Oasis Magazine - June|July 2017

ISSUE 18 JUNE | JULY 2017

Take me with yo u

Celebr ati ng lif e in T r o pica l Nor th Queensla nd

Cairns Regional Council and Opera Australia PRESENT

Saturday 29th July Experience Opera Australia’s delightful comic masterpiece of Mozart’s opera The Marriage of Figaro under the tropical night sky at the stunning Munro Martin Parklands.

Sung in English, performed with chamber orchestra.

Gates open 5pm Show starts 7pm TICKETS: Adult $42 (16+ years) Concession $36.75 Group 10+ $36.75 per ticket Family $112 (2 Adults & 2 Children) Babes in arms 0-3 years free

Cairns Regional Council PRESENTS

DJUKI MALA

biddigal dance and deline briscoe

Saturday 15th July An evening of dance and music, over 40,000 years in the making. Headlined by YouTube sensations Djuki Mala, with performances by local dance collective Biddigal Dance and singer-songwriter Deline Briscoe, this will be an unparalleled night of storytelling and connection.

Gates open 4pm | Show starts 6pm TICKETS: Adult $31.50 (16+ years) Concession $21 0-11 years of age free (require ticket)

Tickets sold through www.ticketlink.com.au or phone 1300 855 835

An official CIAF satellite event

All ticket prices include booking fee.

CAN YO U F EEL IT ? It’s here … It really is! My favourite four weeks of the year - the Cairns winter. It’s the perfect excuse to dig deep into the back of your wardrobe, and bring out the layers! Me personally, I only need to be asked once, and as soon as the mercury dips below 27 degrees, I’m pulling on a pair of boots and a scarf!

In this issue, the very delightful Davy O’Rourke from Mama Coco is rocking out some gorgeous male fashion on the front cover. All of these styles are available from Man Overboard, located at The Pier and Macrossan Street, Port Douglas. Oasis Magazine loves to support this locally owned business, and can highly recommend you explore out the unique styles available in store.

From the

PUBLISHER

We are invited for a sneak peak into the home life of local media powerhouse, Southern Cross Austereo General Manager, Gina Hogan, as she announces to the community her upcoming relocation to Western Australia. It’s delightful to see local females continuing to break glass ceilings, and we are proud as punch watching this Cairns girl go from strength to strength.

Woohoo!

And speaking of female phenomena, our resident sports tragic, Bluey Forsyth, chats with ten-year-old Portia Eden, as she trains for back-to-back crowns at the BMX World Championships.

We also catchup with the Member for Cairns, Rob Pyne, to discuss his role as a change maker. From the fi st alterations in Queensland Parliament since its inception, to allow access for his wheelchair, to effecting change in the local community, we spend a day at work with Rob, to find out what dri es him.

Head to page 30 to read about Michael Milton OAM, whose name may not be familiar, but whose story will fill your heart. Michael is the keynote speaker at the COUCH Cairns Ironman Corporate Luncheon, to be held on June 8th at the Pullman Cairns International Hotel. We invite you all to hear this world-class presenter as we raise much needed funds for the COUCH Wellbeing Centre.

And speaking of COUCH, I cannot let the moment pass without giving a heartfelt salute to local tourism icon, business man and philanthropist, Charlie Woodward.

As the driving force and founder of this local cancer support organisation, Charlie’s determination, generosity and kindness improved the lives of so many cancer patients and their families. Oasis Magazine was honoured to have been invited into the home of Charlie and Pip in March, just weeks before his passing. We will forever cherish the hospitality afforded to us that rainy afternoon. Vale Charlie Woodward - the world needs more of your calibre.

DISCLAIMER: Any form of reproduction of any content within this publication, including advertisements, without the written permission of the Publisher is strictly prohibited. While the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information provided is correct at the time of printing, the Publisher accepts no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions.

The information on this site is for information purposes only. The Publisher assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The views expressed in this magazine about each individual, event or organisation has been provided by such individual, event organisers or organisation without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Publisher. Therefore, the Publisher carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon. The publishers, advertisers and contributors are in no way responsible for any actions taken by an individual, organisation or any party on the basis of reading any of the material within this publication.

Cheers, Jules

Jules Steer Publisher | Oasis Magazine E: hello@oasismagazine.com.au P: 0423 959 648

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GEENA COURT

‘Business Woman of the Year’ Selling Real Estate in Cairns since 1987 ● Achieving results without spending $1,000’s of your $$$ ● ●

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PHONE 4051 2300 To find out more contact Court House Realty on 4051 2300 or email geena@courthouserealty.com.au

y db f e t o a er an rt Op om Cou & W a ed ess een n Ow usin ar ’ G ‘B Ye e th Issue 18 |

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Thai to Remember at I love Thai food. I mean who doesn’t really? And in Cairns we have more than our fair share of Thai restaurants and ‘holes in the wall’ to float your boat but none that quite has the hype of Samgasat in Edge Hill. I went there for the fi st time probably about a year ago not long after it opened after hearing about it from a few of my Foodvixen followers. We dined like Kings (okay Queens maybe) and the bill came to a grand total of $60.

The menu at Samgasat is a little different to those that you will find around Cairns as it’s more of a northern Thailand influen e. At Samgasat you won’t find Pad Thai on the menu or even my favourite fiery Thai dish Som Tum. Nope. Instead you will find something a little different but so downright delightful they’re packed out almost every night so bookings are essential.

The menu has an array of beautiful dishes on it, so much so that you’ll probably have quite the difficulty in choosing what to have. I know I did. Grilled Pork Belly and Prawn Salad, Crispy Pork with Chilli Jam, Slow Cooked Duck and Crab Fried Rice just to name a few and I didn’t even mention the specials board with nothing over $21.50. I know of a ‘high end’ Thai restaurant in the CBD where you’d pay more than double for the kind of dishes. Would it be glutinous to ask for one of everything because it’s certainly tempting?

We whittled it down to three dishes and even that amount was a stretch for us as the serves are deceptively large at Samgasat and designed to be shared. We ordered the Crispy Pork Stir-fried with Green Beans, Lime Leaf, Garlic and Chilli Jam, the Roasted Duck Curry with Cherry Tomatoes, Lime Leaf, Eggplant and Thai Basil, the Slow Braised Wagyu from the specials board and some Thai Jasmine Rice to mop it all up. The family-run restaurant is a hive of activity though service is prompt and friendly and the food comes out quite quickly.

The Crispy Pork is the clear winner at our table with me and my now fian ée fighting over the last saucy piece. The food is wonderful, fresh and fla oursome and despite our best efforts we don’t quite manage to get through it all as a fresh wave of hungry diners come streaming through the door at this Edge Hill favourite, and we roll out with a satisfied grin in a food coma. Lastly a tip for young players that haven’t yet been to Samgasat... Make sure you book!

Samgasat in Edge Hill is open for dinner Tuesday – Sunday 5pm – 9pm.

Foll o w F ood v ixe n o n Faceboo k and I nstag ram fo r mo re food ie new s and rev iew s.

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Samgasat -- Edge Hill -

SMALL BAR cocktails | craft beer | wine | whiskey | tapas

info@threewolves.com.au

(07) 4031 8040

32 abbott street, cairns

Ageing Graceful WARNER’S CORNER

Must admit, when I was in my mid to late teens I would have given my left ‘Jatz Cracker’ to look older, because the order of the day was all about getting in to pubs and nightclubs without being asked to show and nervously recite details of your fake I.D.

DAVE WARNER

These were the days when liquor licensing ain’t what it is today.

Star 102.7

I’m sure there wasn’t a bouncer in town who actually believed that I was born in 1917.

Now at the age of 47 I’m grateful I still have my left nut.

Looking young for your age as an adolescent has its advantages when you hit middle age. Wow! That’s the first time I’ve ever acknowledged I’m middle BLOODY aged! Given what I’ve put my body through over the years I

reckon I’m doing alright in the ageing stakes.

I’m sure there must be some sort of preservative in Corona which slows down the process, and if I stopped drinking it I’d wake up and look in the mirror one morning to see Montgomery C. Burns from The Simpsons staring back at me.

It might slow the process but it’s no fountain of youth.As I get older I’ve noticed my nose and ear hair grow faster than the back lawn in the wet season, my forehead seems to be getting bigger, I’m starting to sing along to elevator

CAIRNS SHOWGROUND

Zarraffa’s Coffee Cairns Showground 157 Mulgrave Rd, Bungalow Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 5.00am – 10.00pm 8

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zarraffas.com

A notic and g t lawn s

M b w

DON’T MISS ‘OTHER PLACES (SOMEWHERE ELSE)’ THE BRE TT WH ITELY EXH IBITION AT THE CAIR NS AR T GALLER Y DETAILS PAGE 21

music and my knees sometimes buckle but my belt doesn’t. But they’re the cards we’re dealt so I don’t think age is important, unless you’re a bottle of Grange H ermitage, or cheese.

As I get older I’ve noticed my nose and ear h air gr ow f aster th an the back lawn in the wet season

The green mountain (F iji), 1969 Brett Whitely

I’ve heard people talk about earning every single one of their wrinkles and I love the stories the lines in someone’s face might tell.There’s so much history in an old farmers face compared to someone like Nicole K idman’s, which is simply a blank canvas that’s somehow been startled and stayed that way.

The rocking chair’s a fair way off and I still buy green bananas, my back might go out more than I do but as my body gets shorter my kids can look forward to my anecdotes getting longer!

Mention 'Oasis Magazine' when booking, to go into the draw to win a dinner cruise for two.

Calm Water Dinner Cruises Sunday Lunch Cruises Sunset Cruises

Last Sunday of every month Enquire for Cairns locals rates and Christmas parties and events

ph: 4047 9170

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info@spiritofcairns.com

Issue 18 |

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our place in the w orld

Festival lunch with

WILD ADVENTURERS A lifelong passion for conservation has led to some wild escapades across the globe for adventurous couple Tammie Matson and Andy Ridley, guest speakers at the W riters on the Waterfront luncheon event within Festival Cairns at noon on Tuesday 29 August 2017.

O riginally from north Queensland, D r Tammie Matson is an Australian zoologist, environmental consultant and spokesperson on threatened species conservation worldwide. Specialising in human-wildlife conflict, she is co-producer and co-star of the National G eographic documentary Let Elephants be Elephants and the author of three award-winning books on African wildlife. Recognised as a world expert on elephants, she has worked with local people to reduce humanelephant conflict in Africa and India while investigating the dangerous and dark heart of the illegal rhino horn and ivory trade from poachers to presidential palaces in Asia.

Andy Ridley fought for reef protection when he worked for the World W ildlife Fund (WW F) in Sydney prior to his role as co-founder and CEO of Earth Hour, and later as Ambassador for Tourism Australia.

After living abroad in Asia and Europe in recent years, Tammie and Andy have returned to live in Cairns to raise their two young sons. While Andy takes up his role as CEO of a ground-breaking new foundation, Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, both are involved in leading ethical tours. Matson & Ridley Safaris destinations include South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Namibia and Botswana.

W riters on the Waterfront is hosted by Tropical Writers Inc. as part of the 2017 Cairns Festival program. Book for Writers on the Waterfront now at eventbrite.com.au.

T h e Cair ns T ropi cal W rit ers Fe sti val iS an initia ti ve of T ropi cal W rit ers Inc.

Images courtesy: tammiematson.com and matsonridley.com 10

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event Musi c | Arts | N etw orki ng

Issue 18 |

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‘WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE’ YOGA | MEDITATION | FITNESS SESSIONS | NUTRITIONAL WORKSHOPS | COOKING CLASSES | MASSAGE THERAPY | MINDSET COUNSELLING

HEALTH, FITNESS & WELLNESS | MIND, BODY & SOUL RETREAT Come enjoy a 3 night health, fitness and wellness retreat within the lovely grounds of Bramston Beach Motel that is sure to leave you feeling revitalised, relaxed, rejuvenated and refreshed. This weekend will focus on reconnecting your mind, body and soul to allow you to create a healthier and happier experience moving forward in all aspects of your life. You’ll be hosted at this event by Carly Grossek, founder and owner of Cinderella Stories Health & Fitness. Carly is an inspiring and passionate person who is always looking to help others achieve their life dreams. Carly is a finalist two years running in the Cairns Business Women’s Awards – Sole So Entrepreneur Category 2016, 2017. Tickets can be purchased from www.eventbrite.com.au.

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Kee sha M cLean LIVE & LO CAL

Live and local music is thriving in Cairns.

Cairns’ own L eanne Tennant recently won the QMusic (Queensland Music) awards Roots/B lues Category in March for her fabulous single ‘Gentle Annie’ and now successfully nominated for the prestigious Queensland Music Festival’s Carol Lloyd Award. Support and follow Leanne Tennant’s journey on Facebook Leanne Tennant Music and www.leanntennant.com Ryo Montgomery (The Montgomery Brothers & Los Caracoles) Ukulele and B lues G uitarist extraordinaire recently toured the UK to perform at major Ukulele festivals. If you haven’t experienced the extraordinary, dedicated talent of this young artist and blues band, you must! The Montgomery Brothers perform regularly around Cairns and Machans Beach Community Hall. Support and follow The Montgomery Brothers & Los Caracoles on Facebook and www.themontgomerybrothers.com.au

JO SHUA WE ND T W ILL BE CO MPETING AT TANKS SO NGW RITERS STAGE

If you are keen to see our talented local original artists, The Tanks Songwriters Stage at The Tanks Markets is the place to be! This is run by Close Contact Cairns Music Industry Development, a division of Cairns Regional Council. Catch our local and live talent Sunday 25th June and Sunday 30th July 10am -1pm.

The Northern B eaches is becoming a vibrant area for live music. If you fancy somewhere local to enjoy live music, then pop into the following venues who continue to support our live music artists: Yorkeys Boat Club, Yorkeys Knob Bluewater Bar & Grill, Bluewater Trinity Park The Lime Tree Bar & Restaurant, Trinity Beach Kewarra Beach Resort, Beach Shack Chill Café, Palm Cove Portobello, Palm Cove Pullman Sea Temple, Palm Cove Apres Beach Bar & Grill, Palm Cove The B each ( B each Almond ), Palm Cove Ellis Beach Bar & Grill, Ellis Beach

THE MO NTGO MERY B RO THERS

Issue 18 |

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CAIRNS BUSINESS WOMEN’S CLUB ONSOR OUR SP

BOOK NOW

WWW.CBWC.ORG.AU

JUNE LUNCHEON

TUESDAY 13TH JUNE 11.30AM - 2PM PULLMAN REEF HOTEL CASINO, CAIRNS COMMUNITY HEALTH BENEFITS

RICHIE BATES, from Cairns Regional Council

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

AMY TURNBULL, from CCIQ

CHARITY WELLNESS CENTRE BENEFITS

Representative from COUCH

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The Cairns Airport Adventure Festival this year is scheduled form the 4th of June to the 12th of June, with the grand finale of the Ironman race starting on Sunday 11th June.

Over the last seven years Cairns Airport Adventure Festival has brought enormous amounts of benefits to our region; not just economic benefits but also the wellness and health benefits for our community and local charity COUCH. This year at CBWC we would like to highlight how Cairns Airport Adventure Festival has created a tsunami of health, wellness and economic benefits to our region. We have invited a panel of experts to discuss.

Sponsor Us! www.cbwc.org.au

CBWC sponsorship is a unique opportunity in our region to promote your business to a captive audience of proactive business people within the Cairns community. Through our cash and ‘in-kind’ sponsorship packages we aim to provide every opportunity possible to help you reach your customers and clients.

We offer the following sponsorship opportunities: • Annual corporate partnership • Monthly event sponsorship • Annual Awards sponsorship

AHRI CAIRNS NETWORK, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CAIRNS BUSINESS WOMEN’S CLUB

JULY BREAKFAST

Call us on 0419 036 609 or email info@cbwc.org.au to discuss your requirements.

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THURSDAY 13TH JULY 7.00AM - 9.30PM

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INDIVIDUAL $132 /yr inc. GST CORPORATE $330/yr inc. GST Issue 18 |

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Business Liaison Association Who are we?

The B usiness L iaison Association is a not-for-profit association that provides a unique role in linking education and industry.

Established in 1993, the BLA has forged strong working relationships with local secondary schools and provide secondary students with relevant, up-to-date knowledge, skills and resources to meet the current and evolving scope of the business community.

With access to nearly 11,000 students across the far north, from Tully to Mossman and through the Tablelands, the BLA collaborates with schools, training providers, employment agencies, government departments, professional associations and industry representatives, to facilitate a range of events including the annual Careers & Employment Expo.

Each year, in association with a growing group of businesses in Cairns and beyond, the BLA offers a number of awards, competitions and bursaries designed to bring students, educators and the business community together.

Awards are open to students in Year 11 and 12, available in a vast range of subjects including Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Environment, Natural Science, Modern History, Economics, L egal Studies, Pharmacy, Hospitality and Tourism and Architectural G raphics. Specific criteria is established for each of the awards, judging takes place by industry professionals and the awards are presented at an evening ceremony at the Pullman Cairns International towards the end of the school year. The event attracts over 500 people to see Cairns’ fine t receive these awards.

This year, the Business Liaison Association will be offering three new opportunities for students. Jacobs Engineering will be offering an engineering award, corporate sponsor STARFM will be offering a media internship opportunity for a student and corporate sponsor OASIS Magazine will be offering a graphic design internship.

Interest in the awards grows every year and last year a record number of students entered, with over $60,000 in prizes given away annually.

The BLA is dedicated to investing in the lives and careers of our young people and committed to advancing career opportunities and pathways.

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We co uld n’t do wha t w e do witho ut th e genero us s upport of o

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Issue 18 |

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TEDxJCU Cairns

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, selforganised events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection.

These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organised TED event.

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issues and a diversity of voices from many disciplines.

The theme for 2017’s event is ‘Tropovation’. The aim is to celebrate and highlight tropical innovation in the Cairns and Far North region. Fifteen speakers will showcase new ways to tackle practical and social problems.

The exciting speaker line up will be announced soon and details will also be in featured in the next edition of Oasis Magazine.

TEDxJCUCairns will hold its fourth event on Saturday, September 2 at The Cairns Institute, James Cook University.

JCU students also benefit from TEDxJCUCairns as an integrated learning opportunity with second year Creative Media undergraduate students assisting with preproduction, production and post-production stages as part of their core subject “Collaborative Development.”

To date, 44 people have presented at the Cairns TEDx event, and those talks have received over 300,000 views on YouTube. TEDx events present multiple

Richard Gray, who leads the student team, said ‘The group for this year came together with a similar cause with each member having a unique

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love for Cairns, living in the tropics, the environment, and innovation. The passion for all these things essentially formed the group naturally under the banner of ‘Tropovation’ so that we could each combine our individual skillsets to this idea that is the topic for the speakers of this year’s TEDx project for 2017. Desire for knowledge and the craving for change aided our group on the construction of such a project that would hope to change the lives of many not just within Far North Queensland or Australia but on an international level.’

To find out more about TED xJCUCairns please follow us on social media or refer to our website https://tedxjcucairns.com/

TEDxJCUCairns is an eve nt fo r the co mmunity, shared with world.

ha yley gi llespi e TH E ARTS B r ett W hit ley Exhibitio n

B oo mera ng B ags

One of the hottest things in town right now is the Brett Whitley exhibition at the Cairns Art Gallery! ‘Other Places (Somewhere Else)’ offers a rare opportunity to view intimate drawings and lyrical paintings completed during Whiteley`s extensive travels. Artworks created in response to locations such as Paris, New York, Japan, Fiji, B ali and Far North Queensland are highlighted.

From high-end art to hands-on craft!

Boomerang Bags is a community driven initiative tackling plastic pollution at the grassroots level. Dedicated schools, community groups, businesses and volunteers get together to make reuseable ‘B oomerang B ags’ using recycled materials as a means to replace plastic bags. These bags are made available at supermarkets for the public to ‘borrow and bring back’.

B rett W hiteley (1939-1992) is regarded as one of Australia’s most iconic artists and by the ‘70s was at the forefront of Australia’s avant-garde movement. His travels were extensive and Whiteley produced a beautiful range of works with great virtuosity, energy, lyricism, humour, sensitivity and an intense desire to document his unique vision and experiences. Don’t miss this!

Through Boomerang Bags we start conversations, make friends, up-cycle materials and work towards shifting society’s throw away mentality to a more sustainable revolution of re-use; one community, needle and thread at a time!

So get involved! When: First Thursday of every month 4.30 - 7.30 pm.

Where: Downstairs of Comino House, 27-27 G reenslopes St, North Cairns (the big room under CAFNEC offi e). Come together, be creative, learn new skills and MAKE a difference!

Gordo nvale Lett erbo x Co mpetitio n A joint initiative between Pyramid Views, Trolley Studio and G ordonvale Post O ffi e.

If you live in the Southside and have the 4865 postcode, here is a great opportunity to design and build a fun, quirky, unique and functioning letterbox. There are adult and junior categories and the two lucky winners will have the chance to build their own designs- get in touch with folk from Trolley for an entrance form (www. trolleystudio.net). Hand in your superb ideas before July 15.

DRAMA KIDS SERIES THE YOUNG COMPANY PRESENTS

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FOR MORE INFO VISIT WWW.THEYOUNGCOMPANY.COM.AU OR CALL 40 41 4066 OR EMAIL ADMIN@THEYOUNGCOMPANY.COM.AU HQ 169 BUNDA ST, CAIRNS CITY Issue 18 |

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Teho Ro peyarn Ulada Ikya Ami (List ening to B efo retime Sto ries) o fficial o pening at kickarts, Thursday 13 July 2017, 2:30-3:30pm.

Located within the Centre of Contemporary Arts Cairns at 96 Abbott Street. Look for the Giant Jelly Babies!

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www.kickarts.org.au

Te ho R op eyar n - Ulad a Ik ya Ami (List ening t o Be f or eti me St ori es) 24 June - 19 August 2017 Ulada Ikya Ami (L istening to B eforetime Stories) is Injinoo emerging artist Teho Ropeyarn’s latest exhibition at KickArts Contemporary Arts. It presents an overview of Injinoo culture and history from Northern Cape York Peninsula. Large-scale print works reveal narratives from dreamtime to colonisation, and into the current era.

Teho examines the internal and external impacts of culture through the myths, legends, historic rock art, and spirituality presented in this body of work. The cultural knowledge of the Gudang, Angkamuthi, Yadhaykana and Atambaya nations and their interconnectedness as Injinoo people see the dynamic presentation of a contemporary fusion of these traditions.

Ulada Ikya Ami (L istening to B eforetime Stories) is on display at KickArts Contemporary Arts G allery O ne from the 24th of June to the 19th of August 2017. The official opening will take place as part of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair on Thursday the 13th of July 2017, 2:30-3:30pm.

T eho R opeyarn is an emerging artist from the community of Injinoo on the Cape York Peninsula who currently calls Cairns home.

Who’s Kicking…

AT KICKART S? Mee t Injinoo e merg ing artist Teho Ro peyarn

Teho’s focus as a contemporary artist is to preserve and document the knowledge and stories passed down from Injinoo Elders.

Permitted by his Elders, Teho recreates these stories within artworks that express a contemporary approach to imagery, symbols and metaphors. His work is featured in major collections including the National G allery of Australia, the Museum and Art G allery of Northern Territory, the University of Newcastle, the University of New South Wales, and Cairns Regional Gallery.

Image Credits - Above: Artist Teho Ropeyarn in his studio with works in progress for Ulada Ikya Ami (L istening to Beforetime Stories). Courtesy of the Artist.

Opposite page: Teho Ropeyarn Ulada 2017 (detail) ink & mixed media vinylcut on paper edition of 10 150x80cm (image size). Courtesy of the Artist. Photographer: Michael Marzik, 2017 Teho Ropeyarn. Photograph Courtesy of the National Gallery of Australia

Cairns Lawyers servicing North Queensland for over 25 years www.millerharris.com.au

(07) 4036 9700

enquiries@millerharris.com.au Issue 18 |

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no place li ke HOME...

If you worked for one of the most powerful companies in the world, most people would think their career couldn’t get much better than that. But ex-Cairns local Daniel Webb doesn’t fit into the mould of “most people”.

When the now Sydney resident and Cairns High State School graduate goes to work every day, guitar hero, chess, ping-pong and pool are all part of the daily perks of being an Industry Manager at Google.

“I feel very privileged with where I have ended up,” said Webb, who at 30 has already racked up an impressive resume that includes accolades such as Queensland Young Australian of the Year and Cairns Young Citizen of the Year.

Webb started his career as a singer at the tender age of six growing up into a professional musician and making a living from music for almost two decades before deciding his aspirations had evolved.

“At one stage, I wanted to be the next Keith Urban, but then that dream changed,” Webb said. “I decided that the music industry was much too fick e and unreliable for me.”

Despite his early success, at age 25 Webb transformed his career quite dramatically, starting off in a data agency then moving to Red Bull before scoring his current gig with Google.

Now one of 1,200 ‘G ooglers’ employed across Australia, he describes the best thing about it as belonging to a global team to which he pays tribute to for their support and for making him a better person.Webb’s ability to not only talk to people and solve problems, but his ability to use these skills strategically, has allowed him to pull off in fi e years what most people can’t do in a lifetime.

Born into a family of high achievers whom he was inspired by from a young age, Webb attributes his success to remaining honest and working hard. “I’ve always had a personal goal to give it my best, no matter what. If I did my best, I shouldn’t be disappointed,” he upholds.

But what could possibly be next for someone who appears to have it all? “The next thing for me is to become a leader. I am always working on developing myself and inspiring others where I can,” Webb explains.

What’s inspiring is seeing proof you don’t have to come from a big city to make it big.

“The geographical challenges of living in Cairns never stopped me or slowed me down,” said Webb. “In fact, it has made me even more hungry and determined to achieve my goals.”

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Daniel Webb

GOOGLE INDU STR Y MANAGER

people At H o me with ‌ Gina H og an Nad a H as so un Portia Ed en Micha el Milt o n At W ork with ‌ R ob Pyne

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At Home With.. …

GINA HOGAN

W ith h umb le b egi nnings in a Palmer R iver mining f amily t o ceiling-s mashi ng media d ynamo, Gina H og an has managed t o ha ve a car eer tra ject or y tha t b elies so meo ne yo u w o uld thi nk t o b e twi ce h er age. In do w nti me, ho w ever, it’s clear this is a lad y who values f amily, fri endship and good b elly laughs as th e cor nerst o nes of a happ y lif e.

As the General Manager of Southern Cross Austereo Cairns & Tablelands, Gina Hogan is surrounded by the familiar voices and faces that fill our airwaves, screens and newsfeeds daily, and is actively changing the way the media industry views women in a traditionally male-dominated arena.

Having just completed a walkthrough open day at the new SCA broadcasting headquarters, Gina joins me for an afternoon away from work and family at local Edge Hill hotspot NO A. Her innate sense of calm and astute humour are the fi st things that strike me; in an industry renowned for high-octane energy, it’s easy to see how this point of difference has worked in her favour in fostering the strong relationships around her, both professionally and personally.

“I grew up in a mining family in rural Queensland, with my two older sisters and I starting School of the Air. We’d tune into the radio lessons while Mum helped teach us – home-schooling seems such a strange concept now, but it’s probably fair to say that’s where it all began.”

“We moved to Kuranda when I was six, so I went to Kuranda primary school and then onto Cairns High.

I’m a Cairns girl through and through. In final year, I started to study photography and was lucky to start working with local photographer, B rad Newton. After a while I naturally started to gravitate towards the management side of the business. The creative was interesting, but it’s defini ely a special kind of person who can be fully immersed in that world.”

“I was in the deciding phase of whether or not to go to university, when while driving my car one day I heard a job advertised on SEAFM for a sales executive. I got the role, aged 19. It was such a young age to be in sales - you need a certain level of maturity and time management skills that are generally only achieved after being in the field for a while; you’re out running your own day, and managing responsibility, but I managed it well.”

With the help of excellent mentors, stellar growth within the company saw Gina progress to Sales Manager, then to running her fi st station at the tender age of 23.

“Of course there were people who supported and those who didn’t, but with any kind of position like this, I always say I’m either going to be good or I’m not – let time decide. Being a good manager isn’t hard – it’s mostly the basic principles of being a good person: respect and listen.”

With the addition of motherhood now into the mix, Gina is currently in the position many working parents find themselves in - precariously balancing the work life scale. “SCA have been extremely supportive through 26

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Surprisingl y the o ppo site happened people respected that I was manag ing bo th

this whole experience. I’m the fi st G eneral Manager to have had a baby, so it was so lovely to see so much support from upper management, with the aim of helping me achieve the right balance. It’s been a pleasant learning experience for everyone.”

“Many women, when returning to the workforce, struggle with identity; there’s the feeling like you’re disconnected from the workplace, and then disconnected from family, balancing that is the biggest challenge. In order to mitigate that, while on maternity leave the company kept my emails open the whole time. Although I didn’t have to do anything, it was about staying connected to the product and the culture and being a part of it. I never once had to question if I was still relevant. If there were any events, I was still there and involved. Being a mother is amazing, but I still got to be a part of the other important aspect in my life.”

“Initially I struggled, but I think, motherhood has made me a much better manager – I used to think it was all about being the fi st to arrive and the last to leave because you’re leading by example. I struggled with that after Lilly because my priorities were different, but I wondered if people would think I wasn’t as committed.

Surprisingly the opposite happened - people respected that I was managing both. There’s a level of humanity that gets added to the management; I also value the same things they do. That was a lesson I had no idea I was going to learn. Now I have a much better work life balance; I’m always still available by email and phone, but I spend quality time with my daughter.

“As women it’s very easy to wrap ourselves up in our roles – how do you balance it all? I’m very aware of understanding limitations in the sense of don’t make your life any harder. I have a wonderful supportive husband and genuinely good friends who are outside of the industry, so it’s about us and our kids and a real connection. I’m very conscious of what I eat and I exercise. I’m not naturally sporty, so I have to exercise for a mental outlet, not because I want to be a certain size or weight. Of course, I don’t work as hard as I might if were in a group, but I do what I can when I can - I’m focused on being a balanced person.”

Next challenge? “I’ve just accepted the role to be the General Manager of Southern Cross Austereo Perth.

I’ve spent 17 years in media in Cairns, and almost eight with my current team. We’ve just moved the studios to a new building with new state-of-the-art equipment, and Cairns is growing at a fast rate. It will be a huge transition moving from regional to metro, but I feel like this is a good time to start a new chapter.”

As Gina’s mum says, ‘not so bad for a School of the Air kid’.

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Portia Eden

As success at local and state events became par for the course, she then headed for national glory, and coach Ronan Weber took her under his wing.

Portia continued to blow her rivals away at the elite level, winning Queensland and Australian Championships, just as she reached double figu es.

Joh n “Bluey” F ors yth Bluey’s f or esight Portia Eden is the current World BMX Champion, after successfully beating the best in the world in the UCI BMX World Championships in Colombia.

Portia was just nine years old at the time. In a nail-biting finish, Portia defeated seven other competitors to be hailed as the world’s Number O ne in her age group.

It was her fourth World Championship attempt, since becoming a competitive rider at the age of six, following the family’s interest in the sport, with dad, Glenn at the helm.

Her older siblings, Jemma and Flynn, were riding when Portia fi st hopped on the bike at two years of age.

All members of the Eden family enjoy the sport, with the exception of Mum, Janelle, who describes herself as the cheer squad, team manager and support crew.

Portia found her niche at six years of age. “I started to really love it,” said the little pocket rocket. “Riding makes me happy!”

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But this success hasn’t just happened.

A tremendous amount of hard work, dedication and the love of her sport created this little dynamo that is conquering the world. “I train fi e or six days a week,” she explained.

As is the case with most families, Portia’s parents finan e her aspirations.

While that was affordable at the local and state levels, as Portia began to dominate Australia and the world, the travel expenses sky-rocketed. Portia does what she can to raise money and sponsors to help her parents. “I’ve been mowing lawns for money to help Mum and Dad out,” she states.

Portia has just returned from Brisbane where she took out the FiveEvent Series Challenge. She won in Shepparton, Bathurst, Cairns and twice in Brisbane to clinch the series.

That series win has gained Portia a free plane ticket and entry into the biggest Grand Challenge event in Tulsa, Oklahoma to be held in November.

Portia has some sh ort term and long term goals or dreams still to fulfil.

Long term, Portia is incredibly excited that B MX is now official y an O lympic sport, meaning Olympic gold medals are in her sights, but she knows full well the road ahead is paved with hard work. “She is training two hours a day, seven days a week, to prepare for the next world titles,” Janelle explains.

On the immediate horizon is the World Championships in July where Portia will travel to South C arolina to defend her crown, and where her hard work and killer attitude gives her a fantastic chance to be a back-to-back World Champion.

Happy trials, Portia!

We are all backing you!

Making a DIFFERENCE Co mmitt ee F or W ast e Re d uctio n

We are coming into an age of self awareness and seeing an ever increasing need to change our lifestyle habits to preserve our world.

We see more and more reports of beached whales with or dead seabirds with their stomachs full of plastics, turtles that have got a straw stuck in their nose or a bag stuck under their shell which means they cannot swim effectively or even hunt. What does this mean to us? Micro plastics are already in your food chain! Yes, that’s right its coming full cycle back to us.

To add to the confusion there are so many different messages about what we should be doing to make a change, so where on earth do you start?

The Committee For Waste Reduction was born from recognising the need for individuals who all have a similar vision to begin working as a collective to achieve the end goal of reducing waste. We not only highlight recommended lifestyle changes to benefit our world but simple ways of doing so.

Over time you will see exciting things coming from the Committee For Waste Reduction as we will be creating a central resource hub that gives clear examples on how to reduce use of water bottles, straws, coffee cups and bags. We will be a reference point on where you can source plastic alternatives and all this will have the

focus on boosting local businesses as we are true believers in supporting local. The central waste resource will be delivered to you via re3.eco, it is currently under construction so watch this space.

Each member of the committee has strong relationships within different parts of the community and different skill sets, we realized we can reach a wider audience by combining our efforts and delivering the same message with consistency. We believe every person is capable of making a difference and we dedicate ourselves to enabling others to see how they can contribute.

True strength collaboration.

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Why we Tri :…

MICHAEL MILTON OAM

Michael Milton was just nine years old when his left leg was amputated above the knee due to bone cancer.

Typically, this Canberran family were keen skiers and Michael was determined he would ski again.

And that he did.

In 1988, at just 14 years of age, Michael - or Milto as he is affectionately known - represented Australia at the Innsbruck Winter Paralympic Games.

He returned to to Tignes-Albertville four years later, where he won a gold and silver medal. Four medals at Lillehammer followed and in 1992, Milto was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his sporting achievements. He was just 21 years old.

As one of Australia’s most successful athletes, his fourgold-medal haul at the Salt Lake Winter Paralympic Games endeared him to a sport-loving nation and earned him the title of Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability.

In April 2003, Michael tried something new: speed skiing, the drag racing of alpine sport. On the steepest slope in the world, he clocked over 193km/h, smashing a 16-year-old world record and becoming the fastest skier with a disability.

He continued to better his own world record until, in April 2006, he clocked a staggering 213.65km/h to become the fastest Australian skier ever.

A month earlier, at the 2006 Winter Paralympic Games his fifth Paralympic Games appearance - Michael closed the book on his ski racing career, as he achieved his goal to win “a medal, any colour.” His ski racing medal count stands at eleven Paralympic medals and eleven World Championships medals.

But it wasn’t long before Milton pursued a new sport: cycling.

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After six months of intense training, he not only won a gold medal at the Australian Track Cycling Championships in February 2007, but also broke the Australian record.

However, Milto’s dream to make the Australian team and compete at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games was sidelined when he was diagnosed with Oesophagael Cancer in July 2007.

As a testament to his strength, Milto made an amazing comeback from this serious illness to record times at the 2008 Australian Track Cycling Championships comparable to his results in the same events the year earlier.

In June 2008, Michael was named as one of 18 athletes in the Paralympic Cycling Team to compete in Beijing.

His sixth Paralympic Games and his fi st as a summer athlete, he arrived in Beijing less than 12 months since undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy and major surgery.

In many ways, he’d already won.

Michael competed in three events - the 1km Time Trial and the 300m Individual Pursuit on the track and the 60.5km Road Race.

Michael has raced in the Mark Webber Challenge - a five-day adventure race in Tasmania, and in the 293km long Coast to Coast Kokoda Challenge. He has climbed Mt Kilimanjaro and trekked Kokoda. Twice.

and in May 2017, he completed the Ultra-Trail Australia 50km race in the Blue Mountains in just over 12 hours. It’s a tough course at the best of times, but doing it on crutches, in cold and wet conditions, sets this guy on a plateau above the rest.

So how does he do it? How does he muster that mindset, time after time?

“I think I have a natural competitive spirit within myself,

and perhaps the environment that I grew up in – learning to live with one leg, wanting to be competitive with my able-bodied peers – really created that mindset…. it’s only a leg. The really important things in life are family, friends and having fun. None of those things have anything to do with how many legs you have.”

Whatever it is, the word ‘champion’ is not wasted on this man.

Milto has carved a reputation as being one of the most entertaining and inspirational speakers in the country, and he arrives in Cairns in early June 2017 as the headliner at the COUCH Ironman Corporate Lunch and Auction.

His engaging personality, coupled with an exceptional sense of humour, is adored by his fans on social media, where he has famously trended the hashtag #GrowALegYouMoron.

He has competed in triathlon, representing Australia at two World Paratriathlon Championships, finishing fourth in China in 2011.

True to form, rumour has it that a few days after the luncheon, you’ll find Milto donning a COUCH trisuit and joining the team on the most picturesque Ironman course in the world.

Michael has also completed a marathon on crutches,

Welcome to Cairns, Milto. It’s our pleasure to have you here!

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jo

Spilling the beans

on current affairs

F or years, thr ee t opi cs ha ve been on const ant ro t atio n on th e news f eed a genda: ho me aff ord abi lit y, Austra lia b ecoming a Re public, and dr ug t esti ng f or w elf ar e r ecipi ents. Oasis Ma gazi ne r ecent ly sa t do w n with thr ee Cair ns locals t o g et th eir views o n th ese pr essi ng is sues.

Jo Piggott | Cairns A/C & Refrigeration Nicola Moore | Moore Organised Rochelle Kettles | CBIS Insurance Broker

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nicol a

rochelle

We hear that the Great Australian D ream of home ownership is fast becoming unattainable, and that Millenials may never own their own home.

JO : It’s sad to think that some Millenials won’t be able to afford their own home. But home ownership isn’t for everyone. I purchased my fi st home at the age of 22 - not through luck; I set a goal and I worked four jobs. Unfortunately, I feel a lot of Millenials expect a helping hand from the government. Home ownership is achievable - maybe not in the capital cities though, which are out of reach for most Australians. Millenials need to plan this goal for the Great Australian dream of home ownership early on.

NICO LA: Millennials aren’t spending money on houses and cars! They’re renting scooters and touring Vietnam, rocking out at music festivals, or hiking Machu Picchu. I believe Millennials view ownership differently than previous generations did. While traditionally, high value has been placed in car and home ownership, many are now seeing them as major commitments.

Let’s talk about the idea of compulsory drug testing for welfare recipients. W hat are your views on this?

JO : Compulsory drug testing for welfare recipients is a positive idea. It’s time to reign in the sponges on society who feel they have every right to put their hand out, so they can do very little. The Great Australian dream came from hard work, not handouts!

NICO LA: Drug testing for welfare recipients would be pointless unless it was accompanied by a treatment plan. I think it is important they put a plan into place to make sure that these people receive treatment and a fair go to get back on their feet, otherwise there is no point drug testing anybody. And while they are at it, random drug testing of politicians should happen as soon as they walk through the the doors of Parliament.

RO CH ELLE: Absolutely, I think this is a fair request if you are getting money for free. Employers don’t allow their employees to go to work under the influen e of alcohol or drugs, so this needs to be taken into consideration with welfare recipients.

RO CH ELLE: I disagree. There are still a lot of towns in Australia that are affordable, where you can get a great deal on property. However, you have to look outside of the cities to locate to a more affordable town.

T he topic of Australia becoming a R epublic has been tossed around for decades. W hat are your views on a departure from the monarchy?

JO : Australia is one of - if not, the - best country in the world! We believe in a fair go, equality, freedom and mateship. Australians have worked hard to make Australia one of the best countries in the world. If we were to become a Republic, we would have the advantage of having an Aussie as head of state. We are big enough to look after ourselves!

Whi le trad itio nall y, hig h val ue has bee n pl aced in car and ho me o w nership, many are no w see ing them as majo r co mmitments.

NICO LA: Trump himself can appear a cautionary example. Why risk introducing a system in which a leader – right, left or anything in between – can rise?

RO CH ELLE: Honestly, it doesn’t really bother me, one way or the other.

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At work with.. RO B PYNE

AD V E RTORIA L

Words: Sharon Timms Images: Supplied

W hether you support him or not, there’s no denying that Independent MP R ob Pyne is a man whose sole modus operandi is based on effecting change. F rom physical change in the Queensland Parliament building to enacting state law reform, Rob Pyne is a man not afraid to ruffle a few feathers, if it means effecting change at the grassroots level in the region he represents. Sharon T imms spent some time at work with R ob Pyne recently, to get a better idea of what makes this outspoken representative tick.

O n admission into Parliament, physical change to Queensland Parliament’s building - the fi st in over 100 years - had to be effected, so change really does seem to be the overriding theme for you.

People think I’m different. I find it hard to understand why people would get into politics if not to effect change.

There’s plenty of people who can maintain the status quo, it doesn’t take much imagination or courage, so I find it hard to relate to people who don’t have a reform agenda. When you look out there and see laws that are inequitable and outdated, why wouldn’t you use your role in the Parliament to try to fix that

Your role in politics started after a career in academics.

W hat was the turning point in wanting to effect change there, and what was the change ?

The thing I learnt through education is that what’s normative isn’t necessarily what’s best for people. What we have today is a result of the influen e of stakeholders and the vested interest in the policy process, and that is often at odd with what benefits ordinary people. L ooking at who drives the agenda, what vested interests drive policy made me think, ‘’Well, that’s not right - it shouldn’t be like that”.

W here do you stand on abortion law reform, and (famously) your withdrawal of bill support?

I think a woman should have the right to choose. Whilst I’m always happy to support my constituents, I’m not going to push something that’s morally incorrect or wrong.

Dr Caroline De Costa came to me with a valid case – what’s in the criminal code isn’t being enforced in Queensland because there’s common sense being practiced on behalf of the DPP, but nonetheless clinics on occasion get raided, and more recently there was a young couple who was prosecuted in the Cairns courthouse. These laws, just because they’re not enforced regularly, it doesn’t mean the medical practitioners and women can’t feel vulnerable or that they’re being stigmatised.

In regards to the bill withdrawal, the objective is to get law reform in this area; I can only be of influen e with one side of politics supporting for me (as an independent) to get a bill through parliament. The Labor party came to me and said that if I withdrew the bills they would refer it to the Law Reform Commission, referring on the same basis as the Victorian Government referred it, and if we’re elected then we’ll introduce a bill decriminalising abortion 34

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in Queensland. I had a bill that was certain to go down and be defeated in parliament, where as now, if the Labor party is elected, the law will be reformed in Queensland.

So hopefully when the law is changed in Queensland, some people will remember my role in that.

As you are an independent MP, how is that working in terms of your representation for then people of Cairns?

When ministers want a bill pass, they have to come past me because they don’t know if they’re going to get the support from the Katter party or Billy Gordon, so they need to lobby everyone. Ministers come to see me, and it’s a great opportunity to raise issues or concerns, but also my vote can be cast in the best interests of the city I represent.

That’s simply something you just can’t do as a member of a political party – you’re told how to vote, and if you don’t vote that way, you lose your pre-selection. Rather than be intimidated in having my pre-selection withdrawn, I thought it best to seize the initiative and let the party know I would be voting in the best interest of the people of Cairns.

W here do you stand on the Adani Coal Mine?

It really grates on me that laws are made in Queensland and yet single companies can be exempted from complying with those. I think it’s quite disgraceful that laws were made in regards to access to underground water, and Adani was excepted from having to comply. In Queensland, vested interests get treated differently; even farmers had to have their bores capped and apply for a water license, yet the largest coal mine in the Southern Hemisphere didn’t have to. Adani are no friend of regional farming communities, but more directly (affecting my electorate) they’re no friend of the Great Barrier Reef. I guess younger people understand the impact of these detrimental companies – they’re actions directly relate to the raising of sea temperatures and the bleaching of coral. Someone said to me, ‘that’s not very politically smart’, well, who cares? We’re facing a challenge where if mines like this proceed, we’re going to have increased coral bleaching on the GBR – there needs to be some sense of morality and of doing then right thing, so I’m passionately opposed to the Adani Coal Mine. In other aspects, there are people living in poverty in Cairns, yet the government can find $1B to lend to a foreign company.

How do you find the change in penalty rates affecting businesses in Cairns?

It’s a vexed issue at the moment. With penalty rates, I’m supporting the existing rates - many jobs in tourism and hospitality, which this region thrives on, are very low paid.

By taking away the penalties, it puts many people into a vulnerable position.

W hen your career should end, what do you want to be remembered for?

Being a batter and having a go, I guess!

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NADA HASSOUN We’ve boundles plains to share Meet Nada Hassoun.

In April 2016, Nada, her mother and grandmother, were the fi st Syrian refugees to arrive in Queensland. Nada’s mother had holidayed in Cairns some 30 years before, and when it came time to advise the UN of a preferred city for settlement, the choice was obvious.

Nada and her family had been living in L ebanon for the three years prior, after fleeing their hometown of Aleppo when the civil war became too dangerous in 2013.

Tragically, on their fi st attempt to escape, Nada’s father, who was at the time travelling in the seat beside her, had a heart attack on the journey and died. The family decided to return to Aleppo to bury the much loved patriarch of the family, before relocating to Lebanon.

Curious, and aware that by this stage the war had been raging for several years, I ask Nada why she had chosen to stay in Aleppo for so long. Surely there would have been ample opportunity to leave the city prior to it becoming so dangerous.

Her response is incredulous, as though she is shocked that I’m asking a question with such a simple answer. “Because I had just four months until I finished my Architecture degree at University. If I left, I would have nothing to show for the previous four years.”

That statement reminded me that these people, these refugees, were people just like you and me. They had established lives and careers in towns they loved. They had friends and families. They had memories carved out of years walking along the streets and playing in the local parks. Of listening to music and socialising with friends. They were studying at University and planning for their futures.

Nada shows me some photos from her University days. I see groups of twenty-somethings at bars and restaurants.

I see friends leaning into the frame of the camera. I see girls dancing infront of the band at a nightclub. I see family weddings with the bride in a strapless white gown. I see selfies. So many selfies.

Nada did finish her B achelors D egree. Just three days after graduating in 2013, 82 students and children were killed when the University of Aleppo was bombed in an area between the halls of residence and the architecture faculty.

Many of Nada’s classmates and friends lost their lives that day.

As the only Syrian refugees in Cairns, Nada tells me she and her family are extremely grateful to be in Cairns and enjoys the feeling of safety, which is not afforded to all citizens of the world. Though she yearns for friends lost, the familiarity of a lifelong friendship, Nada is embracing life in Cairns gaining work at a local sport store, and is very eager for the day she is able to practice architecture in Australia.

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Style

Europann Linen Shirt $175 Europann Linen Trouser $160 All styles available from Man Overboard Locations - The Pier, Cairns & Macrossan Street, Port Douglas

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Famazing

A new trend is happening in the world of womens fashion in Cairns. And it’s not happening where you’d expect. T he regions most style conscious women have discovered a treasure trove of loveliness in the Southern Suburbs which is truly FAmazing!

FAmazing is an all-age fashion boutique, providing fashion for women as they journey from the teens through to the mature years, and offers an extensive and unique range of products including race wear, workwear, ball gowns, and formal wear, as well as street clothes, fascinators, cosmetics, handbags and accessories.

Leanne Todd is a born and bred Edmonton local, with a self-confessed infatuation with fascinators and hats.

As a child of racing enthusiasts, she grew up with Cannon Park as her weekend playground. From a young age, Leanne loved seeing women dress up for a day at the races, so a career in retail seemed like a logical step. “My passion for three industries, namely racing, beauty and fashion, meant I probably had no other career choice!” Leanne laughs.

After years working in high-end chain stores in Cairns, L eanne identified a need to provide more style options to local women.

“Locals were wanting more colour and more suitable clothes for our climate. But the fashions we see in the chain stores up here, are determined down south.

Heavy fabrics and the likes aren’t necessary in Cairns.

My customers were really struggling to find the clothes they wanted.”

“I love making people happy, and it was so frustrating not being able to provide them with fabulous racing and formal wear,” Leanne explains.

A sideline hobby of sharing her enviable collection of fascinators to friends sparked a business idea. “As a southsider, I’d experienced fi st hand the lack of fashion stores. If we wanted to buy clothes, we had to go into town. I saw a niche market, and ran with it.”

Evolving through her engagement with the racing industry, FAmazing opened at Piccones Village Edmonton in July 2016, although the online business had been running for a few years previously.

They synergy with the location made perfect sense.

“Through horse racing and school, my family have known the Piccone family forever!”

“And I have a firm belief in the southern corridor. I believe it will continue to flourish in the coming years.”

“Once we were established, the crowds started coming.”

And travel they did. Leanne explains she has many customers coming from Tully, Port Douglas and the Tablelands, as well as regular trade from Cairns locals.

Stocking sizes ranging from Size 6 to Size 26, and with labels including Pasduchas Elliatt, Honey and Beau, 42

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Mei Mei, Contony, PS The Label, Keepsake, Jaase, August Street, Eclect and Refuge jeans and accessories

by Olga Berg, Tony Bianco, and Fiorelli to name a few, it’s clear to see why.

“Overwhelmingly, our customers are amazed with the quality of stock, and the affordability of it. We have ball gowns starting at $77!”

“Others are blown away by our enormous range. One woman told me it’s like walking into a museum of hats and fascinators!”

But it’s not just the style and value for money that customers are coming back for.

“We often get comments on our customer service, and my awesome team will always go out of their way to make someone’s experience memorable. My team really are the best in town!”

“And we’re honest - we live and breathe fashion and we know what styles suit our clients. Women leave here feeling beautiful, confident and empowered. That’s the difference.”

“At FAmazing, we believe that if you make a sale just for the sake of making a sale, you won’t get loyal returning clients. We take the time to help our clients choose what is right for them, and what makes them feel good about themselves so they will return again and again.

And we reward our Loyal Clients with VIP status and special discounts.”

But there’s more to FAmazing than just the fashion.

Leanne has a strong belief in supporting the community that supports her.

“It is only through giving that we will receive,” she explains.

Well known for her generosity to local organisations and fundraisers, FAmazing is proud to be Fashion Sponsor of the Cairns Jockey Club, Gordonvale Turf Club and Oak Park Race Club. They also support the Gordonvale Red Cross, Relay For Life, the Cairns Business Womens Club and Mums On The Go, as well as the upcoming Pink In Paradise High Tea, in aid of the McGrath Foundation.

“I wanted to create the whole boutique experience where clients can get everything in one place, but also something different and exclusive and not just what is available to everyone in department and chain stores.”

This vision means the FAmazing team only order limited pieces of the same outfits, so clients are left feeling special. “We also monitor the outfits we send to particular events. No one wants to get all dressed up only to arrive and see another lady in the same outfit!

We do our best to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Located on the Bruce Highway side of Piccone’s Village Edmonton, just south of the Hambledon Hotel, we can highly recommend having a wander into this extensive world of wonderful!

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Lily Europa Dress in Navy

by Sajeela Jamie for Wild Sugar Made in Cairns, located at The Pier Phone: 07 4041 6960 Mobile: 0431 156 469 www.wildsugar.fashion

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wel being

F it ness | D ietitia n | H air

Issue 18 |

45

Whoa! We’re HAL F WAY THERE !

FIT NESS JESSE H UGH ES

Member Experience Manager

Can you believe it’s June already? It feels like I blinked and half the year disappeared. Life is busy!

As we come to the halfway point of 2017 it’s important to make some time for yourself to reassess your goals. Have you lost focus? Are these goals still important to you? What do you need to change so that you can achieve them?

To help me commit to my goals I joined a 12 week challenge. It was exactly the push I needed to put some effort in and it was inspiring to watch people coming together each and every week to improve their health and fitne s; smash their goals and make some life changing habits. The results were truly AMAZING !

If I’ve taken anything away from the last twelve weeks it’s the importance

of commitment; to yourself; to your goals; to your family; to your coaches; to the other class participants; to whomever it takes to get you there; to get you motivated and moving.

There are 168 hours in a week…it’s time to take some of them back to focus on you. Don’t just tell yourself you’ll make it to three sessions this week. Commit to them. Block the time out in your calendar, have your gym bag packed and ready to go.

Get excited about making a positive step towards reaching your goals, because they aren’t going to achieve themselves!

In the words of Amanda, one of the fabulous challenge participants… the treadmill or kettlebell won’t judge you for not bringing your A Game (or even your B G ame); just commit to going;

Genesis Fitness Health Clubs 20/7 113 Lake Street, Cairns – 4041 2290 20/7 318 Mulgrave Road, Westcourt – 4041 1449 20/7 Mt Milman Drive, Smithfield – 4038 3854 20/7 1 Hargreaves Road, Edmonton – 40456055 3 Chelsea Lane, Redlynch – 4039 3002 The Group Fitness Mecca, Showgrounds Shopping Centre – 4031 2712

commit to finishing the workout and putting in the best effort you can.

If you’re struggling to find the motivation to go to the gym and do a workout by yourself, try small group personal training. I love the integration of functional fitne s and MyZone heartrate technology at Coaching Zone. Not only is it a fun, friendly and motivating environment but the qualified Head Coach can tailor the workout to all fitne s levels… which means you have the support you need to start achieving your goals… it really is addictive!

So, what are you going to commit to?

Take some time this week to really think about your goals; by making a commitment to yourself you’re already halfway there!

the FiT Family

Contact us to receive your FREE 10 day pass!

Website: www.cairnsfitnesscentres.com.au Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/genesisfitnesscairns Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The.Mecca.Cairns 46

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a gym for every body We’re all born with different body types, and that’s awesome.

We’re ectomorphs, mesomorphs, squares, pears, rectangles, columns...and a bunch of other fruits, fractals and rhomboids.

No matter what shape you are at Genesis Fitness we’re just here to get your shape back into shape.

With small group training sessions, group fitness classes and a range of personalised solutions.

Eat Slow, Cook Slow and BUY SLOW FOOD NUTRITIO N DOROTH Y RI CH MO ND Dorothy Dietitian

As the weather cools, we tend to look forward to comfort food - Hungarian goulash, Coq au Vin, Irish Stew, Lancashire Hot Pot and, of course, warming curries.

These slow foods promote the use of local ingredients and the preservation of traditional dishes and stews are the ultimate comfort food.

As a dietitian, I always encourage people to eat more vegetables. Stews and similar slow foods are an ideal vehicle to incorporate more local vegetables into the diet.

A stew involves long cooking with a small amount of liquid in an enclosed vessel with a tightly fit ed lid. O ften, this is referred to as a casserole, but this really refers to the vessel and not the method of cookery.

The most important part of stewing is that the protein coagulates at a

The key to healthy coo king o f these dishes is minimum fat.

low temperature hence remains tender. The liquid in the stew has the concentration of fla our to be a sauce in itself.

As a dietitian, I find that stews are great for families, as everything cooks slowly in the one pot, then rice or other grain products can be added to suit the carbohydrate needs of each member of the family.

The key to healthy cooking of these dishes is minimum fat. Stewing cuts have their own fat component so should not need the addition of fat such as butter, lard or ghee.

To sweat the ingredients prior to cooking should involve the innate fat content of the cut.

Many stews such as Veal Fricassee and Goulash would be finished with cream, but Goulash lends itself to finishing with yoghurt, or at least a low fat sour cream.

Coq au vin was invented by Julius Caesar. He was presented with an old cockerel by the Gauls and proceeded to have it cooked to perfection to impress them. It is a classical dish where the main fla our is red wine in which the chicken is marinaded ideally overnight. When this dish is cooked, the alcohol evaporates. Make it healthy by using lean cuts of ham rather than bacon, and to use very little oil to seal the stew. The vegetable component of coq au vin should be increased for health so that onions and shallots, and mushrooms should be the main part of the dish. Garlic, thyme, parsley and pepper also shine in this dish.

Cairns City - Smithfield - Manunda - Edmonton - Mareeba - Port Douglas - Mossman - Innisfail

Available for expert food and dietetic advice at a location near you.

GP referrals and personal referrals for you and your family's needs.

Book an appointment with Dorothy today!

visit www.dorothydietitian.com.au

07 4033 2773 0488 096 110 Issue 18 |

47

Who will you Relay for?

Register your team and raise money to help beat cancer!

Cairns Relay For Life

July 29 & 30 Barlow Park

You can make a difference and give hope for a cancer free future. By taking part in Cancer Council’s Relay For Life you will be raising money to fund cancer research and provide support services for patients and their families.

Join your community in an incredible overnight experience celebrating cancer survivors, honouring loved ones, and taking positive steps to fight back against cancer.

Get involved, visit relayforlife.org.au!

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Spice up you …

WINTER LOO K B EAUT Y EMMA GELLING Studio78

With the winter months on our doorstep we tend to find ourselves wanting to change our style. We pull out the ankle boots, sheer scarfs and cardigans for the short 12weeks and enjoy every minute.

With this change in climate comes the decrease in sun exposure, you will find most the time you will need to soften your makeup by a level or perhaps deepen your lip colour.

Its also a very fashionable time experiment with our hair styles.

More often then not when you attend your salon appointment in this season you will be given the opportunity to “tone things down for the winter” during your consultation. Your industry professional is not initiating a blonde to brunette drastic change, unless perhaps they have double booked you.

We simple wish to challenge you to step outside the comfort zone.

During winter your less likely to be exposed to as many external influen es that cause fading.

This can i n c l u d e , swimming in pool or open waters and sun exposure.

of coloured treatments have given consumers the opportunity to try soft pinks, peaches, purples and golds by simply switching their home care routine.

BOO K IN FO R O UR FR EE 15 MINUTE CO NSUL TATIO N

Your also less likely to wash your hair as frequently during winter as perspiration decreases.

With these factors is mind your hairstylist is keen to try new things as the maintenance is more achievable.

This can be the perfect change for a foiled blonde.

For the classic brunette I would recommend adding some red or plum tones to create the feeling of warmth.

Remember when you do decide to step outside your comfort zone be prepared.

Attend your salon consultation with picture your desire and picture you would prefer to stay away from.

Over the years the development

Hair and Makeup

Specialising in Blondes and Brides

3/155 Sheridan Street Cairns North Q 4870

Creating timeless, beautiful brides

0423 628 307 www.studio78hair.com Issue 18 |

49

Home Re al Est at e | Stra t a | Ren t als

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Not Spring Cleaning, AUTUMN SPRUCING! R ENTALS GEENA CO URT

Rentals Short Term

Now we have all heard of ‘Spring Cleaning’ but nobody ever talks about ‘Autumn Sprucing”. Now is the time to prepare your property for the mild Cairns winter which is slowly but surely approaching.

Not every home needs a complete makeover or full clean but even the smallest change can make a huge difference and make your home feel that much more personalised.

1. F reshen Up T he Walls Now that the days are cooler, it is the perfect time to get stuck in and give your property a fresh coat of paint. Maybe even crack open those warmer toned colours if you’re feeling adventurous, you will be amazed at how much of a difference this can make and it will be like living in a completely different home.

2. F loors It is recommended that the carpets and flooring in your property be

professionally cleaned at least every 12 months. With the cold weather on the way we do tend to spend more time cosying up at home and having fresh floo s will eliminate any allergens and build up that has occurred during the warmer months.

during this weather, you can make your space bigger for the family and pets. Perfect for when the barbeque and entertaining season returns.

5. D écor & F urnishings

4. Gardening/Landscaping

The furnishing and decoration of a room can either make or break the space, by either updating or upgrading your lounge in the living area or adding some colourful cushions to a room, you can completely change the look of the space. D écor and furnishings don’t have to be large or expensive items, some affordable options include small indoor pot plants, colourful canvases, an occasional chair or a throw blanket for the lounge. These items can dramatically change a room and make it that much more inviting.

With the cooler weather approaching and the rainy weather behind us, being outside in the garden is so much more appealing. By removing problem trees or pruning back your garden

W hen you final y finish and the house is glowing like a phone screen in the cinema, it’s time to hunker down in front of Netflix until it’s time for the annual Spring Clean.

3. D eep Cleaning As opposed to the weekly-ish onceover-lightly with the vacuum, a full clean requires a bit of prep. Take the time to thoroughly clean cornices, skirting boards, window tracks and external windows. D efini ely do the bathroom, because if you put that off again it really will be entirely black and you’ll have to nail the door shut and rig a solar shower in the carport.

Issue 18 |

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Tax breaks on

INVESTMENT PROPERTIES PROP ERT Y GEENA CO URT

Court House Realty

There are many benefits associated with homeownership. The ‘Australian D ream’ offers financial gain and stability and many social benefits. A real estate agent will tell you that one of the biggest benefits associated with investing in property can be found when filing your taxes, and depending on your situation, there may be thousands of dollars coming back your way.

Property ownership is an investment in your future. It is where we make memories and feel comfortable and secure, it strengthens communities, and it offers homeowners financial security.

Tax breaks are just one of many benefit of being an investment owner.

As the deadline to fi e taxes approaches, we wants to remind investment owners of the many tax benefits, savings and deductions they can take advantage of simply by

owning an investment property.

T he mortgage interest deduction: This may be the most notable and advantageous tax benefit that homeowners enjoy. The mortgage interest deduction allows homeowners to deduct the interest paid on a mortgage debt. This deduction is especially helpful in the early years of a mortgage when the monthly payment goes largely toward interest.

Property taxes: It is widely known that being a homeowner means paying taxes on your property to local government, whether it is the city, county or state.What you might not know is that these taxes are entirely deductible from your income tax, which is more great tax news for investment owners.

Mortgage insurance premium deduction: Investment owners can also deduct their mortgage insurance

premiums if they were required to obtain insurance as a condition of receiving financing or the home.

If your property is fully furnished you can also claim the value of certain items back over a fi e year period.

Certain items can be claimed in the fi st year with others extending the full fi e year period. This benefits you further as it is claimed against your income tax helping you to pay less tax.

If you are on the fence about buying an investment property, taking advantage of these tax benefits can help put your financial security within each.

Buying a home can sometimes be a challenging process, but with a little work and a Realtor at your side, 2017 may be a great time to start looking especially with so many large building projects now on the horizon.

OPEN Mon - Fri 9 to 5 Saturday 9 to 2 391-393 Sheridan Street, Cairns North Q 4870 Ph 40533152 www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 52

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Winter IN THE TROPICS STRATA PROP ERT Y K ELLY ROB ERTS TCM Strata

After returning from a business trip to the US, I’ve had a stunning realisation that we really do live in Paradise here in Far North Queensland. There is no time this is truer than during Winter; where the temperature is perfect, there is a sweet vibe of possibility and positivity, and our Southern cousins turn green with envy as they unpack their boxes of winter woolies. It is that brief period after the sweltering heat of summer where our local marine life retreats and allow us to swim in the ocean without donning a stinger suit.

We can also laze by the pool for a bit of sun without it feeling like soup or being hospitalised with third degree burns.

It’s also a great time to reflect on how your investment has performed during the year, and analyse its performance prior to EOFY. Talking to your tax advisor or financial planner prior to the EOFY will give you the opportunity

to make any adjustments and optimize your position prior to June 30 deadlines. It might be that your asset needs some TLC and this could be a tax offset. It might be that you need to consider whether the asset is underperforming.

For a Body Corporate, these cooler months are also a good time to get works done or at least call for quotes/tenders prior to the vicious hot weather and storm season returning later in the year.

into account the lower temperatures, and chemical usage for pools will usually decrease.

That said, make sure that lower usage of the pool doesn’t result in complacency with inspecting and reporting safety breaches.

A Body Corporate must ensure the pool area is safe at all times, locking RUNNING CO STS mechanisms are in SHOULD DECREASE working order, plants IN THE COOLE R that could be climbing MO NTHS hazards are maintained, and fencing and palings are in good condition.

Running costs should decrease in the cooler months; two of which are pool and garden maintenance costs.

Garden maintenance can usually be cut back (unless the rain sets in), water and irrigation systems changed to take

In the next edition I will likely be rugged up in my woolies, sitting by the fi e, cold to my bones... O R at home in Cairns enjoying the spectacular weather, the outdoors and everything else that Winter brings in our little piece of paradise!

Issue 18 |

53

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Commercial | Domestic | Marine Hard To Place Risks 54

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Issue 18 |

55

Development in our City …

SPAR KS GROWTH

...with a Zoom in Business membership

take off!

Your business will

We are excited about this development and others on the horizon. The Cairns a Business BUYto working Chamber looks forward with PRIME Group and GA Group in the future to assist with the development of these projects.

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Local multi-disciplinary project management and construction firm, PRIME Group, has been involved with the Ghassan Aboud investment

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

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Cairns Chamber of Commerce

take off!

The Far North is about to witness signifi ant investment from the Ghassan Aboud Group Australia, which has developed Crystalbrook Collection - an Australian hotel brand that is set to create three new hotel developments in the Cairns CBD valued at $370 million. It is also anticipated that these developments will deliver an ongoing annual economic impact to our region of $900 million annually and 2,600 jobs across multiple industry sectors pre and post construction.

...with a Zoom in Business membership

D EB HA NCO CK

from the very beginning. PRIME has been engaged to handle all site identifi ations, acquisitions, feasibility studies, business modelling, design and construction and have been given a three year timeframe to bring the projects to fruition. Work has already commenced on two of the hotel sites with local contracts being awarded for supply in progress. At our May L uncheon we will be given a fi st-hand look at all of the projects by the PRIME Executive Team and the Ghassan Aboud Group Australian Investment Strategy and what it means for Cairns and your business.

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We are here to help our members’ business grow by connecting them to opportunities and to act in the best interests of the Cairns region business community.

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T he Financial New Year!

B USI NESS Charis se Ru sselL Accountant

Yay! It’s the Financial New Year! Said only a very small number of people ever, and that was quietly, without witnesses, in the privacy of some type of lair. The rest of us only realise that it’s snuck up on us again when the retail sector starts advertising EOFY Stocktake sales, which is a little odd, given that after death, taxes are the only other certainty in life.

This year, instead of listing tax tips that may or may not be applicable for the next financial year, I’ve decided to give a few tips for maintaining Records and Receipts as this really is one of the main concerns Individual taxpayers have, and a constant pain for small businesses.

1. K now what you can claim.

Knowing what you can actually claim for your work related expenses before you start collecting every receipt you can like it’s some sort of Pokemonesque game will save a lot time and effort. Ask your accountant or just visit the ATO website if you don’t know (be sure to check that it relates to your job, not just that it is

available to someone somewhere) and don’t just assume that what you heard at work is fact (unless you work at the ATO ).

2. K eep electronic copies.

We all know that thermal receipts fade to nothing in the blink of an eye in our climate, and a blank piece of paper doesn’t make the grade in the ATOs eyes.

There are numerous Tax Apps available to help with this, from simple ones that just store images taken with your phone, through to more comprehensive ones that are run by accounting firms that provide tips and advice. Some even facilitate your Tax Return. If these options seem a bit too much there is always the email method. Create a “Receipts” folder in your email program, then take a photo of your receipts on your phone and share them to your email and drag the image into the Receipts folder.

3.Logs.

Vehicle logs have been around forever, but still seem to confuse people. To claim a work related percentage of all

of your vehicle expenses you need to keep a comprehensive log of all of your vehicle use for THREE months. OR you can claim a cents per Km deduction by keeping a record of all of your work related trips. Vehicle log books are available at most newsagents for a few dollars and again, there are numerous vehicle log Apps available, from simple manual entry models through to GPS enabled trackers.

Did you know that you now have to keep a PHO NE LOG if you want to claim the expense? You need to keep a log for four weeks (good for three years) which is easy if you get an itemised bill, but a bit more involved if you use a pre-paid service.

These are just a couple of simple things that constantly confuse people, but as with all tax tips and advice, it is essential to understand that TAX RULES and REG UL ATIO NS change constantly. If in doubt, please seek professional advice.

Charisse Russell [CA, NTAA, BCom]

1/101 Mulgrave Road, Cairns QLD 4870 P: 07 3177 4120 M: 0417 634 193 E: crussell@entrepreneursaccountant.com.au Issue 18 |

57

Organising‌ PER FORMANCE RE VIEWS LAW JULIA N BROW N MacDonnells Law

W ith the end of the 2017 financial year only weeks away, many businesses will be turning their minds to undertaking annual performance reviews of their staff.

Performance reviews generally have two functions. On the one hand, it is a process of monitoring and assessment of employee contributions.

On the other hand it is also a process for the development, encouragement and motivation of employees.

Businesses should remember that the overall goal of performance management systems, including performance appraisals, is to lift the performance of an organisation in a sustained manner.

Although annual performance appraisals are an essential part of a performance management system, it should be remembered that it is only one part. Annual performance appraisals are not a substitute for ongoing employee feedback and interaction.

Indeed, if performance management for poor performance is required, it would be remiss of an employer to wait until an annual performance appraisal before

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raising issues with an employee.

high performance in your business.

For example, if it is necessary that staff interact well with customers for business performance, then this should be the focus of the performance standards.

There are various approaches to performance appraisals, ranging from an informal system which allows for immediacy, fl xibility and for costeffectiveness in small organisations.

Formal systems however are generally Secondly, the appraisal process should more objective, comprehensive, be both accurate and valid, predictable, but can become meaning that persons cumbersome, bureaucratic, undertaking the and difficult to adapt. It will appraisals should be the key to a good depend upon the nature of adequately trained perfo rmance your business, including in undertaking appraisal is the its size and available them, be adequately tw o-w ay ex change... resources, as to what prepared, act be twee n empl o ye r approach is appropriate. without bias, and and e mpl o yee. have reliable data at Regardless of methodology, their disposal. for performance appraisals to be effective, there generally Ultimately, the key needs to be two aspects which to a good performance should be implemented. appraisal is the two-way Firstly, employees should be provided exchange of information between When a set of clear performance standards employer and employee. which are established and discussed performance appraisals are undertaken with the employee at the outset of the with skill and empathy, it can be an performance period. The performance empowering experience for both parties standards should be in line with staff with mutual benefit to the employee and output and behaviour that encourage to your business.

cciq welcomes strong financial

link with experts at bdo SMALL B USI NESS AMY T UR NB ULL Regional Manager CCIQ

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) has joined forces with accounting, tax and advisory experts BDO to help small businesses with financial advi e.

CCIQ and BDO have successfully teamed up previously to provide support for SMEs in Cairns in a face to face format. This new statewide partnership continues these relationships, and galvanises the support further by offering a full suite of online services.

Eric Olufson, Managing Partner, BDO (NTH QLD ), looks forward to helping more Queensland businesses.

“Every business has its unique set of challenges and our focus is taking away some of the pressures on business owners to help them achieve both their lifestyle and business goals.”

Mr Olufson said.

“BDO ’s partnership with CCIQ can provide small to medium sized

businesses with access to a wealth of information and advice regardless of whether you are just starting out, looking to grow or getting ready to explore exit strategies.

industry to quickly decipher the upcoming State Budget and government policy announcements, in a way that’s relatable to small business owners.

More than 300 local businesses have accessed education/advice via the CCIQ-BDO link in Cairns already.

B uilding on from this, CCIQ are now providing a BDO is the ideal financial service for members partner as they’re a to easily access free major firm in a global o ur fo cus is taking consultations. network, who take away some of the great pride in their CCIQ’s “Experts on pressures o n localised grassroots Demand” will connect b usiness o w ners relationships.

Their all Queensland strong focus is on how businesses with support to aid the growth of in a range of specialist Queensland SMEs. areas, with BDO providing free consultations for advisory, BDO will provide three streams of advice and can help SMEs at any point accounting and taxation advice. of their life-cycle – start-ups, seeking To access this advice, or find out more, growth, or succession planning. simply email CCIQ Regional Manager CCIQ and BDO will be working with Amy Turnbull: aturnbull@cciq.com.au

“Our clients have, and continue to benefit from our partnership with CCIQ.”

Issue 18 |

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trave BRA MSTO N B EACH MOT EL

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Pack your flipflops &

NORTH QUEENSLAND’S BEST KEPT SECRET

BRING A GOOD BOOK! Bring your appetite and head to Bramston Beach Motel for some serious relaxation and recupera-tion... and we promise that you won’t be disappointed!

Drive just ten minutes off the Bruce Highway at Mirriwinni through canefields, banana plantations and rainforest - to a piece of tropical paradise named Bramston Beach.

The unspoilt beach here stretches for kilometres and you can swim all year round, courtesy of our local stinger net.

Towering native trees and palm trees grow in profusion right down to the sand on the beach.

IDYLLIC SETTING

Located amongst this idyllic setting is the Bramston Beach Motel and Bramstons Restaurant. Re-cently refurbished, the accommodation and restaurant is set amid superb tropical gardens – palm trees, frangipani, tropical orchids and a large variety of colourful plants.

With its uninterrupted beach front views, the Bramston Beach Motel features self-contained rooms, swimming pool, BB Q area, licensed bar and conference facilities for corporate and health retreats.

Bramston Beach Motel is also perfect for visitors seeking accommodation whilst visiting nearby Innisfail, Mission Beach and Babinda.

To get away from it all, for a weekend or a week, head to Bramston Beach Motel - just 10 minutes off the Bruce Highway from Mirriwinni.

BEACH FRONT VIEWS

B ramston R estaurant, R etreats and Events An affordable venue, and perfect for all your celebrations be it a wedding, birthday celebration, wake, anniversary, christening, hens night, girls night out, or even divorce! It’s perfect for any event!Because of its tranquil setting and location, it is in huge demand for Health and Wellbeing Retreats also. Guests are able to stay in our comfortable motel rooms, at an affordable package price. Bramstons Restaurant is open to the public. Head to Bramston Restaurant’s Facebook page for dates.

B ookings Website: www.bramstonbeachmotel.com.au Phone: (07) 4067 4139

BRAMSTON BEACH MOTEL North Queensland’s best kept secret, Bramston Beach is located on the Cassowary Coast, just 10 minutes from the Bruce Highway, a short drive North from Innisfail township, and an hour south of Cairns.

- Ideal haven for fishing, swimming & relaxing - A nature lovers paradise - Right on the beach - Climb Mt.Bartle Frere - View the amazing boulders in Babinda - Visit the Josephine falls CO-OWNER & HOSTESS DEBRA WILL MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU NEVER WANT TO LEAVE! Issue 18 |

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“

CONNOR IS A REAL TALENT AND A GREAT LIVE PERFORMER

“

Meet…

CONNOR REID One of Cairns’ up and coming singer-songwriters and guitarists, Connor Reid has spent the past few months making waves on the waterfront of South Kuta Beach, as he commenced a residency at the popular getaway, Bali Gardens Beach Resort.

Bali Gardens Beach Resort General Manager, Craig Biber, said his team welcomed Connor last week and already he is making a great impression with guests.

“Connor has been delighting audiences as he entertains them with live sets during the sunset hours at the hotel’s Boardwalk Restaurant and other assorted venues.”

“He is a real talent and a great live performer whose residency will greatly add to our visitor experience and overall enjoyment.”

After making his performance debut with band, The Ridge, on Cairns Esplanade stage in 2012, the former Cairns State High School student has racked up an extensive list

of live performances throughout Cairns and the Northern Beaches as well as residency gigs at Kewarra Beach Resort, Melbourne at the Lona Bar in St Kilda, and now Bali.

Connor cites playing support act for Bill Chambers on his tour last year as a career highlight, as well as participating in a number of high profi e song writing collaborations with Mondo Rock’s Eric McCusker and Melbourne based singer/ songwriter, Matt Bradford.

At the tender age of just 19, Connor’s passion has made for a prolific list of performing achievements while undertaking a Bachelor of Music at the Australian Institute of Music in Melbourne.

Connor boldly states that his goal is to travel the world, playing music and writing songs. As Connor returns to Cairns on June 1st, we agree that this emerging talent is certainly destined for great things.

RETURNING TO CAIRNS 1ST JUNE

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