Pyramid Views January 2017

EDITION 12, JANUARY 2018
CAROLS IN THE PARK
PALLETS PAY OFF
Gordonvale State High School entered
projects into the Cairns Base Hospital
fundraiser “Power of Pallet” auction
which happened recently.
Working in the Intad workshops,
the students did a fantastic job and
spent an enormous amount of time
salvaging timber from the pallets and
building. They created 2 projects. One
was a “rocking motorbike”. The other
was an “Adirondack chair”. Ninety
lunch hours and three after school
1.5 hr sessions paid off. They were all
super excited with the outcome.
ALL THINGS OLD -
NEW AGAIN
After many years of demanding occupations
including prison officer, immigration officer
on Manus Island, emergency medical
dispatcher, probation officer, and a security
manager for the G20 in Brisbane, Karen
Wells chose to create upcycled items to
slow down, relax and recharge. Initially this
was a hobby to create items for her own
home, her family and her friends. This did
not last long with Karen’s creations being
sought after and she soon got a good client
base.
Tracy and Chanel Pearmine
This year’s Carols in the Park again
delighted a huge crowd of young and
old, with entertainment including Bob
Rossi Dancers, St Michael’s School
Choir; and Soul Song. Santa Claus
dropped in and had the attention of
all the children. Families were able to
sit back, relax, singalong, dine on hot
food and sweets; and just enjoy the
laid back atmosphere. Children were
climbing trees, singing, dancing and
playing chasey. Good old fashioned
fun!
Gordonvale Chamber of Commerce
provided a great night out for families.
If you didn’t make it this year, put it in
your diary for next year.
Cheryl Larsen couldn’t believe her
luck when her name was drawn out
for the $1000 random draw. Would
you believe Cheryl won it last year too!
Words and photo by Sandra Charlton
The money raised is unbelievable as
the bike raised $1000 and the chair
raised $650. You might have seen our
projects and others at the Tanks Art
display. We even had a slot on the
local channel 7 news showcasing the
rocking bike and 2 of the students.
We’re stoked with the outcome and
glad we could help a worthwhile
cause.
Students were Yr11 Bradley Lodder, Yr9’s Alexandra
and Jasmine Frangos, Liliana Musumeci and Kristine
Castro
Words and photo by Kevin Dilger
Karen Wells
Karen has been working from a studio in her
garage until recently shifting into the space
in 2/74 Norman Street. All the items in
Karen’s shop have been created, upcycled,
repurposed and reloved by Karen.
Karen’s shop is also unique in that it is the
only stockist in Cairns of Canterbury Blue
chalk paint. Karen will also be stocking
other paint essentials and plans to offer
painting workshops for adults and children
to create their own pieces and learn different
techniques.
Opening hours for ALL THINGS OLD -NEW
AGAIN are Wednesday – Friday 8.30 am –
2.30pm and Saturday 8.30 am – 12.30 pm
(will be open market hours the weekends
that the markets are on).
Karen also has a Facebook page where her
creations can be viewed.
Words and photo by Sandra Charlton

Kat & Tim’s
Pizzeria
Gordonvale
Delivery
Service
Available
Ph: 40566224
Your Lending Specialist.
Greg Hendy 0403 172 807
greg.hendy@bendigoadelaide.com.au
bendigobank.com.au
1113456-Babinda CB-Lending Specialist Press ad UPDATE.indd 1
5/12/2017 9:25 AM
Page 2 - PYRAMID VIEWS, JANUARY 2017 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

ABOUT THE EDITOR
KA shared a little bit about herself last
edition, it’s my turn this edition.
I was born in the Gordonvale Hospital
and went to school in Gordonvale. I
studied Human Movement Studies at the
University of Queensland and a Graduate
Diploma of Education in Toowoomba.
I have had several different roles in
Education Queensland including HPE
Teacher, Outdoor Education Advisory
Teacher, Outward Bound Instructor,
Environmental Education Teacher
and Facilitator for Gifted and Talented
Education (Environmental Sustainability)
Programs. I currently work from
Gordonvale State School, Holloways
Beach Environmental Education Centre
and Tinaroo Environmental Education
Centre. Tuesday is my day off when I
predominantly do work on the Pyramid
Views and catching up on yard and house
work.
I have two children. My son Steve is in his
final year of Economics at the University
of Queensland and my daughter Kate
has just finished year 12 and uncertain of
what path she will take at the moment.
I love the outdoors and my favourite past
times include bushwalking; paddling the
Mulgrave, Little Mulgrave and Behana;
road and mountain bike riding.
I have had no experience or training
in putting together or writing for a
community newspaper but I do have a
yearning to connect with and connect
our community. Pyramid Views satisfies
that yearning. It consumes a lot of my
time but it is very interesting and I enjoy
talking to people learning more about our
community. It has been a steep learning
curve and I am appreciative of Kerry Ann’s
assistance; the contribution of stories and
columns from members of our community
and our advertisers. Thank you.
SR PEST
CONTROL
QBCC: 15006342
Gordonvale family owned and operated
PEST AND TERMITE MANAGEMENT
Phone Ben Rains on 0477 007 601
www.srpestcontrolcairns.com.au
E: srpestcontrol@outlook.com
Safe Pest Solutions
Domestic, Industrial & Commercial
Words by Sandra Charlton
The Pyramid Views does not accept any liabilities
for any errors or omissions contained in articles,
statements, opinions or advertisements published
herein.
The views expressed in Pyramid Views are not
necessarily the views of the editor or publisher
Page 3 - PYRAMID VIEWS, JANUARY 2017 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

PYRAMID PROFILE with CHARLEE ROSE PARON
- Certificate of Community Service
- Australian Defence Force Long Tan
Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award
- Caltex All Rounder Award
- Des Trannore Memorial Prize for
Citizenship
YARRIE YARNS
with Shatner
I first became aware of Charlee Rose’s
exceptional organisational and leadership
talents through the Great Pyramid
Race and Country Fair committee. As
the Entertainment and Stage Manager,
Charlee Rose basically single handily coordinated
all the entertainment in Norman
Park for the event. I can’t imagine the
time and logistics it would take to sort
the program; and recruit and confirm
the entertainment. What makes it even
more exceptional is that Charlee Rose
had this role when she was in Year 9, 10
and 11, giving it up then to focus on her
studies at Gordonvale State High School.
Her efficiency and maturity stood out in
a group of seasoned volunteers in the
Pyramid Race committee. Charlee Rose
was simply amazing.
Charlee Rose’s community involvement
doesn’t stop there. It also includes
volunteering at the RSL on ANZAC Day
from Year 8; volunteering as a leagusafe
at Southern Suburbs Junior Rugby
League; Lions Youth of the Year- winner
club final; Rostrum Voice of Youth;
coaching students in public speaking;
and team captain for Relay for Life.
Charlee Rose was a Year level
representative from Years 9-11 and
was a school captain in 2017. She has
captained the school’s debating team;
secretary for the Rotary sponsored
Interact Club; represented Gordonvale
State High School at a Legal Studies
convention and represented her school
at ANZAC Day ceremonies.
At the end of Year 12, Charlee Rose
was recognised for her contribution and
achievements through being awarded:
-The Order of Australia Association
Secondary School’s Citizenship Award
Charlee Rose’s dedication to her
community is outstanding for someone
so young. She acknowledges with a deep
sense of appreciation the mentoring,
guidance and support provided by her
parents, teachers and friends.
Inspiration for Charlee Rose’s drive has
“come from seeing how many terrible
things happen in our world. It is more
often than not a terrible place, but I want
to be a light that reminds people that
there are good people out there.”
Charlee Rose manages to find some time
to squeeze in hobbies. She loves reading
and writing, especially poetry, publishing
two pieces. Baking and cooking rate
highly too, striving to be as good as her
Nan.
What does the future hold for Charlee
Rose? While working at a pharmacy
in Stockland, she will complete her
Certificate 3 in Community Pharmacy
and a university bridging course. In 2019,
Charlee Rose plans to move to Townsville
to complete her Pharmacy Degree. Once
completing her degree, Charlee Rose
hopes to work as a locum pharmacist all
over the country.
Charlee Rose, it will be intriguing to
follow your journey. May all your dreams
and wishes come true.
Words by Sandra Charlton Photo by John Kennedy
“I like lot of things about Yarrabah,
especially hunting. Hunting and gathering
and crabbing and all these sorts of things.
Getting food for the family. Some spots
are private and some are for everyone.
Just 200m up the road, in the mangrove
there near the creek there. There is good
fishing and crabbing there. You can get
oysters and mussels as well.”
“We have sacred sites here, healing water
places like King Beach. We have rock art
painting and there’s some stories about
the rock around the Point there and the
footprint in the rock. Years ago when it
was soft over there, an old fella left his
dingy, spear and stingray on the mudflats
out, now its engraved in the stone there.
That’s one of our stories from legend.”
Yarrie Yarns is a project promoting positive
posting on social media with the catch phrase
“Post Positive” It is a community involved
project where members of Yarrabah tell their
stories (in their words and views) about life in the
community.
Page 4 - PYRAMID VIEWS, JANUARY 2017 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

IN THE GARDEN
with Carolyn and Barry Emslie
Windlass St, Gordonvale
Bees, butterflies, birds, bandicoots and
the resident pale-faced whip snake all
call our garden home. When the Gove
Gums (Eucalyptus ptychocarpa) are in
flower, usually around January, there are
flocks of screeching lorikeets feasting
on the pink blossoms and hundreds of
insects crawling on the trunks. The nuts
from these trees were the inspiration for
“The Gum Nut Babies”, a children’s book
written by May Gibbs
We established our 1 acre block in 2006
when we had it benched so that we had
some areas of flat land. Then we put 200
cubic metres of mulch on it to retain the
banks and to stop the soil eroding during
the wet season. Then we started planting.
We have quite a few natives growing
in our garden including Callistemons,
Flame Trees, Rainbow Gums, Golden
Pendas and Evodias which attract
sunbirds, butcher birds, leather necks,
peewees, Torres Strait pigeons and willy
wagtails . Evodias in flower provide
food for the Ulysses butterfly and the
native Dutchman’s Pipe Vine, which is
growing up our Poinciana tree, is host to
the Cairns Birdwing butterfly. This year
we were lucky enough to have a pair of
Double-Eyed Fig Parrots nesting in our
Poinciana tree. These birds are very shy
and are the smallest of the parrot family
living in Australia
In August and September our Flame of
the Forest vine (Mucuna bennetti) native
to New Guinea, fills the back garden with
a spectacular display of pendulous red
bracts which drape the tree branches
like a flaming red necklace. We have only
ever had one large seed in eleven years
from this vine, making it quite difficult to
propagate.
In 2013 we were thrilled to win the Seniors
Garden Competition for Best Native
Garden.
We enjoy our garden and can usually
be found planting, trimming, mulching,
weeding and creating somewhere in the
yard. Gardening is good for the soul.
TASTE BUDDIES
with Joy Laird
Joy’s wonderful
Mango Fruitcake
Recipe.
Ingredients
• 425 g canned mango in syrup
• 500 g mixed dried fruit
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1 1/2 cup self-raising flour
• 2 egg lightly beaten
Method
• 1 Grease a 15 cm x 25 cm loaf pan and
line base and sides with baking paper.
• 2 Combine the undrained mango slices,
mixed dried fruit and water in a large pan.
• 3 Bring to boil and simmer, uncovered, for
1 minute. Allow to cool.
• 4 Stir in eggs and combined sifted
bicarbonate of soda and flour.
• 5 Mix well and pour mixture into prepared
pan.
• 6 Cook in a moderately slow oven, about
160C for 1 hour or until cooked.
• 7 Cool cake in pan
Joy Laird Photo by Lynda Gregg
REAL ESTATE MATTERS
with Robyn Hawley-Whitton
Are We There Yet?
This is one of the questions I get asked
most. It is always difficult to know if the
market is going up or down or is just
marking time.
According to Rick Carr from Herron Todd
White, Cairns remains very much in a
‘steady state’ position/starting to recover.
We have been sitting here for many months
now however there is great optimism in the
continued growth of the Cairns Region in
2018. Analysis shows that median house
prices overall in the Cairns Region are
moving slightly downwards, along with
units however land is rising due to a lack
of supply.
Every suburb has different statistics with
the average house median for Gordonvale
at $327,500, up 0.38% on last year.
Written by Robyn Hawley-Whitton from
Cairns Property Office South
Words by Carolyn and Barry Emslie
Page 5 - PYRAMID VIEWS, JANUARY 2017 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

RIVER STORIES
King Log
Lillian Giacomi recalls the fun they had in
the 1950’s playing on King Log.
A huge tree that washed down the river
during a flood was lodged for years in
the river adjacent the church. The tree
became affectionately known as King
Log. The kids would swim out and climb
on King Log; the challenge was to become
the King of the log. The King defended
the log by pushing challengers into the
river. The tree disappeared after another
big weather event. Unlike the older boys,
Lillian was only ever allowed to play in the
river when supervised.
Behana
The upper reaches of Behana was once
known as Tringilburra
Lillian Giacomi told of the indigenous
people referring to the upper Behana
Creek as Tringilburra, meaning Sparkling
Water. One clear morning whilst delivering
breakfast to her husband the sparkling
ripples in Behana creek just above their
causeway crossing caught Lillian’s
attention. Lillian stopped on the crossing,
captivated by the sparkling water. She has
only witnessed this unusually beautiful
play of light on the rippling water a couple
of times. She thought the name meaning
sparkling water most apt.
Big Flood
Joy Laird (nee Rasmussen) was living on
Lewis Road, Deeral, approx. 1km from
the Mulgrave River. A big weather event
flooded the Mulgrave; the swollen river
reached the back of the Lairds’s house.
The pulsing water rising rapidly at the front
of the house from the opposite direction
confused the Lairds’s. Fig Tree Creek had
broken its banks and was lapping the front
porch. Fig Tree Creek did subside and the
Lairds avoided evacuation
Words and photo by Lynda Gregg
MELSONROCK
LOCAL COUPLE ARE
THE NEW OWNERS AT
MELSONROCK
Gordonvale couple, Sekti and Jason
Curmi are the new owners of Melsonrock
Nursery at White Rock. Sekti and Jason
literally live and breathe plants. This
venture is not a surprise to those who
know them, given their involvement in
everything green already. Their yard on
Cairns Road effectively uses space to
grow food whilst at the same time making
it pleasing to the eye.
Prior to purchasing Melsonrock, Sekti
worked there for 14 years. She has
completed a Bachelor of Science with
honours majoring in agronomy; and has
worked in landscaping and horticulture
industries before getting married. Sekti
has won many awards through the
horticulture section of the Cairns Show
Association for several years and is a
member of the Far North Floral Art and
Designer Society.
Wartime memories
A young Joy Laird (nee Rasmussen) and
her family were holidaying at Russell
Heads. The bombing in the Coral Sea
could be heard and flashes of light seen
on the horizon. The residents gathered
on the beach to witness the event. Joy
said the bombing could be heard during
the night as she tried to sleep. Joy was
frightened; she remembers her Mother’s
unsuccessful pleas to her Dad Peter to
return to Deeral.
Later on the American soldiers landed
on the beach at Russell Heads, they
were warmly welcomed by the locals and
treated to a big BBQ.
Joy’s father was in charge of monitoring
the river traffic, by recording the movement
of the boats. The threat of the Japanese
entering the river was taken seriously and
boats were moved upstream and moored
in Gallett lagoon.
NURSERY ABN: 31 283 064 870
Ask The Experts…
Sekti and Jason Curmi
Plants for all situations
and FREE garden advice
10-14 Burnett Street,
White Rock,
Cairns, Qld 4868
PHONE:
(07) 4036 1377
EMAIL:
melsonrocknursery1@yahoo.com
TRADING HOURS:
Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 2 pm
Sunday, 9 am to 12 noon
Page 6 - PYRAMID VIEWS, JANUARY 2018 “Celebrating and connecting our community”
Jason, does not have the formal
training that Sekti has, however TAFE
qualifications in horticulture have
complemented his passion for plants
with his involvement in Gordonvale State
School’s Excelsior Program as an advisor
contributing to the school winning a State
Landcare Award and being a finalist in the
National Landcare Awards.
Sekti and Jason plan to expand the
variety of plants at Melsonrock including
natives and ornamentals. The range of
fruit trees, herbs and medicine plants has
been increased already since they took it
over. Sustainable gardening is a particular
interest of theirs and they will be assisting
the Gordonvale Community Garden
where they can. Drop in, have a look and
mention you are from Gordonvale- they
would love to chat to you.
Photo and Words by Sandra Charlton

The Frankland islands reef cruises vessel
was damaged by vandals at the end of
November. This major set back for the
new owners of the company has not been
enough to stop them from operating and
they have secured a charter vessel to
use in the interim until a new boat can be
located. Their tours will still offer all the
fabulous activities including snorkelling,
diving, semi-submersible tours, island walk
tours, kayaks, paddleboards, morning and
afternoon tea as well as the superb tropical
buffet lunch on the beach. And of course
their friendly, expert crew are still onboard
to show you the best the Great Barrier Reef
has to offer. They are open for business and
look forward to hosting our readers and their
families and friends on their tour during the
holiday season and beyond!
Internationally known Maths
specialist accepting new
students for tutoring.
Year 7 through University
level. Has taught teachers
how to teach maths. 1st
session free. Call Alexander
Firestone
0409067300 for appointment
Page 7- PYRAMID VIEWS, JANUARY 2017 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

STREETS AHEAD
Charlton Street
Eric Charlton was born in Brisbane in 1928.
After studying Dentistry at University of
Queensland he accepted a position of
Flying Dentist attached to the Cairns Base
Hospital. In 1952, Eric set up a dentistry
practice at 68 Norman Street in Gordonvale.
His wife, Janice assisted with the practice
and it became a thriving concern. They had
twin daughters, Barbara and Sandra, born
in 1964.
Eric was also a cattle grazier with cattle kept
at the island upstream from Blackwell’s Hole
and at Kearney’s flats, Goldsborough.
Eric’s contribution to the community
included: President of the Gordonvale
Sub branch of the North Queensland
Society for Crippled Children; President of
Gordonvale Apex Club- honoured with a life
membership; Pyramid/Highleigh Masonic
Lodge; Gordonvale Red Cross; and Civilian
Widows.
Eric was a natural sportsman and
represented in gymnastics and athletics
during school and university. Whilst
living in Gordonvale, his contribution to
sport included: founding member of the
Gordonvale Judo Club; founding member
of Pyramid Polocrosse Club; President of
the Gordonvale Turf Club; founding member
of the Gordonvale Equestrian Association
; Apex Pyramid Race; and Gordonvale,
Cairns and Edmonton Squash Clubs.
Eric was a keen tennis and table tennis
player; homing pigeon racer and participated
in endurance racing on his chestnut brumby.
Riding and opening bush tracks was a
favourite past time of his up until he died.
Eric did not conform to societal norms.
Many locals may have memories of him as a
dentist in his later years with his long beard,
long hair tied up into a pony tail and wearing
just thongs to treat patients in his practice at
the front of his house.
He died in 1995 from a heart attack playing
competition squash.
Pictured is one of Eric’s twin daughter’s
Sandra with her children, Kate and Steve.
Sues Street
Named after Ernie Sues, who was born in
1876 and arrived in the Mulgrave district in
1891 at the age of 15. He first worked as
a stockman on a cattle farm at Aloomba.
At Aloomba he also ferried people across
the Mulgrave River for nine months of each
year before there were any bridges. He
then obtained work in Cairns as a butcher,
worked at a dairy, helped loading goods
with the packers to and from the Herberton
and Chillagoe tin mines and worked on the
Palmer River goldfields as well.
He married Kate Fury an Irish lass in 1900 at
St Monica’s Cathedral and had six children.
They unfortunately lost a daughter at the
tender age of two years. Ernie eventually
started butchering for John Gordon (who
Gordonvale is named after) and held this
job for 25 years. These were times of no
refrigeration and the butcher shop had to be
kept open until 8pm 6 days a week and until
noon on Sunday.
The long hours of very little pay and what
he was able to achieve, definitely showed
resourcefulness of not only him, but the
other pioneers. He left the butcher shop
once he could afford his own cane farm in
1926 and it was not uncommon for him to
work 19 hour days and there he settled with
his wife Kate and family. In the early part of
last century, during a terrible flood, Ernie
had to take his wife and children from their
home to shelter in a ship’s tank in the buggy
shed. One side of the shed was swept away
and they remained in the tank till the next
morning. Luckily their home was intact, but
occupied by their neighbours, who thought
the Sues home was more secure than their
own
Pictured are brothers Barry and Ernie Sues
(Junior). Grandsons of Ernie Sues. (Senior)
Words and photo by Julie Amadio
Mulgrave Historical Society
Words by Sandra Charlton Photo by Julie
Amadio
Page 8 - PYRAMID VIEWS, JANUARY 2017 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

SCENE OUT
Capturing our community members out and about in Gordonvale and surrounds. To be featured in Scene Out, text us a photo with names,
location and the photographer 0438563176
Clint Morecom street sweeping - Gordonvale
Roz Boreham, Susanna Job and Judy Tyson
at Susanna’s art exhibition - Little Mulgrave
Ian Abernathy and Kay Graham at
treeplanting - Parisi’s Farm
here’s why we are
simply the best ChoiCe...
• Small class sizes
• Unbeatable teacher to student
ratio
• Full door-to-door bus service
• Family-style caring school
environment
ContaCt us
for a College tour
42 Crossland Road, Gordonvale QLD 4865
P (07) 4056 6144 E secretary@cas.qld.edu.au
www.cas.qld.edu.au
Page 9- PYRAMID VIEWS, JANUARY 2017 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

ANIMAL ANTICS
With Steph Williams BVS MANZCVS
NORTH QUEENSLAND EQUINE CLINIC
Perhaps some of you reading this were lucky
enough to welcome a new dog or puppy
into your family over the festive season. If
so we hope this article today will give you
a few tips on how to keep your four-legged
family member happy and stimulated for
the rest of its life with you.
Dogs need physical exercise. It seems a
no brainer and yet often we fall short of
providing the essential amount of exercise
for our dogs. Once they are up to date with
their vaccinations and you have some basic
on-lead control established, taking your
dog for a walk or run every day as well has
having some interactive play time is a must.
This is essential for developing a good
relationship with your dog, it provides some
routine and keeps them physically fit too.
Environment enrichment is also important
for keeping your dog mentally stimulated.
Some breeds will outrun you 10 times over
no matter how fit you are. So, it is essential
to also include some activities that will
get them thinking and ensure they don’t
become destructive or develop other bad
behaviours.
One of my personal favourites, particularly
in the hot summer months in FNQ is
making up some “Doggie-popsicles”.
Using recycled take away containers I add
in some cooked rice, some mince (beef,
chicken, lamb or roo), cut up veggies like
pumpkin and carrot and then top it up with
water. These are cheap to make and my
dogs LOVE licking and chewing at these
and keeping cool.
unwanted holes in your lawn!
Remember to praise them for good
behaviour. When your dog rests and
behaves calm manner, reward this, even
just with a verbal cue like “Good boy/girl”.
It’s easy to get caught up in only punishing
excitable behaviour, but we often forget
the importance of rewarding this good
behaviour.
Remember, bad dogs are only bad because
they haven’t been educated, socialised,
exercised and mentally stimulated. By
putting a little effort in there is so much
we can do to ensure they are happy and
enriched dogs who we enjoy hanging out
with.
Words and photo by Steph Williams
There are also some wonderful products
on the market that help relieve boredom.
These include activity mats where you can
hide treats, super tough toys and treat balls
which allow dogs to chew to their hearts
content (some brands include Kong and
Buster). Making a sandpit for your dog to
dig in is also a fantastic way of avoiding
Page 10 - PYRAMID VIEWS, JANUARY 2017 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

Page 11 - PYRAMID VIEWS, JANUARY 2017 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

2/58 Norman St, GORDONVALE
Committed To Locals! Get The Results You Deserve!
JORDAN ROOKE | 0423 602 081
Sales Associate | jordan.rooke@raywhite.com
Ray White Cairns Central
Heritage Brady Funeral Directors
70 - 76 Maher Road
Gordonvale
Funeral Home, Crematorium, 300 Seat Chapel and Catering Facilities
Phone: 0740561627 Website: wwwheritagebradyfunerals.com.au
Locally owned and operated by the Heritage Family.
Page 12 - PYRAMID VIEWS, JANUARY 2017 “Celebrating and connecting our community”