Cairns Local News September 15 2023

on our streets

Have some pride and stop using suburbia as a rubbish dump

l CAIRNS REGION

| Nick Dalton

ILLEGAL dumping on the streets of suburban Cairns as well as in rural areas is becoming an eyesore and a headache for authorities.

Old sofas and tables, sets of drawers, rusted barbecues, carpet and other items are being left on footpaths and nature strips throughout the region by “disrespectful and irresponsible” residents thinking that other people will take them because they are free.

Cairns regional councillor Brett Moller, who is also deputy chairman of Local Authority Waste Management Advisory Committee (LAWMAC), said in many cases it appeared to involve tenants vacating a property.

“We are again seeing cases with rental properties as the tenants leave, they clear out their lounge rooms and leave items on the footpath,” he said.

Cr Moller said in his division one recently he had seen garbage bags of old pillows and doonas, as well as mattresses, dumped on rural properties as well as 40 tyres on a headland “obviously by a commercial operator”.

“It is disrespectful, it’s irresponsible, with no respect for others and the environment,” he said.

Cr Moller said it was not up to the council to provide a free pick-up service for unwanted items.

“Nothing is free and comes at a cost and charged to rates. If this is a service that people want, it will have to be paid for,” he said.

CONTINUED PAGE 3

THE POWER OF STRAIT MUSIC

Patrick Mau of Mau Power is the headline act at UMI Art's free family-friendly Big Talk

One Fire tomorrow at Munro Martin Parklands from 3pm. STORY PAGE 18

FNQ surf lifesavers rewarded

l FAR NORTH

FOUR Far Northern surf lifesavers have won awards at Surf Life Saving Queensland’s annual awards of excellence in Brisbane.

Volunteer of the year was Jesse Witt of Etty Bay SLSC, trainer of the year was Ellis Beach’s Gary Williams, the Clive Hammond OAM medal was awarded to Jeremy Kay of Ellis Beach SLSC, while an under-18 special commendation was handed to Natalie Cook, Etty Bay SLSC and an official of the year special commendation was given to Fiona Grant, Cairns SLSC.

The judges said Mr Witt was a key volunteer at the Etty Bay SLSC “where he wears many hats from being club captain, trainer, assessor, official, drone operator to director of youth and membership where he leads by example, showing that you can do these roles at any age”

They said Mr Williams was “the driver behind branch conducted IRB driver and crew courses at the start of each season, overcoming logistical challenges presented by stinger enclosures and beach closures due to jellyfish”.

The judges said Mr Kay “stands tall amongst an incredible field. The breadth and depth of Jeremy’s involvement at all levels of the movement is truly remarkable”.

We are tops in dining

Region picks up eight national restaurant and catering awards

l FAR NORTH

EIGHT restaurants from the region have taken accolades at the national 2023 Restaurant and Catering Hostplus awards for excellence.

With Cairns restaurants and cafes, Piato, Caffiend, Wild Thyme, The Bluewater Bar and Grill and The Fish, Temple of Tastes in Palm Cove and Salsa Bar and Grill, Harrisons Restaurant, and Seabean Tapas Bar Restaurant in Port Douglas, the Far North set a new standard at the awards on the Gold Coast.

The big winners of the night were Caffiend Cairns who took home best breakfast restaurant and café dining, The Bluewater Bar and Grill who won restaurant in a pub/ club for the third year in a row (see P17), and Salsa Bar and Grill Port Douglas which took the win in the contemporary Australian restaurant category and the major award restaurant of the year across North Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Caffiend and Guyala Café owner and founder Oliver James, who returned to the cafe in 2022 after a change in ownership, said he was proud of the achievements in their first year competing at the awards.

“We are incredibly proud of what the team

has achieved in the short time since we returned to Caffiend last year,” he said.

“While our other venue, Guyala Cafe is no stranger to industry recognition, this is the first time we’ve done anything like this with Caffiend. I didn’t know what to expect – certainly not winning across both categories.

“It’s a testament to how hard the crew has worked to enhance every aspect of the Caffiend experience.”

Owner of the longstanding Salsa Bar and Grill and winner of the restaurant of the year award for North Queensland, Rhys Bowden, said he was hopeful for the industry’s future in the region.

“We’ve been in Port Douglas for 29 years and we’ve been a part of the Restaurants and Catering Association since the beginning, so it’s good to get back in the winning circle,” he said.

“This is a great recognition to our staff’s hard work and our patrons have let us know we’re doing a good job and we wouldn’t be here without them.

“The whole of the Far North was well represented in the awards from Cairns to Port Douglas, so it goes to show how we’re gaining strength and respect in the food industry which is great not only for tourism but to also become a food destination.”

Music guru heads to Tassie for career change

AFTER 12 years bringing the best performing artists, exhibitions and festivals to the region, musician, producer and artistic director Roz Pappalardo has farewelled the Cairns community as she departed last Friday to start a new chapter with the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart.

Through her time with Cairns Regional Council, initially as a part-timer and culminating as the artistic director, Ms Pappalardo became an essential part in making the city a cultural and artistic destination.

From overseeing the development of Cairns Festival into 10 days of culture and arts, the birth and growth of Cairns Children’s Festival and attracting world class talent like the Royal Ballet to Martin Munro Parklands for their first ever outdoor performance in history, Ms Pappalardo remains humble and hopeful about the future of the arts in the region.

“This community has so much vibrancy, so much character and brilliance across arts and culture, sport-

ing, environmental or tourism and I’m just so proud to be a part of this community,” she said.

“I grew up in this region, my family lived in this region, and I will return to this region, and I will continue to look to Cairns as a regional leader in so many different avenues and I’ll be proud to say I played a little part.”

As she departs to take on the role of music and events producer at MONA, she said she was ready for the next chapter in her career.

“I’m going to miss this amazing community but I’m ready for a change and I’m excited to see what happens going forward.”

Councillor Kristy Vallely paid tribute to Ms Pappalardo at the August 23 council meeting for her amazing feats.

“During her tenure Roz has overseen the growth of Cairns Festival into a leading cultural event on the national festival landscape, additionally she has overseen the expansion of our creative program as our venues and ambitions have grown. She leaves behind an incredible creative legacy,” she said.

“She’ll be dearly missed by all, and we wish her the best in her next creative venture.”

New brands at centre Price Busters Variety coming to Cairns and Kaisercraft expands

l MANUNDA

|

DISCOUNT store Price Bust-

ers Variety is coming to Cairns for the first time along with craft retailer Kaisercraft expanding its footprint in the city. Both businesses are planning to open at the Raintrees shopping centre next year, filling a great part of the vacancy left when Woolworths moved into a new space.

Price Busters Variety is growing and has 24 stores in northern New South Wales and southeast Queensland. The Raintrees outlet will be the most northern for the company.

Streets used as rubbish dumps

FROM PAGE 1

He said an education campaign was needed to show people to recycle correctly as well as taking certain items to transfer stations.

“We’ve got to educate people not to dump in public. It’s an eyesore and it’s not good for the environment,” Cr Moller said.

Long-time Manoora resident Ross Grant said some short-term residents did not give a damn about their property or their neighbours and were prone to dump and run.

“Those with a little conscience dump on the footpath and nature strip. This ‘pseudo Sydney side of the road pick-up’ makes them feel less guilty about their slovenly behaviour,” he said.

Cairns Local News has observed the number and different items constantly changing almost on a weekly basis outside one set of units in Springfield Crescent while in Jensen St, Edge Hill, there was a sofa, a clothes rack and a lounge chair – drenched by rainfall – on the nature strip for weeks.

Council planning, growth and sustainability director Ed Johnson said, unfortunately, the council received many reports about illegal dumping.

“It is an offence to dump or dispose of waste on public land, or on private land without the consent of the owner,” he said.

“This includes but is not limited to nature strips, suburban parks, natural reserves, creek banks, road reserves, easements, beaches and private land.

Price Busters Variety director Avinash Chandra said the business was “in an expansion phase and are continuously scouting for new sites that suits our business model”.

He said the 1000sqm fit-out was due to start in July next year and would take three months by a Cairns-based contractor.

“We will require various sub-contractors as a full fit-out will be required for the large site we’ll occupy,” he said.

“We will require approximately 15 staff and will commence recruitment around April 2024.”

Price Busters Variety is owned by private family-

owned company Mega Variety Pty Ltd based in Brisbane.

“We’re really looking forward to opening more stores in north Queensland. We’re actively looking for other suitable sites in this part of Queensland,” Mr Chandra said.

“Price Busters Variety is the destination store throughout the year for the entire family, offering products for storage, parties, pets, luggage, entertainment, fashion accessories, craft, toys, stationery, confectionery, cards and wrap, and much more,” he said.

Price Busters Variety first opened its doors in Queensland in 2010. The 24 stores employ more than 150 Australians.

Christina Oliver of Kaisercraft in Geelong confirmed the firm intended to expand to the Raintrees shopping centre.

“We are looking at that location, however it is looking like it will be next year,” she said.

It currently has stores at Cairns DFO and Mt Sheridan Plaza. It sells a diverse range of fashion stationery, gifts, homewares, and arts and craft supplies.

Shopping centre manager Sheila Neil said it was “very exciting to welcome both Price Busters and Kaisercraft to Raintrees.”

“Along with the new and improved Woolworths, new tenants joining us in 2023 have

included Café 63, Smokemart, Defy Gravity, Lookin Good Beauty Cairns, Bee’s Nail Garden, Lovena Bridal and Cairns Upholstery,” she said.

Ms Neil said part of stage two of the re-development would include new men’s, ladies, disabled and parents room facilities, a new mall and entry, as well as some additional parking upgrades. Construction is due to start soon.

“With only 770sq m left to lease in the new mall, now is the time for any interested businesses to get in touch to negotiate a lease and start fitout planning,” she said.

Next year the centre celebrates 50 years of trade.

“Littering and dumping not only makes our city and natural areas look dirty and uncared for, but it can have significant health, safety, financial and environmental impacts.

“To help deal with this issue, council has a Litter and Illegal Dumping Action Plan, which addresses illegal dumping and promotes responsible disposal of waste”.

The council also has a dedicated illegal dumping compliance officer, who investigates illegal dumping and engages with community groups to identify illegal dumping hotspots. Fines are up to $3096.

Report illegal dumping on 1300 692 247, via the My Cairns app or email council@cairns.qld.gov.au

Hannah eyes space career

High school student wins STEM award

A TRINITY Bay High School student is the only one in the Cairns region to be honoured with a top-level Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) award.

Hannah Hitch was one of 28 students, teachers and staff across Queensland who were recognised for outstanding and innovative contributions to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics by being presented with the 2023 Peter Doherty awards for excellence.

Miss Hitch was delighted to win the award.

“I was elated when I found out that I had been selected as a 2023 Peter Doherty award winner. It is an honour to be recognised for my hard work and dedication to STEM, and the award bursary will assist my university studies,” she said.

“I plan to commence a degree in engineering and would ultimately love to work in the space industry helping to advance space technologies, particularly in Australia.”

Coinciding with Australia’s

annual celebration of science and technology National Science Week, the awards were presented by award namesake and Nobel Prize winner Laureate Professor Peter Doherty and Department of Education Director General Michael De’Ath.

In total, 19 students, six teachers, one school support officer, one school and one partnership organisation were selected as award winners from a field of 115 entries.

Prof Peter Doherty said he was extremely passionate about STEM education being a crucial part of paving the way for the future of humanity, with the discovery of new things becoming

more and more complex.

“As a medical researcher and from the general viewpoint of a citizen of Australia and the world, I’m convinced humanity has entered an era of unparalleled complexity – new sciences like genomics and proteomics are revolutionising our understanding of biology,” he said.

“We are just beginning to grapple with the enormous scientific, ethical and social implications of these advances.”

Prof Doherty said that Queensland needed educated young people, good thinkers who would be the future of new STEM-related problem solutions, discoveries, inventions and scientific breakthroughs.

“Many of the technological solutions will involve various forms of engineering – we also need bright lawyers, financiers and politicians who have some basic understanding of, and respect for, science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” he said.

“Our best protection as we seek to deal with these infinitely complex issues is to ensure our young people are exposed to great STEM teachers and STEM education programs.”

Rider all heart for fundraiser

ONE of the first heart bypass patients to tackle the gruelling 17th QSuper Cardiac Challenge involving more than 100 cyclists to pedal from Cairns to Cooktown to raise essential funds to go toward improving cardiac services in the region heads off this weekend.

Hosted by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, in partnership with QSuper, the event

has attracted 185 cyclists, 100 volunteers and 42 supporters, who will be going to Cooktown from September 16-18.

So far, the ride has raised $250,000. No goal has been set yet, as Cairns Hospital cardiologists are yet to decide what the funds will be spent on.

Wayne Christiansen, 64, will be one of the first bypass patients cycling to raise awareness on cardiac disease and early prevention.

“July 11 last year I had the pleasure of being in hospital getting a triple bypass on

my birthday. I was sitting at a desk working, I started getting a twinge on my side, I thought it was a bit of indigestion but five minutes later I was on the ground,” he said.

“I’m lucky enough to have a granddaughter and she’s my motivation, she’s one and I want to see her get to 18 so that’s why I’ve gone in to bike riding and lead a healthier lifestyle."

Mr Christiansen has received a $1500 donation Marlin Coast Lions Club and plans to raise even more funds.

Hooked on $22m boat ramp

l YORKEYS KNOB

| Nick Dalton

THE new $22.4 million Yorkeys Knob boating facility – the first of its kind for Queensland boaties – has been officially opened by Transport Minister Mark Bailey and Barron River MP Craig Crawford.

The facility, featuring a six-lane boat ramp with three floating walkways, was jointly funded by Transport and Main Roads and Cairns Regional Council.

Planning for the project has been underway since 2017, onsite works started

in February 2022, with completion in earlySeptember. It opened just in time for the September school holidays and the Black Marlin fishing season.

Mr Crawford said Cairns residents loved boating and fishing with about one vessel for every 14 residents.

"With six lanes and 135 cartrailer parking bays, this new boat ramp will drastically reduce overcrowding and 'ramp rage' on those perfect days when everyone wants to get out to the Reef,” he said.

"It has been an election promise and passion project of mine for nine years, and

I’m absolutely stoked to see it officially open."

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the government committed to build the new mini-harbour as a 2017 election promise.

"Craig Crawford has taken up the cause of FNQ boaties and driven this huge project from the get-go," he said.

"It is a great credit to him that he has never given up and seen it through to opening as it will make a huge difference for local boaties."

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the council contributed $3.5m to help fund the muchawaited project.

$754m impact on economy

Cairns Regional Council’s big spend across businesses and the community

l PARRAMATTA PARK

| Nick Dalton

THE ripple effect of spending by the Cairns Regional Council generated $754 million in the region’s economy in the last financial year.

The latest state of procurement report revealed the council contributed four per cent to the Cairns Gross Regional Product and directly supported 3578 local jobs with a total of $339 million,

or 87 per cent of the council’s total expenditure, spent at Cairns businesses.

The report also showed the number of businesses operating in Cairns has ticked over 15,000 as the regional economy experiences steady growth.

Mayor Bob Manning said the region’s economic diversity supported its resilience in the past few years.

“Council continues to play a vital role in growing the econo-

my and is focused on supporting the local business community,” he said.

“Our organisation is a major contributor to the Cairns economy, pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into the region through jobs and spending.”

Cr Kirsty Vallely told Wednesday’s council meeting that the direct impact of council spending was “huge”.

Cr Brett Moller said the council was a big business and a big

contributor to the local economy, shopping locally whenever it could.

The report revealed almost 3000 new jobs were created in the Cairns Local Government Area in the two years to June 2022, with significant milestones achieved across advocacy, major events, priority industries, geographic areas of focus and other economic initiatives.

During the reporting period, the council sponsored 21 major

events, which had an estimated economic impact of $53.65m.

Cr Manning said the strategy was underpinned by strong collaboration with the business sector.

“Council strives to create a dynamic and resilient economy that supports local businesses and propels Cairns forward,” he said.

“Cairns has a significant pipeline of major projects to be delivered, each of which will play an important role in Cairns’ contin-

ued economic recovery.”

Other economic highlights include:

• Cairns spending data in the 12-months to June 2023 was $5.4 billion – up on the $3.3bn in the same period before the pandemic.

• The unemployment rate remains relatively low at 3.7 per cent as of March 2023.

• The capital works program resulted in a total impact of 980 additional jobs.

Art reflects drought unease Indigenous painter creates image that focuses on natural disaster resilience

l CAIRNS CBD | Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

KEY rural and regional stakeholders have gathered in Cairns to discuss ways to build community resilience in the face of floods and droughts.

In collaboration with Indigenous artist Bernard Lee Singleton, the TNQ Drought Hub launched a new art piece at a

Queensland Connects Disaster Resilience Workshop on Tuesday, aiming to start conversations on the importance of resilience through drought and flood.

The artwork entitled Bana Mundu (water is a spirit) was launched at the Disaster Resilience Workshop at the Hilton Cairns Hotel.

Mr Singleton said the artwork embodied the ever-changing patterns of Country.

“Bana Mundu means that wa-

ter is a spirit for us. It’s sacred, it’s part of our culture, so this painting represents the change in season,” he said.

“This time of the year is called yiwanyji or windy time which is that transition from kurraminya which is the dry season into the wet season kurrabana and that’s what the painting represents.

“It represents us as Indigenous people of the land and the knowledge our elders have passed down through genera-

tions, and to care for Country properly we can always look back and use this as a foundation.”

Hub director Professor David Phelps said the artwork was commissioned to capture an Indigenous perspective on the changing climate and drought.

“Through Bernard’s artwork, we wanted to showcase an Indigenous viewpoint on the evolving climate and the challenges posed by drought,” he said.

Town stepping back in time

l BABINDA

| Nick Dalton BABINDA Harvest Festival participants will step back in time tomorrow at the 59th anniversary of the annual event.

Festival president Tanya Davey said the event was returning to Bill Wakeham Park at Babinda.

“This year’s theme is ‘Step Back in Time’, which has been embraced by floats, trivia nights and the traditional Munro St shopfront decorating,” she said.

“The festival has a rural flavour, including the

NQ Tractor Pull, vintage machinery display, CWA baking competition, sugar cane grower awards and the crowd favourite grand parade which starts at 3pm tomorrow.

“A huge line up of musical talent from around the region includes Whiskey Boat, Drewboy, Katie Richards Band, Cameron Cusack, Davros and Careless, all gracing the main stage from 4pm until late.

“The Princess Quest entrants will feature in the main parade and the crowning takes place at 5pm on the main stage.”

Ms Davey said an incredible 50-plus market stalls would

line Munro St from 10am to 5pm.

She said entries would be open for the gumboot toss and tug-of-war on the night with men’s, ladies and school age divisions.

Divisional councillor Brett Moller said participants were travelling from as far as Mt Isa and the Burdekin.

In other highlights:

• Tully Freefall skydiving display

• Fireworks start at 9pm

• Inflatable rides, face painting, petting zoo, pony rides and dinosaur activities

• Licenced bar and 15-plus food vans on site.

Quirky cats calm people down

KNOB

WITH the support of Centacare

FNQ, a northern beaches woman with a disability has turned her passion for arts and crafts into a sought-after therapeutic tool with her handsewn weighted cats.

Cassie Goodwin moved on from arts and crafts as a hobby into a business with the help of Centacare and her disability worker Lindie McDowall. Her specialty, hand-sewn weighted cats in vibrant patterns, have become a hit with Cairns’ therapists. She’s currently supplying an average of 20 cats a month to over a dozen of practices around Cairns.

Not only is Ms Goodwin supplying therapy cats, but she also has a big catalogue of products like tea towels, bucket hats, and tote bags that she sells at the Holloways Beach and Palm Cove markets.

“A therapist had asked us to make weighted eye bags, so first we made those and then we spread it further with weighted cats,” she said.

“We’re doing about 20 a month, we’re just managing with all the other things we’re making for the markets. It’s therapeutic work and mindfulness, it gives me purpose.”

Ms McDowall, who taught Ms Goodwin how to sew, said it was an amazing experience.

FNQ building sector shines Region to record best growth in state

l FAR NORTH

| Nick Dalton

FAR North Queensland is expected to record the largest growth in construction activity in Queensland in the next 12 months.

Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) chief executive Brett Schimming said despite a cooling Far North residential building sector, overall local construction activity was predicted to increase by 18 per cent, bucking trends across the rest of Queensland.

“Sewing is my passion, so I’ve been able to hand that down to someone else and I love coming to work every day. We’re a very good fit,” she said.

Ms Goodwin’s first engagement with Centacare FNQ began in 2018, attending coaching sessions at the mental health and wellbeing hub in Cairns North where she developed her creative skills.

“One of Cassie’s long-term

waves at local

goals was to establish a small stall of her arts and crafts so in 2019 she began sewing classes to hone her skills,” said Centacare FNQ’s mental health and wellbeing manager Nathan Lee.

He said Centacare was impressed with her growth and skills.

To donate fabric remants email Ms Goodwin: cassiegoodwin886@gmail.com

“Residential approvals in the region have dipped by seven per cent in the last 12 months but a $3.6 billion pipeline of work pushes the region to first place for construction growth,” he said.

CSQ was in Cairns this week to urge businesses and workers to tap into $4.5 million in training funding to help boost workers to cope with the ongoing demand.

“The announcement is part of CSQ’s $50m 2023-24 Training Plan to increase Queensland’s workforce capacity,” Mr Schimming said.

“While the peak of the hous-

ing boom has washed through most of the state, major infrastructure and the new renewables boom mean there has been no break for the busy sector,” he said.

Mr Schimming said Far North construction would continue to operate under pressure as it delivered large projects like the HMAS Cairns upgrade and the Cairns Hospital expansion alongside the residential sector.

“Far North Queensland’s residential building activity has stabilised. Residential development approvals are down seven per cent from this time last year, but this represents more of sustainable state of operating, definitely not a crash,” he said.

“The infrastructure sector is thriving and needing a steady supply of skilled workers to keep major projects moving on schedule.

“CSQ estimates that Far North Queensland will have over $3.6bn worth of construction underway in the region over the next 12 months,” he said.

Mr Schimming said ongoing training and upskilling was to be a critical lifeline to the busy construction industry.

“CSQ is putting the call out to

Redlynch siren testing

Annual testing of Council’s outdoor warning stations (sirens) in Redlynch will take place on Saturday 23 September between 10am and midday.

People in Redlynch and parts of Freshwater and Brinsmead will hear the sirens sound multiple times as they are tested individually and simultaneously. This is a test only; residents are not required to take any action when the sirens sound.

Visit Council’s website for more details.

Community clean-up

Get involved in the community cleanup at the Kamerunga Environmental Park this Sunday 17 September from 8am to 10am. Meet under the Barron River Bridge on Stoney Creek side.

More details on Council’s website.

trade and site workers, and subcontractors, to add to your skill set, get new work tickets and take advantage of this opportunity,” he said.

Mr Schimming said CSQ had already recorded an increase in demand for training in the Far North Queensland region.

“CSQ has registered an increase in local training enrolments, and we’ve seen strong growth in employment of construction apprentices,” he said.

“There are currently 1350 apprentices employed in Far North Queensland – that’s a 10 per cent increase from last year.

“CSQ funded training is available for individuals and businesses of all sizes – from small mum and dad trade operators, to huge workforces working on major projects.”

In the past year the fastest growing construction jobs in the region were bricklayers and stonemasons (from 150 to 620, up 316 per cent), painting trades workers (from 990 to 1830, an increase of 85 per cent), structural steel construction workers (from 150 to 280, a rise of 84 per cent), and insulation and home improvement installers (from 260 to 470, a rise of 80 per cent).

Improvement works

State government grant helps business to create eight new jobs

Seafood firm expands

l PORTSMITH

| Nick Dalton

A CAIRNS tuna export business is diversifying into a seafood processing hub and creating up to eight full-time jobs with a Rural Economic Development (RED) grant of $200,000.

Cairns Little Seafood Market

co-owner Kate Lamason said the enterprise was using the grant (with the company contributing half) to buy new processing equipment and a refrigerated truck for the expansion of the facility to increase the resilience of their business and help cater to the growing demands of the local aquaculture industry.

“My husband and I took over the family business last year, and we have a large facility and the ability to process a lot of seafood, so we were looking for opportunities to help keep aquaculture local for processing and export while still servicing the local commercial fishers,” she said.

“This project is enabling us to acquire processing equipment and recruit a team of highly skilled professionals.

“This transition allows us to expand our operations beyond tuna processing and exporting, now providing these services to the broader acquaculture industry, including barramundi and prawns.

“The output of barramundi and prawns in the north is growing and we hope to double or triple our output in line with that.”

The new export approved hub will mean North Queensland commercial fishers will be able to process their seafood locally, rather than sending it to Brisbane, which will not only save

them costs, but help them maintain better shelf-life and quality of their products.

Ms Lamason said the project was expected to be completed by next year and would create up to eight direct, full-time jobs.

“The project will create a range of jobs including filleters, managers and juniors who we

will upskill to pursue careers in the seafood industry,” she said.

“The Rural Economic Development Grant has meant we’ve been able to purchase equipment and hire employees straight away which we would have had to do in slower stages without the grant.”

With over 30 years of active

Senator spruiks the Reef

l CAIRNS REGION

SPECIAL envoy for the Great Barrier Reef Senator Nita Green (below) is in Saudi Arabia this week to attend the extended 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

“My presence at the 45th session provides Australia the opportunity to discuss our world-class management of the Great Barrier Reef and our commitment to continue to work constructively with UNESCO on its protection, as well as our effective management of all 20 of our World Heritage properties,” she said.

“I note UNESCO’s draft decision to not list the Great Barrier Reef as ‘in danger’ published in July.

involvement in the seafood industry, the Lamason family has gained expertise, particularly renowned for their globally recognised sashimi-grade tuna and value-added products.

The family has previously extended their operations into barramundi and prawn farming within northern regions.

“The draft decision cites “significant progress” being made on climate change, water quality, and sustainable fishing – all putting the Reef on a stronger and more sustainable path.

“There are 1157 World Heritage listed properties around the world. Australia is a leader in the management of World Heritage properties, and we seek to share that expertise with our partners from across the globe.”

Pump track opening

l INNISFAIL

THE $400,000 Warrina Lakes pump track opens tomorrow from 10am to 12pm.

A council spokeswoman said it was “going to be a pedal-tastic day filled with jaw-dropping artwork by Toshandai Fejo and enough fun to make your spokes spin”.

“The Etty Bay Surf Life Saving Club will be grilling up the barbecue and offering refreshing cold drinks to raise funds for their club,” she said.

“Join us and support their cause while enjoying some delicious food.”

As well there will be free face painting, balloon artistry, a circus interactive play area and a lucky door prize.

“Additionally, the council will provide three bicycles available for use from 10am to 12pm, so you can test out the pump track. Feel free to bring your bikes, skates, and more for a wheelie good time.”

The council undertook successful community consultation on the draft design late last year and into early 2023, obtaining valuable feedback. The final design includes two pump tracks, a smaller one for beginners and a larger track that includes roller and large berms, rollers, multiple transitions, dragon back and doubles. The project was made possible through $400,000 funding from the federal government.

Explore your backyard

Tourism operator’s new marketing campaign plus Virgin fare sale

l CAIRNS REGION

CHEAP air fares from as low as $60 one way to Cairns plus a new campaign to get Aussies to explore their tropical backyard have been launched to encourage travellers to head to Queensland instead of overseas.

Experience Co, which operates tours to the outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns and Port Douglas as well as Reef Magic – a tourism and marine science pontoon, is reminding travellers about what is on their doorstep and urge them to think about Australia as their next holiday destination.

The campaign includes a video featuring an Australian family, stuck in a suburban rut and looking for a change of scenery. Seen through the eyes of their youngest child, the content carries her from a backyard pool to a day out on Reef Magic, snorkelling and swimming with her family through Australia’s most scenic “swimming hole.”

Experience Co’s marine division general manager Adam Jones said the campaign was a great way to remind Aussies of the wonders that could be found in their own backyard especially at a time when rising costs and a poor exchange rate were favouring “close to home” travel.

“We have two World Heritage listed sites here in Tropical

North Queensland, the Daintree rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

“We want to encourage Australians to come and see these natural wonders before jetting off to other destinations,” he said.

The ‘backyard campaign’ will air across targeted social media platforms and includes a special discount offer for visitors in September.

The company has also part-

nered with Crystalbrook Collection to offer a chance to win the “ultimate backyard holiday”.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said the campaign would remind Australians that a whole new world awaited them on the Great Barrier Reef.

“If you’ve never had the pleasure of seeing a clownfish emerging from an anemone or a turtle swimming past giant plate corals it is time to visit the

world’s largest and most diverse Reef,” he said.

The local campaign coincides with the Queensland Government and Virgin Australia’s ‘Queensland is Calling’ tourism campaign around Australia to attract travellers to Queensland from interstate.

There are 300,000 sale fares to Queensland with fares to Cairns from Brisbane ($69), Sydney ($85), Melbourne ($109) and Perth ($119).

Tourism and Events Queensland chief executive Patricia O’Callaghan said “you simply cannot scroll past these deals and with 300,000 sale fares we know this will make a big impact.”

“Competition around the country and the globe is heating up but we know there’s people who love coming back to Queensland, so we’re giving them a great excuse to turn that dream into a booking,” she said.

Hair and Beauty

Cosmetic clinic is uplifting Experienced medical professional leads qualified and specialist team

l CAIRNS NORTH

A PREMIER cosmetic clinic, led by a seasoned medical professional with over 30 years of expertise in the field of medicine and skincare, has opened in Cairns.

Cosmedic Beauty Cairns is described as “the ultimate destination for beauty and wellness”.

Dr Suresh Kesavan said he had not only fulfilled his dream but had also curated a team of experts who shared his vision of holistic care.

“Among them is Tracey Defferrard (above), a registered nurse with over 15 years of experience, whose unique blend of art, science, and a passion for health and fitness sets her apart,” he said.

“Tracey Defferrard’s journey is a testament to her commitment to enhancing not just outer beauty but overall wellbeing.

“Her love for aesthetics is complemented by her devotion to health and fitness. She goes beyond the traditional role of a nurse, helping clients build confidence by not only enhancing their appearance but also guiding them towards better health and happiness through exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle coaching.

“Nurse Tracey’s dedication to her craft

is a source of inspiration, and her presence at Cosmedic Beauty Cairns adds an invaluable dimension to the clinic’s mission.

“Our team embodies a commitment to excellence and a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of their clients.”

Dr Kesavan said the clinic included an experienced team proficient in various services, including lash extensions, brow sculpting, laser treatments, body contouring, and much more.

“Each team member brings a wealth of qualifications and experience, ensuring that clients receive the highest level of care and professionalism in every treatment,” he said.

“We understand that true beauty is not just skin deep. It radiates from within and is nurtured through a harmonious blend of aesthetic treatments and a healthy lifestyle.

“Our unwavering commitment to healthcare, aesthetics, and overall wellbeing promises to leave a lasting impact on the lives of those seeking beauty, confidence, and vitality. Cairns is fortunate to have such a dedicated team of professionals who will undoubtedly help individuals not only achieve their cosmetic goals but also embrace a more vibrant and holistic approach to life.”

School holiday fun

Take ride on wild side

l CASSOWARY COAST

WILDSIDE Adventures are offering school holiday specials over two days on the Cassowary Coast.

Company owner Allan Thomas said a wild time was guaranteed at Wildside.

“Conquer Tully River rapids by sports rafting. Imagine navigating the world-renowned Tully Gorge river rapids, known for their heart-pounding excitement,” he said.

“With rapid grades two and

three, brace yourself for a 6km journey of pure exhilaration.

“Sessions are available at 9am or noon. Trust our expert guides to ensure your safety as you conquer the whitewater.

“For the thrill of a half-day sports rafting adventure, it’s just $150. Or our full-day rafting experience is priced at $225 (including lunch).

“Explore Dunk Island’s beauty. ‘Get Dunked’ and embark on an unforgettable half day exploration of the island’s breathtaking beauty, departing

from Clump Pt boat ramp at 8 am or 1pm.

“Our friendly guides will make sure your adventure is extraordinary. Highlights include Dunk Island, exploring the mysterious pirates’ cave, and snorkelling at Coconut Bay.

“Throughout your journey, savour light snacks and refreshments on the beach.

“Jump into an underwater wonderland, swimming among tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs, creating unforgettable memories.

“Experience ‘Get Dunked’ for just $150. Enjoy a $20 discount (for a total of $280) when combining both the halfday sports rafting and half day ‘Get Dunked’ for a two-day adventure that promises lasting memories.”

Mr Thomas said Wildside highly recommended a stay at stunning Mission Beach to complete the tropical experience. Call 4088 6212 or book online at www.wildsideadventures.com. au to secure your spot.

join our online debate be a

Last week we asked the question: Do you believe Cassowary Coast Regional Council should allow full cash payments for rates etc? Here are some of your comments.

Cash is legal tender, so yes.

Judith Barrie - Facebook

Yes.

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION

What do you think about the new Yorkeys Knob boat ramp and walkways?

@cairnslocalnews

Tash Chapman, Michelle Moseley, and Kathy Davies - Facebook

Cash is legal tender. If the council refuses to accept cash for payment of rates, then they have no legal right to then sell that property for failure to pay rates.

Kunobert Schmidt - Facebook

The councillors - Mayor Mark Nolan, Cr Barry Barnes, Cr Trudy Tschui, Cr Jeff Baines and Cr Renee McLeod - who voted for the new cashless payment system, except for some minor changes, will pay the price at next year’s elections. Good on Cr Teresa Millwood and Cr Nicholas Pervan for

standing up for the community.

Jack Smith - Facebook

It is ridiculous that last week’s “paying rates with cash” question is getting so many more responses than the previous week’s “should we care that climate change is destroying our entire way of life” question. People are so small minded they care more about minor inconveniences that affect them in the short term than about big long term issues that impact everyone.

James Veighan - Facebook

Cairns Regional Council listened to their ratepayers and reversed their policy with far less signatures per capita. What is the Cassowary council afraid of?

Sam Black - Facebook

Know the rules about flying drones or face consequences

MANY people enjoy flying drones in our beautiful Far North Queensland skies, but it’s important to know how to use a drone responsibly to avoid flying into any trouble.

There are rules in place that cover recreational drone use that are designed to keep drone users – and others in the community – safe.

The rules say you must not fly your drone higher than 120m above ground level, and you must keep your drone at least 30m away from other people.

Drone users must only fly

during the day and they must be able to see their drone with their own eyes – rather than through a device or screen – at all times. You should not fly

your drone during any emergencies including fires, storms and floods – as this has the potential to hamper the work of emergency services.

More generally, the rules say you must not fly your drone in a way that creates a hazard to another person, property or aircraft.

There are specific rules that apply to using a drone near a controlled airport.

For example, drones weighing more than 250 grams are banned from flying within 5.5km of an airport.

It’s also important to respect people’s privacy and ensure you don’t record or take photos of people without their consent.

For more details on the rules, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has published a comprehensive list on its website.

If you plan to fly your drone for business or as part of your job, there are extra rules that apply, and you’ll need to register your drone.

Penalties can apply for drone users who don’t follow the rules, ranging from a formal

advice or warning, to a fine of up to $1565 and operating restrictions.

If you want to make a report of unsafe drone use, you can

do so via an online form on the CASA website.

Photo or video evidence, as well as information about the person controlling the drone, may help with any investigations into a potential breach.

Kristyn Lennon is a Cairns-based lawyer who heads Maurice Blackburn’s Tablelands office. This legal information is general in nature and should not be regarded as specific legal advice. If you have a legal question you would like Kristyn to answer you can contact her at klennon@ mauriceblackburn.com.au

NATIONAL Child Protection Week was observed across the country last week reminding us, once again, about the critical importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for every child in our communities, now and in the future.

National Child Protection Week has an aim to champion its main message that ‘every child in every community needs a fair go’.

Aside from this, each year’s event provides a fresh annual theme, with the message for 2023 being: ‘Where we start matters’.

This theme itself prompts us to reflect on the crucial role we all play in creating a secure and supportive environment for every

child. From acknowledging the complexity of child abuse and neglect, to understanding the significance of early experiences, this initiative encourages us to be active participants in safeguarding the future of our children.

Child Protection Week in Queensland is coordinated by the Child Protection Week Committee under the leadership of guiding body, Act for Kids.

By promoting the value of children and focusing attention on the issues of child abuse and neglect, the objectives of Child Protection Week are to raise the profile of all issues connected with child protection, including child abuse prevention, treatment, research, education, service provision and support for children, young people and families.

National Child Protection Week isn’t just

a time to reflect on the issues, it’s also a call to action. It reminds us that the wellbeing of children is a matter that concerns us all. It’s not limited to parents or caregivers alone, but it’s a shared commitment that involves communities, institutions, and society at large.

Two events took place in the Douglas Shire, firstly at Rex Smeal Park, Port Douglas and then at the Mossman Shire Hall. As can be seen from the pictures in this week’s ‘Goss’, much fun was had by all who attended.

I’m off to try that soccer/darts game, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.

Send your stories to gazza@ cairnslocalnews.com.au

Pedal pushing to Port

LAST weekend’s Gran Fondo Cycling event proved to be another success with cyclists, young and old and of all standards making their way up to Port Douglas.

Weather reports suggested that this may have been a damp occasion, but fortunately the weather turned out to be perfect.

The second running of this event not only provided a fun day for all but also brought plenty of dollars

to businesses in the area.

A new addition to the festival, this year, was the MTB (mountain bike) race from Wangetti to Port Douglas, provided for those who like to get off-road. Another first timer was the Four Mile Beach MTB sprint. This was the first event of its kind held anywhere in the world, with a 250m MTB drag race along the sands of the beach.

The family free ride proved to be extremely popular, not only as it allowed both adults and kids the chance to ride as many laps of the

criterium course as they could in an hour, but the youngsters also enjoyed a free ice cream for their efforts at the end.

Prizes were then handed out for best dressed family, best dressed individual and best dressed bike.

Let’s say a big thank you to the volunteers who manned a volunteer stand at the finish of the Gran Fondo on Sunday morning.

They cut fruit, gave out icy wet towels, cheered on the cyclists and did the all-important speed hump alerts.

The

Spotlight on Northern Beaches

A whole lot new at O’Sheas

Iconic beachfront restaurant and bar has fresh menu, name and owners

l MACHANS BEACH

NEW owners have taken over O’Shea’s Restaurant to bring a breath of fresh air to an old classic community icon pub at Machans Beach.

Rick Pearson, Mariana Versace, Michael Kupfer and Dave Stone are combining their mixed talents with Mr Pearson already known for many years in the hospitality industry.

Ms Versace said the team was brought together by the love of the location, food and serving the community.

Mr Kupfer and Ms Versace (above) own NMC Automotive, a mechanical workshop at Portsmith.

“We see O’Sheas on the waterfront as a fantastic opportunity to embark on and be a part of as it has such a peaceful and relaxing vibe,” she said.

“Being foodies ourselves, we are passionate about providing exceptional customer service and experiences.

“We are blown away with the awesome opportunity to be

a part of this friendly, quiet and relaxing community of Machans Beach with a stunning location of the right on the beachfront.

“We are drawn to this place as we feel it’s been overlooked and we want to draw people in to experience his hidden gem, rebranding to O’Sheas on the waterfront with a new menu and fresh vibes.

“We thrive on a community atmosphere as we love meeting and welcoming new people and their fur babies to the area for weekend breakfast, lunch and dinner six nights a week.

“We wanted to be able to serve not only the local community but also those who are travelling and exploring the sights along the coast of Cairns.

“We want to be able to serve people so they can come and relax and enjoy good food, the pressure is off, let us wait on you.” It is open Monday, Wednesday-Friday 3pm-9pm and at weekends 8am-9pm.

Visit: www.osheasonthewaterfront.com.au

Spotlight on Northern Beaches

Tavern’s restaurant is No. 1 Bluewater at Trinity Park picks up top Queensland award for third time

l TRINITY PARK

THE Bluewater bar and grill at Trinity Park has won the best restaurant in a pub/ club category for the third year in a row at the Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence for Queensland and Northern Territory.

Business owner Alex Sayers said the honour was dedicated to his staff, their strong team and the excellent consistency the restaurant offered.

“What we now do so well is offer a consistent product, and for that to be recognised at this level is a great feeling,” he said.

“I’m always looking for ways to tweak the business to improve it, but it is the team that delivers the great service every day deserve the credit.”

Restaurants, cafés and catering businesses gathered to celebrate the achievements of their peers and the announcement of the award winners at The Star Gold Coast last month. There were 43 state awards

presented with 11 won by restaurants in FNQ.

“Cairns and Port Douglas have a sensational selection of quality restaurants and I am pleased to be part of that list,” Mr Sayers said.

“It’s long hours in hospitality, so it’s very nice when that dedication pay off.”

The awards are a nationally recognised program that celebrates exceptional service and culinary talent across the state.

Restaurants are assessed on the entire dining experience including, food, beverage, service and restaurant presentation. Caterers are assessed on all aspects of their catering business including operations, food, service, staffing and event/site outcomes to determine the catering category winners.

Restaurant and Catering Association chief executive Suresh Manickam said “The Bluewater should be proud of this achievement and their commitment to food and service excellence”. See P2 for all the award winners

TimeOut

Art and cultural melting pot

Big Talk One Fire to transform Munro Martin Parklands into diverse gathering

l FAR NORTH

| Nick Dalton

UMI Arts’ biggest-ever iteration of its free, family-friendly, First Nations festival Big Talk One Fire takes place on Saturday, September 16 from 3pm to 9pm at Munro Martin Parklands.

With support from Cairns Regional Council and a host of local sponsors, UMI Arts’ Big Talk One Fire comprises an art and craft market and activities for kids, food stalls, elder’s lounge, symposium, workshops and storytelling alongside a program of stage entertainment crisscrossing musical and dance genres culminating in a headline performance by Patrick Mau of Mau Power at 8pm.

UMI Arts artistic director Lisa Michl Ko-manggén said Big Talk One Fire was one of UMI Arts’ most-loved events.

“For the past 16 years, Big Talk has brought people together for a joyful afternoon in beautiful surroundings,” she said.

“UMI Arts is always immensely proud to present this all-inclusive

event that promotes the best of North Queensland Indigenous culture to a large and varied audience.

“This year, for the first time, we are thrilled to deliver our program of events and market stalls to festivalgoers within the gorgeous inner-city venue, Munro Martin Parklands.

“Always a highlight of Big Talk One Fire is our concert featuring local Indigenous bands, traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural dance and pop-up visual art and markets.”

Another first for this year’s programing is the inclusion of a symposium at 4.30 pm which focuses on fake art and its impact on First Nations culture and preservation.

Big Talk One Fire 2023 workshops include Aboriginal cultural dance with Jiritju Fourmile, TSI cultural dance with Nancy Baker, boomerang painting with Trevor and Olivia Peckham, jewellery making with Dorothy Edwards, weaving with Kuranda weavers and story telling with Phil Brown. For more details visit www.umiarts.com.au

Drinking Habits play has Rondo audiences in stitches

l REVIEW

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

WITH eight shows already sold out, Rondo Theatre’s new farce Drinking Habits will have audiences chuckling throughout with its outrageous and fast-paced comedy about two nuns and their secret wine-making venture. Directed by Nader Sallam, who also stars in it, Drinking Habits takes on a ludicrous journey as two nuns, members of the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing,

have been secretly making and selling wine to keep the doors of their little convent open, the arrival of a telegram from Rome, a new nun, and unknowingly, two inquisitive reporters quickly turns into pandemonium.

As said by Mr Sallam himself, audiences can expect “A fair bit of door slaming, lots of mistaken identities and several bottles filled up with that heavenly grape juice”.

Drinking Habits’ charm relies in not taking itself too seriously, upping the

ante a little bit more in each scene. Fans of Monty Python and surreal comedy will get a kick out of this one, as the effortlessly hilarious cast takes us further and further into absolute chaos. Fast-paced, ludicrous and with more plot twists than your favourite Agatha Christie novel, Drinking Habits will make you forget your daily worries as you get invested into a story that gets more and more tangled as it goes and will have you gasping with its over-thetop finale. The story feeds off the inno-

cence and comedic timing of Janelle Robson as Sister Augusta and Laura Jones as Sister Philomena, while the solemn disposition of Debbie Yee as Mother Superior makes every scenario even more hilarious.

Mr Sallem and Mara Turner as the inquisitive journalists Paul and Sally unleash the chaos at the small convent while Dylan Kimber (George), Aaron Kent (Father Chenille) and Rebecca Martin (Sister Mary Catherine) are the special ingredients in this recipe for mayhem.

If you have your tickets secured for Rondo’s Drinking Habits, brace yourself for a story like no other that will have you forgetting about your troubles with the perfect amount of absurdity, chaos and just a little bit of sweet, sweet wine.

TimeOut

Casino brings Back to the 80s

l CAIRNS CBD

| Nick Dalton

RETURNING to the Reef Hotel Casino due to popular demand is “Back to the 80s”.

Casino entertainment manager Bruce Stewart said the show was returning following the massive successes of the previous events staged at BAR36 and the main foyer.

“The previous 80s parties have been huge, like New Year’s Eve huge, for two nights running,” he said.

“The live shows by local act Big Noise have been overwhelmingly successful.

“There has been so much positive feedback and response to these fun nights that we just have to keep rolling them out.

“Working closely with the band, the casino production team will jointly produce a sight, sound and visual experience for anyone who comes along.”

Mr Stewart said it would be an authentic 80s night, with more than three hours of pure 80s music live recorded.

“The ‘bigger badder’ Big Noise repackaged themselves for the shows, to a four-piece with Adrian Cartwright taking to the front of the stage as true 80s style frontman, rolling out hit after hit with members Jock Williamson, Dale Monaghan and Brad Townsend,” he said.

“They cover all those 80s genres and unique 80s sounds, from British new wave to American anthem to NZ pop and Aussie rock.

“‘We have added new songs for September to keep the show fresh,” said Mr Williamson.

Mr Stewart said the timeless

music would be fused with a lighting show and visuals to match, transforming BAR36 and the foyer “into an immersive 80s club taking the audience on a musical journey back to the 80s.

“We were blown away how many people dressed up in 80s gear at the last shows. It was a great surprise,” Mr Stewart said. The Back to the 80s is free on September 29 and 30 from 8.30pm to late.

Dress to art deco style

l INNISFAIL

INNISFAIL businesses and the community are being asked to ‘dress to impress’ for the newly-declared Art Deco Day today.

This will be everyone’s opportunity to dress up in art deco style as part of the Innisfail and District Historical Society’s Tropical Art Deco Festival on September 13 to 17.

“We’d love to see businesses in the Innisfail CBD decorate their windows and have their staff dress up in art deco style for the day, on the Friday of the festival,” historical society president Trish Ernst said.

“Members of the community coming into town that day can dress up as well, just for fun, to get into the spirit of the festival,” she said.

“You don’t need a special event to dress up, although there will be plenty of opportunities at dedicated festival events.”

The events include a historical cemetery walk, river cruises, the high tea and fashion parade, champagne mystery movie, doggy deco brunch, vintage market and the amaz-

people are being asked to get

ing roaring 20s basket cabaret.

“We have a real opportunity to grow our festival into a destination tourism event to benefit the whole community, but we can only do this with community participation and support,” Ms Ernst said.

“Besides that, it’ll be lots of fun, so come and join us at our

events and spread the word,” she said.

Download the 2023 event program at www.innisfailhistory.com.au/ about-6, or on the Tropical Art Deco Facebook page. Tickets are on sale for the high tea and cabaret through www.trybooking.com

Band plays tribute to Beatles’ last live show Passport finals on Sunday

l CAIRNS CBD

l EDGE HILL

|

Gonzalez

BEATLES fans will get their Beatlemania fill when cover supergroup The Honeysliders take the stage to commemorate the Beatles iconic Rooftop concert at the Tanks tomorrow.

Made up of recognised musicians like multiple award-winning Danny Widdicombe (The Wilson Pickers, Bernard Fanning, Tim Rogers, Shane Nicholson), Dan Mansfield (You Am I, Gin Club), Bos Borley (Bernard Fanning, The Resin Dogs), and Ben Carstens (Mexico City), Brisbane band The Honeysliders are taking their popular tribute to The Beatles’ last performance in 1969 on the rooftop of the Apple Corps headquarters, to the Tanks from 7.30pm tomorrow (September 16).

Honeysliders’ singer and guitarist Danny Widdicombe said they were excited to share the rooftop concert experience in Cairns for the first time.

“We’ve played in Cairns before but never as The Honeysliders so it’s very exciting for us,” Mr Widdicombe said.

“Every year we choose an album to perform, it’s so much fun, and this year we’re doing The Beatles rooftop concert.

“When The Beatles played on the rooftop that was the last time they ever played live, and we wanted to emulate this iconic concert. We love The Beatles, there’s something really special about the rooftop concert, you can really see how much they enjoyed playing together.

“We will be playing in front of a massive backdrop that looks like we’re on the rooftop of the Apple building in 1969 and The Tanks is such a great venue, there will be seating for everyone. We can’t wait.”

Mr Widdicombe invited Cairns’ Beatles fans to come to

the Tanks and reminisce on the amazing musical legacy of the band.

“We’re not impersonators, we don’t dress up or put accents on, but we take great care in giving respect and paying homage to these amazing songs. We take a lot of time to learn them note for

note because we love The Beatles just as much as everyone,” he said. “Beatles fans can expect a show played by people that loves The Beatles just as much as them.”

To buy tickets, visit The Tanks website at www.cairns.qld.gov.au/tanks/

THE finals of Cairns Passport to Airlie will take place on Sunday at The Jack Hotel in Cairns.

Competing will be Hannah May and The Love Handles (from heat one), The Zephyrbees and Phoebe Over (from heat two), The Robert Cini Band and Pelicana (from heat three), along with Enemy of Anemone who won the people’s choice vote as a wild card entrant.

The winner of the Cairns leg of Passport to Airlie will get the opportunity to perform at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music in November.

The third heat of the Passport to Airlie competition took place at The Jack on September 3.

Six musical acts competed, including Amber Farnan, Enemy of Anemone, Tanya Ward, Aurelle, The Robert Cini Band and Pelicana.

To a packed crowd of punters Robert Cini debuted his band for the first time and placed first in the heat by the judges sending them through to the finals.

Second place was awarded to Pelicana fronted by Steve Williams who will also go through to the finals.

The 2022 Cairns winners (The Abi Muir Band) performed on the festival main stage last November along with the other regional heat winners.

TimeOut

Full card at Wallaby Festival

l ROSSVILLE

A FULL program of music, workshops, and captivating performances is promised at this year’s highly anticipated Wallaby Creek Festival next weekend (September 22-24) near Rossville.

Festival entertainment director Sandi Lloyd said “with a diverse lineup that promises an unparalleled experience, this year’s festival is set to be an unforgettable feast for the senses”.

“We’ve poured our hearts and souls into curating a program that celebrates the richness of our artistic community,” she said.

“From world-class musicians to thought-provoking workshops, and awe-inspiring performances, Wallaby Creek Festival 2023 promises to be a transformative journey for all who attend. It’s a celebration of our shared love for music, art, culture, and creativity.”

Ms Lloyd said program highlights included musical performances by Tijuana Cartel, Nathan Cavaleri, Toby Beard, Zennith, Harry James Angus, Cold Water Band, Julian Belbachir, Hussy Hicks, Ella Hartwig, Ben Janz, Opal Ocean and so many more.

For full details and ticket prices visit www.wallabycreekfestival.org.au

Magic of the big screen

Flickerfest short film festival returns to Cairns Botanic Gardens

l EDGE HILL

FLICKERFEST, Australia’s largest short film festival, is returning to the Cairns Botanical Gardens over two September weekends showcasing the best of Australian shorts program including stunning local highlights and Short Laughs Comedy program, all handpicked from the recent Bondi festival competitions.

Lucy Hart of Starry Night Cinema Marketing said the short films screening were all “entertaining, inspiring, awardwinning and fresh from their premieres in competition at Flickerfest Bondi, giving Cairns Flickerfest audiences a window into the hottest contemporary shorts from at home and across the world today”.

“On Saturday, September 16 from 7pm, the best of Australian shorts program shines a spotlight on the incredible short film talent that exists in our Australian industry with a host of stories honouring our unique identity and culture,” she said.

“Local filmmakers shine, including the colourful and insightful Torres Strait cultural drama Katele (Mudskipper), shot in Brisbane and Saibai Island, about a woman longing for home, awarded best Australian short film at Flickerfest 2023 where it enjoyed its world premiere.

“Katele (Mudskipper) was cowritten and directed by awardwinning Queensland filmmaker John Harvey, together with his uncle, playwright and culture man Walter Waia, who is based in Cairns.

“Another stunning Far North film, fresh from its Flickerfest Australian premiere is Crushing Season, by actor/writer/director/

producer James Ivor, who was born and raised in Gordonvale. “James also has the lead role in the film, when a disgraced exfootball star witnesses a murder in his hometown committed by an old friend, he finds his life at a dangerous crossroads.”

Ms Hart said on Saturday, September 23 from 7pm, was the Short Laughs Comedy Program,

featuring Flickerfest shorts from at home and around the world.

“Highlights include the delightfully quirky French comedy romance, Born to Cry, where a man confronts his fears and gets the girl, alongside an incredible band of followers, winner of best international short film at Flickerfest 2023 and the delightful absurdist comedy, An Os-

trich Told Me The World Is Fake And I Think I Believe It, produced and animated in Brisbane by talented Griffith University graduate Lachlan Pendragon,” she said.

Tickets are $25 adults, $20 concession, $10 children and $40 families (for each session).

Visit the Flickerfest website: https://bit.ly/3BoQOgw

SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS CAIRNS MUSEUM

l SAT SEPT 16 - FRI SEPT 29

BIG TALK ONE FIRE MUNRO MARTIN PARKLANDS

l SAT SEPT 16, 3:00PM-8:00PM

OPERA IN THE RAINFOREST SKYPARK CAIRNS

l SAT SEPT 16, 6:00PM-8:00PM

30 YEAR CELEBRATION TOLGA

l SUN SEPT 17, 10:00AM-3:00PM

QSUPER CARDIAC CHALLENGE CAIRNS TO COOKTOWN

l SAT SEPT 16 - MON SEPT 18

HARVEST FESTIVAL 2023 BABINDA

l SAT SEPT 16, 8:00AM - 11:30PM

*Please check with the Venues regarding any cancellations or entry requirements due to COVID-19

FRIDAY

Amber Farnan – Dunwoody’s Hotel, 4:00pm

Nikki Doll – Cairns Colonial Club, 4:30pm

Sax Man – L’Unico Restaurant Trinity Beach, 4:30pm

Josh Kenwright – Ellis Beach Bar & Grill, 6:00pm

Fingerprint – Cazaly’s Cairns, 6:30pm

Infinity Duo – Atherton International Club, 6:30pm

Russell Harris – Edge Hill Bowls Club, 6:30pm

The Pad Boys – Tanks Arts Centre, 7:30pm

Jenna Mercedes – Surf Club Palm Cove, 7:30pm

Sanchez – Bar36 Reef Hotel Casino, 9:00pm

Peter Snowy Phelps – The Downunder Bar, 10:00pm

SATURDAY

Bad Boys of Uke – Babinda Harvest Festival, 12:30pm

Stuie Harcourt – Ellis Bach Bar & Grill, 2:00pm

Big Talk One Fire – Munro Martin Park, 3:00pm

The Raconteurs – Ellis Bach Bar & Grill, 4:00pm

Whiskey Boat – Babinda Harvest Festival, 4:30pm

Victoria Boxall – SOTSC, 4:30pm

Two Dogs – Ten06 Yorkeys Knob, 5:00pm

Finding Time – Cazaly’s Cairns, 6:15pm

Denim Blues – Pirate Den Bar & Grill, 6:30pm

Skye Karaoke – Smithfield Tavern, 7:00pm

Infinity Duo – Bosca’s Restaurant and Club, 7:00pm

Ben Jansz – Elixir Music Bar, 7:00pm

Beatles Rooftop Concert – Tanks Arts Centre, 7:30pm

Teenage Dads – Edge Hill Tavern, 8:00pm

Heavy Brown Mullet – Red Beret Hotel, 8:00pm

Hot Ice – Bar36 Reef Hotel Casino, 9:00pm

SUNDAY

Steve Williams – The Mountain View Hotel, 12:00pm

Passport to Airlie – The Jack, 1:00pm

Mattyboi – Surf Club Palm Cove, 2:00pm

Shannae Sclippa – Dunwoody’s Hotel, 2:00pm

Wesley Orbison – CPAC Theatre, 2:00pm

DjGlennW – Dundee’s at the Aquarium, 2:00pm

Barbary Coasters – Beach House at Trinity, 2:00pm

Sax Man – Ellis Beach Bar & Grill, 2:00pm

Sunday Session – Kuranda Ampitheatre, 3:00pm

Classical Serenade – CPAC Studio, 3:00pm

Justin Wellington – Bar36 Reef Hotel Casino, 7:30pm

Take a minute... Puzzles for you

Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.

Weekly Horoscopes

Do what’s best for the people you love most. Be careful what you say. You can enjoy doing things that include children. Travel and communication will be lucrative for you.

Catch up on overdue phone calls and correspondence. Nothing can be resolved if you don’t want to talk about it. Ask family members for help and you will be able to complete the projects more quickly. Don’t overindulge in anyway.

CROSSWORD

You should be looking into making changes around the house. Make amends if you can. You can spend a passionate evening with someone you cherish if you make your plans early. Problems with in-laws or relatives may be more damaging than you realize.

You may find that your emotional partner will not be too eager to accommodate you. You will be quite excitable this week. Don’t let your emotions interfere with your professional integrity. You will feel the limitations if you have been overdoing it.

Your self-esteem will come back if you take part in organizational functions that allow you to be in the limelight. Residential moves will also be advantageous for all concerned. Talk to an older, established individual about your present situation.

You’ll be able to break bad habits if you put your mind to it. You can make successful moves. Look into attending seminars that can expand your perception. Exhaustion combined with overindulgence could result in minor health problems.

ACROSS

Changes regarding your image will bring you greater confidence. You can gain valuable cultural knowledge through dealing with foreigners. Financial limitations will not be as adverse as they appear. You will find that social activities will be enjoyable and will promote new connections.

Get involved in activities that will bring you knowledge about foreign land, philosophies, or cultures. You may come down with minor infections if you have allowed yourself to get rundown. Spend time with your lover this week. Try to avoid being extravagant this week.

You can make some money if you get involved in a conservative financial prospect that is presented to you. Take care of your personal needs. You need to keep the peace and you will have to bend in order to do so. Travel if it’s needed to start the ball rolling.

Be careful how you handle friends and relatives, they may take things the wrong way. You need a break from your daily routine. You’ll be prone to tears if your mate is harsh with you this week. Difficulties at an emotional level may be likely.

8. the sound that a donkey makes (3-3)

9. very difficult or unpleasant (8)

10. very sudden or fast (8)

11. a long seat with a back (6)

12. sullen and ill-tempered (6)

13. a pig’s foot used as food (8)

15. men’s underpants having a front opening within an inverted Y shape (1-6)

17. informal term for a crash helmet (4,3)

25. money obtained from an event or activity (8)

26. a person who is given to making conceited, or insolent comments (4,4)

27. to add a gas to liquid (6)

DOWN

1. someone who changes into a wolf at the time of the full moon (8)

2. the process of making a hole or cut in a vein (10)

3. an abrupt change of direction (6)

4. to teach someone (7)

5. a physical notebook held by bank account holders (8)

6. a type of black and gray bird that lives on or near the water (4)

7. arranged in or extending along a straight or nearly straight line (6)

14. a stuffed toy in the form of a bear (5,5)

16. a shiny, silvery metal which is soft when is pure (8)

18. to cover with large amounts of water; to flood (8)

19. a violent windy storm (7)

You will be able to enlist the help of colleagues who believe in your ideas. Get involved in activities that will bring you knowledge about foreign lands, philosophies, or cultures. You can continue to make gains through people who can help you close an important deal.

You may not be as well received in group endeavours if you try to force your will on others. Debates will stifle passion and result in estrangement. Your best efforts will come through investments concerning your home. Delve into worthwhile causes that will show results if you put in the effort.

20. a state of temporary disuse or suspension (8)

22. construct or arrange buildings or gardens according to a plan (3,3)

23. a list of items to be discussed at a formal meeting (6)

21. an important person, especially in a particular sphere (6)

22. popular shower accessories used for cleaning and exfoliating your skin (6)

24. a refrain in carols and on Christmas cards to refer to Christmas (4)

Motoring

Aussies still love their utes, buying 22,306 last month

l SALES FIGURES

| Nick Dalton

AUSSIE buyers are still in love with the versatile and ubiquitous dual cab four-wheel drive ute.

They continue to dominate new vehicle sales in Australia, despite the rise of electric vehicles.

There were four in the top 10, including first place Toyota HiLux (5762) and Ford Ranger

at No. 2 (5760), while the others were Isuzu Ute D-Max, fourth (3281), and Toyota LandCruiser sixth (2743), a mixture of utes and wagons.

Toyota had four models in the top 10 while second placed Mazda’s top seller, the CX-5, was 12th (1784).

New vehicle sales achieved the highest August result on record as Australian customers took delivery of 109,966 new vehicles, a 15.4 per cent increase on the same period in 2022.

The August 2023 market of 109,966 new vehicle sales is an increase of 14,710 vehicle sales or 15.4 per cent against August 2022 (95,256).

The passenger vehicle market is down by 661 vehicle sales (-3.3 per cent) over the same month last year, the Sports Utility Vehicle market is up by 13,742 vehicle sales (28.3 per cent) and the light commercial market is up by 1559 vehicle sales (6.9 per cent).

Toyota was market leader

in August, followed by Mazda and Ford. Toyota led Mazda with a margin of 13,863 vehicle sales and 12.6 market share points.

Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries’ chief executive Tony Weber said back-to-back months of record-breaking new car sales was positive news for car manufacturers and consumers.

“The Australian automotive sector continues to demonstrate its strength, with August record-

ing unprecedented sales figures, reflecting both a high level of demand from Australians and improved supply of vehicles,” he said.

“Year to date sales have increased 9.9 per cent which is a better indicator of the underlying strength of the market.”

Mr Weber said that electric vehicles accounted for 6.4 per cent of sales and hybrid vehicles accounted for 10.5 per cent of sales in August.

“As consumers continue to

embrace low emissions technologies we are seeing growth in electric, plug-in and hybrid vehicle sales,” he said.

“More than one in six vehicles sold in the month of August featured low emissions technologies.”

Toyota was the highest selling marque with 22,321 sales. Mazda followed with 8458 then Ford (7898), Hyundai (6513) and Kia (6510), MG (5368), Mitsubishi (4961), Isuzu Ute (4712), Subaru (4706) and Tesla (3309).

More spark to BMW range

l ELECTRIC VEHICLES

| Nick Dalton BMW Australia is bringing three new electric vehicles to the market below the luxury car tax threshold.

The two SUVs and one fourdoor coupe will fall below $89,332, exempting them from both Luxury Car Tax (LCT) for fuel efficient vehicles and

Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) for fleet operators.

The new line-up begins with the iX1 eDrive20, which will become BMW Australia’s new entry point to its fully electric vehicle range at a price of $78,900 plus on-roads.

It will arrive in the first quarter of next year.

The second new variant to arrive is the i4 eDrive35, from $85,900 plus on-roads.

It will be available at the end of 2023.

The iX3 M Sport is the third new fully electric variant, $89,100 plus on-roads, also available at the end of 2023. It will be the new base level of the revised iX3 line-up and offer the same electric powertrain as the range-topping iX3 M Sport Pro with an adjusted equipment offering.

They will have less equip-

ment and, in some cases, less range than more expensive models in the line-up which will total 12 fully electric vehicles by early next year.

A BMW Australia spokesman said the new model strategy in place by BMW Australia added “further substance to the BMW Group’s fast moving global future mobility and sustainability goals”.

“By next year, the BMW

Group anticipates that at least one in five of the company’s new vehicles should have a fully electric drivetrain. The following year it should be one in four, and in 2026, one in three,” he said.

“With this expansion, the BMW Group aims to have more than two million fully electric vehicles on the road by the end of 2025.

“The rapid growth in fully elec-

tric models is in alignment with strategic sustainability initiatives.”

By 2030, the BMW Group will halve C02 emissions per vehicle per kilometre driven compared with 2019 levels.

“Throughout the lifecycle, from the supply chain, through production to the end of the use phase, the company will achieve a 40 per cent reduction in C02 emissions,” the spokesman said.

Budget pre-sale makeovers

Expert advises there is no need to spend a lot to make house look impressive

l HOUSE PREPARATION

AN interior designer has some simple tips to make your home looking like a Vogue Living spread without costing a fortune.

Kellie Richardson, of Melbourne-based home design company Kurved by Design, said there were six top techniques.

Choose your style

“Interior designers can always tell when somebody is undecided about how to style their home because their home just looks confused,” she said.

“If you want to revamp a room or two but don’t know where to start, keep in mind that when it comes to home décor style, sticking to one style will create a cohesiveness and flow to the house rather than if you dabbled in different styles all over the place,” Ms Richardson said.

“How would you define your style?

If you’re not quite sure, then consider your lifestyle and gather inspiration from different sources and book in a consultation with an interior designer who can help you clarify your vision and make useful suggestions to take your ideas to the next level.”

Shop Facebook and Gumtree

“You will be utterly amazed at the absolute bargains you can find by shopping second hand,” Ms Richardson said.

“Source quality and designer pieces through Facebook, Gumtree and even op shops,” she said.

Shop Kmart and Big W

“We all love the big chain stores for bringing down prices, and stores like Kmart and Big W have really stepped it up in recent years, bringing us trendy looks for a fraction of the designer price,” Ms Richardson said.

“They’re also constantly changing and updating their range of furnishings so make sure you check back often and see whether something new grabs your eye,” she said. Upcycle from lousy to luxe

“If you’ve got a knack with DIY then by all means, put those handy skills to good use,” Ms Richardson said.

“Pinterest can give you endless design ideas or flip through interior design magazines to get inspiration and breathe new life into old pieces and make them look high end and customised,” she said. Buy a few main pieces and then accessorise

“There are certain things that pe-

ople shouldn’t compromise on, so if you’re on a budget, make a list of items you want to prioritise,” Ms Richardson said.

“You wouldn’t want to skimp on a bed because there’s nothing worse than a lumpy bed that’ll have you tossing and turning all night long,” she said.

“Spending a bit more on a large piece like a quality sofa is always a good idea.”

Stay with neutrals then add seasonal colours

“Neutrals will never go out of style, however seasonal trendy colours do come and go, so there’s no point spending a lot on accents and colours only for them to look dated after a few years,” Ms Richardson said.

Stick to your budget

“Some people think that revamping the look of a home will be costly but if you draw up a budget that’s realistic and stick to it, then you won’t end up spending heaps more than you intended to,” Ms Richardson said.

“By shopping around and going the DIY route, and keeping these tips in mind, there are plenty of cheap fixes that you can make within a room that’ll change the way your home looks and feels,” she said.

Real Estate

Living alone housing stress

l SPECIAL REPORT

LIVING alone was one of the main drivers of the current rental crisis and is a major demographic trend that directly impacts the types of homes that are built, as well as the number, according to Ray White Group chief economist Nerida Conisbee.

“More people are living alone, either by choice or circumstance and this is set to become a driving force of household change,” she said.

“With lockdowns frequently restricting visitation levels during the pandemic, it would have seemed intuitive that people would move in together to have company.

“The opposite however occurred. Rising wealth as a result of record savings rates led to more people moving out on their own.

“This higher demand for housing from more single person households led rents to rise even though population growth was very low.

“Given the opportunity (and

the money), it appears that there is a strong preference for people to not be surrounded by too many people in their homes.

“Longer term, this trend will continue. Right now, much higher rents are leading people to move back in with each other to save money.

“The number of single person households is declining again. However, this is only a shortterm occurrence and reversal of what happened during the pandemic.

“An ageing population and fewer people having children

will reverse this long term. In fact, the Australian Bureau of Statistics has forecast that this household type will take a much bigger share of total household types. The one that will see the biggest proportional decline will be couples with children.

“The rise in single person households is driven in part by preference, but also by our ageing population. What is clear is that our housing stock is inefficient for single person households.

“Australia is dominated by houses with three or more bedrooms. Most households with just one person have more than two spare bedrooms.

“While there is likely a preference by some to have a lot of spare rooms, the reality is that finding a home with just one or two bedrooms is difficult unless you want to live in a high-density area or in a high rise apartment building.

“There is a growing requirement for smaller medium density homes, particularly in inner and middle suburbs around Australia.”

Single person households are rising but one or two bedroom homes are rare

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Jockey’s career-best racing

Shannon Apthorpe’s greatest victory on Sayl at 2023 Cairns Amateurs Carnival

l RACING

|

Jordan Gerrans

A RELATIONSHIP built on brutal honesty and deep friendship has delivered jockey Shannon Apthorpe the greatest victory of his riding career more than three decades into his tenure in the sport.

The 48-year-old lifted the Cairns Amateur Cup last Saturday afternoon in FNQ aboard striking grey galloper Sayl.

The relatively unknown Toowoomba-based jockey had ridden Sayl through the entire northern winter carnival, starting in Rockhampton in late June before following the Cup-bound gelding up the coast.

And, when Apthorpe did ride Sayl at Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns – it was usually his only ride of the entire program.

Sayl’s majority owner Gary Popp is an old friend of Apthorpe’s. Sayl is prepared by leading provincial trainer Lindsay Hatch.

In the old days, Popp had his own team of gallopers with Apthorpe one of his regular riders before he eventually gave it away in 2015.

The veteran jockey recalls one of his first rides for Popp around two decades ago in the bush where in his own words, he put in an ordinary effort.

“I came straight back in after the race and apologised to Gary and told him the horse would

win at his next start,” Apthorpe remembers from the conversation around 20 years ago.

“Gary always remembered that and respected that I was honest, we have kept a great relationship since.”

Popp and Apthorpe had not spoken in a number of years before a phone call out of the blue recently came the way of the experienced rider to offer him the job on Sayl through the rich northern cup series.

Some followers of racing may have questioned why the Hatch stable continued to stick with Apthorpe when Sayl was not living up to his performances from the season before.

Apthorpe was overjoyed to be able to repay the faith Popp and Hatch have shown in him in recent months.

“We had a lot of luck over the years and I was always pretty straight with him and he appreciated that,” the jockey said of Popp.

“He is a loyal sort of fella and he offered me the ride on Sayl up north.

“It was an opportunity to good too turn down as I am not really known well as a jockey up that way and when I do go up there, I am lucky to get more than one ride.

“I could have stuck around Toowoomba and made more money around this area riding consistently but it has worked out in the end.”

Sport Results

MOSSMAN LADIES’

BOWLS

August 31st. Consistency

Semi-finals. Anita McCoist def. Leonie Sims. September 5th. 2nd; Anita McCoist, Zina Gigenti. September 6th. Consistency Finals. Anita McCoist def.

Trish Arnold. September 7th.

Winners; Jan White, Jude Prain, Denise Highland. R/U; Gloria

Geeves, Christine Rowbury, Carole Maxted.

MOSSMAN MENS’ BOWLS

Saturday, September 9th. Jackpot bowls. Mick Plummer, Bernie Savage, Joe Girgenti def. Wayne Parkes, Daryl Hoskins, Tony Brlyack 20-18. David Blain, Martin Adams, John Arnold def. Terry Richards, Peter

Worley, Bob Carroll 25-19. Eric Smith, Steve Hudson, Jim Geddes def. Steve Cue, Nev Tesch, Bob Laurie 20-13. Ted Holmes, Derek Franklin, Alistair Douglas def. Bernie Wolland, Troy Churchill, Vince Balesta 22-15. Winners; David White, Bill Allison, Gordon Henderson def. Charlie Toohey, Richard Anderson, Col Maxted 22-14.

WEST CAIRNS MEN

Sunday, September 3rd. Win-

ners; John Lisha, Hairy, J. Bent. R/U; Phil Buntain, Yakka, Glen Donovan. Tuesday, September 5th. Winners; Joe Jackson, Ted Hamilton, Phil Buntain. R/U; T. Moulds, S. Wilcox, A. Paraha. Thirsty Thursday. Best players; Fred Clark, Yakka. Mal Gordon. Friday night scroungers. Winner; Ken Vivian. R/U; Tania. Sunday, September 10th. Winners; Phampton, S.Williams, M. Taylor. R/U; W. Edwards, F. Clarke, Johnno.

MARLIN COAST BOWLS

Tuesday morning bowls. Winners; No Winners. R/U; No Winners. Tuesday afternoon Men’s triples. Winners; John, Geoff S, Jason. R/U; Ian, Patrick, Clive. Tuesday night bowls. Winners; Bob H, David, Paper, Birchie, Ian, Brian, Rod, Peter. Wednesday mixed bowls. Winner; P Taggert. R/U; L Jackson. Thursday Morning Bowls. Winners; No Winners. R/U; No winners. Thursday Mixed

triples. Winners; R Blake, G Reynolds, N Robson. R/U; Nigel, Andy, Danny. Saturday Morning Scroungers. Winner; J Ward. R/U; G smith. Club Championships. Men’s Triples. S Mann (sub), J Walford, R Gillman def. G Midson, B O’Connor, N Robson 18-12. Ladies Triples. R Blake, L Roberts, J ward def. J Jenner, B Gillan, E Herwig 24-7. Mixed Pairs. A Lim, D white def. B Yamp; G Andreatta 26-12.

Footy stalwart Jo Butland to be inducted into AFL Queensland Hall of Fame

Legend humbled by award

l AFL

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

LEGENDARY North Cairns Tigers player, coach and advocate for school sport Jo Butland will be inducted into the AFL Queensland Hall of Fame for her achievements and pivotal role in the advancement of the women’s game in November.

Although details on the ceremony on November 4 are yet to be announced, Ms Butland will be inducted next to AFL Cape York general manager Rick Hanlon for his critical role in developing pathways for Indigenous youth into the sport.

“When Rick’s name was announced I was really excited, he has been one of my biggest supporters through the years,” the Mossman athlete said.

“I’m humbled with it all because you don’t go into playing a sport for the recognition but it’s nice to be a part of an organisation that recognises people for their hard work.”

After establishing a dynasty as a part of the North Cairns Tigers in the early 2000s, taking the team to 10 premierships, seven as a coach and three on the field, going into coaching in 2007, winning the league best and fairest medal that now carries her name, becoming coach of the year and many more accolades, she is now a teacher with Peninsula School Sport continuing to enable young kids to reach their goals in sport.

“It’s not only about the premierships, but what we did to help the league

survive. We had a good core group of players, those early years were fantastic in the camaraderie that we got and growing the league,” she said.

“And then to go on to coaching and be able to coach those players like Selina Priest who got drafted by the Lions on her first year of AFLW.

“She came to North Cairns as a 20-year-old, never played footy before and to see her development from playing her first game to making it into the AFLW, those are the things I’m most proud of.

“To know that you had a part in these girls going on to do great things and the gratitude they show back, that’s what it is about.”

Ms Butland remains humble when asked about her role in the advancement of the women’s game, and said she had high hopes for the future of the AFLW.

“People often say to me, ‘Do you wish that AFLW was there when you were playing?’

“And my reply always is, ‘Someone has to come first’, I can’t say I’m the first because there are many people before me, but there are people who must set the foundations and whilst it would’ve been great to be playing AFLW, I had a great journey building the grassroots and nothing big can happen without the grassroots,” she said.

“I’d like to see AFLW become a full-time professional pathway for the ladies in the future, the players should be able to do what they do best with the support full-time, that should be naturally the next step.”

Bulls to tackle Lions in premier men’s grand final

l

SOCCER

| Ellie Fink MAREEBA’s best footballers are ready and raring to charge into Saturday’s Far North and Gulf Football premier men’s grand final.

Throughout the season, the Bulls have played consistently high quality football, enabling them to accrue points that landed them in second place on the ladder, but it was their game against number one team Edge Hill in mid-August that has boosted their confidence going into Saturday’s decider.

Securing their spot in the grand final for the first time since 2019, the team is ready

to take on the Leichhardt Lions at Endeavour Park in Cairns, while the under-14s will face Edge Hill United in their grand final match.

Club president Mario Ghensi said if he had to pick a player of the season, there would be a new one every game. He credits both teams on their ability to adapt and sync with each other on the field.

“They’ve all stepped up for each other, and it is hard to pick out any stand-outs,” he said.

“Over the past five weeks, they have really jumped up to the next level and that’s where they need to be if they want to win.

“Personally, I am very happy with them. If we can do it one

more time, that’ll be nice.

“Anything can happen now, but so long as it doesn’t get to their head, which can happen because of nerves, and they play their game, they will be good.”

As the season progressed, coach Kane Alderton said he noticed drastic improvements in the overall positivity and mentality of the men’s team and commended them on their ability to step up and pull through.

“We have come a long way from where we were, and, you know, it’s been a long road, but I am proud of the boys and the commitment they have had, especially over the past month, to see us into the

grand final,” he said. “There is a mixture of emotions, but we just have to keep them in check.

“I think our biggest focus now is concentrating on us and not worrying too much about our opponent ... we just have to make sure we are ready to focus and bring our all on Saturday.”

Standing amongst the rest, Alderton believes the work of young Jarad Latif and Kalan Prizmic have really stamped their spot in the final.

The Premier Bulls team will play Leichhardt Lions at Endeavour Park at 7.30pm on Saturday, while the Under 14s will battle Edge Hill United at 1.30pm