2020 May 7th Newspaper Edition

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TO SUBSCRIBE FIND US Thursday, May 7, 2020 COMMUNITY CONCERNS HAVE BEEN RAISED REGARDING THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF A HELICOPTER FACILITY LOCATED ON TULLY MISSION BEACH ROAD

PAGE 4 & 5

Estate needs

Domestic Violence – Parental Alienation

FEATURE

OPEN FOR TAKEAWAY MEALS OPEN FOR TAKEAWAYS

EST 2014

 Selection of Quiches, Pastries, Focaccia, Rolls, Salads  Delicious Slices for the the sweet tooth  Smoothies and Juices

Monday to Friday: 5.30 am to 1 pm Saturday: 7am to 11am

Phone Your Order to (07) 4068 0606 Shop 1/18 Butler St, Tully. See our FACEBOOK page

W

ITH the effects on our local cafes and restaurants on the Cassowary Coast due to COVID-19, many are trying to make do with the best they can to keep their businesses running.

Many local businesses are offering take away meals. Ripe Harvest Cafe, in Tully and The Shack at Wongaling Beach are open early in the mornings for the early risers and close after the lunch time rush.

They both offer a choice of delicious meals, snacks, cakes, smoothies, and great coffee too.

OPEN FOR TAKEAWAYS

PAGE 7

Lunch Meals

$10

Lunch 12 to 2 pm

Meal Packs

Dinner 5 to 7 pm

Pre-Order 4068 1044 PICK UP BOTTLE SHOP OR BUTLERS See our FACEBOOK or register your email for deals/promotions

Tully Hotel is offering Lunch and Dinner takeaway meals with a great menu to choose from. Pick up a menu from the Tully Hotel or look on their Facebook page for the menu. Phone and place your order and pick up when ready.

 All Day Breakfast  Meals - Steak, Seafood

CODE OF CONDUCT DELIVERS FOR TULLY GROWERS TA K E A W AY  Fabulous Coffee and Cake  Smoothies

 Cold Press Juices  Fresh Salads  Raw Treats

Cassowary Shopping Village Wongaling Beach. Ph: 4068 8699

Famishes 2 Go in Innisfail are Open 7 days a week. Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner . You can choose from steak, chicken, fish meals, wraps, toasties, hot and cold drinks. See their Facebook page or Phone 4061 3987 or 0478 601 395.

Please support your local cafes, clubs, and hotels during this difficult period.

 Toasted Wraps Toasted Sandwiches  Burgers, Chips, Salads

OPEN 7 DAYS

 Brekky Toasts, Kids Packs  Scones & Cheesecake

MONDAY - FRIDAY 7 AM - 6 PM SATURDAY - SUNDAY 7 AM - 1 PM  Hot & Cold Beverages

TAKEAWAY – PHONE

4061 3987 FOR PICK UP ORDERS

64 Edith Street, Innisfail, Qld, 4860 Order online:

Famishes www.famishes.com.au Innisfail

Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 7, 2020 Page 7

CONTINUED PG3

PAGE 13

OPEN 7 DAYS

MONDAY - FRIDAY ............. 7 AM - 6 PM SATURDAY - SUNDAY........ 7 AM - 1 PM TAKEAWAY - PHONE

4061 3987

FOR PICK UP ORDERS

 All Day Breakfast  Meals - Steak, Seafood  Toasted Wraps - Toasted Sandwiches  Burgers, Chips, Salads  Brekky Toasts, Kids Packs  Scones & Cheesecake  Hot & Cold Beverages

64 Edith Street, Innisfail, Qld, 4860 Order online: www.famishes.com.au

Famishes Innisfail

COMMUNITY NEWS

Contacts

Adopt a pet

Advertising: Debra McAteer

For all inquires and information please contact our office:

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

Phone: (07) 4068 0088 Email: info@ccin.com.au

PAWS AND CLAWS:

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

Advertising and Classifieds can be paid via phone with credit card.

REFUGE HOURS Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00-11:00am & 3.30-5:00pm,

Saturday Morning: 8:00am - 9:30am.

Phone: 0428 807 461

27 DOWNING ST, INNISFAIL

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 April/May 2020

Rainfall Tully (YTD 1561.9mm) S

M

T

W

T

F

S

5

6

7 1.0

8 1.0

9

10

11

12

13

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15 48.0

16 36.0

17 142.0

18 3.0

19 1.0

20

21

22 2.0

23 0.4

24 1.6

25

26 1.0

27 31.0

28 1.0

29 11.5

30 2.0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1.0mm

Chrystal is a 5 and a half month DSH Molly is a 5 and a half month DSH fefemale who is looking for her new family male that is looking for her new loving to take her home. family to take her home.

Chrystal is very mischievous and loves to cuddle up to you.

Chrystal is $195 which includes desexing, microchipping, vet check and vaccinations

Celebrating Mothers Day

Check Out Our Ladies Gear! Wallets, Purses, Handbags, Suitcases, Shirts, Joggers, Thongs

IGGULDENS IGGS AD

Rainfall Cardwell (YTD 1129.8mm) Rainfall Innisfail (YTD 1529.1mm) S

Molly is very playful and loves cuddles. Molly is $195 which includes vet check, vaccinations, microchipping and desexing.

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

5

6

7 1.8

8

9

10

11

5

6

7 5.8

8 0.8

9

10 0.6

11 0.2

12

13

14

15

16 1.0

17 50.0

18

12

13

14

15 6.0

16 20.8

17 173.2

18

19 2.0

20

21 16.0

22

23

24

25

19 14.4

20

21 0.2

22

23

24 7.0

25

26 1.6

27 13.0

28 0.2

29 3.0

30 0.2

1

2

26 16.2

27 27.8

28 1.4

29 7.8

30

1

2

3

4

5

6 4.0

7

8

9

3

4

5

6 35.8

7

8

9

0.2mm

DATE CLAIMER!

When and where to be in 2020

Tully: 17 Butler St, IGGsToo, Banyan Plaza; Cardwell: 83 Victoria Street, PH 4068 1295

29th - Australias biggest morning Tea Warrina lakes innisfail

29 - Tully Horticultural and Garden Club Flower Show

June 2020

September 2020

May 2020

27 -Debutantes Ball

12 -St Clare’s Fete

8th - Ulysses Cluster State Schools Musical Production

July 2020

20th - Rotary take a kid Fishing

9th - Ulysses Cluster State Schools Musical Production 28th - Mission Beach Lioness Club Biggest Morning Tea

4th -Tully Lioness Craft Fair Tully Country Club

October 2020

18th - Mission Beach Lioness Club Cent Sale

24th - Feast of ST Gerard

August 2020

To advertise your function please phone

1st & 2nd - El Arish 100 Weekend

Ph: (07) 4068 0088

Cancer Council Queensland’s turning the state pink this Mother’s Day MOTHER’S Day is having a makeover this year, with Cancer Council Queensland encouraging women across the state to dress up and don a Pink Ribbon for Mother’s Day. The charity is inviting Queensland women to wear pink, purchase Pink Ribbon merchandise, and check in with the Mum’s in their lives to raise funds for women’s cancers.

Those that donate will also receive a Mother’s Day e-card to pass on the love.

Cancer Council Queensland’s Pink Ribbon campaign raises funds for women’s cancer research, prevention programs, and support services.

Cancer Council Queensland CEO Ms Chris McMillan urges women across the state to get involved in honour of the mums who have been impacted by cancer.

“We often think of mums as superheroes, and this Mother’s Day is an opportunity to check in and thank them for all they do.

“There are many of us who have lost our mothers to cancer, and this Mother’s Day I invite all Queensland women to wear pink and fundraise in honour of them.

“Over 4,300 Queensland women are diagnosed each year with a breast or gynaecological cancer.

Page 2 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 7, 2020

“Register your Pink Fundraiser, set up a video chat, and check in with your loved ones to make a difference.

“By supporting the efforts of Pink Fundraising, you’re helping Cancer Council Queensland support the one in six Queensland women who will be diagnosed with a breast or gynaecological cancer in their lifetime.”

More information on Pink Fundraising is available on doitforcancer.com.au and pinkribbon.cancerqld. org.au or contact our Fundraising Support team on 1300 85 85.

LOCAL AFFAIRS

Domestic Violence – Parental Alienation WITH the month of May being domestic violence prevention month, I would like to take this opportunity to raise community awareness of another form of domestic violence; Parental Alienation.

Parental Alienation is when the alienating parent, influences and manipulates their child into hating and / or fearing and rejecting the targeted parent and everyone associated with the targeted parent (grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, friends). This form of abuse is Isolationist abuse. The abuser (alienating parent), tries to separate the victim (their child) from the targeted parent’s friends and relatives, and then anything that resembled life before the parents split, for example the children’s involvement in sporting and community groups. It then extends to things like ensuring there are no photos or memories of the targeted parent around the house and manipulating the children’s childhood memories. You see, abuse is more successful in a social vacuum. It is difficult to abuse someone when they have a social network of positive contacts or positive and fond memories of the targeted parent. Isolation usually develops over time, ending with the victim (child) in a state of complete social isolation and the targeted parent and family being completely erased from the abused child’s life.

So, what’s it like being the targeted parent? It’s like mourning the loss of a child that is still alive, except you’re the one that has become the ghost. You see your children up the street or sitting in Church, you can see them, but it’s as if they look straight through you. You can hear them when they speak, you say hello, but are ignored, as if they don’t hear you. You look forward to events such as Christmas, Easter and Mother’s Day, in the hope that you may see your children, or hear from them, if only for a moment.

Birthdays are another heart breaker. As the years pass it is incredibly hard to buy gifts. You no longer

know what their interests and tastes are. You invite them over for dinner, but don’t receive a reply. You cook a lovely meal and bake a cake just in case, only to be singing happy birthday to them in their absence whilst staring at an old photo on the shelf, reminiscing of years gone by and your tears extinguish the candles.

You try to keep in contact through their school. You help out at tuckshop and you might be lucky to catch a glimpse of them changing classes, or running past during lunch time. You attend parent teacher interviews but feel like a fraud, you’ve had no interaction with this child for years now, you have no idea of their study habits, who their friends are, how they’re coping.

How do you answer when someone asks how many children do you have, or how are your children?

There are so many things you miss out on. There are so many things they miss out on, not only the love of the targeted parent, but the love and interaction of the targeted parent’s family as well – grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins suffer these losses as well. Am I angry at my children? Of course not. I love them, I know it’s not their fault.

How do I cope? You just have to, and you do, until something triggers a memory and then you fall to pieces. But you pull yourself back together again by reminding yourself you gave them the most important gift - life. You find solace in thinking that childhood is only 18 years of their life, perhaps when they’re adults and can make up their own mind they’ll come back, and there are so many more years of adulthood. But then you get thinking ‘what if they don’t come back?’.

Will I get to know my grandkids, who will be the pall bearers at my funeral, oh crap, maybe I should write my own eulogy so at least the truth will be told…..

You cope, so one day when they return, you will be healthy in body and mind so you can help undo the trauma and set them back on track to a normal life.

THIS year the TSC and the Cardwell UFO Festival invite you to join us in thanking volunteers in our community at home and online on Thursday May 14.

Volunteers are an essential part of the fabric of Australian life and annually in May Australian community groups across the country recognise and celebrate the contributions that volunteers make to our communities.

Volunteers in our local community provide integral support for community groups, sporting clubs and support services; and without volunteers many of these would simply not exist.

As we cannot celebrate in person, this year we are going virtual!

If you are a Volunteer, put your feet up, enjoy a cuppa, a biscuit or a slice of cake, take a photo and post to Facebook #virtualvolunteer2020 #your volunteer organisation #tullysupportcentre #cardwellUFOfestival If you are not on Facebook, enjoy a cuppa and know that that we are thinking of you.

Domestic and Family Violence Month The month of May is also Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month. This month seeks to promote healthy relationships and the right of everyone to feel safe in their own home.

This year the TSC is encouraging the Cassowary Coast to go Purple for the month of May, wear purple

on the May 20 and enjoy a girl’s night in on the 21st of May. Cassowary Coast Goes purple Now in its 3rd year, Cassowary Coast goes purple raises awareness of DFV in our community by encouraging businesses and individuals to wear purple and decorate their homes and businesses in purple during May. While the whole month may be difficult for some, we are encouraging homes and businesses join in purple week during May 17 to May 23 and wear purple day on Wednesday the May 20.

Show your support by taking a photo and sharing it to Facebook #cassowarycoastgoespurple #tullysupportcentre Girl’s Night In 2020 The TSC Girl’s Night in has grown in popularity over the last 3 years, this year due to coronavirus restrictions we are raising awareness of DFV from home and online.

On Thursday the May 21 the TSC is asking you to join us for a Girl’s Night In, put your feet up, enjoy a cuppa or glass of wine, put on a movie, take a photo and post to Facebook using the hastags #DVawareness #Girlsnightin #tullysupportcentre You need to register for an info pack by contacting Maxine at the TSC on 4068 004 and post your photo to Facebook to be in the draw to win either a $100 or $50 local shopping voucher.

DV in Australia Unfortunately, Australia experiences high rates of DFV with one in four women experiencing DFV in her lifetime and around 1.3 million women are victims of

You see all the above is a form of domestic violence, not only for the targeted parent, but also for the children involved, they are being used by the alienating parent as a weapon to hurt the targeted parent. This is something that should never, EVER happen. Research has shown that alienated children experience grief, guilt and shame for participating in the alienation and for rejecting the target parent. Why do they do it? For fear of repercussion and /or reward from the alienating parent, to make their lives bearable under the rule of the alienating parent.

So, if you see an alienated child, please don’t hate them or be angry at them. Please don’t be offended if once upon a time they said hello to you and now they ignore you. Just know they’re just doing what they have to, to survive. I hope they know in return that the targeted parent is waiting at home with a heart overflowing with love and compassion.

Virtual Volunteer week

physical assault by an intimate partner each year. The TSC is also receiving increasing requests for support from male victims of domestic violence.

DFV is NOT ONLY CONFINED TO PHYSICAL ACTS OF VIOLENCE. DFV also includes; physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, psychological and financial abuse. It also includes any threatening and/or controlling behaviours, including the use of spiritual or cultural beliefs, to justify violent or abusive behaviour.

DFV involves an ongoing pattern of behaviour aimed at controlling the other person through fear. It can occur within any relationship, towards any person, at any time.

Cassowary Coast Domestic and Family Violence Service The TSC Cassowary Coast Domestic and Family Violence service (CCDFVS) supports women and children affected by DFV from Babinda to Cardwell.

This program provides Court Support, Child and Adult Counselling services delivered by qualified and experienced staff.

Important numbers In an emergency dial: 000 DV Connect: 1800 811 811 (24hrs) Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24hrs) Men’s Line OZ: 1300 364 277 (24hrs) Men’s Line QLD: 1800 600 636 1800 Respect: 1800 737 732 (24hrs) Parent’s Line: 1300 30 1300 Kid’s Helpline: 1800 55 1800 Legal Aid: 1300 65 11 88

Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 7, 2020 Page 3

COMMUNITY NEWS

MISSION Helicopters plans for a small aviation helicopter hub in Mission Beach will bring a level of emergency and professional services to the region, currently not available except in the centres of Townsville and Cairns.

Ray Cronin, founder and managing director of Kestrel Aviation, the parent company of Mission Helicopters is committed to ensuring the lifestyle and environment of the Mission Beach area is not compromised by his proposed development.

“We have owned the land for a number of years and we enjoy the time we have spent here, we certainly do not want to compromise what we have here.”

The proposed development will see a search and rescue / emergency services facility located within the region, catering for a raft of activities including search and rescue, maritime services, emergency medical transfers as well as emergency services during floods,

There when needed

fire or cyclone.

“This is not a tourism venture with joy and scenic flights every couple of hours. We will offer high value services to the community.

“We will not be offering training services. This site is not designed for, nor can it cater for repetitive flying required for training purposes. Training services are best suited for commercial aviation facilities and this does not fit with the community base of Mission Beach.

“Our focus will be emergency services and to do that we need to have a facility on the ground, set up ready to go.

“This site geographically is ideal, situated centrally between Townsville and Cairns. Our helicopter facility and services will provide much needed support for the region, in addition to our services the Queensland Emergency Services will have access to the facility

Captain Ray Cronin, Managing Director of Kestrel Aviation: Water bombing at night.

Erickson Crane Heavylift water bombing Helicopters in action during Australia's summer bush fire emergency.

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

and our ground engineers.”

“We really would like to community to understand that we propose providing professional services for the region, currently those services are 60 minutes scramble time away. Once our full capability is in place we will be on site and ready to go when required. Time can be a critical issue in an emergency.”

Kestrel Aviation provides emergency response and firefighting support with its fleet of fixed and rotary wing aircraft, including the versatile heavy-lift Erickson Aircrane.

Operating from their headquarters in Mangalore, Kestral’s fleet delivers powerful and reliable helicopter firefighting and emergency response capability.

Whilst their Mission Beach facility will not service their full fleet, having state-of-the-art emergency services and search and rescue capability in an important regional centre can only be seen as a positive.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Helicopter development proposed for Cassowary corridor COMMUNITY concerns have been raised regarding the proposed development of a helicopter facility located on Tully Mission Beach Road.

Many local residents became aware of the proposed development late last week resulting in the usual social media flurry and exchange of opinion as well as the circulation of an on-line petition to register disapproval of the development.

The proposed facility will be situated on the Tully Mission Beach Road south of the small industrial precinct housing Mission Beach Discount Tyres and Mechanical.

Occupying a land area of 10.5 hectares the business planned by Mission Helicopters will consist of offices, storage facilities, hangers, refuelling, maintenance and repair facilities for a small fleet of helicopters.

Local residents have concerns regarding the location of this proposal. The noise impact upon nearby residents combined with the environmental impact of helicopter operations upon the community as well as wildlife.

The current land use classification is rural, although there currently is a partial development on the proposed site by a raw materials supply business.

Local residents welcome the development; however question whether the proposed location is appropriate.

Brian Puckey, a Mission Beach resident and business owner feels the proposal needs to be relocated to an area with less community and environmental impact.

“Mission Beach is an environmentally sensitive area, to create an industry with a large amount of noise so close to residents as well as the cassowaries is not very smart.

“I’m not anti-development, I welcome development, but it needs to be ecologically sensitive and managed in a sustainable way.”

Any development planned for the Mission Beach area traditionally is scrutinised carefully by locals dedicated to protecting the habitat of the endangered Southern Cassowary. The Southern Cassowary is iconic in the Mission Beach region and sighting a cassowary is high on the wish list for many visitors to the area.

“Eco tourism is one of the biggest growth industries, before the current COV-19 event. Cashed up city-dwellers want a natural experience in a quiet untouched manner. Flying into and over an ecologically sensitive area where the flight impacts potentially upon one of the visitors bucket list items defies logic”, said Puckey.

“We’ve had the pause button pushed for the past few weeks. A chance to reassess what is important to us and change the way we go about our lives. We run the risk here of losing much of the Mission Beach uniqueness and becoming just like every other part of the world.”

Locals commenting on social media have raised the possibility of this venture using already existing facilities in the region.

Tully airstrip located 18 kilometres to the south west has been raised as a possible location. A commercial helicopter operations located on cattle property in

South Mission Beach has also been mentioned on social media.

The proposed development will be located in an area designated by Council as a cassowary habitat and corridor as well as an area of high ecological significance.

Council have requested from the developers additional information regarding the positioning of refuelling facilities, proposed flight paths, and process as well as septic system positioning and operational information.

The development application cites that flights will take-off heading east into the Coral Sea, before turning north or south to commence their journey, minimising the impact upon residents as well as wildlife.

The development application is open for review and comment through to this Friday May 8. Submissions and comments must be made in writing to the Council and can be lodged via email.

Full details regarding this applica-

tion can be found on Council’s website www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/public-notification.

Traditionally development applications of this nature are advertised at the commencement of the comment period in local newspapers informing residents of the proposed development and inviting comment.

This newspaper has not received or published any advertisement for this development application.

Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 7, 2020 Page 5

COMMUNITY NEWS Sari Hyytinen CCIN Editor’s Column

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.

WHEN did the government cease to be about representing the people, but instead became about ‘career’ politicians. Sadly people no longer feel represented by the government and various media sources refer to the Canberra bubble and city latte sippers.

There is the sense at every tier of government that the largest population or organisation holds the power and gets to decide what happens for the entire country/region.

One of the things I hear often is that a politician should work in a community for a long time to ensure that they understand the community before they are allowed to represent it.

We just had our local elections and the people who were voted in were the ones who informed them they would be transparent and work for their community and would not make important decisions behind closed doors.

Do They Deserve Us? AS some might know, over the past few years, personally, and through the Green Shirt Movement I have been trying to turn things around for the betterment of Rural and regional QLD – and indeed for the whole of QLD. I started with a mantra of “Good People, Good Policy”.

There was nothing there about “Good Party”.

I have called a spade a spade - often to my own detriment. I have tried to forge trust only to have that trust broken for political gain - or fear of popular consequence.

I tried to form alliances and cooperation, to stop the persistent self interest and infighting, the casualties of which are us – the grass roots. We come a distant second to their pursuit of power and ascendancy. This extends to many peak bodies as well. When the current “way of doing business” has us in this parlous state, surely there should be a recognition of a need for change.

The answer is a big NO. There are too many benefitting from the current way of doing business for change to be likely. Board positions, jobs, contracts, grants, are all dependant upon not rocking the boat, thus anyone who seeks to change things is seen as an existential threat.

Ask yourself why there are so many friendships between “our” representatives, and those that seek to destroy our way of life through draconian regulation such as veg laws, reef regs etc etc.

Scrutinise how many of these easy relationships exist politically and in our representative bodies. Their reply would be, “ we must work WITH them, we must have a relationship”. When our opposition are seeking their own ends through our detriment – NO WE DON’T. If no matter how hard someone kicks your people, you will still sit at the table and sup with them, then that is not a relationship, that is a betrayal. What are the consequences of their actions? A dinner and drinks? Spare me please !

So lets look at the conservative side of QLD politics and use the Reef Regulations as an example.

Prior to the legislation, despite meetings to advise to the contrary and explain issues, the PHON MP wanted us all to move to a system of agriculture used in Vanuatu. This was not representation, this was imposition. FAIL. KAP have come out denigrating the senate inquiry into the validity of the science that these regs are supposedly based upon – dubious science to say the least. This is despite the inquiry being secured by Dr Peter Ridd, Myself, and other canegrowers, whom travelled down and walked the halls of Canberra, at our own expense. Is this because Katter Seniors motion a day later was not supported? Make your own decision, but for me …..FAIL LNP. Well these mob are doosies. Only ONE of their

Know Your Community

A frequent complaint of government is that the people we vote in are not able to be in control of what occurs in the community, but instead the executives that nobody voted for dictate to the elected representatives and tell them who they are allowed to spend time with, what they are allowed to say and what they are allowed to do. That doesn’t sound like a democracy!

Sadly and unwittingly Australia’s democatic freedoms are being eroded. The Global Report from CIVICUS in 2019 reported that our democratic freedoms have gone from open to narrowed.

“The CIVICUS Monitor is a collaboration between human rights organisations around the world, to assess the democratic freedoms of 196 countries.

In the 2019 report, Australia’s democratic ‘status’ dropped. This was due to recent police raids on media outlets, the growing trend of prosecuting whistleblowers like Witness K - and the increasing crackdown on peaceful protest.” SBS The feed www.sbs.com.au/ news/the-feed/australia-s-democracy-has-been-downgraded-from-open-to-narrowed To make a decision and change policy in Australia takes a long time. How long will it take before Australia is able to undo the damage to our civil liberties that appear to have been created by ‘career’ politicians, their desire to listen to executives and their lack of knowledge of their community because they chose to never work at a grassroots level?

A positive result of COVID-19 may be Australians starting to take control back from the government and ensuring that we stop over-regulating our local businesses and industries. Australians want to stop being over taxed and we would like to go back to being able to produce locally.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

MP’s prepared a submission for the inquiry. They did not publicly support it as a party. Indeed Their leader Frecklington, in pushing her Bradfield scheme, claims that it will dramatically reduce the sediment being discharged and damaging the Great Barrier Reef. This is despite evidence from Dr Ridd and other scientists refuting that there is little if any sediment at the reef, and that there is no detrimental effect.

I personally outlined this in a phone call, and her advisors were similarly advised. She is quite willing to throw canefarmers and graziers under the bus to promote her scheme which the urbanites of Brisbane may find voteworthy. This again is political expedience. Thus…. FAIL. This may sound depressing. That is wholely and solely because it is.

So who to vote for in the next election?

We have Parties targetting voters of parties they should unite with against the common foe, rather than trying to convert the voters of that foe - political cannibalism.

We have representative bodies that are haemorrhaging members because of their lack lustre performance cannibalising the disgruntled members of other bodies to shore their numbers, rather than actually start to perform - to stand up and fight.

What to do?

Well I go back to the base position. PUT LABOR AND GREENS LAST. Meantime, go to your conservative candidates and, ask them to definitively state where they stand on things such as Veg Laws, Fishing Regulation, Reef Regulation etc – AND GET THEIR ANSWER IN WRITING. I actually doubt many will even have a clue about what you are talking about.

It is time we started demanding MORE of our political representatives and Peak Bodies. It is time they started defending us rather than appeasing the extreme green agenda. Those who work with groups such as WWF need to be called out for the sellouts they are – ( WWF human rights record in foreign lands is hardly commendable.

So vote for LNP, KAP, PHON, put labor and greens last, But do not give them a soft ride at our expense.

I have been closely studying the constitution and structure of all three so called conservative parties, and matching this with the way they operate. The alarming things I see are populism, political expedience, a willingness to use the grassroot voters as nothing more than pawns. I am willing to be proven wrong over the next few months, however actions such as parachuting candidates into electorates with NO reference to the branch members wishes, exclusion of members from AGM's and other such actions fill me with contempt and disgust.

I am not criticising for the sake of it. I have tried. I have

spent time, and a large sum of money in trying to foster change. For me, political integrity is all. I will continue to try as failure does not sit well with me, however only a fool continues with a strategy that has not borne fruit. Thus, the time approaches for a PLAN B. Change is needed, those that are not willing to be part of that change..... are not !

Martin Bella Greenshirts Movement QLD

‘’HELL I”pad alright...ARE YOU AWARE? DUE to a lack of advertising & a sign only being erected at the site only this last week just gone, I wonder if most residents of Mission Beach and surrounds are aware of the proposal by ‘ Mission Beach Helicopters’ - Development application (D.A.) from here on in, for a proposed ‘Heli’ Pad on Lot 3 RP732964 situated at 2224 Tully Mission Beach Road Mission Beach.

Having read through the lengthy application by Gilvear Planning, alarm bell’s should be ringing. There are several matters of grave concern.

Namely- nowhere in the proposal- D.A. is there ANY even mere mention of the Noise that will be generated by helicopters coming & going from Townsville and Cairns to Mission Beach - and then flights out to the islands ( one would presume Bedarra) , nor the impact it will have on residents of the town and their well being, bird flight paths, nature in general and others in surrounding areas. Environmental noise- as we all know - Helicopters ARE noisy. The majority of people come to this region for peace and quiet.

Nor is there any mention of the FREQUENCY of these flights. This may vary due to weather constraints 8 so on but could be ‘hellish’. Never mind the ‘air’ traffic coming from Townsville and Cairns. It seems this would be half hourly on further investigation.

In other words should Council grant approval to this application, one could be opening ‘a can of worms’, with little benefit to the wider community and mainly servicing the wealthy.

Furthermore, this has not been given an adequate timeframe or exposure for people to be able to object, if they wish to. The current date is 8th May 2020.

In closing the applicants state it could also be used for medical emergencies & so forth ( as a ‘sweetener’..I dare say), however Marc’s Park to the other side is also vacant most of the time and already owned by Council. There are already numerous possibilities for landing helicopters in this area.

Sally Freeman 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, May 7, 2020

COMMUNITY NEWS

Economically Speaking

I have totally enjoyed the past few months … said not a single human being on the planet!

took all of April to work out a 'buoyancy factor', let alone get a take on how things are tracking around us. Most businesses would agree we've largely been doing everything on our own with just the support of locals.

The need to close down vast chunks of our economy and hurl ourselves into isolation has funked with our heads, and right about now many of us just want this party to finish so we can get on with the danged hangover please.

There is no doubt government stimulus measures have helped with the mental well being of a lot of businesses. We’ve seen countless numbers close or just stall. My heart goes out to them because rebooting is going to hurt hard. But my real heroes are the businesses that have stayed open even if it means just one person stopping by in a day. The mental stamina that takes is unimaginable. And yet people have been pulling this off for months now, not just weeks.

Our business community has experienced a range of responses to the crisis of 2020, starting months ago when our tourism sector copped the first wave of hits. A lot of us spent March in a state of shock. It

And how about all those amazing people who have just quietly gone about spending money and doing business as usual .. you are so awesome! You’ve been buying flowers, laptops, takeaway food, clothes,

Let’s face it, the coronavirus (aka the Rona) has basically sucked the happy out of 2020.

cars, machinery and even signs. You have given people a reason to open their doors even if it is the last thing they have felt like.

It could have been so easy for you to just to say nup we aren’t spending anything until things look better.

Last weekend I found myself behind a man at the supermarket doing the family shop. He had filled two trolleys, and then had to pack it all by himself. And while the aisle was at a complete stop, the checkout lady came around to unpack his trolley while the man packed bags at the other end.

This pretty much sums up how insane our life has become but it also demonstrates the beautiful resilience of our locals. This resilience is definitely our biggest weapon against the challenges lying ahead, and if we have come this far, then surviving the hangover is something worth believing we can do.

OPEN FOR TAKEAWAY MEALS OPEN FOR TAKEAWAYS

W

ITH the effects on our local cafes and restaurants on the Cassowary Coast due to COVID-19, many are trying to make do with the best they can to keep their businesses running.

EST 2014

 Selection of Quiches, Pastries, Focaccia, Rolls, Salads  Delicious Slices for the the sweet tooth  Smoothies and Juices

Monday to Friday: 5.30 am to 1 pm Saturday: 7am to 11am

Phone Your Order to (07) 4068 0606 Shop 1/18 Butler St, Tully. See our FACEBOOK page

TAKEA W AY  Fabulous Coffee and Cake  Smoothies

 Cold Press Juices  Fresh Salads  Raw Treats

Cassowary Shopping Village Wongaling Beach. Ph: 4068 8699

Many local businesses are offering take away meals.

Ripe Harvest Cafe, in Tully and The Shack at Wongaling Beach are open early in the mornings for the early risers and close after the lunch time rush. They both offer a choice of delicious meals, snacks, cakes, smoothies, and great coffee too.

Tully Hotel is offering Lunch and Dinner takeaway meals with a great menu to choose from. Pick up a menu from the Tully Hotel or look on their Facebook page for the menu. Phone and place your order and pick up when ready.

Famishes 2 Go in Innisfail are Open 7 days a week.

Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner . You can choose from steak, chicken, fish meals, wraps, toasties, hot and cold drinks. See their Facebook page or Phone 4061 3987 or 0478 601 395.

Please support your local cafes, clubs, and hotels during this difficult period.

Contact Debra to be in next week’s edition. Phone 4068 0088.

OPEN FOR TAKEAWAYS Lunch Meals

$10

Lunch 12 to 2 pm

Meal Packs

Dinner 5 to 7 pm

Pre-Order 4068 1044 PICK UP BOTTLE SHOP OR BUTLERS See our FACEBOOK or register your email for deals/promotions

 All Day Breakfast  Meals - Steak, Seafood  Toasted Wraps Toasted Sandwiches  Burgers, Chips, Salads

OPEN 7 DAYS

 Brekky Toasts, Kids Packs  Scones & Cheesecake

MONDAY - FRIDAY 7 AM - 6 PM SATURDAY - SUNDAY 7 AM - 1 PM  Hot & Cold Beverages

TAKEAWAY – PHONE

4061 3987 FOR PICK UP ORDERS

64 Edith Street, Innisfail, Qld, 4860 Order online: Famishes www.famishes.com.au Innisfail

Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 7, 2020 Page 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Community spirit shines through during COVID-19 pandemic MARIA GIRGENTI THROUGHOUT the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been a number of unsung heroes who have shown great community spirit by working quietly behind the scenes and using their skills to assist others.

In order to preserve supplies of medical grade masks for front-line health care professionals, local music teacher Jaala Pedley and paramedic Cheniel Norris decided to use their creativity and sewing skills to make stylish cloth face masks to help protect the general community.

While the masks are not medical grade, they include a pocket for a filter and help prevent people from touching their faces and spreading germs. They also reduce the risk of transmitting illness by people who are unaware if they are infectious.

The use of cloth masks have been recommended by Centre for Disease Control and Prevention particularly in settings where social distancing is difficult, such as at the supermarket or other heavily populated areas.

Norris said she was first approached by some health staff at Rankin Street Medical Centre for masks, who in turn asked Pedley for her assistance to make the masks which were then donated to the centre and volunteer groups to supplement their own supplies.

Pedley has made around 100 masks which have been donated to front line health care workers, teachers and those at risk, but she is also taking orders from people who wish to purchase a mask for their own personal use.

Pedley's masks can be purchased from Empire Cafe

in Central Arcade and 100% of monies raised from sales will be donated to Tait's Family Martial Arts to assist them to get back on their feet after their Dojang was recently destroyed by fire.

Norris has made over 124 masks which are being sold at Larsen's newsagent and her masks were also donated to Goodstart Daycare Centre, Innisfail Meals on Wheels and elderly people who are vulnerable and at risk.

During isolation, Pedley has been using her time at home wisely, learning new skills and enjoying the company of her family. She has started learning Australian Sign Language (Auslan) with her two children which she said has been fun.

"I'm fortunate in that I have lots of hobbies to keep me busy including photography, sewing and Taekwondo. I also enjoy Essential Oils and Natural Living so have used this time at home to work on becoming chemical free."

Pedley said she is also busy in the classroom supervising and assisting children of essential workers as they complete their online learning, and herself and other teachers have been doing a lot of work behind the scenes including making videos for online classes.

"I have been trying to enjoy the simple things in life like getting back to nature and being appreciative for what we have."

Pedley was meant to be going on a cruise but said now she is so glad she wasn't stuck on a cruise ship during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"At first, I was concerned about the virus and what it meant for our family and local community which is

Jaala Pedley wearing one of the stylish cloth face masks which herself and Cheniel Norris have made and donated to front-line health care staff, other essential workers, volunteer groups and those at risk in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic

Page 8 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 7, 2020

why I started to make masks. I wanted people to be safe, so this was my way of contributing which kept me busy and helped take my mind off things for a while."

Initially, Pedley said what she found most difficult with self isolation was not being able to see her mother, but now she is happy she can visit her on a regular basis again.

"I'm so grateful I still have a job as a teacher especially when many have lost their jobs or had their hours reduced. I miss seeing all of the students and their smiling faces, but I hope they are doing OK with their home schooling and are not going stir crazy."

Even though there have only been two known cases of the virus in the Cassowary Coast region, Pedley said she is still being extra careful.

Her biggest challenge has been ensuring everything new that enters her house is cleaned and sanitised.

When she arrives home from work or shopping, Pedley has got into the habit of having a shower and changing her clothes.

Pedley is looking forward to everything gradually returning back to normal but said she's uncertain if it will ever be the same as before COVID-19.

"I hope this experience brings families closer together and helps us realise what is really important in life, like family, friends, community and the environment.

My hope for the future is that we can all get back to the way we were before COVID-19, but with a deeper respect for each other and the different jobs we all do."

A selection of the machine washable cloth masks sewn by Jaala Pedley for essential workers and volunteers in the local community during COVID-19 pandemic

1/ The Tully Golden Gumboot is how many metres high?

A. B. C. D.

6.9 metres 7.9 metres 8.9 metres 9.9 metres

2/ Who is the Tully River named after?

A. William Tully, Chief Commissioner for Crown Lands in QLD B. Lord Tully, 2nd Earl of Cardwell C. Edith Tully, pioneer of the area D. Robert Tully, a veteran of the Boar War in Africa

11/ Prior to European settlement the area around Tully was home to?

A. B. C. D.

Djirbalngan people Girramay people Girringun People A and B

12/ The Tully Hydro Power was first switched on in?

A. B. C. D.

1955 1956 1957 1958

13/ The main street of Tully is?

3/ Pacific Fasteners are located in a A. Butler Street B. Morris Street building formerly known as: C. Bryant Street A. Tully Times Newspaper D. Richardson Street B. Plaza Picture Theatre C. Great Northern Hotel – Tully 14/ Name the animals in the iconic D. The Coachman’s Rest Hotel cane cutter statue on Butler Street 4/ The Cardwell Shire Council Library building in Tully is known as: A. Dorothy Jones Library B. Tully Library and Learning Centre C. Cardwell and District Library D. Dorothy McKay Library 5/ When was Tully hit by Cyclone Yasi?

A. B. C. D.

February 6, 2011 February 5, 2011 February 4, 2011 February 3, 2011

A. B. C. D.

Dog Horse Dog and horse 2 dogs and 1 horse

15/ The Hearts Full of Hope sculpture near the Golden Gumboot celebrates?

A. The Italian immigrants to the region B. The Chinese immigrants to the region C. The community support after Cyclone Yasi D. The Italian and Chinese immigrants to the region

6/ The Tully Sugar Mill became a growers Cooperative in?

16/ Name the Tully Rugby League Team in the CDRL

A. B. C. D.

A. B. C. D.

1932 1933 1934 1935

Tully Wombats Tully Tigers Tully Lions Tully Kangaroos

7/ The Tully Gorge is located how many kilometres from Tully?

17/ Which of the following players were Tully Tiger representatives?

A. B. C. D.

A. B. C. D.

22.2 km 24.2km 26.2km 28.2km

Jake Clifford Peter Jones Thomas Flegler Keith Murdoch

8/ Mount Tyson summit is how many metres above sea level?

18/ Tully falls in what Division in the Cassowary Coast?

A. B. C. D.

A. B. C. D.

640 metres 660 metres 680 metres 700 metres

Division 1 Division 2 Division 3 Division 4

9/ The World Rafting 19/ The CCRC Councillor Championships were held in Tully representing Tully currently is? during what period?

A. Teresa Millwood A. May 13 – 20, 2018 B. Rick Taylor B. May 13 – 20, 2019 C. Trudy Tschui C. May 11 – 18, 2018 D. Barry Barnes D. May 11 – 18, 2019 10/ The Tully Township was first surveys in?

A. B. C. D.

1873 1883 1893 1903

ANSWERS:

1. (B) 7.9m, 2. (A)William Tully, 3. (B) Plaza Picture Theatre, 4. (A)Dorothy Jones Library, 5. (D) Feb 3, 2011, 6. (B) 1933, 7. (C) 26.2km, 8. (A) 640m, 9. (A) May 13-20 2018, 10. (B) 1883, 11. (D) A & B, 12. (C) 1957, 13. (A) Butler St, 14. (C) Dog & Horse, 15. (A) Italian immigrants, 16. (B) Tully Tigers, 17. (A,B & C), 18.

(B) Div. 2, 19. (A) Teresa Millwood

How Tully are you?

PETER MCCULLAGH

Classifieds FOR SALE LIFESTYLE BLOCK. 4.904 H Block, 12 acres.

OLD TULLY ROAD. Natural slope from Bulgun Creek. Contact 40688 231.

Mobile 0427 174 616.

Looking for a local job?

PUBLIC NOTICES

Phone 4068 0088 to place your advertisement or email: ads@ccin.com.au

POSITIONS VACANT

Find it in the CCIN CLASSIFIEDS

IN MEMORIAM

TEACHING POSITIONS Junior Secondary Teacher Mount St Bernard College, Herberton Full Time Permanent Position Commencing: 1 June 2020 Applications close: 8 May 2020 Remote Area Incentives Available

PETER SMITH In Loving memory of Peter (Dad) and (Grand Dad) 23/10/1937 to 07/05/2019

Mathematics/Science Teacher Mount St Bernard College, Herberton Full Time Permanent Position Commencing: 1 June 2020 Applications close: 8 May 2020 Remote Area Incentives Available

“It’s only a year since your final goodbye But it only seems like yesterday” Love Anita, Greg; Keith & Lizzy

Classroom Teacher—Year 1/2 St Rita’s School, South Johnstone Re-advertised Position Fixed Term Position (Parental Leave Replacement) Commencing: 13 July 2020 Applications close: 14 May 2020 Remote Area Incentives Available

Memoriam

IN FOND MEMORY OF JOHN EVAN HUGHES 31-01-1955 - 10-05-2016

Gone but never forgotten A special friend who is sadly missed JOHN AND MARIA

For further information and application packs, please visit our website:

PUBLIC NOTICES

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.

ATTENTION

We Support Local Business Give us a call and see how we can help yours Phone:

4068 0088

All Rope

Skippers We want to increase communication between all Rope Skippers in the Island Coast District, Ingham, Cardwell, Tully, Mission Beach, Innisfail During this C19 epoch, special attention to single rope skills.

Share O/L skills, drills, routines

Beginners Special Welcome Email: trevaray@gmail.com

Chemo Chic’s

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

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

You are not alone

Looking for a local job?

Find it in the CCIN CLASSIFIEDS

Page 10 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 7, 2020

Looking for a local job?

Find it in the CCIN Classifieds

Classifieds

Phone 4068 0088

ACROSS DOWN 1 Cudgels 2 Person who lingers 1 5 With the addition of idly 5 9 French city 3 Explosions 9 Church Times 10 Fruit 4 Lacking sense 10 Catholic 11 Coming last 5 Schemes St. Clare of 11 12 Opposed to 6 Make longerMontefalco 12 • Sat 6pm 13 Throw (coll) 7 Spinner of webs 13 • Sun 9am • Mon Fri, 7am 14 Money (coll) 8 Excludes 14 (No Mass 3rd Wed, 17 Big and strong 15 Eloquent public 17 Thurs, Fri) • 3rd Wed, 10:30am 19 Guide speaker 19 Tully Nursing Home 21 Greek god of war 16 Coerce hurriedly 21 Our Lady, Star of the Sea (Cardwell) 23 Disturb persistently 17 Risk 23 • Sun 5pm 25 The final letter 18 Soft felt hat (except 1st Sun) 25 • 1st Sun, 8:30am 26 It’s tossed in the 20 Organ of hearing 26 • 3rd Fri 9am • Rockingham Home Highland Games 22 Game 27 Holy Spirit Church(MB) Note to Editor: 27 Expression of 24 Appropriate• Sun 7am * 3rd Thurs 28 Created in QUARK 8am contempt 26 Taxi 30 St John The Evangelist 28 Distinctive and 29 Soft and rich 31 (Silkwood) XPRESS. VER.4.03 5:30pm Recon./ 33 pleasing smells 30 Succeed • Sat Items not needed for Vigil Mass 6pm 30 Frustrate 32 Artificial waterway 34 (Anointing during publication can be Mass every 3rd Sat) 31 Medieval instrument 33 Sumptuous Our meal 36 Lady of Fatima erased as each is in a 33 A person’s strong point 35 Send out (El Arish) 37 • Sun 9:40am 34 Distribute the cards 38 separate text box.

Recon./10am Mass (Anointing during 36 Ring-shaped bread roll 39 Mass every 3rd Sun) 37 Thin 40 Mother of Good OSSWORD 13 X 13 Release No. 12868 NAT140 Counsel 38 Excuse 41 (Innisfail) 39 Ballpoint pen (tm) 42 • Sat Vigil 6.30pm • Sun 9am 40 Lariat (3rd Sun of month 41 Spring Italian Mass at 11am) St Rita’s (South CROSSWORD No 12868 42 Rough LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD CLUESwoollen cloth Johnstone) to place your advertisement or email: ads@ccin.com.au

Find your Dream Car in the pages of

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SUDOKU No 179 3 8 9 11 12 15 18 19 20 23

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DOWN 1 Halts Solution No. 12868 DIFFICULTY LEVEL:  2 Private teacher ACROSS DOWN DOWN 3 Fertile spot in a desert 3 Okapi 1 Stops Halts 4 Join firmly together 8 Toucan 2 Tutor Private teacher 5 Penetrate throughout 9 Esteem 3 Oasis Fertile spot in a desert 6 Country Sierra 4 Knit 711 Room in a prison Join firmly together 12Sailor Profit 5 Permeate (coll) Penetrate throughout 10 15LiftMarble 6 Israel 13 up Country 18Repaired Saris 7 Cell 14 Room in a prison 19Party Bee 10 Tar 16 (coll) Sailor (coll) 17 balanced 20Equally Coalesce 13 Raise Lift up 19 23Leap Isle 14 Fixed Repaired 20 25Occur Outat the same time 16 Bash Party (coll) 21 26Anaesthetic Thin 17 Even Equally balanced 22 drink 27Apple Deadline 19 Bound Leap 23 29Conception End 20 Coincide Occur at the same 24 Buddhist monk 30Tibetan Ceres 21 Ether time 28 city 33Dutch Arabic 22 Cider Anaesthetic 30 36Restores Furoreto health 23 Idea Apple drink 31 37Relating Editorto a sovereign 24 Lama Conception 32 Cut 38 Panted 28 Leiden Tibetan Buddhist monk 34 39Genuine Negate 30 Cures Dutch city 35 Wager 40 Needs 31 Royal Restores to health 36 Loving

6 1

ACROSS Giraffe-like animal 1 Fruit-eating bird 2 Think favourably of 3 Radio code word for 4 ‘S’ 5 Financial gain 6 Variety of limestone 7 South Asian women’s 10 garments 13 Honey producing 14 insect 16 Grow together 17 It’s surrounded by 19 water 20 Extinguished Lean 21 Latest time for 22 completion 23 The extreme limit 24 Roman goddess of 28 agriculture 30 Language 31 Relating to a DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Noisy hubbub sovereign Newspaper boss 32 Cut Took short fast breaths 34 Genuine Nullify 35 Wager Requires 36 Loving

8 9

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Solution to this puzzle should not appear on the same page 37

3 4 2 3

3 6 1 1 6 5 3

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32 34 35 36

• Sun 7am (1st, 3rd & 5th Sun)

CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS No. 12867 Solution No. 12867

WARNING !!!

Note to Editor: 25

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au 33

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SOLUTIONS

ACROSS 3 Giraffe-like animal 8 Fruit-eating bird 9 Think favourably of 11 Radio code word for ‘S’ 12 Financial gain 15 Variety of limestone 18 South Asian women’s garments 19 Honey producing insect 20 Grow together 23 It’s surrounded by water 25 Extinguished 26 Lean 27 Latest time for completion 29 The extreme limit 30 Roman goddess of agriculture 33 Language 36 Noisy hubbub 37 Newspaper boss 38 Took short fast breaths 39 Nullify 40 Requires

Sever Real Bet Fond

C L O F I T H E A R Z E A R R D E M B I T

U B L N A S F T E S D O M R E A L L R O W

S P L U I L L E L A N T L I N G Y S T E B H A C A B E R A S N B E C F B A G E E A N A L A S S E L L T

S P I D E R F O L L O W

B E A R R O S H R U A S S T U T O I L R T E A I B I L E E D

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

Motel Chapel (Kurrimine Beach)

• 3rd Sun 3pm Uniting Church Mission Beach

• Sun 8am

SUDOKU SOLUTIONS No. 178

3 5 6 8 7 9 2 4 1

4 9 1 5 3 2 8 7 6

2 8 7 6 4 1 5 9 3

7 1 5 9 6 3 4 2 8

6 2 3 7 8 4 9 1 5

8 4 9 2 1 5 6 3 7

9 7 4 3 5 8 1 6 2

5 6 2 1 9 7 3 8 4

1 3 8 4 2 6 7 5 9

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

Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 7, 2020 Page 11

C P Li P F A S D H S A H Z C T A F R F D B Le A B La W Tw

COMMUNITY NEWS

Tuesday, May 5

STOLEN VEHICLE SET ON FIRE, POLICE FIND OFFENDERS HIDING IN GRASS, DEERAL: Officers from Babinda charged two 25-year-old Innisfail men and a 15-year-old Cullinane boy on Saturday after being called to a vehicle on fire.

Shortly after 6pm on Saturday May 2, police responded to a vehicle engulfed in flames on the Bruce Highway near Deeral.

While the vehicle fire was being extinguished, police were alerted to males hiding in long grass nearby.

Police searched the immediate area and it will be alleged that after a short foot chase, police arrested the juvenile boy and found two men hiding a short distance away. All three were taken into custody and transported to Innisfail Police Station.

It will be alleged the trio stole the Holden Rodeo from a banana farm in Innisfail before the adult males allegedly used an accelerant to set the vehicle alight before fleeing the scene.

It will also be alleged the male driving the stolen vehicle returned a roadside alcohol reading of 0.189 per cent BAC. The 15-year-old juvenile was charged with trespassing, stealing, obstructing police and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. The boy will next appear at Innisfail children’s court at a later date.

The 25-year-old male driver from Innisfail was charged with enter premises and commit indictable offence, unlawful use of motor vehicle, arson, obstruct police, drive UIL, and numerous vehicle related offences.

The other 25-year-old male also from Innisfail was charged with stealing, unlawful use of motor vehicle, arson, possession of knife and obstructing police.

Both the adult men are scheduled to appear in Innisfail Magistrates court on August 3.

BEACHFRONT HOME BURGLARY, MISSION BEACH: A Mission Beach man was charged on the weekend after allegedly breaking into a residence and stealing property.

It is alleged the male forced entry to the beachfront home sometime between 1pm on Friday and 9am on Saturday.

Police will further allege that the man damaged items within the house and left stealing property including an expensive mountain bike.

Officers conducted investigations into the burglary and attended a Mission Beach residence on Sunday afternoon.

At the address, officers spoke with a 22-year-old male and located allegedly stolen property from the address. The male was arrested and taken into custody.

The man was charged with wilful damage, burgla-

ry and failing to comply with public health direction.

He is scheduled to appear in Tully Magistrates court on August 6.

Investigations into locating the stolen bicycle are continuing.

around that time.

Anyone who may have information in relation to this matter is urged to contact police and quote QP2000866379.

Vehicle allegedly involved in the crash

Friday, May 1

ROBBERY CHARGE, BABINDA: An 18-year-old Babinda man was charged with one count each of attempted robbery and enter dwelling with intent following an incident early this morning.

It will be alleged that at about 2.30am on Friday morning (May 1) he has entered a Munro Street yard and has rummaged through items on the patio.

He allegedly punched a male resident at the address multiple times after the resident confronted him.

The man was located by police at an Angus Street address and taken into custody.

He is scheduled to appear in Innisfail Magistrates Court on August 3.

DRUG CHARGES, HUDSON: Police attended a Laurie Street address at about 11pm on Thursday night.

It will be alleged that while at the address, officers located a quantity of cannabis and various drug utensils.

A 39-year-old Edmonton woman was charged with one count each of possessing dangerous drugs, possessing drug utensils and failing to take reasonable care and precautions in respect of syringes.

She is scheduled to appear in Innisfail Magistrates Court on August 3.

TRAFFIC INFRINGEMENTS ISSUED, RUNGOO: Two motorists were each issued with $400 traffic infringement notices on Thursday evening.

It will be alleged that a 28-year-old Flagstone man and a 54-year-old North Ward man have driven their vehicles through a rail crossing on the Bruce Highway at Rungoo at about 6.30pm while the warning lights were operating.

Police urge drivers to pay attention, and slow down at railway crossing regardless of the time of day and not to proceed through a railway crossing when lights or warning bells are operating.

Thursday, April 30

TRAFFIC CRASH, WANGAN: Police are investigating a single vehicle traffic crash that occurred around 5pm on Wednesday afternoon.

Initial investigations suggest the vehicle has collided with the left side railing of the Bamboo Creek bridge on Grima Road, causing damage to the left wheel rim of a blue Toyota Corolla.

A 47-year-old Innisfail man is assisting police with their inquiries.

Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the Blue Toyota Corolla Queensland registration 398YJO in the Wangan area Thursday afternoon, or anyone with dash cam or CCTV footage captured

Excessive Noise

Excessive noise from amplified music, motors, generators and guests is the number one reason why police are called to an address where excess noise is being made.

It is your responsibility to keep noise levels to a minimum. The below information sets out what you need to know about noise abatement directions.

Excessive noise can be reported to police, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and once reported will be investigated by police.

If the police are reasonably satisfied the noise is excessive in the circumstances police have the power to enter the premises, and give the person responsible for the noise a noise abatement direction.

The noise abatement direction will direct the person to immediately stop the excessive noise Page 12 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 7, 2020

Speeding, Damper Creek: A 56-year-old Carruchan man was issued with a $444 traffic infringement notice Thursday morning.

It will be alleged he was intercepted on the Bruce Highway around 10am allegedly travelling at 121km/h in a 100km/h zone.

Mission Beach crime wrap, Wednesday, May 6

Mission Beach police are seeking the assistance of the public to help locate a stolen S-Works Mountain bike from a Mission Beach address.

Have you seen this bike?

If you locate this bike call police and quote QP2000902948 The specialised S-Works Enduro bike was reportedly stolen from a Pacific Parade address during a break and enter between 1.30pm on Friday, May 1 and 9am on Saturday, May 2.

It will be alleged that entry was gained to the address and a number of items were damaged before the bike was stolen.

Police from Tully CIB and Mission Beach executed a search warrant at an address in Iluka Close, Mission Beach at about 3pm on Sunday afternoon where it will be alleged property from the offence was located.

As a result, a 22-year-old man was arrested and charged with burglary and wilful damage offences.

He is scheduled to appear in Tully Magistrates Court on August 6.

The bike pictured above remains outstanding. Anyone with information is urged to contact police and quote the reference number below.

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.

and to cease making ‘any’ excessive noise for 96 hours after the direction is given.

What if the excessive noise continues?

If police have been called to your property because of excessive noise and issued you with a noise abatement direction.

And excessive noise continues within the noise abatement period. Police may, issue the person responsible for the excessive noise an on-the-spot fine or a notice to appear in court.

The property that is being used to produce the noise maybe removed, or render inoperable.

It does not matter that the noise being made is not at the same level or of the same nature as the excessive noise for which the original noise abatement direction was originally given.

Noise complaints can be reported on line through the Queensland police website at police. qld.gov.au or by calling Police link 131 444.

RURAL REPORT

WAYNE GRIFFIN, CANEGROWERS

Code delivers for Tully growers

CANEGROWERS' sustained campaign for the introduction and then retention of a sugar industry Federal Code of Conduct is now paying dividends, with Tully growers invoking it to resolve a long-running and bitter contract dispute with their local mill.

In an industry first, CANEGROWERS Tully members utilised the Code's arbitration provision to secure a 2020-2023 Collective Cane Supply Agreement.

The grower representatives and Tully Sugar Limited had been at loggerheads for more than a year over a number of contentious provisions in the mill's proposed CCSA and, with the 2020 crush fast approaching, growers were beginning to worry they would be left without a contract even as harvesters fired up. Among the most concerning elements in the proposed CCSA was a clause allowing for a lengthening of the crushing season, effectively withdrawing a crushing performance guarantee relied upon by growers to underpin an estimated $75 million cane production area increase.

Growers also sought to rectify an oversight from Tully Sugar Limited's 2017 on-supply agreement with Queensland Sugar Limited that had landed farmers with responsibility for harbour dues of $2.60 per tonne of sugar shipped from Mourilyan Port.

Grower reps began negotiations with the mill in early 2019, but

by August with several issues remaining unresolved, both parties agreed to mediation.

This failed to break the deadlock, so in December 2019, CANEGROWERS Tully made the historic decision to invoke the Code of Conduct's dispute resolution mechanism and force independent arbitration.

"After more than a year of deadlock, it took the arbitrator just eight weeks to hear all submissions, consider all the facts and hand down a ruling," Euramo grower and CANEGROWERS Tully Chairman Jamie Dore said.

"Our preference has always been to negotiate an agreement directly with the mill, but when that wasn't possible, arbitration was the only avenue left open to us - bar just giving in to the mill's demands, which we weren't prepared to do.

"We've a responsibility to look after the best interests of our members - we're all cane growers and members ourselves - that's why we fought so hard on this."

Tully Sugar Limited fought too. First rejecting a proposed arbitrator and then objecting to the government-appointed arbitrator.

The Chinese-owned miller also pursued separate Supreme Court proceedings challenging the validity of the Code's arbitration process.

This challenge was quickly abandoned after the arbitrator, lawyer Russell Thirgood, handed down his final decision on March 17.

CANEGROWERS Queensland legal adviser Chris Cooper, who supported Tully growers and their legal representatives throughout the process, said the ruling was a compromise that took the positions of both sides into account.

"The arbitrator accepted the CANEGROWERS Tully submissions that in making a new CCSA he should only depart from or amend the previous 2017–2019 CCSA if there was a compelling reason to do so," Mr Cooper said.

"There were many issues in dispute including the responsibility for harbour dues and an extension of the target season length.

"Ultimately, the arbitrator made no changes to these harbour dues and season length provisions that applied in the previous CCSA. "Having said that, both sides expended significant financial and human resources pursuing the arbitration process. So, for that reason alone, resolving disputes by negotiation and discussion is always the best option.

"However, where a fair and reasonable negotiated outcome is not possible, then the Code, having withstood a challenge to its validity, provides an avenue to resolve disputes about the terms of a proposed CCSA." Despite the countless meetings with growers, mill representatives and lawyers - the CANEGROWERS Board, executive team and members are satisfied the effort was warranted and the correct decision was made.

"On the one hand, you could look at this and say it's the status quo and we're in the same position we were three years ago," Jamie said.

"But the important point is, we're also no worse off than we were three years ago.

"Tully Sugar was trying to fundamentally change the commercial balance in their favour with their proposed CCSA. It would have massively diminished the grower position.

"The arbitrator took the view that the 2017-2019 contract was negotiated in good faith and was a commercial arrangement that had served both parties well, and he didn't want to upset that commercial balance without compelling evidence.

"Without the Code that CANEGROWERS worked so hard to establish and retain, we wouldn't be in the position we are now.

We'd be a few weeks away from the start of the season without a cane supply agreement.

"And while we're obviously disappointed that the harbour dues remain in place, at least now we can get on with the next three sea-

sons with some sense of security, which is vital to our businesses.

"It's been an arduous few months. The arbitration process is not for the faint hearted, but these are our farms, our families, and this is our industry and community, so we have to fight for it."

More work to be done While satisfied to have secured an acceptable CCSA, the CANEGROWERS Tully team won't be resting on its laurels.

"We have more issues to resolve, especially around marketing where there’s an issue of direct grower access to alternative marketers," Jamie said.

"At the minute, growers go through the Tully Sugar Limited online platform to market their sugar. This means we don't always have the access to all offerings that we would have if we could deal directly with alternative marketers."

“Having said that, the CANEGROWERS Tully Board and executive now look forward to resuming good working relations with Tully Sugar Limited and the wider industry, for the betterment of the whole Tully community."

The Code works For CANEGROWERS Chairman Paul Schembri, the Tully result is proof that the Code of Conduct works and the years of pushing to see its implementation have been worth the effort.

“It was exactly these kinds of industry disputes that the Code was designed to deal with,” he said.

“When you have an imbalance of power, such as the one that exists between large sugar milling companies and small farming enterprises, then it’s imperative you have an independent mechanism in place to ensure that power isn’t exploited to the detriment of farming families.

“That’s why CANEGROWERS fought long and hard for an industry Code of Conduct. We pushed for years, knocking on the doors of local, state and federal politicians, laying out our case, first for the introduction and later for the retention of this Code.

“The fact that the arbitration delivered a result which involves a compromise for both parties is not a bad thing. In this instance the arbitration delivered a pathway for both parties to move forward and harvest and crush the 2020 crop.

"It shows that the arbitration process works to level the playing field in negotiations “Most Australians believe that Australian farmers need a fair go. Codes like this help to deliver that in situations where there is a power imbalance in negotiations.”

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Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 7, 2020 Page 13

AROUND THE SCHOOLS

Good Counsel College adapt well to changes in learning MARIA GIRGENTI GOOD Counsel College started the year with 354 students, including 75 new Year 7 students who were well engaged in learning before COVID-19 pandemic completely changed learning methods with many students continuing their learning online from home in Term 2.

Year 12 school captains attended a three day Marist Student Leaders gathering in Ashgrove accompanied

by Santina and Paul Keenan where they learned the reasons for being a Marist, how to live the Marist way and Marist traditions.

The College community also celebrated their Opening School Mass and Leadership Induction, Chinese New Year and a Year 7/New Families BBQ and Information evening was held which provided a great opportunity to meet staff, students and parents.

Students sold roses on Valentine's Day and also held free dress days and coffee sales with all funds raised from these events going to the St Vincent de Paul Bushfire Appeal.

Significant events held during first term included

inter-house swimming carnival, Year 12 retreat on the Tablelands, Year 7 camp at Millaa Millaa and International Women's Day Breakfast at Johnstone Shire Hall.

Pancakes were sold on Shrove Tuesday and Year 11 students took part in the Ash Wednesday liturgy at Mother of Good Counsel Catholic Church with Good Counsel Primary School Prep, Year 1 and 2 students.

A Year 10 work experience information night was held where students and parents learned about employer and employee obligations, appropriate attire and completion of official paperwork.

GCC raised $2,200 for St Vinnie's Bushfire Appeal through raffles, silent art auction and cake stalls, while a free dress day on Harmony and Anti-Bully Day raised funds for Project Compassion.

A component of this certificate means 125 students will complete 20 hours of volunteer community service at various local community organisations such as aged care facilities, Meals on Wheels, animal shelter etc.

Also in 2020, Year 11 and 12 students will have a new choice subject Aquatic Practices which will involve looking after the reef and environmental sustainability with the opportunity to obtain a boat licence.

The GCC vision is where everyone learns and feels safe - every child, every staff member all the time - we are ALL responsible.

A core focus will be on School Annual Improvement Plan (SAIP) to improve writing outcomes for all students.

GCC is now taking Year 7 enrolments for 2021 which can be done online via the college website or paper forms, with round two interviews to take place on August 8 and Orientation Day to be held on October 15.

Last year, Catholic Faith In Action program started and in 2020 an exciting new initiative will provide the opportunity for Year 11 and 12 students to complete a Certificate II in Active Volunteering.

Further details on enrolments can be obtained by contacting the College office on 4063 5300 and important updates will be posted on Good Counsel College Facebook page.

Good Counsel College leaders: Caitlin Spinella (vice captain), Jessica Ghietti and Ryan Snell (captains) and Molly Stager (vice captain) after they were inducted at the Opening Mass

Page 14 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 7, 2020

SPORT

UNFORTUNATELY the strong winds stopped most boats travelling to the islands and wider so the majority of anglers were forced to fish in the creeks. The estuaries are full of bait at the moment, schools of herring and mullet and heaps of prawns varying in size from jelly prawn through to a size that you would be happy to eat. Despite this I found the fishing tough and had to do a fair bit of travelling on the water to find fish. We returned home with a nice Jack and a one very good Barra for our efforts, however we did release several small Barra and Jacks so overall it was a very enjoyable day.

Talking to anglers in other boats it seems the majority managed a feed with catches of Barra, Jacks and Grunter, not big numbers, a couple of fish a boat.

I have also noticed that the Pikey Bream are now in the estuaries in numbers and reports are starting to come in of reasonable catches of Whiting.

The crabbing in the hull river has been okay with most boats managing 2 or 3 crabs for a overnight set. This is not spectacular but still worthwhile. Other areas such as the Murray and Hinchinbrook have been crabbing better, however it seems the lack of rain this year has resulted in reduced numbers.

The Hinchinbrook area has definitely been fishing better with some very good catches of both Grunter and Fingermark reported. Again the Barra and Jacks have been tough

but not impossible. I feel this is probably due to the amount of bait present and the drop in temperature,. I am certain once we get a couple of warmer days the Barra and Jack fishing will improve.

It also seems that a lot of Barra are still up in the freshwater with some very good reports of Barra, Sooty Grunter and Tarpon coming from the middle fresh water reaches of the Tully and Murray rivers. These Barra should start to move down into the estuaries shortly.

The upper freshwater reaches of the Tully fished okay with reasonable catches of both Sooty Grunter and Jungle Perch. What surprised me was the low water height of the river up in the Gorge area. I suspect that the water is being held back at the spillway at Koombaloomba dam, with no rafting happening there is no reason for water releases.

At the time of writing which is very early in the week the weather forecast is for 10 to 15 knots of south-easterly this weekend. This is a drop in wind, however whether it is enough to allow boats to travel out to the islands we will have to wait to see. For the majority I feel we will again be confined to the estuaries.

There is a good run in the tide over the weekend with low tide being late afternoon. I like these tides after the moon especially for chasing Barra and Jacks in the creeks, try either side of the afternoon low tide.

Either side of Saturdays mid morning high tide would be my choice if chasing Grunter in the creeks. If you are really keen try either side of the evening high tide.

The other option is to set a few crab pots, with the larger tide being at night the best bet would be to leave them in overnight if possible.

Good Fishing Roly Newton Tackle World Tully

WE have continued on with our ‘ring around draw’ comps last week with field playing numbers increasing.

TUESDAY’S Stableford comp was a fight to the end result, with both players on 31 points, but on a c/back Paul Marland winner with Gavin Camilleri r/up.

SATURDAY, we played our Monthly Medal Stroke event which attracted our biggest field since the dreaded restrictions were put in place.

LADIES results: Winner Marie Pavan on 68 nett with Rhonda Bliss 2nd on 71 nett.

MENS results: Winner Gavin Camilleri with 63 nett, closely followed by Lance Massina on 64 nett. Many thanks to BROTHERS LEAGUES CLUB Innisfail who were the sponsors on the day. Enjoy your games this week.

SAMAKI REDIC LURES ARE BACK IN STOCK!

MAY

THU 7 2:45 am 0.69m 8:50 am 3.42m 2:58 pm 0.28m 9:32 pm 3.67m FRI 8 3:32 am 0.87m 9:33 am 3.15m 3:37 pm 0.4m 10:18 pm 3.59m SAT 9 4:24 am 1.14m 10:18 am 2.8m 4:20 pm 0.63m 11:10 pm 3.4m SUN 10 5:30 am 1.42m 11:07 am 2.43m 5:07 pm 0.92m MON 11 12:10 am 3.17m 7:11 am 1.61m 12:09 pm 2.11m 6:10 pm 1.21m TUE 12 1:29 am 2.97m 9:33 am 1.51m 1:37 pm 1.92m 7:35 pm 1.43m WED 13 3:06 am 2.9m 10:36 am 1.32m 3:45 pm 1.98m 9:11 pm 1.53m

GOLF NEWS

El Arish Golf

info@ccin.com.au

Cardwell Golf LADIES’ Thursday competition was won by Christine Taylor (32) on a countback from Tracey Cousemacker (32) still the bridesmaid!!

Thursday’s 9 hole Sporters’ winners had to be worked out with a number of countbacks. The winner was Kevin Brown (21), second Geoff Reading (21), third Rowly Mott (20) with the rundown of Tracey Cousemacker (19), Terry Moss (19), Len white (18) and Bert Pajonk (18).

On Saturday the Men and Ladies played May Monthly Medal stroke event. The Ladies’ Medal sponsored by Vicki Mott was won by Tracey Cousemacker (71) with Mandy Carucci (74) second. The Men’s medal sponsored by Ron Ash was won by Peter Topen (71) with Kevin Brown (72) second and Terry Moss (74) third. The rundown went to Ron Ash (75), Graham Gardiner, Greg Dearlove, Rowly Mott and Wayne Sheahan all with 76 points.

Thursday, Ladies play a Stableford, followed by Sporters. Saturday will be a Stableford.

Players will tee off at 10 minute intervals beginning at 8.00am. PLEASE NOTE: All play must be in pairs. 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.

Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 7, 2020 Page 15

Cassowary Coast

Independent SPORTING NEWS

PCYC Innisfail welcomes four Volunteer Beginner Trainee Gymnastics Coaches

Stefanie Sambo, Matilda Jensen, Bethany and Jonah Crea have become Volunteer Beginner Trainee coaches in gymnastics at PCYC Innisfail and hope to pass on valuable skills to local youth in 2020 MARIA GIRGENTI LAST year was one of growth at PCYC Innisfail as the branch welcomed four Volunteer Beginner Trainee coaches who will assist their coaches on the gymnastics floor and it is truly inspirational to see these four youngsters step up to help lead and motivate their peers.

Recently, PCYC Queensland started offering Gymnastics Online so gymnasts throughout the state can continue with their training, as well enjoy activities and classes by accredited coaches online, within the safety of their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gymnastics is more than a sport as it paves a path of leadership skills, confidence building and more, while the health and fitness benefits speak for themselves, and PCYC Innisfail is thrilled to play a part in the development of local youth.

The centre's volunteer trainee coaches are Matilda Jensen, Stefanie Sambo, Bethany Crea and Jonah Crea who hope to continue doing great things in 2020 once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and gymnastics classes can return to normal.

Jensen, aged 13 started gymnastics at the age of nine and enjoys the social aspect of the sport, as well as the opportunity to learn new skills.

Her interest in becoming a beginner volunteer coach was piqued

Gymnastics has helped Crea gain confidence on and off the

when she gained more confidence and wanted to experience what

floor and said to those considering taking up the sport that over

it took to be in a leadership role.

time you will get better so keep working hard.

She also enjoys spending time with her animals and singing and

Jonah Crea, aged 16 kicked off his gymnastics journey at the

encouraged anyone hesitant to start or just beginning their journey

age of seven where he said gaining strength and agility is what he

in gymnastics to 'not compare yourself with others as everyone has

enjoys most about the sport.

to start somewhere.'

Stefanie Sambo, aged 13 started doing gymnastics when she was 11 and enjoys being able to work in a team environment, as well as being able to display a passion for her peers by passing on skills.

Crea said he’s always loved to teach people and after being encouraged to become an assistant coach he decided to give it a chance.

When Crea isn’t doing gymnastics, he enjoys working on his car, playing instruments and practising parkour. Gymnastics has

Last year, Sambo realised she wanted to broaden her skills in

helped him gain confidence on and off the floor and he said 'give

gymnastics and took the first steps to become a volunteer beginner

gymnastics a go as it’s awesome, you’ll love it as it's heaps of fun.'

trainee coach.

Sambo enjoys keeping fit by playing basketball or touch footy and said to give gymnastics a go as you never know what you may achieve by trying something new.

Bethany Crea, aged 12 started gymnastics when she was eight and enjoys the learning aspect it offers, as it allows her to master new and challenging skills.

In 2019, she decided it was a perfect time to put in motion the process to become a volunteer beginner trainee coach.

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

Innisfail branch is also fortunate to have head coach Carol and coach Tiffany who are dedicated to the betterment of our gymnasts and culture of our club.

These four volunteer beginner trainee coaches will be mentored and assisted by Carol and Tiffany as they continue to develop their leadership skills.

It is a huge step for these four volunteer coaches to step outside their comfort zones in pursuit of helping others with skill development and confidence building, so their efforts are commended.