CityLife Magazine Summer 2023

SUMMER EDITION 2023

T H E ULT IMAT E CH R I S T MAS G IF T GU ID E NE W E R A FO R AU S T R A L IA’S # 1

Totally Workwear Store

A MOT H E R ’S G R IT – L I SA CO NY E R S Sharing Light Through Her Darkness

A T R I BU TE

To A Great City Leader

S U MME R E DI TI ON

COVER STORY P 10

P 22

P 25

P 27

P 26

P 29

P 40

P 46

P 68

P 54

P 71

10

CITYLIFE COVER STORY

22

CITYLIFE HEALTH

25

CITYLIFE FOOD

26

CITYLIFE WELLBEING

27

CITYLIFE COMMUNITY NEWS

29

CITYLIFE BUSINESS

40

A TRIBUTE TO KEVIN BYRNE

46

CITYLIFE FASHION & BEAUTY

54

THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

68

CITYLIFE FISHING & CAMPING

71

CHRISTMAS CATCH-UPS

PUBLISHER’S NOTE T he festive season is in full swing, and it’s my favourite time of year!

Christmas Carols playing in the shops and in the office (and maybe even my car! LOL) – yes I am a festive season tragic. I get into the spirit of the season from pretty much November through to the end of January! For me the festive season is about spending time with the people I love and really knocking the speed of things back a notch and soaking up everything summer has to offer.

something for the kids in there. All price ranges are covered, so dive in on page 54 and support our local businesses by making your purchases in our region.

Wherever the Christmas and New Year break takes you and yours this year, make sure you enjoy the down time and travel safely on your journey. For those of you who are working this festive season - we salute you! Thank you for being there to keep us all fed, watered and entertained – our holidays wouldn’t be the same without you!

And aren’t we so spoilt for choice in Far North Queensland – we have everything on our doorstep to make a tropical summer experience joyful with the reef, the rainforest and our many creeks, lakes and river systems with stunning camping spots dotted along the coastline.

Getting outdoors and basking in the glory of nature doesn’t cost a thing either and it’s the one thing that grounds me and keeps me present when I’m out in the natural environment. So that’s what we will be up to these summer holidays – loads of outdoor activities! We caught up with many well known locals to find out what they have planned these holidays and what the Christmas period means to them (check it out on page 71).

And to the charities out there putting a smile on the faces of those less fortunate like The Salvation Army and the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation (FNQHF) at this time of year – THANK YOU!

We have our Annual Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for you to take the hassle out of gift shopping.

There’s something for him, something for her and a little

Cheers

Your extraordinary efforts don’t go unnoticed. If you’d like to donate to the Salvos or the FNQHF Christmas Appeals, or offer your time to volunteer – be sure to reach out to them (details inside).

On behalf of myself and the entire team at CityLife Media, we hope you enjoy another jam packed edition and we wish you a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year!

SUMMER EDITION 2023

T HE U LT I MAT E CHR I ST M A S GI FT GU I DE NEW ER A FOR AU ST R A LIA’ S #1

Totally Workwear Store

CityLife Magazine® is published quarterly by CityLife Media Pty Ltd November 2023 to January 2024. 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 November 2023 to January 2024.

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Publisher danae@citylifemedia.com.au Advertising hello@citylifemedia.com.au Editorial editorial@citylifemedia.com.au Production operations@citylifemedia.com.au

CityLife 4 Magazine

A MOT HER ’ S GR I T – LI SA CONY ER S Sharing Light Through Her Darkness

A T R I BU T E

To A Great City Leader

CityLife 5 Magazine

CityLife Events

WHAT’S ON

DEC 1

CHAT & CHEERS CHRISTMAS PARTY BY CAIRNS YOUNG CHAMBER Sunset Bar Cairns 5:30pm - 7:30pm www.cairnschamber.com.au

DEC 2

DECEMBER COTTAGE MARKETS

Norman Park, Gordonvale 7:00am - 1:00pm www.cairns.qld.gov.au

DEC 2

REDLYNCH TWILIGHT MARKET Xavier Herbert Park 5:00pm - 8:00pm www.cairns.qld.gov.au

DEC 8 - 9

NAPOLEON & THE EQUALIZER 3

Mareeba Drive In Theatre movie starts at 7.00pm www.mareebadrivein.com.au

DEC 10

CAIRNS BUSINESS WOMEN'S CLUB CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON The Reef Hotel Casino 11am - 2pm www.cbwc.org.au

DEC 10

COME FLY WITH ME BY FNQ DANCE ACADEMY Cairns Performing Arts Centre 9am - 3pm www.cairns.qld.gov.au/CPAC

DEC 16

2023 ENCORE TOUR - MARINA PRIOR & DAVID HOBSON Cairns Performing Arts Centre 6:30pm www.cairns.qld.gov.au/CPAC

DEC 16

LOVE ACTUALLY STARRY NIGHT CINEMA Cairns Botanic Gardens 7:30pm www.trybooking.com

DEC 25

CHRISTMAS DAY

DEC 31

NEW YEAR'S EVE

Western Events Lawn, Cairns Esplanade 6:30pm - 8:30pm www.cairns.qld.gov.au

JAN 1

NEW YEAR

JAN 18 - FEB 25

THE NATURE OF NATURE Tank 4 Gallery 9am – 4.30pm weekdays, 10am – 2pm weekends www.cairns.qld.gov.au/tanks

CityLife 6 Magazine

CityLife Events

WHAT’S ON

JAN 19 - FEB 25

THE CHINESE ZODIAC: CELEBRATING 20 YEARS CAIRNSZHANJIANG SISTER CITIES

FEB 4

JAN 19-27

FEB 10

Tank 4 Gallery 9am – 4.30pm weekdays, 10am – 2pm weekends www.cairns.qld.gov.au/tanks

LES MISERABLES

Cairns Performing Arts Centre 2pm & 7:30pm www.cairns.qld.gov.au/CPAC

JAN 27

ROCKING HOLLOWAYS NO MORE NO LESS

Strait On The Beach 3pm - 6pm No More No Less on Facebook

CHINESE NEW YEAR DAY Cairns Cultural Precinct and Cairns Esplanade Lagoon from 6pm www.cadcai.org.au

YOGA FOR ANXIETY CAIRNS

FEB 14

JAN 28

FEB 17

Kynd Studio Edge Hill 11am - 1pm www.emmaceolin.com

CHINESE NEW YEAR RACE DAY

Cairns Jockey Club 11am www.cairnsjockeyclub.com.au

FEB 3

THE AMITY AFFLICTION 2024 REGIONAL TOUR Gilligan's Hotel and Resort 6pm www.tickets.oztix.com.au

FEB 3

FREEDOM TO TRANSFORM: YOGA AND COACHING WORKSHOP FOR INSPIRATION AND EMPOWERMENT

80-86 Abbott St, Cairns City 2:30pm Cairns Wellness Solutions on Facebook

VALENTINE'S DAY

CHINESE NEW YEAR BANQUET Golden Boat Seafood Restaurant 6.30 pm www.cadcai.org.au

FEB 24

CHINESE NEW YEAR LANTERN FESTIVAL

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon Plaza 5:30pm - 7:30pm www.cadcai.org.au

FEB 25

YEAR OF THE DRAGON YUM CHA

Imperial Chinese Restaurant Bookings are essential: Please contact Amy Sing: 0488 288 843 or marketing@cadcai.org.au

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CityLife COVER STORY

‘GET WHAT YOU WANT AND GET

BACK TO WORK’

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

CityLife COVER STORY

New Era For Australia’s #1

TWW Store

By Danae Jones

TOTALLY WORKWEAR has been more than just a workwear outlet for the past 28 years in the city of Cairns, it has become a part of the very fabric of the FNQ community, thanks to the Kingsbury family and their commitment to immersing themselves in the region they have lived and worked in for the better part of their lives.

O

n 25th October this year Chris and June Kingsbury officially hung up their Totally Workwear uniforms one last time after the successful sale of the business to another well established TWW franchisee.

The sale has ushered in a new era for the TWW Cairns store, which has punched well above its weight for many years. In fact, it has been positioned the #1 store in Australia in terms of revenue, even ahead of Sydney since 2014.

“Being #1 in Australia for sales was never something we shouted from the rooftops, we were more interested in just getting on with the job and servicing our customers to the best of our ability. And if that meant we ended up with the best sales in the country, well then so be it. It was never anything we set out to achieve,” Chris Kingsbury said.

Chris Kingsbury attributes their success to not being afraid to think outside the box and to think big wherever possible.

C i t y L i f e 11 M a g a z i n e

“Whenever we came up with new campaigns or ideas to promote within the community, we went all in. I would say ‘go big or go home!’ We always put our money where our mouth was when it came to our marketing spend. We have been big marketers from the get go. Focusing on the creative aspects of the advertising campaigns, while employing experts in their fields to assist us in pulling it all together, was a passion project of mine. I got great joy out of the creative process. We had fun with our advertising and weren’t afraid to be occasionally cheeky with the locals about all manner of things. And the community loved it.

We got lots of positive feedback about our campaigns.”

Although he recalls one time when he was forced to pull an advert off air that took the laughs a bit too far for a few locals who were offended.

“I guess you can’t please everybody.

It was a very funny ad, but a few people couldn’t see the humour in it.

It only lasted a few days that campaign. But it certainly got people talking that’s for sure!” he laughs.

CityLife COVER STORY

The hospitality industry brought Chris and June from the Whitsundays to Cairns in 1986. Chris was Resort Manager of Green Island Resort, before coming ashore for the birth of their second child.

What started as a fledgling 100m2 ‘hole in the wall’ workwear franchise has grown to be one of the largest and most successful businesses of its kind.

Twenty eight years on, Totally Workwear Cairns is a major wholesale and retail outlet specialising in workwear, safety and corporate wear. The premises on Scott Street stretches over 1500m2, encompassing both a retail space and upstairs Business and Corporate Showroom, while in 2021 the Kingsbury family expanded the business once again with a dedicated Healthcare and Hospitality store at 123 Scott Street (diagonally opposite the main store). The expansion, while a big financial risk at the time, it was a calculated one, the surge in healthcare customers as a direct result of the pandemic meant the sector was booming, and the need to service multiple medical centres, allied health professionals and hospitals across the region was more important than ever before.

Chris and June Kingsbury bought the workwear franchise in 1995, 12 months after it was established as Lappins Totally Workwear.

A decade of prior business ownership and management experience primed the pair for both the highs and lows that lay ahead, including the global financial crisis, which coincided with the major expansion of the premises.

In the years to 1995 the couple owned and operated Telesat Communications, Antique Décor and Steptoes Secondhand.

“We took a year off and were seriously considering going back south to family on the Gold Coast when we saw the Cairns Totally Workwear franchise for sale,” says Chris.

“We liked the ‘fledgling’ workwear concept immediately, and a month later completed bootcamp training with the franchisor in Brisbane. That was 1995 and what a wonderful ride it’s been since that time.”

During that time the Totally Workwear Cairns team grew to include 18 staff under a business manager, while IT assets grew from a single computer to a professionally managed network of terminals.

Staffing levels as at today sit at 26 and continue to climb to meet demand.

Chris says the growth was essential to keep up with the fast-paced nature of today’s sales industry.

“Clients who once waited for a letter or fax now expect rapid electronic reply. But the goods they want still arrive here by road and rail,” he says.

“If we don’t have it, we can air bag it these days direct from the manufacturer. It’s often said, he who has stock is king. We back that up with a friendly, helpful service team and we believe it’s a winning formula.”

C i t y L i f e 12 M a g a z i n e

Focused on saving the customer time, the store’s motto is ‘get what you want and get back to work’.

“In our early business life in Cairns, the defining ‘test’ for retailers was the Pilot’s Strike, which nearly crippled us and forced the closure of our antiques store. But we survived. We took the hits in our stride and rolled with the good times when they came along.”

He says standing out from the crowd is critical in business, especially when you’re in an industry that garners strong competition.

“Anyone can sell T-shirts let’s be honest. But not everyone can deliver at speed, with quality customer service and be willing to take customer feedback on board and pivot accordingly. We have always tried to be customer focused. If the locals told us they preferred one boot over another, then we’d go out of our way to stock more of those boots to meet the demand.”

He says “customers are at the centre of every business and if they are happy, the money will take care of itself.”

Not much will change under the new ownership of TWW Cairns.

All existing staff will remain in the business, including Jenni Kingsbury (Chris and June’s daughter) and the business will be operated by another husband and wife duo.

The Scott Street business has become the house of brands to many workers in Far North Queensland, delivering everything from corporate clothing, business casuals, footwear, hospitality, medical, hospitality and industrial garments, as well as PPE equipment.

CityLife COVER STORY

The second longest running franchise in the Totally Workwear group, the Cairns store was voted store of the year in 2015 at the group’s annual conference, seeing 20 per cent growth in that year alone and a steady upward sales growth since that time to leave it as the nation’s #1 since that time.

“It was a colossal sense of achievement,” says managing director, Chris Kingsbury.

“We are by far the highest performing store in our group, we even outperform Sydney, and our market acceptance has been very gratifying.”

Selling a wide range of workwear, corporate wear and safety gear by brands you know and trust the store services an area spanning Cardwell, the Gulf and Cape York with a staff of 26+.

“Like everybody in businesses, we pride ourselves on our service.

We do boots to suits,” he says.

You’d be hard pressed to find a person that lives and works in the region that isn’t aware of the brand, having had a strong market presence and a generous community spirit since its inception the Kingsbury family say they are all about supporting those who support them – the local community.

Chris Kingsbury attributes TWW’s success to a consistent marketing presence that has achieved top-ofmind brand awareness and never allowing themselves to think small.

“What’s the old saying, when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

There’s not a single year where we

haven’t grown. We’ve kept our foot on the pedal post GFC and even during the global pandemic, we just kept pushing forward. Thanks to strong relationships, quality product lines and excellent customer service I think that’s what’s propelled us forward.

“Our job is to listen and perform.

Everyone who works at TWW is taught in one department and then moved around the business to gain broader knowledge.

“We’re very proud of the fact it’s become a family business and we’ve been able to hand the reins on to another family to make it their own.

It’s very rewarding to see a business you’ve built up supporting the next generation,” Chris says.

Over the years the business was one of the first platinum partners to be involved with the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and they’ve supported numerous local sporting groups in Cairns, ensuring they are highly visible with also the establishment of their very own sporting team across multiple sporting codes named TeamTWW. “We’ve had cyclists that compete in all the major competitions including Tour of the Tropics, State Championships for BMX and Mountain Biking, we’ve had Ironmen and Ironwomen, rally car drivers in TARGA Great Barrier Reef and even Champion Ballroom Dancers as part of TeamTWW. “Totally Workwear is evolving and growing at a very healthy rate. The key to us going forward is to continually self-improve our processes and the quality of the people who work within the business.

But we can’t do any of it without the community’s support and we are C i t y L i f e 13 M a g a z i n e

forever grateful for their trust and loyalty in us,” said Chris.

TWW Cairns has been at the forefront of Guinness World Record attempts, Ladies & Tradie Nights, and even Gala Fashion Runways during the Kingsburys’ reign. The industry stalwarts have always been keen to put on a good time for the community and have some fun with their brand in the process.

“I even served on the National TWW Operators Board, representing the Queensland store owners for quite a number of years. It gave me great satisfaction to be involved in the grassroots evolution of the national franchise network.

“We have a lot to be grateful for as our children grew up and were educated under the TWW umbrella and it has allowed us to provide a great upbringing for them, while also teaching them about business.

“We are also very thankful to our Cairns community of friends and enduring clientele throughout FNQ. Without them, we would not have achieved anywhere near the success in business we have.”

As for their retirement plans, Chris and June say they are looking forward to setting sail on some international travel adventures and seeing more of the world while they continue to be healthy and able.

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Historical Society Celebrates Anniversary Images Courtesy of the Cairns Historical Society and the Museum

T

he Cairns Historical Society recently celebrated an important milestone – its 65th anniversary.

65 Y E A R S

Founded in 1958, the CHS has evolved into a cornerstone of the Cairns community, serving as a custodian of local history and heritage. Over the past six and a half decades, the organisation has amassed an impressive collection of stories, records and artefacts, reflecting the rich tapestry of Far North Queensland’s history.

From its humble beginnings when the first committee convened on October 2, 1958, few could have foreseen the society’s transformation into a preeminent repository of historical treasures.

grassroots members and the steadfast support of the local community,” he said.

“We have remained steadfast in our commitment to collecting, conserving and providing access to the history and heritage of Far North Queensland, safeguarding it in an ever-changing technological landscape.”

The society is a not-for-profit organisation which operates with assistance from the Cairns Regional Council as one of their top four community organisations.

C E L E B R AT I N G 6 5 Y E A R S OF PRESERVING HISTORY

CHS president Dr Clive Skarott said the society now proudly showcases its extensive holdings through the Cairns Museum, a vital resource for both local residents and tourists alike.

“The CHS owes its enduring strength and vitality to the dedication of its

C i t y L i f e 15 M a g a z i n e

This partnership has been in place for 65 years since the School of Arts approached the Mayor of Cairns, William Fulton, to hold a public meeting to gauge the community’s appetite for a historical society.

This 65th anniversary celebration is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Cairns Historical Society and its unwavering commitment to preserving and sharing the rich history and heritage of Far North Queensland.

Transform your relationships with yourself and others BIANNKA BRANNIGAN Words by Janie Barton Photography by Blue Click Photography

A

s the only Gestalt psychotherapist in North Queensland, Biannka Brannigan is in a unique position to help people explore positive new options for living a fulfilling and meaningful life.

After working in the human services industry since 2007, including being employed in the child protection and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island community development sectors, Biannka started in private practice four years ago with the aim of helping people overcome adversity to go on and learn to enjoy life to the fullest.

“I wanted a different experience for my clients’ outside of the clinical environment,” said Biannka, whose Kuranda clinic is located on 50 acres overlooking green rolling hills, colourful flowers and Mother Nature at its finest. “I wanted a space that felt warm, spacious and a sense of being away from it all. It’s really nourishing for client’s nervous systems.

“After working in the development field for some time, I felt pulled to work with people on the micro scale to support the possibility of a kinder, prosperous, more tolerant world.”

She supports people to enhance the quality of their relationships and to discover new, creative solutions to their wellbeing by increasing awareness of the patterns and dynamics that get in their way.

Biannka also specialises in couples’ counselling and is trained in Relational Life Therapy, which helps couples repair from conflicts, improve communication and strengthen their relationships.

“I support couples to better understand themselves and each other,” she said. “In other words, I help couples understand the dance they are stuck in, which is causing them pain and disconnection, and I help them to change the dance so they can move back into a healthy connection and have a fulfilling relationship. I work with couples on the brink of separation or those looking to increase their relational skills so they can create greater intimacy and connection.

“Gestalt psychotherapy, for me, is a movement toward a kinder, more tolerant world where, with support, we each take responsibility for how we make contact with the world around us, and this has a butterfly effect into our families, the broader community and world,” she said.

C i t y L i f e 16 M a g a z i n e

“Gestalt psychotherapy focuses on increasing awareness of how we interact with the world around us.

Through psychotherapy, you will increase awareness of who you are and ‘how’ you do your life. This will lead to greater acceptance of where you are in the present moment and provides the foundation for you to heal the relationship you have with yourself, improve your relationships with others and improve your quality of life.”

Biannka is proud of the fact that her relationships with her clients creates a genuine one-on-one connection.

“The relationship between the client and therapist is where the magic happens – the client is seen and heard as they are,” she said. “To be deeply listened to with curiosity and in the absence of judgement, problem solving or interpretation, is wonderfully transformational.

“You are the expert of your life. As the therapist, my role is to guide you back to yourself.”

Biannka, who was born in Ayr, grew up in the region and went to Freshwater State School, is a member of the Psychotherapists and Counsellors Federation of Australia and Gestalt Australia and New Zealand.

Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts (Politics and Bahasa Indonesia), Graduate Certificate in Human Services, Masters in International Community Development and a Master Gestalt Therapy.

She also undergoes professional development with best-selling author and family therapist for more than 30 years Terry Real, whose revolutionary approach to couples’ therapy is focused on empowering people with the essential relational skills for lasting and meaningful relationships.

Biannka says she’s incredibly honoured to do this work and is constantly inspired by the people she works with. “If people are happier within themselves and in their relationships, everything in life becomes easier to navigate.”

Learn more about Biannka and her services at www.biannkabrannigan.com

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SO NOBODY STRUGGLES SO NOBODY STRUGGLES ALONE THIS CHRISTMAS ALONE THIS CHRISTMAS "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done."

"Whoever is kind to the poor19:17 lends to the LORD, - Proverbs and he will reward them for what they have done."

- Proverbs 19:17

72 Hoare Street MANUNDA QLD 4870 • (07) 4051 2454 • cairns.corps@salvationarmy.org.au

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Local Mum a Winner in National Awards NICOLA BAKER

Words by Stacey Carrick Photographer Fi Mims Photography

F

ar North mum Nicola Baker has dedicated her life’s work to raising awareness about Moyamoya disease, with those efforts being recognised at the recent AusMumpreneur Awards.

progressive Moyamoya Disease, and subsequently has survived three brain surgeries and a renal artery bypass. He is now 19 years old, and while he will never be able to live independently, he is living his best life.

Taking out the People’s Choice in the Non-Profit and Social Enterprise category, the Moyamoya Australia founder said she was honoured to be named the winner and thanked everyone who voted for her.

Nicola’s book, The Thing About Jed, has just been awarded a bronze medal in the Wickham St George Book Cover of the Year 2023. The book features graphic design by Freya Horn at Designer in Your Pocket, stunning imagery by Rosana Kersh Photography and was edited by Bowerbird Publishing.

Nicola said she was extremely grateful for the community’s support, which has led to increasing awareness about Moyamoya.

“Since winning the award for People’s Choice Not for Profit/ Social Enterprise, I have been meeting new people regularly and talking about Moyamoya Disease, and I have been excited to be included in a podcast and also a television program!” she said.

“The podcast was recorded with the host in Hawaii, so our story is becoming more international, garnering more awareness for the rare disease. Opportunities like this don’t come often, and I am extremely grateful to the team at AusMumPreneur for the opportunities that this award has provided me.

“As a direct result of this award, I am also working in collaboration with a number of other incredible women by contributing my own chapter in their new publication, ‘Women Making a Difference’. This anthology will have stories from change makers, heart-led leaders and women making a difference in the world! Women Changing the World is launching in April 2024 in bringing together the voices of 25 women making a difference in big and small ways.”

Nicola’s journey was inspired by the diagnosis and treatment of her son, Jed, who had his first stroke at just 11 months old, was diagnosed with the rare and

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

The AusMumpreneur Awards presented by The Women’s Business School celebrate and recognise Australian mums in business achieving outstanding success in areas such as business excellence, product development, customer service and digital innovation. The awards are designed to recognise the growing number of women who successfully balance motherhood and business in a way that suits their life and family.

Crystal Leonardi of Bowerbird Publishing was named as a finalist in the Author of the Year category, while Christine Foudoulis of Superior Recruitment was a finalist in the Consulting Services category.

As an editor and publisher, Crystal empowers writers to share their stories. Bowerbird Publishing’s vision is to provide professional, budget-conscious publishing options to all writers, while celebrating their uniqueness and creativity.

Christine’s inspiration to start Superior Recruitment in 2020 was to achieve financial and work-life freedom, create a unique service offering in the Queensland regional recruitment sector and positively contribute to the local business community in Far North Queensland.

Kate Fisher from Milkshakes for Marleigh was awarded the silver award and Helen Rays from Share the Kindness was awarded the bronze award in Nicola’s category.

4 hours cruising Spirit of Cairns Cash Bar & Canapes Entertainment by Dusty Haven

MAY 4

2024

A CHAT W I TH

Heidi Healy Div 3 Candidate, Cairns Unity Team

H

eidi Healy is pleased to announce her candidacy for next year’s Cairns Regional Council election, contesting the seat of Division 3 for the Unity 2024 team.

Stacey Carrick caught up with the passionate businesswoman to discuss her family’s political background, her goals for the future, her charity work and her love of Far North Queensland.

How long have you lived in Cairns and what do you love about living in the Far North? I’m a true Cairns local, born and raised here. What I adore about this region is having the beach, mountains, Daintree, and the reef all within reach. Currently residing in Goldsborough, my children are fortunate to experience a childhood on acreage, exploring freshwater holes and enjoying a sense of community reminiscent of my own childhood, which is somewhat rare these days.

My upbringing was particularly fortunate; being based in Cairns allowed us to venture to our family property, Mungalli Falls, or our cattle station, Kalinga, during school holidays. Regular camping trips were a given. Cairns truly offers the best of everything.

What services do you offer at Cairns Beauty Bar and how does your business empower women? Cairns Beauty Bar was established in 2021 – it’s more than just a workspace; it’s a hub crafted specifically for the health and beauty industry. We provide specialised workspaces for a diverse range of professionals, from beauty and hair salons to holistic health practitioners.

What sets us apart is our commitment to community and collaboration. We don’t just offer a place to work; we create an environment where women in the industry can connect, support each other and thrive together.

The referral client system we’ve implemented acts as a catalyst, turning Cairns Beauty Bar into a one-stopshop for clients, attracting a variety of demographics and amplifying business opportunities for our tenants.

Our team of 10 professionals is committed to delivering the highest quality services, including hairdressing, lashes, brows, body sculpting, nails, cosmetic injectables, facials, makeup, and training, among others. We take

great pride in our exceptional services and strong sense of community.

At the core of it, Cairns Beauty Bar is about empowering businesswomen.

It’s about providing them with not just a workspace but a community that understands their unique needs and celebrates their successes.

Tell me about your family and your political background. How do you believe your family’s experience will benefit you?

Politics runs deep in my family’s history, tracing back to my great-greatgrandfather, Richard Trout, who served as the state member for Enoggera in 1912. Continuing this legacy, my father, Michael Trout, represented Barron River in 2012, interestingly 100 years later. His political journey has always been an inspiration for me.

Growing up amid family-run businesses in Cairns, I witnessed firsthand the dedication, determination, resilience, adaptability, problem solving, a strong work ethic, and the importance of teamwork.

My father is not just an inspiration; he is my mentor, offering invaluable insights into the intricacies of public service and the responsibilities that accompany it. Having observed his commitment to the community and the tireless efforts he invested in his role, I’ve learned the profound impact of passion and hard work in effecting positive change.

Why did you decide to run for Division 3 for the Unity Team and what do you think you can offer the constituents? I decided to run for Division 3 with the Unity Team because I believe in the strength that comes from diversity and collaboration. Unity represents a collective effort to bring together a wide range of perspectives and expertise, ensuring that the decisions made reflect the needs and desires of our entire community. By working together, we can achieve more than any individual effort.

As a dedicated local businesswoman, a mother and lifelong member of the Cairns region, I’ve witnessed both the strengths and challenges our community faces. I am passionate about advocating for the concerns of Division 3 residents and the broader Cairns community, leveraging my experience in fostering economic growth and supporting local businesses.

I offer a commitment to enhancing safety, improving quality of life, and addressing affordability concerns.

My focus on community engagement ensures that the voices of constituents are heard and considered in decisionmaking.

Show Rural Ambassador for 2023, volunteering in the Pyramid Race, volunteering at the Eco Fiesta, and engaging in many more worthwhile endeavours. It’s important to me to give back to the community and contribute to causes that make a positive impact.

What issues are you passionate about and what would you like to improve in your division and Cairns as a whole? Politics isn’t something distant or separate from our lives; it’s woven into the very fabric of our daily routines. It affects the prices we pay, the quality of our education, the state of our environment, and the overall well-being of our society.

What are your political and personal goals? In terms of my future, I hope to continue to grow and develop both personally and professionally. I want to be the best version of myself that I can be. I plan to continue to learn and acquire new skills that will allow me to better serve my community and those around me.

As for my goals for the future, I want to continue to be a successful and supportive woman of the community.

I believe that community involvement is incredibly important, and I plan to stay actively involved in various organisations and causes that I am passionate about.

Ultimately, I believe that success is not just about personal achievements, but also about how we impact the world around us. I want to make a positive difference in the lives of those around me and leave a legacy that inspires others to do the same whether that be politically or personally.

What are some of your career highlights and what achievements are you most proud of ? One of the standout moments in my career was being invited to speak on a panel for BLA, Business Liaison Association, to the youth of Cairns.

Addressing a gathering of 200 high school leaders in Cairns, I focused my presentation on advocating for women to stand up for equality, pursue their dreams and goals, and recognise their self-worth and full potential. It was a meaningful opportunity to inspire and empower the next generation.

What charities have you supported over the years? Over the years, Cairns Beauty Bar has been actively involved in supporting various charities and community initiatives. In the last two years alone, we’ve annually offered our services to the Emergency Services Ball and local organisations and charities such as FNQ Hospital Foundation, FNQ Wildlife Rescue, Multiple Birth Association, The McGrath Foundation and COUCH Wellness Centre. We participate in the Walk for Women’s Cancer, we donated to The Lismore Flood Fund in the aftermath of the terrible floods in February last year. Last Easter and Christmas we made hampers for the Paediatrics ward at Cairns Hospital and Ruth’s Women’s Shelter.

I personally delivered these hampers to the organisations and we had 12 to donate to those in need in the local community.

On a personal level, I have dedicated my time to volunteer at a range of events, associations and foundations.

This includes serving as the Cairns

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Tell me a bit about the importance of family. A little bit about me, I dedicated over a decade to the childcare industry, successfully managing my family daycare business at the age of 19. Transitioning into the beauty industry, I now balance my career pursuits with raising my three wonderful children: Sunny, 6, Ollie, 4, and Poppy, 2. They all attend schools and childcare facilities located in White Rock.

On my mother’s side, my heritage traces back to Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Islander roots, instilling in me a profound appreciation for the importance of family and our origins.

The importance of family and friendships is paramount to me. My grandparents, parents, aunties/uncles, and siblings have been pivotal figures, profoundly shaping my values and perspectives. Their guidance and support have played instrumental roles in my personal and professional journey thus far, contributing to the person I am today.

H E A LT H

CityLife

CityLife HEALTH

“I

Cup Lunch Raises $100,000 For Birth Suite

n the quiet spaces of our hearts, where joy and sorrow blend, we honour the tender journey of mothers who have carried life, cradled dreams, and embraced loss.

Our dedicated birth suite is more than a space; it’s a sanctuary for healing, a cradle of comfort, and a testament to the strength and resilience of every mother’s heart. Here, within these nurturing walls, we stand with you, honouring the precious lives that have touched yours and the enduring love that forever connects you. In our shared compassion, let us weave a tapestry of support, stitched with hope and the gentle promise of brighter tomorrows.”

race on Palm Cove beach and the announcement of the birth suite fundraising appeal, which aims to enhance maternity care facilities at Cairns Hospital, supporting families throughout the region.

One of the most memorable moments of the day was the announcement of the birth suite fundraising appeal’s goal of $200,000. Funds raised will be directed towards improving the experience of women and families experiencing pregnancy loss.

The Nu Nu Restaurant Melbourne Cup $100,000 Lunch, held in spectacular fashion on November 7, has set the stage for a remarkable fundraising campaign aimed at transforming birth suite facilities at Cairns Hospital.

“By the end of the day we reached $91,000 and then we had an anonymous donor come forward to say they wanted to get us to $100,000,” she said.

“This generous contribution is just the beginning, and the Foundation is now calling upon the broader community to join the effort to reach the $200,000 target. Donations from Christmas Wrap at Cairns Central and Earlville Shopping Town also will go towards the appeal and we are calling for the broader community’s support as well. Funds raised from the Alive Pharmacy Warehouse Ride for Isabel earlier in the year, also will go towards this special campaign.

“This will be a sanctuary for healing, a cradle of comfort, and a testament to the strength and resilience of every mother’s heart. Within these nurturing walls, we stand with families, honouring the precious lives that have touched theirs and the enduring love that forever connects,” she said.

In the event’s 20-year history, more than $400,000 has now been raised, including this year’s tally of $100,000.

The event, hosted by the renowned Nu Nu Restaurant in Palm Cove, was an extravagant affair that brought together supporters, volunteers, and community leaders to make a significant contribution to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s new birth suite fundraising appeal.

Guests gathered in style, dressed in their finest racing attire, to celebrate the Melbourne Cup while supporting a noble cause. Highlights of the day were the spectacular running of the horse

With the aim of creating a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for families, the birth suite fundraising appeal is a crucial initiative that will have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the community.

Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said supporters at the Nu Nu Restaurant Melbourne Cup lunch made a powerful statement by pledging their commitment to the birth suite appeal, with the astounding amount raised during the event itself.

“We were hoping to surpass last year’s tally but to do so in such spectacular style, was truly humbling,” Mrs Hogan said.

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Donations and support from local businesses, individuals, and philanthropic organisations are welcomed to ensure the success of this vital project.

Find out more at www.fnqhf.org.au

Help us raise $200,000 to create a sanctuary for women experiencing pregnancy loss.

our hearts, where joy and sorrow blend, we honour the tender journey of mothers

In the quiet spaces of

life,

dreams, loss.

who have carried cradled and embraced

P 07 4226 6327

www.fnqhf.org.au

CityLife HEALTH

WHOLELIFE PHARMACY & HEALTHFOODS

New Year Resolutions VINCE PAPPALARDO : wholelife.com.au

C o -F o under a nd Pha r m aci st

W

ith the festive season in full swing, this time of year is really tough when we’re setting those New Year’s resolutions, and for the best of us, it’s hard to navigate to set those habits. The key is, is remaining realistic and setting simple goals for yourself, and taking it one step at a time.

New Year’s is often a time where people start to eat healthier, exercise where they may not have previously exercised, and try and set up new routines and habits.

Sometimes this can go against you if your goals are not realistic, and you may not adhere to these goals. So we’re here to give you some tips to keep those goals realistic and simple and get going for your New Year’s resolutions.

Planning is essential It’s really important to have a plan in place and don’t leave the planning until the last night, like New Year’s Eve, because sometimes it will just be about your mindset on that day. New Year’s resolutions can be made at any time during the year so it’s important to get your goals together and another important thing you can do is write them down. Outline your plan. When you have something that’s written, it’s really easy to stay motivated and adhere to those things when you’re looking at your goals that you’ve documented in some way. Another thing you can do to keep your motivation high is to develop a pros and cons list. This can be added to throughout the year to help keep you achieving those goals that you may have set initially.

Share your New Year’s resolution It’s really important to talk about your New Year’s resolution and don’t keep them a secret. Your family and friends are those that support you during the hard times. Another thing you can do is find yourself a motivation buddy where you can talk about each other’s goals and help achieve them throughout the year.

What about rewarding yourself ?

That’s also key because it’s really important that you have positive reinforcement when you’re trying to enforce these goals. That doesn’t mean eating a whole box of chocolates in one sitting, however gather things that you like and have them in moderation when you have those small wins.

Measuring progress We have trained and qualified nutritionists in store that can help you track and measure your progress with advice as well as products to assist.

However, something simple that you can do right now is just look at the smaller picture at hand. So instead of looking ahead and saying, I want to lose 30 kilos, just look at the first couple of kilos and aim to do that first.

What about that dreaded guilt feeling when you slip up and you miss the mark for your goals?

We all know about that. It’s really important that you don’t obsess over the little things and look at the bigger picture. It’s not going to help you if you obsess over the small slip ups. Just take

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some time, have 24 hours and revisit it the next day. Another way to make sure that we stick to these goals is to actively think about sticking to these goals and understand that these things take time. It doesn’t happen overnight. Some experts say that it takes up to 21 days for a habit to be formed and up to six months for that to be implemented within your personality. So another thing that I’d like to mention is that you’re not going to be 100 percent. Try and enjoy the process.

An important factor in this is to just keep trying and keep your persistence as high as possible. Sometimes your motivation is just not going to be as high as other days, so it’s essential to take a break and reconvene within 24 hours. A lot can happen in 24 hours - recommit yourself to the process after that.

What about staying positive? How much does that weigh into the success of the plan?

Positivity breeds positivity, so that’s critical. Even on days where you’re feeling a little bit low, it’s important to keep your goal top of mind and understand why you made those goals in the first place and the positivity surrounding that.

CityLife

CityLife FOOD FNQ FOOD INCUBATOR

FOOD

The Australian Food Identity Crisis LARA WILDE : (07) 42 761 866 : ceo@fnqfoodincubator.com.au C h i ef Exe cutive Of f i cer F N Q Food Incuba tor

W

hen we think of Japan we think of sushi. When we think of Italy we think of pasta. When we think of Mexico we think of tacos. When we think of Australia we think of ...? Lamingtons? Pavlova?

Meat pies? Foster’s beer? Fairy bread?

For a vibrant multicultural community with a First Nations story that’s been passed on for a millennia, fairy bread does not seem like the sophisticated palate experience that we as a country should identify with.

We have a pristine environment, the best farmers in the world and ancient indigenous people who have passed down centuries of knowledge, regarding traditional practices of sustainable wild harvest.

Where are our kangaroo crepes with Davidson plum paste? Where are our bush sambal emu stir fries? Where are our Lilly Pilly teas?

The First Nations food industry in Australia has been valued at more than $80 million. That industry is predicted to more than double before 2025. Sadly, it is understood that less than two percent of that First Nations food industry is actually owned by Aboriginal people. Many of the First Nations food and beverage products have less than one percent native ingredients due to an underdeveloped commercial supply chain and a limited understanding of their potential uses.

With the 2032 Olympics less than a decade away, and we all prepare to showcase our country and our extraordinary citizens on the global stage we can’t help but ask... what’s to eat?

Will we plate up a dodgy servo hot box sausage roll with a squeeze packet of tomato sauce? Or will it be a kangaroo sausage roll with a pig face mustard pickle from FigJam & Co? Will it be a can of Foster’s lager? Or a refreshing sparkling water infused with native botanicals such as Kakadu plum or finger lime from Yaala Sparkling?

Food can connect people from all languages, cultures and abilities. Food can connect indigenous and non-indigenous Australians with each other and with the world.

So I challenge you, when the world comes to visit in 2032, what will you give them to eat?

Will you “throw another shrimp on the barbie” or will you serve up some red claw with a little locally made bush sambal?

The FNQ Food Incubator is on a mission to make that question much easier to answer.

By working to develop the commercially viable supply chain of native ingredients, and supporting First Nations owned food businesses to scale their shelf stable foods and beverages, we will establish a multitude of Australian

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options for you to choose from. * If you would like to learn more about our efforts to create an Australian food identity that does us proud, subscribe to our newsletter or reach out to hello@ fnqfoodincubator.com.au

WELLBEING

CityLife

CityLife WELLBEING

SELECTABILITY

Mental Health First Aid INGRID WESTTHORP : www.selectability.com.au

G en eral Ma na ge r Clini cal Ser vi ces BA (Nu r s ing) MACN A I AM ( m edi at or ) M AI CD

E

ach year one in five Australians will experience a mental illness and it is estimated just under 50 percent will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime.

Would you or your staff member know how to effectively and confidently respond to someone experiencing a mental health concern or crisis at work, in public or at home?

Physical first aid is accepted and widespread in our community, however most do not cover mental health problems. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches people the skills to help someone who they’re concerned about.

Organisations that respond appropriately and effectively will experience better outcomes for both the individual and the organisation itself.

selectability Training offers a variety of Mental Health First Aid courses Details: • 12-hour course (held over two days) 8am to 4pm • Morning tea and afternoon tea provided (BYO lunch) • Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training will teach you practical skills to support someone with a mental health problem. Make a real difference to people in your workplace.

selectability clinical and therapeutic services

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Mental health care for your workforce.

selectability.com.au

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Source: Mental Health First Aid Australia

CityLife COMMUNITY NEWS

Cairns Man Receives Queensland Mental Health Achievement Award GRANT WESTTHORP

G

rant Westthorp, a Cairns local, has won the prestigious Jeff Cheverton Individual Award sponsored by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists at the Queensland Mental Health Achievement Awards.

Grant Westthorp is the founder of The Well Man program designed to assist men experiencing mental distress. For over 15 years, he has contributed significantly to the health and wellbeing of men in Australia and specifically regional Queensland with the program.

Grant had a successful career as a golf professional for 33 years, travelling the world and totally committed to his profession. Then it all came tumbling down after a recreational accident. In one moment, he lost his livelihood, his identity, his physical capabilities, mental and social worlds were in a tailspin. The Well Man program provides his learnings and a pathway back to a vibrant life.

Grant’s passion and drive to create meaningful, significant and appropriate resources was developed in response to the reallife questions that men raised during the performance of 1250 presentations/workshops, 8000 wellness checks, 350 positive mentoring sessions and personally assisting 2798 men who presented to the office in distress.

Grant has assisted thousands of men to overcome mental, physical and social distress.

While he is not a clinician; he is a motivator and enthusiastic about changing boys and men’s health and wellbeing outcomes in Queensland.

Grant said “I am honoured to be acknowledged by my peers and over the moon with winning the Jeff Cheverton Individual Award for my contribution to mental health and suicide prevention in Queensland.

It is a wonderful recognition for the legacy I am leaving for boys, men and seniors in the great state I live in.”

His programs now extend to support men, boys and seniors and are free and available to download by visiting www.wellman.org.au

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CityLife SOCIALS

Stress Less Day Lunch Images by Frontrow Foto

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CityLife

CityLife BUSINESS

CAIRNS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BUSINESS

Business Excellence Celebrated PATRICIA O’NEILL : (07) 4031 1838 : info@cairnschamber.com.au Ch ief Ex ec utiv e Of f i cer Cai rns Cham ber of Com m er ce

A

nd .... breathe! What a whirlwind couple of months as we prepared to celebrate excellence across our business community.

Impressed would be an understatement when we witnessed the calibre of submissions in the 2023 Business Excellence Awards.

College of Business Law & Governance, Maxima, STAR 102.7 We celebrated all our finalists, sponsors and judges at the VIP Finalist Evening on Wednesday October 4 at the magnificent Crystalbrook Flynn’s Whiskey and Wine Bar.

Until next year, keep being excellent!

The Business Excellence Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of businesses in our region, acknowledging them for their hard work, exceptional business acumen and outstanding commitment to the Cairns community. Sixty-one finalists were announced across the 10 award categories.

A significant amount of time and effort goes into writing a submission and I would like to sincerely thank everyone who entered and congratulate this year’s finalists and the ultimate winners across the categories.

Entrants expressed how worthwhile it was to go through the process.

It is not often that business owners and managers get the opportunity to stop and reflect on how far they have come, celebrate what they have achieved and identify areas for future improvement.

The Business Excellence Awards were only possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and the 22 volunteer judges who donated their time and commitment to be a part of the rigorous and challenging decision-making when choosing the ultimate winners. The judges for the awards were highly regarded members of the Cairns business community, with huge commitments to their ‘day job’. For this, we are extremely grateful for their participation.

The support of our sponsors is a testament to their passion and pride for the business community of Cairns. It is a reflection of the value they place on recognising business excellence.

They were: CBC Staff Selection, Cairns Post, Crystalbrook Collection, Cashcor Engineering, CQU, Cairns Regional Council, Danae Jones Consulting, Endeavour Foundation, Grant Thornton, JCU

Planning for events such as these is extremely exciting but also a lot of hard work, therefore on behalf of the Cairns Chamber Board and myself I would like to congratulate our very small team of three wonderful ladies who made it all happen whilst never skipping a beat with the day-to-day requirements of our Chamber.

AWARD WINNERS • Claire Simmons – Emerging Leader Excellence Award, proudly sponsored by James Cook University: College of Business, Law & Governance

Alannah Giuffrida, Simone Sisley, Patricia O’Neill & Janelle Yarwood. Photography: Frontrow Foto

The weather was beautiful and with the sparkling ferris wheel and lagoon as the backdrop to all the pictures, the entire evening was just perfect!

The Gala Ball or the Night of Nights as it is fondly known as, was another fabulous evening where we showcased the beautiful Cairns Convention Centre’s new Trinity Terrace and Trinity Room, which boast uninterrupted views of the Trinity Inlet. For many guests this was their first opportunity to see the results of the $176 million spent on this facility and they weren’t disappointed.

We are proud to share that all of our entertainment and suppliers were local businesses, ensuring that we remained true to our values and kept our dollars in Cairns because what goes around comes around!

We are so proud of all of the category winners and a big shout-out must go to our Legacy Award, sponsored by JCU which was presented this year, not to an individual, but to the Ireland family for their significant contribution to the community over the 100 years of doing business in Cairns.

Brothers Richard and David Ireland were in attendance (much to their surprise) to receive this prestigious recognition.

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• WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods Pease St – Business Technology Excellence Award, proudly sponsored by CQUniversity Australia • Kinetic Cairns – Community Contribution Excellence Award, proudly sponsored by Maxima Group • Reaston Drummond Law – Customer Service Excellence Award (Professional Services), proudly sponsored by Danae Jones Consulting • The Conservatory Bar – Customer Service Excellence Award (Trade, Retail & Services), proudly sponsored by Crystalbrook Collection Cairns • Australian Training Works – Indigenous Business Excellence Award, proudly sponsored by Endeavour Foundation • Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation – Innovation Excellence Award, proudly sponsored by Cairns Regional Council • Bang Media – Marketing & Communications Excellence Award, proudly sponsored by Cairns Post • Freedom Planning – People Management Excellence Award, proudly sponsored by CBC Staff Selection • Green Island Resort – Sustainability & Environmental Excellence Award, proudly sponsored

by Star 102.7 • The Ireland Family – Legacy Award, proudly sponsored by James Cook University

CityLife SOCIALS

Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Images by Frontrow Foto

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CityLife SOCIALS

Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Images by Frontrow Foto

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CityLife BUSINESS

CAIRNS YOUNG CHAMBER

Young Chamber’s Key Highlights BEN COLE : (07) 4031 1838 : yc@cairnschamber.com.au C h air, Ca ir ns Young Cham ber

F

rom fresh faces to big wins and impactful events, here's a rundown of the Cairns Young Chamber's key highlights from the past quarter.

Welcome Millie Lowcock: A New Chapter in CYC’s Event Management Millie Lowcock is our latest powerhouse addition to the CYC committee. Her professional trajectory from The Cairns Post to being a Regional Account Manager at News Corp to now leading a team at News Xtend in Sydney is nothing short of inspirational. With Millie on board, expect exciting expansive social events, more professional development sessions, and an inclusive mentorship framework in CYC’s future plans.

Wolf Lane Distillery and Flamingo Tiki Bar, Pip Buhler, founder of Cairns’ Property Clearances and Resale Empire, and Cassy Markus, founder of vegan hair-care brand Kus Culture, — gave us insights that can't be Google-searched.

that are central to CYC. Her achievement shines a light on both the bright future of Cairns and the exceptional calibre of the emerging leaders within the region.

It was a great combination of life hacks and business acumen, from successful entrepreneurs from our own back yard.

The CYC community heard key insights from our panel, including the importance of passion and focusing on tangible goals, how to test new ideas and insights on navigating business uncertainties.

A heartfelt thank you to our panel for sharing their candid insights.

What’s coming up?

As the year winds down, there’s one more event to mark on your calendar.

It's the Cairns Young Chamber's final social event of the year. Don't forget to grab your tickets and let's celebrate this year’s achievements together against the stunning backdrop of Sunset Bar along Marlin Marina on Friday, December 1.

2023 Business Excellence Awards Event Wrap-up

The Cairns Young Chamber's recent event, ‘From Ideas to Impact’, was more than just a panel discussion —it was a masterclass in entrepreneurial resilience.

The Cairns Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards, proudly sponsored by JCU, is a pinnacle of recognition for outstanding businesses in our region. These awards celebrate outstanding businesses for their unwavering community commitment and sheer hard work.

Three of Cairns' own business pioneers— Sam Kennis, co-founder of The Hospo Group with bars including Three Wolves,

Claire Simmons, the recipient of the 'Emerging Leadership Excellence Award', embodies the community-focused values

From Ideas to Impact: Panel Event

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To learn more about becoming a CYC member, our upcoming events, sponsorship opportunities, or the Emerging Leaders program, please visit the website and follow us across social media.

We look forward to welcoming you at our next event or as a valued sponsor.

Stay inspired, Ben Cole Chair, Cairns Young Chamber

CityLife BUSINESS REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA

RDA Focuses on Precinct Funding SONJA JOHNSON : (07) 4041 1729 : info@rdatropicalnorth.org.au C h i ef Ex ec utiv e Of f i cer R eg iona l De ve lopm ent Aust r al i a Tro pic al Nor th (RD A)

R

egional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North will work with stakeholders to position six Far North Queensland precinct concepts for new Federal funding to support projects that transform their community.

The Australian Government’s $400 million regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) requires a partnership approach with governments and communities working together to deliver regional area precincts that are tailored to local needs.

A shared vision is necessary for how the precinct would connect to the region to be eligible for Stream One funding of $500,000 to $5 million for master planning, consultation, design, business cases and partnership establishment.

Stream Two grants of between $5 million and $50 million will be available to help deliver one or more elements of a precinct such as roads, pathways, underground infrastructure, or open spaces that activate other investment.

The Etheridge Shire Agricultural Precinct, the Cape York Innovation Precinct, the Health and Education Precinct Cairns and the Smart Green Precinct fit the criteria for this funding and RDA Tropical North will assist in putting them forward through various activities including advocacy, letters of support, partnership brokerage, and economic modelling.

The proposal for the Etheridge Shire Agricultural Precinct has been completed and has support from government to secure water for the rich Gilbert River floodplains to develop into one of Queensland’s premier agriculture areas. RDA Tropical North and Etheridge Shire Council have undertaken planning and consultation over many years which show an irrigation and agricultural precinct would generate around $700 million a year in economic benefits.

A university teaching hospital and research facilities are the centrepiece of the highly anticipated Health and Education Precinct Cairns. An ongoing commitment is needed from the Federal and State Governments to support the development of Cairns Hospital for the first phase, the Cairns Hospital Capacity Expansion Project by 2026 and the Cairns Health and Innovation Centre.

Phase 2 is a new acute health services building on an expanded Cairns Hospital footprint to meet projected growth in demand for health services.

The two phases have broad partner support and seek to build on successive government investments.

Two projects we will assist in putting forward for funding are both smart green projects that address net zero within their value adding processes. The Smart Green Precinct is a resource recovery and recycling hub in Cairns or the Tablelands/ Mareeba region, with spokes to neighbouring council areas.

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Resource recovery and recycling is also part of the Cape York economic diversification and innovation precinct with Cooktown as the hub and potential spokes to Hopevale, Weipa, Lakeland, and the Western Cape. The Western Cape York Master Plan includes support services for the Defence sector, exploration of biofuels and expansion of the Country University Centre based in Cooktown. This project will not only advance Weipa’s economic future with diversification, but it would also bring benefits to the nearby Indigenous communities of Mapoon and Napranum.

To leverage the Defence Posture Review and Northern Australia’s key role in this sector, further investigation with the Cairns Marine Precinct and Weipa, will uncover next stage opportunities, specifically the infrastructure needed to lift maintenance capabilities, maritime training and technology for the allied services supply chain.

Formalised precinct development will also assist in driving strong Indo-Pacific relations.

This Federal funding stream is an opportunity for meaningful community infrastructure that would create jobs to grow our regional economy which is central to RDA Tropical North’s charter.

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

CityLife BUSINESS

TTNQ

Tourism Industry Celebrates Achievements

MARK OLSEN

: (07) 4015 1201 : ceo@ttnq.org.au

C h i ef Exe cutive Officer To u rism Tr opic al Nor t h Q ueensl and (T T N Q )

T

he Tropical North Queensland tourism industry celebrated a year of record achievement at the 2023 Expedia Group TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards at the Cairns Convention Centre on October 27.

The record number of 30 entries and a new award category highlighted the growing significance of the awards, which were attended by more than 180 guests.

We celebrate a year of recovery with the tourism industry delivering a record $4.3 billion domestic visitor expenditure to our regional economy in the past financial year.

It is fitting that we further acknowledge the hard work of our members with the addition of the Outstanding Commitment to the Industry award recognising businesses, groups or organisations who go above and beyond to contribute to the Tropical North Queensland tourism industry.

I congratulate each of the winners and Life Members who have helped the Tropical North Queensland tourism industry to excel.

Life Members Life Members - Pip Woodward, founder of the CaPTA Group Pip and her late husband Charlie Woodward pioneered rainforest tourism in Tropical North Queensland with the founding of Rainforestation Nature Park and expanded the family business over 50 years to become one of the largest tourism operators in the region. Pip is also well known for her philanthropic work through the charity COUCH founded by the Woodward family.

Life Member - Ken Chapman, Chairman of Skyrail Rainforest Cableway As TTNQ’s immediate past Chair, Ken Chapman was instrumental in securing a record $10 million in Federal funding through the Recovery for Regional Tourism program for domestic marketing during the pandemic and $15 million under the International Tourism Recovery Program administered by Austrade. His family business Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is an iconic attraction that plays a key role in marketing Tropical North Queensland.

Outstanding Commitment to the Industry – Cairns Airport Ambassadors

The Cairns Airport Ambassadors are the friendly faces greeting visitors arriving in Tropical North Queensland at the airport and this year have greeted 55 vessels at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal. Each of the 30 volunteers commits to working two five-hour shifts a week providing travel advice and assisting people to have a positive travel experience.

Outstanding Contribution by an Individual – AJ Hackett, Skypark by AJ Hackett AJ Hackett helped to put Tropical North Queensland on the map for adventure tourism when he opened his first Australian bungy site in Cairns in 1990. The business transformed into Skypark by AJ Hackett and recently held its first Opera in the Rainforest event.

Chair’s Award for Excellence – Silky Oaks Lodge Silky Oaks Lodge is an iconic Tropical North Queensland property and its $20 million redevelopment by Baillie Lodges during the pandemic captured the imagination of the public.

It was a PR dream for the destination as the travel media clamoured to experience an extraordinary rainforest retreat overlooking the Mossman River.

Young Achiever Excellence Award – Jamie Binder, Marketing and Social Media Executive, Crystalbrook Collection Jamie Binder has been a young achiever at the Crystalbrook Collection since starting there two years ago, progressing from assisting the marketing team to her current role driving awareness of the brand and its commitment to responsible luxury.

She is a member of Young ATEC and has shared her passion for the industry while speaking at a recent Cairns Young Chamber of Commerce event.

1st finalist – Jasmyn Tureia, People & Culture Business Partner, Crystalbrook Bailey 2nd finalist – Justin Baume, Guide, Cairns Adventure Group Customer Service Excellence Award – Cedric Lootvoet, Luxury Concierge, The Reef House Cedric Lootvoet’s relationship with guests at The Reef House starts before they arrive when he calls to get to know them so that he can make each guest’s holiday a personal VIP experience. His

C i t y L i f e 34 M a g a z i n e

positive and enduring relationship with guests is the essence of The Reef House and he is a role model in customer service for the whole team.

1st finalist – Cairns Airport Ambassadors 2nd finalist – Phoebe Urquhart Kereru, Trip Director, Passions of Paradise Sustainable Tourism Excellence Award – Small World Journeys Small World Journeys has a strong connection to Traditional Owners and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainability has been part of the business since day one and has included offsetting their carbon emissions and being audited each year by EcoBiz. Small World Journeys encourage their young guests to be advocates for Tropical North Queensland and for sustainable solutions within their own lives.

1st finalist – Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas 2nd finalist – CaPTA Group Best of Queensland Experiences Program Award – FNQ Nature Tours FNQ Nature Tours is a small group experience with expert guides who help guests to understand the unique rainforest environment and its wildlife.

James Boettcher and his team have been bringing the rainforest to life for visitors since 2016.

The awards are sponsored by the Expedia Group, Cairns Regional Council and TTNQ Corporate Partners Cairns Airport and Avis.

CityLife BUSINESS

ADVANCE CAIRNS

Far North in National and International Spotlight JACINTA REDDAN : (07) 4080 2900 : admin@advancecairns.com Ch ief Ex ec utiv e Of f i cer Ad vance Cair ns

I

t was great to see Far North Queensland recently gain national and international attention through a range of live television broadcasts, sporting events, award ceremonies, and national forums.

The region also played host to more than 300 travel specialists from around the world for G’Day Australia 2023, a three-day workshop aimed at developing destination knowledge.

In September, we partnered with Channel 9's Today show to raise awareness of the advantages of living and working in regional Australia. We worked with the Regional Australia Institute through their “Move to More” campaign to capitalise on the chance to host the Today show here in Cairns. Advance Cairns members and friends including Experience Co and AFL Cairns joined us in front of the camera to promote regional living, emphasising the work-life balance and sense of community that we enjoy outside metropolitan areas.

Cairns' aviation sector earned national recognition, with members Cairns Airport and Skytek receiving top awards at the 2023 Australian Aviation Awards. Cairns Airport was honoured as Airport of the Year, highlighting its sustainability initiatives, ongoing COVID recovery efforts

and pioneering programs. And great to see Skytek named Manufacturing Maintenance Business of the Year, acknowledging the business’ dedication to delivering top-tier aviation maintenance services to aircraft serving the region.

Congratulations also to member TAFE Queensland who clinched the title of Large Training Provider of the Year at the 2023 Queensland Training Awards and also received the International Education and Training accolade at the 2023 Queensland Export Award ceremony. And it was great to see Mainie win the inaugural First Nations award at the event. But, while I was honoured to serve as a judge of these awards, I would like to see more entries from the region next year. This is an excellent opportunity to gain statewide – and possibly nationwide – recognition.

October saw Cairns host the intergovernmental Northern Australia Ministerial Forum which brought together Federal and State Ministers in the city and emphasised the strategic significance of the north to the nation. The forum highlighted the pivotal role of northern development in the nation's prosperity, a focus reiterated in the Northern Australia statement to Parliament.

C i t y L i f e 35 M a g a z i n e

It was also terrific to watch the world champions the Australian Diamonds netball team play right here and just days after Hawthorn brought their AFLW home game to the city. Hosting these games provides a great opportunity for the local community to experience elite professional sports, leading to significant benefits for the tourism economy and providing role models for young locals. It’s been great to enjoy the resumption of the NBL and to see the CQUniversity Cairns Taipans back in action and getting the season off to a fantastic start.

It’s been a busy few months but one personal highlight was the opportunity to work with the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation to mentor a group of young Torres Strait Island women who are studying at St Monica’s. Their stories and their ambitions are extraordinary and it is a privilege to get to work with them.

It is going to be a busy 2024 with a range of major initiatives on our agenda which aim to foster economic opportunity and greater diversification of the regional economy.

Stay tuned for our upcoming 2024-25 Queensland Budget submission where you’ll hear more.

CityLife BUSINESS

THE CBC DIFFERENCE:

Elevating Recruitment to a New Level Words by Stacey Carrick

consulting, career development coaching and outplacement services.

meet our candidates face to face, or via Zoom/Teams.”

CBC caters for a wide variety of sectors, including General and Executive Management, Finance and Accounting, Legal, Human Resources, Engineering and Technical, Information Technology, Sales and Marketing, Administration and Government (local, state and federal).

Virginia said the secret to the business’s longevity is passion and a genuine love of their roles.

Recruitment Manager Virginia Sharpe said the team is fully focused on developing and maintaining long-term relationships.

“Outstanding customer service is at the heart of all that we do,” she said. “Our aim is to provide a recruitment service to our clients and candidates that is seamless, efficient and effective.

C role.

BC Staff Selection team members are passionate about matching the right candidate to the right

With an impressive 35 years in operation, the recruitment consultants have built a reputation for excellence, not only in matching the best people to the best jobs, but through the exemplary customer service they provide.

CBC was established in 1988, with Sally and John Mlikota taking over the business in 2004.

The business focuses on Cairns, Townsville and regional Queensland, offering temporary and permanent recruitment and human resources

“As the Recruitment Manager, my role is to lead, motivate and support the teams across both Cairns and Townsville.”

Virginia said she is proud to consistently match candidates with their dream roles.

“We bring many years of local expertise,” she said. “Each consultant is well versed and knowledgeable in their specialist markets, and this is evident not only in taking the initial job brief, which is often face to face, but also in being able to identify and ascertain the actual skill sets required and in determining the office culture and the right fit of personality that will work best with our clients’ current teams.

“We have access to a very wide network of candidates both nationally and internationally and wherever possible we

“Sally is an incredible mentor, and it goes without saying without her leadership we wouldn’t be what we are today.”

Virginia said her role is extremely rewarding.

Many of their team have been employed with CBC for more than five, 10 and even 20 years, which speaks volumes about their management team.

“Nothing compares to being able to finding the perfect candidate for employers and match candidates to their dream role,” she said.

Sally is a prominent figure in the Cairns community – she was the President of both the Chamber of Commerce and Cairns Business Women’s Clubs for many years, is a member of a range of professional organisations including a Fellow Member of the Recruitment, Consulting & Staffing Association (RCSA) which is the peak body for the recruitment, staffing and workforce solutions industry across Australia and New Zealand and supports and sponsors a variety of charities and local events.

“The feeling of achievement, that we have been able to guide, direct and connect our candidates in their careers to a successful outcome is the ultimate feeling for a consultant.

“Sally and I have been a successful duo for a long time, and this means we are steadfast in offering our team stability, mentoring, guidance, flexibility and most of all fun,” Virginia said.

“This has allowed us to create a healthy and productive office culture, where team building, hard work and combined effort all working toward the same goals as a collective, is our focus. The result is that we provide quality recruitment services and outstanding customer service.

“Of course, we are led from above by the drive, professionalism and expertise of Sally.

“And in addition, knowing we have successfully partnered with businesses to source new team members, ultimately assisting them and their business to achieve greater success, is just incredible.”

Virgina clearly loves her role, and this year she reached the 20-year milestone.

“I love working in our community, helping businesses and guiding job seekers to achieve their career goals is very rewarding for me personally,” she said.

“A new career can be a life-changing step and to be a part of this is very special.

I am proud to work with CBC Staff Selection because we are all about quality, professionalism, integrity and credibility, and this completely aligns with me.

“Our team is outstanding! We work hard, we support each other, we offer flexibility where family comes first and together, we achieve great things!”

Redefining Recruitment.

Sally

Virginia

Tracy

Tanara

Ashleigh

Jenny

Mikayla

James

Cassidy

Olivia

Kate

Temporary and Permanent Recruitment Specialists Cairns 07 4051 9699 | Townsville 07 4724 5822

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

CityLife BUSINESS

WGC LAWYERS

Conveyancing SARAH MATHEW

• Binding financial agreements • Children’s matters • De facto relationships

: (07) 4046 1170 : cairns@wgc.com.au

• Divorce and separation • Property settlements • Violence in relationships • Wills and estates

We’ve Got you Covered Eddy Lago

Phone: 07 4046 1133 Email: elago@wgc.com.au

Accredited family law specialist If you ne ed a ny a ssi st ance cont act 123one Sheridan St, Cairns Qld 4870 o f our la wye r s at cai r ns@w gc. com . au o r call 07 4 04 6 1111 f or a no- obl i gat i on d iscus sion a nd ex per t l egal advi ce.

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W GC La wye r s We’ ve Got y ou Cov er ed!

B

efore you sign a contract, make sure you engage a legal professional, whether that’s a conveyancer or a solicitor, to have a read through that contract before you sign on the dotted line. It is a legally enforceable document so you really want to make sure you understand what it is you’re agreeing to before you are bound by it. A legal professional can assist you in identifying any potential risks and help you avoid any headaches down the track.

There are two standard conditions in an REIQ contract. Those are finance and building impasse.

It’s important to notify your conveyancer or solicitor if any of these are relevant to you. If you’re getting a loan to purchase a property, it is important to allow enough time under the finance condition to ensure that your bank will be ready for settlement. Generally this is 14 or 21 days.

Ensuring that the contract is subject to a building and pest condition is something that we suggest to all our clients, particularly in Cairns’ tropical climate. The building and pest condition gives you the opportunity to have a building and pest inspector attend to the property to ensure that there are no underlying issues with the property that yourself or the seller may not be aware of.

Whether that be water damage causing mould, or structural damage caused by termites, obtaining an inspection really allows you to get an inside and out look at what you’re purchasing.

Special conditions Special conditions are clauses added to a standard contract that are specific to the transaction and are used to address the unique circumstances about a certain property. For a buyer, special conditions can be very important as they can help protect the buyer’s interests by outlining specific conditions that must be met before the settlement date takes place.

If you have any concerns, your conveyancer or solicitor can help draft special conditions to address your worries. One very common special condition that we see all the time is having a contract subject to the seller completing a professional clean of the property prior to the settlement date and at their expense. What many buyers may not realise is that the seller is not actually required to have the property professionally cleaned before the settlement date or even left in a moderately clean state at settlement. This can catch out many unexpecting buyers who are looking to move into the property. After settlement has taken effect, so including a special condition like this one can help alleviate a lot of worry and stress prior to settlement.

Cooling off period There is what is called a “cooling off period” in most REIQ contracts, which actually allows a buyer to terminate the agreement within a certain period of time. Normally in Queensland for REIQ contracts, when you’re purchasing a residential property only, you have five business days from the contract date to decide whether or not you’d like to terminate. Now, this could be great if you’re a buyer who’s just executed an agreement and perhaps within this time frame, something’s happened. For whatever reason, you need to reassess your position and you can no longer go through with it. All you would need to do in that case is contact your solicitor. Your solicitor will write to the seller’s representative, let them know you’d like to terminate the agreement. Keeping in mind though, this isn’t a totally 100 percent get out of jail free card. If the seller chooses to, they may elect to retain the equivalent of 0.25 percent of the deposit that you’ve already paid.

The importance of paying the deposit on time It’s important to pay the deposit on time and understand that it is a significant and binding payment made to secure the purchase of a property. Under the REIQ contract, the deposit is typically paid at the time of exchange, which is when the contract is executed and becomes legally binding. If you are unable to pay the deposit by this date, you risk losing the contract due to breach of contract and potentially face legal action. We definitely recommend to all of our clients that prior to entering into a contract, that you ensure that you have all of the deposit monies ready to go and ready to be paid so you don’t face this unfortunate situation. However, if you do happen to enter into an executed contract and are unable to pay the deposit by its due date, we recommend seeking legal advice with regards to your next steps.

What is the difference between a chattel and a fixture and why are these important?

Often the one section that the parties overlook will be the included chattels and the excluded fixtures.

It is important to not only know the differences between these two, but also ensure that they’re listed accurately in the contract, preferably before you sign it. Fixtures on the other hand, are items that are permanently attached to the property or fixed to the property. These are things that can’t be so easily removed, such as air conditioners, perhaps you might have solar panels on the roof, even down to the flowers and shrubs planted in the soil. The contract actually places certain obligations on the

C i t y L i f e 37 M a g a z i n e

parties in this respect. Anything that isn’t listed as an included chattel in the contract, technically has to be removed from the property as at the settlement date. So ensuring the parties have a very clear and thorough understanding of what is and what isn’t included in the sale goes a long way as far as avoiding any unnecessary disputes down the track.

Lodgement fees It’s important to keep in mind that in addition to the purchase price, you must pay lodgement fees and transfer duty fees. Lodgement fees are the fees associated with registering the title in your name after settlement of the property. Transfer duty is a government tax that’s levied on all property purchases. It is important to remember that these fees are paid on top of the purchase price and need to be taken into consideration if paying cash for the property or even if obtaining a loan. Most banks won’t cover the costs of these additional fees, so it’s important when speaking with your solicitor or conveyancer that they obtain an estimate as to what these costs will be, so you can ensure that you can cover the entire cost of the property purchase.

What about concessions?

There are several concessions available when purchasing a residential property that you may be entitled to claim. These include the first home owners concession, first home vacant land concession, and just your general home concession as well. There are certain obligations attached to each of these concessions. For example, if you’re a first home buyer purchasing property you’ve never owned property before, whether that’s in Australia or anywhere else in the world. You may be eligible if you’re purchasing a property that is valued at less than $550,000 and you’re intending on moving into that property as your home within one year of the settlement date. So, the second concession, similar to the first one, first home vacant land. You may be able to claim this if you’re a first home buyer, never owned property before, purchasing a block of land with the intention of building a brand new home on it within two years of the settlement date. The third concession is a general concession, which allows buyers who have owned property before to purchase another home as long as they use it as their principal place of residence.

So certain obligations I mentioned before might include that if you claim one of these concessions, you cannot dispose of the property, which means rent or sell it within 12 months of the settlement date.

CityLife BUSINESS THE POWER OF PR™ WITH DANAE JONES

Let’s Get Creative

DANAE JONES

: danae@danaejones.com.au : www.danaejones.com.au D an ae Jone s is Managi ng Di r ect or of PR & Marketing fir m Da nae Jones Consul t i ng P ty L td

W

hile you and your team might be hanging on by a thread as you race to the finish line this festive season, don’t forget to thank the many people who have been part of your success throughout the year. Festive PR & Marketing doesn’t need to be a chore.

Get creative and have some fun with it.

Enjoying the gift of time with one another, savouring those special moments and giving and receiving thoughtful gifts to show our appreciation of one another is an important part of this time of year in business.

Corporate gift giving has come back in a big way post pandemic, which is great to see! And while some industries may be feeling the pinch with cost of living pressures impacting their sales, don’t let that stop you from giving thanks. Saying thank you, doesn’t need to cost the earth, it can be done in a variety of creative and fun ways. Involve your team and throw some ideas around on what is possible to suit your budget. Your team will enjoy being part of the planning.

In the meantime, here are a few ideas to get you started: • Corporate Gift Hampers – they always

look great and can be created to suit any budget (and they are easy to personalise and brand to suit specific tastes) • We live in the tropics after all, so why not put a taste of tropical into your gifting. You could create a tropical fruit basket filled with all the luscious in season fruit we have on offer • Send Christmas themed balloons • Give your own corporate branded chocolates or wine with a humorous message • Send personalised Christmas Cards/ eCards (create a fun one – take a funny team photo, or make a funny festive video to delight your recipients) • Host a Christmas Party (truth is, people just want to spend time with you and share a story and a laugh, so you don’t need to go over the top if budget is tight.

But if you’re going to go to the trouble of hosting a party, don’t be stingy either – make sure there’s plenty of food and drink for everyone who attends. If you want to go all out, and budget is not a concern this festive season, why not surprise your customers with a secret location for your party and really WOW them with a memorable experience!)

Most of all have fun and get creative with the process! If you’ve had fun creating

C i t y L i f e 38 M a g a z i n e

the festive magic for your people, no matter how much you spend, it will show – the more joy you put into the gifting and thanking process, the better it will be received.

While many businesses are planning to close their doors for their annual set shutdown period, many others remain open, as it’s their strongest trading period of the entire calendar year. If you’re in a business that is shutting its doors for the festive season and enjoying some much deserved time off – don’t forget to pre-schedule your social media, there’s no reason your platforms need to go quiet over the break. People will expect to hear from you on socials.

The Christmas and New Year period is actually a great time to secure positive, feel good publicity for your business too, 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.

Passion leads to success

CityLife BUSINESS

PRECRUITMENT

Words by Janie Barton | Photography by Frontrow Foto

J

ob satisfaction is the key to a successful career.

If you’re happy in your job, your passion automatically comes. And with passion comes success. Not only in your career, but in knowing that you’ve helped others along the way.

You see that passion in Gayleen Toll, founder and owner of Precruitment, a recruitment market leader and specialist in Cairns and Far North Queensland that is celebrating its 25th birthday.

With over 30 successful years in the recruitment industry, Gayleen’s enthusiasm in helping others has not been lost. In fact, it keeps growing.

“I still get a real thrill when we find a great candidate for a job and when we find a great candidate for our clients,” she said. “It’s very rewarding.”

After working for five years in the United States managing the most successful recruitment business in America, she returned to Australia and started the company’s brand in Sydney and Melbourne before moving to Cairns in 1998 and starting Precruitment, which was the only professional recruitment company north of Brisbane at that time.

“Our goal has always been to provide a service that is equal to or better than any other recruitment agency in the world,” she said.

Over the years she has built strong relationships with a range of clients including government, lawyers, accountants, mining and engineers, to name just a few.

She credits the success of her business, which was a finalist in the 2023 Cairns Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards, to a fantastic team who share her passion, recruitment industry knowledge and caring relationships with clients and jobseekers.

One of Gayleen’s proudest moments in her career came recently when a former client contacted her.

“Years ago, he came to me, and I told him to go back and finish his uni, which he started and dropped out, and to focus on his career,” she said. “He wrote to tell me that he listened to me, went back to uni and finished his degree. Now he’s a partner at a major accounting firm in a capital city. He said he wouldn’t be where he is today if he didn’t listen to me.”

Moments like that make Gayleen’s passion rise even higher, if that’s even possible.

For more information on Precruitment, visit www. precruitment.com.au

Your

QUEENSLAND RECRUITMENT PROFESSIONALS

Specialisation and Reach Precruitment is a regional Queensland premier recruitment agency. With offices in both Cairns and Townsville, we specialise in professional, administration, engineering and industrial recruitment; permanent and temporary placements for both commercial and government enterprise.

Precruitment has a successful history with 25 years of providing recruitment services to a wide range of international, national, regional, and local clients and candidates.

Our Vision is to provide a professional quality of service and recruitment excellence in Regional Queensland equal to or better than that available anywhere in the world.

Basis of Success Operating in Regional Queensland since 1998, our success can be attributed to our commitment to our candidates and understanding our client’s business, people and culture, organisational directions and changes being experienced.

Contact

Gayleen Toll MD

www.precruitment.com.au

f™ã

4034 5000 • gayleen@precruitment.com.au

C i t y L i f e 39 M a g a z i n e

A Life Of Service A TRIBUTE TO KEVIN BYRNE (25TH MARCH 1949 – 21ST SEPT 2023) Words by Danae Jones

Mayor Kevin Byrne with daughter Isabel, 6, at the Cairns Anzac Day Wreath Laying service in 2004.

Photo Credit: Pasco Rogato

“His legacy surrounds us. I am proud of my father, in awe of his vision, and inspired by his commitment to progress.”

Photo credit: Supplied

O

n 21st September 2023, the people of Cairns were swept into a sea of mourning as they lost a local legend, a “larger than life character” and a fierce advocate for the city of Cairns in former Mayor and Executive Officer of Enterprise North, Kevin Byrne. The team at CityLife lost a loyal supporter, a dear friend and a dedicated contributor to our magazine since inception. We never knew that the last column he would write for us, or for any media outlet for that matter, would have been in our Q3 Spring Edition 2023.

No matter how under the weather he was towards the end of his life as he battled his Cancer, Kevin never missed a deadline. He took great care in crafting his opinion pieces for our magazine each and every edition. His humour, his wise counsel and loyal friendship will be sorely missed in our office.

But more importantly the pages of CityLife which were formally dedicated to his contributions about what he fondly called “the village” (the city of Cairns), are today dedicated to celebrating the life of KB and honouring him for all that he brought to this region.

Kevin Byrne’s contributions to this magazine were sometimes polarising, other times they were met with overwhelming applause.

But one thing you could always count on with him was a staunch view point and a willingness to share it, regardless of the nay sayers.

That was what we loved about him

C i t y L i f e 40 M a g a z i n e

– he stood for something, whether you agreed with it or not, didn’t really matter. He was respected and admired for his conviction and strength of spirit in leading the charge on all he held dear. His commitment to CityLife Magazine across the past almost three decades has been enormous.

His daughter Isabel Byrne says her father was “a man who devoted his entire life to service. Above all, Dad loved this city. From the time he sailed out of here en route to Vietnam, Cairns evoked his best childhood memories on Manus Island, and he vowed to return.

And how fortunate we are that he did, and made this community his home.

“Kevin was never better than when he was Mayor. Dad was Mayor from 1992 to 1995, and was re-elected in 2000 when I was two years old, and remained so for the most formative years of my childhood. I grew up with a steadfast and unrelenting example of values and conviction.

As he shaped a city, he shaped me.

And to me he was Dad. “His legacy surrounds us. I am proud of my father, in awe of his vision, and inspired by his commitment to progress.”

Fred White, close friend and former CEO of Sea Swift recalls the many traits and strengths of character he possessed.

“Once meeting we formed an instant friendship based on shared values and a pragmatic approach to business, leadership and advocacy for Cairns and the region.

“The use of the term ‘digger’ has extensive roots in Kevin’s military history, but more than that, it was one of his terms of endearment.

“If you’ve been called a digger by Kevin, then you should consider yourself one of his true mates. And someone he would be happy to get in the trenches with either physically or metaphorically. If you haven’t, then you should probably ask yourself why not? Or what strength of character he held high, that you didn’t quite measure up to. And I mean none of this as criticism to others, but rather to simply point out the very high standards Kevin held himself to. If you met these, then he was happy to apply the term in an endearing way.”

Former Cairns Mayor Bob Manning reflects on a long and enduring relationship with Kevin Byrne both personally and professionally.

“Kevin and I had some unique things in common, from our roles as Mayor of this city, as well as both having served as Officers in the Australian Army.

“While his views were known to attract controversy from time to time, I don’t think anybody would contest his conviction and deep passion for this city.

“Kevin was passionate about this city and it is hard to overstate how instrumental his role was in totally transforming this city into what it is today,” Mr Manning said.

“One thing about Kevin, he always spoke with conviction, and you never had to guess where he was coming from.

“He played a major role in turning Cairns into the premier international destination it is today.

“For most people, he will be remembered as the man who got the Esplanade Lagoon built, despite some heated and vocal opposition.

“But his conviction in forging ahead with its construction has been vindicated; today the Esplanade Lagoon is one of

the city’s most iconic destinations.

“However, Kevin was also at the helm during the implementation of some of Council’s biggest projects, such as Cleaner Seas, which dramatically improved the quality of wastewater being released into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon, and upgrades of Barlow Park to turn it into one of the State’s premier multi-sports venues.

“His legacy will also live on through the redevelopment of the Botanic Gardens and his City in a Garden vision, a concept to use tree plantings and attractive streetscaping to reflect the city’s tropical environment – a model that remains active today.

“He also worked closely with the Port Authority on the City Port and with the Airport on aviation matters.”

Kevin’s younger sister Maureen Pilcher recalls their early childhood days in Papua New Guinea during a more simplistic time.

“We had the most fabulous life. Our days were filled with swimming, fishing, all manner of creative pursuits. They were beautiful fun filled days. No television, no texting, no Instagram and I’m blessed that we had that upbringing.”

She says the words “extremely tough” were insufficient to describe the last few years of his life and what he had to endure, but he never complained.

This quote from his time in active service sits enshrined in the Australian War Museum in Canberra:

About Kevin Byrne: • Born in Lae, Papua New Guinea in 1949.

Kevin Byrne was the eldest of three children.

His primary education was on Manus Island and he attended Nudgee College in Brisbane from 1963 to 1967.

• A former Australian Army officer, in graduating from the Officer Cadet School in Portsea, Victoria, in 1969, he was awarded the academy’s top honour, the Sword of Honour for Leadership.

• Mr Byrne’s 17-year military career included overseas postings to Malaya, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, Rhodesia and South Vietnam, including postings throughout Australia.

• He was Mentioned in Dispatches for gallantry as a young Infantry Platoon Commander in South Vietnam in 1971.

• Following his discharge from the army, Mr Byrne was appointed as Regional Manager, Office of Northern and Regional Development, in Cairns.

• He held this appointment for three years until 1990 when he became Regional Manager of the Queensland Confederation of Industry, the State’s largest employer organisation.

• Mayor of Cairns for a total of 11 years; from 1992 to 1995 and again from 2000 to 2008.

Immediately following the 1995 election, he was recruited to direct the administrative effort of a giant oil spill clean-up operation in the Kolva Basin, Northern Russia. The Pechora River tributaries were remediated, and 146,000 tonnes of oil were recovered.

• Recipient of the Papua New Guinea Independence Medal in 2000 for services to Aviation and Tourism.

“I’ve got this platoon out here and if I don’t do my job we’ll all get bloody well killed.” - Lt Kevin Byrne

• Awarded the Australian Centenary in 2003 for services to Local Government and the City of Cairns.

“It’s a quote I am sure resonates with many who knew Kevin well. It was matter of fact, it was to the point and it also contains that sense of duty and responsibility that Kevin carried with him and portrayed for the rest of his life,” said Fred White.

• He was founder and board member of Advance Cairns for eight years from 20002008, and was the organisation’s CEO from 2016-2017.

After a long fought battle with Cancer, Kevin Byrne was farewelled at a packed service held at Saint Monica’s Cathedral on 29th September 2023. The bagpipes, which he loved were playing, and he was escorted via police and military guard to his final resting place.

C i t y L i f e 41 M a g a z i n e

• Chairman of the Cairns Regional Gallery Foundation for 15 years (2001-2016).

• Founded advocacy group Enterprise North in 2018.

CityLife SOCIALS

Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal Gala Dinner Images by CityLife Media

C i t y L i f e 42 M a g a z i n e

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Dry Skin? You Might Need To Exfoliate

NOOK MICHUEA : (07) 4032 3121

: senseofbeauty.com.au Vi sit our DMK be au t y sal on i n Cai r ns an d let us pam per y ou w i t h except i onal servi ce , top-quality pr oduct s, and w ar m h o sp ita lity. Tr ust us t o m ake you f eel g o o d , look gr ea t, and em br ace your co n fid e nc e.

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ry skin is a common condition for many people.

Environment, age and season can all contribute to dry skin. When someone comes into our skin centre and says they have dry skin the first question we ask them is usually “When was the last time you exfoliated?”, often the answer is “It’s been a while”.

The reason we ask is that one of the main causes of dry skin is dead skin cell build up. The skin cell cycle is about 28 days and all that dead skin cell material will build up on the surface, clogging the pores and not letting the skin’s natural oils (sebum) flow. Once this dead skin cell material is removed then the oils flow freely and usually that solves the dry skin issue.

Exfoliation can take many forms but the best is natural acids like AHA or BHA, enzymes are of course very effective too and typically better for sensitive skin.

DMK Skin Centres do not promote mechanical exfoliation as it tends to be too harsh and difficult to be consistent or uniform across the area.

The following are some DMK treatments and products for exfoliation.

Treatments

• Enzyme Exfoliation • DMK Signature Enzyme Treatment • Micro Peel Express Treatment • Quick Peel Enzyme Pre-Treatment Products

• Micro Peel • Exoderma Peel • Max Micro Peel Home Kit • Enzyme Lift & Renew Kit Contact us at our salon to find out more ways to improve your skin.

Skin Clinic • Body Treatments • Body Waxing • Brow & Lash • Massage • Spray Tan

3/12 SPENCE ST • 04281 86395 • SENSEOFBEAUTY.COM.AU

C i t y L i f e 46 M a g a z i n e

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Cairns Amateurs Carnival Photos supplied by Cairns Amateurs

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Cairns Amateurs Carnival Photos supplied by Cairns Amateurs

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GIFTS FOR

01 $209.98 Leather Shopper Our Wildest Dreams Boutique - 31 Main St, Atherton 02 $110 (bottom), $129 (top) Monte & Lou High Tide Pant & Bandeau Bra in Patrice Splish Splash Swimwear - Cairns Central & online 03 $199 Originally drop earrings Swarovski Cairns Central & online 04 $79.95 P.A. Plus Geranium Penny Chic Satin Short Sleeve Shirt Peter Alexander - Cairns Central & online 05 $149.95 Stevie Pouch Crossbody Bag Mimco - Cairns Central & online 06 $125 Sweet Treats for Her 2023 Simply Hampers - www.simplyhampers.com.au 07 $34.95 Adorne - Pink Sequin Floral Event Earrings 3154 Tea Lily - 59 Grafton St, Cairns City 08 $50-$1,000 Voucher Palm Cove Retreat Day Spa - www.palmcovedayspa.com.au

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Relax, Unwind & be Pampered, in beautiful Palm Cove with its white sandy beach and cool ocean breeze Located at the Mantra Amphora Hotel - we pride ourselves on delivering high-end treatments in a warm and caring environment.

With locally hand-crafted Vichy tables, couples retreat, and serenity lounge; Palm Cove Retreat Day Spa welcomes you to relax in our beachside paradise.

Our luxurious treatments, Massage, Advanced Anti-Ageing facials, Body Exfoliation, Body Wraps, Manicures, Pedicures, Organic Facials, and Hot Stones Massage will leave you relaxed and de-stressed.

Locally owned and operated.

We look forward to welcoming you to our spa

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

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Make a booking online: www.palmcovedayspa.com.au

GIFTS FOR

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09 $239.95 Alias Mae Shae Black Gypsett - Oceana Walk Arcade Cairns 10 $949 Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long Myer - Cairns Central & online 11 $189 Diamond Dress in Ice Cubes Wild Sugar - Pier Shopping Centre 12 $39.95 Mindful Drink Bottle With Straw Myer - Cairns Central & online 13 $1169 Ladies’ Large Zipped Purse Croctique- www.croctique.com 14 $189 Myer Super Deluxe Beauty Hamper 2023 Myer - Cairns Central & online 15 $899 Apple AirPods Max (Green) JB HI-FI - Cairns Central & online 16 $55 A-Cup - Pink Annees - Smithfield Shopping Centre & Grafton St 17 $27.99 Rejuvenating Bath Soak Blushing Pink 320g WholeLife Pharmacy and Healthfoods - Barr Street Markets 18 $40 Ribby - Miniature Collection Botanic Republic - Oceana Walk Arcade Cairns 19 $85 The Wolf Pack Wolf Lane Distillery - 28-30 Abbott St, Cairns City & Online 20 $47.99 Active Flask 500ml Sandstone WholeLife Pharmacy and Healthfoods - Barr Street Markets

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

MADE TO ORDER

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C i t y L i f e 57 M a g a z i n e

GIFTS FOR

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08 $19.95 Cocktail & Co Reusable Ice Cubes Set of 6 Stainless Steel Gift Boxed Myer - Cairns Central or online

C i t y L i f e 58 M a g a z i n e

WE STOCK COTTONS- SILKS – LINENS AND OTHER NATURAL FIBRES – QUALITY LEATHER HANDBAGS – BELTS – SHOES AND ACCESSORIES – UNIQUE AUSTRALIAN HANDMADE ITEMS

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Our Wildest Dreams is a Family-Owned, Australian Clothing Store based in the Beautiful Atherton Tablelands.

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GIFTS UNDER

$50

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Bollywood Charity Ball Images by Every Moment Photography

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Reignite Your Passion ISOBEL FRANKLIN

I

sobel Franklin’s aim is to assist her clients to rebuild and reignite their passion into a profession.

purpose and passion, they not only find fulfillment but also make a meaningful impact on the world.”

She believes the comeback is always greater than the setback, a philosophy she promotes via her personal coaching business, Purpose Driven Rise up Coaching.

Isobel begins by fostering a safe environment for her clients, where open dialogue and introspection are encouraged. Her coaching is through thoughtprovoking questions, peeling back the layers of societal expectations, personal doubts and external pressures.

This process allows them to unearth their genuine passion, aspirations, and, most importantly, their life’s purpose.

Isobel is an international purpose driven coach, author, hard truth speaker and men’s rights and mental health advocate.

Her education, formal training and professional experience is in community welfare, employment services, mental health and as a certified career and life coach.

As a dedicated purpose-driven coach, she believes in releasing limiting beliefs, self doubt and reigniting confidence in people after setbacks in life that are holding them back, creating a roadmap together to achieve powerful results.

“Recognising one’s purpose is just the beginning,” Isobel said. “The real challenge often lies in integrating this purpose into daily life. I provide my clients with actionable strategies and tools to help them navigate the complexities of life while staying true to their core values.

“I believe in personally and professionally going beyond just setting and achieving goals, helping my clients uncover their authentic selves, helping them tap into their deepest passions and values, and aligning these with their daily lives,” she said.

“Whether it’s a career change, a personal transformation, or the pursuit of a long-held dream, I ensure that my clients are equipped with the resilience, clarity and conviction needed to stay on their purpose-driven path.”

“At the heart of my approach is the belief that every client has a unique gift. Whether it’s a career path, a personal journey, or a specific mission, I recognise when people align their actions with their true

Isobel believes in the power of community. She frequently organises group sessions and workshops through her coaching programs, including online

coaching and face to face workshops, bringing together like-minded individuals on similar journeys.

These gatherings serve as platforms for shared learning, mutual support and collective growth, further reinforcing the importance of living a life driven by purpose.

In essence, Isobel’s role as a purpose-driven coach transcends traditional coaching boundaries. It’s not just about achieving goals; it’s about living a life that resonates with one’s true self, creating ripples of positive change and finding joy and fulfillment in every step of the journey. With Isobel’s assistance and support, individuals don’t just find their purpose; they live it.

Beyond just the professional realm, she helps her clients in recognising their strengths, their skills and channelling their passions to resonate with lifechanging opportunities by turning their passion into a profession.

Isobel also believes that the secret to living is giving and giving back to the community locally and internationally for people needing a hand up wherever possible.

To make a booking for your first free coaching session or if you require a speaker for your next event book through https:// c a l e n d l y. c o m / p d r i s e h i g h c o a c h i n g , phone Isobel on 0431 491 605 or email pdrisehighcoaching@gmail.com.

THROUGH THE HURT AND THE PAIN CAME UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND FORGIVENESS Voted Best Speaker: Cycle 5 - Isobel Franklin

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE GRATITUDE GROWTH LEARN IT LIVE IT

Live Your Purpose Discover the power of coaching with a free introductory session

C i t y L i f e 63 M a g a z i n e

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CBWC October Luncheon Images by Every Moment Photography

C i t y L i f e 65 M a g a z i n e

CityLife COMMUNITY NEWS

Cairns Boasts First Sustainable Tourism Conference Centre in Australia SEVILLE MERCY CENTRE

S

eville Mercy Centre based in Cairns has just been announced as the first Sustainable Tourism certified conference centre in Australia!

The high profile accolade follows Seville’s world leading Sustainable Tourism Certification whereby they demonstrated best practices in a rigorous sustainability accreditation process.

“We feel incredibly proud of our team who have worked tirelessly to reach this milestone achievement.

This has been a goal of ours for the past three years and we have done everything in our power to benchmark our environmentally sustainable operations against the world’s best.

“For a small Cairns based business we feel so privileged to be able to say we are the first in the country to achieve this certification,” said Rod Cole-Clarke, General Manager of Seville Mercy Centre.

The peak body authorised with issuing the certification were very glowing in their remarks about Seville.

“By achieving Sustainable Tourism Certification, Seville Mercy Centre have demonstrated that they are one of our exemplary operators in terms of sustainability and the provision of a highquality, recognisable product,” said Elissa Keenan, Chief Executive, Eco Tourism Australia.

This means that when you book with Seville, you are supporting a business that has an accredited commitment to sustainable practices.

The certification demonstrates Seville’s commitment to: • Looking after our natural environment • Minimising the impact on our environment • Supporting and engaging our local community • Reducing our carbon footprint • Making real contributions to conservation • Helping to preserve Australian Indigenous cultures Mr Cole-Clarke says “I hope Seville’s Eco certification will inspire many other businesses and events centres in particular, that it’s possible to achieve this recognition and do their bit to save the environment while also achieving cost efficiencies and a sustainable workplace that everyone can be proud to be a part of.”

C i t y L i f e 66 M a g a z i n e

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DESTINATION ON THE NORTHERN BEACHES AS VOTED BY CAIRNS POST READERS

SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND COFFEE DAILY.

Great view, even greater coffee!

espressoandco.com.au EQ

40553021 | 115-117 Williams Esplanade Palm Cove Shopping Village | Open daily from 6am - 2pm

CityLife FISHING & CAMPING

Fishing & Camping Gifts from BCF

T

he Jones Tribe recently hit the road with the awesome crew from Channel 7’s Creek To Coast TV show as part of

their FNQ Christmas Summer Series. Here are a

(L-R) Danae, David, Dakota & Trinity Jones on set for the BCF Christmas promotion filmed in Kamerunga at Mirimbi Eco Retreat.

selection of Christmas gift ideas they road tested with the family if you are looking for stocking filler ideas – (you might need a big stocking!)

Watch the full episode on Channel 7’s Creek to Coast with Scott Hillier - on 9th Dec @ 5:30pm & on 7MATE 12th Dec @ 7:30am.

(L-R) Nick Biggs (Series Producer, Creek to Coast), Trinity Jones, Dakota Jones, David Jones, Danae Jones, Scott Hillier (Presenter), Jed Smith (Camera Operator).

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CityLife FISHING & CAMPING

Source: Thanks to BCF (www.bcf.com.au)

ALL PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE AT

BCF STORES ACROSS AUSTRALIA AND ONLINE AT WWW.BCF.COM.AU

BCF Kids Pop Up Fishing Shack

BCF Weekender Toy Truck and Boat Bundle

Wanderer Projecto with Soft Screen

Wanderer Savannah 12-Person Tent

XTM Mighty Double Swag

BCF Trophy Catch Fish Pool Inflatable Bundle

Tahwalhi Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board 10’6” - Pearl Beach

C i t y L i f e 69 M a g a z i n e

CityLife COMMUNITY NEWS

Comradery Key To 25 Years’ Service CSF INDUSTRIES

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SF Industries is celebrating two of its longest standing staff members who are celebrating 25 years with the organisation after commencing at CSF as apprentices.

staff at 15 + years and 13 staff at 10 - 15 years of service. We have always aimed to make our workplace a great place to work.

We all work extremely hard, but we also have fun and treat each other like family,” said Mr Adams.

Scott Soblusky and Nick Valinoti were celebrated for their service with the company.

When asked why they’ve stayed with the organisation for as long as they have, Scott and Nick credit the owners and their workmates who they love to work with.

“Scott and Nick are integral to our organisation. After starting with us as apprentices they quickly progressed into foreman roles only three years after completing their time. We are so proud to have these two men as part of our team and we wouldn’t be where we are today without their efforts,” said CSF Industries Managing Director, Sean Adams.

CSF Industries management and staff gathered to celebrate this amazing milestone and Mr Adams says he continues to be impressed by the dedication all his staff show.

“CSF Industries is a family owned and operated business and currently boasts 10

“When I arrived at CSF 25 years ago, I had no idea that I’d still be here today. I thoroughly enjoy my job and my colleagues.

The comradery here is really something else. We make a great team and get to work on some pretty amazing projects too,” said Scott Soblusky.

“The time has flown by to be honest. It’s hard to believe that I’ve been with CSF for 25 years. The Yelaska family along with other long serving managers like Sean Adams & Shane Donovan have done an amazing job to secure all the work they have over the years to sustain a long working, stable and happy environment. I have worked on a lot of interesting jobs and met a lot of different people,” said Nick Valinoti.

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C i t y L i f e 70 M a g a z i n e

Q&A WITH SOME OF CAIRNS’ FAVOURITE PERSONALITIES

Ben Cole

Chair, Cairns Young Chamber

Krystle Tokunai Tokunai Hair

How would you describe your 2023?

2023 was a year of new friends, personal and professional development and unexpected hobbies like wheel pottery and launching a podcast called ‘The Betterment Project’. Time was spent not only on having fun and making memories, but also reflecting on the not-sogood times only to realise that the highs of 2023 heavily outweighed the lows. If I could give a rating, a solid 9/10.

What is the most important lesson you learnt this year? Put yourself outside of your comfort zone and open up to the things you would normally shy away from. You’ll learn more about yourself and realise that embracing the journey along the way is more important than the destination.

An even more important lesson learnt however, is if you have a leaky showerhead, just see if the $2 tap washers need replacing first before you go out and buy a new $90 showerhead because it might just be the washers and you’ll save yourself $90.

Good news is I now have new washers AND a new showerhead. Lesson painfully learnt.

What does Christmas Day involve for you? Christmas Day is quality time with the family, taking Michael Buble’s Christmas album out of its annual hibernation, eating too much, having a nap, waking up to eat a little more and repeating this cycle over the following week.

What is your favourite part about the festive season? My favourite part is it’s a designated time to relax, recharge and reflect on the year that was. It’s also a great time to catch up with friends who are back in town for the Christmas holidays, all whilst in 37 degree heat and 170% humidity.

Are you a last-minute shopper or do you plan ahead? Is there a third category for ‘lastsecond’ shopper? Planning ahead when it comes to buying gifts isn’t my forte. I did a TAFE course and took up wheel pottery this year so gifts will either be a wonky plate, or a completely impractical mug. All made with love.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2024? I want to take up kitesurfing. I’ve been saying it for a while now, but if I put it down here in print form I’m giving permission for the readers to hold me to account!

Where would you like to travel in 2024 and why? Internationally, I’d love to go snowboarding in Japan and experience that premium powder. Domestically, I want to do a van trip around Tasmania. I was fortunate to do a van trip around the south island of New Zealand last year and wouldn’t mind hitting the road again.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Cairns? For food, I’m a big fan of Little Sister.

For a nightcap, it has got to be Flamingos Tiki Bar or the new Cabana Bar in Palm Cove. Both are the quintessential essence of the word ‘vibe’.

What is your favourite local attraction?

Not so much an attraction, more an experience, which is going to see live music at The Tanks Arts Centre in Edge Hill. Lots of gigs were attended this year, matched only by many throbbing heads the next day.

What is your ideal staycation destination in FNQ? We’re fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world where a staycation to me is every day. Spending time on the northern beaches, Palm Cove in particular, day trips to Port Douglas, but I do also love heading up to the Tablelands to places like Yungaburra and slowing down my pace of life to take it all in.

How would you describe your 2023? Oh, 2023, you cheeky little rascal! If I were to describe my year, it would be like trying to juggle flaming marshmallows while riding a unicycle through a tornado – a wild and unpredictable adventure full of surprises and a few toasty moments!

What is the most important lesson you learnt this year? The most important lesson I’ve learned in 2023 is that you should never challenge a cat to a dance-off. I tried, and let’s just say my pride is still recovering from that epic fail. But in all seriousness business has been a little harder in 2023, not sure the reason but I’m working my butt off!!!

What does Christmas Day involve for you? Christmas Day for me involves a complex ritual of binge-watching cheesy holiday movies, stuffing myself with cookies (because Santa clearly didn’t need all of them), and eating a smorgasbord of seafood with the Fam Bam. What is your favourite part about the festive season? My favorite part of the festive season is the excuse to wear ugly sweaters without judgment. Who doesn’t love donning a knitted masterpiece featuring a reindeer with a light-up nose? It’s like fashion’s inside joke. Oh and the work dress-ups are insane, we do a full week of different themes, can’t wait to see what the girls bring.

Are you a last-minute shopper or do you plan ahead? As for shopping, I’m definitely a last-minute kind of gal. I thrive under the

pressure of finding the perfect gift just hours before the gift exchange. It’s like a high-stakes shopping spree, and I love living on the edge (of procrastination). Yes! I am that person shopping at midnight.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2024? My New Year’s resolution for 2024 is to escape my comfort zone, which, to be honest, is cozier than a bear’s hibernation den during winter. I’m planning to dip my toes into the world of public speaking, and let’s just say, if I were any more outside my comfort zone, I’d need a GPS to find my way back!

Where would you like to travel to in 2024 and why? In 2024, I’d love to travel to Paris.

What is your favourite place to dine in Cairns? My favourite place to dine in Cairns is everywhere. I love trying new venues. Seafood is my go-to, currently loovvving Little Sister on the Nard.

What is your favourite local attraction?

When it comes to local attractions, I actually don’t get out much butttt the kids love Defy Gravity (Raintrees) and the lagoon, so we are frequent visitors.

What is your ideal staycation destination in FNQ? For my ideal staycation in FNQ (Far North Queensland), I love Niramaya in Port Douglas and its dreamy Bali styled rooms. It makes you feel like you’re away on a luxury island holiday.

C i t y L i f e 71 M a g a z i n e

How would you describe your 2023?

It has been a really productive year and a few milestones came my way this year in finishing my Masters of Global Development with JCU and my youngest daughter Phoebe finishing year 12, to name a couple. Life seems more normal post pandemic, but more expensive in most ways. Lots of good people around me have made my days fulfilling and there has been a lot to celebrate. I feel very blessed.

What is the most important lesson you learnt this year? Making space to change has been important. If I want to change something in my life, adding to an already busy schedule won’t do it. I have decided to carve out time and stop a few things in order to be a better version of myself.

What does Christmas Day involve for you? Christmas Day feels like it goes for the whole month. My work with the Salvos means lots of receiving from donors and handing out through programs and partnerships in communities in Cairns and reaching out to the Cape. Playing carols and organising events to draw people together in this special season is also fun. Christmas Day is a simple church service followed by a family lunch where we always have an extra or two. It is not an over the top, extravagant lunch, just good food and company that extends into dinner with lots of laughter and most importantly an afternoon nap!

What is your favourite part about the festive season? The Combined Churches Carols at the Showgrounds is a highlight, especially with the fireworks finale. Playing carols as a musician in the community also warms the

heart and reconnects community.

Are you a last-minute shopper or do you plan ahead? I stew about what to buy for a long time and do scouting trips, but always buy last minute.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2024? Not especially, but I do want to make the most of having family time while I still can. Life seems to be moving so fast and my adult children are planning to move out. I kinda like them a lot, and am a pretty proud dad.

Where would you like to travel in 2024 and why? Kakadu is on my radar for this year. I have always wanted to go there and enjoy the amazing scenery and remoteness of the region. These trips help me find myself again. Tassie is also on the list for the same reason and it is the only state I haven’t explored yet.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Cairns? I have a few but Villa Romana is a nice balance of great food, a classic Cairns setting and quality service. You get to see the people of Cairns and visitors interacting as they walk by too.

What is your favourite local attraction?

Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway are still favourites of mine. Such visionary ideas that break open more of the region to visitors, while immersing people in the beauty of where we are.

What is your ideal staycation destination in FNQ? The Daintree has to be it. I honestly don’t get to go there very often but it reminds me of God’s creative hand and that we are entrusted with an amazing beauty that needs to be protected and enjoyed.

How would you describe your 2023? It has been much of the same for me this year on the treadmill of corporate life and as a small business owner, life is always interesting. Blessed to have remained healthy and happy! From a Chambers perspective, we have remained connected with our business community consistently, growing our membership base to remain the largest regional Chamber in Queensland.

What is the most important lesson you learned this year? To accept help from others.

Many hands make light work.

What does Christmas Day involve for you? Very little, we do not make it stressful at all in our house. It is not hard work to spend time with the people you love. I do not comply with the tradition of spending hours strapped to a stove cooking, Christmas dinner is grazing on good food all day, enjoying the tropical climate, laughing and playing games with my family.

What is your favourite part about the festive season? Annual leave ha ha and also Christmas get-togethers with colleagues, friends and our members. We have our Chamber Christmas function on the 1st of December and I love seeing all of the business community gathering in a more relaxed setting and enjoying

a good laugh!

Are you a last-minute shopper or do you plan ahead? Last minute every year!

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2024? Not as yet, however with two elections next year, I will need to be fighting fit to handle the many candidate meetings that will take place to deliver the key priorities of our business community. May the candidate whose priorities are the most “business friendly” WIN! Where would you like to travel in 2024 and why? The Caribbean, we honeymooned around the many islands 30 years ago and what better way to relive that experience as a couple of oldies than to go back on this significant anniversary?

Where is your favorite place to dine in Cairns? The Reef House Palm Cove. The location, the food and the service are just first class.

What is your favorite local attraction?

Skyrail. I just wish I could go through the rainforest on the gondolas every week. It’s magical.

What is your ideal staycation destination in FNQ? Crystalbrook Riley (in the big tower) you feel like you are a million miles from home.

This particular property ticks all my boxes.

How would you describe your 2023? FLAT OUT – New in the 99.5 MMM Breakfast role I was excited to be involved in the community wherever I could. On top of that, being able to catch up with old friends I haven’t seen for years has filled almost every weekend. It has been busy but amazing.

What is the most important lesson you learnt this year? To always make time for those closest to you.

What does Christmas Day involve for you? Family and food. Christmas Day is a day for no phones and spent with those closest. Being Italian also means that mum makes enough food to feed a country which I am more than happy with.

What is your favourite part about the festive season? Spending time with family and switching off.

Are you a last-minute shopper or do you plan ahead? Plan ahead, I usually have all of

my shopping done before the end of November.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2024? To continue to give back to the FNQ community and to promote my new business Teepro.com.au Where would you like to travel in 2024 and why? Bundaberg. I spent three years there prior to moving to Cairns and would love to find time to visit friends.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Cairns? Red Beret – Not fancy, I know. But a good crumbed steak and a beer suits me any day.

What is your favourite local attraction?

Northern Beaches I would say are a local attraction, I love going to the beach with my wife on warm afternoons.

What is your ideal staycation destination in FNQ? Palm Cove. So close yet a feeling of being a world away.

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Major Ben Johnson The Salvation Army

Patricia O’Neill

CEO, Cairns Chamber of Commerce

JB

Triple M Announcer

PORT DOUGLAS

CAIRNS

PALM COVE

DAINTREE

TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND

Luxury holiday accommodation In House Catering

Book Direct

FREECALL 1800 631 566 www.executiveretreats.com.au

How would you describe your 2023? Our team at WholeLife Pharmacy and Healthfoods had an exceptional year, winning the Pharmacy of the Year in Business Excellence at the Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference (APP). On a personal note, I also celebrated my engagement, adding an extra touch of joy to the year’s accomplishments.

What is the most important lesson you learnt this year? You’re only as strong as the team that stands behind you.

What does Christmas Day involve for you? Christmas lunch with my family and enjoying spending quality time together.

What is your favourite part about the festive season? Watching Xmas movies and enjoying delicious Italian homemade dishes and

dolces.

Are you a last-minute shopper or do you plan ahead? Last minute shopper absolutely!

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2024? Self growth. Spend more time doing things I enjoy. Being home more with my family.

Where would you like to travel in 2024 and why? Visiting Italy, especially Sicily, to explore the towns of my family’s origins would be a fascinating and meaningful journey.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Cairns? At Sharlaine Straguszi’s home on a Friday night.

What is your favourite local attraction?

Cape Tribulation.

What is your ideal staycation destination in FNQ? Lizard Island...every day of the week.

How would you describe your 2023?

Personally, and professionally, 2023 has been a really fulfilling year for me. I’ve learnt to find more balance in my life while committing to work that I am passionate about.

What is the most important lesson you learnt this year? Not to concern myself or take up ‘brain space’ with situations that do not concern me!

What does Christmas Day involve for you? A belly full of laughs, tasty food, cheeky Christmas cocktails, my family and no doubt a cheesy Christmas carol or four!

What is your favourite part about the festive season? Three weeks off my Triple M Cairns Breaky show means that I get to sleep in past my 4am alarm clock, enjoy plenty of quality time with friends, and indulge in loads of swimming in our local freshwater creeks.

Are you a last-minute shopper or do you plan ahead? 100 percent last minute! I am a shocker for this and although I try, I never

succeed at being an organised Xmas shopper.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2024? To commit to another physical goal and event to sign up to. In 2023 I completed the Great Pyramid (Half) Race which was so rewarding. I want to up the ante in 2024.

Where would you like to travel in 2024 and why? I’d love to plan a big adventure trip to Cobbold Gorge with my extended family. We love it out there and want to share that experience with others.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Cairns? Tamarind at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino and CC’s Bar & Grill – both equal in my eyes for a romantic, special night out.

What is your favourite local attraction?

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. I tell all my friends visiting the region that is a MUST! What is your ideal staycation destination in FNQ? Port Douglas! Whether it’s a mini escape with my partner, or a cheeky girls trip away, Port Douglas is my go-to staycation.

How would you describe your 2023? Very exciting! My fashion range, Regan O’Neill Kaftans were showcased in Cairns’ first ever Cairns Fashion Week and I have also been invited to go to New York Fashion Week. I went to the Hunter Valley for the first time (loved it) and travelled overseas three times, my favourite being with my husband John to Italy, meeting his extended family in his home town of Celano and seeing the beautiful south of Italy as well.

What is the most important lesson you learnt this year? Stay connected with people, pick up the phone and call your friends and family, don’t just send a text. And be grateful for what you have.

What does Christmas Day involve for you? Catching up with family and celebrating together over a yummy lunch, I especially like my mum’s potato salad. Followed by a few games, Pictionary and darts and a swim in the pool.

What is your favourite part about the festive season? Because I’m kind of arty, I love decorating the house with so many fairy lights you can see from Mars (so my husband says) and putting up the Christmas tree. Also catching up with friends and belting out some old school

Christmas songs in my car.

Are you a last-minute shopper or do you plan ahead? I’m a planner for sure. The only tough person to buy for is my husband.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2024? I’d like to learn to speak Italian a little better.

Where would you like to travel in 2024 and why? Back to Italy to see our family, Greece to see our friend’s family and back to Scotland to see the Edinburgh Tattoo (I might leave that for my 50th birthday).

Where is your favourite place to dine in Cairns? Lemoncello’s, the food is so delicious and all the staff make us welcome every time we go there. Ollie’s Italian on the Waterfront as well, you can’t beat that view!

What is your favourite local attraction?

I really enjoy going to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures north of Ellis Beach and the Millaa Millaa lookout.

What is your ideal staycation destination in FNQ? I really like Port Douglas, it’s so beautiful and I feel like I’m on holidays when I’m there.

What is the most important lesson you learnt this year? Never take your health, friends or family for granted.

What does Christmas Day involve for you? Quality family time.

What is your favourite part about the festive season? Time to read.

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

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for

2024? Gave up making NY’s resolutions a long time ago.

Where would you like to travel in 2024 and why? Anywhere with my wife and kids.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Cairns? Too many to name.

What is your favourite local attraction?

The reef.

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

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Vince Pappalardo

Managing Partner, WholeLife Pharmacy and Healthfoods

Tammy Barker

Triple M Announcer

Regan Piccone Regan O’Neill Art

Michael Healy MP Member for Cairns

Rod Cole-Clarke

General Manager, Seville Mercy Centre

Sonja Johnson

CEO, RDA Tropical North

Warren Entsch MP

Federal Member for Leichhardt

How would you describe your 2023? In one word grateful. I am grateful for so many things this past year, but there is one that stands out for me. Achieving our certification with Ecotourism Australia was an amazing recognition of many years of hard work and planning. We were doubly honoured in this process as being the first conference centre in Australia to achieve this qualification and the first business in Cairns.

What is the most important lesson you learnt this year? Always continue to strive for your best, even after you have reached your milestones or goals. Never stop learning and improving.

What does Christmas Day involve for you? Christmas Day always starts with going to church, and then lots of food with friends and family afterwards.

What is your favourite part about the festive season? The ‘Reason for the Season” is what motivates me every day. It is a time to be thankful and grateful for the many blessings in my life. It is also a time to share those blessings with others.

Are you a last-minute shopper or do you plan ahead? I am actually a no-shopper at Christmas, my darling wife Leeanne takes care of all the Christmas gifts, otherwise, everyone would end up with fishing gear or tools.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2024? Not really, I used to do resolutions, but

I no longer do. Instead, I set life goals, my goal each year is to improve on what I did last year. I try hard to not compare myself with others, rather I focus on what can I do to make things different.

Where would you like to travel in 2024 and why? We have no particular plans to travel in 2024, with ageing parents most of our holidays are spent visiting and helping where we can. Our long-term goal is to do a trip to Ireland again.

It is a very beautiful place and the people are so friendly.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Cairns? We are so spoilt with so many amazing places to dine in Cairns. There are two standouts for my tastebuds and they are Thai Coins on Mulgrave Road - Joel and his team serve amazing food and Dundee’s on the Waterfront - we have been going here for years and it is one of our special places, with great food, service and views.

What is your favourite local attraction? I don’t have one, I absolutely love the whole area and everything in it. We live in paradise and sometimes we forget that in the busyness of our lives. We need to remember that we live and work in a place where people travel to from all around the world, just to see what we have in our own back yard.

What is your ideal staycation destination in FNQ? Palm Cove – 100 percent.

How would you describe your 2023? Hectic but enjoyable.

What is the most important lesson you learnt this year? I’ve learnt, rather than viewing polarities in decision making as a ‘this OR that’ solution, making a move towards a ‘this AND that’ solution, yields better results.

What does Christmas Day involve for you?

Lots of Christmas music, good food, friends and family, celebrating Jesus’ birth.

What is your favourite part about the festive season? Catching up with friends and sharing stories since we last saw each other.

Are you a last-minute shopper or do you plan ahead? Definitely plan ahead!

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for

2024? To respond, rather than react, and to find the space to be able to navel-gaze once in a while.

Where would you like to travel in 2024 and why? Italy and Spain – I’ve heard such wonderful things about these parts of Europe.

Keen to spend a few weeks tasting my way around, and put on a few kilos too!

Where is your favourite place to dine in Cairns? Bellocale – food and service always very good.

What is your favourite local attraction?

Stoney Creek – lovely to cool down on a hot day What is your ideal staycation destination in FNQ? Port Douglas – so many great accommodation options.

How would you describe your 2023?

Rather challenging.

What is the most important lesson you learnt this year? The real value of true friends.

What does Christmas Day involve for you? Catching up with family and friends.

What is your favourite part about the festive season? Having zero schedule.

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

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for

2024? No, I don’t typically make New Year’s resolutions.

Where would you like to travel in 2024 and why? Japan, to catch up with old friends.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Cairns? Splash on the Esplanade.

What is your favourite local attraction?

The Cairns Aquarium.

What is your ideal staycation destination in FNQ? Mount Mulligan Lodge.

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Cr Terry James

Mayor, Cairns Regional Council

Jacinta Reddan

CEO, Advance Cairns

How would you describe your 2023? The year went very quickly. It rained all year, which was very unusual. All in all, a good year for events (sports and adventure tourism) in Cairns.

Bad year for increasing crime rates, particularly with youth crime. It was good to see the domestic visitation numbers for the Cairns Airport now exceeding pre-COVID levels. Unemployment levels are very low, but the rising Cost of Living (high interest rates / inflation) is concerning. The economy should start to stabilise soon as the RBA anti-inflationary measures bite.

What is the most important lesson you learnt this year? The housing crisis and youth crime must be addressed, and Council must be part of the solution.

What does Christmas Day involve for you? Spending time with family. This year with a family reunion.

What is your favourite part about the festive season? Relaxing with family and friends, and just chilling out. A bit of camping and enjoying what Cairns has to offer.

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

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2024? No. Meet the challenge(s) as they come.

Where would you like to travel in 2024 and why? I generally travel with the job throughout the year, to Brisbane and the southern states, so traveling locally (Tablelands, north to the Daintree or south to the Cassowary Coast) appeals to me more than travelling elsewhere. We have so much to see and enjoy in and around the Cairns region with our natural attractions. Good camping away from the crowds is my preferred choice.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Cairns? Anywhere on the Esplanade, as long as seafood is involved with a view of the water.

What is your favourite local attraction?

The Cairns Esplanade.

What is your ideal staycation destination in FNQ? In and around the Mount Mulligan area, where my grandfather is buried.

How would you describe your 2023? This year has marked my first 12 months living and working in the region. It’s been a busy year for Advance Cairns from the Regional Sitting of Parliament to the delegation to Hong Kong to securing multi millions of dollars in Federal and State funding for critical projects such as the new ship lift at the Cairns Marine Precinct, and the expansion of the TAFE Great Barrier Reef International Marine College – indeed the list goes on and there are just so many other ways I see the organisation supporting a sustainable future for Far North Queensland. It really is a privilege to be leading the organisation and living in this beautiful part of the world.

And on a personal level, it has been marked by a large number of firsts – particularly making up for lost time on the cultural front - and have enjoyed everything from Savannah in the Round, to the Tropical Writers Festival, to the Yungaburra Folk Festival, to the Cairns Festival, to CIAF, to the Waifs at Tanks … so much rich diversity right on my doorstep.

What is the most important lesson you learnt this year? I’m learning every day – and I do think that Australia could benefit from learning more about the Far North – and realise just how much the region is under-estimated.

The resilience, ingenuity, diversity and potential of the people and the region is extraordinary – and those who live here know that this is one of our best kept secrets (see above re: the wonderful variety of cultural events for starters).

What does Christmas Day involve for you?

Sadly, we lost my father suddenly during the year so this will be the first Christmas celebration without his outsized personality at the table. This will really be a time to huddle together around my mum, with my other siblings and our children as we gather together in Melbourne. And as my mother said, so many people are in the same situation as us with an empty chair around the table … we have much to be grateful for, and I am particularly grateful that I am back in Australia to be with family at this time.

What is your favourite part about the festive season? The best part of Christmas is seeing the joy it brings to children. So much innocence and sheer happiness. I am fortunate that my brothers have young children so that joy just expands as we work our way down through the extended family.

Are you a last-minute shopper or do you plan ahead? If it’s Christmas Eve, you’ll find me in the shops making up for lost time.

But this year, I have a secret weapon: a dear friend, former colleague and long-time editor, Jo Anderson, has just released her first book

“Writely or Wrongly” which is a witty take on our ever-evolving language. It’s a laugh out loud read and the perfect Christmas gift so I might actually have a head start this year. Tip - Jo may even be able to be up here for the Tropical Writers Festival in March.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2024? Seriously, is it that time already? My default is always “to get fit” so I’ll just stick with what I know.

And for Advance Cairns, the resolution will be very focused on making things happen. It will be a big year as we launch Roadmap 2034: A Framework to Strengthen FNQ – a blueprint for the next decade in the region – and of course the year will be busy and productive as we will see local government elections, and later in the year, the Queensland State elections. We also look forward to seeing work begin on the marine precinct and to watch major health projects begin to take shape including James Cook University’s Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre. And another milestone will be the additional Singapore Airlines service from March 2024 which will offer significant opportunity for both tourism and the agriculture/freight sector.

Where would you like to travel in 2024 and why? I can never pinpoint one destination. I can truly say I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad holiday and I have travelled regularly as soon as I could.

I will be returning to Hong Kong (on one of the free Cathay Pacific giveaways!) and to Japan on the direct Virgin flights to Tokyo so very much looking forward to both those trips.

I am also looking forward to getting to explore more of Far North Queensland and keen to head west during the year.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Cairns? I always enjoy the menu and the friendly service at Noa in my Edge Hill neighbourhood. It’s capital city food and service with a lovely community vibe.

What is your favourite local attraction?

This is incredibly hard to name as there is just so much to see from beaches that are the envy of the world to the contrast of the Tablelands. But to my steady stream of visitors I always recommend a trip to Kuranda to see Barron Falls – up one way on Skyrail and down on the rail. It always gets a first-rate review.

What is your ideal staycation destination in FNQ? My home. I seem to rarely have downtime here and would love to just potter around the garden (although I don’t fancy seeing another snake any time soon) or spend the day lying by the pool with a good book. Perhaps that should be my New Year’s resolution.

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World First Data Shows ‘Giant’ Threatened Sawfish Go The Distance

CityLife COMMUNITY NEWS

C

ommercial fishers in Queensland and the Northern Territory are playing a vital role in sawfish research with researchers from Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, and Charles Darwin University. Together these teams have successfully tagged and tracked more than 40 sawfish. One of these tagged sawfish, a giant measuring over five metres swam an incredible 1000 kilometres over two months.

Sawfish are extinct in many places worldwide and although still survive in northern Australia, conservation managers are concerned about low population numbers as the species is often caught in fishing nets by accident.

The distance one giant sawfish travelled – 1000km from the west side of Cape York, to near Croker Island.

To date, scientific data on sawfish populations in Australian waters has been negligible and it has been difficult to determine just how critical the sawfish situation is, or how best to protect them.

This new data is helping researchers better understand the movement and survival of sawfish released from fishing gear, which is critical for conservation efforts, and some surprising findings have already been made.

FOUND IT! PhD Student, Julia Constance taking a photograph of the satellite tag washed up on Mc Cluer Island.

CSIRO research scientist Dr Richard Pillans said out of the 40 tagged so far, the biggest was a massive 5.7 metres long.

“Amazingly, this giant sawfish swam 1000km over a two-month period from the west side of Cape York, to near Croker Island, off the coast of the Northern Territory,” Dr Pillans said.

“I was completely astonished by the distance and speed this adult sawfish travelled.

“By recovering the tag, we also got data on swimming depth and temperature throughout the track.”

Garngi Rangers and Traditional Owners Charlie Wadaga and Eslyn Wauchope (holding the tag) with Julia Constance on the remote beach of Mc Cluer Island.

Researchers worked in close collaboration with commercial fishers in Queensland and the Northern Territory to help paint a better picture of sawfish survival rates.

Fishers are now recording the sawfish they catch, collecting tissue samples, and tagging animals with satellite transmitters to determine post-release survival rates and the distance they travel.

A commercial fisher releasing a 2.5 m long freshwater sawfish from a gillnet in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Sawfish survive captured in gillnets when care is taken to release them.

“We know that fishers catch sawfish accidentally as ‘bycatch’ in their nets. The sawfish’s extended snout, or rostrum, has teeth along its edge,

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so when they come into contact with a net, they can get very entangled,” Dr Pillans said.

“What we don’t know is how many sawfish there are and what impact bycatch is having on their population status.

“Given they can grow up to seven metres with around two metres of that being rostrum, releasing them can be an extremely hazardous undertaking. We are working with the fishing industry to assist them and us understand the species better.

“This collaboration is crucial in helping conserve Australia’s remaining sawfish population.”

Just getting access to the data has proved to be an adventure for Dr Pillans, his doctoral student Julia Constance and the Minjilang Indigenous Rangers of Croker Island.

The tag had to be physically retrieved after automatically detaching from the 5.7 metre fish.

Luckily it washed ashore on the remote beach at McCluer Island and an urgent helicopter flight was organised to retrieve it.

“We knew its approximate location, within about 500 metres. But, when you’re looking for something half the size of a stubbie that’s a lot of beach to cover,” said Dr Pillans.

The team found the tag 45 minutes after landing on the island’s beach.

“We are all really pleased to have this new information on sawfish movements. This has given us all a big boost. It just goes to show how much can be achieved when the fishing industry, Traditional Owners and scientists work on research as a team,” Dr Pillans said.

“The reality is we wouldn’t have been able to collect this level of data in this short space of time without the collaboration of the fishing industry and it is exciting working towards a common goal of ensuring sustainable management of our endangered marine life.”

This project is supported with funding from the Australian Government under the National Environmental Science Program.

The NESP program has provided over $1.1 million in funding since 2021 to support further research into sawfish.

Empowering others is Lisa’s peak mission

LISA CONYERS Words by Janie Barton

stirring as you’re filled with gratitude, joy, elevated on achievement and love.

It’s really beautiful.

“Climb every mountain, search high and low, follow every highway, every path you know.”

T

hese words in the song ‘Climb Every Mountain’ easily describe Lisa Conyers’ outlook on life.

The Cairns personal trainer, who is enthusiastic about and advocates for health and personal wellbeing, is all about pushing herself forward and empowering people to achieve their best potential.

She’s a wellness coach, a trainer for transformation, a fitness trainer and a devoted mountain climber.

She climbs Walsh’s Pyramid often and competed in 13 of its annual races, among other local mountains. She attempted to set a world record in 2017 for completing 1127 push-ups in an hour, and she continues to find new challenges for herself.

After personally discovering that mountain climbing helped elevate one’s body and soul to a more peaceful and empowering place, she decided to help others to share the same experience which is why she is also a Mount Kilimanjaro hiking trainer, coach and leader.

Mountain climbing, she has found, helps people in more ways than they could have imagined.

“Climbing the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is an incredible sense of achievement and joy,” she said. “It’s very rewarding.”

The Cairns single mum of two teenage daughters grew up in Kenya and

was a personal trainer for three years in England and Hong Kong before moving to Townsville for six months, then to Cairns 23 years ago.

She grew up in Kenya looking at views of Mount Kenya (Africa’s secondhighest peak at 5199m) where she decided she had to climb it, which she did six times as a teenager.

While she remembers seeing Mount Kilimanjaro from a Kenyan game park and thinking she’d like to reach its summit while living in Kenya, it was years later that she returned to her home county in 2016 to do the climb. She has since reached the summit another four times, making it five summits so far. And since her first climb to the top, she hasn’t stopped introducing others to a “life-changing” experience by organising personal training and tours to the highest free-standing mountain in Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro (5895m).

She has just returned from her latest climb in September with a group of 14, 12 of whom were from Cairns.

“One of the ladies on our September trip was the first Fijian woman to climb to the summit of the mountain, so it was really special,” she said. “To help women and men to achieve something that they never thought they could do is so empowering, just to be able to help them grow, feel and acknowledge their own strength.

“It’s amazing to see people singing and dancing on the summit. It’s soul

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“You come back very humble. The people there are very beautiful people, and very heart centred. The porters carry 20 kilos on their heads, and they’re still smiling. They’re so kind and humble, and they just want you to have the best experience ever.

“The porters make you feel like a hero, but they are the real heroes of the mountain, making our dreams come true.”

She is in the midst of planning a return to Mount Kilimanjaro in September 2024 where she will be involved in two new world records.

She plans to be the first person to complete push-ups on the mountain (she’s aiming to do 50 or more, which is a challenge due to the high altitude).

She is also taking up a Cairns Women’s Rugby Seven team, who will be the first women’s rugby team to play a match on the mountain summit.

But it’s the thrill of sharing the mountain experience with others that motivates Lisa the most.

“The mountain helps you gain a deeper meaning in your life of what’s really important,” she said. “People have a lot of breakthroughs when they’re up there. They realise how strong they are and how resilient they truly are.

There are so many tears of gratitude and accomplishment along the journey.

It’s a very, very rewarding, soul-stirring adventure.

“The mountain will still your mind and stir your soul.”

Contact Lisa by visiting her Facebook page, via Wow Adventure Co or phoning her on 0428 349 589.

Q&A with Lisa What is the best thing about reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro?

Seeing the sunrise from near the summit and seeing the curve of the earth as the sun rises over Africa is spell binding and soul stirring.

The summit is very special as it’s a big sense of achievement, but the journey there is almost more impactful as you see and walk with amazing guides and porters who are humble, caring and strong beyond what we know and teach us so much in humility.

Each day has highlights that stay with you forever. The summit is an incredible sense of achievement and joy.

How is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro empowering?

People push through so many limiting beliefs on the mountain in their own strength, resilience and ability. It’s a journey where you unplug from the noise and can reflect.

Some want to race and realise it’s the going slow and the journey that is where the magic is.

Some have never pushed themselves so hard or believed how strong they are and keep going even when they feel like giving up.

How is it empowering to climb any mountain?

It’s a reflection on life - putting one foot in front of the other to a goal and keeping going when you think you’re tired or not able to keep going. Keep going even though there are challenges along the way.

It draws out a strength and a self-belief that lasts.

It’s empowering to see what the guides and porters are able to do, and we realise we are capable of so much more.

C i t y L i f e 79 M a g a z i n e

Why is empowering others, especially women, important to you?

Women often put themselves last and do not stop to reflect on how powerful and capable they are.

Giving women the space to truly be present, be themselves and find an inner strength that is recognised along the way, that elevates them to new levels of self-belief and ability. I believe it’s important for women to be an example of possibilities and self-resilience, self-care to our children and be an example of being strong, humble and heart centred. It is important to have goals that others think crazy and going ahead and achieving them.

Describe what you mean when you say climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is soulstirring?

Kilimanjaro is soul-stirring as it shifts your perspective on life, on our own capabilities and the soul and heartbeat of Africa really stirs you along the way. The people are kind, supportive and they sing along the summit ascent. It brings joy and gratitude.

Seeing the porters carrying the loads over rough terrain and with so much gratitude shows us to feel heart-stirred with awe and gratitude too.

You feel your heart open in awe, respect and humility for a journey that once you experience it you understand how it stirs your soul.

What’s your advice to someone who is fit and healthy and who wants to get into mountain climbing?

Get as strong, fit and healthy as you can be. I would hike with 10 kilos of rice in my backpack for six months beforehand. Now I just carry 5kg – if I don’t have the pack on, I feel naked! The weight prepares you for the adventure of carrying an 8kg day pack.

Train effectively in strength, cardio fitness and endurance and have a strong belief of success. Start on our amazing hikes around Cairns and surrounds and you’ll achieve the goal.

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