr Morrison would be among attendees at the symposium, and agreed with Mr Palmer’s assessment of the impact it would have on the event’s profile.
“Having a former prime minister on the guest list definitely raises the profile of the event, and it will hopefully help to draw the attention of government,” she said.
“If the State Government are serious about their commitment to ‘a prosperous future for our regional communities’, we should see good representation from them at the symposium.
“This is the only event of its
kind in the region, and it boasts unprecedented collaboration between all of the key stakeholder groups, with a focus on economic opportunities and the sustainability of our communities.”
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last is also a confirmed attendee.
Minister Last said he recognised the role economic diversification would play in western Cape York’s future.
“The Crisafulli government recognises the significant contribution that western Cape communities deliver to Queensland’s economy, particularly through bauxite mining,” he said.
“Weipa has a strong future ahead, thanks to its skilled workforce and strong global demand for its resources. At the same time, we welcome conversations about broader economic development and diversification, and I am committed to ensuring regions like the western Cape are an attractive place for private investment.”
Mr Palmer said he believed the symposium would reinforce the region’s “strategic importance” and said genuine economic opportunities beyond the resources sector would be required to play a role in Weipa’s eventual normalisation.
“I think the Cape, that whole region, Weipa north and south, has a lot of real strategic importance in a lot of industry areas, and I think there needs to be a critical mass up that way,” he said.
“Not just what we’re doing with Space Centre Australia, but for the entire community – it will push the case for normalisation in Weipa.
“For us to be successful and to thrive, we really need to have strong and good capabilities within the entire community up that way, so we’re doing whatever we can to help promote that.”
Biosecurity concern as mussels found
WEIPA and Napranum residents are being asked to help protect one of their favourite places after an invasive and prohibited marine pest was found locally for the second time in less than six months.
Two Asian green mussels were discovered on a cyclone mooring in Weipa last month during surveillance efforts which began when three of the pest species were found on a vessel that sailed from the township last September.
Biosecurity Queensland is working with a range of stakeholders to determine whether the Asian green mussel is established in Weipa or if there is a risk of estab-
lishment, and is asking residents to report any potential sightings immediately.
“Early detection will increase the potential for eradication if numbers are small and limited to a small area,” a Biosecurity Queensland spokesperson said.
“Surveillance activities will continue in early 2025 following the predicted spawning period, which generally occurs during the wet season.
“Activities include settlement plate and vessel inspections, underwater inspections of wharves, pylons and moorings, using remotely operated vehicles and the collection of water samples for eDNA analysis.”
The spokesperson explained Asian green mussels could be introduced as biofouling on boat hulls, in ship ballast water, through internal seawater systems of vessels, or on equipment.
“They can outcompete native species, spreading rapidly where local predators are limited, and have economic impacts. The presence of an invasive marine pest can also lead to vessel movement restrictions, which can impact shipping operations,” they said.
If you think you have seen Asian green mussels, report it immediately to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
NEWS IN BRIEF
$30b ag blueprint
THE State Government has announced it will work closely with primary producers, industry and regional communities as it attempts to develop a 25-year blueprint that will help boost Queensland’s agricultural sector to $30 billion by 2030.
The plan will set the strategic vision for the ambitious economic goal, and be complemented by five-year operational plans tailored to meet regional and sector needs. The development of the plan comes as Cape York awaits the outcome of a review into the promised reopening of a biosecurity facility in the region.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the government wanted to be “a trusted advisor to industry, not an inhibitor”.
A four-month consultation process will start with a full-day forum in Brisbane on 26 February, with the blueprint to be released next financial year.
Facilities ready for wet
CAPE York and Torres Strait health facilities are well prepared for any potential cyclone or other severe weather events in the region, according to the acting head of Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service’s disaster management arm.
Acting disaster management executive director Tony Coombs said with the wet season now here, preparations had started months ago to ensure facilities were ready.
“Whether it’s a cyclone, such as Cyclone Jasper in late 2023, floods, bushfire, or prolonged power outages, our region has seen it all,” he said.
“On a personal level, people need to have an emergency kit ready; just in case they have to evacuate; you should also ensure you have enough medicines, including prescription medicines, to last you a week or so.
“All-in-all, all our health facilities are as prepared as they possibly can be.’’
Greens pitch $10b plan
CAPE York and Torres Strait families will receive a “truly free” public school education for their children if the Greens have their way and hold the balance of power in Canberra following this year’s federal election.
Green leaders Adam Bandt announced the $10 billion plan on 22 January, which would include an annual $800 payment to families at the start of the school year for each child attending a public school, as well as additional funding for public schools to eliminate fees.
Weipa Town Authority Chair
Space Centre Australia boss James Palmer and former prime minister
Scott Morrison will be in Weipa for the 2025 Western Cape Futures Symposium on 7-8 May.
Hardware offering added to new CEQ Bamaga store
PEOPLE power has prevailed as Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) launched its expanded product range for its Community Home and Hardware (CHH) store in Bamaga on 30 January.
The store now includes a dedicated hardware section after some community members criticised the lack of options, including an absence of power tools and other items needed for do-it-yourself projects, following its official opening in November 2024
CEQ chief executive officer Michael Dykes said the decision to incorporate a hardware range in the Northern Peninsula Area store highlighted the organisation’s ongoing focus on serving the needs of the communities it operates in.
“We’re proud that our team have responded to community feedback by introducing a basic hardware range at our Bamaga store within weeks of receiving the request,” he said.
“This addition not only enhances the shopping experience for locals and surrounding remote communities, but responding to customer feedback also aligns with our vision.
“We know how important access to hardware is for supporting local projects and trades.”
Designed as a new concept
store, CHH offers a wide range of products, including furniture, whitegoods, outdoor and sporting equipment.
Mr Dykes said six new local jobs had been created with the opening of CHH, adding the store was part of a strategy to “redefine retail” in the northernmost part of Queensland.
“We are proud to support local trades and businesses, whether that’s through creating jobs, sourcing products, or ensuring they have the tools and materials they need to succeed,” Mr Dykes said.
Are you an employer in a remote community or want to become one?
You can apply for a grant to create new jobs in your community, through the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program.
This is the first stage in replacing the Community Development Program (CDP).
Grants will support eligible employers to hire local people in new jobs by funding wages and equipment.
To apply or find out more –visit www.niaa.gov.au/remote-jobs call 1800 079 098 or visit your local NIAA office.
$75k win for Cape York group
YUKU Baja Muliku Landowner and Reserves (YBMLR) will use a $75,000 grant to track climate change by monitoring bicultural indicators in Cape York.
The grant is one of 27 totalling $685,242 awarded by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) designed to empower regional and remote communities to adopt practices and solutions to reduce emissions and address the impacts of climate change.
YBMLR will invest its funding windfall in enabling Indigenous rangers to establish baseline biocultural indicators for fauna and flora to support climate adaptation decision making to care for land and sea Country.
FRRR’s Sarah Matthee said the grants were about allowing local organisations to lead local climate change action.
“Local NFPs and community organisations want to play a bigger role in creating sustainable and enduring climate solutions for their communities,” she said.
“This program responds to that need, which is why it continues to attract more and more applications; the intent is to empower and enable communities to lead change, by innovating and responding to local opportunities and challenges.”
Zechariah Saunders and Petrie Tugai check out the hardware products now available at the Bamaga Community Home and Hardware store following a request from shoppers for an expanded offering.
Community Home and Hardware staff are more than a little excited with the store’s expanded range of hardware for Northern Peninsula Area shoppers.
New jam room helps with healing
By CHISA HASEGAWA
THE launch of a new music room in Wujal Wujal is bringing the groove back into community as residents continue to heal from the trauma left by Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
The Baja Baja Youth Centre unveiled its jam room on 27 January as part of the Kuku Balkal Kaykayanda (Giving Words to All the Children) project, which started last year to foster resilience and
promote healing through creative engagement.
The jam room will be available for community youth to express themselves artistically in a weekly jam session facilitated by Degarra musician Jesse Faber.
Cape York Weekly spoke to Mr Faber before the launch about how he hoped the project would help young people in the recovery.
“I think music and the arts are the backbone of culture, and I think what it does is it gives them
a strong sense of community, and it can make people proud of where they live,” he said.
“A connected community is a resilient community, and I think that connection also gives people hope.
“I’ve worked in the arts for 30 years, and through any kind of disaster, one thing that I’ve seen is that the thing that builds resilience in a community is the arts, and no matter how bad a disaster is, everyone wants to get together and be
entertained, and it helps you bond and move beyond the trauma.”
The jam room was made possible by the Creative Recovery Network Tropical North partnership, including the Regional Arts Services Network (RASN), and it is one of several creative activities across Cape York to bring life back into communities after one of the worst flooding events on record.
RASN regional arts officer Waratah Nicholls said a key aspect of the Kuku Balkal Kaykayanda
project was its long-term approach.
“This is actually the science behind it; that it takes three years to get over going through a traumatic event like the flooding, so we want to support our young people with activities, creativity, and engaging their imagination for that period of time,” she said.
“It’s really about getting some activities for the youth, getting them engaged and doing things together that are really positive and creative.”
Degarra musician Jesse Faber (right) says he hopes his jam sessions will help young people still recovering after Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
Back to School 2025
Tilly Seibel. Maya Walker. Quinn Small.
Francesca Ford. Ocean Brooks. Hunter Smith. Riley Jones on his first day of school at St Joseph’s in Weipa.
Sidney Greaves. Shennae Mitchell. Mack Grayson. Shyloh Harrison. Maia Hetaraka. Norah Hillhouse.
Sofia Martin. Lily Webber. Raemy Lemon. Noah Hook.
Titan Bowen-Friday.
Jemima Jenyns. Bella Brits.
Oliver Horsfield.
Back to School 2025
Students return to class on Cape
WE’RE pleased to report there were more smiles than tears when students of all ages returned to the classroom for the 2025 school year across Cape York last week.
Thank you to parents and teachers for sharing their first-day snaps from Weipa and Cooktown – how many familiar faces can you spot?
We’re still investigating, but there are multiple unconfirmed rumours about champagne corks popping in unison across the Cape once the first school bell of the year sounded last Tuesday.
Just 59 days until holidays!
Cooktown State School’s Evie Bourne on her first day of school.
Western Cape College’s Olive Robins and Corbin Braun prepare for year 4.
Shayla Dolan.
Tash Tapper was just as excited to be in the classroom for the first time as her St Joseph’s Parish School prep students. Oliver King.
The Tongia brothers get set to tackle school life in Weipa. Rubi Woods at St Joseph’s Weipa.
It may not be prep, but can you pick a certain Cape York editor in his preschool photo from the mid-1980s?
Tough topics must be on the table
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
WHETHER you agree with his politics or not, it’s tough to argue the presence of former prime minister Scott Morrison won’t lift the profile of the 2025 Western Cape Futures Symposium when delegates sit around the table in May.
Having our 30th PM in Weipa for the two-day event is an early win for the organisers working tirelessly behind the scenes to get as much government clout to the region as possible as community leaders, business operators and other key stakeholders attempt to plot a path to long-term prosperity for western Cape York.
While it’s easy for those down south to write Weipa off as a mining town that brings nothing to the table other than bauxite-rich earth, the reality is western Cape York is on the fringe of becoming a diverse economic powerhouse for reasons that have zero to do with resources.
The catch-22 is that because so many of our political leaders in Canberra and Brisbane view western Cape York as little more than a royalty gravy train, there’s a real risk the main hurdles preventing us from unlocking that economic potential could be ignored by policymakers unless delegates ensure they are subject to frank and fearless discussion at the symposium.
Depending on the season, the first hurdle is either dusty, corrugated, a bog hole or under a couple of metres of water. I’m talking, of course, about our road infrastructure, including the embarrassment that is the Myall Creek bridge. The symposium will be a perfect opportunity to load government representatives into a convoy of vehicles and take them to the bridge to provide them with a first-hand look at why we keep crying out for it to be replaced.
Hurdle number two is the perennial elephant in the room eve-
ryone acknowledges is there, but refuses to make direct eye contact with – normalisation. Despite what the State Government and Rio Tinto may say publicly, the truth is both parties are pretty content to maintain the status quo at the moment, a situation unlikely to shift in the short term unless pressure is applied. The mining giant is currently free to run its own race, and Brisbane cringes at the idea of having to take on the responsibility and costs associated with what would officially be Queensland’s 78th council.
It’s no secret western Cape York is an incredible place to work and play. The lifestyle and landscape are what attract so many people to call it home, but the third hurdle is the most critical to the long-term social and economic sustainability of the region – how do you keep a community together when the mining money is gone? It’s not a pessimistic assessment. While people may assert Weipa will be their forever home, what happens when the resources and six-figure incomes dry up? Will those who have only ever known bumper monthly pay-
cheques hang around for the lifestyle and landscape if they have to find another job that pays half – or less – of their previous hi-vis existence? History would say no, which is why economic diversification and exploiting every opportunity involving new industry must be the mantra for everyone who walks through the doors of the symposium in three months.
As I said about five paragraphs ago, the Weipa region is on the doorstep of unlocking some tremendous economic opportunities to complement those already in play. We’ve got two companies vying to make our backyard a leader in the race to send things into space, stakeholders mooting a freight hub with the potential to service Cape York and the Torres Strait, and RAAF Base Scherger, which looks like it’s set to receive an injection of federal defence money over the next few years.
Throw in our existing industrial, retail, service and tourism business operators, and it’s evident there’s capacity to transform the western Cape into a thriving region not reliant on resources.
We definitely have a bright future ahead of us, but for it to become a reality, we can’t allow the spotlight not to shine on the taboo topics and pachyderms hiding awkwardly in the corner when our elected, business and community leaders don their symposium lanyards later this year.
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Don’t wait – kickstart your plans
If government stakeholders at the 2025 Western Cape Futures Symposium are serious about talking economic and social prosperity for the region, the seemingly taboo topic of the Myall Creek bridge absolutely has to be on the agenda, says editor Lyndon Keane.
Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page
the blank cells using numbers from
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.
The Western Cape Communities Co-Existence Agreement (WCCCA) is an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) over the Rio Tinto mining lease areas of the Western Cape York region of Northern Queensland. The Agreement is between the eleven Traditional Owner Groups, four Shire Councils (Aurukun, Napranum, Mapoon and New Mapoon), Rio Tinto, the Queensland State Government and the Cape York Land Council on behalf of the Native Title Parties.
The Western Cape Communities Coordinating Committee (WCCCC) and its five Sub-Committees transparently monitor, implement and review the objectives of the WCCCA to ensure that all parties’ obligations under the Agreement are met. The WCCT office is the administration arm for all Trusts and the WCCCC. It manages the overall business of the company, including servicing, assisting and supporting the above entities.
WCCT is committed to providing high quality services to our Traditional Owners, and we recognize the importance of employing the most suitable candidates. Currently we are seeking applications for the position of:
OFFICE MANAGER
Reporting to the Executive Officer, the Office Manager is responsible for the efficient and effective functioning of the WCCT Office in order to meet organisational objectives. This includes demonstrating appropriate and professional workplace behaviours, performing their responsibilities in a manner which reflects and responds to continuous improvement, managing Administration staff, managing IT and communications systems and other office equipment, and providing support to the Executive Officer. The Office Manager is also responsible for the coordination and planning of all WCCT, WCCCC, Sub-Regional Trusts and Sub-Committees meetings scheduled throughout the year.
We anticipate the applicants will have completed a formal training in Business Administration or a similar field and have experience in a similar role where they have been responsible for the efficient and effective functioning of an office, managing administration staff, document control, managing IT and communications systems as well as compliance with organisation policies and procedures and workplace health and safety regulations. A current C class driver’s license is also required for this role.
Prior experience with MYOB, centralized database, and a sound knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island protocols are highly desired.
Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.
For further information, including a position description please contact the Executive Officer directly.
All applications should be clearly marked “Private and Confidential” and addressed as follows:
Executive Officer PO Box 106 Weipa, QLD, 4874 Phone: (07) 4069 7945
Email: eo@westerncape.com.au
CLOSING DATE – FRIDAY 14th FEBRUARY 2025
The Western Cape Communities Co-Existence Agreement (WCCCA) is an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) over the Rio Tinto mining lease areas of the Western Cape York region of Northern Queensland. The Agreement is between the eleven Traditional Owner Groups, four Shire Councils (Aurukun, Napranum, Mapoon and New Mapoon), Rio Tinto, the Queensland State Government and the Cape York Land Council on behalf of the Native Title Parties.
The Western Cape Communities Coordinating Committee (WCCCC) and its five Sub-Committees transparently monitor, implement and review the objectives of the WCCCA to ensure that all parties’ obligations under the Agreement are met. The WCCT office is the administration arm for all Trusts and the WCCCC. It manages the overall business of the company, including servicing, assisting and supporting the above entities.
WCCT is committed to providing high quality services to our Traditional Owners, and we recognize the importance of employing the most suitable candidates. Currently we are seeking applications for the position of:
IMPLEMENTATION OFFICER
Reporting to the Implementation Manager, the Implementation Officer is responsible for assisting in the monitoring and implementation of the WCCCA, with a focus on key areas such as employment and training, environmental and cultural heritage management, mine closure, and land management. In this role, the Implementation Officer will play a crucial part in ensuring the active participation of Aboriginal communities in the key areas. This position involves conducting regular reporting, collecting data, and performing administrative tasks to support the efficient execution of the WCCCA objectives.
We anticipate that applicants will have;
• Minimum Year 12 education
• C Class Driver License
• Knowledge and experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, society and culture and an understanding of relevant issues preferably in relation to the WCCCA region.
• Ability and willingness to travel to and work in remote communities.
• Experience or background in Education or Environment Science would be desirable (tertiary qualifications are highly regarded but not essential).
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to build and maintain trust and positive relationships with community members and stakeholders.
Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia. For further information, including a position description please contact the Executive Officer directly.
All applications should be clearly marked “Private and Confidential” and addressed as follows: Executive Officer PO Box 106
Weipa, QLD, 4874 Phone: (07) 4069 7945
Email: eo@westerncape.com.au
CLOSING DATE – FRIDAY 14th FEBRUARY 2025
Andrews takes win in humid conditions
IT was a case of nine holes, 11 players, six prizes and three winners when Dawnbusters went head to head in Weipa on 2 February. Hot and humid conditions tested the small field around the Carpentaria Golf Club course, with Scott Andrews returning to the clubhouse with a gross 44 to secure a nar-
row win with his nett 18 result. Dawnbusters journeyman Dave Sands went close to upsetting the Andrews apple cart, but had to settle for bridesmaid honours with 56 off the stick for a nett 19.
Proving they don’t share well, Andrews also claimed the pin prize, with Sands taking
home the men’s long drive prize. Beth Dall also bagged two gongs – the women’s long drive and the coveted Hoffman’s crown.
The Dawnbusters crew will tackle the front nine on 9 February, with new players welcome to join the fun as golfers tee off from about 6:45am.
Weipa’s ready to rumble with second Fight Night
By LYNDON KEANE
WESTERN Cape York’s upand-coming boxers will have a chance to experience life inside the ring on their own doorstep as Weipa Fight Night 2.0 prepares to return on 19 July.
After more than 800 people turned out to witness remote amateur boxing at its best in 2023, Cape York Weipa Boxing founder and coach Scott Wallace said he could not wait for the event to make its long-awaited comeback this year.
“The town’s talking about it already, just from one [social media] post,” he said.
“People are making contact with me saying they want to help, and businesses are jumping on board; any day now, we hope we’re going to be able to announce a naming rights sponsor and it’s all going to steamroll from there.”
As boxing goes from strength to strength in the region, Mr Wallace said Fight Night 2.0 would provide competitors new to the sport with an opportunity
to debut in the ring without the pressure of having to travel to an event in a bigger town or city.
“To put a fight night on in Weipa, it gives those shyer kids, and those kids who maybe aren’t quite there yet, a chance to have an exhibition fight at home to give them that confidence,” he said.
“It takes that pressure away from having to have your first fight after you’ve travelled somewhere for a bout.”
Sixteen fights were held on the first Fight Night and Mr Wal-
lace said he was hoping to improve on that in 2025.
“Me, being a dreamer, I’m going for 18 or 20 fights and exhibitions,” he said.
With the bill coming in at $25,000 to put on the inaugural Fight Night, Mr Wallace said the club was putting a shout out for sponsors to help lessen the financial load.
Businesses or community members interested in sponsorship or helping out behind the scenes for the event can call 0407 698 560.
SPORT IN BRIEF
Powell powers to victory
INTERMITTENT rain did not quash Darren Powell’s thirst for success when players contested the Sovereign Resort February Monthly Medal at Cooktown on Saturday. Powell mopped up the field with a nett 67, three strokes clear of runner-up Steve Butler, with Sam Godfrey-Roberts taking third spot with nett 68.
Nearest to the pin gongs went to Cam Venables (2/11) and Godfrey-Roberts (14 and 9/18). In the 10th anniversary Race to the Bay, Jamie Dobson leads the field on 720 points, with Graham Burton and Powell rounding out the top three on 660 points each.
Players will contest a fourball best ball from the red tees on 8 February.
Napranum volleyball fun
THOSE with a wicked bump or spike are being urged to take part in PCYC Napranum’s six-on-six volleyball competition as it starts this month.
Practice nights will be held on 4, 6, 11 and 13 February, with the six-week competition commencing each Thursday night from 20 February, from 6-8pm.
A community barbecue will be held to celebrate the finals on 27 March.
To register for the competition, call or text 0486 033 276.
Wackers win for Lucas
WEDNESDAY Wackers finally received some clear sky when they teed off on the at Carpentaria Golf Club last week.
Jim Lucas carded a solid 44 off the stick to record a nett 29.5 and victory, with Richard Dawe (45/32) the runner-up.
Nearest to the pin bragging rights went missing on the 15th, while Scott Andrews had his short clubs dialled in on the 18th. Jake Smith was the Bradman’s winner.
Weipa BMX AGM
THE Weipa BMX Club is calling for community help to allow its 2025 season to go ahead as it prepares to hold its annual general meeting on 12 February. The meeting will be held at the Weipa Bowls Club at 6pm, with all committee positions needing to be filled in order for junior riders to continue racing this year.
Visit the club Facebook page for details.
After more than 800 boxing fans turned out for the inaugural event in 2023, Weipa Fight Night 2.0 is expected to draw an even bigger crowd when it returns to western Cape York on 19 July.
My
THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION
Thank you for being able to manipulate your way through the positives and negatives that the recent buyer put you through before buying this property . . . can I thank you for your dedication in ensuring the transaction completed against the odds.
It was only because of your tenacity and professional determination that you were able to bring about a comparatively pleasing result.
Brian
Working with Deb was a great experience! She was extremely helpful, efficient, and knowledgeable throughout the
process. Her resourcefulness made navigating the details much easier, and she provided clear guidance when needed. I appreciated her professionalism and would gladly recommend her services to others.
Dr Avril Howard