CityLife Magazine Summer Edition 2022-2023

Totally Workwear Cairns Has Grown!

Are you feeling tired yet?

Woah!! I am sure you would agree that 2022 has been an epic year on all counts! There is no wonder many people felt the need to put their Christmas decorations up in November this year! Everyone was feeling like getting festive much earlier than usual after what has been an exhausting year for many in Far North Queensland. Here at team CityLife we were those people, we put the Christmas decorations up early so we could cheer our way to the finish line this year (in fact, if we are completely honest with you, we’ve been doing that for the past two years now! LOL). I think it’s becoming a tradition.

This region has endured ongoing staff shortages and supply chain issues in many industry sectors, while also experiencing one of the busiest times in our history economically speaking. And we can’t go without saying how many significant people we have lost locally, nationally and internationally this year. 2022 has had equal cup fulls of good times and bad for our little piece of paradise and the roller coaster of emotions has certainly taken its toll on people. So if kicking the silly season into full gear early is how you are coping, then good for you I say, whatever keeps you sane in this crazy post pandemic environment.

One thing that always strikes me as unique to our region is our ability to just roll up our sleeves and get on with it, rain, hail or shine. And the community has done that in spades this year. So if you haven’t been told how awesome you are for getting through the past two years with a smile still on your face, then I’m here to remind you of just how wonderfully resilient you are and how there are people out there that have noticed. Whether you are the barista at the local coffee shop who makes our coffees in the morning to start our day, the wait staff in the restaurants who are smiling and kind regardless of having pulled a million extra shifts to help the boss out with their staff shortages, or if you’re someone who has just managed to get up each day and get your kids to school, get to work and do your very best, I see you. You are what makes this community so special. Maybe it’s because we’re used to extreme weather events and natural disasters, or maybe it’s just because they breed us tougher in this neck of the woods, either way, we’re a certain kinda special us Far North Queenslanders!

So take the break, eat the good food, drink the great beverages, enjoy some well deserved down time with your favourite people and enjoy this magic weather as we sail into a New Year of no doubt more craziness and intensity that we’ve all become accustomed to. We hope you enjoy our jam-packed Spring/Summer Edition as much as we have enjoyed creating it for you. Don’t forget to check out our specially curated Annual Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide and all the amazing gems we have found for you in our dedicated Northern Beaches, Atherton Tablelands and Edge Hill features. From the entire team here at the CityLife Media Group - we wish you a safe, relaxing and peaceful entry into 2023!

CityLife Magazine® is published quarterly by CityLife Media Pty Ltd December 2022 - February 2023. All material within the publication remains the property of the publishers unless permission is otherwise sought in writing. Those who make advertising placement and or supply editorial content to CityLife Magazine® undertake to ensure all material does not infringe copyright, trademark, defamation, libel, slander or title. The above mentioned patrons agree to indemnify the publishers against any investigations, claims or judgements. The views expressed in CityLife Magazine® are those of the contributors, and are not necessarily shared by the publication. CityLife Media Pty Ltd copyright December 2022 - February 2023. CityLife Media Pty Ltd

WHAT’S ON

DECEMBER 02

MANUKA + NEIL JUNIOR + TESSA DEVINE

Tanks Arts Centre - Tank 5 7:00pm www.cairns.qld.gov.au

DECEMBER 03

MILITARY TROPIK FITNESS - MANUNDA

Harald Falge Park, Manunda 6:30 am www.cairns.qld.gov.au

DECEMBER 03

GORDONVALE COTTAGE MARKETS

Norman Park, Gordonvale

7:00 AM - 12:00 PM www.gordonvalecottagemarkets.com.au

DECEMBER 03

SAHAJA YOGA MEDITATIONESPLANADE

Cairns Esplanade Western Events Lawn 7:30 am www.cairns.qld.gov.au

DECEMBER 03

CHRISTMAS POTTERY FAIR

28A Grove Street, Cairns 8:00 am www.cairns.qld.gov.au

DECEMBER 03

REDLYNCH CHRISTMAS

TWILIGHT MARKETS

Xavier Herbert Recreational Park 4:30 pm www.facebook.com/redlynchvalleycommunityinc/

DECEMBER 03

JOY TO THE WORLD

COMMUNITY CAROLS & FIREWORKS

Cairns Showgrounds 5:00 pm www.cairns.qld.gov.au

DECEMBER 03

HOLLOWAYS BEACH

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Holloways Beach Sporting Complex 5:30 pm wwww.cairns.qld.gov.au

DECEMBER 03

MOVING PICTURE NIGHTSCREENING THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL Coastwatcher Park, Trinity Beach 5:30 pm wwww.cairns.qld.gov.au

DECEMBER 04

PALM COVE MARKETS

Williams Esplanade Palm Cove 8:00 am palmcovemarkets.rotarycairnssunrise.org.au

DECEMBER 04

NORTHLANE

Tanks Arts Centre - Tank 5 7:00pm wwww.cairns.qld.gov.au

DECEMBER 05

MORNING MELODIES - A HOLLY CHRISTMAS CPAC Theatre 11.00am wwww.cairns.qld.gov.au

DECEMBER 14

CHRISTMAS WITH BEN & MAYA

Online

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm wwww.cairns.qld.gov.au

DECEMBER 14

BOREDOM BUSTER: ESCAPE MYSTERY ISLAND City Library 9:00 am - 5:00 pm wwww.cairns.qld.gov.au

DECEMBER 14

CLAY CREATION

Earlville Library

10:00 am - 11:00 am wwww.cairns.qld.gov.au

DECEMBER 16

EXHIBITION LAUNCH: I AM WHO I WAS WHEN I WAS TEN

The Court House 38 Abbott St Cairns 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM www.cairns.qld.gov.au

DECEMBER 20

HOLIDAY ADVENTURE FLICK: VICTOR AND THE SECRET OF CROCODILE MANSION

City Library 10:00 am wwww.cairns.qld.gov.au

DECEMBER 23

LEGO® WEDO ROBOTICS AND CODING

Babinda Library

10:30 am - 11:30 am wwww.cairns.qld.gov.au

DECEMBER 25

CHRISTMAS

NEW YEAR

JANUARY 05

SPHERO RALLY

Stratford Library

10:00 am - 11:00 am www.cairns.qld.gov.au

JANUARY 13

CAIRNS SUMMER SOUNDSTHUNDAMENTALS

Tank 5 7:30pm www.cairns.qld.gov.au

JANUARY 20

TEX PERKINS & MATT WALKER

Tank 5 7:30pm www.cairns.qld.gov.au

JANUARY 20-28

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT

CPAC Theatre Matinee 2:00pm | Evening 7:30pm wwww.cairns.qld.gov.au

FEBRUARY 02

HARD QUIZ LIVE –HOSTED BY TOM GLEESON CPAC Theatre 7:00pm wwww.cairns.qld.gov.au

FEBRUARY 03

LANO & WOODLEY - MOBY DICK

CPAC Theatre 7:00pm wwww.cairns.qld.gov.au

FEBRUARY 11

CAIRNS SUMMER SOUNDS - DAMI IM

CPAC Theatre 7:30pm wwww.cairns.qld.gov.au

FEBRUARY 18

CAIRNS SUMMER SOUNDS

- JESS MAUBOY CPAC Theatre 7.30pm wwww.cairns.qld.gov.au

Northern Beaches

Northern Beaches

Words by Stacey Carrick

With an array of stunning beaches right on our doorstep, this is the perfect time of year to enjoy some fun in the sun.

We are incredibly fortunate to be so close to such idyllic locations featuring palm tree-lined beaches and sparkling blue water.

With a wide range of hotels and resorts, cafes and restaurants, the Northern Beaches is the perfect location to enjoy a spot of pampering at a nearby day spa, or to relax and enjoy the views at a café or restaurant.

Chill at Portofino has a sublime beachfront position, offering diners delicious breakfasts, outstanding lunch and dinner experiences with award-winning coffees, smoothies, fresh juices, cocktails, pizzas and pastas and luxurious private dining.

Their stunning views, regular live music, electric atmosphere and family-friendly, top-notch service make this cafe an ideal setting for your next function, gathering or date night.

rooms, luxury apartments and private homes.

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

Offering a premium portfolio of beachfront houses and villas, luxury and lifestyle retreats and resort style apartments, they offer an unprecedented standard and service to their clients.

The Boutique Collection is the perfect place to indulge.

With locations in Cairns, Trinity Beach, Palm Cove and Port Douglas, The Boutique Collection boasts an eclectic collection of hand-picked boutique accommodation offering resort-style

Espresso & Co is a locally owned café specialising in making delicious breakfast and lunch in a beautiful location, and let’s not forget that they were awarded the title of FNQ’s Best Coffee destination recently.

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

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

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

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

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

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

THIS CAFE CAPTURES THE VERY ESSENCE OF FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND. CHILL AT PORTOFINO IS THE PLACE WHERE LOCALS AND HOLIDAY-MAKERS CONNECT.

DON’T JUST STAY. INDULGE

Locations: Cairns, Trinity Beach, Palm Cove & Port Douglas

To book: www.theboutiquecollection.com.au or ph: 1800 887 274

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

Book Reviews

WHAT I COOK WHEN NOBODY’S WATCHING

By Poh Ling Yeow

In 2009, Poh Ling Yeow was catapulted into the centre of the Australian food scene when she competed in the first season of MasterChef Australia. Since then, Poh has had an incredibly successful career hosting her own cooking show, releasing a range of books, and more! Her newest title “What I Cook When Nobody’s Watching” has just hit the shelves

Poh believes that the simpler we eat, the happier we are, and in her new book she shares all the things she cooks when nobody’s watching. Reconnect with the simple pleasure of cooking for yourself and others with proper quickies, nourishing bowl food, comfort combos and crowd-pleasing feasts that take everyday ingredients to new and delicious places.

“What I Cook When Nobody’s Watching” is a celebration of good, honest food and will help you find beauty and ritual in the everyday!

SEEING OTHER PEOPLE

By Diana Reid

Diana Reid is a Sydney-based writer. Her debut novel, Love & Virtue, was an Australian bestseller and winner of the ABIA Book of the Year Award, the ABIA Literary Fiction Book of the Year Award, the ABA Booksellers’ Choice Fiction Book of the Year Award, and the MUD Literary Prize. Seeing Other People is her second novel (Ultimo Press, n.d.).

ABOUT “SEEING OTHER PEOPLE”

After two years of lockdowns, there’s change in the air. Eleanor has just broken up with her boyfriend, Charlie’s career as an actress is starting up again. They’re finally ready to pursue their dreams—relationships, career, family—if only they can work out what it is they really want.

Seeing Other People tells the story of two very different sisters and the summer that stretches their relationship almost to breaking point.

GIRLHOOD

By Maggie Dent

According to Maggie Dent, how we parent our girls from birth to 8 will determine their path as teens and young women. In her new title “Girlhood”, Maggie offers parents and guardians a compassionate guide to raising girls to become secure, connected, and confident in their teen years and beyond.

Advocating for free play, reduced scheduling, fewer screens and much more love, Maggie shows us how to best guide our daughters as they progress through childhood and navigate relationships, technology, and real-world challenges.

Maggie Dent is a parenting author, educator and host of the ABC’s Parental As Anything podcast. Her new book, Girlhood, is out now.

365 DAYS

By Blanka Lipinska

The sexy and deeply romantic internationally bestselling novel that inspired the blockbuster Netflix movie. Laura Biel and her boyfriend are on a dream vacation in beautiful Sicily. On the second day of their trip, her twenty-ninth birthday, she is kidnapped. Her kidnapper is none other than the head of a powerful Sicilian crime family, the incredibly handsome, young Don - Massimo Toricelli, who is determined to possess her at all cost. Massimo has his reasons. During an earlier attempt on his life, a vision appeared before his eyes: a beautiful woman, identical to Laura. After surviving the attack, he vows that he will find the woman in his vision and make her his own. No matter what. For 365 days, Massimo will keep Laura captive in his palatial estate and attempt to win her heart. If she doesn’t fall in love with him during this time, he will let her go. But if she tries to escape at any point, he will track her down and kill her entire family. Soon Laura develops a fascination with her handsome and powerful captor. But as a precarious, risky relationship forms between them, forces outside their control threaten to tear them apart.

The million-copy no.1 international bestseller that inspired the hit movie

Atherton Tablelands

Atherton Tablelands

Words by Stacey Carrick

The spectacular Atherton Tablelands are a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

The Tablelands feature an array of natural wonders, including Lake Barrine, Lake Eacham, Millaa Millaa Falls, Millstream Falls, Josephine Falls, the Cathedral Fig Tree and the Curtain Fig Tree.

The region is also a delight for food lovers, with a range of attractions featuring coffee, wine, cheese, chocolate, tropical fruits and macadamia nuts.

While in the Tablelands, make sure you visit popular drawcards such as Gallo Dairyland, Mungalli Creek Dairy, Mt Uncle Distillery, the Historic

Village in Herberton, Shaylee Strawberries, or even enjoy a food trail tour with companies such as Brett’s Outback Tasting Adventures. History buffs may even enjoy a visit to the Rocky Creek War Memorial Park.

THIS EDITION WE SHINE THE SPOTLIGHT ON MALANDA LODGE AND CRYSTAL CAVES.

Malanda Lodge is nestled within the Atherton Tablelands, close to many of the area’s attractions including the famous waterfall circuit and situated on 11 acres of stunning landscaped grounds.

If you’re on the Atherton Tablelands for pleasure or work,

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

The Crystal Caves were proudly built by Rene Boissevain to display his private collection of more than 600 crystals and fossils from all over the world in a fun and interactive way.

The Caves offer the chance to enjoy a self-guided, interactive tour and even the opportunity to crack open a 44 million-yearold geode.

The Atherton Tablelands definitely offer something for everyone, from a refreshing place to take a dip, to natural attractions and tantalising treats.

Rock Your World

CRYSTAL CAVES

Words by Stacey Carrick

Wouldn’t you love to crack open a 44 million-year-old geode?

You can do just that at The Crystal Caves in Atherton!

Geode cracking is just one of many fascinating attractions at the caves, according to manager Ghis Gallo.

“The geode cracking is possibly the most successful thing we’ve ever done, other than build the museum itself,” she said.

“You buy a bubble of lava that’s 44 million years old, you choose it and crack it open yourself, then we identify what you’ve got. It’s the ultimate lucky dip.

“It’s a phenomenal concept you choose a rock and you get to be the first to see what’s inside.

“It’s hugely popular, it’s interactive, it’s educational.”

The caves were proudly built by Rene Boissevain to display his private collection of more than 600 crystals and fossils from all over the world in a fun and interactive way.

Rene is a man with a passion. He has spent a lifetime travelling to every corner of the world to collect natural crystals and prehistoric fossils.

Rene’s obsession with rocks started when he found a massive agate nodule at Agate Creek near Forsayth in the early ‘60s.

HE INVITES YOU TO SHARE IN THIS PASSION BY TAKING A SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF HIS MAN-MADE CAVE.

He well and truly caught the fever and couldn’t wait to share his obsession with the world.

The Crystal Caves started as a rock shop called Fascinating Facets in 1983.

They began as a single grotto in 1987 and now encompass seven chambers called Grand Grotto, Fossil Gallery, Phantom Pocket, The Fairytale, Glasshouse Collection, Amethyst Room and Magic Spheres.

The Caves now attract around 25,000 people each year, with visitors journeying through 300m2 of tunnels and grottos that Rene built to feature his collection.

The self-guided tour allows unlimited time to marvel at the interactive displays which allow you to touch and photograph them.

The business is still owned by Rene and Nelleke Boissevain and has been managed by daughters Cecilia Boissevain and Ghis Gallo since 2014.

“He wants people to touch, he wants people to engage and to go through selfguided in their own time so they can get that sense of exploring and discovering and unearthing things as you would find them in nature,” Ghis said.

“The thing that people like the most about the caves is the fact they can actually touch the crystals, particularly the kids.

“When they come into the museum and they are told they are allowed to touch everything, you just see their faces light up, and a sigh of relief from the parents!

“People are also surprised by the size of the museum it’s so much bigger than they expected.

“The whole reason Rene built the museum is because he’s like a big kid, he wants everyone to be as excited about rocks as he is.

“He wanted it to be as engaging as possible.

“My favourite customers are the ones we convert from sceptics to raving fans, and that happens a lot.”

Rene’s collection comes from all over the world, including Australia, South America, India and Morocco.

There are more than 600 individual specimens in his collection; most of them are millions of years old and were formed when the Earth was formed.

Rene’s collection is constantly changing and evolving.

“If you haven’t been to the caves for 20 or 30 years it’s worth another look, because it’s changed a lot since then,” Ghis said.

“Without a doubt it’s the best it’s ever been.

“It is a side of natural science that most people don’t know anything about.

“We know what to expect when we go to an aquarium, a botanic garden or a zoo.

Ghis said the business is lucky to have survived when many others sadly could not remain viable.

The Caves survived the pilots’ strike in 1989, the collapse of Ansett in 2001, Cyclone Larry in 2006, the Global Financial Crisis in 2007-2008 and of course COVID-19.

The longevity of the business proves its success and its popularity.

Ghis said it’s important to stay current, listen to what people want, grow with the market, engage with the industry, open seven days a week and of course look after your staff.

Anything else of note? Just 385 millionyear-old marine fossils, the jawbone of an Ice Age woolly mammoth, dinosaur eggs from China and an agate that’s had the same water swirling around inside it for 80 million years definitely worth a visit!

• Crystal Caves is at 69 Main St, Atherton, visit www.crystalcaves.com. au. Locals discount is available.

“WHEN YOU GO TO THE CRYSTAL CAVES YOU’RE GOING TO SEE THINGS THAT YOU DID NOT KNOW EXISTED AND IT’S ALL NATURAL.

“IT’S TAKING A SNEAK PEEK AT SOMETHING THAT IS LARGELY UNKNOWN.”

Take the sizzle out of summer

MALANDA LODGE

Words by Janie Barton

As we say goodbye to spring and temperatures start to soar, it’s great to know there’s a cool, country escape waiting for you just minutes from Cairns.

Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway for two or an extended family holiday, the Malanda Lodge is the perfect place to get away from the heat and explore some of the Tablelands’ famous attractions.

The lodge has everything you want in a cosy country retreat and more. Its 17 well-appointed, airconditioned rooms overlook lush, tropical gardens and rolling green lawns which you can enjoy from your own patio or by exploring on foot.

A large resort-style pool complete with a spa and a waterfall, fully licensed restaurant and outdoor barbecues are set amongst 11 acres of landscaped gardens where you can spot peacocks, the occasional tree kangaroo and lots of native wildlife as they meander by.

The property features a crystal-clear creek with platypus viewing, favoured by both children and adults. It’s an ideal spot for guests to picnic in cool comfort.

Its Pickle & Smoke restaurant is loved by guests as well locals thanks to its melt-in-your-mouth smoked meats. These locally sourced meats are slowly cooked at temperatures over burning charcoal and smoking timbers such as hickory and pecan.

Seafood lovers, vegetarians and children are also catered for. You can dine privately on the grounds, in your room or take away for your own picnic. A complimentary continental breakfast is also provided daily for each guest.

The restaurant, which seats 80 people, has a large bar and a popular rustic fireplace. While it’s a gas fireplace, the atmosphere it creates enhances the cosy and calm ambience of the lodge.

Malanda Lodge is also well known and loved for being an idyllic location for weddings, private events and functions. The friendly staff go out of their way to ensure your special event is perfect by supplying delicious food, drinks and professional service staff.

Owners Eunice and Phil Sexton, who lived in Cairns over 10 years before purchasing the property 18 months ago, have updated the décor and upgraded the rooms.

“After 30 years raising three boys, Phil’s career in aviation and mine

thought it was time for a new

and the opportunity to work together at the lodge came up. We absolutely love it here.”

Eunice said.

For more information visit www. malandalodge.com.au or phone 4096 5555.

“THE TIME WE HAD SPENT DURING WEEKENDS IN THE TABLELANDS AND ESCAPING THE HEAT OF CAIRNS REMINDED US OF OUR LOVE OF OUR ONCE-RURAL LIFESTYLE AND TIGHT-KNIT COMMUNITIES,” EUNICE SAID.

in healthcare, we

challenge

You could spend weeks enjoying some of the numerous attractions of the Tablelands and still not see everything.

“There is so much to see and do on the Tablelands,”

“We’re proud of the genuine hospitality of our wonderful team, who love encouraging visitors to see all the beautiful things the Atherton Tablelands has to offer.”

The picturesque views at Malanda Lodge ooze tranquility

Pickle & Smoke Restaurant & Bar located at Malanda Lodge for guests to enjoy.

IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE THIS PETITE BRUNETTE IS A STRONG, POWERFUL FIGHTER.

Photos by Gregg Maxwell

Words by Stacey Carrick

AMY GLENNON

Pretty Muay Thai

Meet Amy Glennon. On one hand she is a loving wife, salsa dancer, cat mum and makeup enthusiast. On the other hand, she is a fierce fighting machine.

It’s hard to believe this petite brunette is a strong, powerful fighter.

Well you’d better believe it, because this Cairns local is a World Champion in Muay Thai.

Amy recently returned from Turkey after competing in the ISKA (International Sport Kickboxing Association) World Championships, proudly scoring a gold medal for the Australian team.

She competed in the 55kg female Muay Thai division against Morocco, ending the fight in just 45 seconds with killer knees to the sternum.

Amy started training with Pretty Muay Thai head coach Paul Hosking just a few years ago. In this time she has fought nine times with an impressive record of seven wins.

She won the ISKA Queensland title on her eighth fight in July and was then invited to be on the Australian team.

Amy won the World Championship in a TKO (Technical Knockout).

“I got my left knee up her sternum a few times, she spat her mouthguard out, they put an eight count on her,” she said.

“In the exact moment, I was a bit shocked because I wasn’t expecting it to be over that fast.

Twenty-seven countries competed in the World Championships, with just seven fighters from Australia, while Germany boasted a whopping 250 competitors.

Australia returned with a phenomenal nine gold medals, which is the best result the Australian team has ever achieved.

“IT WOULD HAVE BEEN EXCITING TO GO THREE ROUNDS, TO PUT ON A SHOW AND TO REALLY SHOWCASE WHAT I CAN DO, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, AN EARLY FINISH, NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT – I GOT IN THERE AND GOT IT DONE.”

AMY GLENNON

“We’ve never had a clean sweep like that before, with every competitor winning their division,” Amy said.

“I felt really accomplished when I became world champion – that’s what I went there to do. I got the result that I knew I would get, that I believed I would get. I put so much work into it and I nailed it.

“I ALWAYS WALK INTO FIGHTS WITH 100 PERCENT CERTAINTY THAT I AM GOING TO BE SUCCESSFUL.

“You need to walk in with so much confidence in yourself and your ability to win, that in your mind you have already won.”

Mindset and visualisation are a very important component of Amy’s Muay Thai success.

“We work with Richard Hart, he’s called ‘The English Hypnotist’ and he’s a former Muay Thai champion.

“We do a lot of processes to visualise the fight.

“BY THE TIME I STEP INTO THE RING, IN MY MIND I’VE ALREADY WON.

“If you believe you can, you can. Be your own biggest fan, your own biggest supporter.

“All my motivation comes from my own grit and stubbornness that I am going to achieve what I want. Mindset is everything.

“I have a fight day recording— the morning of the fight when I wake up, I’ll listen to the process where I walk through all three rounds, I visualise exactly what I want to do.

Pretty Muay Thai

“The number of times it comes true is almost eerie.

“If you convince yourself that this is what’s going to happen, this is what you’re going to achieve, it’s crazy what you can do.

“Right before I get to the fight show I’ll do a recording where we unleash ‘Amy the Fighter’. That’s when I get in the mental state where I get ready to be violent in a very intentional way. Richard calls it ‘beautiful violence’.

“He also changes the way you talk to yourself. Conversations you have with yourself are more positive.

“THAT EXTENDS SO FAR BEYOND MUAY THAI. I THINK MY MENTAL HEALTH AS A WHOLE IS A LOT HEALTHIER THAN IT EVER WAS BEFORE I DID MUAY THAI.

“MUAY THAI HAS REALLY IMPROVED MY MENTAL HEALTH, MY CONFIDENCE AND MY STRESS MANAGEMENT.”

So what does Amy love about Muay Thai and boxing?

“I love the physicality of it,” she said.

“It’s a beautiful sport, even though there’s so much brutality in it.

“Especially Muay Thai, which is steeped in rich history and culture from Thailand.

“To see these fighters put on these amazing displays, then get in the ring and perform as brutally as they do, is a really cool juxtaposition for me.

“Before you even get in the ring, you honour your God, your parents and your coach, which is all based on Buddhism.

“Once the fighters are both in the ring, you seal the ring. Traditionally, you are sealing just the two of you in there, metaphorically locking yourselves in the ring to battle.”

“ALL MY MOTIVATION COMES FROM MY OWN GRIT AND STUBBORNNESS THAT I AM GOING TO ACHIEVE WHAT I WANT. MINDSET IS EVERYTHING.”

AMY GLENNON

Pretty Muay Thai

Muay Thai fighters wear Mongkhons during the Wai kru ram muay, the ritual performed before battle.

Mongkhons are a traditional headdress bestowed on fighters by their coach, which are then worn in their coach’s honour.

Mongkhons can then be personalised by the fighter; for example, Amy’s features Autumn leaves as she loves Halloween, as well as charms that hold personal significance to her.

Amy, who is originally from Boston, visited Cairns for a holiday and never left. She has been a manager at The Pier Bar for around 10 years and became interested in the sport as a means of self defence.

“I asked one of the security guards if he could teach me some self defence,” she said.

“I felt working late nights, it would be a good idea to know how to defend myself.”

She then began training with Paul, a Muay Thai specialist, and that’s where her World Championship journey began.

Pretty Muay Thai, which opened in December last year, hit a significant milestone recently – they now have as many female members as males.

“Combat sport is usually associated with predominantly males, so we’re really proud of the fact that the gym is now 50/50,” Amy said.

“Muay Thai is traditionally a young man’s game because it’s very physically demanding, it’s hard on the body.

“Myself, Paul and Jessie Geyl have all proven that it’s very achievable to continue to have success well into your thirties.”

Pretty Muay Thai was named after Paul – his fight name was ‘Pretty Paul’, named after his ‘pretty’ technique.

“It’s the perfect name for the gym because we put a big focus on technique and it being a ‘pretty’ fight and not just bashing each other,” Amy said.

Muay Thai became all-encompassing for Amy, a healthy addiction that changed her lifestyle in a positive way.

“I love the way that it’s changed me as a person,” she said.

“You can’t really perform to the level that we perform if you’re out drinking, if you’re eating bad food, if you’re staying up super late. You need to have a healthy lifestyle to perform at this level.

“I wanted to be amazing at it. I fell in love with it and I wanted to do well – that’s been the driving factor in making all these lifestyle changes.

“When I’m competing, it’s all weight based, so that’s definitely changed the way I fuel myself.

“I have cleaned my diet up massively since I started fighting.

“I was never really big, but I was too big for my frame to be competing as an athlete.

“I lost 17 kilos in five months so I could compete in the 55kg division.

“When I’m dropping weight during Fight Camp I do a lot of hill sprints – I usually do the Red Arrow 10 times in a row.

“You do get really amazed at your body and what it’s capable of.”

Amy has only suffered one major injury during her fight career.

“I’ve been cut once,” she said. “I got my eyebrow split by an opponent’s elbow. Apart from that, mainly just bruises.

“When you’re preparing for a fight and your teammates are bashing you, they’re putting you through the ropes.

“These are people who care about you and have your best interests at heart.

“Because when you get in that ring, the person across from you has been trained to take your head off.

“And that’s what they’re going to try to do. And if you’re not ready for it, you’re in danger.

“Some guys I spar with are much bigger than me, so I go into fights knowing that I’ve faced better and I’ve beaten better than them.

“My fight name is Tekken, which is a video game.

“That’s what Paul calls me. When he shouts instructions he said it’s like playing a video game – he’ll yell out jab, cross, leg kick, and that’s exactly what I’ll do.

“I always do exactly what he says – I have 100 percent trust in him.”

Many people are definitely surprised when they learn Amy’s a fighter.

“A lot of people look me up and down,” she said.

“Some people have this misconception that fighters are big and burly.

“On the surface, I’m someone who likes makeup and nice clothes.

“I probably don’t present as someone who leaves work and fights nearly every day.”

Amy does squeeze in time for other hobbies amongst her strenuous training schedule.

“I’m also a salsa dancer – I’ve been involved with Latin dancing for quite a few years through Sabor Dance Company,” she said.

“That actually translates nicely over to Muay Thai in terms of footwork, balance and spotting turns.

“I also love scuba diving and I’m passionate about reef preservation.”

In fact, Amy met her husband Jack when he was her dive instructor.

“Jack’s been very supportive,” she said. “But he definitely doesn’t love watching me fight.

“I think it’s hard for him to be in the audience and watching it unfold without having any control over it.

“When I split my eyebrow, I had blood pouring down my face, I said ‘please text Jack and tell him I’m going to be OK’.”

With a World Championship under her belt, there is no doubt she is going to be more than OK – the sky’s the limit for this petite fighter who fell in love with Cairns.

Edge Hill

Edge Hill

Words by Stacey Carrick

Edge

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

It boasts a range of multicultural restaurants with delicious cuisine, fantastic cocktails and friendly service, making it the ideal location for family, friends and co-workers to get together.

Exciting news in Edge Hill is the addition of Stratford Deli Catering, which will have a new base behind NOA in Collins Avenue.

Stratford Deli is proudly operated by the team behind hugely popular restaurants NOA, Guerrilla, Mama Coco and Palooka.

There is also a range of other businesses on hand to assist your medical, real estate and shopping needs.

Gardens Medical offers a fresh approach to your health. The centre boasts highly skilled specialists, general practitioners and allied health from the central location in Woodward St.

Gardens Medical is a large purpose-built practice with state-of-the-art facilities on offer for both healthcare providers and patients.

The team are knowledgeable and professional staff who between them have many years’ experience caring for patients.

The team at Professionals Edge Hill are passionate about real estate and helping their clients achieve their property dreams.

Their combined wealth of knowledge and experience will assist you to reach your dream goals, whether buying, selling or renting.

love of entertaining family and friends, the concept for their gourmet delicatessen and fresh produce store came to life.

It is a small family business with a passion for the finest artisan delicatessen and fresh produce that are sourced both locally and internationally.

NewsXpress Edge Hill is a ‘onestop shop’ for a huge range of gift ideas.

Not only are there standard newsagency items such as greeting cards, wrapping paper, stationery, Lotto and scratchies, you will be amazed by the variety of gifts, furniture, homewares, toys and collectibles.

You will find gifts for every person and every occasion at NewsXpress.

Fresh in the Village is in the heart of Edge Hill and has an extensive range of specialist cheeses, smallgoods, gourmet groceries, continental paninis, cold press juices, artisan bread as well as fresh flowers and homewares. They also offer decadent grazing boxes and gift boxes.

Fresh in the Village was a dream that has become a reality. With a passion for great food and the

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

It’s also a popular precinct for music and art lovers, with regular live music and art exhibitions being held at the Tanks Arts Centre.

THE TEAM LOVES ‘WOWING’ THEIR CUSTOMERS AND GOING THE EXTRA MILE TO MAKE THEM HAPPY.

Catering on the menu for dynamic duo

STRATFORD DELI CATERING

The faces behind some of Cairns’s most iconic and popular restaurants are proud to have added a catering arm to their well-established hospitality portfolio.

Stratford Deli Catering is now owned by the leading local restaurateurs behind NOA, Guerrilla, Mama Coco and most recently Palooka in Stratford Village.

Sam Byrd and Davy O’Rourke recently acquired the catering company, with the aim of bringing their fresh, fun and creative approach to food to the forefront.

The dynamic duo will continue to offer all of your catering favourites, whether it be for a social, private or corporate event.

Stratford Deli Catering will have a new base in Edge Hill Village behind NOA at 1/132 Collins Avenue.

Think fresh, think delicious, think convenient – Stratford Deli Catering has the perfect option to suit every occasion, from birthdays, celebrations, weddings and baby showers to upscale corporate events. They will also have a range of Christmas boxes available.

The deli’s grazing boxes are the perfect accompaniment to your upcoming event.

One of the most popular offerings, the antipasto box, features deli meats, gourmet

cheeses, dips, tropical fruit, water crackers, bread sticks, fruit paste, baked bread, olives and chocolate.

Other boxes include wraps and sandwiches, breakfast, morning tea, fruit and cakes and sweets.

The deli also serves a large variety of sandwiches, gourmet baguettes and lunch packs.

There is a range of sizes and prices to suit everyone, and dietary requirements are catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and dairy free.

Sam said Stratford Deli has a strong name in the market and they are enjoying continuing this tradition by assisting Cairns residents with their catering needs, whether it be private or corporate.

They are currently catering for a range of pre-existing clients, including Queensland Health and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

“We saw the potential to continue and expand this catering service in Cairns,” Sam said.

“We look forward to building on the success of the deli and creating memorable moments for Cairns and the greater community.”

Stratford Deli Catering offers the convenience

of an online store, just one day’s notice is required and delivery is available upon request from Palm Cove to Edmonton.

Sam and Davy have owned and operated several highly successful restaurants in Cairns over the years, including NOA, Guerrilla, Ozmosis, Hopscotch, Mama Coco and most recently Palooka, which Sam describes as ‘contemporary European’.

“I really enjoy creating and opening venues,” Sam said.

“I like to focus on suburban areas. It’s not just about food and drinks, it’s about quality service and a great venue in a suburban setting.

“Going out is not just about dining, it’s an experience. It’s about personal interaction and getting to know regulars by name.

“Things are forever changing, so it’s important to keep your business new, fresh and consistent, which is what we are planning on doing at Stratford Deli.”

For further information, phone (07) 4032 3878, visit www.stratforddeli.com, email hello@stratforddelicatering.com.au or scan the QR code on the ad to view the website and order. Special offer – order a grazing box in the month of December to receive a complimentary NOA or Palooka coffee voucher!

Words by Stacey Carrick

Christmas Wonderland

NEWSXPRESS EDGE HILL

Words by Stacey Carrick

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d entered Santa’s Workshop in the North Pole upon entering NewsXpress in Edge Hill.

The newsagent in the bustling suburb is an absolute delight for the senses, with Christmas decorations, figurines and an extraordinary festive display filling the shop from floor to ceiling.

You will find a huge variety of characters, including Santas, reindeer, snowmen, elves, nutcrackers, nativity scenes, as well as Grinches and Australian animals such as koalas and kangaroos.

There is something for everyone at the store, including snow globes, candy canes, cushions, baubles, Christmas crackers, garlands, interactive musical pieces, socks, earrings, cards, Christmas scratchie trees, gift bags and other gift lines.

Popular and sought-after brands include Mark Roberts, Katherine’s Collection, Jim Shore, Possible Dreams, Department 56, Disney Britto, Loungefly, Harry Potter and Pokemon.

NewsXpress’s Christmas range is getting bigger and better each year.

You will be impressed by its eclectic range, from traditional to modern, with gifts and decorations to suit everyone.

WHOLELIFE PHARMACY & HEALTHFOODS

VINCE PAPPALARDO

: wholelife.com.au

O

WHAT IS SLEEP HYGIENE?

Sleep hygiene. The first thing that probably comes to mind is the word ‘cleanliness.’ Well, this is partially true! Sleep hygiene is a term that’s used to describe good sleeping habits and one of the many factors that can contribute to the quality of our sleep is in fact the environment that we choose to sleep in.

Having consistently inadequate sleep can take quite the toll. Sleep disruption can adversely impact your cognitive speed and accuracy, as well as impacting your psychological wellbeing, potentially exacerbating your stress levels. Thus, it’s so important that when we’re struggling to sleep, we assess our current sleeping habits to not only identify anything that may impact sleep but for the ability to make small adjustments to controllable elements for a more restful and quality sleep.

WHAT COULD BE IMPACTING YOUR QUALITY OF SLEEP?

Factors that could potentially be impacting

kay hear us out— waking up like you’ve just had the best sleep ever is one of the GREATEST feelings and it helps to frame the rest of the day. Now, for all our fellow sleep strugglers out there, when was the last time you assessed your sleep hygiene? Sleep hygiene is the cornerstone of sleep related disorders including insomnia and restlessness. Keep reading to find out about the strategies to improve your sleep hygiene and why it’s so important…your sleep include but are not limited to:

• Irregular sleep schedule

• Your sleeping environment (are you using electronic devices before bed or using your sleeping space as a place to get work done?)

• Too much caffeine or alcohol before bed

• Sleep disorders (e.g., insomnia or narcolepsy)

• Mental health disorders (e.g., depression and anxiety)

TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP HYGIENE

1. Wake up/go to bed roughly at the same time every day. Our body’s circadian rhythm dictates when to produce wake and sleep related hormones like cortisol and melatonin. Waking up at a consistent time every morning can assist the body’s circadian rhythm to feel like it’s time to wake up when it’s time to wake up and induce sleepiness when it’s time for bed.

2. Create the perfect sleeping environment. It’s vital that you create the perfect atmosphere for sleeping. This may include throwing on an extra blanket if it’s cold, shutting the blinds, wearing an eye mask, or putting in some ear plugs. This can aid in removing any form of discomfort or disturbance during your sleep. Don’t forget! Your bed is for SLEEPING. Avoid using this sacred space for other activities e.g., doing work, eating, the list goes on. Train your body to associate bed with sleep.

3. No electronics before bed! Studies suggest that light-emitting electronics before bed can extend the time it takes to fall asleep, delay the circadian clock, impact levels of

melatonin, and reduce alertness the next morning. This is the perfect excuse to not only minimise your daily screen time but to ditch those pesky electronic devices before bed and assist yourself into sleep mode.

4. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Try to avoid consuming caffeine at least 4-6 hours before going to bed. Caffeine is a stimulant and may impact your ability to fall asleep. Similarly with alcohol, it can actually disrupt your sleep quality.

5. Establish a routine– allocate yourself 4050 mins of wind down time just prior to bedtime. In the morning, wake at the same time every day, go outside and walk for 20 mins with no sunglasses, avoid napping or time on the bed during the day, incorporate exercise into daily routine and use relaxation techniques to alleviate triggers.

HOW CAN OUR WHOLELIFE PHARMACISTS HELP YOU?

If you’re wanting professional advice on what remedies may improve your sleep quality, speak to one of our knowledgeable pharmacists at your nearest WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods store.

Additionally, we offer In Pharmacy Medicine Reviews so we can provide advice individualised to your circumstances. If you’re taking multiple medications to manage a health condition, we can review your medication list to see if it may be contributing to your sleep disruption.

more info

go to

Trinity Advisory Services Christmas fundraising lunch

FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Community spirited business people have come together at a special Christmas lunch to raise more than $230,000 for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.

Hosted by Trinity Advisory Services, this is the third time the lunch has been held and it has now contributed $455,000 to the FNQbased health charity.

Trinity Advisory Services co-owner Rod Sherrington said the lunch has become his favourite event of the year.

“It’s a wonderful time for bringing our amazing clients together. We are good friends with our clients and we share common goals and philosophies,” Mr Sherrington said.

“This is a cause close to the hearts of the Trinity Advisory team. I’ve had my own personal battle with prostate cancer, having required the services of the Cairns Hospital and I believe if you receive, you need to give in return.

“Our community has supported us all in our businesses and we just want to support the community in return,” he said.

“We’re really delighted that 100 per cent of funds raised will go towards buying equipment to treat prostate cancer, which is the second most common cause of all male cancer deaths in Australia.”

Funds are raised through invitees donating to attend and either donating auction items or buying auction items.

Foundation CEO Gina Hogan was stunned at the outcome and acknowledged Rod and wife Sue’s long- term support of the charity.

“Over the past three years, Rod, Sue and the Trinity Advisory team have put their hearts and souls into this event,” Mrs Hogan said.

The team at Trinity work for three months leading up to the event, sourcing entertainment, the auctioneer, auction items, logistics and paying for the venue, food and drinks.

“It’s quite incredible for us to watch this remarkable outpouring of community support for health services. It really validates for us that the community is behind what we do,” she said.

“We believe this would have to be the most successful fundraising lunch that’s been held in Cairns and we are so honoured that we are chosen to be the recipients. Because of our commercial operations, all our administration costs are covered which means every cent of this support will go towards helping improve patient outcomes in FNQ.”

“IT’S QUITE INCREDIBLE TO WATCH THE MONEY POURING IN ON THE DAY,” MR SHERRINGTON SAID.

FAR North Queensland businesses now have a superb opportunity to give employees convenient access to food, drinks and healthy snacks while supporting a local charity at the same time, thanks to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s new vending machine initiative.

The Foundation, which celebrates its 25th birthday this year, is now coordinating and managing a wide range of convenient vending services for local businesses using DKS Vending.

“Using vending machines like those available from the Foundation in the workplace, is a fantastic way to ensure your employees have access to food right at the office or work site, with the added advantage of supporting the Foundation in the process,” Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said.

“A key element to workplace productivity is ensuring your employees have adequate access to food, drinks and healthy snacks.”

The only expense for business is the small amount of electricity required to keep the machine running. Everything else is organised and covered by the Foundation. In addition, the highly functioning machines are stocked with healthy, nutritious food, drinks or whatever snacks businesses want.

Vending Opportunity

FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

BUSY School Cairns Campus joined the Foundation’s initiative after principal Naomi Vucas realised how much money their existing vending machine received and decided to put that money to good use by supporting a very worthy cause.

“Through this work BUSY Schools support their students with school lunches and available snacks, and the Foundation’s vending machine allows the students to have range of choice,” she said. “All monies from the vending machine go to the Foundation which is a charity near and dear to the staff and students of BUSY Schools Cairns Campus.”

BUSY Schools Cairns supports disengaged young people in years 11 and 12 to gain their QCE while offering help and guidance.

The Foundation has raised more than $25 million to help improve health care in the Far North since its inception. Its commercial activities, like the vending machines, cover all its administrative costs, meaning every cent donated to the Foundation goes exactly to where it is intended.

Among the Foundation’s achievements are supporting more than $1.5 million worth of research since 2009, contributing $1.4 million to bring electrophysiology to cardiac services in FNQ and providing $2.9 million worth of COVID-19 related

equipment to support Cairns and regional hospitals, to name just a few of its numerous accomplishments.

Businesses keen to enjoy the benefits of vending machines in their workplace for their staff and customers while supporting the community at the same time can contact the Foundation on 4226 6553.

FIVE GREAT BENEFITS OF VENDING MACHINES

1. Low overhead‒– Your only cost is the small amount of electricity required to keep it running

2. Improved Productivity‒– Less time commuting for food means staff can grab a quick snack in between meetings or spend a little longer enjoying their meal at lunch, rather than rushing to eat it before their break is over

3. Support Lifestyle Goals‒– Our machines can be stocked with a wide range of nutritious snacks to ensure your employees always have access to healthy alternatives

4. 24/7 Access‒– with Tap n Go, everyone from the 9-5 crew to the night-shift superstars will be able to benefit from the convenience of an on-site vending machine

5. Make a positive difference to the community‒– we are committed to providing high-functioning vending machines stocked with healthy, nutritious food and drinks while using proceeds to support the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation

Photo: Busy Schools’ Marney Fichera, Foundation CEO Gina Hogan, student Lara Armatas, Busy Schools’ Naomi Vucas and Foundation financial controller Joe Cristaldi.

Greener vehicle fleet for health workers

CAIRNS AND HINTERLAND HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICE

Doctors, nurses and community health workers are driving greener cars as the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) adds electric vehicles to its fleet.

The Health Service is switched onto the future, with the first of its fleet cars going all-electric as it embraces the Queensland Government’s zero emissions vehicle policy.

Six electric vehicle charging points have been installed at the Cairns North Community Health Centre, the first of many to be rolled out at its facilities across the Far North.

CHHHS Chief Financial Officer, Steve Thacker, said the service has leased six fully electric vehicles, two Hyundai Ionics and four Hyundai Konas to join the fleet at Cairns North.

“As part of the government’s QFleet Electric Vehicle Transition Strategy, we are embracing EVs within our vehicle fleet,” he said.

“These vehicles each have a range of up 400km on a single charge, which will allow us to provide community care across our vast region, while reducing our overall carbon footprint.

Mr Thacker said CHHHS staff, including doctors and nurses, travelled an average of 9,275km each day providing healthcare services across Far North Queensland.

“We have a total 243 vehicles within our fleet, which take our teams as far and wide as Croydon in the west, the Daintree in the north, and Tully in the south,” he said. “Of our fleet, 18 are hybrids, and now 6 are entirely electric powered.

“This means that 10 per cent of our fleet are environmentally responsible, with more on the way shortly.

“This is not only extremely important for the environment in terms of reducing emissions, but also helps to offset the rises in fuel and operational costs we are all experiencing.”

“Our team covers an area as far south as Tully, out to Kuranda, and up to Palm Cove,” she said.

“We won’t need to fill up our cars at service stations anymore: we can just come here and charge overnight.

“It’s exciting to lead the way in helping our Health Service use clean, green, renewable energy.”

“WE ARE PLANNING ON INSTALLING FURTHER CHARGING POINTS AT SOME OF OUR OTHER HEALTHCARE FACILITIES, INCLUDING CAIRNS HOSPITAL, IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE.”

Cairns North Community Health Team Leader Julie Rees said staff were very excited to be among the first CHHHS employees to get behind the wheel of completely electric vehicles.

Tablelands Gets Green Light For University

VOCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP GROUPS

Aspiring students in Atherton and the greater Tablelands region will soon have access to higher education without having to relocate with major universities already backing the expanding learning space.

Kennedy MP Bob Katter welcomed the announcement of Vocational Partnership Groups (VPG) Atherton being awarded funding to expand its offerings under the Australian Government’s Regional University Centres program. The program is set to establish eight new regional university centres across Australia.

Mr Katter said the opportunity to undertake a tertiary education on the Tablelands would help regional towns grow, especially in the “food bowl” of Queensland.

“Our rural towns are dealing with the pressure of population decline because so often our governments fail to realise their potential. This is great news for Atherton and the Tablelands,” Mr Katter said.

VPG chief executive Maryanne Tranter said the establishment of the Tablelands University Centre would aim to provide local access to university education through the provision of support and facilities.

“Utilising existing infrastructure at our VPG Service Centre in Atherton, the Tablelands University Centre will aim to drive positive

change in regional education to ensure our youth and wider community have access to quality post-school opportunities and networks,” Ms Tranter said.

“Our service centre already offers dynamic and flexible learning and study spaces, ideal for individual and group learning. By opening our doors to the wider community, locals will be able to pursue the career they want and stay in the communities they know and love.”

It is understood Central Queensland University and James Cook University are backing the TUC as it aligns with their shared commitment to create increased education pathways for the region.

“Our university partners will deliver learning online for undergraduate courses, such as education, nursing, social work, psychology and engineering, and have committed to in-person education support as enrolments grow. Students will also have access to an on-site education coach at VPG to enhance learning experiences and maximise study success.

“Atherton has strong school completion rates, and in the past, young adults have needed to leave the community to pursue education, and are often not returning, contributing to skill shortages across key industries.

Tablelands

Marti labelled the expansion as “very big news” and said it was a key in addressing workforce skills shortages.

“The opportunity for local people to participate in education opportunities, vocational and tertiary, has significant flowon effects for our community, especially allowing people to improve their skills and qualifications while staying right here,” Mr Marti said.

“I congratulate the VPG team for

The TUC is anticipated to benefit students in rural areas, from Mareeba, Tablelands and Ethridge shires.

In the first year of operation, approximately 100 students are estimated to access the centre, with enrolments continuing to build year on year.

“TO UNDERSTAND AND RESPOND TO LOCAL NEEDS OF ATHERTON AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES, A REGIONAL UNIVERSITY REFERENCE GROUP WILL BE ESTABLISHED, MADE UP OF KEY INDUSTRY, BUSINESS, AND COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES,” SAID MS TRANTER.

Regional Council Mayor Rod

its commitment and hard work.”

MacKillop Catholic College Takes Out Awards

MacKillop students Brandon Carreno won the Cairns Catholic Education Historical Writing Award - Junior Category, whilst Elijah Kanagaratnam and Sakura Smith came First Place and Runner Up respectively, in the Department of Education Literary Competition - Junior Award Category.

Pictured: MacKillop Catholic College Principal Luke Brown, students Brandon Carreno, Sakura Smith and Elijah Kanagaratnam with Deputy Principal (Secondary) Sarah Coleman.

MacKillop Catholic College at Mount Peter in Edmonton had a very eventful end of 2022 celebration at the Cairns Business Liaison Association’s Aspire Awards evening, where over 170 students received awards in recognition of their achievements in a range of areas.

TAS Student Tops State In Math

Trinity Anglican School (TAS) year 4 student Ben Limpus (9 years) topped Queensland for mathematics after competing in the prestigious International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS).

TAS Head of Primary, Kewarra Beach campus, Mary Kershaw said this was a stunning result for Ben and for the school’s commitment to academic excellence.

“What awards like this highlight is the dedication of our teachers in nurturing and bringing out the very best in students – irrespective of their

academic ability. This is a quality that makes TAS truly special,” Mrs Kershaw said.

According to TAS Principal Paul Sjogren ICAS is an independent, skills-based assessment program providing valuable insights into the academic attainment and performance of independent schools against national curriculum benchmarks.

“This result is a wonderful testament to our rigorous learning program and to the teaching staff at TAS Kewarra Beach and is an outstanding and well-deserved outcome for Ben.

TAS Head of Primary, Kewarra Beach campus, Mary Kershaw with ICAS winner, year 4 student Ben Limpus who topped QLD in mathematics. Photo by Romy Photography

JUTE 30 Year Anniversary

Photos by Mimi Tannaka

Global Long Drive Competition Hits Port Douglas

SURVIVOR GOLF

Australia is set to take on New Zealand in Golf’s ultimate Long Drive competition as a part of the Drummond Golf Survivor Series Grand Final in Port Douglas this December at the Mirage Country Club.

The Survivor Golf Series Grand Final will encourage locals to come and join the festivities with the Xtreme Drivers League (XDL)-Global Infinity Series Long Drive Competition. Entry is free and there will be a huge grandstand setup, live DJ, food and drinks as the famous Aussie Long Ballers take on the New Zealand Long Blacks in the XDL Trans Tasman Clash.

The evening will also see a celebrity long drive competition with some local and interstate celebs stepping up to hit some bombs. Aussie contestant and local Cairns Long Driver Paul Mews is hoping to bring home the crown for Australia in the inaugural Trans Tasman Clash. “This is super exciting to be bringing the XDL to Australia and

to have it here in my hometown is going to be amazing. I am really pumped to be bringing this amazing sport to the fans in Far North Queensland,” Mews said. “The Kiwi’s are renowned for hitting some big drives but we have a solid roster of Aussie Long Ballers and I’m confident we can do it for the home crowd at the Mirage Country Club.

The newly established Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) is set to position the sport of Long Drive as a subcategory of golf in an effort to provide athletes, events, and sponsors of the game with a more defined brand, along with an opportunity to introduce the sport to the Olympic Games. With 26 events successfully completed in five countries, two national teams established, and the largest prize purse paid in the history of Long Drive, CEO & President Olna Ford has taken the sport to a new and exciting level.

“Since its inception, the sport of Long Drive has been deeply intertwined with

the game of golf,” Ford said. “Still, there are many nuances that set it apart as a new and exciting, high performance sport. “It’s time to not only recognise the differences of Long Drive and celebrate our sport’s unique history, but also look to the future and create opportunities to broaden the reach of the sport and the exposure for our athletes who deserve every opportunity to compete in and showcase the sport they are so passionate about.”

The Drummond Golf Survivor Golf Series is the fastest growing 2-person Ambrose golf tournament in Australia. Our mission is to make amateur golfers feel like professionals while putting a playful twist on traditional golf. Each year the lucky winning teams from each qualifying event across Australia score their place in the Major Final at Mirage Country Club, Port Douglas! Each event of the Survivor Golf Series is a 2-person Ambrose format.

For more information go to: www.survivorgolf.com.au

SWEET & SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE DESSERT THANKS TO PICCONES

Top off your entertaining with this quick but classy ice cream pudding. It looks great and tastes even better.

*Serving size calculator is approximate, feel free to adjust by adding a pinch here and there as needed

Ingredients:

• 3 cups leftover dark fruit cake, crumbled

• 1/3 cup Grand Marnier, or fruit juice

• 2 litres creamy, vanilla ice cream

• 150 g dark chocolate

Method:

1. Place the crumbled cake into a large bowl.

2. Drizzle with the liqueur, stir to combine, cover and sit for at least one hour, stirring twice.

3. Bring the ice cream to room temperature.

4. Add the ice cream to the crumbled cake and mix to combine.

5. Line a pudding bowl with glad wrap, spoon the mixture in, cover with cling wrap and freeze for at least four hours, or overnight.

6. Twenty minutes from serving, melt the chocolate in a microwave in 30-second increments until nice and smooth.

7. Remove and run a little hot water over the outside so that the pudding comes out of the bowl easily and invert onto a platter.

8. Pour over the melted chocolate, allowing it to drip down the sides.

9. Pop back into the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up. Decorate with fresh cherries, for extra height leave their stalks intact.

WITHSNEA

Dust off the Christmas tree and untangle the lights because it’s that time of the year already! Everyone loves a gingerbread man, and Sneaky Wholefoods have made it easy for us to whip up with their Ginger Bread Cookie Better Being base.

Decorating your ginger bread men with the kids is the perfect weekend activity to really get into the spirit of things!

INGREDIENTS:

• 200g Sneaky Wholefoods GingerBread Cookie Better Being Base

• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder

• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract

• 1 egg or egg replacer

• 60g Butter, softened

• 2 1/2 tbsp Molasses

• Flour or corn starch for cutting

METHOD:

1. Preheat oven to 160c and line a baking tray with baking paper.

2. In a large bowl, place the base mix and baking powder and whisk to combine well.

3. Create a well in the centre

paper and roll into a rectangle, about half a centimetre thick. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.

5. Pull back the top sheet of baking paper, dip a gingerbread man cutter in flour or corn starch, and use it to cut out shapes from the dough. With each cut, jiggle the cutter back and forth to create a neat shape.

6. Transfer onto lined baking tray and repeat steps until all dough has been used.

7. Bake in oven for 12-15 minutes. Allow cookies to cool before icing.

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

Cairns is Officially Home to Australia’s Favourite Mushrooms on Toast

GUYALA CAFE

Tucked away at the north end of Cairns Esplanade, you’ll find Guyala Cafe— owned by Cairns local and the face behind Caffiend and Tattooed Sailor Coffee Roasters, Oliver James.

Opened back at the start of 2020, Guyala has not only kept its doors open throughout a global pandemic— it has grown from strength to strength. The Cairns North cafe has won several accolades in less than three years— including being named North Queensland’s ‘Best Breakfast’ in 2021 and winning a ‘Consumer Vote’ award earlier this year, along with recent recognition for its Tropical Avocado Toast.

But the real cherry (or fungi) on top of its success came in November, when it was revealed that Cairns is home to Australia’s ‘Best Mushroom Toast’.

Launched as a special in 2022, Guyala’s ‘Truffle Mushrooms’ became a cult favourite among the cafe’s regulars— vegans and meat-eaters alike. So much so, that the team was convinced to grant the dish a permanent spot on the menu.

Fast forward a couple of months and they are certainly glad to have kept it around— winning the top spot in Australian Mushrooms’ #MyMushroomToast competition and earning the $10,000 prize.

The campaign— which was launched to encourage consumers to eat more Australian grown mushrooms— shone a spotlight on creative recipes across regional and metro areas, but Guyala ultimately beat 16 finalists to the punch.

So what makes Guyala’s Truffle Mushrooms the best of the best?

“The key ingredient to the Truffle Mushrooms dish is the cashew-based mushroom truffle pâté we make,” Oliver said.

“We layer sourdough with our mushroom truffle pâté, the cooked Australian Mushrooms— plus goat’s chèvre and pickled red onion, finishing

with dried rose petals, flaked salt and pepper and olive oil direct from the Grampians Olive Co. farm.”

When asked what he will do with the winnings, Oliver said: “We intend to direct a portion towards kickstarting our own sourdough production in Cairns.

“I’m also planning to give the team a bonus to say thank you for their efforts over the past couple of years. The rest will be donated to OzHarvest’s FEAST program, which educates young students on sustainability, food waste and nutrition.

“The work OzHarvest does in reducing food waste while simultaneously supporting those in need is so important for the community as well as the environment.”

Guyala [pronounced goo-ya-la] is named after the local Yirrganydji word for the White Breasted Sea Eagle, also the name of the mountain range embracing the Southern side of Trinity Inlet. Guyala Cafe is located at 2 Smith Street and is open seven days a week.

Photo courtesy of Jo Whitton

Be Seen, Be Rented

RAY & DAVID MURPHY

There’s no denying the first step to renting out your property is for it to be seen, and ensuring that the property is seen in its best light is vital in reaching its maximum potential.

Presenting your property correctly can not only be the difference between it being seen or overlooked, but it can be the difference between being rented or remaining vacant, costing you valuable time and income.

The adage ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ is absolutely true when it comes to property, so you want to ensure the way in which your property, be it big or small, old or new, is captured – and seen –beautifully.

Modern day smart phones have some fantastic quality cameras built in and when operated by those in the know can really be impactful. They’re quick, anyone can use them and they

are inexpensive. But photography is an art, and herein lies the difference.

Professional photography is just that – professional. Photographers have learned the skills to know how to elevate your property and really showcase the best it has to offer.

From angles, lighting and perspective through to the all the little details, it can really make your property stand out amongst others.

Professional marketing photos aren’t just a short-term investment. In most cases, it will be years between major changes made to your property; provided photos still remain an accurate reflection of the condition the property is in, they can be used for many years to come.

Ensure your property is, in fact, looking its best. If you’re planning to repaint externals, complete some overdue landscaping or upgrade appliances, ensure this is done prior to photographers coming through.

Keep the property neutral, open and without clutter. Talk to your photographer about the property – what are its best features? What have previous tenants been drawn to in the property? What is the neighbourhood and lifestyle like? This is all valuable to the way you want your property captured.

Equally as important is how the property is described and it’s important that these descriptions are matched by visual imagery.

Small details such as the fireplace going, the sun reflecting off the pool or the verandah lights setting the mood as the sun goes down, can really make a difference.

If you’re considering the benefits of professional photography to enhance your property’s appeal, your property manager can be a wealth of knowledge in not only providing referrals, but ensuring it’s marketed in the best light.

Partnership Showcases Regional Arts

SONJA JOHNSON

: (07) 4041 1729

: info@rdatropicalnorth.org.au

Chief Executive Officer

Regional Development Australia Tropical North (RDA)

The arts priorities of communities throughout Tropical North Queensland are being identified following the appointment of four arts workers to the newly formed Regional Arts Services Network Tropical North.

A partnership between Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North and Cook Shire Council, the Regional Arts Services Network Tropical North will showcase regional arts across multiple platforms that focus on community engagement and facilitate career pathways in the arts.

Regional Arts Manager Tony Castles and three regional coordinators have been travelling throughout the region, from the Cassowary Coast north to the Torres Strait and west to Etheridge Shire, to engage with each community.

The newly assembled team of Marilyn Miller in Cairns, Waratah Nicholls in Cooktown and Perina Drummond on Thursday Island are focusing on listening to the arts priorities and challenges across our diverse region.

In addition to the broader arts community engagement, a steering committee of 10 people will be established. The committee will include representatives from councils,

universities, Indigenous art centres and the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair to help guide the strategic vision of the Regional Arts Services Network Tropical North and ensure stakeholder project ideas meet their objectives.

The Network’s strategy and projects will closely align with Arts Queensland’s Creative Together 2022-2032 policy to elevate First Nations arts as a priority, activate places and spaces, drive social change and strengthen communities, and share the stories of our regions.

To achieve this, the regional coordinators will work with each community to realise the arts and cultural projects that will strengthen their community and build arts and cultural capacity.

There are many exciting opportunities which are very much at the whiteboard stage of thinking. They include projects that share and celebrate local stories and activate local places and spaces including digital spaces. A number of challenges have been identified including the skills shortage, lack of career pathways and difficulty in recruiting volunteers.

Our region has a very vibrant arts sector, but its true economic potential remains largely untapped. The most recent statistics from

the 2016 Census show 3210 people were employed in arts and culture with those jobs accounting for 3 per cent of the workforce.

The sector’s value of $460 million was also significant, accounting for 3.8 per cent of our Gross Regional Product. The 2019 State of the Arts Report commissioned by James Cook University, Central Queensland University and Cairns Regional Council predicted 7 per cent growth in the number of cultural and arts businesses over the next five years.

As an independent agency brokering regional development solutions, RDA Tropical North sees a window of opportunity to create jobs and further grow the Tropical North’s economy by tapping into the creative sector, especially the region’s extraordinary First Nations art and culture.

The newly formed Regional Arts Services Network Tropical North is all about connecting networks to strengthen the impacts for the region’s arts and cultural community.

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

FNQ Future Looks Bright

JACINTA REDDAN

The past few weeks have been extremely fruitful for Far North Queensland, with the region set to receive more than half a billion dollars in funding in the Albanese Government’s first Federal Budget.

Marine and education were the region’s big winners, with $200m allocated for infrastructure upgrades at the Cairns Marine Precinct and the construction of a CQUniversity Cairns CBD campus, to be rolled out over six years from 2023/24.

Also in the Federal Budget was $107.5m towards Cairns Regional Council’s Cairns Water Security – Stage 1 project, $13.2m for Commonwealth Supported Places at JCU Medical School, $15m for TTNQ to support international tourism in the region, and $210m for the Kuranda Range Road upgrade.

These transformational projects will have exponential flow-on benefits across the broader economy, creating jobs and skills growth, improving logistics and supply chain, and painting a bright, sustainable future for the region.

The announcements followed strong advocacy from Advance Cairns Chair Nick Trompf and the Executive Board, along with other key regional stakeholders including Cairns Regional Council and TTNQ.

There is no better example of the power of speaking with one collective voice and this spirit of collaboration is one which attracted me to this role. The passion and pride for the region is self-evident in all of my initial meetings with members and key stakeholders.

It is indeed a privilege to be stepping into the role as CE at a time when the region has secured funding for these major gamechanging projects. The bar has been set high!

I wanted to thank you for the extraordinary welcome you have given me to this beautiful part of the world. I feel incredibly blessed to be in a position to build on the momentum to shape a future for Far North Queensland in which we all prosper, and we create diverse career paths and opportunities for our children and for their children, and that in doing so, we contribute to a community in which we all thrive.

My goal is to get to meet as many of you as possible and to ensure that you have a voice. I have been fortunate to have met many of you at three major events in my first month in the role – from a briefing with the Minister for Transport and Main Roads to hosting our first event with a Minister from the new Federal Government, the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King who gave us a sneak preview of hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for the region, to our AGM.

I am certainly pleased that the climate in Hong Kong has prepared me well for Cairns and I am enjoying some of the best Asian food I have eaten anywhere in the region – but nothing can compare with the sheer beauty of the natural landscape, your abundant fresh produce and the extraordinarily welcoming community. And I have barely touched the surface but am giving it a really good go!

It has been a real pleasure meeting, listening and learning during my first few weeks in Tropical North Queensland.

Tourism industry acknowledged

MARK OLSEN

: (07) 4015 1201

: ceo@ttnq.org.au

Chief Executive Officer

Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ)

The Tropical North Queensland tourism industry’s optimism was reflected in the record number of submissions for the 2022 Simon George & Sons TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards held at the Hilton Cairns last month.

The positive atmosphere at the awards ceremony comes after solid wins for the tourism industry in 2022 when we achieved record domestic expenditure for the fourth consecutive quarter with the $3.12 billion helping our regional economy to get back on its feet.

Our greatest challenge will be the slowing of the domestic market as overseas travel once again becomes more attractive so the news that our destination will receive $15 million in Federal marketing funds over three years to entice international travellers back is very welcome.

After two challenging years our tourism industry continues to innovate and we recognise this by adding the Sustainable Tourism Excellence Award this year.

TTNQ is also proud to make the 2022 Simon George & Sons TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards good for the planet by partnering with Reforest to offset more than six tonnes of carbon through sponsoring the rehabilitation of the Mabi Rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands, making the awards carbon neutral.

I congratulate the winners and runners-up of the 2022 Simon George & Sons TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards for their leadership.

LIFE MEMBER Allan Tan

The Reef Hotel Casino Chief Executive Officer Allan Tan has been a key player at the city’s cornerstone attraction and venue, setting the standard for high-end hotels in Cairns for a quarter of a century. Highly intelligent and well respected by his peers, he was a Director of TTNQ from 2012 to 2015 where his mantra of working together as a team for the destination was evident.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION BY AN INDIVIDUAL Bob Manning

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning served a three-year term as TTNQ Chair during his 15 years on the Board. As Cairns Port Authority CEO he oversaw

the opening of the Cairns International Airport, kickstarting the rapid growth of international tourism to the destination and applied airport terminal thinking to the reef fleet resulting in the development of the Reef Fleet Terminal as part of the Cityport masterplan. Most recently he was behind the successful vote for an opt-in visitor levy for local government.

CHAIR’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

– Experience Co

Sponsored by Cairns Regional Council

While the pandemic was squeezing our industry, the Experience Co team took the plunge and won State Government support to build the first new pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef in a decade, opening the Reef Magic pontoon in April this year. The pontoon supported Experience Co’s strong sustainability philosophy that led to them introducing the first Indigenous storytellers on a reef cruise when they created Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel.

YOUNG ACHIEVER EXCELLENCE AWARD

Tayla Ahrens, Cairns Airport Marketing Manager

Tayla’s marketing campaigns to support aviation growth across Tropical North Queensland include the eye-catching Covid-safe signage for Cairns Airport which was endorsed by key industry groups and is in the State Library of Queensland’s collection of heritage memories.

A member of the Cairns Young Chamber Committee, Tayla led the Cairns Airport Aviation Careers Day, launched the re-opening of the Jack Barnes Bicentennial Mangrove Walk and supports key events such as Ironman Cairns and Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival.

RUNNERS-UP

Renee Miles, Wildlife Habitat Acting Wildlife Supervisor

Wil has worked with the Savannahlander for more than a decade and regularly receives glowing customer service reviews on TripAdvisor. Working in a remote area, he has dealt with a few emergencies including the train being stranded by unseasonal rain in Forsayth. Wil turned this experience around by giving impromptu wildlife walks to educate passengers about the local flora and fauna. Wil loves his job so much that he has the Savannahlander logo tattooed on his arm.

RUNNERS-UP

Cedric Lootvoet, The Reef House Luxury Concierge

Lyn Baily, Talaroo Springs Manager

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

EXCELLENCE

AWARD – Passions of Paradise

Passions of Paradise has a long history of environmental stewardship. The reef operator employed their first marine biologist 25 years ago and an environmental manager was appointed more than a decade ago to deliver their business philosophy of giving Mother Nature a say in everything they do. Passions donated their boat during the pandemic so the crew could continue to participate in the Coral Nurture Program and was a finalist in the 2022 Banksia Sustainability Awards.

RUNNERS-UP

Small World Journeys

Daintree Discovery Centre

BEST OF QUEENSLAND EXPERIENCES

EXCELLENCE AWARD – ABC Snorkel Charters

Samantha

Gray, Experience Co Reef Education Manager

CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD

Wil Kemp, Driver/Guide, The Savannahlander Sponsored by Bang Media

ABC Snorkel Charters takes just 12 people to snorkel the reefs off Port Douglas and Low Isles. The family-run business was Tropical North Queensland’s highest performer in the Best of Queensland Experiences program, recognising tourism experiences that bring the Queensland story to life and consistently deliver an exceptional customer experience.

Our Chaotic Federation

KEVIN BYRNE

As our national pandemic response proved, and the subsequent conduct of the federal election confirmed, our federation is in irreparable crisis.

Our national unity was tested daily by hours of confused media conferences where the gormless politicking of many state leaders was on full display seeking to destroy any semblance of national unity at a time of genuine crisis. They were shamelessly egged on by the alternative government who slipped into early election mode advocating for more debt and promising the world. We are now in a debt trap of our making. The lockdowns in Victoria, the lockout out of WA from the Federation, the infamous statement from the Queensland Premier that Queensland hospitals “are for Queensland people” and the shuttering of Australia to folks wanting to “come home” has been proven to be spectacular overreach. Beaches closed, parks closed, schools closed and thousands of elderly dying alone. Those responsible for this calamity no doubt will escape sanction whilst the true scope of their culpable behaviour will play out over decades.

Fast forward to six months into a new political regime change where the first order

of business for this country is a Voice to Parliament for our first nations folk. Now the management of indigenous affairs across the country is vested with State and Territory Governments. Each has a responsible minister, each has a ministerial advisory group of some sort and oodles of other experts on hand. Commonwealth powers here are an illusion despite the fact that there is a Federal Aboriginal Affairs Minister who is quick to point the finger of blame at states and territories for the appalling incarceration rates and domestic violence and homicide rates 10 times above the rate of the rest of the community. We have precisely nine ministerial equivalents across all parliaments and scores of advisory bodies focused on indigenous issues. No other group in this country, representing 3.2 percent of our population, enjoys such attention. Yet despite this and the enormous amounts of money spent on closing the gap and propping up dysfunctional communities, problems continue to exacerbate.

Similarly each government jurisdiction treats their responsibilities to our environment the same way. Despite some brief national consensus in 2021 around an emissions reduction target of zero by 2050, all government jurisdictions have gone rogue

imposing their own legislative limits at the expense of an ordered agreed path to an acceptable transition. The demonisation of traditional fossil fuels and the rejection of gas as a transition power source will cost Australia dearly as we saddle the next generation with the bills. The promised relief of surging power prices has disappeared without trace and so too will jobs in our manufacturing, mining, agriculture and resources sector in the years ahead as we join a growing queue pleading with China to sell us more solar panels and windmills and we dig up more and more lithium to create a battery powered economy. The slack will not be picked up in the rewiring the nation folly being touted by the voodoo practitioners any time soon as some states hurtle towards their targets by 2035. Have we lost all reason in difficult debates as to our future? It does not need to be all about politics.

The regional and urban divide will only exacerbate our sense of frustration around a functioning Federation in the years ahead. Political power is exercised by satisfying the dull and hungry. Witness the rise of the Teals. Governments continue to over promise and deliver little to our regions. We are last in the meal queue.

Get Your Festive Cheer On

DANAE JONES

: danae@danaejones.com.au

: www.danaejones.com.au

The festive season is upon us and while many businesses are planning to close their doors for their annual set timeframe, many others remain open, as it is their strongest trading period of the entire calendar year. If you’re a business that is looking forward to the annual shut down, that doesn’t mean your Public Relations needs to wind down as well. The Christmas and New Year period is actually a great time to secure positive, feel good publicity for your business as newsrooms don’t go to sleep over the festive season, they continue to deliver the news each and every day – and they are looking for feel good stories more so than any other time of year. This is a great opportunity to promote your Christmas charity work, something unique you might be treating your staff with as a Christmas gift, or even

inviting media along to your end of year events to capture some social pics of your business.

Here are some of my top tips to help you get your Festive PR Cheer On:

NUMBER #1

Don’t put your publicity on hold

This is a time of year that you can be fun, creative and innovative with your media opportunities. The media love a story to get their audience laughing, or a good Samaritan piece that tugs at the heart strings. There are less people available to interview at this time of year so journalists struggle to

fill their papers and news bulletins and are looking for visually appealing and feel good stories to fill the gaps. Think about how you could pitch a story to your local media outlets to not only attract positive PR for your business, but help the newsroom gain a great story to add to their day’s line up.

NUMBER #2

Networking

Everyone is hosting a party in the lead up to Christmas, so take advantage of the time to network and enjoy meeting new people and socialising with your customers, suppliers and staff. Get amongst it and spread some festive cheer and make some new connections!

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

Businesses and individuals recognised for excellence

PATRICIA O’NEILL

: (07) 4031 1838

: info@cairnschamber.com.au

Chief Executive Officer

Cairns Chamber of Commerce

The Cairns Chamber of Commerce proudly presented the 2022 Business Excellence Awards (BEX Awards) sponsored by JCU on Friday, October 21.

This event recognised businesses and individuals across our region for the excellence they had demonstrated in their respective fields of expertise. This year the BEX Awards attracted a record number of nominations, submissions and subsequent finalists that the Cairns Chamber has ever had. This is a testament to the resilience and achievements of Cairns businesses, especially following the past couple of challenging years.

There were 10 award categories open for nomination. Only two of the awards were for an individual, the Emerging Leadership Award and the Legacy Award. The Emerging Leadership Award acknowledges an individual, aged 18-35, who has demonstrated strong professional development and has contributed to the Cairns business community as an emerging leader. The winner of the 2022 Emerging Leadership Award was presented to Courtney Hansen. Ms Hansen has shown resilience, passion and has invested in both personal and professional development to improve her ability to become a true leader in the marine sector which is primarily a very challenging male-dominated industry. Her holistic approach to leadership and project management has determined her continuing success and fulfilment in her career. Ms Hansen’s emotional intelligence and self-reflection have been instrumental in effectively leading a team to get the best possible outcomes. Her analytical

AWARD WINNERS

LEGACY AWARD

Sponsored by: James Cook University

2022 awarded to Bill Cummings

EMERGING

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARD

Sponsored by: James Cook University, College of Business, Law & Governance

2022 Winner: Courtney Hansen

SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARD

Sponsored by: Star 102.7 & 4CA

2022 Winner: CaPTA Group

approach to problem solving has proved to be an asset, especially when under pressure. Giving back to the community is extremely important to Ms Hansen and through personal and business initiatives, she has provided a direct contribution to the growth of the Cairns economy. Ms Hansen is committed to improving environmental outcomes, supporting the development of pathways for women and Indigenous young people into a maledominated industry.

Courtney expressed how privileged she felt to receive the award amongst a group of worthy finalists and how determined she is to continue her work to provide traineeships and training programs for young people to work in the marine sector.

The second individual award, The Legacy Award, was not open for nomination. The recipient of this award is determined by an independent panel of judges including members of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce Board to recognise an individual for their outstanding contribution to our region, along with their commitment to professional excellence, business sustainability and community contribution. This award was presented to Mr Bill Cummings.

There are very few people who give of themselves and their expertise more than this man in the Cairns community. He is someone who advocacy groups, the government, and the business community have been able to rely on for his intellect, forward thinking and sage advice over many decades. His passion for the Far Northern Region is unshakable

PEOPLE

MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD

Sponsored by: CBC Staff Selection

2022 Winner: Adhesive Communication

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS EXCELLENCE AWARD

Sponsored by: The Cairns Post

2022 Winner: Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett

INNOVATION EXCELLENCE AWARD

Sponsored by: Cairns Regional Council

2022 Winner: James Home Services Australia

INDIGENOUS BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD

Sponsored by: Pure Storage

2022 Winner: AFL Cape York House

and he has unapologetically fought alongside many city leaders in his quiet and unassuming way for as long as we can all remember, bringing with him the analytical and economic mind to help shape the city to what it is today.

Bill Cummings is one of Australis’s most highly experienced regional economists.

He is a founding member of JCU Cairns Campus and was instrumental in the opening of the first ever JCU campus on Greenslopes Street.

He has also worked closely over the years with not only the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and all of our regional Chambers, but the Australian Chamber of Commerce, as well as internationally: Mumbai and Cheani, India; Tokyo, Japan; Singapore, Manila, Moresby and Lae in Papua New Guinea and Palau, Micronesia.

Bill Cummings’ fingerprints are on almost every major economic development project this city has seen since the 1980s conducting market research, feasibility studies and economic analysis that has put our region in prime position for securing funding and winning large scale projects to further progress our region and enrich our way of life.

His incredible legacy is something we are all ever so grateful for.

We could not have thought of a more deserving winner of this most prestigious award.

CUSTOMER SERVICE – TRADE & RETAIL EXCELLENCE AWARD

Sponsored by: Totally Workwear

2022 Winner: OMG Decadent Donuts FNQ

CUSTOMER SERVICE – DELIVERY OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES EXCELLENCE AWARD

Sponsored by: Danae Jones Consulting

2022 Winner: Cairns Total Physio

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION EXCELLENCE AWARD

Sponsored by: Maxima Group

2022 Winner: White Whale Coffee Roasters

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY EXCELLENCE AWARD

Sponsored by: NBN Local

2022 Winner: AirBridge Networks

Protecting Your Business From Attack WGC LAWYERS

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

WGC LawyersWe’ve Got you Covered!

Being attacked in the public arena is never a pleasant experience. What can you do if you are attacked by a customer or members of the public who are posting negative and false reviews? What if they are making defamatory remarks online about the business, its owners or its staff?

“Defamatory material” means any material that carries an imputation of a person which is likely to injure that person’s reputation, injure them in their trade or profession, or likely to induce others to shun, avoid, ridicule or despise them.

If an online review or remark refers specifically to the owner of a business, or even an employee, then they may be able to commence legal action for defamation.

However, there are some limits to what types of businesses can bring a claim for defamation. A corporation which employs fewer than 10 persons may bring a claim for defamation, whereas larger corporations may not.

In addition, changes were recently made to the law of defamation.

There is now a requirement of a “serious harm element” before an aggrieved person can bring a claim for defamation. This means that an action in defamation will require an individual aggrieved party to prove that the publication has caused, or is likely to cause, serious harm to their reputation.

Corporations also need to prove that the publication has caused or is likely to cause the entity serious financial loss.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN BRINGING SUCH A CLAIM?

The general process to be followed in relation to legal action for defamation is as follows:

1. An aggrieved person must give a publisher of defamatory material a written “concerns notice” which informs the publisher of the defamatory imputations that the aggrieved person is concerned about in the material.

2. Under recent changes to the Act, the aggrieved party now also needs to: a. specify the location for where the publication can be accessed (for example, on a webpage); b. inform the publisher of the harm that the aggrieved party considers to be serious harm to their reputation;

c. if the aggrieved party is a corporation, the financial loss that the corporation considers will likely be caused resulting from the publication;

3. If the aggrieved person’s “concerns notice” is in order, the publisher may make an offer to make amends. The publisher may do so within 28 days after the date of the concerns notice.

4. Any offer to make amends may include: a. an offer to publish an apology; b. an offer to pay compensation for economic or non-economic loss.

An aggrieved person cannot commence an action in defamation unless they have first issued a concerns notice and the time in which to make amends has elapsed.

An aggrieved person should be aware that there is a strict 12 month time limit for bringing a claim for defamation.

IF I CAN’T TAKE ACTION FOR DEFAMATION, ARE THERE ANY OTHER OPTIONS?

Yes, there is another form of legal action which a business may be able to take as an alternative to defamation. It is called “injurious falsehood”.

Injurious falsehood is similar to defamation in that it relates to the publication of statements concerning an aggrieved person or a business.

Whilst defamation tends to relate to damage caused to personal reputation, injurious falsehood is often about protecting a person’s interest in a business.

A business may be able to take action and sue for injurious falsehood when another person makes false representations about the goods and services of that business. Those statements can occur online, in the press, or verbally.

In addition to proving that the false statements were published about the business, the business will need to prove that the statements were published with malice and that the statements have caused actual loss and damage.

In some cases, a business may also wish to take urgent action to prevent the spread of further false statements being made. It may be possible for the business to apply to the court for an injunction preventing further false statements being made until there has been a trial determining the matter in court.

WHAT IF IT IS ACTUALLY A COMPETITOR WHO IS MAKING NEGATIVE REVIEWS ABOUT MY BUSINESS?

In some cases it may actually be a competitor who is publishing the negative reviews (or they even be encouraging or paying someone else to publish the false and negative reviews). If that is the case, then your business may be able to commence proceedings against the competitor for misleading or deceptive conduct under the Australian Consumer Law.

WHAT USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN A BUSINESS TAKES LEGAL ACTION TO PROTECT ITSELF FROM THESE ATTACKS?

Ideally, the person making the false statements stops doing so, and also removes the offending publications before any significant damage is done.

However, they might also attempt to defend themselves and maintain that the comments or the review was fair. It is not necessarily a straightforward matter to prove that someone has acted with malice. Any person who leaves a negative review does have potential defences – they might argue that their review was truthful, or that it was their honestly held opinion about a matter of public interest, that their review was trivial, or that it only reached a small audience.

WHAT ALTERNATIVES ARE THERE TO TAKING LEGAL ACTION?

Google, Facebook, TripAdvisor and similar platforms have processes where an individual or a business can report defamatory or malicious posts and request that they be removed. Whilst those platforms may be able to remove such offending posts, their response time can vary and the removal may not always occur quickly enough to limit significant damage.

Finally, in extreme cases, where online attacks or trolling occurs and there are actual threats of violence against a business, its owners or its employees, then it may be necessary to refer the matter to the police.

IN SUMMARY, WHAT CAN A BUSINESS DO ABOUT A FALSE ONLINE REVIEW?

A business is just like a person. It has a reputation that it can protect. A business may be able to take legal action in response to false statements or malicious attack from customers or members of the public where the business suffers financial loss as a result.

Financial Planning Firm Recognised

Kelly Wealth Services (KWS) specialises in retirement planning and investment management.

In an impressive list of accolades, the Cairns-based financial planning firm was a finalist in the Cairns Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards— Customer Service delivery of Professional Services category, and finalist for People Management.

They were also a finalist in the Independent Financial Adviser (ifa) Excellence Awards – Client Servicing Company of the Year.

KWS’ senior financial adviser Dave Haydon was named in

Barron’s Magazine as one of Australia’s top 100 financial advisers. This is the first time a Cairns adviser has been ranked, according to Operations Manager Haydn van Nek.

“It feels great to be publicly recognised as finalists locally and nationally for customer service,” he said. “Hopefully this recognition will result in even further growth for us –we’re seeing a lot of demand from clients for trusted, quality financial advice at the moment.”

KWS works with clients in delivering financial strategies and investment portfolios that achieve clients’ goals and aspirations.

Opening its doors in 2011, KWS is proud to have Brent Kelly, Brent Cerutti and Dave Haydon on their team as Senior Financial Advisers and business owners.

KWS is delighted to have Sarah Hugill on their team as a Financial Adviser – her style and skill set brings breadth to their client offering.

“We’re super excited about the quality of local firm we have built – our strategy next year is to continue assisting clients to achieve their financial goals and supporting the Cairns economy,” Haydn said.

Building Resilience in Challenging Times

INGRID WESTTHORP

: www.selectability.com.au

General

Manager Clinical Services BA (Nursing) MACN AIAM (mediator) MAICD

Life inevitably involves difficult times, from small upsets to big events like bereavement, illness, or trauma. The idea of resilience doesn’t mean you find these events easy or fair.

Instead, resilience is about facing these events in an adaptive way, helping you to focus on what you can control.

The definition of resilience varies, but experts generally agree it involves skills and behaviours that anyone can learn. Building up these skills and habits yourself or with the help of a mental health professional can make a difference to how you get through tough times.

BUILDING SOCIAL CONNECTION

A big part of resilience is connection with people who make you feel good, as a support network is a huge help in challenging situations.

You might find you withdraw socially under stress, but finding ways to connect with people you trust even if it’s as simple as going for a walk or getting a coffee together— can support your wellbeing during tough times.

Another part of this skill is asking for help when you need it.

Sharing problems with others and accepting help can be hard, but it plays a big part in reducing your isolation when you’re struggling. Talking about your problems also gives people the chance to share how they got through similar challenges, giving you ideas of what could help.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH

Taking care of your health has many benefits, including improving your body’s ability to respond to stress and difficult events.

One way to improve your physical health could be improving your sleep through sleep hygiene. This involves trying to keep to regular sleep and wake times, avoiding nicotine, caffeine and alcohol 4-6 hours before bed, and avoiding daytime naps. Having a regular wind-down routine in the hour before bed, by turning off screens and doing something relaxing, can also help you have a better quality sleep.

Another way of supporting your physical health and ability to respond to stress is through exercise. Experts say that 30 minutes of exercise five days

a week can improve your mood, energy, and reduce stress hormones. This can be broken up in the day and doesn’t have to be strenuous— walking fast while still being able to talk is great.

EMOTION REGULATION

Everyone feels positive and negative emotions throughout a lifetime and even in a given day or hour. Emotion regulation is the process of responding to your emotions with some care and acceptance.

This can be challenging for everyone at different times, and especially for people who have been through traumatic events.

Let’s use anger as an example. This can be a difficult emotion, and many people feel they don’t know how to deal with it safely. Learning to manage anger can involve learning what situations trigger anger in you, and how you recognise it— for many people there are physical signs like a hot face or body tension.

Noticing why and how anger comes up helps you find safe ways of responding. One response could be pausing, through taking a few deep breaths or removing yourself temporarily from a difficult situation.

Some people also find distracting themselves or safely expressing the emotion helpful— for example, by blowing off steam through exercise or listening to music that expresses their anger.

A therapy called Dialectical Behaviour Therapy or DBT can help people who find it very challenging to regulate their emotions. DBT includes learning a range of skills in distress tolerance, mindfulness, and emotion regulation. Many people with Borderline Personality Disorder find DBT helpful.

PRACTICING GRATITUDE, ACCEPTANCE AND GETTING PERSPECTIVE

There are a few attitudes and ways of looking at the world that can help you cope with challenging or distressing events, such as:

Gratitude Connecting with a feeling of thankfulness for the positive things (big and small) that come your way. One way of feeling more gratitude is to make a list of what you are grateful for, or to thank people for actions or words that you appreciate.

Acceptance Acknowledging that change and adversity are normal parts of life stops you feeling that there is something wrong with you or the world each time a challenge comes up. This then helps you to focus on the areas you can change or influence.

Perspective— This involves stepping back and observing extreme or irrational thinking. At a challenging time, this could involve noticing when you are assuming the worst-case scenario. Or, giving yourself a reminder that no difficult situation lasts forever.

THE ‘DARK SIDE’ OF RESILIENCE

The idea of resilience is often promoted as something everyone should aspire to, which has a downside— it can be used to encourage people to tolerate situations that are unpleasant, abusive or discriminatory.

Resilience is not about putting up with circumstances when real change is needed. This can mean people who are struggling get blamed or feel inadequate when they have a valid response to an unacceptable situation.

In short, the idea of resilience is useful, but no one should expect themselves to always grow during adversity. And no one should be blamed for being affected by harmful environments.

Resources

• Visit the Resilience Project to find online tools for building resilience.

• Way Ahead’s guide to Building Resilience.

References

American Psychological Association. (2012). Building your resilience. American Psychological Association. Moore, C. (2021, March 19). Resilience theory: What research articles in psychology teach us.Positive Psychology. com.

Cairns Chamber of Commerce BEX AWARDS

Photos by FrontRow Foto

Cairns Chamber of Commerce BEX AWARDS

Photos by FrontRow Foto

Cairns Chamber of Commerce BEX AWARDS

Photos by FrontRow Foto

Q&A WITH SOME OF CAIRNS’ FAVOURITE PERSONALITIES

How would you describe your 2022? Eventful, adventurous and filled with wonderful memories with family and friends.

What is the most important lesson you learnt this year? Spend time with the people who love you and make you happy.

What does Christmas Day involve for you? Meeting up with our families and enjoying quality time together.

What is your favourite part about the festive season? Decorating our home and holding Christmas get-togethers.

Are you a last-minute shopper or do you plan ahead? I try my best to plan ahead, if I see something during the year that is perfect for someone I’ll buy it and store it till Christmas.

How would you describe your 2022? Emerging out of COVID, a federal election campaign and settling into opposition— in a word, it’s been chaotic.

What is the most important lesson you learnt this year? Patience, and a greater appreciation of my staff.

What does Christmas Day involve for you? Getting the opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends.

What is your favourite part about the festive season? Sharing great food, a good bottle of red and catching up with family and friends.

Are you a last-minute shopper or do you plan ahead? I am a notoriously late shopper, shopping for my adult children is generally pretty easy with gift cards, but my wife is almost impossible to buy for.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2023? I never do resolutions for New Year’s, I’ve broken too many of them.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2023? Paint more.

Where would you like to travel in 2023 and why? Italy— To see where my husband’s family comes from and meet his extended family.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Cairns? It’s a tie between Lemoncello’s, Piccolo Cucina and C’est Bon.

What is your favourite local attraction? Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures and Thala Beach.

What is your ideal staycation destination in FNQ? Port Douglas.

How would you describe your 2022? A rollercoaster!

What is the most important lesson you learnt this year? Admire the little things.

What does Christmas Day involve for you? Family, lots of food and lots of naps!

What is your favourite part about the festive season? The silliness of the season.

Are you a last-minute shopper or do you plan ahead? Always a planner.

Where would you like to travel in 2023 and why? I would like to go to Dharamshala in India, because I’ve been invited by his Holiness, the Dalai Lama to spend some time with him and I’ve been putting it off for a few years now. But as the chair of the Australia Tibetan group it’s something I would really like to do.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Cairns? I have two restaurants in Cairns that I really enjoy, at both ends of the Esplanade and I love both — but I’ll typically take my wife and my daughter to Lemoncello’s which is also a favourite of my girls and for any of my business lunches I’ll always head to Splash Seafood Restaurant, they own their own boat and catch their own fish and it’s a delightful place to go.

What is your favourite local attraction? I think it’s fair to say my favourite is Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, and I frequently go out there and visit my namesake, Warren the Wombat! And back in the city, I do love the Aquarium, it is beautiful.

What is your ideal staycation destination in FNQ? Mount Mulligan Lodge — it’s absolutely stunning and the food is divine.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2023? Invest in education... to be continued.

Where would you like to travel in 2023 and why? Anywhere on an island— Because why not!

Where is your favourite place to dine in Cairns? Salt House— for the cocktails!

What is your favourite local attraction? Great Barrier Reef.

What is your ideal staycation destination in FNQ? Port Douglas.

Regan O’Neill Art

Regan Piccone

Federal Member for Leichhardt

Warren Entsch MP

Tokunai Hair

Krystle Tokunai

How would you describe your 2022? I would describe my 2022 as joyful but challenging. There have been a lot of projects that have required an extra effort to get going and revitalised post pandemic. I feel like we have a chance to reflect on what is most important to us as a community and refocus our energies accordingly.

What is the most important lesson you learnt this year? Our people are our most valuable asset, and not just the ones we like! Seeing people for who they are and what they can be given the chance to be their best. Making generous assumptions about people is not always easy, but well worth the effort. People will surprise you!

What does Christmas Day involve for you? As a church minister, I will be leading Church on Christmas morning and then retreat for a family lunch and private celebration. Christmas is a busy time for The Salvation Army and we do our best to make it a special time for those doing it tough. Christmas afternoon is precious family time after giving out personally throughout December, with the support of my family and church of course!

What is your favourite part about the festive season? I love the sense of community and the chance it gives families to reset. I have seen relationships restored and outcasts welcomed back just because Christmas is a special time and people are more forgiving through this season.

Are you a last-minute shopper or do you plan ahead? I am definitely a last minute shopper as I am out and about accepting and distributing donations up to Christmas Day. I always spend more than I intend to as a result... but the people we love are worth it!

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2023? I don’t really, just that I want to take more time with people. I am blessed to be around a pretty spectacular bunch and would like to be more demonstrative of the affection I have for them.

Where would you like to travel in 2023 and why? I get to travel around North Qld quite a bit through my work. I look forward to exploring the region in more detail. Again the people up here are a special breed and the sights are inspirational.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Cairns? There are too many to name, there are so many great places to dine in Cairns and such an array of cultural flavours on show.

What is your favourite local attraction? I still love the Esplanade of an evening. I am pretty easily entertained and enjoy the simple pleasures.

What is your ideal staycation destination in FNQ? I love the Daintree and especially Cape Tribulation. It is something special to drive through such beautiful terrain with the roof down on the 4WD, cruising through the winding roads.

How would you describe your 2022? Challenging, but rewarding looking back now.

What is the most important lesson you learnt this year? You can’t please everyone!

What does Christmas Day involve for you? A long lunch with family and swimming.

What is your favourite part about the festive season? Christmas Eve – our tradition is buying new matching Christmas pyjamas for the kids so they can wear them to bed that night. I love their excitement and anticipation for Christmas morning.

Are you a last-minute shopper or do you plan ahead? I aim to plan ahead each year, but every year I seem to end up running around last minute anyway!

How would you describe your 2022? It’s had its challenges, but the signs are very good for Cairns and that’s what matters.

What is the most important lesson you learnt this year? If I get knocked down, I get up again.

What does Christmas Day involve for you? The most important day of the year, where family come first – Claire, Belinda, Mark, Josiah and Faith.

What is your favourite part about the festive season? That you truly put family and friends first – and of course our grandkids.

Are you a last-minute shopper or do you plan ahead? Each year is different for me. Sometimes I get it right, sometimes not!

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2023? Get outdoors and use my stand-up paddleboard more.

Where would you like to travel in 2023 and why? We are heading to Mt Buller for our honeymoon in August. I’m excited for that!

Where is your favourite place to dine in Cairns? Palooka, Stratford

What is your favourite local attraction? Fitzroy Island is a blast! Atherton Tablelands make for a great day out too.

What is your ideal staycation destination in FNQ? With the kids – Sea Temple Port Douglas. Without them – Mt Quincan Crater Retreat!

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2023? Yes, and that’s my secret. My batting average is not real flash and not always successful – I’ll work hard at this one!

Where would you like to travel in 2023 and why? My favourite camping spot, which is also a secret.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Cairns? Home with my wife, and nothing comes second.

What is your favourite local attraction? Reef and rainforest – what else is there?

What is your ideal staycation destination in FNQ? Tablelands.

The Salvation Army

Major Ben Johnson

Cairns Mayor

Cr Bob Manning

General Manager, Totally Workwear

Jenni Kingsbury

V O U C H E R S A V A I L A B L E .

Top 7 Tips for Fishing with the Kids

Here are our top tips to make the most out of fishing with the little ones.

There’s only one thing in this world that’s better than fishing, and that’s bringing your little people along for the ride. Seeing your child’s face light up after reeling in a big one never gets old and is (almost) as good as landing a fish yourself. Fishing with the little tackers is a different kettle of fish to heading out by yourself though, and there are a few things to think about before heading down to your nearest jetty with your little ones in tow. For the best chance of winning over a fishing buddy for life, keep the following tips in mind.

1. COME UP WITH A FISHING PLAN AND STICK TO IT

As the old saying goes, proper preparation prevents poor performance. This couldn’t apply more to fishing with kids. You need to know where you’re going, when you’re going, for how long you’re going. There’s no detail too small to be skipped. It’s also a great idea to write a list of everything you need to bring along with you, from snacks to hooks. Just make sure to leave the iPad off the list.

2. CHECK THE WEATHER

There’s no question that kids are fair weather Fishos, so forget about your plans to head out in the rain until your little ones catch the fishing bug. This might mean being a bit more selective with the days you choose, but in the long run it’ll pay off as your little tackers will have a much better experience fishing on days when the sun is shining, and the birds are chirping.

3. STICK TO SHORT FISHING TRIPS

When introducing your kids to fishing, you’re best-off sticking to short trips of a few hours long rather than spending a whole day out. Plan your trips around the tide changes and you’ll give yourselves the chance to experience the most action in the shortest amount of time. A good starting point is to spend an hour or two either side of the tide change. This is just a safe bet though, and if your little one’s having a ball there’s no reason to shut up shop early!

4. LEAVE YOUR FISHING ROD AT HOME

From baiting up hooks to untangling line, chances are you’ll be too busy working as a deckhand to cast a line in yourself. Until the kids are confident enough to cast in their own line, tie their own knots, and bait their own hooks, we’d recommend leaving your fishing rod at home.

5. GET YOUR CHILDREN THEIR OWN KIDS FISHING GEAR

Getting your kids kitted out with their own gear is great for two main reasons. The first is that they’ll be able to handle it a lot easier, the second is that they’ll (hopefully) take a bit more ownership of the experience and pay a little extra attention. Plus, taking a trip down to your local BCF with the kids is a great day out in itself. With a wide range of your favourite brands and plenty of gear for the kids ranging from kids fishing rod and reel combos to fishing tackle boxes, the kids are sure to have a cracker time before even stepping foot near the water.

6. LOAD UP ON SNACKS

Nothing will put an end to your fishing trip quicker than a rumbling tummy. So, make sure the kids have full bellies before you head out, and a few of their favourite snacks if they start to get a little peckish. Especially important if the fish aren’t biting.

7. LESS (FISHING TACKLE) IS MORE

There’s no need to bring a boat load of fishing gear along with you. A few sinkers, hooks, swivels and some bait are all you need to have a memorable day fishing with your kids. Plus, you’ll have a lot less mess and a lot less to carry, which is always a huge bonus. The most important bits of fishing equipment to bring along include:

• A small tackle box like this family tackle kit from Plano that comes with all the gear

• A kid’s fishing combo

• Enough fishing tools to get the job done

• A bucket, or icebox for your catch

It’s always best to stick to the K.I.S.S principle… and we’re not talking about puckering up before you throw your fish back.

It’s now time to make some memories that’ll last a lifetime with your little ones. Your kids will never forget the day they caught their first bream, flatty, or even Charlie carp, and if you’re lucky they just might catch the fishing bug and tie your rigs down the track. Fishing gives you the opportunity to teach your kids skills that’ll last them a lifetime, and even though they might not want to swap the phone out for a fishing rod at first, there’s no way they’ll forget the quality time spent as a family down at the local pier, pond, or on the boat.

How to make damper in 30 seconds

Here’s our easy guide to making damper from our mates at Hipcamp.

Nothing signals camping and comfort food more than damper! What we love most about damper is just how versatile it is. Enjoy it plain drizzled with honey, or add some cheese and herbs and you have yourself a fancy side dish to accompany any hearty meal. Here’s our easy guide to making damper from our mates at Hipcamp.

INGREDIENTS

• Two cups of self-raising flour

• Pinch of salt

• About one cup of water to mix

Now, we’ve seen recipes call for oil or butter, this is an option but we prefer to keep things simple. We’ve found this is the tastiest and easiest way to make damper!

METHOD

Put the flour in a bowl, add a pinch of salt, gradually add water and ‘cut in’ with a knife until combined. Don’t overmix. Using your hands combine into a ball and plonk into an oiled camp oven. A small camp oven is good and helps the damper rise. Place the camp oven over hot coals for about 20-30 minutes. Damper is ready when you knock the top and it sounds hollow.

VARIATIONS

• Add some mixed herbs and cheese to the top

• Add some cinnamon, a bit of sugar and some currents for a fruit loaf style damper

EXPERT TIP

Part of the fun is making damper while you’re camping, but it can get a bit messy on your hands and the bowl, this can be tricky to clean if you’re short on water. Damper can be made a day or so ahead, and stored in a snap lock bag. Just bring some extra selfraising flour with you to dust and remove excess moisture.

Brooke and Lynsday from Hipcamp enjoying a cuppa around the campfire at Rhapsody with Zempire Roco low rider chairs.

Learn caring for your Daintree Pine

WITH LIMBERLOST NURSERY & GARDEN CENTRE

Daintree Pines are a beautiful native addition to your Christmas celebrations, and will grow with your family for years to come.

To ensure your tree enjoys Christmas celebrations as much as you, here are some simple tips for keeping them healthy and happy:

1. Daintree pines don’t like to dry out. Growing naturally in a tropical area, they like a moist, free draining soil. Regular water is essential to keep foliage lush and green. If you’re

growing them in a pot, they’ll need a daily water ensuring the mix is fully wet.

2. While they love water, they will not tolerate wet feet and the water needs to be able to drain freely away. Avoid using saucers underneath where water will pool.

3. Daintree pines like full sun. If you’re bringing one inside to use as a Christmas tree, avoid keeping it inside for more than a week. Once Christmas is over, gradually acclimatise it back into full sun.

Yarrabah Careers Day

Photos by Colyn Huber Lovegreen Photography

Successful Careers Day in Yarrabah

WUGU NYAMBIL

Wugu Nyambil (Workforce Australia) hosted their first ever dedicated Careers Day in Yarrabah in late November.

The event was a huge success with over 560 local attendees, 38 exhibitors from across the Far Northern region with over 200 jobs on offer.

The federally funded event has been in the planning for many months and was only promoted throughout the local Yarrabah community to ensure that Yarrabah residents, school children and active job seekers from that community had the opportunity to engage with employers and learn what they needed to take the career path of their choice.

“The event exceeded our expectations. We knew Yarrabah was ready for an event like this as we have worked so hard over the past two years to get members of the community trained up and work ready, but we certainly didn’t expect this big of a turnout. We are over the moon,” said Robert Friskin, General Manager Wugu Nyambil.

Australian actor (Black Comedy, Strait To The Plate, Lonestar Productions) and author Aaron Fa’Aoso made an appearance at the event and spoke on the stage to inspire the attendees to dream big.

“I played football with many of the local fellas in Yarrabah, so it was so good to get back to the community and see them all and share with them how I got to where I am today and share with them my new TV productions I have in the advanced production stages. I encouraged them all to have the strength to be vulnerable and ask for help no matter their challenges and to always surround themselves with positive mentors like I have done. I told them that true strength is when you find the courage to be vulnerable. This is one of the key messages from my new book ‘So Far, So Good’. The event had such a positive vibe, everyone was so engaged and willing to learn. It was a credit to Wugu Nyambil for creating an event like this,” said Aaron.

Northern Pride’s newly signed players Rashaun Denny and Harry Freebairn led by Coach Ty Williams conducted a footy clinic for the kids. Ty also spoke on the stage in a panel discussion with employers to motivate the kids wishing for a career in football.

School children from Yarrabah State School performed the welcome to country with their teacher Nathan Schreiber.

Students from Djarragun College and Gordonvale State School were also in attendance with hundreds of job seekers registering their interest on the day for jobs.

The event was also host to well-known indigenous didgeridoo player Nathan Mundraby who entertained the crowd with his breathtaking performance.

Wugu Nyambil hope to conduct the event annually and look forward to many positive outcomes from the day for Yarrabah locals.

Photos by Colyn Huber | Lovegreen Photography

CBWC Business & Bubbles

Photos by Blueclick Photography

Give the Gift of Hope this Festive Season

THE SALVATION ARMY

It has been another difficult year – even more so for those already experiencing hardship. Here are some ways you can help us make sure we leave no one in need this Christmas.

WISHES

Make Christmas brighter by fundraising together online and provide tangible Christmas support to those who truly need it this year.

The Spirit of Christmas is about kindness, family, generosity and sharing. It’s about love and everything that Christmas means to each of us personally, deep in our hearts. And right now, as Christmas draws near, that spirit has never been more important. More people than ever before are really struggling.

Make Wishes come true, by fundraising and donating Christmas gifts. Share the true Spirit of Christmas with people experiencing hardship and injustice.

Together, we can ensure we leave no one in need.

HOST A FOOD OR GIFT DRIVE

Share the gift of hope this Christmas –organise a food or gift drive to collect and drop off Christmas joy to your nearest local

Salvos Centre (where permissible)

It has been another difficult year for communities across Australia. And as Christmas approaches – it is becoming increasingly clear that many Australians are going to struggle to have even a modest celebration.

We all know Christmas is a time for joy. But for those doing it tough – it is often challenging, heartbreaking and isolating. Last Christmas, The Salvation Army provided around 64,000 hampers as well as 26,000 gifts to individuals and families in need. As cost of living increases continue to impact communities across the country, your support is more important now than ever. By collecting and donating food or gifts, you can help us make sure we leave no one in need this festive season.

How to host a food or gift drive

Organising a food or gift drive is a great way to share the festive spirit with those doing it tough. Follow the steps listed below:

1. Register your drive using the form on our website - www.salvationarmy.org.au.

2. Read our giving guidelines to find out how and what you can donate

3. Download our free posters and resources

to plan and promote your drive

4. Find your nearest drop off location

DONATE TO THE CHRISTMAS APPEAL

Many Aussie families might not have Christmas this year. Your donation will help keep Christmas alive for a struggling family who are facing real hardship.

Keep Christmas alive for a struggling family, before it slips away.

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

Volunteer this Christmas

You can support The Salvation Army by volunteering your time. Volunteering is an invitation to demonstrate care for others in our local communities; it is the everyday embodiment of love in action. It takes an army of volunteers to provide and enable practical care, and we would love your help this Christmas.

Schools and Education Providers

This festive season, there are opportunities for your students to get involved such as putting hampers together, hosting food and gift drives and fundraising. Activities can be done by individual students, small teams, family groups or as a whole of class activity.

First Nations Children’s Festival

Photos by Colyn Huber Lovegreen Photography

Inaugural First Nations Children’s Festival

The inaugural First Nations Children’s Festival was held in Cairns in November welcoming children to country in a traditional ceremony and fun filled festival. The first ever tri-nation naming ceremony was also held at the event and the coming together of the tri-nations for the first time in close to 100 years.

The significant event was a collaboration between tri-nation elders, Minjil, Ngamumu and Seville Mercy Conference Centre and was hosted on the sacred grounds of the Seville gardens.

Indigenous and non-indigenous families were invited to attend with close to 400 people converging on the Seville gardens in the heart of Earlville.

Festival Director Leah Pa’apa’a of Ngamumu said the event was important in many aspects and she is so proud that everyone joined together to enjoy traditional food, performances, cultural naming ceremonies, craft and dancing.

“All of the artists that were involved in this festival today were local and

it was so well attended and everyone just seemed to really enjoy themselves. When we first set out to do this festival it was about working out what knowledge systems we wanted to pass down to the next generation and to harness that intergenerational wealth of knowledge,” said Leah.

The event cultural director Carl Fourmile of Minjil hopes the event continues annually and grows even bigger so First Nations culture can be taught to the next generation.

“I am so grateful to all who have been involved in this event. It was very special – we actually made history today. It is the first time all three nations (Yidinji (Cairns), Tjapukai (Kuranda) and Gunggandji (Yarrabah) have joined together in ceremony for close to 100 years. We had the first tri nation naming ceremony welcoming indigenous and non-indigenous children to country through a cultural blessing with elders. A ceremony like that has only ever previously been done in private in our

respective communities and has never involved non-indigenous children. The children received traditional gifts of clap sticks, wooden bowls and shields. It was a wonderful experience,” said Carl.

This will be the second time Seville Mercy Conference Centre and Minjil have collaborated on a first for indigenous cultural education in Cairns. Earlier this year Cairns’ first Reconciliation Garden was commissioned and built for the community on the grounds of Seville and now the beginning of what is tipped to be an annual event with the inaugural First Nations Children’s Festival.

“We are just so honoured to be involved in so many firsts with the traditional owners of Cairns. They have chosen our site as it holds significance for them and for us and we both see the importance of bridging that gap between indigenous and nonindigenous Australians so we can truly begin to reconcile, learn and share with one another,” said Rod Cole-Clarke, General Manager, Seville Mercy Conference Centre.

MINJIL, NGAMUMU AND SEVILLE MERCY CONFERENCE CENTRE

Photo by Colyn Huber | Lovegreen Photography