2020 June 4 Newspaper Edition

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Lives on hold

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“We would prefer to face the future with our family, we need to settle and move closer.

Time is important to us and our families; surely Mayfair can respect that and move to settle the sale of our property.”

See full story Page 3 IS THE TIDE TURNING FOR MISSION BEACH AQUATIC CENTRE

PAGE 5

INDIVIDUAL FARM REPORTS

PAGE 15

GILBERT TO DEBUT FOR COWBOYS

PAGE 17

COMMUNITY NEWS

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For all inquires and information please contact our office:

To locate our Freelance Journalist for your region, please call:

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Sharon Andrews: 0473 350 465 or (07) 4068 0088

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Or email: info@ccin.com.au Mail: PO Box 1100 TULLY QLD 4854 *Let us know about events in your local area. Many of our best stories come from residents popping in and asking, “Did you know...” You can speak to us in complete confidence. Don’t be shy.

Office Address: 72 Butler Street TULLY QLD 4854 Owner/Editor: Sari Hyytinen

RAINFALL IS CALULATED IN MM

REGION RAINFALL May/June 2020

Rainfall Tully (YTD 2161.5mm) S

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S

3

4

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6 31.5

7 10.0

8 9.5

9 15.0

10 0.5

11

12 4.5

13 15.0

14 15.0

15 17.0

16 4.0

17 15.0 24 16.0

18 20.0 25 0.1

19 61.0 26

20 21 22 174.5 157.0 1.0 27 28 29

23 33.0 30

31 5.0

1 16.5

2 1.0

3

6

1.0mm

4

5

Rainfall Cardwell (YTD 1351.9mm) S

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Rainfall Innisfail (YTD 1951.6mm)

DATE CLAIMER!

M

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S

M

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3

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6 4.0

7 4.0

8 5.0

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6 35.8

7 21.2

8 4.8

9 4.2

June 2020

10 1.4

11

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13 1.0

14 12.0

15

16

10 0.4

11 0.2

12 1.6

13 15.4

14 10.2

15 11.8

16 3.0

27 -Debutantes Ball

17 10.0

18 0.4

19 5.5

20 28.0

21 119.0

22 0.4

23

17 8.8

18 19.0

19 66.0

20 70.0

21 22 133.8 1.8

23 26.0

24 32.0

25

26

27

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30

24 18.8

25

26

27

28

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31 3.0

1 0.4

2

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31

1 4.6

2 0.4

3 0.5

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6

0.2mm

Sheba is 1 year old kelpie X . loves at-

SUGAR cane grower Sam Spina says using less fertiliser has led to financial and environmental wins almost as sweet as his crop.

The third-generation cane grower, who farms with his brother Michael, has made changes ranging from planting fallow crops and varying fertiliser application rates across paddocks to laser-levelling cane land and installing spoon drains.

As a result, the pair have reduced the farm’s nitrogen or fertiliser use from 160 to 124kg per hectare – and their fertiliser costs by 20 per cent.

Mr Spina started planting bean fallow crops two years ago with the help of a new tractor partly financed through a Reef Trust IV tender program delivered by the Wet Tropics Sugar Industry Partnership through funding from the Australian Government.

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October 2020

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Less fertiliser brings rewards for Spina family

“As a small farm we couldn’t have afforded it otherwise,’’ he said. “We re-plant cane on four to five hectares and plant beans on the same number of hectares each season to increase the nitrogen in our soil in a more natural way.”

He said an all-of-farm nutrient management plan, which was developed by a Wet Tropics Sugar Industry Partnership extension officer last year as part of a free service to growers, had also helped.

“We had a really good look at the soil tests and matched the fertiliser blend to those tests,’’ Mr Spina said. “We changed fertiliser and reduced it, and experienced no productivity losses. We’re still up around 90 tonnes (of cane) per hectare, depending on the weather and the season.

“We saw in the soil tests that some paddocks needed more super phosphate in the ratoons so we also changed that. Our fertiliser box is on GPS now so we can automatically adjust the rate as we go.”

The family’s Innisfail farm is about 1.5km from the Johnstone River and 8km from the ocean. They have laser-levelled their land and re-shaped deep drains into grassed spoon drains.

“Laser levelling helps to produce a more even crop and it’s also helping with water quality,’’ he said. “With the

Page 2 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, June 4, 2020

Fair Tully Country Club

grassed headlands and drains as well, when the water runs off the paddock it moves slowly and goes into the spoon drains first so any sediment can settle.”

He said changes that began as cost-saving initiatives had become much more.

“Over the years cane growers have become a lot more aware environmentally – we’re grassing our headlands, trash-blanketing, applying fertiliser underground, getting water samples... If there is fertiliser coming off our paddocks, we want to know about it so we can fix it.”

Mr Spina is one of 39 Wet Tropics growers to receive tenders to reduce fertiliser use on their farms. Wet Tropics Sugar Industry Partnership Chair Joe Marano said one the main benefits of the tender system was that growers could choose the practice changes they believed would be most effective on their farm.

“They’ve been trialling a range of different ways to reduce nitrogen - from using controlled-release fertilisers or applying mill mud to growing legumes as a source of nitrogen and buying specialised equipment,’’ Mr Marano said.

“These growers have been able to reduce their use of nitrogen fertiliser without affecting their yields - a good result for profitability and for water quality.”

Lives on hold Happier times, Margie and Chris Lower at Paronella Park

Peter McCullagh

IN late 2019, life started to look a little more promising for Mission Beach couple, Margie and Chris Lower.

Margie was already under treatment for stage four bowel cancer, and the opportunity to sell their Mission Beach fisherman’s cottage to Mayfair 101 and relocate closer to family in Brisbane became their future.

Plans soon changed, and now both Margie and Chris face a very uncertain future and their lives are totally on hold, with plans at the mercy of an investment company, and no real idea what tomorrow or next week has instore for them.

In September 2019 both Margie and Chris agreed to sell their property to Mayfair 101, with settlement planned for mid-March.

It all looked and sounded idyllic, it had been a tough 12 months with 2 major operations, chemo hospitalization with complications, and the chance to sell and move south closer to family and receive much needed medical treatment, was our new future commented Margie Lower.

Plans quickly progressed for the couple, decluttering their cottage, a few garage sales, combined with gifting some processions to friends, all designed to make the packing easier to reduce the cost of the relocation.

“We both love Mission Beach, we chose to retire here, but we both felt it was necessary to move, the cancer treat-

ment also was the reason for the decision to sell.

‘We packed what we did not sell, shipped it off to the Sunshine Coast and started with the exit clean, all in readiness for settlement.

“Late on the day before settlement was due we were contacted by our conveyancer and advised that Mayfair were exercising their ‘force majeure’ clause as they were unable to meet their obligation.

“We sought additional information and clarification, but really at the moment we are no wiser, and no idea when or even if the sale will proceed.

“Our lives are totally on hold and it’s not what we need at this time.

“We are also very mindful that we are not the only ones facing a very uncertain future. There are plenty of others here in Mission Beach with settlements pending indefinitely. Chris and I have been supported by so many wonderful people here, without their support and kindness, I don’t know how we would have gotten on.”

The couple needed to sell their property to move closer to treatment and family as well as pay for the immunotherapy course of treatment that Margie now requires.

Mayfair embarked on a massive real estate buying spree throughout Mission Beach, signing contracts on over 230 homes, businesses and vacant land. The spree buoyed the local market and created a high level of optimism as well as a great deal of skepticism from some locals.

Since signing these real estate con-

tracts the Mayfair group of companies has also signed for the management rights to Dunk Island Spit as well as the purchase of the freehold to Dunk Island.

Cracks started to appear earlier this year, when settlement on contracts were delayed repeatedly, along with legal action against some Mayfair companies by the ASIC, and more recently the announcement that 12 companies under the Mayfair umbrella were placed in receivership.

In recent months the Lowers’ real estate agent have sent several letters directly to Mayfair 101s founder, James Mawhinney pleading for a settlement on compassionate grounds. Mayfair responded on May 6 saying the situation was “at the forefront of our minds” and Mawhinney was personally aware of the plight of the Lowers’, however to this date nothing further has happened to give certainty as to when settlement can occur, or even if it will.

Force majeure is a clause within contracts that protects the purchaser from external market events beyond their control. However the indefinite delay to the settlement robs the couple of one of the few precious things remaining for both of them.

“When I had my diagnosis and operations we decided we needed to sell whist I was well enough to cope with and organise the move. The sale was to free up the money we required for our future together. We needed funds for the pending immunotherapy treatment.”

There’s not much more the couple can do. They are currently living in their property, albeit rather bare of furnishings and touches. They have a contract for the sale of their property that could perhaps never be honored and a medical condition that requires ongoing treatment.

We would prefer to face the future with our family, we need to settle and move closer. Time is important to us and our families; surely Mayfair can respect that and move to settle the sale of our property.”

Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, June 4, 2020 Page 3

COMMUNITY NEWS

INTERNATIONAL Men's Health Week runs from the 15 to the 21 of June and is an important opportunity to highlight men's health and what it means to be healthy.

The theme for 2020 is “Men and Families – Working Together for Men’s Health”. This year Men’s Health week is working together as individuals, families, cultures and communities to improve the health of men and boys.

Why is Australian male health so in need of attention?

More males die at every stage of life. More males have accidents, more males take their own lives and more males suffer from lifestyle-related health conditions than females at the same age.

According to Men’s Health Week website: • 6 of the 8 suicides that occur every day in Australia are Men. • Unemployed Men are 5 times more like to suicide than unemployed Females.

• 1 in 5 Men will experience anxiety.

• 1 in 8 Men will experience depression.

• Men will live the last 11 years of their lives in poorer health.

• On average Men die 5 years earlier, and • Are also 3 times more likely to die of skin cancer, liver disease or lung cancer.

Simple Changes However, there are simple changes Men can make to improve their physical and mental health: • Walking 30 minutes a day reduces your risk of heart disease by 25%.

• Sleeping 7-8 hours a night reduces their risk of a fatal heart attack by 60%.

• Being active reduces your risk of depression by 60%.

• Drinking less than 10 alcohol drinks a week have your risk of

Type 2 Diabetes.

• Eat a healthy balanced diet.

We are all busy and it is a common excuse Men have to not make changes. But being healthy doesn’t have to be a chore and it doesn’t have to take precious time. Eat less, move more, choose healthier options and enjoy your life!

Stretch your arms catching a fishing, bowl some leggies to kids (or your mates), mow the lawn, walk the dog, dance with your partner; its not hard and it will improve your life and your relationships.

WAIT – yes work can be exercise. But it does not always have a good impact on our mental health and our relationships.

Start the conversation Men are stubborn creatures, to say the least. We are slow to take preventative measures and don’t go to the doctor. Unfortunately eating healthy and exercise seem to still be things to be made fun of, while drinking to excess and a ‘beer gut’ is a badge of honour, to be worn proudly and even boasted about!

The reality is if we spent half the time maintaining ourselves as we do our utes, fishing gear and sheds, there would be no problem.

Considering most Men’s health issues and diseases are preventable by simple lifestyle changes isn’t it time to start that conversation and make those changes?

Men’s Health Week is the time and the opportunity to make changes where they are needed but also to share in the good things that are happening.

Please start those conversations with the men and boys in your life, for more information on Men’s Health week go to; www.menshealthweek.org.au The Tully Support Centre is funded by the Queensland Government and services communities throughout the Cassowary Coast.

The Tully Support Centre is located at 54 Bryant Street in Tully, opening hours Monday to Thursday from 9am to 1pm & 2pm to 4pm.

To register your interest or more info about groups and other services please call 40 681 004, check the Tully Support Centre online at www.tullysupportcentre.com.au or follow us on facebook “Tully Support Centre Inc.”

Community In-Briefs Mission Beach Markets to resume

Mission Beach Markets to recommence on June 7. All stall holders will need hand sanitiser for themselves and customers.

COVID-19 safe distancing will need to be practiced and signs advising people to keep 1.5metres apart will be displayed.

All enquiries can be made to 4068 7220 during business hours.

Event Training Course

Cassowary Coast residents are eligible to enrol in a free online volunteer and events training course delivered by TAFE Queensland designed to boost the skill of volunteers in the events sector and support the recovery of tourism in the region.

The program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

All residents of the Cassowary Coast are eligible to enrol at https:// vetp.tafeqld.edu.au/program/8/cassowary-coast.

Calling for apprentices

Hastings Deering will open applications for its 2021 apprenticeship intake on Monday, June 8, offering 40 new positions.

Trade training is on offer across nine Hastings Deering workshops including Brisbane, Toowoomba, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville, Cairns, Mount Isa, Darwin and Alice Springs.

Hastings Deering general manager- people and external affairs Vincent Cosgrove said the company was keen to increase applications from regional areas with clear focus again on improving flexibility and inclusion within its workforce.

Applications close midnight July 5.

For more information and to apply visit www.hastingsdeering.com. au/our-business/working-with-us/apprenticeships

Regional housing needs Federal focus

Innisfail ends Domestic Violence Prevention Month with a virtual crowd at the riverfront LOCAL police and partner agencies in the far north used the month of May to raise awareness of domestic and family violence throughout the community.

While COVD-19 restricted face-to-face events, our members got creative with innovative ways to engage the community.

Innisfail Domestic and Family Violence Co-ordinator Acting Sergeant Tim Mahoney, together with partner agencies on the Cassowary Coast including the Innisfail Youth and Family Care Centre joined in a virtual Not Now, Not Ever event to help raise community awareness of domestic violence.

Virtual crowd standing up against domestic and family violence at the Innisfail riverfront on Saturday.

“COVID-19 made us think outside the box so it was decided that we’d work together and encourage members of the community to use paper silhouette people to represent their stance against domestic and family violence,” Acting Sergeant Mahoney said.

“The event was the culmination of weeks engaging and communicating with more than 500 members of the public, promoting the ‘Not Now, Not Ever, Together’ message during DV month.

“Our team targeted shopping and business precincts, shared our information brochure and provided information about domestic and family violence and our support services available on the Cassowary Coast.

“On Saturday, May 30, our silhouette collection was on display along the Innisfail riverfront, raising much needed community awareness of domestic and family violence.”

If you or someone you know needs help, reach out and ask for support to break the cycle of domestic and family violence, anytime.

For further information about support agencies on the Cassowary Coast click here: DV Month Flyer For more information, you can visit:

• QPS domestic violence support • Governments Domestic and Family Violence Portal (www. qld.gov.au/domesticviolence) • DV Connect Womensline (1800 811 811) anytime – 24/7 • DV Connect Mensline (1800 600 636) from 9 am – 12 midnight 7 days a week • Cairns Regional and Domestic Violence Service (07 4033 6100) • Sexual Assault Helpline 1800 010 120, from 7.30 am -11.30 pm 7 days a week HOW TO REPORT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: • EMERGENCY CALL – Triple Zero ‘000’ • Policelink on 131444 any time – 24/7 • If the safest way for you to contact police is online or SMS, then use the online options • DOWNLOAD APPS to your phone: • Emergency Triple Zero App • Queensland Police Service Policelink App • IMPORTANT NOTE: Please provide police with as much information as possible as it will help us get you help quickly. Please give clear details about what is happening, tell us if there are weapons involved and any other information that will help the safety of you and your family and that of our officers. Thank you!

Stand up and be counted. Domestic and Family Violence will not be tolerated. Not now, not ever, together!

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

Page 4 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, June 4, 2020

HINCHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto has warned the Federal Government not to abandon regional Queensland’s housing market as speculation mounts over a new grants scheme.

Mr Dametto said it was imperative the Federal Government’s proposed housing stimulus package included grants to both purchase existing homes in regional areas and the ability to do renovations.

“Media speculation is mounting about what the government’s housing stimulus package will actually include, but if they are to have any chance of helping rural and regional Queensland work its way out of this economic slump, we need this grant to address the abundance of existing homes already available on the market,” he said.

“For years, Katter’s Australian Party has continuously called on the State Labor Government to expand their First Home Owner Grant to existing homes in rural and regional areas to the point where we tabled a Bill in parliament last year.”

Under the KAP’s First Home Owner Grant (Rural and Regional Areas) Amendment Bill 2019, first home owners would have the option of using the State’s $15,000 First Home Owners’ Grant to purchase or do renovations to an existing, detached home under $300,000 in rural and regional Queensland.

“Our Bill focused on boosting local economies, jobs and preventing a population drift away from those areas,” Mr Dametto said.

“Those I’ve spoken to in the real estate industry are very much behind this policy, as is the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, the Housing Industry Association and Townsville Enterprise. Now we need the Federal Government to come on board with their new scheme and I believe the State should match grant funding for Queensland applicants to ensure our population gets the maximum benefit out of this scheme.

“A broad-based scheme like this would make it easier for regional Queensland families to break into the housing market. The dream of home ownership should be attainable for all Queenslanders, no matter where you live. Katter’s Australian Party backs them all the way.”

COMMUNITY NEWS

Is the tide turning for Mission Beach Aquatic Centre?

IMOGEN KARS THE Mission Beach Aquatic Centre saga continues, with community response gaining traction and getting louder.

Cr Trudy took the issue to a council meeting on Thursday (May 28), where she moved that the CEO be instructed to have a report prepared exploring the implications of various models for the operation of the Mission Beach Aquatic Centre.

Cr Trudy is seeking to rectify three objectives: the re-opening of the pool amidst COVID-19, the extension of services into winter and appropriate shades, a necessity for safe and comfortable pool usage in the summer.

The decision was unanimous, with all members agreeing to action the report.

This report is set to include the times and duration of opening hours, as well as the operation of various components of the facility.

Cr Millwood also suggested that the community group do a user study to gain a deeper understanding of the value of the Aquatic Centre, but Ken Gray from Mission Beach Aquatic and Recreation Centre said previous studies conducted already tell the full story.

The community conducted 24 essential studies worth $121,000 in order to make the initial funding case compelling, with Council also estimating the Aquatic Centre’s usage in its Management and Operational Plan.

The study painted a picture of a community that truly benefits from an Aquatic Centre facility. It found 40,000 people would use the Mission Beach pool every year, compared to just 28,000 for Innisfail Aquatic Centre, 19,000 for Tully Pool and 5,600 for Cardwell Pool.

Prior to its closure for COVID-19, the MBAC was hosting up to 110 people per day, meaning the expert estimate was spot on.

Despite the setbacks, Ken Gray says the community is elated to see momentum with the issue.

“She’s done more in the last month to consult the community than the last guy did in four years.” Gray said.

He also noted that both he and Cr Trudy remain hopeful, which is a great sign for the community.

“I am optimistic we’ll get movement on some things, whether it be the shades or the re-opening or the staying open in winter. I am hopeful that Council will move in a positive way soon.” Gray said.

“When you look at the number of individuals who have come on and said they’re so disappointed it's not open, there’s just so many. There’s so many different posts (on Facebook) and letters and emails that have gone in. It’s not

just users, either. It’s people like Kim Favier from the Tully Medical Centre and Rob Harris who runs physiotherapy.” he said.

Cr Trudy said she recognises that the pool’s extended closure places a burden on the community’s health and wellness.

“It is evident from a recent meeting with affected stake-

holders, and from talking to people in the community, that some are missing the ability to exercise.” she said.

“I’m stopped constantly in the supermarket by many people who ask me ‘Trudy, when is the pool going to reopen?’”

With many locals feeling like ‘fish out of water’ amidst the fight for a functional pool, there are high hopes that the newly-elected Council will turn the tide on the issue.

Readers delighted at the return of Wongaling Library IMOGEN KARS IT’S been a solemn few months for Mission Beach bookworms, but as of this week, the Wongaling Beach Library is back in business. It reopened on Monday after closing in March due to COVID-19, pathing the way for the facility’s much-needed refurbishments.

During its closure, the library underwent stage one of its upgrades, in a move that was welcomed by the local community. The overall upgrade aims to improve services for community users, focusing on enhancing both internal and external facilities.

Aligning with COVID-19 restrictions, readers are asked to maintain social distancing practices and restrict inside access to ten patrons at any one time.

To reduce community risk, services are currently restricted to collecting and returning books only.

Despite the woes of this new socially-distancing era, the community welcomed the resumption of the Wongaling Beach Library with open arms as a giant step towards the return of ‘normality’.

"The Wongaling Beach Library is a well-used and loved space within the Mission Beach community and we are excited to see it enhanced." Councillor Tschui said.

Stage one saw the installation of a disability access ramp and new automatic doors, measures which are set to greatly improve the accessibility of the library.

Community feedback combined with mandated requirements were taken into consideration while designing the upgrade, with many local voices heard on the Library Community Survey last September.

"The Library Community Survey received a total of 137 responses with some very constructive suggestions for the refurbishment of the library." Cr Tschui said.

The refurbishment is set to be completed in multiple stages and will improve a myriad of functional facilities.

Parking, including disability parking, facilities will be revamped, existing spaces will be refurbished to make way for a larger children’s library, accessibility of restrooms will be improved and a community meeting room with 24/7 access will be implemented.

Locals also asked for improved access to computers and photocopiers, which Council is working to implement over the coming months. Prior to COVID-19, Council immediately actioned measures that work to create a more inclusive public space, including the reduction of printing and photocopying prices and extended opening hours.

Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, June 4, 2020 Page 5

COMMUNITY NEWS Sari Hyytinen CCIN Editor’s Column

We are expanding

BIO: OWNER/EDITOR of CCIN. Sari was born and raised in Tully. After she completed a Bachelor of Social Work in Townsville she moved to Sydney for ten years. Whilst in Sydney she worked in Youth homelessness at Youth Off The Streets and completed writing courses with the Sydney Writers Centre. Sari returned to FNQ and with the assistance of her father started CCIN. Ten weeks after starting CCIN she was involved in a very serious car accident; sustaining life-threatening injuries. She unable to work for a number of months and her family helped her through this period.

When she was well enough she returned to running the Newspaper while continuing to overcome her injuries; coping with a traumatic brain injury. She has been lucky to have supportive staff and a supportive community as she continues to go through a difficult time.

have relied on the Advocate for their local news its closure would be sad.

Here at CCIN we feel exited that Newscorp has now passed the torch on to us. We are a grassroots locally based media company and we will continue to report on local news for our area and will return to a printed copy with our local news being investigated by locally based reporters.

We look forward to passing on the exciting news of the official date of going back to print once it has been confirmed.

We also plan on extending our coverage to support more towns in the Wet Tropics area of FNQ. The Wet Tropics deserves strong locally based coverage to ensure that they have a voice.

Rural areas and city areas have completely different needs. Every area in I am sure you have all heard that Newscorp have reduced their publications the Wet Tropics has its own unique ecological, biological and scenic landscape in rural areas across Australia. For the Cassowary Coast community this has resulted in the Innisfail Advocate no longer being printed, nor will it be online. attributes, and every area deserves to have their story told and to have their The Advocate started in 1906 and for those members of the community that voices heard.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR For goodness sake, when will the bitching stop?

mune systems and the indigenous community.

SACK the last council, get rid of Gott, we get a new council and Mayor and social media starts to attack him.

Ingrid McCarthy

The mayor and deputy have a walk through the town with the Chamber of Commerce, reviewing the town and looking for what they need to do to make it better. So the business owners are telling council what they need.

Blow me down, out come the key board warriors attacking the Council and telling them they have it all wrong.

Come on guys, settle down, let Council get on with the job and leave them be.

It wasn’t just the keyboards warriors who voted them it, it was all of the region and let them do their job.

If you are still unhappy in 4 years’ time, vote them out, but until then let them get on with it.

M. Smith Innisfail

Please remember to be COVID safe.

RESTRICTIONS have lifted and it’s about time.

But please can we all be mindful and respectful.

Practice good hand hygiene, cover up when you cough, keep a respectful distance, 1.5 metres and download the app.

You may feel you are healthy but the most at risk are the elderly, those with compromised im-

Just because the restrictions are eased does not mean we can relax all precautions. I for one with an ageing mother who is not in the best health need to remain healthy for fear of passing it onto her and her fellow residents.

Please be COVID safe.

Innisfail

Come on Broncs COME on Tom Flegler. Give ‘em hell tonight.

Let’s see the Broncos dust up the chooks.

REMEMBER roses are red, violets and blue, the chooks are soft, aint that true.

Bluey Babinda

Well done CCIN THOUGHT I should take the time to email and thank everyone at the CCIN for producing a great newspaper every week.

Packed full of local stories as well as photos, I would be lost without my local newspaper.

Oh, and thanks to Maria in Innisfail for covering all the news. She bobs up everywhere. So glad she is covering the news in the town.

The only thing that would be better than the newspaper today is when you eventually come back as a printed paper. I do miss the paper in my hands, but well done, I read it on line every week.

Martha G

We are going back to a printed edition in the coming weeks. Please see my column at the top of this page.

Loading zones are for commercial vehicles not cars WHEN will council start to book motorists who park in loading zones in Innisfail. Loading zones are for commercial vehicles NOT cars, and I cannot get commercial parking when delivering to businesses in Innisfail If council enforced the regulations my life would be easier, and safer.

Come on council, book a few and word will get around and people will start obeying the parking regs.

Unhappy truckie Mission Beach

Slow Down and Cassowary aware PLEASE slow down on the El’Arish Mission Beach Road. Cassowaries regularly cross and we cannot afford any more deaths of our beautiful cassowaries.

Tourists love seeing these majestic birds, they are worth millions to the economy of the region.

Lets slow down and protect the cassowaries.

Innisfail.

LT Editor’s Reply:

Mission Beach

The views and comments made in letters to the editor are not necessarily the views and opinions of this paper. The Cassowary Coast Independent News reserves the right to cut content deemed as inappropriate, or not publish letters. Send your letters to: editor@ccin.com.au or text: 0473 350 465 Page 6 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, June 4, 2020

COMMUNITY NEWS

Council Corner

THE recent Council meeting last less than one hour. Very little business was transacted. Perhaps the most farcical point within the meeting centered around the perceived conflict of interest.

Councilor Millwood declared a conflict of interest with regard to the catering issue before Council due to her living next door to one of the caterers used. Councilor Barnes raised whether he needed to declare a conflict due to a caterer living in the same street as he does.

This clearly demonstrates the gun-shy nature of local government councilors today. Rather than getting on with business they are constantly on the lookout for trip-wires and potential booby-traps.

Catering was raised as an example of this Council’s dedication to cost savings across the entire face of Council. The Chief Financial Officer presented a report prepared for Council speculating the savings could be in the order of $10,000 over the year.

Under general business, Director for Infrastructure, Da-

vid Goodman reported on the current status surrounding the dredging of One Mile Creek and Port Hinchinbrook Harbour.

Council currently are researching and compiling the reports required to present to the Federal Government later this year, with the view to securing the promised $1.5 million for the project.

The commitment to fund by the government is dependent upon a demonstration by Council of the economic and community benefit, employment during the process as well as continued employment after completion as well as suitable costings attached to the execution of the project. Council is hopeful of finalizing their submission to the Federal Government later this year.

The Mission Beach Aquatic Centre was a brief topic of discussion during general business with a recommendation approved that Council’s CEO prepared a report for Council covering opening hours and operations for the aquatic facility.

In other news it is the understanding that Council’s Executive Manager, Anne Pleash has left Council on mutually

agreeable terms. It was believed that Pleash was to be offered to be redeployed into a junior position, however this offer was not mutually agreeable for both parties.

When Council was approached to confirm the departure of Pleash a Council spokesman stated, “Following the move to adopt recommendations presented to Councillors regarding the organisation structure, Council is currently undertaking a consultation period of 21 days with affected staff and Unions regarding the proposed changes.

We understand the community has an interest in the outcome of this process and we are committed to keeping them informed.

However, at this time, we have a responsibility to our staff to ensure they are first informed and supported.

When it is appropriate to do so, we will provide further information to the public regarding the organisational review. Including but not limited to details regarding cost savings.

Until that time we ask for patience and understanding while our staff navigate a time of uncertainty and change.

2020 Queensland Reconciliation Awards announced

aberg community, but across Queensland.

In other categories, Hutchinson Builders was named winner of the Business category for its Statim Yaga (Start Work) program, which focusses on Indigenous training and employment.

Beulah Community Limited, which established the First People’s Memorial Garden and War Memorial and a Frontier Wars installation featuring artworks by several local First Peoples artists, took out the Community category award.

Eidsvold P–12 State School was the winner of the Education category for Yumbin means ‘All of us’, an initiative to link students, teachers and the wider community through health, wellbeing and a focus on building cultural capacity.

Sunshine Coast Regional Council’s Kids in Action program, in partnership with Jinibara Aboriginal Corporation and Gubbi Gubbi Dance, was the winner of the Partnership category.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford congratulated the award recipients.

“Reconciliation is the responsibility of all Queenslanders and through these awards we continue to acknowledge and honour the positive actions taken towards closing the gap,” Minister Crawford said.

The winning projects across the categories of business, community, education, partnership and the Premier’s Reconciliation Award will receive a share of $25,000 in prize money.

The Queensland Reconciliation Awards is an initiative of the Queensland Government through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. For further information, visit: www.qld.gov. au/reconciliation.

2020 Queensland Reconciliation Award win566 East Feluga Road, East Feluga – $150,000 ners Premier ’s Reconciliation Award Indigenous Wellbeing Centre There is a dwelling on the property with a detached two vehicle garage, as well Ltd for Screens as an additional three bay shed on the lower part of the block. At the bottom share Aboriginal corner of the property you will find a pond being fed by a natural water source. history to support Situated on an approx. 3,034m2 allotment, this property has been converted into reconciliation The IndigeContact Hooker of Tully fortownship, more information. two units. Located on theLJoutskirts Tully this property offers space nous Wellbeing with the convenience of being close to town.

Centre (IWC) is an AborigiWeb: https://tully.ljhooker.com.au/a1dgya View: Sat, 15 Feb - 9am - 9:45am Web: ljhooker.com.au/9JUGYA nal Community-Controlled Contact: Health OrganisaLJ Hooker Tully – 4068 1100 tion committed to reconciliation in

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THE Premier has announced this year’s 2020 Queensland Reconciliation Awards winners and congratulated the 16 awards finalists for their dedication and commitment to reconciliation across Queensland.

The awards are held as part of National Reconciliation Week (May 27 – June 3).

The Premier said a construction company focusing on Indigenous training and employment, a memorial garden honouring the First Nations Peoples, and the team responsible for an 80-metre screen project depicting the First Nation oral histories are among this year’s recipients.

“The strength and diversity of the initiatives honoured through these awards is a true indication of the support for reconciliation across the State,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

Indigenous Wellbeing Centre Ltd was named the winner of the Premier’s Reconciliation Award for its initiative Screens share Aboriginal history to support reconciliation.

“This wonderful initiative showcases the benefits of approaching reconciliation as a community. It focused on the First Nations Peoples and the trauma experienced in their lifetime, a platform for true reconciliation and a healing process for the community,” the Premier said.

“The Indigenous Wellbeing Centre has acknowledged the importance and sensitivities of the past through a piece of art, and also opened a platform for discussion, not just within the Bund-

APPROX. 1.4 HA (3.48 Acres) IN EAST FELUGA FIVE BEDROOM, THREE BATHROOM DWELLING

action. Forty per cent of IWC’s staff are Indigenous, and 93 per cent of the region’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people access IWC services and programs.

IWC created an 80 metre-long pictorial depiction of First Nation oral histories. The screens project was undertaken with the First Nation Traditional Owners and Elders of the region and the Taribelang Cultural Aboriginal Corporation. A local artist created 11 paintings that were copied to become weatherproof aluminium screening, able to be lit at night.

Business category Hutchinson Builders for Statim Yaga (Start Work) In 2012, during its 100th anniversary, Hutchinson Builders employed a dedicated Indigenous specialist with the aim of introducing the company to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to engage and work with the communities in a respectful manner. This has evolved to become the Statim Yaga, or Start Work program, which focusses on Indigenous training and employment while increasing the cultural capability of the broader organisation. Since its launch, Statim Yaga has increased the company’s Indigenous workforce, placed 411 Indigenous workers into construction careers, and spent more than $25 million in contracts with Queensland Indigenous businesses.

Community category Beulah Community Limited Beulah Community Limited established the First People's Memorial Garden in 2009 in response to a request from a First Nations People's health provider to partake in Sorry Business and install memorial plaques at Beulah's centre in Buderim Forest Nature Refuge. Paths, sitting places and artworks by various local Indigenous artists have been steadily added.

A First People and Islanders’ War Memorial was installed in 2015, and in 2017 a Frontier Wars Installation featuring artworks by several local First People artists was built. A statue of the local resistance leader, Dundalli, was added in 2018. Annual gatherings are held on Anzac Day to remember Frontier Wars, on 5 January to remember Dundalli and on Elders Day to remember the local Elders.

Education category Eidsvold P–12 State School for Yumbin means ‘All of us’ Eidsvold P–12 State School's Yumbin program began as an initiative to link students, teachers and the wider community together through health, wellbeing and an explicit focus on building cultural capability. With the support of teachers, the P&C community and the local Elders group, the Yumbin program was implemented across the school from the start of 2017.

The Yumbin philosophy has continued to grow rapidly. Over the past three years the school has set up a full P–12 language reclamation program, shown a dramatic increase in community and school relationships, been a lighthouse school for positive behaviour for learning.

Partnership category Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Jinibara People Aboriginal Corporation and Gubbi Gubbi Dance for Kids in Action Program Sunshine Coast Council’s Kids in Action (KIA) program was created to encourage young people to become future custodians of the natural environment. Funded by the council’s environmental levy and local businesses, KIA partners with many local community groups and is offered to all Sunshine Coast schools.

Jinibara and Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi First Nations community members partnered with the KIA program to deliver a program underpinned by ecological knowledge, language and cultural practice, connecting to country and celebrating nature's icons.

Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, June 4, 2020 Page 7

How well do you know the coast?

PETER MCCULLAGH

1/ The Festival of the Three Saints is celebrated where?

A. El Arish B. Silkwood C. Mourilyan D. Feluga 2/ The festival celebrates which Saints?

A. St Alfio, St Filadelfo and St Cerino B. St Alfio, St Filadelfo and St Anthony C. St Alfio, St Anthony and St Cerino D. St Anthony, St Filadelfo and St Cerino 3/ The township of Moresby was named by?

A. Captain John Moresby B. Edmund Kennedy C. George Elphinstone Dalrymple D. Captain Owen Stanley 4/ Jose Paronella was originally from?

A. Catalonia - Spain B. Barcelona - Spain C. Seville - Spain D. Assisi - Italy 5/ Name the 2019 Australian Film filmed at Paronella Park?

A. Picnic at Hanging Rock 2 B. Top End Wedding C. Storm Boy D. Celeste 6/ Cowley Beach derived its name from?

A. County Cowley in Northern Ireland B. Ebenezer Cowley Horticulturist C. Sir Alfred Cowley – Australian Politician D. Edward Cowley – NZ Entertainer and Drag Queen 7/ Name the International Cricketer born in Innisfail?

A. Mitchell Johnson B. Geoff Dymock C. Jimmy Maher D. Stuart Law 8/ Name the Tully player representing Perth Glory in the Women’s A League?

A. Isabella Wallhead B. Sarah Carroll C. Kim Carroll D. Jenna Onions 9/ Steve Corica is currently the manager of what football team?

A. Sydney FC B. Central Coast Mariners C. Newcastle Jets D. Brisbane Roar 10/ Ty Williams ended his footballing career playing for?

A. North QLD Cowboys B. Northern Pride C. Wigan D. Innisfail Leprechauns

ANSWERS:

11/ The Innisfail Water Tower was finished in 1934 and built by?

A. Messrs Hill and Taylor B. The Van Leeuwen brothers C. Eddie H Oribin D. Andrew Baxter Leven 12/ The Cassowary eggs are incubated by?

A. The mother B. The male C. Both mother and male D. A surrogate – the Cassowary is a very modern beast 13/ Edmund Kennedy commenced his 3rd and fatal exploration find a way to the cape in what year?

A. 1848 B. 1849 C. 1858 D. 1859 14/ Where did this exploration commence from?

A. Sailing from Sydney, commencing trekking from Rockingham Bay B. Sailing from Brisbane, commencing trekking from Rockingham Bay C. Sailing from Sydney, commencing trekking from Townsville D. Sailing from Brisbane, commencing trekking from Townsville 15/ Rockingham was name by?

A. Captain James Cook after Charles Watson-Wentworth B. Edmund Kennedy – After the HMMS Rockingham C. Cecil Twisden Bedford after Charles Watson-Wentworth D. Clive Patrick Rockingham a botanist aboard the Endeavour.

16/ Wallerman Falls is a cascade waterfall with an approximate drop of?

A. 238 metres B. 258 metres C. 278 metres D. 298 metres 17/ Which of these streets is not in El Arish?

A. Royston Street B. Monash Street C. Montbatton Street D. Chauvel Street 18/ The El Arish Country Golf Club is?

A. An 18 hole links course B. A 9 hole course C. A 27 hole championship course D. A mini golf attractions located at Mission Beach

1. (B) Silkwood, 2. (A)St Alfio, St Filadelfo and St Cerino, 3. (C) George Elphinstone Dalrymple, 4. (A)Catalonia - Spain, 5. (D) Celeste, 6. (B) Ebenezer Cowley - Horticulturist, 7. (C) Jimmy Maher, 8. (C) Kim Carroll, 9. (A) Sydney FC, 10. (B) Northern Pride, 11. (B) The Van Leeuwen brothers, 12. (B) The male, 13.

(A) 1848, 14. (A) Sailing from Sydney, commencing trekking from Rockingham Bay, 15. (A) Captain James Cook after Charles Watson-Wentworth, 16. (B) 258 metres, 17. (C) Montbatton Street, 18. (B) A 9 hole course

D I Y WITH MITRE 10 TULLY

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eed more space in the kitchen? Build an island bench or workspace for more cooking and bake space.

Create a mobile kitchen island from an old dresser or office desk.

With a little help this was an easy DIY improvement project for anyone with little wood working and painting skills. Look out at garage sales or buy back shops for an old cupboard or vintage dresser and give it new life by repurposing it and then making it pretty with Chalk Paint.

This is an easy project and using Chalky Finish Paints available from MITRE 10 Tully.

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• Turn the dresser upside down, cut off legs to required height, if needed, and add a shelf to the bottom of the dresser • Next add wheels to the shelf base and turned it right side up • Add new top and folding shelf if needed. Sand and trim the edges • Prime for painting. Only use wood putty if you have heavy nicks, scrapes and other imperfections in the wood • Prime the drawers if needed Good Luck and happy DIY. Let your imagination loose and create a lovely kitchen island.

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1 Dewar St MISSION BEACH Phone: 4068 7322 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, June 4, 2020 Page 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

Innisfail Boat Ramp to receive upgrade LAST month the Department of Transport and Main Roads started maintenance works at the Innisfail Boat Ramp which will take approximately six weeks.

Works will include resurfacing of the boat ramp, lengthening of the ramp and shoulder reconstruction. These works will extend the life of the boat ramp, improve tidal usability

of the ramp while the new non-slip surface and shoulder reconstruction will improve safety.

During this time the boat ramp at Fitzgerald Esplanade (adjacent to Jubilee Bridge) will be closed to the public during these works with alternate public boat ramps available nearby at;

• Mourilyan Harbour boat ramp • Fern Avenue, Coconut Point • Esplanade, Flying Fish Point.

It is anticipated the works will be completed by the end of the month, weather permitting.

The Innisfail Boat Ramp is temporarily closed to the public as maintenance works are currently being carried out by Department of Transport and Main Roads

First Australian communities still ‘locked-up’!

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter said while most Queenslanders will be celebrating the end of many of the draconian lockdown measures, the state’s First Australian communities are still ‘locked-up’!

“The easing of restrictions should have happened in North Queensland five weeks ago, we haven’t had any cases of Coronavirus in two months, an estimated 150 businesses will never recover and millions of dollars has been lost,” he said.

“However, it’s even more concerning that the First Australian communities are still locked-up when every other Queenslander can now travel the length and breadth of the state.

“We are in the extraordinary situation where a quarter of

the population of Cairns who are First Australians, are allowed to go about their business as normal, but the people in the Yarrabah community, only 40 minutes away, are still locked-up.

“It is a very traumatising time for the residents lockedup in communities such as Yarrabah, Doomadgee and Palm Island. They’ve seen rioting, demonstrations, and a dozen deaths that are attributable to the ‘lock-up’.”

Mr Katter said people must understand that the amenities and services enjoyed by every other Queenslander are not accessible to those living in the communities.

“The situation is that residents of the communities can’t go in and get their car registration renewed, they cannot buy a pair of shoes, if they leave for medical treatment they can-

Page 10 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, June 4, 2020

not return and it is most expensive for them to buy fruit and vegetables from the local shops,” he said.

“The State Government is refusing to act and it is most inappropriate. Are we some abnormal species that we can’t figure out the dangers of Coronavirus?”

Mr Katter said the ongoing situation was straight-up discrimination.

“White fellas are allowed to go in and out of the community areas as they please but the First Australians cannot,” he said.

“They are locked up again like they were for one-hundred years under the infamous Aboriginal Act. “If the situation continues I wouldn’t be surprised if there are more demonstrations.”

COMMUNITY NEWS

May 29

UNREGISTERED AND UNINSURED, MERRYBURN: Police have issued a Mission Beach woman with two infringement notices after a traffic intercept in Merryburn on Thursday afternoon (May 28).

The woman was intercepted on Tully Mission Beach Road at about 3.15pm and her vehicle was allegedly determined to be unregistered and uninsured.

The 48-year-old woman was issued two Traffic Infringement Notices for $533 and $320 respectively.

June 1

CANNABIS PLANTS LOCATED, HUDSON: At about 5pm on Sunday, May 31, officers attended a Vidar Street address in relation to another matter.

While at the address, officers allegedly located a large number of cannabis seedlings growing in plastic pots.

A 35-year-old Hudson man was charged with producing dangerous drugs and was issued with a notice to appear at Innisfail Magistrates Court on August 31.

WILFUL DAMAGE, SILKWOOD: Silkwood police are seeking the assistance of the public after a window of a Silkwood store was reportedly damaged.

During the night of Saturday, May 30, and early Sunday morning, May 31, an object has been used to smash the window of a Silkwood Japoon Road business.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact police and quote QP2001124392.

DRINK RIDER, INNISFAIL: A 24-year-old East Innisfail man was charged with high range drink driving on Saturday afternoon.

It will be alleged he was heavily intoxicated while riding his bicycle down the middle of the road as he crossed the Jubilee Bridge heading towards town.

Officers intercepted him and conducted a roadside breath test. It will be alleged that he returned a reading of 0.183 per cent BAC. He is scheduled to appear in Innisfail Magistrates Court on August 31.

HIGH SPEED DETECTED: A 20-year-old Mareeba man was detected on the Bruce highway, Midgenoo around 5pm Saturday afternoon allegedly travelling at 154 km/h in a 100km/h zone.

He was issued with a pre-impound notice, a high speed suspension notice and a $1,245 traffic infringement notice.

June 3

TWO TRAFFIC INCIDENCES, INNISFAIL: At about 1pm on Tuesday afternoon, a truck reversing out of a driveway on Ernest Street has allegedly collided with the side of a building causing damage to the building and signage.

At about 5.30pm, a prime mover travelling along Palmerston Drive has allegedly collided with the

boom gates, causing minimal damage.

UNREGISTERED VEHICLE, TULLY: Police are reminding motorists are to keep an eye on when their registration is due.

Not only can you be liable for on-the-spot fines, but there is also the potential that vehicle insurance policies could be void in the event of a crash.

A 48-year-old Mission Beach woman was issued with two traffic infringement notices totalling $853 for driving an unregistered, uninsured vehicle when she was intercepted at about 4pm on Tuesday afternoon while travelling on the Bruce Highway.

Motorists can double-check when their registration is due by using an online registration tool hosted by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

DRUGS AND WEAPONS CHARGES, INNISFAIL: Innisfail detectives have charged a man after the alleged discovery of drugs and weapons on Friday, May 29.

At about 12pm, plain clothes detectives noticed a Black Mazda RX8 bearing allegedly stolen registration plates parked at a business on the corner of Ernest and Lily streets.

A search of his vehicle allegedly resulted in the discovery of two firearms, a balaclava, methylamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia.

A 23-year-old Mossman man has been charged with multiple drugs, weapons and traffic offences including possessing dangerous drugs, possessing tainted property, possess property suspected of having been used in connection with the commission of a drug offence and unlawful possession of a weapon.

He is expected to appear in Innisfail Magistrates Court on June 15.

EAST INNISFAIL, HAVE YOU LOST A WHIPPER SNIPER? The whipper sniper pictured below is suspected to have been stolen from the East Innisfail area.

At about 9am on February 4, the garden tool was reportedly placed in a yard on The Corso.

Police are searching for its rightful owner.

Officers are encouraging residents of East Innisfail to check on the location of their garden tools.

Proof of ownership will be required before the whipper sniper is released.

If you believe this is yours, please contact Innisfail police and quote reference number QP2000245814.

Innisfail ends Domestic Violence Prevention Month with a virtual crowd at the riverfront

Local police and partner agencies in the far north used the month of May to raise awareness of domestic and family violence throughout the community.

While COVD-19 restricted face-to-face events, our members got creative with innovative ways to engage the community.

Innisfail Domestic and Family Violence Co-ordinator Acting Sergeant Tim Mahoney, together with partner agencies on the Cassowary Coast including the Innisfail Youth and Family Care Centre joined in a virtual Not Now, Not Ever event to help raise community awareness of domestic violence.

“COVID-19 made us think outside the box so it was decided that we’d work together and encourage members of the community to use paper silhouette people to represent their stance against domestic and family violence,” Acting Sergeant Mahoney said.

“The event was the culmination of weeks engaging and communicating with more than 500 members of the public, promoting the ‘Not Now, Not Ever, Together’ message during DV month.

“Our team targeted shopping and business precincts, shared our information brochure and provided information about domestic and family violence and our support services available on the Cassowary Coast.

“On Saturday, May 30, our silhouette collection was on display along the Innisfail riverfront, raising much needed community awareness of domestic and family violence.”

If you or someone you know needs help, reach out and ask for support to break the cycle of domestic and family violence, anytime.

For further information about support agencies on the Cassowary Coast click here: DV Month Flyer For more information, you can visit: • QPS domestic violence support • Governments Domestic and Family Violence Portal (www.qld.gov.au/domesticviolence) • DV Connect Womensline (1800 811 811) anytime – 24/7 • DV Connect Mensline (1800 600 636) from 9 am – 12 midnight 7 days a week • Cairns Regional and Domestic Violence Service (07 4033 6100) • Sexual Assault Helpline 1800 010 120, from 7.30 am -11.30 pm 7 days a week HOW TO REPORT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: • EMERGENCY CALL – Triple Zero ‘000’ • Policelink on 131444 any time – 24/7 • If the safest way for you to contact police is online or SMS, then use the online options • DOWNLOAD APPS to your phone: o Emergency Triple Zero App o Queensland Police Service Policelink App • IMPORTANT NOTE: Please provide police with as much information as possible as it will help us get you help quickly. Please give clear details about what is happening, tell us if there are weapons involved and any other information that will help the safety of you and your family and that of our officers.

Thank you!

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, June 4, 2020 Page 11

Classifieds FOR RENT Phone: 4068 0088 F OR R E N T

Tully Prime Position Already set up as office Walk in, start up straight away For enquiries Phone Rob – 0408 686 000

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Cassowary Coast Independent News

PUBLIC NOTICES MEMBERSHIP 2020/2021

The Board of Directors would like to invite interested residents of our local community to become a member of Warrina Innisfail.

Application forms can be obtained by phoning 4030 2500 or calling into Warrina Innisfail, Warrina Street.

Current members are invited to renew their membership. $10.00 or $5.00 for Senior Card holders Membership is for 1.7.20 to 30.6.21 Payment is due by 1.7.20.

Chemo Chic’s

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

WORK WANTED

You are not alone Department of Environment and Science

Community Announcement Date: 1st June 2020

Smoke from Collins Road Planned Burn – Hull River National Park The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) will conduct planned burn operations within the Hull River National Park area near Lower Tully during June – August 2020, weather permitting, as part of the annual hazard reduction/conservation management program for parks and forests.

to place your advertisement or email: ads@ccin.com.au

PUBLIC NOTICES

NEED A TILER?

For all your tiling needs:

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QBCC 15126146

CONTACT DEBRA MCATEER PH 4068 0088

Phone Troy Ekelund 0422 414 195 ABN 16 680 908 723

SITUATIONS VACANT

Mission Beach, Tully and the Cassowary Coast Contact: Debra 0409 237 263 or Therese 0417 622 547

Phone 4068 0088

BOOKINGS CLOSE MONDAY 22ND JUNE, 2020

WANTED

WANTED NON-TEACHING POSITION Cleaner St Rita’s School, South Johnstone Fixed Term, Term Time Position Commencing: 13 July 2020 Applications close: 10 June 2020 For further information and an application pack, please visit our website:

www.cns.catholic.edu.au Intending applicants must be fully committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation.

Catholic Education is an equal opportunity employer.

Coastal Black Wattle Logs

We Support Local Business

(Blackwood)

Give us a call and see how we can help yours

From Cairns to Ingham Also Kuranda and Julatten area

Phone:

Phone 0408 770 058

4068 0088

As a result, smoke may be seen in the Lower Tully area.

The aim of this burn is to reduce the volume of forest fuels and to create a mosaic pattern of burnt and unburnt areas.

This will help reduce the intensity of any subsequent wildfires, and provide favourable conditions for natural forest regeneration.

Smoke can decrease visibility on the roads, so it is important that motorists drive safely to the conditions.

For more information, please call the Innisfail office of QPWS on 07 4061 9853.

TENDERS Warrina Innisfail is seeking TENDERS for the following:

 BREAD SUPPLY  MEAT SUPPLY for the period 1/7/20 – 30/6/21

If your business is interested in supplying prices, please contact Tracey Turner on (07) 4030 2545 for Tender documents Tenders close 4.30pm, 19th June 2020

POSITION VACANT A position has become available at the Tully Community Preschool and Kindergarten for a Cleaner.

This position is a part time contract starting Monday the 22nd of June 2020, working 15 -20 hours per week, Monday – Friday.

Ideal Applicants will have:• An ability to work unsupervised; • An ability to utilise heavy/awkward cleaning equipment; • A thorough understanding of cleaning and safe work practices; • A conscientious attitude towards hygiene standards; • Flexibility in work arrangements; • A preparedness to become familiar with the relevant government acts/regulations; • Previous experience in cleaning/maintaining environmental hygiene would be favourable.

Interested persons can deliver a letter of application, resume and references to the Tully Kindy or email to tullykindy@qldnet.com.au by 5pm, Monday the 11th of June 2020.

Looking for a local job?

Find it in the CCIN CLASSIFIEDS

Page 12 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, June 4, 2020

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Cassowary Coast Independent News

to place your advertisement or email: ads@ccin.com.au

Note to Editor:

ACROSS 2 Fraction 6 The hum of a bee 9 Room in a ship 10 Place of refuge 11 Bullock 12 Person’s bearing 14 Of the sun 16 Foolish 17 Coal mine 19 Neither solid nor liquid 20 Ancient Egyptian symbols of life 23 Defensive covering 26 Iranian language 27 Freedom from war 28 In favour of 29 German guidebook 32 Propriety 34 Blood transporters 35 Breed of horse 36 Musical instrument 37 Lakes NAT140 38 Mature 39 Row 40 Tremble markedly

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 14 15 18 20 21

DOWN Socially prohibited Rope making fibre Church Times Fascinate BelongingCatholic toClarethem St. of Montefalco Robust • Sat 6pm 9am Complains•• Sun about Mon - Fri, 7am Single thing (No Mass 3rd Wed, Thurs, Fri) Metallic element • 3rd Wed, 10:30am Tully Nursing Home Rowing crew Our Lady, Star of the Sea (Cardwell) Small detached piece • Sun 5pm South American (except 1st Sun) • 1st Sun, 8:30am ruminant • 3rd Fri 9am • Rockingham Home Organ of hearing Spirit Church(MB) Nocturnal Holy •mammal Sun 7am * 3rd Thurs 8am Brownish-yellow St John The Evangelist (Silkwood) colour • Sat 5:30pm Recon./ Flies upwards Vigil Mass 6pm (Anointing during Make an allusion to Mass every 3rd Sat) Our Lady of Fatima Month (El Arish) US author• Sun 9:40am Recon./10am Mass Starve (Anointing during Mass every 3rd Sun) PassengerMother vehicles of Good Strange Counsel (Innisfail) Go in • Sat Vigil 6.30pm • Sun 9am Small pointed (3rd Sunmissile of month Italian Mass Arrived St Rita’s (Southat 11am)

Created in QUARK 22 XPRESS. VER.4.03 24 Items not needed for 25 publication can be 26 Give us a call and see how we can help yours! erased as each is in a 28 29 separate text box.

We support local business…

Phone: 4068 0088

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DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 

ACROSS DOWN The Supreme being 1 Mislead the mind From this time 2 Sociable Game 3 Stockings and socks Without help 4 Large recess Civilian clothes 5 Decimal point Ocean’s rise and fall 6 Marine fish Hold a different 8 Severs opinion 10 Shakespearean king Inquire impertinently 12 Adverse criticism Understand 13 Mental impression Angry 15 Violently intense Very cold 18 Sea bird Reckon up 19 Dog’s cry Move along with 20 Norse literary genre great speed (coll) 22 Tooth Imitate 24 Employs Moves hurriedly 25 Express warm One likely to inherit approval of Book of maps 27 Hebrew prophet A rotating spit for 29 Inadequate cooking meat 31 Entry in an account Dry 32 Conceal from sight Smudge 34 MaleLEVEL: sheep DIFFICULTY Row of adjoining 35 Small bird houses

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Solution No. 12872

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• Sun 7am (1st, 3rd & 5th Sun)

Solution No. 12871 CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS No. 12871

WARNING !!!

Note to Editor: 22

com.au

ACROSS 2 The Supreme being 7 From this time 9 Game 11 Without help 14 Civilian clothes 16 Ocean’s rise and fall 17 Hold a different opinion 18 Inquire impertinently 20 Understand 21 Angry 22 Very cold 23 Reckon up 26 Move along with great speed (coll) 28 Imitate 30 Moves hurriedly 32 One likely to inherit 33 Book of maps 34 A rotating spit for cooking meat 36 Dry 37 Smudge 38 Row of adjoining houses

30 31 32 33

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

CROSSWORD CLUES

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3200 284 3201

or be a

Classifieds

Phone 4068 0088

ROSSWORD 13 X 13

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DOWN Solution No. 12872 1 Mislead the mind ACROSS DOWN 2 Sociable 2 Godhead 1 Delude 3 Stockings and socks 7 Hence 2 Genial 4 Large recess 9 Polo 3 Hosiery 5 Decimal point 11 Unassisted 4 Apse 6 Marine fish 14 Mufti 5 Dot 8 Severs 16 Tide 6 Cod 10 Shakespearean king 17 Disagree 8 Cuts 12 Adverse criticism 18 Pry 10 Lear 13 Mental 20 See impression 12 Stricture 15 Violently 21 Irate intense 13 Idea 18 Sea 22 Icybird 15 Fierce 19 Dog’s cry 23 Count 18 Petrel 20 Norse 26 Rip literary genre 19 Yelp 22 Tooth 28 Ape 20 Saga 24 Employs 30 Scurries 22 Incisor 25 Express 32 Heir warm approval of 24 Uses 27 Hebrew 33 Atlas prophet 25 Praise 29 Inadequate 34 Rotisserie 27 Isaiah 31 Entry 36 Aridin an account 29 Poor 32 Conceal 37 Smearfrom sight 31 Item 34 Male sheep 38 Terrace 32 Hide 34 Ram 35 Small bird

T S I X C A B I N B S T E S O L A R C O L L I E R A G A A R M O U R P E A C E F T B D E C O R U A R A B S R M E R E T I E R S

T H E I R S F A M I S H

H B U Z A V E N R M I E D I O T I Y A G A N K H P A S H T O R A E D E K E V E I N T A R T R I P E A K E R

Z I N C S O A R S

Christ the King (Mourilyan)

• Sun 7am (second & fourth Sundays) Anglican Church

St Alban’s (Innisfail)

• Sat 5pm • Sun 8am incl Sunday School St John’s (Tully)

• Every Sun 8am

The Uniting Church (MB)

• Every Sun 11am Mena Creek State School

• 1st Sun 6:30pm

N

Motel Chapel (Kurrimine Beach)

• 3rd Sun 3pm Uniting Church Mission Beach

• Sun 8am

SUDOKU SOLUTIONS No. 182

5 7 8 6 1 3 4 2 9

2 1 3 4 9 7 5 8 6

6 9 4 5 2 8 1 7 3

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3 5 9 8 6 2 7 4 1

7 8 5 1 3 4 9 6 2

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4 2 6 9 8 5 3 1 7

Innisfail

• Sun 10:30am Tully

• Sun 5pm God Bless You! Tully Family Church Butler Street Tully

• Sunday 10am Mission Beach Steven’s Lane

• 6pm Sunday Seventh - Day Adventist Church 2 Edward St

Every Saturday • 9.30am Preliminaries • 10.30am Bible Study • 11.00am Main Sermon All Welcome

35 Tit

Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, June 4, 2020 Page 13

2 6 9 10 11 12 14 16 17 19 20 23 26 27 28 29 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

S B C H S M S I C G A A P P F B D V A S M R T S

RURAL REPORT

Preparation Underway for the Coming Bushfire Season THE Cassowary Coast region is not immune from bushfire each season. In late 2019 significant bushfire events across the region caused concern for residents as well as government agencies.

Residents south of Cardwell were placed on alert in October with a bushfire burning near the Bruce Highway at Damper Creek, south of Cardwell

In November 2019 a state of Emergency was declared across Queensland including several regions in the Far North. Cassowary Coast was one of the six LGAs covered by this declaration. The horrific bushfire season and the lessons learned in 2019/2020 should not be forgotten.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) is getting ready for Bushfire Season with preparations under way across the state.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said QFES, its partner agencies and landholders undertook Operation Cool Burn between April and August each year.

“Operation Cool Burn is about the protection of Queensland communities using various bushfire mitigation activities,” Mr Crawford said.

“These activities include fire break upgrades and maintenance, slashing, community education and hazard reduction burning.

“Hazard reduction burning is already under way in many areas of the state to reduce fuel loads and some Queenslanders may have noticed smoke in the air as a result.”

Mr Crawford said while hazard reduction burns may not prevent a bushfire, they could reduce a bushfire’s severity, giving firefighters the upper hand.

“QFES and its partner agencies look at landscapes across the state and identify which locations are most at risk and the best strategy to mitigate this risk – which isn’t always a hazard reduction burn.

“These burns are by far the most visible of our mitigation strategies, however they are only one part of a much broader toolkit of activities aimed at protecting communities,” he

said.

“Burns are conducted where it is safe and effective to do so, but there are instances where they cannot proceed, such as when the ground is too wet to burn effectively.

“This is why QFES takes a varied and comprehensive approach to bushfire mitigation.”

Mr Crawford said there was a significant increase in the number of permitted burns conducted in the lead-up to the 2019 bushfire season.

“In the 2018-19 financial year, QFES data shows the total Permit to Light Fire activations was more than 26,600 – up by nearly 400 from the previous financial year,” he said.

QFES Commissioner Greg Leach said QFES assisted and supported landholders and partner agencies to conduct burns where possible to take advantage of favourable weather conditions.

“We encourage private landholders to conduct mitigation activities on their own land and we will continue to provide advice and assistance to support them.

“Landholders interested in conducting a burn on their own land should remember to apply for a Permit to Light Fire, which is available at no cost through their local fire warden.

“Residents should ensure they equip themselves with their own tools such as an up-to-date Bushfire Survival Plan so they know what they will do if a bushfire threatens their area.

“It is also important to know where to find accurate information by using the QFES website and social media pages

Exotic pest oyster found in Far North Cooktown and Cairns.

“A commercial fisher cleaning his boat found some specimens in Port Douglas, while the population in Cooktown was detected by Indigenous Rangers trained in marine pest Biosecurity Queensland General Manager John Robert- surveillance,” Dr Robertson said. son confirmed the oyster has been detected in Port Douglas, “The Cairns detection was made during a university research survey and detected simultaneously through the Queensland Seaports eDNA Surveillance (Q-SEAS) marine pest detection program.

“These detections highlight PURCHASE ANY SPECIALLY MARKED 205 LITRE DRUM OF the ongoing GULF WESTERN OIL AND RECEIVE THE BELOW FREE! threat of marine 1 x 20 LITRE OF EQUIVALENT OIL & pests and the importance of SPECIALLY MARKED 205L INCLUDE: ongoing marine • Top Dog XDO® 15W-40 CI-4/SL • Ultra Clear Diff Lub 80W-140 pest surveillance • Top Dog Global Mineral® • Gear Lube 85W-140 activities by the 15W-40 CJ-4/SN • Superdraulic® ISO 68 • Top Dog CK-4 15W-40 CK-4 • Gulf Harvester ISO 68 community and • Agriblue UTTF 10W-30 • Clearonox (Adblue) Q u e e n s l a n d ’s • Agritrans UTTF 10W-20 Expiry 30th June 2020 Q-SEAS marine pest detection program.”

Dr Robertson said Biosecurity Queensland is investigating the extent of the incursions to determine potential future control, monitoring or treatment measTULLY Ph 4068 1002 • INNISFAIL PH 4061 1066 ures.

“Black scar INCREASED community surveillance and awareness of marine pests has led to the discovery of the exotic pest species, the black scar oyster (Magallana bilineata) in three Far North Queensland locations.

HARVEST SPECIAL

Page 14 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, June 4, 2020

oyster has not been previously detected in Australian waters and little is known about this pest and its potential impacts in Queensland,” he said.

“The national Consultative Committee on Introduced Marine Pest Emergencies (CCIMPE) has been notified of the detection and will provide advice to Biosecurity Queensland during the development of future management options.”

The black scar oyster fouls submerged and floating infrastructure including pylons, pontoons and boats with the ability to occupy disturbed habitats including shallow subtidal sites in quiet locations.

The marine pest shares the traditional features of tropical oysters and is not distinguishable from its native counterparts in the early stages of life cycle. A mature black scar oyster can be identified by its distinctive size of up to 18cm in length which is much larger than native species.

Boaties should maintain regular maintenance and cleaning of their vessel to prevent spreading the pest, by doing the following: • apply antifouling paint • clean boats in a dry dock or slipway (out of the water) • look out for any attached pests • check and clean gear including pots, nets, fishing or diving gear, anchors and ropes, before moving between locations.

Everyone has a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risk of black scar oyster spreading.

If you suspect black scar oyster or see a suspicious marine organism, please report it immediately to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

More information is available online at www.daf. qld.gov.au Follow Biosecurity Queensland on Facebook and Twitter (@BiosecurityQld)

RURAL REPORT

Individual Farm Reports

A modified farm analysis tool which is now available for Tully growers is the new individual farm productivity reviews, or CAPA’s.

While the overall district report is known as the Tully District CAPA (Comprehensive Area Productivity Analysis), and is a snapshot of the whole district, individual farm reports known as Individual CAPA’s have been available for some time on the TSL website and have now been modified to include

many new features.

These modifications include a whole new way of presenting the data in a series of graphs and charts which make analysis of a farms product to the block level quick and easy.

Graphs showing the yield of cane per farm block, the breakdown of variety percentage and crop classes as well as variety by soil type performance are all highlights of these new CAPA reports. In addition a farms total percentage of

An example of part of the modified Individual CAPA reports for Tully growers

varietal resistance to certain crop diseases such as Pachymetra root rot, a common issue of the Tully industry, are included.

These new Individual CAPA’s also include farm soil maps which make soil testing more efficient.

One area where these new individual CAPA’s are being used already is in the development of on farm variety plans for growers. The new individual CAPA’s can also be used to develop Nutrient and weed management plans and will be major tool for use by advisory staff in the Tully Sugar industry.

So why the change format from the original format of individual CAPA’s?

These modified CAPAS are the result of a very successful SRA led Tully productivity review project supported by TSL, TCPSL and Canegrowers which ran from 2015-19 where productivity trends for the Tully industry were closely studied. While the original individual CAPA’s remain available on line, growers now have the choice of using both the original and modified to help make farm management decisions.

The years of the SRA Productivity review, 2015-19 are significant ones for Tully because this is when the introduction of new varieties really sped up. The TSL led Tully Variety Management group is going to benefit directly from these new individual CAPA reports as they make analyzing the performance of the new and recently introduced varieties that have been trialed and recommended locally much easier to do.

Grower’s interested to learn more about how these modified CAPAS’s can be used for their own farm, especially for variety planning can call TSL on 0400586968

Northern Iron and Brass Foundry hit safety record for six MARIA GIRGENTI THE hardworking team at Northern Iron Brass Foundry (NIBF) have topped their safety record, reaching a milestone of nil lost time injuries (LTIs) for six consecutive years at their Wangan workplace.

This latest safety milestone which was reached last Friday easily surpasses the previous record of two consecutive years and builds on their current achievement of three years and seven months with a Total Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) of Zero.

Given the harsh working environment of a foundry, this is an impressive achievement and a testament to the strong safety culture and procedures within the business.

"This significant achievement is due to the determined efforts of all 73 team members who have raised hundreds of Take5s per month and approximately two JSEAs per day," said Operations Manager Joe Vecchio.

"It really is a testament to the 'Safety First - Production second' attitude we have adopted across the site. Programmes are in place across the workplace to identify hazards across all departments. The 'Walk, Share, Care and Learn' philosophy is embedded in everything we do.

Employees have taken what they have learnt from near misses, not only at the NIBF site, but from other safety briefs at Iplex Australia sites and the broader Fletcher Build-

NIBF workers Maurice Mantovani, Jaspinder Singh, Paul Maccarone, Colin Lyons, Nicole Rees and Salvo Fichera reflected on their latest safety milestone of nil lost time injuries (LTIs) for six consecutive years

ing business and applied them to create a great safety culture hole covers. which have been shared between all departments."

NIBF services the railway, sugar, mining, automotive, "This achievement means a great deal for our future and trucking, water and general engineering industries. everyone on-site understands safety is just as important as our financial result for a viable future."

Although celebrations have been put on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing rules, it is hoped the whole team will be able to have a proper celebration at a later date.

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These castings · SUITS COLD & WET SOILS · ENSURED STRIKE are used to make water fittings, pump components, farm implements, boiler CALL US ON 07 4776 5711 TODAY TO PLANT BETTER THIS WINTER! parts, pulleys and street castings LIQUAFORCE.COM.AU such as hydrant boxes and man-

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Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, June 4, 2020 Page 15

AROUND THE SCHOOLS

Silkwood State School celebrates National Simultaneous Storytime MARIA GIRGENTI THERE was a whole lot of bling at Silkwood State School last Wednesday as students and staff celebrated National Simultaneous Storytime.

This year's story was 'Whitney and Britney Chicken Divas' written and illustrated by Lucinda Gifford and published by Scholastic Australia.

Whitney and Britney are two gorgeous chooks who live alongside Dora von Dooze. But Dora is perplexed - why do her dear chickens seem to sleep all day long? Dora decides to snoop. She follows the chooks out at night to the local jazz club where she discovers, to her amazement, that they are Whitney and Britney: Chicken Divas!

Despite some modifications to the program due to COVID-19, students still enjoyed the craft activities with mixed age groups and created their very own Chicken Diva.

Acting Principal Chris Cattarossi and Teacher Librarian Sarah Taifalos dressed in the 'Bit of Bling' theme

Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is simultaneously read face-to-face at libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the nation.

This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions particpants were encouraged to host and all who registered received a number of electronic resources including videos and audio recordings. They were also able to access downloads, resources and activities online which could be shared.

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) as part of Library and Information Week.

Now in its 20th year, the annual campaign aims to encourage more young Australians to read and enjoy books.

The colourful, vibrant, and fun event promotes the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.

NSS receives positive media coverage, generates a great deal of community interest and is held annually as part of Library and Information Week.

Last year was the biggest and most successful NSS to date with over 1,138,000 participants at over 11,550 locations, including participants from New Zealand, Thailand, United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, Vietnam and Hong Kong.

El Arish State School Embraces On-line Learning THE COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a change in work practices in most, if not all work sectors. For Education this meant schools having to develop their own systems for delivering learning material to all students, as well as monitoring and correcting completed work.

With schools being encouraged to incorporate on-line learning, they had to contend with many challenges when developing their systems including: determining whether students had access to the internet and a suitable device (tablet, computer, iPad etc); the age of students - with lower primary students generally having limited computer and/or typing skills; finding suitable computer programs that were permitted to be used by Education Queensland and lastly upskilling staff and parents quickly on the use of these new technologies.

At El Arish State School, Principal Mr Chris Richards, a self-confessed ’tech geek’, was keen to pursue on-line learning possibilities. He was particularly keen to find a program that would allow face-to-face teacher and student interactions. With popular on-line conferencing programs such as Zoom and Google Classroom being unavailable for Queensland primary school students, he eventually found an Australian-designed program called iSee Virtual Collaboration.

Using world-first technologies, the students were overwhelmingly engaged in this cloud-based platform that merges video conferencing and 3D gaming technologies.

Each day, after a virtual roll call and daily messages, students followed their usual school timetable, including explicit face-to-face lessons and small group work. Staff remained in iSee all day to offer individual help and students (and even some parents) felt comfortable popping in throughout their independent learning time, to ask for assistance.

One of the many benefits of iSee was the ability of students to socialise with each other and remain connected.

Students were often found already logged in and chatting to one another at 7:30am, well before school started at 9:00am.

In the P-2 classroom, teacher Ms Megan Dickson also spent a considerable amount of time researching and choosing an appropriate on-line program for her younger students.

She chose See-Saw, which allowed her to record her lessons via video, and could be easily accessed by students at any time. Students could only access their own work and could send their completed work back to Meg using voice recordings, photos or video recordings. She would then correct the work and provide verbal feedback via video. The completed work was then able to be stored easily via individual digital portfolios created for each student.

Meg was also really pleased with the on-line learning experience for her and her students, stating See-Saw was easy for parents and students to use, links could be added easily, work could be corrected and filed efficiently and effectively and students could choose their own avatar, which increased the engagement level. Another valuable feature of See-Saw was the built-in community library, where students could access over 500 different activities, according to subjects and year level. Meg also sees a potential future application of See-Saw, for students to complete their homework on.

As mentioned earlier, it was not just students who required additional support and instruction during this period of change, with many parents taken well and truly out of their comfort zone. As a result, El Arish State School created its own YouTube Channel to provide parents and students with detailed instructions on how to access and utilise these new programs. In addition, families were able to access tech guidance face-to-face and via phone.

Despite the steep learning curve for everyone involved, for this small school, the on-line learning process was hugely positive. Chris congratulated everyone – staff, students and parents for all of their hard work over the past five weeks or more, and for ensuring continuity of learning for El Arish State School students during such challenging times.

Page 16 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, June 4, 2020

Schools around the region steaming ahead on the road back to normality

IMOGEN KARS

AS the second full week back at school draws to a close, students and staff across the region are finally getting back into the full swing of things.

Mission Beach State School is working hard to bring fun and colour into the school day, with a number of exciting events happening.

To the delight of South Mission kids, MBSS has resumed its beloved ‘Bike Bus’. Every Wednesday, weather permitting, students who live from South Mission Beach inwards team up and bicycle all the way into school with the help of parents.

Sheryl from the office says it’s an awesome way to get the kids excited about coming to school, and it’s a great way to centre health and fitness.

Their Biggest Morning Tea, held last Thursday, was also an amazing success. Staff and students raised $626 in proceeds for the Cancer Council, and the students had an exciting day dressing as their favourite characters.

Upcoming is their annual pie drive from the Tully Bakery, which is a timely initiative that encourages supporting small businesses around the area.

SPORT

Gilbert to debut for Cowboys NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD forward Tom Gilbert has been named to make his NRL debut for the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys in Saturday night’s clash with the Cronulla Sharks at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Gilbert, a product of the Cowboys Academies Program, joined North Queensland’s NRL squad in 2019 and was named Queensland Cup Rookie of the Year and Lock of the Year as an 18-year-old.

A hard-working middle forward, Gilbert first signed with North Queensland as a 15-year-old and has spent the previous two seasons playing for Cowboys feeder club Townsville Blackhawks.

Club stalwart Gavin Cooper returns to the side after missing the victory over the Titans with a calf complaint.

Cooper and Gilbert will both start from the interchange.

Jason Taumalolo will miss the Sharks showdown due to a knee injury, with Josh McGuire moving to lock and Francis Molo promoted to the starting side to partner skipper Jordan McLean in the front row.

Saturday night’s game kicks off at 7.35pm.

Team List 1.

Valentine Holmes

2.

Kyle Feldt

3.

Justin O’Neill

4.

Esan Marsters

5.

Ben Hampton

6.

Scott Drinkwater

7.

Jake Clifford

8.

Francis Molo

9.

Jake Granville

10. Fordan McLean 11.

Mitch Dunn

12. Coen Hess 13. Josh McGuire 14. Reece Robson 15.

John Asiata

16. Tom Gilbert 17. Gavin Cooper 18. Corey Jensen 19. Shane Wright 20. Tom Opacic 21. Reuben Cotter

Broncos looking to youth THE Broncos’ Ministry of Youth continues to grow strength, with 20-year-old Herbie Farnworth and Ethan Bullemor promoted to the starting side, and teenager Tesi Niu confirmed to debut off the bench for Thursday night’s clash with the Sydney Roosters.

Niu, an 18-year-old outside back from Marsden State High School with electric speed and footwork, will become the 10th player to debut for the Broncos since Anthony Seibold began as coach last year.

Winger Farnworth (5 NRL games) and backrower Bullemor (2 NRL games) were among those 10 players to earn their NRL stripes under Seibold in the past year, and he has no hesitation in backing them to get the job done against the two-time defending Premiers.

Bullemor takes the place of unlucky Captain Alex Glenn who suffered a deep cut to his calf against the Eels that re-

quired surgery, while Farnworth moves onto the wing as Jesse Arthars shifts into the centres in place of the suspended Kotoni Staggs.

“This weekend is about focusing on us … we’ve got some players that I have great belief in but they are at the very beginning of their careers,” said Seibold.

Halfback Brodie Croft and lock Pat Carrigan have been named to co-captain the team in the absence of Glenn – the pair having led the Broncos to wins in the opening two games of the season against the Cowboys and Rabbitohs.

Team List 1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Corey Oates 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Darius Boyd 5. Herbie Farnworth

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

Anthony Milford Brodie Croft Thomas Flegler Jake Turpin Payne Haas Ethan Bullemor Jamil Hopoate Patrick Carrigan Tesi Niu Joe Ofahengaue Rhys Kennedy Matthew Lodge Corey Paix Xavier Coates Tom Dearden Pride Petterson-Rabati

Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, June 4, 2020 Page 17

SPORT

Feldt, Wright re-sign with Cowboys PREMIERSHIP-WINNING winger Kyle Feldt and homegrown second-rower Shane Wright have signed contract extensions to remain with the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys beyond the 2020 season.

Feldt has inked a four-year extension, which runs through the end of the 2024 season.

The 28-year-old made his NRL debut in Round 21 of the 2013 season and has gone on to make 117 appearances over the course of eight seasons.

Feldt scored the most famous try in Cowboys’ history to level the scores after the fulltime siren in the 2015 grand final against the Broncos. He also appeared in the 2017 decider against Melbourne.

The Townsville product sits sixth on the Cowboys’ all-time try scorers list with 75 and needs just four more to pass Antonio Winterstein to move into the top five.

“Our club was set up for players like Kyle Feldt,” Cowboys Director of Football Peter Parr said.

“He was born and raised in Townsville, came through our junior system, was part of our under 20s program and has gone on to forge a great career in the NRL. “Now with a new four-year deal it all but ensures he will play his whole career with the Cowboys, which is wonderful for him and wonderful for the club.”

Proserpine Brahmans junior Wright has signed a oneyear extension with the Cowboys, running through the end of the 2021 season.

He joined the Cowboys in 2017 after a two-season stint in the under 20s with the Gold Coast Titans.

Wright made his NRL debut in Round 24 of the 2017 season and has made 18 top grade appearances in total, including 14 in the 2019 campaign, which saw him claim the club’s Rookie of the Year.

The 24-year-old scored the final ever try at 1300SMILES Stadium in a victory over the Bulldogs last season.

“Wrighty spent a couple of years at the Gold Coast, but we were able to bring him home and he’s been a great contributor since he’s been at the club,” Parr said.

“There is no doubt his best football is in front of him, he’s learnt what it takes to cut it at NRL level and he’s a player we have some very high expectations for over the next couple of seasons.”

Innisfail United Football Club continue to kick goals MARIA GIRGENTI

Innisfail Football Club president Paulo Di Carlo and vice president Scott Davies inside the newly constructed female friendly amenities block

Page 18 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, June 4, 2020

EVEN though the football season is currently on hold due to COVID-19, it has been full steam ahead behind the scenes at Innisfail United Football Club with the construction of a new amenities block at Castor Park, Mourilyan, while the clubhouse has been given a mini face lift.

The Queensland Government provided $139,748 to Innisfail United Football Club to construct new amenities block to support female participation in football and Athletics at Castor Park to enable Queenslanders to participate in sport and recreation activities.

Two new change rooms are now completed which includes male and female referee rooms, disabled toilet and office/parents' room.

Security screens have been installed in the clubhouse by Innisfail Glass and Aluminium thanks to Cassowary Coast Regional Council Partnering With Community Program for their support and funding.

At the beginning of this year, Innisfail United Football Club was successful in securing a $35,000 Gambling Community Benefit Fund which has been used to upgrade the existing change rooms so they are female friendly and it now has three showers and a toilet which have been re-tiled and given a fresh paint job.

Air conditioning units have also been installed in the change rooms which were donated by Bradken Innisfail with the assistance of John Salogni and installed by Baps Electrics.

In September 2019, the club was successful with a $18, 814 Queensland Country Credit Union Good for Good Community Grant which enabled completion of long-term project to construct a fence at the northern end of the field.

Club president Paulo Di Carlo said the new and upgraded facilities will greatly benefit the Castor Park user groups which includes Innisfail United, Cassowary Coast Athletics and Boogan Stars Junior Football Club.

"These improvements along with the upgraded LED lighting installed in 2018 also provide us with more opportunities to host state level football games."

Di Carlo especially wished to thank Queensland Sport and Recreation for their support and Cassowary Coast Regional Council who also helped bring the project to fruition.

He also expressed extreme appreciation to the building crew including: Corica Constructions, Tony Buzolich, IMEC, Baps Electrics, Foschi Painting, Haymans Electrical, Dulux Paints, Blenners Raw Materials, Scott Davies, Cameron Ferguson and Gary Pedrola.

SPORT

THERE were two days last week where it was possible for the larger boats to head out and fish the main reef. Conditions were uncomfortable with a 10 to 15 knot south westerly winds blowing, however the fish were willing and there were some very good catches of Coral Trout and mixed reef species.

The various shoals and wrecks in the deeper water were covered in Nannygai however the sharks were a real problem with huge Bull sharks taking almost every fish forcing boats to move on. I found the going very tough, after the first fish or two it became impossible to land a decent fish. We moved four times with the sharks taking virtually every decent fish. We eventually headed home early with only a handful of reasonable fish. What is the use of bag limits when the sharks are taking more fish than you put in the ice box.

Releasing undersize Nannygai is teaching these sharks bad habits as I am sure they are taking the released fish as they make their descent back to the bottom. I feel the only answer is to lower the size limit on Nannygai to 38 cm. These smaller fish can be wound straight up to the boat and beat the sharks, what’s the use of releasing them when you are only encouraging the sharks. Is this upsetting the natural balance in the food chain.

Closer in, the various shoals in the shipping channel fished reasonably well both for Spanish Mackerel in the 4 to 8 kilo size range, and some early season spotted and school Mackerel. Most of the Macks were caught by floating pilchards or by high speed spinning with lures such as the Arma Matalik. There were some Nannygai caught by bottom fishing however they were mostly undersize fish.

Closer in around the islands spots such as Forty Foot and the Deep hole were plagued by sharks and boats were forced to fish

Bowls NEWS

Innisfail Ladies Bowls LAST Wednesday saw 16 ladies have a roll up in two sessions at 1.30pm and then at 3.30pm with all thrilled to be back on the green.

On Saturday, 30 bowlers put their names down for social play so three sessions (10 in each) were organised with the first at 10.30am, 1.00pm and 3.30pm.

This week 20 bowlers are allowed on the green at the same time which means ladies will need to phone in before 1.00pm and play will commence at 1.30pm.

The ladies will be able to play all afternoon still with just four bowlers on each rink and a spare rink in between.

Please bring your own refreshments as the bar will not be open and hand sanitiser is provided.

less popular areas. Some very nice Island Trout and Grass Sweet Lip were caught. The Grunter were scarce around the Family Group of Islands however there was several reports of good Fingermark catches. There has been plenty of Herring and Squid around which are their favourite food .

The Barra and Mangrove Jacks have been scarce in the coastal creeks. Those that have been raised have been very half hearted about taking lures or live baits. Despite this there have been some good fish caught mostly in the Hinchinbrook area. Reports are also coming in of catches of Grunter, Whiting, Bream and Flathead from most of the coastal creeks but in particular the Murray river. The mud crabs are still plentiful however it seems the average size is dropping, with lots of just undersize crabs for every legal. This is especially the case in the Hull, I set out 6 pots for the night and managed two good bucks.

The Hinchinbrook area is definitely fishing better than the northern creeks with reports of good numbers of Grunter and some great catches of Fingermark. The Threadfin Salmon catches seemed to have dropped off, I don`t know enough about this species to speculate on whether they congregate through Autumn and disappear through winter, (if anyone knows please fill me in.)

I am writing this report on Monday so I am not too positive about the weather forecast. This time of year it seems to be changing daily, however at this stage they are predicting 20 to 25 knots of wind for this coming weekend. This will force most boats into the estuaries, so my best advice would be to try the Hinchinbrook area. Either side of the morning high tide are ideal for fishing for grunter both in the coastal creeks and along the flats of Hinchinbrook. Either side of the afternoon low tide will suite fishing for Barra and Jacks in the estuaries. It would also allow a opportunity to fish the late afternoon incoming tide for whiting, bream and flathead. This is a very low tide and will cause access problems to many ramp so you may not be able to get the boat out until on dark.

Good Fishing Roly Newton Tackle World Tully

GOLF NEWS

Cardwell Golf

LADIES' Thursday competition saw 11 players enjoy the wonderful condition of the course and the beautiful weather. The winner, finally the bride, was Tracey Cousemacker (33), second Sneza Lazarus (30) and third on a countback Christine Taylor (29).

Thursday's 9 hole Sporters saw a huge field take to the course taking advantage of a lovely afternoon. The winner was Brent Petersen (20), second Kevin Brown (19), third Ian Ingram (18) on a countback from fourth Bert Pajonk (18) and the rundown of Geoff Reading (18), Graham Gardiner (18), Tracey Cousemacker (17), Warren Stahel (17), and Mandy Carucci (17).

Saturday’s stableford was won by Wayne Sheahan (37), second Dave Hoare (36), third Keith Hoare (35) on a C/B from the rundown of Brian Wishart (35), Geoff Reading (33), Frank Grimes (33), Greg Dearlove (33) after C/Bs. Thursday, Ladies play a Stableford, followed by Sporters. Saturday is the Craig Moore Memorial Monthly Medal sponsored by the Mission Beach players. As always, we thank the sponsors for their support. Men will play off the blue tees and the ladies the white tees.

PLEASE NOTE: competitions will be played in groups of four at 10 minute intervals, registration is still via timesheet. Register by email to enquire@cardwellgolfclub.com or jackieolditch@bigpond.com or by phone or text to 0414 359 314. The timesheet can be viewed on the Cardwell Golf Club website, cardwellgolfclub.com.

info@ccin.com.au

EVAKOOL ESKY’S – NOW IN STOCK!

JUNE

THU 4 1:58 am 0.88m 7:51 am 3.14m 2:05 pm 0.27m 8:42 pm 3.57m FRI 5 2:44 am 0.91m 8:34 am 2.98m 2:44 pm 0.29m 9:28 pm 3.62m SAT 6 3:33 am 1.01m 9:19 am 2.78m 3:25 pm 0.4m 10:15 pm 3.57m SUN 7 4:25 am 1.16m 10:07 am 2.54m 4:10 pm 0.59m 11:03 pm 3.43m MON 8 5:26 am 1.33m 10:58 am 2.3m 4:57 pm 0.83m 11:55 pm 3.22m TUE 9 6:43 am 1.46m 11:55 am 2.09m 5:49 pm 1.09m WED 10 12:53 am 3.01m 8:32 am 1.47m 1:01 pm 1.95m 6:48 pm 1.32m

El Arish Golf WITH every blade of grass washed clean and every creek full of the 'dreaded water' we finally got in a full round of comp games last week.Last TUESDAY'S comp saw Lloyd Brazier winner on 35 with Gavin Camilleri r/up on 34. Saturday's perfect playing conditions saw a great field teeing off in the early restriction times with Paul Marland coming in winner on 39 Stableford, then r/up was a calculating count back with Peter Carter 2nd on 36 from Col Bidgood and Fran Lomas [ great to see Fran back hitting the ball well after knee surgery] This weekend is the start of our Club Championships, playing 18 holes each Saturday and Sunday over the next 2 weekends - let's hope for the cold clear weather predicted - enjoy the games and play well.

Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, June 4, 2020 Page 19

Local Hopes Dashed

SPORT

Senior rugby league will not be played in Innisfail and Tully this year after all clubs in CDRL competition voted to cancel the 2020 season due to the implications of COVID-19

MARIA GIRGENTI AT a joint board meeting held on Monday with QRL and CDRL, this year's Cairns District Rugby League (CDRL) senior competition has been cancelled after all teams voted unanimously to cancel the season.

This is the first time in over 70 years since the competition has been cancelled which was back during World War II years.

Due to COVID-19, the season was going to be postponed until later in the year, however even with restrictions being

eased several clubs voiced their concerns regarding the limit of 100 people allowed at each venue inclusive of players and staff.

Without a certain number of spectators to attend the games, clubs were not in a position to pay their players or officials or cover the running costs of their facilities.

While there is much disappointment among players and fans in the passionate rugby league towns of Innisfail and Tully, although the general feeling among the whole rugby league community is that the right decision has been made in the current circumstances.

Page 32 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, July 13, 2017

Despite restrictions being eased and players able to return to training as of June 2 and games due to start on July 10, most of the clubs in the competition rely on spectators to keep their doors open.

With the cancellation of the 2020 season, clubs can now focus on moving forward, while fans and supporters will be anticipating the 2021 rugby league season which is expected to return bigger and better.

Cairns District Junior Rugby League club presidents have been provided with some options for the rest of the 2020 season and will make a decision next Monday.