Community
27 April, 2025
A bridge that seals love
A BRIDGE has been finished and has received a delightful name after ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper wiped out access to a Daintree accommodation house more than a year ago.
Outgoing Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch was the driving force behind the new ‘MiMi Bridge’ at Cockatoo Hill Retreat.
“After Cyclone Jasper, a lot of people up in the Daintree did it tough, but owner Carman (also known as ‘MiMi’ Nelli) at Cockatoo Hill Retreat was really hit hard,” Mr Entsch told the Gazette.
“The creek completely changed course and washed away her only access. What was once a small causeway became a full-blown creek. She was totally cut off. No visitors, no income, and she couldn’t even do the shopping without wading through water to get picked up,” he said.
Mr Entsch said Ms Nelli reached out to him for help.
“I worked closely with her to try and secure some disaster support. Initially, she was knocked back because the creek had moved onto private land, and that meant she didn’t qualify,” he said.
“It was a terrible situation and she was doing it all on her own. I reached out to Jake Ellwood from Queensland Reconstruction Authority and together we went into bat for her.
“Thankfully, we managed to secure the funding and get a proper bridge built,” Mr Entsch said.
“When Carman told me it was finished, I went to see it and that’s when I heard a beautiful story.
“Friends told me her late husband used to call her ‘MiMi,’ a sweet nickname that meant ‘kiss kiss.’ It stuck with me. I thought, wouldn’t it be special to honour that?”
The outgoing member had two signs produced, saying ‘MiMi Bridge’.
“With the help of the local community, we installed them as a surprise. Neil, Angie and Prue Hewett from Cooper Creek Wilderness Tours, David and Connie Pinson from Daintree Life, Gemma Heggie and Simon Hodgson from Digital Spice and Tamara Scenna from Daintree Siesta all pitched in to help make it happen.
“Karen Bromley was a wonderful support and Vicky and Alan Bidwell from Daintree Heritage Lodge generously hosted a beautiful afternoon tea afterwards.
“We used a bit of pink surveyor’s tape as a ribbon and the look on Carman’s face when we cut it was absolutely priceless. It was a small gesture, but a really meaningful one.
“Now, everyone who visits will cross MiMi Bridge and ask about the name and they’ll hear a story of love, resilience – and a community that looks after its own.
“And I reckon driving across a bridge called ‘kiss kiss’ is a pretty romantic way to start, or end, a stay in the Daintree.”
Read More: Far North
