Wet Tropic Times, 2023, April 6, Newspaper Edition

WEATHER

Tomorrow - Saturday

Ingham

Mostly sunny 22 - 35

Cardwell

Mostly sunny 23 - 32

Tully

Mostly sunny 22 - 33

Mission Beach

Mostly sunny 24 - 31

Innisfail

Mostly sunny 23 - 33

Tomorrow - Sunday

Ingham

Mostly sunny 23 - 35

Cardwell

Mostly sunny 23 - 33

Tully

Partly cloudy 22 - 34

Mission Beach

Mostly sunny 24 - 32

Innisfail

Mostly sunny 22 - 33

Regional Rainfall Report

EASTER 2023

WHY was Christ crucified He was God personified. He wanted the world to save And everyone eternal life gave.

The suffering was for our sake For us the sacrifice He had to make So we can help one and other And for us to live forever.

Death He had to trample And this He did by example God showed us the way Good and not evil sway.

Christ had to die on the cross Be buried and third day He rose

To show us the way to eternity Following His steps with certainty.

OUR TEAM

Managing Editor/ Director

Sari Russo management@ wettropictimes.com.au

Advertising ads @wettropictimes.com.au

Production

Clare Watson designs@ wettropictimes.com.au

Reception/ Administration

Katriina Hyytinen info@ wettropictimes.com.au

OUR DETAILS

Office: 22 Lannercost Street Ingham, QLD 4850

Phone: (07) 4776 0485

Website: wettropictimes.com.au

Email: info@ wettropictimes.com.au

Mail: PO Box 1100 Tully QLD 4854

Spiritual food with Jess

Weeds

RECENTLY the lord gave me a dream. In this dream, there were rectangular-shaped wooden garden beds.

As I began to look around, my attention got drawn to a giant tree that was growing in one of these garden beds.

In others were many fruitful plants, and in some, knee-length weeds were growing.

As I watched, I observed them all being watered, I was in disbelief as I watched and saw that weeds were being watered.

I knew it was wrong to water weeds, and I was unsure as to why there were just weeds and weeds alone in some garden beds.

"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up.

Some fell on rocky ground, and when they came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seeds fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still, other seeds fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown."

needs to be removed.

Weeds can damage plants in your garden

To avoid damage to your plants in your garden, it's important that you keep the area clear of weeds (Sin).

They not only compete with the plants for nutrients, light, and water (walking in obedience to Christ)

but also harbour diseases that could spread to the garden plants (possibly Opening the door to the demonic).

Weeds must be removed from the garden. Some invasive weeds can easily swamp the garden when left unchecked (being influenced by the demonic).

In this message, the Weeds symbolise sin, unrepented sin and continual sin, hence the watering of the weeds.

Weekly Bible Verse

The Lords Prayer tells us all Each verse we need to recall Do our best to follow the way And from all evil keep away.

May God bless everyone His Word be always done Keep safe take care Have a Happy Easter.

Jean Vallianos

14.3.23

I wish you all a Happy Easter. Love Jean and family.

When he said this, he called out, "Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear."

Luke 8: 5-8

As I thought about the dream, I remembered that the message for the past couple of years has been to repent.

I have written several times about repentance. The weeds symbolised to me things that are not meant to be in our gardens.

They are symbolic of things we are doing that are producing No fruit.

Weeding is important because weeds compete with other plants for resources like water, nutrients, sunshine and space.

As in a garden, so in our lives, Our sin and everything we allow into our lives that is ungodly

1 Peter 1:3: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

IGGULDENS

JOGGERS; FOOTIE BOOTS; BIKE PANTS; STARFISH THONGS, SLIDES; DAWGS THONGS, CLOGS, Z-SANDALS; CANVAS/ WASHABLE HATS; COMFY STRETCH WORKWEAR.

Debutantes keep age old tradition alive at Innisfail’s Catholic Debutante Ball

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY MARIA GIRGENTI

A SEA of stunning black and white attire swished across the dance floor at the Innisfail Catholic Debutante Ball held at the Shire Hall on March 25.

The Shire Hall was transformed and decorated to make it a memorable night for the debutantes, their partners and family members.

Twenty-five debutantes and their partners from Good Counsel College, Babinda State School and Innisfail State College were officially presented by MC Rikki-Lee Broccardo to Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Nolan, Parish Priest, Father Kerry Crowley and Rosa Lanzo, Principal of Good Counsel College in front of 300 guests.

As they were introduced on stage, each debutant and their partners moved down the stairs to the hall and back to their respective tables, where they stood before the start of the formal dances.

Following their 'introduction into society,' the young debutants

and their partners took part in two new dances Pride of Erin waltz to Ed Sheeran's song 'Perfect' and the Cha-Cha to Earth Wind and Fire's song 'September.'

Father Kerry Crowley offered up grace before guests enjoyed a buffet dinner catered by Roscoes Piazza.

After dinner, Jordann Lyons and Maddison McKay had the honours of cutting the cake, and then Bianca Brant, Hayley Wilkins, Kari Cini and Ella Sciacca distributed gifts to the debutants, followed by tea, coffee and dessert.

Then it was back to the dance floor for the dance with parents and enjoying live music by local band Riff Raff.

In preparation for the ball, over the past seven weeks, debutants and their partners attended dancing and etiquette sessions every Monday evening leading up to the event.

2023 debutantes and their partners:

Jordann Lyons and Jack Lodge

Bianca Brant and Matthew Schramm

Kari Cini and Blake Wells

Rylee Jones and Noah Maguire

Haylee Wilkins and Matthew Wilkins

Cara Destro and Mitchell

Forrest

Amy Spokes and Kodi

Vladich

Felicity Scott and Ash

Garner

Molly Dodds and Djay

Northage

Lucinda Kenway and Malachi Donaldson

Eliza Cook and Caine

Cockle

Emily O’Brien and Andy

Pham

Jade Banno and Zak

Bonello

Ella Sciacca and Corey

Gill

Belle Gallagher and

Joaquin Avera

Logan Lizzio and Matthew Saunders

Angela Carman and Jake Gentle

Charlotte Boevink and John Cunningham

Zali Penman and Ryan

Holly

Dakota Brighton and Brendan Verri

Matilda Jensen and Aidan

Herbert

Maddison McKay and Jesse Catelan

Natalie Cook and Kodi Worth

Katie Corrigan and Brodie Mayocchi

Teannah Kuhnell and Jessie Pantovic

The 2023 Deb Ball committee, made up

of Carla Broccardo, Rikki-Lee Broccardo, Rochelle McLeish and Rachel Accatino, were congratulated for their efforts.

The committee wanted to thank Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Roscoes Piazza, Creative Events Innisfail, Kris Pierantozzi, Cakes by Kylie, Cheryl-Lee Florist, Good Counsel College, Luke Vitali, band Riff Raff and Rotary Club of Innisfail-Fitzgerald for their contributions to make this year’s Deb Ball a huge success.

Since the first Deb Ball was held in 2007, they have been held biannually, and on two

occasions, due to large numbers, took place over Friday and Saturday nights.

Kaizen. It lies at the heart of why we care for a cleaner future. At Toyota, it means to improve and invent, to innovate and always find a better way. It started with our Hybrid technology over 25 years ago. But that was only the start. Now with the addition of the hydrogen-powered Mirai, we’re on our way to a cleaner tomorrow, today.

Maddison McKay and Jesse Catelan.

Jordann Lyons with her parents Annette and Raymond, brother Lachlan and sister Madison.

Eliza Cook and Caine Cockle.

Jade Banno and Zak Bonello.

Charlotte Boevink and John Cunningham.

Logan Lizzio with Nicholas Pervan and Rosa Lizzio.

Lucinda Kenway and Malachi Donaldson.

Matilda Jensen and Aidan Herbert.

Innisfail Catholic Debutant Ball 2023 committee: Rikki-Lee Broccardo, Rochelle McLeish, Carla Broccardo and Rachel Accatino.

CCRC Water Portal is now live

CASSOWARY COAST REGIONAL COUNCIL

AS part of CCRC's Smart Water Meter project rollout, the Water Portal will provide additional information to those residents who have a smart meter installed on their property, assist in the early detection of hidden water leaks, minimise water wastage, as well as help residents track and manage their water usage.

Smart Water Meters record water use on an hourly basis, and this data is transmitted to CCRC.

Eligible customers can now access this data via the CCRC Water Portal, which provides a more detailed understanding of water usage patterns as well as helps to identify any changes to water use.

Smart Water Meters enable CCRC to:

• respond more effectively to water consumption enquiries

• identify peak/off-peak water usage times and assist with the management of pumping/ infrastructure to minimise costs when less water is required.

Please visit the CCRC Water Portal to view this information and register your details.

Once registered, it may be up to two business days before the account becomes active.

Once active, residents can:

• detect potential leaks early with registration in the online portal and establishing leak alerts

• develop strategies to reduce their water usage; and

News in Brief Cassowary Coast News in Brief Hinchinbrook

• check their water consumption hourly, daily, weekly, monthly or yearly.

For further information regarding Smart Water Meters, please visit: www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/ smartwatermeters.

Residents can sign up to the CCRC Water Portal online via www.water.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.

Innisfail Pathway Renewal Project

CASSOWARY COAST REGIONAL COUNCIL

CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council has embarked on a $550,000 project to renew five pathway sites throughout Innisfail, which will make walking and riding easier.

Good pathways are vital to ensure residents and visitors have opportunities to walk/cycle for fun/ exercise, as well as provide further prospects to explore Innisfail.

Footpath renewal planning is an important part of CCRC’s approach to asset sustainability, ensuring it is planning for community needs within its annual longterm planning and budgetary processes.

Through feedback from the recent Community Scorecard, residents informed Council they considered local roads, pathways, and cycleways the number one priority in the region.

Works are expected to commence this week, and detours for pedestrians and cyclists will be in place during works at each site.

Signage will be in place to make residents aware of any detours.

This project will help meet the needs of pedestrians and cyclists by connecting roads to the Innisfail CBD, nearby public transport nodes, and recreational spaces, as well as assist pedestrians in traversing rough terrain.

Five sites in Innisfail will benefit from this footpath renewal program, providing an improved user experience.

Site 1: Bruce Highway - Railway Street to the Goondi Hill Hotel - approximately 75m-long concrete path

Site 2: Bruce Highway - Page Park to the Commonwealth Hotel - approximately 130m-long concrete path

Site 3: Bruce Highway - Bus stop near Bunnings to Glady Street - approximately 80m-long exposed aggregate concrete path

Site 4: Bruce Highway - near the Council Depotapproximately 100m-long concrete path renewal

Site 5: Mourilyan Road (behind Innisfail East State School) - 85-metre-long concrete path renewal.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council is fully funding this pathway renewal project.

$10,000 goal for Ingham Hospital this Giving Day BRIGHTER LIVES

STAFF at Ingham Hospital have their eyes on the prize, setting an ambitious target to raise $10,000 this Giving Day. Helen Shaw, team lead for the fundraising effort, says they are aiming to raise the funds to keep care close to home. “Our goal is to raise $10,000 that can be used right here in Ingham,” Helen said.

“Depending on how much we are able to raise we have a wish list including equipment for the emergency department.”

Helen is calling on the local community to support the Brighter Lives Giving Day Ingham Team by 8 pm on Thursday, March 30. Donations can be made online at https://charidy.com/brighterlives/ingham.

Helen added that a number of fundraising activities are supporting this campaign, including a trivia night and a raffle. Raffle tickets are $5 for three and are available from the hospital and Bricks and Penny’s café.

Easter Message from the National Council of Churches in Australia

“So far, we have had a few large donations such as Herbert River Rotary Club donating $1000. Every dollar helps towards our goal and we are so grateful.” Helen said.

Giving Day is an initiative of Brighter Lives, the official charity partner of Townsville Hospital and Health Service, including Ingham Hospital. 100% of funds raised through the Ingham team are used at Ingham Hospital.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council: 120 Years of Service to the Community

HINCHINBROOK Shire Council celebrated 120 years recently. Those in attendance shared the council’s history with speeches, cake and the opportunity to reminisce.

wonderful statement, 'He is Risen'.

NATIONAL

COUNCIL OF CHURCHES IN AUSTRALIA

'HE is Risen'

Who has the final word? It is a powerful position to be in, to have the final say, and it indicates that there is someone whose authority or view trumps all others and can close the conversation.

In life, it often seems like the final word is disappointment, suffering and disillusionment. We live with the realities of disaster, racial and gender violence, war-mongering, disempowerment through the actions of others and personal disappointment.

International powerplays threaten peace and security while creating more and more refugees. At the same time, the global economic complexity creates further anxiety and pressure at home. What can we say in the face of all these overwhelming realities?

We can say none of these have the final word. The Christian message at Easter is the final word; 'life'. Jesus, God fully present, dies with no justice, torture, or cruelty. There is no compassion. Jesus is abandoned by the men who flee and attended to by the women who remain.

Three days later, the borrowed grave is empty, and the testimony of the women and men is a simple and

Resurrection is the final word in the Christian faith; Jesus lives. Two words, and behind them, a lifetransforming affirmation. The final word is life and resurrection. Bringing this perspective to our present realities may not alter them; however, it can change how we see and engage with them.

It is possible to ask, 'what is the Resurrection perspective here?' For example, in the clamour of opinions on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, as we make our referendum decision, we can ask how a Resurrection perspective guides us. Do we wait until the moment when every question is resolved – or do we look forward in gracious trust and fervent hope?

Christians are Resurrection people – this is the final word, and it is one of life.

Rev John Gilmore, President National Council of Churches in Australia

Dine With a Beautiful View

Set right on Mission Beaches waterfront, Plenty Restaurant & Bar offers contemporary dining with stunning ocean views overlooking Dunk Island. Day or night, Plenty Restaurant and Bar is chic yet laidback, with alfresco seating perfect for capturing the sea breezes and coastal setting, complemented by a seasonal menu of simple yet creative Modern Australian dishes, designed to delight and inspire. Offering guests a special dining experience where nothing is too much trouble.

Plenty Restaurant and Bar draws inspiration from Asian roots. The menu is focused on fresh seasonal local produce show casing some of the local seafood on offer. Plenty Restaurant and Bars flexible interior and exterior layout cater for all small and large functions.

Our Pensioner Tuesday - 3 meal options for only $12.00 (served 12 - 2pm only)

Thirsty Thursday - Parmageddon night only $18 with a choice of toppings and includes a pot.

Daily - $15 Lunch Special includes a Pot of Drink (except Sunday)

Plenty also offers full wedding packages from casual canape style dining to a more traditional table seated function.

Current trading hours at Plenty Restaurant and Bar are Friday to Sunday offering both a lunch and dinner service. Hours of trade are extended in the peak season.

An online booking system is now available at Plenty Restaurant and Bar to ensure you can secure your table of choice. This can be accessed via Facebook or Google Profile. You can contact the restaurant on 07 4068 7709.

World's Greatest Shave Event Raises $20,000 for The Leukaemia Foundation

BRIDGET EVANS

to others who are going through a similar experience."

extend their heartfelt thanks to all those who supported the event.

WET TROPIC

Times

Purpose

SARI RUSSO NEE HYYTINEN

THERE comes a point in our lives when we need to feel some purpose again. According to statistics on the topic of having a purpose in our lives, 50% of consumers buy products based on their purpose and the overall benefit they have for their community.

As consumers come to understand their purchase power, there has been a goal of using their purchase power to serve the greater good. There is now a stronger desire to look at the purpose of the business. Sharing your story has become the way to market to the modern demographic, and the nature of the modern-day influencers are a sign of this shift in values. Influencers often share their story of how they came from a situation in which they struggled and then found healing or growth through the effort they put into working their way through their struggle.

Having a child to look after certainly gives you purpose in your life. Our lives have now changed dramatically. My life is currently about what is happening with Lil Miss. I am sure that we all know the massive change that happens when we have children.

It is also common for people to find or strengthen their faith in Christ as they get older and start to look at their life’s purpose. We all want to live a good life and leave something amazing for those who come after us.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Happy 70th Wedding Anniversary, Harold and Marie Killoran

NICK Dametto MP felt lucky to be invited to help celebrate Harold and Marie's 70th Wedding Anniversary. Harold and Marie both turned 95 this year, and both still live in their lovely home in Ingham.

When Nick asked them both what the secret to a long, happy marriage was, Marie quickly replied with, "don't die," which was followed by a cheeky giggle. Congratulations on a Platinum Anniversary.

ON Saturday, 25th March 2023, in Innisfail, the Aquilina family hosted a World's Greatest Shave event at the Innisfail Bowls Club. The event was a huge success, with over $20,000 raised for The Leukaemia Foundation.

The family has a personal connection to the cause, as young Ryan Aquilina was diagnosed with Leukaemia at just 18 months old. The Leukaemia Foundation provided invaluable support during this difficult time, and the family is now committed to giving back whenever they can.

The World's Greatest Shave event, held at Innisfail Bowls Club, saw several family members across three generations shave their heads in solidarity with little Ryan, including Katharine (mum), Jason (dad), Lynda (grandma), David (grandpa), Brendon (uncle), and Darren (uncle).

Many members of the community also shaved their heads to raise further funds for the cause, resulting in a lot of new bald-headed beauties in Innisfail!

"It was an incredible experience to see everyone come together to support The Leukaemia Foundation," said Katharine Aquilina. "We are grateful for the support we received during Ryan's diagnosis, and we want to give back

Local hairdressers Emma Alley and Kiejana Caltabiano of Ukiyo Hair and Beauty volunteered their time and ended up shaving heads for two hours straight!

In addition to the head-shaving, over 40 prizes were donated for the raffle, and local musician Vinnie Huirama provided live music, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for all who attended.

The event was a true community effort, with many local businesses and individuals contributing to the fundraising efforts.

The Aquilina family would like to

"We are thrilled with the success of the World's Greatest Shave event," said Katharine Aquilina. "The amount of money raised is a testament to the generosity and kindness of our community."

The funds raised will go towards supporting the vital work of The Leukaemia Foundation, including research into better treatments and cures for blood cancer and support for those affected by the disease.

For more information about The Leukaemia Foundation and its work, visit the website at www. leukaemia.org.au.

Aquilina Family Pre-Shave Aquilina Family Post-Shave

Ryan Aquilina and Hairdressers

120 Years of Council, Tea and Trivia Wrap Up, Run Army 2023 and Seniors Month Grants

120 Years of Council

On Friday 31 March 2023, Council celebrated 120 years.

Current and past Mayors along with current Councillors celebrated this joyous occasion with the cutting of a cake and reminiscing.

Run Army 2023

Join the Australian Army by participating in the 'Run Army 2023' for Legacy Brisbane.

Run Army allows the community to follow in the footsteps of generations of diggers, pushing themselves mentally and physically.

Register with team 'Hinchinbrook Park Runners' for the 5km or 10 km walk/ run.

Date: Sunday 23 April 2023

Time: 7.00am start

options to future proof your workforce.

Date: Friday 14 April 2023

Time: 12.30pm

Where: Hinchinbrook Shire Hall

25 Lannercost Street Ingham

Cost: Free RSVP: Tuesday 11 April 2023

For further information or to RSVP, please phone Council or email events@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au.

2023 April and May Public Holiday Closures

from Wild Local and Easter goodies; and

• Third Prize – $50 voucher from Bakehouse on Central and $30 voucher from JK’s Deli and Easter goodies.

Upcoming Events

10.30am Thursday 6 April 2023 - Sing Along: Moana (Celebrating 100 Years of Disney Animation).

10.30am Tuesday 11 April 2023 - Sing Along: The Lion King (Celebrating 100 Years of Disney Animation).

Lannercost Street Office and Council Depot

• Closed Friday 7 April 2023 and reopening Tuesday 11 April 2023;

• Closed Tuesday 25 April 2023 and reopening Wednesday 26 April 2023; and

• Closed Monday 1 May 2023 and reopening Tuesday 2 May 2023.

Hinchinbrook Shire Library

• Closed Friday 7 April 2023 and reopening Tuesday 11 April 2023;

• Closed Tuesday 25 April 2023 and reopening Wednesday 26 April 2023; and

• Closed Monday 1 May 2023 and reopening Tuesday 2 May 2023.

Halifax Sub-Branch Library

Tea and Trivia Wrap Up

The first Tea and Trivia for the year was held on Friday 31 March 2023 and was a morning enjoyed by all.

Round one winners were team "Friyay" and round two winners were team "The Outlaws and In-laws".

Tickets are now available for Tea and Trivia being held 9.30am Friday 31 April 2023.

The starting point is located at Eleanor Street car park.

A breakfast BBQ will be held at Borello Park to celebrate the finish.

For further information or to register, please visit https://runarmy.com.au/register.

Seniors Month Grants Now

Open

Eligible organisations can now apply for grants of up to $2,000 to build social connections and increase participation of older people in local communities.

Applications close Sunday 30 April 2023.

For further information or to apply, please visit https://qldseniorsmonth.org. au/apply-for-a-grant.

Hinchinbrook Agriculture Workforce Forum

Join us for the Hinchinbrook Agriculture Workforce Forum.

This forum will enhance your strategic workforce planning capabilities by providing

Council's Customer Experience Survey Council would like the community to take part in a Customer Experience Survey. Results from the survey will assist in the development of a Customer Experience Strategy. This strategy is expected to highlight Council's interactions with the community.

To provide your feedback, please visit Council's website, Public Consultation page.

Survey closes 5.00pm Friday 14 April 2023.

Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) ‘Mega’ Easter Raffle

Get your tickets online today at only $2 per ticket.

Purchase your ticket by visiting https://bit.ly/40EGuMs.

• First Prize – $250 voucher from Wild Hinchinbrook Adventures;

• Second Prize – $100 voucher from Cellarbrations Ingham and $25 voucher

9.30am Wednesday 12 April 2023 - Hinchinbrook Cancer Support Group.

10.30am Wednesday 12 April 2023 - Youth Week Outer Limits Adventure Program.

10.30am Thursday 13 April 2023 - Sing Along: Frozen (Celebrating 100 Years of Disney Animation).

2.00pm Saturday 8 April to Sunday 9 April 2023RootBound Easter Landcare.

5.00pm Saturday 8 April 2023 - Taylors Beach Progress Association - Annual Easter Auction.

7.00am Saturday 8 April 2023 - TYTO Wetlands parkrun.

10.30am Thursday 13 April 2023 - Sing Along: Frozen (Celebrating 100 Years of Disney Animation).

Thursday 13 April and Friday 14 April 2023 - Ingham FC Easter Holiday Clinics. For further information, please visit Council's website, Events Calendar page.

• Closed Friday 7 April 2023 and reopening Tuesday 11 April 2023;

• Closed Tuesday 25 April 2023 and reopening Wednesday 26 April 2023; and

• Closed Monday 1 May 2023 and reopening Wednesday 3 May 2023.

Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre

• Closed Friday 7 April 2023 and reopening Saturday 8 April 2023.

Halifax Resource Recovery Centre

• Closed Friday 7 April 2023 and reopening Wednesday 12 April 2023;

• Closed Tuesday 25 April 2023 and reopening Wednesday 26 April 2023; and

• Closed Monday 1 May 2023 and reopening Wednesday 3 May 2023.

TYTO Regional Art Gallery closes on Friday 7 April 2023 due to maintenance and will reopen 6.00pm Friday 5 May 2023 for the Exhibition Opening Night of “Drawing You InCarl Lumholtz in the Herbert by Artist Valerie Keenan”. The Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre will remain open on Friday 7 April 2023, Tuesday 25 April 2023 and Monday 1 May 2023. The Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre will remain open on Tuesday 25 April 2023 and Monday 1 May 2023.

Domestic Wheelie Bins will continue to be serviced as normal.

WORKS NOTICE COVELLS ROAD AND GOLLOGLYS ROAD

Council wishes to advise that insitu stabilisation and sealing works have commenced on Covells Road and Golloglys Road Gairloch.

Ongoing works will occur between 6.00am and 5.00pm with a number of traffic conditions in place during these times.

Council would like to thank you for your cooperation during these necessary phase of works.

For further information on current roadworks, please visit Council’s website, Roadworks page or contact Council.

Current Mayor Ramon Jayo and previous Mayor Keith Phillips with Councillors and staff.

Round one winners team "Friyay".

Round two winners team "The Outlaws and In-laws".

Good Counsel Primary School inducted their Mini Vinnies committee

STORY AND PHOTO BY MARIA GIRGENTI

IN February, Good Counsel Primary School held their Mini Vinnies commissioning ceremony, where Year 6H and 6S students and executive members were presented with their badges and pledge certificates.

Special guests on the day included Mary O'Farrell, President of St Vincent de Paul Society Innisfail Chapter and dedicated volunteer Jim Arnell.

Good Counsel Primary has been involved with Mini Vinnies since 2002. This involvement provides Year 6s with the opportunity to be active within the school community as a social justice group of students who want to make a difference.

As Mini Vinnies representatives, students are encouraged to use their creativity and imagination to raise awareness about social justice issues and reflect on the needs of those in the school and the local community.

In 2023, GCPS had a record number of 19 Mini Vinnies applications, and with only 10 of the 48 Year 6 students would not wear a badge, a decision was made to make these students Mini Vinnies committee members.

Students received their Mini Vinnies badge before they pledged their allegiance of support for the worthy organisation throughout 2023 and hopefully into the future.

They took the Mini Vinnies pledge to enjoy being themselves, use their talents to serve, reach out to others and

South Johnstone State School Prep students 2023

respect others.

GCPS Mini Vinnies President: Savannah Brincat; Vice President: Mackenzie Lyons; Secretary: Ella Power; Treasurer: Gari Corrigan and Liaison Officer: Amber McCarthy.

6D President: Charlotte Mifsud; Vice President: Amaya Hutchinson; Spiritual Advisor: Emilee Pickard; Secretary: Kendyl Huirama; Treasurer: Brock Stephenson; Badges Officer: Navreet Basra; Liaison Officer: Elle Gracie.

6S President: Emma Leis; Vice President: Kobi Dotti; Spiritual Advisor:

Eliska Vaclavik; Secretary: Elisha Finau; Treasurer: Jake Stephenson; Badges Officer: Neil Xiong and Liaison Officer: Lily Williams.

Committee members: Simra Surha, Deborah Ungil, Beau Crabtree, Xander Salva, Naomi Boota, Scarlett Di Carlo, Claire Daley, Kit Maloney, Michael Pollard and Lucas Bazzacco.

Everyone then sang and joined in with the actions of John Burland's song 'Raise Your Voice for Justice', and after awards were presented, the ceremony concluded with the singing of the Australian National Anthem.

Good Counsel Primary School Principal Liam Kenny, Maria Caltabiano APRE/APA/SEL Father Kerry Crowley and St Vincent de Paul Society representatives Jim Arnell and Mary O’Farrell with Year 6 GCPS students, who were inducted as Mini Vinnies executive and committee members.

ONLINE AUCTION

WEDNESDAY 12 APRIL

GENERAL GOODS & CHATTELS

KOMATSU EXCAVATOR, NIFTY LIFT, VEHICLES, BOX TRAILER, TRAYMARK CARAVAN TRAILER, COROMAL LIFESTYLE CARAVAN, RIDE ON & HOVER MOWER, BRICK & TILE SAWS, OFFICE FURNITURE, MULTI FUNCTION PRINTERS, GAS STOVE, DISHWASHER, SOLAR PANELS, CAMPING EQUIPMENT, INDUSTRIAL SEWING MACHINES, VENDING MACHINE, WATCHES, TOOLS & HARDWARE

PLEASE NOTE: NO AUCTION DAY SITE ACCESS, LIVE ONLINE ONLY

Prep - 2 teacher, Elisse Christensen (seated) and Cassie Villari (teacher aide) with South Johnstone State School Prep students.

FOR SALE BY TENDER

103 OLD GOWRIE CREEK ROAD, ABERGOWRIE

Freehold Cane Farm Land 52.961 ha (CPA 49.49ha). One split level brick veneer dwelling & two sheds on the property.

TENDERS CLOSE: 5:00pm Monday, 15th May 2023

Tender packs available at Firth Lawyers | 07 4776 6600 |

Septic

Notification of Proposal to Upgrade NBN™ Radio Network Base

Station Facilities

As part of the fixed radio (wireless) component of the nbn Network, nbn is proposing to upgrade the existing radio network base stations at the following location(s) to improve service conditions:

• Wangan- Japoon Road, South Johnstone QLD 4859 (RFNSA 4859002)

• Innisfail - Sundown Road, Sundown QLD 4860 (RFNSA 4860011)

The proposed works on site will involve replacement of existing panel antennas with new antennas which are of the same size as the existing panel antennas/smaller than the existing panel antennas, removal of existing panel antennas, installation of new dishes not more than 2.4 m in diameter, removal of existing dishes, Installation of a new equipment cabinet and removal and installation of ancillary equipment.

nbn regards the proposed as a Low Impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-Impact Facilities) Determination 2018. In these circumstances, it does not require planning approval from Council.

Further information on these network upgrade works can be obtained by calling Ryan Wong on 1300 260 834.

Written submissions can be sent to PO Box 430, Toowong QLD 4066 or via email to submissions@bmmgroup.com.au

The closing date for submissions is 21st April,2023.

For general info on the nbn, visit our website at www.nbnco.com.au.

For further site information, visit www.rfnsa.com.au

(Site ID: 4859002 & 4860011)

Ingham District Uniting Churches

Maundy Thursday 6th April: Ingham 6pm

FUNERAL NOTICE

ARNOLD, Maria (Mary)

Church times across the region

AOG / ACC / Churches of Christ Baptist Family Centre Innisfail, 9:30am, Sun, 12 Tierney St, Innisfail Estate

Catholic Churches

St Rita’s Babinda, 7am, Sun, 15 Church St, Babinda

Mother of Good Counsel, 6:30pm Sat Vigil, 9am, Sun, 90 Rankin St, Innisfail

Our Lady of Fatima, 10am, Sun, 32 Glasgow Street, El Arish, St John the Evangelist, 6pm, Sat, 4 Harold Street, Silkwood, St Rita’s South Johnstone, 7am, 1st, 3rd & 5th/month, 5 Green Street, South Johnstone

Christ the King, 7am, 2nd & 4th/month, 10 Harbour Road, Mourilyan Holy Spirit, Mission Beach 7am Sun, 12 Webb Rd, Wongaling Beach

St Clare of Montefalco

Church, 6pm Vigil Mass, Sat 9am, Sun, 13 Mars St, Tully

Our Lady Star of the Sea, 5pm Sun (except 1st Sunday), 121 Victoria St, Cardwell Ingham Region Catholic

Parishes:

St Patrick’s, 8:30am, Sunday, 18 Abbott Street, Ingham

St Peter’s, 7am, Sunday, 10 Scott Street, Halifax, Canossa Chapel, 10am, Sunday, St Teresa’s College / 3819 Abergowrie Rd

St Teresa’s, Trebonne, 10am

Seventh Day Adventist

Seventh Day Adventist Innisfail, 10:30am, Sat ,Bible Study, 11am, Sat, 114 Lawrence Road, Bamboo Creek Tully Seventh Day Adventist Church, Sat 9:30am Sabbath School, Sat 11am, 1 Edward St, Tully

Uniting

Cassowary Coast Uniting Churchs: Innisfail, 10.30am, Sun, 8 Scullen Ave, Mighell, Innisfail Mission Beach, 8am, Sun, 2224 Tully-Mission Beach Rd, Mission Beach, Tully Tongan Uniting, 9am, Sun, 16 Mcquillan st,Tully, Ingham District Uniting Churches: Ingham, 10am, Sun 16 Herbert St, Ingham Halifax, 8am, Sun 12 Anderssen St, Halifax Blue Haven Lodge, Ingham, 11am (2nd & 4th Tues)

Lutheran

St Marks Lutheran Church, 9am, Sun, 34 Townsville Road, Ingham Non-denominational

6:30pm, Sun, Ladies Church Tully Baptist Church, 10am, Sun, 6 Plumb Street, Tully Cardwell Baptist Church, 11am, Sun, Bruce Highway, Cardwell Sugar Reef Baptist Church, 9:30am, S, “The Knightclub” 38 Herbert St, Ingham Baptist Independent, 11am, Sun, 77 Halifax Rd, Ingham Empower Church Innisfail, 10am, Sun, 191-193 Mourilyan Rd, South Innisfail

Anglican Churches

St Albans Anglican Church, 9am, Sun, 83 Rankin Street, Innisfail St John Anglican Church, 5pm, Sat, 2 Black Street, Tully John Oliver Feetham Pioneer Memorial 11am, Sun, 45 Bruce Highway, Cardwell St John Anglican Church, 3pm, 3rd Sun of month, Motel Chapel, Kurrimine Beach Holy Trinity (Ingham) 6pm Saturday Service. 9am, Sunday. 37 McIlwraith Street, Ingham All Souls, 7.30am, Sun, 10 Four Mile Road, Victoria Estate

Greg Shannon

GREG SHANNON

THIS week the Northern Sugar industry gathered for the annual Far North Qld Regional Variety Committee (RVC) meeting in Gordonvale.

This event is where SRA plant breeding staff present the data for the varieties that are close to the end of their 12-year breeding cycle and potentially ready for the release of industry.

The industry has two people from each mill area, one miller and one grower, who vote on whether to accept the new varieties for commercialization or send them for further testing and, in some cases, reject them.

Last year, 2022, we had a record five new varieties accepted by the industry, including the two extra ones we put up after trialling locally, SRA 5 and SRA 14. The main three varieties released last year are looking really good so far, SRA 9, SRA 32 and SRA 37.

This year, given the success of these recently released varieties, which also include SRA 26 and SRA 28 from 2020 and 2021, the industry made the decision at the RVC to send the two new variety candidates for further testing or effectively hold them.

This is a really sensible decision because there is no point in just taking a new variety because it is new. Each year, the new varieties need to have the potential to be slightly better than the ones released before and the two candidates this year haven’t yet quite shown that potential to date.

Once a variety has made the Far North Qld list, we start working on them locally to fine-tune the excellent data SRA provides to the local sub-district level for Tully.

This fine-tuning, as mentioned many times before, includes checking the harvest times in the separate Tully sub-districts, and this can be slightly different to what is originally thought because of the different soils and weather condones in our sub-districts.

Apart from this fine-tuning of harvest times, the preharvest monitoring of this year’s crop has also begun and will continue until the end of August.

Once we get to August, virtually a big percentage of the crop has been harvested, so there is less need to know when to harvest a particular block by then.

The reason we start this monitoring work so early is so that growers can know what the crop is doing and make an informed decision on the use of crop ripeners for the first two rounds of harvest in particular.

As mentioned before, all Tully growers have to do is call 0400 586 968 to arrange for the cane to be monitored using the mobile mill, and the mobile mill will be operational three days a week after Easter.

Sugarcane – the solution to air travel’s emissions problem

OWEN MENKENS, CANEGROWERS CHAIRMAN

MOST people are aware of the Australian Government’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 43 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.

What they may not know is that with just seven years to go, we are only halfway towards reaching that target.

The latest figures from the Government's National Greenhouse Gas Inventory reveal that emissions for 2022, up to the September quarter, were only 21 percent below 2005 levels.

Much of that progress has been achieved through the phasing out of coal-powered energy and an increase in renewables. Other sectors, such as agriculture, have also played their part by reducing emissions.

However, there are some sectors where emissions have continued to rise, most notably transport and, in particular, the aviation industry.

With more than 1500 domestic flights in Australia every day, the aviation industry burns through an awful lot of highly polluting jet fuel.

So, what’s the solution? Will we be forced to stop travelling for work or pleasure?

Or is there an alternative to jet fuel that can reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint without sacrificing our desire to travel?

Thankfully, there is – sustainable aviation fuel that

can be sourced from our industry!

For years we’ve known that sugarcane and its derivatives could be used to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), just as it is used to produce ethanol.

However, just as calls to increase the ethanol mandate have gone unheeded, there has never been a serious political or commercial interest in creating a Sustainable Aviation Fuel industry in Queensland –until now.

The State Government is finally getting serious about turning Queensland into the nation’s SAFproducing hub, and in recent weeks has announced two separate feasibility studies in partnership with industry stakeholders.

The first project will see the government team up with Ampol and Japanese energy giant ENEOS to start a feasibility study for an advanced 500 million litre biofuels manufacturing plant in Brisbane.

The plant would be located at Ampol’s existing refinery site at Lytton, near the port of Brisbane and just across the river from Brisbane Airport, not to mention less than an hour from the cane fields of Rocky Point on the northern Gold Coast.

The second project, in partnership with Jet Zero Australia and Qantas and Airbus, is investigating the potential for another biorefinery facility that could produce more than 100 million litres of SAF a year for

CRIME WRAP POLICE

Police will also allege the man was unlicensed and driving a vehicle that did not belong to him.

The 29-year-old man is expected to appear in the Innisfail Magistrates Court today, charged with one count of common assault and two counts each of unlawful use of motor vehicle and driving unlicensed.

Monday, April 3

SENIOR CONSTABLE ALEDA DAY

Multiple charges, Etty Bay

POLICE have charwged a Mourilyan man after a traffic intercept in Etty Bay on Saturday evening (April 1).

The man was intercepted on Etty Bay Road at about 6.30 pm after reports of an assault against a woman known to him.

The man was taken to Innisfail for further testing, and it will be alleged that he returned a reading of 0.058 per cent BAC.

The man is also expected to appear in the Innisfail Magistrates Court on April 24, charged with one count each of contravene a domestic violence order, driving unlicensed and drink driving.

Public nuisance, Innisfail

POLICE have charged a South Johnstone woman after an incident in Innisfail on Sunday morning (April 2).

It will be alleged the woman was at a licenced premise on Edith Street at about 2 am when she started kicking and punching several people.

It will also be alleged that she then assaulted a police officer by kicking them and attempting to bite them.

use in domestic flights.

The project will potentially create about 100 full-time jobs and employ more than 1000 workers during the construction of the plant, although its location is yet to be announced.

SAF can be produced from a range of feedstocks, and progress on these projects will require some early decisions on feedstock options here in Queensland.

In announcing plans to make Queensland a sustainable aviation fuel powerhouse, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk clearly referenced the sugar industry’s potential, saying: “Queensland is perfectly positioned to be a clean energy superpower because we have both the sunshine and feedstocks including the largest sugar industry in the nation.”

Sustainable Aviation Fuels have the potential to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon emissions by up to 80 percent, significantly boosting the nation’s effort towards that 2030 target.

It is an ideal supply chain diversification option for our industry because the technology exists for SAF to be produced in a complementary way to our existing sugar production and export industry.

The sugarcane industry is ready, willing and able to make this happen by partnering with Government and industry to make Queensland's dream of becoming a clean energy superpower a reality.

The 39-year-old woman is scheduled to appear in the Innisfail Magistrates Court on April 17, charged with one count each of commit public nuisance, obstruct police and assault police and two counts of serious assault Police.

Drink driving, Bingil Bay

A 49-year-old local man has been charged after he returned an alleged breath alcohol reading of 0.184 per cent BAC after he was intercepted on Sunday afternoon (April 2).

The man was intercepted on Holt Close at about 4.30 pm and taken to the Mission Beach Police Station for further testing.

He was later charged with driving whilst under the influence of liquor (high-range drink driving), and his licence was immediately disqualified.

The Bingil Bay man is scheduled to appear in the Tully Magistrates Court on April 27, charged with drink driving and driving without a driver licence.

Some of the newer SRA varieties released in Far North Qld in recent years

CRIME WRAP

SENIOR CONSTABLE JANE MORAN

Thursday, March 30

Youths charged, Babinda

THREE Babinda boys, two aged 15 and one aged 13, along with a 15-year-old Innisfail boy, will each be dealt with the Juvenile Justice Act.

It is alleged they entered an educational facility at around 5 pm on Monday, March 20, and attempted to use an axe to gain entry to a building.

Charges, Babinda

A 41-year-old Babinda man was charged with two counts of trespassing and one count each of unlawful use of a vehicle, stalking and threatening the safety of an aircraft.

On March 10, police were called to a Price Road address.

Upon arrival, officers observed a vehicle parked roughly one meter from the front nose of a helicopter that had the blades rotating.

Officers will allege a 41-year-old Bartle Frere man drove his car across private property to where the helicopter had landed and had come right up under the blades yelling at the pilot to turn the helicopter off.

The pilot has told him to get away from the blades and the helicopter. It

Shane Muriata

IT was the game that had more spills than Spiller, more tills than IGA and more thrills than Michael Jackson's Thriller. So the match was ok, but if you were at Tully Showgrounds last Saturday night to see the Tigers play the mighty Mareeba Gladiators, you would've gone home a happy man after seeing the best footy game since I played for the Tiny Tim's Turtle Tyres back in 64. This game had it all. Brotherman Ubie was running rings around our boys, Darian Burton and Samuel Ulutui showing everyone how good they really are. When the final minute came creeping up, it was left to Frenchman Baptiste Napoleon, who iced the game with a crazy kick and chase on full-time to have everyone, including yours truly, walking out of Banyan Park with literally no hair left. If I must, then I must. Congratulations to the Tigers A grade side; that was one for the ages. Special shout out to nephew Rhaymus Tomarra and the brother man Elie Mooka for joining our club. Really looking forward to spending more time with your guys and having a laugh. The Tully Reserve Grade side went about their business as usual when they ran over the top of Reggie's Gladiators, but the surprised packet of the day belonged to the 18s when they went down to the young Gators. Congratulations to young gun Jamie Muriata for his outstanding game. Hopefully, this is a

Bowls News

Innisfail Ladies Bowls

ANOTHER game in the Ladies' singles championship took place on Wednesday, March 29.

In a very close game with the lead changing throughout, Daphne Kirkman defeated Dell Steve 25 - 23 after 29 ends.

There are more exciting games to come.

In two games of social bowls, Sue Morrison, Vera Rowe and Jan Dunn proved too strong for Maisie Smith, Catrina Cook and Margaret Johnston 14 - 6.

In a cliffhanger, Eileen Hamann, Helen Paterson and Marilyn Allen defeated Lyn Stevenson, Bev Anderson, Diana O'Brien and Jan Edgerton 18 - 17. All ladies enjoyed afternoon tea

is alleged he has refused and has then approached the refueler whilst videoing directly under the rotating blades.

It is further alleged on March 15, he attended a Menzies Road address and allegedly approached and filmed a resident of the address who was in their shed.

When he has refused to leave, the resident attempted to leave and head back to their house on their tractor.

He has continued yelling out at the person on the tractor. He has then run in front of the tractor, forcing the tractor to stop.

He has refused to move and forced the victim to reverse back up the driveway.

SPORT

lesson cause I know you guys will bounce back from this. Special mention to Phillip Coppens, who I had the absolute privilege of having a great laugh with after the game. Phillip has been one of many prodigies I've had the honour of coaching, so it was good seeing him back around the place. In around the FNQ RL rounds, Yarrabahs $2 players embarrassed the Hoes at Jillarra Oval, Mossman looked the goods once again in 2023, Brothers looked more like the daddy's when they ran over the top of the Storms and the Roosters gave a hard lesson to the Cockatoos on the Tablelands last Sunday when they put on almost a cricket score. This weekend's games will give a clear indication of who will be the title contenders or the bridal pretenders. Last but not least, a very special mention and shoutout to one special boy Mr Grayson Gardner who I got to

It is further alleged that on March 12, he followed the same person from their address to another local address whilst filming and yelling at him.

He has been charged in relation to these matters, with investigations continuing.

He is scheduled to appear at the Innisfail Magistrates Court on May 8.

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

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

properly meet on Saturday night. He was absolutely gorgeous and such a beautiful little character. Thank you, Thomas and Alicia, for allowing Uncle Shane to have a laugh with the lil dude. Special Happy Birthday to my sister Melissa Maifredi, me love you long time. Wish you the best of everything.

provided by Daphne Kirkman.

Innisfail Men’s Bowls

LAST Thursday afternoon saw 32 bowlers on the green, with the team of Sergio Dalla Pozza, Sam Pagano, Alan Morrison, and Lou Fedalto declared winners of the day.

New members and visitors are most welcome, with names to be in by 12.30 pm for a 1.00 pm start.

In the A-Grade Club Singles competition, John Phillips defeated Snow Clark, and Bob Chaplain defeated Ian Revie.

Michael de Vries, Ian Humphreys, John Phillips, and Mal Bright defeated Alf Siliato, Alf Strano, Snow Clark, and Greg McDonald in the Club Fours competition. This game was played under the lights last Thursday evening, which was very successful.

Ingham Bowls Club

BAREFOOT bowls results for the 30th of March:

The prize-winning team with the lowest winning margin was Dianne Tomba, Donna Gosney and John Piotto, defeating Jan Johnson, Malynda Cole and John Lone 10-7

Mark Girgenti and Bob Bell def Eric Fung and Jim Dickerson 21-8.

Men’s pairs results for the 31st of March:

J Eddleston 7 K Walker def K Lawlor and K Turvey 26 - 19.

J Hamlyn and R Peterson def B Bell & P Kite 22 - 15.

T Pallanza and T Koop def G Brierley and T George 16 - 15.

The prize-winning team of the social bowls played on the 2nd of April was B Eddleston, J Holmes and R Cantatore, defeating P Reyland, J Hamlyn and T Koop 28 - 21 (20 points to 9).

B Bell, J Eddleston and P Herman def T Arkink, D Horsley and J Piotto 23 - 15 (19 points to 9).

M Bube and E Piotto def L Molochino and R Basaglia 23 - 18 (18 points to 10).

Barefoot bowls will be played on

Thursday night between 6 - 8 pm. Names into the club by 5:30 pm. Easter Holidays:

No bowls will be played on Good Friday or Easter Sunday.

Ingham Ladies Bowls Club

OUR annual Allamanda Fours was held on Monday, a beautiful day for the event saw 48 players competing. A special thanks to Val and her Tully team for making the trip. We also had three teams from Townsville, along with our local sister clubs. Three rounds of 10 ends were played, and Elsa Piotto, Lynette Melvin, Grace Cockrell and Diane Toomba were the overall winners. Many thanks to all our sponsors, especially Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

Championship Pairs played Wednesday:

Y.Roberts, M.Moore 23 v B.Eddleston, P.Miguel 22, E.Piotto, L.Melvin 20 v J.Fenoglio, A.Rutherford 13.

Innisfail United Football teams registered three wins against Stratford

STORY AND

PHOTOS

BY MARIA GIRGENTI

LAST Friday, Innisfail United Reserve Women’s team came away with a well-earned 1 – 1 draw against Leichhardt Lions Red at Jeff Pezzutti Park after a determined comeback in the second half to even the score through a fantastic goal from Malorie Haworth.

Innisfail United Division 1 team had a scoring feast when they faced Stratford Dolphins at Steve Corica Oval and finished with a dominant 11 – 1 win.

Junior fixtures will resume on April 22.

Football Queensland Premier League - Far North and Gulf results:

March 31 - Steve Corica Oval, Mourilyan

Innisfail United Division 2 Men’s vs Stratford Dolphins

Full time: 4 - 3 loss to Innisfail

Innisfail United Division 1 Men’s vs Stratford

Full time: 11 - 1 win to Innisfail

March 31 - Jeff Pezzutti Park, Woree

Innisfail United Women’s vs Leichhardt Lions Red

Full time: 1 - 1 draw

Goal:

Malorie Haworth

April 1 - Steve Corica Oval, Mourilyan

Innisfail United Under 16 vs Stratford

Full time: 1 - 0 loss to Innisfail

Innisfail United Under 23 Men’s vs Stratford

Full time: 4 - 1 win to Innisfail

Innisfail United Premier Men’s vs Stratford

Full time: 4 - 0 win to Innisfail

Goals:

Jayden Zecchinati

Liam Barry

N Iaukou

Ricky Tuigaloa

86-YEAR-OLD

Grand Master Sung Soo Lee travels the world not only to teach, examine and provide guidance but to promote good health. One minute he is in North Queensland, then the next in Greece.

There are so many aspects of the study of Martial Arts that can be enjoyed by everyone of any age and of any capability. From the sports aspect to the art of the code, it has many facets that make it a lot of fun to train.

Regular practice of techniques is a requisite to gaining mastery in any form of the Martial Arts. You can learn Taekwondo, Hapkido, Arnis de Mano.

The first two lessons are free. Come and try out at the Multipurpose Hall of Innisfail East State School - Mondays through Thursdays.

Lessons

Lessons in Taekwondo, Hapkido, and Arnis De Mano

T

WHITE BELT

It’s

“Start

put off until

You too can gain the confidence you need to pursue life while having fun at the same time.”

not a black belt, but it’s a higher rank than, “sitting in a chair, looking at a screen”.

Action in the Division 2 game last Friday between Innisfail United and Stratford Dolphins.

Innisfail and Stratford went head-to-head in the Division 2 clash last Friday at Steve Corica Oval.

Innisfail United and Stratford Division 1 teams in action last Friday night at Steve Corica Oval.

Innisfail’s Wills Scott-Brunetto (far right) and a Stratford player contested the ball in the Division 1 game.

Etty Bay Surf Lifesaving Club kicked off their patrol season

MARIA GIRGENTI

LAST Sunday, Etty Bay Surf Lifesaving Club Patrol Group 1 volunteers raised the flag aided by Nippers and the Easter Bunny.

The Easter Bunny also surprised the youngsters with special ‘Lifesaver’ eggs.

Last month, the club held a Sign on Day, where two new families attended to find out more about the Nippers and Junior programs.

The club, along with Ellis Beach, Cairns, Mission Beach, and Port Douglas, also held Sign On Days.

The club also farewelled stalwart Stuart Turrell, who is moving to Western Australia to be close to family.

Turrell joined the club in 2011 and was a member until 2014 when he moved to Western Australia for two years.

Upon his return in 2016, Turrell, a Level 2 official, was a member of the club until 2023 and hopes to remain involved in surf lifesaving at Mandurah or

Secret Harbour clubs.

After the club’s AGM held on March 3, the 20232024 committee is Shayne Cini (President), David Jones and Brian McElhinney (Vice President), Alana Witt (Secretary), new Treasurer Blaise Cini, Jesse Witt (Club captain) and Peter Greven (Junior Activities Coordinator).

Etty Bay Surf Lifesaving Club ran a rotation station at the Innisfail Sports Spectacular at Callendar Park, where primary school students participated in relays.

For the past three Sundays, club members attended the Innisfail Pool, which enabled youngsters to complete specific swims for their age group and achieve the required proficiency to be a Nipper.

Members are also preparing for the State Pool Rescue Championships in Cairns in July.

Nippers caters for youngsters from Under 6 to Under 14, and Etty Bay, the small family-friendly club, has siblings who have played on the beach and watched their older siblings in action until they reach the age to

be Nippers.

Nippers receive an introduction to the club and beach and learn a variety of valuable skills, including sun and water safety, who are lifesavers and their role, marine creatures, introduction to beach flags/sprint and wading, shallow water activities, getting comfortable on a board, proficiency swimming, introduction to dolphin diving under waves, body surfing, as well as surf swimming and board paddling.

Anyone of all ages from Nippers aged 6 - 90+ years can join as a member any time of the year, with the season running from March to November and the patrol season starting on April 1.

Etty Bay Surf Lifesaving Club will host the Far North Queensland Branch Championships on October 1415.

Last October, two boat crews plus two extra members participated in continuous rowing for 24 hours on ERGO rowers and raised $1,600 for Laurie’s Row and Cure for Brain Cancer.

The men’s boat crew of Shayne Cini, Jesse Witt, Adrian Conroy, David Jones, Marty Cook and Paul Rinaudo grew moustaches in support of Movember and raised $300 for men’s mental health and suicide prevention, as well as prostate and testicular cancer projects.

Etty Bay Surf Lifesaving Club Patrol Group 1 raised the flag with the help of the Easter Bunny and club Nippers to kick off the start of the volunteer patrol season, which runs from April until the final weekend of November.

At their Sign On Day last month, Etty Bay Surf Lifesaving Club members farewelled Stuart Turrell with a special cake.

Silkwood Clay Target Club April monthly shoot

LAST Sunday, Silkwood Clay Target Club held their monthly shoot with three 50-target events.

The first event was the 50 Target Ross Cannon Memorial Shoot. Cannon was a long-time clay target shooter and one of the first shooters in the north to gain AA Elite Status. Sadly, Cannon passed away earlier this year.

The Cannon family attended the shoot, and his five grandchildren presented the winners with their engraved Yeti mugs.

Results:

Event 1 - The 50 Target Ross Cannon

Memorial

Open winner: Ron Gough 94/94 (50/50)

AA - 1st: Jar Smaniotto, 93/94 (50/50);

2nd: Barry Bosworth. 50/50 (90/91); 3rd: Aaron Lemphers 89/91 (50/50)

A - 1st: Alex Seawright, 84/85 (49/50);

2nd: Josh Alvero 83/85 (49/50); 3rd: Ned Di Salvo 54/56 (49/50)

B - 1st: Charles Collins 49/50; 2nd: Alf Strano 48/50; 3rd: Sandra Crapella

47/50

C - 1st: Mark Greco 47/50; 2nd: Mark Martin 40/50; 3rd: Allan Millwood 37/50

Event 2 - 50 Target Single Barrel

Cassowary Coast Championship

Open winner: Aaron Lemphers 57/58 (49/50)

AA - 1st: Duncan Sutherland 56/58 (49/50); 2nd: Michael Thurston 65/67 (48/50); 3rd: Chris Santarossa 64/67 (48/50)

A - 1st: Ned Di Salvo 45/50; 2nd: Alex Seawright 44/50; 3rd: Josh Alvero 46/53 (43/50) - Shoot off

B - 1st: Charles Collins 43/50; 2nd: Alf Strano 43/52 (41/50); 3rd: Rob Draper

42/52 (41/50) - Shoot off

C - 1st: Mark Greco 37/50; 2nd: Mark Martin 36/50; 3rd: Allan Millwood 30/50

Event 3 - 50 Target Point Score

AA - 1st: Aaron Lemphers 148/150; 2nd: Angelo Russo 147/150; 3rd: Michael Thurston 147/151 (146/150) - Shoot off

A - 1st: Joe Zappala 146/150; 2nd: Ned Di Salvo 144/150; 3rd: Alan Birch 143/150

B - 1st: Charles Collins 142/150; 2nd: Alf Strano 138/150; 3rd: Michael Heidenreich 132/150

C - 1st: Mark Greco 135/150; 2nd: Mark Martin 133/150; 3rd: Allan Millwood 101/150

The Cannon family with the trophies.

New Silkwood Clay Target Club president Chris Santarossa (right) presented outgoing President Duncan Sutherland with his trophy for AA Grade.

New SCTC president, Chris Santarossa (right) with Aaron Lemphers, overall winner of the 50 Target Single Barrel Cassowary Coast Championship event.

Tully Tigers A-grade team roar with a gritty win over Mareeba

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARIA GIRGENTI

LAST Saturday, Tully Tigers senior rugby league teams hosted Mareeba Gladiators in three grades at Tully Showgrounds.

In A-grade, Tully clung on and registered their first win of the season with a thrilling two-point victory over Mareeba, which featured two club debutants, Jay Haywood-Scriven, who started at lock and Baptiste Fabre at five-eighth.

Tully’s try scorers: Dikana Arere, Izaak Toby, Maselusi Uelese 2 and Emmanuel Mukindi. Baptiste Fabre 2 goals.

At full-time in Reserve grade, Tully continued their winning ways with a convincing 30 - 6 win over Mareeba.

Tully’s try scorers: Jordon Ketchell, Lomiga Fatu, Samuel Ulutui 2, Nabil Sipi and Aggie Anau. Luke Fitzgerald 3 goals.

After a strong win against Yarrabah in Round 1, Tully’s Under 18 team was unable to make it backto-back wins and suffered an eight-point defeat at the hands of Mareeba.

Tully’s try scorers: Jai Hawkins, James Muriata and Raymond Amosa.

FNQRL Round 2 fixtures - April 1 - 2

Results:

A-Grade

Tully 24 def Mareeba 22

Mossman-Port Douglas 26 def Innisfail 24

Yarrabah 30 def Ivanhoe Knights 24

Atherton 74 def Southern Suburbs 12

Cairns Brothers 40 def Edmonton 6

Bye: Kangaroos

FNQRL A-Grade ladder - Round 2: Cairns Brothers 4, Yarrabah 4, Kangaroos 4, Atherton 2, Mareeba 2, Ivanhoe Knights 2, Mossman-Port Douglas 2, Tully 2, Southern Suburbs 2, Innisfail 0, and Edmonton 0. Reserve Grade

Tully 30 def Mareeba 6

Mossman-Port Douglas 20 def Innisfail 18

Atherton 46 def Southern Suburbs 4

Yarrabah 32 def Ivanhoe Knights 28

Cairns Brothers 34 def Edmonton 12

Under 18

Mareeba 20 def Tully 12

Atherton 76 def Southern Suburbs 10

Ivanhoe Knights 46 def Yarrabah 12

Cairns Brothers 18 def Edmonton 12

Byes: Kangaroos and Innisfail

After the Easter break, when Round 3 fixtures return on April 15 – 16, Tully host Atherton Roosters at Tully Showgrounds on Saturday, whilst Innisfail have a Sunday afternoon clash against Yarrabah Seahawks.

Baptiste Fabre impressed on his A-grade debut with the Tully Tigers.

The Tully Tigers and Mareeba A-grade teams played out a thriller in Tully last Saturday.

Tully’s Jai Hawkins (with ball) on his way to the try line in the Under 18 clash against Mareeba.

James Muriata (with ball) fended off a Mareeba player and scored for Tully in the Under 18 clash.

Tully Tigers Reserve grade player Thomas Banu offloaded the ball before a tackle by two Mareeba defenders.

Jordon Ketchell (with ball) scored a try for Tully in the Reserve grade match against Mareeba.

I have heard very few reports of boats travelling out wide to fish the deep water and structure along the edge of the continental shelf. The fishing should have been spectacular; however, the few boats that I talked to were disappointed with both the number of fish and the number of sharks. The fishing should be great out there at this time of year. I expect the boats were just unlucky. Most of the boats then headed in to fish the main reefs, where they were rewarded with good numbers of Coral Trout and mixed reef fish. Most boats that took the time to put out a floater also managed a nice Spanish Mackerel.

The rubble patches and wrecks inside the reef have continued to fish reasonably well. Unfortunately, there has been a lot of undersized Nannygai; however, those that shifted around eventually found some good quality fish. Surprisingly there have also been some huge Coral Trout and the occasional Cobia caught.

The various rubble patches in the shipping Channel have started to produce the occasional Spanish Mackerel. This is early in the year for this species, so it is a good sign that the Spaniards are beginning to turn up.

The islands fished very well over last weekend with some great catches of Coral Trout, Grass Sweet Lip, Striped Sea Perch and Gold Spot Cod. There were also some nice Fingermark and the occasional Grunter caught off an evening or predawn. The occasional Spanish Mackerel and a few School Mackerel were also caught by floating baits, jigging or trolling. Interestingly I checked out School Mackerel with some Fishery Researchers, and we do have a resident population that stays around right through summer. This explains why so many boats were catching them over the Christmas holidays. Several of the School Mackerel I caught had fairly ripe roe, so there must be a population that also breeds during summer.

The local jetties, such as the Perry Harvey Jetty, have been attracting big schools of bait resulting in several Spanish and School Mackerel being caught over the last couple of weeks.

The local estuaries have cleared over the last week resulting in some nice Barra and Mangrove Jacks being caught. We should also see some nice Grunter start to turn up, and the Bream and Whiting usually start to move into the estuaries through April.

The crabbing has also improved over the last few weeks, with most boats managing a feed of muddies. The Queenfish and Trevally will enter the estuaries providing the water quality stays reasonable.

Anglers are extremely excited about the numbers of Barra being caught in the freshwater at the moment, especially the Murray River. Several seasoned regulars say that last weekend they experienced the best runoff Barra fishing they have had for years. This is great news, as I thought the numbers were down through February and March. It just goes to show how things can turn around when the water quality is right. There were some quality fish up in the 70 to 90cm caught and the magnitude of small rat Barra. Hopefully, this is a great sign for the next couple of years.

I am writing this report on Monday, so it is very early in the week, and weather reports regularly change. At this stage, the various weather sites are predicting light winds for this coming weekend, so hopefully, everyone can take advantage and head out fishing over the long weekend. Either side of the morning high tide will suit those that wish to fish for Grunter along the edge of the flats and drop-offs. The early morning run in tide or either side of the afternoon low will suit those that wish to target Barra and Jacks in the estuaries.

The fishing has been great for Coral Trout both around the islands and out on the main reefs. Hopefully, it will be a great opportunity to take the family to the islands for a spot of fishing and a picnic on one of our beautiful beaches we are lucky enough to have.

Good fishing, and have a great Easter weekend

Roly Newton Tackle World Tully

APRIL

HULL HEADS

Gena Harris with her first barra for the season – well done!

Kyle Hall with a mangrove jack tacked on a surface lure.

SPORT

Tully Tigers A-grade team roar with a gritty win over Mareeba page 18

Local Muay Thai fighter Quinton Smith, newly crowned King of the North

Smith, and he bounced back quickly.

Later in the round, Smith displayed more aggression as he doggedly went after Hanson, who he dropped with a head kick.

Smith came out even more fired up in the third round, knowing he was in front and picked his shots as he did not want to jeopardise a knockout by his opponent.

Smith claimed a unanimous win and claimed the King of the North title, where he walked away with another belt, crown and a sizable prize purse.

During the battle, Smith split open above Hanson’s right eye whilst brawling, and Smith finished the fight with slight injuries.

His Muay Thai record now stands at 38 fights, 33 wins and five losses.

Prior to the event, Smith and Hanson had excellent fight preparation, with Hanson eight weeks and Smith six weeks.

In February, Smith also won his second professional boxing bout after a third-round stoppage against Brayden ‘Tank’ Rawlins from Knuckles Gym in the main event fight at the inaugural Battle of the Port in Townsville.

MARIA GIRGENTI

LOCAL Muay Thai fighter Quinton ‘da Hitman’ Smith added another belt to his collection, this time crowned King of the North after winning both his bouts in scintillating fashion.

On March 25, Smith, aged 19, from Athlete Muay Thai Gym, Innisfail, fought in a sold-out inaugural King of the North Super 4 Eliminator 68kgs event, presented by Explosive Fight Promotions at Cairns Brothers Leagues Club.

At the weigh-in, Smith drew Tyson Faulkner (Muscle Muay Thai), Mackay, in his first fight, a 33-year-old open professional athlete who has fought in Australia and New Zealand.

Smith dominated Faulkner in each of the three two-minute rounds (full Muay Thai rules) and achieved a unanimous win which put him into the final.

In the final, Smith faced Oliver ‘The Butcher’ Hanson (Full Boar Gym), Cooktown, aged 18, who has over 40 fights experience, who defeated Ryan

‘The Demon’ McDonald (The Fight Academy).

The fighters were evenly matched, and in round one, Hanson push-kicked Smith but kept clinching and sweeping, which saw Smith drop his opponent to the canvas.

Both fighters wanted to stand toeto-toe in the second round, with both landing heavy combinations.

One of Hanson’s combinations clipped Smith and he dropped to the canvas briefly; however, it did not faze

Smith thanked his sponsors Carla Broccardo, Batze Electrical, Quandamooka Cup Suicide Prevention Indigenous Corporation, Blood Brothers, Precision Plastering and The General Supplies, Rockhampton, for their loyal support.

He especially wanted to thank his coach, Clayton Cook, Athlete Muay Thai crew members Dean Batze and Braid Jackson for their help in the corner and preparation, all the fans/supporters and Corey Larkin from Explosive Fight Promotions.

Quinton Smith (left) was declared the unanimous winner in his first bout against Tyson Faulkner. Photo: FNQ Roar Media & Photography.

Quinton Smith (right) and Oliver Hanson battled it out in the King of the North Super 4 Eliminator final.

Photo: FNQ Roar Media & Photography.

King of the North, Quinton Smith (third from left) with Braid Jackson, Dean Batze, Clayton Cook and Steve Brady. Photo: FNQ Roar Media & Photography.