Your Douglas News - September 2023

Crocs and cops for holiday fun

A SNAPPY lesson in water safety and some junior CSI training will be among the highlights in Mossman Library’s school holiday program this month.

Wildlife Habitat will be bringing some of its scaly residents on September 28 – Sales Executive Trent Berry said there was normally a “wow factor” to their library visits.

“Being able to see these crocodiles up close and personal is certainly a highlight for the children,” Trent said.

“To give the crocs a little touch, just to see what they feel like, is certainly an experience that doesn’t happen every day.

“It’s also about helping kids to be croc-wise in the wild.”

Police from the Port Douglas station will also be paying the library a visit. Children will be learning some crime-solving detective skills and taking some fingerprints during the session with officers.

Follow Douglas Libraries on social media or call the library on (07) 4099 9496 for more information.

Recognising our unsung heroes

MIALLO resident Kerry Shepherdson has volunteered throughout her life and has never sought praise for her tireless efforts.

But the 68-year-old admits the recognition that came with being named Douglas Shire Council Citizen of the Year on Australia Day was appreciated.

“I was thrilled to be nominated in the first place, and that was a great honour, and then to actually win the award was amazing,” she said.

“I was speechless.”

Kerry is currently secretary for The Mossman Hospital Friends of the Foundation, the Mossman District Branch of the Leukaemia Foundation, and the Syndicate/Whyanbeel Rural Fire Brigade.

She was nominated for the award by local

Leukaemia Foundation president Deborah Kachel.

Kerry, who is also a Mossman State High School staff member, said it was special to be nominated by her long-time friend and colleague.

“If you know someone that is really very giving with their time, and you would love to see them recognised, by all means nominate them,” she said.

“It’s your way of saying thank you to them, giving them that nomination. It’s acknowledging that you appreciate everything that they do.”

Nominations for next year’s Australia Day Awards open later this month.

Head to the Douglas Shire Council website for more information.

Wildlife Habitat’s Trent Berry and Georgia Leo, 7, preparing for the Mossman Library’s school holiday program.

Douglas Shire Council Citizen of the Year Kerry Shepherdson (centre), with Mossman High School principal Annie Murie (right) and Vice Principal Mary-Anne Zahnow.

Douglas Shire Council Citizen of the Year Kerry Shepherdson, with Mayor Michael Kerr.

Economic boost following mountain bike event

ORGANISERS of last month’s Reef to Reef are confident the four-day mountain bike event has provided the Douglas Shire with an economic boost and some invaluable online publicity.

More than 500 riders from nine different countries took part in the demanding race which ends with a sprint along Four Mile Beach.

Reef to Reef media director Craig Heydon said the Douglas Shire Council’s support of the event was worthwhile.

“Riders come and spend time in the region, spending money in grocery stores, in restaurants and in hotels,” Craig said.

“Plenty of people were posting on social media across the weekend of their experiences and many can’t wait to come back again.

“Some were out watching the World Cup final and then, talking with a number of competitors, they were looking to spend time on the reef as well.”

Craig said the event itself was highly regarded by riders.

“It’s real world-class mountain biking in Far North Queensland and a highlight for many of the riders was finishing on Four Mile Beach at Port Douglas,” he said.

“A lot have said that there’s

no better finish in the world than that.”

There were several winners crowned following the final stage in Port Douglas (August 20) including Victorian mother and daughter

Meaghan Stanton and Zoe Binder (pictured).

Craig said the teamwork required was an appealing aspect of the race.

“You have to be with your pair

the whole way, you have to finish within two minutes of each other at the end of each stage,” he said.

“Different riders have different strengths. Some will take the lead

on the climb, some will lead on the downhills, but it’s a good way for people to ride with a family member or a friend and get out there and enjoy themselves.”

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the region was fast becoming a top destination for visitors testing their skills on two wheels.

“Bike events, including Reef to Reef, have generated millions of dollars for the local economy and that’s why the Douglas Shire Council was more than happy to throw its support behind this great event again,” he said.

“We see mountain bike riding as one of the fastest growing adventure tourism opportunities in the country. Douglas is joining with other regional councils to develop a regional mountain bike strategy to encourage the growth of the sport.

“This race enhances our reputation as a destination for riders.

“Work has begun on a Mountain Bike Skills Park in Port Douglas, which is another example of council getting behind this exciting sport.”

There’ll be more cyclists converging on the region this month, with Gran Fondo beginning next Friday (September 8).

Port to host Family Fun Day

RAISING awareness about child support services is a key goal of an upcoming Family Fun Day being held in Port Douglas this month.

The September 7 event, now in its 5th year, is part of Child Protection Week in Queensland.

The three-hour event will be held at Rex Smeal Park (10am-1pm) and is aimed at children aged 0-7 years. It will feature live music, a petting zoo, a jumping castle, face painting, free food and other activities for kids.

Port Douglas Community Service Network’s child and parent support worker Erin Easton said there was an informative component to an otherwise fun-filled event.

“There’s plenty of parents out there that maybe in need and are just getting by but aren’t saying anything,” she said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to see what (child support) services are available within

the community at some of the information stalls that’ll be there.

“A lot of people are unaware of what’s out there if they ever come into a time in their life that they do need help.

“But just importantly it’s about the kids having fun, community networks being formed and people making friends.”

Meantime another Child Protection Week family event will be held at the Diwan Sports Centre on September 9.

The aim of Child Protection Week in Queensland is to raise the profile of all issues connected with child protection, including child abuse prevention, treatment, research, education, service provision and support for children, young people and families.

The theme is “Protecting children is everybody’s business”.

For more information on the Family Fun Day in Port Douglas contact Erin on (07) 4099 5518 or email: caps@pdnc.org.au

A Family Fun Day will be held at Rex Smeal Park, Port Douglas on September 7.

Victorian mother and daughter team Zoe Binder (left) and Meaghan Stanton. Picture: Reef to Reef.

Reef to Reef winner Michael Hannah.

Picture: Reef to Reef.

Adrenaline and advocacy fuels Amber’s passion

WHEN teen firefighter Amber Yendle rushed to a Shannonvale property she knew her brigade was in for a challenging afternoon.

“The fire was really fast paced, there was lots of gas canisters and bottles in the shed and it was right next to a house that had lots of animals,” she recalled.

“The metal roof was really hot and collapsing and there were lots of things that could have gone wrong.

“It was scary but with an urban crew with us, they were helping us feel part of that team as well.”

The blaze is one of countless emergencies Amber has attended during her time as a Wonga Beach Rural Fire Brigade volunteer.

There is a “scary but awesome” adrenaline rush that comes with the role but the Mossman State High School student has also enjoyed being an advocate and promoter of her brigade.

The 17-year-old said that was despite her instincts to avoid the spotlight.

“I’m really bad at public speaking and I don’t love big crowds, so I didn’t expect to be able to go to schools, or to community events, and talk as easily as I

have,” she said.

“Even being interviewed for news articles has been odd but eventually you get over it.

“I think knowing that I’m helping makes it easier to do all the events and talk to people and even going to school events with children who come up and ask for photos with the truck.

“It makes it easier having such a happy community around you.”

Amber’s all-round commitment to the role recently saw her named the RFS Regional Young Volunteer of the Year for Far North Queensland.

The presentation occurred at the Wonga Beach station with

a few invited guests, including Douglas Shire Council Deputy Mayor Lisa Scomazzon.

The accolade is a feature of RFS Week – an annual celebration held in recognition of the critical and invaluable role RFS volunteers perform in emergency service delivery.

While firefighting is a pathway Amber has chosen, the celebrated volunteer is encouraging other young people to find the community role that works for them.

“If it’s not the fire brigade, even if it’s another volunteer role, I encourage it because you get more out of it than what you actually put in.”

MATILDAS FEVER SWEEPS OVER DOUGLAS

SPAIN is the champion but it was the Matildas who captured the hearts and minds of Aussies during the women’s football World Cup.

The Aussie side broke new ground by reaching the semi-finals, eventually going to down to England 3-1.

Around 250 people converged on Dixie Park at Port Douglas for council’s live screening of the cut-throat match last montharguably one of the biggest sporting events

of the year.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said while the result on the pitch was disappointing, the local turnout was pleasing.

“You didn’t have to be a football fan to sense the excitement building across the community as the Matildas progressed deeper and deeper into the World Cup,” he said.

“The live screening of the match was a way council could bring together people for this exciting night for Australia sport.”

Mossman High School student Amber Yendle was recently named the RFS Regional Young Volunteer of the Year for Far North Queensland.

Deputy Mayor Lisa Scomazzon (right) was among the invited guests at a special ceremony for teen firefighter Amber Yendle.

A football fan, with divided allegiances, at the Port Douglas live event.

Around 250 people converged on Dixie Park for Douglas Shire Council’s live event – the World Cup semi-final between Australia and England.

YOUR DOUGLAS

Paying that rates bill - we have a solution for you

HOW COUNCIL SPENDS EVERY $100:

and water billing including online credit card payments, BPAY, direct debit, Centrepay, Australia Post and PostBillpay, cheque or money order.

If requested, rates can be paid in instalments. Council can also re-send a rates notice if one hasn’t been received it in the post.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said council could also assist ratepayers facing financial hardship.

Be disaster ready this wet season

INFORMATION packs are now available for all new Douglas Shire residents. The packs contain:

• Information on council services

• Information about the natural hazards in the region and what you as a resident can do to prepare

Contact Douglas Shire Council if you are struggling to pay your rates.

HOMEOWNERS are encouraged to contact the Douglas Shire Council if their half-yearly rates are overdue. Rate notices were issued in

late July and payments were due earlier this week (August 29). Council has a variety of payment options for rates

“The cost-of-living pressures is having an impact on many of our residents and finding the money to pay for bills like council rates can be a challenge,” he said.

“If you are having difficulty paying your rates please contact council. Our staff will work with you to find a solution.”

• Merchandise with links to the council’s disaster information hub Douglas Dashboard

The kits are available at the Douglas Shire Council administration building.

WHAT’S ON - SEPTEMBER 2023

• Saturday 2nd – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm

• Sunday 3rd – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm

• Thursday 7th – Child Protection Week Family Fun Day, Rex Smeal Park – 10am – 1pm

• Friday 8th – Sunday 10th – Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival

• Saturday 9th – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm

• Sunday 10th – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm

• Saturday 16th – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm

• Sunday 17th – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm

• Saturday 23rd – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm

• Saturday 23rd – AFL Cairns Grand Final

• Sunday 24th – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm

• Thursday 28th – Mossman Library School Holiday Activity, Wildlife Habitat visit –10:30am