Council backs memorial rugby league carnival with $10,000 contribution
Douglas Shire Council will contribute $10,000 towards a community-led Nines Rugby League Carnival and Memorial event to be held at Mossman’s Coronation Park in September.
The Jabalbina event is expected to attract more than 300 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players from across the region, with up to 900 people attending as players and spectators.
The carnival was established in response to a fatal car accident on the Captain Cook Highway in May and other significant losses experienced by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in recent years.
As a tribute, 12 regional teams will take the field in honour of people who have been lost from their respective communities.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said Council was proud to support an event created by the community, for the community.
“There have been some sad and challenging times for our community and I think the carnival will be an uplifting way for people to come together, pay tribute and remember the lives that have been lost,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“Council is pleased to support an event that celebrates culture, strengthens connections and provides an opportunity for people to come together in a positive and meaningful way.”
Camping will be available at Coronation Park for participants attending the event.
Council’s new waste services contract
Council is awarding a new waste services contract to support the continued operation of the Killaloe Transfer Station, including the transport and disposal of waste to landfill.
The new contract combines two existing contracts into a single arrangement, improving contract management, operational efficiency and service delivery.
The contract, valued at an estimated $1.79 million per year, will be awarded for a term of four and a half years.
Funding change a disaster for Douglas
The fight against cuts to disaster recovery funding is set to continue.
Elected members have voted to continue its advocacy of the Federal and State Government to ensure there are no adverse impacts on Douglas Shire.
The Commonwealth has historically contributed up to 75 per cent of costs with the State Government funding the remainder. The proposed change would see a 50/50 split.
Underwater hockey club wins fee waiver
Manta Rays Underwater Hockey Club has secured a waiver of lane hire fees at the Mossman Pool.
Following the club’s request, Council has agreed to remove the charges and will also extend the benefit to all not-for-profit organisations by waiving lane hire fees across the region.
Show holiday named for 2027
While prize certificates continue to hold pride of place on fridges and showbag treats are still being enjoyed, preparations for the 2027 Mossman Show are already gathering momentum.
Council have nominated 19 July 2027 as the public holiday allocated for the popular annual event.
Picture courtesy of Mossman Show (Sharon Richards Photographics)
Reef advocate heading to Mackay
Councillor Abigail Noli will be on a fact-finding mission, and sharing some of the shire’s own achievements, when she attends a Reef Guardian Council meeting in Mackay next month.
The Reef Guardian Council showcases environmentally sustainable practices in the Great Barrier Reef catchment.
