YOUR DOUGLAS NEWS
HONOURING THE LIFE OF RAY DARK
THE Old Escape Café in Ayton, nestled amidst the lush greenery of Far North Queensland, played host to an emotional gathering on Thursday, June 27th.
where she was found.
“Kass, thanks to the generosity of the community, is now living with my sister Lara in Brisbane.
By John Masefield
It was a memorial service for Ray Dark, whose life was lost in the post Cyclone Jasper flood event after three days of unrelenting, torrential rain.
Ray was remembered as a father, grandfather, neighbour and friend, and it was clear his absence has left a void in the lives of those who knew him.
Around sixty people, including two of Ray’s children, Nick and Lara, and one of his granddaughters Charlie, came together to celebrate his life.
“A celebration of life with feasting and music, was what Ray wished for,” his son Nick said.
Nick said despite some medical issues in recent years, his father was in good health, and appeared to have gained a new lease on life when he got his dog Kass, named after the initials of a school
“Dad believed that legacy was not leaving something behind for other people, it was leaving something behind in other people,” Nick said.
The atmosphere was a mix of sadness and fond reminiscence, as people shared stories of Ray’s life, recalled his signature bucket hat and bare feet and the impact he had made.
Guests were invited to contribute their memories by posting photographs and notes on a communal board, creating a mosaic of Ray’s life through the eyes of those who knew him best.
As a retired refrigeration mechanic, Ray was renowned for his ingenuity and resourcefulness, an invaluable skill in Degarra where securing the services of skilled tradies is challenging.
Amidst the tears and the smiles, the
event became a tribute to Ray’s spirit of resilience and kindness. Each story shared painted a picture of a man who had left an indelible mark on those who knew him well.
It was evident by the many conversations on the day, that Ray Dark’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends and is was nice to learn the community is planning for something more tangible.
Residents are hoping to arrange for a memorial rock to be installed in Degarra. They have secured a rock and persuaded Cook Shire Council to deliver it to a chosen location in Evergreen Street. Neighbours and friends of Ray will supply the materials and labour to install the rock, and the Bloomfield River District Residents Association will supply a plaque. Demonstrating a commitment to carve his memory into the very heart of the community where he lived, and thrived for many years.
CUE THE WATERWORKS - Foxy farewells Douglas
IN 1973 Gough Whitlam was Prime Minister, the Sydney Opera House was officially opened, Crocodile Rock was a hit for Elton John AND Alan “Foxy” Fox’s lifelong relationship with pipes, valves, meters and pumps began in Mossman.
It’s fair to say a lot of water has flowed under the bridge and through Douglas Shire pipes since then!
Countless mains have been laid and thousands of leaks have been fixed during his career with Council’s water reticulation team, which has spanned over four decades.
Foxy has never been afraid to get down in a ditch and get his hands dirty but it’s his impressive recollection of the
local water network that’s made him a once-in-a-generation employee.
His work mates regularly ask him questions about the network, where the water pipes connect or where to switch off a main during a repair process.
Recently that unique knowledge has been documented and will be used in Council’s online mapping tools.
Alan Fox has decided to turn the tap off on his flowing career, officially retiring late last month.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon thanked Foxy for his service.
“Foxy’s commitment to the Douglas Shire community is truly amazing – we wish him all the best in his retirement!”
Alan “Foxy” Fox looks to new horizons after more than four decades with Douglas Shire Council.
Sea Fever
Poem read by Wendy Bindley at Ray’s memorial.
YOUTH FOCUS AT MOSSMAN SHOW
A YOUNG Rural Ambassador Quest has been introduced by the Mossman and District Show Society.
Show president Matty Hatfield said the quest would help entrants learn new life skills in the lead up to the July 21-22 event.
“They’ll expand their verbal communication skills, demonstrate good personal presentation, a positive outlook and enthusiasm, provide fresh ideas to the society and have the ability to give and take direction,” he said.
“As a Young Rural Ambassador their main role is to promote the Mossman and District Show and agricultural industries supporting the Mossman and District Show Association.
“The ambassadors have also been available to assist with entries and preparation displays at various community events such as the Port Douglas Carnivale, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Light up the Park, Hospital Foundation events, Airing of the Quilts, Daintree State School centenary as well as volunteering at this year’s Mossman Show two-day event.”
Mossman resident Nikita McDonald, one of six quest entrants, said the show had always been a part of her life.
“I did the culinary section of the show with my grandma when I was young. I also like walking through the gates and seeing all the rides and everyone’s excitement to be here,” she said.
“It’s my favourite part of the year and an event I get ready for two months in advance.
“Part of what we do is helping the volunteers run the show. They deserve so much help for what they do because they’re amazing people. However, it’s also getting out and helping people in the community who deserve it as well.”
Back for a second year running at the Mossman Show is a Junior Judging Competition in the Fat Cattle section.
Mr Hatfield said contestants would be required to judge and rank a number of comparative cattle, against the criteria outlined for the class of cattle chosen.
“They will also be expected to explain to the judge how they arrived at their rank-
ings,” he said.
“If you are interested in being involved in the Junior Judging Competition in the Fat Cattle section, contact the Show secretary by email secretary.mossmanshow@ telstra.com or send us a message on the Mossman Show website or Facebook.”
Schedule books are available at various businesses around the Douglas Shire and can also be downloaded from the Mossman Show website.
Closing dates for each category are as follows:
• Guinea Pigs and Caged Birds – entry closing date –18 July 2024
• Fat Cattle – entry closing date – 20 July 2024
• Horticulture, Floral Art and Agriculture – entry closing date – 20 July 2024
• Culinary – entry closing date – 20 July 2024
• Needlework – entry closing date – 19 July 2024
• Arts n Craft ad Photography – entry closing date – 17 July 2024
• Equestrian entries must be online via nominate.com. au – entries open.
New playground for Rex Smeal Park
A CHILDHOOD educator says the new Rex Smeal Park playground is a much-needed space for Port Douglas families.
The playground will be officially opened by Mayor Lisa Scomazzon on Saturday 13 July.
Port Douglas C&K Community Kindergarten director Beth Treloar said, “play spaces help to create a vibrant and connected community”.
“They encourage children and parents to spend time outdoors, promote healthy lifestyles, and build stronger social networks,” Beth said.
“Physically, it enhances gross and fine motor skills through activities such as climbing, swinging, and manipulating smaller objects. Socially, playgrounds are a hub for
interpersonal interaction, helping children develop skills like turn taking, cooperation, and conflict resolution.”
“We are excited to see the positive impact that the new playground will have on the children and families in our community. We hope it will be a wonderful gathering place for everyone to enjoy.”
Mayor Scomazzon said she was pleased the playground was available to children.
“Rex Smeal Park is already a great family space but the playground makes it extra appealing for young children. I look forward to seeing plenty of excited kids using the equipment at the official opening.”
The opening event is from 9am to midday and will include a sausage sizzle, face painting, kids’ entertainer and DJ.
Mossman Show youth ambassadors from top Joel Hatfield, Casey Marr, Nikita McDonald, Matilda Muller, Mia Scomazzon and Ella Bellman.
Beth Treloar with Lily centre and Summer at Rex Smeal Park playground.
A GROUP of new Australians has been recognised in a citizenship ceremony held at the Mossman Shire Hall.
14 people received a Commemorative Australian Citizenship Certificate from Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon as well as a native plant from Council’s nursery to celebrate the special occasion.
The Shire’s new citizens are from Argentina, the Philippines, South Africa, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Mayor Scomazzon said she was pleased for both the new citizens and the Douglas Shire.
“The region regularly has people visit from all over the world but when they decide to make the Douglas Shire home, we welcome them with open arms,” she said.
“Our new citizens bring with them skills, cultural experiences and a genuine appreciation for living in Far North Queensland –their presence can only benefit our community.”
Mossman Hall fitness for seniors
A NEW Fitness for Seniors program, which aims to improve balance, keep people active and strengthen social connection, is growing in popularity.
The first six-week program was completed at the Mossman Shire Hall recently but the classes will be ongoing.
Lower Daintree resident Jancy-Leigh Marrinon has been running the classes and said the social component was just as important as the physical exercises.
“There are a lot of lonely and alone people in our area and we want them feeling connected and part of our happy Douglas Shire family,” she said.
“The exercises are a mixture of gentle cardio balance and coordination. There are five different exercises each week so we mix it up and modify it to suit everybody’s ability.
“While it’s too early to gauge in Mossman, we’ve seen the fitness levels of participants in other classes improve exponentially.”
North Mossman resident Meryl Port said she was already seeing the benefits of the classes.
“It makes me feel good and a lot more active,” she said.
“I found that I’m a lot more balanced and more flexible.”
Kimberly Allison is the youngest member of the group and said she’d been made welcome by the other participants.
The 50-year-old is using the weekly sessions as part of her rehabilitation
following an organ transplant operation late last year.
“The fitness club has been perfect for me because there’s no hospital physio up this way and just due to the lack of facilities in the area,” Kimberly said.
“It’s gentle enough that we can do the exercises and you can do as much or as little as you want.
“I know when I leave here, I’m super happy but then I go home I’m ready for a sleep.
“Even though I live in the community, I still don’t know a lot of people. I’ve been up here for five years, but I’ve previously worked as a contract nurse
all over Australia.
“I was in the supermarket the other day and someone from the group called out my name and I instinctively turned around. It was just nice to feel a part of the community.”
93-year-old Dorothy Hawkes said the classes kept her active.
“I do the housework, including vacuuming, cleaning, and cooking, but that doesn’t involve the different movements we do with the actual exercises in the class”, she said.
“I’d encourage people to come along and give it a go. There’s no harm in trying.”
New Australian Citizens with Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon.
Fitness for Seniors classes are held at Mossman Shire Hall every week.
CASSOWARY CLUB BASKING UNDER BRIGHT LIGHTS
IT has been nearly a decade in the making but the Douglas United Football Club has new lights at its Cassowary Park home.
The lights – a Queensland Government and Council project – will be a game changer for the club’s 150 members according to president Darren Case.
“The amount of daylight at this time of the year is short so our juniors have to pack up early. They can’t go too far into the evening with their training,” Mr Case said.
“We can now run weeknight competitions for juniors, and potentially seniors as well, and with that we can generate revenue for the club.”
It’s the second lights project completed by Council in just a few months. In May, new lights were switched on at Coronation Park for the rugby league club Mossman Port Douglas Sharks.
*Douglas United Football Club would like to acknowledge the funding allocation of $150,000 by the Queensland Government for the installation of field lighting to support football at Cassowary Park as a 2020 Election Commitment that the Department of Tourism and Sport are assisting to deliver. Douglas Shire Council also contributed $50,000 towards the project.
Above: Douglas United Football Club “Squirts” Noah and Tilly in front of the club’s new lights. Below: Lennox, Bryson and Adam amongst the players that will benefit from the new light towers at Cassowary Park.
Fish for the future participant Laurence ‘Junior’ Gibson.
New lights making it easier for club members to schedule training.