The Express Newspaper 29th November 2023

EXPRESS The

Delivering news across our region

WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER, 2023

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Green light for businesses to expand into Rail Trail • P5

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While the company has expanded, grown and changed, its dedication to producing the finest quality eggs has remained the same. FEATURE – PAGES 27-31

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MANAGING DIRECTOR Carl Portella

EDITOR Robyn Holmes

Angela Musumeci from the Lady of the Chain group, Mareeba Friends of the Hospital Foundation chairman Tom Braes, FNQ Growers president Joe Moro and Mareeba Hospital Director of Nursing Michelle Bombardieri outside the Mareeba Hospital with a cheque that will help purchase much-needed equipment.

Better healthcare thanks to community CADET JOURNALIST Ellie Fink

MARKETING Darryl Day

LAND REPORTER Brigitte Daley

DIGITAL CONTENT Maddy Gavin

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

MAREEBA community groups have generously donated over $14,000 to the Mareeba Hospital Friends of the Foundation.

FNQ Growers contributed $13,500 to this total through the proceeds from their auction of locally grown fruits and vegetables, a standout feature of their gala dinner.

Additionally, The Lady of the Chain Committee showed their support by contributing $1,000 to benefit the local community where they reside.

These donations will be used to help purchase furniture for the older persons rehab ward, I stat blood monitoring unit for Dimbulah Primary Health Centre, a Phillips MX50 monitor, a giraffe panda warmer and room-in bassinets.

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Mareeba Hospital Friends of The Foundation chairman Tom Braes gratefully accepted the generous donations.

“Community support for the hospital is overwhelming and has allowed our group to commit substantial funds for the acquisition of important equipment for the hospital,” Mr Braes said.

“These amounts collectively add up, which will help us provide the facilities the hospital needs.”

FNQ Growers president Joe Moro said supporting the Mareeba Friends was important because of its vital role in the community.

“The hospital and its staff look after us and our workers when we’re sick or injured, and we really value what they do,” Mr Moro said.

It gives us an opportunity to showcase our industry and growers and, at the same time, raise funds for the Friends of the Mareeba Hospital Foundation.

Lady of the Chain President Angela Musumeci said the group holds a feast annually to celebrate a miracle that occurred in Sicily in 1392.

“After praying to Our Lady, three prisoners found their chains had been unlocked, and they were able to flee,” Mrs Musumeci said.

“In order to celebrate this feast, we rely on our community to support us with donations and to come to our event.

“This year, we were blessed with an increase in numbers and profits, and the committee was keen to give back to the community that supports us.”

Warning to hikers after incident HIKERS are being urged to be prepared and stay vigilant when doing long bushwalks after a 23-year-old trekker went missing on the Lambs Head hike at Davies Creek last week.

At around 6.30pm last Wednesday, the hiker raised the alarm using what coverage she could get on her mobile phone.

She told emergency services she was unable to descend the mountain due to the inclement weather conditions and declining daylight.

Police and State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers launched a search and rescue for the lost bushwalker, ascending the mountain and locating the woman around midnight.

To ensure avid hikers are safe throughout the entirety of their trip, police are urging them to plan ahead.

Make sure your phone is fully charged and carry a personal locator beacon and extra water in the case of an emergency.

Carrying a small first aid kit and suitable food and letting someone know where you are going are also essential to staying safe on long hikes.

A hiker went missing on the Lambs Head hike at Davies Creek last week.

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New recreational Festive fun set Amaroo plan set to take to feature ‘MCG’ over

BY ROBYN HOLMES

MAREEBA could get its own “MCG” as part of a broader plan, that includes the newly masterplanned Amaroo Park, to provide more recreational areas on the eastern side of the town.

The master plan for the park has now been signed off after much consultation with locals to strike the best balance to cater to different ages and types of activity.

An off-leash dog park, nature play area, water play area, and three spaces for families to picnic and play games, allowing different areas for younger kids and teens, are some of the features of the master plan.

It also provides for additional shading, learn to ride track, additional car parks, public toilets, seats and picnic tables, exercise equipment, a pathway network and new trees.

Now the plan has been completed, Mareeba Shire Council will seek government grant funding to deliver the project, according to Amaroo Park working group chair Cr Locky Bensted.

In 2022, council completed the new playground and carpark on the corner of Karobean Drive and Hastie Road which was the first step in the redesign of the entire location.

“The purpose of the Amaroo Park Masterplan is to provide a long-term vision for the park and to assist council with securing grants to implement the plan as no budget is currently allocated to further develop the parkland,” Cr Bensted said.

The master plan was developed following a survey of residents which revealed the top five desires for the facility – shade structures, toilet facilities, additional playgrounds, additional seating and drinking water access.

Following the survey, residents put their hand up to join a working group and met with council

Santa, Mrs Claus and their Elves are excited to visit Mareeba this Friday night.

town

and representatives from a landscape architecture consultant firm to provide further feedback.

Mayor Angela Toppin said given the extent and scale of people now living on the eastern side of the town, council had opted to deem land, that was previously put side as road reserve, into a large recreational area.

The master plan for the park was the first stage of making this vison a reality.

“We are aiming to develop this park not just for those on the eastern side of the town – people from all over the shire will probably want to use it.

Future stages include a recreational area that includes the “MCG” and a “Youth Hang” area.

The “MCG” is aimed at providing a large open space area for the community to play games such as cricket or football or host outdoor movies, and the “Youth Hang” will be more tailored to tweens.

But Mayor Toppin warns the facilities will only be delivered if the council can secure grant funding.

“But if you have a master plan in place, you have a much better chance to get funding because they (governments) like things that are shovelready, and at the moment, we do not have this project funded even in our long-term capital program,” she said.

“We can chip away on it from developers’ contributions but we do think it’s the sort of project that the government will want to support.”

Council will be hoping that the project might get some traction in funding as part of commitments from the State Government or Opposition in the run-up to the State election to be held in October 2024.

The community is invited to come along to an information session on 13 December at Amaroo Park between 8.30am to 10.30am to have a look at the master plan and action plan.

THE sounds of Christmas will ring out down Byrnes Steet this Friday night when the much-anticipated Carols by Candlelight Downtown will herald the start of the festive season.

It will also be the first time locals will see Mareeba’s new Christmas tree, a 5-metre structure decorated with 3600 LED lights that will be erected in the centre median opposite Anzac Park in time for the Carols.

“This year will see a total of five trees installed across the shire. Kuranda and Mareeba will have a 5-metre tree while Chillagoe and Mt Molloy will receive a 3.6-metre tree with 2000 LED lights with Chillagoe’s tree installed last week and the Mt Molloy tree in the first week of December,” Mayor Angela Toppin said.

Excitement is building for the new Carols Downtown, which is a Mareeba Rotary event, with plenty of family-fun activities starting at 5.30pm including face painting, market stalls and a spe-

cial appearance by Santa, Mrs Claus and some of their elves who have travelled from the North Pole for the event.

Families can also get a special Christmas photo taken and then enjoy the array of talent that will be on stage for the event from 6.30pm.

Patrons are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket to sit on to enjoy the show.

In addition to the new trees, locals can get into the Christmas spirit by taking part in the Christmas-themed

Augmented Reality Treasure Hunt competition. There are 55 floor stickers in local stores around the shire and residents stand a chance to win one of two $500 hampers.

Mayor Toppin also encouraged locals to dress up their properties in the festive theme and be part of the shire’s Christmas Lights competition.

PHOTOS: Dimbulah Christmas Under the Stars (P17) and Malanda Christmas Street Festival (P19)

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The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 3

Glowing report card for shire

BY ROBYN HOLMES A FOUR-year report card on the achievements of Mareeba Shire Council has been released, showing a pattern of balanced budgets and a spend of more than $68 million on upgrading and maintaining sporting and recreational facilities, the transport network and the arts and culture sector.

Councillors were beaming with pride as they endorsed the Community Outcomes Report and were glowing in their acknowledgement of the efforts of council staff in achieving the results.

Mayor Angela Toppin said the past four years had included some challenging times, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic which had affected council’s operations with interruptions to the supply chain and the rising costs of goods and services.

“Despite these challenges, the council has achieved significant outcomes for the community,” she said.

“Some of the highlights include delivering balanced budgets, the opening of the Cedric Davies Community Hub and the Tom Gilmore Aviation Precinct, the implementation of the Parks and Open Spaces strategy and action plan, and ad-

Water main replacement works are ongoing, with council already replacing around 20km in asbestos cement mains to date.

vocacy for issues important to the shire around safety, roads and health.”

Major projects included the restoration of the John Doyle bridge in Mareeba, the construction of a new animal management facility, the completion of the $1.1 million Chillagoe water project, the ongoing upgrade of the Granite Creek sewerage pump station, and the construction of a new cemetery for Kuranda.

Mayor Toppin said council had been successful in attracting $62 million in government grants from 2019-23 which had funded many projects throughout the shire including Mareeba’s new Splash Park and the replacement of asbestos cement water mains.

The report states that around 20km of water mains have so far been replaced as part of a 10year program.

“We are also a very financially stable council and have received successive unqualified audits from the Queensland Audit office and that’s something we can all be very proud of,” Mayor Toppin said.

The report also shows that more than 105 not-for-profit groups and clubs benefited from $526,000 in grants provided by council, and over $186,000 had been awarded for arts, cultural and heritage projects.

Council had spent more than $13.4 million on maintaining and upgrading sport and recreational facilities and halls, but the major expenditure was for the shire’s transport network, with $54 million spent on maintaining, renewing and upgrading 2300km of roads, drainage infrastructure and footpaths, including grading an average of 1400km of roads each year.

The opening last year of council’s Buy Back shop was also highlighted, as was the shire’s recycling activities which included 2961 tonnes of scrap metal, 111 tonnes of fertiliser bags, 281 tonnes of tyres and 223 tonnes of batteries.

“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the councillors who have worked hard to help deliver our successful endeavours, with a special thank you to our previous Mayor Tom Gilmore, whose dedication and insights helped shape some of the projects that were achieved in this period,” Mayor Toppin said.

She also thanked chief executive officer Peter Franks for his guidance during the past four years and staff who had “shown dedication and diligence at every level of the organisation which has been a major contribution to delivering the positive outcomes in this report.”

“The fostering of collaborative partnerships and maintaining of accountable governance to promote the prosperity and liveability of the shire is core to the operations of this council and are also appropriately showcased throughout this report,” Mayor Toppin said.

WHAT THEY SAID ...

Deputy Mayor Cr Kevin Davies said the success of the shire was also due to the role that many organisations and individuals played.

“I want to thank everyone involved with the Mareeba Shire as a whole – we are all in the same community, contributing in one way or another, volunteering, organising events and sporting carnivals to help our economy prosper,” he said, noting the positive outcomes from events such as Rotary Field Days and Savannah in the Round.

He said the council had managed to deliver numerous projects and had still kept its borrowings to a minimum.

Cr Mario Mlikota likened the report to a school report card and said he would give it an “A double plus” “I may sound biased but I am very proud of our achievements. Many of these significant outcomes are due to a hardworking, professional and committed staff and a supportive and understanding community,” he said.

Cr Mary Graham also thanked everyone who had contributed to the outcomes, “keeping in mind that the sustainability of the shire

was most important”.

Cr Locky Bensted called the report “23 pages of back-to-back positivity” and believed one of the major improvements council had made was in how it communicated with the community.

Cr Lenore Wyatt said big highlights for her was the opening of the Buy Back shop and how the council had embraced the rollout of public art, and agreed with Cr Bensted that communication had vastly improved.

“And look at this Proud to be Local campaign – people proud to be locals and you can see that by the fact that they are happy to run events and we are becoming known for our events,” she said, noting that the success of events was boosting tourism numbers.

Cr Danny Bird said he was happy that data showed the shire was continuing to grow and attributed the positive outcomes over the past four years to everyone “pulling together”.

All councillors urged the community to view the Outcomes Report on the council’s website.

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Mayor Angela Toppin and councillors open the new Buy Back shop in August last year.

RESIDENTS of both Mareeba Shire and Tablelands Regional Council are being urged to look around them and consider who they might nominate for the annual 2024 Australia Day Awards.

The awards are aimed at recognising and celebrating those people who put an extra effort into making their community a better place to live.

For Mareeba, nominations close on 7 December for a number of categories – Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year, Junior Sportsperson of the Year, Community Service Award (Open Age - Individual or Group), Environmental Achievement Award (Open Age - Individual or Group), Arts and Cultural Award (Individual or Group), Junior Arts and Cultural Award, Community Organisation of the Year, and Community Event of the Year.

All nominees must be residents of the Mareeba Shire Council local government area and their achievements must be in a volunteer capacity, not a part of their employment.

Nominations will be judged by a panel which will include Mayor Angela Toppin and two independent citizens from the community. The panel may also consider presenting highly commended awards in any category.

Those who wish to put forward a nomina-

tion are advised that they must include sufficient information for the panel to be able to make an informed decision. Every nomination must be supported by two referees.

Completed entries must be emailed to info@msc.qld.gov.au or posted to PO Box 154, Mareeba QLD 4880. Go to www.msc. qld.gov.au for more information or to download the online form.

In the TRC area, nominations close on 18 December.

Categories are Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Event of the Year, Community Service, Inclusion, Cultural and Junior Cultural, Sports and Junior Sports, and Sports Supporter.

All nominees must be residents of the TRC local government area. The judging panel consists of two TRC Councillors and two independent citizens from the community.

If the nominee has won an Australia Day award in the previous year, they are not eligible to be nominated for the same category this year.

The nominee must reside in the Tablelands Regional Council local government area.

The nominee must be made aware of the nomination and agree to be nominated.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Green light for business The season to expansion into rail trail give to others A large contingent of rail trail users turned up to plead with council not to allow businesses to expand into the rail trail corridor.

BY ROBYN HOLMES APPLAUSE turned to disappointment for a large contingent of Atherton Rail Trail supporters after Tablelands Regional Council voted last week to allow Tolga Industrial Estate businesses to expand into the corridor.

Before the meeting, SAO group member Kathy Kilpatrick gave a deputation on behalf of all rail trail users in a last ditch attempt to sway councillors to leave the corridor as it is and was loudly applauded at the end of her speech.

“We have one chance to save our rail corridor as once this group of councillors votes against our community asset, our rail trail will be diminished and will never be the green space it could be,” she said.

“As members of this vibrant and beautiful area and members of our strong community, one must wonder why the wants of a few ratepayers takes priority over the whole of our ratepayers in this shire.”

Ms Kilpatrick told the council the rail trail should be “cherished”, outlining all the economic, social and health benefits of the trail, and said reasons such as but her words did not shift Crs David Clifton, Peter Hodge, Kevin Cardew and Bernie Wilce who eventually voted for the expansion plan which would allow businesses to expand up to 15m into the corridor.

During the debate, Crs Wilce and Clifton were damning of those who sent “threatening” and insulting emails full of “innuendos” trying to “intimidate” them into voting in favour of leaving the rail trail alone.

Both councillors spoke of their commitment to their job which sometimes meant making hard decisions and people should not attack them personally for doing what they were elected to do.

“Some of the letters and emails were ap-

palling in their content and I can say I will not be hanging my head in shame after today’s decision as one woman suggested I should,” Cr Clifton said.

“There is nothing sacrosanct about the Rail Trail. Its former use was industrial/ transport and now its future usage is emerging.

“It is not a ‘one or the other’ situation and I support the principle that a community asset can be used by differing sections of the community without adversely affecting each other’s use.”

Cr Wilce said he was disappointed in the whole process.

“I am disappointed in the number of insults, innuendos, suggestions, the condemnation that myself and fellow councillors have been getting should this proposal get up today,” he said.

“We have to make a decision, and I’ve been told that should I support the expansion into the rail trail that I am experiencing my one and only term as a councillor – well, so be it.

“I am not intimidated by that, I’m not concerned by that - I am here to make a decision for all of the community, not just a select few.”

Cr Wilce applauded the dedication and passion of rail trail users but he stressed that allowing the expansion of the businesses did not mean the rail trail would be closed or lost, saying there was ample room for the trail to operate effectively.

Cr Kevin Cardew agreed, saying that allowing businesses to expand would mean more economic benefits for the area, more jobs, and the ability to address long-standing stormwater issues at the estate and, at the same time, the trail would still be able to operate.

“I want to be very clear – it’s not my intention or that of this council to take away

or reduce the ability of recreational users using and enjoying this section of rail trail.

“There is more than enough room to accommodate everyone – the way I see it everyone is a winner.”

Cr Peter Hodge agreed, saying the corridor was 30m wide and if everyone collaborated, the area could be a “great space for everyone”.

But Mayor Rod Marti and Cr Dave Bilney argued strongly against allowing any expansion of businesses into the rail trail.

“It is my view that the wider community who will be affected by this decision has not been consulted sufficiently to capture the broader appetite for what is being proposed,” Cr Bilney said.

While acknowledging the role the businesses played in the local economy, Cr Bilney said the region had yet to see the true economic potential of the rail trail.

Mayor Marti reiterated his stance that “slicing and dicing” the rail trail was not in the community’s interest.

“It is in no way reflective of a strategic or progressive way forward for this community or this council.

“The idea that these landholders, these business owners have a greater claim or given right to take over public land, for me, is very challenging.

“What gives this council the right to facilitate and underwrite that transfer? The scenario we are in now has council using ratepayers’ money to process and facilitate the closed and private transfer, and ultimate freeholding of public land.

“This is not something I will ever support, I urge every one of you to consider the community first and foremost ahead of a few private business owners.”

The proposal to allow the expansion of businesses up to 15m into the rail trail corridor was passed 4-2.

WHILE Christmas is a joyous time for many, there are others in our community who struggle through the festive season.

Tablelands Regional Council Mayor Rod Marti believes Christmas is a great time to consider the less fortunate in our community.

“Not everyone has money to spare, especially at Christmas time, and some just have trouble making ends meet, but with a small donation to the Mayor’s Community Christmas Appeal you can make a difference to people and families in need,” he said.

“A simple gesture can make all the difference to a struggling person or family.”

People can drop cash or cheques into the donation tins at any of TRC customer service centres or deposit funds into the Tablelands Regional Council Community Christmas Appeal Gift Trust — BSB 084 512, Account Number 144 690 848 (put your name in the description).

Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

“Donations will be used to provide food vouchers for use in local supermarkets to people in need in our

community,” Mayor Marti said.

“Last year 182 vouchers were distributed, valued at nearly $9000.

“These will be distributed by emergency relief agencies — Better Together Community Support, St Vincent de Paul Society, Salvation Army, Ravenshoe Community Centre and Eacham Community Help Organisation Empowering Services.”

Locals can also drop off new toys, gift cards and non-perishable food items to various organisations across the region. New toys (not handmade) and gift cards for teenagers can be left under the Giving Tree at Atherton Big W or at the Salvation Army Family Store in Tolga.

Non-perishable food can be dropped at a TRC Customer Service Centre in Atherton, Herberton, Malanda or Ravenshoe, or at Better Together Community Centre (Robert St, Atherton), ECHO Malanda (Eacham Place), Ravenshoe Community Centre (Bolton St), St Vincent de Paul Society (Railway Lane, Atherton or Grigg St, Ravenshoe), and Salvation Army (Kennedy Highway, Tolga or Grace St, Herberton).

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The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 5

Free waste days return MAREEBA Shire has been preparing for a predicted hotter and drier summer this year, participating in “Get Ready Queensland” activities in the past two months.

Council now wants all residents to think about preparing for monsoon season, announcing free domestic green waste disposal early next month.

“The free green waste days are a great opportunity for residents to maintain their properties in preparation for bush fire, flooding and cyclones,” Mayor Angela Toppin said.

The free waste days are for clean uncontaminated domestic quantities of green waste only. Multiple loads will be accepted on these days.

For transfer station operating times and locations, visit www.msc.qld.gov.au.

Mayor Toppin said preparing for the season was critical and the message had been spread via popup stalls at Kuranda IGA, Dimbulah Community Centre and Dimbulah Community Kindergarten, Mareeba Square Shopping Centre and at council’s Seniors Morning Tea. “The pop-up stalls were a great opportunity to have conversations with residents about actions they can take to prepare for emergencies,” Mayor Toppin said.

“Residents who stopped by for a chat also received a Get Ready bag full of resources to assist with planning.

Get Ready Queensland packs were also sent to a central location at Chillagoe, Irvinebank, Koah, Mt Molloy and Speewah.

THE UPCOMING DATES ARE: • Mareeba, Kuranda, Dimbulah and Julatten Transfer Station - Saturday, 9 December and Sunday, 10 December • Almaden, Irvinebank and Mt Molloy Transfer Station - Saturday, 9 December and Tuesday, 12 December • Mt Carbine Transfer Station - Thursday, 7 December and Sunday, 10 December • Mutchilba Transfer Station - Wednesday, 6 December and Saturday, 9 December

BY ROBYN HOLMES A PLAN to provide up to 144 farm workers with accommodation on a Fichera Road property has been approved despite an attempt by neighbours and others to stop the development, citing safety concerns and objections to the facility being established on “strategic cropping land”.

Mareeba Shire Councillors made little comment on the application before approving it at its recent meeting, leaving other nearby landholders disappointed that the 19 objections were not enough to stop the accommodation facility from going ahead.

A council report stated that the overarching concerns were the impact on existing rural lifestyle and amenity as well as the anticipated increase in traffic on the local road network.

Because Fichera Road is a rural zoned area, objections centred on an “unreasonable expectation of amenity within the rural zone”, the report stated.

“Notwithstanding this, council officers have considered the submitters’ concerns, and reasonable conditions have been applied to help maintain the existing rural amenity, particularly with regards to noise and light emissions.

“Significant landscape buffering is also required to screen the development from view of neighbouring properties and Fichera Road users, helping to reduce impacts on visual amenity and to preserve the appearance of the rural landscape.”

Given that the development would “generate a noticeable increase in vehicle movements on the local road network”, the developer will also be required to widen 1.34km length of the road leading up to and including the site frontage in order to help reduce traffic impacts and improve road safety.

Other conditions include the developer needing approval from the Environmental Protection Agency for its wastewater system; no playing of

amplified music at any time that disturbs neighbours; up to 3m wide and 4m high landscape buffers that must be put in place when building works commence; and an adequate number of 12-seater minibuses provided to transport the workers to farms.

Councillors noted that the conditions may prove to be too difficult for the developer and could affect whether the project would go ahead.

But this did little to comfort Fichera Road property owner Tammy Tiraboschi who attended the council meeting with other nearby landholders, and left feeling disappointed and frustrated.

“It appeared to myself and the other residents who attended, that certain councillors appeared to be relying on the EPA, as well as the applicant not wishing to upgrade Fichera Road as reasons to approve the report in the hope that maybe the application won’t go any further, rather than pause and look in greater detail at the MSC Planning Scheme’s lack of definition around acceptable development for Workforce Accommodation for the shire and work on a clearer definition, planning codes etc, prior to approving both this and future similar applications,” she said.

“A residential site of the magnitude in this application, in the context of this particular rural zone area, is outrageous. At the very least, it should have been reduced in size.”

Ms Tiraboschi said council should be supporting smaller more site-specific accommodation sites.

“In and around Mareeba there have been over six existing workers’ accommodation sites council approved that I am aware of in the last couple of years alone,” she said.

“They are accommodating close to 300 workers in total. Of these, the highest number of residents permitted in just one site has a capacity of 60 – a far cry from 144!

“All of these “approved” accommodation

sites have been set nearer to suitable road networks and upon less viable rural land. So once again, this recent workforce accommodation application in the context of ‘rural use’ in the location selected, at the size chosen, is disgraceful.”

The ability for the roads in the vicinity of the project to cater for additional traffic was a key concern for many of those who objected to the development.

“The road is unsafe and dangerous when oncoming traffic is approaching on one lane blind corners. Most the road is predominantly one lane and the road has a lot of wear and tear issues,” Fichera Road resident Anthony Henderson wrote in his submission.

“Lockwood Road is a one lane dirt road that is not accessible for a lot of the year due to the wet season. It is also very unsafe with a lot of tight, blind corners that struggles to fit two vehicles in width when passing each other. “(There are only) single lane bridges on both Lockwood Road and Fichera Road. The infrastructure on our road is not up to the standards required to allow the proposal to go ahead safely.”

Ms Tiraboschi agreed, saying the council’s decision was a disgrace.

“It is a disgrace to expect local rural residents to absorb the significant impact to traffic safety along a minor rural road network, with a narrow, single lane, obscured bridge, simply because the current MSC Planning Scheme is not robust enough to prevent such applications with developers deeming ‘large as they like’ accommodation (residential) sites as – for a ‘rural use’,” she said.

“This is a cautionary tale to fellow rural residents and rural road users, that unless there are changes to the MSC Planning Scheme to prevent large residential sites being built upon agricultural land for ‘rural use’, then it is only a matter of time that one could be built in your rural zone.”

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Priors Creek project begins Mural highlights Chillagoe’s history CHILLAGOE’S Town Hall has been given a new lease of life, with a colourful mural now gracing the front of the building.

The mural, painted by professional, North Queensland-based artist Lavinia Letheby, is part of Mareeba Shire Council’s Public Mural Action Plan which has already delivered the “Earth and Fire” mural on Biboohra’s old water tanks.

The mural on the tanks has received national attention and has been added online to the Australian Silo Art Trail.

The Chillagoe mural was done in consultation with residents and traditional owners, with Lavinia’s inspiration for the artwork drawn from town’s rich cultural heritage and unique natural environment.

“I’m honoured to be able to create such significant artworks in small towns like Chillagoe,” Lavinia said.

“Getting to know the local com-

munity and exploring the towns surroundings makes these jobs just that little more special.”

The natural environment is displayed through the limestone karst and caves. A sea eagle in flight features in the mural, which, despite its name, can be found far inland.

Traditional owners requested the inclusion of Balancing Rock and the sea eagle as they are culturally significant to the Wakaman People.

The mural references tin mining heritage of the region and the ongoing importance of the cattle industries, including the significant role that First Nations stockmen have played.

“Located behind the war memorial, the mural also pays respect to the military service of Chillagoe residents,” Lavinia said.

In January, Lavinia will complete a mural on the Community Hall in Mutchilba.

Mayor Angela Toppin couldn't be happier with how the Public Mu-

ral program is progressing.

“The action plan will continue to enhance the visual appeal of our towns, reduce graffiti and increase cultural tourism,” she said.

Mareeba Shire’s arts and cultural sector is set to receive a boost with increased grant funding for 2023/24, with council recently awarded $34,125 from Arts Queensland which will contribute to the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Program this year.

“The second year of council’s Public Mural Plan will be implemented with this funding and will result in vibrant public artworks for Mutchilba, Chillagoe and Mareeba,” Mayor Toppin said.

“RADF grants for communityled arts, cultural activities and professional development activities for artists are available each year for a range of activities.”

The next round of community grants will be awarded by council in December.

THE first stage of the much-anticipated Priors Creek redevelopment is set to start after Tablelands Regional Council approved a $2.5 million contract for the earthworks.

The approval comes as council waits to hear whether it has been successful in getting to the next stage of a $5 million grant application with the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program and a $350,000 grant through the State’s Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund.

Mayor Rod Marti and chief executive officer Gary Rinehart travelled to Canberra earlier this month to advocate for the project and had meetings with Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain, Senator Nita Green, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development of Australia Catherine King, and Senator Anthony Chisholm.

“It was a very good opportunity to get close to Ministers,” Mayor Marti said.

So far, the project has attracted $1.576 million in funding from the Department Transport and Main Roads as part of its Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program, and $900,000 from the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning.

One of the key deliverables of Stage 1A includes the creation of a new road to link the end of Vernon Street to the end of Jack Street to provide greater activation of and access to the new recreational precinct, as well as improved vehicle circulation generally and carparking.

The works also include the creation of

a new “urban plaza” at the end of Vernon Street as a key activity node for outdoor markets and gathering as an entrance forecourt into the precinct.

Four lots will also be created for commercial uses and underground services will be installed as part of the contract.

The works will commence on site early next year and be completed by mid-2024.

Council also approved another $6 million to the contractor, Northern Civil Earthworks Pty Ltd, for the balance of the works in Stage 1A which includes all parklands works, a public carpark and Vernon Street toilet block removal and intersection works.

These works will only go ahead when council gives its approval. The works include: n Streetscape improvement along Vernon Street and Jack Street for greater functionality, pedestrian access and improved visual amenity to better link Main Street and the Priors Creek precinct n Improving parking opportunities for visitors and tourists with recreational vehicles, caravans and trailers. n Improved security through the installation of CCTV enabling infrastructure and lighting. n Creation of a new “Priors Creek Promenade”, a shared pedestrian and cycle walkway along the old railway track alignment. n Substantial landscaping improvements throughout the Priors Creek corridor, and n Parkland infrastructure including shelters, BBQ, seating, public amenities, and power facilities for markets.

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The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 7

COMMUNITY UPDATE COMMUNITY OUTCOMES REPORT NOTED Mareeba Shire Council’s Community Outcomes Report highlights some of the significant achievements that have been delivered across the Shire during the period of July 2019 to June 2023.

This report outlines how Council has been guided by the strategic priorities of financial sustainability, community, transport and Council infrastructure, economy and environment and governance, to achieve Council’s mission to “provide costeffective services, foster collaborative partnerships and maintain accountable governance to promote the prosperity and liveability of the Shire”.

While Council has faced challenges in the last four years, especially due to Covid-19, it is proud to maintain a reputation as financially sustainable and dedicated to delivering services.

Visit Council’s website to read the report online or follow Council on Facebook to see highlights from the report.

AMAROO PARK MASTERPLAN

GET READY QUEENSLAND ACTIVITIES

The Amaroo Park Masterplan was presented to Council as a part of Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Strategy.

Queensland is the most disaster-prone state in Australia and the Bureau of Meteorology has predicted that Far North Queensland will experience a hotter and drier summer this year.

In 2022, Council completed the new playground and carpark on the corner of Karobean Drive and Hastie Road, Mareeba. This was the first step in the redesign of the entire location.

Mareeba Shire is vulnerable to bushfires, flooding and cyclones and has already seen the impact of major bushfires this season.

The purpose of the Amaroo Park Masterplan is to provide a long-term vision for the park and to assist Council with securing grants to implement the plan as no budget is currently allocated to further develop the parkland.

The Masterplan was formed following extensive community engagement. Council issued a survey to 980 properties in the local area and would like to thank the 140 properties who responded.

Following the survey, residents put their hand up to join a working group and met with Council and representatives from a landscape architecture consultant firm. This input as well as feedback from the survey was considered to develop the Masterplan, which can now be viewed on Council’s website.

The 2023 Mayor’s Christmas Appeal has been launched.

Each year, generous community members and organisations make donations which Council then distributes to local families in need with the help of Community Centres across the Shire.

Council would like to encourage residents to get behind the annual cause and donate to the appeal to assist those in need. If you have never donated before, consider making a small donation to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal for the first time in 2023.

Your donations will be gratefully accepted at Mareeba Shire Council Customer Service Centres in Mareeba and Kuranda.

All four libraries will be hosting rocket launching events throughout the school holidays. For further information, but more importantly to book your spot, please contact your local library.

Continue to enjoy weekly story time sessions at the Mareeba Library over the school holidays! Every Wednesday from 10:30am to 11:30am. Bookings not essential.

Mayor@msc.qld.gov.au 4086 4606

1300 308 461

Cr Lachlan (Locky) Bensted

KevinD@msc.qld.gov.au LockyB@msc.qld.gov.au 0400 490 493 0408 871 420

info@msc.qld.gov.au

PAGE 8 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Council would like to encourage residents to visit Council’s Emergency Dashboard for the latest information about local emergencies and sign up to receive the Early Warning Network alerts.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY LIBRARY PROGRAM

Mareeba Shire Libraries resident rocket man these school holidays.

Deputy Mayor Cr Kevin Davies

This included pop-up stalls at Kuranda IGA, Dimbulah Community Centre and Dimbulah Community Kindergarten, Mareeba Square Shopping Centre (outside of Coles) and at Council’s Seniors Morning Tea.

Donations can also be made by cheque and mailed to PO Box 154, Mareeba QLD 4880. Please make the cheque payable to ‘Mayor’s Appeal Gift Fund’. Visit Council’s website and search ‘Mayor’s Christmas Appeal’ for more information.

A final Amaroo Park community information Launch into the holidays! Want to build rockets with session to present the action plan will be held at a future astronaut?

8.30am to 10.30am, Wednesday, 13 December 2023 at Amaroo Park.

Learn all about space and how to launch a rocket with

Mayor Angela Toppin

To help residents prepare for natural disasters, Mareeba Shire Council participated in Get Ready Queensland activities throughout October and November.

Cr Daniel (Danny) Bird DannyB@msc.qld.gov.au 0467 304 744

www.msc.qld.gov.au

Nominations for Mareeba Shire Council’s 2024 Australia Day Awards are now open!

These prestigious Awards are presented at a ceremony that coincides with Council’s Australia Day and Citizenship Ceremony, which will be held on Thursday 25 January 2024.

Nominations must be received by 3:00 pm Thursday, 7 December 2023.

For further information and to nominate, please visit Council’s website or scan the QR code.

Cr Mary Graham

Cr Mario Mlikota

Cr Lenore Wyatt

MaryG@msc.qld.gov.au MarioM@msc.qld.gov.au LenoreW@msc.qld.gov.au 4092 1030 0428 402 015 0447 757 336

Visit Council's Customer Service Centres: 65 Rankin Street, Mareeba or 18-22 Arara Street, Kuranda

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Program gives youth good head start in employment A PROGRAM helping disengaged youth get back into school or into employment has taken off in Mareeba.

Organised by First Nations leader and Wakaman tribe man Joseph Callope, Skills 360 and Mission Australia, eight teenagers participated in the 12-week “Skilling Queenslanders for Work” course, learning hands-on skills that will help them in the workplace.

Students also learned how to write a resume and were encouraged to “come out of their shell” and build confidence.

Skills360 mentor Philip Knocks said their main focus was to help kids come out of the course with a qualification to give them a head start.

“These are kids that have been disengaged and not doing so good in school or have left school and haven’t found work yet,” he said.

“So, the focus was to get them their Cert I in construction, which includes a white card, and

Asherah, Elizabeth and Edwin painting the outside of the Courtney Street Community Church as a part of the Skills 360 “Skilling Queenslanders for Work” course.

also their first aid and CPR certificate.

“We had a Skills 360 trainer come around and teach them how to build little cubby houses with a typical house framing; we repainted the whole church (on Courtney Street) to help give back to the community and worked on, I guess, teamwork and coming together.”

Now the students have graduated the course, Joseph will be taking them on Country for one of his camps.

During the camp, they will learn about their culture and reconnection with the land.

He said he has already seen the positive impact the program and the camps have had on students and hoped he could continue helping them for years to come.

“I feel really proud of them,” he said.

“Eight of them have stayed the whole 12 weeks, and they have started to get closer to each other, and it's really good to see.”

Lions open two more units for pensioners

Malanda Lions and community members came together on Friday at the opening of the two new units.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

TWO new units for aged pensioners have been opened on Brown Street, Malanda by the local Lions Club.

On Friday afternoon, the Lions unveiled their two latest units for aged pensioners, marking the official opening ceremony conducted by Member for Hill Shane Knuth.

The new units bring the total count to five at the Brown Street location and contribute to a grand total of 18 units spread across the town of Malanda.

The new units also come with solar power and air conditioning along with undercover parking.

Malanda Lions president Cade Blakesley highlighted the increasing

demand for such units, driven by escalating commercial rents.

Gail Couchman has just moved into one of the newly completed units, and said she was happy with the modernness of her new home, particularly after living in a shed on a property.

“I love the way they are separate from each other, although I still have contact with my neighbours if I need them,” she said.

With space for an additional two units, Cade and the Malanda Lions are dedicated to meeting the housing needs of its residents and are actively exploring new suitable locations for future expansion.

The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 9

Hannah rises to global success

BY ELLIE FINK

Ravenshoe DUX awarded TWO Ravenshoe State School students have been recognised for their dedication to their studies this year, both receiving the DUX award.

This year’s Grade 6 DUX recipient was Mikaylee Gigliotti (above right) and the Grade 12 DUX recipient was Louie Morandin (above left).

While Louie takes the leap into adulthood next year, Mikaylee will step up to high school with hopes of also becoming the Grade 12 recipient when her time comes.

Learn about rockets with Toby THOSE wanting to learn all about becoming an astronaut are invited to join NASA Space Camp graduate Toby Fealy for his Rockets 101 presentation.

Toby was one of four Australians to attend the camp in the USA, bringing home a wide new knowledge about the space and the craft used to get there.

He is eager to share this knowledge over the school holidays with anyone of any age.

His first presentation will be on Tuesday, 5 December, at the Dimbulah Library from 10.30am until 12pm, followed by one at the Chillagoe Library on 6 December from 10.30am to 12pm. Next year, he will present at the Kuranda Library on 4 January from 10.30am to 12pm and on 11 January at the Mareeba Library from 10.30 until 12pm.

Bookings are essential. To book, visit www.msc.qld.gov. au/community/libraries/ and select Featured Events Bookings.

A CASUAL scroll on Instagram quickly became a once-in-alifetime opportunity for Atherton’s Hannah Smith, who is one of three Australians selected as a 2023 Rise Global Winner.

Seeing a personalised ad about the Rise program on her Instagram feed, Hannah decided to have a look to see what it was about.

“When I looked on the website, I saw that Rise was a program that found promising young people who aspired to make the world a better place,” she said.

“Upon further reading, I learnt of some of the benefits offered to Rise Global Winners and thought about applying, thinking ‘Why not? I’ve got nothing to lose!’”

The Rise program is a global program that seeks out promising young people and provides them with opportunities that allow them to work together to serve others over their lifetimes.

An initiative of Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust, Rise is the anchor program of a $1 billion commitment from Americans Eric and Wendy Schmidt to find and support global talent.

As a part of the program, Hannah had to do a research project and present it in her application.

Hannah’s project focused on “cultivating cultures of trust and connection within rural high school communities”, aiming to manage and improve the health and mental wellbeing of adolescents nationwide.

Her plan included the introduction of senior student mentors, the establishment of designated "wellbeing spaces" in schools, and the organisation of support groups run by students for students.

“I spent countless hours on my application, which consisted of written and videoed responses of me presenting my objectives, designs and plans,” she said.

“This project was important to me as I’m a passionate advocate for mental health. I’ve had some challenges throughout my years of high school, but persevered with the help of my teachers, friends and family.

“I’d like to devote myself to helping others manage their mental health and strive to support anyone who needs it. I was (and still am) able to do this, thanks to Rise.”

Her project was a hit, and Hannah was quickly nominated as a top 500 finalist, where she had the opportunity to participate in an online Youth Advocacy course called "We Are the Ones" with Africa Matters.

This experience allowed her to delve into important topics such as identity, intersectionality, feminism, activism, and leadership.

Her engagement on the topic and her ongoing dedication to the program paid off, and Hannah was one of three Australians and one of 100 worldwide applicants to be recognised as a Rise Global Winner.

“I was so surprised, shocked, to say the least. I opened the long awaited email late on 4 October (nearly midnight) and

Atherton State High School graduate Hannah Smith has been announced as a 2023 Rise Global Winner – only one of 100 across the world.

was too shocked to move,” she said.

“When my senses finally came back to me, I walked out to the living room where mum was sitting and held up my phone and said ‘I got it’.

“I burst into tears of joy, mum leapt up from the couch and held me in her arms. In seconds, the rest of my family was out of bed, circled around me, tears in their eyes.

“We celebrated in the morning with breakfast after I’d checked my emails 100 times over to see if what happened was real.

“I’m still in disbelief of my

achievement, but so honoured to have earned my place as a 2023 Rise Global Winner.”

As a Rise winner, Hannah will now have all of her university fees paid for by the Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust and will attend the Rise Residential Summit at Oxford.

Now that Hannah has graduated from Atherton State High School, she will be taking a gap year to work and refresh whilst exploring a career in education or engineering.

Applications for the 2024 Rise program are now open.

To apply, visit www.risefortheworld.org

THE BOB FABRIS EDUCATIONAL BURSARY Applications are invited from residents of the Mareeba Shire for the Bob Fabris Educational Bursaries to be made by the Robert Fabris Charitable Trust.

Applicants must be completing an approved course of study at post-secondary school, TAFE, business or university graduate level.

Enquiries and Application Forms may be obtained from Apels Solicitors & Notary, Mareeba 4092 2522.

The Trustees will not enter into correspondence regarding Applications, the Trustees’ decision being final.

All Applications will become the property of the Trustees.

Applications should be lodged before 4pm on 12th January 2024.

Solicitors for the Trustees: Daniela Parlapiano Apels Solicitors & Notary 138 Byrnes Street, MAREEBA, QLD. 4880 PAGE 10 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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Search on for local heroes Some of the graves restored at Mareeba’s Pioneer cemetery. BELOW: Just a few of the community members who have been volunteering their time for the project.

Community comes together to restore pioneer graves THE old adage “many hands make light work” has come to fruition at the Mareeba Pioneer Cemetery.

Over recent years, the historic site has been subjected to damage and vandalism and maintenance of the cemetery is under the Corrective Community Services supervisor Malden Bosnic who leads a team, providing much needed mowing, weeding, whipper snipping and tidying up, with only limited hours to do so.

During the pandemic the cemetery had no upkeep, which presented a challenge to get it back to a presentable standard.

In recent months, Mareeba History Facebook page administrator Michael Musumeci and a team of volunteers started a quest to return the important iconic site to its former glory.

While more than 170 graves have now been refurbished, he said there was many more to go and more volunteers and materials needed to complete the project.

“In early 2023, we recognised that the cemetery was in dire need of care and attention so we instigated particular days to help relatives locate unmarked graves, as well as commence cleaning and painting of many pioneer graves,” Mr Musumeci said.

“From that day forward, the project has continued to progress, with Crimestoppers and the Old Boys Club jumping on board.

“We went from 21 graves being painted on a weekend to a grand total of already 171 graves completed.

“Most of these graves, are over 100 years of age. They now look absolutely phenomenal and the cemetery is slowly coming back to it full glory.’’

Mr Musumeci said watching volunteers clean and paint the graves had truly been inspirational.

“Every grave is treated with the utmost of respect,” he said.

“The increase in volunteers has also been quite overwhelming with so many jumping on board

and dedicating their Saturdays.

“One weekend alone, we attracted some 36 volunteers, and nothing was stopping them - they cleaned and painted for hours and in total, a further 71 graves were completed.

“None of this could have been achieved without the generosity of the in-kind support from our growing number of volunteers, businesses and individuals who have also donated money, paint and their valuable time towards this project.

“Everything donated or in-kind support is deeply appreciated and certainly put to good use,” Mr Musumeci said.

“We have at least a further 300 plus graves to go and are still in dire need of paint, supplies and of course our most valuable asset, volunteers.”

The Pioneer Cemetery is the heart of Mareeba’s history, filled with so many pioneers ranging from explorers, veterans, iconic business people and their families, aboriginal people and so many young children.

“All deserve to be respected,” Mr Musumeci said.

If anyone can donate materials or assist, make contact with Mr Musumeci on 0429 60 1942.

The Mareeba History Facebook page is dedicated to sharing the town’s rich history, from pioneering days up to, and including, current historical events. The page shares historical information and unites old friendships. It currently has more than 8200 members.

NEW LOOK

HEROES come in all shapes and sizes, ages and backgrounds, according to 2022 Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland Hero Emma Jackson of Wolverton Station.

Emma was nominated for the award after she saved her friend’s life while on the station in 2021.

She was announced winner of the Far North section and then went onto win the Queensland Hero where she was awarded a $20,000 grant, provided by Ergon Energy Retail, to support a healthcare initiative in her community.

“To be nominated was a little surreal. To win the state hero was a wow factor. It was exciting and surreal at the same time,” Emma said.

Emma used her grant to start a Horse Wisdom Program and this award opportunity has opened the door to extended funding.

The two-day program was successfully launched in June, offering participants the opportunity to work and communicate with horses which in turn helps to develop more control over feelings and thoughts while gaining a

Wolverton Station’s Emma Jackson was nominated for and won the 2022 Royal Flying Doctor Service Local Hero award for Queensland. Nominations are now open for the 2023 award.

clearer understanding of how these affect their choices and behaviours.

It’s a collaboration with the RFDS and Ergon Energy to deliver the free program to communities throughout Far North Queensland.

“It’s wonderful to be able to embark on this program with the help of the grant from Ergon Energy Retail,” Emma said.

She said the award helped to build her credibility with the RFDS and exposed her program to the broader community and the role she plays.

So much so, funding for the program will continue for the next two years.

“They recognise this is preventative work…the more of that we do, the less need there is for mental health services,” Emma said.

“These two days could really help people to have more control over feelings, be more aware of limiting thoughts and see how these affect their choices and behaviours.”

Emma encouraged anyone to nominate a person they felt was a hero for this year’s award.

“I think that the key message is you don’t have to save someone’s life to be a hero,” she said.

“If anyone is contributing out of genuine sincerity and showing that they care, they are being a hero…If you think anybody is a hero, nominate them.”

Local heroes can be nominated from anywhere across Queensland, with nominations closing on 12 December. Nominate a hero at www. rfdslocalhero.com.au

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

Vote for your favourite!

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

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Atherton Square, Cook Street, Atherton PHONE 4091 3919 www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 11

Don’t miss out!!!

13 Street,

English Malanda

PHONE: 07 31328091

EMAIL: admin.nre@tablelands.com www.tablelands.com

Saturday December 2 young talent from in2dance are performing at Atherton High Hall.

Matinee 1.30pm & evening show 6.30pm. Tickets are now available online at https://www. trybooking.com/CMBNR Always great entertainment for the whole family, Tableland dancers from 3 to 18yrs will get their feet dancing to hits from musicals as diverse as Barbie to Les Miserable, Sing to West Side Story, or even High School Musical to Chicago.

Performing for a supportive audience is such a reward for the

student’s efforts throughout the year. The dancers love performing for their family & community.

Our littlies (under 8’s), and our awesome Ravenshoe dancers have already had their onstage experience with a morning tea mini show last month.

This time it’s our 8’s & over to our talented seniors who shine in statewide competitions & excel in their world-standard examinations that will hit the stage!. They will perform original choreography in a range of dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop & lyrical all presented with imaginative costuming, lighting, and sound.

The talented team of dance teachers at in2dance have created a wonderful experience for dancers and audience alike.

You will be truly amazed at the brilliance of the young performers in our community. The excitement and energy generated

by their annual concert is second to none!

Don’t miss out on being part of something Spectacular! Two shows only 1.30 & 6.30pm.

2023 WRAP: There are so many things that happen throughout the in2dance year. Our recreational dancers are developing their skills week by week, improving & enjoying dancing with their friends and taking part in community events at our local Maize Festival.

Our dedicated dancers have also stepped up at local competitions in Innisfail & Cairns improving, gaining valuable stage experience (& some medals & trophies) along the way.

Those who chose an even higher level in 2023 were successful at State & Australian titles. Lilly Lennon won 4th place in the ATOD Qld Junior Contemporary titles & Highly Commended in

the Qld ATOD Junior Jazz titles.

Madison Stansby placed 2nd in the Qld Senior Jazz Championships and won 1st in the inaugural Qld Senior Contemporary Championship.

Madison went on to win the ATOD Australian Contemporary Championship. What an achievement!

Along with competitions some of our dancers set a goal & completed their RAD Ballet and/ or Jazz, Contemporary, tap and hiphop exams. Achieving their goals with great results. All of these dancers will be performing with pride at their end of year concert “Musical Feet”. Come along and support their talent & drive.

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Santa pics for kids

THIS year, Emerald Creek Ice Creamery has put “to help the animals” on their Christmas wish lists, inviting locals to get photos with Santa all to raise funds for the Mareeba Animal Refuge.

This is the first time the ice creamery has hosted this event, with Santa Claus visiting between 3pm-5pm this Friday 1 December and Saturday 10am-12pm for pictures. There will also be pony rides on Saturday.

The first photo with Santa is $10, with all additional photos costing $5 extra. All photos will be delivered electronically.

All funds raised will go to the local animal refuge to help them rehabilitate, feed and house dogs and cats before adoption.

Store manager Tim Roberts with Yungaburra Foodworks owners, Kate and Phillip Mete celebrate the national award.

Yungaburra store named best in Australia YUNGABURRA Foodworks might be small, but it’s certainly mighty.

The store has just been awarded the National Local Store of the Year at the Australian United Retailers Awards.

It’s the third time the store has been recognised with this award and owners Kate and Phil Mete put the success down to their hardworking staff.

The couple have owned the store for more than 15 years “To get it (the award) again was nice to see the hard work pay off,” Kate said.

“We source locally where we can. We make it a high priority to stock quality produce, local products and have a clean and tidy store.”

Kate said store manager Tim Roberts was exceptional at his job and used his ex-

pertise to guide the staff in the right direction.

Tim has been with the business for about two and a half years and Kate said his direction has fine-tuned the store to get it where it is today.

The independently-owned store is made up of 26 casual and permanent staff, Yungaburra Foodworks is a supermarket filled with familiar faces.

Kate said it wasn’t unusual to see staff members helping customers with their groceries to their car; it was all part of the service they were proud to offer the community.

Whilst the store is small, it’s well supported and stocked full of local products including artisan cheeses, meats, bread and produce.

“We are regularly quoted on having a really good cheese range.”

Kate said it was great to be part of the FoodWorks network.

Open seven days a week, 7am-8pm, it’s a hotspot for weekend visitors who travel to enjoy Lake Tinaroo but they also service the immediate township and all over the Tablelands.

“We are proud of our store and staff; they keep it like their own. We make a point of having something different for our customers.”

Australian United Retailers support independently owned supermarkets, convenience and liquor retailers. They trade under known retail brands such as FoodWorks, Farmer Jack’s, Green Grocer, Foodstore and more.

Second place will be honoured with a $300 prize, while the third-place winner will receive $200, thanks to Lindsay Transport and Lindsay Rural.

FNQ Growers president Joe Moro said the competition was one of the many things at Christmas time that brings joy to the community.

“People get excited reading who has the biggest mango each week and finding out who is entering,” he said.

“Mangoes are a very special fruit and a lot of people feel like it symbolised what it means to

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Mango comp is on again ATTENTION all mango growers – it's that time of the year to showcase your finest mangoes as the annual The Express and FNQ Growers Kensington Pride (KP) Mango Competition kicks off this week.

Whether you're a seasoned farmer, a casual grower, or a first timer, this competition is open to everyone, offering a $500 prize for the grower of the largest KP mango.

In last year’s competition, we saw Steve Gould secure the victory, with a “whopper” entry of 1.840kg.

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be a Queenslander.”

To enter, drop your mango off at The Express office at 186 Byrnes Street Mareeba or to Mr Moro alongside a photo of the mango on scales.

All entries will be inspected and consumed by the director.

Entries close 31 January, 2024.

THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER - 9AM NOTE: CHANGE OF DATE

On instructions from the Vendor - Sale of Excess Farm Equipment

KUBOTA 4WD TRACTOR & SIDE BY SIDES, TRAILERS, DIESEL TANK, BAGGING MACHINES, ROLLER CONVEYOR, 140KVA DIESEL GENERATOR Farm Equipment: Bandit 1590XP Woodchipper, Kubota 4WD Tractor & Orchard Mister, Silvan Storm 5000 Mister, Silvan 3500 Mister, Self-Steering Spray Trailer, Banana Bagging Machines & Haul Out Trailers, Diesel & Travelling Irrigator, Farm Trailers, Diesel Tanks, 140Kva Diesel Generator, Mango Harvest Trailer, Pumpkin/Watermelon Conveyor, Shed Frames, Nursery Seedling Tables & Trays, Quad Spray Tanks. Farm Vehicles: Ford Courier & Mazda Bravo Utilities, Toyota Hiace Bus, Kubota Side by Sides RTV900 & RTV500.

Banana/Fruit Processing & Packing Line: To be sold Piecemeal - incl. Bunch Lines, Troughs, Conveyors, AND 50Kg Platform Scales, Pallet Stackers. Misc: WEG Variable Speed Controller, Clisby 500 Series Compressor, Banana Mats, Bell Injectors, Ladyfinger Rubber Bands, Etiquetadora Hand Labellers, Pneumatic & Hydraulic Pole Saws, Cavendish & Ladyfinger Bags, Irrigation Pipe & Fittings, Tree Netting, Electrical Cable, Pressure Pumps, Picking Bags, Fruit Processing Line Components incl. Conveyors, Brushes, Wheel, Sorting Bins.

Note: A 10% + (GST) Buyers Premium will be added to the knockdown price of each lot sold. This is a GST Excl. Sale VIEWING WEDNESDAY6 DECEMBER 9AM - 3.30PM 3595 KENNEDY HWY & 28 REYNOLDS STREET, MAREEBA

PLEASE NOTE: NO AUCTION DAY SITE ACCESS, LIVE ON LINE ONLY Visit our Website to Create Your Account for Online Bidding & Subscribe for our Flyer & Catalogue - www.quaidauctioneers.com.au

AU C T I O N E E R S & VA LU E R S

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www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 13

Time running out for rebate

TIME is running out to buy energy efficient appliances and get up to $1000 back through the $44 million State Climate Smart Energy Savers initiative.

Washing machines have been the most popular appliance purchased through the program, totalling about 35% of approved rebates, while refrigerators accounted for 30% and dishwashers accounted for 16%.

In the Cairns region, which includes Mareeba and the Tablelands, the program has delivered 223 new air conditioners, 396 washing machines, 96 clothes dryers, and 226 dishwashers.

The program offers cash back of up to $1000 on a range of appliances with energy-efficiency ratings of 4 stars or better.

Householders who make the switch to energy efficient appliances can expect to slash their energy bills by about $102 on average each year, while also reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by about 0.27 tonnes CO2-e.

Locals have just under one week left to purchase new appliances and install air conditioners and hot water systems, to be eligible for the rebate.

For those still wanting to apply, plug-in appliances such as dryers, dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerators must be purchased on or before 4 December.

To find out more, go to www.queenslandsavers.qld.gov.au

Free flu vaccinations for 2024

ALL eligible Queenslanders can receive free flu vaccinations next year under a multi-million-dollar push to boost immunisation rates.

The program will be rolled out from the start of the 2024 flu season and covers the cost of providing vaccinations to all Queenslanders above the age of six months.

The ongoing initiative is an extension of the free programs that ran during the 2022 and 2023 seasons and saw 912,000 Queenslanders take up the offer.

Queenslanders will be able to access free vaccinations at GPs and pharmacies from when the new seasonal flu vaccination becomes available.

On farm fun for all to enjoy

BY ELLIE FINK COLOURFUL and unique animals from all corners of Australia live together in Harmony at Hectic Valley Farm, where the owners are welcoming visitors to come meet and feed their friendly “family”.

Home to a family of happy camels, cheeky water buffalo, quick-running geese, very vocal sheep and a peacock as white as snow, owners Kirsty and Anne Weir’s passion is to create a loving and safe environment where people can interact and learn about animals.

Kirsty has always been in love with animals, and when she moved to Mutchilba, she knew she wanted them all around her.

“We have always had a love for animals, and they all sort of have their place on the farm – not gimmicks by any means,” she said.

“We absolutely love them all, and the more, the merrier. We have always had the Clydesdale, and then we got the sheep, which are purebred dorpers, and they thrive in this country.

“And then we have the cattle and some calves and now the camels, which are great weed control and the sweetest animals.”

The idea of opening Hectic Valley Farm to the public came after a discussion about the growing popularity in Hipcamping.

Hipcamp allows property owners to host people on their property to camp.

“Someone mentioned it, and we thought we had to do it when the season was right,” Kirsty said.

“There was a lot of interest from people wanting to see the animals and help feed them and stuff like that, even from locals in Dimbulah.”

While hosting young families, Anne and

Kirsty and Anne Weir with their resident camels and calves at Hectic Valley Farm. BELOW: Gidget the Camel is available for kisses and cuddles at the Farm.

Kirsty quickly noticed a sense of anxiety when children were meeting unusual animals.

They believe due to housing situations, families are unable to expose their children to animals, and they want to help them gain confidence and learn to be safe around any creature.

“There’s a shortage of places where kids can come and interact with animals,” Anne said.

“Kids just aren’t getting the contact they need, and we would like to see them not afraid of animals.

“They can be cautious, and that is completely fine, but not scared, and that is the main thing.

Nobody here on the farm will hurt them, they are all very polite and enjoy the company.

“So, I guess the main aim at the moment is to help people get that experience and exposure to animals.”

Their approach on animal “therapy” has already benefitted many children and their parents who have come onto the farm.

Going from anxious and scared to touch a horse to cuddling up close with their water buffaloes, the growth within each visitor is what makes the Weir family feel proud of what they have created.

The future of Hectic Valley Farm is looking bright, with a few more things left to do to make the farm experience better for everyone.

Besides upgrading the farm, Kirsty hopes she can start looking at ways to educate visitors on the animals, passing her passion and knowledge down to the next generations.

“I guess the vision is to give it more of a professional look,” Kirsty said.

“We have a few more things to tidy up and to grow. We still want to keep it small and not go overboard, but I am thinking of adding a bit of shade and some information cards and do some open days.”

Those wanting to feed the animals are invited to their farm on 50 Springmount Road this Saturday from 9.30am and 4pm and Sunday 9.30am.

These times are subject to change depending on the weather, so keep an eye on the Hectic Valley Farm Facebook page for more information.

we can

PAGE 14 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Hunt on to find Coco a new home

Mental health benefits flow to rural areas AN animal health business has reached its goal of raising $100,000 for the Beyond Blue Support Service to support mental health initiatives and reduce stigma around mental illness in rural and regional Australia.

Zoetis started partnering with Beyond Blue in 2016, and since then, has raised $800,000 for the service by donating $5 from each sale of the company’s livestock, pig, and poultry vaccines and drenches.

Increasing interest rates, inflation, rising living costs and concerns about the future are among the primary causes of community concern for

BY CHELSEA ASHMEADE A “SUPER sweet” dog called Coco is on the hunt for a new home, and Remote Animal Assistance Far North Queensland is trying to find her one.

The six-month-old Bull Arab cross landed at the pound when she was just 12 weeks of age.

According to RAA founder Jess Leeming, Coco is incredibly smart, affectionate, and loving.

“She can even kiss on request. She loves going for walks at the beach and would be well suited to a family with kids,” Jess said.

“Although Coco's current foster carer loves her very much, he's going on holiday soon. To avoid causing Coco stress by moving her around and allowing her to become attached to another carer, we're on the search for an urgent forever home for her.”

Jess said her carer described Coco as friendly, gentle and intelligent.

“Her favourite things to do with her current foster carer are going to the pub - she loves to meet new people, chill out by her carer's side, and receive oodles of pats from passersby, and beach walks,” she said.

“She loves playing in the water, jumping on rocks, and running around in the sun.

“She loves kids, gets along well with oth-

people living in regional Australia, according to a survey

by Beyond Blue.

However, despite the importance of seeking help for mental health, many Australians are hesitant to do so, especially in rural areas where there is a stigma surrounding mental illness.

Money raised went directly to the Beyond Blue Support Service to continue helping people living in remote areas.

For more information about depression and anxiety, visit www.beyondblue.org. au. To talk to a mental health professional for free, contact the 24/7 Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 224 636.

Coco is a six-month-old Bull Arab cross looking for her forever home through the Remote Animal Assistance FNQ. She is an incredibly smart, affectionate, loving and will even kiss on demand.

er dogs, and would be suitable for any kind of home - whether as an only dog with an active owner, a house with other dogs, or a house full of kids.”

Coco’s carer is going away on 9 December and Jess said they hoped to find a home before then.

Jess said Coco is located in Cairns but RAA can arrange for a meet and greet to take place on the Tablelands.

All of her vet work (desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, health check) is completed and up to date.

“If we think Coco is a great match for their home, we will work with them to arrange an initial meet and greet,” Jess said.

“From there, we enter our two-week mandatory trial period so that adopters can be sure she's the right fit for them. If anything changes during this 2-week trial, we will take her back into care and they'll receive a full

refund of her $380 adoption fee.”

For more information about Coco visit www.savour-life.com.au/adopt-a-dog/ search-now/view/64697 Potential adopters can submit an enquiry via the SavourLife Adopt-A-Dog platform and RAA will respond with the adoption enquiry form. Alternatively, a digital version of the form can be found via: www.remoteanimalassistance.com/enquire RAA was established in October 2022 and has helped save 63 animals during this time.

Jess said their focus was primarily on animal rescue from remote communities across FNQ, but they had strong working relationships with other pounds to step in at times when animals closer to home needed their help.

Visit the website above for more information.

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Atherton Gas and Camping has just celebrated their 20th year of being a Weber BBQ Specialist on the Tablelands.

Owners, Roger and Annette Wadley said “Over the past 20 years we’ve been truly honored to be part of the exceptional Weber brand that has earned the trust and respect of so many customers”.

This milestone celebration coincides with the release of the all-new Weber Q range of barbecues. These exciting new models offer a variety of new features, including both low ‘n’ slow and searing hot burners.

Lots of new benefits that make outdoor cooking easy, fun, and delicious.

The Specialist Dealer range comes in different colours, such as sky blue, flame red, midnight black, charcoal grey and smoke grey.

These new specialist premium models have a temperature gauge with electronic ignition.

“When you are part of a local rural community it’s great to offer these exceptional products so customers don’t have to trav-

Roger and Annette Wadley el to get great products and service.” Annette Wadley said.

Weber has received many awards and recognitions from independent consumer groups in Australia over the years, such as: Choice Recommended and Choice Best BBQ Brand Australia, held for the past 5 years, Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brand, for the past 10 years and Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customers-Australia.

These endorsements reflect Weber’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer service and show why Weber is a great choice for barbecue lovers.

Atherton Gas and Camping look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional products and service to barbecue enthusiasts across the Tablelands and beyond.

Come in a see the friendly team at Atherton Gas and Camping, 27 Mabel Street, you’ll be amazed at the huge range.

The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 15

Merry Mareeba

Carols  BY 



CANDLELIGHT

FACE PAINTING

BRING A CHAIR OR BLANKET

Celebrating the start of the festive season

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

CHRISTMAS FAMILY PHOTOS

CANDLES ON SALE

SANTA, MRS CLAUS AND THE ELVES WITH LOLLIES FOR ALL

CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND PERFORMANCES ON STAGE

LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE

CAFES, RESTAURANTS & SHOPS OPEN

CHRISTMAS CARD MAKING

STORY TIME

LIVE MUSIC

THIS FRIDAY 1ST DECEMBER – DOWNTOWN MAREEBA – ST STEPHEN’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE

St Stephen’s Catholic College is a co-educational secondary college offering a high quality and inclusive educational experience for students on the Tablelands. A St Stephen’s education empowers young people to look forward to a bright future with options and opportunities.

The St Stephen’s approach to learning is student-centred and provides connections for young people to achieve their personal best in a supportive environment with high expectations. Our spirit of service drives our students to step up to make the world a better place.

MARKETS, SHOPPING, FOOD & FUN FROM 5.30PM MAIN SHOW ON STAGE AT 6.30PM Visit the College website for more information on our quality Catholic secondary education.

The event, brought to you by Mareeba Rotary, will be centered around Anzac Park on Byrnes St

MORO AUTO REPAIRS

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Lot 3, McIver Road Mareeba PO Box 624 Mareeba Qld 4880 Phone: (07) 4086 2500 Email: ssm.office@cns.catholic.edu.au www.sscc.qld.edu.au

PAGE 16 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

PHOTOS BY DENIM AND LACE PHOTOGRAPHY.

Dimbulah’s Christmas Under the Stars Saturday 25 November

CYNTHIA LUI MEMBER FOR COOK Cook Electorate Office Closure: Our office in Cairns will be closed from Wednesday 20th December until Monday 8th January, 2024.

Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

May peace, love and prosperity follow you always.

P: 07 4223 1100 | E: cook@parliament.qld.gov.au Commonwealth Centre, Suite 3, Cnr Grafton & Shields Sts, CAIRNS Q. 4870 Facebook: facebook.com/CynthiaLuiMP | W: cynthialui.com.au www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 17

@fnqgrowers WWW.FNQGROWERS.COM

r e n n i D a l Ga Established 1944

THANK YOU

Thanks to your support $13,550 was raised for the Mareeba Friends of the Hospital Founda�on at the FNQ Growers Gala Dinner on 1st September, 2023 MAJOR DINNER SPONSOR PRE-DINNER MARQUEE SPONSOR DRINKS SPONSORS

ASSOCIATION SPONSORS

Casali's Platinum Sponsors  Blenners Transport  WFI  Moro Auto Repairs

Gold Sponsors  Mareeba Mazda Mitsubshi  The Express  Mete’s Hedge trimmers  TGT

Silver Sponsor

 Sunwater  Warehouse WDP  Citrus Australia  JE Tipper  Soncin Electrical Pty Ltd

Bronze Sponsors  QITE  Shane Knuth  Burrotronics  P & C Automation  Explore Property  Golden Drop Winery

THANKS THE GROWERS WHO DONATED PRODUCE FOR THE AUCTION  Gala� Family - Grapefruit, Mandarin, Limes & Cumquats  Makse & Denise Srhoj – Bu�ernut and Jarradale Pumpkin  Con & Carla Iacutone – Limes  Howe Family – Bananas  Vince & Connie Mete - Capsicums, Kent Pumpkin & Tomatoes  Lecker Farming - Red Papaya  Adfresh Farms (Torrisi Family) - Basil  Pinata - Pineapples  Daintree Fresh - Seedless Watermelons & Rockmelons  Quin�eri Family - Tomatoes  Costa Group - Blueberries  Westwood Farming - Passionfruit  Romeo’s - Red & White Grapes  Ugo Curcio - Sweet Potatoes & Potatoes  Mark Letcher - Passionfruit  John Edwards - Red & Green Cabbage

Auction

THANKS TO THE WINNING AUCTION BIDDERS  Lecker Farming  Bendigo Bank  Mareeba Rotary Club  Lindsay Rural  Lindsay Transport  JE Tipper  EE Muir  Exodas  Nutrien Ag Solu�ons  TGT Pty Ltd  JA Slashing  G & G Gala�  M & J Taylor  Leadwood Farming

Thank you f your supp t in 2023 PAGE 18 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Whitney Grieshaber and Allanah Follas.

Malanda Christmas Street Festival Malanda Primary School students Tanami Nightingale, Gabriella Petersen and Holly Russell.

Thursday 23 November

Kirby and Alicia English.

Christmas stallholder Karissa Martin.

Malanda Primary Scholl choir entertained.

Jacqueline Kidd and Kaitlyn Mathews.

Nicola Daaboul.

*This service travels via Caravonica, Trinity Bay High and TAFE, school days only.

For further information on any of these services please visit:

Saori Yamamota.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

www.transnorthbus.com.au Or phone 3036 2070 during office hours

The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 19

Our Council Our Community Projects & Programs Update

Mayor’s Community Christmas Appeal

Plant Pots Needed

These projects and programs will commence, continue or be completed in December (weather and resources permitting): • Slashing in East Barron, Ellinjaa, Maalan, Mungalli, Peeramon, Upper Barron, Wongabel and Yungaburra.

• Bitumen road reseals across the region.

• Grading in Beatrice, Butchers Creek, Glen Allyn, Herberton, Jaggan, Ravenshoe and Topaz.

• Asphalt repairs on Churchill Street, Malanda and Russell Road West, Lake Eacham.

• Design and construction of a water treatment facility in Ravenshoe, and constructing a new water main from Ravenshoe to Millstream Estate.

• Installation of a new weighbridge at Innot Hot Springs Transfer Station.

Follow these and other projects and programs at trc.qld.gov.au/projects.

While Christmas is a joyous time for many, there are others in our community who struggle through the festive season. A small donation to the Mayor’s Community Christmas Appeal can make a difference to people and families in need.

Drop cash or cheques into the donation tins at any of our customer service centres (Atherton, Herberton, Malanda and Ravenshoe) or deposit funds into the Tablelands Regional Council Community Christmas Appeal Gift Trust — BSB 084 512, Account Number 144 690 848 (put your name in the description). Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

Donations will provide food vouchers for use in local supermarkets.

You can also leave new toys (not handmade) and gift cards for teenagers under the Giving Tree at Atherton Big W or at the Salvation Army Family Store in Tolga. Non-perishable food can be dropped at our customer service centres or at Better Together Community Centre, ECHO Empowering Services Neighbourhood Centre, Ravenshoe Community Centre, St Vincent de Paul Society in Atherton and Ravenshoe, and Salvation Army in Tolga and Herberton.

Have you got unwanted plant pots laying around? Our Community Revegetation Nursery needs super tubes — pots that are 70mm square x 160mm high. Drop pots (they don’t need to be clean) at the nursery at Winfield Park on Lake Barrine Road near Malanda at any time. Leave them at the gate if the nursery is closed.

Work With Us We are accepting applications for a Plumber until 5pm Sunday 10 December. Find out more and apply at trc.qld.gov.au/careers. Register to receive our career opportunities by email at trc.qld.gov.au.

Christmas Lights Competition Join the Christmas cheer by decorating your home and garden, and nominating your house and/or street for the much-anticipated Christmas Lights Competition. Nominate by 9am Monday 4 December at trc.qld.gov.au/christmas-lights.

We’ll share a list of the participating houses and streets so you can follow the Tablelands Christmas Lights Trail across the community, and you’ll have the chance to vote for your favourite house between 12noon Monday 11 and 4pm Wednesday 13 December.

Bin Collection Times Are Changing Remember to have your bins out before 5am on the day of collection to ensure they are picked up! Find out what bin needs to go out at trc.qld.gov.au/bin-collection-calendar.

LEVEL

Nominate them today! trc.qld.gov.au/australia-day by 5pm Monday 18 December

2 WATER

R E S T R I C T I O N S

Council Meetings 9am Thursday 7 December (Planning Committee) 9am Thursday 14 December (ordinary meeting) Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street, Atherton.

These meetings are live streamed and recorded.

See socials and trc.qld.gov.au/meetings for agendas, minutes, recordings and live stream links.

Australia Day Awards 2024

6–7am and 6–7pm ONLY Day

Odd-numbered properties on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays.

Even-numbered properties on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays.

Handheld hoses with a trigger nozzle, watering cans and buckets can be used at anytime.

TABLELAND REGIONAL GALLERY

By Jan Sargeant On display until Saturday 27 January

FOYER GALLERY

By Tableland Regional Art Society On display until Tuesday 30 January

Free Be Connected Webinars Connecting To Others 9am Tuesday 5 December Protect Yourself Against Scams 2pm Wednesday 6 December

OLD POST OFFICE GALLERY

By Fred Masina, Daniel Joseph and the Jitta Art Weavers On display until Saturday 27 January

Atherton Library | Book on 4089 2247

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Tablelands Region and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

PAGE 20 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Customer service centres in Atherton, Herberton, Malanda and Ravenshoe www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

BETTER TOGETHER COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Grand opening of the new Atherton centre on Friday 24 November

Sylvia Turpin and Mary Walker.

Former CEO John Russell.

Vicki Wandersitz and Nicole Bachler.

Daryl Joseph and TRC Mayor Rod Marti.

Michelle McKew and Josie Sataro-Webb.

Cherie Creer, Amanda Davis and Talia Creer.

Better Together CEO Laree Verra at the grand opening.

Board members David Duncan and Lorraine Muckin.

Christmas Lights Competition Sponsored by:

Entries Close: Friday, 8 December 2023

Christmas-themed Augmented Reality (AR) Treasure Hunt

Find 5 types of animations at 55 locations across the Shire!

Nominations are now open for the Mareeba Shire Council and The Express Newspaper Christmas Lights Competition. Businesses and residents are encouraged to light up for Christmas!

Council will launch a Christmas-themed augmented reality (AR) treasure hunt on Friday, 17 November 2023.

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

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

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

How to enter our competition: 1. Download the free CreativiTek app on your smartphone or tablet. Scan the above QR code to download the app.

2. Open and hold the app over the image on the sticker.

3. Hold the circle to record a video of your friends or family members dancing.

4. Follow the prompts to enter our competition online to stand a chance to win one of two hampers worth over $500.

Competition close, Wednesday, 13 December 2023.

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

Enter the competition here

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Download the app here

The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 21

Students put robots to the test YOUNG intelligent minds from Malanda State School put their imagination to the test, competing in the regional VEX Robotics Championships.

VEX Robotics, an international competition that brings schools from around the globe together, challenges teams in a series of exhilarating tasks.

These challenges include the design and construction of robots, interviews with judges, robot coding, and even team robot driving challenges.

In their inaugural year, the Malanda State School Robotics Team, who was the only Tablelands team in the region to compete, squared off against some of the most experienced opponents in the Far North.

They managed to qualify one of their teams, "Team D," for the finals, finishing in 10th place.

The excitement from the finals rippled through the other teams, with "Team A" securing a 12th place finish, "Team C" closely behind at 13th place, and "Team B" securing the 15th spot.

Despite the slight disappointment there was no “robot fighting” like in movies, MSS Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) teacher Greg Lanyon said it was an experience the team will never forget.

“Our debut at the VEX Robotics Championships was amazing," he said.

“We were in a league of seasoned competitors, and our students held their ground, even

Malanda State School students had to put their minds to the test, building robots to navigate certain tasks.

exceeding our own expectations.

“It's safe to say that Malanda State School will be a force to

Donna Gandini, Susan Lamari, Jen Marsh and Wendy Smart.

RACE DAY FUN

reckon with in the future!”

The team are now getting ready to compete again next year.

ATHERTON TURF CLUB SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER

Braxton Palmer, Freya Cockrem and Jasmine Bubb competing in the VEX Robotics competition.

Students dig deep into soil research STUDENTS at Butchers Creek State School had the opportunity to delve into the dirt and learn about the importance of soil health.

Department of Natural Resources resource manager Neil Enderlin visited the local primary school recently to help students investigate the soil in their schoolyard.

They started off by collecting two soil samples by drilling into the oval and then compared the sample's colour, texture, depth, pH, dispersion and filtration.

“We were so grateful to Neil and his college for all of the time and effort that they put into preparing for the day and planning such engaging and practical ways for the students to build their knowledge,” principal Eleanor McKay said.

“We hope that the day was the beginning of a partnership that can take the student learning to great depths.”

Eva Bauer.

Solomon Davidson and Amber Barnes drilling soil from the school oval.

PAGE 22 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Amanda Saunders and Lizzie Clifton.

Viv Furber and Ivy Jones.

Doreen Ginn.

Nathan Brown and Chelsea McDonald.

Madonna Sharples and her son Rohan Sharples.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

2023 FORMAL

Jubilee Christian College Abigail Garate.

Adelaide Gilchrist.

Ava Rae.

Ayla Stevenson.

Ben Allgrove.

Bonnie Stegemann.

Clarice Badenhorst.

Clarry Farkash.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 23

2023 FORMAL

Jubilee Christian College

Ezra Scherwitzel.

Grace Kent.

Hayely Stark.

Hayley Chandler.

Jasmine Gibson.

Jeremy Blake.

Joseph Diachenko.

Kate Waters.

Laine Hensser.

PAGE 24 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

2023 FORMAL

Jubilee Christian College

Michael Alcala.

Naomi Kuhle.

Nathan Pelgrave.

Ryan Muller.

Sienna Compagne.

Stephanie Hubbard.

Ziya Nand.

Angel Pizzichemi and Partner.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 25

TABLELANDS TOY RUN 2023 Spreading cheer on Saturday 25 November

or s l e e h w o Tw .. . s l e e h w r fou ou y e v a h e W covered!

MAREEBA 4092 2290 • ATHERTON 4091 1122 MALANDA 4096 5300 • MOSSMAN 4098 1502 PAGE 26 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

100 YEARS OF BUSINESS 1923 ~ 2023

Celebrating a century of Stockman’s local eggs

Robin Stockman’s love for chickens has stayed with him his whole life.

BY ELLIE FINK

From humble beginnings 100 years ago, to the region’s largest producer of eggs…

A PASSION for supporting locals and producing the highest quality product possible is the secret behind North Queensland’s biggest poultry farm’s century of success.

Stockman’s Eggs began operation in 1923 when Reginald and Queenie Stockman saw a great future in the egg and poultry industry.

Today, the “local gem” is still operating under the family name, with Reginald and Queenie’s son Robin and his wife Desley stepping up to the helm as the owners and their son Scott preparing to take over.

Employing around 20 people on the farm and running more than 70,000 chickens, Stockman’s Eggs has grown to great extents since the day Reginald began operating.

Priding themselves on a “locals supporting locals” approach to business, Stockman’s Eggs has been essential in many local customers' diets, purchasing their fresh eggs from their farm in Kairi and from local stores.

After arriving in Australia from England in 1917, Reginald started working at the Kairi Research Station, researching the poultry industry.

“It was in 1923 that he decided that he might like to start his own egg business by purchasing the farm at Kairi, and that was where it started,” Desley said.

“He started with only 2000 chickens in old water tanks cut in

half with a bit of caging around it.

“He expanded into Tinaroo Hatchery here as well, but sadly, Reg died quite young, and we took over to carry on the legacy.

“We have expanded since then and are virtually the last poultry farm north of Brisbane of this size.”

The hatchery was the first of its kind in North Queensland, with Reginald spending countless hours hatching and selling thousands of chickens and eggs to customers across the region.

“Yes, they hatched a lot of chickens and transported them to customers on the railmotor, sending them down to Cairns and everywhere else, and the business built up from there,” Robin said.

Young Robin’s love for hens started early in life.

Stockmanʼs Eggs would like to thank all our customers for their continued support over many years. We look forward to your continued support at our farm shop or at your preferred local Stockmanʼs Eggs outlet for many years to come.

From our Family to your Family.

SOME OF OUR FAMILY Our grandchildren David, Jessica & Jacko.

THEN & NOW www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 27

100 YEARS OF BUSINESS 1923 ~ 2023

Queenie Stockman and her 'girls' at their pens.

Queenie Stockman and son Robin feeding the hens.

Reg Stockman preparing to plant corn, which is used to feed the chickens.

An old newspaper article placed by Reginald Stockman when he started the business.

“We are very proud of what we have achieved over the past three generations and hope that there will be more generations to follow”

Robin Stockman sorting and grading eggs 1960s.

JBT Aluminium & Parts

12 Costa Street, Tolga Qld. 4882 Phone: 0438 912 201 Email: jbtaluminium@gmail.com

Congratulate Stockman’s Eggs on 100 Years of business in our local area.

MALANDA Congratulations Gourmet Deli Stockman’s Eggs Groceries on 100 Years ATM of Business!

Fresh Produce Extensive Meat Range Plants & Herbs Trading Hours: Mon-Fri: 8am - 6pm Hot Food Sat: 8am - 5pm 2-10 English Street Email: mail@sparmalanda.com.au

PAGE 28 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

4096 7700

Sun: 9am - 6pm

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

100 YEARS OF BUSINESS 1923 ~ 2023

Growing for 100 years

DID YOU KNOW...

Proud family history

• Stockman’s Eggs runs 70,000 laying chickens and 20,000 grower chickens aged from a day old to 20 weeks.

TO celebrate their 100-year milestone, the Stockman family dusted off their old 1950 Bedford utility delivery car to showcase at the Atherton Maize Festival.

The old ute was essential to the business, carting eggs and chickens across the Tablelands and Cairns for their customers.

Pictured are three generations of Stockmans with the historic ute – Robin, holding his dog Dudley, his son Scott and Scott's children Ella, Ruby and Reggie.

• The two main breeds of chickens at the farm are Hyline and Lohmann (Isa Brown).

• Over 20 million eggs are produced on average every year. That is around 385,000 a week!

• This year is set to be their best year of production, making Stockman’s Eggs 100 year celebrations even better.

A LOT has changed at Stockman’s Eggs since Reginald and Queenie Stockman’s time, and as the world continues to shift and change, so will the farm.

New technology has been put in place since then, with one of their biggest achievements as a company this century being the introduction of automated systems.

“We were previously hand collect and hand feed … and mum and dad (Robin and Desley) had to make a choice to expand, and so they went down south and had a look at poultry farms with all the latest technology down there,” Scott said.

“It made life a lot more efficient for the farms down south with automatic collect and automatic feed.

“The cage and barn system were also in a controlled environment laying shed, so the chickens had constant feed and water each day and were in a shed that was at a constant temperature for ideal laying conditions and animal welfare.”

Purchasing a new system for “a few million” to expand,

Robin and Desley almost immediately saw the positive difference it made to the overall farm efficiencies.

From doing everything by hand to now using machines, Scott said the upgrades to the farm almost 20 years ago had made a significant difference to the quality of egg and work environment for their employees.

Their hard work and dedication to take the business into the “new age” was going strong until they were hit by Cyclone Larry in 2006, which destroyed their older sheds.

Their new systems were a victim of the damage, but the Stockman family showed great resilience, pulling together to rebuild while maintaining the quality of the product.

“We had to rebuild a lot of our older sheds, and that sort of made a point to us to get more automatic and more modern,” Scott said.

“It caused a lot of challenges on the way … but we still stand today with superior quality, and we really pride ourselves on that.”

For g n i h t y er ev ! g n i n a e in cl

• Comprehensive range of premium quality cleaning products • Extensive range of cleaning services

100 years of business is a great achievement for Stockman’s Eggs.

Congratulations to the Stockman family.

22 Tolga Road, Atherton • Phone 4091 5845 www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 29

100 YEARS OF BUSINESS 1923 ~ 2023

Making the perfect Stockman’s egg It all starts with the care of the younger chickens and right through their laying life.

Also being fed a top formulised quality ration using local corn and quality ingredients by one of Australia’s leading nutritionists, Advanced Rural, is crucial for the perfect Stockman egg to give the right yolk colour, freshness and quality shells.

It also required experienced staff on the grading floor to make sure every egg is of the finest quality, but all eggs must be refrigerated to maintain the freshness of the perfect Stockman egg.

The

BIG EGG

BIG PETE’S Plumbing

The team from Big Peteʼs Plumbing would like to congratulate Stockmansʼs Eggs on 100 Years and would like to extend our very best wishes for the next 100 Years and beyond.

IN 2018, Stockman’s made international news after collecting a giant egg weighing 176 grams with another egg inside.

The discovery by one of their employees, Zippy, had the whole world intrigued, making headlines in the United States, Ireland, England and beyond.

Scott Stockman told 9 News at the time that it was

very rare to find such a big egg and even rarer to find another egg inside it.

“It’s very rare to get such a big egg, and all of a sudden, there was another whole egg inside,” he said.

“We were all quite shocked. The nutrition must have been spot on to get the egg fully formed.”

Advanced Rural congratulate Stockman’s Eggs on 100 Years of Production.

Locally owned, manufactured and packed by Advanced Rural, Albrecht St, Atherton, Far North Queensland.

WEBSITE: www.advancedrural.com Phone: 07 4089 5500 | Fax: 07 4089 5555 | Email: orders@advancedrural.com PAGE 30 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

100 YEARS OF BUSINESS 1923 ~ 2023

Stockman’s looks to the next 100 years NEW regulations, rules and processes have meant many changes have had to be made to ensure safer and better quality eggs.

Over the next few years, even bigger changes will take place in the Australian Egg producing industry with the transition to Free Range and Barn Eggs.

By 2036, caged eggs will be completely phased out in the big supermarkets, and Stockman’s are prepared to tackle its biggest change in the industry yet.

“With cages phasing out into the barn and free-range, there is a lot of expenditure required to expand to have a balance with free-range,

barn and caged eggs,” Scott said.

Through every high and low, the Stockman family have always stood side by side with their customers in mind.

Robin and Desley said they are proud of their families' achievements over the past 100 years and are happy to see it still standing

glorious today.

“We are very proud of what we have achieved over the past three generations and hope that there will be more generations to follow,” Desley said.

“We would also like to thank all our suppliers, customers and staff who have contributed to the suc-

cess of our family business,” Robin said.

The future of Stockman’s Eggs is looking bright as they continue to look for ways to deliver quality, local, family-grown eggs across the region.

Pick up a carton of Stockman’s egg at a shop near you.

MyPak Packaging

Rock Ridge Farming congratulate Stockman’s Eggs on 100 years of production in our local region and beyond. www.rockridgefarming.com www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Suppliers of egg packaging to Stockman’s Eggs for over 20 years.

Congratulations to the Stockman family on their 100 years of production The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 31

ENTERTAINMENT Twilight market in Kuranda to support animals in need THE Mareeba Animal Refuge will be hosting a Twilight Market at the Kuranda Recreation Centre this weekend to raise funds for their shelter.

A variety of small businesses have banded together to make the markets happen, offering trinkets of all kinds ahead of Christmas.

“It is a great chance to get together as a community, do some Christmas shopping and support local,” refuge staff member Felicity Pollard said.

The markets will kick off from 4pm until 8pm at Kuranda Recreation Centre on Fallon Road this Saturday, 2 December.

Dancers set to shine at show

A VARIETY of well-known and loved musicals will be combined into one great big show at Atherton’s In2Dance end-ofyear show “Musical Feet”.

From the new Barbie movie and Chicago to Sing and West Side Story, to even a bit of Burlesque, several musicals have been interpreted into dance for each of the students to perform.

In2Dance principal Lorraine Peressini said the performance was special to her students, particularly her Grade 12 dancers heading to university next year.

“I feel teary just thinking about it, we have had most of these dancers here since they were like six years old,” she said.

“We are teaching more than just dance; we are also teaching them how to be professional and resilient … we are teaching them skills they can use in the workplace as well.”

There will be two show times this Saturday, one at 1.30pm and one at 6.30pm.

To book tickets, visit www.trybooking.com/CMBNR

EVERY THURSDAY Lunch & Dinner

MONSTER CRUMBED STEAK

With Chips & Gravy

1 7 90

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Learn the ins and outs of publishing your own book LEARN all the ins and outs of publishing your own book with Trinity Beach author Sam Woodgarth.

All keen writers, wantto-be authors and anyone interested in learning more about publishing a book are welcome to attend at Atherton Library on 9 December between 10.30-11.30am.

Sam, a retired teacher, said participants will learn how she got it wrong in the beginning and the experience she now carries with her to continue on her novel journey.

“I was a teacher and then a writer and then you have to become an entrepreneur,” Sam said.

Sam was devastated when she realised reality didn’t match the fictional worlds she read about.

So, she did what any sane person would: she created her own worlds where the good guys always win, and the bad

guys get their just desserts.

Flambe style.

From short women’s fiction - and shelving that in the bottom of her drawer - to a fictional series with hundreds of thousands of words, Sam will help answer questions writers might have.

Sam said if people want to write a book, they just need to start and learn along the way - get the story out and then work on the rest.

She encouraged people not to go out and start with a novel but to create short stories.

She wanted to publish a book her way and, with a team of helpers, she was able to do so.

“It is a team effort. It has been an enormous learning experience,” she said.

“You have to put your ego in the bathroom cupboard and let it have a tantrum there. Be humble,

Trinity Beach author Sam Woodgarth will share her journey to becoming a self-published author of her fictional series.

you do need to be open to advice. People can be horribly brutal but learn to take good feedback.”

Learn more about Sam’s journey to become a self-

published author at Atherton Library, 9 December from 10.30 to 11.30am.

Contact the library for more information on 4091 2229.

THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL Bundy Rum Cubes 24 Pack Cans: $92

Available at Cellarbrations Bottleshops: Centre Cellars Mareeba, Mareeba Plaza Cellars and the Graham Hotel Drive Thru.

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187 Byrnes St, Mareeba P: 4092 2588

JOKER JACKPOT 7.00PM

Friday Nights TAB LUCKY LOSER

4pm Saturday Afternoon

PAGE 32 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

ENTERTAINMENT

Late night shopping set for Atherton WITH Christmas just around the corner, business owners in Atherton are encouraging everyone to shop local, opening their doors late next Friday night for the Atherton Late Night Shopping event.

The shopping event has seen many formats over the years – this year 20 shops in Main Street will be getting involved.

From giftware to hairdressers and even cafes, many of the shops will have specials on the night ranging from discounts to giveaways.

Country Touches will have an instore lucky door prize, while one lucky Mensland customer will get their shopping free on the night. Crystal Caves is offering 20% off storewide, and the Atherton Décor will have 10% off storewide.

Tablelands Regional Council will also be turning the Christmas lights on through the main street to add to the atmosphere.

Over the years, the retailers in Atherton have offered donations, discounts and prizes to every community organization imaginable, including sporting events, school fundraisers and charities.

Christmas is a great way to give back to those businesses that have supported your community throughout the year.

Businesses who want to get involved can do so by advertising their late-night hours on their Facebook page and in other Facebook groups.

Mark Friday 8 December in your calendars for great night out in town.

Atherton business owners Rebecca Woods, Chloe Barr and Kay McDonald are excited to keep their doors open late next Friday for Christmas shopping.

JOIN US FOR

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

AND NIGHT MARKETS

DECEMBER 9TH 5:30pm til 9pm

Carols Commencing 6:30pm MERRILAND HALL ATHERTON SHOW GROUNDS

FOOD Carols performed by: & DR Joe and Wendy Paronella on sal INK e Disabilty Matters Sound Play Don Winsor SANT Kate Hunter with T A PHOTOS ony th Breeanna Horsefield e Pon y & many more!

Hosted by The Atherton Tableland Agricultural Society Inc. www.tablelandsevents.com.au

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 33

enter to win

$1,500

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SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM MANAGEMENT AND STAFF. 187 Byrnes St, Mareeba P: 4092 2588

Season’s Greetings from Management and Staff.

3 Beames Street, Mareeba Phone 4092 2086

CLOSED: December 24th - 27th OPEN: December 28th - 30th CLOSED: December 31st - January 3rd

Merry Christmas from the T-Hire Team!

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Season’s Greetings from Management and Staff!

Season’s Greetings from Management and Staff!

Season’s Greetings from Management and Staff!

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SEE THE EXPRESS CLASSIFIEDS PAGE FOR PROMOTION DETAILS, TERMS & CONDITIONS

PAGE 34 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

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Proudly supporting our local communities.

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Season’s Greetings!

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Seasons Greeting from Management and Staff.

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All clients attending an appointment during the month of December go into the draw to WIN a huge Christmas Hamper worth over $300 includes groceries and a Physio voucher.

We would also like to thank all our valued clients for their continued support and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year.

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The HUMPY/ NUT WORLD Season’s Greetings from Giovanna and Staff!

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Merry Christmas from the team at Far North Office Choice!

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SEE THE EXPRESS CLASSIFIEDS PAGE FOR PROMOTION DETAILS, TERMS & CONDITIONS

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 35

ON LAND the

MOU signed for avocado export EXPORTING Queensland avocados to China has moved a step closer with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Beijing between Avocados Australia and an agency that assists with market access.

As the largest avocado producing state in Australia, the Queensland Government firmly supports the sector gaining market access to China.

The MOU is with China Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Association (CIQA) — a not-for-profit organisation focused on the import and export inspection and quarantine sector.

CIQA also assists with overcoming technical barriers to trade agreements and other technical market access issues.

Under the MOU, CIQA has agreed to assist in sharing market intelligence, helping to develop frameworks for necessary R&D that feed into overcoming market access barriers and facilitating information sharing between China’s regulatory market access bodies and Avocados Australia.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queensland produced some of the best avocados in Australia which were very much in demand overseas.

“I’m very pleased to witness the signing of this MOU which supports the opportunity for Australian avocados to gain market access to China,” she said during her trip to China.

“This MOU will enable greater collaboration between CIQA and Avocados Australia, while bolstering industry development through R&D, ultimately growing Queensland’s avocado industry and increasing employment.

“I look forward to welcoming the CIQA team to Queensland and opening additional pathways for a future thriving avocado trade with China,” she said.

Farm plays it safe

BY BRIGITTE DALEY

WORKERS at FNQ Costa Farms were fortunate to have a visit by Worksafe Queensland Safety Ambassador and rugby league legend Shane Webcke earlier this month as part of the Costa National Safe Work Month activities.

Safe Work Month is held nationally each year in October.

However, it is not just about staying safe in October. It is of vital importance for workplaces to be safe every day of the year.

Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries to work in because of its combination of hazards which include plant and machinery.

WHS Manager FNQ Region - Berry Category Leonie Bryant said Costa was also hosting Shane at their berry farms in New South Wales and Tasmania in the coming weeks.

Shane delivered his presentation at the Costa Avocado Homestead Pack Shed in Tolga.

“The session was attended by 70 of our employees across our avocado, banana and berry farms on the Atherton Tablelands,” Leonie said.

“Costa places a strong emphasis on safety across all our

Costa staff who attended Shane Webcke’s safety presentation at the Costa Avocado Homeshed Pack Shed, Tolga, included Rob Hudson, John Stuart, Rodney Davis, Shane Webcke (presenter), Warren Smee, Lauren Mather and Andre Mohle.

operations and this year we wanted to do something a bit different to mark National Safe Work Month and thought a guest speaker would be engaging for our teams.

“Shane’s love of the land and farming along with his safety message made the perfect match for not only the FNQ Costa team but across the wider Costa Group.”

Leonie said that Shane’s “take home” key message for Costa’s

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PAGE 36 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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banana, avocado and berry teams was to always put safety first.

“The presentation just really brought home the message that we all need to take responsibility for safety,” she said.

“Shane’s presentation really brought home the message that complacency is the silent killer.

“The ‘she’ll be right mentality’ or ‘I have been doing this for years’, is not going to cut it.

“Safety is your decision!”

Shane shared the story about how his father’s tragic workplace death impacted his family and offered advice to staff about the importance of staying safe at work and creating a strong safety culture.

He discussed the importance of safety in not only the workplace but in everything that individuals do.

His motivation for accepting the role as Queensland Safety Ambassador was linked to the fact that he lost his father in a preventable workplace accident when he was in his late teens.

He feels that if he can change the attitude of even one person and prevent a tragedy happening to another family then his father’s death would not have been in vain.

A strong advocate for work safety, Shane has visited workplaces throughout Queensland to share his story and highlight the impacts that a work-related death, serious injury or illness

can have on workers and their families.

He encourages people to think twice about their own and their mates’ safety and help workplaces create and promote a positive safety culture.

Shane knows first-hand that family and loved ones are the most important reason for work safety.

He said parents would never want their children to grow up without knowing them.

He would never want anyone to endure what he and his family went through after his father’s death which was totally devastating and sadly, avoidable.

He is as passionate today as he was when he first started in his role as Queensland Safety Ambassador in 2015.

Group Manager WHS & Workers Compensation Mark Camilleri said it was a very worthwhile event.

“We were lucky to have Shane Webcke speak to our Costa staff and contractors at our Homestead farm in Tolga, Far North Queensland,” Mark said.

“Shane’s passion for farming and safety, along with his high energy delivery style and message, connected with the entire Costa team.

“After his presentation, Shane also spent time chatting with the audience more informally which was extremely well received.”

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

ON LAND the

Hand-grown, organic, Russian garlic ideally suited to Tablelands

BY BRIGITTE DALEY A UNIQUE crop which has been found to flourish on an Atherton Tablelands farm, had a surprising beginning after being discovered quite by accident.

Kalunga Produce owner Serena Vine said she enjoyed growing Russian garlic at Kalunga on the Atherton Tablelands.

Along with her parents, Serena purchased a family farm 16 years ago, which comprised of an old vineyard with fertile, flat ground and access to an abundance of water from Flaggy Creek which borders the property.

“As I love gardening and working on the land, I wanted to grow more than just a veggie garden for ourselves but something that would create an income as well,” Serena said.

“I had the land and water, I just needed to work out what would grow well here, the right crop that could tolerate the harsh winters.

“It wasn’t easy but I eventually tried garlic.

“I bought 140kg of New Zealand Purple from New South Wales, the old farmer liked my enthusiasm and threw in 10kg of Russian garlic for free to see how it would go.

“I was excited with my new venture, but even though we get very cold winters, always having at least a few frosts and sometimes some quite severe ones as well, it wasn’t cold enough for the New Zealand Purple and it was a failed crop.

“But the Russian garlic thrived, so I realised this was going to be my variety to focus

on, and once I did more research I realised this was a much better option for growing in North Queensland.

“So I replanted the 35kg or so from that crop and did this over and over again for the next five years to build up seed stock until I had a bit spare to sell to start covering some costs, while still increasing my crop size.

“In May this year I planted 360kg on my own, all by hand, I did all the paddock preparation myself.

“It is hard work but is also very rewarding to know I can do it without help.

“Harvest is usually in early December and the crop is looking really good this year.

“I have friends that come and help with harvest as that is more than a one person job.

“It must be dug/pulled from the ground then hung to dry and cure for six to seven weeks.

“From this crop I hope to harvest just over a tonne, but will have to save seed stock from this crop for next year’s crop.

“I mostly sell to locals that have heard about me from word of mouth or who are repeat customers that come back year after year.”

Serena said she has reached the maximum size that she can do on her own in the operation, as in order to expand she would need to employ help and build more drying sheds and infrastructure.

For the present time she is focusing on the quality and not quantity of her premium, handgrown, organic, Russian garlic.

“I spend a lot of time out in the paddock with my garlic,” she

said.

“This year I fertilised it all by hand using organic, liquid fertilisers like seaweed.”

Serena is hoping to implement a system which will streamline this management procedure next year.

Studies have shown that a multitude of health benefits can be experienced through the regular consumption of garlic.

These include helping to reduce high blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, reducing cholesterol levels and helping to prevent certain types of cancer.

Garlic assists in the control of Type 2 Diabetes, improves the health of the body’s digestive system, boosts the immune system and also detoxifies the body.

Hailed as a wonder health food since ancient times, it is high in antioxidants and because of this may also help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia.

It also has antibiotic properties and has been shown to improve athletic performance.

Customers’ favourite uses include roasting, sautéing, grating raw into salads and adding to stir-fries, pasta and guacamole.

“In recent years people are starting to realise that buying local organic foods is a much better option and the Tablelands has so much to offer,” Serena said.

“Australian garlic is much more flavoursome and beneficial health-wise than imported garlic and it makes sense to buy local.

For further information, contact Serena Vine at Kalunga Produce on 0438 941 262.

SUGAR REPORT WE SUPPLY: • Fertiliser • Chemicals • Soil Analysis • Great Advice 26 Reynolds Street, Mareeba Phone: 4092 2711 40-46 Eclipse Drive, Atherton Phone: 4091 3100

TABLELAND MILL CRUSHING STATISTICS WEEK ENDING 19/11/2023 2023 Crop Estimate: 770,000 Tonnes Total For Week: 26,183 Tonnes Total Cane Crushed To Date: 747,383 Tonnes Percentage Crushed: 97.06% CCS For Week: 13.53

A Russian garlic plant, one of the many which were all planted by hand by Serena.

Premium, organic, garlic bulbs.

Serena with 'friend' in front of part of her organic, Russian garlic crop.

Russian

FINISHED PRODUCT: Garlic bulbs and cloves.

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CCS Average To Date: 13.78

MOSSMAN MILL CRUSHING STATISTICS WEEK ENDING 19/11/2023 Total For Week: 20,262 Tonnes Total Cane Crushed To Date: 372,403 Tonnes CCS For Week: 12.36 CCS Average To Date: 11.74

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OFFICE: 07 4095 4455 SALES: 0407 417 546 OR 0488 043 906 22-24 Lawson St, Tolga, QLD, 4882 w w w. n q a g s e r v i c e s . c o m . a u

The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 37

LETTERSto the editor

HAVE YOUR SAY @ editorial@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Club members need to have say in future

OVER the past 30 years it has cost the Mareeba Leagues Club approximately $5 million plus in rent.

It now seems that the cat is out of the bag (Express 26/04/23) the land that houses the Mareeba Leagues Club building, carpark and grandstand will so be owned by the Mareeba Shire Council, after the council agreed to purchase the block from the state government for $797,753.77.

The council said the plans the club, all is looking good for approval to move forward. Really, the council is laughing their heads off. This is a joke, What I have heard, the club is planning on spending up to $2.5 million on a building they do not own, this cannot be right can it?

Also paying rent, rates, insurance it does come to a nice sum. Example – the outdoor deck cost $150,000 and was paid for by the club is now council property, as is the football canteen built by club volunteers, not by council.

I’ve been informed that a growing number of members are against the extension for the abovementioned reasons. Why hasn’t the board informed their members of what is going on?

This is after the current president’s decision to sell an asset (house and shipping containers for storage purposes) that the previous board had purchased, and the club now pays rent for storage facilities - this decision was just false economy.

It seems like another bowls club mess. I feel that the club would have been much better off purchasing the old RSL on Byrnes Street, even after some renovations they’d be $1 million better off.

It’s a central location, it would benefit both club (longevity and security) and the community (a much-needed boost to the Mareeba nightlife).

I do believe a special or general meeting should have been called to see input from all members, as this is their club.

Paul Johnstone MAREEBA

Nothing to excuse going over speed limit KATTER Australia Party members Robbie Katter and Shane Knuth diminish themselves by giving tacit support on television news to the, shall we call them the “Malanda Speedsters” or how about just plain “Law Breakers” because that’s what these motorists are.

Shane Knuth made the statement on TV that the area in question was not a high crash zone and the State Government was simply revenue raising.

May I suggest to you Shane that you take another look at this busy part of the road. There are pedestrians, often children crossing the road to the Malanda Falls Conservation Park. As well as pedestrians crossing the road to go to their homes in Prior Close.

Traffic turning into and out of the Malanda Falls Caravan Park and the Falls car park area.

Frequently there are vehicles with livestock trailers turning in and out of the Veterinarian Car park.

Also, traffic using this busy road to enter and exit Prior Close and Turnbull Road to the Oz Care facility. And I have yet to mention the Tree Kangaroo! I have witnessed people standing on the road gazing up into the trees looking at/for Tree Kangaroo.

I have witnessed vehicles coming to a complete stop on the bridge, to look at the falls! Is it any wonder this is a 60km/h zone?

To those motorists who received fines for speeding in this area, you have no excuse, so just cop it sweet and stop whinging.

There are 60km/h signs both sides of the bridge when leaving Malanda. Likewise, when coming into Malanda the large speed signage is clear enough, if you miss it, then maybe you should have gone to spec savers!

L. Daly.

MALANDA

Promoting the delusions of the hypocritical left I’D like to thank Jeremy Tager (22/11/23) for epitomising the brainwashed hypocritical left and putting that set of delusions on public display.

If Tager uses anything at all that is made by a corporation or which comes to him by truck or if he travels out to Topaz using anything other than his bare feet then he is a hypocrite. The only way he can avoid being accurately described as a hypocrite is if he grows all his own food and medicine, drinks out of a creek, and never uses anything created or transported by either hydrocarbon fuels or free-market capitalism.

Anyone who rails against the very things that they themselves rely on is demonstrating a very special kind of self-destructive stupidity, but that is increasingly common for the deranged selfloathing extreme-left.

Tager attributes the “fascist forces of nationalism, militarism, hatred and vilification of others” to free-market capitalists, which is a bit rich coming from someone whose fellow travellers are marching in organised protests in Sydney that support Palestine.

Militarism is important to defend sovereignty but the extreme-left demonise it because they

want to end sovereignty and have their borderless world and their one world government, which has proudly stated its agenda includes reducing the human population by 95%.

Tager has a blind guess at my personal wealth and aspirations and misses the target by a mile, but that doesn’t matter to leftists because casting the smear substitutes as a victory to them. Such charming people. That’s why the new Argentinian president-elect, who understands socialists very well, calls them “sh** leftists” who are “losing the cultural battle”.

Tager doesn’t understand that wealthy people employ a great many ordinary people who wouldn’t have jobs otherwise. The more wealthy people a society has the higher the standard of living everyone else has. The rising tide of freemarket capitalism lifts all the boats in the harbour. Socialism destroys the wealthy and the jobs they create and eventually everyone lives in poverty. Venezuela is a recent example.

Tager gives the tired old “environmental destruction” meme a run which is just sad as almost nobody believes that anymore. Climate alarmism goes back over a century and has never made an accurate prediction. Not one. It’s an endless list of baseless assertions loudly repeated but it has no substance whatsoever. People see that now.

The seas haven’t risen, the dams still fill, the kids still know snow. We can stick a fork in climate alarmism: it’s done.

Meanwhile, in the real world, the globalistaligned extreme-left ALP-LNP-Teals-Greens political industrial complex has sold out the Australian people and is working to destroy all the systems we rely on.

They’re using the climate change fiction to destroy the hydrocarbon fuels that power our transport and our electricity grid. They’re using that same fiction to attack the farmers who grow our food. They refuse to build new water storage dams despite their Big Australia immigration policy.

The worst thing the ALP branch of the UNiparty is currently working on is the censorship of free speech through their “misinformation and disinformation” bill. Free speech is the human right on which all other human rights are based.

But the lunatic left will clap like trained seals to have their human rights removed to fight a fictional “climate emergency”.

If Jeremy Tager is genuinely concerned about the futures of his children and grandchildren he needs to research the Holodomor because that’s what the globalists he supports have in store for them.

Peter Campion TOLGA

Nuclear treaty best chance at a safe future

LIKE many of us I am in shock and grief at the terrible human cost of the conflicts in Ukraine and in Israel and Gaza.

It is hard to imagine that the suffering could get worse, but sadly it could. Nuclear-armed states are involved and risks escalate: as the Red Cross confirms, there is no viable human emergency response if nuclear weapons are used.

Other global threats such as climate change, pandemics, world recession, cost of living would become irrelevant. But we are not powerless and there is action we can take for a safer future.

In 2007 a small group of concerned Australians started a global campaign in Melbourne for a treaty to ban nuclear weapons.

In 2017 the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) was adopted by the UN. Enough member states signed and ratified the treaty for nuclear weapons to become illegal in January 2021.

The Australian group became ICAN (International Campaign against Nuclear weapons) and in 2017 was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work – a first for Australia – but given no recognition by the Australian government of the day.

The Treaty has been signed now by 93 countries, including New Zealand, Indonesia, Fiji and most Pacific nations, although not yet Australia. At the Labour national conference in August 2023, the Albanese Government clearly reaffirmed its commitment to sign and ratify the TPNW while in government. What a wonderful message this would send to our neighbours and the world.

Recent surveys indicate 70% of Australians support Australia signing. Supporters include medical and health organisations, unions, local governments, service groups, Red Cross, faith groups and state and federal representatives from all parties. This is not about politics but about Humanity.

The TPNW is our best opportunity in decades to work towards a safe future without nuclear weapons. Australia will attend the TPNW Meeting of States Parties as an observer Nov 27-Dec 1.

Ask your MP, your council, your organisation to encourage the Australian government to sign the TPNW as soon as possible. Look up ICAN to see how you can take action. We could all do with a dose of hope right now.

Trish Johnson WONDECLA

CLUB NEWS with MAREEBA LIONS AT this time of the year, it is all about the big Lions Christmas Raffle, and cakes.

Mareeba Lions President Justice Eales said, referring to the Lions Christmas cakes and puddings, “They are just flying off the shelf, and I am sure we will run out before Christmas”.

If you see them get them as they won’t be there when you come back to get them. If you don’t know a Lion, come along to the fortnightly sausage sizzle in the Coles car park.

Time is running out to get your raf-

fle tickets, you have to be in it to win it as they say. Ticket sellers are out and about, with six big prizes on offer this is the raffle you really want to have a ticket, or two, in.

Christmas brings about opportunities to recycle those extra containers, including wine and spirit bottles. Remember you can support your local Mareeba Lions by taking your recyclable containers to Containers for Change 11 Bowers Street and quote Scheme ID C10128319.

The depot is out near the cattle sale yards. No need to package just take

Download for FREE from iTunes or Google Play PAGE 38 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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.

Last year the “Letters to Father Christmas” was a great success.

Again, this year Santa has been in touch and asked that any children wanting to write to him could do so by sending a letter to – Santa C/- P.O. Box 501, Mareeba, 4880 – or by email to lionsmba@gmail.com.

The Lions Club will make sure every child who writes to Santa will

receive a reply. Santa does ask though that the child write a letter or send a picture or the like via the mail. Where the child may be too young to write another person might be able to help but Santa does ask that a letter be sent.

Another shipment of 100 used spectacles were recently sent away, if you have used glasses you wish to donate, please drop them into the Mareeba Court House and they will be added to the next shipment. Lions are also able to on sell your old collected postage stamps.

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 6.30 pm on the first and third Tuesday of the month.

Check us out on Facebook or on the web at www.lionsclubs.org.au

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

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PROPERTY

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Are you ready to make your dreams a reality?

Amaroo Estate offers an amazing opportunity to build your dream home in a relaxed and quiet atmosphere on Lot 310 Kutterbul Court with a breathtaking surrounding of 1292 SQM ensuring you have the perfect canvas to build your dream home.

Featuring a fully serviced lot, wide lot frontage, sealed roads, town water, underground power, sewerage and NBN. Don’t miss the opportunity to turn your dreams into reality.

Pop into Amaroo Land Sales Centre for any information or call Ryley on 0409 321 000 to arrange an onsite inspection, anytime that suits. Follow us on our socials or check out our website www.amarooestate.com.au for all updates regarding our upcoming stages.

Atherton

22 Main Street, Atherton Phone: 4091 7111

FAMILY CONVENIENCE Atherton • 4 bedroom home close to schools • Main with ensuite, attached office • Living with aircon and wood heater • 7m x 7m shed + 2 garden sheds • Patio at side • Front and back separately fenced Offers Over $430,000 L25559427 Suzey Whitby 0438 090 306

Margaret Black: Principal www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

PRODUCTIVE GRAZING Tarzali • Set on 386.04 hectares on 5 titles • 6 paddocks, quality fencing • 2 bores, springs and creeks • Cattle yards, silo and fed pad • 3 bedroom home + sheds • Can purchase titles separately $ P.O.A. L16616568 Morgan Brennan 0407 730 450

DON’T MISS OUT Atherton • Solid duplex • Each unit has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and single carport • Open plan living and dining • Close to town and hospital • Both tenanted Offers Over $465,000 L24396015 Suzey Whitby 0438 090 306

PRIME RURAL LAND Evelyn • Set on 45.63 hectares of bare land • Stunning views from all areas • Fenced into 4 paddocks • 2 sheds + 2 water tanks • 2 dams, 1 spring fed • 2 accesses $750,000 L11706957 Morgan Brennan 0407 730 450

www.raywhiteruralatherton.com.au The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 39

PROPERTY

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Exquisite living at Yungaburra Waterfront estate WELCOME to the epitome of modern living in the prestigious Yungaburra Waterfront Estate. Nestled just minutes away from the Tinaburra Boatramp and the vibrant Yungaburra township, this exceptional residence is surrounded by quality homes, offering a lifestyle of convenience and sophistication.

This meticulously crafted home boasts a superior build with a contemporary twist on the classic country style design. Step inside to discover the seamless flow of polished concrete floors, accentuated by high ceilings that create an

atmosphere of spaciousness and luxury.

The heart of the home is an open-plan masterpiece, featuring a modern kitchen with top-of-the-line cabinetry, granite benchtops, and quality appliances that elevate the overall aesthetic. A wood fire heater in the living room will take the bite out of the cool winter evenings. Three generously sized bedrooms, all equipped with air conditioning and built in robes, ensuring comfort for the entire family.

The master suite is a sanctuary of elegance, show-

casing a walk-in robe and wardrobe for his and hers.

The ensuite is a visual delight with stunning floor-to-ceiling tiles, his and hers vanity, and a walk-in shower, providing a private oasis within your own home. The main bathroom follows suit, offering tiled walls and ample space for relaxation.

Practicality meets style with an internal laundry cleverly concealed behind sliding doors, accompanied by a spacious walk-in linen cupboard. The front patio is an entertainer's dream, equipped with TV points and

electric blinds for privacy, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.

No detail has been spared in this residence, with blinds and curtains fitted throughout, along with security screens for added peace of mind.

6.6KW of Fronius solar power to reduce the everyday costs of living. The two spacious garages with remote roller doors and a storage loft in the roof cavity provide ample space for vehicles and belongings with the added convenience of a 15amp plug for vans and generator points.

DAIMIN KOCHI 0448 916 246

SERENITY AND ELEGANCE UNITE • Spacious 5 bedroom brick home on 2.4 acres • Renovated kitchen, open plan design, 2nd living • Modern tiled bathrooms, ensuite in master • Expansive deck, outdoor kitchen and bar • Saltwater pool, storage shed and gazebo • Landscaped gardens, creek boundary, 5 mins to Atherton OFFERS INVITED

DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL • Remarkable investment opportunity in Atherton’s heart • Masonry block triplex on half acre allotment • Each unit has a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom layout • Well maintained interiors, no immediate renovations needed • Single bay carport for each unit, wide concrete driveway • Vacant land for potential development of 2 additional units OFFERS OVER $650,000

Completing the picture are quality concrete pillar retaining walls, concrete driveways, and fencing that define the property's boundaries.

The front gardens add the perfect finishing touch, creating a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing facade.

Don't miss the opportunity to secure your place in this Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

sought-after estate, where quality meets convenience, and modern design meets timeless elegance.

Contact Exclusive Marketing Agent Kaydee Chatfield 0417 468 941 to arrange a private viewing and experience the epitome of contemporary living.

6 Waterfront Terrace, YUNGABURRA Offers in Mid to High $900,000’s EXCLUSIVE to Kaydee Chatfield Main St Real Estate 0417 468 941

KAYDEE CHATFIELD 0417 468 941

SECLUDED OASIS • Sprawling 5 acres oasis with masonry block home • 4 spacious bedrooms, main with ensuite, 3 with built-ins • Chef’s kitchen with island bench and butler’s pantry • Outdoor kitchen/BBQ and heated swimming pool • Tranquil creek, established trees & solar power system • 4.6m x 7m shed with power & 7.2m x 7m carport OFFERS OVER $1,300,000

OFFERING LUXURIOUS LIVING • Award winning builder creates luxurious, modern home • High ceilings, polished concrete floors throughout • Open plan kitchen with premium fittings and appliances • 4 bedrooms, master with walk-in robe & ensuite • 800m2 allotment, fenced property with side access • Close to Yungaburra & Tinaburra boat ramp OFFERS INVITED

CHARMING CHARACTER HOME • Charming Kairi home with polished floorboards • 3 bedrooms with airconditioning • Open plan living, modern kitchen with gas cooktop • Spacious outdoor patio, shed, 2 car storage • Fully fenced 1062m2 block with no rear neighbours • Short drive to Atherton and Tinaroo $450,000

Phone 4091 6246 • www.mainstrealestate.com.au PAGE 40 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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PROPERTY

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Quirky and elevated

Look no longer

HEAD up the driveway and you are greeted with a lovely split level home which backs onto state forest and is surrounded by established trees and gardens for added privacy, making this property the ideal oasis.

Entering the home you are spoiled with soaring raked ceilings & exposed beams in the open plan living/dining area. Light cascades through the louvre windows and double doors allowing access from the patio.

Off the living is one bedroom with open built-in storage and exposed timber beams on the ceiling.

Also leading off the living/dining is the galley style kitchen which features heaps of open shelving/storage plus a door accessing the rear patio and carport.

Heading up the stairs is a wonderful open loft space which has gorgeous light filtering through the space. It would be ideal for a secondary living area or office. To the right is the second bedroom complete with open built-in storage and raked ceilings.

Also downstairs is the updated bathroom and large laundry which even features enough space for a sewing room, reading nook or sunroom.

Any keen gardener will be happy with the array of plants and trees surrounding the home. The property is set on approximately 1 acre with mostly terraced.

There is a 3 bay lockable shed with 2 roller doors & separate access via a single door offering extra room for a

workshop.

Contact Exclusive agent Suzey Whitby at Ray White Atherton today on 0438 090 306 for further information.

SITUATED In a convenient location at 38 Walsh Street, Mareeba is this cute cottage offering great potential for first home buyers looking to enter the market, or a seasoned investor searching for their next investment.

With 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a double carport and shed on a fully fenced 1,012m2 allotment this home has all the makings of a great first home or investment opportunity.

The timber kitchen has plenty of storage space with room for a breakfast table to the side. There is plenty of living space, with a large air-conditioned living room and separate dining room.

All three bedrooms are a good size, and the main bedroom features large built-in cup-

boards along one wall. The bathroom is conveniently located near the laundry, and has a shower, tub and separate toilet.

There is plenty of room for kids and pets to play on the fully fenced 1,012m2, and the shed provides plenty of storage. The two bay carport doubles as a great outdoor entertaining area, perfect for a BBQ with friends & family.

• 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom • Timber kitchen with plenty of storage space • Large living & dining Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

spaces • Air-conditioned living room • Internal laundry • Double carport/ entertaining area • Shed • Fully fenced 1,012m2 allotment • Close to Mareeba CBD & amenities • Currently tenanted till October 23 for $390 per week To arrange a Private Inspection call exclusive agent Vince Costas on 0419 926 691 Today.

38 Walsh Street, MAREEBA $290,000 EXCLUSIVE to Vince Costas Central Realty 0419 926 691 or 4092 2232

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

*Free No Obligation Appraisal

Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

HERBERTON Offers Over $360,000 EXCLUSIVE to Suzey Whitby Ray White Atherton 0438 090 306 or 4091 7111

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

84 Main Street, Atherton QLD. 4883

Phone: 0408 983 879 www.sommersetrealty.com.au The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 41

PROPERTY

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Nest or invest HAVE you been looking for an opportunity to get a start in the Tolga Property Market, or for an extra addition to your property portfolio? Well now is the time and here is the place.

This 3-bedroom home is situated on a large 1,475m2 corner allotment in the heart of Tolga. The solid construction home offers huge potential for the first home buyer, downsizer, or investor.

Features Include; • 3 bedrooms all with cupboards, 1 bedroom with airconditioning • Rumpus room – could be used as a 4th bedroom • Open plan living - access to front patio • Well-appointed kitchen

with a freestanding electric oven & plenty of bench space.

• Tiled bathroom with a shower & vanity unit. Separate toilet • Internal laundry • Security screens, tiles & ceiling fans throughout home • Undercover front patio • 1 bay carport • Garden/storage shed • 1,475m2 corner allotment with a fenced backyard • Currently tenanted by a long-term tenant- providing Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

instant income for an investor.

Ideally located in a quiet street close to Tolga Primary School, amenities, and only a short drive to Atherton Town Centre.

This home is currently tenanted please allow sufficient notice for inspections.

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

25 Leonard Street, TOLGA Offers Over $440,000 EXCLUSIVE to Raquel Cunzolo Sommerset Realty 0408 983 879

Offering style, space and a premium location OPEN HOME THIS SATURDAY

THIS sophisticated brand new home is positioned in sought after Amaroo Estate on the Cairns side of town, and features quality fixtures & fittings, a statement interior and also qualifies for the latest $30,000 First Home Owner Grant.

Offering a cool, crisp neutral interior as well as a practical and functional list of inclusions, once inside and you will feel you that have fi-

nally found your home.

Attributes include: • Lots of natural light & neutral colour tones • Fully tiled & split-system air-conditioned + large open plan living area overlooking the patio • 4 generous air-conditioned bedrooms with mirrored built-in robes • Master bedroom with stylish ensuite incorporating a glass free shower & large

walk-in robe • Striking central kitchen with quality cabinetry, sizeable corner pantry, designated fridge space with water connection point & Smeg appliances including a dish-

washer • Main bathroom with glass free shower & separate plunge bath • Easy access from the garage to the kitchen plus a rear roller door allowing it to

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JOETORRISI.COM.AU JOE TORRISI 0417 700 468 PAGE 42 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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be opened up onto the patio for extra entertaining space • Laundry with built-in cabinetry & storage cupboards • Security screens & tinted windows throughout • Cement pathways all round • Colorbond fenced and turfed 800m2 allotment with side access & automatic pop-up irrigation • Very well located in Amaroo Park Estate on the Cairns side of Mareeba, only 5 minutes to town centre and walking distance to Amaroo Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

Medical Centre and future shops It’s rare that you find a home of this calibre in such an affordable price range built with quality and style, yet still practical for the family.

Open for inspection this Saturday from 11.00am to 12.00.

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

66 Karobean Drive, MAREEBA $560,000 EXCLUSIVE to Joe Torrisi Joe Torrisi Real Estate 0417 700 468

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PROPERTY

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Tarzali 29 acres with architectual home SURROUNDED by pockets of remnant rainforest, environmental restoration plantings, flowing rivers and woodland forest, this elegant home was architecturally designed by Chris van Dyke and masterfully built by Jack Genge.

With an emphasis on practical living in a moderate, tropical climate the home features bright and breezy open spaces with soaring ceilings, several outdoor decking areas and lots of natural ventilation and light.

The 29 acres abounds with wildlife including tree kangaroos, possums, platypus and a myriad of birdlife.

A significant portion of the property has been restored with carefully chosen native trees for bush food, timber and environmental restoration.

Don’t be fooled by the rustic appearance of the generous 14 x 8 metre shed.

The whole structure has been replaced and restored to reflect the nature of the

original structure.

FEATURES INCLUDE: • Open plan lounge, kitchen and dining • Large undercover veranda adoining living area • High ceilings and louvres for light and breeze • Trapeze lighting to lounge and kitchen • Polished timber floorboards • Shaker style timber cabinets with stone bench tops • 3 Bedrooms upstairs with ensuite to main • Separate laundry with adoining deck • Workshop or 4th bedroom with convenient 3rd bathroom • Internal staircase for direct access from carport • Masterfully restored 4 bay 14 x 8 metre hardwood shed • Boundaries fenced on 3 sides with 4th bounded by Ithaca River • Water supplied by crystal clear bore, rainwater & river access • 40,000 litre rainwater tank • Extensive timber and environmental plantings (full list

available on request) • 3 Undercover carport spaces • Landscaped surrounds This truely exceptional lifestyle experience is be-

ing sold by Expressions of Interest, so contact Collette Rowston from Raine & Horne Atherton to put forward your best offer to secure your slice of paradise.

Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

36 Third Avenue, TARZALI Offers Over $1,200,000 Collette Rowston Raine & Horne Atherton 0419 733 712

If position is important HERE is a townhouse in an excellent position, close to the Atherton hospital and walking distance to Woolies, schools, bowls club, library, and pool.

Housework is a breeze with tiled living areas. Lovely timber stairs lead upstairs to the bedrooms. Both bedrooms have built ins. Master bedroom is airconditioned for year round comfort.

There is a single car space allotted to the unit. For peace of mind the unit has security screens throughout.

A nicely presented complex close to all amenities. Rent range $280 to $300 per week.

For more information, call Trisha Jackson at Professionals Atherton. Phone 4091 3955 or 0419 1833 145 anytime.

To view more photos, visit athertonrealestate.com.au Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

ATHERTON $265,000 Trisha Jackson Professionals Atherton 0419 183 145

DOUBLE BLOCK WITH 2 TITLES IN KAIRI 2 Walker Street Colle e Rowston 0419 733 712

• Situated centrally within the Kairi township • 3 bedrooms, large separate lounge room, sleepout • 2x timber sheds • Fully fenced 2024m2 block with 2 titles

Web ID 20945506 Sale $450,000

Call Trisha 0419 183 145 anytime for a free appraisal

Atherton | 4091 1611 24 Main Street, Atherton rh.com.au/atherton www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 43

PROPERTY

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

Quality home, fantastic location OFFERING so much more than meets the eye this quality built brick veneer 4 bedroom home benefits from a superb location, surrounded by other quality homes, only 5 mins to town centre as well as the following features: • 4 bedrooms with brand new carpet plus mirrored built-in robes, master with WIR & ensuite including a corner plunge bath & separate shower • Sizeable open plan living area cleverly separated by the kitchen with built-in cabinet/buffet in the dining area • In ceiling cassette airconditioning in the lounge & split system air-conditioning in the master bedroom • Generously sized central kitchen with corner pantry, loads of bench space, allocated fridge area & dish-

washer • Main bathroom with bathtub & separate shower • Laundry with built-in storage cupboard • Substantial entertainment area with raised roof & exposed aggregate flooring directly off the living area • Security screens, blinds & window furnishings throughout • Double lockup garage • Exposed aggregate driveway & pathways all round • 6m x 6m colourbond shed with roller door access • Fully fenced 1476m2 low Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

OPEN HOME THIS SATURDAY

maintenance allotment with auto irrigation on timer & substantial yard area This is a sensational opportunity to purchase a very well-built & maintained home in a quality estate with all the extras that is ready to move straight into.

Open for inspection this Saturday from 9.30AM TO 10.30AM. For further information or to arrange a private inspection please call exclusive agent Joe Torrisi on 0417 700 468.

22 Ceola Drive, MAREEBA Offers in the early $600,000’s EXCLUSIVE to Joe Torrisi Joe Torrisi Real Estate 0417 700 468

Wildlife wonderland NESTLED just 25 minutes away from Malanda, this property sure does have the wow factor.

Let the world pass you by whilst sitting on your wraparound veranda, listening to the water cascading through your very own creek crossing, whilst keeping an eye out for the resident Cassowaries, Padymelons and an abundance of birdlife.

53 acres of pristine rainforest, approximately 4 acres cleared, this extraordinary landscape gives you the true essence of tropical living.

Property features: • Two bedrooms with the option of a possible third • One bathroom including a spa

• Large kitchen with bay window to capture natural light • Large internal laundry with undercover clothesline • Two bay carport • Three bay powered shed • Year round flowing creek with creek crossing • Private swimming hole with crystal clear water • Concrete driveway from road to house Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to own a piece of paradise in the heart of the rainforest.

You must see this property to truly appreciate how much it has to offer.

Call exclusive agent Janine today on 0407 032 422 to arrange an inspection.

135 Hughes Road, TOPAZ $749,000 EXCLUSIVE to Janine Rielly Elders Real Estate Tablelands 0407 032 422

Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

Tablelands Open Home

Michelle Raso 0428 116 136

Janine Rielly 0407 032 422

TWO LOVELY BRAND NEW HOMES, TAKE YOUR PICK!

Open Home

2nd Saturday am 0 Dec: 9.3 - 10.00am

Saturday 2 Dec: 8.3 nd 0am - 9.00am

4

4

2

2

• Sparkling and new, ready to move in • Open plan living with views of the mountains • Fully tiled patio overlooking spacious backyard • Generous 884m2 block with side access 7 Ophelia Avenue, ATHERTON CONTACT AGENT MICHELLE RASO - $615,000

2

2

• Beautiful, brand new spacious home • Large kitchen with loads of storage • Landscaped and fully fenced • Close to Tolga Primary School 6 Valese Street, TOLGA CONTACT AGENT MICHELLE RASO - $565,000

A: 21 James St, Malanda • 29 Albrecht St, Tolga | P: 4096 5666 | W: tablelands.eldersrealestate.com.au PAGE 44 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

ON IT AG ’S AI N!

KP MANGO COMPETITION WE’RE LOOKING FOR THE HEAVIEST KP MANGO (KENSINGTON PRIDE)

BROUGHT TO YOU BY FNQ GROWERS AND THE EXPRESS NEWSPAPER

IN THE REGION!

START GROWING YOUR MANGOES NOW!!

COMPETITION OUTLINE:  The mango must be Kensington Pride variety only  Mango must be photographed on electronic scales clearly showing the weight  The Mango must be viewed by a member of The Express Newspaper team or Joe Moro from FNQ Growers  The mango must not be tampered with in any way  The competition is open to all farmers and budding farmers in the region  Prizes: 1st place $500 - 2nd place $300 - 3rd place $200  The competition will close on Wednesday January 31st, 2024  Winner will be announced at the end of the harvest season  The heaviest mango will be declared the winner  All mangoes will be retained for consumption by the Director

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Last year’s winners were Steve Gould, Milan Maloberti and Louie Serafini with FNQ Growers, Joe Moro.

The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 45

EXPRESS O Wednesday 29th 33°

Thursday 30th 33°

18°

Time m 0336 0.64 1042 2.76 1649 1.50 2142 1.77

Time m 0414 0.83 1132 2.61 1900 1.58 2159 1.60

Friday 1st

18°

33°

Saturday 2nd

Sunday 3rd

32°

31°

18°

Time m 0451 1.03 1238 2.48

TAKE A BREAK

19°

Time m 0535 1.23 1404 2.40 2337 1.34

Monday 4th

19°

33°

Tuesday 5th 31°

19°

Time m 0406 1.44 0702 1.39 1519 2.38 2344 1.26

20°

Time m 0536 1.77 1013 1.47 1653 2.41 2350 1.11

Time m 0506 1.61 0856 1.47 1614 2.40 2345 1.19

CROSSWORD

BIG WORD SEARCH

20. the final match in a sports competition in which the winners are awarded a cup (3,5) 21. a private box or enclosure in a theatre 23. the situation at a particular time during a process 24. an umbrella Down

Across

Accountant Architect Artist Astronomer Baker Bar staff Barrister Buyer Caretaker Carpenter Cashier Catering assistant Chef Cleaner Clerk

Consultant Cook Counsellor Courier Designer Director Doctor Driver Editor Engineer Farmer Gardener IT manager Labourer Lawyer

SUDOKU

Solicitor Lecturer Stockbroker Librarian Surgeon Machinist Marketing manager Surveyor Teacher Mechanic Trainer Nanny Translator Nurse Turner Physicist Tutor Pilot Typist Plumber Waiter Printer Welder Researcher Sales executive Scientist Secretary

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

7. a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person 8. to heat something, especially cooked food, again 9. a colourless crystalline compound which is excreted in urine 10. a passage for surplus water from a dam 11. a fortress, typically one on high ground above a city 13. of short duration; not lasting for long 15. never previously done or occurring 17. pompous or pretentious speech or writing

WEEKLY HOROSCOPES mar 21 - apr 19

Your mate might be pushing you to do things that you really don’t want to do. Take time to deal with the concerns of children. Love relationships will have ample opportunities to flourish.

Compromising could be on the agenda this week.

jun 21 - jul 22 It’s important to use discretion when it comes to lending money or making donations.

Real estate investments could be prosperous. Your health may suffer if you don’t control your present situation. Use your creative abilities to come up with new ideas.

sep 23 - oct 22

Puzzle Solutions

PAGE 46 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

1. a very famous or talented entertainer or sports player 2. a large arboreal tropical American lizard with a spiny crest along the back and greenish coloration 3. a distinctive intricate pattern of curved feather-shaped figures 4. a report or rumour 5. a peevish or irascible temperament 6. a Cuban dance in slow duple time 12. immoral or grossly unfair behaviour 14. a quiet, gentle song sung to send a child to sleep 16. the condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury 18. rendered animal fat, traditionally used in making candles and soap 19. to grind one’s teeth together as a sign of anger 22. a very strong wind

Hold on; your time will come. Now is the time for solo research, learn and develop a solid plan. It’s not time yet to tell the world or expect support from those around you. Secret enemies will be eager to spread rumors about you. Your lucky day is Sunday.

apr 20 - may 20

There might be one who is quite willing to take the credit for your work. You will find that valuable knowledge can be gained if you are willing to listen. You could prosper if you in vest in property or mutual funds. Don’t let situations get out of control.

jul 23 - aug 22 Making special plans for you and your lover is favoured.

Exhaustion could lead to minor injury if you don’t know when to quit. Your lover may disappoint you, think with both heart and head to find a resolution. Perhaps distance will make the heart grow fonder, or not.

oct 23 - nov 21

Refuse to get involved in idle chatter or gossip; it won’t end well for you. Now is not the time to burn the candle at both ends. Romantic opportunities will be plentiful if you get out and mingle. You should consider getting your whole family involved in a project at home.

may 21 - jun 20

You might find your vitality is lowered. Concentrate on your career and on making money. A new relationship could be yours if you get out with friends. You might have the chance to clear up important legalities and sign contracts this week.

aug 23 -sep 22 Changes regarding family members could set you on a path of frustration. It’s not a good time to invest in ventures, especially without first looking beneath the lucrative surface. Emotional control will be needed, with your family responsibilities piling up.

nov 22 - dec 21 You should feel a little more stable about your position; however, don’t be surprised if a job offer comes your way. If you have your own business, sit tight, your big plans will come to fruition if you have patience. Self care will be vital this week so make sure to take the time.

dec 22 - jan 19

jan 20 - feb 18

feb 19 - mar 20

You don’t need to spend big in order to have fun. On the career/ finance front you’ll have no problem getting your point across to those in a position to help you succeed.

The energy is excellent for travel or attending lectures or seminars. Your lucky day is Saturday.

Relatives may play an important role in your personal life. You need some excitement in your life, and meeting new people in exotic destinations will certainly satisfy your desires. Dealing with in-laws or relatives will not be in your best interest.

You need to concentrate on solving existing problems. Take a close look at contracts and agreements that have been offered to you. Dazzle them with your intellectual conversation. You can’t always have your own way, but if you play your cards right you might this time.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Authorised Fujitsu Service Agent

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

www.donhall.com.au

Kat Child

DEMOLITIONS

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

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

Custom built, quality cabins for lifestyle

MAREEBA DENTURE SERVICE DENTAL

DELUXE CABINS

BUILDER

AIR CONDITIONING

4092 3464

DIRECTORY

• Full and Partial Dentures • Relines and Repairs • Mouthguards Private Health Fund Rebates Apply Veteran Affairs Provider

Paul Johnstone

DENTAL TECHNICIAN DENTAL PROSTHETIST Registration No. 931417

4 Warren Street, Mareeba Q.4880

www.hockeybuilders.com.au P: 0401 653 173

Come and see Daniel and the team at B&C Cabinets for all your cabinetry needs!

EARTH MOVING

CABINET MAKER

Serving Mareeba & Tablelands Areas • Residential & Commercial • Kitchens • Vanities & Wardrobes • Offices & Retail

PH/FAX: 4092 2464 • MOB: 0402 809 556 • Email: chopperspaul@gmail.com

Robert Negri Owner Operator

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

CALL ROB ON 0447 722 857

P: 4092 2671 • E: enquiries@bccabinets.com.au • QBCC 1209087

 BOBCAT AND TIPPER HIRE  EXCAVATOR  SITE CLEANUPS  DRIVEWAYS  DAM CLEAN OUTS  RETAINING WALLS

CHILDCARE

info@mareebakidscampus.com.au www.mareebakidscampus.com.au 3 CENTRES IN MAREEBA: Constance, Dunlop & Hastie Streets

FULLY INSURED LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS

• Bond Cleans

• Mould & Mildew Treatments r For all you rior • Pressure Cleaning, Roofs xte & Exteriors interior & e g!

• Gutter Cleaning cleanin • Contract Cleaning

0419 362 428 | www.elew.com.au admln@elew.com.au

ELECTRICAL

CLEANING

ice s v r e S g n i n a Cle

FABRICATION

CONCRETING

Phone: David or Julie 0428 993 205 | Email: tablelandcleaning@outlook.com

FLOORING

DEMOLITIONS

• TILE & VINYL REMOVAL • ASBESTOS REMOVAL • FLOOR GRINDING • INTERNAL DEMOLITIONS • BATHROOM STRIPOUTS • DEMOLITIONS

FULLY INSURED

P: 0477 055 550 | E: info@nqstripouts.com.au | W: www.nqstripouts.com.au

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Lic. No. 77513

ELECTRICAL SOLAR & BATTERIES AIR CONDITIONING

PHONE: 0408 764 850

T & V Mobile Welding and Fabrication

Servicing the Tablelands, Mareeba and Coastal areas!

Mobile: 0418 424 145

DEMOLITION yoPru wovithidinsagfe & ASBESTOS soasluantidonaffs toordaallblyoe ur bestos re moval and demol REMOVAL ition projects!

SERVICES

 TURF PREP  TIGHT ACCESS  TRENCHING  POST HOLES  SLAB PREPARATION  SLASHING  ROLLER HIRE

AL ACWORTH

EARLY LEARNING • KINDERGARTEN OUTSIDE SCHOOL & VACATION CARE

TABLELAND

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

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

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

The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 47

admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

RAVENSHOE HARDWARE

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

19 Wormboo Street raven@iig.com.au

IRRIGATION

4097 6208

 Lawn Mowing  Yard Clean  Rubbish Removal

        

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

Mareeba • David 0438 541 300

­

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

M. HARTLEY PTY LTD TRADING AS

PAINTER

IRRIGATION DESIGN AND SUPPLY

50 BYRNES STREET, MAREEBA • PHONE 4092 7788

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

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

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

IT

BURRATRONICS

PAGE 48 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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

PEST

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

PLUMBING

Pre-Construction | Pre-Purchase Inspections

FNQ Platinum Painting

Ian 0409 595 627

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

QBCC 1115490

E: fnqplatinumpainting@gmail.com

Painting & Decorating

www.burratronics.com.au

PO BOX 1414, MAREEBA

CONTACT DANTE AVOLIO FOR A FREE QUOTE!

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

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

CONCR E BLOCK TE S!

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

QBCC 1531 9397

SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS

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

PAINTING CONTRACTORS

0415 579 019

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

TCB Landscape • Mareeba

BELL HARTLEY & CO.

NO OBLIGATION FREE QUOTES!

Domestic | Commercial

IN-STORE AND ON-SITE

LANDSCAPE

Kat Child

MOWING

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4092 3464

DIRECTORY

Max & Jodie Turner

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

admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

POOL

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

30/11/22

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

PROFESSIONAL TREE SERVICE SERVICING NORTH QUEENSLAND

P: 4092 1443 or 0413 013 297

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

1:22 pm

PRODUCE

T2T ADVERT.pdf

Kat Child

TREELOPPING

4092 3464

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

Home & workplace delivery from $7.50

C

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Lukas Portelli 0427 189 227 tablelandstreeworks@gmail.com

CY

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TOWING

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TABLELANDS TREELOPPING

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

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

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Call Jon Lambert | P: 4091 5008 | M: 0407 575 916

TWO PUBLICATIONS

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OVER 27,000 COPIES DISTRIBUTED ACROSS THE FAR NORTH EACH WEEK MAREEEBA . CAIRNS . FROM CARDWELL TO BAMAGA . WEST FROM EINASLEIGH TO NORMANTON

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Shire tourism steams ahead

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to the e of service A lifetim re and a dogged Shi ate Mareeba tion to acceler y determinathe local econom Tom rsify er Mayor the and dive form ned has ear manent place in aviation a per the ore Gilm ory, with after town’s hist cinct re-named week. pre industrial a ceremony last upon him at bestowed role our was critical The hon h the ore for the Mr Gilm convincing bot nts in me ed ern play Gov he Federal to the State and ute $23 million the to contrib of the airport and ted e ocia rad ass upg nt of the were developmeal estate which 9. ed in 201 industri complet P5 RY ▪ FULL STO

Call your local office to discuss your advertising needs TODAY! 4031 7678 | www.cairnslocalnews.com.au 4092 3464 | www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

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

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

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FULL STORY P5

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The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 49

CLASSIFIEDS 4092 3464

Kat Child

admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Classified Deadline: 4pm every Friday

Late of Tolga, previously Townsville.

Passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday the 14th of November, 2023. Aged 99 years.

Much loved Husband of 69 years to Honor.

Loving Father of Greg, Grandpa of Todd, Luke and Matthew and Great Grandpa of Arlo, Olive and Rueben. He was a friend of many and always enjoyed volunteering and having a good chat. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.

In keeping with Geoff’s wishes, a private cremation has taken place.

All Family and Friends will be invited to attend a Memorial Service to be held on the Tablelands in the New Year to celebrate and acknowledge Geoff’s life.

Guilfoyle Funeral Services Chapels, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens

Atherton: 4091 2147 Mareeba: 4092 1013

ANIMAL OF THE WEEK

NAME: NARLA DOB: 26/08/2023 BREED: Bull Arab x Boxer

I’m have a beautiful nature. I am great with kids, cats and dogs. I come vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped, desexed, wormed, flea & tick treated.

My adoption fee is $300.

HOUSE FOR RENT IN GLEN ALLYN Two bedrooms, one bathroom, double carport.

$650 Per Week Ring Jamie on 0448 606 295

If you would like to meet NARLA - please call 0487 430 443. EFTPOS Available

CUMMINGS, Esme “Kay”

Late of Innot Hot Springs. Passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on the 20th of November, 2023. Aged 83 years.

Cherished Wife of Bruce (Dec.). Very much loved Mum and Matriarch of the Cummings clan. You will be forever loved and greatly missed.

Family and friends of Kay are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service which will be held on the Cummings family farm at Russian Gully, RN 15702 Kennedy Highway, Innot Hot Springs on Friday 8th December, 2023 commencing at 10:30am.

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

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IN MEMORIAM

Sales, Hire & Transport.

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IN LOVING MEMORY OF

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HOME & GARDEN SERVICES PICKO Rural Fencing Phone 0493 415 338

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LOCAL Mobile Farm Butcher - will travel.

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Wish the Bride & Groom all the best in The Express!

FIND it today. Ph: 4092 3464.

WISH someone in your life Happy Birthday.

Call Kat at your friendly locally owned Newspaper on 4092 3464.

ADVERTISING works.

Call us on 4092 3464.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

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IN OUR HEARTS EVERY DAY. Dearly loved forever and sadly missed by your devoted wife and family.

In loving memory of those who are forever in our hearts

FUNERAL SERVICES

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or Us 4031 3632 FUNERAL Celebrant.

Debbie Boardman 0410 328 357.

PAGE 50 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Mareeba P: 40925 225 or 0407 925 225 SELL it today. Ph: 4092 3464.

DON’T MISS OUT!

Sat 2nd Dec 6am - 6pm

Furniture, electrical, household items and much more!

Maria Court, 6 Tolga Road Atherton

Combined Household Garage Sale 15 Godwin Drive, Mareeba Saturday 2nd Dec 7.30am - 3.00pm Sunday 3rd Dec 7.30am - 1.00pm

LITTLE GEMS CHILDRENS CENTRE EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER Little Gems Children’s Centre is currently seeking applications for an Early Childhood Teacher to guide and support a team which provides high quality Early Childhood Education and Care to children. Provide ongoing support and assistance to the Management Team and develop relationships which support families.

Our centre located in Georgetown and consists of a team of an experienced child care director and educators, with the highest importance put on care and early childhood development, we are seeking an Early Childhood Teacher who is warm, caring and respectful of children’s needs and the environment in which they learn.

At Little Gems Children’s Centre we are dedicated to providing high quality care to our families’ everyday, but we also value our staff and the important role that they play. This position based on minimum hours of 8.00 hrs per week.

The successful applicant must be able to meet the following criteria.

• An understanding and knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Frameworks; • A passion for working with children; • A team player who effectively communicates with families and staff alike; • a primary teaching qualification that includes at least a focus on children aged 5 to 8 years old (e.g. a qualification with a focus on children aged 3 to 8 or 5 to 12) AND • teacher registration in Australia (called ‘accreditation’ in New South Wales) AND an ACECQA approved diploma level (or higher) education and care qualification or studying towards • Hold a positive Blue Card and First Aid; Applications can be posted, delivered to the Administration Office, faxed or emailed to: Position Vacant – Early Childhood Teacher The Chief Executive Officer Etheridge Shire Council PO Box 12 GEORGETOWN QLD 4871 Fax: 07 4062 1285 Email: info@etheridge.qld.gov.au Further information can be obtained by contacting the Director of Corporate Services, Andrew McKenzie on Ph: 07 40799090 or Councils website www.etheridge.qld.gov.au Applications close 6th December 2023 Ken Timms PSM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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

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LG000680_A

REDINGTON, Godfrey Augustus (Geoff)

PETS

DIESEL FITTER (MECHANIC) Etheridge Shire Council is seeking applications from highly motivated, enthusiastic and team orientated persons to assist in the fabrication, repair and maintenance of Council’s plant and equipment. The applicant must hold Certificate III (Engineering Mechanical Trade).

This position offers above award wages, the ability to salary sacrifice superannuation contributions, subsidised housing, a 9 day fortnight or the ability to work a 9 days on 5 days off roster with overtime as required.

Council is currently in the process of modernising its fleet which is made up of predominately Caterpillar earthmoving equipment, the Diesel Fitter will have access to a fully equipped service truck and fully functional modern workshop.

Etheridge Shire Council is located within the heart of the Gulf Savannah Region with its eastern boundary being only 250km’s from Cairns. The main township within the Etheridge Shire is Georgetown which is approximately 400km’s from Cairns and 400km’s from the Gulf of Carpentaria.

The shire has three other township’s being, Mt Surprise, Einasleigh, Forsayth. Mining, Tourism, Beef Cattle and Agriculture are the predominant industries which are the driving factor behind the shire’s economy. Please find link to Etheridge Shire Council’s tourism, web page Homepage – Unearth Etheridge Applications are to include a covering letter, resume and at least 2 references. Applications can be posted, delivered to the Administration Office, faxed or emailed to: Position Vacant - Diesel Fitter (Mechanic) The Chief Executive Officer Etheridge Shire Council PO Box 12 GEORGETOWN QLD 4871 Fax: 07 4062 1285 Email: info@etheridge.qld.gov.au Further information can be obtained by contacting Workshop Supervisor Lachlan Bester on Ph.: 07 40799090 or Councils website www.etheridge.qld.gov.au Applications close at 4 pm 6th December 2023

LG000680_B

FUNERAL NOTICE

Ken Timms PSM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

CLASSIFIEDS POSITION VACANT

PUBLIC NOTICE

Mareeba Community Kindergarten

Early Childhood Teacher An opportunity exists for a qualified and passionate Early Childhood Professional to join our beautiful Kindergarten as a part-time Teacher. Our well regarded kindergarten service has been established for over 40 years and operates two centres.

We are managed by a volunteer committee and a director and we are affiliated with the Creche and Kindergarten Association. (C&K) We offer a wonderful working environment, an awesome team of co-educators, generous non-contact time, extensive PD, including a yearly first aid course and a retention package that can be negotiated with the employer.

Ideal applicants wil have: • Bachelors Degree in early childhood or equivalent (recognised by ACECQA) • Experience working in a C&K Centre and with a parent management committee would be highly desirable • Knowledge of National Quality Framework and Standards • Demonstrated ability to develop, plan and implement a high quality educational and child centred program • Current paid or exemption blue card • Current first aid – training can be provided This is a fixed term part time (5 day fortnight) contract, with the ability to become permanent commencing January 15th 2024.

Please forward your application letter and resume via email to: Breanna Harris - executive@ mareebacommunitykindy.org.au Applications close 24th December 2023

JOB VACANCY Mareeba Shire Council has the following position available: • Apprentice Diesel Fitter For an Information Application Pack, visit the Council website under Working at Council: www. msc.qld.gov.au.

­

PROPOSED PERMANENT ROAD CLOSURE

STREET CLOSURE Mareeba Shire Council wishes to advise residents of full closure of Keeble Street and Strattmann Street for one (1) day from 6:00am to 6:00pm on Thursday, 30 November 2023.

The works is part of planned excavation works to supply and install a new trunk sewer pipeline and water main in Keeble Street, Strattmann Street and Jacobsen Street, affect traffic movements until Friday, 8 December 2023.

Please visit Council’s website for the planned schedule of work.

Council apologises for the inconvenience caused.

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

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

CHRISTMAS VOUCHERS GIVEAWAY - Terms and Conditions -

Classified deadlines

4pm Friday prior to the next week’s publication

Experienced Motel Cleaner Required Local preferred.

Casual hours.

PHONE: 4092 2677

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE AY! ID R F Y R E V E 4pm W Call K3a46t 4NoO r Email:

.au on 4092 spaper.com w e n s s re p x e admin@the

The Express Christmas Vouchers Giveaway will commence on Monday, 20 November, 2023 and ends at 12 noon on Monday, 11 December, 2023.

The competition is open to all shoppers who purchase products and services from participating outlets. Shoppers are asked to provide their name, address and phone number on the entry forms provided. Only official entry forms provided by the The Express will be accepted as entries.

By entering the competition you are agreeing to allow The Express to publish your name and use any photos which will be taken upon notification of being a winner. The official draw will take place at The Express office at 186 Byrnes Street, Mareeba at 12 Noon on Tuesday, 12 December, 2023.

The three winners will each receive 10 fifty dollar ($50) vouchers which are to be spent with the participating businesses only. Vouchers are not redeemable for cash and are not transferable. All vouchers must be used by the date stated on the individual voucher. Any vouchers not redeemed by this time will expire and will not be honoured.

Winners will be notified by phone and published in The Express on Wednesday, 20 December, 2023.

Judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Further details can be obtained by calling The Express office on 4092 3464 during office hours.

Important Dates Last 2023 Edition - Wednesday, 20th December First 2024 Edition - Wednesday, 17th January

The Express office will be closed for 3 weeks, from Tuesday, 19th December & will re-open on Tuesday, 9th January 2024.

No publication 27th December, 3rd & 10th January

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

ROAD CLOSURES ROTARY CHRISTMAS CAROLS EVENT Notice is hereby given under the provisions of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management Act) Act 1995 of the following road closures for the purpose of the Rotary Christmas Carols Event: Temporary Road Closures For Rotary Christmas Carols • Part of Atherton Street between Byrnes Street and Walsh Street, Mareeba From: 12:00pm, Friday, 1st December 2023 To: 02:00am, Saturday, 2nd December 2023 • Part of Byrnes Street, between Middlemiss Street and Hort Street, Mareeba From: 5:00pm, Friday, 1st December 2023 To: 02:00am, Saturday, 2nd December 2023.

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

Attention is directed to applications for Permanent Road Closures (i) of an area of about 315m2 being part of Brown Road abutting Lot 2 RP702532 (ii) of an area of about 404m2 being part of Brown Road abutting Lot 2 RP702533, Locality of Tolga, proposed to be permanently closed on Drawings CNS22/085P and LAGIS-390 Objections to the application must be submitted no later than 28 December 2023, in writing to the Department of Resources Atherton Office PO Box 210 Atherton Qld 4883 or on line at the Queensland Government’s website at ‘Current Road Closure Applications’: https://www.qld.gov. au/environment/land/state/roads.

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

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

For further details and to view a copy of the drawings, contact the Department of Resources Office, Atherton or on (07) 3708 7108 quoting reference number 2022/000305 and 2022/000342 or view the application online on the Queensland Government’s website at ‘Current Road Closure Applications’: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/ land/state/roads.

GREEN WASTE DISPOSAL DAYS DECEMBER 2023 Council advises Mareeba Shire Residents of the upcoming free domestic green waste disposal days.

Mareeba, Kuranda, Dimbulah and Julatten Transfer Station - Saturday, 9 December and Sunday, 10 December 2023.

Almaden, Irvinebank and Mt Molloy Transfer Station - Saturday, 9 December and Tuesday, 12 December 2023.

Mt Carbine Transfer Station - Thursday, 7 December and Sunday, 10 December 2023.

Mutchilba Transfer Station - Wednesday, 6 December and Saturday, 9 December 2023.

Chillagoe Transfer Station - Thursday, 7 December and Saturday, 9 December 2023.

Council has set the dates for the 2023/24 Free Green Waste Disposal Days. This is for clean uncontaminated domestic quantities of green waste only. Multiple loads will be accepted on these days.

For Transfer Station operating times and locations please visit Council’s website at: www.msc.qld.gov. au/council/water-and-waste/transfer_stations_ landfill.

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

Women’s 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

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

Christmas Season commences on Sunday 3 December 2023: God of the Nations #1 “And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.”

(Luke 2:1)

Salvation & Healing Crusade Thursday 7th - Saturday 9th December 7pm, APA Theatre Silo Road, Atherton Guest Speaker: Jeff Hammond Highway Preachers: Noel & Sharon Moody Local Evangelist: John Daniels

Combined Churches FNQ YOUR LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

Well Women’s Clinics

LIKE US TODAY AND JOIN THE EXPRESS FACEBOOK FAMILY!

(These clinics are available to Medicare eligible clients) Service includes Cervical Screening Tests (Pap Smears), Sexual Health Screening, Breast Awareness, also info on Contraception, Continence, Menopause, Lifestyle Issues, Bowel Health etc.

All services are provided by a specially trained Qld Health Women’s Health Nurse.

Atherton Community Health: Tuesday 5th December, 2023 Phone 4091 0263 to make an appointment Mareeba Hospital: Thursday 7th December, 2023 Phone 4092 9311 to make an appointment The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 51

SPORT TRADIES GOLF DAY

MAREEBA GOLF CLUB – FRIDAY 24 NOVEMBER

Stewart Woods, Chris Banschbach and Dave Quintieri on the green.

Golfer Darrin Hastie gives his supporters a wave.

Dylan Brown and Roy Cleall playing in the Tradies Golf Day.

Locals knocked off early on Friday afternoon to play golf and support the club.

Brett Crooks and Darrin Hastie love a cold beer at Tradies Day.

“Focus” – Stewart Woods goes for the shot.

Dynamic duo Tyson Brown and Gavin Roos.

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SPORT

Grose on top in athletic scene

BY ELLIE FINK A MALANDA teenager is making it big in the athletic world, going away for eight representative regional, state and national titles and getting involved in the 2032 Olympics Youfor2032 program.

Bronte Grose has always been an athlete, competing in athletics, netball and beach volleyball.

In 2023, Grose was selected for the Peninsula 15-17 years Netball Team, 1319 years Cross Country Team and the 13-19 years Athletics Team.

She also represented Cairns in the 14 years Pythons Netball team, where she was selected to play in Newcastle, New South Wales, for the Marlin Coast Netball State Championships team.

“I was also the youngest player selected for the Marlin Coast Netball team that travelled to Newcastle to compete in the NSW Senior State Age competition,” Grose said.

“On top of all these sports, I have been involved in the Queensland Academy of Sport Talent Search Training program in readiness for the 2032 Olympics for beach volleyball.”

The Youfor2032 program will allow Grose to train alongside experts in the beach volleyball field and create the pathway to the Olympics in 2032.

The standards are high, with coaches and trainers only picking the best of the applications to compete, including Grose.

Juggling her athletic endeavours with day-to-day school life has been tricky, travelling from Malanda to Cairns six times a week and sometimes making the trip to Brisbane to train with her coaches.

Inspired by her parents and sister, she hopes she can make it big in the sporting world as they did and hopes to make them proud every step of the way.

“My parents have always been active, and I guess we were always encouraged to get out and try new things,” she said.

“I started playing netball when we

lived in Brisbane but didn’t really get into it until we moved to FNQ. I started doing longer runs as my mum and sister did them, but then I realised I loved sprinting, so I changed more to short distances.

“As for volleyball, my dad has always suggested I play as I am tall, but I never really got into it until I went to the Youfor32 training program and was selected for beach volleyball. Now, we train regularly, and I really love it.

“In terms of my inspiration, I have watched my parents compete at various things throughout my life, and they have always encouraged me to try my best and support me 100% if I want to do something.

“My inspiration comes from many great sportspeople, but I seem to have this personal drive that makes me want to try better and give everything my all every time.”

Despite being confident in her abilities, Grose, like many others, feels nervous before every competition.

But thanks to her support team and her countless hours of training, Grose is able to perform to her full potential.

“I get pretty nervous when it comes to running as it is an individual performance, so I feel a lot of people expect me to do well,” she said.

“But I remind myself that I have trained hard and done the best that I can leading into the competition, so try remaining calm with this thought.

“As for netball, I am so lucky to have such amazing friends who are my teammates that as captain, I make sure I am leading by example and keeping our minds on the games and what we can control.

“A lot of people think running and sport comes easy, but they don’t see the time I spend each day working on little things to improve my technique.

“It’s a lot of hard work, but I know that each session gets me closer to my goals.”

Bronte Grose is making it big in the world, representing the region and state in three separate sports, including athletics.

Successful end to 2023 single tennis social season THE end of the Mareeba Tennis Club Singles League competition went off with a bang, crowning their 2023 champions.

The spotlight was on Peter Blake and his team, the White Russians, who secured the victory by defeating Carl's Cosmopolitans with a scoreline of five sets to one.

The match saw Blake's mastery of his backhand strokes, a skill set that left club members baffled, putting to rest the rumours he had “no backhand to guide his team to a victory”.

The unfortunate hangover that lingered from a wedding attended by Martens a few months ago seemed to have affected his performance on the court.

Despite this, Martens managed a well-deserved win in a hard-fought match against Chris Ellison, showcasing his resilience and skill.

The Mareeba Tennis Club thanked everyone involved in the 2023 season, acknowledging the enthusiastic crowd support that created great energy in the final showdown.

Blake particularly extended his thanks for the clear visibility of his line calls.

Monday night tennis will continue between seasons in a social format from 7pm. Those keen to get involved in the The Blake’s White Russians won the Mareeba Tennis Club Singles League competition. Best and Fairest of the match went to Chris competition next season can talk to Matthew Palmer on 0437 Ellison (centre).

829 353.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 53

SPORT Roosters ready to go THE Atherton Senior Roosters may be three months away from the start of their season, but they have already returned to the field for their first pre-season session, gearing up for the upcoming 2024 FNQ Rugby League campaign.

The club witnessed a large turnout of players for their first run last week, led by the new head coach, Joel Riethmuller, who was impressed with the team’s effort.

“Our numbers were good across all grades, and everyone trained well, considering it was our first run since September,” Riethmuller said.

“We’re rolling along nicely, and there is a good feeling of confidence around the group as we build towards 2024.”

The Roosters have been active in

the player market, making strategic recruits to address crucial gaps in their squad.

The first pre-season trial for the Senior Roosters is scheduled against the Mareeba Gladiators at Mungalli Creek Stadium in March.

Looking ahead to the 2024 season, FNQ Rugby League has introduced under 17’s and under 19’s categories.

The under 17s will participate in the junior’s competition, while the under 19s will take the place of the under 18s in the seniors.

The Roosters’ ladies’ team, under the guidance of second-year coach Paul Stephens, will commence their preparations in mid-January.

Senior Roosters head coach Joel Riethmuller will conduct pre-season training ahead of the FNQRL Senior competition.

Disappointing weekend for local cricket

Mareeba go down to Barron River THE Mareeba bandits succumbed to the wrath of Barron River’s Adam Trewin over the weekend, batting the house down with 110 from 100 balls.

After losing the toss, Barron elected to bat, but the Bandits knew they were in trouble from the start, with their star bowler Faheem Chohan down with his first “Australian flu”.

It was left to Brett Stallan to try to stop the runs flowing, managing to get the wickets of captain Tim Ward (35) and Dillion Robinson (19) but Barron River was not deterred, losing only four wickets in their total of 247 from the 40 overs.

Along with Trewin, Timothy Tosh made a quick 40.

When it was Mareeba’s turn to bat, team captain Brendan Falvo stepped up to the challenge, hoping to recover from the mess Trewin left on the team.

He batted hard, making the top score for his team with 27 but also contributed by taking two catches behind the stumps.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough, with Barron’s Josh Kohn finishing with 4-11 and bowling Mareeba out for 101 in just 30 overs.

“As it turned out, we didn’t learn from our last game against Trewin. We let him get away again and let him put up a century on a very hot day,” Mareeba manager Clint Cifuentes said.

“I think everyone struggled with the heat there.”

Going into their next game against Mulgrave, Cifuentes said the team would be working on their bowling strategies and building their confidence up once again.

“We will be putting the pressure on our top six to go out and get the job done for us,” he said.

“We will be looking at changing a couple of things in our bowling plans, and hopefully, this weekend, we can take on the big guns and give them a bit of a shake.”

Mareeba will host Mulgrave at Borzi Pak this Saturday from 12.30pm.

Atherton’s winning streak ends

Mareeba’s Tim O’Sullivan and Brett Stallan did their best on Saturday, but fell to Barron.

ATHERTON Cricket has been knocked off their recent winning streak, with Mulgrave once again proving why they are this season’s favourites, easily surpassing Atherton’s final score of 131 in just 31 overs.

After winning the toss, Atherton elected to bat.

The early stages saw Charlie Lawrence departing for just six runs, leaving it to Caleb Constant (21) and Dan Parnell (22) to score the highest for Atherton before it was bowled out in the 38th over.

However, the lower order faced a challenging phase, with wickets falling in rapid succession, with Greg Misener, Angus Vikionkorpi, and Tal-

las Blaney succumbing at 109, 117, and 130, respectively.

Going in to bowl, Atherton struggled to keep it together as Mulgrave’s Tristan Curmi and Kobi Johnston managed a good partnership of 81 runs, with Curmi scoring 37 off 58 balls, and Johnston picking up the pace, with 44 off 81 balls.

Wade Matthews and Justin Reid finished the job, remaining not out and reaching the required score in just 31 overs.

Ryan McGrath dominated the bowling for Mulgrave with four wickets, while Charlie Lawrence picked up two for Atheerton.

Atherton is set to play against North’s this weekend at Griffith Park, kicking off at 3pm.

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PAGE 54 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Atherton Square, Cook Street, Atherton PHONE 4091 3919 www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

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• 6 SPEED AUTO WITH MANUAL SHIFT MODE

• 6 SPEED AUTO WITH MANUAL SHIFT MODE

• SUPER SELECT II 4WD

• SUPER SELECT II 4WD

• CENTRE DIFFERENTIAL

• CENTRE DIFFERENTIAL

• 18" TWO̜ TWO̜TONE ALLOY WHEELS

• 18" BLACK ALLOY WHEELS

• LED DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRL)

• BLACK ROOF

61,490

$

DRIVE AWAY

• BLACK GRILLE

• ONE TOUCH START SYSTEM

2 COOK ST ATHERTON QLD ATHERTONMITSUBISHI.COM.AU 07 4091 8700

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 PAGE 55

NEW VEHICLES IN STOCK

­ ­

RAPTOR

EVEREST

Escape 2WD SUV

Escape 2WD SUV

2.0L EcoBoost, 8 speed auto, 8” touch screen, audio streaming, hands free power tailgate, 5yr unlimited klm warranty, 12mths AutoClub membership.

Service Loan Vehicle (5100kms), 2.0L EcoBoost 8 speed auto, 8” touch screen, audio streaming, hands free power tailgate, 5yr unlimited klm warranty, 12mths AutoClub membership.

Escape ST Line 2WD SUV

Escape ST Line AWD SUV

Drive Away $41,150

2.0L EcoBoost, 8 speed auto, 12.3” Digital Cluster, Ford Pass Connect, 5yr unlimited klm warranty, 12mths Autoclub membership.

Drive Away $42,500

Drive Away $36,990

­ ­

­ ­ ­

2.0L EcoBoost, 8 speed auto, blind spot system, reverse cross traffic alert, 5yr unlimited klm warranty, 12mths AutoClub membership.

Drive Away $45,500

Prices include government transfers, stamp duty and registration.

Hansen Ford

279 Byrnes St, Mareeba | 4092 9400 | www.hansenford.com.au Andrew Ford: 0417 633 002 | Claude Formoso: 0477 229 949 | Drew McKenzie: 0400 068 700

NISSAN FUTURE VALUE

3.9% FINANCE

*

­

FIND ALL YOUR FAVOuRITE BRANDS AT COLE MOTOR GROUP

P.A. COMPARISON RATE | MAX 48 MONTH TERM Bon

us V ic Push ta Mow valu er ed $799 at !*

NISSAN NAVARA PRO-4X

When you finance selected Navara 4x4 Dual Cab Pickup models with Nissan*

PLUS UP TO $2,000 OF NISSAN GENUINE ACCESSORIES* *Terms and conditions apply. 3.9% Comparison rate for approved personal applicants of Nissan Financial Services (Australian Credit Licence Number 391464) (NFS). 3.9% APR. Maximum 48 month term. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges.

Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. This comparison rate for the purpose of the National Credit Code is based on a 5 year secured loan of $30,000, although this offer relates to a 48 month term only. Under the Nissan Future Value (NFV) program, you can return the vehicle back to NFS for the pre-agreed future value (adjusted for excess kilometres and the cost of repairs for vehicle damage beyond fair wear and tear), to pay the final balloon payment on your loan. Allowed kilometres and vehicle condition requirements are set out in the NFV agreement. Offer available on new and demonstrator SL, ST, ST-X and PRO-4X Navara 4x4 Dual Cab Pick-up vehicles (excluding PRO-4X WARRIOR variants and demonstrators over 5,000km or 6 months from registration) purchased by 30/11/2023. Accessory bonus of up to $2,000 (inc. GST) to be used towards purchase price and fitment of Nissan Genuine Accessories at time of purchase of eligible vehicle. Accessory bonus is not transferable, not exchangeable and cannot be redeemed for cash.

Excludes Government, Rental and National Fleet customers. For more information see Nissan.com.au/NissanFutureValue. Nissan reserves the right to vary, extend or withdraw this offer. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. See Nissan.com.au/warranty for T&Cs.

* Bonus Victa Corvette 300 18” Petrol Mulch Catch Push Mower available with NIssan Navara. Vehicle to be purchased & delivered before December 22nd,. Giveaway valued at $799! not transferable for cash, or other items. whilst stock lasts. see instore for details.

Atherton Nissan CNR Lousie & Vernon St, Atherton, QLD 4883 07 4030 5400 PAGE 56 The Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Cole Mower Centre All Wheel Drive Centre CNR Louise & Vernon St, Atherton,QLD 4883 07 4030 5400

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au