Cape York Weekly AT THE READY FREE – #290 | Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Editorial: lmortimer@region.com.au|Advertising: sales@region.com.au
INSIDE TODAY
CAPE TROUPE TAKES STAGE Page 2
SMUGGLING CHARGES LAID Page 3
AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS Pages 8 & 9 Australian Army soldiers from the 6th Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment prepare a sentry post at RAAF Base Sherger in Weipa during a previous training exercise. Photo: ADF/Corporal Johnny Huang.
Cape residents have been warned drones, heavy vehicles and armed soldiers may be spotted on the move as the Australian Defence Force hones its ability to respond to domestic security threats as part of Exercise Austral Shield. Full story Page 5.
IN SAFE HANDS
Almost 43,000 hectares of Cape land is in the hands of Umpila First Nations people following a dedication ceremony at Lockhart River. The Umpila Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) includes 42,803 hectares of the north-eastern peninsula and could eventually expand to more than 489,000 hectares. The dedication links Kulla (McIlwraith Range) and Oyala Thumptang national parks to form a large protected estate covering one of the country’s most biodiverse landscapes. Full story page 9.
HEALTH EXPO EXPANSION Page 6
DISASTER FUNDING WOES Page 8
WHAT’S ON AT THE ALBY... TUESDAY The Deck MONDAY FRIDAY Restaurant
is open 7 days from 6pm to 8.30pm
S! O C A T $18
PASTA NIGHT YOUR CHOICE OF SAUCE TOSSED WITH YOUR FAVOURITE PASTA
YOUR CHOICE OF 3 TACOS FOR $15
SPORTS BAR: 6PM – 8.30PM
JAG THE JOKER 5.30PM – 7.30PM
MUSICAL BINGO FROM 7.30PM
WEDNESDAY JULY 8 | LIVE & LOUD ON THE BIG SCREEN | FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS
STATE OF ORIGIN