Cape York Weekly Edition 278

SPECIAL DELIVERY

New post office opens doors on Thursday Island

THURSDAY Island residents can breathe easy after a new post office opened, locking in essential services for the Torres Strait administrative and commercial hub. The team (pictured) at the new Thursday Island Post Office at 79 Douglas Street will serve the community five days a week. Full story page 2.

TO BASICS

Big push to upskill Cape jobseekers

by LUKE MORTIMER

ORGANISATIONS helping build crucial skills for education and employment in Far North Queensland First Nations communities have been given a boost thanks to a federal funding injection.

Hundreds of people in Cape York, the Torres Strait and

Cairns areas have been accessing free language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills training as part of the $38.5 million Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program.

Over the past year, $37.7 million has been invested in 11 SEE First Nations delivery grants in regional and remote Australia,

according to the Federal Government.

The Aboriginal-run Literacy for Life Foundation has received a $12 million grant for foundation skills training across the Leichhardt electorate, co-designed with traditional owners and community members.

Mapoon, in the north-west of

the peninsula, will bene t from the Literacy for Life funding, alongside Cairns and surrounds.

The SEE First Nations program has also handed out 30 scoping grants totalling $805,000 for organisations to assess training needs in local communities and carry out consultation.

– Continued page 3

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by CHISA HASEGAWA

MOST city folk wouldn’t dream of needing recovery tracks for a trip to the shops, but they came in handy for one Albany Island resident when his venture for bread and milk turned into a muddy mess.

With the Bamaga road still fairly sloshy from the recent cyclone, Dave Hartwell was bogged on his way to get supplies on the mainland on 7 April, and the recovery was about as Cape York as it gets.

“I did send out a mayday for help, but the guy I messaged was out fishing, so I had to tend to it myself,” he laughed.

“Every time I go to town, I pack the chainsaw and Maxtrax, and I’ve got a winch on the car, and I normally have a shovel.

“I always take recovery equipment just to get the bread and milk.”

Mr Hartwell said while the condition of the road was no surprise this time of the year, other means of getting into town were much more of a hit to the wallet.

“The road was worse last

year, but that spot where I got bogged, I’ve never seen it that bad in that particular spot before,” he said.

“Other times, it’s washed the whole road away and you couldn’t even get in, so we get

people to drive to the washout with our stuff, and then climb over through the road.

“Yesterday (8 April), I took the boat in, but the boat costs me probably $400 in fuel, and the car probably costs $40 to get to Seisia and back, so I’d much rather take the car, especially now that fuel’s $3.30 a litre.”

A Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council spokesperson urged motorists to adhere to the road signs and drive to the conditions, adding that remediation works would commence as soon as practicable.

“When the wet season’s finished and when they are safely trafficable, we will then go and repair them,” they said.

Until then, Cape York Weekly has it on good authority that many northern NPA residents will be fine-tuning their bread-making skills.

New post office ensures critical services on Thursday Island

by LUKE MORTIMER

A NEW post office has opened on Thursday Island “after months of work behind the scenes”, according to Cook MP David Kempton.

The new Thursday Island Post Office at 79 Douglas St officially opened on Monday, 30 March.

The old post office’s doors were closed for the last time at 5pm four days earlier.

Mr Kempton said he understood the importance of mail services on the island and supported aspects of the transition arrangements to ensure continuity of services for the community.

“In the age of digital communication, a post office remains a critical service in remote areas and I recognise that,” he said.

“As the most populous island in the region, home to almost 2800 residents, the post office plays a vital role as a community hub, allowing locals to pay bills, purchase stationery and access banking services.

“Access to core services such as postal

services, education and health is essential and I’ve fought hard for the community to once again have a reliable mail service.”

Sarah Coe, Australia Post general manager of Retail Operations North, said getting the new post office up and running involved strong collaboration.

“We’re proud to open a new, permanent Post Office for the Thursday Island community, ensuring local residents continue to have access to essential postal services,” she said.

“We appreciate the collaboration and support of David Kempton, Member for Cook, in working with us while we secured temporary arrangements that ensured continuity of service and progressed a long-term solution to meet the needs of the community.

“We also thank Mura Kosker for stepping up to support Australia Post during the transition.”

Not-for-profit org Mura Kosker Sorority is a family and community wellbeing organisation providing services and programs in the Torres Strait.

The new post office is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. It’s closed for lunch from 1-2pm.

Post office box holders were advised a new location for a container had not been confirmed.

Australia Post is due to issue an update on the relocation of PO Boxes shortly and apologised for any inconvenience.

Job skills program ‘opens up so many doors’

From page 1

Peninsula organisation Cape York Employment has received $85,000 to undertake the work in Aurukun, Lockhart River and Cairns.

The training and employment opportunity provider is using its scoping grant to examine the unique language needs of Far North communities and support stronger pathways into education and jobs, the government states.

Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation at Pormpuraaw received $30,000, while Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council received $150,000 for work at Thursday Island, as well as Sabai, Mer, Poruma and Badu islands.

Leichhardt MP Matt Smith said: “The fact that two Cape York organisations – Cape York Employment and Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation – are among the recipients from these grants is a great demonstration of the work that’s being done in our local communities.”

“This funding is focused on improving education and employment pathways for locals, with an emphasis on ensuring they have the skills and con dence to be connected to community,” he said.

Government statistics show about 40 per cent of First Nations adults have minimal English literacy, rising to up to 70 per cent in remote communities.

“What this program will do is put around 2200 people through numeracy, literacy and digital skills training,” Mr Smith said.

“What we know is economic development opportunities come from literacy and numeracy and giving people that leg up to get those skills up is really, really important.

“And to do so in a culturally safe and appropriate manner in communities, on Country is why this program is going to be a success.”

Mr Smith said in First Nations communities, and smaller communities more generally, “things need to come from the ground up” at a grassroots level.

‘Not a safe option’: Health

by LUKE MORTIMER

A CAPE York primary health provider has pointed to a University of New South Wales (UNSW) study which aired evidence nicotine vapes likely cause oral and lung cancers – and urged peninsula communities to give the habit the ick.

Apunipima Cape York Health Council said the research reinforced its longheld concerns about the risks of e-cigarette use, particularly among young people.

While some people have quit smoking using e-cigarettes as a cessation tool, the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing states evidence of effectiveness “remains limited”.

“E-cigarette products are not rst line treatments for smoking cessation, and there are many other products available

Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said “all Australians should have the opportunity to access our skills and training system”.

“Closing the gap in vocational education and training is a priority that is enshrined in our landmark National Skills Agreement,” he said.

“Access to education can transform lives, and by working in partnership with First Nations people we will achieve better training outcomes.”

“Country people hate things being delivered from the top down, so you’ve really got to engage at a level people want to be at,” he said.

“Being able to read opens up so many doors, not just in terms of economic opportunity and work, but opens the entire universe to you. And it’s really important that we give people who may have missed out on those schooling opportunities a chance to really get back in and enjoy life to the fullest.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said the grants provided better access to “community-led, community-designed and community-driven” skills training.

“Working in partnership with First Nations people is a priority reform under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and these community-led projects deliver on that,” she said.

The SEE program has been running for more than two decades.

council welcomes vaping research

to quit smoking that are known to be safe and effective,” the department states.

Vapes and vaping products, regardless of whether they contain nicotine, can only be sold in a pharmacy for the purpose of helping people quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence, but illegal vapes remain prevalent in communities.

Apunipima chief executive Debra Malthouse said the ndings were signicant for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“This study makes it clear that vaping is not harmless and poses serious risks to long-term health,” she said.

“These ndings reinforce the importance of prevention, early education, and culturally appropriate support to help people quit — or not start at all.

“This research validates what our communities and health workers have been saying. Vapes are not a safe option.”

The research from UNSW will be used as part of conversations with communities.

Apunipima Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) Program team lead Josh Mene said the ndings were “highly important” and supported “our team’s purpose of communicating evidence-based information” to help people make healthy choices.

Apunipima urged smokers and vapers – and anyone thinking about quitting – to speak with their local Apunipima clinic or TIS worker for support.

UNSW cancer researcher Adjunct Professor Bernard Stewart AM said: “Considering all the ndings – from clinical monitoring, animal studies and mechanistic data – e-cigarettes are likely to cause lung cancer and oral cancer.”

He added: “We’ll only be able to determine the precise risk once longer-term studies are available.”

Live in Ireland, UK: Hartwig announces first international tour

by CHISA HASEGAWA

WHEN Cooktown singer Ella Hartwig played her first “proper advertised” gig at 14 years old – opening for a local band at the Lion’s Den Hotel – she never thought she would be announcing an international tour less than a decade later.

The locally-loved muso is heading to Ireland and the United Kingdom from 13 June to 7 July to share the sound of country Australia over four live shows, joined by her partner Dylan Coles on guitar.

Ms Hartwig said the location choices were a mixture of where her listeners were, as well as her individual desires, with the United Kingdom being among her top five audiences.

“It’s so exciting. I’ve just had such a calling to go, like it’s some sort of intuition,” she said.

“I feel pretty lucky, because I can integrate a lot of it; yes, it’s tactics, because I do have quite a large following in Eastern Europe, but it’s more just that I had a really big feeling I wanted to go to Ireland and the UK, and I was like, ‘okay, let’s make this happen’.

“I was emailing people like a crazy lady with a dream and snagged some shows over there.”

Ms Hartwig said she was especially excited to take the stage with her both life and music partner.

“I was very scared to involve my personal life with my professional life, because ob-

viously, being young and female in a maledominated industry, all sorts of things can happen,” she said.

“But Dylan is actually just so cool and talented, and he has my back, and he’s in my corner.

“Dylan’s been up to Cooktown multiple times. He’s a Brisbane boy, but he’s been up in the home ground multiple times, so it’ll be very special to perform with someone who’s seen where I’ve grown up and where I’ve come from.”

While the singer is currently based in Brisbane chasing every opportunity in the music scene, she said her passion for songwriting began early as a child in Cooktown.

“My first piano teacher when I was about eight years old, she was incredible, but I didn’t like being told what I needed to know, so I stopped lessons,” she laughed.

“When I was 11 years old, I got a keyboard from the school, took it home over the holidays, wrote my first song on that, and from there, I was just obsessed.

“As soon as I woke up in the morning, I was playing on the piano and the guitar at the same time, and I knew I wanted to do something with it.”

Ms Hartwig said she was putting a lot of thought into the setlist for the Ireland and UK shows, adding that her songs paying homage to her hometown needed much more context compared to performing for an Australian audience.

“It’s probably almost everyone’s first

time seeing me live, and I have to tailor it in a way that shows who I am and shows my authenticity,” she said.

“A lot of people have said you’re going to have to learn Irish music, but I don’t believe that if I’m going to another country, I need to learn how to be like all the artists over there. I’m not going over there to show people how to do what they do over there better.

“I’m thinking more, how do I show what Cooktown is, and how do I show who I really am through my music, and through a setlist.”

After taking the stage at Australia’s biggest country music festival, CMC Rocks, and being nominated for a Queensland Music Award, it has been a year of pay-offs for

the musician who left home to pursue her dream.

“I feel like I’m rock climbing. It’s not just a hike up a hill, I feel like I’m trying to grapple different little stones and not slip off,” she said.

“It felt like a lighthouse showing any sign of light when you’re out in a big, vast ocean of self-doubt and trying to figure it all out.

“CMC Rocks helped me remind myself that I really want this, and I’m going into the tour confident that I love what I’m doing. I’m not confident on that exact logistics, but I’m confident that I’ll be able to figure it out, because that’s pretty much what I’ve been doing for the last decade.”

Frustrated Cape mayor wants joint water security taskforce

by LUKE MORTIMER

COOK MP David Kempton has told Northern Area Peninsula residents he was “sorry to see” they faced lengthy water outages on the eve of the Easter long weekend as Queensland Government contractors struggled with a much-needed water security project.

Mr Kempton has been assisting Northern Area Peninsula Regional Council (NPARC), but dismissed a suggestion by Mayor Robert Poipoi that a joint water security taskforce should be created between local government and the state to better manage Cape water upgrades.

Mr Poipoi said last Thursday (2 April) that “poorly managed” $10 million State and Federal government-funded upgrades left Bamaga without water for nearly 24 hours in total over two outages.

He called on Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy and Mr Kempton to act and for the government to “take full responsibility and accountability”.

This Thursday (9 April), Mr Poipoi told ABC Far North radio the outages impacted all homes, businesses and the Bamaga Hospital.

Ms Leahy has pointed the finger at Labor and said there was “underinvestment in their water infra-

structure” and that the current government was “turning this around”.

Shadow Minister for Water Nikki Boyd responded: “What a disgusting and pitiful response from Water Minister Ann Leahy who left a community without safe drinking water for almost 24 hours.

“Instead of rolling up her sleeves and fixing it, she sought to blame others to cover up her own failures,” she said.

“At the very least, Minister Leahy should apologise to the Cape communities that she left without safe drinking water.”

Mr Poipoi said on the radio program the government’s response was not good enough and he worried about the elderly and vulnerable.

“I’m disappointed with the response from the minister (Ms Leahy) simply because, I mean, they put that money in, $10 million, but it didn’t meet the criteria,” he said.

“It’s definitely frustrating when you get constant phone calls and messages (from community members) …

“The main concern was around the vulnerability of our old people and the hospital.”

Mr Poipoi – who also pointed out issues with water connections at Seisia and New Mapoon – de-

LOCAL DISASTER PLANS COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

scribed the work as “very poorly performed” and said the government should “come up with an apology to my council and my communities”.

He said he was looking forward to the project’s eventual completion and a “clean, safe and reliable water supply”.

“But at the same time we need to add that collaboration between council and the state to make sure the design and delivery of water supply can proceed smoothly and effectively,” Mr Poipoi said.

“Given how important it is, I think we need like a joint taskforce of water security to commence as soon as possible. Our communities deserve nothing less.”

Mr Kempton also spoke to the ABC and said: “I’d be sorry to see any community in my electorate left without water for whatever the reason.

“This – and I’m not going to get into this blame game – this water infrastructure, there was asbestos in these pipes that needed replacing. The previous government handed out a pretty antiquated system, not only to this community, but to most of them,” he said.

Mr Kempton said there seemed to have been a “communication issue” or “breakdowns” and he

wanted to make sure people were “accountable for the work they do and that community gets a reliable water system”.

He has been speaking to NPARC chief executive Dalassa Yorkston “almost on a daily basis”.

Mr Kempton said: “I don’t think a taskforce is going to deliver anything”. He wanted to “see somebody up there as quickly as we can get them there” to assess the situation.

More than 2.7 kilometres of water mains piping is being installed at Bamaga, Seisia and New Mapoon. The problematic Bamaga water treatment plant is also set to be upgraded in coming months.

We are developing Disaster-Specific Local Area Plans and are seeking local input to identify risks, priorities and strengthen community preparedness

Rio Tinto Weipa is undertaking a review and audit of all outstanding debt for customer and township accounts

Outstanding balances will be assessed, and follow up action may occur where amounts remain unpaid. This process ensures accounts are accurate, current, and managed consistently.

Financial hardship support is available, and we encourage anyone experiencing difficulty to reach out to our team as early as possible to discuss payment or assistance options. Our contact information is included below.

Further communication will be issued to impacted account holders as the review progresses. We appreciate the community’s cooperation.

Email: RTAWeipaFeedback@riotinto.com

Indigenous students urged to snap up PDR Scholarships

by LUKE MORTIMER

ALMOST 50 First Nations students have been awarded Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) Scholarships, and applications are now open as the program marks its 10th year.

2026 PDR Tertiary Scholarship

recipient Ilyaree Snider urged others to apply for the 2027 round and said the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) funding assistance helped ease the financial pressures of moving from home to study.

“Coming from a remote community, your tradition, your background and your culture are all strengths,” the former Cooktown State School captain said.

Ms Snider moved to Cairns to study a Bachelor of Law at James Cook University and is living away from home for the first time.

The scholarship program is open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who have a connection to Country around the PDR, regardless of where they currently live.

TMR has two $40,000 tertiary scholarships up for grabs, as well as four $2250 secondary bursaries.

Ms Snider said her scholarship “really helped with the cost of textbooks and other study expenses”.

“It’s especially important if you

want to pursue higher education after school,” she said.

“Just go ahead and apply.”

Another 2026 PDR Tertiary Scholarship recipient, Jarom Mairu, said the scholarship allowed him to properly focus on his studies and his family.

Thaynakwithi man Mr Mairu, 25, is a father and classed as a mature-age student. He juggles full-time Bachelor of Education studies with two jobs and supporting his family.

The AFL Cape York House tutor said he hoped his journey would inspire other young Indigenous people.

“The scholarship has given me the clarity to really enjoy my studies and trust that the rewards will come,” he said.

“I’ve always wanted to go to university — my mum was a university graduate, and that sparked my interest.

“The scholarship has given me the clarity to just go and enjoy my studies, enjoy the process and the rewards will come.

“Having the extra support is really crucial to me.”

TMR North Queensland Region acting regional director Brendan Clancy said the scholarships empowered young people to pursue their dreams.

Closure of Country Paiden Countr y

“This program is about more than financial support — it’s about recognising the incredible potential of Indigenous students connected to the Cape York region and supporting young people with the resources needed to succeed in school and beyond,” he said.

Mr Clancy said the scholarships were “part of the Queensland Government’s broader commitment to the Cape York Region Package (CYRP), which not only invests in critical infrastructure but also in the future of the region’s young people”.

“I encourage all eligible students to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities,” he said.

The scholarships recognise First Nations tertiary and secondary students making a meaningful contribution to their community.

Scholarship applications close on 14 August. For more information, email pdrscholarships@tmr. qld.gov.au.

TMR has awarded 48 PDR Scholarships since 2017.

CYRP’s Stage 2 program of works is set to provide critical Cape infrastructure upgrades, including along the PDR and community access roads.

Closure of Country Peppan Countr y

Please be advised that access to Paiden 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 the public are not to enter the area until further notice

This includes the following areas: Amban Road South (inclusive of the road), Beagle Road (inclusive of the road), Possum Creek, Sandy Creek, Ward River, Obon (Ward River Side), Yagalmungkan, Coastal areas from Big Horse Creek to Alechin Point including Ikleth, Six Ti Tree, and Awelombok (Waterfall)

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 the public are not to enter the area until further notice

DELIVERED DANIEL’S LAW MAKING QUEENSLAND SAFER FOR OUR KIDS

In honour of Daniel Morcombe, the new Queensland Government has delivered Daniel’s Law, the State’s first public child sex offender register, available now.

This online tool provides different types of information about convicted child sex offenders so Queenslanders can make informed decisions to help keep kids safe.

Daniel’s Law honours two decades of tireless advocacy from Bruce and Denise Morcombe, following the tragic abduction and murder of their son Daniel.

HOW THE REGISTER WORKS:

Tier 1: Missing reportable offenders

View a list of non-compliant offenders whose whereabouts are unknown to police.

Tier 2: Locality search

Queensland residents can apply to see if registered offenders are living in their local area.

Tier 3: Parents and guardians disclosure

Parents and guardians can apply to check whether a person who has unsupervised contact with their child is a reportable offender.

Through this new law, the Queensland Government is delivering access to vital information to help keep kids safe.

Cape councils back call for ‘essential user’ status in fuel crisis

by CHISA HASEGAWA

AS the pressure of the fuel crisis is felt across the nation, Cape York councils are supporting a call to be recognised as essential users to ensure they can continue to deliver services for their communities.

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) advocated in Canberra this month for councils to have priority access under state and federal emergency fuel legislation to deliver essential services, such as waste collection, should fuel supplies start to tighten in the future.

“The LGAQ is collating feedback from our 77 councils across the state, with all reporting price increases and affordability impacts,” LGAQ president Mayor Matt Burnett said.

“We welcome the National Cabinet decision to halve fuel excise for three months and pause the heavy vehicle road user charge, however, if down the track supply levels do become impacted, councils will need essential user status under the Liquid Fuel Supply Act (Qld) 1984 and the Federal Liquid Fuel Emergency Act so that they can maintain the delivery of critical services that Queensland communities rely on.

“For example, waste collection

services are critical and would have community health impacts if these were not prioritised.”

With the Peninsula Developmental Road currently closed to vehicles of more than five tonnes GVM, the financial impact has been even greater in the remote region, as communities such as Aurukun rely solely on Sea Swift at a wholesale rate of $3.50 per litre for diesel.

“Council fully supports the

LGAQ campaign for local government to be given essential user status during the current fuel supply crisis,” Aurukun Shire Council Mayor Barbara Bandicootcha said.

“Council relies on a consistent and affordable fuel supply to function — everything from keeping our garbage truck on the road, to mowing our parks and gardens to keep them safe for our community, to driving our little ones and families to and from childcare to ensure

they get their best possible start to life.”

Cook Shire Council Mayor Robyn Holmes said recognition as essential fuel users would help ensure that council could continue to deliver critical services during periods of uncertainty.

“While global instability is being felt across the nation, its impacts are amplified in places like Cook Shire,” she said.

“Our communities already face

higher fuel costs due to remoteness, long supply chains and accessibility challenges, so we are starting from a position of disadvantage.

“Essential user status protects services like rubbish collection, roads and water — services that underpin community safety — all while helping shield regional communities from further cost pressures.”

LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said contractors who relied on freight haulage to provide councils with important inputs and construction materials were starting to jack up prices, adding to the financial stresses on councils.

“Councils have told us that some contractors are saying they can no longer supply at contracted rates, and are demanding new price schedules from councils at 30 per cent or higher,” she said.

“Diesel use also increases dramatically in northern parts of Queensland once the wet season ends in May, a time many councils ramp up their roadworks, maintenance and essential activities.

“The LGAQ is reporting councils’ fuel needs directly to the State Government Fuel Taskforce, and we’re urging them and the Commonwealth to prioritise these at the national level.”

3

2,600

46,000

All hands on deck to protect Western Cape turtle nests

UPSKILLING local rangers is filling a gap in turtle conservation on western Cape York as predators threaten the upcoming nesting season.

Sixteen rangers have undergone a four-day training course in Mapoon to build cages designed to protect turtle hatchlings and give them a fighting chance.

The purpose-built cages were originally designed in 2016 by former Pormpuraaw Ranger Coordinator Robbie Morris, and have since been widely used by the Western Cape Turtle Threat Abatement Alliance (WCTTAA).

They have proven highly effective at preventing feral pigs, dogs and goannas from raiding turtle nests, while also acting as a visual reminder for people driving on beaches to avoid the nests.

However, Cape York Natural Resource Management marine turtle conservation program lead Dr Manuela Fischer said

ranger groups across the region needed access to more in order to make a difference.

“One of the issues often raised in WCTTAA forums is the limited number of cages,” she said.

“By upskilling rangers to weld aluminium and fabricate the cages themselves, they can be built locally and also supplied to other Cape York ranger groups.”

With the west coast turtle nesting season typically beginning in late May or early June, the training ensures there is still time to build additional cages before nesting activity starts.

Anthony Lowden-Kearing from the Mapoon Land and Sea Rangers said the course covered a range of practical skills to make the cages, and he was looking forward to improving further.

“I really enjoyed the training, and I hope to build each cage in less than an hour after completing the course,” he said.

“I think these skills will also help our team on other projects.”

The mesh openings of the cages are large enough for hatchlings to escape the nest and reach the sea, but small enough to keep predators out.

Some nests are also tagged and monitored, with data collected on nest location, turtle species, hatching success, predator attempts and nest temperature.

Project officer Scott Morrison from Cape York NRM said protecting turtle nests from feral pigs was critical for improving hatchling survival.

“Feral pigs are incredibly smart and persistent predators. They can smell turtle eggs and consume multiple nests in one night,” he said.

“Unfortunately, northern Queensland has one of the densest feral pig populations in Australia, and many of our most important turtle nesting areas occur in the same places.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

Train Safety

Keeping safe around the rail line is everyone’s responsibility.

Bauxite trains are a vital part of our community in Weipabut they are fast, heavy, and unforgiving They travel up to 65 km/h, overhang the track by around a metre, carry 3,300 tonnes, and can take nearly a kilometre to stop

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

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

The Western Cape Communities Co-Existence Agreement (WCCCA) is an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) over the Rio Tinto mining lease areas of the Western Cape York region of Northern Queensland. The Agreement is between the eleven Traditional Owner Groups, four Shire Councils (Aurukun, Napranum, Mapoon and New Mapoon), Rio Tinto, the Queensland State Government and the Cape York Land Council on behalf of the Native Title Parties.

The Western Cape Communities Coordinating Committee (WCCCC) and its three SubCommittees transparently monitor, implement and review the objectives of the WCCCA to ensure that all parties’ obligations under the agreement are met. The WCCT office is the administration arm for all the Trusts and the WCCCC. It manages the overall business of the company including servicing, assisting and supporting the above entities.

WCCT is committed to providing high quality services to our Traditional Owners, and we recognize the importance of employing the most suitable candidates. Currently we are seeking applications for the position of:

ADMINISTRATION OFFICER

Reporting to the Office Manager, the Administration Officer is responsible for assisting in the efficient and effective functioning of the WCCT Office in order to meet organisational objectives. This includes demonstrating appropriate and professional workplace behaviors, performing their responsibilities in a manner which reflects and responds to continuous improvement, and providing administrative support to the Office Manager as directed, and to other areas as required within the office of the WCCT. The Administration Officer is also responsible for assisting in the coordination of all WCCT, WCCCA Sub-Regional Trusts and Sub-Committees meetings scheduled throughout the year.

We anticipate that applicants will have;

• Minimum Year 12 education;

• Minimum 1 year experience in a similar administrative role;

• Sound IT and MYOB experience;

• C Class Driver’s license; and

• An understanding of engaging with Aboriginal people.

Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

For further information, including a position description please contact the Executive Officer directly.

All applications should be clearly marked “Private and Confidential” and addressed as follows: Executive Officer PO Box 106 Weipa, QLD, 4874

Phone: (07) 4069 7945

Email: eo@westerncape.com.au

CLOSING DATE – FRIDAY 17TH APRIL 2026

Mapping planned as gamba grass battle ramps up

by LUKE MORTIMER

THOUSANDS of hectares of land is being cleared of highly invasive gamba grass in Cape York, helping prevent the notorious weed from spreading more extensively throughout Far North Queensland.

Major infestations of the weed have been reported along roads as Cape York Natural Resource Management (NRM) plans to start mapping the problem.

Gamba grass infests about 60,000 hectares of northern Queensland and the Cape and Atherton Tablelands are the worst affected areas.

Isolated infestations have impacted the Gulf of Carpentaria region, Townsville region and as far south as Proserpine, according to the Queensland Department of Primary Industries.

Listed as a weed of national significance, the plant’s seeds are carried by the wind, water and attach to mud stuck to vehicles and machinery.

The tall weed forms dense tussocks which choke off nutrients and water to native vegetation, reduce tree cover and help fuel lateseason fires.

Native to Africa’s tropical and subtropical savannas, gamba grass was imported into Queensland for livestock grazing in 1942 and planted more widely from the early 1980s.

Cape York NRM is working to tackle gamba grass over about 20,000 hectares of wetlands and native vegetation by 2028 through the Cape York Wetlands and Native Vegetation Resilience project.

The project which began late last year includes Indigenous Land

The Western Cape Communities Co-Existence Agreement (WCCCA) is an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) over the Rio Tinto mining lease areas of the Western Cape York region of Northern Queensland. The Agreement is between the eleven Traditional Owner Groups, four Shire Councils (Aurukun, Napranum, Mapoon and New Mapoon), Rio Tinto, the Queensland State Government and the Cape York Land Council on behalf of the Native Title Parties.

& Sea Ranger groups, Aboriginal corporations and land trusts, graziers, local councils, Parks and Wildlife, Biosecurity Queensland, South Endeavour Trust and the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance. More partners are due to join the project.

Cape York NRM project lead of biodiversity and threat management Maree Coulson said the weed was a serious problem, but it was not too late to make a difference.

“It was introduced regionally as a pasture grass, but now it’s actually taken over significant areas of native vegetation,” she said.

“There’s some really major spreads along the larger road corridors, but it is manageable at this stage.

“It’s (the project) going really well. We have done a lot of

The Western Cape Communities Coordinating Committee (WCCCC) and its five Sub-Committees transparently monitor, implement and review the objectives of the WCCCA to ensure that all parties’ obligations under the Agreement are met. The WCCT office is the administration arm for all Trusts and the WCCCC. It manages the overall business of the company, including servicing, assisting and supporting the above entities.

WCCT is committed to providing high quality services to our Traditional Owners, and we recognize the importance of employing the most suitable candidates. Currently we are seeking applications for the position of:

IMPLEMENTATION OFFICER

Reporting to the Implementation Manager, the Implementation Officer is responsible for assisting in the monitoring and implementation of the WCCCA, with a focus on key areas such as employment and training, environmental and cultural heritage management, mine closure, and land management. In this role, the Implementation Officer will play a crucial part in ensuring the active participation of Aboriginal communities in the key areas. This position involves conducting regular reporting, collecting data, and performing administrative tasks to support the efficient execution of the WCCCA objectives.

We anticipate that applicants will have;

• Minimum Year 12 education

• C Class Driver License

• Knowledge and experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, society and culture and an understanding of relevant issues preferably in relation to the WCCCA region.

• Ability and willingness to travel to and work in remote communities.

• Experience or background in Education or Environment Science would be desirable (tertiary qualifications are highly regarded but not essential).

• Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively.

• Ability to build and maintain trust and positive relationships with community members and stakeholders.

Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

For further information, including a position description please contact the Executive Officer directly.

All applications should be clearly marked “Private and Confidential” and addressed as follows: Executive Officer PO Box 106

Weipa, QLD, 4874

Phone: (07) 4069 7945

Email: eo@westerncape.com.au

CLOSING DATE – FRIDAY 17TH APRIL 2026

planning and there’s been a lot of work to get the project where it is at the moment, but it’s really exciting.”

Ms Coulson said it was important to get the community involved along the way.

“We’ve got very complex land tenures up in Cape York. We’ve got various different stakeholders.

A lot of national parks, but also a lot of the nature refuges and also the grazing properties,” she said.

“You can’t do this without community.”

Ms Coulson said “we love working with our landholders and our Cape York community” and it was satisfying to see the progress made.

“At the moment one of the focuses of the program is working with the Cooktown Gamba Grass Taskforce, who will work with a

lot of landholders in and around the eastern Cooktown region to tackle spreads of gamba on their properties,” she said.

“We’re looking at doing a bit of mapping as well to get more of a detailed understanding of the spread of gamba across the Cape.”

Gamba grass can be identified by its V-shaped fluffy seed head and thick stems covered in fine white hair. The weed grows up to four metres tall and often towers over native grasses, remaining green and upright when other grasses dry out and collapse.

Anyone who spots infestations should contact their local council or Biosecurity Queensland.

The project is funded by Queensland Government’s Natural Resource Management Expansion Program.

The Western Cape Communities Co-Existence Agreement (WCCCA) is an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) over the Rio Tinto mining lease areas of the Western Cape York region of Northern Queensland. The Agreement is between the eleven Traditional Owner Groups, four Shire Councils (Aurukun, Napranum, Mapoon and New Mapoon), Rio Tinto, the Queensland State Government and the Cape York Land Council on behalf of the Native Title Parties.

The Western Cape Communities Coordinating Committee (WCCCC) and its five Sub-Committees transparently monitor, implement and review the objectives of the WCCCA to ensure that all parties’ obligations under the Agreement are met. The WCCT office is the administration arm for all Trusts and the WCCCC. It manages the overall business of the company, including servicing, assisting and supporting the above entities.

WCCT is committed to providing high quality services to our Traditional Owners, and we recognize the importance of employing the most suitable candidates. Currently we are seeking applications for the position of:

OFFICE MANAGER

Reporting to the Executive Officer, the Office Manager is responsible for the efficient and effective functioning of the WCCT Office in order to meet organisational objectives. This includes demonstrating appropriate and professional workplace behaviours, performing their responsibilities in a manner which reflects and responds to continuous improvement, managing Administration staff, managing IT and communications systems and other office equipment, and providing support to the Executive Officer. The Office Manager is also responsible for the coordination and planning of all WCCT, WCCCC, Sub-Regional Trusts and Sub-Committees meetings scheduled throughout the year.

We anticipate the applicants will have completed a formal training in Business Administration or a similar field and have experience in a similar role where they have been responsible for the efficient and effective functioning of an office, managing administration staff, document control, managing IT and communications systems as well as compliance with organisation policies and procedures and workplace health and safety regulations. A current C class driver’s license is also required for this role.

Prior experience with MYOB, centralized database, and a sound knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island protocols are highly desired.

Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

For further information, including a position description please contact the Executive Officer directly.

All applications should be clearly marked “Private and Confidential” and addressed as follows: Executive Officer

PO Box 106

Weipa, QLD, 4874

Phone: (07) 4069 7945

Email: eo@westerncape.com.au

CLOSING DATE – FRIDAY 17TH APRIL 2026

‘Too many barriers’ to NDIS support in Cape community

nal Shire on the western side of the Cape.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) assessments evaluate how disabilities impact everyday functioning and are used as evidence in case funding decisions.

While the workers could remotely carry out their jobs, they found there was no GP available to sign off on health plans and a lack of local allied health support services meant medicos had to be flown in at a cost of thousands of dollars each.

more than 1000 people – needed better access to health professionals and NDIS support.

“Often the barriers are we just have to work out who can support the kids, or, you know, it’s virtual and online. We need to make sure someone’s with them. No problems. We can do all that. We can offer you every service you need,” Ms Napoli said.

hadn’t even been contemplated that were working against us”.

She said Humanity Health was keen to get children “access to what they are eligible for” and proper delivery of the NDIS was a key part of closing the gap and improving Indigenous health outcomes.

ity, efficiency and responsiveness in geographically and culturally diverse communities like the Cape.

by LUKE MORTIMER

FEDERAL authorities say they have committed to improving the NDIS and health services in remote Far North Queensland as an allied health provider has detailed serious logistical challenges staff faced trying to help children in a remote Cape York community.

Humanity Health Group was recently tasked to provide functional capacity assessments for a group of 15 kids in Kowanyama Aborigi-

Humanity Health also found a support coordinator needed at Kowanyama could not attend because the only accommodation available at the time, the community centre, was already packed with visitors and locals who needed emergency housing.

It’s understood some Kowanyama community leaders have generously offered space in their own homes to healthcare workers.

Richelle Napoli, chief operating officer of Humanity Health’s Care Division, said there was a “significant need” for NDIS services, but “far too many barriers”.

She said the isolated community – one of the largest on the Cape at

“But in this case, we couldn’t get the key person (the support coordinator) to even be in the area when we needed her because there was nowhere for her to stay … we couldn’t even get the key stakeholders to be in the region, to be in the area.

“The barriers weren’t even about our actual service delivery. We could have done everything they needed in that day, virtually, no problem. But we couldn’t get NDIS plans signed. We couldn’t get mental health care plans signed because there was no GP.”

Ms Napoli said online access to the NDIS boomed after the COVID pandemic and helped service remote communities.

But she said it was “kind of a massive smack in the face” when workers faced “barriers we hadn’t even considered” and “things that

Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council has been approached for more information.

A Department of Health, Disability and Ageing spokesman said the Federal and Queensland governments had partnered to give $4.5 million to Far North Queensland (FNQ) Connect.

FNQ Connect is a “community-led initiative” working to better connect disability, rehabilitation and lifestyle services.

“Across the region, including at Kowanyama as one of three pilot sites, FNQ Connect has begun developing shared approaches to hubs, care pathways, data and workforce, alongside a new peer-led workforce model designed to strengthen local engagement and improve coordination of supports,” the spokesman said.

He said Commonwealth reforms would improve accessibil-

“The government is working collaboratively with communities in rural, regional and remote areas to improve timely access to medical and allied health services,” the spokesman said.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) was also approached and a spokesman said services were being improved.

“Under the framework, NDIA planners regularly travel to remote Queensland communities and work together with locally employed Remote Community Connectors to support NDIS participants in Cape York communities such as Kowanyama,” he said.

The NDIA is working to boost the number of the local connectors.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service does provide various services at Kowanyama Primary Health Care Centre.

Torrens University’s Public Health Information Development Unit published data in 2024 showing the median age of death at Kowanyama was 53 between 2017-2021, well below the national median age.

Archer River bridge survives first big test

by CHISA HASEGAWA

THE $131.25 million Archer River crossing upgrade has survived its first major test.

Flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Narelle marked the first flooding event for the bridge since it opened to traffic in November 2024.

Floodwaters covered the bridge deck, designed specifically to withstand Cape York’s wet-season conditions, from around midday on 20 March and receded below the deck by 22 March.

Although the crossing was not drivable within 72 hours as promised, crews managed to inspect the structure on 27 March.

The Department of Transport and Main

Roads (TMR) stood by the bridge’s performance in the face of the unprecedented rainfall.

“The Archer River peaked at 18.5 metres, with floodwaters rising about three

metres over the bridge deck,” a TMR spokesperson said.

“The bridge was designed for these conditions and performed as expected.

“Inspections have confirmed no struc-

tural damage to the bridge, while minor wear to the approach road will be addressed through routine maintenance.”

Cape York travel guru Tracy Sands, the passionate mind behind the region’s unofficial travel bible, Explore Cape York, said while she had seen some negative commentary online, she believed the bridge “absolutely did its job”.

“I think the main thing is, people complain that there are other bridges that should have been done first, but when it comes to tourist season, it was always Archer River that held everybody up,” she said.

“By the time all the other rivers had gone down, people could be waiting up to three or four weeks to get across in mid to late April.

“It did exactly as it was designed to do.”

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Western Cape arts project to help cultural identity flourish

by CHISA HASEGAWA

A WESTERN Cape York researcher will delve into a journey to transform the lives of mob through a creative process grounded in cultural connection and expression.

Fiona Wirrer-George Oochunyung was announced as one of five artists to receive $160,000 through Regional Arts Australia and Minderoo Foundation’s Practice in Community — a transformative new multi-year funding initiative designed to invest in artists working in regional and remote Australia.

Undertaking a PhD at Central Queensland University, Ms Wirrer-George Oochunyung pioneered the Arnya Songline Methodology (ASM), supporting the Napranum, Weipa and Aurukun communities through healing from trauma and strengthening cultural identity.

She said the project involved a carefully selected group of participants using a creative medium of their choice to explore and strengthen their cultural expression, utilise their talents, and work towards their goals.

She took on her pilot group in 2023, and now, with the funding, she will be able to take on a new group for the two-year creative journey.

“It started with my master’s; I referred to it as Dreaming Story Way when I started to scaffold it as a methodology,” she said.

“At that point, I was living in Brisbane, I was away from home and Country and family and kinship, and all of that comes under that cultural package.

“I found that what was sustaining me when I lived in Brissy, in a concrete jungle, was the recall of stories

and songs…it reconnected me back to home, even though I physically wasn’t on Country.”

Ms Wirrer-George Oochunyung said that in the Alngith/Liningithi language, ‘arnya’ referred to a totemic ancestor, and could also be interpreted as an instinct, intuition or guide.

Her own lived experience of finding a spiritual connection to culture inspired ASM in the hopes of helping other First Nations people feeling disconnected.

“It was something that occurred organically, spiritually and instinctively in me as I pursued a PhD,” she said.

“I was able to structure it as a methodology of practice, and now I have a chance to share this with mobs, because we all come from a similar background in terms of social structure, cultural vocabulary and connections to Country.

“If it can work for me, it might for them, and this is an offering that I’m giving back to community and nation.”

She said one of the main aims of the methodology was to “give voice to Voice”, reflecting on a painter from her pilot collective who suffered from chronic anxiety.

More than 160 illegal Indonesian fi shers prosecuted

by LUKE MORTIMER

A GROUP of illegal foreign fishers busted near Trochus Island in the Torres Strait as part of Operation Broadstaff have been dealt with in court and largely dodged jail-time.

That includes two vessel masters who were previously apprehended in Australian waters.

Australian Border Force (ABF) identified and intercepted two Indonesian fishing boats near the island on 7 March.

ABF seized fishing equipment and 1650 kilograms of salt, which is used to preserve catch.

The vessels were seized, seven crew members were detained and taken to Darwin to undergo further investigations by the ABF’s Operation Broadstaff partner, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA).

All of the crew members pleaded guilty to offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991

when they faced Darwin Local Court on 31 March.

One of the vessel masters was convicted and sentenced to a twoyear good behaviour bond, while a second vessel master was fined $1000 and sentenced to six weeks imprisonment, suspended immediately.

A crew member who was wanted on a warrant for previous offending and had an unpaid fine served 10 days behind bars, while others were handed sentences ranging from $1000 fines to twoyear good behaviour bonds.

The anglers were set to be taken back to Indonesia by border force.

Since 1 July last year, 160 Indonesian fishers had been prosecuted in the local court, the ABF revealed on Thursday (9 April).

Broadstaff, a multiagency operation to deter, detect and disrupt illegal foreign fishing across northern Queensland and the Torres Strait, began in February.

ABF has been burning illegal

boats at sea and Maritime Border Command Acting Deputy Commander Brooke Dewar earlier said that “reflects a deliberate enforcement posture”.

If you enter Australian waters to fish illegally, you will be detected and intercepted and the consequences can be immediate – your vessel can be seized and disposed of under Australian law,” she warned.

“Vessel destruction is one tool. Seizure of fishing equipment, education and escorting vessels out of Australian waters are also critical parts of a multilayered enforcement approach.”

Australian authorities have also been working with the Indonesian Government to try to stop the influx of illegal fishers, which has spiked “400 per cent” in recent years, according to Cook MP David Kempton.

Justin Bathurst, AFMA’s general manager of Fisheries Operations, said: “Illegal foreign fishing

fishers were caught near Trochus Island in the

continues to threaten the sustainability of our precious fish stocks, and will not be tolerated.”

“Any foreign national caught fishing unlawfully in Australian waters will be subject to serious penalties including seizure of catch, equipment, vessel and potential imprisonment,” he said.

Deputy Commander Dewar said the ABF was working closely with AFMA and regional counterparts –including Torres Strait communities – to tackle illegal fishing.

“Protecting Australia’s maritime borders includes preventing unlawful fishing activity that undermines fisheries management and environmental sustainability,” she said.

“These sentences reflect the seriousness with which Australia treats illegal foreign fishing and the impact it has on our maritime interests.”

Anyone who suspects illegal fishing in Australian waters should phone CRIMFISH on 1800 274 63.

Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page

Quick Workout

Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.

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.

Russ returns to claim parkrun #465

by CHISA HASEGAWA

THREE first starters got their first taste of Weipa parkrun when they joined an intimate field of 36 participants for the instalment #465 of the event on 11 April.

Chrisden Russ returned to parkrun for the first time in a month and made his presence felt by being the first runner to salute the timekeepers with a time of 20 minutes, 34 seconds.

Russ beat home Ross Dawson (21:41) and Clayton Morrison (23:25), with the latter rounding out the top three fi nishers thanks

to an impressive personal best eff ort.

Charlize McAulay (31:05) also bagged a PB finish to be the first female to conquer the five kilometre circuit.

Cody Wain was the third parkrunner to chalk up a PB performance on the day.

Volunteer duties were fulfilled by Amanda Allender, Susie Tuckwood, Jason Smith, Ali Scott, Barry Cronin, Kendall Daly, Ella Browne and Judey Haeusler.

If you want to join the Weipa parkrun family, it’s easy to do – just grab your sneakers and show up at the hospital roundabout shelter on the corner of John Evans Dr and Kerr Point Dr by the time the starting pistol sounds at 7am every Saturday.

Always a bridesmaid: Moore knocked back to Dawnbusters runner-up

by CHISA HASEGAWA

THE rain stayed away at last when 13 avid golfers fought for the top Dawnbusters honours on Sunday (12 April).

All fairways were back in action and the course was reasonably dried out.

Golfers Les Sariman (42), Jamie Hutton (44), Grant Crosley, Scott Triffit and Paiwan Lui with 46s off the stick showed mastery over the new conditions.

When push came to shove, it was the handicaps which sorted out the winners, with Crossley bagging his second win of the season after netting 18.

Crossley credited his victory to the support of teammates Jim Lucas and Scott Triffit, who were, as usual, full of encouragement.

Banished to runner-up, the Bridesmaid Award went to the previous week’s victor, Peter Moore. Though he was no stranger to the trophy, having taken it out three times in the last five weeks.

Always the bridesmaid, never the bride, but there is always next week.

Big guns for the day were Paiwan Lui, taking out Men’s Longest Drive, while

Helen Sabatino took out the Women’s Longest Drive.

Accuracy on the 18th went to Les Saramin, who took out Nearest the Pin.

Hoffmans was clinched by Harrie Ginnate, who managed a round of 60 to take the prestigious award after he was last seen getting lessons from left-handed Sariman.

Dawnbusters will take on the front 9 on 26 April, with an expected tee-off time of about 6:45 am.

Volunteers needed for Western Cape rugby league return

by CHISA HASEGAWA

WESTERN Cape York may be full of rugby league talent waiting to be unlocked, but more volunteers are needed to ensure the field can see action for years to come.

Expressions of interest for a Western Cape Cluster tournament are closing on 15 April, marking the final chance for teams and volunteers to step up and be part of bringing rugby league back for men and women in the region.

Queensland Rugby League (QRL) league and club coordinator – Cape & Torres, Rachael Morgan, said the response from teams had been positive so far, but they were still establishing a working group to get the competition up and running.

“Everyone loves to play, but we really struggle to find the people to support the teams and get them on the paddock,” she said.

“Team management staff include coaches, registrars to help players get registered, then you have water runners, and someone to also have a voice for that team.

“The EOI is for teams to nominate, but part of that nomination is to nominate someone to be a sports trainer, which is a first aid officer, and a referee — they’re two areas that we struggle quite a lot in remote areas to fill.”

With courses to qualify for those positions not readily available in remote areas, Ms Morgan said QRL was currently working with councils to finalise plans for an activation round in May, during which a referee course would be available.

She highlighted that volunteers did not need to have referee or sports trainer qualifications when submitting the EOI.

“We will work towards helping them with accreditations,” she said.

“A lot of the courses can be done online. Some of them require a little bit of face-to-face, like the referee and sports trainer, but the rest of our courses can actually be done online.

“We want to get rugby league back to the Western Cape, but we need people to help and volunteers to take on some of the load.”

Ms Morgan said it would be great to have the cluster tournament make a triumphant return since it died out in 2022, especially as sporting opportunities for adults in remote communities were few and far between.

“Historically, the Western Cape competition was quite a strong one in that region, with around 250 to 300 participants back in its heyday,” she said.

“Cape York’s full of people who love rugby league, and it creates a space of engagement and connection for these young adults to come together.”

Golfers await ‘really special’ surprise at Weipa Goodline Open

by CHISA HASEGAWA

WHILE bragging rights are always a redhot commodity on the course, players who tee off in Weipa’s premier golfing event next month may get to take aim at another irresistible carrot if a plan currently under wraps comes to fruition.

The 2026 Weipa Goodline Open will transform Carpentaria Golf Club into a hive of activity on 2-3 May as golfers from across Far North Queensland make a beeline for western Cape York for the annual 36-hole showdown.

With more than 40 golfers already signed up for the event, Jamie Hutton – who is helping keep Weipa’s golfing grand final on track with fellow co-ordinators Oliver Tata and Peter Sceresini – said a full field was expected by the time the first groups stepped up to the tee box in a little over three weeks.

“We’re over halfway, which is great still three weeks out,” he told Cape York Weekly

“We’re hoping to fill those spots to get around the 80 mark; around the 76-80 golfers is a full field for us, which would be fantastic.”

As local players continue to fine-tune their games, Mr Hutton said the club was putting the finishing touches on securing a major attraction to add to the thrill of the competition.

“There’s something that we’re keeping under wraps for just one more week, and then that’s going to be something really, really special that we’re going to promote really well,” he hinted.

“It’s something that a lot of people will get excited about; it has been done before, but not to this extent.”

The A-grade action is once again expected to be red-hot in 2026, but Mr Hutton tipped some epic battles in the B-grade, C-grade and Ladies divisions, as regular Dawnbusters and Wackers golfers test their mettle over the two days.

“There’s a lot of crap that gets thrown around at Dawnies and, you know, come Open time, there’s only going to be one winner, and they’ll be able to have that title for

the whole year, which they’ll definitely hang their hat on,” he laughed.

The Weipa course copped the brunt of Tropical Cyclone Narelle last month but Mr Hutton said it would be in top condition by the first round of the event.

“Hole number two was pretty much underwater, and that’s the first time that I’ve ever seen that happen – you couldn’t see the first green, either,” he said.

“I have to give a big shout-out to all of the volunteers and members that helped clean up; it’s just an absolute mammoth task, and it’s still being done now, but to everyone that helped over the last couple of weeks, we just say thank you and appreciate all your efforts.”

To be in the running for this year’s Open, complete a nomination form at the clubhouse bar, or email cgcweipa@gmail.com before the field fills up.