Michael Warren

Journalist

November

Toyah Cordingley

Without question one of the biggest stories throughout the Douglas Shire over the past four years has been the ongoing case of Toyah Cordingley.

In early November Queensland Police confirmed the highest ever reward in the state’s history $1M to bring the suspect to justice.

On November 25 this year – music to all Australians’ ears when Police confirmed the arrest of a man captured in India. This development was huge and a step in the right direction to get justice in this matter.

School bus services

In mid-November Douglas Shire parents were wondering if their children would be able to finish their education in Cairns after a local bus company confirmed it would its discontinue its regular service at year’s end.

The decision meant Mossman and Port Douglas students who attend St Monica’s College, St Augustine’s College, Cairns High and TAS White Rock would need to find alternative travel arrangements heading into 2023 to continue their schooling.

Thankfully strong advocating in the ensuing weeks saw another bus company decide to take on route, thus, answering the prayers of parents and students across the Shire.

RV Parks

The push to make the Douglas Shire a key RV friendly destination gained momentum after discussion about just how much money could be made from the establishment of a proper local site.

Douglas Shire councillor Peter McKeown told Newsport at the time the region was missing out on potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars a year because key RV clubs do not recognise Douglas as RV friendly.

The largest national RV club – the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) – had previously approached Douglas Council at least twice to set up an RV park of up to 50 sites, but those approaches yielded little success.

 Icon signs off

In other news, a local teaching icon called it a day after 47 years in the education system. In mid November friends and family of Louise Walker joined together to honour and celebrate her career, including the 39 years she spent at Mossman State School.

Barba signing

In Sport, the Mossman Sharks confirmed a huge signing after securing the services of former NRL star Ben Barba for the 2023 season.

Golf success

It’s not often you sink a hole in one, let alone three in three months – however that’s exactly what a local golfer achieved late this year. Mossman golfer Mike Foley is the man that did it and what a feat it is.