2019 February 28th Community news

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Thursday, February 28th 2019

SANTA VASTA TURNS 105 PAGE 4

TULLY’S GIRL GUIDES COME AND TRY DAY PAGE 7

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TULLY TIGERS V TOWNSVILLE CENTRAL TIGERS PAGE 21

Tully Nursing Home

Mrs Sarina Napoli Tow with the colourful knee rugs she donated to the Tully Nursing Home and the Tully Lioness Club.

community spirit

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COMMUNITY NEWS CCIN Editor’s Column Sari Hyytinen IT is importance of making sure your vote counts in a democracy.

The importance of casting your vote was recently proved in the Cassowary Coast.

The Cassowary Coast required members to be motivated and participate in two polls.

The polls were regarding the question of retaining divisional representation in the Cassowary Coast electorate or having undivided representation. The response was overwhelmingly in support of retaining the divisional representation.

Twenty-nineteen is a year where the nation will be outworking a key component of a democracy. Australia will elect who will be their Prime Minister for the next term.

It is important to make sure that you understand the importance of making your vote count.

Make sure you investigate what the policies that the party you are voting for subscribe to.

It is very important because when to comes to not liking a change that the elected party makes once they are already vot-

ed in there is very little avenue for disagreement. If you want to ensure that your business or area of expertise are looked after you need to make sure you do your reading and researching on the party you are voting for.

Members of different organisations, commercial industries and recreations are well aware that if their occupation doesn’t fit into the agenda of the political party that has been voted in to represent their area then it does not matter if they don’t agree with the changes that are being made. The majority vote comes from the democratically elected political party.

So, be mindful that different groups will ensure that the promote their own agenda and run their own campaign. If you have heard a lot from a particu-

Mary

lar campaign that does not mean they will win. The goal is to influence you to give up on chasing your own agenda by creating a false narrative in the community that the vote is already decided.

Make sure you don’t believe that!!! America’s current president Donald Trump still became president is America despite months of media campaigns informing that there was no way he would win.

Make sure you run your own race! If you believe the changes need to be made in our environment vote for the group that shares your beliefs and make sure you know that the policies they claim to promote are what they will stick if they get voted in.

‘A person who stands for nothing will fall for anything.’ (quote by Malcolm X)

DATE CLAIMER! When and where to be in 2019 March 28-31 - Feast of the Senses April 20 - Easter Saturday Cardwell Jetty Markets May 5 - Feast of the 3 Saints Silkwood 23 - Missoin Beach Lioness Club Biggest Morning Tea June 1 - Tully Tennis Hosts Banana Cup 29 - Tully Catholic Ball July 14 - Kurrimine Beach Markets

20 - Mission Beach Lioness Club Cent Sale August 11 - Kurrimine Beach Markets 31 - Tully Horticultural and Garden Club Flower Show September 7 - Silkwood High Tea Suicide Prevention 8 - Kurrimine Beach Markets October 13 - Kurrimine Beach Markets To advertise your function please phone 4068 0088.

2 year old female Bull Arab x

Mary is a lovely girl who is friendly, energetic and patiently waiting for a loving family to take her home. Mary is $350 to adopt which includes desexing, microchipping, vaccinations and vet-check.

Contact Info For all inquires and information please call our office phone number:

Phone: (07) 4068 0088 Phone payments can be made with credit cards Or email us at:

Adopt a pet Cotton

REFUGE HOURS, Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9 - 11Am & 3.30 - 5Pm, Saturday Morning 8 - 9.30am.

Phone 0428 807 461.

6 month old male DSH

Rainfall Tully Statistics 2019 - February S

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36.0mm 29.0mm

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info@ccin.com.au

49.0mm 51.0mm 45.0mm 65.0mm 20.0mm 38.5mm 34.0mm

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Please send mail to: PO Box 1100, Tully Queensland, 4854

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Office Address: 72 Butler Street, Tully Queensland, 4854

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Month: 410.0mm Days: 15 Mean: 15.19mm/month Year to Date: 1158.5mm

Director / Journalist

Sari Hyytinen Northern Correspondent

Maria Girgenti - magirgenti45@hotmail.com.au - 0419 631 226

18

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15 -

IGGULDENS New Bamboo shirts,Polos & Jeans

Cotton is a lovely boy who is very friendly and affectionate. He would fit in with any loving family. Cotton is $195 to adopt which includes desexing, microchipping, vaccinations and vet-check.

New Canterbury Polo’s & Tees• New gear for boys & girls at IGGs Too

Footy Boots Adults & Kids TULLY, 17 Butler St; IGGsToo, Banyan Plaza; CARDWELL 83 Victoria Street. PH: 4068 1295

Bingo

65 Bryant St, Tully. Ph: 4068 1180 www.tigersleaguesclub.com.au

is played at the club

Live here at the Tigers Leagues Club, Saturday 30th March.

Includes a Buffet Dinner and lots of entertainment.

every Tuesday Night at 7pm

Tickets prices $46 per head. Early Bird special if purchased before the 23rd March, tickets are $40 per head. Don’t miss out on the great night of fun.

Mornings at 9.30am.

Page 2 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, February 28, 2019

& Thursday and Saturday

LOCAL AFFAIRS

Tully Nursing Home

community spirit

FROM PG1

SARI HYYTINEN

Community spirit is strong at the nursing home, with the Tully Men’s Shed again donating timber flowers for residents to paint.

THE community spirit is strong at the Tully Nursing home with Tully’s men’s shed recent donation of timber flowers for the residents to paint. The Men’s shed have donated flowers on previous occasions.

Once the residents have finished painting the flowers, they will be place around the outside walls to add some year-round colour. The Nursing Home would like to sincerely thank the Men’s Shed for their continued support, time and effort helping to bring a sense of community to the Tully nursing home.

The Tully nursing home also received colourful knee rugs from Mrs Sarina Napoli. The Tully Lioness Club is proud to have assisted in this project by providing Mrs Napoli with the wool. The rugs are beautifully made and are a labour of love for Mrs Napoli. The Nursing Home will use their rug as part of a prize for the residents.

Mrs Napoli has also donated the knee rugs to the Tully Lioness Club. The Lionesses will use their rug as a raffle prize later in the year. The money raised

from the raffle will be used to benefit the community. The Lioness Club and the Tully Nursing Home would like to Thank Mrs Napoli for her generosity.

Resident Jan Critchell can be seen painting the timber flowers recently donated by the Tully Men’s Shed.

Gary ‘Gazza’ McIlroy to leave NQ Radio CASSOWARY Coast Radio personality Gary ‘Gazza’ McIlroy has resigned from NQ Radio effective March 1st 2019.

Gazza has presented a regular weekday afternoon show across the North on 4KZ for the last four years.

His popular Gazza Challenge on 4KZ and KOOL FM in the mornings is a Cassowary Coast highlight.

Gazza will continue to entertain the public, most likely on the radio in Far North Queensland.

He is currently looking at a couple of options and hopes to expand on his current on air time.

Gazza says he has loved his time in the region.

“The public response to my antics, both on air and out on the street, has been amazing,” he said.

“Like any personality, there has been some criticism but thankfully not from the general public”.

Gazza has been involved in radio since 1985, presenting in London UK, Christchurch NZ and then Australia via Mount Isa, Cloncurry and the Cassowary Coast.

For more details contact Gary: 0478 162 131

Gazza saying farewell.

Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, February 28, 2019 Page 3

COMMUNITY NEWS

Santa Coco celebrates 99th birthday

MARIA GIRGENTI

WELL known local identity, Santa Coco (nee Maccarone) celebrated her 99th birthday with a special gathering of family and close friends at Queens Hotel Innisfail.

The day was made extra special with four generations of family as her daughter Freda, grand-daughter Annette Di Maggio, great-grand-daughter Carly Di Maggio and seven-month-old great-great grand-daughter Mia also in attendance.

Her close friends Peter and

Mary Angelini and Vonnie Lewis also shared in the special occasion.

The eldest of three, Santa was born in Milo (Sicily) and came to Australia at the age of two with her family and lived in Silkwood.

She did her schooling at Silkwood State School and recalls walking five miles every day to school. She lived in the Silkwood area for 60 years before moving to Innisfail where she has lived for close to 40 years.

At Silkwood State School centenary celebrations in 2016,

Mrs Coco was one of two oldest students on the day who had the honour of cutting the special cake.

Mrs Coco who still speaks Sicilian, lives at home independently with her loyal companion, a ginger cat named ‘Barack’ (named after Barack Obama) and loves reading, crocheting and cooking for family. She is well known for her cheeky sense of humour, interesting stories, positive philosophy on life and contagious laugh.

Santa Coco (seated second from left) holding great-great grand-daughter Mia Di Maggio enjoyed a special gathering at Queens Hotel in Innisfail last Wednesday to celebrate her 99th birthday milestone with family members Carly Di Maggio, Freda Sendra. Back: Joseph and Vera Sendra, Jason Sendra, Annette Di Maggio and Jose Sendra.

Tully Meals on Wheels Roster for March

Friday 1 Mary De Luca Marilyn Weigand Anita Stapley Carol Carstensen Kate Henry Gordon Williams Avis Ray

Monday 4 Chrissy Argyros Gloria Bowman Carol Carstensen Terry Ryan Bruno Barra Silvano Zorzetto Ken Blair Wednesday 6 Jan Pease Marilyn Weigand Carol Carstensen Trish Lardi Marilyn Weigand Pam Sgroi Rose Battiato Friday 8 Rene Haratsis Marilyn Weigand Carol Carstensen Tanya fair Leslie Southen Carol Carstensen Sue Robson Monday11 Chrissy Argyros Gloria Bowman Carol Carstensen Veronica Lizzio Francis Lizzio Ray Wicks Brenda Wicks Wednesday13 Jill Mackay Jan Pease Carol Carstensen Joyce Nash Anne Jodrell Sue Althas Debbi Pennisi Friday 15 Margaret Haberstroh Trish Lardi Noelene Worsley Mary Bacic Linda Mackay Mary MacDonald Karen

Edwards

Monday 18 Chrissy Argyros Carol Carstensen Marilyn Weigand Marilyn Weigand Melissa Hall Roy Favier Sam Pappalardo Wednesday20 Jan Pease Marilyn Weigand Carol Carstensen Megan Cairns Margaret Schafer Janette Evans Josie Pease Friday 22 Marilyn Weigand Anita Stapley Carol Carstensen Val Bradley Rod Bradley Cheryl Flower Leslie Marker

Santa Vasta received messages from around the world for turning 105

SANTA Vasta made media headlines for her Birthday Celebrations. ‘Stoic and strong, resilient and inspirational’ are the attributes used to describe Santa Vasta, who celebrated her 105th Birthday.

Born Santa Giuffrida in the small Sicilian town of Milo, she was the second youngest in a family of six girls and two boys.

It was an extremely difficult

including the Queen, Italian Consul Salvatore Napolitano, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove.

It was a day to be cherished as she had the opportunity to share with all her family and friends. The more touching moments of the day were the recorded birthday wishes from families abroad, in Sicily.

On Saturday 16 February, Santa Vasta celebrated her 105th birthday with all her descendants.

Cardwell Local Ambulance Committee News

THE first Cardwell Local Ambulance Committee (LAC) market for Cardwell 2019 will be held on Saturday 2 March at Coral Sea Park commencing at 7am, with promise of lots of stalls displaying fruit and vegetables, cakes, coffee, donuts. As usual, Cardwell Coast Guard members will be cooking their much renowned barbeque breakfasts, so follow the signs on the highway to enjoy a nice morning out by the seaside.

Money raised from the markets will fund the purchase of four (4) Little Anne QCPR Mannekins which will be taken to all the schools in our region

life with WW1 creating hard times as well as taking the lives of family members.

She married Giovanni Vasta in Sicily in 1947 and they immigrated to Australia in 1949.

Now she has four children, 12 grand children and 16 great grandchildren.

Messages from across the world have been received in her honour from dignitaries

to teach the students how to carry out CPR. Stall holders wishing to participate and secure a site should contact LAC Secretary Rae Page on 40660083 for further information.

Community assistance contributes much to the success of the local LAC markets, and in recognition for his continued participation, Rik Chislett from Cardwell Automotive and Towing Service was recently presented a Certificate of Appreciation by the LAC President Shayne Crole for his long-standing support for the LAC.

Handbags for Charity TARA WEBSTER

NEARLY twenty handbags and clutches from generous donors in the Mission Beach and Tully area recently filled a corner of local crafter Jean Gregory’s veranda, before she delivered them to the Tully Support Centre, for local women suffering from domestic violence.

The bags were filled with essential toiletries bought with funds from the Mission Beach Craft group. Several months had gone into collecting the bags and the funds provided were collected via the trivia club Jean runs during the Mission Beach Craft sessions.

The craft group often uses their trivia club funds to donate to various local charities in the

Mission Beach and Tully area, such as last year’s contribution of $200 to the Tully Nursing Home for paint to brighten up wooden flowers made by the Tully Men’s Shed.

Other projects have been making quilts to send to the Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation in Ethiopia, where they are given to women who “graduate” after receiving treatment.

Tiny dresses have also been sewn from preloved wedding dresses, and little booties, beanies and teddies knitted for stillborn babies for Angel Babies Up North in FNQ. When asked what inspires her generosity Jean said, “I like to keep my hands busy and to give to others.” The community can only benefit.

Monday 25 Chrissy Argyros Carol Carstensen Marilyn Weigand Vicky Goldsmith John Goldsmith Lisa La Spina Megan Cairns Wednesday27 Jan Pease Marilyn Weigand Carol Carstensen Rita Pezzutto Loraine Cargnello Joan Mercer Bob Wellington

Friday 29 Mary De Luca Marilyn Weigand Anita Stapley Carol Carstensen Kate Henry Gordon Williams Avis Ray

Shayne Crole and Rik Chislett being presented his certificate of appreciation from the LAC.

Page 4 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, February 28, 2019

Handbags and clutches that were generously donated by members of the community.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Dual certificate lands Tully woman two brand-new careers

THIS week I would like to talk about time; in particular, how we use our time. Our time is limited.

It is the most precious thing we have to experience, offer and invest.

We are well reminded to stop and smell the roses and to not be so busy that we miss the little things in life, those moments that slip away in a cloud of paperwork, responsibilities and social pursuits. However, we are equally reminded to seize the day. To not allow life’s opportunities to pass us by, a true case of “blink and you miss it.”

Ask yourself: How do I use my time? Can my time and energy be better focused elsewhere? Do I give enough of my time to those around me who need it most? Do I give too much of my time to something undeserving?

There is no right or wrong way to invest your time. Working, family, studying, relaxing, fishing, volunteering, or reading, the list goes on.

Each of these is valuable- but so is your time.

So how do we devalue our time?

Procrastination and avoiding difficult or unwanted tasks; failing to plan; worrying about things you can’t control; exposing yourself to negative people, and destructive or dysfunctional relationships; dwelling on past mistakes; failing to change behaviours that lead to unwanted outcomes- these are all ways we devalue our time, and ourselves.

Choose not to waste time, it is a choice. Plan how to use your time.

Decide what is not worth your time or how you can get better value out of your time.

But most of all value yourself – it’s your time you’re investing. Remember, life is astounding, but time is fleeting!

The Tully Support Centre is funded by the Queensland Government and services communities throughout the Cassowary Coast.

The Tully Support Centre is located at 54 Bryant Street in Tully, opening hours Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 1pm & 2pm to 4pm and Wednesday 9am to 1pm & 2pm to 6pm.

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

OVER the past 20 years, Helen Verri has enjoyed many different roles – bank receptionist, bus driver, mother, carer and now, thanks to her CQUniversity studies, Assistant in Nursing (AIN) and teacher’s aide.

“Caring for others has always been second-nature to me – I looked after my elderly grandparents, I cared for both of my parents when they were really unwell, and I raised three amazing children – so finding a career that involved giving back to others felt like the next logical step,” she said.

With a child at university and two in high school, Helen was inspired to begin her own learning journey and, consequently, enrolled in a dual Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care and Disability) course at CQUni. “Finding out I was eligible to access Queensland Government funding (through the TAFE Priority Training Program*) to study one of my chosen certificates made the dual

certificate affordable for me too,” Helen said.

“It was the icing on the cake after hearing I’d been accepted into the course,” she added.

Being from Tully (two hours away from the University’s Cairns campus), Helen opted to complete her qualifications online.

“I was able to Skype and phone my teachers each week, and I really appreciated receiving quick responses and constructive feedback,” she said.

“I’d get a real buzz every time I received feedback on my assignments like ‘Great work, Helen’, or ‘Another exceptional job’; it really fuelled my enthusiasm to keep going – especially when the going got tough.”

Studying online also enabled Helen to spend many a day volunteering at a local nursing home; and when she finished her studies she was offered a permanent AIN position.

“But wait, there’s more good news … as part of my course, I undertook a

teacher’s aide work placement at a diverse learning centre and I had such a great experience, that I’m now on call to do relief work there when I’m not working at the nursing home,” Helen added with excitement.

“As an aide in the Special Education Program, I assist the teacher by helping students with a disability to access and participate in the curriculum, and ensuring the educational priorities for students with disabilities are met.

“My dual certificate has literally provided me with two incredible careers!

“I love waking up each day and helping those in need – and it’s all thanks to CQUni.” Helen’s advice to others contemplating tertiary study: “Take the leap, try something new; CQUni will be there to help you one step at a time”. * Funded by the Queensland Government, the TAFE Priority Training Program will provide extra support to eligible Queensland residents by reducing the upfront costs involved with studying a specific range of certificate III, certificate IV and diploma programs. More details at www.cqu.edu. au/tptp .

Helen Wiltshire Gallery is currently showcasing Diana Cooke secondary schooling in Sydney, after which she attended the highly esteemed Shilleto Design School. Her return to North Queensland in 1975 saw her experiment with screen printing and clothing design before embarking on a career as a professional artist.

Diana´s works are largely inspired by the early memories of life at Yorkey´s Knob and her more recent excursions to the Fijian Islands in the south Pacific. Her use of vibrant colours demonstrates the rich palette of life in the tropics while the relaxed subject matter portrays the laiss´er-faire lifestyle characteristic of its native populations.

Diana Crooke´s first solo exhibition took place at the Upstairs Gallery in Cairns in May 1981. She has continued to exhibit,

with resounding success around the nation, including two shows at the Holdsworth Gallery in Sydney, two at the Von Bertouch Gallery in Newcastle as well as the Gallery Baguette in Brisbane and several other exhibitions in Adelaide, Darwin, Melbourne and Perth. Diana´s work can be found in numerous international collections around the globe.

Reference: Some of the transcript has been Sourced from North of Capricorn the art of Ray Crooke by Sue Smith, published 1997 Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Townsville. Diana Crooke: Exhibition history

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Helen Verri receiving her qualifications from CQUni.

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Diana Crooke regularly exhibited her work in Port Douglas and Cairns.

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1(Described by artist Percy Tresize, in an unpublished manuscript, as ´a small backwater full of colourful characters and itinerants engaged spasmodically in such occupations as cane cutting, crocodile shooting, fishing or pearl and trochus shelling´.)

The close-knit environment of the Yorkey´s Knob community meant the Crooke family regularly participated in the cultural traditions and festivities of the Torres Strait Islanders who also called the little Cairns suburb home. These years were instrumental in the development of Diana´s passion for the tropics, its indigenous peoples and their simplistic lifestyles.

The family´s move to the city late in 1968 saw Diana complete her

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THE Helen Wiltshire gallery has lucked out to currently be able to show case an artist that has exhibited her art nationwide. Places from that have showcased Diana’s art are Perth in Western Australia, Melbourne in South Australia, Port Douglas, Cairns and Brisbane in Cairns, Darwin in the Norther Territory, Newcastle and Sydney in New South Wales. Multiple galleries from across these locations have showcased Diana Cooke’s artistic talent from 1981 to 2011.

Born on Thursday Island in 1954, Diana Crooke´s childhood was far removed from that of her own parent´s Melbourne upbringing.

Diana´s early years (1961 - 1969) were predominantly spent at the small beachside community of Yorkey´s Knob in

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Page 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

DOMINIC MOBBS

DIVISIONS TO STAY

AT a special meeting Tuesday February 26 Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) unanimously resolved to approach the Minister for Local Government with a recommendation that the Minister consider a realignment of the boundaries between the divisions for the Cassowary Coast Regional Council 2020 Local Government elections.

The Mayor and CEO emphasised that Council was making no recommendations to the Minister and Change Com-

mission as to how the boundaries could realign.

It remains to be seen how the divisions will be re-arranged. They may all be set to change.

Now that the Cassowary Coast is to keep divisions, one possible approach to realigning the boundaries would be to move El Arish into Division 2 and Cowley Beach area to Division 6.

Changing the divisions boundaries is required because Division 3 will by then be well in excess of its voter quota.

CCRC’s Councillors expressed their support for maintaining the current

6 Division arrangement.

The residents clearly indicated their preference to stay with a divided voting system through the two surveys conducted.

The public gallery was filled to capacity to hear the results of the surveys.

The Cassowary Coast residents demonstrated their interest in the issue.

The brochure survey revealed 94% were in favour of remaining with a divided/divisional voting system with the phone survey at 75%. A total 1,827 brochure votes were cast and amazingly 65% (1,191) were lodged at the Tully collection point

BROCHURE POLL: RESULTS SUMMARY (Number of votes) Collection Stay with Divisions Location Cardwell 175 Wongaling 159 Tully 1148 Innisfail 237 TOTAL 1719 (94%)

Move to Undivided 8 8 20 31 67 (4%)

Informal

TOTAL

10 3 23 5 41 (2%)

193 170 1191 273 1827 (100%)

TELEPHONE POLL: RESULTS SUMMARY (Percentage of 605 phone votes/approx. 100 per Division) Division Stay with Divisions 1 (Cardwell) 2 (Tully) 3 (Mission/Kurrimine/El Arish/Cowley 4 (Palmerston) 5 (Nth. Innisfail) 6 (Mourilyan) TOTAL (Age ‘Weighted’)

Move to Undivided

84% 82% 93%

16% 18% 7%

72% 65% 61% 75%

28% 35% 39% 25%

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- which was more than the 861 votes cast at Tully booths in the last election.

Cr. Taylor pointed out that this is evidence of the importance of the topic in the Tully community and their clear desire for the system to remain as is.

The Acting Executive Manager, Ross Higgins, indicated that a review of the votes cast in the brochure poll revealed few, if any, multiple votes attempting to influence the result.

He also noted the difficulties encountered with engaging younger people, and how the research company needed to weight the results of the phone survey to account for this.

Cassowary Coast Independent would like to appoligise for not including a couple of letters to the editor regarding council divisions in last weeks editon.

Tully & District Chamber of Commerce General meeting

LAST Wednesday February 20 Tully & District Chamber of Commerce held their general meeting at Hotel Tully.

February 20.

John Kremastos, Mayor of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council was the guest speaker for the night and discussed Council’s future plans for Tully. Tully features prominently in Council’s strategic planning for the growth in infrastructure. One of the major projects is Tully Water Supply.

It is hoped that by early 2020 Council will have completed reservoirs and associated water controls that will ensure that boil water alerts will be avoided during periods of heavy rain. Another significant investment in the Tully community will be the Multi Use

Sporting Complex and Grandstand. It consists of the construction and fit out of a new 696 seat grandstand with associated facilities at the Tully Showgrounds. The total current construction estimate is $7.1million.

Council has committed $1.5million for the project in 2018/19 and has submitted funding applications to the State and Federal Government for additional funds. The outcome of these funding applications will be announced in the coming months. Clean up of the Greenway Caravan Park has commenced and Council has budgeted $100,000 towards this.

The Mayor also emphasised how important the upcoming IRF 2019

World Rafting Championships will be to showcase our beautiful region to the world. This event runs from 13-20 May and the Council wants to encourage the local community to get behind the event and make it a spectacular success. Less than 100 days to go, this event will attract more than 400 competitors from 30 countries. The athlete’s village will be based at the Tully Showgrounds. Council’s tourism vision for Tully is to increase the town’s profile internationally and establish Tully as the “adventure capital of Australia�.

The next General meeting will be held at Hotel Tully on Wednesday 27 March 2019.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR LOCAL PUBS ARE STILL IMPORTANT TO COMMUNITIES. SATURDAY night at munity member when in serving quickly and a presented itself well. the Feluga pub was upneed. number of local bands beat and uplifting, with covering popular genres.

Patrick Murphy a good crowd of people, The whole event was East Feluga coming together for one well organised with seThis little music festipurpose. That purpose, curity monitoring the val had a big heart, good being to support a comentrance, plenty of staff character and the old pub The views and comments made in letters to the editor are not necessarily the views and opinions of this paper. The Cassowary Coast Independent News reserves the right to cut content deemed as inappropriate, or not publish letters. Send

your letters to: editor@ccin.com.au or text: 0473 350 465

Innisfail Probus Club 34th birthday celebrations

EARLIER this month 90 Probus members attended the Innisfail Probus Club 34th birthday celebrations with a special luncheon in the function room at Kurrimine Beach Motel. Innisfail President Josie Vecchio welcomed Probus members from Innisfail, Ingham, Cardwell, Mission Beach- El Arish and Cairns Trinity clubs. Richard Rees gave an informative talk on the club history over the past

34 years including details of its formation on February 28, 1985 with men only until ladies were welcomed in 1996 to form a combined Probus Club.

Innisfail currently has 97 members with around 60 to 70 members attending monthly meetings.

MC Col Ritchie kept the proceedings moving along and there was a lucky door prize, raffle and nursery rhyme quiz sheet, while humorous stories kept all members

smiling. One of the highlights was a funny and entertaining rendition of ‘There’s a hole in the bucket, dear Henry’ performed by Lyn Moore and Frances Lagana complete with props and old time period dress. It was a great day to renew friendships, make new friends and everyone enjoyed themselves. A special thanks to Judy Edwards and Jean McMillan for organising the day and to our hosts Yvonne and

Merv for looking after us. Meetings are held in the Russ Hinze building, Innisfail Showgrounds at 9:00am on the fourth Thursday of each month with morning tea and guest speakers. Dine-outs, trips, movie matinees and other social events are always being organised. New members are always welcome to and join us and any enquiries can be directed to the Secretary on 4064 4171.Â

 � � � � � � �

Page 6 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, February 28, 2019

Innisfail Probus Club president Josie Vecchio with Jill Sorenson and Betty Westbury.

Lyn Moore and Frances Lagana provided some light entertainment at the Innisfail Probus birthday celebrations.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Tully’s Girl Guides Come and Try day SARI HYYTINEN LAST Saturday morning there was outdoor Giant Jenga and adventure-based learning equipment on offer on the main street of Tully for children to experience as part of the Come and Try day, a state-wide initiative of the Girl Guides, hosted by Tully’s Girl Guides.

Children were able to take part in a variety of activities that can improve their dexterity, help with their team building and leadership skills.

“We have some activities for the kids to do so they can see what Girl Guides get up to,” said Andrea Boric, the Unit leader for the Tully Girl Guides. There was also

information for families about how girls can be involved in Girl Guides.

According to the Girl Guides Queensland website, guiding is all about fun, friendship and adventure and is part of the largest volunteer organization in the world for girls and young women.

Members can enjoy a celebratory camp that

marks the centenary of Girl Guides. Members of the Tully Girl Guides are able to join in the camping action in Brisbane in June/July this year.

To learn more about Girl Guides and how to become a member see www.guidesqld.org

with Katriina Hyytinen I have been looking some of my older pictures and found this “friends” having a good time together.

They were chatting about life!

A Spotted Turtle dove, White breasted Woods wallow and Willie Wagtail.

They were lucky because when you meet on

higher ground it is easy to look around and acknowledge others underneath you.

The birds can see farmers ploughing their land to plant new crops.

They can see mums, dads and children just doing everyday chores and enjoying life together.

Kaleidoscope concert raises over $500 for chaplaincy services at three local schools AN appreciative audience were entertained at the Kaleidoscope concert hosted recently by local violinist, Katisha Lindee at the Innisfail Baptist Family Centre where over $500 was raised to assist with resources for local chaplaincy services at three schools.

Music lovers were enthralled as they listened to the sounds of the violin complete with a variety of overlays such as cello, guitar and double bass through the clever use of a looping pedal, as well as special effects and the use of keys and percussion.

Lindee said ‘Kaleido-

scope’ represented love in a variety of ways including her love for her two sponsor children living overseas, a chaplain’s love, God’s love, as well as romantic and non-romantic love.

Items featured on the program included a jazzed up version of ‘Canon in D Major’ by Johan Pachelbel and Lindee also introduced the audience to ‘Rory,’ her new electric violin which she purchased 10 months ago.

Lindee also performed and sung original songs such as ‘Ribbons of Love’ from her new Kaleidoscope EP which talks about what it means to sponsor two children from

overseas and be a part of their lives.

The audience were also treated to a combination of violin and vocals

by Lindee of modern day favourite songs by Michael Buble, Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry, Jason Mraz and George Ezra.

Lindee told the audience she wrote the song ‘Shadowlands,’ an intense song which was inspired by her friend who spent a week in Bangladesh and speaks about the ethical fashion industry.

After an interval and a delicious supper, a video was shown on the vital work done by 600 chaplains in schools across Queensland.

Blessings to you all.

Love Katriina

A Spotted Turtle - dove,White breasted Woods wallow and Willie Wagtail.

Hollie, Andrea Boric the Unit leader for the Tully Girl Guides and Chloe Watt at the Tully Girl Guides Come and Try day.

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Let’s do good to each other and in doing so we are gathering eternal goodness inside ourselves which shall never rust or be eaten by the moths.

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SU chaplain Rose Spann then spoke about her work and some of her experiences while working with students in local schools.

This was followed by the moving narration of ‘The Violin’ poem by Melanie Radford while Lindee performed a mixture of instrumental and vocals to accompany the meaning of the poem.

All funds raised from the concert will be split between Mundoo, Flying Fish Point and Innisfail State Schools and assist local chaplains with the purchase of vital resources.

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Local SU chaplain Rose Spann (right) with violinist Katisha Lindee showed budding young music students Keira Schulz, Sienna Pensini, Ezra Henaway, Bailey Pensini, Oliver and Kynan Henaway her two violins after the Kaleidoscope concert. All students are having music lessons and the two girls who are taking violin lessons with Anita Berry said attending the concert has inspired them to practice more.

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Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, February 28, 2019 Page 7

COMMUNITY NEWS FOLLOWING the recent devastating flooding in Townsville, a call to arms was made from Townsville Police that was eagerly answered by a team of officers aptly named the ‘The Blue Mud Army’ from Cairns.

Armed with their boots and shovels a team of eight officers ranging in rank from Senior Sergeant to Detective Senior Constable made their way to grief-stricken Townsville on February 9.

For six days straight the officers, covered head to boot in mud they cleaned, shovelled, hosed and removed property and detritus.

Their initial task was to assist Townsville police officers and their families whose houses had been flooded, the case being that most Townsville police officers remained on duty in their own community.

The ‘Blue Mud Army’ didn’t stop there, however.

Senior Sergeant Dion Readman led the charge for the ‘Blue Mud Army’, and said they were glad to extend their help to anyone affected.

“We helped anyone in need, we were given jobs in the morning to assist officers with affected houses and as soon as we finished up we went door to door in the street assisting anyone else who required assistance,” Senior Sergeant Readman said.

“Our team did everything from guerneying the inside of homes to cleaning drains and yards.

It was a constant battle with sewerage, mud and riverweeds.

“The amount of destruction in each home was beyond belief.

“Despite the smell, mud and heat there was not a single complaint from our troops, they just

got stuck in and did what needed to be done every day.

“Some people had lost absolutely everything, so when you are standing in mud and sewerage as uncomfortable as it was, it was nowhere near as tragic as what they were going through.”

Members of the ‘Blue Mud Army’ commented they were constantly approached by random members of the community who would stop by to offer them fruit and even cheese platters.

Despite the significant losses, it was clear that the community spirit was alive and well.

Chief Superintendent Brian Huxley commended the outstanding efforts of the ‘Blue Mud Army’.

“The team came home very tired and full of mixed emotions,” Chief Superintendent Huxley said.

“They spent considerable time dealing with the heart break of their colleagues losing so much, to the personal pride that come from doing a great job helping other through adversity.”

Northern Region Operations Inspector Kelly Harvey was extremely grateful for the support provided by Cairns.

“The work that the ‘Blue Mud Crew’ undertook was absolutely amazing, they provided much needed support and assistance to our Queensland Police members and community members with recovery,” said Inspector Harvey.

“We were battling the aftermath of the flood along with an unrelenting heatwave, despite that the Cairns crew did not stop. They worked lengthy hours for six days straight”.

A job well done, Cairns Mud Army!

Don’t get scammed with ‘emergency’ text messages Jane Moran Senior Constable | Cassowary Coast Crime Prevention

THERE has been a spate of text messages being received asking for emergency assistance.

These messages are coming from phone numbers that are not in your mobile contacts.

For example, the text message might read, ‘Please call me back right away. It is an Emergency I need your help!’

Reports are being received when people call the number back they are being verbally abused by a recording on the other

end.

This is a new and emerging issue. While people have not yet reported losing money as a result of these calls, you may find the content of the recording distressing.

It is therefore advised that you exercise caution or do not respond to these text messages.

If you do receive these calls you can report them to Scamwatch www.scamwatch.gov. au Or Call their Infocentre on 1300 302 502, Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm

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Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, February 28, 2019 Page 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

Public facilities key to restoring Cape Richards Hunting petition

LOW impact public facilities should be built to replace the soon-to-be demolished Cape Richards resort on Hinchinbrook Island, says Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto.

Mr Dametto said facilities such as shaded areas, picnic benches, wash basins, a water pump, composting toilets, a public camping ground and a boardwalk could transform the area for visitors to Cape Richards, similar

to what was been done on nearby Garden Island and Orpheus Island.

“The recent announcement by the State Government sees a commitment of $1.3 million to clean up the Cape Richards resort and return it to national park. Here’s an opportunity to utilise the contracting companies who will be involved in the demolition to construct some low maintenance facilities which would be used and

enjoyed by locals who frequent the island,” he said.

“This would give day visitors yet another reason to travel to Hinchinbrook Island and explore, all the while giving back something to the local community.”

Mr Dametto said the establishment of public day facilities at Cape Richards would also create opportunities for local tour operators to use on

trips out to the island.

“Whether you’re just visiting for the day or staying overnight, Hinchinbrook Island should offer the complete visitor experience” he said.

“The end of the Cape Richards resort should be the dawn of a new era for this part of the island which the entire community can enjoy. It’s time for the State Government to reach into those pock-

ets and spend a little more and give back to our community.

“I believe we can strike the right balance here between management of national park values and creating viable visitor attractions which incorporate public use for locals and well as out of town visitors.

“This would be a winwin for everyone.”

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Page 10 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, February 28, 2019

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sends message to government

A PETITION calling for a trial of conservation hunting in Queensland State Forests has received overwhelming support from the state’s sport shooting fraternity after amassing more than 13,500 signatures.

Officially tabled in parliament this morning, the parliamentary E-Petition proposes a three year trial of conservation hunting in Queensland State Forests where feral species such as deer, rabbits, cats and pigs would be targeted.

Petition sponsor Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said the State Government should now be under no illusion that there was a clear appetite for such a trial amongst recreational hunters.

“In essence, I support what the petition is trying to achieve and that is more freedom for licensed firearm owners in Queensland,” he said.

“The “lock it up and leave it” approach to State Forests taken by government has allowed feral animals to explode in population, wreaking havoc on the environment and our native wildlife in State Forests.

“If the government refuses to properly maintain their forests and parks, then allowing hunting is a good solution to keeping a check on feral species.”

Mr Dametto also acknowledged the great work of the Sport Shooters’ Association of Australia’s (SSAA’s) Conservation and Wildlife Management Queensland division, which conducts pest animal management activities on properties owned by governments, private landowners and conservation groups.

“We are certainly not trying to take away from the SSAA’s existing pest management program that has achieved so much for sport shooters. My support for the petition has come out of a genuine calling from sport shooters from all walks of life,” he said.

“What this becomes is a catalyst for a very good discussion piece. Perhaps this opens up an opportunity for the SSAA to build on their existing program.

This petition is a step forward for licensed recreational hunters all over Queensland.

“If this proposed tri-

al was to go ahead, this would be a major change in Queensland that would involve significant consultation with multiple stakeholders, including traditional owners, lease holders, government, conservation groups and hunting groups to name a few.”

Mr Dametto warned that if the State Government were not willing to support the main thrust of the petition, then it could become a significant issue at the next State election.

“Whether the government wants to acknowledge it or not, sport shooters make up a large proportion of the voting base in Queensland,” he said.

“With more than 13,500 signatures accounted for in this petition, those voters are spread out across the state and are in marginal electorates, which could swing those seats at the election.

“Whether we are dealing with a future State Labor or LNP government, recreational hunting in State Forests would be a lucrative financial opportunity for them and I know it would be hard to pass up given how much money both parties like to spend when in power.”

A report commissioned

by New South Wales’ Game Licensing Unit into the economic impact of recreational hunting in NSW found “recreational hunting by 19,000 game hunting licence holders accounted for $119 million of Gross State Product and 860 jobs within the NSW economy”. The 207,000 non-game licence holders “accounted for between $446 million and $1.366 million of Gross State Product and between 3932 and 11,572 jobs”.

“I believe the economic and tourism benefits of recreational hunting offered by the NSW scheme could be replicated in Queensland, combined with an environmental benefit of helping to eradicate feral animals, such as pigs,” Mr Dametto said.

Now that the E-Petition has been tabled, it will passed on to the appropriate minister to issue a response within 30 days, which in this case will by March 28.