Your Douglas News - July 2023

Disaster Dashboard at your fingertips

CAMERAS providing a bird’s eye view of bridges and other flood-prone locations feature in a “one-stop disaster shop” produced by Douglas Shire Council.

The Douglas Dashboard app has officially been launched to complement Council’s disaster resilience strategy.

The Douglas Dashboard allows users to register for free real-time sms/email alerts, features weather warnings, updates on road conditions, power outages, a link to ABC Far North radio and access to Council’s social media updates.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the app allowed people to have vital information at their fingertips before, during and after a severe

weather event.

“The Douglas Dashboard really is a one-stop disaster shop for both local residents and people visiting the area,” he said.

“When people are feeling under pressure and are in the process for preparing for a potential disaster, we want to arm them with up-to-date information, very simply and quickly. The app will assist in achieving this goal.

“It has been a few years since we’ve been severely impacted by a major weather event but Council’s disaster management team has been working hard on a range of resilience initiatives that’ll prove important when the community is next challenged by natural hazards such as cyclones, monsoons or flooding.”

Tirana all smiles following citizenship ceremony

NEW Australian citizen Tirana Kalali could be providing oral examinations for FNQ residents in the near future.

Ms Kalali was a dentist in her home country of Iran and is now only months away from securing the same qualifications in Australia.

“It has been a long and costly journey here in Australia to have my international qualifications accepted and become a qualified dentist in Australia,” Ms Kalali said.

“I have my final practical exam in September, once qualified I am

committed to becoming a valued member of the dental profession in the Douglas Shire.”

The 41-year-old is unapologetically career minded, but when you drill down into her life, it is clear the Iranian-born student is just happy to call Australia home.

“I’m so glad I chose Port Douglas back in 2017 and I am so happy living there; it’s like I’m always on holiday,” she said.

“I consider all my friends there as my family and I’m sincerely grateful for everything they have

done for me.

“I think a smaller city or town makes it easier for the immigrants at the beginning because it’s really a small community and you can know everyone in your street.”

The “holiday” lifestyle she experiences in the Douglas Shire is a far cry from the life she had in her home country.

“Most people have heard about all the protests and all the things that are happening to especially women in Iran,” Ms Kalali said “There’s no freedom on where you

go, what you wear and women are like property for men. You cannot do whatever you want to do there, people live in a different and difficult situation there.

“The situation in my home country of Iran upsets me so much, not only the suffering of young women, but young men too.

“Fortunately I come from a wonderful and well educated family in Iran, my siblings are doctors, an engineer and my father was a lawyer, my mother supported everyone in the family to reach their

goals, they value education.”

Ms Kalali was one of 20 Douglas Shire residents to receive a citizenship certificate from Mayor Michael Kerr at a ceremony in Mossman late last month.

Douglas Shire Mayor Cr Kerr said he was pleased to welcome so many new citizens to the Douglas Shire.

“These people have chosen to become an Australian citizen because they seek the special qualities of peace, prosperity and harmony which characterise the Australian lifestyle,” he said.

The Douglas Dashboard is a vital “one-stop shop” app during natural disasters.

Iranian Tirana Kalali, a Port Douglas resident since 2017, is now an Australian citizen.

Tirana Kalali plans to open a dental clinic in Port Douglas.

More entries needed for Mossman Show

WHEN it comes to participation chicken lovers are at the top of the pecking order but organisers of the Mossman Show are hoping other people share their agricultural flair at this month’s event.

Entries to the poultry section have been so strong in recent years that the chicken pavilion has undergone an extensive upgrade.

But at this stage the other categories haven’t been as popular. Submissions are desperately needed in a range of areas including agriculture, horticulture, cooking, craft and photography.

Mossman and District Show Society President Matthew Hatfield said the opportunities to showcase your talents were diverse.

“Some people don’t know what you can exhibit. Some people might have honey or

they might have a bunch of bananas. Bring them in we want to fill the pavilion right up,” he said.

“There’s bragging rights for the winners and a bit of fun for the rest of the participants.

“You get a couple of dollars for the best chook, or in other categories, but importantly for the kids you also get ribbons; they love that.”

Mr Hatfield said there has also been a big push to get teenagers involved in the “Young Judges Cattle Competition”.

“They’ll have the support of Elders who are always looking to train people and for some that leads to career opportunities,’ Mr Hatfield said.

‘We’re trying to bring more of the community spirit back in the towns again. We are trying to bring back that small-town pride.”

Reconciliation Garden for Mossman High

A CORNER of Mossman State High School, nestled in behind lush playing fields, is being transformed into an important place of reflection and growth for students.

The Reconciliation Garden is taking shape under the guidance of the school’s Agricultural Assistant Neil Pacey who for years has seen potential in the site.

“I pass this area every day and I think it is one of the most beautiful spots at the school, with established trees and the rainforest growth. So I thought I could do something with it,” Mr Pacey said

“We want to create an area where the kids come down to try traditional foods and

native bush tucker. It could be used as a teaching space with medicinal plants and of course there’ll be some established trees as well.”

Mr Pacey said he had worked with First Nations groups to ensure the garden wasn’t based on a “white-man’s perspective of an indigenous garden”.

Mossman based Aboriginal Corporation Jabalbina will be assisting with the project – Reef Assist project coordinator Jason Petersen said it was a positive initiative.

“It’s a good little project for the kids to actually learn about natives and what there is to eat (in native gardens),” Mr Petersen said.

“Once it’s fully established, it won’t matter if kids have left their lunch at home, they can just come down and have a feed.

“Hopefully the kids can make it their own and have a bit of pride.”

School captain Andaman Travis said he was looking forward to seeing the completed project.

“It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful garden and anything we can do to give respect to the Indigenous people is amazing,” Andaman said.

“A lot of high school kids get stressed because of their work; they get very stressed because of personal issues.

“So to have a garden where you can come just chill out and sit down and reconnect with yourself or feel nature - it’s going to be a really good addition to the school.”

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr attended the garden’s official opening during Reconciliation Week.

“It is exciting to think the garden will provide a meaningful place for the school community to gather and reflect for years to come,” he said.

“I am looking forward to seeing how students and teachers involved in this garden grow in their understanding of reconciliation and of course seeing this space flourish.”

Mossman State School’s new Reconciliation Garden.

Proud lifeguard tradition continues on Four Mile Beach

LIFEGUARDS will continue to monitor an iconic stretch of North Queensland coastline under a new deal secured by the Douglas Shire Council.

The $1.4 million contract ensures Surf Life Saving Queensland will maintain a vigilant presence along Four Mile Beach until at least 2027.

The agreement includes:

• one lifeguard on duty 365 days of the year;

• a second lifeguard on duty during the June/July school holidays;

• a second lifeguard on duty during the Christmas school holidays;

• a second lifeguard on duty during the September school holidays; and

• a second lifeguard on duty during the Easter school holidays.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said without lifeguard services in place the stinger enclosure at Four Mile Beach would need to be removed and the area would no longer be designated as a regulated bathing reserve.

“Lifeguards allow us to offer tourists and locals safe swimming all year round,” he said.

“The service includes the all-important stinger nets which are dragged each day when in place from November to May.”

Surf Life Saving Queensland has monitored Four Mile Beach since 1989.

Meantime Four Mile Beach has become more accessible with a new beach wheelchair available.

The wheelchair is stored at the surf lifeguard tower.

NEW BENCH TO REMEMBER CROC ATTACK VICTIM

A NEW memorial honouring the life of a Far North crocodile attack victim has been installed by Douglas Shire Council.

Cindy Waldron was killed in the attack at Thornton Beach in Daintree in May, 2016.

A bench in remembrance of Ms Waldron was installed near Thornton’s beach café in 2018 but was then removed, without council approval, late last year.

Cindy’s new seat now sits under a Melaleuca tree directly adjacent to the café.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said Ms Waldron’s family was appreciative of Council’s efforts to install a new bench. “Cindy’s death was tragic and we understand the disappointment her family and friends experienced when they discovered this memorial had been removed unexpectedly,” Cr Kerr said.

“We hope the new bench will provide them with a place to reflect on her life for years to come.”

NAIDOC newbies to shine on playgroup runway

“FOR OUR ELDERS” is the theme for National NAIDOC Week but it could be a group of catwalk-strutting children who take the spotlight in the Douglas Shire’s upcoming celebrations.

Judges at the Goobidi Baby Show, now in its fourth year, will be looking for the best-dressed boy and girl while one lucky entrant will hold the prestigious title of “Cheekiest Personality”.

Goobidi Playgroup acting coordinator Keearna Costello said it was a fun activity for families with children aged 0-5.

“The kids walk the runway and it’s about showcasing our culture during NAIDOC Week,” Ms Costello said.

“There are children who

dress like traditional dancers.

“Some of them are shy but some of them just get out there and love it and really strut their stuff on the catwalk.

“We haven’t once had a kid chuck a tantrum because everybody here is a winner and they get to take something home; a keepsake.”

Ms Costello said the Goobidi Baby Show highlights the importance of different generations within Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities.

“The children are our upcoming generation; they are going to keep our culture going and they love our old people,” she said.

“The Elders are our

storytellers and our children are growing up to be our storytellers.

“I think children take in our culture at a young age without even realising it.”

The Goobidi Baby Show is one of numerous activities organised as part of NAIDOC Week in the shire.

There will be a church service at Mossman Gorge, a flag-raising ceremony at the Council Administration Building in Mossman, an Elders Lunch, a street parade and a “Day in the Park” event.

Surf Life Saving Queensland will maintain a vigilant presence along Four Mile Beach until at least 2027.

A new memorial bench honouring the life of crocodile attack victim Cindy Waldron has been installed at Thornton Beach.

The Kubirriwarra Yalanji Art & Culture Exhibition will be open daily from July 11-16. Head to the Douglas Shire Council website for more details.

Goobidi Playgroup mum Caroline Petersen with her two sons Texas and Sonny.

Business migrants tour Shire

HOW COUNCIL SPENDS EVERY $100:

SOME of the shire’s most exciting eco, energy and tourism projects have been spruiked to a group of new Australians keen to invest in Far North Queensland.

The business migrants, predominantly from China and Taiwan, were part of a tour organised by Regional Development Australia North in conjunction with Migration Queensland.

Renewable energy experts Volt Advisory Group, Climate Force (rainforest regeneration), Far North Milling/Daintree Bio Precinct, battery producer Enserv Australia, Green Food Australia and Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas showcased their investment potential during the visit.

The business migrants’ tour extended across FNQ but Mayor Michael Kerr said the Douglas Shire was the place to support.

“We are close enough to Cairns to still be a thrilling location for businesses and enterprise,” he said.

“With Cairns International Airport to the south offering the gateway to Asia, high speed internet across key business centres, and a strong visitor market, the Douglas Shire is a gem for entrepreneurs, innovators and investors.

“Importantly this is a place where you can find the perfect lifestyle and livelihood.”

High achievers of a different kind were also recognised at the Far North Milling Coastal Productivity Awards

Far North Milling celebrates the winners of the highest tonnes of sugar per hectare across the seven different zones within the Mossman area.

“Congratulations to all the winners and fingers crossed for a successful harvest season,” Mayor Kerr said.

Hologram croc adds theatre to Daintree

A CROCODILE cruising through water and some nervous tree kangaroos scanning the night sky only metres from your seat; that’s part of the new hologram experience at the Daintree Discovery Centre theatre.

The theatre also has improved accessibility for visitors with a boardwalk ramp another new addition for 2023.

Both the revamped theatre and ramp were officially opened by Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr.

“In my other role as the president of the Clink Theatre in Port Douglas, I can really appreciate the dedication and hard work that goes into making a theatre a success,” he said.

“And by installing a new ramp the centre will improve visitor experience for years to come.

“This is yet another reminder that the tourism offered at the Daintree Rainforest just keeps getting better and better.”

Manager Abi Ralph said the centre had

WHAT’S ON - JULY 2023

• Saturday 1st – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm

• Sunday 2nd – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm

• Saturday 8th – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm

• Sunday 9th – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm

• Sunday 9th – NAIDOC Church Service, Mossman Gorge, 5pm

• Monday 10th – NAIDOC Week Opening Ceremony, Council Administration Office, Mossman, 10am

• Monday 10th – Kubirriwarra Art & Culture Exhibtion Opening, Port Douglas Community Hall, 6pm

• Tuesday 11th – Goobidi Baby Show, Goobidi, Johnson Road, Mossman, 10am

• Tuesday 11th – Netball Fast 5, Port Douglas Sports Complex, 4:30pm

been working hard to keep the immersive experience under wraps.

“To educate our visitors about First Nations culture, visitors from all over the world, is a huge part of the Daintree story,” Ms Ralph said.

“I don’t know how many times I’ve seen it but it still gives me goosebumps and I’m sure other people will get the same experience.”

Gulf Regional Economic Aboriginal Trust Fred Pascoe said his organisation had no hesitation supporting the upgrades.

“I guess when these guys brought this concept to my attention I jumped on it pretty quickly because it is an effective way of highlighting the importance of the original owners (of Daintree),” Mr Pascoe said.

“I wanted to give their perspective and education to every visitor that comes.”

The attraction allows visitors to go on country or ‘walkabout’ with Kuku Yalanji man Juan Walker of Walkabout Culture Adventures.

• Tuesday 11th – Special Council Meeting, 10am

• Wednesday 12th – Mossman Gorge Gateway Markets, Mossman Gorge, 10am – 2pm

• Thursday 13th – Elders Lunch, Mossman Shire Hall, 10:30am

• Friday 14th – NAIDOC Street Parade, Starting at Council Administration Office, 10am

• Friday 14th – NAIDOC Day in the Park, George Davis Park, Mossman, 10:30am

• Saturday 15th – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm

• Sunday 16th – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm

• Saturday 22nd – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm

• Sunday 23rd – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm

• Sunday 23rd – Monday 24th – Mossman Annual Show

• Tuesday 25th – Ordinary Council Meeting, 10am

• Saturday 29th – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm

• Sunday 30th – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm

Sugar cane growers were recognised at last month’s Far North Milling Coastal Productivity Awards.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr (centre) with Councillors from left Abigail Noli, Roy Zammataro, Deputy Mayor Lisa Scomazzon and Peter McKeown at the launch of the Daintree Discovery Centre’s new theatre and boardwalk.