Douglas Gazette Jun 18 2025

Calls to alternate Ironman with Port Douglas

l PORT DOUGLAS

| Nick Dalton

A PROPOSAL for Ironman Cairns

to alternate the start and fi nish of the iconic event between Port Douglas and Cairns is open to discussions involving all stakeholders.

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the idea of rotating the start and

fi nish locations between Port Douglas and Cairns “hasn’t been formally proposed but (the) council would be open to discussing it with event organisers and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, who control the use of the impacted roads associated with the Ironman triathlon”.

“This change could allow both the Douglas Shire and the broader Cairns region to benefit economically, with the

added advantage of potentially reducing road closure times along the Cook Highway," she said.

Tourism Port Douglas Daintree executive officer Emma Tunnock said it was obviously never ideal to have the region’s main access route closed for a full day, “especially as we head into our peak season”.

“However, it’s crucial for us to take a strategic approach to managing

disruptions and advocating for our local businesses to ensure the best possible outcomes and ongoing support,” she said.

“Together with Douglas Shire Council we’re committed to gaining a better understanding of the business impacts from this year’s event and exploring ways to better leverage Ironman Cairns in future years.

CONTINUED PAGE 2

Ergon roles up for grabs

l MOSSMAN

| Nick Dalton

ERGON Energy Network and Energex have launched a statewide recruitment drive for electrical apprentices to start in February 2026. The apprenticeships are highly regarded and always attract a lot of community interest, especially from school leavers. The starting salary plus superannuation for under-21s is from $65,121 a year while over-21s are paid from $88,258.

One distribution linesman or woman role is available at Mossman, while there is one each at Mareeba, Atherton and Cairns plus three electrotechnology electrician apprenticeships. Cairns also offers a mechanical fitter apprenticeship.

Aspiring apprentices can apply from now until Sunday, June 29 at https://bit.ly/4kF7gOQ or https://bit.ly/440sDDq

Between them Ergon Energy Network and Energex are hiring around 180 apprentices this financial year, with the main intake to commence in early 2026. There are roles available at 58 depots and centres across Queensland.

Applicants need to be aged 17 or over by February 1, 2026 –there’s no upper age limit.

CONTINUED PAGE 3

Ironman Cairns riders head up the Captain Cook Highway to turn around at Craiglie, just before Port Douglas.

Picture: Korupt Vision

Newspapers supported

Crisafulli government to spend big on regional media advertising

l QUEENSLAND

IN a landmark move to support local media, the Queensland Government has committed a minimum of 75 per cent of all press advertising placements to rural and regional newspapers across the state.

Announced at the Queensland Country Press Association (QCPA) annual conference in Brisbane, the policy reflects the Liberal National Party government’s recognition of the vital role community newspapers play in delivering trusted, placebased journalism.

Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said the policy would apply to all government departments from July 1, 2025.

“Today I am pleased to announce that the Crisafulli government is boosting its support for rural and regional journalism,” he said.

“In recognition of the vital role they play in our communities across the state, we are backing them with a minimum 75 per cent of Queensland Government press advertisement placement committed to rural

and regional publications.

“Our commitment will ensure consistent and ongoing support for rural and regional publications and local journalism.

“Local journalism is the voice and heartbeat of many communities across Queensland, ensuring communities stay informed, engaged and connected.”

He also acknowledged the essential role regional newspapers have played in emergency response and public information.

“The recent natural disasters highlighted the critical role of local journalism as a trusted and timely information source that strengthens community connectedness,” he said.

Queensland Country Press Association president Wendy Creighton said the announcement was a clear signal of the government’s appreciation for regional journalism and the communities it serves.

“We are very pleased to see the Queensland Government formally recognise the value of regional journalism,” she said.

“This announcement is a turning point for regional media. We look forward to seeing

more information about the program and, most importantly, the practical budget allocation that will flow through to our member publications in advertising spend.

“Advertising dollars help fund the kind of public interest

journalism that is so vital to local communities, stories that inform, connect and empower Queenslanders in ways that no other medium can,” she said.

She said that the government’s continued use of QCPA publications as a communica-

tions partner was a testament to their trust and effectiveness.

“We thank the government for its partnership and continued commitment to using QCPA newspapers to deliver important communications and announcements for Queenslanders.”

Calls to share Ironman start-finish with Port Douglas

FROM PAGE 1

“While it’s true that the event can bring both challenges and opportunities, with thousands of athletes and their support crews coming into the region, there’s potential for all parties to work more effectively together to ensure Port Douglas and Daintree benefits more fully in the years ahead,” Ms Tunnock said.

Ironman Cairns organisers were unable to respond by deadline.

People on Facebook have also floated the idea.

Treveen Page suggested that the start and finish of the event should be shared with Port Douglas.

“Cairns wins Port loses, accommodation houses usually have to deal with guests leaving a day earlier or arriving a day later than planned. Add that revenue up, Port Douglas loses, shops and restaurants lose Sunday trade, the market is dead, the only benefit can be to share it Cairns one year, or Douglas the next,” she said.

Grant Knight said it was time

for Port Douglas to welcome Ironman back into town.

“Whoever thought it was a good idea to kick them out and still have the road blocked must have had rocks in their head,” he said.

“Bring back the Port Douglas triathlon the week before like we used too, but have it on a Saturday so we don’t impact the markets on the Sunday.

“Then have the bike turn around for Ironman back in the main street and make an event out of it.

“Then Port Douglas is back on the coverage and lots more people will be staying here instead of Cairns. May as well use it to our benefit.”

In the meantime, more than 150 Douglas Shire residents gathered at Craiglie for the annual ‘hype’ party on Sunday to cheer the riders as they turned around on their cycling leg back to Cairns.

The vibe was electric, as locals and visitors gathered to cheer on the athletes. The ‘sign showdown’ was a major high-

light, with the sign-making station running at full speed. From witty one-liners to inspiring messages, every sign was a shout-out of support and motivation.

DJ Postie kept the crowd hyped with bumping tunes, and even the cyclists couldn’t help but pedal that much harder as they whizzed past, high on adrenaline and the community’s cheers. Free giveaways of Ironman swag flew off the table, making the crowd even more amped for the race.

QCPA president Wendy Creighton (left), Agriculture Minister Tony Perrett and Gympie Today manager Andrew Guiver at the government advertising announcement.

Important research reveals healthy numbers of marine reptiles Tourism legend farewelled

Turtles thrive on Reef

l PORT DOUGLAS

| Nick Dalton

CRITICAL research has iden-

tified nearly 30 green sea turtles surrounding the waters of Quicksilver’s Agincourt Reef platform (AG3) off the coast of Port Douglas.

Charli, Rocket, Tripod, TBone and Little Foot are some of the names of the 29 green sea turtles that call home around AG3.

Researcher and part of Quicksilver’s Reef Biosearch team of marine biologists, Heather Platt, has been conducting research into the turtle population here since February and through photo identification has to date identified 29 green sea turtles.

The study into the population is highlighting the AG3 area’s ecological importance (about 17,500sqm) for feeding, residence and transit of the species.

“All of our documented green turtles are immature, so our AG3 site must be a great place for them to spend their juvenile years,” Ms Platt said.

“The first photographic record we have of Charli dates back to October, 2023, and as this study continues, it will be interesting to learn how long these residents typically hang around before finally venturing off,” she said.

Turtles have their own unique patterns of facial scales that remain stable throughout life and each individual has been photo identified during in-water surveys while snorkelling.

“Because they lack facial

symmetry, video is also taken to ensure accurate identification of left and right sides,” Ms Platt said.

“While some turtles have received nicknames, all individuals are assigned alphanumeric designation, and the sightings are recorded in a database.“

“Our data is being shared with Sea Turtle Observatory research collecting data from all along the Queensland coast, so it’s possible that one of our turtles will one day be recognised at one of the many Great Barrier Reef breeding sites.”

The turtle research is being conducted as part of the Quicksilver’s site stewardship of this premier Reef location.

In collaboration with the Reef Authority, site stewardship plans identify the incredible marine biodiversity and overall health of the primary Reef sites.

In an earlier and ongoing study, over 110 different species of corals have been found at Quicksilver’s Agincourt Reef platform.

With six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles found on the Great Barrier Reef, the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is the most abundant. Primarily feeding on seagrass and algae, they are a crucial part of the marine ecosystem.

Generally, green sea turtles reach maturity between 30-50 years of age. An adult green turtle will have a straight carapace (shell) length of 65-90 cm. The green turtles identified at the Agincourt 3 platform site mostly range between 45-55 cm.

Ergon offering apprenticeships across the region

FROM PAGE 1

Ergon’s apprentice program development coordinator Dan McGaw said last year the intake of 184 apprentices were:

• Aged 17-54 (including 42 per cent under 21, 28 per cent aged over 30 and four per cent aged 40 or more)

• 60 per cent male, 40 per cent female

• 11 per cent identified as First Nations

• Six ex-defence force personnel came via the path-

way partnership with RSL Queensland.

“We currently have around 600 apprentices at various stages of their training,” he said.

“If you are looking for a rewarding career in the electricity industry, an Ergon apprenticeship is an amazing launch pad.

“You can earn good money with great conditions and finish with trade qualifications that set you up for the future.

“You will get everything you

need to do your role – we never compromise on tools, equipment or safety and Ergon is an industry leader when it comes to its apprentice training programs and pastoral care.

“Electricity is the lifeblood of any community and Ergon apprentices make a valuable contribution even before they have finished their trade.”

Mr McGaw said apprentices involved with power restoration after cyclones and floods say it is very rewarding.

l FAR NORTH

TOURISM legend Robbie Bastion has been remembered as a trailblazing promoter of the Far North, Port Douglas and the Daintree.

The 69-year-old died two weeks ago after spending decades selling the region across the world.

Tourism

Tropical North Queensland chief executive officer Mark Olsen said despite starting his career south of the border in 1979, Mr Bastion (above) always had Queensland tourism in his blood and a great love of the tropical north.

“Starting in the NSW travel centres, he made the leap to the Queensland Tourist and Travel Corporation in the 1980s in their Sydney travel centre and then took the Canberra office to number one in the QTTC network.

“One of the original road warriors, Robbie always had the knack for selling the state and became famous (or infamous) in travel when he joined Quicksilver as general director of sales and hit the road.

“Anyone who knew Robbie knew his love of this region and of the travel industry and he never quit until he got the deal done.

“Robbie thought deeply about the industry and how to make this region thrive, winning countless awards for his outstanding contributions including the TTNQ Hall of Fame with Parker Travel Collection and an outstanding contribution of an individual in 2010. He has written the book on how to sell the tourism experiences of the tropical north and while quick with a joke, he was always quick with some sage advice.

“Passionate, determined, pigheaded and virtually unstoppable, Robbie inspired an industry and lifted a region. Never have so many benefitted so much from one man’s mission.”

Mr Bastion is survived by two children and five grandchildren. He was farewelled at his wake at the Trinity Beach Tavern last week.

To keep making Queensland safer, the new Queensland Government is expanding ‘adult crime adult time’ to include 33 serious offences. We’re putting more police on the ground and rapid response for crime hotspots. We’re also taking knives off the street with Jack’s Law and breaking the cycle of youth crime with early intervention programs like Regional Reset.

To see how safety is being restored where you live, search Making Queensland Safer.

Authorised by the Queensland Government, William Street, Brisbane.

MAKING QUEENSLAND SAFER

Researcher Heather Platt (inset) with Charli the turtle at Agincourt Reef. Pictures: The Quicksilver Group

Last year’s cohort of apprentices in Cairns. Picture: Ergon Energy Network

Rejuvenating cleared land

Rainforests to be restored with $1.38m

l DAINTREE

| Nick Dalton

A 15-year, 30ha restoration project in the Daintree has been given a $1.38 million boost by the Queensland Government.

The Tranquillity Upper Daintree Restoration Project is a collaboration between the government and Rainforest Rescue.

The project aims to restore about 30ha of historically cleared land in the World Heritage Upper Daintree.

The rainforest species planted for the project will be collected from the Rainforest Rescue portfolio of properties in the Daintree and propagated at their Cow Bay nursery. The plantings will restore ecosystems and create new habitat for wildlife while sequestering carbon and delivering environmental co-benefits.

Rainforest Rescue will partner with Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation to deliver training and employment opportunities that will support their organisational plans and restoration goals.

Rainforest Rescue chief executive officer Branden Barber said the Queensland Government’s

‘Land Restoration Fund’ commitment was “a timely step in the right direction for nature”.

“The LRF commitment to the Tranquillity Upper Daintree Restoration Project has a long list of positives that address global climate and biodiversity issues at a local level,” he said.

“It’s a way to support regional employment, develop the Wet Tropics restoration economy, assist carbon sequestration, increase the climate resilience of the Daintree River catchment, and of course, give native wildlife a fighting chance.

“Rainforest Rescue will build on its existing partnership with Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation, co-creating environmental certainty in a place where sustainable land use is currently in the spotlight.

“Restoring this cleared land to tropical rainforest is a long journey that we are proud to undertake together – growing, planting and nurturing native trees until nature flourishes once again.

“As Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell points out, the LRF is a way for farmers and landholders to reconsider the value of natural assets.

“Nature positive initiatives are critical to the future of our environment – and humanity – which creates a win-win solution.”

Mr Powell said the newly contracted projects would provide a range of environmental and economic benefits.

“The Land Restoration Fund is one of a suite of government programs providing financial rewards to farmers and landholders who sustainably manage their natural assets,” he said.

“Land Restoration Fund projects also support training opportunities and jobs for local communities, such as plant operators, project managers, scientists and ecologists, and roles on Country for Indigenous rangers.

“With the projects running over many years – ranging from five to 16 years – they are set to have a long-term positive impact on communities.

“Not only will these projects create carbon credits, support landholders to be environmental stewards, but they will also benefit threatened species and ecosystems and improve habitat connectivity.”

For more visit https://bit.ly/45pg9Y9

Hats off to the SheShed

l MOSSMAN

| Gary ‘Gazza’ McIlroy

THE SheShed in Mossman has been referred to as a place where women “gather, grow and give”.

As described by Tanya Morris, who now runs the weekly meet, “in a world where life can sometimes feel overwhelming, the SheShed offers something simple but powerful connection”.

An initiative of Mossman Support Services, which received a funding boost by way of a grant from Australia Post, the SheShed is a place where women come together, not just to

learn new skills, but to find strength in each other.

“It’s a place where laughter fills the air, where stories are shared over cups of tea and where hands grow steady and confident as power tools hum to life,” Ms Morris said.

The SheShed runs every Thursday at Mossman Support Services in Mill Street, from 1.15pm to 4pm, plus there is a ‘make or mend your own project’ each Friday from 9am to 12pm.

Recently, hat making was the chosen topic of the day which attracted a number of local ladies with varying skills.

“This is a wonderful kind

and supportive environment to which anyone can come, even just for a yarn,” said regular Jeanie Haydon.

SheShed member Marie Chalkley said “the SheShed helps me get all of my projects finally finished”.

“Women learn how to fix, build, and create not just objects, but also confidence and self-reliance,” she said.

“It’s about knowing you can hang that shelf, repair that chair, or take on a project you never thought possible,” Ms Morris said.

“Each skill learned eases the weight of daily life, giving women the tools to support themselves and their families."

Tuesday

2:30pm- 3:30pm

(From left clockwise) Jancy-Leigh Marrinon, Nudita Rusdiani, Nikki Fulton, Tanya Morris, Jeanie Haydon, Naomi McCravie and Marie Chalkley. Picture: Gary ‘Gazza’ McIlroy

Queensland Reconstruction Authority officers inspected dozens of properties

Cyclone-hit homes visited

l DOUGLAS SHIRE

| Nick Dalton

QUEENSLAND Reconstruc-

tion Authority officers have visited dozens of homes in the Douglas Shire under its reconstruction monitoring program across disaster-impacted areas of the state.

The officers were carrying out disaster damage assessments for Far North Queensland floods in February and the final assessments for Tropical Cyclone Jas-

per in December, 2023. Officers doorknocked 1102 houses in the Shire as well as in the Cairns region, Mareeba Shire and the Cassowary Coast.

Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli government remained steadfast in its commitment to ensuring no Queenslander was forgotten after a disaster.

“This government stands shoulder to shoulder with every Queenslander impacted by our recent natural disasters,” she said.

“The intel we gather from our reconstruction monitoring operations is unmatched and will make sure recovery reaches every corner of the state.

“This past two years has been one of the most destructive periods on record for Queensland and we want to make sure those still recovering have the support they need.

“This is an unprecedented reconstruction monitoring operation for Queensland, capturing insights from five separate disasters, but we are determined to

leave no stone unturned with our recovery efforts.”

QRA chief executive officer Major General Jake Ellwood (retired) said officers were ready to listen and help Queenslanders.

“These operations are crucial to inform QRA’s recovery work and where we need to focus our attention,” he said.

“Our June assessments are going to be particularly valuable for understanding the support needed for communities impacted by multiple major disasters in a short period.

During reconstruction monitoring, QRA officers (pictured right) gather information on the progress of property repairs and insurance claims and check on the general wellbeing of residents.

QRA then work with relevant councils, state agencies and oth-

Splashing in September

l PORT DOUGLAS

THE long-awaited new Port Douglas splash park is on schedule to open for the term three school holidays.

The $4.75 million project is due for completion in time for the September break.

The next major milestone – concreting the Garrick St site – has started.

Douglas Shire Council Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the project was progressing well and excitement was building in the community.

“Once the concrete is poured, residents will get a real sense of the size and layout of this exciting new space,” she said.

“The fun features –including a giant jellyfish, crabs, fish blasters, and a water wheel – have already been delivered and are safely in storage.

“We’re now in the early stages of planning an official opening to coincide with the September school holidays.”

The park was originally scheduled for a July opening.

The council deferred

$1.72m from capital works projects to help pay for the park. The playground at Jalunbu Park behind Surfy Bistro will include a naturethemed splash park with a 400sq m splash pad, new footpaths, picnic shelters, a barbecue area and a carpark upgrade.

Several ant plants (myrmecodia beccarii) were relocated to an adjacent tree. Eleven out of 66 trees in the park were removed. The project has received $2.53m in funding from the Queensland Government.

er organisations to ensure any gaps in disaster recovery are addressed and Queenslanders are receiving the help they need.

Miallo youngster Madeleine (surname withheld) surveys the progress at the Port Douglas Splash Park site.

Picture: Douglas Shire Council

HYPNOTIC CONFIDENCE

What leads to leadership success?

HI THERE and thanks for joining me as I discuss hypnotherapy and the positive changes it can make in your life. Last week I spoke about anxiety, a widespread issue that hypnotherapy has proven to be a particularly effective treatment for. This week I want to speak about another important element of my Confi denceControl Program – Life Coaching.

Life coaching has become a vital tool for personal and professional growth, helping individuals clarify their goals, overcome obstacles, and achieve their full potential. Many influential leaders have turned to life coaching to enhance their leadership skills, make better decisions, and find balance in their lives. Here are some notable leaders who have significantly benefited from life coaching:

Steve Jobs

The late Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., was known for his relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. Jobs worked with an executive coach who helped him enhance his leadership skills and emotional intelligence. This coaching was instrumental in shaping Jobs’ approach to leadership, allowing him to inspire his team and drive Apple to unprecedented heights of success.

Eric Schmidt

Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, has been a strong advocate for life coaching. In his book “Trillion Dollar Coach,” Schmidt discusses how his business coach played a crucial role in his leadership development. Schmidt credits his coach with helping him navigate the challenges of scaling Google, fostering a positive company culture, and making critical business decisions.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams, a tennis icon and entrepreneur, has benefited from life coaching both on and off the court. Williams has worked with coaches who have helped her maintain peak performance, manage stress, and balance her professional tennis career with her business ventures and personal life. Coaching has been a key factor in her ability to stay at the top of her game for over two decades.

Richard Branson

Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, is another leader who has embraced life coaching. Branson has often spoken

Lacking Confidence? Anxious? Stressed?

Hypnotherapy could be the answer.

about the value of mentorship and coaching in his entrepreneurial journey. He attributes much of his success to the guidance he has received from coaches, which has helped him stay focused, overcome setbacks, and take calculated risks.

Bill Gates

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has also benefited from life coaching and mentorship throughout his career. Gates has frequently mentioned how advice from coaches and mentors has shaped his approach to business and philanthropy. Coaching has played a role in his ability to navigate the challenges of running one of the largest companies in the world and later transitioning into his philanthropic work.

Conclusion

The experiences of these leaders demonstrate the profound impact life coaching can have on personal and professional development.

Whether in business, sports, or other areas, coaching has helped them achieve clarity, maintain focus, and navigate the complexities of leadership. As more leaders recognise the value of coaching, it continues to be a vital resource for those striving to reach their full potential.

If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of Life Coaching, you can get in touch with me for a FREE online strategy session. You can contact me on 0401 223780 or support@confidencecontrol.com.au

Dave is a Cairns-based Clinical Hypnotherapist and Hypnotic Life Coach who works online. He is university educated and vocationally trained in delivering evidence-based psychoeducation, including CBT and Solution-Focused Therapy. He is a clinical member of the Australian Guild of Hypnotherapists (GoAH) and the Hypnotherapy Council of Australia (HCA). His website is: www.confidencecontrol.com.au

Spectacled flying-foxes in grave danger

$2m plan to save fruit bats

l FAR NORTH

TWO new projects, totalling $2 million, will help the endangered spectacled flying-fox – a crucial long-distance pollinator and seed-disperser for Wet Tropics rainforests.

Found only in Far North Queensland and New Guinea, spectacled flying-foxes made headlines around the world in 2018 when a heatwave in Far North Queensland wiped out more than 23,000 animals.

Terrain NRM’s Dr Andrew Dennis said the new projects, funded by the Australian Government, aimed to reverse the species’ decline through actions including habitat improvement, reducing deaths from tick paralysis and better understanding and managing the resources that spectacled flying-foxes need.

One project will also help to develop a new way to monitor their numbers.

Dr Dennis said spectacled flying-foxes numbers plummeted between 2004 and 2016 –from 250,000 to 75,000 across the Far Northern region from Ingham to Cape York. The 2018 heatwave killed another 23,000 spectacled flying-foxes and modelling predicts the declines will continue.

“Spectacled flying-foxes play a crucial role in our World

Heritage forests because they pollinate plants and disperse seeds by eating fruits and moving their seeds across the landscape, in some cases to isolated rainforest areas,” Dr Dennis said.

“However, they are extremely sensitive to disturbances and their populations have declined over the years because of cyclones, harassment, habitat loss and forest degradation, ticks and hazards like barbed wire and powerlines.

“Climate change is the greatest threat to this species, leading to mass mortality in incidents like the 2018 heat wave.

Severe cyclones also impact the species by reducing food sources.”

Led by Terrain NRM, the new collaborative project will bring together scientists, Traditional Owners and conservation groups to better understand spectacled flying-fox roosting camps and foraging patterns and to identify critical areas of habitat for protection and rehabilitation.

Dr Dennis said the project would start by building on existing monitoring work and developing new tools with James Cook University and Traditional Owners.

“Indigenous ranger groups are helping us to collect critical data on camp and foraging behaviour, allowing us to pinpoint the highest-risk areas where we can put in some interventions to reduce the threats,” he said.

“Some of the targeted actions we’ll be undertaking to improve habitats include revegetation and weed management and supporting the establishment of reserves for their roosting camps.

“It takes a team to successfully recover an endangered species, so we are working closely with the Spectacled Flying-Fox Recovery Team to control as many sources of mortality as possible and to support population recovery.”

This project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust and the Saving Native Species Programs.

1980s night raises $4600

Hypnotherapy is a powerful, proven method that can change your negative thought patterns and subconscious beliefs which are disrupting your mental wellbeing. It works by communicating directly with the most powerful and creative part of your mind, putting you back in charge of your own thoughts and responses. With hypnotherapy, you can change almost any current behaviour that you are unhappy with. Hypnotherapy can help with the following: Anxiety | Alcohol and Drug Habits | Allergies | Anger Issues | Bad Habits | Bereavement Blushing | Bruxism (teeth grinding) | Depression | Fears | Guilt | Headaches | Insomnia

Jealousy | Migraines | Motivation | Nail Biting | Nightmares | Pain Relief | Performance Anxiety Phobias | Public Speaking | Sports Performance | Stammering | Trauma | Weight Loss

Contact Dave at Confi denceControl for a FREE strategy session on 0401 223780 or support@confi dencecontrol.com.au https://www.confi dencecontrol.com.au/contact-rates/

l PORT DOUGLAS

| Gary ‘Gazza’ McIlroy

THE recent 80s music and bingo night, organised by the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre and held on Friday May 30, attracted a larger gathering than anticipated for this first run of the event.

Participants were also encouraged to dress up in a favourite 80s costume, many of which were supplied by the popular Nicnak Shed Op Shop which, like the neighbourhood centre is part of the Port Douglas

Community Service Network.

Held at the Port Douglas Community Hall, the $4600 proceeds from this colourful family event will help support the centre’s emergency relief program. This program is designed to assist Douglas Shire locals that require assistance with food, fuel, accommodation, transportation, showers/ washing, medical, mobile phone and other short-term issues.

Community development worker Belinda Fischer thanked those who supported the evening.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the amazing people who went above and beyond, not just on the night, but in the lead-up as well. It truly takes a village and we’re lucky to have one of the best,” she said.

“To our incredible volunteers, helpers, sponsors and those who stepped in without hesitation, your time, energy and enthusiasm made the night what it was. I couldn’t be prouder to have led such a fun, successful and meaningful event.”

Julie Robinson (left), Jeanie Haydon, Tanya Morris, Elva Summerall and Wendy Fry. Picture: Supplied

Spectacled flying-foxes. Picture: Noel Preece

Tourism body ‘grateful’

l PORT DOUGLAS

TOURISM Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) has applauded Douglas Shire Council’s endorsement of a new $1.5 million funding agreement, reinforcing its commitment to the region’s tourism industry.

The three-year agreement ensures TPDD can continue to deliver destination marketing, visitor engagement and tourism development initiatives that align with the region’s strategic goals.

TPDD executive officer Emma Tunnock said the renewed partnership was a strong vote of confidence in the work TPDD does to support the tourism industry.

“This agreement provides the certainty we need to continue building momentum, target key markets and ensure Port Douglas and the Daintree remain top of mind for travellers year-round,” she said.

“We are truly grateful to Douglas Shire Council for their ongoing support and commitment to the success of our region.”

TPDD chairwoman Rosie Douglas highlighted the importance of the partnership.

“This funding plays a crucial role in supporting, not only TPDD’s marketing initiatives, but also the efforts of our tourism operators who invest in promoting our regions unique natural and cultural experiences,” she said.

Infamous road is open

CREB Track back on line but drivers warned to check conditions

l DAINTREE

| Nick Dalton

THE infamous CREB Track has reopened.

Douglas Shire Council reopened the 4WD track between the Daintree and Cooktown on June 3.

“Winding through the heart of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, this 71km 4WD-only trail is one of Australia’s most thrilling and scenic off-road experiences. Expect rugged terrain, river crossings, and jaw-dropping views,” a council spokesman said.

But he warned drivers to travel in convoy, pack recovery gear and take food, water and camping gear – just in case.

According to the council’s website, 4WD enthusiasts are reminded to consider weather conditions as it only took a light shower and the track can become impassable.

The ‘Local CREB Track conditions’ Facebook page believed Sunday was the last chance to drive the trail for a few days.

“There are showers on the way, with some heavy stuff predicted by (last) Tuesday. Today (last Sunday) looks like the last chance to drive it before things start to get wet. Expect several days before things start to dry out again

“Conditions have remained

quite good with only a random, isolated shower popping up late arvo, not enough to cause any dramas. Traffic has been coming through regularly, so track is clear.

“Winds are due to pick up Friday, so do expect showers to become more frequent from then, so keep an eye on updates if looking to drive it on the weekend.”

The page also advises: “Remember, open or closed is a useless metric, whether or not the

track is safe to drive or accessible depends on the weather and current conditions, so please check prior to driving it”.

The 71km CREB Track is a renowned off-road adventure trail which starts just north of the Daintree Village. It is located in the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics of Queensland, a region known for its exceptional biodiversity.

It’s considered one of the most challenging and picturesque 4WD tracks in the coun-

try. The name “CREB” stands for Cairns Regional Electricity Board – track. It was originally the service track for the old powerline to Cooktown. The track is known for its rugged terrain, river crossings, dense rainforest and stunning natural beauty.

The track is not for the faint of heart. It features steep ascents and descents, tight and narrow sections, rocky paths and muddy stretches.

The terrain can become even

more challenging during the wet season when rainfall makes the track slippery and river crossings more treacherous. The CREB Track crosses several creeks and rivers, including the Bloomfield River, Donovan’s Creek and Roaring Meg Creek. During the wet season, these crossings can become deep and fast-flowing, requiring careful navigation and often making the track impassable.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/45Y8U9Q

The amazing CREB Track has reopened but drivers are reminded to check conditions before heading off. Picture: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Grants to make change

Hospital foundation hands out $280,000 in research funding

l CAIRNS NORTH

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

MEDICAL breakthroughs are on the horizon for the Far North, with two $49,000 grants funding research into a TB vaccine and developmental support for First Nations children – part of $280,000 awarded by the FNQ Hospital Foundation.

Twenty-five research studies into a vast array of issues that concern the Far North, like diabetes care, disaster preparedness, COVID-19, therapeutic psychiatric drugs, TB vaccines, developmental support and more will now be able to begin or continue thanks to the $280,000 in research grants awarded this year by the foundation to continue to produce better health and wellbeing outcomes for the Far North.

This year the grants ranged from $5000 to $49,000 with a rigorous peer review process involved in deciding the successful applicants. The grant winners were announced on May 30.

Cairns Hospital paediatrician Dr Marnie Fraser was awarded $49,000 grant for her research into developmental assessments for First Nations children referred to the child development service. With the grant she’s looking to recruit an Indigenous health worker.

“We’ve been fortunate enough to get a $49,000 grant from the hospital foundation to do some applied research where we’ll employ an In-

digenous health worker to help us to understand how we need to modify our developmental assessments for children that identify as First Nations, under five-years-old, that were already being seen through the service,” she said.

“The assessment process usually takes from six to eight weeks and we’ll follow a cohort of children from the beginning of that assessment through to the end and, hopefully, we’ll learn new things that will help us to get our service right to meet the needs of First Nations families.”

The second winner of a $49,000 grant, postdoctoral research fellow Dr Guangzu Zhao from the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, will use the grant to develop a novel peptide-based nano vaccine to enhance the effectiveness of Bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccination against tuberculosis (TB), particularly in drug-resistant strains.

This next generation booster vaccine could offer a strong potential to improve frontline TB prevention efforts in Far North Queensland and beyond.

“I believe this will particularly benefit FNQ’s First Nations people,” he said. “We’ve gotten a very positive result in mice, we have improved the traditional BCG vaccine about five fold in protection efficacy and also very high in immunogenicity of this vaccine.”

For the full list visit our website on https://bit.ly/45FWaED

l COUNCIL BUDGET

DOUGLAS Shire Council brings down its 202526 budget on July 1 at a special meeting at 10am. Unfortunately it is too late to meet the July 2 edition deadline of the newspaper. A wrap up of the budget and what ratepayers will pay in rates will be published on the Douglas Gazette website as soon as possible after the meeting. The July 16 edition will also have full coverage.

l DOG REGOS

DOG registrations in the Douglas Shire are set to expire on July 31, 2025. Renewal notices will be mailed to all registered dog owners at the end of June 2025. Owners may be eligible for free registration if you are:

• The owner of a puppy under six months old (valid until the next renewal period),

• An eligible aged pensioner (65+) with a desexed and microchipped dog, or

• A new resident who can provide a valid registration certificate from another council. The council is also offering generous discounts to help make registration more affordable:

• 73 per cent off for desexed dogs

• 61 per cent off for pensioners.

For more information visit the Douglas Shire Council website.

Paediatrician Dr Marnie Fraser (left) and postdoctoral research fellow Dr Guangzu Zhao have been awarded a $49,000 research grant each from the hospital foundation. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Second return for Cathay

l AEROGLEN

CATHAY Pacific has agreed to return to Cairns for a second seasonal service, this time during the peak Christmas and lunar new year holiday periods.

The 12-week schedule paves the way for a permanent route between Hong Kong and the Far North.

Cathay Pacific will operate three direct flights per week between Hong Kong and Cairns from December 9 to February 28, centred around the peak lunar new year period and Christmas holidays.

Cairns Airport chief

executive officer Richard Barker said the renewed seasonal service would build on last year’s success.

“The Cathay Pacific brand is highly regarded across Tropical North Queensland and we are thrilled our strengthened partnership has led to further, ongoing opportunities that will benefit our wider community and key industries. This is a new era in our relationship with Cathay Pacific and a major coup for our region,” he said.

“We expect thousands of additional tourists will choose Tropical North Queensland for their festive holidays this year and to

welcome the Year of the Horse. This service will inject an estimated $18 million into the economy in visitor expenditure alone and give locals more overseas leisure options as they plan their extended end-of-year leave. It will also bolster valuable direct export channels that were successfully established last year through the Cathay Pacific network.”

The service will deliver more than 20,000 seats across the season on an A330 aircraft.

Cathay Southwest Pacific regional general manager Frosti Lau said he was pleased to see the service return after a successful first season.

Eco-tourism key to tropics

New government blueprint to enhance region's clean and green credentials

l FAR NORTH

| Nick Dalton

THE Far North is set to become an ecotourism powerhouse under the state government’s ‘Destination 2045: Queensland’s tourism future’ blueprint.

The government says Destination 2045 is set to deliver the following tourism projects in the Far North:

• Improved connectivity – new Connecting Queensland fund attracting new international flights to Cairns, with better intrastate connections

• Great Barrier Reef islands rejuvenation – investing in sustainable infrastructure projects on Great Barrier Reef islands

• Queensland is home of events – half of events calendar

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growth will be in the regions including Tropical North Queensland and growing business events to $2 billion

• Wangetti Trail – delivery of a 94km hiking and biking trail from Palm Cove to Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland

• Smithfield Bike Trail – delivery of a 52km expansion of the Smithfield Mountain

PORT DOUGLAS CARNIVALE

The Port Douglas Carnivale weekend was a stunning success from the enchanting “Maho Magic Bar” with its conjuring, illusion and hilarity to the street parade with many amazing floats to the capacity crowd at “Savannah on the Round”.

The rain held off and the crowd came in numbers to enjoy the weekend which gave all Port Douglas promised.

Congratulations to the organisers and all those volunteers who gave up their time to ensure a successful weekend.

COOK

HIGHWAY REPAIRS

Works have started in earnest of the repairs to the Cook Highway with ongoing discussions with TMR in relation to the impact of night closures.

bike network in Cairns

• Daintree Cultural and Ecotourism Centre – new First Nations centre offering visitors an unforgettable cultural and tourism experience in the heart of the iconic Daintree National Park

• Lake Eacham day use area – upgrades to the Lake Eacham Day Use Area to improve the visitor experience

with new infrastructure and improved accessibility with a more natural and welcoming environment.

Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said “Cairns is already making waves as a world-class tourist haven – from day trips on the Reef to long-haul cruises, including Carnival Encounter, which called into Cairns today (June 3)”.

“Far North Queensland is home to globally renowned and truly breathtaking natural landscapes, including the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest,” he said.

“Ecotourism, and the joy of taking part in experiences in nature, is one of Far North Queensland’s unique competitive advantages.”

I am keeping a close watch on progress and will keep the community informed.

MOSSMAN SUGAR BALL

Tickets are selling fast to the Mossman Sugar Ball on the 21 June, 2025 so get your friends together and make up a table for a night to remember.

On the issue of Mossman sugar, the 2025 harvest is about to get underway and I am pleased to confirm that cane supply contracts have been signed and the Crisafulli LNP government has honoured its commitment to support the transport cost to Mulgrave this year.

I am working closely with growers and Council to ensure the region continues to contribute to the agricultural economy of the north.

There is a balance between getting the road back to its full capacity and the time it will take as it is in no one’s interest to drag the repairs out too long.

Barron River MP and assistant tourism minister Bree James (left) with Cathay Pacific vice-president Tom Kennedy and Cairns Airport aviation development manager David Nye. Picture: Cairns Airport

DELIVERING QUEENSLAND’S TOURISM FUTURE

Tourism is a big part of what makes Queensland amazing – from the Reef to the rainforests, the outback to the ocean. That’s why the new Queensland Government is delivering our state’s tourism future.

Creating ecotourism experiences in our unique natural environment

Connecting our regions by road, rail, air and sea

Attracting events featuring the world’s biggest names in music, art,sport and culture

Search ‘Destination 2045’ to find out what it means for you.

Destination 2045

‘Beach bubble’ hits market

Stuntman Jimmy Christiansen is selling his Oak Beach four-bedroom house

Stuntman Jimmy Christensen has placed nearly $1.8 million on his Oak Beach dream home. Picture: Supplied

l OAK BEACH

| Nick Dalton AUSTRALIAN stuntman

Jimmy Christiansen is selling his beachside haven near Port Douglas after making the move with his family to the Gold Coast.

Up until two months ago, Mr Christiansen, who has worked as a professional stuntman for more than 25 years and featured in more than 150 feature films, TV productions and live highrisk action stunt shows, had been living at his beachside oasis at 21 Oak Street, Oak Beach, with his wife Tiffany and three children.

He is known for his work alongside actors George Clooney and Julia Roberts as the Australian stunt co-ordinator in the romantic comedy ‘Ticket to Paradise’ and has been the stunt co-ordinator for actor Russell Crowe’s last three action films.

Another of his career highlights was overseeing an ad campaign for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, which involved Daniel Ricciardo racing an F1 car through the Outback and trying to outrun a low-flying aerobatic pilot on Grand Pacific Drive, NSW.

Ray White Port Douglas selling principal Mark Flinn is marketing the six-bedroom, four-

Having a Property Management problem?

bathroom beachside sanctuary for more than $1.799 million via private treaty.

Mr Flinn said the two-level home included a spacious main residence and a separate studio.

“The open-plan living design enhances the connection to the spectacular natural surroundings and uninterrupted panoramic ocean views,” he said. “The hidden coastal haven allows for a barefoot luxury lifestyle.”

Mr Christiansen, who has lined up stunt work on the Gold Coast for the next year-and-ahalf, said it was a “no-brainer” to make the move back to Palm Beach, where they have another home.

“I was missing too much of my kids growing up while I was working on the Gold Coast, as that’s where most of my work is,” Mr Christiansen said. “Oak Beach was our beachfront dream, we purchased it in December 2023.

“We have done some renovations which include upgrading the plumbing and electrics, we upgraded the bathroom and were about to start a full-scale renovation, but due to work commitments we had to press pause.”

He said the home was set up for a family and the new owners were bound to fall in love with it. “This home was purely my place to escape and retreat – it has been my beach bubble.”

We have an award winning solution... Give Chelsea a call today!

Recently awarded Raine Horne QLD Property Manager of the Year 2025.

Email: property.manager1@portdouglas.rh.com.au Mobile: 0448 378 220

Letters to the Editor

Emma’s Shire views

MAY truly lived up to its name at the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre, with two major events bringing the community together in wonderful ways.

Tuesday, May 13 was our open day – a fun and hugely successful event that welcomed many community members through our doors.

Visitors had the chance to learn more about the services we offer while enjoying delicious food and lively music in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

On Friday, May 30, we turned up the volume and the fun for our very first 80s music bingo night, held at the community hall on Mowbray Street.

This wasn’t your average bingo night – there were no numbers to be found. Instead, players crossed off classic 80s songs as they played, with over 130 people embracing the theme in true neon style. Lycra, legwarmers and fluoro were out in force as guests sang, danced and laughed the night away.

A huge thanks goes to Belinda for organising the night so fabulously and to the many generous businesses who supported the cent sale with amazing prizes.

There are too many to name here, but you can find them all on our social media pages.

We raised over $4600 on the night, which will support our emergency relief program – thank you to everyone who came along and rocked out for a great cause.

Meanwhile, a couple of our regular programs have had a slight shake-up. ‘Men’s breakfast’ is now held at 8.30am on Thursdays –same great brekky, just a new day.

And Oz Harvest has evolved into the ‘community pantry’, starting at 8.30am with a free breakfast, tea and coffee followed by food distribution from 9am.

Food is still generously supplied by Oz Harvest and Coles SecondBite, but the distribution process has been fine-tuned to ensure everyone receives a fair share.

And finally – save the date. Our next big event is the much-loved fashion parade at the Pullman Sea Temple Resort on Saturday, August 30 at 2pm.

Rumour has it there’ll be plenty of Camilla on the runway this year … and no, we’re not talking about Parker-Bowles.

Emma Travers, manager of Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre

Vocal Local

year. Why or why not?

@douglasgazette

In the last edition we asked: Do you think Douglas Shire Council should pursue the marina project? Why or why not? Here are some of your comments.

It takes money and vision which we are lacking. I doubt we will see it, I’ve been watching patiently for 26 years. It’s a beautiful place. Hopefully, we will get there.

- Tony Mac, Facebook

Finally, some commonsense and sustainable ideas are coming to the fore. A huge opportunity to change the “genre” Douglas is a place where good ideas come to die. The local members state and federal and our business leaders are up to the task, but will the council be up to it?

- Terence Melchert, Facebook

The marina at the moment is an eyesore. The owner should be given a time to have it cleaned and made safe. If not, the Shire should take it off them.

- Mark Matthews, Facebook

Yes, we need the slipway, main boat ramp and carpark relocated to down at Marano’s (fuel). This would open up the area for more carparks, potential foreshore businesses along the river front, like The Tin Shed.

- Ryan Fudala, Facebook

Let’s hope so. An excellent idea. The place cannot be a ‘Port’ without one. Hope it doesn’t get bound up in red tape and silly objections. Go for it. Full support.

- Will Stephens, Facebook

Will never happen. 20 years late. For a town that relies on the southern tourist dollar, Is it going to bring increased tourism? The council should concentrate on creating new viable attractions and not a toddler pool.

- Bruce Dargavel, Facebook

Katherina Hunter, Mossman

Isabella Falls.

Picture: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

The fun hasn’t stopped yet

l DOUGLAS SHIRE

IT maybe natural to assume that things would be a little quieter in the Douglas Shire after the massive weekend of Carnivale.

This, however, couldn’t be further from the truth with many other activities bringing fun, colour and smiles to the area.

While we may feature some of these stories in our general news items, the ‘Goss’ often allows me to present a few extra pictures, which is often the best way to describe a story. They do say,

after all, ‘a picture paints a thousand words.’

Just recently, fans of the 1980s enjoyed a night of music and bingo at the Port Douglas Community Hall. This family evening was organised by the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre and encouraged many on the night to dress up in their finest 80s outfits.

The following morning, May 31, the final day of autumn, fine weather greeted a large gathering who lined up to take part in the second Yalanji RAW Reconciliation Run at the Mossman Gorge.

The morning of activities, which was

open to both walkers and runners, included the 1km Deadly Dash, the 2.5km Mighty Mossman Mile and the 5km Rainforest Run.

The aim of the morning was to bring people together from all walks of the community, to encourage wellness, promote unity and celebrate the ongoing journey of reconciliation. This certainly proved to be the case.

The increasingly popular ‘community movie nights’ have continued, with the most recent evening of cinematic pleasure held at Newell Beach. As before, the event was organised by Moss-

man Support Services, with help from Club Mossman, Mossman Boat and Fishing Club and Newell Beach Takeaway.

The Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre, as part of their community pantry morning, on Wednesday, June 4, offered free haircuts to anyone in need.

This was well attended, with the snipping and trimming lovingly carried out by the ‘Hair Aid’ volunteers.

If life in the Douglas Shire hasn’t been high paced enough, a peloton of fundraising cyclists recently arrived in Port Douglas, via Mossman, having

peddled their way from Airlie Beach, via various locations with the aim to raise funds and create awareness of cancer issues, in particular cancer research. Sports reporter Mark Beretta from the Seven Network was just one of the many that headed north, in the saddle, for this very worthy cause.

I’m exhausted just writing about it all, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.

Send your stories to gazza@ cairnslocalnews.com.au

Switch to Your Local Home Care Specialists in Mossman & Port Douglas

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Locals Jeanie and Iwa (above), Tracy and Tanya (above right), and Sara (above, far right) all dressed up for an 80s music and bingo night. Pictures: Gary ‘Gazza’ McIlroy

Runners and walkers from all parts of the community get involved at Mossman Gorge. (Far right) Douglas FM provided the music and interviewed helpers including volunteers from the SES.

Movie night at Newell Beach. Picture: Supplied Peloton No. 3 arrives in Mossman as part of Tour De Cure.

Anne and Ziggy get a trim at the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre.

Entertainment

Taste Port Douglas returns with amazing culinary array to heat up winter

Tantalising festival on menu

l PORT DOUGLAS

TASTE Port Douglas will be turning up the heat in August, returning to the tropics for its annual four-day food festival.

For its ninth year, co-founders Reina and Spencer Patrick will be bringing a world-class line-up of hospitality talent to Far North Queensland, putting on a menu of unparalleled dining experiences, expert masterclasses, parties and more.

Backdropped by the reefs and rainforests of Australia’s tropical paradise, Taste Port Douglas, sponsored by Sheraton, will include stand-out signature events as well as new additions to the line-up.

Local hotspots will welcome the ‘Takeover Series’ presented by Singapore Airlines, including sell-out long seaside lunches, while the Daintree Rainforest will come alive with Night of Fire: ‘Flames of The Forest’, a spectacular fire-licked feast that immerses diners in FNQ’s natural beauty.

As well as drawing Australia’s very best talent from across the country, this year three international chefs will take to the Taste Port Douglas kitchens.

Pâtissier extraordinaire and Fortnum and Mason executive head chef Roger Pizey will be flying in from London, recreating his ground-breaking tarte tatin. The dish was created when he worked as

A snapshot of this year’s events include:

Thursday, August 7

The official festival launch party presented by Olsson’s Salt – Kicking off the festival under the stars. Expect exceptional views and infectious beats with Taste Port Douglas’ VIPs. With the iconic Four Mile Beach at one side, and the blue lagoons of the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas, on the other, flowing food and drinks will celebrate the start of the region’s gourmet weekend

head pastry chef for Marco Pierre White, at the very time the restaurant earned three Michelin stars.

Chef-patron of Singapore’s MichelinStarred Marguerite restaurant, Michael Wilson, will also be returning to the festival, bringing his ‘creative cuisine’ from the iconic Flower Dome at Gardens By The Bay, while Ryan Clift, chef consultant for The Cave in Bali and chef and owner of one of Singapore’s oldest cocktail bars, The Tippling Club, will be bringing his avant-garde and innovative expertise.

Reina and Spencer Patrick said they had been running Taste Port Douglas for 10 years and “we’re overjoyed to see what our home-grown festival has become”.

“Every year it gets bigger and better with a spectacular lineup of events and masterclasses, hosted by Australia’s own impeccable culinary talent – both chefs and producers – as well as international chefs of Michelin-starred pedigree,” they said.

“We hosted more than 15,000 visitors last year, many of whom travelled from overseas to feast with us, and we can’t wait to welcome both returning and new faces this year.”

To book or further details visit https://bit.ly/3ZM9WBQ

Friday, August 8

Brit Pack 2.0 presented by Singapore Airlines – MC Colin Fassnidge will be accompanying Ryan Clift, Nelly Robinson, Raymond Capaldi and Roger Pizey as they take over Spencer Patrick’s newly refurbished Harrisons restaurant, bringing their British training and techniques to serve a show-stopping four course dinner

The Lexus Long Lunch – Australia’s favourite MC, Manu Feildel, will host the festival’s signature long lunch, presenting al fresco dining at its finest. This year’s brigade will see Ben

Williamson, Louis Tikaram, Massimo Mele and Michael Wilson, serving up a three course feast under the canopy of Poinciana trees against the breathtaking backdrop of Dixons Inlet

Saturday, August 9

Night of Fire – The hottest ticket in town, MC Matt Preston will be joined by chefs Telina Menzies, Oliver Gould and Matt Stone lighting up the night with a fire-licked feast. Set deep in the heart of the world’s oldest rainforest, the evening will offer an unforgettable sensory feast like no

other in the country.

Fat Mango Music Festival – Oceanside beats will be served up by some of Australia’s favourite DJs, inviting guests to dance the night away under the stars and by the blue lagoons of the Sheraton. For those who want to take the night up a notch, premium seats with a private bar and complimentary canapes are available in the Estrella Damm VIP lounge Festival Village at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas – Running across Saturday and Sun-

day, August 9-10, Festival Village is the bustling hub of Taste Port Douglas, where festival-goers can watch live demonstrations from guest chefs on The Moffat main stage, take part in expert masterclasses from Australia’s finest producers and growers, and stroll through the food stalls, sampling culinary treats Sunday, August 10 Official closing party by Harrisons Restaurant – Celebrate the final night of the festival with live music, food and drinks, and raise a glass to the ninth Taste Port Douglas Festival.

Chefs extraordinaire Manu Feildel (left) and Adam D’Sylva are coming back to Taste Port Douglas. Picture: Taste Port Douglas

Entertainment Guide

Authors galore for bookfest

Up to 50 local and North Queensland writers line up for Shire’s first literary event

l MOSSMAN

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

UP to 50 local and NQ authors and hundreds of participants are set to appear in the highly anticipated inaugural Douglas Shire Book Festival coming this August for a weekend of books, creativity and connection.

Douglas Shire’s first book festival is creating a buzz among the community, local businesses and authors who have seen an opportunity to share their literature to the world through the festival.

On August 2 and 3, the Mossman Shire Hall will be the home of all things literature and the festival’s committee president Crystal Leonardi is hoping the community gets behind the event.

“Everything’s going really well and we’re ready to go. We’ve confirmed that we have almost 50 authors coming which is a bit more than the 37 we originally announced but we decided to squeeze in a few more because we’ve received lots of interest from authors in the area,” she said.

“The event is going to have 50/50 ratio of authors, 50 per cent local – Douglas Shire and Cairns – and 50 per cent from North Queensland.

“We had a massive response from authors even getting authors from Perth wanting to join but the committee decided to cap it at North Queensland from Mackay and up to run as local of an event as possible.

“As a publisher and author my aim with the event is to highlight those local authors and give the readers the oppor-

tunity to engage with these authors. It’s a very unique opportunity.”

Ms Leonardi said the event had been greatly received by the Douglas Shire community.

“Everyone has been wonderful and they’re really excited,” she said.

“We managed to secure a dozen more sponsors on top of the RADF grant we received and the community and authors response shows this is something that the community has been calling for.

“The most notorious author we have from the Douglas Shire is Debra Gavranich, she wrote ‘The Girl Who Left: From Croatia to the Canefields’.

We also have Maddi Wright, she’s also a former contestant on House Rules and has been on the airways for 15 years. We’ve got fantastic presenters like Amanda Cranston from ABC Far North, and other authors like Renee Cashman and Kirsty Nancarrow.

“This really as a unique opportunity for readers to get to know authors and connect with them.”

Ms Leonardi invited people to join the free event and make the most of the literary weekend.

“We really want to remind people that it’s a free event, there’ll be book launches, workshops, a kids’ corner and more and it’s all free. The only cost is on the books you buy,” she said.

“What we want is to, not only build community awareness, but to foster that reading culture in the shire which is all about creativity and connection.”

To find out more, visit https://bit.ly/4e2AdC7

Douglas Shire Book Festival committee members (from left) Mila Douglas, Robyn Ross, Jancy-Leigh Marrinon, Crystal Leonardi, Debra Gavranich, Megan Formanek, Chantal Munro, Sam Woodgarth are inviting the community to join them at the inaugural Douglas Shire Book Festival this August. Picture: Supplied

What's on

YACHTY ROCKS @ PORT DOUGLAS YACHT CLUB

l SUN JUN 22ND, 3PM-6PM

Join 2 of Queensland’s most beloved live acts Hussy Hicks and Boing Boing for a massive Sunday Session double header at the Port Douglas Yacht Club.

Kids free!

Location: Port Douglas Yacht Club

1 Spinnaker Cl, Port Douglas

EDUCATIONAL FORUM @ HEMMINGWAYS

l SUN JUN 19TH, 5:30PM - 7PM

The 2025 Member Forum is here to bring you the latest risk management, training, marketing, product, and business updates to help you leverage all the benefits of your PADI membership.

Stay informed and improve your risk management skills by understanding the latest standards that impact your teaching. This is a free event, with tickets via eventbrite.com.au.

BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH @ OAKS PORT DOUGLAS

l SAT JUN 21ST, 11AM

Start your weekend the right way with Oaks Port Douglas Resort’s Bottomless Brunch at The Lilypad.

Your brunch experience includes a buffet brunch at The Lilypad, courtesy transport to and from your home for Port Douglas locals (contact reception to enquire), and endless poolside fun.

$59 adults / $25 children

Call 07 4099 8900 to secure your spot.

WILDLIFE HABITAT DAY @ PORT DOUGLAS

l THU JUL 10TH

A special event celebrating our local wildlife, habitats, and conservation efforts. This will be a fun, interactive, and educational day where we explore the incredible biodiversity around us and learn how we can help protect it. The event will feature hands-on activities, talks, and displays highlighting our local threatened species and the conservation efforts supporting them. Book via www.wildlifehabitat.com.au

STEPPING FORWARD @ MOSSMAN SUPPORT SERVICES

l WED JUN 18TH, 1PM-3PM

Family Drug Support presents the ‘Stepping Forward’ series, providing culturally safe information sessions, a safe place to share and to feel supported, practical tips to support others, discussions on what works and what doesn’t, and strategies for keeping people safe and together. Each session is designed to assist people to gain strategies that they can use in the home. Everyone is welcome to attend one or more sessions.

SEE YOUR EVENT HERE @ DOUGLAS GAZETTE

l EVERYDAY

Do you have an event coming up? Sport, theatre, music, or special event - don’t forget to let us know and we can list your event in our What’s On section in the paper. It’s free and every fortnight.

Send your event or activity to admin@douglasgazette.com.au or phone Kath or Amelie on 4031 7678 to find out more.

*Please check with the Venues regarding any cancellations or entry requirements.

Friday 20th

Ellis Beach Bar & Grill

Drewboy Duo, 5:30pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove

Andrea & Leon, 8:00pm

Friday 27th

Ellis Beach Bar & Grill

Cam Kettle, 5:30pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove

Kaweyova, 8:00pm

Saturday 21st

Ellis Beach Bar & Grill

Ellis Rocks! - 19-Twenty + Boing Boing + Roshani, 4:30pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove

Bourban Gorillas, 8:00pm

Saturday 28th

Ellis Beach Bar & Grill

Tahlia Brain, 1:00pm

Ellis Beach Bar & Grill

Mark Porter, 5:30pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove

Janna Mercedes, 8:00pm

Sunday 22nd

Ellis Beach Bar & Grill

Nicole Nighthawk, 1:00pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove

WAW, 3:00pm

Sunday 29th

Ellis Beach Bar & Grill

Tessa Devine, 1:00pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove

Andrea & Louie, 3:00pm

Puzzles in Paradise

SUDOKU

Solutions

Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.

WORD SEARCH

Weekly Horoscopes

Try to handle things

You’ll feel like getting away and enjoying some fun. This week is ideal for making career decisions that could affect your position. Watch your spending—money may slip through your fingers. A new romantic prospect might show up at an event where you’re in the spotlight.

You might find yourself in a onesided relationship. Sit down with someone you trust and create a budget that helps you save a little extra. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. You can make home improvements that will be appreciated by everyone involved.

You can offer more help than you’ll receive from others. Emotions may get the better of you this week. You’ll be able to contribute significantly to groups or causes you join. Minor mishaps could lead to bigger issues, so take extra care.

Organise your responsibilities and make sure everyone knows their role. Think carefully before jumping into anything that seems unrealistic. Focus on your home life. Catch up with friends or relatives. Getting out and having a laugh will help ease the pressure.

You’ll get along well with clients. Someone close may disappoint you or criticise the way you do things. Home improvement projects will improve your living space and bring the family closer. Don’t overindulge—know your limits.

Emotional deception may come to light. Seek professional advice if it’ll help bring the family together. Plan some outings with loved ones. A family picnic or stroll through the park could spark meaningful conversation and strengthen bonds.

Your creative ideas need to be put to good use. Secure your financial situation by locking away your savings. Be careful about making any changes to your living situation this week. Don’t let your partner pressure you into doing something you’re not keen on.

CROSSWORD

Keep moving forward if you want to make real changes in your life. Female relatives might be difficult to deal with. Choose entertainment that’s energetic and uplifting. Make time to catch up on correspondence you’ve been putting off.

You might want to plan a holiday with someone close. Changes at home could come fast and unexpectedly. Take a good look at where you’re headed and think about your career options. A conversation could shed light on your current situation.

Be cautious and don’t be led astray. Avoid overspending on entertainment. Don’t misuse your work-related allowances. Catch up with friends or family you haven’t seen in ages.

ACROSS

1. author Truman who wrote in cold blood (6)

4. sci-fi saga set in a galaxy far far away (4,4)

9. a person who tests something (6)

10. a metal instrument that is used to dilate an orifice or canal in the body to allow inspection (8)

11. the way in which a person’s hair is styled (6)

12. a two-player board game in which players each guess the identity of the other’s chosen character (5,3)

13. an apparatus with rotating blades that creates a current of air (3)

14. time-travel thriller where hitmen eliminate targets from the future (6)

17. savant brother with extraordinary memory changes sibling’s life (4,3)

21. relating to society or its organization (6)

25. a diagrammatic representation of an area of land or sea (3)

26. man stranded on remote island befriends volleyball for survival (8)

27. whimsical Parisian woman finds joy in helping others while discovering love (6)

28. a very large plant-eating mammal with a prehensile trunk (8)

29. a tree-dwelling Old World bird of which the male typically has bright yellow and black plumage (6)

30. a government department headed by a minister (8)

31. against (6) DOWN

1. the administrative building of a municipal government (4,4)

2. the god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses (8)

3. more in fashion or up to date (8)

5. film about elite fighter pilots starring Tom Cruise (3,3)

6. a small space created by building part of a wall further back from the rest (6)

7. let someone have or do something (6)

8. order someone to be present (6)

12. deny or contradict (7)

15. each of the lines in which light may seem to stream from the sun or any luminous body (3)

16. a substance or matter in a state in which it will expand freely to fill the whole of a container (3)

18. film about a textile worker who becomes a union activist fighting for better working conditions (5,3)

19. the number equivalent to the product of a thousand and a thousand (8)

20. 1995 teen comedy about a wealthy high school girl navigating love and friendship in Beverly Hills (8)

22. 1996 slasher movie that revitalised horror with a clever masked killer and teen survivors (6)

23. behind or toward the rear of a ship or aircraft (6)

24. an effect of anticlimax created by an unintentional lapse in mood from the sublime to the trivial or ridiculous (6)

25. a way in which a thing is done or happens (6)

BMW unleashes 390kW M2 with top speed of 302km/h

l NEW MODEL

| Nick Dalton

BMW Australia will introduce the new BMW M2 CS to the local market this year, bringing a new level of performance and dynamic capability to the second-generation M2 Coupé line-up.

It marks the fourth BMW CS launch in three years, following the M3 CS in 2023, M4 CS in 2024 and M3 CS Touring at the start of 2025.

It also represents the next

chapter in the successful story of high-performance, short wheelbase BMW offerings that comprises the legendary BMW 2002 turbo, BMW 1 Series M Coupé and the first-generation BMW M2 – including the first CS variant.

It will be priced from $172,900 (plus on-roads) with deliveries expected at the end of the 2025.

BMW M offered a first glimpse of the M2 CS exterior design package – including its distinctive ducktail – at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

event on the shores of Lake Como. The M2 CS will be manufactured at BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí in Mexico and arrive for Australian customer deliveries at the end of 2025.

BMW M has achieved a weight reduction of about 30kg for the special edition model compared with the standard M2 Coupé thanks to deployment of exterior and interior components fashioned from carbon-fibrereinforced plastic (CFRP).

It also features forged M lightalloy wheels, which, combined with the CFRP elements, means

the M2 CS is the lightest M2 of the current vehicle generation.

The coupé features an upgraded iteration of the 3.0-litre, sixcylinder in-line engine found in the standard M2 and which also serves as the basis for the power unit in the M4 GT3 EVO race car.

It matches the output and torque of the current generation M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive, delivering 390kW and 650Nm.

These power and torque figures also represent increases of

37kW and 50Nm over the standard M2 Coupé.

Drive is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and paddle shifters.

The Drivelogic button integrated into the selector lever enables the driver to alter the transmission’s shift characteristics, with a choice of three distinguishable settings.

The M2 CS is extremely rapid in a straight line. It breaks the four-second barrier in the sprint from zero to 100km/h with a time of 3.8 seconds, which is

0.2s faster than the standard M2 Coupé. It can also reach 200km/h from rest in 11.7s –an improvement of 1.2s on the regular series variant. Top speed is electronically limited to 302km/h thanks to standard fitment of the M driver’s package. Standard equipment also includes CS-exclusive forged M light-alloy wheels with a double spoke design and gold bronze finish. They measure 19in at the front and 20in at the rear axle. For inquiries about the M2 CS contact Grant Woolcock at Westco BMW on 4044 4122.

The $173,000 BMW M2 CS is a performance rocketship, reaching 100km/h in less than four seconds. Pictures: BMW Australia

The new BMW M2 CS features a distinctive ducktail spoiler at the rear.

The interior of the M2 CS is fully driver-focused.

Study finds electric cars, SUVs and utes cost thousands more in premiums

Insurance expensive for EVs

l CAR COSTS

| Nick Dalton

AUSTRALIANS insuring electric vehicles continue to be slugged with higher premiums according to new research by Compare the Market showing the bill for some popular models can be more than $3000.

The car insurance comparison experts quoted comprehensive car insurance policies for 20 popular and notable hybrid and electric vehicles across 11 wellknown insurance brands and six underwriters.

The first iteration of the bi-annual index revealed that a full EV was quoted to cost $2134 on average to comprehensively insure, while hybrid and plug-in hybrid EVs were quoted to cost $1649 on average.

Compared to quotes for identical policies from October 2024, premiums for both the Tesla Model Y RWD and Model 3 RWD EVs decreased six per cent on average. Meanwhile quotes for the Toyota RAV4 GX and Corolla Ascent Sport hybrids were up around two per cent on average.

A Tesla Model Y RWD was $3109.81, the Tesla Model 3 RWD was $3334.04 and a BMW iX1 eDrive20 was $2974.69. The cheapest was the BYD Dolphin Essential at $1425.13.

A range of factors influence car insurance premiums, including the rising the cost of repairs due to pricier parts and labour – which account for around 60 per cent of claims expenses, according to the Insurance Council of Australia.

The most expensive hybrid and plugin hybrid was the BYD Shark Premium ($2071.36) while the least costly was the Hyundai Kona Hybrid ($1471.19)

Compare the Market’s economic director David Koch said higher premiums could be prohibitive for aspiring EV owners but urged motorists not to be disheartened before running a comparison.

“What we found was a shocking difference between quotes from different insurers that could mean some motorists end up paying hundreds – sometimes thousands – more,” he said.

“The quoted difference between the cheapest and most expensive insurer for the Tesla Model 3 sedan was a whopping $3100 for a similar policy. For a cheaper EV like the MG 4 hatchback, the delta was $836. With price gaps that big, it pays to shop around.”

Amid the booming popularity of hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, electrified vehicles were also included in the new Compare the Market EV index.

“Hybrids were considerably cheaper to insure than a full EV on average, despite featuring both electric and combustion engine components,” Mr Koch said.

“However, with all the hybrid quotes costing over a grand, they still aren’t as cheap to insure.

“Still, the quoted difference between the cheapest and priciest insurer for the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was $1456 and the delta for the BYD Shark 6 PHEV was $885.

“Expect insurance prices to normalise as the market matures, but for now, don’t be deterred – shop around.”

The BYD Dolphin Essential is the least expensive electric vehicle to insure at $1425.13. Picture: Supplied

Douglas Local Classifieds

Gazette Douglas

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Any advertisement accepted for publication in Douglas Gazette is subject to the rules applicable to advertising laws laid down by the Media Council of Australia. All advertising is subject to the publisher’s approval and at its discretion can refuse to accept any advertisement it believes the message portrayed within the advertisement might infringe the rights of an individual or may not comply with all the laws and regulations of the States and Territories. The publisher does not accept any responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear according to instructions.

The placing or positioning of an advertisement within the requested classification is at the discretion of Douglas Gazette, except where agreed upon by the publisher. The monetary level of advertising is based upon the frequency used within the period of the order. The term may vary from three months to one year. The word “Advertisement” will be used on advertising copy which in the opinion of the publisher resembles editorial. The terms set out above are subject to change without notification at the discretion of the publisher

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The proofing of advertisements cannot be guaranteed unless advertising copy content is received at Douglas Gazette by 4pm Thursday prior to publication. The final proofing deadline is 5pm Friday prior to publication, any revisions requested after 5pm Friday are not guaranteed. If a booking is confirmed, final proof approval is not required by Douglas Gazette.

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Rulings by the Trade Practices Commission require that all advertisements relating to alcoholic beverages, therapeutic goods, weight loss/slimming clinics and products or programmes must carry an APB Clearance Number. All advertisements that do not carry the APB Number first must be submitted for clearance and the issue of an APB number for inclusion in the advertisement directed to: Australian Publishers Bureau, Suite 2/1, 741 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072, Phone (02) 9499 3412.

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AL-ANON FAMILY GROUP

Help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics. If someone in your family has a drinking problem, you can often see what it is doing to them, but can you see what it is doing to you?

Al-Anon can help you.

Meetings held weekly at:

• Cairns City: Tuesday nights, 6pm-7pm Edmonton: Thursdays, 12pm-1pm Innisfail: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 10am-11:30am Kuranda: Mondays, 11am-12pm

For further information, Call 1300 25 2666 or www.al-anon.org.au

Lady 77 years seeks health-conscious friend.

Write to:

Friday June 20th

Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:30

Kuranda Heritage Markets:Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 13 Therwine St, 10:00-15:00

Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-16:00

Saturday June 21st

Babinda Markets: Munro St, 07:00-12:00

Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:30

Earlville Markets: Earlville Shopping Town, 09:00-14:30

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 13 Therwine St, 10:00-15:00

Mareeba Markets: 100 Park, 07:00-12:30

Mossman Markets: 13 Foxton Ave, 07:00-13:00

Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-16:00

Sunday June 22nd

Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:30

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 13 Therwine St, 10:00-15:00

Mission Beach Markets: Ulysses Park, 07:00-12:00

Port Douglas Markets: Wharf St, 08:00-13:00

Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-15:00

The Pier Markets: The Pier Shopping Mall, 09:00-14:00

The Preloved Project: 179 Bunda St, 10:00-14:00

Wondecla Markets: Wondecla Showgrounds, 08:00-12:00

Two Americans win Ironman Cairns in historic first for top class sports event

Clean sweep for US athletes

l IRONMAN

MATTHEW Marquardt and Jackie Hering have made it an American sweep of the top step of the podium at the Cairns Airport Ironman Cairns, claiming the men’s and women’s professional titles.

Marquardt became the first nonOceania male to win in Cairns, crossing the line in 7h50m41s for his maiden professional Ironman triathlon victory, while Hering was all class as she took the tape in the women’s race in 8h42m15s.

West Australian athlete Nick Thompson was second over the line, less than three minutes behind Marquardt, with Australian-based Finnish athlete Henrik Goesch rounding out the podium.

“This was my third season as a pro and I’ve been very fortunate that I’ve had a lot of podiums, but I’ve never won,” said Marquardt.

“A lot of those races were really, really close. Lake Placid last year, I was leading for seven and a half hours and then got passed in the last 30 minutes, and so it was just always being so close. So, to actually get the win is incredibly meaningful and it was definitely a memory that I’ll keep forever,” he said.

“You never know when you’re going to have another one and so I really wanted to try and cherish it as much as I could because nothing is guaranteed in life, you never know what tomorrow brings.”

Athletes were faced with choppy conditions for the swim in Palm Cove, with South Africa’s Jamie Riddle hitting the front early and pushing on, finishing the 3.8km swim nine seconds up on Australia’s Amberger, with Marquardt hot on his heels.

Things quickly went south for Marquardt however, who limped his way through transition as he suffered from serious leg cramps, falling back to 16th early in the 180km ride, losing eight minutes to Riddle.

Once Marquardt got his cramping issues under control he began chipping

away on Riddle’s lead, with Thompson and fellow Australian Ben Hill joining the South African at the front of the field. The top three swapped positions at the front over the next 150km before Thompson surged ahead, coming into transition in Cairns almost two and a half minutes clear of Hill, with Marquardt working his way up to third.

Thompson pushed the pace early on the run, opening up a four and a half minute lead over Hill, with Marquardt holding steady in third, before the American upped the pace, consistently taking time out of Thompson before moving into the lead with just over 10km to go and never looked back, crossing the line in front of thousands of spectators in the centre of Cairns.

In taking the victory Marquardt became the first male professional from outside Australia or New Zealand to win the event in its 14-year history.

In the women’s race Jackie Hering claimed an almost four-minute victory over defending Ironman Cairns champion Hannah Berry of New Zealand, with Australian-based Dutch athlete Lotte Wilms making it back-to-back podium finishes in Tropical North Queensland in third.

Hering’s performance on Sunday was all the more remarkable given she only made the decision to head to Cairns in the last week, after not finishing at the Qatar Airways Ironman Hamburg European Championship in Germany a fortnight ago, and she certainly made the most of her trip to Australia.

“It’s been awesome, I’ve been enjoying it since the minute I got here, and I think as an older athlete, it’s important to mix enjoyment with racing and really get to see some of the places that you go in a race. It helps to bring your general happiness level up, which allows you to race faster,” said Hering.

“So, I think I’ve maximised every moment I’ve been here and I’m so happy that the race went well. But just because I was enjoying the place, I had a feeling it was going to go well. Cairns is great, love it.”

Sharks and Reef Raiders looking to return to premiership success

l LEAGUE/UNION

| Jake Black

IT was a busy fortnight around the Douglas Shire with the Mossman Sharks, Port Douglas Reef Raiders both playing important games. Both teams are looking to get back to their previous premiership success in their 2025 campaigns.

The Port Douglas Reef Raiders A and B grade have had very different seasons to date.

The B grade squad, despite losing their last two games, have had a near perfect year and are looking like the current favourites to take away the premiership.

The A grade side has had a very bumpy start to the season, currently sitting in last place, but are confident that they’ll still be able to turn the corner and finish the season strong and make one last monster finals push.

The Mossman Sharks started their season very hopeful to bring back another round of premiership

cups to the Douglas Shire.

The A grade boys are currently in fifth place but look to secure a top four spot and make a finals push after a bit of a rocky stretch of games.

The reserve grade team have also had a bumpy year and currently find themselves in seventh place but are only one win to make a fourth position.

The U19s boys have had a great year and currently see themselves in fourth place.

Both teams take on Innisfail in their next matchup which they look to find some form and begin their strong bid for the finals.

They also face Innisfail this week where they look to bounce back from their 56-12 thrashing by the Atherton Roosters.

Jackie Hering taking victory at the Cairns Airport Ironman Cairns. Picture: Korupt Vision

Crocs dominate once again

l AFL

| Jake Black

THE Port Douglas Crocs, who are commonly known for their dominance and success, have sent a warning to the rest of AFL Cairns after winning their fifth straight game on the weekend over North Cairns Tigers.

The AFL Cairns season has just hit its halfway point and the Port Douglas Crocs senior men’s team has hit their stride winning their last five games after a slow start to the season.

After nine rounds the seniors squad see themselves in third place, only two points back from the league leading South Cairns Cutters.

After dealing with several injuries, the Crocs have finally put together their best side and have returned to their dominant form that has been seen over the last decade.

The Crocs look to continue their hot form

over the next two weeks where they take on second place Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs and their major rival – the Cairns Saints.

The Crocs women’s team have also found themselves riding a strong momentum wave recently.

The women’s side won three straight games with the most notable win being against the ladder-leading Cairns City Lions 29-27.

The women’s team being in their second season as part of the AFL Cairns comp have found themselves currently in fourth place, two wins clear of fifth place Cairns Saints. The women look to make their inaugural finals appearance this season with just under half the season to go.

Vibes around the ‘croc pit’ are super high at the moment with success starting to flow through the club again as the already dominant Crocs look to add more premierships to their already dazzling dynasty.

Ride raises $2m for cancer

1200km Tour de Cure started at Airlie Beach and finished at Port Douglas

l CYCLING

| Gary ‘Gazza’ McIlroy

TOUR de Cure, Australia’s biggest cycling charity for cancer research, has raised just under $2 million after riding from Airlie Beach to Port Douglas.

Covering 1200km in eight days from Friday, May 30 to Friday, June 6, the 200 riders and support crew raised just under $2 million, with the amount still rising. Overall, the charity is now just short of its 200th cancer research breakthrough.

The route took them from the start line at Airlie Beach via Townsville, Magnetic Island, Mission Beach, Cairns, Mount Molloy and Mossman, before finishing in Port Douglas.

Along the way, Tour de Cure funded eight community grants of $10,000 each to local cancer services in the region.

Riders visited 20 schools with the Tour de Cure cancer prevention message of ‘Be Fit, Be Healthy, Be Happy’ to help educate kids and their families about action they can take to reduce their risk of cancer.

Over 250,000 school children Australia-wide have already experienced the program that teaches that one-in-three cancers can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices. Each year, Australia’s finest cancer researchers apply for

funding, assessed by Tour de Cure’s expert grants committee to ensure the most impactful and innovative projects are supported, driving real progress in cancer research, prevention and care.

Tour de Cure chairman Bruno Maurel said “every dollar raised through our fundraising efforts is stretched as far as we possibly can to support vital research, prevention and care projects”.

“We support the most promising projects with the greatest potential to save lives,” he said.

“We work with leading researchers, medical institutions, and community organisations to fund breakthroughs that improve outcomes for those impacted by cancer.

“The generosity of supporters has enabled the charity to raise more than $145 million, fund 1198 cancer projects, educate 250,000 school children on how to prevent cancer and contribute to 196 world class scientific cancer breakthroughs in cancer research.”

Sunrise sports presenter Mark Beretta is a keen supporter of Tour De Cure and took part in this most recent event.

“Both of my parents have had cancer issues in recent years,” he said.

“Through the research now possible, current treatment has enabled them both to live a longer life than previously possible.”

The Port Douglas Crocs women’s team running out for their fixture against the Cairns City Lions.

Picture: Port Douglas Crocs AFL Facebook

Sunrise’s Mark Beretta in Mossman during the Cycling Tour De Cure. Picture: Gary ‘Gazza’ McIlroy

Picture: Korupt Vision