Cape York Weekly FREE – #275 | Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Editorial: lmortimer@region.com.au|Advertising: sales@region.com.au
CHEERS TO CAPE’S LUCKY ESCAPE
INSIDE TODAY
WEIPA BACKS SHELTER Page 5
NDIS SUPPORT WORKER BOOST Page 7
AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS Pages 8 & 9
Residents of Coen cracked open the tins after an anxiety-inducing lead-up to Tropical Cyclone Narelle, which was forecast to hit the small town dead on. Photo: Supplied.
CAPE York is breathing a sigh of relief in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Narelle after dodging a major catastrophic weather bullet. The cyclone crossed between Lockhart River and Coen in the early hours of Friday morning as a category 4, and gradually moved west as it dropped to a category 2. Early reports showed Coen right in the line of fire, but resi-
dents were relieved to see the unwelcome late wet season visit had diverted north as it hit the coast. The Little Bush Pantry and Coen Mechanic owner Sara Watkins said the community was in full preparation mode in the 72 hours leading up to the cyclone. “The town itself was extremely organised, because we were truly expecting it to hit us head on,” she said. – Continued page 3
The wrath of Tropical Cyclone Narelle was limited to minimal structural damage in Aurukun. Photo: Aurukun Shire Council.
COOKTOWN TO CMC ROCKS Page 15
WEIPA INDOOR CRICKET WINNERS Pages 19
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
FRIDAY 5.30 – 7.30PM
JAG THE JOKER
JACKPOTS WEEKLY ‘TIL JOKER IS FOUND!
+ MEAT TRAY RAFFLES
FROM 7.30PM
RUMP MUSICAL BINGO FREE TO PLAY WITH GREAT NIGHT PRIZES & GIVEAWAYS
THE DECK RESTAURANT IS OPEN 7 DAYS, 6 TO 8.30PM