John Mackenzie chats with Andrew Nakovics, Co-Owner of Cardzilla, who recently spoke out against crime and gangs of offenders who are terrorising local businesses.

As a security measure, Cardzilla is now keeping its doors locked during operating hours with a sign at the front encouraging customers to knock.

Businesses in neighbouring suburbs have also been locking their doors during the daytime after a female shop worker was repeatedly threatened with being "bashed and raped".

John MacKenzie chats with General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd) about Vietnam Veteran's Day and the Legacy Gala Dinner coming up on September 2nd this year.

After a caller's suggestion, John proposed pairing the historical significance of the battle of Long Tan with the battle of Coral/Balmoral.

Cyclone Larry was also remembered, as Sir Cosgrove headed the task force in 2006 that saw the cleanup of ravaged towns in Far North Queensland, in particular the town of Innisfail.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Paul Williams, Associate Professor in Politics and Journalism at Griffith University, for an update on polling regarding the upcoming referendum vote on Australia's Indigenous "Voice to Parliament".

The "Voice" debate continues, especially following Senator Jacinta Price's recent comments that call for an end to Welcome to Country acknowledgments. 

John MacKenzie chats with Robbie Katter, State Member for Traeger and Queensland Leader of Katter's Australian Party, about "Welcome to Country" comments made recently by Senator Jacinta Price.

Senator Price argued that Welcome to Country acknowledgments are divisive and wrong, and only remind non-indigenous Australians that this isn't their home. “Australians don’t need to be welcomed to their own country”, she explained.

Mr. Katter also touched on the subject of NT alcohol bans and how they drive many problem-stricken people into Queensland communities, where alcohol is legal and available.

Robbie Katter is supported by many Indigenous Australians who live within his electorate, and appreciate his voice in the North.

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Brett Olds, CRC Representative for Division 9, about new laws and fines being implemented.

Plans to update 12 existing laws are underway with the Cairns Regional Council, including major fine increases for dog infringements, such as having pets off-lead.

Other proposed changes include a ban on feeding wildlife in council parks, a more simplified process to host public events, a more streamlined process for removing problem unregistered vehicles, and allowing cultural fires.

John MacKenzie chats with Steve Lippingwell, CRC Candidate for Division 2, about his petition to exclude Gordonvale as a location for a new youth detention centre.

"Any site in Edmonton would be unsuitable due to the close proximity of homes, schools, aged care, and the central business hub" Mr. Lippingwell explained.

Many oppose a youth prison being built anywhere in close relation to suburban dwellings and instead point to distant locations, such as nearby the Lotus Glenn Correctional Centre not far from Mareeba.

To sign the petition, click here: https://tinyurl.com/jsr3axxp

John MacKenzie chats with a frustrated caller, John from Cairns, about how local suppliers are being shelved in favour of businesses from southern cities.

According to John, many fuel service outlets are being forced to snub local suppliers and stock their shelves with products from down south.

Even stores in the remote regions of far north Queensland that receive government subsidies to assist in keeping shelves full are not being supplied by local businesses.

Ian Leavers, President and CEO of the Queensland Police Union, joins JohnMacKenzie in-studio this morning to discuss the exacerbating crime rate in Cairns, particularly among younger generations.

Addressing the youth crime crisis, Mr. Leavers called upon all three tiers of government to cooperate in an approach that leads to actual solutions and engagement, such as parental responsibility and welfare reliance. 

Mr. Leavers reminded listeners about the importance of a back-to-basics approach in reducing crime, which should include the traditional policing of the streets.

Ian also spoke with John about the announced new tasers that will become a part of the police arsenal. With an effective range of 14 metres (three times the distance of current tasers being used), a trial of the hi-tech tasers will begin soon in Queensland.

John MacKenzie chats with Marathon Swimmer, Julie Boxsell, about "Swimming the Gap", a fun-swim from Green Island to Yorkey's Knob that raises money for charity.

At a length of 27 kilometres, "Swimming the Gap" is currently Australia's longest open-water oceanic swim and will take place on Saturday 23rd September 2023.

As an experienced swimmer, Julie recently competed in the iconic 20 Bridges Manhattan Island marathon and Cairns is excited to have her join this local event that raises funds for the AFL Cape York House Foundation.

John MacKenzie chats with Ken Harley, Local Crime Emergency Activist, about the proposed youth detention centre for Edmonton and the plans for an alternative location.

Locals have been speaking out against having a youth jail constructed within the middle of a residential suburb, with many suggesting a facility built in the Atherton Tablelands, perhaps nearby the Lotus Glenn prison site, would be a more realistic alternative.

Queensland's Labor Government has announced that a new, 40-bed "therapeutic centre" [youth jail] will open in Cairns by 2026, with a proposed site in Edmonton that is yet to be officially confirmed.