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THURSDAY Island has welcomed a bub a day during an unprecedented week that showcased the strength of the hospital’s maternity team.
Women from across the region safely birthed three boys and four girls between 29 October and 4 November, bringing the Thursday Island Hospital’s birth count to 62 for 2025.
Mum Esther Geas, whose baby girl arrived at the beginning of the month, said it was exciting to be a part of the historic moment at the hospital.
After relocating to Moa Island
from Cairns two years ago, baby number six was the second to be born on Thursday Island.
“I was really happy, because I had another baby here last year, and I was the only one in the ward,” she said.
“The staff have been excellent, very supportive, friendly and kind.”
Joining her in the ward was first-time mum Shorna Cowley, from Mer Island, who had daughter Ziyanna on 31 October.
Despite a hectic schedule for the maternity team, Ms Cowley
said she had been well supported by staff on Thursday Island throughout her pregnancy.
“They have been really caring, and they’ve helped me a lot,” she said.
“It’s very overwhelming, but also exciting.”
Thursday Island Hospital Director of Nursing and Midwifery Jane Davies said she was proud of the midwifery, medical and nursing teams who went above and beyond to support women during this exceptionally busy period.
“It’s during times like these
that the true strength of our staff shines through, and I want to thank each and every one of them for their dedication and resilience,” she said.
“Their professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to women-centred care has been nothing short of inspiring.
“From our midwives, nurses, doctors, allied health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, the entire team has worked so hard together during what has truly been an unprecedented time in our maternity unit.”
And you can livestream it
THE Commission of Inquiry into Child Safety will continue to hear evidence from representatives from the Department of Child Safety when the Far North Queensland public hearings resume in Brisbane.
The public hearings, which began on Monday 17 November, will be held over a two-week period at the Harry Gibbs Commonwealth Law Court in Brisbane.
Commissioner Paul Anastassiou KC said the continuation of public hearings would give the state the best possible opportunity to answer any criticisms, provide context and further explanations in response to matters aired by witnesses in Far North Queensland and through submissions.
The hearings highlighted several key issues, including:
The Commission of Inquiry into Child Safety’s first private youth forum in the region heard from more than 25 young voices ranging in age from primary school to late high school. They represented a variety of cultural backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
Issues raised by the young people at the session included:
• feeling voiceless and powerless
• delayed support from the Department of Child Safety, ranging from needing immediate protection from abuse or neglect, to waiting lengthy periods of time to access education, school supplies, and essential clothing
• lack of meaningful connections with child safety officers, due to constant rotation of staff
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“In Cairns, we heard from several witnesses who have had experience with the child safety system in one way or another,” Mr Anastassiou said.
“One overarching issue, which continues to surface through questioning, is whether more can be done earlier to prevent children coming into the state care by supporting vulnerable families from the outset.
“The continuation of hearings will give the state an opportunity to respond to issues and shortcomings raised in Far North Queensland, in an open forum.”
The hearing builds on three consecutive weeks of public and private hearings in Cairns during September, which saw heavy focus on testimony from frontline carers including foster carers, kinship carers and support workers.
• the removal of newborn babies
• the state’s lack of responsiveness to carers’ requests, often for critical medical assessment or treatment
• the need for tailored early intervention to support vulnerable families, in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, prior to children entering care
• the disconnect between the duty imposed on carers, and the authority they have to make decisions in the best interests of the child
• the role of a child safety officer (CSO), and whether there is sufficient time for a CSO to build a relationship of trust with the child.
The commission also spoke to youth in Far North Queensland during the final week of hearings in Cairns.
• inaccessibility of child safety officers or other support, particularly for urgent or after-hours help
• wanting the Department of Child Safety to facilitate more visits and bonding time with their siblings
• lack of support for the transition out of care, including into adulthood
• children being removed from their homes or families without notice, a plan, or available placement
• unstable placements and feeling unsafe in care.
The commission also received more than 100 responses following the release of its online survey for young people.
Complete the survey: www.childsafetyinquiry.qld.gov.au/young-people
Watch a livestream of the public hearings: www.childsafetyinquiry.qld.gov. au/hearings/brisbane-nov-2025
by CHISA HASEGAWA
ONE man’s dedication to quality health care in the Far North will live on despite his passing, with a donation towards the public sector’s first surgical robot.
The Mills Family Foundation has made a $50,000 donation to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s (FNQHF) Donate for DaNi campaign, which will bring cutting-edge robotic surgery to the region outside of the private health system.
The heartfelt contribution was made in memory of Tony Franz, who served as the FNQHF CEO for 16 years, and a board member for the Mills Family Foundation.
Liz Franz said the donation was particularly meaningful as her husband was diagnosed with low-grade prostate cancer prior to his death earlier this year.
“We’re so proud that his legacy of care and generosity will continue through this vital advancement in men’s health,” Mrs Franz said.
“He gave so much of himself to this community, [and] I am honoured to support a project that reflects his passion for innovation in health care, and ensures his impact continues in years to come.
“He will always be remembered for his humour, kindness and commitment to making a difference – and hopefully, this donation will help save lives.”
The contribution under Mr Franz’s name was made through the Matching Giving campaign, in which donors Denise and Ellis Richardson pledged to match every dollar donated by the public, turning the $50,000 donation into $100,000.
“Tony devoted so much of himself to improving health care in Far North Queensland. To see his legacy continue through this act of generosity is incredibly moving,” FNQHF CEO Gina Hogan said.
“We are so grateful to Liz and the Mills Family Foundation for honouring Tony in a way that will directly change lives.
“Their compassion and vision ensure his dedication to better care continues to shine through every patient helped by this technology.”
by CHISA HASEGAWA
AFTER 35 years of setting Bamaga kids up for success, Northern Peninsula Area State College’s (NPASC) longestserving teacher is preparing to say goodbye as she heads for retirement at the end of the school year.
In a remote community that can often see teachers come and go, Vera Christian has become a beloved constant at NPASC’s Bamaga Junior Campus, seeing generations through early learning and primary education.
Ms Christian said she taught at schools across the Cape and Torres Strait for the first five years of her 40-year career, but never looked back after finding her place in Bamaga.
“Bamaga has become my home over the years. I’ve built a lot of relationships with the community and the children,” she said.
“That’s what made me stay longer, just to see the kids growing, because I’ve taught students, and now I’m teaching their children.
“Students have said, ‘Ms Vera, you were my teacher, thank you for being my teacher’, and it’s really good to see the children now play a leadership role in the community — it makes you proud.”
As an educator for the local Kindergarten, as well as primary
students from prep to Year 3, she said building trust with families became a major advantage of working at the school long-term when it came to student engagement.
“I always put families first, because they are the first teachers. The families are how you build relationships and how
you work with kids in the classroom,” Ms Christian said.
“It’s important to get parents to understand, especially in the kindy space, what kindy is about, what education is about, and make them feel welcome.
“Family engagement is really big, because if you don’t have that, you’re on your own.”
Looking back on her career, the veteran teacher said one highlight was when she was asked by the regional office to share her knowledge with remote early childhood educators across the state.
“I got the opportunity to go beyond the Torres Strait Islands and work in supporting kindergartens across the state, and it was about my experience on how I can be the best teacher in early childhood settings,” she said.
“I was able to share my knowledge and what I’ve done here at the school, because even though I’ve been here for 35 years, I’ve played different roles in the school, like being the learning support teacher, being in special ed, and running programs here for our tutors to support our kids.”
While Ms Christian was excited for the next chapter of her life, she said she would miss being a part of the children’s education every day.
“It gave me the privilege to witness their first discoveries and their first attempts on little things like writing their name,” she said.
“I move into retirement now, and I reflect on the pride, and the countless children whose lives I have touched, and it’s a reminder of why I chose this job.
“The laughter and the shared stories along the way have shaped not only the children, but also me as an educator and a leader.”
CAPE not-for-profit groups can still apply for grants of up to $10,000 from the 2026 Ergon-Energex Community Fund. Ergon Energy Network is looking for initiatives that will make a lasting difference, including projects to boost the resilience and recovery of communities impacted by cyclones, floods and bushfires.
Area manager Katrina Lennon is encouraging grassroots groups to submit big ideas or simple solutions. “This year we supported a diverse range of community initiatives from Thursday Island to Toowong,” she said.
Apply online at www.ergon.com.au
Applications close at 5 pm on Friday 28 November.
ABORIGINAL and Torres Strait Islander medical students are invited to apply for the Australian Medical Association’s 2026 Indigenous Medical Scholarship.
Since 1994, the scholarship has helped grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical workforce by supporting First Nations peoples.
For the first time in the scheme’s history, three scholarships have been awarded in 2025.
Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a medical degree in Australia and have completed at least one year.
Applications close on 31 January 2026. Visit www.ama.com.au
by CHISA HASEGAWA
WHILE most Australian Year Seven students go home and have dinner with their family each day, Cape York high school students face a different reality.
In pursuit of a quality education many make the choice to go to boarding school, but the cost is being away from their families and communities for 10 weeks at a time from as young as 12-years-old.
As a showcase of their strength, resilience, culture and home, AFL Cape York House opened its third ME. Exhibition in Cairns on 15 November, which features photographs exploring student identities as they navigate the many challenges and opportunities of boarding life and schooling.
When given this year’s theme, Connection, 13-year-old HarleyCruz Nathan immediately thought of driving to the beach with his family back home in Lockhart River.
In the photograph, Harley is pictured with his dad and sister and a car door brought by his uncle. He also gave a special mention to his mum, who could not be there on the day.
“I was thinking back to what we did the most on the Cape, and it just came to mind that we mostly went for cruises to the beach to cool off,” he said.
“[Doing the photoshoot], it felt pretty good seeing my family, and spending some time with them doing some fun stuff.
“[When people look at my photo], I just want them to think, love your family and hold them closely.”
AFL Cape York transition support teacher Amanda Black, who helped the students brainstorm what they wanted their photographs to represent, said the exhibition was a great way to get to know the students further, and break up the school term away from home.
“The idea of Connection is to allow these young people the opportunity to remember that they’re not alone down at AFL Cape York House, navigating school by themselves,” she said.
“They are always connected and linked in with their family, with their community, so it’s an opportunity to bring family members together, and it’s a great way to watch the young people explore who they are, what interests them, and what’s important in their lives.
“To be able to capture those moments just breaks up the very long school term, and helps the young people remember why they’re away, why they’re down here, and why their families are investing so heavily in them getting a great education down in an urban setting.”
Ms Black said she hoped exhibition attendees got a glimpse of what life was like for a young boarding student from a remote community.
“My hope every year is that we get a crowd that comes along and ponders the photos, and considers just how incredibly strong these young people and their families are,” she said.
“I hope that they can enjoy the moments and see the special people, and maybe take a breath and realise that these young people aren’t going home every day after school to go for a car cruise, they’re not coming home every afternoon to their significant family members.”
WESTERN Cape York’s top apprentices and trainees hope their big wins at the Training Awards in Weipa will serve as an inspiration for the next generation.
The Western Cape Training Awards recognised the top contenders across nine categories earlier this month, celebrating the outstanding achievements of individuals in skills training, and the contributions employers and training providers make to developing the region’s workforce.
Evolution Mining and Civil’s Tayla Cardelli was named Trainee of the Year — a testament to her hard work as she balanced a full-time job with her traineeship, which she completed this year.
Ms Cardelli said she was shocked to be announced as the winner, but was proud of her achievements.
“I feel like this year has been my year,” she said.
“I feel like my hard work’s been paying off. It can be hard being the only female, so it feels good to be recognised.”
Ms Cardelli worked full-time driving bulldozers in the dry season and eradicating weeds in the wet season, but wanted to undertake a traineeship to operate heavy machinery.
The 23-year-old said as a young woman in a team of men,
she learned to hold her own, and hoped the win would show other young women wanting to pursue a career in civil work that it was possible to thrive.
“I just kept my head down and didn’t worry about the people around me. I did the best I could, and it got me here,” she said.
“I hope that I can inspire other young women, especially Indigenous women, to get into it, because they hold back a fair bit.
“They get shy being the only girl, they think they can’t do it being the only girl, and I can guarantee being a girl doesn’t mean anything — a girl can do
anything a man can do, if not even better.”
Wanting to be a role model was also the driving force behind Aurukun Shire Council plumbing apprentice Pana Nawakie, who received the Murphy Rehn Most Outstanding First Year Apprentice Award, and was named runner-up for Overall Apprentice of the Year.
The 24-year-old initially worked as a trade assistant at the council’s workshop with the aim of starting a mechanic apprenticeship but, when it fell through, he lost motivation.
What brought him back was
wanting to step up as a father for his baby girl, Cyra, who is now five months old.
“The win’s had a big effect on my drive,” he said.
“After the mechanic apprenticeship fell through, I slacked off for a few months, but then I had a daughter come along and, you know, I just switched on.
“I want to be a role model for the younger generation here that’s coming through; they’ve seen what I’ve been through, what I’ve done and what I’ve become, so I hope they will look up to me.”
Aurukun Shire Council also congratulated trainee Cara
Kalkeeyorta, who was named a finalist in the awards.
“Council and the Aurukun community are very proud of Pana and Cara for being finalists in the Western Cape Training Awards, and we hope their achievements can help inspire the coming generations of our community’s leaders,” Mayor Barbara Bandicootcha said.
Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council apprentice painter and decorator Rayesh Wipa was named the Combined Trades Apprentice of the Year and Overall Apprentice of the Year, but could not be contacted before Cape York Weekly went to print.
JUMP in to have your say about the health quality of the Great Barrier Reef’s catchment areas.
Time is running out. Consultation is open until this Wednesday 19 November.
The Queensland and Commonwealth governments are consulting on a new draft Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy to help support healthy reef water.
The strategy is being developed on the latest scientific research, including the independent 2022 Scientific Consensus Statement.
Its research shows improving water quality in reef catchment areas is crucial to the Great Barrier Reef’s resilience and ensuring it can recover from coral bleaching and crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) outbreaks. Plus, it provides a clear link be-
tween a healthier reef and healthier landscapes.
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation’s deputy director general Mary-Anne Curtis said the new draft strategy was built on two decades of collaboration between reef catchment communities, landholders, industry and Traditional Owners.
“We want to get the Reef 2050 Catch-
ment Water Quality Strategy right to protect and conserve the reef ecosystem by supporting landholders and community as environmental stewards, while continuing to attract national and international visitors who come to Queensland specifically to see its splendour,” Ms Curtis said.
Have Your Say on the draft at: https://intheloop.des.qld.gov.au/reef2050-strategy
by CHISA HASEGAWA
A FRESH theme was just what was needed at the 151st Cooktown Races when thousands of punters and fashionistas took to the Turf Club grounds for a final dry season hurrah.
Cooktown saw some of its biggest Seaview Fashions on the Field categories at the annual races on 9 November, themed Bold Summer and inviting racegoers to dress in their boldest and brightest for a chance at a sash.
Eye-catching headwear, of course, is arguably the most important component of a race day outfit, and the competitors did not disappoint.
In the Magic Millinery category, Hayley McKean won the hearts of judges Kate Fraser, Sally Eales and Murray Penny with her handmade fascinator, while Sheena Langley took runner-up with her hand-stitched offering.
“I was looking and I couldn’t find anything to match it exactly, because it is such a unique dress, so I wanted to make something that would mimic the flowers on my dress,” Ms McKean said.
“It was made out of wire and rib-
bons, so it took me a good three weekends, but we got there.
“Winning with my own creation was insane, because I spent so much time on it, and I was worried that it was a lot or too big, but I’m very grateful.”
Two new categories, the Local Lady and Local Gent, gave Cooktown’s best-dressed a shining moment for themselves.
In striking citrus colours, Sarah Frew snagged the purple sash as Local Lady, while Rhys Cunningham was named Local Gent in cool beige.
“When I read ‘bold summer’, I just wanted something really bright and colourful, and I imagined tropical fruits,” Ms Frew said.
“The dress has little dragon fruit and the sorts of fruit we get in Cooktown, so that was my inspiration.
“I think the [Local Lady and Local Gent] is definitely a good category to have. It gives everybody a chance, and it’s a good way to step into Fashions on the Field if you want to go out to other races.”
The anticipation was high as the three judges took several minutes to come to a decision across the 10 categories.
Judge and Seaview owner Kate Fraser said this year had some of the biggest categories she had ever seen during her three-decade involvement with the Cooktown Races, with the popular 20-49 yrs ladies’ category featuring a whopping 24 contestants, and filling the truck stage from end to end.
“I’ve attended race meetings in Flemington, Royal Randwick, many times in Cairns, and Cooktown, and this was by far one of the most outstanding Fashions on the Field event I have ever seen,” she said.
“The only challenge I found this year being associated with The Seaview Fashions on the Field was how difficult it was to be a judge — the calibre of the entries was just so high this year.
“It was incredibly challenging in several of the categories to split the top five or six to only select a first and a second. Sally, Murray and I felt so privileged to be judging this outstanding field of fashion forward competitors.”
For more photographs from the day, turn to pages 10 and 11.
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CENTRE MANAGER, COOKTOWN, FULL TIME
THE ROLE
This is a highly rewarding and unique opportunity to join the CUC team in shaping the education landscape for students in the Cape York Peninsula
As Centre Manager, you will work with the Board of Directors and be supported by the CUC in implementing the strategic plan to increase access to higher education opportunities in the region You will be integral to coordinating ongoing operations to support successful outcomes for students
You will also work with the CUC, local Board and staff to foster and maintain relationships with stakeholders, and represent CUC Cape York at community events
WE ARE LOOKING FOR
A self-starting, enthusiastic individual who is passionate about creating opportunities for regional and remote students
HOW TO APPLY
Email recruitment@cuc edu au for a copy of the position description
Confidential enquiries can be made to Sarah Rolton 0459 659 941
You are required to submit the following:
A cover letter containing responses to key selection criteria as detailed in the position description
Your full CV
Applications close Thursday 27th November 2025 at 5:00pm email to recruitment@cuc edu au
the need to relocate.
DEAR Aurukun Community, I would like to say Apou and wish the Aurukun Community all the best in the future. Before saying farewell, I would like to share my experience.
I first came to Aurukun in May 2020. This was during the COVID days when you had to do a RAT test before you could get on the plane and police did roadblock checks; making sure that people had a genuine purpose of coming into community.
On my first flight I was amazed at the remoteness, huge water system and, of course, the red dirt. I was very fortunate that I had a friend working there and helped me settle into the Aurukun life.
At the start of my new job, I was surprised that not many people would actually have a chat with you. Customers would come in, do their transaction/enquiry and then leave.
It wasn’t until months later that people spoke with me on a personal basis. They explained the main reason for this was that the bulk of the service providers and agencies are Fly In/Fly Out (FIFO) and the community is used to people coming and going.
I had three jobs in Aurukun and each of these businesses had huge staff turnovers. I grew to not be a great believer in the FIFO model as the community runs 24/7, 365 days a year and does need staff living on site.
Most people don’t last more than a couple days and then there are others - like me - who get the Aurukun bug and want to do more for the community.
Aurukun is unique. The land is so untouched and the country wild.The bird life is amazing with all different kinds and colours.
The community retains its language and the art is amazing.
To hear the stories behind the carvings and the paintings really brings them to life. They are always receiving acknowledgement from the various shows around Australia.
The Aurukun Landing ending up being my favourite spot. I tried to walk down there every Saturday and Sunday. I enjoyed sitting there before the people would come down to fish and bring the small dingys out. This was relaxing and much-needed after what was usually a very busy work week.
I was there up until August 2025 and then, due to my ongoing health issues, had to leave to be closer to medical services. I never got the opportunity to say a proper farewell.
Over the years, I saw the worst and best of times but I choose to remember the good times. I had the dream of catching the onemetre barra but came up short. I bought a dingy and was learning the fishing trade from my good friend Dave the decky. Captain Craig and Decky Dave had our adventures on the beautiful waters surrounding Aurukun. I know there are one metre barra there, they would often jump out of the water near us and basically gave us the finger.
Thanks to all the many people I worked with and all the people who work in the other services, partnering up to help provide services for the Aurukun Community.
I really like to thank the Aurukun community for letting me stay there so long and for sharing some of their stories.
Apou, Craig Lynch
A
NEW plan to strengthen support services in the mental health, alcohol and other drug and suicide prevention sector is being introduced across the region after consultation with community voices.
The Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) launched its 2025-28 Joint Regional Wellbeing Plan (JRWP) in Cape York with a visit to Weipa on 4 November and Cooktown on 28 October.
It will also be launched in Bamaga on 19 November and Thursday Island on 20 November.
NQPHN operations director of mental health, alcohol and other drug, and suicide prevention, Cara McCormack said the three-year plan was an update of the 2021-24 plan based on input from people with lived experiences.
“This has been a refresh, but also a real opportunity to more deeply
consult across Northern Queensland to understand what’s happening within the mental health, alcohol and other drug, and suicide prevention sector,” she said.
“It’s helped us to understand the pressure points for our communities, and get good clarity on the priorities that the sector needs to work on.
“One of the really strong takeaways from this refresh is the absolute importance of working with community, and empowering them to lead the ways they’ve developed and delivered to ensure that they are meeting the needs of the local communities.”
Ms McCormack said the refreshed JRWP identified several key priorities, including workforce development and capacity to keep up with a growing demand for support.
She said based on statistics and feedback from service pro-
viders on the ground, 25 per cent of people in the Torres and Cape region reported they had “five or more mentally unhealthy days per month”, and 52 per cent engaged in “risky drinking”.
“As our community gets larger, it’s really important that we have the workforce ready and able to meet those needs,” she said.
“That includes how we support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforces, and also our lived experience workforces to continue to grow.
“There are newer workforces in our sectors, so being able to support them in their development and work across our communities and service providers to do that in a more collaborative way.”
She said the idea of integration across services was also key to the relaunch to make support as simple and accessible as possible.
“We know that it can be a little bit confusing as to where the services are and how to get access to them, and that sometimes it can feel like you’re moved between different services,” Ms McCormack said.
“A large call-out for this plan is to continue to work with all of the providers who deliver support in our communities to build more integration and connection between their services, so it’s easy for people to get the support they need from the right place at the right time.”
She said the hope was for onthe-ground launches to drive community engagement and ensure its effectiveness.
“We know how diverse the needs are across the Torres and Cape. When we come up to introduce the plan and launch it, we’re also sitting down with community
to really understand how we bring these priorities and identified actions to life in each community,” she said.
“That’s going to inform us about how we maintain that engagement of community, and ensure we have the right representation to inform the services in the way they develop over the next three years.”
Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each
Quick Workout Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.
Whillier
Good: 11 words FOCUS Very good: 17 words Excellent: 26 words
Fit the numbers 1-6 once into every hexagon so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers are the same. No number is repeated in any single hexagon.
Abm Elgoring Ambung Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (PBC) will hold a consultation and consent meeting with members of the the Kowanyama People who comprise those people known as the Yir Yoront (sometimes called Kokomenjen), Koko Bera, Kunjen and Koko Berrin Peoples about a proposed Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) between PBC and Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council (Council) for the construction of a Cultural Vault to house Kowanyama People’s cultural heritage.
ILUA area
The ILUA Area is depicted by the blocks in red (right). It is described as Lot 13 on SP272069, which lies wholly within the Kowanyama People Part C Native Title Determination Area (QCD2012/017). The ILUA Area lies within the Cape York Land Council’s Native Title Representative Body Area.
Who is invited to attend the meeting?
(QCD2012/017)
Details of the meeting
Date: Friday, 28 November 2025
When: 10:00 am
Venue: Kowanyama Multi-Purpose Centre Meeting Room
The meeting is open to the Kowanyama People who comprise those people known as the Yir Yoront (sometimes called Kokomenjen), Koko Bera, Kunjen and Koko Berrin Peoples who are: 1. the cognatic descendants of: (i) Solomon Minyalk; (ii) Thin Mitin Mart; (iii) Min Yal Panaurin; (iv) Art Kadlaurin
(v) any of the siblings Kal Koral, Kor Mart, Min Koko Taren or Mad Len; (vi) Pow Mon Alithanem; (vii) Kauan Kor Mar’pen; (viii) any of the siblings Paul, Rio or Biddy; (ix) Yor Kantl Yamen; (x) any of the siblings Mark, Barnabas or Kate; (xi) Arthur, the father of Smiler Misson; (xii) Luke; (xiii) any of the siblings Native, Wilson, Akul Edngan, Uyan or Ginger; (xiv) any of the siblings Major, Sergeant, Bobella or Gregory; (xv) Mickey; (xvi) Boandonolly (aka Puntanolli); (xvii) George Black (aka Thamil Polp); (xviii) either of the brothers “Barramundi” Charlie or Lamp; (xix) Gilbert; (xx) Eagleman, the father of Barney Jubilee; (xxi) Joe Highbury; (xxii) Jackson; (xxiii) Tent (aka Thol Kol Kith); (xxiv) Bruno (aka Wurrpwin) (xxv) Min Kawlto Tower Moilin; (xxvi) Wo Pam Mal Yamin; (xxvii) Mokara Hudson; (xxviii) either of the siblings George or Purt Ngon; (xxix) Bob Patterson; (xxx) Moses (aka War’luran); (xxxi) Yowalyamen; (xxxii) Jolly; (xxxiii) either Mailman or his siblings; (xxxiv) any of the siblings Stephen, Louie, Reubin (aka Robin), Jimmy Braddsley, Mabel Rio or Poppy;
(xxxv) Old Mokara; (xxxvi) Taw Wil Yir; (xxxvii) Colin Dinghy; (xxxviii) Fred Dunbar; (xxxix) Alick (aka Alec and Kauwunbengk); (xl) Goanna (aka Melder); (xli) Pluto; (xlii) either Mundie Shalfo or his sister; (xliii) Piper; (xliv) Willie Daphney; (xlv) any of the siblings Fanny, Lucy Tommy, Waterloo, Elsie or Tommy Burns; (xlvi) Nipper; (xlvii) Dick; (xlviii) Peppo; (xlix) Ben; (l) Smiler; (li) Bernard; (lii) Monday; (liii) Kangaroo; (liv) Mosquito; (lv) either of the brothers Billy Flower or Goggle-Eye or their siblings; (lvi) Jimmy; (lvii) either of the brothers Rainbow Christie or Bowyang Charlie; (lviii) Nellie; (lix) either of the brothers Bob Dunbar or Bendigo or their siblings; (lx) any of the siblings Jimmy Koolatah, Coglin Dick, Kunjen Dick or George Murray;
(lxi) Frank Yam; (lxii) Brumby (aka Jack Brumby) (lxiii) Old Mud; (lxiv) Charlie Inkerman;
(lxv) any of the siblings Mimosa, Alison or May; or (lxvi) Maggie; or
2. recruited by adoption, in accordance with the traditional laws and customs of the Yir Yoront, Koko Bera, Kunjen and Koko Berrin Peoples.
Any person who is a descendant of one or more of the apical ancestors listed above is invited to attend this meeting. Please contact the Cape York Land Council if you would like to confirm whether you are a descendant of one or more of the apical ancestors listed above and so entitled to attend the meeting.
ILUA details
The Cultural Vault ILUA will provide:
For Native Title Consent to the Project Activities, to the extent that they are Future Acts.
“Project Activities” means all activities which require or permit, or which consist of, any one or more of the construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of the Cultural Vault.
If Council intends to extend the Cultural Vault, it must first seek the written consent of the PBC.
No compensation is to be provided for the construction of the Cultural Vault, on the basis that the construction of the Cultural Vault will be of significant benefit to the common law holders.
Proposed resolutions
The following resolutions will be presented to the Native Title Holders:
Resolution 1: The relevant decision-making process
1.1. An Indigenous land use agreement (ILUA) under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), called the Kowanyama Cultural Vault Indigenous Land Use Agreement, has been tabled at this meeting (the “ILUA”).
1.2. There is no process of decision-making that, under the traditional laws and customs of the Kowanyama People who comprise those people known as the Yir Yoront (sometimes called Kokomenjen), Koko Bera, Kunjen and Koko Berrin Peoples, must be complied with in relation to agreeing to things such as an ILUA under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).
1.3. Because of [1.2], this meeting agrees to and adopts the following process of decision-making: A resolution will be considered to have been passed by this meeting when a majority of those persons present who meet the following conditions agree to the resolution by a show of hands: a. those voting on the resolution are 18 years of age or older; and b. those voting on the resolution are members of the Kowanyama People who comprise those people known as the Yir Yoront (sometimes called Kokomenjen), Koko Bera, Kunjen and Koko Berrin Peoples described in schedule 1 of the determination of native title made by the Federal Court in Greenwool for and on behalf of the Kowanyama People v State of Queensland [2012] FCA 1377 (the “Kowanyama People Part C Native Title Holders”) who hold native title in the ILUA area, being descendants (by birth or adoption) of the apical ancestors named in the determination.
Resolution 2: Adequate notice of meeting
2.1 This meeting acknowledges that Kowanyama People Part C Native Title Holders were given adequate notice of the time, place and subject matter of this meeting by Abm Elgoring Ambung Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC.
Resolution 3: Consultation
3.1 The Kowanyama People Part C Native Title Holders are satisfied that there has been sufficient consultation about the ILUA from today’s consultation and consent meeting.
Resolution 4: Explanation of ILUA and opportunity for discussion
4.1 The Kowanyama People Part C Native Title Holders Native Title Holders present at this meeting: a. were given an explanation of the effect of the ILUA by a lawyer from Cameron Law; and b. have had the opportunity to discuss the ILUA.
Resolution 5: Authorisation of ILUA
5.1 The Kowanyama People Part C Native Title Holders, as a group, authorise the making and entry into the ILUA.
Resolution 6: Execution of the ILUA by the Abm Elgoring Ambung Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (ICN 7163)
6.1 The Kowanyama People Part C Native Title Holders, as a group, direct Abm Elgoring Ambung Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC to execute the ILUA.
Resolution 7: Minor amendments
7.1 Despite any other Resolution above, the Kowanyama People Part C Native Title Holders authorise Abm Elgoring Ambung Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC to make or agree to any amendments to the ILUA which are: a. recommended by a lawyer from Cameron Law; and b. either: reasonably necessary to secure the registration of the ILUA with the National Native Title Tribunal; or of a minor or technical nature.
Contact Details
If you have queries about this consultation and consent meeting or the proposed ILUA, please contact Thomas Cameron on 0417 262 256 or thomas@cameronlaw. com.au. Note that there is no funding available for travel assistance.
by CHISA HASEGAWA
After a record-breaking season for junior rugby league in Weipa, the Central Cape Suns are looking to keep the momentum going with a fresh executive committee.
Despite facing a hiccup with numbers at its initially planned AGM last month, the club saw massive engagement from the community on attempt two, with 19 people in attendance.
Outgoing president Jess Rex said the meetings were normally lucky to get nine people, adding it was a testament to the community’s dedication to keeping the club running for the kids.
“It was just really nice to see how passionate the community members were to come and attend the AGM, and to listen in on the conversations taking place,” she said.
“I think that was the main message to get across — you don’t necessarily need to take on a position, but the meeting cannot be formed or move forward if we do not have the correct number there for a quorum for the meeting.
“Just to have so many people dedicated to showing up and
sparing their time really meant a lot, and showed how lucky the club is to have such committed people involved.”
Ms Rex said one of the Central Cape Suns’ biggest achievements in 2025 was reaching 300 registered players.
As a remote club home to junior athletes in Weipa, Napranum and Mapoon, documentation and identification had been a huge challenge for volunteers and the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) this year.
“I think we’ve been really
lucky, because we definitely have a dedicated support team of coaches and parents who are involved, and we are very blessed with a close relationship with our QRL representatives and NRL representatives, who really want to see the club moving forward positively,” Ms Rex said.
“Our registrar did an amazing job chasing all of that up. To have 300 fully registered players, it just provides this alternate pathway for a lot of kids, where sport is their future.
“Having a dedicated commit-
tee, people who are willing to go the extra mile, but also have the understanding of our region and the challenges that come with it, makes more opportunities possible.”
Ms Rex has now handed the presidential reins to Michelle Kostecki, who will be leading the club into 2026.
This week Ms Kostecki, new secretary Mel Brewer, and continuing treasurer Lauren Haimes will meet to discuss key priorities for the club, including overcoming roadblocks identified during the AGM and handover, boosting junior and parent participation in weekly activities, increasing QRL presence in surrounding communities, and increasing opportunities for local sponsorships and partnerships.
“Next year is our last year in town, so it was really nice to see people step in and choose to give it a go,” Ms Rex said.
“Michelle is very passionate about keeping kids engaged in sport … when she saw that nobody was willing to take on the position, she stepped in straightaway, and her words were, ‘it’s for the kids’.”
TWENTY two Dawnbusters participated in the annual Dawnbuster Championships on Sunday, 9 November, to wrap up 2025.
Despite the heat and the flies, it was a great day and everyone is looking forward to the next championship in 12 months’ time.
The results were as follows: A GRADE
Gross Winner – Scott Triffit
Gross Runner-up – Oliver Tata
Net Winner – Mick Cerneka
Net Runner-up – Scott Andrews B GRADE
Gross Winner – Randal O’Neil
Gross Runner-up – Dave Sands
Net Winner – Leroy Ahmat
Net Runner-up – Steve Kennett C GRADE
Gross Winner – Eddie Tiemens
Gross Runner-up – Josh Martin
Net Winner – Beth Dall
Non-Qualifiers
Gross Winner – Les Sariman
Gross Runner-up – Paiwan Lui
Net Winner – Harrie Ginate
Net Runner-up – Kate Kennett
Nearest the pin – Vivian Chan Longest Drive A Grade – Scott Andrews B Grade – Dave Sands C Grade – Eddie Tiemens
Ladies – Helen Sabatino
Non-qualifiers – Les Sariman
WITH temperatures in the mid 30s and high humidity, 12 participants contested the first game for the new season of Dawnbusters at the Carpenteria Golf Club on Sunday, 16 November 2025.
Low 40s was the aim and four of the Dawnbusters did just that by hitting a 42 off the stick, the lowest score of the day.
Dave Sands equalled his Dawnbuster personal best of 43 and, with his extensive handicap he clearly won the day netting out at seven, which is exactly the number his handicap came crashing down to after starting the day with a handicap of 36.
Bridesmaid was awarded to Scott Andrews, Scott being one of the four hitting a 42.
Unfortunately this was Scott’s last Dawnbuster Game for the foreseeable future. After two years his secondment has come to an end and he is returning home to his family. Dawnbusters wish Scott all the best for the future.
With Kate Kennett having only left Weipa last Thursday, Beth Dall clearly focused on taking back over the Hoffmans Award and once again has managed to reclaim her title this week.
Longest Drive Mens went to Eddie Tiemens, who since playing a three club challenge last week now boasts a new three iron as his putter. As much as it hurts me to say, he is doing quite well with it.
Womens Longest Drive went to
Nearest the pin went begging for another week with none of the dozen being able to hit the green on the 18th hole.
Dave Sands was asked what he attributed his win to and humbly replied: “Good company”.
So if you are looking for flies, heat, rain and good company, come along to Dawnbusters, teeing off at approx 6am every Sunday at the Carpentaria Golf Club.
Next Sunday, 23 November, Dawnbusters will be tackling the Front Nine.
by CHISA HASEGAWA
AFTER being unsure she was even going to be able to saddle up for the meeting, Lauren Guernier delivered a performance that belied her status as an apprentice jockey to claim a dominant win in the 2025 Cooktown Bowls Club Cooktown Cup on 8 November.
The young hoop, who was sick in the days leading up to the Queensland Country Cups Challenge Qualifier, overcame the odds to steer the Allan Holmestrained Vincenzo ($4.40) to victory over the 1760-metre journey, with the result landing some big bets for ecstatic punters.
“I’ve actually been pretty crook this week, and wasn’t even sure I was going to come to the meeting,” she said on Saturday afternoon.
“But I’m here and we’ve won, and that’s what it’s all about.
“I can’t wait to come back next year.”
Vincenzo finished ahead of
the highly fancied Sir Rocket ($3.50) and Noble Attack, piloted by Lacey Morrison and Amanda Thomson, to record a winning margin of 1.03 lengths.
In the first of the six races on the card, the Poison Creek Station/Auswaste Open Handicap over 1000m, Ivo Fry showed by the Stephen Bush-trained Midas Star jumped as the $1.85 favourite, putting nearly two lengths on Tyler Leslight on Guapo for Alex Maliff, and Guernier on the Athol Ryantrained Racatoon.
In the Cooktown Hardware/ Cooktown Postal Services QTIS Benchmark 50 (1000m), Morrison saluted on Threebrothers ($2.40F), with trainer Alwyn Bailey notching up the quinella when Thomson steered Power Puff ($3.40) to second place ahead of Fry on Reemyya for trainer Janel Ryan.
As the mercury pushed towards a sticky 33 degrees, Guernier secure her first of two wins for the meeting when she
gave Blondie’s Secret ($6) a peach of a ride to claim the Fairview Station Ratings Band 0-50 over the 1290m trip for Athol Ryan, with Rachel Shred on roughie Sweet Candy ($21) and Thomson aboard On The Quiet ($2F) completing the trifecta.
Race four of the 151st edition of the Cooktown Races was the Cape York Weekly/ Sovereign Resort Hotel Maiden Plate, with equal favourites Mohawk Warrior ($3) and Gee Up ($3) proving the market right in a close tussle for jockeys Shred and Fry, with Morri-
http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/tides/#!/qld-weipa-humbug-point
son claiming third spot aboard Colonel Parker ($3.60). Shred’s victory drew cheers from the big crowd, as she also trained the four-year-old Dundeel gelding.
Trainer Bush picked up his second win of the meeting in the Cooktown RSL Club Cooktown Bracelet, when Isabella Teh piloted Redlights On ($3.20) to a narrow victory over Guernier on the Athol Ryan-trained Deal An Ace ($3.70) and another horse from his stable, Capicella ($6), ridden by Shred.
NORTHERN Pride Chair Kym McFeeSmith has announced the renewal of its affiliation with the North Queensland Cowboys, a partnership built on shared values, regional pride, and a united vision to grow rugby league across Far North Queensland.
In a statement he said, for more than a decade, this relationship had been “the heartbeat of our rugby league pathway, creating opportunities for local players and coaches to reach their full potential.
“Over the years, the Northern Pride has proudly served as a key development pathway for North Queensland talent, producing Cowboys premiership winners, Origin stars, and community leaders.
“From household names in Kyle Feldt and Ben Spina, through to the rising stars of tomorrow with players progressing to the NRLW Cowboys this year already (Nadia Windleborn). The connection between the Pride and Cowboys continues to turn local dreams into professional success stories.
“The Cowboys’ continued support of both our men’s and women’s programs reinforce their commitment to northern development. The recent announcement of the NRLW team relocating to Cairns marks a pivotal moment for aspiring female athletes, offering a clear and inspiring pathway from grassroots participation through to elite representation with the Northern Pride and ultimately the Cowboys.
“Additionally, the establishment of a new High-Performance Centre will further enhance the capabilities of both programs, providing world-class facilities to support athlete development, ensuring rugby league in the north remains strong for generations to come.”
JOIN the 2025 Cooktown Horse Sports AGM on Wednesday 19 November.
The current committee is standing down and all positions need to be filled.
The annual general meeting at Cooktown Race Track starts at 5pm.
