Far North tourism leaders have returned from Canberra after raising concerns about proposed cuts to the Working Holiday Maker visa program. Leichhardt MP Matt Smith joined industry representatives at Parliament House to stress the value of backpackers to the regional economy. Smith said the group had constructive meetings with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Senator Murray Watt. Industry bodies also backed a petition calling on the government to maintain visa availability and length of stay. Smith described the talks as just the beginning.
Award-winning Kuranda musician Djawarray will headline UMI Arts' 19th annual Big Talk One Fire festival at Munro Martin Parklands on 24 October. He will close the evening with the Koahlition band, blending rainforest reggae and rock with his language and English. Dance groups from across the region will also perform, including Babinda's Jaban Dancers, making their debut. Seven workshops will offer activities such as jewellery-making, painting and basket weaving.
Almost 80 small and family businesses in Far North Queensland have started free courses under an $11.5 million Queensland Government micro-credentials programme. The four courses cover artificial intelligence, business planning, continuity and resilience, and workforce development. They are available online and in person, with flexible timing for busy owners. The AI course, delivered by the University of the Sunshine Coast, focuses on practical uses such as saving time and improving customer service. Further courses, including more face-to-face options in regional areas, are due in 2027.
AU Now app
Your suburb’s news, alerts and Shorts — in one app
Alerts, Shorts and your saved stories — free on Google Play.
The federal government has dropped planned changes to disaster recovery funding that would have made states, territories and councils pay up to 50 per cent of recovery costs. Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed the decision on Friday. The Commonwealth currently pays up to 75 per cent. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli welcomed the reversal, while Leichhardt MP Matt Smith said councils should not be responsible for disaster recovery funding. Local leaders in the Far North had strongly opposed the changes.
Two of Far North Queensland's most senior police officers have retired after a combined 80 years of service. Inspector Dave Rutherford and Inspector Brad Winks were farewelled at a morning tea attended by colleagues. Both joined the Queensland Police Service in 1986 and held postings across the state. Each received several service awards, including 40 Year Clasps. Far North District Superintendent Monique Ralph praised their leadership and contributions to their communities, and Premier David Crisafulli thanked them for their service.
The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation has won the Queensland Change Award at the 2026 Telstra Best of Business Awards. The foundation will represent Queensland at the national awards in November. Its more than $31 million investment since 1997 has funded clinical innovation, medical equipment, workforce development and better patient experience across the region. Foundation chief executive Gina Hogan said community donations, volunteering and business partnerships help people across the region access healthcare closer to home.
Experienced rugby league administrator Tony Crowe will take over as general manager of Northern Pride on 2 November. The semi-professional Far North Queensland club is preparing for the 2027 season. Crowe previously spent more than four years as general manager of NRL Northern Territory. Before that, he was operations and pathways manager with NRL Western Australia. Crowe said he plans first to listen and learn, working with outgoing CEO Garreth Smith during the handover. Club chair Kym McPhee-Smith said his experience would be valuable in strengthening programs and pathways.
Far North Queensland police are targeting offenders who steal vehicles under Operation Yankee Forge. On 10 October, an 18-year-old man and two boys, aged 17 and 13, were arrested at an Idalia Street residence after allegedly fleeing a stolen Mercedes. The boys were denied police bail and appeared before the Cairns Childrens Court. Separately, police charged several teenagers over the theft of a silver Subaru Outback and related offences. Detective Acting Inspector Matt Hogan said stolen vehicles remain a police priority in the region.
A 22-year-old Japanese tourist has died at Millaa Millaa Falls, south-west of Cairns in Far North Queensland. Police said he was with a group at the waterfall when he failed to resurface from the water. Emergency services were called about 3pm on Monday and recovered his body about two hours later. Police will prepare a report for the coroner. Nearby caravan park operator Andrew Broadbent described the falls as a shallow waterfall that hundreds of people swim in, and said recent conditions had been dry.
Far North Queensland tourism leaders and Leichhardt MP Matt Smith plan to travel to Parliament House in Canberra to propose changes to the proposed Working Holiday Maker visa program. The government has announced that visa holders seeking a second or third year would enter a ballot for limited spots. Smith says the government's changes should consider the importance of foreign workers in regional areas. Opposition Senator Susan McDonald said the changes would reduce the supply of workers who pick crops and support regional tourism and hospitality.
