Vigils held across Shire for Bondi victims

Our people

Byron Filmer

Junior Reporter

Email Byron

Last updated: 22/12/2025 - 15:00 (AEST)

People gathered last week at Four Mile Beach for an informal vigil. Picture: Byron Filmer

Despite wind and rain, Douglas Shire locals and other members of the Jewish community came together last week in an informal gathering to remember lives lost, and to pay respect to families impacted, in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack on Sunday, December 14.

And another remembrance service was also held at St David's Church in Mossman on Friday, December 19, while a national minute’s silence took place yesterday at 6.37pm during a day of reflection.

The weather at Four Mile Beach on Wednesday, December 17, made the lighting of candles impossible, but a group still gathered at 6:30pm to reflect on the lives lost and come together as a community in solidarity.

The vigil was attended by a Jewish Rabbi on holiday from the US, who delivered a prayer in Hebrew, while a local Jewish woman also conducted a service at the beginning.

Business owner and Douglas Shire Councillor Michael Rees organised the event independently of the DSC.

“I was inspired by a Jewish lady I met the day after the attacks who was very emotional,” Mr Rees said.

Support public interest journalism

Help us to continue covering local stories that matter. Please consider supporting below.

Got a news tip?

Send a news tip or submit a letter to the Newsport Editor here.

Latest News

02/04/2026

PROACTIVE STEPS

Douglas Shire desexing grant tackles rise in unwanted litters

02/04/2026

Shire transport

Daintree ferry is back on the river today - look away now if you don't want to know the price tag

02/04/2026

Shire transport

Cook Highway roadworks to stop for Easter, but some restrictions remain in place

( 3 )	Position Vacant	Name	Business	Suburb	Email	Date
1.	PROPERTY MANAGER Are you currently a Property Manager looking to work in a supportive environment with lots of training and job satisfaction? Or are you looking for a change of pace? Are you searching for a new career or looking to try something new? Have you ever considered Property Management? Do you like… • A dynamic work environment where no two days are the same? • Helping people and problem solving? • Working in a place where your organisational skills and eye for detail will be appreciated? • Working in a supportive team environment as well as being self motivated to work on your own? You will love this job if you are self disciplined with your time management and you have strong administration skills. You will find this job a dream if you are a great communicator on the phone and via email. Whilst experience is preferred, if you have no experience necessary, just a great attitude and willingness to learn. All training will be provided to the right applicant. Vehicle & Mobile Phone provided If you have a good sense of humour, a great team spirit and can get the job done…… contact us today! Position is Monday - Friday - 9am - 5pm Email your CV to [email protected] by 5pm Wednesday 8th April 2026	JOCELYN SCHUMACHER	Raine & Horne Mossman/Port Douglas	Port Douglas	[email protected]	27.03.2026 09:22
2.	LEAD HOUSEKEEPER – LUXURY PROPERTIES, PORT DOUGLAS Full-time \| 7:00 AM Start \| Pay Negotiable A well-known, highly respected Port Douglas owner-operator (25+ years) is seeking an experienced Lead Housekeeper to oversee housekeeping across multiple five-star luxury properties. This is a hands-on leadership position suited to someone with strong local experience, who understands Port Douglas seasonality, tropical environmental challenges, and the additional standards required for hygiene, proactive deep cleaning, and long-term property preservation. The successful applicant will: • Have proven experience in luxury, boutique, or five-star accommodation. • Demonstrate local knowledge of Port Douglas / Far North Queensland conditions. • Lead and train a small team to consistently deliver exceptional presentation and hygiene standards. • Plan and oversee proactive deep cleaning and property care programs. • Confidently manage the impact of humidity, mould, pests, and high guest turnover. We offer: • Full-time employment, 7:00 AM start. • Pay rate negotiable for the right candidate, based on experience and impact. • Company vehicle, all equipment, uniforms, and cleaning provisions supplied. • Supportive and proactive management team with a strong local reputation. • Genuine opportunity to influence standards and shape your own role. To apply, please email your resume and a short cover letter outlining your local experience and how you have raised housekeeping standards in previous roles to: [email protected]	Julian Adams	Ulysses Getaways Pty Ltd	Port Douglas	[email protected]	26.03.2026 10:24
3.	HOUSEMAN PART TIME 30 HOURS PER WEEK Are you a local resident looking for steady, reliable work close to home? We're offering a great opportunity for someone who values consistency, routine and being part of a supportive team" Position Title Houseman – Housekeeping Part – Time 30 hours per week Department Housekeeping Reports To Housekeeping Supervisor Position Summary The Houseman supports the Housekeeping team by ensuring guest areas, back-of-house spaces, and housekeeping operations are clean, organised, and well-stocked. This role is essential to maintaining the resort’s presentation standards and delivering a seamless guest experience. Key Responsibilities Housekeeping Support • Assist Room Attendants by delivering linen, towels, amenities and supplies • Remove used linen and rubbish from guest rooms and service areas • Stock housekeeping pantries and trolleys throughout the shift • Support room turnarounds during high occupancy periods Public & Back-of-House Areas • Ensure storage rooms and housekeeping offices are clean and organised • Report maintenance issues or safety hazards promptly Linen & Equipment Handling • Transport linen to and from laundry areas • Handle cleaning equipment safely and correctly • Ensure equipment is clean, maintained, and stored appropriately Guest Service & Safety • Respond politely and promptly to guest requests when approached • Maintain guest privacy and confidentiality at all times • Follow resort WHS policies and procedures Skills & Experience • Previous housekeeping or hotel experience preferred but not essential • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment • Physically fit and capable of manual handling tasks • Strong attention to cleanliness and detail • Positive attitude and team-focused approach Personal Attributes • Reliable and punctual • Well-presented with a professional manner • Flexible with hours, including weekends and public holidays • Takes pride in maintaining high standards What We Offer • Supportive team environment • Training and development opportunities • Resort staff benefits and discounts • Opportunity to grow within a hospitality group	Silkari Lagoons		Port Douglas	[email protected]	24.03.2026 12:59

( 3 )

Add LOGO - (Only JPEG, GIF or PNG files, no PDF. For best results image at least 400px wide)

Position Vacant

Name

Business

Suburb

Date

PROPERTY MANAGER

Are you currently a Property Manager looking to work in a supportive environment with lots of training and job satisfaction?

Or are you looking for a change of pace? Are you searching for a new career or looking to try something new? Have you ever considered Property Management?

Do you like…
• A dynamic work environment where no two days are the same?
• Helping people and problem solving?
• Working in a place where your organisational skills and eye for detail will be appreciated?
• Working in a supportive team environment as well as being self motivated to work on your own?

You will love this job if you are self disciplined with your time management and you have strong administration skills.

You will find this job a dream if you are a great communicator on the phone and via email.

Whilst experience is preferred, if you have no experience necessary, just a great attitude and willingness to learn. All training will be provided to the right applicant.

Vehicle & Mobile Phone provided

If you have a good sense of humour, a great team spirit and can get the job done…… contact us today!

Position is Monday - Friday - 9am - 5pm

Email your CV to [email protected] by 5pm Wednesday 8th April 2026

JOCELYN SCHUMACHER

Raine & Horne Mossman/Port Douglas

Port Douglas

[email protected]

27.03.2026 09:22

LEAD HOUSEKEEPER – LUXURY PROPERTIES, PORT DOUGLAS
Full-time | 7:00 AM Start | Pay Negotiable

A well-known, highly respected Port Douglas owner-operator (25+ years) is seeking an experienced Lead Housekeeper to oversee housekeeping across multiple five-star luxury properties.

This is a hands-on leadership position suited to someone with strong local experience, who understands Port Douglas seasonality, tropical environmental challenges, and the additional standards required for hygiene, proactive deep cleaning, and long-term property preservation.

The successful applicant will:
• Have proven experience in luxury, boutique, or five-star accommodation.
• Demonstrate local knowledge of Port Douglas / Far North Queensland conditions.
• Lead and train a small team to consistently deliver exceptional presentation and hygiene standards.
• Plan and oversee proactive deep cleaning and property care programs.
• Confidently manage the impact of humidity, mould, pests, and high guest turnover.

We offer:
• Full-time employment, 7:00 AM start.
• Pay rate negotiable for the right candidate, based on experience and impact.
• Company vehicle, all equipment, uniforms, and cleaning provisions supplied.
• Supportive and proactive management team with a strong local reputation.
• Genuine opportunity to influence standards and shape your own role.

To apply, please email your resume and a short cover letter outlining your local experience and how you have raised housekeeping standards in previous roles to: [email protected]

Julian Adams

Ulysses Getaways Pty Ltd

Port Douglas

[email protected]

26.03.2026 10:24

HOUSEMAN
PART TIME 30 HOURS PER WEEK

Are you a local resident looking for steady, reliable work close to home?
We're offering a great opportunity for someone who values consistency, routine and being part of a supportive team"

Position Title
Houseman – Housekeeping Part – Time 30 hours per week

Department
Housekeeping

Reports To
Housekeeping Supervisor

Position Summary
The Houseman supports the Housekeeping team by ensuring guest areas, back-of-house spaces, and housekeeping operations are clean, organised, and well-stocked. This role is essential to maintaining the resort’s presentation standards and delivering a seamless guest experience.

Key Responsibilities

Housekeeping Support
• Assist Room Attendants by delivering linen, towels, amenities and supplies
• Remove used linen and rubbish from guest rooms and service areas
• Stock housekeeping pantries and trolleys throughout the shift
• Support room turnarounds during high occupancy periods

Public & Back-of-House Areas
• Ensure storage rooms and housekeeping offices are clean and organised
• Report maintenance issues or safety hazards promptly

Linen & Equipment Handling
• Transport linen to and from laundry areas
• Handle cleaning equipment safely and correctly
• Ensure equipment is clean, maintained, and stored appropriately

Guest Service & Safety
• Respond politely and promptly to guest requests when approached
• Maintain guest privacy and confidentiality at all times
• Follow resort WHS policies and procedures

Skills & Experience
• Previous housekeeping or hotel experience preferred but not essential
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Physically fit and capable of manual handling tasks
• Strong attention to cleanliness and detail
• Positive attitude and team-focused approach

Personal Attributes
• Reliable and punctual
• Well-presented with a professional manner
• Flexible with hours, including weekends and public holidays
• Takes pride in maintaining high standards

What We Offer
• Supportive team environment
• Training and development opportunities
• Resort staff benefits and discounts
• Opportunity to grow within a hospitality group

Silkari Lagoons

Port Douglas

[email protected]

24.03.2026 12:59

( 1 )	Name	Email	Date	Add LOGO - (Only JPEG, GIF or PNG files, no PDF. For best results image at least 400px wide)	Public Notice Details
1.	Douglas Chamber of Commerce	[email protected]	01.04.2026 15:42		Notice is given of an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Douglas Chamber of Commerce to be held at the PD Community Hall at 4:30 pm on 14 April 2026 . Details: Contact Information: [email protected]

( 1 )

Name

Date

Add LOGO - (Only JPEG, GIF or PNG files, no PDF. For best results image at least 400px wide)

Public Notice Details

Douglas Chamber of Commerce

[email protected]

01.04.2026 15:42

Notice is given of an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Douglas Chamber of Commerce to be held at the PD Community Hall at 4:30 pm on 14 April 2026 .

Details:
Contact Information: [email protected]

( 3 )	Date	Start time	End time	Event name	Event description	Location	Cost	Website link	Event contact phone	Event contact email	Category (Maximum of 4 categories)	Terms and conditions	Name	Email	Phone
1.	Monday 4 May 2026 May 04 2026-05-04T00:00:00+10:00	10am	6pm	Indoor League	Grab a partner and come into Daddyshack once a week to play 9 holes on a famous golf course. Our Indoor League is starting a new season, and we are looking for teams to compete. Games are 2 person Ambrose with handicaps and the best score each week wins the cash prize. Play all 8 weeks and go into the running to play the finals and win the major prize.	Daddyshack Indoor Golf, Grant St, Port Douglas	$20 per player, per game	https://www.facebook.com/groups/1231198597727923	0478208529	[email protected]	Sport Event	A golf handicap is required to participate in the Indoor League.	Mic Walsh	[email protected]	0414741163
2.	Saturday 18 April 2026 Apr 18 2026-04-18T00:00:00+10:00	10:00am	11:00am	Author Talk with Jenny Kroonstuiver	Born in the 1950s, Jenny Kroonstuiver spent her childhood living on pastoral stations firstly in western Queensland and then on the Nullarbor Plain in Western Australia. She trained as a teacher and spent several years teaching in country areas of the Northern Territory and Queensland, before returning to Kalgoorlie in the 1980s. After a short-lived marriage, she raised her four children alone, continuing to work in the broader education sector. From 2004, she took up a role managing the national training system for the Australian meat industry, a role she held until her retirement in 2020. After publishing several family histories and biographies, she turned to writing historical fiction set in ghost towns of Australia.	Mossman Library	Free		07 4099 9496	[email protected]	Community Event, Free Event		Douglas Libraries	[email protected]	07 4099 9496
3.	Friday 15 May 2026 May 15 2026-05-15T00:00:00+10:00	6:30pm	8:30pm	Ancient Tales	Let your imagination cast away to explore the ancient wonders of the world with Sea Circus Productions this year for Carnivale. Their showcase reflects the local beauty of the Daintree Rainforest & the Great Barrier Reef and their will to protect it! Sea Circus performers will be taking you on a journey through ancient times, telling tales of mythological Gods and Goddesses, as our explorers travel into the expanses of the rainforest and into the depths of the ocean, encountering mythical creatures and facing legendary nemesis in the search to bind two treasures that’ll illuminate their world today. Their story will be told through words, song, dance and circus acts, displaying local talents in aerial acrobatics, contortion, stilt walking, LED twirling, music, theatre and fire dancing in partnership with PyroGlow Productions, Keep on Dancing, The Clink and Loni Fitzpatrick Harpist. Join the fun and come dressed as your favourite god/goddess, rainforest or sea creature! During our 30-minute intermission there will be prizes for the best dressed, a hula hoop contest and a group salsa dance lesson, with the opportunity to grab refreshments from The Surfy. PRICE: $35 per adult ~ $20 for kids ~ FREE for 5 & Under ARRIVE EARLY: Food & Drinks at The Surfy Restaurant SEATING: Outdoors near the beach on the grassy area of the Surf Life Saving Club WHAT TO BRING: picnic blanket, pillows, camp chairs Sponsors: Surf Life Saving Club, The Surfy, WindSwell Adventures Port Douglas, Earth1, Uptown Hire, Port Douglas Carnivale	Surf Life Saving Club / The Surfy	$35 per adult \| $20 per child \| 7 Years & Under FREE	https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1986049347060?aff=oddtdtcreator	0488665507	[email protected]	Arts & Culture, Community Event, Family Event, Live Entertainment	Tickets available at the door, but PLEASE BOOK IN EARLY so we can cater to confirmed numbers!	Vanessa Carey	[email protected]	0488 665 507

( 3 )

Date

Start time

End time

Event name

Event description

Location

Cost

Website link

Event contact phone

Event contact email

Category (Maximum of 4 categories)

Terms and conditions

Name

Phone

Monday 4 May 2026

2026-05-04T00:00:00+10:00

10am

6pm

Indoor League

Grab a partner and come into Daddyshack once a week to play 9 holes on a famous golf course. Our Indoor League is starting a new season, and we are looking for teams to compete. Games are 2 person Ambrose with handicaps and the best score each week wins the cash prize. Play all 8 weeks and go into the running to play the finals and win the major prize.

Daddyshack Indoor Golf, Grant St, Port Douglas

$20 per player, per game

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1231198597727923

0478208529

[email protected]

Sport Event

A golf handicap is required to participate in the Indoor League.

Mic Walsh

[email protected]

0414741163

Saturday 18 April 2026

2026-04-18T00:00:00+10:00

10:00am

11:00am

Author Talk with Jenny Kroonstuiver

Born in the 1950s, Jenny Kroonstuiver spent her childhood living on pastoral stations firstly in western Queensland and then on the Nullarbor Plain in Western Australia. She trained as a teacher and spent several years teaching in country areas of the Northern Territory and Queensland, before returning to Kalgoorlie in the 1980s. After a short-lived marriage, she raised her four children alone, continuing to work in the broader education sector.

From 2004, she took up a role managing the national training system for the Australian meat industry, a role she held until her retirement in 2020. After publishing several family histories and biographies, she turned to writing historical fiction set in ghost towns of Australia.

Mossman Library

Free

07 4099 9496

[email protected]

Community Event, Free Event

Douglas Libraries

[email protected]

07 4099 9496

Friday 15 May 2026

2026-05-15T00:00:00+10:00

6:30pm

8:30pm

Ancient Tales

Let your imagination cast away to explore the ancient wonders of the world with Sea Circus Productions this year for Carnivale. Their showcase reflects the local beauty of the Daintree Rainforest & the Great Barrier Reef and their will to protect it!

Sea Circus performers will be taking you on a journey through ancient times, telling tales of mythological Gods and Goddesses, as our explorers travel into the expanses of the rainforest and into the depths of the ocean, encountering mythical creatures and facing legendary nemesis in the search to bind two treasures that’ll illuminate their world today.

Their story will be told through words, song, dance and circus acts, displaying local talents in aerial acrobatics, contortion, stilt walking, LED twirling, music, theatre and fire dancing in partnership with PyroGlow Productions, Keep on Dancing, The Clink and Loni Fitzpatrick Harpist.

Join the fun and come dressed as your favourite god/goddess, rainforest or sea creature! During our 30-minute intermission there will be prizes for the best dressed, a hula hoop contest and a group salsa dance lesson, with the opportunity to grab refreshments from The Surfy.

PRICE: $35 per adult ~ $20 for kids ~ FREE for 5 & Under
ARRIVE EARLY: Food & Drinks at The Surfy Restaurant
SEATING: Outdoors near the beach on the grassy area of the Surf Life Saving Club
WHAT TO BRING: picnic blanket, pillows, camp chairs

Sponsors: Surf Life Saving Club, The Surfy, WindSwell Adventures Port Douglas, Earth1, Uptown Hire, Port Douglas Carnivale

Surf Life Saving Club / The Surfy

$35 per adult | $20 per child | 7 Years & Under FREE

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1986049347060?aff=oddtdtcreator

0488665507

[email protected]

Arts & Culture, Community Event, Family Event, Live Entertainment

Tickets available at the door, but PLEASE BOOK IN EARLY so we can cater to confirmed numbers!

Vanessa Carey

[email protected]

0488 665 507

Support Newsport

Vigils held across Shire for Bondi victims

Our people

Byron Filmer

Junior Reporter

Latest News

PROACTIVE STEPS

Douglas Shire desexing grant tackles rise in unwanted litters

Shire transport

Daintree ferry is back on the river today - look away now if you don't want to know the price tag

Shire transport

Cook Highway roadworks to stop for Easter, but some restrictions remain in place

POSITIONS VACANT

PUBLIC NOTICES

PROPERTY OF THE DAY

more properties