Like a scene out of Jurassic Park
Samuel Davis. Cape York rangers have narrowly escaped the deadly claws of an angry cassowary – and walked away with footage to prove it. Several Wuthathi Land and Sea custodians were inspecting an overgrown track near Shelburne Bay recently when they came into contact with the angry bird.
Drinks are served
Samuel Davis. Cold beer and refreshments can be savoured in Lockhart River again after the community’s new social club finally opened its doors to patrons ... The club, which opened its doors on Friday night, operates under a Restricted Liquor Permit that aims to provide a safe space to socialise and drink responsibly ... In a community with high unemployment, Cr Butcher said the social club provided more than just a gathering place.
Northern Australia committee scrapped by ALP
Cape York leaders are reserving judgement on a federal government decision to axe the Northern Australia committee which guided growth and community development across the region for almost a decade. Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, Senator Susan McDonald, said the Labor government had “abandoned” the economically diverse region at a critical time.
Lives are at risk: Butcher
Samuel Davis. Planned upgrades to "notoriously unreliable" telecommunications services have been cautiously welcomed by Cape York leaders. The Torres Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance was briefed by Telstra on upcoming major works earlier this month, including a plan to introduce a 4G network in Lockhart River starting next year. But mayor Wayne Butcher said lives will remain at risk until mobile phone reception improves in the area.
Set sail to paradise
Samuel Davis. A bold new plan to ferry tourists from Cooktown to the tropical paradise of Lizard Island has been revealed by the Cook Shire mayor. Around 90 kilometres adrift from Cooktown, Lizard Island has returned to its former glory almost a decade on from the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Ita.
Records fly out window at fifth running of festival
Five records were broken at the Weipa Running Festival on Sunday, a fitting result in the events fifth year ... The men’s marathon was taken out by Weipa’s Ross Dawson, who finished in 3:41.59, while Karen Inglis was the women’s winner in 4:36.09.
Gruelling, yet cathartic experience for runner
Samuel Davis. Pacing across treasured destinations isn't anything unusual for distance runner Jamie Candler. But for some reason, every euphoric stride through Yarraden Nature Refuge felt unlike any trundle he'd been on before ... the mad dash between the remote communities was just a small part of a monumental 1000km journey for the Cairns-based youth worker.
Horse sanctuary gives a loving home to equines
Horses are in Ruth Pattie’s blood and her love for equines has blossomed into a full time, not-for-profit sanctuary. Along with her husband Marty and their six daughters, Mrs Pattie runs the Helenvale Horse Sanctuary and Therapeutic Centre at their property near Kalkajaka National Park, half an hour from Cooktown ... The sanctuary currently has 14 horses, most of them elderly, who found their way from all over Far North Queensland.
