Community working bee for much-loved
MEMBERS of a tight-knit Cook Shire community have banded together to support a volunteering icon. Sandy Lloyd’s “jungle” property was looking a bit wild, so Rossville gave her an 80th birthday present to remember. Ms Lloyd was chuffed: “I just was not aware that I was so loved.” Full story page 2.
‘Every
tide brings more in’: Huge push to clean Cape beaches
by LUKE MORTIMER
THE diver behind a movement to clean up mountains of marine debris nationwide says staff and volunteers have removed a staggering amount of rubbish scattered across Cape York — with most items originating from overseas in remote locations.
But Tangaroa Blue Founda-
tion founder, director and CEO Heidi Tait has been left wondering when a much-needed government funding boost will come to fruition.
That’s despite the not-forpro t’s important work including detecting and removing shing ‘ghost nets’ threatening the Great Barrier Reef and impeding shipping lanes.
“We’ve got two major programs that we run. The rst one is on the east side of the Cape, which is part of our Reef Clean program. That one started in 2019 and it is funded through the Australian Government’s Reef Trust. It incorporates lots of different activities,” Ms Tait said.
“And so one of them is our big community clean ups. In the
Cape, we do multi-day events up at 5 Beaches Loop, so right up at the tip. At Captain Billy (Landing) with the Wuthathi traditional owners. We do Chilli Beach every year with Kuuku Ya’u traditional owners and QPWS (Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services).
– Continued page 5
By CHISA HASEGAWA
IT wasn’t wrapped up in pretty paper and ribbon, but one beloved Rossville resident received the gift of a lifetime from her neighbours after years of struggle.
More than 20 community members came together on Sunday, 12 April to celebrate Sandy Lloyd’s 80th birthday with a working bee on her “jungle” property, refreshing her very loved, but overgrown forest.
“I wasn’t able to spend the time that was needed to maintain it, so all those plants became huge, and all of a sudden, I had no sun. I just was not able to keep up with it.
“All those people came out, and they cut down trees, and they had an excavator here, and cleared out everything, so it’s now manageable for me; what I contributed was nothing compared to this.”
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A lover of all things botanical, Ms Lloyd curated the outdoor space herself over two decades, but in recent years, she became unable to maintain the growth due to health issues and the damage left behind by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
“I bought myself a little rainforest block in 2006, because the rainforest is my first and foremost passion,” she said.
“I don’t have a garden; I planted everything that I loved, and it was a rainforest, it was a jungle, but it was my dream.
“My dream was to have a nursery and a tiny little house in the rainforest, and I was living my dream, but it required constant, constant maintenance, of course.”
Except for perhaps the odd person living under a rock, Sandy Lloyd is a name familiar to everyone in Rossville and Cooktown, mostly from her enormous volunteering efforts on every committee and event under the sun, from the Cape York Folk Club to the Cooktown Discovery Festival Re-enactment Society to the Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery, and so much more.
“I was working very long hours for the Cape York Folk Club and all my other volunteering, and deteriorating health didn’t help,” she said.
Good at helping others but not so much at asking for it herself, Ms Lloyd’s personal sanctuary was still fairly damaged after the December 2023 flood, which took out her dream nursery.
“All my life, since I’ve been here, until the last few years, I’ve been able to do everything myself,” she said.
“I had a lot of damage here, but because there were so many people that lost everything, I just couldn’t go there with trying to get help then, because so much help was needed everywhere else.
“I didn’t ask for help for my nursery, so it remained collapsed.”
Now with her son and grandchildren living on the property, Ms Lloyd was in desperate need of more storage, so her fellow community members raised the funds to turn the old nursery into a storage shed at the working bee.
Pasha Lynch, who organised the crew, said they wanted to find a way to give back to Ms Lloyd after all of the love and dedication she had poured into the community.
“The best thing we felt we could do would be to help her get her land back together,” she said.
“It was amazing; she just kept touching her chest and she was overwhelmed with all of the help she had.
“It’s been hard for her, and we all wanted to do it, because
Sandy’s been an amazing member of this community and the Cooktown community.”
Though she struggled to find the words to express her gratitude, Ms Lloyd’s decades of service to the community, and the love (and sweat) that was returned, truly embodied the spirit of the region’s people.
“I’m really, totally over-
whelmed at the community spirit that is Rossville,” she said.
“I turned 80 on Easter Sunday, and I had a big party at the Lion’s Den, and that was a surprise also. I wanted a quiet little dinner, but it was wall-towall people.
“I just was not aware that I was so loved. It’s just so rewarding.”
by LUKE MORTIMER
HEALTH authorities have revealed five people on Saibai Island in the Torres Strait have likely contracted malaria locally.
Queensland Health states several hundred imported cases are recorded in the state each year, but Australia was certified as malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1981 due to a lack of local cases.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) confirmed the five probable locally acquired cases of the severe mosquitoborne disease on Wednesday (15 April).
Queensland Health’s Guidelines for Public Health Units states the “re-establishment of malaria and local transmission in Australia could still potentially occur if imported cases travel to locations where suitable mosquito vectors (Anopheles species) are present”.
“Occasionally, limited transmission occurs in the Torres Strait Islands following importation from PNG (Papua New Guinea),” the guidelines read.
“Locally acquired malaria has occurred on the outer islands of the Torres Strait including Saibai, Boigu, Erub and Badu islands.
“The last cases acquired on mainland Australia were during an outbreak in north Queensland in 2002 (at Noah Beach in the Daintree). Notably, a likely case of ‘airport malaria’ (acquired from an infected mosquito imported in an aircraft) has been reported in north Queensland in 1997.”
WHO currently lists Australia as having a cer-
tification of malaria elimination.
“Countries that have achieved at least three consecutive years of zero indigenous cases are eligible to apply for a WHO certification of malaria-free status,” the WHO website states.
Authorities have been managing the Saibai cases and public-facing health workers were visiting the island to provide information to residents about mosquitoborne diseases and how to minimise the risk of infection.
Saibai is just four kilometres from the mainland of Papua New Guinea.
“The Saibai cases are being managed appropriately and no further details can be provided due to confidentiality,” TCHHS said in a statement.
The malaria cases are the first reported in the health service this year, while nine were reported last year –three on Cape York and
the remainder in the Torres Strait. No cases were reported in 2024 and five were reported in 2023, according to Queensland Health data.
TCHHS public health medical officer Helen Pedgrift said her team had been working with Torres Strait Island Regional Council representatives to check for more malaria cases and carry out mosquito control measures, including spraying.
She said the community should not be alarmed and be aware that malaria is treatable. Malaria cannot be spread by contact between people.
Malaria is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of some types of mosquitoes.
Dr Pedgrift said Torres Strait residents should watch out for malaria symptoms and take measures to avoid being bitten.
Common symptoms of malaria are high fever, headache, backache, nausea,
vomiting, and muscle and joint pains.
Dr Pedgrift urged anyone exhibiting symptoms to visit their local primary health care centre.
TCHHS advised effective drugs were available to treat malaria and should be used early. Late stage, severe, or complicated cases can be fatal.
Anyone travelling to areas where malaria is present should take precautions, including taking appropriate medication to prevent infection.
But it’s best to avoid being bitten at all.
The health service advised people to wear light-coloured clothing (long-sleeved shirts and long pants) and to use insect repellent containing DEET (di-ethyl toluamide), picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Other prevention measures include electric zappers and coils, insect screens and mosquito nets..
From page 1
“We’ll take a team from Cairns, we’ll head up and camp for like a week. We’ll clean sweep a massive section of coastline, and we normally get somewhere between five, six, seven tonnes.
“Chilli Beach was the first big community clean up that we did and we started that back in 2012. And so just from that one beach, which is about six-and-a-half kilometres long, in a national park, we’ve removed just over 50 tonnes of marine debris.”
Ms Tait said Chilli Beach was one of the “hotspots” where rubbish from across the world ended up due to ocean currents.
“Every tide brings more in,” she said.
The charity does similar clean ups with volunteers on the eastern Cape, working with the Mapoon community and Napranum rangers.
Tangaroa Blue also undertakes quarterly monitoring and created the long-running Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) Database.
Individuals and organisations have recorded more than 30 million pieces of debris as part of AMDI since 2004. Last year, about 20,000 people inputted data.
Ms Tait said Tangaroa Blue received ongoing funding, but it had not risen to reflect soaring costs.
“With Reef Clean, the funding from the government was
locked in for a number of years, which is great because that’s what we need, we need longterm … but it hasn’t scaled, so it’s the same amount of money every year since 2019,” she explained.
Ms Tait said the “price of fuel” and moreover “the price of everything” meant the money “just goes not as far every year”.
“We definitely are always looking to expand. And the other thing is, it’s like 8-900 kilometres from Cairns to the tip. We can do ‘X’ number of sites, but the whole Cape needs work. And the more money you get, the more you can do,” she said.
“We know that this round of funding finishes next March, so we obviously need to know what’s going to happen after that. We’ve been building, building and you just don’t want to see all that work just kind of stop.”
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Ms Tait said she wanted to see better collaboration between governments, fellow community organisations and Tangaroa Blue.
“At the moment, it’s possible for three layers of government — local, state, and federal — to give money to do a clean up to three different organisations. And those organisations all rock up on the same beach on the same day to do a clean up,” Ms Tait said.
“And the worst part of it is the reason that the beach got picked in the first place is because it might’ve been someone’s favourite beach as a kid.
“So there’s no strategy. There’s no overarching framework on where we should be investing long term – where are our critical turtle habitats, where are our critical accumulation points where we can maximise effort? The potential wastage is just horrifying.”
Ms Tait said the database was a good source of information to kick things off and that: “Data is key. If you don’t have data, you don’t have an understanding of what’s going on.”
She added that in more remote areas of the Cape up to 90 per cent of debris was “coming from overseas versus from domestic sources”.
She hoped international cooperation on reducing plastic waste, in particular, would mean less rubbish on beaches down the line.
Ms Tait also pointed to Tangaroa Blue’s “really cool” FAD Watch program, which involves volunteer boaties removing wayward commercial GPS fishing buoys and fish aggregating devices (FAD) – “a floating bit of ghost net with a tracker”.
More than 600 FADs have been recovered, clearing shipping lanes and safeguarding marine life.
Tangaroa Blue is currently planning for the end of wet season and the first Cape event of the year, the Mapoon Clean-up from June 13-21.
Monthly Cape clean ups will be organised until late in the year, with dates to be confirmed. Get in touch with the not-for-profit to volunteer.
Tenders are invited from Contractors wishing to be included in Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council’s Panel of Preferred Suppliers 2026–2028 for occasional plant hire, labor, and raw materials for roadworks.
Obtaining Documentation: Tenderers may register expressions of interest for the tender documentation by emailing tenders@lockhart.qld.gov.au
Lodgement of Tenders: Tenders must be lodged via email to tenders@lockhart.qld.gov.au
Closing Time: The closing time for lodgement of Tenders is 2.00pm Tuesday 12 May 2026.
Obtaining Documentation: Tenderers may register expressions of interest for the tender documentation by emailing tenders@lockhart.qld.gov.au
Lodgement of Tenders: Tenders must be lodged via email to tenders@lockhart.qld.gov.au
Closing Time: The closing time for lodgement of
Tender Number: PSA 2026-03 Operational Services 2026-2028
Tenders are invited from Contractors wishing to be included in Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council’s Panel of Preferred Suppliers 2026–2028 for Operational Services.
Obtaining Documentation: Tenderers may register expressions of interest for the tender documentation by emailing tenders@lockhart.qld.gov.au
Lodgement of Tenders: Tenders must be lodged via email to tenders@lockhart.qld.gov.au or lodged in the Tender Box at Council by the closing time. Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council 7 Anderson Street Manunda Cairns QLD 4870
Closing Time: The closing time for lodgement of Tenders is 2.00pm Tuesday 12 May 2026.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner Trainee (Identified), Various Torres and Cape Primary Health Care Centres
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Professions.
Comprising salary between $65,082.00 - $74,360.00 p.a., employer contribution to superannuation (up to 12.75%) and annual leave loading (17.5%) (HWF1) (Applications will remain current for 12 months).
Job Ad Reference: TC678118.
Duties/Abilities:
This traineeship is designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members who want to build a future in health, even if you haven’t worked in health before. You’ll learn on the job with strong support from experienced staff, Elders, and community members needed to become an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner.
As part of the role, you will enrol in a Certificate IV qualification. Queensland Health pays for your course fees and provides study leave to help you succeed. This is a chance to build skills, grow your confidence, and step into a role that supports your community.
Enquiries: Eva Burns, 0499 926 121.
Application Kit: https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-TC678118
Closing Date: Friday, 8 May 2026.
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by CHISA HASEGAWA
EVEN as dementia took his memories and life, Bill Hennessy always knew that Weipa was where his heart was until the end.
Now, his loved ones want to ensure he is brought home to the community he gave his all to as his final resting place.
Mr Hennessy spent the final years of his life in Brisbane when friend and former Weipa resident Malissa Midson took him in to care for him through a dementia and Parkinson’s diagnosis.
With the nursing home draining his funds, Ms Midson put together a fundraiser to help his family get Mr Hennessy home to rest.
“I love Bill, and he is just the ultimate in terms of who he was and what he gave back to Weipa,” she said.
“He would sit down and talk to everybody at the nursing home about Weipa, so they all knew Weipa, they knew the characters of Weipa, the fishing; he definitely talked up Weipa.
“I just feel Bill would be at home if he was up in Weipa, and that’s why I’m doing this.”
Mr Hennessy is being remembered as a social butterfly who knew everyone and everything about Weipa.
Long-time friend Krystle Ellis, who met Mr Hennessy through work, said his chattiness and open nature made her feel welcome and at home in the community
when she moved to Weipa two decades ago.
“I’ve known him for about 20 years, I think; he was one of the first people I met when I moved up here,” she said.
“He knew everyone and he was always up for a chat, so I think I certainly won’t be alone in thinking that he was a big part of making a lot of people feel welcome here.
“He’s the sort of person who made a lasting impact on people. It was very sad to see him go.”
Ms Ellis regularly visited Mr Hennessy
in Brisbane, and said he was always keen to catch up on Weipa’s latest.
“He really missed Weipa; he loved this place and everyone here, and always had really fond stories of the community,” she said.
“He would always ask how everyone is, and I’d have to get into a lot of detail, especially about some of his old mates from the Bowls Club and people that used to work with us.
“I think the passion that he had for the community and the people in it is a big thing that he should be remembered by.”
Mr Hennessy’s son, Michael, or his grandchildren, will be the ones to take him on his final journey home and scatter his ashes.
Though they had a complex relationship, he thanked the Weipa community for surrounding his dad with love.
“I just appreciate everyone for loving him for all his quirks and supporting him, because once he went up there, he basically became a Weipaite,” he said.
“My father and I have been appreciative of Mal’s assistance for the last few years.
“She really took him under her wing and helped him out, moved him down and got him into care, so she’s been an integral part.”
Anyone who would like to help bring Mr Hennessy home can donate on the online GoFundMe page titled ‘Bill Henessey - memorial funds’.
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
• Delivering new classrooms at Cairns State Special School
• Upgrading six community halls in Far North Queensland
• Upgrading the lighting at Cooktown Oval
• Upgrading Jeff Pezzutti Park Youth Activities Space
• Upgrading Cairns Western Arterial Road
As well as delivering emergency communication between Cooktown and Cairns, here are some of the ways the new Queensland Government is delivering for Far North Queensland:
• Upgrading Barlow Park and the Manunda Sports Precinct for 2032 and beyond
• Delivering public transport for Babinda, Dimbulah and Ravenshoe
• Upgrading Cairns’ Queensland Ambulance Service Operational Centre
• Upgrading the Cooktown Multipurpose Health Service Facility.
by LUKE MORTIMER
THE national transport safety investigator will examine the management, storage and quality of fuel as part of an investigation into a Torres Strait helicopter accident.
An investigation is underway by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) into why the Bell LongRanger chopper operated by Fortescue Helicopters lost control at about 91 metres in the air a short time after taking off from Thursday Island (Waiben) on 6 January.
Luckily, the pilot was the only occupant and managed to escape uninjured after ditching the helicopter, which was used to transport two passengers between outer Torres Strait islands earlier in the day.
The investigation update comes after the ATSB was informed a helicopter “rolled” during takeoff at Weipa Airport on 27 March. The ATSB has not yet made clear whether an investigation will be launched into that incident.
The ATSB said on Thursday (17 April) investigators “will examine fuel management, storage and quality monitoring procedures as part of its ongoing investigation into the ditching” of the chopper in the Torres Strait.
A preliminary report notes “the helicopter was at about 300 ft (91.4 m) after taking off from Sadie’s Beach Helipad when the pilot encountered several sudden and violent yawing movements and then a reduction in both engine and rotor RPM”.
The pilot tried to recover, but the helicopter’s revs dropped and a warning light illuminated.
The pilot managed to carry out an “autorotation landing” – a technique used to safely recover after engine failure – “and was able to
plied via Horn Island as part of a broader distribution network, the report states.
“The ATSB is still considering the contributing factors in this investigation and the management, storage and quality monitoring practices involved in this operation will be considered in that process,” Mr Mitchell said.
The report states water in aviation fuel can result in filter blockages and engine failure through fuel starvation in more severe cases. It also mentions that tropical climates can create conditions supporting algal growth in fuel tanks, “which can degrade fuel quality and further contribute to filter obstruction”.
activate the helicopter’s pop-out floats before landing onto the water below”.
The chopper landed upright but rolled over about 15 seconds later.
ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said the ongoing investigation would review survivability, pilot training and procedures. It will also consider the results of an independent engineering investigation.
He said the ATSB was also looking at a range of factors relating to the fuel being used.
“The pilot had just dropped two passengers off at Thursday Island, having spent much of the day flying them between several outer Torres Strait islands,” Mr Mitchell said.
“During the day’s flying, the helicopter twice visited Coconut Island (Poruma) to refuel from an intermediate bulk container (IBC) positioned there by the operator.”
The helicopter started the day loaded with fuel that was stored in static tanks on Horn Island. The IBC on Coconut Island was sup-
The operator of the chopper was contracted to transport workers of an organisation that conducts inspections on islands throughout the Torres Strait.
A final report detailing contributing factors to the accident will be published when the probe wraps up.
The ATSB notes the preliminary report “summarises evidence gathered to date, but does not contain findings or analysis”.
Pursuant to section 228(5) of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Aurukun Shire Council is calling for expressions of interest (“EOI”) for the disposal of several buildings from the site known as Airport Camp.
The buildings include:
Kitchen/dining room 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Description
5-bedroom donga
5-bedroom donga
5-bedroom donga
5-bedroom donga
5-bedroom donga
Small kitchen
2 toilets/2 showers
2 toilets/2 showers
3 toilets/2 showers in shipping container
Storage cubicle Laundry
Respondents may submit an EOI for part of or all of the asset list, and must specify which buildings they intend to remove in their submission.
1. Aurukun Shire Council will arrange:
• Disconnection of electricity from main supply and make safe;
• Disconnection of water from main supply and make safe;
• Disconnection from sewerage and/or septic tank;
• Pumping out of septic tank; and
• Lifting and placement of assets on truck if required.
2. Successful respondent will arrange:
• Confirm when and where assets will be removed to – this is not to be in the Aurukun Local Government Area;
• Provide 14 days’ notice as to when assets will be removed;
• Provide suitable, safe and secure transport for assets;
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations;
• Leave Airport Camp site in tidy condition; and
• Remove assets no later than 26 June 2026.
Prospective respondents are strongly urged to undertake a physical inspection of the assets prior to submitting an EOI, however, this is not mandatory. Photographs of the assets can be viewed at www.aurukun.qld.gov.au/services/grants-contracts.
EOIs must be submitted via email to council@aurukun.qld.gov.au by 4pm on Monday, 11 May 2026.
For more information, contact the General Manager Corporate Services on 07 4060 6812.
by CHISA HASEGAWA
THE sacrifice of former and serving military personnel will be honoured when Cape York pauses to commemorate Anzac Day on Saturday.
Communities across the region are encouraged to pause and reflect when a range of events take place on 25 April in remembrance of the courage, endurance and mateship of those who served.
Weipa’s commemoration will begin with the traditional march from the skate park to Memorial Square for the dawn service at 5:30 am, followed by the gunfire breakfast open to all with a gold coin donation, and then the annual twoup showdown at the Weipa Bowls Club.
Weipa RSL sub-branch president Lloyd Williams said he hoped to see more community members stick around for the gunfire breakfast this year.
“Being a Saturday and there’s no long weekend involved, I’m hoping that we do get a good turnout,” he said.
“Every year, we generally get a good turnout for the dawn service, but not a lot of people hang around
afterwards, which is a tad disappointing.
“We’d just like to see people there with long arms and short pockets. We do spend money we raise on the community.”
Ms Williams said it was positive to see young people from Western
Cape College and St Joseph’s Parish school carry on the legacy each year, ensuring that the significance of the day was not forgotten over generations.
“Depending on teachers and students and what’s available, we’ve had choirs sing for us,
we’ve had school captains read a couple of poems for us, and kids come and lay poppies and wreaths and get involved; it’s good to see,” he said.
Cooktown’s day will begin at 6 am at William Daku Park for the dawn service, before the RSL Me-
morial Club cooks get busy in the kitchen for the gunfire breakfast. 35 Squadron will arrive in town on 24 April to speak to students at Cooktown State School and Endeavour Christian College, after which they will join the whole-of-community commemoration on 25 April.
by CHISA HASEGAWA
THE return of the traditional cricket match between Cooktown and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will display the mateship and Anzac spirit the sport has come to symbolise.
After commemorative events on 25 April, Cooktown will face off against its associated RAAF transport unit, the No. 35 Squadron, for the first time in more than five years on Sunday (26 April).
Organiser Tony Holmes said it was great that the RAAF members could stick around to bring the match back to Cooktown this year.
“It was Covid that sort of stopped it, and before that, it had been going on for about 20 years,” he said.
“It’s a good way for the locals to mix with the RAAF as part of an Anzac tradition; we get to meet them on a bit more of a personal level.
“These days, it’s mixed teams, so the men and the ladies from the RAAF, and the men and the ladies from the Cooktown cricket club, all come together.”
Mr Holmes said the entire community was invited to come along to the Queens Park Cricket Oval for the start of the match about 9am on Sunday.
“RSL sub-branch are putting on a free barbecue, and there’ll be a bar operational to keep everyone hydrated,” he said.
“Everyone’s welcome, and it’ll be a very fun, family day.”
by LUKE MORTIMER
CAPE York mayors have spoken out as part of the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), concerned they face a “financial black hole” due to “disappearing” federal road and infrastructure funding.
The LGAQ released a statement on 14 April and said councils statewide would lose out unless the Federal Government continued investment in critical infrastructure through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP), set to end 30 June.
“This program has been used to build roads, sporting grounds and other vital community facilities, and it’s our smallest communities who stand to lose most if funding isn’t continued,” LGAQ president, Mayor Matt Burnett said.
“People living in regional Queensland should be able to access the same employment, infrastructure and service opportunities as those living in the cities.
“Councils can’t afford to see this program funding disappear –they need a Federal Government that’s willing to support the local economies to build vital infrastructure.”
Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Ronaldo Guivarra joined the charge by the LGAQ, which represents the state’s 77 local councils.
“Mapoon is located on the western side of the cape and is heavily
reliant on the Queensland road network,” he said.
“When there are floods or road outages we effectively turn into an island which drives up the cost of living, doing business and affects local health.
“LRCIP is a program which invests in the critical community infrastructure we need to remain connected – but it also supports projects that keep our residents safe and spaces liveable, like safe school drop zones for our kids and outdoor barbecues, outdoor exercise stations.
“It has funded infrastructure to protect the resting place of our elders from unwanted wildlife.
“Without this funding these very important projects become much harder to deliver in remote councils like ours.”
Fellow Cape community leader, Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) Mayor Robert Poipoi said the funding was crucial.
“As a result of this funding program, we’ve constructed shared cycling and pedestrian infrastructure that connects our community of Injinoo to Umagico, and now onward to Bamaga,” he said.
“It provides safe pathways to school and work for our residents, as well as health and fitness opportunities for the community.
“Projects like this show how vital this funding is to councils like ours.”
LGAQ chief executive officer Alison Smith said there was no replacement funding stream and the disappearance of $500 million a year allocated to the LRCIP nationally would be a blow for communities.
“Every community fights hard to attract and retain jobs and investment and this becomes much harder if programs like this simply vanish overnight,” she said.
“The LRCIP funding allocation provided to Queensland councils is estimated to contribute approximately $668 million to Queensland’s economy over the course of the program in total, including $206.9 million directly. That supports almost 4000 full-time equivalent jobs across Queensland, including almost 1300 direct jobs.”
The LGAQ called on Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers to use the
May Budget to continue the funding, which has benefitted each Queenslander to the tune of an average of $150, according to figures obtained by the LGAQ.
Independent analysis of federal investment from taxes in councils highlighted a projected downward trend, Ms Smith added.
“Local communities shouldn’t be deprived of vital services and infrastructure because of a broken Federal funding model,” she said.
“Residents in all Queensland communities want solutions, and this requires a significant increase in Federal funding for councils.”
Mr Burnett said the LGAQ wants the Federal Government to increase untied Financial Assistance Grant funding to councils
to at least 1 per cent of Commonwealth tax revenue.
The LGAQ also wants increased investment in housing to tackle “chronic overcrowding in First Nations communities”.
Dr Chalmers was approached, but Minister for Regional Development and Local Government Kristy McBain responded.
“We have heard loud and clear that many local governments were facing financial sustainability issues which is why we referred the matter for inquiry in the last Parliament, the first such referral in two decades,” she said.
“The re-referred Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Fiscal Sustainability builds on the work of the previous inquiry, and is currently holding hearings.”
by LUKE MORTIMER
MORE than 250 people have been charged with more than 580 offences – including 126 children – during an ongoing property crime crackdown in Far North Queensland, as police review state-wide vehicle pursuit policies.
Operation Yankee Forge launched on 27 February with a focus on driving down vehicle thefts, robbery, burglary and break-in offending with high-visibility patrols.
On 15 April, Far North police provided the latest details on the operation after Cook MP David Kempton spoke out in recent days, warning community frustration over youth crime was mounting. He shared a video of a stolen SUV hooning through the street of Mareeba, allegedly driven by a teenage offender.
Mr Kempton said he was concerned unlawful vigilante action was increasingly likely, young offenders were treated too leniently by the courts and police were hamstrung by overly strict chase policies.
Police have charged 253 people with 584 offences as part of the operation. Of those charged, 126 were young people, or almost 50 per cent.
People under the age of 18 were charged with the majority of offences at 366, compared to the adults, who racked up 218 charges.
Charges included 174 counts of unlawful entry, 115 counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and 24 counts of robbery.
Police HQ responded to Mr Kempton’s concerns after he said local officers, including the district inspector, had
been in touch with him to express frustrations over pursuit policies.
“The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the community. Because of the risk posed to themselves and the community, officers must continually assess if a pursuit can be safely engaged and continued,” a spokesperson said.
“As part of their annual compulsory training, police officers are required to complete online training which provides a contemporary understanding of policy and methodologies relating to the decision to commence a motorised pursuit or not.”
QPS said its “risk-based pursuit policy” was introduced in 2006 and revised in 2011 to incorporate recommendations made by the coroner following inquests.
“The QPS Safe Driving Policy is currently being reviewed to identify opportunities to enhance the safety of officers and the community, whilst still allowing pursuits in permissible circumstances,” the spokesperson said.
“Given all this, QPS will work to apprehend those who evade interception, but pursuits will often not be the principle means of apprehension.”
Regarding the operation, Detective Acting Inspector Kevin Goan said: “Our local police live and work in this community too so they’re committed to disrupting stolen vehicles and disrupting crime...”
“Our officers are out there day and night and I commend them for their efforts in bringing these offenders before the courts,” he said.
by LUKE MORTIMER
COOK Shire Council is moving forward with the installation of new CCTV cameras at key public spaces in Cooktown to improve community safety, deter antisocial behaviour and support local police.
The new cameras will expand on the current CCTV system in the town and are set to be installed around the middle of next month in response to community feedback about safety, crime prevention and the need for better visibility of public areas.
Queensland Police statistics show almost 780 criminal offences recorded in the
Cooktown police division last year, compared to 526 in 2015.
The council has been putting up signs at waterfront locations where the Cooktown Waterfront CCTV Safety Initiative cameras will be installed to make sure the public is aware.
Each sign includes a QR code linking to the council’s website, where more information about the project is available.
The project “delivers on key priorities identified in the 2025–26 Operational Plan, which focuses on improving community safety through initiatives such as CCTV in public spaces, advocacy for increased police
presence, and communityled safety programs”.
“It further aligns with the Community Scorecard Action Plan 2025–2027, responding directly to community feedback around safety, crime prevention, and the need for improved visibility in public areas,” the council states.
More updates are due to be provided as the project progresses and cameras are brought online.
The council has flagged new cameras at the boat ramp and commercial area, Milbi Wall, Queens Steps, the Captain James Cook Statue and Musical Ship.
Other locations include the Captain James Cook monument and historical cannon, coastguard docking area and boat slip, historical well and fountain and the Lion’s Park undercover children’s playground.
CCTV cameras already installed across Cooktown are at the Charlotte, Harrigan and Boundary streets roundabout, the intersection of Charlotte Street and Racecourse Road, the intersection of Hope Street and Racecourse Road, the John Street Oval and toilets, the council’s main administration building and the local library.
by CHISA HASEGAWA
THERE will be a new Cape York banger to add to your playlist when Portland Roads musician Jayson Watkin releases Northbound and Loaded to the world on 24 April.
After an eight-year hiatus from writing music, the Temple Cape York owner got the itch last year when a road trip from the Gold Coast to Lockhart River sparked inspiration.
With plenty of nods to the unique scenes and characters of the Cape, Mr Watkin said it was a song all locals would be able to relate to.
“There is a plethora of one-liners in that song that everyone will be able to relate to, so I’m pretty excited about it,” he said.
“We’re a rare breed up here and we know it, and this song certainly personifies it, I think.
“I’m hoping it becomes the new Cape York anthem.”
Northbound and Loaded will be available to download on all music platforms on 24 April.
Check out the full story on the Cape York Weekly website.
CAPE York tattoo enthusiasts will have the chance of a lifetime to be inked up by the best when 47 of Australia’s top artists assemble in Cairns for a groundbreaking event set to bring tattoo expos beyond the big smoke.
Well-known Cairns artist Jake Straat and his wife, Kaarina, will present the Rainforest & Reef Invitational Tattoo Expo – a two-day celebration of the culture, creativity and camaraderie of the tattoo industry – on 6-7 June at the Cairns Showgrounds.
“We feel there’s a growing demand for tattoo-related events as the culture continues to expand across Australia,” Mr Straat explained.
“Cairns is an absolutely incredible location, and we think a tattoo expo would thrive here; having attended a tonne of tattoo expos all over Australia and overseas, my wife Kaarina and I decided to bring that experience home by creating Cairns’ first-ever tattoo expo.”
The line-up of visiting artists has been handpicked by the Royal Blue Tattoo owner, who said he had seen local attitudes towards skin art evolve over his 11 years in the industry.
“We’re looking forward to progressing the culture of tattooing in the Far North,” Mr Straat said.
“When I first started tattooing 11 years ago, it was still somewhat shunned or a little bit taboo, but I feel like the culture has changed for the better.
“I spend a lot of time kind of travelling around tattooing, so it’s nice to kind of be on the front line of the progression of growing the culture up in Cairns and doing something for my community.”
While there will be hordes of people lining up for the latest addition to
their tattoo collection, Mr Straat urged “cleanskins” and those curious about the culture to join in the expo fun.
“They expo’s for everyone to come and enjoy a beautiful weekend with some of Australia’s best tattoo artists,” he said.
“My only message would be to encourage people to come along and check it out.
“No matter who you are, tattooing is an incredibly welcoming space, and we’d love to have you included as we celebrate the first expo of its kind in Cairns.”
Fitzroy Tattoo owner Sam Coe will make his maiden trip to Far North Queensland for the expo as one of the guest artists, and said he believed the format would make it a unique event for those on both sides of the tattoo machine.
“It’s owned and run by a tattooer, for tattooists,” he explained.
“[Being invited] kind of makes you feel just a little bit more special, really; it’s something quite genuine.
“All of the artists kind of know each other already, and just bringing that level of talent to Cairns is going to be amazing for us and the clients.”
Fellow Melbourne-based artist Melody Crow, who tattoos in a predominantly feminine neo-traditional style driven by bold lines, bright colours and a “bit of whimsy influence”, said she could not wait to help bring the concepts of expo patrons to life.
“Custom work is definitely what I love doing most,” she said.
“I love getting a client’s idea and concept, because sometimes there can be two quite obscure things that you’re asked to put together in one piece, and you have to kind of problem solve and figure out how to do that and make it look aesthetically pleasing.
“I love that aspect of it, and getting to talk the client through it and come up with something cool that they’ll be proud to wear for the rest of their life.”
by CHISA HASEGAWA
THE positive impacts of young people on the Cape deserve to be celebrated every day, but they got a special spotlight last week when Youth Week 2026 kicked off.
Young people at PCYC Napranum and Aurukun were left connected, empowered and full of great memories as the clubs’ jam-packed programs came to a close on Friday (17 April).
PCYC Napranum youth club officer Emma Wallis said Youth Week was one of the most anticipated and enjoyable times of the year.
“In the lead-up, Napranum PCYC staff work closely with our young people and key stakeholders to plan a week of events and activities that celebrate the talents and achievements of our youth, and recognise the positive impact they make in the community,” she said.
“There was something for everyone, and it was incredibly rewarding to see them having fun, trying new things, and feeling a sense of belonging.
“I hope the young people of Napranum
had an amazing time, made great memories, and enjoyed every moment of the celebrations.”
Ms Wallis said some of the highlights of the week included hosting a dinner for Elders and community members, during which they shared stories over a cultural meal they prepared, learning wellbeing skills in a Royal Flying Doctor Service workshop, spending time with friends at the Weipa Aquatic Centre and a touch football competition delivered in partnership with Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council.
“Our young people not only participated in the competition, but also stepped into leadership roles, assisting with officiating, event set-up, and supporting and coaching younger players,” she said.
“We listened to our young people and delivered a diverse range of events and activities designed to encourage their involvement.”
PCYC Aurukun also celebrated youth with its annual Club & Culture tournament, bringing young people together through a bit of friendly competition in their favourite sports and teamwork activities.
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.
* No proper nouns and no hyphenated words
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.
WITH Anzac Day just around the corner, a big field of 79 reflected on the contributions of past and present military and emergency services personnel on 18 April when Weipa parkrun was transformed into a Run Army event.
Weipa parkrun #466 was managed by Bravo Company 51 Far North Queensland Regiment, with 13 first timers lacing up to participate.
The Run Army format allowed parkrunners to pound the pavement alongside military personnel and first responders, and
thank them for the invaluable service they provide to the community.
Chrisden Russ maintained his strong Saturday morning form to be the first finisher in a sharp time of 19 minutes, 50 seconds.
Anna Hutchins was one of eight participants to record a personal best performance, with her 22:15 effort making her the first female to conquer the 5-kilometre Weipa course.
Kayne Tate, Jordan Buckley, Charlize McAulay, Tamara Lambert, Ryan Bowerman, Catalina Caballero and Ashlee Pol-
mear were the other parkrunners to go home with a new PB under their belts.
Nine volunteers threw on the red vests to help make the morning a success – Ross Dawson, Nanthini Kanthan, Jade Pregelj, Emma Eyre, Cody Wain, Ali Scott, Jon Anu, Abdallah Ali and Hayden Gatley.
Bravo Company 51 FNQR would like to thank everyone who turned up to support the event and, by doing do, support Army and emergency services veterans across Australia.
by CHISA HASEGAWA
PURE skill was not enough for Dawnbusters honours when Oliver Tata showed his domination on the course at the Carpentaria Golf Club on Sunday (19 April).
Despite hitting his standard 39 off the stick and finishing a clear six shots ahead of his nearest rival, he had to settle for the Bridesmaid behind Leeroy “I need a new driver” Ahmat.
After a shaky start with his first drive failing to make it off the tee block, Ahmat regained his composure to hit a 47 and nett 16 to secure the day’s top prize.
The golfer was the proud re-
cipient of the new Dawnbuster shirts available in Queensland blue, maroon or grey, and joked that his win was due to the peaceful and calm atmosphere offered in the absence of Jim Lucas, who was out in Cairns getting left-handed lessons.
The Hoffman’s went to Mandy Crawford, while Matt Byrne took out the men’s longest drive.
Unfortunately, all performances on the course failed to claim a women’s longest drive or nearest the pin prize.
Dawnbusters will take on the back 9 on 26 April for the Anzac Day recovery cup, with an expected tee-off time of about 6:45 am.
DESPITE the threat of rain, the 19 Wackers who took on the Weipa front nine managed to stay dry when they teed off on 15 April.
Scott Triffitt played to his usual standard with a great 39 off the stick, while Pete Moore carded a gross 42.
Bob Marshall took the win on a threehole countback from Steve Head after both men returned to the Carpentaria Golf Club 19th hole with nett 34.
Jim Lucas bagged both pin prizes on offer after landing deft iron shots just metres from the flags, while Les Sariman took home the Bradman’s after recording an unusually high score.
AFL Cape York is inviting all western Cape York students in years 4-6 to compete in its 2026 Junior AFL Competition.
The development competition uses modified rules for both boys and girls, with games kicking off on 20 April and set to then be played at Andoom Oval from 5:30-7pm on 27 April, 1 and 18 May, and 15 and 22 June.
For further information, contact Matt Mellahn on 0405 514 547 or matt. mellahn@aflcy.com.au.
ARE your children interested in taking to the rugby league paddock in Weipa this season?
The Central Cape Suns are hosting come and try sessions for junior players ahead of the 2026 campaign, with the aim of giving them a taste of the game, as well as letting them meet the club’s coaches and committee.
The sessions will be held at Andoom Oval today (21 April), 23, 28 and 30 April from 4-5pm.
Players will also have the opportunity to register for the season on the day.
For more information, check out the Central Cape Suns Facebook page.
by CHISA HASEGAWA
CRICKET has the capacity to unite players and fans from across the globe, and that capacity will be on show when teams from Indigenous, Indian, Irish, Spanish and English cultural backgrounds converge on Musgrave Roadhouse this Labour Day long weekend.
After a big wet season on Cape York, the makeshift fields are being readied and the synthetic turf unrolled for the annual Musgrave Super 8s showdown, with junior players set to feature heavily as teams look towards the future of the sport in the region.
With 22 teams – including six women’s line-ups – from Weipa, Cooktown, the Atherton Tablelands and farther afield set to pad up over three days of cricketing fun, it has been announced the iconic Cape York event has won the Inclusion and Diversity Initiative of the Year title at the 2025-26 Queensland Community Cricket Awards.
William Rofe, who championed the resurrection of the Super 8s five years ago, said the aim of the competition was to celebrate the diversity of Cape York, and ensure everyone was able to have a bat or roll their arm over, no matter their age or background.
This year, that will include almost 50 children getting an opportunity to explore their love of the game.
“I’m usually on my bike early and running around
organising, whether moving gear or pitches, or making sure the fields are right and whatnot to start the day, and you’ve got all these little kids out with their cricket bat at daybreak,” Mr Rofe said.
“We’re going to do a colour run for them, and we’ve also got… Queensland Cricket coming up to do some coaching, so we’re going to run a little Cricket Blast on the Saturday afternoon for them as well.
“I think the numbers that I’ve got at the moment are roughly about 48 children between the age of five and 12.”
Mr Rofe said the organising committee was passionate about ensuring the
event had a bright future for generations to come by making junior players part of the spectacle.
“Come presentation night, I can get these kids up and actually present them with something, instead of them just sitting there watching the adults all get a trophy and whatnot,” he explained.
“They can be involved now; good cricket is pretty well buggered now, so they’re the future.
“If they’re mad keen to come to Musgrave now, and they’re still mad keen to come to Musgrave in 10 years’ time, when they’re teenagers and young adults, well, for me, that’s good.”
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