Wet Tropic Times, 2024, March 21, Newspaper Edition

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Saturday

OUR TEAM WEATHER

Common open door

I want to talk about Forgiveness. Forgiveness is something that we should be doing often.

Ingham Thunderstorms and rain 23 - 30 Cardwell Light rain 24 - 29 Tully Thunderstorms and rain 23 - 29 Mission Beach Light rain 25 - 29 Innisfail Light rain 24 - 30

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Most people believe Forgiveness means letting people off the hook when that's not the case.

We need to go to scripture to find Forgiveness and its meaning.

Luke 6:37 NIV [37] "Do not judge, and you will not be considered. Do not condemn, and you will

not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

What I want to point out precisely is that a verse in the Book of Luke says to forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Those words speak for themselves. We Christians need to forgive, or our Father in Heaven will not forgive us.

I want to touch on Unforgiveness, which is what we do when we choose not to forgive.

Forgiveness can be tricky for some because we allow our emotions to rule and control our lives, which is completely contrary to God's word. If we are Christians, we need to feel those emotions, move past them, give them to God, and then walk in obedience to his word.

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Did you know that Forgiveness is a common open door? It can lead to spiritual bondage, allowing demonic dominion to take over areas of our lives. Unforgiveness enable the enemy to walk right in and cause bitterness, harbour anger, frustration, addiction, you name it—the list goes on.

Forgiveness is saying God, you're in control. You have the situation at hand, and I trust you with it. We need to remember that God is the judge, and he will take care of whatever has been done.

Colossians 3:13 NIV

[13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

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Ingham QLD 4850

Australian Bananas River Feast FREE ENTRY Rare & Tropical Fruit Display Cooking Stage Demos & Tastings Market Stalls Food Vans Kid Zone with Rides Entertainment Stage Tastings & Rare Fruit Auction Classic Cars Display Sunday 24th March 9am-3pm Innisfail www.feastofthesenses.com.au River Feast

Cassowary Coast Regional Council

Teresa Millwood has been declared the new Mayor for the Cassowary Coast

Hinchinbrook Shire Council

Mayor

as at 6 pm Wednesday March 20

as at 6 pm Wednesday March 20

From

moment it made its way onto our shores over

years ago, the HiLux quickly established itself as an Australian classic. A trusted workhorse and family mover, there’s hardly a city, farm or worksite in the country without a HiLux. And for good reason. Steadfast and rugged, the HiLux has proved itself from generation to generation. Nothing beats the unbreakable connection between

Cardwell News

4 Cardwell, Kennedy, and Murray Upper Joint Statement from Cassowary Coast Regional Council and Cardwell Chamber of Commerce regarding Port Hinchinbrook Development and One Mile Creek

CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council has joined with the Cardwell Chamber of Commerce and Cardwell stakeholders in advocacy for the Queensland Government to address longstanding matters surrounding One Mile Creek dredging and the former Port Hinchinbrook in Liquidation Development. These matters include:

1. Permanent All-Tide Access: A sustainable solution for all-tide and all-weather access through ongoing dredging and maintenance of One Mile Creek in Cardwell.

2. Innovative Investment Models: Proactive exploration of new and innovative investment attraction models

for the former Port Hinchinbrook Development in Liquidation.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council and the Cardwell Chamber of Commerce extends their gratitude to the State and Federal governments and Members of Parliament including Mr Nick Dametto, Member for Hinchinbrook and Hon Bob Katter, Member for Kennedy for their continued support and funding to date.

However, moving forward there are pressing matters that demand attention regarding the ongoing dredging of One Mile Creek and the future of the former Port Hinchinbrook marina and on-shore facilities.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Graffen said to address these challenges effectively, Council and the Cardwell Chamber are calling upon all levels of government to collaborate in support of Cardwell’s future.

“We acknowledge the complexity of these matters and recognise that substantial investment will be required,” Mr Graffen said.

“However, we firmly believe that by addressing these challenges Cardwell can unlock its full potential and leverage sustainable economic opportunities for not only the Cassowary Coast but also the broader Far North Queensland region.”

President of the Cardwell Chamber of Commerce Robyn Smith explained why the support is so critical.

“While we understand that this journey may present challenges, it is essential for Cardwell to thrive and capitalise on the unique economic prospects offered by this location,” Ms Smith said. “Enabling all-tide marine access and infrastructure

is pivotal to realising this vision.

“With the support of Cassowary Coast Regional Council, the Cardwell Chamber of Commerce is committed to working alongside government partners and stakeholders to achieve these vital objectives.”

A copy of the joint submission, which was delivered to the Member for Hinchinbrook, Nick Dametto on Sunday, March 17, 2024, has been published on Council’s website.

For further information about the Port Hinchinbrook Sewerage Treatment Plant and Normalisation go to https:// yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/ port-hinchinbrook.

For further information about the Port Hinchinbrook (One Mile Creek) Dredging go to https://yoursay.cassowarycoast. qld.gov.au/dredging.

To receive project updates please sign up to receive Council’s E-Newsletter at https://yoursay. cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/register or contact Council on 1300 763 903.

Sugarcane is at the heart of many regional communities

CANEGROWERS CHAIRMAN OWEN MENKENS

THERE has been much talk in the news recently about Mossman mill's struggles and what the mill's closure might mean for the local community.

Thankfully, the mill has been given a lifeline, with a mystery investor stepping in at the eleventh hour with a plan to save the factory and, in turn, the sugarcane industry in the area.

There are still some hurdles to clear before that deal can be signed and the mill's long-term future secured.

However, even though the outcome is not assured, the announcement of government funding, combined with the appearance of a mystery investor, has brought a great sense of relief to the local community.

The sugarcane industry in Mossman accounts for over 500 local jobs, both directly and indirectly. That is

over one-third of all jobs in the region.

If the industry falters, the local town will be devastated. Within a year, Mossman will be a shell of its former self as businesses close and families move away to find work.

Mossman's story is an example of just how interwoven the sugarcane industry is into our regional communities.

Since tourism and resources have boomed, we sometimes forget that sugarcane was once Queensland's single biggest and most important industry.

Towns and cities along the coast built up around the industry and, for generations, relied on sugarcane for their survival.

If our recent brush with Covid has taught us anything, tourism is at the mercy of international influences. An

outbreak of disease on the other side of the world could bring Queensland's tourism industry to its knees in months if not weeks.

Similarly, our mining resources are finite. Mines will eventually run dry, or outside factors such as climate change will force us to stop mining certain materials.

Sugarcane, on the other hand, is resilient and sustainable. Global pandemics do not impact it and will not run out.

In fact, far from contributing to climate change, sugarcane can be part of the solution by being used to produce sustainable biofuels and other products.

We are an old industry. We've been supporting Queenslanders for a long time. But we're also an industry on the cusp of a rebirth, and we will be here to support regional communities through good times and bad for many years to come.

Corrupt Labor Government Steals Commercial Fishing Rights and Regional Jobs In A Desperate Bid For Re-Election

GULF OF CARPENTARIA COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN INC.

THE Labor Government’s media release announcing new net closures in the Gulf of Carpentaria from the 17th May demonstrates corrupt political and derelict bureaucratic process by implementing this rushed and reckless reform on the eve of an election.

This is a pre-determined decision made by the Federal and State Labour governments prior to any proper public consultation.

It adds to the list in Queensland of the Labor Government’s procedural and integrity disasters – the DNA lab mess, the Carne and Trad corruption-related matters, systemic mismanagement of our hospitals system, poor crime management, the Olympics infrastructure mess taxpayer-funded party polling, the waste of $223m to build the Wellcamp quarantine centre, and the list goes on.

Labor’s net closures will:

• compress the fishery and set it up to fail meeting any future sustainable fishing objectives set out by Minister Furner’s office and ultimately economic failure

• increase threatened species interactions by implementing net closures but not removing fishing effort

• destroy a key part of North Queensland’s food supply chain

• increase the cost of Australian fish during a cost-ofliving crisis

• destroy regional employment across Northern Australia communities, including Karumba, Weipa, Bourketown, Normanton, Cairns and Townsville.

If Premier Miles is listening, the Gulf of Carpentaria Commercial Fishers Association calls on the Queensland Labor Government to:

• remove Minister Furner & Minister Linard, their advisors and senior beauracrats and call for an independent review of Fisheries Queensland

• rescind his government’s looming decision on additional net closures in the Gulf of Carpentaria from the May 17, 2024.

ATTACHMENT 1: PROPOSED NET FREE ZONES IN THE GOC

(Source: Queensland Government, Gulf of Carpentaria inshore fishery Consultation on gillnet-free zones and fishery reforms, available at: https://daf.engagementhub.com.au/projects/download/16283/ProjectDocument

WET TROPIC

Times

First Newscast is set to be released on May 2

SARI RUSSO | BA SOCIAL WORK

AS many of you have seen, I have been advertising that my social media newscast is coming soon and featured on the newspaper’s top corner.

It has been decided that the first edition will be released on May 2. It will introduce myself as the news presenter, and the first topic for discussion will be the impacts of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

I am sure many of you are aware that I have been recovering from being hit by a truck in 2016 that caused me to suffer a TBI.

The reason I would like to share my story is that a TBI is often referred to as a ‘hidden’ disability, as the issues are not as apparent as a missing limb or speech impediment. Unfortunately, we need to dedicate a lot of our time to understanding the person that we have become post-traumatic brain injury and developing strategies on how to work around our new brains.

Hence, I would like to share a bit of my story over the last eight years due to my ‘hidden’ disability to bring a bit of awareness to my fellow sufferers of TBI and the journey that we are on.

For me, the battle to recover continues daily, and it is the same for fellow sufferers.

EASTER 2024

JEAN VALLIANOS - I WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY EASTER. LOVE JEAN AND FAMILY.

Easter brings an end to death Giving all eternal breath.

Christ died on a wooden cross Trampling death to rise for us.

The Easter eggs we remember And give them out at Easter But give our love and really care Food and shelter we should share.

Forget we may have had a fight Work for peace with all our might Wars never achieve anything Better to laugh and to sing.

Keep all God's 10 commandments

Each year month week day moment.

Follow what Christ had to say And have a much better day.

Commemorate Christ dieing And celebrate His rising Giving us eternal life Be joyful and for peace strive.

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

Fertcare System Audit – Land Hub

FERTILIZER AUSTRALIA

THIS week, Fertcare announced Land Hub was recognised as an accredited Interpretation System for the sugarcane industry. This is the first time Land Hub has been assessed as meeting the Fertcare Accredited Advisor Performance Standards.

Land Hub is a web and mobile application developed by the LiquaForce team in Ingham, North Queensland, to provide a whole-of-farm nutrient management tool for sugar cane growers.

The rigorous Fertcare accreditation process involves an external audit that determines whether growers and advisors can rely on the tool to help them make appropriate decisions about nutrient management based on accepted science.

Land Hub Director Cameron Liddle said that in 2019 his team’s search for a platform that was sugar canecentric, ensured data safety, and was based on current science morphed into developing their own tool, Land Hub.

“It allows growers to capture intergenerational IP that builds their knowledge base of soil across their farms. They can monitor the data, use it to make management decisions, and analyse it to make changes as needed,” Cameron said.

“The Fertcare Interpretation System accreditation is a big achievement for us. It acknowledges Land Hub as a legitimate platform through a very robust audit process. The team has worked hard to achieve this, and we appreciate the opportunity to receive formal recognition.”

Mediterranean Omelette

Serves: 2

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

2 serves per portion

Ingredients

4 eggs

¼ cup milk, reduced fat

½ tablespoon Italian herbs, dried

Cracked black pepper

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

½ red onion, diced

½ cup feta or cheddar cheese, grated

¾ cup ham, diced

½ cup tomatoes, diced

2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen), chopped Method

WHISK the eggs, milk, Italian herbs and pepper together in a bowl.

HEAT half the oil in a frypan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 1-2 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.

REDUCE heat to medium-low and add remaining oil to frypan.

POUR half the egg mixture into frypan, covering the base.

ADD in half the cheese, ham, tomatoes, spinach and onion once the edges and base of the omelette begin to set (about 1 minute). Fry until egg mixture is cooked through (about 2-3 minutes).

FOLD gently in half with a spatula and slide gently onto a plate to serve.

REPEAT with remaining ingredients.

Recipe courtesy of the Country Kitchens team

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/.

Attention Fitness Providers, Ingham Automatic Weather Station Online and Events

Expressions of Interest for Fitness Providers

Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for providers who can deliver physical activities within the Shire as part of the 2024 Hinchinbrook Health and Wellbeing Program.

Physical activities for the program will include, but not limited to:

• Aqua Aerobics;

• Yoga;

• Gentle Exercise; and

• Seated Activity (e.g Pilates, Boxing).

Providers are required to provide their ABN, Public Liability Insurance Certificate and any other relevant qualifications.

Following the receipt of your EOI, Council will be in contact with further information.

To express your interest, please visit https://bit.ly/3TndruM.

Expressions of Interest close 5.00pm Thursday 28 March 2024.

Ingham Automatic Weather Station Online

Council is pleased to announce that the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) recently completed the installation of a fully Automated Weather Station (AWS) at the Ingham Aerodrome.

Local contractor Keita Services constructed the siteworks with BoM to install the weather station equipment.

The AWS will give you the current temperature, apparent temperature (feels like temperature), relative humidity, dew point, wind speed and direction, highest gusts within a 30 minute period, rainfall for the last 24 hours (from 9.00am) and barometric pressure.

The AWS collects data every minute which is forwarded to Melbourne central data systems. The webpage will update every 30 minutes, unless special conditions occur. To view the latest weather observations please visit the Bureau of Meteorology website, Latest Weather Observations for Ingham Aerodrome www.bom.gov.au/products/ IDQ60801/IDQ60801.94004. shtml.

Never Bin Your Batteries –Drop Off Locations

Have a pile of regular household and rechargeable batteries and not sure what to do with them?

Join the millions of Aussies recycling their used batteries

and take them to one of the many battery drop off points located around the Hinchinbrook Shire.

You will find these at both Woolworths and Coles, Canegrowers Mitre 10, and most public Council facilities, including landfill and transfer stations.

Batteries left around the house or thrown in general waste or recycling bins:

• Can be dangerous to small children who may swallow them;

• Cause huge environmental issues by leaching toxic materials into landfills;

• Pose a fire danger to households and waste services including trucks and recycling centres; and

• Are wasted, as 95% of a battery can be recycled and made into new products and other batteries.

Go to https://bcycle.com.au/ to find safety information and drop off locations.

Gambling Community Benefit Fund Round 121 Now Open

The Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) is Queensland’s largest one off community grants program and distributes approximately $60 million each year to not-forprofit community groups.

The GCBF funding helps these groups to provide services, leisure activities and opportunities for Queensland communities.

If your community organisation needs a big ticket item, this is your chance to apply for a grant up to $100,000.

All eligible Queensland community organisations are encouraged to apply.

To read more about the Super Round, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please visit https://bit.ly/2Y0Cxkg.

Applications close Tuesday 30 April 2024.

The Alphabet of Awesome Science

The JL Kelly Theatre presents The Alphabet of Awesome Science.

Date: Friday 5 April 2024

Time: 10.00am and 1.00pm

Where: JL Kelly Theatre

Pre-purchase your tickets from www.hinchinbrooktickets.com.au or simply purchase at the door.

Morning Melodies - Salute the Decades Show

In the show we Salute through story and songs performers

Male and Female, from "Elvis to Bruno Mars" "Dusty Springfield to Adele" a must see show for all.

Date: Thursday 18 April 2024

Time: 10.30am

Where:JL Kelly Theatre

Pre-purchase your tickets from www.hinchinbrooktickets.com.au.

Hinchinbrook Get Out, Get Active and Connect

Join us for a day of family fun and connection at the Hinchinbrook Get Out, Get Active and Connect event, focused on promoting mental health and wellbeing within our community.

This free event features a wide range of entertainment and activities, including a special appearance by celebrity sporting guest speaker, Greg Inglis.

Date: Saturday 20 April 2024

Time: 9.00am to 1.00pm

Where:Ingham Showgrounds

Cost: Free

To register, please visit www.hinchinbrooktickets.com.au.

April 2024 Mega Movie Weekend

Join us at the JL Kelly Theatre for the April 2024 Mega Movie Weekend:

• Imaginary (M) - 6.30pm

Friday 26 April 2024;

• Kung Fu Panda (PG)10.30am Saturday 27 April 2024;

• Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (PG) - 2.30pm Saturday 27 April 2024;

• Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (M) - 6.30pm Saturday 27 April 2024; and

• The Trust Fall: Julian Assange (M) - 2.30pm Sunday 28 April 2024.

Pre-purchase your tickets from www.hinchinbrooktickets.com.au.

Current Procurement and Tender Opportunities

Keep up to date with opportunities available through Council by visiting the Current Procurement and Tender Opportunities page on Council’s website.

Current opportunities include:

• HSC 23/21 – Cell 1 Capping at Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre. Council invites tenders from suitably qualified contractors for the construction of works at Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre, 45 Bosworths Road, Blackrock.

Council requires the progressive rehabilitation of Stage 1 at Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre (WHLRRC).

The site is located on Bosworths Road Blackrock. The operation and management of WHLRRC is performed by Council.

Previously constructed works on the batters at the site, which includes a bituminous geomembrane (BGM) and a geocomposite drain require removal. The purpose of this work is to remove previously installed impacted works, and provide a final capping system on the batter that promotes surface water run-off, limits water percolation into underlying waste and contains leachate within the waste material.

A mandatory onsite inspection will commence at midday on Wednesday 27 March 2024 at WHLRRC.

Please RSVP by 5.00pm Tuesday 26 March 2024 to rshepherd@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or phone 4776 4706.

Tenders must be submitted via VendorPanel by 2.00pm Thursday 18 April 2024.

Image: Andrew Collins (BoM), Mayor Ramon Jayo and Chief Executive Officer Mary-Anne Uren.

Is your distress beacon working, registered and in date?

WHETHER it be an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) on your boat or a personal locator beacon (PLB) for your hiking adventures, having a distress beacon is crucial when exploring our beautiful part of the world.

Ensuring your beacon is registered and in good working order can assist emergency services in locating you in the event of an emergency.

Here are some things to check to ensure your beacon is in good working order and your details are up to date before you head off on your next trip:

Keep your registration up to date- Once you've purchased your beacon, you must register it with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

Registration is free, and in some cases, it is mandatory by law. Registration expires every two years, so make sure your details on your beacon are current by checking and updating your details at https://www.beacons.amsa.gov.au/

Test your beacon- follow the manufacturer's guidelines on performing

a self-test and how often this must be done.

Service your beacon after activation- If you have used your beacon in a distress situation, contact the manufacturer or a certified servicing agent to replace the beacon battery and discuss your servicing options. The battery may be depleted, and the beacon may have been damaged during use.

Disposing distress beacons - Do not throw them in the bin. They need to have the battery disconnected and disposed of correctly. Contact your local maritime safety agency or refer to the beacon manufacturer's instructions. Once disconnected, get in touch with your local waste management facility to ask about disposing of your unwanted beacon.

When heading out, always remember to check the weather conditions, ensure you have safety gear including lifejackets on boats and enough food and water, and always tell someone where you are going and when you are expecting to return.

FNQ Agri Services Pty Ltd

We

Feed

GRAPPA CANE RIPENER-HIGHER CCS MORE PROFIT FOR YOU THE GROWER

Sugarcane ripener products have been trialed and used in Sugarcane for over 30 years.

Since around 2008 the most commonly applied product is Trinexapac Ethyl 250.

FNQ Agri Services markets Grappa 250 which is a lower cost generic brand.

Grappa 250 has been applied to large areas in Tully Mill district in 2023 with excellent results achieving an increase CCS particularly in first and second round harvest crops, it can however be applied to cane crops throughout the harvesting season.

Results in the Tully area has been an economic success with increases of 0.5 to 1.5 units in growers CCS.

In 2023 Tully Mill started crushing on 26 th May on a average ccs for first week of 11.9

During the 2022 season some applications where also carried to 4th and 5th round harvested cane with excellent results.

1st and 2nd round cane is normally the most responsive to ripener as it usually still growing and has low purity levels.

Large crops of plant cane are also worth targeting for applications due to high yield , age at harvest and presence of suckers.

It is recommended that Gappa 250 be applied by aircraft or helicopter approximately 35 to 56 days prior to scheduled harvesting date. Optimum application time frame is 49 to 56 days (7 to 8 weeks prior to scheduled harvest date.

Approximate cost is $95/ha including application.

Break even response is roughly 0.20 of a unit CCS at current sugar prices on an average crop of 85 t/ha

With the current high sugar prices for this coming harvest season the application of Grappa 250 is a very low risk investment this harvest season.

Field observations of treated blocks also suggestion a significant reduction in sucker growth and harvest operators comment that treated blocks are easier to clean .

Three men survive explosion on government hydro project: State blasted for slow response

OFFICE OF BOB KATTER KATTER’S AUSTRALIA PARTY FEDERAL MEMBER FOR KENNEDY

PRESSURE is mounting on both the Queensland and the Commonwealth Governments to intervene and immediately suspend works on a government-backed hydro project after an alleged misinformed explosion nearly killed three workers.

Three underground workers at the State Government-funded Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project are lucky to be alive after explosives were set off while they were still on site on Friday, February 23.

The underground workers are night-shift workers who were operating at 300m below ground. Due to finish at 5.30am, at about 5am, they felt rumblings and heard the explosion, terrifyingly while still underground themselves.

CFMEU Regional workplace health and safety coordinator Mick Robinson said the men then drove back up to the base where they were then notified explosives had been set off at 330m, shockingly just 30m below them.

“When they got back up the workers confirmed their ‘cards were on the wall’ and vehicle numbers were logged,” Mr Robinson said.

“It should have been known they were still down there.”

Mr Robinson said while the three underground workers were fortunate to escape without physical injury, understandably they were mentally shaken up.

One week after the incident, Mr Robinson said the State Government’s response to the explosion had

been absolutely dismal, with no confirmation as of 3pm Friday, March 1 whether a State Department officer or investigator had set foot on the Kidston site.

“It was first reported to the State Workplace Health and Safety Department on the Friday (February 23), and then again on the Monday, and then on Wednesday. Nothing, no response, no investigation.

“Then a distressed relative of one of the workers got in touch with CFMEU Townsville and since then we’ve been told it isn’t under the State WHS jurisdiction, but comes under Resources Safety and Health Queensland. That was on the Thursday, so it took six days for the State departments to acknowledge the incident. Whether someone has been out there, we still don’t know.”

Mr Robinson said the ignorance towards the workers’ wellbeing was shocking.

“They’re only supposed to work 14-day fortnights but had agreed to do another week. And since this has happened, they’re still going to work. There’s been no counselling, no checks, no medical assistance.

“It’s taken six days for the government to even notice. The site should have been shut down immediately.

“We’re still calling for an immediate shutdown, so there can be a full safety reset, a review of how this was allowed to happen, new protocols put in place and full safety retraining for everyone so it doesn’t happen again.”

Mr Robinson also alerted Katter’s Australian Party Federal MP Bob Katter who has notified the Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations.

New federal biosecurity funding advisory panel welcomed

INVASIVE SPECIES COUNCIL

A senate inquiry will hear evidence that changes are needed in Australia’s fire ant response - including the creation of an independent eradication authority.

The Invasive Species Council is set to give evidence to the Senate fire ants in Australia's inquiry on Monday March 4.

Key recommendations include:

1. a new independent fire ant eradication authority

2. a rapid internal funding review

3. increased funding over the next decade to achieve full eradication

4. increased transparency, stakeholder inclusion and document publication

5. a public awareness campaign to mobilise community eradication activity

6. greater investment in fire ant population suppression in Queensland

An independent fire ant program would have a greater capacity to rapidly adapt to changing circumstances in Australia’s fire ant response - including changes in resource and funding needs. The Australian Plague Locusts Commission provides a model of how a fire ant authority could work in practice.

The Senate Committee will hear evidence on Monday 4 March in Brisbane, Tuesday 5 March in Newcastle and Monday 18 March in Canberra. The committee will report in mid-2024.

Reece Pianta, Advocacy Manager, Invasive Species Council made the following comments,

‘Despite government announcements late last year, more funds and key changes are needed if Australia is to be fire ant free.’ Invasive Species Council Advocacy Manager Reece Pianta said.

‘A new independent authority should be established with a free hand to pursue eradication openly and transparently.’

‘The eradication program has done a great job so far containing fire ants - we need to unleash its full potential for fire ant eradication.’

‘Recent progress in fire ant suppression and response reassures me we can turn the tide on fire ants in Australia, it will be a long-term effort.’

‘The cost of fire ants to Australia will run to billions of dollars per year from livestock and crop losses and health system impacts. Fire ants will cause devastation to iconic wildlife populations like echidnas, platypus, koalas and turtles.’

‘Fire ants are funded out of agriculture department budgets, but the health system and environmental impacts will far exceed agriculture impacts.’

‘The cost of fire ant failure is so great that fire ant eradication must succeed.’

“I make no apologies for praising the work of Mick Robinson of the CFMEU for getting onto this,” Mr Katter said.

“An explosion occurred and it was a miracle they weren't killed. It was the nearest of near misses, and it is prima facie evidence that there is a serious neglect of safety that is taking place at Kidston.

“I’m very disappointed that calls to the state ministers and their departments had not been answered when there's every likelihood that there is a continuing situation of dangerous conduct.”

Katter’s Australian Party leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter said “thankfully no one got hurt” and that the facts surrounding this incident were nothing short of astonishing.

“It's astonishing that the companies involved, wouldn't themselves had made a bigger deal internally, including shutting the operations down until this was investigated,” Robbie Katter said.

“But it is equally astonishing that there's been no reprimand or reaction from the government until they were vigorously jerked into gear.

“But further, it appears to me there seems to be a second set of rules for any of these renewable energy projects. There’s minimal scrutiny and approvals needed, it just seems like the approach is ‘don’t get in the way, we need to get this thing off the ground’.”

The State Government project is a 250MW pumped hydro storage facility, being built on the old Kidston gold mine, about 280km northwest of Townsville. It includes underground components such as turbines and their associated tunnels for construction.

Innisfail News

Innisfail, Mourilyan, Mirriwinni, and Babinda

Something to get everyone’s taste buds singing at this year’s River Feast

MARIA GIRGENTI

THE four-day Feast of the Senses culminates this Sunday with the signature and biggest festival event, the Australian Bananas River Feast.

“We are thrilled the Australian Bananas River Feast is almost here,” said committee President Rosi Jensen.

“Our volunteer committee has worked incredibly hard to bring this event to the community, and it would not happen without the financial support of Australian Bananas and numerous other supporters, including the Cassowary Coast Regional Council.”

Gates open at 9.00 am this Sunday and entry is free.

On offer is an amazing array of food on offer, local produce, cooking demonstrations and tastings on the Canecutter Court stage, with Tracey Gallagher from The Pocket MC of this year’s cooking stage.

Musical entertainment on RADF River Stage, supported by the combined CCRC and State Government Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Grant, features a great line-up of acts commencing at 9.00am, including Mission Beach favourites, JuJu Moon.

Arts, crafts, artisanal food products and food vendors selling tasty treats all add to the local, tropical flavour on the day.

The highlight will be the colourful and aromatic Rare & Tropical Fruit display, provided by the Cassowary Coast Rare Fruits Association.

Here you can sample most things in the marquee before placing a bid at auction for the abundant fruit at the end of the day.

The Feast of Fun Kid Zone, situated at the skatepark end of the riverbank, with inflatable rides and kid-themed activities, will be a hot spot for children of all ages.

Rides will be $5.00 each or an all-day, unlimited rides wristband is $20.00 and

A

Weekly Bible Verse

Zechariah 4:5-6 NIV

5 He answered, “Do you not know what these are?” “No, my lord,” I replied.

6 So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.

AUTO ELECTRICIANS

DENTISTS

CABINET MAKERS

Cassowary Coast Regional Council International Women's Day

ON March 8 over eighty guests gathered in the Innisfail Shire Hall for the International Women's Day Morning Tea. The event was catered by Year 12 hospitality students from Innisfail State College.

Those in attendance were inspired by young inspiring vocal artist, Frangipani Harvey, who opened the event with a beautiful rendition of Bruises, by Lewis Capaldi adding her unique take on the lyrics.

Attendees heard from a diverse panel of women from the community who responded to ’20 Ideas in

20 minutes’ sharing the heartfelt challenges women face as well as the amazing progression that women achieved up to now, and how we can inspire each other into the future.

Satkirat Kaur, entrepreneur and business owner of Timeless Memos said, ‘I found what has helped me is to keep showing up and being consistent. You might not think you are making a difference but without even knowing you are inspiring others who want to follow in your footsteps. So just keep showing up.’

International Women’s Around the Hinchinbrook Region

A crowd of women came together Saturday 9 at Life Church Ingham to enjoy a high tea for International Women’s Day. They listened to resident Mary Brown share her story of growing up in the region and growing a strong commitment to her family through her mother’s love of being a Mum who worked from home.

Visiting Pastor Helen Holmes shared her journey into ministry, which ended with God saving the ‘Best for Last’ when he created woman after man.

Jordan Friday wowed the audience with his vocal stylings.

On Saturday, March 9, female guests gathered at Mungulla station to share stories that inspired the audience as they celebrated International Women’s Day. They welcomed attendees On Country at Mungulla station, and there was painting and listening to poetry.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council and Hinchinbrook

Chamber of Commerce hosted seventy guests at the Station Hotel on Wednesday, March 8. They enjoyed listening to inspiring stories from special guests who shared their own personal journeys.

International

International

Mungulla International Women's Day

International Women’s Around the Hinchinbrook Region

Hinchinbrook

Hinchinbrook Council & Hinchinbrook Chamber International Women's Day

Hinchinbrook Council & Hinchinbrook Chamber International Women's Day

Agro Group’s Modernising Mill Mud Application first project completed in Lower Herbert Water Quality Program

CANEGROWERS

A recent trial on a farm in Abergowrie showed that using mill mud increased tonnes of cane harvested. Reducing fertiliser rates to account for mill mud application, did not impact CCS as much as when fertiliser was left at full rates and yet still produced an increase in yield.

Agro Group Director Kristen Kernke said that according to the study using mill mud in any fertiliser application increased overall tonnes of sugar harvested and the control also revealed that no use of mill mud resulted in the lowest tonnes of sugar harvested.

“The case study also shows that through this new technology of spreading mud at these lower and more accurate rates, it has become an economically viable product for more growers located in excess of 30 kilometres from the Herbert mills.”

“New farmers that have never used mill mud before are now onboard with its benefits and trials and will continue in the Herbert to gain more data around the effects on CCS when reducing inorganic fertiliser that can be shared with the Herbert farming community,” said Mrs Kernke.

Mill mud is a concentrated source

of organic forms of macro and micronutrients and is sought after by many sugarcane growers. Mill mud, a by-product of the sugarcane milling process, is managed by returning it to surrounding agricultural land. Historically transport costs and distribution methods have limited mill mud distribution within close proximity to each mill.

Delivery Provider Agro Group’s completion of the Modernising OnFarm Mill Mud Application project has enabled more Herbert growers to augment their inorganic fertiliser application rates with organic mill mud

Hinchinbrook Council & Hinchinbrook Chamber International Women's Day

Hinchinbrook Council & Hinchinbrook Chamber International Women's Day

Rural

through the development of spinner applicator trucks.

This has seen a reduction in mill mud application rates per hectare (banded), resulting in consistent mill mud output, enabling growers to reliably modify their inorganic fertilising rates and variable rate placement of mill mud in a safe, efficient, and user-friendly manner.

Since 2020 the Lower Herbert Water Quality Program, funded by the partnership between the Australian Government Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, and its delivery providers, has engaged with over three hundred growers in the Lower Herbert district to better manage their farm nutrient inputs to best suit their crop needs and reduce nitrogen losses as runoff to improve the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.

Hinchinbrook Council & Hinchinbrook Chamber International Women's Day

Council & Hinchinbrook Chamber International Women's Day

Hinchinbrook Council & Hinchinbrook Chamber International Women's Day

POSITIONS VACANT

1

Qld Steel & Equipment is seeking Customer Service/Spare Parts Interpreters to join our team.

The ideal candidates will be passionate about customer service, learning and gaining experience in our products to meet our customers’ needs.

Preferred qualities:

▀ Self-motivated and Punctual

▀ Hard working

▀ Enthusiastic and willing to learn

Full on the job training is provided.

To apply – email resume to sales@qldsteel.net.au or into the store at 8 Anderson Street, Tully.

Enquiries relating to the position can made to Susan, PH: 4068 0061

Proposed Development

Make a submission from 22 March 2024 to 16 April 2024

Material Change of Use for a Low Impact Industry (Mechanical Workshop)

Where: 19 Appleyard Road BILYANA QLD 4854

On: Lot 187 on CWL3294

Approval sought: Development

Permit for a Material Change of Use Application ref: MCU24/0003

You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to:

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Po Box 887 Innisfail QLD 4860 enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au (07) 4030 2222

www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au

Public notification requirements are in accordance with the Planning Act 2016

POSITIONS VACANT

6th & 20th

MARCH 5th and 19th

APRIL 2nd, 16th & 30th

MAY 14th & 28th

JUNE 11th & 25th

Johnstone Region Landcare Group

AGM

10:30am on the 3rd April 2 Stitt Street Innisfail

Margaret (Maggie) Rawnsley

Go home my dears, dry your tears, I must lie here, til Christ appears. Miss you Nanny.

11/8/24 - 14/3/87

Love - The Dinan, Rawnsley, and Brauer families.

CROSSWORD

1B

4A

On

17

North and South Mission Beach, Silkwood, Kurrimine Beach and Wongoling

FOCUS on Photography

MISSION ARTS

highly anticipated FOCUS Photography Awards Exhibition opened on Friday, March 15 to a lively crowd of 108 attendees. Presented annually by Mission Arts, and sponsored by Tassal Group, this exhibition offers photographers of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to showcase their passion for photography in a gallery setting. Photographers hailed from as far away as Cairns and Townsville, with the

majority of entries coming from Mission Beach and the wider Cassowary Coast.

Once again, the talent on display by our region's keen-eyed photographers is astounding! This year a whopping 98 entries competed for $2150 in award prizes, generously donated by local area individuals & businesses. Our esteemed Judges, Maureen Carthy and Susan Kelly, had the difficult task of choosing the standout images in each of 12 categories.

With something for everyone - pets, sports/action, travel, macro and more – the exhibition offers a diverse and interesting portrayal of a wide variety of subjects. Landscapes, seascapes and flora & fauna of the wet tropics provide beautiful glimpses into our regional treasures.

The Judges’ Choice Award was awarded to Trevor Oakley for his stunning panorama of Lovers Beach, which also won The Michael Johnson Seascape

Award. The aftermath of December’s flooding rains were captured in Tori England’s iconic ‘Euramo Yacht Club’ photo, which won the Cassowary Coast Townscapes Award.

With thanks to all this year's entrants for capturing and sharing your memorable moments. And to our event and award sponsors, whose generosity enables us to recognise and reward area photographers through this annual community photographic exhibition.

FOCUS Photography Awards Exhibition Winners

Judges’ Choice, Lovers Beach by Trevor Oakley

Bowls News

Innisfail Men’s Bowls

IT was fantastic to see 40 bowlers on the green for Thursday’s social bowls afternoon on March 7.

The winning team was Sergio Dalla Pozza, Sam Micale, Les Cali and Peter Broccardo.

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

On March 10, a roll-up of 36 bowlers

enjoyed a club organised morning of mixed bowls with Gordon Goes, Marilyn Allen and Ann Rule, the winning team.

There will be another morning on April 14 starting at 9.00am, with the game format of club selected mixed two-bowl triples.

Bowlers will play one game of 18 ends and $15.00 green fees includes smoko, with prize money on offer for the winning teams.

All club competition draws are on the notice board, so please start organising to get your games played.

Golf News

Innisfail Golf Club

THE grounds crew had the course in fantastic condition for the 9-hole Monthly Medal competition with 50 players registered.

Each week our grounds crew do above and beyond and will showcase them better in the future.

For two days, Norm Stewart and Rob

Innisfail Ladies Bowls

THE sun shone last Wednesday, March 13, the first time this year which enabled completion of the 2024 Club Championship Triples.

It was a close competition at 11 all after 10 ends which continued for the next 11 ends.

In an extremely tight contest, Eileen Hamann, Diana O’Brien and Margaret Johnston defeated Marilyn Allen, Dell Steve and Dian Catelan 20 - 19.

Two social games were played: Bev

Anderson, Maisie Smith and Carol Cash defeated Ann Rule, Lyn Stevenson and Cheryl Higgins.

Louise Hoskins, Helen Paterson and Christine Pascoe defeated Daphne Kirkman, Sue Morrison and Jan Edgerton despite being down 0 - 9 after four ends.

Margaret Johnston was the lucky money card winner, an appropriate surprise for her birthday this week.

Unfortunately, distance, medical appointments and holiday trips meant the ladies have no participants for some of the upcoming away games.

Rose, who is currently battling the fungi in the greens and with over two metres of rain fallen since the start of the year, this has not helped the green renovations.

Innisfail teams were close to qualifying in each round, but unfortunately, missed out on all three spots.

Mills finished off mowing the roughs in the pouring rain, to have Innisfail’s course in top condition for the Survivor Golf Series.

John Lombardi and Craig Alman changed their fairway mowing days, because of the rain predicted on Thursdays.

This week’s superstar is Andrew

His jobs include soil testing, sending it off to the labs, boom spraying for disease and nutrients, mowing greens and fixing mowers, all whilst doing his full-time job for the Queensland Police Service.

Members do not be shy in saying thanks to the grounds crew/volunteers for the work they complete for our club each week as a little bit of recognition goes a long way.

A great weekend for the players who played in the Survivor Golf Series on March 2 - 3.

Troy Jones and Dan Carter made the playoff on Sunday tied at 11 under. Unfortunately, they just missed out in the playoff and were relegated to second.

Ian Saunderson and Jake Cockle placed second outright, but just missed out on the playoff by one shot.

Weekly events - all rained out.

Upcoming events

Wednesday All Sporters competitionfrom 12.00 pm and 3.00 pm

Friday Sporters competition - from 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm - online bookings

April 13 - 14 - The Innisfail Classiconline registrations out soon

Andrew Rose, one of Innisfail Golf Club’s valued grounds crew volunteers.

Rob Mills, another dedicated grounds crew member at Innisfail Golf Club.

Grounds crew volunteer, Norm Stewart put in a huge effort to prepare the course at Innisfail Golf Club.

Innisfail’s Jake Cockle and Ian Saunderson narrowly missed out on making the Survivor Golf Series playoffs played at Innisfail Golf Club on March 2 - 3.

Innisfail Ladies had their first proper roll up of bowls for 2024, as fine weather prevailed last Wednesday.

Innisfail Ladies 2024 Club Championship Triples winners, Margaret Johnston, Eileen Hamann and Diana O’Brien.

Shane Muriata

AFTER 12 long months without a single win, the Tully Tigers under 14s finally broke their losing streak to record their first victory since 2022 after winning in Gordonvale on the weekend.

It has been a long time coming, but coach and trainer and allround top bloke Coach Slats said he was proud of the boys, but more work is needed. "It really boosted their morale, now we have to start training hard to keep it going".

Well done, legends. This is one of the best groups of young men, and definitely the funniest to train with. Keep up the great work, men.

When it comes to Rugby League Royalty in the North

Queensland town of Tully, the name Ketchell usually gets a mention amongst club legends, so it was with no surprise that young Tigers gun Kayden Ketchell signed a three-year North Queensland Cowboys Development Contract that will hopefully set him on a path to the NRL.

It has been a journey and a bit for the family of good mate Benny Ketchell and wife Bambi, who have dedicated all their time to helping their son realise his dream.

GREG SHANNON

A look at old rugby league programmes can provide an interesting snapshot into the past. Former players and games that may have been forgotten instantly come back to life!

The same can be said for old annual reports.

Long before, the NRL, or ARL rugby league in both Qld and NSW, was very much decentralized, with country regions in both states having their own competitions under the leadership of the state bodies, which for Qld was the QRL.

North Queensland, Central Queensland, Western Queensland, Wide Bay, Toowoomba, and the Gold Coast all had their own competitions, along with the old Brisbane competition known as the BRL. In addition, each had its own governing body that fed into the QRL.

In those days, to select Queensland sides, a series of rep games would be played between regions to choose a Queensland countryside to play Combined Brisbane or South Qld as a significant trial. This all started to change in the 1970s.

For North Queensland, the governing body, formed in 1920, was the North Queensland Rugby League (NQRL), and each town had its own competition delegate to the NQRL. This was the case right up to

As far as football goes, Kayden has worn his fair share of representative jerseys that have so far fetched Peninsula, State and Club football that would last anyone a lifetime.

But it isn't his talent that paved the way; it's his humble origins of a loving family that has kept him grounded and pushed him to pursue the dream of playing professional sports and the many coaches along the way.

After being accepted into the Cowboys Academy Programs, Kayden thrived in a Rugby League environment that included the Rise Platform, which helps budding young athletes take the necessary steps to the level needed to excel.

A special moment of family reflection came during a recent tour of the North Queensland Cowboys facilities. He walked into the room that bears the names of every single Cowboys player who has played since the club's inception. Displaying proudly on the wall was his uncle, my first footy hero, Aron Scully Ketchell, who played NRL in the first two seasons with the Cows back in 95/96. He momentarily turned and said, "Wow, hopefully one day my name will be up there beside him".

So, as last words go, it should belong to the man himself, and boy, how humble and respectful was the time I spent talking to Kayden during the week when I asked the million-dollar

question about his future in the game,

What does this mean to you?

"It's everything I ever wanted, but I didn't get this far without some good people. My coaches from Peninsula, State and the Indigenous Teams I've made have been a privilege. My club coaches, and school coaches they are the people that really helped me. I feel so humble, I want to do the best, for my dad and mum; they have always been there, and they never missed a beat. My parents always said, just give it your best shot, try your hardest, even when you are mowing the lawn, always give it your best".

To you, Kayden Ketchell, I wish you every success. Now, the real hard work begins.

the 1960s.

Looking at a 1930 NQRL annual report, we see just how decentralized the game was and how many towns were involved. This particular page shows that the chair of the NQRL was Townsville-based Arch Foley, after whom the Foley shield would later be named in 1948.

It also shows the number of delegates from each town making up the NQRL. These delegates would travel to Townsville to attend the AGM, which back then would have meant travelling by rail, so some delegates would have spent several days travelling to attend!

Also worth noting is that Arthur Fadden was the honorary auditor of the NQRL in those days. Arthur, or Artie, was a founding member of the NQRL when it started in 1920 and was born in Halifax, where his father was a policeman.

He later lived in Mackay and Townsville and worked as an accountant before entering politics. He later became Sir Arthur Fadden, a long-serving Federal Treasurer and, for a brief time, Queensland’s first Prime Minister of Australia!

Sir Arthur maintained a close relationship with the North, including serving as the honorary auditor of Tully Sugar Mill long after his days in politics were over.

Looking at the annual report, we see that L. Edwards and A. Illich were the Herbert River delegates to the NQRL, while J. Hanran was the Tully delegate.

C. Fleming and C. Leacy were the delegates for Innisfail, and S. Ramage was the delegate for Babinda.

These delegates to the NQRL were vital to the game, and it would be interesting to know who they were and what happened to them later in life.

Under 14s first win since 2022

Kayden Ketchell speaks about footy.

Kayden Ketchell signs for the North Queensland Cowboys.

Tully’s senior rugby league teams kicked off their 2024 season with two wins

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARIA GIRGENTI

LAST Sunday, Tully Tigers’ senior rugby league teams launched their 2024 season with two wins against Cairns Brothers in wet conditions at Tully Showgrounds.

In A-grade, Tully showed early positive signs of being a highly competitive side, only going down to reigning premiers, Cairns Brothers by 10 points in a gritty and physical encounter.

A special mention to Tully junior, Jai Hawkins who make his A-Grade debut against Cairns Brothers.

Since joining the A-Grade squad, Hawkins has been committed at training and performed well in the trial game against Herbert River which earned him a debut jersey.

Tully’s try scorers: Phil Nona, Dikana Arere 2, Feao Tongia and Cameron Nelson. Morgan Black 1 goal.

At full-time in Reserve-grade, Tully registered a spirited 17 - 8 win over Cairns Brothers.

Tully’s try scorers: Thomas Banu 2 and Nathan Muriata. Luke Fitzgerald 2 goals and 1 field goal.

A double to Shadrach Guligo and Xzavier Carlaw in the Under 19s clash, helped steer the young Tigers to a 22 - 10 victory over Cairns Brothers.

Tully try scorers: Shadrach Guligo 2 and Xzavier Carlaw 2. Cameron Nelson 3 goals.

FNQRL Round 1 fixtures - March 16 -17

Results:

A-Grade

Cairns Brothers 32 def Tully 22

Innisfail 36 def Kangaroos 6

Edmonton 40 def Southern Suburbs 10

Ivanhoe Knights 46 def Mareeba 4

Mossman-Port Douglas vs Yarrabah - game postponed due to wet weather

Bye: Atherton

FNQRL A-Grade ladder - Round 1: Ivanhoe Knights

2, Innisfail 2, Edmonton 2, Cairns Brothers 2, Atherton 2, Yarrabah 0, Mossman-Port Douglas 0, Tully 0, Southern Suburbs 0, Kangaroos and Mareeba 0. Reserve Grade

Tully 17 def Cairns Brothers 8

Kangaroos 20 def Innisfail 8

Mareeba 16 def Ivanhoe Knights 14

Edmonton 26 def Southern Suburbs 10

Mossman-Port Douglas vs Yarrabah - game postponed due to wet weather

Under 19

Tully 22 def Cairns Brothers 10

Kangaroos 42 def Innisfail 0

Mareeba 18 drew with Ivanhoe Knights 18

Edmonton 32 def Southern Suburbs 6

Byes: Atherton and Yarrabah

In Round 2 fixtures, this Saturday, the Tully Tigers’ travel north up the road for a showdown against Cassowary Coast rivals, Innisfail in the fiercely contested local derby.

Tully’s Xzavier Carlaw crashed over the line for his first of two tries in the Under 19 game against Cairns Brothers.

Shadrach Guligo (with ball) scored a double for Tully in the Under 19s clash against Cairns Brothers.

Thomas Banu (with ball), double try scorer for Tully in the Reserve Grade game against Cairns Brothers.

Action in last Sunday’s Reserve Grade game against Tully and Cairns Brothers.

Tully A-Grade players, Morgan Black and Dikana Arere wrapped up a Cairns Brothers player.

Tully’s Kenneth Fonoti (with ball) tried to fend off two Cairns Brothers players in the A-Grade game.

Two local athletes won medals at the School Sport Australia Track and Field Championships

MARIA GIRGENTI

TWO Cassowary Coast athletes made themselves, their region, and their state proud with their outstanding achievements when they represented Queensland at the School Sport Australia Track and Field Championships held in Launceston, Tasmania, last November.

Last October, Ruby Torrisi represented Peninsula in Brisbane and won a Silver medal in Shot Put and Discus.

Braxton D’Urso won a Silver medal in the

For students aged 10 - 12 years, this event brought together young athletes from states across Australia.

The road to Nationals is a huge achievement for both athletes, who travel to attend School, District, Peninsula, and State trials, put in the hard yards at training, and balance other sports and schoolwork.

Ruby Torrisi earned her place in the Queensland team after representing Peninsula in Brisbane last October; Torrisi placed second in the Shot Put (9.77m) and Discus (34.77m).

At the Nationals in Tasmania, Torrisi won a Silver medal in the 500 g discus (32.13m) and was fourth in the Shot Put 2kg (9.93m).

The standard of competition was at the next level, and Torrisi gained heaps from the experience.

I learned to ‘never give up,’ to be persistent and composure in difficult circumstances, ‘to let faith be bigger than fear,’ and most importantly, ‘I can, and I will.’

Ruby and her family wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Cassowary Coast community for their support and

At the School Sport Australia Track and Field Championships in Tasmania, Ruby Torrisi claimed Silver and finished second in Australia in Discus.

encouragement.

A special mention to Brenda Koolman and her daughter Shae for helping raise money with 100 boards at Brenda’s Fruit Stall, sponsors MSF Sugar, Cassowary Coast Regional Council, and Ronnie Neary, as well as Ruby’s throwing coach and mentor, Adrienne Worth, for providing unwavering support and guidance that has helped her as an athlete and as an individual.

Her proud coach, Adrienne Worth, had nothing but praise for Ruby. “She put in many hours to prepare for the Nationals, and her efforts certainly paid off.”

Braxton D’Urso and team members

Lewis Williams, Nathan Wright and Dylan Reid returned with a Silver medal in the Medley relay.

Results:

4th in Australia - 200m (26.76)

6th in Australia - Long Jump (4.92m)

Silver - 800 Sprint Medley Relay (1:51.74)

D’Urso stated his goal this year is to qualify and compete again at the Nationals.

A special mention to D’Urso’s coach Tracey Brunello, along with all the individuals and businesses for their loyal support which helped him get to Tasmania, especially Brothers Leagues Club, Rebel Coffee, Cassowary Coast Regional Council, North Queensland Insurance Brokers, D’Urso Air Conditioning, MSF Sugar, Member For Hill Shane Knuth, Rising Sun, Nourish Bananas, RA Insurance, Lorrae Showcase Jewellers, 1eight parks - Etty Bay, FNQ Motor Group, BCF, Woolworths and Panasales.

Sprint Medley Relay.

Braxton D’Urso (far right) with fellow Queensland team members, Nathan Wright, Dylan Reid and Lewis Williams, who won Silver in the Sprint Medley relay.

Students ‘get active’ at the third Innisfail Sports Spectacular

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARIA GIRGENTI

LAST month, five hundred primary students in Years 4 - 6 from across the Cassowary Coast and surrounding districts converged on Callendar Park, Innisfail, for the third Innisfail Sports Spectacular run by Peninsula School Sport.

School groups braved hot, humid conditions on the day and participated in nine rotational sporting activities for 15 minutes.

Students from Good Counsel Primary, The Rainforest School, Mission Beach, Goondi, Mundoo, Mourilyan, St Rita’s South Johnstone, St Rita’s School, Babinda, Silkwood, Flying Fish Point, Kennedy, and Innisfail State Schools participated in various sporting activities.

Students participated in activities run by representatives from NRL/ QRL, Queensland Reds Rugby Union, Queensland Cricket, Football Queensland, Surf Lifesaving Queensland, AFL, touch football, and netball.

Marty, Jen and Karen from Surf Lifesaving Queensland North Queensland branch attended the Sport

Spectaculars in Cairns, Atherton and Innisfail, which saw around 1,700 students participate over four days.

Students and teachers performed tube rescues, including swimming through the cones and wading over the obstacles to rescue their patients. They provided great exposure to surf sports and surf lifesaving in North Queensland.

Good Counsel College Year 12 students studying their Certificate III in Sport and Recreation observed and assisted development officers with activities as part of their studies.

The establishment of Sports Spectacular came about from feedback received and recommendations from the 2021 FNQ School Sport Survey. Principals, sports coordinators, students, and P&C Association Presidents indicated that sport is an important driver of improving students’ attendance and engagement.

Recommendations from the survey were to provide more grassroots sporting opportunities for students in the Far North Queensland region.

This event’s key objectives are to provide sporting opportunities for students to engage with sporting development officers across a wide

variety of sports and establish networks between school staff, local junior development officers, and other schools throughout the region.

It also strengthens staff capability and professional knowledge about sporting programs/skills with sports/rotations run by industry professionals, junior development officers and community partners.

The event aims to develop and link

local professional networks between schools, families, and local sporting organisations/groups to improve access to school and club sports.

Primary school students have access to grassroots sports, which is a way of upskilling students to enter the representative school sport pathway.

These key objectives align with the Department of Education’s State Schooling Strategy 2022 - 2026.

Marty Cook from Surf Lifesaving Queensland North Queensland branch with Flying Fish Point State School students and staff.

Innisfail State School staff and students with development officers from Queensland Cricket.

Mourilyan State School staff and students tried out their soccer skills.

Principal Andrew Maley and Mundoo State School students with Good Counsel College senior students who assisted at the sports stations.

Karen from Surf Lifesaving Queensland North Queensland branch with staff and students from Kennedy State School.

FISHING NEWS with Tony Mossop

A break in the continuous wet weather on Thursday and Friday gave reef fishermen a chance to venture out to our main reef systems. Good coral trout and red-throat emperor were caught, with the best catches being achieved around the lunchtime tide change. Most fishermen then pushed into the deeper water, catching some nice largemouth nannygai and red emperor.

Around the islands, large schools of bait fish were seen being chased by Trevally, queenfish and tuna; even with all the freshwater around, the bait fish remained relatively close to the coast. Some reports of finger mark and grunter being caught have also come through. Catching Squid is key to consistently catching these fish; Squid jigs have come a long way in the last few years, and the new Shimano Flash boost is making catching Squid a lot easier.

In and around rivers, barramundi is on everyone's catch list, especially during this long wet season. Good fish are consistently caught out on the headlands and in our bays. Throwing surface lures like the new Mintoss frog up in the shallows has been working well, while out on the headlands, the sicario 6-inch paddle tail has been catching its share of good fish.

Despite all the freshwater, fishing was great back in the rivers. Reports of good grunter being caught have come through. Good-sized Red bream are being caught in numbers both on lures and on fresh baits. The chase bait flick prawn has been a standout.

Crabbing has also been good, with plenty of goodquality bucks being caught. Further up the rivers, in

the cane drains, seems to be where the majority of the barra are being caught at the moment. With the extra rain, the drains are overflowing into the rivers, allowing the barra access up the drains. Small weedless plastics like the Ikame 120 guppy work well in this scenario. There is nearly always grass and sticks in these drains, making throwing a conventional lure difficult.

More rain has been predicted for next week, depending on what cyclone Megan does. Hopefully, this will be the last heavy rain we see for the year as it starts to cool off and settles down.

Always get an up-to-date weather forecast before planning your next fishing trip, and stay safe.

Good Luck

Tony Mossop Tackleworld Tully

LUCINDA MARCH

Kyle Milini with a Barra caught on the new Chasebaits Flick Prawn “Lemon Lime” colour

SPORT

Students ‘get active’ at the third Innisfail Sports Spectacular.. Page 22

Forrest Beach Surf Living Saving Club take on Queensland state

SARI RUSSO

THE Hinchinbrook community would like to congratulate the Forest Beach Surf Life Saving team, who undoubtedly put Forest Beach on the map on March 16 by travelling to North Kirra SLSC to compete at the Queensland Surf Life Saving Championships 2024. The competition had all the highs and lows, triumphs and disappointments that arise when competing at a state championship.

Participating teams returned from the event with a swag of medals that made their supporters proud.

The Hinchinbrook community were excited as it was the first state title for the Forest Beach SLSC team, and they enjoyed witnessing, beyond incredible athleticism and the excellent sportsmanship that was displayed by the young men.

The participants conducted themselves in a manner that was a credit to their families, communities and college families.

Forest Beach SLSC would like to thank St Teresa's College, Abergowrie, for their support in making the trip happen and for encouraging the participants and introducing them to the world of surf lifesaving. Each of those young men who attended gained their bronze medallion and are now lifesaver who patrols Forest Beach.

The boys trained hard in their preparation for the event under the guidance and mentorship of a man who is considered one of the greats in lifesaving, coach Lenny Chiesa, who has a great collection of state and national medals under his belt. He was proud to see the boys realise their state champs goals

and have Forest Beach SLSC club represented on the beach again.

The final medal tally: Two golds, one silver, three bronze. ��

Bronze - U19 2 x 1km relay - Steven and Jared

Gold - U19 male beach sprint - Steven

Gold - U17 male beach sprint - Evandah

Bronze - U17 male beach sprint - Jared

Silver - Open male beach relay - Steven, Jared, Evandah and Meshack.

Bronze - U19 male beach relay - Benon, Steven, Darius and Marsat.

Special mentions to our state finalists: Meshack, Benon, and Kevin, for making the final in the U17 beach sprint, along with Evandah, who received gold and Jared, a bronze. There were five Forrest Beach competitors in the top ten in Queensland. Benon, Jared, Odrick, and Marsat for making

the final in the U17 beach flags—four Forest Beach competitors were in the top eight in Queensland.

Forest Beach SLSC would like to acknowledge their U17 beach relay teams - A and B, for living up to what they had trained. Team A blitzed the field by well over 30m to take the win, and Team B came a convincing third. However, an unfortunate misjudgement in one of the baton changes (in both teams) meant they were disqualified. Their disappointment was heartbreaking.

The team are looking forward to competing at the nationals.

U17 Forest Beach SLSC Dream Team!