TNQ Profile Magazine

February 2012

LEGENDS AT LUNCH mind the (generation) gap

bianca morgan a call to arms

a novotel palm cove mini-break

eco with elegance

lisa krause home-away-from-home steve cordenos keeping it real belinda west best in show

mystyle

romance is back

andrew griffiths the last word

suellen maunder

the world’s a stage

24 Suellen Maunder

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Lisa Krause

bianca morgan

features 12

view – home-away-from-home Lisa Krause

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people – a call to arms Bianca Morgan

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success – keeping it real Steve Cordenos

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inspire – best in show Belinda West

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legends at lunch – mind the (generation) gap Local legends discuss the great generational divide

24 cover – the world’s a stage Suellen Maunder 58

the last word Andrew Griffiths

a novotel palm cove mini-break on page 56

regulars

february 2012

4 publisher’s note

34 life

56 win

6 pinboard

40 travelfile

57 on the road

8 he says, she says

44 on the table

30 profile loves

46 abode

32 wedding feature

50 business

special features 28

cairns business women’s club feature

40

northern beaches feature

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his month, we are feeling the love over here in Profile Magazine-land. Yes, in the month dedicated to all things romance we are devoting this issue to the greatest feeling of all … love.

So what is there to love this month? Maybe instead I should ask, what is there not to love?

This issue we have fallen in love with the creative, talented CEO of JUTE Theatre Company, Suellen Maunder. I have had the pleasure of meeting this dynamic individual a number of times, and I’m always blown away by her passion for JUTE Theatre and the arts. We are proud to feature Suellen on our February cover and dedicate our cover story to JUTE’s incredible 20-year birthday. What an achievement! Suellen has been there since the beginning, not just as CEO but as a director, mentor and performer, often treading the boards herself.

We also profile a few amazing locals in stories you will love reading, starting with Lisa Krause, general manager of Rydges Plaza, who tells us about her love of people and the hospitality industry. We meet Bianca Morgan whose love for the Cassowary Coast was on display last year during Cyclone Yasi. Bianca spent almost a month assisting with the clean-up.

We catch up with lovable local Steve Cordenos who tells us how he would love nothing more than to find someone to share his passions for golf and fishing (ladies?) with, we meet Miss Show Girl Belinda West who is a passionate ambassador for the Cairns Show, and last but not least, Cairns author and well-known marketer Andrew Griffiths gives us his last word for the issue.

With a great Legends at Lunch article discussing the generational divide, a delicious recipe from macaroon master Adriano Zumbo and the chance to win a weekend away at the Novotel Palm Cove Resort, we’re certainly sharing the love around.

So off you go ... have a read and fall in love with this month’s issue of Profile Magazine.

follow us on twitter.com/profilemag visit us on facebook.com/profilemag watch us on youtube.com/user/profilemagazine

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GENINE HOWARD PUBLISHER / group MANAGING direcTOR

www.profilemag.com.au group managing director / publisher Genine Howard

group general manager / publisher Hamish Rose

group editor-in-chief / publisher Alli Grant

publication manager Coral Florian, 0419 483 183

account manager Jodie Sherman, 0477 642 424

sub editors Phyl Grant, Stacey Carrick

creative director Kara de Schot

graphic designer Johanna Jensen

profile writers Mia Lacy, Samantha Alexander, Sarah Sheehan, Bronwyn Webb

photography Stuart Frost, Carly Whouley

email Sales: tnqsales@profilemag.com.au Editorial: tnqeditorial@profilemag.com.au General: info@profilemag.com.au

call / fax (head office) 07 5451 0669 / 07 5475 4405

post (head office) PO Box 1065, Cotton Tree, QLD 4558

distribution 14,000 copies printed monthly.9,300 are home delivered and 4,700 copies are street delivered to high traffic areas such as high-end cafes, boutiques, hairdressers and professional offices across the TNQ region (from Cairns to Port Douglas), monthly, and online along with an eMAG to 6000 inboxes regularly.

subscriptions

www.profilemag.com.au/subscriptions, $65 + gst (12 issues)

accounts Katherine Allan – accounts@profilemag.com.au

Profile magazine is a free publication (subscriptions available) published 12 times a year by Brisbane Profile Publishing Group Pty Ltd. All rights are reserved and the contents are copyright and may not be reproduced without the written consent of The Publisher, Brisbane Profile Publishing Group Pty Ltd (“The Publisher”), their related companies and officers hereby disclaim, to the full extent permitted by law, all liability, damages, costs and expenses whatsoever arising from or in connection with copy information or other material in this magazine, any negligence of The Publisher, or any persons actions in reliance thereon. Any dispute or complaint regarding placed advertisements must be made within seven days of publication.

Inclusion of any copy must not be taken as any endorsement by The Publisher. Views expressed by contributors are personal views and they are not necessarily endorsed by The Publisher.

profilemag.com.au

february 2012

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with Jennifer Thompson A List Events International To register your event email jennifer@alistevents.com.au

3 february taipans v crocs

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valentine’s day It’s the month of love, so if you need an excuse to get out and explore the region, do it today, with the one you love.

See Cairns tackle Townsville in the National Basketball League action at the Cairns Convention Centre. www.nbl.com.au/taipans

6 february super supremes These three sultry sirens of soul will take you on a journey from Diana Ross to Destiny’s Child in this witty, fast-paced musical performance that satirises the inner workings of the girl group. www.cct.com.au

10 february - 8 april tim storrier photography

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Tim Storrier has forged one of the most successful, idiosyncratic careers in Australian art, and this is an exhibition of 30 of his photographs. The gallery will be showing the film Lighting Fires (1993), a reflection on Storrier’s art and his creative process. www.cairnsregionalgallery.com.au

10 february taipans v wildcats

cairn’s business women’s club lunch

Cairns takes on Perth in the National Basketball League action at the Cairns Convention Centre.

Join CBWC members and guests for the club’s first lunch of the year, sponsored by Sourthern Cross Austereo, at the Hilton Hotel - home of the CBWC. Tickets $48 for members and $61 for non-members.

www.nbl.com.au/taipans

www.cbwc.org.au

10 february to 8 april drifting in my own land This exhibition features retrospective and new works by Nalda Searles, who has become respected Australia-wide as an exemplary artist, teacher and mentor, bridging indigenous and non-indigenous art worlds. www.cairnsregionalgallery.com.au

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pinboard 18 february taipans v tigers See Cairns tackle Melbourne in the National Basketball League action at the Cairns Convention Centre. www.nbl.com.au/taipans

22 february cairns regional council meeting Cairns Regional Council’s ordinary meeting will be held at 10:00am at the Council Chambers in Spence Street. www.cairns.qld.gov.au

23 february the searchers Join The Searchers in their 50th anniversary concert tour. Of all the Merseyside bands making a name for themselves, The Searchers had a massive impact on the record charts starting with the 1963 hit Sweets For My Sweet. The Searchers continued to break records in concert and cabaret appearances in both the UK and Europe. www.cct.com.au

24 february to 1 april strangely familiar An exhibition of new work featuring Ricky Beresford in which the artist explores the notion of unconsciously motivated imagery. www.cairnsregionalgallery.com.au

26 february travel expo If you need inspiration for your next holiday, be sure to visit the Flight Centre’s Travel Expo at the Cairns Convention Centre from 10:00am to 3:00pm. www.travelexpo.net.au

next month 9 to 24 march ‘at sea, staring up’, jute theatre Commissioned by JUTE and penned by internationally-recognised playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer, At Sea, Staring Up promises to sweep audiences away on a journey that will take them to worlds that are both magical and real. Tickets are now on sale for the 20th anniversary production (priced between $18 and $30). www.jute.com.au or phone 4050 9444

february 2012

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ladies @ lilo Ladies @ Lilo will be held at Rydges Plaza and is based on Birch Carroll & Coyle’s successful Chicks at the Flicks concept, albeit the cocktail party version. The event will include prizes, giveaways and female-focused local products. www.lilowetbar.com.au

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NQ wedding and formal expo This popular wedding expo will run from 11:00am to 3:00pm, and will feature two spectacular fashion parades and the chance to win a five-star luxury honeymoon. Entry for the event, to be held at The Pier, is free. www.nqweddingexpo.com

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chamber meeting Join the Cairns Chamber of Commerce at its first monthly lunch meeting for 2012. Engage with members and local business. www.cairnschamber.com.au

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he says, she says

Hello … Valentine’s Day! A time for love and romance. But what defines romance by your standards? Is it fish’n’chips on the beach, a handwritten poem, a quick snog in the back seat of your panel van, or a dozen roses delivered to your door? This month Dave and Inkie from the ZINC FM Morning Zoo share their thoughts on what defines romance in their world.

he says

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ccording to my mate, Nugget, the definition of romance is sharing a Tropicana Pack with the person you love the most in a Torana SLR 5000 in the Red Rooster car park, followed by a quick ‘liaison’. [Ed’s note: Dave DID have something stupidly inappropriate and funny, but we were worried it may offend, just a little … feel free to add your own word in place of ‘liaison’. Be creative!] But don’t take his word for it, he’s been single for about a thousand years … wait a minute! That’s more like the definition of being lonely. And disturbed.

You’re not going to find Nugget’s definition in the dictionary and that’s my point; it’s completely subjective, so let’s go around the grounds and take a look at Romance 101, celebrity-style. Clearly for Shane Warne it’s dancing around some English slapper’s lounge room with a blow-up penis while wearing Playboy Bunny underpants. Noice! For Peter Andre and Jordan it’s riding towards the altar in a purple pumpkin coach. And there’s nothing more romantic for David Koch than quoting the ASX’s daily yield in French while filling out Libby’s tax return. Okay, I may have made that last one up.

Romance for many blokes is just another one of those fancy words that precede ‘getting lucky’. Like Porsche or Dom Perignon or jacuzzi or ‘I’m disgustingly rich’.

I’m probably the last person who should be trying to define romance, apart from say Homer Simpson, as I’ll admit, I’m not very well versed in it. But do try to avoid clichés or anything that’s too contrived. Sure, candles are nice, if you’re holding a séance or having wax removed from your ear. It’s the little things that come spontaneously from your heart that you would never have thought of doing for anyone else that define the romance in our relationships.

The little things that make the ones we love feel truly loved and special.

Romantic gift tip: Don’t ever buy your wife a PlayStation for Valentine’s Day, they’re hard and they hurt.

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ZINC’S d

in ave and

kie

She says

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s I stare through the luminous coral and marine life in a tank lighting up the room, wearing my heavenly white wings, I lock eyes with a striking boy dressed in gladiator-style silver armour through the glass of the tank. My heart starts to beat faster, feels like I have 100 butterflies trapped inside trying to get out. Could this never-before-loved angel have met her knight in shining armour? As I turn my face away from the tank I glance over to the masquerade ball band serenading the room, singing Kissing You. I feel a gentle hand glide through my fingers, my body goes numb with anticipation, then I hear a hot and seductive whisper.

“If I profane with my unworthiest hand. This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this: My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand. To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.”

Translation from Shakespeare’s 1500’s lingo into 2012 speak ... he wants to kiss her! Or if I had to text it I’d say, ‘OMG u+me=hooks? ROFL’ (roll on floor laughing).

Okay so confession time, I’ve taken this straight from Baz Luhrmann’s brilliant 1996 Romeo and Juliet movie, where two star-crossed lovers end up dying together for love. But isn’t this the most romantic story ever? Is this what defines romance? Well if your answer is ‘no’, I’ll have to head back to the books or the app on the iPhone to find out what defines romance. Off I go.

According to the Oxford dictionary, the definition of romance is: ‘A romantic spirit, sentiment, emotion, or desire’. But here’s a tip from me ... don’t open a book to find romance, open your vulnerable, delicate heart!

So whether you think romance is a plot out of a movie, writing a little note in the fog on the bathroom mirror, giving your partner the remote for the TV for a night, or getting down on one knee to pop the question, make sure every once and a while you make that special someone in your life feel loved – that’s romance.

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february 2012

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AU D I C E N T R E CA I R N S

ll photography stuart frost

Audi drivers choose prestige as a way of life. These luxurious cars are far more than just a mode of transport. Each month we meet the refined TNQ drivers behind the dashboard. We learn more about their personal and professional lives and hear how the Audi perfectly suits their day-to-day lives. This month, the Audi Centre Cairns welcomes Russell and Jenine Drayton.

with Russell and Jenine Dray ton

Russell and jenine drive an Audi Q5 3.0 TDI QUATRO S-TRON

LET’S MEET RUSSELL AND JENINE …

PAUL’S REVIEW ...

Russell and Jenine are the proprietors of BIG4 Cairns Crystal Cascades Holiday Park , which they purchased in 1995. Since then they have been hard at work developing the park, with camping sites and various styles of accommodation available, all offering spectacular views of the rainforest mountains. In 2011, Russell and Jenine were crowned BIG4’s best performing park with the highest Net Promoter Score of 86. They enjoy living in Cairns with their three adult children although they admit that they do love a good holiday. The couple currently drives an Audi Q5 3l TDI … and they love it.

From one to 10 (10 being the highest), individually rate your car ...

We earned our way to the top in business by?

Sheer hard work and determination, being innovators, continual education and staying true to our market and natural environment.

My car’s best interior gadget?

The seat settings are set just for me, so after the kids have been driving it all I have to do is press 1 and the seat is back in position … just for me. Nice!

My favourite exterior asset of the car?

The 21 inch wheels – makes getting in and out a breeze.

The vehicle I learnt to drive in was?

A Cortina, and a Datsun … now that’s showing our ages here!

My garage also houses … a Haines Patriot boat.

Being behind the wheel makes me feel … relaxed. It’s beautiful to drive.

The stretch of worldwide road I would choose to drive my car on is … along the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas … spectacular. In the States, Route 66 and in Canada, The Rockies … breathtaking!

My car and I are similar because?

For Jenine it’s red (i.e. she’s fast!). For Russ it’s sleek – no-fuss design.

Safety: 10. Yes I feel very safe – handles the road beautifully Value: 9 Design: 9. Can’t give it 10 as the next model will probably be better again ...

Technology: 10. Brilliant.

Practicality: 9.

Fuel economy: 10 and getting better as the motor frees up Driveability: Can we put 11 in here? Sensational Resale: No way, it’s not for sale. Not giving it up sorry!

RUSSEL AND JENINE’S CAR Safety: Six airbags including SIDEGUARD, Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) with roof rack detection and off-road functions incorporating ABS, Electronic Differntial Lock, (EDL), Electronic brake force distribution (EBD), Traction Control and Brake Assist, Electromechanical parking brake and Servotronic speed sensitive steering Standard equipment highlights: Wheels/ tyres” 18” 10-spoke V design with 235/60 tyres, Audi parking system rear, Auto dimming rear view mirror with the light & rain sensor, Comfort key, full keyless entry and start, Electric front drivers seat, Inlays, in walnut brown, Interior lighting package, Multifunction 3-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles, Milano leather upholstery, Mobile phone preparation with Bluetooth function, Rear bench seat plus, Symphony radio with integrated 6-disc CD changer, Three-zone automatic air conditioning Options fitted: Metallic Paint, S-line exterior package, xenon plus headlights, ami-mp3 player, electric seats with memory, electronic boot opening, audi parking system front and rear Cost: Drive Away $98,515

AU D I C E N T R E CA I R N S

being behind the wheel makes me feel ... rela xed. It’s beautiful to drive.

RUSSELl AND JENINE WITH THEIR AUDI q5

www.audicentrecairns.com.au

Audi Centre Cairns 303-309 Mulgrave Rd Phone 07 4046 6322

view

LISA KRAUSE

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words stacey carrick ll photography carly whouley

love pleasing people. I find working in the customer service industry extremely rewarding, particularly when I see the smile on someone’s face when I successfully cater to his or her heart’s desire. Although my career has always been journalism, I have to admit to moonlighting in the tourism and hospitality industry. I can remember watching The Concierge.

I remember wanting to be just like Michael’s character, Doug Ireland, who stated: “I’m a genie in a suit, just rub me and make a wish”. Doug would do anything to please his guests. “Nothing’s impossible. Impossible just takes a couple of extra phone calls.” I have to admire the general manager of Rydges Plaza, Lisa Krause, for following her passion into the tourism and hospitality industry. Lisa was so passionate about the industry that she “forgot” to return to her medical technology degree at university, much to her mother’s horror.

“I was lured by the hospitality industry and its associated ‘funness’,” she says.

Her career began in her home state of Western Australia when she landed a job opportunity with the innovative and forward-thinking Matilda Bay Brewing Company that lasted 10 years. “My general manager must have seen something in me,” she says. “I was reckless and headstrong but he tamed the beast and channelled my energy in the right direction.” Next Lisa took on a role as duty manager for the Brass Monkey Hotel, before a promotion saw her become general manager of the refurbished Como Hotel in South Perth in 1994. She was at the helm of this 1930s retro-style hotel for four years and was instrumental in building the business’s success. “This was definitely one of the highlights of my career to date,” she says. “The Como had an offbeat personality and street cred vibe and also won the coveted Best Bistro and Bar award with West Australian Hotels Association.” After finishing at the Como, Lisa embarked upon a year of overseas travel, using the UK as her base.

She spent six months in the Greek Islands, had a stint in Ireland, which she describes as “too cold, but colourful people”, and spent time in the Canary Islands, where she and her friend made a living spruiking henna tattoos and tooth crystals.

Lisa returned to Australia in 1999 to be part of the start-up team for Northbridge’s Grape Wine Bar. The following year she was appointed general manager of Sydney’s upmarket Amber Lounge Bar and Restaurant. She began her career with Rydges in 2002, when she enjoyed four years as general manager of its hugely popular and successful Pier 26 in Cockle Bay that won the New South Wales Australian Hotels Association’s Best Bar Service and Presentation for two consecutive years.

“Working for Rydges at this fantastic property was so rewarding and enjoyable.

The biggest asset at Pier 26 was the team; we created a really special culture.” Lisa’s talent as a hospitality manager has been realised in Tropical 12

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RYDGES PLAZA GENERAL MANAGER LISA KRAUSE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT THE TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. STACEY CARRICK CHATS TO LISA ABOUT HER CAREER PATH AND HER LOVE OF PEOPLE.

North Queensland since 2006, where she was assistant manager then general manager of Green Island Resort. “I have fond memories of this 46 room resort and popular tourist destination. I am very thankful to Quicksilver for giving me such a huge opportunity,” she says.

Although Lisa describes Green Island as “beautiful and amazing”, the early days were fraught with their fair share of challenges. She had only been on the island three weeks when Cyclone Larry hit. “I’d never seen a cyclone in my life and within just a few weeks of living here there we were, co-ordinating staff and guest evacuations. There were quite a few challenges; there was never a dull moment.”

Lisa returned to her career with Rydges Hotels and Resorts when she was appointed general manager of Rydges Plaza in April last year. “It’s good to be back on the mainland,” Lisa says. “I work with and for a great bunch of people. Rydges Plaza has attitude and a quirky personality. It likes to think outside the box. It’s a corporate / leisure market but it has a retro / old-school glamour and the bar gives it a really cool element.”

Lisa says Rydges Plaza has become a fly-in-fly-out base, with a significant number of regular guests.

“It becomes a home-away-from-home,” she says. “It’s important to be friendly and welcoming, then guests will always feel at home. It’s always about the people. I always want to do better, to please people and to make them feel good. Customer and staff needs are ever-changing, you have to try to understand what they want, and be ready to jump quick. You have to put other people first, see things from their point of view, walk in their shoes and treat them how you would like to be treated. You have to stay true to your product and trust in it. I am proud to be working for a wholly Australian owned business that looks after me; I’m a very loyal employee.”

Lisa is also proud to be living and working in Tropical North Queensland, and loves showing off her town to visitors. “I feel like I’m always on holidays,” she says. “I love the climate, the beautiful mountains and the small-town feel. I love playing tourist – going to the reef, Kuranda, Port Douglas and the Daintree.”

When I ask Lisa her favourite attraction in Tropical North Queensland, she says it’s a toss-up between a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and a visit to the reef in a helicopter. After experiencing both, I must admit, it is hard to decide. We certainly do have the best of both worlds in Tropical North Queensland; the reef and the rainforest. And Lisa certainly loves her world – a hotel that is her home-away-from-home.

Rydges Plaza’s Lilo Bar will be the setting for the inaugural Ladies @ Lilo event on February 15. This glamorous event will feature cocktails, fashion parades, giveaways and female-focused products. profilemag.com.au

business promotion

Paul Marshall and Miranda Foster

meet ...

Miranda Foster How long have you lived in Cairns?

Four years.

What is your role at MacDonnells?

I am an Associate in the MacDonnells Law commercial department, specialising in retail, commercial and industrial leasing, property acquisitions, sales and advice; and commercial transactions of all natures.

What inspired you to study / practise law?

An interest in property.

What would you say is the main difference between MacDonnells Law and other firms?

Exceptional and timely service delivery. We have a large and diverse team who can handle legal issues of any size and nature.

What is your business ethos / motto?

Ensure our clients’ legal needs are met on each occasion we are engaged – being that our work is high quality and timely, and that we are communicative with our clients.

How would your friends describe you?

Friendly, driven and enthusiastic.

How would your boss describe you?

Intuitive, focused and diligent.

What is the best thing about living in Cairns?

Living permanently in a tropical holiday destination.

There’s no finer compliment for a Cairns-based business than to have a national company engage its services. Frankly, it’s the ultimate goal for any regional company as it puts them on a level playing field with the big metropolitan businesses. A feather in their cap, so to speak.

… having relocated from Sydney and chosen to live in Cairns seven years ago. With the challenges faced by Cairns over the past few years, I have been consciously moving Christie’s national business providers to be based in Cairns wherever this is possible.

So when MacDonnells Law was retained by Christie Offices on a national basis, it was quite the coup for the local firm. Christie Offices provides serviced offices, meeting and training rooms together with a range of support services. Locally, Christie Offices own and operate the Bolands Centre. Nationwide, Christie Offices owns five high rise office buildings in the CBDs of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne – quite the national presence.

“So, after returning from Camp Eden, Luckbir Singh from MacDonnells Law contacted me for a coffee; as you know coffee is a great way to do business in Cairns. Over a few meetings both at Bolands and MacDonnells Law offices, where I met Miranda Foster and the team, I decided to consolidate our Christie legal services at MacDonnells Law in Cairns,” Paul added. Paul has been thrilled with the high level of service provided to the Christie Offices business by Miranda and her team. “Having run one of Christie’s previous businesses, which was a publicly listed company, I have had years of experience working with some of the largest ‘name’ law firms in Sydney and Melbourne. Looking back at those dealings, I am hugely impressed with Miranda’s professional abilities and I feel totally comfortable as a client of hers.

This month, we catch up with Paul Marshall from Christie Offices to find out more about their successful relationship with MacDonnells Law. “MacDonnells Law provides the full range of legal services to Christie … with the emphasis in Cairns on the retail leasing of the Bolands Centre. MacDonnells has the size and capability to provide any additional services required,” Paul explained. “Christie also owns and operates one of Australia’s leading health retreats known as Camp Eden, which is located 20 minutes from the Gold Coast. While staying there one time I struck up a conversation with another local Cairns resident … who mentioned that she happened to work for MacDonnells Law … the conversation eventually drifted to who Christie used for legal work around Australia.” Paul quickly realised that it didn’t make much sense for Christie to use a range of different legal firms in each state for different legal matters.

“I am a great fan and believer in the future of Cairns

“Miranda is also accessible for immediate advice, and being in Cairns, face-to-face contact is so easy … I feel with the move to MacDonnells Law that I have achieved my goal of bringing more business income into Cairns.”

A noble endeavour indeed and one that should be applauded.

people

It was so traumatic.

There were no leaves on the trees when you pulled up. The memory of the rain and the smell and the mosquitoes still give me goosebumps now. It was so devastating.”

words sarah sheehan ll photography carly whouley

FEBRUARY 3 marks one year since WE SURVIVED THE FEROCITY OF CYCLONE YASI. PROFILE’S SARAH SHEEHAN TALKS TO THE BRANCH MANAGER OF IPA, BIANCA MORGAN, WHO WENT BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY TO HELP THE CASSOWARY COAST RECOVER.

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ropical North Queensland captured the world’s attention last year, when a monster called Yasi dwarfed our region on the satellite maps on our TV sets. The sheer size of the storm made the international community nervous as it looked like it was impossible for any of us in Tropical North Queensland to avoid its path. It has been 12 months.

Cairns was spared that night, with some minor damage and disruption.

Only two hours south though, our neighbours on the Cassowary Coast had endured one of the most terrifying experiences of their lives. At the time, I didn’t really understand the extent of the damage and the trauma, until I was posted to open a Community Recovery Centre in Cardwell a few days later.

As my bus passed Innisfail, entire banana crops had been flattened like fields of fallen toy soldiers. I then entered Tully – a war zone. Army camps

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bianca morgan

and trucks filled the showgrounds. Bark had been stripped from trees. What was once dense rainforest now looked like it had been hit by a nuclear bomb.

Like a child in a sandpit, Yasi had picked up Cardwell’s beach and deposited it over the Bruce Highway. Residents of the Cassowary Coast had not only lost their homes; they had lost their environment.

One story I can’t erase from my memory was from a colleague who witnessed a man return to his home in Tully after fleeing the town during the cyclone. My friend watched the man pull up in his driveway and get out of his car to find his home reduced to rubble. The man fell to his knees and, in shock, vomited.

Branch manager of recruitment company IPA and long-time Cairns local Bianca Morgan witnessed similar things. profilemag.com.au

february 2012

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24411ARJ

“It was so traumatic. There were no leaves on the trees when you pulled up. The memory of the rain and the smell and the mosquitoes still give me goosebumps now. It was so devastating.”

Bianca’s petite frame carries a giant heart. She travelled to the Cassowary Coast for nearly a month straight without a break and without weekends, after a call for help to organise the placement, training and deployment of more than 300 workers to clean up the Cassowary Coast. Her work days were often 18 hours in length.

At that point in time, the Cassowary Coast had no electricity or phone connection. With limited resources, she pulled a team together, which included her sister, and headed south to help the Cassowary Coast Council find enough hands to clean up the region.

“We would leave Cairns at three or four in the morning, to go down to Innisfail, Cardwell and Tully. I would then get home at 9:00pm and start calling candidates to tell them they would be starting work the next morning.”

Without electricity and the resources of a normal, functioning office, Bianca and her team relied on a lot of good faith to quickly organise emergency crews of labourers, traffic controllers, chainsaw operators and call centre staff.

“We couldn’t photocopy things, and people couldn’t print off resumes. We had to trust what people were saying. We managed with the bare minimum and did what we had to do.”

Bianca and her team were faced with desperate applicants who had not only lost work due to the cyclone, but they had lost their houses and did not have insurance. These people were not always physically and mentally ready to begin work.

“The people in Innisfail were not as hard hit, so they were ready to work.

The people of Tully Heads and Cardwell were so shell-shocked they did not know what to do. They would want to work, but they also had to clean up their own properties.”

Bianca admits she survived on a diet of energy drinks, red frogs and chocolate. Her passion to assist her neighbouring communities and the adrenalin keeping her upright helped her to continue working 18 hours, day after day. Bianca tells me she would leave the comforts of her Cairns office to do it all again without hesitation.

“In a heartbeat. I would not think twice. Even though the devastation was tremendous, it was chaotic, and the hours were long, the feeling of being able to give back to the community and make a difference made it all worthwhile.

“Seeing people’s faces, or hearing their voice when you rang them to tell them they had a job, kept me driven. It is a selfish feeling, but it is an amazing feeling knowing that a person is struggling and you have helped them.”

Bianca realises that many of the people she was meeting were left with little more than the clothing on their backs. She somehow found the time to co-ordinate the donation of clothing, toiletries, bottled water, lollies and toys, and gave these to medical centres and recovery centres in Tully and Cardwell.

Bianca’s face fills with pride when I ask her about her staff.

“I was so proud of my team. Not once did they whinge or complain. They worked long hours like myself. We all just stuck together. It really proved to me that I have a great team. We are just so lucky.”

Bianca was awarded Branch Manager of the Year last year at the national IPA awards for going ‘above and beyond’, and her Cairns branch was awarded Branch of the Year from 24 branches.

Despite giving up her own life for a month to lend a hand, Bianca still doesn’t believe she did anything extraordinary.

“They told me I had gone above and beyond, but I didn’t think I did. That’s just who I am, and I would have done that for anyone.”

The chance of cyclones crossing our coast are ever present in our region, but we can take solace and comfort knowing that there are people like Bianca and her staff to do the heavy lifting in those desperate times.

I witnessed first-hand the devastation dealt to the Cassowary Coast community, and wondered how they would ever return to normality. Now, one year on, things are returning to normal, and these Tropical North Queensland towns that we call home are coming back bigger – better and stronger.

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success

Before that I had hardly picked up a golf club. Now I can’t get enough of it. I play a couple of times a week.”

words bronwyn webb ll photography carly whouley

The real estate game is a tough one – peaks and troughs, highs and lows. But for local real estate agent Steve Cordenos, success isn’t necessarily just about money. As Bronwyn Webb discovers, this local agent balances life in the property industry with his other passions – fishing and golf, and would love nothing more than to find someone to share it all with.

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turn off the Captain Cook Highway into Paradise Palms, my shoulders tense. Yes, I am surrounded by stunning vistas but I cannot get past the thought that this is ... a golf course. You see, I am a ‘golf widow’ and I am about to enter enemy territory, and worse still, listen to yet another man tell me how great the game is and how much passion he has for the sport.

As I walk into the real estate sales office of Steve Cordenos the first thing I notice is his golf clubs leaning up against a cupboard and a glove strewn haphazardly beside them. But with a latte in hand, I sit down to learn that golf is just one of Steve’s many and varied loves, which include everything from spear fishing to travelling the world, his parents and of course, his work.

One of the first things you notice about Steve is his vivacity and drive. The confident 46-year-old knows what he wants and he is not afraid to go out and get it. And if you ask him for advice on how to succeed in life and work (a word he hates as he believes too many people judge success on wealth) he will tell you all you need to do is take the steps to make the changes you’ve been thinking about.

“To succeed is important but it doesn’t have to be an abundant, endless pit of money. What does success mean? Success can be the simplest of things, everyone is so different. I have worked hard all my life so I suppose success for me firstly is my clients’ respect, secondly is the ability to have a comfortable life and have sufficient funds for retirement so you have the ability to make lifestyle choices.

“And if you want to achieve success it’s pretty simple. Set the things in place to do it. The secret is actually doing it because that is what will change your life. Most people have the ideas in their mind but actually making the changes stops them from forging ahead in life. How many times have we heard ‘I hate my job’ and that same person won’t do a thing about it?”

Steve has been in the real estate game for 22 years. He has seen the market at its peaks and lows and says despite the current economic climate, Cairns has a bright future and will see boom times again.

“We live in one of the best places in the world

february 2012

success and I often think properties here should be four times what they are and one day I think they will be. It might take a few years but Cairns will bounce back. I tell everyone to buy real estate now because whatever you buy now you will make $100,000 in the very near future. It’s a fantastic opportunity to capitalise on a downturn market and make it a profitable venture.”

Since the tender age of 23, the award-winning agent – who won the Real Estate Institute of Queensland Best Salesperson of the Year award for three years in a row from 2004 to 2006 – has been his own boss, working as a contractor to real estate agencies. While he admits it was tough going in the early days, his honesty and trustworthy nature quickly earned him a swag of awards and a favourable reputation in the industry among buyers and sellers.

He dubs his move to Paradise Palms six years ago to work as project sales manager as the biggest decision of his life and a move that has helped him to reach an astonishing sales figure of about $500 million – a figure few Australian real estate salespeople could only dream of reaching.

“I had a large share of the market specialising in selling apartments on the waterfront and CBD. But I was ready for a new challenge in life. It was a pretty hard decision to make but this came along at the right time.”

It was at this time he discovered a passion for golf, which is hardly surprising given the stunning views of immaculate greens visible through the massive windows of his office.

“Before that I had hardly picked up a golf club.

Now I can’t get enough of it. I play a couple of times a week.”

Being on a 10 handicap, Steve is a serious player, but he explains that his ability outweighs his ambitions.

Golf is not Steve’s only addiction. His passion is the water; he owns two boats – one for reef fishing and another for estuary fishing with his dad. He is into renovating homes, loves to cook and travels not only for work, but also pops overseas to various destinations – mostly those with renowned golf courses – up to four times a year. He admits his frequent travel is probably his way of making up for not taking a holiday during the first 16 years

of his career.

Steve is no stranger on the Tablelands where he grew up; making regular visits to visit his parents at the family home in Mareeba. And if that isn’t enough, Steve also offers his services as a general real estate agent in Cairns and is currently working with the developer of the Riverlands Park subdivision in Mareeba.

From the outside looking in, Steve appears to have it all – he has gone from being a service station attendant in his parents’ business to living an exciting lifestyle playing golf with the stars (he was about to have a round with Johnathan Thurston). But he is still a down-to-earth person with simple hopes and dreams.

Steve’s immediate goals are to build some villas in Bali where he loves spending time and he’d like to own another business totally separate from real estate for a new challenge.

He also hopes one day to be lucky in love.

“I have never been married and I have no kids. It is just one of those things in life. Basically, I haven’t met the right person, hey maybe she’s out there. My mum worries that I’ll be alone but I told her not to worry because when I get old I will be hanging out with the ladies at bingo.”

I question how he would fit a relationship into his hectic lifestyle.

“If you met the right person you would make the time.” Though cheekily he admits there are a few things he’d have to give up ... golf, fishing, gym and travelling.

Steve remains extremely close to his family and credits his mum and dad for instilling in him his passion for life and his hardworking, down-toearth attitude.

“I love my parents to death and my sister is my best friend. My mum and dad were migrants, coming to Australia at 21 and 19. They had to settle, learn English and Australian culture without any help. I am so proud of them. What I have achieved in life is nothing compared to what my mum and dad have achieved.”

There is no doubt his parents contributed to his successful career, along with a great deal of dedication and determination, proving you can accomplish anything if you take the right steps to achieve your goals.

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inspire

words alli grant ll photography antoinette mitchell

Who doesn’t love a show? Alli Grant certainly does. She caught up with Belinda West, the current Cairns Miss Show Girl 2011, and discovered a little more about the Miss Show Girl tradition.

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hen I was a little girl, I lived for our local show. I saved my pocket money for months and carefully planned every purchase. Every ride. Every show bag. I loved the animals, the fairy floss, the chairlift. I loved the displays, the shows, the performances. And I can’t wait until my son is old enough to truly appreciate the wholesomeness of a good show.

Belinda West is a show girl, pure and simple.

Like me, Belinda lives for the thrill of a good, old fashioned country show. After showing dogs for 12 years, this 22-year-old decided it was time to up the ante and throw her support behind the local Cairns Show. “I decided to get involved in agricultural shows after showing dogs for so long – I have been to most of the shows throughout Queensland. Last year I decided to enter the Miss Show Girl competition.”

A newcomer to Cairns, Belinda thought that entering the quest was a good way to meet new people, and also to help dispel the myth that the Miss Show Girl competition is merely a beauty quest. “Some young women think it’s about beauty, which it’s not, and they think it’s uncool.

I decided to use it as a way to make new friends.”

In fact, the Cairns Show Association notes that judges look for girls who have an engaging personality, charm and a strong sense of community spirit. Belinda won and became the ambassador for the Cairns Show.

“I was shocked but excited when I won. I had wanted to do Miss Show Girl for a long time.

Cairns has the biggest regional show in the state.

It’s great that a tourist town can still produce something totally community-based. I was really proud to win.”

The highlight of the year for Belinda was heading to the state finals in Brisbane, after successfully representing Cairns in the North Queensland final.

“The best part of the experience was being able to represent Cairns at the state finals – none of their previous Cairns finalists had agricultural experience. I really learnt a lot on the etiquette front too.

“I’m definitely a more confident person thanks to the awards, and I have met so many amazing people,” she explains.

Belinda is clearly a focused young woman – an 18

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achiever in all areas of her life. “I am currently studying a bachelor of occupational health and safety, majoring in HR management.”

At the time of our interview, Belinda was completing a stint as a vacation student for Thiess in New South Wales.

As ambassador for the show, Belinda will definitely be home in time for the start of the Miss Show Girl 2012 campaign. Nominations are already open for the 2012 awards.

“I’m really looking forward to handing [the title] over to someone who is as passionate about it as I am, and who wants to use their title to help agricultural shows continue to thrive. That’s really important.

“I hope to get more heavily involved in educating and helping the nominated girls to better

understand the quest. I also hope to change the process a little so the girls can get more judging experience before the state finals, to make it a little easier,” Belinda explains.

And what would she say to young ladies considering entering Miss Show Girl this year?

“It’s not a beauty contest. It’s a really great experience that builds confidence, especially good for someone who is shy.”

With an attitude like that, it’s no wonder Belinda was named best in show, for all the right reasons.

Nominations for the 2012 Cairns Miss Showgirl are open now. For more information visit www.cairnsshow.com.au. profilemag.com.au

february 2012

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legends at lunch

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“The conversations I have with my children and the level of communication we have is far different than what I had with my parents.”

Linda Cooper

1. Mike (locco) O’loughlin 2. wink II dessert 3. gavin king 4. double baked souffle 5. linda cooper

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legends at lunch

words mia lacy ll photography coral florian ll venue wink II, cairns

There’s a battle looming … the battle of the generations. Gen Y, Gen X, the Baby Boomers, Gen Z … do they all live up to their stereotyping? Are the differences as extreme as we make out? This month, Mia Lacy meets with a few local legends to explore the great divide … mind the (generation) gap!

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think that to define a generation gap, you first need to agree on what defines a generation. To me, it’s about 14 years.

That’s a generation – when they can start reproducing and creating another set, if you like, that’s the Next Gen. Having quantified them, let’s set about qualifying them.

There’s the acknowledged Baby Boomers from 1946 to 1964. Those publicity hogs who get all the attention, are the biggest sector of the populace and have loads of spending power, apparently.

Then everyone’s heard of Gen X (did you know they were also called the Baby Busters?) born from the mid ‘60s through the early ‘80s.

Next, there’s Gen Y, or the ‘80s babies, taking us through to around 1994. And Gen Z, or the Internet Generation, born between 1994 and 2008 who have never known a time before everything that apparently matters happened online.

Does technology define a generation gap, or do values and social mores? And, as I suspect, does technology shape a generation’s values and mores? There’s no getting away from technology in any discussion about generation gaps. Great Grandad had trouble using a tape recorder – today’s grandparents are expected to have and wield a Wii! Our lunching legends have no such qualms and quickly work out they are all representative of differing generations.

There’s Mike ‘Locco’ O’Loughlin, a Baby Boomer who shares breakfast every day with people of all generations as the brekky host on 4CA, councillor Linda Cooper, a Gen Xer who successfully crossed from media into local government, and there’s Gavin King, a former newspaperman who is hoping to also successfully transit as the LNP candidate for Cairns. I ask Gav what generation he is and he considers before declaring himself “on the cusp”. Locco chimes in quickly – “he’s on the fence; so he can connect with both generations!”. The three of them continue the banter among themselves – it’s quick and thick – and the realisation dawns on me that I am interviewing three trained journalists. Locco’s got the Wink II menu and is on a roll, having spied something called lamb scrumpet. “I remember what a strumpet was in my generation, but what’s this?” he quips. I suggest he orders it! Let’s go!

february 2012

profile: Is there really a generation gap? linda: Yes, but less than what there used to be.

The conversations I have with my children and the level of communication we have is far different than what I had with my parents. I don’t think the generation gap now is anything like it used to be. gavin: There’s definitely a gen gap. I’ve just come back from a music concert and the 14-year-olds I saw there remind me there is! There’s a gap between the generation before me – I’m 32 – and the one coming after, and I think it’s extreme. locco: There absolutely is a gen gap. I agree with Linda that it’s less than it has been in the past. I’m a Baby Boomer, and I had to learn the internet.

There’s a generation now – they’re even called The Internet Generation – that have never known anything else. Texting is second nature – they even do it in a car and don’t believe it’s illegal!

I’ve also heard my generation, the Boomers, are the most frequent purchasers of computers and IT because they want to use it to keep in touch with their grandkids! profile: Do we stereotype each generation? What are they? gavin: I’m in my early 30s so I’m closer to the teenage generation than the rest of you but I admit that I stereotype a 15-year-old with a certain image. I’d say we do, but I also think behind the scenes those stereotypes are being broken down. linda: Yes! Because I arrived and asked Locco what generation he was and then I joked that put him in the ‘Grumpy Old Man’ bracket. locco: There you are! I don’t feel like a grumpy old man! Yes, we did but it’s not as visible or verbal as it was and I think it stopped at Gen X and we’ve passed it – I really believe the gen gap is ending. linda: I’ve been responsible for recruiting staff many times in my career and I know Gen Y or the ‘me’ generation were an issue to employ because they would set the criteria and say things like ‘this is what I’m looking for and if you can’t deliver, I’m going elsewhere!’ That was an attitude that typified their generation, and they were stereotyped accordingly. gavin: Here’s an example that struck me – when I went in for pre-selection, I was specifically told by an older lady, ‘Whatever you do, make sure your shoes are shined’. I thought ‘who cares, I’m giving

a speech,’ and she said, “Just do it”. As I walked into the room, the older people in the audience actually looked at and checked out my shoes! locco: Just as well your fly wasn’t undone! profile: What technology is relevant to each gen?

What was the dominant piece of technology when you were growing up? linda: I was very proficient with a typewriter and I always found it hard to slap the screen when I started with a PC! No, in fact bizarrely for me, because I grew up in a rural area I remember compressed gear changes making an impression.

Farm machinery overrode household technology because that was our priority. gavin: The crossover of technology hit home last week when an old school friend sent me a Facebook message digging up our 1996 website school project. It’s still archived – it struck me we were reminiscing on Facebook about our first foray into the internet! locco: My first time in management was in radio in Geelong and they said ‘we have this new technology’ – and they brought me out something in a bag. It was a mobile phone – a car battery-sized job! linda: Did you have to wind it up manually? locco: We thought we were the bee’s knees – we had a ‘mobile phone’. Now, I have a smart phone, an iPad, two laptops and I’m in an iCloud – go figure! profile: What technology are your kids into? locco: For my daughter who’s in marketing in London, absolutely everything, and Skype is second nature. My son, who’s a breakfast announcer on the Sunny Coast, is Gen Me, is technologically amazing and he’s taught me heaps. gavin: My 18-month-old daughter loves to use my iPhone – we have downloaded a drawing application on to it so she can use that. linda: My 13 and 16-year-olds have grown up with the biggest advances in technology, but what struck me recently was the difference in doing school assignments. My son had an English assignment to do a radio segment, and he did it entirely in GarageBand – the backing tracks, interviews, the entire eight-minute segment was edited and produced in the application. profilemagazine

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legends at lunch WINK II Restaurant & Wine Bar, CAIRNS Overlooking the Esplanade, pool, park and the passing parade, Wink II Restaurant & Wine Bar is on the first floor of the Mantra Esplanade. It can also be likened to ascending to another level of dining.

Local legends gather to discuss the great generational divide.

“If you’re a parent, Facebook is scarily real ‘cause you’ll see things on there you don’t want to remember.”

Mike ‘Locco’ O’Loughlin

profile: Are you friends with your children on Facebook? linda: I’m friends with them but they aren’t friends with me! profile: Er, how? linda: You can direct who sees your content so I don’t seem to get all their information.

Currently my eldest has canned Facebook, and my youngest tends to use it on school holidays more to stay in touch with his mates. locco: My son yes – in fact I’m on there but he’s barred Mum! My daughter recently moved off Facebook. If you’re a parent, Facebook is scarily real ‘cause you’ll see things on there you don’t want to remember. Like in the middle of a private school class when they aren’t supposed to be on Facebook – they are! gavin: My parents aren’t on Facebook and that’s what I mean by the gen gap – it still exists for a lot of people. linda: I have a lot of friends who are in fact my son’s friends and I think sometimes they forget I see everything they post – but probably not after this interview, though! profile: What about relationships across generations – are they doomed to fail because of the differences? locco: I’m in one – I have a younger bride. It’s all about how young you both act and how mature 22

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you are. If you keep it spirited and never get bored with each other, it’ll work. gavin: No, because there are old souls and young souls and it’s all about what’s inside. locco: Demi – answer my letters and put on weight! linda: It’s not the age, it’s the mentality – I’ve heard people say it doesn’t matter how old the man is, look at him as a 14-year-old and that’s what you are going to get regardless! gavin: So we don’t actually mature beyond a 14-year-old? linda: I’m not the therapist, but that’s what I’ve been told. It’s like when we’re leaving the house and I say to the boys, ‘Have you done this, have you done that?’ and they go, ‘Mum why are you even asking, of course I have’ and the one time you don’t ask them when you’re driving off, they’ll say, ‘Mum! Why didn’t you remind me?’. profile: Oh, and what makes you guys ‘legends’ – may we know? gavin : Someone who can get a word in between Locco and Linda – that qualifies as a legend! locco: Mate, I was going to vote for you until you said that.

So, we’re the same, but different, right?

While it’s probably not a good idea to treat a 20-something the same way as a 40-something, we’re all seeking the same thing – to be relevant, to secure a stable future, and to be loved for who we are. The current generation – let’s call them the Millenials – may communicate slightly differently (trying to quit your job by email comes to mind) but they are closer to their parents than those before. Today’s parents have bridged the gap and are more and more BFFs with their offspring, who look up to them for advice, guidance and love. Ask a youngster you work with how they regard their parents, and chances are they will surprise you with their praise. Somehow, the communication channels have been opened wide, and that can only be a positive.

Owner / chef Leon Walker is producing what many consider Cairns’ most inventive – and appetising – cuisine. Your mind eats before your mouth, and Leon and his team realise this and tease you with perfect imagination: the plates’ presentation is simply delightful every single time. It’s the unexpected – perfectly executed. Like the lamb scrumpet, which is actually a perfectly cut rectangular ‘chip’ of lamb, crumbed with a seasoned paste. Who could have imagined? What’s more, Wink II offers a fresh and zesty fine dining experience at a price which won’t pain. There is a tasting menu, as well as set menus for lunch and dinner, plus an a la carte and achildren’s menu. Our lunch set menu was two courses for $27.50 (or three for $32.50) including a glass of quality wine. Locco went for the lamb scrumpet, served with cucumber mint salad and grain mustard aioli and pronounced it faultless. We tested the duo of Wink oysters with chef’s topping or natural (the lime soda gave them extra zing!) and discovered the chef’s double baked souffle with cheesy mustard seed sauce was as smooth as silk. For mains, the Wink fried chicken with coleslaw and a chilli sweet corn salsa was a superb combination of flavours and textures, and the pork belly with apple and herb salad rated extremely highly. The portion sizes are perfect, and nothing is wasted.

Vanessa, our waitress from Paris, recommended the accompanying beverages – an Angel Cove sauvignon blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand, and a Domain Chandon pinot noir from the Yarra Valley. Wink II has a very good selection of sparkling wine and champagne – from the premium NZ Deutz Brut through to Veuve Cliquot – as well as a nicely balanced wine menu featuring popular blends and varietals (no less than two sangiovese and three rieslings).

Leon Walker has trained with and worked side-by-side with the best chefs in Europe and it really shows in the exquisite dining experience that is Wink II. 4041 6346 The Esplanade, Cairns www.wink2.com.au

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business promotion

sales and marketing team

The Hilton Cairns is pleased to introduce you to the energetic faces who sell the most modern and contemporary hotel and events space in Cairns.

The Hilton Cairns sales and marketing team brings together a wealth of knowledge of the tourism, hospitality and marketing industries combined with a flair for delivering professional and outstanding outcomes suited to a variety of markets.

Louise St George, Amy Mail, Rennay Pensini and Brooke Vinter, the successful quartet who have built their reputation on selling an amazing product, are inspired to motivate each other in their professional careers through their strong friendship.

Winner of the 2011 Queensland Hotels Association, Best Deluxe Accommodation – 5 Star Plus Award and the 2011 Tourism Tropical North Queensland Restaurants and Catering Services Award, why does 2012 have the sales and marketing team smiling?

A part of the community for more than 24 years, the Hilton Cairns has emerged from a $6 million refurbishment in June 2011, leading the way as Tropical North Queensland’s most contemporary hotel. Boasting million dollar waterfront views, Hilton Cairns offers world-class style and innovation in an inspirational, tropical setting.

With 263 modern and inviting rooms and suites, all with pristine new bathrooms and spacious balconies, the revitalised Hilton Cairns also features a unique and versatile range of 12 exclusive indoor and outdoor event spaces and a choice of two acclaimed restaurants, all surrounded by lush, rainforest gardens.

The purpose-built events floor includes stateof-the-art technology with seamless audio and visual integration, built-in data projectors, screens and surround sound.

With extensive experience in the conference and events sector, sales and conference events manager Louise St George is in no doubt what february 2012

impact the recently completed refurbishment of the Hilton Cairns is having on business. “As we speak, we are looking forward to a very positive 2012 from a conference and events perspective. The new look and feel of the hotel has been enthusiastically received by both existing and new clients, which is very encouraging.

The strength of the Hilton brand has always been a lure for clients, combined with a refreshed product, 2012 and beyond is very exciting for the team.”

Amy Mail and Rennay Pensini were born and raised in Tropical North Queensland and have very strong affiliations and connections in the local community. Amy and Rennay live and breathe their roles with dedication and passion for all social and corporate events, including their new love, weddings!

Historically, weddings have not been a key focus for the sales team. However, since the completion of the hotel refurbishment last year and the drive to deliver distinct ‘wow’ events, inquiries have been running hot with many brides locking in Hilton Cairns as their dream wedding and reception venue. Amy and Rennay have been given new titles from their teammates, the ‘directors of romance’, with the hotel experiencing a significant increase in confirmed wedding ceremonies and receptions for 2012.

Hilton Cairns is proud to have a partnership with South Pacific Bridal, who owns and operates the Hilton Blue Horizon Chapel, which provides a romantic location for an elegant and memorable wedding celebration.

Amy and Rennay agree that when a bride and groom book their wedding with Hilton Cairns, they want the happy couple to know that everything will be done to make their day absolutely perfect.

Rennay says a wedding day should be one of the happiest days ever, filled with love, joy, hope and excitement. “We want them to walk into their reception and just smile, because it is exactly what they envisaged,” she says. “Our clients appreciate that we are available leading up to

and throughout their event to provide support and advice,” Amy adds.

Hilton Cairns marketing executive Brooke Vinter plays a pivotal role in supporting the activities of the conference and events team. “My role is to support the team by consistently reinforcing the Hilton brand, the product we have to offer and the Hilton commitment to delivering an experience that will exceed our clients’ expectations,” she says.

A wonderful initiative offered to customers and meeting delegates is the carbon offset program.

At no extra cost to the client, the hotel calculates all CO2 emissions from all meetings each month and pays ‘climate friendly’ carbon credits. The credit goes towards building wind farms in India.

The hotel also offers an experienced, creative and flexible catering team who can tailor a menu specific to your theme/company and offer something different; another way Hilton delivers a distinct ‘wow’ event.

To arrange a site inspection of Hilton Cairns or to request further information for your next event or weekend escape, phone 4050 2000 or email sales.cairns@hilton.com. Visit the website www.cairns.hilton.com or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ HiltonCairns.

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cover story

I am like a dog with a bone ‌ I won’t let go of something if I truly believe in it.

suellen maunder

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cover story

words samantha alexander ll photography stuart frost ll hair and makeup pulse hair and beauty

Creating a company is not to be underestimated, particularly when it paves the way for future generations. Speaking to Samantha Alexander about her huge leaps of faith, Suellen Maunder opens up about her creative passion as JUTE Theatre Company reaches its 20-year milestone in Cairns.

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have fond memories of my drama studies.

Most memorable were those watching and performing. I loved that the stories were raw and intelligent. They always got me thinking. This was a world away from my usual experience of drama in which I would sit on the couch and tune into the world of Hollywood – and the odd trashy soapie.

As with many young girls, I always thought it would be a wonderful life being in the spotlight; fame, fortune and everything that goes with that, as Lady Gaga so accurately penned. I tried music, but never found my rhythm. I tried out for one of the school’s performance nights with my best friends as a dance ensemble, but had two left feet. Seems I wasn’t to become a dancer either.

I did well in drama, but as I developed I grappled with placing my whole self into each role and I began to let others’ perceptions of me take over. This is hard work and requires much effort, patience and practice; something theatre hides very well.

I realised the performing arts was not for me. I lost the fire in my belly. We are told from a very early age to follow our heart, do what we love, do what makes us happy and most of all, what we are passionate about.

Passion is not something you can manufacture or fake. It is not a reward for hard work or a gift for success, but quite the opposite. You will most often see those who have found success and fulfillment are passionate about what they do.

The saying ‘I have never had to work a day in my life’ rings so true in this instance. If you are wondering how, take the leap of faith and do what you’re passionate about. For Suellen Maunder, this is her story in a nutshell.

Artistic director and CEO of JUTE Theatre Company, Suellen was there from day dot.

From the highs right through to the lows, she has created a life as a full-time artist, a dream she wishes for all artists in regional Australia.

Born and bred in Cairns, Suellen remembers the days where nothing seemed to happen, when it was such a small place. She specifically february 2012

highlights the days when there were only two radio stations, the ABC and 4CA, where she started working at just 16. At 17, she left to explore the world.

“A friend and I decided we would get out of Cairns. The plan was to spend six months in each city around Australia. We spent eight months in Brisbane and then Sydney, got stuck there and then went to Europe and different places. It was fantastic,” Suellen tells me as she describes her four-month holiday.

Arriving back in Sydney, Suellen gave herself time to make the most of the opportunities.

Sick of seeing big cities and missing her family however, she returned, wondering what life was like in Cairns. She didn’t see herself returning, but after 30 years she is still here.

“Cairns had become a place where I thought I could live,” she says.

With nothing much to read and no artistic inf luence, how did Suellen end up in theatre?

She tells me it was with her from the start.

“When I was growing up my mum put me into speech and drama class. I was always involved in theatre and being on stage. It was just the love of my life. There was something about the stage. I always had a passion for it …

I don’t know where that came from though.”

Working in theatre years on, Suellen met Kathryn Ash and Susan Prince. Together they became the founding members of JUTE. “We just started talking about what we loved about theatre. We really connected creatively.

We had this incredibly powerful connection.”

“Susan was always the one who said, ‘Come on let’s make a company’. She was always the holder of the dream. I am a very practical person and Kathryn is an eclectic artist. She [Kathryn] is a playwright, a performer and visual artist. It just seemed that there were all of the right connecting elements to make something happen. So those early days were pretty amazing, it was like being inside a film,” Suellen explains.

Suellen attributes JUTE to the collective and believes they all came up with the idea.

Susan wanted this to be their real job, not

the hobby or sideline activity which Suellen described as a big leap.

“It was like an explosion. In the end we said: ‘Why don’t we just move in together so we can just be there and have this creativity happening’.

“It was crazy times, absolutely crazy and one of the most creative times of my life because we were all there. We had such energy around this new thing we wanted to create. We gave up our real jobs and we were very poor.”

In her previous job Suellen worked within a radiology department. Starting in a receptionbased position then working her way to office manager and finally to practice manager, she had developed extensive business and people management skills. This later became essential to the development of JUTE. “We initially thought we would just do really great plays and we’d live off the box office, but that’s not the reality of theatre in Australia. It’s not like that at all,” Suellen learnt as she further developed the concept of JUTE. It wasn’t long though before the trio started receiving grants.

“We nearly killed each other in those early days … because it was so heightened all the time. People who have worked in theatre will understand how close you get when you’re creating something. There is such a bond because you’re exploring things together, really opening up your heart and your mind and allowing people to see inside of you.”

This process becomes a really deep engagement.

“It was incredibly vulnerable. It was such creative passion and that can be great joy or great anger. Before long we were creating shows and laughing. So it was that creative energy and passion that just kept us going in the early days because we had no money.”

Even with the early struggles, Suellen is extremely grateful.

“This is the most extraordinary life anyone could have as far as I am concerned. I get to meet extraordinary artists and I get to play in the world of theatre. I am able to do the thing profilemagazine

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cover story

I used to have nightmares about getting an ordinary job and being an ordinary person.”

Suellen Maunder has always had a love of the arts, and this passion eventually drove her to create JUTE Theatre, against all odds

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I am really passionate about and also support people who are the next generation of upcoming artists and I get to see them realise their dreams.”

In realising her own dreams, Suellen couldn’t have imagined, some 20 years ago, what JUTE would be today.

“It has been an extraordinary journey,” she says as she explains that there is so much more than money that can make you extremely happy.

“I tend to think if you have all of the good things all of the time what’s left to aspire to? If you can so easily go out and get whatever you want whenever you want, what have you got left? If you don’t have a creative life or another passion apart from money then that’s a bit terrifying, I should imagine.”

I definitely agree with this statement as we go on to exchange ideas about the importance of being fufilled and happy.

And in the 20 years that have gone by?

“There are moments that extraordinary things have happened. The day I left my real job I remember the other guys [Kathryn and Susan] were having lunch at a cafe and I raced in and went ‘Guess what I do for my real job? I am an artist!’ It was just amazing; it can still bring tears to my eyes now.”

Prior to giving up her ‘real’ job, Suellen went to the Adelaide Festival. Immersed in that space she remembers very clearly the thought that a life of creative art was what she wanted to do. She just knew it, despite the terrifying feelings that accompanied that.

She went from having a secure, well paying job to thoughts of not knowing what she would do tomorrow … and furthermore, how she was going to get paid. This was an important milestone for JUTE and a defining moment for Suellen. I couldn’t agree with her more as images of my life-defining moments f lash through my mind.

“We invested pretty much all we had into the company at the beginning so it was a risk. I eventually sold my unit to get the chain from around my neck, because we weren’t doing that well, which is fine as I was just so immersed in what I was doing at the time.

“I am like a dog with a bone … I won’t let go of something if I truly believe in it, and that’s what kept the company going. For many years I wasn’t being paid for what I was doing. I was lucky if I would make $6000 a year,” and it was this tenacity and willingness to stick it out that kept Suellen going.

For a long time Suellen felt like she owed a lot of people.

“When you’re a new company you don’t have the money to do a lot of things. You are constantly asking people for favours and because I felt I was driving it pretty much myself I ended up with this huge thing on my back going ‘I owe so many people so much’ and it was all about my responsibility – how am I ever going to pay these people back? This nearly cracked me.”

Suellen felt that she couldn’t deal with the mental responsibility, there was no money and she didn’t have much support. As the confidence of JUTE’s

success grew publicly, the tall poppy syndrome occurred. People started to try to pull Suellen down and the ability to stay above that became really hard for her.

“Out of the blue I had a phone call to ask if I could direct a piece for the Innisfail Harvest Festival and I was really not well mentally, but I said yes and took that punt. I also felt that JUTE was being threatened and JUTE was my baby. So I rose up and became this power woman again; I don’t know how it happened.”

This helped Suellen crawl out of that hole, and having those people invest in her was all that was required. She was called on initially to direct the community production only, but in the end she wrote it and did everything that came with it.

“It was a great success and I loved it … as I realised that actually I don’t owe those people because they wanted to see something survive and be successful.”

It was at this point she knew it wasn’t to be all her, nor did she have to take responsibility for everything. At that time she started to share some responsibility with the board of directors.

As Suellen reminisces of the times when she may have thought it all to be too hard, sand tells me she just loved what she was doing. It was never all about her, but the people involved.

“I just thought if I don’t make this work then all of those people aren’t going to get the opportunity and this community is never going to get the opportunity to see fantastic work and to hear their stories.”

And it is that wish to help other artists and to see them have that opportunity to grow that truly displays Suellen’s altruistic side.

“I don’t think I am really ambitious for myself, but I am really ambitious for JUTE and I am really ambitious for regional theatre artists and I really want it to be a force in Australia.”

Ask Suellen at any moment and she will tell you that she lives in a fantastic world; she is doing what she loves.

“I used to have nightmares about getting an ordinary job and being an ordinary person. What if I couldn’t be among creative people? What if I didn’t have access to that life? I would wake up in sweats worrying about having to be conservative.”

She has always just wanted to be who she is and what she is, within the environment she works in.

The fact that she has created this very situation is remarkable, but something that takes courage.

Standing up for what you believe in is by no means an easy feat in any industry.

As a result of this determination, JUTE is now government-funded and brings almost half a million dollars to Cairns through state and federal government funding each year. Suellen also sits on the Theatre Board of the Australia Council.

What’s more complimentary to this creative soul is that she has remained in her position for 20 years. The expectation in this industry is for artistic directors to turn over every 10 years if not sooner, to keep the fresh blood going. She is not sure how many years she has left, but it doesn’t look like drawing to a close any time soon. profilemag.com.au

cover story

There was something about the stage. I always had a passion for it.”

suellen maunder. Hair by pulse hair, spence street, cairns. phone 4051 4212.

“I really love all the elements of my job now. I have a great team, I love working there and it’s a great joy to go to work. We have a lot of fun and get a lot of work done.”

When I ask Suellen what part of her role she enjoys the most, mentoring is at the top of the list; she loves it.

“I think I possibly could’ve made a good teacher as well because I think part of the directorial role is as much about drawing things out of people.”

“I love seeing people grow and seeing that moment when they are enlightened about something … or when I have made it a little bit easier for them to understand … or I have supported them when the group is having dynamics issues.” Suellen spends a lot of time mentoring emerging artists and tries to remain humble throughout this process.

She also tries to remain self-aware and recognises this is easier in her good moments. From this she has a clear vision of how she wants to conduct her business.

“The last thing I want to be is someone people don’t want to work for and to have a team where people are upset and angry all the time because that’s not conducive to good work; and why would you want to work somewhere that you’re not happy?”

Noticing on the JUTE website the contribution to the community, I query Suellen on why it is important for JUTE to invest and give back. For her it all came out of this community, and so everything JUTE does really is about enriching the creative life of the community.

“I want to live in a place that’s creative … and alive … and telling stories … and where I can explore ideas. I don’t want to live in a place that only has a footy club. I just want to make sure that this community has access to what’s out there.

“I think that if you don’t have that in the community then people aren’t thinking deeply, they’re not listening to new ideas, they’re not being open to new ways of thinking about things and they’re not allowing their emotional selves to be free and opened up.” february 2012

Suellen is definitely a person I feel is of great value to any community; to have such passion and desire to inspire people to lead enriching lives.

This is the essence of community spirit.

Her passion has lead to one of her greatest lessons, as she urges people to not get stuck.

“I’ve only got one life to live … do the things that you’re passionate about. Take the leap of faith. There’s no point being unhappy where you are, you might as well jump in the deep river and see what’s in there.”

So as JUTE celebrates its 20 th birthday I wonder how someone with so much knowledge and success would personally celebrate this momentous occasion.

“I think I will sit in the theatre, very quiet,” as she recalls the moment she had the first lamp hung up all those years ago. Having her then-administrator Sarah jump on stage signified the inaugural JUTE moment.

“So in terms of celebrating it … oh I am getting a bit teary. Maybe just sitting inside the theatre and taking some time to breathe by myself and just looking at it … just thinking about the wonderful moments that have been created on the stage.”

Beyond this, of course, will be the big JUTE celebrations including a piece directed by Suellen herself. Written by Finegan Kruckemeyer, At Sea, Staring Up will debut in March and has been created for the next generation.

Looking into the future there remain further goals for Suellen. As far as she sees it, the job is not done yet.

“I want regional theatre to really be up there, being recognised for creating quality work. I want to make the industry stand up and take notice of the extraordinary people that are all across the country, not just in the cities.”

Quite a goal for someone with already outstanding achievements, but watch this space. If anyone can do it, Suellen can.

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cbwc feature The Cairns Business Women’s Club (CBWC), founded in 1984, brings business people together to offer mutual support, inspiration, networking and professional development opportunities through its monthly lunches, programs and annual awards. In recent years, the club has matured and evolved into a professional body of like-minded business people who understand the power of networking and sharing business experiences. As an advocate of women in business, the club’s new Gold Partner, profile magazine, is proud to highlight some of the members.

To find out more VISIT www.cbwc.org.au.

Top Shelf Entertainment Productions

Jodie Emslie No stranger to the stage, local musician, performer, instrumental music teacher, musical director, conductor and most recently head judge of Cairns Has Got Talent Jodie Emslie, has recently launched her newest musical venture to great acclaim!

Together with Andrew George – fiancé and business partner of audio-visual company AVLX Solutions – Jodie has launched Top Shelf Entertainment Productions, a local business that offers a range of musical production services and is the creative force behind Cairns’ newest premier entertainment concept, TOPShelf – Premier Cairns Band. Offering music from contemporary swing right through to funk and disco party beats, TOPShelf is a 14-piece collaboration of some of the local industries most sought-after professional musicians.

Seeing an opportunity to provide a new and unique service to the local entertainment industry, Jodie’s concept focuses on providing an exclusive musical entertainment service to clients for corporate functions, weddings and other events, with a number of package options available ranging from classy corporate shows including feature dancers, special wedding packages, through to ‘party all night’ productions. Other service’s Jodie also has on offer include musical direction for workshops with school and community bands, musical event coordination and the creative development of musical concepts for small and large scale productions. jodie@tsep.com.au Phone: 0413 081 797 28

profilemagazine

SVS Auto Repairs and Dyno Tuning

Liz Holman At 40 years of age, mother of two Liz Holman from SVS Auto Repairs and Dyno Tuning should be considering where she would like to go for her next holiday. Instead, her and her husband Leigh have decided to lead the automotive repair industry into the next decade by providing a new ultra modern workshop that needs to be seen to be believed. Liz is often your first point of contact at the Muir Street based business and will assist you right through to when you collect your car.

Liz says there is a misconception that her family business is only for high performance cars; however staff conduct general mechanical repairs and servicing on all types of motor vehicles from the very old to the brand new. They have a large customer base, many of whom have been customers for more than 20 years. You wouldn’t go to your doctor if you didn’t trust him would you? Same applies to your mechanic.

profile magazine

jodie sherman Jodie Sherman is an account manager with TNQ Profile Magazine.

Having worked in sales her whole career, Jodie is a natural and genuine, salesperson. She started out with Austar’s (pay TV), quickly moving up the ranks and through many departments, gaining a wealth of knowledge within the telecommunications industry along the way.

What sparked Jodie’s interest most though, was dealing with small to medium-size businesses. After leaving Austar’s business department, subsequently Jodie moved into a role with Pacific Access (Sensis).

Working with a large multinational company such as Sensis increased Jodie’s sales experience and in-depth knowledge of the advertising world.

Jodie has sold most platforms and has been most successful with solution-based selling, having won numerous sales awards during her career.

Liz oversees six staff members and all of the financial operations of the business, as well as sales and stock control, which proves you don’t need a university degree to be successful. A high school education, 20 years of self training and occasional assistance from the accountant or friend has seen SVS Auto and Dyno go from strength to strength.

Outgoing Jodie is right at home in the Profile Magazine world. “I absolutely love working with Profile – it’s so much fun. The Profile team is an awesome group of people, and our clients are amazing. Ultimately, I love meeting new people and working in beautiful Cairns,” Jodie says.

If you are looking for a true local, family operated business then a visit to SVS Auto Repairs and Dyno Tuning is a must.

Jodie is also on the board of the Cairns Business Women’s Club. She loves volunteering her time to this inspiring group of women.

www.svscairns.com.au Phone: 0419 025 451

www.profilemag.com.au Phone: 0477 642 424 profilemag.com.au

Your Favourite!

The home of the legendary Fire & Ice Dinner

The fresh new CHB Restaurant & Bar has revealed not only a new look and feel but is now complimented with a new ‘wholesome’ Ala carte menu and international Beverage list.

Comprising of local Seafood through to ‘top grade’ NSW beef…

You’ll be coming back!

Booking & Information:

07 4044 9053

209-217 Abbott Street, Cairns february 2012

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profile loves va-va-vintage Vintage 1950’s pencil skirt, RRP $25.

Available at Love Lucy, Grafton Street, Cairns, phone 0415603008

love lucy Lace dress visually remastered by EmmaKate, RRP $165. Available at Love Lucy, Grafton Street, Cairns, phone 0415603008

bedtime Jools Couture red and white polka dot bed shorts, RRP $125 (set, top not pictured). Tea Lily, Grafton Street, Cairns, phone 4041 4150

Right on time for the month of love, romance is back in the fashion and beauty department. Think soft frills, florals, shimmer and whimsical lace for looks to love. Perfect for a wedding, romantic Valentine’s date or just for the love of it.

say crochet Jessica Mauboy for KuKU ‘Get Em Girls’ crochet dress, RRP $199. Affair Boutique, Grafton Street, Cairns, phone 4043 3730

fruity fun Il Frutteto peach and melon soap, RRP $14.95. Lime Homewares, Grafton Street, Cairns, phone 4041 5579

sexy ‘60s Dress from Timeless by Vanessa Tong, RRP $99. A romantic repeat from the ‘60s. If you give your man a choice, he will want you to wear this every time.

Available at Annie’s Spence St, Cairns and Annie’s Palm Cove

lovely lips Jane Iredale ‘PureGloss’ in Cherry Sparkle, RRP $40.

Shambala Spa, The Pier.

Phone 4031 8800

it’s a miracle super simple Magically Simples dress, RRP $310.00.

For stockists head to www.missunkon.com

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Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure Hair Therapy Miracle Oil, RRP $39.95. Pulse Hair, Spence Street.

Phone 4051 4212

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february 2012

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wedding feature

Did you know that the most popular time of year for guys to pop ‘the’ question is between Christmas and Valentine’s Day … if you have been waiting to get engaged, perhaps now is the time! We are celebrating a month filled with love and romance and what better way then to head to the upcoming NQ Wedding and Formal Expo to get you in the mood?

wedding with a difference Imagine a venue where you can feel like a true fairy tale princess, with castles in the background, a waterfall cascading down through the trees behind you, and one of North Queensland’s most romantic stories as inspiration for your own tale of love.

In 1935, José Paronella opened Paronella Park, with a vision of making it the premier wedding venue in Far North Queensland. The Park’s extravagant ballroom was, for many years, the first choice for weddings and celebrations. However, this abruptly ended in 1979 when a fire tore through the building. Now, 75 years on, Paronella Park’s owners have appointed a dedicated wedding planner to ensure that, once again, the Park’s gorgeous grounds are filled with happy wedding guests, beautiful brides, and nervous grooms.

Located 90 minutes south of Cairns, the beautiful Paronella Park is sure to impress your guests. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, your wedding will be a talking point for years to come, and the timeless beauty of your wedding photos will speak for themselves. Paronella Park limits the amount of weddings that it holds each year to ensure your big day will remain unique and special.

Phone 0437 290 249 or email bridget@paronellapark.com.au www.paronellapark.com.au

wedding expo If you’re looking to be inspired, head to The Pier to the massive NQ Wedding and Formal Expo. The largest event of its kind held outside of Brisbane, it will feature menu sampling, champagne tasting tips, interactive booths with hair and makeup displays, massage, spa treatments and more. With more than 100 exhibitors spread over the ground floor, mezzanine and the Shangri-La events centre, you’re bound to find what you want. Entry is free, however everyone who attends the expo has the chance to enter a prize draw to win an amazing five-star luxury honeymoon.

So whether you are already engaged or waiting for your beloved to pop the question, head along to the NQ Wedding and Formal Expo for all things weddings!

Phone 4053 4577 www.nqweddingexpo.com

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life

the development of orthotics with Tyson Franklin When I first graduated from podiatry in 1988, there was just one method of making orthotics.

You took a plaster cast of the patient’s foot and sent the casts to a lab to be made. This was the norm.

This casting technique presented a few problems.

Firstly, the patient had to be relaxed when you took the cast, and secondly, if you were sending it to a lab, you had to wait 24 hours for it to set properly, otherwise it could be damaged.

In 1988, orthotics were made from a plastic type of material, ranging from hard to very hard. The only difference between a sport orthotic and a standard orthotic was a cushioned top cover, which wore out.

Back in 1988, a patient would have to wait two weeks before their orthotics were ready to fit – which seems ridiculous when a patient is in pain.

Move ahead 20 years and what has changed?

Well, for some podiatrists not much – they still take plaster casts, send them off to a lab and wait two weeks to do the fitting. However, more and more podiatrists are starting to use computer scanning technology to speed up this process and also offer a range of softer orthotic materials – similar to those materials used in athletic footwear.

So now a ‘sport orthotic’ is a sport orthotic – which can be made from a different material to a standard orthotic.

Scanning a patient’s foot speeds up the process because the podiatrist can now design the orthotic on site and email this information directly to the lab; meaning the turnaround time is reduced to five to seven days.

Foot scanning was definitely the way of the future and I got involved in 2006. However, I knew it could be done faster, so my clinic purchased its own milling machine last year – which meant we could design and make orthotics within 24 hours, at no additional cost to the patient.

Very few podiatry clinics have their own milling machine because of the costs. However, in another 20 years I think it will become the norm, because in 1988, and I’m showing my age here, I didn’t even own a computer.

Proarch Podiatry 1300 776 272 www.proarch.com.au

radiology for your back pain with Tom Sheehan Back pain is a common condition. Most people will suffer from it at some stage of their adult life.

It is often caused by a strained muscle, tendon or ligament. With time and the correct therapy, this pain will generally go away. Sometimes, the pain is more severe or long-term. The good news is that many causes of back pain can be relieved with radiological interventional procedures such as CT-guided facet joint or nerve root injections.

What causes severe or long-term back pain?

The causes of more severe or long-term back pain may be associated with a more significant issue such as part of the spinal structure pressing on the spinal cord. This can cause sharp, stabbing pain that radiates down through the back, or referred pain through your arms, hips or legs. Spinal ‘impingement’ can be caused by a bulging disc in the back pressing on the spinal cord or from a deteriorated portion of bone from the spine impinging on the spinal cord.

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What is a CT- guided facet joint or nerve root injection?

What are the results and are they immediate?

For decades now, doctors have been injecting cortisone as an effective form of pain relief. With modern multi-slice CT scanners, radiologists are now able to use CT to guide a cortisone injection to the exact location that is causing pain. The most common site of injection is at the joint between two vertebral bodies of the spine known as the ‘facet joints’ and at the nerve root that branches out from the spinal cord.

The local anaesthetic can provide you with immediate relief but will most likely wear off later in the day. The cortisone can take several days to take effect but is designed to provide the long-term pain relief you are after. The length of time varies from person to person but can typically last anywhere from a month to six months.

How is it done?

The procedure takes about 15 minutes. Once the location of the cause of your pain has been established, you are positioned lying face down on the CT bed and the radiologist performs the procedure under sterile conditions. Firstly, the skin is cleaned. Then a local anaesthetic is injected under the skin to allow for the cortisone injected to be guided in more comfortably. Finally, the cortisone steroid is administered, which is mixed with more local anaesthetic to allow for immediate relief as well as longer lasting relief.

Where can I go to get a CT- guided facet joint or nerve root injection?

There are several facilities in town that perform these types of procedures, including Cairns Radiology.

Is it expensive?

It depends. If you go to a facility that bulk bills, there is no cost to you – but you must have a referral form from your doctor.

Cairns Radiology 4051 9729 admin@cairnsradiology.com.au

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We treat, Back and Neck Pain, Sports Injuries, Work Related Injuries and many more muscle and joint pains.

Call our Qualified Physiotherapists Today and say “Goodbye” to Pain!

John

Carla

318 Mulgrave Rd at The Doctors Ph 4044 0444 (then press 3 for Physio) february 2012

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life

trying to conceive with Marg Schilling Trying to conceive … ladies, the sooner you start the better. Certainly don’t wait for him to make up his mind! Here’s why ...

In times gone by, and principally the pre-pill era, women commenced conceiving in their late teens, or early 20’s. Times were hard; there were often unplanned pregnancies, some ending in tragedy. By the time mum reached 30, she was worn out.

Society has changed, mostly for the better.

However, the rat race has drawn us into career paths and goals that can lead to delay in starting a family.

Maybe Mr Right hasn’t come yet. Maybe you should settle for Mr Good Enough. The years fly by and there is always another priority or hurdle.

Before you know it, you have hit your 30’s. You never meant to leave it this long, but ‘tempus fugit’.

Maternal instinct is strong. The desire for motherhood can be suppressed for many years, but sooner or later it can become the

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overwhelming need for fulfilment. Life is stressful when pregnancy doesn’t happen as planned.

It is a biological fact that women are born with their total complement of potential eggs. Eggs are drawn down from this reservoir during the reproductive years.

Fertility commences in the teenage years, peaks in the early to mid 20’s, and may start to wane around 28 to 32 onwards. The best eggs tend to be used first. A significant decline in fertility is observed from 35.

Some gynaecological and medical conditions can speed up the ovarian ageing process. Young people are surviving cancer. The appropriate treatment or type of cancer may be detrimental to future fertility. There are now assisted reproductive techniques that can help preserve fertility in this situation.

Smoking also tends to shorten one’s fertility lifespan, apart from all the other smokinginduced maladies. Women are more prone to lung cancer than men.

Prepare for pregnancy by getting your body into shape. Remember to take folate supplements to reduce the risk of an abnormal pregnancy.

What do you do if it doesn’t happen naturally?

Seek medical advice if you haven’t conceived in 12 months; six months if you are over 35, so basic tests can be carried out, and options discussed. Tests are available that assess your ovarian reserve egg timer.

Fertility treatments, particularly IVF, aim to maximise the chance of pregnancy. In numerical terms, an IVF cycle can equate to six to nine months of trying to conceive.

However, such treatments can only help those who have eggs left. A positive result from your egg timer test is not a reason to delay pregnancy further, as sub-fertility and a good pregnancy outcome are still correlated with maternal age.

So ladies, what are you waiting for?

Queensland Fertility Group 4041 2400 cairnsivf@qfg.com.au

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life

exercise for a better love life with Christina Borzi It’s Valentine’s Day this month! As a personal trainer, I spend my working day encouraging my clients to improve their current health status through exercise. I do whatever it takes to motivate each and every one of them and often find myself promoting (okay, some would say lecturing, raving, harping on about) the benefits of exercise. If the information that follows doesn’t make you want to put on your walking shoes, then I am not sure what will.

Sexual function is affected by general health, therefore, the more you can do to improve your health by taking good care of yourself, the better your love life can be. Keep in mind that exercise and sex have been proven to help reduce stress, so doing both on a regular basis should help you stay relaxed and happy.

Research has proven that regular exercise can be effective at lowering the risk of impotence.

february 2012

Vigorous exercise – the equivalent of walking about three kilometres or burning an extra 200 calories a day – was found to be the most effective.

Exercise leads to increased sexual potency because it strengthens the cardiovascular system and improves circulation, thereby increasing the amount of blood delivered to the various organs (including the genitals of both male and female).

Good circulation is important for sexual function.

A study has shown that better muscle tone can heighten sexual pleasure. Essentials include the muscles of the thighs and abdomen, particularly the pelvic floor muscle. There is ample evidence from a range of experts that a strong pelvic floor muscle can greatly improve your sexual arousal, sexual response, the level of sensation you feel during intercourse and your ability to reach orgasm.

If exercise can do so much for your love life, then shouldn’t more be better? According to the same studies the answer is no. Overtraining can compromise the immune system which could adversely affect sexual performance.

With men, heavy exercise can actually decrease testosterone levels, leading to a less robust sexual appetite.

So essentially, the good old saying, “everything in moderation” applies!

Happy Valentine’s Day. Rydges Esplanade Health Club 4044 9010 info@individualfitness.com.au

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life

beating the back to school blues with Abby Young While you may be well and truly ready for your children to return to their school or childcare routine, you may find they’re not! If there is a new transition this year, such as starting kindy, prep, grade one, or even moving up to the next level at day care, you will most likely see adjustment anxiety. Now yes, there are some separation issues surrounding this; however, I do find that is just a secondary reaction to their new surroundings. Think of when you started your first job (or current one), it can be a bit strange and you get that uneasy feeling, even when you are in a dominant role or position.

Be prepared If you suspect your child will have some issues surrounding a new adjustment or simply going back into care, there are a few tasks you can set for yourself. Ask your child’s teacher, nanny or group leader for a detailed description of their routine throughout the day – often this will come in orientation packs. Sit down with your child with a big piece of cardboard which you have already lined out boxes on, like a chart. Use pictures (if

you’re a rubbish drawer like me print some clip art off your computer!) of their day from waking up, eating breakfast and getting dressed, driving to kindy / school or their nanny arriving at your home. Be sure to include their nap and meal times, then of course mum or dad picking them up, followed by your evening routine.

You can also draw a chart of your day to show how you drop them off, go to work and eat lunch – and then pick them up. Use this time to talk about why you work, what it provides, and also why it’s important for them to go to school or kindy (so their brains and bodies can grow, and to meet new people).

Tough love If tantrums continue after doing the above for a few weeks and if your child’s carer/s assure you your child is settling quickly after you leave, then perhaps some tough love is due. Saying firmly “It’s okay to be upset about me leaving, I miss you too when you’re at kindy, but I must go to work, so when I take you this morning we

will say goodbye with a cuddle and I will see you this afternoon, and we will do something nice together”. If your child is over three, use a consequence if they make a big deal when you leave, when you pick them up simply remind them that because of their behaviour in the morning there will be no TV (or whatever you like) for the rest of the day.

Now I know that seems a bit extreme, but it’s the worst case scenario; I’ve seen some pretty horrific tantrums when Mum or Dad walk out the door, but as soon as they drive out the driveway they pick themselves up off the floor, wipe away the tears and sweat and ask what activity we will be doing that morning. They are natural born guilt givers! Be firm, be consistent, but most importantly be forgiving to yourself for leaving them. It’s good for you (and them).

Nanny Network Australia 0403 357 436 www.nannynetworkaustralia.com

making a difference with Kerry Magee I recently attended the Hearing Innovation Exposition in Las Vegas – which was the first expo of its kind showcasing the latest innovation, technology and trends in hearing health care, particularly focusing on the Baby Boomers. The exposition was inspirational in that it brought together a group of like-minded individuals (3000 delegates attended) all of whom run their own successful hearing clinics, so many people shared the same traits that go into making an independent practice a success. Interestingly, the most successful of these people were the ones giving back the most to the community.

The exposition featured an array of worldrenowned speakers such as former president Bill Clinton, Sir Richard Branson and other remarkable achievers who shared their philosophies on life and their secrets to success. Hard work and commitment ranked up there, nothing was achieved without goal setting, planning, action

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and follow through. Each speaker truly aspired to excellence.

Both former president Bill Clinton and Sir Richard Branson spend much of their time helping others. They are both involved with Bill Austin, founder of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, who has the goal of providing hearing assistance to one million under-privileged people with free hearing assistance by the end of the decade.

Bill has set quite a challenge for himself and the Foundation. Although the innovations and technology on-show were truly amazing and will make a huge difference to many people with hearing loss, it was the philanthropy of these speakers that moved me and it was their message of giving back that I have taken home.

Although I help others to hear on a daily basis, it is by going the extra mile that I can make a difference, by taking a responsible attitude to

the world, sharing my skills and expertise, giving of my time to others less fortunate, that is most important and ultimately rewarding. I helped people less fortunate hear during my trip to India, but I feel a bigger impact is needed, and as the speakers acknowledged, it is by working together that we can achieve this, each doing their little bit will add to the whole.

Our clinic is now actively involved with the Foundation and together we can make the world a better place to live in. If you have unused hearing aids you too can participate by dropping them into the clinic and we will put them to excellent use.

Audio Health Phone 4041 7860 www.audiohealth.com.au

profilemag.com.au

february 2012

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travelfile

eco elegance with

ll words samantha solomon

Self-confessed greenie Samantha Solomon travels on her first ecotourism adventure to the beautiful Kingfisher Bay Resort on precious Fraser Island to see how eco-friendly, while essential, can also be laid-back.

bush tucker

Boomanjin hotel wing

Main pool

Main Image: Lake Mckenzie, fraser island

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t is said that people will only protect what they understand and understand what they take the time to experience. With the boom of the environmentally-friendly trend, the ecotourism bandwagon has taken off and everyone is scrambling to get on. But this isn’t simply a hot-this-minute trend, gone-tomorrow along with acid wash jeans and roller blades. Ecotourism has been around for decades, which is exactly the way it is supposed to be.

Our lovely state offers any number of destinations to the eco traveller, but none is more alluring than the iconic K’gari (meaning paradise), better known as Fraser Island.

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Kingfisher Bay Resort, on the western side of Fraser, is a beautiful merging of comfortable elegance and sustainability. As my [then] partner Will and I would discover on our first trip to Fraser, the combination of education, adventure and tropical paradise makes it impossible for anyone who visits not to instantly want to protect this truly unique island.

As we drove the three hours up the coastline, I wondered what was in store for us. Having never been on an eco holiday, my mind conjured up images of a non-air-conditioned hotel room, a muddy, chemical-free pool, and rough recycled toilet paper ‌ ah! However, as we walked up to the check-in desk for the ferry at River Heads, my fears were quelled slightly. Check-in was a profilemag.com.au

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cinch as the resort conveniently has its own desk at the boat harbour for its own ferry. Our bags were whisked away with the promise that they would be delivered directly to our room, and we grabbed a cup of coffee and looked out over the Mary River as we waited to board the ferry.

The 50-minute ride over the azure Great Sandy Straits gave us spectacular views of the western coast of Fraser, with sights of sparkling white beaches, dense jungle and freshwater creeks flowing into the ocean. Docking at the jetty, we were greeted by a little train to take us up to the main resort. Travelling through paved streets, we caught glimpses of saltwater pools and private villas through the thick bush of eucalyptus trees and bushland. As we stopped at an elegant archway of dark wood that was the main entrance to the resort, We jumped out using our speed walking skills, determined not to be last in a long line of guests waiting to check in.

Sidling up to the desk, smugly first, we were directed down the stairs to a group of comfortable leather seats where trays of cold tangerine and pink fruit juices were waiting. The resort had planned for people like us. As we sat enjoying our cold drinks, we were greeted by Ranger Kat who had our keys ready and waiting, avoiding any sort of line … genius.

It was here we experienced the full impact of the resort. Dark woods, blue metals and glass were intricately worked together forming the walls and ceiling that gave the illusion we were neither inside nor out. Lush creepers climbed their way along beams, leading the eye to the outside where expansive decks were greeted by beautiful flora and a turquoise pool beyond.

I learned from my trip that good sustainability is all in the subtleties, and Kingfisher Bay Resort is a beautiful example of this. As we walked to our room in the Boomanjin Wing, named after the island’s largest perched lake, I was again amazed at how seamlessly the outdoors flowed indoors. Our hallway was completely open, with birds swooping in and out and leafy palms growing up beside hotel room doors. The rooms are stacked in little clusters among the vegetation in a way that made me think of tree houses. A theme of green, burgundy and gold reflected the flora and fauna around the resort, and the curved tin roof over our veranda mirrored the rolling sand dunes of the island.

Our room looked out over a black tea tree lake with the sparkling straight beyond. With air-conditioner, a collection of ‘green’ products in the bathroom and our luggage arriving just a few minutes later, I had completely lost any prejudices I had about holidaying eco-style.

The resort is built to strict environmental guidelines, but you would never know this as it offers all the amenities of a modern resort, boasting four pools, three restaurants, two cafes, two bars, private villas and a natural therapies salon. Most of the materials used to build the resort were harvested from the island itself, utilising wood left over from the island’s logging days (it is now completely illegal to cut down any sort of vegetation, or take anything off the island, for that matter).

Vegetation used for landscaping was removed from the resort’s location during construction and then replaced, and even the jetty we arrived at was built from mixed eucalypt piles with satinay tree planks and beams. The resort recycles everything and an onsite worm farm turns sewage sludge, waste paper and kitchen preparation scraps into compost for a herb garden, which supplies the resort’s kitchens.

Now that the guilty greenie inside of me was satisfied, it was on to the good stuff. A quick lunch at Maheno, one of the two restaurants in the Centre Complex, renowned for its all-you-can-eat seafood buffet, and a dip in the calm Great Sandy Strait waters of the resort beach and we were ready for dinner.

The Seabelle Restaurant is home to the resort’s finest dining and offers a beautiful array of local fare, artfully combined with bush foods found on the island. The restaurant offers a fabulous bush tucker tasting as an introduction to some of the treats on the island. We were wary at first, but should have known this would be bush tucker with elegance. A knowledgeable guide took us through a delightful tasting of fruits, leaves, nuts and flowers while one of Seabelle’s chefs prepared combinations used on the restaurant menu. It was february 2012

all delectable and thoroughly whet our appetites for dinner.

Naturally, dinner was exceptional – we were certainly overwhelmed by the innovative and somewhat ‘green’ options available. Yum! We ended the day as everyone should, with a sweet treat of bush tucker!

Dessert was another adventure into sophisticated bush tucker, with a macadamia nut and chocolate tart with mascarpone and a raspberry reduction, and a wattle seed and chocolate parfait – both the perfect cap to our meal.

The next morning we had an early start for the resort’s most popular activity, the all-day beauty spots tour. It is truly the best and easiest way to see the highlights of Fraser. The fully-equipped 4WD buses come with experienced drivers who double as knowledgeable tour guides able to answer any question you may have – from flora to fauna to the history of the island.

The morning included a trip to the Stonetool Sandblow, a dip in the crystal clear Eli Creek with an option to take a short flight to see some of the island’s more secluded sights, a stop at the famous Maheno shipwreck and a view of the mystical painted sands. Lunch was a fresh buffet at Kingfisher’s sister accommodation, Eurong Beach Resort.

Onto the second part of the trip and we headed out to Central Station.

Once the base for the booming logging industry on the island, it is now a beautiful rainforest walk through a thick palm forest overlooking one of the many freshwater creeks, which is fed from the island’s massive freshwater store deep in the sand.

Now for the highlight of the trip, the beautiful Lake McKenzie with its deep sapphire waters fading to cerulean, lapping gently against a beach of soft white sand so fine it feels like liquid running through your fingers. The lake is a beautiful retreat in itself and was a prized resource to the Aboriginal people who once lived on the island. Being a perched lake, rainwater has filled it over thousands of years. Swimming in the lake gives you the softest skin and hair, and on top of that, the super fine sand works as the perfect exfoliant for your skin and cleans your teeth and jewellery. What could be greener? I am thoroughly convinced that I came back from that tour looking better than when I left.

With so many more things to do at the resort, like ranger-guided walks, canoe paddless, fishing clinics and guided trips, private 4WD tours, and whale watching in the winter months, it definitely begs for more than a weekend away. A weekend was all I needed though, to fall in love with this precious slice of paradise … and now I too desperately want to protect it.

LOCATION … only slightly off the beaten path and so easy to access due to an organised ferry system Accommodation … choose from modern hotel rooms, private villas or spacious holiday homes Facilities … seamlessly merge with the beautiful environment Service … organised, experienced, and helpful Kingfisher Bay Resort – Fraser Island 4120 3333 or 1800 072 555 reservations@kingfisherbay.com www.kingfisherbay.com

Supporting Queensland Tourism: Profile Magazine, a privately-owned Queensland business, is doing its part to promote Queensland tourism destinations.

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northern beaches feature

ll words mia lacy

Mia Lacy serves up the perfect guide to pampering in Port Douglas. Bliss!

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o de-stress and rejuvenate, the soothing indulgences of a day spa are as necessary to our well-being as a holiday and what better place to rejuventat than Port Douglas? The village is liberally sprinkled with all manner of spas. Let’s take a tour! At the top of this pyramid of pleasure are the wellness day spas Mind and Motion Spas. As well as a total range of traditional pampering spa treatments featuring the Australian Waterlily range, these spas present lifestyle classes and baby massage courses. Wellness@port in Macrossan Street is a spacious day spa offering razul and steam room with an Ocean Wave™ dry hydrotherapy bed.

At Sabaya Day Spa (resting beside the waterlily pool within Rydges) they have developed full retreat packages with the resort, and at the Sunbird Spa (at Mirage Sunbird) the mini Vichy and steam capsule is popular. Back at Macrossan Street, Port Douglas Natural Therapies Centre and Spa offers spa hydrotherapy and the only Vichy shower in the high street.

Worshipping the body is a ritual practised at day spas within

resorts as well as on the high street. At Sea Temple Resort and Spa Port Douglas, MiiSpa is an oasis of tranquillity. With eight treatment rooms it’s the perfect place to be scrubbed, polished, wrapped and totally refreshed. The spa uses Pevonia products exclusively in all its treatments.

The uniquely Australian spa care range, LI’TYA, is the brand of choice in Hibiscus Resort and Spa, which has featured in Luxury Travel magazine’s top 20 spas in Australia. Across the street at the Shantara Day Spa, therapist Zondar Il’rah specialises in relaxation massage and says he chose the Organic Rosehip Skincare range because it was simple, yet effective and suits all skin types.

Beauty spas which focus on beauty therapy and massage present the perfect zone to recharge and chill simultaneously.

Salon Luxe at the Sunbird Centre at Mirage will have you glowing – literally – and has a client list which includes devotees who fly in regularly from Melbourne and Sydney to enjoy the spa.

All this talk of spas, is stressing me out. Clearly I need to pay a visit to Port Douglas, and quick!

ll words alli grant Alli Grant gets reacquainted with delightful Clifton Beach.

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t’s easy to take our own backyard for granted, isn’t it? You get into a routine, a rut, visit the same places, do the same things. Precisely why we launched our Northern Beaches feature – we wanted to introduce (or perhaps reacquaint) you with what the stunning Tropical North has to offer. This month we are paying a visit to Clifton Beach, a sleepy little spot relatively untouched by tourism development, just 20 minutes’ north of Cairns. While loved by many, I know a few locals who have only recently discovered the beauty and serenity of Clifton Beach – definitely worth a visit.

The beach itself is stunning (and features a stinger net), with a view north to the Palm Cove jetty and south to Kewarra Beach and a little further, Trinity Beach. With direct beach access to all of these beaches, a heavenly beach walk most definitely beckons.

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catered for with several low-rise holiday apartments and holiday homes tucked away along the beachfront esplanade. Not a high-rise in sight, though. Heaven!

Clifton Beach is known for an unusually large pippy population – fun to watch, and even more fun to catch and use as bait if you’re looking to wet a line ... and why not?

Perfect for families, whether for a weekend picnic or a week away, Clifton Beach boasts a fabulous children’s playground with barbeque facilities and a stack of parking. Although the beach is 20 minutes from Cairns, there’s a shopping village on your doorstep, so you don’t have to leave town for the essentials (like fish’n’chips – check out Still Flipp’n Fish Cafe). Unless, of course, you want to nip five minutes up the road to explore picturesque Palm Cove, or head to Cairns for some serious retail therapy. Talk about location, location! profilemag.com.au

BED OF ROSES Resting on a bed of fragrant roses, this treatment begins with a warm rose petal foot immersion.

Feel yourself slip away with an infusion of rose essential oil and our signature top to toe massage.

Your treatment is finished with herbal tea, chocolates and a little time out!

For that someone special! $ 99 (Single Treatment) Just the tow of us! $ 180 (Couples Treatment) Gift vouchers available, Valid for 6 months Phone orders welcome.

Peppers Beach Club & Spa, Palm Cove Ph: 07 4059 9206

february 2012

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on the table

Zumborons by adriano zumbo

baileys® irish cream liqueur milk chocolate macarons (serves 12 to 24) ingredients macaron shell

baileys milk chocolate ganache

•• 50g egg whites

•• 50g / 150ml pouring cream

•• 125g caster sugar •• 40g / 40ml water •• 135g almond meal, sieved •• 135g pure icing sugar, sieved •• 45g egg whites

•• 50g / 50ml Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur

•• 200g Couverture milk baileys milk chocolate ganache •• A few drops of pink food colouring chocolate •• 50g/150ml pouring cream •• 60g unsalted butter method with Adriano Zumbo, celebrity chef www.adrianozumbo.com

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s a patissier, I am committed to creating sweet treats that are unique in concept and execution – quite simply, you won’t find anything else quite like it in Australia. While in Sydney I’m known for my patisseries in Manly, Balmain and Rozelle, and for the Star Patsserie and Dessert Train, nationally MasterChef Australia was my platform. I was asked to challenge the contestants with more complex creations such as my famous V8 cake and croquembouche.

This month, I challenge you to make my Bailey’s Irish Cream Liquer Milk Chocolate Macarons (or Zumborons, as they have become known), not quite as challenging as the croquembouche. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect sweet treat to finish off a special home-cooked meal. Delicious.

You can find this recipe in my first book, Zumbo, available from my website and good book stores.

Adriano

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•• 50g/50ml Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur

•• 200g milk chocolate To make the macaron shell placeCouverture the caster sugar and water in a •• 60gPlace unsalted saucepan and cook to 121°C. 50g butter egg whites in an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Slowly stream in the hot sugar down the side of the bowl, whisk until it cools to about 50°C. In a large bowl place the sieved icing sugar, almond meal and the egg whites. Add the meringue mixture and mix until combined. Preheat oven to 150°C. Pipe heart-shaped macarons on to a baking sheet lined with silicone baking paper or a silicone mat. Tap the base of the tray to remove any air bubbles. Let dry for 30 to 60 minutes until a skin forms and they are touch dry. Bake in the oven for 16 minutes at 150°C. Allow the macaron shells to cool.

To make the Baileys ganache place the cream in a pan over a medium heat and bring to the boil. Place the milk chocolate in a bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for two minutes. Mix the chocolate and cream until smooth and cool to 50⁰C. Stir through the Baileys Original Irish Cream. Once the chocolate mixture has cooled, blitz in butter with a stick mixer until it is smooth. Allow the ganache to cool and become firm enough to pipe. Fill a piping bag fitted with a 7mm diameter piping tube with the ganache. Pipe the ganache on the flat side of half of the macaron shells. Place the remaining macaron shells on top. Place the assembled macarons in the fridge to set.

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abode

the simple answer with Marcus Achatz My five-year-old nephew, Thomas, asked me: “Why do you like plants?” It’s a simple enough question, but I did have to stop for a minute to formulate an answer that a young mind would comprehend. So I said: “You know how you have lots of toys, well these plants are my toys”.

Thomas looked a little puzzled for a moment, then smiled and ran back to his dad to share the news. I guess to a five-year-old that was a perfectly satisfactory answer.

Looking at it from an adult’s perspective, it also makes sense. If you enjoy gardening, isn’t it a form of play? We call shovels, rakes and wheelbarrows tools, but in the eyes of children they’re definitely toys. And is there really a difference between an action figure and a plant? Sure, there are the obvious differences like the fact that one is plastic and made in a factory in China and the other is organic and beneficial to the environment, but

they both serve the same purpose. An action figure provides a child entertainment and a plant provides an adult entertainment. I guess the big differences are that plants require more care and patience, hold their appeal for a lot longer and are thus better suited to a more mature mind.

When an adult asks me the same question, “Why do you like plants?” my answer is much more complex. And I start to explain the environmental benefits that come from growing native plants, such as how nectar flora such as banksias and grevilleas provide food for honeyeaters, and how butterfly host-plants provide breeding sites for many different species of butterflies.

And how as a consequence, this results in a greater amount of wildlife in the garden. I may get into topics that relate to the link between gardening and wellbeing through relaxation and

the psychologically calming effect the colour green has on the human mind. Or I may explain how gardens can be used to enhance the visual appeal of a home. I might even get a bit spiritual and talk about the satisfying feeling one gets from seeing something grow and knowing you’re the reason a little seedling has grown to become a beautiful tree that provides shade for people and a home for wildlife. It’s all quite idealistic stuff and probably bores many people.

Maybe next time I’ll just keep it simple and give the same answer I gave a five-year-old: “Plants are my toys”.

See you at Yuruga.

Yuruga Nursery 4093 3826 www.yuruga.com.au

cyclones and your new home with Roslyn Smith It’s that time of year when we wonder whether our home is strong enough to withstand the cyclonic weather. One of the main reasons we consider building a new home is that all approved new construction is designed to the latest Australian building standards. This way we know all structural elements in our new homes are designed to withstand cyclonic wind forces and have been engineer certified to do so. Some of these elements include roof trusses, roof sheeting and roofing screws, windows and doors and their fixings, wall framing and reinforcement, posts and beams and structural floors.

This time of year is also a reminder that you should be performing regular maintenance tasks in and around your home. For example, clearing gutters of leaves and small branches that clog up the downpipes and storm water drains, trimming the trees and shrubs in the gardens, cleaning

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storm water yard pits so water can freely flow away in the yard, making sure gardens and mulch haven’t built up higher than the floor level and making sure the fall of the land still flows away from your home.

The building codes were completely revised after cyclones Althea (Townsville) and Tracy (Darwin) in the mid 1970s. Much of the cyclonic damage recently has been to older homes that were built before the changes, while most of the damage to newer homes these days is done by flying debris or fallen trees as a result of the strong winds. There are many homes that have had renovation work or additions that have not been designed or certified for cyclonic regions. These homes will continue to be damaged if they are not upgraded to the relevant current requirements.

There are some owners who are aware of these requirements and still don’t upgrade their

homes to current building standards, expecting insurance companies to carry the burden of these costs when claims are made.

There is a great comfort in the knowledge that building a new home has the structural elements designed to withstand those cyclonic forces.

This doesn’t mean your new home has to look like a bunker, but by incorporating good design elements with the practicality of suitable structural materials your home can be as individual as you like. Talk to your local builder or designer about the advantages of building a new home for tropical and cyclonic conditions.

Affinity Designer Homes 4051 8866 www.affinitydh.com.au (Roslyn is a building designer and licensed builder QBSA 533314)

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Logo Clearspace

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ENSLAN

Master Builders

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R BUI L RS

RS

Master Builders

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ENSLAN

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Master Builders

Master Builders Brand Identity Standards Manual

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The Master Builders logo must be reproduced clear of any other graphics or type to a minimum distance of one ‘y’ unit surrounding the logo.

The clear space of one ‘y’ unit equals the measurement from the top of the Symbol to the top of the Logotype.

In regards to the reversed version (see Section 2.3), the clear space is filled with only the background colour.

If an Identifier is used, the clear space must extend to include it.

Any departure from the examples shown within this standards manual must be approved by Master Builders.

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abode oh so natural

Akoya natural fibre silver back wallpaper, stunning, RRP from $169 per roll from Baresque, phone 1300 306 399 or www.baresque.com.au

think big An over-sized wallpaper panel adds pizzaz. This one’s from Eijffinger, available from Verve Designer Collections, prices start at RRP $450. www.vervedc.com

say it with stripes Stripes are always smart! Grey stripe on recycled paper and metallic Baroque wallpapers, available from Verve Designer Collections, RRP from $180 per roll. www.vervedc.com

classic florence with Richie Stevens Inside Out Stylists www.insideoutstylists.com.au

Florence Broadhurst wallpaper is simply classic.

Grab this design from www.signatureprints.com.au, price on application

If you’re looking to add a little life to a dull room, consider a wall story ... wallpaper is most certainly back in vogue. pretty as a flower Add a little floral fun to any room with Magnolia mural, RRP $288, from The Paint Specialists, 122 Scott Street, Cairns, phone 4044 2700

february 2012

outside in Bring the outside in with this Vision Grasscloth wallpaper, RRP $220, from The Paint Specialists, 122 Scott Street, Cairns, phone 4044 2700

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business

challenge an ethos with Kirsten Le Roux Generational thinking and behaviour has always been an interesting social topic and one that often affects recruitment strategies as well as managing and retaining staff. Over the past few years we have noticed a strong emerging ethos in the younger spectrum of the workforce (broadly Generation Y) in terms of their attitude towards long-term tenure with an organisation or company.

Mature aged employees believe and accept that long-term employment within a firm demonstrates their loyalty, commitment and reliability, and relates to a return on investment to the company. They worry that leaving a company after only a short period (i.e. less than 12 to 24 months) may ring alarm bells to future employers and they may be considered erratic and a flight risk.

The shift among younger job seekers is to an opposite set of beliefs. Younger workers worry that staying too long with one business or in one role shows a lack of ambition, and is a potential for stagnation in learning new skills and personal development. They believe that skills relating to

one specific position can be learnt and perfected in 12 to 24 months and after that time has passed they need to search for their next step in learning, responsibility and title.

Gen Y is all about embracing change, in fact they thrive on change. A recent recruitment blog predicted that the average Gen Y will change career five times (twice before they are 30). They will have more than 29 employers, will work overseas multiple times and be self-employed more than once. In the age of immediacy and an insatiable pursuit for new experiences, these workers maintain that “if you’re standing still you’re not moving forward”. To stay in the same job is a sign of weakness, apathy, boredom and lack of ambition.

The challenge for employers is to think of ways to overcome this ethos and to recognise it as a belief that needs to be addressed. Employers that retain Gen Y staff the longest have some common approaches. For example, they provide information about the big picture; a clear career path and progression; more frequent changes in roles and titles (explicitly and publicly managed);

state-of-the-art training that develops skills in a different area; access to cutting edge technology; and flexible work schedules. They also provide work / life balance; a fun team culture; inspiring leadership and mentoring; recognition; and the incorporation of their personality, passions and interests into their work.

Most importantly, these employers communicate explicitly their intention to retain their staff, and explain the benefits to both parties of long-term tenure. They have a forum for staff to discuss their itchy feet and the motives behind this. They excel at communicating openly and directly, and will listen to and respect different views in order to find common ground.

CBC Staff Selection 4051 9699 Kirsten@cbcstaff.com.au (Kirsten Le Roux is a senior recruitment consultant with CBC Staff Selection)

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e: info@visaconnect.com.au www.visaconnect.com.au 50

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business

the love month with Naomi de Costa This column is all about providing solutions. So it’s February, and what happens in February?

The love month strikes.

For me, Valentine’s Day and my wedding anniversary are within days of each other (it seemed like a good idea at the time), so I, like many others, rack my brain in February trying to think of something quirky and romantic, and hopefully kind of useful.

So I have found the ideal solution. Shout you and your partner to some estate planning. I practise in estate planning and litigation, so if you think this sounds like shameless self promotion – you’re absolutely right. But there are also a lot of reasons this really is worth considering, such as: 1. Leaving your partner up the creek is not

romantic. If they have to spend years arguing with their family and dealing with someone like me, they may end up sticking pins in you every Valentine’s Day thereafter.

Estate planning is surprisingly easy. People often put it off because they think it will be harder than it is – they can’t decide who should have the kids and what would happen to Fido.

2. It’s smart and funny and useful and something you’ve been meaning to do for ages.

3. You could take your partner out to lunch and surprise them with a trip to the solicitor afterwards – doesn’t that sound like so much fun?

An experienced estate planning solicitor will be able to help you resolve these problems, and will often have answers you’re not aware of.

These days, like everything, the law of wills is increasingly complex, so make sure you use a solicitor, and one experienced in estate planning.

4. It would mean you have to spend some time together, to figure out what you would want to happen.

Williams Graham Carman 4046 1111 www.wgc.com.au

5. I firmly believe in Murphy’s Law: so if you do the work and pay the money, then nothing will actually happen to you. If you don’t, then something, of course, will.

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makeover or makeunder with John Mlikota Extra, extra; it’s fashionable! Get yourself a makeover. Try celebrity hairstyles, learn about makeup and skin care products. Get the latest fashion trends and find the best deals on your favourite products and stores.

A makeover is a term applied to changing one’s appearance, sometimes through cosmetics.

Makeovers can range from something as simple as a new haircut, to the use of cosmetic surgery, to plastic surgery.

A makeunder is based on the opposite principle – removing artificial enhancements to a person’s appearance to give a more natural look.

I have been thinking about non-super investments and portfolios as well as superannuation, and how I could ‘make over’ the portfolio to enhance returns. Let’s start with the hairstyle – let’s try some length and breadth before adding colour.

I have chosen to seek out a licensed adviser who can validate the existing style or recommend a change. Just like going to a doctor for a check-up.

Cosmetics – Shall we continue to use the existing

investment wrap or reporting platform we have used or is there a better, more affordable, flexible alternative? Indeed, just as there are new shades of red lipstick, hair colour and hair removers proliferating the marketplace, there are portfolio administration and investment access solutions.

In reality, most investors neither have the tools nor the capacity to exploit market unpredictability.

Nonetheless, by tapping into the expertise of those who can, (those with a proven track record in active asset allocation) you can enhance investment returns.

Enhancements – Yeah baby, let’s get bigger.

Recognising the opportunities in the prevailing market cycle is important. Buying more because the price is falling is a sure way to lose more.

One needs to overlay trends with fundamental analysis and a macro economic outlook. You do not wish to be undergoing remedial surgery because your enhancements have collapsed.

To make over your investment / superannuation solution, we would commence by stripping back the costs. Re-establish the goals and time frames, carefully research all available solutions, consider the risks and navigate the complex choices in an objective manner.

New outfit – Do I look beautiful in this? Try before you buy. If you are not bold and do not embrace change, you will continue to follow the herd. Replacing a ‘set and forget’ investment strategy with dynamic asset allocation ensures that mistakes are not repeated. Selling this bank share and replacing it with another bank share or indeed any share may simply be dressing up the problem.

Choose and invest money in accordance with your own ideologies. Where you, the investor, comes first. Maybe it’s more natural makeunder rather than an ‘artificial’ makeover we need?

Independent Capital Advisers, Cairns 4031 4575 www.incapital.com.au (John Mlikota is senior investment manager and director of Independent Capital Advisers)

Become a Selflet member today ential ed Residtion g a n a Self-M rty Informa Prope

Do you own an investment property in Queensland?

Selflet is dedicated to people who choose to self-manage their investment property and is run by experienced real estate professionals who can advise you about the legalities involved in managing your own property.

Find out more at www.selflet.com.au Selflet: you’ll swear by us, not at us!

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MIGRATION PLUS BUSINESS PROMOTION

philosopher’s corner …

ticket to ride with Dr Chris White

We do have control over how we spend the rest of our lives, even if we feel we have had little control up to now.

The future is ours to determine.

One way to consider this is to think of life as a ticket. We all get one ticket to life that enables us to take the ride from conception until death. We don’t know how long that ticket runs for. For some it is a big ticket, for others a small ticket.

Thinking about where we are now, our ticket is partly used up.

About nine months were used in gestation, depending on our age, health and unknown life expectancy, a chunk of the balance of the ticket has already been used up. Whether that has been used wisely, foolishly, happily or unhappily does not matter, that part of the ride of life is behind us and nothing can change it. There is no point regretting any part of it, or wishing it was different, or that we could change it. We cannot change it, we can only change how we think about it.

Then that leaves the balance of our ticket. This is ours to determine what we do with.

Let’s see what is really left: •• Time spent sleeping – about seven to eight hours a day is 30 per cent •• Time spent in bathing, toilets, grooming, dressing etc. – let’s say 7 per cent, and another 7 per cent waiting, (in queues, for bathrooms, for tickets, others etc) You can already see the time you have to spend during the rest of your life, or the part of your life ticket that you have control over, is now quite small. Therefore it is very important.

Life is too short to spend this little chunk of controllable time doing things that you don’t like doing, working in a job that is not satisfying, or being in a relationship causing stress and ill feeling.

All of these things are within your power to control. Why is it that you are unhappy at work (you are the one who is unhappy, so don’t blame the job or the boss), if you are unhappy with your relationship take a look at yourself – after all you are the one who is unhappy, if you are unhappy with life ask yourself “why am I unhappy?”. Life is what it is, relationships are what they are, work is what it is – none of these things are intrinsically good or bad, right or wrong, happy or unhappy – it is only your perception.

Don’t waste the little bit of the life ticket that you do have control over, choose happiness, and make it happen. The choice is truly yours.

Migration Plus 4041 2620 www.migrationplus.com.au

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permanentromance work visa overseas with Fiona Ryan If you are an Australian citizen who has a loved one overseas this Valentine’s Day who is a non-Australian, you may wish to investigate visa options for your partner to migrate permanently to Australia.

Partners and fiances of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens may apply to enter and remain permanently in Australia and include married partners, people intending to get married or de facto partners, including those in a same sex relationship.

There are two types of visas in the partner visa category – the prospective marriage visa and the spouse visa. To be eligible to apply for the spouse visa you must be legally married or have been in a de facto relationship with your partner for at least the entire 12 months prior to the date of lodging an application.

Temporary residency is granted initially, followed by permanent residency two years after first applying for the spouse visa, provided you are still in a relationship with your partner. In some situations, you may be eligible to apply directly for permanent residency in cases where you can demonstrate a long-term relationship exists (more than three years) or you and your partner have a dependent child together as well as at least a two-year relationship.

Alternatively, the prospective marriage visa option allows your partner to enter Australia on a nine-month temporary visa. Your partner must travel into Australia and marry you within the nine month period. Once married you may then apply for the spouse visa, which gives temporary residency first followed by permanent residency after two years.

Sponsors must meet a range of legal criteria to be eligible to sponsor a fiance or partner in Australia. They must also sign a sponsorship undertaking to provide accommodation and financial assistance to their partner for the first two years.

As part of the application process all visa applicants must meet health and character requirements and must also demonstrate that a genuine and continuing relationship exists.

For further advice on partner visa classes you may seek the advice of a registered migration agent who can advise the most suitable option and guide you through the immigration process.

Visa Connection Pty Ltd 4051 9043 info@visaconnect.com.au (Fiona Ryan, Registered Migration Agent No. 0640004)

INDEPENDENT CAPITAL ADVISERS PTY LTD Licensed Securities Dealer

NoTrail Commissions

Investing in your life...

Shares | Financial Planning | Retirement Planning | Cash Management Superannuation | Investment Management | Personal Insurance Tax Strategies | Online Trading | Global Market Access PO Box 5667, Cairns Qld 4870 | Level 1, 55 Spence Street, Cairns Qld 4870 T + 61 7 4031 4575 | F + 61 7 4051 0880 | E admin@incapital.com.au

www.incapital.com.au Independent Capital Advisers Pty Ltd ABN 95 765 269 541 54

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business

poor copy costs your brand with Mia Lacy and Tanya Snelling Words do matter. Copy that’s correct counts a great deal. These days, it’s hard enough to get people to notice you in the first place, and with inappropriate text, you are going to lose them ... fast.

Anyone can write long-winded, jargonistic sentences. It’s writing short snappy ones that’s hard. Comprehension goes out the window when you have to concentrate just to get the jist.

Firstly, decide on the tone of your brand. Is it chatty? Cool and corporate? Then the words used to write about it need to reflect and amplify its personality. A key part of selling is features and benefits. You can, and should, present these in promotional copy written in the brand tone.

Next, recognise the different styles of business writing.

Advertising copy is designed to sell, uses adjectives and frequently superlatives, and is always persuasive. The advertising copywriting platform is Attention, Interest, Desire, Action.

february 2012

Each message needs to tick all four boxes.

Editorial copy is factual and reads like a newspaper article – it should be of interest to your reader, not just to you. Advertorials are a crossover, when you pay for the space but present the message in a style which looks like editorial (but notes a disclaimer). These are highly-effective if written with credibility that reflects the reader’s intelligence.

Writing for websites requires simple focus and an analysis of your key features and benefits from your customer’s perspective. Keep it simple.

Research shows users scan online text, looking down a page for keywords or phrases. Use subheadings, bold text and hyperlinks throughout your website copy. Small paragraphs and use of bullet points are good, as are images.

At least one call-to-action (hyperlink) should be located on each webpage to direct the user to the next page you’d like them to visit. Search engines give high importance to hyperlinks as it helps them understand what a website is about.

Use sound, videos and photos on your website but make sure they are appropriate and not distracting from your brand message or tone.

A well-worded piece of copy sparkles, so here are our final tips. Check for mistakes in grammar and punctuation. If your copy isn’t up to standard, this can reflect on all other aspects of your business. Don’t waffle – get to the point. Meaningless clichés, jargon and buzzwords just add to the overall headache of trying to comprehend something. Consider the personality of your brand and write accordingly.

Don’t over-capitalise! It’s hard to read through a forest of capital letters. Read the newspaper and copy the standard they apply on their editorial.

And finally, don’t use an ampersand (&) in general copy to abbreviate ‘and’. It should only be used for a company’s name, i.e. Brown & Sons.

Libra Communications www.libracommunications.com.au Twitter: @LibraCommPR

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win

win a kuvings silent juicer Give your daily nutrient intake a boost by juicing your fresh fruit and vegies with the Kuvings Silent Juicer (www.kuvings.net.au). The universal juicer meets all your juicing needs, from firm carrots to fine wheatgrass. It may be quiet in its operation but it is loud with features. The patented extraction method presses and extracts rather than grinds and chews like most juicers do; this technique retains all the nutrients and enzymes, for a healthier, natural juice every time. This stylish new concept designer juicer will certainly add style and complement your kitchen décor. This month, Profile Magazine has one Kuvings Silver Juicer to give away, valued at a staggering RRP $499.

win fair trade jewellery My Global Hunter (www.myglobalhunter.com) sources beautiful jewellery from artisans from all over the world while adhering to a ‘fair trade’ and keeping things ‘green’ policy. In 2009 Lisa Beygel, founder of My Global Hunter, decided to start sourcing beautifully-crafted jewellery from artisans globally. Accessories include rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets, and many of the pieces are individually hand-crafted – something for everyone! This month, Profile Magazine and My Global Hunter have one prize package of several pieces to give away, including a Grecian Sunrise Necklace (pictured), four Circle of Life Artisan Bracelets, a Little Love Necklace and Hoops of Hope Earrings, valued at $354.

win a novotel palm cove escape

scan this with your smartphone to jump straight to our competition page

Head to the Profile Magazine website to enter and for terms and conditions.

This Valentine’s Day, spoil your loved one in the alluring surrounds of Palm Cove with a special Valentine’s Day at Novotel Palm Cove Resort (www.novotelpalmcove.com. au). Start with a five-course degustation dinner with wines to match priced from $99 per person, and end the night in one of the resort’s stylish rooms with a special overnight package including accommodation. Packages including the degustation dinner and full buffet breakfast for two start at just $320. This month, one Profile Magazine winner will win a ‘Sublime Wine & Dine Package’ for two which includes overnight suite accommodation, a bottle of sparkling wine, a three-course dining experience at Canecutters Restaurant and a full buffet breakfast for two. Valued at $350.

win a skyrail experience Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (www.skyrail.com.au) is a world first in environmental tourism, taking you on an amazing experience over Australia’s world heritage listed tropical rainforest canopy and deep into the forest. The Skyrail experience, spanning 7.5km over pristine rainforest, allows you to explore the wonders of an ancient tropical rainforest and learn about one of the most botanically fascinating and diverse areas on earth. This month, Skyrail is giving away two family passes for a return experience on the cableway, valued at $165 each.

win vip tickets to jute image not in dropbox, apparently genine has on her email somewhere?

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JUTE Theatre Company (www.jute.com.au) is an institution in Cairns. This year marks its 20th birthday, and the company will kick-off the celebration with At Sea, Staring Up from March 9 to 24. Told through poetic language, this intriguing script is brought to life with superb acting and an amazing set. Intimacy by Tony Robertson, from June 8, is also one not to miss. This month, JUTE is giving away VIP opening night packs to two lucky locals, with a double pass to its first two productions of the year (includes a red carpet event and light catering) – four tickets in total. These prize packs are valued at $160 each (4 x $40 tickets each prize). profilemag.com.au

on the road

ll words hamish rose

Holden Caprice Series II

H

olden has a history of making top quality, luxury, long wheelbase saloons for more than 30 years – one of which I have personally owned, a very roomy and comfortable 2001 supercharged V6 Holden Statesman. However, the Holden Caprice is renowned as being Holden’s ultimate long wheelbase luxury saloon. When you think of long wheelbase cars, very expensive European cars for $250,000 plus come to mind and it begs the question – for $67,830 driveaway, how does the Australian Holden Caprice stack up for value as our only locally-built, long wheelbase sedan? Let’s take a look and find out!

When releasing the Series II Holden Caprice, Holden discontinued the Statesman badge to leave the long wheelbase saloon choice to two prestigious offerings; the V6 Caprice and the V8 Caprice V. The V6 Holden Caprice offers a 3.6L SIDI direct injection V6 motor and the Holden-iQ full-colour touch-screen – with virtual CD collection, iPod, MP3 and USB flash-drive connectivity, plus a full colour mapping satellite navigation system with traffic alerts and rear view camera. Other standard features include leather trim, 18-inch wheels and tri-zone climate control air-conditioning. The Caprice is powered by a 3.6L SIDI direct injection V6 motor offering plenty of punch, with 210kw of power and a six-speed automatic gearbox, returning combined fuel consumption under 10L per 100km.

The Caprice V adds even more luxury by offering a Bose premium audio system, dual-screen rear DVD, electric sunroof, and is mated with a 260kw six litre february 2012

V8 motor with fuel saving AFM technology.

There is just something about the stance of a long wheelbase car that others can’t match. The Caprice has a manly and bold stance with strong lines and just the right amount of chrome to look classy, without looking overdone. Internally, the Caprice is exactly how you would imagine it – plenty of room front and back (so much so, many would struggle to touch the front seats while sitting in the back seat). The Holden-iQ system is easy to use and is fully integrated with audio, navigation, rear camera and mobile into one – make a call without even having to touch your mobile. Seating position is comfortable and easily adjustable and boot space is more than adequate for the largest of family holidays. This is truly luxury at its best.

On the road, the ride is like no other. The long wheelbase makes more back seat room than you could ever need, plus a quiet and comfortable ride that you would expect from a $250,000 plus Euro long wheelbase saloon. Despite the extra size of the Caprice, manoeuvrability is quite good and it actually doesn’t feel any larger than a Commodore sedan. All in all, the Series II Holden Caprice is an incredible saloon and offers the height of luxury, without breaking the budget.

If you are looking for a luxury long wheelbase vehicle and contemplating spending several hundred thousand dollars for the privilege, do yourself a favour and test drive the Holden Caprice for the experience of ultimate luxury at only a fraction of the price of its competitors.

THE FACTS Series II Holden Caprice FEATURES

•• •• •• •• ••

18 inch alloy wheels Touch-screen Holden-iQ system Holden iQ Satellite Navigation Rear view camera Leather seats

ENGINE

•• Caprice – 3.6L SIDI V6 with 210kw power and 350Nm torque.

•• Caprice V – 6.0L V8 with 260kw power and 517Nm torque.

FUEL CONSUMPTION

•• 3.6L V6 motor – 9.9L per 100km •• 6.0L V8 motor – 12.3L per 100km PRICE

•• Caprice from $67,830 driveaway •• Caprice V from $76,460 driveaway To test drive this vehicle, contact: Ireland Holden 227 Mulgrave Road, Cairns Phone 4052 3666 profilemagazine

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the last word

Andrew Griffiths

ll photography stuart frost Andrew Griffiths devotes his life to helping small businesses succeed. As the country’s leading small business author, with 11 books published in more than 50 countries, Andrew knows a thing or two about marketing. His goal is to take complex ideas and make them practical and simple. Andrew is certainly a local lad at heart, noting Perrotta’s as his ‘office’, and he dreams about having a house on Green Island.

I grew up in …

Perth (Western Australia, not Scotland).

“

I am at my happiest when … energising and inspiring a crowd.

I start my day by … getting up around 5:00am and then spending an hour or so checking out inspirational websites like ted.com, springwise. com and success.com to put me in the right head-space for the day ahead.

I am at my happiest when … energising and inspiring a crowd.

When I am not working I am … enjoying not having schedules, to-do lists or demands. I just try to make the most of wherever I may be and whatever I may be doing.

“

I wish I could … have a house on Green Island.

Local publishing dynamo Andrew Griffiths had dreams of becoming a marine biologist when he was growing up

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The best meal I have had was at … a little pensione in the Swiss Alps – mushroom fettuccine.

Doesn’t sound amazing but it was.

My favourite restaurant is … for dinner, Marinades, for breakfast, my office, which is also known as Perrotta’s.

Most people don’t know that I … play the guitar (badly).

My favourite holiday spot is … still researching, but I do love Tasmania. I am also very partial to the USA. When I was growing up I wanted to be … a marine biologist. I had visions of riding humpback whales around the oceans.

My all-time favourite movie is …

It’s a Wonderful Life. Jimmy Stewart. I am hoping to get my wings one day.

In five years I hope to be … rich.

My greatest achievement is … writing 11 books.

My most annoying habit is … writing 11 books.

What makes me laugh out loud is … irreverent humour.

The one person I would most like to meet is… my mother.

My hidden talent is …

I can touch type really fast. profilemag.com.au

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ONE STATION ALL THE ROCK LEGENDS

weekdays from 5.30am ZINC 102.7 ROCKING THE CAIRNS COMMUNITY ...

february 2012

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