The Express Newspaper 01 May 2024

Learn digital skills for free

A FREE digital skills workshop for residents, businesses and community organisations will be held in Mareeba on 8 May.

The one-day course, being delivered by Gulf Savannah NRM, is aimed at helping community members master software such as Xero, Microsoft Excel and MYOB.

The next Digital Capacity Workshop focusses on Microsoft Word and will be held at the Jackaroo Motel from 9am to 5pm on Wednesday 8 May.

Registration is required and refreshments are provided.

Community Resilience Project Officer Deb Schedue said previous workshops had received great feedback from attendees.

“These hands-on workshops aim to improve confidence so participants can be better prepared to combat stresses caused by drought and other disasters,” she said.

“We held a Microsoft Excel session in Mareeba in February, and a Microsoft Word course in Georgetown last month and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The upcoming workshop in Mareeba will cover Word essentials including creating flyers, brochures, newsletters and business letters. There will also be shortcuts, tips and tricks to learn about.

To register for the workshop on Wednesday 8 May visit www.eventbrite.com/cc/ building-digital-capacity-workshops-2921119 Further sessions will be announced in the coming months on Gulf Savannah NRM’s website.

Queer Youth Group open to all

YOUNG members of the LGBTQIA+ community are being welcomed to Malanda’s ECHO Neighbourhood House for their Queer Youth Group.

The informal peer-support network has welcomed local LGBTQIA+ young people to socialise together from 3-5pm on Mondays during school terms.

As well as a safe space with various resources, a TV, and snacks, ECHO staff are on hand to assist with any information about relevant services for these young people.

Examples of information provided include referrals to mental health services such as headspace, contact details for Queensland Police LGBT Liaison staff, dates and times for other groups, and the possibility of transport to another group in Atherton.

There is also a book library for parents and carers to access so that they can better understand and support their teenagers.

ECHO community development officer Belinda Moore said she saw a need for this support group in Malanda, after many youth approached her about finding a safe space.

“As soon as this group of young people knew we were opening a new centre with a youth space, they were the first to book a regular spot,” she said.

“We are happy to facilitate any groups wanting space to meet, and it’s especially important for LGBTQIA+ young people to feel supported.”

“LGBTQIA+ people more frequently experience discrimination and stigma. If you look at the statistics around the mental health of queer youths, and how they are up to fifteen times more likely to attempt suicide, for example, it makes sense that we aim to support them as best we can.

“While ECHO don’t offer direct services such as counselling and social work, we are an excellent space for social connection, acceptance, a cuppa and chat, and information about where to get help if needed.”

Queer young people and allies are invited to join the group from 3-5pm on Monday 29 April and Monday 13 May to do some brainstorming with other youths and ECHO staff about the possibilities for the group going forward.

ECHO also offer an adult LGBTQIA+ peer support session on the third Thursday of each month from 9.30-10.30am.

ECHO is located at 11-15 Eacham Place, Malanda and also provides aged care, disability support, other community support and events, transport and Emergency Relief services.

Coastguard Innisfail, based at Mourilyan Harbour on the Cassowary Coast, invites boaters, shers and interested locals to their open day / marine rescue display. Tours of rescue vessels and equipment, boating safety videos and membership information available from Coastguard skippers and crew. Complimentary drinks and snack

ECHO Neighbourhood House operations manager Donna Cifuentes and community development officer Kylee Clubb are excited to welcome queer youth to their support group.

#StandUpSpeakUp Family violence at crisis point

BY ELLIE FINK

AS the nation grapples with a family and domestic violence crisis, local police have revealed they are responding to at least one call-out every shift.

Whether physically, verbally, sexually or financially, DFV is rife in the community and with May declared DFV Month, locals are being urged to stand up and say no to violence.

Last year, the Tablelands Patrol identified Mareeba as a hotspot for domestic violence, with over 60 per cent of their callouts being for violence-related incidents.

This year, the figures remain the same, making it even more important that locals join the #StandUpSpeakUp campaign to reject this sort of behaviour in our community, according to Tablelands DFV coordinator Sergeant Casey Leishman.

“It can be a range of things that we are called out to assist, but domestic is one of our largest callouts,” she said.

“I think for victims living in these situations, the hardest part can sometimes be reaching out for help because they feel ashamed of what is happening,

“I just hope they know and can recognise that it is not their fault and this isn’t because of them and help is out there for them.”

In a perfect world, Sergeant Leishman said domestic and family violence would never exist, but said campaigns such as the #StandUpSpeakUp were vital in educating people about the epi-

demic that is plaguing the region, resulting in 27 deaths of women allegedly at the hand of their partner this year.

“Improving our awareness around domestic violence is key and I think that people in our communities need to know what it is because police can’t provide assistance to people if they aren’t getting calls for help,” she said.

“Reporting family and domestic violence is essential. If we don’t know about it, we can’t respond, and DV is a whole community issue.

“We will continue to work with government and non-government agencies to build a safer community, but it is a whole community effort to tackle this issue.”

Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin and Tablelands Regional Council Crs Annette Haydon and Kylie Lang have jumped aboard the campaign to stand against domestic violence.

“Domestic and family violence has no place in our society,” Mayor Toppin said.

“The occurrence of domestic and family violence is high across the state, and council has been advocating for additional support for Mareeba in this area for some time.”

“We all have a responsibility to prevent, respond and break the cycle of domestic and family violence.”

Cr Haydon said standing up against DFV was critical for change and encouraged anyone across the region struggling with DFV to reach out.

“By speaking out against domestic violence, supporting survivors, and ad-

vocating for systemic change, we can work towards creating safer homes and communities for everyone,” she said.

To raise awareness this month, Women’s Centre FNQ and Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Services have started their campaign across Atherton and Mareeba.

So far, Atherton businesses have been given the opportunity to hold signs and place purple ribbons at their storefronts, showing they have a zero tolerance to DFV.

“Women's Centre FNQ have distributed purple ribbons to local businesses for community members to tie to their fence, gate or letterbox to show their support for a safe community free from violence,”

“The display of purple ribbons throughout the community conveys a powerful message that there's no place for domestic violence.

“Women's Centre FNQ has visited local businesses, asking for a photo to show their support for ending Domestic violence. The service will use this on its social media site to raise awareness and spread the message.

“The service will have a display stall at the Atherton Library during the month of May, resources will be available.”

If you are or know of someone experiencing DFV please call Women’s Centre FNQ on 4091 5100, Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service Mareeba branch 4092 3290 or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for 24 hour support.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

Our #StandUpSpeakUp campaign will run throughout the month of May, and we are encouraging our readers to STAND UP and SPEAK UP against Domestic and Family Violence. Your support will help break the cycle of violence in our community and beyond.

How you can get involved...

• Take a photo with a sign and/or a purple ribbon (signs are available at a photobooth outside Mareeba Priceline Pharmacy on 10 May from 10am to 2pm, at The Express office at 186 Byrnes Street Mareeba, the Women’s Centre or make your own!)

• Post your photo to Facebook, tag The Express Newspaper and hashtag #StandUpSpeakUp

• Email your photo to ellie@theexpressnewspaper.com.au to be featured in our campaign

• Attend the DFV Candlelight Vigil – be at Anzac Park, Atherton on Wednesday 1 May, at 5.40pm sharp for a 6pm start.

Tablelands DFV coordinator Sergeant Casey Leishman.is urging locals to get behind the campaign.

Use of halls remains strong

THE continued strong use of Mareeba Shire’s community halls is testament that agreements between council and local groups to manage the facilities is working well.

“Council halls can be managed by a community group on behalf of council to be used for community members, for example the Mutchilba, Koah, Mt Molloy and Geraghty Park Halls,” Mayor Angela Toppin explained.

“Since this agreement has been introduced in 2017, council has seen the re-positioning of community halls in local communities due to the in-depth knowledge of how best to manage the hall to increase usage in ways that best suit their needs.

“There are many examples of groups that make use of this arrangement, including the Koah Sports and Social Club Inc., a volunteer-run organisation that works tirelessly to provide an amazing community experience for the residents of Koah and surrounds.

“The club maintains the Koah Hall grounds, including the wonderful nature playground, organises community events, promotes active community engagement, and provides a home for numerous recreational classes, as well as

women's, men's and parents' groups, and one-off events.

“In 2023, the committee was successful in receiving a grant to upgrade the tennis court and to buy a new mower for the hall property.

Mayor Toppin said many council-managed and community-managed halls and facilities were available to hire by members of the public for a variety of purposes including weddings and receptions, exhibitions, plays and musicals, club and group meetings and cultural, religious and community events.

“For example, in Mareeba the Sports Hall is used by various groups, including Mareeba Basketball, Rhee Taekwon-Do, and by the Z Crew to provide Zumba classes,” she said.

Zumba instructor Debbie Ball said they had been using the hall since 2019.

“At Zumba, we make exercise fun, and the hall provides a valuable space for our attendees to get their body moving in a motivating and energetic environment while socialising with friends.”

Anyone wishing to hire a hall or facility should go to council’s website or visit council’s event calendar to see what’s on.

Golden Girls hit the road

BY ELLIE FINK

A “Shitbox” car worth no more than $1500, a washed-out trek across Australia and only a few weeks to complete it, Julatten’s “Golden Girls” will be taking on the Cancer Council’s Spring Shitbox Rally.

Julatten local Dianne Seng, along with her friend Kathryn Holland, who lives in Western Australia, will be travelling from Bendigo through central

New South Wales and Queensland to Townsville in October, all to raise funds for the Cancer Council.

The dynamic duo has not seen each other in 20 years, and decided this year they would reunite for the wildest adventure of their lives.

The event holds a close place in Dianne’s heart, as her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

While Kathryn works on fundraising in Perth, Dianne has taken to the Julatten Hotel with hundred boards to help raise at least $5000 for the cause.

She will also be at local markets selling skull decor, with all funds going directly to cancer research.

Dianne is also looking for the perfect Shitbox to take across the country, with a strict criteria to follow in order to enter.

range (the Rex Range)!”

“It also needs to have enough room to pack all our stuff in it, and room to help any team mates who break down along the way.”

The Julatten and Mount Molloy community have already rallied behind the duo, with the Julatten Hotel, Julatten Barramundi Gardens and Amazing Faces face painting chipping in to support their cause.

“(Kathryn’s) mum passed away from cancer and my mum had breast cancer in 1995 and then passed away from a brain tumour in 2008,” she said.

“It was pretty hard for us, so this is a way for us to reconnect as friends that haven’t seen each other in a long time and to honour our mothers.”

“Basically, so long as it is not a four wheel drive or all wheel drive and under $1500, it can be entered,” she said.

“During the rally that started in Port Douglas, there was an old van that someone had painted pink and unfortunately it didn’t even make it up this

If you have a Shitbox that you would like to sell under $1500, contact Dianne through the “Golden Girls” Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id=1000890029416 98&mibextid=uzlsIk

To donate, visit www. spring2024.shitboxrally.com. au/golden-girls

Julatten local Dianne Seng is raising money ahead of the Spring Shitbox Rally.

Plea for action on gully flooding

FRUSTRATED residents who are sick and tired of their Atherton properties being inundated by stormwater every time there’s a decent downpour are pleading with Tablelands Regional Council to do something about it.

Two women, both residents of Evans Street, say they are fed up with promises that works will be done to mitigate flooding in Peakes Gully and appealed to the new council to tackle the long-standing issue.

Long-time resident Michelle Saunders said she had been hearing promises to improve drainage in the gully for 20 years and instead of things getting better, they had worsened due to developments being approved upstream which push even more water into the gully, flooding homes, sheds, roads and properties with as little as 60mm of rain.

“Six previous Atherton Shire and Tablelands Regional Councils under five different Mayors have done very little to fix the real causes of the flooding issues – only bandaid solutions,” she told the council last week.

“We have 24 years’ worth of correspondence showing the council has been aware of this matter. Council also continually approves upstream developments without fixing their failed system.

“Yes, this is a long-standing problem. Yes, it will cost money. Yes, it is a big job and it won’t get smaller or cheaper. Nor will it ‘disappear’ with time.”

Neighbour Mary Neace said she wanted to know why funds for Peakes Gully drainage improvements were constantly deferred, pointing out that $1.65 million had been budgeted for the works in the 2023-24 budget but now there was no allocated funds until 2027-28.

“Why does this work continue to be delayed when it will cost more?” she asked.

“Why is there $8.5 million for the Priors Creek development but nothing for Peakes Gully?

“We ask you to firmly commit to putting into this next budget the necessary funds – our taxpayer dollars – to properly com-

mence with remediation of Peakes Gully rather than directing funds towards secondary beautification schemes like Priors Creek, a purported tourist attraction.”

The pair outlined the issues to council, citing reports and studies that had been done over the years which had identified there were “grossly deficient stormwater infrastructure in the catchment, and the lack of a secondary flow path”, but instead of council acting on the recommendations, they had only undertaken small works that had not resolved the problem.

At the same time, council had approved the Mulungu health clinic project despite warnings that it would exacerbate the flooding issues affecting their properties – something that is now their reality.

“The problem of potential flooding is quite clear (in photos presented to council) and now the two new approved ‘uphill’ developments, Clear Mountain Estate and Sunshine Gardens, will surely exacerbate the flooding,” Ms Reace said.

“Are the developer fees/headworks charges going to be allocated to improving the infrastructure as related to drainage/ flooding and a ‘no worsening effect’?

“We were assured of this with the Mulungu project, yet that has not been the case even in light rains, let alone what we’ve experienced in the last few years.”

The women outlined what the current issues were and what they believe must be done to mitigate the flooding in Evans and Lloyd Street in particular.

“There’s not enough drainage on Robert Street, which would help to eliminate water coming down Lloyd St which has too high a profile/upward slope and rainwater cannot reach the exiting drains,” Ms Reace said.

“Existing drains in Peakes Gully need to be maintained and kept clear more efficiently. Residents are at times clearing these drains themselves to keep their properties from flooding.

“Peakes Gully underground drainage pipes need reviewing and/or replacement.

Only two of the existing six pipes are draining water at the dumpsite on McConaghie Street.

“Central Tyres’ new driveway potentially compounds the problem with only small drainage pipes underneath, creating a backup of water.

“Drains are needed on Evans Street to collect and disperse water underground from the Mulungu property outlet on Evans. Their ability to release water on Evans should never have been allowed.”

The women met with Infrastructure Services general manager Mark Vis and former councillors earlier this year and were told it would cost the council $7.3 million to fix the issues but no funds are allocated to the works until the 2027-28 year through to 2032-33.

During that meeting, Ms Saunders says she asked whether she should approach Member for Hill Shane Knuth regarding the possibility of getting government funding to do the works, and was advised to do so.

Mr Knuth told her there was funding available for such projects and that council had not applied for that funding. He advised that any application would have to come from the council.

Ms Saunders has also asked council for a copy of a confidential report, the Peakes Gully Stormwater Drainage Study, but has yet to receive any documentation.

After the presentation, Mayor Rod Marti said the women had “got our attention” but advised any works to remedy the situation would have to be staged over years.

“That’s what we’ve been hearing for 24 years” Ms Saunders replied.

Earlier in the meeting, Ms Reace made it clear what residents wanted.

“We are asking you to please act on a problem that has long been neglected, overlooked or ignored. This is no longer an inherited problem,” she said.

“You all have a duty of care for a situation that affects businesses and residences of our town.”

Interest rates boosting Mareeba’s bottom line

HIGHER interest rates are contributing to Mareeba Shire’s bottom line, with the council receiving $2,572,881 on its investments to date this financial year.

Council’s budget had assumed interest would be $590,250 to date, and $787,000 for the full financial year, but higher interest rates mean the council has surpassed its expectations already this financial year.

“This has been a trend for a while but, of course, the areas that will benefit are the reserves where the interest will be placed to boost those reserves of water, wastewater and so on,” Mayor Angela

Toppin commented. Council’s coffers have also been boosted by the sale of four lots at the Mareeba Industrial Park earlier this financial year with gross sales totalling $606,000. However, council was quick to point out that the money will be re-invested into the development of more lots at the estate, with Deputy Mayor Cr Lenore Wyatt asking whether plans were underway for future development.

With only 10 lots left, chief executive officer Peter Franks confirmed a design for the development of the next stage of

the industrial estate was being completed and would be presented to council in the coming months.

Mareeba’s budget is also benefiting from works done by council for third parties, with $1.99 million in revenue to date this financial year, compared to the budgeted figure of $1.2 million (year to date), and $1.6 million for the full financial year.

On the expenditure side, council’s financial statements reveal that funds spent on repairs caused by vandalism has reached $21,512 so far this financial year.

Photos shown to the council last week that clearly depict the flooding issues in Evans and Lloyd Streets.

Animals keep officers busy

ANIMAL attacks and straying animals rose sharply in Mareeba Shire in the first three months of this year, with 32 attacks recorded compared to 18 during the same period last year.

Local Laws officers were also kept busy dealing with 125 straying animals in the quarter, versus 92 for the same quarter in 2023.

Complaints about barking were also higher, contributing to an overall increase of issues relating to animals, with 405 recorded for the first three months of 2024, compared to 358 in 2023.

Animal management infringements issued for the period numbered 28 versus 15 for the previous year, and 160 animals were impounded, compared to 104 in the same period last year.

Survey to rate town murals

AS public murals start to pop up all over the Mareeba Shire, locals are now being asked for their views on the artwork.

Eight artworks have been created over the past year, with colourful murals now decorating the Mount Molloy Memorial Hall, Chillagoe Town Hall, Biboohra Water Tanks, Kuranda Visitor Information Centre, Mutchilba Community Hall and Mareeba Skate Park.

In addition, a colourful mosaic has been created at Mareeba Centenary Park.

To guide the council in what the next four murals should look like, a community survey has been launched to get feedback on the current ones.

The results will also support council’s application for further grant funding from the Regional Arts Development Fund which awarded the shire grants for the existing new murals.

The survey asks respondents to rate the overall quality of the artwork, whether it is “impressive and pleasing to the eye”, whether it enhances the attractiveness of the location, whether it reflects the community's unique local character, culture, heritage or natural environment, and whether it encourages a sense of shared identity amongst community members.

To compelte the survey, go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/ LFQ2PV2

Business awards open for nominations

A NEW model has been announced for this year’s Tablelands Business Excellence Awards, allowing businesses and organisations to nominate themselves and then for the community to nominate their favourites for the People’s Choice categories.

The annual awards showcase the region’s outstanding businesses and not-for-profit organisations and are now open for nominations.

“This Queensland Small Business Month we want to celebrate the business community’s significant contribution to our region,” Mayor Rod Marti said.

“We have 2885 registered businesses in our region, and small business make up 97% of them.

“All of these businesses contribute to our strong economic growth, new investments and new jobs.

“This is your chance to nominate your business or organisation, and nominate a business, organisation or individual in the people’s choice categories.

“We are doing things a little differently this year – businesses and organisations can nominate themselves until 5pm on Monday 6 May, and then the

community can nominate any business, organisation or individual in the people’s choice categories until 5pm on Friday 17 May.”

There are eight award categories: Champion Business; Community Contribution Excellence; Customer Service Excellence – Professional Services; Customer Service Excellence – Trade, Retail and Services; Employer of Choice; New and Emerging Business; Sustainability Environmental Contribution Excellence; and Technology and Innovation Impact. People’s Choice categories include

Business and Organisation and Customer Service Excellence Individual.

To nominate, go to www.trc.qld. gov.au/business-excellence-awards

“These events are a great opportunity to connect with other business owners and community leaders, make valuable connections, exchange ideas and explore collaboration opportunities,” Mayor Marti said.

The awards will be presented at the Tablelands Business Excellence Awards Gala Ceremony at 6.30pm on 25 May at the Atherton International Club.

Tickets are $100 per person for the awards ceremony, three-course meal and entertainment, and can be purchased at www.tablelandsregionalcouncil.eventbrite.com

“We’re looking for category sponsors so contact us if you’d like to be involved,” Mayor Marti said.

There are also a range of Queensland Small Business Month events across the region including visits from Dominique Lamb, the Small Business Commissioner. Go to www.trc.qld.gov. au/small-business-month for more information.

Teen assaults school-based police officer

A 15-year-old boy is being dealt with under the Youth Justice Act after a schoolyard brawl ended with him assaulting a police officer at Mareeba State High School.

Student witnesses reported that two 15-year-old boys had an altercation in which the school-based police officer had to intervene.

It is alleged one of the 15-year-olds then shoved the officer to the ground and even made attempts to assault school staff members.

This is not the first instance of violence at the school, with concerned parents taking to Facebook community groups over the past month to express their concerns for their children’s safety.

Many said the bullying and violence was “getting out of hand” and that there was nothing being done to prevent it from happening.

A Department of Education spokesperson said appropriate consequences had been put in place for the student who had assaulted the officer.

“Incidents of this nature are a serious concern for schools, families and the broader community and are treated very seriously,” the spokesperson said.

“The school has applied appropriate consequences to the students involved in line with the school’s Student Code of Conduct.

“The school are also working with QPS on the matter and no further details can be provided for student privacy reasons.

“There were no weapons involved

in the incident, contrary to some rumours circulating in the community and on social media.”

A QPS spokesperson confirmed that the school-based police officer was uninjured during the altercation and that the student was being dealt with under the Youth Justice Act.

Ongoing violence at schools is one of the main factors of the mass teacher shortage according to Queensland Teachers Union vice president Leah Olsson.

“Addressing the teacher shortage affecting schools across Queensland requires both the Queensland government and Department of Education (DoE) to attract more teachers to the profession and retain the teachers we already have,” she said.

“A crucial part of that is to address issues of student behaviour; that includes DoE having genuine zero tolerance for aggression or violence in state schools, which are students’ learning places and our members’ working places.

“School leaders must be fully supported by DoE in any decisions they make around student behaviour, including issuing school disciplinary absences for the safety of staff and other students.

“All Queensland state schools must also have sufficient funding from both federal and state governments to provide more positive learning centres in all regions and for all year levels, as well as more specialist staff such as guidance officers.”

Cole’s

superheroes back for 21st race

A TEAM of superheroes will be running 140km from Mareeba to Chillagoe next week in honour of Cole Wyatt, who was tragically killed in 2020.

For the second time, “To Chillagoe For Cole” will be back for the Great Wheelbarrow Race, with all money raised going towards a bursary which will be awarded at the end of the year to a Mareeba State High School student.

Cole ran the race twice in his lifetime, the first time with “Scrambled Legs” and the second time alongside Mareeba Rotary Club.

“Cole also spent a lot of time with the wheelbarrow race as a kid, tagging along with me when he was little and taking in the whole experience,” his mother Lenore Wyatt said.

“He was always up for whatever was thrown his way and our team of his friends and family are coming together in honour of him.”

Donning their favourite Marvel or DC superhero outfits, the team will honour Cole’s legacy dressed as the superheros he loved throughout his childhood.

Lenore said she was excited to see

the heroes make it across the finish line for a second year in a row.

“Going over the finish line is probably the most exciting bit, and the most emotional thing,” she said.

“It is amazing how these people, family and friends, have taken the time out of their busy lives to come to the race and keep Cole’s name alive.

“I am so proud of them. I want them to know they just need to keep running – there is a pub at the end.”

The race kicks off on Friday 10 May with the downtown parade from 9.30am along Byrnes St, Mareeba.

Team “To Chillagoe for Cole” will be back on the Wheelbarrow Way for the 21st race.

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Amphitheatre lease granted

A 10-YEAR lease has been granted to the Kuranda Amphitheatre Society so it can take the unique facility to new heights over the next decade.

The society has held the lease since 1994 and was recently granted another 10 years from Mareeba Shire Council.

Earlier this year, the society held three community consultation sessions with a view to “shape the masterplan for the amphitheatre’s next decade and beyond”.

Working bees are also being held every month on second Sunday between 10am and 1pm, with volunteers invited to help with painting, gardening and cleaning around the facility.

Mayor Angela Toppin said Covid 19 had been

“really devastating” for the amphitheatre’s operations.

“To see the re-emergence and the strong committee is very favourable,” she said.

Cr Peter Brown also commended the society for “all the good work and entertainment happening there”.

Cr Amy Braes said the security of having the 10-year lease would enable the society to “strategically plan for the future”.

The Kuranda Amphitheatre Society has held a lease over the land since 4 May 1994.

Council supports the society by providing highly subsidised community tenure of the facility and associated land.

Residents urged to save water

MAREEBA residents are being asked to conserve water while the Shire Council continues with three vital projects that will improve the capacity of the town’s water network.

The council says the water treatment plant is operating close to capacity and residents are being urged to conserve water effective immediately.

The upgrades are part of council’s 10-year water strategy and will increase capacity of the plant providing long term water security to residents and businesses in Mareeba. The projects involve the plants filtration system, raw water pump, and booster pump station.

The anticipated completion of the upgrade projects is 30 June.

At this stage, council is not enforcing water restrictions, however it may be necessary to introduce restrictions at short notice to enable certainty of water supply to residents.

Council is monitoring the situation and will notify the public if water restrictions need to be put in place.

Millaa Millaa looks to the future

A MASTER plan will be developed for the small town of Millaa Millaa and its surrounds to ensure it can flourish after a newly-formed steering committee approached Tablelands Regional Council to assist with funding the plan.

The small town’s economy suffered for months after the Palmerston Highway was extensively damaged by an extreme weather event following Cyclone Jasper late last year which makes the master plan even more important so it can withstand similar challenges in the future.

The master plan will take in the town itself as well as popular visitor destinations including McHugh’s Lookout, the Waterfall Circuit and Mungalli Creek areas.

Last week, the council approved $25,000 in funding to contribute to the cost of the plan being developed by James Cook University’s Tropical Urbanism and Design Lab.

Deputy Mayor Cr Dave Bilney lauded the Millaa Millaa Progress Association for its initiative, saying there had been moves to create a master plan many years ago but it had not eventuated.

“We are acutely aware that this community has been noticeably challenged over the Covid times and, more recently, Cyclone Jasper and the subsequent extended closure of the Palmerston Highway, As described in this report, the master plan seeks to build greater resilience and will support current works being undertaken at the Millaa Millaa Falls,” he said.

“The plan will be an aspirational document outlining long-term strategies and objectives for land use, recreation, tourism, transport, style, infrastructure, development and industry.

“What we’ll end up with is a framework that will guide future investment and development in the Millaa Millaa area.

“James Cook University’s Tropical Urbanism and Design Lab will be developing the master plan and they have plenty of experience in our

region as they developed master plans for Ravenshoe and Malanda.

“This is a document that will be used to leverage grant funding opportunities from the State and Federal governments.”

The brief for the master plan includes the need to consider urban design, streetscape and traffic management issues while identifying opportunities to expand the town centre, specifically along Maple Street, Main Street, Brotherton Close and the corner of Palm Avenue to accommodate more business premises and small residential blocks.

The brief also cites a 2016 analysis that identified the removal of the overhead electricity poles and transformers from the central median which would deliver significant amenity improvement of the main street.

According to the briefing document, the masterplan should also include, among other things, the “development of a space that creates a sense of arrival and/or gateway” into the town centre; improved way-finding signage for visitors; the potential for a “civic space” to cater for outdoor dining, markets, festivals and events; and “innovative landscaping and pavement treatments”.

A steering committee, which was formed in November last year, also wants to see a design that is “conscious of the transition to renewables” for electric scooters, bikes and cars, as well as pathways and charging stations for electric vehicles.

They also want the master plan to embrace Millaa Millaa’s wet and cooler weather as an asset, suggesting it should “capitalise on celebrating wet and cool weather experiences for visitors such as sitting by a cosy fireplace”, or gazing at “primordial forested landscapes with mist swirling in the valleys”.

The total cost of developing the master plan is expected to be between $30,000-$50,000 and, once completed, will be put out for community consultation before being finalised.

“What we’ll end up with is a framework that will guide future investment and development in the Millaa Millaa area"

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• Sports and Spinal

• Specialising in Shoulders

Michelle Du, Physiotherapist »

OPEN 5

CONNECTING COOK

with Cynthia Lui, MP

May is Small Business Month in Queensland – a time to recognise and celebrate the small businesses and ‘mum and dad’ operations, which are the backbone of our communities here in Cook. Our small businesses don’t just provide us with our morning coffees, our plumbing services, our clothes, our takeaways, and our home IT support, they are the bedrock of the local economy in most of our towns and communities. Beyond the ‘business’ side of their operations, they also support our clubs, charities and help to foster community connection.

tMost of our small businesses proudly display the certificates they receive for contributing to the latest fundraiser for the local school, soccer club, dance group or charity. Or they maintain a noticeboard for their customers to share news and information. Many are active in their local Chamber of Commerce, and are focused on far more than their bottom line. They strongly support the communities that support them. Happy Small Business Month everyone!

Mareeba Chamber of Commerce and Mareeba Shire Council have each received $2000 Regional Networker grants to hold events during Small Business Month to provide connections and education for small business owners. Workshops will be held in Chillagoe, Kuranda and Mareeba - Quick wins for Small business - and Council will host a ‘Business After Dark’ event on May 28.

The master plan will include how to connect the town with nearby tourist attractions such as McHugh’s Lookout.

Millaa Millaa locals Sani and Sean Whyte are excited about the new master plan being developed for the town which will consider a 2016 analysis that recommended the powerlines and poles in the main street be removed.

Students stop to honour

Bridges set to close for repair works

SIX single-lane bridges on the Gulf Developmental Road (GDR) and Kennedy Developmental Road (KDR) will undergo deck resurfacing this month.

The works will be carried out on single lane bridges on the KDR at Hospital Creek and on the GDR at Sandy Creek, Sisters Creek and Sisters Creek Anabranch, McMillan Creek and Charles Gully.

To enable the works, the bridges at Hospital Creek, Sisters Creek and Sisters Creek Anabranch, McMillan Creek and Charles Gully will be closed between 7.30am and 5pm from Monday to Friday, starting on Tuesday 7 May and finishing on Tuesday 4 June.

In Georgetown, works on Sandy Creek Bridge and the road between George and High Streets will require single lane closures and speed reductions between 7.30am and 5pm from 14 May to 3 June.

Department of Transport and Main Roads North Queensland acting regional director Kylee Peterson said the works would be carried out in stages across all sites over several days to streamline the process and minimise disruptions to motorists.

“TMR understands the impact these works have on residents and business as well as freight operators in this region,” she said.

“These works are challenging because the bridges are single lanes, so they must be closed as the construction process will occupy the entire width of the bridge.

“Initially, an excavator removes the existing bridge surface. Work crews then apply a primer to the bridge surface to create a strong bond for the bitumen. The primer is a tacky substance that takes several hours to dry.

“The bitumen is then rolled over the primer. The bitumen can take several hours to lay and compact before traffic can be permitted onto the bridge surface."

STUDENTS across the region took time out of their busy learning schedule to pay respects to those who have fought for Australia last week.

Atherton State High School and St Stephen’s Catholic College were two of those many schools that held an Anzac Day parade and service during the week, giving students an opportunity to learn about the sacrifices made by Australian servicemen and women.

St Stephen's Catholic College captains Manvir Kaur and Ella Daven laying the wreath.

Atherton High School leader Noah Child lays a poppy at the cemetery.

DEBUTANTE BALL

APRIL 27, 2024

Marshall Thompson and Abbie Buchgraber. Tyson Metzger and Alara Nobelius.Jake Howard and Alexa Szerstuk. James Dickinson and Alexis Fraser.Zhi Garcia and Alyssa Bale.

Andrew Nitschke and Alyssa Camp.Harley Cek and Amelia Sciani. Isaac Thompson and Angelina Tulloch. Tyler Srhoj and Ava Gobus. Nate Byrnes and Elly Martin.

Tristan Malcolm and Emyly Mahoney.Brayden Pollard and Tashi Maxwel.

MAID OF HONOUR: Jordana Giacometti and Livinia Di Salvo with Milan Maloberti (centre).

FLOWER GIRLS: Lacey Taylor and Beatrix Osborne.

Olie Hampton and Gianna Ferraro.Jack Czygan and Giulia Hughes.Mac Cureton and Jaclyn France. Ayden Brischetto and Kaydee Kohler. Samuel Broad and Madeleen Milton.

Jhett Roche-Maxwell and Rebecca Quintieri. Zac Alexander and Sally Miosge.Izaak Shaw and Samantha Harriman. Kobe Saxon and Tahli Flinn. Daniel Ericson and Velenia Musso-Tatti.

COMMITTEE: Marisa Sabin, Kaye Peterson, Cassie Bale, Mary Pendenza and Linda Bale.

ENTERTAINMENT

Gear up for some giggles

CAR enthusiasts, start your engines for a morning of laughter at the Comedy Tour’s “Tour the Classics with Baz” at the Blundell Ford Museum.

Join Baz and Ron Blundell for some hilarious hijinks and vintage vibes as they explore some of “the coolest cars in town”.

The Blundell Classic Ford Museum houses over 40 classic Ford cars, a collection of vintage tractors, and even a couple of vintage motorbikes.

There will be a pitstop at the end of the tour to refuel with a hot drink and some morning tea at the museum’s own Cobra Café.

The first lap of this tour will run on Saturday 18 May at 10am.

This is a small group tour, and bookings are essential. Email info@comedytours.com.au for more info, or pop in and see them at Suite 3, 186 Byrnes St, Mareeba.

Meg and Peg’s story told

AN inspiring story of two sisters growing up on a farm in the 1960s and 70s has been shared through local author Margot Warnett’s first children’s book “Meg & Peg”.

The book, illustrated by Julie Haysom, is a collection of true short stories about Margot and her sister’s young lives growing up on a dairy farm just outside the small town of Tatura in Central Victoria.

Meg and Peg grew up in the 1960s and 70s and, like most country kids, they had the freedom to explore their backyard and beyond.

Their parents encouraged risk taking, living life to the fullest and fostered a love and respect for all animals – even the biters and the stingers.

Animals were a huge part in their lives and play a key role in the book.

When the girls weren’t playing outside, they were in their bedroom reading the infamous collection of Thelwell’s pony cartoons. From a very young age Meg and Peg shared a quest to ride at the White City Horse Show, presented in one of Thelwell’s books.

Unknown to the girls, White City was in England, a plane trip away, but this obsession inspired a childhood dream and a passion to ride and compete at horse shows.

"Meg & Peg" is now available to read at the Mareeba Library, after Margot donated a copy for local children to enjoy.

For more information or to purchase a copy of the book, please visit megnpeg.com and join the mailing list.

Colourful new exhibition in Atherton

Some of the paintings that will be on display the "World of Colour" exhibition.

A COLLECTION of 33 colourful paintings showcasing landscapes, people, animals and places will be on display in Atherton until 8 June as a part of the "World of Colour" exhibition.

Hosted by the Thursday Painters, a subgroup of the Tablelands Art Society, the exhibition will showcase pieces that members have worked on during their time in the club at the Atherton Old Post Office Gallery.

This exhibition will showcase many mediums, including oil, watercolour, pen and ink, acrylic, collage and mixed media depicting landscapes, portraits of animals and people.

To celebrate the exhibition, the group is hosting an official opening on Saturday 11 May from 10am, with light refreshments and artists chats throughout the day. All are invited to come along.

Gearing up for an action-packed weekend

THE quiet town of Mt Garnet will be buzzing over the May Day long weekend when thousands of people make their way there for the annual rodeo and races.

The three-day festival which features two days of thoroughbred racing and a one-day action-packed rodeo as well as nights filled with live music and campfires.

On Friday 3 May, the racing kicks off with a five-race program including the Battle of the Bush, while on Saturday, a seven-race program will be staged including the Mt Garnet Cup, along with Fashions

on the Field. On Sunday, it’s all about the rodeo action in the arena which will kick off at 9am.

Those who wish to attend can purchase a weekend pass that includes all three days (racing, cabarets, rodeo and camping) for $130 online at www.trybooking. com/events/landing/1198902

A one-day pass costs $25 and should also be purchased online.

Patrons should be aware there are no EFTPOS facilities so cash only will be accepted at the gate.

Baz is welcoming Ford lovers to his “Tour the Classics with Baz” at the Blundell Ford Museum.

Author Margot Warnett donates her book "Meg & Peg" to Mareeba Library’s Andrea Crooks.

ENTERTAINMENT

Stars Wars marathon set for drive-in

IN a galaxy far, far away, Star Wars fans are getting keen for the first-ever Star Wars marathon screening at the Mareeba DriveIn to celebrate “May the 4th” be with you. For the first time ever, the Star Wars official franchise has allowed cinemas to play the movies on May The 4th – a day that

fans celebrate the movies.

“We are super keen to play it! I know the community has been asking for this for some time but because we have had restrictions we couldn’t,” manager Ann-Marie Donnelly said.

“It’s a great community event and a great

way to get out the good old fashioned way.”

Patrons are encouraged to dress up, with prizes to be won for best dressed.

“A New Hope”, “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return Of The Jedi” will play on 4 May from 7.30pm at the Mareeba DriveIn.

Multicultural event seeks acts, food stalls

PERFORMERS and stallholders are being encouraged to consider being part of Mareeba’s Multicultural Festival in August.

The Mareeba Shire is home to people from some 75 different nationalities and cultural backgrounds, and the festival, which has been going since 1999, celebrates this diversity, and harmony.

The free event on 31 August in Arnold Park will feature non-stop entertainment, including dance and music by hundreds of performers from different ethnic groups, as well as fabulous food from more than 20 stalls, providing opportunities to experience many different cuisines.

But the organising committee wants applications from performers who can bring engaging acts to the 2024 event, as well as stallholders who can provide an array of delicious, traditional food.

Organisers want applications from commercial and not-for-profit food vendors which represent the cultural diversity of the Mareeba Shire.

They also want nominations from performers who can demonstrate a unique cultural activity which might include dance, a form of martial arts, vocal performances, or other theatrical displays.

To register your interest as either a performer or stallholder, go to www.mareebamulticulturalfestival.com.au

Drive in owners Ann-Marie Donnelly, Jason Donnelly and Josephine Doger de Speville are gearing up for May the 4th Day.

ON LANDthe

Fanciers from afar flock to poultry auction

BY BRI GITTE DALEY

AN unprecedented number of people were drawn to this year’s Annual Purebred Poultry Auction held recently at the Atherton Showgrounds.

The event, hosted by the Atherton Tablelands Poultry Club at the Percy Tardent Pavilion on 21 April, is renowned for being the biggest sale of purebred poultry in Far North Queensland.

The auction catered for the tastes of all enthusiasts by also having other categories of poultry such as waterfowl (ducks), turkeys, avian birds (parrots, budgies) and even guinea fowl keets.

With over 300 people in attendance, the highly anticipated and popular day proved to be a resounding success.

Tablelands Poultry Club president Kirk Trianfyllou said a highlight of the auction was the record number of people who attended.

“It was by far the biggest auction that I have ever seen in my time with the club,” he said.

Allan MacKenzie and Rowan Hoffman auctioned off birds to enthusiastic bidders who came from all across the Tablelands, Cairns, Charters Towers, Townsville and as far away as Emerald.

Kirk said that without the auctioneers donating their time, the event would not be able to take place.

“The Atherton Tablelands Poultry Club is very grateful to Allan and Rowan who donated their time for this event, especially on a Sunday,” he said.

“Bidding was very consistent on the day.”

The auction provided a valuable opportunity to purchase poultry which would be difficult to source through normal avenues.

It showcased some of the finest birds on the Tablelands, with a vast assortment of over 800 high-quality birds present on the day.

With over 230 lots on offer, birds were sold either singly, in pairs or in trios.

Buyers enjoyed the "best of both worlds" by having the chance to purchase both large breeds and bantams on the day.

This year, 31 varieties were auctioned which included Silkies, Plymouth Rock, Brahma, Rhode Island Red, Old English Game, Pits, Malay, Aussie Game, Pekin bantams, Sussex, Australorp, Barnevelder, Croad Langshan, Wyandotte, Leghorn, Orpington, Marans, Japanese bantams and Belgian d’Uccle.

Among the rarer breeds of chickens on offer were Cochin, Hamburg bantams and Brahma.

A wide variety of waterfowl included Call, Muscovy, Crested and Pekin ducks.

The auction also featured a selection of avian species including parrots such as Indian Ringnecks, Alexandrines, Masked and Fischer’s as well as budgies.

“A number of exceptional prices were reached, with the highest price being for one lot of Belguin d’Uccle which sold for over $400,” Kirk said.

“There were quite a few young poultry enthusiasts who purchased birds on the day.”

The club auctions started in the 90s.

Poultry Club members receive the proceeds of selling their birds at the auction

and a small percentage goes to the club.

“The poultry auction is the primary source of funding to keep the poultry club running each year,” Kirk said.

“It is really great to see so many likeminded people attending.”

The auction serves as a fantastic community event, spreading awareness about purebred poultry and showcasing the club and its upcoming events.

This helps attract more purebred poultry enthusiasts and also engages the general public.

The event also provided an excellent opportunity for individuals to connect within the poultry community, whether seeking this year's show champion, a child's pet or simply egg-laying birds.

With the show season rapidly approaching, some buyers utilise the auction as a source for purchasing birds, which they will then exhibit at the local shows.

“A very big thank you to all the faces behind the scenes who are unseen and do all the work for this to enable it to happen,”

Kirk said.

“Their efforts are greatly valued and are very much appreciated.”

The Atherton Tablelands Poultry Club first commenced in 1976 and has a wealth of knowledge amongst its members. It currently has around 50 members whose ages range from between 10 to 70 years.

New members are always welcome. For further information, go to the Atherton Tablelands Poultry Club Facebook page.

COFFEE EQUIPMENT

Korvan Harvester. Complete Plant from Bin to Dryer. $475,000

Spraying

Agricultural Mapping

JAKE RASMUSSEN

Mobile: 0458 161 535

Email: contact@advanceddroning.com.au

Web: www.advanceddroning.com.au

Complete Wet Plant with all Facilities to 10 Tonne Dryer. Korvan Harvester. $400,000

Dry Plant. Facilities from Hulling to Grading and Sizing $125,000

Prices are negotiable. PHONE:

0488 103 998

High-quality poultry was on offer at the Annual Purebred Poultry Auction held in Atherton which attracted record crowds.

ON LANDthe

Valuable skills learned at dairy youth camp

BY BRIGITTE DALEY

THE All Breeds Educational Dairy Youth Camp which drew 44 enthusiastic participants to the Malanda Showgrounds recently, delivered a promising outlook for the Atherton Tablelands stud dairy cattle industry.

Since its inception in 1988, the dairy camp has been conducted in various formats, marking a longstanding tradition which has endured the test of time.

This year’s event spanned four days (10-13 April) and included the Dairy Camp, Youth Challenge and All Breeds Calf Day.

Participants were given the opportunity to prepare their own dairy heifer for showing and judging at the “All Breeds Calf Day” held at the conclusion of the event.

The camp catered for beginners as well as for more experienced students, allowing them to further develop their existing skills to a higher level of professionalism.

Participants gained knowledge of the fundamentals, as well as the finer points, involved in choosing a dairy animal for showing, along with its subsequent training, handling, grooming, washing, clipping, parading, and judging in the show ring.

This year, six dairy breeds were represented which included Illawarra, Red Holstein, Black & White Holstein, Jersey, Guernsey and Brown Swiss.

The dairy camp is conducted by the All Breeds Dairy Committee (ABDC) consisting of Greg and Bronwyn English, Anne Daley and Colin and Shelley Daley.

ABDC member Bronwyn English said the dairy camp was exceptional because it stood out as one of the few “All Breeds Dairy Camps” in Australia.

“The All Breeds Dairy Committee works together effectively here, it is the envy of other areas of Australia,” she said.

“I always love seeing the growing confidence, sense of achievement and personal growth in participants as each day progresses.

“It’s one of the highlights of the camp and it’s very rewarding.”

The Youth Challenge component, which was introduced in 2021, combines the three main areas of clipping, parading and judging which are learned in the first two days.

In this competition, in which four teams compete, there is a set period of time allocated for each of these skills.

“This promotes a lot of teamwork as the heifers have to be ‘show ring ready’ in a set period of time,” Bronwyn said.

Aged between 10 to 18 years of age, participants came from all across the Atherton Tablelands.

They all benefited greatly from the wealth of knowledge of numerous tutors and guest speakers who shared their experience, expertise and valu-

able insights on a wide range of topics.

This year, there was a large number of participants from non-dairy backgrounds which demonstrated the enormous popularity of the event.

Tutors for the camp included Paul Newland (parading), Mike Hentschke (clipping), Colin Daley (public speaking), Patrick English (clipping), Terese Daley (parading) and Phil Hentschke (judging).

Mike and Phil Hentschke travelled from South Australia.

Guest speakers included Brittany Pearce on artificial insemination and embryo transfer, Queensland Ambulance Service on basic first aid and the Malanda State Emergency Service which outlined their role, a forensic search, and Mule stretcher activity.

Learning the anatomy of a dairy cow both on a theoretical and practical basis proved to be valuable to participants. Throughout the duration of the camp participants also learned valuable life skills, such as teamwork and leadership, which will benefit them into the future.

The ABDC greatly appreciates all sponsorship and support given to the camp and wishes to extend thanks to all those involved in the catering.

The final event of the camp was the “All Breeds Calf Day” which was judged by Steven Ledger.

ABDC member Colin Daley said that everyone should be extremely proud of the dedication shown by the participants over the four days towards their heifer and their fellow students.

Attending the dairy camp positions participants for the upcoming show season.

The 2024 Overall Student of the Camp Award was presented to Mary English with Runner-up Overall Student going to Maryann De Faveri.

Winning student Mary English said she attended her first dairy camp in 2016 when she was just eight years old.

“I have now attended six camps and have continued to learn more and more each camp,” she said.

“Some valuable skills I’ve learnt through doing these camps are the importance of leadership and being able to work well with a group of new people and help guide them through the camps.

“The highlights of the camp for me were definitely seeing all the weeks of hard work paying off on judging day with all the heifers we showed looking outstanding, as well as personal success winning Student of the Camp and my team winning the Youth Challenge and Overall Team of the Camp.

“These camps aren’t just about coming home with blue ribbons and trophies.

“But to be the best and thrive in these camps you have to work hard and, as a team and with the tutors, go the extra mile helping out wherever possible until things come together and you have success.

“A very big thank you to all the sponsors and the All Breeds Dairy Committee for making these camps so good every year.”

Handlers with heifers during judging.

(from left) Bethany Daley, judge Steven Ledger, Emily Paulger with Supreme Champion Heifer Raschoda Whiskey Sarabi and Cecilia Daley.

Runner-up Overall Student Maryann De Faveri (left) with 2024 Overall Student of the Camp Mary English.

CHALUMBIN REMAINS WILD!

PROPERTY

ATTENTION ALL BUSINESS OWNERS:

STEP into a world of possibilities and elevate your business to new heights at Amaroo Village.

Whether you're an established business or a budding entrepreneur, Amaroo Village beckons with unparalleled opportunities for growth and prosperity.

We understand that your business is unique, which is why we're offering an exclusive chance to collaborate closely with our

dedicated developers. Together, we'll craft bespoke premises perfectly tailored to your business needs and aspirations.

Whether you envision a sleek office space, a charming retail outlet, or a state-of-the-art clinic, we have the expertise and resources to turn your vision into reality.

Picture yourself in a workspace designed to mirror your brand identity and support your

business objectives.

With convenient access to amenities, ample parking, and a vibrant community atmosphere, Amaroo Village sets the stage for your business to thrive.

Whether you're at the drawing board or ready to make a move, our friendly Sales Office is here to guide you every step of the way.

Don't let this extraordinary opportunity pass you by – join the thriving community at

Amaroo Village today.

For all land or business enquiries, don't hesitate to contact our friendly Sales Office conveniently located at Amaroo Village or call Ryley on 0409 321 000. Follow us on our socials or check out our website www.amarooestate.com.au for all updates regarding our upcoming stages and what’s happening next at Amaroo Estate.

PROPERTY

Picturesque at Peeramon on 2.4 acres

WELCOME to your dream home in the charming countryside of Peeramon! This well built 2-storey residence offers the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience, nestled amidst picturesque surroundings with no immediate rear neighbours and manicured lawns and gardens.

Step inside and be greeted by spacious living across two levels. The lower level boasts a versatile layout, featuring a bedroom, bathroom, laundry, storage room, and a cozy living area, complete with a single garage featuring a convenient remote door for effortless access.

Ascend the internal or external staircases to the upper level, where you'll discover the heart of the home. A stunning timber kitchen awaits, overlooking a generous living and dining area, ideal for entertaining guests or relaxing with family.

Four well appointed bed-

rooms with built-in robes offer ample accommodation, complemented by an updated bathroom and a sunroom, perfect for soaking in the serene views.

Outside, indulge in the ultimate rural lifestyle with impressive amenities. A threebay powered shed, with an extra workshop bay, provides ample space for hobbies or storage, while an additional lockable powered shed offers further versatility. With a spring as a water supply, supplemented by rainwater and four water tanks, self-sufficiency is at your fingertips.

Spread across 2.4 acres (9,986m2), this property offers ample space for outdoor enjoyment and potential expansion. Yet, despite its idyllic rural setting, the convenience of Malanda (6.5kms) and Yungaburra (10kms) is just a short drive away, ensuring all essential amenities are within easy reach.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to secure your slice of countryside paradise. Embrace the tranquility of Peeramon living while enjoying the modern comforts of this exceptional family home.

Residential development site

HERE is an outstanding opportunity for the savvy investor to acquire 1.4ha (3.5acres) of level and fertile land on two titles, just 900 metres from the Tolga Primary School.

This prominently situated property offers a residence and sheds that can be rented until you are ready to subdivide. The Tolga area is booming, and land that is zoned low density residential available for residential expansion is limited.

Considered a once in a lifetime chance, this property offers astute buyers the option to secure a development site in a central position.

The property is being marketed under Expressions of Interest, consequently a price guide cannot be provided. Expressions of Interest close at 4.00pm on Friday 10th May 2024.

For more information, call Trisha Jackson at Professionals Atherton. Phone 4091 3955 or 0419 1833 145 anytime. To view more photos, visit athertonrealestate.com.au

Acreage, private, location

60 JESSICA Road is a private 5,008 sqm block, fully fenced with beautiful established gardens with the stunning home positioned on the block to take in the mountain views of Bellenden Kerr & Mount Bartle Frere ready to capture those magical morning sunrises.

The home features open plan dining, lounge and kitchen with beautiful, polished timber floors and raked ceilings to give you an abundance of natural light.

The kitchen includes stone bench tops, drawer dishwasher, induction cooktop, 1 x 12 & 1 x 6 function pyrolytic ovens, a featured industrial rangehood, appliance cupboard and pull out hardware in corner cupboards for easy access - a

master chefs dream kitchen.

The spacious master bedroom with walk through walk in wardrobe and large ensuite with walk in shower, vanity and toilet, complete with heated towel rails & heated tiled floor. There are two further generous sized bedrooms with access to the main bathroom which incorporates a dual walk in shower tiled to ceiling with large lie-down bath tub, vanity and heated towel rails; separate toilet with basin.

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The property includes a 12m x 6m insulated shed with a 5.6kw solar system (22 panels) and 2 phase power which has been decked out with exposed beams, kitchen with dishwasher, bathroom, wood heater, air-conditioner, NBN, surround sound. One bay is fully set up as workshop space with a roller door.

Exclusive to Shellie Nightingale at Nightingale Real Estate Tablelands. Phone 0429 966 038.

60 Jessica Road, PEERAMON

Contact Agent

EXCLUSIVE to Shellie Nightingale

Nightingale Real Estate Tablelands

0429 966 038

6MowbrayRoad,HERBERTON

Spacious&private2,476sqmblock-2Bed,1BathHome Openplankitchen,diningandlounge

Largesleepoutwhichcouldbeusedasamaster bedroom,orworkfromhomeoffice

Escape the ordinary

IMAGINE waking up to breathtaking views of sparkling Lake Tinaroo every morning, all on a sprawling 7,300m2 block of tranquillity. This stunning property offers the ultimate in privacy and space, perfect for those seeking a relaxed lakeside lifestyle.

Immerse yourself in comfort; four spacious bedrooms provide ample room for the whole family, plus a dedicated home office for ultimate productivity. The master suite boasts a lovely ensuite and a walk-in robe, creating a haven of relaxation.

Relax and unwind in the spacious lounge, warmed by the inviting glow of a fireplace – perfect for cozy nights in. The modern kitchen allows you to prepare culinary masterpieces and is complete with ample drawers plus island bench space for all your cooking needs.

Need an extra space? This home offers a versatile room that can be transformed into a games room for endless fun nights in, or a formal dining area for

elegant gatherings.

Step outside onto the expansive entertaining deck and soak in the picturesque lake before you, creating a truly idyllic setting for barbecues, alfresco dining, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

For additional entertaining, step down to the separate entertaining patio area, ideal for lounging, casual gatherings or simply soaking up the tranquillity of your

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private lakeside retreat.

This property is being sold via expressions of interest, therefore a price cannot be given. EOI closes Thursday 6th June at 12PM. Offers must be submitted in writing/email by closure time.

Call Exclusive agent Suzey on 0438 090 306 to book your inspection www.raywhiteruralatherton.com.au

4 Summer Street, TINAROO Expressions of Interest

EXCLUSIVE to Suzey Whitby Ray White Atherton 0438 090 306 or 4091 7111

1557BeatriceWay,RAVENSHOE

Private98acres,with42acresofgrazingandthe remainderrainforest-2Bed,1BathCottage Powered15x12mthreebayshed&15x6mhorsestable Numerousswimmingholesandwaterfalls

103AngelitaClose,PEERAMON

Elevated5,007sqmblock

GreatviewsandprotectedfromthepredominantSE wind,rain&drizzle

Powerandtownwatersuppliedtothefrontboundary

All the work has been done

TUCKED away down a quiet street this quaint two-storey home at 16 Quill Street, Mareeba, has been renovated inside and out and is a great family home.

With 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a large living space and a convenient location for families, what more could you want?

The lower level of the home features a massive open plan living and dining space, with tiled floors and split-system air-conditioning. At the back of the space is the modern kitchen, that looks out over the rear patio and backyard. Also on the lower level is the main bathroom with a combined shower and tub, and toilet.

Upstairs boast five bedrooms, all with built-in cupboards, and the second, modern bathroom. All the bedrooms have carpet flooring but one with tiles, and the master bedroom is extralarge in size.

The allotment is a spacious 1,110m2, with a large rear yard and is conveniently located. Situated behind the St Thomas Primary School, Mareeba Kids Campus around the corner and the State Primary School up the road, getting the kids to school will be a breeze. Shops, parks and the Barron

River are only a few hundred meters away, while being tucked away down a quiet stret.

The home has seen a number of renovations in recent years, with new internal and external paint, a new kitchen, both bathrooms up-

Address: Price:

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dated and new carpets in the bedrooms. All the work has been done.

To find out more or arrange a Private Inspection contact exclusive agent Vince Costas on 0419 926 691.

Unique lifestyle acreage

DISCOVER what lies behind the stately stone walls and iron gate entrance.

Contact: 16 Quill Street, MAREEBA $495,000

EXCLUSIVE to Vince Costas Central Realty 0419 926 691 or 4092 2232

Mobile Finance Broker, “We love what we do” - helping people with their home loan!

But don’t just take our word for it, Google Mobile Finance Broker and read our

Perfectly located on the Atherton Tablelands close to the popular village of Tolga, this 3-acre lifestyle retreat is ready to provide new owners with the opportunity to create an income producing venture or just enjoy your own private resort to call home.

orchards consisting of 140 trees are well established and all have watering systems installed. 3 Sheds provide the necessary shelter and equipment required to manage your crop, with current owners leaving all the necessary farm-related implements on the sale of the property.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Wood-fired pizza oven & outdoor kitchen

• Combustion heater in main living room

• Bitumen driveway & guest parking

• Fully self-contained guest cottage with double carport

• 3 x Sheds including newly constructed 12 x 9m, 9 x 6m, 7 x 3m

• 365m2 4 bedroom brick/block home

• 5th bedroom or rumpus room

• 3 bathrooms in the main house

• Main bedroom has a dressing room and ensuite

• 2 lounge rooms

• Separate dining room

• 36 Panel solar system with battery backup and management system

• 6mg water-licensed bore

• Large separate laundry with built-in cupboards

• Airconditioning throughout

• Home Loans • Re-Financing

• Investment Lending

• Business Loans

• Equipment Finance

Phone John: 0407 003 415 or Email john@mobilefinancebroker.com.au

The large and elegant 4/5-bedroom, 3 bathroom home provides ample space for everyone with numerous living spaces inside and out. The home also features a separate dwelling currently occupied by a tenant willing to stay on providing an instant income. The energy-efficient home comes equipped with a 12KW Solar System with battery back-up and management system as well as a 6mg water license and bore.

Outside sets the scene for a truly relaxed resort style of living with an inground swimming pool, a wood-fired pizza oven, and an outdoor kitchen all sitting amongst a lovely tropical setting. Fruit

• Large solid timber kitchen with walk-in pantry

• Sunroom with pool outlook

• Office with built-in cabinetry

• Double carport

• Inground swimming pool & pond with fountain

So much to see and enjoy with this magnificent Tableland property.

Call Exclusive marketing agent Collette Rowston from Raine & Horne Atherton to arrange your private inspection.

PROPERTY

A TRULY rare find, located just a short distance from Ravenshoe is this outstanding 502.4 acre property with approx. 2km of Millstream frontage.

Currently utilised for grazing this property provides opportunity for a number of farming applications and would be very suitable for a cattle stud or horse enthusiast.

The property provides quality black soil types as well as some sandy loams to the ridges, all providing the perfect foundation for a variety of crops or fruit tree growing. The Millstream region boasts a favourable climate to live in and for growing a multitude of crop applications.

Privately positioned with views towards Arthurs Seat,

featuring an expansive 3 bedroom 2 bathroom country style home recently extended with sweeping verandas to 4 sides, huge internal living & dining area, formal lounge, well presented modern timber & laminate kitchen with walk in pantry & island bench.

Office which could be used as a 4th bedroom as well as tiled laundry. There is plenty of space for the whole family and extended family to enjoy in this home. Externally to the home is a

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33m x 18m machinery shed with power as well as a 12m x 18m shed and workshop area fully powered. Water is in abundance with both River and Bore allocations, as well as a domestic/stock bore plus 2 house tanks and 4 shed tanks. Process cattle with ease with the quality yards and loading ramp.

For further information and to arrange your private inspection please contact marketing agent Greg Smith on 0437 332 912.

14969 Kennedy Highway, MILLSTREAM

Contact Agent Greg Smith Explore Property 0437 332 912

Last chance at Panorama Views

LOCATED in the heart of Tolga, Panorama Views offers the ideal blend of rural living and modern convenience.

This estate offers affordable living and a lovely community lifestyle with pathways and parklands providing plenty of outdoor space to enjoy.

The final stage in Guilfoyle Close is now complete with 17 lots ranging in size from 600m2 to 912m2. Saving the best for last, Guilfoyle close is

the most elevated street in the Estate - build wisely to take advantage of the panoramic views this street has to offer.

There is something for everyone and plenty of options to consider. Either purchase land only and have the freedom to design

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WITH Kelly Thompson

WITH Adrian Dawson

WITH Nichole Dawson

Our whole department is committed to ensuring your investment property is performing at its best. We have the resources, understanding and are focused on providing exceptional service.

Sign with Explore Property before June 30th and receive 3 months management fees FREE!*

Explore Property Tablelands

23 Eacham Road, Yungaburra QLD 4884 07 4095 2222 I tablelandsrentals@exploreproperty.com.au

and build your own home or talk to Ray on 0404 651 652 about house and land packages already under construction.

For more information contact Elders Agent Michelle Raso on 0428 116 136.

Outstanding rural opportunity with Millstream frontage

PROPERTY

Spectacular ambience and lifestyle

OFFERING lifestyle and a first class location this stunning timber home built by Jon Knott is beautifully maintained and exceptionally private.

Hear the tranquil sounds of the Granite Creek as soon as you step inside. You’ll feel like you’re a world away whilst still being only 2 minutes from Mareeba CBD.

Positioned on an elevated 1,010m2 overlooking the Granite Creek and comprising a spacious 3 bedroom home, shed and stunning tropical gardens. The home delivers a fusion of timber warmth plus light & space from multiple windows offering views of the gardens from every room to create a true indoor/outdoor living space.

It oozes style, with lots of natural light and excellent cross flow ventilation achieved via a raked ceiling featuring exposed timber beams and numerous windows throughout. Make no mistake; this home is truly unique and unlike any other on the market in Mareeba today!

Extensive list of quality features include:

• Enticing floor plan consisting of a generous open plan living area that incorporates the lounge, dining room & kitchen and boasts an impressive raked ceiling with exposed timber beams & domed central ceiling designed to channel the air

• 3 Generous bedrooms with built-in robes, 2 with reverse cycle air-conditioning

• Master & bedroom 2 with a connecting verandah/ sitting area overlooking the gardens

• Generous galley style timber kitchen with loads of bench space, breakfast bar, pantry & dishwasher

• Stylish & generous bathroom with separate shower & plunge bath and beautiful garden outlook

• Rear timber deck/verandah extending the full length of the living area with views overlooking the Granite Creek

• Hallway storage cup-

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boards

• Laundry cleverly hidden away behind double doors

• Tandem carport/entertaining area with a bar able to be closed off for privacy or opened up for more entertaining room & shed access

• 7m x 7m powered shed with roller door access

• 1,010m2 fenced allotment with beautifully landscaped & irrigated gardens plus veggie garden plots

• Only 2 minutes from Mareeba Town Centre Opportunities to purchase a property of this nature positioned overlooking the Granite Creek are rare, so be quick to inspect.

It’s the lifestyle opportunity you’ve been looking for and won’t last long.

For further information or to arrange a private inspection please call exclusive agent Joe Torrisi on 0417 700 468.

3a

Character, space and timeless elegance

LOOK no further, this remarkable residence has everything you could want from an acreage lifestyle property.

This gorgeous home has beautifully established gardens set on a usable 2.47 acre allotment with features that enhance the home’s comfort and appeal.

These features include exposed timber beams and a raked ceiling adding warmth and character, a cosy fireplace in the living room, generous bedroom sizes, polished timber floors & security screens throughout. You will be amazed at what this home has to offer.

There is plenty of room to entertain friends and family on the full length verandas overlooking rural views; this home is just yearning for

someone to begin living their dream.

Features Include;

• Brick veneer home

• 4 bedrooms, 3 bedrooms with built in robes

• Refurbished bathroom with a bathtub, separate shower & vanity unit

• Internal laundry with built-in cupboards, sink & external access

• Living room features a raked ceiling, exposed timber beams, air-conditioning & a fireplace

• Open plan kitchen/dining room with access onto private rear veranda

• Stunning kitchen with stone benchtops, a breakfast bar, 2 x ovens, gas cooktop, servery to the back veranda, and ample bench & storage space.

• Beautiful polished timber floors, security screens, ceiling fans & plenty of storage space throughout home

• Front & back full length verandas - enjoy beautiful views, cool breezes & entertain all year round!

• 2 x water tanks

• 2.47 acre allotment

• Fenced horse paddock, a horse arena & a horse shelter with a cement floor

• 2 bay lockable shed with shelving, lights, power & a concrete floor

• 1 high bay carport - Perfect space for your boat, horse float or caravan

• 2 bay carport attached to the side of home

• Established and well maintained gardens

• Located only 9 kms from Atherton Town centre

For further information or to arrange an inspection of this Tolga home, call marketing agent Raquel at Sommerset Realty on 0408 983 879.

We specialise in: Antique Furniture, Pianos, Pool Tables, Home, Business or Office, Local & Interstate, Full & Part-Packing

“A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! From the first contact, the service was impeccable. The day of the move was second-to-none! I can’t recommend APR highly enough” Delta Robins

Certain work defined as “building work” in the QBCC legislation may only be undertaken by licensed contractors, or if undertaken by unlicensed contractors, only to the value of $3,300. However, work falling outside that definition may be performed by unlicensed contractors and is not subject to any value limit.

To check whether a Contractor holds a QBCC Licence visit: www.qbcc.qld.gov.au

CHURCH NOTICE

GARAGE SALE

PRESBYTERIANS meet in Mareeba for worship each Sunday 10am, QCWA Hall, Wilkes Street (behind Meals on Wheels)

WARNICK, Marjorie

Passed away peacefully at Atherton Hospital on Saturday the 20th of April, 2024. Aged 84 years. Much loved Mother of Raye, Mark, Tony and their families. Loving Mother, Granny, Sister, Aunty and Friend

In keeping with family wishes, a private service will be held.

IT’S A BIG BIG GARAGE SALE!

Furniture

Camping

Material, Sewing

Bric-A-Brac

Craft Galore!

Ornaments

Christmas Stuff

Gemstones

Plants, plants and more plants!

MAY LONG WEEKEND!

Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th, 8am to 6pm

Monday 6th, 8am to 1pm

Lot 15702 Kennedy Highway, Innot Hot Springs (Russian Gully)

CASH ONLY. Sorry, no eftpos is available.

2015 MITSUBISHI TRITON

176,000kms, service history available, new tyres.

$25,000 NEG Phone: 0419 021 012 or 0428 935 090

PUBLIC NOTICE

PROPOSED PERMANENT ROAD CLOSURE

Attention is directed to an application for permanent closure over an area of about 9050m2 being part of Gentile Drive separating Lot 134 on HG480 from Lot 136 on HG480 (locality of Paddys Green) and shown as road proposed to be permanently closed on Drawing LAGIS-936. Objections to the application must be submitted no later than 30 May 2024, in writing to the Department’s Resources Toowoomba Office, PO Box 318 Toowoomba QLD 4350 or online at the Queensland Government’s website at ‘Current Road Closure Applications’: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/ state/roads.

Any objections received may be viewed by other parties interested in the proposed road closure under the provisions of the Right to Information Act 2009

Guilfoyle Funeral Services

Chapels, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens

Atherton: 4091 2147 Mareeba: 4092 1013 Local Family Owned & “Entrusted for over 70 years” www.guilfoylefunerals.com.au

VERSCHUEREN-DERIDDER, Germaine

Late of Atherton. Passed away peacefully at Herberton Hospital on Tuesday the 23rd of April, 2024. Aged 93 years.

Much loved Mother of Bart & Carina. Loving Nana of Tom, Karim, Khalida, Otto, Ali, Ella & Chloe.

Relatives & friends of Germaine are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service which will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Mabel Street, Atherton on Wednesday 8th May, 2024 commencing at 1.00pm, followed by interment at Atherton Cemetery.

Collectables, tools, model cars, household, linen and much more!

Saturday 4th May from 7am 31 Paine Street, Atherton

PLANT SALE

If you lodge an objection, please include in your objection letter whether you would like to be consulted if this issue becomes the subject of an access request under the Right to Information Act 2009

For further details and to view a copy of the drawing, contact the Resources Office on (07) 4529 1241 quoting reference number 2022/002456 or view the application online on the Queensland Government’s website at ‘Current Road Closure Applications’: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/ state/roads.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PETS

Guilfoyle Funeral Services

ANIMAL

ITALO CARUSI

17/04/1941 ~ 04/05/2023

In memory of a loving Husband, Father, Father-in-Law and Nonno.

Lovingly remembered by your loving Wife and Family. One year has passed, only God knows how much we miss you and love you. But the beautiful memories will always live on in our hearts.

He is great with kids, cats & dogs and he loves people. Dodge’s vet work is all completed including desexing, vax, flea & tick and microchipping. Dodge’s adoption fee is $330.00

Proposed Development

Make a submission from: 2nd May, 2024 to 23rd May, 2024

Reconfiguration of a Lot 1 Lot into 2 Lots

Where: 24 Hastie Road, Mareeba On: 197RP900991

Approval Sought: Development Permit

Application Ref: RAL/24/0003

You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to:

Mareeba Shire

JOIN OUR GROWING TEAM

Mareeba Toyota & Hansen Ford are expanding our team, so if you’ve got the talent, commitment, interest & know-how in the following areas, apply for one of these positions by emailing your cover letter and current resume to: christie.t@mareebatoyota.com.au

POSITIONS AVAILABLE:

• Experienced Vehicle Sales Consultant - Fulltime

• Vehicle Sales Cadet (Trainee) - Fulltime

• Accessory Fitter - Fulltime

• Mechanics - Trade Qualified - Fulltime

We are looking for team players with exceptional customer service skills, attention to detail with a can-do attitude and the ability to follow instructions.

Franchise training will be provided. This is a great opportunity to join a highly successful team offering a friendly work environment.

All positions require a current driver’s license and be a permanent resident.

POSITION

An exciting opportunity exists to join the Family Programs Team as a YOUTH WORKER

The application package which details the role and and eligibility criteria is available at: www.mccinc.org.au/paid-positions/ Indigenous applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Skills based pay scale, SCHADS Award 4.1 Annual Salary $82,000 approx Applications close Sunday 5th May, 2024.

Secondary English Teacher

Term 3 Start

We are looking for an innovative educator who can share their passion for English with our enthusiastic students, at our Atherton Campus. Staff at JCC are caring and dedicated people who value relationships, insist on high standards and are supportive of the Aims and Ethos of a Christian School.

To find out more about this exciting opportunity visit https://www.jubileecc.qld.edu.au/workingwith-jubilee.

Please forward all applications to: principal@jubileecc.qld.edu.au Applications are to include a covering letter, a current CV with 2 referees. Jubilee Christian College is an equal opportunity employer and a Child Safe organisation.

Your local CLASSIFIEDS

Publishers Terms and CondiTions

Advertising agencies, advertisers and individuals by lodging material with the publisher for publication, approving or authorizing of the publication of any material INDEMNIFY the publisher, it’s Directors, employees and their agents against all demands, claims, costs, expenses, proceedings and damages wholly or partially arising directly or indirectly in relation with the publication of the material without limiting the generality, indemnify all associated in relation to libel, defamation, infringement of copyright, slender of title, infringement of trademarks or publication titles, breach of trade practices or fair trading legislation, unfair competition, violation of privacy, confidential information, royalty rights, licenses or other property rights and thus WARRANT that all material complies with relevant laws and that it’s publication will not give rise to claims or liabilities to the publisher, directors, employees and agents, and without limiting the generality that nothing is in breach of the Trade Practices Act 1974 or the Copyright Act 1968, the Fair Trading Act 1987 or the Consumer Protection, Defamation and Sale of Goods Legislation of the States and Territories or infringes the right of any person.

adverTising CondiTions Any advertisement accepted for publication in The Express is subject to the rules applicable to advertising laws laid down by the Media Council of Australia. All advertising is subject to the publishers approval and at its discretion can refuse to accept any advertisement it believes the message portrayed within the advertisement might infringe the rights of an individual or may not comply with all the laws and regulations of the States and Territories. The publisher does not accept any responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure

Editor

DO you want to lead a multi-award winning, independently owned regional newspaper?

We are seeking an Editor for The Express newspaper in Far North Queensland, which services a large distribution area including the Atherton Tablelands, Mareeba Shire and beyond.

The Express has a distribution of 15,000 newspapers a week, as well as a strong digital presence, with a Facebook following of more than 25,000.

The new Editor will be expected to increase our online presence, with more news delivered across several digital platforms.

The business has been in operation for 13 years and will continue to be a strong voice in our region well into the future.

You will be working with a dedicated team who are all committed to bringing local, independent news to our communities. Your responsibilities would include but not be limited to:

• Writing stories that inform and engage readers across a variety of subjects

• Capturing impactful photographs to complement written content

• Editing and proof-reading articles for accuracy and adherence to editorial standards

• Working cohesively with a small team including an artwork and layout professional, advertising sales team, digital content creator, and other journalists

• Along with a strong work ethic, you’ll have an understanding of the importance of promoting a sense of community through local news media.

You’ll have:

• Competent journalistic writing skills

• Prior experience, ideally in a local rural community newspaper or similar environment

• Formal quali cation in journalism or communications (preferred)

• Full Australian working rights or permanent residency

• Aptitude with photography

• Editing skills

• Current driver’s licence

• Understanding of journalistic ethics and standards, and

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with colleagues and interview subjects. An attractive renumeration package applies. Send your cover letter and resume to: carl@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Applications close May 10, 2024.

Jubilee Christian College provides high quality P-12 education programs to students on campus in Atherton and across Queensland, via distance education.

LETTERS to the editor

Thanks for caring David

BIG thanks to David Clifton (outgoing Division 4 Councillor TRC) for his attentions in advocacy for the pathway extension from between carparks opposite the Tinaroo Holiday Park to the corner near the playground and connecting the existing path to the toilet block at Tinaroo, following a presentation by the Inclusion Committee and Park owner Lachlan Farquharson at the 14 March meeting.

A proposal was made and accepted to investigate and cost the works for the 24/25 Budget. With a new look council and the aspirations that brings, I hope they all continue to support this project (the only and much used made pathway in Tinaroo).

Congratulations to Maree as our new councillor and thank you David for your service.

Michael Hammersley TINAROO

Help restored my faith

A BIG shout out to Luke and his team at Scott Street Panel Works in Cairns for coming to my rescue and fixing a broken headlamp and damaged bonnet from a wildlife encounter on the Mulligan Highway.

Despite being 100% booked up for months, Luke’s willingness to help an outof-towner on the spot has restored my faith in humanity and all is not lost because of people like him.

You are a champion, Luke. With heartfelt gratitude.

“A woman from the bush”

Wind farms only ok in the bush?

HOW excellent to see the efforts of local environmentalists paid off in halting, or at least delaying, the Chalumbin wind monstrosity, (Wind farm withdrawn, 24/04).

In electrical engineering there’s a concept called “line losses”; the further electricity must be transmitted the more energy is lost, primarily as heat.

Typically, line losses in traditional networks, which generally place the power station comparatively close to the consumers, amount to 22.5% of generated electricity.

Aluminium smelters are often located adjacent to coal-fired or large-hydro power plants to minimise line losses.

The Labor-Liberal UNiparty’s current plan for “distributed generation” from windand solar-driven subsidy-harvesting industrial installations spread across productive farmland and important bushland necessitates the construction of many thousands of kilometres of transmission lines.

The longer the transmission lines the greater the percentage of electricity that is lost – and the more wind and solar subsidyharvesters must be built and the more you,

ARE YOU SCAM SAVVY?

MANY people in the community are receiving scams daily in the form of text messages, phone calls, emails and at times door to door, in the hope of pilfering something from you.

This could be money, log-in details and even your personal information.

Scammers try many tricks and even pretend to be from legitimate companies.

Scammers are increasingly using trusted government and businesses brands to trick people into falling for scams.

the consumer, must pay.

The obvious solution to this problem is for the UNiparty’s wind and solar to be built in and around cities where those who want “renewables” live – but that’s never even suggested.

Why? Because no real estate agent has ever been asked for a property with a view of solar panels or windmills.

If wind and solar is unacceptable in the cities, why is it OK for city folk to push it on us in the bush?

Obviously, it’s not OK but the ALP-LNP UNiparty abandoned the regions when they collapsed the National party.

The ALP-LNP UNiparty doesn’t represent us in the regions; they represent brainwashed inner-city greenies, multinational corporations, and unelected foreign globalist bodies.

Peter Campion One Nation’s candidate for Cook

Leash your dog for safety sake

WE’VE been dog-attacked four times –twice by a mastiff in the area, once by a pack of three along the railway line, and recently a dog charged us from behind.

Not to forget the two Rotties in Cairns but that was a while back. Interestingly none of these dogs had names they were aware of.

Our Marley is recuperating from a TPLO – knee replacement – and coming due for a second one. Rehab is three quiet slow 20-minute walks a day. I do not want to fight off your dog. I do NOT want to hit your dog, (owners under consideration).

Do you reckon we could do the thing about keeping our dogs contained or on a leash? Would be so much appreciated.

CE Ison MAREEBA

BY RACHAEL MCMAHON

DEFAMATION has featured in the headlines over recent times with several high-profile cases launched by those claiming news coverage has damaged their reputation.

In our increasingly digital world where material is so easily published and shared, it’s important to understand how defamation works.

Defamation is not something that only happens to famous people, and it’s not just big media companies that can be sued for defamation.

Defamatory material can be words (written or spoken), an image or even a gesture. They can include things like social media posts, online reviews or emails.

The material must identify a person and be published. It only needs to be communicated to one other person to be “published”.

Material is considered defamatory where it causes others to think less of the person.

It is not simply what is written or spoken that counts – It is what meanings or imputations are conveyed by the words. These imputations can come from the words themselves, or from reading between the lines.

Defamation is a civil matter, not a criminal one.

Anyone involved in creating, publishing, or disseminating the defamatory material can be sued.

Initiating any type of court proceedings can be a stressful and costly exercise, so it’s important to get professional advice before doing so.

The most common defence to defamation is truth. You can defend an allegation that you defamed someone if you can prove the meanings conveyed are substantially true.

Other defences include honest opinion, public interest and triviality (in that the material was unlikely to cause harm).

If a court finds you have defamed someone, you usually have to pay damages to the defamed person, and sometimes the costs of the court proceedings.

The court can also ask you to apologise to the defamed person and remove all traces of the defamation.

To reduce the risk of defaming someone, be careful about not just the words you use, but the meanings they convey.

Remember, you don’t need to name someone to defame them, so be mindful of what you say that might identify people.

If you’re an organisation that publishes and broadcasts information, ensure there are staff policies and training sessions around defamation laws.

Rachael McMahon is a Senior Associate and Office Leader at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers’ Cairns office. This legal information is general in nature and should not be regarded as specific legal advice. If you have a legal question you would like answered, you can contact Rachael on RMcMahon@mauriceblackburn.com.au

They promise the world but can leave their victims with empty bank accounts.

If it appears to be too good to be true, it most likely a scam, do your own research.

If a company you use contacts you and advises you own money or there is an issue with your account, take the details of the person you are talking to and call the company back via the number you have for them.

No business will ask you to pay a bill with gift cards like iTunes etc., that is a scam. Be vigilant of investment scammers.

These are ‘phishing’ scams, and they pretend to be from well-known businesses and government departments who are trying to con unsuspecting victims out of their personal information and money. If a government or private business contacts you advising your account is closing, you owe money and you don’t use that business, delete it or hang up on them.

If you think you have received a scam, you can contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) they run SCAMwatch they can be contacted through SCAMwatch Infocentre on 1300 795 995 or go to the SCAMwatch website, www.scamwatch.gov.au

The ACCC book “The little black book of scams” is a guide to spotting, avoiding and reporting scams and consumer fraud. The book is accessible online through the ACCC website www.accc.gov.au

BY MIKE MARTIN

Golf open success

MORE THAN 130 golfers from across North Queensland made their way to the Mareeba Golf Club recently for their biggest event of the year – the Mareeba Open.

Club member Michael France said they struggled to get everyone on the course, with golfers teeing off every seven minutes from 7am until dusk on both Saturday and Sunday.

“It was just such a good weekend, with heaps of good results and a lot of personal bests,” he said.

“We didn’t have any hole-in-ones or anything like that, but everyone was having a good day. The sun was out and there were lots of stories being shared at the clubhouse.”

The Men's open champion was awarded to Scott Sibson, who travelled all the way from Home Hill for the event, while Mossman’s Michelle Field took out the Ladies Open Championship.

A Grade Gross winner was local Michael Benjak, and the A Grade Nett winner was Jarrod France.

The B Grade Gross winner was D. Bradley, while the B Grade Nett winner was awarded to Kelvin Groves.

In C Grade, D Crane took out the Gross winner, alongside Net winner Luke Russo.

In the ladies Division One, Jacqui Lamber took out the Gross winner, while K Harper took home the Net winner.

In Division Two, the Gross winner was Melody Broad and the Nett winner was Enid Leonard.

For the Men's Senior division, the Gross winner was Peter Prinsloo and the Nett winner was D Crane.

Lady Bulls beat Innisfail

BULLS

A LACK of players and a waterlogged field didn’t stop the Mareeba Bulls premier ladies from securing a 6-0 win over Innisfail on Saturday afternoon.

With only 11 players to play the whole 90 minutes, coach Christian Mukadi was nervous about how the women would cope without a game break.

But the team stepped up, playing one of the most “fluid” games of soccer Mukadi had seen all season.

“Hands down, this was one of the elaborate performances the girls put on – they never looked like they were in danger on the field,” he said.

“The opposition didn’t stand a chance against them.”

Victoria Owokran scored the first goal of the game in the 20th minute, followed by Guilie Alderton in the 40th minute, setting the score at 2-0 at halftime.

Heading into the second half, Mukadi said the team came in firing, with consecutive goals made Shaquille Chong, Maia Moreau and Katia Spena.

“There was a fantastic run from the left back all the way up ... by Katia Spena, who made that last goal – it was a beautiful goal.” Mukadi said.

“I would say that was the goal of the game and for somebody who came onto the field injured, she really gave her all for the game.

“It was a really strong finish for our girls.”

Unfortunately, the premier men’s game was washed out for the day.

The Bulls premier men and women will be back on the field for round nine on Friday 10 May and Saturday 11 May against the Redlynch Strikers at Calanna Park, Cairns.

2 2

DOWNTOWN PARADE

Hansen Ford

Mareeba

Michael France, Dorian and Michael Benjak.

The Mareeba Open was a great success for Far North golfers.

Golfers from near and far attended the event.

Cathy Cobavie, Deb Muzic, Deb Harvey and James Breed.

SPORT

Wellby secures first bullriding series win

MAREEBA’S Kerribee Park was rocking on Saturday night, when more than 2000 people witnessed some of the region’s best bull riders take on some of the rankest bulls as part of the Anzac Round of the Great Northern Bullriding Series 2024.

It was the first round of the series and delivered plenty of action for the large crowd.

National champion cowboy Brayden Wellby took on his nemesis, ABCRA Bucking Bull of the Year, “Warrior”, during the final ride over the night, ready for revenge against the unridden bull.

But “Warrior’s” power was too much for the Giru cowboy, bucking him off in just six seconds.

Despite that, Wellby took home the first win of the series for the open bull ride.

In the novice category, local bull rider Jake Simpson came out on top, making the eight seconds in his final ride of the night.

Junior rider Grant Martin also made his name known in the arena, taking home the win for his category.

In the mini bulls 11-14 age group, it was Levi Murray who took the cash while “pocket rocket” Travis Shaw took the win in the 8-11 mini bull riding competition.

Organiser Peter Brown said he was proud to

see the bull riding community come together for the first round of the series, supporting the Mareeba RSL Sub Branch and all their work.

“Everyone stayed on to enjoy the DJ after the bull ride. The man to watch in 2024 is Jake Simpson, who won the novice bull ride. If he has a great year, he could be the rookie of the year,” Peter said.

“Obviously, Braydon Welby will be hard to beat again in the open contest.”

The next event of the series will be in Gordonvale on Saturday 25 May.

FINE JEWELLERY, WATCHES & GIFTWARE

ALL JEWELLERY, WATCH & CLOCK REPAIRS

Atherton Square, Cook Street, Atherton PHONE 4091 7665

Scoring frenzy secures Yarrabah 34-26 win

THREE tries in the space of 10 minutes directly after the half time restart has lifted the Yarrabah Seahawks to a 34-26 win over the Atherton Roosters at Atherton's Mungalli Creek Dairy Stadium on Saturday night.

The Roosters led 12-8 at the break but their defence struggled in the final 40 minutes against a team that’s renowned for its on-field skills, and willingness to throw the ball around.

Yarrabah ran in seven tries to five and handed the home side their second straight loss.

The Roosters did fight back to lead 26-24 midway through the second term, but two late tries gave the visitors an eightpoint win.

In the Under 19 match, the Roosters claimed a 38-4 win over Yarrabah after leading 12-4 at the break.

The club’s Reserve grade side also had a strong 38-22 win over Yarrabah after leading 2018 at halftime.

The Senior Roosters' next FNQ rugby league premiership competition match is an away game against Cairns Brothers on Saturday, 11 May.

Gators draw with Suburbs

THE second draw in two weeks has given the Mareeba Gladiators another point on the FNQRL ladder after their game against Southern Suburbs.

In an exciting home game at Davies Park, the Gators drew 24-24 in front of a keen crowd on Saturday night.

Mareeba players Leon Wood, Caleb Dally, Bronson Ryan and Keripo Gutchen-Gela scored four tries for the home team, while Bronson Ryan had his kicking boots on, with four out of four conversions.

For Suburbs, Ernest Kris, Zack Sosiak, Thomas Thompson-Dodd, and Oswald Four-

mile all scored tries, while Lyle Murgha was successful with three out of four conversions and a penalty goal.

The Man of the Match was awarded to Daley Boney.

In the Reserve Grade, Suburbs won 34-18 against the Gators, with Tevita Hofoka securing the Man of the Match.

In the Under 19s game, the Gladiators doubled the Suburbs score, 40-20, and Peter De Pede was named Man of the Match.

The Gladiators will go up against the Edmonton Storm on 11 May from 6pm at Petersen Park in Cairns.

Last minute try gives ladies win

A TRY in the final minutes of the game has given the Atherton Senior Roosters ladies’ team their third win out of four games to date this season.

The team is powering ahead, notching up more leadership points after their 20-14 home game win over Yarrabah on Saturday.

After leading 10-8 at the break, the Roosters overcame a tight second half to cross for the winning try in the final minutes.

“We didn’t go in too confident and we knew they were a strong side,” coach Paul Stephens said.

“They played really well and it was only in the last five minutes where we took control of the game and held them out.

“They had us in the first half, but we got them in that second half with our fitness and our good defence.”

Roosters players Mayleen Oppermann, Teesha Potts and Lexeen Mathiesen will represent the FNQ rugby league in this weekend's Foley Shield competition at Mackay.

The Roosters ladies next match is at Edmonton on Saturday 11 May.

Wellby in action on Saturday night.

PHOTO BY PETER ROY.

Roosters ladies player Jacinda Royee-Hill against Yarrabah on Saturday.

Roosters rising star Limfred Lui crossed for two tries in the under 19 game on Saturday.

The Anzac Round champions Braydon Wellby, Jake Simpson, Grant Martin and Levi Murray.