Wet Tropic Times, 2023, March 9, Newspaper Edition

WEATHER

Tomorrow - Saturday

Ingham

Mostly sunny 23 - 34

Cardwell

Mostly sunny 23 - 32

Tully

Scattered thunderstorms 22 - 32

Mission Beach

Sunny 24 - 31

Innisfail

Sunny 23 - 33

Tomorrow - Sunday

Ingham

Thunderstorm 23 - 35

Cardwell

Scattered thunderstorms 23 - 32

Tully

Scattered thunderstorms 22 - 33

Mission Beach

Scattered thunderstorms 24 - 31

Innisfail

Scattered thunderstorms 23 - 33

Regional Rainfall Report

Hinchinbrook PCYC Emergency Services Cadets

SARI RUSSO

LAST Tuesday, February 28, Hinchinbrook's Cadets were able to attend a fascinating presentation by the Police Dog Squad unit based in Townsville. On Monday that just passed, there was a Bomb Squad Technicians presentation also presented in Townsville.

The Hinchinbrook Cadets participate in a cadet program where they can enjoy learning about all the different emergency services. The program runs throughout the school year, with each emergency service agency (SES, QFES, QAS and QPS) contributing to the program.

Several dedicated Adult Leaders support the unit with backgrounds in various agencies and organisations that form an excellent team of leaders with diverse skills to share. The Hinchinbrook Unit Coordinator

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

is Mark Regazzoli, with D/ Coordinator Natalie Hulett and Unit Training Officer Sandy Allen supported by additional Adult Leaders.

“It’s about bringing valuable learning and skills to our young people to help them in future life,” said Gio Tantalo - Adult Leader PCYC ESC Hinchinbrook, “Our program is not restricted to input from emergency services, that’s just the start. A wide range of agencies engage with us including Defence, Bureau of Meteorology, Wildlife experts, Health, Boating and Fisheries, Qld Parks and Wildlife just to name a few.”

The Hinchinbrook Cadet Unit was established in 2019 with some 19 cadets and has now grown to over 30 cadets in our unit. The Cadet Unit learning program follows SES training modules to provide a foundation

platform for learning in addition to learning brought in by the participating agencies throughout the year. The leaders try to ensure a good mix of classroom and outdoor activities; in many cases, indoor learning and theory are put into practice outside. Examples: First Aid Training, Radio Communications, and Land Search theory are put into practice once learnt. The cadets enjoy participating in simulated incidents in the field to exercise what they’ve learnt indoors.

Machine Gun Preacher Coming to Ingham March 24, 2023

ON BEHALF OF SAM CHILDERS

THE Controversial - Machine Gun Preacher (MGP), Sam Childers, touched down in Sydney on February 24. Childers will be busy whilst in 3 states in Australia (NSW, QLD & NT) February 24 - April 9 2023

2023/4 is being piped as a big year for Sam as a new movie Machine Gun Preacher 2, rumoured to be called "The Last Rescue", will start being filmed in Northern Uganda in April. Filming will begin in the USA in July 2023, with the actor Nicolas Cage said to be playing Childers in the latest of his child rescues in the Congo. The Release date is 2024. He will be a busy man with a new book and documentary for 2023!

Childers has come a long way since being splashed all over US media as a saviour of child soldiers in Northern

Uganda. That was back in 2005' when NBC televisions Dateline aired a story called "Children of War" by Keith Morrison. Soon then came movie, documentary and TV offers from all over the US... but Childers said a Flat out NO! He just wanted to rescue children. Not too long after that, his friends convinced him to write a book and sign a movie deal with combined studios, Lionsgate, Relativity Media and Richard Branson's Virgin Media (the Aussie legend Mel Gibson even got involved). The deal would bring in funding, allowing Childers to rescue more children, and little did this hillbilly from the mountains of Pennsylvania understand how things were about to explode.

Machine Gun Preacher, the movie, and his book Another Mans War (which the film is based on) propelled Childers to an overnight success story that has

seen him speak to audiences of tens of thousands worldwide and share his message of hope.

It's commonly known that Childers was once a real scumbag. A biker living a life of drugs and violence, he was even an armed guard for drug dealers and a heavy at one the biggest strip clubs in Florida. That's where he met his 1st wife, Lynne, who was a stripper. After nearly being killed in a crazy bar fight, Childers turned his life around to encompass Christianity. Sam was soon on a mission to East Africa, although he had no idea what was around the corner.

It wasn't long before Childers found himself in a battle to free children captured by rebel militias and being brainwashed to become child soldiers in South Sudan and Northern Uganda. That was 25 years ago, and he is still fighting for the stolen children today.

2023 and Childers organisation (Angels of East Africa) houses around 360 orphaned children. He's also drilled dozens of wells in East Africa - built many schools, and has three major trade and agricultural training centres in Northern Uganda. See machinegunpreacher.org

MGP will be a guest speaker at over 30 events in NSW, QLD & NT - with Cross Culture Church hosting an event on Friday, March 24 2023, at 7 pm. "If you want to hear an incredible real-life story that will surely challenge you, then come along and hear Sam’s message!" says Australian organiser Kevin Evans.

Childers is speaking at churches, organisations, rehabs, prisons, schools & businesses whilst in Australia. See: mgpworldtour.com to find out where.

Sam Childers is also the only American honoured with the Mother Teresa Award for International Social Justice for his work in rescuing children.

See Sam Childers, aka the Machine Gun Preacher, at Life Church, 28/32 Townsville Rd, Ingham, on Friday, March 24 2023, at 7 pm.

Spiritual food with Jess

I thought I would head back to the basics and share the Good news!

I've heard it spoken many times that people who don't believe in God assume they are going to heaven, but I tell you, there is only one way to heaven.

Heaven and Hell are real.

Jesus died for our Salvation, and the only way into heaven is through Jesus Christ.

So God sent his son as a living sacrifice that we may inherit the kingdom.

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate, and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow

the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

Believe We are all sinnersfor all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,

Romans 3:23 NIV

Believe and confess -

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Romans 10:9 -10 NIV

Repent and forgive -

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 NIV

Keys to Eternal life -

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:22-23 NIV

He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but wanting everyone to come to repentance.

Queensland Police Service Cassowary Coast Patrol Group awards

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARIA GIRGENTI

QUEENSLAND Police Service officers and staff from the Cassowary Coast Patrol Group received recognition for diligent service at the special Honours and Awards ceremony held on February 28 at the Innisfail Police Station.

After an official welcome by Acting Inspector Brett Jenkins, QPS Assistant Commissioner Far North Region Brett Schafferius addressed those in attendance.

Established in 2010, the National Police Service Medal recognises the special status that sworn police officers have because of their role in protecting the community.

It represents a police officer's past and future commitment to give diligent and ethical service.

Sworn police officers from all Australian police forces with at least 15 years of ethical and diligent police service on or after October 30, 2008, may be eligible for this award.

National Police Service Medal recipients - Sergeants Sean O’Shea, Michael Maguire and Senior Constable Jane Moran.

The National Medal, established in 1975, recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations that risk their

lives or safety to protect/assist the community through enforcement of the law or in times of emergency/ natural disaster. It is Australia's most awarded civilian medal.

Each additional ten years of service qualifies for a National Medal Clasp.

National Medal recipients: Sergeant Sean O’Shea and Senior Constable Jane Moran.

National Medal 1st Clasp: Retired Senior Constable Theo Kamien and Senior Constable Luke Tamblyn. Schafferius presented Senior Constable Adam Bennie with his Detectives’ Appointment certificate and badge.

The Queensland Police Service Medal, introduced in 1999, recognised the diligent and ethical service contributions by all members of the QPS.

The medal with lapel pin can be awarded to a member/former member who has accrued ten years of continuous full-time qualifying service, and in the opinion of the Commissioner, is a fit and proper person to receive the award.

Members may receive a clasp for every subsequent five years of service.

QPS Medal Clasp - 15 years: Administrative Officer Lina Calleja, Senior Constable Luke Tamblyn, and Sergeants Karl Ah Shay and Sean O’Shea.

QPS Medal Clasp - 20 years: Senior Constable Luke Tamblyn and Sergeant Chris McBride.

QPS Medal Clasp - 25 years: Retired Senior Constable Theo Kamien.

QPS Medal Clasp - 30 years: Acting Inspector Brett Jenkins.

Careers in Sugar

In conjunction with CANEGROWERS Innisfail, South Johnstone Mill is holding our annual ‘Careers in Sugar’ job expo!

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

Christians gather at the Tully Anglican Church to pray for Taiwan

SARI RUSSO

LAST Friday, representatives of churches from across the Cassowary Coast region of Queensland gathered to pray on the World Day of Prayer. Due to the ongoing challenges experienced by the women of Taiwan, they prepared the service, and so those who gathered

to pray would bear witness to 'God's wonderful grace and mighty works.'

The World Day of Prayer is celebrated in over 170 countries worldwide. 30 people in Tully Anglican Church Friday, May 3 celebrated and prayed together for the Taiwanese women. Fay Silvestro put together beautiful flower arrangements

to decorate the church.

As they gathered to pray in partnership with the women of Taiwan, those in attendance directed their prayers towards the ongoing conflict currently occurring in Taiwan.

“For 6,000 years, Taiwan was inhabited by its indigenous peoples, the Austronesians. Since the 16th century,

Taiwan has been colonised by different foreign forces, experiencing ethnic, cultural, social and political conflict. By the grace of God, the people of Taiwan live together in peace today.

Taiwan, however, has been caught in a superpower struggle. It has been isolated internationally for decades. Although not recognised by the international community, Taiwan has tried its best to help the world in agriculture, technology, medicine and humanitarian assistance.” (excerpt from a Statement about Taiwan)

QPS Assistant Commissioner Far North Region Brett Schafferius (left) presented Sergeant Sean O'Shea with his National Police Service Medal.

Sergeant Michael Maguire (middle) received a National Police Service Medal with his son Noah and wife Natalie.

Sergeant Chris McBride (far right) received a QPS Medal 20-year clasp with his wife Julie, son Michael and father Mal.

Brett Schafferius (left) presented Senior Constable Adam Bennie with his Detectives’ Appointment certificate and badge.

World Day of Prayer in Innisfail offered support to the women of Taiwan

STORY AND PHOTO BY MARIA GIRGENTI

A CONGREGATION of 46 from various religious denominations gathered at St Alban's Anglican Church in Innisfail and celebrated World Day of Prayer with Taiwan, the country of focus.

Since 1989 this service has been running in Innisfail, and church members coordinated this year's Anglican service.

Members of the Anglican, Catholic, Uniting, Baptist and Greek Orthodox churches took part in readings throughout the service. Anglican Parish Priest Innisfail/Tully Reverend Michael Lindsay was the guest speaker.

The World Day of Prayer is an international ecumenical Christian laywomen initiative. It is run under the motto 'Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action' and is celebrated annually in over 170 countries on the first Friday in March.

The movement aims to bring together women of various races, cultures and traditions in a yearly common Day of Prayer and in closer fellowship, understanding and action throughout the year.

This year prayerful support was directed at 23.6 million inhabitants of Taiwan with this year's theme, 'I have heard about your faith.'

Taiwan, an island country of 36,000 square metres, is in the Western Pacific and sits between Japan and the Philippines.

Taiwan has 16 officially recognised indigenous people, which make up 2% of the population, and Mandarin is the most commonly spoken language.

Around 90% of Taiwan's energy and raw material supplies rely on imports, whilst electronic equipment is the country's primary export, with flowers and fruit its main agricultural products.

The congregation also listened to the stories of five Christian women from Taiwan. They learned about the challenges faced in their everyday lives and how their Christian faith inspired them.

A collection was passed around, and $475.75 was raised to go to Taiwan, with services also held in Babinda, Mission Beach, Tully, and Ingham.

The commissioning for the 2024 World Day of Prayer service - Palestine, with the theme 'Bear with one another in love', took place, which will be coordinated by Debbie Hayter and members of the Innisfail Uniting Church and held there next year.

After the service concluded, congregation members enjoyed fellowship over morning tea.

Innisfail’s CBD Revitalisation Project

CASSOWARY COAST REGIONAL COUNCIL

AT last month’s meeting, Cassowary Coast Regional Council appointed the Stakeholder Reference Group for the Innisfail CBD Revitalisation Project.

As an Advisory Committee to Council, the Reference Group aims to create an opportunity for stakeholders and the community to be regularly informed, engaged and consulted by Council on the project and for the members to increase awareness amongst their networks.

Expressions of interest were open from December 14, 2022, to February 3, 2023, and Council received 22 submissions of extremely high calibre.

Twelve members achieved selection through an internal officer review process and in accordance with the Stakeholder Reference Group Terms of Reference.

Michael Skuse, Brenton Billingsley, Nadine Picini, Ben Heath, a nominated board representative from Mamu RNBTC, Annette Swaine, Fay FalcoMammone, Wendy Sheils, Susette Birchley, Peter Williamson, Jason Micale

and Kerry Linton make up the group.

These members represent the CBD traders/operators, property owners/ residents affected by the project, environmental, arts, Innisfail Chamber of Commerce, community groups and the wider Innisfail community.

The purpose of the Reference Group as an Advisory Committee to the Council is to create an opportunity for stakeholders and the community to be regularly informed, engaged and consulted by the Council on the project and for the members to increase awareness amongst their networks.

CCRC has launched community engagement on the Innisfail CBD Revitalisation project.

Through physical improvements, events and activity, there is an opportunity to revitalise the CBD, encouraging people to stop and spend time, which will contribute to the local economy.

Please visit https://yoursay. cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/innisfail for further information to have your say and details on the upcoming Community and Trader workshops.

Reverend Michael Lindsay with members of the different religious denominations who participated in the World Day of Prayer service held at St Alban's Anglican Church in Innisfail last Friday.

Port

Hinchinbrook

Normalisation update

CASSOWARY COAST REGIONAL COUNCIL

Sad state of affairs

WET TROPIC SARI RUSSO NEE HYYTINEN

JUST last weekend, a lady I went to school with shared a story on Facebook about how her son’s friends had needed to jump a fence to avoid some youths who had stolen a vehicle in Townsville and then proceeded to drive straight at her son’s friends who were walking home on the side of the road. The car thieves missed on the first occasion, so they turned the car around and drove straight at them again. They jumped the fence sustaining cuts and bruises to do so but are lucky to be still alive.

As I am currently staying in Townsville until I deliver my first child at the Townsville Hospital, these stories are on my radar. I also question how much of this is already happening in the Hinchinbrook area and the Cassowary Coast?

Due to having personally experienced how little finances and effort the government puts into protecting the victims of crime when compared to those who choose criminal behaviour, I wonder what needs to happen for the government to realise that victims need and deserve support as well.

In my case of being hit by a truck and sustaining a traumatic brain injury (which will impact me to some degree for the rest of my life), the support person for my case covered victims from north of Cairns to south of Townsville. I only remember talking to her on the phone once and a small amount of email communication. How can the government consider this adequate support for a victim?

The man who hit me did not serve any time in jail as the prosecution was, in my opinion, inept. I have observed police who make a lot of effort to gather all the information from the scene to ensure that the prosecution can conduct their case well. But sadly, once the case goes to court, it stops being about the victim or the criminal but becomes about the judges, the prosecution and the defence.

The defence for my case was waiting to find an inexperienced prosecution to ensure that they were duped into separating the charges, so instead of being the one charge: charged with driving under the influence of drugs causing a traumatic brain injury which is an automatic jail time. It became two charges: 1. Driving under the influence of drugs 2. Causing an injury. By separating the charges, there was no need to go to jail. The result was a suspended sentence and not being able to drive. Essentially what the consequences are for any drink driving offence.

An appeal was made, with the result of the appeal being that it was held for too long at the state level and never actually went to court.

Again I ask, how can the government consider this adequate support for a victim?

As someone who has worked in a homeless youth centre and assisted young people who need help as they go through the legal system, I can see that with proper support, young people can improve their lives

I observed three types of social workers. 1. Too much discipline, and the kids did not change. 2. Too little discipline (too much friendship), and the kids did not change. 3. A good balance of encouraging good behaviour whilst giving consequences for wrong behaviour and these kids changed for the better.

Our current system is failing because there is no discipline and there is no one there encouraging good behaviour. The kids are learning from each other and egging each other on to just become worse. It is wrong!

CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council has continued work in Port Hinchinbrook with construction underway on Keith Williams Drive, Foxtail Avenue, Carpentaria Drive and Commercial Drive.

CCRC is highly aware of the importance of these roads to the community and the impact of these repairs as part of the ongoing process of the Port Hinchinbrook normalisation schedule.

Before Christmas, these works commenced and involved the removal and resealing of damaged sections of the roads using over 400 tonnes of asphalt.

CCRC thanked the Port Hinchinbrook community for their patience whilst these works occurred.

With dry weather forecast for the next few days, works were expected to be completed by last weekend.

Chewy Date, Fig and Ginger Slice

Serves: 12

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Fruit and veg: ½ serve per portion

Ingredients

2 cups dates, chopped

2 teaspoons ginger spice

2 cups reduced fat milk

1 cup wholemeal flour, self raising

⅓ cup cornflour

⅔ cup rolled oats

½ cup dark brown sugar

SHADOW Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Senator Susan McDonald, has called on Labor to abandon plans to slug heavy vehicle users with a 10 per cent increase in the Road User Charge, saying the extra costs will be passed on to consumers and worsen cost-of-living pressures on families.

Federal Labor’s proposal to impose a 10 per cent per year increase in fuel taxes and registration charges on the nation’s truckies would cost Australia’s nearly 50,000 trucking companies an additional $2.6 billion over three years and add to inflationary pressures.

Senator McDonald said the move would be a blow to transport companies in Northern Australia, already struggling with staff shortages, inflation, increased regulation and sub-standard roads.

“It is astonishing that Labor continues to attack those who do most for our economy. This Government has no idea of and no regard for the realities of running a business. Do they honestly believe truckies will just absorb this extra cost and not be forced to pass on the cost to customers?” she said.

“This is especially worrisome for Northern Australia, where most freight arrives and leaves by truck and where much of our truck-using mining and agriculture are located.

“The Bureau of Infrastructure And Transport Research Economics estimates road freight volumes are projected to grow by around 77 per cent between 2020 and 2050, but rather than making it easier for transport companies to grow and meet this demand, we have a Government piling on extra taxes that will be felt by every household in the country.

“Any charge on truckies increases the cost of transporting groceries, livestock and machinery, so we’ll all end up paying more. The Coalition will press the Labor Government to scrap these nonsensical plans.”

Labor is currently proposing to increase heavy vehicle road user charges on fuel and truck registration costs by either six per cent per year or 10 per cent per year for the next three years.

The proposed 10 per cent annual increase to the heavy vehicle road user charge would see the tax truckies pay on fuel jump from the current 27.2 cents per litre up to 36.2 cents per litre by 1 July 2025, according to the National Transport Commission.

1 ⅔ cups desiccated coconut

½ cup dried figs, chopped

¼ cup walnuts, chopped

Method

PREHEAT oven to 180˚C and line a slice tin with baking paper.

SOFTEN the dates and ginger spice in milk. Warm in microwave for 3 minutes.

PLACE the flours, oats, brown sugar, coconut, dried figs and walnuts in a large bowl.

ADD the softened dates to the dry ingredients, mix well and pour into prepared tin.

BAKE for 20 minutes then cut into squares once cooled.

What’s Great About It?

Your favourite traditional ginger slice… made healthier! The punchy ginger combined with the sweet, dried dates and figs make for a treat the whole family will love.

Recipe Courtesy of Noela Anderson, Rosslea Branch

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/.

"Truckies Tax" to worsen cost-ofliving crisis

Pool Chair Lift Operational, 2023 Youth Week - Outer Limits Adventure Program, Events and Queensland Volunteering Awards

Pool Chair Lift Operational

Recently, the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre pool chair lift malfunctioned and was removed for repairs.

Council wishes to advise that the pool chair lift has now been repaired, and is available for use.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may of caused.

Wet Tropics Waterways Photo

Competition

Send your own happy snaps to Wet Tropics Waterways for the chance to win some great prizes from adventures packages to appliances and café vouchers!

The Wet Tropics Waterways Photo Competition celebrates the beauty, diversity and importance of our region’s waterways – from rivers to waterfalls and estuaries to ocean.

There are five categories, plus one especially for kids. All photos must be submitted by 5.00pm Friday 10 March 2023

Find out more and enter at Wet Tropics Waterways website, Photo Competition page www. wettropicswaterways.org.au/photocompetition/.

The Fabelmans (M)

Loosely based on Spielberg's childhood growing up in postWorld War II era Arizona, from age seven to eighteen, a young man named Sammy Fabelman discovers a shattering family secret, and explores how the power of movies help us see the truth about each other and ourselves.

Date: Saturday 18 March 2023

Time: 10.30am

Where: JL Kelly Theatre 76 Townsville Road Ingham

Cost: $10 - $15

Antman and The Wasp: Quantumania (M)

When Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne, along with Hope's parents, Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne, and Scott's daughter, Cassie, are accidentally sent to the Quantum Realm, they soon find themselves exploring the Realm, interacting with strange new creatures.

Date: Saturday 18 March 2023

Time: 2.30pm

Where: JL Kelly Theatre

Cost: $10 - $15

Babylon (MA 15+)

An original epic set in 1920s Los Angeles led by Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Diego Calva, with an ensemble cast including Jovan Adepo, Li Jun Li and Jean Smart.

A tale of outsized ambition and outrageous excess, it traces the rise and fall of multiple characters during an era of unbridled decadence and depravity in early Hollywood.

Date: Saturday 18 March 2023

Time: 6.30pm

Where: JL Kelly Theatre

Cost: $10 - $15

Women Talking (M)

The women of an isolated religious community grapple with reconciling their reality with their faith.

Through the backstory, we see a community of women come together to figure out how they might move

16

FIRST 5

UNDERWATER WONDERLAND

Families are invited to attend the upcoming First 5 Forever Underwater Wonderland Baby Welcoming Ceremony.

Each new baby that has arrived in the community over the past twelve months will receive a Welcoming Certificate, sapling and gift bag. Enjoy a fun filled morning of yummy food, activities, arts and crafts and entertainment for the whole family.

Registration essential by 4.00pm Wednesday 22 March 2023 for your child to receive a certificate and sapling.

Register today

For further information please visit Council’s website Events

Calendar page or phone 4776 4600.

forward together to build a better world for themselves and their children. Stay and fight or leave. They will not do nothing.

Date: Sunday 19 March 2023

Time: 10.30am

Where: JL Kelly Theatre

Cost: $10 - $15

Magic Mike's Last Dance (M)

"Magic" Mike Lane (Tatum) takes to the stage again after a lengthy hiatus, following a business deal that went bust, leaving him broke and taking bartender gigs in Florida. For what he hopes will be one last hurrah, Mike heads to London with a wealthy socialite (Hayek Pinault) who lures him with an offer he can't refuse...and an agenda all her own. With everything on the line, once Mike discovers what she truly has in mind, will he - and the roster of hot new dancers he'll have to whip into shape - be able to pull it off?

Date: Sunday 19 March 2023

Time: 2.30pm

Where: JL Kelly Theatre

Cost: $10 - $15

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.

PUBLIC MEETING

ANZAC DAY 2023

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 https://bit.ly/41DC0H5.

2023 Youth Week - Outer Limits

Adventure Program

Local youths are invited to team up to play in the 2023 Youth Week Outer Limits Adventure Program to be held at the Ingham Showgrounds.

Youth can expect to engage in catapulting, archery tag and many more activities throughout the day. Teams will be put together in age groups of 8 to 12 years and 12 to 16 and up.

Pre-event registrations is essential as numbers are limited. Entry is free!

Line up of events include:

• Mini Olympics;

• Archery Tag;

• Team Building; and

• Catapults.

Date: Saturday 25 March 2023

Time: 10.00am to 1.00pm

Where: TYTO Conference and Events Centre

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

Nominations for Queensland Volunteering Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2023 Queensland Volunteering Awards.

Every single volunteer, whether in a formal or informal setting deserves thanks from the Queensland Community, and it is the Queensland Volunteering Awards that highlight the people behind this immense positive wave which embodies the spirit of mateship and togetherness.

The Queensland Volunteering Awards will celebrate exemplary volunteers across six important categories:

1. Volunteer of the Year Award;

2. Young Volunteer of the Year Award;

3. Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award;

4. Excellence in Volunteer Management Award;

5. Community Volunteering Program Impact Award; and

6. Corporate Volunteering Program Award.

All Queenslanders are encouraged to nominate those who shine bright in the volunteer roles, programs and organisations. Help us to highlight volunteers who dedicate themselves to helping others and spread the word about the positive impacts volunteering makes in the lives of individuals, groups, communities, and the environment.

For further information or to nominate, please visit https://volunteeringqld.org.au.

A public meeting is hereby convened to consider arrangements for the commemoration of ANZAC Day 2023.

A public meeting is to be held at the RSL Club rooms, Hawkins Street Ingham at 5.30pm Thursday 16 March 2023

Interested persons and representatives of local organisations are welcome to attend.

Should any person require further information, please contact Council.

Half Yearly Rate Notices

Half Yearly Rate Notices have been issued and are due for payment on or before Friday 31 March 2023.

Council encourages ratepayers who may have difficulty with payments to discuss a payment plan as soon as possible. Ratepayers also have access to assistance under Council’s Financial Hardship Policy.

Do not forget if you pay on or before the due date and have no rates in arrears, you will go into the draw to win $2,000 to be spent locally at up to five Hinchinbrook Shire businesses of your choice. The winner of the Rate Incentive Scheme will be drawn at Council’s General Meeting held on Wednesday 26 April 2023. If you have not received your rate notice, please contact Council.

HINCHINBROOK SHIRE LIBRARY

4776 4600

FOREVER

Innisfail State College presents Popstars! - The 90’s Musical

MARIA GIRGENTI

OVER the past six months, Innisfail State College Year 7 - 12 students and staff have been busily treading the boards, and rehearsals are in full swing for their upcoming Popstars! - The 90’s Musical, with three shows this month.

Last month, students had loads of fun at the College at a rehearsal camp and tucked into food generously donated by Midway Butchers, Woolworths, Domino’s and Brumby’s Bakery.

Presented by Innisfail State College’s Arts Department, Popstars, written by Neil Gooding and Nicholas Cristo with musical arrangements by Isaac Hayward, features a stack of pop smash hits including The Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears and MC Hammer.

Mark is head over heels in love with his girlfriend, the Queen Bee, Shannon Van de Witt.

When Shannon discovers pop-band impresario Simon Austin is the surprise judge at the State Talent Show, she dumps Mark for her chance at showbiz stardom.

Mark’s garage band buddies rally around him, and soon a plan for revenge is hatched to change their grunge band to a boyband and snatch the talent show title from Shannon’s Candy Girls.

The musical features a talented music ensemble, half of which are members of the Innisfail Community

Band.

Head choreographer and mentor Rebecca Topp said that throughout rehearsals, she was confident with the progress of the musical and felt it was coming together well.

"We have had ups and downs like any good show would experience, but the students have constantly impressed me with their love and passion for the Arts.

I am also forever grateful for the staff who have given up days, afternoons, nights and weekends to see our students shine under the stage lights."

"Since the auditions and rehearsals, a few students

2023 Goondi State School Prep classes

have shown real natural talent and are right at home on stage, passionate about performing.

Students have been working tirelessly to perfect all aspects of acting and how to deal with their own emotions and those around them."

With ISC’s High School Musical in 2021 a sell-out, this year's production is also shaping up to be hugely popular, with tickets snapped up fast.

Tickets out now are $22 for adults, $17 (for high school students), $12 (children), and $57 (family two adults and two children) can be booked online via https://www.trybooking.com/CFRNG.

Opening night for Popstars! - The 90’s Musical is 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 16, at Innisfail State College’s B Block Auditorium, 45 Flying Fish Point Road, with two more shows on Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18, at 7.00 pm.

Teacher Natalie Ferguson and Cassie Tanti (teacher aide) with Goondi State School Prep B students.

Teacher Jackie Barba and Priscilla Myers (Experienced senior teacher) with Goondi State School Prep A students.

Students are busy rehearsing for Innisfail State College’s Popstars! - The 90’s Musical, with three performances this month.

Cast members from Innisfail State College’s Popstars! - The 90’s Musical enjoyed a barbeque lunch during their rehearsal camp.

QPS launches new extreme high-visibility operation

A permanent extreme high visibility policing operation has been launched across Queensland to target youth crime and enhance community safety.

Operation Victor Unison will involve police officers conducting high-visibility officer patrols in intelligence-driven hot spot locations, including public spaces and residential areas.

The boosted patrols are coordinated in addition to day-to-day policing operations, and enable officers to walk through shopping precincts, deploy to hot spot areas, conduct bail checks and engage with young people.

The operation follows the success of Operation Uniform Theta, which resulted

in the arrests of more than 2,800 people on 6,500 charges and around 23,000 proactive policing activities.

Operation Victor Unison will be conducted across key districts and locations around Queensland.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler said The Queensland Police Service had received very positive feedback from business owners, retail staff and local community members about our high visibility policing during Operation Uniform Theta.

"We are pleased to roll out extra high visibility patrols in hotspots across the State as part of this new expanded operation.

"This 'boots-on-the-ground style' operation will see officers in marked police vehicles patrolling streets, walking through shopping centres, retail and restaurant precincts, stop in at service stations and really engage with the community."

Police Minister Mark Ryan said the high police presence had many benefits in keeping communities safe.

"Having extra police out on patrol has a strong deterrence factor and sends a clear message to would-be offenders,"

Minister Ryan said.

"It is also about enabling business owners and community members to speak with their local police about issues affecting their area.

"The extra patrols are over and above regular calls for service and everyday policing operations in areas where they are needed most.

"The community can expect to see extra police out on the beat in their local communities."

ONLINE AUCTION

WEDNESDAY

LIVE ONLINE AUCTION - 9AM START

GENERAL GOODS & CHATTELS

CAT 631D OPEN BOWL SCRAPER, VEHICLES, OFFICE DESKS, LAPTOPS, PHONES, UPRIGHT PIANOS, HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, FLATSCREEN TELEVISIONS, ROAD BIKE, GOLD JEWELLERY, EXTENSION LADDERS, WATCHES, ESPRESSO MACHINE, MOBILE SCAFFOLD, TARPAULINS, LIFTING EQUIPMENT, BRUSH CUTTERS, TOOLS & HARDWARE, MAXUS OUTDOOR MOTOR, DIESEL GENERATOR

VIEWING TUESDAY 14 MARCH 9AM - 6PM AT 401 SHERIDAN STREET, CAIRNS NORTH Note:

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

Visit

AUCTIONEERS

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.

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/

Church times across the region

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

AOG / ACC / 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

Baptist Churches

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

Sugarcane growers ahead of the game on climate policy

BY OWEN MENKENS, CANEGROWERS CHAIRMAN

REDUCING emissions is a challenge facing every sector of the Australian economy, and unfortunately, agricultural industries are no exception.

With the federal government committed to reducing greenhouse gases by 43% below 2005 levels by 2030, some heavy lifting is ahead for Australian industries.

However, while many sectors, such as mining, energy and manufacturing, undoubtedly view emission reductions as a challenge, and possibly even a threat to their survival, the sugar industry sees opportunities.

From sustainable aviation fuel and electricity generation to biodegradable plastics, biodiesel and ethanol, sugarcane has the potential to become a feedstock for many renewable, low-emission, and sustainable products.

The industry is on the cusp of a dramatic evolution, which will see sugar crystals become just one of a myriad of products produced by cane farmers and mills

over the coming decade.

We are uniquely placed to play a vital role in the nation's burgeoning bioeconomy and tangibly contribute to Australia reaching its emissions reduction targets.

But what about your own industry’s emissions? Some people may ask.

The good news is, when it comes to emissions reductions, Queensland’s sugarcane growers are well ahead of the game.

CANEGROWERS recently commissioned an indepth analysis of the industry’s emissions as part of the development of a new climate change policy.

The findings came as a surprise, albeit a very pleasant one.

For more than a decade, growers have been innovating and updating their practices as part of a concerted effort to improve water quality flowing into local catchments and on to the Great Barrier Reef.

As well as improving water quality, these extraordinary changes undertaken by growers have

had an additional benefit – a reduction in the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The bulk of the industry’s emissions came from the volatilisation of nitrogen, which in layman’s terms, is when nitrogen fertiliser spread in the paddock is not used by the crop and converts to nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas.

By adhering to strict nutrient management strategies that ensure growers are only applying fertiliser required by the crop and positioning this fertiliser below the surface, growers have significantly decreased the amount of nitrous oxide lost to the environment.

Meanwhile, implementing minimum till and controlled traffic systems on farms has greatly reduced the operating time of large agricultural machinery, slashing diesel usage across the industry.

Add to that the fact that many farmers have installed large solar systems to power irrigation units, and the scale of emissions reductions in the industry becomes impressive.

We will continue to adapt and innovate to ensure growers operate as efficiently, cost-effectively, and profitably as possible. Profitability is the ultimate goal.

Achieving this with an eye to the future and the changing role this great industry can have in Queensland and Australia’s growing bioeconomy will benefit the whole community.

Knuth calls for mass culls of feral animals in Queensland

STATE Member for Hill Shane Knuth has hit out at the Queensland Government for "falling asleep on the job" when it comes to eradicating feral animals, despite continual calls to action from the KAP, councils and property owners in North Queensland.

This comes after the announcement by Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek that culling of feral animals was being ramped up, as populations had gone "through the roof" since aerial culling was halted in Kakadu National Park in 2019.

"No kidding. They finally realise what we have been warning both Governments about for more than a decade," said Mr Knuth.

"We have 130,000km2of National and State parks in Queensland, which takes up about 7.5 per cent of the total land area in the state, yet we are severely undermanned, underfunded and held back by bureaucratic red tape when it comes to dealing with feral pests.

"The KAP has been very vocal on this issue and have constantly called on the State Government to immediately implement a number of measures to tackle the massive threat feral pigs pose to the environment, the great barrier reef, turtle and cassowary populations and the agriculture industry."

In 2020 a study by Australia Pork was conducted as part of the Federal Governments Feral Pig Action Plan.

Study Coordinator Dr Heather Channon stated that 70 per cent of feral

pigs need to be culled annually to keep the population size from expanding. She also said if the culling of feral pigs stopped, there would be an increase of up to 85 per cent in the feral pig population each year.

"There is no chance we are culling 70 per cent of feral pigs each year. We would be flat out culling half that number," Mr Knuth said.

"If numbers are not kept in check, we will continue to see widespread devastation to all farming industries, the continued spread of Panama (TR4) and destruction to native fauna and flora."

Mr Knuth also pointed to research from the University of Queensland (in 2021), which revealed the environmental threat from feral pigs is far greater than previously thought.

The research showed that by uprooting carbon trapped in the soil, it is estimated feral pigs are causing emissions to the equivalent of more than 1.1 million cars globally each year, with the bulk coming from Australia and New Zealand, which have massive feral pig populations.

The study's lead author, Dr Christopher O'Bryan, believed this was a conservative estimate and could be three to four times higher.

"This research verifies what the KAP has been saying for years," Mr Knuth said.

"Feral pigs have absolutely ZERO positive impacts on the environment. It

is difficult to understand why so little is being spent by both state and federal government to eradicate this invasive pest in our state."

He said old estimates show that over 24 million feral pigs inhabit Australia, with a large chunk located in North Queensland; however, this is likely to be substantially more as feral pigs produce two litters of up to four to ten piglets per year.

"We have more feral pigs in this country than humans and they are causing uncontrolled environmental damage," he said.

Mr Knuth said the KAP has fully backed recreational hunters to be able to apply for permits to access national and state parks.

The KAP has also lobbied for bounty and aerial pig shooting programs, for farmers to access grants and a substantial increase in funding for more indigenous rangers to combat feral pigs.

"Right now, recreational hunters are our last line of defence. They hunt feral pigs on their own time and money, while the State Government ignores every funding proposal and advice we have presented," he said.

"This research should be a wake-up call to our state and federal governments.

"If they don't listen, they will be responsible for turning a blind eye to one of the biggest and longest running environmental disasters in our states history."

Smoke advice Girramay, Gulgnay and Girringun national parks and Cardwell State Forest

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND SCIENCE

THE Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) will commence a series of planned burns within Girringun, Gulgnay and Girramay national parks and the Cardwell State Forest commencing March 2023, weather permitting.

As a result, at various times, smoke may be seen

Planned burns will also occur east and west of the

the

Smoke can decrease visibility on the roads, so it is important that motorists drive safely to the conditions.

Anyone who may be affected by smoke should also take any necessary precautions.

The aim of these planned burns is to reduce the volume of forest fuels and the intensity of subsequent wildfires while providing favourable conditions for natural forest regeneration.

For more information, members of the public can call the Cardwell QPWS office on 07 40668115.

in the Cardwell Forest Drive, Sunday/Fishers Creeks, Broken Pole/Clarkson's Creeks, Murray Upper, Edmund Kennedy and Rockingham Road areas.

Bruce Highway between Cardwell and

Cardwell Range.

Member for Hill Shane Knuth and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter inspecting damage done by feral pigs on a property.

Bowls News

Innisfail Ladies Bowls

LAST Tuesday, February 28, 10 Innisfail Ladies participated in South Johnstone Bowls Club’s Ladies’ Season Opening Day, with 48 ladies from clubs across the region on the green.

After two wet Wednesdays, the ladies were extremely pleased to be back on the green.

The first round of the Ladies' A-Grade Singles was a thriller between Dell Steve and Ann Rule.

Rule got away to a flying start winning 10 of the first 14 ends, and after 31 ends, the score was tied at 23 - 23.

Steve managed to win the next two ends and finished the eventual winner 26 - 23.

Two social games were played where Daphne Kirkman, Louise Hoskins and Margaret Johnston defeated Maisie Smith, Sue Morrison and Catarina Cook 14 - 10.

Lyn Stevenson, Helen Paterson and Dian Catelan defeated Bev Anderson, Diana O'Brien, Jan Dunn and Marilyn Allen 16 - 10.

Four Innisfail ladies participated in the TFNQDLBA Graded Fours in Edmonton on Tuesday.

Sandra Bates and Sue Ferrando from Brothers Edmonton with a score of 2 wins +30.

Runners-up were Denise Charman (Silkwood), Cathy Hitchings (South Johnstone) and Rozlyn Fraser (Edmonton).

Winners of the random card draw were Elaine Whitehead (Edge Hill), Helen Paterson (Innisfail), Thelma Simpson (Yungaburra) and Vera Rowe, substitute (South Johnstone).

Ingham Bowls Club News

RESULTS of the barefoot bowls played on the 2nd of March:

The prize-winning team was Kevin Lawlor, Tom Lawlor & Stan Cotton, defeating Jan Johnson, Dianne Tomba & Bob Bell 18 - 6

Donna Gosney, Danny Chappell & John Piotto defeated Angie Foti, Malynda Cole & John Lone 13 - 6

Men’s Pairs results for the 3rd of March:

P Ryan & T George def T Pallanza & P Kite 24 - 10 G Brierley & I Muldowney def J Dickerson & T Koop 28 - 24

K Lawlor & P Herman def B Bell & S Richards 1814

S Scott, T Lawlor & K Walker def D McGrath, J Eddleston & R Cantatore 15 - 12

Mixed Social Bowls results for the 5th of March:

The prize-winning team was A Foti, B Eddleston & R Cantatore defeating J Holmes, J Fenoglio & T Koop 27 - 14 (20 points to 8)

B Bell, S Scott & J Eddleston def T Arkink, P Reyland & S Ryan 20 - 17 (18 points to 9)

Happening at our club this week: Weather permitting! Call 47462117 or 0487240397 to nominate for any of the following games.

Barefoot bowls are played every Thursday between 6-8 pm.

A great way to come and try this great game, and bowls are supplied by the club.

Names into the club by 5:30 pm.

Men’s pairs are played every Friday at 2:15 pm

Names into the club by 1:45 pm.

P Herman is on duty for the 10th of March.

Mixed Social bowls are played every Sunday at 1:30 pm.

Names into the club by 12:30 pm.

This Sunday, the 12th of March, the wrong bias trophy for 2022 will be played. Then at the end of the play, the Men’s presentation of Club competitions trophies will be held.

A sausage sizzle will also be offered to all players. Please try to attend this special afternoon.

Roster for the 12th of March:

Bar: J Hamlyn.

Selectors: L Mahon & A Di Bella.

Tully Bowls

NOT much activity this week as the weather has not been the best.

Team 1 Rod Bradley/Robyn Brunello/Ryan Milini (19) v Team 2 Sean Prinsloo/Jason Harrop/Pam Staier (17)

Team 3Ray Downing/John Taylor/Pauline Edwards (14) v Team 4 Peter Smith/Joan Mercer/Rhys Milini (8)

Sunday 5th March

Team 1 Ray Downing/Pauline Edwards (12) v Team 2 Leno Ceccato/Avis Ray (12)

Innisfail

Innisfail Men’s Bowls

LAST Thursday saw 28 bowlers on the green for an afternoon of social bowls.

The winning team on the day was Peter Smith, Sam Micale, Sam Pagano and first-time bowler Les Cali.

New bowlers and visitors are most welcome, with names to be in by 12.30 pm for a 1.00 pm start, and this Thursday’s jackpot is $500.00.

Peter Smith defeated Dennis Ryan in the C-Grade Club Singles. Smith also won his B-Grade match against Warren Sinclair.

In the Club Pairs, Doug Juhas and Bob Chaplain outlasted the father-and-son duo of Barry and Cieran Smith.

The Barry Wallis Memorial Shield final will occur at South Johnstone Bowls Club on Saturday, March 25.

South Johnstone Bowls Club

Ladies’ season opening day

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARIA GIRGENTI

ON February 28, a full green of 48 lady bowlers from across the TFNQ region participated in South Johnstone Bowls Club’s Ladies’ season opening day.

Players from South Johnstone, Innisfail, Silkwood, Tully, West Cairns, Edge Hill, Brothers Edmonton, Mossman and Yungaburra braved hot and humid conditions and played three bowl triples with two of 14 ends.

After the second game, ladies enjoyed a scrumptious afternoon tea, and the winners of the lucky door, raffle, and money cards were drawn.

Bev Anderson from Innisfail won the spider, whilst the touchers were won by Ann Rule (lead), Sandra Bates (third) and Annette Evans (skip).

South Johnstone Ladies President Anna Rowbotham presented prizes to the winning trio of Denise Quinn,

Team 3 Joanne Townsend/Robyn Brunello/Joey (7) v Team 4 Peter Smith/Rita Pezzutto/Lou Brunello (15). Book is open for our Easter Triples. Draw for championship Games will be up this week.

Anyone wishing to learn to play, please call the Club on 40681230. We have coaches waiting for you! Cheers!

Ladies were among a full green of 48 players at South Johnstone Bowls Club Ladies’ season opening day on February 28.

Forty-eight lady bowlers from across the TFNQ region took to the green at South Johnstone Bowls Club’s Ladies’ season opening day.

Runners up: Rozlyn Fraser, Cathy Hitchings and Denise Charman.

The winning team: Denise Quinn, Sandra Bates, and Sue Ferrando with South Johnstone Ladies President Anna Rowbotham (far right).

Random card draw winners: Elaine Whitehead, Helen Paterson, Thelma Simpson and Vera Rowe.

and NOW Then

QRL History Committee

GREG SHANNON

WELL, round 1 of the 2023 NRL season was a very good one, with wins for all of the Qld-based teams!

The Dolphins started their inaugural NRL season well with a resounding win over the Sydney Roosters, and they won many new supporters with this win.

Something that sets them apart as a new club in recent decades is their existing culture and fan base from the Redcliffe club. The Dolphins are, in fact, the first of the old Brisbane rugby league and Q cup clubs to have a side in the NRL, so they certainly will make history this season.

Talking about history, what about first try scorer? Former Cowboys and Qld winger/fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has the distinction of scoring the Dolphin's first try in the NRL, so historically, who were the first try scorers for the other 3 Qld-based NRL clubs?

This would make a good quiz question!

For the NQ Toyota Cowboys, the first try scorer in the club's first A-grade game played on March 11, 1995, was fullback Damian Gibson. Originally from Rockhampton, Damian had signed with the Newcastle Knights, from where the Cowboys signed him for their inaugural season.

At just 19 years of age, he made history that night, scoring the club's first try, and he went on to play 31 first-grade games for the Cowboys before moving to the UK Superleague in 1997. He played for several Superleague clubs, including the Leeds Rhinos and Sheffield Eagles and in 1998, qualified for Wales, playing 15 times for his adopted country before retiring. These days he still lives in the UK, coaching and running a fitness centre.

The Gold Coasts' first try scorer in their inaugural 1988 season was fullback Mike Eden. Mike had already played for 3 Sydney clubs, Manly, Parramatta and Easts, before he joined the Gold coast in 1988. He was a reasonably well-known player, winning the

Golf News

Innisfail Golf Club

AFTER two weeks of torrential rain, the sun shone brightly, and golfers could finally get out on the course.

Innisfail junior golfers Caine Cockle, Regina Gattera and Keean Greven gained selection to represent their region at Queensland School Sport State Championships, held at Palmer Coolum Resort Golf Course in May.

Last Saturday, Innisfail’s junior coordinator held a sausage sizzle and golf cart/car washing as a fundraiser to assist with the players’ travel and accommodation costs.

The Survivor Golf Series 2 Ball Ambrose, one of Australia's fastestgrowing amateur golf tournaments, returns to Innisfail on March 11 - 12.

IGC Rules and Etiquette

Last week’s Quiz

When Ryan’s ball is on the putting green, there is no penalty for his caddie marking and lifting the ball without Ryan’s authorisation.

True or False?

Answer: True. A caddie may lift the players' ball without authorisation when the ball is on the putting green. Rule 14.1b.

This week’s Quiz

During the Monthly Medal, Kevin tees off from in front of the fifth tee markers. Kevin corrects his mistake and re-tees from inside the teeing area.

What is the ruling?

A: Kevin receives a two-stroke penalty

B: There is no penalty, as Kevin played from the correct tee box

C: Kevin is disqualified

Wednesday’s All Sporters (February 22), Friday Sporters (February 24) 9-hole competitions and MG Pies Stableford on February 25 were all washed out.

Upcoming events

Wednesday All Sporters 9-hole competition - from 12.00 pm and 3.00 pm

March 11 - 12 - Survivor Golf Seriesonline registrations - https://survivorgolf. com.au/.

1983 Rothmans best and fairest player in the Sydney competition. Mike played 31 games for the Gold Coast before retiring and has been a solicitor for many years.

Then there is the Brisbane Broncos' first-try scorer, Brett Le-Mann. Brett made the 1979 Australian schoolboys side before playing first grade for the old Brisbane Easts club. A tough back-rower, he won two premierships in the Brisbane league competition, with Brisbane Easts in 1983 and Brisbane Brothers in 1987, before signing with the new club, the Broncos, for the 1988 season. One of his teammates while with Brisbane Easts was Ingham’s Mick Martin.

Brett was in the starting pack for the Bronco's first game, which was a huge victory over Manly, and he scored the club's first try off a kick. He stayed with the Broncos until the end of the 1991 season and runs a financial planning business these days.

Ironically three of the four first-try scorers for Qldbased NRL clubs were fullbacks, and all are historymakers!

Left to right: Damian Gibson (NQ Cowboys), Brett Le-Mann (Broncos) and Mike Eden (Gold Coast) are all first-try scorers for their new clubs in the National League since 1988

Innisfail junior golfers Caine Cockle, Regina Gattera and Keean Greven will represent their region at the Queensland School Sport State Championships in May at Coolum, Sunshine Coast.

Junior cricketers returned to play

MARIA GIRGENTI

AFTER persistent rain caused abandoned games and fixtures shifted, junior cricketers finally returned to the pitch last Saturday.

Innisfail Thunder and Monsoons Tier 2 cricket teams faced each other at the Goondi Bend Sports Reserve.

The sun shone brightly as the Monsoons snatched a thrilling victory over the Thunder by three overs and one wicket in their final game of the James Hopes Cup Cassowary Coast competition.

In the Tier 2 game, Cassowary Coast Cyclones Tier 2 team played Barron Red at Goondi Sports Reserve. In their innings, Barron scored 7/111 and won by three wickets after Cassowary Coast finished with 7/110.

Mission Beach had a five-wicket victory over Tully in the James Hopes Cup Cassowary Coast final game at MARCS Park, Mission Beach.

Last month, the cricket fraternity farewelled Dan and Sharon Bradford,

two of the most significant contributors to Cricket Far North, Cassowary Coast Cyclones and Innisfail Thunder Cricket.

Both were instrumental in all aspects of behind-the-scenes work that goes into cricket on the Cassowary Coast.

Both will be incredibly missed, not just for all their contributions but for who they are and their value to the whole community.

The Bradford family may have left Innisfail and started a new chapter in Barcaldine, but their legacy is everything they have done for cricket in the Cassowary Coast region.

After the AGM held in January, the new Innisfail Thunder Cricket committee is Marty Costello (President), Natasha De Faveri (Secretary), Kylie Franks (Treasurer) and Kate Hensler and Andrea Devaney (Media/Publicity).

Marty Costello is the coach of the Cassowary Coast Cyclones Tier 2 team, Brendan King (Innisfail Thunder) and John Stacey (Monsoons).

The Innisfail Thunder Cricket presentation will take place soon.

Silkwood Clay Target Club monthly shoot results

SILKWOOD Clay Target Club held its monthly shoot last Sunday, March 5, and shooters persevered despite persistent rain all day.

Event 1 - 25 Target Double Barrel (Cash Divide)

AA - 1st: Mark Stella, Barry Bosworth, Jar Smaniotto, Michael Thurston and Paul Crapella - all 25/25

A - 1st: Peter Threlfall, Peter Robertson,

Alex Seawright, Ned Di Salvo, Scott Harper and Bec Rosendahl - all 24/25

B - 1st: Sandra Crapella and Emma Thurston 24/25

C - 1st: Allan Millwood 18/25

Event 2 - 30 Target Medley

AA - 1st: Michael Thurston 100/100 (50/50); 2nd: Chris Santarossa 99/100 (50/50) - Shoot off

A - 1st: Scott Harper 49/50; 2nd: Peter Robertson 70/75 (48/50) - Shoot off

B - 1st: Alf Strano 47/50; 2nd: Peter Neubecker 45/50

C - 1st: Allan Millwood 40/50

Event 3 - 30 Target Single Barrel

AA - 1st: Barry Bosworth 30/30; 2nd: Chris Santarossa 29/30

A - 1st: Santo Greco 29/30; 2nd: Ned Di

Salvo 46/48 (28/30) - Shoot off

B - 1st: Emma Thurston 25/30; 2nd: John Stella 25/31 (24/30) Shoot off

C - 1st: Allan Millwood 22/30

Event 4 - 30 Target Handicap

1st: Alex Seawright 30/30; 2nd: David Hobbs 30/31 (29/30); 3rd: John Stella 29/31 (29/30) - Shoot off.

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.

Members of Innisfail Thunder and Innisfail Monsoons Tier 2 cricket teams.

Innisfail Thunder and Innisfail Monsoons Tier 2 cricketers.

Cassowary Coast Cyclones Tier 2 cricket team played Barron Red last Saturday.

Innisfail Leprechauns pre-season hit out against Herbert River Crushers

STORY

& PHOTOS BY MARIA

GIRGENTI

INNISFAIL Leprechauns senior rugby league teams played two pre-season trial games against Herbert River Crushers at Callendar Park last Saturday for their first pre-season hit-up.

Leon Hallie's A-Grade side finished with a solid 42 - 24 win over the reigning Townsville and District premiers, whilst the Reserve grade team ground out a 14 - 14 draw.

Innisfail reserve-grade try scorers: Troy Nelson-Hodges, Madison Barriball and Daniel Dau.

Even though it was a trial match, the games were extremely fast, physical and intense, which gave fans a taste of the Leprechauns teams in action before the FNQ rugby league season.

In A-grade, Tamati Huirama scored a double, whilst Innisfail’s other try scorers were Stewart Ingui, Devante Heron, Johann Turner, Taulata Fakalelu and Ethan Vick.

Innisfail went into the half-time break with a slim 18 - 12 lead, and after the

break, Herbert River’s Matthew Spina crossed for a try and locked the scores up at 18 - 18.

Two converted ties by Innisfail extended their lead to 30 - 18 before Karl Spano from the Crushers scored, and a successful conversion reduced the deficit to 30 - 24.

Innisfail scored two more tries and, when the full-time siren sounded, sealed a convincing victory.

This Saturday, Innisfail Leprechauns teams travel to Charters Towers for another pre-season trial game.

The Far North Queensland Rugby League season kicks off on Saturday, March 25, and in round one, Innisfail Leprechauns teams hit the road north to Smithfield to face Ivanhoe Knights.

Fans will wait a couple of weeks before Innisfail Leprechauns; host their first home games on April 1 against Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks.

The Herbert River Crushers, who play in the Townsville and District rugby league competition, start their season on April 1 with a home game in Ingham against Norths.

Rugby league action in the Reserve-grade pre-season trial match against Innisfail Leprechauns and the Herbert River Crushers.

Herbert River Crushers players wrapped up Innisfail’s Colby Aldridge (with ball) in the Reserve-grade pre-season trial game.

Despite the desperate defence by Herbert River, Innisfail Reserve-grade player Madison Barriball crashed over the try line.

Innisfail and Herbert River Crushers A-grade teams in action at Callendar Park.

Herbert River Crushers players halted Innisfail’s Taulata Fakalelu (with ball) in the A-grade trial match.

Fishing News

THE much-needed break in the weather last week allowed boats to head out to the main reefs for a fish. I did not hear any reports from out wide along the edge of the shelf, with the anglers I talked to deciding to fish the main reefs. The Coral Trout were on the bite, with anglers reporting great catches along with mixed reef fish such as Tuskers, Red Throat Emperor and Longnosed Emperor.

Spanish Mackerel have also been around the reef drop-offs in good numbers, and Mack and Bluefin Tuna schools could be seen feeding between the shipping Channel and the main reefs.

I have only heard a few reports of boats fishing the deeper water rubble patches around the reefs; most of the reports were positive, with reasonable numbers of Nannygai and Spangled Emperor.

There has also been some action for those fishing the rubble patches in the shipping channel, with good numbers of Small Mouth Nannygai and the occasional Spanish and School Mackerel turning up.

Closer in around the islands, the fishing has been tougher due to the poor water quality as a result of

TIDE TIMES

LUCINDA MARCH

FISHING

FISHING PHOTOS

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recent rain. There has been the occasional Spanish Mackerel caught mostly around Forty Foot rock. During dirty water conditions, I find this area often has clean water during the last two hours of the incoming tide. Unfortunately, I now use Forty Foot as a last resort as the sharks make it extremely difficult to land a fish. By keeping away from the pinnacle and staying inside Wolf Garin island, you have a chance to land a fish. Unfortunately, unless the Mackerel are about in large numbers, this is not the most productive area.

This is the time of year when the Queenfish gather around the island and coastal headlands. Casting poppers and jerk-shad soft plastics is extremely effective. Unfortunately, these great sport fish are not around in the numbers that they used to be, so if you are lucky enough to come across a large school, please handle the fish with care while releasing them.

Bottom fishing has been producing a mixed bag, with the catch mostly consisting of Grass Sweet Lip, just legal Nannygai and the occasional Coral Trout. There has also been a few Fingermark around, although I have had lots of problems landing them because of the sharks. I am now going to heavy reef gear when fishing for Fingermark, hoping to land one or two fish quickly, and then move on before the sharks wise up.

JOHNSTONE RIVER MARCH

Obviously, the poor water quality in the estuaries has had a detrimental result on the fishing. There has been some nice Flathead, and a few Barra and Mangrove Jacks have been caught in the estuaries; however, the going has been tough, especially in the flood-affected coastal rivers and creeks. The good news is the Mud Crab numbers are increasing, with some nice crabs caught during the larger tides last week. Hopefully, this is the start of the run, with March, April and May typically being the prime crabbing months.

The central heart section of the Hinchinbrook Channel has been offering the best fishing opportunities with some nice Barra, Mangrove Jacks and Fingermark being caught.

HULL HEADS MARCH

25%

OFF

ALL ATOMIC AAROWZ RODS

The middle freshwater reaches of the Tully, Johnstone and Murray rivers have been providing opportunities with anglers targeting the mouth of the drains and gutters. The ideal time is when the river drops and just starts to clear. Soft plastic paddle tails such as the Core Prodigy or one of the various prawn imitations are ideal for Barramundi in these situations. This is one situation where I think rigging weedless is recommended; you want to keep snagging to a minimum in these areas.

I am writing this report on Tuesday, and with the fickle weather we are having, ensure you get an upto-date forecast before heading out. Looking forward to the weekend, when the weather sites are predicting the wind to drop on Saturday and Sunday, being light winds in the 5 to 10 knots rising to a north-easterly later in the afternoon. The tides are starting to neap, so hopefully, we will see better water quality.

The early morning and late afternoon tides look ideal to fish for Barra and Mangrove Jacks in the estuaries. The evening run in the tide will suit fishing for Fingermark or Grunter. There is a reasonable chance that water conditions could be good enough to head out to the reef or at least the islands on Sunday.

Good Fishing, Roly Newton, Tackle World Tully

Crystal out making the most of the good weather catching this beautiful juvenile red emperor.

Daley Rata Makene with a good Spanish from the reef over the weekend. Tristan Peach with a low tide barra.

SPORT

Innisfail Leprechauns preseason hit out against Herbert River Crushers... page 18

Shane Muriata Tully Fight Night

IF you thought when Rocky beat Apollo Creed was the greatest knockout of all time, well, you were wrong. That said, Tully's own champions delivered on the biggest stage of them all when they all KO'd their opponents on Saturday Tully Fight Night, which hosted many great boxing clubs from across the region.

Local boxing promoter and head Trainer Big Dan Fawkes put on what many believed to be one of the best boxing nights our town has seen, and such was the quality and entertainment provided.

Headlining the act was young upcoming, and undoubtedly future Olympian Kevin Simpson, who showed all the skills of a pro fighter. If the beer,

burger and chips made the night, the boxers took over Tully town the same way Maximus took over the Coliseum, which had the crowd wanting more. Jonas Gumbleton showed all his class in his fight to surgically take down his opponent and get the points for the night. If the crowd wanted more, they got it when locals Marsat Ketchell and Jonty Ivey brought the house down by both knocking out their foes in almost Ali fashion from Rumble in the Jungle.

Just when you thought it could not get any better, Tully Tigers player Peter the Great landed a punch for the ages which shook the building, Mt Tyson and caused a mini tidal that washed up near Tully Heads early the next day. As

we were catching our breaths, along came the hard-as-brick Diega Mr T, who literally stole the show by going pound for pound, round for round, in one of the greatest boxing bouts seen since David took down Goliath. I must say it was a proud night, and all the boxing clubs from the north should be thanked for putting on the best boxing night the Gumboot town has ever seen since I fought Andre the Giant down at Clay bank on Trowers St for a meat pie and a can of coke.

To the legendary Babinda Boxing Club, Fusion, Sarina and Tully Boxsing Clubs, thank you for putting on a night to remember. All the boxers were the winners on the night. To the Main Event Fighter, Kevin Simpson, mate, you are one special talent, and I wish nothing but the best for your future in the sports, as I do with all the fighters who had a dance on the night.

To all the volunteers, helpers, sponsors, family members and the Tully Tigers, thank you for making this night a great one. Last but not least, thank you must go to one Dan Fawkes. As a town, we are lucky to have you and hope more people and sponsors get behind you to put our town back on the boxing map. Special shout out to schoolmate Tania Senko; it was so great seeing and catching up with you.

How good was it to have the footy back on the telly? I mean, straight up, the greatest Rugby League team ever, the Broncos beat the defending premiers, the Panthers and made them look like the Dancers. Ok, so enough about that. It was such a relief to finally have the National Rugby League comp kickoff, and boy, did it serve it up and then some. Anytime the Roosters get beaten is always a good day, but to have the new franchise team, the Dolphins beat them on their first-ever game on day one will go down as a great occasion in the history of the game.

Everyone is wondering and speculating on how they did it, but come on, people, with the Master coach Wayne Bennett as the Master Jedi leading them, was it any wonder? The Storms still look good and continue their 21year record of winning round one. The West Tigers should have been better, the Raiders were unlucky, the Rabbits pulled one out of the hat, and the Once Were Warriors are now contenders. Ok, so no one can win it going off one game, but hey, starting the season with a W always helps. This weekend sees another chapter in the Cowboys Bronx story that seems to never age in the Qld Derby classic. My tip, Bronx in Golden Point.

Tully Boxer Diega ready to rumble.

Tully Boxer Jonty Ivey in the zone.

Kevin Simpson celebrates.