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North West Weekly, Mount Isa (2025)

02/09/2025

The LifeFlight Mount Isa-based aeromedical crew yesterday airlifted a man to hospital after a motorcycle crash 70 kilometres north of Julia Creek.

The rescue chopper was tasked by Retrieval Services Queensland to the scene at 12.08pm.

The patient was treated by the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) flight critical care paramedic alongside a local QAS paramedic for head, shoulder and chest injuries.

The man, aged in his 20s, was airlifted to Mt Isa in a stable condition.

02/09/2025

MASSIVE WEEKEND IN NORMANTON 🤠

The Carpentaria Shire Council community is gearing up for one of its biggest weekends of the year with the annual Normanton Sprint Horse Racing this Saturday.

Will Mr Hanky Panky bounce back after having his colours lowered at Sedan Dip? Or will Hollywood make it two feature wins on the trot at his home track?

To complement the sprint races, there will also be rodeo action on Friday and Saturday nights, including the popular women's rodeo.

Heading the line-up is Women's Ranch Bronc Riding world champion Tup Forge.

The Victorian produced the goods at Cheyenne in Wyoming, USA to be crowned the world champ.

02/09/2025

SCHOFIELDS RAPT WITH ARTESIAN EXPRESS WIN 🏇

While four of the six races went to Julia Creek-based trainers on Saturday, the prized Artesian Express purse will be spent in Barcaldine.

Trainer Toni Schofield and apprentice jockey Maddie Mankelow combined to claim the $22,5000 feature event over 1200m, with Hurricane Thunder producing a barnstorming run down the centre of the McIntyre Park track to win the Class 2 Handicap.

The $5 elect broke a string of second placings for the Schofield stable.

The visitors finished runner-up three times on Saturday before eventually breaking their duck with their new stable addition.

“It was a great result,” said Nathan Schofield, part-owner and husband of Toni.

“We took a horse (to the Artesian Express) last year and ran fourth.”

Hurricane Thunder cost just $1750 after he was previously trained by Mitch Beer in New South Wales, and was third in his first-up run for the Schofields at Longreach.

“His run was good, he was trying, but it was a bit too short for him,” Schofield said of the Longreach race.

“We had this race in mind. The normal prizemoney is good, but this is a bonus.”

After backing the horse each-way in the ring, Schofield also purchased the six-year-old gelding in the pre-race Calcutta.

He paid $400 for Hurricane Thunder in the auction and netted $4185 when Mankelow came from the clouds to win by 1.21 lengths, defeating Yalla.

“I’ve never seen a Calcutta like that before,” Schofield said.

“They didn’t sell tickets, just went through the horses in order.

“It was 90 per cent of the pool to the winner and 10 per cent to charity. No second or third prize.”

The Schofields are now preparing for the two-day Birdsville carnival, where they have a handful of winning chances at the iconic meeting.

Meanwhile, Tanya Parry celebrated a treble at her home track, with three winners in succession on Saturday.

Santorini Sun ($3), Geoff And Jenny ($7.50) and Far Reaching ($10) won the Benchmark 65 (1100m), Class B Handicap (1100m) and Benchmark 50 (1350m) respectively.

Apprentice Brea Harrison rode Santorini Sun and Far Reaching, while Geoff And Jenny was piloted by Brooke Stower.

To go with her three wins, the Julia Creek trainer also had six placings at her home track.

Fellow local Kerry Krogh notched a winner to open the day when School Fees ($12) caused an upset in the Maiden Plate (1100m) with Shane McGovern in the saddle.

The other race on the card went to Richmond trainer Shryn Royes and $2 favourite Pennypacker and jockey Tessa Townsend.

There is no racing in the North West this Saturday.

Trainers will either venture to Birdsville or Prairie for the two neighbouring programs.

02/09/2025

EDITORIAL: A BAD WEEK FOR THE KATTER PARTY ☣️

With the cost of living crisis spiralling out of control, the future of the Mount Isa copper smelter still up in the air, and the Flinders Highway in a state of disrepair – along with countless other roads in the region – it's been hard to stomach the stance of the Katter's Australian Party this past week.

While North West Queensland has serious issues, our elected officials have been making the national news for all of the wrong reasons.

Firstly, Bob Katter should apologise to journalist Josh Bavas for accusing him of being "racist" after he asked a straightforward question at a press conference in Brisbane last Thursday.

It was a response unbecoming of a Member of Parliament.

Now, The Greens are calling on the Member for Kennedy to apologise or resign.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has written to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission requesting an investigation into Mr Katter's conduct.

The long-term MP's threat to the reporter came after he was questioned about his heritage ahead of "March for Australia" rallies that took place across the country on Sunday.

Mr Katter then doubled down on Monday, saying he wished he had "gone further" with his threat.

Resigning might be a step too far, but an apology is a must.

The journalist was simply asking a question, noting that Mr Katter descended from migrants. He didn't even get to finish before he was interrupted by the 80-year-old parliamentarian.

Things took a turn for the worse when all four KAP elected representatives – Bob, his son and KAP leader Robbie, along with fellow state MPs Shane Knuth and Nick Dametto – attended a Townsville rally with known neo-Nazis.

In one photo, Mr Dametto is posing with three people who are linked to the neo-Nazi movement.

While the KAP denies it is aligned with those values – and we believe them – it presents an unflattering image for a party that is still trying to establish its identity in Queensland.

It was known ahead of time that neo-Nazis were driving the "March for Australia" rallies and would have a strong presence on the ground. Very few MPs around Australia attended the rallies, yet all four KAP representatives showed up in Townsville.

As Mount Isa prepares to hold its annual Multicultural Festival, an event which has received support from both Katters over the years, organisers and attendees would have every right to feel uncomfortable if either showed their faces there this Friday night.

This region, but Mount Isa in particular, was built on the hard work of migrants.

While there is an argument to be made about the housing crisis and whether Australia should be restricting the intake of overseas arrivals, the best place to make that case is on the floor of parliament.

The KAP has justified its selective migration ideologies on "democracy" and "rule of law".

It's time they practised what they preach.

01/09/2025

SOLO VOYAGE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR COWBOYS CHARITY ⛵️

Adventure enthusiast Jamie Vogler will set off on an epic solo boating voyage next month to highlight the places and faces of remote Far North Queensland while also raising awareness and funds for the Cowboys Community Foundation.

The "Coast to Carpentaria Charity Challenge" will see the digital creator depart Townsville in late October in a custom-built, seven-metre vessel for the month-long journey covering more than 2000km from the heart of the Cowboys, around the tip of Cape York and finishing in Normanton at the bottom of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Along the way, Jamie will showcase some of the most remote and remarkable communities in Australia.

“I can’t wait to be back on the water, it’s definitely going to be a challenging journey but extremely rewarding,” Jamie said.

“Many Aussies, and North Queenslanders themselves, have never had the opportunity to visit some of the amazing locations on my list, so we’ll be capturing and sharing stories and experiences along the way,” he said.

“By shining a light on the places and faces we encounter, we also hope to raise awareness and funds to support the Cowboys Community Foundation.

“We’ll be meeting up with the Foundation team to see first-hand the impact their education-based programs are having across the Cowboys’ vast geographical footprint.”

Perth-based Jamie was drawn to the breathtaking waterways and landscapes of the North while completing a 14-day solo charity jet ski ride from Tweed Heads to Cape York earlier this year.

Cowboys community engagement officer Tahlulah Tillett said the adventure would help showcase and build on the strong existing connections the Cowboys enjoyed with the people in remote communities.

“I’m privileged, in my role at the club, to have the opportunity to connect with students and families in so many wonderful locations across the North and Far North,” Tillett said.

“We’re excited to have Jamie join us for some of our community engagements, including Try for 5! visits, which encourage increased school attendance for primary school students.

“These amazing communities are always so grateful and welcoming when the Cowboys visit, and I know they will be overjoyed to have someone like Jamie take the time to meet them and share their stories.”

The voyage will depart Townsville on October 19, stopping in at Palm Island, Lucinda, Mission Beach, Innisfail, Cairns, Bloomfield River, Cooktown, Cape Melville, Lockhart River, Captain Billy Landing, Bamaga, Mapoon, Weipa, Aurukun, Pormpuraaw, Karumba and finishing in Normanton in early November.

Jamie has set a fundraising goal of $25,000, and donations are already coming in via the online portal, including the first corporate pledge of $2,500 from Daiwa Australia, with community donations going towards the Foundation’s life-changing social impact initiatives.

For more information and to donate visit the ‘Coast to Carpentaria Charity Challenge’ page on the Foundation’s website: https://www.cowboysfoundation.org.au/fundraiser/jamie-vogler/coast-to-carpentaria-charity-challenge

📷 Cowboys community engagement officer Tahlulah Tillett with adventure enthusiast Jamie Vogler.

01/09/2025

TRUCKS TO HELP UNLOCK REGION'S POTENTIAL ⛏

A rock and roll tour of a different kind is taking stage in the North West, sending soundwaves across the outback in the search for heavy metals.

The big rig gig is part of a geological survey to discover what lies buried beneath the surface of North West Queensland and kickstart the next wave of mineral exploration.

Three slow-moving "Vibroseis" trucks will traverse the region, directing harmless low-frequency soundwaves into the ground, which are reflected off the ancient rock layers below and recorded by surface sensors.

Geoscientists will use the crustal reflection data to map the rock formations deep below the earth and identify areas of potential untapped deposits of metals like copper and zinc.

The $4.5 million Boodjamulla-Croydon Deep Seismic program is a collaboration between the Geological Survey of Queensland and Geoscience Australia.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the findings would give Queensland explorers an edge to crank up investment.

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering for Queensland by giving explorers a head start on the next wave of mining wealth,” Mr Last said.

“This survey will help us better understand what lies beneath the surface of North-West Queensland so that explorers and miners can uncover the next big hit.

“The data and interpretations will be freely available, giving rock experts a backstage pass to quality geological insights they couldn’t generate on their own.

“A strong pipeline of exploration will set the stage for the future of our state’s resources sector, which returns billions of dollars to Queenslanders every year.

“That’s why we’re turning up the dial on new mining opportunities across Queensland, with this year’s Budget investing $5.1 million towards targeted geoscientific activities across our State.

“North West Queensland has world-class metal and mineral deposits, and the Crisafulli Government is giving industry the tools they need to deliver new mining projects and create more jobs.”

Geoscience Australia chief executive officer Melissa Harris said the project will inform government and industry decision-making and guide future exploration activities.

“Covering a distance of 840km, the seismic survey will provide valuable insight into subsurface geology, basin architecture and regional stratigraphy,” Ms Harris said.

“This data will help us better understand North West Queensland’s geological potential and unlock the resources we need for a cleaner and stronger future.”

31/08/2025

KEITH BALLARD RECOGNISED WITH SPIRIT OF RACING AWARD 🎖

Black Caviar, Winx, Peter Moody, Zac Purton, John Tapp and Keith Ballard – all champions of Australian racing who were recognised at a gala function in Brisbane on Sunday as part of the Australian Racing Hall of Fame and Australian Racehorse of the Year Awards.

While the now-retired Outback jockey says he's humbled to be sharing the stage with such icons, Keith said he was pleased that Australian racing recognised the contribution of those in the bush.

“The first inkling I got was when they called my name,” Ballard said on Monday morning after he was presented the Spirit of Racing Award.

“It didn’t even register when they started to read things out because I thought it wasn’t possible, you know.

“We were always going to come (to the Brisbane awards) because they rotate the states all the time so it only comes to Queensland once every six or seven years and it was an opportunity for us to attend.

“So, we went to the 160-year dinner at Eagle Farm on Saturday and backed up here (on Sunday).

“It’s been a wonderful weekend.”

Along with wife Denise and son Dan, the Ballards were joined by family friend, owner and stablehand Tammy Parry, along with long-time friends Neil and Sharon McDonald.

“I think the first five rides I had (for the McDonalds) were four winners,” Keith said.

“They used to have a lead-up race to the (Mount Isa) Cup, a 1400m race the week before, the Patrons Handicap.

“Their horse Walkaway won that and ran a track record. They brought him back to the Coppermarket (1200m) the next week and he won it.

“I rode him from go to whoa. He was a lazy bu**er and he won by a couple of lengths.

“He then came out and won the Diggers Cup (1660m) the next week.”

The legendary bush jockey, who rode 1700 winners across a 55-year career in the saddle, also praised the contribution of Parry to the team.

“There’s no show without Tammy,” he said.

“Denise and Tammy are like bloody sisters. She’s been mates with the whole Parry family for years.”

With so many racing stars in the room at the Star Casino in Brisbane, Keith said he was eager to catch up with one man in particular, Hall of Fame inductee John Tapp.

“It was mind-blowing,” he said of the names who were inducted or elevated to legend status on Sunday.

“Zac (Purton) was one of the big reasons we came. He was an extra lever for us because he is a good friend.

“Unfortunately, (star Hong Kong sprinter) Ka Ying Rising was barrier trialling and he wanted to ride him. And rightly so – he’s possibly the best sprinter in the world and he doesn’t want to be off him, so that’s why Zac didn’t come.

“But, you know, Moods (Black Caviar’s trainer Peter Moody) is a personal friend and I desperately wanted to meet John Tapp and I got to do that.

“In a function like last night, everyone wants a bit of John Tapp, but I got my little bit, which was fantastic.”

Keith, who is already a member of the Racing Queensland Hall of Fame, said it was an honour to big given national recognition.

“Anything or anyone who is recognised out of country racing is a boost for country racing,” he said.

“I’ve always said that if a journalist or anyone ever wanted to talk to me and it was about country racing – as long as they don't want to dig up s**t – I've always made myself available because it's part of your job.
“I just think that I owe country racing a lot because it's done a lot for me.

“I just take on board (that my recognition) was on behalf of country racing.”

Keith saved his final words for praise for his family.

“It’s extremely strong,” he said of his relationship with Denise, who continues to train horses in Mount Isa.

“We’ve had a great life and a lot of it’s because she’s supported me in every way.

“All I’ve had to do is my job because Denise has done everything else for me. She’s just made life pretty easy.

“And Dan’s been a pretty big contributor, too, especially now as we’re getting a bit older and the world’s modernising.

“He and (daughter-in-law) Lacey are such great help. With the computer stuff and different things like Denise’s business, Lacey is always available to help, and so is Dan.

“Our family extends beyond Denise and me; we’ve had good support from the big circle for a long time.”

SUNDAY CELEBRATIONS 🥇
Champion Racehorse of the Year – Via Sistina
Champion 2YO of the Year – Marhoona
Champion 3YO Filly of the Year – Treasurethe Moment
Champion 3YO Colt/Gelding of the Year – Broadsiding
Champion Sprinter of the Year – Bella Nipotina
Champion Middle Distance Horse of the Year – Via Sistina
Champion Stayer of the Year – Knight’s Choice
Champion Jumper of the Year – Duke Of Bedford
Bart Cummings Award (Group 1 Trainer of the Year) – Chris Waller
Group 1 Jockey of the Year – James McDonald
Champion Sire of the Year – Zoustar
Australian Spirit of Racing Award – Keith Ballard

2025 Australian Racing Hall of Fame inductees 🥳
Horse – Hydrogen
Horse – Mahogany
Trainer – Peter Moody
Jockey – Zac Purton
Associate – John Tapp

‼️ Elevated to Legend status ‼️
Black Caviar
Winx

31/08/2025

MOUNT ISA THE HOME OF AUSTRALIA'S BEST BUTTS 🌝

Who needs a copper smelter when you have the country's best rear ends?

Mount Isa's own Ben Rocchester and Tess White were crowned the champions of Australia's best butt competition at the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival this weekend.

It was a hot competition and judges had their work cut out for them trying to determine the winners.

Stay tuned for more coverage from the iconic Dirt N Dust Festival.

30/08/2025

MINING GIANT MAKES BIG DONATION TO RFDS ✈️

The Royal Flying Doctor Service and Rio Tinto have announced a new partnership to strengthen health services across regional Queensland.

Rio Tinto will contribute $14.6 million over the next five years to help expand access to vital healthcare for communities in rural and regional areas.

Since 2020, Rio Tinto has supported the RFDS in Queensland, helping to enhance healthcare delivery through initiatives such as the COVID-19 telehealth response, and contributing to the development and maintenance of RFDS bases and patient transfer facilities.

The mining giant has also made separate donations to assist RFDS Queensland with recovery efforts following Cyclone Jasper and this year’s severe weather and flooding across Queensland.

The five-year social impact partnership will focus on strengthening healthcare access and outcomes across regional Queensland.

Key areas include enhancing telehealth triage capability to better prioritise patient needs, introducing podiatry services to support chronic disease care, expanding mental health support across North and Far North Queensland, and improving access to culturally appropriate care by increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers.

The RFDS understands the unique challenges facing regional, rural and remote communities, including Indigenous communities. Limited access to primary healthcare in these areas often means fewer opportunities for prevention, worse health management and poorer overall health outcomes.

The RFDS and Rio Tinto share a commitment to equitable health access and improving outcomes for people and communities, no matter where they live or travel.

RFDS Queensland CEO Meredith Staib said the new five-year partnership with Rio Tinto will deliver real and measurable improvements for patients and communities, by strengthening and enhancing rural and remote health services, building workforce capability and contributing to closing the gap in Indigenous health outcomes.

“I can’t thank Rio Tinto enough for their commitment to improving the health of regional Queenslanders,” she said.

“This agreement will be a catalyst for change in the health and wellbeing of people living in some of the most remote parts of the state — from enabling earlier intervention and preventive care, to supporting better management of complex and chronic conditions closer to home.”

“We know that nearly 35 per cent of the patients our clinicians see identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

“The RFDS Best for the Bush: Rural and Remote Baseline 2023 report highlighted the glaring inequality in health outcomes for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people versus non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

“This partnership with Rio Tinto is more than funding, it reflects a shared commitment to changing the trajectory of health in rural and remote Queensland. It stands as a model for what’s possible when two purpose-driven organisations come together to remove barriers, improve access, and deliver care where it’s needed most.”

Rio Tinto’s Armando Torres said: “We’re proud to extend our partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service to help deliver better health outcomes for rural and regional Queensland communities.

“This $14.6 million investment will support early intervention and culturally safe psychological care in high-need areas, expand 24/7 virtual triage services, and strengthen chronic disease management to reduce preventable hospitalisations.

“It will also contribute to growing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner workforce, making care more accessible and culturally appropriate.

“This partnership is about making a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people living in some of Queensland’s most remote and hard-to-reach areas.

“What began as a response to the pandemic has evolved into a long-term collaboration focused on improving health outcomes across the state. This next chapter reflects a commitment to removing barriers and expanding access critical services, and building a healthier future for all Queenslanders.”

29/08/2025

ARTESIAN EXPRESS RACE MEETING TODAY 🏇

They're off and racing at the Julia Creek Turf Club today for the Artesian Express program as part of the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival.

A massive crowd is expected at McIntyre Park for the six-race card, with the first to jump at 1.15pm.

The day wraps up at 4.45pm with the running of the $22,500 Artesian Express Class 2 Handicap (1200m).

If you're looking to have a flutter today, Matt Nicholls has put together some tips. Remember to gamble responsibly!

Race 1: 6-1-7 (Erotas each-way)
Race 2: 5-1-2 (Last Ditch Effort each-way)
Race 3: 7-8-2 (Kitsilano Beach to win)
Race 4: 2-7-1 (Freddie Eddie each-way)
Race 5: 2-5-8 (Penny Packer to win)
Race 6: 3-2-15 (Yalla each-way)

29/08/2025

HISTORIC DROVER DISAPPEARS FROM THE SKY 🛩

It’s kept watch over George McCoy Park for more than 45 years, but on Friday, the "Drover", an iconic piece of Australia’s aviation history, took its first tentative steps towards a new life at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Mount Isa Base.

The de Havilland "Drover" aircraft was restored back in the 1980s, when two separate aircraft were joined to create a display that’s acted as an enduring symbol of hope.

The elements haven’t been kind to the old plane, and with construction nearly complete of the new RFDS and LifeFlight base at Mount Isa Airport, it was decided to remove the Drover from its pole and give it a bit more than a spit and polish.

In the coming months, the aircraft will be lovingly restored at a temporary workspace on site, before being moved to the entrance of the new RFDS base and put back on show.

John Larkin the Flying Doctors' head of tourism, is being joined by aviation engineer Jim Shannon to work on the project.

“This is a really important piece of Australian aviation history with only a handful of known Drovers still in existence,” Mr Larkin said.

“Obviously, the first step is to make sure we get the aircraft down from its current location with as little damage as possible before we gently move it to its workshop location.

“Once we have it there, we’ll be able to carry out a full assessment of the repairs needed to bring it back to its former glory.

“Some of the bits needed to carry out the restoration accurately will need to be manufactured on site, so there’s some definite challenges.

“Fortunately, I have one of the best aircraft engineers in Australia, Jimmy Shannon, working with me on the project.

“This is a really exciting restoration.”

The de Havilland ‘Drover’ aircraft wasn’t made in large numbers but was regarded as a solid, all-round plane when it graced our skies in the 1950s.

29/08/2025

COUNCILS NEED FAIR SHARE OF FUNDING: PEDDLE 💵

Flinders Shire Council mayor Kate Peddle has called on the federal government to urgently overhaul the Financial Assistance Grants (F**s) system, warning that regional councils like Flinders Shire are being pushed to the brink while continuing to deliver essential services under impossible conditions.

“For more than 30 years, these grants have slipped in value – to just half a per cent today. That’s not just a statistic – it’s a direct hit to our ability to serve our communities,” Cr Peddle said

“The Treasurer is spending a lot of time talking about productivity. Our rural communities do the heavy lifting – we feed the nation, we power the state through our minerals, and yet in some cases we’re expected to live with third-world conditions.”

Cr Peddle explained the stark reality facing Flinders Shire.

“To fully recover the annual cost of delivering water, we’d need to increase rates by 25 per cent,” she said.

“That’s not sustainable, especially with the pressures already on our ageing infrastructure and cost-of-living. Our sewerage and water treatment plants need $35 million in upgrades – but our total annual budget is only $50 million.

“How is that achievable?”

While the federal government recently announced the bring-forward of $1.726 billion in 2025-26 F**s entitlements, Cr Peddle said it didn’t go far enough.

Cr Peddle also highlighted that if the one per cent F**s target was restored, Flinders Shire alone would hypothetically receive an additional $10 million annually.

“This is not new money – it’s a fair share of taxpayer revenue. It’s money from the Australian people, for the Australian people – and yet it’s been allowed to diminish over time,” she said, while pointing to the increased strain on councils as a result of cost shifting from other levels of government.

“The Crisafulli government won the election on the back of regional support. With a Cabinet that understands local government and regional realities, we are well placed for Queensland to make a case to Canberra. It’s time for the federal government to step up.”

North West Weekly

02/09/2025

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