The Express Newspaper 7th June 2023

A Mareeba family with a love for adventure and the bush will be showcased on Channel Nine’s “Parental Guidance” this week. Tency and David’s style of parenting is common in the country, allowing their boys to engage in activities like shooting guns, riding horses and dirt bikes, and exploring unsupervised, where they learn important lessons through first-hand experiences. FULL STORY PAGE 2

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‘Outback parenting’ showcased on national TV by local family

BY ELLIE FINK

GROWING up on a property on the outskirts of Mareeba, Tency and David bring up their three children with a focus on respect, good manners, risk-taking, and strict consequences, and their parenting style will be in the national spotlight this week.

The “outback” family, whose surname cannot be published, will be featured on the second season of Channel Nine’s “Parental Guidance” in which 12 parents with very different parenting styles will be showcased, highlighting modern-day issues facing parents across the nation.

For Tency and David, their parenting approach allows their boys to participate in activities such as shooting guns, riding horses and dirt bikes, and exploring unsupervised, where they learn important lessons through first-hand experiences.

This season will shine a special light on raising children in the digital age, delving into pressing topics such as the rise of influencer parenting and shedding light on the negative aspects of online gaming and the internet.

It will also extensively explore the essentials of parenting, ranging from effectively managing tantrums and sibling rivalries to addressing bullying, discussing health education and nurturing a drive for success in children.

Tency said participating in the show had opened their eyes to the realities their children, Vance (aged 10), Wyatt (9), and Clancy (7), face as they are growing up.

“They put you through challenges and everyone learns a lot and gets to see the different ways people parent their children,” Tency said.

“I think I have learned a lot and our parenting style really shows that we teach our

children respect and set boundaries but we also give them a lot of love.

“We discovered things about our children that we might not have if we weren't in those situations.”

For David, he learned their parenting style may be perceived as “too strict,” but he found that all parenting styles were similar, just executed differently.

“I guess I learned that maybe, sometimes, I might be a little too strict with my parenting but overall, I found that a lot of the styles were similar, just with slight variations in execution,” he said.

“I think it was a great experience and we got to see how our kids would react in different situations, which we probably wouldn't have seen before.”

The first episode aired on Monday, with episodes able to be streamed on 9Now and Channel Nine.

Mt Garnet waste station to close

MT Garnet’s waste transfer station will close its doors permanently after Tablelands Regional Council determined that repairing infrastructure at the facility was not worth it given the small number of people using it.

The decision to close the transfer station was backed by four councillors, with Crs Annette Haydon, Dave Bilney, and David Clifton against the move, citing fears of a rise in illegal dumping as one of the factors it should remain open.

Cr Haydon was also unhappy there had been no public consultation and told last week’s meeting the closure would “do little for morale in the community”.

A report to council advised that the transfer station, which services a community of 274 people, had a low utilisation rate, with 49 visits per week. It also revealed that structural damage in a retaining wall was at risk of “catastrophic failure” if any further loading from vehicular

movements were allowed in close proximity to the wall.

The council had the option of doing repairs to the wall at a cost of $107,000 and re-open the facility, or to spend $75,000 to demolish the failed wall, repatriate the area and permanently close the station.

Deputy Mayor Cr Kevin Cardew acknowledged that the closure would mean locals would have to drive eight minutes more to reach the Innot Springs waste transfer station, 11.6km away, but said many other people living on the Tablelands have to travel more than that to access similar facilities.

“I know the community misses out on a lot, they are a long away from the main centres, but the reality is we do need to cut back on services we deliver and that’s been identified in the recent Services Level Review - we’ve got to start make some hard decisions ad this is probably the first we are going to have to make,” he said.

Mareeba “outback parents” Tency, David and their kids Vance, Wyatt and Clancy will be featured in

Calls for lake croc removal

BY ELLIE FINK

A FRESHWATER crocodile in Lake Eacham is causing a stir amongst local swimmers, after it “attacked” a member of the public last week, leaving many anxious about using the popular swimming spot.

The Department of Environment and Science confirmed a male swimmer had a recent “interaction” with the well-known crocodile Thursday before last.

It is believed the man suffered injuries to his hand, knees and shoulders and drove himself to Atherton Hospital, where he was transported to Cairns Hospital.

The attack is the first recorded in recent history and has left many feeling uneasy about using the lake, including the Atherton Mountaineers Masters Swimming Inc club.

Club vice president Kim Christie said the club used to swim in Lake Eacham almost every week but after interactions with the crocodile, they have had to stop.

“The arrival of the crocodile in Lake Eacham reduced the amount of swimming that our club was prepared to organise within Lake Eacham,” he said.

“The crocodile made many of our club members extremely nervous about the chance of having a close encounter.

“As a result, many members have withdrawn from club activities in Lake Eacham because they felt too anxious.

“In recent months, our swims at Lake Eacham have been abandoned after increasing reports of interactions between the crocodile and swimmers.”

Sightings of the crocodile have become more prominent, with many taking to social media to report their encounters.

A local man, who asked not to be named, captured a picture of the crocodile at 5am

and sent it to the Yungaburra Park Hotel, who published it on Facebook.

The video of the creature went viral, and the man said it was only a matter of time before someone was bitten.

“I know for a fact that this animal bit somebody and that person spent time in hospital on IV antibiotics as croc bites of any kind can cause very serious infections,” he said.

“The person has been told by wildlife officers that they probably shouldn't go near that location to swim which begs the question of what about everyone else who swims there and does that mean that they will close the lake to all swimming?”

Tablelands Regional Cr David Clifton took to Facebook last week to gauge the views of locals on whether the crocodile should be removed.

Some people agreed that the reptile should be removed, whilst others said people needed to be more “croc aware” and let it stay.

“I’m not a ‘removalist’ as such but I do think people are worried about swimming there so I will be asking council to work with the department to get it removed,” he said.

When asked by The Express whether the crocodile would be removed, the department failed to answer, but stated that the animal had a “timid nature”.

Later, media reports quoted the department as stating the crocodile would not be removed.

“Unlike estuarine crocodiles, freshwater crocodiles are considered timid and non-lifethreatening to humans. Very few incidents have been reported involving freshwater crocodiles and people,” a spokesperson said.

Swimmers Jim Petrich and Tony Rees have been using Lake Eacham for more than a decade for their daily swim and last week celebrated the start of winter with some icy blocks to add to the already cool water.

Braving icy conditions for better health

TWO friends who swim in Lake Eacham every morning have braved the cold to herald the start of winter.

Tony Rees and Jim Petrich are the last members of the Gentlemen’s Swimming Club and have been meeting up at the lake every day in the early morning for the past decade, and when winter comes, the pair have celebrated it “out of respect for the lake”, putting blocks of ice into the lake for a bit of fun.

Tony, who is 79, and his 74-year-old mate say swimming every day is a great way to improve your health but also serves as a time to catch up while they are there and talk over the world’s problems.

“We used to swim across the lake and then back again but now we go about halfway and while we’re out there we discuss the world’s problems – when we get back to the shore, people often say they can hear

what we were talking about,” Tony joked.

According to Tony, despite the cold temperatures, the lake’s water remains relatively warm.

“It was 22 degrees the other day so it’s warmer in the water than out,” he said.

“Even in the midst of winter, the water will get to about 17 degrees but if you have a sunny day beforehand, the first two feet of the water will still be warm.”

The two veteran swimmers are also not scared of the freshwater croc that has been causing concern amongst some lake users.

“He’s no problem – he keeps the lake clear of dead fish,” he said.

“We say hello to him and sometimes he swims along with us.”

Pool gets a freshen up

A COLOURFUL new mural has been painted on the outside of the Mareeba Aquatic Centre, featuring a bright representation of the Mareeba Shire as a part of the splash park project.

The mural was completed as part of the project to construct the new splash park, with $1.5 million worth of funding from the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning.

Painted by artist Daniel Wallwork, the mural celebrates all of the local area, including it’s 300 sunny days, love of sport and unique flora and fauna.

“We are so impressed with this refreshed entrance as it celebrates sunny days, outdoor rec-

reation, and our native fauna,” Mayor Angela Toppin said,

“The Ulysses butterfly pops against the bright and waterfilled background while the Gouldian finch looks on.

“The mural was designed with inclusivity, fun and visitor attraction in mind and, I think it has hit the mark.”

With the splash park on track to be completed during June, the project will enhance the overall visitor experience at the Mareeba Aquatic Centre.

The children’s pool and the 50-metre pool will receive heating with funding of $150,000 received from the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport’s Active Gameday Projects Fund.

“Council has contributed an additional $45,000 to the heating project. The pool heating has now been installed and is being commissioned,” Mayor

Toppin said.

“We are so pleased to be getting closer to offering a year-round swimming pool to residents and visitors.

“The social and community benefits of the Shire’s aquatic facilities are immense and projects like this make Mareeba Shire an even better place to

live by improving the already world-class lifestyle on offer here and by delivering better, local jobs.”

Taskforce reports positive progress

A PROGRESS report from the Mareeba Taskforce has detailed positive steps made over the past 12 months to improve health services, transport connectivity, workforce attraction, housing affordability and community safety.

The Taskforce was established in 2021 and involves a wide range of organisations tasked with making improvements in the five priority areas it determined were most important to the community and now boasts more than 70 targeted actions undertaken by multiple agencies, over and above their day-to-day operations.

While the report to Mareeba Shire Council was lauded as steps in the right direction, it also acknowledged the issues facing the town were

complex and many priorities could not be tackled “without an injection of large amounts of capital”.

Some of the progress made in the health sector included expanded clinical and general surgery services at Mareeba Hospital, the start of capital works by Mulungu Medical Centre for a new dental health clinic, and the establishment of the Mareeba and Community Family Health Centre aimed at increasing the availability of GP services in the town.

Later this week, Mareeba Shire and the hospital will join forces to host a one-day “famil” for attendees at the Rural Doctors Association of Queensland conference being held in Cairns

from 8-10 June in a bid to encourage more GPs to the area.

Council is also developing a “Workforce Attraction Prospectus” in a bid to attract and retain workers in all industry sectors as part of its commitment to boost the number of skilled workers to the region.

To increase affordability housing in the shire, the progress report noted that various organisations were involved with the construction of new units for social housing, two new duplexes for seniors, and four new dwellings that will cater for 11 people with disabilities who require a high level of specialised care.

In the critical community safety area, the

report listed progress to date including seven additional police officers being deployed to Kuranda and Mareeba over a three-year period, a new Mission Australia position aimed at connecting “youth to country” program, and a new PCYC liaison officer to work with disengaged youth and their families as well as an additional $260,000 for the Pulse Cafe and equipment.

It also noted the commitment by the State Government to open a new office in Mareeba for youth justice and child protection services which has not yet eventuated.

One of the key actions going forward will be to secure increased resources to reduce family violence.

A new mural depicting all things Mareeba has been painted on the outside of the Mareeba Aquatic Centre.

Plea for Yungaburra garden plan

A DEDICATED group of Yungaburra residents have made a plea to Tablelands Regional Council to develop a Garden Plan for their town to enhance its reputation and character that makes it one of the most visited centres in the region.

Known for its popular monthly markets and streets lined with flowering hanging baskets, the community want to enhance its appearance further with a properly laid out plan for the garden areas of the town.

Leading a deputation to council, Yungaburra Association treasurer Rolf Straatemeier said the town’s gardens left much to be desired in terms of the species growing in the street plots and the upkeep of those areas.

“Now is the time to revaluate the gardens of Yungaburra,” he told councillors.

“We’re asking that a plan be developed for gardens around town – the state of the gardens around town, specifically Cedar Street, is not ideal.

“In some of the garden plots, the weeds are higher than the plants.”

He showed a number of photographs of the current gardens, pointing out the inappropriate species of plants, particularly the use of the agave plant, which he believed originated from the deserts of Mexico.

“And we really question why we have plants from the deserts of Mexico or overseas in a tropical Tableland town,” Mr Straatemeier said.

“I probably understand the reasons why – the low cost – but

they are not attracting birds, not attracting bees, more likely to attract spiders.”

He also advised there were issues with vehicles, such as the mail truck, gaining access along Cedar Street due to the height of the trees.

“These are some of the issues – the trees are too large, it’s challenging for large vehicles or caravans to move down Cedar Street, and council doesn’t appear to be able to keep up with the maintenance of the gardens.

“I understand we have had a lot of rain this year and we are not critical of the teams doing the maintenance work – they are doing a fantastic job.”

He said Cedar Street was now the main thoroughfare to access the popular Petersons walking track which was visited by national and international visitors and should be enhanced to ensure the best experience for those visitors.

Mr Straatemeier also asked council whether it had a policy on what type of plants were used in public gardens. Cr Dave Bilney later advised that council was currently in the process of developing a a policy that would help inform the “why, when and how” in relation to the planting of trees or other plants in public areas.

Division 4 Cr David Clifton, who represents the Yungaburra area, said he wholeheartedly agreed with the desire to develop a proper garden plan for the town and has started some discussions to see how that could be achieved.

Members of the Yungaburra comunity are calling for more appropraite species of plants in the public gardens to replace plants such as the agave which they say belongs in the Mexican desert.

Vape tests prompt warning to ‘think again’

LOCALS are being warned that vaping is not as safe as they may think, with the State Government releasing the results of tests on popular vapes.

The tests revealed staggering amounts of nicotine plus chemicals including arsenic and formaldehyde.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk asked Parliament’s Health and Environment Committee to perform the tests amid concerns consumers were unaware what the vapes contain.

The chemical composition of 17 e-liquid samples currently available were analysed as part of the tests which were performed for the presence of nicotine plus other substances including carbonyl compounds, volatile organic compounds, pesticides, fungicides

and herbicides and heavy metals.

The key findings include that all samples tested positive for nicotine, as well as at least two carbonyl compounds - formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Formaldehyde is classified as a group 1 human carcinogen. All samples also contained Volatile Organic Compounds which are typically used in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals and refrigerants.

Premier Palaszczuk said the results should make people stop and think before using vapes.

“There are people who might think vaping is safer than smoking or, indeed, harmless,” she said.

“These test results should make those people think again.”

Locals welcome action on swim lessons

and death,” he said.

Those

Mr Knuth said he was excited by the recent announcement of the SwimStart program because it would improve water safety.

He said he took the issue up in Parliament in March this year after Atherton mum Whitney Michelle approached his office about the cost of swim lessons.

Mr Knuth said he could relate to the difficulties that families faced with the high cost of programs and the long distance those in regional areas were often required to travel.

“I was very pleased to raise this issue and it could mean the difference between life

“Many families don’t have access to swimming pools and coaches and the cost of travel to teach their children to swim becomes so far out of reach of struggling families.

“This funding will help and encourage families to teach their children to swim because one child’s death is one to many.”

Ms Michelle said she brought the issue to Mr Knuth’s attention after the birth of her first child, Adaline, who is now nine months old.

“A number of years ago there was a scare in our family when a young family member had a close call with drowning,” she said.

“There was a fence around the pool but the child, who was two at the time, managed to open the gate and shortly after was found face down in the pool.

“Thankfully, they were found in time and

everything was okay but when I had Adaline I was really worried and approached Mr Knuth’s office to raise the issue.

“We have had Adaline in swimming lessons since she was three months old, and it will be great to see more families get involved now that funding is available for those who need it.”

Ms Michelle said she currently paying $180 per term for swimming lessons and by the time her daughter is five, they will have spent about $7,000.

Mr Knuth said the funding was a step in the right direct and would encourage families to teach their children to swim before school.

Eligible families will be able to apply for vouchers valued up to $150, amounting to a $4.8 million investment over two years from the State Government in the upcoming State Budget.

Member for Hill Shane Knuth, Atherton mum Whitney Michelle and her nine-month-old daughter Adaline at the front of the Atherton Pool.

Priors Creek vision moves a step closer

BY ROBYN HOLMES

A VISION to transform the Priors Creek area in Atherton to an impressive recreational precinct is a step closer, with Tablelands Regional Council endorsing the preliminary design and signalling its intention to call for expressions of interest for public art pieces next month.

The preliminary design includes a clear definition of all design elements including confirmation of all materials and design elements proposed.

Mayor Rod Marti couldn't be happier the project has reached another milestone, saying he expected construction to start in the precinct later this year.

“I’m really proud of the progress we’re making on this project and look forward to seeing the development take shape over the coming months and years,” he said.

“This stage of the process refines and defines the design elements and means we can now move onto the next step of working and construction drawings.

“We have committed $8.5 million (over four years) to deliver Stage one (between Vernon and Jack Streets) and are seeking funding from State and Federal Governments for additional stages.

“Construction will commence later this year and it won’t be long before Atherton and the broader Tablelands community will be seeing the benefits of the urban plaza, 1000-person amphitheatre, nature-based playground and shared paths.

“We’ll also be seeking expressions of interest for the public art and freehold lots in the coming weeks,” Mayor Marti said.

But while all councillors have supported the concept of the project, some are clearly worried about what it will cost and where the funds will come from.

Describing the project as “extremely exciting”, Cr Bernie Wilce noted there were “quite a few logistical matters” council had to work through but he was confident the end result would be of great benefit to the community.

“We're trying to encourage new families, new subdivisions, new workforce, and there are other developments in the mix in the area as well,” he said.

“The economic analysis shows what the project is likely to bring to the area and it was $1.33 returned to the community for every dollar spent – not back to us but to the community.”

Cr Peter Hodge also supported the project but noted that funding needed to be secured.

“At least we have the plan in place – whether it takes two years, five years or 10 years – fine, we just have to find the funds from to make it happen,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Cr Kevin Cardew echoed his sentiments.

“I think it is a worthwhile project but we do have to look at how we're going to fund it – those decisions are going to come down the track,” he said.

“But in the first instance we have to have a design in place so we can move forward. Like I have said previously, if it takes two, five or 10 years, then so be it.

“The next council and maybe the council after that have something to work with.”

Cr David Clifton also endorsed the project but had the same reservations about how it would be funded.

“I have made the point before that we need to make sure that there is a considerable amount of private or commercial funds in it and I know we have taken a deputation to the State Government.”

Mayor Marti said he understood funding was a “big hurdle” but was determined to get financial support from both higher levels of government.

“We know this project can't be built without the support of the State and, I would think, the Federal Government – we have started that advocacy some months back.

“We have been engaging with the State Government, with various state members and ministers about the significance of this project, about the importance that Atherton as the commercial hub of the Tablelands moves into the 21st century in terms of its CBD and the amenity it should provide to the community, for all members of the community.

“We need to build the infrastructure that people in the 21st century expect when they come to a new area.

“It will be a great thing, and we will keep working as hard as we can and get in the face of our State and Federal members to make sure that we get the financial support that we need to get it built.

“It will be a transformational project for Atherton and also for the Tablelands in the broader context.”

As part of the Priors Creek development budget, $250,000 has been set aside as a contribution toward public art in seven locations throughout the precinct.

A report to council advised that additional external funding was also being sought so the final confirmed budget was not yet known.

Council wants the chosen public art pieces to create a sense of place and unique identity for Atherton and the broader TRC region and to activate the spaces in Priors Creek with opportunities for recreation and education.

It also wants public art to become a tourist attraction in its own right and the “wow factor” to encourage people to visit Atherton and stay longer.

Celebrating the art of reconciliation

TO celebrate National Reconciliation Week, students at Mareeba State School explored colours and paints to share stories of the connection to land, waterways and seas.

Reconciliation Week is a week of observance that aims to promote reconciliation and foster better relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and nonIndigenous Australians.

During their lunch break last Tuesday, students got together to paint their interpretations of reconciliation and spend time with their peers.

“Students enjoyed their social interactions with peers as they painted together and learned about each other,” Indigenous educator Fallon Grainer said.

“In my role as an Indigenous educator, I am able to create an inclusive space for all students to participate in cultural activities to encourage them to share and learn from each other.

“Children are our future, and I am confident our students will be a voice for generations.”

– MORE PHOTOS PAGE 13

Zatayvia Bong and Tarcia Riley doing hand painting at Mareeba Primary School last week as part of National Reconciliation Week.

Locals ask why police are not ‘walking the beat’

MEMBERS of the public have come forward on social media and asked why frontline officers are no longer seen “walking the beat” around town.

As crime continues to escalate in Mareeba and businesses are repeatedly targeted by juvenile criminals, locals have been asking for a more pronounced police presence on the street.

Mareeba Police Station Officer in charge, Senior Sergeant Derek Garner, loves to walk the beat himself and believes it is a great way to connect with the community, hear their concerns and provide relief to those feeling any angst.

“I like to go and walk the beat, going through the shopping centres in particular and I see the positive reactions,” he said.

“I agree that hitting the beat in the CBD area is a great means of engaging with the public, improving perceptions of public safety and also detaining people with antisocial behaviour.”

While Snr Sgt Garner would love to allocate more officers to patrolling the streets, they often have their hands full with higher priority tasks such as family and domestic violence calls which account for roughly 40 per cent of policing time by the Tablelands Patrol Group.

“When we get the opportunity to dedicate officer hours to the beat, we do that but unfortunately a lot of our policing time is taken up by domestic and family violence alone and there are other policing aspects as well,” he said.

“So that leaves restricted time to dedicate towards beat duties and it is something I would love to do more of – if we had the availability to do more beat hours, we would.”

Police Liaison Officers (PLAs) are often out on the street, talking with businesses and engaging the community however they are not frontline officers and cannot act when they see an issue.

“I do know they (PLAs) do a great job when they are out there,” Sgt Garner said.

“Yes, extra officers would improve the opportunity to dedicate hours to those strategies (hitting the beat) but we also have to consider where we have officers.”

On Facebook, Morgan Odette Ninness said while police on the beat would help, the real issue lies with legislation and how little juvenile criminals are punished.

“Walking the streets may deter them but the real issue is the penalties and charges they get,” she said.

“If they want to act like adults and run the streets like gang members then they need to be charged as such.”

Neil Sandall – Vear believes having more officers on the street would be effective especially if they do patrols during the night as well.

Corey Comfort suggested having security guards at certain venues who could liaise with police would also be a suitable option.

OFFICERS at Lotus Glen have been praised by the Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner for their vigilance after detaining a trespasser who attempted to introduce contraband into the centre in late May.

On 28 May, officers responded to a “Code Purple” after locating a man trespassing on the prison reserve allegedly trying to introduce contraband into the correctional centre at about 2.30pm.

Correctional officers contacted the Delta Unit who responded. The trespasser refused to comply with directions and was apprehended by GP dog Red before being restrained.

The man was treated at the scene by Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics for injuries sustained during the apprehension, before being arrested by police.

Several prohibited items were seized including mobile phones, chargers, needles and drugs.

The 25-year-old was charged with two counts of supplying dangerous drugs into a correctional facility, one count of obstructing a corrective services officer, giving prohibited things to prisoner and unlawful entry into a correctional facility.

Commissioner Paul Stewart, APM, commended the officers and the Delta Unit involved in the incident.

“Our officers work hard every day to make Queensland safer, and their actions shows our ongoing commitment to keep the public safe,” he said.

“Contraband simply has no place in our correctional centres, and anyone attempting to bring prohibited items into correctional centres will be held accountable.

“Correctional centres are controlled environments for a reason and introducing illicit substances and prohibited items endangers the safety of our officers, visitors and prisoners.”

University centre embraces study

UNIVERSITY students on the Tablelands are embracing a new fully-equipped centre in Atherton which allows them to study effectively without having to travel outside the region.

Located in Atherton, the Vocational Partnership Group (VPG) Tablelands University Centre is one of 34 regional centres across the country, offering a quiet environment with all the necessary facilities for effective studying.

The community is invited to an open day at 5A Comet Avenue on 9 June from 12pm-2pm, where students and their families can familiarise themselves with the space, meet the staff, and connect with the centre before commencing their studies.

VPG chief executive officer Maryanne Tranter says the main aim of the centre is to empower students in their education and encourage all studying individuals to make use of the available facilities.

“The university centre provides a campus-like setting with a dedicated space for quiet study, computer and internet access, as well as study support services to facilitate a productive and enriching learning experience,” she said.

“We are committed to providing comprehensive academic and personal support to help students thrive.

“Our dedicated team of VPG staff closely collaborates with university centre students, assisting them in enhancing their academic skills, developing effective study habits, and navigating the requirements of the university and learning centre.

“We also connect students with specialised community partners to offer support for health, well-being, and housing, ensuring they have the necessary resources for success.”

Since its opening in March this year, the centre has already seen many students take advantage of the available technology and staff support.

Operating from 5am to 10pm every day of the week, the centre’s flexible hours and accessible staff have been well received by students.

“Our multi-disciplinary team of qualified social workers, teachers, and youth workers, possesses extensive experience in delivering programs that support individuals in achieving their educational and employment goals, and these staff members are available to university centre students throughout their educational journey,” Ms Tranter said.

“As an extension of our existing service model, we collaborate with prospective students to foster aspirations, provide career advice services, and work closely with local schools to better prepare students for future tertiary education.

“By opening our doors to the wider community, locals will have the opportunity to pursue their desired careers while remaining in the communities they know and love.”

Tablelands Mayor Rod Marti is a proud advocate for the university centre and says the university centre will help train Tablelanders with the skills they need for various places in the local workforce.

“The university centre is key in addressing local skills shortages and the low number of people attending university and other training,” he said.

“Only 1.5 per cent of people in our region attend university, well below the Queensland average of 4.3 per cent and we only have 1.3 per cent of our region undertaking TAFE/vocational training compared to 2.1 per cent in Queensland and 2.4 per cent in Australia.

“The university centre will mean more people can improve their qualifications without having to leave their community, and students who study

locally are more likely to join our workforce, providing our businesses with new employment opportunities.

“It will also build partnerships with businesses and our key industries to ensure skills and training needs are met.

“We congratulate Maryanne and her team on the establishment of the university centre and look forward to working with VPG on increasing education pathways for our region.”

To register for the open day on Friday, visit the Tablelands University Centre website.

Health services boost for Cape York region

A MAJOR expansion of Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service maternal, child and family health services across Cape York is under way, with the planned appointment of a team of six new clinicians for the region.

The new Maternal, Child and Family Midwifery Consultants, who are both

midwives and child health nurses, will be based in Cairns, with similar services being based in Weipa, to support Napranum and Mapoon.

It is expected that an additional four First Nations Health Worker positions will form part of this new team. Together, they will deliver a comprehensive

visiting outreach service to communities across Cape York, complementing the service’s Midwifery Group Practices in Weipa and Cooktown and existing child health services in those locations.

“The new service will form part of a broader Maternity, Child and Family Health Care Network that will see

greater collaboration and communication across the health service,” Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service executive general manager Michael Catt said.

“We are excited to be working in collaboration with our existing services in our communities to provide the best possible care for Cape York children and

families through the addition of this new outreach service,” he said.

The new Maternal Child and Family Health Outreach Service will integrate with the Midwifery Navigation Service, which is a component of the broader, highly successful Nurse/Midwifery Navigation program.

Student Ruben studying at Tablelands University Centre with CEO Maryanne Tranter.

Premier backs ‘absolutely vital’ regional newspapers

“ABSOLUTELY vital” and the “lifeblood of their communities” was how Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk described regional newspapers when she opened the recent Queensland Country Press Association conference (QCPA).

She also offered to help ensure that a larger share of the State Government advertising budget be directed at communicating with regional Queenslanders through independent regional newspapers.

The Premier referred to the “resurgence” of independent newspaper publishers in Queensland as a contributing factor.

The announcement from the Premier follows the recent Victorian Government commitment to ensuring one full page of government advertising is placed in every

regional newspaper every week.

The Premier’s pledge also aligns with key findings from a recently released Deakin University report on media innovation which found that “securing the future of quality and reliable news and information platforms in non-metropolitan areas is in the national interest”.

The Deakin report refers to numerous senate inquiries examining aspects of rural and regional news since 2016, as well as the Digital Platforms Inquiry, conducted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and a parliamentary inquiry into the future of local newspapers, and concluded that, “simply put, it is now widely understood that local news matters to our democracy, but it has struggled and

requires support”.

“Our research suggests government policies and advertising spending is the single most influential factor in providing baseline surety to the long-term sustainability of small, independently owned news outlets in rural, regional and suburban Australia,” the report stated.

The QCPA conference and awards night broke several records including receiving the most nominations for awards ever.

The Express Newspaper took out the Overall Journalistic Excellence award, came second in Best Free Publication, second in Best Online Publication, as well as cadet journalist Ellie Fink coming second in Young Journalist of the Year.

Display of watercolours at Ravenshoe gallery

ART created during a recent Intuitive Painting Workshop using watercolours is the subject of a display at the Gallery at The Ravenshoe Arts Shed.

Ravenshoe Arts Group Inc. recently hosted the workshop, demonstrated by Elisa Wright with her experience and ability using basic skills and techniques.

Playing with watercolour and exploring and having fun using imagination is demonstrated in the beautiful works currently on display in the arts shed on Wednesday mornings from 9am to 12noon.

The Arts Group meets every Wednesday from 9am to 12noon at The Arts Shed located at 20 Moore Street, Ravenshoe.

Visitors and interested folk are most welcome. For inquiries phone Judith on 4097 6036 (or Gail on 4097 7085).

Info sessions on the Voice

THE “yes” side of the Voice to Parliament referendum will be hosting community information sessions around the region over the next few months and organisers are urging people with questions to come along.

Today (7 June), a community session will be held at the Mossman Town Hall from 6pm-8pm, followed by another on Thursday at the Port Douglas Town Hall from 6.30pm-8pm.

On Friday, it’s Kuranda’s turn to host, with the meeting to be held at the CWA Hall from 6pm-8pm, followed on Saturday by Innisfail which will be held at the Shire Concert Hall from 10am-12 noon.

For further information email to voicefnq@gmail.com

Elisa Wright with the Intuitive Painting display at the Ravenshoe Arts Shed.

Road seal critical for town’s future

BY ROBYN HOLMES

RESIDENTS from the small community of Irvinebank are calling on Main Roads to seal more sections of the road that connects them to Herberton, saying the very survival of their town depends on it.

While there are only about 100 people living in and around the town, they have been passionately campaigning for the Herberton-Petford Road to be sealed for decades and say it is critical if the historic town is to attract more visitation.

According to Irvinebank Progress Association treasurer and long-time resident Di Delaney, without more visitation and money coming into the town, the important work a small band of people do to maintain historic buildings will be put in jeopardy.

“We have been campaigning for the road to be fully sealed for three decades but there’s just not enough people here to push them to seal the whole road – we get a little bit at a time,” she said.

“A few years back, the road had lost all its gravel and was down to hard rock in places and we thought maybe we might get some more parts sealed but that didn’t happen.

“The road is holding the town back – we don’t get the visitation we could get from grey nomads and other tourists because of the condition of the road

“It’s the first question anyone asks when they think about coming to our town – how’s the road?

“But we need more visitation so we can keep fund raising to look after our heritage buildings

– we are the trustees of the buildings so we are basically responsible for the preservation of them.

“Our history here is amazing but people don’t come out here largely because of the road.”

Ms Delaney said the Statecontrolled road was only able to be graded once a year because that was all the funding provided to Mareeba Shire Council allowed for.

“It’s great now – it’s been graded a week or so ago, but when the wet seasons comes, it washes out something shocking and is very badly corrugated,” she said.

Ms Delaney said emergency vehicles could not reach the town during those times and people have to be transported to Atherton by helicopter.

“It is so dangerous at times, it’s even dangerous to go and get your shopping from Herberton or Atherton which is where we have to go,” she said.

“It also takes a major toll on your vehicle – the maintenance costs are shocking and a lot of people who live out here are retired or on a low income or government benefits so the cost is phenomenal for them.”

Ms Delaney said the cost to constantly maintain the road year after year, trucking in gravel and grading would add up and, in the long run, it might be cheaper for authorities to seal the remaining 14km.

She said even if Main Roads did specific sections, such as near the popular camping spot, Jumna Dam about 7km from the Irvinebank township, it would help to encourage more people to come

to the town.

“Even if they did a bit each year and concentrate on certain spots, it wouldn’t take long to finish it off,” Ms Delaney said.

Member for Hill Shane Knuth has taken up the fight on behalf of the Irvinebank community, raising the matter on the floor of State Parliament and asking Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey to fund the sealing of the road.

Mr Knuth’s said the road had been a long-standing issue that

needed to be addressed.

“Before I was even the State Member, residents have been lobbying for the road to be fully sealed,” he said.

Mr Knuth said there had been numerous ongoing issues and it was the time for the government to seal the road.

“Not only would this benefit locals, but it would also have a flow-on effect as Irvinebank has a rich history and will encourage tourists and visitors to the region,” he said.

However, a spokesperson for DTMR has not given much hope anything will change anytime soon.

He said the department would be conducting gravel re-sheeting on a 5km section of the Herberton-Petford Road near Irvinebank in the next financial year.

“Mareeba Shire Council, through TMR’s Road Maintenance Performance Contract, recently completed 11.62km of gravel grading on sections of Herberton-Petford Road between

Watsonville to Irvinebank,” he said.

“Further re-sheeting of a 1.2km section is planned for late next month.”

The last time the department undertook any sealing on the road was in 2020, but any further progress, such as widening and sealing, were considered for future works programs “on a priority basis against state-wide criteria, including factors like road environment, traffic volumes and crash statistics”.

Irvinebank long time resident Di Delaney at the causeway near the Jumna Dam turn off where sealing the road would make it safer for visitors to use. A petition has been launched to put more pressure on the state to seal parts of the road.

Tinaroo Falls Dam

Wharf set for major upgrade

COOKTOWN locals can look forward to a redeveloped wharf, boat ramp and waterfront as part of Stage 5 of the Revitalisation of Charlotte Street project.

The upgrade will enhance safety, accessibility and functionality of the area, while providing improved facilities for commercial and recreational fishing and boating.

The works include the construction of kerb and channels, shared pathways, ramps, traffic islands, new bitumen, creation of more car parks and dedicated boat and trailer parking bays, safety guardrails, commercial operations areas, and overall landscaping and beautification works.

Once complete, the revitalised area will also provide significant benefits to the community, local businesses and visiting tourists.

Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott said the Cooktown Wharf is an important asset for the community and the wider region.

“The upgrade works will boost tourism potential by creating a welcoming entry to our town and improved access for visiting boats and cruise

ships, while also making the area safer and more functional for recreational and commercial fishing,” he said.

“Consultation and planning for the project commenced in 2016, and we’ve worked with community and stakeholders to get the best possible outcomes for the area.

“It’s been a very detailed collaborative process and we are very proud of the work that’s gone into it.”

To minimise disruptions to residents and local businesses, the upgrade works will be delivered in two stages, with the upper half of the road adjacent to the Seaview Hotel being upgraded in the first stage, while the lower half will be completed in the second stage.

Traffic management and control plans will be in place, including diversions and road closures, and access to the construction site area will be limited and restricted.

Works are anticipated to be completed by mid-2024.

G&M Civil Site Manager Kevin Sadleir, Cook Shire Council’s Road Construction Foreman Mark Whitman and Manager Engineering Khubaib Khan at a recent onsite pre-start work meeting for Stage 5 of the Revitalisation of Charlotte Street project.

Community gather for day of fun

THE sounds of laughter, live music, and sizzling sausages filled Firth Park on Sunday for the Bungaru Aboriginal Corporation and Ngoombi Community Services Indigenous Corporations Mareeba Community Touch Footy day.

The weekly event attracted over 80 First Nations kids from Mareeba to gather, play a game of touch football and spend time with their friends and family.

Organised by First Nations leader Joseph Callope, the aim of the weekend get-togethers is to bring kids back to Country.

“What I have tried to do is get them back to Country because we

are the men of the land and we are connected to it,” he said.

Organising the football games comes off the back of the men’s camps that Mr Callope has hosted over the past few months.

Due to a lack of funding and support, he looked into better options to help the younger generation connect with each other and the land, sparking the idea of the football games at Firth Park.

Since then, Njoonbi and other volunteers have jumped onboard, allowing them to happen weekly.

For more information or to donate, contact Bungaru on 0457 593 237.

Casey Lee Cheu with his painted skateboard.

Jah’leah Riley Hennesy and Lily Foster show off their art.

Jai’Kyous Koolatah with his painting.

Michael Dodd and Cadence Gutchen amongst peers during reconciliation week.

Trey Schaaf shows off his painting he did on the day.

Over 80 kids and their families got together at Firth Park on Sunday for the Bungaru and Ngoombi Mareeba Community Touch Footy day.

Three new movies

MAKE the most of this weekend at Malanda’s Majestic historical cinema, with three great shows on screen.

New on screen is the well-received Australian biopic “John Farnham Finding The Voice”, which tells the road to success story of one of Australia’s greatest entertainers.

Top actors Vin Diesel, Michele Rodrigues and Jason Statham star in the latest incarnation of the extraordinary “Fast and Furious” franchise. The action crime adventure “Fast X” shows for another superb weekend.

The wonderful timeless story “The Little Mermaid” continues for a third memorable weekend. It’s a spectacular cinematic production, well worth watching.

For session times, go to www.majestictheatre.com.au

Sounds of music set to impress at new festival

PLANNING for the newly formed Atherton Tablelands Chamber Music Festival is well underway, with an exciting program set to impress audiences.

The festival, which will take place on 22-24 September, is a solely artistled event, grown from a previous concert series which started in 2016.

The festival is directed by Khalida De Ridder - a violinist with an impressive emerging international career.

Born in Atherton and raised in Silver Valley, she took to the stage at just five years of age and later graduated from the prestigious Royal Danish Academy of Music.

Her life priority is to give back to the very region she says shaped her core and artistic expression.

This year’s program will feature a string quartet, Sydney-based operatic soprano Katie Miller-Crispe as well as a young local talent, Jean Plushke, on piano.

Players of the North Queensland Chamber Orchestra will also perform, due to accompany classical guitarist Simon Thielke.

One of the highlights of the festival will be a public forum supported by a Regional Arts Development Fund thanks to Tablelands Regional Council. The forum will be an important first step in finding ways in which to attract, maintain and sustain

skilled regionally based artists in our region.

The festival is now seeking sponsors to support the event, with individuals and businesses able to claim a tax deduction for any donation made to the festival made possible by the Australian Cultural Fund.

Still time to get Into the Woods

TICKETS are still on sale for Atherton Performing Arts’ ongoing production, Into The Woods as they pass the halfway mark on their new play.

The play is a collage of fairy stories that mesh to become one big script and include stories from the likes of Cinderella, Jack, his mother, Rapunzel, the witch, the baker and his wife.

There are 10 shows scheduled throughout the performance dates of 27 May and 11 June, there are seven performances to go on 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10 and 11 June.

Tickets can be purchased at Tableland Books Atherton or online at www. athertonperformingarts.com.au

Anyone interested in assisting can contact Khalida directly at tablelandscmf@gmail.com or for a tax deductible donation, the link is www. artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/ project/a2E9q000000CmSQEA0/ atherton-tablelands-chamber-musicfestival-2023

Atherton-born Khalida De Ridder is directing the Tablelands Chamber Music Festival in September.

Little Red Riding Hood in Atherton Performing Arts’ ongoing production of Into the Woods.

DEBUTANTE BALL

Willow Cole and Riley Lennon Tayla Nastasi and Douglas Cotter Zeske Wilson and Brady Hughes Jordana Giacometti and Jayden Camp Gabrielle Jean and Samuel Thompson

Talisha Eade and Ayden Tennyson Karolyna Srhoj and Jai Torrisi Emily Dixon and George Leonforte

Brooke Butler and Marcus Stallan-Caamano Summer Srhoj and Blaine Heath

Tarryn Young and Jack Harriman Sophie Trimble and Jensen Battistin Capri Flegler and Brayden Brown Hannah Schiesser and Rylan Srhoj Mia Squillari and Steven Young

Nikita Tatti and Zac Cotter Chloe Boundy and Izaak Shaw

AND

Pillar and Milan Maloberti

TAKE A BREAK

acaudal alular ambulacral ametabolic anguine annelid anserine anterior anuran arachnidian

arachnoid araneidal araneidan arthropodal arthropodan arthropodous artiodactylous avian batrachian bivalve

brachiate canine carangid caudate cold-blooded colonial compound disjunct even-toed filariid Time m 0030 2.90 0722 1.35 1221 1.85 1816 0.86

SUDOKU

jointed mantle metabolous metameric nonsegmental oviparous pallium pedate posterior salientian Time m 0143 2.82 0849 1.26 1358 1.84 1932 1.04

Enter

Puzzle Solutions

scaled scaley scaly spidery univalve unsegmented vagile vertebrate viviparous warm-blooded Time m 0254 2.77 0954 1.13 1525 1.94 2057 1.18

Time m 0359 2.72 1045 0.99 1642 2.11 2223 1.25

Time m 0457 2.65 1130 0.85 1751 2.33 2332 1.27

BIG WORD SEARCH CROSSWORD

Time m 0548 2.57 1209 0.73 1847 2.54

23 relating to or produced by a volcano or volcanoes

24 not arranged neatly and in order.

25 a fixed or movable upright partition used to divide a room, give shelter from draughts, heat, or light, or to provide concealment or privacy.

26 a person’s or animal’s intestines or internal organs, especially when removed or exposed.

Down:

1 an ornamental tree or shrub grown to a specific size and shape, generally in miniature

2 a nickname for New York City (3,5)

3 out of harmony or balance.

4 extremely poor. (7,8)

Across:

8 a politician or person with strong political views.

9 another term for inside leg.

10 at an angle or in a sloping direction

11 a person’s ability to see

12 cause (someone) to lose enthusiasm or hope.

13 give a creased, ruffled, or dishevelled appearance to.

14 the power, capacity, or disposition to resist buying goods or services offered for sale, (5,10)

5 creative art, especially visual art whose products are to be appreciated primarily or solely for their imaginative, aesthetic, or intellectual content. (4,3)

6 the chemical element of atomic number 76

7 a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

15 come near or nearer to (someone or something) in distance or time.

16 an even-toed, ungulate mammal that chews the cud regurgitated from its rumen

17 a small island in W California, in San Francisco Bay

19 informal term for food, used typically by Australians

21 a sporting team playing for a county.

WEEKLY HOROSCOPES

Mar 21 - Apr 19

This week, you could have a brilliant idea. You might find something to do that is truly worthwhile and you can’t wait to begin. You’ve picked up a concept and now you’re off to the races! This is the way to succeed. A special someone could capture your heart

JUN 21 - JUL 22

This week, you’re making worthy connections. You could have the opportunity to be around an extraordinary group of people. This is a great time to mingle and make new friends. Be sure to read the fine print with any money matters.

sep 23 - oct 22

This week, you’re spreading your wings. This is a good time to look at a new way to make money. Maybe you want to move from being hands off to more involvement. Consider whether it is time to reach out to that special someone, it won’t hurt to start a

Dec 22 - Jan 19

This week, you’re breaking free of limitations. You’ve accomplished much recently, but you haven’t gone too far outside your comfort zone. Taking risks is key to personal and career growth. Maybe it’s time to consider ways to get out of your rut.

apr 20 - may 20

This week, brings something that inspires you. Physical appearances will be getting your attention this week, whether it’s trying a new hairstyle or outfit or adding some ‘jeuje’ to your living space to brighten things up. You’ll be turning heads & attracting positive attention

JUL 23 - AUG 22

This week, small changes help you a lot. You might be thinking about your career, and it’s very clear you’d like ot make a change. Take the time to brainstorm how to make that happen. Give this problem to the Universe and a solution could come this week.

oct 23 - nov 21

This week, you’re going in the right direction. A relationship could take a very different turn, perhaps you’ve been friends up to this point, perhaps held back due to extenuating circumstances. You generally have a strong charisma but today you’ll stand out.

Jan 20 - Feb 18

This week, you are the object of admiration. You might want to take a wrecking ball to your house and just start from scratch, but small changes will also help shift how you feel about your house. If you’re procrastination about something, ask yourself why

May 21 - Jun 20

This week, you’re receiving important messages. You could be experiencing synchronicities every where you turn, whether it’s a vision or signs and symbols. Pay attention, the universe is showing you the way. A helpful stranger could guide you through a

Aug 23 -Sep 22

This week, you can find support. Early in the week you’ll be an information sponge, soaking up as much as you can about something you’re fascinated with. Later in the week you need to ensure you’re communicating clearly and openly.

nov 22 - dec 21

This week, the universe is calling. You could be undergoing a habit overhaul.You might decide to unplug one day a week and spend some time outdoors or make a connection spiritually and in the community. You’ll be given lots of “shoulds” but only you can decide

Feb 19 - Mar 20

This week, you can find harmonious moments. Everything that you create in your life starts with your thoughts. While you can’t always control your thoughts, you don’t have to dwell on notions that aren’t beneficial. Consider taking a negative thought fast for 24 hours

ON LANDthe

Farmers connect with businesses

BY BRIGITTE DALEY

AN event which aimed to connect farmers with businesses in Malanda recently has exceeded all expectations.

Funded by a Queensland Government grant, Grow Malanda the event was initiated by the town’s Chamber of Commerce to explore farmers’ needs as part of the Queensland Small Business month in May.

Chamber media officer Ross Robinson said the night brought together some of the farming community in the greater Malanda area to interact with the local business community.

“We received very positive feedback for the initiative as previous incarnations of the Chamber had not sought to involve agricultural businesses not in the town,” he said.

“This is something we will definitely be pursuing as the dairy industry and other farms are strong, important pillars of the economic success of our town and its surrounds.

“We hope this night achieved a starting point for that.

“The talks were incredibly illuminating for everyone. Most people who aren’t farmers don’t realise how much work it takes to produce the milk we take for granted and expect to be there on the supermarket shelves every day.

“I think this went beyond a simple networking event into an evening of education, understanding, and merriment.

“We have future events planned, including a rural mental health event in October, but after the positive comments on the night, we will be investigating how we, as a chamber, can help connect our agricultural and town

businesspeople.

“We are overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and support of our Malanda community. These things do not happen in a vacuum, and it is the people, the community, and those that put their hand up that make things better for everyone.

“This was the chamber’s first opportunity to have Bega represented at the event and they outlined their vision as a complete food company and showed us the range of products they now make.”

On the night, participants were encouraged to buy local, “show up” at shows and to take care with social media and be mindful to get good stories out.

Bega Senior Farm Services officer Howard Smith, who has had 33 years of experience in the tropical dairying industry, spoke on the night.

“A farm gate value of $40 million goes from the Tablelands dairying industry into the local economy each year,” he said.

In January 2021, Bega purchased the Lion Dairy and Drinks business which included the Malanda factory.

In a plus for the region, attendees heard that the number of younger dairy farmers per head of the farming populations on the Atherton Tablelands was amongst the highest in Australia.

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries dairy development officer Joanna Srhoj was the first guest speaker for the night, giving a well-received presentation on “Building Resilient Dairy Businesses in Far North Queensland”.

Jo is based in North Queensland where she has many roles in the dairy industry including

facilitating a dairy discussion group, working to increase pasture intake and supporting North Queensland extension efforts.

She gave participants a valuable insight into the complexities of a dairy business.

The second guest speaker for the night was Lynette McGuffie from the Rural Financial Counselling Service in Atherton.

Lynette has extensive experience assisting producers to understand their business and identify options and strategies to improve their financial performance. Her passion is helping agricultural businesses and families achieve their financial and personal goals and providing advocacy and support for clients.

Lynette works with primary producing families who are at risk of financial hardship or who are experiencing it, offering a totally free service with no costs to producers. The service also offers a Small Business financial counselling service.

There are also “Business Wellness” coaches that are available who have had mental health training to help with emotional wellbeing and stress support.

The “Question and Answer” session on the night generated a lot of interest, triggering discussion on the greatest challenges that farmers currently faced.

Ms McGuffie said interest rates, land prices, succession planning issues, labour and commodity prices, cattle prices coming back and the cost of inputs were all impacting on farmers.

The highly enjoyable night was co-hosted by Gail Barton (known as the formal one) and Georgina Humphries (known as the funny one).

Guest speakers the night Joanna Srhoj (left), comedian and co-host Georgina Humphries (centre) and Lynette McGuffie (right). Image: John de Rooy.

Howard Smith (left) and Deb Bass with Jaggan dairy farmers Tom and Maree Hamilton. Image: Brigitte Daley.

ON LANDthe

Entrants ready for 2023 Malanda Show quest

THE Malanda Show Dairy Queen and Princess quest is well underway, with 10 young Malanda women being introduced for this year’s competition.

The queen competition has been a major part of the Malanda Show for decades however for a period of time it was discontinued until the committee revived it in 2016 to coincide with their centenary.

The competition format has since changed to be held every two years in between the rural ambassador competition which was launched in 2022 which is geared towards young men and women focused on the agricultural aspect.

This year’s entrants for the queen quest are Kimberly Daley, Heidi Ryan and Danielle Bowden.

Kimberly is an active exhibitor in dairy cattle at the Malanda Show with family enterprise Millaaview. She is a keen explorer, baker and artist and is sponsored by her workplace Travel Experience.

Horse whisperer Heidi is currently studying at Malanda State High School and loves to keep active through gymnastics and barrel racing. She is sponsored by the Malanda Show Society.

For Danielle, expressing herself through art is what she loves most with photography and crotchet being her chosen mediums. She hopes to make the best of every opportunity that comes her way and is sponsored by the Malanda Manor.

This year’s princess entrants are Bridie Blinco, Erin Burtenshaw, Leah Linneman, Charlie Carey, Danii Stremouchiw, Tara Bevan, France English and Heidi Brettschneider.

A proud member of the cattle showing team, Bridie is an active member of the Millaa Millaa community and is completing a certificate III in agriculture with her sponsor, Rocky Creek Orchards.

Erin, who is sponsored by Tablelands Business Solutions, is currently in high school and loves to work with cattle in both the beef and dairy industry.

Spending her weekends working on her family’s cattle property, Leah loves the cattle and station life and aspires to continue in this field when she completes her studies at St Monica’s Catholic College in Cairns. She is sponsored by Burnell Builders.

Charlie is sponsored by Rumours Diner and enjoys relaxing by the river whilst fishing and has aspirations to become a veterinarian when she completes her high school studies.

Sponsored by SPAR Malanda, Danii loves working on the farm, playing touch football and netball with aspirations to represent her sport in a high level. She hopes to travel once she completes high school studies.

Coming from Ravenshoe, Tara knows her dairy and is excited to be sponsored by Bega. When she isn’t on the dairy, she is playing touch football and rugby league.

A regular volunteer to the Malanda Show Society, Frances honours the century long legacy of her family’s cattle history exhibiting Illawarra dairy cattle. She is sponsored by her workplace Away With Hair.

Heidi is sponsored by Millstream Springs Cattle Company and enjoys cooking, drawing, mak-

ing candles and Tae Kwon Do. She has ambitions to make a positive difference in the word and pursue a career in the medical field.

Coordinator Georgia Dull said she was pleased with this year’s entrants and their enthusiasm as they take on their responsibilities as entrants.

“We have kind of branched off from the original vision of Miss Showgirl, we wanted to really get the girls more involved in our local community rather than being a figurehead,” she said.

“We didn’t want someone that can just smile and pose for photos, look beautiful and hand out ribbons – we wanted somebody who is a part of that backbone and is really passionate about the future of agricultural shows and the industry as a whole.

“In this region, agriculture is our lifeblood, particularly here in Malanda we have a big focus on the dairy industry which is a finite resource, so we want to keep supporting it for as long as possible.”

Record interest in land grants

A RECORD number of applicants submitted Expressions of Interest for projects supporting property management actions to build climate and drought resilience on Cape York Peninsula.

“We had 27 submissions to our Landscape Resilience Project and had to narrow the selection down to six properties,” Sustainable Agriculture and Water Quality manager Michael Goddard said.

“I think it’s a measure of the demand for practical, on-ground solutions in the region that we have seen such a great response, and it’s important that the unsuccessful submissions know that they may have another opportunity if we secure a second round of funding by 2024, based on this demand.”

A total of $180,000 is available for on-ground activities, with eligible applicants being supported by grants of up to $30,000 each.

The activities aim to reduce threats to native vegetation, or improve pasture condition, and include weed control; protection of riparian vegetation from cattle or pigs through fencing of creeks and rivers; paddock fencing to increase spelling; and adding off-stream watering points to spread grazing pressure and improve opportunities for spelling.

“We’ve had applicants from all over Cape York Peninsula putting forward excellent projects to support better grazing land management or protect important vegetation,” Mr Goddard said.

“Landholders up here face a number

of challenges particular to the region, including poor soils and harsh weather events, with less return than the smaller southern Queensland properties.

“These projects will add to infrastructure and help to make Cape properties less vulnerable to year-to-year changes in climate and markets.”

The six properties selected have been notified and will begin work with Cape York NRM to address priority land condition issues and threats to native vegetation condition.

The Landscape Resilience Project is funded by the Queensland Government’s Natural Resources Recovery Program. The project runs until the end of June 2024.

This year’s princess entrants Bridie Blinco, Erin Burtenshaw, Leah Linneman, Charlie Carey, Danii Stremouchiw, Tara Bevan, France English and Heidi Brettschneider.

2023 queen entrants Kimberly Daley, Heidi Ryan and Danielle Bowden. PHOTOS: Amy Lowe, Feathers and Lace Photography.

ON LANDthe

Rikki reigns as new rural ambassador

BY BRIGITTE DALEY

IN 2014, Rikki Payne attended an Educational Dairy Youth Camp in Malanda for the very first time.

Not having come off a property herself, she won the Rabobank Senior Section Champion Leader and the Senior Student of the Dairy Camp award as well.

At a dinner for the NQ Sub Chamber Rural Ambassador finals in Tully on 27 May, history repeated itself with her winning the title of 2023 North Queensland Rural Ambassador.

The Queensland Rural Ambassador Awards is the pre-eminent rural and agricultural leadership program for men and women aged between 20-30.

Run by Queensland Agricultural Shows since 2003, the awards allow young people to promote Queensland, agriculture, rural communities and show societies, while providing an avenue for local communities and agricultural shows to recognise, celebrate and develop future leaders.

Rikki will now represent Far North Queensland at the Brisbane Exhibition in August this year.

The winner will then go on to compete at a national level.

Malanda Show Society president Greg English said that to achieve what Rikki has done clearly demonstrated her strong work ethic and her dedication to the local Malanda Show Society, the rural community and to agriculture on the Tablelands, and recognised her as being one of the next

generation of leaders.

“For someone to grow up in a small rural town who now goes on to represent the whole of Far North Queensland at a State level at the Brisbane Exhibition is a remarkable achievement,” he said.

Rikki chose to enter the Malanda Show Society Rural Ambassador program in 2022 to give her a platform to showcase and promote the local Malanda Show and to encourage younger participants to join in and step out of their comfort zone.

“As the first Malanda Show Rural Ambassador, I want to make an example for the ambassadors to come,” she said.

“The competition has inspired me to showcase our beautiful show and to encourage the younger generation to participate in this competition and in our local show.

“I believe that agricultural shows do a lot for our community and that these shows represent our agricultural industries and the backbones of our communities.

“The feeling I got when I won the 2023 North Queensland Rural Ambassador was fantastic!

“I’m proud and honoured to get this far, it has been a fantastic experience.

“Meeting so many amazing people from different parts of our sub chamber and connecting with both ambassadors and showgirls was the highlight of the NQ Sub Chamber Rural Ambassador finals night for me.

“The advice given by previous contestants was interesting and helpful.”

First becoming involved in 2012 when

she was 12 years old, Rikki attended her first cattle handling and judging school and loved it.

“My love for agriculture started with my first cattle handling and judging school, which Mr David Kilpatrick (agriculture teacher) arranged.

“I took agriculture all through high school and learnt heaps from it!”

Since then, Rikki has gone on to lead and parade cattle at Malanda, Atherton and Tully Shows and well as at International Dairy Week at the Tatura Park Exhibition Centre in Tatura, Victoria.

Malanda Show Society manager Kate Stokes said that she wished Rikki all the best for the next phase of the competition and hoped she enjoys the experience.

“In the last year she has become a member of the Show Society and now actively attends meetings and regularly volunteers,” she said.

Her involvement has also extended into other areas of the show as well. Having exhibited with various studs in the dairy ring from a young age at the Malanda Show, she has continued supporting exhibitors in the dairy section.

More recently, her interest has expanded into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the Malanda Show.

Having previously been an entrant in the Show Queen Competition for the Malanda Centenary Show in 2016, Rikki is now on the sub-committees for the Show Queen & Princess and Rural Ambassador competitions.

Agreement spurs fears for regional workforce

A CLAUSE described as “sneaky” included in the Australia-UK Free Trade agreement has regional Australia feeling anxious about its future workforce supply, says Member for Kennedy Bob Katter.

Mr Katter has called for either a “handbrake” on the deal or a government-funded campaign to address labour shortage concerns.

The bilateral agreement which came into effect on 31 May, has been sold to the public as a “gold standard trade deal that delivers benefits for all Australians – including manufacturers, workers, farmers, tradies, innovators, families, and students”.”

However, from 1 July 2024, an additional clause will come into effect allowing UK passport holders to be granted up to three working holiday visas without having to meet any specified work requirements.

Previously, UK passport holders (backpackers) were required to complete at least 88 days of “specified work” which included service in regional and rural parts of the country – underpinning the workforce for

small-town hospitality venues as well as fruit-picking farms.

Mr Katter said regional Australia and his electorate had long been suffering from a labour shortage in many industries and the trade agreement would further add stress on rural economies.

“Backpackers add vibrancy to towns (throughout my electorate) such as Mission Beach, they spend money at our cafes, they’re a hell of a lot of fun and make it fun for us Australians and they do meaningful work during their stay,” he said.

Mr Katter said he was seeking an “urgent meeting” with the Minister for Trade and Tourism to make it compulsory for UK backpackers do rural service for at least three months.

“We have world-class tourism here, and when they come to our electorate, they realise that,” he said.

“We're seeking an urgent meeting with the Minister because we desperately still need our economic recovery since Covid, we're a long way off and the backpackers

were a serious component of that.”

Mr Katter said failing a reversal of the decision, he wanted the Federal Government to campaign rural and regional Australia to working holiday visa holders to partly offset the losses to the regions.

Barron Valley Hotel owner Michael Nasser , said “cutting off the backpackers would decimate the region”.

“To put it simply, if they’re no longer required to come out here, the beaches of Sydney and Gold Coast are far more appealing than the bush,” he said.

“For perspective, at the moment I’m getting about 100 inquiries per week from UK backpackers for work. We employ about 50 people here at the hotel and, at the moment, I’ve got 14 backpackers.

“But they go on to all the farms around here as well, and I get inquiries from farmers about them as well. Because they’re willing to work, hospitality jobs - Australians don't want to do them because it interferes with their social life - weekends, split shifts, late nights.”

TRACTORS IN THE TROPICS CLEARANCE SALE

17th and 18th JUNE

76 McKeown Road, Yungaburra

This tractor repair business has been well known for supporting the farm community especially when that tractor is needed and refused to go.

Now we need your support! Please visit our clearance sale as we need to sell left over stock, tools, engines, new and 2nd hand tractor parts as well as tractors as is and other items. Your ongoing support and help is very much appreciated.

Servicing

CS SERIES 25HP - INCLUDES 4 IN 1 LOADER

From $23,117 Ex GST - $25,495 Inc GST

CK SERIES 30-42HP - INCLUDES 4 IN 1 LOADER

From $29,777 Ex GST - $32,755 Inc GST

DK SERIES 48-58HP - INCLUDES 4 IN 1 LOADER

From $40,905 Ex GST - $44,995 Inc GST

EX SERIES 53-58HP - INCLUDES 4 IN 1 LOADER

From $37,995 Ex GST - $41,795 Inc GST

NX SERIES 60HP - INCLUDES 4 IN 1 LOADER

From $52,268 Ex GST - $57,495 Inc GST

Office: 07 4095 4455

Rikki Payne 2023

North Queensland Rural Ambassador (right) with 2022 North Queensland Ambassador Mariah Chiesa (Cairns Show) (left).

Happy to rely upon experts for information

ORDINARY Australians relied on their medical practitioners to know everything about the covid injections and to inform them thoroughly of any and all risks, no matter how remote.

Sadly, too many of them failed to do their due diligence, blindly repeated the UN-WHO’s “safe and effective” mantra, and defrauded their patients of the right to give informed consent to a medical intervention.

I wonder if the sneering Dr Andrew Herborn GP of Herberton (Express, 26/05) injected anyone with AstraZeneca without warning them of the risk of death from thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome?

“First, do no harm”, eh, doc?

Medical professionals who gave those injections without the appropriate warnings are now squarely in the frame to be sued for damages for injury.

In fact, the first Covid injection lawsuit has been lodged with the Federal Government and names then-Health Minister and former World Economic Forum Director of Global Strategy, Greg Hunt (https://covidvaxclassaction.com.au).

News.com.au has reported that Hunt can’t even walk down the footpath on the Mornington Peninsula now without being called out by the public for his responsibility in killing and injuring so many trusting Australians – people who were at zero risk from Covid.

Now that Australia’s excess mortality is spiking far above the pandemic year 2020 – one federal senator used the analogy “two fully-loaded Dreamliners crashing each week” – plenty of jabhappy medicos must be getting quite anxious.

The ABS’ most recent transparent excess mortality figures are here - www.abs.gov.au/ statistics/health/causes-death/provisionalmortality-statistics/jan-dec-2022 - and a new release is scheduled for late May. Notably, the ABS has recently changed the format for new reports, which makes the Covid injection crimes against humanity less obvious.

Anyone who doubts the globalists’ depopulation agenda when they talk about it openly is trying to remain blissfully ignorant of reality as Dreamliners crash all around them.

As to Ivermectin with zinc and azithromycin curing Covid quickly and cheaply, I’ll take the word of two highly-rated Australian research professors - Professor Kylie Wagstaff from Monash University and Professor Thomas Borody, Director of the Centre for Digestive Diseases, NSW - over the arm-waving of a backwoods GP.

Peter Campion TOLGA

Misleading comments over urea emissions

REGARDING the letter by Grahame West of Atherton (17/05/23).

Mr West, I believe owes the readers an apology for misleading them in this statement “…do you realise just one kilo of urea applied to crops produces 100 kg of Co2 gas in our air?”

My research came up with this: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change proposed a default value (0.2 kg C per kg urea)

for the CO2 emission factor from urea, which is equivalent to the mass per cent of C in urea.

Given urea provides 50 per cent of manufactured fertiliser and is widely used on the Tablelands, I feel accuracy in discussions is essential.

June Bosel HERBERTON

Agree with views on globalist’s activities

I’M retired and travel a lot and I’ve seen in some places the whole population was deeply sucked in by the covid hoax and, in others, only some were.

The latter is the case on the Tablelands where you had a lot of “stand in the park” protestors and even now you have people fighting the globalists power grab in your opinion column, while others are still in the grip of the mass formation psychosis the globalists created.

I checked the links Mr Campion provided back on 15 February and others since and I can see he’s exactly right. Ivermectin with zinc and an antibiotic, which the bogus studies didn’t include, was always safe and effective.

The TGA and AHPRA acted in lockstep with the globalists to ban it, and the Covid jabs are killing young healthy people who were never at risk from Covid. Only the morbidly obese and the very elderly were ever at risk from Covid, the same as every other flu.

Those who defend the globalist hoax are either locked in the mass formation psychosis and may never escape it or acted with the globalists in their injection frenzy, profited from it, and now realise they’re on the hook for it.

Russell “Sheeple” Johnstone seems to be in the first group and Dr Andrew Herborn may well be in the second.

The same globalists who planned the Covid pandemic at “Event 201” on 18 October 2019 in New York are planning a new pandemic. The Johns Hopkins Centre for Health Security, the World Health Organisation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation conducted the pandemic tabletop exercise “Catastrophic Contagion” in Brussels, Belgium, on 23 October 2022.

The new disease has been tentatively named “Severe Epidemic Enterovirus Respiratory Syndrome” (SEERS) and it will target children.

The globalists are depopulationists and targeting fat old people was nasty but targeting children is absolutely horrific. Those under the mass formation psychosis need to wake up to themselves and any doctor who plays the globalist game in the next round belongs in prison.

Warren Byrnes REDLYNCH

WHO has a lot to answer for over Covid scare

THE World Health Organisation (WHO) was started by David Rockefeller, a eugenicist. The WHO ordered the Australian Government to flood the mainstream media with a fear campaign about Covid-19.

The WHO villainised Ivermectin worldwide to ensure emergency use approval would be granted for the MRNA injections. The MRNA injections turned out to be unsafe, ineffective, and the cause

of fatal disease.

Covid turned out to be less deadly than the 2017 flu, which got no mainstream media attention.

My friend Chloe was a registered nurse. She was well-informed on Ivermectin and MRNA. She refused the MRNA and was sacked. That was illegal under Section 51(xxiiiA) of the Australian Constitution.

The WHO ordered the Australian Government to ignore the Australian Constitution, and so they did. The Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency ignored the Australian Constitution to prevent Chloe warning you that MRNA injections can kill you and your loved ones.

The WHO intends to reduce the human population. The Australian Government and the Liberal and Labor Parties willingly assisted the WHO.

Many doctors, nurses, and chemists willingly assisted the WHO. They broke the law to assist the WHO to harm Australians. We’re not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy.

The mainstream media fear campaign worked so well that many are now living permanently in wonderland. They cannot see how dangerous governments have become.

Alejandro Serranogarcia BIBOOHRA

Voice is wrong road to help indigenous

THANK you for enlightenment on what we are voting for on The Voice (Express 31/05/23). I am sure that the wording proposed to be inserted into the constitution will be a surprise to many.

In particular, clause 3 which confirms the fact that there is absolutely nothing to define what the voice will be in the constitutional amendment, as the “composition, functions, powers and procedures” are subject to legislation yet to be developed and passed.

While discussion on what this legislation will be is in progress, people can only anticipate what the legislation will be, not know. Even if the proposed legislation is clarified before the referendum that will not be in the referendum clause.

It is rather like being asked to sign a building contract based on discussions with the contractor without the construction materials, number of rooms and price being defined in the contract.

Further, the “Yes” advertising campaign is dishonest for two reasons.

Firstly, the implication is that the indigenous being recognised as the first peoples is dependent on there being a constitutionally enshrined voice, and, secondly, that the indigenous community does not currently have a voice.

Recognition, and a constitutional voice are separate issues, and we should not be asked to vote yes or no to a question covering both. That the indigenous are the First Peoples of Australia is an undisputable fact. Whether the Voice is needed or not is subject to much debate.

The indigenous have an established voice already with dozens of State and Federal organisations devoted to their welfare, in particular the National Indigenous Australian Agency (NIAA) which calls itself the voice of the indigenous, and is federally funded to the tune of $5.7 billion over four years.

The Indigenous are also currently represented in Federal Parliament in roughly equivalent numbers to everybody else on a per capita basis. To insert a racially identified group with special access to government in the constitution is a return to racism.

This was abolished in 1967. That the Voice is racist is undeniable, it gives a group of people defined by race constitutional rights not available to others, that is basically a definition of racism.

If you are unconvinced, try replacing Aboriginal and Torres Straight Voice with White Australian Voice and see how the mood changes!

One thing both yes and no sides agree on is that past and current organisations have failed because they have excluded the people on the ground. Why should this change?

Our Prime Minister has demonstrated little interest in the people on the ground. He generously spent two hours on the ground in Alice Springs to solve the problem of lawlessness, domestic violence, and hopelessness in in the indigenous communities in the area.

He also refused to meet a deputation of Indigenous representatives in Canberra “from the ground” of Northern Australia who wished to talk with him.

In my opinion, the Voice would end up controlled by the self-elected elite, urbanised indigenous like all the other organisations have. I will be voting no. If we had the option to vote on recognition without the unnecessary encumbrance of the Voice, it would be a clear yes.

Bruce Jones INNISFAIL

Leave Constitution as it was intended

WHEN the Australian States came together in 1900, they created, possibly, the most stable liberal democracy in the world.

Our Constitution is not perfect but the changes being supported by our present government will introduce apartheid and that is not an improvement.

I have no doubt that if this change takes place, it will be the end of democracy in Australia. I can assure you that in the event of the Voice being ignored by Parliament, they will go straight to the High Court, and the High Court will become the rulers of our nation.

AS a nation, we have not adopted any part of the indigenous culture, simply because over a period of 60,000 years there has not been any changes to make their lives better. Australia became a nation only after the British took possession of this land, and anyone who says otherwise is wearing rosecoloured glasses.

Education is the key to success for our indigenous people, and in this modern era, it is the only way to go. Our past history has been violent at times to both black and white and no one wants to see a return to those days.

Everyone I talk to wants to see our indigenous people enjoy their lives in our society because there is no going back and the future will be better with education.

To be a successful nation, we need to have one flag, one anthem and one law for all. I recommend you vote “no” in our coming referendum.

P.W. English MALANDA

What the proposed dog attack reforms could mean

BY KRISTYN LENNON

DOG attacks are very frightening for all involved. They can cause serious injury to people and animals, and tragically, they can sometimes result in death.

Following a number of serious dog attacks in Queensland, the State Government in April convened a special taskforce to look at proposed reforms.

These include the possibility of jail time for owners involved in the most serious dog attacks, on-the-spot fines for off-leash dogs, and a statewide ban

on prohibited breeds.

A paper detailing proposed changes will be prepared for public consultation.

In the meantime, there are simple steps dog owners can take to minimise the risk of being involved in an attack.

These include always supervising children around dogs, making sure there is secure fencing on the property, and using a lead in a public place.

If you are worried that a dog in your neighbourhood could attack someone, talk to the owner first to see if there is anything that can be done to reduce the threat.

If you are unable to resolve your concerns directly with the owner, you can try speaking to your local council.

If you have been involved in a dog attack, you should immediately report it to your local council.

This ensures council can respond in a timely way to secure the dog, gather evidence and speak to those involved.

If it’s safe to do so, take photos of injuries and the incident. You should take notes of what occurred and any conversations. Seek medical or veterinary care if needed, and keep any medical or

veterinary reports and receipts.

If your dog attacks a person or another animal, you could be fined, your dog could be regulated as dangerous and subject to additional requirements like muzzling, or you may face legal action.

There are some defences available, for example if your dog’s conduct was a result of the dog being attacked, if it was trying to protect its owner, or if it is a working security dog.

If you are injured in a dog attack, the owner of the dog may be required to compensate you for any losses, including medical expenses, loss of

income, and ongoing trauma.

For owners, standard pet insurance is unlikely to foot the bill for dog attacks, but some home and contents insurance policies will cover pet owners for dog attacks.

Kristyn Lennon is a Cairnsbased lawyer who heads Maurice Blackburn’s Tablelands 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 Kristyn to answer you can contact her at klennon@mauriceblackburn.com.au

PROPERTY

This is the life

houses l land l units l investments l acreage l farms l rentals

LOCATED at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Lake Eacham this 5 acre property is ideal for anyone who is wanting a low maintenance rural life with enough space for a horse and a couple of cows. This is a home where kids can be kids, with a great sized house yard which even has a half cricket pitch. Ticking all the other boxes of a 4 bedroom home, 2 bathrooms and a shed the split level home has plenty of character with timber floors and raking ceilings.

Features include:

• Air-conditioned open plan living with lovely brick wall feature and wood heater. Perfectly north facing with sliding doors leading onto the front porch.

• Modern kitchen with stone benchtops, free standing 6 burner gas stove, double door fridge and dishwasher

• 4 bedrooms. The master with en-suite and airconditioining, bedrooms 2 and 3 have walk in robes and the 4th bedroom has a built in robe.

• Study located at the

22 Main Street, Atherton Phone: 4091 7111

front at the home with raking ceilings and high windows for natural light. Ideal for anyone working from home.

• Main bathroom has shower over bath and a separate toilet.

• Spacious laundry with plenty of room to add walk in linen.

Outside the features continue:

• Double Carport

• 9m x 7.5m lockable shed with 10 and 15amp power and mezzanine storage over one bay.

• 5.5kw Solar System

• 2 x 27500L Water Tanks

• 4 fully fenced acre paddocks with common water trough

• House block fenced on 3 sides

• Bore

Ideally located within the Malanda School Catchment and with a bus stop almost at the front door this is an ideal spot for a family to escape to the country.

For more information contact Elders exclusive listed agent Michelle Raso on 0428 116 136.

Address: 27 Digby Road, LAKE EACHAM

Price: Offers Over $749,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Michelle Raso Elders Real Estate Tablelands

Contact: 0428 116 136

Atherton

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Yungaburra

• Set on 1 hectare (2.4 acres*)

• 3 bedrooms + sunroom

• Fireplace and airconditioned in living

• Front and rear patios

• 2 bedroom self-contained unit

• 2 paddocks

Offers Over $799,000 L22806293

Suzey Whitby 0438 090 306

Margaret Black: Principal

GREEN PASTURES

Ravenshoe

• Set on 51.95 hectares

• Improved pastures

• 2 permanent creeks

• Steel 3 bay machinery shed

• 2x 2 bedroom duplexes – tenanted

• 2 road accesses

$890,000

L16685087

Morgan Brennan 0407 730 450

OPEN HOME: 2 Spry Close, Barrine

Saturday 10th, 10:30am - 11.30am

• 3 bedrooms with built-ins

• Master with ensuite and walk-in robe

• Timber kitchen with servery

• Deck with lake views

• 2 bedrooms + office downstairs

• 2 bay shed and 2 bay carport

$989,000

L22768550

Suzey Whitby 0438 090 306

LARGE ACREAGE & LOCATION

Mareeba

• Set on 68.46 hectares

• Fenced into 5 paddocks

• 2x 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom dwellings

• Residences separately metered

• Feed shed + stables and tack room

• Large dam + views

$899,000

L22683543

Morgan Brennan 0407 730 450

www.raywhiteruralatherton.com.au

7.9 Acres in Binbrook Estate

PRIME acreage is now available in the Binbrook estate. 7.9 Acres of flat ground ready for you to build your dream home and relax. Located only moments from local swimming holes and national parks, the whole family will love living here. There is a undercover area for your caravan on the property already. This property has a lot to offer.

Special Features:

• 7.9 Acres (approx)

• Partially fenced

• 2 Bay carport

• Water tank

• Privacy

• Town water and power at

the front of the block

Call Mick and the team at Town to Country Realty today on 0417 118 618 and organise your inspection.

Address: 203 Gordon Earl Drive, MILLSTREAM

Price: $225,000 NEG

Agent: Mick English Town to Country Realty

Contact: 0417 118 618

Malanda lifestyle retreat

THE possibilities are endless with this versatile 4 bedroom home situated on 4 acres of useable land situated within a short distance from the township of Malanda.

The home lends itself to shared living or offers plenty of space to house a large family. There are 2 large living areas plus a fully enclosed sunroom which offers great views of your paddock.

The home is constructed of solid masonary block on a concrete slab with character injected throughout such as timber clad raked ceiling in living area and timber french doors.

The property includes a steel construction shed which includes a self-contained unit with the possibility of providing accommodation for either family or to rent for additional income.

The house is connected to town water and there are 2 newly installed septic waste water systems. This property sits within residential zoning and a proposed reconfiguration into residential lots has been drawn up with the plan available to the new buyer should they wish to explore this option.

FEATURES INCLUDE;

• 4 bedrooms

• 2 separate living areas

• Open plan kitchen, dining, lounge incorporating a pot belly stove

• Modern kitchen with large pantry, dishwasher,

rangehood

• 2 separate bathrooms in house + 1 in shed

• 10 kw solar panels

• Internal laundry

• Office/gym room

• Mud room

• Enclosed veranda/living space on 3 sides with views

• Double carport

• Security screens

All round great property with stunning views wherever you look, book your private inspection now with Exclusive Marketing Agent Collette Rowston from Raine & Horne Atherton. 0419 733 712.

Address: 49 Hillcrest Road, MALANDA

Price: $698,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Collette Rowston Raine & Horne Atherton

Contact: 0419 733 712

PROPERTY

Style meets practicality - modern home with stand alone villa on acreage

INTRODUCING a captivating modern home designed for comfort.

Built just five years ago by renowned local builder Ian Byrnes, this property offers a perfect blend of style and functionality. With its impressive features and prime location, this home is a true gem in the real estate market.

One notable feature of this property is the modern and stylish villa, comprising two bedrooms, kitchen, living area, bathroom/laundry combined and a front patio. Whether you need additional space for guests, a home office, or even potential rental income, this versatile space offers endless possibilities.

The main residence boasts three spacious bedrooms and two sleek bathrooms, with a separate media room/family room.

Each bedroom is thoughtfully designed with built-in wardrobes, ensuring optimal storage and organization. The open plan layout creates a seamless flow between the

living, dining, and kitchen areas, making it ideal for both relaxation and entertaining.

Preparing meals is no longer a chore with a stunning kitchen, complete with an island bench and a butler's pantry and stone benchtops. This culinary haven is equipped with high-quality appliances and offers plenty of counter space for cooking and hosting gatherings. For cozy evenings, snuggle up by the fireplace in the living area or enjoy the comfort of the air conditioning system during hot summer days.

The master bedroom is a tranquil retreat, featuring an ensuite bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe. This private sanctuary provides a peaceful escape from the demands of everyday life. Additionally, the property offers a sizable laundry/utility room with abundant storage options, ensuring a clutterfree living space.

Step outside and discover an inviting entertainment patio, perfect for hosting barbecues and enjoying

alfresco dining. The beautifully landscaped yard features veggie gardens and a selection of fruit trees, allowing you to embrace a sustainable lifestyle right at home. The property is also equipped with a 5KW solar system, reducing energy costs.

Car enthusiasts will appreciate the double remote garage, which is oversized to accommodate large vehicles

comfortably.

Gardens are designed to both complete the overall presentation and attract birdlife, providing you with a sanctuary to enjoy, the hard work is done!

This is a rare opportunity to own a stylish property just minutes from Atherton township. This residence exemplifies the best in contemporary living. Don't miss the chance to make

this exceptional property your own and experience the perfect blend of luxury, functionality, and sustainability.

Contact Exclusive Marketing Agents Kaydee Chatfield 0417 468 941 or Daimin Kochi on 0448 916 246 at Main St Real Estate today.

Address: 45 Carrington Road, ATHERTON

Price: $897,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Kaydee and Daimin Main Street Real Estate

Contact: 0417 468 941 or 0448 916 246

WELL presented and offering everything for the family this generous 4 bedroom home offers all the extras you've been looking for and is positioned in a family friendly Estate. All you have to do is move in, relax and enjoy as all the hard work has been done for you.

Features include:

• Generous, tiled & air-conditioned plan with multiple living areas

• Freshly painted internally

• Substantial master bedroom with ensuite & WIR

• Bedrooms 2 & 3 with mirrored built-in robes

• 4th bedroom/closable media room

• Spacious central kitchen with 2 pac gloss cabinetry, stone bench tops, corner pantry, & dishwasher

• Laundry with built-in cabinetry & hallway storage cupboard

• Tinted windows, s/ screens & blinds throughout

• Substantial tiled patio

• 6m x 7m powered & insulated colourbond shed with lined & air-conditioned room & double roller door access (1 with remote)

• 1100m2 fully fenced

& landscaped corner allotment with side access & only 5 minutes from town centre

New to the market & certain to sell quickly –your inspection is highly recommended. Open for inspection this Saturday from 10am to 11am.

For further information or to arrange a private inspection please contact exclusive agent Joe Torrisi.

Address: 14 River Drive, MAREEBA

Price: Contact Agent

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Joe Torrisi Joe Torrisi Real Estate

0417 700 468

Split-level home with stunning views

THIS beautifully presented split-level home ticks so many boxes for so many buyers looking to purchase a low maintenance home.

Tucked back from the road in one of Atherton’s most elevated streets this home is guaranteed to impress with the most stunning mountain views.

Features Include;

• Split-level, solid masonry block home

• Air-conditioned open plan living area opening on to veranda

• Modern kitchen with electric appliances, pantry, breakfast bar and ample bench space.

• 3 bedrooms with built in robes

• Spacious main bathroom with a walk-in shower &

vanity unit. Separate toilet

• Plenty of storage space with a hallway linen cupboard

• Ceiling fans, vinyl flooring & screens throughout home

• Veranda on 2 sides of home overlooking scenic mountain views

• Lower level of home is complete with a multipurpose area/laundry, 4th bedroom/ storage room & 2nd bathroom.

• Double carport

• Paved outdoor entertainment area

• Inground swimming pool

• Fully fenced 828m2 allotment

• Established and wellmaintained gardens

Ideally located in a quiet street within walking distance to the Atherton Hospital, day care, shopping & medical facilities.

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

Address: 35 Cumbrian Ave, ATHERTON

Price: $469,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Raquel Cunzolo Sommerset Realty

Contact: 0408 983 879

Cultivation, cattle and location

THIS is a rare opportunity to purchase tightly held farming country with excellent potential for further development.

Situated on 68.07 ha & close to the Tolga township, this property is set on fertile, arable red soil - ideal for crop production.

Currently the property is producing sugarcane, corn and hay; however it would be suitable for a large variety of crops.

Features at glance:

• Modern & low set, rendered block home

• 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & double carport

• 10meg groundwater licence

• Underground 6' main line w/ 8 hydrants in place

• 4 Large machinery sheds

• Portable cattle yards

• 2 x high flow equip

Bores

For more information contact agent, Morgan Brennan, at Ray White Atherton on 0407 730 450 or (07) 4091 7111. www. raywhiteruralatherton. com.au/L19391753. www. raywhiteruralatherton. com.au/L22275292

Address: TOLGA

Price: POA

Agent: Morgan Brennan Ray White Atherton

Contact: 0407 730 450 or 4091 7111

tree change come true.

· 3/4 acre, fully fenced, shady block with established gardens

· 2 bedroom home

· 3 sheds, two are new builds

· Fully self contained train carriage

· Walking distance to shops, bus stop and Elizabeth Creek

Vince Costas 0419 926 691 vince@crmareeba.com

Remo Esposito 0401 969 473 remo@crmareeba.com

Offers over $200,000 Ph: 0457 679 018

https://bit.ly/3BrooklandsRdMtSurprise

houses l land l units l investments l acreage l farms l rentals

Cute cottage in central location

SITUATED in a convenient location close to Mareeba

CBD, Coles and Primary Schools, this cute cottage offers great potential for first home buyers wanting an entry level property, or a seasoned investor looking for their next investment.

With 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, single carport and shed on a fenced 865m2 allotment this home has all the makings of a great first home or investment opportunity.

The enclosed front sleepout is a great spot to enjoy cuppa in the morning, or as a kids play area as it leads onto the main living room. The kitchen has plenty of storage space with an open walk-in pantry/meal prep area, and the dining

room adjacent. The bathroom is located on the lower level of the home, just down a couple of steps, with a separate toilet, and just off the laundry for convenience.

There is plenty of room for kids and pets to play with a spacious and shady rear yard, and the shed provides plenty of storage.

• 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

• Kitchen with plenty of storage & walk-in pantry

• Dining room & living room

• Internal laundry

• Polished timber floor boards to most rooms

• Shed & single carport

• 865m2 allotment, fully fenced

• Close to Mareeba CBD & Primary Schools

• Currently tenanted until December 2023 for $310 per week

For more information, or to book your own private inspection call exclusive agent Remo Esposito on 0401 969 473.

Address: 87 Constance St, MAREEBA

Price: $299,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Remo Esposito Central Realty Mareeba

Contact: 0401 969 473 or 4092 2232

Opportunity knocks…

HERE is an ideal opportunity to operate your business, live on site in the residence and receive an income from the adjoining shop.

Situated in the centre of Atherton, close to the Post Office and Silo Shopping Centre.

Here you will discover two separate shops fronting Main Street and both with rear access. At the end of your work day, you can walk upstairs to a beautiful two-bedroom unit with polished timber floors throughout.

This unit, as big

as a house with a large open plan living area, wellappointed kitchen with ample cupboards and a pantry.

There are two bedrooms, both with built ins and ceiling fans. The master bedroom opens onto the front veranda with views to the mountains.

Enjoy the views and relax on either the front or

back patios. Within walking distance to all amenities. A great buy for the owner occupier.

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

Address: ATHERTON

Price: $620,000

Agent: Trisha Jackson Professionals Atherton Contact: 0419 183 145

AIELLO, Nilda Angela

18.05.1942 ~ 25.05.2023 (81 Years)

Beloved Wife of Alfredo. Loving Mother of Alfredo Junior and Estela. Grandmother of Carolina, Mahalia, Agustin, Matias and Ava. Always In Our Hearts.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

PAGLIETTA, Antonio Cesare “Cesare”

Late of 15 Robbins Street, Mareeba. Passed away peacefully at Carinya Home for the Aged on the 29th of May, 2023. Aged 91 years.

Cherished Cousin of Joe and Betty, and a friend to many. In keeping with Cesare’s wishes, a private service has been held.

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

PAVEY, Fred Daniels

Late of Herberton. Passed away peacefully on the 30th of May, 2023. Aged 90 years.

Beloved Husband of Pam. Cherished Father of Greg, Wayne and Russell. Much loved Grandfather of Emma & Kristy, Mitchell & Tyler and David & Shannon. Great Grandfather of Tayla, Jay, Myles, Riley, Conner, Leah, Hayley, Brendan, Leroy and baby Brook.

Forever in our hearts.

Family and friends of Fred are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service which will be held graveside at Herberton Cemetery on Thursday 8th June, 2023 commencing at 11am.

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

Happy 11th Birthday

Reid Bailey Ellems

4th June, 2023

Lots of love from Great Grandad & Great Nana.

RE ID BA ILE Y EL LE MS

4th June 2023

HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY

Lots of love from Great Grandma.

Happy 95th Birthday

Antoinetta (Toni) Girardi 13th June, 1928

May you have a joyful day surrounded by your loving family.

Love from Gail, Steve, Maureen, Melissah, Julian, Logan, Adrian, Lauren, Jazmin, Lillee & Peddy.

CHATFIELD, Lorraine Estelle

Late of Ravenshoe. Passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on the 16th of May, 2023. Aged 84 years.

Beloved Wife of Allan (Dec.). Much loved Mother and Mother-in-Law of Kevin & Kathleen, Scott & Kathleen, Aila & Kevin (Dec.). Proud Grandmother of Jessy, Christie (Dec.), Hayley, Stacey, Naomi, Leah, Erin, Ryan & Kelly and Great Grandmother to all her great grandchildren. In keeping with Lorraine’s wishes, a private service has been held.

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

Richard HOLT

Late of Mareeba. Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday 31st May, 2023 at the Mareeba Hospital. Aged 86 years.

Beloved Husband of 55 years to Helen.

Devoted Father to daughters Zoe & Kellie and father-in-law to Blue and family. Loving Grandfather of Crystal & Elijah and their partners.

Family, friends and former colleagues are warmly invited to attend a funeral service to celebrate Richard’s life.

Service will commence at 10am on Monday the 12th of June at St George’s Anglican Church Mareeba. Following the service, a private cremation is to be held.

1300

781 084

Scrap Metal or Dead Machinery

Preferably in bulk.

Phone: 0438 414 360

PROPERTY

RENTAL PROPERTIES WANTED

Mareeba Community Housing Company is seeking 2 and 3 bedroom rental properties in Mareeba for the Community Rent Scheme Program. Properties must be in good condition to meet minimum housing standards. The benefits include guaranteed rents, nil management fees, qualified tradespersons, and professional property management team. Phone 4092 6899 for further details and lessors packages.

FUNERAL

1999 Harley Sportster 1200

1974 Harley Sportster 900

Neither running, price negotiable.

Phil 4092 1177

Daytime only.

with my humans. I’ll be ready for my forever home on 8th June.

I come vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped, desexed, wormed and flea & tick treated. My adoption fee is $160

PUPPIES

Border Collie/ Kelpie Cross Pups For Sale

Parents are both good workers.

11 weeks old, wormed, 2 girls left. $200

P: 0448 928 673

BIN0013299347302

MY16 Holden Captiva LTZ

7 Seater AWD

80,500 Klms

Boasting: Leather interior, icy cold aircon, sunroof, 6 speed auto, new tyres, RWC & rego. $17,450 NEG PHONE: 0401 745 076

Position Vacant

RECEPTIONIST AND ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT

Part-time permanent

A position is available in our Mareeba office for a receptionist and administrative support person to join our team.

The role will be 20 hours (minimum) to 30 hours per week during business hours, to be mutually agreed with the successful candidate.

You will be working in a supportive and friendly environment, with on-the-job training and development opportunities.

The role is suited to someone who:

• Has a positive nature

• Has an excellent telephone manner and a commitment to client service

• Is motivated, self-driven, reliable and professional

• Is able to work as a team and independently

• Has experience with the Microsoft Office suite

Prior experience as a receptionist or secretary is preferred, however it is not a requirement.

Further details of the role and how to apply is provided at: https://www.millerharris.com.au/ careers/

EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER

First Steps Early Childhood Learning Centre is looking for an enthusiastic Early Childhood Teacher, who has a passion for teaching through play and keen to work in a team of highly dedicated and experienced educators. This amazing opportunity is a full-time position offering 10 weeks paid holidays during school holidays and teacher award wages.

Expressions of interest to contact Samuel Wright on 40917757 or via email: samuel@firststeps.com.au

EXPRESS The

JOURNALIST

CENTRE MANAGER

Full-Time

A position is available at the Mareeba Heritage Centre for a Manager to join our team. The role is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Mareeba Heritage Centre, that includes the Visitor Information Centre, the Mareeba Heritage Museum and the Mareeba Heritage Gift Shop and Pantry.

This is a strategic role and requires agility and responsibility for the organisation to ensure opportunities are maximised contributing to the Centre’s ongoing operational performance and sustainability.

The role is suited to someone who has:

• Significant experience or tertiary qualifications in business, tourism, arts, entertainment, and/or recreation sectors

• Managed administrative and business operations, with strong financial management and reporting skills

• Developed and applied business strategies to drive commercial outcomes

• Understanding of the policy and funding environment

• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing a team

• Highly developed interpersonal skills and a strong commitment to advocacy

• Commitment to delivering a person-centred approach and customer centric organisation

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and the capacity to identify issues when working autonomously

• Ability to work outside of business hours

Prior experience as an Operations Manager is a requirement.

Further details about the role and how to apply is provided at: https://mareebaheritagecentreinc. snapforms.com.au/form/mhc-manager-application

RURAL MEDICAL IMAGING RECEPTIONIST

Full Time Position

We are looking for a Receptionist to join our busy practice in Mareeba.

The successful applicant will be attending phone calls, booking appointments and ensuring patients are seen in a timely manner.

We are after a team member who has:

• Excellent time management skills in a fast paced environment

• Willing to travel between practices when required

• Ability to multitask

• Able to work as part of a team

• Excellent communication and customer service skills

VOLUNTEER, MARKET & EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR

Part-Time

A new position is available at the Mareeba Heritage Centre for a Coordinator to join our team. This role will be 20 hours per week, working in a supportive friendly environment, with on the job training and development opportunities.

The role is suited to someone who has:

• Proven experience as a co-ordinator or similar position

• Experience in volunteering and recruitment

• Excellent team building skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Strong organisational skills

• High level of computer literacy

• Ability to work autonomously and outside of business hours

Prior experience as a Co-ordinator is a requirement.

Further details about the role and how to apply is provided at: https://mareebaheritagecentreinc.snapforms.com.au/form/mhc-coordinatorapplication

Public notice

Women’s Sexual Assault Survivors Group

Fortnightly: Wednesdays

9.00am - 11.00am, CWA Hall, Jack Street, Atherton FREE and welcoming (chats, coffee, craft & connection).

The Express Newspaper requires a dedicated Journalist to work from our Mareeba Office.

The Express Newspaper is an independent and locally-owned publication that has been the mainstay of local news in the Mareeba Shire and in the Tablelands region for more than 13 years.

The newspaper has multiple online platforms and an informative website to complement its weekly free printed publication which has won awards year in and year out at the Queensland Country Press Association annual conference. The paper has a small, but dynamic, team who have a passion for where they live and for balanced and responsible reporting.

The successful applicant must have:

• Extensive knowledge of news writing and information gathering.

• Must have excellent journalistic skills and the ability to work with a vibrant team under the supervision of the Editor.

• Some experience in back-end web production and web management is preferable but not essential.

• The position includes the delivery of news across our news platforms.

• Knowledge of Adobe InDesign software, Photoshop, drone operation, and video editing software would be an advantage.

We offer:

• Flexible working hours

• A relaxed working environment

• Safe working space

• Opportunity to develop and grow with the company

• Be part of a vibrant, dedicated team of professionals

• Remuneration upon application. The position is full time with above award remuneration.

To apply, send your CV and Covering Letter to: carl@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Applications close: Friday 9 June 2023. Please feel free to contact us on 0408 924 312. Working visa and non-Australian residents need not apply.

• Professional manner

• Willingness and ability to learn our systems

• Experience with Word and Excel an advantage Applicants must have a drivers licence and own vehicle.

Please drop your resume with cover letter into Rural Medical Imaging Atherton or Mareeba, or email it to: atherton@ruralmedicalimaging.com.au

ADMINISTRATION OFFICER

Hardworking, energetic person required for a busy Production Nursery in Mareeba.

We are offering a FT Position, 38 hours per week. This position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced office environment and be adaptable to change. You will be able to hit the ground running with mad skills in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office.

Formal qualifications in Business, Admin or Finance, and previous nursery experience highly regarded but not mandatory. You will be responsible for all aspects of finance and admin including tax.

If you are only available for a short time, please do not apply. We are seeking a team member with the view of permanent work.

Please contact Diana on (07) 4092 7122 or email: info@flourishplants.com.au with résumé and cover letter.

PRIVACY POLICY

The Express collects personal information to assist us in providing goods and services which you have requested to process competition entries, giveaways and to improve our products and services to you. We may be in touch by phone, mail, fax or internet to inform you of any services and promotions which may be of interest. If you would prefer us not to do so, please write to us at: The Express, PO Box 2243, Mareeba QLD. 4880 Access to your personal information can be obtained by calling (07) 4092 3464.

Please call TSAS 4091 4036 For further information

THANK YOU

The Three Saints Committee would like to express their sincere gratitude for the support provided by devotees, members, volunteers that helped to make the 73rd Feast of the Three Saints such a success. Thank you to the members and volunteers who contributed time and energy to prepare for and organise the Feast for 2023.

Thank you to all our sponsors for their ongoing support and sponsorship of the Feast of the Three Saints this year and in previous years.

We look forward to your continued support over the coming years.

Notification of

to Upgrade NBN™ Radio Network Base Station Facility

Proposal

As part of the fixed radio (wireless) component of the nbn Network, nbn is proposing to upgrade an existing radio network base stations at the following location to improve service conditions:

• 9 Maple Street, Millaa Millaa, QLD 4886 (RFNSA No. 4886003)

The proposed works on site will involve the upgrade of existing technology upon the facility including and not limited to the removal of panel antennas, the installation of panel antennas, the installation of mini lens antenna, the removal and installation of an equipment shelters and installation of ancillary works.

nbn regards the proposed as a Low Impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-Impact Facilities) Determination 2018. In these circumstances, it does not require planning approval from Tablelands Regional Council.

Further information on these network upgrade works can be obtained by calling Ventia on +61 7 3033 3735. Written submissions can be sent to Level 1, 10 Browning Street West End QLD 4101 or via email to communityconsultation@ventia.com

The closing date for submissions is COB Wednesday 21st June 2023. For general info on the nbn, visit our website at www.nbnco.com.au. For further site information, visit www.rfnsa.com.au

(Site ID: 4886003) Our ref: R402-4TNZ-4ATH-5109 Millaa Millaa

HOW DO I CANCEL AN ADVERTISEMENT?

Should you need to cancel an existing advertisement please call the office on (07) 4092 3464 before the deadline: Display Ads 9am Thursday; Classifieds 4pm Friday Prior to Wednesday’s publication date. Another method of cancellation is by: Emailing: admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

1.55 MIL

FACEBOOK REACH

22,200 500,000+

FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS

TOTAL PAGE VIEWS

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Gymnasts swing into country cup

A TOTAL of 212 gymnasts from across the region came together on the weekend to compete in the annual Mareeba Country Challenge.

With over twelve categories in the event, competitors from Mossman, South Cairns, North Cairns, Tully and Mareeba competed alongside each other to gain points to qualify for State Titles.

For the women’s artistic gymnastics (WAG), level 1 to 6, competitors practiced precision, agility, acrobatics, and strength across four different apparatuses. The men, (MAG) level 1 to 5 practiced

a combination of acrobatics, strength and power across six different apparatus.

“The Mareeba Gymnastics Club witnessed an amazing level of skill and agility over the weekend from both male and female gymnasts as they flipped, swung and tumbled through the air with a large number of gymnasts qualifying for state titles, held in Brisbane later in the year,” competition sub-committee member and sponsorship coordinator Clare Anderson said.

“Mareeba Gymnastics Club would like to thank all the community sponsors and local volunteers for making this event possible.”

Bulls win

IT was another successful weekend at home for the Mareeba Bulls Premier Men’s team, who dominated the Redlynch Strikers in a 9-1 win.

After taking a week’s break last week, the team were refreshed and ready and by half time, they were already ahead 5-nil.

Coach Kane Alderson said it was a good game all-round, with the men working together and putting in their best efforts.

“Everyone played well, and it was a good game to come back to after the break,” he said.

“We have a tough run over the next couple of weeks so we will be training more intensely to prepare for that.”

Next Saturday, the Bulls will be playing away against the Marlin Coast Rangers on Pennell Field in Trinity Beach.

Fun day

THE Mareeba Tennis Club is hosting their annual Community Tennis Challenge again on Saturday 17 June.

Taking place at their Chewko road courts, the theme for the challenge is “bands or groups” with participants encouraged to dress up for the doubles event. A barbeque dinner and bar will be available to purchase. Nominations close 10 June. To enter, call is 0499 505 984 or email mareebatennis@bigpond. com

WAG competitors Emma Hathorne, Micaiah Ford, Mahalia Gallaher, Ava Tonkin and Kamea Gallaher with coach (left) Cassie

Mareeba down in first round of Aaron Payne cup

ALTHOUGH determined and prepared, Mareeba State High School's top NRL players fell on home soil to St Augustine's College in the first round of the Aaron Payne Cup.

Kicking off at Davies Park with the “young lads”, the Under 16's Cowboys Challenge was tense, but it was St Augustine's that came out on top, winning 28-8.

It was Jahmarl Grogan who stood out in the team, standing up front from the start and carrying the team on his shoulders.

Playing heavy minutes as a prop, he made multiple line breaks and put the Cowboys Challenge team ahead early, with Mareeba State High School scoring the first two tries.

The Aaron Payne cup saw a full grandstand of supporters, but even they couldn't lift their game against St Augustine's, losing 36-4.

Tyrone Williams was outstanding with his exceptional leadership and continuously trying to rally the team throughout the entire game.

The players agreed that they didn't play up to their high standard, and individually, they want to improve against Mackay State High School next week.

On the sideline supporting the team, Mareeba High deputy principal Jude De Giacomo said she was proud of the efforts they made.

“It's a fantastic opportunity to have the 16s boys in the Cowboys Challenge Cup to kickstart their development for the Aaron Payne

Cup competition,” she said.

“It's a huge privilege to be part of the Aaron Payne Cup. The goal of the Aaron Payne Cup and the Cowboys Challenge at school is to build and foster a strong school community and culture.

“Thank you to the Mareeba Gladiators for your ongoing support with our home game venue and teams.”

The next game will be in Townsville against Mackay State School this week.

The junior players got to experience playing on a high level against St Augustine’s in the Cowboy Cup

The senior players fell to St Augustine’s last week in the first round of the Aaron Payne Cup The senior players fell to St Augustine’s last week in the first round of the Aaron Payne Cup

Former Gladiator makes Queensland schoolboys side

MAREEBA’S Raysa Srhoj has secured himself a spot on the Queensland Schoolboys under 15 rugby league side after a standout performance at the recent state championships held in Townsville.

The squad selection has now thrusted him one step forward in the hopes of one day achieving his dream of playing the NRL.

The 15-year-old, second and front rower, took on teams from across the state playing for the Peninsula region schoolboys’ side at the Brother Rugby League Football Club.

Even though Raysa felt like he played his best, he was still shocked when his name was called out for the state side.

“I feel like I played to the best of my ability, and it showed in one game where I got player of the match,” he said.

“But to be honest, I was a bit shocked when my name was called because I didn’t think I could have made the Queensland team out of 450 players.”

Raysa started out playing with the Mareeba Gladiators at the age of five and late last year made the move to Cairns to live and play for the Edmonton storm.

“I have always loved playing and watching rugby league since I was a little kid and I have always dreamed of becoming an NRL player one day,” he said.

“I think I’m a good playing in the front row and second row because of my build and size, but I also run hard and tackle hard in the middle as well.

“It feels good to be a part of something like this and I am pretty proud to represent my state and region.

“It’s a big achievement in my eyes and I am thankful to a lot of people who have helped me get here.

“I would like to thank my mum, dad and step-mum for their support before, during and after the championships and also my coaches for the effort they put into helping me with my development and fitness.

“But most of all I’m doing it for my Nonno, Tito Srhoj.

“He’s always been my number one supporter and he has been by my side my whole life with footy.”

Raysa will now continue playing footy for his club on the weekends and training hard to prepare for the national championships in Port Macquarie, New South Wales in the September school holidays.

Motocross revs up for big weekend

the competitors for this week’s Tropical North Queensland Motocross Series in Mareeba.

“THE best of the north” in the motocross scene will be gearing up for the Tropical North Queensland Motocross series set to take off in Mareeba this weekend.

Over 200 riders from Mareeba to Charters Towers to Mt Isa have registered to race, travelling to the Springs Road track for a weekend of competition.

The 1.5km course will see 40 riders each race kicking up the dirt to get across the finish line the quickest.

Mareeba Motorcycle Club secretary Tamara Grothues said the club was keen to invite clubs from across the north back to Mareeba soil after Covid put a holt to the competition two years ago.

“So the numbers have gotten lower over the years with Covid and there was a year or two where we couldn’t run the event but after Covid, the numbers picked up across the north,” she said.

“These riders are not only competing in our series but also in the central Queensland series and heading right down south as well, so we have some really fast riders up here that compete at all levels.”

The event is open to the public free of charge, with both Saturday 10 June and Sunday 11 June’s events kicking off at 9am. Food vans and live music entertainment will be available on the day as well.

Navrin Grouthes is one of

Roosters continue ‘horror run’

THE Atherton Roosters AGrade’s “horror run” in the 2023 FNQ rugby league competition continued on Saturday with a 30-24 loss to Edmonton Storm over the weekend.

Playing in Edmonton with a reshuffled roster due to injuries and player unavailability, the Roosters were again guilty of costly errors.

After setting up an early 10-0 lead, the Roosters went off the pace and allowed their opposition to fight back to lock the score up at 10-all for the break.

Gators roar in impressive win

BY ELLIE FINK

THE Gladiators showed no mercy on home soil over the weekend against the Mossman Port Douglas Sharks, with A-Grade winning 38-28 during what has been described as their “best performance yet”.

The Sharks got out to an 8-0 lead early before the Gladiators fought back to lead into halftime, 16-14 after tries to Caleb Dally, Leon Wood and Trezman Banjo just before the break.

The second half started as a back and forth arm wrestle throughout and with four minutes remaining, it was 28-all.

The Gladiators had tries to Isaiah Bowen, Joe Shadrick and a barnstorming try from lan King.

With the game on the line the young Gladiators stood up with a quality try to Murphy Morris in his comeback game, after a perfect cross kick from Banjo was nabbed and a brilliant try scored.

Then from the ensuing kick-off with 30 seconds remaining Barba drilled a short kick for the sideline and King jumped to get the ball and keep

it in, shrugged off a defender and sped 60 metres down the sideline to seal the game to the ruptures of the home crowd.

Coach Chris Sheppard said he was proud of his team, especially Les Strickland and Eddie Tokarahi, for their massive improvements throughout the season so far.

“Against Mossman, we backed up the Atherton and Yarrabah efforts and again had 17 contributors during the game,” he said.

“Mossman are a quality team that are well coached and have been one of the benchmarks for the comp over the last few years. They had a few out as did we and it was quite an entertaining end to end kind of game.

“Overall, it was our best performance to date however we realise we’ve got a lot to work on and we’ve got improvement in us but we’re heading in the right direction and need to keep working hard on our game.”

The Gladiators will be heading to Smithfield on Sunday to play against Ivanhoe.

Both sides traded tries soon after the restart before Edmonton pushed clear 30-20 with tries at the 70th and 75th minute. A late finish which resulted in a try to Ned Blackman wasn’t enough to save the points for Atherton.

In reserve grade, the Roosters won over Storm 26-16 while the under 18 points also went to the Roosters 22-4.

Roosters reserve grade man of the match Tyler Vit later made his debut in the first grade side meanwhile the ladies played an 18 all draw after the Roosters led 10-4 at the break.

The Atherton Senior Roosters have a bye from competition this weekend.

ThisSaturday June 10 Gates Open at 2pm Grand Parade at 5pm Motor Racing from 5:30pm

Sedans: Including the current QLD champ Brett Hardy who is the making the trek from Townsville to compete in round one of the King of Kerribee & Naylor Civil Super Street Sedan Championship. The champ won’t have it easy though as he will go up against his great

Roosters first grade debutant Tyler Vit.

The Gladiators celebrate a successful weekend at home against Mossman Port Douglas.