Etheridge Shire Council
Inform Newsletter
www.etheridge.qld.gov.au
Edition 10, October 2017
2017
Football Match
Georgetown Boars Vs Malanda Eels
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Good day to you all,
Rain, rain, glorious rain! How wonderful is it! Well October has seen a lot going on. Despite the small population of our Shire there is never a dull moment.
I would like to pass on our condolences on behalf of Council to the Gaynor family on the tragic passing of Alan. Our sincere condolences also go out to David Munro on the sad passing of his father, Peter.
The long weekend at the beginning of the month saw the 79th Annual Georgetown Bushman’s Ball and the first ever Georgetown Bush Races. Unfortunately Lydia and I were unable to attend as we were away at my son Ben’s wedding in Perth which went off without a hitch. While away I contracted a Pneumonia and ended up in Hospital for a couple of days on our return. This is a gentle reminder that everyone should do what they can to prevent catching the flu and if possible take advantage of getting a flu needle in preparation for next year!
There is nothing more pleasing than to see community organisations working together to create events not only for locals, but showcasing what the Shire has on offer to tourists. It was great to see the events compliment each other resulting in a good turnout for both. I am sure the events will continue to grow and Council are committed to helping in any way we can. A huge pat on the back to the Georgetown Bushman’s Ball Committee and the Georgetown Progress Association for putting these great events together. I certainly won’t be missing next year!
This month saw Rolfe, Norm and I along with Greg Stanford, our consultant on the Gilbert River Project, attend meetings in Brisbane with various Ministers regarding the Gilbert River Irrigation Project. Each of these meetings we attend brings us a step closer to getting the project up and running. It is a massive undertaking and much groundwork needs to happen to progress to each stage. Millions of dollars and many hours have already gone into this project so far and many more are yet to be spent. This Council’s vision in getting behind and supporting this project is courageous and forward thinking to say the least.
The overall benefit to our Shire will be immense and will go a long way to ensure that not only our immediate generation but also future generations of our children will have a richly diverse and economically viable future within this Shire to look forward to.
I would like to congratulate Cara and Aaron on the birth of Hank, Megan and Dan on the birth of Cody and Darryl and Lauren on the birth of Lilly during the month of October. There sure is going to be a large class when it comes time for school for all of the 2017/2018 babies in Georgetown which is great to see!
Have a great November everyone.
Mayor, Warren Devlin
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FROM THE CEO’S DESK
Community Consultation Council regularly meets with the community at various locations within the Shire in an effort to better engage with the community. Our next Community Consultation meeting is scheduled for Oak Park on Wednesday 1 November 2017. If you live in that area, you are encouraged to come and meet with your Councillors and senior staff.
Council’s draft Corporate Plan is now available on Council’s website and we are inviting comments and feedback from the community.
Charleston Dam Update Clearing of the Charleston Dam inundation area has commenced and the tenders for other elements will be advertised progressively, with an expectation that the major Dam construction will commence shortly after the wet season.
Gilbert River Irrigation Scheme Council representatives met with relevant Ministers and Government agencies to progress the Gilbert River Irrigation Scheme proposal through the month. Council will be responding to a call for applications under the ‘Maturing the Infrastructure Pipeline Program’ when it is released (expected in October 2017).
Grant Availability Game On Queensland Grants Grants totalling $700,000 under Game On Queensland are now available to Councils to deliver sport and active recreation events and programs in the lead-up to, during and after the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Game On Queensland funding is available for two categories within the program:
Game On Events can be hosted in existing local government facilities such as parks, grounds or gardens, and range from ‘come and try’ sport and activity days. Grants of up to $15,000 (GST exclusive) are available per event. Game On Programs are longer term, program-based initiatives aimed at increasing participation in sport or unstructured / semi-structured physical activity— for example, yoga, group fitness, walking groups, dance for fitness or active transport. Grants of up to $40,000 (GST exclusive) are available per program.
Interested sporting groups are encouraged to contact me to discuss developing a joint grant application.
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Employment Incentives Looking to hire a jobseeker or are getting back to work in North West Queensland? Then the Queensland Government’s Back to Work regional employment package might be for you.
EMPLOYERS: If you put on a new staff member in a permanent full-time or part-time position, you may be eligible to access Employer Support payments of up to $15,000 through the regional employment package. If you hire an unemployed young person (aged 15-24) between 1 December 2016 and 31 October 2017 (inclusive) you could be eligible for a $20,000 Youth Boost payment.
Applications must be lodged within the first 12 weeks of employment – applications outside of this period cannot be accepted.
JOBSEEKERS: If you are looking for work in regional Queensland, you may be able to access support through the package as well. Back to Work Jobseeker Officers are working throughout regional Queensland. They can work with you to provide career advice and support to help you find a job that suits. They can also connect you with training opportunities, such as the Back to Work Certificate 3 Guarantee Boost, that are linked with real jobs.
To find out more about the Back to Work Regional Employment Package, including the Youth Boost payment, visit qld.gov.au/backtowork or contact the North West Back to Work team:
Employer Officer - Deanne Ivers, 4747 3901, [email protected]
Jobseeker Officer - Jody Seymour, 4744 9994, [email protected]
PUBLIC NOTICE The Forsayth Horse Sports have been cancelled for this year. & Wenaru Hotel Oktoberfest, which was to be held on the 28th of October, has also been cancelled
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FIRST POINT OF CONTACT IN AN EMERGENCY
CONTACT PERSONNEL:
Council’s Works Manager, Michael Brookes is nominated as the first point of contact in respect to RMPC (Roads Maintenance Performance Contract) and relevant emergent work, amongst other demands at the time. PHONE: 0484 119 391
If the LDMG (Local Disaster Management Group) is activated by the Chairperson (The Mayor) the Controlling Officer will be Norm Garsden PHONE: 0458 621 285
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SUGGESTION BOX
A suggestion box is available for the staff and public in the foyer of the Etheridge Shire Council Main Office and within the Engineering Services.
All suggestions are welcome including anonymous or otherwise.
Let’s work together to make the Shire better! ------
REQUEST FOR OLD MINING MACHINERY OR EQUIPMENT
Etheridge Shire Council is seeking any old mining equipment to be put on display in the Shire.
If you have any equipment or machinery that may be of use, please contact Anna Christensen on 4079 9090 or [email protected] 4
ROAD WORKS
Work has been completed on:
Oak Park Road, Ballynure Roads and Gum Flat Roads Agate Creek, Old Robinhood and Agate Creek Gemfields Blancourt, Prestwood, Forest Home and Riverview Roads Work is scheduled to commence on:
Black Rock, Carnes and Green Hills Roads Six Mile Yards North Head and Robinhood Roads Gregory Development Road (Einasleigh to the Oasis) Kennedy Development Road
The 3.2km road widening project on the Kennedy Developmental Road is being constructed under traffic in four stages. Stage 2 is complete and is scheduled for bitumen sealing on 23 October 2017.
Clearing, stripping of topsoil, ground surface treatment and cut/fill earthworks will commence on stage 3 following sealing of stage 2. Stage 3 is scheduled for bitumen sealing in early November.
The project is scheduled for completion in early December.
Forsayth Road Upgrade
The 5km Forsayth Road upgrade has been completed and bitumen sealed in two sections:
Section 1: CH15850 – CH17900 1 Aug 2017 Section 2: CH17900 – CH20850 13 Oct 2017
Clean up works, rehabilitation of gravel pits, grading of haul roads and installation of road signage will be completed by the end of October.
ALL MOTORISTS ARE ASKED TO DRIVE WITH CAUTION THROUGH ROAD CONSTRUCTION AREAS AND ABIDE BY REDUCED SPEED LIMITS 5
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EINASLEIGH:
Figure 1: Proposed Works at Copperfield Gorge
GILBERT RIVER:
Figure 2: Community Shed at Gilbert River
MOUNT SURPRISE:
Works in Mount Surprise include the new stock proof fence around the town common area of the township.
All Work 4 Queensland projects must be completed by the end of November 2017. At this stage it would seem that the works will be completed well before this deadline.
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Base level 0 restrictions will now apply to all water connections within the FORSAYTH WATER SUPPLY SCHEME.
Notice is hereby given of water restrictions in accordance with the Local Government Act and the Water Act 2002 Section 388(1) Restricting water supply
1. No sprinklers on Mondays. 2. Sprinklers allowed Tuesday to Sunday between the hours of 5.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. 3. Attended hand held hoses permitted at any time except Mondays.
(Watering permitted 36 hrs. per week)
Level 0 Water Restrictions are effective Midnight on Sunday 15 January 2017
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RESIDENTS OF GEORGETOWN NEW WATER RESTRICTIONS
The level of water in Well 1 in the Etheridge River has fallen to more than 1 metres below full. Under Etheridge Shire Council’s current Drought Management Plan this level is a trigger point for a reduction in restriction of water usage. Level 1 restriction will now apply to all water connections within the Georgetown Water Supply Scheme.
Notice is hereby given of water restrictions in accordance with the Local Government Act and the Water Act 2002 Section 388(1) Restricting water supply
The following restrictions are effective from midnight on Sunday 14 May 2017
ZONE A 1. The use of two (2) sprinklers or soaker hoses is permitted on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 5.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. only. 2. The use of micro irrigation systems fitted with timers is permitted on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 7.00 p.m. to 8.00 a.m. (i.e. from 7:00 pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night)
ZONE B 1. The use of two (2) sprinklers or soaker hoses is permitted on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays between 5.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. only. 2. The use of micro irrigation systems fitted with timers is permitted on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays between 7.00 p.m. to 8.00 a.m. (i.e. from 7:00 pm on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night)
The use of evaporative cooler/air conditioners is permitted at all times. Use of one (1) only hand held hose is permitted at all times. The nozzle end of hoses, which are not being used in the prescribed manner, shall be placed adjacent to the tap. The hose is to be coiled adjacent the tap, when not under hand held use. Breaches of these restrictions may result in a penalty.
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Australia Day Awards 2018
Etheridge Shire Council would like to invite its communities to ‘celebrate what’s great about Australia’ in preparation for our Australia Day activities and events in 2018.
To help us prepare nominations are now sought for Etheridge’s annual Australia Day Awards. Council invites your nomination of individuals and/or groups who have made significant contributions to their community, and the Etheridge region, in 2017.
Awards Citizen of the Year Junior Citizen of the Year Community Organization of the Year Senior Sports Medallion Junior Sports Medallion
Nomination Forms: Citizen and Young Citizen Awards 2018 Community Organization of the Year Award 2018 Senior Sports Medallion Junior Sports Medallion
Nomination forms can be obtained from the Council Office and TerrEstrial in Georgetown or on Councils website www.etheridge.qld.gov.au or by phoning (07) 4079 9007.
Nominations close with the undersigned at 4.00pm Friday, 8th December 2017.
For more information please contact David Munro, Director Corporate & Community Services on 4079 9007.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
HIRE OF MT SURPRISE COMMUNITY HALL
At the General Meeting dated 20th September 2017, Council has approved the hire of the Mt Surprise Community Hall to the Mt Surprise State School from Monday 20th November 2017 to Friday 1st December 2017 for the purpose of a temporary classroom while building works are being conducted at the Mt Surprise State School.
The duration of Hire is for two weeks with the Hall being hired each day from 8am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday (20/11/2017 to 1/12/2017)
If you have any queries please contact the Council Office on Ph. (07) 4079 9090
Norman Garsden PO Box 12 Chief Executive Officer Georgetown QLD 4871
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Etheridge Shire Council Public Notice of General Meetings 2017
In accordance with Section 277(1) of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Etheridge Shire Council General Meetings for 2017 are to be held on the following dates:
Wednesday 15 November November Georgetown 8.00am 2017
Wednesday 20 December December Georgetown 8.00am 2017
Public Notice of Community Consultation Meetings 2017
Community Consultation days are open to the general public and will be held within different locations on the first Wednesday of each month or unless re- schedules to an alternative date within the month due to other commitments.
Consultation days for 2017 are on the following dates:
TOWN / DATE VENUE TIME LOCATION 1st November 2017 Oak Park Oak Park Race Course 10.30am 6th December 2017 Mt Surprise Mt Surprise Community Hall 9.00am
Norm Garsden CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PO BOX 12 GEORGETOWN QLD 4871
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RAVENSHOE BOWEN THERAPY CLINIC Located Moore Street, Ravenshoe
For appointments with Accredited Practitioner Petrea Pont phone 0427607816.
Private Health Fund, Gift vouchers and EFTPOS available. Massage Therapist Michelle Horwood 0497 555 803.
Acupuncture and Massages are also available on Mondays with Alexander Hamilton, call 1400 179 631 to book today.
Bowen Therapy is a gentle, effective muscle release technique allowing the body to restore to balance. Suitable and safe for all ages. See what Bowen Therapy can do for you. Your wealth is in your health!
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2017 “Gatsby” Bushman’s Ball The 79th Annual Georgetown Bushman’s Ball was held on the 30th September 2017. The Gatsby Themed Ball was well attended and it was great to see everyone dancing the night away to the fantastic music played by “Careless”. On behalf of the committee we would like to extend an enormous thanks to the many helpers who gave their time in helping out with the Ball. The Lucky Door prize of a Pizza Oven was won by: Glen Hudson from Georgetown.
Best Dressed Massive thanks must go to all of our sponsors for their Gatsby Guy & Gal support, without them the night wouldn’t have been such Trumby Hickey & a success: Dawn Mitchell
Georgetown Butchery Wenaru Hotel & Bar Latara Motel Modere – Kristy Bethel Etheridge Shire Council Dental on Louise Astute Law Scentsy – Tania McFarlane Haiko & Huna Golden Drop Winery Bendigo Bank Partylite – Vicky Kennedy Amanda’s Beauty
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Are you contemplating undertaking Tertiary or TAFE studies in 2018?
If so, Council is now calling for nominations for the 2017/2018 Scholarship program
ETHERIDGE SHIRE COUNCIL 2018 UNIVERSITY / TERTIARY SCHOLARSHIP
Are you contemplating undertaking Tertiary and or TAFE studies in 2018?
If so, have you considered applying for the “Etheridge Shire University / Tertiary Scholarship”.
Council is now calling for nominations for the 2017/2018 “Scholarship” program.
Information can be located on Council’s website (www.etheridge.qld.gov.au)
Applications close as at 4.00pm Friday 12th January 2018
For more details about the “Scholarship” please feel free to contact David Munro on 4079 9007 or email on [email protected].
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The Georgetown Memorial Bush Races
Fashions of the Field Winners! 0-11 Years Male – Damien Pedersen 0-11 Years Female – Sascha Young
12-17 Years Male – Byron Tinknell 12-17 Years Female – Hannah Jenkins
18-30 Years Male – Raymond Brown 18-30 Year Female – Georgia Kilah
31-49 Years Male – Brett Hawkins 31-49 Years Female – Susan Black
50 Years + Male – Bill Cowe 50 Years + Female – Leanne Bethel
Best Dressed Couple – Paul and Narelle DeJong
Congratulations to cup winners George and Desley Scneekloth 21
Georgetown Progress Association would like to thank the following sponsors: Etheridge Shire Council + N & K Cleaning + Total Eden Mareeba + Tableland Veterinary Services+ Smart Electrics + Curley’s Transport + G & A Butler Grader Hire + Bolwarra Enterprises + Undara Experience +Midnight Emporium + Savannah Freight + Georgetown Roadhouse + Midway Caravan Park + Shane White Transport + Puma Energy + Max Whitaker & Tracey Priestley + NGRMG + Alana Young + Cardwell Coastguard + Colin & Dawn Butler + Dagworth Grazing + GH & Lucy Ryans Families + G & C Ryan + Reedys Earthmoving + Cobbold Gorge + Jane Henley Hair Salon + Australian Chemicals + End of the Road Motel + Tropical Pastoral Seeds Australia + Minehan Agencies + Footy Prior & Leanne Condon + ELANCO + Todd Donaldson + Barry & Annette Clough + Ergon Energy + Kevin & Karen Brown + Anna Christensen + Bunnings Atherton + Seven, Sascha & Sheridan + NQ Rodeo Entertainment + Peter & Lee Butler + Penwar Investments + Karen Remfrey + Mt Tyson Hotel Tully + Narelle Liddell Photography + Northern Gulf Resource Management Group + Glen & Amanda Blinco + QGAP Georgetown 22
OUTREACH PHYSIOTHERAPY
The outreach physiotherapist visits Mt Surprise, Einasleigh, Forsayth, Georgetown and Croydon on a 3 day trip about 5 times each year. The next visit is 27 Feb – 1 March and the physiotherapist, Lou Gobius will be travelling with the Dietitian, Kelly Oliver.
As a general overview, physiotherapists provide individual assessment and management for a range of conditions including: musculoskeletal/sports injuries including fractures and muscle/joint pain balance/mobility difficulties recovery post surgery respiratory conditions including pneumonia, COPD paediatric development neurological conditions such as stroke, nerve damage, spinal injury burns
Physiotherapy treatment generally consists of Rehabilitation and facilitation of correct movement patterns Exercise prescription Manual therapy Patient and carer education Mobility aid prescription Injury prevention Pain relief Strapping/taping
If you think you may require physiotherapy intervention, please discuss it with the visiting RFDS Doctor or your local Clinic nurse and if indicated, they will send a referral to us to follow up at our next visit. There is also Telehealth available where consults can take place via videoconferencing as appropriate. WHAT IS SOCIAL WORK?
Social Work is an Allied Health Professional Discipline. Social Workers are dedicated to helping people achieve optimum levels of personal and social wellbeing.
This Atherton Hospital Social Work service provides support in the Health setting in the Community - Counselling, Education, Advocacy individual & group settings. Social Workers can be accessed in the Community setting, and can also be accessed in Rural & Remote Communities via Tele Health/Video conferencing. Atherton Community Social Work can provide assistance for consumers in the Remote areas accessing - • Anti- natal care in the Outpatient setting, • Consumers receiving Chemotherapy in an Outpatient setting, • Consumers in a Community setting including youth to aged care needs. • Carer support. • Palliative care concerns.
Tele Health allows for consumers to have access to services sooner, removes the need to travel to another center for care and allows interaction with Social Worker in a familiar environment. If you would like to make a referral to Atherton Hospital Social Worker, or discuss a referral, please call 40910201.
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Speech Pathology Services:
Atherton Hospital Speech Pathology Department provides services to rural and remote sites. A Speech Pathologist is a person who is qualified to assess and treat people who have difficulties communicating and/or eating and drinking. Speech Pathologists provide services to both adults and children and can offer assessment and therapy via video-conference formally known as ‘telehealth’. If you would like to make a referral or discuss a referral, please contact Atherton hospital Speech pathology on 40910256,
Eligible Patients:
Adults requiring speech pathology services generally had good communication skills in the past, until an illness or incident. If you tick one or more of the boxes below, please consider a referral to a Speech Pathologist.
Stroke – Rehabilitation for difficulties with understanding, word-finding, social skills, expressive language, grammar, fluency of speech and muscular weakness as well as eating and drinking.
Suspected Transient Ischaemic Attack affecting the patient’s ability to communicate or swallow.
Degenerative muscular or neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, Muscular Dystrophy or Myasthenia Gravis; causing impaired cognitive function and/or language skills, or difficulties with speech clarity, volume, or feeding skills.
Traumatic or Acquired Brain Injuries – motor vehicle accident, farm accident, assault, falls, etc. causing language, cognition, feeding and/or memory impairments etc.
Head and neck surgery – to provide support to individuals and carers for issues related to speech, voice and feeding as a result of surgery
Head and Neck Cancer – to provide support for individuals before, during and post treatment for issues related to feeding, voice and speech, including alternative communication methods and stoma and/or voice prostheses management post- laryngectomy.
Dementia – for support regarding word finding, orientation & memory, etc.
Dysphagia – many people have swallowing difficulties particularly the elderly, people with advanced respiratory conditions or those recovering from illness, injury or incidents such as a CVA. Some indicators are: history of chest infections, weight loss, coughing or poor feeding skills.
Voice disorders or transsexual voice – frequent voice loss and issues related to volume or quality, e.g. hoarse, breathy, tight etc. Professional voice users and individuals who use their voices frequently are often vulnerable to voice issues, (e.g. teachers, auctioneers, receptionist, etc.). Also, persons transitioning from a male to female identity.
Hearing loss causing communication difficulty.
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Other communication difficulties after Brain Damage – inflammatory (e.g. meningitis), toxic or metabolic diseases (e.g. deficiencies or drug toxicity), etc.
Children develop the skills for successful communication gradually, particularly in the first 5 years. If a child is not performing as you would expect for their age or you tick any of the following, please refer to a speech pathologist for assessment and intervention.
Does the child (compared to other children of the same age): Have difficulty following instructions or need frequent repetitions of questions Use a limited range of different words Speak only in single words or very short sentences after age 2 Use immature grammar or have poorly formed sentences Have difficulty maintaining a conversation Poor social skills, such as taking turns, listening, greetings, etc. Sound different to other children or is difficult to understand Have a hoarse, husky, whispery or unusual voice or have vocal nodules Have severe communication impairment needing alternative communication methods Stutter or not speak fluently Have poor feeding skills, failure to thrive or eat only a limited range of food Have a diagnosed disability such as Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Cleft Palate, prematurity with effects on speech, language, voice, feeding, concentration etc
OUTREACH TIMETABLE FOR PHYSIO, OT, SPEECH PATH & DIETICIAN
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War Comes to North Queensland A Little Local History
By Rick Tomkies
Few people today would realize the great difficulty in travel in the far north of Queensland that existed up until the outbreak of the Second World War. No roads, as such, existed, linking Cooktown to southern centres. The same could be said for towns in the Gulf of Carpentaria region, apart from little-used tracks and stock routes. For example, when war was declared in September, 1939, the only overland route to Cooktown was by way of the old single telegraph line track to the small community of Laura and thence to Cooktown by the then existing rail motor.
A section of the track following the Old Telegraph Line up Cape York With the very real threat of a Japanese invasion especially after the fall of Singapore and the bombing of Darwin in the Northern Territory, improved communications in the north of the State were considered vital. Up to this time the existing telephonic services were seriously overloaded with few operational centres. Far Northern Queensland communities such as those up Cape York and the remote Thursday and Horn Island were considered at the time to be of high strategic importance. As a consequence it was necessary to provide voice-repeater circuits at Charters Towers, Mount Surprise, Fairview and others on Cape York. This necessitated the erecting of suitable buildings at these sites. A submarine cable was also laid between the tip of Cape York and the two adjoining islands of both Horn and Thursday at the same time.
With the rapid advance of the Japanese forces into the Philippines in the early stages of 1942, and with Allied troops pouring into North Queensland, High Frequency Direction Finding Equipment was installed in a number of places including Cooktown. Near Mount Surprise the military were using very secret new technology at the time. Weighing around 12 tons, including the Air Warning electronics, the tower was assembled on site in kit form and, complete with an operating hut, was 26
hauled to the summit of what was known then as Lookout Hill, RDF 53 with the aid of a ‘flying fox.’ Little known by the general population at the time, RDF or Radio Direction Finding later more commonly known as radar, having been developed by the British just before WW2 was promptly shared with her Allies, one of whom of course, was Australia. Since the enemy forces at this stage did not possess this technology, it provided the Allied forces with a distinct advantage. Not only were these radar stations of considerable benefit to the Townsville region, but also for the many Australian and American training camps situated throughout the Atherton Tablelands where troops were undergoing jungle warfare training. The RDF technical capabilities evidently proved to be exceptional, despite sometimes operating on reduced power, with aircraft being detected up to a range of 100 miles, or 160 kilometres.
Japanese raids against North Queensland had increased and by July 1942, Horn Island suffered bombing when it came under attack from some sixteen enemy bombers. A week later Townsville also experienced an attack when some six bombs from a Japanese plane were dropped, fortunately landing harmlessly into the harbor. This initial attack was promptly followed by a further two with bombs being dropped a few miles north of Mossman. Along with further heavy bombing being experienced by Horn Island the following month on August 1, and with reported sightings of Japanese in the Cooktown area, as well as a report of the arrival at Cape Bedford of two small Japanese vessels by a member of the Volunteer Defence Corps at the time, who immediately reported the sightings by telephone to the authorities. This increased the urgency for improved defence communications. Improved technical capabilities of RDF 53 at Mount Surprise were soon installed which enabled the radar to detect whether an aircraft was ‘friendly’ or one which belonged to the enemy.
To increase the telephonic communication capabilities of the north, a vast quantity of material was required which necessitated the carriage by ship to Thursday Island and by smaller vessels such as the M.V. Mirinda, belonging to Hayles of Townsville, to Cooktown. The Mirinda although a small vessel, did valiant duty for a time in the carriage of vast amounts of equipment including fuel to Cooktown and the transporting south of evacuated residents to Cairns.
But traveling overland by vehicle was a venture in itself, especially during the ‘wet’ season, there being only horse and wagon tracks in many areas. Near the end of 1942, a member of the ‘War by Signals’ installation team under the command of the then Post Master General’s Department, accompanied by two Australian Army drivers set off from Fairview in an attempt to reach Coen in a 4wd Army Chevrolet ‘Blitz.’ The three ton truck was carrying a large load of heavy equipment destined for the completion of an RDF installation in Coen. Because of difficulties in arranging alternative transport for this heavy equipment an overland trip was decided upon. This of course entailed the carriage of supplies for the three men. Although the monsoon had not actually begun, sufficient rain had fallen on sections of the Cape to make the road-less journey difficult to say the least!
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With the occasional bouts of heavy rain experienced, the majority of the trip was exceedingly slow with sticky mud hampering their progress much of their way. On one occasion, after a bout of a heavy tropical rainfall during the night, the three men, forced to sleep in the truck, awoke the following morning to find themselves surrounded by a sea of water. Extricating the truck almost proved an impossible task as the vehicle sank into a seemingly bottomless morass as the four wheels churned vainly, settling the truck onto its chassis. With no suitable trees available to provide a solid footing for a lifting jack, necessity became the mother of invention when the men pressed into service four cases of bully beef – some of their rations! Their efforts were met with success, despite losing some of their stores.
South of the Hann River, two days were spent chopping trees down to ‘corduroy’ the crossing of a 50 meter section of soft swampy ground ahead of them, only to reach the flooded Morehead River after traveling a little over 29 kilometers which entailed another lost day waiting for the waters to subside enough to allow the truck across. With several subsequent difficulties experienced in crossing soft ground and fording streams and the Coleman River, the party finally reached Coen but not before colliding with a half-buried tree trunk of which some four and a half meters wedged itself between the cross-members of the chassis and the floorboards, of which several were broken and misplaced. After managing to cut most of the offending log from the front of the truck it left about two and a half meters still firmly wedged in place, the three men finally arrived at their destination of Coen.
The 140 mile (224 km) journey to Fairview took two days averaging a speed of some 9miles per hour (just over 14 kmph). A further two days was required for the Cape York party to reach their destination, and this during the “dry” season!
Traveling up Cape York some 72 years ago was not for the faint hearted – a far cry from those who venture up the length of the Cape today with much of a well-formed road bitumened in many places, with many of the creek and river crossings having been bridged.
Stories like this can be read in True Stories of Early Australia, published by Australianabooks and available at a discounted price online at www.aussiebooksite or by emailing [email protected]. Retail copies may be purchased from The Top Shop in Mount Garnet, Undara Experience, Ravenshoe Video & Bookshop and Tableland Books or any good book retailer. RRP $29.95 28
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GEORGETOWN CAMPDRAFT 15th, 16th and 17th of June 2018
The Georgetown Horse and Pony Club are calling for expressions of interest from any station owners to supply cattle for the 2018 Georgetown Campdraft.
This year the Draft will be starting on Friday afternoon. The Committee appreciates the effort that station owners go to in supplying cattle and recognise
that without them there would be no Campdraft.
For further information regarding this please contact President Glen Connolly on 40625300.
FORSAYTH RURAL FIRE BRIGADE
It would appear that this year is likely to be an extremely dangerous fire season. As locals, and particularly station owners, would have observed there is plenty of fuel just waiting to be ignited. It would be prudent for all to check that they have made their preparations to help reduce what can, or will, burn if the unthinkable happens.
It would also be prudent to remind all that some fires may start as a result of the use of machinery, including drop saws, angle grinders and welders. So please, when using vehicles or machinery - be alert - recognise what is happening around you, as early detection can reduce the damage and the amount of fodder lost.
Wishing all a safe fire season.
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For rent – High Street Georgetown
Duplex – Two Units available – Each unit has 3 bedrooms and is tiled throughout. Separate carports. Large yard – not fenced so not suitable for dogs -
Other animals on approval. Rent $225 per week each unit or could reduce rent if whole duplex required Bond and refs will be needed
Please call 0409966970 and leave a message or email [email protected]
Ph: (07) 4062 4100 Fax: (07) 4062 4106 Website: oaksrushoutbackresort.com.au
Email: [email protected] Find us on Facebook! Past Einasleigh on the turn-off to Kidston - Bar - Bar Snacks – Meals: All you can eat buffet $15 -
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MUSTERING HEALTH
WEIGHT
Weight gain (obesity) is the new smoking. In 2011-12, 62.8% of Australians aged 18 years and over were overweight or obese, comprised of 35.3% overweight and 27.5% obese. A further 35.5% were of normal weight and 1.7% were underweight. By way of comparison only 3.5 % of Japanese are overweight.
If you carry extra pounds, you face a higher-than-average risk of a massive 50 Plus different health problems. These health conditions include the nation’s leading causes of death—heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers—as well as less common ailments such as gout and gallstones. Perhaps even more compelling is the strong link between excess weight and depression, because this common mood disorder can have a profound, negative impact on your daily life. And sadly all these illnesses and weight itself is self-induced.
A Harvard study that combined data from more than 50,000 men (participants in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study) and more than 120,000 women (from the Nurses’ Health Study) revealed some sobering statistics about weight and health.
The volunteers provided their height and weight, as well as details on their diets, health habits, and medical histories. Researchers tracked the volunteers over more than 10 years. They noted the occurrence of illnesses and compared those developments with each subject’s body mass index (BMI)—an estimate of an individual’s relative body fat calculated from his or her height and weight).
Obesity increased the risk of diabetes 20 times and substantially boosted the risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and gallstones. Among people who were overweight or obese, there was a direct relationship between BMI and risk: the higher the BMI, the higher the likelihood of disease.
Excess Weight Causes Many Health Problems
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Weight and depression
Do people gain weight because they’re depressed, or do they become depressed because they’re overweight? A review of 15 studies found evidence that both scenarios are likely true. The study, published in 2010 in the Archives of General Psychiatry, found that obese people have a 55% higher risk of developing depression over time compared with people of normal weight. Here are some reasons why obesity may increase risk of depression:
Both conditions appear to stem (at least in part) from alterations in brain chemistry and function in response to stress. Psychological factors are also plausible. In our culture, thin equals beautiful, and being overweight can lower self-esteem, a known trigger for depression. Odd eating patterns and eating disorders, as well as the physical discomfort of being obese, are known to foster depression.
The study also found that depressed people have a 58% higher risk of becoming obese. Here are some reasons why depression may lead to obesity:
Elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol (common in people with depression) may alter substances in fat cells that make fat accumulation, especially in the belly, more likely, according to one theory. People who feel depressed often feel too blue to eat properly and exercise regularly, making them more prone to gain weight. Some medications used to treat depression cause weight gain.
Sleep apnoea: Why snoring can be serious
If you snore loudly and temporarily stop breathing many times during the night, waking suddenly with a snort or choke, you probably have sleep apnoea, a common disorder that’s more prevalent with overweight and obesity.
Your sleeping partner will probably notice these symptoms, while you may not. People with sleep apnoea don’t realize they’ve been awakened because they don’t become fully conscious, but these awakenings can disrupt sleep. Not only does sleep apnoea often lead to daytime sleepiness, it also increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
Weight, heart disease, and stroke
Some of the most common problems seen in people who carry excess weight, such as high blood pressure and unhealthy levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood, tend to occur together. Both can lead to concurrent health problems—namely, heart disease and stroke.
High blood pressure is about six times more common in people who are obese than in those who are lean. According to the American Heart Association, 22 pounds of excess weight boosts systolic blood pressure (the first number in a reading) by an average of 3 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure (the second number) by an average of 2.3 mm Hg, which translates to a 24% increase in stroke risk.
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A 2007 study in Archives of Internal Medicine examined the connection between weight and heart disease by pooling results from 21 different studies involving more than 300,000 people. The study found:
Being overweight boosted the risk of heart disease by 32% Obesity increased the risk by 81%
Although the adverse effects of overweight on blood pressure and cholesterol levels could account for 45% of the increased heart disease risk, even modest amounts of excess weight can increase the odds of heart disease independent of those well-known risks, the authors concluded.
Compared with people of normal weight, overweight people face a 22% higher risk of stroke. For those who are obese, the increased risk rises to 64%, according to a 2010 report in the journal Stroke, which pooled results from 25 studies involving more than two million people.
Weight and diabetes
Overweight and obesity are so closely linked to diabetes, experts have coined the term “diabesity” to describe the phenomenon. About 90% of people with type 2 diabetes (the most common form of the disease) are overweight or obese. The incidence of diabetes rose dramatically—by nearly 65%—from 1996 to 2006.
A high blood sugar level, the hallmark of diabetes, is one of the features of metabolic syndrome. If untreated or poorly controlled, diabetes can lead to a number of grave health problems, including kidney failure, blindness, and foot or leg amputations. Diabetes is currently the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.
Weight and cancer
Some experts believe that obesity ranks as the second leading cause of cancer death, after cigarette smoking.
A study by the American Cancer Society, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, followed more than 900,000 people for 16 years. The study showed a link between excess body weight and many different cancers. Some of the findings:
Among people ages 50 and older, overweight and obesity may account for 14% of all cancer deaths in men and 20% of all cancer deaths in women. In both men and women, higher BMIs were associated with a higher risk of dying from cancer of the oesophagus, colon and rectum, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, or kidney. In men, excess weight also increased the risk of dying from stomach or prostate cancer. In women, deaths from cancer of the breast, uterus, cervix, or ovary were elevated in women with higher BMIs.
A 2008 review article in The Lancet reached similar conclusions. Part of the problem may lie in the fact that people who are very overweight are less likely to have cancer screening tests such as Pap smears and mammograms.
A report in The International Journal of Obesity showed that the larger the woman, the more likely she was to delay getting a pelvic exam, largely because of negative experiences with doctors and
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their office staff. In men, screening tests such as prostate exams may be physically difficult if people are very overweight, particularly if they tend to store fat in their hips, buttocks, or thighs.
Weight and lifespan
Being overweight or obese can make just getting around a challenge. Compared with people at a healthy weight, those carrying extra pounds have a harder time walking a quarter-mile, lifting 10 pounds, and rising from an armless chair. The burden of these problems appears to be greater than in years past, probably because people are now obese for a greater portion of their lives, experts speculate.
And because excess weight plays a role in so many common and deadly diseases, overweight and obesity can cut years off your life. A New England Journal of Medicine study that followed more than half a million 50- to 71-year-olds for a decade found an increase of 20% to 40% in death rates among people who were overweight at midlife. Among obese people, the death rate was two to three times as high.
A 2010 study in the same journal, which pooled findings from 19 studies that followed nearly 1.5 million white adults 19 to 84 years old for a similar period of time, found that the risk of death increased along with body size, ranging from 44% higher for those who were mildly obese to 250% higher for those with a BMI of 40 to 50.
Lose weight, feel better
Losing excess weight can make you feel better both physically and emotionally and can help you live a longer, healthier life. Especially encouraging is the fact that you don’t have to lose a tremendous amount of weight to become healthier. Even a modest weight loss of 5% to 10% of your starting weight can lead to significant health benefits. Some examples:
People with high blood pressure who lost a modest 10 pounds over six months reduced their systolic blood pressure by 2.8 mm Hg and their diastolic blood pressure by 2.5 mm Hg. These reductions in blood pressure were equivalent to the reductions brought about by treatment with some blood pressure medications. Weight loss is so effective that many people with high blood pressure can stop taking blood pressure medicine after they lose weight, for as long as they are able to keep it off. In a study of people who were at risk for type 2 diabetes, those who lost just 7% of their weight and exercised about 30 minutes a day cut their risk of diabetes by nearly 60%.
If you want to release those extra Kgs why not call me and let’s get a plan together and get you back into the healthy BMI range. MBI is not the “B all and end all” of weight measurements but it does provide a useful starting point. So why not call me, Cris, on 0402290577
Source: Adapted from ©Helpguide.org.
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Forsayth to Georgetown Road Upgrade
Figure 1: Cr Will Atwood; Cr Troy Barnes; Mr Jeff Bunt (Director Engineering Services); Kyle Raymond (Construction Foreman); Cr Warren Devlin (Mayor); and Cr Tony Gallagher (Deputy Mayor), cutting the ribbon to open the recent upgrade of the Forsayth - Georgetown Road, which saw 5km of bitumen added, using funding from TIDS and R2R. Construction commenced in April 2017 at a cost of $3.2million.
Figure 2: Cr Warren Devlin (Mayor) congratulating Mr Jeff Bunt (Director Engineering Services) on completing the road upgrade. Approximately 85% of the road length is now sealed.
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SAVE THE DATE - LOCAL MARKETS
FORSAYTH
Last Sunday of the Month Caschafor Park 9am to 12noon
November 26th December – TBA
In Aid of Forsayth Centenary Group Inc.
GEORGETOWN First Sunday of the Month Heritage Park Starting 9:30am
November 5th December 3rd
Call 0487 739 784 or see Janell at the Wenaru for info.
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Whats Happening At Little Gems
Ranger Cliff from Tallaroo joined us on our last River/ creek excursion for the year. Ranger Cliff shared with us a a story about a crocodile, gave us lessons on throwing boomerangs and how to get them out of a tree and helped us identify animal tracks.
The Early years learning framework characterises children's lives as a time of belonging, being, and becoming, recognising the importance of children’s connections to family, community, culture and place. Children first belong to a family, cultural group, a neighbourhood and a wider community. They need opportunities to be, seek, and make meaning of the world, which shapes their identities, knowledge, and relationships as they learn and grow
‘The boys’ show us how to fish Priscilla shares her pasta sauce recipe
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We will be dressing up for Halloween and venturing down the street to go trick and treating on Tuesday 31st October so
have your treats ready or prepare to be tricked!!
WET Thursdays have taken over from our environmental river walks as the weather is getting too hot, we have had loads of fun squirting numbers with the water squirters and of course squirting each other!
We have been practicing co-ordination and ball skills over the last few weeks with a lead up to the big footy game.
SAVE THE DATE: Our Christmas Party is on 2nd .December 9.30-11.30
To all our great families, thank-you for sharing your children with us
The Team At Little Gems Ph: 40621265 Don’t forget to recycle your bread bags Email: [email protected]
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Georgetown Golf Club Inc.
Invites you to the Melbourne Cup Calcutta Saturday 4th November Club is open from 6.00pm
BBQ Dinner from 7:00pm $15.00 per Person
SWEEP TICKETS AVAILABLE 43
Georgetown Golf Club Inc.
Invites you to the Melbourne Cup Luncheon Tuesday 7th November 12:00 Noon
Luncheon —$25 per head
Seafood Buffet
Catering provided by Midway – please rsvp your attendance for catering purposes by 1st November Ph. – 07 40621219
SWEEP TICKETS AVAILABLE
* Best Dressed Sections *
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Absolute Aussie Pest Management are coming to Georgetown. We are a local Tableland business based in Tolga. We will be arriving on Monday 23rd October. We plan to be in Georgetown for 3 days, depending on workflow. We will be providing Pest Management services for Termites, Timber Pests and General Pests (ie. Cockroaches, Spiders, Ants) If you are interested in having us perform Pest Management for you, please call 4095 5755 or 0428 953 055, ask for Eddie or Wendy and we can book you in. That way we know where we are going and you know when we are coming to your place. If you want to check us out on the Internet see www.aussiepestmanagement.com.au 46
MOBILE AUTO ELECTRICIAN
Now located in the Georgetown area. For enquiries please call:
Clancy Barden - 07 4062 5348
Howlong Helicopters
R44 machine available Services Charter Sling Work
Aerial Seeding Graslan Application (fenceline, Weed regrowth) Aerial Photography Aerial Inspections/surveying Pest and feral animal control Mustering Powerline inspections Harry Terry - Mob 0429144208 - Home 40625446 47
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Hay For Sale
Sorghum Hay $44/bale (inc GST) Rhodes Grass $33/bale (inc GST) Mulch hay $22/bale (inc GST)
Phone: 07) 4062 5370
ETHERIDGE SHIRE LOCAL’S SPECIAL
City Plaza Apartments Cairns have a special deal for Etheridge Shire Residents
Two Bedroom, Fully Self-Contained
Apartment for
Only $140 Per Night*
If you would like to take advantage of this deal or require further information please contact City Plaza Apartments Cairns and advise reception you would like to take advantage of the special rate organised by Etheridge Shire Council.
Phone: 07 4041 5496 Email:[email protected] Website http://www.cityplazacairns.com.au
Please note this deal is only for Etheridge Shire residents. Proof of residence maybe required.
*regular rate $175-$195 per night
Based on two or more nights stay and availability
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Recipe of the Month Pumpkin and Bacon Soup Ingredients
750g bacon bones, cut into smaller pieces 2 carrots, chopped 2 celery stocks, chopped 1 brown onion, chopped 6 black peppercorns Sprig fresh thyme 10 cups water 1 tbs Olive Oil 1 brown onion, extra, chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1.5kg pumpkin, peeled and deseeded, cut into 2cm pieces Sour cream & chopped fresh chives, to serve
Method
Step 1 Place bacon bones, carrots, onion, peppercorns, thyme and water in a stockpot.
Step 2 Cover and bring to the boil.
Step 3 Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 1 ½ hours or until the meat starts to fall off the bones.
Step 4 Remove ribs and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 5 Strain the stock. Remove the meat from the bones and shred. Set aside.
Step 6 Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add extra onion and garlic.
Step 7 Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-8 minutes or until onion softens.
Step 8 Add pumpkin and 4 cups of the stock. Freeze remaining stock for another use.
Step 9 Cover and bring to a simmer. Simmer, partially covered for 25-30 minutes or until the pumpkin is very tender. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 10 Process soup in a food processor or blend in batches. Return to the pan.
Step 11 Season with salt and pepper. Add shredded bacon.
Step 12 Stir over low heat for 3 – 5 minutes or until warmed through. Serve topped with sour cream and chives. 51
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Find – A – Word
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Calendar of Community Events
2017 November December 4 2018 Christmas Markets at Mt 2 & 3 Surprise School Einasleigh Horse Sports January 4 8 Melbourne Cup Calcutta at Etheridge Community 1 Georgetown Golf Club Christmas Party New Year’s Day 7 9 26 Melbourne Cup Luncheon at Georgetown Horse Sports Australia Day (Public Georgetown Golf Club 31 Holiday) 11 New Year’s Eve at Chook Steele Memorial Golf Goldfields Hotel Forsayth Day 13
Annual general meeting – Northern Gulf 24 Christmas Markets at Terrestrial Centre 25 Georgetown Under & Over 30s Cricket
PUBLIC NOTICE OF MEETING The next Council meeting will be held in Georgetown on 15th November 2017 commencing at 8.00am.
INFORM ARTICLES The Inform will be distributed on the last Thursday of each month unless unforeseen circumstances prevent this. Articles need to be submitted electronically to [email protected] by no later than 1.00pm on the Wednesday prior. Late articles will not be published. Previous versions of The Inform can be found at www.etheridge.qld.gov.au