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Wonga resort plan ready to set new green standards

Close to 70 luxury units have been proposed for the long-vacant “Redbacks” site at Wonga Beach as part of a “world class luxury and service resort complex”.

‘Our Village, Their Future’: School Savvy marks 10 years supporting local families

Centacare FNQ has marked a decade of helping Far North Queensland families send their children back to school with dignity and confidence, officially launching the 2026 School Savvy season on January 12.

Six months in, Cosmos continues to shake up Port Douglas nightlife

Since opening its doors on Grant Street in July 2025, Cosmos Cocktail Lounge has been making waves in Port Douglas with a nightlife experience that’s anything but ordinary, and now the venue is shaking things up with exciting new offerings.

Business of the day

Upcoming Events

Positions Vacant

FOOD & BEVERAGE ASSISTANT

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is situated in one of the most unique and beautiful places in Northern Australia, nestled among the foothills of the World Heritage area with the Great Barrier Reef at our doorstep. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is the largest and most diverse wildlife park in Far North Queensland.

Our busy Lilies Restaurant, overlooking the beautiful Hartley's Lagoon, is seeking to fill two casual food & beverage positions.

The successful candidates will be expected to work harmoniously and productively with the current, committed and professional restaurant team. A mature, resilient approach and excellent reliability are essential for these roles.

There is a very strong customer service element to the roles which will suit people-focussed persons who enjoy communicating with a diverse range of customers who are visiting Hartley’s to experience exciting nature.

Previous work as a Barista will be highly regarded, as will the experience to organise and manage stock in the storeroom. The ability to safely complete tasks that involve frequent heavy lifting of stock items is required.

Duties include POS operation, serving meals, waiting on tables and maintaining restaurant cleanliness and presentation.

RSA and Food Safety qualifications are mandatory.

Reliable transport is essential as there are no public transport options to Hartley’s. Please submit a cover letter addressing the requirements and your resume with relevant referee contact details to [email protected]

FULL-TIME LANDSCAPE GARDENER

This could be the job for you if:

• You’re an Australian resident

• You enjoy working outdoors in beautiful locations

• You’re physically fit, keen to learn, and not afraid of hard work

• You like knocking off at the end of the day and still having time to enjoy life

• You want your weekends free for camping, fishing, and making the most of North Queensland

About Us Green Leaf Garden Management has been operating in the Douglas Shire for over 20 years. During that time, we’ve built great relationships with a wide range of clients including residential homes, body corporates, commercial properties, resorts, and local and state government. We work across landscape maintenance, landscaping, and irrigation — design, installation, and repairs. We take pride in doing things properly, finding smart solutions, and looking after our clients.

The Role We’re on the lookout for a new team member to join our landscape maintenance crew. Experience is a bonus, but attitude and being a good fit for the team are just as important. You’ll be working alongside an experienced crew carrying out landscape maintenance and related tasks (as outlined above), with plenty of opportunity to learn along the way.

What We’re Looking For Qualifications or experience in horticulture or landscaping are great, but we’re mainly looking for someone who:

• Is keen to learn and adapt

• Communicates openly and honestly

• Takes pride in good customer service

• Works well as part of a team

• Is happy working outdoors in all conditions

• Takes ownership of getting the job done

• Aligns with the “10 things that don’t require talent” (worth a Google!)

Where You’ll Be Working Based in Craiglie, working across Port Douglas and the wider Douglas Shire — some of the best outdoor workplaces around.

Why Work With Us?

• We’ve got the right equipment and tools to do the job properly

• Every day is different, with a variety of sites and tasks

• Supportive, professional team who love working outdoors

• On-the-job training and support

• Opportunities for TAFE training

• Room to grow and earn more as your skills develop

• Well-established local business

• Monday to Friday work — weekends off

Keen? Send us a cover letter telling us a bit about yourself and why you’d be a good fit for the role. [email protected]

Community Notices

Join us at Mossman Library on Saturday 31 January at 10:00am for a paranormal romance author interview with JB Thomas

JB will be chatting about his latest release, Heart Full of Storm, an MM paranormal romance steeped in mystery, desire, and tropical heat.

Set in the sultry backdrop of Port Douglas, Heart Full of Storm is a haunting tale where the air is heavy with longing, secrets simmer beneath the surface, and love may be the most dangerous force of all. Discover what inspired the story, the supernatural elements behind it, and what makes this book such a fun read.

A must-attend event for romance and paranormal fiction lovers alike who enjoy listening to authors spill the tea.

PORT DOUGLAS MARINA MARKETS DATES FOR JANUARY 2026

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