Weekend Edition

'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”.

Childcare shutdown only temporary - centre management

The Mossman Goodstart childcare centre near Club Mossman will be closed for the rest of the year, but will reopen in early January, according to centre owners.

WATCH THE VIDEO: Mr casual crocodile filmed relaxing at Oak Beach

A large crocodile has been filmed playing in the shoreline waves at Oak Beach by a Douglas Shire local.

Sailaway sells to Journey Beyond in great deal for Port Douglas

In what is a celebration of commitment to Far North Queensland tourism and a huge success story, Sailaway Port Douglas founders Steve and Katrina Edmondson have revealed the sale of the operations to Australian adventure tourism leader Journey Beyond.

Captain Cook night works start date announced

The start date for night closures of Captain Cook Highway for up to half an hour at a time has been confirmed by the State Government Transport and Main Roads Department (TMR).

Douglas Shire set to outshine the North Pole with Christmas lights

After last year’s stunning displays lit up streets and brought the community together, the Douglas Shire Christmas Light Competition, organised by Raine & Horne, is back for its third year.

Business of the day

Upcoming Events

Positions Vacant

CASUAL ON-CALL TRANSFER STAFF

Community Funerals is seeking staff to be available on weeknights (4pm-8am) and at weekends (24hrs) to assist with the transfer of deceased persons. Full training will be provided.

Staff are rostered on-call one week in three and can usually fit this work around a regular weekday job. You will be paid a daily on-call allowance and a generous $300.00 minimum call out payment. The applicant needs to have a full drivers licence, be well groomed, ability to work as part of a team, maintain confidentiality, physical fitness, willingness to work outside regular business hours and a compassionate and caring attitude.

If you are interested please email [email protected] detailing your work background, any relevant experience and any questions. Initial enquires by email only please.

TUCKSHOP ASSISTANT
Tuckshop Assistant for a school community focused P&C.

Position: Tuckshop Assistant 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: Casual Retail Assistant under the Retail Operations Stream of the Award. Hourly rate of pay: Hourly rate of pay in accordance with the Award, the hourly rate for this position is $34–$36 per hour, depending on experience. Hours: Casual hours during Term-Time

Mossman State High School Parents & Citizens' Association (P&C) is a community-minded organisation dedicated to families, schools and the community working in partnerships to ensure positive educational, emotional and social outcomes for Mossman State High School’s students. We are looking at employing a highly engaged and organised Tuckshop Assistant to provide assistance in the tuckshop under the direction of the Tuckshop Convenor. In this position 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.

Your duties and required skills as Tuckshop Assistant will include but will not be limited to the following: • Checking and recording deliveries; • Checking temperatures; • Serving customers; • Contributing to the review of new food products and assisting in the implementation of any special tuckshop project; • Counting, rotating and storing stock; • Basic cleaning duties; • Cash handling; and • Assisting volunteers when required.

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; • 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.

Community Notices

CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA
• When: Friday, December 5 | 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM
• Where: Mossman Showgrounds
• Details: Celebrate the season with local entertainers, fun competitions, Christmas stalls, carols, food, amusements, and more.
Santa will be flying in at 5:00 PM, there’ll be free Santa photos, and fireworks at 8:15 PM to cap off the night! This is a collaboration with Douglas Shire Council and The Tin Shed.

Need a lift? Facing transport challenges?

Our Community Transport Service is here to help!

Where can we take you? We offer transport outside of Port Douglas, including destinations across the wider Douglas Shire and Cairns.

Cost: Our service is FREE, though gold coin donations are always appreciated to help keep this community initiative running.

Ready to book your ride? Call us on 4099 5518 or email [email protected]

Please make sure to book at least 24 hours in advance.

Note: Transport is only available for trips outside Port Douglas.

Helping our community stay connected, one trip at a time!

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