Newsport Alert Monday 24 November 2025

'Apathetic' ratepayers are not holding council to account

President John Sullivan has delivered an impassioned call to arms in his Douglas Shire Ratepayers Association annual general meeting report, saying rates for many have increased by 29 per cent in about four years “seemingly without any strong justification”.

Watch Santa arrive in helicopter style at this community event

Our Shire knows how to celebrate Christmas, and nowhere does the community spirit shine brighter than at Mossman’s annual Christmas Extravaganza, where Santa will even make a grand entrance by helicopter.

Barra farm cops big fine for breaching environmental laws

The owners of a Killaloe barramundi farm during 2022-23 have been fined a total of $360,000 for unlawfully allowing the toxic substance copper sulfate to flow into two creeks…

Karen shows a way to reduce plastic waste

Regular Port Douglas resident Karen Luscombe has some real concerns about rubbish on Four Mile Beach, and ideas on how the disturbing discarded plastics might be able to be reduced. Here’s her letter to the editor.

Port Douglas golfer now has three aces up his sleeve

Most golfers dream of hitting a hole-in-one, but one Port Douglas player this month landed his third.

PICTURE GALLERY: Out and about in Douglas Shire pubs

Travellers and locals were out and about last week in the pubs and restaurants across Douglas Shire, including Paddy’s Irish Pub and Grill and the Central Hotel.

Business of the day


Food Gardening at Circle of Plenty Community Garden

Date: Tuesday 25 November 2025

Time: 7.15am - 9 am

Location: Circle of Plenty, Mossman Botanic Garden, Foxten Ave close to C&K Kindergarten


Bingo

Date: Thursday 27 November 2025

Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Location: Club Mossman


DOG THEMED TRIVIA NIGHT!

Date: Friday 28 November 2025

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Ellis Beach Bar & Grill


Rockin' Rick Karaoke

Date: Friday 28 November 2025

Time: 7:30pm - 10:30pm

Location: Club Mossman

REGULATED DOGS INSPECTION PROGRAM

Council will be conducting a regulated dogs inspection program from November through to May 31st 2026. This applies only to dogs subject to a regulation under the Animal Management (Cat and Dogs) Act 2008.

Please contact Council for further information.

Phone: 07 4099 9444 Email: [email protected]

Full-Time Landscape Gardener

Are you the perfect fit for this role?

This opportunity is ideal for you if:

  • You are an Australian resident.

  • You have a passion for maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces, are physically fit, eager to learn, and enjoy hard work followed by time off for your favorite activities.

  • You love the outdoors and prefer weekends free for camping, fishing, and exploring what this region has to offer.

About Us: Green Leaf Garden Management has been a trusted name in the Douglas Shire for 20 years. During this time, we have established strong relationships with clients across various sectors, including residential, commercial, body corporate, resorts, and local and state government.

We specialize in landscaping, landscape maintenance, irrigation design, installation, and repair. Our commitment to high-quality work, innovative solutions, and exceptional customer service sets us apart.

What We’re Looking For: We are seeking a motivated new team member to join our landscape maintenance crew. While experience is beneficial, the right attitude and compatibility with our existing team are essential.

This role will involve collaborating with our landscape maintenance team on various tasks, as highlighted above.

Experience or qualifications in horticulture and landscape maintenance are advantageous, but we prioritize cultural fit, emphasizing:

  • A willingness to learn and adapt

  • Open and honest communication

  • Excellent customer service skills

  • Team-oriented mindset

  • Ability to work hard outdoors

  • Accountability for completing tasks

  • Alignment with the qualities that don’t require talent (Google it for more insight)

Where You’ll Work: Right here in the stunning Port Douglas area, based in Craiglie, serving the entire Douglas Shire.

Why Join Us?

  • Access to the right equipment and tools for effective work

  • Enjoy a variety of tasks and work sites each day

  • Be part of a professional team that shares a passion for the outdoors

  • Opportunities for TAFE training

  • Onsite training and support provided

  • Potential to earn more as you progress

  • Join a well-established local company

  • Enjoy a Monday to Friday work schedule with weekends off.

Interested? Please send a cover letter detailing why you would be an excellent fit for this position to [email protected].

TUCKSHOP CONVENOR

Tuckshop Convenor for a school community focused P&C.

Position: Tuckshop Convenor Location: Mossman State High School, 46-62 Front Street, Mossman QLD 4873 Relevant Award: Parents’ and Citizens’ Associations Award – State 2016 (Award) Nature of position: Full-Time Retail Manager (dependent upon qualifications) under the Retail Operations Stream of the Award. Hourly rate of pay: In accordance with the Award, this position is remunerated on a sliding scale of $27 - $29 per hour, depending on experience and capability. Ordinary hours: Full-time hours, Monday to Friday, worked during school term-time.

Mossman State High School Parents & Citizens' Association (P&C) is a community-minded organisation dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for Mossman State High School’s students. We are looking at employing a highly engaged and organised Tuckshop Convenor to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the P&C’s tuckshop. You will benefit from a rewarding interaction with staff, volunteers, and parents, whilst also collaborating with the wider school community. This opportunity is ideal for someone with a strong business acumen wanting to assist a school community.

The Tuckshop Convenor is responsible for the efficient and professional operation of the tuckshop including financial and operational management. You will be required to assist, direct and support tuckshop shop workers and volunteers. Your duties and required skills as Tuckshop Convenor will include but will not be limited to the following:

Planning • Ensuring adequate equipment is available and operational for providing tuckshop services; • Establishing a menu of goods for sale that provides variety and will attract students, teachers and visitors to purchase from the tuckshop; • Assisting with budget development; • Taking all reasonable steps to ensure that the tuckshop does not operate at a loss; • Assisting in the recruitment and selection of lower classified employees and/or volunteers; and • Liaising with parents, students, volunteers and other community stakeholders.

Organising and Coordinating • Planning and selecting appropriate equipment, services, techniques and work organisation for yourself and others; • Preparing rosters and breaks and attracting volunteers; • Ordering stock and maintaining stock levels; • Being responsible for invoicing, billing, and charging; • Maintaining correct records; • Providing advice to the P&C’s Executive Committee on the running of the business operation; and • Ensuring food is ready for service at particular times.

Monitoring • Ensuring that the tuckshop operates in a safe and hygienic environment and that good quality food is prepared and served each day in a consistent manner; • Overseeing everyday workplace health and safety practices and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures; • Supervising employees at lower levels including training, coordinating work flows, checking progress and resolving problems; • Ensuring all staff and volunteers comply with all relevant policies and procedures; and • Checking or otherwise dealing with records, writing, correspondence, books, accounts and liaising with volunteers.

To be successful in this role you will possess: • A current Blue Card and an ability to work around children; • Relevant qualifications and/or experience relating to the position; • An understanding of food handling procedures and the Smart Choices strategy; • An ability to supervise and coordinate others in a friendly and professional manner; • Basic financial management skills; • Excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills; • An ability to prioritise tasks, and use knowledge and initiative to problem solve; and • A commitment to service and performance excellence.

If you hold these skills and are looking for a rewarding role within a great school, please send your CV, as well as a cover letter addressing why you would be suitable for the role to Veronica Reynolds at [email protected] by 10am Thursday 4th December 2025.

Author Talk
Join us for a fantastic Saturday morning at Mossman Library 29th November 10:00am

We’re thrilled to host the amazing and fabulous Sam Woodgarth, who will be interviewed about her exciting new book, Children of Solra.

Come along, meet Sam, and dive into the dark underbelly of a Golden Theocracy. A gripping tale of belief, rebellion, and the quest for truth in a world where nothing is as it seems.

COMMUNITYT MOVIE NIGHT - “How To Train Your Dragon” (2025)
• When: Friday, November 28 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Where: Dixie Park, Port Douglas
• Details: Join us for a free screening of How To Train Your Dragon (2025). Bring your own chairs or picnic mats. Popcorn and drinks will be available for purchase. This is a collaboration with Douglas Shire Council.