Major win for Traditional Owners
Thousands of generations of shared history across Cape York and the Torres Strait has been formally recognised by the Federal Court of Australia. Celebrations were held on Thursday Island as Justice Debbie Mortimer announced the historic Native Title consent determination, which covers about 65,000 square kilometres of land and sea.
Lock it or lose it, Cape police say
Sarah Martin. Cape York police, including Sergeant Ken White, are urging locals to secure their homes and vehicles to help prevent a rise in crime in the community, following a spate of break-ins. Two people have been charged and police are warning residents to lock it or lose it after another week of home invasions, burglary and fear for Cooktown locals.
Mayor proud of new road
Lockhart River mayor Wayne Butcher has praised his council’s team after it successfully built and sealed a new road using a local workforce. “For the first time in history, Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council has built a road from scratch to bitumen,” he said.
Scam victim speaks out after losing almost $40k
Sarah Martin. More than two months’ wages have been siphoned from a tiny Aboriginal corporation representing the Traditional Owners of Laura in a slick online scam. Ang-Gnarra Aboriginal Corporation had almost $40,000 stolen by scammers, believed to be based in Zambia, just weeks after health organisation Apunipima Cape York Health Council was hit by hackers who may have accessed confidential patient files.
Royal recognition for trailblazers
Sarah Martin. A group of Indigenous women rangers, led by Cape York environmental warrior Larissa Hale, has been named as the first Australian finalist for Prince William’s prestigious Earthshot Prize ... “To be showcasing these amazing projects right across the world is a powerful way for First Nations women to see and imagine their futures in conservation management": Larissa Hale.
Ukrainian family is thankful for support
With the support of the Cape community, Ukrainian refugees Tatiana and Victor Malysha have returned to their home in war-ravaged Zaporizhzhia. Coordinated by Cooktown couple Eric and Jola George, the community has fundraised to give Tatiana and her son Victor, who has special needs, a monthly allowance while they were forced to live apart from her husband to escape fighting in Zaporizhzhia.
Youngest swimming club member smashes record
Sarah Martin. Cooktown tadpole Maiika Hegamaea has blitzed a Far North record time at the recent Dimbulah Swim Club meet and brought home six first place ribbons to add to her collection. The seven-year-old has been a confident swimmer since she was a toddler and has been a member of the Cooktown Amateur Swimming Club since she was four.
