CityLife Magazine Second Quarter 2020

SECOND QUARTER

2020

#DOITWITHALOCAL

Keeping Cairns Safe In COVID-19 Times

New stocks of PPE arriving weekly Disposable suiting • Disposable gloves • Disposable masks • Hand Sanitiser

Ph: (07) 4047 4444 98 Scott Street, Bungalow Follow us

Stay informed on coronavirus.

COVID-19 information is being updated daily, for current advice visit health.gov.au.

The best defence against most viruses including COVID-19 is practising good hygiene.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

Cover your cough/sneeze and dispose of tissues.

Avoid contact with others if you are unwell.

If you have travelled overseas or been in contact with a confirmed case and have symptoms, call your GP or the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.

Authorised by W. Entsch, Liberal National Party of Queensland, 200 Mulgrave Road, Westcourt QLD 4870.

Help stop the spread.

Help stop the spread of coronavirus by keeping your distance. Remember, don’t shake hands or exchange physical greetings.

All non-essential indoor gatherings of less than 100 people must have no more than one person per 4sqm.

Where possible, keep 1.5 metres between yourself and others. You should practise good hand hygiene, especially after being in public places.

Together we can help stop the spread and stay healthy.

For information on the Government’s economic response to the coronavirus visit: treasury.gov.au/coronavirus.

If you own a business you can call Treasury on 02 6263 3030 to determine exactly what support your business can receive or if you need to discuss tax deferrals with the ATO, small businesses should call 1800 806 218.

Authorised by W. Entsch, Liberal National Party of Queensland, 200 Mulgrave Road, Westcourt QLD 4870.

Hey drivers, we’re ramping it up, just for you.

Cairns Central’s $60 million redevelopment has reached an exciting milestone with construction to commence to the Spence Street Vehicle Express Ramp.

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All stores will remain open during this time.

We appreciate your patience as we deliver these improvements.

Hey Cairns, we’re creating more, just for you.

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Alternative vehicle access to the Centre will be available via Bunda Street or Aplin Street.

Signage, traffic controllers and courtesy crews will be on site to assist customers as we implement this temporary change.

For further information about these changes please visit www.cairnscentral.com.au

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Vehicle access to and from Cairns Central from Spence Street will be temporarily closed from 16th March. A new Vehicle Express Ramp from Spence Street will provide customers direct and easy access to the new Woolworths store upon completion.

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A LT E R N AT I V E A C C E S S VIA BUNDA ST

PUBLISHER’S

NOTE

Well there is no doubt this will be a year for us all to remember and to retell stories for many generations to come.

We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received for this edition. We are one of the very few magazines still left standing in our local community and we are watching on as day after day another business closes its doors or another person we know loses their job, or worse still, a loved one. What coronavirus has brought to our shores is unimaginable loss on so many levels.

It is utterly heartbreaking to see our country go through so much pain at this time. No-one is immune. And this is the very reason we moved heaven and earth to bring you this edition. Rain, hail or COVID-19, nothing was going to stop it!

We are committed to continuing to support the business community of FNQ through this. We all need some normality, consistency and some uplifting voices in the midst of all this to keep us going. It warms our hearts to see our city leaders join us in this edition as we unite to fight back and galvanise our community spirit. We are proudly

CityLife Magazine™ is published quarterly by CityLife Media Pty Ltd April 2020 - June 2020. All material within the publication remains the property of the publishers unless permission is otherwise sought in writing. Those who make advertising placement and or supply editorial content to CityLife Magazine™ undertake to ensure all material does not infringe copyright, trademark, defamation, libel, slander or title. The above mentioned patrons agree to indemnify the publishers against any investigations, claims or judgements. The views expressed in CityLife Magazine™ are those of the contributors, and are not necessarily shared by the publication. CityLife Media Pty Ltd copyright April 2020 - June 2020.

JACQUI

DANAE

supporting the Keep it in Cairns campaign (an initiative of Cairns Regional Council and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce), but in true CityLife™ style, throwing our own flavour into the mix with a little bit of cheekiness as we hope our hashtag spreads far and wide #DOITWITHALOCAL (We hope that puts a smile on a few faces around town - stay tuned for our social media, online and TV campaign to follow).

We might all be hurting, but we’ll #StickTogether and have a laugh along the way, as we always do.

So next time you make a purchase of any kind, make sure you #DOITWITHALOCAL and keep every possible dollar we can in this great region to ensure the heart of this economy keeps ticking. We will get through this Cairns, we will get through it TOGETHER. CityLife™ is with you every step of the way!

Jac &Danae xx CityLife Media Pty Ltd PO Box 1747 Cairns Q 4870 M. 0416 331 125 jacqui@citylifecairns.com.au danae@citylifecairns.com.au operations@citylifecairns.com.au www.citylifecairns.com.au

CityLife 8 Magazine

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We look forward to offering you all the same great services you have come to expect from our trusted team of professionals.

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THANK R T Y FO OUR SUPPOR G N RW E ARD TO SE I

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CityLife 9 Magazine

A YO ND US OON

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FEATURE 13 COVER STORY KEEP IT IN CAIRNS

COVER STORY P 13

34 GROUNDBREAKING HYDROGEN TECHNOLOGY 36 CITYLIFE REVIEWS 39 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 41 OLLIE’S REACHING OUT TO THE COMMUNITY 42 THE POWER OF PR

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44 CITYLIFE WELLBEING - VIOLETTA SEKLER 45 PARENTING IN A PANDEMIC

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CityLife FEATURE

#DOITWITHALOCAL

By Danae Jones

There has never been a more important time to Keep it in Cairns and #DOITWITHALOCAL than now!

As the people of Cairns reel from the impact of the global pandemic on their life and on their ability to earn an income, one thing is for sure, it is only by sticking together, that we will get through this.

The momentum is building as the community rises up and the business resilience we are renowned for shines through. We are fighting for our ultimate survival. But one thing Cairns is good at, is fighting, and sticking

together when the chips are down. We are all too familiar with rolling up our sleeves when the going gets tough and coming out stronger than before.

Keep it in Cairns is an initiative of Cairns Regional Council and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and we caught up with the city’s leaders who have united to take up the challenge to forge ahead as one and they’re asking you to join with them.

Politics and differences have been set aside and the fight to save our region is the razor sharp focus of each and every one of them. Some are on the front line fighting for us, others are advocating for us at a political, government and economic level, and some are busy planning the road out of this when we hit the other side of this dirty word known as COVID-19.

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CityLife FEATURE

Mayor Bob Manning Cairns Regional Council

1. Over the years what is the one thing you have come to appreciate about the city of Cairns?

Its natural beauty. The Reef, rainforest, beaches, Atherton Tablelands and the Cape, mangrove-lined inlets with an abundance of fish, crabs and prawns – this stuff cannot be seen together anywhere else in the world as it is here.

2. The region has experienced many tough times throughout the years, but none quite like we are experiencing now. What is one message you would like to give to the people of Cairns at this uncertain time?

From the time Europeans first settled Australia it has been tough. Droughts, floods, fires, two horrible world wars, a global depression and a number of smaller conflicts such as Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East and Afghanistan. And yet Australia soldiers on; it is truly a ‘gutsy’ country.

Today we stand together in meeting this threat from coronavirus and in looking after each other.

3. Leaders like yourself have united to fight for the region in what are unprecedented times – what role are you and your organisation playing in all of this?

Council has been very active in maintaining strong relationships with the two senior levels of Government (Federal and State) and established a two-committee structure to support this: a)

Economic Response & Recovery Sub-Committee b) Human & Social Sub-Committee These two sub-committees are being overseen by a Local Leadership Committee comprising of myself, and the local Federal and State members. This structure has been working well and is ensuring good co-ordination.

Council moved early to provide support for residents and business, initially fast tracking $2.4m in funding to TTNQ to promote our region, providing $40,000 to the Cairns Chamber of Commerce for a campaign to encourage residents to spend locally and to give landlords a threemonth extension on rate payments.

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As the situation has developed, Council endorsed another series of measures aimed at helping business generate employment, including the bringing forward of $2.5m of maintenance works, reducing rent for businesses leasing Council facilities and providing a three month extension on a range of business related-fees and charges.

Indications are positive that Cairns is showing great discipline in maintaining hygiene and social distancing, two key elements of the strategy in defeating coronavirus.

4. While there are many negatives about the current situation, we all find ourselves in – what is one thing you are looking forward to doing while in isolation?

We are all keen to see the defeat of this virus and the return to normalcy. I know that clichés sometimes drive people silly, but when we do come out of this we will all be stronger, and we will experience the joy of having defeated that which so disrupted our lives. I think a big barbecue will be in order.

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CityLife FEATURE

1. Over the years what is the one thing you have come to appreciate about the city of Cairns?

Cairns is unique in many ways but I firmly believe it is our laidback attitude that sets us apart from other cities across the nation.

But hands down the one thing I have always appreciated about our city is its residents. The community spirit and sense of mateship across our region is alive and well. We are always there for each other irrespective of our own personal circumstances. We have seen it time and time again and it never ceases to amaze me – our people make our city and it is something we should all be extremely proud of.

2. The region has experienced many tough times throughout the years, but none quite like we are experiencing now. What is one message you would like to give to the people of Cairns at this uncertain time?

Be kind to each other because irrespective of who you are, your background or personal circumstances, we are all in this together.

3. Leaders like yourself have united to fight for the region in what are unprecedented times – what role are you and your organisation playing in all of this?

The Hon. Warren Entsch MP Federal Member for Leichhardt

“ Be kind to each other because irrespective of who you are, your background or personal circumstances, we are all in this together.”

My office and staff you could say is well and truly at the coalface of this global health crisis. The calls and emails start from sunrise and continue on well after sunset, seven days a week. Each and every inquiry is unique and different.

My staff have done an amazing job keeping the community informed, responding to each and every email and ensuring no call goes unanswered. I am immensely proud of the work they are doing, it is certainly not easy, but they help everyone to the very best of their ability.

You have to remember, they have lives and families as well, they are certainly not immune to the effects of coronavirus.

4. While there are many negatives about the current situation we all find ourselves in – what is one thing you are looking forward to doing while in isolation?

It is a safe to say that our life before this pandemic was run at a million miles an hour. Sometimes we overlooked ourselves and those close to us. I love coming home each day and hearing the neighbourhood kids playing and laughing in their backyards, it is something I haven’t heard for a very long time and it does bring a smile to my face.

Personally, for me, I have enjoyed spending more time with my beautiful wife Yolonde and my family … but I am sure if you ask her you might get a very different answer!

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CityLife FEATURE

Patricia O’Neill CEO at Cairns Chamber of Commerce

1. Over the years what is the one thing you have come to appreciate about the city of Cairns?

Having lived in Cairns for almost 14 years I will never get tired of the natural beauty around me everyday. I have lived in many beautiful parts of the world however enjoying what Cairns has to offer, with a smaller population, means everything is more relaxed…you get the chance to take it all in.

2. The region has experienced many tough times throughout the years, but none quite like we are experiencing now. What is one message you would like to give to the people of Cairns at this uncertain time?

My key message to the people of Cairns is to remember we are a very strong and resilient community and at times like this we need to leave the experts to deal with the big issue at hand (the medical professionals and the government) we need to focus on right here, right now.

We cannot swallow the elephant whole! And that is not our job. We need to:

STOP LISTEN ACT ON DIRECTION

Just the way you would if you were in a burning house.

Spending energy worrying about the “what if ” will make people sicker than the virus ever would.

3. Leaders like yourself have united to fight for the region in what are unprecedented times – what role are you and your organisation playing in all of this?

My role as CEO at Cairns Chamber of Commerce is currently to link arms in particular with our state based Chamber body (CCIQ) to ensure we are enabling our members to remain informed of the day-to-day, hour-byhour, decisions being made at a local, state and federal level of government. It is also to be a sounding board for members who can use me (along with my board) as a conduit to have their question raised and ultimately answered. In times of uncertainty, business owners still need to feel connected, therefore it is key that as a Chamber we are still able to do this albeit electronically.

4. While there are many negatives about the current situation we all find ourselves in – what is one thing you are looking forward to doing while in isolation?

During isolation I am still working at a pace however gaining back that extra 90mins in my day by not having to travel to and from the town is being spent clearing out my inbox, filing things properly. I have this task factored into the top and tail of my day!

It’s like a detox! I am also doing some significant upgrades that have been cast aside for way too long.

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CityLife FEATURE

1. Over the years what is the one thing you have come to appreciate about the city of Cairns?

As new residents, having only arrived in October last year, my family and I are loving the time back in nature. Getting out on the reef, exploring the rainforest, swimming in the volcanic lakes, bird watching and all the vibrant colours of the world around us. We can take a five-minute walk from our new home and be in thick forest with a crystal clear rainforest stream weaving through the tall trees. With a young family it’s been great to share these experiences with new friends and we are settling into our new social life, with a great school community, amazing performing arts centre, and lots of events.

2. The region has experienced many tough times throughout the years, but none quite like we are experiencing now. What is one message you would like to give to the people of Cairns at this uncertain time?

This is the time for the community to unite and support each other. Everyone is being impacted, but the sooner we can stop the spread of the virus and ensure our community is safe, the sooner we can get back on with the business of sharing this amazing bit of the world with all those people who have been cooped up at home. Safe home, stay safe, stop the spread. What this region offers is what the world is looking for on the other side of this global pandemic, our visitor experiences, our seafood and agricultural product, our world-class educators, our lifestyle and connection to nature. These will be the things that help drive our economy for many years to come.

Mark Olsen

Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ)

“ What this region offers is what the world is looking for”

3. Leaders like yourself have united to fight for the region in what are unprecedented times – what role are you and your organisation playing in all of this?

Tourism Tropical North Queensland amplifies the voice of our industry, and our communities, to ensure we are being heard. We are working closely with all sectors of the economy to ensure our region is front of mind in every decision government is making, and front of mind for consumers planning their dream holiday when we have the virus contained. As a team we ensure we are listening to the industry and the communities across the region, from Cardwell to the Torres Strait and out to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) and Riversleigh and sharing their concerns with all levels of government. We are also working hard to build demand for the future with inspirational content, stronger partnerships globally, and active bids for major events and conferences for the years ahead.

4. While there are many negatives about the current situation we all find ourselves in – what is one thing you are looking forward to doing while in isolation?

Over Easter I enjoyed some quality time with my family. We took the TNQ Easter Challenge and recreated our favourite visitor experience in the region at home. The biggest challenge is trying to decide what experience to choose. Should we swim on the reef in the lounge room, go fishing in the pool, go camping in the backyard, float down a pretend Mulgrave River in our garage or try and re-create the hike up the Pyramid (which we haven’t done yet and will have to wait a bit longer).

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CityLife FEATURE

1. Over the years what is the one thing you have come to appreciate about the city of Cairns?

The truth is that the strength of our city is driven by the resilience of the region to which we belong. We are the sum of many parts and the logical international gateway to Northern Australia which has driven the internationalisation of our city over the last 25 years. It has been a hard slog to get here and has been achieved in no small part by the belief of some who drove the agenda and who campaigned fearlessly for the united voices of our region to be heard. Our remarkable growth during the late 80s through to the advent of the GFC of 2008 was no fluke. Then we sought out and capitalised on opportunity, we had population growth, we had local and international investment, we had confidence aplenty and chanced our arm. As we grew so did our infrastructure mostly from the private sector. We were the envy of many and still are.

2. The region has experienced many tough times throughout the years, but none quite like we are experiencing now. What is one message you would like to give to the people of Cairns at this uncertain time?

Times have changed in the intervening years offering new and different challenges. Just as we might have been emerging from the economic malaise of the GFC decade, along comes COVID-19 to test our mettle once again. Communities need a certain resilience to get through these things. Each segment of the regional jigsaw puzzle will play their part be they community-focussed social institutions all the way through to local governments across the region and everyone in between. They have no choice but to step up so do we all as individuals.

The pandemic has imposed on us the need to adapt to survive, but certainly not on the scale being suggested by the amateur futurists in these bizarre times. What we see today will not be the new normal. Our workplaces will return to what they were with the odd design and behavioural modification. Isolating at home has reinforced the notion the workplaces are also places of social interaction. Cars and individuals will roam the streets again, we will go fishing with the family and our mates, schools will be back at full tilt, restaurants will be churning out wonderful dishes, aged care will continue to operate as will our health systems. A modified normalcy will return. Cairns will occupy its place in the sun again.

The challenge for us will be how quickly we get there.

Kevin Byrne

Chief Executive Officer, Enterprise North

" Cairns will occupy its place in the sun again.

The challenge for us will be how quickly we get there."

3. Leaders like yourself have united to fight for the region in what are unprecedented times – what role are you and your organisation playing in all of this?

I cannot escape a sense of regret, that despite the many consistent warning signs over decades, we failed to diversify our city’s economy to play the role of the regional capital of Northern Australia. We need bold thinking around what this means and get on with it. No excuses. What the current situation has taught us is that we cannot waste another moment. This is a huge wake-up call and there is much to do ahead and that is the great positive of today and as a community and a region we need to rise to that. Enterprise North will ensure we're there. I love these challenges and that is why I love these parts. Governments need to allow us to get back to normal quickly and get on with it.

4. While there are many negatives about the current situation we all find ourselves in – what is one thing you are looking forward to doing while in isolation?

Reading and researching which are favourite past times.

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CityLife FEATURE

1. Over the years what is the one thing you have come to appreciate about the city of Cairns?

The beauty of our city and region is unrivalled, however, what I’ve always been so impressed with is the ingenuity, drive and resilience of our community at ALL levels and in every sector. We are tough, hardworking, community minded and we understand the need to stick together.

2. The region has experienced many tough times throughout the years, but none quite like we are experiencing now. What is one message you would like to give to the people of Cairns at this uncertain time?

Stay strong, we will get through this. We are seeing governments at all levels stepping up to the plate matching the unprecedented times, with unprecedented measures.

These measures are focused on our community’s health and well-being, in addition to our capacity to quarantine our city and region's commercial sector, ensuring that infrastructure stays in place and can re-start as we graduate back to normality.

Of course, adversity also brings opportunity and I am so impressed with the creative ways some businesses are handling this setback, like the local curtain maker who is now sewing face masks, local distillers like Wolf Lane who have transitioned to making hand sanitiser and of course Coles, Woolworths, local IGA’s and Piccones who have really accepted this challenge and have put in place some great measures to assist those most vulnerable in our society.

3. Leaders like yourself have united to fight for the region in what are unprecedented times – what role are you and your organisation playing in all of this?

From the outset, myself, Warren Entsch and Bob Manning immediately recognised the need to establish a local leadership team. In doing so we have provided both our city’s business and community human services sectors with a strong voice at all levels of government. We meet twice a week with the goal of representing our constituents in these important areas and ensuring the flow of information from government back into our community.

I have always acknowledged strong leadership and co-operation in these challenging times is part of what’s needed and expected from our community. Ensuring Brisbane and Canberra get our message is essential and we are doing just that.

Michael Healy MP State Member for Cairns

I am doing my best to get the messages out there by speaking every morning on local radio stations, doing television interviews and in my daily video update on my Facebook page. In addition, although my office doors are closed to the public we are still here, answering calls and emails, assisting with many and varied enquiries and will continue to do this through the coming weeks and months.

4. While there are many negatives about the current situation we all find ourselves in – what is one thing you are looking forward to doing while in isolation?

Getting through my wife’s list of things which need to be done around the house.

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CityLife FEATURE

Allan Dale

Professor of Tropical Regional Development at The Cairns Institute, JCU

1. Over the years what is the one thing you have come to appreciate about the city of Cairns?

I grew up at Trinity Beach, went to Cairns High, and was away for over 20 years in my early career. This place is in my blood, both because of the people who call it home, the great industries we have and the stunning environment and diverse culture we live in. In troubled and good times, I’ve always felt that we live in a town with a very strong sense of place. We pull together in the hard times, and there are many leaders around town focussed on making the place even better in the good times.

2. The region has experienced many tough times throughout the years, but none quite like we are experiencing now. What is one message you would like to give to the people of Cairns at this uncertain time?

I am old enough to remember the Pilot’s Strike and more recently the Global Financial Crisis. COVID-19 is bigger and uglier - but we always can, and always do, bounce back. The impact and recovery from these disasters, however, can be made worse by some structural problems in our economy and the way the whole region works (i.e. from the Torres Strait to the Gulf to the Cassowary Coast). These include the lack of a clear “whole of region” vision for the future, limited planning for new agricultural development, infrastructure gaps, and significant energy and cost-of-living issues. I think it is important that we start planning for how we deal with some of these bigger picture structural issues now so that

we are better positioned to bounce back post-COVID. This will mean working in new and more collaborative ways across industry sectors and with state and federal governments.

3. Leaders like yourself have united to fight for the region in what are unprecedented times – what role are you and your organisation playing in all of this?

Universities have a very important role to play during the COVID response and recovery. They play key roles in providing the evidence for good decision making and in lifting the capacity of decision making through quality education. Through my current appointment to the Advisory Committee to the Taskforce reviewing the Northern Australian agenda, I want to make sure that these key structural issues facing the future of our region are at the front and centre of the national response.

4. While there are many negatives about the current situation we all find ourselves in – what is one thing you are looking forward to doing while in isolation?

I largely have worked from home for the last 10 years, but the constant travel is a killer. Being in isolation with my partner Michele and with both kids back from Brisbane, COVID has in some ways delivered a blessing in disguise – together with the family in a great location with good internet!

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CityLife FEATURE

Nick Trompf

Executive Chairman, Advance Cairns

1. Over the years what is the one thing you have come to appreciate about the city of Cairns?

Cairns is unique in Australia in that it is simultaneously a big regional town at its core and a small international city in its outlook.

Other regional centres can lay claim to many of our benefits – relaxed way of life, superb climate, relatively low cost of housing and ease of getting around. But none can boast an international airport with a history of direct global access, a fistful of five-star hotels, a vibrant night life and a genuine global brand like we have right here in Cairns. These dual benefits have seen the modern Cairns emerge as an innovative, globally-focused city benefitting from being a significant exporter to the world (led by tourism) but at the same time retain its charm as a relatively remote centre proud of its significant role in the far north of Australia.

2. The region has experienced many tough times throughout the years, but none quite like we are experiencing now. What is one message you would like to give to the people of Cairns at this uncertain time?

Cairns has prevailed through a series of external shocks over the past 35 years – from the pilots’ strike of 1989, to the Asian financial markets crash in the late 1990s, the 9/11 terrorist strikes and collapse of Ansett Airlines in 2001, SARS in 2003, the Global Financial Crisis in 2008-09, the Aussie dollar surging through 110 cents US in 2011 and any number of natural disasters.

The COVID-19 crisis is challenging us in an unprecedented way – indeed we are among the hardest hit regions in the nation, given the

make-up of our economy. But the key message to remember here is the continued resilience shown by our business owners and operators over a long period of time and through many major disruptions. That spirit of ingenuity and determination will see many businesses pivot, innovate and in some cases completely re-invent themselves in the years ahead to reignite new growth opportunities.

3. Leaders like yourself have united to fight for the region in what are unprecedented times – what role are you and your organisation playing in all of this?

As the leading peak economic advocacy and economic development organisation in the region, Advance Cairns has been heavily involved in an array of initiatives to seek assistance for the region in response to the impact of COVID-19. We have been working in close collaboration with sister organisations Tourism Tropical North Queensland, the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Study Cairns since the first COVID-19 wave hit pre Chinese New Year in January. Advance Cairns formed a 40-strong business reference group in early March which is playing a vital, ongoing role in informing what’s known as the Economic Response and Recovery SubCommittee (ERRSC), one of two standing sub-committee established to provide advice to the Member for Leichhardt, the Hon. Warren Entsch, the Member for Cairns, Michael Healy, and the Mayor of Cairns, Cr Bob Manning, who jointly make up the Local Leadership Committee overseeing all levels of government response to the crisis. As executive chairman of Advance Cairns, I sit on the

C i t y L i f e 26 M a g a z i n e

ERRSC which has been meeting regularly to put forward a raft of recommendations across three phases – business survival, short-term stimulus opportunities (2020 focus) and finally recovery and resilience (2021 and beyond).

Much of the stimulus and recovery/resilience advocacy is centred around the Pathway to Prosperity manifesto Advance Cairns released last August – which is focused on driving much greater investment into health, education, water security, marine maintenance and road infrastructure as well as supporting growth in our biggest sector of tourism and aviation.

These initiatives were front and centre when Advance Cairns, TTNQ and CCoC led the biggest ever business delegation to Brisbane in February known as the Cairns TNQ Convoy to Capital Q. We continue on a daily basis with dialogue to representatives from local, state and federal government seeking further support to rejuvenate our economy.

While there are many negatives about the current situation we all find ourselves in – what is one thing you are looking forward to doing while in isolation?

While the Advance Cairns team has continued working throughout with a mixture of in-office as well as at-home, the one thing about selfisolation I have enjoyed is working on our farms on the Atherton Tablelands. We live on one property near Yungaburra and have another at Tarzali so the fact that weekends are free from many of the usual interruptions/travel etc has meant much more time to dedicate to farming activities.

CityLife FEATURE

The emergence of COVID-19 has created a very different environment today from what we were expecting for 2020. Our regional labour force has experienced significant upheaval and uncertainty reigns, but there are opportunities emerging for innovative and enterprising individuals and businesses.

While many workplaces have temporarily ceased operation and sadly some that will close permanently as a result of Covid-19 impacts, we continue to need trained and prepared people in a number of industries including retail, transport and logistics, agriculture, local manufacturing, public safety and of course the health sector.

There may never have been a time before in Australia when so many government programs are on offer. Our ever-changing situation has also resulted in a heightened level of interest and engagement with these programs and initiatives – and in many perspectives and interpretations of their use and value.

If you have lost your job or been stood down (there is a difference) there are financial supports available through the JobSeeker allowance which has been temporarily expended during the changed conditions under Covid-19. In addition to income support, there are also many things you can be doing to plan for the future. As businesses pivot and adapt to provide necessary goods and services in this time of crisis, new roles are emerging. Check in with jobactives as the funded employment service providers for updates. You can also go to the new Jobs Hub at https://www.dese. gov.au/covid-19/jobs-hub and use the Search Jobs By Location button to find what roles might be available in the Cairns region.

When you get to the job detail read it carefully to make sure it is in the Cairns area.

COVID-19 Workforce Support with Tamilyn Brennan FNQ Employment Coordinator

" This is the time to look at the sum of your skills and experiences outside of the boundaries of your usual employment and local recruiters can help you to do that."

Local recruitment agencies are very actively engaged linking local employers with suitably skilled candidates. This is the time to look at the sum of your skills and experiences outside of the boundaries of your usual employment and local recruiters can help you to do that. www.whatsnext.employment.gov.au has advice on what you could do with your skills and Stronger Transitions which is a package of assistance that can help you to find new jobs and train for the future may be useful for you now: https://www.employment.gov. au/stronger-transitions If you are just starting out and planning your work life, go to https://jobsqueensland.qld.gov.au/anticipating-future-skills/ to get an idea of what industries, occupations and qualifications will be needed in Cairns in 2022. There is a useful data tool at the bottom of this webpage for the statistically minded.

For employers there are many assistance and support measures being announced, so rather than try to list them the trusted sources are https://www.business.qld.gov.au/ which includes a small business hotline number and a business impact survey as well as a regularly updated list of the measures available; and https:// www.australia.gov.au/#business_amp_employer_information_.

This includes the latest on the newly passed JobKeeper payment to support employers to retain staff during this time of limited trading.

To ‘Keep it in Cairns’ go to www.keepitincairns.com.au or https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/council/covid19/hotline or phone 1300 396 102 during business hours. The Cairns Chamber of Commerce and CCIQ have good advice being published and otherwise available for direct individual advice.

As Employment Facilitator for the Cairns region Tamilyn Brennan is contracted by the Australian Government to help employers and jobseekers connect using the various programs and initiatives at hand and to help develop solutions to local workforce challenges.

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JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

An open letter from the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation YOU can make a difference to OUR community.

Hospitals within the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service are well prepared for COVID-19. However Cairns Hospital along with the Mossman, Mareeba, Atherton, Yarrabah, Babinda, Innisfail and Tully hospitals have identified that there is extra equipment that will help them better care for an expected influx of patients with COVID-19.

While the State Government has provided significant funding, community funding can provide additional medical and intensive care equipment that will have far reaching benefits to all in the Far North.

Delivering this list of urgent equipment will help ensure we have the best care possible for our communities.

If you have the capacity, we’re fundraising right now.

We are committed to ensuring everyone in this region has access to the best possible health care and equipment at our local hospitals.

Please call our fundraising office on 4226 6327 now or donate online at www.fnqhf.org.au/coronavirus Thank you for your support and compassion.

Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation P 07 4226 6327 | F 07 4226 6663 PO Box 957, Cairns QLD, 4870 Ground Floor Block E | Cairns Hospital Cnr Grove & Digger Streets Cairns QLD, 4870 fundraising@fnqhf.org.au | www.fnqhf.org.au

Dr Ken Chapman Chairman M 0438 355 821

Tony Williamson Chief Executive Officer M 0407 161 626

PLEASE DONATE SO WE CAN HELP THESE HOSPITALS TODAY MOSSMAN

$288,318

CAIRNS

YARRABAH

$294,117

MAREEBA

$293,487

$566,023 ATHERTON

$239,947

BABINDA

$346,776 $294,987

$264,276 TULLY

TO FIND OUT MORE P: E: W: A:

07 4226 6327 fundraising@fnqhf.org.au www.fnqhf.org.au Cnr Grove & Digger st, Cairns, Q, 4870

www.fnqhf.org.au/coronavirus

INNISFAIL

CityLife FEATURE

1. Over the years what is the one thing you have come to appreciate about the city of Cairns?

As CEO of NAIF, which is headquartered in Cairns, I’m fortunate to be able to work and travel across a vast section of Australia given our footprint covers northern Queensland, the Northern Territory and the northern part Western Australia.

While each region is unique and has its own distinct strengths, challenges and opportunities, what unites the whole of northern Australia including Cairns is its untapped potential, undoubted geographical beauty and warm and welcoming community.

From recent conversations in Cairns, it is evident local stakeholders have a range of great ideas and proposals about how Cairns can grow and develop. I look forward to continuing to grow those partnerships in the coming months so that NAIF can work with others to support the Cairns region through this difficult period and into a prosperous future.

2. The region has experienced many tough times throughout the years, but none quite like we are experiencing now. What is one message you would like to give to the people of Cairns at this uncertain time?

Stay united, work together and don’t be afraid to have a go and explore ways to continue to support and also diversify the economy.

I am confident Cairns will come out of this period in a stronger position, ready to develop and prosper.

3. Leaders like yourself have united to fight for the region in what are unprecedented times – what role are you and your organisation playing in all of this?

To those outside the government sector, I appreciate that at times it can be a little overwhelming understanding which government agency does what.

NAIF is a Commonwealth Government development financier with a unique role to help unlock Northern Australia’s economic potential. We look to work in a collaborative manner with key government, regional and industry stakeholders to identify projects that will maximise the economic and employment impact of NAIF’s financing support.

Of NAIF’s current $ 5 billion allocation, NAIF has to date made financing commitments of nearly $2 billion to support job creating and job supporting projects across northern Australia. More than 5,000 jobs are forecast to be created and supported across NAIFbacked projects.

In these difficult economic times, we look to be as flexible, innovative and agile as possible to provide financial assistance to proponents and projects that meet the requirements of our Act and Investment Mandate.

Chris Wade

CEO of Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF)

4. While there are many negatives about the current situation, we all find ourselves in – what is one thing you are looking forward to doing while in isolation?

On a personal level, having to work from home during the current period means I am able to spend more time with my family. Much of my role is usually on the road so it is great to have additional family time.

On a work front, our team are now well and truly used to working remotely and are focused on working with a range of parties to finalise a number of projects across North Queensland and Northern Australia more generally.

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CityLife FEATURE

1. Over the years what is the one thing you have come to appreciate about the city of Cairns?

The people. It was people that brought me back to Cairns in 2015. My friends here are “the family I choose”. There’s a real sense of community in Cairns which has never been more evident than it is right now, and there’s a resilience that is unique to our town. I am extremely proud of the way our city has come together.

2. The region has experienced many tough times throughout the years, but none quite like we are experiencing now. What is one message you would like to give to the people of Cairns at this uncertain time?

We will get through this. Far North Queensland has the opportunity to come out of this crisis in a better position than how we went in. Our governments are listening and there is funding available. Now is our chance to look at what we want for our region, our businesses and our families. It’s time to reshape our vision and to think outside the box. I believe we have a bright future ahead.

Danielle Carey

Chief Executive Officer, Regional Development Australia Tropical North (RDATS)

“ I am extremely proud of the way our city has come together.”

3. Leaders like yourself have united to fight for the region in what are unprecedented times – what role are you and your organisation playing in all of this?

RDA Tropical North has been advocating for our region since 2009. We represent a vast area from Cardwell to Papua New Guinea and from the east coast, west through to Croydon. With our strong stakeholder relations locally and regionally and working with our colleagues across Northern Australia and around the nation, RDA is working hard to provide concise, realtime facts, data and projections directly to our ministers in Canberra on a weekly basis. Myself and the RDA Tropical North Board, drawn from leaders and experts from across the region, have a clear focus to not only see FNQ through this crisis, but to ensure we leverage every opportunity to strengthen and grow our economy through the development of appropriate infrastructure and industry.

4. While there are many negatives about the current situation, we all find ourselves in – what is one thing you are looking forward to doing while in isolation?

While I will miss my loved ones, it will be nice to just stop for a while. This is a rare chance to take stock and spend some quality time at home. Also, my parents have just discovered Zoom, so I am guessing there will be many family “meetings” ahead!

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CityLife FEATURE

1. Over the years what is the one thing you have come to appreciate about the city of Cairns?

I was brought across to work on the Courier Mail from the UK and transform the paper from a broadsheet to a tabloid many years ago, so the commercial side of newspapers and I are very familiar with each other. Part of the family of NewsCorp was The Cairns Post of course, so I used to come up to Cairns to meet my colleagues and my friends from the work I was doing with the Courier Mail, so Cairns and I have always been old friends. I always admired the energy the passion and the pride people had for their city when I would come here. Cairns locals are such a passionate bunch of people. One of my first bosses for CCIQ was Brett Moller, so over the past 15 years I’ve worked alongside media and business leaders in this region a lot. Cairns has always been a part of my DNA of living in Australia. I come from a small regional city in the UK and that is one of the reasons I am on the board of Cairns Chamber of Commerce today as I understand the importance of the business advocacy bodies within regional communities.

2. The region has experienced many tough times throughout the years, but none quite like we are experiencing now. What is one message you would like to give to the people of Cairns at this uncertain time?

I think the entrepreneurial spirit and that pride that Cairns people are so well known for is what will take them through. The fact that they have been through many challenging times before such as the pilot strike, the GFC etc I find they tend to have a certain resilience in them and the ability to bounce back better than they ever have done before. Regional communities in particular seem to have an overwhelming sense of resilience. What I would say to people though is don’t miss the opportunity to revisit your business models and see how we can do things quicker, better and differently. The resilience that business owners possess in Cairns means they are ideally placed to take advantage of the opportunities that will come from this.

Stephen Tait

Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Qld (CCIQ)

"The local Chamber is vital in giving us the feedback we need to respond – more voices are better than one."

3. Leaders like yourself have united to fight for the region in what are unprecedented times – what role are you and your organisation playing in all of this?

Our primary role in all this is to support the Cairn Chamber of Commerce as a partnership in terms of advocacy. Our desire is to create the best business environment through our advocacy with all levels of Government to help business people survive and thrive when we eventually come out of this current crisis. The local Chamber is vital in giving us the feedback we need to respond – more voices are better than one.

4. While there are many negatives about the current situation we all find ourselves in – what is one thing you are looking forward to doing while in isolation?

We have never been busier at CCIQ. We have had over 2,500 new businesses join us within the past 3.5 weeks primarily because the Chamber of Commerce is now seen as a place that will give you all the advice and support at these challenging times. We are currently working on how we can develop more ways to support the business community and we are developing new strategies and looking at new ways of doing business. Because of the immediacy required with this health and economic crisis, we have been forced to make decisions quickly, and I think they are better decisions, as businesses are talking to us more than they ever have and they are telling us loudly and on mass what it is that they need to survive.

I’m really looking forward to how we can support businesses more with the opportunities that come out of this through the recovery effort.

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CityLife FEATURE

Aviation industry set to take off Words by Stacey Carrick

The aviation industry in Cairns is perfectly positioned to soar to new heights once the COVID-19 crisis is finally over.

With world-class aviation training facilities in Cairns, as well as our major tourism attractions, significant growth is definitely on the cards for the far north.

Now, more than ever, is the perfect time to support locally produced goods and services, according to Cairns Aviation Skills Centre/Aviation Australia business manager Chris Pigott.

“I fully support keeping it local,” Mr Pigott said.

“We need to keep spending our money locally, support local groups and source our goods and services locally in order to keep the Cairns economy going.

“Cairns Aviation Skills Centre and Aviation Australia staff are involved with the Chamber of Commerce, Advance Cairns and Tradelinked.

“These organisations support local businesses. We are currently working on a growth project; we will be selecting a local company for that shortly.

“It’s important to support local businesses and continue to employ locals so we don’t lose their skill sets and so we can keep them alive during these difficult times.

“The aviation industry will bounce back very quickly. The people with skills acquired prior to COVID-19, those skills will be needed when the industry returns.

“We had 60 apprentices from the Northern Territory doing their training in Cairns.

They are continuing their online learning program in the NT as if they were sitting here in the building in Cairns.”

The Cairns Aviation Skills Centre has been operating since 2004. There have been 700 apprentices trained locally and more than 7000 professionals have been upskilled in every aspect of the aviation industry.

“The skill and talent in Cairns is of a world-class standard,” Mr Pigott said.

“Our aviation engineering training is not just of an Australian standard, it’s of a C i t y L i f e 33 M a g a z i n e

European standard as well.

“We are also looking at a very large expansion plan for the Cairns Airport in conjunction with the State Government.

This will be a game changer for the aviation industry in Cairns.”

Mr Pigott said the Cairns community is extremely resilient in difficult situations such as COVID-19.

“The community really supports each other when necessary,” he said.

“That’s the underlying strength of the Cairns region.

“We have enormous growth opportunities in Cairns. I definitely anticipate that it will come back.

“This is a bump in the road that no one saw coming. However, we will have new opportunities in the future.

“We are fortunate enough to have the reef and the rainforest.

“We live in such a nice part of the world, so we are definitely perfectly positioned for future growth.”

CityLife FEATURE

Groundbreaking Hydrogen Technology Shows Significant Potential For Fighting Coronavirus

Ground-breaking technology is achieving phenomenal results around the world in the fight against coronavirus.

The team at engineering company, Hydrogen Technologies, are working day and night to keep up with enquiries from their small facility in Cairns, Australia.

“We are primarily shipping to the US and Europe but even to places around the world that we didn’t even know existed until now. We are flat out and struggling to keep up with demand. Obviously there is immense pressure in countries such as Italy, Spain and the US at the moment so this is where we are finding our biggest demand is coming from,” said Jim Wilson, Co-Founder of Hydrogen Technologies.

Molecular hydrogen and oxygen technology is not only helping open the airways of coronavirus victims by reducing the inflammation it causes in the lungs, but it also assists the immune system and dramatically reduces the oxidative stress in the body that if not addressed, can lead to multiple organ disfunction and failure. Both hydrogen and oxygen are a bodies key requirements to staying alive and well.

The technology works to increase the molecular hydrogen levels in the body of any animal, plant or human giving it wide reaching benefits and a multitude of applications throughout multiple industries.

Currently in China, they are choosing to inhale it to achieve immediate results at the inflammation site, the Chinese Government has even issued a coronavirus formal medical protocol to combine molecular hydrogen inhalation therapy with other modalities to combat coronavirus for all cases.

“The Chinese Government protocol suggested that one of the primary points of treatment is the inhalation of

Molecular Hydrogen and Oxygen gas being a 66%, 33% blend of gases which is exactly what these machines produce,” said Jim Wilson.

Hydrogen Technologies have been refining this technology for over 5 years and have built a machine that has the ability to be used for a variety of purposes, the innovative machine has been refined by Jim and his father in law who have a combined engineering experience of some 60 years.

“My father-in-law Kjell (pronounced “Shell”) and I have always known the remarkable and diverse benefits of hydrogen therapies for all aerobic species although it has been largely untapped until now, many countries have been leading the way and embracing the technology for human applications for quite some time. There are well over a thousand studies and papers out there from all over the world, all showing the same fundamental biological conclusions.

“The United States, Switzerland, Japan and many other European nations are very familiar with the benefits of this technology and they have been our biggest customers to date, many of them researching other conditions prior to the coronavirus arrival where oxidative stress plays a major role which includes aging, brain injury and enhancing peak performance and recovery in athletes etc.”

“It is 100% natural and is natures own anti-oxidant which brings back metabolic balance and allows the body to work at its optimum. Because is it 100% natural, some people find it hard to comprehend just how effective it is,” said Mr Wilson, “but it is in fact, exactly the way nature intended it to be”.

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CityLife FEATURE

“We believe that this will revolutionise the health industry as we know it, and everyone on the planet stands to benefit from what this technology will bring.”

So What Is Hydrogen Supplementation?

“Approximately 62% of all the atoms in most animal species are Hydrogen atoms with 24% Oxygen and another 12% Carbon. It makes sense that Hydrogen and its electrons are essential in nearly every molecule and function throughout the body, and if there is not enough of them to go around, then it will affect the way the body works in a great many ways.

“As a body ages, its ability to produce and harvest enough hydrogen to control the effects of Oxidative Stress diminishes which will ultimately result in the onset of degenerative diseases and ailments,” said Jim Wilson.

Molecular Hydrogen Supplementation is simply providing the living organism access to the very atoms that allow it to exist in the first place. Hydrogen has been referred to as the key to all living things and in its atomic form, it is the most pure, natural supplement known to science.

Hydrogen Technologies is hopeful to build a manufacturing facility in Cairns, Australia to continue supplying this cutting edge technology throughout the world and ensure its applications can be used in as many industries as possible to improve human longevity, shelf life of food, performance of athletes and the enrichment of farmland for many generations to come.

“We have the technology and it is staring us in the face, we just have to open our eyes and our minds to see its potential.”

For more information: www.hydrogentechnologies.com.au

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REVIEWS

with Cassey Veenan

It’s time to “virtually” connect with one another. Face to face meetings and in person catch ups with friends have been replaced by video hook ups and phone chats.

Teaming with your colleagues has gone all digital as we grapple with the new norm.

For some it has been an easy transition, but for others it has been a real struggle. So we thought we’d give you all of our top tips on the best apps out there for you, your colleagues and your family to use in these ISO times.

MICROSOFT TEAMS Full Microsoft integration – multiple cameras on screen at any one time (up to 50 people can attend one meeting). Share documents and notes all in the one spot.

BUSINESS LIFE

GOOGLE HANGOUTS Free video calls for up to 10 people at any one time. Share screen while on calls if you need to show team members how to use something or discuss a document.

GOTOMEETING An oldie but a goody. This is a program that has been around a very long time and they were ahead of their time when it was first released.

26 people on a call via computer or app at any one time. GoToWebinars also available with up to 1,000 people able to attend at any one time.

SKYPE Group video calls of up to 50 people at any one time with chat capability.

BLUEJEANS Video conferencing app – can have up to 100 people on any one video call at any one time.

ZOOM Easy to use, multiple cameras on screen at any one time (up to 100 people can attend one meeting/webinar)

REVIEWS If you have something you think we should review – hit us up at: operations@citylifecairns.com.au

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HOUSE PARTY Invite multiple people to your House Party and even play live games with them via the app from the comfort of your own home.

MESSENGER

HOME LIFE

Invite multiple people to your Messenger and have fun with face app decorations as you speak.

FACETIME If you have an iPhone then FaceTime is very easy to use for one-on-one chatting, it’s no different to making a phone call.

DOTALK Translated live in 90 different languages with one-to-one video streaming capability. Great for catching up with friends, especially those in foreign countries and those challenged by a language barrier.

SPOTIFY Easy way to access music from all over the world for free, or pay a small subscription and remove all advertising.

PODCASTONE Listen to your favourite podcasts while exercising or cleaning the house.

APPLE PODCAST Available on all Apple devices to listen to your favourite podcasts.

AUDIBLE No time to sit and read a book, why not exercise and have someone read the book to you.

KINDLE All your favourite books available digitally.

WHATSAPP A chat app, very popular for people to chat while travelling internationally as its free and you can share images and video without the data costs.

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CityLife FEATURE

Purpose built solution relieves housing shortage for vulnerable members of community

“We are thrilled to be working with support services in Cairns to offer safe and secure housing options, and with the added benefit of low-cost energy,” she said.

Access Community Housing is taking pressure off crisis accommodation in Cairns with the official opening of its first, purpose-built residential project comprising 10, one and two-bedroom units.

“Focusing on women who are escaping domestic and family violence and the growing group of single homeless women, this complex will provide much needed safe, secure accommodation for these women and their children,” he said.

Access Community Housing CEO Donna-Maree O’Connor said women and children who have survived domestic and family violence will be the residents of this new and affordable housing complex in Mooroobool.

In recognising recent milestone, Ms O’Connor said that they are immensely proud of the building which is the first social housing complex fitted with a solar power system.

According to Ms O’Connor, the $2.4 million complex is a first for Access Community Housing and has been built

by MiHaven over the past 12 months using a $990,000 grant from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund along with State Government reserve funds (held by Access Community Housing).

Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said this was a much-needed development.

“Each unit has a capacity equivalent to a medium-sized home ensuring low or no energy bills for our residents,” she said.

The complex has security systems and CCTV installed.

“There is a distinct shortage of affordable housing in Cairns and with over 2000 people on the waiting list for social housing, women and children escaping domestic and family violence often have few housing options available to them.

C i t y L i f e 38 M a g a z i n e

Established in 1991, Access Community Housing Company (ACHC) is the largest community housing provider in Far North Queensland, approved under the National Regulatory Systems (NRS). Its aim is to improve people’s lives through the provision of housing to individuals and families approved on the Department of Housing and Public Works (DHPW) _Register of Need_.

Access Community Housing is committed in its aim to address Far North Queensland’s housing shortage. Its highly skilled and professional team currently manage a portfolio of approximately 600 properties from Babinda in the south to Mossman in the north (providing homes for approximately 1250 people) and work closely with local support services to sustain tenancies.

For more, visit www.achc.org.au

FINANCIAL

SUPPORT GUS SOPER

Y OU R LENDING SPEC I ALI ST : : : :

0400 636 953 (07) 4041 3100 136 Mulgrave Rd, Cairns QLD 4870 astutefinancial.com.au/members/northqld

CityLife FINANCE

Well Cairns, I reckon we will look back on the first half of 2020 as being a period in our lives where everything seemed to shift off its axis. We are in a time where COVID-19 is reshaping the way our world is interconnected from how we conduct business and how we simply live our lives. We are beginning to understand what a global pandemic potentially means for our country, community, businesses and our families.

What makes this shared experience so challenging is that, at the moment, we have more unknowns than knowns and this is what makes us feel uncomfortable and sometimes anxious as human beings. What is needed most in these uncertain times is clarity.

• Reduce your repayments back to the minimum if you are paying more than required.

To that end, at Astute we have been focused on making sure we are doing everything we can to keep on top of all bank and government changes and know what benefits may be available so we have, or can find out the answers to your questions. In this article I wanted to let you know that despite all the craziness, most financial institutions are working hard to help people get through this and not trying to make things any more difficult than necessary.

Of course, there will be frustrations in getting solutions as quickly as you would like, mainly due to the pure volume of inquiries these institutions are receiving.

However, if you can be patient, there is assistance available. I have listed below a few options available that may relieve some financial pressure until some stability returns to our community.

• Understand your redraw facilities and what is or is not available. What other access to credit do you have?

Right now, all mortgage and business loan holders can do any of the below to improve their position.

C i t y L i f e 39 M a g a z i n e

• Start a budget. Yes, an oldie but, one that very few actually do. There are a heap of apps or tools that you can use to work out where your daily and monthly spend is going. Time to reign in the spending!

• Look to reduce your interest rate or, where appropriate consider short term interest-only strategies to reduce cash flow strain.

• Utilise your offset accounts to reduce interest costs and store any excess funds.

• Use government incentives that may become available to you.

• Utilise bank loan repayment deferral options offered by your individual lender if necessary. Remember in most cases the interest is still capitalised back onto your loan but, it could be a shortterm solution.

Hopefully, you don’t need to use any of these but, acting early is the key to managing your household finances through these uncertain times. There is plenty of support out there from your banks, so no one needs to stress, just communicating with the relevant team within your bank is the key to this working out well.

CityLife FEATURE

Supporting Our Health Workers

The community and the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation are well on their way to answering the call put out by hospitals for extra resources to help battle the COVID-19 epidemic as it rolls out over coming months.

“The hospitals across the region and their staff put out the call to us and we as a community and the Foundation, are answering it,” Foundation chairman Dr Ken Chapman said.

“This is a special list of extraordinary additional equipment to allow the staff to be incredibly well-prepared and resourced as this pandemic rolls out over the coming months,” he said.

“We need to support the staff of these hospitals who are the heroes of this time.”

“They put out the call and we as a community need to answer it.”

Pictured (L-R:) FNQ Hospital Foundation Interim CEO Tony Williamson and Chairman Ken Chapman

By Robyn Rankin

In just a few short weeks we have raised $832,000 for this campaign and also committed $1,500,000 from commercial income, general donations and monies donated for individual hospitals across the region. That leaves only $574,000 still to be raised.

Hospitals within the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service are well-prepared for COVID-19. These hospitals have identified there is extra equipment that will help them better care for an expected influx of patients with COVID-19.

Foundation CEO Tony Williamson said the lofty target was set after gaining a wishlist from the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service of COVID19-related equipment for eight local hospitals, including Cairns.

“While the State Government has provided significant funding, community support can provide additional medical and intensive care equipment that will have far reaching benefits to all in the Far North,” Mr Williamson said.

Funds donated to specific hospitals for general purposes, also adds to the tally.

The extra equipment includes items such as ventilators, iPads to assist with telehealth, resuscitation trolleys, oxygen regulators, videolaryngoscopes, highflow oxygen devices, and CPAP machines.

“As we’ve all seen, this virus is not contained to the big cities, it is spreading everywhere and by supporting the small hospitals with the equipment they tell us they’d like, we’re supporting everyone,” Mr Williamson said.

“Cairns Hospital along with the Mossman, Mareeba, Atherton, Yarrabah, Babinda, Innisfail and Tully hospitals all need equipment over-and-above what the governments provide and in addition to current money raised,” he said.

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“Those individual hospitals are seeking between $200,000 and $300,000 each and we are seeking $566,000 for Cairns Hospital,” Mr Williamson said.

To help finalise the fundraising campaign and raise the final $573,000, call the Foundation’s fundraising office on 4226 6327 or donate online at wwww.fnqhf.org. au/coronavirus.

CityLife FOOD

REACHING OUT

TO THE COMMUNITY OLLIE’S ITALIAN

Helping each other and our frontline health workers during the COVID-19 is why we here at Ollie’s Italian have launched two new community-supportive initiatives.

Hospital and Health Service, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, or in geographical terms - from Cardwell to the Torres Strait.

#adoptadoc We’ve joined forces with the Far North Queensland Hospital to launch #adoptadoc to feed frontline health workers who are working tirelessly to keep our community safe during the coronavirus.

This area includes nine hospitals, two multi-purpose health services and 53 primary health centres and encompasses a population of about 284,000 people.

The #adoptadoc gives community members the opportunity to purchase a meal from Ollie’s for a frontline worker. Not only does it provide a nutritious meal for them, it also raises funds for the FNQ Hospital Foundation to help purchase more equipment to fight COVID-19.

The hospital currently needs to raise funds for equipment needed to help treat those who have contracted the virus. Just a ventilator alone, which is needed to treat those in ICU, can cost upwards of $40,000. You can help by joining the #adoptadoc movement. To learn more visit www.olliesitalian.com.au/products/pasta-carepackage.

The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation is a non-profit charitable organisation that supports Cairns and Hinterland

Ciao Ollie’s Our other new initiative we recently launched is Ciao Ollie’s, a website where you can purchase freshly made pasta, gourmet sauces, and delicious frozen meals, all delivered to your door to cook in the comfort of your own home. Or you can have them delivered to someone you care about.

Ollie’s is taking all measures in health and safety during this time to make sure that what we deliver is both consistently fresh and adheres to all government safety regulations.

We are also giving away a free Pasta Care Package for every purchase over $30 to clients at the COUCH Wellness Centre, who are in isolation and in need of care. You can visit our website at www.olliesitalian.com.au, to see our menu. No contact, no fuss, and fantastic food!

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CityLife BUSINESS

THE POWER OF PR™ PIVOT AND PROSPER DANAE JONES

D an ae Jones is Ma na gi ng Di r ect or of P R & Mar k eting fir m D anae Jones C on su l ti ng Pty Ltd

: danae@danaejones.com.au : www.danaejones.com.au

Overnight like it or not we have all had to embrace a new world, a virtual world.

Video conferencing and excessive online data use have become the new norm. Digital marketing has been anointed the ‘chosen one’ without even trying and the echoes of experts urging businesses across the world to embrace the digital age for the past decade have become very loud voices in the distance for many business owners who failed to act sooner.

Meeting the challenge head-on is what the smart businesses have done. They have acted quickly and decisively. I remember frantically calling all of my clients many weeks before lockdown and isolation became a thing back in February and forewarning them of what lay ahead. For someone who has worked in media and marketing almost my entire life, I was acutely aware of what businesses needed to do to survive in these changing times.

They needed to boost their digital presence with a massive shot of steroids and FAST. They needed to reallocate resources and products to meet market demands that would dramatically shift as every new announcement was made and response scaled up. As the announcements became more frequent and more intense, the anxiety out in the business community was palpable.

Living from press conference to press conference had an entire country on high alert 24/7. The mental toll this entire predicament has and will continue to have on our nation is a whole other topic for a different day, but there is no denying we will have some major ongoing social problems to deal with in the aftermath.

By March my calls to my clients became daily and sometimes multiple times a day as we navigated the unfolding new economy together. I made it my business to read the fine print of every Government announcement and subsidy/grant/loan available to them.

Why? Because I cared. I cared enough to make sure they had the easiest to digest information at a moments notice to be able to make the best decisions to pivot in time and ultimately survive.

Many of my clients started to pivot on a grand scale back in February. The team at Danae Jones Consulting worked around the clock to rebuild online brand assets, enhance social media and digital and broadcast media messages. What this enabled these businesses to do, was respond quickly and ensure their core marketing messages were on time, on point C i t y L i f e 42 M a g a z i n e

and ready to roll at a moments notice.

Needless to say their existing and very well thought out marketing and public relations plans were thrown out the window and in many cases we were forced to start from scratch.

I am very proud to say that every single one of my clients listened, trusted my instincts and worked with me and are still living to fight another day. In fact some of my clients sales have climbed substantially during this COVID-19 time which is very rewarding to see.

You’re probably wondering why I’m sharing all of this with you? … because knowledge is power, and sharing what we are doing for businesses that still have solid cashflow through this crisis is information that needs to be shared as you too can pivot and prosper just like these businesses have. The pivoting is not over by any stretch, we continue to monitor sales weekly for them and they and their accountants continue to monitor cashflow and we alter methods to suit wherever needed.

It’s all about acting fast, getting the right advice, trusting the people you are working with to give you the right advice and surrounding yourself with a team of people that have your best interests at heart, and not just their own. The trusted people I’m referring to are your marketing, public relations and government relations people, your accountant, your business adviser, your lawyer and your HR specialist. It is important to be able to have those open and honest conversations to truly deliver results in your business.

We have some extraordinary business professionals in this region that are doing some great work out there, it’s just a matter of finding the best people to fit your needs and sticking with them like you would family – in good times and in bad.

For those of you in business reading this thinking you’ve left your run too late to step up to the challenge, I can hand on heart tell you that you have not. My new catch cry in the COVID-19 era is PIVOT and PROSPER. It’s time to look at your business, what it is you sell and see how best you can position yourself to meet the market conditions at a time like this. Now that takes a certain level of thinking outside the box and the need to step back from the overwhelm and stress of the situation and ask yourself honestly what will and will not work over the coming 6 months in this current climate.

Even if restrictions start lifting, it will not go back to business as usual this side

CityLife BUSINESS

“The beauty of marketing in a time like this on social media, online, television and radio is – you have a captive audience like very few comparable times in history.”

of Christmas, that’s the harsh reality. The economy is deeply wounded and people’s appetite for purchasing has changed. What was once considered a necessity has now become non-essential. People’s focus has shifted.

It is true, there are some businesses that simply cannot operate under the current restrictive conditions, and a perfect example of that would be a tourist attraction that requires visitors both domestic and international to keep its doors open. And for those businesses, my heart truly breaks, this health crisis has wiped them out overnight. But one thing those businesses can be doing is getting ready for the resurgence and make sure they have the most creative, enticing and cost-effective, high-impact marketing strategies ready to roll once this heavy veil lifts. And it will. Those tourist attractions will be marketing to a quite different audience on the other side of this. International travel will not get back to what it was any time soon. They will be focusing on domestic and domestic only and a very large portion of it will be staycations for locals who will become their bread and butter more than ever before. And let’s be honest, the domestic staycation market will BOOM when we’re out of this. People will be racing to the airport and tourist attractions near and far for an immediate escape to regain that feeling of normality once again.

Despite all of the heartache this pandemic has caused, I can’t help but feel encouraged by the signs of mateship, neighbourly comradery, locals supporting locals like they used to in my grandparents era, a strong Australian-owned push, and the desire to manufacture and generate our own self-sustaining economy that is less reliant on the international economic beast we were once so blindly party to. Let’s hope some very good lessons are learnt by us all. I must say, that is a very worthy silver lining.

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CityLife WELLBEING

IT’S TIME TO

NOURISH

YOU

VIOLETTA SEKLER

I’d like to talk to you about coronavirus. This virus has caused serious adjustments to our life, forced us to change all of our plans and intentions and in that has created a great sense of upheaval for many.

Vi o letta Sek ler is a Pe r sonal and R el atio n s hip Coa ch dr iv en t o hel p p eo p le suc ce ed in life and l ove.

A n yo n e in bus ine ss in F ar Nor t h Q u een sla nd is e nc our ag ed t o re a ch o u t to Violetta for a Dr eam B i g C h alle nge – Mak e Your Wi shes C o me True In 20 20 : : info@violettasekler.com : www.violettasekler.com

Is it so dangerous? Does the media magnify the danger or underestimate it?

We will never know. We can’t control this. But what we can control is: • How calm we will be • How much we can resist the panic • How we can manage and remain intelligent in our thoughts and behaviours Calmness is the best immunity in the world. Easier said than done you might say?

Yes it is easy to say, but harder to put into practice I know. But even the world’s most powerful weightlifter was unable to lift hundreds of kilograms the very first time. It took time and patience and perseverance.

It’s hard for all of us right now. But I want you to try not to get yourself worked up with negative thoughts. As one thing you do have control over at this point in time, is your mindset.

I want you to use this situation to your advantage and to suit you and your needs: breath more fresh air, play sports, read books, spend time with your loved ones, work out your food and daily routines, and do things which you didn’t have enough time to do before.

This is a time to nurture yourself and your surroundings, a time to hit the reset button of life and recalibrate. Use this time wisely to invest in you and be ready to come out the other side of this situation a more balanced and nourished human being. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

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PARENTING IN A PANDEMIC IN TIMES OF CRISIS, PARENTS HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER LIKE NEVER BEFORE. NARDINE COLLIER

I say it all the time, co-parenting after separation is very hard, but I have just seen it become even more so in the face of so much uncertainty and fear. Things are changing daily and parents are understandably very concerned about the safety of their children in this crisis.

Here are my top tips for Parenting in a Pandemic (taking some inspiration from the Family Court/Federal Circuit Court recent release for parents/carers on their website). #1 – Follow existing arrangements and in particular court orders, as best you can, while you can. Strictly following court orders may no longer be possible; for example, the handover place you have been using is now closed.

Many state borders are also closed. So find a practical solution – a different place. Extra time next school holidays.

Nardine C o l l i e r i s a n a c c r e d i t e d Special i s t i n F a m i l y L a w, a F a m i l y Law M e d i a to r, a n d D i r e c t o r o f Collier F a m i l y L a w y e r s a n d C a i r n s Mediati o n s . : : : :

0428 526 568 (07) 4214 5666 nardine@collierlawyers.com.au www.collierlawyers.com.au

#2 – Have sensible conversations NOW - not only about your ability to comply with current orders; but what will happen in the event of a lockdown. Try to adopt a practical, “common-sense approach”, that keeps to the ‘spirit of the orders’; but most importantly always considering the safety and best interests of your children. The best outcome for your children is if you can work together to vary arrangements so that children maintain contact with each parent in a safe way.

Record any agreements about new parenting arrangements, in writing. #3 – Try to understand the concerns of the other parent when negotiating new or revised arrangements. If you are proposing the other parent’s time with the child is restricted, unless they can understand your concerns, they will be opposed to what you suggest. Be mindful that your idea of what is ‘safe’ in this new world may not be the same as the other parent. What can you do to find

CityLife LAW

a solution? If you are the parent who wants to keep the children with them, look at arranging extra contact with the other parent such as Skype, Facetime or telephone. Perhaps ‘make-up’ time could be considered, if appropriate. #4 – Mediation is still a great option. The court website advises that if parents are unable to agree they can make an on-line application to vary existing orders, however unless it is a case involving family violence, child abuse or is urgent, parents are still required to make a genuine effort to try and sort it out their dispute through family dispute resolution (mediation) before filing an application for parenting orders.

If you do file an application don’t expect the court will be able to act quickly except in urgent cases or where the court considers children are at risk.

The court is operating in very difficult circumstances and can only deal with priority matters. #5 – Get advice. Not just from your lawyer but from health professionals, schools etc. Be up to date with the latest government advice, it might have changed overnight.

Unfortunately I foresee many situations arising where there will be no agreement, where one parent feels they have had a care arrangement imposed on them by the other parent.

This is why it is important to talk about these issues now. You don’t want to be having these conversations in the panic of a lockdown. (At the time of writing this article there has been no such announcement but the indication is, it could happen).

Finally, a plug for KEEP IT IN CAIRN$ (#doitwithalocal) campaign.

Every single person in Cairns will have been affected by this virus. We all know someone who is now out of work. If we can spend every dollar locally we help keep businesses open and locals in jobs.

• • •

All Family law matters Affordable Rates Flexible Payment Options

• •

Family & Workplace Mediation Wills M: 0428 526 568 P: (07) 4214 5666 www.collierlawyers.com.au

Nardine Collier

C i t y L i f e 45 M a g a z i n e

CityLife WELLBEING

BEATING ISO BLUES

WITH HEALTHY FOOD ALLI FIELDING

While I am an introvert and love an excuse to be alone, for many people, i.e. parents, well let’s just say school is not just for the benefit of the child!! Jokes aside, for many of us the whole corona thing is having real impact on our lives and is proving to be a real challenge.

Vitamin E is a powerful anti-oxidant that helps your body fight off infection.

Almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts and sunflower seeds are all high in Vitamin E. So are spinach and broccoli if you prefer to increase your intake through meals rather than snacks.

Now more than ever it’s super important that we keep ourselves as healthy as possible – hence, we must resist the temptation to curl up in our PJ’s with hours of Netflix for two weeks straight!

Zinc, recent research has suggested that zinc can help control infections by helping reduce out of control inflammation. Zinc can be found in lean meats poultry, yogurt, chickpeas and baked beans (but skip the kind with added sugar).

Just as your car will stop working with bad fuel, your body cannot fight off infection with bad nutrients, but we can support our immune systems with good food. Here are a few options available to you:

A lli F iel ding O wn er Lo n g evi ty Cair ns Ce ntral and Smi th fi eld : +61 400 078 456 : CAIRNS CENTRAL SHOPPING CENTRE Cnr Mcleod & Spence Street. Cairns LONGEVITY SMITHFIELD Cnr Kennedy Highway & Capt Cook Highway, Smithfield : www.eat4longevity.com.au

1. If you can’t eat fresh, eat frozen Make sure you include lots of veggies in your diet. Lots of local producers are doing fruit and vegetable deliveries and are delivering to your front door.

Frozen is fine as manufacturers freeze at the optimum times so that they maintain the same nutritional value as their fresh counterparts. Just check no added sugar or sodium.

2. Back off the carbs Yes, everyone has filled their cupboards with pasta, but eating pasta every day can leave you sluggish and make it difficult to maintain a positive outlook.

3. Have a balanced mix of vitamins and minerals to boost your immunity Vitamin C. Most people know vitamin C’s connection to the immune system, but did you know that you can get it from much more than just citrus fruits.

Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, capsicum, and sprouts are also excellent sources.

4. Keep Hydrated Yeah, it’s that simple. But also, that easy to forget. If you’re in a great routine of drinking 2+ litres of water a day, that’s awesome. But here’s the thing about isolation – it’s not routine.

Try setting an alarm on your phone to go off every 60 minutes, to get up and have a drink. Rather than fill up a water bottle and keep it with you, use this time to get up and walk to the kitchen to poor yourself a glass. Double whammy – water AND movement!

Finally, if you really are tired of hearing, “mum what’s for dinner?”

Longevity have recently launched a range of healthy, tasty meals which are nutritionally balanced and that start from a very affordable $8, so if you know someone who is in need please reach out. Happy to deliver, especially to those with transport issues.

Above all – stay kind, be safe, take care of each other & if there is anything we can do for you, we will do our very best to help.

uce d o r P l LocaCTLESS HOME DELIVERY h s e Fr AY& CONTA AW TAKE

Wholesome meals from $8 C i t y L i f e 46 M a g a z i n e

Order Online with our app www.eat4longevity.com.au

The Skin Care Centre of Cairns will help you achieve your new skin without any skin burning, peeling or blasting. Instead, Environ® Vitamin A skin treatments will be used to correct the Vitamin A deficiency in your skin helping you achieve the healthy, radiant skin you desire.

Use this time to get healthier, younger looking skin.

The Skin Care Centre of Cairns can help you achieve this!

As per the COVID-19, Australian Government regulations, the Skin Care Centre of Cairns has closed its in-store trading to the public.

However we can provide you with any of our products to maintain your regime.

Please use our contact us page at www.skincarecentrecairns.com.au We thank you for your understanding at this difficult time.

Be safe and stay indoors where possible.

1st Floor, Traveltown 19-21 Lake Street Cairns | info@skincarecentrecairns.com.au www.skincarecentrecairns.com.au | ` skincarecentrecairns

TOKUNAI HAIR # b e h i n d t h e p i n k d o o r Shop 5, 254 Mulgrave Rd, WESTCOURT , CAIRNS

(07) 40 414 411 Tokunai Hair Channel

Tokunai Hair

Tokunai_hair

www.tokunaihair.com

Fashion: The Salvation Army (stores Manunda & Smithfield) Hair: Tokunai Hair Make up: Hayley Chill Stylist: Krystle Tokunai Photography: Krystle Tokunai Models: Tamsyn Carney & Leilani Eddie

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BE HERE

NOW WITH JAY FROM THE WILD HEART YOGA TRIBE

N amas te “The highe st i n us h o n o u r s the highes t i n you” Jay and the Wild Heart Yoga Tribe team. : www.wildheartyoga.com.au

It’s so easy to be overcome by fear, stress and anxiety on any given day but with COVID-19 we are all easily experiencing at least one of these a day if not more. Now is the most important time to embrace a practice of wellness and self-care and one of the best and proven methods is through Meditation and breath work.

Why meditation and breath work?

Because when we still our minds and bring oxygen into our bodies we find a place of clarity and mindfulness to move in. meditation is often thought of as a white box you go in where there is nothing but yourself to experience and this just isn’t true and wouldn’t be helpful for the real world. Meditation is where we come fully into the moment and let go of everything and anything that isn’t happening presently.

This frees up our attention to focus on what’s right in front of us. When we look to far forward or back this can trip us up in the moment because there’s nothing we can do about the past and there’s no way of telling what the future holds but if we focus in on the moment we are able to wisely move in a direction of growth. It’s in this moment we have the most capabilities to change our course in life and with meditation we can find the course that is most positive to our overall health.

Think about it. How often have you been overwhelmed by everything going on in your life? Meditation is often recommended as a morning practice because it is such a beneficial way to start your day. When we start the day fully present we can check in on what we really need in life rather than just what we want. Slowing down really does win the race. When we take the time to sit back and let go of our impulses and reactions we can do what is best for ourselves in this moment such as eating healthy or exercising and having meaningful conversations. It’s when we rush that usually we do things, say things and react in ways we regret. Taking the time to sit back and open our mind up to what’s going on now, and what we really need to take care of today gives us clear guidance and clarity which enables us to move forward without a cluttered mind of what comes next or what happened before. We are left with just this moment to act upon. When we meditate, we also naturally slow the breath, which has a very powerful effect on our nervous system, for example when we are in our head in our stress we are usually shallow breathing this type of breathing has us function in our sympathetic nervous system which is our fight/flight response, when we slow the breath down we transition into the Parasympathetic nervous system which is a where we move the body back into a place of peace, calm and healing.

How to meditate If your new to meditation here are some very easy ways to begin.

When you wake up take 20 mindful breaths, make sure you can feel, hear and time your breaths. I recommend trying to take 4 second inhales, have a conscious pause and

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CityLife WELLBEING then exhaling for 4 seconds pausing again before your next inhale, but ensure that it is slow conscious belly breath, think inhale belly, ribs, chest pause exhale chest, ribs, belly pause. The next thing I recommend especially for those who struggle to sit still is to go for a walk in nature without your phone. After a while find a place you feel connected to and sit and try focusing on the moment, maybe it’s a bug, a leaf or a cloud and focus on what’s happening in front of you for a while and I guarantee you will feel connected and even amazed at what happens when we really open our eyes to the moment. Other ways to meditate is to repeat a mantra or a phrase a number of times, it can be simple like “I am at peace” or perhaps spiritual like reciting the Yantra Mantra 108 times if you’re into that. Chanting, singing, painting, gardening, yoga and playing games are all other great ways of taking your mind into a natural meditation and you will receive many of the benefits. You do not need to sit still to meditate but there is a benefit and something to just sitting with yourself so I do recommend you try it eventually and maybe just start with 5 minutes. One of our favourite sayings is “If you don’t have time to meditate for 5 minutes, then meditate for an hour”.

The scientific benefits Studies have shown that when you give yourself some headspace from meditation it will improve your memory, mood, focus, compassion, work and will relieve stress, depression and aggression. There are many more benefits that include feeling connected to the whole and being able to more genuinely connect to those around you. There is no doubt that if you dedicate yourself to meditate daily you will see your life change for the better. Thea hardest part is creating the habit. We recommend setting a 2 month goal or 67 days to be precise of some sort of regular meditation practice to really get the benefits. Recoding these experience in a journal can also really add to your experience and will show you how much changed during the process.

At Wild Heart Yoga Tribe we incorporate all kinds of meditation techniques from breathing, to movement and stillness. Yoga is intimately connected to mindfulness and meditation and can be a great way of learning how to focus on the moment, calm the mind, and gaining full body awareness. If you enjoyed this article and are keen to give it a go we would love to help you out. Currently you can join us on Facebook though the Wild Heart Yoga Tribe Members group. We have all types of classes so you are guaranteed to find the one that suits you. We offer 21 live stream classes a week that are then posted and able to be re-watched at any time for $15 a week and are working to release a high quality app soon.

Thanks you so much for taking the time to read this and we sincerely hope you can find hope and inner peace even in these challenging times.

CityLife Socials

#becausefashion

by Tokunai Hair

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CityLife Socials

#becausefashion

by Tokunai Hair

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CityLife FASHION

PIP ADDISON’S TIPS ON HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL WARDROBE CLEAR OUT!

With time at home on our hands I know we will be looking for anything to keep our minds busy, not to mention occupying kids and thinking of activity’s that take up more than 10mins, or fighting with them to get off their devices!

I wanted to share my tips on how to do a successful clear out of your wardrobe. Studies have shown being organised and having your home in order has proven to help with confidence, better sleep, and stronger decision making, and not to mention being less anxious.

Pip’s step by step guide will help you to get the best results.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO PRIOR TO STARTING

Do you own a full-length mirror and is it placed in your bedroom? This does not mean in another room for example in a kid’s bedroom. If not now is the time to get one!

You can get a cheap one that sticks on the back of your door from a department store if room is a factor. You need to see yourself in full length.

WARDROBE OVERHAUL!!

When was the last time you tackled this job?? Now is the time to reinvent your outfits, recycle, repair and declutter. It may be overwhelming, even the thought of it for some (I know as I visit and help many people in this situation!!) but I do promise you will feel so good afterwards! You will find things you forgot about, once you get rid of what you don’t need you will enjoy wearing what you do have.

How to wear 1 item in your wardrobe at least 3 ways.

EXAMPLE - YOUR LBD DAY

WORK

NIGHT

Make sure you have all the same coat hangers. This means removing all wire hangers and replacing with either all white or black, or wood as examples. By keeping to the same colour throughout will give a unified look. (It makes a huge difference!) Make sure you hang clothes all in the same direction starting from the left, unless you are left-handed and therefore starting from the right.

Good lighting – check your lightbulbs and depending on the natural light in your room if you have a dark space maybe opt for cool lights instead of warm as it will be much brighter.

Something to store your accessories in that you can easily access and see what you have, this includes hats and bags.

Keep accessories close to your mirror and wardrobe so you actually can see your options and then in turn will have time to change things up day to day. If you have them buried in a jewellery box or in your draws in boxes, you will most likely not bother or not have time to put them on. Donate or discard anything you do not wear unless it is sentimental. Stop hanging on to things that just take up room.

You will need 4 bags.

This will be for pack away, alterations, donations, and throw away items.

A pen and paper This is to note down things as you are going through, this helps when you go shopping to only look for what you need. *2 jackets to the dry cleaners *Alter length on jeans and fix button *Pair of work shoes *White shirt *Couple of new options for weekend *Pair of earrings for evening And so on…

Images credit to their owner

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CityLife FASHION

Make sure you have time set aside and you are in the mood as you don’t want to start and not finish it.

LET’S GET STARTED!

Start with small sections at a time - Everything has to come out of your wardrobe, in draws and on shelves included!

Depending on your wardrobe space and design think about how it will work most efficiently for you, for example I have my wardrobe in set styles of skirts, shirts, dresses, pants and so on, then colour coded as I am a mood dresser and my job allows for that flexibility, but if your wardrobe is predominately corporate attire then separating your workwear from your leisure will work better for you. This way you know what you need to add, what is lacking and in the morning rush you have everything together to see your options.

Shoes Start with your shoes pull them all out (from everywhere) car, garage and so on.. keep all the ones you like and are in good order and place them back in their space as you see fit with your lifestyle. I usually place all heels together, sneakers, flats, work and so on.

If you have a boot for example that needs to be re soled put that in the alterations bag, shoes that have fallen apart discard, and shoes you have out grown or not comfortable or you don’t know why you even bought them in the first place?? put in the donation bag.

Wardrobe Remove everything and put onto your bed (If you share with your partner do your side first), then start sorting into their groups. If you have sport gear taking up too much space ,winter knits and ski gear for example put them in a separate bag, suitcase or even better get some vacuum bags as you only need them for certain times not on a regular basis.

If you have things with stains can they be removed? if so put in the alterations bag, if not then it’s the throw away bag. Same rules apply for things that have holes in it. If you have clothes with tags still on from 6 months ago, never worn in 1 year, or does not fit and it’s not likely too in the near future then it’s time to donate it. Be ruthless!! If you really can’t decide put it to the side in a separate pile and decide once you finish. With sentimental items I suggest to hang at the end of your wardrobe or in a separate draw so that it is not taking up prime space.

Draws I put all my gym wear and swimwear in separate draws as well as shorts and t-shirts. I do this by folding the Marie Kondo way (look up YouTube) which allows me to fit a lot in the one draw and be able to see everything I have.

Underwear and sleep wear It’s important to include these draws in your clear out.

I always say if you wouldn’t answer the door in it, or go on a date in them, then throw them away! Underwear with holes need to go! How many odd socks will you find?

How can I re-invent and wear my clothes a different way? When looking at your black dress for example you may always wear it the same way (for work perhaps) try thinking of 2 other ways to wear it. See image where I have shown you a day, work and night look. When purchasing a new item keep that 3 way option in mind so that you do not have a wardrobe full of things you cannot mix and match with. You would of heard of a capsule wardrobe and the same rules apply. If you have good basics you can mix them up with everything.

Get the kids involved with sorting and bagging and doing their own wardrobes, maybe tackle each bedroom one at a time together. They will feel good giving their outgrown clothes to children in need.

Remember your trash is someone’s else’s treasure!

Especially in what will be a time of need for so many who are facing huge financial difficulty atm. This might be the only way you can help by donating your unwanted clothes. Please make sure they are clean, no holes or have large stains.

Donate to Your friends in need Salvos Lifeline Women’s shelters Vinnies Australia Red Cross

May your days be brighter again soon! xx

Pip Addison

FOR MORE FASHION TIPS FOLLOW ME ON INSTA PIPADDISONFASHIONSTYLIST

CityLife FITNESS

HOME WORKOUT Working from home, home schooling, social distancing, housework, tele-meetings, facetime, groceries, checking emails … exercise is the last thing I need to think about right – WRONG!!

With life as we know it changing and physical interaction being limited now, more than ever, keeping active is vital.

We all know exercise helps our body and mind, however during times of crisis exercise is the first activity we tend to ignore. If you are now working or studying from home or not currently working you will be missing the “incidental” exercise you normally do during your time at the office or uni.

Alternatively, if you are the kind of person who likes to get active in a group, your usual “go to’s” like gym classes or team sports are no longer an option.

So what are we left with? The most tempting option might be to settle in on the couch for the long haul, but this is the opposite of what we should be doing. Instead now is the time to work out how you can integrate exercise of any form into your daily or weekly routine.

Working out from home does not have to be hard and with a few tweaks to your routine you can make it through lockdown a whole lot healthier.

DESIGN YOUR WORKOUT SPACE It is best not to exercise in the same place you watch TV or eat. This will help you focus and stay committed during your workout. Setting up a gym space means you have everything you need in one spot, so you spend less time looking for things during your workout.

DON’T STRESS ABOUT NOT HAVING GYM EQUIPMENT There are so many body-weight exercises, most of which involve many different muscle groups at the

YOUR FITNESS CAIRNS

same time, which allows you to burn calories and build muscles with fewer exercises. If you don’t have weights and you want to add extra resistance look around the house & improvise. Water bottles, soup cans, house steps, ladders and wheelbarrows can all be incorporated into a workout.

SCHEDULE YOUR WORKOUT Working out from home can be a double-edged sword. On one hand it gives you the freedom to workout whenever you like, however, it can also make it easier to miss sessions or become distracted. To keep yourself accountable schedule your workouts in your diary at times you know you will stick to. Keeping this schedule in view will help you remember it is time to exercise.

YOU ONLY NEED 30 MINUTES & GOOGLE Workouts don’t need to be long to be affective. All you need is 20-45 mins and some space to move around. It isn’t about the length of your workout it is about what you put into it. If you are not following a program from a gym or personal trainer Google is your best friend when it comes to finding workout’s.

PUT ON YOUR WORKOUT GEAR If you are not leaving the house it might be tempting to stay in your PJ’s which can make you feel lazy. When you are scheduled to workout throw on your gym clothes and shoes. Studies suggest that simply wearing workout gear can help motivate you to exercise. Remember the old saying “dress for success”.

Exercise is a great stress-reducer, so it is important to stay active. Find your balance and make it work as part of your daily routine.

Follow Your Fitness Cairns on Facebook or Instagram for some great weekly workout’s.

C i t y L i f e 62 M a g a z i n e

SIMPLE BEGINNER BODYWEIGHT CIRCUIT (Complete all exercises consecutively, rest for 1-2 minutes, repeat 3 times)

SQUATS 45 seconds JUMPING JACKS 45 seconds PUSH UPS 45 seconds STATIC LUNGE 45 seconds (each leg) GLUTE BRIDGE 45 seconds PLANK HOLD 45 seconds

Fresh sea breezes waft through the luxurious house day and night. The soothing sounds of the waves lapping up on shore are a relaxing start to the day and a perfect way to fall asleep at night. While it may sound like a dream, the reality is you can enjoy this experience anytime.

ReNewell, a spacious absolutebeachfront holiday home on a prime position at Newell Beach just outside of Port Douglas, is the ultimate way locals and visitors experience a holiday they’ll never forget.

ENJOY YOUR OWN SEASIDE HAVEN Words by Janie Barton

Executive Retreats Ph: 1800 631 566 www.executiveretreats.com.au

The golden shores of the beach are only a hop, skip and a jump away from this perfect holiday retreat.

Sensational Coral Sea views can be seen from the vast timber deck and throughout the house or can be enjoyed while stretching out on a hammock under coconut palms next to the beach.

The four-bedroom, three-bathroom home accommodates up to eight people and has everything you could possibly want for a dream escape.

A large saltwater horizon pool is also heated for the cooler months. Spacious indoor areas join the covered outside entertainment area, which includes its own kitchen and gas barbecue.

The sleek, modern kitchen inside is a chef ’s dream and includes all the latest conveniences such as a Nespresso machine, Italian-made ILVE cooking appliances and a dishwasher.

While most guests prefer to have the sea breezes blow through the house, the home is fully air-conditioned and also includes a large lounge and entertainment area where you can enjoy your favourite TV shows or movies. As well, there is a

separate entertainment room that can be divided by folding doors for a children’s retreat, which also has a TV and DVD player.

This fabulous holiday retreat also comes with Wi-Fi, games, books, a collection of DVDS and includes full laundry facilities. Linen and beach towels are also provided.

While the Executive Retreats home is sensational in the day, it’s also magical at night. Lights shine on coconut trees to create the perfect holiday ambience and the sparkling lights from the glittering night sky that can be seen on the quiet beach enhance that magical feeling.

For lovers of spa indulgences, you can even enjoy your own spa treatments in house.

In the comfort and luxury of your own retreat you can be pampered with treatments like foot soak, manicure, pedicure, a full body desert salt exfoliation, a warm mapi mud body wrap, facial and a rejuvenating massage, helping you to re-energise while feeling totally spoiled.

While the home is just five minutes from Mossman and 20 minutes from the popular seaside village of Port Douglas, the majority of guests who visit ReNewell just can’t bring themselves to leave this seaside haven.

Once you visit, you’ll see exactly why they never want to leave.

ReNewell is also the perfect spot for weddings, birthdays and all special occasions.

To book, contact Executive Retreats, which specialise in providing unique holiday homes, apartments and villas for all occasions.

irns a C in t i CAL! p K ee O L A H

T & SHOP WI

PICCONES IGA - HOW THE LOCALS LIKE IT. Piccones Shopping Village on Pease St 159 Pease St, Manoora QLD 4870 Phone: 07 4042 6200

Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 8AM - 9PM Saturday 8AM - 6PM Sunday 9AM - 6PM

Piccones Shopping Village Edmonton 3-9 Green St, Edmonton QL 4869 Phone: 07 4245 8500

Opening Hours: Mon to Sun 5AM - 12 (Midnight)

The Piccone family contribute up to $200,000 a year in helping out their local community because looking after their community is just what they do!

PICCONES SUPA