Cape York Weekly Edition 273

Caring for Country on Clean Up day

by CHISA HASEGAWA

YOUNG people in Aurukun and Napranum have shown their dedication to caring for Country during Clean Up Australia Day 2026.

Not even torrential rain could stop Aurukun locals from donning the ponchos and giving back to community on 3 March for the nationwide environmental campaign.

During the Aurukun Shire Council event, the effort and leadership of PCYC Aurukun youth were described as “instrumental” as they faced challenging weather conditions with a smile on their faces.

Club manager Sergeant Steve Armstrong-Ravula said the young people showed great leadership and enthusiasm during the clean-up.

– Continued page 2

Illegal fishing concerns

CALLS FOR PERMANENT OFFICER BASED IN TORRES STRAIT

by LUKE MORTIMER

THE Queensland Minister for Primary Industries has urged the Federal Government to ramp up resourcing and patrols as biosecurity concerns mount over illegal foreign shing boats in the Torres Strait.

Minister Tony Perrett said the “greatly concerning” incursion of vessels in northern waters “ratchets up the biosecurity risk

to the entire Queensland food production system”.

“It’s not acceptable that foreign shing vessels are slipping through the Federal safeguards and being found by Queenslanders in mainland creeks,” he said.

“I’m calling on the Albanese Government to fund a senior ofcer permanently based in the Torres Strait to lead a response which includes involving local communities.

“Queensland stands ready to support the Commonwealth and we have contributed a Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol vessel to join the Federal efforts.” Australian Border Force (ABF) reports of cers have intercepted 15 foreign shing vessels in the region since the start of the year.

Last month, the ABF launched Operation Broadstaff in a bid to tackle the problem.

But Federal Leichhardt MP Matt Smith said the Commonwealth has been working on a more permanent solution.

In recent days, Mr Smith and Federal Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill visited Thursday Island, as did Mr Perrett and Cook MP David Kempton.

– Continued page 3

New editor at helm of Cape York Weekly

by LUKE MORTIMER

THE importance of robust journalism in regional and remote communities cannot be understated – and that’s why I’m thrilled to take on the role of editor at Cape York Weekly

PH: 4072 4010 E: admin@hambellps.com

TUXWORTH & WOODS CARRIERS

Need a reliable freight service to the Cape?

Tuxworth & Woods have all your refrigerated, dry & heavy haulage needs covered – from 20 grams to 20 tonnes

WEIPA DEPOT

Iraci Ave, Evans Landing Mob: 0429 003 743

Ph: 4069 7183 Fax: 4069 7472

COOKTOWN DEPOT

Cnr of Endeavour Road and McMillan Streets, Cooktown Ph: 0419 759 892

CAIRNS OFFICE: Ph: 4035 4022 25 Redden St, Portsmith

Get carried away with Tuxworth & Woods Carriers

Whether highlighting community wins, fighting for crucial infrastructure funding or shining a spotlight on what makes Cape York tick, there’s undoubtedly much to be done and I’m keen to get stuck in.

I’m looking forward to meeting as many community members as possible in the coming days, weeks and months and urge you to reach out if you have information to share, or just want to have a say. We need your help to tell the local stories that matter and every news tip counts.

Your valuable contributions will go a long way to

help us to continue to produce a freely accessible newspaper and website which are loud and proud about all that makes the Cape great. Prior to taking on this new challenge, I spent most of my career covering smaller communities and I know all too well there’s an abundance of tales to tell. Unfortunately,

there’s often limited media representation in what can be challenging business environments.

Meanwhile, misinformation runs rampant online, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is exploding and fewer professional regional and remote journalists are employed by the year.

Amongst the turmoil, as part of Region Media, the Cape York Weekly continues to give a voice to those living in one of the most beautiful and diverse regions in the nation.

It’s perhaps no surprise I jumped at the chance to make a difference at the publication and it’s a privilege to be welcomed onboard by the team.

Now, I invite you to get involved too. Share the good, the bad and everything in between. We’re here to listen. You can show your support by signing up for a free digital edition of the Cape York Weekly, visiting our free website, and supporting the businesses that support what we do.

Together we can make the Cape a little bit better day by day – one story at a time.

Get in touch with the editor by emailing: lmortimer@ region.com.au

Youth give back to community on Clean Up day

From page 1

“I was extremely proud of the youth, because they had just finished school, and were still very keen to get stuck in and help clean up Aurukun,” he said.

“Once we got them in their ponchos, handed out the umbrellas and litter grabber, they were off on their way.

“None of our team and the youth were ashamed to pick up rubbish, and were proud to do the right thing.”

Members of THE COOKTOWN AND DISTRICT YOUTH ASSOCIATION INC. are advised that the Annual General Meeting will be held WEDNESDAY 1st APRIL 2026 @ 5:00PM AT THE BLOCK –30 CHARLOTTE ST, COOKTOWN

He said it was great to see the young people take pride in the place they call home, and the impact continued even after they took off the ponchos and retreated undercover.

“Each young person was eager to fill up their bags with rubbish and make their respective areas look nicer,” Sergeant Armstrong-Ravula said.

“One large, caged trailer of rubbish was collected, and the youth were very excited to tell us how many bags they filled themselves and in their teams.

“As well as a number of local agencies, there were also environmental specialists there for the day, and they encouraged the youth to keep making a massive difference in their community by decreasing pollution, protecting wildlife and helping Aurukun look nicer.”

Accompanied by club staff and members of the community, they spent an hour removing rubbish from the area, followed by a well-deserved sausage sizzle.

“The staff were very proud of the children who attended,” a club spokesperson said.

The weather gods were a little nicer to the young people at PCYC Napranum, who were greeted with sunshine when they headed out to the local beach and boat ramp on 28 February.

Rats targeted by drones in ‘critical’ bird

by LUKE MORTIMER

THE Federal Government has revealed it will fork out more than $1.5 million to the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) to help make sure H5 avian inuenza, known as bird u, does not breach Australian biosecurity measures.

The Commonwealth funding will support Traditional Owners (represented by the Maluilgal Registered Native Title Body Corporate) to lead the targeted eradication of rats using drones to deploy baits across Warul Kawa (Deliverance Island).

The black rats prey on nesting birds and their eggs, as well as compete for food on the island.

Warul Kawa is located south of Papua New Guinea, within the Ugul Malu Kawal Indigenous Protected Area.

The island is a key ecological and cultural site for Traditional Owners and Torres Strait Islander communities. It is also is a key resting point for many migratory birds, including the Paci c golden plover and iconic little tern.

Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said the investment in the Torres Strait would help residents strengthen the island’s resilience against the virus.

“Australia is the only continent currently free of H5 bird u, and we’re taking steps to bolster native bird

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins said the measures were vital to protect the nation’s biodiversity.

“We’re taking the threat of H5 bird u seriously, with our ongoing efforts demonstrating the strong biosecurity capability Australia is known for,” she said.

populations, so they are more resilient if it arrives,” he said.

“Healthy habitats and strong populations give native species the best chance of withstanding the potential impacts of H5 bird u. These projects will also have long-lasting conservation bene ts.

Leichhardt MP Matt Smith said the funding would safeguard migratory birds that rely on Warul Kawa.

“Eradicating rats on Warul Kawa will help protect migratory birds from H5 bird u as they travel between Asia and Australia, ensuring that more survive the trip while reducing the risk of the disease spreading,’” he said.

“Without rats on the

island, local seabirds may return and once again use Warul Kawa as a breeding site.”

TSRA chairperson George Nona said the funding acknowledged the environmental, cultural and geographic importance of the region.

“Positioned on Australia’s frontline, the Torres Strait is a diverse and unique region home to some of the nation’s richest environmental and cultural treasures,” he said.

“As a long-standing project partner and advocate, TSRA welcomes the broader recognition of this local-led project deeply rooted in the cultural governance and leadership of the Maluilgal RNTBC Traditional Owners.”

Biosecurity fears as foreign fishing boats slip net

From page 1

Meetings involved Torres Strait Island Regional Council, Torres Shire Council, Torres Strait Regional Authority, Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, ABF and the Australian Defence Force, among other organisations and individuals.

Mr Smith, who has just opened an of ce on Thursday Island, said the Commonwealth wanted to gauge community expectations and ensure “a Torres Strait solution to a Torres Strait area”.

“We got out to Dauan and Boigu, and we were able to sit down with the leaders out there as well, who are obviously on the front line,” he said.

“It wasn’t just a TI-centric event; we got out and about, and made sure that everyone

who wanted to have an opportunity to speak to Julian and myself got that opportunity.

“Ultimately, we’re looking at a permanent solution that empowers Torres Strait Islander people to be in charge of their own areas and a big part of that is what happens next in terms of empowering BMOs (border monitoring of cers), creating new career pathways and getting that local knowledge on the compliance enforcement part.

“A really big thing was ensuring that there are local people directly engaged with Border Force.”

It comes as Mr Kempton has warned the ongoing presence of illegal shing boats could lead to disastrous outbreaks affecting both primary producers and public health.

“As the sightings of illegal shing boats from Indonesia into Australian waters continue to escalate, it is becoming increasingly obvious a new strategy is required to deal with the threat,” he said.

“Our leaking border not only threatens our shing industry by depleting stocks through unregulated practices – there are mounting biosecurity risks to our primary industries by screw worm y, lumpy skin and foot-and-mouth disease… and further threats to the human population by malaria, tuberculosis and arboviruses and so on.”

Mr Kempton said the Torres Strait community were worried about the “transport of illegal drugs, rearms and human traf cking, not to mention the defence risk

in uncertain geopolitical times”.

“Above all, Torres Strait Islanders are fearful of these incursions, as they are unsure of the motivation and purpose of so many vessels visiting the region,” he said.

“It’s imperative locals with extensive knowledge and experience take the lead and their role in delivering a solution is respected.”

Mr Perrett said it was made clear to him during the consultative meetings the current Commonwealth response was “completely inadequate”.

“Torres Strait Islanders say they are living alongside the weakest border in the country, and all Queenslanders should be alarmed that the entire state is being exposed due to these incursions,” he said.

‘Chappy’ leaves lasting legacy on next generation

by CHISA HASEGAWA

AFTER being a support for hundreds of students in the Cooktown district school community, veteran school chaplain David Kamholtz said his final goodbye to the role after 20 years of service.

Affectionately known as “Chappy”, Mr Kamholtz has provided a safe space for students, families and staff at Rossville State School, Cooktown State School, Lakeland State School, and previously, Bloomfield River State School for 17 years after a three-year stint in Central Queensland.

As he marked the end of the “significant chapter”, Mr Kamholtz told Cape York Weekly that chaplaincy had been a truly meaningful role.

“I actually came out of doing IT, so I came out of a very nonpeople-based workplace,” he said.

“I wasn’t fulfilled there, because I wanted to have an impact on someone else’s life, and I wanted to contribute to people’s wellbeing.”

The chaplain said he felt most connected with young people in the outdoors, with many of his favourite memories made sitting around a campfire on one of their adventures.

“What comes to mind is sitting around the fire with kids, talking about their potential and things they want to leave behind when

returning home after camp,” he said.

“There’s hundreds of memories just like that, and they’re all similar in that context of making the changes in their lives as they head back after an experience out bush.

“For me, the ingredients to a great camp are three things: it’s about having fun, building trust, and being challenged. I think those three simple things create a strong sense of community that enables a space for change.”

Mr Kamholtz said the role had been well-supported by community, which in turn, allowed him to give his best to south-eastern Cape York students for almost two decades.

He said funding for the program had been a shared community effort, with about half provided through state and federal grants, and the remainder generously supported by local donors, including the Cooktown RSL and many individual community members.

“The school communities have been incredibly supportive of chaplaincy, allowing me to facilitate grief and loss programs, values-based education, canoeing and hiking adventures, team challenge activities, and our Rite of Passage program for fathers and sons,” he said.

“The encouragement and partnership from families and the wider community has made all the difference.

“We truly have such an accepting and supportive community here.”

Rossville State School principal Venus Docker said that he had been a constant support for students, family, staff and the wider community, and would be sorely missed.

“He always led with his heart, and cared deeply for his students that he worked with,” she said.

“He was a true wellbeing warrior; from excursions and school events to graduations, Chappy

was always there, not only for our school, but across our cluster schools as well.

“Through his incredible work, he strengthened connections between schools, and brought the community together; we hope to continue his work and do him proud.

“Saying goodbye was not easy, but we are incredibly happy for him as he begins the next chapter of his journey.”

As he looks to make his next mark on the Cooktown community, Mr Kamholtz said he hoped

2026 Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council by-election

ELECTION INFORMATION

A by-election is being held to elect a new Councillor for Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council on Saturday 14 March 2026.

Vote early at Pormpuraaw Justice Building, 24 Yalu Street

Wednesday 11 March to Friday 13 March from 9am to 6pm

Vote on election day at Pormpuraaw Justice Building, 24 Yalu Street

Saturday 14 March from 8am to 6pm

Looking for more information?

Visit us at ecq.qld.gov.au/pormpuraaw

his messages about never giving up, bouncing back and having faith would help students for years to come.

“It has been an honour to walk beside so many young people through their challenges, and to encourage them in their great potential,” he said.

“I would love our young people to continue to have my slogans rattling around in their heads.

“I’d love to see them grow to contribute to community, and help others feel like they belong and have purpose and value as well.”

Scan or visit check.aec.gov.au to check you’re enrolled

Major upgrades to come for Moa Island health centres

by CHISA HASEGAWA

TWO health centres in the Torres Strait are earmarked for a muchneeded revamp as part of an estimated $13.5 million project.

The State Government announced that tenders have been called for the redevelopment of St Paul’s Primary Health Care Centre and Kubin Primary Health Care Centre on Moa Island.

The St Paul’s community will make way for a new primary healthcare centre, which will include a procedure room and two consultation rooms.

A temporary facility will be established on site to allow for the continued delivery of health services while the old building is demolished and construction is underway.

Staff will also welcome the refurbishment of their accommodation site as part of the project, and extensive landscaping works will be undertaken.

At the Kubin Primary Health Care Centre, the existing facility will be upgraded to include several new features, including an enclosed waiting room, a covered meeting area, an entry enclosure and an access ramp.

ment set to deliver more than 2600 new beds around the state by 2031.

“Our health service includes some of the most remote and isolated communities in Queensland,” TCHHS CEO Rex O’Rourke said.

“We are determined to ensure that we deliver quality health services to all our communities, no matter how remote.”

Member for Cook David Kempton said the benefits of the two redevelopments would include improved patient safety, experience, quality of service delivery, and a stronger ability to attract and retain more staff.

“This dedicated maintenance program aligns with the Crisafulli Government’s broader goals to deliver safe, contemporary health facilities as part of the Queensland Hospital Rescue Plan,” Mr Kempton said.

“Health staff in the outer regions of Queensland do a great job amid circumstances that are often challenging, so it’s important that we provide the best conditions for them that we can.”

In addition, the health promotion conference room will receive a new roof and covered meeting area. There will also be a deck extension and enclosure of the upper-level balcony, a full internal and external repaint, and landscaping.

Funding for the redevelopment project has been allocated by the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) through

the Crisafulli Government’s $3.16 billion Timely Investment Infrastructure Maintenance (TIIM) program. TIIM is part of the wider Hospital Rescue Plan, a record invest-

Mr Kempton confirmed that redevelopment or replacement projects for several other healthcare centres in the TCHHS region have been approved, including primary health centres in Bamaga, Laura, Lockhart River, Boigu, Badu and Horn Islands.

NEWS IN BRIEF

$200,000 to enhance community connection

THE Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and Telstra are inviting remote, rural and regional community groups to apply for grants of up to $10,000 through round 4 of Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program.

With $200,000 available, the program will support locally-led initiatives that strengthen digital inclusion, enhance community connection and resilience, and build sustainability and liveability of rural Australia.

Now in its fourth year, the program has already enabled almost 70 not‑for‑profit organisations nationwide to upgrade digital infrastructure, deliver digital skills training, support disaster readiness and improve service delivery.

To learn more about eligibility criteria and what’s required in the application, go to https://frrr.org.au/funding/telstraconnected-communities-program/.

Deadline extended for disaster assistance grants

THE Federal and State Governments have extended the application deadline for Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants of up to $75,000, giving primary producers impacted by the North and Far North Tropical Low in early 2025 an additional six months to apply.

The new deadline for applications is 14 August 2026.

The grants are designed to assist primary producers in recovering from the devastating impacts of the tropical low, which caused widespread damage across North and Far North Queensland.

The funding can be used to cover the costs of clean-up and recovery activities.

Primary producers are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply for the grants by visiting the information for primary producers webpage or by contacting the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority at https:// www.qrida.qld.gov.au/.

Crime crackdown forges ahead into Far North communities

THE Queensland Police Service has launched Operation Yankee Forge, a six-month enhanced statewide operation aimed at reducing victims of crime and targeting offenders who cause the most harm in our communities.

Police are targeting high-harm offending in high-crime locations. Focusing on unlawful use, robbery and unlawful entry offences, police will be highly visible preventing, disrupting and investigating crime.

The operation is locally led and centrally coordinated, leveraging the knowledge and experience of police officers who know their communities best. Specialist capabilities will be drawn upon for greater support, with the State Flying Squad set to be deployed in Far North District imminently.

Iconic ferry inaccessible as Cape embraces wet season

WITH thousands of tourists chomping at the bit to embark on the trip of a lifetime to Cape York as soon as the wet season dissipates, one northern council is reminding enthusiastic tourists to use common sense and local knowledge before pulling the trigger on their trip.

The trip across the Jardine River is one of the most iconic legs of any Cape adventure, but Mother Nature has ensured the ferry – one of the most talkedabout elements of a northern road trip – remains inaccessible.

In a social media post on 2 March, Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC), which operates the critical river

crossing, shared photos of the inaccessible ferry, and urged travellers to use common sense when attempting to traverse Cape York during the wet season.

“Due to recent high volume of rainfall flooding Jardine [Road] and [the] Jardine River ferry is unable to operate in unsafe, high water levels,” NPARC said in the post.

“Thank you for your understanding.”

With two tropical lows impacting the east and west coasts of Cape York, it may be some time yet before tourists can fire up the engines for their 2026 bucket list trips.

Selected stories will each receive a $500 Weipa Business & Leisure Travel voucher. Entries close Friday, 13 March, so be sure to share your story before the deadline.

When:

Peppan Country

Please

Principal ‘incredibly proud’ as small Cooktown school thrives

by LUKE MORTIMER

A COOKTOWN school has heaped praise on its students and detailed how it expanded subject choices for seniors, despite its relatively small size.

Endeavour Christian College teacher Leroy Corea, secondary and character and culture coordinator, said a partnership has been established with other schools in the Christian Community Ministries.

The “consortium” allows the older students to take “online senior subjects which fit into the regular senior timetable”.

“It provides our senior students at ECC the opportunity to select subjects which we could not offer face to face due to being a smaller school,” Mr Corea said.

“It also allows our teachers to collaborate with other teachers teaching the same subjects, strengthening professional practice and improving learning outcomes for students.”

It’s just one of many drawcards offered by the Cape school serving years P-12, according to proud principal Jenny Nelson.

“Learning at ECC extends well beyond the curriculum. Students are encouraged to explore their interests, develop talents, and connect with others through a broad range of opportunities,” she said.

“Our student leadership program is a strength of our College. The program aims to foster a ‘heart for service’, encouraging students to use their talents to benefit our community locally and globally.

“Along with many other student-led activities, the student council runs fundraising events throughout the year to support sponsored children in several developing countries.”

Mr Corea, who has worked at the school four years, also flagged the unique LIFT (Life, Integrity, Faithfulness and Teamwork) program, which “forms the wellbeing framework at ECC”.

He said LIFT has given students “opportunities and experiences to help develop them as whole people and prepare them for academic, social and realworld success”.

Students attend camps at Brisbane, Canberra, Mareeba and Tinaroo, among other activities.

“They participate in experiences such as white-water rafting in Tully, snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, completing a Remote First Aid certificate and achieving their pool Bronze Medallion,” Mr Corea said.

“Students also plan outdoor education camps, go on hikes, participate in community service projects and are trained as peer support leaders.

“Our student council leaders also

play an important role in building community within the college. They organise events for families such as the Compassion Disco, Family Movie Night, and the Primary School Sleepout.

“Our 25 student leaders from Years 5–12 are not simply a token student council –they are an integral part of shaping student culture at ECC.”

Ms Nelson said the school’s tight-knit community created “meaningful connections and lasting friendships”.

“The supportive community ensures that students feel valued, respected and connected, creating an atmosphere conducive to personal growth and development,” she said.

“Endeavour is a low fee-paying school, keeping a high-quality Christian education within reach for as many families as possible.”

Ms Nelson spoke highly about both the students and teachers at the school.

“We are incredibly proud of our beautiful students,” she said.

“One of the qualities that truly sets Endeavour Christian College apart is our genuinely caring and nurturing community.

“At the heart of everything we do is the belief that every student is unique, valued and worthy of being known deeply.

“For our teachers, their role is more than a career — it is a calling and a mission to positively influence lives. Our teachers take great pride in building strong, genuine relationships with students and their families.”

18th March 2026 at 10.00am

2026 Sponsorships and Donations Program

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

Thursday Island surgery to receive lifesaving surgical support

by CHISA HASEGAWA

NEW telehealth technology will allow Torres Strait Island locals access to lifesaving surgical care close to home.

A specialist high-definition camera will enable surgical specialists to be virtually present inside the operating theatre at Thursday Island Hospital.

By seeing procedures clearly through the lens, specialists in fields such as obstetrics and general surgery will be able to provide immediate clinical advice to support local teams.

Thursday Island senior medical officer Dr Jake Parker said the helping hand would be invaluable in emergency situations.

“Having instant access to specialist advice during surgery provides an extra layer of support and confidence for our team, particularly in complex or unexpected situations,” he said.

“This technology will help us continue delivering safe, high-quality care locally, while reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment.”

Member for Cook David Kempton agreed that the technology boost was a win for local patients.

“This technology strengthens the capability of our highly skilled rural generalists, giving them instant access to specialist support during critical moments, and helping restore health services locals can rely on when they need them most,” he said.

“No matter where you live in Queensland, you deserve access to safe, high-quality healthcare, and this innovation ensures patients in the Torres can receive expert care without leaving their community.”

ICN 1163 | ABN 22 965 382 705

NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION MEETING ABOUT A PROPOSED NATIVE TITLE DETERMINATION APPLICATION ON BEHALF OF THE

Kuuku Ya’u, Uutaalnganu & Umpila Sea Claim Group

Wednesday 1 April 2026

Lockhart River

This notice is to advise that Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will hold a meeting on Wednesday, 1 April 2026 in Lockhart River for all members of the Kuuku Ya’u, Uutaalnganu and Umpila Native Title Groups. The main purpose the meeting is to make decisions about a proposed native title determination application (a native title claim) on behalf of the Kuuku Ya’u, Uutaalnganu and Umpila Native Title Groups, jointly as the “Kuuku Ya’u, Uutaalnganu and Umpila Sea Claim Group”, over the areas of sea country and islands as depicted on the map below. CYLC will facilitate the meeting.

Date: Wednesday, 1 April 2026

Venue: Lockhart River Social Club, Piiramo Street, Lockhart River

Time: 11.30am – 1.30pm (refreshments provided)

Purpose of the meetings:

A CYLC lawyer will explain the process for authorising the proposed native title claim over the proposed claim area to the members of the Kuuku Ya’u, Uutaalnganu and Umpila Native Title Groups at the meeting. This will also include an explanation of, and the opportunity to meeting participants to discuss, the following matters: (1) the external boundaries of the proposed claim area, (2) which members of the Kuuku Ya’u, Uutaalnganu and Umpila Native Title Groups should be nominated as members of the Applicant for the proposed native title claim, and so be authorised to make, and to deal with matters arising in relation to the proposed application, (3) if authorised, the conditions that should be placed on the authority of the members of the Applicant, including conditions to ensure that decisions affecting country are made by the traditional owners that speak for that country, and (4) the name that should be given to the native title claim group for the claim (described in this notice as the “Kuuku Ya’u, Uutaalnganu and Umpila Sea Claim Group” but a different name could be used). Following explanation of, and discussion about, the matters outlined above, the meeting participants will be asked to consider and make decisions about whether:

• to agree to and adopt a decision-making process;

• to authorise the making of the proposed application over the areas of sea country and islands as depicted on the map below;

• conditions should be imposed on the authority of the members of the Applicant, including conditions to ensure that decisions affecting country are made by the people who speak for that country; and

• the claim group for the application should be called the “Kuuku Ya’u, Uutaalnganu and Umpila Sea Claim Group” or some other name.

Who is invited to attend the meetings?

The meeting is open to all members of the Kuuku Ya’u, Uutaalnganu and Umpila Native Title Groups as defined in the respective determinations of native title made by the Federal Court in Ross on behalf of the Cape York United #1 Claim Group v State of Queensland (No 2) (Kuuku Ya’u determination) [2021] FCA 1464, Ross on behalf of the Cape York United #1 Claim Group v State of Queensland (No 3) (Uutaalnganu (Night Island) determination) [2021] FCA 1465, and Ross on behalf of the Cape York United #1 Claim Group v State of Queensland (No 17) (Umpila determination) [2023] FCA 734. Please contact CYLC if you would like to confirm whether you are eligible to attend.

Confirmation of attendance and attendance by video-conference

To confirm attendance, please contact Jasmin Schubert on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email at jschubert@cylc.org.au. Note that there is limited funding available for travel assistance Any requests for travel assistance should be made by Wednesday, 25 March 2026 If you have queries about this meeting, please contact Parky Wirrick on 0409 548 569 or pwirrick@cylc.org.au. Videoconferencing facilities will be made available at the meetings. If you would like CYLC to arrange a video-conference from your location into the meetings, whether you live at the location of the meetings or elsewhere, please contact CYLC on the free call number above.

Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page

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.

Runners turn track purple for IWD parkrun

A SLOSHY track was no deterrent for the sea of purple when 70 early-risers put on their sneakers for the Weipa parkrun International Women’s Day edition.

It was PB-galore on 7 March when 16 runners set their record times, with top three finishers Barry Cronin (20:47), Harro Nolan (22:09) and Cole Watson (22:46) all stopping the clock at their best times.

Kat Hansen was the first female over the line, completing the 5-kilometre course in a time of 23 minutes, 49 seconds, and setting the fourth PB of the morning.

The Weipa parkrun crew welcomed first-timers William Nevin, Frances Nevin and Iaba Anu to the morning running community.

Volunteers Katrina Scholefield, Nanthini Kanthan, Jason Smith, Lizzy Polak, Lisa May, Lewis Haslop, Daneeka Roediger and Ali Scott made sure the morning was a purple success with plenty of balloons and cake.

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

Post-round BBQ the secret behind Dawnbuster win

THE thought of a fresh bacon and egg burger on a soggy day is enough to make anyone drool, but for one Weipa golfer, it was even enough to inspire a win on Sunday’s Dawnbuster course.

Randal O’Neil managed to snag weekend golf glory after hitting a 46, his lowest score of the season, but when asked about the win, he admitted it was the post-round barbecue that kept him motivated.

The cold light of day revealed the closure of the first 2 holes due to the rain-drenched conditions, but this did not deter Dawnbusters, who replayed 2 holes in order to achieve the full 9 for the morning.

Scott Triffit seemed to take a liking to the wet and sloppy greens, hitting a 43 off the stick, while Mick “I’ll party all night” Cerneka struggled in the trying conditions.

His score climbed higher and faster than prices at the petrol pump, finishing at 47 — a far cry from his season best of 39.

Runner-up for the morning was Jon Dall, who, once again, proved you don’t need to be a good golfer to grab the ‘Bridesmaid’.

Ex-bank manager Dall cited creative accounting and a large handicap would do it for you every time.

Beth Dall reigned supreme over the Hoffmans prize, joining her husband on the podium after winning it for the fourth Sunday in a row.

Jim “I’m not sure I am on the fairway” Lucas claimed the men’s longest drive, a feat questionable even to himself, but was found to be above board after he received official adjudication from Dave Sands.

Women’s longest drive was taken out by newest member Mandy Crawford on her second time joining the Dawnbusters.

Leroy “I need to buy another set of clubs” Ahmat proved he was capable of hitting the green on the 18th and took out nearest the pin.

Dawnbusters will take on the front 9 on 15 March, with an expected tee-off time of about 6:45 am.

SPORTS BRIEFS

Rugby league greats to visit Cooktown

COOKTOWN is set to welcome the Arthur Beetson Future Immortals Tour, offering young rugby league players an exciting opportunity to hone their skills under expert guidance.

The three-day tour kicks off on 12 March with a youth coaching clinic, and will continue through to Saturday with a game day and informative talks on health and goal-setting. No registration is required — just turn up and play.

Weipa Touch registrations closing

IF touch footy is on the agenda this season, time is running out to ensure your team is in the competition circuit.

Registrations for senior touch in Weipa will close on 13 March in preparation for the competition season starting 22 April.

To register, get a team delegate to email weipatouch@gmail.com, or ask them to place you on a team if you are not on one already.

Kenny conquers Wackers

WITH two fairways flooded, a field of 13 Wackers played a modified game of 7 holes on 4 March.

Hari Ginate was delighted to come in with a 45 after scoring less than 50 for the first time on Wednesday.

Peter Kenny and Leeroy Ahmat both came in with a winning score of 34, and a net of 24. A countback of the last three holes saw Kenny take the honours.

Kenny also claimed the nearest the pin shot on the 7th, and the normally heavily contested Bradman’s went easily to Jim Lucas.

Former Weipa basketballer to take national stage

DESPITE only being 15 years old, a former Weipa basketballer will be taking the national stage alongside bigger and older players as a representative of Queensland North’s under-18 boy’s team.

Thurston Bosuen will be donning maroon at Basketball Australia’s 2026 Foot Locker U18 National Championships in Brisbane on 12-19 April, but it is not the first time he has been selected to represent his state.

The baller was named in the U16 Queensland North line-up last year, but as he is turning 16 this year, he was bumped up and had to trial for the U18 boy’s team.

He said this year’s achievement was even sweeter, making the team as a bottom-age player against boys with more years of experience on the court.

“I am extremely excited and proud to have made the under-18s Queensland North team as a bottom-age player, as I will still be 15 when we go to Nationals in April, competing against some big boys who are already 16 and 17,” Bosuen said.

“I definitely had a few nerves when we were trialling for the team, but by the second and third trial, I was feeling confident that I could compete with the older boys.

“Having made the under-16 squad last year, I knew I’d have to go up another level, but was quietly confident that I’d put in all the hard work with my training and strength and conditioning work in the gym to compete at this level again.”

Bosuen made the move to Cairns four years ago to chase his dreams of basketball glory, and said he believed the work was paying off.

“Coming from Weipa, I never really imagined I’d be playing on the national stage, but it was always a goal I hoped to reach one day,” he said.

“As a player, I’ve definitely grown from last year and the ex-

perience of competing at Nationals; I have more self-belief, and am extremely driven to continue to put in the work and improve my game.

“It hasn’t always been easy, initially being away from home at

boarding school, then my family moving down here, but it’s given me a chance to train harder, compete at a higher level, and keep chasing my dream of one day playing for Australia and in the NBA.”

The player said he was also proud to represent his community, and hoped his achievement could be an example for other remote kids with big dreams.

“I hope it inspires young kids on the Cape to believe that big things are possible, even if you come from a small community,” he said.

“There’s so much talent back home, and if they keep working hard, staying dedicated and believing in themselves, they can achieve great things too.”