John MacKenzie chats with Aimee McVeigh, CEO Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS), about homelessness and rental issues in relation to the upcoming housing summit.

Over 500 Cairns locals have applied for social housing during the last financial year, as approximately 4,000 people wait for a home in our region.

"People are sleeping in cars and on the streets across the regions," says Aimee McVeigh, "single mums have been handed tents to house their children...".

QCOSS is pushing for local representation for the upcoming state summit to address Queensland's housing crisis.

John MacKenzie chats with Glen Jacobs, Director of World Trail and Crankworx Cairns Track Manager, about the Crankworx cycling event that hits Cairns this week.

Mr. Jacobs was praised by Crankworx Managing Director, Darren Kinnaird, who described it as "maybe the most impressive course build I've ever seen..."

Over 4,000 tickets have been sold to the internationally watched event due to begin Thursday 6th October 2022, as the world's best mountain bike riders and amateurs alike travel to Smithfield for the rainforest course.

Glen Jacobs is the local legend and mastermind behind the Wangetti Trail.

John MacKenzie chats with Paul Drabble, local Anti-Crime Advocate, about a new "Citizens Force" initiative.

As the crime crisis worsens, a Citizens Force initiative would be there to act as a support system for our most vulnerable victims of crime, and to assist police in any way.

"It's about being vigilant, not being a vigilante" Mr. Drabble was quoted.

Paul's commentary comes just as a local resident, Natasha Baddock, used her van to jam in a group of youths in an allegedly stolen vehicle, causing them to flee on foot.

John MacKenzie chats with Stacey Quaid, Principal of Quaid and Colliers Real Estate, about the history of False Cape at East Trinity following the $2.95 million sale of the property.

The stunning 120.6-hectare property is home to World War II relics including a battery site that was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1997.

Stacey brings to life the amazing history of this amazing property in a not-to-be-missed conversation!

John MacKenzie chats with Denis McKinley, retired inspector Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, about the crime situation in Mareeba after unbelievable reports of rampant youth crime.

In recent times Mareeba has seen businesses torched and people bashed, but now reports of intimidation include threats to kill and eat the animals at a local pet store.

The community in Mareeba, Cairns, and everyone in Far North Queensland affected by crime need to stand together and provide support.

John MacKenzie chats with Ian Leavers, President and CEO of the Queensland Police Union, about the difficulties faced by communities burdened by crime.

Cairns and Far North Queensland is facing an ever-increasing crime rate with home invasions and theft of personal property being commonplace. Women and the elderly have been victimised by youth offenders who opportunistically prey on the vulnerable.

The true mental health impacts these crimes have on people are still being understood.

Ian also spoke about the 11% pay rise police officers will receive over three years.

John MacKenzie chats with John Moore, Former Director of Australian Rugby League, about the Eel's win against the Cowboys after a controversial forward pass.

Accusations were made that the Cowboys were robbed of their win following the admittance of a forward pass made by halfback Mitchell Moses that was missed by a touch judge.

NRL Head of Football, Graham Annesley, has confirmed the speculation.

John MacKenzie chats with talkback caller Bill, from Bentley Park, about a recent home invasion where young offenders forced entry and terrified Bill's wife who has mobility issues.

Their car and other items were stolen, but the true horror is the impact a home invasion has on victims' mental health and their perception of safety.

Bill's nightmare comes as another spate of crime has plagued Cairns and Far North Queensland over the weekend, with hovering helicopters being a constant reminder of the crime and car thievery occurring.

John MacKenzie chats with Gina Hogan, CEO of the FNQ Hospital Foundation, about the success of the 2022 QSuper Cardiac Challenge.

Around 215 cyclists (including 4CA's very own, Murray Jones) took part in the fundraising ride, which is now into its 16th year and has raised over $5 million [to date] to improve local cardiac services.

The QSuper Cardiac Challenge managed to raise more than $420,000 in 2022.

John MacKenzie chats with Sergeant Dave Raymond, Charity Fundraiser for hearts of the Nation, about a recent event attended by a former Wiggles Band member.

Former yellow Wiggle, Greg Page, visited Goldsborough Valley in support of funding efforts to attain an Automated External Defibrillator for the community south of Cairns.

After Greg's personal ordeal with cardiac arrest, he has a mission to provide defibrillators to each and every community in Australia.

Dave exuberantly led the Goldsborough Karate Club which raised $3000 for the Heart of the Nation charity foundation.