Babinda SUNSHINE IN THERAIN

DECEMBER 2017

Babinda News PROUDLY PRODUCED BY THE BABINDA TASKFORCE | Rural Transaction Centre Opened July 2004 51 Munro Street Babinda QLD 4861 | (07) 4067 2900 | [email protected]

Babinda Christmas Wonderland Experience

Looking for a local Christmas event with a difference? this Christmas season the Babinda RSL Memorial Hall will again be the home of the Babinda Christmas Wonderland Experience. Our intrepid volunteers, known locally as the Christmas Elves, have re-imagined the display this year so it has a definite fairy story slant. Taking inspiration from children’s storybooks, there is a hall full of interactive displays to be enjoyed. Take the family on a magic carpet ride to mystical Arabia. See who is in the forest on the way to Grandma’s House. Find Frosty The Snowman and his

Rainfall

NOVEMBER 2017 BABINDA: HAPPY VALLEY: BELLENDEN KER: Top Station: Bottom Station:

facebook page. You can be a part of the Babinda Christmas Wonderland Experience at the Babinda RSL Memorial Hall from the 16th to the 19th of December. Session times are 2 pm to 4.30 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm daily. entry is $5 per person with no charge for children under 3 years of age. All proceeds go to support the Babinda RSL. For further details please contact [email protected]. Do come to Babinda this December for the fantastic, fascinating and fun event that is the Babinda Christmas Wonderland Experience.

Newsletter Contributions

Disclaimer: All articles in this Newsletter are printed in good faith for the Community and do not necessarily represent the views of the Babinda District Community Association Inc (aka Babinda Taskforce) and therefore accept no responsibility for these articles. Errors and Omissions: While every care is taken in the publication of advertisements and articles, Babinda News cannot be held responsible for omissions or errors or their subsequent effects.

DUE WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2018

This month: 261.3mm Year to date: 3438.5mm This month: 335.8mm Year to date: 3862.2mm This month: Year to date: This month: Year to date:

friends in their winter home. Flights of fancy are everywhere, all aimed to delight and enchant everyone who visits the event. We have heard that Santa will again take time in his busy schedule to drop in during the course of the event so there is a good chance you will meet him in his workshop. Please be welcome to take photographs. We would love you to record your experience and make some lasting memories of your time in Wonderland. Maybe take those special family photos for Christmas? Please share your magic moments in photo and comment on the Babinda RSL SubBranch

566.4mm 6319.6mm 277.2mm 3717.6mm

Please note: Contributions to this newsletter will only appear free of charge based on available space. If you want your article to definitely appear please contact our office to obtain a costing on 4067 2900.

Next Taskforce AGM & General Meeting FRIDAY 22ND DECEMBER 2017 @ 10.30AM

Look Who’s Back!

That’s right, Babinda Kayaking is back in business and now we have even more to offer – Stand Up Paddle Boards. To top off the exciting news that we are back, the rain has arrived and the creek is flowing. If floating down this crystal clear, gently flowing creek is something you have always wanted to do, now is the time to book - paddling starts on Saturday, December 16. For more information or to make a booking for a memorable experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family, call Paul on 4067 2678 or check out the website babindkayaking.com.au. Vouchers are available for all occasions - Christmas, birthdays or just to say thanks. What a fabulous way to celebrate Christmas with your colleagues! Babinda Kayaking is looking forward to promoting this idyllic part of the world.

Babinda Community Bank® Branch

‘enhancing the community’ Sponsorships for 2017

The Babinda Community Bank® is pleased to have provided $29900 to the community in 2017. This includes sponsorships to the following recipients. St Rita’s School Harvest Festival Xmas in Babinda Xmas in Babinda RSL Art Exhibition State Hotel Street Fair Bowls Club Ladies Bowls Pyramid Polocrosse Seniors Babinda Kindergarten Cane productivity awards Maranda Detourbet

KINDY EXCURSION





Robotic Lego for the whole school Prizes and the stage Street Fair Shop local prize Prizes 100 year anniversary Mixed Bowls Day Christmas in July Gymkhanas Morning tea Train and bus safety excursion Prizes Sportsperson of the year

HARVEST FESTIVAL PRINCESSES AT AGM

The staff and Board of the Babinda Community Bank® Branch wish the whole community a joyful, safe and peaceful Christmas and a happy new year. We look forward to an even more exciting and rewarding relationship in 2018.

Record Numbers at Xmas in Babinda 2017 Xmas in Babinda set record crowd numbers with 2500 plus attending. Over 40 stall holders, food vendors & local businesses all catering for the influx of people. The live entertainment was kicked off with dancing from the wonderful Isabella Satchwill & local Babinda Line Dancers. Keeping with the Christmas theme the Babinda State School Choir sang Christmas carols with the backing of Dave, Rosie & Roddo until Santa made an early entrance. Not on his slay but escorted in style on our local fire brigade where he was then joined by Mrs Clause & his elfs on stage for more Christmas entertainment. Other live entertainment included Waha & Lexi, Adrian Thomas,

Mystic, fashion parade by Bas Le Mode, and finishing the night off with Davros. Kids had a great night with live Christmas Show, mobile Santa photo booth, laser tag, face painters, rock climbing, bubble soccer, adrenalin rush & slide. Babinda Taskforce would like to say a Big Thank you to the Xmas in Babinda Sponsors, Babinda Community Bank® Branch, Cairns Regional Council & Babinda Harvest Festival. Babinda Taskforce would also would also like to acknowledge and Thank all volunteers to assisted with organising, setting up, pulling down, selling tickets, selling drinks & food. Thank you for going the extra mile!

Competition Winners Sponsored By Babinda Community Bank® Branch

Best Dressed Pet: (L to R) Winner: Santa & His Two little Helpers, Shadow, Blade & Storm; Second Place: Zappa the Ginger Bread Dog; Third Place: Little Elf Asha



Best Dressed Business: Winner: Babinda Independent Bakery Runner up: Babinda Bargain Centre

Xmas in Babinda – $1000 Shop Local Competition: Winner: Sid Bright

Colouring Competition: Opens: 11 – 16 Years: 6 – 10 years: Under 5 Years:

Winner: Shira Mait, Runner up: Demi Bettini Winner: Lulu Attaiza, Runner up: Tearni Kenderdine Winner: Keybie, Runner up: Ryan Dewis Winner: Ruby Torrisi, Runner up – Mia Hanson

Best Christmas Lights: Winner: Gwen Pollard & Kevin Music, Howard Kennedy Drive Runner up: Gr Cooper, Christian Street Babinda

Thank you to all the participating businesses

Arts and Crafts Babinda - Steffi Upholstery - Babinda Automotive - Boulders Tavern - Babinda Meat Mart Babinda Real Estate - Babinda Pharmacy - Australia Post - Kool Spot - Kool Scoops - Torque Auto Babinda State Hotel - Spar Town and Country - Babinda Bakery - Balbi Auto Electrical - Roddo News Hair Barracks - Dy-Monds Hair - Babinda Bargain Centre - Bunmees Thai Kitchen - Babinda General Store Bramston Beach Auto - Innisfail Tropical Vets - Mirriwinni Hotel - Mirriwinni General Store Bramston Beach Café - Babinda Barber

      2017    “Queensland Health is celebrating Recognition Week from November 20-25. While we highly value all of our staff at Babinda MPHS, we have nothing but admiration for the knowledge and experience of a special few. These people have seen many changes to our hospital over the years and provide invaluable knowledge to current and emerging staff. Without them, Babinda MPHS just wouldn’t be the same.”

          

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           Doctor Tanya 5 years, Jan Bevan 10 years, Collen Martinod 40 years, Louise Burrows 10 years, Donna Doyle 5 years, Anita Stanborough 5 years.

 

        

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    •    •   •       

AMBULANCE NEWS Things haven’t been as hectic here the last few weeks which is great for the Ambulance Paramedics and also good for you as there have not been as many injuries or illness. In the Health industry you never like to talk about it being slower than usual as the Q word means as soon as you say it things turn to crap. There have been some big accidents at Silkwood, Cardwell and the Tablelands lately but we have been fortunate on our stretch of road. The mozzies have been crazy with the rain then sunshine and hopefully no one comes down with Dengue fever or Ross River fever. It’s always good to keep yourself protected from the little nasties. You may remember a few years back we encouraged people to attend an information session run by the James Cook Uni/control dengue people on their efforts to eradicate Dengue Fever. A Walbachia virus was bred into the dengue mozzie and trial sites were selected in Gordonvale and some Cairns suburbs. It seems to be having some positive effect on the prevalence of dengue fever in our local area but there still seems to be hot spots. I’ve never had any illness from these but the patients I have picked up say it makes their worst flu feel like a picnic in comparison. Finally thanks to the staff of the Taskforce for putting together the Taskforce News again for another year. Plenty of towns larger than Babinda have nothing like this. Again thanks to the members of the Local Ambulance Committee for your continued support over the year – Yvonne O’Leary, Holly Goriss, Beryl Ball, Mel Elledge, Mark Chalmers, Dante Baldi, Fred Lizzio and Brian James. I drew the short straw of working Christmas this year, you get used to it after a while. My wife is also working cooking all day in her profession so at least I shouldn’t put on 2 kilos over indulging on the day. Until next year have a healthy and happy Christmas. Justin Cairns OIC Babinda

Shane Wiles Manager Shane Wiles QGAP Manager - QGAP 10 Munro St Babinda QLD 104861 Munro St Phone: 0740671120 Babinda QLD 4861 Fax: 07 40671045

Phone: 07 4067 1120 Fax: 07 4067 1045

INNISFAIL

84 Mourilyan Road, East Innisfail Ph: 4061 2900 Email:innisfail@tropicalvets. com.au

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OPEN 9:00AM - 5:00PM

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Council Conversations with Councillor Brett Moller Division 1 | December 2017 and recycling bins across 71,000 advertising Brett campaign in the next conduct farming operations was With the end of yearCouncil approachingConversations with Councillor Moller in our Cairns it has been a pleasure to attend properties Division 1 region, couple of weeks to be renewed to use these crossings. Rather some end of year presentations JJ Richards & Sons take over again in the New Year, targeting than individually object I wrote a for kerbside 2017 wasted those who do the wrong thing and submission on all of their behalf at our local schools. I was pleased the contract September to present a number of awards and disposal from December 1st. what steps you and I can take and arguing against the closures. I Withwe thewere new operator comes howout we in go about reportingduring this received verbal confirmation that the Babindawith State P-12 I was atpleased theschool works able to carry Babinda the closures would not proceed ceremony including this year’s new trucks, new routes and even distasteful activity. colourful Theatrucks senior Dux Birch. Itto brings At my stall community at Babinda Market the month of Ruby August helpnew give the bins. town real lift. The willbut requested such in writing and me a lot of optimism to see are bigger, more efficient with a days, some locals raised with Council has now received that new look, featuring letterhave for our file. A good sensible what great we picturesque the possibility of having a we have seen theyoung newpeople footpath laid along School andmeChurch Streets and have in our local community, stunning images of life in the limited recycling shop, similar to result rather than just putting tropics with the making a cross on a map in Brisbane striving to follow works their dreams is Street available atinto the Cairns scheduled more for footpath to review be laid fromwhat Mill Church Street and aspirations and they will step sure they are providing the best waste disposal centre. Council is that has far reaching impacts on servicefront to residents. trucks School. up to lead that us intosection the future ofto the currently surveying users of the where we live, work and play. to complete of StThe Rita’s information technology, digital are helping to spread the message Babinda waste disposal centre Finally, as this is the last edition to ‘reduce, re-use, recycle’ and of disruptionCairns and innovation throughcompleted In addition Water the relaying under the road onwater whether pipe this isfrom something for 2017, I together with my wife STEM learning. I learnt the other who to contact if anyone observes Babinda residents would like to Beth, and our daughters Eden in Eastwood Street to either side the footpaths forSomore practical andand easier illegalofdumping which has see. day that this generation are any if you feel strongly about Keelin, would like to wish termed ‘Digital Natives’ with their the potential to ruin our beautiful recycling contact Don Alley or one each and every one of you a serviceability forward, again looking Atofew minimise for theMerry benefit natural environment. knowledge of going todays technology, of the teamexpenses at the waste disposal Christmas and a safe and contrasted to what I am, a “digital months ago in General Business centre at East Russell to let them prosperous New Year and look of thedinosaur’! ratepayer. Always inspiring in an Ordinary Meeting of Council know your thoughts. to celebrate at our ‘Christmas in however to be able to interact I proposed a resolution for Last year Qld Rail did an audit Babinda’ community event. As part to the economic development of Babinda to look at how we address withof ourour youngcommitment people and listen Council to look at closing a numberCouncil Until 2018, stay safe and enjoy to their views and thoughts for the issue of illegal dumping of of rail crossings from Fishery being part of our local community. joinedtheir with the Chamber of rubbish Commerce and Industry to host a by the irresponsible few Falls Queensland future. to Mirriwinni. This affected Council is having a major focus which impacts on the rest of us. a number of farmers and Cr Brett Moller business masterclass from With “Bricks to Clicks” showing how social media can1 the messaging on these new on waste into 2018 and beyond. landholders whose only means Division With 112,000 domestic waste trucks, we will also launch an of access to their property or to Cairns Regional Council

boost your business contributing to growth and profitability. We as a Council are

‘Retirement’ Thank You

pleased to assist business development in the community to attract investment and create more local employment opportunities.

Just to inform you all that I have now ‘retired’ from doing clothing alterations and mending. For residents and visitors to Bramston Beach we have finally received approval I am taking this opportunity to thank you

from the Department of Transport and Main Roads to erect new pictorial signage (the Babinda community & surrounds) for your most valued support over the years.

of Bramston Beach on the highway, to hopefully attract more visitation to this community.

Thanks and my best wishes to you all! Dani (Danette M. Gatti)

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY 22 DECEMBER

NEW YEAR’S EVE 31 DECEMBER

8pm to midnight

Come Celebrate the New Year

Come and listen to Narelle Glover, singer/songwriter from Tamworth. Narelle’s repertoire includes a broad range of music across most Genres, lots of pub rock, such as Credence Clearwater Revival, The Eagles, Smokie, Angels, Cold Chisel, The Animals, Zac Brown Band, Adele, Country and Lots more.

Locals will know Dave and Rosie, better known as Davros. This duo cover 70s, 80s, 90s and music beyond. Playing from 9pm-1am.

Bottle Shop Specials GOLD, GOLD, GOLD

6 packs $12.50 | Cartons $38 | Blocks $44

TOOHEYS EXTRA DRY TALLIES 3 for $15

RUM ‘N’ COLA 10 pack $36

MASSIVE WINE CLEARANCE

Wine from $7 a bottle - ‘leading brands’ All the staff at The Boulders Tavern would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a safe New Year

TWIN RIVERS ROADHOUSE

Monthly SPECIAL

FAMILY MEAL DEAL 4 LOCAL MACKERAL (CRUMBED, GRILLED OR BATTERED), 2 SERVES BEER BATTERED CHIPS AND 1.25 LITRE COKE OR KIRKS 1.25L VARIETIES FOR $29.95 ( A TOTAL SAVING OF $8.80)

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Queensland Government

Well Women’s Clinic Babinda Hospital This clinic is available to Medicare eligible clients

Monday 8th January 2018 Service includes Pap Smears, Sexual Health Screening, Breast Awareness, also info on Contraception, Continence, Menopause, Lifestyle Issues, Domestic Violence, etc. All services are provided by a specially trained Qld Health Women’s Health Nurse.

For appointments phone 4067 8200 3

BABINDA MEDICAL PRACTICE HOURS OF BUSINESS

Monday - Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm Saturday 9:30am - 1:00pm Lunch 1:00pm to 2:00pm PHONE 4067 8201

SCHOOL NEWS Bartle Frere State School Mirriwinni State School Congratulations to our graduating Year 6 class of 2017. We wish them all the best in their secondary education and beyond. We say goodbye to them and welcome in a new group of Prep students. New enrolments are welcome. Please visit the school or contact us on 40677333.

Bartle Frere SS Swimming Carnival 2017 Champions There were winner’s ribbons galore for Bartle Frere SS students at this year’s Combined Small Schools Swimming Carnival held at Babinda Community Pool on 23 November, 2017. So many in fact, that BFSS was announced this year’s Swimming Carnival Champions! Congratulations to all our future Thorpedoes and Dawn Frasers! LOOKING FORWARD TO 2018 2018 promises to be another successful year for Bartle Frere SS with the appointment of Ms Sally Pirie as Principal. Ms Pirie will be relocating from Greenvale SS in the Northern region and has big plans for the school. She has a wide and varied professional background which will only add to the rich history of academic excellence here at the foot of the mountain. Welcome Ms Pirie! PREP TRANSITION DAYS and ENROLMENTS FOR 2018 Prep Transitions have been every Tuesday throughout November and our newest members of our Bartle Frere family were quick to learn all about what it’s like to be in a learning environment for an extended period of time. It’s not too late for your children though –

GARDENING NEWS Grade 2/3 recently harvested their crop of sweet potatoes and made sweet potato chips for the whole school. Everyone loved them – even those students who vowed they didn’t like sweet potato! Our ginger cordial has become famous. The Gardening Talkback program on ABC radio were very interested in how we grow ginger and then make and sell the ginger cordial. They interviewed Mr Barrow and were very complimentary about our school. The next week, we also had a write up in the Cairns Post about it. The Grade 2/3s think they’re famous. Thanks to our very generous P & C for funding the purchase of Lego robotics this year. Here is one of the creations the students have finished building and coding.

enrolments are still being taken right up until December 8. Call the office on 40676240 to express your interest and secure a position for your child in the new year. FAMILY PLAY GROUP TUESDAYS AT BARTLE FRERE STATE SCHOOL 9-11:45 AM Come along and meet other parents and bring your hats and morning tea. Play based activities in literacy and numeracy are provided for the students. All welcome. PH: 40676240 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY 2018 FROM BARTLE FRERE SS Chris Lees, Acting Principal

Bellenden Ker State School As the 2017 school year draws to a close, I would like to thank the staff, students and wider school community at Bellenden Ker SS for their support and dedication to the school in 2017. Bellenden Ker SS is one of the nicest and best schools in the region and it’s wonderful to be a part of the school. As we look forward to 2018, I remind everyone that Bellenden Ker SS accepts new enrolments at all times. If you would like your child to get the best education with individualised care and learning, please contact the school and we can organise a time for you to come for a tour. On behalf of the staff, students and parents of BKSS, we wish all readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and we look forward to a prosperous and successful 2018. Regards Joel Prior, Principal - Bellenden Ker SS

SCHOOL NEWS Babinda P-12 State School Babinda P-12 State School is happy to share the following highlights with you! Seniors of 2017 have headed out into the wide world. All students and their partners looked smashing and enjoyed their formal last month held at The Hilton, Cairns and enjoyed a night of speeches, delicious food and dancing. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours and are always happy for them to pop in from time to time to say hello.

2017 Sportsperson of the Year - Maranda Deourbet with Mr Ken Schaumberg

2017 Dux of the School - Ruby Birch with guest speaker Mr Breck Nielsen

Voluntering is the Single Most Overlooked Skill on Resumes Volunteering Is the Single Most Overlooked Skill On Resumes. If you knew that as many as 86% of influencers believe that volunteering would make you more competitive among a pool of job seekers, wouldn’t you make sure to put that activity front and centre on your resume? If you are a student and are told that most scholarships are given to people who volunteer wouldn’t you go out and volunteer. If you are a student applying for entry to a university medical course and you’re told that doing volunteer work in a hospital or aged care facility increases the chances of entry, wouldn’t you volunteer? According to the 2016 Deloitte Impact Survey there is a huge disconnect between

how important it is to hiring influencers and how much candidates are leveraging their volunteerism to get jobs. Survey respondents found that only 30% of resumes list volunteering. In the recruitment world of jobs and job seekers, recruiters are overwhelmingly in favour of volunteering as a professional development tool. Among the findings: 92% believe volunteering expands an employee’s professional skill set 85% are willing to overlook resume pitfalls when an employee includes volunteering on a resume. 82% are more likely to choose a candidate with volunteering experience 80% believe volunteering is an

effective way to boost leadership skills 73% believe people who volunteer are more successful On this last point a European study found, young people’s involvement in volunteer initiatives stimulates the development of creative thinking and the ability to quickly adjust in new situations, it forms tolerance for others’ values, social sensitivity and an active civil stance - skills which can be capitalized on when both searching for a job and starting a business. These skills make young volunteers much more successful on the labour market, compared to their peers, who lack volunteering experience. One of the important conclusions

from the study analysis is that there is a correlation between the skills young people acquire while volunteering and the skills employers look for. For students having volunteer experience on their resume is extremely beneficial and an advantage over those who don’t. People choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. For some it offers the chance to give something back to the community or make a difference to the people around them. For others it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. Regardless of the motivation, what unites them all is that they find it both challenging and rewarding.

thank you ... thank you ... thank you ... A Big Thankyou to these 5 young teenagers who CLIFFORD STONE helped us at Xmas In Babinda They helped with Kids entertainment & stacking chairs and tables at the end of the night. If you were to talk with any of these teenagers after the night their comment was how much fun they had that night and want to be involved again next year.

KALE LOCK

MADDIE HAM

LACHLAN SATCHWILL MALACHI SCHUMACHER

Specialising in: *Local GRASS FED BEEF

*Wood Smoked HAM & BACON Products

*Wide Range of SAUSAGES

*Home of Mrs Tootie’s EASY MEALS

*Ravioli & Gnocchi Products

*Large range of PET FOODS

Ph: 40671514 [email protected]

www.babindameatmart.com

TALKING LAW WITH BRETT MOLLER They say that Doctors make the worst patients but equally Lawyers sometimes make the worst clients. We have talked about the importance of having your estate planning in order which usually involves having a current Will and Enduring Power of Attorney but can also include an Advance Health Directive. Usually when health issues occur they are unplanned and unexpected. A personal experience recently showed the importance of having these documents in order which I will share, so readers can come to appreciate why they to should be prepared for the unexpected. In the last four weeks my wife was admitted to hospital for an emergency procedure due to complications from previous treatments. The standard hospital admission procedures

was to enquire about her having an Enduring Power of Attorney and Advance Health Directive. Thankfully these were in place. After two weeks in hospital in Cairns she has been transferred to Brisbane for a second more complicated procedure with at least another two weeks in hospital. As a normal family with two teenage children, with their activities as well as the cost of living, these medical procedures and treatments were unforeseen expenses that necessitated a short-term loan facility. Luckily with an Enduring Power of Attorney in place I was able to act as my wife’s Attorney with the appropriate conflicts stipulations in place in the document, to execute loan documents on her behalf, as she is incapacitated in Brisbane. However what we failed to consider

was our trading company that was involved in the finance application mix where we didn’t have a General Power of Attorney in place for it, so we had to restructure accordingly, which we did with the support of our local bank manager. The message here is to discuss with your solicitor what documentation you may need in your estate planning, in your personal and business planning, to protect you and your family and give you peace of mind when these unexpected life curve balls come your way. Thankfully my wife is making a

steady recovery and we hope to have her home in time for Christmas. On that note, on behalf of the team at Vandeleur & Todd Solicitors we wish all of our clients and the Babinda community a Merry Christmas, and a festive but safe New Year. We look forward to again catching up in 2018.

Brett Moller Consultant - Lawyer Vandeleur & Todd Solicitors [email protected] Tel: 40635900

SR PEST

CONTROL

QBCC: 15006342

Gordonvale family owned and operated

PEST AND TERMITE MANAGEMENT Phone Ben Rains on 0477 007 601 w w w.srpestcontrolcairns.com.au E: [email protected]

Safe Pest Solutions Domestic, Industrial & Commercial

Leon’s

SKIN AND BEAUTY CENTRE For all your beauty treatments FACIALS | PEDICURES | MANICURES | WAXING BROW & LASH TINTING | BROW SHAPING PARAFFIN WAX TREATMENTS FOR HANDS AND FEET

Business Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am - 5pm Xmas Holidays - Closed from Fri 22nd Dec to Wed 17th Jan 45 Eastwood Street Babinda Phone: 4067 1572

JOHN’S ODD JOBS & MAINTENANCE SERVICE AGENT FOR BARCOU ELECTRICS Fans, lights, smoke alarms, installs and repairs, sheds, new airconditioners (or phone Peter 0409 774 857) Electrical Lic # 372263 OTHER JOBS Yard & house repairs/maintenance, rubbish removal, gurney work, tree pruning, roof repair, solar panel cleaning Box trailer also for hire (caged) CALL FOR A QUOTE OR ADVICE

M: 0417 198 723 P: 4067 2014 E: [email protected]

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INFO CENTRE ILLUMINATIONS Season greetings to you all, we do hope you all have a safe and happy holiday period. It is interesting to note that December is not only important religiously to Christians, but also to other religions, e.g. Hanukkah for the Jewish community lasts 8 days; for the Hmong it’s their new year; for the Muslims it’s Mohammed’s birthday etc. We live in a multicultural society, so it is good to remember other celebrations too. For those who celebrate Summer Solstice, this year it’s on 22nd December.

There are heaps of wonderful Utube Babinda and surrounds footage to see, type in Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls, Bramston Beach. Babinda free camping, etc, and see some terrific footage and commentaries. Our visitors are marvellous ambassadors.

Here in Babinda, we always have a great time at the Christmas in Babinda celebrations, so thanks to all the businesses who organise and participate in this annual event. Don’t miss out on the Christmas Wonderland Experience 16-19 December 2to 4.30pm & 7-9pm at Babinda RSL Memorial Hall. It’s always a joy, particularly for the little ones.

There are free Library activities for all kids throughout December and January, Bookings essential, see library for details.

Gordonvale is again putting on a free community evening of carols and entertainment at Norman Park, with a few market and food stalls – Friday 8th December 5 - 9pm.

Visitors from the USA came in asking what the “fields of palm trees and long grass” were. On being informed that they were consecutively banana and sugar plantations, they said “Yes, we thought something like that, but had to check.”

Favourite visitor comment of last month from a South Korean gentleman “Great help and teach special information to me. I love it!” Until next time ------ Happy Trails

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TEAM – RAINBOW LORIKEETS “Flying for a Cure – Remember-Fight Back”

Relay for Life Team Rainbow Lorikeets take this opportunity to thank the township of Babinda local businesses, the public and surrounding district of our little township for your generous support throughout our 2017 Relay for Life Fund Raising Campaign. We are very pleased with our efforts in which we raised a total sum of $12,344 Thank you all once again for your support and a “BIG THANK YOU” team members for a great effort and a job well done. Bring on Relay 2018. TEAM CAPTAIN

HISTORY OF THE MULGRAVE SHIRE COUNCIL (by J. A. Martin- June 1979) Mr. J.A. Martin served as Chairman of the Mulgrave Shire Council from 1935 to 1940 and as Councillor and Deputy Chairman from 1951 to 1956. The Babinda district was sparsely settled in the early days. Coffee was being grown in the upper region of Babinda Creek and the lower region of the Russell River, whilst in the upper region of the Russell River, gold mining was the order of the day, attracting large numbers of Chinese working along side miners from all over the world who were out to seek their fortune. In the 1810’s a bridle track served as a connection between Cairns and Geraldton (now Innisfail). From the Russell River north, varying types of agriculture were embarked upon including banana plantations, dairying and grazing. These areas were progressively served by a railway, constructed by the original shire council, afterwards becoming the North Coast Railway purchased by the Government from the local authority. The present Babinda Mill was constructed and commenced to crush cane in September 1915. It was constructed under the “Sugar Works Act of 1911” and the contractors were George Fletcher and Co. of England. The capacity of the mill was 28 tons per hour. It was expanded to 120 tons per hour in 1954 and was estimated to crush 392000 tonnes of sugar cane. In 1977 the mill crushed 644934 tonnes for 79600 tonnes of raw sugar. Babinda being a wet area proved to be lower in CCS than Gordonvale and Hambledon. Under the scheme all lands within the mill area, were pledged to the Government as security for the money advanced. These pledges were redeemed, and the undertaking became the property of the growers, who had supplied the funds for redemption from the Government. The Babinda Sugar Mill was acquired and controlled by the grower shareholders of the area in 1924.

With the provision for the construction of the mill, there were also conditions in place for a model temperance area. With this order in place, the two Hotels established at the time- one at Harvey Creek and one in Babinda were closed down and the owners were compensated by the mill. In 1916 the Government of the day constructed and opened the only State Hotel in Qld. The town of Babinda was surveyed and except for the areas required for public purposes. The building and residential areas were tenanted by occupiers on a Treasury Lease, paying no rates to the local authority nor having any say in local authority elections. The township was administered by a Township Agent – the state Publican – a unique provision in the legislation that actually placed Babinda out of Qld and quite apart from the privileges enjoyed by other state citizens. This system prevailed until 1929, when every holder of a Treasury lease had the option of entering into a new contract to continue to pay rental existing at that date for twenty years in return for freehold title. Needless to say universal application was made for freehold title. The Babinda Water scheme was next to the Tully Falls Hydro Electric Scheme, the largest job undertaken in North Qld. The object of the scheme for which the Cairns-Mulgrave Water Supply Board was the constructing authority, was to augment the supply of water to the city of Cairns, the No. 4 Division of the Shire, Gordonvale, Aloomba, Edmonton, White Rock and all the places between Aloomba and Cairns. The final cost of the scheme was 1 200 000 pounds. Today to further augment the water supply to the city of Cairns the beaches and town in No.4 division and No. 1 Division, the Copperlode Falls Dam has been constructed. The city of Cairns bore two-thirds of the cost of the Behana Scheme and the Mulgrave Shire one third in Division 1,2 and 4.

Babinda library has some fun School Holiday activities planned for December and January. On the 19 December we have a whole day of Ozobot fun. For children 6 years + there are two sessions in the morning, one from 9.30am – 10.30am and the second from 11.30am – 12.30pm. For children 8 years + the two afternoon sessions run from 1.30pm – 2.30pm, and 3.30pm – 4.30pm. Bookings are required. On the 9 January 2018 children 5 years and older can create fabulous suncatchers at the library. The Suncatcher Craft runs from 10.30am – 11.30am and bookings are required. Starting on the 1 December Summer Reading Club delivers reading and fun activities which continue until 31 January 2018. The theme this year is “Game On”. Children can pick up their reading pack from any branch of Cairns Libraries with three levels of packs to choose from, Preschool, Primary and Secondary. I would like to remind our library users that all branches of Cairns libraries will be closed during the Christmas/New Year period. Libraries will be closed from Saturday 23 December, reopening Tuesday 2 January.

BABINDA ARTS & CRAFTS Christmas Shopping List Bracelets, necklaces & earrings Pottery sauce dishes, platters & bowls Wooden honey jars, cork stoppers & football Tshirts & scarves Paintings & prints Baby hats, mathcing shoes & much much more ... Come in and tick off your Christmas list!

13 MUNRO STREET BABINDA 0459 420 005

Cairns Libraries would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. Cheers, Holly

Babinda Early Learning We are offering: Care for children ranging between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years as well as Before and After School Care and Vacation care from 6 to 12 year olds. *Trialling a Kindergarten & Preschool Curriculum *Hours of operation = 7:00am—6:00pm *For all inquiries and bookings please call our friendly staff on 4067 2122

BABINDA BOXING CLUB INC. WARREN JENSEN HALL WAKEHAM PARK TUESDAY & THURSDAY - 5.30 PM - 6.30PM ACCREDITED TRAINER ERIC NORMAN - 0400 596 625 FITNESS TRAINING - PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS The Club Always Under The Cloud



BABINDA REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES OF THE MONTH BABINDA

BABINDA

13 HARWOOD DRIVE

9 WEAVER STREET

3 bed | 2 bath | shed

3 bed | 1 bath | family room

$315,000 NEG.

$279,000 NEG.

THINKING OF RENTING OR SELLING YOUR HOUSE? WE OFFER COMPETITIVE RATES & PROFESSIONAL SERVICE. NO UPFRONT FEES, NO SELL - NO CHARGE POLICY www.babindarealestate.com.au PHONE: SEGRID HUDSON 4067 1680 or 0428 154 472

MAKING EVERYDAY BETTER Babinda SPAR Supermarket Proudly Offers: •

A full range of fresh fruit & vegetables

•

A gourmet service delicatessen

•

Fresh hot BBQ chickens

•

An extensive grocery range for your daily requirements

•

Home Deliveries

•

ATM facilities

•

Friendly service “Always” Locally Owned and Operated Serving the Babinda Community Ph: 07 4067 1155 Fax: 07 4067 1404

- NEW SERVICES -

Pick up and delivery service from: BABINDA - CAIRNS - BABINDA - INNISFAIL (and everywhere in-between) Parcels, spare parts, white goods etc PHONE 0417 198 723

Babinda Community Kindergarten 24 Church St, Babinda PO Box 238 Babinda QLD 4861

Ph: (07) 4067 1294

[email protected]

We would like to thank Babinda Community Bank for supporting our annual train and bus excursion. The Bank kindly sponsored the cost of the bus this year. The children and families thoroughly enjoyed traveling on the train and bus to Mourilyan Community Kindergarten on the 16th of November.

We are taking enrolments for next year. If your child is 3 to 5 years old in 2018, please call Lorinda or Jenni on 07 4067 1294.

WHAT’S ON

IN BABINDA DAILY

• Beyond Blue - 1300 22 46 36 • Babinda Info Centre Open 9am-4pm Mon-Sat, 9am-12:30pm, Sun Phone:4067 1008, www.babindainfocentre.com.au • Lifeline: 13 11 14 • Snake Removalist - Brian James Mobile 0400 752 977 or home 40 671581 • Wildlife Sightings - Call 1300 130 372 and follow the prompts

WEEKLY

• Babinda Bowls Club - Phone 40671148 • Babinda Boxing Club - Classes Tues & Thurs 5.15pm-6.15pm Phone: Eric 0400596625 • Babinda Boxing Club - Women’s Fitness Mon & Wed 8.30am -9.30am, 5.30pm -6.30pm • Babinda Choi Kwang Do - CWA Hall Mon & Thurs 5.30pm - 6.30pm. All ages Phone 0413386942 • Babinda Golf Club - Social Days Wed & Fri 3pm Saturday 12.30 in winter and 1pm in summer. Phone 40671510 • Bartle Frere State School - Family Day Group Tuesday 9-11am Phone 40676240 • Babinda Hospital MPHS - Seniors Fit-ness (over 65) Tues 9-10am and 10-11am at Babinda Hospital • Babinda Picture Theatre - Fri, Sat and Sun at 7.30pm www.babindacentre.com.au for latest releases • Bumblebees Playgroup - Monday 9-30—11.30 am see facebook • Clothing Alterations & Repairs by Dani Appointment only Phone 4067 6197 • Highland Hustle Fitness - Thursday 3.45-4.30pm First Class Free $12 -School Hall • Kids Club - Prep-Year 6 Wednesday 5pm-7.30pm CWA Hall Babinda Phone Janice 40671406 • KTBM—Keep that Body,Mind & Soul Mobile Friday 9-10am CWA Hall Ph: 0423 870 721 Janice • Menshed - Wed & Fri 9am-2pm at Babinda Showground Phone Merv 40618494 • Social Touch Football - Thursdays 7pm Bill Wakeham Park

• Tai Chi - Wednesday 9.30am-10.30am Spirit of Babinda Hall Gold Coin Donation Phone Audrey 40672 271 • Yoga - Wednesday 5.30pm-7.00pm Spirit of Babinda Hall - Phone Ingrid 4056 6909

FORTNIGHTLY

• Babinda Lions Club - 2nd & 4th Monday of the month at 7pm at the RSL Hall, School Street

MONTHLY

• Abbeyfield House - Hoy/Mini Cent Sale 2nd & 4th Monday of the month 40671197 • Aust Pensioners @ Superannuates League - 2nd Thursday of month @ 9am Anglican Church Hall 40671389 • Babinda Arts and Crafts - Open 9am-4pm Daily Meeting 2nd Wednesday of the month • Boxing Club - Hoy/Mini Cent Sale 1st Monday of the month 40671197 • Babinda Chamber of Commerce Meeting - 5.30pm 1st Tuesday of month at Roddos News 40671222 • Babinda District Fishing Club - 1st Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm at the club house. • Babinda Monthly Market Day - 2nd Saturday of the Month. Contact Roddo on 4067 1222 • Babinda State School P & C Meeting - Last Monday of each month in the school library at 3:15pm • Babinda Public Speaking Group - 2nd Monday of month 7pm Contact Loretta 40671438 or Rod 40674110 for details • Babinda RSL - 1st Sunday of the month 9.00am at RSL Contact 40 676162 • Babinda Taskforce - 3rd Wed of the month at 5.30pm Taskforce offices -Phone 4067 2900 • QCWA Babinda - 2nd Sat of month meet-ing • Relay for Life - Hoy/Mini Cent Sale - 3rd Monday of the Month at Abbeyfield Phone 0407129945 • Story time - Babinda Library 3rd Monday of month 10.30-11.30 40671 112