YOUR DOUGLAS NEWS A U G U S T
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DOUGLAS SHIRE NAIDOC WEEK
NAIDOC’s theme this year was a rallying call to all First Nations people to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr, said in his speech at the Opening and Flag Raising ceremony, this year’s celebrations were about moving beyond just acknowledgement, good intentions, and promises. “It’s about walking the walk and not talking the talk”. “Whether it is seeking proper environmental, cultural and heritage protections, constitutional change, a comprehensive process of truth-telling, working towards treaties, or calling out racism”, the Mayor said “we must do it together.”
“There must be a genuine commitment by us all to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! and support and secure institutional, structural, collaborative, and cooperative reforms.” The week’s celebrations included a baby show hosted by Goobidi Bamanga Organisation, Netball Fast Five competition, Mossman Gorge Gateway Markets, an Elders lunch and wrapped up with a huge street parade along Front Street to George Davis Park where school groups and families joined in on celebrations, activities and learnt about NAIDOC week and Indigenous culture.
MOSSMAN SHOW DEEMED HUGE SUCCESS The rain held off as Mossman celebrated its 70th Annual Show last month. The event ran over two sunny days and drew unexpected crowds from near and far. Mossman Show Society President Matthew Hatfield was surprised at the number of visitors to the region who came through the gate. “We usually get a great turn out from residents, but this year there were noticeably more travellers, particularly from interstate. “We are yet to count the tickets sold, but we estimate it was well over the 5,000 mark over the two days.” While pavilion entries were slightly down this year, the quality was outstanding and displays covered agriculture, horticulture, culinary, needlework, arts and crafts and photography. “Every year we encourage people to get involved in the exhibits from school students, community groups and businesses,” Matthew said. The travelling entertainment including Eljays Junkyard Action Show, Melville’s Pioneer Animal Farm, Helly Hoops and Noah’s Thoroughbred Racing Pigs
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were not just a hit with families, but the pig racing also helped to raise funds for the local gymnastics club. Matthew said the Show Society wanted to encourage all community groups to be a part of the annual show, not just because it’s fun, but to capitalise on the fund-raising opportunities the event presented. Matthew was also pleased there was a mixture of home-grown talent on display. “Mossman High School’s Concert Band took centre stage on Monday evening, playing hits from Broadway to the latest Top 40 songs and our local pooches excelled in the Dog Jumping competition.” Douglas Shire Council’s display included a recycling game, a water quiz and a kid’s corner which proved to be a respite area for parents with young children. Plastic Free Cairns joined in, sharing tips and tricks to encourage residents to recycle, reuse and reduce. Matthew said the Show Society was, as always, grateful to all the volunteers and supporters to give up their time to make the event such a success. “We look forward to an even bigger show in 2023.”
Cairns Local News, Friday, Aug 05, 2022 PAGE 13 Cairns Local News, Friday, August