Cape York Weekly FREE – #277 | Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Editorial: lmortimer@region.com.au|Advertising: sales@region.com.au
FASHION FIRST
INSIDE TODAY
THE trailblazing team behind an internationally recognised Torres Strait-led fashion business has now swung open the doors of a new community hub. First Nations Fashion + Design’s creative space at Cairns is expected to ramp up Indigenous representation in the industry and help more talented up-and-comers break into the mainstream. – Full story page 5
CAPE RANGERS ON A MISSION Page 6
DISCOVERIES IN THE DEEP Page 8
Perina Drummond (left) and Grace Lillian Lee are creating and leading the First Nations fashion community they wished they had had as developing designers. Photo: Supplied.
HIGH AND DRY
AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS Pages 8 & 9 FISHING BOATS UP IN FLAMES Page 11
Mayor slams Queensland Government over water project stuff up
by LUKE MORTIMER THE mayor of a remote Cape York community says elders and vulnerable residents were left without water because the Queensland Government stuffed up a “critical” water security project. Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) Region-
al Council Mayor Robert Poipoi said that “poorly managed” $10 million upgrades jointly funded by the Queensland and Federal governments, and carried out by the state, had left Bamaga without water for nearly a day. “The council is extremely disappointed with the lack of oversight and effective project management by the State Government
department in delivering this project,” he said. “Council raised these concerns with the project manager after both Seisia and New Mapoon communities’ connections also failed to be completed within the timeframes, as advised by the project manager and contractor to Council.” – Continued page 3
TSI HERO RECOGNISED Page 12
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
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FRIDAY 5.30 – 7.30PM
JAG THE JOKER
JACKPOTS WEEKLY ‘TIL JOKER IS FOUND!
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MUSICAL BINGO FREE TO PLAY WITH GREAT PRIZES & GIVEAWAYS
THE DECK RESTAURANT IS OPEN 7 DAYS, 6 TO 8.30PM