Pyramid Views MAY

EDITION 16, MAY 2018
LOCAL LAD FIRED UP TO RETURN TO STAWELL GIFT
SNOWY SNARES SUB 13
Gordonvale cyclist and JCU academic
“Snowy” Evans recently fulfilled a life’s
dream by competing in the Peaks Cycle
Challenge at Falls Creek, Victoria. Snowy
travelled with a small band of FNQ riders
to compete in the gruelling 235km one-day
event, which is considered one of the top
endurance races on the national calendar.
23 year old Gordonvale lad, Taylor Wilkie
spent Easter not four wheel driving, fishing
or camping with his mates as you might
expect. A couple of years ago that would
have been the plan and what many young
men his age would be doing. Instead
Taylor was running in one of the world’s
oldest, richest and prestigious foot races,
the Stawell Gift. Held in the Grampian
Mountains district in regional Victoria in the
town of Stawell, the race attracts athletes
from all over the world.
Always a natural athlete and in his early
twenties with a yearning to know just how
fast he could run, Taylor got a coach and
started training. Conversations with his
Victorian grandad, an avid spectator of
the Stawell Gift sparked Taylor’s curiosity
leading him to train for the event.
The main race is run over a 120 metre grass
track with ropes separating the lanes. It is a
handicapped race with the goal being that
all sprinters theoretically cross the finish line
at the same time. As Taylor was new to the
sport he started from the ‘novice’ handicap
which is a carefully calculated placing
according to previous run times and level of
experience which put him somewhere in the
middle of the field.
Taylor Wilkie training at Djarragun College
Starting 15 months ago Taylor trained 5
days a week- 3 days a week at track and
2 days at the gym. Stationary jumps over
1m hurdles, sprints and deadlifts of 220kg
prepared Taylor for the event. He was in bed
early, drank no alcohol and had a healthy
diet without any junk food. Everything Taylor
did was solely to increase his sprinting
speed. His friends were glad…they always
had a designated driver.
Taylor was happy with his result and
although he did not make the finals of the
Stawell Gift he is determined to come back
fitter and faster next year. He understands
the importance of experience in an event
like this and to better prepare himself for
next year he will enter similar events giving
him a more accurate handicap.
Words by Sandra Charlton
Photo by Nicolas Jaegergaard
If you would like to advertise or contribute to
a story please contact us
pyramidviewseditorial@gmail.com
The Pyramid Views does not accept any liabilities
for any errors or omissions contained in articles,
statements, opinions or advertisements published
herein. The views and opinions expressed in
Pyramid Views are those of the author/s and do
not necessarily reflect the editor or publishers.
Preparation for the ride began last October,
with Snowy and friends training 6 days per
week, in all conditions. Strict nutritional
intake and cross-training were incorporated
into their program. They sacrificed early
mornings and weekends, riding the
steepest roads in our region, in preparation
for more than 4000m of climbing required
on race day. The goal of all 1400 competing
riders was to come in under the finishing
banner within 13 hours, thereby snaring the
coveted “sub-13” commemorative jersey.
Tales of dejected riders missing the mark by
minutes are part of Peaks folklore.
Snowy was thrilled to report that all of
the local riders had come home under
the benchmark time. She paid tribute to
Mr Sean McGuinness for organising and
leading their tight-knit group. For the record,
Snowy completed the ride in 11:55:02.
Words by Mark Matthews Photo by Bicycle Network

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
QBCC # 1247160
KcA
FNQ
CONSTRUCTIONS
Your Lending Specialist.
Constructing dreams!
• new homes • extensions • renovations • remote work
www.kcaconstructions.com.au Phone Kane today on 0409 574 466
Greg Hendy 0403 172 807
greg.hendy@bendigoadelaide.com.au
bendigobank.com.au
Page 2 - PYRAMID VIEWS, MAY 2018 “Celebrating and connecting our community”
1113456-Babinda CB-Lending Specialist Press ad UPDATE.indd 1
5/12/2017 9:25 AM

NATE MYLES CUP
Nate Myles, NRL Champion - Gordonvale
born and bred, started his football career as
a five-year old at Alley Park, home to the
Southern Suburbs Junior Rugby League
Club.
Henry Thorpe, Player of the Final
With Tony Myles (Nate’s dad)
Nate was 16 years of age when, Lionel
Williamson an 11-game Kangaroos
representative, knew he was looking at an
NRL star in the making. This vision saw
Nate’s NRL career span 15 years, making
his debut in 2005 for the Canterbury
Bulldogs and he went on to play 233 NRL
games, 9 Tests for Australia and 32 State of
Origin matches.
Myles has forged a first-grade career on
persistence and determination, winning
two Dally M Awards and multiple medals
including the Wally Lewis Medal for best
player in a State of Origin series.
On the weekend of the 7th and 8th of April,
430 players travelled from as far south as
Mackay, to compete in what is now a key
fixture in the QRL calendar, the Nate Myles
Cup.
The NMC was established in 2013, in
honour and recognition of the football
achievements of our home-grown hero,
Nate Myles.
Nate has always been very humbled by this
honour, and when he has been available to
attend the event, is very giving of his time
making sure he meets all the players. He
proudly speaks of his time in Gordonvale as
a junior player and the life-long friendships
he has formed here.
Now in its sixth year, the 2018 NMC saw
a record number of 22 teams compete.
Mackay Magpies (junior club of Nate’s
father Tony Myles) shone with a dominant
display of football skill, to take the Cup
honours.
Southern Suburbs Junior Rugby League
Club were amazed at how well attended the
carnival was, and look forward to hosting
the event for many years to come. They
want all their junior players to aspire to
the great football achievements Nate has
accomplished, while never forgetting where
it all started.
ANZAC DAY
True community spirit was demonstrated
by the strong turn-out of residents both
at the Anzac Dawn Service and the
Commemorative march and service
conducted by the Gordonvale Sub-branch
of the RSL.
Many in our community either marched, or
congregated in and around Norman Park to
support the procession of veterans; service
men and women; and community groups
proudly marching to the piper’s band.
As always, the Gordonvale people came
together to reflect and honour past and
present members of the Australian Defence
Forces.
Words and photos by Sandra Charlton
Wayne Maitland at Dawn Service
Dave Chalk
PILATES WITH CHERYL
I have been holding a Pilates class in
Gordonvale on Wednesdays at 5:45pm
for the last two years and wish to
encourage more people in the area to try
this wonderful form of exercise.
Many benefits can be gained on lots of
levels and you will be able to fix some
of the issues your body may have by
stretching, learning about posture and
training your core.
A participant’s point of view - We start with
a roll down and work through a series of
floor stretches before moving into some
strength work. This may involve push
ups, planking, bridging, back work and
core work, which are essential to Pilates.
At the end of class, we finish with a
balance activity and a roll down for
review and always feel our muscles are
more relaxed and have released a lot of
the stress and stiffness of the day.
Come along to the Community Hub next
to the Gordonvale Library and try it out.
www.cairnspilates.net.au
0407 175 737
Cheryl Dean with Robyn John
Words by Cheryl Dean
Photo is courtesy of Dominic Chaplin
of Pine Creek Pictures
Page 3 - PYRAMID VIEWS, MAY 2018 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

WAH DAY’S CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF MARRIAGE
David and Audrey Wah Day have
been farming on Pine Creek Road at
GlenBoughton since the 1960s. Like many
cane farmers they have worked hard on
their land to support themselves and bring
up their 4 children. David and Audrey were
strong supporters of the Gordonvale State
School and High School P&C activities while
their children were at school, with Audrey
rostered on the Tuckshop and David at the
Gordonvale Pub selling Chook raffle tickets
to help raise funds for the GSHS Field Shed
(now known as the Frank Rich Hall). Now
they have grandchildren at the schools they
can be seen helping out when called on for
volunteering at fundraising activities.
The Cairns & District Chinese Association
have also benefited from their commitment
and for decades they are seen out at
Chinese New Year time with the Lions and
more recently the Dragon. This March they
celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.
It was a busy month as they also were
practising for the Festival 2018 “The
Beginnings” production. They keep
themselves busy, fit and active and
are an inspiration to their children and
grandchildren.
Words by Yvette McGrath
Kat & Tim’s
Pizzeria
Gordonvale
Delivery
Service
Available
Ph: 40566224
Page 4 - PYRAMID VIEWS, MAY 2018 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

MATCH THE FACE
COMPETITON
Businesses are invited to participate
in a fun competition to interact with
our community. If you would like to
know more please send an email to:
pyramidviewseditorial@gmail.com
Specializing in Electrical & Air Conditioning
Installations
Servicing
Gordonvale to the
Northern Beaches
“Your Local Electrician”
0400 395 689
mccosker.ace@gmail.com
ABN - 57 229 286 964
L I C - 83726
ARC - L137981
Page 5 - PYRAMID VIEWS, MAY 2018 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

IN THE GARDEN
with Kay and Allan Beven
Our tropical garden is a mix of plants from
cycads, palms, colourful crotons and
mainly desert roses, (Adenium obesium).
We started growing desert roses
approximately twenty years ago and now
it has grown into an obsession. As with
most growers, having new colours and
multi layer petals is the ultimate.
We have travelled to Bangkok and visited a
nursery where they had 101 acres of desert
roses and some of their seed pods were 15
inches long. We also visited Ho Chi Minh
in Vietnam in their New Year period, and at
the markets in a park where a lot of growers
were displaying their magnificent plants.
We found that they were all happy to part
with their knowledge and demonstrate
grafting techniques.
Firstly, we began with a variety of common
pinks and later as they became more
popular, we then started hand pollinating
to achieve different colours.
TASTE BUDDIES
with Sue Hennessy
HUMMUS
A thrifty friend gave me this recipe after I
took some shop-bought hummus to her
place to share. It is so much cheaper to
make yourself, and it’s healthier too. I
haven’t bought hummus since.
Sesame oil is a cheaper option than the
traditional tahini.
This is also my ‘go to’ recipe when I
need a quick dish to take somewhere.
1. 1 can of chick peas
2. Juice of half a lemon
3. 2 tbs Greek yoghurt
4. half a tsp cumin
5. Dash of sesame oil
6. Small clove of garlic
7. Salt
Place all ingredients into a food
processor and process until smooth.
Add a splash of olive oil if too dry.
REAL ESTATE MATTERS
with Robyn Hawley-Whitton
What Do I Do to Get the Best Price
for my Rental property?
Part 2 - Renting
• Shop around for insurance and ideally
have a company that specializes in
landlord insurance, not all policies will
cover you for loss of rent if the tenant
is suddenly unable to pay due to
circumstances beyond their control.
• Invest in professional photos to market
your investment, great shots make your
property stand out from the crowd and
will help get more applications from
quality tenants and that usually means
rented quicker, for better return.
• Finally, always communicate with
your property manager any concerns or
queries you may have. Understanding
you and your property helps us to
ensure you get the most from your
investment and keep the experience
stress free.
Allan does grafting and has achieved multi
grafting on many of the desert roses, hence
we get a variety of colours on the one plant.
I collect ripe seed pods and grow seedlings
to use for grafting when mature.
Plants from seeds are not guaranteed
to flower the same as the mother plant.
Grafting is the only method to guarantee
the same colour.
At this time of year in autumn, leaves turn
yellow and fall although there are plentiful
flowers and buds. The main flowering is
September/October. They love our tropical
weather and full sun.
Our hobby is very relaxing and satisfying
and we are always on the lookout for new
colours.
Sue Hennessy
Page 6 - PYRAMID VIEWS, MAY 2018 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

ANIMAL ANTICS
With Steph Williams BVS MANZCVS
NORTH QUEENSLAND EQUINE CLINIC
LOVE IS BLIND
Who doesn’t love a cute pug face or long
sausage dog (Dachshund) body? These
very popular breeds, along with French Bull
Dogs and British Bull Dogs have gorgeous
personalities and bring so much love and
joy to many families. However, are you
aware of the severe health conditions many
of these dogs suffer? When searching
for your new family member, I urge you
to consider the possibility of these well
documented hereditary health problems.
Over time we have selectively bred some
dogs to have shorter faces (brachycephalic
breeds). While the bone structure has
changed, the soft tissue has been
scrunched into tighter spaces. This means
some of these breeds have tiny airways in
which they are meant to be able to breath.
Every vet I know will be able to tell you
the horror stories of young and otherwise
healthy dogs being rushed in to see
them because they are suffocating. While
some of these issues can be surgically
corrected, it costs money and it may not
be something you think to budget for when
purchasing these dogs.
Other health issues that have arisen due to
selective breeding include narrow pelvises,
and broad shoulders. This has resulted in
certain breeds being unable to give birth
naturally. That means every single litter
for these pedigree dogs must be born by
caesarean section. In fact, over 80 percent
of Bulldog litters require caesarean section!
Breeds with their long backs like
Dachshunds and Corgi’s have far evolved
from their athletic and hunting ancestors.
Now we are finding these dogs are in
pain, arthritic and often suffering with
spinal disease while still only being young
adults. The only way for these backs to be
long and the legs to be short is for severe
musculoskeletal deformity. Yes, that is we
have bred deformities over and over again,
all with the aim to get a dog that looks a
certain way.
Chronic skin disease and chronic eye
ulcers, irritation or even eyes rupturing
out of their sockets are just a few of the
other known diseases these breeds suffer
from all too commonly. The Australian
Veterinary Association, together with the
RSPCA is working on a public education
campaign, Love is Blind. A whole bunch
of information can be obtained via their
website or by talking with your vet. It is
certainly worth doing your research before
you head down the path of buying one of
these breeds. That way you know what
you are in for and how to ensure your pet
doesn’t have to suffer.
Website: https://loveisblind.org.au
LIONS YOUTH QUEST
Last term I shared the pleasure with many
Lions, Lionesses, staff members, parents
and members of the wider community
of listening to four Gordonvale SHS
students professionally compete in a
public speaking contest, organised by the
Gordonvale Lions Club. The chairperson
was our very own past student and past
contender in the Lions Quest, Ms Charlee-
Rose Paron.
Felicity Honnef with teacher Callum Troyahn
Well done to our Year 12s: Jack Chadwick,
Kauri Eddie, Elizabeth Honnef and our year
11 student, Romeo Lor.
The students were fantastic ambassadors
for Gordonvale SHS and showed great
confidence in answering the impromptu
questions and delivering their individual
speech. Jack spoke about the changing
attitudes to the way we view mental
illness and the impact of mental illness
on individuals. Kauri spoke about the
wonderment of our Reef and the impact
of pollution. Elizabeth used the medical
issues faced by an anonymous Sri Lankan
women to highlight the benefits of life
in Australia – a “Lottery of Life”. Romeo
spoke about the societal costs of gender
identity and the looming debate of political
correctness.
Special congratulation must go to Elizabeth
Honnef who was awarded “Best Public
Speaker” and “Overall Winner” on the
night. Elizabeth very graciously accepted
her rewards, thanking a number of people
for their support. She also paid tribute to
her three colleagues and thanked them
for their support leading up to and on the
evening. It is gratifying to see our students
Words by Jan Carr
Page 7- PYRAMID VIEWS, MAY 2018 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

THE CEREMONY OF THE
VACANT CHAIR
For the ANZAC Day Ceremony of the
Vacant Chair, a vacant chair symbolises
the fallen men and women of our
armed services who paid the ultimate
sacrifice. During the service a vacant
chair is moved solemnly around the
cenotaph and placed in a position of
honour and respect near the front of
the room. Then the ANZAC service
follows, commemorating those fallen
with hymns, readings, the laying of
wreaths, recitation of the Ode, the Last
Post, the holding of a minute’s silence
and the Rouse.
Joshua Greenwood, Chaplain Ian Lindsay,
Brenton Hocking & Buddy Lee Long
This ceremony has been in operation in
Gordonvale for 5 years, beginning in the
RSL Hall. With the unfortunate demise
of the hall, the ceremony was moved
to the Gordonvale Masonic Centre.
Now however, we have outgrown the
Gordonvale Masonic Centre and have
taken the big step of moving to the
Gordonvale State School Hall.
Words by Brenton Hocking Photo by Sandra Charlton
A safer way to
clean with kids
For more information, contact
your local ENJOpreneur Rowena
Quinlan on 0439 820 400 or
rowmur@hotmail.com
Page 8- PYRAMID VIEWS, MAY 2018 “Celebrating and connecting our community”
Bryce’s Arcade & main street Gordonvale. 3rd Saturday of every month from 7am
100% local content guaranteed. Daryl Cutuli 0409 389 558

PITTSTOP with Curtis Pitt MP
Welcome to my first column in Pyramid
Views. Each month I’ll try to outline
state government initiatives and funding
opportunities that local groups and
individuals can access. Don’t forget the
next Gordonvale Races are on Saturday 12
May - the day before Mothers’ Day. It’s a
great day for the whole family - I hope to
see you there!
Disability Community Events Grants
The Queensland Government’s Disability
Community Events Grants of up to $5,000
are open until 16 May 2018 to help
organisations and community groups host
events or activities during Disability Action
Week, which will be held 9-15 September
2018, or on International Day of People with
a Disability on 3 December 2018.
Road Safety Grants
This is a terrific Palaszczuk Government
initiative aimed at reducing our road toll, and
I want Gordonvale groups to be a part of it.
Schools, kindergartens, local government,
not-for-profit and community organisations
can apply for a Community Road Safety
Project Grant worth up to $20,000 for shortterm
projects to target road safety. Longerterm
funding of up to three years to deliver
road safety education to senior students
or support pre-learner or novice drivers to
obtain their licences can also be applied for.
Previously funded initiatives include bicycle
safety education, community road safety
awareness, child restraint education, fatigue
education and awareness and learner
driving mentoring programs. Applications
close midnight 25 May 2018.
BOTTLE OPENER HOBBY SEES LOCAL COLLECT HUNDREDS
If you told Des Buckerfield that you
recently went on holiday, he wouldn’t
ask you how the trip was, what tourist
spots did you like or how good was the
local food, instead he would say “You
should’ve got me a bottle opener!”
Goldsborough Valley local Des has a
collection of over 150 bottle openers that
he has been collecting for over 10 years,
and anytime he hears someone is about
to go on a holiday he asks them to buy
him a bottle opener.
“The best gift I can receive is when people
remember me when they’re travelling and
they bring me back a bottle opener for my
collection,” Des said.
Des remembers the first bottle opener
that he ever got over 50 years ago.
“I inherited my first bottle opener in the
70s when my grandfather died - I got a
beer-branded one and a bottle opener
from a hotel in Launceston in Tasmania
that was in a leather pouch. I still have
both of them, and on my family’s travels
I started collecting more bottle openers
as a souvenir of the places we have
been and the things we have seen, and
that’s where it really steam rolled into the
hundreds I have today.”
Of his many bottle openers, Des says it’s
the ones he bought locally that he really
cherishes because they come with a
backstory.
“I’ll go into op shops and garage sales all
around Cairns looking for bottle openers,”
Des said.
“I love chatting to the people and hearing
a bit of the history of the bottle opener,
where they first got it, why they’re parting
with it - I prefer the ones you can get at an
op shop to ones you buy new in a shop
because they have a bit more character
and soul to them.”
Bottle openers have come a long way
since they were first invented by William
Painter in 1892, but they may only have a
short time to go.
Get Going Clubs!
Local not-for-profit sport and active
recreation organisations can apply for up
to $7,500 to improve their capabilities to
better deliver activities. Eligible projects
must improve access or new opportunities
engage in sport and recreation, including
education and training, equipment or
participation. Round 7 closes on 29 June
2018.
Learn more about these and other grants,
by visiting the ‘Grant Information’ page at
www.curtispitt.com.au.
Des Buckerfield
“I’ve got bottle openers from all over the
world - from a restaurant in Penang, a
casino in Las Vegas, a hotel in Ireland.
I’ve got promotional bottle openers from
beer brands, soft drink brands, movie
premieres, live gigs and sporting events.”
“I’ve got quirky odd shaped ones, I’ve
even got a novelty bottle opener in
the shape of a double decker bus from
London!”
“The need for bottle openers is becoming
fewer and farther between - everything is
twist top nowadays,” Des remarked.
“In a few years we may not have any
need for bottle openers - they may be
antiques and you’ll see my collection in
a museum!”
Des is always on the lookout for more
bottle openers and would welcome any
donations to his collection.
Words and photo by Amalia Buckerfield
Page 9 - PYRAMID VIEWS, MAY 2018 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

STREETS AHEAD
McAlloon Road
Named after an early pioneering family
of the Aloomba area and John Alexander
(Alec) McAlloon who was born in Nelson
(now Gordonvale) in 1910. Alec and his wife
Monica had four children: John, Myrl, Peter
and Robin. He served as a Mulgrave Shire
Councillor from 1951 – 1966.
The family originally came from Brisbane
and moved to the Aloomba area around
1944 and lived on the family farm on Banna
Road near Aloomba. Alex had bought a
share in the property along with his brothers
and sisters. Living conditions were pretty
cramped for Alec’s family as they were living
altogether with his siblings in the one house.
After 4 or 5 months, Alec rented a house in
Norman Street for a year and would cycle
every day from Gordonvale to work on the
Banna farm. Alec then got a job working
on Sue’s cane farm near Gordonvale and
within a year he’d bought a house in Moller
Street, Gordonvale. Alec bought another
farm at Aloomba and Peter McAlloon (Alex’s
son) bought that farm from his dad in 1973.
In 1984 he bought the rest of the Banna
farm shares. Peter has always been very
community-minded and was president of
the Aloomba Progress Association for 45
years, a member of the Cane Growers and
a representative of the Mulgrave Central Mill
for 12 years.
Peter and his wife Jean, have three
sons: Greg, Stephen and Michael, three
grandsons: Jon, Jake and Zach, one grand
daughter Terri and one great granddaughter
named Kensi. The McAlloon family has had
four generations go through the Aloomba
school. Peter, who will be 82 this year, is
semi- retired and is no longer farming, but
keeps busy doing deliveries for his son
Micheal, who owns and runs the Babinda
Bakery. Pictured from left is Ellen McAlloon
(Greg’s wife), Stephen McAlloon, Greg
McAlloon, Peter McAlloon, Jake McAlloon,
Myrl Prestipino, (nee McAlloon) Michael
McAlloon and Zach McAlloon. (could not be
there in person)
the Mackay district, where he started sugar
cane farming. After successive flooding of
his farms, John sold his farms and bought
the Wills Hotel in Mackay. John had been
in the Air Force during WW2 and was
looking for farming land up north. In 1948,
he entered a government ballot system
for Soldier Settlers which was available for
veterans to acquire land for first settlement
and farming. He was lucky enough to win
the ballot for a parcel of land at Green Hill.
Five other veterans before him had declined
due to the amount of work involved to clear
the heavily-timbered block. John was
up for the challenge. So in 1950 John, his
wife Eileen and their 15 year old son John
(Jnr) moved up to Gordonvale. They based
themselves at the Central Hotel as there
was no accommodation on the new land.
John (Snr) was the proud owner of the first
FJ Holden in the Gordonvale area, and each
day he and John (Jnr) would travel out to the
farm removing scrub and timber and blowing
up the remaining stumps to make way for a
cane farm. Starting in 1949 the government
began issuing iron to every Soldier Settler
who requested it. The iron would be
enough for a barracks- style building with
an extension of the roof for a small shed.
Once the barracks were built they moved
out of the Central Hotel and settled on the
property. John (Jnr) remembers running wire
from the rafters to raise the four corners of
the bed to keep the snakes off.
The government gave veterans the
opportunity to buy their first tractor. The
Gray farm’s first cane assignment was 59
acres. John (Jnr) now 83, and his wife Pat
are no longer farming but still live in their
home on the same property. On December
6th this year they will have been married
for 60 years. They have two sons and two
daughters. Pictured are Pat and John Gray.
new developments in the sugar industry
in the Tully area, Pietro moved south and
felt it was an ideal place to start a cane
farm from a parcel of land that was heavily
forested. Not long after, Pietro returned to
Italy to marry. Seeing the future was more
promising in Australia, he returned with his
wife Ottavia and said to her “we’ll only stay
for 6 years and then return to Italy”. Soon
their eldest child Silvia was born and two
years later they had a son named Dino. Six
weeks after Dino was born, the family farm
was sold and Pietro and his family moved
back to Gordonvale (instead of Italy) and
purchased a new farm at Kamma. As the
family grew older, there also was a need for
more farmland, so Pietro purchased a farm
on Crossland Road.
Silvia and Dino both attended St Alphonsus
school in Gordonvale which is now St
Michael’s School. Later, Silvia married
Delmo Ghelfi and lived out at Aloomba. They
raised 2 children there and then later moved
to Buzacott Street, Gordonvale. Pietro and
Ottavia moved to Swan Street in Gordonvale
to retire, and Dino married Elma and stayed
on the farm to work and raise 5 children.
To this day Dino still works the farm. Four
generations of the Volpi family have now
lived in Gordonvale and are very proud to
be part of such a lovely community. In this
3 generational photo, pictured from left are
Soraya Houghton (Dino’s granddaughter),
Dino Volpi, Silvia Ghelfi (nee Volpi) and Dino’s
daughter Loretta Houghton (nee Volpi).
Words by Julie Amadio
Gray Road
The Grays are an early pioneering family of
the Green Hill area. John Sydney Gray (Snr)
and his wife Eileen came to the Gordonvale
area in 1950. John originally came from
Volpi Street
Volpi Street in Valley Views Estate in the
Mulgrave Valley was named after the 4
generations of the Volpi family that have lived
in the Gordonvale area. It all started back
in the early 1920’s with the arrival of Pietro
(Peter) and Beniamino (Ben) Volpi from Italy
to Fremantle, Australia. They travelled to
Far North Queensland to be closer to their
relatives the Proveras who lived at Kamma
near Gordonvale. After hearing about the
Page 10 - PYRAMID VIEWS, MAY 2018 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

CORNETTS AND BULLA
HELP OUT
Cornetts IGA Gordonvale won the Bulla
ice cream competition for the highest
sales growth in the state and used the
prize from Bulla for the community. Local
charities/organisations were nominated
by staff to go in a draw with 5 being drawn
out and five $1000 cheques presented.
Shannon Hanney, Gordonvale Pallative Hospital
with Bruce Lawrence, Cornetts IGA
The recipients of the cheques were
Gordonvale Men’s Shed, Southern
Suburbs Junior Rugby League,
Gordonvale Palliative Care Hospital,
Mulgrave Athletics and AFL Pyramid
Power.
Manager of IGA, Denzil Bignoux said, “A
big thank you goes out to our 97 staff at
Cornetts Supa IGA Gordonvale for their
hard work and generous community
support.”
PRIZE FOR MED STUDENT
Now a 6th Year JCU Medical student,
Gordonvale girl, Felicity Honnef was
awarded last month the Royal Australian
College of General Practitioners Prize.
CENT SALE SUCCESS
The threat of a storm did not deter
the 173 people who attended the
Gordonvale Red Cross Cent Sale, their
major fundraiser with almost 200 prizes
on offer. The small entry fee included
the usual scrumptious afternoon tea of
home-made scones, cakes, slices and
sandwiches all washed down with tea/
coffee or water.
A total of $7,400 was raised on the day,
including the wheelbarrow raffle and
spot prizes.
Many thanks once again to Cairns
Hardware for generously donating the
major raffle prize, a wheelbarrow. The
wheelbarrow is filled with an assortment
of goodies from our branch members
and other public donations. The winner
of the wheelbarrow raffle was Mr D.
Snoad of Gordonvale.
SCHOOL LOGO
TRACKED DOWN
In the April Edition of Pyramid Views a past
student of Gordonvale State Rural School
recalled her memories of primary school.
Artistically talented Irena Burban (Bernik)
designed and created the original school
logo used initially to identify the school
display in the apiculture section of the
Cairns Show. The school’s Cairns Show
exhibition was featured on the front cover
of the Australasian Beekeeper magazine
in 1963 with Irena’s design occupying a
prominent position.
As it turned out Irena, nor it seems the
school had a record of this original
design. After a bit of digging we were able
to track down a copy of the original cover
of the magazine and have printed it in this
edition, reproduced with permission from
The Australasian Beekeeper
www.theabk.com.au
The current Gordonvale State School
logo includes the Pyramid, cane sticks,
the word Excelsior and the scroll.
Patrice, Felicity and Markus Honnef
This prize is awarded to a student enrolled
in the College of Medicine and Dentistry
who has the highest achievement in the
general practice component of the year
5 of the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor
of Surgery course and demonstrates an
interest in and commitment to general
practice as a discipline.
Words by Sandra Charlton
Photo by JCU College of Medicine and Dentistry
Maureen Carne, President
These valued funds will be distributed by
Red Cross, providing relief for many.
The Gordonvale Red Cross members
wish to sincerely thank all individuals
and business owners who generously
donated prizes, goods, baking and/or
time toward making this yearly event
an outstanding success. Once again,
teamwork knows no bounds and has
again brought huge results to fruition,
which will benefit others in their time of
need.
For those interested in joining the
Gordonvale Red Cross, meetings are
held on the 1st Thursday of each month.
For more information, contact President
Maureen Carne on 4056 5713. New
members are most welcome.
Words by Joanne Atkinson
A happy space, locally owned & bursting with ideas.
Affordable homewares chosen with love, garden gadgets
& brilliant gifts that are perfect for tropical living.
ALSO INTRODUCING
A refreshing, affordable
approach to interior design
& decoration. See fabrics &
cushions, get ideas &
inspiration. Learn design
tips & tricks. Chat to Susan
about that dream project.
Home Tonic is proud to upcycle & source locally where possible.
Phone 0417 774 267
Email susan@tonicdesignstudio.com.au
Visit our new store in Bryce’s Arcade. Open Wed - Sat.
/thevaleemporium
the_vale_emporium
Page 11- PYRAMID VIEWS, MAY 2018 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

SCENE OUT
Capturing our community members out and
about in Gordonvale and surrounds.
TEA COSY AND POT
HOLDER COMPETITION
Carey-Leigh Ferguson and Kareena White
Little Mulgrave
The Mulgrave Settlers Museum at 60 Gordon
Street Gordonvale is holding their Tea Cosy and
Pot Holder Competition and they are sponsored
by Piccones Village Supermarket.
Anna Cavaliere at GSS Obstathon
All entries must be received by 11th August
2018.
Tea cosies can be knitted, crocheted or any
other medium. Pot holders can be in any
medium. First, second and third prizes as well
as a popular choice prize will be awarded.
Entry forms can be obtained by emailing the
museum at
settlersmuseum@bigpond.com or by phoning
the museum on 40561810 between 10am-2pm
Monday –Saturday.
Eric Baker at Parkview
Linda Biancotti, 360 Fitness
COUNCIL CONVERSATIONS with Brett Moller
You know you are the local Councillor
when a significant rain event occurs and
you answer residents requests to attend
inspections and guide enquiries through to
relevant Council officers to assist and look at
what works and improvements can be made
to address issues. Solutions that residents
want are not always able to be delivered on
but it is important to communicate and work
together for the best possible outcomes and
I have been pleased with the relationships
I have been able to build with residents to
try and address their concerns with the
significant wet weather events we have had
over the last month.
The Sandy Creek crossing washout on
Mt Peter Rd is an example with letters
sent to residents in the vicinity, a meeting
I held on site with about 40 residents and
then another meeting with the engineer
organised so residents could understand
the technical issues of design, manufacture
and implementation works and time frames
is an example of the communication
and engagement I undertook to address
resident’s concerns. The manufactured pipe
should be finished and transported back
to Cairns next week, with the crossing,
weather permitting to be partially opened in
early May and the job completed by early
June.
Norman Park Gordonvale now has a new
playground for our children and is the latest
improvement in the park following on from
the new footpath around its perimeter. Until
next time stay safe and enjoy being part of
our local community.
Cr Brett Moller – Elected Representative
Division 1
Jan and Robyn, Qld Cancer Council Stall (Flower
Power Team) at Gordonvale Cottage Markets
Richard Fapani, Norman Street
Page 12- PYRAMID VIEWS, MAY 2018 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

Monday
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GORDONVALE?
CRAFT & QUILTING GROUP
Every Monday 9-12
First Monday of each month is CHARITY
DAY- making charity items to donate
Presbyterian Church
Contact: Bobbie Rennie 04077901180
SENIORS STRETCH CLASS
Every Monday 1:15- 2:15pm
Community Hub, Gordonvale
$8 per class
Contact: Marilyn 40542485 or 0423045145
CARDS
Every second and fourth Monday
1:30-4:30pm
All Saints Anglican Church Hall
$5 Afternoon tea provided
Contact: Elaine Sues 40561440
GORDONVALE GIRL GUIDES
Gumnut Guides 5-7 Years
Monday 4pm-5.30pm
Brownies Guides 7-10 Years
Monday 4pm -6.00pm
Girl Guides 9-13 Years
Monday 6.30pm-8.30pm
Church Street GORDONVALE
Contact: Jamie 0419668097/40676825
YOGA
Monday 5:45-7:15
Gordonvale CWA Hall
Contact: Marilyn 40542485 or 0423045145
Tuesday
CRAFTER’S GROUP
Tuesday 9:30am- 12:00
All Saints Anglican Church Hall
Contact: Maggie Lindsay 40565578
HELPING HANDS
Low cost food store
Tuesdays 11am- 3pm
(Need a pension card to purchase food)
All Saints Anglican Church Hall
GORDONVALE GIRL GUIDES
Ranger Guides 13-17 Years
Tuesday 7.00pm-9.00pm
Church Street GORDONVALE
Contact: Jamie 0419668097/40676825
Wednesday
mainly music
Music session for 0-5 yr olds
Wednesday 9:30-11
All Saints Anglican Church Hall
Contact: Alison Williams 4054 6530
PILATES
Wednesday 5:45- 6:45
Community Hub
Contact: Cheryl Dean 0407175737
PYRAMID WORDSMITHS AND PRATTLERS
Public Speaking
Every second and fourth Wednesday.
6:00 – 7:30 pm. Parkview meeting room.
Contact: Glenn Pope 0417 711 303 / Jeneve
Frizzo 0408 561 817
Thursday
BINGO
Thursday 9:30am
All Saints Anglican Church Hall (will be
going back to the RSL Hall)
Contact: Dave Chalk 0409780271
YOGA
Thursday 9:30am- 11am
Gordonvale CWA Hall
JP SIGNING SESSION
Every second Thursday of the month 11-
1pm Gordonvale Community Hub
Friday
SENIOR EXERCISE
Friday 8-9am
360 Fitness Group 64 Norman Street
$10 per session
Contact: Linda Biancotti 40561922
BAREFOOT BOWLS FOR BEGINNERS
Friday 4pm onwards
Gordonvale Bowls Club. Bowls provided
free. Steak burgers & sausage sizzle after
6pm Contact: 40561050 or
admin @gordonvale bowls .com.au
CUPPA IN THE PARK
Tea, coffee, cake and a chat
Friday 4:30- 6:30
Norman Park
Contact: Hugh O’Brien 0401754863
MONTHLY ROAST NIGHT
3rd Friday of each month
Gordonvale Bowls Club Contact: 40561050
admin@gordonvalebowls.com.au
Saturday
BRYCE’S ARCADE & MAIN STREET
MARKETS
3rd Saturday of each month - 7am to 12
noon 100% local content
Contact: Ian 0434 331 223 or Daryl 0409
389 558
GORDONVALE COTTAGE MARKETS
1st Saturday of each month
Norman Park
Contact: Kevin 0407129656
ALOOMBA STATE SCHOOL TRIVIA NIGHT
Saturday 2nd June- 6:30pm
$20 per person
Contact: Renee 40561132/ 0400566171
Sunday
CAIRNS MUD CRABS- ADULT SWIMMING
CLUB
Training and Stroke Correction
Sunday 9:15-10:15am
Gordonvale Aquatic Centre
Secretary: Barb Williamson- 07 4036 0772
0431056572
Page 13- PYRAMID VIEWS, MAY 2018 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

GORDIE CONNECTS
Active and happy kids, watched on by their
mums and dads, under the shade of the big
fig trees in Norman Park was the scene for
the Gordie Neighbourhood Event.
The Benevolent Society in collaboration
with Hambledon House Community Centre
and Cairns Regional Council hosted a
Neighbourhood Day for the Gordonvale
community. A jumping castle, face painting,
a scavenger hunt along with active games
entertained the children while parents were
able to meet some of the services and
organisations in our community that support
positive community wellbeing!
Cassy Bishop, organiser of the event and
Team Leader of the Cairns Early Years Centre
said, “We had about 200 people attend the
event in total, and by all counts it was a
great day! We appreciate the participation
by the other organisations and look forward
to holding another one next year”.
NO DRIVING DRAMAS
Learning to drive can be a daunting thing for
anyone starting out – especially with nervous
parents in the car. This is one of the reasons
I would recommend trying lessons with a
driving school.
Getting into a car with someone who is
experienced with beginners makes for a
much more relaxing learning experience –
one that doesn’t include the person next to
you gripping the seat like their life depends
on it or crying out to “slow down!” when
you’re going 20 kilometres under the speed
limit. If that hasn’t completely made up your
mind already, there are a couple more useful
reasons for using a driving school – not
including the 3x bonus hours that go straight
towards your logbook.
Words and photos by Sandra Charlton
Jordan Myles, Rocky and Rowdy Russell, Riley
Myles and Grey Evans
Rayleen, Matthew and Chloe Cristaldi
Kate Charlton-Henderson with Paul James,
Howard’s Driving School
The main advantage I found in my experience
was the perfecting of the more difficult
manoeuvres and fine tuning of little mistakes.
The instructor was able to pick up on things
that my parents didn’t even notice and that
would have affected my test. So for all those
starting out driving and for the sake of those
that will be supervising, I would definitely try
out a professional driving school. I went with
the local Gordonvale Howard’s driving school
and was very impressed with the instructor I
was given. Words by Kate Charlton-Henderson
Photo by Sandra Charlton
Robert Ratcliffe and Damian Grogan
Page 14- PYRAMID VIEWS, MAY 2018 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

Tutoring
All Ages
And All
Subjects
0438 886 771
cairnssouth@aldontutoring.com.au
Where Tutoring
Fosters Excellence
â Prep – Year 12
â All subjects
â Small Groups
Sessions
â Individual Tutorials
â Free Assessment
04.21.2017 13:11 News Corp Australia Proof ©
Page 15 - PYRAMID VIEWS, MAY
2018 “Celebrating and connecting our community”

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 16 - PYRAMID VIEWS, MAY 2018 “Celebrating and connecting our community”