s n r i a C
Local News
FEBRUARY 02, 2024
100% LOCALLY OWNED & INDEPENDENT
cairnslocalnews.com.au
COV E R I N G M O S S M A N TO T H E C A S S OWA RY COAS T
l News
l Time Out
l Sport
Team Eden makes pitch for your vote
Packed agenda for tropical writers festival
AFL Cairns season fixtures revealed
Page 3
Page 15
Page 26
Unsung hero of Cairns
Queen Elizabeth II is due back in Cairns in March, October and November as part of a bumper cruise ship schedule this year. Picture: Ports North
Citizen of year Jacqui Backhouse.
l CAIRNS REGION A TORRES Strait Islander woman passionate about improving the outcomes for children is the 2024 Cairns citizen of the year. Jacqui Backhouse was given the honour yesterday in recognition of more than 30 years of helping at-risk children. At a time when most people are enjoying retirement, Ms Backhouse has continued to commit her time and efforts to supporting students and their families, primarily through her role as a teacher aide. Engaged in the role at several schools in Cairns for the past 30 years, she guides and mentors troubled and high-risk youths, including some who display anti-social behaviours and struggle with long-term issues at home and at school. She was one of several honoured at yesterday’s Cairns citizen of the year awards. CONTINUED PAGE 6
No.1 for cruises Aussies rate Far North as best place to visit on coastal liners
l FAR NORTH CAIRNS and Port Douglas are rated the two top destinations in Australia where Australians plan to cruise to this year. One in four Australians will go on a cruise this year, according to new research from the Tourism and Transport
Forum (TTF) Australia, with figures more than tripling since last year. A national survey of 2000 Australians, conducted by Pure Profile, reveals the percentage of Australians surveyed who plan to cruise in 2024 has risen from seven per cent to 26 per cent in the past 12 months, despite cost-of-living pressures.
TTF CEO Margy Osmond said it was welcome news for the tourism industry, with cruise ships increasing tourism spending onshore. North Queensland was number 1 at 25 per cent (Cairns nine per cent, Port Douglas eight per cent and Airlie Beach eight per cent), followed by Tasmania
(17 per cent), Sydney (12 per cent). Brisbane rated just four per cent. “It’s a great result for north Queensland tourism operators, who lost revenue from the devastating floods and cyclone over the Christmas and New Year period,” Ms Osmond said.
CONTINUED PAGE 2
Providing high quality education and care Monday - Friday from 6:00am - 6:30pm. Located at 21-23 Robert Rd, Bentley Park. Call us now on (07) 4222 3325!
Small Steps Academy is a QLD Government Approved Kindergarten! Come in and meet our bachelor qualified kindergarten teachers Miss Nicole, Miss Leanne, Miss Livvy and Miss Jeein!
www.smallsteps.au