Your Douglas News - April 2023

Wonderland Spiegeltent has the fun covered for Carnivale

Fresh off the back of the Adelaide Fringe, the Wonderland Spiegeltent will once again make its way north to Port Douglas Carnivale for a showstopping season opening on Friday, May 12.

From a breathtaking performance of a classic children’s story to more risqué entertainment for adults, there is no denying the Wonderland Spiegeltent

is a must-do favourite on the Carnivale program.

In its signature style, this travelling mirrored hand-hewn pavilion will bring together world-class cabaret, music, circus and comedy in a magical world evoking cheek and charm, sass and decadence in its opulent surrounds.

For audiences young, and young at heart, Circus Wonderland – A Neverland

Adventure tells the story of Peter Pan.

Joined by Tinkerbell and the swashbuckling pirates, take in flying acrobatics and hilarious antics in this fun-filled enchanting show, which will run from Thursday, May 18 to Sunday, May 21.

For the adults, Popcorn Underground ‘variety show’ combines burlesque with circus and adds a big dash of riotous rock ‘n’ pop roar

for a rainbow performance of diversity and glamour.

Sexy and fun, Popcorn Underground is considered the “crème de la creme of the cabaret world” and will run from Friday, May 12 to Sunday, May 21.

For those who like their raunch late night, Debauched, hosted by Tash York, is an entertaining cornucopia of sexy burlesque, mindboggling

acts and risque humour – think the Royal Variety Performance, but with acts you will only see after dark.

Knock Out Events’ Melissa Head said delivering world class entertainment to locals and visitors alike continued to be their mission.

“This will be the seventh year the Spiegeltent has returned to Port Douglas Carnivale, and we just love presenting shows in

it, as it is up close, real entertainment, and the perfect showcase for live performers, delivering a unique and memorable experience for the audience,” she said.

The Wonderland Spiegeltent is one of the many attractions that make Port Douglas the place to live your best life over the 10 days of Carnivale.

SWEET UPGRADE FOR VITAL SUGARCANE TRANSPORT ROUTE

A key upgrade is now complete on the Warner Bridge near Mossman, providing a welcome boost for farmers and heavy vehicle operators just in time for the 2023 sugarcane crush.

The new bridge, which passes over Cassowary Creek on Warner Road south-east of the Far North township, now has an increased 44 tonne load limit – making it more suitable to handling heavier vehicles such as sugarcane harvesters, tractors and other machinery.

The $1.25 million bridge replacement project was jointly funded through the

Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program (BRP), with the Australian Government contributing $625,000 and Douglas Shire Council also tipping in $625,000.

The old timber bridge will remain open for passage by sugarcane trains.

Warner Bridge is the second rural crossing in the region to recently receive an upgrade, after Council completed the new Anich’s Bridge on Finlayvale Road last year, also jointly funded with the Australian Government through the BRP.

Douglas Shire Mayor

Michael Kerr said the new crossing would also reduce maintenance costs incurred by debris removal after floods.

“The new bridge is located downstream of the old timber bridge which was well overdue for an upgrade,” he said.

“It is a vital investment into a better and safer crossing for rural residents and sugarcane machinery.

“I would like to thank the Federal Government for funding this priority infrastructure.”

To find out more about Council’s projects, visit: douglas.qld.gov.au/projects/

20 Rouge inc the Wonderland Spiegeltent

Warners Bridge Upgrade now complete

Mossman Black Belt Trains in Japan

A LOCAL judo coach is in the land of the rising sun for a three-month intensive training regime.

Coral Coast Judo Club Coach, Sensei Ben Sultana, is currently training at Ryutsu Keizai University, located north-east of Tokyo in Japan.

The intense schedule sees Ben train with high calibre training partners twice a day for six days per week.

“This is an amazing opportunity to train with athletes in one of the highly competitive universities in Japan,” Ben said.

“The club has helped me all the way through my judo, improving my judo, developing my coaching skills and encouraging me to achieve my Dan Grading.

“I will come back to Coral Coast after Japan and hopefully be able to pass on my new skills to the club.”

Ben has been a member of Coral Coast Judo for two years and recently achieved his Dan Grading (Black belt). With multiple medals to his name, including receiving bronze at the Australian National Championships 2022, Ben is excited to further his skills and share them with the Coral Coast Judo Club when he returns.

Coral Coast Judo Club services the Douglas Shire and surrounding districts.

Training days are:

Juniors

Monday and Wednesday 6-7pm 5-14 years of age.

Seniors

Monday and Wednesday 7-9pm. Must be 15 years of age or over.

Anyone wanting to enquire about joining the club can contact: info@coralcoastjudo.org.

Douglas prepares for ANZAC DAY

ANZAC Day will be commemorated across the Shire on Tuesday 25 April 2023.

Three locations throughout the Douglas region will host a Dawn service or Commemorative March to honour and remember the sacrifices made.

2023 marks the 108th Anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli, Turkey. A Dawn Service will take

place in Mossman at the Cenotaph on Front Street, followed by a commemorative march in Port Douglas.

In Cow Bay, people can participate in a Dawn March starting from My Pathways car park, 355 Cape Tribulation Road.

The Daintree Ferry will be open at 4am on Anzac Day to accommodate ferry users wishing to attend dawn

services.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr, who will address the Mossman and Port Douglas services, encourages all Douglas Shire residents to attend a service if they are able to.

“Our local community always comes together to honour those who served our beautiful country over the years,” he said

Ben Sultana training

Port Douglas ANZAC march

Aqua Zumba at Mossman Pool

Disaster Resilience Workshops

Douglas Shire Council has been working with community to develop seven local community resilience scorecards and one with our First Nations community. With eight workshops already taken place throughout the Douglas Shire, Council wants to remind

residents to attend the last Community Resilience Workshop for Mossman and Cooya Beach to be held at the Mossman Fire Station on Monday 17 April 2023.

What does community resilience mean to you?

Play a part in the development of your community

resilience scorecard and provide feedback on findings from previous sessions. It’s also an opportunity to check out the new Fire Station in Mossman and enjoy a free sausage sizzle. Kick-off is 5pm!

RSVPs: gaye.scott@douglas.qld.gov.au

Aqua Zumba is making things hot in the pool as upbeat music sets the tone for a dance inspired “fitness party” happening at Mossman Pool!

The energy is high, and the smiles are catching, as all ages and fitness levels joined in on the salsa and Latin-infused beats mixed with exercises all playfully

adapted for the pool.

Given the low-impact nature of the class, Aqua Zumba is suitable for both beginners and Zumba fitness devotees, but don’t let the slower pace of the waterbased class fool you, you’ll still get a cheeky workout due to the resistance of the water, phew!

Both energizing and a ton

of fun, if you want to see what the buzz is about then Cha Cha your way to the Mossman Pool every Monday from 4.30 – 5.15 pm, $9 per session / $7 seniors. Coach Mayra guides her classes with a wealth of knowledge, warm sense of community, and vibrant flair that will have you smiling from start to finish.

Douglas Libraries Outreach Opportunities

Douglas Libraries have been spreading the joy by taking the “First Five Forever” out of the library and into Class.

Kindergarten and prep students at Wonga Beach State School participated in storytelling, songs, and dance, hosted by Douglas Libraries.

Contact Mossman Library to enquire about an outreach opportunity.

P 07 4099 9496

New Trees at Four Mile Foreshore

Council hosted a community planting day at two locations along Four Mile Beach foreshore.

Sand Street & Port Street beach access tracks received about 700 new native trees between the two locations.

The works form part of Council’s Resilient Coast Strategic Plan which helps manage the risk of coastal hazards. A huge thank you to everyone who came along and invested their time into our amazing coastline.

Courthouse Museum Precinct Complete

Douglas Shire Mayor, Michael Kerr officiated the opening of the new Port Douglas Courthouse Museum fence last month.

“The white picket fence is an integral component of the historical footprint of the building, and for this reason it was so important to ensure it was reproduced to maintain the character and style of the original fence as depicted in historical records,” he said.

A massive congratulations to the Douglas Shire Historical Society for completing the final stage of the reconstruction of the Courthouse Museum precinct.

Aqua Zumba

Resilience Tour

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr at Community Tree Planting

Left to right Douglas Shire Historical Society (DSHS) Media Liaison Pam Willis Burden, DSHS President Vivienne Ruffles & Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr at the Port Douglas Courthouse Precinct

Who’s Your Mob?

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Family History Workshop

Deadly Digital Communities are visiting Mossman Library. This workshop will provide an introduction to the resources and information available at State Library of Queensland to help you begin your family history journey or progress your research further, in a friendly, culturally supportive way.

Workshop details: Mossman Library

Monday 8 May 2023 –10:30am to 3pm Free event – bookings required.

To book your place at the workshop, please call Mossman Library on 4099 9496

Easter Trading Hours

Some Council facilities have different operating hours for the 2023 Easter period. Please take your time to read the opening hours below before attending our sites. Have a Happy Easter and stay safe!

Council Customer Service

Closed from Good Friday to Easter Monday. Re-opens Tuesday 11 April 2023.

After Hours Council-related Emergencies: 07 4099 9444

Douglas Libraries

Mossman Library and Port Douglas Library are closed from Good Friday to Easter Monday. Libraries re-open Tuesday 11 April 2023.

Mossman Pool and Caravan Park

• Good Friday 7 April – Closed

• Sunday 9 April – Closed

• Easter Monday 10 April – Closed

Port Douglas Sunday Markets

Operating as usual on Easter Sunday from 8am – 1.30pm.

Kerbside collection & Transfer stations

Operate as normal.

WHAT’S ON - APRIL 2023

• Thursday 6th – Easter craft & scavenger hunt at Mossman Library, 10.30am

• Thursday 6th – Port Douglas Community Services Network – Holiday Activity

Cooking with Chef Ineke – 1:30pm

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

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

• Tuesday 11th – How to plan a town education session at Mossman Library, 10.30am

• Thursday 13th – Kids construction session at Mossman Library, 10.30am

• Thursday 13th – 30th Addams Family musical at The Clink

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

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

• Monday 17th – Mossman & Cooya Community Resilience workshop at Mossman Fire Station, 5pm – 8pm

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

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

• Tuesday 25th – Cow Bay ANZAC Service, meet at My Pathways carpark, 4.35am

• Tuesday 25th – Mossman Dawn Service at Mossman Cenotaph, 5.25am

• Tuesday 25th – Port Douglas ANZAC March, meet at Port Village, 10am

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

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