Cape York Weekly FREE – #273 | Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Editorial: editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au|Advertising: sales@region.com.au
Caring for Country on Clean Up day
INSIDE TODAY
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
NEW EDITOR AT THE HELM Page 2
BIRD FLU BATTLE Page 3 The weather did not play nice for Aurukun’s Clean Up Australia Day event, but it was nothing a poncho and dedication to Country couldn’t handle. Photo: PCYC Aurukun.
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 fishing 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 fishing 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 officer 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 officers have intercepted 15 foreign fishing 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
AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS Pages 8 & 9 FAREWELL TO ‘CHAPPY’ Page 5
MOA HEALTH UPGRADES Page 6
WHAT’S ON @ THE ALBY... MONDAY $18 PASTA
NIGHT
YOUR CHOICE OF SAUCE TOSSED WITH YOUR FAVOURITE PASTA: SPAGHETTI LINGUINE CHICKEN TORTELLINI OR GF PENNE
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
TACOS! TRIVIA YOUR CHOICE NIGHT OF 3 TACOS FOR $15
SPORTS BAR 6PM - 8.30PM
FROM 7.30PM
$15
RUMP NIGHT
FRIDAY 5.30 – 7.30PM
JAG THE JOKER
JACKPOTS WEEKLY ‘TIL JOKER IS FOUND!
+ MEAT TRAY RAFFLES
FROM 7.30PM
MUSICAL BINGO FREE TO PLAY WITH GREAT PRIZES & GIVEAWAYS
THE DECK RESTAURANT IS OPEN 7 DAYS, 6 TO 8.30PM