The Cairns Post
ONE-OF-A-KIND KEEPSAKES
Tourists can take home a one-of-a-kind piece of Cairns after visiting Norman Miller’s shopfront on Lake St. The Indigenous artist began the Munganbana Reef and Rainforest Aboriginal Art Gallery at his home 30 years ago. He’s spent the last seven...
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DAD’S 2AM WAKE-UP CALL
A Djabugay man’s devastating brain tumour diagnosis has sparked a powerful message urging men to seek medical help earlier, with the community rallying behind him with a $30,000 fundraising campaign. Long-time Cairns resident Tim Wason, described as a...
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FALLS OF FEAR
A camping trip to find glow worms at Barron Falls turned into a terrifying fight for survival when three Far North Queensland teenagers were trapped by raging floodwaters and nearly drowned. Reon Namba, 16, Amber Kukulies, 14, and Jacob Tait, 16, said...
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LANTERN FESTIVAL SHINES BRIGHT
Celebrations for the Year of the Horse have been reined in following almost a month of festivities marking the Chinese New Year. Chinese heritage in Far North Queensland dates back to the 1800s and this year’s celebrations kicked off with a...
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LIFETIME OF GRACE
Cairns has celebrated the region’s most inspiring women as part of International Women’s Day celebrations at Cairns Central Shopping Centre on Saturday March 7. The award ceremony is part of the region’s annual IWD and C150 celebrations, to...
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$150 COULD HAVE SAVED DEAN’S LIFE
The wife of a tourist who fell to his death at a Daintree zipline broke down in tears as an inquest heard all 120 nuts holding it up were dangerously loose. The inquest also heard that if a $150 wrench had been used in maintenance the accident never...
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LAKE BRAVERY HONOUR
A young diver who recovered a man’s body from the bottom of Lake Tinaroo in difficult conditions has received a state award for his bravery. Cairns man Shaun Whitmore (left), who has been recognised for his exceptional courage, used his own diving...
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COUNT YOUR TREASURE
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own pirate ship, now is the time to start counting your treasure. The iconic authentic Chinese junk, Shaolin, is looking for a new captain after sailing the high seas around Port Douglas as a tourist boat under...
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BIG ENERGY, BOLD MOVES
Even those of us with two left feet can learn to Bollywood dance like the stars on the big screen thanks to a local cultural group organising professional classes. GOPIO Cairns, a community group of locals of Indian origin, has teamed up with the...
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SEA CLAIMS SPEARO
The diving community is mourning the loss of a young spearfisher who was found dead at the Great Barrier Reef near Port Douglas at the weekend. The 23-year-old man’s body was pulled from the water at Batt Reef, 11km northeast of the resort town, after...
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GIMUY’S GRAND GLOW
The Tanks Art Centre is set to explode with colour and culture this July as the biggest-ever mob of Queensland artists hits the Far North. Tickets are now available for the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF), which will hold its 17th anniversary and...
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POINT ENTRY PAUSE
A showdown is brewing at Taylor Point as the site’s new owner seeks to delay public access to the coastal headland. Developer Audrius Macernis purchased the controversial Trinity Beach site for $7m from tourism identity Robert Prettejohn in 2024...
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SCOOP OF THE TROPICS
Grab your forks, spoons and loosen your belts, because the Far North is officially turning into a food lover’s paradise this April. Tourism Tropical North Queensland will today launch its new Tasting the Tropics event, a month-long party designed to...
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CITY FLEXES ITS MUSCLES
Research has revealed Cairns is one of Queensland’s fittest cities, with residents showing lower chronic disease rates and higher exercise participation than most cities. Research from Net World Sports has found that Cairns is ranked fourth in the...
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NET CHOKES OCEAN
Local fishers found a “huge” ghost net off the northern beaches which they say can threaten wildlife and create a hazard for boaties. Online fishing school owners Karen and Ryan Moody said they came across “tonnes” of rope and net about 16km north of...
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SUMMER STEAM
Grab the umbrella and a spare towel — it’s going to be a steamy one. Far North residents can expect stormy conditions for the next few days, with widespread showers to bring temporary relief from the humidity. The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast...
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CROP’S SWEET SWAP
A towering grass crop has emerged as the potential saviour for Mossman’s devastated sugar cane industry after the town’s historic sugar mill closed.
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GO ON, HAVE A BEER FOR BRUCE
Self-confessed “king of the old farts” Bruce Ferguson has collected almost 350,000 cans and bottles to raise much-needed funds for his local neighbourhood centre. The 84-year-old Port Douglas retiree was crowned Douglas Shire’s Senior Citizen of the...
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Fire horse fever takes hold
Chinese New Year celebrations are off and racing with the year of the fire horse lighting up the Cairns Esplanade this week. Cairns and District Chinese Association celebrations will kick off at 6pm on Tuesday, February 17 with cultural performances...
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BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
You can send your child to a private school and receive an excellent education for less than $10,000 a year, new analysis shows. The Cairns Post can reveal Australia’s Top 100 affordable private schools, proving you don’t have to remortgage the house...
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ANGER OVER CITY EYESORES
Billionaire Hong Kong property mogul Benny Wu’s (left) Cairns empire is facing fresh scrutiny after his budget hotel mysteriously closed.
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FROM RITUALS TO REST PODS
The heritage-listed Cairns masonic temple (inset) will be converted into a boutique backpacker’s hostel (main). Hotelier Zac Sarnecki plans to open Temple Backpackers in late 2026, after converting the 92-year-old masonic hall. Inset picture: Brendan...
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KNOW A WOMAN WHO PUTS IN THE ‘HARD YARDS’?
From charity founders and Defence workers to frontline health staff, women from all walks of life will be celebrated at the Cairns Regional Council International Women’s Day Awards on March 7. Nominations are open for Woman of the Year, Young Woman of...
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Roses fly in love week
Romantic Romeos are being urged to smell the roses and shop at their local florist to ensure they get the best bouquet for their loved ones this Valentine’s Day. While Far North supermarkets are likely to be better stocked for flowers in preparation...
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A SLICE IN THE TROPICS
If you’re celebrating International Pizza Day at home on Monday there’s a few things to remember including “respecting your dough”. Alternatively, Far Northerners are spoiled for choice with dozens of stores, littered across the region serving saucy...
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$1BN HEALTH EXPANSION
A record-breaking investment in Cairns Hospital will deliver critical new health services, strengthen innovation and improve patient care, with the precinct’s historic $1bn expansion set to reshape the city’s CBD around it. Health Minister Tim...
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MAYOR SLEEPS IN CELL
Lockhart River Mayor Wayne Butcher has been arrested at the Reef Casino for allegedly breaching his bail on serious domestic violence charges, and has spent a second night in Cairns Watchhouse. Mr Butcher, 55, was charged in July 2024 with seven...
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RACING IN FULL COLOUR
From fuchsia fascinators to electric blue bow ties, the Cairns Super Carnival is turning up the colour and the fun in 2026, with this year’s ambassadors announced and tickets officially on sale. The Carnival of Colour will run from August 21 to 29,...
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JOINING FORCES FOR HEALTHY WATER
Rangers and community groups have joined forces to test Far North wetlands for pollutants as part of efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns Regional Council celebrated World Wetlands Day at Centenary Lakes in Edge Hill on February 2, by...
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TRIFECTA IS EASY AS PIE
A south Cairns baker has revealed his secret to success after being voted Far North Queensland’s best pie maker by Cairns Post readers for the third year running. Babinda Bakery was voted FNQ’s best pie shop in Far North Queensland for the third time...
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SECRET HUT OF HORRORS
A survivalist whose bush hut was uncovered by soldiers on a training exercise has been jailed over hundreds of child exploitation images he kept laminated in his ‘survival’ kit.
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COKE HAUL PORKY PIE
A judge has rejected an islandhopping drug mule’s story as “implausible”, saying he didn’t believe the father-of-eight could possibly believe the 110kg of “stuff” he was moving by boat was anything other than some sort of serious powdered drug. The...
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‘MAGIC IN THE AIR’
Cairns aerial troupe Far North Aircats is bringing its Burnt Toast Aerial Show to the Bulmba-Ja Arts Centre this weekend, promising to “create magic in the air”. Taking place on both Friday and Saturday nights, the aerial spectacular will include 10...
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FAR NORTH MARKS AUSSIE DAY
From doctors and teachers to volunteers, meet the Far North Queenslanders who have been named this year’s Citizens of the Year for their work in the community. Far North councils across the region have celebrated community leaders who have dedicated...
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DREAM COME TRUE
Under the tarps of a refugee camp, Cairns newest citizen grew up learning about the Reef, indigenous history and the great southern land – decades later he couldn’t be prouder to become a fully fledged Aussie. Yuba Ghale fled Bhutan to Nepal in the...
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NEW FACES AT OLD FAVOURITE
Popular Edge Hill eatery Ozmosis has sold after 12 years in the hands of Lauren Vico, with new owners Maggie Yang and Cristian Couto excited to keep the Ozmosis ‘vibe’ going strong while adding their own touch. Ms Vico, who is relocating to Sydney to...
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TOOLBELT TRAILBLAZERS
An eighth organisation has joined the Far North’s growing list of early intervention providers, with the latest set to exclusively teach young girls new trade skills. The Busy Group at Manunda received a $300,000 state government grant through the...
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KIDS GO BANANAS FOR SWIMMING
For one day only on Wednesday, January 21, a fresh banana will give you access to a range of swimming pools across the Far North. The Banana Swim Pass promotion is a one-day initiative by Australian Bananas to encourage more Aussies to get in the...
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SHE WAS A ‘FIGHTER’
The victim of a violent alleged murder at a Gordonvale unit block has been remembered as a “bloody good girl” and a “fighter” whose life had been marked by tragedy. Childcare worker Richarna Clarke was just 35 years old when her life came to an abrupt...
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PAINFUL BLOW FOR SNAKES
Cairns Taipans coach Adam Forde and star point guard Andrew Andrews have blasted the referees in an almighty press conference following an 18point loss to New Zealand Breakers on Saturday. While the pair admitted officiating was the “hardest” job in...
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OUR SOCIAL HOUSING CAPITAL
A southside suburb is set to become the city’s social housing capital, with new projects to be pushed through by the state government on top of hundreds more public units already under construction. Two Woree developments are being fasttracked, but...
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BACK-TO-SCHOOL SAVINGS
Centacare FNQ is celebrating 10 years of helping children attend school with dignity and pride through its School Savvy program, providing discounted school supplies to families across the Far North. The program offers a range of discounted education...
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BRING YOUR PADDLES
Heavy rainfall has muddied creeks and shut Cairns’ water treatment plants, triggering Level 4 restrictions. Cairns Regional Council issued the urgent restrictions late Thursday calling on people to only use water for drinking, cooking and...
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‘EXPERIENCE SOMETHING REMARKABLE’
Tourism Tropical North Queensland has won a global award for campaigns promoting reef visitation as conservation, with officials asserting more tourists are needed to protect the Great Barrier Reef. The Guardian of the Reef campaign and The Lifetime...
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WARM OCEAN ‘PRIMES’ REGION
A looming trough near Townsville promises to relieve sodden Far North Queenslanders slightly this week, but experts warn an “overheated” Coral Sea has primed the region for cyclonic conditions. Cairns residents can expect less extreme totals peaking...
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LIFE IN THE CITY
Empty shopfronts and social issues have created a crisis of confidence in Cairns CBD, with major developers refusing to invest in the struggling tourist hub, a leading Cairns real estate director says. Real estate firm CBRE Cairns has 120 commercial...
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KILLER IN DEN OF EVIL
Behind razor wire, Queensland’s most serious offenders begin life sentences inside one of the state’s highest-security jails – a list that now includes Rajwinder Singh. The 41-year-old (right) will spend at least 25 years behind bars for the...
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CAIRNS RINGS IN 2026
Cairns residents are embracing fresh starts and new goals for 2026 following the city launching into its 150 anniversary year with spectacular esplanade fireworks. The city has kicked off its year-long anniversary celebrations with its annual New...
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DELUGE IS ‘PART OF LIFE’
Heavy rainfall has cut off Gulf towns for days, leaving residents completely isolated with empty shelves and no access roads open. Gulf shop owners have described the monsoonal deluge as “normal” and “not surprising”, while a crocodile was snapped...
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CITY VENUES READY TO PARTY
Cairns revellers have no shortage of options this New Year’s Eve, with venues across the city rolling out special events to welcome in 2026. Flamingos Tiki Bar on the Esplanade will lean into its signature tropical theme, offering extended hours from...
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FISHOS MAKE HAY WHILE SUN SHINES
Authorities have issued flood warnings across Far North Queensland as a tropical low threatens to bring up to 200mm of rain to compound king tides during the holiday period. The Cassowary Coast Local Disaster Management Group has moved its status to...
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‘DANGEROUS’ PATIENTS ON THE RUN
Authorities are searching for a “dangerous” man who staged a daring escape from Cairns Hospital’s mental health unit. It is understood that the man kicked in the mesh on a security screen on the unit’s first floor then scaled the side of the facility,...
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FAMILY, FUN AND FEASTS
The Cairns community is getting in the festive spirit, with Christmas only one sleep away. Despite the heat and potential for a soggy Christmas Day, locals are excited for this year’s holiday celebrations and annual traditions. Edge Hill local Susan...
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TIME FOR HOPE
From the Cassowary Coast to the Cape, thousands of faithful will flock to church services around the region to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Calvary Christian Church pastor Cam Murison said the Christmas message was about God reaching out to...
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FRESH CATCHES ON ICE
Australia may be clamouring for the Far North’s seafood, but local shoppers shouldn’t panic with fishmongers stocked with ample wild caught supply for Christmas. Some parts of Christmas never change – How to make Gravy by Paul Kelly blares, uncle Bill...
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SECRET TO STUDENTS’ ATAR SUCCESS
Trinity Anglican School has produced two of the state’s highest-achieving students who now plan to study medicine in Cairns. TAS dux Raphael Springell achieved an outstanding ATAR of 99.90, narrowly edging out school captain Joanna Chen, who recorded...
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STARS LOCKED IN FOR CARNIVALE
Former INXS frontman Jon Stevens leads the biggest lineup in Port Douglas Carnivale history, bringing iconic Australian rock hits to the resort town in May next year. Event organisers have unveiled a three-night program headlined by Savannah Sounds,...
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THIRSTY COMBO CUTS
From traditional shaves to complimentary drinks, a Cairns barbershop has looked to the past to transform the future. Barbershop staple Bullsnips, which started in Bungalow in 1995, has opened its third outlet in 15 months, this time with a fully...
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ELLIS IS BACK
A Far North surf club is powering ahead on a new beachside clubhouse after being devastated by landslides that left a group of partygoers stranded two years ago. Ellis Beach Surf Life Saving Club is building a new $5 million clubhouse which is due to...
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VANDALS RUN RIOT
Vandals are repeatedly targeting new homes in a suburb south of Cairns, leaving one family’s Christmas dream home uninhabitable from extensive damage. Police are investigating a suspicious house fire on Huey Drive in Edmonton after a recently...
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MID-AIR TAIL SNAG TERROR
A heart-stopping skydiving accident caught on video has captured the moment a jumper’s reserve chute got snagged on the launch aircraft’s tail plane over Mission Beach .
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RETURN OF KING CASSIUS
A crocodile that once claimed the title of being the biggest captive croc in Australia has returned to Green Island and will feature in a new display celebrating the iconic animal and his late keeper George Craig. On November 3 in 2024 Cassius died in...
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‘GUTLESS COWARD’
A judge who sentenced “gutless” killer Rajwinder Singh to life in prison has described the murder of 24-year-old Cairns woman Toyah Cordingley as “vicious, sickening, shocking and depraved”. Justice Lincoln Crowley said an “obvious explanation” for the...
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JUSTICE AT LAST FOR TOYAH
Rajwinder Singh has been found guilty of the savage murder of Toyah Cordingley on a remote stretch of Wangetti Beach north of Cairns in October 2018. After seven years, two trials, the payout of a million-dollar reward, more than four years on the run...
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PREMMIE JOY WRAPPED
The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation is offering gift wrapping at Cairns Central this Christmas season, with donations raising funds for new murals in the Special Care Nursery at the Cairns Hospital. Six month old Andrew Franz, pictured with...
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‘IT TAKES A VILLAGE’: SCHOOL READY HELP
Families can now access a “village” approach to education support in the Far North through a new permanent hub replacing temporary pop-ups. CentaCare FNQ has established a permanent School Savvy Hub in Cairns to provide year-round support to kids and...
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MAMMOTH DRUG HAUL
A former Cairns resident with alleged links to a bikie gang was the “principal target” of a major two-year police operation which led to four people arrested on drug trafficking charges. And there’s likely to be more investigations and charges...
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STREET IN SHOCK
Families living on the street where a man was fatally stabbed on Tuesday have expressed their shock after waking up to a crime scene in the usually quiet neighbourhood. One neighbour said residents generally “mind their business” in the area.
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PARTY OF THE YEAR FOR GRADUATES
Cairns State Special School has celebrated its largest year 12 graduation, with 15 students completing their studies. It was a bittersweet night for students and parents, as the school’s graduates celebrated their final year in style. Cairns State...
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FINE FOR SNAPS
A social media influencer who worked with The Real Tarzann has been fined $4000 in a Cairns court for taking native snakes and lizards to pose for tourist photos around the Daintree and Cape York. Ricky Mackenzie (pictured left) has more than 188,000...
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PAW PATROL
A "firecracker" detection dog who helped seize 250kg of cocaine has traded her Border Force harness for beach walks and family life. After a lifetime of keeping our borders safe, Australian Border Force detection dog Whisky has started a new chapter...
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‘NOT A PRANK’
A convenience store manager who trapped seven public health and police officers inside a city store as they investigated illicit tobacco sales has been fined $8000. William Wallace Lewis, 21, pleaded guilty to deprivation of liberty over the incident...
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‘DESERVE BETTER’: TEACHERS STRIKE
Far North teachers have joined mass protest action in a bitter fight for better working conditions and pay that the union claims is at the bottom end of the Australian pay scale. Nearly 200 Cairns teachers gathered at the Brother’s Leagues Club for...
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FAILURES EXPOSED IN AUDIT
An ex-council worker returned to a Far North council as a contractor and was paid triple their former wage, the state’s auditor has revealed. The Queensland Audit Office has uncovered a “significant deficiency” in procurement processes at Douglas...
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NO GLOVES USED ON DOG LEAD
A dog lead was handled without gloves and Toyah Cordingley’s boyfriend had an “unusual” home visit during police investigations, a court has heard.
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