CityLife Cairns February | March 2018

CITY CAIRNS

LIFE

M A G A Z I N E

FEBRUARY ‘18

INTERVIEW

TONY

Williamson K I N G

LIFESTYLE

O F

T H E

BUSINESS

C A S T L E

WORK

LEISURE

Cairns leading supplier of safety and emergency signs.

Custom stickers, tags & stencils made to order.

All Totally Workwear Signs 100% Australian made.

98 Scott Street, Cairns Tel. 07 4047 4444 totallyworkwear.com.au | sales@totalworkwear.com.au

Aumuller St

FI2427

City

Mulgrave Rd

Ireland Holden

Cocobu bedroom suite

KUR-World Chinese New Year Yumcha Lunch 21st Feb Gala Dinner 3rd March

GongFXai Cai!

恭喜发财 吉 狗年大

Café China Seafood Restaurant Open Daily: Lunch/Yumcha 1130am-2:30pm Dinner 5pm-late Main Foyer, the Reef Hotel Casino, 35-41 Wharf Street, Cairns Ph (07) 4041 2828

American Express Best Restaurant Far North Queensland 2008 Best Tourism Restaurant by Tourism Tropical North Queensland 2008-2013 listed on Wine List of the Year by ‘Gourmet Traveller’ 2009-2012 Best Chinese Restaurant by ‘The Courier-Mail’ 2000-2009, 2014-2017, ‘Best Chinese Restaurant’ in North Queensland by‘Restaurant & Catering Award’ 2011-2013 ‘Best Asian Restaurant’ in North Queensland by‘Restaurant & Catering Award’ www.cafechina.com.au

Café China Noodle Express Open Daily 11am-late at The Marine Pier Shopping Centre, Pier Point Rd,Cairns Ph (07) 4051 6887 at the Customs House 6A Abbott Street, Customs House, Cairns Ph (07) 4041 7077 at Spence Street 32-40 Spence Street, Cairns Ph (07) 4051 0423

Food for the senses.

Nourishment for the soul.

2005 Restaurant & Catering Queensland Awards for Excellence - Winner : Indian restaurant CityLife 6 Magazine

CITY CITYLIFE FRONT COVER.qxp_Layout 1 24/1/18 11:21 am Page 1

CAIRNS

CONTENTS

LIFE

M A G A Z I N E

8

FEBRUARY ‘18

COVER STORY King of the Castle Tony Williamson Broker/Owner RE/MAX Real Estate Cairns

INTERVIEW

15

TONY

KICKSTART 2018 SPECIAL FEATURE

Williamson

Showcasing Cairns specilaists that can assist you to reach your 2018 goals.

K I N G

26

MARINO LAWYERS

37

2017’S HIGH ACHIEVERS

44

LIFESTYLE

O F

T H E

BUSINESS

C A S T L E

WORK

LEISURE

Celebrates 30 years

THE COVER

We take a look back at the hardworking and very successful high achievers of 2017.

A hand selected few that we are delighted to profile in this special feature, Stars of 2017.

Tony Williamson - King of the Castle

ONWARDS MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS

CityLife Pty Ltd F16 The Conservatory 12-14 Lake Street Cairns

Photo thanks to Veronica at Blue Click Photography

P. 40360205

Millyard Family Lawyers are a Cairns law firm specialising in the practice of family law.

Director and Principal Amanda Millyard, an Accredited Family Law Specialist, has 19 years experience in the practice of family law.

Tailored advice is provided on divorce, property settlements, binding financial agreements (including pre-nuptial agreements), child custody issues and alternative dispute resolution options in family law matters.

Understanding that every case is unique, we find innovative solutions to our client’s legal issue that are grounded in law.

We are committed to being of service.

The Bolands Centre, 14 Spence Street Cairns QLD 4870 Tel: 07 40553477 Email: info@millyardfamilylawyers.com.au www.millyardfamilylawyers.com.au

Voted into Doyle’s 2018 List of Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers - North Queensland

CityLife 7 Magazine

P U BL ISHE R ’ S NOT E

Hello February..

W

hile February is the month of love as Cupid throws his arrow of love into the hearts of many, (always missing mine ;-) it’s also that time of year where many of our New Year’s resolutions have fallen to the wayside. But, take heart, it’s not too late to achieve your 2018 goals!

JACQUI

LANCE

CityLife magazine is delighted to feature a selection of professionals who can help you reach your 2018 dreams. Whether you want to purchase a car, achieve financial freedom or get some nagging legal matters addressed, we showcase a number of experts whose objective is to help you achieve your goals.

CityLife Magazine is published monthly by CityLife Pty Ltd February 2018. 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 P/L copyright February 2018.

We also get inspiration from a number of high achievers of 2017 and their tips on how to reach your dreams. We are so lucky to have these amazing award-winning people in our community who are happy to share their knowledge and advice.

We know you’ll get inspiration from our first issue of 2018. Happy reading, and I wish you the happiest month – and year – ahead.

Jacqui Nolan CityLife Publisher

CityLife Pty Ltd F16 The Conservatory 12-14 Lake Street Cairns P. 40360205 jacqui@citylifeclubcairns.com.au lance@citylifeclubcairns.com.au

82 Grafton Street 4031 4999 sassi.shoes

CityLife 8 Magazine

COVER INTERVIEW

TONY

Williamson KING of the CASTLE Words by Janie Barton

Nicknamed Cairns’ King of Real Estate, RE/MAX Principal Tony Williamson never ceases to amaze his staff, clients and competitors.

•

His solid reputation as a leading real estate guru is what has made RE/MAX the highly successful real estate agency it is today. But it’s also his drive to turn dreams into reality, no matter how hard the challenge, which makes him one of the best in the industry.

•

Not one to follow the herd, Tony turned heads when he bought a former wedding chapel in Whitfield and moved his business to the Heavey Crescent venue in May last year.

C i t y L i f e 10 M a g a z i n e

Tony Williamson, RE/MAX Principal

COVER continued...

TONY

Williamson KING of the CASTLE

“It was my dream to have a one-stop real estate agency that I owned, although it’s rare for real estate owners in Australia to own their own premises,” he said. “I was on the lookout for a venue where we could do sales, rentals, auctions, training and any real estate transactions from the one venue. When the Whitfield Chapel came along, I thought hard about how to make it work.

“As much as it’s a stunning building, it’s not your traditional mainstream highprofile real estate office, but it ticked all the boxes and we made it work.”

The chapel on the 1340sq m block remains intact and has become a popular auction and training venue, while upstairs has been converted into modern offices for the team of 23, including his wife Asta who handles the business financials.

early 20s and soon became a top agent in his office before taking a break and studying accounting and marketing at James Cook University. Five years with Price Waterhouse followed then a spectacular return to the real estate

an unofficial ambassador of the city.

“I’ve lived in London, Sydney and Brisbane, but I moved back to Cairns because this is the greatest place on earth, and I’m committed to making

“Every year my parents would buy a different house, renovate it and then sell it,” he said. “I lived in 12 different houses around Cairns during my school years, which is probably where my desire to become a real estate agent started.”

industry buying Century 21 and then RE/MAX before retiring in 2006. He returned in 2010 and opened his own office without any staff. Today he runs one of the most successful real estate companies in Queensland.

“I know some of our competitors made a few jokes about us buying the chapel, but our sales have not dropped off. In fact, if anything our sales have gotten better,” he said. “We’re leading the way in auctions, which is the purest way of selling real estate, and we’re having a good time at the same time.”

“Every year they’d buy a different house, renovate it and then sell it,” he said. “I lived in 12 different houses around Cairns during my school years, which is probably where my desire to become a real estate agent started.”

Tony entered the real estate market when he was in his

Tony is totally in love with Cairns and is known as being

He said his parents piqued his interest in real estate.

Cairns better,” said Tony, who was born in Cairns, as were his parents and grandparents.

As a keynote speaker at RE/MAX conferences throughout the world, as RE/MAX’s Asian Ambassador and as a motivational speaker at different events, he constantly promotes Cairns during his travels.

“I do everything I can to get Cairns on the radar,” he said.

“With my work I get the chance to speak around Australia and the world, and I always sell the virtues, benefits and features of living in this glorious place.”

He also endorses Cairns

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whenever he travels with the Northern Pride Rugby League team, of which he is Chairman, attending conferences and meetings as a board member of the Queensland Country Credit Union and as a mentor for the Queensland State of Origin Team, one of only 10 invited businessmen.

He believes his secret to success is his desire to constantly learn.

“The real estate Industry is changing rapidly, and it’s the early adapters that thrive,” he said. “I just want to make sure that the buyers and sellers of Cairns get the absolute best knowledge, integrity and service that they can get.”

His passion for learning is shared amongst his staff, who have training sessions every day to make sure they’re across all trends while also learning from some of the best trainers in the world.

“I’m lucky that I’m in that 1 per cent of people who love their job,” he said. “And I encourage people to consider real estate as a job because it’s a fantastic career.”

Tony Williamson RE/MAX Cairns 47 Heavey Cres, Whitfield Ph: 0407 161 626 www.remaxcairns.com.au

“

I’m lucky that I’m in that 1 per cent of people who love

“

their job,” he said. “And I encourage people to consider real estate as a job because it’s a fantastic career.

C i t y L i f e 13 M a g a z i n e

S E C R E T

T O

FINANCIAL WELLBEING C O M MO N W E A LTH BA NK

We all consider physical and emotional wellbeing keys to successful living, but another vital aspect to living the life we want comes down to one thing – finances.

Recognising that money plays a decisive role to a happy life, Commonwealth Bank has introduced the role of the Personal Banking Consultant as a passionate professional whose goal it is to help you kick start 2018 by achieving financial wellbeing.

“Helping customers enhance and secure their financial wellbeing is at the forefront of what we do,” said Tamika Rowbottom, one of two Cairns Commonwealth Bank Personal Banking Consultants. “We’re focused on helping people make more informed financial decisions so they can realise their dreams.”

Whether customers are in debt and living beyond their means, saving for a down payment on a house, purchasing another property, wanting to find a better way to manage their day-to-day finances or discussing any financial requirements, they can now have tailored guidance available through the Commonwealth Bank’s new customer-focused program.

“We see a range of different customers from all walks of life,” Tamika said. “Some are struggling, some are not too sure how to manage their banking, others don’t know how to save money while others want to increase their financial security. Finances are not something taught in school and not always at home, so not everyone has a clear understanding of how it all works.

“We want people to know that now there is someone out there who cares about what’s going on in their everyday lives, can teach them about finances and help them move forward.”

“We are passionate about making sure our customers are really comfortable talking to us so they can open up about what’s important to them in regards to their finances,” Tamika said. “We have a really good look at all their everyday finances and develop a tailor-made plan to help them move forward.”

Depending on the client’s needs, Personal Banking Consultants may only need to have one meeting to help pave the way for customers to achieve financial wellbeing although they are available for as long as customers need them.

“It’s important to us that our customers know that what they want to achieve is really important to us,” Tamika said. “Money is a massive part of peoples’ lives, and we want them to know there is someone they can trust who is there to help them improve their financial wellbeing.”

While customers are benefitting enormously from this new service, so too are Commonwealth Bank’s Personal Banking Consultants.

“It’s just an amazing feeling to help make a difference so people can achieve their goals,” Tamika said.

Commonwealth Bank has four branches in Cairns – Lake Street, Smithfield, Earlville and Mt Sheridan – as well as other branches in Port Douglas, Innisfail and the Atherton Tablelands.

If you would like to book an appointment with Tamika or Daniel please phone any of the CommBank Cairns branches or drop in and have a quick chat to the friendly staff.

Tamika and Daniel Reid are the two Commonwealth Bank’s Personal Banking Consultants in Cairns. They work one-oneone with customers to conduct confidential, meaningful, in-depth conversations to help their clients achieve their financial goals, however larger or small their goals may be.

WORDS BY J A NIE BA R TO N PHOTO BY S ILV IA M O G O RO V ICH

CityLife 14 Magazine

Tamika

Rowbottom

Personal Banking Consultant

Commonwealth Bank Cairns, 76 Lake Street Ph: 4041 2760 EARLVILLE Stockland Cairns Shopping Centre 537 Mulgrave Road Ph: 4033 2020 MT SHERIDAN Mt Sheridan Plaza 106 Barnard Drive Mount Sheridan Ph: 13 22 21 SMITHFIELD Smithfield Shopping Centre Cnr Kennedy & Cook Highways Smithfield.

Ph: 4038 1777 www.commbank.com.au Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124.

Australian Credit Licence 234 945

PASSION AND PURPOSE DRIVES MEDIA AGENCY A DL L I NS M EDI A

Not only is Adllins Media celebrating its first successful year in business by moving to its own permanent headquarters on McLeod St, it is also poised to help local businesses capitalise on the exciting new developments now going on in Cairns.

Led by the passion, experience and drive of Director Ange Collins, who has more than 15 years’ experience in the industry, the local agency has developed a well-respected reputation for having its finger on the pulse in today’s rapidly changing marketing industry, which is a huge benefit to its clients.

“Assisting local businesses in connecting their business with their audience is our mission,” Ms Collins said. “Adllins Media is passionate about delivering marketing strategies that align with our clients’ corporate goals.”

Since it opened in December 2016 Adllins Media positioned its media agency in the business community and has been an enormous benefit to a number of successful local businesses such as Ireland’s of Cairns, Marina Law, Halpin Partners and Turners Home Appliances, to name just a few of its clients.

Ms Collins and her experienced team are experts in all forms of marketing and utilise analysis through Roy Morgan research to assist clients with strategy and audience understanding.

“While the spotlight is heavily on the digital platforms, businesses still need to be present in traditional mediums such as magazines, television, radio and newspapers to engage with local audiences,” she said. “Our agency utilises a plethora of marketing platforms to ensure our clients’ return on investment is maximised.”

The agency has quickly gained the reputation for exceeding clients’ expectations thanks to their out-ofthe-box thinking, strategic campaigns and insightful knowledge.

It’s not just their knowledge that has made the agency the success it is, but also their genuine passion to see the local business community thrive to excellence.

“We are 100 per cent outcome-focused and have the experience to support that,” Ms Collins said.

“We are passionate about supporting locally owned and operated businesses to connect with their target market.”

Ms Collins believes Cairns is on the cusp of exciting new times in 2018 and with the volume of construction activity currently happening in the city, the flow-on effect from this will be beneficial to everyone.

“There has never been a more dynamic time in business than what’s on the doorstep for Cairns’ business owners presently,” she said. “We’re thrilled to be able to assist local businesses in capitalising on this exciting time for the city.”

Adllins Media Pty Ltd 1/200 McLeod St, North Cairns Ph: 0438 63 857 www.adllinsmedia.com.au

CityLife 16 Magazine

t s e B shes i W r the Sorted Super is a Cairns-based Chartered Accounting firm providing SMSF Consulting and Administration Services to Trustees, Accountants and Finance Professionals. We are experienced, highly qualified professionals, with a passion for all things SMSF. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and building proactive relationships with our clients.

THE SUPER RULES HAVE CHANGED FROM 1ST JULY.

Do you fully understand how your SMSF will be affected? Will you be impacted by the changes to super pensions?

As a specialist SMSF firm we focus on your SMSF so you can focus on what you do best.

Let us help you get your SMSF sorted!

o f KICKSTART

raveltown, 21 Lake Street, Cairns Qld 4870 w.sortedsuper.com.au (07) 4051 1515

Sorted Super Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1241255) of Independent Capital Advisers Pty Ltd AFSL 378693

n i m o 2018forthc ! r a e y Whether your dream is buying a new car, planning to have a baby, getting your health in line, reaching financial freedom or finally preparing your legal matters. CityLife has the professionals to assist you in reaching your 2018 goals. We are proud to showcase the below specialists:

S U P E R S O RT E D

OPTICAL - GOOD EYE OPTICAL

P U B L I C R E L AT I O N S - DA NA E J O N E S R E C R U I T M E N T - E VA G R A B N E R

L E G A L S - T U R N E R F R E E M A N L AW Y E R S

H E A LT H - S T R AT F O R D M E D I C A L C E N T R E

M I G R A T I O N - C A R O L S H I P W AY M I G R A T I O N

A V I A T I O N T R A I N I N G - AV I A T I O N A U S T R A L I A F E R T I L I T Y - C A I R N S F E RT I L I T Y SECURITY - TSW SECURITY SOLUTIONS F I N A N C E S O L U T I O N S - 1 8 0 0 A P P ROV E D

Opt ical

Total focus on customers

the dedicated and friendly staff members.

There are so many reasons why customers are flocking to Goodeye Optical, the convenient, new optical store in Redlynch Central that services Cairns’ western suburbs.

The eyewear store is the only optical store in Cairns that provides same-day turn-around for all standard single vision stock lenses.

It also has more than 1000 different styles of high-quality glasses to suit all budgets and tastes.

Everyday range offer includes two glasses for $149. It also offers a wide range of unique frames and luxury and premium labels such as Tiffany & Co, Prada, Oakley and Ray Ban, to name a few, and also offers international designer frames that can’t be found anywhere else in Cairns.

Goodeye Optical Shop 25, Redlynch Central Shopping Centre 7-15 Larsen Road, Redlynch email: bookings@goodeyeoptical.com.au www.goodeyeoptical.com.au

While customers love the range and extensive displays in the modern and bright shop, they especially love the attentive and professional customer service they receive from

“We strive on our exceptional customer service including our follow-through after their purchase, which is very important to us,” managing director Daesong Yang said. “Our aim is to provide customers with the best service and cost-effective solutions to meet their eye-care needs.”

Goodeye Optical is the only eyewear shop to service Redlynch, Freshwater, Caravonica, Kanimbla, Brinsmead and Kamerunga although customers do travel from all over the city to visit the conveniently located store where parking is easy and service is fast, which enables customers to enjoy better vision quickly.

Bulk billing enables customers to receive free eye tests, and the store is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm.

Sorted Super is a Cairns-based Chartered Accounting firm providing SMSF Consulting and Administration Services to Trustees, Accountants and Finance Professionals. We are experienced, highly qualified professionals, with a passion for all things SMSF. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and building proactive relationships with our clients.

THE SUPER RULES HAVE CHANGED FROM 1ST JULY. Do you fully understand how your SMSF will be affected? Will you be impacted by the changes to super pensions?

As a specialist SMSF firm we focus on your SMSF so you can focus on what you do best.

Let us help you get your SMSF sorted!

Suite 7 Traveltown, 21 Lake Street, Cairns Qld 4870 www.sortedsuper.com.au (07) 4051 1515 C i t y L i f e 18 M a g a z i n e

Sorted Super Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1241255) of Independent Capital Advisers Pty Ltd AFSL 378693

What’s Your Story?

P u b l i c R el a t i o n s

In a business world full of noise and every business owner yearning to cut through the noise and be heard, how do you plan to make your marketing stand out in 2018?

It’s a question you need to ask yourself says Danae Jones, Principal of Danae Jones Consulting and one of the country’s sought after Marketing and Public Relations specialists.

“It’s a matter of engaging with people’s emotions to captivate people’s attention in this fast paced, 24/7 media environment.

People no longer want to be sold to, they want to be inspired, motivated and moved into a place of understanding and appreciation of your brand.

To build true brand loyalty, or obtain the ever elusive ‘lovemark brand status’, your audience needs to deeply connect with your brand and your story,” she says.

Having been at the forefront of creating multi-award winning marketing and public relations campaigns for most of her career, Danae Jones admits that “there are very few adverts that I stop and pay attention to, but when I do, I know there is a great mind behind it. Usually it’s because they have managed to grab my attention for a brief moment and shift my mindset.

Advertising and marketing that can achieve this is what it’s all about.”

“Recently I was sitting down in the lounge room watching TV, when a TV ad caught my attention. Normally I’d flick through channels to skip the ads, but this time I waited and watched. The ad didn’t appear like any ordinary ad, it had nothing to do with selling me a product, it had to do with selling me a story, an idea. It took me on a journey and I had no idea where I was going until I arrived there and I was pleasantly satisfied as it enriched my life for that brief moment. It was an ad about plain old running shoes, but it was impressively emotive. In my fast paced day where I rarely get a chance to sit

down and watch TV, it managed to grab my attention through all the noise.”

“I don’t think people stop and think about enriching people’s lives or thought processes much when they are creating marketing campaigns, when in reality, this is exactly where the process needs to start.”

Danae Jones says many businesses believe that this kind of advertising is beyond their reach or their budget, but she disagrees.

She says it all starts with a story … YOUR story. And yes, believe it or not, people want to hear your story.

“How did you get to where you are today? Not how much money you now make, or the materialism of what you have achieved - but more the story about the journey that took you on the road that led you to where you are today. Every business story is inspiring, captivating, motivating or thought provoking in some way and that’s the beauty of it, EVERY business story or brand is DIFFERENT. It’s just how it is written, presented and delivered to the audience.

A well told story can be the cornerstone of any great marketing campaign. And no, you don’t need a multi-million dollar budget to do it.”

Mrs Jones says if she had a pearl of wisdom for people in business in 2018 when it comes to their marketing and PR it would be - “Be bold, be different, be authentic and don’t be afraid to share your story – the good, the bad and the ugly. People appreciate authenticity and you’ll build your brand loyalty in the process.”

Danae Jones is Principal of PR & Marketing firm Danae Jones Consulting danae@danaejones.com.au www.danaejones.com.au W O RD S BY CITYL IF E M A G A ZINE

C i t y L i f e 19 M a g a z i n e

Legals

Total and Permanent Disability claims – What you need to know T U RN E R F R E E M A N L AW YE R S

The average person pays tens of thousands of dollars for insurance throughout their employment and working life. However, when injury, sickness or tragedy strikes, many find themselves in financial stress because their TPD claim is rejected by their insurer, mainly due to the subtle differences in definitions and their interpretations.

Superannuation provides for many benefits for all of us through our working lives not least of which is the provision of death and disability insurance. It is important however to differentiate between a policy which provides a real benefit to members and a ‘junk’ policy which provides the benefit on paper only.

The most common insurance type is total and permanent disablement insurance (TPD). Every super fund will have their own policy of insurance and they are all subtly different. A small difference in definitions however can make a big difference when it comes time to claim for TPD. TPD is most commonly concerned with capacity for work after an injury or illness. Most people would think if you are unable to return to employment you have done before you will be covered. This can however turn on how the likelihood of a return to work is to be assessed by a particular policy.

C i t y L i f e 20 M a g a z i n e

In some policies the word ‘unlikely’ is used whereas in others the word ‘unable’ is used. While to most super fund members the words ‘unlikely’ and ‘unable’ are interchangeable; to an insurer they bear very different meanings. The term ‘unable’ has been considered by the courts on many occasions and in all circumstances the courts have held the term to require a stringent test for the claimant to meet.

The reality is that if your policy of insurance contains the term ‘unable’ you must prove that you have an ‘inability’ to ever work again. Such a high bar can exclude all but the most catastrophic of injuries from being successful.

The way in which a claim is prepared and submitted must change depending on the definition in question. These tricky terms mean that a member claiming for TPD benefits is well advised to seek legal representation to ensure the best possible chance of a successful claim.

Our experienced disability claims team can assist you with understanding the intricacies of your policy. Should you need advice regarding pursuing a TPD claim, either through your superannuation or a private policy, please contact us on 4044 8000 for an obligation free initial consultation.

2018 – A New Year and a time to get organised T UR N ER FREEM A N L AWYERS

If organising your Will has been on your “to do” list, what better time to organise yourself than at the start of a new year.

The Cairns office is pleased to introduce our new service area of Wills and Estate Planning. Our highly experienced Wills and Estates officer, Amanda Moore joins us with more than 10 years experience in the preparation of Wills along with management and administration of estates.

So why do you need a will? Why is it necessary?

“I’m healthy, I’m fine, I have plenty of time”. Illness and injury don’t discriminate. A fit and healthy body may prevent some disorders, it won’t protect you from accidents or the inevitable.

Planning for the unexpected gives you a voice and ensures that your wishes are known so the people you trust can make decisions for you if you can’t. Similarly, a Will means that your assets are distributed in accordance with your wishes by someone that you appoint. Estate planning includes the development of a comprehensive plan which considers all of your circumstances including your family situation, your assets, liabilities and assets that do not form part of your estate such as superannuation.

Unfortunate events are stressful enough for you and those around you. In the event of an incapacity, an Enduring Power of Attorney gives immediate power to your attorney to legally make decisions for you. If you die intestate, that is, without a will, your estate is distributed in accordance to impersonal distribution rules that are set out by legislation. Intestate estates can be expensive, stressful and time consuming to administer.

A will is absolutely critical to ensure that your wishes are heard in the unfortunate, but all to common event that someone decides to challenge your will.

PHOT OS BY S ILV IA M O G O RO V ICH

Whatever your circumstances, a Will and Enduring Power of Attorney offers what procrastination doesn’t – peace of mind and certainty.

If you are not one to be naturally organised, seek advice form an experienced firm for estate planning services. We invite you to take advantage of our free Estate information packs, which upon request can be mailed to you.

Our estate planning team is here to assist and guide you through this important process. We encourage you to call us on 4044 8000 for an obligation free initial case assessment.

SIX New Year Resolutions to Boost your Career!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! For many of us, this time of year means starting a new diet, kicking bad habits and heading back to the gym to burn off a surfeit of turkey, but to fully embrace the spirit of self-improvement, there will never be a better time to plan on how you can get the best out of your career in 2018.

To ensure you get off to the best start this year, we have created some work-related resolutions that will see you driving straight toward health, happiness, and, of course, success.

1. DO YOUR JOB! There really is no better time than the start of a new year to complete a career health check.

It can be surprising how easy a lapse into job complacency can be; finding yourself cutting corners, cruising at half-speed or losing focus are all indications that you need to take stock.

Combat this lethargy by making a list of which aspects of your work give you satisfaction, and, being honest, which areas leave room for improvement. This can also help you answer the fundamental question; is your current job what you actually want to do? Should you be considering a career shift?

Adjusting your aims and revitalising your purpose will bring your path ahead into much sharper focus! Not only that but becoming a reliable and valuable employee will likely bring its own rewards.

Don’t forget, for more traditional resolutions, a healthy body equals a healthy mind.

Escaping from seasonal excesses and starting an exercise regime isn’t just helpful in

diminishing your waistline - increased energy, productivity, motivation, and positivity are all tangible benefits that will reflect in your work.

for a job within the first 48 hours could be the difference between getting to interview and not entering the running at all.

2. ORGANISE The worst kept secret to success is getting organised. Understanding what you need to do and when you need to do it is paramount for a stress-free and accelerated career life.

Start simple, ensure to use your digital diary to log appointments, make a habit of taking notes (that you can find easily!) during meetings, clean and tidy your email inbox; and yes, it’s time to back up your phone, tablet and laptop!

To guarantee that you’re ready when an opportunity presents itself, ensure that your resumé is relevant and up-to-date. Emphasise your achievements and successful projects, remove items that aren’t relevant to your career direction. Remember to revisit your resume every few months adding any achievements as you go.

3. NETWORK In our time-poor digital age and with the constant bombardment we receive from friends, colleagues and associates via LinkedIn, Facebook, email and text, it’s easy to forget that these tools, however convenient, are no substitute for human contact. First and foremost, pick up the phone (or get out of your seat) and develop real relationships with your peers and colleagues. Introduction is a powerful device rendering you more memorable, and personal referrals are a virtual guarantee of promotion and success.

Reconnect with old colleagues and grab every opportunity to make new contacts both inside and outside of your organisation.

4. RESUMÉ If you do decide to pursue other positions, remember that current application rates are high. With large numbers of applicants competing for the same roles, failing to apply

C i t y L i f e 22 M a g a z i n e

5. PREPARE YOURSELF FOR SUCESSS Last but not least, put yourself in the frame for success, be proactive in all regards and most likely success will find you. Here at Elite Executive, we specialise in supporting your career aspirations. From coaching for interviews, resumé and cover letter writing through to career guidance to helping you target your next position. Regardless of your field, make us your next step and have a truly prosperous New Year.

Call us now or visit our website for further information, let us help you to make 2018 your year for success!

07 4088 1571 www.eliteexecutive.com.au PH O T O B Y SI LV I A M O G O R O VI C H

STRATFORD VILLAGE PHARMACY

Left to right: Kristy Gregory, Janelle Dockray, Leanne Wilks, Jasjeet Kalkat & Linda Insixiengmay

Help with kicking goals Stratford Village Pharmacy Shop 2/1 Kamerunga Road, Stratford Ph: 4055 1600 www.facebook.com/ Stratfordvillagepharmacy

It’s easier than you may think to achieve your goals in 2018, thanks to the help of the experts at Stratford Village Pharmacy.

If you want to lose weight, quit smoking, eat better or simply get your health back on track, the team at Stratford Village Pharmacy are there to help you reach your health goals in 2018 and beyond.

The friendly and professional team of pharmacists and pharmacy assistants have a passion for holistic healthcare and are well known for their impeccable one-on-one service. They pride themselves on going above and beyond to ensure their clients receive the finest healthcare available on their journey to optimum health and wellbeing.

With qualifications spanning Human Nutrition and Nutrition and Health Coaching, advanced post-graduate training in Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (NEM) and accreditation in Home Medication Reviews – the senior Pharmacists at Stratford Village Pharmacy are truly your holistic healthcare specialists. The team delivers a personalised approach to each patient’s healthcare, ensuring their patients receive the best that conventional and alternative treatments can offer them.

Unlike other pharmacies, Stratford Village Pharmacy offers private consultations for patients within their Integrative Health & Nutrition Clinic. Integrative Pharmacist and Manager Kristy Gregory, has driven the idea behind the clinic since beginning with the pharmacy just over 12 months ago.

C i t y L i f e 23 M a g a z i n e

“It has been a work in progress over the last six to twelve months, and we couldn’t be any more pleased with how far we have come,” she said.

If weight loss is high on your list of priorities for 2018, the pharmacy is one of only three pharmacies across Cairns that offer the Impromy Weight Loss program which has been clinically tested by the CSIRO. The clinic also offers nutrition and health coaching packages, which is perfect for those with big health goals for 2018. These packages include between four to six private coaching sessions and email support to help customers achieve their goals.

“Last year saw many of our clients successfully reach their nutrition and health goals, and the inspiration they have to continue to lead healthier lifestyles is ongoing,” Ms Gregory said.

In addition to health and nutrition consultations, the pharmacy also offers food intolerance testing, DNA testing for medications and nutrition plus other functional testings. It also offers specialised compounding of medications and veterinary products to be available to their clients.

“

We are looking forward to helping our patients reach their health goals in 2018 and beyond.”

Migrat ion

Helping dreams become reality

Helping hundreds of people achieve life-changing dreams is what Carol Shipway does best.

The owner of Carol Shipway Migration Services is an expert in knowing and navigating through the varied visa pathways for people who want to work, visit and live in Australia.

After 21 years in the industry, Carol has a wealth of experience and comprehensive knowledge of the best pathway for each individual client. As well, Carol and her team assist clients in every step of the complex immigration process.

“We love being able to help clients achieve their immigration dreams,” said Carol, who holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences, has been a Registered Migration Agent since 1996 and is a member of the Migration Institute of Australia.

Carol Shipway Migration Services Pentagon Building, Suite 12 25 Grafton Street, Cairns city Ph: 4041 1580 www.carolshipwaymigration.com.au

Whether people are applying for an employer sponsored visa, a partner, parent or child visa, a professional skilled visa, or a student visa, Carol and her team are the experts.

They will advise and prepare all relevant evidence and liaise with the Department of Immigration

and Border Protection on their client’s behalf until the application is finalised. They also help clients to settle into Australia by providing advice and referrals to service providers. They can also assist at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and advocating for Ministerial Intervention.

As well as being highly skilled, Carol and her team undergo continual professional development to keep up to date on the changing immigration laws, including new changes coming in March 2018 to the employer-sponsored and skilled independent visa programs.

“It is very important that people seek the right advice from a registered migration agent as the Department Of Immigration does not offer consulting services,” Carol said.

Carol loves her job and helping people.

“I really enjoy meeting people from all over the world and learning about their cultures” Carol said. “And I just love it when they achieve a happy outcome.”

Aviat ion Training

The sky’s the limit Cairns Aviation Skills Centre 1 Tom McDonald Drive, Cairns Airport Ph: 4034 8101 www.aviationaustralia.aero

Get your career off to a flying start in the aviation industry through Cairns Aviation Skills Centre (CASC), a nationally and internationally recognised aviation-training centre of excellence.

“There are just so many great careers in the aviation industry,” said CASC Business Manager Chris Pigott, who has been in the industry for more than 30 years. “With a career in aviation, you can travel the world.”

The CASC is an award-winning training centre for both domestic and international students for employment in the aviation industry worldwide. It has had more than 600 local apprentices through its training program as well as thousands of students from all over the world.

“The international standard we have here is recognised throughout the world,” Mr Pigott said.

To kick start 2018, CASC is offering a Cert 4 Mechanical Apprenticeship Course starting January 15. It will also have a Cert 2 in Aircraft Turnaround Maintenance for Year 11 students starting in the new school year and a Cert 4 in Avionics in July.

A $4.5 million expansion of the Cairns’ Hawker Pacific hanger facilities, which starts this month, will increase its floor space by 50 per cent to service more aircraft. It will not only increase CASC’ live aircraft student facilities, but also offer more career options to graduates.

C i t y L i f e 24 M a g a z i n e

“A significant portion of the new operation staff will be sourced from CASC with the project providing a valuable pathway for graduates,” Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said at the Cairns Airport Aviation Careers Open Day in October 2017.

The CASC’s training provider is Aviation Australia, an accredited Registered Training Organisation that is recognised as the leading aviation technical training provider in the Asia-Pacific region.

“The aviation industry is really taking off,” said Mr Pigott, who started in the industry as an apprentice. “I can tell you first hand that joining the industry is an excellent career move.”

CAIRNS FERTILITY CENTRE | CAIRNS CENTRAL DAY HOSPITAL

The Miracle of Life The miracle of life...

A journey worth embarking on.

Professor John Yovich and his highly respected team of professionals offer a full range of services associated with infertility management at Cairns Fertility Centre.

The steps for infertility management include: • An initial consultation, where a Fertility Specialist will conduct initial tests.

With an associated state of the art Private Day Hospital, Cairns Central Day Hospital, and integrated laboratories, patients will receive personalised in-house treatment in tropical North Queensland.

• An Assessment Cycle recommended for the female partner and important in providing essential information on the hormone profile during the menstrual cycle.

• A Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or HyCoSy - these tests are ultrasound guided investigations which are used to check the patency of the fallopian tubes and to examine the uterine cavity. They are performed on-site at Cairns Central Day Hospital.

Professor John Yovich is internationally acknowledged for his pioneering work in IVF and established the first IVF clinic in Western Australia, PIVET Medical Centre in 1982. He has brought his vast experience to Cairns Fertility Centre providing treatment for patients in a progressive, innovative environment.

Following review of the results from the above investigations, best treatment option will be discussed and selected.

With an experienced team, including two new Fertility Specialists, Dr Elizabeth Jackson and Dr Suvi Hyytinen, we welcome clients from surrounding districts as well as throughout Australia to experience the high standard of confidential care.

t s e B shes i Wfor the

For each couple the basis of their infertility varies which will often alter the treatment options offered.

Cairns Fertility Centre offers a variety of treatment programs for infertility, tailored to suit individual needs including low cost IVF.

FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL +61 7 4040 6888

Dr Sunt hra Lingham G yna ec olo gist & F er tility Spe cia list Acting M e dical Dire ctor

g n i m o c h t r fo ar! ye

FROM THE TEAM AT CAIRNS FERTILITY CENTRE

Dr Elizabeth Jackson O bstetr ic ia n & G yna e co lo gist

Dr Suvi Hyytinen O bstetr ic ia n & G yna e co lo gist

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4 F lo or, Ce ntr al P la za Apa rt me nt s, 58-60 Mc Leod St ree t (Cn r Apl in Str ee t), CAIRNS QLD 4870

ww w.cairnsfertility.com

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We take pride in being the locally preferred training provider, as we ensure every single one of our students are job ready at the highest professional level at the conclusion of their courses.

F inance So l u t i o n s

Thanks to the phenomenal growth of 1800Approved Cairns finance brokering franchise in just seven months owner Joshua Oliver needed more expert help, which was why he has recently appointed Helen De Jongh as Operations Manager.

“Helen has a wealth of experience in administration and the day-to-day running of a business,’ said Joshua.

“In just a month since she started she has helped us get our business into top shipshape, which benefits us and our clients.”

Helen has 20 years’ experience in all areas of office management and was keen to join Joshua and help him deal with the face-paced growth of the business.

“Not only is it a great opportunity for me to expand my knowledge into a different field, but Joshua has been so busy and needs someone to make sure the business runs as efficiently as possible while it continues growing,” she said.

Hiring an expert to run the office has been a positive turning point in the

Growth benefits clients

growth of 1800Approved Cairns, which helps clients secure financing for cars, boats, bikes, trucks, equipment, commercial ventures and personal loans. Being part of the highly successful 1800Approved Australian franchise gives Joshua and his team access to more than 40 leading financial institutions.

Joshua, who was in the car industry for 17 years before attaining his brokerage license, started the Cairns franchise in May 2017 and has quickly experienced outstanding success. He was so successful, in fact, that he recently received a phone call from the owner of the franchise to congratulate him on exceeding all 1800Approved records for bringing in more business than all other franchises, including those in the major cities such as Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.

“Our growth is absolutely phenomenal,” said Joshua, who currently has three staff with more brokers coming on board. “We have to put more people on in the near future and Helen will keep the company running smoothly and efficiently as we continue to grow.”

C i t y L i f e 27 M a g a z i n e

Helen said the immediate success of 1800 Approved Cairns, which helps people find loans that suit their financial situation and lifestyle, is due to Joshua’s relationship building.

“He’s a people person, and he genuinely cares about his clients,” she said. “He has a huge number of referrals from his clients and motor dealers, who benefit from his high approval rate and fast and easy loan approval process.”

1800Approved Cairns Mulgrave Road (across from DFO) Helen De Jongh 0419 759 690 www.1800approved.com.au

WO R DS B Y J AN I E B AR T O N PH O T O B Y SI LV I A M O G O R O VI C H

Babinda to Port Douglas with 3 offices and 2 visited offices and a staff of over 20 people (once 50).

I had just returned home to Cairns from a 9 month overseas experience and at the ripe old age of 28 decided to “hang my shingle up” (the brass plate that solicitors once had outside their office – although I never had one!)

CHARLIE MARINO MANAGING PARTNER

TIME TO CELEBRATE! As with most success stories there are humble beginnings. 30 years ago, Charlie Marino started a Law Firm in Grafton Street, Cairns with a University colleague in nothing more than a 30m2 office. Our first receptionist did everything, legal documents, accounts and the cleaning! My mother used to give me cut flowers to put in reception.

Now the reach of Marino Lawyers is over 125 kilometres up the Far North Queensland Coast from

I have been fortunate to have some of the best Lawyers to be mentors after having completed my Articles with John Covacevich as my Master in the late 70’s early 80’s. Finishing my degree in Brisbane I was again fortunate to have great mentors in Peter Cox at McCullough Robertson and Geoff FynesClinton at King & Co.

own law Firm for 30 years still makes me pinch myself. All of this before reaching 60. My sons don’t believe it!

There have been many highs and lows. The highs have been, being involved in some of the most signature developments in the Cairns area today. Obtaining the approval for Hartley Creek Crocodile Farm, the acquisition of Great Adventures, the development of the Redlynch Central Precinct would be some standouts but the lows have left a fairly deep scar in one’s mind and that was the loss of many good people from the Firm during the GFC years.

Whilst working in Brisbane and seeing many places in the world I felt it was always my destiny to come back to Cairns where I grew up and was educated. My Father had just finished a major Court case and after paying for Brisbane Solicitors and Barristers he said “You better come home Son!”

To provide employment for hundreds of people during the 30 years has been gratifying.

The team work and dedication to achieving client’s goals and needs have always been paramount to the Firm’s success. I still have clients that started with me 30 years ago and am now seeing the second and third generation of some families.

I feel that to reflect on a legal career of 40 years and having my

During the life of the Firm I have also had the ability to give back to

the community, to spend 15 years on the Cairns Show Association many as Vice President and 10 years on the Board of the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation. Both being corner stones in the Local Community.

To be involved in the sponsorship of local events like the annual Pyramid Race, the inspirational Business Liaison Association and the annual Cairns International Club Futsal Tournament have seen a giving back to making sure the community remains strong.

We are told the future will see all industries change, even the legal profession. I doubt that trust, integrity and honesty, will ever be replaced by a artificial intelligence. It has been an honour and privilege to have provided legal services from Mums and Dads to Corporate clients. Who knows what the next 30 years will bring let alone the next 12 months, but I want to take this opportunity to thank all Clients and Staff over the last 30 years.

YOUR FAMILY’S LAWYER;

WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY Commercial Law

Whether you are a property investor, business owner, landlord, tenant or farmer, with expert commercial law advice, you will create wealth, and better identify and mitigate risks.

Planning & Environment Planning laws have changed significantly and are impacting local development proposals. Our lawyers have intimate knowledge of local conditions, and the sentiments of local authorities.

Conveyancing Buying a house and need a quote for the conveyancing?

One of our conveyancing team members will contact you and provide an obligation free quote.

Family Law Protect your assets in property and divorce settlements.

Wills & Estate When you die without a Will, the law determines how your property is shared; and without knowing your wishes, it can be difficult to get agreement on what is fair for everyone. A Will clearly sets out your wishes.

CAIRNS

First Floor, Marino’s Arcade 70 Grafton Street PO Box 6722 Cairns Qld 4870 Ph: 4081 6700 Fax: 4031 2937

PORT DOUGLAS

First Floor, Macrossan House 19 Macrossan Street PO Box 57 Port Douglas Qld 4877 Ph: 4081 6700 Fax: 4099 5421

EDMONTON

First Floor 159 Bruce Highway PO Box 6722 Cairns Qld 4870 Ph: 4081 6700 Fax: 4045 0925

Celebrating 30 Years CAIRNS Our Cairns office located in Marino’s Arcade on Grafton Street is the central headquarters for Marino Lawyers. With a team of twelve solicitors, paralegals and assistants at the hub, we offer an extensive range of services coupled with the experience that will assist your every need.

Managing Partner Charlie Marino, Associate Christine Ross, Receptionist Melissa Wood, Assistant Maree Mazur, Accounts Assistant Annaleise Jago, Assistant Tianna Luxford, Office Junior Regina Rimmington, Assistant Lida Evans, Office Manager Haylee Cross, Conveyancer Janelle Simpson, Assistant Kymm Robinson and Solicitor Bonnie-Brooke Stevenson.

PORT DOUGLAS Marino Lawyers merged with a long established legal firm in Port Douglas back in 2005. From this time, the team has grown and are well known throughout the area for their expertise, commitment and dedication to their clients.

Conveyancer Megan Langford, Assistant Kira Rossetto, Managing Partner Charlie Marino, Assistant Kathy Nahrung and Solicitor Adam Barrell.

EDMONTON, GORDONVALE, & BABINDA With a central location in the Southern corridor at Edmonton, these three locations provide services to meet the needs of our regional clients and have done so over the past 30 years. Their experience in the region coupled with their professional knowledge is unmatched in the area.

YEARS

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Conveyancer Vicki Barnett, Solicitor Latisha Cali, Assistant Nikki Townson, Assistant Leanne Arthurson, Paralegal Mirella Rimmington and Managing Partner Charlie Marino.

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BABINDA

Ground Floor 51 Munro Street PO Box 6722 Cairns Qld 4870 Ph: 4081 6700

www.marinolawyers.com.au INO LAWY CELEBRATING

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Ground Floor 56 Norman Street PO Box 6722 Cairns Qld 4870 Ph: 4081 6700

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GORDONVALE

30

Email: lawyers@marinolawyers.com.au Marino Lawyers, Law Firm.

YEARS SIN C

E 1988

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Q: What is your happiest memory of 2017?

Sitting in a little Italian restaurant overlooking Cottesloe Beach in Perth watching the sunset and feeling grateful that I live in a beautiful country surrounded by loving supportive family and friends.

Elanine Bertoncini

Q: What do you think you will be doing 10 years from now?

Hopefully spending time with my grandchildren.

Q: What is your New Year Resolution?

Take a step back from working 7 days a week and learn to relax and enjoy life a bit more.

Q: What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

A good life balance, work, family and a little bit of time for me.

MEM Removals and Storage

Q: What is your happiest memory of 2017?

Being on the front cover of Cairns Life, of course!

Q: What do you think you will be doing 10 years from now?

Wow! If the last exciting 10 years of my life if any indicator, I could be anywhere - I will leave my options open!

Annie Gillow

Q: What is your New Year Resolution?

Personally - to tick an item on my bucket list - and book a holiday to Uluru in 2019, something I have

wanted to do for a very long time; In business - I am so ready for my next buying trip in early 2018, my mind is exploding with ideas - so my NYresolution is to have the best buying trip ever.

Q: What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

A little more “me” time, and find a healthy balance between business and pleasure. I have the most amazing staff, so I do think this will be achievable.

Annies Ladies Boutique Q: What is your happiest memory of 2017?

I couldn’t pin point just one to be honest as 2017 has been full of happy memories.

Although slightly sad in a Mummy not wanting to let go kinda way, at the beginning of 2017 our first born entered her first school year and graduated Prep at the end of 2017 with a phenomenally good report card. So we’re proud as punch of our little girl for being so eager to learn and for her transitioning to school so positively. From a work perspective, there have been so many large scale projects, events and issues I have had the pleasure of working on or advocating for successfully. So my heart is also full for my hometown of Cairns as we enter a New Year.

The unprecedented level of construction and infrastructure projects and the many big events already locked in the calendar for 2018 makes me feel so happy that Cairns is finally coming out of its hibernation. This is our year Cairns!! I’m so excited about that for us all.

Danae Jones Danae Jones Consulting

Q: What do you think you will be doing 10 years from now?

Probably the same thing. I genuinely love what

I do and I live and breathe it. Media, PR and Marketing is in my blood and I don’t think that’s going to change anytime soon. I do hope to be travelling with my family a bit more within 10 years seeing some more destinations.

I really love to travel and experience new places.

Q: What is your New Year Resolution?

To remember to do that whole work life balance thing a bit more. You know that elusive thing that we never seem to be able to catch?! Well I want to try and embrace a bit more balance as I am a recovering workaholic and I’m a work in progress in that regard. So reinstating my morning meditation sessions is high on my priority list for 2018.

Q: What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I don’t enter this year with any pre conceived expectations. I just want to continue to give and receive with love to all those around me both personally and professionally. I’m a big believer in mutually beneficial achievement.

CityLife 30 Magazine

Q: What is your happiest memory of 2017?

We had to have an early Christmas this weekend just gone as some of the kids will be away.

It turned out to be an amazing funny day that was the best day I have had this year.

Q: What do you think you will be doing 10 years from now?

What I would like to be doing is living on a boat having paid off

the mortgage and sold the house.

Cant see it happening though!

Q: What is your New Year Resolution?

To get fit again and learn about digital marketing.

Q: What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

To grow the business.

Nardine Collier Colliers Lawyers

Q: What is your happiest memory of 2017?

The birth of our first child in October.

Q: What do you think you will be doing 10 years from now?

Running my business, FNQ Podiatry & Orthotics during the week and spending time with family and friends on the weekends.

Q: What is your New Year Resolution?

Work-life balance.

Q: What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Continue to grow FNQ Podiatry & Orthotics whilst being an hands on Dad and getting a nice work-life balance.

Kyle Richardson FNQ Podiatry & Orthotics

Q: What is your happiest memory of 2017?

Having our last (fourth) child graduate from university.

Q: What do you think you will be doing 10 years from now?

I expect that I will have retired by then but would like to keep teaching.

Q: What is your New Year Resolution?

I don’t have one.

Q: What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

To continue providing urological services to the people of Cairns and surrounding districts to assist them to live for a good time and a long time.

Neil Gordon Cairns Urology CityLife 31 Magazine

We are excited about sharing business opportunities!

HAVE QUESTIONS?

OUR OFFER Looking for an investment opportunity? With 2.7 million of tourists visiting the Cairns Night Markets every year we will be more than happy to help.

Do you already have a business? Have a look on our wide choice of stalls for rent.

Are you looking for new ideas? Check if we are currently selling existing businesses.

(07) 4051 7666 (07) 4051 7094 admin@nightmarkets.com.au

w w w. n i g h t m a r k e t s . c o m . a u

C i t y L i f e 32 M a g a z i n e

Neil and Liam Finn

Friday 9 February

Neil Finn is one of the world’s greatest song-writing treasures. Ever on the cusp of creative innovation, Finn’s musical genes run deep into the family line. His latest album was co-produced with his son Liam and recorded live in front of an online audience. Finn’s newest incarnation is a full musical collaboration with Liam.

VENUE: Munro Martin Parkands

Dinner with the Beatles Friday 16 February Saturday 17 February The Beatles have remained one of the most influential and popular groups in rock and roll history. The music of John, Paul, George and Ringo is loved by generations of music fans around the globe.

VENUE: The Reef Hotel Casino Cairns Dinner Theatre

Mount Peter Residential Estate Challenge

Sunnyboys

Saturday 17 February

Saturday 24 February

The game between the NQ Toyota Cowboys and West Tigers will be one of the highlights of entertainment in Cairns in 2018. The NQ Cowboys are regular visitors to Cairns. This will be the Cowboys first NRL Trial Match since 2015 and having West Tigers in Cairns will be a “first” for them.

After a 21 year break, Australian power pop/post-punk band, Sunnyboys are returning to Cairns for the second time since 1982! Yew!

VENUE: Barlow Park

VENUE: Tanks Arts Centre

Crossing the Centuries

Jimmy Carr

Sunday 25 February

Thursday 1 March

Crossing the Centuries will feature the NQ Chamber Orchestra with solo violinist Ben Spiers from Melbourne.

Ben has toured extensively in Australia and Europe working with some of the world’s finest conductors and is currently the concertmaster of the Melbourne Opera Orchestra.

A man who has devoted his life to crafting perfect jokes and has left a trail of laughter in his wake, Jimmy Carr’s new tour will distill everything we love to laugh at and be shocked by, into one incredible, unparalleled night of entertainment.

VENUE: Hilton Hotel Ballroom

VENUE: Cairns Convention Centre – Great Hall

Women in Song

Yo Diddle Diddle

Saturday 10 March

Tuesday 8 May Wednesday 9 May

As part of Tanks’ 17th annual International Women’s Day series Clairy Browne, Rochelle Pitt and Sue Ray will help us celebrate the achievements of women through music and song.

VENUE: Tanks Arts Centre

Cow tries and tries again, encouraged by the wise and resourceful Cat, and musical and inventive Houston. Her friends band together to help Cow to keep trying while Cow discovers what it takes to achieve your dreams.

VENUE: Tanks Arts Centre

Seychelles Rose Maxi with Arm Cuffs in Red

Seychelles Rose Dress in High Tea

Made in Cairns for the Wild at Heart

by Sajeela Jamie for Wild Sugar Online and instore now www.wildsugar.fashion Sajeela: 0431 156 469 The Pier Shopping Centre CAIRNS

SINGLE this Valentine’s day… a few tips to surviving it alone!

1. Buy yourself a nice bottle of wine. Spend a bit extra than the normal old go to bottle.

2. Order a pizza. Alone with pizza is better than alone alone. (You get to eat the whole thing if you like).

3. Watch a good old DVD like Sex in the City for the chics or Rambo for the lads.

4. Buy yourself something…flowers, roses, balloons, aftershave. If you can’t love you who can!

5. Have a nice warm bath with your bottle of wine. Or have a shower beer. Or take shots while you’re waiting for a face mask to dry. Whatever your poison, just pamper yourself.

6. Maybe a great day to try finally download a dating app. Tinder, e-harmony, rsvp…the list goes on. You never know you might not be alone this Valentine’s day after all.

TaNKs ARTS CENTRE A new year of fun, entertainment and learning is on offer at the Tanks Arts Centre in 2018, with the return of the wildly popular Theatre for Children program.

Children’s favourite storybook characters will leap off the page and onto the stage for the young and the young at heart to enjoy.

Cairns Regional Council is committed to providing opportunities for children and students to be exposed to the performing arts by curating a selection of quality theatre productions. The 2018 selection of shows are yet again of a high standard and suitable for children of all ages.

COST: All tickets $17.85, Group 10+ $13.65 Plus one complimentary ticket for every ten purchased VENUE: Tank 3, Tanks Arts Centre, 46 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill

4-8 YEARS

YO DIDDLE DIDDLE

BY PATCH THEATRE COMPANY

6 - 12 YEARS

0-5 YEARS

THE 78-STOREY THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW TREEHOUSE BASED ON ERIC CARLE’S BOOKS A CDP KIDS PRODUCTION

TUESDAY 8 & WEDNESDAY 9 MAY TUESDAY 5 JUNE

TUESDAY 31 JULY

What if your dream was one jump away? Cat tells us the story of Cow & her dream to jump the moon, and the night the famous nursery rhyme was created.

One of the most-read and famous children’s books of all time, ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ emerges off the page in a masterful theatrical experience for the whole family.

TIME: Tue 8 May 6pm | Wed 9 May 10am & 1pm VENUE: Tank 3 - fully seated

tanksartscentre.com

Andy and Terry’s treehouse just keeps on growing. The team behind The 13-, 26- and 52-Storey Treehouses Live on Stage return with the newest, biggest, brightest blockbuster in the series.

TIME: 10am, 1pm & 6pm VENUE: Tank 3 - fully seated

Tickets sold through

C i t y L i f e 36 M a g a z i n e

TIME: 10am, 1pm & 6pm VENUE: Tank 3 - fully seated

1300 855 835 ticketlink.com.au

ARTS TaNKsCENTRE

S U M M E R T I M E

W I T H

SUNNYBOYS

SUNNYBOYS SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY In 2012 after a 21 year break, Australian power pop/post-punk band, Sunnyboys, re-entered the fray at the behest of the Hoodoo Gurus invitation after agreeing to regroup “just for fun and for old times’ sake.”

Six years later and Sunnyboys 2.0 have notched up a resume the envy of any band – contemporary or vintage – including a co-headline appearance to 45,000 people for A Day On The Green 2015; a succession of soldout shows at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre and the Sydney Opera House, a venue attendance record at the Coolangatta Hotel (previously held by Noiseworks) plus sold-out shows (multiple times over) in Melbourne, Byron Bay, Perth and more.

Now, due to overwhelming demand, Sunnyboys are on tour and set to play Tanks – their third ever North Queensland trip, only their second ever visit to Cairns and just their first visit to the region since 1982! Yew!

COST: $58 (ONE PRICE) inc b/fee (18+) VENUE: Tank 5 - standing only SHOW STARTS: 7:30pm

They may have burnt out quickly in their short yet bright rise to fame, but the legacy and good times left behind by Australian power-pop/postpunk band, Sunnyboys, lives on.

After a collective hiatus spanning some two decades, the boys have announced that they will embark on a 2018 summer tour stopping in at the Tanks Arts Centre in February, and will do so with all four original band members. The show will be the group’s third ever North Queensland trip; their second visit to Cairns and their first visit to the region since 1982.

“I’m pretty sure we played in Cairns in 1982,” guitarist Peter Oxley reflects. “[It was] summer time. We played on the roof of a building but I have no idea what it was called. We had a great show; really hot and sweaty even though we were outside and five storeys up. I’m sure it would be totally illegal these days!”

The four-piece first formed in Sydney in 1979 and are perhaps most famously known for hit single Alone with You. Their success was shortlived with the band officially calling it quits in 1984. Frontman Peter Oxley formed various incarnations of the band, but the official Sunnyboys revival, featuring the original line up, was kick-started by a personal invitation from the Hoodoo Gurus for the group to play Sydney’s ‘Dig It Up’ Festival in 2012.

“Hoodoo Gurus were getting some of their favourite bands to play with them at a show at The Enmore Theatre and they wondered if we would be able to do it,” Peter says.

The band received rave reviews and was treated to an adoring full house.

“Apparently grown men were weeping; we had not played for 25 years, so it was very emotional,” Peter says.

With a new-found zest for performing together, Sunnyboys launched back on to the music scene, playing shows every year since 2012. The story of Sunnyboys’ short-lived success in the 80s due to lead singer and guitarist Jeremy Oxley’s battle with schizophrenia was documented in the 2013 feature-length biopic The Sunnyboy.

“The Sunnyboy is the story of my brother Jeremy’s struggle with mental illness,” Peter says.

This time around, without the pressure of recording schedules and the demand for chart hits, Sunnyboys are finally doing what they do best; play live. And play live they will this summer when they hit the road to perform headline shows across venues big and small. The Tanks Arts Centre in Cairns will be a new experience for the other members of the band, but for Peter, it will be a welcomed returned after having previously performed in the iconic Tank 5 with Ed Kuepper.

“Our good friend Ed Kuepper has played there a number of times and has said what a great place it is,” Peter says.

“I played there with Ed in 2007 as his bass player and it was amazing being inside this massive fuel tank. [It’s] an excellent use of an abandoned building.”

MUSIC • ARTS • COMMUNITY • EVENTS • CULTURE

Were you at Sunnyboys’ gig on the alleged Cairns rooftop back in ’82?! If so, or even if you weren’t, email us the name of the venue, or just your name, and your best contact number to marketing@ tanksartscentre.com, and you’ll go in the draw to win a double pass to see Sunnyboys when they return to Cairns to play Tanks Arts Centre on Saturday 24 February 2018!* Tickets on sale now through Ticketlink, phone 1300 855 835 or book online at www.ticketlink.com.au

tanksartscentre.com

*T&Cs apply. Competition closes 21 February 2018 at 12:00pm AEST. For full details visit www.tanksartscentre.com

All tickets sold through

P: 1300 855 835 W: ticketlink.com.au

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TA K E T H E P L U N G E

4 – 15 April

12 DAY FREE ARTS AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL

gc2018.com/festival2018

High Achievers of

2017 WE TAKE A LOOK BACK AT THE

HARDWORKING AND VERY SUCCESSFUL HIGH ACHIEVERS OF 2017. A HAND SELECTED FEW THAT WE ARE DELIGHTED TO PROFILE IN THIS SPECIAL FEATURE, STARS OF 2017.

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Lesley Van Staveren Co-Owner FNQ Plastics 2017 Cairns Business Women of the Year Julie-ann Lambourne CEO and one of the founding members of enVision Group 2017 Cairns Business Women’s Award for Indigenous Business Women of the Year 2017 Australian Institue of Leaders and Managers Not-for-Profut Leader for Cairns Christine Vincent Owner Operator Jubcan Venture Pty Ptd 2017 Regional Queensland Training Awards Large Employer of the Year Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) Recognising Queensland’s Best Indigenous Artists and Organisations Cairns Central The Shopping Centre Council of Australia - Best Community Campaign for ‘Embrace The New Faces’.

Lesley Van Staveren FNQ Plastics

Challenge accepted

PHOT OS BY SILVIA M O G O RO V ICH

No challenge is too hard for Cairns Business Women of the Year winner Lesley Van Staveren.

Lesley and her husband Colin are owners of FNQ Plastics, custom fabrication specialists with an environmental focus and an end goal of reducing waste in landfills. Together they make an undeniably dynamic partnership. Colin is the plastic specialist with 30 years knowledge and combined with Lesley’s vast experience in sales and customer service this has made the business the huge success it is today.

FNQ Plastics has a huge range of products including Grizzly Poly Ute Trays, Australia’s first plastic utility tray which won the 2014 TNQ Tropical Innovation In Manufacturing Award, as well as kitchen bench tops, pools, tanks, plastic welders, boxes, park furniture and bollards, to name just a few of their products.

“We very much embrace challenge,” said Lesley, mother of three children under the age of five. “We listen to demand, we keep growing and we keep very strong relationships with our team because they’re the heart and soul of our business.

“We’re constantly looking for how much better we can be and look at ways where we can grow. We surround ourselves with very positive people who have similar thought processes, who believe anything is possible.”

While winning the prestigious Cairns Business Women of the Year award was a thrill for Lesley, she’s also proud

that the business has quadrupled in size in the last five years and excited to be part of the region’s Committee for Waste Reduction that works to help businesses and families reduce waste.

Being in business together and having three children can be a challenge for the couple, but Lesley said they’ve learned to successfully balance home and work life.

“It’s so easy to come home and keep talking about what happened during the day or what we’re planning,” she said. “So we’ve drawn the line after five o’clock. When we get home it’s family time.”

Constantly moving forward is the motto of the couple.

They are two years into the planning of establishing a plastics recycling factory which can turn plastic bags and bottles into garden edging, seat beaches, wheel tops, garden beds and a whole range of products. The business model is ready to go the moment funding is secured.

“This will be a benefit to future generations and lead the way in creating a circular economy for the north,” Lesley said. “It is a big dream but in time, it is an absolute possibility to make it a reality.”

FNQ Plastics 368 Mulgrave Rd, Westcourt Ph: 4054 7488 www.fnqplastics.com.au

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Julie-ann Lambourne, enVizion Group Inc

Inspirational Leader

Julie-ann Lambourne has overcome extraordinary obstacles to turn her life around, and now she’s on a mission to help others do the same.

Julie-ann, who won the 2017 Cairns Business Women’s Award for Indigenous Business Women of the Year as well as the Australian Institute of Leaders and Managers Not-forProfit Leader for Cairns, is passionate about helping others who are in similar situations as she was.

“My life was full of turmoil as a child and young adult,” said Julie-ann, CEO and one of the founding members of enVizion Group Inc, an Indigenous owned and operated organisation that is at the cuttingedge of digital technologies delivering targeted programs specialising in the delivery of pre-employment, life skills mentoring and relevant accredited training.

W ORD S BY JA NIE BAR T ON PHOT O BY S ILVIA M OGOROVICH

“I grew up not knowing of the opportunities that were available,” she said. “Overcoming all of those things, being able to impart what I know to other people and teaching them to see beyond their circumstances and recognise their potential is what drives me every day. This is enVizion’s mission.”

Julie-ann has rebounded from drug and alcohol addictions and suicide attempts to help people defeat similar issues.

“The delivery of our skills-based programs is from the premise of helping people look at where they’re at now, identifying different choices in life and helping them achieve their goals,” said Julie-ann, who was also invited to talk at TedX in Cairns. “We teach people how to overcome and put structures and support mechanisms in place to ensure they succeed.” enVizion also built the world’s-first virtual reality bus to visit regional and remote communities throughout Australia delivering career-aspirational virtual reality experience that expose people of all ages to potential career opportunities.

“The virtual reality experiences include real people, who we call story tellers, working in five industries that are embedded into the virtual reality environment. The purpose is to show people of any age differing opportunities that are out there and inspire them to pursue their dreams,” Julie-ann said.

“We’ve seen so many lives being touched and changed. It’s been wonderful.”

EnVizion Group Inc 72 McLeod St, Cairns city Ph 4031 2711 www.envizion.org.au

Christine Vincent

Businesswoman extraordinaire It’s no easy feat running a business, but running six successful individual franchises is an extraordinary achievement very few people achieve.

Luckily no one told Christine Vincent that.

Christine is the owner/operator of six McDonald’s Restaurants between Cairns and Innisfail and recently won another prestigious award, the Large Employer of the Year category at the Regional Queensland Training Awards.

Christine’s company Jubcan Venture is one of the largest employers in the region with 553 staff, who Christine credits for her success.

“Without my staff, I would not be where I am today,” she said. “I always encourage them to be the best they can and assisting them to do this is a real passion of mine. I train, empower and trust my team, and I am always looking for ways to keep them green and growing. I respect each and every one of them.”

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Christine currently has 65 of her employees completing Certificates 2 and 3 in Retail Services and has another 25 managers working towards a Diploma of Leadership and Management. Currently 30% of her annual payroll is spent on training throughout the restaurants.

Even though she owns and operates six busy franchises, she still makes time to be active in the community.

She is the current Representative for the Australian Women’s Leadership network in Queensland, a member of Advance Cairns and sits on the committee for the Ronald McDonald House Family Retreat in Palm Cove.

Christine’s advice to those who want to achieve in business is to stay true to themselves at all times.

“No matter how tough life can get - and it does - doing what you believe is right and having a positive outlook shines through and you gain trust, support and respect in doing so,” she said.

CIAF Cairns Indigenous Art Fair

Personal Response to Family Values theme decides Queensland’s Best Indigenous Artists

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) is the quintessential celebration of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture held over three days in July at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal and key galleries and performance venues throughout the city.

sculptures on display at the National Gallery of Victoria’s Past Legacy Present Tense.

Since its establishment in 2009 CIAF has delivered an all-inclusive program of mostly free, family friendly events spanning visual and performing arts, fashion, film and workshops.

“These Awards are a wonderful addition to CIAF that celebrates our talented artists, provides further development pathways for Queensland Indigenous artists, and increases the Fair’s national and international profile,” the Premier said.

CIAF provides an ethical point of sale directly benefitting artists and this year was its most successful yet with 47,000 visitors and record art sales of $760,000.

Among this year’s highlights was the introduction of CIAF Art Awards recognising Queensland’s best Indigenous artists and organisations.

The major winner of the inaugural Awards was announced by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk MP at CIAF’s opening night party in July.

Garry Namponan from Wik and Kugu Art Centre won the Queensland Government’s prestigious Premier’s Award for Excellence and a cash prize of $15,000 to support the continued development of his art practice. This prize money, along with that won in the Cairns Regional Council’s Art Centre award sponsored Art Centre award helped fund a trip in November for the artists to visit Melbourne and view their

“I am delighted the Queensland Government partnered with CIAF to create the Premier’s Award for Excellence and to be part of the inaugural CIAF Art Awards.

CIAF’s Artistic Director, Janina Harding said the CIAF Art Awards were introduced to support and grow the professional development of Queensland’s talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

“It is my opinion that over time, the CIAF Art Awards will brighten the spotlight on the vibrant identity and diversity of Queensland’s Indigenous art movement while inspiring artists to reach even higher in their practice.

CIAF Art Award Winners 2017 • Garry Namponan from Wik & Kugu Art Centre, winner of the Premier’s Award for Excellence sponsored by the Queensland Government ($15,000) • Alison Murray from Girringun Art Centre, winner of the Emerging Artist Award sponsored by Marsh Property ($5000 prize) • Gail Mabo securing the Award for Innovation sponsored by Copyright Agency, Viscopy ($10,000 prize)

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Photo Caption: Using their winnings in last year’s inaugural CIAF Art Awards, the artists from Wik & Kugu Art Centre travelled to Melbourne in November to view their kugu’ camp dogs on show at the National Gallery of Victoria’s Past Legacy Present Tense exhibition.

• Wik and Kugu Art Centre awarded Cairns Regional Council’s Art Centre Award, sponsored by Cairns Regional Council ($10,000 prize) • Daniel O’Shane, Canopy Art Centre awarded Peoples Choice sponsored by Fibre Optics NQ ($5000) This year’s judging panel comprised Maude Page, Deputy Director, Art Gallery of NSW, Tina Baum Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art National Gallery of Australia and artists, Tony Albert.

Building on the success of this year’s inaugural awards, CIAF has already announced next year’s Art Fair theme, Connection to Country, while expanding its judging categories to include the powerful medium of photography through a new $5000 prize backed by major partner, Ports North.

In effect, there will be even more opportunities for Queensland’s Indigenous artists to shine with a total prize cache of $50,000.

Judging for the 2018 CIAF Art Awards will take place on Wednesday 11 July with winners announced at the Opening Night Party on Thursday 12 July.

For more information, visit www.ciaf.com.au WO R DS & PH O T O B Y PI P M I L L E R

Cairns Central

National award a boost for Cairns

WORDS BY JANIE BA R TO N

Cairns Central Shopping Centre’s Embrace the New Faces community campaign, which was honoured with a prestigious national industry award in October 2017, has been a win-win situation throughout the community.

In recognition of Lendlease Cairns Central’s win the Shopping Centre Council of Australia contributed $5000 to a relevant charity or community organisation associated with this campaign.

The Shopping Centre Council of Australia Marketing Awards for Best Community campaign recognised Cairns Central’s focus on diversity, inclusion and promotion of indigenous models.

“The $5000 donation has been issued to Cairns Indigenous Art Fair in recognition of the valuable support it provides the Cairns community,” Ms Struber said, adding that it was community involvement that helped make the event a huge success.

“It was wonderful for the centre to be recognised by the industry with this award,” Cairns Central Marketing Manager Louise Struber said. “Community engagement is a vital component of Cairns Central’s marketing mix, and we love working with the community.”

Cairns Central’s Embrace The New Faces campaign was an evolution of the highly successful annual Face of Cairns Central ‘s ambassador search, and its engagement activities fostered and encouraged indigenous diversity and participation throughout the community.

“The Embrace the New Faces campaign took a new direction for a school holiday program to promote diversity and inclusion. We couldn’t have achieved the results we did without our community partners, the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, Headspace and Chic Management.”

The awards attracted a highly competitive field of 192 nominations across 17 categories including branding, digital, community, development and sales.

Indigenous supermodel Samantha Harris launched the event during NAIDOC week in 2016, which discovered models Jarron Andy and Lily Rose.

The Shopping Centre Council of Australia’s Executive Director Angus Nardi said the Community Marketing Awards continue to go from strength to strength.

Jarron was the first male indigenous Face Of Cairns Central and the first male indigenous model to be signed with Dallys Models and Chic Management. He has since gone on to pursue a career in acting and modeling in Sydney, continues to be an ambassador for Cairns Central and is a successful role model for indigenous youth.

“It is so pleasing to recognise the important role and contribution of shopping centres in local communities,” he said. “We are pleased to provide financial support to Cairns community group Cairns Indigenous Art Fair through these awards.”

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PHONE: 4031 3033 Traditio nal Greek cu is in e o ve r lo o k in g t h e Co r a l Se a .

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Perrottas at the Gallery

38 Abbott St, Cairns City QLD 4870 • (07) 4031 5899 perrottasatg.com

ROBOTIC SURGERY D R PH OE BE H ONG

L e vel 2 Cai rn s Cen t r a l Plaza , 58- 62 M cL eo d S tr e e t, C airns Q L D 4870 ( o p p C a ir n s Shoppin g Cen t re) Ph: (07) 4230 0030 F : (0 7) 4 079 5490 E: phoe b eh o n g @ d r phoeb eh o n g . co m. a u w ww.dr p h o eb eh o n g . c o m .a u

The arrival of robotic surgical system at Cairns Private Hospital is truly exciting. As with standard laparoscopic a.k.a keyhole surgeries, robotic surgeries are done through small incisions using a small camera (laparoscope) and instruments.

However, instead of the surgeon controlling the instruments directly with their hands, surgeon controls the movement of the robotic arms via a console away from the patient.

Robotic surgery is still a form of laparoscopic surgery or minimally invasive surgery. A more correct description is robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery, as robotic surgery may create a false impression of the surgery being performed entirely by a robot without human control.

Robot-assisted surgery offers a number of advantages over standard laparoscopic surgeries, including: • 3-D vision, allowing surgeons to have a better depth perception of the surgical field • Improved degrees of movement of the surgical instruments, enabling surgeons to maneuver the instruments in an otherwise awkward angle or difficult-to-reach area • Smoother and more precise movement by eliminating hand tremor • Better ergonomic for the operating surgeon • Shorter learning curve for surgeons • Less reliant on skill level of surgical assistants Many of the benefits of a robot-assisted surgery, such as shorter hospital stay, less pain, and quicker recovery time compared to an open surgery with large incision, are similar to standard laparoscopic surgery, as both surgeries are performed using small incisions.

As exciting and inspiring as robot-assisted surgeries are, we need to be aware of its disadvantages.

Current limitations of robot-assisted surgeries are: • Greater general anaesthetic and overall surgical time due to the longer set up time • Greater overall and out-of-pocket costs from the patients • Absence of touch sensation or hand feedback from the instruments, making it difficult for surgeons to appreciate the fragility of the tissue or the force being applied on the tissue • Unproven benefits over standard laparoscopic approach in most gynaecological surgeries, including hysterectomy, removal of ovaries or cyst, and treatment of endometriosis.

The higher cost associated with robot-assisted surgeries are multifactorial. Firstly, there is an extra charge from the hospital, which are not covered by most private health funds. Secondly, anaesthetic cost is time-based, hence longer operation will results in higher anaesthetic cost. Lastly, there may be higher surgeon’s fees as there are no specific

health fund and MBS rebate for robot-assisted surgeries.

In the United States, approximately 433,000 hysterectomies are performed each year and the number robot-assisted hysterectomies has risen significantly over the years, from 0.5% of all hysterectomies in 2007 to 9.5% in 2010. Despite the large numbers, the better quality and larger studies have not shown the robot approach to be superior to standard laparoscopic approach, especially for non-cancerous gynaecological conditions. The operating times were consistently longer with robot-assisted surgeries across multiple large centers, with no clinically significant differences in blood loss, length of hospital stay, complication rates, pain levels, and recovery time.

In my experiences, most laparoscopic surgeries only require one night stay in hospital, with some staying an additional night, even after hysterectomy. Most patients can return to work after one to two weeks.

For most uncomplicated gynaecological surgeries, gynaecological structures are generally not hard to reach with laparoscopic instruments, as opposed to urological or prostate procedures, especially women’s pelvis are wider than men’s. Also, as with any modern technology, there is possibility of machine failure. In such situation, surgeon would have to revert back to the pre-robot solution, i.e. standard laparoscopy. It is therefore prudent for surgeons to remain proficient with standard laparoscopy skills, such as laparoscopic suturing.

It would be misleading to state that there is no place for robot-assisted surgery in gynaecology.

There may be situations where robot-assisted surgery may be beneficial, but this should be driven by what is best for the patient, preferably determined by evidence-based medicine.

Here are some questions you may bring to your doctor when considering the best surgical modalities for your surgery: • What are the benefits of robot-assisted surgery compared to standard laparoscopic surgery or open surgery, in real-life terms?

• What are the cost differences, especially out-ofpocket cost for you, if the procedure is to be done robotically or with standard laparoscopic surgery?

• Does the benefits justify the higher costs associated with robot-assisted surgery? Why robotassisted surgery when standard operation offers similar benefits with lower costs and complexity?

• What is the surgeon’s experience in each approach?

• What happens when equipments, such as the robotic system, fails?

Providing best Care for women’s health Level 2 Cairns Central Plaza, 58-62 McLeod Street, Cairns QLD 4870

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www.drphoeb ehong .com.au

ST. VALENTINE’S DAY & SHARING THE LOVE There are many factors which influence intimate relationships for a couple.

One factor is that of male erectile dysfunction, E.D. which is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection to be able to complete satisfactory intercourse. This is usually called impotence.

In order to achieve an erection, it is necessary to have blood flowing in to the penis faster than it flows out, a bit like filling a bucket which has holes in it. The single most contributing factor to cause impotence is smoking and a number of studies have shown a direct relationship between the sudden onset of impotence and heart disease within the subsequent six months.

As men age their natural level of male hormones (testosterone) decreases. They may put on weight, develop diabetes or have high cholesterol. They may need to take various medications or have other physical conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes or prostate problems or may suffer from depression all of which can contribute.

A visit to the General Practitioner is the first step in seeking treatment for this condition.

The doctor will take a history, perform an examination and perhaps arrange for blood tests or other investigations.

Treatment may involve the use of tablets which may be taken before intercourse is likely to take place or alternatively, some medication can be taken daily in a low dose which allows more spontaneity, rather like being “on the pill”. It is important to note that a recent study has shown that 77% of tablets purchased on the internet have been shown to be counterfeit and that 80% contain less than half the dose of active ingredient that they claim.

Some men may find assistance with a Vacuum Enhancement Device (VED) which is rather like a bicycle pump which is placed over the penis to “pump it up” and then a rubber ring is placed at the base of the penis to prevent it going down. It is important that the ring is only left in place for about half an hour and not forgotten! These devices are somewhat cumbersome and some people find they lack spontaneity.

Another alternative is to inject a substance in to the side of the penis which increases the blood flow. It is important not to “overdose” on these substances as the erection may not go down within half to one hour as intended and permanent damage may result. The injection technique should be taught by the doctor and a test dose given to avoid that. Usually the injections are supplied as a single dose. The usual cost for a single dose on prescription is around $15.There are some companies on the internet which supply “cocktails” of medications to be injected at grossly inflated prices or have annual subscriptions for supply.

Finally, in some cases it may be necessary for the man to have a penile prosthesis inserted.

This is a device which is inserted by a surgical procedure and works using a hydraulic system where the device may be inflated to create an erection and deflated when not required.

Dr Neil Gordon Urologist Urological Surgeon at Cairns Urology M.B.B.S (Melb) F.R.C.S (Glasg)F.R.C.S Ed F.R.A.C.S., F.I.C.S

Male Erectile Dysfunction • The single most contributing factor to cause impotence is smoking.

• A visit to the General Practitioner is the first step in seeking treatment for this condition.

• Treatment may involve the use of tablets which may be taken before intercourse is likely to take place or alternatively.

• Another alternative is to inject a substance in to the side of the penis which increases the blood flow.

98 Spence Street Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia PO Box 7787 Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia

P (07) 4041 0700 F (07) 4041 4007 www.cryotherapy.com.au www.cairns-urology.com.au reception@cairns-urology.com.au

START THE NEW YEAR WITH INCREASED HEARING CAPACITY! JOA N N A MAG E E

A hearing device that CAN do it all is now available to enhance your hearing and increase your capacity to enjoy life!

With research showing that improved hearing improves quality of life it makes perfect sense to take action and sooner rather than later.

Statistically, people put off improving their hearing because they are sensitive to other people being aware that they are using a device to improve this sense.

So, what if no-one else was aware that you had such a device? What if you could hear better than most of your counterparts? What if you were able to relax, join in conversation, get the punchline in a joke, hear clearly on the telephone, immerse yourself in the wonderful sounds of music, hear children’s soft voices, enjoy more intimacy, and bring a whole new world of sound and experience to your life.

These are just some of the benefits of hearing well. An increased sense of independence, a reconnection to family, involvement in social interactions, better interaction at work and less stress for those trying to communicate with you.

J oa nna i s an accred ite d ‘EA R ’ with the Royal Au st ral ia n C o lle g e o f G e neral P ract i t i o n er s (R A C GP ) a n d i s involved i n ed u ca tio n a l s e m in a r s for D oct o rs, Nu rses a n d A llie d H e a lth Profe ssi o n al s.

Strengthened neural pathways, a rewiring of the brain, and areas freed up to do their own job along with reduced stress are all healthy enhancements.

Here is the perfect solution; a device that CAN do what everyone wants it to do including being completely concealed within the ear canal where it can operate 24/7 just as our ears do. A device that doesn’t need removed, that you can sleep, work and play with and forget it is there at all.

A hearing device that CAN disappear.

A hearing device that CAN win a popularity contest.

A hearing device that CAN be lived with, not lived around.

CAN A TINY HEARING AID THAT

DISAPPEAR?

C i t y L i f e 48 M a g a z i n e

A hearing device that CAN improve relationships with you as well as others.

A hearing device that CAN be worn all day every day and every night as well.

A hearing device that CAN stay in the ear for up to four months at a time.

This device is readily accepted by people wanting ultimate discretion, comfort and convenience. A free trial of the device is available to anyone who is a candidate. So, with the proof of the pudding being in the eating and nothing to lose but your hearing loss and so much to gain now is an excellent time to take up this opportunity.

Statistics show the main reason people delay taking action to improve their hearing is the belief that they will be perceived as being less than normal if they are seen using a hearing device.

The Lyric overcomes this obstacle as no one will be aware that you are wearing it.

The other unique feature is that the device is available on subscription rather than purchasing it outright. Each time a new device is fitted it will have the latest Lyric™ technology.

Designed with the Baby Boomer in mind, age has proved no barrier to the uptake of the device. With people citing reasons such as convenience for their desire to have it, that is, you wear it and forget it and don’t need to fiddle at all or even change a battery it appeals to people of all ages.

If your new year’s resolution is to improve your quality of life then improving your hearing will certainly do this. Contact AUDiOHEALTH on 4041 7860 and book a free precandidacy check to see if you are suitable for the device or visit the clinic at 125 Grafton Street Cairns or 3/3 Cook Street Atherton or a visiting clinic at Mareeba, Yungaburra, Innisfail or Mission Beach.

SUDDENLY SOLO SUZANNE HADLEY

Has starting the New Year led to being suddenly solo? The joy and cheer of the Festive Season sadly is often followed, as the New Year approaches, by relationship breakdown. Over my 25 years of practice as a Family Lawyer I have seen this situation unfold for many couples. Becoming suddenly solo is sad, it’s scary, but after the initial shock and grief are past, it can also be the start of a brand new life – A new you Finding yourself suddenly solo can be overwhelming. Avoid being overwhelmed by setting small achievable goals as you restructure your life.

There are a few things that should be high on your list of priorities to help you get through those early stages.

Being suddenly solo means you are responsible for everything you once shared with your former partner.

The first change you should make is a change to all your passwords; to everything. The grief and hurt of a relationship breakdown sometimes can cause otherwise very reasonable people to become very unreasonable folk. By changing passwords you avoid unauthorised access to bank accounts, your Facebook page and your email account.

If you don’t have your own bank account already, open a new account to receive your income. If you share a joint account used for all the joint expenses, with direct debits attached for mortgage payments, insurances and the like, then you will need to contribute your share of the joint expenses that relate to ownership at least in the short term while you and your partner work out where to from here. If your financial arrangements are complex, you should seek legal advice on any restructure If the option is available to you, particularly after a long relationship, investigate whether you are able to

open a separate superannuation fund.

Change the beneficiaries to your current superannuation fund if your former partner is a beneficiary. As with every to do list, there is also a do not do list.

One of those “do not do” things is do not make a binding death nomination at this point.

Being suddenly solo means you should consider changing your Will. A Succession Lawyer can give you advice on ensuring your Will reflects your new circumstances Let go – let go of the guilt, the negative thinking and the resentment at the inevitable change in your life. Accept that being suddenly solo is not your fault.

Neither is it your former partner’s fault.

By accepting that your life situation has changed, you give yourself a better chance at a happier new life. Seek professional assistance from a qualified counsellor or psychologist to help you let go of negative thinking and come to terms with this new life of yours that is yours to make the best of in the way that you choose. Lastly, be kind to yourself, be kind to your former partner and be kind to your family. This will make it easier for all concerned to adjust to your changed circumstances Gather together your personal papers, your passport, tax returns, superannuation statements and bank statements. Having these documents collected not only will make you feel more organised, but it will also make it easier for you to obtain legal advice on the property division aspects of becoming suddenly solo. Seek professional advice from an experienced family lawyer. An Accredited Specialist family lawyer can advise you on the best way to formalise any agreement reached or help you negotiate an agreement.

An Accredited Specialist in the area of family law is your very best source of information about available resources.

• Divorce applications.

CAIRNS FAMILY LAWYERS

• Cohabitation agreements.

• Prenuptial and binding financial agreements.

PRACTICING FAMILY LAW AND DE FACTO LAW hadleyfamilylaw.com.au

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C i t y L i f e 49 M a g a z i n e

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THE POWER OF PR STRATEGISE FOR SUCCESS DAN AE J ONE S

Have you sat down and reflected on the year that was and strategised for the year ahead? If not, this is the perfect time of year to do so, as you’ve hopefully had some much needed down time with your loved ones and you’re relaxed and refreshed and ready to tackle 2018 with gusto!

A fresh outlook and a renewed feeling within yourself as a business owner/ manager is the perfect time to be able to think clearly and creatively away from the tiredness that overcomes us all in the lead up to Christmas.

I spend this time of the year planning and strategising with all of my clients as everyone is in the right head space to do so.

If you want to achieve results with your marketing and public relations efforts, you can’t go into any New Year without a carefully developed plan and strategy to guide your way forward. You know the old adage – fail to plan, plan to fail!

D ana e J o n es i s P ri nc ip a l o f PR & Market i n g f i rm D a n a e J o n e s C onsultin g e : danae@ d an aej o n e s .c o m .a u w : www.d an aej o n es. c o m .a u

It’s important to realise too that every year is different in business and market forces change, so the plan needs to change each year. You may notice that you have some new competitors in the marketplace, or that some have closed their doors. You may also have an increased demand for one product/ service over another all of a sudden – so what does that mean for your projected revenue streams?

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It’s time to consider the opportunities and threats for your business in 2018.

The economy has well and truly kicked it up a notch with many new large-scale projects already underway with more on the horizon – you can breathe the optimism in as you walk the streets and it’s so great to see after such tough economic times in recent years. So how can you maximise the opportunities surrounding you? While your business might not receive direct work from these major projects, that doesn’t mean you won’t experience the flow on effects. These projects mean confidence in the market is rising, which will mean more investment in our region and more money flowing through our city. That type of upswing has a positive impact on everyone – more people gain employment, more businesses purchase products and services to keep up with demand and that in turn means more families spending money. This positive impact will take effect right down to the local green grocer and baker.

So it’s time to maximise your marketing and public relations efforts and ride the wave coming in and start getting creative and making your business stand out from the pack so you are the one that’s ‘top of mind’ when people are making their purchasing decisions.

Let’s Make 2018 Sparkle!

WHAT IS THE TRUE COST OF HIRING A BAD EMPLOYEE? EVA GRABNER

All companies go through the usual cycle of employees coming and going over the years. Ultimately, you hope that they stay a few years before leaving and add value to the business along the way. But what about those times you have employed someone who ended up costing you money? Have you ever sat down and calculated what this ‘bad hire’ actually cost you in time and money?

I recently read an article about this very subject and found it fascinating, so I started investigating actual statistics on the subject and boy, was I shocked. It was much worse than I imagined!

A mistake in the recruitment process which leads to an employee termination can cost an employer between half and two-thirds of an employee’s salary.

For example, an employee on a salary of $60,000 that leaves within the first 12 months of employment will cost you $33,000 or 55% of their salary.

Providing an unrivalled one-on-one bespoke service, Eva Grabner is the changing face of the recruitment industry. As an Executive Recruiter and Search Consultant with over a decade of experience, Eva works alongside her clients to understand their business and culture.

With an extensive global network and current knowledge on market conditions, Eva quickly identifies the best high performing candidates for her clients, and works closely with both parties to ensure a seamless transition.

Direct costs will include (advertising, selection process, formal training/ induction, severance).

Indirect costs can be as much as $10,700 (interviewing time, informal training, productivity loss, mistakes, failures and missed business opportunities).

Other studies have suggested that the total cost of replacing a professionallyqualified employee may be as much as the equivalent of one year’s salary and for senior management employees it may be well over one year’s salary.

So how do you prevent these kinds of mistakes in your business? First of all, don’t hire out of urgency. I’ve heard too many clients say that a warm body is better than nobody. This makes me cringe as a bad hire is far worse than leaving a position vacant until you can find the right person.

Here are four more costs to consider when you hire in haste and finish up with dud: • The impact internally. Especially in a small business or business unit. If other employees have to cover mistakes, pick up the slack or put up with unprofessional work habits they will become resentful, morale will suffer and eventually these valuable employees will quit.

• The impact externally. In this day and age of social media the impact of employees who have poor stakeholder communication skills can be immediate and very damaging.

Your hard-won company reputation and brand goodwill can be quickly lost with an employee who is careless or thoughtless.

• Performance management. The time you will spend managing poor performance instead of coaching and developing other employees will be a distraction you can do without.

• Manager’s reputation. Everyone makes a bad hiring decision every now and again, however, if someone establishes a pattern of bad hire then they get a reputation as a manager with poor judgement and guess who will be heading for the exit next?

Ultimately, the cost of a bad hire is significant. It can bring down a team, manager or an entire organisation. Whist there are no guarantees, taking the time to cast a wide net and doing your due diligence in selecting employees is well worth the effort and will minimise the chances of making a bad hire and maximise your likelihood of making a choice that pays off in the long term.

Eva Grabner Managing Director Elite Executive Pty Ltd www.eliteexecutive.com.au 0409 59 11 88

FI NDI NG LEADERS FOR YOU R SU CCES S • Executive Recruitment • Global Search Specialists eliteexecutive.com.au

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ACTUAL INSURANCE ACCIDENT CLAIMS

One of the advantages of dealing with an insurance broker, your broker is there to assist with claims. Of course one of the most important things about making insurance claims is painting an accurate picture of what has actually happened. Without a broker to guide you it is possible to say or write something that could reduce your chances of a successful claim.

GRAHAM KOCH

The statements below are taken from actual insurance accident claims forms. They are real, true (you can’t make up this kind of stuff).

Read ‘em and laugh and be glad it wasn’t you.

G r aham Ko ch i s M an a g in g D ir e c to r o f K IB Gro u p w i t h ov e r 4 0 y e a r s e xperien ce i n t h e f i n a n c ia l p la n n in g a nd ins u ran ce i n d u st r y

Incidents with Pedestrians.

• The pedestrian ran for the pavement, but I got him.

• The guy was all over the road. I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him.

• I was sure the old fellow would never make it to the other side of the road when I struck him.

• To avoid hitting the bumper of the car in front I struck a pedestrian.

• The pedestrian had no idea which way to run as I ran over him.

• The car in front hit the pedestrian but he got up so I hit him again.

• I saw a slow moving, sad faced old gentleman as he bounced off the roof of my car.

• A pedestrian hit me and went under my car.

• I saw her look at me twice. She appeared to be making slow progress when we met on impact.

Accidents with other vehicles.

• I collided with a stationary truck coming the other way.

• A truck backed through my windshield into my wife’s face.

• The other car collided with mine without giving warning of its intention.

• My car was legally parked as it backed into another vehicle.

• When I saw I could not avoid a collision I stepped on the gas and crashed into the other car.

• I started to slow down but the traffic was more stationary than I thought.

• The accident occurred when I was attempting to bring my car out of a skid by steering it into the other vehicle.

• I was backing my car out of the driveway in the usual manner, when it was struck by the other car in the same place it had been struck several times before.

• I was unable to stop in time and my car crashed into the other vehicle. The driver and passengers then left immediately for a vacation with injuries.

• The gentleman behind me struck me on the backside. He then went to rest in a bush with just his rear end showing.

• The car in front of me stopped for a yellow light, so I had no choice but to hit him. (She pushed him through the intesection) Collisions, Calamities and Injuries.

• Coming home I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I don’t have.

• I told the police that I was not injured, but on removing my hat found that I had a fractured skull.

• I pulled away from the side of the road, glanced at my mother-in-law and headed over the embankment.

• I thought my window was down, but I found it was up when I put my head through it.

• As I approached an intersection a sign suddenly appeared in a place where no stop sign had ever appeared before. I was unable

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to stop in time to avoid the accident.

• In an attempt to kill a fly, I drove into a telephone pole.

• I saw two kangaroos having it off in the middle of the road. So I hit them, which caused me to ejaculate through the sunroof.

• I was thrown from my car as it left the road. I was later found in a ditch by some stray cows.

• The telephone pole was approaching. I was attempting to swerve out of the way when I struck the front end.

• I pulled in to the side of the road because there was smoke coming from under the hood.

I realized there was a fire in the engine, so I took my dog and smothered it with a blanket.

• The claimant had collided with a cow. The questions and answers on the claim form were - Q: What warning was given by you?

A: Horn. Q: What warning was given by the other party? A: Moo. Who is to Blame?

• No one was to blame for the accident but it would never have happened if the other driver had been alert.

• I didn’t think the speed limit applied after midnight.

• I had been shopping for plants all day and was on my way home. As I reached an intersection a hedge sprang up, obscuring my vision and I did not see the other car.

• The indirect cause of the accident was a little guy in a small car with a big mouth.

• I was going at about 70 or 80 mph when my girlfriend reached over and grabbed my testicles so I lost control.

• I was on the way to the doctor with rear end trouble when my universal joint gave way causing me to have an accident.

• On approach to the traffic lights the car in front suddenly broke.

• The accident was caused by me waving to the man I hit last week.

• Windshield broke. Cause unknown.

Probably Voodoo.

• No witnesses would admit having seen the mishap until after it happened.

• I had been learning to drive with power steering. I turned the wheel to what I thought was enough and found myself in a different direction going the opposite way.

•The accident happened when the right front door of a car came round the corner without giving a signal.

• I had been driving for forty years when I fell asleep at the wheel and had an accident.

• I left for work this morning at 7am as usual when I collided straight into a bus. The bus was 5 miniutes early.

• An invisible car came out of nowhere, struck my car and vanished.

• I knew the dog was possessive about the car but I would not have asked her to drive it if I had thought there was any risk.

• The accident happened because I had one eye on the truck in front, one eye on the pedestrian, and the other on the car behind.

• I started to turn and it was at this point I noticed a camel and an elephant tethered at the verge. This distraction caused me to lose concentration Disclaimer: This information may not be suitable for your individual objectives, financial planning situation or needs and you should seek advice from a qualified insurance broker before making any general insurance decisions. General Insurance advice is provided by Koch Brokers Pty Ltd trading as KIB Insurance Brokers (AFSL no. 226904) (ABN 51051305303).

MAKE 2018 THE YEAR YOU SORT OUT CONFLICT

A January article would not be the same if it didn’t talk about New Year’s resolutions in some way. You might be determined not to make any, but there is no doubt that January is a time of reflection over the past year and a contemplation of what you could achieve this year.

If last year was not a happy year for you, if there was a dispute that has not been resolved maybe 2018 could be the year that you tackle that issue. For example an issue in your workplace that you know you need to do something about – maybe January is the time to look at raising it in an appropriate manner and trying to resolve it.

NARDINE COLLIER

Or there might be ongoing problems with a neighbour (and don’t those problems often surface over Christmas!) How good would it feel to try and sort that issue out in the hopes of a peaceful 2018.

Maybe you have a court case that has been limping along. Could you suggest to the other side that you have a go at trying to settle it?

N ard i n e Collie r is an accr edi t ed S p eci alist in Fa m ily Law, a M edi at i on S p eci alist a nd Managi ng Di r ect or of Wo rkp la ce Le ga l Sol ut i ons, Cai r ns Med i ations and Collier Law yer s.

Then there are family law disputes. Some arise over the Christmas period. Some disputes have been in place for a while.

Could your 2018 resolution, be to resolve? Could this be the year that you finally sort out your property settlement with a former partner and move on? Could this be the right time to try again, to try talking to your former partner about your children?

If nothing changes, nothing will change. In other words, unless you do something about it, the conflict will remain. If you have been caught up in a conflict in 2017, you probably didn’t have a great year. You probably don’t want 2018 to be the same. If that’s the case have a go trying to resolve this conflict, whatever it is.

All the best for 2018!

M: 0428 526 568 P: (07) 4214 5666 E: nardine@collierlawyers.com.au W: www.collierlawyers.com.au

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C i t y L i f e 53 M a g a z i n e

TIME TO RESET JA N I NE N OO P E TC H

Its already February, and we have all just endured the crazy social months of November December and January - where everywhere you look there are glasses of champagne, choccies, chips and nibbles, invitations for dinners, lunches and more. A little bit here and there certainly does add up and to add to that keeping the kids entertained the kids over the steaming hot summer break, and then to top it all off finally the fun of running around doing the back to school shopping - Whew!!

The kids are NOW back at school and most of us are back to work! We can take a moment or two to breathe a little and its now time to hit the RESET button and get ourselves into a routine that is going to benefit us and become part of our daily lives. There is no point in a hit and miss approach to exercise and fitness.

Pilates is a mind body exercise modality that works your body from head to toe in a balanced way. It will improve you strength, Flexibility and Posture as well as calming the mind. If you haven’t tried Pilates this is your opportunity and yes MEN DO PILATES too!

Janine 0402 796 211 cairnspilatesbarre@gmail.com

Did you know that sitting is now classed as the new smoking? So if you sit at a desk for your work it is really important that you get a regular exercise programme going.i If you are sitting in a bad posture (who doesn’t) you are compressing your organs and they are not working optimally!

Pilates is ideal as it creates balance in your body and improves posture in as little as 10 sessions. You can also take pilates principles into your daily life to help keep your body moving mobile and young. You are only as young as your spine!

We have a 2 fantastic programmes under our 30 DAY RESET Programme. One involving our Pilates Equipment Classes and One involving all our other amazing Mat based classes. This is fantastic for you if you are preparing for you biggest day of your life - Your Wedding or getting yourself back on track after taking a backseat over the last few months or years!

The longer you leave it the harder it is to

get started again, so take this opportunity to JUST DO IT. Take the plunge and come and see why Cairns Pilates Barre is the best place for you - You will love the variety with all the classes we have on offer.

Our amazing & unique Small classes on offer in our Stunning Smithfield studio including: Pilates Equipment Classes • Pilates Reformer (Up to 4 Clients) • Pilates Tower(Up to 4 Clients) • Pilates Avalon Systems (2 Clients) • Pilates Avalon Step Barrel (2 Clients) • Pilates Wunda Chair • Cardio Pilates - Utilising the Pilates Reformer and Jump Board (3 Clients) Mat Based Classes • Mat Pilates • bootybarre -Created by Tracey Mallet A head to toe work out fusing Pilates, Dance and Yoga all utilising the Ballet Barre • bbarreless - Created by Tracey Mallet. Pilates, Dance, Yoga based workout - bootybarre without the barre • Rhythm Row (6 Clients) Utilising the stunning handmade timber Water Rowers • Yot-Box-Pilates - Muay Thai boxing (Kick-boxing) incorporating Pilates • Yot-Fit-Circuit - (6 Clients) utilising Water Rower, Spin Bike, Mat Based bodyweight exercise, Hand weights, Therabands, • Rhythm Pilates - Created by Lisa Hubbard We are waiting for YOU to take advantage of our 30 DAYS Unlimited Classes (Pilates Equipment Classes do require 3 x One on One sessions to learn the fundamentals prior to participating in Semi Private Classes) Fabulous Friendly Basi Pilates Trained Instructors ready to help you reach your Health and Fitness Goals.

See you at the barre Janine x

February 30 Day Reset Offer UNLIMITED REFORMER / TOWER SEMI PRIVATE $250 UNLIMITED BOOTYBARRE ETC $180

12 Danbulan Street, Smithfield www.cairnspilatesbarre.com.au info@cairnspilatesbarre.com 0402 796 211

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TAILOR YOUR NEW HOME BUILDING CONTRACT TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS RO S LYN S MIT H

It can be a bit confusing sometimes when you are trying to compare quotes for your new home, especially if you don’t understand what is included. As the home owner you need to make sure you understand what you are getting for your money.

Some builders will include a lot more than others as standard and this will vary from off the plan building, project building to more custom designed homes.

The builder should provide you with a detailed specification for your new home project and that will form part of the Building Contract.

It should detail exactly what product they have allowed for, from what brand of tap, to tiles, to number of power points. Sometimes this may be in the form of $ PS or $ PC for items. When this is the case it needs to be a reasonable amount or ‘the contractor’s best estimate of price’.

Some builders don’t include things that I call essentials like a water meter, concrete to patios and/or porch, premium paints, termite treatment, suitable site works, maybe even a survey set out of your home. If some of these inclusions are not what you are expecting then you should ask for the quote to include those items. This may well affect the $ bottom line of your final contract price.

Ultimately you are the one that can then determine what’s included or not included and then you can amend that to suit your budget. Once you have all this information the original builder’s quote may end up more than the other builder’s quote so take care that you know what you are getting.

Just about anything related to your new home

construction can be included; or you may prefer to perform some works yourself. If so, then this can also be excluded from your contract price and this allows you to tailor your home to your meet your requirements and budget.

The best thing about building a new home is that you get to choose what you want and most builders can change to suit your requests.

Usually, builders will get better pricing than the general public so it’s good to include most things in the building contract. If the owner supplies an item then it won’t be covered under the builder’s warranty.

The industry stipulates that any information provided should be in writing. Even if you see something on site that you want to change you will need to go back to the builder and they will provide a variation to the contract to reflect your requested changes. If there is a cost involved then the builder can price this up and include it on the variation and you can both sign it as agreed. Verbal discussion is not enough to change something in your building contract and variations may extend the construction period if more work is involved.

So if you are looking to build a new home come in and have a chat about what we can include. I like to make the process as easy and smooth as possible.

Roslyn Smith Winner HIA NQ Partner in Business 2017 Winner QMBA Women in Building 2016 Affinity Designer Homes & Value Homes (NQ) Building Designer & Licensed Builder Phone : 40518866 Mobile : 0439 855851 email - ros@affinitydh.com.au

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C i t y L i f e 55 M a g a z i n e

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C i t y L i f e 56 M a g a z i n e

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LEXUS RX DRIVERS NOW HAVE THE POWER OF THREE (ROWS) Cairns families will soon be able to enjoy more space in the luxury RX SUV following the world premiere of new variants that offer the flexibility of three rows of seating.

The seven-seat RX “L” models, available with V6 petrol or hybrid powertrains, were unveiled at the Los Angeles auto show and are due in Australia next month.

Developed to meet frequent requests from customers and dealers, the 2018 RX 350L and RX 450hL retain the model’s sleek features while incorporating a power-fold third-row seat and three-zone climate control.

Lexus has extended the body length 110 mm at the rear and used a steeper tailgate window angle to ensure good headroom for the additional passengers and class-leading luggage-space length behind the third row.

The 60/40 split-fold third row can accommodate both child seats and adults and is designed to offer the same comfort and luxury as in the middle row. It is positioned slightly lower than the second row, creating more foot room for rear passengers.

Third-row passengers have the comfort and

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convenience of separate rear air-conditioning and dedicated vents as well as a pair of cupholders.

Details that enhance versatility include a flat load floor behind the folded third-row, a hands-free power tailgate, an easily stowable tonneau and covered slide rails.

Access to the third row is made easy with a one-touch lever that folds and slides the second seat forward. Second-row seating head and legroom are unchanged.

The 2018 RX “L” models offer levels of safety, style, luxury and performance expected in this luxury Lexus SUV. The RX was introduced to the Australian market in 2003 and this year is experiencing its strongest deliveries since 2013.

Specification and pricing for the Australia RX “L” variants will be announced when they are launched locally.

To find out more about the new RX “L” models, speak to Grant Woolcock today at Lexus Of Cairns. You can call them on 40 307 555 or email grantw@lexusofcairns. com.au

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