CityLife Magazine Autumn 2023

TROPICAL

ANNUAL WEDDING FEATURE NEW YEAR | NEW FOCUS

WHAT’S ON IN FNQ

We are already looking forward to Easter preparations on the horizon … is it just me or is this year going faster than last year? …

Whether time is speeding up or we’re all just having too much fun to realise the time flying by, this is the perfect time of year to be grateful for where we live. We are so lucky to be living in Far North Queensland, a destination full of natural beauty, but also bucking the national trends on so many fronts - population growth, construction activity, low unemployment, low rental vacancies and solid real estate sales and property prices. While many other states in our great nation are experiencing decline, we are seeing the absolute opposite and the month on month stats for our region continue to be strong.

By the end of 2023 we will have seen almost 100 cruise ships arriving in our Cairns port alone. To think how fast we have rebounded out of the gates post COVID, it’s so gratifying to see. Businesses are once again bustling, tourism numbers are on the increase, and we have a real estate and construction sector heaving. According to local economists, there is so much pent up demand for our piece of paradise, that there are no signs of significant slowing on the horizon for us.

When once upon a time our remoteness was our disadvantage, it has now become our point of difference and what is attracting people to our region.

And I mean who wouldn’t want to live here? We are spoilt for choice when it comes to stunning destinations to get amongst nature. It’s the very thing attracting people from all over Australia and the world to take their vows and wed their loved ones. If you or someone you know is planning on tying the knot in the coming year, then check out our Annual Wedding Feature and see all of the amazing local suppliers who have come together to showcase their wares and give their professional advice on how to make that special day the most memorable it can be.

There’s no better way to continue the success of 2023 than with the expert tips we’ve compiled in our New Year, New Focus feature. We have fitness and health experts giving you their inside knowledge on how to stay on track and make this your best year yet health wise! And we have a long line up of business experts sharing their knowledge on all things law, marketing, finance, economic growth and much more.

We hope you enjoy the Autumn Edition of CityLife as much as we have enjoyed creating it for you.

CityLife Magazine® is published quarterly by CityLife Media Pty Ltd February - April 2023. 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 February - April 2023.

CityLife Media Pty Ltd

371 Mulgrave Road, Cairns Q 4870 M: 0499 797 459

MARCH 3-4

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

CPAC Theatre

Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 1:30pm www.cairns.qld.gov.au

MARCH 4–26

FLAME 2023 – INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY EXHIBITION

Tanks Arts Centre

9:00am – 4:30pm weekdays, 10:00am – 2.00pm weekends www.cairns.qld.gov.au

MARCH 5

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY HIGH TEA

Shangri-La The Marina, Pierpoint Road

11:00am-1:00pm

www.cairns.qld.gov.au

MARCH 10

CAIRNS BUSINESSWOMEN’S CLUB INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY LUNCHEON

The Hilton Hotel (Café Sunrise) 11:00am

www.cbwc.org.au

MARCH 11

HOLI FESTIVAL

McKenzie St Parkland, Cairns Esplanade

11:00am-1:00pm

Facebook – Cairns Indian Association

MARCH 12

HOLLOWAYS BEACH

SEASIDE MARKETS

Holloways Beach Esplanade

8:00am – 1.00pm

www.cairns.qld.gov.au

MARCH 16

CAIRNS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS, BEER & BUBBLES NETWORKING EVENT

Blu Marlin Bistro

5:30pm – 7.30pm

www.cairnschamber.com.au

MARCH 17

OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL

WORLD TOUR

CPAC Theatre

7:00pm

www.cairns.qld.gov.au

MARCH 18

MELBOURNE SKA ORCHESTRA

Tanks Arts Centre

7:30pm

www.cairns.qld.gov.au

MARCH 28

CAIRNS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2023 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Reef Room, Pullman Reef Hotel Casino

10:15am – 11:15am

www.cairnschamber.com.au

MARCH 28

CAIRNS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS LUNCHEON – TOURISM & AVIATION UPDATE

Michaelmas Cay Room, Pullman Cairns International

11.30am - 2:00pm

www.cairnschamber.com.au

MARCH 30

ANH DO – THE HAPPIEST REFUGEE LIVE!!

CPAC Theatre

7:30pm

www.cairns.qld.gov.au

APRIL 1

CAIRNS ESPLANADE LAGOON 20TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Cairns Esplanade, next to the Reef Eye

3:00pm – 9:00pm

APRIL 1

#BECAUSEFASHION

Tokunai Hair & Spa Salon

7:00pm

www.tokunaihair.com

APRIL 1

50 YEARS ON: QUEEN –BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

CPAC Theatre

7:30pm

www.cairns.qld.gov.au

APRIL 16

CELTIC ILLUSION –THE MAGIC RETURNS

CPAC Theatre

7:30pm

www.cairns.qld.gov.au

APRIL 21

BUSINESS & BUBBLES

The Chambers

5:30pm – 7:30pm

www.cbwc.org.au

APRIL 21

REDLYNCH VALLEY

TWILIGHT MARKETS

Xavier Herbert Park, Redlynch Valley

5:00pm – 8.30pm

www.cairns.qld.gov.au

APRIL 22

BAT OUT OF HELL –CHOCOLATE STARFISH

CPAC Theatre

8:00pm

www.cairns.qld.gov.au

APRIL 30

TANKS MARKETS

Collins Avenue, Edge Hill

9:00am – 2:00pm

www.tanksartscentre.com

MAY 5

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR

CPAC Theatre

7:00pm

www.cairns.qld.gov.au

MAY 6

MOYAMOYA AUSTRALIA

BLUE TIE BALL

Hilton Cairns

6:00pm

www.moyamoyaaustralia.org.au

MAY 12

TOMMY EMMANUEL

CPAC Theatre

7:30pm

www.cairns.qld.gov.au

MAY 12

PROMISE YOU THE STARS –THE LADDER TO GET YOU THERE WORKSHOP

Crystalbrook Bailey

4:00pm www.cbwc.org.au

MAY 12

CAIRNS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL CORPORATE GOLF DAY

Cairns Golf Club

8:30am to 4:00pm

www.cairnschamber.com.au

MAY 13

RED HOT SUMMER TOUR

FEATURING PAUL KELLY, BERNARD FANNING & MISSY HIGGINS

Cairns Showgrounds

1:00pm to 9:40pm

www.redhotsummertour.com.au

MAY 18

CAIRNS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS, BEER & BUBBLES

NETWORKING EVENT

Hemingway’s Brewery Cairns Wharf

5:30pm – 7.30pm

www.cairnschamber.com.au

MAY 26-27

DRACULA’S: THE RESURRECTION TOUR

CPAC Theatre

Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 2:00pm & 8:00pm

www.cairns.qld.gov.au

Northern Beaches

Northern Beaches

Words by Stacey Carrick

We are incredibly blessed to have an array of stunning beaches right on our doorstep, featuring palm tree-lined shorelines and sparkling blue water.

THE NORTHERN BEACHES IS THE PERFECT SPOT TO RELAX AND ENJOY THE VIEWS AT A CAFÉ OR RESTAURANT, OR EVEN INDULGE IN A SPOT OF PAMPERING AT A DAY SPA.

Chill at Portofino has a sublime beachfront location, offering diners delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner options with coffees, smoothies, juices, cocktails, pizza and pasta.

The Boutique Collection is the perfect place to indulge, boasting an eclectic collection of handpicked boutique accommodation offering resortstyle rooms, luxury apartments and private homes.

If you’re looking for a bit of luxury, Executive Retreats are the specialists in luxurious holiday accommodation and private family escapes in Tropical North Queensland.

With such stunning views, the Northern Beaches offer the idyllic location to relax while enjoying amazing food and drinks.

“With a sublime beachfront position, Chill at Portofino offers dine in and takeaway for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week.

Come for our delicious breakfasts, outstanding lunch and dinner experiences with award winning coffees, smoothies, fresh juices, cocktails, authentic woodfired pizzas, pastas & luxurious private dining.

This long-time locals favourite has been operating since 2008 with a picture postcard backdrop framed by palms, golden sand and the Coral Sea.

Our stunning views, regular live music, electric atmosphere and family-friendly, top-notch service makes Chill at Portofino an ideal setting for your next function, gathering or date night.

We capture the very essence of Far North Queensland. Chill at Portofino is the place where locals and holiday-makers connect.”

Featuring the Escape Collection

The Boutique Collection boasts an eclectic collection of hand-picked boutique accommodation offering resort style rooms, luxury villas, premium apartments & homes.

Locations: Port Douglas, Palm Cove & Cairns To

The Beach Villa On Newell Beach

Takingpride of place on a secluded beach locale at Newell Beach is The Beach Villa holiday accommodation. It is a romantic getaway in the tropics where you will feel like VIPs in this luxurious beachfront haven.

Wake up each morning to the sound of waves crashing on the shore right outside your window, while sipping your tea/ coffee and taking in the breathtaking view.

An ultra-private coconut palm tree lined beachfront awaits you as you walk down a lush garden path and enter through a private gate. You will be greeted with the captivating view of the glistening Coral Sea and wet edge swimming pool.

Private balconies and terraces throughout the property offer panoramic views to Port Douglas and across to the island of Low Isles in the Great Barrier Reef. This Villa is a perfect honeymoon destination to soak up the sunshine, lay under the moon and stars and enjoy balmy breezes from the ocean.

The property can sleep up to six people so it is also a great choice for a relaxing family getaway.

The Beach Villa on Newell Beach is located on a quiet idyllic piece of Newell Beach featuring coastal inspired décor and tropical gardens boasting an eight metre private infinity pool that is heated in winter. The villa also features a gourmet kitchen complete with coffee machine and all the mod cons.

Location

Newell Beach is becoming one of Australia’s most sought after holiday destinations. Situated between the ancient world heritage listed Daintree rainforest and the cosmopolitan village of Port Douglas, Newell Beach is the perfect base for all of the natural delights that the region has to offer such as the Mossman Gorge and the Great Barrier Reef. Newell Beach is a quiet residential beach. The township of Mossman is a 5-minute drive south and Port Douglas is 15-minute drive south of Newell Beach.

Atherton Tablelands

Words by Stacey Carrick

With Easter approaching, it’s the perfect time for a getaway to the Atherton Tablelands, whether it’s for a day trip or an overnight stay.

The Tablelands feature an abundance of natural wonders, including Lake Barrine, Lake Eacham, Millaa Millaa Falls, Josephine Falls, Lake Tinaroo, the Cathedral Fig Tree and the Curtain Fig Tree, with plenty of places to enjoy hiking, exploring, water skiing, fishing, or a picnic or barbecue.

While in the Tablelands, make sure to visit Gallo Dairyland, Mungalli Creek Dairy, Mt Uncle Distillery, the Historic Village in Herberton and Shaylee Strawberries.

The Crystal Caves are a popular drawcard, showcasing hundreds of crystals and fossils from all over the world.

Malanda Lodge is the perfect spot for your country getaway, an idyllic location for a wedding or your next private event or function.

THE ATHERTON TABLELANDS OFFER SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE, FROM A REFRESHING PLACE TO TAKE A DIP, TO NATURAL ATTRACTIONS AND TANTALISING TREATS – THE IDEAL SPOT FOR AN EASTER GETAWAY!

Must Visit

MUNGALLI DAIRY CAFE

After their annual maintenance break during Feb, the sweet Farmhouse Cafe - Out Of The Whey is now open!

You can find them serving delicious drinks and food from 10am -4pm daily. Located at 254 Brooks Rd.

For more information: www.mungallicreekdairy.com.au

MALANDA LODGEPICKLE AND SMOKE RESTAURANT

A romantic and homely restaurant awaits you at Malanda Lodge. Pickle & Smoke has all the traditional favourite dishes on their menu and the chef never disappoints.

Located at 5 Merragallan Rd, Malanda

For more information: malandalodge.com.au

SHAYLEE STRAWBERRY FARM

Shaylee Strawberry Farm’s Cafe is ready to serve you delicious Coffee, Food, Gelato and much more!

Open 9am - 4pm Wednesday to Sunday!

Located at Corner Gillies Highway & Marks Lane, Atherton

For more information: shayleestrawberries.com.au

THE CRYSTAL CAVES

Gaze upon one of the world’s largest Amethyst geodes, right here at The Crystal Caves in Atherton.

Located at 69 Main Street, Atherton

For more information: crystalcaves.com.au

Must Visit

GALLO DAIRYLAND

A chocolate and cheese haven with the farm life experience to entertain the whole family.

Located at Corner East Barron Rd & Malanda Atherton Road, Atherton.

For more information: gallodairyland.com.au

MOUNT HYPIPAMEE

Located high on the southern Evelyn Tableland, in the Hugh Nelson Range, this park is centred around a diatreme or volcanic pipe, thought to have been created by a massive gas explosion.

A platform at the end of a 400m walking track through the rainforest provides an uninterrupted view of the remaining crater. The crater is almost 70m across with sheer granite walls (the surface rock through which the gas exploded). Fifty-eight metres below the rim is a lake over 70m deep, covered with a green layer of native waterweed.

A remarkable variety of vegetation types, including high-altitude rainforest, grow in this small park. It is a hot spot for possums with several different species found in the area and a good place for seeing high-altitude birds.

CURTAIN FIG TREE

View a spectacular curtain fig tree from different vantage points along a boardwalk in this small but popular national park.

This large fig tree in Curtain Fig Tree National Park is unique because the extensive aerial roots, that drop 15 metres to the forest floor, have formed a ‘curtain’. Starting from a seed dropped high in the canopy, this strangler fig grew vertical roots, which gradually became thicker and interwoven. Over hundreds of years these roots have strangled the host causing it to fall into a neighbouring tree-a stage unique to the development of this fig. Vertical fig roots then formed a curtain-like appearance and the host trees rotted away, leaving the freestanding fig tree. The tree is thought to be nearly 50 metres tall, with a trunk circumference of 39 metres, and is estimated to be over 500 years old.

Located in the Curtain Fig Tree National Park, Yungaburra

Living A Green Life

WITH LIMBERLOST NURSERY & GARDEN CENTRE

This time of year is traditionally our wettest period of living a green life. It’s a time when the tropical heat drives us to the cool of the indoors or patio for a cool respite, so it’s a good opportunity to spend time maintaining and refreshing your indoor plant collection.

TO DO:

Indoor plants:

• Re-pot or refresh tired indoor or patio plants that have been in their pots for more than 12 months. Use a good quality potting mix such as CocoPro to rejuvenate plants and give them a fresh new feel. Ask us for advice on pruning or shaping your indoor plant.

• Wipe down foliage with a wet cloth, or take outside and hose

from our houses. Plants may dry out much quicker than usual, and will need a thorough drink more regularly.

• Move hardy plants such as peace lilies or palms outside for a dose of rain during a good shower. Don’t forget to put them back undercover as soon as they’ve had a good drink to avoid leaf burn once the sun comes back out!

which to lay her eggs. Aristolochia tagala is the only plant the Birdwing Butterfly caterpillars will eat before pupating nearby. February is a great time to establish a vine as the warm temperatures promote plenty of fresh new growth for the caterpillars to eat.

WHAT TO GROW THIS TIME OF YEAR

Edibles:

• All year greens will keep you harvesting in between the seasons of our more traditional favourites. Brazilian spinach, Mushroom plants, Sweet leaf, Kang kong, Sweetheart Spinach and Aibika will stay fresh throughout the wet without bolting to seed, and are a good substitute for traditional lettuce and spinach varieties.

down gently to remove dust from the plant’s leaves. Accumulated dust will block the plant’s ability to photosynthesise (feed itself) so it’s important to clean them down regularly.

• Fertilise plants with Osmocote for Pots & Indoors.

• Move plants away from airconditioning vents. Jets of cold air can cause damage to plant cells, causing leaves to yellow or appear burned. Move them away from vents, or to a room that isn’t airconditioned.

• Monitor plant moisture regularly as air-conditioners remove humidity

Gardens:

• Embrace the benefits of the season and pull weeds while the ground is soft and moist. They’ll put up far less resistance to your efforts and the job can be done in half the time!

• Removing them before they go to seed will also reduce the weed seed bank in your garden.

• Garden maintenance such as weeding is best done in the early morning while the temperature is at its coolest for the day.

• In the warm and humid weather watch out for and control fungal problems such as downy mildew and rust on susceptible plants.

• Be on bug watch. Bring in a picture on your phone to help us find the best solution.

• Flowers such as Pentas, Asystachia and Ixora continue to flower to provide food for Butterflies and bees.

• The Cairns Birdwing Butterfly is among our gardens searching for the native Aristolochia tagala on

• There’s still plenty of time to get your fruit trees established while the rains will do most of the hard work for you.

• If you have a small backyard, there is still plenty of choice to grow a variety of fruits such as Paw Paw, Jaboticaba, Blueberry, Pineapple, Passionfruit and even some dwarf Banana varieties.

• Many types of Citrus including Lemons, Limes and Grapefruits are ripening. Make yourself a cool refreshing drink with a citrus twist after an enjoyable day in the garden.

Top 5 Easter Camping Tips

With Easter just around the corner there’s a couple of things we know for sure. We’ll soon be stuffing our faces with choccies, and the car will be packed to the brim with all the camping gear needed to make the most of the Easter holidays in BCFing style.

Whether you’re a first-time camper looking for a leg up, or a legend of the outdoors who wants to save a couple of seconds setting up, these handy hints should have you spending less time worrying and more time kicking back with a cold one. Before heading away this Easter break check out these great camp tips from the BCFing experts, they’ll get you sorted!

1. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION – TAKE TIME WHEN PICKING YOUR SPOT

Two of the biggest factors that impact the success of your camp trip include the company you travel with, and where you decide to set up shop. Whilst you can’t choose your family you can definitely choose your camping spot and it’s important that you take your time when picking a suitable location. Depending on the size and nature of your crew there are some important questions that need answering before locking in a site. These include:

• Will you need a powered or unpowered site?

• Does the spot have any amenities such as a loo or barbie?

• How far is it from the nearest town or shops?

• Is there a bin for all the empty drinks and choccy wrappers?

Especially if you’re travelling with the little tackers or those who prefer their creature comforts, it’s important to pick a site that’s a little less on the rough side. You’ll also want to pick a spot that lends itself to having some BCFing fun. Does it have a fishy creek nearby? Is there a perfect lake for paddle boarding within a stone’s throw from camp? While picking a camp site isn’t rocket science it’s an important first step and will make a huge difference when it comes to what you write down on the packing list. It’s also important you decide early and book in your spot if you get the chance, to avoid getting caught out camping in the backyard again this year! If you’re short on ideas, check out our Top Easter Camping Locations.

2. GOOD TO GO? CHECK YOUR GEAR BEFORE HEADING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

So, you’ve decided on your camp spot and can’t sleep without dreaming of the nights that will be spent whiling the hours away in front of the bush telly. Marshmallows by the fire, the sound of a slowflowing stream, beer o’clock whenever you so choose, life is but a dream you think to yourself… That is until you get to the spot and roll out your swag, only to find it’s covered in mould. Forgetting to check your gear before heading away can seriously ruin your camp trip and could land you in some seriously hot water, especially if you’re camping in a remote location. Make sure that

your gear is in tip top shape before loading it up into the car. Do the sleeping bags need a wash? Is your cooker in working order? Have you got all the tent poles? Don’t just assume everything’s Mickey Mouse before you leave, get in there and have a test run. Set up the tent, blow up the mattress, fire up the cooker and have a pre-camp snag to get you in the mood. Make sure you physically inspect all of your gear at least a couple of days before your trip and if it’s not up to scratch you’ll have enough time to duck into your local BCF to pick up a few bits and pieces. If you’re not sure what to bring (or check), suss out this camping checklist that the BCFing experts have chalked up.

3. LET’S GET COOKING – BUST OUT A NEW CAMP RECIPE

It’s all too easy to throw a couple of snags on the barbie and call it a dinner, but if you’re really keen to take your camping experience up a notch or two it’s a great idea to add a couple of new recipes to your arsenal before you head away. You don’t need to be the next Gordon Ramsay to cook up a storm and there are so many simple camp cook-up ideas that will have your taste buds singing. Whether it’s a mouth-watering dessert like these Choc Banana Toasties or you simply level up your snag game with this Ultimate Snag on Bread, camp cooking doesn’t have to be hard to get the crew licking their lips. The Easter break could also be a great time to test out a couple of new ways of making a feed. Pick up a camp oven and enter the world of open fire camp cooking. With a camp oven in tow the options are pretty much limitless, and you’ll feel like a true bushman when harnessing the heat of an open fire to fill your belly. There’s nothing wrong with a sausage in bread, but the Easter break is the ideal time to push your limits and try something new. Even if you don’t fancy yourself as much of a chef give a new recipe a crack this camp trip and you never know, you might surprise yourself!

4.

SAFETY FIRST –DON’T FORGET THE FIRST AID KIT

A very simple but important tip here – don’t forget the first aid kit! You never know when things can turn pear-shaped so it’s important you have the gear to make sure that you can deal with any nicks, grazes, splinters, or other nasties that might turn a great day at camp on its head. Get your hands on a first aid kit that has all the essentials and you’ll be good to go. If you’ve given your current first aid kit a bit of a beat around, make sure that you have a good look through it and stock up on anything that might be missing. A first aid kit is a must-have when heading off to camp, so make sure that you’ve got a fully stocked kit this Easter holidays. It’s also important to make sure you’re wearing suitable clothing at camp and that you load up on sunscreen, bug spray, and all the other bits of gear that’ll mean the first aid kit can also kick back and have a rest.

5. LEAVE NO TRACE – MAKE SURE YOU DEAL WITH YOUR CHOCCY WRAPPERS THE RIGHT WAY

There’s no better excuse to stuff your face with choccies than the Easter break, and while hundreds of individually wrapped eggs will go down an absolute treat, they’ll also create a whole heap of tiny bits of rubbish that could be of harm to the resident wildlife. Make sure that wrappers and any other rubbish ends up in the bin and not the floor. If you do decide to have an Easter egg hunt, make sure you remember the hiding location of every egg so that none get left behind in nature. You could even snap a photo of every hiding spot so that you can go back and double check they’ve all been found. You never know, you might be lucky enough to snag one that the crew have missed!

Words by Stacey Carrick

Welcome

to CityLife’s Annual Special Wedding Feature.

In this edition, we proudly present the finest Cairns and Tropical North Queensland have to offer to help you look and feel your best on your wedding day, including a range of specialists in the industry.

There is a huge range of considerations in the lead-up to your wedding day, ranging from event managers, celebrants, venues, florists, photographers, videographers and audio-visual specialists to catering, DJs and bands, hairstylists, makeup and skin care.

WE SINCERELY HOPE OUR FEATURE WILL ASSIST YOU IN YOUR DECISIONMAKING AND PLANNING PROCESS AS WE PRESENT A RANGE OF OUR FAVOURITE EXPERTS IN THE INDUSTRY.

We also showcase a range of tips and a wedding preparation checklist to help you prepare and to ensure the smooth, stress-free running of your ceremony and reception.

In Far North Queensland, we are blessed to have a wide range of beautiful resorts, conference centres and stunning beaches to choose from, as well as stunning honeymoon destinations right on our doorstep.

The team at CityLife hope you enjoy perusing our range of experienced suppliers chosen specifically for you to make your day both memorable and magical.

LOVEGREEN PHOTOGRAPHY

What should couples look for in a wedding photographer?

It’s going to vary depending on what the couple want from their day.

Personally, I aim to deliver a beautiful record of the day, and I want the memories to be of moments that are alive with authenticity. If a couple are focused on the experience of the day, rather than a particular look, then I would suggest finding a photographer who can treat the day as a wedding, rather than a photo shoot.

For me, the best results happen when a couple feel free to get on with their day, be present with the process, the people, and be immersed in the actual moments they are sharing together. In my case, the photographer’s job is to capture those moments.

How important is the location, and do you prefer indoor or outdoor settings?

The main thing is that everyone, particularly the couple, are comfortable. In that sense, the location is important to the extent that it affects their mood on the day. It might be the case that there are folk of various ages in the wedding group, and it might not suit the grandparents to hike down

to the beach for the ceremony.

I have a background in nature photography, so for me an outdoor setting always appeals. We’re in a uniquely gorgeous part of the country and the world, up here, so if possible, an outdoor setting is great. During the ceremony, my focus is on the couple, the subtle expressions, and sometimes it’s easier to have the formal parts of the ceremony without the unpredictabilities of the wind, light, and weather generally. If one opts for the inside setting for the ceremony, it’s easy access, easy to shoot the family and group shots, and then there’s always the option to head out for the portrait session and get as funky as you please.

What role does lighting play?

Lighting is often the “X” factor in an image – but things really happen when all the elements line up. First, we need the energy to be right, then the light. In most cases we achieve both.

What do you love about wedding photography?

I love to meet folk who are enjoying one of the most significant moments in their lives. I feel humbled by the trust I am shown, and love the vulnerability, the privilege of capturing their

expressions of love, their crew, and to know that I’m going to deliver something that is precious to them, that will strengthen their union and bring smiles to their future days.

I love that we choose beautiful locations, gather our loved ones, frock up in the ultimate way, and dig in to find words, tears etc., to tell each other what we mean to each other. I love the ritual, and the uniqueness of each couple’s vision…. And I love to chase the light!

How do you create the perfect photo?

Create the feeling in the moment, and then let instinct take over…

What sets you apart from other photographers?

My years of experience allow me to focus on the people and their feelings. Many wedding days have begun lasting friendships. We each have a unique eye, and mine is creative and reverent of natural beauty. The landscape photography is a defining feature of my work.

Finally, I use the finest gear, study fiendishly, and am delighted to offer my couples seamless story telling with stills and video included in all of my packages.

2023 is shaping up to be another big year for weddings in Tropical North Queensland - book your wedding furniture and decor hire now to avoid missing out on your dream look and feel!!

Northampton Events is the leading event hire company in Tropical North QLD offering premium, on-trend wedding and event furniture.

Your first choice for premium wedding and event hire, with unparalleled service to match.

Browse our full hire range and submit a quote request online at www.northampton.net.au

@northampton.events

Roadmap to the PERFECT WEDDING

The question is popped, the ring is on, the day you’ve been dreaming of is approaching... now what?

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, however it doesn’t need to be stressful. Follow our checklist on what to do when, and your tasks will become less stressful and more fun. Enjoy!

8 MONTHS OUT

 Register for Gifts

When registering, while it’s smart to ask for staples, it’s also a good idea to think about what you really want, as well as your hobbies and interests.

 Select the Bridesmaid Dresses and Bridal Party Accessories and Schedule Fittings

Ask your bridal party to come shopping with you to ensure the colour scheme and style is suitable. Keep accessories in mind as well.

 Meet With Potential Florists  Have colours and styles in mind and find a florist who is able to deliver on your vision and your budget.

9 MONTHS OUT

12 MONTHS OUT

 Determine Your Budget

It’s time to work out who’s paying for what and determine your wedding’s bottom line, so you can start to allocate funds accordingly. Keep a detailed spreadsheet so you can keep track of spending.

 Make a Guest List

If only you could invite everyone! Chances are you won’t be able to, so you may need to limit invitations. You will also need to take into consideration your budget, your venue and who’s paying for what.

 Hire a Wedding Planner

Your wedding planner will be your righthand person and will guide you in all decisions, from selecting a venue to tracking your budget and handling all the logistics.

 Select the Venue

Choosing your venue is one of the most important decisions you will make. Location will affect everything from guest numbers to flower type. When it comes to this decision, trust your gut instinct and how you feel when you’re there.

 Select the Caterer

Your wedding is the best (and largest) dinner party of your life. So how exactly do you feed 150 of your family and friends?

Start with hiring people you trust to deliver — a recommended caterer, or even your favorite taco truck. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the menu.

 Buy Your Wedding Dress

Say ‘yes’ to the dress to avoid late rush fees.

 Send Save-the-Dates

Let everyone know where and when you’re making it official so they can plan around your special day.

10 MONTHS OUT

 Start Shopping for Your Wedding Dress

Now’s the perfect time to start shopping for your wedding dress! Make sure it’s one you’re 100% happy with that makes you feel like Cinderella! Enlist the assistance of your nearest and dearest to ensure you look your best.

 Book Hotel Rooms for Guests

If interstate guests require accommodation, start checking out the best options for them and secure the best rooms possible.

 Take Engagement Photos

Practise being comfortable in front of the camera with your groom-to-be to ensure you capture perfect memories!

 Start Looking at Invitations

Your invitation is your guests’ first impression, so make sure it’s eye-catching. Start working with a graphic designer or stationer to create your dream design.

11 MONTHS OUT

 Choose a Theme

It’s time to gather inspiration from Pinterest, your favourite designers and even colour schemes you love.

 Hire Vendors, Including Your Band, DJ, Photographer and Videographer  These are the people who will make your wedding fun, and those memories last forever, so make sure you do your research!

7 MONTHS OUT

 Book the Rehearsal Dinner Venue

Personalise this as you wish – perhaps at your favourite restaurant or even a backyard BBQ.

 Hire the Ceremony Musicians

Now’s the time to enlist the talents of a band. As for the music, personalise it as much as possible.

 Hire an Officiant

You will need to hire someone to make it official – do your research or ask family members or friends for recommendations.

6 MONTHS OUT

 Hire a Lighting Technician

Lighting is a very important detail that may be neglected. The bulbs and candles you select are what will ultimately light your perfect venue, make your photos just right and keep the party going – even after the sun sets.

5 MONTHS OUT

 Book Transportation

Book transportation for yourself and your beloved – whether it’s a stretch limo or another form of transport. Also consider car services, Ubers or buses for your guests.

 Book the Honeymoon

Try to have your honeymoon semi-sorted by the five-month mark, including the destination, timing, budget, travel arrangements and itinerary.

 Buy or Rent the Groom’s Tuxedo

It’s time to choose between a tux or a suit, and whether to rent or buy. Make sure the groom makes a good first impression on your guests and that his suit allows him to show off his dance moves!

 Begin Premarital Counselling

Counselling can work wonders for couples, whether you are religious or not. Counsellors can also provide healthy conflict resolution tactics should the need arise.

4 MONTHS OUT

 Have Your Final Tasting with the Caterer

Tastings have become increasingly important as couples choose to customise everything from signature cocktails to dessert. Ask your partner or wedding planner to accompany you.

 Choose Your Cake

Settle on a look and flavour you and your partner both love. Don’t stress about pleasing everyone, this is your cake as a couple. Next, find a reputable baker who’s available on your date and happy to take on your dream design at the right price.

2 MONTHS OUT

 Send the Wedding Invitations (With RSVPs Due One Month Before the Wedding), as well as Rehearsal Dinner Invitations

The hard part is over (the selection process). Now it’s time to send out your invitations.

 First Dress Fitting

Your first fitting should be anywhere between two to three months after ordering, and your second fitting should fall around the six-week mark.

 Pick Up Your Marriage Licence

When obtaining your marriage licence, it is important to know the fine print – where to go, what to bring, the cost, how long it will take etc.

3 MONTHS OUT

 Order the Invitations

Keep a few ground rules in mind – order enough to account for any mistakes, make sure they will arrive in time, set up a system to record RSVPs and confirm all addresses and spellings. The theme of your invitations should match the vibe of the wedding.

 Create or Plan Your Menu

Finalise your menu, including hors d’oeuvres, mains, sides, desserts and drinks. Stamp your approval on the budget, tastes and timing.

 Book a Photo Booth Rental

Book a photo booth – this is a bit of fun for your guests and a great way to capture some informal pics.

 Write Your Vows

Write vows that encapsulate who you are as a couple and personalise them as much as possible.

 Select Readings

There are plenty of options to choose from, either religious or non-religious. Ensure it’s a style that suits you and your partner.

 Meet With the Officiant and Invite Them to the Rehearsal Dinner

Once you’ve chosen an officiant, ensure they are on the same page as you with regards to expectations and the overall tone of the ceremony.

4 MONTHS OUT

 Buy Wedding Bands

Shop around, and find wedding bands that both you and your fiancé are happy with.

 Select the Groomsmen Attire and Schedule Fittings

 Buy Wedding Party Gifts

The goal should be to gift something that’s thoughtful, functional and personalised.

 Do a Floral Mock-Up With Your Florist

It’s time for final tweaks – your florist should include a mock reception table setup, centrepiece and bouquet.

 Give the Song Selections to your Band or DJ

Do some research online for popular songs for your ceremony and reception, but make sure you choose songs that are special to yourself and your partner.

 Buy All Small Items

These can include table numbers, toasting flutes, cake topper, cake stand, cake knife, guest book, ring bearer accessories, flower girl accessories, a hanger for your dress and a garter (if you choose to wear one!). Don’t forget signs, such as ‘Welcome’ and ‘Guest Book’.

1 MONTH OUT

 Assemble Gift Bags

Ensure this task is fun and personalised.

 Pay Vendors in Full  Keep track of when and how much you need to pay each vendor, the last thing you want is being chased for money right before your wedding day!

 Create a Seating Chart

This can be a challenge – you need to think about who will sit next to who, as well as your venue’s floor plan, your head table and who will be sitting at it, as well as choosing a cool design.

 Order or Make Place Cards

Choose a design you love that complements the overall wedding theme.

 Have a Final Venue Walk-Through

Make a list of questions beforehand, and take your planner or another close friend or family member with you in case you forget anything.

 Break In Your Wedding Shoes  Do everything in your power to avoid painful blisters on your wedding night – strut down your hallway, dance in your lounge room!

FINAL WEEK

 Congratulations – you’re nearly there! Most of the hard work is over, now it’s down to the final details.  Take care of things like:

• Refreshing your hair color

• Getting your eyebrows done

• Manicure and pedicure

• Having a massage (why not make it a couples massage?)

• Final dress fitting (take a friend or bridesmaid with you)

THE BIG EVENT

Don’t be afraid to get the groom involved as you ensure his groomsmen are perfectly fitted and matching.

 Hair and Makeup Trial

Do your research before booking in for a trial – have a look at pictures on the Internet and in magazines, as well as styles that have suited you in the past. Bring photos for inspiration and be as specific as possible with the stylist to let them know what you do and don’t want.

• Pack your bags for the honeymoon (don’t forget your passport if you’re leaving the country), and confirm travel arrangements

• Clean your rings professionally

• Chase any outstanding RSVPs and advise the final headcount

• Practise your vows out loud

&

 The big day has finally arrived, it’s time to enjoy your special day. Here’s what to do:

The Night Before:

• Eat a healthy meal

• Pack a small bag of personal items

• Drink water

• Get a good night’s sleep

The Morning Of:

• Stay off your feet as much as possible

• Eat breakfast

• Drink even more water

• Take your dress and veil out of the bag early on and have someone steam them if needed

• Lay out all the items (rings, invitations, etc.) that you would like the photographer to capture

• It’s time to feel like a princess, with your beautiful dress, hair and makeup!

• Say thank you to everyone around you

You are now fully prepared, so relax, enjoy your day and create a lifetime of memories!

HAIR AND MAKE UP ARTIST

What should you consider when choosing a makeup artist for your wedding day?

I believe when considering a make-up artist for your wedding day you should check out their work to see if their style is suited to you. It is usually a really good indication of a good make-up artist when they are recommended by other suppliers in the industry. Communication is also very important when building a relationship with your wedding make-up artist leading up to your wedding day.

What do you love about wedding makeup?

I love the effect make-up can have on a person’s overall style and attitude. I strive to enhance both with my work. I love to apply make-up for clients to make them look and feel the most amazing version of themselves. It is such a pleasure to make up a bride and her bridal party for their wedding day and to see their elated reactions when they

see the finished look. Your wedding day is definitely the day you want to look your absolute best.

Is it important to coordinate dress colour and accessories with makeup?

It is important to coordinate your whole wedding day look with your dress, accessories, flowers, and make-up. You may not want to wear a bold red lip if your bouquet consists of pastel-coloured flowers, for example.

Do you take eye and skin colour into consideration?

I definitely take the client’s eye and skin colour into consideration when applying make-up - aiming to accentuate the eyes with certain shades and colour matching the foundation to your skin colour on the day (fake tanning is commonly used nowadays), and then blending it down to the décolletage. “Blending is everything”.

Do you feel a sense of satisfaction when people are happy with their final look?

There is definitely a sense of satisfaction when a client is happy with the final makeup look. Quite often the gratitude is followed up with a lovely thank you message.

What sets you apart from other makeup artists?

Perhaps my experience as a commercial make-up artist is a benefit, as I bring an editorial eye to every wedding I do. I’ve worked on countless advertisements, commercials, magazine covers, fashion editorials and runways. I use the same quality products I would use in a photo shoot for weddings; therefore, the bridal make-up will stay flawless for many hours. Another thing that sets me apart is that my services are fully mobile. I come to you with my kit and make you feel like a VIP.

Timeless, Elegant, Flawless

Image by Rachelle Angela Photography

Images by Benedict Sutton

WEDDINGS AT THE PULLMAN REEF HOTEL CASINO

The Pullman Reef Hotel Casino is a five star boutique hotel located in the heart of Cairns, overlooking the majestic Trinity inlet. The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. We cater for ceremonies and receptions across a variety of memorable locations, all within two minutes from your bridal suite.

Luxury accommodation is what we are renowned for, with the hotel offering 127 stylish rooms for you and your guests to enjoy. From our ocean view deluxe rooms, to the elegance and sophistication of our signature Pullman and Presidential Suites, there’s something for everyone.

The pool deck is an ideal location for that casual, alfresco style wedding ceremony framing the waterways and mountains which provides a perfect backdrop for you and your bridal party.

Your reception venue will look stunning with low lighting, chiffon draping, twinkling fairy lights and candles adding a warm glow and romantic ambience. The wedding banquet will be of the highest professional standards as we have an enviable reputation for style and quality of food.

There are many stunning photographic opportunities in and around the complex. Whilst you are off snapping precious moments, guests can enjoy drinks and canapés on the deck or take advantage of the bars located downstairs or in the casino.

Offering multiple areas for guests to relax before the big day or post event, Bar36 comes alive with free entertainment perfect for those loving live music and the Sports Arena offers live viewing.

We can recommend highly professional support services to provide all your additional requirements such as florists, transport, music etc. Our Wedding Coordinator will make organising your wedding a dream, offering assistance during the entire planning process.

Special offer: Complimentary in your wedding package for the newly wedded couple, you’ll enjoy a luxurious night in a Premium Junior Suite with sparkling wine, chocolates & strawberries on arrival, and a romantic Champagne breakfast served in your suite.

Take your vows overlooking the stunning backdrop of Trinity Inlet and lush tropical mountains. A location to make a perfect memory.

TWO TRIBES EVENTS IS A BESPOKE WEDDING AND EVENT STYLE AND HIRE BUSINESS. SPECIALISING IN UNIQUE AND MEMORABLE EVENTS, TAILORED TO YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS. WE SERVICE ALL AREAS BETWEEN MISSION BEACH TO PORT DOUGLAS AND THE TABLELANDS REGION.

hello@twotribes.com.au 456-460 Sheridan Street North Cairns QLD 4870

Edge Hill

Edge Hill is a bustling suburb close to the heart of the city.

It features a variety of multicultural restaurants, Botanic Gardens as well as a wide range of shops.

Its cafes offer delicious local cuisine, fantastic cocktails and friendly service, making it the ideal location for get-togethers with family, friends or co-workers.

Edge Hill is a drawcard for fitness fanatics, nature enthusiasts and market lovers, with the popular ‘Arrow’ walking tracks, Botanic Gardens and Collins Avenue coming alive for the monthly Tanks Markets and Carnival on Collins held every Father’s Day.

It’s also a popular precinct for music and art lovers, with regular live music and

art exhibitions at the Tanks Arts Centre.

BE SURE TO PAY A VISIT TO EDGE HILL NEXT TIME YOU’RE IN THE AREA – THERE’S PLENTY TO EXPLORE!

Words by Stacey Carrick

Fresh In The Village

Fresh in the Village in Edge Hill is preparing for a busy Easter, with a range of hampers, gift boxes and grazing boxes available.

The popular delicatessen in the heart of the bustling suburb is looking forward to offering a range of culinary treats to delight your taste buds, including Easter eggs, Hot Cross Buns, biscuits and other sweets.

The deli quickly gained a reputation for some of its most popular items, paninis and fresh juices, however there is also a huge range of items from all over the world, as well as local Australian produce.

There is an astounding range of 80 cheeses from seven different countries – Australia, France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, The Netherlands and Greece.

These include Roquefort, a sheep milk cheese from southern France, and French d’Affinois, a double-cream soft cheese made from cow’s milk.

There is also a huge variety of Spanish and Italian salami and cured meats available, including Wild Kangaroo Anise Myrtle, Wild Venison and Gin Botanical and Squid Ink and Black Truffle; and Pork and Native Pepperberry.

Fresh in the Village is a true foodie’s delight, featuring fresh breads, pasta and pasta sauces, risotto, Italian olive oil,

Indonesian curry sauces, Mexican tortilla chips, crackers, jams, chutneys and even ice cream.

As well as international produce, there is plenty of local produce available, from stockists including Baked on Red Hill, Cairns Honey, Rainforest Bounty, Jack Murat coffee, Ruscal’s chilli jam, Scents Journey and The Citrus Life.

You will also find fresh flowers, recipe books, wooden chopping boards and even candles.

Gourmet grazing boxes, made fresh to order, are an easy way to entertain family and friends, whether it’s a gourmet charcuterie box or a continental panini and sandwich box.

Gift hampers are perfect for every occasion – a special birthday gift, a ‘thank you’ present, something special to take to a dinner party or simply to put a smile on someone’s face.

Fresh in the Village is proudly owned and operated by Rosemarie Vitalone, who moved from Perth to Cairns for a lifestyle change three years ago.

Rosemarie’s aim was to open a deli that complemented other local businesses in the Edge Hill village.

“I wanted a touch of European flavour on the Cairns doorstep,” she said.

“The quality has to be there – when it’s quality produce you really taste the difference.

“Deliciousness is the key factor in our selection criteria. We choose only the finest products.

“Tantalising your taste buds and offering you that special experience is our number one priority.”

Rosemarie, who was born in Australia to Italian parents, is passionate about giving locals a taste of the food that she grew up with.

“Food brings people together – I love great food and entertaining family and friends,” she said.

“We have a lot of regular customers who make my day. I’ve formed a lot of good friendships with people and I watch their kids grow up.

“I think Cairns is really friendly, people look out for each other and say hi.

“I treasure our local support – it’s really rewarding and it’s been an exciting journey.”

2/137 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill www.freshinthevillage.com.au

Opening hours – Monday to Friday 8am to 5.30pm, Saturday 7.30am to 2pm

Words by Stacey Carrick

Little Taccas

CAIRNS BOTANIC GARDENS

WHEN

The Little Taccas program is held fortnightly on Thursdays from 10am to noon. Children must be accompanied by a parent or care giver.

Numbers are capped at 15 children per session, with 5 stand-by positions.

PROGRAM 1: Registrations open

Monday 27 Feb

March 2, 16 and 30

Bookings are essential (see below).

When bookings open, a form will be available at the bottom of this page (8.30am).

Bookings can include selected dates within the program or the entire program.

Carers will receive a sms or phone call on the Tuesday prior to confirm attendance.

Cairns

Botanic Gardens is a family friendly environment and it’s open to the public. There are regular activities on site and if you’re looking for some fun things to do with the kids, check out the Little Taccas nature program.

You’re never too young to develop a green thumb!

The Little Taccas program, named after the tropical plant Tacca integrifolia, gives young children an appreciation for nature and gardening.

Aimed at children aged under five years, the fortnightly program in the Gardens features nature-based activities including art and craft, storytelling, sing-alongs and garden discovery walks.

April 13 and 27

PROGRAM 2: Registrations open

Monday 8 May

May 11 and 25

June 8 and 22

July 6

PROGRAM 3: Registrations open

Monday 17 July

July 20

August 3, 17 and 31

September 14

PROGRAM 4: Registrations open

Monday 25 September

September 28

October 12 and 26

November 9 and 23

December 7

If you need to cancel please call or SMS 0429 983 252 by 9am on Thursday.

Source: Cairns Regional Council

Walk

• Traditional Italian & Spanish deli items

• Grazing Boxes & Catering Available

• Gift Hampers

• Hand Selected Giftware & Homewares

• Fresh flowers

• Gourmet Fine Foods

FoodA Universal Language

LARA WILDE

: (07) 42 761 866

: ceo@fnqfoodincubator.com.au

Chief Executive Officer

FNQ Food Incubator

Food is a universal language that can share family, culture and country. In Far North Queensland we are blessed with world class, locally grown produce; diverse First Nations foods; and a rich tapestry of immigrant cultures. At the FNQ Food Incubator we love food and we love the people who share food.

In the world of sharing food it isn’t as simple as just cooking up your favourite dish and serving it to anyone who gives you coin. Having a business sharing your favourite food can be very lucrative and very satisfying; but it can also be very challenging. What is the perfect packaging? How long will it last on a shelf? What information do you have to put on a label? How do you work out how much to charge? So many questions… and so much work to find the right answer.

I would describe the FNQ Food Incubator as a gym to work out your food dreams. You don’t go to the gym because you can’t do a sit-up at home. You go to the gym to be surrounded by other people who are motivated to get fit; who share their tips and advice; and to access equipment that

you might not otherwise be able to afford on your own. The FNQ Food Incubator is a gym for food entrepreneurs. You can start a food business at home, but it is much easier if you are surrounded by other motivated people in the business of food; who share their tips and advice; and give you access to equipment that you might not otherwise be able to afford on your own.

When Zara first came to the FNQ Food Incubator she had spent much of her life travelling the globe living in the Middle East and Asia extensively. Zara had a traditional recipe which had been passed down from generation to generation in her family. It was an ancient mix of grains, herbs and spices which tasted like home to her no matter where she was in the world. Zara wanted to share her family’s recipe with the world.

Zara met with Mick and the team at the FNQ Food Incubator and began to develop her recipe to be commercially scaled. Zara spent time in the kitchen until the recipe was foolproof. Working closely with the food technologists, Brett

and Steve, they determined how long the product would remain stable on the shelf. Before long, Zara had a product ready to take to market.

Having a product is only half the battle. The next step was to work out how to sell it. Zara went through the business mentoring program to develop the packaging, the labels and her e-commerce platform. Working closely with her mentor, Zara could work out how much she needed to cook and how much she needed to charge to be profitable. The final step was to test the market. The FNQ Food Incubator worked with Zara to host events for market feedback. Today Zara has a market-ready product with everything in place to manufacture at a commercial scale.

If you are ready to work out your food business goals in our FNQ Food Incubator gym, visit our website at www.fnqfoodincubator. com.au or send us an email at adminfnqfoodincubator.com.au we can’t wait to share your food with the world.

Enjoy a sweet treat this Easter without the guilt! Our Easter Egg Tarts use all raw vegan ingredients, require no baking and are gluten free.

INGREDIENTS:

• Loving Earth Organic

Boobook Chocolate Eggs

For the base:

• ¾ cup of WholeLife

Healthfoods Coconut Flour

• ¼ cup of Lotus Almond

Meal

• 3 tbsp WholeLife

Healthfoods Organic Raw Cacao Powder

• 15 WholeLife Healthfoods

Organic Pitted Dates, soaked

• 2 tbsp of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

For the chocolate filling:

• 1 can Absolute Organic Coconut Cream

• 1 block Loving Earth 72% Dark Chocolate

• 3 tbsp Absolute Organic Agave Syrup

• A splash of vanilla extract

METHOD:

1. In a food processor, combine the coconut flour, almond flour and cacao powder. Once

combined, add in the pitted medjool dates, the coconut oil and pulse to form a dough. Add in more coconut oil if the mixture is too dry and crumbly.

2. Using your fingers, press the mixture firmly into fluted mini tart tins that have been greased with a little coconut oil and then place into the freezer.

3. To make the chocolate filling, gently melt the coconut cream and dark chocolate together in a saucepan over low heat. Once combined, add in the agave and vanilla extract.

4. Remove the tarts from the freezer and pour the filling mixture on top of the bases. Place back into the freezer for two hours or until completely set.

5. Once set, remove tarts from freezer to decorate. You can get creative with this step – we’ve used Loving Earth’s Boobook Chocolate Eggs and a sprinkle of desiccated coconut.

6. Store in the freezer until half an hour before serving. Enjoy!

For more healthy wholefood recipes go to: www.wholelife.com.au

Benefits Of Increasing Fibre In Your Diet

VINCE PAPPALARDO

Co-Founder and Pharmacist

Fibre is an essential component of a healthy diet and plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy digestive system. It helps regulate the speed of digestion and promotes regular bowel movements, reducing the risk of constipation. Additionally, fibre can also help lower cholesterol levels, control blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Some excellent sources of fibre include whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and bran. For example, a single serving of whole grain bread can contain up to 4 grams of fibre, while a serving of raspberries can provide up to 8 grams of fibre.

The recommended daily fibre intake for adults is about 25-30 grams. However, this can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, and level of physical activity. It’s important to talk

to a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to determine the appropriate fibre intake for your individual needs.

One common misconception is that fibre causes bloating and discomfort. While it’s true that increasing fibre intake too quickly can cause digestive discomfort, this can be prevented by gradually increasing fibre intake and drinking plenty of water to help the fibre move through the digestive system smoothly. Another misconception is that fibre is only found in highcarbohydrate foods like bread and pasta. While these foods can be good sources of fibre, it’s important to remember that fibre can also be found in many other foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

One easy way to increase fibre intake in your diet is to start each day with a high-fibre breakfast, such as a bowl of whole grain cereal or oatmeal with fruit. Additionally, try to include

a variety of high-fibre foods in your meals and snacks, such as raw or cooked vegetables, whole grain bread, and nuts. It’s also important to drink plenty of water to help the fibre move through the digestive system smoothly. Some people suffer from digestive issues or food intolerances or allergies and consuming enough fibre in their diet can be a constant challenge for them. But there are so many products currently available to give you that extra support such as Metamucil and Benefibre to name a few of the most popular ones that we sell in our stores.

: james@lifesumo.com.au

: www.lifesumo.com.au

Right... let’s talk about it. Life is bloody hard. We are conditioned to believe that everyone else has all their ducks lined up - and you? Your ducks aren’t in the same room... let alone in any geographic shape resembling order.

But I’m going to let you in on a little secret... Those who ‘appear’ on the surface to have it all together are usually the ones who are in the most disarray. The whole idea that you’re in competition with everyone else is mindnumbingly wrong no matter what your social media says... let alone what you hear in drunken Sunday BBQ brags. There’s no one actually keeping score. The only way to guarantee absolute misery is to spend your life trying to compare yourself to everyone else around you. The only absolute truth is that for the most part, life is really damn difficult. It is a constant struggle and that, believe it or not, is a good thing.

The struggle exists to build strength and resilience. It exists to ensure that we value what we have and what we achieve - and it exists to ensure that those who aren’t willing to do the work end up giving their spot to the person who is diligent and willing to work through the chaos. It is the ultimate Darwinism to ensure that reward focuses where effort is exerted.

So why does it feel so lonely?

We are at our loneliest when it feels like we’re walking a path that no-one else has walked. The cruelest irony is that this is the most well-worn path in humanity. Everyone has been there before and everyone will be there after - but a complete lack of rationalism and understanding means that when it’s your turn you attack it the same way everyone else does... learning on the fly... rudderless and alone.

It’s not as if there isn’t an endless supply of opinions and insta-experts out there who are willing to peddle their half

baked scams, swindles and cons. There isn’t a shortage of ‘coaches’, selfpublished gurus and shysters who want nothing more than to capitalise on your lack of knowledge and understanding. I have stared these people in the facemy first ever job in financial services as a young adviser was working for one of the worst of them and that experience, even though I left long before their imminent demise, has scarred me and stayed with me every day since. Knowing all of this has shaped exactly why we do what we do.

We have a very clear belief - we believe that all people would make better decisions with better education. We believe it is our privilege to make this education accessible to anyone who seeks it... You’re not alone.

After 20+ years and having seen thousands of people in that time, I know exactly why you haven’t reached out for help sooner.

1. It’s too expensive, advice is for the wealthy.

This is not an uncommon hurdle. That’s why we don’t charge for our education, fact finding or delivery of our statement of advice document. There may be other advisers out there who do this (frankly we don’t know or care... we’re not interested in how others deliver advice) but to us, advice needs to be accessible to everyone.

2. I don’t want to be sold a product and I’m worried that the advice is conflicted.

We can’t be any clearer - there is no sales culture in what we do. Yes, that is different... but it has stood us very well. We have a successful business because our entire focus is on providing education to you, first and foremost. We don’t receive any sort of secret kickbacks or incentives for our advice. Anything and everything we get paid is disclosed in our

advice - we don’t receive a cent from any other source. If the advice doesn’t make sense or you can’t see how your situation is improved - don’t do it and it won’t cost you a cent.

3. I don’t have time to sort this out. Cool story... but that doesn’t stack up. Most people don’t realise that you’re not being asked to do anything but engage with an adviser 1 to 1 for about an hour. This time is absolutely focused on you and helping you to get a grip on your absolute situation, as well as provide education to enrich you and ensure that you understand just a little bit more about how the world works than before you walked in.

4. I’m embarrassed, I don’t know enough.

If you did, we wouldn’t exist. There’s an absolute power in recognising that you have more to learn and we acknowledge that we too continue to learn as time goes on. If ever we make you feel embarrassed after spending time with us for not knowing enough - we deserve a swift kick. Just admitting that you don’t know enough is a beautiful (and refreshing) start. The hardest people we ever have to deal with are those who apparently know everything... but I can tell you, in my experience - the emptiest vessels make the most noise. If you want to know more...google ‘The Dunning Krueger Effect’ - it’s an eye opener.

So given that we are driven to educate, we don’t charge for that process and there’s no obligation to do anything except learn a little more about life, finance and the world... you’re now in a tricky situation. Not spending time with us is an active decision that you have made - if that’s because you believe we have nothing to teach you and you’ve got your financial matters completely sorted - ask yourself one very pertinent question...are you sure?

Senior Adviser at Life Sumo

Address the elephant in the room – You are not alone.

JAMES MOUSA - “THE MOOSE”

SALE

Room to Move with Space, Privacy & Potential!

Situated just a few minutes’ drive from one of Cairns most prized Beaches this spacious residence has been extensively expanded and renovated by its current owners to the highest standard. This property ticks all the boxes , location, lifestyle, and low maintenance!

• Outdoor kitchen with 2 x built in Bar/Wine Fridges

• New inground pool with cabana perfect for lazy days around the pool or entertaining with its own toilet and hand basin.

• 4 Spacious bedrooms + 2 person Office Nook

• Media Room

• Open Plan Living/Dining Area

• 2 new bathrooms with top quality tiles, fittings, and one with a freestanding bathtub/spa bath

• Outdoor fire pit

• 2 Sheds + Carport and plenty of room for parking boats, caravan and all the toys, vehicles of your choice.

• 13kw Solar System with 2 x 5.5kw inverter and microsensors

• 5488m2 gently sloping, beautifully landscaped allotment with heaps of fruit trees

• Room for a 2nd dwelling

• Fantastic restaurants & cafes at Trinity Beach

• 5 Minute drive to Smithfield Shopping Centre

• 20 Minute Drive to Cairns City

4 2 ½ 4+ 5488m2

High Hopes For Lakeland Regional Hub

SONJA JOHNSON

: (07) 4041 1729

: info@rdatropicalnorth.org.au

Chief Executive Officer Regional Development Australia

Tropical North (RDA)

Lakeland, the tiny rural gateway to Cape York Peninsula, will be transformed into a regional hub with schools, a hospital and other community services if the Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme goes ahead.

The current small population of just 300 does not support the community infrastructure we take for granted in regional cities, but that will change if a year-round water supply opens up the region’s rich soils for agriculture.

It would mean reliable health care, new schools, retail outlets, cafes and gyms creating diverse employment in the area.

The Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme involves building a 205,000ML dam about 23km south-west of Lakeland on the Palmer River and the construction of a 12km gravityfed water supply scheme to Lakeland.

It would create hundreds of jobs at the township, 81km south-west of Cooktown, and bring in more than $400 million per annum to the region.

The Lakeland community and the Traditional Owners, the Western Yalanji, are excited about the substantial social and economic benefits that the Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme would bring.

Community consultation has been ongoing since March 2017 with widespread support in Lakeland and Cook Shire for water security to increase the agricultural potential of Lakeland.

Developing the Lakeland region for agriculture aligns with the Federal Government’s Developing Northern Australia Policy.

Currently the available water allows for 1300ha of agriculture. The scheme would enable an additional 8250ha of land which is already cleared to be used for irrigated cropping.

The rich volcanic soil and ideal climate for growing allows farmers to adopt more sustainable farm practices with methods such as composting to reduce costs and lessen the impact on the environment.

Reliable water will provide the confidence required for investment in long-term business operations and enable the region to develop as a food bowl.

It will provide food security for Australia with sealed roads providing all-weather access to market. When roads isolate Cape York Peninsula during the wet season, it will give communities access to a reliable food supply. Secondary industries such as processing,

canning, drying and manufacturing will be viable if Lakeland develops into a food bowl.

It will be a game changer for a sparsely populated area and provide the opportunity to plan a new efficient town centre.

Cook Shire Council is planning ahead for the anticipated growth by securing 11.3ha of land adjacent to the Lakeland township to allow for expansion of local government infrastructure, essential services, housing and commercial usage.

The Lakeland Area Irrigation Project will provide the opportunity to elevate the ailing Closing the Gap report card by providing jobs and increased medical services for the local Indigenous people.

It would create opportunities for local Indigenous employment during the dam construction and once it is operational.

The Detailed Business Case will be finalised in May 2023 and then released to the public.

Regional Development Australia Tropical North is an independent agency driven by community leaders to broker regional development solutions that will create jobs and grow the Far North Queensland economy.

Emerging leaders to be recognised at business luncheon

PATRICIA O’NEILL

: (07) 4031 1838

: info@cairnschamber.com.au

Chief Executive Officer

Cairns Chamber of Commerce

The achievements of 16 of Far North Queensland’s high-potential emerging leaders will be recognised at the Cairns Chamber of Commerce March Business Luncheon, as they graduate from the 2022 Emerging Leaders Program.

The Cairns Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leaders Program is Far North Queensland’s premier leadership program for 35-year-olds and under. It is designed to develop globally relevant and locally connected leaders, in a manner that supports the future economic, political, social, cultural and environmental prosperity of Far North Queensland.

Over the past 12 months, the delegates have:

Participated in five and-a-half industry immersion days where they explored the industries that drive Cairns whilst working on their public speaking, networking and critical thinking skills; gained access to expert guest speakers who discussed the key opportunities and challenges facing our region; connected with an exclusive network of like-minded individuals who are committed to building their leadership capacity and making a difference in the Cairns and surrounding regions; and were paired with a business or industry leader to partake in a formalised mentoring program.

The key themes of the industry immersion days were: understanding our region, manufacturing, marine and defence, aviation and export, social issues and impacts, and tourism.

Alongside the industry specific content explored in the program, core themes that are relevant across all industry sectors and were incorporated into all industry immersion days were leadership, the role of government, innovation and entrepreneurship; and social enterprise.

THE CLASS OF 2022 EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM GRADUATES INCLUDE:

Amelia Faulkner, Newscorp

Brody Oxenham, Manexo Media

Candy Phillips, FNQ Abilities

Chantelle Pedersen, Stardust Stuff

Christopher Pitcher, EDMS Australia

Emily Bremner, ANZ

Jack Finerty, Skill360

James Campos, White Whale Coffee Roasters

Jessica Hancock, Cairns Regional Council

Jessica Howe, Rock Ridge Farming

Matthew Ford, TAFE Queensland

Penny Seaniger, Cairns Convention Centre

Romano Kim, White Whale Coffee Roasters

Stacey Colls, Grant Thornton

Stephen Walker, Victor G Feros Town Planning Consultants

Tim Lowcock, Cairns Total Physio

The program would not have been possible without the Program Managers, Anna Alexander and Stephanie Coleman, who voluntarily gave up their time to organise, manage, coordinate and lead the program.

Expressions of interest for the 2023 Emerging Leaders Program closed on February 15 and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce looks forward to announcing the new delegates in the near future.

Positive Start to Lunar New Year

JACINTA REDDAN

What a great start it has been to the new year, my first as a resident of Tropical North Queensland.

As part of my local immersion, I was delighted to have joined Cairns Tropical Writers’ Festival in February, where I had the pleasure of interviewing Australian author Holly Wainwright. How lucky we are to have such rich and dynamic culture in Cairns.

Many of you will know that we have begun the Year of the Rabbit in the Lunar calendar. In Chinese culture, the rabbit symbolises longevity and prosperity, and most of all, calm. Having moved to Cairns from Hong Kong, the importance of the Chinese New Year is powerful, and this Lunar New Year character bodes well for the coming Chinese New Year, particularly as the mainland China market begins to open up and we can once again look forward to welcoming visitors from Asia to the region.

Despite the promise of calm, it has indeed been a busy start to 2023 for the team at Advance Cairns.

We were pleased to welcome Cairns Regional Council as a platinum member alongside Cairns Airport, Ports North and James Cook University. This closer collaboration with Council will help our two organisations to

deliver greater alignment and more effective advocacy for the region as we look to build upon last year’s success, in which more than $1 billion was committed for TNQ through state and federal funding.

Much of our advocacy in this new year has revolved around our State and Federal Budget submissions, which have been a key focus in the past few months.

The submissions expand upon our Forging a Brighter Future manifesto, calling for delivery of funding for transformative projects including upgrades to the Cairns Marine Precinct and construction of a CQUniversity Cairns CBD campus. While it was fantastic to see so many state and federal funding commitments for our region in 2022, it is vital that we receive more immediate delivery timelines on these key projects.

Our Federal and State Budget submissions include:

• Marine - Delivery of shared federal and state funding to build the Common User Facility at Cairns Marine Precinct

• Health - State funding for detailed design and construction of Cairns Health and Innovation Centre, plus planning progressed for the Health and Innovation Precinct

• Education - Delivery of $50m for a permanent CQUniversity Cairns CBD campus, plus additional Commonwealth Supported Places at JCU Medical

• Roads - $25m to finish sealing the Kennedy Developmental Road, plus $210m for Kuranda Range Road.

We will continue to advocate to see these commitments and many more delivered to help forge a brighter future for the communities of Tropical North Queensland.

And on a personal level, I have welcomed the chance to enjoy Cairns’ cultural side enjoying live music, theatre and comedy performances. It has been three long years since I have been able to do so and I am making up for lost time enjoying homegrown, national and Indigenous talent. I was honoured to participate in the Tropical Writers’ Festival, interviewing author Holly Wainwright who was among an extraordinary program of local, national and international writers, poets and thinkers. This has been perfect tropical balm for the soul.

We look forward to updating you on more milestones with Advance Cairns and our partners throughout the year. Wishing you all a prosperous and calm Year of the Rabbit.

Sustainable Travel Hub Launched

MARK OLSEN

: (07) 4015 1201

: ceo@ttnq.org.au

Chief Executive Officer

Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ)

Travellers can easily find interactive conservation projects, immersive cultural experiences and eco-certified operators with the launch of the Tropical North Queensland Sustainable Travel Hub.

The dedicated hub on the Tropical North Queensland destination website will enable people to travel with greater purpose in the only destination where two natural World Heritage areas meet.

The Tropical North Queensland Sustainable Travel Hub will help travellers to understand the value our region places on the environment and our community through various resources including blogs and a destination video that highlights our promise for greater good.

Consumers are increasingly concerned about the impact of climate change, which has resulted in people travelling more thoughtfully and with more intent. There is also growing consumer interest for tourism to be more than sustainable – it should be restorative, reconciliatory and ultimately regenerative.

Sustainability has been a way of life for Tropical North Queensland’s tourism operators who deliver the most eco-certified experiences in Australia and have achieved a number of milestones including the Douglas Shire becoming the world’s first Eco Certified Destination.

Almost one-third of Ecotourism Australia’s Hall of Fame products – those that have held certification for more than 20 years – are from Tropical North Queensland, demonstrating that our operators are early pioneers of eco certification.

Tropical North Queensland has the highest concentration of eco-certified tourism operators in Australia, with 182 experiences and 62 companies certified.

Many of our operators are well advanced on this journey. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, for example, was the first tourism operator in the world to achieve

EarthCheck Master Certification and is one of less than 10 EarthCheck Masters on the planet.

Others such as Experience Co’s Reef Unlimited and GBR Biology have pioneered the addition of Indigenous culture into a Great Barrier Reef experience by working with local Traditional Owners to include their knowledge in cultural presentations and reef stewardship activities.

We need to continue our forward momentum by educating the public about travelling thoughtfully in our destination and ensuring the eco standards of our operators are among the best in the world.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s promise for greater good is about continually improving as an industry and as a region. Sustainability is not just about the environment and the journey towards Net Zero, it is also about giving back to our community.

We are bringing the tourism industry onboard with the Pathway to Sustainable Tourism Toolkit which will help our operators to adopt sustainable business practices, measure their footprint, and plan their journey forward for the greater good.

The toolkit outlines certification programs, community initiatives to partner with, including Rainforest Rescue and Green Caffeen and discusses Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s sustainability journey which includes working with Reforest to offset events.

Ultimately we want our whole community to join us on our promise of greater good so that Tropical North Queensland stands out not only as the place where two natural World Heritage areas meet, but as the destination for travellers seeking experiences that are restorative, reconciliatory and ultimately regenerative.

For more information go to: cairnsgreatbarrierreef.com/ sustainable-travel

Protecting Your Business From Copy Cat Competitors

If you need any assistance contact one of our lawyers at cairns@wgc.com.au or call 07 4046 1111 for a no-obligation discussion and expert legal advice.

WGC LawyersWe’ve Got you Covered!

Some businesses owners may attempt to rip off the good name, brand and the reputation of a competitor. If this happens to you in business what can you do to protect everything you’ve worked so hard for?

You can’t necessarily prepare or prevent someone from defaming you or your business, but you can take proactive steps to protect your business from threats such as these.

Ideally you will have:

• Registered your business name

• Registered a domain name/s

• Registered your ownership of any IP – i.e. a patent, a design, or a trademark

Sometimes, though, even if you haven’t taken those steps, the law will protect you if you can prove that your business has established a good, well known reputation, and a competitor is trying to take advantage of that.

To use an example, we have represented businesses who have an established presence in an industry, and a competitor has come along with a very similar sounding name and/ or branding in the same industry. Sometimes this is deliberate, other times it might be completely innocent.

The action that is taken has depended in part upon whether the business has already taken steps to register their business and so on.

If the business has it may have been able to take action based on an infringement of its registered rights.

If the business has not, it may have been able to commence an action for misleading conduct or what is also known as passing off.

Passing off is where someone is copying or pretending to be an already established business. They often do this

by adopting a similar name or branding.

There are some requirements:

(a) you need to have established goodwill,

(b) there needs to be misrepresentation, and

(c) damages must have been caused or likely to be caused to the business as a result of the deception.

If you are bringing a passing off claim, you are usually wanting a court to make orders that stop the other party from impersonating your business, and you might also be seeking an account of profits from that other party. In other words, if they have profited from their copycat behaviour, then they should account to you for the amount of those profits.

Let’s Talk AI

DANAE JONES

: danae@danaejones.com.au

: www.danaejones.com.au

The emergence of AI in my opinion is both cool, but equally scary in the sense that we don’t want to generate a dumb population that relies on AI instead of unique human thought – especially in our schools and universities.

I am sure many of you have had a play with AI of late or at least heard about it. ChatGPT seems to be the most popular one on everyone’s lips. I actually think it’s a phenomenal piece of software. But it is also very generic at this stage and really only best used for a 1st draft for a human to then tinker with and make it their own. Beige content is boring I mean let’s be honest, no-one wants to blend in, but rather stand out.

Google is already all over it. So if people think they can short cut the system by auto generating blogs for

their websites for SEO purposes, or take over the role of an author or a qualified journalist that imbeds quotes from other humans through interviews and investigative reporting, accessing leaked documents not available on the web etc, then I think people are sadly mistaken. Google is already identifying and penalising sites using autogenerated content through AI. And software developers are working at speed to unleash AI detection software to out run it. There are platforms available that are being used as we speak to detect people using it online. So I think people need to utilise it with caution at this point in time.

Do I think ChatGPT will replace human authors and investigative journalists in the next 10 years? No I don’t. I have no doubt AI will advance and make inroads on this front and speed up the way we do things in a

content hungry world. But I await the day that a software replaces a human completely in that sense. I absolutely LOVE what AI can do, don’t get me wrong. The advancement in technology excites me for its potential. But I’m not convinced it’s anywhere near replacing humans just yet.

I long for the day that like in the cartoon I watched as a kid – “The Jetsons” – that AI advances to a point that it can do my hair and makeup and style me each morning before leaving the house. Or cook me dinner before I’m home from work. Now that’s an AI that will truly improve my life!! ;)

This article by Gold Penguin outlines a fair bit about this topic if you’re interested in reading on this subject matter further:

https://goldpenguin.org/blog/check-for-aicontent/

Danae Jones is Managing Director of PR & Marketing firm Danae Jones Consulting Pty Ltd

Chaos Continues

KEVIN BYRNE

: 0447 280 923

: exec@enterprisenorth.org.au

Executive Officer

Enterprise North

In the last edition I wrote about our chaotic Federation. One of the three examples I cited was the confused management of ‘indigenous affairs’ across the country and the endless blame game attached to it. Across Australia we have nine government ministers, nine bureaucracies, oodles of advisory bodies and similar numbers of land councils and a plethora of public funded people working on a variety of projects ‘to close the gap’ that is widening each week. There are many frightening statistics that support my contention that the current management system of indigenous affairs is broken irreparably.

Canberra hosts and funds the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) which reports to Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Lynda Burney and is committed to improving the lives of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It was established in early 2019 and if you visit www.niaa.gov.au you will get an insight into its origins and what it is supposed to achieve. The NIAA works to influence policy across the entire Australian Government. It supposedly liaises closely with State and Territory governments, indigenous peak bodies, stakeholders and service providers to ensure that indigenous programs and services funded by the taxpayers are delivering for Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander peoples. Additionally the NIAA has a number of functions, including:

• to lead and coordinate Commonwealth policy development, program design and implementation and service delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

• to provide advice to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Indigenous Australians on whole-of-government priorities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

• to lead and coordinate the development and implementation of Australia’s Closing the Gap targets in partnership with Indigenous Australians; and

• to lead Commonwealth activities to promote reconciliation.

As the Federal Government stubbornly refuses to release any details of what the proposed Indigenous Voice referendum might entail, apart from a ‘vibe’, the chorus of voices across the north demanding detail will unfortunately grow into a cacophony of noise. The Prime Minister’s meek suggestion that it is ‘polite’ politics to recognise one group of Australians representing 3.2% of our population for additional benefits

in our Constitution, ahead of all others, is discourteous and disingenuous to all Australians and flies in the face of existing international conventions.

This issue has far-reaching consequences for our Federation and in the absence of clarity, is deception politics writ large. Our collective efforts should be addressing and fixing failing public policy being played out across Northern Australia from Halls Creek in the west to Alice Springs, Yuendumu, and Darwin in the centre, through to Aurukun, Cairns and Townsville in the east as we witness the tragic daily menu of youth lawlessness, an unemployable generation of idle people lounging ‘on country’, climbing and avoidable incarceration rates, a lost generation of idle kids to fetal alcohol syndrome as well as spiralling alcohol induced violence and death. This is a tragic picture. Perhaps the NIAA might turn its collective attention here.

The Voice proposal is being viewed now as Constitutional housekeeping with a simple political fix, but in its current form it seeks to upend the existing constitutional processes of government in this country. In fact it will just add another layer of bureaucratic malaise to an already crowded Australian landscape of incompetence. We do not need more bureaucracy.

CBWC Business & Bubbles

Photos by Every Moment Photography

Congratulations to Miso Son and Aaron

Overall of St. Mary’s Catholic College, who participated in The Lions Club of Edmonton’s 2023 Youth of the Year Quest on

Sunday 26th February, at Bentley Park College. Aaron was awarded the public speaking trophy. Miso, the overall winner, will go on to compete in the Zone 1 Finals in Gordonvale.

Recently Head of Trinity Anglican School KBCP, Mrs Mary Kershaw and Year 6 Captains, Oscar Loveridge and Madeleine Springell, attended the National School Aid awards ceremony at Admiralty House, in Sydney. The Governor General, Mr David Hurley, presented KBCP with a certificate of accreditation as a National School Aid School, as well as the Outstanding School Based Team Award.

The captains accepted this accreditation and award on behalf of Years 3-6 students for their collaborative dedication to projects like Charities Fair and Round Square initiatives.

The TAS community are thrilled to have received this award as an acknowledgment of the importance of entrepreneurship and philanthropy as a lifelong practice and mindset at their school.

New Year New Focus

Words by Emily Lightfoot

A NEW YEAR CALLS FOR A NEW FOCUS IF YOU ARE WANTING TO START AFRESH AND KICK SOME GOALS.

MANY PEOPLE FEEL MOTIVATED TO MAKE CHANGES IN THEIR LIVES AT THE BEGINNING OF A NEW YEAR. SETTING GOALS CAN BE A GREAT WAY TO GIVE YOURSELF DIRECTION AND PURPOSE, BUT IT CAN ALSO BE DIFFICULT TO STAY FOCUSED AND FOLLOW THROUGH WITH YOUR PLANS.

Setting goals can be a powerful way to give yourself direction and purpose in the new year. By making your goals specific and measurable, breaking them down into smaller steps, finding an accountability partner, using positive self-talk, and celebrating your successes, you can increase your chances of success and make this year the one where you achieve your goals. Remember to be patient with yourself and keep your focus on your desired outcome. With these tips, you can make the most of the new year and create a brighter future for yourself.

We must start by recognising we only have limited time and resources. Focusing on your priorities when planning for the year ahead is a much more valuable way to compare and evaluate the different pressures we experience and think about interdependencies: will investing in priority X take me away from priority Y? Why does priority X matter to me more, and what direct and indirect benefits can be expected pursuing this? Planning, on the other hand, is about incremental objectives. Not all goals are quantifiable, but if they are, that will definitely help with setting up stepping stones, while also accepting that progress can be non-linear (i.e. if you plan to get your black belt in Karate or get bilingual in a new language by the end of the year, you might only experience progress in bursts rather than progressively). This form of planning requires efforts to monitor yourself and take stock: but research shows that such an approach needs to be more about feedback than control. So what are some helpful steps you can take to kick those goals you want to achieve in 2023?

Whether you want to focus on personal growth, professional development, or health and wellness, it’s important to approach your goals in a way that sets you up for success.

THE START OF A NEW YEAR BRINGS WITH IT THE OPPORTUNITY TO START AFRESH AND SET NEW GOALS FOR YOURSELF.

Research has shown that many people struggle to stick to their New Year resolutions because they fail to plan the steps needed to achieve their goals. This lack of planning can lead to feelings of frustration and disappointment, making it more difficult to stay motivated.

Neuroscientists have studied the phenomenon of habit change and goal-setting extensively over the years, with some of the most influential papers dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. While much of the research has focused on topics like weight loss and substance abuse, the findings can be applied to a range of resolutions, from creating new habits around sustainability and healthy eating to pursuing professional milestones or learning a new skill.

One of the key factors in achieving your goals is prioritisation. With limited time, resources, and willpower, it’s important to identify what matters most to you and how different priorities might intersect or compete with one another. By evaluating the different pressures you face and thinking about the direct and indirect benefits of pursuing each goal, you can make informed decisions about where to focus your time and energy.

Another crucial element of successful goal-setting is planning. While not all goals are easily quantifiable, setting incremental objectives and breaking down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps can help you stay motivated and build momentum over time. It’s important to remember that progress may not always be linear, and setbacks or unexpected obstacles are a natural part of the process.

One of the key factors in achieving your goals is prioritisation.

FORTUNATELY, THERE ARE WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF SUCCESS AND MAKE THIS YEAR THE ONE WHERE YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS. HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL TIPS TO FOLLOW:

Tip #1: Make Your Goals Specific and Measurable

One of the most important things you can do when setting goals is to make them specific and measurable. Instead of simply saying you want to “lose weight” or “get in shape,” set a specific goal like “lose 10 kilos” or “run a 5k.” This gives you a clear target to aim for and helps you track your progress along the way.

Research by numerous neuroscientists has shown that setting specific goals activates a part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning and decision-making. This helps you focus your attention and makes it more likely that you will follow through with your plans.

Tip #2: Break Your Goals Down into Smaller Steps

Large goals can be overwhelming, so it can be helpful to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if your goal is to write a book, you might break it down into writing 500 words per day or completing a chapter each week.

Breaking your goals down into smaller steps makes them less daunting and helps you build momentum as you make progress. It also helps you avoid procrastination, which can be a major obstacle to achieving your goals.

Tip #3: Find an Accountability Partner

Having someone to hold you accountable can be a powerful motivator. Find a friend, family member, or co-worker who shares your goals and make a commitment to support each other.

Research has shown that accountability partners can help you stay motivated and focused, especially when it comes to difficult or long-term goals. When you know that someone else is counting on you, it can be easier to stay on track and avoid giving up.

Tip #4: Use Positive Self-Talk

The way you talk to yourself can have a big impact on your motivation and self-esteem. Negative self-talk, such as “I’ll never be able to do this” or “I’m not good enough,” can make it harder to achieve your goals and can even lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.

On the other hand, positive self-talk can help you stay motivated and confident. Try replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations like “I can do this” or “I am capable and strong.” This can help you stay focused and feel good about your progress, even when things get tough.

Tip #5: Celebrate Your Successes

Finally, it’s important to celebrate your successes along the way. Whether you’ve completed a small step or achieved a major milestone, take time to acknowledge your hard work and give yourself credit for what you’ve accomplished.

Research has shown that celebrating your successes can help you stay motivated and build momentum as you work towards your goals. It also helps you feel more positive and confident, which can be a powerful motivator when faced with challenges or setbacks.

Setting and achieving goals is a process that requires careful planning, prioritisation, and perseverance. By approaching your goals with a SMART mindset, breaking them down into smaller steps, finding accountability, and celebrating your progress, you can set yourself up for success and make 2023 a year of growth and achievement.

Ideal for improving enlarged pores, acne scarring, skin sag or poor texture/wrinkles, the Venus Viva offers the latest on technology with minimal side effects and minimal downtime.

This technology uses a combination of radiofrequency and nanotechnology to create micro channels in the skin with heat and then force a healing process.

NO RISK OF BRUISING, AND MINIMAL SWELLING.

Now’s the time to treat your skin, and improve the first thing that people notice about you. A recommended course of treatments is typically performed monthly for 3-10 month depending on the skin, severity of sun damage, or aging and the desired outcome.

This is able to performed as part of a holistic treatment plan, and has had beautiful results when combined with injectables treatments, and other skin boosting treatments like PRP and PDO threading, all available in clinic.

New Year New You

WITH TRACEY DEFFERRARD FITNESS

2023: it may be well underway now, but this year really can be your year to transform.

You may have said this in past years, and felt the angst of regret when another year had come and gone, or you tried a new class or sport, but it didn’t really get the body you wanted, or make the changes that you thought you would because perhaps you found yourself lost in information overload and option paralysis.

The biggest thing to success in health and fitness goals is really wanting it. You need to step back and take a moment to think about WHY you want to make the change or achieve your goals, and how much you need it. Because the reality is, that anyone can actually get a better physique, a healthier body, and become more confident in their own skin.

It just takes work, often with the help of an experienced and qualified coach to help give you structure and small goals along the journey.

The saying, ‘to change, you need to change something’ is true. And can be as simple as waking up 10mins earlier.

If you’re up earlier, you can feel less rushed for the tasks and day ahead. Have an extra glass of water, and do some simple stretches to loosen the body.

It’s easier to change your mindset about something hard like doing a workout, when you’ve already done something in the past that was challenging. Remind yourself of that.

Believing that you can and will make a change towards the body or life you want must come from some self-belief, and that can be built over time. Daily affirmations or reminders are positive words that even the action of reading and saying can start to create a more positive mindset as you associate with positive or action terminology in your thoughts, and when done more often is a great way to change your mindset.

goal/result and onto making it a long-term goal.

Tracey Defferrard Fitness 12 Week Challenge includes the following and now taking on clients for the next challenge starting after Easter:

 this will help you unlock the key to lasting habit creation & goal setting

 Exercise plan & tuition

 Nutrition guide including education about Macros & Flexible Dieting (valued at $210!!) (E Book available at www.traceydefferrardfitness.com.au)

 Weekly feedback from your coach

Doing something like a fitness challenge is so popular because it provides a framework for busy adults, with a plan to follow and someone to be accountable to.

It takes away having to make decisions for those few tasks that challenge sets for the day.

It in effect simplifies something that you want to achieve but haven’t placed a high enough priority on. But now you can. When you choose to place a priority on your health and fitness, like for a defined term of say a 12 Week Challenge, you allow yourself to step up to the challenge, and make it part of who you are, even if only for that 12 weeks. But fortunately, that is enough time to make a habit change. In a way setting time frames, by goal setting, gives you goal posts, and then we simply reset the goal post again as we reach a short/medium term

 community Facebook group

 Supplement Guide & unique Discounts

Plus FREE E-BOOK (RRP $49.95!)

 Ideal for: gym workouts; challenge together with a buddy; working out solo; kickstarting 2023; getting your body back; booty building; strong core; workout when it suits you; fat loss; get the right curves with muscle tone; stronger all over; ensuring good foundations for lifting weights; easy to access on your phone; affordable trainer access.

@Traceyd_fitness

m: 0424170277

TO SET THE NEW TASK, AND MAKE IT A HEALTHY HABIT, I RECOMMEND IT MUST GO IN YOUR PLANNER/DIARY, AND THEN HAVE THE ACTION OF TICKING IT OFF ONCE DONE. 

Round popping glute muscles are in!

WITH GARY WRIGHT

Cairns’ only IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding) professional bodybuilder, Gary Wright, has unlocked a training system that can literally whip anybody’s butt into shape and fast. With 27 years of bodybuilding experience and 22 years as a personal trainer his credentials speak for themselves.

Gary observed the goals of most of his female clientele were following the same trend. Big round glutes, strong muscular legs, shapely shoulders and a toned back”. In 2022, as a response to this client demand, Glute Hub was born with the primary purpose of delivering those dream results for women. This proven system has seen incredible results in remarkable timeframes.

Glute Hub training system is intense and challenging by design, but the results speak for themselves.

You might ask why glutes are so important for someone’s physique, and aside from its aesthetics, glutes are the biggest and most powerful muscle group in the human body. What’s more, having big strong glutes allows you to lift heavier, sprint faster, jump higher and can even play a role in preventing hip, knee and lower back injuries.

Gary’s expertise in body transformation extends beyond the doors of the gym. Through visible results he inspires clients to also adopt healthy nutritional habits which can have positive and lasting effects on mental health.

Glute Hub has become a culture of excellence promoting empowerment, strength and confidence to women. Gary’s clients commune, embrace and relish the journey together with a mutual love and respect for the art of intense training. They are connected by the thread that is Glute Hub, where each client’s success has a positive knock-on effect.

Glute Hub is world class personal training. It is designed specifically for women who are ready to go the extra mile. Expressed best by one of Gary’s catch phrases, “If you haven’t almost died trying to build an incredible booty, have you ever truly lived?” The

As the leader in his field, he is not an easy man to secure private 1-on-1 sessions with however, you can join his waitlist and start your journey today with his highly successful training system online.

“YOU GIVE ME YOUR UNBREAKABLE MOTIVATION AND I’LL GIVE YOU THAT BOOTY YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED.”

GARY WRIGHT

The importance of decluttering and organising your space

THANKS TO SHERRY RAE OF CAIRNS HOME ORGANISERS

As the new year rolls on, it’s the perfect time to start fresh and declutter your home. A cluttered home can create stress and anxiety, while a clean and organised space can help improve your mental health, boost your mood, and increase productivity. Whether you’re looking to clear out your holiday decorations or just looking to simplify your living space, these decluttering tips will help you get started:

1. Set a decluttering goal: Decide which areas of your home you want to declutter and set a realistic goal for each area. This will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the process.

2. Schedule decluttering time: Just like any other task, decluttering needs to be scheduled. Set aside some time each week or day to work on decluttering your home. This will help you stay on track and prevent burnout.

3. Start small: Decluttering your entire home can be overwhelming, so

it’s best to start with a small area first. Pick an area that is easy to tackle, such as a drawer or a closet, and work your way up to larger areas.

4. One in, one out: Adopt the “one in, one out” rule for your belongings. This means that for every new item you bring into your home, you need to get rid of one item. This will help you maintain a clutter-free home in the long run.

5. Donate or sell: Items that are in good condition but no longer serve you can be donated or sold. You can also

give them away to friends or family members who might have a use for them. This way, you can declutter your home while also helping others.

6. Be ruthless: It’s important to be honest with yourself when decluttering. If you haven’t used an item in over a year, it’s probably time to let it go. Remember, the less you have, the easier it is to keep your space clean and organised.

7. Create a system: Once you have decluttered an area, create a system to keep it organised. This could be as simple as labelling containers or as complex as creating a detailed filing system. Whatever system you choose, make sure it works for you and is easy to maintain.

8. Don’t forget digital clutter: Decluttering your digital space is just as important as decluttering your physical space. Take some time to delete old files, unsubscribe from unnecessary email lists, and organise your digital photos.

9. Take breaks: Decluttering can be physically and mentally exhausting, so it’s important to take breaks and give yourself time to rest. Take a walk, read a book, or simply relax and recharge.

10. Celebrate your progress: Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your decluttering progress! Take before and after photos, treat yourself to something you’ve been wanting, or simply take a moment to appreciate your newly organised space. This will help you stay motivated and continue decluttering throughout the year.

DECLUTTERING YOUR HOME CAN HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH.

By setting goals, scheduling time, starting small, being ruthless, and creating systems, you can simplify your living space and enjoy the benefits of a clutterfree home. So, start 2023 off right by decluttering your home and taking control of your space.

New Cairns bike facility aimed at curbing youth crime

SELECTABILITY

Young people in Cairns now have a safe place to connect and engage in projects as leading mental wellbeing and suicide prevention not-for-profit charity selectability officially opens the region’s first dedicated bicycle facility and program.

The Youth BikeShed will provide 12-17 year olds across Cairns with a welcoming place to make friends and engage in projects, while helping to prevent antisocial behaviour. selectability General Manager Cairns, Gwion Cain, said loneliness and boredom could lead young people to engage in criminal activity and providing them with something meaningful to participate in was key to addressing the problem.

“The Youth BikeShed initiative focuses on intervention, providing activities aimed at promoting positive behaviours and preventing youths from engaging in anti-social behaviour,” said Gwion.

“The BikeShed provides a friendly, open and caring environment for people to

make friends, get active and engage in a range of projects.”

selectability’s Cairns BikeShed Coordinator, Paul Liddiard said the Youth BikeShed gave young people a central location to meet up after school and participate in group rides and repair workshops.

“The aim is to really broaden the skill set of the young people attending and work with them to develop a set of core skills including planning, self-control, awareness and flexibility,” said Paul.

“The space provides break-out areas so that young people could socialise and engage with mentors and trained mental health workers. By including our youth in new activities that they can get passionate about, our BikeShed team will support them in mapping out their individual goals and dealing with obstacles.”

The BikeShed will also include programs for NDIS consumers during the day under a membership model.

The facility includes bike maintenance activities, break-out areas for socialising, organised group rides, bicycle repair workshops and easy access to other mental wellbeing supports. You don’t need an appointment or referral, just drop in and see the team. The Cairns Youth BikeShed program is proudly supported by a grant from the Australian Government’s Safer Communities Fund and supported by Cairns Regional Council.

Selectability Cairns BikeShed Opening

Photos by FrontRow Foto

Paronella Park Takes Out Double Gold Gong at National Grey Nomad Awards

Paronella Park has won two prestigious Grey Nomad Awards, cementing their reputation as an attraction that caters to mature-age visitors in exemplary ways.

The attraction was announced the Gold winner of both the Best Grey Nomad Attraction and Best Grey Nomad Historic Attraction.

It was a clean sweep for Queensland in the Best Grey Nomad Attraction category, with Paronella Park nudging out Australian Age of Dinosaurs and Charlotte Plains Station Attraction for silver and bronze respectively, both of which are based in outback Queensland.

In the Best Grey Nomad Historic Attraction Paronella Park pipped Charlotte Plains Historic Attraction and the Booleroo Steam & Traction Museum in South Australia’s Southern Flinders Ranges.

The Grey Nomad Awards shine a light on regional Australia by showcasing the best places to stay and play, while supporting positive ageing through soft adventure and social inclusion.

With a focus on showcasing the vast experiences offered in regional, rural and remote Australia, this year’s awards championed communities and operators from all mainland states and territories except Western Australia.

With rigorous judging by mature-age tourism professionals, some of whom have experienced the grey nomad lifestyle personally, plus secondtier auditing, social analysis and due diligence, Paronella Park’s win has the credence of the tourism sector.

Built in the 1930s, Paronella Park is one of Queensland’s earliest tourist attractions. Featuring

waterfalls, bridges, tunnels and castles, along with 7000 trees, the attraction incorporates RV camping for grey nomads eager to stay. Guided tours run all day every day, with special night-time experiences that include a sound and light show, ensuring that visitors can enjoy an in-depth look into why this property was voted the Number One Must Do in Queensland.

Awards Director Kim Morgan said the Awards provide verified information for mature-age travellers, helping guide their decisions on which are the best towns, campsites, tours and attractions to spend their hard-earned money.

“In that regard, these awards brought together an exemplary selection of domestic tourism experiences that perfectly reflect the unique,

charming and high-quality offerings that matureage travellers can experience,” Ms Morgan said.

“Thanks to Mother Nature and the lasting effects on staffing brought about by the pandemic, 2022 remained a tough year for everyone in tourism in one way or another. Everyone recognised throughout the 2022 Awards program should take a bow for demonstrating innovation, resilience and a commitment to the pursuit of excellence under challenging circumstances.”

In commenting on the dual success, the judges said: “The vision and values of Paronella Park clearly underpin all its offerings, and have aided in the impressive expansion of the existing experiences, such as the extra night tour and extension to The Paddock RV site, plus the addition of accessible accommodation.

“Paronella Park has cleverly developed tours and maps that appeal to people with special interests, such as history, engineering and gardening. That is perfect for grey nomads, who are always looking for authentic experiences that educate them, provide connection, and are good value for money.”

Paronella Park Marketing Manager Bridget Evans said she was thrilled to receive the awards.

“The Grey Nomad market is one that has always taken care of us, often coming back to visit us year after year on their annual pilgrimage to enjoy our beautiful winter weather in Far North Queensland,” she said.

“Grey Nomads are an essential part of our industry, and we take great pride in catering to their unique needs. We are honoured that our efforts have been recognised with these awards, and we will continue to work hard to provide unforgettable experiences for all of our visitors.”

Cairns Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

Photos by Laconic Photographic

New website launched

CAIRNS DIESEL SERVICE

Words by Stacey Carrick

Cairns Diesel Service is excited to announce the launch of its new online marketplace and website.

The website is due to be launched mid-March and will include a parts store that customers all over the country and overseas will be able to buy from.

Gone are the days of parts that are difficult to find involving multiple phone calls, with the launch of the website facilitating the ease of sourcing parts – the aim is for consumers everywhere to purchase highly sought-after parts directly from their online store.

Opening its doors in 1959 as a diesel fuel injection specialist, the team has expanded its services and now specialises in diesel fuel injection repairs, as well as Engine Control Unit performance tuning and remapping, turbocharger sales and repairs, four-wheel dyno, vehicle repairs and service, as well as

performance enhancements, roadworthy mechanics and log book servicing.

Cairns Diesel Service is proudly owned and operated by Travis Briffa and Daniel Owen.

“We pride ourselves on our workmanship and always going the extra mile to ensure our clients are 100% satisfied with our services,” Travis said.

“We are extremely thorough and are dedicated to delivering impeccable service to our clients. When you invest with us, expect top quality from start to finish.

“We offer personalised service and understand the importance of being meticulous, particularly because many of our items are sent remotely.

“At Cairns Diesel Service, we are in a unique position because our main industry is diesel

fuel injection and turbo charger repairs.

“These are like the heart and lungs on a human. If they’re not operating properly, your vehicle won’t perform well.

“We've been in business for more than six decades, and in those 60 years, we've always strived to stay on top of the latest developments and advances in diesel technology and we’ve expanded and changed with the times.

“Our equipment meets international standards, it’s audited annually and we’re the only stockist north of Brisbane of a number of popular brands.

“We can’t wait to have our new website up and running – it will definitely be a boost for not only the Far North Queensland region, but everywhere we sell our products, including the Northern Territory, South Australia, Thursday Island and Papua New Guinea.”

We are extremely thorough and are dedicated to delivering impeccable service to our clients. When you invest with us, expect top quality from start to finish.

Cancer Care Hub Campaign Kicks Off With Generous Donations

Ahero of the Far North Queensland community has stepped forward once again to help save lives.

Joyce Swinton doesn’t wear scrubs or carry a stethoscope but her $250,000 donation to the Cancer Care Hub makes her a hero in the eyes of the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation team.

Mrs Swinton, 92, has been personally touched by cancer, having lost her husband, daughter and son-in-law to the disease, which is why she is supporting the appeal.

To date, she has donated $1.2 million to the foundation, money she said she doesn’t need and would prefer to see used for the benefit of our community.

“It was very important to my daughter and therefore to me, that the money she left goes towards helping local people,” she said.

Mrs Swinton has already donated to cancer services through the foundation, as well as cardiology and a training ultrasound simulator.

The lifelong local said the donations were her way of paying forward the money her daughter bequeathed her.

She has personally had to travel to Townsville for medical treatment and feels it is important for people to have health care close to home.

Foundation CEO Gina Hogan paid tribute to Mrs Swinton and called her a hero of the region.

“What she has done for future generations is truly incredible and an amazing legacy for which we will be eternally grateful,” Mrs Hogan said.

The Foundation’s Cancer Care Hub $1.5 million campaign is gathering steam, with almost a quarter of the funds needed, already raised.

Taking patient care to the next level is the catch-cry of the campaign, which will mean less cancer patients have to travel south for treatment, more will live longer with cancer as new treatments are discovered, more can be treated each day, chemotherapy manufacturing will be expanded on site and inpatients will have a more peaceful treatment experience.

“There has been a 40 percent increase in cancer activity at the Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre in the past five years,” Mrs Hogan said.

“This is primarily because of the vast array of cancer treatments now available – people are living longer with cancer rather than dying prematurely.”

Mrs Swinton’s donation has inspired one of the giants of the FNQ development industry, who dug deep to support cancer patients in the region.

Kenfrost Homes also donated $250,000 towards the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Care Hub, bringing the total raised so far to $610,000 – almost 40 percent of the total needed.

Kenfrost Homes Marketing Coordinator Alex Loughton said owner John Richardson was inspired by Mrs Swinton’s donation.

“Cairns needs it for sure,” Mr Richardson said. “A lot of people find themselves in unfortunate circumstances through no fault of their own.

It’s the sort of thing Cairns needs, so we’re on board.”

* Every donation, large and small, will make a difference. If you would like to assist, contact the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation or visit www.fnqhf.org.au

Foundation Fundraising and Marketing Manager Glenys Duncombe, donor Joyce Swinton and Foundation CEO Gina Hogan

By Robyn Rankin

#BECAUSE FASHION

Book Reviews

“DARK MODE

by Ashley Kalagian Blunt

Written by bestselling author Ashley Kalagian Blunt, “Dark Mode” follows Reagan Carsen – she has kept her life offline for years. No social media. No internet presence. No photos. She’s safe… until the day she stumbles on a shocking murder in a Sydney laneway. The victim looks just like her. As more murders shake the city and she’s increasingly drawn out from hiding, Reagan is forced to confront her greatest fear. She’s been found.

“GRIT:

THE POWER OF PASSION AND PERSEVERANCE”

by Angela Duckworth

Why do naturally talented people frequently fail to reach their potential while other far less gifted individuals go on to achieve amazing things? The secret to outstanding achievement is not talent, but a passionate persistence. Award-winning psychologist Angela Duckworth shares fascinating new revelations about who succeeds in life and why…

“HOW TO KILL A CLIENT”

by Joanna Jenkins

In this fast-paced and wickedly humorous thriller, the list of people who suffered from Gavin Jones’ cruelty spanned to everyone he met. As a lawyer, he controlled millions of dollars per year and was the biggest client for the ‘Howard Greene’ legal firm. So, when he is murdered – who killed him?

“8 RULES OF LOVE: HOW TO FIND IT, KEEP IT, AND LET IT GO”

by Jay Shetty

Instead of presenting love as an ethereal concept or a collection of cliches, Jay Shetty lays out specific, actionable steps to help you develop the skills to practise and nurture love better than ever before in his new book. By living Jay Shetty’s eight rules, we can all love ourselves, our partner, and the world better than we ever thought possible.

For more information, you can visit our website here: https://www.qbd.com.au/botm/

Fun, fashion and racing a winning trifecta for Cairns economy

CAIRNS AMATEURS CARNIVAL

The constellation of fun, fashion and racing placing Cairns Amateurs Carnival atop Far North Queensland’s social and sporting calendar for more than six decades is attested by the latest research from Australia’s leading business consultancy, IER..

Featuring an outstanding commendation of ‘high to very high’ from visitors for enhancing the city’s community pride and destinational appeal, IER’s 2022 research study found Cairns Amateurs Carnival generated $3.5 million for the local economy while attracting 6,441 carnival goers and securing 8,598 visitor nights. Notably, the far north’s pinnacle social and sporting event boosted the wider Queensland economy by $1.5 million.

Cairns Amateurs Carnival President David Goodman said he is thrilled with the results, extending sincere thanks and congratulations to the event’s hard-working and voluntary committee and event management team as well as the community of Cairns and the Far North for coming together and embracing the Amateurs spirit.

“This report not only endorses our efforts that underpin the event’s success, it also illustrates areas we can direct our focus in the future,” Mr Goodman said.

Mr Goodman believes it is the unique and special brand of Far North Queensland hospitality blending with a colourful history, stretching back to 1959, that maintains Cairns Amateurs’ high intergenerational appeal, relevance as a time-honoured event.

“This report is an invaluable resource for our committee, all of whom are volunteers. What these findings do is endorse how we are spending our time and directing our efforts in a way that is meaningful to visitors,” he said.

CAIRNS AMATEURS CARNIVAL 2022 IER REPORT - KEY FINDINGS IN A SNAPSHOT

• 9,373 total attendances while 6,441 individuals attended or participated in one event during the three-day program

• $3,520,707 direct and incremental expenditure attributable to Cairns economy

• $1,578,609 direct and incremental expenditure attributable to Queensland’s economy

• 8,598 direct visitor nights generated, of which 4,172 were generated by intrastate visitors (or 4,230 were generated by interstate visitors)

• $2,249,756 was spent overnight by ‘out of town’ visitors, generating $1,133,845 by intrastate visitors

• Community pride rated high to very high; 99 per cent participants agreed ‘Cairns is a

great location for Cairns Amateurs’ while 94 per cent supported ‘Cairns Amateurs adds to the appeal of Cairns’

• $1,754,858 total fashion and grooming spend

• Racegoers responsible for purchasing more than 14,997 fashion items to wear to Cairns Amateurs

In 2023 Cairns Amateurs Carnival will spark another significant milestone celebrating 65 years, its Blue Sapphire Jubilee, between 7 and 9 September.

Cairns Amateurs Carnival President, David Goodman said planning for the 2023 Carnival is well underway and promises many highlights destined to impress first time visitors and return guests.

While details of the Carnival’s 2023 anniversary program are yet to be announced, key events will include timehonoured favourites: Two days of racing and hotly contested Fashions on the Field at Cannon Park plus two glamorous marquee events on the Cairns Esplanade – themed under the stars, black tie ball and fashion high tea.

For more www.cairnsamateurs.org.au

Credit to Cairns Amateurs, Paul Furse, Frontrow Foto and Veronica Sagredo, Blueclick Photography.

You & Me

UMI ARTS

UMI Arts will launch its 2023 season of exhibitions on Friday 10 March 2023 with the official opening of member showcase, You & Me.

UMI Arts has issued a community wide invitation to attend the free opening event from 6pm at UMI Arts Gallery in Manoora. The exhibitions runs until 5 May 2023.

Featuring a curated selection of 26 works in various styles and mediums, You & Me represents 14 emerging and established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from Yarrabah to the Cape and Torres Strait.

UMI Arts Exhibition Officer Robyne

Pacey said this year’s exhibition presents an interesting and diverse collection from painting on canvas, prints on paper to ceramics, weaving, and two multimedia sculptures.

“You & Me is an exhibition that really demonstrates the distinct and diverse arts and culture of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and in so doing, encapsulates the UMI Arts’ mission and philosophy which is about providing support and pathways to a platform for presentation, promotion and beyond.

“I am particularly proud of this year’s exhibition. The quality of work is outstanding, and I urge anyone interested in expanding their collection or investing in their very first piece of Indigenous art to come along.

“While many of our participating artists do not live locally, we will be hosting a small group at our launch

event this month. When artists talk about their artwork and share culture and stories with visitors and guests, a much deeper meaning and appreciation is experienced,” Ms Pacey said.

Noteworthy:

• Michelle Weare, an experienced and popular jewellery maker in Cairns has been experimenting with acrylic pour paintings.

• UMI Arts is pleased to be exhibiting several artists from the NPA Art Centre, some of which are older members returning and newcomers.

• Once again UMI Arts is representing artists from Yarrabah Art Centre whose work (painting, ceramic, printmaking, and weaving) is becoming extremely sophisticated.

• Rhys Miles from Cairns is back again with one of his distinctive multimedia pieces (‘Stingray’) made from recycled materials and LED lighting.

• Robert Tommy Pau has created the ‘Kole-Gate’ sculpture (a reflection on capitalism, and the commodification and exploitation of labour and resources) a departure from his usual work in print making and painting.

You & Me 2023 exhibiting artists are:

• Edna Ambrym, Yarrabah Art Centre

• Wayne Connolly, Yarrabah Art Centre

• Valmai Pollard, Yarrabah Art Centre

• Michelle Yeatman, Yarrabah Art Centre

• Philomena Yeatman, Yarrabah Art Centre

• Freddie Joe, Moa Art Centre

• Michelle Weare

• Rhys Miles

• Robert Tommy Pau

• Sandra Kaddy, NPA Art Centre

• Normie Young, NPA Art Centre

• Johnny Mark, NPA Art Centre

• Joy Tapau, NPA Art Centre

• Peter Kulla Kulla, NPA Art Centre

Exhibition Opening & Details

You & Me will be officially opened on Friday 10 March 2023 from 6pm. Contact exhibitions@umiarts.com.au or tel: 4041 6152 to RSVP attendance.

The exhibition is then open to the public until 5 May 2023 and can be viewed from Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm at UMI Arts Shop 4, Jensen Plaza Gallery, 1 Jensen Street, Manoora.

Established since 2005, UMI Arts is the peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultural organisation for Far North Queensland, an area that extends north of Cairns to include the Torres Strait Islands, south to Cardwell, west to Camooweal and includes the Gulf of Carpentaria and Mt Isa regions. UMI Arts is a notfor-profit company managed by an all-Indigenous Board of Directors. Its mission is to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to participate in the maintenance, preservation, and protection of cultural identity.

For more, visit www.umiarts.com.au

ARTWORK CAPTIONS:

01 Normie Young acrylic on canvas, Crayfish (66 x 40cm)

02 Philomena Yeatman Learning to Weave 1 & 2, woven baskets

03 Johnny Mark acrylic on canvas, Dugong (40 x 31cm)

04 Michelle Yeatman ceramic bowl, Jilgi (66 x 40cm)

05 Wayne Connolly acrylic on canvas, The Legend of the Red Dugong (98 x 126cm)

06

Freddie Joe 2 x monoprints, Athiew Marriel 3 and Athiew Marriel 4 (76 x 56cm)

Artworks # 01, 02 & 05

Photo credit to Colyn Huber, Lovegreen Photography

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