Palm Island Voice Your Community Issue 73 Your Newsletter $1.00 Thursday 24 February 2011 Your Voice INSIDE: 2011 Palm Foreshore erosion Island Footy prompts warning Preview

Mayor says repairs waiting on full report Residents and visitors to Palm are urged to be extremely careful around erosion along the foreshore in the town area and further along past Coolgaree Sports Bar & Bistro in the wake of Cyclone Yasi. As can be seen in the pictures cause problems for us. on pages 1 and 2, large chunks “Last week we had coastal of grass and sand under and engineer, Gildas Colleter, from behind the retaining walls the Government on have been taken out by wind the Island and he is an expert and waves, making the area a in mending breakwaters and hazard for pedestrians. walls and dealing with erosion Palm Island Mayor Alf Lacey of this type.” said the focus of clean-up Continued next page... operations – now almost half way complete – was shifting to public infrastructure, but it was not exactly known when the areas affected would be fully-repaired. “The foreshore area is going to be one of our biggest tasks,” he said. “We need to get onto that so erosion doesn’t continue to Gildas Colleter & Mayor Alf Lacey ...From previous page

“Coastal engineer Gildas Colleter walked the length of the foreshore with myself and the CEO, he’s taken the photographs we have on these pages so he will now do an assessment and write up a report,” Mr Lacey said. “A preliminary report will come to Council in the first instance which will allow us to put up a submission “As soon as the report is done we’ll send that under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery submission on to them. Arrangement (NDRRA), which is funding from “But it’s going to take a bit of time and a the Commonwealth and the State. lot of work, so at the moment we ask the “A lot of Councils are going to be bidding community to be very careful when they are for this money because they have a lot of walking or swimming in the foreshore area damage in their Shires but we’re probably there. There are barriers up there to warn one of the Shires most on the ball at the people and they need to be vigilant about using the foreshore with caution.” Mr Lacey said Mr Colleter’s visit was a direct result of his attending a meeting with the Premier and other Shire Council Mayors in Brisbane earlier this month (more reports pages 6 & 7). “Insurance assessors have also been here to give their assessment and okay for different repairs on our Council and public buildings and infrastructure here in the community,” he said. “I think the important thing for us here at Palm is that we’ve been on the ball and will moment, given we’re almost half way continue to be on the ball with keeping on through our clean up now. top of the damages in the community. “That gives us a bit of room to move and “The community is responding very well, we’ve been given the assurance from the quite a few people are very happy that the Premier that the Reconstruction Authority will debris caused by Cyclone Yasi is well on track fast track these sorts of submissions. and going so well.”

Council staff and Mayor Alf Lacey with insurance assessors 2 Vandalism to toilets sparks ferry anger VANDALS causing damage to Sunferries’ catamarans to and from Palm Island will face considerable community anger when they are identified and caught, say passengers. Last Friday’s ferry was delayed after deliberate damage was done to onboard toilets. The catamaran left from Sunferries Ross Creek terminal in at 10am, when it is suspected the damage was done. “We were told that plastic bags had been shoved WELL-known Palm Islander into the toilets forcing them to be closed and not Victor Daisy and his relations available to the public,” a passenger, who asked were all smiles in the Townsville not to be named, told the Palm Island Voice. suburb of Cranbrook last week. “The crew worked hard to try and fix them whilst With Mr Daisy was Shane at Palm but had difficulty.” Robertson and youngsters Passengers wanting to go to Townsville who were Jahmarley Kerr, aged 2, and not under the covered sections at the end of the Zshkeen Robertson, 10. Reel Women jetty had to stand for an hour and a half in 30 degree plus temperatures waiting for their for emergency calls of nature. departure, fuelling their anger about the situation. Several passengers said the person or “It was very unpleasant and no fault of anybody persons found to be responsible for the from the ferry company,” another said. vandalism would be extremely unpopular Ferry crew were praised for their efforts after and could find themselves in a good deal reportedly apologising a number of times to of strife from irate passengers. passengers for a situation not of their doing and As of last weekend the ferry was reportedly out of their control. running ...comfortably... with all repairs They said one toilet was partially able to be used successfully undertaken.

Answering a call for volunteers to re-stack shelves so the Palm Island Retail Store could re-open as quickly as possible after Cyclone Yasi, was Councillor Zina Prior and Council Executive Assistant Lyn Freckleton.

3 Pre-selection bid unsuccessful Pooch offered home on Palm for former PI ANIMAL lover Darren Wood has helped find a Mayor home on Palm Island for a small dog facing an uncertain future in Townsville. FORMER Palm Island Mayor Mr Wood, a Palm Island resident, was visiting his Mum Delena Oui-Foster was in Townsville in early February and went to see a mate unsuccessful in her bid to be who lived nearby. the LNP candidate for the When he got there he saw a brindle-cross female dog, State seat of Thuringowa at ‘Sally’ with his friend’s daughter. the party pre-selection vote Her owner, who inherited Sally from a relationship last weekend. breakup, lived in a government unit and had no place Ms Oui-Foster stood against for the pet to stay. former Townsville Metropole Hotel Initially the plan was to have the dog de-sexed in publican Wayne MacDonald and Townsville and advertise for a loving home. business owner Sam Cox who But after realising Sally may end up getting “put down” won the vote by a narrow margin. if things didn’t work out, Mr Wood offered to take the An LNP spokesman said, “it was a friendly mutt back on the barge from Lucinda to Palm very close vote”. with him. It was the second pre-selection Back on Palm, where his wife is a teacher, he then went for the seat after Max Tomlinson about finding a new home for the dog. won the first last December “Sally is in good spirits she has settled in with next door and withdrew soon after due to neighbours and is enjoying Palm,” Mr Wood said. medical reasons. “We already have two Ms Oui-Foster has served Palm dogs, this worked out Island with distinction as Mayor well. and was defeated at the March “Sally is close to me and 2008 elections by current Mayor our dogs, ‘Topsy’ and Alf Lacey. ‘Chillie’, who are teaching A strong advocate for women’s her how to be ‘a dog on rights and a staunch Indigenous Palm’. activist, Ms Oui-Foster ran for the Sally’s original owner in seat of Townsville at the 2004 Townsville said she was and 2009 State elections as an very grateful. independent candidate.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Desley Boyle has called on Queenslanders to nominate unsung Indigenous women for a special online gallery celebrating the centenary of International Women’s Day this year. “Right across Queensland Indigenous women are making big contributions as mothers, daughters, role models, volunteers, employers and employees,” Ms Boyle said. “In many communities they serve on Councils, community groups, Elders groups , NGOs and other organisations and are the backbone of many communities. “If you know an everyday Indigenous woman living an extraordinary life then I encourage you to provide their story and a photo for the tribute gallery.” For more information about International Women’s Day and to nominate someone on the tribute gallery visit www.women.qld.gov..au 4 Tree clean-up may take several weeks Council groundsman Joe Reuben estimates there will be several more weeks of work on Palm Island to clear fallen trees and branches from houses around the community. Mr Reuben (pictured right) and the farm had been the said Council gangs and CDEP worst affected. workers had been toiling hard “There is still a lot more to pick up debris from trees. to clean but everybody is “Residents have to pick up the working hard,” he said. branches and place them on He said his own house in the footpath so they can be Halifax Street has suffered picked up by workers using a damage to the gutter which backhoe,” he said. he has already repaired. are amongst those who had “A lot of trees fell down, MEANWHILE in Townsville, fallen trees in their yards. around the clock tower there Palm Islanders living in More than 63,000 trees are is just one tree standing.” Railway Estate, Kelso, estimated to have fallen He said around the esplanade Garbutt, Pimlico and Vincent across the city and suburbs. ...MORE CYCLONE AFTERMATH REPORTS PAGES 8 & 9...

Weather or not... Weather has certainly been on everyone’s minds of late, with these pictures showing the many moods of Mother Nature herself and the beauty of our Island home regardless. The third photo (left) was taken during Cyclone Yasi from the Townsville Strand looking over to where Palm Island can usually been seen across the water. 5 2011 PI Footy Preview

The Palm Island team which won against Bowen in 2010 contenders will play-off soon A Foley Shield selection match between Palm Island and Bowen should be held in Townsville within the next six weeks. The end result will produce fortnight after consultation him as soon as possible so it a combined Palm Island/ with Bowen and Northern can get started over there,” Bowen team ready to make Division officials. Mr Nosworthy said. its Foley Shield debut in the After that match, a squad Palm Island impressed 2011 season. of players from both northern division officials Contenders will include centres will be named and during the 2010 Foley Shield reigning champions applications will be called on carnival when they played a Townsville, runners up for a coach and officials. curtain raiser against Bowen, Mount Isa/Mid West, Cairns, “We are all looking forward winning convincingly. Innisfail/Eacham, Torres/ to the Foley Shield and the NRL scouts from various Cape, Mackay and Townsville date and when training clubs also have frequented Country. will be held will be decided many previous Foley Shield The prestigious competition soon,” Mr Dabea said. carnivals. commenced in 1948 and is Scott Nosworthy, Division named after late champion Manager for QRL Northern player Arch Foley. Division (pictured right), Games will be played in late said Bowen players had May at the Jack Manski Oval completed their paperwork at the Brother’s League’s and were ready to start Club in Townsville. playing within the next few Palm Island Rugby League weeks. President Ili Dabea said the “I have all of Palm’s date for the selection trial paperwork in my office and would be finalised in the next will contact Ili and get it to 6 Local league expects to play seven teams for 2nd year in a row PALM Island looks certain to have a seven-club rugby league competition for the 2011 season, which is scheduled to commence on the second weekend in March. Premiers Butler Bay Bulls and runners up the lead up to the kick off. Jets, along with Skipjacks, Mount Bentley Palm Island club games are renowned for Raiders, Brothers, Mundy Bay Warriors the quality play and flair, which ensures big and Hornets are looking certain to battle it crowds attend every fixture round. out for premiership honours. The draw and other associated matters with the administration of the new season will be discussed at the meeting of the Palm Island Rugby League this week and reported on in the next edition of the Palm Island Voice. With about 3000 permanent residents, many rugby league fans on the mainland continue to be amazed that seven strong clubs can compete making Palm Islanders the biggest fans of the sport, taking into account pro rata of population in Australia. In comparison, Townsville has a population of 180,000 and also hosts seven clubs. Included in the Townsville and District Rugby League competition are out-of-town sides from Herbert River, Burdekin and Charters Towers which adds another total population of 30,000 to the equation. Once again Bulls, Jets and Skipjacks look to be the powerhouse clubs with Brothers and Mount Bentley Raiders are tipped to be sharp improvers, capable of charging up the ladder. Mundy Bay Warriors and Hornets made their debut in 2010 and both showed good form at different stages of the season. Expect some players to change clubs when the football begins while some intense recruiting is going on and will continue in 7 Financial assistance helpers brought to Island via ADF Black Hawk Helicopters The State Government’s Department of Communities when power was cut and most phone lines including mobile Disaster Recovery team and Centrelink workers who have services were down for at least three days after Yasi struck Palm been working with Palm Island should be congratulated Island. for their efforts, Mayor Alf Lacey says. The majority of eligible Palm Islanders could not claim by phone “Centrelink have been here for the past couple of days,” he said. so Centrelink General Manager Hank Jongen said he felt it was “The Department of Communities’ Recovery Team has also helped important to support them in their time of need. our people as well, and getting their financial assistance out of “To reach Palm Island our teams initially flew in on an Australian the road. Defence Force Black Hawk helicopter,” Mr Jongen said. “They both brought teams out to Palm and canvassed the “Like all the communities we’re visiting, the Palm Island residents community in terms of organising financial where they’ve been have really appreciated the effort that Centrelink has put in. needed. “It’s meant long and often hot days for the staff involved but “I think the community certainly appreciated it so I’d like to say it’s a contribution they’ve been happy to make.” to both those teams thank you very much for getting in here on More than 270 Centrelink staff were deployed to north the ground. Queensland from across Australia to provide assistance to “Their work here hasn’t gone unnoticed and we all want to thank victims of Yasi, rated as Australia’s worst ever tropical blow. them for working with us so very well. Mr Jongen said Centrelink recovery teams had also visited “It is about good leadership and it is about working together and Indigenous communities at Jumbin, Kennedy and Yarrabah. we can achieve things when we have those good relationships.” The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment Centrelink workers who were sent to Palm Island to assist (AGDRP) is $1,000 for affected adults and $400 for parents residents to complete Disaster Recovery Payments after Cyclone of affected children. Yasi flew in on Australian Defence Force Black Hawk helicopters. Claims will be accepted up until 3 August. Hundreds of Palm Islanders queued outside the Centrelink office The Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy payments (DIRS) are Red tape will be cut for rebuilding and recovery after talks between Premier and Mayors Premier Anna Bligh invited Mayors and CEOs from Councils across Queensland to a special disaster recovery meeting in Brisbane earlier this month. Palm Island Mayor Alf Lacey said he and Mayor Sam Murray from Cherbourg were the only Indigenous Shires represented at the meeting. The meeting was about briefing local government leaders on the Queensland Reconstruction Authority. “The rebuilding and recovery task facing us is immense, but it’s not impossible,” Ms Bligh said. “The Authority will have a mandate to fast track the rebuilding of the State. L-R: Former Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Partnerships “We fully recognise the primary and Minister Desley Boyle (replaced earlier this week by Minister Curtis vital role of local governments in the Pitt), Palm Island Mayor Alf Lacey and Member for Warrego Howard reconstruction task, particularly for land Hobbs at the Premier’s meeting in Brisbane use and building approvals, and the 8 Financial assistance helpers brought to Island via ADF Black Hawk Helicopters when power was cut and most phone lines including mobile for people who have lost income and can be the equivalent to the services were down for at least three days after Yasi struck Palm Newstart Allowance payable for up to 13 weeks. Island. Claims for this payment close on Monday 28 February. The majority of eligible Palm Islanders could not claim by phone “If you have been affected by Cyclone Yasi, we encourage people so Centrelink General Manager Hank Jongen said he felt it was to call the Australian Government Emergency Assistance hotline important to support them in their time of need. number 180 22 66 or drop by their nearest Centrelink customer “To reach Palm Island our teams initially flew in on an Australian service centre or recovery centre,” Mr Jongen said. Defence Force Black Hawk helicopter,” Mr Jongen said. “Information including claim forms and eligibility criteria “Like all the communities we’re visiting, the Palm Island residents can also be found on the Centrelink website at have really appreciated the effort that Centrelink has put in. http://www.centrelink.gov.au” “It’s meant long and often hot days for the staff involved but it’s a contribution they’ve been happy to make.” More than 270 Centrelink staff were deployed to north Queensland from across Australia to provide assistance to victims of Yasi, rated as Australia’s worst ever tropical blow. Mr Jongen said Centrelink recovery teams had also visited Indigenous communities at Jumbin, Kennedy and Yarrabah. The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) is $1,000 for affected adults and $400 for parents of affected children. Claims will be accepted up until 3 August. The Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy payments (DIRS) are Red tape will be cut for rebuilding and recovery after talks between Premier and Mayors Premier Anna Bligh invited Mayors Authority will work together with local departments, would they assist us in and CEOs from Councils across government to expedite reconstruction particular, and they assured us we Queensland to a special disaster works in the first instance. would have all the technical support recovery meeting in Brisbane “But the Authority’s powers will ensure we need. earlier this month. it is also able to intervene where “So they’re going to do as much as Palm Island Mayor Alf Lacey said necessary to get the reconstruction they can in terms of assisting us with he and Mayor Sam Murray from moving.” damages.” Cherbourg were the only Indigenous Mr Lacey said the Government was The Premier said with 75% of the State Shires represented at the meeting. determined to take the “red tape” out affected, it made sense to include the The meeting was about briefing local of reconstruction efforts. Mayors. government leaders on the Queensland “The people involved in the “We are going to explain how the Reconstruction Authority. Reconstruction Authority have assured Authority will work effectively and “The rebuilding and recovery task myself and the other Mayors that there efficiently to assist regions to rebuild,” facing us is immense, but it’s not will not be a lot of red tape involved she said. impossible,” Ms Bligh said. in our recovery, that money will be “This will also be a chance for Mayors “The Authority will have a mandate to coming through as quickly as possible and senior council officers to brief fast track the rebuilding of the State. with their help and expertise,” Mr Lacey the Government on flood and cyclone “We fully recognise the primary and said. issues in each of their constituencies. vital role of local governments in the “One of the questions I did ask was “We will continue to work closely reconstruction task, particularly for land for us smaller Councils, who don’t have with these local councils in the weeks, use and building approvals, and the big planning or large technical works months and years ahead.” 9 (Advertisement)

In other (happy!) news, the Cyclone Yasi posed a huge Palm Island Community Company threat to Palm Island sponsored the Palm Island Youth residents and in its aftermath Council Leadership Program to many people were in need of send 15 participants to Brisbane assistance. earlier this month. Leadership Both before and after, Palm Island candidates aged from 13 to 22 Community Company (PICC) joined 25,000 other fans to watch staff were there to help. Before the Indigenous All Stars take on the the storm hit, they were right on National Rugby League All Stars hand to help people move out of in a close fought game at Skilled low lying areas like Butler Bay to Park. PICC hired a Greyhound safer designated accommodation bus for the candidates and the available in the community which four PICC staff who accompanied included the Palm Island Womens’ them. These outstanding young Service and Safe House. Staff men and women used the trip as a handed out flyers explaining the leadership bonding exercise. safety measures needed to be Next for the Palm Island Youth taken and just what dangers to Council Leadership Program is a meeting with the Burdekin Shire look out for after the cyclone. Bottom left: Charter flight After the storm had passed, staff Council Youth Council on February organised by PICC on the from the Diversionary Centre and 27. Family HUB worked closely with the The Burdekin group is well- Sunday after Yasi Queensland Police Services to assist organised and it is expected Top left: Winnie Obah the Counter Disaster Committee to that the Palm Island candidates assisting with YASI deal with the subsequent damage will gain valuable knowledge on recovery food items that and to help families in need. running a youth council and the PICC sent to Palm Island many ways that they can assist the Top pics: Elders’ group local community. meetings The Burdekin Area Youth Above: Narelle Gleeson- Watch, ‘BayWatch’, is providing Henaway & Jason Obah accommodation and other facilities assisting with YASI for our participants. Many of the people in BayWatch have family recovery food items on Palm so it is hoped a strong network will be built between the They are very committed and enjoy two groups. an enthusiastic attendance at their Youth are not the only groups fortnightly meetings with regular sponsored by PICC on the Island. guests such as the Queensland The Elders Advisory Group is also Police Service, the Community And they were quick to arrange for taking an active role in community Justice Group, and the PICC Service two planeloads of food and other affairs. They are helping with the Manager. needful items for the 63 families Community Justice Group, training It’s been a busy time for who found their own resources to take part in the Magistrates everyone of late and the Palm insufficient. It was very rewarding Court, acting in an advisory capacity Island Community Company to see services pulling together to the PICC Service Manager on has been among the busiest. to help the community through service delivery, and working very Staff have hit the ground such exceptional circumstances as hard to re-establish their place in running in 2011 and still have Cyclone Yasi. the community. a full year ahead of them. 10 Palm Island Voice Public & Community Notices BIRTHDAY WISHES TO DAD SID The Catholic Church will be fundraising in the mall CASEY, LAWRENCE KERR AND every Thursday to raise funds for a team of locals to DANIEL NALLAJAR, HAPPY attend World Youth Day in Madrid, Spain, from 16-21 BIRTHDAY TO YOU MAY YOU August 2011. Please support our fundraising event. ENJOY THIS SPECIAL DAY We will be selling knick-knacks, pot plants, tea/coffee, cakes, clothing, etc. If you would like to donate WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.... towards this exciting event please call Christina on LOVE YOUR FAMILY 4770 1176 or email [email protected] Advertising Information & Rates Display Ads (14 days to pay, invoiced on publication - smaller ads by negotiation with the Editor) Full A4 Page $450 Half A4 Page $230 Quarter A4 Page $120 ADD GST + 10% for design work Classifieds Flying to Items for sale under $1000 – FREE Public & Community Notices – FREE Births, Deaths, Marriages, Birthdays – FREE Palm Island Sale Price over $1000 & Other Notices – 4 lines – $10 Ads are to be booked by no 7 days a week later than 5pm on deadline day (see back page for details) and material submitted no later than To make a booking COB the next day. For more information contact phone 4759 3777 the Editor on 0419 656 277 or at [email protected] PLEASE SUPPORT US SO www.westwing.com.au WE CAN CONTINUE TO The Palm Island Voice is delivered to Palm SUPPORT YOU!! Island courtesy of West Wing Aviation & PICC

HAPPY 18TH Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council is closed every BIRTHDAY second Friday (Council pay week) for RDO. YOLANDA The next RDO is Friday 4 March. From all the For emergencies on a Friday Staff at the Palm please call 0458 789 010 Island Aboriginal For more information contact Shire Council!!!!! the Council on 4770 1177

11 Expressions Of Interest Coolgaree Aboriginal Corporation for CDEP wishes to employ an individual in either a full time or part time positions to increase the rate of success of CDEP participants in completing training and being made ready for available employment opportunities. Purpose of the role The role of the CDEP Youth Mentor is to support CDEP • Assist in building a positive relationships with agencies youth participants as part of the work readiness stream, (Job Services Australia [JSA], Centrelink, etc) to facilitate including participation in community development projects. transition and engagement with new arrangements; The Mentor will respond to training and employment issues • Prepare and provide reports on outcomes achieved to the experienced by individual youth and their families as they Coolgaree management; navigate the interrelationship between CDEP, Job Services • Ensure that vocational training is directed towards the Australia (JSA) and Centrelink, trainers and employers. achievement of milestones and outcomes to meet the The Youth Mentor will achieve this by doing the following requirements of the CDEP Employment Pathway Plans; things: • Work closely with other mentors and the Employment and • Provide support and assistance to participants with issues Training Manager (ETM) to ensure that vocational training impacting on their ability to attend training; fits in with CDEP objectives and budgetary guidelines; • Assist in building of trust with CDEP participants, families, • Assist with CDEP participant’s involvement in the support agencies, training organizations, and potential Community Development Projects that can provide employers; opportunity to develop or demonstrate employment skills • Identify gaps in participant’s skills that could jeopardize • Work harmoniously with staff from diverse backgrounds success in either vocational training or employment; and promote a safe workplace that is free from discrimination • Support participants to attend the training programs; and harassment. • Refer participants to relevant Community Support Services that can assist in achieving success in training Essential qualifications (or eligible to obtain): and employment; • Maintain strict confidentiality and respect for participant • Blue Card; information; • Current drivers license; • Assist in the coordination of vocational training programs • Capacity to travel for work; with appropriate service providers (Internal, TAFE, and • Cleared Police checks; other service providers); THIS POSITION CLOSES ON FRIDAY 4TH MARCH 2011. COOLGAREE ABORIGINAL CORPORATION FOR CDEP Employment & Training Ph: 4770 1233 LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, day and night. leaders asking for help? What a start to a brand I’m often a pretty quiet I would if I needed it. new year! bloke, but the horses Every day I am sick and Thankfully Cyclone Yasi are starting to ruffle my tired of chasing horses did not bring major feathers. out of my yard, eating my damage to Palm, unlike We try to do the right banana and paw-paw trees, our neighbours of Cardwell thing, go and make a formal and knocking my rubbish and Tully Heads area. written complaint to the bins over. Certainly my thoughts Council but still no reply Come on Council, please do and prayers are with our or public response as to something. families in the Jumbun/ what is happening about I think the Council should Tully community. the horse problem on Palm seriously do something quick Back to normal, what is Island. or what – we are all waiting normal? In all honestly, I don’t for a bad accident to happen I often wonder what is think the Council has a and a life is gone? Then it the Council doing about clue as to how best to would be too late. the amount of wild horses solve this problem. Regards that constantly roam our Well if they don’t, then Ron Geia streets all hours of the why aren’t our local Bentley Street, Palm Island 12 11 PI Voice Crossword 73 With thanks to David Goeldner & the Crossword Puzzle Maker at http://www.armoredpenguin.com

Across 38. PI mayor (2) 16. Indigenous rock singer, Dan ? 6. Footy code with four sticks 40. Pre-formed art done by tracing and cutting 17. Tree that grows in salt water 7. Setting laws by Parliament 43. Australian of the Year 2011, Simon ? 20. Prime Minister Julia ______9. Former Origin Greats (initials) 44. Black and white bird 21. Said to be ‘with child’ 11. Brothers behind Bangarra’s dancing 46. precious metal 22. Australia’s famous dance company success, Stephen and David____ 48. Blood sugar disease 24. You need this to drive 12. Rhyming verse 49. Opposite of male 25. A group of singers 18. Mosquito-borne disease (2 Words) 50. Cricket trophy 27. Ball, court and two hoops - slam dunk! 19. Land of the rising sun 52. Letter sent by the Internet 28. NQ town bearing Yasi’s force 21. School or community assignment 53. Aboriginal flag - red, black and ? 29. Chief Executive Officer (initials) 22. Queensland’s capital Down 33. Where you live 23. Population count held later this year 1. 50 percent 34. Six-stringed musical instrument 26. Advance payment for magazine or 2. A part of a hundred 35. World’s largest ocean newspaper articles 3. Given freely with good will 36. Temporary crisis accommodation 28. National capital 4. Ambulance officer 39. Originator of NRL All Stars match, Preston ? 30. Waiben Island is this day of the week 5. Ground-breaking indigenous band from 41. Where parishioners worship on Sunday 31. Type of court lawyer the 1980s (2) 42. Money coming in 32. This NT crew dance the ‘Zorba’ way, 8. TV, radio and newspapers all part of this 45. father or mother _____ Dancers 10. Long or short, you put your arms through them 47. Opposite of rough 33. International Humanitarian Organisation 13. Member of Parliament (initials) 48. Moderated discussion between two parties 35. Medical condition affecting the lungs 14. Government welfare agency 51. Opposite of cold 37. Term of respect for a senior citizen 15. Mammal living among sea grass 53. Devastating cyclone that hit PI 13 PIRL to gain support from successful traineeship

PIRL’s Ili Dabea, successful trainee Tanya James & QRL’s Scott Nosworthy

PALM Island’s Tanya James has completed a 12-month traineeship with the northern division during which time she has learnt all aspects of the sport including administration. The experience gained by Tanya will be vital for the Palm Island Rugby League, which is about to play a combined side with Bowen in the 2011 Foley Shield competition. Tanya was often seen helping Palm Island Rugby League President Ili Dabea on games days. During the week she was also on hand at the local football office at the former Kirwan High Campus, in the park across from the Council office. Tanya was one of 10 young Indigenous trainees appointed 12 months ago in February, 2010. She was with her proud mum Maisie James and Grandmother Helen Wacando and early on in her traineeship worked under the supervision of former NQ Cowboys and NSW State of Origin coach Graham Murray. Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development Andrew Fraser said the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative’s First Start program had to similar positions in Mackay, Cairns, Townsville, Mount Isa, Weipa and Bamaga. “Each trainee worked with QRL Northern Division staff while also studying for a Certificate II in Community Recreation, and are all together this week to complete their induction training,” Mr Fraser said. “Employing Indigenous people in positions promoting the game help communities, clubs, players and others by encouraging healthier lifestyles and improving the QRL’s operations across North Queensland.” He said each trainee performed office duties, organised and took minutes at meetings, and helped organise and run promotional events. They also helped out at training and on game days where they helped set up fields and training equipment and also learnt some first aid training. “These trainees also helped improve the cultural awareness of the QRL and how the organisation works with Indigenous people and communities in the region,” he said. QRL northern division manager Scott Nosworthy praised all the trainees and said they would be assets to the code into the future. 14 PIRL PLAYER PROFILE: Tabua Oui IN the lead up to, and throughout the footy season this year Palm Island Voice will profile a local Palm Island Rugby League player each fortnight...... who will be next??!!

TABUA Oui is one of the genuine stars of Palm Island rugby league and has the ability to make it in a much higher standard, although the dedicated Oui loves his Island so much he has been reluctant to leave. Oui is a gifted five eighth or half back for target of the opposition defence who tried to Jets club and has the ideal pedigree to be smother his attacking flair. the quality footballer he is. His father was At the 2009 clash with Girringun Pirates at champion outside back Hector Poynter who Cardwell, Oui scored 20 points from two tries delighted crowds playing for the Palm Island and six goals in the 48-40 loss. Barracudas when they competed in the Oui won the best back of the carnival award at Townsville Rugby League competition. the Bindal carnival in Townsville last October Oui is a talented attacking back with an as he shone for Barracudas which reached elusive side step and kicking game in general the grand final. play and also uses the chip kick to advantage. More recently in late January, Oui fine tuned During the 2010 Bindal Allblacks carnival, Oui his skills playing with the Barracudas at the scored what many considered the best try of Rockhampton Allblacks and stood out in their all games when he chipped over the head off second game scoring a try as his side lost 14- the defence, regathered, and ran the length 12 to Yeppoon. of the fielded to score. These are just some of the achievements of Some of his efforts for Jets, which narrowly this outstanding and often quietly spoken lost the 2010 Palm grand final 24-22 to Butler footballer who will be the subject of talent Bay Bulls, had to be seen to be believed. Oui scouts when Palm Island/Bowen make their was amongst Jets best. debut in the 2011 Foley Shield competition to Because of his ability, Oui was always the be held in May. Boxers working towards Olympic try-outs STAR local boxers Reggie of the Association are eligible have been given permission Palm Island and Patrick for Olympic selection. to compete at tournaments Clarke should have all the “It has been a big job getting run by the rival Sunstate documentation required all the documentation for Amateur Boxing League. by the end of this week the lads needed to get their A team of boxers will travel to enable them to obtain passports,” trainer Ray Dennis to Townsville on March for the passport required for said. a pro/am card being run by them to push their bids for Four Palm boxers missed the promoter Fozzy Hooper. selection to compete at Association Queensland trial They will also get to the next Olympic Games. recently due to Cyclone Yasi. Rockhampton on March 19 Reggie and Patrick need their “We can still get them available and Townsville in early April passports to be allowed to for Olympic selection if they for a Hawks club tournament. compete at the Australian get to the national titles,” Mr Mr Dennis is still seeking Boxing Association national Dennis said. sponsors for future travel by titles in Melbourne on March 5. Palm Island boxers who are his team to give them the Only boxers who are members members of the Association best opportunity to impress. 15 Women’s comp ready to kick off

Palm Island women love their rugby league just as much as the men although generally they only get to play when they represent the Barracudettes at Allblacks carnivals a few times a year. A new ladies rugby league competition, being Making it a real family affair, the team run for the first time in 2011 by the Townsville manager will be their mother Maria Baira and District Rugby League, may be about to and the assistant coach their brother and top change all that. league player Roy Baira jnr. This comp is scheduled to commence on the “It is all systems go and we are getting very second weekend in March and four clubs will excited about it,” Mrs Baira said. compete – Brothers, Centrals, Burdekin and “Rothana, Romeenah and Sonja will play in Western Lions. Potential players attended a the forwards and Seneva as a back. “try out” day held a couple of weeks ago for “I expect whole families to get out watching anyone wanting a run. the games as ladies football is full of action.” Townsville Local League Administrator Kerri Ritchie said a total of 47 girls turned up, the eldest of whom was 42. “We do need more players and Palm Islanders would be very welcome,” she said. Ms Ritchie recently visited Palm Island for the annual Obe Geia jnr carnival and said she was impressed. Four Baira sisters Rothana, aged 34, Romeenah, 20, Seneva, 33, and Sonja Watson (nee Baira) will line up for Brothers. Their father Roy Baira snr is a Palm Island man. PUBLICATION DETAILS FOR THE Palm Island Voice Contact Details + Publisher Details Editorial & Advertising Deadlines + Publication Dates: Editor: Christine Howes ([email protected]) DEADLINE PUBLICATION DATE Ph 4770 1177 or 0419 656 277 Thursday 3 March THURSDAY 10 March 2011 Fax 4770 1305 With thanks to Alf Wilson Thursday 17 March THURSDAY 24 March 2011 and to all the Palm Islanders who have contributed Thursday 31 March THURSDAY 7 April 2011 to this issue of the Palm Island Voice. Thursday 14 April THURSDAY 21 April 2011 Published by PIASC © 2011 Thursday 28 April THURSDAY 5 MAY 2011