More returned to Cape
Campaign to tackle number of itinerants in Cairns CBD ramped up Models setting sights on catwalk
TWO more itinerants were returned to Cape York yesterday as senior political figures paid tribute to a new police-led program to improve behaviour on Cairns streets.
A 30-year-old woman and 40-year-old man were flown back to Lockhart River after spending several months in Cairns engaging in public drinking around the CBD.
Cairns City Beat Sen-Sgt Gary Hunter said the man had initially come down for medical treatment and failed to return, while the woman told officers she had left her Cape York community because she was bored.
But he said the pair had grown tired of the itinerant drinking culture and wanted to return home.
“He is a father of 13 and a grandfather of six and he A BEVY of young indigenous beauties are poised to launch their catwalk careers at a grassroots fashion event to be held in Cairns next week.
The Regional Indigenous Fashion and Textile Showcase is an annual celebration of local indigenous talent featuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander models, fashion designers and artists from Yarrabah to Tully.
Hosted by the Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation, this year’s event is tipped to be the biggest yet and will be held at Rydges Tradewinds on June 13. “We’re here to create opportunities for our people ... providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and of course their beauty,” said co-ordinator Bronwyn Singleton.
Tickets start from $60 and include a three-course dinner.
Visit ifs.dawulwuru.com.au. wants to go home and teach them the cultural ways,” he said. The night before flying home he slept in the garden of a church.
The woman was believed to have been staying with relatives, but had been enticed into the public drinking culture and wanted out as she missed her family.
The pair are now among 14 people who have been assisted in returning to their Cape York communities as part of the Cairns Anti-social and Public Space taskforce, launched several weeks ago.
It is being spearheaded by two police officers who are building a network with the Cairns Regional Council, the Department of Communities and non-government agencies including Anglicare and Mission Australia.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said he did not know the finer details of the taskforce, but was well aware of the long-running issues relating to rough sleepers and “park people”.
“You can’t pretend this problem doesn’t exist, you just can’t,” he said.
“I came past here the other night, and ... the Rosies van was over there and I reckon there was about 150 people there.
“That’s not a good look for a city. It’s not right.”