The Express Newspaper 14 May 2025

EXPRESS The

Celebrating 15 years of delivering news WEDNESDAY 14 MAY, 2025

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TO GO! S K E E W 2 28, 29, 30 MAY 2025 – MAREEBA RODEO GROUNDS www.fnqfielddays.org.au

THE young and fit were first past the post at this year’s Great Wheelbarrow Race in an exciting finish with the top three teams all coming in within 25 minutes of each other.

But a jubilant St Stephens Saints Seniors team were the victors (7 hrs, 3 mins and 46 secs).

The other big winners were community spirit, a region’s hospitality, and the charities on behalf of which all 48 teams competed. n Full story and results Page 5.

Wheelbarrow race Monday

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Groups On-the-spot Distillery vies for big award reap fund XPRESS DV police rewards protection

The

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MANAGING EDITOR Carl Portella

PAPER MANAGER Natasha Srhoj

SENIOR JOURNALIST Robyn Holmes

SENIOR JOURNALIST Andree Stephens

CADET JOURNALIST Konnor Furber

ADMINISTRATION Beth Sykes

MARKETING Darryl Day

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NEXT to names of countries like Barbados, Thailand and Venezuela, the little local town of Walkamin sounds a bit out of place, and rightly so.

SIX community groups have But our very own FNQ Rum from received a total of more than Mt Uncle Distillery has been short$144,000 from the latest round POLICE be able to renowned issue on-the-spot listed will alongside other disof Gambling Community protection victims for of Rum domestic tilleriesdirections from thosetocountries Benefit Fund grants. violence underoflegislation introduced Producer the Year atrecently the prestigious The fund awards grants of to parliament.

International Wine and Spirit Compeup to $35,000 to support a wide The reform proposal, tabled to coincide tition (IWSC). range of projects and initiatives with Domestic Family Violence for Month, would The IWSC is renowned its rigfor not-for-profit organisations meanorous an immediate Police evaluProtection judging 12-month process, which and clubs, with funding helping Direction would based provide safety to ates spirits on long-term taste, balance, strengthen local facilities, victim-survivors and reduce the trauma of finish, and value. support grassroots sport, and going through the judicial processes.

“This competition is also known upgrade life-saving services.

The respondent as Directions the ‘Oscarswould of the order Spiritsthe industry’ The Atherton Tableland to not domestic violence against or commit it’s like the Olympics in a way, the the Agricultural Society was aggrieved a namedTrophy person for a year face a Rum or Producer is one of orthe awarded $35,000 to upgrade maximum penalty of three years imprisonment. most sought-after accolades,” Mt UnDV Services support officer Hannah joined its cattle shed and purchase It may also include cool-down, return, or no- the gathering at Anzac Park in Atherton last cle’s head distiller Mark Watkins said. equipment, while the Herberton Wednesday to hold a candlelight observance to contact “Being conditions. recognised on this level by Mining Museum History mark Domestic Violence Prevention Month.

The not rewarding replace standard the reforms IWSC is would incredibly for Association received $4700 to our team.processes. investigative purchase IT equipment.

Aaliyah 6, Laianah 4, and Trey 3 - lost their strivereleased to craftlate rums re- the In a “We statement lastthat month, The Malanda Gymnastics lives as a result of domestic violence on 19th flect thesaid unique terroir Far North government over the pastof decade, domestic February 2020.

Club has picked up $35,000 Queensland, and this nomination reaf-risen and family violence-related incidents had to fund the installation of roof “We’re so relieved to see police being firms that our eff orts areresulting resonating by approximately 218%, in on police emboldened to act meaningfully against insulation and roller doors, the responding world stage.”to a DFV incident every officers while $35,000 awarded to Mt Uncle Distilleryof Owner and Head Distillerviolence,” Mark Watkins with FNQ Rum’s was awardperpetrators family and domestic FNQ Rum is the only Australian winning Iridium X rum. three minutes.

Yungaburra Beautification Inc Mr Clarke said. brand shortlistedwould for thealso Rumroll ProducThe Government out GPS which will go towards installing “Hannah’s experience with police was FNQ during locally and internationally for their dis- a stellar year for er Trophy, “standing proudly” trackers for high-risk domestic alongviolence lights intoRum, trees in the township. positive, butexceptional they simply didn’t which have itthe has already secured multiple tinct fl avours and quality”. side global giants such as Foursquare The Kairi State School offenders, making 150 devices available from powers needed to actively protect her - and our World and Rum Awards “We use sugar cane nectar to pro- awards. At the Parents USA from Barbados, Sang Som Citizens Association later Rum this year. grandchildren - from her perpetrator.” earlier this year, FNQ Rum took home duce a more rich and sweet fl avour and Distillery from Thailand, and Ron Rowere granted $19,060 to Minister for the Prevention of Domestic always betwoon goldthe medalsresurface for its Platinum Cane court, then we“The age theonus spirit should in ex-Australian Viejo Violence from Venezuela. a multipurpose and ble Family Amanda Camm said perpetrator, not the victim. We hope these laws Agave CaskCarbine Fin- Rodeo red wine barrels, so it combines these Spirit and Iridium “This cements FNQ while the Mt the reform wasnomination about putting the onus on the make it easier for people to seek help and give ish, alongside being named World’s nice flavours well,” Mark said.

Rum’s position as a leading force in Association was awarded perpetrator and investing in prevention. them the confidence to turn to police when they Spirit. to Additionally, the globaland rum industry and is tes-place “And we’re situated in a really nice Best Sugarcane$15,564 purchase a slasher, “Domestic family violence hasa no need protection. to equipment. quality was area, the fluctuations in temperature the brand’s commitment tament to and yearsthis of hard work, dedicafridge and in our society reform is about giving onnights all Australian stateshighlighted to with upcoming a silver medal with the“We’re hot dayscalling and cold helps further tion, and innovation,” Mark said.

The GCBF Super victim survivors immediate protection and match Queensland’s the International Wine andoffers Spiritgrants of the spirit age really well.”Police ProtectionatDirection FNQ Rum Camm describes Round, which support,” Minister said.its rums as so that potential victims can be safeguarded its Iridium X Rum. being Steps crafted4“from the rich volcanic co- The Mt Uncle Distillery has also Competition for up to $100,000, will open on Small Hannah Foundation before it’s too late.”

Mark will be9travelling toclose London soils and sugarcane of this unique recently started distribution in the UK, June and on 18 July. founders Sue and Lloyd Clarke welcomed the Information and support options are toavailable attend the awards on 12 tropical region” and “produces a range adding to their many successes.

Go toceremony www.justice.qld.gov.au/ proposed laws, which was turning the tables on This for anyone affected by domestic and family IWSC recognition follows November. of rums that have been celebrated both initiatives/community-grants perpetrators’ coercive control. violence at www.qld.gov.au/needtoknow for more information.

Their daughter and grandchildren - Hannah,

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NEW offences and increased fines have been brought penalties for existing offences which aim to deter in by the State Government to crack down on feeding people from engaging in behaviours that pose a seand interfering with crocodiles. rious risk to public safety and animal conservation.

Two new offences have been introduced making The on-the-spot fine for deliberately disturbing or it unlawful to unintentionally feed a crocodile by dis- feeding crocodiles has increased from $483 to $2580, carding food and remaining in close proximity to a with the maximum court-imposed fine increasing crocodile. from $6452 to $26,615.

Discarding food, including fish frames, scraps and The on-the-spot fine for interfering with a crocobait, in a way that may attract crocodiles to a public dile trap has increased from $645 to $2580, with place such as a boat ramp, jetty, pontoon or camping the maximum court-imposed fine increasing from area can now result in an on-the-spot fine of $483 or $19,356 to $26,615. a maximum court-imposed fine of $6,452.

But State Member for Hill Shane Knuth, who Knowingly remaining within close proximity to a introduced the KAP’s Crocodile Control, Conservacrocodile that is on, or partly on, land can now result tion, and Safety Bill 2024 into Parliament last month, in an on-the-spot fine of $806 or a maximum court- slammed the new offences and fines as “nothing imposed fine of $16,130. more than a band-aid fix”.

This offence complements the existing “disturb“The State Government has failed to manage the ing” offence which prevents people from approach- crocodile crisis for over a decade, and now it’s coming or pursuing a crocodile or driving a boat or vehi- pletely out of control,” he said.

“Ask anyone who regularly fishes or uses our wacle within 10m of it. ed- and the who population made thehas event they’ll tellvolunteers you the crocodile Conservation officers WHEELBARROW now also have the power RACE to terways THE GREAT exploded.

“This is a Northern Queensland issue, and direct people to move from aof crocodile to avoid possible.

As the majoraway partner The Great Wheelit should be managed locally, not from over 1,800 km any potential human-crocodile interactions. barrow Race, it was a privilege to walk the YOUTH CRIME The government has also significantly increased away in an ivory tower.” streets, meet people, and see what a unique Looking ahead, I’m focused on continuing community spirit we have here in the Mareeba to make our communities safer. A quarterly Shire. snapshot of police efforts to turn the tide on Local events like this are vital to keeping youth crime reveals that Police made more communities connected and growing. In the than 4,235 arrests of youth in the first three city they have City to Surf and in the Far North, months of the year, laying 18,028 charges.

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Mission to lure new businesses to CBD

By ROBYN HOLMES

MAREEBA Chamber of Commerce is on a mission to attract new businesses to the town’s CBD after two large shops closed in March, bringing the total number of empty shops in the main street to 13.

Chamber president Joe Moro told a recent luncheon that a story published in The Express on 26 March revealing how many shops were empty had brought the matter “to a head”.

The organisation subsequently held a meeting with Mareeba Shire Council to discuss the situation, and how a planned upgrade of the CBD may help attract new business.

Council was given a $2.1 million grant earlier this year to develop a blueprint for the CBD upgrade which will include everything from stormwater improvements to seating and lighting. The chamber will play a major role in providing input to the plan.

“We suggested that we needed to focus on attracting new businesses because my concern is that once you lose key shops, people have another reason not to shop in the area which has a knock-on effect,” Mr Moro said.

“The timing to attract new businesses is good – I think the main street is struggling a bit, we’d like it to look better than what it is, not to complain about the council, but I think generally, the blueprint comes into play.

“The two bigger shops closing is not good, but we can’t just sit there and say ‘it’s no good, we’re not going to do anything’.”

Retail assistant Caitlyn Parsons at Claude Cater Mensland which is one of 20 businesses that participate in the Mareeba “Shop Local” gift card program.

Mr Moro said at this stage there was no action plan but it is expected it will include marketing Mareeba as a great place to invest.

“The suggestion was to form a working group of sorts to try and help attract businesses back into Mareeba as an effort by the chamber and the council,” he said.

“People who want to invest in the area always want to talk with the Mayor.

“The chamber is also working on a new webpage to promote Mareeba Industrial Park and the airport (industrial park) and that it is a great place to live and the like, and we’re not far away from getting that completed.”

When it comes to the retail sector, Mr Moro said Mareeba was “in a bit of a bad spot – with Atherton, considered to be retail capital of the region, and Smithfield only a 45-minute drive away”.

Asked what type of businesses the chamber would like to see in the CBD, Mr Moro said a basic women’s fashion retailer would be welcome after Rockmans and Rivers closed down in March.

“If I was to pick one, I think a basic women’s fashion retailer would be popular – especially a reasonably priced place, because we only have K-Hub and it’s a bit limited, and we have Sonlia (more upmarket fashion),” he said.

“We do have two telecommunication shops, there was a time when we didn’t have one, so that’s good. ANZ shut down four years ago but at least Mareeba has been able to retain the other big banks while some regional centres have lost them.

“We could consider directly approaching specific chains, but we will have to look at some data and get more information on the table before

we decide exactly what we will do.

“I expect the economy will open up again after the election, and interest rates are set to drop again this month.”

He said he was also interested in taking forward an idea to fill empty shop windows with imagery of the shire’s best attractions and events like Savannah in the Round and the Mareeba Rodeo.

“Obviously the owner of the building would have to agree but it would generate a good vibe in the CBD,” Mr Moro said.

One area the chamber is promoting strongly is the use of “Shop Local” gift cards, with around 20 local businesses involved.

“Gift cards are a stimulation to get people buying at local businesses,” he said.

“The idea is to get the gift cards into people’s thinking, so they will consider buying the Mareeba card instead of others (like Coles, Woolworths).

“We are using them as prizes for events like the Wheelbarrow Race, because then they have to spend the money in Mareeba.”

Cards can be redeemed at Bellezza Beauty Bar, Blundell’s Classic Ford Museum, Brunos Batteries, Cape Gateway Motel, Claude Cater Mensland, Golden Drop Winery, Marama Jewellery, Mareeba Heritage Centre, Mareeba Leagues Club, Moro Auto Repairs, Outback Solar and Outdoors, Piagnos News, Priceline Pharmacy, TGT, Mareeba Nextra, Ida Portella Travel, The Express and QITE.

Tablelands boy charged with 20 offences TABLELANDS detectives have charged a 15-year-old Atherton boy with 20 offences committed across the Tablelands area between 12 December 2024 to 29 April 2025.

On one occasion, it will be alleged that at around 4am on 1 March, the 15-year-old boy entered a Holm Street, Atherton, address before taking a number of items and a Toyota Rav 4.

The Toyota Rav 4 was located on 2 March on Golf Link Road, Atherton.

It will be further alleged on the evening of 28 April, the 15-year-old boy broke into three separate premises in the Kuranda area, taking a number of items.

At around 9.35am on 29 April, police attended a Louise Street, Atherton, address where the 15-year-old Atherton boy was located and arrested.

Whilst escorting the boy to the police vehicle, the boy attempted to flee officers on foot.

Officers apprehended the boy a short time later and he was taken to the Mareeba watchhouse.

The 15-year-old boy was charged with a total of 20 offences including five counts of enter dwelling and commit indictable offence, four counts each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and enter premises and commit indictable offence, three counts of breaching bail, two counts of enter dwelling with intent and one count each of stealing and obstruct police.

The boy’s bail was refused, and he was due to appear at the Cairns Children’s Court last Friday.

If anyone has information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/ reporting or call 131 444.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

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The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025 PAGE 3

Free workshops for small business month FREE workshops are on offer for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Mareeba Shire this month, with six set to take place over the next couple of weeks.

Queensland Small Business Month is held throughout May and offers a range of free workshops that teach business owners how to grow their business online, attract more customers, and boost their brands’ visibility.

Digital marketing workshops will be held in Kuranda, Mt Molloy, Irvinebank, Chillagoe, Julatten, and Dimbulah.

Whether businesses are new to digital marketing or are looking to refine their strategy, these workshops will equip them with the skills they need to thrive in the digital world.

Spots are limited. To register, go through the State Library ‘Digital and You’ app www.

digitalandyou.com.au/app or via Humantix at www.bit.ly/4lJolbp.

WORKSHOPS Kuranda Community Precinct Room (above Kuranda Library) – Monday 19 May from 9am-11am.

Mt Molloy Memorial Hall (29 Main St) – Tuesday 20 May from 9am-11am.

Irvinebank School of the Arts Hall (2633 Herberton Petford Rd) – Tuesday 20 May from 2pm-4pm.

Chillagoe Hub Meeting Room (21-23 Queen St) – Thursday 22 May from 10.30am-12.30pm.

Julatten Edna Head Library (Craft Room) – Thursday 22 May from 10.30am-12.30pm.

Dimbulah Hall (29 Raleigh St) – Monday 26 May from 10.30am-12.30pm.

LIVE ONLINE AUCTION

FRIDAY 16 MAY - 9AM

On instructions from the Vendor - Sale of Excess Farm Equipment

TRACTORS, TRUCKS, VEHICLES, SPRAY MISTERS, ROLLER & BELT CONVEYORS, FARM MACHINERY, GENERATOR, HARDWOOD TIMBER Tractors: Kubota M8540 Power Crawler Tractor, New Holland TM125 4WD Tractor, Kubota L4600 4WD Backhoe Loader, Case International 956XL 2WD Tractor, (4) Ford 2000 Tractors, International AV 2WD Tractor, Fiat 411R 2WD Tractor. Trucks & Vehicles: 2009 Sterling L Series HX9500 Crew Cab Tray Truck, 1997 Ford Trader Tray Truck, (2) 2014 Kubota RTV 1140CPX 6 Seater Side by Side, Kubota RTV 900XT Side by Side, 2002 Toyota Hiace 14 Seater Bus, 1997 Toyota Hiace 11 Seater Bus, 2005 Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R Dual Cab 4WD Utility, 2003 Mazda Bravo B2500F Dual Cab 4WD Utility, 2000 Ford Courier GL Dual Cab 4WD Utility, 2000 Holden Rodeo LX 4WD Utility, 1978 Toyota FJ45 4WD Utility, 2000 Ford Falcon AU Utility, Kymco 90 Sports 2WD Quad Bike. Farm Equipment & Machinery: 2020 140kVa Enclosed Diesel Generator, 4WD Banana Bagging Machines, 5000L & 3500L Silvan Spray Misters, Nobili BNE180 Mulcher, International 28 Plate Offset Discs, Superior 2.4Mtr Side Throw Slasher, Krone Swadro 461 Rotary Rake, Teagle XT48 Fertiliser Spreader, 8Mtr Picking Spray Trailer, (2) Fire Fighting Trailer Units, Banana Bunch Line & Trough, Diesel Fuel Tanks, Verd.Gothot 27Kg Roaster, Bird Nets, Fruit Conveyors, Croplands 200L Spray Tanks, Brush Cutters, Stihl Multitool, Electrical Plant 3 Phase Control Board, Netafim Irrigation Sprinkler Heads & Risers, Banana Boxes, Banana Pads, 4WD Tyre & Rims, 4mm Steel Plate Sheets, Galvanised Sheeting, Scorpion 3 Phase Belt Drive Compressor, Gas Heated Fruit Dipping Tank & Fork Frame Dipping Machine, Pumkin Washer, Lychee Sorting Table, Cardboard Fruit Boxes, Handran Inline Twin Feed Stickering Machine, 1250mm Fruit Washing Brushes, 6” & 4” Hydraulic Inline Pressure Reducing Valves. Timber: Large Qty of ex Mareeba Tobacco Sales Floor Timbers incl. 160mm X 50mm Hardwood Timber Joists, 90mm Tongue & Groove Flooring Timber (100LM Packs).

Note: A 10% + (GST) Buyers Premium will be added to the knockdown price of each lot sold. This is a GST Excl. Sale LOTS 1-285 VIEWING THURSDAY 15 MAY AT 3595 KENNEDY HIGHWAY, MAREEBA, 9AM - 4PM LOTS 286 - 400 VIEWING THURSDAY 15 MAY AT 30-40 CONSTIN STREET, MAREEBA, 9AM -4PM PLEASE NOTE: NO AUCTION DAY SITE ACCESS, LIVE ON LINE ONLY Visit our Website to Create Your Online Bidding Account - www.quaidauctioneers.com.au

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Horsepower party and mechanical mayhem FAR North Queensland’s largest and loudest motorsport celebration returns to Springmount Raceway this Friday promising a jam-packed weekend of tyre smoke and mechanical mayhem.

The annual Northern Nats event is a celebration of car culture, where enthusiasts from across Australia converge for three days of burnouts, roll racing, drag racing, drifting demos, show ‘n’ shine displays, power skids, cruising, live DJs, kids’ entertainment, and more.

“Whether you’re a diehard petrolhead or just along for the good times, Northern Nats is perfect for the whole family. There’s truly something for everyone,” organisers said.

Two new additions to the festival include a cruise route featuring Skid Row, inspired by the Street Machine Summernats, and a new Street Elite Pavilion showcasing some of the finest show cars from the region and beyond.

This year’s event has already attracted over 200 registered entrants from across the country, from local legends to national heavyweights.

At the heart of the action is the Pro Burnout Series, featuring elite drivers like Peter Grmusa in his 1200hp supercharged XA Falcon known as KINGXA, alongside a Development Class giving rising talent a platform to shine.

Other major highlights include the first round

of the Springmount Drag Racing Championship, the fiercely contested Go to Whoa, and the coveted Northern Nats Champion title - awarded to the entrant who best blends performance and presentation.

For the full Northern Nats experience, nothing beats camping trackside where you’ll be immersed in the action, atmosphere, and after-hours vibes.

“Multi-day ticket holders can roll in on Thursday, set up with their crew, and enjoy three full days of non-stop horsepower without ever leaving the party.”

Organisers warn BYO alcohol is not permitted, but two fully stocked bars will be operating across the venue.

Northern Nats 9 is also part of the newly formed Cairns Tri Series, which also includes fan-favourites Tropical Meltdown and Skids for Santa.

“The event is also a major boost for the local tourism economy, with thousands of attendees supporting accommodation providers, vendors, and small businesses throughout the Tablelands and Cairns region.”

Pre-purchasing tickets before 15 May offers big savings, plus an exclusive deal on Street Machine Magazine subscriptions.

The event runs from Friday 16 May to Sunday 18 May. For more information got to northernnats. com.au

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The Great Wheelbarrow Race

Mareeba to Chillagoe 9–11 MAY 2025

Charity, community and plenty of stamina RAISING almost $250,000, with 48 teams and over 500 runners, this year’s Great Wheelbarrow Race was a testament to regional community spirit and stamina.

This year’s winners of the race, which starts in Mareeba and ends in Chillagoe, was the St Stephen’s Saints – Seniors school team with a time of seven hours, three minutes, 46 seconds.

The 2025 biggest fundraisers were Down Under Movers & Shakers Fighting Parkinson’s Disease, with the team raising $30,096.

Led by 83-year-old Brian White, who himself suffers from Parkinson’s Disease, the money raised will go towards the Neurology Department at Cairns Hospital.

Running since 2007, the Great Wheelbarrow Race has attracted people from across the region, with a fun street parade in Mareeba before the teams get down to business.

But beneath the joy and competition lay a certain sadness for the loss of one of the event’s biggest supporters, the late Mareeba Shire councillor Kevin Davies, who passed away in January this year.

Local member for Cook, David Kempton, a major partner in the event, paid his respects to Cr Davies who was acknowledged with a minute’s silence at the opening of the race.

“From the very beginning, Kevin was deeply involved in the race, taking on many roles over the years — as a competitor, a dedicated committee member, and most recently, as Chair,” Mr Kempton said on Friday.

Mr Kemp, who quipped that he might be old enough to join his team favourite Dad’s Army next year, said the race was “was more than just a competition — it brings communities together, celebrates our unique heritage, and injects energy into regional Queensland.”

Mayor Angela Toppin said the race was a great boost to the region.

“Being one of Mareeba Shire’s biggest events, it’s all about team spirit, fun, and endurance,” she said.

“The race brings hundreds of visitors to some of our region’s smallest towns, showcasing the wonderful country hospitality our area is known for.”

New Wheelbarrow Race Chair Cr Cardillo said he had definitely caught the race bug.

“As this was my first year being involved in the Great Wheelbarrow Race, I was absolutely blown away by the dedication and resilience of the teams, and the passion they showed for the causes they were supporting,” he said.

“None of this would be possible

without the support of Mareeba Shire Council, the Great Wheelbarrow Race committee, our volunteers, and our generous sponsors.”

RESULTS: OVERALL WINNERS: St Stephen’s Saints – Seniors (total time 7 hours, 3 minutes, 46 seconds) School team 2nd place: Costa 1 (total time 7 hours, 15 minutes, 29 seconds) Social team 3rd place: Siren Squad (total time 7 hours, 24 minutes, 25 seconds) Corporate team CATEGORY WINNERS: Over 55s: Dad’s Army (total time 13 hours, 59 minutes, 58 seconds) Corporate Services: Siren Squad (total time 7 hours, 24 minutes, 25 seconds) Ladies team: Wheely Pushy Women (total time 8 hours, 14 minutes, 47 seconds) NEW RECORD Mixed team: Wheelbarrow Warriors (total time 7 hours, 56 minutes, 58 seconds) Social team: Costa 1 (total time 7 hours, 15 minutes, 29 seconds) NEW RECORD School team: St Stephen’s Saints – Seniors (total time 7 hours, 3 minutes, 46 seconds) Solo male: Finley Green (total time 16 hours, 27 minutes, 42 seconds) Solo female: Helen McAllister (total time 23 hours, 31 minutes, 17 seconds) Solo female assisted: Ange Willet (total time 9 hours, 36 minutes, 40 seconds) Duo: Up Dawg (total time 10 hours, 32 minutes, 39 seconds) NEW RECORD Trio: Wheelie Sore (total time 15 hours, 28 minutes, 42 seconds) The Team Spirit Award: Kickin it for Kev – A social team running in honour of the late Chair of the GWR committee Cr Kevin Davies.

It was also awarded to the duo Up Dawg for their great community spirit throughout the weekend.

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The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025 PAGE 5

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Hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Atherton and Mareeba, with support from Tablelands businesses Mete Motor Group, Tyrepower Mareeba, and NQ Agricultural Services, all funds raised are donated to charities and community organisations.

In an event first, visitors to the Field Days will also have the chance to take part in Farm Tours on the first two days.

Mr McCosh praised the dedicated organising committee for all their efforts in planning and preparing for the 2025 event.

“The committee members are all volunteers and it would be hundreds of hours of work that they have put in,” he said.

Online bookings are the preferred method for ticket sales, with a discounted rate available for pre-purchase tickets - $10 single day entry, $25 for a three-day pass, and $8 for Pensioner or Disability Concession Card Holder.

Tickets will also be available to purchase at the gate on the day. For more information, visit www. fnqfielddays.org.au

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MORE than 16,000 people are expected to head to the Rotary FNQ Field Days this month, in a bumper three-day exhibition of all things agriculture.

The biennial event, held at the Mareeba Rodeo Grounds on May 28, 29 and 30, was promising to be the biggest and best to date, event chairman Andrew McCosh said.

Crowd favourites like the tractor pull, daily working machinery demonstrations, arena events, cattle displays, emergency services demonstrations, and market stalls were locked in.

This year’s “Ag and Innovation” theme had also attracted peak national bodies and industry groups which will host a range of forums and presentations.

“There are going to be some incredible showcases and demonstrations of new innovations and the latest products, plenty of food options and great general networking opportunities,” Mr McGosh said.

Some 500 sites and 450 exhibitors will feature this year, and site co-ordinator Nina Grant said there were only a small number of sites still available.

“The Ag and Innovation area of this year’s event has taken it to yet another level. We’re certain that we will sell out. The interest has been incredible.”

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Buses lose spot at waterfall

By ROBYN HOLMES

A PLEA by Millaa Millaa residents to stop tour buses from parking in the lower car park at the iconic waterfall has been heeded by Tablelands Regional Council, despite its officers recommendations.

The waterfall’s facilities are the subject of a major upgrade, with council planners recommending the tour buses park in the lower car park so passengers would not have to negotiate the staircase which has also been recently upgraded.

Tour companies have told officers if they cannot access the lower car park, and the upper car park does not have the space required for the large vehicles, then they would stop coming to the waterfall.

But in a detailed response on behalf of the community, Pat Reynolds told the council the tour buses provided no financial benefit to the community and residents had made it clear during community consultation they did not want the large vehicles in the lower car park.

“If the tour buses decided they didn’t want to come to the falls at all, it wouldn’t change the benefits to the town by one dollar. On the rarest occasions they do turn up, they go to Lions Park and eat their packed lunches and then leave,” Mr Reynolds told the council.

“If the buses stop going to the bottom car park, it would make no difference to the economies of the rest of the towns across the Tablelands, because they would still do their routes.

“Council did seek public consultation when the project started

An artist’s impression of what the lower car park at Millaa Millaa waterfall would look like.

and they were given overwhelming and consistent information that we wanted the parking swapped. Not only that, we took it upon ourselves through the Lions Club to get new signs made and swap them over, that’s how important it was – it lasted for two days.”

Mr Reynolds said 90% of people on the tour buses were “young and fit and able people” who could “dance down that staircase”.

“In contrast, those who arrive by car are often grey nomads, families with young children or those with mobility concerns who struggle to deal with the staircase,” he said.

“Major tour operators do absolutely nothing for the Tablelands

community – they come with their lunches, businesses in Cairns reap all the rewards, accommodation, food, alcohol, souvenir shops, none of that happens up here.

“We are coming to you with our loudest and most unified voice ever – we want the buses out of the bottom carpark. To date, absolutely no compelling arguments have been delivered to us as to why this can’t happen, not one reasonable argument.

“On the grounds of safety, common sense, equity and economic reality, revise the parking arrangements and put the buses at the top where they belong.

“When you vote today, you will either be voting to support the wishes

of an entire community or you will be voting for a few businesses down in Cairns who are not going to make any less money by going to the bottom carpark.”

Council officers advised there was inadequate space for tour buses in the top car park and by excluding them from the bottom, they would no longer have access to Millaa Millaa Falls.

But Crs Dave Bilney and Kevin Cardew backed the community sentiment on the issue.

“I fully support the community’s views – we do need to listen to our community, that’s what we’re here for,” Cr Cardew said.

“This is the fourth time a report

has been brought to this council – three times we have previously said ‘no’.

“Tour operators have their own agenda – they come from up Cairns in the morning and end up in Cairns in the afternoon and do a whirlwind tour of our assets and spend very little money.”

Cr Bilney agreed and said he had listened closely to community feedback and agreed that visitation to the waterfall delivered “little benefit for the town itself ”.

He suggested tour companies could use smaller shuttles to take people to the waterfall instead of large buses and moved an alternative motion that would allow any vehicle to park in bottom car park if they had passengers who had mobility issues.

But chief executive officer Dr Nikola Stepanov warned that officers would need more specific wording if they were to be able to regulate the parking area.

“When you pass a motion, I’m only able to do those that are able to be legally achieved, so I’m flagging there will be issues with the particular wording of this motion, something I’ve raised consistently in the past month,” she said.

Crs Bilney and Cardew agreed the council accepted that it could not regulate everything due to capacity constraints and relied upon people “to do the right thing”.

Council resolved to designate the top car park for bus and general visitor vehicle parking, and to exclude class 3, 4 and 6 vehicles from parking in the lower car park.

Spills, slips & shopping trips: what to do after a supermarket fall

By Rachael McMahon from Maurice Blackburn Lawyers How to protect yourself, know your rights, and take action after a fall We’ve all dashed into the supermarket for a few quick items, never imagining we might leave with more than just groceries - like a broken wrist, a bruised hip, or a trip to the hospital. But the truth is, slips, trips, and falls in supermarkets are surprisingly common, and they can have serious and long-lasting consequences.

Supermarkets have a duty of care to keep their customers safe. That means promptly cleaning up spills, using wet floor signs, maintaining safe trolleys, and ensuring staff are working and trained with care. But when these standards fall short, it’s often customers who are left to pay the price.

All too often, we see accidents from wet floors, careless trolley placement or shoppers colliding with stock-carts in a packed aisle. Some people walk away with just a sore ankle or a bruised elbow. Others end up with far worse, fractures, surgeries, substantial time off work, or even needing to change jobs because they can’t return to their usual duties.

When is the supermarket responsible?

Importantly, supermarkets aren’t automatically at fault every time someone falls. If you were running, distracted on your phone, or behaving recklessly, you might carry some responsibility. But if the supermarket failed to maintain a safe environment, like ignoring a leaking fridge, an unattended spill, or a walkway obstruction blocking an aisle, they can be held legally liable.

What should you do if you’re injured?

If you do take a fall, what you do next matters. Here is a simple guide on what you should do next: • Take photos. If you’re able, snap a picture of what caused the fall and the area around it before it’s cleaned up.

• Report the incident. Notify staff or a manager and ensure they record the details.

• Get medical help. Even if you think it’s “just a bruise,” see your doctor or go to the hospital, as some injuries worsen over time.

• Follow up. Ask the supermarket for a copy of the incident report and request that any CCTV footage be kept. Many stores routinely delete footage after a few weeks or months.

Be careful with paperwork Supermarkets may ask you to sign a release form or medical authority. Signing these could prevent you from making a legal claim or allow them access to all your medical records. Always get legal advice before signing.

What compensation is available?

You may have a public liability claim if your injuries are serious and long-lasting. This can cover medical expenses, ongoing care, pain and suffering, and lost income. But be aware: strict time limits apply, so it’s important to seek advice as soon as possible.

Why it matters Many people feel embarrassed or assume they should just “shrug it off” after a fall, especially if the injury seems minor. However, slips and trips can result in long-term consequences, from fractures and long recoveries to extended time off work or a change in employment.

That’s why it’s so important to understand your rights and get early advice. Speaking with a legal expert can help ensure you’re not left shouldering the burden alone.

It’s not just about compensation; it’s about securing the care and support you need to recover both physically and financially.

The bottom line: no one should be left paying the price for someone else’s mistake.

Rachael McMahon is a Senior Associate and Office Leader for Maurice Blackburn in Cairns and visiting offices in the Tablelands and Innisfail. She feels strongly about matters affecting FNQ and enjoys raising her young family in the most beautiful part of Australia. This information is general in nature and should not be regarded as specific legal advice. You can find contact details at mauriceblackburn.com.au.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025 PAGE 7

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Local group celebrate Mother’s Day

2026 Year 7 Applications due 26 June 2025 Scholarships available FOR 10 years, the Atherton Lionesses catered a Mother’s Day morning tea for local group SWELL (Senior Women Enjoying Later Life), but after the Lionesses concluded, the Lions took over in their honour and have been continuing it for the past three years now. Pictured above are SWELL members Faye Riddell (left), Marlene Wellman, Norma Short, Barbara Lloyd, and Julie Grumley.

Stamp duty stamped out

TO ENROL T ENROL

FIRST HOME buyers in Queensland will save thousands of dollars with the abolition of stamp duty which became effective last month.

The state government legislation targets eligible homeowners buying or building a new house Queensland has the lowest rate of home ownership of any state at 63.5%, below Victoria at 68.3% and Tasmania at 70.1%.

The government is also investing $2 billion in

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housing infrastructure and removing restrictions preventing first home buyers renting out rooms, as part of its Securing our Housing Foundations Plan.

The government said the stamp duty relief across Queensland would deliver an average saving of $9,906 for a house and land package at median price.

More information on support for first home buyers is available on the Queensland Revenue Office website.

Free first aid courses for disaster events Enrolment Application

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PEOPLE willing to provide first aid in the event of a disaster can get free first aid training from Tablelands Regional Council.

The council is hosting free nationally accredited courses for community disaster teams and community members willing to provide first aid during a disaster.

“This nationally accredited course will build capacity to provide first aid until emergency services arrive,” Local Disaster Management Group Chair Mayor Rod Marti said.

“First aid skills are critical and we want to equip

our community with the abilities and knowledge to provide help in any situation.

“This will increase our resilience and reduce our dependence on emergency services, who can be overstretched during large scale events.”

Courses are available across the region so those who are interested can submit an expression of interest by going to www.trc.qld.gov.au/first-aidtraining by Monday 2 June.

The courses will all be held in June in Atherton, Herberton, Kairi, Millaa Millaa, Mt Garnet, Ravenshoe and Yungaburra.

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High price to remove trees

By ROBYN HOLMES

DANGEROUSLY tall trees along Mountainview Drive will be removed at an estimated cost of $96,000, but the funds will have to be found in the 2025-26 Budget.

The 80 cadaghi trees were the subject of a deputation to Tablelands Regional Council in late February by residents who wanted a number of them to be removed, saying they posed a risk to electricity supply, a risk to their property, and were a driver hazard.

A group spokesman told the council the trees, that can grow as high as 30m, were planted around a 90-degree corner on the road, with branches hanging down to 2.9m off the road.

They were currently around 27m high, twice as high as the power lines, which had created problems in the past, costing residents thousands of dollars.

The spokesman explained to the council how dangerous the trees were to motorists, bike riders, and pedestrians and also warned the trees were damaging public infrastructure such as the concrete kerbing where the roots of the trees were breaking through.

“This road is also a school bus route.

Higher vehicles such as buses and trucks are forced into the wrong lane to avoid low branches, and on the right-angled corner, this is a potential calamity,” the spokesman said.

Residents had raised the issue with council in February 2024 but after Ergon advised council officers that no action was required, the matter was not progressed further.

At its April meeting, TRC agreed to remove 80 trees at an estimated cost of $96,000 which included stump grinding, traffic control, and the reinstatement of the kerb and channel.

A council report confirmed the trees were not an appropriate species for the location due to their size and placement on the verge.

“As evidenced by their size and historic aerial imagery, these trees have been in this location for many years and it is unlikely they were planted by, or on behalf of, TRC or the Atherton Shire Council prior to amalgamation,” the report stated.

“Cadaghi trees are known to drop branches and are, by some people, colloquially referred to as widow makers, however many other tree species are prone to limb drop from time to time.”

The report advised there had been four requests received by council, including two that referenced branches dropping. But officers had inspected the trees on several occasions and reported they were healthy and were not having a significant impact on council’s kerb and channel.

Infrastructure Services general manager Mark Vis admitted that council did not maintain a tree register and did not conduct systematic inspections, hazard assessments, and risk assessments of trees on councilcontrolled land.

Rather, tree defects or risks were either identified as part of regular road inspections or through residents reporting issues to the council.

Cr Dave Bilney asked Mr Vis whether the council would seek to replant the area with an appropriate species.

Mr Vis confirmed it would be the case, although those costs were not included in the $96,000 cost estimate to remove the trees.

The council agreed to consider including the cost to remove the trees as part of the 2025-26 Budget deliberations.

Cr Con Spanos with one of the waste bin attachments that allow people to drop off containers.

New way to exchange TWENTY new waste bin basket attachments have been installed in Atherton and Yungaburra as part of a Containers for Change outdoor recycling initiative.

Container Exchange Points are a convenient way for people to leave their eligible beverage containers in a basket to be collected by others in exchange for the 10-cent refund through Containers for Change (COEX).

Tablelands Regional Council is one of the first councils in Queensland to sign up to the outdoor recycling initiative, which helps keep litter out of our public spaces and increases the amount of 10cent refunds claimed by the community.

“The baskets have been installed on bins in Atherton and Yungaburra and are a convenient way for people to leave their eligible drink containers to be collected by any person in exchange for the 10-cent refund,” Cr Con Spanos said.

“The containers are available for individual recyclers and community groups to collect. This means there are fewer containers going to landfill and more 10-cent refunds going back into the community.

“I’m hoping the trial in Atherton and Yungaburra works out well and we can roll out the program to other locations and towns in the region.”

COEX chief executive officer Natalie Roach said trials in 12 other Queensland councils showed the attachments were frequently emptied by avid recyclers and made container collection safer for community members.

“Last year there were 9.8 million beverage containers returned in the Tablelands Regional Council area through the Containers for Change scheme, which put almost $1 million back into the pockets of locals,” Ms Roach said.

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PORTSMITHPETROLEUM.COM.AU The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025 PAGE 9

Pick up free Recycle Right stickers and magnets at our customer service centres and libraries!

• Have you considered ways to reuse, repair, repurpose or donate items?

• Everything must be rinsed and clean including aluminium foil, bottles, cans, containers, tins, paper, pizza boxes and meat trays. Lids must be removed.

• Don’t put anything smaller than a credit card in the recycling.

Find out more at trc.qld.gov.au/waste-recycling.

R

Recycling bin and transfer station

G

General waste bin and transfer station

NAME

Aerosol cans (must be empty) Aluminium cans Aluminium foil Animal droppings Asbestos (conditions apply) Bags — paper Batteries — household Batteries — vehicle Books Bottle tops & caps Bottles plastic & glass Boxes — cardboard Bubble wrap Building materials Cardboard Cans & tins Car parts Carpet & underlay Cartridges — printer & toner Cassettes & VHS tapes CD & DVD disks & cases Cellophane Cereal boxes Chemicals — domestic China, ceramics & crockery Chip packets Cigarette butts Cling wrap Clothing fabrics & shoes Coat hangers Coffee cups & lids — disposable Coffee grounds Coffee pods Computers, components & accessories Containers plastic Corks Cosmetic jars (not glass) Cotton wool buds, balls & tips Egg cartons Electrical appliances Envelopes Fire extinguishers Flares Food scraps Fuel — petrol & diesel Furniture Garden/green waste Gas bottles Glass bottles & jars — no lids Glasses (spectacles) Glass — drinking glasses & Pyrex Grass clippings Hand towels — paper Hoses — garden & piping Ice cream containers Ice cream sticks Jar lids — plastic & metal Jars Juice cartons Junk mail

R

G

TS

SR

TS

Transfer station only

C

NAME

Take to Springmount Waste Management Facility

SR

Specialist recycler trc.qld.gov.au/recycling

C

Compost or worm farm

R

G

TS

Kitty litter Light bulbs & tubes Lolly wrappers Long life cartons Magazines & shiny paper Margarine & butter containers Mattresses Meat trays — foam Meat trays — plastic Milk bottles Milk cartons Mobile phones & accessories Motor oil — domestic Motor oil containers Nappies Newspapers Oil — motor & cooking (domestic) Paint & paint containers Pallets — wooden & plastic Paper — laminated Paper — office, flyers & brochures Paper — shredded Paper — soiled Pet food tins Pizza boxes Plant cuttings & prunings Plant pots — plastic Plastic — compostable (PLA) Plastic bags Plastic cups, plates & cutlery — disposable Plastic strapping Plastic wrappers Polystyrene Poppers & other tetra packs Power cables Punnets Rope Sanitary items Scrap metal Shampoo bottles Soil Solvents Steel cans & tins Straws — disposable Syringes & needles (in sharps / rigid and sealed container) Takeaway plastic containers Televisions Timber — treated Timber — untreated Tissues Toilet paper rolls Toothbrushes & toothpaste tubes Toys Tyres Waxed cardboard & paper White goods Window glass Wine bottles X-ray films Yoghurt containers

SR

C

$

$

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PAGE 10 The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Units a direct action on housing

By ANDREE STEPHENS

THE move to in-fill residential areas with higher-density homes became a reality last month when Mareeba Shire Council approved a proposal to build three units on a block in Kowa Street despite strong opposition from neighbouring properties.

In a sign of the times, the approval went ahead even though each unit was threebedroom, instead of two, on a block of 1,012m2, with the proportional size of the development exceeding the maximum stipulated for the low-density residential zone.

The council was advised that in the assessing officer’s opinion, “the proposal does not represent an overdevelopment of the site, and in fact promotes a range and mix of unit sizes in the township”.

“The proposal represented a

logical and efficient use of the land for multi-unit development, which will only help to improve the township’s housing stock,” an assessment report to the April council meeting said.

The single story units would provide off-street parking space for two vehicles per unit. Landscaping was also a condition of approval to ensure neighbourhood amenity was maintained.

However, in opposing the development, three submissions argued the units were too big, and that the impact on residents was counter to the zoning intent.

“Kowa Street has no multi-dwellings at all,” one submission said.

“Under the council’s own Low Density Residential Zone code, it clearly states that council maintain the integrity of established residential areas, which are characterised

The residential block which will house three, three-bedroom units, and a draft image of the units, provided in a report to council.

primarily by dwelling houses and dual occupancy developments and provide forms of residential development where existing character and amenity will not be compromised.

“I don’t believe that three three-bedroom dwellings meet this criteria. I am only in favour of one single dwelling to be built on that land.”

Another issue raised was stormwater run-off, which had

already been a problem along the street.

In the assessment report, council was told the applicant would have to take “all necessary steps to ensure a nonworsening effect on surrounding land as a consequence of the development”.

“Council officers acknowledge that the site has some issues to overcome in terms of drainage but appropriate

conditions have been included to ensure a sound engineering outcome is achieved on-site and for surrounding residents,” the report stated.

Concerns about green space were countered with requirements to landscape the unit block, and privacy concerns would be alleviated with a minimum 1.8m high fencing.

The impact of the units on water pressure were also refuted as “not likely to have a noticeable impact”.

And while the report said it was “correct” that the development would increase traffic along Kowa Street, it would “not result in a noticeable increase in vehicle movements

when compared to the total daily movements experienced on the street”.

The development also met the council’s projected outcomes for infill development that would account for “20% of new dwellings constructed in Mareeba by 2031”.

Speaking after council’s meeting, a spokesperson said the units were completely suited to Kowa St, which had residential homes as well as a council depot located there.

Suitable infill of some residential areas was inevitable, and essential, in addressing the housing shortage and the consequent price jumps in real estate.

Chillagoe rodeo set for a good show THE rodeo season continues this weekend with the Chillagoe Rodeo expecting to build on its numbers from last year and draw in a multitude of talented cowboys and cowgirls from all over.

The event will feature plenty of rodeo action across Friday night and all-day Saturday, as well as the infamous helicopter lolly drop, live music, camping, and food and merchandise stalls.

“It’s going to be really good. From what I’ve heard, we’re expecting to up last year’s turnout,” president Toni Porter said.

“We should have a bigger turnout of riders, so hopefully a few more spectators will come with that.

“It’s a really good family event and everyone’s welcome. There’s camping available, plenty of food, and live music, so it should be a good show.”

To get things underway, there will be four events from 5.30pm Friday, including novice barrel racing, bull riding, chute dogging, and then the bushman’s buckjump.

Country band Kurdaz will then sing the night away. The bar will

shut at midnight on both nights.

A full day of rodeo action will then kick off from 8am on Saturday, with the lolly drop sure to garner some excitement for the kids.

More events for the kids include a best dressed and colouring competition.

“We’ll clear the arena, and we’ll get a helicopter to fly over and drop the lollies out, then kids will have a free-for-all and run in and grab as many lollies as they can. It’s always a fun part of the rodeo,” Ms Porter said.

Saturday night is sure to be

eventful with plenty of bull and bronc riding action, including the newly added women’s ranch bronc ride, while the open bullride will close the event.

Following the final event, the popular Dusty Haven will play late into the night.

There will be several food vans on-site, as well as stall holders selling a range of western gear.

Tickets are available online via www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1345383, or at the gate.

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The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025 PAGE 11

e th to LETTERS editor EMAIL editorial@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Thanks Tolga people

ON 26 April, my small dog and myself were mauled by a large dog whilst out walking and I don’t know how else to thank all the people who helped out so I am hoping you can print my following message.

I would like to say a big thank you to all the wonderful, kind people of Tolga who came to my aid on Saturday 26 April and were out looking for me after a rather traumatic morning.

Thankfully we are both fine and once again thank you from Jeanette and Elphi.

Jeanette Bertram TOLGA

Antiquated clickbait

THANK you Bruce Jones and Stan Thorton (Letters 30/04) for proving the point around antiquated clickbait. Not every dog whistle should be dignified by a response fellas.

Thank you too Jennifer Short (30/04) for schooling me in how unedifying it is to have any discussion with desperate deniers (I kinda knew that already).

What I found compelling around Professor Mann was he drew a line in the sand. Asked if he felt vindicated, his comment instead was how he acted on conscience to call out the vile tactics employed by deniers in his case, although he felt a far more constructive use of his time would have been in the pursuit of science.

Maybe without the distractions by deniers, he may have had better opportunity to refine his premise on climate change?

With back-to-back hottest days, months and year records tumbling disconcertingly too frequently for coincidence, maybe it’s time to believe the 98.7% of scientists who agree anthropogenic global warming is the major cause of accelerated climate change.

Maybe 28 published papers, out of a dataset of 80,000, who put forward alternative hypotheses to human-caused accelerated climate change isn’t so much about who’s got it wrong, rather the serious endeavour of science to ensure we do get it right.

Hey, I know, spitballing here but what if we create a crisis as Mr Campion would have us believe about his Menckenian dilemma of conspiracism (23/04)? Maybe NOAA is barking up the wrong tree; sea level rise isn’t a result of thermal expansion (warming oceans) nor is it ice melt, rather there’s global subsidence at play as the world’s landmass slips beneath the ocean?

Using Occam’s Razor for the simplest explanation nearly aways being right, ask yourself what is easier to believe? Is it to create a crisis requiring all 98.7% of scientists to sing off the same song sheet in peer reviewed articles, or alternatively a single entity with the most to lose out to ignite a conspiracy by following an earlier playbook of Big Tobacco, but this time using the desperation of deniers to do the heavy lifting?

For deniers, the inconvenient smoking gun is Exxon, who 40 years ago launched a campaign to sow doubt in the climate science of the era, weaponising the very tools science uses to improve knowledge, to validate theory, to embed law.

The 2022 documentary, Black Gold, explores the tactics Exxon employed to undermine emerging scientists in the field, and by association the unintended consequence of

fuelling conspiracism such as Mr Campion’s 30-year zero sum exchange in this column.

If this was about being woke, about activism, then wouldn’t the next parting shot in this paltry culture war be to suggest local businesses pull their advertising from The Express, that it comes down to picking a side?

Rather, expressing myself, Tablelanders deserve far, far better than the puerile politics of division that Mr Campion wields for his own motivations.

Scientists would drool over picking apart the 30-year dataset of flawed premises Mr Campion has built his case on, a psychologist would only wish the patient had sought help much, much earlier.

Mark Parsons HERBERTON

No barrow to push on science

WHEN it comes to climate change, the scientists at the CSIRO, after considering the science, have come to the conclusion that climate change is real.

The CSIRO is a well-respected scientific organisation worldwide and has no barrow to push one way or the other.

Based on their findings, I believe climate change is real.

Peter Hensler RAVENSHOE

Insurance companies in the know

I HATE insurance companies. They ruthlessly profit from misery, know nothing of community and little of nature. That said, they know the odds, probably better than any other industry. They have to.

So, when they say that the costs of climate change are so high that insurance is unlikely to be either affordable or available for much longer it is because they know that catastrophic climate change is here, how much worse it will become and how severely it will impact the insurance industry. (https://sustainabilitymag. com/articles/allianz-how-climate-change-isunravelling-insurance-markets) Already, insurers have withdrawn from insuring houses in California because of the catastrophic risks from wildfires.

Imagine it: Insurers who know they can’t profit from climate change! In fact, an executive from Allianz Insurance went so far as to say that climate change threatens the entire financial system.

No insurance for houses or businesses or infrastructure investment means no bank loans , means the housing market, manufacturing and small business loans could well collapse and it is likely that the costs to government of stepping in will be far too high. (https://www.webpronews.com/allianzexec-climate-change-an-existential-threat-tocapitalism/) While I have no time for the world of predatory capitalism and would welcome its demise, I know that if it collapses (rather than being dismantled), those with the least will be most devastated.

The same, unfortunately, is true of climate change. As long as denialists continue to provide cover for the fossil fuel industry

Download for FREE from iTunes or Google Play PAGE 12 The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025

XXXXX

and governments, little will be done and the suffering will grow inexorably greater.

And to David Blake – thanks for your letter – a really incisive dissection of the muddled hypocrisies of denialism.

Jeremy Tager TOPAZ

Poor campaign, lack of detail from LNP

WHEN I look at the result of the Federal Election and the very poor campaign the Liberal National party ran, it is no wonder the result turned out the way it did.

The Coalition had some good policies that they seemed unwilling to divulge the details on. They came across as disorganised, some of their better performers were not front and centre selling their policies in front of the media, and there were some contradictions on some of their own policies from different members of the Coalition.

They were up against a weak government with little details on their policies but the negative anti-Dutton rhetoric of the Labor campaign was most effective. This was especially true when there was no pushback from the LNP to false claims by Labor.

If you are going to change major policy areas like power generation, health, education and public service personnel, then there has to be a good, costed plan, well publicised, well ahead of any election.

People will not support change without details no matter the how good the idea. Also, the whole party needs to be reading from the same hymn sheet to show all know the details of their own policy and that all agree with it.

Disunity is death in politics.

As it was shown on 3 May, lies repeated with bad policies continuously will defeat good ideas with no details coupled with disunity. You must want to win and Labor outshone the LNP on that front too.

Now we have another three-year sentence of “Hard Labor” so just suck it up folks because I think things will get a lot worse before it gets better.

We will be ruled by ideologs, not by realists so expect costs to rise to achieve the ideals that are not possible.

Richard Holme

EDMONTON

Yeah, nah to Trumpism

IF THE recent federal election result was anything, it was a rejection of fringe issues on both the left and on the right, but overwhelmingly on the right.

To wit, Trumpet of Patriots got smoked by the Legalise Cannabis Party, neither of whom (at the time of writing) have managed to score over 0.3 of a senate quota in any state.

Despite spending a fortune, Palmer’s outfit managed to get out-polled by a single fringeissue party with virtually no funding.

The election result represents a total repudiation of extreme right-wing culture war issues and a strong endorsement of sensible, rational, evidence-based centrist policy.

Australians, like the Canadians before them, got a little taste of Trumpism and spat it right back out. Yeah, nah.

David Blake

DANBULLA

IT is that time of year again. May has come around, the weather is beginning to get cooler, and The Salvation Army are gearing up for their biggest fundraiser yet.

The 61st Red Shield Appeal is here.

The collecting outside your local shops, the knocks on your front door, and the emblazoned Red Shield around the town means that it is time to dig deep to support Aussies in need.

It is a time of year that isn’t just about the funds raised. The Salvos are always blown away by the ways the community comes together across the country in support.

We are in awe of our Army of volunteers, this year aiming to be 20,000 strong, who make all of this happen. It is the everyday folk in local communities that is the heartbeat of The Salvos and the Red Shield Appeal.

Why is the Red Shield Appeal so important? Because it allows for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our society to get the support they vitally need and deserve.

It means we can continue our work in areas like homelessness, family and domestic violence, youth, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, financial hardship and so much more.

The Salvos help someone in Australia every 17 seconds, but this doesn’t happen by accident. It is because of our incredible frontline workers who work tirelessly to support Aussies in need.

It is because of our dedicated volunteers who give their time so selflessly for others.

And it is because of the generosity of Australians, giving what they can to our Red Shield Appeal so someone else can receive hope.

Indeed, by giving to the Red Shield Appeal, you can be the hope that someone desperately needs.

Whether you are able to give financially, or give your time through volunteering, every little bit supports us to continue what we do best – helping people.

The Salvos are aiming to raise $38 million this year for our Red Shield Appeal. We trust Australians will be generous, and for that, we offer a sincere thank you.

And the best part is, when you see the folk collecting outside the supermarket, or receive a friendly knock on the door, you can know that funds raised locally in your community will remain local, supporting your fellow community members doing it tough.

So please, if you can this year, consider supporting the Salvos Red Shield Appeal.

To donate or volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal or if you need support from the Salvos, visit salvationarmy. org.au or call 13 SALVOS. You can also donate at any Salvos Store.

Major Bruce Harmer The Salvation Army

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Endurance challenge Forum to address housing crisis was a thing of beauty A FORUM about the housing crisis on the southern Tablelands will be held in Malanda next week with the aim of tackling the issues that are currently being faced.

Presented by the Malanda Chamber of Commerce, the forum, named ‘A Place to Belong’, will address the housing shortage that has grown ever more since COVID, the struggle to find vacancies in the rental market, unaffordable rental rates, and the increasing evidence of homelessness, among other topics.

It will also feature a range of guest speakers including Dr Kevin Harding as the MC, Dr Nikola Stepanov (CEO TRC), Lionel Smith (Building New Homes, Malanda Lions Clubs), David Stokes (local builder), Albi Homann (LJ Hooker Real Estate), Donna Cifuentes (Acting CEO ECHO), and Cate Teece (CEO

Tableland Community Housing Association).

“For this year’s Queensland Government supported business month event, we decided to focus our attention on the housing shortage in our area,” the Chamber said in a Facebook post.

“We are aware of the large number of homeless people we have in our area, particularly over 55 women, sleeping rough or in cars.

“Many of us have also seen regular social media posts over the last couple of years of families who are desperate to find rental accommodation.

“We want all attendees to contribute ideas on what we can do to improve what we are doing locally.”

The forum will be held next Thursday 22 May at the Top Rail pub, Malanda from 6.30pm.

To book, visit www.trybooking.com/DAXSJ.

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40 - Yvette Walsh riding Warabong Silver Sameer, 61 - Grace Zagata riding Bellarine Pilgrim

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THE Far North Endurance Riders Association (FNERA) launched its first Shiralee endurance ride of the 2025 season with an enthusiastic turnout and a challenging mix of weather conditions.

A total of 15 riders took part in the event which included a variety of distances ranging from 80km to introductory 20km rides.

“We offer something for both seasoned competitors and newcomers to the sport,” FNERA secretary Clare Zagata said.

The 80km riders set off from the Tippon Equestrian Park at 5:30 am, just as the rain began to fall.

“Despite the wet weather, spirits remained high, and the riders committed,” Clare said.

“The 60km and 40km participants followed, also undeterred by the rain, proving once again that endurance riders are a tough and passionate group who will ride in all conditions.”

By 8 am, the 20km riders hit the trail as the rain eased, allowing new riders a more forgiving introduction to the sport.

“For many, it was their first taste of endurance riding, and there was an undeniable excitement in the air as horses and riders navigated the beautiful course,” Clare said.

Competitors rode through bushland tracks, rich with the scent of damp eucalypt trees.

“It was a memorable experience, with the terrain both scenic and challenging,’ Clare said.

“The event was only possible with the great support of volunteers, vets, support crews, and landowners.

“With the first ride of the season now behind us, the 2025 calendar promises more adventures, camaraderie, and opportunities for riders of all levels to get involved.”

The next event is Woodleigh Ride on 24/25 May. For more information contact fnera@outlook.com

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RAIN couldn’t dampen the spirits in Silkwood last Sunday, as 3000 people from across FNQ and interstate turned out to celebrate the Feast of the Three Saints in a vibrant display of faith, food, and Sicilian tradition.

In a spiritual and community celebration beyond creeds, the Feast of the Three Saints celebrated its 75th anniversary at the St John’s Church in Silkwood.

Weather didn’t slow them down as they took part in a big Sicilian feast, celebrated two masses and enjoyed the company of community with live entertainment and dancing.

The Feast of the Three Saints originated in 1950 as a Catholic religious feast that honours three brothers named Alfio, Filadelfo and Cirino. They were martyrs from a village in Italy called St Alfio in Sicily.

Event executive committee member Lui Garozzo said there was an Italian mass at 10am and and again at 3pm, with much to celebrate in between.

A procession was held 2pm where the tradition is to bring down the statues from above the altar in the church.

“They come down in a very long ramp and we take the saints outside and we proceed down the streets with all the devotees,” Mr Garuzzo said.

“This being a whole day event and us, being Sicilian, we ate all day, and we had lunch, an MC, music, entertainment, Italian dancers and more.

“We unveiled a mural within our shrine and we were very lucky to have the apostolic nuncio – he answers directly to the Pope – and Cairns Bishop Joe Caddy for this.”

Mr Garozzo thanked the community for 75 years of supporting and growing the Feast

The Three Saints were centre of attention in St John’s Catholic Church at Silkwood.

Picture: Sarina Fregona

of the Three Saints while also supporting the Silkwood community.

“Silkwood is a small community of at best 240 residents and we had people from all over the region, some people from Melbourne and Sydney, and as far north as Mossman out to Dimbulah, and we’re grateful they come out here to support the event and the community,” he said.

“We’re very proud that we provide to the community, but we’re even prouder for the fact that community supports us in return, so we don’t take that for granted.”

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PAGE 14 The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

ENTERTAINMENT

The natural environment Styling it up in Yungaburra focus of display

Rose Watts is hosting a solo exhibition at Tablelands Regional Gallery.

Rose’s paintings – “Jacaranda of Gargans Lane”.

AN art exhibition exploring the subtle exchanges and divine presence that one can experience in the natural environment is now open at Tableland Regional Gallery.

“Silent Conversations: Walking Among the Trees” by Rose Watts will be open until 14 June.

As a series of paintings, mixed media drawings, video, and an installation, Rose explores the concept of interspecies communication through journaling and the western tradition of landscape painting.

“The work pays visual homage to the ancient wisdom of trees, highlighting their vital role in our observation,

understanding, and preservation of the natural world,” she said.

“These artworks were created during regular walks through Atherton, on the traditional lands of the Yidinji people and other Traditional Owners of the Atherton Tablelands region.”

To accompany the exhibition, there is an Artists Talk on 17 May at 10.30am at Tableland Regional Gallery. Tea and coffee provided.

“From Concept to Creation: The Power of Mentorship in an Artist’s Journey” will be an engaging conversation between Rose and her mentor, artist and educator,

Dr Kellie O’Dempsey as they explore the profound impact mentorship can have on an artist’s creative process.

From developing ideas to executing a full exhibition, the talk will dive into how guidance and feedback can build confidence, clarify vision, and transform creative energy into a meaningful showcase.

The discussion will illuminate how these artists have worked together in a mentorship that has resulted in Rose’s new gallery exhibition.

FASHIONISTAS in Yungaburra will be able to view the latest offerings from the fashion houses in the village on Sunday 18 May. Organised by the Yungaburra Lioness Club, the Fashion Parade will be held at the Community Hall from 2-5pm (with doors opening at 1.30 pm).

The show will feature the latest styles from Hula & Sparrow, Global Free Style, Winter &Mann, Cowgirl Country, The Silver Dragonfly, and Uber Fantastisch.

The event is raising money for Eacham Community Help Organisation Inc (Echo) a local organisation that has been operating since 1990. It helps with home support services, NDIS, transport, emergency relief for families and individuals in need, and a Neighbourhood House in Malanda, providing a safe environment for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Fashion Parade organiser Gina Raccanello said the service was a fantastic support for the community, with projects and assistance ranging from providing tents to homeless people, food outings for families, employment skills training, and much more.

Tickets for the Parade are $25 per person with tables of eight available.

“The ticket includes a welcome drink, a lucky door prize, nibbles and raffles, a $100 Board, and a bar available,” Gina said. “It’s a popular afternoon.

We are keeping the event to 150 people as it got so crowded last time.”

Gina said the Fashion Parade was also being supported by the Yungaburra IGA, and both Mungali and Gallows Cheese.

Tickets can be bought online at Trybooking. com/DAYIK, or purchased at Global Free Style and Uber Fantastisch.

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The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025 PAGE 15

ON LAND the

AgForce CEO World first for global ag event to step down AGFORCE has announced that its chief executive officer Michael Guerin will step down from his leadership role later in 2025.

The organisation will shortly start the process of looking for his replacement to ensure a smooth transition to the new appointee later this year.

AgForce general president Shane McCarthy paid tribute to Michael’s strong contribution and leadership in his eight years in the role and his substantial impact on the organisation and industry during this time.

“Michael has been our longest serving CEO and leaves the organisation in strong shape and with our collective best wishes,” he said.

“He leaves knowing the organisation is in a great position thanks to the many pivotal decisions and achievements he made in his time at the helm.

“The growth of AgCarE from what started as an idea at an AgForce incubator to a world leading program that enables farmers to capitalise on their natural capital assets is a great credit to his leadership – so much so that he personally took it to the World Farmers Organisation in Geneva to tell them about how

it’s success could be applied around the world.”

Mr Guerin said it had been an absolute privilege to lead such a powerful and purposeful organisation that truly represented Queensland farmers across a diverse range of agricultural industries.

“Producers are an amazing group of people, they play a critical role in food and fibre security and are the unsung heroes in environmental management,” he said.

“They form a critical element of the social fabric of regional and rural Australia and deserve a strong voice in decision making circles where they have much to offer.

“I’m proud that I was able to help their collective voice to be heard that much louder in critical government decisions about their future.”

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THE world’s premier conference for agricultural investors will be hosted in Brisbane next year – the first time the event has been held in the southern hemisphere.

The State Government has secured hosting rights for Global AgInvesting which is the world’s longest running and largest gathering of agriculture investment stakeholders.

The conference, to be held in June next year, boosts the State Government’s target to increase the value of primary production to $30 billion by 2030.

The event will facilitate connections between institutional investors, fund managers, and agribusiness leaders, providing them with new investment opportunities into agribusiness, AgTech, infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture.

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the event was a gateway to introduce billions of dollars in investment into Queensland’s primary industries.

“Queensland is the beating heart of primary industries in this country – we grow a quarter of Australia’s primary produce and are leading the way in AgTech adoption,” he said.

“The $30 million Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund is a testament to our commitment to continued investment in Queensland’s $23.4 billion primary industries sector.

“Brisbane has proven itself to be host of choice, having just successfully welcomed thousands of people in the agrifood innovation community at AgriFutures Australia’s

evokeAG 2025 in February.

“The decision to have Global AgInvesting in Queensland is another vote of confidence that we are on the path to reach our target of $30 billion in primary industries production by 2030.”

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates described Global AgInvesting as a great opportunity to help Queensland continue to diversify its trade options.

“Having Global AgInvesting on our doorstep will create a vital opportunity to maintain close links with our various trade networks as we focus on remaining agile in the trade space,” she said.

“This event will also give us a chance to remind our partners that our core trade values of

stability, certainty and growth make Queensland a great place to invest.”

Global AgInvesting Portfolio Director Jonathan Levin expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the inaugural Global AgInvesting Australia event in Queensland.

“The selection of Queensland as the location for the inaugural Global AgInvesting Australia is highly appropriate, considering Queensland’s scale in primary industries across three climate zones and proximity to AsiaPacific markets,” he said.

“With its state-of-the-art innovation in AgTech and strong commitment to sustainable production, Queensland offers an ideal platform for global investors interested in engaging with the region’s vibrant primary industries.”

Varroa mite impacts on Australian pollinators POTENTIAL declines in bee populations due to varroa mite infestation could jeopardise Australian horticultural production, a recent report has warned.

Agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank said the parasitic varroa mite, which attacks European honeybees, was detected in Australia in 2022 in New South Wales and has since been deemed ineradicable.

“The Australian government considers the varroa mite one of the greatest threats to honeybeepollinated horticulture in the country,” the report said.

Released last week, “How varroa mites might impact Australian pollinators”, said the threat comes at a time when demand growth for pollination is outpacing growth in beehive numbers.

Report author, RaboResearch general manager Australia and New Zealand Stefan Vogel said many horticultural crops depend on pollinators.

“While not all require European honeybees, several key industries already face high demand for these pollinators, and this demand is expected to increase. For example, European honeybees are essential for the

almond, mango and macadamia sectors,” he said.

Hive demand in Australia had tripled since 1990 to meet the strong growth in horticulture pollinator needs, however, the number of commercially managed hives had barely grown.

“Over the past three decades, the number of hives in Australia has remained relatively stagnant,” Mr Vogel said.

While some hive growth had occurred before the 2022 varroa mite outbreak, mostly in recreational beekeeping, it fell short of the projected demand for pollinators in Australia,

according to the report modelling.

The report had also reviewed scenarios in other countries impacted by the varroa mites, including Canada, New Zealand and the United States.

These scenarios indicated an Australian pollinator supply shortfall within three to five years due to the combined effects of the modelled varroa mite hive reduction and the strong growth of horticulture acreage.

Mr Vogel said tight beekeeper margins might also pose future pollinator challenges.

“Increased beekeeping costs,

due to varroa mite measures and inflated inputs like energy and labour costs, combined with continued pressure on honey prices from heavy import competition, could potentially drive-up pollination service fees to counter a heavy reduction in hive numbers,” he said.

The report noted proactive strategies to counter the shortfall could include increasing beehive numbers, facilitating inter-state bee movement, adopting alternative pollinator strategies, such as using technologies like drones or robotics, and improving biodiversity.

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PAGE 16 The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

ON LAND the

Producer confidence at 12-month high CONFIDENCE among Queensland’s agricultural producers has climbed to a 12-month high, with the state recording among the highest levels of rural confidence in the country, according to the latest quarterly Rabobank Rural Survey.

Positive seasonal conditions were shown to be the key driver of the increasingly optimistic outlook in the state’s agricultural sector.

Queensland rural sentiment was shown to be the second highest in the nation, with the quarter one survey, released last week, showing the Queensland net rural confidence index had risen into “positive territory” at 10%, up from -1% in the December quarter.

Completed in February, the survey found around a quarter of Queensland producers, at 24% (up from 18% last quarter), expected agricultural economic conditions to improve in the year ahead, while a further 57% expected similar conditions to the previous 12 months.

Meanwhile, a smaller proportion of the state’s producers – at 14% (down from 19%) – expected economic conditions to worsen.

Just over half of Queensland producers surveyed (51%) were optimistic about seasonal conditions for the year ahead – up from 43% in the previous quarter. Commodity prices were a positive factor for 26% of the survey respondents (down from 32% last quarter), while the state of overseas markets/economies was cited by 24% as cause for optimism (up from 19%).

Currently around a quarter of the nation’s farmers (at 24%) expect agribusiness conditions to improve in the next 12 months, up from 18% previously.

By region, the Rabobank survey found confidence had picked up across Queensland, with the Central Highlands/ Central Queensland and the Darling Downs posting the biggest rebounds in sentiment, followed by the South West/ Central West/Channel Country and Northern Queensland.

Recently-appointed Rabobank state manager for Queensland Pollyana Saraiva said good summer rainfall across much of the state had “set producers up well” for the year ahead, though producers in the south-west and parts of northern Queensland were now nervously watching the impact of rainfall “deluges” in recent days.

“By and large, much of Queensland had been enjoying good seasonal conditions,” she said.

“However, there were farmers in the north of the state adversely impacted by the extreme rain and flooding following the tropical low earlier in the year, as well as some impacted by Cyclone Alfred. And now producers in the north and south-west are dealing with heavy rainfall and flooding.”

By commodity, the survey found confidence had picked up strongly in Queensland’s beef sector – with beef producers the most positive about their prospects and 32% expecting economic conditions to improve in the year ahead (up from 20% with that view previously).

Rabobank head of relationship management for Queensland Joe Webb said despite record production volumes

through 2024, Australian cattle prices had remained steady.

“With favourable seasonal conditions and improving US demand for imports, the bank is expecting cattle prices to remain steady with some upside through the first half of 2025,” he said.

Mr Webb said Queensland’s sugar cane producers had faced a challenging start to the year.

“Flooding across North Queensland has left many communities and farming businesses facing a long recovery. For impacted sugarcane growers, one of the biggest challenges ahead is replanting lost crops,” he said.

Investment intentions rose strongly among Queensland producers this quarter, with Queensland farmers now reporting the highest investment appetite in the country.

The survey showed 34% of the state’s

farmers intend to increase their on-farm investment in the coming 12 months (up from 27% last quarter), while a further 58% are looking to maintain spending at current levels (previously 62%).

“The generally good seasonal conditions, coupled with reasonable commodity prices, have given Queensland producers a level of optimism about re-investing in their agricultural businesses,” Mr Webb said.

The RBA’s recent cut to the official cash rate – along with market expectations of further rate cuts – may also be factoring into producers’ investment plans, he said.

Across the state, producers intend to invest in on-farm infrastructure, such as fences, silos and yards (planned by 67%), water/irrigation infrastructure (40%), adopting new technologies (39%) and new plant/machinery (37%).

A total of 13% of Queensland producers surveyed reported they are looking to expand their businesses through property acquisition (up from 10% last quarter).

Farm income projections for Queensland producers held steady, after a rise in this measure seen last quarter.

Overall, 32% expected their gross farm income to rise over the 12 months ahead (up from 30% last quarter), while 48% expected a similar financial result to the past year.

The Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey has been conducted since 2000 by an independent research organisation.

The next results are scheduled for release in June.

AG & INNOVATION

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28, 29, 30 MAY 2025 MAREEBA RODEO GROUNDS

WWW.FNQFIELDDAYS.ORG.AU www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025 PAGE 17

PROPERTY

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

Now leasing at Amaroo Village

Acreage with everything

ARE you ready to take your business to the next level? A premium 55 SQM commercial tenancy at Amaroo Village will be available this July – perfectly suited for professionals in allied health, beauty, barbering, office-based services, and more.

What Makes This Space

Stand Out? •F ully fitted and move-in ready •M odern, stylish design to enhance your business image •P WD compliant with excellent accessibility •C overed tenant parking and dedicated PWD car spaces •C entrally located in a

growing community hub This is your chance to establish or expand your business in a thriving, community-focused setting at Amaroo Village.

ENJOY the freedom of space & the lifestyle & privacy that only an acreage property offers.

This 38.9Ha (96 acre) property is positioned on the Cairns side of Mareeba within easy reach of town and features a picturesque & private location, a modern 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, sizeable home, substantial shed, infrastructure in place for cattle & horses as well as the added bonus of income ability from 600 lime trees.

The considerable list of inclusions are: • Fully tiled 4 bedroom home with open plan living & dining area plus split system airconditioning to the living & 3

bedrooms • Master bedroom with his & hers mirrored built-in robes & ensuite • Central kitchen with large walk-in pantry, gas cooktop & dishwasher • Fully fenced, 2 paddocks with dog fencing for goats & 2 paddocks for cattle plus steel cattle yard and loading ramp • 3.5L/Sec good quality

Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

unmetered bore water with 3 phase pump, shed & fertigation system • 18m x 12m open front shed with 6m x 12m concreted area, 3 phase power, 2 generator points & sizeable solar power system with 15kw inverter • 38.9 Ha (96 acres) approx.

70 acres cleared with bitumen road frontage, on the School bus route + garbage collection

171 Shanty Creek Road, MAREEBA Offers over $1,500,000 EXCLUSIVE to Joe Torrisi Joe Torrisi Real Estate 0417 700 468

Don’t miss out! Visit the Amaroo Land Centre today to enquire or contact Ryley at 0409 321 000 for more information.

Lakefront block available

Call Trisha 0419 183 145

WATERFRONT Terrace has quickly become the most exclusive address on the Atherton Tablelands, with multimillion-dollar homes lining the foreshore of Lake Tinaroo.

This rare opportunity arises from a regretful sale, offering a second chance to secure this prestigious site.

23 Waterfront Terrace is now available for those who missed out on securing a waterfront block in the last stage and want to get ahead of the price rise before the next land release. This low-maintenance 700m² lake front block boasts breathtaking water views, with pathways along the side

and rear boundaries and a generous foreshore, ensuring a sense of openness and space.

Fully serviced with underground power, water, NBN and sewerage, the Estate is protected by covenants to uphold the highest quality standards.

Don’t miss the chance to wake up to unparalleled vistas every day.

Tinaburra boat ramp is just

Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

moments away, and the level foreshore allows for water sports and fishing right from your back doorstep.

On the waterfront, you’re not just buying a block; you’re securing a lifestyle.

Act now by contacting Elders Agents Michelle Raso on 0428 116 136 or Janine Rielly on 0407 032 422.

23 Waterfront Terrace, YUNGABURRA $675,000 Michelle Raso Elders Real Estate 0428 116 136

M A R E E B A

Insurance starts with a chat You can rely on an Elders Insurance agent. They’re local and trusted members of the community, who get to know you and your situation. When they say they can help, you can count on it, because it’s not just you they’re looking after, it’s their reputation too.

Specialising in Farm and Business Packages Call Rosetta Spena today 4037 7848  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.

PAGE 18 The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025

SOLD

MORE S G LISTINED! WANT

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

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

PROPERTY

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

If position is important CONVENIENTLY located just a short walk to the shopping precinct, library, and pool here you will discover a comfortable, and generous sized 4-bedroom family home.

The spacious main bedroom has an en-suite and the office could be used as a fifth bedroom. For your year-round comfort there is a combustion heater and airconditioning.

The modern kitchen has a gas stove and a large walk-

Home + Accommodation NESTLED on a secluded and fully fenced 1,932m2 lot, this property boasts a newly renovated 3-bedroom main house along with versatile secondary accommodation, making it ideal for extended families or generating additional income.

This appealing property features a seasonal creek, a 6m x 6m powered shed, and two garden sheds for ample storage, as well as a spacious

concrete area perfect for parking your caravan.

Conveniently situated on a quiet no-through road, it’s adjacent to Herberton Primary School and just a short distance

from Herberton Town Centre.

Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

For further information or to book an inspection, please call Trisha Jackson at Professionals Atherton. To view photos visit athertonrealestate. com.au

ATHERTON $550,000 Trisha Jackson Professionals Real Estate Atherton 0419 183 145

BEAUTIFUL FAMILY HOME IN RANGEVIEW, TOLGA

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

Address: 21 Elwyn Phillips Memorial Drive, MOOMIN Price: Offers Over $550,000 EXCLUSIVE to Raquel Cunzolo Agent: Sommerset Realty 0408 983 879 Contact:

lifestyle, comfort, productivity DISCOVER 75.77 hectares of lifestyle, comfort, and productivity just 17 km from Mareeba and 50 km from Cairns Airport.

Perfect for cattle, horses, hay, or peaceful living, this property offers space, infrastructure, and natural beauty.

The 473 m² home is built for large families, featuring five bedrooms including a luxurious master suite, a stunning kitchen, and spacious living areas with exposed timber beams. Modern bathrooms, ceiling fans, and a built-in BBQ add to the appeal.

Enjoy a private courtyard, plus

in pantry. For the handyman there is a Colorbond shed.

Your children can play safely in the fully fenced yard or in the 10-acre council park opposite the home. Situated in a cul-desac, you will be untroubled by through traffic.

separate one-bedroom staff quarters with a kitchenette and bathroom.

The land is fully fenced with four paddocks, water troughs, cattle yards, and a vet crush. Water is abundant with three bores, a 30ML licence, tanks, and a location within an unmetered groundwater zone.

Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

A large shed, two-car carport, landscaped gardens, and a full-size tennis court complete this rare rural opportunity. Your dream lifestyle awaits.

Call exclusive agent Morgan Brennan at Ray White Atherton for further information.

76 Davies Creek Road, MAREEBA EOI Closing 2nd of June EXCLUSIVE to Morgan Brennan Ray White Atherton 0438 090 306 or (07) 4091 7111

22 Main Street, Atherton Phone: 4091 7111

7 Hutton Drive is a beautiful family home nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac in the sought-after rural area of Rangeview, Tolga. Set on a 2.5 acre block, it offers stunning views of bushland ranges. Just 3 minutes to Tolga and 10 minutes to Atherton, this property blends peaceful living with convenience.

This spacious home features 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and front and back patios. The master suite boasts an ensuite, access to the front patio, air-conditioning, and scenic views.

The open plan living area is air-conditioned, with a cosy fireplace and a wood stove.

Attached to the house, a 2 bay carport provides potential for a family room, gym, or extra storage.

The house features solar power to help reduce electricity costs.

A 4 bay powered shed accommodates multiple vehicles and outdoor equipment, while a 2 bay shed and lean-to offer additional storage options.

The large yard is easily maintained and fully fenced with access to a seasonal creek and established fruit trees. This 10,000m² block offers subdivision potential, making it a smart investment.

Address: 7 Hutton Drive, Rangeview, Tolga Price: Offers Over $850,000 Open Home Viewing: Sunday May 18th at 11:00am

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT EMILY AT: bemda1@outlook.com or 0439 743 900

Atherton WHAT IS YOUR PROPERTY WORTH?

CHARMING RENOVATED COTTAGE - Tumoulin • 5979m2 with access to the Millstream River • 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms • Beautiful renovated home • 18kw Solar with 16kva Batteries • 16m x 10m Shed and greenhouse Offers Over $640,000 Suzey Whitby 0438 090 306

Diane Brennan: Principal www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

RELIABLE, FREEHOLD BREEDING - Mt Garnet • 3,093ha of well established pastures • 15 Paddocks ranging from 15.3ha - 886.66 ha • 8 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms across 3 Residences • Cattle yards holding 300 head* • 2 Bores, 12 Dams and 16 Concrete water troughs Offers Over $4,000,000 Morgan Brennan 0407 730 450

www.raywhiteruralatherton.com.au

Call Raquel today to find out!*

*Free No Obligation Appraisal

84 Main Street, Atherton QLD. 4883

Phone: 0408 983 879 www.sommersetrealty.com.au The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025 PAGE 19

EXPRESS O Wednesday 14th 27° 17°

Thursday 15th 28° 18°

Time m 0341 1.55 0856 2.10 1519 0.87 2210 2.64

Friday 16th 27° 17°

Time m 0416 1.63 0922 1.98 1551 0.95 2248 2.57

QUOTE OF THE WEEK...

“You can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!”

– Anne Frank

Saturday 17th 28° 17°

Time m 0501 1.73 0951 1.85 1628 1.05 2336 2.47

Time m 0915 1.72 1029 1.73 1712 1.17

Sunday 18th 28° 18° Time m 0055 2.41 1005 1.60 1146 1.62 1812 1.30

Y O E D H Y V R A R R E S T A T E H E P F Z N V H L T E N E C I V D A V S X O R G X P N H O T K O D K G E N I I P R P O V E G S S R T R C I X D E N D E T E H G I P I C T T A O P P U J S L C R M S L R T O A R B N L W Q S C T I T A M I O N E G C D A O O I N P M I H A I W X E P E S E S S M N C O L N T C L T L D C B M E S I O H B N C D L U T M E C S I O F O O I C R U L U A A T E A V H F F D E N C E V R O S E F N I C N I P E F D E T T J S E T H V L X O U A T B D A C Y X K E X R O L I A S N D G A K L R U W Q R U Y L I A R O D Z O E I B Y T B K Y N E T H G I A R T S R M T M E N G I N E E R A F I B R E W P E I A Y E L L A V Q U A L I F I E D U N N C A T A L O G U E W Q H N E R V E T I P L A G I A R I Z E O F F I C I A L Advice

Dentist

Industry

Portrait

Straighten

Arrest

Engineer

Initiative

Produce

Technique

Blade

Expect

Institution

Progressive

Traffic

Catalogue

Explosion

Management

Qualified

Twilight

Childish

Feedback

Nerve

Sailor

Valley

Compose

Fibre

Nursery

Scramble

Worker

Control

Health

Official

Spider

Cottage

Horoscope

Plagiarize

State

HARD

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4 3

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8

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8 9 4 8

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3 7 7 1 8 4 9

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Time m 0352 2.57 1054 1.30 1613 1.87 2134 1.33

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fragrant white or yellow flowers. (8) 20. Reserved, modest, and shy (typically used of a woman). (6) 21. The part of the body on both sides of the spine between the lowest (false) ribs and the hip bones. (4) 23. A trace of a bad or undesirable substance or quality. (5) 24. A feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen. (4) 25. Make (someone) unable to think clearly; confuse.

(5) 26. The branch of knowledge concerned with the production, consumption, and transfer of wealth. (9)

24

DOWN: 1. A system or group of parallel mountain ranges 25 26 together with the intervening plateaux and other features, especially in the Andes or the Rockies. (10) 2. Come together to form one mass or whole. (8) 3. Delay or postpone action; put off doing something.

ACROSS: (13) 7. Stay somewhere temporarily. (9) 8. Move from a lying or slouching to a sitting position. 4. Italian painter, sculptor, architect, musician, engineer, mathematician, and scientist. (8,2,5) (3,2) 10. An image or representation of a god used as an 5. Speak rapidly and unintelligibly, typically through fear or shock. (6) object of worship. (4) 11. A person who believes that people are motivated 6. A Hindu spiritual teacher. (4) purely by self-interest rather than acting for honoura- 9. Willing to fit in with someone’s wishes or needs.

(13) ble or unselfish reasons. (5) 15. Choose and take only (the most beneficial or 12. A short period of intense activity of a specified profitable items, opportunities, etc.) from what is kind. (4) available. (6-4) 13. One of the four fundamental states of matter, 17. The hero of an old children’s story, the son of a alongside solid, liquid, and gas (6) ploughman who was only as tall as his father’s thumb.

14. A framework for carrying luggage on the roof of (3,5) a vehicle. (4,4) 19. Hang or swing loosely. (6) 16. A small legislative committee appointed for a 22. The ratio between the amounts staked by the special purpose. (6,9) parties to a bet, based on the expected probability 18. A tree or shrub of warm climates, with large, either way. (4)

WEEKLY HOROSCOPES Mar 21 - Apr 19 Apr 20 - May 20 May 21 - Jun 20

7 6

3 7 8 9 7 5

Puzzle Solutions Y O E D H Y V R A R R E S T A T E H E P F Z N V H L T E N E C I V D A V S X O R G X P N H O T K O D K G E N I I P R P O V E G S S R T R C I X D E N D E T E H G I P I C T T A O P P U J S L C R M S L R T O A R B N L W Q S C T I T A M I O N E G C D A O O I N P M I H A I W X E P E S E S S M N C O L N T C L T L D C B M E S I O H B N C D L U T M E C S I O F O O I C R U L U A A T E A V H F F D E N C E V R O S E F N I C N I P E F D E T T J S E T H V L X O U A T B D A C Y X K E X R O L I A S N D G A K L R U W Q R U Y L I A R O D Z O E I B Y T B K Y N E T H G I A R T S R M T M E N G I N E E R A F I B R E W P E I A Y E L L A V Q U A L I F I E D U N N C A T A L O G U E W Q H N E R V E T I P L A G I A R I Z E O F F I C I A L

5 3 8 4 7 2 9 6 1

2 4 1 6 9 8 5 3 7

6 9 7 1 5 3 2 4 8

3 1 2 7 8 4 6 9 5

4 6 9 5 3 1 8 7 2

7 8 5 9 2 6 3 1 4

9 2 4 3 1 5 7 8 6

1 5 3 8 6 7 4 2 9

8 7 6 2 4 9 1 5 3

5 7 1 2 9 6 4 3 8

8 6 9 3 5 4 7 1 2

4 3 2 8 7 1 6 5 9

6 1 5 7 8 2 3 9 4

7 4 3 9 6 5 2 8 1

9 2 8 1 4 3 5 6 7

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3 9 4 5 2 8 1 7 6

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C C P L G G S O J O U R N E D S I T U P R A O O A B R I D O L C Y N I C B O U T I E R A C E P L A S M A R O O F R A C K L C S D M H S E L E C T C O M M I T T E E R I D O O R G A R D E N I A D E M U R E A A V A T Y L O I N T A I N T H O P E D G E N I U I A D D L E E C O N O M I C S S E I G B K

PAGE 20 The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025

Time m 0300 2.46 1033 1.46 1511 1.67 1953 1.37

7

Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces.

Every row must contain one of each digit.

EASY

Tuesday 20th 25° 17°

CROSSWORD

BIG WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU

Monday 19th 25° 17°

You are best to work at home, clearing up overdue projects.

You can get your point across and make valuable connections.

Opportunities will come through behind the scenes activities. Your best results will come through business trips.

Leave things as they are for the moment and focus on reaching your highest potential at work. Educational pursuits can bring interesting, helpful people. Look to a close friend for advice. Opportunities to get together with people in powerful positions could help you.

You will find that uncertain individuals will want to draw you into joint ventures. Opportunities to get involved in self improvement projects will be rewarding. Stop those bad habits. Uncertain changes regarding your personal life are evident.

Jun 21 - Jul 22

Jul 23 - Aug 22

Aug 23 -Sep 22

You may interest some of them in a service you have to offer. Jealous colleagues may try to undermine you. You’re in the mood to do things such as competitive sports, or perhaps a night on the town. You are in a high cycle where travel and creative endeavours are concerned.

Do not invest in ventures that only appear to be lucrative.

You may be overly emotional when dealing with your mate. Take time to deal with the concerns of those younger than you. Someone you live with could be frustrated and upset, be patient though.

A long, quiet walk alone may help you sort out your thoughts. Use your creative abilities to come up with new ideas and directions. Spend some quality time with the one you love. Your talents will shine at work.

Don’t overspend at the moment.

Sep 23 - Oct 22 Don’t be too eager to give a piece of your mind or even your opinion this week. You may be upset if someone has borrowed something that belongs to you. Don’t try to deal with important issues or make changes that will upset the apple cart. Sometimes it’s OK to just be.

Oct 23 - Nov 21

It might be best to work on your own; if possible, do your job out of your home this week. You will be in a high cycle regarding work. You could do extremely well in competitive sports events. You can make adjustments in your domestic scene this week, by having an honest conversation.

Nov 22 - Dec 21 You will have a tendency to put on pounds. Don’t spend too much on products that promise amazing cosmetic results. You can get ahead if you play your cards right. Expect your workload to be heavy, but don’t become overwhelmed, it is achievable.

Dec 22 - Jan 19

Jan 20 - Feb 18

Feb 19 - Mar 20

Plan a nice evening for two.

Romance will develop through work related activities, be mindful where your loyalties lie though. Don’t be too quick to judge partners or those you work with. Don’t be too eager to spend money that you really don’t have. Do you really need it?

You should get out and meet new people this week. You can get your point across and make valuable connections. Romance is quite possible if you are willing to approach someone who interests you. Do not blow situations out of proportion.

Don’t let children or elders put demands on your time. Take care of your personal needs. Difficulties at an emotional level may be likely, use the tool kit you’ve come to trust to get through. Activity will help in increasing your positivity. It may seem hard but could help change your mood.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

DIRECTORY

BUILDER

admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Shop 4, 276 Byrnes St, Mareeba PO Box 1034, Mareeba Q.4880

Authorised Fujitsu Service Agent

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

www.donhall.com.au

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4097 6208 The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025 PAGE 21

DIRECTORY admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

 Irrigation  Sales  Design  Stock Water  Filtration  Pumping Systems  Treatment  Install  Repairs

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Address: 9 Costa Street, Tolga Q. 4882 | Postal: PO Box 541, Tolga Q. 4882 | Email: admin@fnqw.com.au Phone: (07) 4235 7887 | Mobile: 0483 281 712 | Facebook: FNQ Water Pty Ltd | Website: www.fnqw.com.au

IRRIGATION DESIGN AND SUPPLY

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Servicing the Atherton Tablelands!

 RURAL  DOMESTIC  COMMERCIAL  ROOFING  PLUMBING  DRAINAGE “WE OFFER A COMPLETE ON SITE POOL SERVICE” POOL MAINTENANCE & POOL SHOP 71 BYRNES ST, MAREEBA

Northern Tableland Lawn, Garden and Home Services

Locally owned and operated business offering lawn, garden and home exterior cleaning.

Please call Lavina or email for pricing and availability!

M: 0499 430 557 • E: GrasscuttersFNQ@outlook.com

0415 579 019 QBCC 1531 9397

FOR HIRE

Tractor and Slasher Mareeba and surrounds.

Call Col: 0429 915 917

PAGE 22 The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025

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

P: 4092 1443 or 0413 013 297 Domestic | Commercial

PAINTER

DON’T LET ANOTHER MAN CUT YOUR GRASS... Get a Woman instead!

Max & Jodie Turner

Over 1000 Funeral Services Livestreamed

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

• Carports • Retaining Walls • Drainage • Decking • Sheds • Concreting • Demolition • Garden Edging • Earthmoving • Fencing • Structural Landscapes • Turf Installation

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 Pre-Construction | Pre-Purchase Inspections

FILMING

LANDSCAPE

50 BYRNES STREET, MAREEBA • PHONE 4092 7788

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

Domestic and Commercial

PAINTER

IRRIGATION

4092 3464

CONTACT DANTE AVOLIO FOR A FREE QUOTE! E: fnqplatinumpainting@gmail.com FNQ Platinum Painting

M. HARTLEY PTY LTD TRADING AS

BELL HARTLEY & CO. PAINTING CONTRACTORS

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

NO OBLIGATION FREE QUOTES!

PO BOX 1414, MAREEBA QBCC 1115490

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

DIRECTORY admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

PROFESSIONAL TREE SERVICE SERVICING NORTH QUEENSLAND

TREELOPPING

TREELOPPING

4092 3464

• Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Stump Grinding • Firewood Lukas Portelli 0427 189 227 tablelandstreeworks@gmail.com

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

TABLELANDS TREELOPPING

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

• Tree Removals • Stump Removals • Wood Chipping • Stump Grinding • Tree Pruning • Emergency Work

Call Jon Lambert | P: 4091 5008 | M: 0407 575 916

General Towing & Breakdowns PHONE DOUG

0417 840 584

STORAGE

Video Tape transferred to USB

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

REMOVALS

STORAGE AVAILABLE

FREE DEAD CAR REMOVAL

VIDEO TAPE

SHIPPING CONTAINER SALES

“A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! From the first contact, the service was impeccable. The day of the move was second-to-none!

I can’t recommend APR highly enough” - Delta Robins

PHONE OR EMAIL LOUISE & LUKE TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE!

Based in Atherton | 0484 787 345 | removals.apr@gmail.com

info@mareebakidscampus.com.au www.mareebakidscampus.com.au 3 CENTRES IN MAREEBA: Constance, Dunlop & Hastie Streets

CHILDCARE

TOWING

MAREEBA EXPRESS TOWING

Contact Richard on 0417 652 426 • www.richardtaylortreeservices.com.au

• 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

Bobcat & Excavator Hire

..,

www.tablelandstotabletop.com.au

T2T Fruit & Veg Market 41 Strattmann Street, Mareeba

Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm Freight options available - Far North Queensland

TRAINING

CONCRETE

Exposed Aggregate

Home or workplace delivery from $12.50 Tablelands, Cairns (Palm Cove to Goldsborough), -'-, Kuranda, Speewah & Koah.

0419 719 487

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

All Domestic Concreting

Tablelands Grown First & 100% Australian

PRODUCE

FLOORING

EARLY LEARNING • KINDERGARTEN OUTSIDE SCHOOL & VACATION CARE

13 Tonne Tipper Truck

Chalisa Alterations ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIRS

• Formal Dresses • Wedding Dresses • Trousers & Jackets

• School Uniforms • Zippers & Buttons

NURSERY

ALTERATIONS

0404 602 937 | Justincmcmanus@live.com

Visit Alyson & Kath at 1914 Chewko Road, Walkamin

0439 371 399

info@spottedquollnursery.com.au

40 Aurora Circuit, Atherton | chalisa20@icloud.com | 0459 087 257 www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025 PAGE 23

CLASSIFIEDS

EXPRESS The

4092 3464

admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Classified Deadline: 4pm every Friday church notice

in MeMoriaM

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

Boris Stankovich 1942 ~ 2025 Final Instructions, Arnold Crompton

Funeral notice GEORGE MELLICK

21.01.41 - 14.05.24 “Your life was a blessing, Your memory a treasure.

You are loved beyond words, And missed beyond measure.”

COOPER, Judy Ann

Late of Wondecla. Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday the 3rd of May, 2025. Aged 70 years.

Darling Wife of Darryl. Adored Mother and Mother-in-Law of Grant & Yvonne. Loving Gma of Jack. Loved Sister of Betty (Dec.), Vic (Dec.) & Val.

Always in our hearts, your loving family.

Judy - A beautiful soul leaves a trail of beautiful memories.

Relatives and friends of Judy are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service which will be held at Mountain View Chapel, Guilfoyle’s Crematorium, 3 Nasser Road, Atherton on Wednesday 14th May, 2025 with a service commencing at 10.30am, followed by interment at Herberton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Royal Flying Doctor Service would be welcome.

Judy’s service will be available to view through the following link: https://rapidspintv.com.au/ funerals/guilfoyles-funeral-home/.

Guilfoyle Funeral Services

With thankS

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

David McLoughlin 30/8/1941 - 13/5/2024

It is hard to forget someone, who gave us so much to remember.

Loved and missed by Margaret, Ian, Jamie, Catherine, Family & Friends.

Forever in our hearts.

When I’m gone, don’t mourn too long I’d hate to see you blue Just have a drink and share a laugh That’s what I’d want for you Tell stories of my finest days The silly things I’d do Remember how I made you smile And I’ll be smiling too

Local Family Owned & “Entrusted for over 70 years”

To all who helped Boris in his fi nal days, especially all doctors, nurses, family and friends who offered him their care, thank you for your compassion.

You have touched our hearts Tonka, Mick, Maryjane, Steven and their families.

Peter & Carmel Ciranni

Fondly remembered by partner Norm, family and friends.

Guilfoyle Funeral Services Chapels, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens

Atherton: 4091 2147 Mareeba: 4092 1013

Zelmira (Elvira) Merletti 26/06/26 – 12/05/14

In loving memory of our Mother.

Always on our mind, Forever in our hearts.

Love and miss you.

ADVERTISING works.

Call Beth on 4092 3464.

For Sale

Austin Healey Sprite MK111A

1967 Roadster, petrol, manual, excellent condition, recon gearbox, recon diff, total repaint, Smiths Clocks. $13,500 ONO • PH: 0431 734 566

Happy 60th Anniversary

Jenny Freeman

TODD, John Ronald

PHONE: 0410 328 357

MOBILE farm butcher.

Ph John Hales 0409 638 882.

anniverSary

10.04.1966 ~ 16.05.2022

Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday the 30th of April, 2025.

Aged 91 years.

Much loved Husband of Elise. Loving Father of Kaye, Alan & Paul. Cherished Grandfather of Jessica, Wilson, Jake, Eddy, Damon, Samantha, Danielle & Grace. Great Grandfather of Ashton, Huxley & Leo. Family & friends are invited to a celebration of John’s life which will be held at the Atherton International Club on Friday the 16th of May, 2025 at 10.00am.

Debbie Boardman

LOCAL Mobile Farm Butcher - will travel.

Ph Bryan 0407 691 752.

To all who kept us in their thoughts, sent beautiful flowers, made memorial donations or helped us in any way, please know your kindness brought comfort to our family and will always be remembered.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

www.guilfoylefunerals.com.au

FUNERAL CELEBRANT

butcher

Thank you

Chapels, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens

Atherton: 4091 2147 Mareeba: 4092 1013

Funeral celebrant

For 15/05/2025 Lots of love from all your family.

trade ServiceS

VESSEL FOR SALE

Cyleton, 50ft fibreglass monohull cruiser.

Main engine - Volvo Penta TAMD 120B, Genset Mariner 900 8.2kw. 2 marine tenders with new 15 & 20HP, 4 stroke outboards, solar panels & 3 airconditioners, accommodates 6-8 persons, could live on board. Situated in Port Douglas.

For more info contact: Rex Cummings 0417 792 943

AFFORDABLE OUTBOARD SERVICES

Travelling to Tablelands weekly or as required.

Former Yamaha/Suzuki/Mercury/Honda Dealer.

Call Karl 0447 725 465

Local Family Owned & “Entrusted for over 70 years”

www.guilfoylefunerals.com.au

BINNIE, Jeff

Late of Irvinebank. Passed away peacefully with family present on Monday the 5th of May, 2025.

Aged 73 years.

Loving Brother of Valmai (Dec.), Carol and Elaine.

Loving Father and Father-in-Law of Jon and Katherine. ~ Jeff was loved and will be deeply missed by family and friends. ~ Relatives and friends of Jeff are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service, which is to be held at Mountain View Chapel, Guilfoyle’s Tablelands Crematorium, 3 Nasser Road, Atherton on Friday 16th May 2025 commencing at 2pm.

Guilfoyle Funeral Services Chapels, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens

Atherton: 4091 2147 Mareeba: 4092 1013 Local Family Owned & “Entrusted for over 70 years”

www.guilfoylefunerals.com.au

In loving memory of those who are forever in our hearts

Missing you always, Angela, Lorenza, Isabella (Dec.), Pia Margaret and Families.

With thankS

Great Northern High Pressure Cleaning Soft Wash, House, Roof, Driveways, Gutters.

PHONE: 0477 774 064 jonnydams18@ gmail.com

HENRY STANKOVICH

Thank you to everyone who sent their condolences, their love, their memories.

We are overwhelmed by the kind wishes, love and support shared with our family as we navigate a world without our guiding force.

Henry will be remembered as a loving Husband, Father, Father-in-Law, Brother, Dida and friend.

We thank you all for honouring him with us.

PAGE 24 The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025

IS SOMEONE YOU KNOW GETTING MARRIED? Place an advert in The Express and wish them all the best!

MONDO’S

MOWING & YARD MAINTENANCE Servicing large blocks & acreage.

Pensioner discounts.

All Tablelands.

Phone: 0411 045 025

Horse Trimming (Hoof Care) Horse Shoeing (Hot Shod) Kris: Phone 0478 636 540 PICKO Fencing and some cattle work.

Phone 0493 415 338

2016 JB Scorpion Off Road Caravan 20ft6in, 3x 120amp lithium batteries, 600 watt solar, 2.5kg washing machine, 190L compression fridge, Qld rego until April 2026 & much more! Excellent condition.

$70,000 ONO • P: 0407 637 094

to rent

GaraGe Sale

STORAGE SPACE TO RENT

GARAGE SALE

Mount Garnet 20mtrs x 10mtrs, available to store short or long term, site is secure with owner on site, weekly or monthly rate is negotiable.

Contact May 0401 089 077

Saturday 17th May, 7am-5pm 77 Oleander Dr, Yungaburra Lots of everything, combined households.

SELL it today. Ph: 4092 3464.

YOUR LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

CLASSIFIEDS PositioN VacaNt

Public Notice POSITION TITLE

FIELD SUPERVISOR REPORTS TO

WHERE: Mt Carbine Rodeo Grounds WHEN: Saturday 17th May, 2025 TIME: 9.00am (Admission $5 includes morning tea) • Lucky Door • Raffle • Cent Sale • Scrumptious Morning Tea • Good Company and Lots of Fun! For more details: Karen Pedersen 4094 8337 All proceeds go to the Cancer Council.

COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC NOTICE Let it be known to all concerned and affected parties: On the 13.04.2025, a public reading and signing of a Declaration of Trust and Founding Trust Deed was executed and entered into the Public Record at Hyde Park, Sydney, New South Wales, under the authority of The People of the Commonwealth of Australia.

The Trust is available to view publicly at: https://commonwealthpublicnotice.org

Women’s Sexual Assault Survivors Group Fortnightly: Wednesdays 9.00am - 11.00am, CWA Hall, Jack Street, Atherton FREE and welcoming (chats, coffee, craft & connection).

Please call TSAS 4091 4036 For further information

E VENU E G N A CH

WEEKLY SUNDAY BINGO The Ant Hill Hotel 79 Byrnes Street, Mareeba Doors Open 8.00am for a 9.00am Start

WISH SOMEONE YOU LOVE A

AGM

29th May, 2025 @ 7:00pm 96 Springs Road, Mareeba

Pets *ANIMAL OF THE WEEK*

NAME: Jackson DOB: 17.08.24 BREED: Kelpie x Staffy Hello Mr Jackson...

He’s wonderful with Kids, other Dogs and Cats. He’s in perfect health and is fully Vaccinated, De-sexed and covered against worms, fleas & ticks.

Now he’s ready and waiting to find his loving forever home.

Jackson’s adoption fee is $330.

If you would like to meet JACKSON- please call 0487 430 443. EFTPOS Available www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

REPORTS TO

REPORTS TO

DEPARTMENT

Land Management & Conservation

Land Management & Conservation CLASSIFICATION

005 – Full Time Position DURATION

PBC-Senior Project Officer

DEPARTMENT

CLASSIFICATION

DEPARTMENT

Land Management & Conservation CLASSIFICATION

003

A04 – Part Time Position

DURATION

DURATION

Contract position for 12 months

Contract position for 12 months

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS

Friday 16th May, 2025

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS

Friday 16th May, 2025

This is an ‘identified position’. To perform this role, it is essential that the person is Ngadjon-Jii common law native title holder. It is therefore a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991.

POSITION SUMMARY The Field Supervisor leads the Ngadjon-Jii Rangers team as part of the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) Indigenous Ranger Program (IRP). This role is responsible for managing and implementing processes and standards to ensure the program is delivered to a high standard across designated sites within Ngadjon-Jii country. The Field Supervisor is also expected to demonstrate strong leadership in governance and possess a solid understanding of the administrative and planning requirements necessary to achieve the program’s key milestones.

QUALIFICATIONS • Certificate 3 & 4 or higher in Land Management and Conservation.

• Demonstrated work experience within the Land Management and Conservation Space will be considered.

POSITION SPECIFIC CONDITIONS • This role requires evidence of skills and qualifications and the possession of a current Drivers License.

• The successful completion of a Pre-Employment Assessment including drug and alcohol screening is required before any offer of employment.

• Work Hours 8:30am-4:30am Monday to Friday HOW TO APPLY If you wish to apply, please send through a cover letter of no more than 2 pages outlining how you meet each of the selection criteria and copy of your updated resume. If you are selected for interviews you will need to provide us with two referees.

This is an ‘identified position’. To perform this role, it is essential that the person is Ngadjon-Jii common law native title holder. It is therefore a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991.

POSITION SUMMARY The Ranger position is responsible for undertaking land conservation activities in accordance with the scope of the National Indigenous Australia Agency (NIAA) Indigenous Ranger Program. This role assists the Ranger Field Supervisor to manage and implement the land management practices and processes and create effective control measures and standards. The purpose of this role is to deliver the scope of the NIAA program at high-quality standards within the identified works sites that requires restoration and rehabilitation in Ngadjon-jii traditional areas.

POSITION SPECIFIC CONDITIONS • This role requires your commitment and dedication to the project and proactive skills and experience you bring to this specific project. Possession of a current Driver’s License or willing to obtain a Drivers License.

• The successful completion of a Pre-Employment Assessment including drug and alcohol screening is required before any offer of employment.

HOW TO APPLY If you wish to apply, please send through a cover letter of no more than 2 pages outlining how you meet each of the selection criteria and copy of your updated resume. If you are selected for interviews you will need to provide us with two referees.

POSITION SUMMARY The position provides comprehensive, accurate and efficient administrative support to the National Indigenous Australian Agency (NIAA) Indigenous Ranger Program (IRP) Team. The Indigenous Ranger Program is a funded Ranger program employment opportunity through a partnership between National Indigenous Australia Agency (NIAA) and Choorechillum (Ngadjon-Jii PBC) RNTBC. POSITION SPECIFIC CONDITIONS • This role requires evidence of skills and qualifications and the possession of a current Driver’s License or can obtain to get a Driver’s License.

• Work Hours 8:30am to 4:30pm HOW TO APPLY If you wish to apply, please send through a cover letter of no more than 2 pages outlining how you meet each of the selection criteria and copy of your updated resume. If you are selected for interviews you will need to provide us with two referees.

Contract position for 12 months

Email: choorechillumpbc@y7mail.com

Friday 16th May, 2025

Email: choorechillumpbc@y7mail.com

HOW DO I CANCEL AN ADVERTISEMENT?

Should you need to cancel an existing advertisement please call the office on (07) 4092 3464 before the deadline: Display Ads 9am Thursday; Classifieds 4pm Friday prior to Wednesday’s publication date.

Another method of cancellation is by emailing: admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Email: choorechillumpbc@y7mail.com

CLASSIFIED APPROVAL DEADLINE 4PM FRIDAY

Prior to the next week’s publication.

NRM PROGRAM MANAGER

For more information and to apply, go to: gulfsavannahnrm.org/employment

WITH

ADMINISTRATION OFFICER

PBC – Senior Project Officer

Full or Part Time Recruiting for two positions available Location: Mareeba or Georgetown (QLD)

BUYING or selling something? Do it in The Express. Phone 4092 3464. Deadline 4pm every Friday.

POSITION TITLE

RANGER

Choorechillum PBC RNTBC Board of Directors

Raising funds for Mareeba Hospital Friends of the Foundation!

Mareeba Motor Racing Club Inc

POSITION TITLE

Applications close 9am, 2nd June, 2025.

Do you have difficulty reading from your Phone, Tablet, Laptop or Desktop Computer?

Parts Interpreter Assistant Full Time Mareeba Toyota & Hansen Ford We’re hiring a reliable, hands-on person to join our Parts team. Duties include sourcing parts, stock control, customer service, and local deliveries.

What we offer: • Monday to Friday work • Full training provided • Immediate start for the right person Must have: Drivers licence Good time management Auto parts or dealership experience preferred Local residents encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Please email applications to: Jamahl.b@mareebatoyota.com.au

The Express has introduced cutting edge technology with the Ad Auris Media Player. You can now listen to each article with a simple click.

Try it today!

GOT a position vacant you need to fill?

Email Beth at admin@ theexpressnewspaper. c o m . a u

COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKER The RCC Community Support Program provides general information, support, advice and referral as well as personal and individual advocacy to groups and individuals in the Ravenshoe and surrounding areas. The Centre operates Monday to Friday from 8.30am – 3pm.

We are seeking a suitably qualified and experienced person to fill the position of Community Support Worker within this organisation.

The position requires a person with effective communication skills in dealing with clients who may have personal, social or financial difficulties, as well as a high degree of judgement (ability to assess situations and draw conclusions), initiative, confidentiality and sensitivity to community and individual clients.

Other responsibilities of this position will involve: • Acting as liaison between clients and other agencies; • Allocating emergency relief funding; • Supervising and supporting volunteers; • Assisting clients with Centrelink equipment; • Performing general office tasks; • Attending staff meetings and staff development activities as required The position is permanent part time on Wednesday’s, 1 day per week @ 6hrs per day (12 hours per pay fortnight), with capacity for more hours, in the Community and Individual Support Program) team. Pay scale as per the SCHCADS Industry Awards Level 3.1.

Essential Qualifications and Experience: • Certificate 3 or equivalent in Community Services Work or willingness to obtain same • Current First Aid or ability to obtain Applicants should describe how their qualifications, experiences and abilities would enable them to fulfil their duties and specific responsibilities.

Please attach copies of any relevant qualifications and nominate 2 referees who can verify your experience.

Note: Preference will be given to applicants who have direct experience in this area of work. Applicants who address the above criteria may be contacted for an interview.

Applicants who do not address the above criteria will not be contacted further.

Closing Date: COB, Friday 23rd May, 2025.

A full copy of the Position Description can be downloaded from: https://www.ravenshoecommunitycentre.org.au/careers/ Please direct applications to: The Human Resource Officer Email: hro@ravcom.org.au - Fax: 07 4097 6030 Or deliver to Reception at 3 Bolton Street, Ravenshoe Q. 4888.

The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025 PAGE 25

SPORT

Local clubs climb the ladder BOTH the Atherton Roosters and Mareeba Gladiators have climbed the ladder in the FNQ Rugby League competition after finding good wins over the weekend.

Atherton handed Cairns Brothers their first loss of the season, taking them down 42-32, and Mareeba had a convincing win against the Innisfail Leprechauns, out muscling them for a 40-18 victory.

ATHERTON The Atherton Roosters have moved into second place on the ladder after handing Cairns Brothers their first loss of the season.

The Roosters defeated Brothers 42-32 in a high scoring game in Atherton over the weekend.

The Roosters dominated the first half and went into the break leading 30-16. Though the Brothers put up a good fight in the second half, Atherton managed to maintain their lead and come away with the win.

Wingers Regan Herd and Shamish O’Quinn both picked up doubles, while props Tomasi Skelton and Ty Grogan also found themselves a try each.

Interchange hooker Jacob Wallace also went over for a four pointer. The Roosters scored seven tries to the Brothers six.

Regan Herd’s goal kicking is what helped cement Atherton’s win after kicking seven from seven conversions. With his two tries, Herd scored a total of 22 points during the game.

The Roosters Reserve Grade side went down 20-32 to the Brothers Reserve’s and the Under 19 Roosters also lost 14-18. The Atherton Roosters Women’s team also lost, going down 16-32 to the Yarrabah Seahawks.

This Saturday, Atherton will host the Tully Tigers at Mungalli Creek Dairy Stadium with the Under 19s set to kick off at 3pm, followed by Reserve Grade at 4.30pm, and A Grade at 6pm.

The Roosters Women will take on the Cairns Kangaroo’s at 1.30pm, also in Atherton.

Roosters’ halfback Rhylee Herd in their win against Cairns Brothers.

MAREEBA After finding a convincing win against the Innisfail Leprechauns, the Mareeba Gladiators have now slid up to fifth place on the ladder.

The Gladiators travelled to Innisfail on Sunday and outmuscled the home team to claim a 40-18 win.

It was a tightly contested first half to start the game. Mareeba got away with an early lead, scoring two tries through hooker Seamus King-Smith and winger Joe Shadrick to take a 12-0 lead just after 10 minutes.

But the home team answered back with two tries of their own late in the first half, taking the score to 12-8 at halftime.

Mareeba then came out in the second half and went on to score five tries, while Innisfail only managed to score two.

Prop Ash Little went over first, followed by a double from centre Bronson Ryan. King-Smith then went over his second of the game and lock Whyatt

LJ HOOKER ATHERTON SENIOR ROOSTERS PRESENT 2025 FNQ RUGBY LEAGUE PREMIERSHIP ACTION

THIS SATURDAY MAY 17

GAME 7

JBT ALUMINIUM OVAL ATHERTON’S MUNGALLI CREEK DAIRY STADIUM • 1.30PM: NIGHTINGALE REAL ESTATE LADIES • 3.00PM: SPAR MALANDA UNDER 19s • 4.30PM: DANIEL PAYNE BLOCKLAYING RESERVE GRADE • 6.00PM: HIT 97.9 TABLELANDS FIRST GRADE

FOOD & REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE • Brumby’s Bakery Food Canteen • Theo’s Bar Chook Pen Bar • FNQ Signs & Wraps Clubhouse • Taylors Treelopping 100 Year Bar PAGE 26 The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025

Gladiators’ five-eighth Hubert Elu in their convincing win.

Barnes also found himself a four-pointer.

Mareeba kicked five from seven conversions with halfback Kaleb Eaton kicking four, as well as a penalty goal.

The Mareeba Reserve Grade side also found a win in a thrilling match against Innisfail, with five-eighth

Isaiah Bowen kicking a field goal with less than 10 seconds on the clock to win the game 19-18.

The Under 19 Gladiators weren’t so fortunate, going down 12-34 to the Innisfail Under 19s.

This weekend, the Gladiators’ senior grades will have a bye.

Mt Garnet Rodeo – THE RESULTS

COWBOYS, cowgirls and rodeo fans from all over buckled up for non-stop action at the Mt Garnet Races and Rodeo over the May Day long weekend.

The Open Bull Ride saw Ky Borghero take home all the winnings after being the only cowboy to ride time.

RESULTS U8 BARREL RACE – 1st Delta Cordingley (Fancy 33.88); 2nd Frankie Lane (Roy 37.89); 3rd Lawson Bester (38.598).

8-U11 BARREL RACE – 1st Weston Hilditch (Cool Roc n Chrome 22.293); 2nd Hudson Park (Glenore Shyloe 23.365); 3rd Scout Murray (Black Angel 29.068).

8-U11 JUNIOR STEER RIDE – 1st Tyson Ford (52pts).

8-U11 MINI BULL RIDE – 1st Chase Whitehouse (58pts); 2nd Weston Hilditch (56pts).

11-U14 JUNIOR BARREL RACE – 1st Baillie Cordingley (Angel 19.297); 2nd Millie Bartolini (Candy Crush 19.901); 3rd Lillian Carroll (Goldy 20.055).

11-U14 JUNIOR STEER RIDE – 1st Jack Dredge 11-U14 MINI BULL RIDE – 1st Levi Murray (68pts); 2nd Travis Shaw (66pts); 3rd Nate Lawson 62pts).

14-U18 JUVENILE BARREL RACE – 1st Tayla Furber (One Way Roan 18.741); 2nd Keeley Purdy (Crystal Park Gunner Storm 19.011); 3rd Shayla Jerome (Comet 19.201).

14-U18 SADDLE BRONC – No winners.

14-U18 JUNIOR BULL RIDE – 1st Shane Dyer (68pts); 2nd Mac Flood (67pts); 3rd Rory Clark and Jeremy Weldon (63 pts).

LADIES BARREL RACE – 1st Lisa Finch (Dally 18.606); 2nd Kelly Shephard (Nickelback 18.679); 3rd Julie Terry (Smoko 18.721).

STEER UNDECORATING – 1st Kaesha Crawley (2.25); 2nd Lorraine Wellby (2.69); 3rd Cheryl Bethel (2.7).

BREAKAWAY ROPING – 1st Aneeka Heeb and Sarah Ralston (2.76); 3rd Shaye Land (2.77).

ROPE AND TIE – 1st Joshua Rindfleish (10.26); 2nd Braydon Wellby (14.38); 3rd Dalton Cook (15.8).

TEAM ROPING – 1st Mark Gibb (8.95); 2nd Shaye Land (13.32); 3rd Clayton Daylight (13.57).

STEER WRESTLING – 1st Ben Terry (4.8); 2nd Jace Land (5); 3rd Tim McAuley (5.82).

BAREBACK BRONC RIDE – 1st Ryan Livingstone and Deon Lane (80pts); 3rd Travis Heeb (75pts).

NOVICE SADDLE BRONC – 1st Ben Heap (58pts).

NOVICE BULL RIDE – 1st Talis Mitchell (74pts); 2nd Josh Alexander (73pts); 3rd Dallon Finch (70pts).

OPEN SADDLE BRONC – 1st Bradley Rolley (66pts).

OPEN BULL RIDE – 1st Ky Borghero (84pts).

Bulls put up gutsy effort THE Mareeba Bulls have suffered another close loss in a gutsy performance at home, going down 0-1 to the top-of-the-table Marlin Coast Rangers over the weekend.

There was a good turnout of home fans at Lindsay Australia Stadium, Mareeba, who cheered on the Bulls in their gutsy performance against the firstplaced Rangers.

Injuries made it difficult for the home team, yet they displayed their best performance of the season and made the visitors work for it.

It wasn’t until a goal from the Rangers’ Joshua Pin in the 75th minute that decided the fate of the game.

The Bulls Women found a good win last Friday

night as they took on the Southside Comets in Mareeba and claimed a 2-1 victory.

An early goal from Leksi Mukadi in the ninth minute helped get the home team off to a good start.

The game was battled out until well into the second half when the Comets scored a goal in the 70th minute through Eliza Sailor-Tabuai to level the score.

But the final blow was dealt by Shaquille Chong, who put one in the net in the 75th minute to cement the win.

This Saturday, the Bulls will travel to Calanna Park to take on the Redlynch Strikers at 7pm, while the Bulls Women’s game has been postponed.

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The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025 PAGE 27

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279 Byrnes St, Mareeba | 4092 9400 | www.hansenford.com.au Andrew Ford: 0417 633 002 | Claude Formoso: 0477 229 949

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PAGE 28 The Express, Wednesday May 14 2025

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