Cape York Weekly Edition 272

PERMIT STANDOFF THREATENS TO DERAIL LAURA EVENT

by CHISA HASEGAWA

STAKEHOLDERS are attempting to nd common ground to ensure Laura’s beloved dance festival can stomp to the beat of Cape York’s cultural heart in June.

Almost $10,000 in tickets have already been sold for the 2026 Laura Quinkan Dance Festival, however a standoff between festival organisers and Cook Shire Council over safety and permit

concerns has the potential to sink the iconic event.

Debbie Ross, who was brought into Ang-Gnarra Aboriginal Corporation (AGAC) last year as part of a new management team, said the festival’s permit application had been denied by council.

In an email response to Ms Ross seen by Cape York Weekly, council requested documentation of support from Laura Po-

lice, Queensland Ambulance Service, Laura Clinic and the Cooktown Hospital.

In the same email, council also asked for documentation of a traf c management plan contract, waste provider, potable water, toilets and showers, and the security rm that had been engaged.

Ms Ross said the festival was currently at a standstill because it was unable to engage contractors

and vendors without a permit. She said AGAC was already $60,000 out of pocket on deposits.

“We can get a vendor inquiry, then we say to the vendor, you need to go to Cook Shire and get an application to actually have it at the dance festival, but then they need to put the permit number on the application to say they’re going to do the festival,” she said.

– Continued page 2

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Gungarde shines a spotlight on strong women of the Cape

by JASMINE SIEVERDING

THIS International Women’s Day –Wednesday 11 March – Gungarde Community Centre is bringing the residents of Cooktown and surrounding areas together not just to honour women but to spark meaningful conversation, connection and change.

Under the powerful theme “Balance the Scales”, this year’s event will shine a spotlight on equality in our workplaces, in our homes, and across our broader Cape community.

More than a celebration, the event promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the strong, resilient and inspiring women who help shape the character and future of the Cape.

Gungarde community engagement officer Melissa Griffiths said organisers had been working hard behind the scenes to create a meaningful and welcoming event which would be completely free to attend.

The event, which will be held at Gungarde Hall in Cooktown from 10 am to 2 pm, will feature engaging presentations as well as catering, pampering stations, creative spaces, lucky door and best dressed prizes.

Presentations will be designed to showcase the stories, achievements and contributions of strong women, particularly those directly impacting the region, sharing their stories of challenge and triumph.

Ms Griffiths said the theme spoke directly to the ongoing pursuit of equality “because we’re still fighting for that, [to] get more women in leadership”.

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By “Balancing the Scales,” the event not only calls for greater equality, but also celebrates the strong women of the Cape whose leadership, resilience and everyday contributions were already helping to tip the scales toward a more inclusive community.

When asked what she felt defines a strong woman of the Cape, Ms Griffiths said: “Persistence … I see the roles that these ladies play in their families and in their communities, especially some of the Elders, they’re keeping everything together.

“They are the voices. They’re so passionate about their communities … they want what’s best for people and for their families.

“It’s a real female thing, I think, that nurturing energy. It’s the great grandmas looking after everyone else, nurturing gen-

erations of children. It’s more than just inspirational leaders in careers, it’s also everyday women and what they do for their families, how they juggle everything – careers, children, everything else.”

Beyond the speeches and formalities, Gungarde’s event aims to give women a chance to get together, connect and unwind.

“We hope that they will come along and relax and get pampered. It’s a nice time for the ladies to come together, have a laugh and have a yarn. Come along and enjoy everything it means to be a woman and celebrate the uniqueness of it.

“We hope that [attendees will] look at these amazing women featured on the day and be inspired by what they have done for us as a community and as a society.”

Laura Quinkan Dance Festival in doubt

From page 1

“If we don’t have a permit, we can’t contract people, and that’s just the sad fact of business, which means we’re going to have to cancel the dancers, [and] we’re going to have to cancel the tickets that have been bought already.

“We can’t afford to keep paying out money if we’re not going to actually get a permit.”

However, Cook Shire Council chief executive officer Brian Joiner said the permit had not been refused, but safety could not be compromised.

“Council is disappointed that the permit process has been publicly characterised as

council preventing the event from proceeding. This is not accurate,” he said.

“There are outstanding safety and operational matters that must be addressed before approval can be issued.

“Council remains ready and willing to work collaboratively with organisers to resolve these matters.”

Mr Joiner said it was the responsibility of organisers to demonstrate how they would manage public safety and engage with relevant emergency services, and council’s role was to ensure safety requirements such as medical support, communications, traffic management, emergency ac-

cess and sanitation had been met.

“This isn’t a new rule. For larger events in remote areas, we need to be confident emergency services are aware, and appropriate planning is in place,” he said.

“Before a permit can be issued, our officers must be satisfied that the necessary medical, safety and emergency planning is properly in place.

“That’s their expertise, and that’s our responsibility.”

Ms Ross said she had already been in contact with council about the documentation required.

“All the stuff [they’re] asking for is stuff that we’ve al-

ready told [them] about,” she claimed.

Mr Joiner said once important safety details were clarified and outstanding matters were addressed, council could progress with approval.

“This festival is culturally and economically significant for our community and across the region,” he said.

“With June nearing, constructive and timely collaboration is essential.

“As soon as the required information is provided, we are ready to assess it and work alongside the organisers to ensure the festival proceeds safely this year, and remains strong for years to come.”

Bloomfield kitchen a testament to community support and resilience

by CHISA HASEGAWA

A KITCHEN is just a kitchen for some people, but for many Bloom eld residents who went without during the ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper ooding disaster, it was a display of community support and resilience.

Residents from across the region came together to celebrate the grand opening of the upgraded Tin Shed on 21 February, getting a rst look at the new kitchen, bathroom, and fresh interior.

When many residents were displaced during the December 2023 ood devastation, the Tin Shed became a community hub, but with no kitchen and a “pretty disgusting” bathroom,

it was not exactly a home away from home.

Since then, the Bloom eld River District Residents Association (BRDRA) has led the charge in updating the old building, ensuring that should the worst happen, the community is prepared.

“A lot of people said they wanted to move in and live there because it’s better than their kitchen and bathroom at home,” BRDRA secretary Robyn Guedes laughed.

“Everybody’s seen what it was before, but a lot of people hadn’t seen [the upgraded version] at all, so they were pretty amazed at the facilities.”

She said, alongside the sense of pride, she also felt an air of

resilience and strength from everybody, especially when exTropical Cyclone Koji looked like it might hit the Cook Shire region in January.

“It eventually went south, but for a minute there, we didn’t know where it was going,” she said.

“There was actually a day or two there where we felt like it was going to be used as a hub, and it was a really reassuring feeling that we have somewhere we can go to.

“It was different to how it had ever been before, because there are facilities now.”

Ms Guedes said the grand opening was well attended by Cook Shire Council and Wujal Wujal residents, add-

ing that it was heartwarming to see the Tin Shed bring so many community members together.

“To have Wujal Wujal come to it, as well as the non-Indigenous community, was really lovely,” she said.

“It provided a venue for us all to get together, have a good time, enjoy the community facility, and just enjoy being a community together.

“I think it shows that the community is supported, both by Cook Shire Council, but also by a community organisation that has put the assets, as well as the grants people, to keep on improving the conditions for the community.”

Back to School

With kids back at school for 2026, the new Queensland Government is delivering back to school relief for families.

Queensland kids have the right tools to help them on their education journey, and every parent and carer is getting the backing they need through a range of initiatives and programs designed to make the school year easier.

The new Queensland Government is doing its bit to ease cost-of-living pressures on Queensland families with the Back to School Boost providing $100

for every primary school student to assist with school-related costs.

The $200 Play On! Sports Vouchers are also supporting families while helping kids aged five to 17 get active and play their favourite sport.

Safer classrooms are giving students the best opportunity to learn. The successful Behaviour Boost program is backed by teachers and principals,

with permanent funding to improve behaviour and better support school staff in Queensland schools.

Free Kindy gives kids the chance to explore, play and learn while laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

With 15 new schools, and upgrades across the state, Queenslanders can be confident their kids will receive a world-class education.

Free Kindy giving kids the chance to explore, play and learn

The new Queensland Government is delivering Free Kindy, giving kids the chance to explore, play and learn while laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

Designed for the year before starting school, kindy helps children develop important early learning skills, build confidence, and enhance their overall wellbeing.

It also develops a love of learning, fosters confidence, and builds social skills, preparing children for a smooth transition to school.

Free Kindy gives eligible children 15 hours per week for up to 40 weeks per year in a program approved by the Queensland Government ensuring cost is not a barrier to kindy access, and relieving cost- of - living pressures for families. To be eligible for Free Kindy, children need to be at least four years old by 30 June in the year before they start Prep.

Since the program’s introduction, kindy enrolments around Queensland have risen by almost 10 per cent. All Free Kindy programs are Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority accredited and delivered by qualified early childhood teachers.

Back to School Boost for Queensland families

The new Queensland Government has helped ease cost-of-living pressures for families, with the Back to School Boost.

Every primary-school-aged child across Queensland’s state, Catholic, and independent schools receives a $100 credit to help ease costs for families.

Parents can choose to use it on the cost of items or activities offered by the school, such as camps, excursions, incursions and extracurricular activities, stationery, uniforms or excellence programs.

“The Back to School Boost is a welcome relief for our family,” said Kristy Talbot,

mum of a nine - year - old daughter attending a state school. “Knowing we can use the $100 credit for school essentials like uniforms and excursions makes a big difference to our budget.”

For state school students, a $100 credit is applied to the student’s school account. The non-state school sector is responsible for the administration of the $100, including how it can be applied to reduce fees or other related school costs.

The Back to School Boost is provided once per year. All students in primary school (Prep -Year 6) are eligible, including children who attend a special school or children enrolled in home education.

It’s just one of the ways the new Queensland Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy, with the $200 Play On! Sports Vouchers also helping ease cost-of-living pressures on Queensland families.

Game changing sports vouchers

Round 2 of Play On!

Sports Vouchers is providing ongoing cost-of-living relief for Queensland families while encouraging children to participate in their favourite sports.

F amilies with children aged five to 17 can apply for $200 Play On! Sports Vouchers, which can be used to cover the costs of memberships, registration, or participation fees, making it more affordable for Queensland kids to get involved in sports. Activity providers and sports clubs can also register to be part of the program.

There’s a dedicated allocation for children living with a disability and for kids living in regional and remote areas to even the playing field. Regional and remote Queenslanders will get their share of vouchers, reducing barriers and growing opportunities for children and young people living with a disability.

Behaviour Boost delivering safer classrooms

The new Queensland Government’s Behaviour Boost initiative for state schools is delivering safer classrooms to give all students the best opportunity to learn.

Behaviour Boost, which provides $45 million annually to support behaviour management strategies in state schools, has been widely supported by principals

and teachers, and is now a permanent feature of Queensland’s education system.

Schools have the flexibility to use their funding to engage behaviour specialists, implement tailored strategies, and build staff capability to address behavioural challenges quickly and effectively.

To further strengthen Behaviour Boost, an additional $2.5 million has

been allocated to fund professional development grants of up to $2000 for school staff specialising in behaviour management.

Supported by the new Queensland Government’s $21.9 billion Education Budget, Queensland schools are being equipped to deliver safer, more focused learning environments for all students, teachers, and staff.

Harnessing the power of virtual education

The innovative Queensland Virtual Academy (QVA) is harnessing the power of virtual education and bringing livestreamed lessons in specialist subjects into classrooms across the state.

The QVA removes the boundaries faced by regional and rural students whose schools do not offer the specialist subjects needed for them to pursue their chosen field of study or career.

Programs available through the QVA include specialist mathematics, senior physics, Japanese, and senior psychology.

The Queensland Secondary Principals Association (QSPA) said that the program has “enormous potential to scale up offerings and broaden learning opportunities for students,” adding that secondary

schools have been “actively involved in piloting this much-needed initiative.”

STEM enrichment programs are also on offer for students in Years 5 to 9 who show an aptitude for STEM.

Providing specialist subjects through the QVA helps students pursue their passions in their local school, and creates a pipeline of skilled and talented graduates in regional communities.

The QVA benefited almost 8000 students in 2025, including more than 2099 from 93 North and Far North Queensland schools.

World-class education facilities for Queensland kids

The new Queensland Government is ensuring Queensland kids have access to world-class education facilities, with projects being delivered across Queensland inside and outside of the classroom.

The Government is investing $255.6 million this financial year in North and Far North Queensland schools for new classrooms, specialist learning areas, multi-purpose halls, sporting facilities, and outdoor learning and play areas.

Projects include new learning facilities for students at Cairns State Special School with eight new classrooms, an outdoor learning area, improved accessibility for staff and students, and new covered pick-up/drop-off zones and car parking.

Cairns State Special School Principal Alicia Smith said the school community was looking forward to welcoming families who will choose the school because of its individualised and targeted support for students.

“The most exciting part is being able to provide the specialised facilities that support students’ education and health needs,” Ms Smith said.

Jobs gateway widened for young Queenslanders

Queensland students can explore careers in priority industries like never before thanks to the Queensland Government’s Gateway to Industry Schools Program.

The initiative offers students across Years 7 to 12 access to explore opportunities in agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, and more, with students able to connect with their first career pathway and gain skills in priority industries.

The program was delivered in more than 340 Queensland schools last year and has reached more than 54,000 students since 2022, ensuring a pipeline of skilled workers and better job prospects for the future.

The Government’s investment of more than $11 million extends the program over three years across a range of priority industries until January 2028, including automotive, aerospace, community services, health, information and communication technology, minerals and energy, screen and media, and building and construction.

NPA turns trash to treasure ahead of Clean Up Australia Day

by CHISA HASEGAWA

WHEN you think of marine debris, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t a beautiful hair ornament or grand sculpture, but one Erub Island artist is changing perspectives one workshop at a time.

Artist and filmmaker Jimmy J Thaiday had no issue filling seats at his ghost net workshops in the Northern Peninsula Area ahead of Clean Up Australia Day.

A hundred local creatives, as well as junior and senior students at the Northern Peninsula Area State College, eagerly learned the award-winning artist’s sculpture techniques during his two-week visit.

Mr Thaiday said he was more than happy to share his expertise in “[creating] something out of nothing that has a lasting impact”.

“It’s awe-inspiring to create some beauty from rubbish in the water. Otherwise, there would be nets everywhere,” he said.

“I draw inspiration from the shape

or colour of the plastics and turn it into something beautiful, like a cultural hair ornament, or into giant sculptures.”

In a region where storm season can litter the beaches with ghost nets and other debris brought in on monsoonal currents, his workshops inspired communities to change their mindsets on how marine pollution is perceived — bringing hope to sustain natural resources for generations to come.

“I am really proud to do something good,” Mr Thaiday said.

“It makes me happy when everyone gets a smile on their face when they see that trash becomes treasure.”

The NPA Ghost Net Workshop with Jimmy J Thaiday was supported by the Queensland Government’s Arts Queensland program.

Ghost nets collected on NPA beaches during Clean Up Australia 2026 or other beach clean activities can be donated to the NPA Art Centre in New Mapoon.

March on for vital remote mental health

by CHISA HASEGAWA

WHETHER through a morning walk, lunchtime laps or an evening stroll under the moonlight, covering just three kilometres a day can make a difference in remote mental health care.

Queenslanders are being urged to lace up their sneakers this March for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section) Fit to Fly Challenge.

The challenge, which kicked off on 1 March, is a virtual fitness and fundraising campaign to support the delivery of vital mental health services for people living in remote, rural and regional Australia.

According to the RFDS

(Queensland Section), about one in five rural and remote Australians experience a mental illness — a figure similar to major cities.

The key difference is in the limited accessibility of mental health services in rural and remote areas, making the services RFDS offers in Queensland potentially lifesaving.

RFDS (Queensland Section) Fit to Fly fundraising manager Katherine Rowe said the campaign was a meaningful way for Queenslanders to improve their own wellbeing while supporting the mental health of others.

“Fit to Fly is about getting active for your own health while helping us deliver essential mental health

care

services to communities that need them most,” Katherine said.

“For many people living in remote and regional Queensland, access to mental health services can be limited.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health, and by walking three kilometres a day this March, participants are helping us ensure no one is left behind, no matter where they live.”

Participants can register online, set a fundraising goal and share their progress with friends, family and colleagues to encourage donations throughout the month.

To register or donate, visit www.fittofly.org.au.

Baby born in community while Cooktown birthing suite remains closed

by CHISA HASEGAWA

THE arrival of a baby has left the Cooktown community questioning when birthing services will return to the hospital.

A baby was delivered in the southern Cape York community on 17 February despite the birthing suite at the Cooktown Multipurpose Health Service having closed its doors in February 2022.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) could not provide any further details due to patient confidentiality.

“Unexpected births are not uncommon in communities right across Australia, and are managed in the safest way possible when they occur by a combination of local health staff and medical retrieval services,” TCHHS executive director of medical services Dr Marlow Coates said.

“We remain determined to be able to offer a safe and sustainable birthing service as close as possible to our communities.”

The surprise birth came just days after the Weipa Integrated Health Service celebrated its 50th baby born

since birthing services resumed in the western Cape York community in May 2024.

Currently, due to “ongoing obstetric-trained medical staff shortages”, expectant mums in the Cooktown area are urged to travel to Cairns or elsewhere from around 36 weeks, requiring them to be away from their families and support systems, to ensure a safe birth.

Dr Coates said while it was disappointing, TCHHS was “starting to move closer” to resuming maternity services in Cooktown.

“We are steadily putting together a medical team with 24/7 availability of rural generalist GPs with obstetric and anaesthetic skills to ensure access to emergency caesarean section and emergency back-up for unforeseen complications during labour and antenatally,” he said.

“For the first time since 2019, we have fully recruited all required midwives and anaesthetic-trained GPs, but we still require two more obstetric-trained GPs to ensure this service is safe and sustainable – and we hope these may be firmly in place before the end of this year.”

Leichhardt MP backs local leaders in Cape visit

by CHISA HASEGAWA

CHILDCARE, aged care and housing stood out as the top priorities of the Cook Shire region when Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith caught up with communities this month.

The Leichhardt MP travelled to Wujal Wujal, Hope Vale, and Cooktown on 18-21 February, highlighting the work of local leaders on key issues in the communities.

Mr Smith said aged care and childcare were major topics of conversation in Cooktown with Cook Shire Council Mayor Robyn Holmes and CEO Brian Joiner.

“The word ‘care’ was featured in a lot of our conversations,” he said.

“It was really good to be able to front community with Robyn, answer those questions, and be able to

reflect back to the community that Robyn has been doing her job and talking to me, and I’ve been doing my job and talking to Canberra.

“[We’re trying] to map out what this is going to look like in the future to make sure that we can keep delivering to the Cape.”

Mr Smith almost towered over the machinery in the new Hope Vale gymnasium while engaging community leaders, and had a yarn with elders in Wujal Wujal.

“Wujal Wujal’s looking, obviously, for more housing, which is a bit of a curse right across our remote, discrete communities,” he said.

“Hope Vale came with some really unique ideas, which we’re quite excited about, that I want to unpack with them a little bit further.”

He said backing local leaders and maintaining relationships was hugely important in leading an electorate as big as Leichhardt.

“When you’re dealing with an electorate the size of Leichhardt, the people who live on the ground and their representatives, they have to feel like they can talk to me about the things they need, because I can’t be there,” he said.

“I’m always in contact with local leaders, so it really shows that the government is working at all levels, and it shows that we’re all trying to work together.

“An area like the Cape is too big for us to do in silos. It has to be done collaboratively, or we’re just never going to succeed.”

18th March 2026 at 10.00am

Cape York Weekly is the only media outlet covering news in every community on the Cape York Peninsula.

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Cape, Torres artists reclaim identity as CIAF launches 2026 program

by CHISA HASEGAWA

WHETHER they are keeping a message from their elders alive or finding their own message to share, stories from Cape York and Torres Strait Islands will be highlighted at this year’s Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF).

The program for the 2026 iteration was announced on 26 February, putting Cape York and Torres Strait artists front and centre to drive home the 2026 theme, Reclamation & Regeneration

Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait Islander artist Tobias Corrie will be exhibiting at CIAF for the second time, showcasing traditional headdresses he learned to make from his elders.

The name of his solo exhibition, Thonar, which translates to ‘time’ in the Kala Lagaw Ya language, holds a deep message about climate change for the artist.

“The time is now that we have to

start calling out climate change,” he said.

“A lot of my artwork will relate to our culture, which, in a few years, it’ll be lost because of the effects of climate change, especially on the lower islands.”

Mr Corrie said it was an honour to share the knowledge of his elders, and hoped his work would be impactful enough for them to be heard.

“Without them teaching me, I wouldn’t be here today; I wouldn’t be in this position to be able to tell the stories of my people, so it’s really important that when I create art, I do it with a purpose,” he said.

“Everything I do is the stories that have been passed down, and it’s meaningful, so that everyone gets a sense of what’s going on within our culture.

“There are places that don’t exist anymore that still continue in stories today.”

With CIAF now entering its 17th year, he said it was exciting to be part of a legacy of artists who had put Cape York and Zenadth Kes culture at the forefront.

“It’s always an amazing opportunity to be a part of something with other Indigenous artists — a lot of black excellence in one room,” Mr Corrie said.

“I think the most important thing about it is uplifting each other, and sharing our culture with everyone is really quite an awesome feeling.”

CIAF artistic director Teho Ropeyarn said the event would present more than 30 exhibitors from across the Cape, Torres Strait, and wider Queensland region, all with their own stories and cultures to share.

“You get to meet artists, you get to hear talks, and it’s a whole celebration of our people and our cultural expression,” he said.

“It’s a platform for them to present their works, but also profile

them, and connect them with VIP collectors in the wider industry.

“It’s about identity and survival, and continuing our oral stories and our connection to Country.”

Mr Ropeyarn also shared the opening night performance setlist, which will feature award-winning Sabai Island dance troupe Naygayiw Gigi, based in Bamaga.

This year’s fair will be extra special for veteran artist Susan Reys, who has sold her works at CIAF’s Artisans Showcase since 2015, but will be presenting a solo exhibition at the event for the first time.

“I can’t believe it’s actually 2026, and finally, I was game enough to submit into CIAF for the artists fair,” she said.

“I’ve been on a long journey of discovering who I am, and arts has actually been my vehicle to allow me to do that.

“I wanted to feel brave and

strong to show everyone the way I feel about Country.”

Ms Reys, who creates in her Mount Molloy studio, said her artwork was “intuitive”, allowing the cultural knowledge passed down by her mother to guide the process.

However, an important part of her journey was discovering how she wanted to share culture as an artist.

“As soon as people see the Aboriginal motifs, straight away, they want to come up and have a conversation with me, but I started to be brave, and thought, what if I stripped that back,” she said.

“How could I paint in a style that doesn’t necessarily come from the expectation of what Aboriginal artwork looks like, but what if I painted it from me, from my spirit in this contemporary world.

“It’s taken me a long time to get there, but it’s the thing that excites me and motivates me.”

Shared stories from our backyard.

Weipa is a place shaped by connection — to Country, to community, and to the everyday moments that make life here unique. From red earth to blue water, Weipa welcomes locals, newcomers, and visitors into a region defined by movement, work, culture, and shared experiences.

Now we want to hear your perspective. What’s your Weipa story?

Tell us in 250 words or less for your chance to be featured. It could be a moment, a memory, a person, a place, or an experience that capt what Weipa means to you.

captures often, your story invitation to

Whether you've lived here for years, just arrived, or visit oft is part of what makes Weipa the community it is. This is your i reflect, celebrate, and share what this place represents to you

Discover the place. Share the story.

We can’t wait to read yours.

Selected stories will each receive a $500 Weipa Business & Leisure Travel voucher, and the winning submissions will be transformed into digital interpretations for display at the Weipa Airport, celebrating the voices and experiences that make our community unique. Entries close Friday, 13 March, so be sure to share your story before the deadline.

Scan the QR code to enter.

Peppan Country

Please be advised that access to Peppan Country is closed until further notice, due to sorry business. It is important that we acknowledge and respect the advice from Traditional Owners so that cultural customs can be observed and practiced. Rio Tinto personnel, contractors and public are not to enter the area until further notice.

Applications open 1 March 2026

Rio Tinto Weipa is dedicated to the sustainable development and growth of local signatory communities.

Our Sponsorships and Donations Program provides funding for local programs, initiatives, activities, and events that enrich community life and contribute to making the region a vibrant place to live and work. The program's catchment area includes Weipa, Napranum, Aurukun, Mapoon, and the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA).

Do you volunteer with a local community group, club, or organisation? Or do you have a community initiative, event, or project you'd like to see supported?

Contact our communities team to request a new application form and learn more about eligibility and available funding.

Email: RTAWeipaFeedback@riotinto.com

Mission River Bridge and Andoom Creek Bridge Load Limits of Trucks and Cranes

The load signs at each end of the bridge show the maximum loads that can normally cross the bridges without an additional approval. Trucks and other machinery under these limits on the signs must obey the speed limit of 40km/hr for vehicles over 5t gross.

Operators of trucks must ensure that their vehicle does not exceed the gross mass on the sign, or for permit vehicles, the mass on the permit.

Permit vehicles are required to travel at 8km/hr, which will require 6 minutes to cross Mission River Bridge. Other drivers must not close up behind slow travelling vehicles.

Contact RTAWeipaBridge@riotinto.com for approval applications.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Please call our feedback hotline 1800 820 711 or email RTAWeipaFeedback@riotinto.com

Advertise Across the Entire Cape York Peninsula

Want to talk to the people of Cape York?

TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT 116 PENINSULA DEVELOPMENTAL ROAD, COEN QLD 4892

1. Telstra is proposing to upgrade an existing mobile phone base station on the existing 154m guyed mast at 116 Peninsula Developmental Road, COEN QLD 4892. RFNSA: 4871020.

2. In summary, this upgrade will include:

• Removing four (4) existing omni antennas;

• Installing six (6) new panel antennas (each 2.71m long) at a height of 152.0m;

• Ancillary equipment including tower mounted amplifiers, remote radio units, GPS antenna, mounts, cables, etc and works within the equipment shelter.

3. We invite you to provide your feedback or request further information by contacting us at: Ben Lavery, Planning Consultant on behalf of Telstra at telstra.submissions@servicestream.com.au, 0497 833 252 or by post to: Service Stream (Wireless) - Level 3, Tower B, Zenith Centre, 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm Wednesday 18 March 2026.

4. For more information, please visit www.rfnsa.com.au/4871020.

Service Stream Ltd A.B.N. 46 072 369 870

Telstra Ltd A.C.N. 086 174 781 Amplitel Pty Ltd A.C.N: 648 133 073

Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page

Quick Crossword

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.

Splashing success for Hansen in Weipa parkrun

WET socks and testing conditions were no match for Weipa’s early risers when they took to a puddly parkrun track on Saturday morning.

Sam Hansen led the pack of 71 across the finish line, stopping the clock over the five kilometre course in a time of 20 minutes, 10 seconds. It was a comfortable win for the runner, who beat secondplace Barry Cronin (21:53) by over a minute and a half.

Hansen, whose winning time was a new PB, celebrated a morning of achievements alongside 10 other runners who also set their record times.

Kathleen Love was the first female over the line at 26 minutes, 44 seconds.

The Weipa parkrun crew welcomed first-timers Mathew Johnston, Vernon Clark and Ashlee Polmear to the morning running community.

Volunteers Chris Blythe, Tamlyn Crozier, Sherece McCulloch, Jason Smith, Georgia Stoddart, Mel Scott, Tracey Small and Michael Reinke donned their vests and umbrellas to ensure the morning was a success.

Weipa parkrun is held every Saturday morning at 7 am at the shelter next to the hospital roundabout in Nanum.

Handicap puts Lucas in Dawnbusters lead

IT was more handicap than skill that helped Sunday’s winner over the line when 19 Dawnbusters took to the soggy field on 1 March.

Jim Lucas managed to snag weekend golf glory after posting a 51 off the stick, netting him a 19 and two-stroke lead over his nearest rival.

Lucas said while he was happy with the win, he was not so happy about the slashing of his handicap from 32 to 15.

In only his second game, Dawnbusters rookie Luke Christie finished the morning as the Bridesmaid and Men’s Longest Drive champion with a score of 43.

Hoffmans was taken by Beth Dall, who has won this prestigious award eight times this season, and continues to cement her hold over this trophy.

Dall also went on to take out the Women’s Longest Drive.

Olly Tata and Jamie Hutton came in with strong scores of 41 off the stick, with Tata taking out Nearest the Pin after the prize went unclaimed for three weeks.

The crew welcomed new players Mandy Crawford, Jason Coyte, and Aaron May.

Dawnbusters will take on the front nine on 8 March, with an expected tee-off time of about 6:45 am.

by CHISA HASEGAWA

IT is shaping up to be another strong year of representative footy for Cape York and Torres Strait athletes after huge growth from players in the Cook region.

Year 5 and 6 students from Cooktown, Bloomfield, Rossville and Hope Vale went head-to-head for the annual Cooktown Crusader Cup on 26 February, with Cooktown State School coming out victorious against Endeavour Christian College in the final showdown.

Bloomfield State School’s Bianca Diamond was named the female MVP player of the day, while Cooktown State School’s TJ Ling was awarded the male MVP player of the day.

The carnival is a precursor for selection in AFL Cape York’s under-12 Crusader teams, which will feature a lineup of players from across Cape York and Torres Strait chosen out from the in-school development program.

AFL Cape York game development officer Matt Mellahn said the players, many of whom played AFL for the first time at school sessions, showed immense improvement over the five-week program.

“It’s starting to sink in, and they’re starting to understand the game away from just the skill side of it, like the kicking and the handballing” he said.

“The young people had a great understanding of

the rules and the ways they could move.

“They’ve got their own little X factor and flair, they’ve got great steps, and they’ve got so much speed.”

Players in Cooktown were the first to fight for their spots on the teams, and will be followed by Crusader hopefuls in Weipa and Thursday Island in term two, Coen, Pormpuraaw and Bamaga in term three, and Croydon and Doomadgee in term four.

“Out of all those carnivals, we pick our 22 boys and our 22 girls that we take away to state championships,” Mellahn said.

“There are a lot of young people we see at that age, and it’s not an easy team to get into.”

He said while skills on the

field were valued, they were also looked at for their engagement in school and their communities.

“It’s not just about being the best footballer, but also being a good member of the community, coming to school, showing up and doing the right things,” he said.

“You could kick 10 goals in our Crusader Cup, but if you’re not coming to school and you’re not doing the right thing in community, that’s a big cross next to your name.

“There’s been good representation from the Cook region, so it’s exciting to come back and see the younger ones who have looked up to the previous players. They want to be a Crusader now as well, which is really pleasing for us.”