Case numbers creep up in region
Case numbers continue to grow in the Torres and Cape but health officials are happy with the rate of spread of COVID-19 across the region. On Monday morning, there were 451 active cases in the Torres and Cape, up almost 100 from the week before.
New Pride CEO wants to pave the way for next generation of talent
The small-town kid from Cape York has been given the task of turning around the Far North's biggest rugby league club, the Northern Pride. Garreth Smith explains how his background will help restore the Pride and provide a pathway for kids from the Cape and Torres Strait.
Paula’s 20-year passion for KI racing
Twenty years since her first winner at Kangaroo Island, Morphettville trainer Paula Trenwith secured a maiden treble, made all the more special because it occurred on one of her favourite race tracks.
Australia’s top 20 beaches for 2022
The top 20 hottest beaches for 2022 have been announced. “The 2022 list covers every state and territory, with a selection of our most spectacular beaches that will inspire and excite holiday makers all over Australia and the world" Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan.
New fines introduced at electric charging stations
New penalties will be in place in the coming weeks for non-electric vehicle owners who illegally park in an electric vehicle (EV) charging bay in Queensland. Transport and Main Roads Minister (Qld) Mark Bailey said the issue had been a pain point for the rapidly increasing number of Queensland EV drivers.
Lord Howe Island Museum news
The Museum has had a number of donations recently ... The most recently donated item, in January 2022, is an original 1795 lithograph of Admiral, Lord Howe – from whom, of course, the island gets its name.
Michael Tomaszewski visit
The architect who designed the Lord Howe Island Museum, Michael Tomaszewski (and his two daughters) recently paid a visit the Island museum he designed in the late 1990s. Mike has been a fairly regular visitor to the Island over the past 20 years, often crewing in the now discontinued Gosford-Lord Howe yacht race.
Vale Rosalie Kunoth-Monks
Most Australians who knew Rosalie Kunoth-Monks remember her for her leading role in Australia's first colour feature film, Jedda. However, people from the Barkly and throughout the Territory remember her as a warm and caring woman; and a passionate, unrelenting advocate for her country and her people.
Fire tragedy: Obituary for Louise Hincks
A loved and respected member of the Happy Valley Brigade, Louise held the positions of Brigade Finance Officer and Senior Firefighter. A passionate volunteer firefighter, there was nothing that Louise would not do to help someone.
Fourth Lucindale fire in four years claims life
Chris Oldfield and Gabrielle Duykers. Lucindale's community has been savaged by fire for the fourth consecutive year, this time claiming the life of a fellow CFS volunteer and personal friend to many locals, Louise Hincks of the Happy Valley brigade.
Community achievers recognised at Australia Day celebrations
Sean Cunningham. “Our future really does start today, we can all help make it a better place in the future.We can all live as equals because we are all equal and our visions can help Australia to become a better nation” : Warren Potent, five-time Olympian and Olympic medallist for prone rifle shooting and 2022 Australia Day Ambassador.
Hardship guides student on mission for change
A TAFE NSW Narrandera youth work graduate whose childhood was punctuated by hardship has vowed to help break the cycle of disadvantage in her community by pushing for the town’s first ever youth centre. Proud Wiradjuri woman Jasmin Pietsch, 26, has just completed a Certificate IV in Youth Work at TAFE NSW Narrandera and has been accepted into a Bachelor of Mental Health Science in 2022.
Koondrook CFA rolls out red carpet
Kendall Jennings. Koondrook Fire Brigade rolled out the red carpet for potential recruits on Wednesday, January 19. A slideshow presentation showing what volunteer members can do in the CFA was shown, as well as a display of the unit capabilities.
VICSWIM creek lessons
Kirstin Nicholson. “With so many pools closing across the regions, kids will be using creeks, rivers, lakes and dams as their local swimming holes. If we don’t teach them how to be safe in these situations, it is highly likely that we see drowning rates increase in the future”: Mikayla Gibson, Cohuna teacher in charge.
Gold in the time trial for Searle
Kendall Jennings. Growing up 10 km from Barham, Daniel Searle's life changed at 16 years of age when he suffered rapid vision loss. However, this did not slow the local lad down. He completed Year 12, studied at university and is now a physiotherapist in Albury. Searle competed in the National Road Cycling Championships held in Ballarat from January 12 to 16.
You’d be nuts to park under a bunya pine
When Tad Langley saw a car parked under a tree in Irwin St in Kyogle, he didn’t expect to see the car’s windscreen smashed. The culprit was a bunya nut. In this case, nut is a misleading word.
What a whopper! Cane toads are getting busted
This month a lot of cane toads are going to die. That is the purpose of the big Australian cane toad bust happening from January 24-30. Communities across Australia are joining in as organised groups or individually.
Country music star aiming to win $100000 for Grafton
Emma Pritchard. She is one of the most charismatic entertainers in Australia and a self-described proud Graftonian, and now, Brooke McClymont has entered the jungle to try and win $100000 for her local community.
Courageous teen dreams of seeing the world
Emma Pritchard. Cohen Daly has a dream. It’s a dream which he is determined to see come true. And nothing, not even a battle against aggressive bone cancer, will prevent the strong-willed teenager with the beautiful smile from fulfilling his ambition.
WA’s hard border to stay but more exemptions for compassionate reasons
Western Australia’s hard border will stay in place for now with Premier Mark McGowan saying it would be irresponsible and reckless to ignore the problems the omicron wave was causing in the eastern states. But Mr McGowan said some changes to the border settings to start on February 5 would allow for more safe compassionate travel and the return of Western Australians.
Why this Cape York coffee queen can’t wait to be an Aussie citizen
She might not sound like it with her prominent London accent, but Abbey Martin is a fair dinkum, true blue, dinki-di Australian. The only thing she’s missing is the piece of paper to prove it. Tomorrow, on Australia Day, Abbey will take the pledge and become a bona fide Aussie.
Building a plan to prevent suicide
An important project is currently being undertaken in the Torres and Cape to develop a Suicide Prevention Community Action Plan for the region ... This year, the team are turning their attention to community members in the Torres and Cape to lend their voice for the development of a region-specific, Suicide Prevention Community Action Plan.
