2021 January 22 Newspaper Edition

Times WET TROPIC

$1.50

Local People - Local News

PORT HINCHINBROOK RESIDENTS FACE SEWERAGE LEVY OF AT LEAST $3,000

JOHNSTONE REGION LANDCARE GROUP GEARING UP FOR BUSY YEAR

Friday, January 22, 2021 I N S I D E

CELEBRATE AUSTRALIA CELEBRATE OUR COMMUNITY PA G E S 4 A N D 5

Decades of Service recognised

PA G E 6

PA G E 8

Page 3

HERE NOW!!!

Island Coast Ford have 1 only Mustang R-Spec available.

Finished in stunning Grabber Lime and Powered by a Ford Performance Supercharged 5.0L V8, every Mustang R-SPEC is individually numbered and styled with unique black exterior treatment, R-SPEC specific alloys and one-off boot lid spoiler. Riding on lowered Ford Performance Suspension, it’s the ultimate special edition Mustang.

PHONE:

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COMMUNITY

Wet Tropic Times

WEATHER Tomorrow - Saturday Ingham Mostly cloudy 22 - 31 Cardwell Showers 23 - 30 Tully Showers 22 - 29 Mission Beach Isolated thunderstorms 24 - 30 Innisfail Showers 23 - 31 Tomorrow - Sunday Ingham Isolated thunderstorms 22 - 30 Cardwell Isolated thunderstorms 23 - 29 Tully Thunderstorm 22 - 27 Mission Beach Thunderstorm 24 - 28 Innisfail Thunderstorm 23 - 29

OUR DETAILS

Office: 72 Butler Street Tully, QLD 4854 Phone: 07 4068 0088 Website WetTropicTimes.com.au Email Info@ WetTropicTimes.com.au Mail PO Box 1100 Tully QLD 4854

Regional Rainfall Report Wednesday to Wednesday REGION

INGHAM

CARDWELL

TULLY

INNISFAIL

BABINDA

Last 7 Days mm

50mm

203.5mm

344.5mm

233.6mm

369.2mm

MTD mm

720mm

906.8mm

941.5mm

554.8mm

857mm

YTD

720mm

906.8mm

941.5mm

554.8mm

857mm

Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation provided $2.89 million for the years 2019 and 2020 MORE than $2.89 million has been provided to improve health outcomes in FNQ in 2019-2020, thanks to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.

The Foundation’s annual report has just been tabled in parliament and shows a strong year, despite last quarter results being impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

Foundation CEO Tony Williamson said the $2.89 million in grants of equipment and research, was the Foundation’s third best in its 23 years.

“And it means we’ve now ticked over $23 million in 23 years, which we’re incredibly proud of,” Mr Williamson said.

Total revenue, including the Foundation’s cafes and other commercial activities, was up to $5.48 million from the previous year’s $4.68 million and fundraising efforts of $2.55 million was well above the previous year’s $1.6 million.

Funds from the Foundation’s commercial activities cover all expenses, which means every cent donated, goes where it’s intended.

“This outcome is a tribute to Foundation staff and volunteers who were willing to adapt as needed,” he said.

“Instead of slowing down, we approached the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service with a plan to fund any needed hospital equipment to better prepare regional and Cairns health services. The ‘Join the fight against COVID-19’ was a massive success at a very testing time.”

Key contributions include $1.89 million for the COVID-19 campaign, $333,000 for cardiology, $200,000 for research, $413,000 for Mareeba Hospital, $224,740 for Innisfail, $102,106 for Babinda, $122,465 for Atherton, $140,298 for Mossman Hospital and $186,466 for Tully Hospital.

As well, during the 2019-2020 financial year, volunteer hours were down due to COVID-19 but the Foundation is hopeful this will improve in 2021.

The Friends of the Foundation network grew to include Weipa, with other branches in Atherton, Cow Bay, Croydon, Gordonvale, Herberton, Innisfail, Mareeba, Mossman and Tully being increasingly active.

OUR TEAM Production Manager / Director Sari Hyytinen management@ WetTropicTimes.com.au editor@ WetTropicTimes.com.au Advertising Debra McAteer ads@ WetTropicTimes.com.au Production Clare Watson wettropicproduction@wettropictimes.com.au Front Office Sharon Andrews info@ WetTropicTimes.com.au

Friday, January 22, 2021

A Social Venture of Ingham Disability Support Services

Week Commencing THURSDAY 21ST JANUARY

MOVIE TIMES Music

Buddy Games

M 107mins Drama, Musical

MA 96mins Animation, Action, Family

Ramiah Bey-Morgan, Raphael Bey-Morgan

Dan Bakkedahl, Kevin Dillon, Josh Duhamel

Thurs/Fri/Sat

Thurs/Fri/Sat 1.15pm 4.15pm* 6.00pm

9.15am* 6.30pm*

Sunday 6.45pm

Sunday 12.30pm* 5.00pm* Mon/Tue 9.15am* 4.45pm*

Mon/Tue 11.00am 6.30pm

Zu is newly sober when she receives news that she is to become the sole guardian of her half-sister named Music, a young girl on the autism spectrum.

The film explores two of Sia's favourite themes: finding your voice and creating family.

A group of friends reunite to play The Buddy Games, a wild assortment of absurd physical and mental challenges. In the process, they'll heal old wounds, right past wrongs and figure out the true meaning of friendship...or die trying.

Dreamland

The Dry

MA 101mins Drama, Thriller

MA15+ 117mins Crime, Drama, Mystery

Finn Cole, Margot Robbie, Travis Fimmel Thurs/Fri/Sat 2.00pm* 8.45pm*

Genevieve O’Rielly, Eric Bana, Sam Corlett

Thurs/Fri/Sat

Sunday 12.00pm 7.15pm* Mon/Tue

Mon/Tue 11.45am* 7.00pm*

Dreambuilders

Australian flags, thongs, boardies, bikinis, caps, tees, tanks etc.

IGGULDENS Back To School with shoes, joggers, socks, backpacks, pencil cases

TULLY, 17 Butler Street; & IggsToo, Banyan Plaza; & CARDWELL, 83 Victoria Street. Ph: 4068 1295

Aaron Falk returns to his drought-stricken hometown to attend a tragic funeral. But his return opens a decades-old wound - the unsolved death

The Croods: A New Age

PG 81mins Animation, Comedy, Family

PG 91mins Action, Adventure, Comedy Reynolds, Emma Stone

Robyn Dempsey, Emma Jenkins

Thurs/Fri/Sat

11.30am* 8.15pm

Sunday 2.45pm* 4.30pm

2.15pm* 4.00pm

A teenager's adventures as a bounty hunter take an unexpected twist.

IGGULDENS

* denotes Disability access

9.00am

Ryan

Thurs/Fri/Sat 11.00am 3.45pm

Sunday 10.00am

Sunday 10.15am* 2.15pm

Mon/Tue 9.00am

Mon/Tue 1.30pm FINAL

Minna misuses her newfound ability to create and control other people's dreams to teach her bothersome stepsister a lesson.

The prehistoric family the Croods are challenged by a rival family the Bettermans, who claim to be better and more evolved.

Movies Coming A Call To Spy (M) The Marksman www.inghampicturetheatre.com.au

Phone: 07 4776 3434

Friday, January 22, 2021

COMMUNITY

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Bilyana Rural Fire Brigade presented with decadel Awards and new vehicle

CLARE WATSON LOCALS, Rural Fire Brigades, and officials gathered for a significant awards ceremony at the Bilyana Rural Fire Brigade (RFB) shed at the end of 2020, with decadal medals awarded and a Toyota Landcruiser Light Appliance given to the Bilyana RFB. The ceremony was held in good weather on Saturday, December 19, and began at 10:45am, followed by a barbeque. Peter Ruddick opened proceedings with a welcome and introductions.

Around 25 people were in attendance, including Acting Assistant Commissioner for the Far Northern Region (FNR) Neil Francis and family, the Regional Manager of Rural Fire Service (RFS), FNR Superintendent Lawrence Laing, Area Director RFS Innisfail Area Inspector Peter Ruddick, Rural Fire Brigades Association of Queensland (RFBAQ) Innisfail Area Representative Mr Les Green and Christine Green. Also in attendance were Officers and Firefighters from Bilyana RFB, Murray Upper RFB, and Kennedy Valley RFB. Ceremonies like this one are only held when there is a culmination of awards to give out, “They run them up every ten

years or so,” Bilyana’s First Officer Michael Ottone said. The last ceremony was held at the opening of the Bilyana RFB shed around four years ago.

After the awards ceremony, Les Green handed over the keys of a Toyota Landcruiser outfitted with essential firefighting equipment to the Bilyana RFB on behalf of the RFBAQ. “It’ll definitely help our Brigade,” Michael Ottone said. “Prior to this we were using our own vehicles, and towing trailers using our own slip on gear,” Second Officer Peter Ottone said.

Secretary Pat McCool did all of the hard work putting in submissions to the RFBAQ for the new 4WD, new uniforms, and the Shed. “The 4WD is one of six in all of QLD,” Michael Ottone said.

The Awards were handed out by Inspector Peter Ruddick with assistance from Superintendent Lawrence Laing and Acting Assistant Commissioner Neil Francis as follows: ● Volunteer Firefighter John Doyle was awarded the QFES Medal plus three clasps. He first joined Cardwell F and R Auxiliary Station in 1966 and was due for the QFES Medal in 1976. He retired as Auxiliary FF 1985 after 19 years. He later joined Bilyana RFB on August 15 1992, and is still a current

member of Bilyana RFB now 28 years later. Total years of Service: 47 ● First Officer Michael Ottone and Second Officer Peter Ottone were both awarded DESM 2nd Clasp. They joined Bilyana RFB on May 7 1986, and were awarded DESM in 1996, and 1st Clasp 2006. Total years of service: 34 ● Secretary Patrick McCool, and Volunteer Firefighters Darren Rosendahl, Bennita Rosendahl, and Rodney Hourston, were all awarded the QFES Medal. They each joined Bilyana RFB

in 2006, and have completed 14 years of service.

Bilyana RFB previously covered from Dallachy to the Murray River, and recently expanded to also cover the Tully River, including Rockingham Road.

They are appreciative of the new equipment, as fire season can be quite a battle. “We get asked to assist with the forestry to do a lot of fire control there too,” Michael Ottone said. “The second half of the year can be full on. You hear a phone ring and think oh, rural fire, here we go again!”

DUSTIER THAN EVER C H R I S C O O K S I N G S S L I M D U S T Y

Morning melodies W H E R E : Innisfail Shire Hall W H E N : Tuesday 2 February 2021 TIME: 10:30am- Doors open at 10:00am COST:

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$20 Tickets available online at www.trybooking.com/BODAD

Please note that due to covid restrictions no tickets will be for sale on the door and morning tea will not be available.

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COMMUNITY

Friday, January 22, 2021

Celebrate Australia – Celebrate our Community FALLON ROOCKE MEET the nominees for 2021 Hinchinbrook Shire Australia Day Awards AS WE gear up to celebrate our great nation on the January 26, we take time to acknowledge and celebrate some of our local community members who have contributed to our region and our nation in a variety of ways.

To do this, we invite you to join Hinchinbrook's official Australia Day Ambassador, Alison Alexander OAM, in celebrating with a family friendly Australia Day on Tuesday, January 26.

The official Awards and Ceremony will be held in the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, 25 Lannercost Street, Ingham commencing at 9.00am with an Australiana Concert, Australia Day Awards presentation and cutting of the Australia Day Cake. This will be followed by a free family fun day at the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre from 12.00pm to 5.00pm. There will be inflatable pool equipment, pool activities, entertainment and a BBQ. It will be a special day celebrating our great nation and our local community members with family, friends and the community – we hope to see you there!

and also appears as a guest chef, cookery teacher and speaker at events. She is often asked to judge food competitions and is Chief Judge for the Royal Queensland Show Preserves section.

Meet the Australia Day Award Nominees Junior Sports Award

ALISSA Carey – Nominated for her sporting achievements in a range of sports. Alissa is 2020 Ingham State High School Sportswoman of the Year. She is also Ingham State High School’s Netball and Athlete of the Year and Interschool Age Champion for swimming, Interhouse Age Champion for athletics and cross-country, as well as being a coach, referee and mentor to younger players in a range of sports.

Lachlan Erba – Nominated for his achievements in many sports. Lachlan was selected to represent North Queensland in Rugby League, Touch Football and Squash in 2020 and was the 2020 Ingham State High School Sportsman of the Year. Lachlan has been selected to play Rugby League in the Mendi Blackhawks Under 16 team this year.

Senior Cultural Award GLADYS Mann – Nominated for her contributions to the community through volunteering her time as a member of Herbert Valley Voices and Sing Australia since their inception. She also performs at various Carols by Candlelight events and the Australian-Italian Festival. Gladys also submitted many landscape paintings in the local Gallery and assisted in the painting of the mural at Forrest Beach.

Individual Achievement Award

Alison Alexander

Australia Day Ambassador Program 2021 Alison Alexander OAM ALISON Alexander OAM is a Brisbane-based food consultant and the inaugural Queensland Food Fellow. She was also awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2020 Australia Day Order of Australia Awards. Alison is renowned for her food knowledge, her celebration of Queensland producers for more than 40 years and is held in high regard by local industry. Alison has been a guest presenter on ABC Radio for 23 years and has written for numerous publications.

She regularly leads food tours within Queensland and interstate to encourage awareness of regional produce

JODIE-MAE Lino – Nominated for her contributions to the community as President of the Herbert River Crushers Junior Rugby League. Jodie was instrumental in getting Junior Rugby League running this year with COVID as a major barrier. Jodie was also the driving force behind the very successful League Tag for juniors, which saw 130 boys and girls register for the competition.

Roy Simpson – Nominated for his contributions to the community through his commitment to the Hinchinbrook Blue Light Branch. Roy has been Treasurer of the branch for more than 5 years and has been heavily involved in all fundraising activities during this time and has also committed to project management for the branch.

Kevin Halt – Nominated for his contributions to the community through his service to the Hinchinbrook Blue Light Branch. Kevin has been Secretary of this organisation for the past 4 years and is the Lucinda Local Area Warden and Neighbourhood Watch coordinator. He was integral in saving an injured man who collapsed on the beach at Lucinda in 2018.

Other nominees for the Individual Achievement Award and Shire Citizen Award: George Croton – Ian Merritt – Judy George - Michael Harris – Peter Kocica – Peter Reitano –Rachael Coco – Robert Clark – Tammy Collins.

Community Event of the Year Award PCYC Emergency Services Cadets Unit – Nominated for the coordination and operation of the Emergency Services Cadets Unit supporting youth from 12 to 18 years of age in participating in regular training activities. Successfully maintaining 16 cadets throughout the year, working around COVID restrictions and introducing online training and activities including first aid and radio operations.

Shire Young Citizen Award BODHI Matsen – Nominated for organising ‘Shave for

a Cure’ at Gilroy Santa Maria College. The event was staged as a full school assembly to create impact and the group raised $8,300. Bodhi also represented North Queensland in the Under 15 Soccer team in 2020 and is a high achiever in all school subjects. He is a charismatic young man and a motivated student.

Jordan Di Bella – Nominated for his leadership as School Captain of Ingham State High School in 2020.

Jordan has shown imagination and drive in his leadership role during a pandemic. He organised an ANZAC Day service at home for the school community and created positive videos to send to the student body at a time when families were worried about their students wellbeing.

Rachel Henney – Nominated for her leadership as School Captain of Ingham State High School in 2020.

Rachel has had to think outside the square when organising activities for the school community during a pandemic. Her confident, yet humble personality meant students of all ages gravitate to her and rely on her support. Rachel is a supportive leader and team player with empathy for others.

Veronica Lawler – Nominated for her contributions to the Ingham State High School and wider community. Veronica was an active member of the school well being team in 2020, working tirelessly with the school nurse and other support staff in her enthusiasm to help others. She was awarded the Year 12 Citizenship Award last year at Ingham State High School and is always willing to volunteer.

Shire Citizen Award CHRISTINE Walker – Nominated for her involvement in the community particularly through Forrest Beach QCWA. Chris was a founding member of this organisation 15 years ago, is currently President and has held various executive positions during this time. Chris is also a member of Forrest Beach Progress Association, Forrest Beach Senior Citizens, Ingham Art Action Group and is Treasurer for Forrest Beach Recreational Boating and Tourism Committee.

George Croton – Nominated for his contributions within the community particularly through the Maraka Committee for over 10 years and Ingham Lions Club for 11 years. George has also volunteered at the Herbert River RSL Sub Branch for 24 years. George held executive positions on the Board and Debutante Ball Committee and was also a member of the Queensland Cancer Fund Committee.

Ian Merritt – Nominated for his active involvement with Rotary Club of Hinchinbrook, Ingham Maraka Festival Committee, Pony Club, Polocrosse and Hinchinbrook Men’s Shed. Ian has been involved with some of these organisations for more than 20 years while also running the Rotary Club’s Battery Collection Project with money raised going to Ingham Disability Support Group.

Judy George – Nominated for her volunteer contributions to the community particularly through her involvement with the Leukemia Foundation Ingham Branch and QCWA Halifax Branch. Judy is a Life Member of the Leukemia Foundation and has held the role of Treasurer since joining in 1995. She has also been a member of QCWA for 36 years and held the role of Treasurer for the majority of this time.

Michael Harris – Nominated for his contributions to the community through his involvement with the Lower Herbert Halifax Lions Club and Taylors Beach Progress Association. Michael has been actively involved in these clubs as a volunteer since his arrival to our Shire over 10 years ago.

Peter Kocica – Nominated for his life saving actions on three separate occasions. In 2017 Peter assisted in providing medical assistance to a shark attack victim.

In 2020 Peter assisted in rendering first aid to a snakebite victim and a further shark attack victim. In each situation Peter remained calm and followed instructions provided and as a result each victim has survived their ordeal. Continued on Page 5...

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Friday, January 22, 2021

Meet the Australia Day Award Nominees: Shire Citizen Award continued...

PETER Reitano – Nominated for his contributions to the community through his involvement in numerous volunteer groups for many years. Some of these groups include Rotary Club of Hinchinbrook, Maraka Festival Committee, Herbert River Crushers, Ingham Theatre Group, Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Hinchinbrook Australia Day Committee and past

member of Junior Chamber International.

Rachael Coco – Nominated for her active involvement with the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce.

Rachael has led the organisation on a number of occasions and is the current President. She volunteers many hours developing and implementing projects that deliver value to the whole community.

Robert Clark – Nominated for his volunteer involvement within the community over many years. Robert is a Justice of the Peace and provides volunteer service at the Courthouse on a monthly roster. He has been Treasurer of the Australian Italian Festival and Ingham Disability Support Services Management Committee

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and is a Life Member of Ingham Junior Cricket Association.

Tammy Collins – Nominated for her contributions to the community by organising fundraising events for various charitable organsiations throughout the Shire.

Tammy consistently provides a very important social network for many people who thoroughly enjoy her events.

We would like to pay a special thanks to all the nominees for their contributions to the local community and we wish you all the best for the Australia Day Award Ceremony.

Mission Beach locals enraged with Council vote

CLARE WATSON MISSION Beach locals are furious after a Council vote of six to one on Thursday January 21 in favour of building a helicopter base in Mission Beach.

Residents and community groups say the

helicopter base will be disruptive and simply does not fit in with the quiet, beachfront village lifestyle the area is famous for.

“It’s a development in an inappropriate location, that’s the issue,” President of ‘C4’ Peter Rowles said. “It’s a noisy,

disruptive development that is too close to people’s houses, too close to a highly significant environment, and it will have effects that will actually damage the economy, as well as the community values, and environmental values of Mission Beach,” he said.

Over 50 people braved the summer heat and gathered with signs of protest across from the Tully Council Chamber as the council meeting voted.

“We’re just here to remind the councilors that they’re working for the people not the developers,” Liz Gallie, who runs Mission

Beach Cassowaries said.

“The planners report and the DA (development application) are so conflicting and full of contradictions that there’s no way that any council could make an informed decision on the evidence that has been put forward so far.”

Councillor Trudy Tschui was the only one to vote against the proposed helipad. “Trudy spoke very well about the true ethos of Mission Beach being one of peaceful living in a natural environment,” Mission Beach local Ruth Williams said in a post on Facebook.

Lucinda community urged to speak up over stinger net FALLON ROOCKE DESPITE clear objections from the community in Lucinda, in December, the Hinchinbrook Council voted on the removal of the stinger net at Lucinda Swimming Enclosure, adjacent to Borello Park. The Council vote went against the community’s clear stance on the matter and their wish to retain the area with a netted swimming enclosure for locals and tourists. This net had been in place since 1997, and other variations of the net have protected swimmers in the region dating all the way back to 1938!

After a meeting between Jonathon Pavetto, President of Lucinda Progress Association and Michael Nash, Public Spaces and Biosecurity Manager, at

the beginning of December, it was clear that the Lucinda Progress Association did not support the removal of the enclosure.

ongoing for years, the voting of the removal of the nets has left a level of uncertainty surrounding the community’s wish to keep the net.

Following on from last week's article on this matter, Wet Tropic Times approached Pavetto to comment on behalf of the Lucinda Progress Association.

“We have had no indication from Council on how they intend to provide safe swimming at Lucinda. This is despite Councillors voting to proactively engage with Lucinda Progress on alternative options for Lucinda.”

He said: “Lucinda Progress is very disappointed in the removal of the swimming enclosure; it is an important community asset. We are also concerned with how it was done, with no serious consultation and no consideration for the need for a safe swimming enclosure, just before the holidays and the start of the stinger season!”

While the debate between council and community on the matter has been

Pavetto met with the new Shire CEO to voice the community's strong opposition and is awaiting response from the nominated Councillor on how the concerns will be addressed. The Lucinda Progress Association hasn't yet planned a community meeting due to local floods and TC Kimi, however Pavetto has assured the community that there will be a

meeting organised as soon as possible.

“We live in the most beautiful part of the world, but we can't swim in the water!

We need a safe enclosure that allows us to enjoy the water and the beach without fear of jellyfish, crocodiles and sharks, which are all a very real threat to safety in our waters,” Pavetto said.

At its first meeting of 2021 next Wednesday, the January 27, Hinchinbrook Shire Council is expected to vote to confirm the vote to remove the stinger net.

Pavetto and other Lucinda community members have encouraged locals to raise concerns to halt proceedings prior to the meeting if the general community is unanimously against this decision. It’s your time to speak up Lucinda!

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Wet Tropic Times

Times WET TROPIC

We are here now!

SARI HYYTINEN I HAVE been hearing rumours that ‘the establishment’ of Hinchinbrook has said that there is no local newspaper. I was upset when I heard this statement and I want to take this opportunity to correct this comment.

I am the owner of this newspaper and have been the owner of a unit in Ingham since October last year. This means that not only does the paper cover the Hinchinbrook region, but our very owner is a rate paying resident of Hinchinbrook.

I have personally taken on the goal of ensuring that we cover local news and I have ensured that we have more staffing support in Ingham.

I apologise that this has not been a seamless transition, but now there are two of us Wet Tropic Times team members who live here in Ingham.

We are getting out and about with the goal to ensure that we represent the local community to the best of our abilities. I also have an investigative journalist who is assisting with covering topics of importance to the region.

I would like to personally invite the local people of Hinchinbrook to engage with us and inform us of events that they would like to see covered in their area in addition to the ones we are already covering. In fact, I would love to re-extend the invitation to all residents we represent, currently the whole area from Babinda to Ingham. We impart the local news for this region and our desire is to benefit you.

We are travelling onwards and upwards and I want to express my ongoing gratitude to those community members of the Hinchinbrook region that have given their support.

The best is yet to come…

Letters to the editor ‘Trumpism’ strong under Morrison govt

TRUMPISM is where loyalty to the political leader is greater than loyalty to the nation and to the political party involved. The day-to-day working of Trumpism means that departments, advisors and commissions are ignored and decisions are made by the leader if and when the leader is ready.

Our Aged Care Royal Commission has announced that its survey showed that 39.2 per cent of people in aged care homes are suffering from neglect, emotional abuse and physical abuse; the ACRC is due to report

Friday, January 22, 2021 in late February, 2021.

The blood relative restriction on the Australian Carer Visa is obviously a protection for business, which has resulted in lives lost in aged care homes of people who would have been better off at home physically and financially.

Beef Exports (box meat) were down 15 per cent for 2020 which means a 15 per cent reduction in meat processing jobs. Yes, the drought was a factor but so were live cattle exports (1.3m head in 2019) and the increase in live weight specification to 500kg. Obviously the NFF is mute but it is disappointing that our ABC is also mute on the bleeding of meat processing jobs to live cattle exports, where there is no cap. Labor is too terrified of live cattle exports to open their mouths.

So we wait for Scott Morrison to make decisions.

Don Stewart Battery Hill

Port Hinchinbrook residents face sewerage levy of at least $3,000 a year without further funding DAVID GARDINER RESIDENTS of the Port Hinchinbrook estate at Cardwell would face a sewerage levy of around $3,000 per year under an existing proposal for a new treatment plant and adjoining infrastructure, co-funded by the state government.

In addition, the estate’s 500-600 ratepayers could also be up for a further $1,500 per year - bringing costs up to $4,500 under the proposal.

A Council report details the need to upgrade the sewage treatment system in the former ‘resort’ estate, just south of Cardwell. The now outdated treatment system and adjoining infrastructure has been managed by the state government (Department of State De-

Port Hinchinbrook ratepayers face costly sewerage system charges

velopment, Tourism and Innovation) and Council for the past two years, after the operators of Port Hinchinbrook went into liquidation.

The state government had since put forward a funding offer of $4.3-million towards the expected $6.3-million cost for a new sewerage plant.

However, Cassowary Coast Regional Council would still need to find at least $4.3-million more, to meet both its share of the new plant, plus additional costs identified as part of the treatment plant upgrade and associated infrastructure. This includes acquiring, fixing up and maintaining around 6km of sealed "roads" in the estate.

In the internal report, which came before a Council meeting this

week, it was clearly stated that a new plant is needed. “The current facilities are in very poor condition with minor works needed to keep the current plant operational,” it said.

Financial costs are the biggest dilemma facing both Council - which recognises the need to upgrade a far outdated sewerage treatment plant - and the residents, many of whom will probably not be able to afford a huge hike in fees and levies to cover the upgrade and ongoing costs.

“This would see a utility charge of around $3,000 per year for ratepayers. While this would see the operations of the treatment plant funded, this utility would be three times the price of the Innisfail sewerage utility rate, a rate which is already rated as one the most expensive in the state,” the report said.

“Council currently operates two sewerage schemes that both operate on an individual utility charge based on the costs associated within each scheme. Innisfail’s sewerage utility charge is currently $999, which is one of the dearest in the State. The proposed charge for Port Hinchinbrook could be three times this amount and should raise concerns about capacity to pay for property owners.”

“In addition to this project from the funding agreement, Council has identified an additional $2.3M of capital works needing to be undertaken

to the sewerage reticulation network,” the report said. “To support the sewerage service into the future, Council will need to levy a sewerage utility charge to the properties within the development.

In addition to this Council need to consider sourcing funds for the $4.3M. If a special charge from property owners were to be used as the source of funding this would see a charge of $1500 per year for ten years for property owners.”

At Thursday’s (January 21) meeting, councillors unanimously rejected the joint funding proposal.

Council will now approach the state government to put forward more funding than the $4.3 million offered, and is likely to also ask the federal government for funding as well, to keep the burden of paying for the new sewerage scheme off property owners.

Council received eighty-five completed surveys during a consultation period and around a dozen letters directly to Councillors and council staff. Forty-seven of the survey respondents and the majority of the letters indicated they were property owners. Half of the property owners were clear to indicate they see Council to be in the best position to take on sewage treatment for Port Hinchinbrook. However most felt the indicative utility rate and special charge were too high or should be on par with other sewerage schemes.

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Friday, January 22, 2021

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Innisfail Youth and Family Care receive boost with $500 CommBank Staff Foundation Community Grant MARIA GIRGENTI

INNISFAIL Youth and Family Care is the recipient of a $500 CommBank Staff Foundation Community Grant, with Innisfail branch and employees having nominated the organisation in recognition of the important support services it provides to vulnerable youth and families in the local community.

IYFC CEO Anita Laksa said they are extremely grateful to the CommBank Innisfail team for their nomination and support. "There is a great need for these support services, and these funds will greatly assist us to continue delivering support to homeless, disadvantaged and vulnerable families in the community,” Laksa said.

"We have just opened up a new house for children and our men's domestic violence program is self-funded by the organisation so any donations we receive are very much appreciated."

It was the inspiring and far-reaching impact of the work done by Innisfail Youth and Family Care that was a crucial factor in the organisation receiving the grant.

Since 1917, CommBank employees have been supporting Australian youth through their workplace giving program and community grants. Up until this year, the program has enabled over 200 grants to be awarded to youth-focused organisations across Australia each year.

In 2020, the format was altered slightly and for the first time CommBank employees were the ones who nominated the organisations they were passionate about in their community, or those who might be doing it tough due to the unprecedented pressure placed on them due to COVID-19.

Innisfail Youth and Family Care is a communi-

ty-based not-for-profit organisation providing support to children, young people, families and disadvantaged in times of crisis, when they are either abused, in or out of home, find themselves homeless or suffering with illnesses they find difficult to acknowledge or seek assistance with.

The community-based organisation continues to provide nine programs - Youth Shelter, Domestic Violence Support Service, Domestic Violence Crisis Housing, Long Term Community Housing, Crisis Accommodation for Families, Wet Tropics Community Housing, Youth Recreation and Support Centre and Youth Support program, Emergency Relief and the agent for Department of Housing and Public Works in Innisfail.

IYFC DV Support Service delivers Domestic and Family Violence Educational and Awareness programs in the community with Women's Safety Circle and Men's Better Changes for our Future in collaboration with Mamu Health Service.

The organisation continues to maintain a high standing within the local community, government and non-government sector which is viewed as not only professional but fair and by working in a collaborative and holistic way with care and compassion is focused on positive changes and outcomes for youth and families.

IYFC also welcomes any quality donations of household items such as towels, linen, kitchenware, toiletries for the youth shelter and crisis accommodation houses.

These items can be dropped off at Innisfail CommBank branch or by calling IYFC on 4061 2778.

“On a local level, we’re proud to have our nomination approved and thrilled to be able to support organisations such as Innisfail Youth and Family Care,” Laksa said.

The Bridge that Bob Built BOB de Brueys, of Bilyana, has finally done it!

The 78-year-old retiree has, over a period of 15 months, designed and constructed a 20 tonne load limit bridge. It spans a creek on their Bilyana property, giving access to the rear two thirds of the property.

Bob and Elaine were joined by family, friends and neighbours for the ‘official opening’ on January 3, when the ribbon was parted, and the brass name plaque on the bridge unveiled. It has been named Robelaine Bridge. Everyone then adjourned to the house for refreshments. It was

such a blessing that the weather held off until the occasion was over, then down it came again!

There have been three previous bridges at the site over the years, but this one is built to stay.

Constructed of poured concrete footings on both sides of the two metre high creek bank, the six metre-span deck is timber, mostly bloodwood.

Ever one to recycle, Bob used solid set irrigation pipes for the railings.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a spike in domestic, family violence and financial abuse and we have witnessed the crucial work they do supporting the vulnerable through these domestic violence programs to reduce these incidents in the local community," CommBank Innisfail branch manager Margaret Milani said.

CommBank Innisfail branch manager Margaret Milani and staff member Sandra Locastro congratulate IYFC CEO Anita Laksa on receiving a $500 CommBank Staff Foundation Community Grant

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COMMUNITY

Wet Tropic Times

Friday, January 22, 2021

Johnstone Region Landcare Group gearing up for busy year “A sign done by Andre Guernier has been erected at the Stitt Street site and a memorial walk to honour the group's life member Bernie Crow who passed away in October 2019”

propagating native trees in preparation for planting and relevant training.

This project will see 8.4 hectares of riparian revegetation completed between Russell, Johnstone and Murray catchment areas, with close to 40,000 trees to be planted before June 2021.

Johnstone Region Landcare Group volunteers celebrated a successful 2020 with their Christmas break-up at JWAL site, Stitt Street, Innisfail and are preparing for a busy year ahead MARIA GIRGENTI JOHNSTONE Region Landcare Group capped off a successful 2020 and after a well-earned Christmas/New Year break are set for a busy and productive year.

HIKOKI CLEARANCE! $549.00 WITH BATTERY & CHARGER

CHAINSAW 36V 300MM BAR 

Oil sight glass (transparent oil tank window) with backlight to easily check the amount of remaining oil



LED illuminates cutting area in dark conditions



Tool-less chain adjuster for easy chain adjustment



Mechanical kick-back brake



Ergonomic shaped front handle and soft-grip rear handle for comfortable cutting in any working position

WHILE STOCKS LAST - FLOOR STOCK ONLY!

Tully Canegrowers Mitre10

59 Butler St, Tully, QLD 4854

www.facebook.com/tullycanegrowersmitre10

Ph: 4068 4900

After a good start last year the group was challenged with the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown. But it wasn't long before they were back in business as they soon realised conversation and land management activities could still be done in a COVID Safe way, with social distancing and personal hygiene rules.

After a hiatus of two months, volunteers were kept extremely busy with nursery plant sales and gardening advice which proved beneficial during the lockdown period as lots of people were spending more time at home and doing gardening projects.

Last October, Terrain Natural Resource Management was successful in securing a $520,000 Wet Tropics Reef Assist funding on behalf of the Johnstone River Catchment Management Association (JRMCA) and Johnstone Region Landcare Group to revegetate areas beside waterways and extend wildlife corridors in the Innisfail, Babinda and Tully catchments.

The Reef Assist Grant through the Office of Great Barrier Reef, Queensland Department of Environment and Science was awarded to Terrain as employers, Johnstone River Management Catchment Association as contractors and Johnstone Region Landcare as sub-contractors.

An additional seven to eight people hired for the project and nursery activities ramped up as they were kept busy

Employees will also undertake training in conservation and land management to increase their skills and knowledge for future career opportunities, as well as to nurture future land stewards.

Additional volunteer support will also be required to propagate plants and maintain the sites for up to two years.

Hundreds of trees from the site nursery were also sold to Mulgrave Landcare and Catchment Group which have planted by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service at Eubenangee Swamp National Park, an internationally recognised coastal wetland near Innisfail.

A small Landcare group contracted

by Cassowary Coast Regional Council were responsible for in-fill planting and weed eradication from Innisfail Hospital Bridge along River Avenue to the edge of town. They have worked hard to maintain and improve the river scenic amenity so it can be enjoyed by all community members.

A sign done by Andre Guernier has been erected at the Stitt Street site and a memorial walk to honour the group's life member Bernie Crow who passed away in October 2019. Crow was an active member of Johnstone Region Landcare Group, Johnstone Ecological Society, Society for Growing Australian Plants and Johnstone River Catchment Management Association.

The Johnstone Shire Council Australia Day Environmental Award winner in 2006, Crow was also an avid supporter, pioneer, volunteer and advocate of Johnstone Region Community Garden and an advocate for native plants, education and the environment.

Johnstone Region Landcare Group always welcomes keen and enthusiastic volunteers to assist at JWAL site, Stitt Street, Innisfail on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8.30am - 12 noon.

For further information on Landcare activities or to become a volunteer, please contact Secretary Dr Fay Falco-Mammone on 0487 890 684, via email: johnstonelandcare@gmail.com or visit Johnstone Region Landcare & Johnstone Catchment Facebook page.

REAL ESTATE

Friday, January 22, 2021

Wet Tropic Times

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Wet Tropic Times SHOWCASE INNISFAIL Owen Street Agent: K ylie. 0428 944 563. A&A Realty Price: $65,000 neg. WIWO

INNISFAIL Agent: Fran Laffin 0401 191 258, A&A Realty

A

Price: $285,000

THRIVING family run café in the heart of Innisfail is in need of a new owner.

S

ITUATED on one of Innisfail’s highest spots and just reduced by $35,000.

This cool timber home features three bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen / dining combined and a spacious lounge. Varnished timber floors are an attractive

addition to the home.

and breezes because of the

Choice of two decks, one at the front and one at the rear.

Single garage plus four carports and two storerooms.

elevation.

Conveniently located close to most facilities and a gorgeous place to live. Beautiful views

Must be seen to be appreciated. $285,000. Listing Reference #1026 Contact Fran on 0401 191 258 to arrange an inspection.

Open from 8.30am till 3pm Monday to Friday. This busy little café offers customers a range of food from bacon and eggs to gourmet sandwiches, wraps, burgers and meals, homemade cheesecakes and cakes plus delicious coffee and drinks.

Potential to expand and have a restaurant in the evenings. With a huge regular customer base this business is well worth you calling today for further information.

BEAUTIFUL SWIMMING HOLES

IMMACULATE FOUR BEDROOM HOME

4 3 6 land area 19.86 hectares Gorgeous rural property with beautiful rainforest and valley views. Two creeks form a boundary which will provide good water and is an attractive natural asset. The fertile soils would convert to a wide range of farming and/or grazing pursuits. Presently the land is being used for grazing and there is a small orchard also. The 32 x 18 metre steel framed shed has a 32 x 6 metre skillion attached.

The shed also has a 6 x 6 metre room. There is a camp kitchen, shower and toilet within the shed. There is a lovely lowset masonry block home complete with air conditioning, fans and tiled floors throughout the common areas. There are 4 b/rs, 3 of which have built-ins, semi-ensuite and toilet in the laundry area. There is an open plan living area, a modern kitchen complete with pantry and numerous features. Fixed wireless broadband also. Two verandahs, front having tiled floors and the rear with polished concrete. There are three 25,000 litre water tanks (two plastic, one concrete), three swimming holes and a licence to pump from the creek. With no close neighbours, the property has outstanding views offering peace and serenity. Beautiful shade trees and lovely gardens. A must see. $650,000 Neg. http://aarealty.net/rural/1145/

4 2 2 land area 846 sqm Well designed and maintained home situated in a quiet cul-de-sac.

• Four bedrooms • Fully air conditioned • Colorbond shed • Rear entertaining verandah $495,000 - List #1242 http://aarealty.net/property/1242/

Contact Fran on 0401 191 258

Contact Kylie on 0428 944 563

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GOVERNMENT BUILDING GRANT INCENTIVE

TROPICAL LIVING IN THE RAINFOREST

Live among the serenity of pure nature...

• Total Land Area: 4,053sqm at Jubilee Heights.

• Nestled amongst absolute privacy and also boasts a flowing creek.

• Level ground to build your dream home on, amongst nature’s bliss.

• Only seven minutes from CBD, Flying Fish Point, and boat ramps.

• Bitumen road, kerb and channeling, power and town water.

Due To Change Of Plans Vendors Cannot Retire Onto Their Dream Property and Are Willing To Make A Huge Loss For An Immediate Sale and Have Just Reduced Their Piece Of Paradise By A Further $10,000.

Now Selling For Only $49,900 Firm. http://aarealty.net/land/9719/

At Picturesque Coquette Point...

• Its scenic and elevated position takes in ocean views, panoramic mountains, river and town views.

• Your dream home will stand proud amongst this tropical bliss plus just minutes away from a boat ramp and fishing spots.

• Coquette Point is a much sought-after area, so please be quick to enquire about this amazing block of land.

The Vendors Are “VERY MOTIVATED” To Sell And Will Consider Reasonable Offers. PRICE REDUCED - Was Originally $249,000 – NOW ONLY $149,000 http://aarealty.net/land/9807

Contact Connie on 0410 008 918

70 Edith Street, INNISFAIL PHONE: 4061 1466 EMAIL: aarealty@aarealty.net www.aarealty.net

4 2 3 land area 4,302 sqm Architecturally designed 4 bedroom home with decks, breezeways and bathtubs that open up to the stars. Sit back and enjoy the views in this peaceful paradise.

• Four bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • Shed and room for a gym/studio • Entertaining area $650,000 – List #1291 http://aarealty.net/rural/1291/ Contact Kylie on 0428 944 563

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Wet Tropic Times

Hinchinbrook News in Brief Council Waste Facilities Back to Normal

RESIDENTS are advised that Warrens Hill Waste Management Facility and the Halifax Transfer Station have resumed normal standard operating hours.

Please visit Council’s website, Waste Facilities and Fees page for information regarding standard hours.

For information regarding local conditions, please visit the Hinchinbrook Disaster Dashboard or contact the LDMG on 4776 4600.

Wallaman Falls Road Now Open HINCHINBROOK Shire Council advises that Wallaman Falls Road is now open. The camping grounds are open, and the road has been cleared of debris.

For updates on National Parks and nearby camping grounds please visit the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services website Park Alert page.

For information regarding local road conditions, please visit Council’s website, Local Road Conditions page.

Cassowary Coast News in Brief

$9 million funding sought to dredge and maintain One Mile Creek DREDGING of One Mile Creek at Port Hinchinbrook will initially cost around $1.5 million, which Cassowary Coast Regional Council will seek federal gov-

COMMUNITY ernment funding for, after an invitation to apply for funding by Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack last year.

Detailed cost estimates for the removal of sediment from One Mile Creek, the Marina and Boat Maintenance Basin have also been conducted, indicating that funding of about $7.5 million will be required to complete the works. Council is now seeking further negotiations with both the state and federal governments to see if they can fund the $7.5 million.

Feast of the Senses - River Feast market stallholder applications now open STALLHOLDER applications are now open for the Australian Bananas River Feast market at this year’s Feast of the Senses Festival on Sunday, April 18.

The Feast of the Senses is looking for artisanal market stalls for the Australian Bananas River Feast event. Anyone with unique stalls using local fruits, food, produce and materials, arts and crafts and all creative locally made products.

Those stallholders who had a booking for last year’s cancelled event and paid their stall holder fee are all set for this year’s market.

Application forms are available through the following link https://form. jotform.co/203340940986863 and all questions are welcome via email: manager@feastofthesenses.com.au.

partnership between Babinda Chamber of Commerce, Cairns Regional Council and Babinda Taskforce, and is funded from donations collected at the Babinda Creek RV Park.

Peter Reitano’s 50th birthday ON SATURDAY, January 9, Ingham Bowls Club welcomed Peter Reitano who celebrated his 50th birthday with his family and friends.

Friday, January 22, 2021 Thanks to Michael Reitano, who was brilliant as the MC for the night. Thanks to the bar staff, Elsa and John Piotto, Trevor Pallanza and Paul Hallam.

The delicious dinner was provided by the Majestic Cafe; thanks to all of you.

Thanks to the Higgins family for your very entertaining speech with songs awesome! Thanks to all who attended to help Peter celebrate his special birthday.

Peter Reitano

Babinda hanging plants back up after Cyclone Kimi alert AFTER only just finishing putting up Babinda’s plant baskets a few weeks before, project proponent Rodney Edwards found himself taking down the hanging plants earlier this week in preparation for Cyclone Kimi. Thankfully the storm passed by, hardly a breath of wind was felt in Babinda and all was well again, so Edwards recruited some help from other members of the community to re-hang the plants the next day. The hanging plants project is a

Peter Reitano Left to right, Angela Lone, Peter, Robbie, Anthony, Christina, Michael, Judy & Felix Reitano.

Babinda District Community Association digital mentor program BABINDA District Community Association is embracing the digital divide by providing free one day training and follow up support. Babinda District Community Association (BDCA) are looking to train Digital Mentors in our community who are happy to share their knowledge, using a proven digital literacy program “Be Connected”. We will provide you with free training and ideas, in a simple and enjoyable format. Are you enthusiastic and relish learning new skills? If this sounds like you or you would like further information, contact BDCA on 07 4067 2900 Monday to Friday, 9am to 3 pm, or email us at: taskforce@babinda. net.au. “Partnering with ‘Be Connected, Every Australian Online’ we are working at increasing the confidence and skills of FNQ residents in using the internet and everyday technology, in a supported environment” Training Leader Jayne Guthrie said. Collaborating within our

community, BDCA is using a community centred approach to reach out and help.

People with low internet skills can often feel scared and unsure of the whole “computer thingy”, isolated from their community and family. BDCA aims to change that by empowering FNQ people to be Digital Mentors, who in turn assist others.

Training will be at multiple locations and will start on February 13 in Babinda, at the Spirit of Babinda Hall. This will be followed by Yarrabah on February 25 at the RTC Centre. Training is open to the wider community from Yarrabah to Innisfail, and transport can be provided from Innisfail to the Babinda session.

One in two Australians who don’t have online skills won’t ask for help let’s change that, one key stroke at a time! Thank you to our partners: Good Things Foundation Australia; Australian Government ‘Be Connected’.

COMMUNITY

Friday, January 22, 2021

Innisfail Probus Club members enjoy five day coach trip to Cobbold Gorge MARIA GIRGENTI

A GROUP of 39 Probus members, family and guests from Innisfail and Mission Beach clubs recently travelled by coach to Cobbold Gorge and Undara Caves for five days of friendship, fellowship and fun.

Cobbold Gorge is 428kms west of Innisfail and the coach left Innisfail at 7.00am with a first stop for morning tea hosted by President Ron Rankin at Mount Garnet Golf Club, followed by a lunch break at Georgetown Roadhouse. The final leg to Cobbold Gorge kept everyone awake as the coach travelled over sections of unsealed, corrugated road.

Days two and three started with tours of Cobbold Gorge and Robin Hood Station, a working cattle station. A short bus trip and walk through the Gorge land-

scape was complimented by a detailed ‘show and tell’ to the top of the Gorge and after crossing a ‘Glass Bridge’, the group was greeted with breathtaking views of the steep Gorge cliffs and water below.

They then went down to the Gorge and boarded electric powered boats for a relaxing 750-metre trip through a narrow passage with views of tree lined rocky cliffs, underside of the glass bridge, ferns, fish, freshwater crocodiles, as well as a variety of bird sounds.

A bus tour of the station involved a stop at a large dam known as Dinner Creek dam. In such a dry desolate area, it has never dried up and provides a continual water supply to livestock and other wildlife.

Back at the Gorge, members had free time and walkers could choose any of the four well-defined tracks with various gradients to take in nature's beauty,

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or to simply relax around the village. Some members chose to go on a helicopter flight around the Gorge Station area.

Everyone was a little sad to depart Cobbold Gorge where staff treated everyone with hospitality, respect and dignity.

The coach headed back towards Georgetown and to the amazing exhibit of the Ted Elliott Mineral Collection incorporated in the Georgetown Information Centre building. A stop at Mount Surprise Hotel for another great lunch, close to Joe & Jo’s Bedrock Village Caravan Park, the final overnight stop.

A bus tour to Undara Volcanic Caves led to an array of colours and shapes left behind by the molten lava.

Steps and rails made it easy to go into the dark underground where coldness was felt.

The group's last night together was filled with lots of laughter and trip memories. After another great meal, members gathered at the back of the park around a campfire for a sing-along and to spin a few yarns courtesy of Joe, his guitar and park residents.

These outback tourist destinations are struggling with drought and the downturn effects of COVID-19.

After not having seen a coach for many months, they were so pleased to see us and treated everyone in a way that had to be seen and felt to be appreciated.

The last day started with morning tea at Kalkani Crater shelter then a final stop for a welcoming lunch at Innot Hot Springs Hotel before heading back home to Innisfail.

A special thanks to Bev and Bruno Bandiera for organising this fantastic trip and coach driver Neil and Desley Winkleman for a relaxing and safe return trip.

(L-R} Jim Brown, Bob Allison, Joan Atkinson, Margaret Johnson, Desley and Neil Winkleman (bus driver) and Gay-Ann Allison.

(L-R) Judy Edwards, Geoff and Pauline Duffield, Toni Caltabiano, Josie Vecchio, Betty Westbury, Fred and Coral Bailiff

Probus Clubs promote friendship, fellowship and fun and welcome retired and semi-retired active members of the community. It’s a great way to meet new friends of similar age and participate in social activities and transport can be arranged for those who need it.

For further information, please contact the Secretary by phoning 0429 653 775.

Locals learn how to turn trash into treasure MARIA GIRGENTI A GROUP of like-minded ladies recently took part in a recycled weaving master class hosted by Kaz Smith at her Mena Creek residence where they learned to create a unique bowl using coffee bags, while keeping single use plastics out of landfill and the environment.

The workshop was run by skilled weavers Michelle Torrens, Lily Pavlovic and Zoe Torrens who were part of the former not-for-profit Junk Weavers Inc group first started by Megan Bayliss in 2011.

Smith, who has always made a point of keeping plastic out of the environment, followed posts from her friends on social media regarding recycled weaving workshops.

"I've always wanted to do the workshop but didn't want to travel to Cairns, so I contacted Michelle and Lily who were more than willing to travel to Innisfail," said Smith.

There are 12 million coffee bags used in Australia per year, so the weaving ladies have been collecting them from coffee shops/cafes from Palm Cove to Gordonvale and then spending a lot of time cutting and folding them for their range of bowls.

Items are made for items found in most kitchens, pantries and households such as newspapers, ring pulls, chocolate wrappers, biscuit and potato chip packets, magazines, plastic bags,

pet food bags, junk mail and cardboard boxes.

These in turn are made into items such as coin and clutch purses, gift bows, handbags, stubby coolers, wine holders, keyrings, bangles, bracelets, earrings, bowls and coasters.

By running these workshops, Torrens said the trio aim to enable mass action of individual recycling through sustainable craft by preserving the wider global environment, provide education about recycling, while protecting and cleaning oceanic and aquatic environments and their associated native life.

"It's also about getting ladies together on a social basis which generates conversation and sharing of experiences.

The group interaction provides great networking opportunities, while the emotional support promotes well-being and has a positive impact on the social fabric of the community," Torrens said.

"Folding and weaving can be done by individuals and groups anywhere and is very therapeutic. It's a great craft project which can be done with students, people with a disability and the elderly."

"We are passionate about the environment, so this is a great way I can make a positive difference by teaching others to recycle and reuse where creation ideas are only limited by one's imagination."

Torrens said their work was thrust in the spotlight after she came up with the idea to make an eco-friendly dress from

vinyl Elton John banners from his 2017 concert in Cairns and weaved recycled coffee bags.

In 2018, they were invited to showcase their handbags and one-off collectable Elton John dress which was a huge hit on the runway during Eco Fashion Week Australia in Port Douglas and Fremantle, Western Australia, even featuring in a Canadian magazine.

They are currently working on two six feet sculptures, one a dolphin using

coloured chip packets which represents the rainbow of hope out of COVID-19, and a marlin using recycled chicken wire and silver coffee bags.

Workshops for groups of up to 10 people can be arranged and participants need to be aged 12 and over. Anyone wishing to host a master class in 2021 can contact Michelle via mobile: 0429 044 782, email: zedemen@icloud.com or by private message on the Zedemen Consulting Facebook page.

Kaz Smith (with dog) hosted masterclass weavers Zoe, Michelle and Lily and those who took part in a weaving workshop show off their finished bowls made from coffee bags

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Wet Tropic Times

Friday, January 22, 2021

Times CLASSIFIEDS WET TROPIC

IN MEMORIUM

FOR SALE

ALAN JAMES SCULLEN In loving memory of our Mum and Nanna

MARIA LISTER (Mary)

12.09.1933 20.01.2020

Your memory will live long in our hearts Dad

October 23, 1929 - January 21, 2018

“They say memories are golden, Well maybe that is true.

But we never wanted memories Mum, We only wanted You.” Forever loved and dearly missed by her daughters Shauna, Maria, Sandra, Gina, Mona, Linda and their families. xxxxx

PURE BREED QUARTERHORSE MARE Very quiet and done Western, Pleasure and Trail Two handed cutting turn back HORSE FLOAT Two straight load. Been renovated. Rego till 2022 PHONE: 4068 1082

Rest In Peace

Home For

Love always, Russell, James, Gail, Sherrill and families

FOR SALE

SMALL SQUARE BALES MULCH HAY Phone: 0408 856 557

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

FUNERAL NOTICE AIERS, Frederick John (Jack) Aged 90 years. Late of Tully Heads.

Beloved Husband of Claire. Loved Father and Father-In-Law of Lyn, Rick and Franca, Yvonne and Caesar, Frances and Peter. Loved Grandfather and Great Grandfather of the McPherson, Stewart and Viero Families.

All Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend a Graveside Service for Jack commencing at 10.00a.m., Friday, 29th January, 2021 at the New Tully Lawn Cemetery.

Funeral Home – Chapel & Crematorium Bronze Plaques – Funeral Bonds 18 Scullen Avenue Innisfail (07) 4061 6806 66 Butler Street, Tully (07) 4068 1188 Members of the Australian Funeral Directors Assoc.

Servicing the Cassowary Coast for Three Generations

Private Sale

Bluff Road, BILYANA

 A 3 Bedroom House, Solar, 3 Sheds,  10 Acres of Land  A Dam and Creek Passing By  Fully Fenced – $250,000 For enquiries contact:

Tony (07) 4066 9774

DEATH AND MEMORIAL NOTICE

NAOMI RUTH MATELI KOKKINOS (KUIVALAINEN) 44 years old.

Formerly of Ravenshoe, Mt Isa and Tully Gail and Rex Blake and Mark Kuivalainen wish to advise of the death of our beautiful daughter, Naomi Ruth Mateli Kokkinos (Kuivalainen) in an accident on Cloncurry Road on December 28, 2020. Loving partner of Ken Tomlinson, devoted mother to Rebekah and James and dearly loved sister of Ben, Jacob and Amy.

MEMORIAL SERVICE A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 25, 2021, at the Tully Country Club at 11am.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we can at this stage only have 150 people. There will be refreshments served after service.

If you wish to contact us, please phone 0407 356 496.

Our address is Box 900, Tully, 4854.

We are asking if you send flowers, please make them ornamental, or a plant we can plant in her garden.

Thank you to the wonderful people of Tully and our family and friends who have gone the extra mile to support us and love us during this very painful time.

Wet Tropic Times

Friday, January 22, 2021

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Times CLASSIFIEDS WET TROPIC

PUBLIC NOTICES TRICK SKIPPING

For children 5 and older, youths and adults 4 to 5 pm each Friday in January At Showgrounds Gymnastics Hall Contact Trevaray@gmail.com TULLY GYM and TRAMP CLUB

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Speak to Brian, Jenny or any of the friendly staff

PHONE: 4 7 7 6 3 1 2 2 EMAIL: advertise@wettropictimes.com.au

86 Cartwright Street, INGHAM

NOTICE OF MISSION BEACH LIBRARY CLOSURE • Library closing for refurbishment from February 1, 2021 (last day is Saturday, January 30, 2021).

• Closure period expected to be eight weeks.

• After-hours bin will be available 24/7 for book drop off at the rear of the building past the physiotherapy office.

• A staff member will provide reserved item pick up from the office at the rear of the building on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8.30am to 10.30am during the closure period.

• Tully Library will provide full services to all members during the closure including public computers. Members should phone libraries on 1300 366 616 if they have any queries.

• Centrelink kiosk will be closed during this period but services can be accessed at Centrelink’s Tully office.

James Gott Chief Executive Officer

PO Box 887, Innisfail Q 4860

INDOOR BOWLS You are invited to learn to play Indoor Bowls at the TULLY SENIOR CITIZENS HALL on Mondays from 9 am to 12 noon. Cost will be $5 each.

Tea and Coffee available.

BOWLS WILL BE PROVIDED.

WANTED TO BUY

John Deere

Ride-On Mowers Any Condition

Instant Pickup – Cash Paid

0408 465 162

Local regional newspaper, Tropic Times, is publishing Valentine’s Day Feature Valentine’s Day is Wet February 14, 2021, and awe’d like to invite on Friday, February 5, 2021, and we’d like to invite you to be a part of it! youistoanbe part of our FEATURE is being published on the This excellent opportunity to promote which your business and services.

Friday, February, 2021,ofin Wet Tropic Times newspaper.

You may submit editorial5, content upThe to 200 words along with a photo to enhance your advertising. from two sizes: ThisYou is can an choose excellent opportunity to promote • •

M4 x 3 (124mm xyour 129mm) = $203.40 and plus GST business services.

M3 X 2 (92mm x 85mm) = $114.00 plus GST

You are welcome to submit editorial 200 words plus photo to

Booking deadline is Thursday, January 28, 2021. If you would like to be a part of this enhance your advertising. feature, please contact Debra McAteer (Tully) by email: ads@wettropictimes.com.au OR Tiffany PorterPlease (Ingham) by email:from localnews@wettropictimes.com.au choose the following sizes: Office Phone: (07) 4068 0088.

M4 x 3 (124mm x 129mm) = $203.40 M3 X 2 (92mm x 85mm) = $114.00 BOOKING DEADLINE: THURSDAY, JANUARY, 28, 2021 Please let us know if you would like to be included in Valentine’s Day Feature by contacting: Debra McAteer (TULLY) by email: ads@wettropictimes.com.au OR Angela Barley (INNISFAIL) by email: advertise@wettropictimes.com.au OR Tiffany Porter. (INGHAM) localnews@wettropictimes.com.au

PHONE: 4068 0088

SITUATIONS VACANT POSITION VACANT –

KITCHEN ASSISTANT Would you like to be involved in a friendly environment in a Part Time Casual Position as team player with Meals On Wheels, INGHAM, as Assistant to the Kitchen Director.

Responsibilities of this position will include accurate recording of all kitchen record keeping in conjunction with food safety program, as well as assisting Kitchen Director prepare and cook meals.

An opportunity to grow your skills in all aspects of kitchen duties.

Send your CV to: inghammow@bigpond.com by January 30, 2021 TULLY STATE SCHOOL 2 x Positions Vacant

SCHOOL CLEANER Monday – Friday, 5-8am and 3-6pm

Position 1 - Permanent 30 hours week.

Position 2 - Temporary 30 hours week until 20 March 2021 with possible extension.

Applications are invited from interested person/s for a Temporary and Permanent School Cleaner at Tully State School.

School Cleaners play a vital role in the school community.

It is their duty to provide a clean and hygienic learning environment for students.

Applicants are requested to obtain an application package containing the role position description. Applicants must address the selection criteria contained within the position description. An application package is available from the school office.

(Office hours Monday to Friday – 8.15am to 3.00pm)

SHOP L O CA L

Applications are to be forwarded to: BUSINESS SERVICES MANAGER Tully State School PO Box 573 TULLY Qld 4854 Applications close Friday, February 12, 2021, at 3.00pm

Looking for a local job?

Find it in the Wet Tropic Times CLASSIFIEDS

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CASSOWARY COAST REGIONAL COUNCIL – AUDIT COMMITTEE

Appointment of External Member

Cassowary Coast Regional Council is seeking to appoint an independent Audit Committee member for a four year term.

In accordance with Subdivision 2 s210 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s Audit Committee must be comprised of at least three and no more than six members. Council currently has four members, including the Mayor, a Councillor and two independent external members. Council has endorsed the inclusion of an additional independent external member to ensure succession planning and to assist the Committee in its roles and obligations as per Council’s Audit Committee Charter.

Candidates should possess the following qualifications and experience: – comprehensive technical knowledge and experience in relation to commerce and financial operations of a large, diverse organisation; – understanding of the principles of corporate governance, risk management, performance and efficiency monitoring, the operations of audit committees and of internal and external audit finance, risk management, commerce and governance; – the ability to develop strong working relationships with Councillors, Executive Management and Council employees; and – excellent communication skills.

Legal experience or experience in senior executive roles within the local government sector is desirable.

Applications outlining relevant qualifications and experience together with a current CV must be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer and received by 3.00 pm on Monday 8 February 2021.

For further information or to obtain an Information Pack, please contact Gurbindar Singh, Chief Financial Officer by phoning (07) 4043 9127.

James Gott, Chief Executive Officer Cassowary Coast Regional Council

PO Box 887 INNISFAIL QLD 4860

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Wet Tropic Times

Friday, January 22, 2021

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Times ACUPUNCTURE

WET TROPIC

TRADES & SERVICES

Agnes Kim

Registered Acupuncturist

Private Health Fund Rebates Traditional & Laser Acupuncture Cupping Therapy Holistic Treatments, Healing & Pain Relief

AIRCONDITIONING

14

Tully: Tuesday and Saturday Innisfail: Wednesday and Friday

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Specialising in Kitchens, Shops & Office Fitouts Vanities & Robes

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Practice Hours: INNISFAIL

1/27 Owen Street, Innisfail Monday to Friday 8:30am - 6pm

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CHIROPRACTORS

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Cabinet Maker & Carpenter Tuesday 8am - 12pm Everything from KitchensThursday to Odd 9am Jobs- 6pm

61193 Bruce Highway FAMILY CHIROPRACTOR Diggers Creek, EL ARISH, Queensland

Tully: 4068 2225

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 FAMILY CARE  PEDIATRICS  PRE & POST NATAL CARE  SPORTS INJURIES

INNISFAIL 4061 2225 Monday - Friday

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TULLY 4068 2225 Tuesday and Thursday Please welcome our new dentist,

DENTISTS

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY IS THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE WAY TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS EVERY WEEK.

BUILDER OF NEW HOMES /

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BARBERS

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To book an appointment please

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Lic. # 69644 Au 26240

MECHANIC

APING

Friday, January 22, 2021

PEST CONTROL|

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Wet Tropic Times

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ROSS HARRIS MECHANICAL REPAIRS

Times WET TROPIC

Servicing & Repairs to all Cars, 4WD & light commercials

Felix Reitano Furniture

Phone 4068 1685 REMOVALS

After Hours 0418 739Across 979 Town,

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FOR ALL YOUR PEST PROBLEMS

GARY ANDREWS OUR CASSOWARY COAST SPECIALIST

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AND I G H LQueensland HNorth PAINTING P/L Skips

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2m, 3m, 4m, 5m, 6m Paul McGrane – 0427 894 146 and 2-Tonne Pantec

Commercial & Domestic Painting Services

CALL US NOW 1300 122 072 Email: info@accreditedpest.com.au

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Modern Diagnostic Equipment Wheel Alignments Clutch & Gear Box Repairs Steering, Suspension & Brake Repairs Safety Certificates - LV & LT Trailer Repairs Log BookServicing 109 Cartwright Steet, INGHAM PHONE:Tyres 4776 5007

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MISSION BEACH: 1 Stephens Street Phone 4088 6472 – Alan Mobile 0400 758 458 OPEN: Mon-Fri  8 am-12 noon, 1 pm-4 pm Sat  8 am-12 noon

www.jerryandthetilemakers.com.au MISSION BEACH 1 Stephens Street, P 4088 6471 George Culverhouse OPEN Mon – Fri 8am – 12noon, 1pm – 4pm Machinery 07 4068 0870 Sat 8am – 12noon ton Edwards 0438867743 CROSSWORD CLUES CROSSWORD No 12901 LAST WEEK’S www.jerryandthetilemakers.com.au 4068 7456 northqueenslandskips@hotmail.com SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

& mould removal

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NOW !!!

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1 Teeth 5 Estimated time of arrival (abb) CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS No. 12900 9 Laid hold of (coll) Jerry-Inzerce-Independent New-2017-62x45-ZR.indd 1 16. 4. 2017 13:17:57 11 Popular fashion 14 14 Muslim ruler K O A L A C I A C H 16 17 15 Assemblies for discussion 16 Be defeated U E T C H L L A M A 19 18 Insincere expressions of piety 19 Pitcher with a wide spout S T E A L A B B O T V 23 20 Reject with disdain 22 Frog-like amphibian L D A W N I S S U E 27 28 24 Coal product G A L E S C A N E R 25 Religious paintings 30 31 27 Antelope E W E R A E R O S O L S 29 Valley (poet) 34 30 Fathers N A N I M A 32 Language 37 D E P A R T E D Z I N C 34 Explosive device 35 Male sheep A G A I N B A T I K 40 36 Part of a soccer goal 38 Solemn promise R A P I D T W I G M 40 Absolute 41 Seaport in Morocco M A L I B I B R I B E ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE 43 42 Information (coll) E A S E S R I L E L 43 Leave uncovered

PUBLIC NOTICES 9

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T O G U O Y E HAV g To Say? in h t e m o S

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Call 4068 0088 NOW!

SUDOKU No 212

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 

1 2 6

st Independent News, Thursday, February 14, 2019

1 4 9 3 7 8 3 9 2 6 8 2 3 4 2

8 5 9 1 6

DIFFICULTY LEVEL:

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DOWN: 2 On a single occasion 3 The incarnation of a god 4 Perfume 5 Tree 6 Followed close behind (coll) 7 Pointed missile 8 Snake 10 Something to be learned 12 Happen again 13 Flowering plant 15 Nearly all 17 French river 21 High ranking Turkish officer 22 Projection of the foot 23 Help 26 Hackneyed phrase 27 Diving bird 28 Consumer 29 Face 31 Part of the foot 32 Verity 33 Surrounded by 34 Rodent 37 Upper limbs 39 Metallic element

088 NOW!

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SUDOKU SOLUTIONS No. 211

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5 9 8 4 7 3 1 6 2

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Wet Tropic Times

ADVERTORIAL

Friday, January 22, 2021

UV exposure and your eyes A

S a tradesman, and a lover of all things outdoors, fishing, surfing, camping and four wheel driving, I have spent a lot of time in the sun.

It was not until I met my wife, Lauren, and then later started working for her at Innisfail Optical that I realised the risk I had exposed my eyes to.

When I was younger I rarely wore sunglasses, If I did it was the cheap unpolarized variety. Apprentices don’t get paid much and I am a shocker for leaving things behind.

Now I never leave the house without good quality polarized sunglasses, and get my eyes checked regularly.

At the time my principle UV concern was getting sunburnt. We have all done it, it hurts, then you peel, not much fun.

Now I knew this would increase my risk of sun cancers, but it was something to worry about later, and you could just get them cut off, right?

As I got a bit older, like most people, I got a bit more sun wise.

I developed a love of sunscreen, wore a hat and shirt more often and saw the doctor regularly for a check up. I thought I was sun safe.

While I fret about my eye health every time I see a UV related eye issue, I immediately think of my father. My father is also a tradesman – has been all his life.

He taught me not only how to be a plumber, but my love of the beach and camping. He like me, is careful with sunscreen, hats and wearing a shirt and also regularly visits his GP for a skin check. But he still neglects his sunglasses (I gave him some with a stern warning a few years ago).

Unfortunately, now in his 50’s, with a long history of sun exposure

is entering the highest risk category for UV related eye issues.

In practice we regularly see the diseases that are often directly caused by, or at least linked to, an exposure of UV. While Choroidal (eye) Melanoma is by far the deadliest, it is also the rarest.

With that in mind in our seven years in Innisfail Optical, we have seen seven cases, in a town of 10,000 and with three optometrists, so it is a significant risk for the people of our region.

While the slip, slop, slap message I grew up with is pretty well ingrained in society, the

seek shade and slide on some sunglasses part of newer message has not quite been so well followed.

I would suggest it is equally important, as are regular eye checks with an optometrist.

While our eyes may not show immediate signs of stress like our skin does (going red, tender and peeling) the signs of eye disease can be less obvious.

Remember we only get one set of eyes, and they are awfully close to our brain!

So remember, Slip, Slop, Slap and Seek and Slide!

DISEASE:

RISK:

Eye melanoma

Death, loss of eye, reduction of vision

Other eye cancers

Death, loss of eye, reduction of vision

Macular degeneration

Reduction of vision

Cataract

Reduction in vision needing surgery

Pterygium

Irritation, that can effect vision, eventually needing surgery

Innisfail Optical Store Pty Ltd

39A Rankin St INNISFAIL 4860

Phone: 4061 1506 www.innisfailoptical.com.au

RURAL

Friday, January 22, 2021

Greg Shannon

Managing Phytophera with resistant fallow crops WELCOME to the first column for 2021. Like in previous years, we will try to outline various aspects of the sugarcane production system and other agronomic matters through these columns in 2021.

Well it certainly has been a wet start to the year and some sunny days would be very welcome about now for both the sugar cane and fallow crops. During November and December 2020, a good fallow crop planting took place in the Tully district with the range of fallow crops including Calypso Cowpea.

For many years, the main fallow we grew in the industry was a cowpea called Meninga and while a very good fallow crop, it has limitations when heavy rains occurred, like now.

Many plants like Meringa Cowpea suffer from a root fungal disease called Phytophera. Phytophera damages the plant's root system so the cowpeas start to turn yellow and die off after a day or so of sunny weather following heavy rain, because the roots just can’t work properly. There are many different Phytophera which cause damage to different plants, and we often refer to a plant suffering from Phytophera as suffering from “wet feet”.

Good drainage helps manage Phytophera disease in crops. For sugar cane fallow crops, planting legumes on mounds helps, but the main way to manage Phytophera is to use resistant cowpeas like Calypso.

Cane grower Alan Lynn is calling on farmers from across the region’s agricultural industries to join the new Lower Wet Tropics Soil Care Group, which will focus on Ingham, Tully and surrounding districts and work hand in hand with the neighbouring Wet Tropics Soil Care Group.

Mr Lynn and a committee of farmers from across the cane, grazing and horticulture industries have been working with natural resource management group Terrain NRM to set up the group for farmer networking, shared learning, paddock trials and soil health-related events.

“Soil health is a priority right across our farming industries – from cane to horticulture and grazing,” Mr Lynn said.

“We all develop systems that work for us but having others to share ideas and results with when we’re trying new things can be very helpful.”

INNISFAIL CHEMEX

PHONE: (07) 4061 4990 MOBILE: 0419 667 063 EMAIL: info@innisfailchemex.com.au Open 8 am to 5 pm Weekdays 8 am to 12 noon Saturdays

Simple, Safe and Sparkling

17

where Cofco has the four mills is not quite as wet as Tully, and the way they grow Crotalaria as a fallow is very impressive. The crop grows to between two-three metres tall before being spaced out and the new cane crop is planted straight in amongst the dead Crotalaria.

Within a few weeks, the Crotalaria residue has broken down and the young cane has emerged.

We do not know how the Sunn hemp will go in a big wet season here, but so far so good.

The only other fallow crop, which really does not like heavy wet conditions, is sunflower, which is a dry land plant. We grow sunflowers as part of a mixed species mix because it is very effective at recycling some nutrients like phosphorous, but with the heavy rainfall we are getting this January, Sunflowers will likely struggle.

Another fallow crop we are trying in Tully is Crotalaria or Sunn Hemp, which is popular in the Brazilian sugar industry. The region in Sao Paulo state, Brazil

The fourth-generation cane farmer has been working to reduce soil compaction on his land by installing global positioning system or GPS equipment in his machinery, widening his cane rows, reducing the amount of times machinery passes over his crops and planting multi-species crops on fallow land.

Mr Lynn said a Digging Deeper soil health course with Terrain NRM six years ago was a catalyst for change and more recent soil health innovation tours - showcasing cover cropping and soil stimulants including compost, biochar and organic fertilisers – had also been useful.

Terrain NRM’s Digging Deeper coordinator Rowan Shee said soil health was becoming more of a focus for landholders, and many were seeing good results from improving soil carbon, structure and nutrient cycling to manage soils for the longer-term.

“People are sharing their experiences in keeping soils covered, in increasing plant diversity in fallow crops, inter-rows and pastures and in minimising soil dis-

116 Edith Street, INNISFAIL. Q. 4860

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While we are getting heavy rain, the Calypso Cowpea will still be okay except for in cases where the water actually completely inundates the crop. Likewise, other fallow crop types grown throughout the district should be okay despite the heavy rain, unless completely inundated by water.

New soil health group forms in the Wet Tropics AN ever-increasing focus on soil health is behind a new farmers group in the Far North.

Wet Tropic Times

turbances,’’ he said. “The groups are also working with us to bring agroecologists and farmers to the region who are improving soil health in other regions and can talk with landholders here about what they’re doing.”

Mr Shee is working with farmers and the new group as part of the Digging Deeper project. This project is supported by Terrain through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

To find out more about the new Lower Wet Tropics Soil Care Group, phone Alan Lynn on 0419 722 101 or Michael Waring on 0428 771 361. For more information about the Wet Tropics Soil Care Group phone Mareeba lychee farmer Mal Everett on 0439 829 159 and for information about the Digging Deeper program phone Rowan Shee on 0458 875 745.

Join our group: Cane grower Alan Lynn is part of a new soil health group for farmers across the industries in the lower Wet Tropics.

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Wet Tropic Times

POLICE

Friday, January 22, 2021

CRIME WRAP

He was located by police and transported to Innisfail Watchhouse. He is scheduled to appear at the Innisfail Magistrates Court on February 15.

After making a number of enquiries the emergency beacon stopped transponding and the culprit was never located.

Do you know who owns these bikes?

Traffic offences, Eubenangee

THREE red and white dirt bikes were located in the Webb area between January 13 and 14. A Honda CRF 100F was located on Howe Street on January 13. On January 14, a red and white Honda CRF 100F was located on Florence Street, and a Honda CRF 70 was located on Jodrell Street.

This is not only a drain on police resources but also other agencies such as SES, Coast Guard and the Rescue Coordination Centre in Canberra. Accurate and up-to-date EPIRB registration is the responsibility of the owner and the master of the vessel.

POLICE have charged a Kirwan man after a traffic intercept on Friday evening (January 15). It is alleged the man was intercepted on the Bruce Highway around 11.30pm after being detected travelling at 135km/h in a 100km/h zone, and failing to keep left unless overtaking. It is also alleged that the man failed to secure the load in the rear of his utility tray.

Police further allege that when asked to provide his driver licence, the man was unable to comply, due to his licence being suspended. The 38-year-old man is expected to appear in the Innisfail Magistrates Court on February 15, charged with unlicensed driving.

He was also issued three traffic infringement notices for failing to keep left unless overtaking ($80 infringement notice and two demerit points), exceeding the speed limit by more than 20km/h ($444 and four demerit point), and fail to ensure load complies with requirements ($266).

Police are urging anyone who owns a similar dirt bike in the Webb area to check they are still in possession of them. If you are the owner or know who owns the bikes, you are encouraged to contact police and quote reference numbers QP2100083659, QP2100076455, QP2100081046.

It is common for the sale of a vessel to be completed and for the new owner to not update this information, leading to no contact details relating to the EPIRB on that vessel. Even if someone borrows a vessel, it is up to that person to ensure all the safety requirements are met as per legislation and be aware of where they are travelling as this may also affect the required safety equipment. “Police and Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers will be out conducting checks of the safety equipment,” Senior Constable Richard Hinrichsen of Tully Police said this week. “This may be done at the boat ramp or on the water, and fines may be issued in some cases. It is crucial to provide accurate details to help emergency services respond in a timely manner.”

Updating your EPIRB details is as simple as going to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) website and follow the links to register or update details.

Serious assault police, Tully A 26-YEAR-OLD local man is expected to appear in the Tully Magistrates Court on February 4 after an incident in Tully on Saturday morning (January 16).

It is alleged that the man was involved in a large street disturbance on Brannigan Street at about 3am.

Police allege that when police attempted to restrain the man, he swung his arm, striking an officer in the face causing a chipped tooth and blood nose.

The man has been charged with one count each of commit public nuisance, serious assault police and serious assault police causing bodily harm.

Quote QP2100076455

Drink driving, Innisfail A LOCAL woman was charged by police after a traffic intercept on Sunday morning (January 17). It is alleged the woman was intercepted on Reynolds Road at about 1.30am and returned a reading of 0.143 per cent BAC. The 37-year-old woman is expected to appear in the Innisfail Magistrates Court on February 1, charged with drink driving.

Shop stealing, Innisfail

Quote QP2100081046

A 39-year-old local man appeared in the Innisfail Magistrates Court on Monday, January 18, after several incidents in Innisfail over the weekend of January 16-17.

It is alleged that the man caused a disturbance in a park on Edith Street at about 2.30pm before leaving the area.

Police further allege that they spoke to the man on Sunday afternoon at about 1pm in relation to a shop stealing, and located items on the man. The man has been charged with one count of attempted stealing, two counts of commit public nuisance, and three counts of unlawful possession of suspected stolen property.

Traffic crash, Wongaling Beach A 25-year-old South Mission Beach man was issued with a notice to appear at the Tully Magistrates Court on February 18 for allegedly driving whilst his licence was suspended, and driving without due care and attention.

While driving along Reid Road at around 12pm, it is alleged he became distracted before colliding with a parked car.

Charges, Innisfail A 41-year-old Innisfail man was charged with alleged assault and trespassing on Tuesday night (January 19).

It is alleged he attended a Charles Street address and entered the back yard, and threatened to assault the occupants at the address.

Have you updated the details on your EPIRB?

Quote QP2100083659

Ping, ping, is your EPIRB registered?

WITH the cyclone season well underway it is unfortunate that vessel owners still take risks by not providing accurate and up-to-date information when registering their EPIRB distress beacons.

In the last three weeks Cairns Water Police have been involved in a number of incidents where incorrect details have been linked to EPIRB registrations.

In some cases the distress beacon was not registered at all which can prolong the arrival of emergency and rescue teams when they are needed most. One particular incident resulted in emergency services

Rescue resources have been drained by unregistered spending several hours searching for an unknown vessel. EPIRBs transponding

SCHOOL

Friday, January 22, 2021

Wet Tropic Times

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Innisfail State College Diverse Learning Centre Art Gallery celebrates 10th anniversary MARIA GIRGENTI

STUDENTS from Innisfail State College Diverse Learning Centre recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of their Art Gallery at their annual exhibition.

A total of 30 students from Prep to Year 12 with special needs created four or five art pieces in line with the 10th anniversary theme used aluminium, tin, and shiny items with splashes of colour.

Early Childhood students with special needs who attend DLC one day a week also took part and experimented with silver elements in their creative artwork.

These students created a 3D silver construction, used plastic cutlery as a medium for expression, painted on a decagon and worked together to create a canvas trilogy.

DLC Associate Principal Lois Laidlaw said every year they have a broad stimulus and different techniques so over the past 10 years students have used 40 different techniques. Students have been working on their artwork for eight weeks which has culminated in the exhibition which was up for a week.

"These students have significant intellectual and physical disabilities, while others have hearing and speech impediments, so art is a great way of self-expression."

"Students love to see their pieces on display and to be able to take them home, while parents have been viewing the exhibition and are extremely proud of their children's work."

Students worked in their own groups on various projects which included wild wacky line drawings, shape and line design and drawing, indigenous culture (past, present and emerging), transforming pattern to picture, as well as straight and curved lines in the number 10.

They also made unique characters/animals using papier-mache on 10 green bottles, created metallic silver and shiny scales of the Rainbow fish where they learned the technique of sewing and made items using junk and recyclable items.

Another creation was a Spring picture using a variety of painting techniques including bubble blowing, spray painting, crayon resist, ball rolling, patterned roll-

Fenton Pike proudly points out his dragon picture he created from aluminium ers and squashing paint which were then cut into their hand shapes using their fingers to make a display of leaves for the tree and wings for butterflies.

All classes used the technique of indenting or embossing and designed a picture/pattern on aluminium.

They chose their own design or pattern from pictures/ books with some even creating their own design.

Students then explored a range of tools and design techniques, spacing well, putting parts in proportion and how to create different effects using equipment in various ways such as pressing, poking, rolling textured surfaces, as well as scraping with blunt, sharp or rough surfaces.

Students from all classes were given the opportunity to explore the number 10 in many ways, including looking at 10 sided shapes or decagons, the Roman number for ten - X, counting to 10, and where we might

Anthoula Potiris, Grace Hurst and Cody Hansen with their artwork

find 'ten' in our world.

During the activities, students explored line, shape, texture and colour. They used tape to block colours, rules to create straight lines and freehand lines to create interesting shapes.

Some students selected items from the environment to paint to depict the number 10 by including using their hands and feet, while others selected 10 different paint colours which they added to various vessels and then shook the containers to form another colour.

While listening to Mozart, Bach and Schubert in a cool and breezy outdoor setting, DLC students were invited to add paint using their fingers or a brush to create a large swirl, as though being swallowed into the music with some glitter and stars added to enhance the magic.

Innisfail College DLC student Jake with his artwork on display

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SCHOOL

Wet Tropic Times

Friday, January 22, 2021

New growth at Good Counsel Primary School MARIA GIRGENTI YEAR 6 students at Good Counsel Primary School worked with their Prep buddies to create four marigold gardens.

The school has a Prep buddy system and for one lesson each week, Year 6 students go into Prep classrooms where they interact and take part in a range of activities with their younger classmates.

Year 6 students provide instructions to Preps and participate in sport, art, games and gardening. This time in the classroom together with the youngest and the oldest students at the school provides an opportunity for students to be role models and mentors, while teaching valuable life skills such as communication and interacting with school leaders.

Students were able to share their thoughts/feelings about the goodness

of God's creation from their own experience by planting flower seeds and witnessing new growth when the flowers bloomed. Each flower is a unique, individual and essential part of a garden.

Flowers cannot grow without the warmth of sunshine or the quenching rains.

Flowers cannot grow with the base of rich earth that nourishes them. Just like the flowers, we need each other's acceptance, trust and respect to thrive and be one in our garden of life. Just like flowers, we need to acknowledge and value the rich culture that was part of our land since ancient times.

GCP especially wanted to thank Jodie Jose, Activities Organiser from Innisfail Bunnings for donating the products used.

In keeping with a garden theme, the Good Counsel Primary School Year 6 Year 6 students also guided their Prep buddy Rhya assists Prep student Paige with the planting of marigolds buddies to create colourful artwork.

Groundsman George Taifalos assisted Good Counsel Primary Year 6 buddy Finlay and Prep student Noah who planted marigolds

Good Counsel College go purple and raise $1,700 for Cancer Council Queensland MARIA GIRGENTI MORE than 40 students and staff from Good Counsel College recently donned purple and participated in this year's Cancer Council Queensland's Relay for Life to raise awareness, money and hope for those affected by cancer.

A Purple Day was held by students as part of their fund-raising efforts. An incredible $1,700 was raised on the day for cancer research and patient support programs through a variety of lunchtime stalls selling drinks, pizza, merchandise, cupcakes, icy cups and sausages sizzles.

Cairns Relay for Life committee representatives attended the fundraiser and video footage was taken and broadcast as part of the Cairns Virtual Relay for Life event.

“More than $450,000 was raised from the 2020 Relay for Life for Cancer Council Queensland...”

The Relay for Life activities culminated with a mini relay at the College in October. Students and staff took time out from their weekend to walk, run and Simeon Edwards even hobbled and completed a combined 250 laps of Mr Worrell’s creative challenge circuit with

Good Counsel College students and staff who took part in this year's Cancer Council Queensland's Relay for Life mini relay and activities Principal Cathy Barrett pledging $1 for each completed lap.

DJ G (aka Georgia Ryan) kept the music pumping and the crowd entertained with her groovy moves, and Lina Calleja from the P&F Association cooked up a treat on the barbecue for the hungry group.

After months of preparation and setbacks, this year's Relay for Life was conducted as a virtual event due to COVID-19 and participating groups ran their own mini relays and fundraisers over the course of the campaign, which were recorded and broadcast as part of the Cairns virtual Relay for Life event throughout the state.

More than $450,000 was raised from the 2020 Relay for Life for Cancer Council Queensland which will go towards crucial cancer research and providing support services to cancer patients and Some of the Good Counsel College students who were part of the Relay for Life their families. mini relay

SPORT

Friday, January 22, 2021

Bowls News Ingham Bowls BAREFOOT bowls, Thursday, January 14 Winners: Audrey Scott, Roger Celotto, Maria Moore, Stan Richards Scores: Audrey Scott, Roger Celotto, Maria Moore, Stan Richards defeated Tom Newsam, Michael Bube, Luisa Di Bella, Bob Bell 14 to 8; Jill Bell, John Lone, Alf Di Bella defeated Melissa Scovazzi, Elsa Piotto, John Piotto 11 to 9.

Men’s pairs, Friday, January 15 Winners: Bob Bell, Stan Richards Scores: Bob Bell, Stan Richards defeated Phil McWha, Ian Muldowney 25 to 14; John Holmes, Stan Cotton, Andrew Cole defeated Kevin Lawlor, John Eddleston, Tony Koop 20 to 9; Gary Brierley, Peter Herman defeated Russell

Petersen, Kevin Walker 18 to 14.

17

Social mixed bowls, Sunday, January

Winners: Bob Bell, Alf Di Bella, Mario Marbelli Scores: Bob Bell, Alf Di Bella, Mario Marbelli defeated Eric Dundas, Elsa Piotto, Kevin Walker 23 to 14 - 19 points to 9 points; Kevin Lawlor, John Eddleston, Allan Hodson defeated Roger Celotto, John Holmes, Cliff Johnson 19 to 16 19 points to 9 points; Maria Moore, Luisa Di Bella, Tony Koop defeated Janice Casanovas, Norma Evans, John Piotto 27 to 21 - 18 points to 10 points; Kay Rotondo, Russell Petersen, Peter Herman defeated Bev Eddleston, Sandy Ryan, Allen Torielli 19 to 14 - 18 points to 9 points.

Thursday Barefoot Bowls: Names into the club by 5.30 pm; phone 4776 2117; game starts at 6pm; bar open.

Friday, January 22: Men’s pairs.

Wet Tropic Times

Names into the club by 1.45pm; call 4776 2117; game starts at 2.15pm; bar open.

Sunday, January 24: Social mixed bowls. Names in to the club by 12.30pm; phone 4776 2117; game starts at 1.30pm; bar open. Selectors: Len Mahon, Alf Di Bella; bar: Kevin Walker.

Tuesday, January 26: Australia Day Mixed Social Bowls. Dress: ‘Australia’ theme; names into the club by 12.30pm; call 4776 2117; game starts at 1.30pm; bar open. Free sausage sizzle after the game.

Silkwood Bowls Club THE week at Silkwood Bowls Club Happy New Year!!

Wednesday, January 13, 2021 Our first day back on the green: that was the plan, but it rained!

Innisfail golfers back in action THE recent rain has greened up the course at Innisfail Golf Club and players are hoping for some fine weather so they can get some golf in.

Innisfail Golf Club greens committee have

been busy making a few changes to the course which most would have seen over the last couple of months. New trees are being planted and some new rough areas to catch young players have been

implemented and approved by the committee.

1st: Shane Trembath 68 c/b

It was great to see members out for the Friday Sporters competitions over the last couple of weeks and well done to Geoff Johnston and Ned Jacobsen for achieving wins.

2nd: Darryl Wall c/b 68 c/b

Results 01/01 1st: Geoff Johnston 20pts c/b 2nd: Lance Masina 20pts 3rd: Caine Cockle 18pts Results 08/01 1st: Ned Jacobsen 2nd: Rauno Lehtsalu It's been the Shane Trembath show for the last two Saturday sponsored competitions. Trembath won his first Cairns Golf World Monthly Medal and then followed it up with a convincing win in difficult conditions in the Sacoa Stableford last fortnight.

Geoff Johnston was the winner of 9-hole Friday Sporters competition on January 1

F

OR most people who start training in martial arts, achieving a black belt is their main aim. A student who has achieved this black belt has learnt the basic blocks, strikes, kicks and self defence.

They want to become a black belt and think that is where it ends. But being a first dan black belt is where it all begins. There is still so much to master and learn. The learning never stops no matter what degree of belt nor the age you are. It is a way of life.

At our dojang we have 15 black

Results 02/01 - Cairns Golf World Monthly Medal

belts. A 6th dan, 5th dan, 4th dan, two 3rd dans, three 2nd dans, six 1st dans and one Cho Dan Bo. Ninety per cent of these black belts have a black belt in Taekwondo and Hapkido. Four of them have black belts in three different codes.

You can learn skills that make you a better person through obtaining fitness, confidence, self discipline, respect and overcoming mental and physical challenges over time.

Take note also that you can start at any age over four. You can learn Taekwondo, Hapkido, Arnis de Mano and Tai Chi at Tait’s Family Martial Arts.

Take advantage of the two free lessons on offer.

Results 08/01 1st: Shane 41pts

Trembath

2nd: Danny Bradley 39pts Members are reminded to book their competitions for Friday and Saturday via the club's online booking tool, which can be found on the club's website. Anyone needing help, please see our match committee.

The match committee have booked in the next three months of competitions for Friday and Saturday, so players can plan and book their time slots in advance.

Everyone is required to complete COVID checkin and out each time they come to the club, via the QR codes that are established around the clubhouse. This is a

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21

Sunday, January 17 This time we were lucky, just managed to finish our game, and the rain came with a potential cyclone in tow, but our daring bowlers had fun to be back on the green. Alan Hudson,Anna Della Bella and “Dutchy” had a massive win over Morris Pedrola, Barry Green and Tony Cates.

Wednesday, January 20 Just a little social bowls game interrupted by rain!

“Dutchy” and Anna Della Bella/Alan Hudson def Delmo Tarditi and Barry Green 27/10.

Friday Night is our traditional BBQ and Barefoot Bowling; starts at 6pm. Our contact no is 0459 211 552. If in doubt of play give us a call. All are welcome.

You can also follow us on Facebook, or email: silkwoodbowlsclubinc@gmail. com.

mandatory requirement from Queensland Liquor Licensing. If you need help or don't own a smartphone, please see a committee member who will be more than happy to assist.

sions with a group on that day.

Junior golf will be commencing in early February (weather permitting).

The club is organising for Luke from Drummond Golf to visit Innisfail once a month to assist with our Junior Development program. Luke will also be available for members to book in lessons or ses-

Wednesday competition from 12pm - groups of four permitted

For further information and updates, please visit Innisfail Golf Club Facebook page.

Upcoming events:

Friday competition from 12pm - groups of four permitted Saturday competitionHoad Business Development Stroke - 7.30am and 12pm tee off

El Arish Golf

WE HAD our first comp day Saturday, and how fortunate we were to have perfect weather in lieu of what followed during this week! Winner on a c/ back was Paul Marland with r/up Gavin Camilleri both on 33. NTP winners were Paul Marland for the Mens on #2/11, and Kaz Marshall took the Ladies on #5/14. We will be playing a comp this Saturday and for those who want a game, our Tuesday Comp has also started - all players are welcome.

Our official start for the 2021 season will be Saturday, February 6, which will also be our 1st Monthly Medal. Times: 12.00 Rego; 12.15 Draw; 12.30 Tee Off.

Lessons in Taekwondo, Hapkido, Tai Chi and Arnis De Mano Instructions by:

C hrys & D uane T aiT

JOIN NOW! Suitable for all ages and levels Contact us via our Facebook page

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SPORT

Wet Tropic Times

Friday, January 22, 2021

Tully Mission Beach Pickleball open day

CLARE WATSON LAST Saturday, January 16, 37 people attended the Tully Mission Beach Pickleball open day held from 10am until 2pm at the Igloo on the Tully Show Grounds.

The open day was to encourage locals to discover the Pickleball fever that is sweeping the Cassowary Coast, by playing a game and joining the enthusiasts for a sausage sizzle. “A lot of people still haven’t heard what this Pickleball game is all about, it’s still so new,” said President of the Tully Mission Beach Pickleball club, Edith Thomas. “It’s very popular down south and is growing really fast.”

The Igloo has three courts, so 12 people are able to play at once. Registrations have been coming through strong: “In the last two weeks we have had a more than 50 per cent increase in club member registrations,” Thomas said.

“We see that most people just come to have a look, and before long they’re on the court.”

Pickleball was first brought to Tully from Cairns, as a solution to a classic Tully problem, rain. Thomas, who is from Carmoo, also plays tennis with the

Shane Muriata

tennis social club in Tully, however they were regularly rained off the courts. After seeing an article about Pickleball in a Newspaper, Thomas investigated the new game. “So I went to Cairns, sussed Pickleball out and came back,” She said.

“I told the girls I found a sport that will be able to get us off the tennis courts when it’s raining! We can literally walk from the tennis courts next door to here.”

Pickleball shares the same court size as badminton, which is a well established game. “When the council gave us a key to have a look, the courts were already marked in black,” Thomas said.

They immediately began lessons with the tennis players, and it quickly caught on. “Talk about addictive once you get into it!” she said.

Two years down the track, Tully Mission Beach Pickleball is a thriving sporting community of all ages. Over the school holidays, people have been bringing their grandchildren along to play too. Soon they will be starting Interclub competitions on Saturday afternoons, and coaching and training sessions are also available by arrangement.

Currently play days and times are: Tuesday mornings at 8:30 am – 10:30

cricket

Time to revamp the Baggy Greens “SEE you at the Gabba”. With that last sledge from the Australian Test Cricket captain in the dying stages of the SCG Test, Tim Pain basically buried our team’s hope of rising up for a final shot at the title belt against India in the 4th Test in Brisbane and made himself look more ridiculous than Mylie Cyrus in formal clothes.

What he didn’t know, and pretty much everyone else, was that India would come into the Sunshine State capital and escape with one of the most famous victories in

am Wednesday nights 6pm – 8 pm “Wet” Thursday mornings 8:30am – 10:30 am (When it is raining too hard to play tennis) The club is close to having 20 members signed up, plus regular casual players as well, and they were recently given a grant to help cover expenses. “We had an annual general meeting recently, and

all of Test match history on home soil since I invented the wheel and started up Facebook.

After 15 days, hostile crowds, broken quarantine rules, injury and rain, this series was still up for grabs in the last hour of the last day. The fact we had to go to five days in the last test match of the Summer to determine the winner of the series was an achievement in itself for both teams, so it was always going to be special one for cricket lovers like yours truly. So the big question we have to ask ourselves when our Baggy Greens do not perform to the standards that we accept, well, that one usually starts at the top.

Tim Pain, our cricket captain, your tactics were as useful as Darth Vader’s cape. Your fielding and bowling options were crap, and your non-use of Marnus had me in tears with the cherry. Your conversations about options to the senior group was 20 overs to late, and to make matters worse, you kept persisting with Starc who looked dead in the water earlier in the day.

I think Matthew Wade is done, along with Starc, Lyon and Harris.

Pain could still be keeper for one more series, but

decided to charge to become a member of the Australian Pickleball Association to cover our insurance,” said Thomas.

Members pay $2 per game, non-members pay $5, and everyone is welcome to come play at any of the sessions. If you have any questions, contact Tully Mission Beach Pickleball via their Facebook page, or email President Edith Thomas at tullymissionbeachpickleball@gmail. com.

not the captain, instead bring in gloves man Alex Carey, as the future is now and the South Africa Tour could be the transition time to start a new wave of players to ready ourselves for the Ashes here in Australia next Summer.

We have bagged the Aussies all week for their showing in this series, but they do not get all the credit let me tell you. To India, congratulations on winning the Border-Gav Trophy, you truly deserve it after all the turmoil and obstacles you guys faced as a cricket team. It was a little comforting knowing that over a billion people in India stopped everything they were doing for an hour as their country made history and brought a smile to their faces.

Rahane has shown he is more than capable of leading and winning games without the great Virat Kohli, so for now we will give them all the glory until next time.

What will our team do? Well, well, we will have to wait and see what Coach Justin Langer has up his sleeve.

What I do know is some changes have to be made to restore our Baggy Greens.

Innisfail United Football Club prepare for 2021 season MARIA GIRGENTI INNISFAIL United Football teams are looking forward to hitting the fields again, and club President Paulo Di Carlo and his committee are pleased to announce their team senior coaches for the 2021 season.

Premier Men's: Hayden Darveniza, Paul Piccolo and Adrian Favero Ladies: Yoel Jogiono Reserve Grade: Scott Davies Reserve Ladies: Amber Overton Under 18s: Chris Clauss 3rd Division: Michael Maguire 2nd Division: William Darveniza Trials and training for males and females in Under 12s to Under 15s starts on Tuesday, February 2 and training will be on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 5.15pm-6.30pm at Castor Park, Mourilyan.

New and returning male and female players are in-

vited to attend pre-season training and trials for Under 12s to Under 15s teams to be part of the inaugural Junior Premier League for FNQ Football.

Teams will be finalised after four weeks of training.

To assist with numbers and organising teams, all players are asked to fill out an expression of interest via jotform link: https://form.jotform.com/203462168615859.

Any further queries please send them via email to: jplinnisfailunitedfc@gmail.com.

Due to the wet weather, training for Senior Men's and Under 18s will start on Thursday, January 28 (due to Australia Day public holiday) and then every Tuesday at Castor Park, Mourilyan from 6.15pm, while Premier Ladies and Reserve Ladies start training on Monday, February 1.

Round 1 FFA Men's Cup kicks off on March 13, while Round 1 Kappa Cup Ladies is expected to start on March 13 and FNQ Football season will get underway on April 10.

Innisfail United Football players are keen to return to regular training in preparation for the upcoming FNQ Football season scheduled to get underway on April 10

FISHING

Friday, January 22, 2021

Wet Tropic Times

Fishing News

DESPITE the wet and marginal sea conditions many boats have ventured out around the islands and closein reefs to have a quick fish. Reasonable numbers of coral trout and grass sweetlip made up the majority of the catch. A lot of the trout were undersized but there were enough legal fish to keep most boats happy. Although the majority of boats still bottom fish, there have been some incredible catches of trout being reported caught by anglers using soft plastics and sinking hard bodies such as the Jackson Kai-Ken. As predicted last week, the large schools of baitfish have now moved out of the creeks and onto the coast.

The inshore reefs and rubble patches are now alive with bait. The majority of the baitfish is small, about 50cm long which can cause problems at times getting bites and hook ups. If the fish are being picky, small metal slugs such as the Arma Mettalik often work well on the pelagic species while small vibes can work a treat on the bottom species such as fingermark.

Reports have come in from the Family Group, Hinchinbrook, and Palm island areas of good numbers of trevally, queen fish and various mackerels being caught on these bait schools. It is also normal at this time of year to see good numbers of juvenile spanish and school mackerel around these schools.

A good and early wet cleans the systems out and normally sets the area up for a great fishing year.

The estuaries have been basically shut down due to the influx of fresh water. At this stage I hadn’t even heard of good catches of mud crabs in the coastal creeks; the best bet in these conditions is to head down to the Hinchinbrook area and look for reasonable water quality which is normally found around the middle (heart of the Channel).

The freshwater fishing has been mostly about fishing the flooded drains and creeks for tarpon, sooty grunter and mud cod. The mud cod being put into fish tanks to be used for live baits when the barra season opens on February 1.

CHARTS

NOW IN STORE info@ccin.com.au

There have also been reports of some very good jungle perch being caught from the headwaters of some of the smaller creeks. These small creeks rise and fall very quickly with rain, so care needs to be made and exit plans in place in case of flooding while on the stream. One newly released jungle perch and sooty lure that looks very exciting is the Atomic Semi Hardz Soft Pop. This lure comes in two sizes: a 50mm and a 75mm, and is made of a soft but tough hollow plastic, very similar to the old floppy which was a real fish catcher 40 years ago. These lures are going to be very popular and will give a fish-calling ‘plop’ when they hit the water.

The weather predictions have been changing so frequently that I wonder whether it is worthwhile mentioning them. The forecast at this early stage of the week has winds up around the 20 knot mark, so I would expect offshore boating to be out. The tides this weekend look ideal for chasing grunter on either side of the early morning high tide change. Either side of the midday low are very good tides to chase a jack in the estuaries.

The problem of course will be to find reasonable water quality, as mentioned earlier the heart of the Hinchinbrook Channel is a good option but there are also many sheltered bays along the coastline to check out.

1.26m 2.59m 1.77m 2.37m 1.16m 2.79m 1.67m 2.38m 1.06m 2.95m 1.6m 2.4m 0.97m 3.1m 1.54m 2.45m 0.86m 3.23m 1.48m 2.52m 0.75m 3.36m 1.41m 2.61m 0.66m 3.46m 1.36m 2.68m

Daniel Colombini with a beautiful Jungle Perch caught on a Jackson lure while walking a small creek.

Good fishing!

Roly Newton Tackle World Tully

JOHNSTONE RIVER JANUARY

LUCINDA JANUARY 12:01 am 6:39 am 12:52 pm 5:57 pm 12:30 am 7:05 am 1:28 pm 6:28 pm 12:53 am 7:28 am 1:53 pm 6:52 pm 1:15 am 7:51 am 2:14 pm 7:16 pm 1:37 am 8:15 am 2:33 pm 7:40 pm 2:02 am 8:41 am 2:56 pm 8:09 pm 2:30 am 9:11 am 3:23 pm 8:42 pm

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2021 TIDE

RoLy Newton

FRI 22

SAT 23

SUN 24

MON 25

TUE 26

WED 27

THU 28

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FRI 22

SAT 23

SUN 24

MON 25

TUE 26

WED 27

THU 28

12:48 am 7:10 am 1:36 pm 6:17 pm 1:13 am 7:34 am 2:10 pm 6:48 pm 1:37 am 7:55 am 2:34 pm 7:14 pm 1:58 am 8:15 am 2:54 pm 7:39 pm 2:20 am 8:38 am 3:15 pm 8:05 pm 2:44 am 9:03 am 3:40 pm 8:34 pm 3:13 am 9:32 am 4:10 pm 9:07 pm

1.2m 2.3m 1.67m 2.11m 1.11m 2.46m 1.59m 2.11m 1.02m 2.6m 1.52m 2.12m 0.93m 2.71m 1.47m 2.15m 0.83m 2.82m 1.41m 2.21m 0.74m 2.92m 1.34m 2.27m 0.64m 3.01m 1.28m 2.33m

HULL HEADS JANUARY FRI 22

SAT 23

SUN 24

MON 25

TUE 26

WED 27

THU 28

6:28 am 12:24 pm 5:51 pm 12:26 am 6:57 am 1:00 pm 6:26 pm 12:52 am 7:23 am 1:25 pm 6:56 pm 1:16 am 7:49 am 1:47 pm 7:26 pm 1:41 am 8:17 am 2:12 pm 7:56 pm 2:07 am 8:45 am 2:41 pm 8:28 pm 2:35 am 9:17 am 3:14 pm 9:02 pm

2.6m 1.8m 2.42m 1.11m 2.81m 1.69m 2.45m 1m 3m 1.6m 2.49m 0.89m 3.16m 1.5m 2.54m 0.78m 3.3m 1.4m 2.61m 0.67m 3.43m 1.31m 2.68m 0.58m 3.54m 1.25m 2.73m

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SPORT Wet Tropic Times

MARIA GIRGENTI

AS the Cricket Far North season reaches the midway point, silverware hopes for Cassowary Coast Cyclones Cricket currently lie best with the B Grade Blue XI who are sitting third on the ladder, while the Innisfail Thunder Ladies are second.

The A Grade side needs to have a strong showing when the season resumes after the first-round fixtures on January 9/10 were called off across all grades. The 3rd Grade team have had a handful of close games but are still chasing their first win.

In Round 10 fixtures, the Cyclones 1st grade match against Barron scheduled to be played at Miller Oval on Saturday was washed out, the Cyclones 2nd grade

SPORT

Friday, January 22, 2021

Tully Mission Beach Pickleball open day Page 22

game against Barron was abandoned, while the Ladies game against Norths and 3rd grade game against Barron due to played in Innisfail on Sunday was also a wash out.

Cyclones club players Christo van Vuuren and Kyle Cini were selected in the Cricket Far North Under 18 representative side to play in the rain affected North Queensland Championships in Mackay on January 1517 where they were up against Central Queensland, North Queensland and Mackay-Whitsunday teams.

Several Cyclones players have nominated for the inaugural T20 Barrier Reef Big Bash in Cairns and the Player Draft which will see 104 nominees become four 14-man squads to be held in The Shangri-La Hotel in Cairns on January 22, so keep updated on which play-

ers made the cut on Cassowary Coast Cyclones and Barrier Reef Big Bash Facebook pages.

The first game in the Big Bash will be played under lights on Friday, February 5 at Griffiths Park, Cairns at 6.30pm and games will be played every week thereafter and expected to run until March 27.

After a delay in the return of fixtures after Christmas/ New Year break and consistent wet weather, Cassowary Coast teams hope to return to the pitch this weekend with 1st grade to play Atherton at Loder Oval in Atherton on Saturday, 2nd grade Blue to play Douglas at Port Douglas Sports Complex on Sunday, and 3rd grade will be at home against Atherton on Sunday in Round 11 CFN fixtures.

Cassowary Coast cricketers keen to resume play after season delay

Cassowary Coast cricketers are looking forward to the return of play after season fixtures due to resume in January have been delayed for two weeks