SHINY, much-loved vehicles filled the Atherton Showgrounds on Saturday, luring hundreds of enthusiasts, including Jacky Blandford (pictured) to the 13th Car, Bike and Swap Meet. More than 300 classic cars and bikes from across the north descended on the grounds for the region’s biggest show of its type. n More pictures, Page 6
www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au
NEXT to names of countries like Barbados, Thailand and Venezuela, the little local town of Walkamin sounds a bit out of place, and rightly so
A 25-year-old Mareeba man has been charged with assault after an incident on 4 June.
But our very own FNQ Rum from Mt Uncle Distillery has been shortlisted alongside other renowned distilleries from those countries for Rum Producer of the Year at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC)
Police allege that on that evening two unknown men went to a Mareeba address to speak with a 48-year-old man and 34-year-old man.
The IWSC is renowned for its rigorous judging process, which evaluates spirits based on taste, balance, finish, and value
It is alleged that a 25-year-old Mareeba man then approached them both and assaulted them with a stick.
Another man was then seen coming from behind trees and became involved in the altercation.
“This competition is also known as the ‘Oscars of the Spirits industry’ or it’s like the Olympics in a way, the Rum Producer Trophy is one of the most sought-after accolades,” Mt Uncle’s head distiller Mark Watkins said
Authorities are warning motorists that if they do not heed traffic controllers and signage,
will be reported to police.
“Being recognised on this level by the IWSC is incredibly rewarding for our team
The 48-year-old man ran back into the house where the 25-year-old Mareeba man attempted to gain entry.
Police arrived shortly after but the culprits had left.
On 5 June, through police investigations, the 25-yearold man was identified, located and arrested.
The man was charged with one count each of assaults occasioning bodily harms whilst armed in company, common assault and enter dwelling with intent.
“We strive to craft rums that reflect the unique terroir of Far North Queensland, and this nomination reaffirms that our efforts are resonating on the world stage.”
MOTORISTS who ignore traffic controllers and road closure signage on the Kuranda Range Road have been warned their licence plate numbers will be passed on to police.
FNQ Rum is the only Australian brand shortlisted for the Rum Producer Trophy, “standing proudly” alongside global giants such as Foursquare Rum USA from Barbados, Sang Som Distillery from Thailand, and Ron Roble Viejo from Venezuela
get home safe to their family at the end of
“We urge motorists to slow down, stay alert, drive to conditions and obey direction for roadworkers and traffic controllers – help ensure we all get home safely to our families.”
He was due to appear at the Mareeba Magistrates Court on Monday. Investigations are continuing in relation to the other men involved.
A spokesperson from the Department of Transport and Main Roads said there had been an increased number of incidents of traffic controller abuse and red light runners at roadwork sites across the Far North district, including on Kuranda Range Road.
“This nomination cements FNQ Rum’s position as a leading force in the global rum industry and is a testament to years of hard work, dedication, and innovation,” Mark said
locally and internationally for their distinct flavours and exceptional quality”.
“We use sugar cane nectar to produce a more rich and sweet flavour and then we age the spirit in ex-Australian red wine barrels, so it combines these nice flavours well,” Mark said.
“We appreciate the volume of roadworks underway, on the region’s critical routes including key range crossings and tourist roads, and associated traffic impacts, is frustrating for road users,” the spokesperson said.
FNQ Rum describes its rums as being crafted “from the rich volcanic soils and sugarcane of this unique tropical region” and “produces a range of rums that have been celebrated both
“And we’re situated in a really nice area, the fluctuations in temperature with the hot days and cold nights helps the spirit age really well.”
The Mt Uncle Distillery has also recently started distribution in the UK, adding to their many successes.
“There have been attempts by motorists to ignore road closures and the directions of traffic controllers. It is illegal to ignore signage and the direction of traffic controllers.
This IWSC recognition follows
“This puts everyone in danger.
“TMR will pass on the details of those vehicles who do so, to the police.”
The spokesperson said safety was TMR’s first priority.
“Crew members drive and work on the same roads as everyone else and deserve to
NEW offences and increased fines have been brought in by the State Government to crack down on feeding and interfering with crocodiles
Two new offences have been introduced making it unlawful to unintentionally feed a crocodile by discarding food and remaining in close proximity to a crocodile
Meanwhile, officers from Kuranda Police Station are appealing for information following an incident on the Kuranda Range last Tuesday.
Around 10.30am, a white 2017 Suzuki Grand Vitara was travelling up the range, reportedly tailgating other vehicles.
The Suzuki then stopped at the first set of roadworks, where the driver exited the vehicle and moved towards a 2012 Gold Mazda BT50 Utility directly behind it, before becoming involved in an altercation with the driver, and hitting the window.
a stellar year for FNQ Rum, during which it has already secured multiple awards. At the World Rum Awards earlier this year, FNQ Rum took home two gold medals for its Platinum Cane Spirit and Iridium Agave Cask Finish, alongside being named World’s Best Sugarcane Spirit. Additionally, the brand’s commitment to quality was further highlighted with a silver medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition for its Iridium X Rum Mark will be travelling to London to attend the awards ceremony on 12 November
The driver continued this behaviour for some time, causing vehicles travelling down the range to take evasive action.
penalties for existing offences which aim to deter people from engaging in behaviours that pose a serious risk to public safety and animal conservation
Anyone who was travelling the Kuranda Range on Tuesday 3 June between 10am and 10.45am with dashcam footage are asked to contact Policelink on 13 14 44 and quote QI2500959055.
The on-the-spot fine for deliberately disturbing or feeding crocodiles has increased from $483 to $2580, with the maximum court-imposed fine increasing from $6452 to $26,615
POLICE have charged a 17-year-old Kuranda youth with several offences involving the alleged theft of polished stones and opals.
Discarding food, including fish frames, scraps and bait, in a way that may attract crocodiles to a public place such as a boat ramp, jetty, pontoon or camping area can now result in an on-the-spot fine of $483 or a maximum court-imposed fine of $6,452
unlocked car.
The on-the-spot fine for interfering with a crocodile trap has increased from $645 to $2580, with the maximum court-imposed fine increasing from $19,356 to $26,615
Knowingly remaining within close proximity to a crocodile that is on, or partly on, land can now result in an on-the-spot fine of $806 or a maximum courtimposed fine of $16,130
It will be alleged between 25 September 2024, and 8 June 2025, the teenager committed a number of offences across the Kuranda, Smithfield and Palm Cove areas.
The youth allegedly stole a number of polished stones containing opals before climbing onto the bonnet of the car in an attempt to gain entry to the first storey balcony of the house.
This offence complements the existing “disturbing” offence which prevents people from approaching or pursuing a crocodile or driving a boat or vehicle within 10m of it
address on 8 June, where he was arrested and transported to Mareeba watch house.
But State Member for Hill Shane Knuth, who introduced the KAP’s Crocodile Control, Conservation, and Safety Bill 2024 into Parliament last month, slammed the new offences and fines as “nothing more than a band-aid fix”
The homeowner saw the offender and called out to him, but he fled from the scene with the polished stones.
“The State Government has failed to manage the crocodile crisis for over a decade, and now it’s completely out of control,” he said
He was charged with six offences including two counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence by break and one count each of unlawful entry to a dwelling or yard, stealing, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and wilful damage.
Conservation officers now also have the power to direct people to move away from a crocodile to avoid any potential human-crocodile interactions
On one occasion, it will be alleged the youth attended a Kuranda address where he gained entry to an
Following police investigations, the teenager was located at a Kuranda
The government has also significantly increased
“Ask anyone who regularly fishes or uses our waterways - they’ll tell you the crocodile population has exploded. “This is a Northern Queensland issue, and it should be managed locally, not from over 1,800 km away in an ivory tower ”
He is due to appear at the Mareeba Children’s Court on 1 July.
symptoms of ear
dizziness,
You should never attempt to self-
and always seek professional
By ANDREE STEPHENS
THE relaunch of Rosies on the Street in Mareeba is gathering momentum, with up to 35 people seeking to connect with the service on Friday nights, amid an army of volunteers coming forward offering to help.
“We’ve got elderly people, we’ve got some grandparents who come with their children and their grandchildren – so three generations of people coming in – it ranges from kids with their families to kids who are unsupervised, lots of teenagers sometimes,” Rosies coordinator Stacey Crockford said.
“It is not just for the homeless, it is for anybody who just wants to talk.
“We are getting a few regulars who are coming in and now that winter’s coming in, we’re handing out things like blankets, beanies, warm drinks, toiletries, and we’re getting to know the people who are in need of those sorts of things.”
In just over three months, Rosies has been inundated not just with supplies, but volunteers.
“The community response once we got the word out and about was fabulous,” Ms Crockford said.
It’s a far cry from when the service faltered after Covid.
“When Covid hit, the
practice wound down.
“That, and a combination of a lack of volunteers, and an increase in unease in the town following a police shooting (in 2023), made a lot of people wary of going out.
“So Rosies just stopped, the coordinator ceased coordinating.”
Rosies originally started in a town called Rosebud in Victoria many decades ago as a volunteer group offering holidaying youth an alternative to running about in the popular tourist town. The idea spread to Brisbane, and then arrived in Mareeba in 2011, via a Brisbane teacher who had moved here.
“The only other Rosies between here and Brisbane is in Cairns,” Ms Crockford said.
But although officially, Rosies stopped operating in Mareeba, “one little team steadfastly kept going out once a month”.
In the meantime, Ms Crockford had been approached by the Brisbane head office to relaunch the service as its official coordinator, but with a teaching role at St Stephen’s Catholic College, she did not think she would have the capacity.
“Instead, I teamed up with this little group, and it was beautiful,” she said.
“I saw that this town needed this, so I worked with Brisbane and just got it up and
running again – and became the coordinator anyway.”
Rosies goes out every Friday night and sets up at Arnold Park from 6pm to 8pm. It has four different teams of local volunteers, who rotate weekly.
The group sets up chairs and tables under the lights (near the toilets) so they can be there “rain, hail or shine”, and provide drinks and snacks, and supplies if they are needed.
A big attraction is the volunteer school children who attend with their teachers. Ms Crockford said they had so many put their hands up they had to develop a roster at St Thomas and St Stephens schools, as well as for volunteers from Herberton’s Mount St Bernard
College.
“The Mareeba Community Centre, also attends and has information on available housing, emergency care and other services,” she said.
In recent weeks, Mayor Angela Toppin has been volunteering, and they had a visit from Rosies Brisbane chaplain.
“We also regularly put out messages on Facebook for donations, and people drop off coffee, tea, those sorts of things. When we’ve got enough, I put the call out for winter goods. And again, people have been deliveringour Mareeba community is so generous,” she said.
“It’s a matter of knowing
- everyone wants to help in any way they can. This is a beautiful town.”
While initially volunteers were mostly church-related, Ms Crockford has noticed more volunteers are joining who were not, which offered people a broader range of contact.
“But in any case, we do have a strict no religionpreaching policy; we are there to be friends and that is it.”
If you would like to donate, drop-offs are set up at St Thomas School and St Stephen’s College, as well at St Thomas Church. To volunteer visit the Rosies website.
POLICE are still investigating the death of a 12-year-old boy who died after crashing an e-scooter into a parked vehicle in Mareeba last week.
Police said the Cairns Forensic Crash Unit was investigating the crash which happened when the boy was travelling along Strattman Street between 10.30pm and 10.50pm last Tuesday night.
Upon arrival at the scene, emergency services commenced CPR, however, the boy did not survive.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have relevant information or vision to contact Policelink.
On Wednesday, Senior Sergeant Duane Amos said police would be looking into the scooter including its make and model and whether it may have been mechanically tampered with. Investigators would also be looking at whether the boy had been wearing a helmet, as per Queensland road rules.
The State’s rules dictate that a person must be over 16 years of age to ride a mobility device, and those 12 year and over must have a supervising adult riding with them.
The tragedy in Mareeba occurred just weeks after the State Government announced a parliamentary inquiry into the impacts of e-scooters and e-bikes.
Between 2021 to 2024, injuries to personal e-mobility devices users, passengers, and pedestrians increased by 112%. In 2024 alone, eight users died.
The inquiry is focussing on the benefits of e-mobility devices; safety risks; current rules and how they compare with other jurisdictions; enforcement approaches; importation laws; communication and education; and stakeholder views.
By ROBYN HOLMES
FUNDS to replace the ageing Barron River bridge at Kuranda will be announced in the State Budget next week.
Member for Cook David Kempton told The Express the State’s contribution towards the construction of a new bridge was expected to be announced in the budget to be handed down on 24 June.
“The summary business case has already been released, and the design and planning process has commenced,” he said.
The highly anticipated business case was released by the State Government in May and estimates the new structure will cost $490 million.
The Federal Government has already committed $245 million towards the project in its 2025 Budget.
The business case also estimates it will take a minimum of four years to complete the project.
The existing bridge will remain in service with routine maintenance and testing and will only be removed once the new bridge is complete.
The Barron River Bridge was constructed in 1963 and since 2020, has been regularly closed, or open for one lane only, after fatigue cracks in certain steel components of the bridge were identified.
Minister for Transport Brent Mickelberg has confirmed that engagement
with key stakeholders and local government was already underway, with industry briefings on the project to be held in the next few months.
The need to improve the region’s transport network was a major issue during last year’s State election, with Mr Kempton promising that a local roads advisory group would be established to ensure that the Department of Transport and Main Roads upgraded sections of roads and bridges in a manner which made sense.
Transport operators and producers met with Mr Kempton and the then LNP Shadow Minister for Transport Steve Minnikin in July last year where Mr Kempton made the commitment.
He said a transport advisory group would be formed comprising of council representatives, transport operators, industry groups, growers, businesses and relevant government agencies.
“Too many decisions get made in the south-east….and there’s not enough input from the people who are impacted by those decisions and use those transport routes,” he said at the time.
Last week, Mr Kempton told The Express he would be calling for expressions of interest for participation in the regional roads advisory group in the next few weeks.
The FNQ Rotary Field Days held late May saw record crowds enjoy over 500 exhibitions over the 3 days.
The Thursday breakfast hosted by QFF was sold out to capacity and it was good to see so many industry representatives attend to hear about the future direction of agriculture in the north and some welcome announcements by Ministers Perrett and Leahy.
For the first time I conducted my electoral office at the field day for all three days, and all of my staff assisted.
It was a very successful exercise bringing the office to the people instead of people making an appointment and waiting to see me.
I have a full complement of staff now and thank all constituents for their patience
and consideration and look forward to representing the community well into the future.
The State budget will we delivered next week and is expected to contain the State’s contribution to the construction of a new bridge over the Barron River at Kuranda.
The summary business case has been released, and planning has commenced. I will keep the community briefed on progress.
I was saddened today to learn of the tragic accident involving one of our young community and my condolences go to the family.
It is a timely reminder that we must take care on our roads at all times.
THE Bega-Malanda Milk factory was the scene of a multi-agency training exercise earlier this month, with fire crews from Malanda, Yungaburra, Atherton, Mareeba and Innisfail on hand to respond to a simulated a forklift accident and the leak of an unknown quantity of liquid Anhydrous Ammonia.
Police officers from Malanda worked with the Queensland Fire Department (QFD) to set up the exercise, aimed to benefit both factory staff and emergency services.
“It was a great opportunity for officers to practice procedures for the completion of PSPA declarations, and the evacuation of residents, schools and businesses,” a spokesperson said.
“While no persons were actually evacuated, Malanda Primary School took the opportunity to conduct a lockdown with students.”
The fire crews helped factory staff evacuate the premises before they rescued two “injured” casualties in the factory.
“Testing” was conducted on the atmospheric conditions before QFD staff liaised with the scientific unit in Brisbane and then undertook emergency patching of the “leaking pipe”.
“The exercise was a great opportunity for all agencies, including Queensland Ambulance Service and members of the Tablelands Regional Council Disaster Management unit, to work together to improve their operational skills and inter-agency procedures,” the spokesperson said.
By ANDREE STEPHENS
IT was a scene of laughter, tears and an overwhelming sense of loss, as Howe Farming Group staff and friends marked the passing of their beloved leader Dennis Howe last Tuesday.
The Mareeba identity and agricultural legend passed away on 7 June surrounded by his family, after battling prostate cancer and emphysema.
The spontaneous memorial last week was held at the main Howe Farm packing shed which Dennis built in 2002.
“It was a pretty big shed back in its time, so he was pretty proud of that one,” his son James said.
“Dad has all the staff to the one farm every Christmas for a barbecue and was always quick to pull everyone up if there was a birthday or a long-service celebration.”
James said the gathering was a way of giving staff one last thing from Dennis, a bit of a break and a rest from the weekend’s sad news.
“We re-directed the buses in the morning pick-ups – we run three coaches between Atherton and Mareeba between our various farms – and on Tuesday, they all came to the main farm and got together for a brekkie,” James said.
“There were slide shows, speeches, and some Samoan workers got up on the stage and sang a song in their language in commemoration of Dad. It was very moving.”
The reaction from staff is testament to Dennis Howe’s approach to his business.
“He was very personable,” James said. “I think a lot of people felt he spoke to them as equals; he treated staff like he treated me and my sister.
“He was very gentle for a big man, he was six foot four, just gentle in his mannerisms. He remembered personal stuff about people, especially their kidshe loves kids, and whenever staff had a new baby, he would meet them and get to
know them on a personal level.
“He created a family atmosphere.”
Dennis began his farming career at his parents’ farm near Tolga. His parents had started it with a soldier’s settlement in the 1950s, growing tobacco, melons and pumpkins.
When Dennis returned home from studying civil engineering at university in the mid-70s, the family decided to stop growing tobacco and focused on potatoes, peanuts and navy beans.
Today, Howe Farming Group is a multi-property business across the Tablelands, specialising in bananas, avocados and coffee, and also growing lemons, lychees and mandarins.
It has about 450 staff and is the largest employer on the Tablelands. In 2016, Dennis was presented with the Australian Farmer of the Year Award for Excellence in Technology and was named Farming Legend of the Year.
James acknowledges his dad’s boldness and innovation but gives it a
more human perspective.
“He’s come close to the brink a couple of times, with some of his risks he’s taken, but he’s always managed to pull it up and come out on top,” he said, a chuckle in his voice.
“I was young at the time, the late ‘90s, when Dad’s expansion began across the Tablelands. Within 10 years, he had purchased quite a lot of properties here.
“It was probably an opportunity unique to that time; land prices and growing practices have increased so much since. I don’t know whether we’d see the likes of Dennis Howe on the Tablelands again.”
His father also established the banana industry on the Tablelands. He began growing his cavendish, despite the naysayers, and his success triggered others, who began banana crops.
James said he can’t remember what Mareeba was like before bananas.
“It used to be seasonal crops – veggies, fruit. Transient workers of the time would come and go whereas bananas are 52
weeks of the year, and there is now that constant, steady population of workers contributing to the economy and the township in various ways,” he said.
Many workers of the Howe Faming Group had been with the business for 20 years or so. The longest-serving worker has clocked up 39 years.
Coffee was another strategic gamble that paid off, James said. Dennis had “given it a crack” in the early 1980s, but it was not until the 2000s when he perceived there was a threat of a government plan to import bananas, that he had invested seriously into the industry.
James said one of the greatest things about his father was how he was “always quite humble and brought people along with him on the journey”.
“He was very open about what he was farming, he was happy to share his mistakes and his successes with whoever was willing to listen,” he said.
“One of the most heartwarming things is that all these growers I look up to today are telling me how Dad helped them with his knowledge, to get them to the place they are now. I was surprised
to learn how many there actually are.”
James knows his father is a hard act to follow but says the Howe Farming Group will “absolutely” remain a family company.
“Sadly, me and my sister (Caitlin) are now shareholders,” he said.
They will join their three aunts in the shareholder arrangement and interim CEO, Richard Calden, would “take the reins and keep everything steady, while we work out where we go from here”.
The family will be holding Dennis’ funeral service this Friday at 11am at St Thomas Church. All are welcome. A burial will take place at Atherton cemetery where his mother and father and younger brother lie.
“He was such a powerhouse – I think we all thought we’d come to the office and he’d be dead on his keyboard. I’m sure that was his plan, to die at the helm,” James said.
Instead, he was surrounded by his loving family while in palliative care at Mareeba Hospital.
“I want to say thank you to the staff, the doctors and nurses; they were wonderful,” James said.
A FLEET of bright-orange Chamberlain tractors are currently travelling Australia to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
The men, from the small towns of Temora and Young in New South Wales, have been on the road in their three 9G Chamberlain tractors since 18 May and recently made a pitstop in Mareeba for a few days.
The tractors each tow a caravan, and the group also has a support car travelling with them.
The tractors cruise the countryside at about 60-65km/h and roughly have the same fuel consumption as a six-cylinder Landcruiser.
The men will travel up to Cape York and make their way to Alice Springs for a 25-year reunion at the end of August before heading home. They said they are “at best” three and a half months away from the end of their journey.
To donate to the cause, visit www. chamberlain9g.org.au/donations.
By KONNOR FURBER
A LARGE saltwater crocodile was caught and removed from a farm drain near Two Mile Creek in Biboohra last Tuesday.
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) said wildlife rangers “humanely euthanised” the animal that was targeted for removal after it was found in Zone F, or atypical habitat, under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan.
The department’s director of northern wildlife operations Lindsay Delzoppo said rangers had located the crocodile on the property after multiple reports from the community, with the latest being on 6 June.
“By removing the crocodile, we have prioritised community safety, and we thank the people who submitted crocodile sighting reports,” he said.
“We encourage anyone who sees what they believe to be a crocodile to report it to the department in a timely manner, all reports will be investigated.”
The department claims action was taken following the recent sighting report, but in previous correspondence with The Express, it said that it had received reports of a large saltwater crocodile in a farm dam near Biboohra in January this year, but they failed to capture it several times.
Local farmer George Adil, who recently launched a petition advocating for more action to remove saltwater crocodiles from the local area, said it was “disappointing” that it took six months for the department to act, given they were aware of its presence.
“It’s disappointing that it’s taken so long, and that it’s taken a media storm on crocodiles and the crocodile management plan being discussed in parliament to galvanise these people into action,” he said
“It seems like a real coincidence, doesn’t it?”
At a public hearing last week, Katter’s
Australian Party (KAP) leader Robbie Katter said the current laws on managing crocodiles were ineffective.
The hearing discussed Member for Hill Shane Knuth’s Crocodile Control and Conservation Bill, which would allow for more action to be taken on problem crocodiles and would estanblish an authority based in Cairns responsible for crocodile management.
“I’m privy to multiple occasions where the department’s been either ineffective, slow, or has just completely failed to act on these removals,” Mr Katter said.
“All the politicians who are about to revote on the KAP Bill are saying there’s already measures in place to remove crocs, and they believe that it’s all effective, but it’s not.
“By introducing the Bill, we’re trying to avoid what seems to be ideological constraints that constrain most of the government departments.
“At the hearing we addressed criticism about the Bill, the majority of which is coming from people who live in southern Queensland.
“The most significant is from the celebrity zookeepers on the Sunshine Coast (Terri and Robert Irwin Snr) that seem to be the authority on how we live with crocodiles, which is just farcical.
“We made the point that we’re no experts with crocodiles, but we are experts in talking to people from north Queensland who live with crocodiles and what it means to them to have safe waterways to use.”
Also speaking at the hearing was an Indigenous leader from the lower Gulf of Carpentaria area who called for a crocodile cull on their land due to population numbers increasing.
Crocodile sightings can be reported by completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372.
To sign Mr Adil’s e-petition, visit www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Workof-the-Assembly/Petitions/PetitionDetails?id=4259.
By ROBYN HOLMES
A REQUEST by two sporting organisations for Tablelands Regional Council to provide a greenfield site to build a new facility was enough to convince councillors to task officers with trying to find the clubs a new home.
Tablelands Cue Sports’ Drew Parker spoke on behalf of his club and the Malanda Billiards Club at council’s recent meeting in a bid to convince them to allow the organisation to construct a dedicated building that could better accommodate their future plans.
In a report to council, officers recommended the request for a greenfield site be refused, citing the council’s “surplus community assets” and the “poor utilisation” of them as to why constructing a new building was “not a sustainable option at this time” and “not in the public interest”.
“The construction of new, ad hoc community facilities, even if externally funded, does not align with council’s adopted Community Facilities Strategy, which favours multi-purpose, inclusive community hubs,” the report stated.
Mr Parker questioned the report, saying that for councillors “to make the best decisions, you clearly need to be adequately informed”.
There was no cost benefit analysis so councillors would be unable to understand what benefits a new facility would bring to the community including engaging disadvantaged youth, he said.
“After over 90 years in a community-funded facility we find ourselves homeless without so much as a discussion,” Mr Parker said.
“(The report’s) recommendation doesn’t support a greenfield site, because of a misalignment with council’s direction and, critically, it would add to the TRC asset liability.
“But is that liability a total handbrake that stops all development within the TRC footprint?
“There has been no single investment by council for recreational facilities for older members of the community in the past 5-10 years.”
He said cue sports, which included snooker, billiards and pool, were growing in popularity, and State organisations had even suggested they may relocate one of their competitions to a regional area
like Atherton if an appropriate facility was available.
The two clubs wanted to expand their engagement of youth to create positive inter-generational interaction, he said.
“The Billiards Club is celebrating its 100 anniversary and TCS currently functions out of licensed premises, so we can’t take school kids in there, it’s an environment that is restricted to what we want to do,” Mr Parker said.
Deputy Mayor Dave Bilney supported the organisation’s desire for a better facility and urged officers to keep working with TCS on identifying a greenfield site or adapting an existing facility.
“I note that there is a growing membership which is currently capped due to capacity constraints,” he said.
“With the provision of a dedicated facility, whether it is purpose built or adapted at an existing site, there is clear potential for further expansion and enhancement to their community offering.
“It is well understood that council holds a number of ageing and underutilised assets and that rationalisation is necessary. That said, we should not close our minds to the opportunities that communityled projects like this present.
“When was the last time council invested in a facility that specifically supported our ageing, our disadvantaged or socially isolated residents?
“While we readily support assets such as playgrounds for our younger demographics, there remains a significant gap in provision for other segments of our community.
“Financial implications costs must be considered but we must also weigh the significance the social value that such a facility would deliver.”
He put forward an alternative motion for council officers to work with TCS to look at existing facilities and possible greenfield sites where a new building could be established.
Cr Kevin Cardew backed the motion, saying he had changed his mind about refusing the club a greenfield site after hearing Mr Parker’s presentation.
He stressed that officers should be clear about what council was asking – to consider existing buildings and greenfield sites simultaneously.
Council voted that officers should continue to work with TCS on finding a new venue or new site.
By ROBYN HOLMES
FROM being raised in Mareeba to living the high life in London, Juliet Mayhew says her childhood in a small country town has more than prepared her for starring in the latest series of the globally popular “Real Housewives” franchise.
How does a girl raised in Mareeba find herself on the dazzling set of The Real Housewives of London?
“Well, let’s just say it’s been a rather spectacular leap –from kookaburra wake-up calls and Milo milk to champagne flutes and Chelsea afternoon tea parties!” Juliet told The Express
“I was born in Port Macquarie, NSW, but it was Mareeba that shaped me and where I was raised – it’s a place that lingers in your heart long after you’ve left.”
Juliet is among six glamorous women chosen to be on the first Real Housewives of London which is expected to be available in Australia through Hayu towards the end of this year.
Now, living in Chelsea with her English husband, two children, and their golden retriever, Juliet is living quite a different life than what she did in Mareeba back when she was a kid.
“Weekends were spent on Lake Tinaroo, water-skiing and parasailing, or at our beach house in Palm Cove. I was fearless on the quad bike at Jaques Coffee Plantation, owned by dear friends who produce the best coffee in Australia!
“I’d speed around, hoping to avoid any taipans or crocodiles lurking in the local swimming hole. And the highlight of my year? The annual Mareeba Rodeo, where I dreamed of singing the national anthem.
“Nothing got me more excited than dressing in my checkered cowboy shirt, hat, and boots – proper jillaroo style – cheering on the riders,
praying for as few injuries as possible.”
Her father, Dr Martin Panter, was well-known in the town but his work helping others in war torn countries was a major inspiration for Juliet.
“He is a man with an extraordinarily compassionate and amazing heart. Inspired by his meeting Mother Teresa in his 20s, my father dedicated much of his life between his very busy and hard-working Aussie life running a full-time country practice and hospital to volunteering in war-torn areas across the globe, working in desperate situations of need,” Juliet said.
“He was also honoured to carry the Olympic torch and received the prestigious Australia Award for his tireless dedication. James Cook University bestowed upon him an honorary degree, recognising his outstanding service.
“To be called ‘Dr Panter’s daughter’ is a huge honour I proudly carry to this day, no one could ever take over what he has done for the community.”
Juliet’s trips with him to war zones “gave me profound perspective on how blessed I was firstly, for the most incredible, loving, supportive, faith-based, and inspirational family, but also to grow up in such a phenomenal community like Mareeba, filled with
real, authentic, hardworking, straightforward people who love and embrace all”.
“It was a community that laughed a lot and stuck together through really difficult times like drought, cyclones, and a major flood in 2000 that everyone still remembers vividly,” she said.
While Juliet left Mareeba when she was 12, she still remembers Sister Mary Stephens from St Thomas’s School, who, she says, “inspired me with her faith and kindness”.
“Though I’ve since lived in Norfolk Island, Asia, Saudi Arabia, and my parents have now settled on the Gold Coast, my heart remains half Aussie and full of that unique Mareeba spirit – cheeky, charming, and resilient,” Juliet said.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to bring a little Mareeba mischief to The Real Housewives of London.
“You can take the jillaroo girl out of the country but you’ll never take the country out of the girl.”
Alongside her career as a professional actor and
singer, Juliet runs an events and production company and recently launched her sustainable social impact brand, “Go CoCo”.
“My humanitarian work continues through various charitable initiatives, inspired by my family’s legacy of giving and compassion,” she said.
And there’s no doubt she will use all of the knowledge and strength she has gathered during her life to deal with the other Housewives on the show.
“From kookaburra laughs echoing through the Mareeba gum trees to champagne flutes clinking on the streets of Chelsea, this Aussie jillaroo knows how to keep a smile on my face, especially when dealing with the other Housewives. No worries, mate!” she said.
Tourism is a big part of what makes Queensland amazing – from the Reef to the rainforests, the outback to the ocean. That’s why the new Queensland Government is delivering our state’s tourism future.
Creating ecotourism experiences in our unique natural environment
Connecting our regions by road, rail, air and sea
Attracting events featuring the world’s biggest names in music, art, sport and culture
Search ‘Destination 2045’ to find out what it means for you.
Destination 2045
JUST under 9,000 hectares have been added to Queensland’s national parks and nature refuges including 6,000 hectares within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, the upgrades of five former forest reserves and the establishment of 18 new nature refuges, with six being in the region.
Danbulla National Park near Atherton was included in the expansion and six new nature refuges have been established near Atherton, Millaa Millaa, Yungaburra, Port Douglas, and Cooktown, with an existing refuge in Port Douglas also expanded.
This addition of “9,000 Suncorp Stadiums worth of land” to Queensland’s national parks and nature refuges will secure more protected areas for Queensland’s endangered species, the Wet Tropics ecosystems, biodiversity and threatened flora.
Premier David Crisafulli said the government was committed to expanding protected areas to provide critical habitats for native species.
“We’ll work with private landowners to preserve some of Queensland’s most critical ecosystems so together we can enhance our state’s incredible natural resources,” he said.
The expansion of the national parks included adding most of Danbulla West Forest Reserve, some 25.44ha, to Danbulla National Park north of Atherton. This will help to
protect the northern bettong and northern quoll habitat.
Furthermore, a whopping 5,954.6ha of Malbon Thompson Forest Reserve is now part of Malbon Thompson Range National Park, near Gordonvale.
This national park addition with help protect the southern cassowary habitat and a 35-kilometre habitat corridor across the Malbon Thompson Range. It will protect one of the most significant sections of rainforest on the coastal tropical lowlands.
Additionally, six new nature refuges have been established near Atherton, Millaa Millaa, Yungaburra, Port Douglas, and Cooktown, with an existing refuge in Port Douglas also expanded.
Near Atherton, the new 6.5ha Dendrolagus Nature Refuge will protect the habitat of the southern cassowary, the lemuroid ringtail possum, the spectacled flying-fox, and the northern yellow-bellied glider. It connects with a number of national parks and nature refuges, and a state forest.
Near Millaa Millaa, the new 84.9ha Moonbeams Nature Refuge contains “significant remnant vegetation” and threatened species including the southern cassowary, the lemuroid ringtail possum and the tapping green-eyed frog.
Near Yungaburra, the new 8.6ha Graham’s Park Nature Refuge will protect an “of concern” regional ecosystem, flora habitat, and fauna species habitat including the Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo, the spectacled flying-fox, and Macleay’s figparrot. It also connects with the
Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
Near Port Douglas, the new 35.8ha Rakuen Nature Refuge will protect southern cassowary habitat and other threatened flora and fauna species including the Macleay’s fig-parrot. It also connects with Mount Lewis National Park, Thylogale Nature Refuge and Pademelon Haven Nature Refuge.
North of Port Douglas in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, the new 8.62ha Shipwreck Bay Nature Refuge will protect habitat for numerous threatened fauna species, including the southern cassowary, and a variety of vegetation types across four regional ecosystems.
Near Cooktown, the new 30.7ha Light Heart Forest Nature Refuge will protect threatened regional ecosystems and provide habitat for threatened flora and fauna species including the southern cassowary, the Bennett’s treekangaroo and the greater largeeared horseshoe bat.
Moreover, the Rainforest Rescue Nature Refuge near Port Douglas has been expanded by 27.8ha. It protects known habitat for the southern cassowary and connects with several protected areas including the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
Queensland’s terrestrial protected areas, including nature refuges, cover more than 14.85 million hectares, or 8.59%, of the state’s total land area.
MAREEBA Shire Council’s fire management crew will be conducting hazard reduction burns across the shire in the next week, subject to weather and wind conditions.
On 18 June, a burn will be undertaken in Catarossi Street and on Wolfram Road, Dimbulah. This Thursday, burns will be done at Clinton Close and Chewko Road Lookout.
On 25 June, the shire’s final burn will be conducted in Vaughan Street, Mareeba.
The council advises locals to be aware of possible smoke in the area during this time.
Hazard reduction burns are carried out to reduce fuel loads and help protect the community during the fire season.
Meanwhile, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has advised it will be conducting planned burns in Wooroonooran National Park through to 29 August.
As a result of the planned burn, smoke may be seen in nearby areas including Gordonvale, Goldsborough, Edmonton and potentially the Atherton Tablelands.
If visiting Gordonvale or surrounding areas, QPWS asks everyone to observe all signs, barriers, and directions from QPWS Rangers and never enter closed areas.
Avoid driving through smoke where possible and be aware of firefighters working in the area.
A YEAR-long sewer main upgrade has begun on Constance Street, Mareeba and will progress south from Herberton Street.
Mareeba was awarded more than $3.7 million by the State Government last month to undertake the critical upgrade.
The funding, from the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program, will pay for 60% of the Kenneally Road Gravity Sewer Main upgrade via Constance Street which will cost a total of $6,307,604.
The section of the gravity sewer main along Constance Street services 129 residential properties and has been identified as needing urgent repairs as there is a risk of sewerage overflows during the wet season.
Mareeba Shire Council began the works last week and is expected to be completed by September 2026.
Traffic control will be in place from 6.30am to
6.30pm weekdays, and some Saturday mornings as needed.
Minor driveway access disruptions may occur, but council has said every effort would be made to minimise impacts.
The Sewer Main Project is not expected to impact toilet use for residents, but if any temporary interruptions are necessary, affected households will be notified in advance.
The council said the replacement of ageing sewer main infrastructure was critical in reducing the likelihood of sewerage overflows, which was an issue for health of the community and the environment.
Upgrading the infrastructure was an important step in protecting the Barron River which runs out to the Great Barrier Reef.
The upgrade will connect to the Kenneally Road Gravity Sewer Main.
By ANDREE STEPHENS
WHEN a retired teacher makes “wooden bowls” for a hobby and becomes an internationally renowned craftsmen, there is a kind of underdog magic to the story.
Jim McConnachie is 83, a local woodturner, who is enjoying his twilight years with his wife Sharon on their property just outside Mareeba where they have lived for 40 years.
“We were only going to stay here for five years,” Jim laughs, looking out fondly over a great expanse of land dotted with a variety of interesting trees.
“We planted all of those,” he says.
Timber, and what it can become, is his passion.
A former carpenter, Jim taught at TAFE in Cairns, then in Mareeba, before retiring early in 1995 and making his living through furniture restoration, cabinetry, and the odd building and construction work.
He also began taking his hobby of woodturning a little more seriously and honed his segmenting skills. (Segmenting is a technique where pieces of wood are glued together to create a whole and then used for turning and shaping on a lathe.)
That “little more seriously” went to another level after Jim and Sharon went to a three-day woodturning event in Proserpine, a place where woodturners chewed the fat, worked on projects, had a few beers, repeat.
“There was probably about 150 people there. You brought your own gear, did a bit of turning,” he said.
“The organisers got a highprofile woodturner to come and wander around and help people.
“He spotted some of my work and said, ‘we want you to come and display at Melbourne’s National exhibition’.
“And I thought, ‘come on I don’t have a studio, I work out of a tin shed, I’m a retired carpenter, a self-taught woodturner, I can’t compete against these fellas that appear in all these international magazines’.
“Anyway, I sent two bowls down, and they equalled best in the show.”
He smiles. It was a particularly sweet result.
He had previously taken those bowls to a Ravenshoe event and tried to sell them for $300.
“They laughed at me and said, ‘who do you think you are?’” Jim continued.
“They wouldn’t even judge them.”
Those same bowls sold in Melbourne for $1000 and $1200, respectively, and Jim was invited to return to the show the following year.
“The second year I won it outright – best exhibit in the whole show. Third year, I won best exhibit again, and the fourth year, I won best exhibit again, and the fifth year they said, ‘bugger this, we’ll get you to judge’.”
For anyone unsure of what all the fuss was about over “wooden bowls”, a look at his works, tucked around the L-shaped living room, leaves you speechless. It is a woodturning wonderland.
Magnificent bowls, vases, decorative boxes, and other objet d’art are displayed in cabinets (made by Jim), on shelves and tables.
On the walls hang framed professional photographs of his stunning national winning entries.
“That bowl – I grew the timber,” he says proudly as he points to a chequer-style platter.
Another bowl has an inlay with a 3D effect. Yet another is distinctly Aztec in style.
Over on a large table are classic wooden toys, spiralling artworks, and pieces of whimsy.
He brings over a dark wooden acorn, small in his palm and perfect in shape.
He gently twists an undetectable screw-line and two halves reveal the contents – half a dozen tiny wooden wine goblets, all reducing in size like a Russian doll, to the smallest which can be no bigger than a grain of rice.
Jim says his ideas and creativity are borne out of “just doodling” or “scrounging around the internet” for inspiration.
“I don’t copy,” he adds.
“When I do my turning and make a bowl out of a bit of wood, I don’t record it, I don’t keep records, I don’t duplicate. Everything I make is a one-off.”
Despite his fame – and yes, he has had many articles on his work in “international magazines” – Jim maintains a simple rural lifestyle, pursuing his woodturning and selling his artwork and beautiful walking sticks at the Tablelands Art Society or at various events on the east coast.
Jim also helps care for Sharon, who was diagnosed a few years back with Parkinson’s Disease.
They recently secured some outside assistance after the “nightmare” navigation of bureaucracy.
They laugh at their home full of collections of glass, and “opp shop” treasures, mostly spotted by Sharon over the years.
Art surrounds them in many forms, including paintings by Jim.
Sharon is an award-winning quilter and can still hand-stitch small patches of fabric into intricately-patterned works.
Jim is also generous with his knowledge. In 1984, he and a couple of friends formed a woodworker’s group in Cairns.
It held meetings once a month at either Cairns TAFE or in Mareeba after Jim moved. They charged $1 a person to cover tea and biscuits. Sometimes they would invite guest presenters in to teach new skills.
“One time we had an event at Cairns and we filled the venue –a lot of people would just turn up when something was on,” he says.
“So, we introduced a membership fee of $12 a year and that thinned it out a bit.”
Forty years on, the woodworkers guild, affectionately known as the “Woodies”, has about 15 members.
Jim has been president for about 30 years, with the occasional break, but handed over the reins to a younger member last year.
He and Sharon remain life members, and Jim hosts the meetings at his “Tin Shed”.
“It evolved to the point where I was doing most of the demonstrations, so we have it
here, as I have all the machinery,” he says.
“But no one can touch my machines – I don’t like cleaning blood off them,” he half jokes.
Occasionally the Woodies have had weekend get-togethers where they have camped out at the property.
Inside his tin shed, meticulously kept machines stand on rows of benches, the smell of wood and the cosy interior a welcoming retreat.
At another shed on the property, Jim houses materials, more benches, and works in progress.
He also shares his method of creating the intricate inlays for his works, which have brought him so many accolades.
A series of long timber boxes hold slim, but solid, wooden strips used in “banding”, a process which takes hours of delicate work.
These strips of timber are cut and shaped to lie side by side in a pattern and are clamped together by wrapping a single, fine sheet of timber around them.
Jim uses a band saw to slice the whole item, a bit like slicing a salami.
The cross-section reveals a beautiful pattern of the various timbers.
No wonder the guild is still going strong.
To contact the Woodworkers Guild, phone the secretary, Debbie Boardman, on 0410 328 357.
“I make the banding to suit the type of box and the timber used,” he says with pride. Jim wanders over to a wall of wood samples, all named and dated. His collection includes the rare samples, such as ebony, and seeds, like that from the Elephant apple, which resembles ivory. His knowledge of their history, locations and uses is encyclopaedic.
MAREEBA residents can give their views about what they like and dislike about the town’s CBD as part of the multi-million dollar Blueprint Project being undertaken by Mareeba Shire Council and the Chamber of Commerce.
Project Blueprint, which is funded to the tune of $2.1 million through the Australian Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, will allow the council to undertake a once-in-ageneration project to revitalise Mareeba’s CBD.
The project will deliver a construction-ready precinct plan to invigorate and future-proof the CBD between Herberton Street and Lloyd Street and between Constance Street and Railway Avenue.
Construction-ready plans to deal with stormwater, lighting, accessibility, footpaths, parking, security, public toilets, trees, seating and shade will be prepared.
The goal is to create a future-proofed, attractive, safe space the community and visitors want to spend time in.
Residents will soon have the opportunity to tell the council what they think, with questions about what they like and dislike about the area and what is the first thing they think should be changed to be put to locals at community feedback sessions planned for late June.
Project Blueprint Stakeholder Reference Group chair Cr Amy Braes said planning meaningful community engagement opportunities was integral to the project.
“Input from people who live, work and invest in Mareeba every day is important to the success of this planning project,” she said.
“The Project Blueprint Pop-Up Shop will open its doors on 24 June for two-and-a-half days of drop-in sessions, walk and talk tours and
a community workshop.
“I invite the community to call in at 117 Byrnes Street, next to the Gateway Hotel, to have a chat.”
Business operators can book into a breakfast session to explore their specific CBD likes, wishes and wants.
Mareeba Chamber of Commerce president Joe Moro is encouraging traders to add this session into their calendar.
“Never has there been an opportunity such as this to drive the direction of Mareeba’s main shopping area,” he said.
“A vibrant, functional, safe CBD will support the economic future of the town.”
For those that cannot visit the Blueprint Pop-up, they can give their feedback through a survey that opened on Monday.
Tuesday 24 June
Drop-in session: 9am-4pm
Walk and Talk Tour: 10am and 2pm
Community workshop: 6pm-7pm
Wednesday 25 June
Business Operator Breakfast: 7am-8.30am
Drop-in session: 9am-4pm
Walk and Talk Tour: 10am and 2pm
Thursday 26 June
Drop-in session: 9am-11am
Online Community Survey
www.msc.qld.gov.au/community/mareebacbd-project-blueprint/
Closes 25 July
THE beloved Mareeba District Garden Awards will enter a new chapter in 2025, with the Lions Club proudly taking over the running of the event.
“Now in its 57th year, the Garden Awards remains a cherished celebration of community pride, creativity, and horticultural excellence across the region,” Lions member Norma Moloney said.
The judging for this year’s awards will take place in the first week of September, with local gardeners invited to showcase their green spaces in a range of categories.
From residential gardens to native landscapes, veggie patches to commercial displays, the competition encourages residents to beautify their surroundings and share their passion for gardening.
The event has long been a highlight on the local
calendar, bringing together residents of all ages and fostering a spirit of community connection through nature. It was held under the auspices of the Mareeba Rodeo, however, was cancelled as a rodeo fixture by the Rodeo committee.
“The Lions Club is excited to continue the tradition and build on the event’s success,” Ms Moloney said.
“Prizes will be presented during a celebratory afternoon tea awards ceremony in September, with special recognition going to the Champion Garden of the Year, sponsored once again by TCB Landscape.
“With the backing of new organisers and a strong sense of local pride, this year’s Garden Awards are set to bloom brighter than ever.” To enter, follow the Lions Club of Mareeba Facebook page for updates and entry details.
A BAND of highly varied and talented local individuals from the Tablelands, Cassowary Coast and Cairns will host a new art exhibition at Tablelands Regional Gallery.
“Broad Spectrum” is an exciting curation of many talents and many forms of media, collated with the specific objective of bringing a new awareness and appreciation of art to the Atherton Tablelands.
“It is a much awaited for opportunity to introduce the Tablelands to the processes used to create these works, offer an insight into its making, and gain a further
understanding and, of course, a chance to own a piece of the collection,” artist Rose Knight said.
“This assembly of artists are all highly talented in their field – some are teachers of their craft and will be offering workshops, and others are rising stars and prize winners who will be demonstrating their craft.”
Amongst the exhibits are examples of watercolour; tradition and contemporary, dry media (pencil, charcoal and pastel work) oil painting, woodblock printing, oil and cold wax, acrylic, weaving, ceramics, lead lighting and sculpture.
“It is hoped that by providing an insight into these well-respected artists and their crafts, and the opportunity to learn further, that we can encourage a new generation of artists and artisans which will not only bring attention to the Tablelands as a growing arts hub destination but to nurture our young emerging artists to achieve their creative dreams and goals,” Rose said.
The artists participating are Yvonne Hering (woodblock printing); Jo Bingham (watercolour and pencilwork); Claire Randall
(watercolour contemporary); Rose Knight (oil painting); Sahan Kulathunge (watercolour and urban sketching); Dorte Colja (mixed media oil and cold wax); Monique Burkhead (ceramics); Pete Marshall (coloured pencil, graphite, charcoal and pastel); Angela Fielding (sculpture, leadlight and timber); and Sally Maroney (mixed media, sculpture and textiles)
The exhibition is now on at Tableland Regional Gallery in Atherton until 9 August, with the official opening being held at 10.30am on 21 June.
ATHERTON’S QCWA is celebrating all things Canadian this weekend, with a morning tea at its Hall in Tolga to mark the organisation’s International Day.
The Saturday morning event is open to everyone and will include a delicious morning tea and lunch, a guest speaker, raffles, competitions and lucky door prizes.
Each year, the Queensland Country Women’s Association studies a different part of the world and this year, it is the Province of Ontario in Canada.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in the colours of the Canadian Flag.
Entry for the event, which starts at 10am, is $15 and people intending to go along are asked to call the club’s International Officer, Lesley Mackney, on 0458 964 014 so catering can be ordered.
bought
Frank Finger & Nathan Obst along with Annie & Chief from ABC
you by Cowgirl Country Thank you to our main Sponsors and Supporters
THE multi-award-winning film “No Other Land” will be screening at the Majestic Theatre in Malanda later this month.
The 2024 documentary film was nominated for an Oscar despite limited release in the US, and condemnation by Israeli officials and has won over 30 film documentary awards throughout the world.
The film was directed by Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, and Rachel Szor, a Palestinian-Israeli collective of activists who met in Gaza.
Recorded between 2019 and 2023, it shows the destruction of a Palestinian community in the occupied West Bank, which had been resisting forced displacement after an Israeli
“firing zone” was declared on their land. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 100% of 90 critics’ reviews were positive, with an average rating of 8.9/10. The website’s consensus reads: “An elegantly assembled diary of the Palestinian experience, No Other Land is a harrowing document that leaves traces of hope for a better future.”
The film is a fundraiser for the Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association (PANZA) with 100% of profits going toward medical aid in Gaza.
“No Other Land” will screen at 4.30pm on Sunday 29 June at the Majestic Theatre in Malanda.
A TRIVIA night full of “brains, banter and big laughs” will be hosted by the Mareeba Heritage Centre this Friday as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations.
The doors of the Heritage Centre will open at 6pm with the event set to kick off from 7pm. Attendees will receive a free welcome drink on arrival. Drinks and “nibbles” will also be available.
The cost is $15 per person or $80 for a team, with a maximum of eight people per team.
Bookings are essential and can be made via calling 4092 5674 or emailing manager@ mareebaheritagecentre.com.au.
THERE’s still time to catch Malanda Theatre Company’s “Oliver!”, with performances from 19-22 June.
The play is the Lionel Bart version of Charles Dickens 1838 “Oliver Twist” and features a cast of 30 adult and 30 junior actors plus many more helping behind the scenes.
Great songs like “Food Glorious Food”, “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two”, and “Consider Yourself” will be well delivered with the support of a nine-piece band conducted by Bob Gaden and Michelle Toshach.
Tickets are available online www. malandatheatre.org or Tableland Books, Atherton. Bookings are essential.
Prepare
The
Guests
The
WITH the snarls of long-bar chainsaws still ringing in their ears, accompanied by howls of protest and the crashing of trees, Malanda’s tree-lovers seem set to painfully revisit the felling of Mary Street’s ancient Camphor Laurels, as more of the town centre’s scarce shade trees are set for the chop.
Talks between the TRC and the Education Department appear to have delivered a death warrant for the avenue of pine trees flanking Memorial Drive, which have shepherded generations of students and their teachers towards the main entrance of the high school.
Like the Mary Street Camphor Laurels, which ironically also shaded the footpaths leading to the primary school, it seems the pines have committed the sin of growing old.
They are deemed to be over-mature, likely to split or fall in a cyclone or powerful storm, with broken branches and possibly massive trunks crushing parked cars and even threatening damage to the southern wall of the high school’s multi-function hall. Or so it is being said.
But could the old trees not be cropped or shortened, to earn a new lease of life, some ask?
If the TRC’s previous demonstration of riskaversion out-weighing amenity has its way again, with apparently little community consultation, it would seem likely that those Malanda residents who would prefer their town to look a little more like Yungaburra’s inviting treescapes, and less like a truck-stop, may soon be awakened by a cruel shock.
Chainsaws will rule again, likely on a weekend or in school holiday time, protestors fear.
Other voices in the Malanda community are more accepting, reminded by long-held memories of falling limbs and “widow makers” in the forest, and aware that over-mature trees may conceal a rotten core within healthy looking bark, and also hide hanging limbs.
Pine trees, many close-planted years ago as wind breaks to shelter cattle, should today be regarded with suspicion as they age, some argue.
Those who understand pine tree growth better than others point out that a close look at a mature pine may reveal that limbs on the side of the trunk most favoured by space and sunlight grow longer and heavier than those on the side less favoured.
In a very strong wind, the pressure on the longer and heavier limbs is greater, placing a corkscrew force on the trunk, enough to tear off the crown of an old tree, and throw it a distance away.
This frightening possibility may be one of the risks informing the destruction of the time-honoured avenue, which is now expected any time soon.
Protests are expected. There is also a demand that if the removed trees are to be replaced with less troublesome species, much greater attention needs to be put in to nourish and shape the new saplings,
unlike the pathetically neglectful effort applied to the re-treeing of Mary Street, still a civic disgrace several years on, according to many residents having their say.
Frank Mills JAGGAN
IN May, some lowlife maggots broke into the Atherton Golf Club and stole three non-club owned golf carts.
These were owned personally by club members and were trashed to the extent of possibly $20,000 to $30,000.
To make matters worse, one of those member’s carts that was stolen has just recently lost his wife.
I hope someone who reads this does the right thing and assist the authorities with some information or at the very least the culprits hear of this message!
I would advise the culprits to not try this again! You have probably, with members and friends, about 1000 people who are extremely upset over this.
Simon Husbands TOLGA
WOW what an event the 2025 Rotary FNQ Field Days turned out to be!
Congratulations and thanks to the Tablelands Rotary Clubs of Atherton and Mareeba for all of the hard work that went into making the Field Days bigger and better than ever.
All funds raised are donated to charities and community organisations.
A number of Mareeba Friends of the Hospital Foundation volunteers and supporters donated their time over the three days in exchange for a donation (a generous pay of $20/hr) to the foundation.
The money raised will certainly help boost funds for projects and equipment at the Mareeba Hospital.
A special shout out goes to our Mareeba FOF vice president Ida Portella. Ida wears a number of hats and she did a superb job wearing her “Rotary hat” as the Rotary FNQ Field Days Volunteer Coordinator.
On behalf of the Mareeba FOF Committee, thanks so much to our amazing volunteers for giving their time.
Patti Crothers Secretary/Volunteer Coordinator Mareeba Hospital FOF
WE all know about the globalists’ multi-national psyops, scams and hoaxes now – particularly the “renewable” energy scam and the climate hoax, which are steadily destroying the economies of Western nations.
We all saw the illogical, irrational, and
lockstepped responses of globalist-controlled governments to Covid-19, a Chinese flu psyop, which smashed Western economies and enabled the greatest transfer of wealth from the poor and middleclass to the rich in all of history.
Another disturbing, peculiar, and suspiciously centrally-coordinated global phenomenon is the advent of “transgenders” and “furries” – men, women, boys, and girls who believe themselves to be the opposite sex, an imaginary sex, or another species of animal entirely.
Basic real-world biology proves that sex is determined at conception when a sperm contributed by the father containing either an XX chromosome or an XY chromosome meets an egg supplied by the mother containing an XX chromosome and results in either an XY baby boy or an XX baby girl.
No amount of puberty-blocking chemicals, cross-sex hormones, genital mutilation surgery, wishful thinking, or aggressive assertions can change that.
As Mr Rogers from TV’s “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” sang in 1967: “Boys are boys from the beginning. If you were born a boy, you stay a boy. Girls are girls right from the start. If you were born a girl, you stay a girl and grow up to be a lady”.
Similarly, the species of a baby is entirely dependent on the species of the parents and there is no mechanism to change from one species to another.
I’m told that even our local high schools have students who “identify” as “furries” who bark or hiss at other students or even bite them – with the tacit approval of the schools’ administrations.
Clearly then, the simultaneous appearance of officially-supported “transgenders” and “furries” in every Western nation says it’s another psyop involving some form of mental illness that’s been weaponised against the more vulnerable members of our societies by the globalists.
Why? The “treatments” are expensive and are generally funded with taxpayers’ money, which wastes the wealth of nations as unproductively as possible. It also leaves the victims sterile, thereby reducing the ability of nations to maintain their population levels.
Both of those are clearly stated globalist objectives. The main message is that all of these illogical and irrational globalist narratives are supported by every branch of the Labor-LiberalNational-Green/teal UNiparty.
That can only be because their loyalties lie with the unelected foreign globalists. They’re implementing a foreign agenda – against our will. That makes them treasonous.
I can’t wait to see our gullible, easily-led local lefties defending child genital mutilation, teenagers defecating in litter boxes at local high schools, and treasonous politicians.
Peter Campion TOLGA
WELL, it only took one man to stand out at the Rotary Field Days for three days, holding self-funded placards and a petition to eventually get the authorities to act on saltwater crocodiles.
Mareeba Shire Council has been advocating for the removal and extension of the zoning for well over two years.
Hopefully the Department of Environment will find resources to eradicate and control these species from our waterways.
Good on you, farmer George Adil, one man on a mission has succeeded.
Maybe we should employ George to lobby for a main street bypass that Mareeba has been waiting for over 30 years.
Gladys France MAREEBA
DURING May, which was Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, the State Government introduced new laws that make coercive control a criminal offence, making it the perfect time to raise awareness about coercive control.
Coercive control is a pattern of controlling behaviours designed to dominate, intimidate and isolate a partner.
It might involve monitoring phone calls, restricting access to money, dictating where someone can go or who they can see, or using threats and humiliation to maintain power.
Over time, this subtle, but persistent abuse chips away at a person’s autonomy, identity and mental wellbeing.
The psychological effects can be longlasting and severe.
Victims often live in a constant state of anxiety, hypervigilance and fear. Many can experience depression, low self-esteem and difficulty trusting others.
A particularly cruel tactic often used is gaslighting – manipulating someone into doubting their own memory, feelings or perceptions.
Victims may begin to question their sanity and lose confidence in their ability to make decisions.
Unlike physical violence, coercive control doesn’t leave bruises or scars, but it can be just as damaging.
In fact, coercive control is often a precursor to physical violence, which is why it is now legally recognised as a form of domestic abuse in many parts of Australia.
One of the most heartbreaking effects is the isolation victims often experience.
Coercive partners may deliberately cut them off from friends, family or workplaces, leaving them feeling alone and trapped. This makes it even harder to seek help or imagine a way out.
But there is hope. With the right support, recovery is possible. Victims can rebuild their confidence, regain their independence and reconnect with the world around them.
Services like 1800RESPECT, DV Connect – men’s and women’s line – and the Women’s Centre can offer confidential help, guidance and safety planning.
Let’s educate ourselves about coercive control and its warning signs. Let’s talk about it openly, support survivors and advocate for systems that protect them.
Everyone deserves to feel safe, valued and free in their relationships. By breaking the silence around coercive control, we take a powerful step toward ending the cycle of abuse.
• The information provided is from Better Together Community Support. This advice may not suit your personal situation and therefore cannot substitute real psychological advice please consult a professional if this has raised issues for you.
THE potential for bioenergy and value-added sugar production in Queensland will be put under the microscope, with the Primary Industries and Resources Committee launching a new Parliamentary Inquiry into the sector.
The committee will examine how to unlock new investment, support valueadding opportunities in the sugar industry, and overcome regulatory barriers that may be holding the sector back.
The Parliamentary Inquiry aligns with the State Government’s ambitious target to grow the value of Queensland’s primary production output to $30 billion by 2030.
Acting Minister for Primary Industries Dale Last said the inquiry would examine opportunities to grow Queensland’s agrieconomy and create jobs in regional communities.
“Sugar is our state’s number one agricultural export, contributing $4.4 billion annually to Queensland’s economy and supporting over 20,000 jobs across regional
communities,” he said.
“Queensland is uniquely positioned with the scale, skills and natural advantage to lead the world in alternative fuels and value-added agriculture.
“This inquiry will shine a spotlight on the regulatory and legislative barriers to developing a bioenergy industry and identify the levers we can pull to support the sector’s growth.
“The recommendations from this inquiry will help guide future policy decisions that support industry diversification and regional growth.”
Canegrowers chief executive Dan Galligan welcomed the inquiry and said it would highlight the potential of bioenergy to add to the sugar cane sector’s long-term sustainability.
“The potential to develop Queensland’s bioenergy sector presents an enormous opportunity for sugar cane growers,” he said.
“The bioenergy industry has the potential to diversify our already successful sugar sector and fortify rural and regional communities
from Far North Queensland to the New South Wales border.”
Australian Sugar Manufacturers chief executive Ash Salardini said bioenergy from sugar could potentially put downward pressure on energy prices.
“The sugar industry can be a powerhouse energy producer for Queensland, including through the production of biofuels and renewable baseload electricity,” he said.
“The only way we are going to get there is with industry and government working hand in glove to capture these opportunities.
“A successful bioenergy agenda will help underpin investments in our manufacturing plants, making our factories some of the most efficient and reliable in making sugar and securing our international competitiveness for the next 50 years.”
The committee will deliver an interim issues paper within six months with a final report to be tabled within a year.
EIGHT farming operations have taken up an opportunity to learn more about how they can make their farms more resilient.
Sally Fields has crafted a farmer practice change workshop program that includes peer to peer learning, on farm sessions and a mentoring program.
“We have been working with eight farm businesses since April as part of Atherton Tablelands Integrated Collaboration Project, with funding from Sustainable Table and the Queensland Government’s Office of the Great Barrier Reef,” Sally said.
To date the group has traversed soil health, how to monitor, strategies for reducing inputs and building on farm resilience.
Last week, the group took a deep dive into holistic management, with Brian Wehlburg at the helm.
“Farmers will walk away with a grazing management plan and a deep understanding of ecosystem processes and how to use the tool of grazing to manage the landscape regeneration,” Sally said.
“We are part way through the year-long program with the practice change cohort followed up with an on-farm planning session which will identify next steps and required tools and infrastructure to enable their plan.”
Tropical fruit farmer Jessica Villani is one of the producers taking the course.
“This program has been invaluable in planning for resilience on my farm,” she said.
“Learning alongside people from diverse farming backgrounds and site visits to growers and suppliers in our area has strengthened the networks in our local
Program participants learning how minimal till machinery fits into a broad-acre cropping program.
food systems.
“The expert knowledge provided by the facilitators has been life changing.”
Sally says they are planning another intake for a farmer cohort later this year. Anyone interested can email Sally at naturalfieldssolutions@gmail.com
SEEKING a lifestyle property that offers the perfect blend of livestock, nature and serenity? Look no further than this stunning 66.37-hectare property boasting a prime position along the North Johnstone River.
This near-level property offers gently sloping and improved pastures, with rich volcanic soil providing prime fattening country. It currently sustains 50 breeders.
An abundance of water from three natural springs and the North Johnstone frontage guarantees a reliable source for your livestock.
The property is conveniently divided into five paddocks, all
permanently watered and fenced for ease, simplifying stock management. The cattle yards are constructed of timber with steel race, gateways and shelter plus large concrete and timber loading ramps.
The massive 6-bay, powered shed gives you ample space to store equipment, feed and other farming essentials.
Beyond the working farm, this property boasts a comfortable Queenslanderstyle homestead that has
Address: Price: Agent:
been rebuilt in keeping with the original 1912 aesthetic, offering a seamless blend of classic charm and modern convenience.
The modern kitchen showcases an island bench, granite benchtops and plenty of storage. Open plan in design with the comfort of air conditioning, ensuring a cool and comfortable retreat during the warmer months.
For more information contact sole agent, Morgan Brennan.
Property
Contact: 928 Glen Allyn Road, GLEN ALLYN $2,350,000
Morgan Brennan Ray White Atherton 0407 730 450 or (07) 4091 7111
GOODBYE city life, hello peace. Here you will discover an oasis of calm, the perfect Zen zone for unwinding after a long day. From the moment you drive through the double gated entrance you experience that holidayat-home feeling on 1.25 hectares.
A bitumen and concrete driveway takes you to down the hill to the comfy dwelling constructed of cypress pine and western red cedar. The open plan living area has soaring cathedral ceilings with exposed timber beams. For year round comfort there is air-conditioning and a combustion heater.
There are two bedrooms and two ensuite bathrooms. Capturing the sweeping views of the Millstream Gorge this home provides the ultimate outdoor living space with a
DISCOVER the perfect opportunity to create your rural lifestyle at the foot of Mt Quincan. Tucked away on a peaceful no-through road, this rare 5.70-hectare parcel of land offers a blank canvas with breathtaking panoramic views and plenty of space to bring your vision to life.
Just 5km from the charming village of Yungaburra, 10km from Malanda, and under 70km to Cairns CBD, this property combines the tranquillity of the countryside with the convenience of being close to all amenities. Currently used for
LOCATED just 10 minutes from Mareeba and a little over an hour from Cairns and Port Douglas this 24.38-hectare property near Biboohra presents an excellent agricultural and investment opportunity. Currently operating as an RSPCA Broiler poultry farm, it produces 125,000 chickens per batch under a secure 5-year contract with Baiada –delivering immediate income and strong investment returns.
Farm Infrastructure includes four tunnelventilated sheds (curtain and panel-sided), all monitored with Rotem Platinum controllers. A 60kW solar system supports the farm, complemented by an 8kW
system powering the homes and workshops. A 20m x 18m machinery shed houses a Merlo telehandler, Kubota tractors, sweepers, a slasher, and workshop space. Accommodation comprises a spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom main residence with an office and entertainment deck, a 2-bedroom cottage with office space, and separate worker barracks.
Water resources are robust with three bores servicing the farm and livestock, and
Address: Price: Agent:
Contact:
rainwater tanks for domestic use. The property is fenced into paddocks for grazing and features steel cattle yards, enhancing its versatility for mixed farming.
This is a rare opportunity for those seeking a profitable agricultural enterprise with room for diversification and lifestyle benefits.
Contact Rino Gava on 0427 779 086 or email rino@girgentigroup. com to arrange a private inspection.
1004 Bilwon Road, BIBOOHRA Contact Agent
Rino Gava
Sibi Girgenti Real Estate 0427 779 086
grazing the pastures are predominately Seteria and fencing is in good condition.
Property Features:
• 5.70 hectares zoned Rural
• High-quality boundary fencing with concrete posts and 4-barb wire
• Stunning panoramic rural and mountain views
• Peaceful no-through road location
• Easy access to Atherton, Yungaburra, Malanda
Rural lifestyle blocks of this size are hard to find especially so close to Yungaburra. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to secure your slice of paradise on the Atherton Tablelands, Contact exclusive listed agent Michelle Raso at Elders Real Estate Tablelands today. Address:
“Some
- Laura Ingalls Wilder
accessed by a door at the rear. (6,3)
20. (Chiefly of a drug or treatment) effective against viruses. (9)
23. An object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical interest. (5)
24. A widespread woodland toadstool that typically has a brightly coloured flattened cap and a white stem and gills. (7)
25. A knife with a small, sharp, sometimes detachable blade, as used by a surgeon. (7)
26. A rapid series of brief visits to numerous locations. (7-4,4)
Down:
1. A small, common north American sparrow, scientifically known as spizella passerina. (8,7)
2. A space or gap that allows passage or access. (7)
3. The occupation of measuring eyesight, prescribing corrective lenses, and detecting eye disease. (9)
4. An old world lizard with a large head and a long tail, typically showing a marked difference in colour and form between the sexes. (5)
H
E Q B P F R L L U F H T I A F V N D S
R U I D A F A F J S L A I R U B E A N
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Across:
1. A sweet or savoury dish made as a smooth, light mass in which the main ingredient is whipped with cream and egg white. (9,6)
9. A chilled drink of sweetened tea without milk, typically flavoured with lemon. (4,3)
10. Take action in order to prevent (an anticipated event) happening; forestall. (7)
11. A three-dimensional geometric shape with two identical, parallel polygon bases connected by lateral faces that are parallelograms. (5)
12. The part of a theatre, concert hall, or other public building in which the audience sits. (9)
13. The time between evening and morning; the time of darkness. (9)
15. French word meaning “goodbye”. (5)
16. Soft, timid, or oversensitive, or overly interested in things traditionally associated with women. (5)
18. A car with a large carrying area behind the seats,
5. (Of an action) convenient and practical although possibly improper or immoral. (9)
6. Done or shown openly; plainly apparent. (5)
7. A member of a powerful military caste in feudal japan. (7)
8. (Of an activity at a school or college) pursued in addition to the normal course of study. (15)
14. Make (someone) drunk; intoxicate. (9)
15. Choking gas left after an explosion of firedamp in a mine, rich in carbon monoxide. (9)
17. The smallest monetary unit in the bitcoin cryptocurrency system, equal to one hundred millionth of a bitcoin. (7)
19. A kind of west Indian (originally Trinidadian) music in syncopated African rhythm, typically with words improvised on a topical theme. (7)
21. A roof in the form of an arch or a series of arches, typical of churches and other large, formal buildings. (5)
22. Hungarian composer, virtuoso pianist, conductor and teacher of the romantic period. (5)
Get involved in a competitive sport that will bring the challenges you thrive on. You need to sit back and enjoy, try your hardest not to over think and worry when it’s not needed.. Get involved in worthwhile endeavours and meet new friends. You can enjoy short trips.
Pleasure trips will be favourable and bring about romance. You could experience delays in shipments or mail, and should be careful while travelling. You can benefit financially if you put money or maintenance into your living quarters.
This will be a very hectic day if you’ve made promises to too many people. Family may not want to get involved but an entrepreneur will. Emotional disputes will only end in sorrow. Try to see the big picture when confronted, there may be two sides to the situation.
You can expect to feel confused about your personal prospects. Difficulties with older females in your family may turn out to be quit trivial after all. Outings with relatives or good friends will provide you with stimulating conversation. A friend needs help, be open minded.
Misunderstandings at work could easily lead to your demise.
Unpredictable events will disrupt your routine. Either way, you’re up for a passionate encounter with someone special. Self-improvement could bring amazing results.
Emotional deception will cause friction on the home front. The battle continues. A change of attitude has probably disrupted your home environment. Get the red tape and the unwanted paperwork out of the way. It’ll be a big much needed weight off your mind.
You can make new connections if you play your cards right. Be sure to get involved with those who can introduce you to unusual forms of entertainment. You may find it difficult to communicate. You need to concentrate on solving existing problems.
Back off if you want to keep the relationship intact. You will be emotional about money matters. Sudden changes of heart may cause disruptions in your domestic scene. Problems with relatives and friends could surface, old wounds could be exposed
You may find that someone you live with may be irritable; you’re best to leave them alone. Watch for empty promises that may give you false hope. You may find that your documents are not in order. You may find that someone at work hasn’t been trustworthy.
You can meet interesting new friends if you join worthwhile groups. Be sure to cover all the necessary groundwork before signing binding contracts. Your interest in helping others may take you back to school. Time to make space for old friends.
You may have more people on your domestic scene than anticipated. Maybe it’s time to look into ways you can improve your health. Trips will be exciting. Your dynamic, determined approach will win favours as well as a helping hand.
Take a second look; difficulties with appliances, water, or electricity in your home may be evident. This is not the time to lend or borrow money or possessions. You may find that someone you live with is not too happy, but you can’t really do anything about that right now.
HOWE, Dennis Michael
Loving Father and Father-in-Law of Caitlin & Tom and James & Kate.
Proud Grandfather of Leonardo, Rafael, Eve and Harry.
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend a requiem mass to be held at Saint Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church, Mareeba on Friday 20th June, 2025 commencing at 11.00am A private burial will follow.
For those unable to attend, Dennis’ service can be viewed by visiting the “Tributes and Live Streams” webpage at: www. communityfunerals.com.au
781 084
JEFFRIES, Robert Christopher
Late of Atherton. Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday the 12th of June, 2025. Aged 74 years.
Beloved Husband of Christa. Much loved Father & Father-in-Law of Matthew & Jacqui, James and Claire. Loved Grandfather of Gabrielle, Hayden, Mikayla, Cooper, Georgia, Harrison, Alexander & Alyssa.
Relatives & friends of Robert are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service which will be held at Mountain View Chapel, Guilfoyle’s Crematorium, 3 Nasser Road, Atherton on Friday 20th June, 2025. Service commences at 2.00pm.
Robert’s service will be available to view via the following link: https://rapidspintv.com.au/ funerals/guilfoyles-funeral-home/.
POSITION TITLE
SENIOR PROJECT OFFICER
REPORTS TO PBC - Contact Person
DEPARTMENT
Land Management & Conservation & Project Management Support
DURATION
Contract position for 12 months
POSITION SUMMARY
WEBER, Cecilia Joyce
Late of Atherton, formerly of Malanda. Passed away peacefully on 7th June, 2025 at Atherton Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
Beloved Wife of Georg. Loving Mother of Marianne and Catharine. Cherished Grandmother of Vaughn, Emma, and Dylan. Cecelia will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
Aged 81 Years.
“Forever in our Hearts.”
A Private Burial was held at Malanda Cemetery. Donations to the Leukaemia Foundation are appreciated.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF GINN, Stanley Kenneth
Much loved Husband of Greta (Dec.). Loved Dad and Father-in-Law of Jan, Roy & Yolanda, Kerrie, Barb, Leila & James. Cherished and missed Poppy, Great Poppy, and Great Great Poppy. Loved Brother, Uncle, Cousin, and Friend to many.
In keeping with Stanley’s wishes, a private cremation has been held. Details for a memorial to follow.
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
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
Please join us to celebrate the life of Bruce Alexander Carcary
29/06/1948 ~ 22/05/2025
Beloved Brother, Husband, Father and Grandfather. Memorial Service to be at Acton Ridge, Nash Road, Millaa Millaa on the 28th of June at 12noon.
Must have horticultural knowledge, and previous experience. Pruning, weeding & Tidying. No mowing required. On-going help needed. Hours to be discussed on viewing.
If Interested Phone Jeanette: 0444 540 778
2016 JB Scorpion Off Road Caravan 20ft6in, 3x 120amp lithium batteries, 600 watt solar, 2.5kg washing machine, 190L compression fridge, Qld rego until April 2026 & much
The position provides comprehensive; co-ordinates and project manages the NIAA Ranger Program and Reef Assist Ranger Program. This role will have the responsibility to oversee the implementation of both Ranger Programs and assists with the administrative processes and procedures support of both Programs.
The Senior Project Officer is funded through the partnership between National Indigenous Australia Agency (NIAA) and Choorechillum (Ngadjon-Jii PBC) RNTBC. This role will also be a support and supervisory role to both team leaders of the Ranger Program Teams and to the PBC Administrative Officer. The Senior Project Officer Role will report to the Contact Person, who will then engage with the Choorechillum Board of Directors.
Position Specific Conditions:
• This role requires evidence of skills and qualifications and the possession of a current Driver’s License or can obtain to get a Driver’s License.
• Work Hours 8:30am to 4:30pm
HOW TO APPLY
If you wish to apply, please send through a cover letter of no more than 2 pages outlining how you meet each of the selection criteria and copy of your updated resume. If you are selected for interviews you will need to provide us with two referees.
Email: choorechillumpbc@y7mail.com
Closing date for applications: Thursday 19th June, 2025.
The position provides comprehensive, accurate and efficient administrative support to the Choorechillum work program teams. The PBC Administrator will be responsible for providing administration support to the Senior Project Officer and Choorechillum Board of Directors.
Position Specific Conditions:
• This role requires evidence of skills and qualifications and the possession of a current Driver’s License or can obtain to get a Driver’s License.
• Work Hours 8:30am to 4:30pm HOW TO APPLY
If you wish to apply, please send through a cover letter of no more than 2 pages outlining how you meet each of the selection criteria and copy of your updated resume. If you are selected for interviews you will need to provide us with two referees.
Email: choorechillumpbc@y7mail.com
Closing date for applications: Thursday 19th June, 2025.
The Human Resource Offi cer is a permanent part-time position, working as part of a team, working with the Neighbourhood Centre Coordinator with accountability to the Management Committee.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Support the development and implementation of HR initiatives and systems.
• Consult on policies and procedures.
• Be actively involved in recruitment by preparing job descriptions, posting ads and managing the hiring process.
• Assist with training and development programs and keeping of registers.
• Support the management of disciplinary and grievance issues.
• Maintain employee records (attendance, EEO data etc.) according to policy and legal requirements.
• Review employment and working conditions to ensure legal compliance.
SELECTION CRITERIA/QUALIFICATION:
1. Diploma of Human Resources or Certifi cate IV in Human Resources or willingness to obtain during employment.
2. Minimum 2 years industry experience.
3. Ability to engage in meaningful negotiation and resolution.
4. Knowledge of employment legislation.
5. Experience protecting the interests of all employees.
6. Full understanding of HR functions and best practices.
7. Computer competency with Offi ce 365.
DESIRABLE:
1. Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) or equivalent.
SALARY AND CONDITIONS:
Hours: 8 hours per week fl exible days.
Salary: Level 4 SCHADS Awards with options for salary sacrifi ce. HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit your resume, and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience addressing the selection criteria listed above.
Please include 2 referees. Send to Human Resource Offi cer: hro@ravcom.org.au Applications will close at 29th June 2025 and only suitable candidates will be contacted.
Operational Services, Rural and Remote Services – Herberton.
Salary: $38.43 - $41.43 per hour Casual.
Duties/Abilities:
• Assist in the preparation, production and presentation of quality fresh food as required in the production/menu schedule including special diets, ensuring all meals are prepared in accordance with the Queensland Health Food Safety Program.
• Undertake as directed by the Cook, food rotation, receiving of goods for the kitchen, maintaining sanitising and cleaning in accordance with approved and established work practices.
• To provide Laundry, Janitorial services and general cleaning throughout the facility.
• Work within a team environment and communicate effectively with other team members.
• Ensure work practices are in accordance with recognised Hospital Safety Regulations and report all hazardous situations promptly to the Supervisor, Operational Services.
• Participate in educational and in-service programs to build and update knowledge within your work area. (Nutrition, Food handling, Chemical and Cleaning etc)
• Maintain a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the facility, and a neat and tidy personal appearance, at all times.
• Provide ethical decision making in the achievement of organisational goals.
Enquiries: Sarah-Jane Cameron – 07 4096 1000. JAR: CAH642191
CLASSIFIED APPROVAL DEADLINE
4PM FRIDAY Prior to the next week’s publication.
We are currently seeking the services of a suitably qualifi ed and experienced person to fill the position of Childcare Director with this organisation based in Ravenshoe, FNQ, 2hr from Cairns.
This is a permanent part time position offering 21.5hrs over 3 days. (Mon-Wed 8.00am
– 3.10pm), Remuneration in accordance with Children’s Services Award, Children’s services employee – Director between Level 6.1 – 6.3, level be determined based on applicants’ qualifi cations and relevant Industry experience.
RCC operates a limited hours childcare program in Ravenshoe and funding is provided for the employment of a Director and 2 Childcare Educators (Assistants).
Up to 21 children, ranging in age from 0 – 5 years may use the service at any one time.
The successful candidate will have the drive to build respectful and reciprocal relationships with children and families, and assist the organisation to provide quality early learning and care.
Key Responsibilities:
• Oversee the daily operations of the childcare centre, ensuring smooth functioning and adherence to all licensing regulations.
• Develop and implement educational programs that promote the social, emotional, and physical development of children.
• Lead, mentor, and support a team of educators and staff, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Establish and maintain effective communication with parents and families, providing updates on their child’s progress and addressing any concerns.
• Ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for children, staff, and families.
• Manage the centre’s budget, including enrolment, staff payroll, and purchasing supplies.
• Conduct regular assessments and evaluations of programs and staff performance, implementing improvements as necessary.
• Stay informed about current trends and best practices in early childhood education. Qualifi cations:
• Diploma Qualifi ed in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or equivalent.
• Proven experience in a leadership role within a childcare setting.
• Strong understanding of early childhood development and education principles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, families, and community partners.
• Strong organizational and management skills.
• Certifi cation in CPR/First Aid.
• Up to date Blue Card (background checks as required by law.) or willing to obtain one.
• Current Child Protection Training.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience addressing the Key Responsibilities listed above to Human Resources: hro@ravcom.org.au
This is an opportunity to protect our children’s future. Saltwater Crocodiles are NOT native to the Mareeba Shire. Due to increasing populations they are spreading closer to populated areas to gain new territory.
Past generations used the Barron and other waterways for swimming & fishing. Now farmers are hesitant to go near the water’s edge in order to fix irrigation equipment. By expanding Zone F on the Tablelands we can ensure safe waterways for future generations.
HAVE YOUR SAY NOW: Sign the online QLD Parliament petition via The Express Newspaper Facebook Page or sign at these locations; The Express Newspaper, Casali’s Mareeba, Claude Caters Mensland, Biboohra Service Station. For more information contact George Adil Ph: 0417 794 675 or Email: georondamk2@bigpond.com
IRRIGATION TECHNICIAN
Applications will close at 25th June and only suitable candidates will be contacted.
The Express Newspaper is seeking a motivated person to fill our company administration role on a casual basis in Mareeba.
Experience is preferred but not necessary as full training will be available to the successful applicant.
The successful person will:
• Be our first point of contact
• Undertake all general office and administrative duties
• Take classifieds and directory advertisements
• Enter and reconcile accounts into Xero
• Process national advertising bookings
• Be available on call in short notice
The position is casual.
The Express Newspaper is a community, independent free product and offers a great opportunity for the right person to learn a myriad of valuable skills.
While no experience is necessary, the position would suit someone with excellent customer service, good administration skills and knowledge of computer office programs.
Send your cover letter and resume to: carl@theexpressnewspaper.com.au Applications close June 28th, 2025.
Full-time Irrigation Technician
Irrigation & Machinery Services (PIMS), Mareeba, Queensland Pumping Irrigation & Machinery Services (PIMS)
DESCRIPTION
A full-time Irrigation Technician and all-rounder is required for immediate start.
Pumping Irrigation & Machinery Services (PIMS), a Mareeba-based firm, supplies a wide range of industries with end-to-end solutions and high-quality products to ensure efficiency and reliability in water, irrigation and filtration services throughout Far North Queensland.
TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for the installation, maintenance and repairs/service of irrigation and filtration systems, including pumps to a wide range of clients across Far North Queensland. You will display exceptional customer service and irrigation product knowledge whilst building client relationships and loyalty.
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
• 2 - 3 years’ experience in the pumping and irrigation industry
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a willingness to learn
• Self-motivated, honest, hardworking, conscientious and well presented
• Ability to work unsupervised and have exceptional problem-solving skills
• Excellent planning and time management skills
• Current Driver Licence (MR Preferred)
• Training will be provided
SALARY
Above award rates commensurate with experience with additional hours available. If this sounds like a job you are interested in, email your cover letter and resume to: careers@pumpingirrigation.com.au
THE Bulls Women found a good win last week after taking down the Southside Comets 3-2, while the Men went down 4-0.
The now fourth-placed Bulls Women came away with a hard-fought win after they took on the third-placed Comets down in Edmonton last Friday night.
One of Mareeba’s top goal scorers Blake Veschetti scored a double while Katia Spena also put one in the net to help get her team over the line.
They now sit one point below the Comets on the ladder.
It was an unfortunate result for the Bulls Men on Saturday night after they went down 0-4 to the Southside Comets. They now sit in sixth place on the ladder.
This Saturday, the Bulls Men will travel to Innisfail to take on Innisfail United at 7pm while the Bulls Women will host the Edge Hill Tigers at 8.30pm this Friday.
LOCAL rugby league returns this weekend as the Mareeba Gladiators gear up to host the Tully Tigers while the Atherton Roosters will have another week off with a bye.
The Gladiators are set to host Tully at Davies Park, Mareeba this Saturday. The Under 19s will get things underway from 3pm, followed by Reserve Grade at 4.30pm, and A Grade at 6pm.
Next weekend, the Atherton Roosters and Mareeba Gladiators will go head-to-head in the highly anticipated local derby, at Davies Park.
With the Roosters currently holding first place on the ladder and Mareeba in fourth, local fans can expect a tough, competitive, and action-packed hit-out.
THE North Queensland long range rifle shooting team captained by a Ravenshoe woman recently took out the National Championship for the second consecutive year.
North Queensland Rifle Association’s (NQRA) F/TR team first stunned its competition in Canberra last year when it brought the F/TR National Title to North Queensland for the very first time.
After competing in
Townsville recently, the NQ team, captained by Ravenshoe’s Betta Giasana, dominated its competition and won all five trophies. This again had never been done by an F Class North Queensland team before. Cairns shooter Michael Keelan also took home the Best Shooter trophy.
The five trophies were: Day 1, Day 2, Aggregate (National Title), Lone Range Aggregate and Best Shooter.
The next F Class Teams Championships will be held in South Australia late next year, the team will soon get ready to work again and prepare to defend the title.
The 2025 F/TR team: Captain Betta Gianasi (Ravenshoe), Coach Jordan Drew (Cairns) and shooters from Cairns: Boyd Hamlyn, Michael Keelan, Paul Little and Karl Vorderwinkler; shooters from Ayr: Jason Kupke and Dave Huckett, and from
Mackay: Tim Lawrence. F/TR, meaning Farquharson (F) Class Target Rifle (TR), is a combination class that mixes the skills of both F Class and Target Rifle together.
An F/TR Class rifle is limited to .223 Remington or .308 Winchester calibre chambers. The F/TR rifle class is limited to the use of an attached bipod and/or a sling as front supports, optionally used together with a rear bag.
THE SSAA Atherton Branch hosted yet another successful Nasho FNQ inter-branch rifle shoot at their Tinaroo range recently.
Under changing light conditions, 20 shooters contested the “Kevin Thomson Memorial Shoot” competition for the three trophies on offer. Mr Thomson was a Mareeba Nasho who passed away on 26 March aged 88. Veteran shooters included those who served in Afghanistan and Vietnam.
Competition rules were established before the commencement of the shoot being held over three disciplines using both .22inch rifles and pistols. The highest possible score for the competition was 400.40 points.
Only National Servicemen (nonassociation people included) were eligible to win the Top Marksman trophy. All total
scores including guests were considered for each branch average. In total, 14 Tablelands, four Innisfail, and two Cairns shooters attended the event.
The FNQ Nasho Marksman Trophy was taken out by 1965-72 Nasho and seasoned Tablelands shooter Rusty Vonarx with a score of 392.13. In second place was competition organiser and branch patron Ray Byrnes OAM with a score of 377.17 and in third was Innisfail shooter Aldo Bensi with a score of 370.9.
The Friends of the Nasho’s Trophy was won by SSAA club president John Lindsay who had the highest overall score for the day of 392.23. Taking out second and third place were Tablelands shooters Peter Campion (second) and John Kemp (third) who scored
383.9 and 380.9 respectively.
The Encouragement Trophy was awarded to Tablelands shooter Len Barbagallo, who recorded the lowest total score of the disciplines shot (139.1).
“Nothing wrongs the skills of a shooter using a new rifle other than the importance of zeroing it in before a competition,” Tablelands shooter John Hardy said.
The NSAA Tableland branch with 14 shooters, five of whom were Nasho’s, registered an average score of 352.11.
The NSAA Cairns Branch with one Nasho shooter and one other recorded an average score of 333.12
The NSAA Innisfail / Babinda / Tully Branch with four Nasho shooters recorded an average score of 333.7.
THE 81-year-old Watsonville local has done it again after taking home gold at the UCI Mountain Bike Masters World Championships for the second consecutive year.
John Leslie took out the 80-84-year-old category for cross country mountain biking in a blistering time of 24m 59.21s in the international event held just a few weekends ago.
“It feels very good to win it again. Two years in a row definitely makes it more special,” Mr Leslie said.
“I was happier this year because there were a couple of younger blokes still behind me so that made me feel a bit better,” he said laughing.
Next year, the competition will be held in Chile but the Watsonville local isn’t sure if he’ll be making the trek to compete.
“I’d definitely like to go over there to compete, but the chances are looking pretty slim at the moment,” he said.
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