The Express Newspaper 16 April 2025

EXPRESS The

Delivering news across our region WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL, 2025

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

DREAM IS ON TRACK

Ben Daley celebrates his new wheels with Adrian Schincariol.

After 25 years, Ben Daley is back on the track.

At just 18 years old, an accident left him unable to walk or talk. But with a little help from his friends he is not just getting by, he is making a comeback to his teenage passion – mountain bike racing.

Read full story Page 4

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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

DIGITAL CONTENT Maddy Gavin

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is big award Distillery Kevin vies for

Police gearing up for busy time

the Face of the Race

to names of countries FARNEXT Northern police are gearing uplike for Bara busy twoThailand weeks, and ensuring everyone bados, Venezuela, the littravelling around the region stays safe.sounds a tle local town of Walkamin Locals can rightly expect so. to see bit outand of visitors place, and an increased presence on the roads andfrom But our very own FNQ Rum on the Mt water, Uncle conducting Distillery high-visibility has been shortoperations until 21 April. listed alongside other renowned disCairns Water Police Officer-in-Charge tilleries from those countries for Rum Sergeant Andrew Ibell said boaties must Producer theprepare Year atproperly the prestigious remain vigilantofand for trips.International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC).to keep an eye on “It’s important The IWSC is renowned its rigthe weather conditions, and makeforsure process, which evaluyou orous pack judging safety equipment including lifejackets and an based EPRIB, on and taste, alwaysbalance, tell ates spirits someone you are going and when finish,where and value. you plan“This to return,” he said. is also known competition “Like the roads, being underindustry’ the as theon‘Oscars of the Spirits influence or alcohol or it’s of likedrugs the Olympics in awhile way, the operating vessel is Trophy illegal, and can be Rum aProducer is one of the extremely dangerous. most sought-after accolades,” Mt Un“Alerting family or friends or reporting Mark Watkins yourcle’s trip head to thedistiller local Volunteer Marinesaid. this help level by Rescue “Being group orrecognised Coast Guardoncould is incredibly rewarding for savethe yourIWSC life in the event of an emergency. our team.

“Check your vessel is properly “Weand strive craft rums that remaintained have atoplan if you get into flect the unique terroir of Far North trouble.”

The Cairns Highway Patrol Unit willreafQueensland, and this nomination also fibe check, with on rmskeeping that ourdrivers effortsinare resonating Operation X-Ray Easter launching last the world stage.”

Mt Uncle Distillery Owner and has Headbeen Distiller Mark Watkins FNQ awardFormer councillor Kevin Davies named Face of thewith Race for Rum’s 2025 as recognition week, FNQ and continuing throughout the Rum is the only Australian Iridium rum. forwinning the passion he Xhad for the annual event. school holidays. brand shortlisted for the Rum ProducOfficers will be particularly focusing on “There anything Kevin wouldn’t do to councillor and Great yearwasn’t for FNQ Rum, during locally and internationally for Wheelbarrow their dis- a stellar er Trophy, “standing proudly” along- FORMER drink and drug driving, ensuring everyone make the best it couldmultiple be for all involved.

Race Chair Kevin Davies, it this hasrace already secured tinctCommittee flavours and exceptional quality”.whowhich side global giants such as Foursquare makes it home safely.

He always wanted the best for everyone. awayuse in January, has been named At the World Rum Awards sugar cane nectar to the pro-Faceawards.

Rum USA from Barbados, Sang Som passed“We Officer-in-charge of the Cairns Highway “This was a man who dedicated of the Race for the 2025 event. earlier this year, FNQ Rum took homehis time to duce a more rich and sweet fl avour and Distillery from Thailand, Ron RoPatrol Unit Senior Sergeant Craig and Johnson, things better for everyone else - truly The race, to take place between 9-11 May, wastwomake gold medals for its Platinum Cane then we age the spirit in ex-Australian ble Viejo from Venezuela. said police could be anywhere and at any service above self.

He embodied everything this an important event for Mr Davies who competed Spirit and Iridium Agave Cask Finred wine barrels, so it combines these “This high-visibility nomination patrols cementsandFNQ time, using is about being and thisnamed year we are doing it for event numerous times andsaid. became the chairish,race alongside World’s nice flavours well,” Mark Rum’s position as road a leading force in in the covert operations to keep users safe. organising committee Sugarcane Spirit. Additionally, we’re situated in in2024. a really nice BestKev.” “It’s that industry drivers and the critical global rum andriders is a tes- of the “And Ms Srhoj encouraged anyone considering “This year we are dedicating the race to our stay tament alert andtoavoid driving yearstheoffatal hardfive: work, dedica- area, the fluctuations in temperature the brand’s commitment to quality was competing in this with year’sarace to nominate beloved pasthot chair andand councillor, Kevin Daviesfurther highlighted silver medal now. with the days cold nights helps under the influence, speeding, fatigue, tion, and innovation,” Mark said. let’s all be like Kev, and join us and let’s make – a face we all love and miss so very much,”at the“So distraction, failing to wear aits seatbelt International Wine Spirit FNQandRum describes rums as the spirit age really well.” this the best year yet for our leader long-time committee member and friend Natasha correctly,” he said.

The Mt Uncle Distillery has also Competition for its Iridium X Rum. we can never being crafted “from the rich volcanic Srhoj said. forget,”will she be said.travelling to London “Police will do whatever it takes to Mark recently started distribution in the UK, soils and sugarcane of this unique “Kevin was “He’s with us in spirit and willonbe12 watching us a champion of the race since it increase safety on our roads, creating to attend the awards ceremony adding to their many successes. tropical region” and “produces a range began along the Wheelbarrow Way!” and a champion and friend offollows the peopleNovember. safer drivers, safer vehicles and safer This IWSC recognition of rums that have been celebrated both in it, the charities and the communities along the To register go to www.greatwheelbarrowrace. communities.”

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Crackdown on feeding crocs ONLINE AUCTION WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL

penalties for existing offences& which aim to deter NEW offences increased fines haveGovt beenDepts, brought Administrators, Onand instructions from QLD Police Private Vendors in by the State Government to crack down on feeding people from engaging in behaviours that pose a serious risk to public safety and animal conservation. and interfering with crocodiles.

The on-the-spot fine for deliberately disturbing or Two new offences have been introduced making 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.

HAND TOOLS & fiDROP SAWS, SUBMERSIBLE BORE PUMP, JAWS LIFE, Discarding food, including sh frames, scraps and The on-the-spot fine for interfering with aOF crocobait, in aCARPENTRY way that may attract crocodiles to a public dile trap has increased from $645 to $2580, with MACHINERY, HYDRAULIC LIFT TABLE, SLIDING TABLE SAW, place such as a boat ramp, jetty, pontoon or camping the maximum court-imposed fine increasing from 47 inKVA SITE GENERATORS, LIFT GARAGE DOORS, MARINE area can 45 now & result an on-the-spot fine of $483 or POWER $19,356 to $26,615. a maximum court-imposed fi ne of $6,452.

But State Member for HillCHAIRS Shane Knuth, who ENGINE, ANTIQUE TIMBER FURNITURE, OFFICE Knowingly remaining within close proximity to a introduced the KAP’s Crocodile Control, Conservacrocodile that is on, or partly on, land can now result TUESDAY tion, and Safety Bill 2024 into Parliament last month, VIEWING 22 APRIL in an on-the-spot fine of $806 or -a6PM maximum courtslammed the new offences and fines as “nothing 9AM AT 401 SHERIDAN STREET, CAIRNS NORTH imposed fine of $16,130. more than a band-aid fi x”.

PLEASE NOTE: NO AUCTION DAY SITE ACCESS, LIVE ONLINE ONLY This offence complements existing “disturb“The State Government has failed to manage the Visit our Websitethe to Create Your Online Bidding Account - www.quaidauctioneers.com.au ing” offence which prevents people from approachcrocodile crisis for over a decade, and now it’s comNote: A 15% Buyers Premium will be added to the knockdown price of each lot sold. This is a (GST Incl.) Sale ing 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.

Conservation officers now also have the power to terways - they’ll tell you the crocodile population has direct people to move away from a crocodile to avoid exploded. “This is a Northern Queensland issue, and 401 Sheridan Street, Cairns North Phone 4051 it should be managed locally, -not from over 1,800 3300 km any potential human-crocodile interactions.

The government has also significantly increased away in an ivory tower.”

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Tourism momentum growing

By ANDREE STEPHENS

FROM building agri-tourism or creating coffee trails, to finding hidden gems like the labyrinth at Mt Molloy, tourism in the Mareeba Shire is building momentum, a Chamber of Commerce lunch heard recently.

Mareeba Local Tourism Operations (LTO) chair and Deputy Mayor Lenore Wyatt said “tourism is a significant contributor to the economy”.

Presenting the LTO’s latest updates, Cr Wyatt said the shire attracted $162.2 million in tourism spend during 2022-23 – the highest amount on record based on the most recent figures available.

What was “really exciting” was that the LTO, formed two years ago, had become an incorporated entity in November.

“Now we are a not-for-profit, with a board of directors representing all of the tourist industry, it opens up new opportunities to seek out grants so we can focus on budding industries and hidden gems,” Cr Wyatt said.

The LTO was borne out of the council’s Mareeba Tourism funding arm and the Chamber of Commerce, which was also a major financial contributor. Bendigo Bank had also backed the LTO and was “fantastic in supporting our networking events”, and Tourism Tropical North Queensland had been matching a council funding arrangement and assisting with promotional material.

Those entities were still major contributors to the LTO, but the operation would no longer come under any one umbrella, Cr Wyatt explained. This allowed it to have greater control over decision-making and provide more targeted focus for the region’s tourism industry.

The Labyrinth in Mt Molloy is one of Mareeba Shires hidden gems in the dry season.

One such focus raised at the lunch was the growing trend for agri-tourism. A key agri-tourism representative will be attending the Rotary Fields Days in May and the LTO has jumped on the chance to show off the region.

“We will be taking her on a tour bus around the Mareeba Shire while she is here to expose her to what we have to offer,” Cr Wyatt said.

“I mean when you look at what is here, the Golden Drop mango winery, that came out of a mango property, one of our earliest successes; Skybury Coffee, where they just grew coffee –

now look at it, it’s mind-blowing; and Jacques Coffee another great place to visit.

“We’ve been told that coffee is big so we’re considering creating a coffee trail for the region,” she added.

“Station visits are another budding industry, opening up properties to camping. It’s one of the potential ways for smaller size farms to be able to get extra funds. There’s lots of potential and the more we have, the more people will come.”

The driving tour in May would also show off some hidden gems, Cr Wyatt said, as well as the bigger

ticket items, such as Kuranda.

The latter was lately reaping the benefits of spectacular bud lighting on the village centre’s 14 fig trees.

Cr Wyatt said the community was already seeing more nightlife, such as at the Butterfly shop which recently advertised a trivia night, or the popular Petite Café, which had extended its opening hours. This all helped grow visitation.

The LTO was also working closely with agencies such as the Road Traffic Authority, and groups like Atherton Tourism, which was bringing Tablelands tourism into a

“collective family”.

“A lot of businesses had felt they were getting lost in the noise”, Cr Wyatt said.

But connections were building, especially through the networking events. One great example was the cross-promotion developed between the Emerald Creek Ice Creamery and the Ford Museum.

Similarly, the growth of social media, website management and revamps of the Visit Mareeba and Kuranda Village tourism pages had provided more connectivity and capacity building for tourism organisations.

“We provide access to a national tourism database if you become a member of LTO,” Cr Wyatt said. “We had eight listings from the region to start with, now we have 30.”

She pointed out that the LTO was free to join, but that would change on 1 July, so she encouraged tourism operators and businesses to “get in early”.

Tourism campaigns such as “Hidden Gems”, which had singled out places such as Julatten and Mt Molloy, had also proved a hit.

“The Labyrinth in Mt Molloy is lovely, and not everyone knows about it,” Cr Wyatt said. “It’s kept going by a volunteer.”

(The Labyrinth is currently waterlogged and best visited in the dry season between June and October.)

LTO has also created a key events calendar and introduced driving itineraries which are mentioned in a 25-minute Overland Travellers video, “What to do on the way to the Cape”.

“We are really proud of what the LTO is doing,” Cr Wyatt said.

“Let’s face it, tourism is everyone’s business.”

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The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025 PAGE 3

Mountain School donates for blood cancer dreaming

By ANDREE STEPHENS

BEN Daley was only 18 when, while walking with a friend, he was hit by a motorbike driven by an underage rider. The accident left him with an acquired brain injury, unable to talk and walk.

But nearly 25 years later, Ben is fulfilling a dream of returning to his beloved sport, mountain biking riding.

“My story tells of hope, aspiration and a sense of belonging in the mountain bike community. I want to feel included and be able to interact with fellow competitors,” he wrote.

With the support of businesses and communities in Far North Queensland, Ben is now the proud owner of a custom-built adaptive mountain bike after more than a year of fundraising – assisted by his NDIS service provider, Tolgabased guardians & co.

“The community really got behind Ben,” guardians & co. founding director and support program manager Joan Schincariol said.

“And his carer, Pina Low, has been, and continues to be, the driving force in supporting Ben to source sponsors and interact with the community in sharing his dream.”

And this dream is getting bigger.

“The quadricycle was just the beginning, now he is focused on his next goal of competing, which we can

THE student council at Mareeba State High School recently held a World’s Greatest Shave event and have donated over $800 to the Leukaemia Foundation.

Eight staff participated in the event to raise funds by colouring their hair. The student council also held a sausage sizzle and a cookie decorating stall to allow them to raise more money for the cause.

“Thank you to the staff who volunteered to have their hair coloured, the students who assisted at the various activities and the local businesses that supported this fundraiser,” teacher Laurette Seddon said.

“We really appreciate Mel and her team at Coles Mareeba, the team from Russo’s Quality Meats and the staff at Brumby’s Mareeba, without their support the student council would not be able to raise these funds to donate to a good cause.”

The school raised $250 through gold coin and online donations during the recent event. They will also be adding $610 raised from their Valentine’s Day fundraiser, bringing their total donation amount to $860.

all get behind.”

Ben lives in his own home, set up as an NDIS Shared Living arrangement, with another NDIS participant after his loving parents, who now reside in Carinya Home, could no longer support him.

He has already begun preparing for his first race in Mogo, NSW, in October this year. This mountain biking event includes adaptive mountain biking for paraplegics, Joan explained.

“The training and preparation are paramount,” Joan said. “Ben’s support team are a big part of helping him achieve his goal.

“He does core training, strengthening his arms - that is where personal trainer Angela Woods and FNQ Health & Fitness come into it,” Joan said.

“We (guardians & co.) also have an e-bike that the support team and Pina takes with Ben on his trails locally, so he can practice in the quadricycle and build his speed, and progress to more challenging tracks.”

The support team and Joan’s husband Adrian (also a cofounder of guardians & co.) will all make the 2,661 km drive to the competition with Ben later this year.

For Ben, this journey heralds an exciting new phase of his life.

“Mountain biking is freedom and a closeness to nature,” he wrote. “Shared interest and shared competition offer a ladder over the usual barriers to social interaction and inclusion.”

(top left) Students enjoyed the opportunity to spray Mr Stanway’s hair. (bottom left) The student council also raised money for the Leukaemia Foundation through a sausage sizzle.

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The Digital Solutions Program is coming to Mareeba to deliver a “Marketing on a Budget” workshop on 1 May at the Mareeba Library tech room from 9am to 11am.

The workshop will cover Google Ads (create effective ad campaigns); Meta Advertising (advertising on Facebook and Instagram); Email Marketing (craft compelling email campaigns); and Canva and AI tips (enhancing your marketing materials with Canva and AI tools).

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Major makeovers for Atherton clubs

By KONNOR FURBER

NEARLY half a million dollars of funding has been put towards the major upgrades of two key sporting clubs in Atherton, with Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander who travelled north to officially open the new facilities.

The Atherton Bowls Club received a grant of $190,000 to have a new bowling green installed while the Atherton Golf Club received a co-contributed grant of about $300,000 to have 1.2km of concrete cart paths built.

Also in attendance at the openings was Member for Kennedy Bob Katter, Member for Barron River Bree James, Member for Hill Shane Knuth, Tablelands Mayor Rod Marti and other dignitaries including representatives from Queensland Sport and Recreation.

Bowls Club secretary Beth Johnston said attaining funding to install a new green was very important and could help boost the club’s member numbers.

“We’re extremely grateful, it’s a lot of money for a small club to get. Especially in this time with all the floods and everything, we’re just really grateful,” she said.

“The new green is very important. The old one was 16 years old and was getting a lot of mould, just a lot of general wear and tear too.

“I think it will help us to attract new members.”

The Atherton Golf Club project cost an estimated $300,000, with the club contributing to approximately 25-30% of that and the rest from the government grant.

Club president Kerry Duck said the new cart paths were vital in allowing the club’s members to play year-round and provided an avenue for players to be able to use carts in wet weather conditions.

“The paths are extremely important. They’ve allowed the club and its members to be able to play the course at times when normally they could only walk,” he said.

“So, people that are elderly, and we do have a lot of elderly members, and where it’s beyond walking for them, they can use carts and the paths to be able to play even in very extreme weather conditions. The club is extremely grateful.” (right) Atherton Bowls Club committee chair Julie Shuttleworth and Mr Mander have a bowl on the brand-new green.

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander (left) and Atherton Golf Club president Kerry Duck tested out the new concrete cart paths.

This ANZAC Day, join our Sub Branch in paying tribute to all who have bravely served our nation. There’s no greater way to honour the ANZAC’s – and all who followed their example – than by commemorating as a community on 25 April.

Lest We Forget

Friday 25th April, 2025 Dawn Service 4:28am Main Service: March starts 10:15am at the Post Office centre, followed immediately by the Main Service at the Cenotaph, ANZAC Park, Byrnes Street, Mareeba

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The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025 PAGE 5

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Saturday, Sunday and Pub Holidays

Monday to Friday

Departs Atherton

6.00am

9.15am

1.00pm

8.00am

1.30pm

Departs Mareeba Departs Speewah

6.30am

9.45am

1.30pm

8.30am

2.00pm

6.50am

10.05am

1.50pm

8.50am

2.20pm

Departs Kuranda

7.15am

10.25am

2.10pm

9.10am

2.40pm

Departs rainforest

-

10.30am

2.15pm

-

2.45pm

8.50am

11.15am

3.00pm

10.00am

3.30pm

Arrives Cairns

Cairns to Atherton Tablelands Route 850

Saturday, Sunday and Pub Holidays

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Departs Cairns

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9.25am

3.30pm

10.30am

4.00pm

Departs Smithfield

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9.45am

3.50pm

10.50am

4.20pm

Departs Kuranda

7.40am

10.05am

4.10pm

11.10am

4.40pm

Departs Speewah

8.00am

10.25am

4.30pm

11.20am

5.00pm

Departs Mareeba

8.20am

10.45am

4.50pm

11.40am

5.20pm

Arrives Atherton

8.50am

11.15am

5.20pm

12.10am

5.50pm

No services operate Good Friday, Anzac Day and Christmas Day

also removed and treated with a corrosion inhibitor and protective coating.

“The memorial itself has received a makeover to remove the flaking paint and to tidy the concrete bevelled edge of the recess, and the whole memorial has been cleaned and repainted.

“The broken urn on the top has also been restored and replaced by a stonemason.

“We’re hoping the work will keep the memorial in good condition for years to come and I thank the Ravenshoe RSL Sub Branch for the help.”

Cr Haydon said the public was invited to come to the memorial on Jonsson Road, Evelyn at 10am Wednesday 23 April to celebrate its new look.

“We’ll have morning tea after the unveiling – the venue will move to the Ravenshoe RSL Sub Branch Hall if it’s raining,” she said.

Anyone wishing to attend is encouraged to RSVP their attendance and dietary requirements by calling 1300 362 242 by Wednesday 16 April.

The badly worn war memorial at Evelyn Scrub has been restored and will be unveiled on 23 April.

Funds on offer for local playgroups PLAY in regional and remote Queensland is set to be boosted, with playgroups now able to apply for funding launched as part of National Playgroup Week (1723 March).

The Rural and Remote Grants program from national not-forprofit Play Matters is offering up to $5000 to playgroups in communities identified as moderately accessible, remote, and very remote.

Groups in the Mareeba, Cook, Douglas and Tablelands local government areas are eligible to apply.

Play Matters chief executive officer Penny Creamer said accessing playgroups was a

vital part of supporting a child’s growth.

“We know 90% of a child’s brain develops by the time they turn five and play is scientifically proven to assist that development,” she said.

“Play supports the early learning of skills including reading, singing, and counting, while playgroups bring children, and importantly their families, together for social interaction and emotional support.

“From Maranoa to Mt Isa, Torres Strait to the Tablelands, every child should be able to benefit from the way playgroups connect children, families, and communities.”

Every week, more than 24,000 families attend 500 playgroups, play experiences, music therapy classes, and parenting peer support groups facilitated by Play Matters.

“Playgroups are often run by volunteers at a nominal fee to families, so cost isn’t a barrier for seeking support through play. The grants will allow coordinators to purchase new educational resources and equipment, access networking opportunities, and upgrade facilities, to make their playgroups even more inclusive, engaging, and enriching for families and children.”

For the first time as part of its National Playgroup Week

celebrations, Play Matters is also launching free webinars to help families and educators better understand the power of play.

“The webinars will focus on the role adults have in children’s play, how play builds strong families and community, and how it improves children’s wellbeing through play,” Ms Creamer said.

“If you care for a child under the age of five and are yet to try a playgroup, we encourage you to search for your local play experiences via the Play Matters website and give it a go.”

Grant applications close on 27 April and can be made by going to: https://playmatters.org. au/playgroup-grants

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A MEMORIAL erected more than 100 years ago has been refurbished and will be unveiled to the public before Anzac Day. Tablelands Regional Council has refurbished the Evelyn Scrub War Memorial which was erected in 1919 and lists the names of 41 men from Evelyn who served in World War 1.

“Last year, we received funding to repair the honour roll on the memorial, which is the only remaining structure from the former Evelyn Scrub town,” Cr Annette Haydon said.

She said the 41 men named on the memorial represented nearly 90% of the young men from the area at that time.

The council brought in people with the special skills required to give the memorial a true makeover.

“We commissioned a specialist metals conservator to restore the copper and brass memorial honour roll, and the new mounting system will ensure it is more secure and protected,” Cr Haydon said.

“The individual name plaques were

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Bosnic leads in by-election WITH the numbers still too close to call, shimmying for the position of Mareeba Shire councillor looks to be a nailbiter between candidates Mladen Bosnic and Alan Pedersen.

As of Monday morning, the Queensland Electoral Commission website showed no real change in the neck-to-neck race, with Mr Bosnic (pictured) leading with 4,017 votes, and Mr Pedersen closely following on 3,840 votes.

“The results so far are tight, I admit, but they were tight last time,” Mr Bosnic said. “ “And the number of votes have dwindled off. My fingers and toes are twisted from being crossed all week.”

He said he had done his best and campaigned hard and joked that he had a speech ready for a win and for a loss.

He praised the community for its efforts in the byelection, with the 10,426 votes cast so far a “pretty good result” considering only about 11,000 voted in the full local government election the previous year.

According to the QEC, the number of people enrolled to vote in the shire is 16,376.

And while the results were not clear as this article went to print (counting closed on Tuesday), Mr Bosnic feels vindicated in his objection to the byelection being held at all.

“I think the council

underestimated the public there,” he said.

“Even now, while we’re in the midst of a Federal election, the issue has stayed in the public limelight, there’s been a lot of social media chatter.”

Mr Bosnic was the runnerup in the council election held in 2024, and with the passing of Cr Kevin Davies, the Local Government Act provided for two options to fill the vacant position – offering the position to the next candidate in line or holding a by-election.

Mr Bosnic was the next in line.

Much of the public reaction was against council’s decision to hold the byelection, claiming it was a waste of money which has been estimated to be in excess of $100,000.

“I don’t want to dwell on it, but my views haven’t changed, and I think the voters have spoken,” Mr Bosnic said.

Three other candidates Gaye Taylor (926 votes), Carol Chong (849 votes) and Robyn Drury (633 votes) are well behind Mr Bosnic and Mr Pedersen.

Rodeo royalty sought Annalisa Savaglio (front) will return as this year’s Matron of Honour and will be joined by Andrea Dati.

NOMINATIONS for the highly anticipated 2025 Mareeba Rodeo Queen competition are now open and this year’s matrons are eagerly encouraging young women in the community to apply.

Annalisa Savaglio will return for her second year as the Matron of Honour and will be joined by first-time matron Andrea Dati.

Both have experience with community events and are enthusiastically planning this year’s competition.

“The competition is a great way for entrants to meet new people, grow in confidence, have fun, and learn many new things,” Ms Savaglio said.

Ms Dati said: “It gives entrants

a chance to represent themselves, their sponsors, the rodeo, and the community.”

2022 Rodeo Queen Maia Gambino said young women in the community should sign up for the competition for many reasons.

“The competition is a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, make new friends, and be involved in the community in a number of activities and celebrations,” she said.

“It should also be known that you don’t have to be a cowgirl or typically country to take part in it.

“It broadened my understanding of the show movement and the history of the

Mareeba Rodeo.

“I personally gained a lot of self-confidence, and I was grateful to represent Mareeba.”

The beloved community event will once again see young women from across the Mareeba Shire vie for the esteemed titles of Mareeba Rodeo Queen and Princess.

The annual quest attracts young women aged between 16 and 21 from the local community.

The aspiring rodeo ambassadors will be judged based on the qualities needed to represent the rodeo effectively during various engagements.

The competition consists of a three-week program of events, culminating in the highly

anticipated crowning ceremony at the downtown parade before the rodeo weekend from 12-13 July.

The Mareeba Rodeo Association has prepared an information guide available on their website which provides all necessary details for those considering entering or sponsoring an entrant.

Entrants and sponsors are encouraged to visit the Mareeba Rodeo website at www.mareebarodeo.com.au/ queen-competition to view the information guide and submit their nominations.

Nominations for the 2025 Rodeo Queen competition will close on 25 May.

MT GARNET RACES & RODEO 2025 Friday 2nd May ~ Sunday 4th May FRIDAY 2ND MAY

SUNDAY 4TH MAY

• Calcutta 9.30am at TAB Rink • 5 Race Program • Cabaret: Continuous Music, “Careless” & “The Black Image Band” - 18+

• Starting 9am • Trade Show • Live Auction • Big Screens Australia

FOOD VENDORS BAR D E C N E C I L & LL A E L B A L I A AV WEEKEND!

SATURDAY 3RD MAY

• Grand Parade

• Calcutta 9.30am at TAB Rink • 6 Race Program • Fabulous Fashions on the Field Multiple Categories • Cabaret: Continuous Music, “Careless” & “The Black Image Band” - 18+

• Cabaret: Dusty Haven ABCRA Affiliated Full Points Rodeo. All nominations through iCompete.

WEEKEND PASS: trybooking (includes entry to Races, Rodeo, Cabarets and Camping) PURCHASE ONLINE FOR $130 Per Person - Youth 12-17 $10. Children Under 11 are FREE NO TICKET - NO ENTRY: Limited amount of tickets. PURCHASE WEEKEND PASSES AT:

https://www.trybooking.com/CZWSJ

DAY PASS: (Purchase online or at Gate, this does not cover camping) $25 Per Adult, Youth 12-17 $10. Children Under 11 are FREE Cash is preferred as Wi-Fi not the best. There will be ATMs at the grounds. STRICTLY NO DOGS. www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025 PAGE 7

Lions celebrate milestone MALANDA Lions celebrated 60 years of operation recently with a gathering of Lions branch members from Mareeba and Atherton joining in on the celebrations.

The 22 March celebration was held at (from left) Rico Cabassi and Ron Blundell from Mareeba Lions, Neil the Top Rail in Malanda. Clarke and Con Spanos from Atherton Lions.

Representatives of the Atherton Lions who were the sponsor club of Malanda Lions (from left) 2nd Vice District Governor Russell Hilder, Joint Zone chair Sandy Taske, Rod MacGowan, Joint Zone chair Chrissy Vit, president Geoff Seamark, Ruth Seamark, Neil Clarke and Con Spanos from Atherton Lions, and Mary-Ellen Ryan.

Malanda Lions president for the past eight years, Cade Blankesley.

g n i t a r b e l e C n o s r a e y 2 2 t h e ro a d!

Joint Zone chair Sandy Taske, immediate past district president Jo Lyons, and Joint Zone chair Chrissy Vit.

REGOS CLOSE APRIL 30 Bendigo Bank

2

2004 - 2023

MAREEBA TO CHILLAGOE ▪ MAY 9-11 2025 ▪ REGISTER @ WWW.GREATWHEELBARROWRACE.COM PAGE 8 The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Sunflowers are back THE popular Tolga Sunflower Farm has recently reopened for business after a two-year hiatus and owner Anthony Trimarchi is urging people to “get in quick” while the flowers are blooming.

“We would like to welcome everyone back and we hope to see you soon. Hopefully we can come back bigger and better,” Mr Trimarchi said.

“We’re open to the public to come and pick their own sunflowers. People can come and pick their own at $1-a-stem, 20 for $20, on weekends from 9am-5pm.”

The farm, located at 46-76 Tate Road, Tolga, is kid and dog friendly, with dogs required to be on a leash at all times.

For information visit the Tolga Sunflower Farm on Facebook or call 0447 955 691.

Anthony Trimarchi and his daughter Elyse were pleased to announce the Tolga Sunflower Farm is once again open for business.

Range closures NIGHT closures for the Kuranda Range Road will cease from 17 April to 27 April to allow for the public to use the road freely during the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends.

There is also no scheduled night closure on Sunday 4 May to take into account movement on the May Day Labour weekend.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads advised that due to the fact that many road users travel during these holidays, it had factored this into the reconstruction program.

Night closures will continue as previously advised from Monday 5 May until December 2025.

LEAD PIC

No action on dog park fence for Atherton NO changes will be made to the Atherton off-leash dog park until a review is completed of Tablelands Regional Council’s Planning Scheme and local laws.

Council officers were last month asked to investigate installing a temporary fence at the Platypus Park off-leash facility to separate smaller dogs from bigger dogs, and also asked why a report, requested in August last year, on the feasibility of establishing an off-leash dog park and amenities in the park on Solar Crescent/ Planet Avenue had not been forthcoming.

At the March meeting, a

report advised that due to the existing dog park being on heritage-listed land which was “currently subject to confidential discussions”, council would be required to apply for a Heritage Exemption Certificate through the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.

In 2024, officers pursued the matter with the department which provided an exemption certificate with the condition that TRC would need to organise training for officers performing works and have relevantly qualified representatives on site.

Officers also found that only

seven requests had been made between January 2020 and March this year relating to dogs being aggressive or rushing. Officers advised that those dog owners who lodged a complaint were divided on their support for a fence.

“This suggests that both sides of the project request are represented by constituents and an overall community engagement would be required for the one-off project,” a council report explained.

Cr Kevin Cardew, who put forward the request for the temporary fence on behalf of

status, and complaints that it was regularly quite muddy.

The report advised that due to the lack of customer requests received, heritage requirements, dog owner’s obligations under the Animal Management Act 2008, confidential discussions concerning the associated land parcel and no program of works in council’s project register, it was recommended that council not progress with a dividing fence.

Instead, council would continue to operate the current dog park and off leash areas in their current state until a full-service review could be

some dog owners, said the fence was “a simple request” and he did not think the matter should be so complicated.

Chief executive officer Nikola Stepanov said nothing in local government “was easy” and added she had received feedback from members of the public who believed the issue came down to “active dogs and inactive dogs”, rather than the size of the animals.

Cr Con Spanos said he would rather the council’s resources be directed towards identifying a new location for an off-leash dog park, noting the constraints of the current site with its heritage

completed in conjunction with the Planning Scheme and Local Law review.

Officers also reported on the feasibility of establishing another off-leash dog park and amenities within the the park on Solar Crescent/Planet Avenue.

The report outlined a number of actions that would be required including ensuring separation of at least 10m from the dog park to the playground, developing a land management plan, amending a local law to reflect the new dog park, and investigating sewerage, water and power connections to an amenity block.

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The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025 PAGE 9

2025 federal election

Saturday 3 May

Greens name candidates THE Greens have announced two candidates who will stand for the upcoming Federal election in the electorates of Kennedy and Leichhardt.

A science educator has been chosen as the candidate for Kennedy, going up against the vast experience of incumbent Bob Katter.

Carole Stanford is a science educator and has taught chemistry and computing in high schools and universities.

“I’m running for Kennedy to give voters a positive, progressive choice at this election and to be a champion for the community, not vested interests,” she said.

Ms Stanford says she will be campaigning on cost of living, housing and climate change.

“The people of Kennedy are struggling under the weight of a rising cost of living, homelessness, and climate crisis that is affecting our water and food production and causing extreme conditions across our region,” she said.

“As a Greens candidate, I am campaigning to stop supermarket price gouging, cap rents and deliver cheaper mortgages for those in housing stress, and to make big corporations pay their fair share in tax so we can fund free GP visits and dental and mental health into Medicare.

“We need to tackle the climate crisis by stopping new coal and gas production and rapidly transitioning to renewable energy, which will create long-term, clean jobs for our region.”

Carole Stanford and Phillip Musumeci will represent The Greens in Kennedy and Leichhardt at the upcoming federal election.

In Leichhardt, Phillip Musumeci has been chosen to take on the fight to win the seat with incumbent Warren Entsch (LNP) not contesting the 2025 poll.

This is Mr Musumeci’s second tilt at the seat, having contested it in 2022.

Mr Musumeci is a fourth generation local who was born in Babinda, grew up on a family farm, and now lives in Cairns with his wife and son. He has spent half his working life as a systems engineer and the other half teaching computing science and engineering at a number of universities, including James Cook University.

Mr Musumeci says he is running for Leichhardt again because the major parties have failed the community on the issues of cost of living, housing and climate change.

“As an academic adviser at James Cook University, I saw firsthand how

difficult it is for young people to pay the bills, juggle study and part-time work, and how hopeless many feel about ever owning a home of their own,” he said.

“Too many people in our community are struggling to pay the bills and are being ripped off every time they buy groceries at the supermarket.

“The Greens are committed to tackling the cost of living crisis by making supermarket price gouging illegal, putting dental and mental health into Medicare, and making visits to the GP free.

“We will address the housing crisis by capping rent increases and building more affordable housing.

“We will take strong action on climate change by stopping new coal and gas projects and investing in renewables to create thousands of well paid, long-term jobs in clean energy.”

LNP launches campaigns NATIONALS Leader David Littleproud and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, Senator Susan McDonald, have launched the election campaigns of LNP candidate for Leichhardt Jeremy Neal, and candidate for Kennedy Annette Swaine.

Mr Littleproud said the two hopefuls for the 3 May Federal election would be assets for their communities, with Mr Neal working as a paramedic and Ms Swaine a former police officer and small business owner.

The LNP has so far pledged an $87.5 million Cairns Water Security Project, an Urgent Care Clinic for Cairns Northern Beaches, sporting infrastructure upgrades for Cairns Hockey and Endeavour Park Football, relocating the Cowboys NRLW to Cairns, upgrading Muddy’s playground on the Cairns Esplanade and ensuring grassroots groups like the Cairns Men’s Shed has a new carpark for safety of their members.

The party says it will also restore the 80/20 Bruce Highway funding model, which Labor previously scrapped as part

of its decision to cut $488 million for the highway.

Mr Neal said his extensive travel through Cape York and his daily interactions with voters in Cairns had shown Labor’s costof-living crisis was having major impacts and the community deserved better.

“I’m proud of our commitment to provide funding to the Cairns Water Supply Project and its $600 million Agriculture and Mining Roads Program, which will make a difference in the Cape,” he said.

Mrs Swaine said the community had been crying out for help in the Kennedy electorate for decades, but no one has delivered.

“I am determined to help families and deliver real solutions,” Mrs Swaine said.

“Over the nearly three decades I have lived and worked in Kennedy, I have heard the same complaints, seen the same problems go unsolved and listened to the same excuses for why the region isn’t powering ahead. This is something I am determined to change and that is why I am running.”

KATTER’S ACTION ON COST OF LIVING

KATTER KENNEDY

IN 2024, I MOVED LEGISLATION TO BREAK UP THE SUPERMARKET GIANTS.

WISDOM. MONGREL. PATRIOT.

2025

ALP/LNP OPPOSED & NATS ABSTAINED

SOLUTIONS FOR SUPERMARKET REFORM DIVESTITURE

Immediate, mandatory and staged

100% CAP on mark-ups and display of farm gate price

ENFORCEMENT OF PENALITIES on supermarkets

REMOVAL of onerous

regulations imposed on farmers

If you need assistance, please contact my office.

Call 1300 301 942 or email Bob.Katter.MP@aph.gov.au or head to BobKatter.com.au.

Authorised by: B. Fusco for Katter’s Australian Party, 2/321 Sturt Street, Townsville, QLD 4810

PAGE 10 The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

2025 federal election

Saturday 3 May

Candidates Pushes for bike trail funds take Katter on in Kennedy KENNEDY voters have eight candidates to choose from when they go to the polls for the 3 May Federal election.

For the thirteenth time, Bob Katter will contest the seat, and with 32 years of representing Kennedy and a safe margin of 13%, he will be hard to beat.

Long-standing Australian Workers Union official and foster carer from Gordonvale, Sharon Winn, has thrown her hat in the ring for Labor.

“Cost of living is the number one issue for families in Kennedy, and Labor is the only party with a real plan to tackle it,” she said.

“Under Labor, inflation is down, wages are up, unemployment is low and now interest rates have started to come down too – but we know there’s more work to do.

“Labor’s plans for cheaper medicines, record investment in hospitals and strengthening Medicare with the biggest single investment in bulk billing ever will make a real difference.”

The LNP has named Annette Swaine as its candidate for Kennedy while the Greens have chosen science educator Carole Stanford as its candidate.

Family First’s Douglas Lush will stand for his party, standing for “strong families, freedom for faith, and protecting the most vulnerable are critical for the future of our community and our nation”.

Standing for Clive Palmer’s party, Trumpet of Patriots, is Mark Westcott, while Pauline Hanson’s One Nation has put forward Kate Harris as its candidate.

“Australia needs common-sense solutions,” Mr Westcott said.

“We need real people in Parliament, not career politicians. I believe in strong, practical policies – just like Trump is delivering in the U.S. – to get this country back on track.”

Steven Clare is standing as an Independent.

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy Bob Katter, State Member for Hill Shane Knuth, Tablelands Mayor Rod Marti and Tablelands Cycle Sports president David Prete have joined together to call on State and Federal governments to commit funding to expand Atherton’s mountain bike park.

Mr Katter believes the expansion of the Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park (AFMBP) will be vital for the future economic prosperity of the Tablelands region and the broader Far North.

“This is a region that pumps out sugarcane, avocados, bananas, coffee and more for the rest of the country – really, it’s the food bowl of the north – and what do we ask in return? Just a small investment in infrastructure that brings people here, keeps locals active, and gives people something to do besides staring at a screen,” he said.

Stage one of the AFMBP, delivered in 2013, was a collaborative effort involving Tablelands Cycle Sports, Tablelands Regional Council, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, and First Australians representatives.

The trail network now spans approximately 55km of purposebuilt mountain bike trails designed and constructed by World Trail.

Stage two aims to add over 50km of internationally benchmarked trails, positioning the AFMBP on the national and global map for mountain biking destinations.

“These trails will be inclusive, world-class, and profitable,” Mr

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter, Tablelands Mayor Rod Marti and State Member for Hill Shane Knuth are calling for more funds to expand the Atherton mountain bike trails.

Katter said.

“They’ll get kids off the couch, tourists out of the airport, and dollars flowing into the Far North.”

The existing trails meet almost all the criteria required for international trail recognition under World Trail benchmarking, including airport proximity, accommodation, and a natural landscape.

The primary enhancement needed is increased trail density, which Stage two seeks to address.

Mr Prete stressed the importance of mountain biking to the tourism sector.

“Tasmania got in early – they saw the opportunity. Derby now attracts 60,000 plus visitors a year, and Whistler in Canada makes more money in the biking season than the ski season,” he said.

“Mountain bikers are highvalue visitors – they stay longer, they spend more, and they come back. This is a game-changer for Far North Queensland.”

A completed business case indicates the project would return $4 for every dollar invested and generate nearly $70 million for the regional economy over the next decade.

“All we’re asking for is funding to do the groundwork,” Mr Katter said.

“Stage one was a joint effort between council, State, and Federal Governments – and it’ll take the same kind of commitment again to make Stage two a reality.”

Order of Events

Feast of the Three Saints 4th May, 2025 at St John’s Parish

10am

Concelebrated by Apostolic Nuncio Balvo, Bishop Joe Caddy & Father Kerry Crowley.

Unveiling of the Three Saints. Eulogy of the Three Saints. Hymns by St Alfio Choir.

12 noon

Entertainment, Italian Sausages, Ravioli, Arancini, Grilled Fish, Calamari, Salads, Pizza, Chestnuts, Granita, Gelati, Spinge (Crispelli) Italian Biscuits, Sweets, Fruit Salad, Tea & Barista Made Coffee.

Italian Mass

The Feast

4 Harold St, Silkwood

2pm

Procession

3pm

Afternoon Mass (English)

4pm

Cannoli

FREE ENTRY

5pm

Spaghetti Eating Competition

7pm

Raffle Draw

Everyone Welcome!

For more information, please reach out to Vera at secretary@feastofthethreesaints.com.au Visit our website www.feastofthethreesaints.com.au

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

7:30pm

Fireworks

Three Saints positioned on Vara, followed

by Solemn Procession. Rosary and Hymns.

Procession accompanied by Cairns Municipal Band.

Concelebrated by Apostolic Nuncio Balvo, Bishop Joe Caddy & Father Kerry Crowley Crowley, followed by the Blessing and Veneration of the Relics of the Three Saints.

Cannoli stall opens until sold out.

Entertainment & Festival Foods Continue.

Junior & Senior Competitions. $200 Prize money for Junior’s, $500 for Senior!

Drawing of the Travel voucher raffle!

Dynamic Fireworks Display.

Music and dancing till 9pm.

WIN a $5,000 Travel Voucher thanks to Cairns Central Travel!

The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025 PAGE 11

© John de Rooy | Tableland Photography

Our Council Our Community We Will Remember Them Anzac Day There are seven cenotaphs across the region, and memorial gates in Malanda.

Services are held at all of these locations on Anzac Day. Other wartime commemorations are also recognised throughout the year.

You can find all the Anzac Day services and road closures across our region at trc.qld.gov.au/anzac-day.

Rocky Creek War Memorial Park

WWII Heritage Walk

Rocky Creek War Memorial Park is located on the 2/2nd Australian General Hospital laundry and medical stores site. The hospital was the largest military medical facility in the Southern Hemisphere. Its 3000 beds treated over 60,000 patients between 1943 and 1945.

This easy 1km walk in Millstream Falls National Park takes you to the remains of tent sites, corduroy roads, training and parade grounds, trenches and other reminders of the 2/14th and 2/28th Battalions that were stationed there.

Signs provide information on the history of the site and the region, and war artists.

The park also displays unit and personal plaques that honour the men and women who were stationed on the Atherton Tablelands during WWII. There are more than 110 unit plaques and nearly 300 personal plaques, We are celebrating the refurbishment and new plaques are dedicated of the Evelyn Scrub War Memorial each year on Victory in the with an unveiling at 10am Pacific (VP) Day, held on Wednesday 23 April. the Sunday closest to 15 August. This year is Meet at the memorial on the 80th anniversary Jonsson Road, Evelyn and of VP Day and we are stay for morning tea after the planning a weekend unveiling. RSVP attendance of commemorations and dietary requirements including a dinner dance, to trcevents@trc.qld.gov.au t t art exhibition, trivia night © or 1300 362 242 by TODAY u Go Sh e r t d and memorial service. Stay i r on G Wednesday 16 April. rimwade | W tuned for more details.

This project is proudly er

Evelyn Scrub War Memorial

supported by the Queensland Government and Tablelands Regional Council.

Afghanistan Avenue Of Honour The Afghanistan Avenue of Honour at Tinaburra is a living memorial dedicated to those who served in Afghanistan. The avenue of Flame Trees leads to memorials and an honour board.

Find out more at avenueofhonour.com.au.

Find out more at trc.qld.gov.au/rocky-creek-war-memorial.

Roads Of Remembrance Our Roads of Remembrance project identifies roads in our region named after WWI people, places and events. The roads have custom signs bearing the rising sun badge. You can find a list of the roads, and information about their origin at trc.qld.gov.au/ roads-of-remembrance.

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

PAGE 12 The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025

War History Trails Two fabulous wartime trails link significant historical sites across the region. You can download the brochures and maps from trc.qld.gov.au/war-history-trails, or pick up copies from one of our information centres.

The Anzac Trail links more than 60 memorial sites and explores the legacies of the local men and women who contributed to World War I. The trail travels to war memorials, buildings, cemeteries, natural memorials and museums.

The WWII Trail brochure details the wartime history on the Atherton Tablelands, which was a staging and training post, and the Australian Army headquarters. The region also housed the 13th Advanced Ordnance Depot, which was the largest in North Queensland’s history.

Find Out More Learn about Ravenshoe’s war history from the photographic display at the Ravenshoe Visitor Centre.

Tolga Museum is also packed with wartime and other history, and the helpful volunteers have more historical knowledge to share.

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

OBITUARY Dawn Whyatt Frith PhD. OAM (1943-2025)

Dawn Frith – a woman of substance

ONE of the best-known scientists from the Atherton Tablelands passed away recently. In the world of ornithology – the study of birds – Dawn Frith is extremely well known, especially for her work on bowerbirds and the definitive volume she wrote with husband Dr Cliff Frith, published by the Oxford University Press.

But Dawn’s work was much more wideranging. She began an amazing field career on remote Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean where she spent a year studying its insects.

Dawn had completed a PhD in England on marine organisms and had worked at a university college before her time on Aldabra for the Royal Society of London. It was while Dawn was working on Aldabra that she met her future husband Cliff Frith.

After their respective return to the UK and writing up their separate field work, they both travelled to Thailand where Dawn had been appointed the Senior Marine Biologist at the Phuket Marine Biological Centre.

This period studying, both separately (Dawn on mangrove ecology and fiddler crabs, and Cliff on snakes) and together (on Hornbills) was highly successful and Dawn’s appointment was extended during which time the couple married in Bangkok.

The agreement they reached to jointly study the birds of paradise and bowerbirds of New Guinea seemed best achieved by establishing a base in northern Queensland and so they moved to Paluma.

Here Dawn not only contributed to the study of birds of paradise and bowerbirds with Cliff, but also developed her own project that contributed to an understanding of their ecology, using detailed field studies of insects and leaf-litter invertebrates.

In New Guinea, as a courageous field scientist in challenging remote environments, Dawn made significant observations and measurements of the feeding ecology, nesting biology and courtship behaviour of birds of paradise, bowerbirds and other species; work published in international journals in a string of scientific papers.

Dawn always loved animals including her own horse while growing up in England. In Thailand, Dawn rescued and fell in love with Hornbills that lived in their home while they

reared them and then refused to leave.

But it was her passionate love for our tropical rainforests that motivated her to spend thousands of hours in the forests at Paluma, observing and recording the lives of many species and building a wonderful knowledge base about our forest birds and their lives.

As photo-journalists, Dawn and Cliff crossed the world and lived and worked in many countries, always focussed on nature. They counted as friends and colleagues many outstanding people including David Attenborough and Jared Diamond.

In January 1984, the Friths became Australian citizens and also expanded their publishing work as a means of self-funding their research activities.

This was a novel approach and Dawn was a key partner in the business which also led to many valuable books and booklets about the environment of northern Australia.

They purchased a rainforest property near Topaz (now a nature refuge) and continued their remarkable work. Apart from joint efforts, Dawn took a leading role in publishing a magnificent book on the natural history of Cape York Peninsula.

In 1996, Cliff and Dawn were jointly awarded the most esteemed recognition for ornithology in Australia, the Dominic Seventy Medal from the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union. This was the first time two people had been jointly recognised.

They also received the Cassowary Award from the Wet Tropics Management Authority for helping the community appreciate the beauty and diversity of the World Heritage Area through books, photography and film.

Together they published a hardback book on “Bowerbirds: Nature, Art and History” that won the Whitley Award in 2008. They followed this with another magnificent book on “Birds of Paradise: Nature, Art and History” that earned them another Whitley Award in 2011.

Dawn leaves a legacy of very many scientific papers and books on natural history and she continued to work with Cliff on many projects.

They were each awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2021 for services to conservation and the environment.

Dawn had a beautiful nature, a very caring person who never put herself forward but was always there with kindness and affection.

Her many friends admired her pluck and character, much of which is beautifully revealed in the story of Cliff and Dawn’s life in their marvellous biography: “A Wild Romance”. Sadly, Dawn was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and eventually had to go into full time residential care in Malanda, where Cliff tended her every day and played his guitar and sang her favourite songs.

Their 53 years together is a modern love story. Dawn’s life is a wonderful model of being a scientist and an outstanding human.

A woman of substance, Dawn lived an amazing life. She is greatly missed.

- Peter Valentine, Malanda.

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The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025 PAGE 13

ON LAND the

Vege growers’ Irrigation technology resource just gets put to the test a click away

AUSVEG is encouraging Australian vegetable growers to make the most of a new online resource which has put a wealth of productivity-enhancing R&D information at their fingertips.

The recently-launched Knowledge Hub – housed on the AUSVEG website – provides a centralised platform for growers to access and keep up to date with more than 3,000 pieces of levy-funded R&D project information, resources and research.

AUSVEG is the national peak industry body for Australia’s over 3,600 vegetable, potato, and onion producers, who account for 3.8 million tonnes of vegetable production worth $5.7 billion in farmgate value annually.

This accounts for one third of Australia’s $16.98 billion horticulture industry.

Covering everything from

AN innovative irrigation demonstration has begun in Dimbulah which aims to improve water and energy efficiency in sugar cane, reduce labour costs and create a more sustainable farming practice.

The irrigation automation toolkit combines irrigation automation hardware, crop growth modelling solutions, real-time energy usage tracking and a unified data platform, all designed to provide farmers with precise irrigation control and reduce operational costs.

Salvetti Farming farm manager Jason Salvetti said when the opportunity presented itself to test the toolkit on his farm, he was keen to get it up and running.

“I’ve always been interested in technology and computers, and we started off with some basic systems like weather stations and soil moisture probes, and then the next step was to try and start some automation processes on the farm,” he said.

“Our home farm is about a 20-minute drive from here, and on the flood irrigation systems, we would come out here anytime between two and three times a day.

“The advantage of this technology is that it will basically do those trips for us, in that it will change the irrigation valving required to move to the next irrigation set by itself, without anyone having to be around to do it.”

The toolkit, which began in the Burdekin, was designed through a number of collaborations, one of which being James Cook University (JCU), which is home to the Tropical North Queensland Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (TNQ Drought Hub).

TNQ Drought Hub director, Professor David Phelps, said the hub was building on the success of the previous trial through the Dimbulah site to

agtech, biosecurity, soil health, irrigation, business development, to consumer insights and much more, the new Knowledge Hub is home to nearly 1,700 R&D project overviews, over 1,100 project reports, more than 400 fact sheets, and hundreds of articles, videos, case studies and podcasts.

“By consolidating relevant and valuable information into a single platform, the Knowledge Hub gives growers a new tool to make informed decisions, address challenges, and adopt innovative practices to benefit their businesses, using key R&D resources that their levies have funded,” AUSVEG national manager communications, Andrew MacDonald said.

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Dr Ben Jarihani, Program lead, Transformational Agricultural Systems and TNQ Drought Hub Director Professor David Phelps are helping to test the technology.

Dr Ben Jarihani, Program lead, Transformational Agricultural Systems and TNQ Drought Hub Director Professor David Phelps are helping to test the technology.

highlight the importance of data-driven irrigation practices in the face of increasing climate variability.

“In 2025, we have seen a record-breaking wet season, and this technology can take into account moisture levels in the soil, to deliver the amount of water needed through more precise irrigation scheduling to maximise crop growth and conserve water for when the farms need it,” he said.

“This really shows how farms can become more resilient heading into a drought, as we know, it’s not ‘if’ but ‘when’ the next drought arrives.

“In this situation, we’re trying to take technologies that have worked really well in the Burdekin sugarcane production area, up to the Atherton Tablelands, and iron out the local issues.

“An integrated system that’s detecting both how much moisture is in the soil, the growth rate and the productivity of the cane and adjusting the

watering schedule, whether that be turned on and off manually or in an automated sense, is going to help save water.”

AgriTech Solutions Irrigation Agronomist and managing director Steve Attard is supervising the technological implementation in Dimbulah.

Mr Attard said many farmers lacked precise insights into their water usage, cost and whether it met their crops’ specific needs.

“If we can reduce costs and energy without negatively impacting productivity, then we know that profitability is going to increase,” he said.

“We understand very similar processes are used in the Tableland region, and so there was no reason why this technology, wouldn’t translate to making benefits for farmers around energy costs and water costs in those regions.

“The natural thing to do then was to set up a local demonstration site through the TNQ Drought Hub to showcase the type of technology and

hopefully to inform other farmers and advisers about the possibilities that this technology can bring them.”

Professor Phelps believes that with continued success, the toolkit could redefine water management practices across multiple crop types, contributing to long-term drought resilience and productivity growth for agricultural communities.

“As this technology continues to deliver results, we have a unique opportunity to reshape water management practices across various crops and regions,” he added.

“It all comes back to our mission at the hub of supporting projects that build resilience within local communities.

“By investing in innovative technology like this, we’re equipping farmers and producers with the tools to adapt, thrive, and contribute to the sustainability of the agricultural industry well into the future.”

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ENTERTAINMENT

New play from Mareeba playwright

Some of the artefacts from the new exhibition including the watches owned by the Moffats (left) and ornate silklined pewter casket (above).

Moffat watches part of new exhibition

A dress rehearsal for the new play Breakfast on Pluto to be performed at the Rondo Theatre in Cairns. Images: Barton Photography.

A NEW play written by Mareeba playwright Ken Cotterill will be featured at the Rondo Theatre in Cairns, with performances to start on 25 April.

Breakfast On Pluto is set in present-day Melbourne and touches on the themes of loneliness, love and family ties.

Stan is a middle-aged, single dad living in the suburbs. His vivacious sister, Jean, is trying to pair him up with some of her ballroom dancing friends, but nothing romantically seems to

work until one night his son, Ian, finds a semi-unconscious woman on the side of the road and brings her home.

From that point on, the lives of Stan, Ian and Jean are never the same again.

The play’s run starts on 25 April and will finish on 10 May, with matinees on Sunday 25 April and on 4 May. Tickets are on sale now at therondo.com.au/ Book or phone Last Call Ticketing on 0415 822 333.

museum’s dedicated members and volunteers, who have devoted their time to preserving and sharing the social history of Cairns.

Long-time volunteer Fran selected the 19th-century watches owned by Moffat and his wife.

Among the standout pieces on display is an ornate silk-lined pewter casket, designed in the Arts and Crafts style and made by Hardy Brothers circa 1911. Inside, it holds an illuminated address intended as a gift to early Cairns settler William John Munro, a key figure in the region’s early industries.

Cairns Historical Society president Dr Clive Skarott says the exhibition is an opportunity to acknowledge the many people who have contributed to the museum’s collection over the decades, including his own family.

“The museum is more than just

A PAIR of 19th-century gold watches once owned by John Moffat and his wife Margaret is part of a new exhibition in Cairns that unearths some of the most interesting artefacts at the Cairns Museum.

Moffat was a key figure in the development of Irvinebank and the broader North Queensland mining industry and the two watches offer a tangible connection to the people and stories that helped shape the town’s early years.

For 45 years, the Cairns Museum has been home to the stories, objects, and memories that define the region’s past and some of the most intriguing artefacts are featured in the “If These Walls Could Talk” exhibition which is open until 19 May. Every item in the exhibition has been personally selected by the

a place to store artefacts – it’s a place where stories are gathered, shared, and brought to life. I’ve personally contributed historical material and images from my own family, knowing how important it is to keep these stories alive for future generations.

“This exhibition is a tribute to the dedication of our community and the incredible stories that continue to emerge from our collection.”

As part of “If These Walls Could Talk”, the museum is also inviting visitors to contribute their own knowledge to history. A “comment box” within the exhibition will allow guests to share information about objects that have yet to be fully identified, adding another layer of discovery to the facility’s collection.

“If These Walls Could Talk” runs until 19 May at the Cairns Museum.

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The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025 PAGE 15

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

Remove the bollards

CEOLA Drive was designed as a lovely wide access road which would facilitate a future corridor for growth out to Amaroo and beyond.

It allowed free flow traffic, easy access to the side streets, wide grass verges on either side for pedestrians and future foot paths, parallel parking for residents, visitors, tradespeople and garbage collection.

Residents also had unrestricted vehicle access to their own driveways. This is especially important if you have boats, trailers, caravans etc.

The installation of these bollards must have been based on bad advice and by persons who do not reside in this area. A better, wiser and more functional and appropriate choice would have been to construct a normal and typical footpath along Ceola Drive which would have solved pedestrian and bike access and left Ceola Drive to provide the traffic flow it was designed to do.

Ironically, this would have been by council Town Planning.

The restrictive bollards were erected, according to some residents, without consultation and I personally can’t imagine too many homeowners who would want this unsightly access imposition to be built at their street front.

The council has stated otherwise. Someone’s nose is growing longer. Traffic flow and access is now restrictive. Garbage collection is affected and street sweeping is now impossible.

As for walkers, prams and such, beware of weeds and uneven road/gutter joins and the cant of the road slope which interferes with normal walking or jogging.

As a regular user of Ceola Drive, I believe this was a particularly bad decision and a waste of rate payers (or grant) money. The beneficiaries are only a very small percentage of the Shire population, these being mostly local to that area.

As the growth around Amaroo continues, the traffic flow problems will be exacerbated along Ceola Drive. There are too many negatives associated with the continued existence of these bollards and council should remove them as soon as possible and when the Council has more money to waste, build a footpath.

When these “things” were imposed upon us, it was stated that it was only for a six-month trial. This is well and truly over.

Thanks to The Express, I became aware of some online survey regarding this matter. How was that announced I wonder? One councillor I spoke to had not even visited the site. Incredible!

Before anymore “thought bubbles” are enacted by council, I suggest they widen their consultation process and provide full details of the proposal, prior to any implementation, as any professional and responsible council should.

I would think that residents of Ceola Drive particularly on the bollard side, should consider some sort of combined legal action against the council if these things are not removed.

This should be based on the impact the bollards have on their properties, particularly property devaluations and the ongoing restrictions of access to their properties as well as limitations to local government and trade services.

Stan Thornton MAREEBA

It’s simply not right

I TOTALLY agree with Barry Brae’s letter (02/04/25).

People going about their day-to-day business in their own homes can be confronted by armed and often masked intruders threatening violence to steal whatever they choose, and if a confrontation occurs and an intruder is injured, they have the legal high ground over the homeowner.

Believe it or not, that is the law as it currently stands.

Even more disturbing is how this gross mishandling of legislative power allowed this to occur in the first place.

It surely begs the question: “Are our elected

representatives acting in our best interests?”

After all, this law had to be drafted up by someone, then presented, reviewed, and voted on before it was legislated. That this made it into law leaves me astounded.

As an analogy, let’s compare it with a related scenario. If someone threatens another person with a toy/replica firearm, it is considered a serious crime, but when armed intruders enter a private residence with real weapons, they have legal immunity in certain situations.

Law abiding citizens should have the legal right to use whatever means at their disposal to defuse the situation, while the armed intruders forfeit all legal rights once they enter a private residence without invitation.

Now is the time to lobby government for change while they are shaking hands and making magnanimous promises.

Or perhaps it is time to ditch our so called “Two Party Preferred” system because they (I don’t need to name them), have been in power for decades and are, therefore, collectively responsible for every bit of bad decision making that has gotten us into the morass we are currently bogged down in.

Jim Pacey ATHERTON

An eternal phenomenon

OCEAN covers 70% of the earth’s surface. Water vapour (Sg 0.5 to air) has a long wave infrared absorption spectrum in the frequency bands, 1.38,1.87, 2.7, 6.3 with a broad band centered @ 71 micrometers.

Water vapour is on average between 1-3% (saturation 4%) of the atmosphere and is thermal induced and controlled, as a rule of thumb, 10deg C = about 1%, more temperature more water vapour.

The sun shines, temperature rises, infrared absorption by the earth’s surface and evaporation increase. More heat expands the air allowing more water vapour to stream up through the air.

Water vapour condenses to liquid (infrared is emitted, dispersed into space) and forms clouds, which, on average, covers two thirds of the earth.

Clouds deflect sunshine, primary cooling effect.

Water vapour condensing out at the top is resupplied by evaporation in at the bottom. An evaporable air conditioner works on this principal, a blast of water vapour laden air, absorbing and removing large amounts of infrared energy, same as a cool sea breeze.

At the earth’s average mean 15deg C water as rain absorbs 2gms of Co2. Co2 is relatively static and absorbs long wave infrared at only four narrow bands of the frequency spectrum, @ 2, 2.7, 4.3, and 15 micrometers.

All other available infrared ignores Co2 and being by far the larger portion, determines air temperature.

Infrared within the Co2 frequency spectrum has only a 1 in 7142 (0.014%) chance of being absorbed by any of the 140ppm of man-made Co2.

When Co2 emits infrared, that infrared becomes part of the total available infrared. How is it that only the long wave infrared emitted by Co2 remains to change the climate when all other available infrared disperses to equilibrium in space?

Hot moves to cold, it does not go the other way.

How does a mere 140ppm of man-made Co2 compete with a far superior volume of more efficient water vapour and change climate? More temperature = more evaporation = more clouds = more rain = less Co2.

I have not received any measured, scientific controlled explanation as to how a mere 140ppm of man-made Co2 can transfer sufficient energy (or photons) required to warm the air, ocean and melt ice, while causing fires, floods and droughts.

Climate change is an eternal phenomenon.

Graeme Congdon MT GARNET

Desperation of deniers

WHAT is the collective term for a group of climate change deniers? A curse? A scourge? Myself, I think a desperation of deniers fits best.

Download for FREE from iTunes or Google Play PAGE 16 The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025

Spend two minutes on Google, search for a recent awarding of $1US million in favour of scientist Michael Mann against two climate change deniers, in what was a repugnant, drawn out and vile campaign against Professor Mann. It is only one of an increasing tale of litigation as truth confronts lies.

Dig a little deeper, search for sadly their too many letters to the Editor in struggling regional Australian newspapers and you quickly realise how unoriginal the campaign of desperate deniers has become in a war waged by misinformation and disinformation fought not on the Dark Web, but one better known as the dank web.

Their language is from the same playbook, contributing nothing to science or human endeavours other than falsehoods of irrelevance and malevolence.

There is a tide rising against the politics of division of Mr Campion and those of his ilk, as a tsunami of truth gathers on an ocean of lies. If politics is the voice of the people, if science is the language of validation, then the legal system is the arbitration of truth.

Perhaps I’ve judged The Express too harshly. It may be the Editor provides an invaluable community service to those suffering from TOMs (Tired Old Man Syndrome) left befuddled and frustrated by a world that Mark Parsons has already passed them by.

HERBERTON

HISTORY UPDATE A.N.Z.A.C. - Australia and New Zealand Army Corp.

APRIL 25 is commemorated as Anzac Day when the populations of Australia and New Zealand pause and remember the people who fought overseas to hold and maintain the freedoms we are so familiar with today.

It is a day to stop and reflect on how many gave up their lives and give thanks in appreciation for their sacrifice. The Anzac legend began in World War 1 but now has been applied to all and any conflicts Australians have participated in.

Go and stand in front of the Mareeba Cenotaph at Anzac Park in Byrnes Street and let your eyes run down the number of names listed there. Names such as Gibbons, McDowall, Maher, Leswell and many more and hopefully you will feel proud and grateful but also sad as these men did not return to live their lives in peace and security, but gave up theirs so we can.

Humbly thank them for their sacrifice and hope that such conflicts and losses may not happen again.

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

The Historical Society of Mareeba has in their library many books, magazines and articles on nearly all the conflicts Australians have been in.

Some are for research only but there is also many for sale.

Call in Tuesdays 8am until 12 noon or Wednesday 8am until 2.30pm and on Mareeba Market Days (7am until 12 noon) and check them out. Retail books - some fact, others fiction based on fact – are going at very reasonable prices. Military buffs will be excited at the number.

As usual, the society’s team are busy scanning council records as well as re-checking mining information onto our computers, getting them organised for public usage.

We would appreciate assistance with these endeavours. So, if interested contact Helen on 4092 3599 or email: sec@mbahistsoc.org.au and we can chat.

Our doors are always open for people with a love of preserving our important, interesting and valuable local history, we cover the whole Mareeba Shire, not just Mareeba town. Would enjoy meeting with you.

– Helen Kindt (Hon Sec)

MAREEBA LIONS CLUB NEWS APRIL 2025 IT was a slow start to the year but it has taken off with a vengeance. Two markets in March, another coming up on the 12 April.

We assisted with the opening of the new Lifeline store in Mareeba and the new Big Hat shop that has opened opposite Mareeba Toyota/Hansen Ford. We participated in Clean Up Australia and with the help of community volunteers and the Scouts removed 180 kg of rubbish from the environment.

We supported two Youth of the Year events with local student Harley Cek being successful in Mareeba and Atherton. We, in conjunction with The Express newspaper organised the Mareeba International Women’s Day event which raised over $2,000 for the Black Cockatoo Foundation.

Whilst we have numerous events throughout the year, in the near future we have Mt Garnet Rodeo, Chillagoe Rodeo, and the Family Friendly Metrogaine. This is a family fun morning which raises funds for the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation, and The Queensland and Northern New South Wales Lions Medical Research Foundation.

At the end of the day research is important, and the life you save may be your own.

Thankfully, we have people being invited to join our small club, which is great. We could do with more members as we have so many annual events to organise. If you are a person of good character and want to be involved in the community, and make new friends just contact us.

The easiest way is to email lionsmba@ gmail.com We are also interested in forming new Lions Clubs in the area. If you think your community could support a Lions Club then get in touch.

Speewah, Koah, Mt Molloy, Julatten, Chillagoe to name a few are communities which could benefit from having a Lions Club delivering humanitarian and service projects in the immediate area.

There are many benefits in forming a Lions Club in your area, particularly being part of an organisation with 1.4 million members worldwide and the and the liability insurance which Lions Clubs carry.

Remember you can support your local Mareeba Lions by taking your recyclable containers to Containers for Change, 11 Bowers Street, and quote Scheme ID C10128319. The depot is out near the cattle sale yards. No need to package just take your recyclables out there and quote the ID number for Lions.

Don’t waste the containers help your local Lions Club by dropping them off for recycling.

In addition, you can recycle vehicle batteries by dropping off at Brunos Batteries, or Lions will collect from you if that suits you better.

Lions also receive postage stamps and eye glasses for recycling.

Lions Medical Research Foundation supports hands on medical research experiences for high school students. Four highly accomplished senior school students from Townsville and Mackay have been selected as the latest recipients of the LMRF Beryl Phippard Memorial Scholarships.

These scholarships enable these exceptional students to travel to Brisbane to participate in the SPARQ-ed Senior Research Immersion program held at the Translational Research Institute over the Easter holidays.

Although membership of Lions is by invitation you are invited to enquire about joining this great volunteer international humanitarian organisation.

Fellowship, Good times, meeting people, building lasting friendships, service to the community, learning new skills, leadership and personal development - these are some of the reasons we are the Lions.

Lions meet in Mareeba at the Mareeba Leagues Club at 6.30 pm on the first and third Tuesday of the month.

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Call RE/MAX when you need to sell Global reach Local knowledge Brand power Competitive rates ANDREW - 0418 183 444 PAGE 18 The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025

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AURELIA - 0418 183 555 www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

PROPERTY

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

Stunning 5 acre pole home

Neat as a pin in Atherton THIS well presented rendered home offers a fantastic opportunity for those seeking comfort, convenience, and an easy care lifestyle.

Located on the outskirts of Atherton in a quiet and friendly neighbourhood, this property is perfect for first home buyers, downsizers, or savvy investors.

Property Features: • Three generous bedrooms, all with built in wardrobes and fans • Master suite with walk in robe and private ensuite • Spacious open plan living with air conditioning • Well appointed kitchen with

electric appliances and dishwasher • Single lock up garage with internal access • Private outdoor entertaining area complete with block out blinds, perfect for all weather gatherings • Low maintenance gardens with a peaceful, established outlook

Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

With no active body corporate fees and shared insurance keeping costs low, this home is a smart and stress free option for investors and owner occupiers alike. Move in with nothing to do or lease it out and reap the rewards.

Call exclusive agent Janine to arrange aninspection.

2/12 Peake Street, ATHERTON Offers in the high $400’s Janine Rielly Elders Real Estate Tablelands 0407 032 422

TUCKED away on a private 5.2 acres with a gorgeous rainforest backdrop and a clear running permanent spring fed creek, this stunning Pole home features an open plan kitchen, dining and lounge with wood heater & high ceilings.

There are multi covered decks with the larger deck being 75 sqm with sail to admire the abundance of wildlife.

The master bedroom is detached from the main house but connected by the covered

veranda that wraps the length of the house, featuring a walk through ensuite and second outdoor treetop shower, built in wardrobe, louvres and fixed glass panels to take in the beauty of your backyard.

There are three additional spacious bedrooms with built Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

ins and one having a built in office desk with the main bathroom featuring a walk in shower, vanity with timber bench tops and mirror & heated towel rails.

Contact exclusive real estate agent Shellie Nightingale.

196 Winfield Road, LAKE EACHAM Contact agent EXCLUSIVE to Shellie Nightingale Nightingale Real Estate Tablelands 0429 966 038

The perfect family home POSITIONED in a quiet, family friendly street and surrounded by other quality homes is this immaculately presented and well maintained 4 bedroom near new family home.

Offering a spacious floorplan filled with natural light, quality fittings and open plan living. All bedrooms have built in wardrobes and the master suite has a large walk-in robe and a generous ensuite.

The neutral colour pallet throughout, coupled with the

vinyl flooring adds to the overall appeal. There is an impressive entertaining area at the side of the home, overlooking the spacious yard & scenic views.

Nestled on a large 1,046m² fully fenced allotment, this home offers plenty of outdoor Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

space for your enjoyment and privacy.

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

90 Countryview Drive, ATHERTON $775,000 EXCLUSIVE to Raquel Cunzolo Sommerset Realty 0408 983 879

Tranquility on the TABLELANDS

Shellie

Call 0429 966 038

CARRINGTON

ATHERTON

RAVENSHOE

19 Brasch Road, CARRINGTON Just over 6 acres with creek boundary - very private Double storey house 3 Bed, 1 Bath U/S & 1 Bed, 1 Bath D/S Inground swimming pool room & entertainment area Massive masonry block shed with power

352 Marks Lane, ATHERTON Just over 4 acres with exceptional rural views Solid rendered block 4 Bed, 2 Bath Home 3.5kw solar system & 2 x Sheds (15.5m x 12m & 8m x 7m) 2 paddocks, portable yards and loading ramp

13123 Kennedy Highway, RAVENSHOE Private 125 acres with permanent water & quality grazing Open Plan Main Residence - Master Suite Upstairs Second Residence - 2 Bed, 1 Bath + Caretakers Cottage 10m x 16m 3 phase powered machinery shed + solar

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The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025 PAGE 19

EXPRESS O Wednesday 16th 30° 18°

Thursday 17th 29° 18°

Time m 0424 1.66 0939 2.12 1612 1.08 2255 2.46

Friday 18th 29° 18°

Time m 0501 1.81 0732 1.99 1641 1.20 2339 2.33

QUOTE OF THE WEEK...

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.”

– Walt Whitman

Saturday 19th 29° 19°

Time m 0555 1.96 0710 1.98 1716 1.33

Sunday 20th 27° 18°

Time m 0347 2.27 1430 1.50 1600 1.52 1810 1.46

Time m 0429 2.42 1204 1.51 1630 1.69 2130 1.48

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

Evolution

Lonely

Reception

Thoughtful

Brake

Flood

Manager

Salesperson

Torch

Bring

Fortune

Mystery

Salvation

Transport

Characteristic

Fraction

Neighbourhood

Separation

Trolley

Declaration

Hesitate

Opposite

Smash

Variable

Designer

Hypothesis

Packet

Spine

Verdict

Disclose

Insistence

Projection

Store

Disgrace

Laser

Range

Summer

HARD

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Time m 0531 2.76 1200 1.22 1736 2.14 2325 1.11

22. A raccoon-like animal found mainly in Central and South America (5) 24. A reporter who puts a lot of effort into discovering new stories (9) 25. (of a person or action) innocent and unsuspecting.

(9) 26. A select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society. (5) 27. The phenomena of the physical world collectively, including plants, animals, the landscape, and other features and products of the earth. (6) 28 the curved sickle shape of the waxing or waning moon. (8)

26

DOWN: 1. An instance of group fighting in a public place that disturbs the peace. (6) 2. 32nd President of the United States (9) ACROSS: 3. A person who combines text and pictures in adver1. Having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one’s tisements, magazines, or books. (7,8) own importance or abilities. (8) 4. A situation in which all four groups of cards have 5. The god of the underworld in Ancient Egyptian equal value in a game of bridge (2-5) religion. (6) 6. A way of behaving that is slightly unfriendly and too 10. The plants of a particular region, habitat, or geolog- formal. (15) ical period. (5) 7. A very large, thick-skinned animal from Africa or Asia 11. Torment or tease (someone) with the sight or prom- that has one or two horns (5) ise of something that is unobtainable. (9) 8. Denoting a fruit that has no seeds. (8) 12. The smallest transfinite cardinal number (5-4) 9. All together or all at the same time. (2,4) 13. Drop saliva uncontrollably from the mouth. (5) 16. A person with senior managerial responsibility in a 14. A small cup usually with a handle used with a saucer business. (9) for hot beverages (6) 17. A threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule.

15. A strongbox or small chest for holding valuables. (7) (8) 18. Without guile or deception. (7) 19. Solar Deity (3,3) 20. Joined together politically, for a common purpose, 20. Lacking wisdom or good sense (7) or by common feelings. (6) 21. The arrival of a notable person or thing. (6) 23. The jargon or slang of a particular group or class. (5) 27

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WEEKLY HOROSCOPES Mar 21 - Apr 19 Apr 20 - May 20 May 21 - Jun 20 You could do extremely well in competitive sports events. Any attractions toward clients will be one sided and must be put right out of your head. Children will be of major concern if you haven’t kept the lines of communication open. A new friend is on the horizon.

Build on friendship rather than starting out in an intimate encounter. You should be making plans to spend some time with the ones you love. Don’t make promises.

Club memberships could be expensive and prove unnecessary.

Jun 21 - Jul 22

Jul 23 - Aug 22

Aug 23 -Sep 22

Pleasure trips will ease the tension between you and your mate.

Opportunities will develop through those you encounter while attending organisational events. Join groups of a humanitarian nature. You could find yourself having problems with co-workers and employers.

Confusion at an emotional level will cause you to make wrong decisions concerning your personal life. Do not let them in on your plans if you want things to run smoothly.

Older relatives may be a burden. You can prosper if you in vest in property.

Sep 23 - Oct 22

2

You could meet potential new mates if you go out with friends or take pleasure trips. Curb the impulse to make lavish purchases and maybe spend some time with good friends. You are best to get out of the house this week, the fresh air will work wonders.

Don’t take sides if you wish to remain on good terms with both parties. Unpleasant situations concerning family members will be unnerving. Changes in your home will be positive. New romantic partners may attend a function that puts you in the limelight.

You can utilize your versatile mind and dazzle others with your speed and accuracy. If you’re in the mood, go out and socialise, or get involved in sports activities. You’re eager to learn. Property deals look good, but remember prior learning’s before jumping in headfirst.

Puzzle Solutions 9 3 1 6 5 7 8 2 4

2 7 4 3 9 8 5 6 1

6 8 5 1 4 2 7 3 9

1 2 8 4 6 9 3 7 5

4 9 3 7 2 5 1 8 6

5 6 7 8 1 3 9 4 2

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

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

PAGE 20 The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025

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Time m 0501 2.58 1148 1.38 1700 1.90 2237 1.31

9

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Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces.

Every row must contain one of each digit.

EASY

Tuesday 22nd 22° 19°

CROSSWORD

BIG WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU

Monday 21st 27° 19°

Oct 23 - Nov 21

Follow through on some of the good ideas that come up, and you could have a real winner of a deal.

Take things slowly, especially for the sake of those you love. Look at your options before making commitments that could jeopardize your financial position.

Nov 22 - Dec 21 Drastic financial losses may be likely if you lend money. They will not have the patience to wait for you to complete things that they’ve asked you to do. Travel will result in new romantic attractions. Join a club to work off that excess energy; but find a more cost effective option.

Dec 22 - Jan 19

Jan 20 - Feb 18

Feb 19 - Mar 20

Deception is likely. Lay your cards on the table regarding your personal direction. Don’t be a pest or a troublemaker this week, it may be misconstrued. Look after financial transactions this week, you’ll benefit from all the small savings, it may just not seem like it right now.

Someone close to you may need help. You will attract new love interests. Trouble could be brewing at home. A passionate encounter with your mate should help alleviate that pent-up energy. But just remember where your loyalties lie. Don’t do anything you could regret.

You will accomplish the most in the work environment this week.

Romance may be better than you ever thought possible. You are ready to blow up and your stress level has gone into over drive. Take one day at a time, things will get better.

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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

DEMOLITIONS

AIR CONDITIONING

4092 3464

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

HUGE RANGE OF QUALITY SECONDHAND BUILDING MATERIALS AVAILABLE Contact: Martin 0439 915 512 - Office 4055 9461 - Email: martin@anton.com.au

DEMOLITION yoPru wovithidinsagfe & ASBESTOS soasluantidonaffs toordaallblyoe ur bestos re moval and demol REMOVAL ition projects!

SERVICES

 New Homes  Bathrooms  Renovations  Concreting  Sheds

 Kitchens

Builder No. 15236920

• TILE & VINYL REMOVAL • ASBESTOS REMOVAL • FLOOR GRINDING • INTERNAL DEMOLITIONS • BATHROOM STRIPOUTS • DEMOLITIONS

CARR NQ CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD Mobile: 0418 190 791 • carrnqconstructions@outlook.com

MIKE T. DOOSE

• Carpentry • Renovations • Decks • Carports QBCC 72373

CABINET MAKER

Serving Mareeba & Tablelands Areas • Residential & Commercial • Kitchens • Vanities & Wardrobes • Offices & Retail

Come and see Daniel and the team at B&C Cabinets for all your cabinetry needs!

 BOBCAT AND TIPPER HIRE  EXCAVATOR  SITE CLEANUPS  DRIVEWAYS  DAM CLEAN OUTS  RETAINING WALLS

EARTH MOVING

0419 901 610

P: 0477 055 550 | E: info@nqstripouts.com.au | W: www.nqstripouts.com.au

DRILLING

ANOTHER BUILDER

CLEANING

es c i v r e S g n i n Clea

AL ACWORTH

FULLY INSURED LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS

Driveway Services & Bobcat Wet Hire

• Mould & Mildew Treatments

r Roofs & Exteriors For all you rior • Pressure•Cleaning, Carpet Cleaning e xt interior & e g!

• Floor Stripping & Polishing cleanin • Contract Cleaning

FARM

CONCRETING

Phone: David or Julie 4092 3982 or 0428 993 205 | Email: tablelandcleaning@outlook.com

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SLABS

BULLDOZER HIRE

DRIVEWAYS

Justin Batt 0432 157 825

W: www.fnqconcreteworks.com.au • E: fnqconcreteworks@outlook.com

HARDWARE

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

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

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

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• FIREWOOD FOR SALE • Premium Gravel • Residential & Commercial • Driveways & Job Sites • Forest Mulcher & Slasher

Steve 0427 913 214

SHED SLABS QBCC 15306413

 TURF PREP  TIGHT ACCESS  TRENCHING  POST HOLES  SLAB PREPARATION  SLASHING  ROLLER HIRE

0419 362 428 | www.elew.com.au admln@elew.com.au

P: 4092 2671 • E: enquiries@bccabinets.com.au • QBCC 1209087

TABLELAND

FULLY INSURED

RAVENSHOE HARDWARE

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

19 Wormboo Street raven@iig.com.au

4097 6208 The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025 PAGE 21

DIRECTORY admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

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

QBCC: 1255907

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

Contact Tom Beecheno • M: 0407 965 879 • E: tom@tpps.net.au

MAXIMUM PEST MANAGEMENT PEST

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

TCB Landscape • Mareeba CONCR E BLOCK TE S!

Mal 0488 608 585

active.landscape.constructions@hotmail.com

POOL

MOWING

QBCC: 1314309

http://rapidspintv.com.au/funerals/

Funeral Livestreamed and Recorded to USB Contact your Funerals Director or call us direct 4031 3632

PLUMBING

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 April 16 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

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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 13 Tonne Tipper Truck

ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIRS

• Formal Dresses • Wedding Dresses • Trousers & Jackets

• School Uniforms • Zippers & Buttons

T2T Fruit & Veg Market 41 Strattmann Street, Mareeba

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

MAREEBA’S LEADING TRAINER • Mining, Civil, Construction and Agriculture industries

• Standard 11, white card and forklift

• Machinery tickets from just $50* (CSQ funding)

• Work safely at heights and confined spaces

• Full qualifications from $30*

• AC/DC Chemicals and chainsaws

*eligibility criteria applies

NURSERY

ALTERATIONS

0404 602 937 | Justincmcmanus@live.com

Chalisa Alterations

..,

www.tablelandstotabletop.com.au

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

RTO 32381 | 4042 5700 | mareeba@civilsafety.edu.au | 38 James St, Mareeba 4880

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 April 16 2025 PAGE 23

CLASSIFIEDS

EXPRESS The

4092 3464

admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Classified Deadline: 4pm every Friday church notice

death notice

trade ServiceS

Presbyterians meet in Mareeba for worship this Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday at the earlier time of 9.00am, at QCWA Hall, Wilkes Street (behind Meals on Wheels). All welcome!

Roberta Maree O’KEEFE

AFFORDABLE OUTBOARD SERVICES

On Good Friday 18 April, 2025 at 9.00am: Contrasts of Easter #7: Triumph in Tragedy “And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying ‘Rejoice!’.” (Matthew 28:9) These worship times are scheduled to finish in time for people to drive to Atherton of the first session of the Keswick convention on both of these days.

Formerly of Townsville. Passed away suddenly on Friday 21st March, 2025 at Cairns Hospital.

Aged 61 years.

Dearly loved Mother of Nicole, John, Phillipa, Jake, Michaela, Dean and Laura. Loving Daughter of Francis and Delores O’Keefe.

A funeral service has been held to celebrate Roberta’s life.

Funeral notice MILNE, Jake Mark

Late of Wondecla. Passed away tragically on Friday the 4th of April, 2025. Aged 33 years.

Much loved Son of Steve and Vicki. Brother, Brother-in-Law and Uncle to Karlie & Kent, Patrick, Regan and Piper. Father to Allira.

Grandson of Bette. Much loved Nephew and Cousin. Friend to many.

The relatives and friends of Jake are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service which will be held in it’s entirety at Rocky Creek Igloo, Frazer Road, Tolga on Thursday 17th April commencing at 3.00pm.

Travelling to Tablelands weekly or as required.

Former Yamaha/Suzuki/Mercury/Honda Dealer.

Call Karl 0447 725 465 Great Northern High Pressure Cleaning

PHONE: 0477 774 064 jonnydams18@ gmail.com

Soft Wash, House, Roof, Driveways, Gutters.

1300 781 084

TREERS, Carl Joseph Long time resident of the Tablelands.

Passed away peacefully on Thursday the 10th of April, 2025. Aged 76 years.

MONDO’S

PICKO Fencing and some cattle work.

Phone 0493 415 338

Much Loved Husband of Barbara. Father of Kylie, Kim and Rachel. Carpenter, moonshine expert, cat lover, generous and loving person.

Keeping with Carl’s wishes, a private cremation will be held.

Guilfoyle Funeral Services Chapels, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens

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

Guilfoyle Funeral Services

www.guilfoylefunerals.com.au

Chapels, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens

www.guilfoylefunerals.com.au

in MeMoriaM

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

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

death notice BOILEAU, Ian Peter

Son of Jim (Dec.) and Margaret (Dec.).

Brother of Lyn. Uncle and Great Uncle to Tracey, Drew, Erica and Families.

In keeping with Ian’s wishes, a private cremation will be held.

Guilfoyle Funeral Services Chapels, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens

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

www.guilfoylefunerals.com.au

Servicing large blocks & acreage.

Pensioner discounts.

All Tablelands.

Horse Trimming (Hoof Care) Horse Shoeing (Hot Shod) Kris: Phone 0478 636 540

For Sale

Atherton Tablelands Chamber of Commerce Inc.

Annual General Meeting WILL BE HELD AS FOLLOWS: Wednesday 30th April, 2025 5.30pm – 6.30pm Better Together Community Support, 16a Roberts Street, Atherton.

Light refreshments will be served.

Guest Speaker: Rosie Douglas (Tourism Advisor) is currently undertaking a review of the Atherton Tablelands Destination Marketing Strategy currently commissioned by the Tablelands Regional Council. Rosie will provide an interesting overview of the information collected to date, and strategies for going forward.

5.30 - 5.50pm: Committee Meeting 5.50 - 6.10pm: Guest Speaker, Rosie Douglas 6.10 - 6.30pm: Annual General Meeting (Election of New Committee) All members welcome. Join online https:// athertonchamber.com.au/ Nominations are welcome from all business operators. Main St/CBD, Agriculture and Construction are particularly encouraged for representation.

Enquiries: info@athertonchamber.com.au Mobile: 0457 521 005

PREMIUM Tableland Red Top Soil

C L A S S I F I E D advertising deadline 4pm FRIDAY. Phone: (07) 4092 3464.

$8.00 Per Tonne + Delivery

0418 773 504

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

PENNISI, Giuseppe (Joe)

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Joe Pennisi. A local resident of Mareeba for 70+ years, Joe passed away peacefully on Thursday the 10th of April, 2025. Aged 99 years A beloved Husband to Betty (Dec.). Loving Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and Friend to many.

Will be sadly missed by all family and friends.

Relatives and friends of Joe are respectfully invited to attend his funeral which will be held graveside at the Mareeba Cemetery on Thursday 17th April commencing at 1:00pm. Please meet at the Mareeba Leagues Club at 2:30pm after the funeral to share stories of Joe’s life.

MOWING & YARD MAINTENANCE

Phone: 0411 045 025

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

Public notice

LODGE, Pamela Dawn

PetS

Passed away on the 3rd of April, 2023.

Greatly missed by Trevor and Friends.

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

Wanted WANTED TO BUY:

Older Model Wagon or Sedan.

WANTED TO BUY!

*ANIMAL OF THE WEEK*

NAME: Ella DOB: 05.01.25 BREED: Doberman x Border Collie Introducing beautiful Ella... She’s wonderful with Kids, other Dogs and Cats. She’s in perfect health and is fully Vaccinated, De-sexed and covered against worms, fleas & ticks.

Now she’s ready and waiting to find her loving forever home.

Callie’s adoption fee is $330.

COX Stockman Mowers

If you would like to meet Ella- please call 0487 430 443. EFTPOS Available

4 cylinder, in reasonable condition, automatic or manual, must be registered.

That need repairs in FNQ Region.

7am to 7pm - CASH!

PHONE: 4092 5331

Call Al 0428 194 505

Public notice

butcher

Funeral celebrant

Women’s Sexual Assault Survivors Group

FUNERAL CELEBRANT

Fortnightly: Wednesdays 9.00am - 11.00am, CWA Hall, Jack Street, Atherton

LOCAL Mobile Farm Butcher - will travel.

Ph Bryan 0407 691 752.

MOBILE farm butcher.

Ph John Hales 0409 638 882.

We’re your VOCAL LOCAL PAGE 24 The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025

Debbie Boardman

PHONE: 0410 328 357

Did your property get impacted by Jasper?

The Queensland Government has partnered with Gulf Savannah NRM to connect with local communities in the Mareeba Shire and gather information on the impacts of the extreme rainfall brought by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

We are currently collecting details on damage to riverbanks, creeks, wetlands, and other waterways, including erosion, sediment buildup, vegetation loss, gully erosion, riparian weed incursions, and debris accumulation. Please note that this program is focused on the environmental impacts of the event and does not cover infrastructure repairs, such as roads, dams, or fencing.

Our goal is to compile a register of affected areas to support funding allocations for natural resource management efforts within the Mareeba Shire. This is a key opportunity to ensure our region is included in the recovery process. Once the State determines funding availability, we will use this data to develop targeted projects to restore the most impacted sites.

If you have any observations or information to share, we’d greatly appreciate your input.

Please contact Marcus Mulholland by phone on 043 745 4769 or by email: marcus.mulholland@ gulfsavannahnrm.org

FREE and welcoming (chats, coffee, craft & connection).

Please call TSAS 4091 4036 For further information

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

CLASSIFIEDS PositioN VacaNt

Public Notice

Anzac Day Road Closures Under the Local Government Act 2009 the following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic on Friday 25 April 2025 for the purpose of Anzac Day commemorations.

Atherton 9.30am–12.00noon — Main Street between the intersections with Vernon, Jack and Cook Streets including RSL Road. Detour via Railway Lane or Mabel Street.

Herberton 9.30–11.00am — Grace Street between the intersections with Jack and John Streets and Denbigh Road. Detour via Florence Street and Moffat Street West.

Malanda 4.00–5.00am and 8.00–11.00am — English and Catherine Streets adjacent to memorial gates. Detour via Downing and Lions Streets.

Millaa Millaa 10.30–11.00am — Palm Avenue between Beech and Maple Streets, Main Street between Maple and Oak Streets, and Oak Street between Main and Wattle Streets. Detour via Lodge Avenue and Wattle Streets.

Mount Garnet 9.30–11.00am — Kennedy Highway (Garnet Street) between Mica and Ruby Streets.

Detour via Mica, Opal Ruby Streets.

Ravenshoe 9.00–11.00am — Grigg Street between Kuradilla and Wakooka Streets, Monument Street at the intersection of Major Street, John Street near Monument Street, and Erpo Street at the intersection of Kuradilla Street. Detour via Wakooka Street.

Yungaburra 5.00–6.30am — Tinaburra Drive from Lakeside Drive to Afghanistan Avenue of Honour.

6.30–9.30am — Kehoe Place between Maude Kehoe Place and Eacham Road.

Make Your Ad Stand Out...

ADD COLOUR!

PersoNal I would like to meet a Senior Lady to share my active lifestyle with.

You need to be a non-smoker, retired, healthy, active, adventurous & enjoy travelling. Atherton based.

If this rings your bell, call Al on 0428 194 501 - 7am to 7pm

REVISED DEADLINES

Due to Good Friday Public Holiday on Friday 18 April, The Express advises of the following deadline changes for 23 April edition

DISPLAY AD BOOKING 1pm Wed 16 April FINAL PROOFING 1pm Thurs 17 April CLASSIFIEDS 1pm Thurs 17 April

The Express office will be closed on Friday 18 April and Monday 21 April Wishing you a safe and relaxing Easter long-weekend!

YOUR LOCAL CLASSIES

School Bus Driver Atherton Tablelands / Casual Position We are seeking a casual School Bus Driver to join our team in Atherton. $31 – $34 per hour as per the award.

This important role is responsible for ensuring safe transportation of students to and from school, providing a caring and supportive environment for children.

The successful candidate will: • Transport children to and from school • Adhere to all relevant transport, safely, and child protection regulations • Always maintain a clean and mechanically sound bus • Ensure the safety of all students when entering and leaving the bus • Hold a current Light Rigid Driver’s License • Hold a current Drivers Authorisation • Have full work rights in Australia • Communicate effectively with Bus Supervisor, Students, Parents and School Staff • Keep and maintain daily accurate daily reports • Be flexible • Hours of work are 4 hours to per day (7am - 9 am / 2pm - 4pm)

Please email application with a cover letter and resume with at least two references.

Email: maggattera@bigpond.com

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Fantastic turnout for Herberton Speedway Al Acworth

SUNDAY’S Tableland Competition Car Club speedway meeting raced at Herberton’s Tepon Circuit.

Results D Grade: 3rd: Zephyr Robinson 2nd: Callum Jonsson 1st: William Jonsson C Grade: 3rd: Justin Toohey 2nd: William Jackson

Owen Jonsson

1st: Harrison Jonsson B Grade: 3rd: Nelson Finch 2nd: Lewis Finch 1st: Geoff Schulz A Grade: 3rd: Edward Smith 2nd: Al Acworth 1st: Owen Jonsson

Owen Rankine

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Geoff Schulz

Edward Smith

The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025 PAGE 25

SPORT

Boorman takes out top 3 club awards

Mareeba captain the best behind the stumps

THE Atherton Cricket Club held their end-of-season presentations recently which looked back on and celebrated player achievements throughout the season.

AWARDS 1st Grade Player of the Year – Tom Boorman Most Runs – Tom Boorman Most Wickets – Tom Boorman

THE captain of Mareeba Cricket Club’s 1st Grade side was recognised as the division’s best wicketkeeper at a presentation night recently.

Brendan Falvo was very happy to realise he was awarded as the Wicketkeeper of the Year for the 2024/2025 season at Cricket Far North’s presentation night.

“It just shows how much we’ve improved as a team, I think. For me to be getting the chances to take all of those catches, it shows that our bowlers really hit the spots this season,” he said.

“I think I had 12 dismissals more than the next wicketkeeper in 1st Grade, so I was pretty happy with myself this year in that aspect.

“It’s a credit to our team and it shows we’re on the way up.”

2nd Grade Player of the Year – Lachlan Hollitt Most Runs – Charlie Lawrence Most Wickets – Tallas Blaney 4th Grade Player of the Year – Shane Soper Most Runs – Neil Tonkin Most Wickets – Matt Bradford and Shane Soper

Atherton Cricket Club’s 1st Grade captain Tom Boorman took out all three awards for the senior division.

Under 21 Colt – Charlie Lawrence Rising Star – Reece Johnston Rep Player of the Year – Indiana Palmer Jack Coghlan Memorial Award – Dale Gould and Wade Winters Jimmy Maher Cup Player of the Year – Tyler Misener Most runs – Tyler Misener Most Wickets – Cody Misener

Mareeba Bandits’ captain Brendan Falvo (right) was awarded as the Wicketkeeper of the Year for the recent season.

Competition close at swimming carnival The Bulls suffer a 3-0 loss CLOSE competition for sports houses and racers made St Stephen’s recent swimming carnival an eventful day out.

Students lined the edge of the pool dressed in house colours, cheering on their fellow swimmers.

This year it was Deacon who claimed the carnival trophy.

AGE CHAMPIONS 12 years – David Debela and Azahlia Sweeper 13 years – Rocco Carusi and Jana Bordeos 14 years – Harley Sweeper and Katalina Adams 15 years – Yannick Hensen and Jada Bordeos 16 years – Andrew Larard and Tanasyn Hunter 17 years – Jackson Genge/ Henry Brammer and Brylee Cummings 18 years – Seth Walmsley and Summer Johnston/ Amelia Sciani

Tara, Jasmine, Maryanne, Alana and Lucia.

Deacon house captains Steh Walmsley and Summer Johnston claim the swimming carnival trophy for 2025.

SILO CENTRAL SHOPPING CENTRE Phone 4015 4004 ATHERTON SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE Phone 4091 7665 FINE JEWELLERY, WATCHES & GIFTWARE ALL JEWELLERY & WATCH REPAIRS PAGE 26 The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025

Harley Sweeper and Simba Makoti.

THE Mareeba Bulls suffered another loss at the weekend, going down to the Southside Comets 3-0.

This is the third loss in a row for the premier side, now sitting 6th on the ladder.

The Under 23 side had more luck on the field, ending up with a 2-2 draw against the Comets.

The women’s side fought out a tough game, narrowly losing to the Comets 3-2. Goals for the Bulls came from B. Veschetti and S. Chong.

No games will be played this weekend, with the Bulls men’s sides to play at home against Innisfail on 26 April.

The next game for the Bull’s women, who are currently fourth on the ladder, is against the Stratford Dolphins on Anzac Day, with the game to kick off at 8.30pm.

Volunteers Sought - Interested persons please visit: crimestoppersqld.com.au/volunteer www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

SPORT

Atherton find another win, Mareeba draws THE Atherton Roosters found their third win of the season against the Ivanhoe Knights over the weekend while the Mareeba Gladiators drew against the Mossman Sharks after a last-minute try levelled the score.

The Roosters now hold fourth spot on the ladder after their 22-8 win over Ivanhoe’s. The Gladiators are currently eighth in the FNQRL competition after their 32-all match against Mossman earned them just one point.

Atherton The Roosters took on the Knights in Smithfield on Saturday and found another win early in the season, with centre Brad Hammond scoring a double.

The Knights opened the scoring through centre Quinnlan Tupou in the fourth minute, but Atherton soon fired back with winger Regan Herd going over in the 17th minute followed by interchange prop Scott Bolton five minutes later.

Not long after, the Knights went in again through winger Caiban Thaiday.

Atherton led 10-8 at halftime.

The Roosters remained tough in the second half, not allowing a single point to be scored by their opposition.

Centre Brad Hammond found the tryline twice in the second half, going over in the 45th and 64th minute.

Regan Herd converted both of his centre’s tries and kicked three from four conversions on the day, bringing the final score to 22-8.

The Atherton Roosters Reserve Grade side fell just short to the Knights Reserve’s, with a final score of 2420. However, the Under 19 Roosters

Roosters forward Graham Clark.

Gladiators centre Aparama Vulavou barrels his way over the line for a try.

thrashed their opponents 50-6.

Mareeba The Mareeba Gladiators drew against the Mossman Sharks at Davies Park, Mareeba, on Sunday in a hard-fought game that was levelled up through a last-minute try from Mossman.

Mossman opened the scoring in the back-and-forth match in the seventh minute and Mareeba answered back shortly after through a try from fullback Trezman Banjo.

Mossman answered back through centre Windsor Bowie before Mareeba found a try through interchange prop Tyrone Williams.

Mossman went over again just shy of halftime, bringing the score to 1612 in favour of the visitors heading into

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

the break.

The Gladiators struck early in the second half after halfback Kaleb Eaton went over in the opening four minutes.

There was a 10-minute battle before Mossman went over for their fourth try to reclaim the lead. They then went over again shortly after to extend the lead to 26-18.

However, a fired-up Aparama Vulavou (centre) went over for his first try of the game several minutes later to bring the score to 26-24.

With six minutes left to play, the Sharks gave away a penalty and Mareeba opted to take a two-point penalty goal to level the scores, with Trezman Banjo successfully converting it.

Just two minutes later, Vulavou went over for another try and Mareeba

claimed the lead with just a few minutes to play.

But an error from Mareeba as they were coming out of their end gave Mossman an opportunity.

The visitors took advantage and scored in the final minute of the game, with the conversion bringing the final score to 32-all.

“We should’ve won but yet again we’re just hurting ourselves with errors,” A Grade co-coach Trent Barnard said.

“We lost both of our hookers to injuries, so we were down a couple on the bench again.

“But credit to the boys, they hung in there. Mossman skipped out to a lead and we just grinded our way back, so there’s a lot of positives there.

“There’s still little moments that

we’re not getting right, but it’s all there which is good.

“I’m really happy we came away with a point, we would’ve been pretty annoyed if we came away with nothing because the boys deserved a point after a physical game against Mossman.

“Also, it was really good to see a big crowd on Sunday in Mareeba. It looks like the town is getting behind us and the club, which is great to see.”

The Gladiators Reserve Grade fell just short to the Sharks, with a final score of 16-12, while the Under 19s also fell short, going down 26-10.

All teams will have a week off over the Easter holidays and will return for the ANZAC Day round where Mareeba will host Edmonton Storm and Atherton will travel to take on Yarrabah.

The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025 PAGE 27

FINANCIAL YEAR SAVINGS

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Turbo diesel auto, 44,462 klms, 6 months rego, 12 months warranty.

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Prices include government transfers, stamp duty and registration.

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Hansen Ford

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*If the price does not contain the notation that it is “Drive Away,” the price may not include additional costs such as stamp duty and other government charges.

Please confirm the price and features with the seller of the vehicle. [F6] Approved applicants only. Terms and conditions apply. Toyota Finance is a division of Toyota Finance Australia Limited ABN 48 002 435 181, AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 392536. Toyota Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles are in a class of their own, promising a full service history, a 90-point extensive inspection, 12 months of free Roadside Assist, and a 1-year Toyota-backed warranty. For terms and conditions, visit https://www.johncoletoyota.com.au/about-Toyota-certified-vehicles for details. Vehicles are available as of the date of printing (15/04/25). We cannot guarantee the vehicle will be available after this date.

PAGE 28 The Express, Wednesday April 16 2025

Atherton Nissan All Wheel Drive Centre CNR Louise & Vernon St, Atherton,QLD 4883 07 4030 5400

ATHERTON NISSAN

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