CAIRNSLIFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2016 by CityLife Media Cairns

TRAVEL

FOOD

WINE

EVENTS

BEAUTY

HOMES

POLITICS

TRENDS

March 2016

Wedding

Modern Vs Traditional | Meet the Celebrants | Great ideas, venues and caterers

K I T C H E N S

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FOREWORD I’m not sure what the right terminology is now, is this the wet season, the storm season or the green season? Whatever it is, nothing seems adequately describe the foot blistering, jelly-fish breeding, furnace that was February. But that’s behind us now, it’s nearly Easter, and fingers crossed so far no cyclone predictions on the cards. I hope you’re sitting back with a tall glass of something cool so I can properly welcome you to our splendid March issue. March is traditionally our annual wedding edition, this year being no exception! As usual this CairnsLife Magazine is jam packed with interesting interviews, fantastic features and riveting reviews - but let’s stick to another wedding tradition!

This month we bring you... Something old - Not old, but our regulars, including job hunting with Eva Grabner and the down low on overseas cosmetic surgery with Lisa Price Something new - We meet the lovely Cathy & Len who have opened Cairns’ newest day spa. And our newest feature, Cairns Hair, showcasing the great and the good of local coiffuring Something borrowed - Borrow some great wedding ideas from the best suppliers in town. Or borrow the new Jaguar XF for a test drive. It will get you to the church on time...

Something blue - That has to be Danny Betros being grumpy about holidays. Also it could be the Cairns Dinner Theatre’s new Burlesque? We’d also like you to join us giving a warm welcome to two new members of the Cairns Life team, the lovely Jodie Ferrero and the vivacious Silvia Mogorovich, both helping to make a difference in features and sales! All the best of Life in Cairns,

Progress is intense. The all-new Audi A4.

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To experience the power of progress, book a test drive today at Audi Centre Cairns. 303-309 Mulgrave Road, Cairns | Tel. 4046 6322 | audicentrecairns.com.au

Overseas model shown.

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In Your Opinion

“In your opinion, where is the best place in the Cairns region for you and your family to get away to this Easter, and what makes it so appealing?”

Eva Grabner MANAGING DIRECTOR ELITE EXECUTIVE

“

I think the biggest attraction Cairns has to offer is it’s abundance of family-friendly places, whether it be hotels, resorts, caravan parks or beaches, we have so much to keep us busy each and every weekend! However, I have to admit our favourite place to ‘escape’ to is, Fitzroy Island. It’s like a little mini-vacation when we go there. The pool is great for kids and my son spends hours swimming and playing in there. They even have a toddler pool for the little ones. Then there is the beach, the walks and the turtle sanctuary not to mention the snorkelling and abundance of activities on offer. Port Douglas also holds a special place in my heart as I have lived there for many years and love to return for a break away. There are so many wonderful places to stay that welcome children and the choice of day trips and activities are endless.

Pip Miller

John Riordan OWNER CAIRNS MEDIA MANAGEMENT

“

With our busy schedule of two boys, a dog, cat, chicken, Aussie rules, footstall, swimming carnivals and school, there’s nothing like staying at home

BUT, we love Port Douglas, not too far from Cairns but always gives us the feeling we have been on a long break. How lucky we are to live in one of the prime destinations in Australia. There is another place we really look forward to heading to but it’s really not in the immediate Cairns region. Oakpark, located 6 hours south west from Cairns, host the famous Oakpark races in June. Once over the Atherton tablelands, grabbing a pie in Ravenshoe and then onto the Han highway, it’s a pleasurable drive. It’s a weekend of camping, sleeping under the stars and fabulous country style horse racing and hospitality, oh and the kids love it too.

Don’t forget either that the Tablelands is great, especially when it’s so hot down here as it’s a little cooler up there. So many great places to take kids to! How lucky are we?

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PIP MILLER PR

“

As a get away from it all opportunity, Easter is one of those ‘funny’ holidays in my opinion. Unless you have something already organised well in advance it can creep up quickly and leave you high, dry and sitting at home. Personally, that is not the worst thing that can happen providing you have made provisions for some r ‘n’ r or catching up with friends. For some reason Easter seems to be a cue for camping but really, that does not tick any boxes for me. I would rather stay home and enjoy the comfort of my own bed than sleep in a tent. If I could plan a getaway close by I think I would put one of the islands like Fitzroy or Green on the agenda. Another fun option that I find appealing is renting a big house with friends on the Tablelands or even better, overlooking Lake Tinaroo – a boat and driver is ideal but not absolutely necessary. In recent years we have also loved time out in Mission Beach – still a best kept secret and while rates may climb for house rentals during holiday season, an expense shared is an expense reduced when you plan to stay with friends. I love Air BnB for last minute accommodation and there is plenty to choose from on the Cassowary Coast. I am also partial to Port Douglas and while it has been years since I have overnighted there, it is a haven of good shopping, restaurants and the beach is fabulous. Finally, don’t discount our local hotels and resorts, some do amazing family packages – and the Rydges Esplanade has purposemade family rooms with gaming stations and the lot for kids under 12. I think they even throw in an Easter bunny – how good is that! In the meantime….Happy Easter holiday planning….

GRUMPY OLD MAN with

Danny

Betros Just came back from three weeks holiday down south. We went to the two extremes of Australian holiday destinations. Started out in the land of all things tattooed, plastic, pierced, shiny, fake and sleazy….. Bikie heaven, or Broadbeach to be more exact. Sat on my balcony 33 floors up listening to the sounds of rumbling Harleys and watching the world below, and couldn’t wait to get to the beach and hit the surf. I really love the waves. When I was a young bloke I would go charging into the surf like a would-be lifesaver-hero, jumping the waves, diving in and popping up trying to impress any nearby ladies. Nowadays my first priority is the water temperature. You know when you try to sneak into the surf…. water is cold, kids jumping in all around you and splashing you with freezing drops.

tripped in some kids hole and a sand castle while trying to find my wife amongst the hoards and nearly broke my ankle, all while trying to suck my gut in to look like I belonged. Found my wife who was having a sleep in one of those pop out sun shades that you need an engineering and aeronautical degree to fold down, around, twist and then in (“simple”, she said). Left the beach, nearly got run over by a bikie lady in a speeding motorized wheel chair on the pathway who was texting while scowling at everyone in her way (wheelchair rage). To top it off, in the lift going up to our apartment a bloke gets in with a backpack on and backs right into my wife’s face without even a flinch or thought of an apology. Welcome to Broadbeach!!

Shrinkage sets in and under the waves I go, only to pop up the other side to be nearly poked in the eye by a bloody idiot with a selfie stick.

As I curse them and creep forward up to my knees I reach that critical testicle height and there’s no turning back. Shrinkage sets in and under the waves I go, only to pop up the other side to be nearly poked in the eye by a bloody idiot with a selfie stick. I mean WTF? Trying to have a swim and this overly romantic and fondling young couple have a waterproof phone on the end of the stick taking bloody selfies in MY surf. All I could think of was how boring one’s life must be if you want to go home and watch yourself on the big screen in an academy award winning episode of “Swimming in the Surf ”. There was a group of girls all texting each other while swimming. One had her phone in a snappy bag. After twenty minutes of getting dumped on my head I stormed out of the surf,

When Holiday Worlds Collide

Two weeks on we went to the polar opposite Hobart. What a change! It was like we went through a revolving door and came out the other side in a different country. Great heritage buildings, slower life style, fewer tattoos, better and more genuine food and people. Had a great time, except for the trip to the now world famous MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). Two hours of my life I will never get back. Should be a marketing case study in every Australian University on how to market a pile of sh*t and turn it into a must see destination. A wall of around 100 plaster cast vaginas, and penises everywhere, and a real life imitation stomach/bowl machine that attracts everyone at 2pm daily when it actually sh*ts. My highlight was the view of the place as you cruise away up the river. The only thing I got out of it was confirmation of my long held belief that a row of vaginas is infinitely better looking than a row of penises. Danny.betros@cbre.com.au

CairnsLife

In Conversation

Photo By Mick Fuhrimann

I N T E R V I E W

From the

Words By Michelle Stacpoole

Cloncurry mob to federal politics Bob Katter When it comes to political entertainment (if there is such a term) it doesn’t get much better than Bob Katter. Whether it be straddling a ride-on lawnmower in criticism of the “petty” traffic charges of Queensland Police, or break dancing to “What you gonna do” in the Katter Army election campaign video of 2012, the federal member for Kennedy and leader of the Katter’s Australian Party knows how to garner attention. Striding into our meeting, Katter’s lithe frame and agile movements beguile his 70 years. His trademark cream Akubra crowns his shock of white hair, and his dark brown eyes crinkle in bemusement. “Let me tell you about the time I egged the Beatles,” he chuckles, jumping from story to story, all interconnected in the vivid tapestry of Katter’s life. Hailing from the Katter family of Cloncurry, Bob is the son of former politician the late Bob Katter Snr. “My old man used to say “Yeah, we Katter’s have been here nearly a hundred years, and never been quite smart enough to figure a way to get out”,” he says. Proud of his close ties with the Kalkadoon tribe of the area, Katter identifies himself as part of the “Cloncurry mob”. “None of us are white, none of us are black. We’re all sorts of racial backgrounds. Noone knows and no-one cares, which I’m very proud of,” he says. Citing rugby league as the great love of his life, Katter played on the wing for the Cloncurry Tigers, and admits to having his nose broken five times, both on and off the field.

I don’t know that I intended to stay in politics. On at least five occasions I walked into my open grave His passion for the sport in rural Queensland is still evident. “I’ve got to go out and reorganize the midwest again. Trying to get teams up in little tiny towns is so hard, but here is nothing that has done more for my first Australian cousin-brothers than rugby league. It’s done more for first Australians than any squillions of dollars in government assistance,” he says. Recognizing that his family’s wealth enabled him to attend boarding school at Mount Carmel College in Charters Towers, a deeply religious Katter speaks fondly of his former teacher, Sister Thomas. “I owe a lot of my windfall in life to her. She instilled a lot of values. I’ve only ever written two poems in my life, one of which I attributed to her,” he says. Going on to study law at the University of Queensland, Katter was President of the

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faculty and college… and left after six years without a single degree. “That’s pretty hard to do actually,” he laughs. “I just chased sheilas and played rugby league.” Leaving university to pursue his fervor for mining, Katter quickly amassed twenty mining leases, sufficient to float a mining company and raise six million dollars. “It was the land of opportunity. Who would want to sit and become a lawyer or accountant when you could do that?” he asks. The mining crash of the early 1970’s saw Katter’s mining aspirations put on the back burner. With no income, no trade and a wife and young family to support, Katter turned his hand to buying and selling cattle, forging a lucrative career until the cattle price plummeted and he eventually moved into politics. “I don’t know that I really intended to stay in politics. On at least five occasions I walked into my open grave. I could not see any possibilities (of staying on). I’d like to say that I’m morally courageous, but half of Bobby Katter just wants to go back mining and working with cattle,” he laughs. “Life was simple then. We played football. We chased copper. We bought and sold cattle.” As Katter’s assistant attempts for the third time to wind up the interview and usher the gregarious story-teller out the door to his next appointment, he pauses and a mischievous grin appears. “The next time we meet, I’ll have to finish telling you about the time I egged the Beatles,” he says.

Let’s Go Paleo Bringing to you, Cairns’ finest and freshest local ingredients straight to your workplace! Let’s Go Paleo is a mobile Paleo food service vehicle, delivering made to order salads, gourmet mains, fresh, locally roasted coffee and guilt free snacks and sweets straight to you! Convenience at its best for the busy modern man or woman.

“We felt that Cairns really needed some help with nutritional food accessibility...” Owner Tiara Seccombe, 23 says. “With so many people struggling with allergies and intollerances, or even if you’re just wanting to eat well, it’s really difficult to find tasty, healthy and fresh food while you’re hard at work or on the go - that’s where we can help!”

Using locally sourced, free range, and grass fed ingredients where possible, Let’s Go Paleo supports your busy lifestyle with convenient and delicious food, served quick and easy. Keep an eye out for “the lean, green, paleo machine” near you, stop by for a coffee in the morning at 436 Sheridan Street or call 0400 636 791 for enquiries.

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TaNKs

ARTS CENTRE

Interview with

KATE CEBERANO

FAR NORTH Queensland audiences are certainly in for a treat as the 2016 Jazz Up North Series kicks off at Tanks Arts Centre this April. Launching the coveted series is one of Australia’s premier female performers, Kate Ceberano, and her show promises to be something very special. Well-known for her incomparable vocal style, Kate Ceberano is one of those rare artists who can lend her talent to any genre and effortlessly make it her own. She stepped into jazz early in her career and quickly found her niche, performing heady renditions of jazz classics, and earning herself a stellar reputation into the bargain. Her first solo album – Kate Ceberano and Her Septet – made audiences sit up and take notice, and to be fair she hasn’t stopped since.

KATE CEBERANO JAZZ UP NORTH 2016

Fast forward to 2016 and this impressive songstress is working on her 24th album release, has been inducted into the Australian Songwriters Association Hall of Fame (in 2014) and has traversed every facet of the music industry, rightly making her a household name. Appearing in musicals, taking on a role as an artistic director, appearing on television and devoting her time to charity work, there is little that Kate hasn’t done throughout her career.

FRIDAY 15 APRIL

Much awarded, much loved, Ms Ceberano has been a treasure on the national music scene for 4 decades. Don’t miss this sparkling performance of her jazz favourites. She’s been Australia’s high priestess of Pop, an award-winning jazz singer, an artistic director and a winning songwriter – Kate Ceberano has it all. With 23 albums over 30 years, Ceberano is the most prolific Australian female artist of this era, with her music now imbued in our collective DNA. Time Out Melbourne got it right when they wrote “(the) first thing you notice about Ceberano is her energy, which actually sends the atoms crackling as she walks in the room”. Whether it is her soulful voice, her charismatic nature or exotic looks: Kate will captivate you in this extraordinary performance.

While her launch of the Jazz Up North Series marks Kate’s first performance at Tanks Arts Centre, she is no stranger to Cairns and is looking forward to her return. “When my daughter was born, I came up there with her in a sling around my neck,” she recalls of her favourite memory of the North. “There have been many gigs over the years and it always feels like I’m on a magical holiday.” Her show will showcase beautiful renditions of classical jazz standards. “I will be accompanied by some of Australia’s finest jazz musicians to help me with this,” says Kate. “I recently performed with Stanley Clark in the States and rediscovered the beauty of the simplicity of pure classic standards, and hence I’m very much looking forward to this show.” Needless to say, an evening in the company of Kate Ceberano promises to be an unforgettable experience. This is one show that will definitely sell-out and music-lovers are encouraged to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment.

COST: $55* (NO CONC) (PG) SHOW STARTS: 7.30PM – FULLY SEATED TIX: THROUGH TICKETLINK 1300 855 835

The 2016 Jazz Up North Series features an enviable line-up indeed, with the likes of Wilma Reading, Juliana Areias, Harry James Angus, Steve Clisby and George Washingmachine. Tickets to the individual Jazz Up North Series shows are now on sale.

MUSIC • ARTS • COMMUNITY • EVENTS • CULTURE

tanksartscentre.com 12

LRC16035

*A transaction fee applies to all ticket purchases.

Kate Ceberano kicks off the 2016 Jazz Up North Series program on Friday 15 April at Tanks Arts Centre. For more information, please visit www.tanksartscentre.com

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Westcourt • 4033 5170 Mooroobool • 4032 0440

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THE WAILERS (JAMAICA)

DON McLEAN (USA)

THURSDAY 17 MARCH

WEDNESDAY 23 MARCH

These legendary pioneers of roots rock reggae are back, and you’ll be deciding which famous album they perform! Don’t miss the greatest living exponents of Jamaica’s reggae tradition.

COST: $60 (NO CONC)(15+) TIME: 7.30PM VENUE: TANK 5 – FULLY STANDING

Responsible for contemporary music’s most celebrated classic, ‘American Pie’ don’t miss the legend himself for one night only, with this official Bluesfest sideshow.

COST: $65 (NO CONC) (15+) TIME: 7.30PM VENUE: TANK 5 – SEATED / STANDING

tanksartscentre.com

STEVE EARLE AND PULLMAN THE DUKES (USA) BLUESFEST THURSDAY 24 MARCH ACCOM PACKAGE Grammy award winning country/blues/folk master Treat yourself with a little STAR treatment – tickets Steve Earle is bringing his formidable band the Dukes back to Tanks for a rocking live show.

COST: $60 (NO CONC)(15+) TIME: 7.30PM VENUE: TANK 5 – LIMITED SEATING/STANDING

All tickets sold through 13

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to the hottest Byron Bay Bluesfest acts, PLUS a 5-star room at the gorgeous Pullman Cairns International. This exlusive offer is only available when you book through TicketLiNK.

ROOM PER NIGHT: $174 (DOUBLE OR SINGLE) BREAKFAST PER PERSON: $20

ticketlink.com.au

LRC15996

TaNKs

ARTS CENTRE

Food & Drink

INE of the month MICHAEL RYAN BRANCH MANAGER AT MORGAN’S CAIRNS Photo By Mick Fuhrimann

Last year it was Lou Reed shedding his mortal coil and like many of us I spent some time revisiting part of that massive catalogue of extraordinary creativity. This year its Bowie and I find myself behaving in a similar vein. There is something particularly poignant about the passing of such iconic figures who made the most of their precocious talent and matured and developed with their art over time.

One interesting sommeliers ‘trick’ which will help with a wine that is a bit tired in the decanter, is to add a nip of the same varietal of a current vintage. Just a very small amount of the younger wine can lift the old dear remarkably and allow you to appreciate some of the better characteristics. Don’t let old wines “breathe”. The act of decanting provides ample aeration. Once released from their confines, delicate old wines deteriorate rapidly.

So it is with good wine. Wine made to mature over time changes character during its maturation and its initial blessing of the best grapes from the best vineyards, the best oak and the best winemakers and technique pays off with delightful and surprising tasting experiences as it ages. But like our pop protagonists, wine will not last forever.

Rosemount Orange Vineyard Shiraz 2000.

Enjoy the wine during its ascension and probable peak and don’t let it perish unappreciated in the bottle. Remember 95% of wine is not intended to age and is ready to drink upon release. I urge you to visit wherever it is you fastidiously hide those cartons of ‘special’ wine and check out how they are going. The years pass quickly and suddenly a wine is well past its halcyon days and on the way out. If you have more than one bottle of a vintage, then drink one and check out how it is going. If you have anything in the 10 year plus age group, invite some mates around and cook a rib fillet.

The foothills of the Mount Canobolas provide a genuine high quality, cool climate region with an elevation of 900m. Rest assured, the region of Orange (like the burgeoning Heathcote) is one of Australia’s premier wine growing regions despite its relative youth. Cool climate features underpin this Shiraz which, 15 years on still displays a tight tannic backbone augmented by spicy dark cherry, tarry - peppery overtones. The fruit and tannins have softened noticeably over time and the somewhat acerbic features of its youth have mellowed into savoury licorice and caramel taboacco flavours. Round and succulent on the palate, the wine also finishes long and very clean. This Orange Shiraz is still sound and bold and very enjoyable but just off its best. Time to enjoy the remaining 2 bottles.

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Books

Dymocks ‘

Top Picks FOR THE MONTH

Everyday Super Food Author: Jamie Oliver This is the perfect book for anyone who wants to eat more healthily, but doesn’t know how or where to start. Jamie’s Everyday Super Food is easy to use, packed with delicious recipes, and makes healthy eating a doddle. Divided into breakfast, lunch and dinner chapters, it allows the reader to choose the recipes that match their lifestyle. Jamie has put together meals that the reader can eat day in, day out and this book that will fit easily into people’s daily lives. It’s about eating, looking and feeling better, every day.

The 5th Wave Author: Rick Yancey

To Tie-In with the major motion picture from Sony Pictures starring Chloe Grace Moretz (If I Stay). The 1st Wave; Took out half a million people. The 2nd Wave; Put that number to shame. The 3rd Wave; Lasted a little longer. Twelve weeks . . . Four billion dead. In the 4th Wave; You can’t trust that people are still people. And the 5th Wave? No one knows. But it’s coming. On a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs. Runs from the beings that only look human, who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan may be her only hope. Now Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death.

Night Study Author: Maria V. Snyder

New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder transports readers back to the realms of Sitia and Ixia in an exciting new Study novel full of magic, danger and intrigue. Ever since being kidnapped from the Illiais Jungle as a child, Yelena Zaltana’s life has been fraught with peril. But the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia are safe for her anymore. Especially since the growing discord between the two countries and the possibility of a war threatens everything Yelena holds dear. Valek is determined to protect Yelena, but he’s quickly running out of options. The Commander suspects that his loyalties are divided, and he’s been keeping secrets from Valek...secrets that put him, Yelena and all their friends in terrible danger. As they uncover the various layers of the Commander’s mysterious plans, they realise it’s far more sinister than they could have ever imagined.

CairnsLife recently caught up with IRONMAN Community Relations Manager and local identity Tammy Barker to discuss the book (or books!) currently at the top of her reading list. Want to know something about me that no one really knows? I have a habit of occasionally reading multiple books at once. Yes, it’s true. Some of you may think that it’s crazy, and question how I could focus and absorb each storyline. To me it’s stimulating and allows me to appreciate different genres. Think of it like switching through a range of TV channels in one night.

‘Undercover’ is a novel based on the life of Keith Bulfin.

Based on a true story, The Revenant is an epic tale of revenge set in the Rocky Mountains and soon to be a major motion picture, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Rocky Mountains, 1823 The trappers of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company live a brutal frontier life. Hugh Glass is one of the most respected men in the company, an experienced frontiersman and an expert tracker. But when a scouting mission puts Glass face-to-face with a grizzly bear, he is viciously mauled and not expected to survive. Two men from the company are ordered to remain with him until his inevitable death. But, fearing an imminent attack, they abandon Glass, stripping him of his prized rifle and hatchet. As Glass watches the men flee, he is driven to survive by one allconsuming desire: revenge. With shocking grit and determination, he sets out on a three-thousand-mile journey across the harsh American frontier, to seek revenge on the men who betrayed him.

A Little Life Author: Hanya Yanagihara

Tammy BAker

These two recent books have been captivating in completely separate ways.

The Revenant Author: Michael Punke

What I’m reading now....

Brace yourself for the most astonishing, challenging, upsetting and profoundly moving book in many a season. An epic about love and friendship in the twenty-first century that goes into some of the darkest places fiction has ever traveled and yet somehow improbably breaks through into the light. When four graduates from a small Massachusetts college move to New York to make their way, they’re broke, adrift, and buoyed only by their friendship and ambition. There is kind, handsome Willem, an aspiring actor; JB, a quick-witted, sometimes cruel Brooklyn-born painter seeking entry to the art world; Malcolm, a frustrated architect at a prominent firm; and withdrawn, brilliant, enigmatic Jude, who serves as their center of gravity. Over the decades, their relationships deepen and darken, tinged by addiction, success, and pride. Yet their greatest challenge, each comes to realize, is Jude himself, by midlife a terrifyingly talented litigator yet an increasingly broken man, his mind and body scarred by an unspeakable childhood, and haunted by what he fears is a degree of trauma that he’ll not only be unable to overcome-but that will define his life forever. In a remarkable and precise prose, Yanagihara has fashioned a tragic and transcendent hymn to brotherly love, a masterful depiction of heartbreak, and a dark examination of the tyranny of memory and the limits of human endurance.

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Keith, a Kiwi businessman living in Australia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud over valuations with a major Queensland business. He served time in an Australian prison leaving behind his wife and two children. While on the inside he met and gained the trust of Mexican fugitives, and on release was recruited and forced by the US Department of Justice to operate a covert banking operation in Mexico for the drug cartels. The order of events that unfold from there are shocking. It is 338 pages of real life grit and descriptive storytelling. Stories of Mexican cartels have always intrigued me. The Australian Best Seller ‘Batavia’ by writer Peter Fitzsimmons. A fascinating story of adventure, betrayal, mutiny and murder on board the Dutch merchant vessel ‘Batavia’ that was shipwrecked off the coast of Western Australia in 1629 during a maiden voyage from Holland to the Dutch East Indies. I picked this up after my father spoke highly of the writing and recounted their visit to the Western Australian Museum in Geraldton where artefacts from the wreck are on display.

Trinity Anglican School

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Oceana Walk Games Workshop

Stocking popular sci-fi series Warhammer 40K and the Age of Sigmar, the Games Workshop is the ultimate tabletop gaming store in Cairns.

For the table top war gaming enthusiast, the Games Workshop stocks the latest in war gaming collectables.

Prices start at $140 for the Start Collecting Box, and gift vouchers are available.

According to store manager Akeen Wallace, table top gaming is essentially a more complicated version of chess, where hobbiest and collectors create and paint miniature armies, and using mathematics, a tape measure, dice, and maps play opponents in the ultimate showdown.

Games Workshop www.facebook.com/gamesworkshop:Cairns www.games-workshop.com

Earth Toys Stocking a broad range of quality toys and games for all ages from infant through to adult, Earth Toys focus on ethically sourced and eco friendly items from around the world. According to owner Brad Russell, they also have the largest range of puzzles in North Queensland, as well

Reuben’s Guitar Repairs While the majority of business at Reubens Guitars caters to repair and maintenance of string instruments, the specialist store does offer a selection of pre-loved items for purchase. “We have quality second hand instruments for sale, ranging in price from $200 to $10,000. It is quality

Earth Toys Shop 6, Oceana Walk www.earthtoys.net

gear for the intermediate and experienced player, as well as beginner stuff,” says owner Reuben Axsentieff. A guitar player in four local bands, Rueben also makes instruments for customers locally and overseas. “We do whatever the customer wants,” he says.

Reuben’s Guitar Repairs Shop 19, Oceana Walk www.reubensguitarrepairs.com Gypsett aim to make everyone who walks into their store feel fabulous about themselves.

Gypsett Owned by Maria Slatter, Gypsett stocks a wide variety of labels, including Camilla, Three of Something, Talulah, and Lula Soul. Also offering customers a range of unique items of jewellery and accessories, Maria and the team at

as performance grade fire twirling sticks and circus toys.

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Gypsett Shop 19, Oceana Walk www.gypsett.com.au www.facebook.com/gypsett

presents unique and unusual

for that someone special Vintage Seeker Stocking boutique vintage items from the 1950’s onward, Vintage Seeker offers an eclectic mix of pre-loved clothing and accessories. “We stock Erstwilder broaches, a funky and retro inspired brand, and they are a great quirky gift for someone,” says owner Emma Rowe. Catch a Thief sunglasses are also popular, with 1950’s inspired cats eye designs, and the big round resin glasses from the 1970’s. “We also have lots of exquisite vintage jewellery and

Eggplant and Poppy With a love of handmade, vintage and up cycling, Eggplant and Poppy encapsulate an eclectic mix of handmade wares, including jewellery, vintage book clocks, coasters and other custom made items.

gifts

powder compacts, vintage bags and English made antique tea cups,” she adds. With coloured Harlequin glassware and locally made earrings by designers such as Lil’ Birdie and the award winning Timber and Cotton, even the most discerning taste is catered for. Gift vouchers are available.

Vintage Seeker Shop 11, Oceana Walk www.oceanawalk.com.au facebook.com/Vintage-Seeker-471655599581941

Eggplant and Poppy Shop 10, Oceana Walk www.eggplantandpoppy.com.au www.facebook.com/eggplantandpoppy

They also source a unique range of products and giftwares.

Dear Pearl Vintage Stockists of Voodoo Vixen, Hell Bunny, Bernie Dexter, genuine vintage frocks, jewellery and homewares, Dear Pearl Vintage will have that one of a kind gift for the unique lady.

Kaotica Vintage and Second Hand With vintage collectables, artifacts and accessories, as well as fashion, store owner Sandra Cummings has over thirty years of experience in the industry. A specialised dealer of New Guinea artifacts, Sandra also stocks gold, silver and diamond antique jewellery.

Luminous Lights A unique shopping experience, and the only one of its kind in Australia, Luminous Lights have the largest range of kids night lights in Queensland. Also offering beautiful LED decorative chain lights in battery or electric, ornamental and quality novelty lights

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Dear Pearl Vintage Shop 14 Oceana Walk www.oceanawalk.com.au www.facebook.com/dearpearlvintage

Kaotica Vintage and Second Hand Shop 22, Oceana Walk www.oceanawalk.com.au and of course fairy lights, the store will also gift wrap your items free of charge and mail them on the spot. Voted Number 1 Shopping Experience on Tripadvisor in 2015.

Luminous Lights Shop 20, Oceana Walk www.luminouslights.com.au www.facebook.com/luminouslights

Extra Extra

SPECIALISED GIFT LINES INCL.

NRL, Natural Life, Gorjuss Lotto store syndicates Printer Ink Supplies

139 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill, Cairns 07 4053 2833 Mon-Sat: 6:00 am - 6:00 pm Sun: 6:30 am - 1:00 pm Edge Hill Newsagency

Not just the papers!

Kinesiology A holistic approach to health and vitality with results that can be felt immediately.

Richard - service and a smile

6/132 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill Qld 4870

Phone 0409 451 123 and find out for yourself

Yoga through your heart; the most effective healing system you will ever learn * Nurture your body * Connect with your heart * Uplift your spirit * Find new friends

Yoga is for everyone; large variety of yoga classes available, kid’s yoga, yoga teacher trainings, corporate yoga classes, yoga therapy.

7-8/132 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill, QLD 4870 Ph: 0488 009 392 www.hridayayogaacademy.com

Winning lotto syndicates

Why? Because the shop has a huge choice of syndicates and has enjoyed six first division wins, four of them were through its store syndicates.

“All our store syndicates have 10 shares. If the syndicate wins, the prize money is shared equally among all the members of the syndicate,” adds Maxine.

Maxine and Richard Hare took over the Edge Hill Newsagency about 11 years ago. They started operating store syndicates about four years ago, and the newsagency attracts customers from all over the region, from the Atherton Tablelands to Innisfail in the south and Port Douglas to the north.

“We are well known for setting up syndicates; we sell lots. I’ve already started them for March 19, and we do about ten rounds.

“Syndicates greatly improve our customer’s chances of winning, of course. By pooling resources, you give yourself access to larger entries, a higher price ticket that becomes more affordable through the sharing, and consequently our customers have a far better chance of winning,” explains Richard.

The Edge Hill Newsagency is one of the top 5 sellers of syndicates in Cairns, and has been among the top 15 for the whole of Queensland.

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“We don’t use quick picks for our syndicates, we set up the numbers using a grid, and play those same numbers for every super draw,” says Maxine.

This is no ordinary newsagency. Besides the usual magazines, greeting cards, stationery et al, the shop is a veritable Aladdin’s cave, overflowing with quality

Exploring Edge Hill 1/ 116 Collins Avenue Edge Hill, Cairns

Breaking news: Edge Hill Newsagency is Cairns’ premier destination for lottery syndicate fans.

4032 1517 Ozmosis

New NRL merchandise

TA PA S B A R & R E S TA U R A N T

Beautiful exclusive gifts

giftware to suit all occasions, all tastes and all ages. “It’s always difficult to find different items for boys. But I think we’ve hooked it now. We’ve located several lines that fit the bill,” Maxine says, pointing out a huge range of AFL and NRL paraphernalia and Funko pop culture toys. There’s two or more shelves dedicated to Pop! Vinyl collectable figures depicting everyone’s favourite movie, storybook and other characters, and the very popular GorJuss range of figurines and giftware from Santoro in London, to appeal to the girls. It’s the kind of place you wish you had on your street corner for easy access when you’ve forgotten a special occasion or just want to say ‘Thank you’, or ‘Thinking of you’.

“We try to be different and get away from the run of the mill, traditional gift items as much as possible, and we’re always getting new stock in,” says Maxine.

3 / 138 Collins Ave, Cairns 0432 964 301 Cafe Madrid

And last but my no means least, the newsagency boasts the cheapest prices in town for print cartridges and toners.

“If we don’t stock it, we’ll get it in for you,” promises Richard.

“the village in your city”

It’s all I can do to walk out empty handed bar the pen Richard gave me to replace my own missing instrument. I cursed the fact I had bought print cartridges and a swag of birthday presents the day before. Oh well, you learn something new every day.

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Relax, Replenish, Rejuvenate The noise, debilitating heat and confusion of Lake Street at high noon disappeared abruptly as I turned into a delightful olde world viccolo – a charming little alleyway straight from the heart of a charismatic Italian town, or the cultural core of Melbourne. Sucked into my world warp, I shrugged off the cares of the week, which I sensed plopped unceremoniously onto on the ground next to one of several luxurious potted plants. If it wasn’t so enchantingly European, and the environment of a moment before so frenetic and bright, I could have stepped through the wardrobe into Narnia. I breathe for the first time in a week, or so it seems. The scene is already set and I know I am about to be enthralled. Catalena Day Spa. Open the door and you just feel the love. The mint green walls and decor elicit feelings of balance. Green is well documented as a restful colour, not only because of its natural environmental connotations but because the eye does not make any adjustment when settling on green. Green is widely heralded for its ability to refresh and restore, and for the peace it induces. Oh yesss. The décor is beautiful, the aromas are simultaneously uplifting and soothing. The word pamper nestles softly on my head, the ‘pa’ and the ‘er’ falling like power puffs onto each of

my shoulders and pressing me down gently into the inviting depths of a chic chocolate chair. Ahhh. Wake me up ten minutes before my deadline. Life throws amazing opportunities at us; some people embrace them, others miss out. Cathy Jettner and Len McKay came to Cairns in August last year, and fell in love with our beautiful region. There was no ifs or buts, they just knew this is where they had to be, forever. With 15 years in the beauty and day spa industry, and significant training in both Sydney and Darwin, Cathy has managed award winning day spas, operating a highly successful day spa in Sydney for a number of years prior to coming to Cairns. “I love what I do and I love meeting people. I consider myself so lucky to come to work in this environment every day, and I believe my passion for the beauty industry and my enjoyment of making people feel good is reflected in my service to my clients. “Leaving Sydney, I’ve left behind valued clients who very soon became lifelong friends. That’s very much the nature of our business.

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Words by Suzy Grinter Pictures by Tony Gorell / Imagination Photography

We don’t employ staff. If people come to see me, they get me. I want to get to know my clients; that way I get to know exactly what they need,” Cathy explains. Len, with years of high-end managerial roles within government and the aviation industry, is well equipped to handle the part of the business Cathy is more than happy to leave to him. “I’m the administration half of the team. It works well for us. Cathy can give her undivided attention to our clients while I handle bookings and paperwork side of the business,” says Len. Catalena offers an extensive range of quality beauty treatments and day spa packages using and retailing Pevonia Botanica skincare products, which are natural organic, and results driven, and Australian made Napoleon Perdis products. Operating hours are .30am – 5.30pm Mon to Fri, and from .30am – 2pm on Saturday, or at other times by appointment

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Designer: Sajeela Jamie. Long Straight Dress + Wrapsody Dress with Open Shoulders. Model: Sara Hasham. Model: Cara Mcilveen. Photo: Mick Fuhrimann. M ade in Cairns. Located at the Pier, Cairns. www.wildsugar.fashion

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Crutch Words

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PEDICURE • MANICURE • NAILS MASSAGE • WAXING • LASHES

Ilaria Brophy As a broadcaster I am well aware that communication is my modus operandi. My job requires me to communicate both knowledgeably and engagingly with my audience and bearing this in mind I am highly sensitive to my choice of language. Much the same way as a Tradesperson is particular about his or her tools or a Politician is concerned with spin and opinion polls. My words are my tools of trade and they can either make or break me. However it has come to my attention that I overuse the word ‘like’. No biggie, you might think? Perhaps only if I was using the word as a verb, for example, ‘I like you’ but all too often I find myself using it in a rather awkward comparative sense, for instance ‘The apple was like a different colour to the orange.’ Personally I blame it all on Cher et al. and the 90’s cult classic ‘Clueless.’ WHATEVER! (I may have just formed a W with my thumbs and forefingers but I digress.) Obviously this is an irritating habit and what is worse is that it does not represent me very well at all. According to CLEO magazine (and yes I managed to score the last edition ever!), ‘Too much Kardashianstyle lingo or speaking permanently in question makes you seem less intelligent and capable.’

With luxury and relaxation in mind we adopt a natural and eco approach to our beauty treatments. Natural, locally sourced product, raw and fresh ingredients and a simple, stylish aura of urban tranquillity

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I acknowledge that the first step to change is awareness and so my cohost and I have set up a ‘like’ button in the studio that pings whenever I use ‘like’ out of context. While this shock treatment is effective, it is subject to human error, namely my co-host Shad who almost always forgets to click the button. However in his defence it must be said that the mis-use of ‘like’ has become so commonplace that it has become part of his aural tapestry. As part of my dialectal re-awakening I thought that it would be useful to compile a list of some other filler words and phrases or as we say in the radio biz ‘crutch’ words. Here are the top 5: ‘You know’ - I always feel that this makes the speaker seem unprepared or either desperate for validation or both. It is a linguistic crime and at times I feel that I am the No. 1 offender. ‘Really’ - come on admit it, most of us are guilty of this one. It is particularly silly as we are questioning the veracity of a statement that had just been uttered in earnest. ‘Um’ - try to look someone straight in the eye as you say ‘um’.....ahh, awkward. ‘Ahhhh’ - this is best used in private, behind closed doors....if you get my drift?! ‘So‘ - it’s akin to using ‘very’ except that it is redundant, totally unnecessary and downright boring, unless you have a friend named So and you’re purely using their moniker for effect. Now that I have become aware of the most common ‘filler’ word faux pas, the next logical step is action! This is the part where we Google ‘thesaurus’ and meticulously comb through the available electronic resources to find an eloquent and ineffable replacement for ‘like’. So long crutches!

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SHOP 2 / 1 PYNE ST EDGE HILL QLD 4870

hello@sodanails.com.au www.sodanails.com.au

Belle

HAIRDRESSING BEAUTY

5A - Ground Floor Orchid Plaza, Cairns CBD (07) 4051 3927 alice01kim@hotmail.com

Merrilyn’s Hair Design

Belle hairdressing beauty

There’s few that wouldn’t admit that once you find a hairdresser who ticks all the boxes, you pray that nothing will take your new best friend away. Highly talented hair stylist Merrilyn, of Merrilyn’s Hair Design provides a unique, personalised service for men and women, taking pride in her ever growing loyal clientele, and the appeal of her attractive and welcoming salon. It’s an enticing and relaxing space, attractive art deco design tops a cool, polished concrete floor with a cosy corner nook designed for reading, sipping coffee or playing on your mobile phone while waiting for your colour to develop, or just hang out before or after Merrilyn has looked after you. “After many years in the health industry and hairdressing, I’ve found my niche working one-on-one with my clients in creating and maintaining the perfect style to suit their features and lifestyle,” says Merrilyn. The salon is designed to be a special place where they can switch off from the cares of the world for as long as it takes Merrilyn to wield her magic. Merrilyn employs no staff, preferring these days to cater to each client’s needs personally and professionally, the latter born of years developing her hairdressing skills.

Tokunai Hair & Makeup Cnr Mulgrave Rd & Lyons St, Opp DFO, Westcourt, Cairns. www.tokunaihair.com | tokunaihair@aanet.com.au | 0740 414 411

A haircut is not just that. It’s a personal experience for my client, and no two people are the same. The shape of their face, the texture and condition of their hair, the colour of their skin, even their personality will direct the style, cut and colour.

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Hairdressers In Cairns Personalised service, with over 20 years in the Hair and beauty Industy. Superior Colour Tigi, a selection of Bed Head & Cat Walk home hair care products. Drop in for a free consultation.

ABOVE

Campus Shopping Village Smithfield QLD 4878

THE REST

Closed Sunday & Monday

0403 609 166

Interview by Suzy Grinter

MARCH SPECIALS 2016 Kerasilk Keratin Treatment –$150.00 2 for 1 spray tan deal $30.00 *normally $25.00 each

Check out our other specials on our facebook page … ipSEITY Beauty & Hair Studio

Shop 11 Showground Shopping Centre, 157 Mulgrave Road, Cairns, 4870 Phone : 4051 7211 Email: ipseity4beautyandhair@gmail.com Web : ipseity.com.au

“That applies to men and women. I love the diversity of my clients and the opportunity to make them feel really special,” she says. Merrilyn’s clientele range in age from eight to eighty. “The trust or bond I have with my clients is very special. With the tools of my trade I can restore someone’s confidence, get them ready for the most special day of their lives, make a huge positive change to their appearance.” “When your client says, “I’m leaving it to you, I trust you”, it’s a very special and satisfying feeling, one of the very many reasons I love my profession.” Merrilyn, with additional experience in the fitness and beauty industries, also provides facial waxing, and eyebrow and eyelash tinting treatments.

Shop 7 Rydges Plaza Corner Grafton & Spence Street Cairns

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07 4031 4247

Scene Hair

www.scenehair.com.au

Your Wedding

When it comes to weddings, couples today have the freedom to create whatever their heartsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; desire. While there may be some elements of tradition that still exist, such as the throwing of the bouquet and garter, speeches, and cutting of the cake for example, for many, the day is a reflection of who the bride and groom are as a couple, and how they want to portray that to their guests.

THE PROPOSAL In previous generations it was considered a requirement for the groom to first ask the father for his daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand in marriage. Today, the practice is considered an antiquated, and perhaps sexist gesture. For those men who do approach the parents first, it is more as a mark of respect rather than seeking permission. When it comes to the actual proposal, grooms-to-be today are more inventive in popping the question compared to the staid proposals of generations past. From balloons and billboards to flash-mobs and You-tube, they are limited only by their budget and creativity.

THE CEREMONY The traditional wedding usually involved a church ceremony, complete with full religious mass. Those that wanted a civil service had to attend the local registry office. Today, many couples opt for a civil service at a location of their choosing, often at the same venue as the reception.

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C O V E R

F E AT U R E

The

Modern Wedding vs the more Traditional

Affair

For couples who do want a church wedding, many denominations now offer the flexibility to personalise the service, with the bride and groom writing their own vows and having input into the order of the service. THE RECEPTION The cost of the wedding reception was traditionally covered by the bride’s family. With this came the expectation that the parents of the bride would have a significant input into the arrangement of the event. Today, many couples choose to fund their own weddings. While in the past the reception usually involved a formal sit down meal, these days it can be anything from cocktail style with canapés on the deck, to a picnic in a vineyard or a barb-e-que on the beach.

When it comes to the wedding cake, the structural masterpieces of multiple tiers, pillars, layers, flower sprays, fruit cake and copious amounts of marzipan are a thing of the past. More bespoke and refined creations reflecting the couples personal tastes are offered. No longer is the bride required to change into a “going away suit”, or the wedding car to be decorated in tin cans and a “Just Married’ sign. These days, couples rarely leave their reception before their guests. There is one tradition however that has stood the test of time. While the stoic bridal “waltz” may have given way to a more romantic and emotional dance to the couple’s “song”, or even a choreographed extravaganza from the whole bridal party, the first dance as a married couple is still a poignant moment for newlyweds.

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Your Wedding

Receptions

Venues Caterers

Choosing where to hold your reception is one of the first and most important decisions you will make about your wedding day. Deciding what food to serve your guests is not far behind, and there are lots of questions to ask before you choose, and more details to follow up after you have booked a venue or caterer. Consideration of the weather is especially important in Tropical North Queensland where planning an outdoor reception in the Wet Season can leave you at risk of being washed away! Some venues offer full service, where the tables, chairs, and catering equipment are included; others simply supply a beautiful function room, a canvas on which to paint your dream wedding reception. However this also means that you will need to consider decorations, equipment hire, etc. and set aside sufficient time on

the day to set up and dress the room. These decisions are also dependent on how many guests you are hosting and what kind of menu you envision â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether you choose a self-service buffet, family size sharing platters, or prefer a formal plated service. We are fortunate to have a myriad of great locations and venues in our region, and a range of catering options to fulfil all budgets and dietary requirements. Some venues also offer a dedicated Wedding Co-ordinator, to ensure that everything runs smoothly and you can focus on enjoying your special day with family and friends! We hope you enjoy browsing the following pages looking at some of the best the our region has to offer for your special dayâ&#x20AC;Ś

A unique designer resort set amongst lush tropical gardens, QT Port Douglas welcomes guests with a contemporary yet quirky tropical feel. Make your special day everything you imagined it would be here in paradise. For bookings and enquiries call 07 4099 8900 or email sales_portdouglas@qthotels.com.au www.qtportdouglas.com.au

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Pacific Hotel

Cairns

From a small intimate dinner for 30 to an extravagant banquet for 200 guests, the Pacific Hotel Cairns is the ultimate wedding venue.

interactive BBQ buffets, couples can choose from a beverage package or run a bar tab for the evening. All menus can be customized to suit any taste and budget.

Located on the Esplanade overlooking the picturesque Trinity Inlet, the boutique hotel has a contemporary feel with a tropical ambiance, befitting a bygone era.

Conveniently located within minutes of the casino, the Reef Fleet Terminal, the Esplanade Lagoon and the restaurant precinct, the iconic 4 ½ star Pacific Hotel is the ideal base for visitors who wish to explore the exotic and spectacular attractions of Tropical North Queensland.

The beautifully refurbished function rooms include the Harbour Room with floor to ceiling windows offering 180 degree views over the city and surrounding parklands. Both the Pacific Ballroom and the Harbour Room open onto the unique Poolside Terrace, a perfect place for the ceremony, pre-dinner drinks or more intimate reception dinners. Offering a variety of menu styles including standing cocktail, buffets, traditional plated menus, share platters, and the popular

All 176 guest rooms have private balconies, with the higher rooms offering sweeping views of the mountains or harbour and surrounding parklands. With a professional, dedicated team on hand to ensure that your event is a memorable occasion, you will have peace of mind knowing that you can relax and enjoy your special day.

UN IQ U E V ENU ES • E XQUI S I TE FOOD • I MPECC A BLE SE RV ICE 07 4044 1887

s a l e s @ p a c i f i c h o te l c a i r n s . c o m

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p a c i f i c e v e n ts c a i r n s.com .a u

Tropical Weddings your way with us

Let us make your dream wedding a reality at Rydges Hotels & Resorts With two unique hotels to choose from you can have your way with us Rydges Esplanade Resort features a beautiful, tropical poolside ceremony location, versatile reception rooms for smaller, intimate receptions through to grand affairs seating up to 220 guests. Each reception room is unique and can be transformed to suit individual tastes. Choose from the elegance of the Crystal Twig room with its abundance of natural light to a poolside tropical wedding or the Joseph Banks Ballroom. Rydges Tradewinds Cairns offers both outdoor and covered ceremonies in the tropical gardens or in the Poolside Pavilion with views out to the Coral Sea for the perfect backdrop. There are a range of reception rooms available that will suit any style of wedding from cocktail parties, small intimate dinners through to traditional large banquets. The dedicated wedding coordinators onsite will assist you in planning your dream day and packages can be tailored to suit your specific style and budget. Along with the relaxed Far North Queensland atmosphere and cooling sea breezes both hotels offer a wonderful choice of indoor and outdoor venues to celebrate with family and friends providing lasting memories of your special day.

Rydges Esplanade Resort Fiona Mead 4044 9022 e: fiona_mead@rydges.com

Rydges Tradewinds Cairns John Forde 4053 0390 e: john_forde@rydges.com

For when you

say “I do” • Unique gazebo setting surrounded by lush tropical gardens, perfect for your ceremony • Traditional Queenslander style reception venues • Accommodation for guests with 345 rooms available

18-26 Cannon Street, Cairns Qld 4870 • t: 07 4053 8873 • e: funcoor@cairnscolonialclub.com.au www.cairnscolonialclub.com.au 38

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Tropical Catering & Events Tropical Catering & Events (TCE) is your prefect partner when looking to hold your wedding reception at one of the unique offsite venues in or around Cairns.

and the highly successful 2014 ATE Farewell Function, earning Tropical Catering & Events a coveted Australian Event Award for Best Achievement in Catering.

Whether overlooking the Trinity Inlet from the historical Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, enjoying the unique architecture of the Tanks Art Centre in the Botanical Gardens or stomping it up in the middle of a cane field, TCE will work with you to create a custom event that you and your guests will never forget.

With a range of menus available to suit all budgets and tastes, our goal is always to source the freshest ingredients from local suppliers.

An award-winning catering company, TCE sources the freshest local produce to create innovative menus, and has catered many of Cairns signature events including the Cairns Amateur Race Week Gala Dinner

Whether it be grain-fed beef, fresh caught barramundi, bio-dynamic ice cream, exotic fruits or bush tucker ingredients of indigenous Australia, we will work with you to customize the menu to reflect your style. Our Executive Chef, Ben McCarthy is a ten-year veteran of the hotel, and oversees catering for Tropical Catering & Events, the

Pacific Hotel and Bushfire Flame Grill. He combines a meticulous eye for detail with a deep passion to continually innovate. The result is stunning cuisine that reflects fresh local produce while always keeping the client’s vision at the forefront. In addition to providing high quality cuisine and first class service, TCE has a dedicated Events Manager with more than twenty years experience staging “wow” factor weddings in and around Cairns. When you partner with TCE you will have peace of mind knowing that the team will work tirelessly with meticulous attention to detail to bring your vision to fruition.

Tropical Catering & Events has built a stellar reputation delivering impeccable dining experiences to Cairns most prestigious signature events. Whether for 100, 1,000 or more, explore our innovative menus or let our inventive chefs customise a culinary adventure inspired by your personal story and vision.

ph: 4044 1896 • eventsmanager@tropicalcateringcairns.com.au • tropicalcateringcairns.com.au 39

CairnsLife

Wedding sample menu

Canapés 40 min on arrival or post ceremony Thai sugar cane Chicken/tamari/sweet chilli Seared scallop/sake/mango/Asian spoon Confit duck roll Baby beetroot goat cheese tartlet/onion jam On the table Mezze Board Lamb Kofta with minted yoghurt, Roast beetroot & spiced labne dip, hummus, baba ganouj. Turkish bread & Pitta bread Mushroom Dolmades, Air dried beef. Marinated olives. Grilled vegetables. Main course banquet style Grilled Tablelands sirloin steak/mushroom verjuice sauce Reef fish Mushroom duxelle, semi dry tomato Gnocchi with asparagus and shaved parmesan Sides Sweet potato, Persian fetta, spinach and pine nut salad Soft Polenta Grano Padano Dessert buffet Tropical fruit platter/Bowls of fresh berries Passion fruit yoghurt slice/Cherry cheesecake Chocolate pots/Macadamia caramel tartlets Tea and coffee

Canapés 40 min on arrival or post ceremony Chicken & coriander gyozza Forest mushroom tartlet/rocket pesto Char Sui pork wrap/hoisin/cucumber Beet sate /coconut sauce On the table Fresh baked pana de casa Entrée Up north tasting plate Chicken sugar cane picks, Barramundi Spring Roll, Pork saltimbocca with sesame shabu shabu, Duck & Plum dumpling. Main course alternate drop Wild caught Barramundi/Saffron/slow roast tomato/crush Nicola potato/sugar snap peas King Island Beef Fillet/fetta & Almond/ pink eye potato/ shiraz jus/roast field mushroom Dessert alternate drop Wattle seed Panacotta/crème de cocao/ pistachio biscotti Praline Parfait/raspberries/ macadamia crisp Tea and coffee

ONE

TWO

Platinum Cuisine PO Box 1643, Cairns QLD 4870 Australia W: www.platinumcuisine.com.au E: catering@platinumcuisine.com.au P: 61 7 4035 2523 M: 0422 465 081

Live the

dream with our team

Based in Cairns, our event and catering company service the Port Douglas, Cairns and Tableland areas. A large range of unique Locations,from the exclusive Whitfield House, de Brueys winery to unspoilt beaches or a rainforest Backdrop. Talk to our award winning chefs to create your dream menu. Here at Reef Catering Cairns we specialise in event management and look forward to helping you every step of the way with the planning of your special day. The most important day of your life deserves the very best. Whether you are planning a small intimate wedding, or need to include a cast of thousands, our beautifully crafted settings and menus will make it truly memorable. We not only help you create your perfect day, our professional approach and eye for detail will leave you totally speechless and free to enjoy it.

PO Box 1643, Cairns QLD 4870 Australia W: www.reefcateringcairns.com.au E: sales@reefcateringcairns.com.au P: 61 7 4035 2523 M: 0422 465 08

Your Wedding

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FOCUS imagery

Wedding Film + Photography

Cairns - Palm Cove - Port Douglass - Tablelands - Townsville

Graeme Bint

Over 5 years, FOCUS Imagery has produced dependable premier wedding photography with a small team of dedicated professional photographers.

Style of photography: Luminous, Natural, Romantic Favourite thing about shooting weddings: Passing a box of tissues to brides as they watch their slideshows for the first time. Favourite place to shoot a wedding: Newell Beach and Port Douglas, but it’s all so beautiful up here. Memorable experience whilst shooting: Well, some I can’t say! But I did like the time I made a $20 bet with the groom that he would cry. I made $80!

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What are your favourite go-to pieces of gear in shooting weddings? Easy, 50mm f:1.4 Art Series prime lens. It doesn’t come off my camera! It’s all you need! And a camera of course! Greatest challenge: As a perfectionist, the stress having to get it absolutely right every time. Overcoming and adapting to the harsh light conditions we face in Cairns.

Your Wedding Ceremonies any day, any time, any place in our tropical paradise

The origin of civil celebrancy in Australia was the result of an uncompromising action undertaken in 1973 by Australian Commonwealth Attorney General Lionel Murphy, whose efforts to secularise marriage were opposed by his staff, fellow Parliamentarians and Labour Party officials. He bypassed bureaucracy by taking it upon himself to type up (under the letterhead of his office) the authorisation of Mrs Lois D’Arcy, a 26-year-old mother of two babies, as a Civil Marriage Celebrant. It was signed, sealed, stamped and dropped into a Post Office Box on his way home, marking the beginning of the change in Australian culture of secular marriages being accepted as equally important to celebrate as religious ceremonies.

Cairns Ceremonies Vivian Reid JP Qual

M: 0418879380 www.cairnsceremonies.com.au • www.celebrantpalmcove.com.au E: vivian@cairnsceremonies.com.au • Fb: www.facebook.com/cairnsceremonies.

Love is Life and if you miss Love you miss Life

eve prince Cairnscelebrant

CIVIL M AR R IAG E CE L E B R AN T

your special day • your special way Together, we can design a ceremony that will be individual and unique as you both.

Hi. My name is Gwen Stevenson and I am an Authorised Civil Marriage Celebrant in Cairns. I have lived in this beautiful part of the world for over 27 years now, and I love all our fantastic locations that can be used for Weddings and other Ceremonies. From the Rainforest to the Beach, a secluded chapel in Palm Cove or a private residence to suit the intimacy you desire.

Together, we can design your own personalised vows that will suit your particular dreams, words of love that you would like to say to each other from your heart. Together, we can create the ceremony of your dreams, from a simple ceremony to a more traditional one, filled with surprises! I will conduct your ceremony in a chapel or on a beach, in a garden, or anywhere you wish to make your special dreams come true.

I would be privileged and honoured to conduct your special occasion.

0423 113 769 • 07 4038 1354 www.cairnscelebrant.com

0423 132 864 gwen@rhapsodyceremonies.com.au fb: Rhapsody Ceremonies

www.rhapsodyceremonies.com.au

Authorised Civil Celebrant of Marriage Ceremonies, Renewal of Vows, Naming Ceremonies and Funerals.

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the

Celebrants As a wider variety of people were appointed as Civil Celebrants, the scope of their role increased to include Naming Ceremonies, Vow Renewals and also Funerals. People who are drawn to this profession are from all walks of life, and in Tropical North Queensland we are fortunate to have many skilled and creative individuals authorised to officiate and celebrate your special day. In any location, whether it is on the beach, in a chapel, or even in your own backyard, a Civil Celebrant can ensure that your ceremony is personalised to suit your unique personalities, and recognises your love and commitment with meaning and joy. These pages offer a selection of the distinguished, individual and special celebrants the region has to offer…

GinaS Cairns Tropical Weddings can provide the best possible professional and confidential service - we will assist in designing your Ceremony to reflect your true personalities, feelings and thoughts – a Ceremony with heart and soul! Personal and intimate, fresh and engaging, your ceremony will be all about you, and for you, so that you & your guests come away feeling like you have all been part of something really special. We create a romantic, intimate, personal and relaxed marriage ceremony of your choice. Whether formal or informal ceremonies, on a beach, on a boat, or in a floral garden, it would be our pleasure to provide you with our professional wedding celebrant services. We will set aside as much time as you need to ensure that your Wedding Day will be special and stay in your memories forever.

For the warmest wedding in Cairns!

0417 753 371 • Severin St, Parramatta Park www.ginacairnstropicalweddings.com Like us on Facebook

TIM KELLY

CAIRNS TROPICAL MARRIAGES

Weddings 18 Whitfield Street Aeroglen

0448 492 466 • tim@cairnstropicalmarriages.com.au

www.cairnstropicalmarriages.com.au

“

By Request

I feel honoured to be invited to share in the joy of your Wedding Day, be it an Elopement or a large Celebration with many guests. I will guide and assist you to ensure that your day is everything that you imagined it to be.”

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Gayle Dean Civil Celebrant

0417 314 373

gayle@weddingsbyrequest.com.au www.weddingsbyrequest.com.au

Your Wedding

Honeymooning by Sandy Sirianni

Wherever you happen to be spending your honeymoon one thing is for sure, it pays to get it right. Traditionally, honeymoons are one time in your life where you can splurge with immunity, for couples to spoil themselves as they begin their journey into the next phase of their life. At the “Save the Date” Wedding Expo I had the opportunity to speak to many prospective brides about their honeymoon wish list. The top destination I was asked about was the Maldives closely followed by the perennial Thailand and growing interest in the Philippines with Boracay being the favourite. Luckily for us, there are easy connections out of Cairns to all of these wondrous places. Maldives offer a range of accommodations from fully inclusive resorts, hotels and beautiful overwater bungalows where you can literally dive off your porch into the crystal blue waters. Great connections via Singapore offer the opportunity for a bit of stop and shop enroute as well.

A cruise-ship wedding is the perfect way to unite family and friends together on a holiday whilst celebrating at the same time. Often easier than a single destination wedding, they offer an all-inclusive option that really does cater to all needs. That is if you can cope holidaying with the family and in-laws. Here are some tips to bear in mind when organising your honeymoon. Firstly I would say employ the assistance of a reliable travel agent. They will know all the perks to find you best inclusions, will know the best places to stay for the most romantic sunsets, best shopping and nicest restaurants. You can’t beat that expertise, advice regarding visas, medical requirements and other travel tips. Secondly, book early especially if you are getting married in a school holiday period or other peak times. Getting the hotel and room of choice is so much easier when you book months in advance and airfares generally are cheaper if you can lock in a good deal. Plus there is the benefit of being to pay the trip off over time, helping to spread the cost that a wedding entails.

Everyone loves Thailand with Phuket and Koh Samui leading the way. Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phi Phi and a host of lesser known destinations offer honeymooners the chance to get away without the crowds.

It is a good idea to set up a “Honeymoon register” with your travel agent and advise your wedding guests so they can help to pay off your romantic getaway. This is growing trend and a great idea these days where we tend to live with our intended for a period prior to tying the knot. Most couples already have all the necessities and really don’t need or want another toaster.

The Philippines are now at our doorstep with direct flights to Manila and offer a wonderland for divers and beach loving couples. Boracay is a popular favourite along with Cebu and Palawan, offering something a little different and less touristy.

At the end of the day, a honeymoon is all about spending time with that special person in your life. Whether it is a local getaway, extended break or trip of a lifetime, it is who you are with that really matters.

Destination weddings are always popular, especially with “second time around” nuptials. Fiji, Vanuatu and Thailand are among the most popular, with a growing trend for couples looking to tie the knot whilst on a cruise.

Sandy Sirianni is a travel agent with MTA travel, and has over 25 years industry experience. ssirianni@mtatravel.com.au

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is now available for test drive in Cairns.

M E M B E R

ENHANCE YOUR MEMBERSHIP GROW YOUR BUSINESS FIND OUT MORE

Why should that sentence interest you? Essentially, the Audi A4 is the marques largest selling car across the world, outstripping the hot little A3s and impressive Q series, both of which have better numbers than the A4 in Australia. There’s a reason it sells so well - it’s a bloody good car! To appease the masses (or a least keep them parking the four rings on their drive) the latest iteration of the A4, remains unmistakably Audi. That’s not to say that the new A4 hasn’t been refreshed, Audi claim that about 90% of the car is new. Although, as with many other updates, the biggest changes are found inside and under the bonnet.

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Australian dealers offer the car with four engine options, the most notable being the new 185 kW (around a staggering 250hp in old money) 2.0 TFSI quattro which reaches 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. The 2 wheel drive version with 140 kW is impressively efficient, and at only 5.3 litres per 100 km, the 2.0 TFSI has the lowest combined fuel consumption for any petrol engine in its class.

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New A4s have autonomous emergency braking, which now works up to 60km/h. Excluding manual versions, A4s across the range will have the outstanding seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission, which is smoother and cleaner at low speed than the previous version. Recent tweaking of the dual-clutch gearbox is in large part responsible for the improved efficiency of the A4 range.

If you are interested in being a Panel Provider, visit our website to find out more. CAIRNSCHAMBER.COM.AU

NEW

2016

The interior is clearly German, perfectly constructed with minimalist practicality. All models include customisable virtual dashboard as standard. Other options include outstanding LCD “matrix” headlights, full connectivity with access to your own apps through the console and an utterly astounding Bang & Olufsen Stereo. Take the hint from the rest of the world, pop down to Audi and see if you agree!

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Motoring

A new F

Jag

by David Leith Everybody knows I like Jags. I have never made that a secret, and a Jaguar has been my daily driver for the best part of 20 years. Jags, you may think, are big, cruisey and come from a land that styling forgot. A throwback to a bygone era of flat caps, whippets and roadside swearing at straight six engines shoehorned in under curvaceous bonnets. The E-type defined the car world in the 60s - it was (is!) a pig to stop, a pig to get going, a pig to change direction, but more significantly, it is mind-numbingly beautiful. In 1968 the XJ6 picked up the already wellcrafted gauntlet laid down by the Marks 1, 2 and 10 and successfully avoided any significant styling changes for over 40 years. Jags were like driving your front room, some were quick, all handled better than you expected, but usually not as well as you wanted. Even the fast Jags were a symbol of timeless automotive opulence: a Chesterfield sofa sprinting past an IKEA settee. For the best part of sixty years, they were dreadful. They had the depreciation of a skydiving anvil and were plagued by problems so entertainingly dramatic as to completely destroy their market outside British gangsters and the financially insane. By the time Ford bought Jaguar in 1990, it was a British cottage industry planting walnut veneers into instantly rusty, Leyland produced shells. Even under the pressure of Ford’s huge international might, Jaguar resisted the rest of the world’s progressive automotive design. Occasional flourishes like the XK8 provided fleeting insight into what could be, but wasn’t. The old guard prospered, as did acres of leather and forests of wood, reliability improved… but to be fair, it would have been virtually impossible for it to get any worse! Then something significant, and completely unexpected, happened… It was late September 2007, on a slightly drizzly Teutonic morning in the financial metropolis of Frankfurt, that the covers first came off the Jaguar XF. Saying it was “all new” really was insufficient, like comparing a helicopter with a sparrow. It was beyond a reimagining, it was, well, modern. However, amidst the fever pitch and shutter clicking, all of us walnut-loving jag nuts knew that after that day nothing would ever again be the same. Tata, the massive Indian automotive conglomerate,

had bought Jaguar, and under careful considered leadership, had taken the ailing marque, distilled it and using that essence had started again. The car was nothing like it’s forebears but still, it remained subliminally the same. The designers had managed to embody Jaguar into an aggressively stanced, modern masterpiece. The styling cues that had dominated the prior 60 years were no more, the sleek low down body emanated muscular power, like the eponymous marque, ready to pounce. Fast forwarding to the first quarter of 2016, Jaguar has leapt to the front of the pack, and is the only manufacturer to have achieved such an extensive overhaul of, not only it’s range, but also it’s reputation. This month sees the latest Jaguar revelation to arrive in Cairns, the 2016 XF. All accounts seem to be that this one is the worldbeater, the one that will stem the flow of German Luxury cars on all continents – well, at least take a bite out BM and Merc. The original XF was a great car, but even so very little of the original has made it through to this incarnation. All new aluminium underpinnings, the first of Jaguars’ Ingenium engines are all beautifully contained in a strikingly designed exterior. The overall shape has a slightly harder stance, while the Jaguar corporate nostril is a little more sharply flared up front, the rear and rear light changes have become reminiscent of the F-type. The evolution of the XF is even more apparent once sitting inside, although the rising gear selector and rotating air vents have been retained – for their theatrics – there is an all-new look and feel, according to Jaguar’s head of design, Ian Callum. Almost everything else has been redesigned…. It’s great that, to paraphrase Apple: the only thing that has changed is everything! Now, I don’t want to go on and on about how great it is to drive (it is), or whether the oversteer is a little pronounced (it isn’t), or if the cabin is perfectly appointed (it is). There are four trim and equipment levels (not dissimilar in concept to the recently launched XE), from a 2.0 four cylinder turbo V6 turbo diesel, to the speeding 3.0 V6 with 0-100km times ranging from a respectable 7.0s to a mildly hair-raising 5.3.

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XF’s cabin remains relatively conservative with the “Riva Hoop” dashboard first outed in the most recent XJ and then again in the XE, this encircles the top of the dash and lends a touch of nautical quirk to the sophisticated minimalism. Jaguar’s often criticised infotainment system has been completely updated boasting a similar array as any of the XFs, options are in the pipeline for a virtual dash along a big screen interface, replacing the analog dials.

The cabin is ample but the trademark Jaguar cosseting of the driver makes you feel you are in a cockpit rather than on a lounge. Simply because I think this is one of the most beautifully poised, well mannered and comfortable luxury cruisers on the market doesn’t mean that it is. But, I think, you may have guessed I’m already rather biased. SO my advice is simple - potter down to Trinity, tap Steve or Mitch on the shoulder and go for a drive - but make it the last car you test drive, if you don’t everything else will be disappointing - no really, it will…

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Motoring Enthusiasts

R E V I E W

GT-Mustang And that’s just the point. Owning a Ford Mustang is about buying into a legend, one that went mainstream after the 1968 hit movie Bullitt, when the ultra-cool Steve McQueen tore up the screen in his 1968 Ford Mustang 390 GT 2+2. McQueen’s popularity shot to superstar status overnight, while the Mustang became an American automotive icon.

“

The new generation Mustang, totally nails it. All the proportions are right, with homage to the original Pony car being paid in full, with signature Mustang cues like the long bonnet, shark-bite grille and triple-segment taillights.

“

There’s been a fair bit of debate in the CarAdvice office lately about which iteration of the all-new 2016 Ford Mustang represents the best bang for your buck. While the 2.3-litre turbo-four is the more economical option, the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 promises to deliver the true spirit of the nameplate.

V8-powered GT model, and the remaining 20 per cent choosing the fourcylinder version. Enthusiasts will demand the V8. But for those more frugal buyers, the turbo-four will seem like the perfect package. I get it, I really do. You still get the great looks and decent performance, but above all you get outstanding value for money. The entry-level EcoBoost Fastback can be had from $45,990 (before on-road costs) – a substantial discount over the $57,490 full-strength GT, by any reckoning. Underneath, it’s a different story. For argument’s sake, let’s leave any discussion around the Mustang’s exhaust note aside for the moment and focus on the headline performance figures.

For me though, the bond with the original by Anthony Crawford ‘Pony car’ started a couple of years before The heavy-hitting V8 makes 306kW of www.caradvice.com.au power at 6500rpm and 530Nm of torque the movie’s release, the day my old man borrowed his business partner’s 1966 at 4250rpm, with combined fuel economy Mustang import for a weekend trip with the family from Sydney estimated at 12.37 litres per 100km on premium 98 RON for the to Canberra. manual and automatic. As you might imagine, this was a huge step up from our bogstandard family Falcon, because even before Bullitt, the affordable Ford Mustang had already become a blue-collar hero in the States, especially if it swapped the lazy straight-six for the infinitely more charismatic 289 cubic-inch (4.7-litre) small-block V8 engine, as ours surely did. And therein lies my position in the 2.3-litre turbo-four v 5.0-litre V8 argument. It’s pretty simple really: if you’re going to drive a Mustang, be sure it makes all the right noises. And that also seems to be the consensus among the 4000-plus Aussie buyers who have already put down deposits on the new sixth-generation Mustang, with around 80 per cent opting for the

The more frugal four-cylinder version generates a not too shabby 233kW at 5600-5700rpm and 432Nm at 3000rpm, while consuming a claimed 9.04L/100km of standard 91 RON combined for the manual and 9.4L/100km for the automatic. So on paper, there’s no contest when it comes to engine displacement. The GT has got its four-cylinder sibling well and truly beaten in that department. But what the turbo ‘Stang looses in good ole-fashioned cubic inches, it more than makes up for at the petrol bowser. Of course, enthusiasts won’t give a hoot about fuel economy when it comes to their new Mustang. For those buyers, it’s all about thunder and lightning – the same as it’s always been with American muscle cars. For more of this review go to.....

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photo courtesy of Ford Australia

With pumped-up guards, big wheels and that classic fastback profile, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as masculine as ever

80 per cent of punters are opting for the V8-powered GT model

Photos courtesy of CarAdvice.com.au

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Kick Start your career Learning is an integral part of life, and whether ideas or skills, the things in life that pique our interest enough to invest our time and effort into learning how to do (to the best of our ability), are precisely the things that can so significantly shape the course of our lives. With so many choices currently available, it can seem a daunting prospect as the decision making process can seem endless; firstly, you need to decide what you want to study, then find out where it is offered, how to apply and support yourself financially, who to get advice from, and the list goes on! There are some career goals that can only be realised on the successful completion of a degree, and one of the benefits of a formal education is you also learn how to learn, which is a useful tool for life in the technological age, given that

online courses are an affordable and less structured option. “Between 2005 and 2010, the number of students in higher education rose by around 25 per cent to reach 1.2 million.” Australian Bureau of Statistics, Year Book 2010. The range of courses offered by universities, TAFEs and other higher learning institutions is astounding. And you can check your eligibility for one of five possible HELP loan schemes, a federal initiative to ensure accessibility to higher education for a wide range of socio-economic groups. There is a wealth of information online, which is complemented by dedicated professional resources to assist you in making the necessary decisions to begin your course, regardless of your age or situation.

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Skill360 partnering with

Kick Start

An alternative to the scholarly route is apprenticeship to a trade, this can be learned onthe-job, while earning a wage, that increases the longer you are an apprentice, or as you gain specific competencies. This can be an ideal path for those who have lost patience with structured education, or thrive in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;learn by doingâ&#x20AC;? environment. Many apprenticeships can be started in high school, but it is a misconception that they are only for the young. Adult Apprentices (over 21 years of age) are generally entitled to more pay and benefits, additionally your current skills and experience may count as credit, enabling you to shorten your training period and earn your qualification sooner. Added to that, trade qualifications are great if you decide to work in another country, as they generally represent highly transportable skillsets that can easily adapt to different cultures.

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Over the past few decades there has been a marked increase in mentoring programs and coaching consultancies; what began from an informal trend has developed into an effective, often structured approach to professional development around the world.

Training for employment We train in:

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Certificate and Diploma level courses, and Short Courses available. Study on campus, online or in the workplace.

To begin call 4032 9888 or go to www.megtinstitute.edu.au

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Kick Start

Mentoring describes a relationship in which a mutual desire for development towards achieving career goals and objectives can become a positive, challenging and fulfilling experience for both the mentee and the mentor. Being exposed to a different network of business contacts is another favourable aspect of successful mentoring. An increasing number of businesses are offering in-house mentoring programs, while sole traders and small businesses can (with a certain amount of consideration) approach previous colleagues or leaders in their field or engage the services of a professional mentor. Sometimes a fresh, focussed or experienced perspective can prove invaluable in reaching the next level of success. There are many reasons to research and seek information about changing careers, up-skilling, and professional development, but the main one is surely that challenging yourself to learn new skills is a great way to exercise your brain, reignite enthusiasm and kick start your career.

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6 Month

Work Rights Extension FOR WORKING HOLIDAY VISA HOLDERS IN NORTHERN AUSTRALIA The working holiday visa allows applicants between 18 and 30 who are from eligible countries, with reciprocal arrangements with Australia, to have an extended holiday in Australia for up to 12 months with working rights. The visa allows for work of up to 6 months with any one employer, study rights for 4 months and multiple entry to and from Australia while the visa is valid.

introduced under the Australian Government’s White Paper on Developing Northern Australia.

Recent policy changes have been implemented allowing working holiday visa holders to be granted an extension of the six month work limitation for eligible work activities undertaken in Northern Australia in the industries of Agriculture, forestry and fishing, Construction, Mining, Aged and disability care and Tourism and hospitality.

Tourism work includes work in a range of positions where the primary purpose is to directly provide a service to tourists, including tourist guides and operators, outdoor adventure or activity instructors, tourist transport services, and gallery or museum managers, curators or guides. Hospitality work may be in a range of positions in hotels or other accommodation facilities, restaurants, cafes, bars and casinos, and conference and event organisers.

Visa holders who can demonstrate that they have worked for 6 months with an employer in any of the above industries and in eligible Northern Australia postcodes can be granted an extension to continue work with the employer for up to 6 additional months (a total of 12 months’ employment). A letter of support from the employer in Northern Australia containing details of the work activities undertaken must be provided.

Not all occupations qualify for the extension and the occupation must be an ‘eligible work activity’.

Eligible employment under the aged and disability care industry involves work activities in the following four sub-categories: Aged Care Residential Services, Disabilities Assistance Services, and Aged Care Assistance Services and Aged or Disabled Carer.

An application for the work rights extension must be made and approved by DIBP before the visa applicant can work past the 6 months. It is not automatic and must be applied for and approved by DIBP before a visa applicant can continue to work past the 6 months.

Eligible work activities under agriculture, construction and mining involves plant and animal cultivation, fishing and pearling, tree farming and felling, coal mining, metal ore and oil and gas extraction and various residential and non residential building construction roles.

The extension for employment in Northern Australia is designed to support high demand industries in Northern Australia and is one of the measures

For further advice and assistance on immigration matters you can seek the advice of a Registered Migration Agent.

Want an Australian Visa? At Visa Connection we provide expert and personalised immigration advice to individuals and corporations worldwide. We have a vast knowledge of: • Australian Migration Law • General Migration Advice • Family sponsored visas • Spouse and Defacto visas • General Skilled Migration • Australian Citizenship and • Work sponsored visas (457 and RSMS/ENS)

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Call us today on: (07) 4051 9043 to arrange your FREE half hour consultation Registered Migration Agents Fiona Ryan, Registered Migration Agent No. 0640004 e info@visaconnect.com.au www.visaconnect.com.au

Do you own your child? Suzanne Hadley Custody access visitation – you all know what these terms mean don’t you, in a variety of contexts. Taken into custody by the authorities – that is one meaning, for sure. Also commonly used when referring to who is the main parent. The term needs no explanation right? Access - There is access to resources, access to buildings, access to information and access to seeing your children– no problem there, either, right? Visitation? Well that can be from on high, or it could be something else, like seeing your children when they do not live with you. You might even think ‘visitation rights’ You hear it on the radio, on television and even from the mouths of politicians so it must be right. When it comes to the care of children, you are wrong, wrong, wrong. We don’t own our children to have custody of them. The other parent’s role is not so diminished that they are only allowed access to their own children, like some meagre gift that’s doled out carefully apportioning part of your property. Its almost 20 years since the Family Law Act was changed to reflect changing attitudes towards the care of children yet still we hear, even from senior politicians, including almost every Prime Minister to date, the terms, custody and access. The Act changed

significantly at that time, replacing those old possessory terms of reference, which implied ownership. When the Act changed, it reflected the real aspect of family life, focussing on relationships, responsibilities and rights. Each parent has a relationship with their children and they have the right to maintain that relationship just as the child has the right to maintain his or their relationship with each parent. Each parent also has responsibilities towards to promote the child’s best interests and promote the other parent’s relationship with the child The reality of life is that parents share the care of their children, either equally; the most common arrangement between separated parents, or in some other arrangement that works for their family. Children don’t have access to their parents; they spend time with their parents, significant time, including time that is not a weekend or public holiday. Significant time allows each parent to be involved in their child’s day to day life

So why, if its 20 years down the track, are we still hearing these terms? Is it because generally we’re comfortable with those terms? Is it because our politicians feel they are reaching their constituents when they use those terms? Is it because we’re so saturated with American programmes that use those terms so frequently that we fall into the ownership trap of descriptors? I don’t have an answer to that. But when you talk to me and other family lawyers, you won’t hear those old fashioned ownership terms. You’ll hear the reality of life. Your children live with their parents, spend significant time with a parent where the care is not shared and you and the other parent have parenting responsibilities.

Suzanne Hadley is a Queensland Law Society Accredited Family Law Specialist.

Except in extraordinary circumstances or where it’s not practical to do so, the responsibility for making long term decisions about their children’s life, education religion and major health issues, is shared equally. A shared decision making process with both parents being involved in the decision, not one parent alone.

• Divorce applications.

CAIRNS FAMILY LAWYERS

• Cohabitation agreements. • Prenuptial and binding financial agreements. • Surrogacy and assisted conception agreements.

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

• Assistance with the resolution of parenting arrangements.

82 Scott Street, Cairns

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Ph: 07 4044 5000

hadleyfamilylaw

Job Hunting is a Sport:

practice hard and play by the rules Eva Grabner Although Australia is not officially in a recession, we haven’t exactly been going through a boom period either. Clearly there is an economic downturn in areas such as mining and construction which has impacted unemployment, share prices and housing values, consumer confidence and capital investment. I speak with candidates on a daily basis that have been made redundant and are struggling to find work despite having a strong professional work history. The majority of employers are nervous employing those that are ‘overqualified’ as they feel they will leave once the economy improves or a better opportunity comes up. This can result in a very frustrated job seeking experience for some. I recommend you treat job seeking like a game: take it seriously, practice hard, play by the rules but remember, when you lose, there is always next time. Here are my suggestions to help you maximise the chance that you win the game: • One option for those who have been in the same industry is to look outside the square. See my last article ‘Are you thinking of changing industries’ (Cairns Life Dec/Jan

issue or www.eliteexecutive.com.au). • Is your resume up to date? Most high level professionals don’t have a current resume and tend to ‘throw something together’ when they are job hunting. If you are not up to date on resume formats, cover letters, etc. then get a professional to update yours for you. It’s worth it. • If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up immediately. The majority of businesses will check your background via LinkedIn. Again, get a professional to help if you are unsure how to do this. • Network, network, network! Get out and about within your local business community. Join local chambers, networking groups, etc. It’s the best way to make new business contacts. • Be prepared! Hand in hand with your resume is preparation. Have you researched the company you are interested in? If applying via a job site, have you addressed the key criteria in your cover letter? • Follow up on applications. Yes, do. This will make you stand out. I recommend a phone call a few days after you sent your application, just to ensure it has been received by HR. Don’t overdo it though; there is a

fine line between a class act and being needy or desperate, but it will draw attention to your application. • Have a personal business card made up for your job search. Have accurate and current information on it and a link to your LinkedIn page. • Consider temp or contract work or even volunteering. This will help you to gain exposure and sometimes permanent job offers come from contracting. • Acquire new skills. Learn new software or update/expand on your skills. Perhaps start that degree you always wanted to. Last but not least, are you prepared for an interview? Do you know how to present yourself ? Check out our blogs at www. eliteexecutive.com.au for some quick tips which may help, otherwise, feel free to contact me for any assistance with your job search. Good luck with the game of job seeking!

Eva Grabner is an Executive Recruiter and Search Consultant with nearly a decade of experience across a multitude of industries, and the Managing Director of Elite Executive www.eliteexecutive.com.au

CHANGI NG THE FACE OF RECRU I TM E NT • Executive Recruitment • Global Search Specialists eliteexecutive.com.au info@eliteexecutive.com.au 07 4057 9053

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• Human Resource Consulting • Resume and Career Advice S P EC IALTIES IN CLUD E: Executive roles (CEO, CFO, COO, MD, GM) | Engineers, Project Managers and Construction Managers | Health, Safety & Environmental Managers | Logistics, Supply Chain & Procurement | Accounting & Finance Professionals | Human Resource Specialists | Sales & Marketing | Operations Staff

Leading the way in f in anc i al ad v ice

When John Menico and Fred Parrish established their individual financial advice practices in the 1970’s they became trusted names in financial planning, helping their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth. Today their legacy continues through their sons, Anthony Menico and Matthew Parrish, who along with Jo Tuck are at the helm of Menico Tuck Parrish, a leading financial services firm. With core values of integrity, respect and trust, Menico Tuck Parrish have worked hard over the years to build their reputation and gain local recognition as providers of quality financial advice. Their dedication to providing clients with great advice and service as well as their efforts to improve the advice profession as a whole has awarded the team Financial Wisdom’s prestigious Queensland Practice of the Year for 2015, and the 2015 Quality Recognition Award. Honoured to receive the accolade, Jo says that the awards are affirmation and recognition by others that they are good at what they do. “In particular we value the Quality Recognition award because it is assessed by those who understand the rigours of the complex legislation we work under, as well as what good advice looks like,” she says.

“We don’t devise the plan and then just give it to the paraplanners to write up – we get them to think through the strategy as well, to make sure it’s the best that it can be for that particular client,” he adds. With a large team of four advisors, three paraplanners, four client service officers and three administration staff, the team have a strong regional presence that continues to grow, receiving a constant flow of referrals from existing clients and referral partners.

Being able to deliver positive outcomes for clients is one of the greatest rewards you can have.

At Menico Tuck Parrish, maintaining advice quality is very much a team effort where one cannot do without the whole.

“The feedback that we often receive from our clients is that we care. It’s all about having empathy and understanding. Clients see that level of care and know that we’re doing whatever we can to address their needs,” says Anthony. According to Anthony, the most rewarding aspect of being an adviser is the chance to see client’s dreams being fulfilled, and removing the stress around things like retirement, making their lives easier and more comfortable. With all the elements in place for a successful industry leading practice, the team at Menico Tuck Parrish is looking forward to a bright future. Proud to be part of the Cairns community, the firm will continue to build on their foundation of excellent service and advice, meeting the needs of the next generation of clients. “It’s a great privilege, this job that we do,” says Jo. “Being able to deliver positive outcomes for clients is one of the greatest rewards you can have.”

“For example, our in-house paraplanners are involved in a client’s strategy from the beginning,” says Matthew.

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192 Mulgrave Road WESTCOURT, QLD, 4870 07 4044 7888 www.mtpfinancial.com.au

Cairns Business Women’s Club MARCH LUNCHEON

Yolonde Entsch Yolonde will be sharing her story from stilettos in Canberra to gumboots in Malanda. Yolonde Entsch realised that she wasn’t living her dream and that she needed to make some tough decisions. In 2012 she returned with her daughter to the city she loves, Cairns. Within six months Yolonde was married to her soul mate and within twelve had embarked on building a cattle empire and creating WILD, a lifestyle design program for women. She is currently committed to a range of humanitarian work, including as Cairns Community Ambassador for YWAM Medical Ships.

GUEST SPEAKER

Tuesday 8th March DATE

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Aon Australia Aon is a diverse global organisation providing specialised risk management, risk financing and insurance services to a wide range of clients. We specialise in negotiating the best deals available for our clients and are focussed on achieving the optimum balance of cover, security and price. Locally the Cairns team has 9 highly experienced broking staff with indepth insurance industry knowledge to assist you. Aon delivers distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions focussing on areas increasingly in demand:

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• General insurance broking, • Risk consulting • People risk solutions With a commitment to establish long-term client partnerships, Aon helps clients anticipate the obstacles that stand in the way of achieving their business vision and provides solutions that help clear the path to their success. Aon have a wide range of industry and risk specialists across areas such as valuations, occupational health and safety, risk accounting, risk profiling, people risk, talent rewards and benefits and financial wellbeing. We offer you market-leading client advocacy and contestability to ensure the most effective protection of your business, your assets and your people.

Common Misconceptions of

Search Engine Ranking Cathy Earle You’ve likely received that golden nugget promise email, the one that guarantees to get you the number one position on a Google search. And it may have piqued your interest, as we all know, if you want to be found on the search engines, being on the second page isn’t the ideal position. The problem is, if anyone is promising you a number one position, it’s probably because you’re already number one for a keyword or phrase such as your own business name — which should be a given unless you have a lot of competition from businesses with a similar names. Optimisation is not as simple as adding a few keywords to the backend of your website and submitting it to the search engines. There are a lot of factors that go into becoming “number one on Google.” It takes a lot of research, a lot of quality content, as well as a variety of factors being implemented into the backend of your site. If you’re serious about optimising your site you need to be serious about the amount of work involved and the time it takes to reach your goal. It’s also important to understand that you won’t always be found at the top for every search phrase. Look at Search Engine

Optimisation (SEO) like a marketing project rather than “something that you should do”. If you don’t have a budget for it or you don’t think it’s worth budgeting for, then maybe SEO is not for you. If you have a three or five page site that hasn’t been updated in years, you’re already not taking your online marketing very seriously — so why then would you expect the search engines to take you seriously? If you’ve decided that it’s worth your while and you’re ready to allocate some time and a budget to competing with those at the top, here are a few other things to consider before taking the SEO plunge. 1. Are you interested in adding Social Media to your regular online marketing to-do-list? Links on your social media accounts that drive traffic to your website play a role in Google’s ranking algorithm. 2. Can you confidently write a 350 to 500 word quality article that focuses on a particular topic. Bear in mind that SEO is not a one off thing, so this would need to be done on a regular basis. If you personally can’t write this or don’t want to, are you willing to pay someone to prepare this content for you?

3. Do you have the knowledge to analyse where you currently rank compared to your competitors? Google is constantly changing the way it’s algorithm works, if you’re not constantly keeping up-to-date with the changes, your site can’t evolve with the algorithm. 4. Are you looking for immediate results? SEO takes time, and patience and you won’t see results overnight. It’s also not a “do it then leave it” process — like a website itself, SEO a continually evolving puzzle that needs continual input. Getting to number one is no easy feat, and if you’re not willing to put the time and effort into ranking well organically, then perhaps a better option would be to spend your advertising dollar on a Google AdWords campaign. Cathy Earle is an Internet Consultant and Social Media Strategist. She has been developing websites and online strategies for clients in Australia and North America for over 15 years. Her degree in Public Relations and Management Communication, in addition to a 12 year career as owner of an independent publishing company, have proven beneficial to her work today — navigating the vast world of the internet and online marketing.

WEB DEVELOPMENT & SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING • Specialising in the WordPress Platform • Custom Web Designs • Search Engine Marketing • Social Media Marketing • Search Engine Optimisation peaksmedia

@peaksmedia

peaksmedia.com.au | Ph: 4059 0285

CairnsLife

Vickie and Piet

Words By Suzy Grinter

There’s something about people who participate in high risk sports that tells you anything they do outside their sport will benefit from their strong will and determination to continually challenge the norm. People who live on the edge in this way are sometimes referred to as Type T, and apparently they’re not just adrenaline junkies, but quite often the inventors, explorers and ground-breakers of our world. There’s certainly no grass growing under Piet and Vickie Baxter’s feet. They have hit the Cairns ground running with their innovative building company, Modern Rustic. There’s no place for static in this building enterprise. Vickie is a livewire, her infectious enthusiasm and passion tangible. The air around her quivers with unsated creativity, and I feel the energy of 100 unique, award winning homes bursting through the restrictions of gaining recognition that accompany the birth of any business. A trained zoologist, Vickie pulled out all stops to gain a place in the male world of industrial abseilers, an elite group of tradespeople who hang off the sides of high buildings and ships carrying out all sorts of high rope access jobs. The aim was to make enough money to secure her own future, look after her parents in their dotage, and then return to working with animals.

“Piet’s pretty well established as a builder in Cairns; he’s been building here since he was old enough to wield a hammer. “We don’t want to be just one of many, stereotype, square, whiter than white, off the rack house builders. “A home is a huge investment for the majority of people, the biggest purchase of your life. If I had a house built, I would want to feel connected to the builder, even after completion. I’d want the attention, I’d want my builder to get to know me, become my friend and share my journey beyond the handing over of the keys. Piet feels the same, we both want that connectedness with our client, and neither of us want to build square boxes with no heart.

We’re building with soul, and warmth and we’re the whole package from design through to construction and handover.

Industrial abseiling took Vickie all over the world, scaling the sides of ships and tanks and so on, until a job in Perth saw her meet the man of her dreams, Cairns born builder, Piet, just over two years ago. Instant dynamism saw Vickie give up the career that was keeping them apart and the pair eventually set off for Cairns by road via the Top End, with a carful of belongings, a swag, a dog and a bucketful of ideas for a new and trendsetting building concept. Modern Rustic was born.

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“A house can have a WOW factor, but no soul,” says Vickie. “We’re building with soul, and warmth and we’re the whole package from design through to construction and handover.” We wandered over to meet Piet, working on the awe-inspiring spec home Modern Rustic is erecting adjacent to the Marina at Trinity Park. I can immediately see the dynamism an originality of thought they share that will undoubtedly win awards for Modern Rustic. Even in its raw bones state, the house is an artwork, bearing testament to advanced creativity and foresight, with natural features that take it into another realm of home design. In this case, spec is short for spectacular. A winning couple, with foresight and ingenuity, winning designs, and I foresee, winning awards in the very near future.

www.modernrustic.com.au

Health and Wellbeing

The Pitfalls of Cosmetic Surgery Overseas Lisa Price RN RM The medical tourism industry continues to grow at a rapid rate — between 20-30% annually. Globally, there are now more than 750,000 patients traveling overseas for medical procedures each year and medical tourism nets more than $100 billion annually. More than 15,000 Australians decide to travel abroad for a surgical procedure each year, spending more than $300 million overseas. The main drawcard for many Australians is the perceived savings of having their cosmetic surgery performed overseas. However, it is important to understand that there are some pitfalls associated with having surgery performed overseas including: • Difficulty assessing the quality of care on offer Patients cannot easily visit the surgical facility beforehand or ask detailed questions about the level of care they will receive. • Follow up care can be lacking In some cases, the procedure goes well and the patient flies back to Australia before realising there are experiencing complications from

the surgery. Because patients cannot easily return to the facility for follow up visits, they often wind up in emergency wards in Australia.

• Flying after surgery is dangerous Flying within a few days or weeks of surgery can increase the risk of a blood clot or pulmonary embolism

• Greater rates of malpractice Medical negligence is much more common in developing countries. Patients may also be exposed to unsafe injection practices and be more likely to receive a contaminated blood transfusion.

Once these pitfalls are taken into account, the advantages of having a cosmetic surgery procedure performed overseas aren’t as appealing. It is also important to remember that any surgical procedure carries risk — patients should consider how much additional risk they are taking on when having surgery performed overseas.

• Antibiotic resistance Antibiotic resistant bacteria can be more common in some developing countries which can increase the risk of serious medical complications • The facility may be incapable of dealing with complications Most overseas facilities are highly specialised and struggle to deal with life-threatening surgical complications. • Medication may be counterfeit Counterfeit medication is more common in developing countries and its use can have serious side effects • Communication Barrier Difficulties communicating with the surgeons and other staff can make it difficult to inform them of your medical history or explain any problems you experience after the surgery

Lisa Price Director of Clinical Services Jade Cosmetic Clinic

NOW AVAILABLE

for consultation Assoc. Prof Peter Haertsch OAM, FRACS, FRCS Over 30 years’ experience performing all aspects of Cosmetic Surgery 4041 0067 The Pier. Cairns Qld 4870 JadeCosmeticClinic.com.au

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon The Jade Cosmetic Clinic – one of Australia’s Top 8 Medical Cosmetic Clinic’s Affordable Cosmetic Injectables Coolsculpting ® Skin Rejuvenation

CairnsLife

“You have B.P.H.” What’s That?

B.P.H. stands for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. This is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate which occurs in most men as they get older. The prostate is a gland that surrounds the opening of the bladder like a donut and is usually about the size of a small walnut at the age of 20-30. It provides fluid which comes out at the time of ejaculation.

have side effects which can reduce a man’s ability to get an erection. Interestingly, some of the medications which are used to improve erections can also improve bladder emptying.

As men age, it can enlarge outwards or inwards or both. As it enlarges the hole of the “donut” can become smaller leading to a man having problems with urination. He may find that he has to hurry to get to the toilet on time. When he gets there he may have to stand and wait for the stream to start. He might have a slow flow, not empty completely and have delayed finish with dribbling. Sometimes there is a small amount of leakage when he leaves the toilet. As well as that he might have to go more often because of the incomplete emptying and also get up several times at night. Occasionally, the man may stop passing urine completely. This is called retention of urine and will need to be relieved by passage of a tube through the penis and in to the bladder. This is called a catheter.

Often it will be necessary for a man to have an operation. This operation makes the “donut hole” bigger like taking out an apple core. It is often referred to as a “re-bore”. Its technical name is a Trans-Urethral Resection of Prostate (TURP). It is done with a scope passed through the opening of the penis. The pieces removed are then sent to pathology to be examined. At Cairns Urology we have been doing this operation as day surgery since 1997. This reduces the likelihood of hospital acquired infection, significantly reduces costs and frees up hospital beds for those patients who need them. There are other surgical procedures designed to achieve the same result but they do not seem to be better.

There are various general measures which can help control symptoms. These include reducing the intake of caffeine containing drinks such as tea, coffee, cola and “energy” drinks. The caffeine causes the kidneys to make more urine more quickly and can also irritate the bladder so it is not able to hold enough. Alcohol and some medications can have a similar effect. The opening of the bladder may relax with some medications which can be helpful to improve the flow. Some medications can “shrink” the prostate but by themselves are unlikely to be helpful. Some

B.P.H

• This is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate which occurs in most men as they get older. • As it enlarges the hole of the “donut” can become smaller leading to a man having problems with urination. • As well as that he might have to go more often because of the incomplete emptying and also get up several times at night

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

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

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

Health and Wellbeing

Hidden Hearing Solutions for the

Fashion Conscious With AUDiOHEALTH’s range of micro-invisible hearing solutions no one will be aware that you have a tiny device in your ear enhancing your hearing as they are so discreet.

the person is in making adjustments to compensate for background noise so that speech remains clear. AUDiOHEALTH clinicians have undertaken specialised training to enable them to fit these new devices.

“The range has been carefully selected from the leading manufacturers internationally and includes the world’s smallest hearing aid incorporating the latest state-of-the-art technology,” explains AUDiOHEALTH’s director John Magee. “Being an independent clinic gives us access to the broadest range of product and clients have the advantage of choice.

AUDiOHEALTH can adjust the amplification to match your hearing in their clinic or remotely by use of the telephone, making this the ideal device for clients who are time-poor or who live remotely and do not wish to make extra visits to the clinic.

Modern hearing devices are easy to use, just insert and go. There is no compromise on sound quality, the micro-computers within the devices are getting smaller and their processing power is getting better. Research indicates that people are happiest when their sense of hearing is improved by discreet hearing devices, no one wants to advertise that they have a hearing loss. The smallest device sits deeply inside the ear canal right in front of the ear drum and is the size of a tiny jelly bean yet it incorporates technology to enhance speech and automatically adapts to the environment that

Whether you’ve been waiting for a hearing aid that significantly reduces listening effort, an option that’s completely invisible and has the convenience of being in the ear for months at a time or simply one that delivers more performance, comfort and personalisation than ever before; your wait is over. Contact AUDiOHEALTH for an appointment to hear how this device can help you at the main clinic at 125 Grafton St (opposite Event cinema complex) or at one of their visiting clinics in Atherton, Yungaburra, Innisfail or Mission Beach. For more information phone 4041 7860.

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www.cairnsfertility.com

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bringing nature home with Matt Mitchley

Almost all of us know the prehistoric plant family of cycads, whose long fossil history has changed little from the Jurassic time period. Found growing in nearly all of the worlds tropical regions, most species are well suited for the Cairns climate. The most commonly grown cycad species seen in Far North Queensland are Cycas revoluta from Japan and the Cardboard Plant, Zamia furfuracea, though possibly the most impressive of all cycads occur naturally in our own backyard. Below is a selection of cycads that all hail from our rainforests and grasslands in tropical Far North Queensland and make spectacular additions to any landscape and garden. The wonderful Hopes Cycad, Lepidozamia hopei, believed to be the tallest of all cycads, is endemic to north-eastern Queensland, and their natural population fringes the towns and the surrounding rainforests of Cairns. With their wonderful crown of long, glossy green fronds reaching upwards of 2 meters in length, this plant is a true winner in a landscape when compared to its more aggressive and armoured cousins. For those that might be concerned that the Hopes Cycad will grow too large, fear not, as it could take hundreds of years to get to its full 20 or so meters in height. The easy care and robust Cycas media complex, which consists of a number of species, is a commonly encountered native in open forests and grasslands along the east coast of Queensland. These cycads only

have small thorns on the stems of their fronds and dependent on the species, can display lime green, blue or even gold flushes of new leaves. These cycads are most active in spring, when the male plant has a large cone from its crown and the female plant bears mass clusters of seeds which last the whole summer long. Growing underneath large rainforest trees on the Atherton tablelands and in the Wet Tropics from Cardwell to Cooktown is a wonderful, small cycad called Bowenia spectabilis. This species is tiny in comparison to most others and is more fern-like in appearance. They make fantastic understory plants and their clusters of glossy complex foliage make them look truly prehistoric. Both Lepidozamia and Bowenia have soft fronds and are thornless, so are a less confronting and safer alternative compared to many other species in the cycad family. Although all these plants are highly protected in their natural range, thankfully all native cycads are grown commercially and are locally available. Matt Mitchley is a registered Horticulturalist with the Australian Institute of Horticulture and the owner of Designer Garden Company www.designergarden.com.au

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STOCK LIQUIDATION

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CairnsLife

Inspirational outdoor living

Home

You may be considering building a new home and really don’t know where to start. There’s a lot to take in but with some good advice the process can be an exciting and fun experience.

We want to build a

New Home

but where do we start?

And…… you get a beautiful new home that is tailored especially to your and your family’s requirements and personal tastes. You do need to do some research yourself and can’t rely on other people to do all the decision making for you. Things like choosing that amazing block of land, planning and design of your new home, selecting a builder that has the experience you need and that you are comfortable with, choosing the fittings and fixtures that will both be affordable for you and suit your lifestyle. Talk to a bank or mortgage broker about how much you will be able to borrow. Ask about a combined loan for house and land rather than 2 single loans. It’s more economical on fees and you only have to pay the interest on what is drawn down on the loan until the home reaches completion and final payment. Your bank or mortgage broker will be able to give further information and walk you through the whole process. Your land will need to have a soil test and you can either organise to do this yourself or arrange it with a builder. A soil test is necessary to determine the engineering required for your home construction. You will also need a site inspection to determine what building Cyclone Category your home is. There may be covenants on your land, specific requirements from the developers or easements & services on your block. Sloping land may require more site inspections to determine suitable building levels and retaining if required.

Experienced builders will be able to do a conceptual budget for your new home and that will help determine whether what you want is within financial reach. Be very particular that the home design you select will compliment your lifestyle and be the most suitable for your land. Be prepared to compromise on a few things as you might be thinking of some different ideas to your partner. This is a time to work together and maybe your builder can advise you on some alternatives. If you are upgrading your home priorities may differ from a first home owner’s priorities. You’ve already worked out what you want and don’t want, so you can be more specific with your requirements. Find a builder who will listen to you and will incorporate those requirements in the design, and budget, of your new home. Come and see me in our new display home at Canopy’s Edge Estate and have a chat about the idea of building a new home. Do your research and then we can get serious about building your new home.

Roslyn Smith Affinity Designer Homes & Value Homes (NQ) Building Designer and Licensed Builder Phone: 40518866 Mobile: 0439 855851 ros@affinitydh.com.au

SPECIALISING IN: • conceptual budgets • sloping sites • energy efficient homes • narrow or irregular land

• tailored specialist knowledge • individual design requirements

AFFINITY DE SIGNER HOMES

N E W D I S P L AY H O M E O P E N Canopy’s Edge Estate, Smithfield

QBCC 71474

144 Mulgrave Rd, Cairns QLD P 07 4051 8866 F 07 4041 3388 E ros@affinitydh.com.au

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Do you crave ‘different’? 4 bed - 2.5 bath - Pool - Butler’s pantry - Water views 62 Marina Quay, Bluewater

Contact Andrew Chapple at Cairns Platinum Realty for sale details 0411287554

New Builds • Remodels • Town Houses

www.modernrustic.com.au

CairnsLife

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• Caesarstone 20mm Square Edge Quartz Benchtop • Stylelite High Gloss Kitchen c/w Brushed Aluminium Kickboard • Glass Splashback in Solid Paint Behind Cooktop (up to 1800 x 700mm)

• Custom 3.2 x 1.2m Portico c/w 590 x 390 feature colour columns and 1800 x 300 Cemintel Inlays (if optional façade shown on standard plan) • Corinthian Windsor 1200mm Stained Timber and Glass Entrance Door • Gainsborough Trilock 3 in 1 Omni 600mm Stainless Steel Pull Handle

• Blum Soft Close Door and Drawers (Excluding Corner Cabinets/Pantries) • Bronte 1160 1¾ Deluxe Stainless Steel Sink c/w Accessories • Barrow Gooseneck Sink Mixer with pull out Veggie Spray

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^To approved applicants. *Promotion is based on Resort Specification only. We reserve the right to alter specifications and/or substitute the make/model or type of any standard inclusion, to a product of equivalent standard, without notice. Limited offer, duplex designs upgrades one side per promo. Two kitchen plans/butlers kitchens, only main kitchen is upgraded, conditions apply. Limited time only. Carrington Homes P/L trading as Dixon Homes Cairns/Townsville QBCC 78120. Images for advertising purposes. Effective from Nov 2015.

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4050 5200 Over 2,000 house and land packages available online at www.dixonhomes.com.au Cairns Region – Mossman to Cardwell and the Tablelands | Townsville Region – Ingham to Ayr 172 Mulgrave Road, Westcourt /dixonhomescairns

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It’s Not Only About

STYLE By Bronte Skaines

One of the most significant things I have learned about decorating as I have gotten older is that interior spaces, especially the ones in your own home need to be balanced between being stylish, functional and “feeling good”. Watching your family and friends feel relaxed and enjoying your home is the best buzz of all and sometimes that can mean loosening the style reins and letting comfort lead the way for a while. Recently, my partner and I ended a 16 year dispute. He won. What can I say, he got me at a weak moment! My man had just spent his Christmas holidays single-handedly finishing a renovation, cleaning up the dust and debris and then moving all of our belongings into our new family home while I was at work in my air-conditioned bubble. I felt sorry for him, and a little guilty, and with only a few words mumbled under my breath agreed that he could finally go and purchase his beloved La-Z-Boy recliner chair. I even declared that I didn’t care what colour he chose!

The point is that every home should have at least one living space that can be enjoyed by every member of the family. A space that doesn’t need to sacrifice on quality but also doesn’t need to tick all the boxes for being modern and “on trend”.

If only it had been branded the “Hard Workin’ Man Chair” I might have actually given in to him before now!

We, I mean he, is now the proud owner of a large, beige La-Z-Boy that has pride of place in our loungeroom and in the past three weeks it has become the most used and fought-over chair in our family. Its comfort is amazing and I have even had the odd sneaky recline in it myself. If only it had been branded the “Hard Workin’ Man Chair” I might have actually given in to him before now!

CairnsLife

The challenge is to blend those comfy, often old, and “not for looks” pieces of furniture that everyone loves, with more stylish decorating objects like lighting, cushions, floor rugs and wall art to create a space that even the most style-conscious member of the family will relax in. Investing in some key pieces, like a really good quality floor rug that can handle high traffic and some tasteful wall art will lift the feeling of quality in the whole room. Indoor plants provide some natural colour and living energy and also help create that feeling of relaxation. Lastly, start adding the layers of texture in the way of cushions (and not just the “for decorative use only” type) and throws, along with some more “on trend” decorator accents that aren’t family heirlooms and will not cause heart failure if they have an untimely end. At the end of the day, creating a home is really about the people who live in it and creating spaces for people to relax and enjoy – but please don’t even think about bringing “that chair” into the formal lounge! Bronte Skaines is the owner of Koru Furniture and Homewares

Property Address: 3 Ray Street Yorkeys Knob

Cairns Marlin Coast

TWO HOMES IN ONE

This magnificent Timber pole home is only 300m walk to the beach, and has endless possibilities. TOP LEVEL • Massive outdoor deck area • Brand new white granite kitchen • 4 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • Sensational views from the 2 decks including off the master bedroom • Currently rented for $450 per week

BOTTOM LEVEL • 2 Bedrooms • 1 Bathroom • Magnificent timber kitchen and solid timber impressive work bench • Currently rented for $280 per week Underneath the bottom level there is a tonne of drive in undercover storage space - boats, caravans or even shipping containers

PRICE

$720,000

CairnsLife

Darren Skuse 0410 667 854 LJ Hooker Cairns Marlin Coast

THE LAST WORD

the last word on R e a l E s tat e

Don’t trust Real Estate Agents? You’re not alone! A 2015 survey by Roy Morgan Research “The Image of Professions”, has revealed that when it comes to Real Estate Agents, they are perceived as being less trustworthy than politicians and lawyers… Now there’s an argument! The survey reported a mere 9% of Australians cite Real Estate Agents as being trustworthy. Terry Loftus from Bragg Real Estate, a Cairns resident for 28 years, touches on one of the main reasons why: When you mention you are a Real Estate Agent in conversation, you can be welcomed in a number of ways depending how the other person views the industry and judging by recent statistics, they seem to shake hands with us with one hand and have a good grip on their wallet or purse with the other! One of the major complaints from sellers/vendors (and a valid reason for this mistrust) is lack of regular COMMUNICATION from their agent during the marketing campaign. However, with the correct use of today’s technology, there is NO EXCUSE for the agent NOT to keep you informed! I believe successful agents today should embrace technology, not only to help sell the property, but also to keep the seller informed on a daily basis about the activity and level of enquiry the property is receiving - confirming the details of buyers who have inspected, their comments on the property and the price range they feel it will sell for. You simply want regular, up-to-date, honest feedback on the progress of the sale of what is probably your largest asset, your home!

When selling you should be able to have access to this information anytime and anywhere in the world - allowing you to “Ethically Monitor” your agent’s progress and their efforts - at the click of a button. By allowing the owner to access up-to-date information 24/7, a lot of frustration is taken out of the process, hopefully leading to a stress free sale. Your agent should have no problem with you (The Seller) tracking the progress of the sale at any time unless there is something to hide, or they are too lazy to document the progress of the marketing of your property.

You simply want regular, up-to-date, honest feedback on the progress of the sale of what is probably your largest asset, your home!”

Transparency such as this is invaluable… It creates trust in the relationship. If your agent cannot offer this level of service, ask WHY NOT? Bragg Real Estate are fully accountable to you, the owner, and ensure you have access to this information 24/7 from anywhere in the world allowing you to view our progress (with our permission) at the click of a button. You will receive the regular updates by phone and in person, but we will also provide you with a password, so you can login at any time to view such items as; when the property was launched to market; how many potential buyers on our database were notified; who attended open homes etc. If you are selling in 2016, and want to see the system in action, contact Terry Loftus today on 0412472172

CairnsLife

76 Forest Gardens Boulevard, Mount Sheridan, QLD 07 4036 4895 nicole@braggrealestate.com.au braggrealestate.com.au

Destination Cairns

Living Local

in the

Adventure Capital of Australia! with Clint Carroll I know Cairns gets hot. We all swelter away in the thick tropical heat of summer, but that’s the point isn’t it! Surrounded by magnificent pristine rainforest, and that other big giant thing called the reef. Summer brings the tropical monsoons and humidity. The heavy rains bring life to the rainforests, even David Attenborough publicly affirms his love for our region. Where else can you live between two World Heritage listed Natural Parks? Patagonia? British Columbia? Nope, it’s Cairns! So during summer what does a not so young fellow do on the weekend living in this tropical heated all natural sauna? Swim! Two of my favourites, Crystal Cascades and the Rocks in Redlynch Valley. These are some of the first little swimming holes I turn too on a hot sunny Saturday or Sunday. Crystal cool water and thick tropical rainforest. Relax and unwind - a great way to start the day. Next on my recommendations of things to do is eat! Yep, Cairns has many awesome little nooks and crannies to find a diverse range of food. Like any city you just have to know where to go. As you know, living so close to Asia brings many fantastic food options to our doorstep. Beautiful Korean upstairs in Orchid Plaza, Japanese at one of my favourite’s Ocha Ocha on Lake Street, upstairs behind the old defunct Blue Sky Brewery. French Crepes in Rusty’s Markets, beautiful coffee from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea at Frame Cafe McLeod Street.

Once a month the Tanks Art Centre have market day, another great opportunity to try German Sausages and Dutch Pancakes. Also worth a stop to enjoy arts, crafts and local music. Definitely a must do at least once a month to get the multicultural food fix! Last but not least, and probably my most favourite thing to do in the whole world, is to get out onto the reef. I understand, perhaps it’s not for everybody. But as locals do we really get it? Like, we have this giant underwater world sitting on our door step. Even after Hollywood made an entire movie out of it and the BBC, Tourism Australia and David Attenborough creating the latest Great Barrier Reef series .... do we really take advantage of living in the number one gateway city for visiting the reef ? I liken it to living next to Whistler near Vancouver Canada or Mon Blanc in France. If we had those massive mountain ski resorts as locals would we go or leave it to next year, or we can always do it next weekend ... there’s always next time when it’s in your back yard! Every time I drop in underwater on the reef I think wow! This morning I got out of bed and hour and half later I’m underwater exploring the largest reef system on the planet. All because we live in this little tropical paradise we call Cairns, The Adventure Capital of Australia. Clint Carroll is the Manager of Cairns Tour Advice & Booking Centre and founder of www.greenbuddy.com.au

Fitness

WORKPLACE

exercise with Scott Payne

On average we spend one third of our lives at our workplace and another third asleep, which doesn’t leave us much time for the other third of our lives. So how do we find time to exercise? Rather than feeling like work is your life, let’s put life back into your work!! We believe every hour should be happy hour at work!! You’ve heard of drinking games, but have you heard of office games? We’ve outlined how to get the most out of your workday, improve workplace productivity and make it fun for everyone. Office games A great way to engage the team in the office is to create a game with a set of rules that encourages activity during the day. An example would be every time the phone rings everyone is required to do chair squats. If you need to use the photocopier you have to lunge walk there. You can be as creative as you need to be to become active and make it fun in house. On your breaks Exercise and activity has the greatest effect on our body when it comes to increasing energy, mental health and self-efficacy. Using your breaks for planned activity can help maintain these benefits and ward of the negative side effects of sedentary behaviour. Those who have the luxury of an hour lunch break can utilise the advantages of group classes, going to the gym or yoga. Morning tea breaks can be utilised with short bouts of vigorous activity, climbing stairs, squat presses or anything to elevate the heart rate for that short period of time. At the desk and around the office Those of us working at the desk for hours on end each day will generally develop neck and shoulder pain; If only we had an onsite masseuse! Instead, every 30 minutes we should be looking to get out of our chair and be active in whatever capacity available. Spending 5 minutes stretching, or basic exercises at the desk to stretch or standing while we complete our work can help increase our join mobility, reduce tension

and pain in our muscles. Fidgeting has also been shown to increase calorie expenditure through non-specific movement, so get tapping. To and from work Everyone hates the inconvenience of traffic to and from work. So why not use this inconvenience to your advantage and ride your bike or walk to work? The time and frustration spent in the car on the way to work can be relieved by being active, reducing stress and increasing your movement for the day, making it a great time management practice. If riding or walking isn’t an option as parking can also be an issue, why not park in the first available park and walk the rest of the way to work. Stress management techniques We all know how stressful jobs are these days and the effects stress has on our body. Using the above mentioned tactics can help reduce these symptoms almost immediately through the release of our happy hormones - endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. Movement and laughter are particular key ways of delivering these little gems to the body. Other quick 5 minute fixes are watch a funny Youtube video, take the time to stop and smell the roses, 5 minutes of deep breathing whilst lying down and get a hug from someone. At the end of the day, there isn’t a substitute for good old fashioned exercise and physical activity to reduce the risk of disease later in life. Investing into a minimum of 30 minutes/day of moderate to vigorous intensity will improve stress levels, vitality and productivity in your workplace. Scott Payne is a Senior Accredited Exercise Physiologist at Complete Health and Fitness Solutions. www.chfsonline.com.au