General News
29 May, 2024
NEWS AROUND THE REGION: All the briefs from this week's paper
Check out the news snippets from our region.
‘Bitumen bandits’ nabbed
Detectives have charged three people in relation to alleged fraud offences that could have victims in Mount Isa and North West Queensland.
It will be alleged the three men are part of a criminal organisation commonly referred to as the ‘Bitumen Bandits’.
Police will further allege the group is responsible for offences in Longreach, Mount Isa, and Cooktown, where they would pose as tradespeople offering bitumen surfacing for a discounted price.
The group allegedly called victims claiming they were using bitumen leftover from a previous job.
A 34-year-old man, a 41-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy were each charged with one count of fraud.
All three were refused police bail and will reappear in the Mareeba Magistrates Court on May 27.
Police believe the group had travelled to Weipa, the Atherton Tablelands, Port Douglas, Innisfail, Townsville and Cloncurry areas in recent months.
Detectives are urging anyone who had bitumen resurfacing done or had contact with the group to come forward.
Show season begins
The Hughenden Show Society will kick off ‘show season’ in the North West this weekend when it stages its 141st annual show from Friday to Sunday.
From arts and crafts to agriculture, there will be something for everyone at the Hughenden Showgrounds.
The show circuit moves to Winton on June 7 to 9, then to Cloncurry on June 14, 15 and 16, followed by the Mount Isa Show on June 21 and 22.
Plant giveaway in Mount Isa
Mount Isa residents can receive a free plant this Saturday at the council’s Go Green Day at Buchanan Park.
To be held from 9am to 3pm, there will be a number of activities for all ages, including compost and worm farm workshops, hosted by special guest Phil Dudman, the horticultural editor of ABC Gardening Australia magazine.
There will be also be a raffle with great prizes up for grabs, including a chicken tractor with five feathered chooks, as well as 12 composters to help kickstart your eco-friendly composting at home.
The council is asking those who plan to attend to fill out a survey in advance.
You can find out more details on Page 13 of this edition.
Frock up in the Curry
Cloncurry's famous Fashions on the Field will kick off its 2024 season this Saturday at its May race meeting.
With big prizes up for grabs across all categories, men and women, and boys and girls are encouraged to ‘dress to the nines’ and enter on the day for the chance to win.
The Cloncurry and District Race Club is offering $3000 to the ‘Lady of the Day’, with Saturday’s theme: Winter Wonderland.
Follow the club on Facebook for all the details and see next week’s paper to see who dressed to impress.
Rodeo reconciliation gong
A partnership between Isa Rodeo and the Mona Aboriginal Corporation was recognised at the Queensland Reconciliation Awards on Monday night.
The Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships won the Partnership category at the gala event in Brisbane.
The event was designed to elevate and celebrate First Nations people through sport, art and culture
“In two years, the event has doubled in size, expanded its cultural entertainment program, employed 65 Indigenous contractors, and celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through sport, song, dance, art, and storytelling,” the Reconciliation Awards website stated.
“It seeks to strengthen Mount Isa community relationships, create economic benefits, drive social change, and elevate Queensland’s international reputation for exceptional and unique First Nations events and experiences.”
CEO's contract extended
Mount Isa City Council last week voted unanimously to extend the contract of CEO Tim Rose until the end of next year.
Mr Rose was appointed on an interim basis in the middle of last year following the departure of Dale Dickson.
He has been the acting CEO since July, but impressed Mayor Peter MacRae and the new cohort of councillors with his response to the Glencore announcement.
Mr Rose indicated to the council that he would be happy to stay in the city until the end of 2025 to give the organisation some stability in a critical period for Mount Isa.
Last Wednesday, the council voted to extend his tenure.
It is expected that the council will start the recruitment process for the next CEO from the middle of next year,
Mr Rose is a former CEO of Burnett Shire Council and Bowen Shire Council.
Camooweal rodeo this weekend
Looking for something to do in the North West this weekend? There’s a small rodeo happening in Camooweal.
The Seymour family has organised a two-day event, which starts on Friday and finishes with an open bull ride on Saturday.
Events kick off at 6pm on Friday with a novice bullride and some buckjumping.
The action resumes at 3pm on Saturday with horse sports, including barrel racing and roping.
Council by-election set
Three candidates will vie for a vacant councillor position on Mornington Island, the Electoral Commission of Queensland has revealed.
One Mornington Shire councillor has resigned since the March elections, triggering the by-election.
Roxanne Thomas, Jane Ah Kit and Helen Moon have put their hands up to claim the vacant position.
There will be early voting on Mornington Island from 8am to 6pm on June 13 and 14, while election day is Saturday, June 15.
Free tools for new tradies
Thousands of first-year apprentices helping to build more Homes for Queenslanders can now get up to $1000 cash-back, meaning they get the tools they need virtually for free.
The $4 million initiative, part of the new state government’s Homes for Queenslanders Plan, aims to provide real cost-of-living relief for the state’s future tradies.
The Free Tools for First Years program will support up to 4000 new apprentices in trades including construction, plumbing, and electrical to get themselves set up for a big career.
By giving cash back of up to $1000 for industry-relevant tools, the program helps reduce the financial burden on those starting their careers in these essential fields.
Apprentices are eligible once they have completed their mandatory 3-month probational period. The rebate will be backdated for eligible apprentices to January 1, 2024 and applications may be made until the fund is exhausted.
For information, visit: www.qld.gov.au/education/apprenticeships