Welcome to Stratford and Freshwater Community Association
SAFCA was established by the two communities in 1985 to improve and maintain the amenity and liveability of Stratford and Freshwater. It was incorporated in 2005 and celebrated 30 years at a street party in 2015.
A history of 30 years of community engagement can be found here
The AGM is held in August each year, before the monthly general meeting.
Stratford and Freshwater Community Association Inc (SAFCA) meets at 6.30 pm on the third Tuesday of the month, usually at Stratford Community Hall.
Aerial View of Stratford, 1940.
Image: Cairns Historical Society (B4266).
Stratford and Freshwater Heritage Trail Maps
There are two heritage trails in our area, Stratford and Freshwater. They consist of self guided walks (parts can be driven by car) with information boards at important sites. The aim of the project was to engage the local community by recording and sharing our history. Funded through Q150, Cairns Regional Council and the sponsorship of local businesses, organisations, residents and SAFCA members, the Heritage Trails record and preserve the rich and diverse history of the area.
Click the images to view and print.
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SAFCA was proud to be involved in the Freshwater State School’s 100yr celebration of its Corkhill St campus. We put up our history display in the “mini museum”, which attracted much interest…& we presented the P&C with 50 gift boxes of 2 champagne glasses engraved with the centennial logo, the proceeds of the sales of which, went to the P&C (there are a few left…so get in fast…they’ll be great mementoes)![]()
As a community organization, representing Freshwater & Stratford, we are happy to be involved in such significant community events…
Far North Police weekend crime wrap May 29![]()
Senior Constable Martin Shephard on May 29, 2023 @ 8:25am![]()
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Weapons charges, Gordonvale![]()
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A 27-year-old Gordonvale man has been charged with 25 offences after an alleged incident in Gordonvale on Saturday May 27.![]()
It will be alleged around 3.30pm, a 31-year-old Edmonton man approached the Gordonvale man’s address but was stopped at the door when the Gordonvale man allegedly produced a rifle and pointed it at the Edmonton man.![]()
A short struggle commenced with the firearm allegedly discharging and wounding the Gordonvale man.![]()
Both men have fled the area with the Gordonvale man allegedly fleeing along the Bruce Highway in a Black Holden Commodore.![]()
It will be further alleged around 3.50pm two members of the public drove past the man who was stopped on a grass verge, and he has allegedly pointed the rifle at them.![]()
Officers from Gordonvale Police Station have seen the vehicle crash on Louie Piccone Way and seen the man exit the car with the alleged rifle.![]()
Police have given chase before challenging the man to drop the weapon. The man allegedly threatened police with the rifle before scaling a wire fence and running.![]()
He has allegedly attempted to hide the rifle as police located and arrested him.![]()
He was transported to the Cairns Hospital and treated for a gunshot wound to the foot.![]()
Officers conducted a search of the man’s residence and vehicle locating a large sum of cash and what police will allege to be dangerous drugs.![]()
He has been charged with 25 offences including five counts of unlawful possession of weapons, six counts of possess dangerous drugs, three counts of common assault, two counts each of authority required possess explosives and serious assault police officer whilst armed, and one charge each of dangerous conduct with weapon, discharge weapon public place, going armed to cause fear, possess property suspected of having been acquired for the purpose of committing a drug offence, possess tainted property, possess utensils and possession of property suspected of being proceeds of an offence.![]()
The man was denied bail and is expected to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court today, May 29.![]()
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Drink Drive, Holloways Beach![]()
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A 49-year-old man was charged on Friday May 26 after police received reports of an alleged drink driver.![]()
Around 10:40pm members of the public watched as the man pulled up on his motorcycle. As the man stepped off the bike he allegedly fell to the ground.![]()
Several members of the public tried to assist the man but he allegedly became combative and abusive towards them.![]()
Police were called and the man was prevented from leaving by the members of the public.![]()
The man was detained by police and transported to the Cairns Police station for a breath test where he allegedly returned a positive reading of 0.178.![]()
The man’s licence was immediately suspended, and he was charged with one count of did drive under influence of liquor (UIL) and driving a motor vehicle other than as allowed under an interlock condition.![]()
He was bailed and is expected to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on June 14.![]()
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Assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence), Yarrabah![]()
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Police have charged a 53-year-old Yarrabah man with domestic violence offences following an alleged incident on Saturday, May 27.![]()
It will be alleged around 10pm the man and a 47-year-old Yarrabah woman have become involved in an altercation at their home, during which the woman sustained a wound to her neck.![]()
The woman was able to getaway out the back door where she was helped by a neighbour who called triple zero.![]()
Police attended and administered first aid before the woman was taken to Yarrabah health clinic. She has since been transported to Cairns Hospital in a stable condition.![]()
Following investigations, police located the man yesterday, May 28.![]()
He has since been charged with one count each of assault occasioning bodily harm whilst armed (DV), common assault (DV) and contravene domestic violence order.![]()
He was denied police bail and is expected to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court today, May 29.![]()
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you should report it to police.![]()
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Support and counselling is available from the following agencies:![]()
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DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811![]()
DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636![]()
1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732![]()
More information is also available from the Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence portal.![]()
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If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.![]()
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Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au
Crime Stoppers Queensland | Make a Report Today
www.crimestoppersqld.com.au
Crime Stoppers QLD is a registered charity and community run organisation that is supported by local volunteers across the state.
the new disability car park adjacent to Richmond Pk( don’t frett…that’s a genuine disability sticker parking in the bay)… thanks CRC… there’s a plan for a disability access pathway from current footpath to CWA Hall( I have asked CRC to keep SAFCA in loop with these plans)
after raising with Cr Vallely, at a recent SAFCA meeting, the issue of the severely deteriorating parking area opposite Jonsson’s Markets in Johnston St, Stratford, we are very happy that CRC responded, by grading and compacting the area to make it more accessible… thanks CRC…!
Anzac Day celebrated in usual wet conditions at Stratford Cenotaph this morning… huge crowd braved the rain to pay their respects… ![]()
Paul, SAFCA’s secretary laid a wreath to commemorate all those who had fought & fallen to protect out way of life in this stunningly beautiful part of the planet…🙏