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$2 tool to help save reef fish

By REBECCA McLELLAN

         
Jim Hutton from Mossman Bait and Tackle and Paul Freeman of the Douglas Marine Advisory Committee demonstrate the correct spot to vent a reef fish suffering from barotrauma.

FISHERS and marine experts are hoping a $2 tool will help prevent reef fish dying unnecessarily.

Paul Freeman of the Douglas Marine Advisory Committee said many reef fish died of barotrauma each year and his aim is to see the life-saving “venting tool” in every local fisherman’s bait box.

Barotrauma can occur when a fish is brought too quickly to the surface, causing the fish’s swim bladder to swell due to the expansion of gases in its stomach.

If the fish is released without venting, it is likely to float on the surface of the water, unable to swim down beneath the water’s surface.

Mr Freeman said studies by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation showed the best way to treat reef fish with barotrauma was to vent the gas from the swim bladder with a hollow needle.

“We’re hoping our recreational fishers get behind this initiative and help our fish stocks remain in good shape,” he said.

“The venting tool only costs $2 and it can just go in the bait box.”

The committee has funded a series of fish models to go on the counters of local bait and tackle shops, who can also demonstrate the correct way to vent fish.



How to vent a fish

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

One night performance only for The Pitch

A CRITICALLY acclaimed one-man play will be performed in Port Douglas for one night only.

The Pitch, written and performed by Peter Houghton, tells the story of a down and out Aussie film writer on the verge of his big Hollywood break.

But less than an hour before he’s due to pitch his idea to a film industry panel, his story still doesn’t have an ending.

To help get his creative juices flowing, the writer does a quick retelling of the story so far, portraying the actors he would like to see playing the roles, including a clenched teeth Clint Eastwood, a debonair Sir Anthony Hopkins and a scintillating Catherine Zeta Jones.

During the course of the 80-minute play the writer depicts a classic tale of love, war, sniping, plane crashes, exotic accents and plenty of meaningful close ups.

The Pitch has been described by critics as “a romp.... hilarious.... a riot”, a “hysterical spoof on screenwriting” and was awarded two Green Room Awards for excellence on the stage.

The Pitch is be performed at the Clink Theatre on Wednesday, September 10 at 8pm.

Tickets are $25 from Ticketlink, phone 1300 855 835.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Revved up Raiders topple JCU

         
Fergus McConnell takes the line out in Saturday's game against JUC

PORT Douglas Reef Raiders travelled to Cairns on Saturday to take on James Cook University in the first semi-final of 2008.

The Raiders opened their account early on with Shane Branch making a break up the middle from a maul to set the first five-pointer of the day.

The first half saw the Raiders playing to their game plan, keeping the ball in close with some outstanding mauling forcing JCU backwards on several occasions.

The local boys were dominant in the set plays and were able to put on two more tries before the half-time whistle.

With JCU’s only points coming from a penalty, the score board showed 19-3 to the Raiders.

But in the second half the Raiders seemed to go into a shell, allowing JCU back into the match to score two tries. With one conversion, they were only four points behind the Raiders at 19-15.

Captain Steve Mulqueen laid down the law, which saw the defense tighten up and the forwards getting back to doing what they do best – picking and driving. Their patience paid off with the Raiders scoring twice in the final 15 minutes: Tane Russell kicked both conversions close to the sidelines in very strong winds to have the full-time score at 33-15.

Next week the Raiders take on the Southside Crusaders – coming off a big loss against Barron Trinity – at Barlow Park with the winner booking a berth at the grand final the following Saturday against last year’s premieres Barron Trinity.

Zeus man of the match went to prop Wade Hastie 3 points, 2 points Tane Russell, and 1 point to Nick Booth. Scorers were Hastie, Mulqueen, Chris Booth, Micheal Williamson and Wade Broadley with 1 each and 4 conversions to Russell.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Riders fight for RRR title

David Woods crosses the 2008 RRR finish line on Four Mile Beach only 1.5 seconds ahead of Tim Northey after 38km of racing from Mt Molly down the Bump Track.

IT was mountain bike mayhem as a full field of riders took on the 2008 RRR race on Sunday.

Now in its 18th year of the RRR annual races and the 38km course has remained much the same over the years starting in Mt Molloy, dropping down to the coast on the infamous Bump Track and the finish along Four Mile Beach denoting the rural, rainforest and reef sections of the course.

The maximum allowed field of 250 riders was the largest ever to take to the start line at Mt Molloy’s Vains Oval for the Cairns Mountain Bike Club 2008 RRR, with a strong turnout in both the racing and social classes. Leaving Mt Molloy riders take on a course, consisting of 25km dirt, 7km bitumen and 6km beach (this year with a 25 knot tailwind) to the finish at the Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club.

The overall winner for 2008 was David Wood from Innisfail in a time of 1hr 18mins and Abby Croft from Cairns took the women’s overall in a time of 1hr 31mins to back up her 2007 win.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Permiership hopefuls

The Port Douglas AFL Crocs under-18 side are primed for a major battle when they take on North Cairns for the premiership flag at Cazalys on Sunday

PORT Douglas AFL Junior Under-18s play North Cairns in the grand final this Sunday at 6pm at Cazaly’s.

The under-11s played Redlynch last Sunday and showed terrific team play.

The under-10s combined well with team mates to show a dominant display of run-on footy. Best players were Tully Cartwright, Kaleb Huddleston, Harrison Brown and Lucas Coe with goal kickers Connor Zealand, Harrison Brown, Josh Read and Guy Ratchaphat.

The under-10s took on Pyramid Power after a tough first half into the wind with the boys dominating in the second half.

Impressive running and handball with long kicks into the forward line brought plenty of goals. Best players were Lucas Coe, Harrison Brown, Tully Cartwright and Liam Hurley with goal kickers Harrison Brown, Liam Hurley, Jacob, Lucas Coe and Kaleb Huddleston.

The under- 8s Blue played Pyramid Power showing great sportsmanship, excellent kicking and handballing skills. Best players were BJ Davies, Brody Taylor and Tyrell Lafituani with goal kickers BJ Davies, Josh Baker, Harley Thackray, Jaiden Kearns. The under-8s White played the Hawks and with the year coming to an end the boys put on a great display of all the skills learned this year. Best players were Rex Hawkes and Toby Ellison with goal kickers Toby Ellison, Ryan Bourgiugnon and Ben Muia.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Sheraton up for grabs as $60 million offer refused

By BRUCE CUTLER

                    Port Douglas Icon: Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas

THE five-star resort that first put Port Douglas on the national and international map is again attracting worldwide attention with a “for sale” sign.

Cash-strapped company Octaviar, formerly known as MFS, has appointed agency Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels to put the Sheraton Mirage Resort, Mirage Country Club, golf course and its adjoining development land on the market.

The move ends months of speculation that an off-market deal was to be struck on the 20-year-old resort that employs about 500 local residents.

MFS had previously tried to sell the Sheraton Mirage but rejected a $60 million offer from Juniper last year.

Agent Wayne Bunz has confirmed the vendor is prepared to meet the market but would be “disappointed” to only get a $60 to $70 million sale price.

But a slowing tourism market due of a strong Australian dollar, rising fuel costs and higher airfares may mean the vendor will have to take whatever’s on offer.

“Octaviar have made a commitment to sell it,” Mr Bunz said.

“It’s an iconic resort so we will search worldwide for buyers, particularly in areas like South East Asia.”

MFS, with the late developer Brian Ray and other investors, bought the hotel as part of a package in 2005 which included the Sheraton Mirage on the Gold Coast.

It is believed the Port Douglas resort part of the deal was worth $72.5 million at the time.

The resort was close to being sold by MFS in March to the Ray family but that fell through.

Expressions of interest in the Sheraton complex, which is to be sold with a management agreement in place with Starwood Hotels and Resorts, will close on September 25.

The 294-room resort was developed by late entrepreneur Christopher Skase's now-defunct Qintex group at the height of the 1980s development boom.

The wide-ranging fall-out surrounding embattled MFS’ debt problems had already seen it sell off other Port Douglas assets, including a 65 per cent stake in the Stella hospitality group, which managed all Port Douglas Mantra resorts up until their sale in February.

It also meant development of stage three of the $150 million Port Douglas Bale Resort has been put on indefinite hold while new financial backers had to be brought in to fund stage two after contractors were told to stop work in January because of MFS debt problems.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Bundy’s makes full-steam return to track

By BRUCE CUTLER

         
The historic Bally Hooley Steam Railway's locomotive engine Bundy with volunteer restores, Peter Lloyd, Tom Porrit and Chris Stephens.

ONE of the most-loved Port Douglas tourist attractions will make his long-awaited comeback this weekend, bringing plenty of puffing pleasure to local and visitor train buffs alike.

The historic Bally Hooley Steam Railway will reintroduce its much-missed locomotive Bundy back into service after the big red machine spent the last three years being restored to its former glory by volunteers.

Bally Hooley train driver Peter Lloyd said the occasion would be a double celebration as the 54-year-old steam locomotive would be joined on its return to the track on Sunday by his puffing brother Speedy as both pull an expected four full carriages of excited train riders.

“The pair of them running together will be a major draw for steam enthusiasts as it is a dying era,” Mr Lloyd said.

Bundy and the blue-coloured Speedy are both former servants of Mossman Central Mill.

Mr Lloyd was quick to point out Bundy was originally given his name after being built at the Bundaberg Foundry, not due to the well-known dark rum.

“The kids all know it as the red engine,” Mr Lloyd said.

Blue-brother locomotive Speedy received his nickname after being converted to an LPG gas engine by the mill before he was also later restored to original steam-driven condition.

Mr Lloyd said former Mossman Central Mill driver, Jim Hoffman, who drove Bundy for several years while working at the mill, would be at the helm for Bundy’s initial return to rolling down the rail line.

“He used to drive the steam train and he’s 84-years-old and quite looking forward to it.”

The restored track that Bundy and Speedy take tourists on is part of the original line used to transport processed sugar from the Mossman Central Mill to the ships in Port Douglas.

The line also transported passengers between the two townships.

The pair will depart St Crispins Station at 10.20am, 1.30pm and 3pm and the  Marina Mirage station at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Creb track reopens to 4WDs

                        The Creb Track in the Daintree Rainforest

THE popular four-wheel-drive Creb Track was re-opened to the public this week.

The track, which runs between the Daintree River and Wujal Wujal, is closed annually during the wet season from about January to August, with heavy rainfall making the thoroughfare unsafe to traffic and susceptible to erosion.

Motorists are reminded the track is only suitable for 4WD vehicles and those with 4WD and vehicle recovery experience.

The road is not suitable for trailers and can become treacherous after any wet weather.

The 62km Creb Track traverses a spectacular yet sensitive part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, winding through rivers and over steep mountain terrains.

Permits are not required to use the track but are needed to travel to Roaring Meg Falls at the head of the Bloomfield River.

Permits can be obtained from the Qld Environmental Protection Agency in Atherton, phone 4091 1844.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Wilma Reading brings sensational three-octave voice to Karnak

         
Local girl and renowned vocalist Wilma Reading will take to the stage at

the Karnak Playhouse this weekend

INTERNATIONALLY renowned singer Wilma Reading will take to the stage at Karnak Playhouse for one night only this weekend.

Reading has spent more than 40 years touring the globe performing for packed theatres and amazing audiences with her three-octave vocal range.

The singer, who was born in Cairns and calls North Queensland home, has sung with many European orchestras including the Moscow Symphony Orchestra as well as appearing on television and the silver screen (including Pacific Inferno with Jim Brown in1986).

Ms Reading will perform at Karnak this Saturday, August 23.

Entry time is 6.30pm for an 8pm start.

Tickets are $55 including a soul food dinner, to book phone 4098 8111.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Crocs take place in finals

         
Port Douglas Crocs fullback Robbie Douglas handballs to team-mate Jordan Butterss while being tackled in the hard-fought 28 point win over Centrals Trinity Beach at the Croc Pit on Saturday

THE Central Hotel Crocs booked a place in the CAFL finals with a hard-fought victory over the fifth placed Centrals Bulldogs, winning 17,15 (117) to 12.17 (89) in the last outing at the Crocpit for the year on Saturday.

The large home crowd cheered the local boys home as they gained the ascendancy in the second half, putting on ten goals to the Dogs’ five.

Evan “Buddha” Hocking was the star performer for the Crocs in a courageous outing that saw him cover more ground than the early settlers.

In the absence of Cayden Beetham, his old mate John Raffaele was a prime mover, as was the hard-working Adam Pitt who continuously got the ball forward where diminutive goal sneak Gerrard Liddell was a livewire, posting a goal in each quarter.

Luke Bloom and Andrew MacLeod were also busy with two goals each, while Matt Shaw worked tirelessly across half forward and talisman full forward Daryl Taylor returned a five-goal haul. Young gun Mitch Nicholson escaped from his customary defensive role and was creative around the ground as well as getting forward for two goals.

Fellow up-and-comers Josh Parish and first-gamer Jye Bohm stood tall in the heat of battle while Brad Lawler had a stellar outing in the back line, repelling many Bulldog forward thrusts.

The Crocs Magoos also look assured of September action after they despatched the Bulldogs reserve outfit 15.8 (98) to 6.9 (45) and sit in third place on the ladder.

The football gods were at their fickle best as popular club stalwart Matty Scott celebrated his 150th game for the club but ended the day in hospital after an unfortunate collision.

On the other hand, Dale Arnell celebrated fatherhood mid-week with a bag of eight goals. Others to impress in the all-round team effort were Dallas Abel, Max Petrack, Chad Bertram and Ben McCartney.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Whale of a time at Low Isles

BY REBECCA McLELLAN

HUMPBACK whales have been putting on spectacular displays for reef visitors in recent weeks, as groups of whales move north along the coast.

Poseidon owner Peter Wright said the months of July and August were a prime time for viewing humpback whales, with some whales heading north and others heading back to Antarctica.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Mark Read said the whales travelled to the reef to calve.

“We know the whales leave Antarctica and travel up the eastern coast to the Great Barrier Reef primarily to calve before turning around and heading back to Antarctica during the summer to resume feeding,” he said.

“Boat operators are seeing more whales this year as the population of humpback whales had increased by 11 per cent on the eastern coast of Australia in the past year.”

Mr Read said the boost in numbers was due to the halt in commercial whaling years ago and the recovery of the population since that time.

Scientists estimate there were once between 20,000 to 30,000 humpback whales before whaling began, with the current population somewhere between 12,000 and 13,000.

A recent study released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature said humpback whales were no longer considered at high risk of extinction.

Sightings of dwarf minke whales are also common at this time of the year, with some local operators working with the marine park to offer tourists the opportunity to swim with minke whales.

Mr Wright said Poseidon offered an opportunity for up to 10 people at a time to float in the water and observe nearby whales, using a “float line”.

“We try and make sure the whale is calling the shots, they come to us and the line works well as they are very curious and can spend ages looking at the boat and the snorkelers,” he said.

“Swimming with minke whales is a huge experience, people are ecstatic.

“They are a huge asset to the area and they really make people aware and drum up support for anti-whaling.”

Mr Read said marine park regulations required boats to stay at least 100m away from whales and jet skis at least 300m away. “The distances are a means of protecting the whales and to protect whale watchers,” said Mr Read. “Adult humpbacks can weigh up to 40 tonnes and that alone should be an incentive to give them a lot of space.”

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Jetset named nation’s top five

IT was thumb’s up at the Port Douglas Jetset office this week as owner/manager Stephen Little prepared to jet off to Fiji today alongside four other national finalists for the Australian awards night.

Competing for honours to be named the best Jetset office in the country, Mr Little said it was the small Far North Qld business’s attention to customers – rather than turnover – that gained him a place in the finals. “We’ve gotten to this stage of the competition over much bigger offices and that’s what’s really excited us,” Mr Little said.

“Local travellers have really embraced a huge range of international destinations lately, like Canada, Alaska, South America and Europe. It’s how you look after your clients that really matters, rather than how many dollars you get in,”

The chance to make it to the finals comes after the 20-year-old business was named Jetset Travelworld Group’s Qld Office of the Year last November.

Stephen’s top five travel tips:1.    Always book with a travel agent2.    Always think about your personal safety3.    Don’t leave home without travel insurance4.    Research your destination5.    Always be early

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Top industry magazine sings Sassi's praises

BY REBECCA McLELLAN

AWARD-winning Port Douglas restaurant, Sassi at Bale, has been nominated for two categories in the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards.

Sassi, run by husband and wife team Tony and Di Sassi, is up for new restaurant of the year and regional restaurant of the year in the prestigious annual awards.

Di Sassi said they had no idea about the nominations until they were posted on the Gourmet Traveller website earlier this month.

“It really was out of the blue and it’s a great thrill,” she said.

“It’s an amazing honor and not only does it bring the restaurant to national attention, but it helps to highlight the whole profile of Port Douglas, especially the dining scene.

“It’s a great thing to be up there amongst such high profile restaurants from around Australia.”

Ms Sassi also praised her staff, saying it was a great achievement for all their hard work and dedication.

Sassi at Bale recently won awards for best new restaurant and best Italian restaurant in the Far North's 2008 Restaurant and Catering Awards for Excellence.

The restaurant opened in June 2007 and seats 100 with chef Toni Sassi serving up traditional Italian flavors for the tropics.

The results of the awards will be printed in the September issue of Gourmet Traveller.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Festival arrives

             United Youth Concert will be held on Sunday, September 7 at Fogarty Park as part of Festival Cairns.

FESTIVAL Cairns is promising ‘something for everyone’ this year with an action-packed program of 47 events over 25 days.

The festival’s operations manager, Narell Black said a huge range of events spanning music, art, sport, culture and entertainment will all be on offer.

Now in its seventh year, will encompass previous favourites such as Food, Wine and all that Jazz alongside new events including a Busking Festival. “The Busking Festival is a great opportunity for locals to get out there and perform,” said Ms Black.

“Busking can be anything, music, dance, performance, we’re hoping it will become an annual fixture in the festival calendar.”

Music lovers won’t be disappointed with Reggaetown, the TIMEout concert, the Big Band Spectacular and a host of performers including The Audreys and Jeff Lang due to take to the stage.

Meanwhile sports lovers can look back at 100 Years of Australian Rugby League, watch the Queensland Cup Basketball Tournament or yachts compete in the Festival Cairns Cup.

Throughout the festival artists and writers will be showcasing their skills in a series of exhibitions and writing workshops including the Creative Generation exhibition awards recognising excellence in senior visual arts education throughout Queensland state and non-state schools.

Children haven’t been forgotten either with heaps of family activities including story time at Cairns library, fun days at the pier and the grand finale, Explosion of Lights, Cairns premier fireworks display.

Festival Cairns begins on Wednesday, August 27 and runs until Saturday, September 20. For more details and full listings see: www.cairns.com.au/festivalcairns

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Crusaders submit to Raiders prowess

PORT Douglas rugby union team the Reef Raiders travelled to Cairns last Saturday to take on the competition leaders the Southside Crusaders in the match of the round at Barlow Park on Saturday.

It was a physical encounter for the whole 80 minutes with Southside jumping out to an early lead scoring two tries in the first 15 minutes with some strong driving mauls, but it didn’t take long for the Raiders to return the favour with Nick Sherston scoring from a scrum 20m out from the line. Shane Branch scored the second try.

Both sides traded tries, with each scoring again before half time with the Raiders’ third try coming from a turnover at the scrum on the Crusaders feed.

Ryan Stove picked up from the base of the scrum and, showing great speed, sliced through some flimsy defense to score an impressive solo try, leaving the half-time score at19-17 in favour of the Raiders.

Second half saw the Raiders make good use of the strong wind with full-back Wade Broadley making 50 to 60m finding touch deep in the Crusaders territory.

With some key players away this week the Raiders had to make some positional changes in the back line. Tane Russell playing at inside center produced a man of the match performance and Josh Bruce had a solid game at fly half. With his kicking game on song, Bruce had the Crusaders on the back foot, putting them under pressure on several occasions.

Wade Hastie was dominant in the forwards and took the game up to the Crusaders’ big men, laying the ball back allowing for quick phase play.

The lead changed four times in the second half but it was the Raiders who played the game with more control.

Branch scored his second try of the match 15 minutes in, followed by Ferg McConnell five minutes later, thanks to a cheeky pass from Sherston. With only minutes to go, Sherston scored the fifth and final try, with the conversion successful. The final score was 39-27.

Next week is the final match before the finals as well as the Raiders’ last home game against Brothers, kicking off at 3.30pm. The Raiders will finish in third spot playing James Cook University in the first semi; venue and time to be finalised.

Try scorers were Branch, Sherston 2 each, Hastie, Stove 1 each and Russell 3 conversions and 1 penalty. Zeus man of the match was Russell 3 points, Bruce 2 points and Branch 1 point.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Historic walk earns Tidy Towns win

By BRUCE CUTLER

  Douglas Shire Historical Society member Frieda Wilson and Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce vice president Sam Cullen

PORT Douglas has been recognised for a new tourist drawcard that will soon see cruise-liner sightseers being brought on day visits to the Douglas region from Cairns.

The former fishing village was last week named heritage winner of the Far North Queensland Tidy Town awards.

Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce bypassed a decision of the former Douglas Shire Council to re-enter Port Douglas in the annual Tidy Towns competition.

Much of the credit for the heritage award win is due in no small part to local historians who took it upon themselves to establish the Port Douglas Heritage Walk opened in May.

Ergon Tidy Town judge Llew Davies made special mention of the new historical walk as well as the Douglas Theatre Arts Group’s restoration of the Clink Theatre.

The heritage walk features signposts at significant local landmarks and buildings and was the brainchild of Douglas Shire Historical Society members Freida Wilson and Ruth Grischy.

Sites include the century-old lighthouse at Flagstaff Hill, the heritage-listed former Port Douglas courthouse, the former Port Douglas school and hospital, the first bank in town and former and current hotels including the Exchange Hotel, Caledonian Hotel, Central Hotel and Court House Hotel.

P&O Cruises has announced it will bring busloads of tourists to Port Douglas from Cairns from October to do the walks with local thespian and playwright, Jack Heywood.

“We felt it would strike the chord as it has done as we always have people coming in to the Court House Museum from all over the world that we send down to St Mary’s by the Sea or up to the lighthouse,” said Ms Wilson

“When you think about Port Douglas it really is a nice town to walk around and this suits perfectly for cruises with people looking for something different to do.”

The historic society has made further plans to extend the walk to include additional sites in Mossman.

Port Douglas is now automatically nominated in the heritage section of the state-wide Tidy Towns Awards which will be held in September in Cairns.

Mums volunteer to help parents

             Volunteer mums: back: Dea O'Hanlon, Faye Hudson, Chris Blunden, Jenny Mackey, and Denise Carrington, front: Karen Wren, Barbara James and Margaret Legg.

EIGHT local mums are now on hand to pass on advice and lend support to young families after undergoing training as part of the Good Beginnings program.

The program, run through the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre, is designed to help families with young children who may be disadvantaged due to isolation or lack of family support in the area.

Volunteer parent Chris Blunden said the program’s belief was “every child deserves a good beginning”. “We’re there for all young families, we’re a friendly face to offer whatever support and network information they may need,” she said.

“There is so much to know when you have children and we can help people to cope better and get on with raising their family. All of the women trained as volunteer parents realise the value of families and want to support them in any way we can.”

The centre’s Jo de Riva O’Phelan said trained volunteers would be assigned to families to provide regular contact. “We ask them what they want to achieve - it may be help with finding kindies or meeting other families,” she said.

The Neighbourhood Centre has received a $110,000 grant from the Department of Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs for their family support program, which includes the New Beginnings program.

People interested in the program can phone Jo on 4099 5518.

Four hot acts to headline timeout concert

          Kisschasey from Melbourne playing in Cairns

FOUR of 2008’s hottest music acts will headline the timeOUT concert, one of Cairns biggest outdoor music events.

The countdown is on with New Zealand rapper Scribe, Australian rock act Kisschasey, reggae and roots band Blue King Brown and Sydney quartet Faker due to take to the stage on Saturday, August 30.

And local bands are currently battling it out in a series of heats to see who will open timeOUT 2008 in the Battle of the Bands at Gilligan’s Bar in Cairns.

Melbourne-based Kisschasey rocked Cairns last year when they opened the Powderfinger concert while Faker and Scribe will be enjoying their debut performance in the Far North.

Scribe, who has been described as “hip-hop royalty in Australia” after his performances at the Big Day Out concerts earlier this year is guaranteed to be a massive hit as he fires up the crowd.

Kisschasey have become one of Australia’s hottest rock bands thanks to their album, Hymns For The Non Believer, released last year and a series of quality live performances around the country.

Their single, Opinions Won’t Keep You Warm At Night, produced one the most memorable film clips of 2007 with band members donning facial placards of George W Bush, Tony Blair and John Howard.

Also Melbourne-based are festival favourites Blue King Brown, the rhythmic and highly energetic reggae band.

Blue King Brown have performed in Cairns before as one of the headline acts for Reggae Town at Tjapukai in September 2006 and have played to packed crowds at Tanks Art Centre.

Faker have spent time in the top 10 of the ARIA Singles Charts with their smash hit single This Heart Attack off their second album Be The Twilight and their next single Are You Magnetic is tipped for the same success.

TimeOUT 2008 will rock the Cairns Showground for five hours. Gates open at 3pm and tickets are $50 presale or $60 on the gate.

For more information, visit www.cairns.com.au/timeout

Gardeners open gates

GREEN thumbs and garden-lovers can look forward to a feast of the senses at the end of the month, when two leading private gardens are opened up to the public.

The Julatten garden acreages of Whitehaven and Lane’s Rainforest Gardens are opening their gates, gazebos, lawns and forested pathways to the public as part of Australia’s Open Garden Scheme.

It is only the second-time that Whitehaven owners Julie and Rob White have taken part in the scheme, showcasing their efforts to plant 10,000 trees in a series of themed gardens on the five-acre property they converted from weed-filled cow paddocks in 2000.

The scheme, which raises money for charities, originally began in Victoria 21 years ago and aims to promote the pleasure of gardening across the country.

Whitehaven at Julatten features a Japanese garden, perfume garden, palm garden, conifer garden, a Balinese-style gazebo, fountains, lily ponds, statues, lawns, a playground, 1200 eucalypts and 1500 cabinet timber rainforest trees, a dam and a hand-made bridge as a centre-piece of a water feature.

The Whites have planted thousands of extra trees since they last took part in the scheme and first opened their gardens to the public in 2006.

Entry costs $5 per adult, is free for children accompanied by an adult and money raised will be donated to the Leukaemia Foundation.

“It’s an opportunity for people who like gardens to come and have a sticky-beak and enjoy a nice day on the lawns and pathways,” Ms White said.

Whitehaven is located on the corner of Euluma Creek Rd and Trinity Cl, Julatten.

Morning and afternoon tea and a light lunch will be on offer, as well as wine tastings and musical entertainment.

The other featured property is Lane’s Rainforest Garden situated at the corner of Black Mountain and Pashen Rds, which was created by Julatten couple Alan and Julie Lane.

It showcases pristine rainforest hinterland gardens with interweaving paths and seats and gazebos under the thousands of planted trees.

Entry to Lane’s Rainforest Garden is also $5 per adult and money raised will go towards building tennis courts for the Julatten Tennis Club.

Both properties will be open on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31 from 10am to 4.30pm.

Ellis Beach claims surf carnival victory

            Ellis Beach proved the strongest on the sand at the weekend surf carnival at Four Mile Beach

FIERCE competition was blessed with great weather over the weekend for the Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club Surf Carnival.

Competitor entries were high and they were well supported by a large number of spectators.

However Ellis Beach Surf Life Saving Club proved too strong over the two-day Carnival to take out overall honours.

Place-getters representing Port Douglas included:

Under-8 boys: Mitchell Knight 1st deep water wade and shallow wade, Lachlan Saw 3rd in the Shallow wade and beach sprint 5th, Lachlan finished 4th in flags with Mitchell placing 6th.

Under-8 girls: deep water wade, Mia Devine–Cameron 2nd, Jemma Fasano 4th, Shallow wade, Mia Devine–Cameron 3rd, Jemma Fasano 4th, beach sprint, Jemma Fasano 1st, Mia Devine–Cameron 3rd, flags, Mia Devine–Cameron 4th.

Under-8 team events: Mia and Jemma teamed up with Mitchell and Lachlan to take 1st place in both the wade relay and beach relay with Savanah Scott, Joshua Lukin, Matthew Oliver and Finn Stanaway placing 3rd in the beach relay.

Under-9 girls: surf race, Sophie O’Gorman–Petrack 1st, Tanya Stovgaard 2nd. wade race, Tanya Stovgaard 1st, Sophie O’Gorman–Petrack 2nd. board race, Tanya Stovgaard 1st

Under-9 boys: wade race, Barryjoseph Birchall 6th, beach sprint 2nd.

Under-9 team events: Cameron Relay, Morgaine Crew, Sophie O’Gorman–Petrack, Tanya Stovgaard and Barryjoseph Birchall 3rd. Wade relay: Sophie O’Gorman–Petrack, Tanya Stovgaard, Barryjoseph Birchall and Liam Quinn 2nd and in the beach relay the same team placed 4th.

Under-10 girls: surf race, Eliza Markham 4th, Rachel Goodwin 5th, wade race, Eliza Markham 1st, board race, Eliza Markham 2nd, Rachel Goodwin 6th, flags, Rachel Goodwin 6th, beach sprint, Eliza Markham 2nd.

Under-10 boys: Simon Kramer 6th, wade race, Finn Devine–Cameron 3rd, board race, Simon Kramer 1st, Finn Devine-Cameron 2nd, Dylan Sorensen 6th, flags, Cody Delany 4th, Simon Kramer 6th, beach sprint, Simon Kramer 4th, Finn Devine–Cameron 6th.

Under-10 team events: Cameron race, Finn Devine–Cameron, Aaron Dunwell, Simon Kramer, Dylan Sorensen 3rd and Rachel Goodwin, Eliza Markham, Cody Delany and Samuel Oliver placed 6th, wade relay, Rachel Goodwin, Eliza Markham, Cody Delany and Finn Devine–Cameron 2nd, Aaron Dunwell, Simon Kramer, Samuel Oliver and Dylan Sorensen 3rd, beach relay, Rachel Goodwin, Eliza Markham, Cody Delany and Simon Kramer 3rd and Dylan Sorensen, Samuel Oliver, Aaron Dunwell and Finn Devine–Cameron 4th.

Under-11 girls, Zoe Maxton–Graham, surf race 4th.

Under-11 boys: board race and iron person 6th place.

Under-12 girls: Baylie Fletcher placed 6th in the board race and 1st in both the sprint and flags.

Matthew and Zoe came up from the under-11s to join Baylie in the board relay and they placed 4th.

Under-13 girls, flags, Shannon Goodwin 6th.

Under-13 boys, Amani Anderson placed 2nd in the beach sprint.

Under-14 boys, Thomas Richardson placed 6th in the surf race, iron person 5th, sprint 1st and flags 3rd.

Under-15 boys: surf race, Nick Goodman 2nd, Luke Humphries 3rd, Jordan O’Gorman 4th and Zak O’Gorman 6th. The boys then teamed up for the surf relay and placed 2nd. board rescue, Nick  Goodman and Luke Humphries 1st, Zak and Jordan O’Gorman 2nd.

Three-person taplin, Nick Goodman, Luke Humphries and Zak O’Gorman 1st.

Tube race: Nick Goodman 3rd, Luke Humphries 4th, Jordan O’Gorman 5th, Zak O’Gorman 6th.

Board race: Luke Humphries 2nd, Nick Goodman 3rd, Jordan O’Gorman 5th, Zak O’Gorman 6th.

Iron person, Nick Goodman 2nd, Luke Humphries 3rd and Jordan O’Gorman 5th.

Sprint, Nick Goodman 1st, Luke Humphries 2nd, Jordan O’Gorman 3rd and Zak O’Gorman 4th.

Flags, Zak O’Gorman 2nd and Jordan O’Gorman 3rd.

Under-17s: surf race female, Natasha Weaver 5th, board rescue, Natasha Weaver and Sarah Adams 5th, Tanya Cook and Rachel Goodman 6th, three-person taplin: Rachel Goodman, Natasha Weaver and Sarah Adams 3rd, tube race, Rachel Goodman 4th, Natasha Weaver 6th, board race, Natasha Weaver 5th, ski race, Natasha Weaver 6th.

iron person, Natasha Weaver 6th, beach sprint, Tanya Cook 6th, flags, Tanya Cook 1st, Natasha Weaver 4th.

Under-17 male, Dallas Abel placed 6th in the board race, Ski 4th, Sprint 2nd and flags 2nd.

In the under-17 beach relay Natasha Weaver, Sarah Adams, Rachel Goodman and Dallas Abel teamed up and placed 2nd.

Under-19 male: surf race, Taylor Crew 2nd, James Bolag 4th, board rescue, Taylor Crew and James Bolag 2nd, tube race, Taylor Crew 3rd, Jordan Butterss 4th, James Bolag 4th, board race, Taylor Crew 3rd, James Bolag 4th, Jordan Butterss 6th, ski race, Taylor Crew 2nd, James Bolag 4th, iron person, Taylor Crew 2nd, James Bolag 4th, beach sprint, James Bolag 1st, Jordan Buterss 2nd, Taylor Crew 5th, flags, Jordan Butterrs 2nd.

Under-19 team events: three-person Taplin, James Balog, Taylor Crew and Tanya Cook 3rd, surf team, Natasha Weaver, Rachel Goodman, James Bolag and Taylor Crew 2nd, ski relay, Natasha Weaver, Taylor Crew and James Balog 1st.

Open events; Board race female, Natasha Weaver, 4th, board race male, James Bolag 6th, tube race female, Rachel Goodman 4th, Natasha Weaver 5th, flags female, Tanya Cook 1st, Natasha Weaver 4th, beach sprint male, Jordan Butterss 2nd, James Bolag 3rd and Dallas Abel 4th, board rescue female, Natasha Weaver and Rachel Goodman 2nd. Board rescue male, Taylor Crew and James Bolag 3rd, six-person Taplin, Natasha Weaver, Michael Bolt, Laurie Green, Jason Fasano, Taylor Crew and James Bolag, 3rd.

In the masters’ events Jason Fasano claimed 3rd overall in the 30–39 years age group.

It was an impressive effort for Colin Cameron competing in his debut Carnival in the 40–44 yrs category securing a 4th place finish in the beach sprint and 6th in flags.

The Club Captain Laurie Green, a more seasoned competitor, posted good results also coming home 2nd in the Ski, 3rd iron person and 4th in the boards event.

Michael Bolt competing in the masters over 50 years category took 1st place position in both the swim and ski events, 2nd iron person and 3rd tube race.  

The Cairns Carnival at Palm Cove is the next in the series and will be held on Saturday, August 16 from midday and all day Sunday, August 17.         

Polo players rest up at reef

By BRUCE CUTLER

       
     The Australian women's water polo team headed out to the reef

THEY might possess youthful enthusiasm, supreme fitness levels and spend much of every day in the water but that doesn’t mean the ocean doesn’t hold fears for elite water athletes.

The Australian women’s water polo team has been frothing up a pool at a Cairns training base over the past fortnight but took time out in the countdown to the 2008 Olympics in China to visit Port Douglas for a reef cruise on Friday.

And despite the girls backing themselves as strong gold medal hopes in the pool at Beijing, when it comes to swimming with sea turtles, sharks, and sting rays off Port Douglas, it’s a different story.

Aristocrat reef cruises took the 23-member group for a complimentary trip to Agincourt Reef on Friday, causing some unexpected worry for one player. “One of our girls was scared because she doesn’t like open water,” Australian women’s water polo coach Greg McFadden admitted later.

“We don’t get to do many (social) things leading up to the Olympics apart from training, so it was great.”

Team captain Melissa Rippon readily confessed the appeal of Port Douglas waters. "It doesn’t come near a training session,” she laughed. “All I wanted to see was a turtle and I saw it.”

Aristocrat spokesperson Lawrie Johnson said the complimentary trip for the squad came about through a connection with team manager Jeanette Gunn. “Everyone at the moment is Olympic-minded and for us to be part of it in a small way is a good thing. It’s Australian,” Mr Johnson said.

Tomorrow the 13-player squad fly out to China to continue their games preparations. The Stingers took the Sydney 2000 gold medal but finished fourth at Athens in 2004.

Australia's Olympic campaign has seemingly been timed to the minute, the team's confidence at an all-time high following its second place behind Beijing heavyweight USA at last year's world championships and a third placing at this year's world league finals behind the USA and Russia.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

PM’s grief over reef

“It’s real, climate change is at work and it is increasing at a pace of knots.”

BY REBECCA McLELLAN

CLIMATE change and coral bleaching topped the agenda when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Climate Change Minister Penny Wong took an early morning trip to Low Isles last Friday.

The PM headed to the reef on Qld Fisheries patrol vessel, the Peter Finglas, to inspect parts of the reef already affected by coral bleaching from global warming.

Speaking afterwards during a press conference at the Marina Mirage, Mr Rudd reaffirmed his commitment to a $200 million reef rescue plan, stating the Great Barrier Reef was a “great Australian asset” for which the government had “a plan of action”. “We have had a long hard look at the absolute importance of preserving this asset,” he said.

“We have a real problem on our hands and our scientists have been hard at work establishing the linkages between coral bleaching and climate change. If you go back into ancient corals, up to 1000 years old, it is only in the last 20 to 25 years that you can see coral bleaching.'”

Selling the message of his carbon emission reduction scheme, Mr Rudd had this message for climate change critics: “It’s real, climate change is at work and it is increasing at a pace of knots.”

He also warned sceptics against “digging a hole and burying their heads in the sand.”

Mr Rudd launched his $200 million reef rescue plan on his pre-election visit to the Far North nine months ago on Green Is.

Before the ministerial party departed for Cairns Dr David Souter of the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre demonstrated a trial version of the Reef Atlas for the PM.

The Reef Atlas is funded by the government’s Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility program and is the culmination of decades of research into the reef. The atlas identifies biodiversity “hot spots” on the reef and models future environmental scenarios including further coral bleaching.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Gorge kids to play the field of dreams

               Ex NRL Steve Renouf at the Mossman Gorge

MOSSMAN Gorge Aboriginal community echoed with the sounds of children’s laughter on Tuesday as locals, officials and former Brisbane Broncos player Steve Renouf (pictured above) celebrated the opening of a new sports field.

The project, suggested by local youths 18 months ago, was aided by the community’s State Government champion, Terry Wall, from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Chairperson of Bamangu Bubu Ngadimunki Inc, Roy Gibson, said although many of the children played football, they did not have a field in the community.

“Unless they joined the Mossman Sharks, they played on the road,” he said.

“Now they got somewhere to go.

“I think they’ll be the proudest kids.”

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Port restaurants serve up a win

            Ruth de Bont of Soul n' Pepper

PORT Douglas restaurants claimed their share of awards at Qld’s largest hospitality and tourism awards, the 2008 Restaurant and Catering Awards for Excellence.

Among the category winners announced on Monday night at the Cairns International Hotel were Salsa Bar and Grill, Café Fresq, The Beach Shack Bar and Restaurant and Zinc Port Douglas.

Sassi at Balé won both the Best New Restaurant category and Best Italian Restaurant 2008, while Port Douglas Catering took out top honours as the region’s Best Wedding Caterer and the highly coveted Caterer of the Year 2008.

Local runners up included Soul n’ Pepper, Bistro 3, Mango Jam and 2 Fish.

Winners of the Far North Qld Awards will go on to compete in the state awards to be announced during a formal dinner presentation at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane in September.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Mossman Gorge artists make final cut in national awards

            Micheal Bamboo is one of three Mossman Gorge artists in contention for Australia's top indigenous art awards

THREE Mossman Gorge artists are among 100 finalists in Australia’s most prestigious indigenous art award.

Herbie Salt, Patrick Stanley and Michael Bamboo of the Kuku Yalanji tribe have made the final cut for this year’s Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award with a collaborative “seven shield” submission.

            The seven painted shields from three Mossman Gorge artists have been shortlisted as finalists in Australia's indigenous art awards

The Yalanji trio are employed by Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku at the Mossman Gorge Community Arts Centre and are attempting to become only the second Qld winners in the award’s 25-year history.

The “seven shield” submission to the $40,000 Telstra Award by the Gorge artists includes individual and collaborative artwork.

The designs on the kidney-shaped shields that have caught the judges’ attention are unique to the rainforest areas of Far North Qld and are new interpretations of past designs.

Traditionally, shields were carved from a single piece of timber cut from the side of the buttress root of a rainforest fig-tree and decorated with clan, totem or moiety designs using natural ochres and a water, fat or blood binder.

Shields were primarily used for deflecting spears in tribal fighting in conjunction with large rainforest swords.

They were usually made and painted by senior men and were a significant personal possession for adult males.

As custodians of the rainforest country, the Yalanji are now not permitted to chop down rainforest trees to make shields and instead use fibreglass to paint, in the same way that other indigenous artists paint on canvass.

Mossman’s Mr Salt has 15 years experience producing such artworks including painting on canvas and wood carvings, while Mr Stanley and Mr Bamboo have been involved over the past few years in arts at the Gorge community with contemporary artwork in carvings and furniture pieces.

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) acting director Apolline Kohen said the this year’s entries reflected a great diversity of indigenous expression, from shields to works on paper, bark, canvas and three-dimensional artworks made from fibre and ironwood.

“The quality of the artworks we have received for this year’s Silver Jubilee is outstanding, and there is no doubt the judges will have a difficult time selecting the winners,” Ms Kohen said.

Last year, over two thirds of finalists sold their works for a combined total of more than $850,000.

Winners in the Telstra Art Award will be announced on August 15 at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Works slashed in Douglas

            Division 10 Councilor Julia Leu votes for the CRC Budget

New funding for capital works projects in the former Douglas Shire has been slashed under the Cairns Regional Council’s first ever budget while the combined charges and rates rise will be double-figures for many ratepayers.

In the last-ever budget of the Douglas Shire Council there was over $14.7m injected into capital works projects across the Douglas region building new infrastructure.

It was the most ever spent on capital works in the old shire area as the former councilors sought to prevent what was in store when Cairns took hold of Douglas’ rateable pie following amalgamation.

This financial year will see new funding for capital works projects in Division 10 under the CRC drop to about $2m (not including road works funding).

CRC’s funding for capital works projects in Douglas this year is also far less than DSC brought in for the 2004/05 and 2005/06 budgets.

Cairns Regional Mayor Val Schier spent much of yesterday’s budget meeting in Cairns promoting a seven per cent rate rise for most ratepayers and took a swipe at media that had predicted double-digit rate rises.

But that claim does not address new water charges predicted to rise in Douglas on current figures by about $40; other new fees like a Cleaner Seas levy to pay for the $120m bill to upgrade Cairns’ waste treatment plants; and the axing of the early discount payment scheme.

When all are taken into account, it will still be a rise of over 10 per cent that most Douglas ratepayers can expect to pay for council services on last year.

To put it in perspective, the rate rise, including all fees and services, was 4.5 per cent in Douglas Shire last year and 5.79 per cent the previous year.

Key funding for projects such as the $675,000 that had been already funded by DSC for a new Diwan community hall has since shrunk to $450,000 under the new budget figures released by CRC on carry-over projects.

More than $10m in cash and land assets was also transferred to Cairns at the time of amalgamation in March.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Loo with view to go

THE legal stoush over Daintree’s most famous toilet block appears to be heading for the flush cycle.

Cairns Regional Council is likely to today drop all legal action taken by the former Douglas Shire Council against the state’s environmental watchdog.

The Environmental Protection Agency had previously halted construction of the nationally famed “loo with a view” deeming it being built to close to the Daintree river bank.

If the recommendation before Cairns Regional councillors is adopted at today’s council meeting then the partially constructed Daintree dunny will be razed and planning will begin for a replacement facility in a suitable location nearby.

With around $400,000 spent on construction and legal costs, the legacy of the “loo with a view” has proven an expensive bureaucratic mess.

A Daintree toilet block was first mooted in 2001, when an architect designed a $300,000 outhouse with windows allowing river views.

A cheaper facility was approved in a 4-3 vote and had been pegged out in the presence of pro-toilet former Douglas Shire Crs Joe Sciacca and Bill Bellero in late 2005.

Concerns were first raised by Daintree tour operators about the legality of the half-completed $200,000 toilet block in January 2006 due to its location just two metres from the high water mark of the eroding southern river-bank.

EPA officers stepped in and called a halt to construction of the septic-based facility in February 2006, saying the loo’s location violated coastal management considerations.

In November 2006, council voted 4-3 to recommence the constipated construction despite pending EPA court action.

In response, the State’s environment watchdog filed an application in the Planning and Environment Court seeking a judge to decide if the council failed to apply for proper environmental approval before the building started.

With a $175,000 legal bill to boot, the judge ruled against council in February, saying council had failed to obtain prior approval from the EPA.

More ratepayer funds were spent last year for Douglas Shire Council to appeal the matter in the Supreme Court but it appears all legal action will be formally abandoned following today’s Cairns Regional Council meeting.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Popular Ironbar dance comp returns

            Linda Steinmar of Port Douglas dances at the Ironbar

HOLD on to your hats and put on your best pair of leather chaps because the hottest cow-poke dance competition is back in town.

Last Thursday saw the ever-popular Coyote Ugly dance contest resume at the Ironbar and it will be back on again tonight for the second week of action.

The iconic Port Douglas venue will go from one entertainment extreme to another, with cane toad races taking place in the upstairs bar at 7.30pm, followed by hip-shaking dance entertainment from 11pm.

Coyote Ugly compere Nick Gibson said the format of the freestyling dance competition would see three heats of three dancers battling it out, with heat winners chosen by the crowd’s response to progress to the final round. “Each entrant gets to dance for five minutes to whatever music they like while on a podium,” he said.

“Sometimes the winner is the best dancer while other times it is the one with the sexiest moves and because it’s the crowd voting, they often like to see some booty-shaking.”

Each night’s Coyote Ugly winner wins a dive with HABA reef cruises.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Golden fiddlers pluck their way to Mossman

             The Bostocks will perform at the Mossman Bowls Club

MOSSMAN Bowls Club will rock to a different tune this Saturday when Golden Fiddle award winners The Bostocks appear for one night only.

The Bostocks are a talented band of brothers and sisters hailing from the Gold Coast, featuring Rachel on violin, Robbie on guitar, Sara on bass and Brendan on drums.

The band has been compared with Fleetwood Mac and The Corrs, due to their music’s unique country feel with use of accomplished violin and guitar solos as well as four part harmonies.

The Bostocks won a coveted Golden Fiddle at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2006 and have been busy touring since then, including performances at the Gympie Muster, Mt Isa Rodeo and The Stars Under the Stars Concert in New Zealand.

The award-winning act has just released their debut album, In the Neighbourhood and will be performing songs from the album in Saturday’s performance.

The Bostocks will perform at the Mossman Memorial Bowls Club at 8pm on Saturday, July 26.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Lights, camera, action

                        Port Douglas Short Film Festival 2008

WHETHER it’s sunbeams, moonbeams, balance beams, house beams or Jim Beam, entries for the ‘beam’-themed 2008 Port Shorts film festival are now open.

Organiser Nicole Szalek said all aspiring and experienced filmmakers were welcome to submit entries.

“It’s not the Cannes Film Festival, it’s not super serious and professional, it’s primarily an exercise in having fun,” she said of the popular local annual event.

“Anyone can do it and it’s not difficult as we’re happy to assist as much as we can with things like lighting, effects, camera angles and so on.”

Films must be around three minutes in length and contain an interpretation of the theme ‘beam’, a title and credits.

Ms Szalek said about half of the 13 films in last year’s festival were made with local content while others came from as far abroad as Brazil and Finland.

“We’re hoping for more local films this year as I think the audience enjoys the films with local colour more,” she said.

The films will be judged in categories including Best Film, Best Local Film and the ‘Peoples Choice Award’, selected by the audience on the night.

The closing date for entries is Friday, September 19.

www.portshorts.com

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Show "crisis" over

                            Mossman Show Day - Queensaland

WITH a smile that would pale a Pluto pup, Mossman Shire Society president Alec Ford this week declared the “crisis” surrounding the future of the popular local agriculture fair officially over.

“The people rallied,” a jubilant Mr Ford said of the show’s financial revival last year. “They got concerned we might lose the show.”

It seems 2007 was the turning point to getting more dollars through the ticket gate.

“There was more involvement and the really good attendance means we’re financially sound again,” he said. “I think the crisis is over.”

Douglas residents should relish Australia’s proud public holiday history and make the most of next Monday’s day off work, he said. “It’s going to be a good place to be,” he said.

“This is the best chance the district gets as a whole to get together, people from all over the former Douglas Shire. You won’t get cheaper entertainment.”

The show committee has undergone a makeover, with young new members placing a stronger emphasis on all things Moss Vegas, he said. “It’s Mossman’s show,” he said.

“People come along to see what locals can do.

“You can see local blokes doing the wood chop, Aunty’s orchids on display, Jane riding in the pony club, Jack’s cake in the cooking exhibition.

“It’s a safe place for parents to bring their kids.”

And for locals and visitors alike, the revival of the 10-year-lost Miss Show Queen quest – and its eight vivacious entrants – is sure to attract widespread interest.

Cheaper tickets can be pre-purchased from the showground office this week. Tickets at the gate are $30 for families, $18 for singles and $7 for pensioners.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Flaming hot photo finalist

   Port Douglas Catering chef Nicole Perrin proved a sufe-fire subject for local photographer Ben Keating's photo competition entry

A CHEF, her fish and a billowing barbecue flame on the south end of Four Mile Beach has landed a local photographer a finals place in state-wide restaurant and catering-themed photo competition.

With the competition guidelines calling for a Queensland chef, a dash of humour and a uniquely kitchen-esque setting, Port Douglas Catering owner Cameron Walton was immediately inspired. “(Local photographer) Ben Keating has a fantastic eye and the idea that we had for the photo down on the beach worked really well,” he said.

Mr Keating said he used a tropical fish and a background of palm trees to capture a tropical feel, while the flames added “a bit of drama”.

The flames were created using a can of spray oil.

“I had to be careful not to set fire to Pippy (chef Nicole Perrin),” Mr Walton laughed.

“Her brand new chef’s apron was sort of singed though.”

The photo, “Into the Flames”, was one of six finalists in the inaugural Restaurant and Catering Queensland’s “Click on Q” photographic competition, which has been inspired by the Shoot the Chef competition held each year in Sydney, New South Wales.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

News-makers excape the limelight in Port

               Micheal Voss ex champion AFL player with his kids

TWO of the nation’s current newsmakers sought refuge in Port Douglas last week as the seaside village continued living up to its image of being a celebrity hotspot.

Brisbane Lions triple AFL premiership captain Michael Voss spent four days in Port Douglas with his young family early last week before finally bringing to an end 12 months of soul-searching about what coaching path he would take.

By Thursday the Brownlow Medallist was the major news item of most national sports bulletins as he confirmed he had accepted an assistant coaching position with West Coast Eagles rather than taking the helm at the AFL’s Gold Coast franchise.

Another to seek private sanctuary in the Douglas region was embattled Federal MP Belinda Neal, who has been the focus of the month-long Iguanagate scandal.

Ms Neal and her NSW MP husband John Della Bosca are among three people police are considering laying charges against in relation to perverting the course of justice after sworn statements were made in relation to an incident at Iguanas restaurant on the NSW Central coast.

Ms Neal and her son enjoyed the school holiday break in Port Douglas early last week, having breakfast at Marina View restaurant.

Later she was seen in Kev Sackley’s clothing store in Mossman trying on shoes.

Earlier this year the internationally reputable travel website Hotel and Resort Insider listed Four Mile Beach at Port Douglas as one of the top five secret celebrity holiday hot spots.

Story source | Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette

Local musos gear up for unplugged

   &nbs