SPORT Interest sought to manage pools
INTERESTED parties are again being asked to put their names forward to lease or manage Mareeba Shire Council’s pools in Kuranda, Mareeba and Dimbulah as well as the Dimbulah Caravan Park. The management of the pools and caravan park fell back into council’s hands after previous lessee H20 Sport and Leisure put forward a longterm tender to manage the facilities for just over $1 million a year. Despite H20 being the only company to put forward a tender, council decided not to award it to them and instead take on management of the facilities itself in the interim. Council then approached two businesses to run the pool, one of which was happy to sign on for a short-term lease. Marlin Coast Swimming and Fitness has been managing the facilities in a six-month short-term lease since December last year, charging council $360,000. Council hopes more interested parties for the leasing or management of the pools and caravan
park will come forward and submit tenders. “Council is open to suggestions and creative ideas on how the facilities can be managed to drive usage and capture new opportunities,” Mayor Angela Toppin said. “The facilities are currently being operated under a short-term arrangement, until 30 June 2023.” “As Mayor, I would like to reassure residents that council will do all that is necessary to continue to operate the pools while the new arrangement is finalised.” Current operating hours for all three facilities are available on council’s website and advertised at the sites. “The Shire's swimming pools provide important social and recreational opportunities and deliver significant community benefits. Many residents are also employed as lifeguards or staff at the pools,” Cr Toppin said. “Council thanks residents and visitors for their understanding and patience during this transition period.”
TABLELANDS THE ART OF SELF DEFENCE
For men, women & children! RHEE TAEKWONDO MAREEBA HAS RESUMED TRAINING
Rhee TaeKwonDo aims at achieving fitness and self defence which helps build confidence, discipline and coordination. TRAINING NIGHTS: Mondays & Wednesdays 6.15pm to 7.15pm Sports Hall, Walsh Street, Mareeba (next to skatepark)
Phone: 4093 2593 • Mobile: 0409 055 450
It’s never to late and you’re never to old to learn self defence!
Josh Snell competed at the ABCRA Nationals Final Rodeo. PHOTO SUPPLIED.
Snell rides with the best in Tamworth
MAREEBA’S Josh Snell made his name known in Tamworth after competing in the ABCRA Nationals Final Rodeo. The National Finals welcomed the top 15 riders across the country for each category including Josh to compete for the top spot. Competing in the 11 to 14 years steer and 11 to 14 years mini bull, Josh put in his all coming home sixth in mini bulls and 10th in the steers. During the event, Josh gave it his all but his highlight was competing alongside some of the greatest in the industry. “A special moment for me in Tamworth this year was getting to compete alongside my best friend Caleb Sheahan who lives in Cairns,” he said. “I’m happy with my rides, I gave it 100 per cent.” Josh has been tackling bull since he was six years old and has travelled the ABCRA circuit from Hopevale to Townsville. Following him and supporting him every
step of the way through his bull riding career is his mother, Teegan. From taking him to practice to the rodeo he competes at, Teegan is beyond proud of her son’s efforts. Supporting him comes in all different levels, anywhere from taking him to local practise days at friends, the riding schools, to al the rodeos he competes at. “Seeing Josh compete in a sport he has passion and love for is a very proud moment for me,” she said. “Supporting him comes in all different levels, anywhere from taking him to local practise days at friends, the riding schools, to al the rodeos he competes at. “In the future I hope to see josh follow his dreams to one day compete in the Australian PBR, and to one day represent Australia in the Canadian/American circuit. “(Competing in Tamworth) was a wonderful experience to be involved in, and it was great to see a lot of Queenslanders competing.”
Chance for clubs to be part of NQ Games SPORTING clubs will have the chance to host a selection of events with the NQ Games set to be hosted in Cairns next year. Mareeba Shire Council was a member of the North Queensland Sports Foundation previously but cancelled their membership as there were no perceived benefits at the time. However with the NQ games set for Cairns in
2024, sporting clubs in the shire will have the opportunity to capitalise on the games and apply to host a sporting event. Councillor Mario Mlikota was appointed as council’s delegate and will be attending a meeting at a later date to discuss opportunities for local clubs and how they can best be involved in the games.
2 LOCATIONS IN ATHERTON 54 Main Street Phone: 4091 1006
Volunteers Sought - Interested persons please visit:
crimestoppersqld.com.au/volunteer
PAGE 34 The Express, Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Shop 14, Atherton Square, Cook Street Phone: 4091 3919
FINE JEWELLERY, WATCHES & GIFTWARE! ALL JEWELLERY, WATCH & CLOCK REPAIRS www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au