General News
6 August, 2026
New direction for Rotarians
THE Douglas Shire’s new Rotary Club of Douglas FNQ, formally known as Mossman Rotary, has revealed its new direction under new president Craig Schofield and board team members.
The club was inducted over dinner at the Barrier Reef Tavern, Four Mile, on Wednesday 22 July, attracting 43 guests, including seven new members, that figure almost doubling the size of the club in one evening. Another five guests, on the night, also committed to joining the club
Mr Schofield said fresh projects would aim to attract more members and engage better with the community.
“Firstly, we are running a project called Lift the Lid, focused on mental health awareness and support,” he said.
“We are tackling this through three initiatives: a walk to raise money and awareness for mental health, a presentation at a hay shed for farmers who’ve lost crops due to the decline of the sugarcane industry, giving them tools to deal with that grief and a fundraising lunch at Zinc Restaurant here in Port Douglas.
“Secondly, we’ve developed a tourist map that showcases, not just Port Douglas, but the whole of Douglas Shire, right up to Cape Tribulation one way, down to Oak Beach and across to Julatten. We want visitors to understand there’s so much more to explore in our region.
“Thirdly, we are looking to engage more actively in disaster awareness planning and other regional initiatives.
“Fourthly, and this is where I need your help, we want to be there for local community needs.
“We’re actively looking for ways to support people and address the real challenges facing our neighbours.
“If you see a gap, if you know someone struggling, if there’s a need we’re not currently meeting, please bring it to me. This is a collaborative effort.
“For number five, we’ve launched our Business Connect meetings, a monthly gathering held at different businesses around Douglas Shire, with a different speaker each time. It’s about building connections, fostering collaboration and strengthening the local economy by supporting our local businesses.
Finally, we are incredibly fortunate to have Gary Hunt with us, one of our newest members and a man with tremendous vision, whose background in design and architecture has already given us something special. A Port Douglas Lagoon has been one of his main aims for the area and Gary is the one who first put the idea forward, one we’re now embracing as a club project.”
Membership is $225 a year. Details via email at douglas.fnq@rotary9560.org or by phone on 0419 494 800.
