Weekend Edition

Ashton storms the internet with lightning footage

Blink or you’ll miss it... but Quicksilver skipper Ashton Davenport didn’t blink and didn’t miss a spectacular lightning display from his Wonga Beach vantage point on New Year’s Day, capturing it for it to be shared with tens of thousands of keen weather enthusiasts.

WATCH THE VIDEO: Car swept into floodwaters at Laura River

Swollen rivers and ongoing isolated showers have helped cause several incidents in the region across the past 48 hours involving vehicles trapped in flood waters - and more monsoonal rain is expected later in the week.

Mossman childcare centre staying shut for at least another month

Mossman’s Goodstart childcare centre will remain closed until at least February despite assurances from the owners in November that it would be reopening at the start of this week.

Housing estate plan for former luxury resort site

About 40 new homes will be built on the former $300m luxury Fairmont Resort site on Port Douglas Road if plans submitted to Douglas Shire Council late last month are approved for a new estate called “Sanctuary Greens”.

Rajwinder Singh appealing murder life sentence

Rajwinder Singh has filed an appeal against his conviction for the murder of Toyah Cordingley at Wangetti Beach.

Acclaimed Indigenous chef to bring world-class cuisine to Port Douglas this month

This month, Port Douglas food lovers have a rare chance to experience a taste of Berowra Waters Inn as head chef Jack Brown joins Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort for two exclusive events.

Business of the day

Upcoming Events

Positions Vacant

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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