The Express Newspaper 21st June 2023

Funds for crossing

A CRITICAL crossing along the Dunbar Koolatah Road in the Cape that has been closed since December is set to be restored after Carpentaria Shire Council received $22 million for its repair.

The Mitchell River Crossing is crucial for tourist traffic and community connectivity to north-west Queensland as it links rural properties between Koolatah and Maramie to business centres such as Normanton and Mareeba.

The existing damaged bedlevel crossing has been closed throughout 2023 due to high water levels and extensive flood damage in the aftermath of the severe monsoon event.

The closure has severely impacted freight in the region, particularly livestock transport that currently needs to deviate more than three hours. To combat this and begin repairs on the crossing, both the State and Federal Governments have joined forces to provide funding through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Carpentaria Shire Council Mayor Jack Bawden said the funding was a “game-changer” for people living in and travelling through the region.

“The level of funding provided through DRFA will ensure a new crossing will be constructed that will allow road movements to continue much earlier than has occurred in past years,” he said.

Dedication pays off for Ashley

YUNGABURRA local Ashley Cupitt has spent nearly all his adult life protecting his community from the dangers of bushfires, attending accidents and providing support for his fellow officers and his decades of selfless service have been recognised with an illustrious medal.

It was this dedication to his community and his fellow officers that earned Ashley the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal as part of the King’s Birthday Honours recently.

Ashley had previous experience in fighting blazes long before joining with the Queensland Fire Services in 1976 as he worked at the Yungaburra sawmill during his earlier years.

The workers would often trade their tools for hoses as they stood side by side with local firefighters and battled blazes the sawmill would incidentally cause.

“When I was 15, I was working at the Yungaburra sawmill and in them days they had three rubbish fires at the back that used to burn year-round,” Ashley said.

“In the dry season every now and then, the fire from those would spread into the surrounding grass and burn back to Tinaburra and round to the Yungaburra Sewerage Plant – one year it burnt that much it jumped the creek and went back to the Barron River.

“Us mill workers would drop our tools and go help the firies fight the fires, we would do that quite often, one year they asked me if I would join up.”

So began Ashley’s near half century long career in the fire service which would eventually see him rise to chief, later renamed to captain, of the Yungaburra Fire Station.

Ashley also took on a role as a peer support officer and coordinates the entire region, providing

comfort and assistance to firefighters who may be in distress after attending a road accident or other traumatic incident.

It was this devotion to his community and fellow officers that led Ashely to be nominated for and receive the Australian Fire Service Medal, which he saw as a great honour.

The Australian Fire Service Medal is not in recognition of long service but rather distinguished service and seeks to recognise a firefighter’s devotion to the service, not how long they served.

“This medal is for distinguished service, going above and beyond the normal job role,” Ashley said.

“Like the peer support I do, and I was also an auxiliary training officer for a lot of years.

“I’ve also done a lot of things over the years that was not expected of me.”

As Yungaburra is one of the smaller stations on the Tablelands, Ashley and his crew often get called to back up other crews in the area to assist with bigger incidents.

One of the most recent fires were the 2019-20 bushfires which tore through Mareeba and destroyed multiple properties.

Ashley said the role of a firefighter has changed over the years and grown from just bush and structure fires to road accidents which is now the biggest part of the job.

“We do road accidents, grass fires and we also assist the ambulance a lot now,” he said.

“We help them lift casualties out of houses, CPR, first aid and stuff like that when needed.”

Ashley will have to retire from the service when he turns 65 towards the end of the year but he has already been approached but multiple rural fire brigades and the SES to join up.

Yungaburra Fire Station auxiliary captain Ashley Cupitt has been recognised for his decades of service to the community with an Australian Fire Service Medal. PHOTO: Louise AndersonClemence.

International acts for Savannah

INTERNATIONAL acts will join the stacked, Australian rock filled line-up on stage at this year’s Savannah in the Round music festival after an American country music singer and Canadian band were listed as the latest additions.

This year’s Savannah in the Round music festival on 6-8 October already contained an all-star line-up of Australian musicians including rock legend Jimmy Barnes, Kasey Chambers, Daryl Braithwaite and more.

Joining them onstage from across the world will be American country star Alexandra Kay (pictured), who will officially make her Australian performance debut at Savannah, and award winning Canadian true-grit country band, The Dungarees.

Alexandra is most notably known for her renditions of popular Dolly Parton songs and her own songs have been streamed millions of times.

“The thought that I’m finally making my way to Australia is wild to me – it’s a place most small-town girls like me can only dream of visiting,” she said.

“Playing at Savannah in the Round feels like the start of an exciting new chapter in my touring career.

“I get the opportunity to sing my songs to an audience that has constantly supported me by streaming my music over the last few years and I am so excited to hear them sing these songs back to me for the very first time.

“I’m coming with open arms, ready to experience everything Australia has to offer, I am so pumped for my first show in the land down under.”

The Dungarees are already a staple in the Canadian music scene, with two Canadian Country Music Award nominations and three Western Canadian Music Awards under their belt.

“We simply can’t wait to come back to Australia, it has been far too long,” James Murdoch of The Dungarees said.

Joining these two heavy hitting country

music stars in the recent announcement Far North Queensland’s very own singer-songwriter Bobby Maguire, country duo Zac & George, Melbourne-based troubadour Tim Woodz and local Cairns act Eddie Skiba.

In addition to Savannah in the Round’s expansive music offerings, festivalgoers will also be able to experience a plethora of camping, glamping and on-site festival delights ranging from a wide range of bespoke food and drink offerings to local artisanal arts and culture.

Savannah in the Round also proudly features Indigenous visual art, music and dance displays, a market village full of local produce and products, and an onsite

Boost for health services

BY ELLIE FINK

A HUGE step by Mareeba’s Mulungu Health Clinic will allow hundreds of local First Nations people to address not only their dental needs but their general health, while alleviating pressures on the public system.

A new dentistry service will be added to the Mareeba clinic following the immense success of the Atherton facility which was established last year.

Mulungu chief executive officer Gail Wason said that after witnessing the high success rate in Atherton, it was time to provide the same service in Mareeba.

receives proper dental care, as our people do not readily seek dental treatment until they end up in the hospital.”

To receive a dental checkup, patients must also undergo a full health check, with a focus on overall wellbeing.

Ms Wason hopes the new addition to their Mareeba facility will contribute to a healthier and happier community, particularly encouraging the younger generation to prioritise their health.

paddock to plate experience showcasing the freshest local ingredients.

This year’s festival is expected to bring in over 12,000 visitors to the region and bolster the local economy.

Member for Cairns and Assistant Tourism Minister Michael Healy said last year’s festival generated millions for the region’s visitor economy.

“It’s another great example of destination events backing good Queensland jobs and the Tropical North’s tourism and hospitality operators,” he said.

For more information and tickets for this year’s events, visit www.savannahintheround.com.au.

State-of-the-art equipment has been sourced to enable dentists to perform all necessary procedures in-house.

“We have had a clinic in Atherton that has been open for a year and a bit now, and at the same time, the health clinic opened up,” she said

“We have highly advanced equipment in the dental surgery that is unparalleled.

“It has always been deemed a necessity, not just by me but also by our doctors. They often express the wish to have a magic wand to ensure everyone

“It is crucial it is about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people addressing their health needs. It aligns with the primary healthcare services we offer,” she said.

“We want them to take advantage of the opportunities they have and the opportunities that will arise in the future.”

The new dentistry clinic will be incorporated into the existing health clinic at the Mulungu building in Mareeba.

Modifications are scheduled to take place in the coming months to accommodate two dentistry chairs, x-ray machines, and other necessary technology. The opening date for the dentistry facility is yet to be determined.

Projects supported in State Budget

A VARIETY of projects for the Cook and Hill electorates have been funded in last week’s State Government Budget.

Some of the key projects that were successful in getting financial support were the new Atherton Fire and rescue station, which attracted $3 million to purchase land, another $7.1 million to complete the new Atherton Hospital, $8.5 million to create overtaking lanes between Mareeba and Ravenshoe, and $800,000 to upgrade the Mareeba Water Treatment Plant.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said cost of living relief was an important part of the budget including the $550 rebate on electricity bills for all Queensland households, a further $200 for vulnerable households and a $650 rebate on electricity bills for eligible small businesses.

Another major announcement tat will help families is the $1 billion Kindy for All program, which will provide 40,000 children and their families with free or cheaper kindy.

“This is a good budget that delivers for everyone, no matter where they live. Most importantly, it is a budget to help families and households deal with the ongoing challenges of cost-of-living pressures,” Ms Lui said.

“Specific projects within my electorate are not the only way our government is supporting communities up here. Cost-of-living relief – through measures such as energy rebates and free kindy – benefit all Queenslanders, especially those here in the Far North,” Ms Lui said.

“We know that cost-of-living pressures are particularly challenging for many remote communities.

“There is also a substantial $21.4 million investment in education, another key priority of our government. And I’m delighted to see so many sporting and community organisations receiving a boost through this year’s budget –these organisations are so valuable, providing social and emotional wellbeing for individuals, families and communities.”

Member for Hill Shane Knuth said he wel-

comed funding for his electorate, pointing to $1.46 million to widen and seal more of Ootan Road and $1 million to install a security fence around the ground for the safety of students and staff at Atherton State School.

“It is good news that $3 million has been funded towards the acquisition of land for a new site for the Atherton Fire and Rescue Station, which will now move this project forward,” he said.

Mr Knuth also noted the final funding to complete the Atherton Neighbourhood centre had been delivered.

“This was over three years in the making. State funding had to be parked until the Feds came up with the balance, so I am pleased that all the hard work from the centre management has been rewarded,” he said.

Mr Knuth said the Hill electorate also had a number of other wins in the State Budget with schools across the region being allocated more than $9.2 million, health $10 million, roads $99 million and development and infrastructure $3 million.

Mr. Knuth also acknowledged the funding for pre-school swimming lessons through the SwimSmart program, something he had supported and campaigned for.

However, he expressed disappointment to the “lousy increase” to the Patient Subsidy Travel Scheme where rural and regional patients have to travel to access specialist services.

“The KAP were instrumental in securing the last increase, over 11 years ago and have campaigned heavily for another substantial, increase, yet patients only received a pitiful four cents a kilometre extra considering the cost of living has multiplied over this period,” Mr Knuth said.

He added that while the Government’s hand out of $550 to help ease electricity costs sounds fantastic, it had to be tempered by an estimated 25 per cent increase to electricity prices next month.

St Stephen’s students celebrate

GRADE

from St Stephen’s Catholic College Mareeba dazzled up for their formal, celebrating the final year of their high school lives. The red carpet was filled with an array of colourful dresses and shiny suits, making the crowd cheer with excitement.

Cannabis haul at Cooktown

A LARGE amount of cannabis plants have been discovered on a property in Cooktown, resulting in a man being charged with multiple offences. Police executed a search warrant at about 11am at an address on Railway Avenue, Cooktown on 13 June.

They allegedly located a large quantity of cannabis plants scattered across the property and drying in a shed.

It will be further alleged that police located cannabis seeds as well as drug utensils inside the house.

The 32-year-old Cooktown man is expected to appear in the Cooktown Magistrates Court on 7 July, charged with one count each of producing dangerous drugs over Schedule Two, possessing dangerous drugs over Schedule Two, supplying dangerous drugs and possessing drug utensils.

12 students

Living costs add to animal woes

BY ELLIE FINK

THE cost of living crisis, rental crisis, backyard breeding and not desexing are putting a strain on local animal shelters with many having to house up to three large dogs in one kennel just to ensure a roof over their head.

With lack of funding, space and foster carers, abandoned animals are putting a strain on all facilities across the region with no end to the influx in sight.

Newly established animal rescue Remote Animal Assistance FNQ has had to put several pleas out on their Facebook for foster carers, with many of their residents being on their last days before euthanasia.

Founder Jess Flemming said the main reason her rescue is experiencing an influx in surrenders is inevitably the rental crisis.

“One of the main reasons we’re experiencing so many surrender requests and seeing so many surrenders to the pounds is because of the current rental crisis,” she said.

“Some people who’ve had to move houses are finding it near impossible to secure an affordable rental that allows pets, and even if the rental does allow pets on paper, owning pets makes them less competitive against people who don’t.

“With the high rental prices and cost of living, sometimes the only way to keep a roof over their heads is to give up their pet, and that’s really heartbreaking.”

For the Mareeba Animal Refuge, which is one of the largest rescues on the Tablelands, their kennels are constantly occupied with two or three dogs due to the number of surrenders coming in daily.

Although they still get a lot of adoptions, the number of surrenders is constantly higher according to staff member Felicity Pollard.

“We are still getting a good number of adoptions it just doesn’t seem that way as there is so many more coming in - we adopt one kitty and then get a whole litter in the next day, one dog goes and we get a call for several more surrenders,” she said.

The perpetrator for the influx of homeless pets in Ms Pollard’s opinion is the backyard breeding epidemic and the lack of desexed animals.

“Lots of people are still supporting backyard breeders for cheaper or free pets instead of rescues or responsible breeders,” she said.

“We see lots of puppies coming from

backyard breeders who thought they would be making money off them, but nobody wants them and they get dumped on us.

“We especially see dozens of litters of kittens every few months from people simply not desexing their pets and leaving them to wander.

“There is still so much ignorance about the importance and benefits of desexing your animals. Desexing can prevent certain cancers, reduce fighting and wandering habits and of course all those unwanted animals!”

The solution to the “never ending cycle” of pets being abandoned and surrendered in the opinion of both Ms Pollard and Ms Flemming is education for landlords and property owners.

“I think the solution might be educating property owners on the struggles that pet owners are facing, and encouraging them to be more open-minded and trusting when it

Confusion reigns over tree felling

CONFUSION still surrounds the would-be lumberjack who felled trees on the Barron River Esplanade after the Department of Resources initially identified Mareeba Shire Council as the culprit.

Several large, fully grown trees have been cut down along areas of the esplanade both on council managed land and State-managed land by the water.

Pickle is a staffie x kelpie who is a victim of backyard breeding. Her and her siblings have been dumped at the Mareeba Animal Refuge which has been inundated with cat and dog surrenders.

comes to allowing animals at their rentals,” Ms Flemming said.

“We’ve also had foster carers come forward who then have to retract their application because their landlords won’t allow pets. If we could just get landlords to be a little more flexible, this might help the situation. Another option might be for pet owners to reach out for a private foster carer, where someone else looks after their pet while they work to secure a pet-friendly rental.

“I know when we have advertised dogs on our page that have been surrendered due to the rental crisis, sometimes people come forward and say they’ll look after the dog while the owner is securing their accommodation.”

For more information on adoptions or to meet the residents, visit www.remoteanimalassistance.com/adopt and www.facebook.com/MareebaAnimalRefuge

Teenagers charged over hotel incident

TWO teenage girls have been charged after an incident in Mareeba on 12 June at a licensed premises.

Police will allege that the two girls, in the company of another two, entered a licenced premises on Byrnes Street at about 11.30pm and refused to leave when asked.

One girl allegedly jumped the bar, grab-

bing several alcohol bottles. The male victim attempted to stop her and she allegedly shoulder charged him, causing him to fall over and hit his head. All four girls then ran from the premises.

A 14-year-old girl has been charged with one count each of entering premises and committing an indictable offence, seri-

ous assault of a person over 60, wilful damage and receiving tainted property.

A 15-year-old girl has been charged with one count each of entering premises and committing an indictable offence, serious assault of a person over 60, stealing, wilful damage, serious assault of a police officer and public nuisance.

A spokesperson from the department verbally advised The Express that initially they believed council were the ones who cut down the trees however, council has completely denied the claims and said the matter is still being investigated.

“Mareeba Shire Council did not cut down the trees on the Barron River near John Doyle Bridge and is completely unaware of who is responsible,” a spokesperson said.

“Council does not know why the Department of Resources has allegedly stated that council cut down the trees.

“Council will continue to investigate this matter.”

The department has since investigated the issue and was unable to identify an offender, advising it will monitor the situation but will not take further action.

“Individuals wishing to report unauthorised clearing can contact the Department’s Vegetation Management Hub on 135 VEG or 135 834,” a spokesperson said.

“Landholders wishing to remove debris from a watercourse should contact the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water.”

One of the trees felled along the Barron River.

Annual Metrogaine raises funds

THE annual Mareeba Lions Club Metrogaine once again proved to be a popular affair as runners turned out to the starting line at Arnold Park on Sunday for this year’s race.

Tanya Barker from Essential Fitness got the crowd warmed up with an energetic workout before they set out to scour the town in search of specific markers which they record and return to the start area.

Once again, veteran runners Sandro Soncin and Charlton Best took home the honours after completing the 10km course in one hour and 20 minutes with a maximum score. The event raises money for the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation and while final figures are yet to be tallied, an estimated $4000 was raised from this year’s metrogaine.

LEFT: Sandro Soncin and Charlton Best once again took out the fastest time for the Mareeba Lions Club Metrogaine on Sunday. Pictured is Sandro and Charlton with Lion Tom Braes.

Grandfather clock gifted to museum

A GRANDFATHER clock that belonged to mining pioneer John Moffat has been gifted to the Loudoun House Museum at Irvinebank – a town the mining pioneer founded and lived in from 1884 to 1912.

Moffat was a powerhouse in his time who developed a mining and industrial empire around Loudoun Mill, Irvinebank and Herberton.

Now, his grandfather clock, which he brought back to Australia with him after his trip back to United Kingdom in the 1870s, has been returned “home” and now has pride of place at the museum.

Irvinebank School of Arts and Progress Association president Robyne Perkes said she was thrilled to be gifted the clock from the family who she has known for many years now.

She first became friends with Moffat’s daughter Isabel, then her son’s wife, Claudia, and because of their close friendship, she was gifted Moffat’s last briefcase which is also on display at the museum.

“I saw the clock and told Claudia we would love to have it here at the museum – she was going back to England and they did not think the clock would withstand the journey back so they gifted it to the museum,”

Ms Perkes said.

Moffat played a major role in mining in the region, sending two agents, William Jack and John Newell, to first survey the Tablelands area back in 1879.

From there, the Tinaroo tin field was established at the site we know today as Lake Tinaroo. Jack and Newell met John Atherton while they were prospecting there and subsequently went on an expedition with him to locate rich alluvial deposits near Wild River.

While the first expedition did not find the deposits, a second expedition in 1880 was successful and they secured a claim for Moffat and Company, with the town of Herberton officially laid out in August of that year.

Moffat is reported to have immediately travelled to Herberton and established the Great Northern Mining company, arranging to construct a mill and smelter. He then discovered a new deposit of tin 27km west of Herberton and subsequently founded a settlement there which he named Irvinebank, after the River Irvine in his home country of Scotland.

To learn more about the history of Irvinebank, visit the Loudoun House Museum which is run by volunteers and open seven days a week from 10am-4pm.

Peter Shimmin and Robyne Perkes with Moffat’s gradfather clock at the Loudoun House Museum at Irvinebank.

New Topaz fire brigade a step closer

A GROUP of dedicated locals in the Topaz area are a step closer to establishing a new rural fire brigade for the town to provide the community with a quicker response to emergencies.

The project is gathering momentum, with traditional owners of the land gifting a piece of land which will be used to build a facility to host the new fire brigade Topaz Rural Fire Brigade founding member Shane Teahan said he had been working on establishing the organisation for about 12 months and was excited to see things moving along.

“We are really lacking in resources and State and local assets out here,” he said.

“We have done the research and it takes 30 to 35 minutes for any sort of emergency response to arrive in regards to a fire or anything of that nature out here.

“To have some sort of emergency response asset on the ground out here would make a world of difference to the local community.

“We have had an influx of young families in this area so this is sorely

needed and it will also add to the regional response – if there’s another truck to go and help at a fire somewhere in the region, well that’s a good thing.”

Mr Teahan said around 20 volunteers had already put up their hand to be part of the new brigade which he hoped would be backed by the Queensland Rural Fire Service.

Once the group receives formal support from the service, it will be able to apply for funding under State Government grant programs.

“We hope to build a shed on the land we have been given and we hope we will get a direct commitment for that from the State as well,” Mr Teahan said.

He said to get to where they are now it has been a great journey of resilience and a strong community.

“This piece of land is owned by the Ngadjon tribe and they have shown extraordinary generosity in the fact that they would like to gift this piece of land for the purpose of establishing the Topaz Rural Fire Brigade,” Mr Teahan said.

Ngadjon traditional owner Yvonne Canendo said her tribe had discussed

the need to help the people of Topaz.

“We are a long way from town and for the fire truck to get here from Malanda, and by the time they get out here , you are lucky to have a house or a family left,” she said.

“We definitely need one out here and when I was cleaning this area up, I thought this would be a great area and everyone agreed on it.

“Having a rural fire brigade out here is just the start and it would be a big help.”

Mr Tehan said this was a great example of everyone working together to achieve quality community outcomes.

The project has gained the full support for Member for Hill Shane Knuth

Vote for new bin designs

PUBLIC rubbish bins in Byrnes Street will undergo a much-needed makeover soon, with Mareeba Shire Council putting out 45 possible designs for artwork that will give the bins a fresh appearance.

The proposed designs will showcase the history of Byrnes Street with a heritage image from the CBD on one side of the bin while celebrating a selection of the shire’s natural attractions and experiences, with a bright modern image on the other side.

The designs include some with full images, as well as designs with a short historical description.

Council now wants feedback from the community on which designs should be used, with a survey now available on its website until 25 June.

In releasing the designs, council acknowledged the assistance of Mary Thompson from the Mareeba Heritage Museum and Visitor Information Centre for her assistance with the historical images and information.

For more information, please contact council on 1300 308 461.

who says Topaz is “often a community that is forgotten” which can only be accessed in an emergency via a narrow windy road from Malanda.

“By establishing the Topaz Rural Fire Brigade trained volunteers will be on the ground in the quickest fastest and safest time until further assistance arrives,” he said.

“This means when someone has a heart attack, or a fire breaks out on a property the Topaz volunteers will be on the ground ready to assist until emergency services arrive which could mean the different between life and death.”

Tableland Regional Councillor Dave Bilney was also extremely supportive of the move.

“The communities in the outlying areas of the Tablelands are about community empowerment and about being able to look after themselves,” he said.

“By having a fire station based here with community volunteers always there, they will be able to protect each other a lot quicker than relying on the closest main area which is Malanda.

“The Mayor and I have already provided a letter of support for the project, and it is very hard to state that no one would support this.”

According to Mr Teahan, the support from the community has been wonderful. “I am so excited to see the energy and enthusiasm that I am seeing,” he said.

Topaz Rural Fire Brigade founding members (from left) Justin Pickering and Luke Speare with TRC Cr Dave Bilney, Member for Hill Shane Knuth, Ngadjon traditional owner Yvonne Canendo and brigade founding member Shane Teahan inspecting the land which will be gifted by traditional owners for the establishment of the new brigade.

One of 45 designs for public bins that the public can vote on.

Strawberry wine hits the shelves

BY ELLIE FINK

AFTER much anticipation, Shaylee Strawberries has officially released their Berry Lane Winery strawberry wine, made from 100 percent locally grown strawberries. The brainchild of Joe Barletta and his family business, the idea of strawberry wine arose when Shaylee Strawberries decided to keep their doors open throughout the year. Previously, the popular destination was only open during strawberry season, from June to October, but Mr Barletta was determined to savour the sweet taste of strawberries all year long.

“Strawberries are a romantic and fun product, and we wanted to capture that essence in a wine. It's essentially the bottled version of a strawberry,” he said.

“It's all part of our business's evolution. The previous owners did a fantastic job of creating an iconic business on the Tablelands, but we want to take it to the next level and become less seasonal and more year-round.

“That's why we also have jam, ice cream, a new café, and now the wine — we're preserving the strawberry in many different ways.”

According to Mr Barletta, having another winery to add to the region's ever-increasing “alcho-tourism” trail will attract more visitors to the area.

He hopes that his unique wine will help establish the Tablelands with a reputation sim-

ilar to Victoria and New South Wale's winery destinations.

“Down south near major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, you have places like Mornington Peninsula and Hunter Valley, which create a whole new type of tourism. It adds a similar element here,” he said.

“The Atherton Tablelands is probably one of the most beautiful places in Australia, and this addition provides even more for travellers passing through to experience.

“I believe our strawberry wine is quite unique compared to others, and I would say we are one of the few farms in Australia that exclusively use strawberries to make the purest form of strawberry wine.

“We don't add strawberries to a wine base, as is traditional — our wine is purely strawberries.”

All wine is produced on-site in a winery shed adjacent to the café, managed by a team of locals trained by “wine expert” Ross Whitford.

The wine is crafted from extra ripe strawberries picked fresh from the farm, which are then frozen to initiate the process.

After freezing, the berries are crushed into juice, and fermentation begins. Once solids are removed, the juice is stored for 8-10 weeks and then is bottled and sold.

Berry Lane Winery strawberry wine is available for purchase at Shaylee Strawberries, located on Marks Lane, Atherton.

Mareeba man charged over multiple offences

A MAREEBA man has been charged over several incidents in Wujal Wujal between 5-12 June.

It will be alleged that the man went to an address in Bloomfield and contravened a domestic violence order when he assaulted a woman known to him.

It will be further alleged that the man continued to evade police attempts to lo-

cate him at different addresses in Wujal Wujal.

It will also be alleged that the man struggled violently with police when he was located in a drain on Hartwig Street on 12 June at about 4.30am.

Police will further allege the man broke into a house and vehicle at an address in Kearney Street, Mareeba in April, stealing

a debit card before using it multiple times to fraudulently purchase goods.

The 26-year-old man is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on 14 July, charged with four counts of obstructing police, two counts each of fraud and contravening a domestic violence order and one count of entering premises and committing an indictable offence.

Joe and Alison Barletta showcasing Shaylee Strawberries’ highly anticipated strawberry wine.

Look who has joined the Elders Family!

Rosetta Spena has joined Elders Insurance Tablelands. Rosetta has over 14 years Insurance experience and her knowledge for all things Insurance and outstanding work ethic makes Rosetta a perfect fit for our Elders Family.

Rosetta has called the Tablelands home for most of her life, living on the family farm on the outskirts of Mareeba with her husband Sep, where they have raised their three gorgeous children.

Rosetta has an infectious, positive, and bubbly outlook on life that pours onto anyone who is around her. Rosetta’s passion and dedication to customer service, makes her the perfect role model for the Elders “Customer First Every time” motto, ensuring that the client’s needs are understood and working together with them to reach the best possible outcome.

Anyone who knows Rosetta knows about her love for cooking, cake making and all things arts and crafts. Rosetta is another “Local helping Locals” and is a valuable member of our Elders team. Rosetta is ready and available to attend to all your Insurance Needs.

Give Rosetta a call now on 4095 6677

Family want road name restored

A REQUEST by the descendants of a pioneering family in the Malanda district to have a road renamed after the family who gifted the land to the former Eacham Council is being considered by Tablelands Regional Council.

The McMahon family wants council to change Wright’s Creek Road at Lake Eacham back to its original name of McMahon Road.

The family gifted the original McMahon’s Road to the Eacham Shire back around 1909 to provide community and school access to the Lake Eacham and Gadgarra localities via the Gillies Highway.

But somehow, in the 1960s, the name became lost after the original farm was sold, and Wright’s Creek Road became the commonly recognised name.

Family spokesman and great grandson of the original settlers, Ren Pedersen OAM, said it was only fitting that the McMahon name be restored. His mother was a McMahon who married into the Pedersen family.

“These people cleared the land with their sweat and blood,” he said.

“We think that at some time in the 1960s or early 1970s, McMahon Road turned into Wright’s Creek Road because it joined it from the other end.

“Wright’s Creek Road was gradually and incorrectly infused into local dialogue but now, history and the current TRC dialogue should be corrected.

“It should be noted that the Wright family already had a tributary named in their honour.

“Wright’s Creek Road is only named after a waterway and in no way diminishes the Wright family legacy, whatever that may be.”

Matthew and Theresa McMahon first settled on virgin land around Lake Eacham in 1905 and were one of the earliest pioneers in the region.

Their sons, Jack and Marshall, had their own families at McMahon’s Road and became significant members of the community via sporting

groups, local government, schools and serving in the Australian military.

Over a number of decades, the subsequent generations of the McMahon family have continued to be actively involved in music, business, hospitality and cultural events.

Council has now launched a poll asking the community what their view is about changing the name back to McMahon’s Road.

Anyone wishing to have their say can go to the council’s website and take the poll until 13 July.

Ren Pedersen and his son Riley, who represent the fourth and fifth generations of the original Tablelands settlers, Matthew and Theresa McMahon, with Kay Hilder (nee McMahon).

Students prepare to sing and sign

A COHORT of students from both Mareeba State and Mareeba State High School will once again travel down to the south-east corner to sign their way to the top for the 19th iteration of Creative Generation (CGEN) next month.

Students part of the Mareeba State School Auslan Choir will perform alongside 134 other state school from across Queensland at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 13, 14 and 15 July.

This year the theme is “Out There, In Here, We’re All Connected” and the students will be performing three songs with “True Colours” as the main performance followed by “If I Can Dream” and “Higher

Love” as the finale joining Toowong State School and Indooroopilly and Ingham State High School as the Queensland Signing Choir.

The Auslan Choir has been involved in CGEN since 2019 and perform in front of thousands of Australians each year they attend as it is nationally televised on Channel 10.

Mareeba State School CGEN coordinator Wendy Tilse said the choir was established back in 2013 as part of an extracurricular activity and has since grown substantially.

“The purpose of the program was to support the communication barrier between deaf students and their peers by introducing Auslan Language into the school community,

raising awareness of the language and deaf culture,” she said.

“At our school, Auslan is used as a method of supporting deaf and hard of hearing students in mainstream/inclusive practice classroom to access a high level of educational programs and has been fully immersed into the school community as part of the second language for communication.

“In years five and six we also offer Auslan as a language subject – we are very proud of the students’ commitment to Auslan and deaf culture.”

MSS CGEN Signing Choir would like to thank the Mareeba community for supporting their students travel ling to Brisbane this year.

Specialist housing for Mareeba

BY ELLIE FINK

FLEXICHOICE Mareeba and construction company MiHaven have joined forces to alleviate housing pressures for hundreds of individuals with high physical support needs through their recent housing project.

Since the partnership began, two properties on Mason Street and Seary Drive have begun construction to meet the unique needs of each participant with high physical support needs under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), making it easier for them to find suitable rental homes.

FlexiChoice’s Chief Operating Officer Maribel Peckham said each Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is designed with the participant’s specific needs in mind, providing high-quality, accessible, and well-designed housing in Mareeba.

“These homes are purpose-built for

individuals with high physical support needs, ensuring dignity and a good quality of life for the residents,’ she said.

“If there is a demand for more housing once these houses are occupied, MiHaven may potentially build additional properties to meet the demand.

“This benefits not only the participants but also the larger Mareeba community.”

Ms Peckham encourages families who may be supporting someone with high physical support needs to explore the MiHaven housing option, assuring them that they will receive assistance and support throughout the entire process.

Participants can live independently in a space designed specifically for their needs and also access support services, including a support coordinator funded through the capacity building area of their NDIS plan.

SDA housing also helps prevent

young people from being placed in aged care homes by allowing them to receive the necessary support while living independently in their own homes.

“Participants require approval from the NDIS for both SDA and SILS (Supported Independent Living) funding,” Ms Peckham said.

“FlexiChoice, as a communityminded not-for-profit organisation, is happy to provide assistance throughout the process.

“We have a support coordinator who can help with linking participants to allied health services and completing the required documents. FlexiChoice is willing to assist at no cost if the participant does not have existing NDIS funding.”

The Mason Street house is scheduled for completion at the end of June, while the Seary Drive property will be completed in July.

Both houses are equipped with mod-

ern ovens, sinks, benchtops, and dishwashers and washing machines and dryers positioned at a height accessible for individuals using wheelchairs.

FlexiChoice will host a morning tea this Wednesday 28 June, to discuss the upcoming homes and provide informa-

tion about the NDIS process at their Mason Street property.

Ms Peckham invites anyone interested to attend the event, explore the accommodation, and openly discuss the project. To RSVP, email office@flexichoice.org.au or call 4092 2332.

Product of Australia

Product of Australia

An artist impression of the Mason Street complex.

Members of the Mareeba State School Auslan Choir signing “achieve”. Back row left from right: Alexander, Jakari, Mahalia, Mae, Imogen, Kamea, Lala and Lily. Front left to right: Liam, Harrison, Lexy, Lael, Elinor, Niah, Elliot and Lillian.

Care Finder program reaches milestone

A PROGRAM which will provide face-to-face support for older people navigating and accessing health and aged care services has reached another milestone, with three lead providers announced for the region.

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) has announced that the three successful lead providers that will deliver the new Care Finder program across the Torres and Cape, Cairns and Hinterland, Townsville, and Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) regions will be Aged and Disability Advocacy (ADA) Australia, Flinders Shire Council, and Footprints Community which is teaming up with Better Together in Atherton.

NQPHN chief executive officer Robin Whyte said there had been long-standing calls for more localised and face-to- face support to help older persons navigate and access health and aged care services.

“The aged care system is already complex, and we know it can be difficult for older persons, particularly when they have limited social supports, to access the right health care services at the right time,” Ms Whyte said.

According to the NQPHN Health Needs Assessment 2022-2024, many older people in the region experienced a higher disease rate, contributing to increased demand for health services in the community, and an estimated 24.8 per cent of people aged 65 years and over in northern Queensland live alone.

“The aim of the Care Finder program is to establish a network of ‘Care Finders’ – that is, professionals in the community who can provide intensive, faceto-face support for older persons who are isolated, or have no support person, and who are experiencing barriers to receiving the necessary support,” Ms Whyte said.

Each of the lead providers would cover specific regions within the NQPHN catchment and would work with NQPHN to undertake a co-design process to implement the program.

“We look forward to working with the lead providers on the establishment and implementation of the Care Finder services to improve the health of older persons in our region,” Ms Whyte said.

Footprints Community chief executive officer Cherylee Treloar said the organisation was pleased to

Care finder Akpene Attakey will be part of the new program being delivered around the region.

be part of the Care Finder program.

“We believe Care Finder promotes choice for older Australians. Footprints aims to assist people who are ageing to live independently in the community the lifestyles of their choice,” she said.

“Delivering the Care Finder program will help achieve this goal, while improving the wellbeing of older persons in the region.

“This program promotes quality of life for frail older people and is an integral service for our community, and one we know will have an impact on their health and lives.”

Better Together is partnering with Footprints to deliver the Care Finder program to the Atherton Tablelands region, building on its great reputation for delivering quality services.

“We are very pleased to see this service in our region,” Better Together chief executive officer John Russell said.

“It is an important part of the aged care sector reforms.

“Care Finder will meet an identified need in our community where isolated and vulnerable older people are finding it hard navigate the system and access the right services to support their independence.”

The Care Finder program is part of a suite of aged care reforms in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

Remote beach clean-up

A TEAM of 25 people including volunteers, elders and custodians were flown by helicopter to a remote beach on Wuthathi Country where they removed a staggering 10.8 tonnes of marine debris, the biggest amount of rubbish removed from a clean-up in a single event.

Fishing litter dominated the debris including 1.3 tonnes of net and rope, 345 kilograms of commercial fishing beacons and six ghost nets.

The unique clean-up, which targeted almost 3km of coastline along Wuthathi Ngaachi (Country) and Karakara (Sea Country), is one of the hundreds of cleanups marine debris organisation Tangaroa Blue Foundation runs each year.

“Through our helicopter surveys over the past four years we could see marine debris piling up along the Cape York coastline between Cooktown and Horn Island but given the remote location we were unable to get teams on the ground to remove it,” Tangaroa Blue CEO Heidi Tait said.

“Our usual boats and four-wheel drives were no match for this remote location, which has become a debris drain for plastic

waste from around the world but with the help of Heartland Helicopters, we were able to reach, remove and record the waste in the Australian Marine Debris Initiative Database.”

Wuthathi IPA Coordinator Sophie Holt said the project was a good example of the great environmental and cultural outcomes that could be achieved when First Nations Corporations and Indigenous Land and Sea programs were better supported and resourced.

The clean-up has helped implement the Wuthathi Healthy Country Plan, where marine debris are listed as a major threat to Marine Totems, Islands, Coastal Ngaachi and Reefs and Seagrass beds.

“In our days, our old people have been living on our country and on our beaches, they camp, and no rubbish was on our beach, but now today it is the modern world and there’s a lot of boats, fishing boats and big ships from overseas - they chuck all that mass of rubbish in the water and it all washes up on our beaches, that’s really sad,” Wuthathi Tribal Elders Council member Moira Macumboy said.

Volunteers, elders and custodians took part in a massive clean-up of a remote beach on the Cape.

Lawyer seeks to inspire others

A YOUNG indigenous Mareeba woman, who has just become a graduate lawyer, hopes her story will inspire others to pursue their dream.

Shaquille Chong, who is connected to the Muluridji and Wakaman tribes, started her education at Mareeba High School, and after many years of study and experience in a variety of organisations and government agencies, she passed the bar earlier this month and is now working for a Cairns law firm.

“In the future, I am hoping to become a Barrister, as there are only two Indigenous female Barristers in Queensland,” Shaquille said.

“I am hoping to work on coronial cases, deaths in custody, Native Title, criminal law, and commercial business.

“I am hoping that my story will inspire many people in the community, including the next generation of our young people to chase their dreams, no matter who you are or where you come from.”

During her schooling years, Shaquille not only excelled in her studies,

but also on the sports field.

“I was a representative soccer player for the U17s Queensland Soccer team. After school, I received a scholarship with the Australian Institute of Sports as a representative player with the U20s Women’s National Squad in Canberra, and a train-on player with W-League Canberra United,” she said.

“I was also privileged to play for the U20s Western Australia National Squad and received a contract with the W-League Perth Glory squad. During my professional sporting career.

“I was also approached and monitored by the Women’s Matildas squad.”

But soccer did take a toll, with Shaquille having to undergo several knee surgeries, before she began her professional career with the Australian Public Service in Canberra.

“The highlights of my career included working as a fraud investigator with the Department of Social Services, where I travelled around Australia to pursue search warrants with the Australian Federal Police and the Austral-

ian Taxation Office Forensic Team to investigate and assist prosecuting fraud matters against the Commonwealth Government,” Shaquille said.

“I later worked on a high-profile government initiative, the Cashless Debit Card Program, which involved travelling across Australia with Ministers to implement the program in locations of welfare intergenerational dependence, alcohol, drug and gambling issues and high rates of unemployment.

“In this position, I was privileged to work closely with Aboriginal corporations to assist them with government funding through self-determination to improve the social outcomes of their communities.”

Shaquille later went on to working with the Department of Defence as an Auditor.

“In this role, I worked on key audits to ensure consistent compliance across the Navy, Air Force and Army, which saw me providing Ministerial briefs to the Chief Minister of Defence, for example, ensuring the security of the

Defence Force explosive weapons,” she said.

“Through the experiences and opportunities I was privileged to have in Canberra over eight years, I developed a key interest in policy and law.

“Through that time, I studied a Bachelor of Laws degree from Charles Darwin University and went on to studying my Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice with College of Law.

“I am currently employed with a law firm in Cairns as a Graduate Lawyer, where I am privileged to work with a variety of clients on legal matters including Native Title, commercial business, debt recovery, contract advice and so forth.”

Shaquille said reaching her goals would not have been possible without her family.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank my family for supporting me throughout my career,” she said.

“I was admitted as a lawyer on 2 June 2023 in the Supreme Court of Queensland in Cairns.”

Grants to celebrate 142km/h earns big fine

ORGANISATIONS and community groups are being encouraged to apply for up to $15,000 from the State Government to host Queensland Day celebrations next year.

The 2024 Queensland Day Sponsorship Program is now open for funding applications of up to $15,000 for events and initiatives dedicated to celebrating Queensland’s birthday on 6 June.

Queensland Day is an opportunity for communities to come together and share Queensland’s unique culture and heritage and celebrate everything that is great about being a Queenslander.

Applications for the 2024 Queensland Day Sponsorship Program close at 5pm on 31 August. Events can be held between 1-9 June 2024.

For information on the Queensland Day Sponsorship Program, visit www.qld.gov.au/queenslandday.

POLICE have intercepted a 34-year-old Mareeba man driving at 142km/h on the Kennedy Highway at about 7am on 9 June.

The man was issued with a traffic infringement notice for high end speeding of more than 40km/h over the limit and fined $1,653.

The infringement notice incurred eight demerit points and a six-month high-speed suspension.

Meanwhile, a 23-year-old Upper Barron woman has been charged after she returned an alleged breath alcohol reading of 0.106 per cent blood alcohol concentration when she was intercepted on the morning of 11 June.

It will be alleged the woman was intercepted on Alma Street, Atherton at about 12.45am and was taken to the Atherton Police Station for further testing. She was later charged with mid-range drink driving and her licence was immediately disqualified.

Multicultural events

ORGANISATIONS keen to deliver multicultural festivals and events across the State in 2024 are being encouraged to apply for a share in more than $800,000 through the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program.

The funding helps organisations promote their culture, while ensuring all Queenslanders have an opportunity to immerse themselves in the State’s rich multicultural identity.

The latest round of funding or more than $800,000 is now available for events to be hosted in 2024.

“Along with our First Nation’s Peoples, we speak hundreds of different languages, identify with a diverse range of religious beliefs and traditions, and come from many different countries and territories,” Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard said.

The funding round closes at midnight on 13 July for events to be delivered in 2024. Funding outcomes will be announced by 31 October. Visit www.cyjma.qld.gov.au/cmq-program.

Lawyer Shaquille Chong (right) with Barrister Melia Benn, a friend who moved her admission as a lawyer.

4022

AFTER HOURS: 0418 183 399 • FAX: 4035 4021

25 REDDEN ST, CAIRNS • EMAIL: val@tuxworth.com.au

Worthy Aussies sought

NOMINATIONS are now open for the 2024 Australian of the Year Awards. The awards recognise the achievements and contributions of exceptional Australians who are making a positive difference in their communities.

Nominations cover four categories – Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Local Hero. Locals are being urged to nominate people in their communities to recognise them and celebrate their achievements across four award categories: Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year (65 years of age or over); Young Australian of the Year (16 years of age to 30 years of age); and Australia’s Local Hero.

“These awards celebrate outstanding Queenslanders doing remarkable work to improve our communities, our State and our nation,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“I encourage you to nominate the many unsung heroes, community leaders and positive role models, who bring us together to celebrate our country, our heritage and our traditions.

“They may live in your street, your neighbourhood or volunteer at your local club – It could be a family member, friend, work colleague or a champion in your community.”

To nominate an inspiring individual, or to read about past recipients, visit www.australianoftheyear.org.au

Nominations close on 31 July.

Wonders Wildlife

OUR very iconic national mammal, the Koala, has been much in the news as increasingly its threatened status becomes better understood. In February this year the National Government increased the threat status to Endangered across ACT, NSW and Queensland.

In Queensland, the status remains officially at Vulnerable despite the fact that in south-east Queensland (the only area with a recovery plan) a recent study concluded that “the current pattern of urban development was incompatible with viable koala populations”.

Continuing urbanisation is happening and consequently the serious threat to the survival of koalas in south-eastern Queensland. But what about the northern population of Koalas?

Some will recall the story about a koala being rescued from a power pole in Atherton a while ago. Appropriately named “Athey” by rescuer and vet Dr Ami Shima and koala expert Roger Martin, Athey was treated for chlamydia and when recovered released with a radio tracking collar.

A great deal has now been learned, especially the strong capacity to travel, the sparse distribution and the habitat preferences of our northern population. This work reinforces the potential conservation significance of these northern koalas, being capable of survival in both higher temperatures and within a sparsely distributed population.

All koalas are solitary but in some parts of southern Australia they have occurred in quite dense populations, sometimes artificial as at Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Here in the northern extremity of their range individuals are well-spaced and the challenge remains of how such solitary species find a mate when needed.

Not surprisingly, Koalas have worked out exactly how to do this!

Koalas have specialised voice organs that enable them to make their characteristic low frequency calls enabling long distance

communication (much the same as elephants do with their deep belly rumbles).

In the spring/summer breeding season males bellow to attract a female. This attraction can be over 2km in distance, a rather impressive result.

Long-distance communication is further enhanced by the development of yet another specialist organ, the evolution of the bony structure of koala ears. These adaptations support communications over long distance in the normally sparsely distributed population of koalas.

Concern has been expressed that the noise produced by wind turbines might interfere with this critical communication of koalas. In another interesting biological development, actual ovulation in female koalas is delayed until after copulation, allowing the necessary time for the female to locate a mate and ensuring the infrequent mating events are highly successful. Our northern koalas are smaller and have paler, shorter fur than the southern animals. In the day time, they sit relatively motionless and silent in the canopy and are very difficult to see. They generally feed at night and can be active, both walking across the ground from tree to tree or from one feeding area to another, but are in such low abundance as to be almost invisible in the landscape. They do leave evidence of their presence through both scats on the ground beneath their trees or by distinctive scratch marks on the tree trunks.

It is now considered that these northern koalas may prove highly valuable as the hotter futures and increased bushfires decimate other populations.

Any sightings in our region should be reported to the Tree Kangaroo and Mammal Group which is supporting increased studies of our very special koalas. Email: fnqkoalas@gmail. com

• Peter Valentine is an adjunct Professor at James Cook University and he has spent much of the past 40 years studying wildlife in northern Queensland

Pasta Sug o

Spaghetti Eating Challenge, or simply come to enjoy the

food, lively Italian music, and warm company.

A celebration of heritage, family, and gastronomy awaits with a lavish Italian antipasto, bu et lunch, and desserts. With Attori setting the rhythm, let's be "pazzi per la pasta" together! For competition details, please check on our website.

Mach 351 Mustang

Bradford ute

1910 Model T Ford

ENTERTAINMENT

School holiday movies Silent disco set for Mareeba

IT’S the school holidays again and a fabulous choice of new movies showing at the Majestic Theatre will definitely keep the kids entertained.

The new family animated adventure comedy “Elemental” from Disney should be delightful for all ages.

The new eagerly anticipated animated action comedy “Spider-Man Across The Spider-Verse” is full-on and great for super hero fans.

The wonderful timeless story “The Little Mermaid” is also back for three final screenings, especially for those who missed this spectacular production. It is well worth watching. For session times, go to www.majestictheatre.com.au

BY RHYS THOMAS

TABLELAND locals starved of a nightlife will have the chance to experience classic songs, sing-alongs, dance music and more through a special silent disco being held at Bosca’s this Friday in Mareeba by newly established entertainment company, Stoplight Silent Disco Party.

Event promoters and local brothers, Jared and Jordan Hohns, founded Stoplight Silent Disco Party with the hopes of reviving the nightlife in Mareeba and give people a reason to stay in town on a Friday or Saturday night instead of leaving for Cairns.

“We identified that Mareeba and the Tablelands was lacking a bit of a nightlife and we noticed the community has asked a few times to have a nightlife they could participate in,” Jared said.

They first picked up the idea after attending a silent disco in Brisbane and thought it would be a great format to bring back to Mareeba. A silent disco is a new way to party where people are given headphones and can alternate between different channels to enjoy different kinds of music.

“We were down in Brisbane and went to a silent disco and

the atmosphere was unreal and it was unique in its own way,” Jared said.

“We went with other people who weren’t big fans of clubs and they said they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

“We brought it back to Mareeba and thought, how can we make something unique and different compared to your typical club, bar or live entertainment.”

Jared spent roughly a year in discussions with multiple companies trying to secure the special headphones needed and in the end, he managed to get roughly 100 sets that have the capability for dual stations, meaning someone can switch between two different kinds of music depending on what they want to listen to.

“We have created a playlist for sing-along songs, 2010s songs and classics that everyone can enjoy and sing along to,” Jordan said.

“Then you have the other channel, which is more for your clubbing regulars who enjoy, dance, EDM, electronic and a bit of base.

“For example, if you’re listening to the red channel and find it isn’t your type, you can just hit the button to change channels and all of a sudden you’re listening to a song you haven’t heard in six years.”

The brothers want to make the disco as friendly and as accessible for everyone as possible so they have also modified the system to allow people to send through their own songs which can be added into the playlist.

Speakers will also be playing music on the night to cater for those people who feel uncomfortable wearing headphones or who just want to come and enjoy the atmosphere. There will also be prizes to be won on the night through a host of games and activities, prizes can include free pizza and even a free drink courtesy of hosts, Bosca’s.

Bosca’s owner Voli Della

Bosca is excited to host the silent disco and hopes events like it become more common in Mareeba.

“Come along, have a burger, pizza or whatever takes your fancy from our restaurant and stay for the entertainment,” he said. “This is a good chance for people to experience some new nightlife in Mareeba.”

Jared is encouraging people to come along and support the disco next Friday night from 8.30pm until 12am. Depending on how successful the launch is, there is a high possibility of the disco becoming a regular event and expanding and developing in the future.

Brothers Jared and Jordan Hohns will be hosting a silent disco at Bosca’s in Mareeba next Friday.

ENTERTAINMENT across the region

Laura ready for races and rodeo weekend

ALL roads lead to Laura on the last weekend in June each year for the annual Laura Races and Rodeo weekend as people from all walks of life gather for one of the region’s biggest rodeos. Spectators and participants from all over Far North Queensland and Cape York flock to the Laura Amateur Turf Club each year for the weekend-long races and rodeo, with inter-state visitors beginning to attend.

The Laura Races have been going for over 125 years and this year the event will be held over four days, 22, 23, 24 and 25 June with a six-race meet, horse sports, camp drafting and of course, a rodeo.

“This family friendly event unites people together,” Laura Amateur Turf Club president Graham Love said.

“We all enjoy the country atmosphere and the excitement of watching all the fabulous events and music and dancing add to the nightly entertainment.

“The backbone of our organisation is our band of vol-

unteers who work tirelessly and regularly to improve our facilities for the benefit of the community.”

Tickets are available online at www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1060332

Bingo back for a cause

BINGO enthusiasts will be heading to Bosca’s Burger Bar this Sunday for the first game back since Covid, with all funds going towards the Far North Queensland Foundation.

Mareeba Friends of the Hospital Foundation president Tom Braes paid tribute to the anonymous couple who donated a new calling machine for the fundraising initiative.

“Thanks also to the Mareeba Gladiators, which has donated a large number of books of bingo tickets,” he said.

“The Mareeba Friends are excited about this fundraising initiative with all funds raised to support the Mareeba Hospital.”

Bosca’s Burger Bar will provide a secure room for the Bingo games to be held at no cost to the Mareeba Friends of the Hospital Foundation.

Bingo will be held on Sunday 25 June at Bosca’s Burger Bar, Byrnes Street, Mareeba (former RSL building) from 9am - 12pm. Small meals will be available for purchase from the burger bar.

Bingo is back: Chris Howell, Patti Crothers, Gladys France, Pat Veschetti, Voli Della Bosca, Georgie Cashmere, Kay Hastie and Eve-Lyn McGrath.

Many ways to deter thieves

AS property break-ins become more common across the Tablelands, homeowners are looking for ways to keep their home and family safe.

From purchasing security cameras to having fake dog barks, there are many things you can do to make your home less of a target for thieves. An easy step to take is strengthening all entry points of the house, including the front and back door and all windows.

Ensuring all locks on all entry points are secure whilst also installing deadlocks and security bars may reduce the likelihood of intruders forcing their way through. In the case of an attempted or successful break-in, having a security system will make capturing the perpetrator easier.

You can invest in a reliable home security system that includes motion sensors, surveillance cameras, and a loud alarm.

The alarm will act as both a deterrent and a way to alert you or the neighbourhood of a break-in whilst cameras can capture the thief’s identity for the police to use.

Display signs indicating that your property is under surveillance, as this can act as a powerful deterrent for potential burglars, even if you really don’t have a security system.

These days, there are very inexpensive and good quality cameras that can be set up in your home and connected to your mobile

so you can see what’s happening while away from the property.

So, it doesn’t have to break the bank to at least install a camera system in your home

It’s also a good way to keep on eye on the dogs or children while you’re away.

Having a lighting outside the home also plays a crucial role in deterring burglars and installing motion-activated lights around your property, particularly near entry points and dark corners, can really put thieves off their game.

Well-lit areas also make it difficult for intruders to remain concealed and makes it easier to capture their identities on security cameras.

THIS lasagne recipe is so tasty you’ll forget it has no meat in it! An easy and affordable weeknight dinner with plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day. This recipe is courtesy of Queensland Country Women’s Association Country Kitchens program and provided by Rhonda Walton of the Tully Branch.

EGGPLANT LASAGNE

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

2 eggplants, sliced into thin circles

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, finely diced

2 garlic cloves, finely diced

400g can diced tomatoes

1 zucchini, grated

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

Cracked black pepper

300g ricotta cheese, reduced fat

1 teaspoon nutmeg

½ cup basil leaves, finely chopped

Olive oil spray

½ cup grated cheese, reduced fat

METHOD

PREHEAT oven to 180°C (160°C fan forced). Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat, add onion, cook for 5 minutes, then add garlic and stir. Add tomatoes and zucchini, bring to the

Keeping valuables out of sight by closing curtains and blinds and leaving jewellery, alcohol, money, car keys and other important items hidden and locked away will deter intruders from entering your home.

If they cannot see anything, they are less likely to break in.

Sturdy fencing, gravel and a dog that has a good bark may also make your home less of a target to burglars. As police will often tell you, thieves will go somewhere else as soon as they hear a dog bark. If you cannot have a dog, consider putting a “Beware of Dogs” sign on the front gate because it can still scare potential thieves.

A large, tall gate can also be handy as it will hide your home and make climbing over fencing more difficult whilst the sound of gravel underneath feet can alert you of anyone entering the property.

Maintain the illusion of occupancy. When you're away from home, make it appear as if someone is still there. Use timers to turn on lights, radios, or televisions at different times throughout the day and ask a trusted neighbour to collect mail and packages, ensuring your absence is less noticeable.

By proactively adopting these security measures, Tablelanders can enhance the safety of their communities, offering peace of mind to all residents and deterring thieves.

boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.

Stir in balsamic vinegar and pepper. Combine ricotta, nutmeg and basil in a small bowl. Grease a medium sized baking tray with olive oil spray and arrange the eggplant rounds into a thin layer. Top with some of the tomato mixture. Keep layering the eggplant and tomato mixture.

Top with ricotta mixture and sprinkle with cheese. Bake in oven for 40 minutes or until golden brown on top.

ON LANDthe

THE expansion goals of a Dimbulah citrus growing family have grown from a dream to a reality with the help of a new computerised packing machine funded by a Sustainability Loan from the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

Farming is in the blood for Oscar Bugno and his family who have been farming for more than 50 years on their land 10km west of Dimbulah.

Like many farms in the area, the Bugnos’ was originally a tobacco plantation, and as the industry declined, Oscar had the foresight to explore alternative options.

“We decided to try something different. Everybody else was doing mangoes, so I decided to do citrus,” Oscar said.

“It’s been a long learning curve, but we eventually got on track.”

Now 30 years later, Oscar, together with wife Giannina and son Dwaine, run a thriving citrus operation with over 6,000 lemon, 2,500 grapefruit and 850 lime trees under two brand names – Bug’s Citrus and JDL.

“When Dwaine returned to the farm after completing an electrical apprenticeship, we started producing more fruit and it became clear that we needed to expand the business,” Oscar said.

Oscar and Dwaine began looking into ways they could expand and, having accessed a loan from QRI-

DA previously, Oscar contacted his local Regional Area Manager Sam Spina to see if the authority could assist them again.

“One of our shortfalls was our packing machine, at that time it was over 20 years old,” Oscar said.

“So, we met with Sam about using a Sustainability Loan to put in a new machine.”

Sam met with the Bugnos on farm to talk through the application process and explain the business plan and other documents they needed to submit as part of their loan application.

Installation of the new packing machine has greatly improved the business’ efficiencies, with Dwaine explaining the machine has a computerised grading system which removes the need for the grading process to be manually completed.

“With electronic weights and an extra eight bins for the fruit, we’ve made the process more efficient and allowed more fruit to be processed, graded, and packed quicker than before – saving both time and money,” Dwaine said.

“In moving our two graders that we had to packing means we can keep production going through the machine, reducing losses and time.

“The machine has really helped because we’ve been able to move more produce through to meet our market demands,” he said.

Oscar says he would encourage other primary producers looking

to expand their operations to see if QRIDA could help them.

“I’d suggest other people look at QRIDA and the terms and conditions that they offer, which I think are extremely good,” he said.

“The loan has been very beneficial for us. It’s helped us do a lot of things that we wouldn’t have been able to do prior.

“We can now keep up the pace and compete with the other large growers that are now operating in the area.”

QRIDA offers Sustainability

Loans up to $1.3 million for primary producers looking to invest in the latest infrastructure or technology to create a viable future for their farming business.

Visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or call 1800 623 946 for more information.

ON LANDthe

Landowners encouraged to tackle weeds, pests

LANDOWNERS are being encouraged to keep tackling pest plants and animals to keep up the good work Tablelands Regional Council (TRC) is doing to manage them in the region.

TRC Pest Management Advisory Committee chair Cr Dave Bilney said our region was located in and adjacent to two World Heritage areas and was heavily dependent on agriculture and environmental tourism.

The committee is made up of key pest management partner agencies and stakeholders, including industry and community representatives.

“The Tablelands is renowned for its high agricultural output and its exceptional plant and animal species so protection of both the environment and rural communities is a high priority,” Cr Bilney said. We have a responsibility to minimise the impact of pest plants and animals that threaten the local ecosystems and impose high annual costs on our agricultural industries.

“TRC and landholders have been working together to control and, if possible, eradicate invasive pest species.”

After Cyclone Larry struck, machinery was brought up from Cairns to assist with the post-cyclone clean-up of the roadways. Unfortunately, Navua sedge was also brought up with the machinery and started to appear along roadsides.

Some members of the Malanda Beef Plan Group identified Navua sedge as becoming an increasing problem of concern on the side of roads. The group approached and worked with the then Eacham Shire Council (ESC) to start up a roadside spraying program target-

ing Navua sedge.

This spray program continues today, with TRC which is the council most actively targeting this aggressive weed.

“In addition to road corridor Navua Sedge spraying, we trial new herbicides, contribute to research into biological controls, promote weed seed spread prevention and resilient pest management, and offer advice and support to landholders,” Cr Bilney said.

“This has led to a constant reduction in the extent and severity of Navua sedge infestations on the Tablelands.

The use of washdown facilities is critical in the success of managing Navua sedge.”

TRC has one public washdown facility which is located at Millaa Millaa as well as others for TRC vehicles and equipment.

“Local landholders have the opportunity to use this washdown facility in the context of their own Biosecurity Plans,” Cr Bilney said.

“This location is at the top of the Palmerston which, as we know, is the gateway to the coast and vice-versa.

“It is important that we all have a reminder about continued weed spread and the Millaa Millaa washdown facility provides the opportunity to clean equipment to the benefit not only of landholders, but contractors and the general public.

"It complements private washdown facilities that many landholders have as part of their biosecurity plans.

"We encourage its use and feedback on how this facility can be improved."

Weed seed spread continues to be a continual challenge as weeds travel via

many of the numerous road corridors in the region and plant and machinery can also carry and spread pests and diseases.

The Biosecurity Act 2014 requires local governments to develop, adopt, and implement local pest management plans as part of an integrated planning framework for managing pest plants and animals across the state.

The TRC Tablelands Biosecurity Plan 2019-24 was endorsed in 2019 and is guided by the Biosecurity Act 2014. The purpose is to safeguard the region’s economy, environment, agriculture and tourism from plant and animal pests and diseases.

The plan contains an overview of the act and obligations for pest plant and animal management, a summary of 20 plant and five animal pest species prioritised for our region and action plans for control of the priority species.

TRC has a 300-litre Quik Spray unit for loan for weed management on private land. Hire is $25.50 a day. Contact council by email at info@trc.qld.gov. au, or call 1300 362 242.

NETWORK PTY LTD is fully compliant with the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2017 (QLD) and the Labour Hire Licensing Regulation 2018 (QLD). All payroll processing is carried out by a Registered Tax Practitioner (BAS Agent) as set out in TPB(I) 31/2016 Payroll Service Providers and TPB (I) 26/2016 Labour hire/on-hire firms.

Cr Bilney uses the washdown facility at Millaa Millaa

ON LANDthe

Records broken at cattle handling school

By BRIGITTE DALEY

IT was a hat trick for the 2023 Rabobank Malanda Cattle Handling and Judging School held on 19-21 May, with three records being broken.

The highly popular cattle school, which is now in its 23rd year, drew participants from all over North Queensland and from as far away as Charters Towers when it was held at the Malanda Showgrounds.

Proudly coordinated by the Malanda Show Society, it attracted students from high schools from Malanda, Atherton, Innisfail, All Souls St Gabriels, Columba Catholic College, Blackheath and Thornburgh College and Calvary Christian College, along with a group of independent participants.

There was a record number of 120 participants, a record number of schools and “The Jenny Williams Overall Champion Parader” was won by Malanda local Naomi Godfrey for the third consecutive year.

Malanda Show Society president Greg English said he was not aware of any other participant having won the award three times in a row.

“It was a fantastic weekend, best camp so far,” he said.

The late Barry Cockrem, who was a life member of the Malanda Show Society, was instrumental in founding the Beef Cattle School. His daughter, the late Jenny Williams, was a previous coordinator of the Beef Cattle School and a past secretary of the Show Society.

The “Jenny Williams Overall Champion Parader” is awarded each year in her memory.

Naomi, who is 16, became interest ed in parading cattle when her older brothers participated with Malanda High and she wanted to do the same.

“My dad has helped me a lot and Tammie Robinson has inspired me to be better as a parader,” she said.

“I like parading cattle as it shows the hard work you have put into the animals and I like having a connection with the animal as well.”

When it was announced that Naomi had won the prestigious award for the third time, she was ecstatic and couldn’t believe it.

“It just shows that hard work and determination pays off,” she said.

All schools competed for the Grandelis Family Trophy.

Carl was the show manager for several years and both he and his wife Dianne are still very supportive of all activities associated with the annual Malanda event. He recognised the need for and importance of acknowledging the overall winning school.

The Cattle Handling and Judging School aims to educate participants on both the basic and more advanced cattle handling and judging skills in preparation for the up-and-coming Agricultural Show circuit in North Queensland.

Guest presenters, Julie and Travis Pocock-Iseppi from Ellendale Simmentals at Thornton, Lockyer Valley in Southern Queensland, along with Toow-

oomba based Elders Stud Stock Agent Andrew Meara, were invited to lecture at this year’s camp.

These three professional industry representatives were also supported by local exhibitors and education staff to deliver the three-day program.

Julie judged the parading skills of the participants on Sunday and said it was great to see a lot of kids with no experience step up and walk away with more skills than what they came with.

“There was a good number of experienced participants that would compete at a high level anywhere in the country,”

she said.

Guest presenters lectured the students on some key factors including ring craft and dress, parading and judging, knot tying and preparation of the animals including washing, grooming and clipping.

The course content also included information on prime cattle with reference to market suitability.

Students were lectured on terminology of commercial cattle judging and were then given an opportunity to speak and judge on a pen of animals.

The competition was extremely close

again this year with reigning champions All Souls St Gabriels from Charters Towers winning for the third year in a row and being awarded the Grandelis Family Trophy. Malanda State High school came a close second, followed by Columba Catholic College and Atherton State High School who tied for third.

(From left) Andrew Meara, Kellie Williams, Lachlan, “Jenny Williams Overall Champion Parader” winner Naomi Godfrey, Julie Pocock-Iseppi and Travis Pocock-Iseppi.

Jaxon-Robert Blake from Malanda State High School.

“All eyes on the judge!”: Kelly Muller from Malanda State High School.

LETTERSto the editor

We will suffer failure of policymakers

EVERYTHING that 26.5 million Australians rely on – food, water, sewerage, waste disposal, communications, etcetera – relies on electricity as a dependable and continual service.

Taking electricity away for a few minutes is a mere inconvenience. Taking it away for a few days will cause very serious problems, particularly in the high-rise cities.

A “grid black” event would result in a mass die-off of city-dwelling Australians after about four days.

The two major threats to electricity as a continual service are large solar flares and government energy policies.

Solar flares the size of the 1859 Carrington Event, which burnt out the telegraph system of the time, occur every 150-200 years. 1859 was 164 years ago. Larger flares occur on longer timescales.

Attempting to “transition to renewables” which can’t provide electricity as a dependable and continual service while pricing reliable generators out of business is a policy solar flare.

The primary responsibility of policymakers must be to ensure electricity remains a dependable and continual service to prevent a mass die-off of Australians.

Policymakers have enacted legislation that ratchets renewables content up over time, which will inevitably lead to a “grid-black” event. They aren’t considering solar flares at all.

A mass die-off of Australians is now inevitable because staggeringly negligent policymakers failed to learn enough about basic electrical engineering and astrophysics.

Peter Campion TOLGA

Let’s ditch the WHO and the UN

ACCORDING to Dr Phillip Altman in his report “Collapse of the Covid Injection Narrative” and his comments elsewhere our health officials and the government have lied to us.

The experimental gene therapy or mRNA Covid-19 shots, masquerading as a vaccine, are neither safe nor effective. They don’t stop infection, transmission, hospitalisation or death. In fact, it’s worse than that.

“In 2020 there were no significant increase in excess deaths - by definition, there was no pandemic 2020.

“Since the Covid jabs were introduced in Australia excess deaths from all causes, across all ages, compared to the long-term average going back to 1955, skyrocketed 15.1 per cent in 2022.

“At least 2/3 of these have no explanation other than the jab. In the past a drug with such devastating effects would have been removed from the market” ASAP. There is nothing diligent about the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

“They waved the Covid-19 vaccines through without hesitation

What age can I leave my child alone at home?

WITH school holidays about to start, the answer to this question is very important for parents and carers to know.

Deciding when a child is old enough and ready to be left alone at home is often a difficult issue for parents.

A child must be at least 12 years of age in Queensland to be left alone at home.

The law states a person who having the lawful care or charge of a child under 12 years, leaves the child for an unreasonable time without making reasonable provision for the supervision and care of the child during that time

or investigation and they have not changed their overall stance or reacted to new evidence-based data. Neither has the government.”

A table of data from NSW Health (NSW COVID-19 Weekly Data Overview, Epidemiological - weeks 51 and 52, ending 3 Dec 2022, Table 1) shows that “the more jabs you get the more likely you are to have adverse outcomes. These include deaths, heart attacks, strokes, cancers and neurological and autoimmune disorders”.

We now have a pandemic of the vaccinated and “our hospitals are jammed with fully vaccinated and boosted individuals who repeatedly get Covid-19 – currently running at 30,000 new Covid-19 positive cases per week”.

Dr Phillip Altman, now retired, has three science degrees and worked with big pharmaceutical companies and the TGA as a consultant for over 40 years. He is one of Australia’s most qualified and experienced analysts in assessing the safety and efficacy of drugs.

Altman’s observations are comparable to data out of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). It shows a similar pattern, as well as a shocking 63,060 per cent increase in child excess deaths across Europe, not including the Ukraine, since the jab was approved for children.

This was reported by The Expose on 11/06/2023.

If you watch Dr David Martin’s presentation during the recent International Covid Summit you will hear that Covid was modified and used by the UK and the US in first human trials, as an experimental pathogen in 1976, in violation of biological and weapons treaties. Now it’s being introduced as a Trojan Horse to smash democracies and introduce a New World Order.

As Dr Reiner Fuellmich, a prominent German-American attorney who has interviewed over 100 international highly respected and credentialed professionals in epidemiology and related sciences about Covid-19, famously said, and I paraphrase: When you realise that Covid-19 was created for the vaccine, and not the other way around, everything makes sense.

In other words, the jab is a bio-weapon to cull and control humanity. Peter Campion is right.

Angry and alarmed yet? You should be!

Beware the World Health Organisation (WHO) who are currently working on a Global Pandemic Treaty to remove our sovereignty and entrench their power.

Do you want to be told what to inject into your body or your children’s bodies without your informed consent? Please tell your politicians “No!”

We do not want to live under a medical tyranny run by an unelected, psychopathic, international criminal cabal. Ditch the WHO and the U.N. Unless, of course, you think this is all fine and dandy and you want you and your descendants to become utterly and irrevocably enslaved - forever.

MAREEBA Lions have been busy with a number of events, with Metrogaine hosted at Mareeba on the weekend and more events coming up over the coming weeks.

The 2023 Family Fun Metrogaine was held on 18 June, with money raised to go to the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation. Over $43,000 has been donated by the Mareeba Lions Club to ALCCRF since the Metrogaine began in 2013. We believe every child deserves a chance at a healthy life.

Lions have not forgotten the people of Burketown, with funds donated by local clubs to help with the purchase of towels, sheet sets, mattresses, cleaning materials, toiletries. Lions Clubs International Foundation is also contributing funds to assist with the purchase of whitegoods.

LCIF has invested more than US$1.2 billion (that’s billion) in grant funding since 1968. These grants support Lions humanitarian mission by supporting global causes including vision, youth, disaster relief, humanitarian efforts, measles, childhood cancer, diabetes, hunger, and environment.

Medical research needs you. Lions Clubs contribute to multiple research programs. Ovarian cancer, childhood cancer, prostate cancer, gestational diabetes, all and others the subject of Lions-funded research. What if we lived in a world in which there was no insulin, CTs or MRIs, arterial stents, knee or hip replacements, and antibiotics?

Well, in 1915 in Brisbane, that was our world, and life expectancy was only 50 years - what a change in only a relatively short time. Medical research is good for you!

Research is the greatest tool we have in the fight against disease. Lions Medical Research Foundation has a bequest program that will allow you to leave a bequest to the foundation in your will, enabling life-saving research to continue.

The club will also be catering lunch for the riders in the Cairns to Karumba bike ride on 24 June, and providing meals at the Laura races and rodeo on the same weekend.

The club is still interested in your old batteries. If you have any batteries whether for a car, truck, tractor or bike the club will collect from you. We thank our partners FNQ Filters and Parts, and Outback Solar and Wind. Please call Lion Justice on 0484 647 333 to arrange pickup.

Don’t throw those beer cans and bottles in the bin, remember you can support your Mareeba Lions Club by taking your recyclable containers to Containers for Change at 11 Bowers Street and quote Scheme ID C10128319.

The depot is out near the cattle sale yards. No need to package just take your recyclables out there and quote the ID number for Lions. Don’t waste the containers help your local Lions Club by dropping them off for recycling.

Although membership of Lions is by invitation you are invited to enquire about joining this great international humanitarian organisation. It is not hard to become a Lion. Fellowship, Good times, meeting people, building lasting friendships, service to the community, learning new skills, Leadership and personal development - these are some of the reasons we are the Lions.

Lions meet in Mareeba at the Mareeba Leagues Club at 6.30pm on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Check us out on Facebook or on the web at www.lionsclubs.org.au

commits a misdemeanour.

Police understand that every situation is different, therefore during a police investigation, all the circumstances would be assessed to determine if the time was unreasonable and if reasonable provisions were made.

Parents are the best judge of when their child is ready to be left at home alone.

It’s not just about the child’s age, their maturity is also important.

Some questions you can ask yourself when deciding about leaving your child home alone:

• How long will my child

be left alone?

• Is my child frightened when at home alone?

• Does my child know how to ring Triple Zero (000) in an emergency?

• Would my child cope in an emergency, like a fire or break-in?

• How safe is our home and neighbourhood?

• Is my child sensible, can they make confident practical decisions?

• Can my child follow the house rules, whether I’m there or not?

If you think it’s okay and you’re confident about leaving your child alone, consider safety.

Conduct a safety check of your home and inspect doors, locks, windows and smoke alarms.

Make sure your child knows who to call for helphaving an emergency plan is very helpful and important.

There is no need to rush a child, if you’re not sure your child is ready, trust your judgment and wait until they are a bit older.

BY LEANNE BATCH

Lynette Hunter YUNGABURRA

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

Stage 5 land released at Sunset Ridge

STAGE Five land release of Sunset Ridge provides an exclusive opportunity to secure one of 6 remaining lots, 3 of which are prestigious river frontage blocks.

Stage 2 River frontage all sold off the plan so do not delay as this is the last opportunity to secure a block along the river:

Lots Priced as Follows:

• Lot 45 - Creek Frontage 900m2 - $260,000

• Lot 46 - Creek Frontage 906m2 - $260,000

• Lot 47 - Creek Frontage 905m2 - $260,000

• Lot 48 - Creek Frontage 900m2 - SECURED

• Lot 49 - Creek Frontage 900m2 - SECURED

• Lot 50 - 1105m2 - $215,000

• Lot 51 - 853m2 - $175,000

• Lot 52 - 890m2 - $180,000

Take a drive and see for yourself, with beautiful new homes already under construction Sunset Ridge will be a wonderful place to call home for families, first home buyers and retirees.

Nestled around the Mazlin Creek and boasting mountain views this is town living at its best!

The estate maintains its country town feel with over 3 acres preserved for parklands and meandering pathways along the forest/creek backdrop. All lots serviced with underground power, water and sewerage.

We invite you to contact us for more information, Covenants and Contour Plans are available from our office, contact Michelle for more information on 0428 116 136 or email: michelle@eldersrealestate.com.au

22 Main Street, Atherton Phone: 4091 7111

• 3 bedrooms with built-ins upstairs

• 2 bedrooms + office downstairs

• Master with ensuite and walk-in robe

• Timber kitchen with servery

• Deck with lake views

• 2 bay shed and 2 bay carport

Margaret Black: Principal

• 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

BUSHLAND PARADISE Wondecla

• Set on 1.96 hectares in bush setting

• 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home

• Spacious indoor/outdoor living

• Massive entertaining deck

• Self-contained granny flat

• Solar panels + rainwater + shed

LUSH GREEN GRAZING Malanda

• Set on 117.54 hectares

• Fenced paddocks – 4 lanes

• 2 large dams + 2 small dams

• Large machinery shed + yards

• Approx. 80 acres of irrigation

• Rich volcanic soil $ P.O.A.

Rangeview sanctuary

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

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

The large and elegant 4/5 bedroom, 3 bathroom home provides ample space for everyone with numerous living spaces inside and out.

The home also features a separate dwelling currently occupied by a tenant willing to stay on providing an instant income. The energy-efficient home comes equipped with a large 12KW Solar System with battery back-up and management system as well as a 6mg

water license and bore. Outside sets the scene for a truely relaxed resort style of living with an inground swimming pool, wood-fired pizza oven and outdoor kitchen all sitting amongst a lovely tropical setting. Fruit orchards consisting of 140 trees are well established and all have watering systems installed. 3 Sheds provide the necessary shelter and equipment required to manage your crop, with current owners leaving all the necessary farm related implements on sale of the property.

Features include:

• 365m2 4 bedroom brick/ block home

• 5th bedroom or rumpus room

• 3 bathrooms in main house

• Main bedroom has dressing room and ensuite

• 2 lounge rooms

• Separate dining room

• Large solid timber kitchen with walk-in pantry

• Sunroom with pool outlook

• Office with built-in cabinetry

• Double carport

• Inground swimming pool & pond with fountain

• Wood-fired pizza oven & outdoor kitchen

• Combustion heater in main living room

• Bitumen driveway & guest parking

• Fully self-contained guest cottage with double carport

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

• 26 Panel solar system with battery back-up and management system

• 6ML water licence bore

• Large separate laundry with built-in cupboards

• Airconditioning throughout

So much to see and enjoy with this magnificent Tableland property. Call Exclusive marketing agent

Collette Rowston from Raine & Horne Atherton to arrange your private inspection.

Address: 7207 Kennedy Highway, TOLGA

Price: POA

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Collette Rowston Raine & Horne Atherton

Contact: 0419 733 712

Secluded wonderland amongst the trees

EVER wondered what lies behind the trees? Take a peek beyond into a secluded wonderland where character awaits you to take your breath away.

Meander down the driveway to be welcomed by a spectacular Queenslander!

Plenty of space for the whole family, the large open plan lay-

out allows freedom to use the space how you please with the high ceilings adding to the grandeur.

There are three bedrooms in total with each one housing built-ins & casement windows which offer a lovely outlook from each.

The main showcases an en-

suite shower, vanity & walk-in closet.

The kitchen is stunning and has been updated to features modern fittings. There is a walkin pantry & servery to the dining/living.

Flowing from here is the lovely sitting room where light cascades through windows on

each side making it a wonderful spot to curl up and read a book.

Sliding doors take you out to the deck with allows for dual entertainment areas.

Stepping down onto the secondary deck takes you to the backyard, shed & self-contained granny flat, perfect for additional income or extra guests and as a bonus has separate access.

Underneath the home features a multipurpose area which features a kitchenette & bath-

room.

This is a great space and allows for so many options.

The magic continues outdoors with the block remaining completely private to the out-

side world making it your own private haven.

Address: ATHERTON

Price: Offers over $799,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Suzey Whitby Ray White Atherton

Contact: 0438 090 306 or 4091 7111

Modern home and large shed on over 2,000m²

IF you have been looking for a property with plenty of space both inside and out, then look no further as this could be the property for you. Welcome to 27 Tilse Street, Mareeba!

Situated on a 2,010m2 allotment, or approximately half an acre in the old scale, in a private location with no rear neighbours and close to town, this house and shed package is what everyone is looking for! With heaps of space in the yard, super spacious living areas in the house, and a man-cave shed that will fit all of the toys, this property is a must see.

The modern kitchen features quality appliances, ample cupboard space and there is a breakfast bar as well. Its central location provides for multiple options for dining, with direct access to both living areas.

There is a HUGE lounge room and an equally large second living area which is perfect for a dining or family room. All living areas are tiled for low maintenance cleaning and are all serviced by ceiling fans and split-system air-conditioning as well.

Both living areas have slid-

ing glass door access out onto the very private patio, and there is an additional large concreted area outside in case you are looking to increase the outdoor living space.

The home has three spacious bedrooms plus an office or media room. The master bedroom features a walk-in wardrobe while the others have built-ins.

All of them have carpet flooring for comfort in the winter and ceiling fans and split-system airconditioning for summer.

The jewel in the man’s crown will certainly be the 7m x 12m (approx.) Colorbond shed that has just been constructed on the property. With power and lights connected, two large bays for vehicles and two bays for man-cave or workshop you won’t even see dad in the house! Did we mention there is already provision for you to add shower and toilet facilities!

Features Include:

• 3 Spacious bedrooms, all with built-ins & air-conditioning

• Private master suite with ensuite & walk-in robe

• Main bathroom with shower, tub & separate toilet

• Modern, central kitchen with breakfast bar & dishwasher

• Generous open plan living room

• Media room / home office

• Generous dining/family room or second living space

• Rear patio with substantial concrete extension

• Double lock up garage with internal access

• New 7m x 12m (approx.) Colorbond Shed with power, and plumbing provisions

• Garden shed for the garden tools

2,010m2 allotment, fully fenced

• No rear neighbours, close to Mareeba CBD All town services, and on the school bus route!

On 2,010m2 and with a modern, spacious house and large shed, this property is sure to grab everyone’s attention, so

don’t delay, book an inspection and make it yours today.

For more information or to book an inspection, call local agent Remo Esposito on 0401 969 473 or email remo@crmareeba.com

Close to town on 1,047m²

NEW to the market and ready for a new owner, this three bedroom home has potential to be something special!

The kitchen is in great condition and features a large aircon in the lounge and dining.

The bedrooms are a good size and the master has a built in robe.

The laundry is separate

with plenty of storage and the bathroom has a separate shower & toilet.

For entertaining guests, there is a front patio and another tiled patio at the rear.

The 1,047m2 has great side access to the rear and is spacious enough for a big shed!

For car accommodation there is a single bay remote

garage separate the house and concrete driveway to complete the package. With a tasteful new colour palette and some updates, this home will become a great opportunity for the next buyer!

First home, families or for a couple, it’s time to arrange your private viewing with Marketing Agent Kaydee Chatfield from Main Street Real Estate 0417 468 941.

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

Situated in the centre of Atherton, close to the Post Office and Silo Shopping Centre. Here you will discover two separate shops fronting Main Street and both with rear access.

At the end of your work day, you can walk upstairs to a beautiful two-bedroom unit with polished timber floors throughout.

This unit, as big as a house

with a large open plan living area, well-appointed kitchen with ample cupboards and a pantry.

There are two bedrooms, both with built ins and ceiling fans. The master bedroom opens onto the front veranda with views to the mountains. Enjoy the views and relax on either the front or back patios.

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

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

• New bathroom & carpet

• Rear paved & enclosed patio area

6.6kw solar power system

• Sizeable Zincalume shed with 2 roller door access

• Fully fenced 703m2 allotment with side access & beautifully manicured gardens

Only minutes to the CBD

This property is excellent value for money and represents either the perfect start for a first homebuyer, those wishing to downsize and move closer to town or investors alike.

For further information or to arrange a private inspection please call EXCLUSIVE AGENT Joe Torrisi 0417 700 468.

Mixed farming opportunity

THIS 135 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.

Crop: The property is operating as a vegetable/mixed cropping farm, currently under 26ha of Rhodes grass and 19ha of corn. Suitable land to grow nearly all different crops and trees.

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

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

Address: 4749 Gillies Range Road, EAST BARRON

Price:

Agent:

Contact:

EXPRESS

TAKE A BREAK

BIG WORD SEARCH CROSSWORD

19 characteristic of an affluent area or people

21 to share a meal with someone (5,5)

22 a stringed instrument like a small

U-shaped harp with strings fixed to a crossbar

23 material that is forced or thrown out, especially as a result of erruption, impact, or explosion

24 an unweaned child or animal

Down

1 relating to digestion, especially that in which pepsin is concerned

2 one’s friends, acquaintances, and relations

3 a person who is guided more by ideals than by practical considerations

4 the lowest point or part of something

Across

7 appearing or occurring at intervals

10 cut or carve a text or design on a surface

11 an independent person or body officially appointed to settle a dispute

12 a duty levied in some countries on various goods entering a town or city

14 a tag or badge bearing the name of the wearer (4,4)

15 the sea surrounded by southern Europe, North Africa?, and Western Asia

17 to catapult in a particular direction

Mar 21 - Apr 19

This week, you find inspiration. You could be carried away by a piece of art or inspired by music. It’s a great time to tap into your creative side and get in the flow. In financial matters void taking on others priorities, stay in your own lane.

JUN 21 - JUL 22

This week, you’re seeing beyond old boundaries. You could have all sorts of fanciful ideas, the energy is great for a good brainstorm session. Get it all out of your head and into the visceral world, and watch it manifest. Collaboration is the key to success.

sep 23 - oct 22

Puzzle Solutions

This week, magic is all around you. You might find yourself wanting to weave some spirituality into your daily routine. Whether it’s dedicated time for your faith or just sweeping and visualising the negativity being swept away. Small actions make a difference.

Dec 22 - Jan 19

This week, you’re finding a better way to do things. Maybe you’re embracing slow living practices to nourish mind, body and soul. It’s important to slow down and make time for rest. On the love front it’s all about communication, even just a sweet text.

5 an area of special expertise or responsibility

6 a long, light, narrow vehicle, typically on runners, used for sliding downhill over snow or ice

8 motorboats with living accommodation (5,8)

13 the state of being not or no longer needed or useful

15 an Indian prince

16 an artificial channel for conveying water, typically in the form of a bridge across a valley or other gap

18 a metal or plastic cover for the hub of a motor vehicle’s wheel

apr 20 - may 20

O affection aggressive agitated angry awe beleaguered bitter bliss blue bored caring cautious cheerful compassion complacent conceited crabby cruel defeated depressed disillusioned dread ecstasy emotion euphoria exasperation exuberant flummoxed fury gloomy greedy grief grumpy happy harried hopeless hurt infatuated irritated jaded jy keen kind lazy lonely love modesty naughty neglect optimistic panic pity pushy quarrel queasy rage rapture relief resign sad sarcastic scorn smug sorry tender terror tranquil trust wary woe wonder zeal zest Time m 0729 1.58 1047 1.63 1717 1.17 Time m 0041 2.39 0938 1.54 1145 1.56 1755 1.32 Time m 0139 2.30 1027 1.46 1522 1.53 1845 1.46 Time m 0255 2.25 1046 1.37 1652 1.68 2015 1.59 Time m 0352 2.24 1059 1.26 1729 1.85 2217 1.61 Time m 0431 2.23 1115 1.13 1756 2.04 2316 1.57

This week, abundant energy flows in. You generally take a practical approach but sometimes prosperity energy can be stimulated through spritual methods.

It’s a great time to embrace the abundance mindset, count your blessings, ground yourself in

JUL 23 - AUG 22

This week, you’re filled with ingenuity and imagination. While you generally have a lot of good ideas, you could find yourself coming up with something extraordinary. You can find an inventive solution to a problem, it may even be worth patenting or monetising.

oct 23 - nov 21

This week, there are signs from the universe everywhere. You might find yourself picking up spiritual messages in your physical experience. Something slipping from your fingers might indicate a need to let go. Synchronicities are the universe whispering to you.

Jan 20 - Feb 18

This week, your power of manifestation is strong. Dreams could become reality. If you’re in a love relationship it’s time to talk about what would make you happy. If you’re looking for love send your wishes out and visualise loving energy flowing towards you.

May 21 - Jun 20

This week, you’re a social butterfly. Your energy knows no bounds, whether you’re up at the crack of dawn for a run or being pulling in many directions with activities you want to do and people you want to see. Prioritise and make it all happen.

Aug 23 -Sep 22

This week, get ready to take a bow. It’s like you’re suddenly coming out of the shadows. Other people see you or recognise your acomplishments. You might find your interest is piqued by something and you could deep dive into learning everything you can.

nov 22 - dec 21

This week, you’re meeting new exciting people. If you’re wanting to bring someone into your life, you could try visualising your energy drawing this person toward you. Later in the week, no matter how big your to-do list is, you’ll be conquering it with enthusiasm.

Feb 19 - Mar 20

This week, you’re more in touch with those around you. Family is the focus this week, maybe there’s a new baby or you’re just spending more time with a loved one. You might even learn something that deepens a bond and respect for someone close.

Giovanna and Daniel

Wishing you all the best on this special day.

Love Uncle Giulio, Aunty Pina, David, Annalisa, Andre and Juliana.

A

4/8/47 ~ 30/4/23

Will be held for those who knew him at Halloran’s Hill in Atherton on 1st July from 2.00 - 3.00pm, followed by afternoon tea. Contact: francesvauxlobut@hotmail.com

Commemoration Of Life

PHILIP PEDERSEN

Graham Hotel Mareeba

Saturday 1 July at 3.00pm

ROBINSON, Doreen Eleanor

(Tinus nee Hobson)

Late of Appaloosa Crescent, Tolga. Passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday 14th June, 2023. Aged 86 years.

Much loved Mother of Carl, Michael and Diane.

Loving Wife of Robert Tinus (Dec.). Loving Wife of Ronald Robinson (Dec.) Loving Sister of Patricia Broughton (Dec.), Raymond Hobson, Jenny Walper (Dec.), Barbara Hobson, Cheryl Hobson and the Robinson family.

Family and friends of Doreen are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service, which is appointed to move from Mountain View Chapel, Guilfoyle’s Crematorium, 3 Nasser Road, Atherton on Friday 23rd June, 2023 commencing at 1pm.

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

DI CARLO, Angelo

The family of the late Angelo Di Carlo would like to thank you for your support and kindness during this difficult time.

A special thanks to the Specialists, Doctors and Nurses from the Cairns Hospital, Mareeba Hospital, Amaroo Clinic and the Dimbulah Clinic for all your help and care for Angelo.

Another special thanks to everyone who attended the funeral, those who sent cards, flowers , messages and phoned. Angelo will be forever in our hearts.

To Jodie and Adam 24.06.2023

Congratulations and best wishes on your wedding day. May the years ahead be filled with lasting love and happiness.

Love always, Nonno, Nonna, Aunty Sue, Uncle Terry, Uncle Jim, Aunty Age, Lisa, Tash, Jordyn, Teresa and Tate.

PROPERTY

RENTAL PROPERTIES WANTED

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

To Jodie and Adam 24.06.2023

di

Wishing you joy, love and happiness on your wedding day and as you begin your life together.

Congratulations to a beautiful couple. Love you both heaps, Dad, Mum, Jason and Emma. PS. Turby still loves you!

IN MEMORIAM

Bill Leavis

28.11.1929 ~ 07.07.2011

Shirley Leavis

19.11.1932 ~ 17.06.2022

Remembering our Dad and Mum. Always with us, always loved.

Kay & David, Gary & Meg and families.

In Loving Memory Of Matteo Gaggiano

1/9/1938 ~ 20/6/2022

Your presence we miss, Your memory we treasure. Loving you always, Forgetting you never. Watch over us from heaven.

In loving memory from your wife and family.

Rahna Beacham (27.06.2011)

Allan Beacham (27.01.2016)

In loving memory of our Dad and Mum.

“We keep you both close within our hearts and memories. Walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again. Eternally in our hearts.”

Love Allan, Bronwyn, Robyn (deceased), Sandra, Gail and their families.

FUNERAL SERVICES

JAYCO SILVERLINE CARAVAN

With LP gas and queen size pull-down bed. Inspected and certified 9/3/23. In excellent condition. $62,000

Contact: windhover106@gmail.com or Phone 0431 996 759

CAMPER TRAILER

7ft galvanised Wallpak trailer, 6ft camper, sleeps 4, many extras. RWC & Rego $3,800 P: 0419 902 724

I

DOB: 09/01/2023

BREED: Domestic Short Hair

My adoption fee is $160.

celebration of the life of David Alfred Pryce Vaux

Ray White Mareeba has a new position available and is looking for a...

Office Administrator / Property Manager

Assistant Extraordinaire

We are currently seeking a highly organised, reliable, team oriented person to join our team. This is a key position within our organisation that requires a well presented person with a systematic approach and a ‘can do’ attitude. This role will suit those that have:

• The ability to manage priorities and meet tight deadlines

• A ‘can do’ attitude and who thrive on finding solutions

• Strong verbal & written communication skills

• Attention to detail and a high level of initiative

• Enjoy working in a small but vibrant team

• Willing to undertake ongoing development and training

As The Office Administrator/PM Assistant you will be responsible for:

• The efficient operation of front of house

• Providing support to the Property Management and Sales Team

• Meeting and greeting clients and attending to incoming calls

This role is a permanent full time position. Sound like you?

If you would like to join our team please forward your resume and a cover letter to: norma.moloney@raywhite.com

G ulf Parts & Service

A Division of Cape York Automotive Group Pty Ltd

Light Vehicle Mechanics & Auto Electricians

Are you ready for an opportunity to live, work and setup your future at the tip of Northern Queensland?

We are a busy workshop servicing a wide variety of makes and models, primarily 4x4 with plenty of work; we perform all mechanical servicing and repairs for light & 4WD vehicles with a fully stocked parts facility that provides peace of mind to the local community and its visitors.

We are offering an exceptional package for light fleet motor mechanics and auto electricians to join our operation and are also looking for junior techs looking to build a future and/or senior experienced people looking for that place they can settle into and pass on their knowledge. Perhaps you’ve been contemplating a move to make a difference for yourself or for a lifestyle change for the family – one which will provide a generous income and allow you to experience and explore. If you are into fishing, 4WDing, exploring, like to get out on the water and you like the warmth of a tropical savannah climate – this position will be of interest to you.

With twice daily flights to Cairns and offering many facilities to its community – Weipa and the Cape are certainly an area to investigate. Excellent education facilities, local swimming pool, all the everyday conveniences such as butcher, bakery, newsagency, Woolworths and for the active – golf, tennis, basketball, and more are available with great community values in place.

Key attributes:

• Trade qualified

• Minimum 1 year experience

• A/C and auto electrical experience preferred

• Good communication skills

• Ability to work as a team

• Excellent opportunity for a skilled Mechanic / Technician

• Enjoy great work / life balanceplenty of recreation options!

• Like camping, hunting and fishing

We are offering particularly good rates, great working environment, relocation assistance inbound, accommodation package, coupled with a great lifestyle for the correct applicant; immediate start is available. If you have read the criteria and you can answer yes to the questions asked, then, to apply please forward a copy of your resume and references to:

managerweipa@gpsweipa.com.au

POSITION VACANT

Casali’s Mareeba are looking for the following to join our award winning team:

• YARDSPERSON

• PARTS INTERPRETER

• DIESEL FITTER

To apply please send your resume and a short cover letter via email to: admin@casalis.com.au

Or call to arrange a time to drop in for a chat with our business manager:

Alan Polley P: 07 4092 3841

HOUSING SUPPORT OFFICER

Mareeba Community Housing Company is recruiting for full time Housing Support Officer to join our Specialist Homelessness Support team in Mareeba.

We are seeking highly motivated team member, committed to quality clients’ services, willing to undertake professional development and actively participate in team environment. Tertiary qualification working in the social services, health or education sector is desirable with essential requirements for the positionpolice check and Qld open licence. Applicants require high level of communication and written skills, competent in the operation of Microsoft office products.

MCHC offer a supportive workplace culture, training and development opportunities, and attractive salary packaging arrangements. Selection criteria available at: reception@mchc.org.au

Applications close on Friday 30th June, 2023 with immediate start for the successful applicant.

SPRINGMOUNT WASTE MANAGEMENTY FACILITY WORKSHOP SUPERVISOR

Your next opportunity now awaits you! We are seeking a skilled Workshop Supervisor (Qualified Diesel Mechanic) to join the REMONDIS team at the Springmount Waste Management Facility. Be part of a growing and stable company. Attractive salary + car + super. Apply today! Contact Kevin Davies 0400 490 493. Written applications, including resume, 2 referees should be submitted by close of business, Friday 30 June, 2023.

ADDRESSED TO: The Manager, SWMF PO Box 1320, Walkamin Q. 4872 Or Email: springmount@remondis.com.au

ADMINISTRATION

OFFICER

Hardworking, energetic person required for a busy Production Nursery in Mareeba. We are offering a FT Position, 38 hours per week. This position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced office environment and be adaptable to change. You will be able to hit the ground running with mad skills in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office. Formal qualifications in Business, Admin or Finance, and previous nursery experience highly regarded but not mandatory. You will be responsible for all aspects of finance and admin including tax. If you are only available for a short time, please do not apply. We are seeking a team member with the view of permanent work. Please contact Diana on (07) 4092 7122 or email: info@flourishplants.com.au with résumé and cover letter.

PUBLIC NOTICE

AUCTION NOTICE

Local Government Act 2009 (QLD) and Local Government Regulation 2012 (QLD) Tablelands Regional Council (TRC) hereby gives notice that, unless the rates and charges owing on the land set out in the table below (details of which have already been supplied to the respective registered owner of the land) together with all expenses incurred in connection with the proposed sale of land are sooner paid, the said lands will be sold by public auction by TRC’s auctioneers as per the following details:

Auction time and date: 10am Thursday 20 July 2023

Auction location: Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street, Atherton

Dated at Atherton this Wednesday 21 June 2023.

Gary Rinehart 1300 362 242 Chief Executive Officer trc.qld.gov.au

AUCTION NOTICE

Local Government Act 2009 (QLD) and Local Government Regulation 2012 (QLD)

Tablelands Regional Council (TRC) hereby gives notice that, unless the rates and charges owing on the land set out in the table below (details of which have already been supplied to the respective registered owner of the land) together with all expenses incurred in connection with the proposed sale of land are sooner paid, the said lands will be sold by public auction by TRC’s auctioneers as per the following details:

Auction time and date: 10am Thursday 20 July 2023

Auction location: Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street, Atherton

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE TELSTRA MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G EQUIPMENT AT WALKAMIN

Telstra plans to upgrade an existing telecommunications facility at: LOT 861 Plan 719180 Chewko Road, Walkamin QLD 4872 (RFNSA 4872012)

1. The proposed upgrade of the existing telecommunications facility consists of:

• The replacement of three (3) panel antennas on existing mounts;

• The replacement of three (3) radio remote units; and

• The removal, replacement, reuse and installation of ancillary equipment associated with the operation of the facility including mounts, hybrid trunk cables, , tower mounted amplifiers, feeders and works within the existing equipment shelter.

2. Telstra regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information is located at https:// www.rfnsa.com.au/4872012 and comments should be directed to:

Davi Foto on behalf of Telstra, 0437 379 894, at consultation@overland.team by 5pm Thursday 6 July, 2023.

Telstra Limited

A.C.N. 086 174 781

Overland Team

A.C.N. 656 984 468

Women’s Sexual Assault Survivors Group

Fortnightly: Wednesdays

9.00am - 11.00am, CWA Hall, Jack Street, Atherton FREE and welcoming (chats, coffee, craft & connection). Please call TSAS 4091 4036 For further information

Past, Present CSDE Families And Staff are invited to a reunion

29th July 2023

Kydobi Country Park, 126 Hume Road, Biboohra

Tickets - Adults $25 U18 Free BOOKING ONLINE https://www.trybooking.com/CGHNW

Meet & Greet at 1pm

Memorabilia display Bring your own RAFS – early childhood support for littlies

Cricket Queensland Fun games for all ages

Talent Quest and Red Faces

More Information

Mareeba Lions Club: BBQ and Sausage Sizzle Kurdaz Country Band Free Camping Friday & Saturday nights Happy Hour - BYO

Karen Pedersen PH: 4094 8337 OR MOBILE: 0400 155 464 EMAIL:karmawatersstn@bigpond.com

Supported by the Cairns School of Distance Education, P&C and ICPA FNQ Branch

Dated at Atherton this Wednesday 21 June 2023. Gary Rinehart

PUBLIC NOTICE

AUCTION NOTICE

Local Government Act 2009 (QLD) and Local Government Regulation 2012 (QLD)

Tablelands Regional Council (TRC) hereby gives notice that, unless the rates and charges owing on the land set out in the table below (details of which have already been supplied to the respective registered owner of the land) together with all expenses incurred in connection with the proposed sale of land are sooner paid, the said lands will be sold by public auction by TRC’s auctioneers as per the following details:

Auction time and date: 10am Thursday 20 July 2023

Auction location: Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street, Atherton

4888

AUCTION NOTICE

Local Government Act 2009 (QLD) and Local Government Regulation 2012 (QLD)

Tablelands Regional Council (TRC) hereby gives notice that, unless the rates and charges owing on the land set out in the table below (details of which have already been supplied to the respective registered owner of the land) together with all expenses incurred in connection with the proposed sale of land are sooner paid, the said lands will be sold by public auction by TRC’s auctioneers as per the following details:

Auction time and date: 10am Thursday 20 July 2023

Auction location: Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street, Atherton

Ian Wallace, The Banksia Painter

I no longer have a stall at the Yungaburra Markets. I now reside in Atherton where I have a personal Gallery featuring over 100 watercolours. Together with my previous market items including my ever popular greeting cards and many prints of banksias, butterflies, eucalypts and many other subjects all in fine watercolour. My many customers past, present and future are most welcome to visit my gallery to browse, or just to have a chat. 25 Anthony Drive, Atherton Please call 4095 2289 before coming. No charge for looking!

Dated at Atherton this Wednesday 21 June 2023.

Gary Rinehart 1300 362 242

Chief Executive Officer trc.qld.gov.au

SPORT

Dated at Atherton this Wednesday 21 June 2023.

Gary Rinehart 1300 362 242 Chief Executive Officer trc.qld.gov.au

We’re your VOCAL LOCAL

HERBERTON SPEEDWAY

Sunday 18 June

ATHERTON RACES

18 June

IT was a beautiful day for racing in Atherton on Saturday as the Atherton Turf Club held a day of racing with plenty of well-dressed ladies and gentlemen turning out for the fiverace card.

Thousands of dollars were up for grabs over the course of the race and eyes were drawn both on and off the field as men and women dressed up in their best gowns and suits for the Fashions on the Field competition.

Nate Bonadio

Corina Schuch

Dayne Ross

Jack Jonsson

Owen Rankine

Lady of the Day winner Christine Cross

Wade and Liam Ferris

Young fashion winners Jacinta Russo and Rachel Kidcaff

Race 4 finish - Winner Spanish Beans (Far Right)

SPORT

Rev heads gear up for Northern Nats

BY ELLIE FINK

REV heads from across the country will be heading to Springmount Raceway this weekend for three days of drags, burnouts, and drifting at the annual Northern Nats.

Attracting hundreds of car enthusiasts from all walks of life for the seventh time, the Northern Nats is a “celebration of horsepower” with over $30,000 worth of prizes up for grabs across all categories.

For Springmount Raceway manager Michael Gonzalez, having such a vast variety of magazine-worthy cars is what makes the event so unique compared to others across the country.

“There are not many times you can walk in, sit on the hill next to the burnouts, and watch the calibre of cars out there on the strip – you would only ever see these types of cars in magazines or these days on the internet,” he said.

“It is an opportunity for the local community to see this firsthand, up close and personal, instead of on social media, and talk to the owners of those cars and make conversations.”

For those looking to compete, Mr Gonzalez said he is still looking for

people to put their hand up and test their cars on the strip or show them off at the show and shine car display.

Whether a new GT Mustang fresh off the showroom floor or an old SLR 5000 Torana coming back into its heyday, every car is welcome to be showcased and raced over the weekend.

This year, there is a demand for burnout guys with a $10,000 upfront prize for the popular event, attracting people from as far as the ACT and Western Australia up to the Tablelands.

“We are looking for your top-end burnout guys, and we want to get locals out there who may have just built their car in the backyard to come out and try it,” Mr Gonzalez said.

“It may not be the fanciest of cars, but some of these guys have like 10 or 20 mates out there supporting them, and that is what brings in a great crowd and gives people something to look forward to.”

Engines will start revving on Friday from 8 am and will continue into Saturday and Sunday. Day passes and camping passes are available at the gate.

To view the whole program, go to the Northern Nats' Facebook page.

Springmount Raceway manager Michael Gonzalez is ready for a weekend of rev-head fun this weekend for Northern Nats.

ALCHEMY OF MEN

The Northern Nats is a celebration of all things horsepower.

Roosters ladies through to finals

THE 2023 FNQ Ladies rugby league premiership competition wrapped up over the weekend with the top four teams of Kangaroos, Ivanhoes, Atherton and Yarrabah now preparing to move into the finals.

Kangaroos and Ivanhoes play the qualifying semi-final this Saturday with the winner advancing through to the grand final on 8 July.

Saturday’s loser meets the winner of this Sunday’s knock out final between the Roosters and Yarrabah on July 1.

Finishing in third spot on the points table has been a great achievement for Atherton and has earnt them a finals game in front of their home crowd at Atherton’s Mungalli Creek Dairy Stadium this Sunday.

First year coach Paul Stephens said there was a real level of excitement around the team and he was very proud of the effort they put in this year.

“They are a very happy group and play for each other,” he said.

“We have a young side with the average age being about twenty and there are a few of the girls playing their first year of league.”

In their last meeting, the Roosters came away 22-12 winners over Yarrabah and an even tighter contest is expected in Sunday’s final which kicks off at 11.30am.

Mareeba schoolboys dominate in second win

BY ELLIE FINK

A LAST-minute try pushed the Mareeba State High School Aaron Payne Cup team to 40 point victory over Holy Cross Mackay last week, securing the team’s second ever win in the cup’s history.

Working as a strong team, prop forwards Elijah Rattalatala and Darcy Adams were dominant carriers up the middle of the truck, allowing their teammates to play easily off their backs.

Chase Shepard and Tyrone Williams both directed plays to either side of the ruck that created space for Junior Lowakana and Mackeal Newbery to score a try each in opposite corners of the field.

Reece Boyle had another stellar game with rock solid defence in the centre position where, in attack, his efforts stood out again with strong caries and another try double – one long range effort leaving

defenders wanting as his speed and footwork left them in his wake.

Another push over try that showed Boyle had a power game as well, helping them secure a 50-10 win at full time.

The Cowboy Country challenge players also came away with a 50-10 win, with youngster Cayde Miller standing out amongst the squad for a powerful kickoff, followed by three tackles to throw the pass for another try.

Coach Clint Cifuentes was proud of the boys’ efforts and the culture they have built within their team throughout the first four rounds.

“This win means a lot to the boys and staff involved,” he said.

“Last week’s game was the first time in the school’s short history in the Aaron Payne Cup and Cowboys Challenge national schools’ competition that we travelled to Townsville and came away with

a win in both games – not a bad effort,” he said.

“The boys all represented their families, community, school and themselves with distinction.

“Just like the school’s emblem says, ‘Not for Ourselves Alone’, this squad is working hard on building a culture that can be respected for years to come not just at school but by the wider community.

“As a teacher and coach, I can say it is a pleasure to watch these young men develop into the best version of themselves, being good people not just good footy players.”

The Mareeba boys will be taking on St Augustine’s Cairns for a revenge round next week, 13 July at Barlow Park from 4.15pm.

The team encourages all friends and family to come along and support them as they take on their rivals from round one.

Senior Atherton Roosters ladies winger Krystal Rosas.

Mareeba State High School’s Aaron Payne Cup team secured a 40-point win over Holy Cross Mackay last Thursday.

Veteran hockey star eyes off world title

By RHYS THOMAS

A LOCAL hockey player with nearly half a century of experience and two world titles under his belt is looking to claim his third as he plays for the Australian Southern Cross team in the World Masters Hockey European Cup this Friday until 1 July in Valencia, Spain.

Allan Harris started playing hockey when he was 26 after being asked to fill in for a side while he was spectating his partner’s game.

Since then, no one has been able to drag him off the field and the 75-year-old has played in Cairns and on the Tablelands, leading to multiple state and national selections and subsequent world title wins just in the last few years.

He plays centre forward, essentially the striker, and holds a day job as a truck driver – he rides a bike in the mornings which he said keeps him fit enough to keep playing hockey.

He is about to begin a two-week long tournament in Valencia where him and his team will play against representatives from different nations across the world in the 75+ age division.

Germany, Spain, Scotland and the Netherlands are just some of the countries involved in this year’s tournament.

This isn’t Harris’s first time on the world stage as he played in three other World Cups including ones in Newcastle and Japan, which Australia won.

Harris says the people involved in the sport is what keeps him coming back year after year.

“I have a love for the game and there are incredible people from all walks of life, doctors, lawyers and others,” he said.

When he first started playing 49 years ago, Har-

Club veterans take out win

IT was ideal playing conditions at the Mareeba Golf Club over the weekend for their 2023 Championship, a 54-hole event, with plenty of golfers turning out for the big day.

Club veterans Darrin Hastie and Chris Benjiman took out the club’s major accolade and were named the Club Champions for 2023.

Benjiman was also named the Ladies Senior Champion alongside the Men’s Senior Champion, Charlie Bewick.

RESULTS

A grade Gross Champion – Anthony Mete.

B Grade Gross Champion – Jarrod France.

C Grade Gross Champion – Jack Bradley.

B Grade Ladies Gross Champion – Chris Benjiman.

C Grade Gross Champion – Debbie Muzic.

A Grade Nett winner – Lui Dezen.

B Grade Nett winner – James Breed.

C Grade Nett Winner – Ken Baker.

C Grade Ladies Nett Winner – Deborah Harvey.

Bulls lose to reigning champs

ris never thought he would one day don maroon to represent Queensland, let alone the green and gold but he is excited to fly across the world and represent his country.

“We are playing against the rest of the world and some of these blokes, we have never seen them play before so it is going to be new,” he said.

Harris and the Southern Cross side will play against multiple countries over the course of the twoweek tournament before the semi-finals and finals to decide the 2023 World Masters Hockey European champion.

THE Mareeba Bulls Premier Men’s have recorded back-to-back losses after going down 4-0 against reigning champions, the Edge Hill Tigers on Saturday night in front of a home crowd at Lindsay Stadium.

The Bulls have remained competitive throughout the season and managed to slip into second for a time however their recent match again Edge Hill put a stop to their climb.

It was a tough game for the home side however they remained in the contest for the first 45 minutes and only conceded one goal.

During the half-time break coach Kane Alderton attempted to encourage his players for another good run however they mentally

“stayed in the dressing room” and another two quick goals by the Tigers sealed the deal.

“The first half we were one nil down but for the first 45 I thought we competed, but that final third let us down,” Alderton said.

“It was a shame because at the start of the second half we stayed in the dressing room, in the first 10 minutes they scored two goals and that just killed us.

“We spoke at halftime about what we needed to do and move forward and stay in the game but those two goals cost us.”

The Bulls will now face off against Innisfail at home on Saturday with kick off for the Premier Men’s at 7pm.

Small town... Big heart!

Mareeba Golf Club champions Darrin Hastie and Chris Benjiman.

Andy Harris is off to Spain to play in the World Masters Hockey European Cup in the 75+ category.