How could discussing all things country music with 10-time Golden Guitar winner and self-confessed rough riding fan James Blundell at the 20th Weipa Rodeo not feature in the top five? Photo: Cape York Weekly.
It’s only been 50 editions since we rolled out the crocodile-themed birthday cake for the Cape York Weekly’s 200th weekly roundup of the of the northernmost part of Queensland, but so much has happened since that we’ve had to both celebrate and shake our heads at.
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve had to criticise either our federal or state political masters about their lack of interest in remote infrastructure and the devastating impact cost of living pressures are having on us since September last year, I suspect I’d go close to being able to pay for the remaining stages of the Peninsula Developmental Road to be sealed.
But it hasn’t all been politician bashing. I’ve had the privilege to cover some milestone community events and report on the incredible achievements – many of which generally go unnoticed – by talented and passionate members of our Cape York family.
Like my top five stories from our 200th edition celebration, I reckon this list showcases the unique mix of community, characters and challenges that come with the territory when you’re reporting on day-to-day life up here.
Cape misses out (again) on election cash splash (Edition 231 – 29 April 2025)
I didn’t choose this one just so it gave us another chance to run the front page that ruffled the feathers of more than a few political types.
With 10 candidates battling to take the Leichhardt crown from long-serving MP Warren Entsch, and with the condition of the Peninsula Developmental Road a perpetual political issue, it was stunning to discover neither of the major parties had allocated a cent for stage three of the Cape York Region Package in their pre-election cash splashes.
All eyes are now on new Leichhardt MP Matt Smith to see how long it takes to convince the government to stump up the $240 million needed to progress the third stage of works after the State Government committed its $60m share of a joint funding arrangement.
It’s fair to say a few politicians (and political parties) weren’t overly enthused with our 29 April 2025 front page. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
‘This is what a rodeo should be’: Blundell (Edition 248 – 25 August 2025)
It was going to be impossible to do a top five without giving the milestone 20th Weipa Rodeo a jersey, especially after the glowing praise the event received from headline act and rodeo fan James Blundell, who spent much of his Saturday night before stepping on stage watching the action from behind the chutes.
“I’m standing here with a grin like a Cheshire Cat, because for the last two days, I’ve watched some of the best rough stock I’ve ever seen,” the 10-time Golden Guitar winner told Cape York Weekly after watching Cape of Origin competitors take to the arena.
Congratulations once again to Weipa Rodeo Association president Reuben Slingo and the dedicated committee behind the event which somehow manages to get better and better every year.
Nothing to see here – just Brandon Walker, dressed as Heath Ledger’s Joker, dressed as a nurse, eating a cold pie during the Unfenced Asylum Challenge at the 2025 Cooktown Discovery Festival. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
(Arkham) lunatics rule Discovery Festival asylum (Edition 239 – 24 June 2025)
The annual Cooktown Discovery Festival is always an entertaining three days to report on, but it was one of its most unconventional – and certainly messiest – events that provided the most fun to cover in June.
I’m not even going to attempt to describe the event here – those unfamiliar with it will just have to experience it for themselves in 2026 – but when the dust settled, the sledging stopped and competitors were no longer at risk of throwing up a cold pie and beer all over the Charlotte Street asphalt, it was Gotham’s Finest – Brandon Walker, Cam Bourne and Aimee Nastasi (suitably dressed to impress as the Joker, Two-Face and Harley Quinn) – who claimed bragging rights with a comprehensive victory.
Weipa pair to pound PDR for marathon fundraising effort (Edition 238 – 17 June 2025)
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, it’s impossible to live on Cape York and not be aware of the incredible efforts of Weipa men Michael Collins and David Tuckwood, who decided to run 830 kilometres to fundraise for two worthy causes all because the latter boasted to his wife, Susie, “I reckon I could run from Weipa to Cairns”.
Guys, it has been an absolute privilege to share your story and witness what you achieved amid hundreds of kilometres of dust holes and corrugations, and countless hours of random Collins ponderings and chatter, for your chosen charities.
See you in Cairns this week!
Before you next whinge about driving from Weipa to Cairns, consider the incredible achievement of Michael Collins and David Tuckwood, who have knocked off the 830-kilometre trip on foot to fundraise for the Cape Animal Protection Shelter and Royal Flying Doctor Service. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Boxing fans treated to fight spectacular (Edition 243 – 22 July 2025)
They say if you build it, people will come, and that was certainly the case when almost 1,000 boxing fans converged on the Weipa Storm Surge Shelter for Fight Night 2.0 on 19 July.
The 17-bout Sunstate Amateur Boxing League event – which was organised by Cape York Boxing Weipa’s Scott Wallace and his small-but-committed team – sold out, with first-time fighters and more experienced fighters showing off their skills and determination in the ring.
Maynard Sagigi was the winner of the inaugural Lionel Rose championship belt after a thrilling heavyweight slugfest against Cleyton Simpson from the Innisfail-based Simo’s boxing club that left the crowd in a frenzy, while Jack Barton had spectators on their feet after the Weipa product claimed a unanimous win in the main event over Yarrabah fighter Shaqalin Miller.
All I can say is that when tickets go on sale for Weipa Fight Night 3.0, get in quick. Really quick.
About 800 fight fans – and other 200 watching on from outside – got their pugilistic fix when Cape York Boxing Weipa put on the overwhelmingly successful Fight Night 2.0 in July. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
