Etheridge Shire Council

Inform Newsletter www.etheridge.qld.gov.au Edition 4, April 2018

ANZAC DAY SERVICES 2018 WEDNESDAY 25th APRIL

GEORGETOWN (Greens Park) 6.00am Dawn Service 9.00am Service followed by Tea and Coffee

FORSAYTH (Caschafor Park) 5.30am Dawn Service followed by breakfast 7.00am Breakfast at the CWA Hall 9.00am Town March starting from Goldfields Hotel

MT SURPRISE (Park) 10.00am Service at the School with Morning Tea to Follow

EINASLEIGH (Park) 7.00am Dawn Service followed by breakfast in the Park

Lest We Forget

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

A cheery hello to all

It is with great sadness that we extend our sincere condolences to the Collins family on the sad passing of Gerry. To have known this iconic man was a privilege and an inspiration not only to myself but to all who knew him. Gerry played a pivotal role in striving to place Etheridge Shire on the tourism map of Australia as a destination not to be missed. This council still today shares his vision in understanding that tourism plays an important role in our future.

Following the return of Norm and myself from Brisbane after meetings with the Coordinator General’s office, Ministers and Shadow Ministers regarding the Gilbert River Irrigation area; Norm, Rolfe and myself travelled to Kununurra during the last week in March to obtain a good understanding of the irrigated agriculture project in Northern Australia. The tour included viewing of several trial crops that would suit the Gilbert River precinct. We found the trip invaluable in gaining an insight into what diversifying into agriculture will mean for our shire with regards to jobs, infrastructure and community.

As you are all aware, Etheridge Shire experienced the tail end of tropical cyclone Nora as it formed into a rain depression and hovered over the northern half of our shire. Some properties reported falls in excess of 400mm in a 24 hour period, causing severe flooding and inundation to their properties. This deluge caused major losses to infrastructure and crops. Council has been working hard with NDRRA and was successful in getting the event declared a flood event. In a nutshell this means that our crews are busy recording the event and starting the Emergent Works to open up the roads to traffic. There will be ongoing work through the NDRRA process (Flood claim) to restore our road networks.

This month’s community consultation meeting was held at Einasleigh. It was well attended by the community, with Cr Troy Barnes and Cr Tony Gallagher sending their apologies.

The 9th April saw Norm, Cr Will Attwood and I attend the FNQROC meeting held in Ingham. It was an interesting meeting with many vigorous debates over road funding pertaining to our region. Following that meeting, Lydia and I went on to Townsville where I underwent spinal surgery to hopefully ‘fix’ a few long-term issues I’ve had with back and neck problems. Time will tell!

Drive safe and be patient with our visitors as we come into the tourist season with grey nomads and backpackers etc. visiting our beautiful region.

Bye for now.

Warren Devlin | Mayor

From the Office of the CEO

March was a busy month, with the Mayor, Gilbert River Project Officer and I travelling to Brisbane to meet with Ministers and other members of Parliament about our Gilbert River Irrigation Project, following which, we visited Lake Argyle and the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. Unfortunately, while we were away, Cyclone Nora visited the shire and provided us with a good proportion of our annual rainfall in just one 24 hour period. Rainfall figures from around the Shire vary significantly and hopefully residents got more benefit than grief from the rain events.

These events caused the activation of the Shire’s Counter Disaster Operations and approvals for the restoration of Essential Public Assets, Essential Services and Reconnection Scheme and Personal Hardship Assistance Schemes. The Department of Communities administers the assistance programs and attended the Shire in the middle of April, assisting 39 residents.

Council has started the ‘emergent’ works and documentation of the damage (essential for NDRRA funding). If you are aware of any dangerous or unsafe road conditions, please let us know.

Council is generally fairly relaxed about dogs kept in the towns, but over the weekend of 14/15 April, there were three reports of people being menaced or attacked by dogs in Georgetown and another incident in Forsayth. This is not acceptable. If you keep dogs in town areas, there are some basic rules that you are expected to meet:

 You cannot keep more than 2 dogs in the town area without special approval;  Certain dog breeds are prohibited (including the Pit Bull Terrier);  The area where dogs are kept should be sufficiently sized and allow the dog to have access to adequate shelter, drinking water, be cleaned regularly, with waste disposed of frequently;  The dog(s) should not be allowed to bark and become a nuisance to neighbours;  The dog(s) should be kept in your yard and not be allowed to roam (no matter its size);  When walking your dog(s) on the footpath, it needs to be on a leash and under control;  If the dog is declared to be dangerous by Council, a higher standard of enclosure must be provided, the dog microchipped, wear a special identification tag and muzzled if out in public (in addition to being on a lead).

Looking forward, as the weather cools we will see more tourists and their caravans on the roads. As much as this may cause some inconvenience on the roads, we need to acknowledge that they also are an important part of the Shire’s economy. Drive safely.

Norm Garsden

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 ------

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]

Summer months bring rain, cyclones and unstable weather conditions to Queensland. More than half of flood related deaths in Queensland are the result of people driving through floodwater. KNOW THE DANGERS

All Queenslanders should be aware of the dangers connected to floodwater or swift flowing water. No one can predict what lies underneath the surface.

The second you decide to push through floodwater, you will give up control. Firefighters across the state rescue more people from water each year than they do from fires. PREPARE TO STAY SAFE

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Plan ahead and keep yourself, family and friends safe.

The only way to stay safe is to stay out of floodwater. The best way to avoid floodwater is to make sure you are prepared – whether that’s staying in or finding a safer alternative route to travel.

You can find current traffic and road conditions in Queensland on the QLDTraffic website or by downloading the QLDTraffic app. Alternatively, the latest information can be obtained by calling the Transport and Main Roads and RACQ state- wide traffic and road condition reporting service on 13 19 40.

Etheridge Shire Council provides local updates on road conditions as a guide. If you would like to be added to the email distribution list please send an email to [email protected]

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 No sprinklers on Mondays.

1. 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. 2. 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

Base level 0 restrictions 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

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 10 January 2018

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR GEORGETOWN & FORSAYTH RESIDENTS

Water service disruptions are planned between:

Monday 21 May, to 10 June, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

We will do our best to notify residents before interrupting your water supply. This disruption is necessary to allow council to carry out cleaning of the water supply system.

Cloudiness /discolouration may be present after a water main is turned back on and boiling your water for drinking and cooking purposes in the interim is recommended. The water will return to normal in a few hours. If water appears cloudy / dirty run the tap for a few minutes.

Council thanks you in advance for your co-operation and apologise for any inconvenience. However please do not hesitate to contact Shane Butler 0427 621 279 in the first instance or Terry Oconnell 0429039912 if you have a question in this regard.

Norm Garsden Chief Executive Officer

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COMMUNITY CONSULTATION MEETINGS 2018

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-scheduled to an alternative date within the month due to other commitments.

Council’s Community Consultation Days for 2018;

Town / Date Venue Time Location Mt Surprise Community 2nd May 2018 Mt Surprise 9.00am Hall 6th June 2018 Oak Park Oak Park Racecourse 10.30am Georgetown Community 4th July 2018 Georgetown 9.00am Hall 1st August 2018 The Lynd Oasis Roadhouse 10:30am 5th September Forsayth CWA Hall – Forsayth 9.00am 2018 Possum Ray Memorial 3rd October 2018 Einasleigh 9.00am Hall – Einasleigh 7th November 2018 Oak Park Oak Park Race Course 10.30am Mt Surprise Community 5th December 2018 Mt Surprise 9.00am Hall

Norm Garsden CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PO Box 12 GEORGETOWN QLD 4871

Etheridge Shire Council Public Notice of General Meetings for 2018 In accordance with Section 277(1) of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Etheridge Shire Council General Meetings for 2018 are to be held on the following dates at Council’s Chambers; Month Date Venue Time May Wednesday 16 May Georgetown 8.00am 2018 June Wednesday 20 June Georgetown 8.00am 2018 July Wednesday 18 July Georgetown 8.00am 2018 August Wednesday 15 August Georgetown 8.00am 2018 September Wednesday 19 Georgetown 8.00am September 2018 October Wednesday 17 October Georgetown 8.00am 2018 November Wednesday 21 Georgetown 8.00am November 2018 December Wednesday 19 Georgetown 8.00am December 2018

Rates – Council Pensioner Remission

Are you a Pensioner living in our Shire? Have you applied for your Pensioner Remission?

The Etheridge Shire Council would like to advise all pensioners living in our Shire that are not currently receiving the Pensioner Remission to apply before the 30 June. Forms may be downloaded from our website: [email protected] or by calling the Shire Office on 4079 9090.

MINING LEASE AND MINING CLAIM HOLDERS

At Councils’ February meeting it was resolved not to allow Statutory Declarations and the reversal of the Emergency Management Levy after the official issuing of the rate levy. Furthermore, Council has also removed the notice requirement letter which was issued in April/May, replacing this with a notice in the Inform. Statutory Declarations are only required if your circumstances HAVE changed from the previous year eg if you have commenced mining or ceased. These must be received before June 30th. If NO Statutory Declarations are received then you remain in the same Category as the previous year.

TOURISM EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Council has recently adopted a Geotourism Strategy to guide the development of tourism within the Etheridge Shire. A copy of the document can be found on Council’s website. Council is calling for expressions of interest from landholders who have significant natural heritage features such as landscape, geological outcrops, and flora and fauna associated with their properties and who are open to developing a tourism business (to generate additional revenue streams and supplementing farm income) to be involved in a pilot project. Such a pilot project could examine all of the perceived opportunities (including, for example, farm stay accommodation options and the development of 'Geotrail') and to develop measures that address any concerns such as the protection of identified sensitive indigenous cultural sites including rock paintings as well as addressing any biosecurity concerns. We are looking for your business concept – how you envisage that your property could be developed for tourism, identifying the uniqueness and your commitment to your proposal. We will assist you in developing the concept. For further information, contact Economic & Community Development Officer, Bekky at 07 4079 9090 or [email protected].

Whats Happening At Little Gems We celebrated Earth Day with a fantastic breakfast in our front garden. We reminisced about the changes in the garden since our first Earth Day Breakfast 2015, we ate strawberries from our strawberry tree and lots of other goodies and we enjoyed the serenity.. A big thanks to all our families and friends for joining us.

It was sensational to have Ian McIntosh, a published children’s author visit us in person and read his story ‘Watch out for the Bickie Monster ‘. The younger school class joined us for the literacy experience, we role played and enjoyed many literacy and numeracy activities that were connected to the story.

‘

Reading aloud promotes language development and early literacy skills. It is widely accepted that reading aloud is the single most important researched activity leading to language development and promotes early literacy skills’ (Reach Out and Read National Center)

We say good bye to a few friendly faces this week, happy travels Sam, Good luck Felicity, we look forward to welcoming you and baby Alfred back next year.

We welcome Logan Bethel to Little Gems; she joins us as a childcare trainee and will be studying her Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

We also welcome Beau Pedracini to our Gems family.

What’s next? Our River / creek excursions have commenced and will continue every Thursday We will wander to the war memorial to place our poppies and then have a picnic in the peace park to show our respects for Anzac Day on 24th April. If you would like your child to join in the fun educational activities at Little Gems please phone Jane or call into the centre, we have casual and full time spots available The Team At Little Gems Ph: 40621265 Email: [email protected]

If you have any queries regarding the Hostel please ring Karen Remfrey on 40621 145

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 30 April – 2 May 2018 and the physiotherapist, Lou Gobius will be travelling with the dietitian, Amelia Splatt.

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.

Dietetics (Telehealth and Outreach Service)

What is Nutrition & Dietetics? Dietitians are the experts in food and nutrition for health and disease. Dietitians can advise about nutritional requirements for healthy people throughout the life cycle or those with special requirements, in order to best meet their nutritional needs. Your consultation will involve:  Discussing your personal goals and requirements  Assessing your current nutrition and lifestyle behaviours  Assessing any medical conditions/ special dietary requirements  You may have your weight and height taken

You will be provided with practical and achievable strategies aimed at improving health and reaching your individual goals. Advice is personalised to fit your requirements, and most importantly your current lifestyle and health goals.

Eligible Patients Dietitians can receive referrals for a number of health conditions, including:  Diabetes  Cardiovascular disease  Chronic lung conditions  Underweight / Malnutrition  Overweight / Obesity  Gastrointestinal issues  Allergies and intolerances  Renal conditions  Cancer  Eating disorders  Nutrient deficiencies  Pregnancy

Phone Atherton Hospital Dietetics on 40910536, if you want to make or discuss a referral.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Etheridge Shire Council would like to advise residents that the Swimming Pool will be closed to the public every Friday of Term 2 from 1.30pm to 3.00pm due to Forsayth School Swimming Lessons.

Day Date Time Fridays 20-4-18 to 29-6-18 1.30pm – 3pm

Council thanks you in advance for your cooperation.

AUTHORISED BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Norm Garsden PO Box 12 Chief Executive Officer GEORGETOWN QLD 4871

SHIPWRECKED IN THE 19 CENTURY A DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE! By Rick Tomkies

There have been many thousands of shipwrecks off the Australian coastline, not to mention the Queensland coast, over the last 200 or so years. During the earlier years, particularly during the 19th century, castaways from the many shipwrecks found themselves not only at the mercy of the elements but also from marauding natives who generally killed the unfortunate shipwreck survivors whose bodies were oftentimes eaten.

Many ships sailing up and down the east coast of Queensland were enticed by the natives by the lighting of large fires on the pretense of welcoming the unsuspecting seafarers. Sometimes the Aborigines beckoned and waved leafy branches in an attempt to induce unwary seamen to land. Should they do so, they were often attacked, and any of the crew fortunate to survive long enough to make a bid for freedom was able to warn others of these traps. At other times the captains and crew were actively discouraged from landing by large groups of Aborigines threatening the sailors with loud calls and the waving of spears. Indeed, landing on these hostile shores to replenish water and sometimes food, was a dangerous exercise to be avoided whenever possible.

However, on the other hand, there are also many recorded instances of a friendly welcome by various tribes, particularly by what has been regarded as a separate race of natives, known as Negritos, apparently different from other Aborigines, inasmuch that they were of a small stature, rarely more than one and a half meters tall with very dark, tight curly hair, and who lived primarily in the dense rainforest areas of northern Australia, more particularly north of Bowen. These pygmy-like people were found, by early explorers and shipwrecked castaways alike, to be quietly spoken and of a more gentle nature than some of the larger and more aggressive members of other tribes. Many shipwrecked survivors spoke of being befriended by these gentle Aborigines with a mild disposition who were found in the heavy jungle-like rainforests of tropical North Queensland. Captain Francis Blackwood and members of the crew of the 485 ton corvette H.M.S. Fly and an eminent geologist traveling with them, a Professor J. Beete Jukes, described them thus, for example. Also traveling with them were a naturalist, Mr. John McGillivray and an artist, a Mr. H.S. Melville.

It has been recorded that these smaller natives living in clearings of the rainforest, wielded heavy wooden broad-bladed swords with a very small hand-grip and carried shields and light, hard-wood tipped spears. Not only skilled in hunting animals and experts in fishing and catching prawns in the sea, they were expert tree climbers and added to their diet with various wild fruit found in the rain-forest.

Tribes of these friendly Negritos were found scattered throughout the north of Queensland from about present day Cairns, south to around the Bowen region and were reported as living as recently as the late 1930's in the dense rainforest country behind the coastal town of Cardwell. As a matter of interest, the author has seen photographs of these “little people” (as they are still referred to by Northern indigenous tribes) taken by the renowned Australian anthropologist, Mr. Norman Tindale and described in his book “Aboriginal Australians” published in 1963.

Tindale, together with an American anthropologist of the time, Joseph Birdsell, in 1938, undertook a comprehensive anthropology study in the Cairns region. Here, it is reported, that they discovered some six hundred pygmy-like people from twelve separate tribes living in two missions - Yarrabah and Kuranda. Photographs taken at the time revealed that adult males stood at around 140 to 150 centimeters in height with their women measuring from 15 to 30 centimeters shorter. Jo

In 1872, survivors of a shipwrecked brig, the Maria which came to grief off the North Queensland coast who eventually managed to struggle ashore told how they were met by a party of Aborigines, “small, like pygmies” who signaled them to follow them to a domed “bee-hive like hut” in the nearby forest, where the white men were fed and their injuries attended to. Joseph Birdsell, an Here the shipwrecked sailors remained until they were American anthropologist standing beside a member eventually discovered near Cooper Point by members of the of the Kongkandji tribe crew of the 1031 ton paddle-steamer H.M.S. Basilisk skippered photographed at Mona by a Captain John Moresby who had sailed north from Cardwell. Mona Mission near Kuranda in 1938 by Australian anthropologist Norman Tindale. The ‘Negrito’ Aborigine photographed here stood at only 140cms.

It is recorded that Captain Moresby also noted the diminutive size of the natives and his description of their swords and spears tallied closely with that given by other early explorers. Upon sending a ship’s boat in to rescue the survivors from the Maria, Captain Moresby wrote in his ship’s journal:

“We were met by eight emaciated and half naked creatures Captain Moresby of the who clasped our hands and told us they were they only ones sailing ship Basilisk

left alive of the thirteen belonging to a larger raft. The wine we brought with us gave them a little strength and they crawled along with us to the native camp in order that I might see for myself how well that the natives had cared for them. In a luxurious glen at the foot of the hills, about five minutes’ walk from the beach, we came to the gunyahs of the blacks standing in a cleared space surrounded by gigantic trees.”

There are many instances told of white castaways being adopted into native tribes or communities as one of their own. When this happened with Torres Strait Islanders, it was because of their ancient belief of "lamars" or ghosts of the dead who had returned to live with them. Usually the life of a white castaway was spared because the person resembled a friend or relative of one of the communities, in which case the survivor lived trapped with his or her native hosts.

In one recorded case, the French ship Saint Paul became wrecked in the September of 1858 on a coral reef not far from the coast of New Guinea. The captain and some of the crew including a cabin boy, Narcisse Pierre Pelletier managed to set sail in one of the ship's boats, and ended up on the Australian mainland where they set out on foot in order to search for more provisions including water. During their brief stay, young Pelletier got lost and was separated from the rest of his party, who, after some time, gave him up for dead and sailed away. It is not known what happened to them, but Narcisse survived only to be found by some local Aborigines. Whatever the reason, the natives decided to take the young Narcisse into their care and eventually Pelletier became a full member of their tribe. He remained thus for about seventeen years until he was found by the crew of a ship in 1875, when he was taken away from 'his tribe,' until he is thought to have returned to those Aborigines whom he regarded as his own.

In another more renowned case, was that of a twenty-one year-old crew member, a James Morrill, from the 304 ton barque, Peruvian, which also was wrecked on a reef in the Coral Sea en route from Sydney to China. Captain George Pitceathley accompanied by his wife, along with two other women, two children and James Morrill as well as 14 others clung to a raft after the ship's boats were destroyed. They had few provisions with them and only a keg of water. The party of survivors drifted south for forty-two days, during which time both food and water ran out. Eventually a number of the crew died along with the children and two women and were consigned to the deep – only to be devoured by the sharks that surrounded them. The rest of the survivors were resigned to eating the raw flesh of sharks which they caught - using part of a dead crew member's leg as bait!

Seven of the party lived to eventually land near Cape (James Morrill 1824-1865) Cleveland, south of the present city of Townsville. Among

the seven were Captain and Mrs. Pitceathley, and James Morrill. For two weeks they survived on whatever shellfish and other food they could find until they were discovered by some local Aborigines. James Morrill became separated from the others who were adopted by other groups of Aborigines. He ended up living with a tribe for some seventeen years until one day in January 1863, he came upon the hut of some white sheep farmers in the Burdekin Valley. He eventually plucked up enough courage to advance towards the sheep pens, and standing on the yard rails to call out in order to attract attention. His call, "What cheer, shipmates!" evidently had the desired effect, for it brought forth two startled farmers, who it was recounted, nearly shot the stranger. However, the now famous statement that James Morrill called out saved the day: "Do not shoot me – I am a British object (sic) – a shipwrecked sailor!"

Interestingly enough, James Morrill returned to white society and eventually he married and had one son. He finally ended living in Bowen, where he died in 1865 at the age of only 41. Shortly before his death, however, he was one of the first to buy an allotment in Townsville's first land sale for the princely sum of only eight pounds. However, this land increased in value over the next twenty or so years when his son sold the same parcel of land for ten thousand pounds!

This and similar true stories can be read in the book “True Stories of Early Australia” written by and published by Richard Tomkies, Australianabooks and available direct at a discount price from the author by emailing [email protected] or purchased from Undara Experience, at the Top Shop in Mount Garnet, Book and Video Shop Ravenshoe, Tablelandbooks in Atherton and at other book retailers.

GEORGETOWN PROGRESS

ASSOCIATION INC

SPECIAL AGM

14 MAY 2018 @ 6 PM SES SHED

We need community members to step up and form a committee for the Progress Association to continue. The Progress Association supports local community groups. The Georgetown Progress Association is asking all residents to attend this meeting and have a say in the current and future operations of the association. Membership and voting rights come with your $2.00 membership. Don’t stand-by and be a spectator, lend your support to keep the association going!

Mustering Health

This month I am simply posting a letter that was written to me by a station owner with whom I have been working over the last 4+ years. I was asked by this person (who wants to remain anonymous - see below) to publish their letter, after they had read my article, I think in the January edition of Inform. I will let the letter speak for itself. I feel humbled by the comments offered and very much appreciate them.

“Having just read Cris’ piece form the last Etheridge Shire Inform Newsletter, I thought how wonderful it is that we have such a great service within our community. When we are faced with challenges it is reassuring to know that support mechanisms are in place and we have someone to call on.

After an incident has occurred the reaction from this event is sometimes immediate, sometimes takes a few days, a week, a month or longer. We all react in different ways and feel the pressure of the event differently. And then there is also the little things in life that keep niggling at us and our families, which have the potential to cause all sorts of issues.

After Cris’ initial visit to our area in February 2014, I knew I would be making contact to put our name down for another cuppa. There is not necessarily a clinical reason to ask Cris to visit, however every time he drops by on his rounds and we sit around the smoko table with him, we always end up discussing something that’s really important to both of us. And even though Cris doesn’t always need or even use any of his clinical methods, it always feels good to have talked about things that are happening in our lives. Often just seeing the other person’s point of view with greater clarity helps with our relationship. We feel safe in our discussions with him.

After many visits I’ve come to realize that at times there could have been issues, which I don’t believe we would have had discussions about. We would have hidden them away as usual. But because we were able to discuss them with someone trustworthy and in confidence, it has given us some new insight and some techniques to bring about ways of resolving conflicting issues. Cris just seems to be able to put things into perspective.

It is very relevant in today’s world that we use caution and prevention to keep ourselves and our families safe. I’ve come to understand that these visits have been a silent achiever/saviour for us.

I hope you too take advantage of this service as we have done to prevent or resolve problems and put in place strategies to lower the stress and anxiety that comes with living and working on the land or in one of our local communities.

I chose to remain anonymous because I know that’s important to Cris and his practice. I do think however, for someone who has done so many miles for our region and for all of us that live in it, it doesn’t hurt for us to let these care providers know they are appreciated.

Thank You”

If you would like me to swing by cuppa and chat, whether I’ve spent time with you before or not, please do feel free to call 0402 289 577. My current contract runs through until June. I have just submitted a tender to PHN with a view to being able to continue the service. At this stage my trips out this way are generally happening in the last week of each month. This month I’m out between 6 April and 2 May.

The Etheridge Shire Council invites tenders for Wet and Dry Hire of Plant and Equipment for a period of twelve (12) calendar months. Interested parties can access the relevant tender documents by visiting the Council website www.etheridge.qld.gov.au/tenders

Tender submissions close: 3:00 PM FRIDAY, 25 MAY 2018

MAIL SUBMISSIONS: Tenderers need to allow sufficient time for their tenders to be delivered to Georgetown by the closing date and time. LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

If you require further information, please contact the Works Manager, Michael Brookes at [email protected] or by calling 07 4079 9029 or 0488621234.

PO Box 12 Norm Garsden Georgetown QLD 4871 Chief Executive Officer

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!

Categories Information  Biggest Boar Hunting starts Thursday 19/7/18

 Biggest Sow 5pm – Weigh in Sunday 22/7/18  Biggest Tusks (10am – 2pm)

 Aggregate Weight  Games for kids & adults  Babe & Boar (16yr &  Food and drinks from 10am over)  Dusty lawn bowls & games  Youngest Hunter (under after the presentations 12 years)  Dinner & drinks *NO BYO  Mystery Weight  Dog competitions NO ROTTEN PIGS ACCEPTED FREE BEER & BURGER WITH NOMINATION

Where: Georgetown Golf Club, Cemetery Rd, Georgetown, 4871

When: Weigh in / Family fun day 22 / 7 / 18

Contacts: Michael Lebrocq (0429430298) Steve Winton (0417198544) Darryl Day (048765198)

Forsayth Rural Fire Brigade Reaches new heights

During the month of March members of the Forsayth Rural Fire Brigade have been undertaking a number of courses with the brigade now having 8 members successfully complete the advanced fire fighter’s course and 3 members having passed the 3-day crew leaders course. The brigade will be receiving a new appliance in 2018 and has recently added new slip on units at Howlong and Dells Hole stations complimenting the coverage across the wider Forsayth fire district. The Brigade will soon be enhancing its facilities with the installation of solar power and kitchen facilities at the shed. Having had a good 2017/18 wet season, the brigade will be active in the coming months reducing fuel loads around Forsayth and asks station owners to consider doing likewise. Should you have any questions relating to the brigade please contact the Forsayth First Officer, Laurie Baron.

Debutante Ball

14th July 2018

Anyone interested in making their Debut please contact:

Pam Swaine - 0418786005

FOR SALE

House in Georgetown-Close to school, 3 bed, 1 bath, 1 carport. New kitchen, fenced yard, air conditioned. $150,000.

Ph 40912652

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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

Recipe of the Month

CHEESE, SPINACH AND ZUCCHINI RICE SLICE

INGREDIENTS  2/3 cup grated reduced fat cheddar cheese  2 medium zucchini, grated  1/4 cup grated parmesan

 200g frozen spinach, thawed cheese and squeezed dry  3 eggs  4 spring onions, finely sliced  3/4 cup reduced fat milk  2/3 cup long or medium grain rice  freshly ground black pepper

HANDY TIPS This rice slice is a delicious lunchbox idea, that can be used as an alternative to sandwiches. Enjoy warm or cool. Vary flavourings by adding corn kernels, lean ham, grated pumpkin or carrot in place of the spinach. Try using different types of cheeses like crumbled ricotta or feta.

METHOD Combine zucchini, spinach, spring onion, rice and cheeses in a large bowl and toss to coat. Whisk together the eggs, milk and pepper and stir into the rice mixture. Spread rice mixture into a deep 20cm x 30cm baking paper lined dish, cover with foil and bake at 180°C for 30 minutes. Remove foil and cook for a further 30 minutes until eggs have set and rice is cooked. Cool to room temperature before serving or refrigerate until required.

To serve, cut into 20 squares and serve warm or cold.

Calendar of Community Events 2018

May July August September 12-13 6-8 4 14 Georgetown Golf Georgetown’s 30yr Forsayth Turnout Georgetown State Club Annuals Rodeo 11 School P&C Fete 29-30 14-15 Forsayth QCWA 22 Basalt Bash and Einasleigh Campdraft Branch 90 Years Peace Day Picnic Beauty 14 Celebrations 30 Debutante Ball 80th Annual June 19-22 Bushman’s Ball

15-17 Georgetown Boars and Bowls Georgetown Campdraft

Unethical behaviour you ignore is behaviour condoned

PUBLIC NOTICE OF MEETING The next Council meeting will be held in Georgetown on 16th May 2018 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