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NOVEMBER 24, 2023
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l Cairns
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Last call for local billiard table empire
Aretha tribute show features at BAR36
40 years for Cairns Ribbons Tournament
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Vital air link
New Mayor accepts challenge
Flights increase to eight a week l AEROGLEN | Gail Sedorkin THE vital trade, tourism, work and educational opportunities for Cairns provided by the 50 year link with Air Niugini were praised by key industry figures at Cairns Airport on Tuesday. “It’s a special link that we’ve treasured for a long time and we hope to see it prosper into the future,” Cairns Airport Chief Operating Officer, Garry Porter said. Mr Porter said Air Niugini’s decades of service had immeasurably improved travel and trade connections across Tropical North Queensland and beyond. “We’ve seen the good times, we’ve seen the tough times, but they’ve been a resilient partner for not only us as an airport, but us as a region. “They’ve gone hand in hand in building jobs, creating opportunities for people, not only in Cairns, but also people in Papua New Guinea,” Mr Porter said. The first ever international airline to operate flights to Cairns, Air Niugini began flying on November 1, 1973, carrying 350,000 passengers in its first year. On September 17, 1975, Air Niugini became the first international airline to operate flights to Cairns Airport, when
a Fokker Fellowship took off from Port Moresby. Mr Porter said Air Niugini have opened up corridors that Cairns has never had before, operating freight in some of the tough times up into Hong Kong and through connections, through to Singapore. “Air Niugini has been a true partner for us here at Cairns Airport and we look forward to further successes.” Mr Porter thanked Air Niugini Chief Commercial officer, David Glover and his team for being in Cairns, congratulating them and presenting them with a certificate of achievement from Cairns Airport. Mr Glover said the airline would only continue to grow. “50 years on, Air Niugini continues to play a vital role in transporting goods and services (and) facilitates trade and tourism,” Mr Glover said. “For Cairns we presently offer six services a week and this will increase to eight services from next month, further boosting connectivity between Cairns, Papua New Guinea, and beyond. “Our goal is to return to pre-COVID service levels of twice daily flights as soon as demand fully returns.
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l CAIRNS | Gail Sedorkin
“Art is cool, art is fun.” ONE of the 25 Machans Beach State School students, Samara Sewak, with her self-portrait, Bunnies, which features in an exhibition at Tanks Arts Centre. Picture: Emily Barker of FNQ Roar Media & Photography
STORY PAGE 19
IT will be “business as usual” for new Mayor of Cairns, Councillor Terry James (above) who said he is looking forward to the challenge of his new role. “It’s a big challenge, but I’m confident I can do the job and my door is always open,” Cr James said. At an Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday, the majority of Councillors voted to elect Cr James as the city’s 35th Mayor. “It’s a real privilege to be chosen by my fellow Councillors,” Cr James said. Mayor James, who has served as Deputy Mayor for the past 11 years, said he would ensure Council continues to deliver for the community in the coming months. “It is an honour to serve the community as Mayor of Cairns,” Cr James said. CONTINUED PAGE 3
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