Totally Workwear Cairns is proudly locally owned and operated and has been servicing FNQ for 25 years.
June, Chris & Jenni Kingsbury
GET WHAT YOU WANT & GET BACK TO WORK! www.totallyworkwear.com.au Ph: (07) 4047 4444 98 Scott Street, Bungalow Follow us
2ND QTR
COVER STORY P8
P 27
P 46
6.
WHAT’S ON
8.
COVER STORY: CAMILLA’S SECRET TO SUCCESS
27.
NAVIGATING IN CHALLENGING TIMES Q&A WITH DAVID GALLOP
33.
GIVING BACK COMES NATURALLY NQ FINANCE SOLUTIONS
35.
LOCAL TREASURE - REGAN PICCONE
44.
MODERN MAKEOVER WOWS CAIRNS CAIRNS CENTRAL
46.
FNQ ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
56.
ATTRACTING A NEW WAVE OF INVESTMENT IN PORT DOUGLAS - ESCAPE VILLAS
63.
SAVANNAH IN THE ROUND
65.
WEDDING INSIDERS
68.
SKODA IN CAIRNS - CAIRNS CARS
70.
LOSE THE SELF-CARE GUILT
72.
CITYLIFE BUSINESS
79.
EXPERIENCE AT THE WHEEL WARREN ENTSCH MP
81.
THE MAN BEHIND JUSTICE
82.
CITYLIFE FASHION PIP ADDISON
94.
25 YEARS ON AND STILL RAISING THE BAR IN RETAIL
96.
RED SHIELD APPEAL
CityLife 2 Magazine
Warren ENTSCH MP Federal Member for Leichhardt
200 Mulgrave Road, Westcourt QLD 4870 07 4051 2220
warren.entsch.mp@aph.gov.au
warrenentsch.com.au
WarrenEntschMP
Authorised by W. Entsch, Liberal National Party of Queensland, 200 Mulgrave Road, Westcourt QLD 4870.
PUBLISHER’S WHERE ON EARTH DID THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2021 GO??
NOTE
Something about this whole COVID thing is making time go at warp speed! ... do you agree? Well life has been anything but boring that’s for sure! Business owners across the region are clearly exhausted and in much need of some reprieve. Thank goodness the border restrictions and lockdowns were lifted just in time for Easter! And international travel bubbles are starting to emerge. Our tourism and retail industries certainly needed the boost after what has been a less than ideal 15 months and then the complete cessation of JobKeeper adding salt to the wound for some who were relying on it. In this edition we wanted to really take a look at the facts instead of the negative opinions that continue to circle. We have called in the experts and asked them to not only give us their take on what they believe lies ahead for us economically speaking in the 2021-2022 period, but to show us the current local data. There are some sectors that are obviously feeling it and there is a sense of deep doom and gloom that has set in amongst those industries, but then there are many other sectors that are thriving beyond belief. Read all about it in our FNQ Economic Outlook 2021 feature story. Global fashion icon and effervescent Camilla Franks graces our cover for the Q2 edition. A woman with a remarkable story of survival in business and in life. She shares her secrets to success and what brought her to the Far North to share her insights with local businesses and she gets real with us about her cancer battle.
We also had the pleasure of sitting down with sporting industry heavyweight, David Gallop to gleam some tips on navigating challenging times in business. Lord knows he’s had his fair share running the NRL and Australian Football Federation in recent times ...
JACQUI
DANAE
And we’re also delighted to announce the results of our Inaugural VIP Charity Dinner which raised a bucket load of money for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation when we hosted it at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas. Check out all the social pics from that event and also our two-day Annual Business Retreat which was full of learning, fun and inspiration. A BIG THANK YOU to the 150 Cairns business people who travelled to Port Douglas to spend the weekend with us for a worthy cause and to give their businesses a massive kick start for 2021!
CityLife Magazine™ is published quarterly by CityLife Media Pty Ltd April 2021 - June 2021. 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 2021 - June 2021.
CityLife Media Pty Ltd PO Box 1747 Cairns Q 4870 M. 0416 331 125 jacqui@citylifemedia.com.au danae@citylifemedia.com.au operations@citylifemedia.com.au www.citylifemedia.com.au
CityLife 4 Magazine
COVER IMAGE CREDITS: Photographer: Veronica Sagredo Blueclick Photography
Hair & Makeup: Tokunai Hair
Location: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas
CityLife Events
I P A RL
WHAT’S ON
APR 21
MAY
Cairns Chamber of Commerce April Business Luncheon Pullman Reef Hotel Casino 11:30am - 2:00pm www.cairnschamber.com.au
nbn’s Next Evolution - Why Connectivity is King for Cairns
APR 23-25
Celebration honouring the mother of the family. Take this special day to show your mum you appreciate all she does.
Savannah Summer Series Pool Party Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
MAY 15 &16
Taking place poolside at the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, the Savannah Summer Series Pool Party is a gigantic weekend packed with live music, fresh cocktails, and endless summer vibes. Headlined by Australian favourites Thirsty Merc, alongside Adam Brand, Eurogliders, Darlinghurst, Liam Brew, Roadtrippers and more!
Cairns Children’s Festival www.cairns.qld.gov.au
The Cairns Children’s Festival is an annual celebration for children aged 12 years and under. The festival aims to put our youngest creatives in the spotlight whilst also creating a safe and fun environment for families to explore, create and imagine.
APR 24
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow CPAC Theatre 6:30pm
Join our diverse line-up of the hottest acts direct from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for a very special show that is sure to tickle everyone’s funny bone.
MAY
MAY 18
Cairns Chamber of Commerce May Business Luncheon Pullman Reef Hotel Casino 11:30am - 2:00pm www.cairnschamber.com.au
MAY 20-23
MAY 2
Great Barrier Reef Masters Games
Human Nature CPAC Theatre 6:30pm
www.gbrmg.com
Australia’s homegrown heroes and Hall of Fame inductees Human Nature are returning to their roots, bringing together 30 years of performances for a never before seen intimate concert tour of the Aussie heartland. Get ready for a night of the best songs ever written, including their original hits, Motown classics and more - all performed with vocals upfront in an acoustic mode.
MAY 8
MAY 22 John Butler
Munro Martin Parklands 5:30pm
Butler is kicking off a national tour with his Cairns appearance, then heading to Europe for a mammoth solo tour.
Tones And I
Munro Martin Parklands 6:30pm
Riding a wave of success, Tones And I, and her outstanding pipes, have reached all corners of the globe and making hers one of the biggest names in Pop music. Now, we get the chance to experience her palpable energy and staggering voice firsthand on the CPAC stage.
Philanthropist, environmental activist, master guitarist and so much more. This man is the goods and his live performances are something else; soulful, meaningful and powerful. Be there.
CityLife 6 Magazine
MAY 29
E U J N
MAY
WHAT’S ON
JUNE 18
Banff Mountain Film Festival
Botanic Gardens Guided Tour 1 Walker Street, Cooktown 9:00 - 10:00 www.cooktownexpo.com.au
CPAC Theatre 6:00pm
The 2021 tour promises three hours of captivating footage, shot in some of the most wild and remote corners of the world. Sure to set your pulse racing, this carefully curated program showcases a selection of films packed full of mesmerising cinematography, thought-provoking storylines and adrenaline-inducing action sequences. Audiences will experience incredible highs and agonising lows through the lenses of some of the most accomplished climbers, paddlers, skiers, snowboarders, mountaineers, mountain bikers, explorers and adventure filmmakers alive today.
JUNE 4
CityLife Events
E U J N
Join Professor Darren Crayn for a guided walk through the heritage listed Botanic Gardens featuring the Banks and Solander plant collection.
JUNE 18
Ngutha-Ngutha Indigenous Precinct
57 Adelaide Street, Cooktown 9:00 - 5:00 www.cooktownexpo.com.au
Ngutha-Ngutha Indigenous Showcase takes us on a journey into the traditional cultural heritage and daily life of Australia’s First People in our region.
Queen Bohemian Rhapsody
JUNE 18
Shared History Presentation
CPAC Theatre 6:30pm
Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody will perform all the great hits like We Will Rock You, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, We Are The Champions, Radio Ga Ga, A Kind of Magic, I Want To Break Free, Another One Bites the Dust, Bohemian Rhapsody. You’ve seen the hit movie... Now see the sensational show that everyone is raving about!
Boat House 121a Charlotte Street, Cooktown 10:00 - 11:00 www.cooktownexpo.com.au
Based on Captain Cook’s seven week stay on the Banks of the Endeavour River.
JUNE 18
Plant Collection Lecture
JUNE 8
Nature’s Powerhouse Cooktown 10:30 - 11:30 www.cooktownexpo.com.au
Cairns Chamber of Commerce June Business Luncheon Pullman Reef Hotel Casino 11:30am - 2:00pm www.cairnschamber.com.au
Hosted by Professor Darryn Crayn from the Queensland Herbarium.
JUNE 18
Cornetts IGA Cooktown Long Lunch
JUNE 13
Bluewater Marquee Webber Esplanade, Cooktown 12:00 - 3:00 www.cooktownexpo.com.au
Cairns Ecofiesta 2021 Munro Martin Parklands
Immerse yourself in a day of stellar performances, hands on workshops and a massive eco-expo at Queensland’s premier sustainability festival, the Cairns Ecofiesta.
JUNE 17
(18+ event) Enjoy a seafood extravaganza long lunch catered by award winning restaurant, Ochre. Take in the awe inspiring views of the Endeavour River. Ticket includes three course meal and live entertainment. Cash bar available. $100* *Service fee applies.
Margaret Fulton The Musical
JUNE 18
CPAC Theatre 6:30pm
Live Entertainment
A musical biography of a true Aussie legend based on her bestselling autobiography. This delightful musical romp follows her journey from humble beginnings to super-stardom.
Festival Village Lions Park, Charlotte Street, Cooktown 12:00 - 4:00 www.cooktownexpo.com.au
CityLife 7 Magazine
CityLife COVER STORY
CityLife 8 Magazine
CityLife COVER STORY
By Danae Jones
Global designer to the stars Camilla Franks had the opportunity to holiday in the Tropical North for five days with her partner JP and daughter Luna prior to our Annual Business Retreat and Inaugural VIP Charity Dinner. The tourism industry really turned it on for them with flights in private helicopters to Mount Mulligan Lodge, exclusive accommodation at the magnificent Bali Hai and a long line of iconic experiences that she says she will treasure forever. The entire trip was captured on camera to help promote our destination. While here she shared her secrets to success in business and in life in an up close and personal exclusive interview with Danae Jones.
CityLife 9 Magazine
CityLife COVER STORY
By Danae Jones
“
As human beings we don’t know what our limits are until we’re forced to explore them and explore them I did during that time and I think I’m so grateful to be here.”
WITH 22 boutiques throughout Australia and the United States, a successful online business and an impressive list of Australian and international stockists, Camilla has managed to capture the hearts of our nation and the world. She’s known to many as the ‘Kaftan Queen’ and an iconic brand that has stood the test of time. From a small start-up in Bondi Beach, Sydney with very little behind her, she has grown her empire to one of rock star status dressing some of the world’s biggest names including Oprah, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson and Miranda Kerr. Her rags to riches tale is one of true inspiration. But her journey hasn’t been easy, there have been many business and personal trials and tribulations which she has had to overcome along the way. At the age of 42, Camilla found herself a mother to a newborn, a business owner of a growing global empire that needed her creativity and drive, and in the fight of her life to beat the aggressive breast cancer that had entered her body. “All of a sudden the universe and Mother Nature had different plans for me. It’s like I jumped on a rollercoaster ride that I had never bought a ticket for and I just wanted to get the hell off! JP and I had been traveling around Australia working on the collection. I found a lump on my breast, and while everyone told me it was just a cyst, it kept growing and growing. I think when you’re breastfeeding you really bond with your boobs right? I sort of knew something was wrong. When we came back to Sydney, JP told me I should get it checked out. In the morning I was tested and by the afternoon they called me back and all I remember was this beautiful woman saying, ‘I’m so sorry, but you’ve got stage three breast cancer’. It felt like my whole world came crashing down. When your mortality is questioned you feel this primal fear and terror. So there I was – on this ride that I didn’t want to be on, one which took me on some crazy twists and turns, but here I am today. There has been so many lessons learned. I think that as human beings we kind of don’t know what our limits are until we’re forced to explore them. And explore them I did. I’m just so grateful to be here.” Her outlook on life and her cancer journey has been nothing short of inspirational. Her can-do, positive philosophy is ever present, even in her business dealings.
C i t y L i f e 10 M a g a z i n e
CityLife COVER STORY
C i t y L i f e 11 M a g a z i n e
CityLife COVER STORY
C i t y L i f e 12 M a g a z i n e
CityLife COVER STORY
By Danae Jones
“
So that self-practice, alongside magical modern medicine and my amazing family and tribe was what healed me. When you’re surrounded by so much love and support, that’s undeniably the biggest healer in the world.”
“When you launch a brand it’s a 24/7 job. I never stopped working and it really did affect my body at times. I remember back to where it all began: I used to schlep my collections in a suitcase all around the world on my own, season after season, rejection after rejection. I kept going back every year and the buyers were like ‘the crazy Australian is back again!’ I refused to take no for an answer. I had a screw it, let’s do it attitude, and I believed in my baby with my full heart. Fast forward 17 years to now, and here we are. But that time was really scary and really lonely. I wish I could go back to the girl I was and tell her everything was going to be okay but back then I just didn’t know. I love what Brené Brown says that ‘Courage is not without fear, but the willingness to show up.’ Showing up makes you that little bit stronger and braver each time.” “My cancer journey started off as really fear based. Then I saw this amazing documentary called Heal, which talks about how the mind can heal the body, and I became really curious about that. That became the catalyst for me to go in a whole new journey of self-discovery. So every morning I’d wake up and I would meditate. I was always really diligent with my meditation practice, and I’d visually go into my tumour, see my tumour and heal my tumour. I became my own student. I went deep, I went dark, and I stretched myself and pulled myself apart and really focused on healing my body. So that self-practice, alongside magical modern medicine and my amazing family and tribe was what healed me. When you’re surrounded by so much love and support, that’s undeniably the biggest healer in the world.” Through her cancer battle and while breastfeeding her baby, Camilla was forced to make the heartbreaking decision to have a double mastectomy and undergo complete reconstructive surgery.
C i t y L i f e 13 M a g a z i n e
CityLife COVER STORY
C i t y L i f e 14 M a g a z i n e
CityLife COVER STORY
By Danae Jones
“I never, ever thought I would have fake boobs because my boobs were always my thing. It was really a grief-led process saying goodbye to them, they were such a part of my identity, and they were what fed and nourished Luna. I remember sitting in the shower the night before my double mastectomy just crying and grieving. It was such a weird and out of body experience. Getting that operation is a life or death situation, so it’s a non-negotiable but it’s not an easy thing to do.”
D E C ID IN G O N H E R T RE AT M EN T PL A N TO S U RV I V E H ER CA N C ER B ATTL E WAS N ’ T TAK E N LI G H T LY EI T H ER . CA M I L L A A N D H ER
PA RTNE R J P I N VE ST I GAT E D A M YR I A D O F O PT I O N S TO EN S U R E T HEY W E RE M AK I N G T H E B EST C H O I C E F O R S U RV I VA L .
“I think that was probably the most overwhelming experience of the whole journey. All of a sudden I had to be schooled in cancer and immerse myself into a world I really didn’t want to know about. I’ve bounced around from MRIs and CAT scans and blood tests, to oncologists and surgeons, and it was an information overload! You’re told that you’re dying of cancer, and you have to sift through all this information and make all these choices. I shifted into gear and became the CEO of my own body. That was really important to me. JP and I cannot tell you how many doctors we spoke to, he said we drove them absolutely mental. I just wanted to make sure I was making all the right choices.”
C i t y L i f e 15 M a g a z i n e
Fascinators . net
www.fascinators.net
CityLife COVER STORY
By Danae Jones
“I had a new daughter, my man and my business. I needed all of that. I had more life to live. I drove everyone insane! I put two surgeons together that had never worked with each other before, they didn’t really like each other, but they were the best at what they did. I decided to do a particular treatment plan that was a little bit new, and I did the zooper of all chemos. I did what I thought was right for my body and in hindsight, I’m so happy that I did, because I’m just not too sure whether I would have survived otherwise.” Giving birth to her beautiful daughter Luna she says changed everything for her in life. “I think when you have just given birth, there’s an unconditional bond and connection that’s undeniable. She was the love of my life. And with that it gives you that extra fight. It’s like she gave me a Wonder Woman cape, and on those days where I was so sick, and so tired, and I just wanted time out, I’d look at her and fight. I’d go that extra mile, I’d run that marathon, actually I’ll fucking sprint that marathon. She and JP gave me courage, lifeforce and got me through it all.” Camilla is incredibly passionate about more than just business and the brand of her namesake, her rise to fame more a means to create positive global change and empower women who have no voice.
GIVING BIRTH TO HER BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER LUNA SHE SAYS CHANGED EVERYTHING FOR HER IN LIFE.
“Owning a business comes with a sense of social responsibility, and if you don’t have that within a business I believe that it lacks heart and soul. My vision for my brand stretches far beyond the walls of CAMILLA. Our dream is to help women in third world countries that don’t have access to what we do. I believe empowerment comes through education, and so we started up The Butterfly Effect in Bihar in North India in 2018. So far we have sent 500 beautiful girls back to school, and prevented over 550 childhood marriages. Our hope for The Butterfly Effect is what the name implies, a beautiful ripple effect within the community. So with these amazing girls we’re educating, they’re teaching their sisters, their brothers, their uncles, their grandmothers, their grandparents. They become powerful agents of change for future generations of women.”
C i t y L i f e 18 M a g a z i n e
CityLife COVER STORY
C i t y L i f e 19 M a g a z i n e
CityLife COVER STORY
By Danae Jones
“It still surprises and humbles me, you never really get used to it! It’s kind of a strange thing...”
C i t y L i f e 20 M a g a z i n e
CityLife COVER STORY
AND WHEN ASKED HOW SHE FEELS ABOUT HER RISE
TO CULT STATUS IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY AND ALL THE BIG NAMES DONNING HER DESIGNS, SHE SAYS SHE STILL CAN’T BELIEVE IT.
“It still surprises and humbles me, you never really get used to it! It’s kind of a strange thing, especially when I’ve never met half of these women. There’s this excitement and joy that ripples through the office. I think as designers, there’s a vulnerability when you’re creating, you always fear that the next collection is not going to sell and you’re going to ruin the business. So when you see someone famous wearing your designs, you’re being validated for your work and that’s a beautiful thing. These women get to choose whatever they want to wear, from whatever brand and the fact that they choose to wear us is really amazing.”
OPRAH WINFREY AND CAMILLA FRANKS ENDED UP MEETING IN THE MOST UNIQUE SET OF
CIRCUMSTANCES AND CAMILLA REFLECTS ON HOW SHE WENT FROM A SYDNEY BASED DESIGNER WITH A BIG DREAM, TO HOSTING ONE OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST CELEBRITIES IN HER HOME.
“That was wild. She had been wearing my stuff for quite awhile but we had never met. I managed to be invited to Melbourne to see her, and we were both so excited to meet each other. When we first locked eyes it was like the whole world stopped for a moment. I cheekily said to her afterwards, ‘you know, if you get bored later and you want some tequila shots (because I know she loves tequila) hit me up!’ thinking nothing of it. I went back to my friend’s house and then the phone rings and it’s Oprah! She says ‘so about those tequila shots...’. The house was a mess, so we were manically trying to clean, and had to run out and buy some tequila because we realised we had none. She arrived with all these SUVs and her entourage, but she was like a breath of fresh air. We did tequila shots and she taught me how to make the ultimate margarita. It was a weird, fun and wonderful experience.” And it seems the positive outcomes just kept on coming for this vivacious soul. The Oprah story is just one of many unbelievable circumstances that have occurred for her. One most recently was during COVID. As many retail and fashion businesses were and still are reeling in the wake of COVID-19, Camilla managed to not only pivot her business, but take it in a new direction that has reaped rewards in more ways than one. Her willingness to try new things is clearly an advantage to her success in these times.
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CityLife COVER STORY
By Danae Jones
“Oh, shit got real! When COVID hit, there was a huge sense of uncertainty and fear and vulnerability. But with anything in life what I’ve learned is that uncertain times are a beautiful opportunity to change and morph into a new way of being. That’s exactly what my team and I did. We shifted into first gear, we held each other tight, and we decided we were going to save my brand that I’ve built from the ground up. We came up with all these different crazy concepts and we had no idea whether they were going to belly flop or thrive.” “We started doing virtual trunk shows and private styling sessions, and all of a sudden we opened up doors to places like rural Czechoslovakia and rural Russia and rural Australia. We could suddenly reach women that weren’t able to connect with our brand before, and we were able to give them the CAMILLA experience from the luxury of their homes while they sat with a glass of champagne. We promoted this on our own channels and word got out very quickly! Our customers loved it and we had a super high conversion rate. It was a huge win for us so it’s now a part of our day to day offering. Then the design team and I shifted into new lines. Let’s be honest no one wants to really float around the house in silk all day when they’ve got nowhere to go. We knew we had to do something different, so we created brand new Zenwear Active and Lounge lines. It was this whole capsule of jerseys and tracksuits and active wear, and it all sold out within 48 hours!”
TO WATCH the full in-depth video cover story interview tune into the CityLife Media YouTUBE Channel, go to our Facebook page or go to our website to watch: www.citylifemedia.com.au NB: Camilla has recently been announced as one of the faces of the new season of Celebrity Apprentice airing in 2021 on Channel Nine, so stay tuned for more Camilla adventures.
So, the fact that we’ve been able to still sell the stock but in different ways and avenues and save the business is remarkable.” The future has never looked brighter for this Aussie success story and she says from here on in she takes every day as a blessing on earth. “2021 for me is all about sucking the marrow out of this great big, beautiful life we’ve been gifted with and really appreciating all those magical moments. I want to continue to colour the world with CAMILLA. My dreams are big and slowing down is not part of my DNA. I want to have a CAMILLA hotel with CAMILLA cars, wallpaper, cushions, homewares, the whole thing. Whatever we can print, let’s print it! And of course marrying my man, and spending more time with my beautiful girl.” And her parting piece of advice to those wanting to start their own business: “I think my favourite slogan is stolen from Nike: Just Do It! I think if someone said to me years ago, ‘Do you have a business plan? Do you have a budget? Do you have this and that?’ The answer would have been God no! Just go for it. Put one foot in front of the other and learn on the job. You don’t need to know everything. I didn’t study fashion design and I learned everything the hard way. I made every single mistake you could possibly make, but that only gives you a few more edges in your career. Just do it and enjoy it, find the joy in the terror.”
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CityLife COVER STORY
THE FUTURE HAS N EV ER LO O K ED
B R I G H T ER F O R T H IS AU S S I E S U CC ES S
STO RY A N D S H E S AY S F R O M H ER E O N I N
S H E TA K ES EV ERY DAY A S A B L ES S I N G O N EA RT H .
C i t y L i f e 23 M a g a z i n e
Eddy Lago
Graham Dutton
John Hayward
Managing Director Ph: 07 4046 1133 elago@wgc.com.au
Director Ph: 07 4046 1127 gdutton@wgc.com.au
Accredited Family Law Specialist
Business and Commercial Law Property Law
Director Ph: 07 4046 1126 jhayward@wgc.com.au Dispute Resolution Employment Law Insolvency Law Local Government
Michael Huelin
Jacqui Lee Long
Doug McKinstry
Rhiannon Saunders
Director Ph: 07 4046 1177 mhuelin@wgc.com.au
Director Ph: 07 4046 1129 jleelong@wgc.com.au
Director Ph: 07 4046 1122 dmckinstry@wgc.com.au
Director Ph: 07 4046 1118 rsaunders@wgc.com.au
Business and Commercial Law Dispute Resolution Local Government
Dispute Resolution Wills & Estates
Building and Construction Dispute Resolution
Body Corporate Dispute Resolution Insolvency Law Local Government Property Law
123 Sheridan St, Cairns 4870 Phone: 07 4046 1111
WWW.WGC.COM.AU
Navigating Challenging Times
DAVID GALLOP IS ONE OF
THE BEST KNOWN LEADERS IN AUSTRALIA AS A LONG-TERM
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, WHO LED THE TRANSFORMATION OF TWO OF AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST NATIONAL SPORTING CODES INTO PROFESSIONALLY RUN, COMMERCIALLY STRONG
AND SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE ORGANISATIONS.
Q & A WITH DAVID GALLOP
Well known for having delivered focus and discipline to the business and operations of sport, he’s been at the forefront of managing the everchanging, fragmented world of media rights for sport, by encouraging and establishing the value of subscription TV and digital channels, while recognising the reach and importance of traditional free to air broadcasting. Over those last 25 years of upheaval and change, Gallop has led and negotiated some of the most significant media rights deals in Australian sport. He is acknowledged as the public face and key decision maker during some of the highest profile episodes in Australian sport including the enforcement of the National Rugby League’s salary cap involving the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2002 and Melbourne Storm in 2010. In 2016 he was Awarded a Member of the Order of Australia acknowledging his “significant services to sports administration through executive roles with football and rugby league organisations, and to the community.” A former lawyer, with a style and leadership approach that is widely regarded as measured, considered and pragmatic when dealing with complex issues, he’s worked closely with some of the highest profile people in Australian corporate life. He’s encountered his fair share of challenges along the way, but taken every single one of them in his stride. On a recent visit to Cairns, Danae Jones sat down with the man himself to gleam some advice from him on navigating challenging times in business. What top tips do you have for people in business going through the current challenging times? I love what Simon Sinek said in a TEDTalk he did where he talks about people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you’re doing it. And his best
C i t y L i f e 27 M a g a z i n e
example of this in the TEDTalk is about Apple and the success of Apple. People don’t buy what Apple does, but why Apple does it. While I do believe in measurables and KPIs, I also think it is important to make sure that your team know that your door is always open. Do your weekly catch up with people, maybe have a traffic light system of all the issues that they’re dealing with. And you know formally how they’re going. But you expect your senior people to be in your doorway every day asking you what you think of something, or getting a bit of advice. That I think is a good balance. You have had your fair share of dealing with the unexpected in business. There seemed to be a time where every day you were in the media putting out fires for the NRL with the salary cap saga for example or poor off field player behaviour. How do you deal with the constant unexpected as a CEO? In all of my roles, I have always had to deal with an elevated sense that the unexpected ends up on the front page of the paper and that’s where you need to work carefully through issues to make sure you arrive at results which are going to be acceptable to the stakeholders across your business. One of my best examples is when I landed in Singapore on my way back from Europe and the message from my media manager was “don’t answer your phone until you’ve spoken to me there’s been some bullets fired at Kings Cross at Jarryd Hayne and Mark Gasnier.” Now it turned out in the end that the bullets were probably shot into the air by someone sort of not doing anything particularly aggressive about what they did at the time, but when you land at Singapore airport and you get that sort of message you immediately think someone’s had a gun out and they’re shooting at your players.
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0
M A R K E T I N G
Results Driven Marketing & PR • Creative Conceptual Development • Strategy & Planning • Implementation
20 years experience | multi-award winning proven track record
www.danaejones.com.au
You’ve led the charge for significant change and progression with the organisations you have been CEO of. Many of the changes have required a lot of forethought, but also some changes were necessary for the sports survival such as the media deals struck and the super league debacle. How did you manage those changes? When I started in sports administration, rugby league had split into two with super league in the mid nineties and it was a crazy time. I started an amazing journey at that organisation (NRL) where there was no precedent for anything that was happening. You would’ve read stories where people were jumping out of dressing room windows after signing players, players getting cash cheques and coming in and saying the name on the back of the cash cheque was not mine and people saying nah just keep it, we don’t have time to readjust it. So these guys would walk out with cash cheques. But I think when you look back on rugby league, although there was a lot of pain involved the people that were involved really wanted rugby league to be bigger and better and it’s become bigger and better. So in so many ways the pain of the super league war has produced a lot of fruit for rugby league I think. It’s professionalised the sport much faster. When the current NRL administration managed to get the Rugby League playing again in 2020, albeit to no spectators in the stadiums during the height of COVID’s arrival, it really seemed to unite the nation. Sport has a funny way of doing that in Australia doesn’t it? Yes it really does. That is the beauty of sport of all codes within Australia, we are a sporting nation, we love all things sport.
behaviour both on and off the field is noticed by younger generations so it is important they set a good example. We were careful to set up a thing called “The One Community Program” which was a way of recognising all the community work they do. I know the Cowboys were really active in the community then, and probably more now. And we had to keep saying to the media at the time, you know this guy’s made a mistake, but it doesn’t mean that we’re not doing all this other stuff and these guys are making a contribution. One thing that concerns me when I see this talk about players being rubbed out of their careers, and I used to take great notice of the fact that for a lot of these young men, and now women, who play the game - they can often come from rough backgrounds and football gives them routine, and it gives them a whole lot of things that keep them grounded. And so I think penalties are important and suspensions etc are important. But I always took the view that we need to be careful with these young guys’ lives. The other thing we did was these Rookie Camps. They’d do education on alcohol, drugs, sexual ethics, gambling etc. It’s a three day intensive induction into the sport. And you just can’t tell how many players have benefited from that. I do remember occasions when players would come up to me and say that course that we just did on say sexual consent, that opened my eyes up to things that I’ve seen in my footy career. I now understand how dangerous some of these situations can be.
You know I have had the great fortune to travel in my roles all over the world. And you would go to countries where you see 99% of people are really only following that sport. And I think Australians get used to when they turn the TV on, there might be an NRL game, or an AFL game, or a football game or the cricketers are playing somewhere. But for so many countries football is all there is and they’re getting 60,000-70,000 people to games every week. That’s a real eye opener if you’re an Australian I think. There is a lot of talk about the sporting industry being the lightning rod for a social justice debate at the moment with sexual consent, racism, gender equality matters etc. Do you think it’s fair that players are copping the brunt of what is a far greater problem in society? I think it’s safe to say that it does a lot of damage when players misbehave. Ninetynine percent of them are not misbehaving every time. They deserve recognition for a lot of what they do in the community. Football players are role models and their
THERE IS ALWAYS MORE
THAT CAN BE DONE. BUT THE EARLIER YOU CAN EDUCATE PEOPLE ON
ANYTHING THE BETTER.
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How do you make tough decisions with such ease?. Some of the toughest decisions you have publicly made, were to take the season’s competition points off the Bulldogs in 2002 and then in 2010 take the Premiership win off the Melbourne Storm due to their significant salary cap breaches. It created an outpouring of negative emotion from fans and players and was heavily scrutinised in the media. But you were steadfast in your approach. Is it hard to make those tough decisions when you know there’s going to be such push back? I think back at those times and they were relatively easy decisions to make if you like. They were big breaches. Melbourne had Premierships that they’d won with players that were on money that we didn’t know about. So those are the kind of decisions that I think are kind of hard but pretty straightforward. If things are hard to detect, then you need to smash people pretty hard if they transgress to deter that behaviour in the future. It’s the ones that are a little bit 50/50 where you, I guess like everything in life, we all have grey decisions that we have to take. One of the best examples when I was at the league was when there was a game at Campbelltown Stadium between the Broncos and West Tigers and the interchange in those days wasn’t particularly well regulated. Shane Webcke was still walking off the field when Corey Parker ignored the interchange official telling him he couldn’t go on. He went on, he caught the ball and he scored a try. So the Broncos win the game, Webcke’s quite a long way away from the play so he is technically not involved, but still technically on the field. I reckon we spent all afternoon trying to work out what the right answer was. And in the end we deducted the points from the Broncos. But those are the difficult decisions where you’ve got those 50/50 things to deal with. Then of course I went on to be CEO at the Football Federation. You know football is this amazing sport where it has this tension between the global trappings of the game and the reality of being a sport in the Australian market, which is not number one. It is in terms of participation, but it certainly isn’t commercially. So lots of people have lots of high aspirations for where the sport can get to, they see what happens in Europe, they say why can’t we do that, and the answer back is well we can’t quite afford that. And there’s all these rumblings around in Australian football. I had a terrific time in that job, spent time with Frank Lowy. The best business strategist I’ve ever come across. Just a great chess player. You would say to Frank I’m thinking of doing this, and he’ll say to you, and he’s still going strong at 90, he’d say to you, well if you do that, this will happen in three moves and you’ll lose your bishop or your knight – the chess analogy.
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AVAILABLE AT MYER
NQ FINANCE SOLUTIONS
Giving back comes naturally SU PPO RTI N G CH ARI TI E S, GI V I N G B ACK TO TH E
CO M M U N I TY AN D H E L PI N G LO CAL S SU CCE E D ARE D RI VI NG PASSI O N S B E H I N D TH E TE AM AT N Q F I N AN CE SO LU TI O N S.
B e n
B e s s e
a n d
J o s h
O l i v e r
The list of their charitable donations and sponsorships of sporting clubs is lengthy and impressive. They are one of the major sponsors of the Ronald McDonald House Charity Ball, are generous supporters of the FNQ Hospital Foundation and are quick to reach out in support of events such as the CityLife Charity Dinner and the Cairns Jockey Club 100 Club.
“We work for the clients, not the banks,” said Josh, who explained that NQ Finance Solutions’ large panel of more than 40 lenders enables them to ensure the best financial solution for each client. “No matter what our client’s background and credit rating, we offer them the personalised lending experience like no other. Their success is our success.”
They’re also passionate about helping various sporting clubs such as the South Cutters Football and Sporting Club and the local Junior Kangaroos Rugby League Club.
Josh and Ben are quick to point out it’s the team effort of their staff and their office comradery that make the business such a success, which in turn helps their clients become successful.
“We’re very happy to support good causes,” said NQ Finance Solutions owner/director Josh Oliver who is also heavily involved in the horse-racing scene, owning more than 10 horses. “We’re proud to support the community that supports us.”
“Without our Operations Manager Melanie Kelleher and Office Manager Abbey Kelleher, we wouldn’t be as successful as we are,” Josh said. “They’re the backbone of the business. We are like family, and we have a lot of fun while working hard for our clients.”
As avid sports enthusiasts themselves, Josh and finance broker Ben Besse are quick to help other sports lovers succeed which is why they help back Australian Superbike rider Broc Pearson and Cairns motocross rider Mitch Evans, who is now in Europe competing on the world stage.
While the team’s drive is to help their clients achieve the best possible financial outcome, their desire to give back to those who support them is equally important to them.
“We want to show our support, and we love seeing local people become successful,” Ben said. “It’s also our way of giving back.”
“We’re very happy and proud to support the local community and charities,” Ben added. “While we have clients from all over Australia, many who are repeat customers or who have been referred to us, we’re very proud of our local connection and of our support of locals.”
Not only do they help local charities and sporting groups, they’re also experts at supporting their clients secure financing for any of their dreams, be it for a million-dollar boat or a $5,000 personal loan.
NQ Finance Solutions 315 Mulgrave Road, Cairns Ph: 4041 4545 www.nqfsolutions.com.au
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Professional Property Advice Accredited with the major banks & all financial institutions
07 40321627 www.nationalpacificvaluers.com.au 3/30-36 Rutherford Street, Cairns North, QLD 4870
Fã
Regan Piccone LOCAL TREASURE
(née O’Neill)
LOCAL OF HOW MANY YEARS: 44 (I LIVED IN LONDON FOR ONE YEAR AND BRISBANE FOR ONE YEAR) SUBURB YOU LIVE: WHITFIELD FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT IN CAIRNS: PICCOLO CUCINA FAVOURITE SPOT TO VISIT: PORT DOUGLAS AND TABLELANDS
When did you discover your love of art? In year eight at Saint Monica’s College, my teacher Mrs Husek really encouraged me and made art fun. I got an ‘A’ for a project and thought that was awesome! How did you actually start making and selling your pieces? I was at a 50th birthday party on a boat cruising up the Cairns Inlet and I had painted some wooden salad servers as a gift. There was a lady on board who was a Cairns Art Gallery curator and she asked me if I had any more that she could display in her gallery. I took a pair into the gallery the next day and they sold that day. She asked if I had any paintings which I could take into the gallery so I took one in and it sold that same day. I was 18 and since then I have sold over 4500 paintings in Australia and overseas. How would you describe your collections? Colourful, fun and vibrant. Where do you find your design inspiration? I love flowers and the colours of the ocean and reef. I am also inspired by other Australian artists such as Ken Done and Tania Heben. How would you describe your own personal style? Colourful and happy. I’m obsessed with the Australian brand, Mister Zimi and have been creating handmade earrings to match each outfit. I love coordinating everything! What goes into creating a piece (pair of earrings)? I mix different coloured polymer clays to create exactly the right colours, I then cut out various shapes and pieces of clay to create a design on a flat clay slab. I roll it out to a certain thickness and then cut out the earring components. The components are then baked in the oven, sanded and buffed to make them smooth and then I hand paint detail on to them. When I’m happy with the end result, I drill holes through each component and attach the findings and bring the earrings together. It is quite time consuming. What is your most favourite piece (painting) and why? My favourite painting is of a striped lounge chair I did many years ago. A local businessman bought it and he hangs it in his office. I have asked him several times if I can
C i t y L i f e 35 M a g a z i n e
buy it back for double what he paid but he won’t part with it. He has bought other paintings from me for his offices in NSW, he’s a great supporter. How do you want women to feel when wearing one of your pieces? Like it’s a statement, each piece is unique and special. The best thing is that no one else will be wearing it because they’re all one of a kind. What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned as a designer? Knowing when to stop is so important. You can overwork a painting and completely ruin it. When I hold art classes, I tell students to stop and put their brushes down, it’s good to stop, walk away from your painting and look at it from a distance. If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career what would it be? Learn how to sew. In addition to your 100% hand designed creations you also have a soaring career in real estate at RE/MAX Cairns honestly how do you juggle both? I have a painting studio at home as well as a work bench where I make my earrings which is always set up ready to go. I paint at night time and weekends, working in real estate allows me to have flexible hours which suits me perfectly. From the likes of Hollywood actress, Eva Mendes to famous international chef Jamie Oliver how did you feel when such famous people take home a piece of your artworks? I am absolutely thrilled to know that my artwork hang in their homes. Where can we purchase one of your pieces? My earrings are available to purchase on my website www.reganoneill.com or you can buy them at Honey Tan & Wax in Shields Street, Divine Beauty in Mossman and The Nest Café in Whitfield. My paintings are on display at Vivaldis restaurant in Cairns and on my Facebook Page https://www. facebook.com/reganoneillartist My clothing and gift range are available at https://www.redbubble. com search: regan oneill
CityLife Socials
CityLife Annual Business Retreat PROUDLY PRESENTED BY
CAPTURED BY VERONICA - BLUE CLICK PHOTOGRAPHY
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Charity Dinner Nets Big Donation For FNQ Hospitals
150 CA I R N S B U S I N E S S L E A DE RS CO N V E RG ED ON PORT D OU G L A S A ND RA I S E D
MOR E T HA N $43 , 0 0 0 AT TH E I N AU G U RA L
CITY L I F E VI P C H A RI TY DI NNE R RE CE N TLY.
The funds were raised to directly benefit the improvement of health outcomes in Far North Queensland. The dinner featured some of the country’s biggest names, with headline act, global fashion designer to the stars Camilla Franks as she shared her cancer survival story. She was joined by special guests football heavyweight David Gallop and the country’s richest self-made CEO, VitaGroup’s Maxine Horne. The gala affair marked the first event to be hosted at The Glade Pavilion at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas since COVID restrictions began in early 2020. The venue came to life with dancers, a live DJ and a high-end fashion show. Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation CEO Tony Williamson presided over the signature charity auction which generated an amazing $40,000 on its own. An exclusive dinner at Camilla Franks’ private home in Sydney for six guests was a key drawcard for one local group who bid a whopping $16,000 for the experience. Mr Williamson was delighted with the event outcome, saying it was an incredible night that produced an incredible outcome and he is hopeful the event becomes an annual event. “It’s absolutely amazing to attend functions such as this, and to see so much community support for this local charity
that supports the healthcare for all of us. It was even better to have the medical fraternity mixing it with the business community and celebrating a great night together,” Mr Williamson said. CityLife Magazine Directors say they hosted the two day Annual Business Retreat as well as the VIP Charity Dinner to kick off the year on a positive note for the FNQ business community. “Two full days of events full of learning, inspiration and fun was exactly what the doctor ordered for our local business community to get their year off to a flying start. It’s been a tough 12 months for them, so it was great to have everyone together celebrating how fortunate we are in the Tropical North and strategising ways to pivot and maximise growth opportunities in what are very different times. “The Annual Business Retreat was hosted with the guidance of local and national business experts which was very well received by the 35 businesses in attendance. We topped the weekend off with an evening raising money for a cause very close to our hearts in the FNQHF. We couldn’t be happier with the result,” said CityLife Media Pty Ltd, Director, Danae Jones. Camilla agreed to help the tourism industry while she was here and promote the region as part of her trip to TNQ. “The tourism industry really turned it on for her and showed her such a great time. She brought her family with her and spent five days in the north immersing herself in all that we had to offer. Stunning captured moments of her travels are now starting to appear all over her social media platforms where she is followed by her loyal customers such as Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce, Gwen Stefani and Jennifer Lopez to name but a few of her celebrity clients. Full credit to Danae Jones and Jacqui Nolan for pulling off such a coup for Cairns,” said Mr Williamson.
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CityLife Socials
VIP Charity Dinner
PROUDLY PRESENTED BY
SUPPORTING THE
CAPTURED BY VERONICA - BLUE CLICK PHOTOGRAPHY
C i t y L i f e 39 M a g a z i n e
(07) 40414411 www.tokunaihair.com
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The recent opening of Woolworths and the reef-andrainforest inspired children’s indoor playground in the new Food Hall completed the project, which started in July 2019. The exciting new changes also include the complete refurbishment of Myer, a new vehicle express ramp with direct access to the dynamic Food Hall and a new ticketless parking system, which uses licence plate recognition for a seamless enter-and-exit process without the need for a ticket. “We feel the vision for the redevelopment, to give customers an exceptional shopping experience that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the Cairns community, has been achieved,” said Cairns Central’s Centre Manager ChristieLee Jackson. “Customer feedback on the redevelopment has been overwhelmingly positive.” The new Food Hall, a key focus of the redevelopment, offers customers a delicious range of new dine-in, takeaway and fresh-produce options from Asian street food to European deli-style options and baked goods. Among the new additions are three mouth-watering outlets – Rise & Bake, Hong Kong Street and Hero Sushi.
Röschti Benedict • Lemon, butter and brown sugar crepe Deep fried coconut jam crepe
French-inspired Rise & Bake, a local bakery with two other stores in Cairns, offers customers a range of daily baked gourmet pastries and cakes, sweet and savoury crepes, freshly baked bread and rolls, classic French patisseries, a modern Australian café menu and locally roasted coffee. “We’ve had an amazing response since we opened,” said owner Mika Schleisser, who said he is very impressed with the Centre’s redevelopment. “It’s very metropolitan, it’s open and airy and there’s lots of room. It’s very schmick.”
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JAY L E Ho ng Ko ng St reet
Hong Kong Street is impressing customers with its authentic dining experience including Hong Kong Barbecue and yum cha selections. Among its delectable menu are Peking duck, crispy pork belly, crispy skin duck and barbecue Hoi Sing ribs, to name just a few.
Peking duck • Crispy prime belly BBQ char siu pork • Soy chicken
“We are open for lunch, dinner and for take-away,” said Hong Kong Street’s Jay Le, who is also behind Lantern Lane and Sunlit Asian Supermarket at Stockland. “We’ve been very happy with the feedback we’ve been getting.” Hero Sushi has been very popular with diners since it opened before Christmas. It offers authentic Japanese dining, traditional favourites and specialises in freshly made Sushi created by experienced Japanese trained chefs. “We have around 40-50 items on the menu that we make fresh every day,” said owner Michael Kim. “It’s awesome what they’ve done in the redevelopment of the Centre. They’ve done such a great job, and we’re happy to be part of it.” The anchor of the Food Hall is the fresh new Cairns Central Woolworths store. Discover a fresh fruit and veg department, deli, seafood, bakery and more. Woolworths has Introduced a new Pick up service at Cairns Central. Simply order online and a Woolworths Personal Shopper will hand select your order with care. Same day pick up is available if you order before 1pm or select a time and day that suits you. Order online at woolworths.com.au. Discover new fresh food, casual dining and your new Woolworths at Cairns Central today!
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MI C HAE L K I M Hero S ush i
Teriyaki / Karaage Chicken on Rice • Taco Sushi 20+ Variety of Sushi rolls
FNQ Economic Outlook 2021
By Stacey Carrick & Danae Jones
W H AT D O ES T HE F UTURE H OLD FO R O UR ECONOMY IN 2 02 1 AN D B EYOND? IT IS THE M I L LIO N D O LLAR QUESTION. W E H AV E GAT HERED SOME OF T HE M O ST H IGHLY REG A RDED LOCA L EX P ERTS TO G IVE SOME I NS I G H T S O N WHAT L IES A HEA D.
The need to diversify our economy is shouted from the rooftops every time there is a tourism downturn, and while many would agree that is necessary, long time local economist Bill Cummings from Cummings Economics says people don’t realise just how robust our economy already is. He agrees that there is still more work to be done, but we have a solid foundation of many other thriving industry sectors that underpin us. “Cairns’ role as the capital/hub city of the most populous region in northern Australia will be further reinforced in 2021-22 when almost certainly the region it services―south to Cardwell, west to the Gulf and the Northern Territory border and north to the PNG border, will pass the milestone 300,000 population mark. “While there has been a preoccupation, especially in Cairns and Port Douglas, with the impact of the COVID-19 restrictions on tourism, Cairns as a city services a large robust region with plenty of opportunities that have been and are contributing to continuing growth in earnings from agriculture, marine industries, forestry and mining. The city leads northern Australia in the development of skills-based manufacturing and services in the aviation and marine sectors. Its strategic position means that it is playing a growing role in security and defence activity. Its growing population and industry are leading to a catch up in important services like health and education in which it still lags compared to its population,” said Bill Cummings, Cummings Economics. He says that in 2021-22, there will still be some negatives and uncertainties around, due to lingering impacts of COVID-19 on international tourism and education, including with our important near neighbours PNG and the Pacific and due to side effects of unease and tensions in relations with China. But there will be positives. “The impacts of low interest rates and incentives in pumping up dwelling construction seems likely to extend through to 2021-22. The city and region have come through the COVID experience with a positive image as a place to live.
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“Clearly, government investment in major infrastructure in the region has been lagging. But if past experiences tell us one thing, it is that the city and region does best when it sets its own course to realise its potential and says to government come with us,” he said. The phenomenal growth in the construction and real estate industries has got many people talking, and Trevor Gard of National Pacific Valuers says the figures are likely to continue to climb.
“ T H E RE IS NO SHO RTAGE OF M ON E Y WIL L ING TO
I N VE ST IN THE CAIRNS AREA. PU TT IN G T HE O BVIO US
I S S UE S OF COVID ASIDE, THE RE IS ST IL L A LOT O F
CON F ID E N CE AND INTEREST
TO IN VE ST IN OUR REGIO N.”
“Everyone’s seen the increase in residential dwelling approvals as a result of the government incentives. If you look at the overall building approvals, there were 327 this January compared with 192 last year, so that’s a 69 per cent increase overall. The construction industry has literally exploded. And it’s exploded overnight, and that’s primarily due to the government incentives. We have had a situation where people ended up with more or less an additional $60,000 in their pockets if they were to take advantage of accessing their superannuation as well as the government incentives. And obviously because of low interest rates it has allowed everyone to be able to buy and build during these times, especially in the Cairns region. The only time we have seen those sort of numbers was back pre GFC, and that was a gradual increase that happened over 3-4 years. And now it’s happened over 3-4 months. So we’re expecting that figure to just about double based on current demand. So we’re going to get to about 750-850 building approvals in Cairns in one year, which we haven’t seen in a long time. “That’s causing building costs to go up, and anyone that’s trying to build a house at the moment, well good luck trying to get it finished by the end of the year as there is a lot of pressure on the construction sector,” said Trevor Gard.
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FNQ Economic Outlook 2021 By Stacey Carrick & Danae Jones
New unit developments are likely to climb next, he predicts. “We do expect unit approvals to go up soon, as we are seeing a lot of southerners coming to town who are prepared to buy units in the city. But having said that, we are also expecting the building approvals to decrease just as quickly as they’ve started once the incentives dry up. “A contributing factor that could continue pushing demand in an upward trend however is the fact that we have had 400,000 expats move back to Australia in the past year. Majority of them don’t want to live in the big cities as they don’t want to have the COVID lockdown situations they’ve experienced overseas prior to coming home. And so regional centres have become far more attractive places to live,” he said. Currently Far North Queensland is outperforming anywhere else in the state with new building approvals. “An interesting comparison is with what’s happening on the Sunshine Coast. Our increase in building approvals have gone up 36%. And on the Sunshine Coast it's basically stayed the same, which is very surprising because the Sunshine Coast has been going up and up and up over the past 4-5 years,” said Mr Gard. According to commercial property expert, Director of CBRE, Danny Betros, there is a lot of money pouring into the city as cashed up investors attempt to snare their very own piece of paradise. “There is no shortage of money willing to invest in the Cairns area. Putting the obvious issues of COVID aside, there is still a lot of confidence and interest to invest in our region. “At the moment we just sold one hotel in the city and we’re in the process of negotiating the sale of two others, so there’s plenty of interest. The buyers and investors in terms of commercial real estate are of the view that we are going to come out of this. I personally believe we will come out of this quicker than what the projections are. If you’re getting nothing out of the bank, you might as well get 3-4% on a capital investment is a lot of the thinking from investors. There’s not a lot of money going into tourism and retail is suffering badly though.
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“ WE AR E A $3.5 BIL L IO N
SE CTO R , S UPPO RTING ABOUT 25,0 0 0 JOBS AND WE’VE
SE E N A B ILL IO N DOL L ARS O F T HAT S E CTOR WIPED
O F F F RO M I NTERNATIONAL TRAVE L. S O TO PUT
THAT IN TO PERSPECTIVE, I N T E RN ATIONAL T RAVEL
TO CAIR N S AND T HE GREAT BA R R IE R R EEF, IS GREATER THAN THE NORTHERN TE RRITO RY, SO UT H
AUSTRALIA AND TASMANIA COM BIN E D.”
“For half a million dollars you can get a decent house in Cairns. For half a million dollars in Sydney you can get a roller door and a front door, that’s the difference. If you’ve got cash, why not go to areas outside of a capital city. It makes sense. At least Cairns is a dynamic market. We do have big ups and big downs, but it’s a great cosmopolitan market and it's attracting new blood which is great to see,” said Mr Betros. Tourism is our life blood and as a region we punch well above our weight in terms of our contribution to the Australian economy. Tourism Tropical North Queensland, CEO, Mark Olsen says it is a factor that needs to be considered by all three levels of government for the rebound ahead. “We are a $3.5 billion sector, supporting about 25,000 jobs and we’ve seen a billion dollars of that sector wiped off from international travel. So to put that into perspective, international travel to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, is greater than the Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania combined.”
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CityLife is the longest serving Cairns Glossy Magazine – with over 300 editions published in over two decades. We have the largest social media and online following than any other magazine in the city. So the decision on where to invest your hard earned advertising dollars is easy.
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EVENTS
CONTACT JACQUI 0416 331 125 jacqui@citylifemedia.com.au PO Box 1747 Cairns QLD 4870
www.citylifecairns.com.au
FNQ Economic Outlook 2021 By Stacey Carrick & Danae Jones
“We are the most successful international region of anywhere in Australia. That cuts both ways. All challenges come with great opportunities. What this means is we can be a rocket launcher to recovery if we have businesses that are strong, stable and viable to get back in the market. We can be one of the most competitive destinations the world has seen with our nature based tourism, our indigenous experiences and our global outlook. Our position geographically, our great… all those things can be great fillers. But without immediate business support, we don’t have the strength to launch the recovery,” said Mark Olsen. The majority of businesses in Cairns are categorised as small to micro businesses and supporting businesses so they can continue to keep their doors open and their people employed is critical according to Cairns Chamber of Commerce, CEO, Patricia O’Neill. “The biggest message I can give everyone is that it is imperative that locals support locals in these times. We started the ‘Keep it in Cairns’ campaign in January last year with Cairns Regional Council. Locals are getting the message and supporting local businesses more so than ever before. It’s about getting the message across and getting people to start thinking about the bigger picture, which means keeping locals in jobs. Every dollar spent in this community, stays in this community and supports local families to live and work in our region,” Mrs O’Neill said.
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Easter trade was strong showing positive signs. “It was heart-warming to see Cairns come alive over Easter this year. People are getting more confidence in terms of job security. Bookings are looking good right through until June. When we have an influx of people, it is of paramount importance that we keep vigilant when it comes to adhering to Covid-safe guidelines. Businesses have been extremely vigilant to date. We do want to see the State Government’s tourism dollars being used here, which would help tourism operators immensely. This is something we continue to work with the other peak bodies on and support each other in our efforts. “One of the key priorities we are focusing on at the moment is supporting businesses to ensure they can come out the other side still profitable, despite having to make significant changes to their business. There’s a core cost to businesses in terms of adhering to restrictions, social distancing, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE), including hand sanitiser and face masks, which is a cost businesses never had before. This is the same as cleaning. There is a cost not just for the cleaning products, but a cost in terms of time and human resources. Adhering to all of the new COVID Safe guidelines comes at a cost to business. So we see our role in our ongoing recovery to be a loud voice for the business community to make sure they are given every possible opportunity to succeed and barriers are removed wherever possible.
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FNQ Economic Outlook 2021 By Stacey Carrick & Danae Jones
“The Government has assisted with the $10,000 adaption grant, which is one of the areas of success of the Chamber of Commerce. We negotiated with the Queensland Government for two rounds of the adaption grants to assist Cairns businesses and that has been very helpful for many SMEs,” she said. But Mrs O’Neill says businesses are needing more incentive to keep people employed and their doors open in what has been a very hard hit region due to our heavy reliance on international tourism. “We are advocating heavily for the Government to look at reducing taxes for businesses to compensate for the outlaying of costs to remain COVID safe. There is an issue in Cairns relating to skills shortages and we are working with the Federal Government on modifications to the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) agreement. There are professions such as doctors, accountants, mental health professionals, that we are lacking in numbers, which is due to population. There is a shortage of skilled and unskilled workers―we need an injection into the population of the right type of people.
“The DAMA agreement allows businesses to apply to the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, so they can sponsor someone. This is aimed at non-Australians on a tentative visa, who are skilled in a particular area. The business needs to prove they have attempted to hire an Australian worker, if they can’t, then they can apply to be certified under the DAMA to hire a nonAustralian. Our first priority is jobs for Australians, if that’s not possible, the DAMA is there to assist them in finding a skilled worker. When COVID struck, a lot of non-Australians returned to their country of origin, which meant there was a massive decline in population, meaning a lot of jobs were left unfilled. We hope to relaunch the DAMA within the next month. We hope this will bring people from capital cities to Cairns. This means we can stimulate the economy as well as addressing the skills shortage. The Chamber of Commerce is the only non-government organisation in Australia that has a DAMA. We are hopeful of an announcement on this front very soon,” she said.
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CityLife PROFILE
ESCAPE VILLAS
Attracting A New Wave Of Investment In Port Douglas RENOWN E D FOR DE CA DE S A S “ T HE E ND O F T H E L I NE ” I N NO RT H Q U E E NS L AND, PO RT DOUG LA S IS T H E P LAC E TO R E L AX AND E S CAP E T H E MAD D I NG C R O W D S . THE S M A LL, Q UIE T VILLAG E H A S S O MANY S I MP L E P L E AS U R E S TO O F F E R , F R I NGE D B Y FOUR M ILE B E AC H WIT H T H E CO R AL S E A O N O NE S I D E AND T H E WO R L D ’ S OLDE ST R AI NF O R E ST O N T HE OT HE R .
For 40 years, John Morris and his family have been shaping Port Douglas with a long history of successful significant property projects. Extensive tropical landscaping and tasteful design have always been a hallmark, and this is exemplified in the understated yet contemporary architecture of this latest project, with construction now well advanced with the first villas ready for occupation mid 2021. “Although we have done many projects, this is one of our most exciting as it is the last piece of land left in Port Douglas where new developments such as Escape Villas can take place,” said the brainchild behind the development, John Morris. The land overlooks the Mirage Golf Course and the waters of the Mirage lagoon and is framed by a backdrop of spectacular rainforest mountains. He continues, “Understanding the tropical climate and aspect is key. Each villa has been designed for luxe and low maintenance, with high ceilings and deep eves to best capture breezes and of course the views.” Those lucky enough to secure one of these villas will also receive a five-year membership for gym, swim and tennis at the adjacent Mirage Country Club. Local construction and project management firm Prime Constructions Australia is tasked with bringing the high end development to life, a company no stranger to building iconic buildings in Far North Queensland. “We are delighted to be involved with the John Morris family on yet another significant landmark development for Port Douglas. Prime Constructions and our founder Andy Taylor have a long and well established history with the Morris family and together have delivered many developments that to this day are iconic to Port Douglas. Everything we have created together has had a tropical feel unique to the Port Douglas lifestyle, from the Treetops Resort, which is now The Ramada, to a number of significant residential developments, commercial properties and resorts, there are a many and varied number of projects we have completed over the years together. We are honoured to again be associated with a new development that has been the vision of John Morris in the Escape Villas. It will be nothing short of breathtaking for those who have the rare opportunity to purchase this piece of paradise to call their own,” said Managing Director, Prime Constructions AUST, John MacPherson.
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CityLife PROFILE
“A SI MPLE A ND ELEG A NT
LI FESTY LE ESCA PE VI LLAS
SEEMS TO ENCOMPA SS IT ALL”
“As a family we’re very bullish for the long term for Port Douglas and the north. We are already seeing a trend of movers and shakers taking on more of a footprint in Port Douglas - accelerated by remote working opportunities and as always, drawn by lifestyle. Increasingly driving the ‘organic growth’ and economic diversification we’ve long been striving for,” Mr Morris said. If you are looking to enjoy a simple and elegant tropical lifestyle, Escape Villas seems to encompass it all. After all, living like a local in Tropical North Queensland is a rich tapestry. Casual, classy dining at one of the many restaurants, walks on the headland trail perched above the sea to the beach or heading out to crystal clear reef waters for snorkelling or fishing. And who wouldn’t want to live like that? To find out more go to theescapecollection.com.au
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The Lake House EXECUTIVE RETREATS
W HEN LO OK ING F O R M O S S M AN AN D P ORT DOUG LA S HO LIDAY ACCO M M O DAT I O N T H E L AK E H O U S E CERTA IN LY H AS T H E ‘ WO W ’ FACTOR!
As you cross over a freshwater creek to enter this majestic property, your senses are already stimulated. The long driveway leads you up towards the house taking in views of the large lake and the expanse of the retreat. The views across the lake to the Dagmar Range are mesmerising. This is the place for capturing amazing sunsets, glass of wine in hand. This Australian ‘ranch’ offers all the comforts of a modern holiday house and comes complete with cattle in the nearby paddocks. Don’t worry, they are fenced! The Lake House features accommodation for up to eight guests in three bedrooms. Relax in the front sun room and enjoy panoramic views over the Magna pool to the lake. The gorgeous views are also enjoyed from the fully equipped kitchen and dining room. The house offers many indulgences including a well equipped gym, infrared sauna and Sonos sound system.
This property is pet friendly too (with prior permission) and dog kennels are available for use. Please note – no fishing in the lake – the fish are pets! Enjoy a piece of paradise when you stay at The Lake House, Mossman and Port Douglas holiday house. • Large, wet edge Magna swimming pool • Sauna (Infrared) • Large lake with jetty (no fishing allowed!) • Freshwater creek on property • Indoor and outdoor al fresco dining options • Gourmet kitchen with gas cooktop, dishwasher and ice maker • Smart TVs with Netflix • Sonos sound system • Pool table • Gas BBQ • Extensive gym equipment • Fully equipped laundry • Holidays with pets • Large dog pen available for use.
Freecall 1800 631 566 www.executiveretreats.com.au info@executiveretreats.com.au
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Keep It In Cairns is a community initiative by the Cairns Chamber of Commerce to help support local business owners and the economy of Cairns to encourage residents to buy locally. Together we can help secure the future of Cairns! #keepitincairns
Construction Cash EAT, DRINK OR SHOP FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
Support shops and restaurants while we create the exciting new Dining Precinct on the Esplanade. The new and exciting Esplanade Dining Precinct and Stage 3 of the Shields Street Heart project is really starting to take shape as Cairns Regional Council roll out the $28 million project. Construction was fast-tracked in May 2020 to limit the disruption to traders and maximise the city’s appeal once tourists return. But traders on the frontline of the construction area need your help while the works are carried out. Cairns Regional Council have launched the Construction Cash campaign to encourage residents to eat, drink or shop at any of the participating businesses in the area and win a share of the $15,000 prize pool.
Construction Cash competition The competition is simple – for every $10 spent when you eat, drink or shop at participating businesses (see list in Terms and Conditions), you get a ticket in the weekly prize draw. $1000 must be won each week, with two draws of $500 conducted every Friday! The promotion runs from until May 7, 2021. Enter each week to be part of the weekly draw. Tickets are not carried over from previous weeks. Residents from the Cairns, Mareeba, Tablelands, Cassowary Coast, Douglas
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and Yarrabah local government areas are eligible to enter.
About the Esplanade Dining Precinct major project The Esplanade Dining Precinct project will deliver a new and engaging feel for patrons, with new contemporary awnings that offer better weather protection, an extended dining area, a modified and gently curving road alignment, inviting vertical gardens and grassed mounds, and extra footpaths to improve pedestrian connectivity. The retention of one-way traffic along the Esplanade will allow for safer pedestrian movements and will also reduce unwanted noise. The design of the road and footpath will also allow the precinct to be easily transformed into a pedestrian-only space for major public events. Also part of the project is the completion of the Shields Street Heart project, with the section between Abbott Street and the Esplanade being the final stage. This will involve the closure of traffic to turn left into the Esplanade from Shields St to increase the pedestrian safety and friendliness of the area. Cairns Regional Council will also be undertaking significant footpath works on Aplin Street (from the Esplanade to Abbott St) so businesses along this section have been included in the Construction Cash promotion. For more info on our beautiful city go online www.cairns.qld.gov.au
TNQ'S OWN COUNTRY MUSIC & CAMPING FESTIVAL mareeba, cairns hinterland1-3 october 2021
JOHN WILLIAMSON LEE KERNAGHAN TEX PERKINS ‘THE MAN IN BLACK’ TROY CASSAR-DALEY GRAEME CONNORS SHANNON NOLL BUSBY MAROU THE MCCLYMONTS BRAD COX THE WOLFE BROTHERS CASEY BARNES FANNY LUMSDEN JAMES BLUNDELL FELICITY URQUHART JASMINE RAE DARLINGHURST KIRSTY LEE AKERS JETTY ROAD THE BUCKLEYS SOUTHBOUND RACHAEL FAHIM MISSY LANCASTER COL FINLEY WILL DAY BLAKE O'CONNOR - CHRISTIE LAMB - DAVID HUDSON RAECHEL WHITCHURCH - MURPHY'S PIGS - ROUTE 33 - TONY Q BAND CAMILLE TRAIL - THE ROADTRIPPERS - YAZMINDI - SAMMY WHITE CAMERON CUSACK - ABBIE FERRIS - CHELSEA BERMAN JAKE DAVEY - FELICITY KIRCHER - JEREMY FLETCHER TNQ TRAILBLAZER SHOWCASE PAMAGIRRI DANCERS - DEE JAYE BUX
TICKETS ON SALE NOW SAVANNAHINTHEROUND.COM.AU 1-3 October 2021
Savannah In The Round
From the crystal clear waters of Blue Pearl Bay to lush scenery of the Daintree Forest. From the vast, pastel hues of the Great Barrier Reef, to the immense mountains of the Great Dividing Range, Tropical North Queensland has always held the monopoly on Australia’s most beautiful locations. But in 2021 all eyes will be on Far North Queensland for a completely different reason, as the region gears up to host Australia’s most exciting new festival, ‘Savannah In The Round’.
From October 1-3 Kerribee Park Rodeo Grounds in Mareeba will dramatically transform from a collection of vast open fields into a bustling hub for one of the largest country music parties in the world, with some of Australia’s biggest and most respected artists taking to the stage over three massive nights. Chart-toppers like Brad Cox and Casey Barnes will be joined by a long list of country stars including Australian legend John Williamson, country favourite Lee Kernaghan, five-time Golden Guitar winner Fanny Lumsden and two-time Golden Guitar winners The McClymonts. Iconic Australian artist Tex Perkins will also be on site to perform his critically acclaimed show ‘The Man In Black – The Songs & Story of Johnny Cash’ while The Wolfe Brothers, Graeme Connors, Troy CassarDaley, Busby Marou, James Blundell, Jasmine Rae, Darlinghurst, Jetty Road, The Buckleys and many more will soundtrack three days of non-stop, festival fun in one of the most beautiful locations on earth. With the full line-up now topping over 40 artists, the three-day celebration of everything country will be the premier music destination on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. “It has been a tough time for everyone over the last year, but Savannah in the Round is committed to making sure Australia has a large-scale country music event in 2021 and we are proud to show the strength of Australia’s great talent pool with our announcement today,” said Sound Australia’s James Dein. “With the capacity to add international talent as borders open, Savannah in the Round will serve the country music community and shine a light on the beauty of the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region, not just in 2021 but for years to come.” Far from just a country music festival, Savannah In The Round will also provide attendees with a smorgasbord of amazing
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food truck options (for those that want food on-the-go) as well as bringing on the most highly awarded restaurant and catering company in Cairns―Ochre―to serve up a menu of local produce that wouldn’t be out of place in any of Queensland’s highest rated restaurants. It wouldn’t be a country music festival without camping, too! Rent-a-tent options, family quiet zones and traditional camping are all on offer for the inaugural year, plus there’s larger zones to park your RV! And, for those who want all the fun of camping without the exhaustion putting up tents and foregoing some of the usual home comforts, Savannah In The Round Festival is offering up exclusive Glamping options. Furnished 5m deluxe bell tents with bedding for up to five guests means you can leave the swag at home, along with mats, towels, linen and lighting. Guests will have access to adjacent toilet and showers and have a dedicated area for guests to use their hair straighteners and hairdryers on site. A chill out/common area is also provided for glamping guests where they can relax, enjoy a cool drink and use the phone charging station. If guests are feeling peckish or in need of a caffeine fix, friendly volunteer crew will gladly source from vendors onsite and deliver to the glamping area. It’s the closest thing you can get to not camping, while still sleeping in a tent! With international borders sealed shut for the foreseeable future, there’s never been a better time to don your akubra, whack on a pair of boots and get out and experience the best that Australia has to offer. Savannah In The Round runs from October 1-3, 2021 at the Kerribee Park Rodeo Grounds in Mareeba. Tickets are on sale at Savannahintheround.com.au with limited VIP tickets on sale soon!
WEDDINGS - EVENTS - STYLING - FLORISTRY - HIRE www.twotribestyle.com.au
Wedding Insiders As the 2021 wedding season in Tropical North Queensland kicks into high gear, sadly the threat of COVID-19 disrupting the plans of hopeful brides and grooms continues to linger.
After a 2020 season many wedding vendors would describe as disruptive and taxing on their professional lives, 2021 is shaping up as a bumper year with locals and many interstate couples choosing to take a leap of faith and say ‘I Do’ here in North Queensland. We sat down with local wedding vendors, Marriage Celebrant Tammy Barker and Photographer Jason Van’t Padje, to gain an insight into the effects the pandemic had on the industry, their business and asked for ‘Tips and Tricks’ when it comes to planning a wedding during the restrictions.
Jason Van’t Padje THE RAW PHOTOGRAPHER
&
K www.therawphotographer.com Q @therawphoto
Tammy Barker
CREATING MOMENTS WITH
K www.creatingmoments.com.au Q @creatingmoments_celebrant
Best advice for couples planning their wedding during the pandemic?
J: If you find planning a wedding is stressful or overwhelming, I recommend investing in a wedding planner. They will help eliminate stress, anxiety and navigate covid regulations.
T: Always be ready to adapt, embrace and overcome! Have a Plan B in mind in case you have to activate it!
How did your business best pivot through 2020? J: With the increase of restrictions and a limited guests list, I focused on the importance of elopements. A few couples didn’t want to go through the stress of planning their wedding repeatedly and decided to elope. Elopements are personal, carefree and the focus becomes solely on the couple... not the cake, venue or styling.
T: I focused on all areas of my marketing, honed my attention to detail with current booked couples, and I didn’t allow the pressure of the pandemic to steal the passion I have for my business.
J: A 2021 highlight has been an elopement with Alex and Alana at Mt Mulligan. It started with a 30-minute helicopter flight from Cairns to Mt Mulligan Lodge and being treated like royalty by the staff once we arrived. The backdrop of the mountain and stylish couple during sunset was a dream come true.
T: It would have to be Maddie and Jesse’s elopement at Emerald Creek Falls in May 2020. Jason & I were part of a small vendor team who contributed to creating magic for this gorgeous couple in the most magnificent location. I will never forget those moments.
Can you share a career highlight from the last 12 months?
Favourite wedding location in TNQ? J: It’s hard to beat Port Douglas. The relaxed atmosphere, tropical vibes and location all come together to create the perfect getaway destination for yourself and guests. Most couples I document in Port come from Melbourne, Sydney or Perth. Everybody is holiday-mode, ready to celebrate, relax and unwind after a crazy 2020.
T: We have an abundance of exceptional venues to choose from, but one of my faves would be Fitzroy Island. The crystal-clear water, the selection of ceremony locations and those views! Laloli Garden is also at the top of my list for the stunning location, and the incredible owners, Gary and Jeneve Frizzo, are so accommodating to work with.
Best Tip for guests attending? J: If you’ve been invited to a wedding locally, make the most of this opportunity and plan a holiday (staycation) around the date. You’ll help local businesses and who doesn’t enjoy a few cocktails around the pool bar?
T: Please don’t be offended if you are uninvited to the new date due to guest numbers being restricted! Cut your friends some slack as no doubt it was a tough choice.
Big Weddings or Elopements? J: Porque no los dos? Why not both? This is the one day you can bring all your T: To be honest, I love both equally. I love the engagement and celebration that family members and best friends together to celebrate. It could be an intimate comes with a big wedding, but the intimacy of an elopement is so addictive. ceremony with a handful of guests or larger celebration with your guests camping overnight on a field. There is no right or wrong. It’s your day, you do what you want! Your wedding trend prediction for 2021? J: Not so much a wedding trend... but a trend regarding wedding planning. The wedding industry is experiencing their busiest year and couples are planning their 2021 weddings super early! With the backlog of weddings due to Covid, I recommend planning well in advance to secure your must-have vendors or venue.
T: We will see more couples eloping to stunning destinations, having a holiday experience, spending money on themselves rather than blowing it on one night and a large guest list.
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HUMMERS & HARLEYS
Why hire a limo when there’s a showstopping stretched hummer waiting for you!
Do it in style
choose the scene! With cold drinks, music pumping, strobe and laser lights, you can be partying as soon as the Hummer’s doors are closed.
The 18 seat Super stretch seats 16 passengers in comfort and style! The stretched Hummer has commonly been the choice of stylish travel for celebrities and VIPs around the world, and is now available for your personal enjoyment here in Tropical North Queensland!
But if you’re looking for elegance and sophistication, look no further! Our interior offers a perfect setting for kicking back and relaxing with a cool drink while watching a movie on the three screens. Or open up a bottle of champagne, set the mood with music of your choice, lounge in luxury, and let us take you where you need to go.
We believe your arrival experience should be just as much fun as the main event itself ! We offer our charter service for a range of different party celebrations.
We will tailor your Hummer experience to suit every occasion. If you have any special requests, just ask – we will do our best to accommodate your needs. . The vehicle is immaculately presented for every occasion and your professional driver will deliver a comfortable and safe journey.
Charter by the hour or full day or ask us about our set destination discount specials! With three bars to keep your drinks cold, awesome sound system, cooling air conditioning and luxurious leather seats, your stretched hummer travel experience is one you will never forget.
SUP E R ST R E TC HE D H U M M E R H I RE F OR CA I R N S, PO RT DO U G LA S ,
M ISS I O N B E AC H, TO W N SV I LL E A ND ALL PO I N T S I N B E TW E E N.
We are a fully accredited, licensed and insured passenger transport service.
The opportunities are endless, you
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0438 440 004 | 0438 442 293 www.hummersandharleys.com.au
CONSIGNMENT
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QUALITY USED CARS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES
(07) 4041 1333
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57 Mulgrave Road, Cairns QLD 4870
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TRADE-IN
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CAIRNS CARS
Skoda Now In Cairns
CA IRN S CARS HAVE BROUG HT THE
S KODA RAN GE OF VEHIC L ES BAC K TO CAIRN S RESIDENTS F OL LOWING A
FO UR-YEAR ABSENC E IN THE MA RK E T. Skoda has a large range of vehicles from the compact Fabia to the larger 7-seat Kodiaq and the exciting Kamiq, which won the Newscorp Car of the Year in 2020. Skoda has a long history of making quality cars with the first vehicle in 1905 and then brought the brand to Australian drivers in 2007. Skoda presence in the Australian market has seen strong growth with annual sales nearly doubling from 2013 to 2018 and they are set to double again by 2023.
Skoda’s global head of sales and marketing Alain Favey said extensive brand consolidation – and an incoming product offensive – would be key to driving Skoda sales higher. Cairns Cars has also redeveloped the dealership to showcase the stunning Skoda range of vehicles. “We are very excited to be bringing this quality European brand to Cairns. Skoda has a reputation for great European quality while also offering an exceptional value proposition. “I chose SKODA because I saw a gap in the auto market for the value European brand in Cairns.” said dealer principal Alan Ren.
Cairns Cars 303 Mulgrave Road, Cairns 4046 6333 www.cairnscars.com
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CityLife FITNESS
LOSE THE SELF-CARE GUILT MARSHA ROHWEDER YOUR FITNESS CAIRNS C L UB MANAGER : 0450 927 837 : marsha@yourfitness.net.au : www.yourfitness.net.au
I was talking to a friend last week who said she wanted to start salsa dancing classes. This statement was then jokingly followed by “but I will have to wait until my kids turn 18 so I can have the time”. This got me thinking, why do we feel guilty about taking care of ourselves? “Self-care” guilt can range from apologising for taking time for yourself, feeling like you are being selfish but, most commonly, it comes in the form of putting off exercising because we have more important things to do. Now ask yourself “how valuable is your health to you?” You invest in your financial future, work hard, provide for your family and live the lifestyle you wish to lead, yet, without your health none of this is possible.
body. Perhaps scrolling through social media for 15 mins in the morning or sitting in the car reading emails at our child’s football or dance practice could be better spent taking a walk or run. CATER TO YOUR LIKES AND DISLIKES Hate running and getting sweaty … that is okay. You need to be realistic and know yourself. You will NEVER commit to something you hate. One person’s running is another person’s pilates, strength training or dancing. Exercise becomes a lot easier when you choose a form of exercise that fits your lifestyle and personality. Not sure what you like? Don’t be scared to try different forms of exercise until you find something you like.
Making your health a priority needs to be at the top of your “to do” list. When you are in good physical shape, you experience lower stress levels, your self-esteem is boosted, you are able to be less reactive with your loved ones and you generally just feel better about yourself. We only have one body and it is necessary to give it the exercise it needs to maintain mobility and strength to perform at its best. Once you’ve made the decision to lose the self-care guilt, one of the biggest challenges can be fitting exercise into your hectic lifestyle. With time being more precious than gold the good news is working out does need to be another chore you add to your already overflowing list. FIVE TIPS TO FITTING EXERCISE INTO YOUR BUSY LIFE (AND NOT FEELING GUILTY ABOUT IT) HAVE A FITNESS PLAN It doesn’t matter if you are a “planner” and need to know exactly what you are doing and when or a “fly by the seat of your pants” and prefer to be more flexible, if time really is of the essence then make a fitness plan. Schedule every day of the week and it will help you focus on when you can work out. Writing out a plan makes it more formal and you will be more likely to commit and stick to it. TAKE A TIME STOCKTAKE Very few of us are actually “busy” for every one of the 16 hours we are awake every day so identifying “time wasting” behaviours can help you find 30 mins a day to move your
HIRE A PERSONAL TRAINER (and don’t feel guilty about it) Yes, it costs money, but there are plenty of reasons to hire a PT and it is a great investment. Apart from the accountability of having to “show up” to a weekly session if you end up with an exercise habit and long-term health benefits it is a pretty good pay off. BECOME A WEEKEND WARRIOR If the thought of trying to fit exercise into your MondayFriday routine is just too overwhelming use the weekend to regain your exercise mojo. Hike a mountain, swim in a creek, run along the beach or just play tag with the kids in the backyard. There Will Never Be A Better Time To Invest In Your Health. Like putting money in the bank the sooner we start the more benefit we will gain over time.
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CityLife BUSINESS
THE POWER OF PR™ WHATEVER YOU DO, INVEST IN YOUR CUSTOMERS DANAE JONES
It is very easy to switch to a cost cutting mentality to increase profit margins and stem the cash losses in a business during an economic downturn, but when you start slashing from the line items that actually assist in generating revenue for your business, it is a slippery slope that I strongly advise against. We must think much longer term as business owners in tough economic times with every decision we make. And if you, or those around you see Marketing and Public Relations as an unessential cost to your business, then I stand before you to challenge that thought process. Those who look at the long game and value customer retention are always the biggest winners as the economy rebounds and not only does history tell us this, evidence proves it. And many local business success stories are living testaments to this. But don’t just take my word for it, let me share with you some other expert insights. According to a research paper out of the United States, Prospering in Tough Economic Times through Loyal Customers published in the International Journal of Management and Economics, a focus on customer loyalty and retention through strategic public relations techniques is critical to long-term business survival.
D an ae Jone s is Managi ng Di r ect or o f P R & M ar k eting fir m D anae Jones C o n su lting Pty Ltd : danae@danaejones.com.au : www.danaejones.com.au
Sources: [Prospering in Tough Economic Times through Loyal Customers, 2020] [Goldman and Cowley, 2012]
The research paper cites that “it takes exceptional management mettle and longterm clearsightedness to avoid this common managerial reaction which can lead to counterproductive and sometimes disastrous results for the company’s future. In severe economic downturns, only a few business leaders have the courage and wisdom to invest in customer loyalty to increase profits instead of reactively cutting costs to try to maintain falling profit margins.” Based on quantitative and qualitative research, the study findings identify and explain key customer loyalty measures, including: customisation for customers, communication interactivity, nurturing of customers, commitment to customers, customer sharing networks, customer focused product assortments, facile exchanges and customer engagement. There are three key points in the research I would like to share with you: 1. Investing in Customer Loyalty “Following the dotcom bubble in 2000, most companies focused on the shortrun by hunkering down, reducing their spending, and trying to find as many ways as possible to reduce costs. Under the leadership of CEO Steve Jobs, however, Apple ramped up research and development to develop groundbreaking new products like the iPhone, iPod, iTunes, and iPad, while also spinning out uniquely designed, more reliable computer desktop and laptops, and building offline Apple retail stores. Jobs was an exceptional business leader – one who kept his focus on the longrun by developing great products and superior customer service that delighted customers while more traditional CEOs focused on costcutting and maintaining shortrun profits during tough economic times. Largely due to the visionary genius and contrarian strategies employed by Jobs during an economic downturn, Apple became the most valuable company in the world,
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with its stock rising to more than half a trillion dollars.” [Goldman and Cowley, 2012]. 2. Why is Customer Loyalty So Important? “One of the most fundamental tenets of savvy business management is to attract and retain profitable loyal customers. Compared to average customers, loyal customers buy more, are less costly to serve because they are higher up on the learning curve with your company, more willing to go upscale and pay premium prices, more receptive to buying brand extensions and new products, more forgiving when problems occur, most likely to refer other people to your business, more resistant to competitors’ offers, and the highest contributors to your company’s bottomline profits. Profits can be increased by either reducing costs or by increasing revenues, and loyal customers can do both for your business.” 3. Tracking Customer Loyalty Measures “Progressive company managers will conduct research to accurately measure, benchmark, and regularly compare their performances on key customer loyalty measures with each of their different customer groups versus past performances, managerial goals, and the relative performances of major competitors. By keeping track of how they are doing in terms of critical customer loyalty measures, companies can obtain insights and early warnings that will allow them to adjust their customer relationship strategies and tactics to retain their profitable loyal customers. Companies that are most successful in achieving high customer loyalty levels in the fierce domestic and global competition ahead should prosper.” So who are some of the global business success stories who have implemented this methodology and thrived? • Netflix • Lego • Mailchimp • Apple You might think, well they are much bigger businesses than mine, how could I possibly have the capacity to do what they did? Well let me give you some local examples to bring it back to FNQ: • Totally Workwear Cairns • Skyrail • CaPTA Group • Norlift • CityLife Magazine • Tea Lily Fashion Boutique These are just a handful of businesses who’ve all well and truly punched through the 20 and 25 year milestones in business and still lived to fight another day. So go and talk to them, support their businesses and see what it is that they have done to ride the economic waves over the years. I think you’ll find that looking after their customers has always been their main focus. As we enter unchartered waters in these COVID times, I challenge you when you make every business decision, that you always have the customer at the forefront of your mind and consider, not only, how will this affect me and my business … but how will this affect my customers?
WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU LEAVE A RELATIONSHIP? NARDINE COLLIER
I love lists!! Where would we be without them. Here is a checklist of “things to do” at the point where you are considering separation or, just after. This is an edited version of the checklist. You will find the full version on our website. If you are still able to communicate amicably make a list of joint expenses and work out how much needs to be paid into an account per week, fortnight etc. to pay those expenses as they fall due. It’s Ok to keep a joint account open for that purpose if you trust each other not to misuse it. Work out how much you can each afford to contribute to that account based on your income and other expenses not covered by the joint list. If you have the larger income and the other parent is going to be having the children most of the time, offer financial support. Don’t wait to be hit with an application for child support or spousal maintenance. And if things are not that amicable? What steps can you take to protect your assets until you can resolve your property division?
N ard i n e Collie r is an accr edi t ed S p eci alis t in Fam ily Law, a Fam i l y L aw Mediator, and Di r ect or of C o l l i er Fa m ily Lawy er s and Cai r ns Med i ations. : : : :
0428 526 568 (07) 4214 5666 nardine@collierlawyers.com.au www.collierfamilylaw.com.au
Real property such as houses – Are you on the title? If not you should get legal advice about lodging a caveat. If you rent, can you change the lease to your sole name? Or have your name taken off? Bank accounts – Open a bank account in your name only and get your income paid into this account. With joint accounts, talk to the other person about closing off joint bank accounts and dividing the amounts in there. Failing that ask the bank to freeze the account or make it so that both signatures are required. Credit cards – If the credit card is in your partner’s name can you stop using it? If it is in your name and he/she has a card – consider cancelling it. With joint credit cards – consider cancelling or freezing the account. Change all PINs and passwords.
• • • • •
CityLife LAW
With mortgages, loans and bills – Are you on the mortgage? If not you need to take steps to stop the other person increasing the mortgage unreasonably. If you don’t know, find out what debt you are legally liable for? Don’t forget guarantees. Let the lender know you have separated, keep in contact if you are having trouble making repayments. Is there a redraw option? How can you stop the other person using the redraw? Eg – joint signatures for any withdrawals. Bills – The person staying in the home should put all utility bills (phone, internet, electricity, gas) in their name only – the person moving out, should have their name taken off. You should get a balance as at the date of separation. Superannuation – If you are worried the other person may be able to access their super get legal advice about applying for a “flag” (stopping the other person being able to draw down their super). Check who your beneficiary is on your super, if it is your ex-partner you might want to change it to your children for example. Companies and other financial entities – Do you know how assets are owned – i.e. by a company or Family Trust? Do you know what the consequences to you might be for company debt? Will – Update your will as being separated does not cancel your existing will. Divorce may invalidate it. Life insurance – review the level of cover, are the named beneficiaries still correct? Power of attorney / Advance Plan – if you have something in place is it still what you want? An important step in this process is to get as much information about your financial situation as you possibly can, and get some legal advice.
All Family law matters Affordable Rates Flexible Payment Options Family & Workplace Mediation Wills M: 0428 526 568 P: (07) 4214 5666 www.collierfamilylaw.com.au
Nardine Collier
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CityLife BUSINESS
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS FOR BUSINESS PATRICIA O’NEILL
C h i ef E xe cutive Office r C airn s C ha m be r of Com m er ce
The Cairns Chamber of Commerce joins with every business in the excitement of welcoming the first of international visitation in over a year. We look forward to the financial stimulus this will bring to our economy as well as families and friends from across the ditch being able to once again reunite.
migrant workers and deliver greater economic outcomes for our region. We are also actively working with DESBT (Dept Employment, Small Business & Training) to contribute to a regional jobs committee which will highlight key areas where we are experiencing regional skills and workforce shortages.
During COVID-19 we witnessed the departure of many thousands of skilled and unskilled workers. As many of you would already know the CCoC has been the official certifying body for the Skilled Employer Sponsored visa program (formerly RCB) for Far North Queensland for several years, assisting businesses to access hard to fill positions. The reality is, despite the tough economic times and rising unemployment, skilled and unskilled migrants still exist within Australia on temporary visas and there are many industries desperate to engage with them. The unfortunate situation that our local businesses continuously find themselves in, is that despite consistent attempts at advertising these positions in an attempt to provide employment for Australians first, the appetite is just not there to pick up the work previously carried out by our migrant workers.
In March we consolidated an already effective partnership with myself and President Sally Mlikota co-signing the Small Business Friendly Councils Charter (SBFC) with Mayor Bob Manning. The Small Business Friendly Councils (SBFC) initiative recognises a commitment by councils to be mindful of small businesses, their issues and priorities when making decisions for the local community.
CCoC is awaiting final sign off from the Federal Government on our Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (FNQ DAMA), which will allow a wider geographical coverage and include critical occupations not currently on the approved list. This will allow for various sectors of business including but not limited to, the professional sector, hospitality and agricultural industry, to have the ability to engage with these
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In May we will be hosting various events in celebration of Queensland small business month. There is sure to be topics that will relate to all business sectors, so watch this space! To ensure you don’t miss any of these opportunities, visit www. cairnschamber.com.au/events. We will be posting regular event updates. The Cairns Chamber of Commerce is here to help business. That is our primary focus. We take our responsibility as the peak body for business representation in the Cairns region very seriously. Serving our members is at the very heart of all that we do. Assisting businesses grow by connecting them to opportunities, and to act in the best interests of the Cairns regional business community by advocating on their behalf to all three levels of government. We will continue to fight for business.
BALANCING LEADERSHIP DIVERSITY IN THE TROPICAL NORTH SONJA JOHNSON
Ch ief Ex ec utiv e Offic er Reg i o nal Dev elopm e nt Aust r al i a Tro p i ca l Nor th (RDA)
CityLife BUSINESS
Since Regional Development Australia’s (RDA) inception over a decade ago, the national network of 52 committees has seen subtle changes to the network’s purpose and charter. These incremental changes are influenced by the Federal Government’s priorities, emerging regional challenges and intelligence from RDA committees. Each RDA committee is made up of local leaders who work with all levels of government, business and community groups to support the economic development of their regions. The committees have an active and facilitative role in their communities with a clear focus on growing strong and confident regional economies that harness their competitive advantages, seize economic opportunities and attract investment. Regional Development Australia Tropical North (RDATN) has within its economic development remit, a geographic area covering approximately 16 percent of Queensland’s land mass, 21 local government areas, more than 60 traditional owner groups and one of the highest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations (14 percent). RDATN, like the other 51 RDAs, are incorporated not-for-profit entities, governed by a group of local volunteers. Each committee can set its own membership seats, with the Chair appointed by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications. From a Federal Government perspective, each committee should aim to have an equal balance of men and women and some representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It would also be prudent to ensure sub-regional representation, for example, from remote council areas. While commendable, the challenge of meeting diversity requirements alongside representation that provides the skill sets needed to meet the organisation’s objectives, is constantly at the forefront of the Executive’s minds during times of committee member recruitment.
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The most recent change to the RDA Charter in October 2020, saw a decided shift to facilitating local procurement outcomes, promoting Australian government policies and research and provision of evidence-based advice on regional development issues. There is also a requirement to develop a strategic regional plan – this supports the notion of RDAs acting as ‘umbrella’ organisations for their respective region through coordination of existing plans and priorities authored by various economic development agencies and community organisations. Balancing the governance diversity requirements of the Federal Government with the industry, innovation, entrepreneurship, business, social services and environment/conservation skills needed to achieve the RDA Charter can become insurmountable. It is difficult to find leaders who have both the diversification element and necessary qualifications or work-based experience. Whilst our Charter calls for a 50/50 male-female ratio in selection of the committee, the main focus has been on the ability of members to lead our region forward and portray strong leadership skills within the organisation. We have been fortunate enough to have both, with a mix of business, industry, academic and local government expertise from community members who currently lead or have led, organisations and companies. Moving forward, RDATN is focused on leadership diversity as a principle, not a policy. Our principle is to find local leaders who meet the skill requirements necessary to advance our agenda and fulfil our strategic objectives. Prospective candidates are scored based on their qualifications and experience – in the instance where multiple candidates are all exemplary based on merit, the vacancy will be awarded to the individual who also meets diversity criteria. Through this principle-based method, RDATN aims to meet the organisation’s Charter and deliver key economic outcomes for the Far North Queensland and Torres Strait region.
TOURISM REBOUND IN SIGHT MARK OLSEN
CityLife BUSINESS
The past 12 months have been challenging for the tourism industry. Without international travellers, our region loses $3 million a day in international visitor spending. That spending supported thousands of jobs, and underpins some of the region’s core infrastructure including our airport. For TTNQ , while we are working harder than ever in the domestic market, regaining our international connectivity remains a top priority for us and our partners at Advance Cairns and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce. It has been encouraging to see domestic aviation capacity returning, both through direct support from the Queensland Government and the recently announced half price airfares supported by the Federal Government.
C h i ef Exe cutive Officer To u rism Tr opic al Nor t h Q ueensl and (T T N Q )
In May and June we could see our seat capacity exceed the 85,000 seats we had at Christmas time into and out of Cairns, putting us at close to 90 percent of our pre-Covid domestic capacity. But we need to keep driving demand and filling those flights. Airline seats are about more than just visitors, they support the amazing quality of life here in the region. They help bring our friends and relatives to town, and give us options to travel where and when we need to. Our region is one of the most connected regional economies in Australia which also support our thriving agricultural sector.
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Regaining our direct international services, starting with New Zealand, Singapore, Korea and Japan can help boost tourism numbers, support our community’s connections globally and open up markets for our high value freight to boost our region’s recovery. The Easter holidays have been good, with strong arrivals over the long weekend and solid bookings over the two weeks of the school holidays. Operators are now reporting strong bookings out to September. TTNQ is continuing our push to get first time visitors to the region, with a strong advertising push for the region in the southern capitals as the weather starts to cool. All the hallmarks are there for our future success, Cairns is the third most Googled holiday destination in Australia (after Sydney and Melbourne), during the recent airline seat sales Sydney to Cairns was the fourth most popular route and the Cairns Holiday Dollars are delivering hundreds of extra bookings for our tours and attractions. The announcement of a New Zealand travel bubble from April 18 could see up to 1000 New Zealand travellers a week travelling, if there are direct flights, injecting up to $1M a week into the region. We remain optimistic that we can ride out the bumps ahead, reopen to international travel across multiple destinations soon, and build a solid base of Australian travellers who love our region and will return.
CityLife BUSINESS
CONFIDENCE DESTROYED IN SHUTDOWN MADNESS
KEVIN BYRNE
Execu tive Office r En terp ris e Nor th
There is one thing our regional communities crave at all times ― a degree of certainty and not brazen promises that are broken on a whim. For the past year we have seen a constant struggle between those pragmatists who continue advocating for a containment regime of Covid management versus the politically expedient regime of Covid elimination and “keeping everyone safe”. Some have long argued that the first responsibility of governments is to effectively manage ALL aspects of community continuity/ survival including aspects of social resilience, the economy, employment and of course ensuring our health systems are adequately resourced among other things. Unfortunately there have been too few voices. Right on queue we saw only weeks ago the ridiculous spectacle of Paul Murray Live on Sky imploring Aussies to travel north in front of a masked and socially distanced Cairns audience, when there has been no evidence of community transmission here in 12 months and because a couple of cases were active in Brisbane. In addition, and most disgracefully and callously, we are still being deprived visiting rights in our hospitals, aged care homes and other social restrictions for another two weeks. One particular instance I know is of a mother who has been in Townsville comforting a desperately ill son who is to undergo a bone marrow transplant being told she cannot see him so go home. She is back in Cairns and will return when these senseless restrictions are lifted.
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Our streets, restaurants, shops, public places and offices are filled with anonymous masks when there is just no case for this when we are 2000km socially distanced from Brisbane HQ. That is the social side and what about the economic side, with the immediate hit to the struggling tourism, accommodation and hospitality sectors. Truth matters here, and undertakings twice in two months that we had seen the end of lockdowns, were broken overnight because of health overreach. The net result of this is our confidence in our contact tracing systems, as well as our current ability to manage hotel quarantine is shattered, resulting in a lack of confidence that Queensland can pursue a containment strategy which is essential for our long-term economic revival and survival. Business and industry advocacy groups have a duty to advocate robustly for a reset here and demand governments pursue the containment strategy within agreed rules to allow some certainty in planning regional recovery. Our individual and community strength lies in our resilience and an innate ability to recover, repivot and get on with it. Governments need to recognise and respect this and play their part by not meddling unnecessarily, keeping their word, investing in infrastructure that focuses on growing community needs and creating the environment that encourages business investment to create growth alongside job opportunities.
Experience At The Wheel WARREN ENTSCH MP
I N 2019, O N E L E CTI O N N I GH T, I AN NOUNCED TH AT I WO U L D N OT RE CO N TE ST THE NEXT F E D E RAL E L E CTI O N , AS I F E LT TH E TIME WA S RI GH T TO P U RSU E OTH E R I N TE RE STS OUTSIDE P O L I TI CS.
However, that decision was made well before the global COVID-19 pandemic was even thought of, or before it reached our shores. Our region was one of the first to be severely impacted by the pandemic and we will be one of the last to recover. I was recently approached by several tourism, businesses and community leaders across the region urging me to reconsider my retirement plans. Their argument was they needed my experience, connections and credibility as a senior government member, as well as the experience of my wonderful staff, to maximise opportunities for the region as we begin the recovery phase. They are firmly of the view this is certainly not the time for change. Therefore, after careful consideration I have decided to recontest the next federal election which is due to be held before May 2022. It is certainly not a decision I made lightly. There were many sleepless nights and heartfelt discussions with my beautiful wife Yolonde and my family before I finally came to this decision. Sadly, as I said earlier, our community will continue to face many challenges over the next few years as we begin our recovery from the global pandemic. It will be a tough road but one we will navigate together. I feel it is incumbent on me during these uncertain times to continue to support our community and its residents for as long as it takes along this road. My experience will ensure our community continues to have strong, effective and stable leadership during these unprecedented times. C i t y L i f e 79 M a g a z i n e
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EXERCISE PLANNING & FACILITATION
THE MAN BEHIND JUSTICE
Greg Schwartz SUBURB YOU LIVE: NORTH CAIRNS
FAVOURITE PLACE TO VISIT IN CAIRNS: THE ESPLANADE
Where did the idea come from to write Justice? Having been brought up on a diet of Cowboys and Indians with John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and The Lone Ranger, I thought “why are there no Australian versions of this genre?” We have a huge source of colourful and historical moments that should be told (and aren’t). Then you visit places like Cooktown, Palmer River and read about what went on in those earlier times, it just begs for a story albeit fictional. Give us a quick run down of your book, Justice? The Gold Rush is on around The Palmer River and Cooktown. It’s the 1870s. Cairns is about to get the railhead for Far North Queensland. The area needs a viable town with transport to and from. So there is money to be made. A few businessmen, a corrupt policeman and a couple of henchmen can see money and loads of it if they can create the chaos and confusion needed to take advantage …but of course Jack Swain and Buddy Herlihy are a couple of the Governor’s agents who are sent in to fix any trouble, anywhere and any way they have to. When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer? I don’t really know if there was a moment. I’d just had that gnawing inside to write a book. Firstly, I thought it was a bit different and the type of book not done before. Secondly, the challenge to start and finish and present something that someone may like and just to leave something behind with my name on it. How long did it take you to write Justice? Between 18 months and two years. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? All of the characters in the book are people I know. Not that the character is a true reflection of that person …almost. What do you like to do when you’re not writing? I like being the guinea pig for my wife, Pene, when she has a new wine she is selling. Reading… of course and trying to get my music room sorted. I have a few guitars and other bits and pieces that I need to get back to if I want to write “Justice – The Rock Opera”. Just kidding… What does your family think of your writing? Pene, my wife, has been a great supporter. When it was nearing the end, she kept me going. She supplied coffee when I was tired, then bourbon when I was tired, then wine when I was tired. My brother Steve was my initial proofreader and Pene’s dad was my editor. All in all a great support team.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating Justice? Writing a book and putting it out there is very much like dropping your pants in public. Some people will say “nice underwear” while others may laugh, but you have to have the confidence that you wear “nice underwear” or be able to stand up and be prepared for the jokes. Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer? If so, what are they? I would hardly think I’m in a position to make those suggestions on how to become better but I would say if you are going to “write the same as you like to read”. Forget the boundaries. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say? Response has been overwhelming. From tearful wives to publicans and even from an 80-year-old woman who loved it and took it to her book club (she did pick out some grammatical errors too). One reader (Amazon review) stated that he had read the book in 24 hours. Unable to put it down. What do you think makes a good story? I make no bones about being an action and adventure lover with revenge for the good guys. Human conflict is without doubt a great feed for any story. How humans react in different situations always makes for interesting stories. Will you be writing another book? There is another under way. Set in the Northern Rivers of NSW with the two main characters returning to sort out more trouble. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? As with most kids, a vet, until a dog bit me. What’s your favourite under-appreciated novel? That’s difficult – American Tabloid by James Ellroy comes to mind. Any of The Flashman Series by George Macdonald Fraser. If you were making a movie of the book, who would you cast? Liam Hemsworth and Guy Pearce. How can we get our hands on a copy? Cairns Books Store in Cairns Central at the Myer end.
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CityLife FASHION
AUTUMN/ WINTER FASHION FORECAST 2021
What you need to know to refresh and inspire your wardrobe this season.
PIP ADDISON
AUTUMN/WINTER Due to our hot climate, we rarely get the chance to layer up, but we can certainly add some statement pieces to add newness and warmth to our wardrobes. Although the lounge pant is still going to be a staple this season you will be able to dress it up more. If you want to mix it up add a plaid pattern pair. One of the hottest looks you will see is the combat boot which is being teamed back with everything from flowy feminine dresses, denim and leather. If you feel this is not a look you can pull off, try a loafer/ brogue style shoe which is also back in a big way. Padded shoulders (a squeal of delight!) I love them!! Think ‘80s inspired looks in everything from T-shirts to oversized blazers. The puff sleeve you will still be able to enjoy is not going anywhere and makes the boring work shirt look glam! Coco or Latte - pick your preference, this gorgeous colour is a must staple this season. I am wearing it with everything from white, black, and pastel hues. Straight leg denim is in demand and suits most body shapes, team this back with a button through relaxed shirt for effortless chic! Leather is a key look this winter in lots of colour choices, I suggest you pick a style in a skirt or shorts which will be best suited for our climate and looks super cute with a logo or padded shoulder T-shirt. You may have seen a lot of cut outs in the waist and crop tops which will continue, the crop knit cardi will be the winter option. The knitted dress options are still running out the door also. Ruffles and capes haven’t gone after all, so hold on to them and start wearing them again.
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CityLife FASHION
TH I S T I M E L A ST Y E A R W E W E RE H E A DI NG INTO LO CK DO WN A ND UNCERTA INTY O F WHAT WA S TO COM E? W E H A D N O I D E A T H AT “ LO UNG E WEA R ’ WA S G O ING TO BE T H E H OT T EST LO O K FO R T H E YEA R !
20 2 1 HOW E VE R, W E A RE S O LO O K I NG FO R WA R D TO DR ESSING UP AG A IN, A ND ENJOYING L I F E TO T H E F U L L E ST! H E RE I S S O ME FA SH IO N INSP IR AT IO N TO KICK T H ING S O FF!
YOUR SHOPPING GUIDE AND STREET STYLE IMAGES TO HELP REFRESH AND INSPIRE YOU. • Combat Boot • Move over Puff Sleeves, it’s all about the Padded Shoulder • Some colours to include - Hubba Bubba Pink, Blue, Tan, Monochrome, Olive, Orange and Neon • Straight high waisted Denim • Leather • Something that sparkles • Fringing • Ruffles • Smock dress • Branding - logos head to toe! • Oversized button shirts, or the trench coat • Silver is popping up, add some sparkle
Pip xx
WWW.PIPADDISON.COM.AU Images credit to their owner
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Environ Skin Care lights up Times Square once again “Top Medical Skin Care Line” Everything® Awards, for the third year in a row. Is your skin care a winner?
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CityLife WELLBEING
LIFE CAN BE TOUGH… BUT SO ARE YOU VIOLETTA SEKLER
Times of adversity can be our most transformative moments in life. Just like a butterfly emerges from a cocoon into a beautiful new state of being, so too do humans once they’ve pushed through the struggles and barriers that adversity puts in front of them.
Vi o l etta Se kle r is a Per sonal and Rel ationship Coac h dr i ven t o hel p p eo p le s uc ce ed in lif e and l ove. : info@violettasekler.com : www.violettasekler.com
I know many of you are going through varying tough times in your life at present, they might not be financial, they may be with your family or relationships, or they could be with yourself. One thing that the past 16 months has taught us is tough times are ever present for all of us, but it is how we react and deal with them that gives us the greatest power of all - to grow and learn. When you’re travelling through a tough journey in life it is hard to see it when you are experiencing it as the emotions can feel so raw, but always take comfort in knowing that it is not forever, circumstances change, economies grow again, people’s hearts heal, disputes resolve, grief eases, and for the most part we can come out of tough times stronger than when we went into them. We just for a moment need to bring ourselves to the realisation of what the situation truly is … a moment in time that is to be honoured, respected and cherished, even in all its pain. Here are some tips on moving through tough times and allowing yourself to cope with obstacles when they are thrown at you: 1. Invest in quality relationships Quality relationships with family and friends determine, to a significant extent, the quality of our lives. Welcome people into your life who value what you have to give and make sure they know that you appreciate them. 2. Get to know yourself Get to know your strengths and weaknesses. But most importantly get to know what makes your heart sing and do more of that. 3. Deal with your past We all carry emotional injuries and traumas of the past which tend to build up to unhealthy levels when we do not work through their impact on us. The impact of these past events
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can increase when we are overwhelmed by new events, or just by daily pressures and stresses if we have not dealt with them. 4. Focus on the positives Actively try to notice what is going right in your day, and be grateful for the little positives that arise along the way. This doesn’t mean shutting out the negatives and not dealing with them, but rather choosing where to focus the majority of your attention. 5. Be present Concentrate on the here and now. When unconsciously thinking about past events or the fear of what might happen in the future, try to stop yourself and focus on your breath instead. Breathing deeply and slowly for 5-10 breaths can sometimes be all it takes to shift you back into the present moment. 6. Be hopeful No matter how dreadful a situation may be, there is always hope. It’s just finding that hope in amongst the negative noise. Choosing hope after a difficult setback shifts us from broken-heartedness to whole-heartedness. 7. Take charge of your health Remember the acronym ‘MEDS’: • Meditation – find somewhere to practise being calm each day • Exercise – try to incorporate 30 minutes of physical activity every day • Diet – be mindful of what food is fuelling your body • Sleep – good quality sleep is one of the most powerful ways to reduce stress while increasing energy, memory and learning. 8. Find your happy place Connect with a group of like-minded people to uplift your spirits when you’re feeling down. For some people, belonging to their family or a tight group of friends is the answer, while others find their belonging is centred on particular locations, teams, workplaces, hobbies, beliefs or causes. 9. Be Kind To Yourself Some people treat others well but are harshly self-critical to the point of making themselves feel useless. We all make mistakes, so be kind to yourself. And remember, life can be tough… but so are you!
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VILLA ROMANA... FOR A SLICE OF ITALY ON THE ESPLANADE
Classic Italian in a Relaxed Trattoria Setting
Open from
BREAKFAST
LUNCH
6:30am
DAILY
PHONE 4051 9000
DINNER
Cnr Esplanade & Aplin Street, Cairns
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villaromancns
villa romana cairns
WHY ARE SWEET POTATOES SO GOOD FOR YOU? ALLI FIELDING
A l l i F i elding Own er - Longe vity C airn s Centr al & S mith fie ld Shopping Cent r es
: +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
CityLife WELLBEING
The sweet potato is often hailed as a super-food – and from the amount we use in our dishes, you can tell that we definitely agree! So why is this bad boy so damn good for you? 1. They are a good source of vitamin C While most people know that vitamin C is important to help ward off cold and flu viruses, few people are aware that this crucial vitamin plays an important role in bone and tooth formation, digestion, and blood cell formation. It helps accelerate wound healing, produces collagen which helps maintain skin’s youthful elasticity, and is essential to helping us cope with stress. It even appears to help protect our body against toxins that may be linked to cancer. 2. Helps prevent vitamin A deficiency We use sweet potatoes that are orange in colour (it’s the beta-carotene that gives sweet potatoes their rich, orange/ golden hue) as they have a greater ability to increase blood vitamin A levels compared to other food sources. Your body then converts beta-carotene into Vitamin A which is important for normal vision, the immune system, and reproduction. Vitamin A also helps the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs work properly. 3.They are high in vitamin B6 Vitamin B6 helps reduce the chemical homocysteine in our bodies.
Homocysteine has been linked with degenerative diseases, including heart attacks. 4. Rich in fibre Sweet potatoes are also packed with fibre, so not only are they delicious, they are super satisfying too. If you’ve been thinking that carbs make you fat, think again, because sweet potatoes may help you reach your fat loss and muscle gain goals. 5. Sweet potatoes do not cause blood sugar spikes Sweet potatoes are naturally sweettasting, but their natural sugars are slowly released into the bloodstream, helping to ensure a balanced and regular source of energy, without the blood sugar spikes linked to fatigue and weight gain. 6. They are a source of potassium Potassium is one of the important electrolytes that help regulate heartbeat and nerve signals. Like other electrolytes, potassium performs many essential functions, some of which include relaxing muscle contractions, reducing swelling, and protecting and controlling the activity of the kidneys.
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 87 M a g a z i n e
Order Online with our app www.eat4longevity.com.au
EXECUTIVE RETREATS
Your Own Private Resort...YES PLEASE! W E LCOME TO PAR ADISE – 38 BE AC H F R O NT MIR AG E PO RT D O U G LAS LUXURY H O LIDAY ACCOMMO DATIO N!
So Richard Branson has his own private island? Well you can have your own private resort with the luxe 38 Beachfront Mirage. Designed around a central pool, 38 Beachfront Mirage can accommodate up to 16 guests in eight bedrooms! Just add some of our in-house catering services and a massage therapist and you have landed in paradise! With a poolside entertainment pavilion, the sparkling lap pool is the central feature of this property. Divided into two wings, the eastern wing houses the master bedroom, two additional bedrooms, the gourmet kitchen, butler’s pantry and spacious dining and living areas. The western wing features four bedrooms and a study (which can be converted into the eighth bedroom), in tropical, pavilion style.
38 Beachfront Mirage is a popular luxury escape for intimate weddings and special events. Permission for events is required at time of booking. Choose 38 Beachfront Mirage for your Port Douglas holiday accommodation. Your Queensland holiday starts here! Executive Service We offer a personal meet and greet service upon your arrival at your Port Douglas accommodation, 38 Beachfront Mirage Estate. We can arrange day excursions, car rental, in house catering, babysitting, spa treatments, massages and private yoga sessions at an additional cost not included in tariff. We can help tailor make the ultimate Port Douglas vacation at your luxe accommodation.
Freecall 1800 631 566 www.executiveretreats.com.au info@executiveretreats.com.au
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CityLife PROFILE
TOTALLY WORKWEAR CAIRNS
25 Years On And Still Raising The Bar In Retail TOTA LLY WOR K WE A R IS M OR E T H AN J U ST A WO R K W E AR O U T L E T. T H E S COT T
STRE E T B US IN E S S WH IC H IS LOCAL LY O W NE D AND O P E R AT E D HAS BE CO ME T H E HOU S E OF B R A N DS TO M A N Y WO R K E R S I N FAR NO RT H QU E E NS L AND. T HI S Y E AR THE B US IN E S S C E LE B R AT E S IT S 2 5 T H BI RT H DAY, D E L I V E R I NG E V E RY T HI NG F R O M COR P OR AT E C LOT H IN G , B US IN E S S CAS UAL S , F O OT W E AR , HO S P I TAL I TY, ME D I CAL A N D IN DUST R IA L G A R ME NT S , AS W E L L AS P P E E Q U I P ME NT.
Twenty-five years in business for owners Chris and June Kingsbury has seen many highs and lows, none more challenging than the COVID-19 pandemic. But as they move the next generation into the business with their daughter Jenni, their business experience has meant they have bucked the national retail trend and still grown their business while others went backwards. It’s a remarkable achievement in anyone’s book, but one the Kingsbury family take all in their stride. We caught up with the family behind the name and found out what has seen them stand the test of time. Chris Kingsbury Managing Director CHRIS: Over the years we have experienced a lot as a business, and I guess one thing experience and time teaches you is that the downtimes always pass and that marketing your products and services in the community regardless of what the economy is doing is paramount. I am also a big believer that when it can be easy to just cut costs to get through those tough times, cutting back is not always the best decision. Meeting the needs of our customers and making sure they are adequately serviced with quality products have always been non-negotiables for me. Our customers are the heart of our business and it is with their support that we have managed to grow so much over the years. That is never lost on me. June Kingsbury Director JUNE: Chris and I have always worked as a team. He’s happier fronting the business and working with the marketing team and big picture thinking while I have always been happy working within the team environment and allowing my creativity to flow with the staff and the customers to meet their needs with custom designs, corporate branding and the latest technology to do things better such as custom sublimation designs. All of this has come such a long way over the years. The sky is really the limit as to what you can achieve for workwear these days. So that still excites me when we can give our customers something unique that makes their business really stand out from the rest. Jenni Kingsbury General Manager JENNI: I am really proud to be taking on a more active role in the business now as General Manager, I have learnt so much from my parents over the years in business and one thing that has always stood out to me with them is their commitment, unflinching dedication to service our customers rain, hail or shine and their willingness to constantly think outside the box. Their strong work ethic has been instilled in me and their community spirit and support of other locally owned businesses is really something else. They are incredibly generous people.
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CityLife PROFILE
“We’re very proud of the fact it’s become a family business. It’s very rewarding to see a business you’ve built up supporting the next generation. Jenni has been raised in the business, she has picked up so much through osmosis I guess. She’s really taken to her new managerial role like a duck to water,” Chris says. Adding value to the customer service chain has also been critical to TWW’s ongoing success claims Chris, with integrated computer ordering systems and compliance with internationally recognised Quality Management System ISO 9001:2015 and Environmental Management System ISO 14001:2015. “ T H AT SP EA KS VO LUMES
FO R O UR BENCH MARKE D STA NDA R DS A ND WE’RE R USH ING FO R WARD TO EMBR ACE T H E DIGI TAL
When the professionals of Cairns gear up to go to work each day, there’s a good chance they’ll be wearing something from Totally Workwear. The second longest running franchise in the Totally Workwear group, the Cairns store was voted store of the year in 2015 at the group’s annual conference, seeing 20 per cent growth in that year alone and a steady upward sales growth ever since.
AG E V ERY QUICK LY.”
“We’re like a clock with many moving parts. We can get the order into our system very quickly and then place the order.”
“It was a colossal sense of achievement,” says managing director, Chris Kingsbury.
Maintaining close working relationships with the many local SME businesses in Cairns is important for Chris and his family. They describe Totally Workwear as a “microcosm” of the greater city.
“We’re by far the highest performing store in our group, we even outperform Sydney, and our market acceptance has been very gratifying. That’s all thanks to the people of FNQ. We have such loyal customers.”
“There’s such a variety of businesses and trades we provide for. We may apply the uniform for everybody at your local service station, or equally the entire business attire for those employed at your local law firm,” says daughter and General Manager Jenni Kingsbury.
Selling a wide range of workwear, corporate wear and safety gear by brands you know and trust the store services an area spanning Cardwell, the Gulf and Cape York with a staff of 23.
“Not surprisingly, we also kit out quite a few Fly In Fly Out workers, en route to industry jobs from Mackay to Broome,” she says.
“Like everybody in businesses, we pride ourselves on our service. We do boots to suits,” he says.
Indeed, the secret to Totally Workwear’s success in Cairns has been to totally immerse themselves within the fabric of both the Cairns & FNQ regional communities.
You’d be hard pressed to find a person that lives and works in the region that isn’t aware of the brand, having had a strong market presence and a generous community spirit since its inception the Kingsbury family say they are all about supporting those who support them – the local community.
The business was one of the first platinum partners involved with the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and they support several local sporting groups in Cairns, ensuring they are highly visible with also the recent establishment of their very own sporting team across multiple sporting codes named TeamTWW.
Chris Kingsbury attributes TWW’s success to a consistent marketing presence that has achieved top-of-mind brand awareness and never allowing themselves to think small.
“We have cyclists that compete in all the major competitions including Tour of the Tropics, State Championships for BMX and Mountain Biking, we have Ironmen and Ironwomen, rally car drivers in TARGA Great Barrier Reef and even Champion Ballroom Dancers are part of TeamTWW. They have their own Instagram and Facebook handle @teamtww and we manage all of their marketing and support them with gear and entry fees to their comps, they have attracted quite the local following. We are incredibly proud of all they continue to achieve.
“What’s the old saying, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. There’s not a single year where we haven’t grown. We’ve kept our foot on the pedal post GFC and during COVID, even in lockdown, we continued to stay open and keep our staff working and our essential working customers fully stocked with safety gear and PPE. That’s thanks to strong relationships, quality product lines and excellent customer service I think that’s what’s propelled us forward. “Our job is to listen and perform. Everyone who works here is taught in one department and then moved around the business to gain broader knowledge.” Totally Workwear is also a truly family affair, with Chris’s wife June involved in office administration and custom orders while daughter Jenni cut her teeth in the business as office manager and bookkeeper and now has taken on the role of General Manager as her parents are eyeing off semi retirement.
“The sporting success the team is having is truly outstanding to watch and there’s something for every member of our staff to get behind and barrack for. I can see TeamTWW going from strength to strength and I have no doubt it will be one of our community legacies. “Totally Workwear is evolving and growing at a very healthy rate. The key to us going forward is to continually self-improve our processes and the quality of the people who work within the business. But we can’t do any of it without the community’s support and we are forever grateful for their trust and loyalty in us. We hope they are still supporting us 25 years from now,” said Chris.
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Bob Fowler
DIGITAL DOORKNOCKERS NEEDED FOR SALVOS RED SHIELD APPEAL
The Salvation Army is calling on the local community to volunteer with the annual Red Shield Appeal as they seek to recruit 10,000 ‘Digital Doorknockers’ across the country. Now in its 56th year, The Red Shield Appeal is The Salvos’ flagship fundraising appeal which aims to raise $32 million to fund over 2000 centres and services across Australia. In Cairns The Salvos are aiming to raise well over $100,000, with funds raised locally staying local. After the devastating impact of COVID-19 in 2020, The Salvos are seeing some of the greatest need in their history, making this year’s Red Shield Appeal vitally important. The Salvos need community members to volunteer for the Red Shield Appeal this May in their local area, where all local funds raised will stay in the community.
C h a i r ma n T h e S alv at ion A rm y R ed S h ield A pp e a l C o m m i tte e
“The community of Far North Queensland have always faithfully backed The Salvos, and this year we need people to volunteer and raise funds to ensure that we can continue the work in the community for years to come,” says Red Shield Appeal Committee Chairman Bob Fowler. “Last year, through the generous support of the community during the Red Shield Appeal, we were able to deliver frontline services for those in desperate need in our local community. There are people who have been doing it incredibly tough during COVID.” Money raised locally this year will help enable more FNQ based services to assist the homeless, those suffering from domestic violence, substance abuse or addiction. The Salvos are encouraging the community to become ‘Digital Doorknockers’ by creating an online fundraising page to raise C i t y L i f e 96 M a g a z i n e
money for their local Salvos. To become a Digital Doorknocker, visit www.salvationarmy.org.au, create your personalised page and share it with your family, friends and fellow community members. If you are in business, why not challenge your team to do a fundraising morning tea whereby they come dressed to work in tropical attire, in return for a gold coin donation. Or even better still, as an employer you can match the donations made by your workers. The Salvos are also in need of 20,000 in-person volunteers for this year’s Red Shield Appeal to collect in the community. To volunteer in-person, contact the Cairns local Salvos at 72 Hoare Street, Manunda, phone: (07) 4051 2454 or email: cairns. corps@salvationarmy.org.au Last year, The Salvos across Australia provided over one million occasions of care to those in need, supported more than 40,000 people experiencing homelessness, distributed 1.5 million meals through their homelessness services, gave over 43,000 occasions of care to those experiencing family and domestic violence, and distributed almost $100 million worth of financial assistance to people doing it tough. The Salvos cannot do what they do without the generosity of the public in our community. If you have the means, please consider donating to the Red Shield Appeal or become a volunteer this year. Your generosity and support will help us to leave no one in need in these challenging times. To donate or volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS. You can also donate at any Salvos Store.
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
