Wet Tropic Times, 2023, March 2, Newspaper Edition

Thursday, March 2, 2023

INSIDE

$2 Local People - Local News

Tackle Bins, a massive hit across the Cassowary Coast region

PAGE 5

MORE WATER BUY BACK THREATEN TO DESTROY QLD TOWNS AND FORCE UP FOOOD PRICES THE WILKINS FAMILY LIME AND GYPSUM

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CROCODILE ISSUES CAN NO LONGER BE IGNORED

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Late in 2022, Cr Nicholas Pervan handed over to Cr Jeff Baines the maintenance of the Tackle Bin at Innisfail’s Public Wharf, one of the busiest onshore fishing hotspots.

World Day Of

At St John’s Anglican Church

Where: 2 Black Street, Tully

Date: Friday 3rd March

Time: 9.30 a.m.

All Welcome!

WEATHER

Regional Rainfall Report

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

Phone: (07) 4776 0485

Website: wettropictimes.com.au

Email: info@ wettropictimes.com.au

Spiritual food with Jess

A reminder that deliverance only removes the demon but doesn't meet the fundamental needs of the human heart. That is why those who go through deliverance today will still back-slide, betray, criticize, dishonour and discredit your ministry tomorrow!!! Ignorance of this fact can cause many to assume "deliverance doesn't work." Meanwhile, deliverance was not at fault for someone's failure to protect their mental & emotional well-being!!! Deliverance confronts demonsnot stinking thinking!!!!

"Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve."

Luke 22:3 NIV

"Jesus turned to Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's."

Matthew 16:23 NIV

"During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him,"

John 13:2

Deliverance isn't a quick fix. Yes, while it does resolve a significant issue of one being afflicted. It does not stop the process of being plagued again if they are not walking hand in

hand with Jesus.

This means being in constant prayer and relationship with Jesus, reading his word and seeking his spirit, repenting and forgiving, and so on.

Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "Legion," he replied because many demons had gone into him.

Luke 8:30 NIV

According to 1 Peter 1:5, when Christ reigns in a person's life, that person is kept by God's power. As a result, "the evil one does not touch him" (1 John 5:18).2

No demon can set up a house as a squatter when the Holy Spirit inhabits a person. Indwelling by demons is only evidence of a lack of genuine salvation.

Australian media landscape report - medianet

A FEW OF THE KEY FINDINGS:

• Half of journalists (49%) said they had withheld from publishing information that they knew to be true because of fear of defamation.

• 41% of journalists responded that they believed that defamation laws in Australia are too strict in relation to the media.

• Almost half of respondents (46%) of journalists said they had experienced abuse or harassment because of their profession and work in the media.

• Money, changes in workload, uncertainty about the future and mental health were the most common challenges for journalists in 2022. The percentage of respondents who reported money to be one of their greatest challenges of the year doubled in 2022.

• Only 2% of journalists responded that they did not feel there had been any threats to public interest journalism in 2022.

• Almost a third of all male journalists (31%) earn more than $100,000 p.a., compared to 20% of females and 13% of non-binary journalists. This was a slight decrease in the gender pay gap compared to 2021 findings,

when 16% of women were earning over $100,000 p.a.

• Facebook remains the most used social media/communication platform for journalists professionally but professional use of LinkedIn has been increasing for the past three years.

An Extract from the report: Threats to public interest journalism

Survey respondents were asked to identify factors that they think threatened public interest journalism in 2022. The top factors identified were an increase in disinformation/’fake news’ and lack of resources and staff, identified as a threat by 71% and 69% of respondents respectively. Only 2% of journalists responded that they did not feel there had been any threats to public interest journalism in 2022.

In Medianet’s 2020 study COVID-19’s Impact on Journalists and the Media in Australia, journalists were asked to respond to a similar question about the biggest threats to public interest journalism that was heightened by the pandemic. The closure of media companies/newsrooms was

Weekly Bible Verse

highlighted as the biggest threat according to 66% of respondents.

Of the 10% who cited ‘other’ threats in 2022, many noted the effect of Australian defamation law on public interest journalism, including criminal action against whistleblowers. Some also mentioned bias or “propaganda” by other media outlets.

Given the opportunity to elaborate, many journalists spoke about the impact of decreasing budgets and resources due to various reasons.

Respondents noted the impacts of online and social media on public interest journalism, for example the impacts of algorithms on media publications, the pressure to create ‘clickbait’ journalism and the monetary impact of changing advertising models on the resources and funding of media, and the dissemination of ‘fake news’.

There were comments about both the issue of disinformation, as well as the impact of having the public or other media outlets accuse ‘factual’ or accurate reporting as ‘fake news’.

Galatians 2:20, NIV: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Tackle Bins, a massive hit across the Cassowary Coast region

MISSION BEACH WILDCARE

ONSHORE fishing hotspots throughout the Cassowary Coast region have had the Tackle Bin treatment resulting in much tidier spaces.

The tackle bins at these hotspots were installed in response to fishing line and tackle related, which make the areas look untidy and pose a high risk to marine and bird life.

In partnership with Council, the Hinchinbrook Cassowary Coast Local Marine Advisory Committee cleaned up these areas and increased stewardship for the region’s jetties and marine park.

The first suite of tackle bins were installed in June 2021 and is maintained by community members up to three times per week at some sites.

These volunteers’ efforts in emptying and cleaning the bins assist our community in reducing the impact of recreational fishing tackle on the environment.

This project can only operate with the kind support of community volunteers maintaining tackle bins. It can only work with the support of the recreational fishing community doing the right thing and responsibly disposing of their unwanted line and tackle.

The best way to assist tackle bin volunteers is to only dispose of fishingrelated items in the bins.

Tackle bins have minimal capacity, so general waste must be removed to bins elsewhere.

Since the start of the project, Steve and Sharon McGuinness of Mission Beach Wildcare have maintained the Perry Harvey and Clump Point tackle bins.

“We see firsthand the effects fishing line and tackle have on marine life and birds when we attend entanglement rescues, and it disappoints us every time.

We volunteer for this project because it helps to reduce harm to wildlife and cleans up the marine environment”.

In late 2022, the second suite of tackle bins were installed, and volunteers have worked hard to keep these tip-top for our recreational anglers.

A special mention to funding from Mission Beach Lions Club, as new volunteers were kitted out with the tools and equipment needed to empty these bins safely.

The new tackle bin sites are located at Jackey-Jackey St and Maria Creek boat ramps, a secondary bin at Clump Point and a butt bin at the Kurrimine Beach boat ramp.

Tackle Bin Project coordinator Carmen Walker says, “our volunteers are true community champions, whose stewardship and on-ground actions are benefiting our environment and enabling recreational fishers to keep our region clean.”

Some tips to reduce fishing waste are to know-your-knots, keep lines tight to avoid snags, attend only one to two lines to reduce line entanglement,

rethink balloons as floats, and use biodegradable soft baits.

Anyone who sees distressed, injured or entangled birds/marine life, please contact Mission Beach Wildcare on 0439 687 272.Tackle Bin Project coordinator

Carmen Walker says, “our volunteers are true community champions, whose

stewardship and on-ground actions are benefiting our environment and enabling recreational fishers to keep our region clean.”

Some tips to reduce fishing waste are to know-your-knots, keep lines tight to avoid snags, attend only one to two lines to reduce line entanglement, rethink balloons as floats, and use biodegradable soft baits.

Anyone who sees distressed, injured or entangled birds/marine life, please contact Mission Beach Wildcare on 0439 687 272.

Kurrimine Beach resident Barbara Kendall has adopted the Maria Creek boat ramp Tackle Bin.

Kurrimine resident Sandy Love hopes to see the grounds at the Kurrimine Beach boat ramp shelter free of cigarette butts.

Careers in Sugar

In conjunction with CANEGROWERS Innisfail, South Johnstone Mill is holding our annual ‘Careers in Sugar’ job expo! Held at the Sugar Heritage Centre on the Bruce Highway,

For more information please contact our HR department via humanresources@msfsugar.com.au

CASSOWARY COAST REGIONAL COUNCIL

COMMUNITY consultation is now open for residents to join in the conversation on the future of Tully’s Banyan and Lions Park.

The Banyan Beautification project is an exciting

Community consultation sought on Tully’s Banyan and Lions Park

project, with the community encouraged to have their say.

The purpose of this Beautification project is to enhance the overall appearance and sense of arrival into the township of Tully.

Locals and visitors are encouraged to spend time in Banyan and Lions Parks and make the most of the region’s unique landscape and nearby friendly shopping area.

It is hoped to preserve Tully’s historic small-town character, whilst promoting the community as a familyfriendly place to visit, live and work.”

Community consultation is now open and offers a range of tools for the community to provide feedback.

CCR’S first stage of the community engagement process, involves understanding what people like about the park, the elements that should remain, be removed/upgraded and what is missing from the site.

This feedback provided will help shape and determine what the detailed design looks like.

Please visit yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/ banyan to provide feedback and register to receive project updates.

CCRC will be at the Tully Markets on Saturday, March 11 from 9.00 am, as well as sessions at Banyan Park on Tuesday, March 14 from 3.30 pm for those who prefer face-to-face meetings.

Thanks from Michael De Vries to the sponsors for Chemo Chics and Breast Cancer Carers Innisfail

PACIFIC fasteners, Burton's auto parts, Power shed, Better electrical, Raycare pharmacy, Domino's Pizza, Mitre 10 Tully, Grasso motors 4x4, Classic Nails and Spa, Coles Innisfail, Top Pub Tully,

Mt Tyson Hotel Tully, Goodi Bend Pub, Innisfail Antiques, BCF Innisfail, Reece Plumbing Innisfail, Igguldens Tully, Malcolm Bright, Innisfail Hardware, IBS Innisfail, Soul Patterson Chemist, Dizy’s

2 teaspoons died mint

2 teaspoons dried oregano

Beetroot and Orange Salad

Serves: 8

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

1 serve per portion

Ingredients

2 bunches baby beetroot, unpeeled, tops trimmed

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 teaspoons honey

creations, Bingil Bay Café, Nth Coast machinery, Mellick Ctr, Fresha Seafood, Woolworths Mission Beach, El Arish Tavern, Qld Steel, Harvey Norman, Innisfail Chemist, Innisfail aquarium

Freshly ground black pepper

1 cup Greek yoghurt, reduced fat

2 teaspoons lemon zest

2 tablespoons lemon juice

200g Danish feta, crumbled

2 oranges, peeled, thinly sliced Mint leaves to garnish

Flat parsley leaves to garnish

Method

PUT beetroot into microwave safe bowl and cover with a tight seal. Microwave on high for 8 minutes until just tender. Stand until cool to touch, still covered. Peel off skin and cut in half and place in a large bowl.

ADD oil, vinegar, honey, mint and oregano to a small jar with a lid. Shake well to combine. Season with freshly ground black pepper and pour over beetroot. Gently toss to coat. Sit for 10 minutes.

COMBINE yoghurt, zest, juice and half the feta in a small bowel, stirring until smooth. Spread onto a large platter and top with beetroot and orange, reserving juices for serving.

SCATTER mint, parsley and remaining feta over the top. Combine reserved juices in a small jug and drizzle to serve.

23rd-26th March

Thursday 23rd March Paronella Park Gone Troppo Trivia at RSL 7pm

and bird Ctr, RSL Innisfail, Nova Unisex salon, GF Rural Innisfail, Oliveri’s Deli, Tigers Leagues Club, Lifeline Pharmacy, Rotaries Pharmacy, Wobble In Bicycles, IGA Tully, Greg McDonald, Sergio, Stevs Howe, A Strano, Turtle

Major sponsors: Reece Bush construction, Nissan Innisfail

Friday 24th March

Northern Food Trail 8.30am

Shire Hall Tour 10.30am Taste of the Tropics Dinner Crown Hotel 6pm

Empowering women through education and health is a priority for the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA). The QCWA Country Kitchens program, funded by the Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland, supports Queenslanders to adopt healthier lifestyles. To find out more about the program visit https://qcwacountrykitchens.com.au/.

Empowering women through education and health is a priority for the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA). The QCWA Country Kitchens program, funded by the Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland, supports Queenslanders to adopt healthier lifestyles. To find out more about the program visit https://qcwacountrykitchens.com.au/.

Sunday 26th March

Australian Bananas River Feast 9am to 3pm FREE ENTRY

Rare & Tropical Fruit Display

Cooking Stage Demos & Tastings

Market Stalls

Saturday 25th March

Southern Food Trail 8.30am Pro-biotic Sodas & No-bake Cakes Workshop 10am Tropical Cocktail Cruises at 2pm & 5pm

www.feastofthesenses.com.au

Food Vans

Kid Zone with rides

Entertainment Stage River Cruises

Cassowary Coast officers recognised for their efforts

SENIOR CONSTABLE JANE MORAN

ASSISTANT Commissioner Brett Schafferius travelled to Innisfail this week to present awards and medals to a number of officers for their dedication, commitment and service to the Cassowary Coast community.

The Cassowary Coast awards ceremony was held at the Innisfail Police Station on Tuesday, February 28.

Amongst the recipients were Acting Inspector Brett Jenkins who received his 30-year-clasp to the Queensland Police Service Medal.

Senior Constable Theo Kamien (retired) received the National Medal –1st Clasp, and the Queensland Police Service Medal 25-year-clasp.

Congratulations to all officers and staff members awarded!

More water buybacks threaten to destroy Queensland towns and force up food prices

ON BEHALF OF THE HON DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP

LABOR’S plan to go ahead with more water buybacks risks destroying Queensland towns and worsening Australia’s cost-of-living crisis.

Leader of The Nationals and Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said Water Minister Tanya Plibersek’s revelations that she would not allow more time for states to deliver efficiency infrastructure for nearly 350 gigalitres, while ignoring the economic and social safeguards for the 450 additional gigalitres, would be a huge blow to

regional communities.

Mr Littleproud said it would also drive up grocery bills even further.

“If that much water is purchased from farmers, less food is produced, so every Australian will pay more at the checkout,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The infrastructure programs designed by the states to deliver water for the environment just need to be given time to be completed and the safeguards Labor created for the additional 450 gigalitres just need to be respected.

“Farmers can sell up and walk away but it will be the towns, the small

Crime in the North

ON BEHALF OF SHANE KNUTH MP FOR HILL

MEMBER for Hill Shane Knuth welcomes the chance for a public hearing to be held in Cairns to discuss the Strengthening Community Safety Bill 2023.

He said for years the Far North has seen escalating crime rates across all communities.

"Queenslanders are now rising up and have had a gutful. They have been

warning the government for eight years and now it has gotten to the point that it will take a decade to pull it back to where it was," Mr Knuth said.

"The reality is the bill in its current form will nowhere near go far enough.

"It needs to be strengthened and harsher penalties put in place to correct the issue."

Mr Knuth said there needed to be some serious changes in the bill to make a difference.

business owners and families that will feel the pain inflicted by the Labor government. Australian families will potentially have 25 per cent less food and fibre available to them, according to the National Irrigators’ Council, if the Labor government uses buybacks instead of infrastructure to recover water for the environment.”

Mr Littleproud said the Minister’s statement meant in his electorate of Maranoa, the final 14 gigalitres required to be recovered in Queensland would not be the end of the Basin Plan for communities.

“It means the Albanese government

"This is why KAP will be introducing four amendments to the legislation; Removal of detention as a last resort.

Mandatory minimum sentencing for particular offences (unlawful use of motor vehicles, burglary, break and enter).

Presumption to be tried as an adult for particular offences; and Relocation sentencing.

Mareeba Shire Council has written in their submission that they introduced a motion at the 2022 LGAQ Conference calling on the State Government to introduce diversionary facilities on

will buy water from farms right across the Basin including Queensland without a safety net to recover the additional 450 gigalitres.”

Mr Littleproud added he was also disappointed Queensland Water Minister Glenn Butcher had gone silent.

“Where is Minister Butcher and why is he not fighting for these communities that are about to be butchered themselves by Labor? Labor’s plan will wreak havoc throughout regional Queensland and ultimately, it will put more pressure on Australian families at the grocery store. All Australians will pay for Labor’s refusal to consult and save our farming areas.”

more remote state-owned properties where young people who have started falling into trouble with the law can be sent to gain both social and technical skills rather than being sent to a Youth Detention Centre.

Mr Knuth said this fell in line with KAP's call for relation sentencing.

In 2002 in the Far North there was a total of 34,146 offenses. In 2022 there was a total of 53,793 offences recorded on the Queensland Police website.

https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/farnorth/ queensland-crime-statistics/

2023 Prep classes Innisfail State School and Flying Fish Point State School

WET TROPIC

Times

Being Active

SARI RUSSO NEE HYYTINEN

IT is hard not to want to give your all when you are passionate about something. I am excited about the changes that are set to come into my world in just a short period of time. Whilst I constantly am looking at ways that will ensure that I can maintain the responsibilities I already have.

I missed the day and age when a woman was a stay-at-home mother, as the father’s wage could support her and the children. Sadly, those days are gone. Well, maybe not; it just depends on how you want to live.

Looking at the timeline of the year, we are already in March. My husband is set to launch into the cane season shortly, and whilst looking after a child, I will still have a newspaper to run and the new digital avenues.

I am delighted to send bub out on the farm when feasible. There is so much a child can learn from farming, and I don’t want my child to miss out. There is so much in store for us in the new season of our lives. I am interested in the direction our lives and businesses will take as we go through this next season, trusting God that we will get through it.

Warrina Lakes pump track gains traction

CASSOWARY COAST REGIONAL COUNCIL

AFTER community feedback on the design of Warrina Lakes Pump Track, CCRC has confirmed the smaller beginner’s pump track will progress.

Late last year and early in 2023, CCRC undertook successful community consultation on the draft design and after valuable feedback proved the design.

A smaller pump track for beginners, as well as a larger pump track which has roller and large berms, rollers, multiple transitions, dragon back and doubles make up the final design.

Pump tracks are not only fantastic fun but also develop key bicycle (or other wheeled recreational devices) skills.

From February 21, the contractor begun site establishment activities, with construction expected to be completed by the start of April, subject to site and weather conditions.

Once completed, it is hoped children, both young and old, take advantage of the track, as well as enjoy the other facilities on offer at Warrina Lakes.

Community feedback demonstrated widespread support for the pump track design which included the proposed beginner’s pump track.

This community feedback was received via a Your Say survey, along with an information session held at the Innisfail Markets last December.

CCRC wanted to thank community members for their interest and input into the consultation process.

This pump track is Stage One of the Warrina Lakes Parklands Master Plan and further stages of the Plan are subject to future budget considerations.

Funding of $400,000 from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program has made the Warrina Lakes Pump Track project possible.

This program supports local councils for the delivery of priority road and community infrastructure projects across Australia.

For further information on the project, please visit yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/warrina-lakespump-track.

Tracey Smith (teacher aide) and Prep/Year 1 teacher Sonia Ashford with Innisfail State School Prep and Year 1 students.

Acting Principal Molly Bendle, Prep - Year 3 teacher Sophie McKenna with Flying Fish Point State School Prep and Year 1 students Kawhi, Xanthe, Torin and Michael.

Well Done to Beatts Fabrications,

Well Done to Beatts Fabrications

In September 2022, Council procured three trucks from Isuzu Townsville for the 2022/2023 Fleet Replacement Program.

As part of the procurement engagement, Council Officers made it clear that local manufacturing companies were to be considered and given the opportunity to build the aluminium bodies of two tipper trucks.

Subsequently, Isuzu Townsville opted to subcontract the works out to locally owned business Beatts Fabrications, over Townsville based businesses like Rydweld.

Isuzu Townsville was engaged by Townsville City Council (TCC) to deliver six trucks as part of their fleet replacement program, and as a result of this TCC has accepted the use of Beatts Fabrications as the subcontractor to build the trays for those trucks as well.

Congratulations to Lindsey Beatts, owner of Beatts Fabrications!

Mulch March

Council is pleased to announce that for the full month of March, mulch will be made available for free at the Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre.

Staff will be available to load the mulch for you on a Tuesday or Thursday, between 9.30am and 11.30am.

Mulch will be available at any time, within operating hours, for locals happy to load themselves.

Note that only vehicles that have sufficient coverage for transport will be allowed to collect the mulch.

For further information please contact Council’s Waste Team.

Clean Up Australia Day 2023

Thinking of volunteering for this year’s Clean Up Australia Day?

Sunday 5 March 2023 is approaching fast so it is your final chance to join a local Clean Up event.

If you cannot find a clean-up near you why not create your own?

Grab your friends, family, neighbours or local community members, and create your own clean-up event by visiting https://bit.ly/3IEby7x.

Morning Melodies: St Patrick's Day

Pre-Celebration

North Queensland’s favourite Celtic folk band, 33 1/3 are returning with a fresh line-up ready to delight audiences with a rousing fusion of both traditional and contemporary songs and tunes.

33 1/3 are famous for their driving tempo, skilful playing, and a strong stage performance.

Come along and have some fun as we prepare to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.

Date: Wednesday 8 March 2023

Time: 9.30am to 11.45am

Where: JL Kelly Theatre

76 Townsville Road Ingham

Cost: $22.50

For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit Council's website, Events Calendar page.

Exhibition Opening "The Early Years"

Join us for "The Early Years" A Salute to Charters Towers and District exhibition by artist Jim Arena.

Date: Friday 10 March 2023

Time: 6.00pm to 9.00pm

Where: TYTO Regional Art Gallery

73-75 McIlwraith Street

Ingham

Cost: Free event

Exhibition on display until 4.00pm Tuesday 4 April 2023.

The TYTO Regional Art Gallery is open from 10.00am to 4.00pm daily.

Free Business Digital Strategy Workshop

Come along to a free Business Digital Strategy Workshop hosted by the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce and NBN.

This workshop is a great opportunity to:

• Learn about the Chamber's plans for 2023;

• Build a Digital Strategy for your business; and

• Help set your business up for the future.

Date: Thursday 23 March 2023

Time: 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Where: TYTO Conference and Events Centre Light dinner and refreshments will be provided.

To attend, please RSVP by Friday 10 March 2023 via email to president@hinchinbrookchamber. com.au.

Country Music, You and Beer Tour

- Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley

New songs, new stories and the same two ratbags, Brooke McClymont and

Adam Eckersley hit the road again in 2023 on their “Country Music, You and Beer Tour” with a brand new show, and it is going to be a cracker. It was always going to be special when two of Australia's finest singersongwriters announced they were teaming up to release their first album in 2018, country artists, and husband and wife duo, Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley released their debut album Adam and Brooke in 2018, charting at number one on the ARIA Country Album chart and gained the duo four Golden Guitar nominations and an ARIA nomination.

Date: Friday 24 March 2023

Time: 7.30pm to 9.30pm

Where: JL Kelly Theatre

Cost: $59.90

For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit Council's website, Events Calendar page.

Baby Welcoming Ceremony

Have you registered your child for the First 5 Forever Underwater Wonderland Baby Welcoming Ceremony yet?

Register your child today to be officially welcomed into the Hinchinbrook Community. Connect with the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, and find valuable information and resources to assist with your child's development.

Date: Saturday 25 March 2023

Time: 10.00am to 1.00pm

Where: TYTO Conference and Events Centre

To RSVP, please visit Council's website, Events Calendar page.

Upper Burdekin Wind Farm

The Public Environment Report (PER) for the Upper Burdekin Wind Farm is now available for public comment.

The PER is the result of more than two years' extensive environmental study work and in depth stakeholder consultation, including public feedback on the project design.

The PER and all associated documents can be viewed via the Upper Burdekin Wind Farm website https://bit.ly/3ZoP7d5.

Hard copies of the report can be viewed at the State Library of Queensland at the Cultural Centre, Stanley Place South Bank Brisbane, the Hinchinbrook Shire Library in Ingham, or the Charters Towers Excelsior Library.

Image: Council's Procurement Coordinator Kyle Thomson, Lindsey Beatts owner of Beatts Fabrications and Council's Fleet Coordinator Scott Thomson.

Lending a paw for defence veterans: ‘clear evidence’ that assistance dogs help improve mental health

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

A new Australian study focused on defence veterans’ mental health has found strong evidence that assistance dogs used in conjunction with traditional therapies provide the most effective treatment outcomes.

Almost 90 per cent of veterans reported improvements in their post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety 12 months after being matched to an assistance dog, according to researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA), University of Adelaide, and Military and Emergency Services Health Australia (MESHA).

Of the 16 returned veterans who took part in the study, 63 per cent reported “significant clinical improvements” to their mental health thanks to an assistance dog provided by the Operation K9 Program run by See Differently with the Royal Society for the Blind.

The study, funded by The Hospital Research Foundation Group, is the first in Australia to use selfreported measures, clinical assessments, and face-toface interviews with veterans to investigate the value of an assistance dog over time.

It is published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

UniSA Master of Clinical Psychology student Melissa Sherman, who analysed the data, says the findings are relevant to policymakers and demonstrate the power of human-animal relationships.

“Previous studies have shown that existing treatments for post-traumatic stress among returned veterans are not ideal, with high dropout rates and poor adherence,” Sherman says.

“This study provides clear evidence that assistance dogs can play a key role in a veteran’s recovery from post-traumatic stress and other mental health conditions, supporting existing treatments.”

Of the 5000 ADF members who transition from the

forces to civilian life every year, 46 per cent experience mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and depression. Almost a quarter of them are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress in their lifetime.

“This is an important issue that needs addressing,” according to MESHA Executive Director Miranda Van Hooff, an Adjunct Associate Professor at both UniSA and the University of Adelaide.

Three major themes emerged from the study: that assistance dogs were a “life changer”, a constant companion, and helped returned veterans to increase their social interactions.

“For many veterans, an assistance dog gave them a sense of purpose and a reason to live,” Assoc Prof Van Hooff says.

Veterans reported their dog helped them “reclaim their life”, giving them independence and a way to manage their mental health issues and fluctuating emotions, including hypervigilance.

Some participants described their dog as “a comfort or security blanket,” with one veteran saying he was a recluse for many years until being matched with an assistance dog: ‘Now, every day is an adventure, giving me something to look forward to’.

The study showed a slight drop in participants still reporting suicidal feelings after 12 months, but the reduction was not significant. The main benefits were a large reduction in depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptoms.

Researchers say the study was limited by the lack of a control group of veterans with post-traumatic stress not receiving an assistance dog, and the small number of study participants due to the cost of breeding, training, and matching dogs to veterans.

Further research is being conducted by the team to overcome these limitations.

The Wilkins family Lime and Gypsum

THEWilkins family founded Miriwinni Lime and Gypsum (MLG) during the 1970s after they identified a growing need to optimise the condition of their cane farm soils to improve crop yields. This challenge saw them secure their first limestone deposit at Mount Garnet in Far North Queensland.

Following this, the company expanded to service, first to its neighbours and then established a more sophisticated supply, distribution, and spreading network in North Queensland. During

this time, other mineral deposits like dolomite, calcium silicate and gypsum were secured to supply the growing demand for sweeter soil.

In 2021 Australian Agricultural Minerals (AAM) purchased MLG and were provided with the opportunity to continue the legacy of the Wilkins family.

In 2023, MLG, under the guidance of AAM, remain committed to proudly source, supply and spread quality minerals that improve soil and crop performance across a wide variety of

farming operations. With the ownership change, MLG remains 100% Australianowned and operated.

In fact, many of the same staff, including a few of the Wilkins family, will be those you hear from when contacting MLG for your next enquiry or order.

Despite soaring grower input costs, MLG has kept cost increases on all their products to a minimum, thanks to local sourcing in North Queensland. Economically, farmers who understand the fundamentals of nutrient availability

with improved soil pH and nutrient balance often tell the team at MLG its costs them more not to use the MLG products in order to maintain good crop yield.

Delivering high-value minerals and services to enhance grower success drives the MLG team—a reputation of more than just suppliers but as trusted farming partners.

For more information, visit miriwinnilime.com.au or call us on 0740432200.

National Pet Adoption Month (March 2023)

PETSPIRATION FOUNDATION

TODAY marks the start of National Pet Adoption Month and with more than 7,400 animals currently looking for a forever home, the Petspiration Foundation (formally PETstock Assist) is encouraging Australians to Adopt Different by considering a pet most in need.

Sherralea Cassidy, Petspiration Foundation’s Charity and Events Lead, says the charity is on a mission to have cats, large dogs, adolescent dogs and bonded pairs that can’t be separated, adopted as they remain the most vulnerable in 2023.

“All pets deserve a safe and loving home, and National Pet Adoption Month is the perfect opportunity to meet pets searching for a new family,” says Sherralea.

Natural disasters, increasing living costs, inflation and access to housing are impacting pet ownership and leading to surrenders of pets. PetRescue Founder and Director, Vickie Davy, is seeing great dogs coming into rescue care, ready for a new home, even if some training is needed.

“The fact is that only a small percentage of pets are surrendered due to their behaviour which - like any animal - can be negated through dedicated training,” says Vickie.

Animal Behaviourist, Dr Kate Mornement, says, many rescue pets have been house pets in the past and are already toilet trained, with basic manners so you’re not starting from scratch - it’s about reinforcing the existing desired behaviours and building on these.

“There are so many options when it comes to adoption. Cats are wonderfully intelligent animals, fantastic for any size home, and can be easily trained

(just like dogs) using positive reinforcement,” says Kate.

“I also encourage would-be rescue pet owners not to be put off by a large dog because you think it will need more exercise, as it is very much dependent on the breed, age and individual personality of the dog. For those concerned about being in the office and leaving their pet, a bonded pair could be the answer as they have each other for company.”

The Petspiration Foundation exists to strengthen the rewarding bond between pets and people and has found homes for more than 13,000 rescue pets since its inception in 2007.

Animal lovers are encouraged to visit petstock.com. au in March to find a pet that needs a forever home. On Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March head to selected PETstock stores to meet rescue pets available for adoption or fostering. Visit www.petstock.com.au/adopt

About The Petspiration Foundation:

The Petspiration Foundation (formally PETstock Assist) is a registered charity that exists to strengthen the rewarding bond between pets and people,

empowering a better future for both.

Since its inception in 2007, The Petspiration Foundation has raised more than $7.7 million to date, found homes for more than 13,000 rescue pets and donated more than $181,000 to support flood affected areas in 2022.

The Foundation is contributed to by the fundraising initiatives of all Petspiration brands, donations by business partners and employees as they come together for the pets that inspire us. 100% of funds raised go towards its charitable partners and projects with all operating costs covered by the business. Visit www.petspiration.group/foundation

SAMPLE

Total Land Area: 31.94 Ha = 78.92 acres*

Usable Land Area: 30.28 Ha = 74.82 acres*

Total Land Area: 31.94 Ha = 78.92 acres*

Usable Land Area: 30.28 Ha = 74.82 acres*

Sale is on a W.I.W.O. basis which includes the 2023 sugarcane crop, already fertilised. Sales includes: Two combined lockable sheds – Total floor area 471.96 sqm*

Sale is on a W.I.W.O. basis which includes the 2023 sugarcane crop, already fertilised. Sales includes: Two combined lockable sheds – Total floor area 471.96 sqm*

Auction: Saturday 11th March 2023 – 11am Onsite.

Auction: Saturday 11th March 2023 – 11am Onsite.

Inspections available by appointment.

All offers will be presented to the Owners, an offer may be accepted prior to Auction. *all areas approximate List #1597 https://aarealty.net/rural/1597/

Inspections available by appointment. All offers will be presented to the Owners, an offer may be accepted prior to Auction. *all areas approximate List #1597 https://aarealty.net/rural/1597/

For

Information Contact Alf on 0418 774 849

Laura and her adopted Malamute cross Luna

CONGRATULATIONS MATT HORNIBLOW

Matt, son of Lindsay and Jacqui Horniblow, from Tully, graduated with a Bachelor of Film (Production) from SAE University, Brisbane. Matt attended St Clare’s Primary and Tully State High.

DEATH NOTICES

DEATH NOTICE

VOLPE, Darryl Lawrence

Aged 66

Late of Miriam Vale, formally of Ingham

Passed away after a short illness surrounded by his family in the Bundaberg Hospital on 01/02/2023

Privately Cremated

Inserted by his parents, Delsa & Tullio Volpe

DEATH NOTICE

KIRKMAN, John Joseph

The family of John Joseph KIRKMAN wish to advise of his passing in Brisbane on 9 February 2023, aged 86. He had been Principal of Tully State High School from 1986 to 1990.

Sadly missed by: His wife Deslys Kirkman and daughter Margaret and son James.

Church times across the region

AOG / ACC /

Tully Family Church, 9am, Sun, 2 Watkins St, Tully Cardwell AOG, 9:30am Sun, Shire Hall, Cardwell Mission Beach Family Church, 6pm, Sun, Unit 3, 2-4 Stephens Street, Mission Beach Life Church, 10am, Sun, 28-32 Townsville Road, Ingham

Baptist Churches

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

Churches of Christ Care Rockingham Home Aged

Care Service, 9am Fri, 3rd Fri of month, 40 Jamieson St, Cardwell

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

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

Uniting Churches

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

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

Innisfail police cracking down on antisocial behaviour

SENIOR CONSTABLE JANE MORAN

WITH an increase in disorderly behaviour and liquorrelated offences in the Innisfail CBD and surrounding parks in recent months, Innisfail police conducted an operation to combat antisocial behaviour.

Operation ‘Dry Tropics’ ran from January 20 and concluded on February 20.

The aim of the operation was to disrupt disorderly street offences, property offences, offences against persons and related traffic offences.

Officers conducted high visibility patrols at targeted specific times during the month, sending a clear message that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated.

Police recorded more than 217 interactions with members of the public related to the operation.

Officers issued six liquor infringement notices and four traffic infringement notices.

Twenty-four charges are pending court appearances relating to offences from the Liquor Act, Drug Misuse Act, Bail Act, Police Powers and responsibilities Act, Summary Offences Act, Domestic and Family Violence Act and the Waste Management Act.

Over 156 litres of alcohol was tipped out during the operation.

Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Cini said the operation was aimed at maintaining a safe environment in and

around Innisfail’s public areas.

“We want to ensure everyone can enjoy Innisfail,” Acting Senior Sergeant Cini said.

“There was a lot of good work done by the officers, and similar operations will continue to be run in the future.”

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.

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

Cardwell heavy vehicle operation

SENIOR CONSTABLE JANE MORAN

CARDWELL officers undertook a heavy vehicle operation on Victoria Street last Thursday (February 23).

They were assisted by officers from Innisfail Highway Patrol, Cairns Dog Squad and other agencies.

The operation ran from 3-7pm, with heavy rain hindering the operation at

times.

Focusing on heavy vehicles, officers issued a number of infringement notices for drivers failing to record information in work diary as prescribed by regulation, and one for unrestrained child passenger.

Several roadside drug tests were conducted, with one driver returning a positive result.

TULLY MEALS ON WHEELS ROSTER MARCH 2023

Wednesday 1

Jan Pease, Marilyn Weig and Carol Carstensen, Dina and Lou Campagnolo, Lyn & Neil Reardon

Friday 3

Marilyn Weigand, Carol Carstensen, Anita Stapley, Kate Henry, Pam Cridland, Gordan Williams, Avis Ray

Monday 6

Chrissy Argyros, Carol Carstensen, Marilyn Weigand, Terry Ryan, Di, Ken Blair, D Clarke

Wednesday 8

Jan Pease, C Carstensen, Marilyn Weigand, Jill Mackay, Megan Cairns, Bree D Hawkett, P Boswell

Friday 10

Chrissy Argyros, Carol Carstensen, Marilyn Weigand, D Hawkett, P Boswell, Sue Robson, Carol Carstensen

Monday 13

Chrissy Argyros, Carol Carstensen, Marilyn Weig and Veronica Lizzio, Lyn Miller, Chris & Peter Mclean

Wednesday 15

Jan Pease, Carol Carstensen, Marilyn Weigand, Janette Evans, Josie Pease, Trish Lardi, Loui Crema

Friday 17

Marilyn Weigand, Carol Carstensen, Trish Lardi, Mary Bacic, Pam Cridland, Marilyn Weig and Viena Morris

Monday 20

Marilyn Weig and Carol Carstensen, Chrissy Argyros, Mary McDonald, Karen Edwards, Roy Favier, Sam Pappalardo

Wednesday 22

Jan Pease, Carol Carstensen, Marilyn Weigand, A Pacey, Loraine Cargnello, Miriam Pappalardo, Desley Reid

Friday 24

Marilyn Weigand, Carol Carstensen, Anita Stapley, Leslee Marker Julie Jordan C & K Littlemore

Monday 27

Carol Carstensen, Marilyn Weig and Sue Robson, Carol Carstensen, Sue Robson, Lisa LaSpina

Wednesday 29

Jan Pease, Marilyn Weigand, Carol Carstensen, Dina and Lou Campagnolo, Lyn & Neil Reardon

Friday 31

Marilyn Weigand, Carol Carstensen, Anita Stapley, Kate Henry, Pam Cridland, Gordan Williams, Avis Ray

A 41-year-old Heatley man was issued with a licence suspension notice and is scheduled to appear at the Tully Magistrates Court on March 16.

The relevant sample was forwarded to a laboratory testing facility for scientific analysis and officers will await those results before determining further enforcement action.

Ongoing operations will continue throughout the year.

INGHAM MEALS ON WHEELS ROSTER MARCH 2023

Wednesday 1

Kitchen:- B Carne, R Marshall, P Robino

Driver/Delivery: S & P Murdoch, Nqib (Donna & Kate), W Pavetto & S Craperi

Friday 3

Kitchen:- B Carne, R Marshall, P Murdoch, M Cominardi

Driver/Delivery: C Mcleod & S

Cameron, I Cameron & R Radel, M & H Matthews, W Ashley

Monday 6

Kitchen:- B Carne, R Phillips, N Knowsley, S Kemp

Driver/Delivery: J Stokes, V Cutting & P Robino, C Mcleod & R Radel, L Laspina & L Mcgrath

Wednesday 8

Kitchen: B Carne, R Marshall, P Robino, N Knowsley

Driver/Delivery: L Sartor & C Bain, Rotary, C Mcleod & R Radel

Friday 10

Kitchen:- B Carne, R Marshall, P Murdoch

Driver/Delivery: P Robino & J

Schoneveld, F&J Boon, J Armstrong & Y Oakes, W Ashley

Monday 13

Kitchen: B Carne, R Marshall, R Phillips, N Knowsley

Driver/Delivery: J Henderson, E & S Lenti, C Bishop & J Hutcheson, P Robino & J Schoneveld

Wednesday 15

Kitchen:- B Carne, R Marshall, P Robino, N Knowsley

Driver/Delivery: L Mcgrath & S

Cameron, I Cameron & R Radel,J & P Schifilliti

Friday 17

Kitchen:- B Carne, R Marshall, P Murdoch

Driver/Delivery: L Sartor & P Robino, D Girgenti & R Quabba, Hsc, W Ashley

Monday 20

Kitchen:- B Carne, R Marshall, R Phillips, N Knowsley

Driver/Delivery: R & S Van Kerkwyk, P Robino & L Mcgrath, V Cutting & C Mcleod, S Rutherford & J Hardwick

Wednesday 22

Kitchen:- B Carne, R Marshall, P Robino, N Knowsley

Driver/Delivery: Rotary, S & P Murdoch, C Mcleod & R Radel

Friday 24

Kitchen:- B Carne, R Marshall, P Murdoch, M Cominardi

Driver/Delivery: R Robino & J Schoneveld, Keita, J Armstrong & Y Oakes, W Ashley

Monday 27

Kitchen:- B Carne, R Marshall, R Phillips, S Kemp

Driver/Delivery: R & S Van Kerkwyk, P Robino & J Bell, B Molachino & A Kemp, I & S Cameron

Wednesday 29

Kitchen:– B Carne, R Marshall, P Robino, N Knowsley

Driver/Delivery – C Mcleod & R Radel, J Bell & S Craperi, L Mcgrath & L Carey

Friday 31

Kitchen:– B Carne, R Marshall, P Murdoch

Driver/Delivery – C Mcleod & R Radel, C Carey, I & S Cameron, W Ashley

TSL Ag Update March 1

GREG SHANNON

SO now we are into March, and suddenly, the start of the 2023 season harvest doesn’t seem that far away!

That means we will soon be starting to sample crops for early CCS. We sample the crop when the oldest cane is around nine months of age because we want to know two things 1) How the crop is maturing naturally and 2) where the use of crop ripeners will be most effective to help facilitate an early start to the season.

To start before June, we need to use crop ripeners. The type of ripener we use has been around for a few decades. Still, it has become more widespread in use in the Tully region over the past three seasons.

While the weather plays a huge role in starting the harvest early (late May) as hoped, the crop must also have reasonable CCS. The primary way to have reasonable CCS at that time of the year is strategically using crop ripeners.

Season 2022 was favourable for the use of ripeners for the whole season; this is not always the case. Usually, we recommend ripeners be used for the first two harvest rounds only and maybe again at plough

out at the end of the season.

We work back eight weeks from when we think we will start harvesting to predict when to start using ripeners.

That means ripeners will start to be applied early to mid-April, so we start sampling the crop from March 20.

Crop ripeners are a good tool but not a silver bullet, and there are some basic principles we stick to to make sure we give them a good chance of working effectively:

• The crop should be healthy and actually growing with little or no RSD or other diseases and no moisture stress.

• The crop should be reasonably tonnage, at least 75 t/ha.

• We mainly use rounds 1 and 2 to help the early start, but they can also be used to suppress suckering later in the season if we get a wet harvest; this happened last year.

The application cost has come down in recent years, and we now need to increase at least 0.2 CCS units to make it worthwhile. Last year we achieved this plus more.

Even if no ripener is used, we still start sampling around the 9-10 month mark because we want to know what the crop is doing regarding CCS. Since December, we haven’t had a lot of good sunny days, so it will be interesting to see how the crop has started to ripen so far.

As in previous years, we will have designated dropoff sites where growers can leave the cane samples

for processing using the mobile mill, and these dropoff sites will be communicated to the industry a week before the start of sampling, so basically in a few weeks.

Horticultural growers call for clarification on the future of Coen checkpoint

RNQ GROWERS

FNQ Growers has called on the Queensland Government to clarify the future of the Coen biosecurity checkpoint on Cape York Peninsula.

The organisation, which advocates for the highly productive horticultural commodities from Lakeland in the north, south to Tully and west to Georgetown, was

responding to media reports earlier this year which raised concerns about the checkpoint’s future.

FNQ Growers president Joe Moro said the Coen checkpoint was crucial to protecting Far North Queensland’s half-billion-dollar horticulture industry.

“Our region is considered one of the fourth most significant fruit bowls in Queensland, and an agricultural

powerhouse in northern Australia, with its value critical well beyond the farmgate,” Mr Moro said.

“With no official comment forthcoming from the Queensland Government, FNQ Growers has sought urgent comment on the media reports and assurances that the livelihoods of horticulture growers, and that of the many communities our industries support, will be protected.”

Crocodile Issues Can No Longer Be Ignored

MEMBER for Hill Shane Knuth has today hit out at the State Government for their lack of urgency towards the growing risk of crocodile attacks and sightings in the Far North, likening it to their apathy on youth crime.

"For years the Government has known that youth crime is a massive issue in the regions, yet they ignored the

pleas from the community for action."

"The Government has been dragged kicking and screaming to parliament by Queenslanders and forced to make changes to youth crime laws; however, it's too little and too late.

"I can the same apathy towards taking action on crocodile numbers and attacks by this Government."

Mr Knuth said the KAP has submitted their Saferwaterways Bill twice now, with the Government and opposition both voting against changes to the management of crocodiles.

"Our Bill would implement sensible controls on the management of crocodile numbers, including the establishment of a Queensland Crocodile Authority

in Cairns, increased ranger numbers, egg harvesting initiatives for indigenous people and a zero tolerance on ANY crocodile in ANY populated beach or waterway."

Mr Knuth's renewed calls for better management of crocodiles follows news this week of a crocodile sighting on a street in Ingham and a crocodile dragging a man into the water south of Cooktown.

"These incidents are on the rise and I am receiving constant feedback from fishermen, water recreational users and Queensland Life Saving on increased crocodile activity on beaches and inland waterways in populated areas."

Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto said he is sick and tired of the Government's response of putting up a sign to be Croc Wise.

"I guess the Government will put up a sign in the main street of Ingham now," said Mr Dametto.

"You can bet if there was a 2.5metre crocodile on a street in Brisbane they would call out the army reserves. The Government are again taking regional Queenslander's for fools and enough is enough."

Cane shape seedy or early season snap from last year

Greg Shannon

Innisfail Bowls Club’s ‘Pink Day’ for breast cancer

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARIA GIRGENTI

LAST SUNDAY, the weather cleared. A full green of 64 bowlers participated in Innisfail Bowls Club’s Fours ‘Pink Day’ to raise awareness for breast cancer and funds for two local breast cancer support groups.

Fellow bowlers from across the region rallied around Innisfail member Michael de Vries, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and currently undergoing chemotherapy followed by radiation.

Sixteen teams with players from Innisfail, South Johnstone, Silkwood, Tully, Cairns, Marlin Coast, Tablelands, and Thursday Island played three games of 12 ends and enjoyed a barbeque lunch and smoko.

The winning team on the day, with a score of 6 + 33, was Cornelia Smith, Andrea Lim, Lee Mikic and Terry McAlary, who collected $600 in prize money.

In second place were Michael de Vries, Steven Henson, Craig Riddell and John O’Brien (6 + 27), whilst in third place were Brian Meyers, Dan Dunne, Denise and Len Charman (5 + 11).

A monster goose draw and raffle raised $6,100, with the funds to be split between Innisfail Breast Cancer Support Group and The Chemo Chics: Mission Beach and Cassowary Coast.

De Vries said he was overwhelmed by the support he has received and especially wanted to thank

Innisfail Bowls Club for hosting the day, members of the lawn bowls fraternity, the generosity of all the individuals and local businesses who sponsored the event or donated items and prizes for the raffle/goose draw, and everyone who contributed to making the day a huge success.

The Chemo Chics: Mission Beach and Cassowary Coast group has assisted de Vries by transporting him to chemotherapy sessions in Cairns.

Innisfail Breast Cancer Support Group has already provided 300 care packs to Breast Care nurses in Cairns, which have been distributed to patients diagnosed with breast cancer from Thursday Island to Cardwell, Tablelands and further west to Croydon.

IBCSG has also provided 100 chemotherapy/ radiation care packs, the first 100 post-surgery care packs, and care packs more suited for male patients.

Although breast cancer in men is uncommon and accounts for 1% of all cancers, it is just as crucial for men and women to consult their doctor if they notice any changes in their breasts.

According to the Australian Government website, in 2022, an estimated 212 men in Australia received a breast cancer diagnosis.

Survival rates continue to improve in Australia. Overall, the five-year survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer is 91.8% and 86.5% for men.

Atherton Tableland Gun Club February shoot results

LAST Saturday, February 25, Silkwood Clay Target Club members participated in Atherton Tableland Gun Club’s night shoot in cool conditions with a little drizzle of rain to add to the challenging conditions.

Results:

Event 1 - 25 Target Double Barrel

AA - 1st: Aaron Lemphers, Bryan Sanderson 25/25

A - 1st: Scott Harper 24/25; 2nd: Greg Braid 22/25

B - 1st: William Armstrong 23/25; 2nd: Rob Draper 22/25

C - 1st: Matthew Chuck 21/25; 2nd: Helen Becke 20/25

Event 2 - 25 Target Point Score

AA - 1st: Aaron Lemphers 75/75; 2nd: Bryan Sanderson 64/75

A - 1st: Scott Harper 74/75; 2nd: Greg Braid 59/75

B - 1st: Rob Draper 64/75; 2nd: William Armstrong 62/75

C - 1st: Matthew Chuck 70/75; 2nd: Helen Becke 54/75

On Sunday, February 26, a field of 33 participated in a shoot at a very wet Atherton Tableland Gun Club range in overcast weather conditions, with an odd shower thrown in to challenge the top shooters.

Results:

Event 1 - 25 Target Double Barrel (Cash Divide)

AA - 1st: Graham Walker, Michael Thurston, Bryan Sanderson, Aaron Lemphers and Maurie Costa - all 25/25

A - 1st: Frank Scamnello, Edgar Collins, Joseph Micallef, Scott Harper and

Andrew Casella - all 25/25

B - 1st: Peter Neubecker, William Armstrong, Emma Thurston, Joe Collins and John Stella - all 23/25

C - 1st: Clint Wilkinson 24/25; 2nd: Rick Drury 22/25

Event 2 - 30 Target Medley

AA - 1st: Bryan Sanderson 50/50; 2nd: Mark Stella 67/69 (49/50) - Shoot off

A - 1st: Peter Luppi 50/50; 2nd: Joseph Micallef 49/50

B - 1st: Rob Draper 47/50; 2nd: John Stella 46/50

C 1st: Russell Howlett 50/50; 2nd: Clint Wilkins 48/50

Event 3 - 25 Target Single Barrel

AA - 1st: Michael Thurston 24/25; 2nd: Bryan Sanderson 36/38 (23/25) - Shoot off

A - 1st: Barry Lansdown 32/34; 2nd: Scott Harper 31/34 (23/25) - Shoot off

B - 1st: Charles Collins 24/25; 2nd: John Stella 23/27 (21/25) - Shoot off

C - 1st: Clint Wilkinson 25/25; 2nd: Rick Drury 23/25

Event 4 - 50 Target Continental Double Barrel

AA - 1st: Aaron Lemphers 50/50; 2nd: Bryan Sanderson 100/102; 3rd: Jar Smaniotto 99/102 (48/50) - Shoot off

A - 1st: Andrew Casella 74/74; 2nd: Frank Scamnello 73/74 (50/50); 3rd: Peter Threlfall 120/121 (49/50) - Shoot off

B - 1st: William Armstrong 49/50; 2nd: Joe Collins 48/50; 3rd: John Stella 51/54 (47/50) Shoot off

C - 1st: Clint Wilkinson 48/50; 2nd: Rick Drury 43/50; 3rd; Russell Howlett 42/50

Lawn bowlers from across the region who played in the ‘Pink Bowls Day’ for breast cancer at Innisfail Bowls Club last Sunday.

Michael de Vries (far left) with the winning team of Cornelia Smith, Andrea Lim, Lee Mikic and Terry McAlary.

The team of Michael de Vries, John O’Brien, Stephen Henson and Craig Riddell finished in second place.

Michael de Vries (second from left) with Brian Meyers, Len and Denise Charman and Dan Dunne.

Shane Muriata

THE Tully Tigers Rugby League Football Club enjoyed one of its finest community events in recent memory when they packed out the Tigers Leagues Club last weekend for the annual jersey auction night. It was a massive night for local businesses to get their names on a

season 2023 jersey whilst supporting a local sporting club. The final number was a whopping $41,000.00 raised on the night.

Local legends, celebrities, Hall of Famers and Fabian Tauli all made for a night that hasn’t been seen since I won an Oscar back in November. With Bully’s lookalike taking centre stage as our new half, it has been revealed that Anthony Emmi once again took home the trophy for best hair.

Speaking of celebrities, the night would not have been a success obviously without the Maverick himself, the great Bob Katter, Gunslinger Shane Knuth and Cowboys superstar Thomas Chester. How good was it to see our legendary Romy Teitzel give over her NRLW Premiership jersey to the club and remind everyone who dreams big enough can reach the heights this superstar did in her championship season. If I have to, then I will say it right now.

Congratulations must be in order for one Steven Morrice, who received

Bowls News

TFNQDBA results

ON Saturday, February 18, the TFNQ District Bowls Championships concluded, with the overall winners decided.

Some challenging games played out over the past month at Marlin Coast, West Cairns, Atherton and Mossman Bowls clubs.

Twelve teams vied for the title of District Fours champions and played three games of 15 ends or (2 hours 20 mins).

After a full day of elimination rounds, the top four teams qualified for the semi-finals.

From the semi-finals, two teams secured wins and booked a finals berth.

A hard-fought final (21 ends or 3 hours, 30 mins) ensued; however, the team of Andrew Hanson, Berto Srhoj, Doug Laycock and Wayne Petrohilos consistently had bowls on the kitty and finished convincing winners 27 - 10 over Steve Mann, John Blain, Donald Lawton and David Goode.

The District Pairs Championships' winners were Nick Twining and Lyle Braggins. In an extremely close tussle, Ben Moore just pipped Kim Mitchell by 25 - 22 in the District Singles final.

Tully Bowls

THURSDAY, February 23:

Starting at 4.30 pm, 10 players enjoyed 14 ends in the cooler conditions.

Team 1 Sean Prinisloo/Joan Mercer (27) v Team 2 Rod Bradley/Joanne Townsend (1)

Team 3 Ray Downing/Jason Harrop/Rita Hudson (17) v Team 4 Peter Smith/Val Bradley/Bev Harrop (12) Sunday Afternoon, February 26:

Lifetime Membership for his storied contribution to the Tigers book. If anyone can vouch or even have an opinion about the bloke getting the gong, then I am more than qualified. We started our footy journey way back when T rex and Stegosaurus played footy; we both played for every grade in a Tigers jersey and coached every grade in our town. It was a fitting achievement for a fitting bloke. As his wife Brenda put it so elegantly, his mistress Emmi finally had the last laugh. Maybe a trophy awaits me soon, so for now, I’ll have to

be content with owning an Oscar, WWE Universal Championship Belt, and WWE Undisputed Championship Belt.

Ok, so here we go again; the NRL season is back. With my Summer being filled with giant hams, turkey, fried chicken and endless cricket, it is with great anticipation that finally, the footy is back on TV. So, it is time to get it on to all you NRL lovers, Rooster haters, Storm cheaters, Cowgirls supporters, and Broncos legendary fans. Let’s get ready to rumble. Up the Bronx.

A bit wet today so members had an early smoko before play.

14 Bowlers enjoyed ! Rink of triples and 2 Rinks of 2-4-2.

Team1 Peter Smith/Jason Harrop (13) v Team 2 Leno Ceccato/Lou Brunello (8)

Team 5 Robyn Brunello Pam Staier (7) v Team 6 Rod Tennant/Joan Mercer (11)

Team 3 Joanne Townsend/Pauline Edwards/ Rita Hudson (9) v Team 4 Ray Downing/Avis Ray/ Colleen Tennant (7)

2nd Game

Team1 (12) v Team 5 (6). Team 2 (6) v Team 6 (10) Team 3 (6) v Team 4 (3).

Winners out of the hat were Ray Downing/Avis Ray/ Colleen Tennant. Each received a free drink.

Tuesday, February 28:

Joan Mercer, Marilyn Hagley, Joanne Townsend and Robyn Brunello travelled to South Johnstone to play in their Opening Day.

I believe a great day was had by all though a bit humid (better than the rain!)

Plus, a beautiful smoko provided by Louise, Anna, Kathy and Vera to end the day.

Anyone wishing to learn to play bowls please call at the club or ring us on 40681230. We have Club Coaches waiting to assist you..

Our playing times are Wednesday afternoons at 4.30 to 6.30. Sundays 1.30 pm to 5 pm.

Names in the book 30 mins before play.

Innisfail Men’s Bowls

MICHAEL de Vries, Sam Pagano, Clem Kinbacher and Bill Hoskins won last Thursday afternoon’s social bowls.

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

There were no club games played this week due to persistent wet weather.

The final of the Barry Wallis Shield, due to be played last Saturday, was cancelled because of wet weather

and will now be played at South Johnstone Bowls Club on March 25.

Ingham Bowls Club News

RESULTS of Friday Men’s pairs played on Feb 24: D Mc Grath & F Pallanza def P Ryan 7 M Marbelli 20 - 11

J Dickerson & I Muldowney def N Craven & P Herman 12 - 10

R Cantatore & T Koop def J Hamlyn 7 K Walker 17 - 13

Mixed social bowls results for Feb 26: Prize winning team was B Bell, N Evans & K Walker defeating T Arknik, C Johnson & P Herman 30 - 10 (23 points to 6)

B Eddleston, J Craven & S Richards def J Dickerson, D Horsley & T Koop 22 - 16 (17 points to 10)

J Mc Kaskill, J Fenoglio, J Eddleston & R Cantatore def B Mc Kaskill, M Moore, M Thompson & A Torielli 15 - 12 (11 points to 10)

Happening at our club this week: Call 47762117 or 0487240397 to nominate for any of the following games.

Barefoot Bowls played every Thursday between 6 – 8 pm

Names into the club by 5:30 pm

Men’s Pairs played at 2:15 pm every Friday.

Names into the club by 1:30 pm

This Friday March 3 the club will have a send-off for long time Friday player Ian Muldowney. Celebration Pizzas and beers will be served at the completion of the games.

P Ryan on Duty for the March 3.

Mixed Social Bowls played every Sunday at 1:30 pm

Names into the club by 12:30 pm Rosters for March 5.

Bar: S Richards

Social Selector: T Koop

Left- Shane Knuth and Bob Katter amongst some Tigers and Cowboys, presenting Romy Teitzels jersey.

Left- Anthony Emmi presenting Steven Morice with a Tigers Lifetime Membership.

Innisfail’s Kyle Mayocchi does Australia proud at the IMMAF World Amateur MMA Championships in Serbia

MARIA GIRGENTI

INNISFAIL’S Kyle Mayocchi represented Australia and did his nation proud at the 2022 IMMAF World Amateur MMA Championships held at Stark Arena in Belgrade, Serbia, from February 12 - 17.

Mayocchi got Australia off to a flying start, with a win via unanimous decision in his first match against his English opponent Ryan Southern with a choke at the very end of round three in the Male Junior 70.3kg Lightweight division.

In Mayocchi’s second fight, he had a submission win by Von Flue choke in the first round against Ivan Steko from Croatia.

Mayocchi then went up against Poland’s number one seed Michal Borowski in the quarter-finals but bowed out by decision 29 - 28.

After Mayocchi secured the first round, however, his opponent did enough to take the next two rounds.

He finished in the top eight, and although this was not his ultimate goal, he gained heaps from the experience.

The World Championships, conducted per the latest IMMAF Amateur rules, had six weight divisions in the female division, from Atomweight to Lightweight, and ten for the male division, from Strawweight to Super Heavyweight in the Senior competition.

Mayocchi especially wanted to thank his family, supporters and all who helped make this overseas trip happen, and his 2023 sponsors.

He gave a special mention to Fusion Fight and

Fitness Innisfail, Fusion Fight and Fitness, De Been 100 Jiu-Jitsu, Hyperfly Australia, Trainade, Butcher Crowd, Phuket Top Team, IMMAF Australia, Fusion Championship, Champ Mouthguards, Havokk Clothing Company, Chris Kassiotes, ADP Electrical, Cassowary Cabinets, DS Energy Services, All Phase Building Construction, Innisfail Glass and Aluminium, Mangotti Farming, Engage, Unfamiliar Apparel, Kirby Growcott, Ignite Martial Arts 51 Academy 4 and Gamebred Academy.

Mayocchi, who still has three more years in the junior division, will return stronger than ever for the next event.

He is proud to represent Australia and Fusion Fight and Fitness Innisfail against the best in the world.

Faine Mesquita Pereira created Australian MMA history by winning Australia’s first-ever world gold in the Senior Women’s Flyweight 56.7kg division with a big TKO finish against Spain’s Raquel Gonzalez.

Australian’s Samir Ali bowed out via submission (arm triangle choke) in the Junior Men’s Heavyweight 120.2kg division final against Uzbekistan’s Asrorbek Anvarjonov.

The IMMAF Championships were the largest yet, with over close to 600 athletes and featured 63 nations from all over the world.

Lessons in Taekwondo, Hapkido, and Arnis De Mano

Lessons in Taekwondo, Hapkido, Tai Chi, and Arnis De Mano

Any parent can train for free with their children in the children's classes from 4pm to 4.45pm Mondays to Thursdays.

Kyle Mayocchi from Innisfail represented Australia at the IMMAF World Amateur MMA Championships in Serbia.

“The IMMAF Championships were the largest yet, with over close to 600 athletes and featured 63 nations from all over the world.”

ANOTHER wet and windy weekend left lots of anglers frustrated with the weather. It is important to remember that good wet season results in excellent healthy fishing, and a poor wet invariably results in poor fishing later in the year. Unfortunately, there has been zero chance of anglers fishing out wide on the reefs; how hungry will those coral trout be when we get a break in the weather?

Large schools of bait move along the coast at this time of year; once the water clears, the pelagic species will start to move inshore to feed on them.

March and April are the best months of the year to target Queenfish, Trevally and Tuna inshore and around the Islands. Although the more significant numbers of Spanish Mackerel won’t start to turn up until June, smaller numbers will move in close to target the array of bait on offer.

Fingermark and Grunter have continued to take well-presented baits, vibes and GULP plastics, on headlands and shaley broken bottoms, even with considerable freshwater. Finding a sheltered spot in all this wind has been a problem.

Although most anglers fishing the estuaries have struggled, there has been some great catches from the central section of the Hinchinbrook Channel.

The best barra fishing currently is around the feeder creeks and drains, running into the significant coastal rivers. Even though there was no tidal movement on the weekend, lots of freshwater moved out of the drains bringing bait with it. Slow-rolling the new CAST APEX

soft plastics produced several barras for my manager Derek Maynard.

March and April are the best months of the year for mud crabs. Sexually mature at around two years and thought to live to 3 or 4 years of age; however, at the moment, the freshwater has pushed them to the mouths of the rivers and out on the tidal flats chasing saltwater.

The forecast looks to be easing as we head into a new week. The biggest morning tides on the weekend, and the full moon, create great fishing opportunities in our estuary systems. Fishing around river mouths as that big tide pushes in should see schools of bait being harassed by predator fish. As always, watch up-to-date weather forecasts before planning an offshore trip this time of year, as they can change daily.

Good Fishing, Roly Newton, Tackle World Tully

JOHNSTONE RIVER MARCH

HULL HEADS MARCH

SPORT

Innisfail’s Kyle Mayocchi does Australia proud at the IMMAF World Amateur MMA Championships in Serbia... page 18

Cassowary Coast District Boys’ team, crowned Peninsula cricket champions

MARIA GIRGENTI

THE Cassowary Coast 10 - 12 Years District School

Boys’ team are champions after winning the Peninsula Cricket Championships, held at Morrow Park, Tolga from February 19 - 20.

This team featured students from Innisfail, Mission Beach, Tully and Babinda who gained selection after the trial game between Cassowary Coast North and Cassowary Coast South, played at Kurrimine Beach Oval last month.

Cassowary Coast 2023 Peninsula champions: Cooper Healey, Brodie Masina, Quinn Devaney, Shaun Riley, Kyuss Barba, Jackson Poppi, Sam Costello, Travis Sinton, Chaise Di Carlo, Sebastiano Di Mauro, Chase Frumento and William Robertson.

In the three games, there were plenty of stand-out performances, both individually and as a team.

Coaches Liam Kenny and Jake Robertson commented “the team was a pleasure to coach, a wonderful group of boys who all played for each other.”

Day 1 - 2 x 20 over games

Game 1

Cassowary Coast versus Trinity Coast South

Cassowary Coast batted first and amassed 4/157.

Trinity Coast South bowled out for 52.

Highlights:

Jackson Poppi 51 retired not out 51 runs (42).

Shaun Riley retired not out with 37 runs (28).

Sebastiano Di Mauro 2/2 (2).

Travis Sinton 4 /1 (1) which included a double hat trick.

Cooper Healey (wicketkeeper) 3 catches behind the stumps.

Game 2

Cassowary Coast versus Trinity Coast Central

Trinity Coast Central batted first and after 20 overs were 6/60.

Cassowary Coast chased down the target in the eleventh over and finished with 6/117.

Highlights:

Chase Frumento 3/3 (2).

Brodie Masina 1/ 2 (2).

Quinn Devaney 1/4 (2).

Jackson Poppi 1/1 (2) and 29 runs (26) retired not out.

Kyuss Barba 21 runs (32) retired not out.

Sebastiano Di Mauro 16 not out.

Cooper Healey (wicketkeeper) one catch and one stumping.

Day 2

Final versus Tablelands

Cassowary Coast batted first and, in their innings, finished all out for 84.

After an amazing bowling performance, Cassowary Coast bundled Tablelands out for 67 in the 32nd over.

Highlights:

Quinn Devaney saved the innings with 33 runs (66) and 2/6 (4).

Cooper Healey - 9 runs (30) and as wicketkeeper - two catches and one stumping.

Chase Frumento 7 runs (32) and 3/20 (5).

Brodie Masina 1/3 (4).

Jackson Poppi 1/3 (4).

Kyuss Barba 3/9 (3).

Travis Sinton 1/1 (1).

Congratulations to Shaun Riley, Brodie Masina, Chase Frumento, Jackson Poppi and Quinn Devaney who earned selection in the Peninsula team to contest the State Cricket Championships in Rockhampton from March 27 - 31.

Coaches Liam Kenny and Jake Robertson with the victorious Cassowary Coast District Boys’ team who won the Peninsula Championships in Tolga.

The five players selected to represent Peninsula at the State Cricket Championships in Rockhampton later this month.