The Express Newspaper 8th November 2023

EXPRESS Delivering news across our region

The

WEDNESDAY 8 NOVEMBER, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Merry Mareeba

PHOTO ZOE MAREE MEDIA

Mareeba is set to get festive in a big way this Christmas with a new initiative to light up the town, a Christmas treasure hunt and the move of Carols from the park to downtown.

The festive spirit will be taking over Mareeba this December, with one of the biggest Christmas celebrations yet coming to town.

Mareeba Rotary’s Carols by Candlelight will be moving to the

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centre of Byrnes Street this year, opening the town up for a Friday night of excitement.

The Christmas lights competition is also well underway, with businesses taking advantage of a

Shire Councillor Kevin Davies with locals Janus and Lindie Boonzaaier, their children Jacob and Lidia, and Rotarian Natasha Srhoj, keen to celebrate Carols by Candlelight in Byrnes Street this year. MORE PG5

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$100 incentive by Mareeba Shire Council while residents are dressing up their front yards for the annual “Light up Mareeba” competition.

Excited ahead of the family event is Rotarian and Mareeba

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 www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au @ admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au editorial@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

MANAGING DIRECTOR Carl Portella

CADET JOURNALIST Ellie Fink

EDITOR Robyn Holmes

LAND REPORTER Brigitte Daley

DIGITAL CONTENT Maddy Gavin

Anzac Park ready for special day MAREEBA’S revitalised Anzac Park will be completed in time for the Remembrance Day ceremony next week.

Mareeba Shire Council has upgraded the park which acts as a location to host memorial events such as Anzac Day and Vietnam Veterans Day, removing the fountain and footpath and adding uplighting to highlight some of the features of the precinct such as the trees and cannons.

Additional trees have also been planted and there is a new named archway at the rear of the park.

As part of the Remembrance Day ceremony on 11 November, an olive tree will be planted to mirror the existing olive tree in the park.

The Remembrance Day event marks the time and date when the guns on the Western Front fell silent in 1918 after more than four years of continuous warfare in World War 1.

Services will be held at the following locations and times: MAREEBA – 10.40am at the cenotaph ATHERTON – 10.30am assemble at the cenotaph service, service to start at 10.45am HERBERTON – 10.20am at the cenotaph

MARKETING Darryl Day

MALANDA – 10.25am assemble at the Eacham Memorial Gates, service at 10.30am

PAPER MANAGER Natasha Srhoj

CIRCULATION 14,000 The Express is published by Portasea Pty Ltd, 141 Constance St, Mareeba QLD 4880. ACN: 141 250 213 Printed by Townsville print centre, 623-645 Flinders St. Townsville QLD 4810

RAVENSHOE – 10.40am at the cenotaph YUNGABURRA – 10.30am at the Memorial Park Gates, Barrine Road, Yungaburra

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www.guilfoylefunerals.com.au PAGE 2 The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Mareeba Girl Guides members Everlee Peckham, Hannah Dye, Storm Brinkley, Cerys Williams and Keirah Peckham take part in weekly activities at Mareeba Girl Guides.

Guiding girls into the future

BY CHELSEA ASHMEADE

GONE are the days of Girl Guides being known for their biscuit drives, instead they’re building a foundation for supporting girls (and women) into the future.

Mareeba Girl Guides is one of the groups still going strong and have recently celebrated their 65th year.

It’s a huge milestone for what is now a group of about six members and while they might be small, they’re still mighty.

Mareeba Girl guides unit leader and district manager Emma Baker said they were very much alive and strong.

“We are helping young women and girls shape into the leaders of tomorrow,” Ms Baker said.

With a focus on leadership development as well as outdoor recreation, camps and more, they’re able to learn skills they will take with them through life.

As the generations before Ms Baker were all part of the same movement, she’s proud to be a girl guide and continue on what has been part of communities for many years.

While Mareeba was officially registered in 1958, Ms Baker said her mum found her grandmother’s badges from 1953.

“We know that there are girl guides and former members in the community.”

Located on Egan Street, Mareeba, the Girl Guides have called this spot home since the 1980s.

“Our hut is slowly getting older, so we are hoping to raise money to repair the building. It would be a shame to lose the hut.”

And while the group might be small, they’re still present in the community.

“We do everything that we can to show that we are present and strong. For some of us it’s our place, it’s just so much fun.”

Joining the girl guides when she was just 11, Ms Baker said she has seen significant changes throughout the years.

“We are about to see some new changes in the new year but will continue to be here in the world and continue to adapt. We are a global organisation.” she said.

“It’s amazing to be welcomed into a town or an area just by wearing a Girl Guides badge.”

Ms Baker said the skills gained by each member were taken with them whether they stayed in Girl Guides for one year or 10.

“We can always do our best in the Girl Guides. The things we learn continue to exist in our life and the skills can be passed on,” she said.

“It is a sisterhood of friends and they are going to be my family forever.”

Mareeba is part of the Tropical North Region of Girl Guide groups encompassing towns from Weipa to Tully - they have 120 girls in the region and 45-50 adult members.

“We have quite a large region to cover and we love getting together,” Ms Baker said.

Atherton Girl Guides is also part of the region and, this year, celebrated 90 years since inception.

To celebrate Mareeba’s 65th year, the group is holding a mega raffle with many prizes up for grabs. Ms Baker said more than 30 businesses and groups had donated to the raffle, with the proceeds to help maintain the hut they call home.

Tickets are available at this weekend’s Mareeba markets, and online at www/forms.office.com/r/75eGvFuEJF?origin=lprLink. The raffle will be drawn on 1 December.

Mareeba Girl Guides always welcomes new members to visit. The group meets at their hut on Egan Street, Mareeba, on Wednesday nights from 5.30-7pm.

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Firefighters stay on high alert

BY ELLIE FINK

A fire (below) tore through an avocado plantation at Arriga last week, burning 80 trees in its wake.

FARMS and bushland have been burnt to ash over the past week, with wildfires breaking out across the region and with no rain in sight, locals and firefighters remain on high alert for more.

Last week, fires raged in Silver Valley, around Herberton, Irvinebank, Watsonville, Innot Hot Springs, Tinaroo, Arriga, Mount Molloy, Wangetti and Lakeland, keeping auxiliary and rural firefighters on the job for endless hours protecting locals and their assets.

Approximately 4000 hectares have been burned in a vast area from Herberton to Irvinebank since last Wednesday, with two dwellings lost in Silver Valley and other structures around the Mareeba area.

Reports that some of the fires may been deliberately lit have been received

by QFES and it is understood police are investigating.

QFES firefighter Brad Flemming witnessed the intensity of the fires in the Watsonville and Silver Valley areas, and believes a lack of preparation by property owners provided the fires with more fuel and made it more difficult to access the properties.

“There were a lot of residents who hadn’t been maintaining their yards or properties around structures, and a lot of driveways were hard to access with our appliances and that makes it extremely difficult for us,” he said.

“It came to a point where conditions became extreme, and a lot of houses were under threat simultaneously and, as we have said in the past, we don’t have an infinite amount of resources where we can put a truck at each residence.”

Aircraft proved to be critical in enabling them to keep up to date with the movement of the fires and target areas

where the intensity was highest.

“Crews are trying their best right now to look after structures and assets, and we are trying really hard to develop plans on how we are going to tie this in and put an end to it,” Mr Flemming said.

“We are still in a very high fire danger period - all permits have been ceased, and we just don’t want any further damage to our landscape.”

In Arriga, property owner and Rural Fire Service member John Nucifora said his crew were becoming increasingly frustrated with what they believed was deliberately-lit fires.

He said police had been on the scene investigating a blaze that ripped through a gully between his and his neighbour’s farms, damaging some of his crops and about 80 trees in his neighbour’s farm.

He said in all his time as a property owner and volunteer firefighter, he had never seen flames so big.

“The ground has got that much fuel in it that we have never seen flames like this roll through our place that high,” Mr Nucifora said.

“Farming is hard as it is, we have struggled undergoing some severe pressure over the past two or three

and let our crews come and assist,” she said.

In response to the ongoing emergencies, Tablelands Regional Council established several evacuation centres in Ravenshoe and Herberton for those who had nowhere else to go.

Council is also encouraging locals in emergency areas to check their emergency dashboard (www.dashboard.trc. qld.gov.au) to see all warnings, road closures and evacuation centres.

All fire warnings can be accessed at www.qfes.qld.gov.au/Incident-Dashboard

HEALTH WARNING Locals have been warned to avoid smoke which can cause issues for people with respiratory conditions. Tropical Public Health Services director Dr Richard Gair encouraged locals to stay indoors and avoid inhaling smoke, and people with asthma should follow their personal asthma plan. All air conditioners should be switched to ‘recycle’ or ‘recirculate’ mode.

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“Money is tight, and to have risks like this, it’s not worth it.”

Mr Nucifora also strongly encouraged locals to join their local Rural Fire Brigade and to obey the fire bans strictly.

“We are burned out, and people have no idea how frustrating it is for our brigades and the urban guys who have to go and fight these deliberately lit fires,” he said.

Residents in Mutchilba have also been struggling with water supply to help tackle the flame, leaving many property owners fighting fires with nothing but old bags and a garden hose.

Since then, Sunwater has promised to install a temporary backup source and begin working on a permanent solution when the fire season concludes.

Locals across all fire hotspots have taken to helping fight the fire with their own equipment and water.

Bushfire safety officer Chloe Swiney said QFES was grateful for the ongoing support and help from locals, saying locals making fire breaks was the best way to assist them.

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The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 PAGE 3

Late flowering boosts mango supply LATE flowering has provided some relief amongst local mango growers, as several varieties bloom bright this season.

Despite the popular Kensington Pride lacking in numbers, varieties such as Calypsos and R2E2 are looking to be blooming better than ever.

FNQ Growers president and mango farmer Joe Moro said now was the time to “try something new” and explore the several varieties the region had to offer.

“I think it’s fair to say production is down on last year and some varieties have been doing much better than others,” he said.

“There will still be KPs around, and I think the season will be extended in the Mareeba and Dimbulah area because there is a lot of late flowering.

“There is still a lot of concern about the setting of the flowering, but I think at the end of the day, there will be mangoes around, and I think people may have to try a few other varieties which are wonderful.”

In terms of prices, Mr Moro said it was still too early to tell whether there would be a price hike, but confirmed the first local mangoes would be hitting the shelves at the end of this month.

Long wait for new council vehicles TWENTY new vehicles will be purchased by Tablelands Regional Council for more than $1.3 million but it may have to wait up to 40 weeks to get them.

The council will buy 14 Toyota Hilux SR 4x4 dual cab utes for $955,503, and six Toyota Hilux SR 4x4 single Cab utes at a cost of $394,416 from John Cole Toyota.

But Cr Annette Haydon questioned why officers did not choose the second tenderer who was from “the neighbouring shire” which could have provided the vehicles sooner and had put forward a quote around $50,000 cheaper.

She also noted that council would potentially get less for the 19 vehicles they were going to dispose of because of the lengthy time for deliv-

ery of the new fleet.

Officers said once they applied the 10 per cent weighting for being a “local” supplier, John Cole Toyota was the preferred option, although a report to council noted there was a risk that the 19 vehicles council would dispose of may reduce in value.

“According to the Australian Financial Review second hand vehicle prices have fallen about 10% since hitting peak in February and are projected to continue to gradually drop,” it stated.

“Should this rate continue, a 40-week delivery would hold approximately an additional $62,000 decrease in resale value of the 19 assets to be disposed of.”

Members of the FNQ Aviation Museum Ian Whyte, Joan Stanton, Brendan Kent and Alan Martin accepting their donated book.

Donations bring light to next generations TWO books have been donated to the FNQ Aviation Museum and Airforce Cadets 106 Squadron by an ex-member of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to help keep their legacy flowing into the next generation.

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FNQ Aviation Museum president Brendan Kent said donations are always welcomed to the museum library, which is essential to sharing the stories of the past.

“It’s always great when we have this kind of donations come through, and it was great to receive this book from Ray,,” he said.

“It will be added to quite an extensive collection we have now at the museum for visitors to read.”

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www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Mareeba gears up for a merry festive season

tion set to take off this festive season.

They have also begun installing five new THE magic of Christmas will be brighter than trees in Mareeba, Kuranda, Mt Molloy, Chillaever across Mareeba Shire this year, with new goe and Dimbulah to kick off the festivities.

The all new Christmas themed augmented trees, lights competitions and a main street celreality (AR) treasure hunt is set to encourage ebration kicking off the festive season.

An exciting shift in tradition will see the an- residents to shop locally by visiting participatnual Carols by Candlelight move from Arnold ing businesses and scanning the sticker floor Park to Byrnes Street, putting a spotlight on a decal. From there, they can record a video and publish on the council website. brand-new Christmas tree and local businesses.

The two winners will be picked at random When hearing of Mareeba Shire Council’s plans to install a new Christmas tree, Mareeba from the entries and will receive a hamper valRotary quickly jumped at the chance of bringing ued at $500 each.

Although nominations are closed for the the annual festivity downtown.

“When council announced the new lights Lights Cash Incentive for businesses, the annual competition, tree and displays in town, we “Light Up Christmas” lights competition is still thought this was the perfect year to change open.

Mareeba Shire businesses and residents are things up for our community and create an exciting event for everyone to enjoy,” said Rotar- encouraged to enter the competition and display their festive creations. There are four categories ian Natasha Srhoj.

“With Friday being 1 December, it was the in the competition: Residential, Street, Business perfect date to kick off Christmas in Mareeba! and Rural, with $150 cash up for grabs for the It's all about spreading the Christmas spirit and best decorative houses.

Mayor Angela Toppin said Christmas was an supporting and shopping local.

“Rotary is thrilled to bring this event to important part of every year and she was keen to downtown Mareeba this year, and we can't wait see it bigger and better than ever in 2023.

“When Rotary approached council with the to see the community come together for a night idea of holding the Carols in the main street the of Christmas joy and community cheer.

“We have had amazing support from local Councillors and I thought it a really good idea businesses and organisations who have come on and have agreed to jointly fund the costs of the board to sponsor the event for our community road closures etc,” she said.

“The Carols by Candlelight hosted by the and a great line-up of local performers ready to Mareeba Rotary is a wonderful community entertain on the night.”

With a goal to keep money in the Mareeba event and one I thoroughly enjoy attending. It economy this festive season, Chamber of Com- is set to be a beautiful evening with great entermerce president Joe Moro said events like these tainment for families and visitors to enjoy and I would like to encourage residents to come out were what the community thrived on.

Bringing celebrations to Byrnes Street will and support this special event.

“Christmas is a wonderful time of the year allow businesses to stay open longer, with more visitors able to have a look at what businesses for us as a community to get together with family and friends to celebrate the year that has have to offer.

“We see it as a great way to revitalise the been. I look forward to the installation of five shopping aspect pre-Christmas, and there has al- new Christmas trees across the shire, and I comways been a desire by the community to have a mend the council staff who has been working night before Christmas somewhere where shops behind the scenes assembling the trees.”

The Mareeba carols event will kick off on 1 are open a little later so people can come in and December from 5.30pm in the centre of town, have a look,” he said.

“By moving the Christmas Carols from a with market stalls, entertainment, face painting, traditional Sunday night to a Friday night and story reading, Christmas photos and more.

From 6.30pm, the carols will commence, having it during working hours, I think it will allow people to come in a little bit earlier and with a variety of local talents taking centre stay a little bit longer to enjoy the carols and see stage.

In Dimbulah, the Dimbulah Community Father Christmas.

Centre is getting excited to “It is these things that host their annual Christmas bring out good community It’s all about spreading Under the Stars event on 25 spirit in our town.”

Christmas spirit and November.

Mareeba Shire Council with Friday being 1 The event will start at has been looking at many 5.30pm at the Dimbulah new ways to make ChristDecember, it was the Memorial Hall and Park, mas more exciting across perfect date to kick off with market stalls, perthe region, with two new Christmas in Mareeba! formers, a bar and raffles initiatives alongside their – Natasha Srhoj on offer.

Christmas lights competiBY ELLIE FINK

Mareeba Chamber of Commerce executive committee member Jillian Trout is keen to kick off the new shop local gift card initiative ahead of the Christmas season.

Shop local made easy WITH Christmas just around the corner, the Mareeba Chamber of Commerce has released its all new Mareeba Gift Cards, an initiative aimed at keeping spening dollars in the local community.

The gift card initiative, which has been widely successful in other regions, will kick off this week and will allow shoppers to purchase goods at Mareeba Chamber of Commerce businesses.

From gifts to food, chamber member and organiser Jillian Trout said the gift cards would benefit shoppers and local businesses.

“It’s really just a way to promote buying local, and it will be really sustainable for the community,” she said.

“It will also promote our members as well … there will be a list of all our members in an ad, and people can see where they can use it, especially in the lead-up to Christmas.

“All the money will stay in the local community and benefit the Mareeba economy as a whole.”

Mareeba Chamber of Commerce president Joe Moro said keeping money in the local community is essential, espe-

cially around Christmas time.

“We think the cards are a great way to keep as much money in the town as possible and a way to get money circulated,” he said.

“We also hope it will encourage more businesses to become members of the chamber as well, so we think overall it’s a

great initiative and hope it is as successful as it is in other parts of Queensland.”

The gift cards can only be purchased and redeemed at local participating businesses with no cost to get involved.

To sign up your business email admin@mareebachamber. com.au for further details.

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The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 PAGE 5

Big honour for ‘country boy’ A LOCAL “Mareeba country boy” has been named the University of Queensland’s (UQ) 2023 Alumnus of the Year for his ongoing dedication to alleviating the suffering of people with neurodegenerative diseases.

Professor George Mellick has always had a passion for helping others, according to his mother Kay, and always wanted to help those who needed it most.

He graduated UQ in 1996 with a PhD in Medicine and has since authored more than 250 research publications, lead research initiatives such as the Queensland Parkinson’s Project, Neurobank and Genetic Epidemiology of Parkinson’s Disease Consortium.

Professor Mellick said a light bulb moment during his Honours research determined the course of his career.

“I had the profound experience of meeting people living with Parkinson’s disease and those who cared for them,” he said.

“I wanted to do my part to improve their lives, and it drove me to dedicating my research towards this end.

“I was always an inquisitive person with a desire to make a difference, but that experience opened my eyes to the wonders of scientific research and the possibilities of putting theory into action.”

Kay said watching her son go above and beyond was something their family was incredibly proud of.

“He is a very special person and he has always been interested in people and helping them,” she said.

“His biggest inspiration, he said to me, was people who have different disadvantages but still carry on and keep going despite their disease.

“He is very approachable, very kind and easy to talk to. He is passionate about Parkinson’s disease and even from a very early

age all he wanted to do was help people with neuro degenerative diseases.”

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said Professor Mellick embodied the university’s mission to deliver for the public good.

“It is a pleasure to recognise Professor Mellick for his outstanding contributions and leadership in the field of neurodegenerative diseases and in medical research broadly,” she said.

“He is part of a remarkable cohort of Alumni Award winners this year who are leaders and innovators in fields as diverse as sustainable agriculture, media and the performing arts, access and inclusion for those living with disabilities, and more.

“They are an inspiration and UQ is proud to celebrate their significant contributions to their communities, both locally and globally.”

Mareeba born and raised Professor George Mellick has been named the University of Queensland’s (UQ) 2023 Alumnus of the Year. PHOTO: GLENN HUNT.

Rainbow Lorikeet tops the count Worthy people wanted for awards

The Rainbow Lorikeet is a regular sight on the Tablelands.

in a volunteer capacity, not a part of their employment.

Nominations will be judged by a panel which includes Mayor Angela Toppin and two independent citizens from the community.

The panel may also consider presenting highly commended awards in any category.

Those who wish to put forward a nomination are advised that they must include sufficient information for the panel to be able to make an informed decision. Every nomination must be supported by two referees.

Nominations must be received by 3pm on 7 December. Completed entries must be emailed to info@msc.qld.gov.au or posted to PO Box 154, Mareeba QLD 4880. Go to www.msc. qld.gov.au for more information.

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THE results are in from the Aussie Bird Count and, with more than 420,000 counted, the colourful Rainbow Lorikeet has come out on top as the most common bird seen.

In total, over 80,000 Aussies counted more than 3.6 million birds during the week as part of Birdlife Australia’s annual event, submitting over 100,000 checklists and observing 658 bird species.

The Rainbow Lorikeet once again came out on top, beating the Noisy Miner with nearly 220,000 and the iconic Australian Magpie with around 154,000 counted.

“The enthusiasm with which Australians have taken to the Aussie Bird Count has been outstanding,” BirdLife Australia's spokesperson, Sean Dooley said.

The organisation relies on data to inform priorities and insights from monitoring projects such as the count to help shape its broader Bird Conservation Strategy, aiming to halt bird extinctions by 2032 and overall bird declines by 2050.

Learn more at www.aussiebirdcount.org.au

RESIDENTS of Mareeba Shire are being urged to look around them and consider who they might nominate for the annual Australia Day Awards.

The awards, which are announced at a ceremony to coincide with Australia Day next year, are aimed at recognising and celebrating those people who put an extra effort into making their community a better place to live.

Whether it be in the sporting or cultural sectors or for community service, the council wants to hear about worthy members of the community who should be thanked and recognised for their efforts.

All nominees must be residents of the Mareeba Shire Council local government area and their achievements must be

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BRIDGE: Fix it or replace it?

BY ROBYN HOLMES

A NEW bridge over the Barron River at Kuranda or a major upgrade of the existing one?

This is the question being asked of locals by the Department of Transport and Main Roads as the next step in its $8.98 million planning project which aims to determine by late next year what the best long-term solution for the vital bridge is.

The community consultation, which is open until 8 December, offers two options for the ageing bridge which has been the focus of repairs and part closures for years now.

Locals are being asked whether they would like a major upgrade of the existing bridge or a completely new structure that would be built downstream of the current bridge.

However, TMR admits there is still no money allocated to fund the detailed design and construction of either of the two options.

The first option is to undertake a major upgrade of the existing bridge which would include replacing the bridge deck with a new steel box girder design; strengthening existing concrete piers and foundations; wider traffic lanes to meet latest design standards; and a new 4m-wide pathway for pedestrians, bike riders and mobility device users separated from traffic with a barrier.

TMR says a temporary bridge (for up to five years) would be built to maintain traffic access during construction but advised some traffic disruptions would be incurred by commuters during the works.

The second option is to construct a new bridge, downstream of the existing structure that would provide wider lanes and the 4m-wide pathway sepa-

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rated from traffic with a barrier. TMR says some traffic disruptions would be experienced during construction, but generally traffic would be able to use the existing bridge while the new bridge was under construction.

Mareeba Shire Council has already opted for the new bridge option and is urging locals to have their voce heard now on the future of the bridge.

“Mareeba Shire Council has reviewed the Kuranda Barron River Bridge solutions presented by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and council supports the proposal for a new Barron River bridge to be built downstream of the existing alignment,” Mayor Angela Toppin said.

“TMR has invited the community and road users to provide feedback on the proposed options and I would like to encourage residents to go online and have their say.

“Council has been advocating for an improved solution for the Kuranda Barron River Bridge for many years, and there have been numerous studies completed by the Department.

“It is now time to see action from the Queensland Government to bring this vital project to fruition.

“The bridge provides a key transport route between the northern Tablelands and Cairns including the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York Peninsula.”

“Council believes the construction of a new bridge is critical for tourism, agriculture, business and economic development of the Mareeba Shire and the region, and a letter will be sent to the Minister.”

Mareeba Chamber of Commerce president Joe Moro also preferred a new bridge, noting that a more effective transport corridor to the coast was also vital.

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“Unfortunately, they are only options but if they are going to do something, we (would) prefer a whole new bridge,” he said.

“It'll have a longer life span and we won't have to worry about ongoing maintenance.

“The Mareeba to Cairns road is a very important link, and the Kuranda Bridge is a part of that link.

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onto the Tablelands, and so therefore, the sooner we can get back to the previous weight limits, the better it would be for the economy as a whole.

“Preferably it will be a dual-lane bridge and road all the way down the Kuranda Range. The bridge is only one part of the solution.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey encouraged locals to participate in the consultation.

“I encourage frequent bridge users

to provide their feedback, given their unique insights,” he said.

“Feedback from the community and road users will complement the technical expertise of the engineers working on this planning project.

“Previous community feedback gathered in May 2022 has already played a crucial role in shaping these options for a long-term solution for the bridge.”

TMR has published artist’s impressions of the two options on the consultation website and is seeking feedback from the community and road users to inform the planning study.

For those without internet access, a copy of the artist’s impressions can be obtained by contacting the TMR Cairns office on 4045 7144.

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The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 PAGE 7

Yungaburra projects set for review A FEASIBILITY report for two projects at Yungaburra will be presented to Tablelands Regional Council in the hope they can be included in its next Budget review.

Cr David Clifton is pushing for a new pedestrian crossing for Fig Street and proper access for people with a disability to the toilets in Bruce Jones Park, but they are not currently listed on council’s 10-year Capital Works program.

Cr Clifton explained there was some urgency to undertake the pedestrian crossing, which was approved by council in 2021, given the high number of motorists using Fig Street to access the Rankine housing development.

He said the pedestrian crossing had not eventuated because of hold-ups with land tenure over the footpath and funds that were originally allocated to do the work were now not sufficient to do the project.

Cr Clifton said traffic counts conducted in 2017 recorded 1100 vehicle movements per day using Fig Street but this had no doubt increased markedly since then.

“Motorists now bypass Keough Place and all go around there (Fig Street) into the Rankin estate which is growing rapidly. It is likely the vehicle movements are much higher,” he said.

He said when council officers began to look at the work in 2021, it was

discovered there were boundary title problems with the placement of footpaths which required a detailed survey and the creation of an easement to formalise the footpath area.

“This matter took some time to complete due to the need to survey the area, negotiate with the landowner, establish the easement and to confirm with the Queensland Government, through DTMR, both the easement as well as the crossing design due to its closeness to the Gillies Highway,” Cr Clifton said.

“It took a lot of time to do that and by the time we got to that, there wasn’t any money for the project.

“Currently the amount allocated for

the Fig Street crossing is significantly above that which is now required and additional funds will need to be sought within the Budget review process which will be undertaken in December.”

Cr Clifton estimates that $245,000 would be needed to install the crossing.

He also stressed action was needed to upgrade the access to the toilets to cater to the 2000 people who attend Bruce Jones Park for the monthly markets or hundreds who attend events at the new rotunda.

“At the time the rotunda in Bruce Jones Park was being constructed, there was extensive discussions with council to provide disabled access to

the toilets which are in the car park,” he said.

“The community has built the rotunda and put in the flower baskets and now they conduct regular musical activities there and many are elderly folk – all those people have to negotiate steep stairs and the earthen bund, left over from the era when the park was a railway yard, to get to the toilet.

“It’s really not satisfactory at all.”

Cr Clifton said no funds had been allocated to create proper disabled access to the toilets, and asked that “fully documented scoped diagrams” for both the toilets and the pedestrian crossing be provided to council for the Budget review in December.

Two in line ‘Gang of three’ recognised for caravan park lease TWO entities will be invited to tender for the 30-year commercial lease of the Malanda Falls Caravan Park.

The decision by Tablelands Regional Council last week came on the back of an expression of interest (EOI) process that gauged market interest from a wide variety of prospective caravan park operators.

“We received three submissions through the EOI process, and Draks NQ and John McBride will now be invited to tender for the lease of the business, land and buildings that make up Malanda Falls Caravan Park,” Cr Dave Bilney said.

“It is great to see the lease process continuing and I’m looking forward to its finalisation so we can secure the future of this important Malanda business.”

THREE stalwarts of the University of the Third Age Atherton Tablelands (U3AAT) were recognised recently for their 10 years of service to the group.

Affectionately called the “Gang of Three”, Barbara Whybird, Fran Herriott, and Alf Hogan have been on the committee since the group set up in 2011.

To mark their more than decade of service, the trio was presented with a personalised pen, a framed certificate and a voucher to a local restaurant.

The three members, along with the late and revered Glynn Davies, are considered founders of the Atherton group.

The inaugural meeting of U3AAT was held at a private home in May 2011. Fran Herriott was secretary, Alf Hogan was (and still is) the Webmaster and Barb Whybird was Minutes Secretary. Glyn Davies was the first president.

The group moved to Room 6 in the 42 Mabel St community complex in Atherton shortly after being established in 2011 and to

their current premises in Room 22 a few years after that.

Fran Herriott continued to serve as secretary until the 2022 AGM, and remains on the committee, while Barbara Whybird is the current president and has been in the role for six years.

U3A is a volunteer-based community organisation that promotes the physical, intellectual and social wellbeing of those who are in the third age of life beyond full time work.

Although the majority of members are of retirement age, anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to join.

U3A is an International Organisation that started in 1972 in France, and there are now more than 20,000 U3As across the world.

U3A began in Australia in 1984 and as of 2023, has grown to 250 groups with approximately 100,000 members.

Membership of U3AAT costs $25 per year, giving members access to the group’s activities. Go to www.athtablands.u3anet.org. au for more information or to join the group.

Barbara Whybird, Fran Herriott, and Alf Hogan were re3cxntly recognised by U3A Atherton for their long service to the group.

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Kerr keeps options open for Cook seat

BY ROBYN HOLMES

Theo’s Bar owner Casey Clarke is excited to open the doors to the public on 18 November.

New bar brings building back to life ATHERTON’S old RSL Club building has sat vacant and dormant for many years but is about to take on a new life and reopen to the public as a vibrant bar.

The downstairs of the building in Main Street has been completely renovated and revamped to become what will affectionately be known as Theo’s.

The new bar will showcase local spirits (gin, vodka and whiskey), wine and beer including local products from Mt Uncle Distillery, Wild River Distillery, Strawberry Wine from Shaylee Strawberries and Wolf Lane Gin from Cairns, as well brands from around the world.

They will also use edible flowers from A Touch of Class Florist in Atherton.

Owner Casey Clarke, a tiler of more than 20 years, said he was looking to branch out into something different and the opportunity arose to open a bar in the former RSL Club.

“The bar was already there, it just needed renovation and zjooshing up. We just jumped at it,” Casey said.

Renovations and planning started about four months ago, with the doors opening on 18 November.

“This is something the Tablelands haven't seen.

Everybody is looking and talking about it,” he said.

Casey said throughout the renovation process, a lot of local tradespeople had been involved.

“We’ve had about 40 different tradespeople here and all are local contractors. Everything has been kept as local as possible the whole time,” he said.

Theo’s is a “very relaxed” cocktail lounge with 14 signature cocktails, amongst many others, on offer.

“Inside, it’s like something you might see in Melbourne or Sydney,” Casey said.

“It’s new, modern and has a bit of class about it.”

Theo’s will open each Friday, Saturday and Saturday from 12pm until late. They will also open the doors on long weekends with public holidays.

Theo’s will officially open on 18 November at 5pm, with live music and a food truck in attendance.

DOUGLAS Mayor Michael Kerr has revealed he will not be contesting the Local Government election next year and has clarified media reports that he will be seeking pre-selection with the LNP to run for the Cook electorate.

Cr Kerr said while he had not formally put his hand up for the pre-selection, he was “keeping his options open” “I love working for the region and being the chair of the FNQROC (a regional body representing all councils) has been one of the best things I have done and I don’t know what I am going to do once I finish with council,” he said.

“The question was asked and I said it was a possibility like anything else – things skyrocketed from there.

“It’s purely speculation because I said it was not something I would not say no to.”

He said the pre-selection process for Cook had not started as yet and he was still open to putting his name forward.

“If they come and say to me that they think I would be a good candidate, then I’d certainly look at it,” Cr Kerr said.

“We do need some representation that’s going to be on the ground for this whole

region including Douglas and Mareeba and I’ve lacked seeing that representation in Douglas.”

The LNP has already announced that author, speaker and business coach, Bree James, will contest Barron River, while Yolonde Entsch has been confirmed as the candidate for Cairns.

Cr Kerr said it had been an “been an incredible honour and privilege” to serve the Douglas Shire but believed it was the “right time for me to step away from the role as Mayor and focus on the next chapter of my life”.

Cr Kerr has been in local government since 2016 when he was elected as a councillor, then defeated Julia Leu to take on the mayoral role in 2020.

In a Facebook post last week, Cr Kerr expressed his thoughts on his time in local government.

“In this role, and as the chair of the FNQROC, I have had the opportunity to work alongside many individuals in this community, some of whom have shown incredible dedication

and passion for making the Douglas Shire an even better place,” he wrote.

“I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from these individuals, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished together.

“While there have been challenges along the way, I remain committed to the belief that we can achieve great things when we work together with a shared vision and a common goal and I thank those people who have been a part of this journey.

“From improving infrastructure and public services to supporting local businesses and promoting tourism, we have made great strides in creating a better Douglas Shire for all including the first surplus budget since deamalgamation, whilst continuing to deal with fallout of covid 19.”

He said he would cherish the many memories and experiences he had in the role and wished the next Mayor of the Douglas Shire “all the very best” and that they would have councillors who would “fully support them on that journey”.

“Only through a united commitment and a cohesive council will we see the continued growth and success of the Douglas Shire in the years to come,” Cr Kerr added.

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The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 PAGE 9

Wind farm funnels cash into groups TEN regional community groups have received funding from the Mount Emerald Wind Farm Community Fund, which has granted more than $1 million to local communities since its inception five years ago.

Ratch-Australia Corporation (RAC) operations manager Paul McDonald said the fund had been able to assist with school programs, encouraging health and fitness, preserving local history and upgrading facilities during the past five years.

“By meeting regularly and being focussed on having a lasting benefit to the local community, the fund offers another means for community groups to get timely support,” he said.

This year, funding has been awarded to the Mareeba District Pony Club, Mareeba Tennis Club, Atherton District Pony Club, Atherton Rugby League, Ravenshoe Tennis Club, Tableland Community Link, Northpointe Church, Herberton Business and Tourism Inc, Herberton Mining Museum and Dimbulah Community Centre.

“The feedback from the communities has been overwhelmingly positive,” Mr McDonald said.

“With the community fund spanning a 50km radius around Mt Emerald and 40km of Windy Hill, we are

able to give a positive boost to the communities across the region.”

RAC chief executive officer Polagorn Kheosiplard said the fund was designed to share the financial benefits of the wind farm with not-for-profit groups, associations and clubs that made a positive difference to the local community, and was overseen by a committee of local volunteers.

“It is immensely satisfying to help local groups making a meaningful and lasting difference to everyday lives in the community,” he said.

“So far, the community fund has contributed to 133 local projects for clubs, community groups, schools and charities across the region.”

RAC contributes $200,000 every year of the Mount Emerald Wind Farm’s working life into the fund to support community projects and initiatives. Successful applications are chosen twice a year by the fund committee, which includes Mr McDonald and four local residents who have a long history of community service.

Deadline to submit applications in the following round of funding are January 31 and July 31 each year. For more information, visit www.mtemeraldwindfarm.com.au/community

Millaa Millaa State School students with their pets, and judges Dr Laura Seccull from Tableland Veterinary Service and acting principal Michelle Messina at the school’s 2023 Pet Day.

Furry friends flock to school pet day

BY BRIGITTE DALEY ALL creatures furred and feathered were out in full force at the Millaa Millaa State School 2023 Pet Day. Dogs were the order of the day and proved to be a popular choice with many students bringing along their canine companions.

Acting principal Michelle Messina and Dr Laura Seccull from Tableland Veterinary Service officiated as judges on the day.

Pet Day commenced in 2005 to give students who could not participate in the school’s annual Calf Day a chance to still be involved on the day by bringing along their own pet.

A junior, intermediate and senior section was judged, with Dr Seccull asking students questions about the care of their pets and their knowledge of them.

Students were judged on the grooming of their pet, how they handled them, the information contained in their talk and their knowledge of them.

The students also prepared project books and posters about their pets which were also judged.

The judges and audience enjoyed listening to the students giving their oral presentations

which also gave students the opportunity to demonstrate their public speaking skills.

The students spoke about the care and nutrition they give to their pets as well as exercising, grooming, parasite control and what they felt was special about them.

The standard of pet care was so high that some students brought along what they feed their pets to show to the judges and audience as well as fresh water for them.

Before the winners were announced, everyone had the opportunity to visit the pets close-up at their designated “pet stations” to view the pet project books and posters and to ask their owners questions about them.

Ms Messina said the pets were absolutely amazing.

“It was a very difficult decision, it was very close. There were some very loved and very well looked after pets, congratulations!” she said.

Dr Seccull said the pets were very clean, shiny and well presented.

“The standard of pet care was very high, the students knew and fluently talked about the preventative measures which they were giving to their pets to control important parasites such as paralysis ticks, fleas and

worms," she said.

Winner of the Senior Pet Section, 11-yearold Taylor Daley bought along “Thunder” a 10-month-old Blue Heeler dog.

“I enjoy playing games with him and he does tricks,” Taylor said.

“I chose him to bring along to Pet Day as he has not been on outings before and it will be good for him to get exposure to people.

“Thunder is very loyal and he’s the best!”

Abigail Daley, who is also 11, brought along her one-and a half-year-old cat “Rascal”.

“He is very friendly and is a big Broncos fan – we love watching matches together,” she said.

Five-year-old student Logan Dempsey brought along “Tinkerbell”, his eight-weekold Collie cross Kelpie pup.

Logan said she rounds up the chickens on his family’s farm.

“She likes belly scratches. She’s the cutest and is my favourite pet,” he said.

Winners of the Millaa Millaa State School 2023 Pet Day were: Junior – Barolin Garaty; Intermediate – Amy Cockroft; and Senior – Taylor Daley.

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Urgent action needed on Garnet pool cloure

BY ROBYN HOLMES PRESSURE is mounting to open the Mt Garnet swimming pool, with Tablelands Regional Councillors demanding urgent action to re-open the facility which has been closed for more than three years.

The pool was shut in March 2020, but despite the fact no one uses it, council has continued to spend thousands of dollars every year to service it, prompting Cr Dave Bilney to ask questions about it in February and call for a report.

At the time, officers said there were issues getting life savers for the pool.

A report on the issue has not eventuated and at October’s meeting, more questions were being asked as to what the hold-up was in getting the pool reopened.

Cr Peter Hodge initiated the discussion, saying a teacher at the local school had asked him what was happening with the venue, as the kids were no longer able to participate in learn to swim classes.

An officer told council an assessment had been conducted which showed the pool, which is around 50 years of age, was “beyond economic repair” and council was staring down the barrel at a full replacement of the pool.

The replacement cost would be in the vicinity of $970,000 which did not include the demolition of the existing pool.

CEO Gary Rinehart said a workshop was planned for the near future to go through all the options but Cr Annette Haydon asked for that to happen “sooner than later”, given school

children were not able to participate in swim lessons.

Deputy Mayor Cr Kevin Cardew asked whether children could still use the pool, which is still filled with treated water, but officers advised it was deemed unsafe, revealing that the lining of the pool had holes in it.

“We’re losing water through the holes in the lining and we don’t want kids sucked behind the lining,” Infrastructure services general manager Mark Vis said.

He said the pool was not a concrete structure so it could not be fixed easily, and the liner had deteriorated over time due to the use of chlorine and its exposure to the sun.

Councillors also questioned why the pool was still full if it was not being used, requiring the water to be treated with costly chemicals so it does not form algae.

“We have been keeping the pool filled with water because if we empty it, in wet conditions it might pop out of the ground,” Mr Vis said, adding they had decided to keep it full in the hope it might have been repairable.

An inspection by a qualified pool company had now indicated the pool would need to be replaced.

“So now a choice has to be made - if we deem it to be completely unrepairable, which we believe is the case, we could empty it and let it go and make the decision to replace it or not,” Mr Vis advised.

Cr Cardew urged officers to move urgently to hold the workshop so a report could come back to the November meeting.

“I would like to see some specific detail on a couple of different options

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as opposed to spending a million bucks ripping out something that’s there and putting in a new structure when we might be able to modify the existing structure at a much cheaper cost and achieve the same result,” he said.

Cr Haydon said she was aware that the school’s P&C had already sought a quote to fix the pool and would provide that information to officers. It is understood one of the options council may consider is to allow the school or the P&C to manage the pool in a similar model to Malanda.

Cr Cardew said he wanted some action immediately on the matter, acknowledging how frustrating it must be for Mt Garnet locals.

“I really want some urgency put on this – in my mind, we’ve got a reasonably sound structure up there, we still maintain it to a level so it can be used insofar as water quality – it’s frustrating for the people of Mt Garnet,” he said.

“They drive past this thing every single day, see clear blue water in that pool and nobody using it.”

Community spokesperson Heidi Richards says the town is eager to get the pool reopened and is happy some urgency is being placed on the issue.

“It’s frustrating for locals – we can see the grass is neatly mowed and the water looks cool and inviting but the pool can’t be used,” she said.

“It’s important for not just the kids, but our visitors and for people who used to use the pool for therapy.”

Ms Richards believes the pool lining was replaced around seven years ago for a cost of approximately $40,000 and hopes the council will determine a way forward quickly to get the facility back open.

Malanda State School business manager Troy Degenhardt, Cr Dave Bilney, Malanda Swim Club president Tim Cockrem, Malanda Swimming coaches Anita Skews and Keenan Wockner with principal Mark Allen at the Malanda Swimming pool which has finally reopened.

Malanda pool back in business AFTER several months of opening and closing, the Malanda Swimming Pool is finally back and fully operational under a single licensee arrangement.

Due to an increase in regulations, the ongoing effects of Covid-19 and a hike in operational costs, Malanda State School, which owns the pool, faced many challenges keeping the pool open for several months.

An expression of interest was put out in September for a new licensee, which was recently awarded to Anita Skews and Keenan Wockner.

Malanda State School business manager Troy Degenhardt said the new “community partnership model” provided a balanced use of the pool between the school and the community, benefitting everyone who uses the asset.

“We have taken the concept of social enterprise and prioritised a balance of school and community use where the benefits are realised on all sides,” he said.

“The two partnerships we have in place already show the strong community interest in our pool. We are very cognisant of the pride and huge value

the community places on this facility, and it has always been our view to make it as accessible as possible.

“However, we must work with respect to the rules put before us by the government, and we must navigate any impact community use might have on normal operation of the school.”

Principal Mark Allen said despite the challenges over the past few months, owning the pool had been a privilege and he was keen to get community members back in the water.

“Schools are not typically in the business of running pools, but we are very fortunate to have one in our backyard - not only for our families but also for the broader community,” he said.

“Obviously, as a school, we want to see any activity conducted inside our boundary working in support of our core objective – and that is delivering a quality education.

“We see swim education as a very important program that we can offer to our families, particularly in a location where the natural environment affords us so many opportunities for waterrelated recreation.”

The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 PAGE 11

Sustainable Table Comes to Town to Catalyse Positive Change in Farming and Food Not-for-profit Organisation Unites with Queensland Government for Unique Regenerative Agriculture Project and Premieres Inspirational Film The team from Sustainable Table is in food and climate and in doing so the town and they’re keen to connect with wellbeing of the farming communities farmers and local food enthusiasts in that sustain the nation, and ourselves. the region.

This film is a testament to the potential Sustainable Table is a not-for-profit for positive change in our food sysorganisation that is transforming food tems. and farming from the ground up.

Following the film there will be a panThe Queensland Government and Sustainable Table have each commit- el discussion and Q&A session led by ted $1.5 million toward the Atherton Sustainable Table’s CEO, Jade Miles, Tablelands Integrated Collaboration with panellists Rob Watson, Adam Collins and Sally Fields.

(ATIC).

ATIC seeks to collaborate and integrate with existing initiatives in the region to support the use of regenerative agricultural practices, and increase local capability and capacity.

Be one of the first to experience the heartwarming story of Rachel’s Farm, find out more about what regenerative agriculture is all about and learn about ATIC and how you can get involved.

Sustainable Table will be hosting Far Tickets are available at: North Queensland’s premiere of Rahttps://events.humanitix.com/ chel’s Farm at the Majestic Theatre in Malanda on November 16th, 7-9 pm. rachels-farm In this triumphant film, director and ac- General Admission: $10 tress Rachel Ward voyages from her Family Tickets: $15 own wilful ignorance about the ecological impacts of conventional agri- For more information about culture, to championing a movement Sustainable Table visit: to restore the health of our farmland, sustainabletable.org.au

E R SC

G N I EN

16 NOV

m l I F THURSDAY

lOCATION: Majestic Theatre Malanda TiME: 6.45 pm TICKETS: $10 each or $15 per family LINK: https://events.humanitix.com/rachels-farm

MC'ed by Jade Miles, Sustainable Table | Followed by panel discussion with Rob Watson, Adam Collins and Sally Fields.

PAGE 12 The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Why you shouldn't keep feeding the local turkey

BY CARTER ANDERSON, TRISTAN MOSS, AND PETER MERZ THE Australian brush turkey doesn’t belong on a sandwich, as it is illegal to hunt these spectacularly ugly birds. Although supposedly tasting delicious, the Australian brush turkey has won out with its protected status.

Its megapode relative, the orange-footed scrub fowl, is also not eaten due its protected status and strange defence mechanism - its meat tasting like rotting flesh.

In our relatively brief study, we looked into the growing population of brush turkeys potentially pushing out scrub fowl populations at two tourism hotspots in Australia’s Crater Lakes National Park.

Both species are part of the Megapode family and are mound builders, meaning their nests are created by kicking up large piles of leaves, sticks, and forest debris.

Due to their method of kicking up leaf litter in search of insects, seeds, and fruit, these birds help to shape and mould the surrounding environment.

The Australian brush turkey, the opportunistic bird of the bunch, can be found at nearly every picnic table or tourist area in the wet tropics, circling groups of people eating or brazenly walking up to tourists begging for food.

It's this comfort in interacting with people that has allowed the bush turkey to recover and spread as fast as they have. We set out to discover if this new availability of food from humans has caused their numbers to increase and how that is affecting the orange-footed scrub fowls.

As brush turkeys and orange-footed scrub fowl are ecosystem engineers, an influx of brush turkeys may have a lasting effect on the environment.

Male brush turkeys will engage in a literal “King of the Hill” situation over mounds with the king presiding over the eggs and maintaining the mound. Females would approach the mound, lay their eggs and leave; they may not even be the king's offspring but he will maintain the mound.

Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham are both rainforest remnants that surround a lake made by a volcanic crater and together make up Crater Lakes National Park. Nineteen students walked a total of 34km in the forest remnant around Lake Eacham and 45km around Lake Barrine to observe the two megapode species.

Students also spent 60 total minutes listening for scrub fowl calls at both lake Eacham and Barrine in three different park locations. These listening periods occurred between 7am-8am, as this is when orange-footed scrub fowl are most vocal.

Australian brush turkeys were not included in the listening portion since they hardly ever call.

The number of birds was counted conservatively, only counting an individual if we were confident we had not heard or seen it already.

During the 20-minute listening periods, students heard 13 orange-footed scrub fowls at Lake Eacham and eight at Lake Barrine. On their walks students found the following: At Lake Barrine, there was a likelihood of encountering one scrub fowl for every 2km walked, and a likelihood of seeing one brush turkey for every 1km walked.

This means at Lake Barrine, a brush turkey sighting was slightly over twice as likely as an orange-footed scrub fowl sighting. At Lake Eacham, a scrub fowl sighting was about every 2km.

The major difference at Lake Eacham was that it was probable to see over three brush turkeys per 1km, meaning seeing an Australian brush turkey

was over six times as likely as an orange-footed scrub fowl.

So, what do these numbers mean? Brush turkeys are known to display scavenger behaviour which makes their numbers grow in places where they can get food from humans. Lake Eacham has no trash cans to dispose of waste, so oftentimes Australian brush turkeys can be seen feeding on scraps left by people or being directly fed by park goers.

The male brush turkeys also mate with multiple females and females can share a mound with others. The orange-footed scrub fowl displays quite different behaviour since they do not scavenge human food due to their intense fear.

Orange-footed scrub fowl also mate for life in pairs, according to a 1998 study conducted by Mochamad Indrawan.

Brush turkeys reproduce more efficiently than orange-footed scrub fowl, as female brush turkeys are known to lay one egg every 2-5 days according to the New South Wales Government. On the other hand, the female scrub fowl only lays one egg every 2-3 weeks as stated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Brush turkeys have plenty of resources provided by humans in both of these forest remnants which is further proven by Lake Eacham being the more popular of the two sites having a larger gap in the difference between brush turkey and scrub fowl sightings per kilometre.

There are more opportunities for the brush turkeys to get food from people and therefore their numbers increase since the humans cannot legally harm them and only serve as a food source.

In our experience at the two parks, scrub fowls and brush turkeys showed much different behaviours towards us as we approached them.

Brush turkeys almost always approached us, one even running out of the brush towards us, seemingly expecting to be fed. Scrub fowls always quickly moved out of sight when we got near with no interest in us, but instead fear.

As human influence in natural areas increases, it is important to minimize our impact on species and their natural habitats. This holds true with species such as the brush turkey and their population influx to the Crater Lakes National Park.

Humans come and feed the brush turkeys or leave scraps behind for them to eat. This brings an imbalance to the population of megapodes in the area without most humans even realising it. This is shown through the significantly larger brush turkey population per kilometre at Lake Eacham and the higher number of visitors at this site.

Visiting these parks is a privilege and anything we do to the environment there is unnatural. This can sometimes have larger consequences than ever imaginable, such as the scrub fowl being driven to low numbers while brush turkey numbers skyrocket. Don’t feed the birds!

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Best of the best to buck out at bullriding finals IT will be champion vs champion this weekend at the Great Northern Bullriding Series final, where unridden bull Slide Out will go face-to-face with champion cowboy Braydon Welby.

The series final, which will kick off at the Atherton Showgrounds this weekend, is set to be an intense one as the north’s top cowboys take on some of the rankest bulls.

The last time Welby took on Slide Out was in Mossman, where he was bucked off seven seconds into the ride.

Series president Peter Brown said this year’s final was set to be a “spectacle” for everyone, with some of the best bulls Australia has seen ready for the arena.

“We are really keen for the final ride of the night with Braydon Welby against a pretty good bull Slide Out,” he said.

“We have some of the best bulls across Australia coming here for the night – it will be a spectacle.”

Other champion bulls ready to take centre stage are Warrior, who was voted the 2023 ABCRA Bucking Bull of the Year, Colt, who has won more money for cowboys this year than ever before; Capital Punishment, a seasoned campaigner who will buck the house down; and No Name, the new kid on the block who is set for greatness as a rank bucking bull.

Tickets are available online from https://events.humanitix.com/greatnorthern-bullriding-series-finals and at the gates. Gates open at 5pm for a 7pm show.

Slide Out (pictured) will be going head to head with champion cowboy Braydon Welby at the Great Northern Bullriding Series final this weekend.

New restaurant set for Amaroo A NEW restaurant is one step closer to opening in Amaroo Estate after Mareeba Shire Council approved an amendment to the development application at its last meeting.

The original application allowed the developer to begin building the restaurant in stage three of the project, but they can now start building in stage two instead.

Set to be built next to the playground, Mayor Angela Toppin said the development would positively impact the vast growing Mareeba community.

“A strong sign of confidence is gauged by the value of building approvals within the Shire and suburbs like Amaroo contribute to this growth. In 2022/23 the total value of both residential and non-residential approvals reached over $54.7 million,” she said.

“The Amaroo estate is a residential housing estate placed on the Cairns side of Mareeba. The estate continues to expand, providing land availability for our growing community.

“Along with the expansion, Council continues to maintain infrastructure that not only sustains industry and development, but also supports future growth of Mareeba and the region.”

“In the previous financial year Council constructed the Mareeba East Park (Amaroo) playground. A master plan that details future upgrades to the park is currently being developed, with community input, to keep up with our growing community.”

Register your home or street at trc.qld.gov.au/christmas-lights by 9am Monday 4 December.

Vote for your favourite!

12noon Monday 11 – 4pm Wednesday 13 December at trc.qld.gov.au/christmas-lights.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 PAGE 13

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casamialiving.com.au PAGE 14 The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

CrimeStoppers volunteers night

Volunteers from CrimeStoppers Far North Queensland came together on Saturday night at the Mareeba International Club to celebrate a successful year across the region.

School student and teacher ghosts, Sophie Taylor and Sigrid Pearsall.

Herberton Lions Clubs

GHOSTLY WALKS at the cemetery Saturday 4 November

Local volunteers were recognised for their extraordinary efforts over the year.

Kameka Little and Caley Clark.

Mladen Bosnic and Norma Moloney are finalist in the CrimeStoppers Queensland awards for volunteer of the year. Pictured with Kath Innes (centre), Queensland Police Service Assistant Commissioner Board representative.

Carl Portella, Silvano Ruggeri, Bina Khnal and Andrew Nakovics were recognised for their support of CrimeStoppers in the Far North.

Teamster ghost Bushy Halbert and teacher ghost Geoff Schulz.

David Bradley.

Christmas Celebrations Christmas Lights Competition Entries Close: Friday, 8 December 2023 Nominations are now open for the Mareeba Shire Council and The Express Newspaper Christmas Lights Competition. Businesses and residents are encouraged to light up for Christmas!

Nominations need to be received by 5pm on Friday, 8 December 2023.

Judging will take place ONLINE between Monday, 11 December 2023 and Wednesday, 13 December 2023.

Submit your entry by visiting www.msc.qld.gov.au or scanning the below QR Code. You will be asked to attach a 20 to 30 second video of your entry to the nomination form. Please contact Council if you can’t enter the competition online and we will find a solution for you.

Sponsored by:

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Businesses Christmas Lights $100 Cash Incentive Council invites businesses to decorate their shopfront with Christmas decorations and lights.

Council has made $100 in cash available to the first seventy-five businesses to assist with the purchase of Christmas lights.

In addition, participating businesses will be entered into Council’s Christmas-themed augmented reality (AR) treasure hunt.

The Hunt will launch on Friday, 17 November 2023 and will encourage mobile phone users to visit shops across the Shire over a period of four weeks to find Christmas-themed animations.

Participating businesses will have a floor decal (sticker) in their store indicating they are taking part in the competition.

Business owners are invited to sign up to receive the $100 cash incentive and floor sticker. Nominations close, Monday, 6 November 2023. Sign up by scanning the QR code below or by visiting Council’s website.

The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 PAGE 15

ENTERTAINMENT Concert Humour and heartbreak to be played out in the park ANOTHER free concert in the park awaits this Sunday at the community-funded Rotunda in Bruce Jones Park, Yungaburra.

Thanks to fundraising

by Yungaburra Beautification Inc, the rotunda was opened last May and, since then, has hosted several free events.

This Sunday, Sonic Bloom will perform a concert from 4pm-6pm.

This is a family friendly free event and patrons can donate directly to the band if they wish.

Patrons can bring along a chair, blanket or rug to watch the concert.

Refreshments will be available from nearby shops.

Parking is available via Elm Street.

Fine weather is predicted, but if turns poor, the alternative venue will be Yungaburra Hotel.

A PLAY that is filled with humour and heartbreak will be presented by the Malanda Theatre this November and December.

Directed by Mark Baker, Steel Magnolias features of a cast of six women who are all as delicate as flowers but as tough as steel, and is sure to take the audience on a rollercoaster journey.

Steel Magnolias stars Truvy Jones who runs a successful beauty salon in Malanda, where all the ladies in the neighbourhood have a standing Saturday appointment.

“Along with her anxious and eager assistant, Annelle, Truvy styles the hair of many of the women about town: wealthy widow and former first lady of Atherton, Clairee Belcher, local curmudgeon Ouiser Boudreaux ("I'm not crazy, I've just been in a bad mood for forty years”), intelligent and compassionate career woman M’Lynn, and her daughter Shelby, the prettiest girl in town,” Mr Baker said.

Shelby’s engagement is the talk of the town, but the joy and excitement of her wedding quickly turn to con-

cern as she faces a risky pregnancy and a myriad of health complications.

Mr Baker said the group had chosen to “make it local” as the script was unusual and was made for an American audience.

“We have three weeks to go and the cast have completely absorbed their characters - as the director it’s been a great experience working with these six ladies,” he said.

The play is filled with humour, as well as heartbreak and shouldn’t be missed.

Steel Magnolias is being performed by the Malanda Theatre Company at the Majestic Theatre on 23-26 November and then again from 1-3 December, with tickets are selling fast. Visit www. malandatheatre.org to purchase tickets.

On 29 November, there will be a special charity night performance, with all proceeds to go to local charities.

Tickets are $45 and include a light supper, drinks, live music, raffles, and door prizes before the play begins.

To book for the charity night go to www.trybooking. com/CKTXR

The cast of Steel Magnolias are ready to perform this hilarious and heartbreaking play at the Majestic Theatre.

MEET THE GIRLS...

Ouiser: this lady is “richer than gold” and has been in a bad mood for 40 years but she is that loveable old battle-axe that we all know, and she will be there if you need help, she won’t be happy but she will be there.

M’Lynn: she is a strong businesswoman and a caring, wonderful mother. She is the mother of Shelby, and with that, comes a whole lot of mothering. She loves meeting up with the girls at Truvy’s and having a good laugh.

Truvy: she has a big heart and tries to make everyone feel welcome and loved. Although she’s not as worldly as she likes to think, and often gets her words muddled, she always

turns a negative into a positive…oh, and loves to share all the local gossip!

Annelle: she is quiet and meek, who arrives in town and gets a new job. Truvy truly rubs off on her, as her confidence grows, so does her faith.

Shelby: She is very sassy, she speaks her mind. She loves fashion and the colour pink, she is also “the prettiest girl in town”.

Clairee: She is the backbone of the girls’ friendship - she is the glue that holds everything together. With a sharp sense of humour and a rapier wit, she’s easily a great match for Ousier, of whom she is very close.

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PAGE 16 The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

ENTERTAINMENT Twisted classic set to grace Mareeba stage A BELOVED classic will be performed in a twisted, never seen before way when the Mareeba Theatre Group puts on its latest production, Cinders: a Cinderella Story this month.

Guided by Buttons, played by Melinda Pensini, the play follows the kind-hearted Cinderella, who is played by Lisa Bertoldo, as she overcomes adversity with the help of her Hairy Godmother, Craig Batchelor, while looking for her Prince Charming, Cody Atkinson.

The antics of the ugly stepsisters, who

Prince Charming played by Cody Atkinson, Cinderella played by Lisa Bertoldo and Buttons played Melinda Pensini are excited to perform Cinders: a Cinderella Story this month.

are played by Maria Johnston and Lea Di Pasquale, along with local decorators Short, Back, and Sides, played by Rosemary Arena, Nina Akselsen Grant, and Elsa Byrne, will have your sides splitting throughout the show.

Cinders: a Cinderella Story will grace the stage at the Mareeba International Club on 17-18 and 24-25 November.

Tickets are available at www.trybooking. com/CLPNL or phone 0439 545 433 for more information on the different seating and food options available.

Classical music lovers night

Award-winning violinist Khalida De Ridder will perform at the classical music lovers night.

TABLELANDS Music Lovers is hosting a “classical music lovers night” at its premises on Grainger Lane, Atherton, on Saturday night.

The evening will feature Simon Thielke is a recording artist with “Stadivarius Milano Dischi” and his performance experience ranges from the Danish Artists Academy of Rome to the 2019 International Guitar Competition in Thailand, the Cordoba Guitar Festival in Spain and the Encuentro Guitarrístico in Aragua.

The night will also feature

performances from Khalida De Ridder who is an awardwinning violinist who has worked in professional orchestras such as the Arhus Symphony Orchestra (DK), the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, and the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra.

The pair will be supported by guitarist and sound engineer Matt Krolik.

Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. The bar opens at 6.30pm, with music to start at 7.30pm.

Classical guitarist Simon Thielke will perform at Saturday night’s event.

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The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 PAGE 17

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BY BRIGITTE DALEY A UNIQUE event which is hosted annually by the Millaa Millaa State School is possibly the only one of its kind in Australia.

The school’s Calf Day has been an enduring tradition in the community now for 93 years.

It is a day where numerous people from the small rural community work together to promote the awareness and appreciation of the local dairy and beef industries in an educational format.

Generations of students have their own special memories of bringing calves to Calf Day which is testimony to the significance of the event.

Held every year, the school’s Calf Day can be accurately dated back to 1930.

In 1977 (and prior to this date), only Grade 6-7 students were allowed to enter calves and students did not need to complete a project book on their calves in order to participate.

In the 1970s, Project Club Calf judge Mr Malcolm Claridge came from Brisbane every year to judge the students’ calves at the Millaa Millaa State School.

Years 1-5 were later allowed to join the Year 6-7 students in being able to participate.

The Calf Day took a new turn when in 2003 pre-schoolers were allowed to participate as well.

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calves shown were predominantly dairy calves with the occasional beef calf being shown.

The first ever buffalo calf (dairy buffalo) was shown in 2004.

Past students Colin Daley, his son Owen and Sarah-Jane Cameron have been judges at the event.

Owen first judged when he was 17 years old and SarahJane was the first ever woman to judge at a Calf Day. In the past, many students from non-farming backgrounds have participated by going to nearby dairy farms to train a calf to take to Calf Day. In 2011, a Centenary Calf Day Spectacular was hosted by the school to commemorate the town’s 100th birthday.

A total of 40 dairy and beef calves were brought by students from four Atherton Tableland primary schools which included Millaa Millaa State School, Malanda State School, St Teresa’s College and Butchers Creek State School.

This was the greatest number of calves ever judged on the school grounds since the commencement of the Calf Day. The event was so large that it was necessary for three judges, instead of the usual one required, to officiate on the day.

The Centenary Calf Day

Spectacular of 2011 was deemed by organisers to be a truly remarkable event that proved beyond doubt that the spirit of the Millaa Millaa pioneers lives on in the small rural community.

Organisers described the event as being “like the Brisbane Exhibition coming to Millaa Millaa”.

This year’s judge, Colin Daley, has been judging the school’s Calf Day for over 30 years. Colin and his wife Shelley won the Australian Holstein Cow of the Year twice.

He is the president of the Holstein Association North Queensland (NQ) sub-branch and is also the president of the Combined All Breeds Dairy committee.

Mr Daley has judged at many Royal Shows around Australia including having judged at Brisbane three times as well as at Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart.

A junior, intermediate and senior section was judged with a perpetual trophy being awarded to Abigail Daley for the Overall Champion Calf.

There was also a Students Choice award for the most popular calf which was determined from the results of a vote from all the students at the school, This year, three dairy breeds were represented which included black and white Holsteins, Jer-

seys and Guernseys.

Students were judged on their written project about their calf as well as an interview to ascertain their knowledge of their calf and dairy knowledge.

They were also judged on how they prepared and presented their animal which included feeding, training, grooming, clipping, washing and the leading of their calf on the day.

Mr Daley said he was impressed by the time and effort that was put in by the students prior to exhibiting their animals at the Calf Day. “In the senior section, the standard was incredibly high with both students scoring over 80 points,” he said.

“This was particularly pleasing to see. The calves were all magnificent.

“I was very impressed by the detail and neatness of handwriting of some of the students’ calf projects.

“I would like to thank the students, the school and the Parents and Citizens Association or encouraging this event to continue and I would like to encourage students to participate in next year’s Calf Day.” Calves can be arranged for students who are interested in participating and come from non-farming backgrounds.

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PAGE 18 The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

ON LAND the

Big year for Malanda Beef Plan Group

BY BRIGITTE DALEY A STRONG attendance of 26 producers recently gathered for the Annual General Meeting of the Malanda Beef Plan Group (MBPG) at James and Deana Nasser’s East Barron property.

Being an active not-for-profit organisation, it provides support, education and advocacy for the beef industry and its producers across the Atherton Tablelands.

It also provides an inclusive learning and social environment and a united voice for its producers.

Membership helps support the group’s activities and fosters the interest of its up-and-coming producers with sponsorship of local youth in rural education.

Meetings are generally held every second month on members’ farms across the Tablelands.

MBPG president Gordon Carcary said the group comprised of around 50 to 60 members with 20 to 30 members attending meetings on a regular basis.

“Members range from people with hobby farms to large scale commercial operations and stud breeders,” Gordon said.

“The group was formed in the late 90’s by farmers in order to have a collective voice on issues affecting them on the Tablelands.”

Throughout the year, the MBPG has been involved in discussions on a wide range of topics and has held a number of events which are of interest to producers including a pasture and cattle performance workshop held earlier in the year.

The MBPG also sponsors the Malanda Show Society prime beef cattle section.

It also promoted the recent Rocky Creek Abattoir North Queensland Best Beef Carcase Competition (NQBBCC) with members having enjoyed success in this competition.

In May this year, the group volunteered its time to assist with a beef cattle education camp for the youth of the region with 150 participants having attended the three day camp.

Members are provided information about funding grants which are available for individual producers as well as for the group.

This year, members were made aware of the minimum

record keeping required by Tablelands producers for reef regulations.

Members are encouraged to forward their ideas for potential speakers and topics for meetings, as well as any ideas they may have regarding a product, supplier, tip, skill or problem they would like addressed so it can be discussed at a future meeting.

Several guest speakers gave presentations at the recent AGM. Cailan and Shannon Byrnes from Rocky Creek Abattoir gave a presentation on the recent North Queensland Best Beef Carcass Competition, which allows producers to benchmark themselves against others in the industry whilst allowing butchers to highlight the quality of their meat.

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) beef extension officer Niilo Gobius gave a very informative presentation about nutrition and grazing principles involving feed intake and liveweight gain.

He demonstrated this with an interesting exercise in re-

The 2023 Malanda Beef Plan Group management committee. President Gordon Carcary, secretary Kasmin Brotherton with vice president Dave Andersen. Absent is treasurer Trevor Petersen.

lation to the maintenance of a 400kg steer and its relative liveweight gains regarding how much it would have to eat on different pasture and grain diets.

DAF pasture agronony extension officer Katie Hay spoke about the Northern Pastures Resilience Program.

This program gives tailored one-on-one advice, including mapping information and soil tests, and gives recommendations on which pasture and legume species are the best for a producer’s property.

Producers can also obtain help with sourcing seed and equipment.

Other representatives were in attendance so that produc-

ers could have discussions with them after the meeting.

James Overall from Virbac was present to answer any producer enquiries about devising tick, drench and vaccination programs, as well as any concerns about possible resistance to the chemicals used to control these parasites.

Feral Management Qld was also in attendance. They are a volunteer group that offer help with any feral pest management for farmers.

The MBPG group has a strong focus on Navua sedge control and members were given the latest Navua sedge update in that it has now been listed as a restricted species.

The meeting discussed

weed management and feral animal control and the need for new land holders to be advised of weeds of major significance.

The 2023 management committee comprises of president Gordon Carcary, vice president Dave Andersen, secretary Kasmin Brotherton and treasurer Trevor Petersen.

A future event which members are invited to participate in will be a bus tour to be held on 14 November to the lime works at Mt Garnet (Miriwinni Lime) to allow producers to view how it is mined and produced.

New members are always welcome. For further information, email malandabeefplangroup@outlook.com

Livestock

SPECIAL STORE SALE Specialist provider of technical advice and expertise across:  Pumping  Irrigation  Filtration  All aspect of water and fluid management

www.pumpingirrigation.com.au Mareeba (07) 4092 1622 8 Reynolds Street, MAREEBA Q.4880 Serving Mareeba, Far North QLD, Northern Territory & Torres Strait since 1978.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Malanda Showgrounds Saturday 18th November Commencing at 10am

150 Store Steers and 50 Store Heifers Booked.

FOR MORE INFORMATION • Bob Lockhart 0409 774 398 • Alan Mackenzie 0429 914 318 AND BOOKINGS CONTACT: • Rowan Hoffman 0437 813 400

The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 PAGE 19

LETTERS

THE

MINUTE

to the MENTAL editor HEALTH

HAVE YOUR SAY – EMAIL US TODAY! editorial@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Major parties, Greens, Teals can’t be trusted TABLELANDERS seem to be increasingly aware that our societal structure is under attack and that the elected representatives from the major left-wing political parties – the ALP, LNP, and Greens/Teals – are not discharging their Constitutional obligation to carry out the will of their voters.

People are noticing that politicians are implementing the will of foreigners, that most of what they do reflects the UN’s nonsensical “sustainability goals” and the WEF’s hideous control-matrix agenda.

They know that the climate change narrative is nonsense and that the sun controls Earth’s climate.

They know that electricity from wind and solar is expensive, destructive, intermittent, and incapable of running the grid.

They know that effective treatments for Covid were suppressed so “emergency use authorisations” could be implemented to force people into taking injections that had unknown long-term consequences.

Some have told me that I’m wasting my time trying to wake up those who have fallen for the globalists’ corporate-media-flooding brainwashing – and they have a point.

So, let’s ponder a warning from a great man of the past.

He listed how communist subversives would infiltrate the governments of freemarket capitalist countries to collapse their democracies so they could proclaim capitalism to be a failure and introduce global communism. This is my summary of his list.

1 – Greatly expanded government spending – as wasteful as possible. 2 – Much higher taxes. 3 – Increasingly unbalanced budget. 4 - Wild inflation. 5 – Government controls of prices, wages, and materials to

“combat inflation”.

6 – Increased socialistic control of the economy and citizens’ daily lives plus huge increases in bureaucracy and domestic government. 7 – Far more centralisation of power in the national capital. 8 – Government control of education. 9 – Demonisation of warfare and promotion of peace, always on communist terms. 10 – Engineering the willingness of the people to surrender to globalist communism.

Ten out of 10 are happening right here, right now – and most people can see it or sense it.

Here’s that great man’s antidote to the problems the communists are creating.

1 – Get out of the UN, get the UN out of sovereign nations. 2 – Return to a goldbacked currency. 3 – Cut government by 50%. 4 – Stay out of foreign wars. 5 – Get government out of areas it doesn’t belong.

Who was this great man? He was an American named Robert Welch, he founded the John Birch Society in 1958 to fight domestic communists, and he gave the speech including this list in 1974, almost half a century ago - https://jbs.org/video/featured/ robert-welch-predicts-insiders-plans-to-destroy-america-1974-speech/.

Despite Welch’s warnings, the communists have been incredibly successful in subverting and destroying the only system of governance to lift everyone, regardless of race or sex, from poverty, misery, slavery, and despair.

At the current rate of decay, it won’t be all that long before the communists and their corporate fascist comrades open their gulags – again - and start slaughtering their domestic populations - again.

The first to be lined up against the wall – again - will be those who sold out their countrymen and helped the communists win against sovereign nations, for those people

– the ALP, LNP, and Greens/Teals and their activists – have demonstrated that they cannot be trusted.

Peter Campion TOLGA

Thankful to have a free community newspaper I JUST wanted to say I am sooo thankful that we still have such a wonderful quality free community newspaper up here in our region.

You have all done a tremendous job in keeping it going, covering and raising awareness about all manner of issues that are important to the Tableland community.

I feel for communities who have lost their papers in recent years as it would be so much harder to keep ones finger on the pulse of all the different things going on locally without one.

With The Express, we are blessed with all that information at our finger tips. And it definitely helps our community ‘keep the bastards honest’ in government at all levels.

Without your wonderful reporting, there is no way I would have known about so many things including: the petition for Peterson’s Creek walking track; the unfortunate Chalumbin Wind Farm proposal; the proposed change in local animal laws; proposed gillnet fishing bans (and leaked letters to a very questionable globalist organisation, UNESCO); what our local growers are up to like organic grower Matt Daaboul; and, all the encouraging regenerative farming activities in FNQ. I also appreciate the directory and council news / notices- the list goes on.

Anyway, congratulations on producing such an excellent and valuable paper!

Liliana Williamson ATHERTON

Photo of the week

BY YVONNA COFFEY

This photo was taken just out the front of my house, in the tree in my neighbours yard.

I heard the squawking andafter a peek outside, grabbed the camera to catch some bird action.

I used a 200ml lens (on my Nikon) to catch someinteresting action displayed by these beautiful birds.

Enter your photos on Facebook in the Tablelands and Surrounds Photography Group page

Download for FREE from iTunes or Google Play PAGE 20 The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Dealing with anger

ANGER, a commonly experienced emotion, varies from mild irritation to intense rage. It encompasses feelings of frustration, hostility, agitation, and even aggression.

While experiencing anger is normal and can be productive for expressing negative emotions or problem-solving, it’s the way we express it that often leads to issues.

Problem anger is characterised by its frequent occurrence, intensity, and prolonged duration. It engages a person’s thoughts, emotions, physical responses, and behaviours. These thoughts can be irrational or exaggerated, often involving blaming the other person or seeking revenge.

Emotional responses are closely tied to these thoughts, ranging from mild annoyance to extreme fury.

Anger activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, muscle tension, sweating, and rapid breathing. It also involves chemicals that affect mood, sleep, appetite, learning, and memory, influencing various aspects of life.

Uncontrolled anger can manifest as aggression and violence, creating difficulties in relationships, contributing to family violence, workplace bullying, road rage, assault and substance abuse.

Expressions of anger can become a habit. Recognising risk factors, like traumatic memories or genetic predisposition, is crucial. Family and cultural influences can normalise angry responses to stress, while rigid worldviews and inflexible standards can escalate anger.

Sometimes, anger can be a symptom of other mental health disorders and should be evaluated accordingly.

This is why anger management is important. Rather than trying to suppress the anger, we need to learn

how to manage anger in a way that acknowledges the feeling while not harming anyone else.

Dealing with anger in a healthy way is a key part of life.

There are several techniques to manage anger effectively. First, identifying anger symptoms and triggers is key.

It’s essential to recognise when anger is escalating and in need of a coping mechanism before it becomes uncontrollable. Various coping mechanisms are available and individuals should find what works best for them.

These techniques include taking timeouts to step away from situations, counting to 10 to regain composure, controlled breathing to calm the body’s physical response and using positive self-talk to prevent escalation.

Reframing the situation by looking at it from a different perspective can help reduce anger, as can distraction methods like listening to music or going for a walk to defuse anger.

To reduce overall anger levels, engage in relaxation exercises, physical activity and regularly take short breaks for quiet time. Identifying and avoiding anger triggers, enhancing communication skills, and developing healthy coping mechanisms are key strategies.

For individuals struggling with intense anger, there are various therapeutic interventions available through psychological support. Anger doesn’t have to control your life; with the right coping mechanisms and support, you can effectively manage and reduce anger's impact on your well-being.

The information provided is from Better Together Community Support. This advice may not suit your personal situation and therefore cannot substitute real psychological advice please consult a professional if this has raised issues for you.

Atherton Tablelands & Mareeba 96.7FM Amrun 94.1FM • Aurukun 107.7FM Coen102.7FM • Cooktown 96.9FM Doomadgee 105.3FM Kowanyama 107.7FM Lakeland 100.5FM Lockhart River 107.7FM Mapoon 101.3FM Mornington Island 107.7FM Pormpuraaw 106.1FM Napranum/Weipa 94.5FM Normanton 98.5FM • NPA 91.9FM Woorabinda 99.7FM Wujal Wujal 107.7FM Yarrabah 92.9FM

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

PROPERTY

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Room for the whole family

HEAPS of space, a shed and in town. What more could you ask for?

The living area is located at the front of the home as you enter which then flows onto the kitchen and dining area.

There is a galley style kitchen with ample amounts of cupboard and bench space to make the chef of the home very happy.

Four good sized bedrooms offer heaps of room and have

built-ins plus there is a stylish bathroom with both an open shower & bathtub.

A huge outdoor entertaining area provides your own haven with a quality BBQ station to top it off.

There is a garden area with a water feature providing a little oasis between the outdoor areas so you will really enjoy these spaces.

Established veggie gardens will reduce the weekly food shop so if you are a

keen gardener this would be ideal.

The massive shed has power connected with 2 roller doors and access door for convenience.

Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

Margaret Black: Principal www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

ATHERTON Offers Over $455,000 EXCLUSIVE to Suzey Whitby Ray White Atherton 0438 090 306 or 4091 7111

Atherton

22 Main Street, Atherton Phone: 4091 7111

BLANK CANVAS Tolga • 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home • Set on approx. 1 acre • Open plan living • 2 living areas • Outdoor patio • At the end of a cul-de-sac Offers Over $580,000 L11705569 Suzey Whitby 0438 090 306

Contact Exclusive agent Suzey Whitby at Ray White Atherton today on 0438 090 306 for further information or to arrange an inspection of this Atherton home.

LIFESTYLE & SUSTAINABILITY Malanda • Set on approx. 13 acres • 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom brick home • Modern kitchen, heaps of space • Secondary living area • Creek on boundary • Fruit trees and veggie gardens $ P.O.A. L24521151 Morgan Brennan 0407 730 450

BUSHLAND PARADISE Wondecla • 1.96ha /4.84 acres* bush setting • Stunning 3 bedroom home • Self-contained granny flat • Spacious outdoor and indoor living • Fireplace, rain and bore water • High clearance carport Offers Over $720,000 L19539283 Suzey Whitby 0438 090 306

LARGE SCALE PRODUCTION Malanda • Set on 267.54 hectares on 3 titles • Flat to undulating land • Cattle yards with undercover area • Large machinery shed • 3 creeks + 3 dams • Large 3 bedroom Queenslander $ P.O.A. L11706832 Morgan Brennan 0407 730 450

www.raywhiteruralatherton.com.au The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 PAGE 21

PROPERTY

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

Luxurious living: award-winning builder's brand new masterpiece

THIS award-winning local builder has once again displayed their expertise by crafting a brand new luxurious home with an exceptional floorplan and top-notch fittings and fixtures.

With high ceilings and polished concrete floors throughout, the interior exudes a stylish, sleek, and modern design, creating a captivating living space.

Greeting you is a large custom-made timber door and a wide set hallway. The

heart of the home is the openplan kitchen, featuring stone benchtops, induction cooktop, stainless steel appliances, accompanied by a storage packed walk-in pantry.

This kitchen seamlessly flows into the living and dining room, which opens up to an atrium and an outdoor patio – perfect for indoor-outdoor living and entertaining. The formal lounge is separate which allows for a more intimate setting.

The master bedroom is a

true parental retreat, featuring patio area for relaxation or afternoon wine. It is complete with stunning pendant lights, a walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite that's adorned with floor-to-ceiling tiles.

Additionally, this wellthought-out home boasts a second family room, which can serve as a playroom or a TV area, providing flexible space for your family's needs.

The three other bedrooms come with built-in storage, ensuring practicality and am-

ple room for everyone.

The main bathroom is also tiled to the ceiling, designed with convenience in mind, offering a stylish standalone bath, shower and a separate powder room.

The property is thoughtfully fenced on three sides, with retaining walls, driveways, and pathways in place on a 800m2 allotment with side access to the backyard.

Located just 800 meters from the charming Yungaburra township and a mere 2 kilom-

DAIMIN KOCHI 0448 916 246

A LOCATION THAT CAN’T BE BEAT • Masonry block home on 1031m2 allotment • 3 bedrooms, 2 with built-in cupboards • Open plan layout, renovated bathroom & laundry • Recently repainted interior & exterior • Large private rear patio, security screens throughout • Lockable garden shed & single covered carport $484,000

THE ULTIMATE LIFESTYLE • Modern block home on nearly 10 acres • 4 bedrooms, office, gourment kitchen • Open plan living/dining, ducted airconditioning • Enclosed tiled patio with built-in kitchenette • 8x9m carport, 10x12m storage, 2 lockable sheds • Reliable bore pump, 2 large water tanks OFFERS OVER $1.5 MILLION

eters from the Tinaburra Boat ramp, this home offers a serene and convenient lifestyle, perfect for those seeking both luxury and accessibility to services.

The standard has been set, all you need to do is add Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

your furniture and personal touches.

To book your private viewing contact Exclusive Marketing Agent Kaydee Chatfield 0417 468 941 at Main St Real Estate today.

62 Rankine Drive, YUNGABURRA Offers Invited EXCLUSIVE to Kaydee Chafield Main St Real Estate 0417 468 941 or 0448 916 246

KAYDEE CHATFIELD 0417 468 941

THE DREAM AWAITS • 35 acre rural paradise with Lake Tinaroo views • Two spacious paddocks for versatile land use • Rainwater tank for sustainable water supply • 6m x 6m Colorbond shed for storage/workspace • Provisional house pad with panoramic views • Only 25 mins to Atherton, 10 mins to Yungaburra OFFERS IN THE HIGH $700,000s

SECLUDED PROPERTY CLOSE TO TOWN • Cozy home on 3.3 acres • Timber kitchen and dedicated office space • 3 bedrooms, all with built-in robes • 23 x 14 metre shed for versatile use • Breathtaking views of Kairi & the Seven Sisters • Town centre just a short 5 minute drive away OFFERS INVITED

UNMATCHED FAMILY HOME, LOCATION • Ideal family home close to Atherton CBD • 3 large bedrooms, 2 with built-ins • Master with walk-in robe and ensuite • Expansive lounge and gallery style kitchen • 6m x 4m Colorbond shed with side access • Double garage tiled and remote door $590,000

Phone 4091 6246 • www.mainstrealestate.com.au PAGE 22 The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

PROPERTY

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

Best of both worlds SPANNING over 47 acres, this property consists of both open pastures and pristine thick rainforest.

Nestled within the rainforest section are 2 x 1 bedroom chalets that are currently tenanted until February 2024.

The opportunities are endless with this wildlife haven, which is located at the top of the Gillies Range, easy access to those needing to commute to and from Cairns.

Subject to council approval, you could build your dream home overlooking unwavering 360 degree views

Michelle Raso 0428 116 136

Tablelands THE ULTIMATE WEEKENDER!

Open Home

of Mount Bartle Frere, and rent out the little chalets for those wanting to have a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Both cabins are private featuring: • One bedroom • Kitchen • Wood fire • Floor to ceiling windows optimizing light • Bathroom with uninterrupted views of the rainforest • Cabins share and outdoor BBQ and open fireplace The property also features:

• Powered machinery shed • Fully fenced paddock, approximately 18 acres • Spring fed creek • Established orchard • Chicken coop • Vegetable garden • Satellite NBN If you are interested in livAddress: Price: Agent: Contact:

ing a self-sufficient lifestyle with the option of enjoying a passive income, then your opportunity has arrived.

Please contact Exclusive agent Janine at Elders Real Estate Tablelands on 0407 032 422 to book an inspection.

3067 Gillies Range Rd, LAKE BARRINE $890,000 EXCLUSIVE to Janine Rielly Elders Real Estate Tablelands 0407 032 422

Janine Rielly 0407 032 422

BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN VIEWS!

9th Thursday am 0 .0 9 : Nov - 9.45am

• Uninterrupted 360 degree views • 2.6 acres fully fenced • Shed with verandah, gas kitchenette, shower and toilet • Rainwater tank in place 1-195 Seamark Road, JAGGAN CONTACT AGENT JANINE RIELLY - HIGH $300,000s

• 8.12 hectares of arable usable land • Large lockable shed with 4 high clearance roller doors • Bathroom and kitchen facilities, full services are connected • Water allocation from water board, 47,000 litre rainwater tank Lot 3 Griffin Road, TOLGA CONTACT AGENT MICHELLE RASO - OFFERS INVITED

A: 21 James St, Malanda • 29 Albrecht St, Tolga | P: 4096 5666 | W: tablelands.eldersrealestate.com.au www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

A familiar face for Insurance Contact Rosetta Spena for a personalised quote today 07 4095 6677 | Elders Insurance Tablelands Zoners Pty Ltd ABN 59097345474 trading as Elders Insurance Tablelands AR No. 254599 is an Authorised Representative of Elders Insurance (Underwriting Agency) Pty Limited ABN 56 138 879 026, AFSL 340965. (EIUA) . EIUA, acting under its own AFSL, is authorised to distribute Elders Insurance products on behalf of QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited (ABN 78 003 191 035, AFSL 239545), the product issuer. Visit www.eldersinsurance.com.au to consider the Product Disclosure Statement and any applicable Target Market Determination to decide if the product is right for you.

The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 PAGE 23

PROPERTY

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Private oasis right in town

PERFECTLY positioned in the heart of town, right at the end of a little known cul-desac, this private oasis is sure to give you the privacy and seclusion you have been looking for. Welcome to 10 Molloy Street, Mareeba.

Perched on the banks of the Barron River, this property spans over a double block, boasting 2130m2 leading right down to the river flat. The split level home overlooks the pool and the established gardens, with a beautiful aspect toward the riverfront bushland, making you feel like you're all alone, while still being close to everything.

The upper level contains

the majority of the home and features the bedrooms and bathrooms, the living areas and kitchen and a great outdoor entertaining area.

The home has four bedrooms, two of which have walk-in wardrobes, all feature carpet flooring and large windows for airflow and natural light, one also has direct access to the outdoor living area. Across the hall there are two bathrooms, perfect for any family.

One features a Roman style bath with a shower above, and a large vanity.

The second is slightly more modern and has a shower and toilet, as well as a vanity.

The main living area has polished timber floors, and boasts a large lounge and combined dining room which is open to the kitchen and provides for access to the spacious outdoor area.

The timber kitchen features a large pantry area, modern appliances and there is a great island bench with stone top and breakfast bar.

There is another area just off the main living area which could be used as another sitting area, a formal dining room, or a study or office area. It features tiled flooring and large windows as well.

Outside there is a massive covered patio that over-

looks the pool and established gardens. The gardens flow from the rear yard in the upper level down through to the pool yard on the lower level of the property.

The lower level of the home contains the 3 bay garage, which is oversized and will easily fit three large vehicles, or use two bays for vehicle storage and one for a workshop, the choice is yours! Outside the garage is a large concreted area, the perfect place for your caravan or boat, or a great parking area for your guests.

• Private oasis at the end of a cul-de-sac • Right in the heart of town, close to everything

Farm Living at its

GOOD GRASSES WORKING DAIRY FARM LARGE PARCEL ON THREE TITLES - 420 ACRES

PAGE 24 The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023

• Four bedrooms, two bathrooms split level home • Bedrooms, bathrooms, living and kitchen on upper level • Additional formal dining room, office or sitting room • Large patio overlooks pool, gardens and riverfront bushland • Large windows and doors for airflow and natural light

finest!

MAIN ROAD FRONTAGE 3 PHASE SHED WITH BORE GOOD YARDS

Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

• Oversized 3 bay garage on lower level • 2031m2 on the banks of the Barron River • Private and secluded aspect toward the river

This unique property is sure to garner early interest so don't delay, call exclusive agent Remo Esposito on 0401 969 473 or remo@crmareeba.com

10 Molloy Street, MAREEBA $540,000 EXCLUSIVE to Remo Esposito Central Realty 0401 969 473 or 4092 2232

Call Shellie 0429 966 038

FLAT 256 ACRES GOOD PERMANENT WATER & 315MG LICENCE NEW ZEALAND JERSEY HERD

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

PROPERTY

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Rangeview family home

THIS fabulous Rangeview property is now available for sale, offering an incredible opportunity for homeownership in this desirable location.

Situated on a generous land area of 4046 sqm, this modern house boasts stunning views which can be enjoyed from the generous outdoor living area. Backing onto rural land and a council park reserve next door , the location offers privacy with only 1 neighbour and no threat of having your view builtout.

A standout feature is the powered 8 x11 metre colorbond shed with builtin workbenches and an extra annex on the rear for additional sheltered storage. The home has a 5 kilowatt solar panel system installed and the land is fully fenced.

With a price guide of offers over $675,000, this property presents excellent value for money.

FEATURES INCLUDE: • 4 Built-in bedroom, rendered masonary block home built in 2016 • Ensuite • Main bathroom has separate shower and bathtub • Internal laundry with built-in cupboards • Open plan kitchen and living space with a combustion heater • Large sheltered and tiled outdoor living space Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

• Single lock-up remote garage • 8 x 11 metre powered Colorbond shed with annex • 5 Kilowatt solar panel system Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to own a acreage property at Rangeview.

Contact us today to arrange a viewing and make this property your new home. Phone Exclusive Marketing agent, Collette Rowston at Raine & Horne on 0419 733 712.

21 Moffat Drive, TOLGA Offers Over $675,000 EXCLUSIVE to Collette Rowston Raine & Horne Atherton 0419 733 712

Relax… It’s time to live without stress built-in wardrobes and an office with a built in desk.

The bathroom has an easy access shower and separate toilet with the convenience of a handbasin.

There is an abundance of storage in the utility room at the top of the garage and a garden shed for all the extras.

Opportunities to become part of this exclusive

AN enviable lifestyle awaits you at this beautiful, gated community where you will find peace and tranquillity within walking distance to Atherton's shops and doctors.

This villa is as big as a house and is fully security screened for your peace of mind.

For year round comfort, the open plan living area is air-conditioned, and the well-appointed kitchen has a servery to the glassed in rear patio overlooking the garden.

There are 2 sizable bedrooms, both with

Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

community are scarce, so this is your chance to secure your happily ever after home.

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 ATHERTON $380,000 Trisha Jackson Professionals Atherton 0419 183 145

IMMACULATE LIFESTYLE PROPERTY 2 Geddes Drive

• 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, formal lounge with wood heater • Immaculately presented inside & out • Powered Colorbond shed measuring 6 x 9 metres • 6.6 kw solar panels, solar hot water system, rainwater tank

Colle e Rowston 0419 733 712

Call Trisha 0419 183 145 anytime

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Web ID 20086396 Sale Offers Over $760,000

Atherton | 4091 1611 24 Main Street, Atherton rh.com.au/atherton The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 PAGE 25

PROPERTY

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Mixed farming opportunity THIS 134.9 acre farm is located in between Atherton and Yungaburra, well known for its fertile soils and reliable seasons. The property has approximately 1km of frontage to the Barron River.

Area: 54.68ha (135 acres) Water: This property has an allocation of Approx.

70megs of irrigation ground water and 80megs Barron River allocation.

Irrigation: 1 x T&L centre pivot, water supply from the

bore, watering the top paddock and 4 hydrants suitable for a travelling irrigator pumped from the Barron River, watering the bottom paddock.

Sheds: The property has 2 near new large machinery sheds and 1 workshop/ storage shed. Shed 1: 12m x 30m 5 bay shed, 2 bays enclosed and lockable with 2 roller doors and a cement floor. Shed 2: 15m x 32m Hay storage/machinery shed. Shed 3: 12m x 15m

shed, 1 roller door, cement floor, mezzanine floor, storeroom, power connected, shower & toilet.

Houses: House + Separate Granny Flat. House 1: 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, open plan living, large kitchen, rumpus room/garage, laundry, patio & solar power.

Granny Flat: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, open plan living, large kitchen, laundry, storeroom, an enclosed entertainment patio/garage & solar power.

Location: The property is located approximately 10km from Atherton Town Centre & approximately 5km from Yungaburra.

The Sellers are offering the property for sale in 3 different options; Option 1: Purchase total freehold property of 135 acres on 2 titles, 150 megs water allocation, 2 machinery sheds, 12m x 15m storage shed, 4 bedroom home, 2 bedroom granny flat and a T&L centre pivot.

Option 2: Purchase 125 acres on 1 freehold title, 150 megs water allocation, 2 machinery sheds, and a T&L centre pivot.

Option 3: Purchase 10 acres on 1 freehold title, 4 bedroom home, 2 bedroom Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

granny flat and a 12m x 15m storage shed.

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

4749 Gillies Range Rd, EAST BARRON Contact Agent Raquel Cunzolo Sommerset Realty 0408 983 879

M A R E E B A

WHAT IS YOUR PROPERTY WORTH? Call Raquel today to find out!*

*Free No Obligation Appraisal

84 Main Street, Atherton QLD. 4883

Phone: 0408 983 879 www.sommersetrealty.com.au PAGE 26 The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023

SOLD

MORE S G LISTINED! WANT

For local knowledge, dedicated service and exceptional results give Joe a call!

JOETORRISI.COM.AU JOE TORRISI 0417 700 468 www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

PROPERTY

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

Quality family home, quiet suburb...must see

THIS quality built 3 bedroom plus office home will comfortably fit the family and all the extras.

Privately tucked away in a family friendly estate backing onto parkland it not only offers a private location but value & features.

Solidly built of masonry block externally with plastered walls internally as well as the following beneficial at-

tributes: • Very well maintained & fully air-conditioned • Open plan living with brick feature wall separating the lounge & dining areas • Central kitchen with new 900mm Smeg gas cooktop, ample cupboard & bench space, pantry & breakfast bar • Generous main bathroom tiled to the ceiling • Large air-conditioned

bedrooms with built- in robes • Sizeable master with his & hers built-in robes & sliding door access to the patio • Security screens & window furnishings throughout • 2nd toilet with easy access from the rear yard & patio • Full length rear patio overlooking the parkland • Generous garage sufficient to house a dual cab util-

eldersrealestate.com.au 15225 KENNEDY HIGHWAY, Millstream, QLD | 88.62 HA / 217 AC*

ity with lean-to awning • 4KW solar power system & solar hot water • NBN hardwired + sensor lights & security cameras • 3m x 3m garden shed • Fenced and landscaped 1004m2 allotment with some pop-up irrigation, backing onto parkland in a family friendly estate, only minutes to town centre This is a sensational op-

portunity to purchase an affordable, well-built home in a quality estate with all the extras.

Inspection is highly recommended.

Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

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

11 Dangaard Street, MAREEBA $425,000 EXCLUSIVE to Joe Torrisi Joe Torrisi Real Estate 0417 700 468

Sunset Waters

High-yielding, mixed farming enterprise, consisting of hay, mangoes, limes and cattle.

• Red granite, sandy loams with native gums and grasses adorn the paddocks • 288 ML licence. 3 dams • 4 bed masonry block home with 2 ensuites • 4 bed masonry block home, 1 bath, 1 amenities • Large machinery shed, concrete floor with mechanic’s pit • 2 large earthen floor sheds • 12 paddocks four barbed fences. 4 horse stables • Set of steel yards • Just under one kilometer of river frontage • Highway access.

The property has lots of options for the keen investor or the retiree cattle baron. Properties with these attributes are hard to find. *Approximately

For Sale

Inspection by appointment Chris Atkinson 0429 342 944 eldersrealestate.com.au/300P130723

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 PAGE 27

EXPRESS O Wednesday 8th 26°

Thursday 9th 27°

19°

Time m 0034 0.91 0641 2.15 1220 1.09 1838 2.61

Friday 10th

19°

Time m 0052 0.84 0705 2.28 1249 1.08 1859 2.59

27°

Saturday 11th

18°

Time m 0111 0.76 0730 2.40 1317 1.09 1918 2.56

26° Time m 0130 0.67 0756 2.53 1345 1.10 1938 2.51

BIG WORD SEARCH

18°

TAKE A BREAK Sunday 12th 31°

Monday 13th

17°

30°

Tuesday 14th 30°

18°

Time m 0152 0.57 0823 2.64 1415 1.13 2000 2.43

18°

Time m 0246 0.48 0928 2.75 1528 1.25 2051 2.19

Time m 0217 0.50 0853 2.72 1449 1.17 2024 2.33

CROSSWORD 26 beef and pork sausage seasoned with pepper 27 a symbol used as a reference mark in printed matter, or to indicate that a person is deceased 28 a soft silvery-white metal which melts at about 30°C, just above room temperature 29 denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful

abbreviations accent active aoristic apostrophe artivle baroque catechism clause cognate comma correct dialect dynamic dyslexic

english etymology finite fluency format genitive idion illative imperative itonation language lexical lingo modifier modify

SUDOKU

morpheme morphology motto noun optative order oxford parser pedantic philological phonetics phrase phrasing primary proper

prose punctuation quntifier reflexive restricted rhyme rules scopal sentence spacing speech state structure syllable syntax

tense term text theory tone transitive translation transliteration trivium tutors verb vernacular vocabulary vowels words

Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit.

Across 1 a chiefly tropical or subtropical plant of the bellflower family 5 to hold out or put something forward to someone for acceptance 8 a fine white or translucent vitrified ceramic material 9 denoting a final attempt to achieve something after all else has failed (4-5) 11 now and for the last time; finally (4,3,3,3) 13 from a place or source previously mentioned 16 a small saw with a strong brass or steel back for precise work (5,3) 18 a non-participating observer; a spectator 19 to free something from obstruction 24 relating to relationships or communication between people

WEEKLY HOROSCOPES mar 21 - apr 19

PAGE 28 The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023

apr 20 - may 20

may 21 - jun 20

This week, you’re as sharp as a tack. Someone could make you a tantalising offer. Your sales abilities are very strong right now. You can show a client how your product or service will fulfill their dreams, but this aspect works both ways so maybe you’ll be sold a dream.

This week, something beautiful attracts your attention.

They say that a bit of delusion is actually helpful and that it’s quite common in superstars, olympic athletes and successful business people. It’s ok to feel very confident and give yourself a mental boost.

This week, you’re extra clever. Early in the week you might be tempted to skip your spiritual practice, however you could find that tuning into the quiet in your mind might deliver the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. Even if you don’t feel like it, persevere.

jun 21 - jul 22

jul 23 - aug 22

aug 23 -sep 22

This week, you might be baring your soul. You might be helping a friend, or perhaps they’re rubbing off on you and leading you down the wrong path. You might recognise that you need to keep some distance from their bad influence for a little while.

This week, you could gain something you’ve wanted for a long time. You might find yourself more disappointed in people in power than usual. You might be better off avoiding the news or the workplace gossip and focus on the positive and things in your control.

This week, you are doing new things. You might not have a good sense of time this week.

You might commit to a project and realise that it’s going to take much longer than you anticipated. The flip side of this energy is that it’s perfect for immersing yourself in something

sep 23 - oct 22

Puzzle Solutions

Down 1 the exclusion of employees by their employer from their place of work until certain terms are agreed to 2 a light sweet yeast bread typically in the form of a small round roll 3 a domesticated pack animal of the camel family found in the Andes 4 to mention without discussing at length 5 a person who is easy to overcome or influence 6 leading to failure or disaster 7 a course of treatment for drug or alcohol dependence, typically at a residential facility 10 a member of any of several cavalry regiments in the British army 12 a Mexican dish consisting of a folded or rolled tortilla filled with various mixtures 14 a coil or skein of wool, hair, or other material 15 to laugh in a noisy, gleeful way 17 a valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations 20 a place where animal hides are tanned; the workshop of a tanner 21 a seat for a passenger behind a motorcyclist 22 suffer complete ruin or destruction 23 to unfasten by the removal of pegs 24 drive, force, or urge (someone) to do something 25 an angry or bad-tempered expression

This week, you’re reaching people on a deeper level. It could be easy to overextend yourself this week, you might jump into a project thinking you have more time, money or resources than you actually do. Maybe do some grounding exercises before starting

oct 23 - nov 21

This week, a problem is solved. You and your sweetheart can have a magical time this week, it’s excellent for romance at the fantasy level, not so much for meeting deadlines or showing up somewhere on time. Keep that in mind and your feet on the ground.

nov 22 - dec 21 This week, it’s all about your path. You might be aware that you’re fooling yourself, maybe you’re telling yourself that your body can handle this much sugar or junk food, but deep down you know that your body is craving something else. It’s time to listen to your body.

dec 22 - jan 19

jan 20 - feb 18

feb 19 - mar 20

This week, you’re going further than you ever have before.

If you align with your sweetheart, you could be in for some unique, sensual fun. If you’re looking for love, this is a great time to meet someone with whom you have a strong physical attraction.

This week, you leap over obstacles with ease. Your intuition is strong this week, especially with a family member. Later in the week you’ll be yielding great results in your creative endeavours. You’ll be able to tap into the energy and make a substantial contribution.

This week, you are speaking your truth. You could be feeling very fluid this week and maybe a tad unfocused. This will be countered by strong intuition and creative abilities. Tap into your inner world and let your inner child be nurtured by this creative freedom.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Authorised Fujitsu Service Agent

P: 4092 3019 M: 0409 648 403 F: 4092 1629

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Kat Child

DEMOLITIONS

admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au Shop 4, 276 Byrnes St, Mareeba PO Box 1034, Mareeba Q.4880

DELUXE CABINS Custom built, quality cabins for lifestyle

EARTH MOVING

ABN 80 179 825 363 QBSA 59712 ARC License AU24014 Electrical License No: 78958

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Robert Negri Owner Operator

• 1.8 Ton Excavator • 750KG Mini Excavator • Kanga Mini Loader • 7.5 Ton Tip Truck

CALL ROB ON 0447 722 857  BOBCAT AND TIPPER HIRE  EXCAVATOR  SITE CLEANUPS  DRIVEWAYS  DAM CLEAN OUTS  RETAINING WALLS

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FULLY INSURED LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS

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• 250/450 Augers • Chain Digger • Log/Rock Grab • Tilt Bucket

• Polished Concrete • Dust Controlled Grinding • Ceramic, Vinyl, Carpet Removal • Supply & Installation of Vinyls • Vinyl Planks & Carpets • Commercial & Domestic

Phone Darrin 0428 917 539 Email: daz.northernfloors@gmail.com Northern Floors Pty Ltd LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

YOU CAN AFFORD TO ADVERTISE IN THE EXPRESS DIRECTORY The S A H G N I S I T R ADVE XPRESS WITH PRICES STARTING AT JUST $50 PER WEEK E R O M N E INCLUDES A FREE LISTING ON www.expressbusiness.com.au E NEVER B Call Kat today on 4092 3464 or email DIRECTORY AFFORDABLE! admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au to learn more!

E

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 PAGE 29

admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

RAVENSHOE HARDWARE

• Hardware • Plumbing • Flat Pack Kitchens • Paint • Nursery • Giftware • Jaycar • Building Materials • White Goods

19 Wormboo Street raven@iig.com.au

IRRIGATION

4097 6208

 Lawn Mowing  Yard Clean  Rubbish Removal

        

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mareeba • David 0438 541 300

­

• Pumps Sales & Repairs • Filtration • Water Treatment • Water Tanks & Troughs • Pool Treatments • Solar Pumping Systems • Reinke Centre Pivot and Lateral Move Irrigators

M. HARTLEY PTY LTD TRADING AS

PAINTER

IRRIGATION DESIGN AND SUPPLY

50 BYRNES STREET, MAREEBA • PHONE 4092 7788

Certain work defined as “building work” in the QBCC legislation may only be undertaken by licensed contractors, or if undertaken by unlicensed contractors, only to the value of $3,300.

However, work falling outside that definition may be performed by unlicensed contractors and is not subject to any value limit.

To check whether a Contractor holds a QBCC Licence visit: www.qbcc.qld.gov.au Or call the QBCC on 1300 272 272

IT

BURRATRONICS

PEST

LANDSCAPE

FREE QUOTES QBCC Licence 68264 Over 30 Years Experience iangraham68@outlook.com

MAXIMUM PEST MANAGEMENT 100% Locally Owned & Operated!  DOMESTIC W: www.maximumpestman.com MAREEBA OFFICE:  COMMERCIAL P: 4092 1999 1 Vaughan Street OFFICE:  TERMITES M: 0418 150 759 ATHERTON 30 Main Street

PLUMBING

Pre-Construction | Pre-Purchase Inspections

FNQ Platinum Painting

Ian 0409 595 627

W: www.tcblandscape.com | T: 4092 2086

QBCC 1115490

E: fnqplatinumpainting@gmail.com

Painting & Decorating

www.burratronics.com.au

PO BOX 1414, MAREEBA

CONTACT DANTE AVOLIO FOR A FREE QUOTE!

aham I.F. & M.A.H. Gr

• Laptops, Tablets & Towers • Phone & Tablet Repairs • Custom Systems • Networking Solutions

CONCR E BLOCK TE S!

P: 4092 1176 M: 0418 184 147 E: markterri70@bigpond.com

QBCC 1531 9397

IN-STORE AND ON-SITE

Drive-Thru Yard • Cnr Costin and Beames Streets  Raw Materials  Pots & Planters  Pavers  Retaining Walls  Bird Baths  Water features  Garden Statues  Wide Span Sheds

PAINTING CONTRACTORS

0415 579 019

Shop 3, 203-215 Byrnes St, Mareeba P: 4092 7038

TCB Landscape • Mareeba

BELL HARTLEY & CO.

NO OBLIGATION FREE QUOTES!

Domestic | Commercial

SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS

PAGE 30 The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Kat Child

MOWING

HARDWARE

4092 3464

DIRECTORY

Max & Jodie Turner

 RURAL  DOMESTIC  COMMERCIAL  ROOFING  PLUMBING  DRAINAGE www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

POOL

“WE OFFER A COMPLETE ON SITE POOL SERVICE” POOL MAINTENANCE & POOL SHOP 71 BYRNES ST, MAREEBA 1

30/11/22

ALL POOL SUPPLIES LICENSED OL SAFET Y INCLUDING FREE WATER PO INSPECTOR TESTING & EXPERT ADVICE

PROFESSIONAL TREE SERVICE SERVICING NORTH QUEENSLAND

P: 4092 1443 or 0413 013 297

P: 4095 4595 | E: aataylorstreelopping@outlook.com

1:22 pm

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4092 3464

DIRECTORY • Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Stump Grinding • Firewood

Home & workplace delivery from $7.50

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Mareeba Express Towing

• Treelopping • Bobcat Hire FREE • Wood Chipping • Pensioner Discounts QUOTES! • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured

• WILL PAY CASH for some vehicles • General towing and breakdowns • Covering all the Tablelands PHONE DOUG

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Page 21-26

to the e of service A lifetim re and a dogged Shi ate Mareeba tion to acceler y determinathe local econom rsify yor Tom and dive former Ma the has earnedmanent place in aviation a per Gilmore with the ory, after town’s hist cinct re-named week. pre industrial a ceremony last upon him at bestowed role was our critical The hon h the ore for the Mr Gilm convincing bot nts in me he played Federal Govern to the State and ute $23 million the to contrib of the airport and ted upgrade nt of the associa e wer developmeal estate which 9. ed in 201 industri complet RY P5 STO L FUL ▪

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Sixty years of end tender and devo uring, friendship in the ted tropics

l CAIRN S

FOR sixty years two Cairns women maintained an incredible friends have has lasted throug hip that h good times and bad.

Gail Simpson, of Yorkeys Knob, Bibi Skerritt, and of Redlynch, first met in 1963.

Over a cup of tea and some treats, they told Cairns Local News about the that had strengt trust hened between them.

“Friendships are riage,” Ms Skerrit almost like a mart, 87, said.

“It’s for better or them when they’re worse, and you take cranky and don’t to talk. It takes want a long time to grow an old friend,” she said.

FULL STORY P5

Gilmore g Mayor Tom re-namin Mareeba Former wife Sally at the industrial with k. aviation last wee Gail Simpson y of the and precinct ceremon lifelong friends Bibi Skerritt have been in Cairns.

Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzale z

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ENUE & DANI AV T MOON UL COUR KUTTERB

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1 000 0409 32

.com.au

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ar www.am

Gail Simpson (left) Skerritt’s weddin was a bridesmaid at Bibi g in 1964.

ings big thing

Reality

ur Ho

Make Yo

From little th

s grow!

• Full Weekly or Daily Care • Catering for 12 months to School Age • Vacation, Befor e and after School Care • Great, Safe Central Locati on • All meals supplie d • Qualified chef and nutritionist • CCS Appro time ved • JET Payme Approved • Swim ment Any nt oint and App Survival Classe World PE Progra s • Sports - 3pm By | 10am m • Isand Box Fri Learning Technology Mon ge • Theatrical roo Villa Adventure Classe n Dr. Ama Safety Educa bea s • Environment tion • Dance 2-8 Karo al and and Music Classe • Kindy Gym Shop 3, s • Qualifi ed teachers • Kinder MONDAY TO • Natural garde FRIDAY 6.00AM garten curric ns • Natural ulum playgrounds - 6.00PM

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10 Hardy Road admin@littlewo, Mount Sheridan www.littleworldrld.com.au .com.au

Offering per da 4 sessions y. 8,9 12 hr se ,10 and ssions

WE’RE YOUR FREE, INDEPENDENT, LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPERS www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 PAGE 31

CLASSIFIEDS 4092 3464

Kat Child

admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Classified Deadline: 4pm every Friday WEDDING

FUNERAL NOTICE

IN MEMORIAM

FOR SALE

 Whirley

CONGRATULATIONS

Robert and Jamey-Ray On your Wedding this Saturday.

THE FAMILY OF THE LATE

John Emmerson

8/9/51 ~ 26/5/23 Would like to invite his friends and relatives to his internment at the Mareeba Columbarium Wall on Monday 13 November, 2023 at 10.00am.

John loved his life in Mareeba and it was his wish to be brought back to his hometown.

There will be a Remembrance Celebration to follow at the Mareeba Leagues Club at 11.30am.

Everyone is welcome.

Josephine Margaret KLEASE Late of Ravenshoe. Passed away peacefully on Tuesday the 2nd of November at Atherton Hospital. Aged 86 years.

Loving Wife of Clyde (Dec). Mother of Linda, Louise, Craig & Robyn. Mother-in-Law of Ron, Graeme & Gary. Loving Grandma of Jacinta, Laura & Aaron. Loved by many, friend to all.

Family & friends are warmly invited to attend a graveside service to be held at the Ravenshoe Cemetery on Thursday the 9th of November at 10:30am.

At the conclusion of the service, family warmly invite you to join them in celebration of Jo’s life in her garden at 26 Herbert Street, Ravenshoe.

1300 781 084

CAZZONELLI, Helma Helene (Vorderwinkler)

Born on August 30th, 1941 in St. Jakob, Austria. Passed away on November 2nd, 2023 after a lengthy illness.

Helma was preceded in death by parents Helene (Kreen) and Josef Vorderwinkler. On 20th January, 1965 she married Klaus Emil Cazzonelli and together they established Boonjie Crayfish Park in Topaz, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, Australia.

Helma enjoyed reading and found pleasure in arts and crafts. Helma was trained as a Tailor and became a homemaker. She had a strong presence in the community.

She is survived by her Husband Klaus, Daughters Claudia (Roberts) and Carmen (Wilkins), Son Christopher Cazzonelli. She was a Grandmother to Christa, Avalon, Alexander, Isabella, Rebecca, Jessica, Amelia, Torin, Corbin and Carys. She was a Great Grandmother to Chloe.

A service will be held at Guilfoyle’s Atherton Chapel on Friday 10th November at 10:45am.

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

In loving memory of those who are forever in our hearts

Love Alan and Karen, Jack, Emily, Ian, Nadia and Noah.

DEATH NOTICE Robert Taylor MURRAY Late of Atherton. Passed away peacefully on Saturday the 28th of October, 2023 at the Atherton Hospital. Aged 80 years.

Dearly loved Husband of Jennifer. Loved Father of Stewart, Laura and Kirsty. A member of the Atherton Bowls Club and the Yungaburra Bowls Club.

A private burial has been held.

Est. 30 Years

Shirley Minnie Everall

Expressions of Interest For Sale and Removal IDEAL FOR NEW BUSINESS OR ADD TO EXISTING

(nee Miles)

Lathe: Macson 54mm Hollow Spindle $3000.00+ Mill: Denbigh No 4 x 1” Spindle $1500.00+ Mobile Gantry: Swivel Hard Tyre + Girdle Trolley Pallet Jack: Heavy Duty Press: Hydraulic & Air Endless attachments + accessories, steel racking & assortment of shafts.

6.10.1944 - 11.11.2021

Dearly Beloved Wife of John, I will love you forever, my One. And in the blink of an eye, we will be back together, you and I, my One. You will be forever in my heart and I in your heart, for we are One, my Darling.

I thank and bless you for all the love you gave me.

You gave me all, my Sweetheart.



ECONOMY ENGINEERING CAIRNS

Your John One.



IN LOVING MEMORY OF

PHONE: 0407 588 312

SHIPPING CONTAINERS

Sales, Hire & Transport.

Self-Pack Removals Australia Wide.

MODIFICATIONS

P: 4091 7242 www.sticklizard.com.au

David John Gillespie

1300 781 084

IN MEMORIAM Brenton Donald Hall

12/02/88 ~ 12/11/21 It only takes a little space, To write how much we miss you.

But it will take the rest of our lives, To accept the day we lost you.

The tears in our eyes can wipe away, The ache in our hearts will always stay.

Forever loved, Dad, Mum, Jackson, Bevan and Family.

IN MEMORY OF

DES YOUNG

15/9/1937 ~ 6/11/2019 Four years have gone by, Time goes so fast.

Beautiful memories of you still stay, You’re loved and remembered every day.

Des, you will forever be my always!

Your loving wife Carol.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

LANCE SPENCER DUFFY 05/11/1936 ~ 7/11/2020 A million times we’ve needed you, A million times we’ve cried.

If love alone could have saved you, You never would have died.

In life we loved you dearly, In death we love you still.

In our hearts we hold a place, No one else can ever fill.

It broke our hearts to let you go, But you didn’t go alone.

Part of us went with you, The day God took you home.

Our loving Husband, Father, Father-in-Law, Grandfather and Great Grandfather.

Beryle, Cam & Andrea, Ross & Anna, Robyn & Neville and their families.

PAGE 32 The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023

27.9.1943 ~ 7.11.2020 The moment that you left us, our hearts split in two.

One side filled with memories, the other side died with you.

We often lay awake at night, when the world is fast asleep.

And take a walk down memory lane, with tears upon our cheek.

Remembering you is easy, we do it every day.

But missing you is a heartache, that never goes away Forever in our hearts, Fay, Scott, Michelle, Havannah and Hendrix.

CHURCH NOTICE Presbyterians meet in Mareeba for worship each Sunday 10am, QCWA Hall, Wilkes Street (behind Meals on Wheels). All welcome.

Sunday 12 November: Thanksgiving Sunday.

“In everything, give thanks.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:18a)

FUNERAL SERVICES

FUNERALS It’s All About Your Memories

livestream by

Contact your local Funeral Home

or Us 4031 3632 FUNERAL Celebrant.

Debbie Boardman 0410 328 357.

SAY Thank you, in The Express 4092 3464.

PAYMENT SYSTEM The Express would like to inform their valued clients that we do not issue 7 day accounts, however we can extend to you the establishment of a regular 30 day account or the below methods of payment.

EFTPOS, Direct Payment Facilities and Credit Card Option

FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE PHONE (07) 4092 3464

1998 BMW Z3 Excellent condition.

$28,000

Phone: 0400 129 072

FOR SALE

MILITARY HISTORY BOOKS

COX Rejuvenated Ride On Mowers

4092 1177 Daytime.

FROM $1500 WANTED TO BUY COX Ride On Mowers Needing Repairs

7-7 CASH! CALL AL 0428 194 505

YOUR LOCAL CLASSIES

John Deere S110 Ride-on Mower Only 98 hours, 42in deck with full bagging system and trailer.

Located Atherton $4500 neg Ph: 0400 529 550

PERSONAL

MAKE YOUR AD STAND OUT

ADD COLOUR www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

CLASSIFIEDS GaraGe sale

PositioN VacaNt

Public Notice

MOVING & DOWNSIZING

Saturday 11 November 7.30am - 1pm

Items include dining table, kitchenware and appliances, sofa bed, near new bar fridge, patio furniture, large living room floor rug, desk and bookcase, ornaments, glassware, vases, books, games, curtains, vintage matchbox car collection, antique books, and assorted household items.

Be there! 3A Newton Close, Atherton.

CASH ONLY, NO EARLY BIRDS

Pets

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Full Time or Part Time (60-75 hr/fortnight) Fixed Term to December 2024 with possibility of extension Location: Mareeba or Georgetown (Qld)

MONITORING, EVALUATION & PLANNING OFFICER Full Time or Part Time (60-75 hr/fortnight) Fixed Term to December 2024 with possibility of extension Location: Mareeba or Georgetown (Qld)

AGRICULTURE PROJECTS OFFICER

ANIMAL OF THE WEEK

NAME: BEANIE DOB: 15/12/2022 BREED: Purebred Red Cattle I have a beautiful nature, I am great with kids, cats, I’m quiet social with other dogs. Very energetic but very sweet and loves people and loves the ball. I come vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped, desexed, wormed, flea & tick treated. My adoption fee is $300.

Full Time or Part Time (60-75 hr/fortnight) Fixed Term to December 2024 with possibility of extension Location: Mareeba or Georgetown (Qld) For more information and to apply, go to: gulfsavannahnrm.org/employment Applications close: 9am, Monday 20 November, 2023.

Just Landscape It!

PICKO Rural Fencing Phone 0493 415 338

Caretaker Position Wanted

Or part time work on property, have own accommodation, Retired Truck Driver, long term local, references available.

Ph: 0447 871 004

butcher MOBILE farm butcher.

Ph John Hales 0409 638 882.

BILL Black Mobile Butcher. Hang up to 7 days. 0408 922 812.

LOCAL Mobile Farm Butcher - will travel.

Ph Bryan 0407 691 752.

WISH them a happy Birthday 4092 3464

Wanted to Buy One Rouen Drake or One Muscovy Drake. Willing to pay for delivery to Mareeba area.

SAY Thank you, in The Express 4092 3464.

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Q-MSC2023-09 CONSTANCE AND HASTIE STREET INTERSECTION UPGRADE Mareeba Shire Council invites tenders from suitably qualified tenderers to undertake the civil construction works detailed in the Quotation documents.

Tender documents are available on Council’s online e-procurement system, VendorPanel- https://www. vendorpanel.com.au/PublicTenders.aspx.

All enquiries or clarifications must be via the online forum which will close 5 days prior to closing time.

Council officers are unable to respond to verbal or emailed enquiries.

The closing time for electronic lodgement of Tenders is Tuesday, 21 November 2023 at 11:00am.

Regulation 228(7) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 may be applied.

Tender(s) will not be opened publicly. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

Peter Franks Chief Executive Officer PO Box 154, MAREEBA QLD 4880

Atherton Bowls Club Inc

AGM

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Mango Workers Wanted Field & Shed positions available.

Experience preferred.

Close to Mareeba.

Own transport required.

Phone Alan 0436 528 301

Would you like to ADVERTISE??

Go on... give US a call on 4092 3464!!

Ph: 4092 5852

C L A S S I F I E D advertising deadline 4pm FRIDAY email a d m i n @ theexpressnewspaper. com.au or phone 4092 3464.

NOTICE OF AGM

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE 4PM FRIDAY

WaNted

(As adjourned from 4th of November, 2023) Eacham Community Help Organization Inc t/as ECHO Empowering Services 5:00pm, Tuesday 21st of November, 2023 13 EACHAM PLACE, MALANDA For more information phone 4096 6634 or email: secretary@echomalanda.org.au M. Devine, Secretary

If you would like to meet BEANIE - please call 0487 430 443. EFTPOS Available

home & GardeN serVices

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Important Dates Last 2023 Edition - Wednesday, 20th December First 2024 Edition - Wednesday, 17th January

The Express office will be closed for 3 weeks, from Tuesday, 19th December & will re-open on Tuesday, 9th January 2024.

Well Women’s Clinics

(These clinics are available to Medicare eligible clients) Service includes Cervical Screening Tests (Pap Smears), Sexual Health Screening, Breast Awareness, also info on Contraception, Continence, Menopause, Lifestyle Issues, Bowel Health, Domestic Violence, etc.

All services are provided by a specially trained Qld Health Women’s Health Nurse.

Ravenshoe Community Health Centre: Monday 6th November Phone 4097 6223 to make an appointment Mt Garnet Primary Health Care Centre: Monday 20th November and Wednesday 29th November Phone 4097 4800 to make an appointment Malanda Health Centre: Wednesday 22nd November Phone 4096 5339 to make an appointment Atherton Community Health: Tuesday 28th November Phone 4091 0263 to make an appointment Mareeba Hospital: Thursday 30th November Phone 4092 9311 to make an appointment

Will be held

SATURDAY 18th November at 2.00pm All members are welcome to attend.

EXPRESS The

Locally owned and proudly independent

CLASSIFIED APPROVAL DEADLINE 4PM FRIDAY Prior to the next week’s Publication.

You CAN afford to advertise in

EXPRESS DIRECTORY WITH PRICES STARTING AT JUST $50 PER WEEK The

INCLUDES A FREE LISTING ON www.expressbusiness.com.au Call Kat today on 4092 3464 or email admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au to learn more!

No publication 27th December, 3rd & 10th January

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 PAGE 33

SPORT

Fighters kick into gear THIRSTY to claim a state title, two fighters from Spirit Muay Thai Gym Mareeba will be heading to the Southeast Corner on 25 November for the Rumble on the Ridge promotion.

Shakayla Pedrola and Jye Whibberley will be taking on some of the best in the ring at this promotion, with the goal of bringing home the win.

Trainer and gym co-owner Salvatore Signorino said he was keen to get his two top fighters back in the ring after watching them both go above in beyond in training.

“For Jye, this a great opportunity for him as he is only 13 years old, and it is not easy to find fights like this around here,” he said.

“And Shakayla will be fighting the State Title and hopefully bring home a belt. We are really excited for this fight, and it will be great to kick those goals.

“This will be our last fight before we start preparing for Thailand, which will be a big step for Shakayla (who will be fighting there) and a great opportunity for her to expand her knowledge.”

To prepare for the fight, Salvatore and his brother Rosario have recently bought a brand new sparing ring for their gym.

Salvatore said the new edition to the gym was essential to getting all of their fighters promotion ready.

“We started seeing a lot of our fighters keen to compete, so we felt the need to give them a little more when it came to training,” he said.

“So, when they are training in the gym and in the ring, they can feel confident and accustomed to what it’s like fighting in there.”

Rumble on the Ridge will kick off at 3pm in Bracken Ridge, Brisbane on 25 November.

Mareeba muay thai fighters Jye Whibberley and Shakayla Pedrola with trainer Salvatore Signorino will be heading down south to compete in the Rumble on the Ridge promotion.

Twilight loss for Bandits Annual shoot success A CHANGE from natural light to twilight has put Mareeba Cricket’s A-Grade side to the test, according to manager Clint Cifuentes, with the team going down to Rovers at Griffith Park.

With a final score of 97 points, the Bandits had a “hard day in the office” against the season’s favourites, pushing the team to their limits.

After winning the toss, the Bandits elected to bowl, confident they would have the upper hand.

“We trusted our capabilities to chase pretty much any total set, but due to our inexperience with the day-to-night situation and that twilight period, we were getting knocked a bit,” Cifuentes said.

Finley Green topped the score board on 41 not out and took a wicket, while Kyle Hastie finished on 23 and took two catches.

Grant Hanlon threw the ball for a runout and took a wicket,

Brendan Payne took a wicket and a catch, while Rowan Foxwell took a wicket and a nice catch.

Faheem Chohan and Ruku Chilia both got a wicket each, but it wasn’t enough to save the day against the Rovers.

Despite the loss, the Bandits are feeling confident as they head into their next game against Atherton, banking their twilight experience ready for next time.

“We just didn’t take into account that inexperience outside of the twilight period where the twilight takes over from the natural light,” Cifuentes said.

“We will have a chat with the team over what happened on the weekend and where we can improve there and look at what we can do better this weekend.”

Mareeba and Atherton will go head to head in their first match of the season this Saturday at Borzi Park from 12.30pm.

Tristian Lopez made his A Grade debut on the weekend against the Rovers where he was presented with his shirt and cap.

SHOOTERS from across the Far North gathered in Ravenshoe over the weekend for the annual Inter-Branch Rifle Shoot.

A field of 16 shooters from the Innisfail/Babinda/ Tully Branch and the Tableland Branch contested the annual Inter-Branch Rifle Shoot at this location.

The altitude and fine mild shooting conditions didn’t affect the shooting skills of 1971 intake Nasho Rusty Vonarx, who completed a 2023 trifecta of winning competitions this year at Tinaroo, Kurrimine and now the Ravenshoe range.

It has only been achieved once before, in 2018, by Innisfail shooter Lorry Calleja.

The winners were: • First place - Tableland Branch recorded an average of 213 points for their 7 shooters, 5 being Nashos.

• Second place – Innisfail/Babinda/Tully Branch recorded an average of 163

Trophy winners of the day (seated) David Grima (Encouragement Trophy), Rusty Vonarx (FNQ Nasho Marksman Trophy and Peter Campion “Friends of Nashos Trophy” with shooters on the day.

points for their 9 shooters, 8 being Nashos.

• “FNQ Nasho Marksman Trophy” was won by Rusty Vonarx (Tableland) as the National Serviceman, recording the highest total score of 261.4 for the 3 disciplines shot. Second was Tableland Branch Patron, Ray Byrnes (224.1) and third was Doug Smith (Tableland) (219.2).

• “Friends of Nashos Trophy” was won by Peter Campion (Tableland) (236)

for a Non-Nasho recording the highest total score of the disciplines shot. Second and third were two lady shooters, Shirley Bradley (Tableland) (157.1 points) and Dani Gatti (Babinda) (146.1 points).

• “Encouragement Trophy” was awarded to David Grima (Innisfail) (104.1 points) to recognise a victory for the devotion they put into their team and the importance of competing for those at the rear of the field.

FINE JEWELLERY, WATCHES AND GIFTWARE! ALL JEWELLERY, WATCH & CLOCK REPAIRS

Volunteers Sought - Interested persons please visit:

crimestoppersqld.com.au/volunteer

PAGE 34 The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Shop 14, Atherton Square, Cook Street Phone: 4091 3919 www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

When you’ve been designing family SUVs for as long as we have, you learn a thing or two about families.

Like how much space matters. Meet the all-new CR-V. Available in hybrid and petrol, 2WD or AWD, with up to 7 seats to fit everything families need.

And for added peace of mind, every new CR-V comes with

Plus 5-year Honda Connect D52 subscription.

Book a test drive today.

Atherton Honda

2 Cook Street, Atherton | Phone – 4091 8700

† 5 year unlimited kilometre warranty available on all vehicles except those used for a Commercial Purpose, where a 5-year/140,000 kilometre (whichever occurs first) warranty is applicable. “Commercial Purpose” means the purpose of carrying passengers or goods in the course of business or trade, and includes, without limitation, a vehicle being used at any time, as a taxi, or for hire, rental, delivery, courier, ride sharing, driving school, tourist or security purposes. ~Five Low Price Services applies to new Honda vehicles only. To find out more about what’s included refer to your Owner’s Warranty and Service Manual. Visit Honda.com.au for T&Cs. D52 Some Honda Connect app features are only available if your vehicle is linked to your Honda Connect account and connected services are activated. Remote vehicle features vary by model and not all vehicles will have all features. Ex demo and service vehicles receive the balance of 3 low priced services.

ATHERTON MAHINDRA

WORK PACK includes Bull Bar, Snorkel, Heavy Duty Aluminium Tray as shown.

Valid to 31st October 2023.

2 Cook Street, Atherton - Phone 4091 8700 www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 PAGE 35

NEW VEHICLES IN STOCK

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Ranger XL Dual Cab 4x2 Hi Rider

2.0L turbo diesel auto, spray in bed liner, towing pack, 5yr unlimited klm warranty, 12mths Autoclub membership.

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Escape ST Line AWD SUV

2.0L EcoBoost, 8 speed auto, blind spot system, reverse cross traffic alert, 5yr unlimited klm warranty, 12mths AutoClub membership.

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Ranger XL 4x4 Dual Cab

Service Loan Vehicle (2100kms), 2.0L Bi Turbo engine, lOSPD auto, 17” steel wheels, window tint, sports bar, balance 5yr unlimited klm warranty, 12mths AutoClub membership.

Drive Away $44,990

Escape ST Line 2WD SUV

2.0L EcoBoost, 8 speed auto, 12.3” Digital Cluster, Ford Pass Connect, 5yr unlimited klm warranty, 12mths Autoclub membership.

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Escape 2WD SUV

2.0L EcoBoost, 8 speed auto, 8” touch screen, audio streaming, hands free power tailgate, 5yr unlimited klm warranty, 12mths AutoClub membership.

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Escape 2WD SUV

Service Loan Vehicle (5100kms), 2.0L EcoBoost 8 speed auto, 8” touch screen, audio streaming, hands free power tailgate, 5yr unlimited klm warranty, 12mths AutoClub membership.

Drive Away $36,990

Prices include government transfers, stamp duty and registration.

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Hansen Ford

279 Byrnes St, Mareeba | 4092 9400 | www.hansenford.com.au Andrew Ford: 0417 633 002 | Claude Formoso: 0477 229 949 | Drew McKenzie: 0400 068 700

NISSAN FUTURE VALUE

3.9% FINANCE

*

P.A. COMPARISON RATE | MAX 48 MONTH TERM

NISSAN NAVARA PRO-4X

When you finance selected Navara 4x4 Dual Cab Pickup models with Nissan*

PLUS UP TO $2,000 OF NISSAN GENUINE ACCESSORIES* Atherton Nissan - All Wheel Drive Centre 07 4030 5400 | athertonnissan.com.au

*Terms and conditions apply. 3.9% Comparison rate for approved personal applicants of Nissan Financial Services (Australian Credit Licence Number 391464) (NFS). 3.9% APR. Maximum 48 month term. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. This comparison rate for the purpose of the National Credit Code is based on a 5 year secured loan of $30,000, although this offer relates to a 48 month term only. Under the Nissan Future Value (NFV) program, you can return the vehicle back to NFS for the pre-agreed future value (adjusted for excess kilometres and the cost of repairs for vehicle damage beyond fair wear and tear), to pay the final balloon payment on your loan. Allowed kilometres and vehicle condition requirements are set out in the NFV agreement. Offer available on new and demonstrator SL, ST, ST-X and PRO-4X Navara 4x4 Dual Cab Pick-up vehicles (excluding PRO-4X WARRIOR variants and demonstrators over 5,000km or 6 months from registration) purchased by 31/10/2023. Accessory bonus of up to $2,000 (inc. GST) to be used towards purchase price and fitment of Nissan Genuine Accessories at time of purchase of eligible vehicle. Accessory bonus is not transferable, not exchangeable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Excludes Government, Rental and National Fleet customers. For more information see Nissan.com.au/ NissanFutureValue. Nissan reserves the right to vary, extend or withdraw this offer. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. See Nissan.com.au/warranty for T&Cs.

PAGE 36 The Express, Wednesday, November 8, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au