Cooktown local news 2014 03 27 by Regional and Remote Newspapers

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$2 • PH: 1300 4895 00 • EDITORIAL: editor@cooktownlocalnews.com.au • Issue 658 • Thursday, March 27, 2014

X-Ray machine saves Cairns trip                                       

By GARY HUTCHISON

a half-circle from ear to ear.

Cooktown.

Cooktown Multi-Purpose Health Service (MPHS) has installed a new dental X-ray machine that will save patients a trip to Cairns for a specialised scan.

“This machine is a new piece of equipment for Cooktown and will beneﬁt the community by allowing for procedures to occur here and residents not having to travel elsewhere,’’ he said.

“That’s the average number of patients a year that our dentist here in Cooktown would

“It is useful diagnostic equipment used in dentistry and also in incidents of facial trauma.’’

“Previously, patients would have to travel to Mareeba or Cairns to have that OPG scan and many of them would choose not to go.

Cooktown radiographer Steve Wallin said the new $50,000 orthopantomographic (OPG) machine took a form of dental X-ray that involved a panoramic scan of the upper and lower jaw, which shows a two-dimensional view of

            

Mr Wallin said an average of about 500 patients a year would beneﬁt from the new machine at

recommend should have an OPG scan as an additional diagnostic procedure,’’ he said.

“Now, there will be no ex-

cuse for them not to get the scan done!’’

Mareeba or Cairns to receive this important dental service.

Thanks to the new machine, this type of specialised dental X-ray is now available both at Cooktown MPHS and at the Weipa Integrated Health Service, which already has one.

“For too long, the people of Cooktown and neighbouring communities, have been left behind when it comes to vital services like health,” he said.

David Kempton, Member for Cook, said the new orthopantomographic machine would save hundreds of locals the inconvenience and cost of travelling into

“I am thrilled to see this important machine up and running and would urge residents to take advantage of it. “Good oral health is vital to everyone’s overall well-being.”

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editor@cooktownlocalnews.com.au

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you have an upcoming event, please let us know by email to editor@cooktownlocalnews.com.au or phone Gary Hutchison on (07) 4069 5773.

WEEKLY

2nd & 4th Tuesday, every month. Trivia Night at the Coktown RSL Memorial Club, 7pm. Info call 4069 5780. Every Thursday. Bingo, 10am, and Social Darts, 7pm, at the Bowls Club. Every Friday. Monster Meat Raffles in the Caf Bar, @ The Sovereign, from 6pm. Every Friday. Members Draw, from 6.30pm; Raffles and Lucky Pokies Seat, 8-8.30pm, at the Bowls Club. Every Friday. Members Draw (7.30-8.30pm) @ the Cooktown RSL Memorial Club plus raffles. Every Saturday. Lions Club raffles and members' draw at the Top Pub, from 12 noon to 3pm. Every Sunday. Social Bowls, from 8.30am, Bowls Club. Every Monday. Hospitality Bowls, from 2.30pm, Bowls Club. Every Sunday and Tuesday. Cooktown Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in the CWA Hall in Charlotte Street. Sunday: from 1.30pm, Tuesday from 8pm. Call 0477 505 047 for details. Every Tuesday. Cards and Games morning, 10am, Bowls Club. Every Tuesday and Thursday. Swim for Your Life at the Cooktown Pool from 9am to 10pm. Every Wednesday. Social Bowls, from 1pm, at the Bowls Club. Every Wednesday and Saturday. Cooktown Pool - Aqua Aerobics: Wednesday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, Saturday 12 noon to 1pm.

MARCH

Thu 27. Cooktown Tennis Club AGM at The Italian Restaurant, 5pm. Jodi 0428 472 110. Fri 28. Pete playing live at the Sovereign Cafe Bar. Fri 28. Cooktown Creative Arts Assoc AGM, 5pm, CCAA premises, 97 Charlotte St, 4069 5794. Sat 29. Cape York Folk Club AGM, 12 noon at Nature's PowerHouse. Jen Midgley 4069 6878 A/H. Mon 31. Cooktown Re-Enactment Assoc. AGM, at The Boathouse, 6pm. Phone 4069 6861 or 0427 194 820.

APRIL

Wed 9 and Thu 10. Marlin Coast Veterinary Surgery visiting at the CWA rooms. Phone 4069 5337 or 4057 6033 for appointments. Fri - Mon, 18 - 21. Laura Amateur Turf Club working bee. Fri 18. Good Friday public holiday. Sat 19. Easter Saturday public holiday. Mon 21. Easter Monday public holiday. Tue - Wed, 22 - 23. Ordinary Meeting of Cook Shire Council, from 9am @ Council's administration building. Phone 4069 5444. Can club secretaries please send in a list of their events planned for the year to editor@cooktownlocalnews.com. au so they can be included in the What's On section.

CHURCH SERVICES Baptist: Hogg Street, near IGA, 9.30am Sun. Phone 4069 5155. Cooktown Community Church (AOG/ACC): Gungarde Hall, 9.30am Sun; Home Group 7.30am Wed. Phone 4069 5070, 0427 756 793. Catholic: 6pm Sat and 8.30am Sun, St Mary's, Cooktown. Phone 4069 5730. Anglican: Christ Church Chapel, Sun 8.30am. Phone 4069 6778, 0428 696 493. Lutheran: Hope Vale at 9am on Sunday, Cooktown. Phone either 4060 9197 or 0419 023 114.

 letters to the editor CSCAG votes to retain independence from council ALTHOUGH initiated by residents in the Endeavour valley area with concerns regarding the Selective Inspection Program, residents from other areas of the shire with different concerns make up the Cook Shire Community Action Groups numbers. The most prevalent concern brought to CSCAG by local residents is the failure by council to respond to their letters, emails and phone calls. For some residents this has been a repeated failing of council; for others it has been the inadequacy of the response. With no other available avenue through which to voice concern regarding council actions or inaction, over 100 residents currently form the group. The Mayor and CEO have both declared council’s approval of the group and the willingness of council to receive presentations and interact with the group to resolve community issues and concerns. In fact, at the CSCAG February meeting, residents were lauded for their attendance and promised that

Where we go: Approx 1400 copies distributed every Thursday throughout Cooktown, Hope Vale, Rossville, Wujal Wujal, Bloomfield, Ayton, Marton, Port Douglas, Mossman, Cairns, Lakeland Downs/Laura, Mt Carbine/Mt Molloy, Mareeba and Coen, and subscribers across Australia and overseas.

established for all local areas throughout the shire to meet the principles of inclusiveness and equity. Council has had plenty of opportunity to establish these committees before now but has failed to do so. Council at the January council meeting adopted a revised “Community Engagement Policy”. It is clearly apparent that once again council is “talking the talk” but lacks the capacity or intent to ‘walk the walk’. Cook Shire Community Action Group will remain independent of council and strive to advocate on behalf of residents from throughout the shire, rather than become an area representative committee of council as recommended by the CEO and then forwarded to the group by the Mayor. The group’s next meeting will be held at the PCYC Cooktown Events Centre on May 10 from 2pm. Helen Rutherford CSCAG Facilitation Team Cooktown.

Council ‘will not admit any fault in their actions’ - Weise I READ with interest the publisher’s comments in last week’s Cooktown Local News. And I agree that lack of interaction with the community is the cause of discontent within the shire. It has also become blatantly obvious that council are not going to admit any fault in their actions, and while that situation exists there can be no reconciliation between council and the people affected by their poor policies and decisions. Some of the publisher’s points however need expanding on. The Mayor’s preferred method of interaction was through a formal committee chaired by a councillor and was only to include residents of the Endeavour Valley and Poison Creek districts. Many of the issues discussed at the Cook Shire Community Action Group (CSCAG) involve the whole shire and the Mayor’s failure to recognise this is just another example of him “not listening”. His suggestion is just another example of his “Smoke and Mirrors” approach to community relations. Nor did the CSCAG want a councillor controlling the agenda of the meetings. The history of the selective inspection program needs expanding on as it has implications for the whole shire. Approximately 18 months ago, council instituted a rubbish collection service throughout the Endeavour Valley and Poison Creek districts without community consultation claiming it would solve an illegal dumping of rubbish problem at the Poison Creek Road recycling facility. It has not! A petition was organised rejecting the service as

Contacts & Deadlines Editor: (07) 4069 5773 Editor’s mobile: 0411 722 807 People wishing to meet in person with the editor can do so by calling him, and he will arrange a time to meet with you at a mutually convenient location. All advertising / accounts enquiries, please call: 1300 4895 00 or (07) 4098 2281 Mobile: 0419 828 639 Fax: 1300 787 248

the results of a five-hour meeting of council to discuss community issues and concerns presented to council on January 21 would be forwarded to the group once finalised. However, Council has once again exceeded community expectations by backing away completely from its stated commitments: • Council was conspicuously absent from the March CSCAG meeting - not even the newly-engaged Community Liaison Officer attended; • No communication has been received from council with regard to actions to resolve any issues and concerns presented on behalf of residents; • Informing the group that council’s preferred method of interaction with the community would be through an Endeavour Valley Advisory Committee, and as such, representations from the group would not be accepted by council; • If the preference by council for is for advisory committees, they would need to be

EDITOR: Gary Hutchison editor@cooktownlocalnews.com.au GENERAL MANAGER & AD DESIGN: Sharon Gallery ads@cooktownlocalnews.com.au

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unwanted and unnecessary. Council claimed that many of the signatories were non-resident in the collection area, when in fact. nearly all were or had rateable blocks within the area. The residents (not council) organised a meeting at the Rural Fire shed to which the councillors were invited. At this meeting, council were made aware of the many problems with a service of this nature and admitted that they could not recover costs of running the service. Several councillors gave an undertaking to rescind the motion to institute the service. This never happened! Instead, a motion was passed instituting the selective inspection program. Not to simply ascertain residency status, but including building codes, (problems that could exist throughout the shire). Many people from all over the shire are now concerned that every time they sign a petition or show their disagreement with a council decision, they will be subjected to a selective inspection program. The morality and legality of such programs are highly questionable. The whole issue of rubbish disposal needs addressing. Whilst recycling is to be encouraged, there is still a huge need for a landfill facility in the Cooktown district. Much of our costs are in fact being determined by Mareeba Shire, a situation that cannot be allowed to continue. Despite the Mayor’s rhetoric about doubling the population, the recently released land valuations would suggest that Cooktown is going backwards - inability to support existing businesses

being a major cause. The controversial RV Park being another example of council’s contempt for local business. The suggested industrial area at the airport does absolutely nothing to assist our existing fishing fleet, nor do the exorbitant development application fees encourage business growth within the community. There are many people in this community with contributions to make. The CSCAG is discussing issues that affect the whole shire. There is no evidence that this council is listening to our concerns. Meanwhile, council continues to waste money on inefficient garbage services and creation of extraneous office jobs all because they “will not listen”. Steve Weise Cooktown

Publisher’s comments too opinionated THE terms “vitriol”, “grudge” and “firing line” used in describing the opinions and attitudes of local residents who attend the Cook Shire Community Action Group meetings does nothing but decry the statement made by the publisher Mr Corey Bousen. in his editorial comment in last week’s Cooktown Local News, “that this column is meant as an observation…” Which aspect of observation did he use? The publisher in his commentary article used much literary licence to paint a picture more suitable to fiction than fact. A little more background research could have added greater depth and meaning to his opinion, even if impartiality was not at the forefront of the article’s intent. As for the comment attributing the status of the “most opinionated citizens in the state”, the publisher is clearly not reading the right newspapers. Peter Rutherford Cooktown

 Letters to the editor

Publisher’s Details Publishers of the Cooktown Local News

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CHAIRMAN: Mark Bousen editor@regionalandremote.com.au PUBLISHER: Corey Bousen publisher@regionalandremote.com.au MANAGING EDITOR: Mark Bousen editor@regionalandremote.com.au ACCOUNTS: Sharon Gallery, General Manager accounts@cooktownlocalnews.com.au

Letters to the Editor are published as a free community service and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Cooktown Local News nor its management. Letters must be legible, preferably less than 250 words, carry a name and address, and be signed. A telephone number or similar identification must also be provided. Unsigned and anonymous letters, or use of a nom de plume, eg Concerned Citizen, etc will not be accepted. Names withheld on discretion of the publisher. Letters may be edited for space or content or omitted altogether at the discretion of the editor. Mail to: PO Box 36, Cooktown, Qld, 4895 Fax: 1300 787 248 or Email: editor@cooktownlocalnews.com.au.

NEWS

Concern on Cape York Plan By Giembra Busmer

RV travellers in their droves attended last year’s Show and this year will again travel to Cooktown to celebrate their own event, ‘Party like it’s New Year’s Eve!’, which will be held from July 28 to August 4. This photo depicts just a portion of the RVs parked at the racecourse last year. Photo: GARY HUTCHISON.

Party like it’s New Year’s Eve – RV Event COOKTOWN’S annual RV Event will be held this year from Monday, July 28 to Monday, August 4 at the Cooktown Racecourse. The event is going to be celebrated and promoted as “Party like it’s New Year’s Eve!” to follow on from the ‘Christmas in July’ event held in Mareeba the week before. Following the success of the 2013 RV Event, this year’s event could potentially attract double or even triple the amount of visitors. Cook Shire Council will not only be organising this tourism event, but actively promoting it at the Townsville Dam Fine Rally and Christmas in July RV Event in Mareeba. There are many opportunities for

local businesses and community organisations to be a part of this event by providing activities for our visitors to participate in during their stay in Cooktown. Tour packages and light entertainment will ensure these RV travellers have a full and enjoyable stay. Council is currently drafting a program of events and is urging any interested groups or business operators to make contact with the Economic Development and Community Services team as soon as possible to discuss opportunities for involvement in this major tourism event for Cooktown. For further information, contact 4069 5444 or email mail@cook.qld. gov.au.

Cook Shire on unstainability risk list COOK Shire has been named as one of seven far northern councils at risk of becoming financially unsustainable in the latest Queensland Audit Office report. Included with Cook Shire in the far northern list of councils are: Lockhart River, Mapoon, Northern Peninsula Area, Pormpuraaw, Yarrabah and Torres Strait Island. In all, a total of 16 councils across the state were deemed as being at a higher risk of becoming financially unsustainable in the 2012-’13 report into the finances and operations of Queensland’s local councils released by the auditor-general. The report says the councils consistently incurred substantial operating

losses in the past four years. Also brought into question were several councils’ disaster recovery plans. The report says despite many of the state’s councils being hit hard by natural disasters in recent years, the Cassowary Coast, Cook Shire, Mapoon, Northern Peninsula Area councils and the Burdekin continue to have inadequate, incomplete or undocumented plans on how they would recover. It said the councils were addressing the issue as at June 30 last year. The Cooktown Local News has contacted Cook Shire Council for its comment, but as at time of publishing its response had not been received, but could be forthcoming for next week’s edition.

 letters to the editor More than a chiropractor – more like life insurance! REGARDING the Endeavour Valley Road (again), I will acknowledge that recent and ongoing grading work on the road has improved the road “somewhat” once the inches of slippery and dangerous mud have dried out, but only when the weather is dry. I also don’t believe anyone that travels the road could verify that it is “maintained in the safest possible condition” as quoted by Mr Kempton MP, who obviously doesn’t use it. And I continue to question why the safety of school children and those who have no option but to risk their lives to travel on it, are given no value in determining priorities for road funding and those who choose to drive fatigued get audiotactile markings and barriers erected on a fine piece of highway. But the Peninsula Road gets multiple millions. School bus route? I don’t think so. Tourists? Yes. And they (many) use our road too! Trucks, yes, including semis. Residents, educators, health and other pro-

fessionals, “tradies” etc. etc., not once in a blue moon on a trip to the big smoke, but countless times. (refer David Kempton’s media release 23/2/14) Hmmm – so what’s the difference? Land values gone up 100 per cent along the PDR, but generally down around here? Ahhh is that a clue? Seems like something’s going on...especially when the Transport Minister, the Infrastructure Minister, the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, the Safer Roads Sooner chairperson, and the local Federal MP do not reply and all we can get out of the State MP is a “strategy” to address a 20-year-old issue... but whatever it is, it’s seems to be worth more than our lives. Debbie Keeble Cooktown CORRECTION In last week’s history column, the photo depicting the Bank of NSW was incorrectly captioned. It was actually the Bank of NSW, Maytown – not Cooktown.

TWO, last-minute meetings in Laura and Lakeland on Monday, March 24, have failed to instil confidence in the Cape York Regional Plan or the consultation process, according to Western Yalanji chairperson Alwyn Lyall. Mr Lyall said the meeting in Laura with Member for Cook David Kempton was “not what we had hoped for”. The closing date for submissions was midnight on Tuesday, March 25 and Cape York stakeholders, concerned with lack of consultation about the plan, had hoped for an extension of the submission period. “Unfortunately Mr Kempton told us on Monday that he could not personally commit to the extension – the only person who could do this was the Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney,” Mr Lyall said. (Mr Seeney issued a media release on March 20 stating “Queenslanders have until 25 March to participate in formal consultation on the draft Cape York Regional Plan.” Mr Seeney’s statement would seem to effectively rule out an extension.) Mr Lyall said he had lodged a submission on the draft Cape York Regional Plan despite lack of consultation as he was unhappy with the lack of culturally appropriate guidelines for future land use in Cape York within the plan. “It was a shock to discover that important cultural heritage country (including the Quinkan Art Gallery) is zoned for future mining and Development under the regional plan,” he said.

Meeting a step in the right direction DAVID Kempton, Member for Cook, has described Monday’s meeting with the Traditional Owners of the Laura Rock Art as a “big step in the right direction” in relation to the draft Cape York Regional Plan. Mr Kempton travelled to Laura for a face-toface meeting with a group of about 25 locals. He explained that the proposed amendments to the plan would protect the iconic rock art from mining. “The greater the protection, the tighter the restrictions on other uses of the land,” Mr Kempton said. “I am confident that through discussions like these we will get the balance right.” He said that although the deadline for submissions closed Tuesday, it was an ongoing process and he would continue to work with the group on the proposed mapping and land use conditions. “This meeting was about the specific issue of protecting the Laura Rock Art, and by no means represented widespread discontent by Traditional Owners throughout Cape York over the

plan,” Mr Kempton said. “I have not been contacted by any other group.” He said he was confident he could work with the people of Laura to achieve the “best outcome for everyone’. Mr Kempton also held a second meeting with farmers at Lakeland, where it was agreed that mining and tourism contributed to economic diversity. “However, where there is an interaction with these sorts of activities and farming, it is very important to ensure that the good farming country be protected and the integrity of the water supply is guaranteed,” he said. “It is important in the Lakeland basin that we get the mapping and land use codes right. “I will continue to work closely with the Lakeland farmers around these issues and am confident that we will reach the right result.” Mr Kempton said he would now take the matters raised yesterday to the Deputy Premier and ensure they were taken into account in the planning process.

“In the past government policy has shown little regard for our cultural heritage. We want to see a cultural plan, but it is not in there. “No such plan exists today and it is not acknowledged in this current Cape York Regional Plan.” Mr Lyall said Monday’s meeting gave Traditional Owners an opportunity to “draw lines on maps to widen the Strategic Environment Areas (SEAs)” but didn’t give a great deal of protection to the Laura Rock Art Gallery. “I believe cultural heritage and environmental values to be one in the same but unfortunately the government does not see it that way and never puts them in the same boat,” Mr Lyall said. “We hold our cultural values in really high regard. For me cultural heritage comes first – that’s our vision statement – and we do not see it in this plan.” Joy Marriott a pastoralist and former Cattleman’s Association and Agforce representative said Mr Kempton was “receptive” at the Lakeland meeting. “He took on board that were were genuine in our belief that we were not consulted (as local stakeholders) about the plan. “We also discussed the lack of cultural values referenced in the Cape York Regional Plan,” she said.

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Cooktown Local News – Thursday, March 27, 2014 – 3

COMMUNITY

Around our SHIRE Natural resource management insights By DEPUTY MAYOR PENNY JOHNSON Humans are the most remarkable natural resource around.

LAUNCESTON City provided the scenic setting for the 5th National NRM knowledge conference, which brought together people from across the nation. People shared experiences and stories and work-shopped themes that apply to us all across the length and breadth of this amazing island, Australia. One of the most important take home insights from the conference was that Natural Resource Management, more commonly known as NRM, is really about people. Humans are the most remarkable natural resource around. The challenge is ﬁnding out what they think and feel about the land they live on, how they see the future of their environment, their place in that big picture and how do we work together for the beneﬁt of the land and the people?

There’s a lot to do in our back yard

How does NRM sit in your world? What does it mean to individuals and groups living

and working across such diverse landscapes? How do we tap in to the knowledge, energy and ideas of young people and how do we share stories that influence change for the benefit of the land and people? Mark Olsen from EC3 Global spoke about conservation, land management and sustainable tourism and the theme was “Stories beat Stuff”. It’s about the experience that engages the head and the heart. We were challenged to think about how we get young people off the electronic devices and physically engaged with their environment. What opportunities are there for special moments that lead to appreciation, conservation and advocacy? How do we create those opportunities, and how can tourism really contribute to sustainable and effective land management – financially and through experiences. Tourism can make a significant contribution and be part of the investment in land management – whether it is privately held, part of the national park estate or within protected

areas. Adventure tourism is the fastest growing segment – of all ages. What opportunities are available in Cook Shire based on this growth? Technology has played an incredible role in dispersing information – but amongst all the bytes blasting about the ether, is the message getting out and importantly, who is receiving it? Underlying these questions was how do we provide learnings and experiences that help people more deeply understand and appreciate the natural resources we all rely upon? NRM needs to use its “VOICE”: Vision, Originality, Icons, Compelling and Competitive, Experiences. In Mark’s words, “Be different or be dead!” Create memorable experiences. Be the change you want to see. Be remarkable and provide remarkable moments. And good news for our shire – off the beaten track is now on the radar. How we manage that is up to all of us.

This column is published at no cost to Cook Shire and local ratepayers.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

TORRES AND CAPE HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICE BOARD MEMBERSHIP As a statutory authority to be established under the Hospital and Health Board Act 2011, the Department of Health, on behalf of the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service is looking to establish a new board that will take effect as of the 1st July 2014. The Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service will be the result of the amalgamation of the Cape York Hospital and Health Service and Torres Strait-Northern Peninsula Hospital and Health Service. The new board will be appointed by the Governor-In-Council on the recommendation from the Minister for Health.

To submit your expression of interest in the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Board, please complete the required documentation and return by post or email to Sandra Jones by 11 April 2014.

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An information pack is available from Sandra Jones on telephone 07 3234 1119 or by emailing a request to trans_CYTSNPHHS@health.qld.gov.au.

“Stories beat Stuff” when it comes to tourism.

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Council grants boost local groups A NEW children’s orchestra is among 10 local groups to receive almost $10,000 in funding after Cook Shire Council announced the latest recipients of its 2013/14 Community Development Grant Program. The grants provide assistance to organisations, groups or individuals who make a positive contribution to the quality of life of the community or offer beneﬁt to the shire as a whole. Latest grant recipients include: • Cooktown RSL Sub-branch, as the auspice for Cooktown Children’s Orchestra, will receive $1000 to further strengthen a new children’s orchestra; • Cooktown Horse Sports will receive $1000 for yard panels and gazebos to be used at events and by other local groups; • Endeavour Family Day Care will receive $500 to purchase portable signage and assist with educator recruitment and musical resources; • Cooktown Creative Arts Association

will receive $474 for a railway engine shaped sign to increase awareness of and promote the Old Cooktown Railway building; • Cooktown Tennis Club will receive $870.91 to assist with grounds maintenance; • Friends of the Foundation will receive $950 to assist with their 2014 Garden Party and Fete; • Bloomfield River District Residents’ Association will receive $1200 for new furniture and a barbecue for use at the Bloomfield Hall and other local events; • Rossville and District Citizens Association will receive $800 for new furniture at the Rossville Hall; and • Rossville Rural Fire Brigade will receive $1300 for new white goods for the local fire brigade shed and maintenance of the fire brigade vehicle. The next round of the Community Development Grant Program will be open for applications after July 2014.

Kids’ club starts at library THE opportunity to have your very own story printed and bound as a book is just one of the activities on offer at the new Kids’ Club starting at the Cooktown Library today, Thursday, March 27. Kid’s Club is open to youngsters between six and 12 years of age and provides a safe, supervised environment for them to explore creatively and receive hands-on homework help. Parents are also welcome to stay and join in. The club, in conjunction with the Cooktown Kids’ Art Society, will offer some structured activities such as the popular Create-A-Book, but will also strongly encourage youngsters to explore their own creativity. Although the Club will be held every Thursday between 3pm and 5pm, children are welcome to continue their

projects at any time during the library’s opening hours. Teenagers and adults can also take part in the Create-A-Book project, delving into their imagination or family history to create a story which will be printed in colour and bound by the library. The library also offers computer training for seniors on Thursday mornings, with participants welcome to use either the library’s computers or bring their own. Training covers topics ranging from how to download an e-book to computer basics such as using different operating systems and sending emails, as well as speciﬁc requests from participants. For more information on Kids Club, Create-A-Book or computer training, contact the Cooktown Library on (07) 4069 5009 or email cooktown_library@cook.qld.gov.au.

What do you do with your old printer cartridges? Did you know that used printer cartridges are a valuable source of material? Recyclers separate aluminium, ink, clean plastics, contaminated plastics and steel which all are turned into new products! If you use Brother, Canon, Epson, HP, Konica Minolta, Kyocera or Lexmark products* you can dispose of the following items for FREE:

NEWS

$50,000 available for local art projects ALMOST $50,000 in funding is available for local arts projects through Cook Shire Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund. Council’s RADF program is now open for submissions all year round, with funding allocated three times this ﬁnancial year. The application cut off date for the next round of allocations is April 25, 2014. “The diverse nature of art today allows for a wide range of activities and programs to be funded under the RADF,” Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott said. “Some of our shire’s most outstanding art projects have been funded with the assistance of the RADF, many leaving lasting impressions on our local communities. “I encourage all artists and arts workers in Cook Shire to consider whether RADF funding could help realise any upcoming arts projects.” Successful applications will be chosen based on how well they align with the objectives of the RADF program and the cultural priorities of Cook Shire Council. RADF committee members are available to discuss your arts project and how best to use RADF to support some of the costs involved. Application forms and guidelines are available from Council’s website www.cook.qld.gov.au or for more information contact Council’s Grants Ofﬁcer Karen Nicolaou on (07) 4069 5444 or email mail@cook.qld.gov.au. The Regional Arts Development Fund is a Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Cook Shire Council partnership to support local arts and culture.

Close the Gap Day CLOSE the Gap Day events organised by Apunipima in Laura and Wujal Wujal last Thursday focused on a wide range of health issues. Domestic violence, chronic disease, nutrition, oral health, the importance of physical activity and the need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have health checks were the subjects targeted. The 2014 Close the Gap Report, released in February, outlined the vast disparity in life expectancy, chronic disease and child mortality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Australians compared to non-Indigenous Australians. The Gap will widen in the Cape York region without a concerted effort across all levels of government to address both tailored and targeted primary health care services and the social determinants of health. Evidence shows that better health outcomes and significant health gains can be achieved by Aboriginal communities having control of their own health. While there is still a lot of work to do in order to reach the Close the Gap targets, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHO) are front and centre in the fight for health equality. Community owned and community driven health services provide culturally appropriate, responsive care underpinned by self – determination and ground – up solutions.’ Apunipima CEO Cleveland Fagan said Close the Gap Day was a potent reminder that there is still a long way to go to meet Council of Australian Government targets, improve the health of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders and achieve health equality. ‘Apunipima is committed to strengthening community controlled primary health care across Cape York,” he said. “We are proud of the fact that over half our workforce identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Mr Fagan said he believed employment is integral to the health of individuals, families and communities.

The program shows you that you can do what you want. Make your vision happen as well as your dreams. LUCY HOBSON | LOCKHART RIVER SKILLING LEADER

Recruiting Now

From Cape York, Yarrabah and Palm Island LEADERSHIP TRAINING AND EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

YOUTH LEADERS

SKILLING LEADERS

• Indigenous people 18 to 24 years • Gain the confidence and skills you need to enter and progress within the workforce • Leadership training and Certificate II Business

• Indigenous people 25 years and over • Develop managerial, business and leadership skills • Leadership training and Certificate III Micro Business Operations

• Mixed cartridges • Inkjet cartridges • Laser cartridges • Toner bottles • Fuser and drum units • Print heads *Abovementioned BRANDS ONLY.

Please bring your used printer products to Council’s main office (10 Furneaux Street, Cooktown) or take them to Cooktown Waste Transfer Station. All the cartridges will be recycled through the Cartridges 4 Planet Ark program.

APPLY TODAY | Applications close Friday 11 April Download an application form at www.cyi.org.au | Ph: 4046 0600 Cooktown Local News – Thursday, March 27, 2014 – 5

2014 N O I T I D E

s t n e r a P l o o h c S e t a t S n w o t k The NEW Coo s i y r o t c e r i d w e n n o i t a i c o s s A & Citizens

! W O N T OU HU$R1R0Y! ONaLYc$ opy2 Untiinlc FGSeb T . 28

6 – Cooktown Local News – Thursday, March 27, 2014

Available at the Cooktown Newsagency

NEWS

The

Eye of the

Cyclone

An irreverent, satirical (and totally fictional) comment upon the issues of life, by our faceless correspondent.

An explanation about recent fuss IN view of the recent fuss in and around Parliament, the Minister has asked me to give everyone an explanation of what has been happening, and reassure them that there is nothing to worry about. The Minister and his colleagues have everything under control, and they continue to work hard for the benefit of all Australians. I am glad to support the Minister, of course, and I suppose I had better start by describing the Minister’s company, Water Investments and Infrastructure Inc. The Minister and some knowledgeable friends have identified a lack of administrative and financial skills in the water industry, and set up their company to provide a range of such services to the industry. They are absolutely wonderful at negotiating contracts, especially because the people who ultimately sign the contracts are such close friends. These sorts of commercial arrangements are a vital part of Australia’s dynamic modern economy and are especially welcome as they offer our impoverished politicians to earn an honest dollar or two, in between Parliamentary sittings. They also give party treasurers the chance of generous donations from the grateful businesses concerned.

Big demand for speech therapy services on the Cape

Photo comp winners

The Minister has been upset at media speculation that he stood to make enormous sums of money as a director of Water Investments and Infrastructure, and he has asked me to state that these accusations are completely untrue. He points out that negotiating high level agreements like these is very onerous, and the fees charged do not represent the amount of work and inconvenience involved. Because everyone concerned is busy during the day, working meetings invariably take place over dinner and sometimes last far into the night. It is hard work, and should be rewarded. The Minister sees no impropriety in accepting Government payment for his efforts. The sums involved are surprisingly small, with invoices of perhaps only $50,000 in a typical month. Or perhaps a little more, if the dinner was well attended. It is true that the Minister stood to receive a small extra honorarium when the contract was signed but, again, this is quite normal practice. He does not understand all the fuss about this payment. It is not as if a mere $20 million would affect his judgement. Bruce O’Krat Advisor to the Minister.

READERS are reminded that the winners of the photo competition, “Your Climate – The Good, The Bad and the Sensational” will be announced at a ceremony being held at Cornett’s IGA Cooktown from 3.30pm tomorrow, Friday, March 28. And the winning entries will be on display also. The joint venture hosted by South Cape York Catchments (SCYC) and Cape York Natural Resources Management (Cape York NRM) features prizes in three different categories. First prize for the seniors is a $250 gift voucher from the Camera House in Cairns, with second prize being a weather station. And for the juniors, their ﬁrst prize is a Nikkon Coolpix camera, with a weather and climate station on offer as the second. And a People’s Choice Award is also featured with another $250 voucher from Camera House to be awarded to this winner.

Speech therapy services are in high demand on Cape York. Apunipima Cape York Health Council’s new speech pathologist Amanda Wilson had 100 referrals in her ﬁrst week. Amanda (pictured) holds the ﬁrst ever full time speech therapy position for the Cape and says demand far outweighs supply. ‘Cape York has a greater need for speech pathology due to high rates of hearing impairments from ear infections, developmental delay from Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and a range of health issues associated with chronic disease. There are many people who speak one or multiple Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander languages meaning learning in English can be more challenging.’ Amanda, as part of Apunipima’s Maternal and Child Health team, works with children and their families but says many adults need speech therapy services as well. ‘We know that there are still huge gaps in services for adults and in the areas of Cape York we don’t cover.’ Amanda has made a submission into the Senate Inquiry into the Prevalence of Different Types of Speech, Language and Communication Disorders and Speech Pathology Services in Australia to highlight the need for more speech therapy services

on Cape York. ‘The Senate Inquiry came about to investigate the huge social and economic impacts of communication and swallowing disorders in Australia. These disabilities are often invisible and silent and have significant life-long impact on the individuals, communities and significant financial burdens on government supports and services. ‘I thought this was a great opportunity to highlight the needs of people in Cape York communities. It is im-

portant to give a voice to people with communication disabilities, particularly those who don’t share the same cultural or language background as policy makers. I wanted to discuss the signiﬁcant life-long impact of communication disabilities and the effect on determinants of health which are essential to closing the gap. Addressing communication difﬁculties early in life has huge potential for improving people’s education, health, employment outcomes and social and emotional wellbeing.’

COOKTOWN MULTI PURPOSE HEALTH SERVICE – APRIL 2014 MONDAY

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Dentist (C/H)