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PortLife Picture Perfect Getaway Fashion Playing the Fashion Game HomeLife The Allaro Experience
FEATURE Team work’S
dream work 1 CairnsLife July 2012
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CONTENTS
CONTRIBUTORS Tim Arnott Danny Betrose Amanda Cranston Claire-Tamsin Davies Chelsea Denny Kate van Eck Julietta Henderson Amanda Macor Linda Mair Isiah McKimmie Elke Nagy DISPLAY SALES Jacqui Nolan Elli Vukasovic Michael Hooper Jessie Jattke Peta Somerville GRAPHIC DESIGN Rachelle Shipley PHOTOGRAPHY Claire-Tasmin Davies Chelsea Denny Romy Seigmann ACCOUNTS Maria Merlin
Contents COVER STORY 14 Miss Show Girl & The Cairns Show MONTHLY FEATURE: DREAM TEAMS 10 Commencing and throughout NEW 8 Talking in Words COVER Bianca McMahon Cairns Miss Showgirl 2012 Fashion Viva Boutique Hats Jewellery Tea Lily Hair Stephanie Macor Reds Salon and Spa Makeup and Styling Amanda Macor Brow Babes Photography Romy Photography at Mt Uncle Distillery Walkamin
FASHION 44 Playing the Fashion Game CRUISE 97 Bills Marine ‘Dream Team’ 100 Cairns BMX Club - host for the ‘2012 Queensland State Championships’
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PORTLIFE 104 ‘The Eye’ Art Exhibition 105 bel cibo ‘Dream Team’ 108 Wedding Planner 111 Exemplar Coaches ‘Dream Team’ HOMELIFE 119 The Allaro Experience Dream Teams 114 Powe Property 121 Mad About Plants 124 Allied Pickfords 125 Craig Burrows Custom Built Homes 127 Status Plus EVERY MONTH 6 Whats On Calendar 28 Business 38 Health & Wellness 58 Beauty 72 Wine & Cuisine
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Publisher’s Note Happy Birthday to us! CairnsLife celebrates our first birthday this month and what an exciting adventure it has been! We’ve loved every minute of profiling the wonderful Cairns community, the growth of the publication and, best of all, the support of you, our fabulous readers. We’re officially at the half way point of 2012. July is full of the worst of things [tax time and chilly mornings] and the best of things [the Cairns Show, cosy sleep ins on the weekend, CairnsLife’s birthday and our July issue!]. Team work is dream work and as we celebrate our birthday, I know without the amazing team behind the publication I would not be writing this note. So in thanking my team I would also like to showcase some of Cairns’ other dream teams in this month’s issue. These include the fabulous Northern Pride Rugby League team and, having personally worked with the crew, I know just how much time, effort and dedication they put in on and off the field to create that magic. This month is also Cairns Show time! Every year I tell myself I won’t go, but every year I find myself inexplicably drawn to the Show Bag Pavilion and those unbeatable Darrell Lea show bags. [Yes, more than one!] What can I say? This year probably won’t be any different... Whatever you and your team get up to this month, have fun, stay safe and keep smiling.
Jacqui x JACQUI NOLAN Publisher Suburb: Edge Hill Nickname: Jax and Chewy (from Star Wars, my two elder brothers love teasing me) Describe yourself in three words: Compassionate, bold and worrier Name one thing most people don’t know about you? I sucked my middle two fingers for 11 years Your favourite word/s? Dam, love and Aaron What car you would like to be driving right now? Maserati Granturismo (black)
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One thing you can’t live without? Would be my beautiful Mum Most precious belonging that is not living? A photo of myself with my two brother, simply irreplaceable, I carry it everyday in my bag. Best advice your have received? Treat people equally, whether they live in a tent or a mansion. What are some of the crazy fads you and your friends went through? Fluro socks and rolling them down to our joggers, roof rocking and hanging out at good old space skate.
CAIRNSLIFE DREAM TEAM
Elli Vukasovic Advertising & Marketing Manager Suburb: Earlville Nickname: Ells, Ellwood, Chicken Describe yourself in three words: Loyal, diligent, and affable Name one thing most people don’t know about you? I have a pet buffalo called ‘Willow’ Your favourite word/s? As a Territory girl, I would have to say Gammon! And to be exact, “gammon brus!” What car you would like to be driving right now? My own! I moved to Cairns from Darwin 3 months ago and am still driving a small hire car. I miss my Suzi (x3 door Suzuki Grand Vitara) One thing you can’t live without? My little boy, ‘Buddy Love’. A beautiful Cavocker puppy (King Charles Cavalier x Cocker Spaniel)… and of course my family, friends, heels, phone and... yep, I’m really indecisive. Most precious belonging that is not living? A gold pendant given to me by my ‘Baba’ (Croatian Grandmother). It reminds me of my solid link to another country and Baba miles away and mainly how amazing it was that my Dad, born in Croatia found my Mum in Australia. Best advice you have received? Never lie. The truth is easier to remember. If you could become a character in a TV show or movie, which would you chose to be? Wonder Woman! A crime fighting beauty with intelligence and strength, PLUS bulletproof bracelets, a magic lasso and a killer high kick…is there really another option?
JESSie Jattke Advertising & Marketing Executive Suburb: City View Nickname: Jessie J Describe yourself in three words: Bubbly, bright and generous Name one thing most people don’t know about you: I can lick my elbow and its supposedly impossible. What car would you like to be driving right now: HSC Luxury V8 super charge Range Rover One thing you can’t live without: Green tea. A green tea a day keeps the doctor away :) Most precious belonging that is not living: I am very much a family person so i’d have to say “Family time”. Best Advice you have ever received: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…” Thanks Dr. Seuss If you could be a famous person who would it be and why: Miley Cyrus, because she gets to marry Chris Hemsworth! Such a Babe! sorry David.
Michael Hooper Advertising & Marketing Executive Suburb: City Nickname: Mikey Describe yourself in three words: Party Fun Drink Favourite word/s: Bible, mole and bruss Name one thing most people don’t know about you? That’s tough. I’ll have to phone a friend… I have no secrets - most people know everything about me. Your current desktop picture? Naked >>>>>>>> What car you would like to be driving right now? A Mercedes Benz. So I went a purchased one. No really I did!! Lol One thing you can’t live without? Friends, Facebook, and wine. Oh, you said one thing…wine! Do you have any pets? Hell no. Gross! Best advice your have received? Treat people the way you want to be treated What are the biggest things you’ve learnt in life to date? Live life like there is no tomorrow. Enjoy, live and love.
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PETA SOMerville Advertising & Marketing Executive Suburb: City Nickname: Somer or Pete Describe yourself in three words: Outgoing, thoughtful & ambitious Name one thing most people don’t know about you? If I tell you, then I no longer have this ‘one thing’. I’d like to keep it, as there is not much that Cairns doesn’t know about me already. I am an open book – all 99 good pages and 1 for improvement What car you would like to be driving right now? Mercedes ML 350 or a VW Tiguan One thing you can’t live without? One? I prefer ‘things’ - my friends and family, nail polish & the beach! Most precious belonging that is not living? iPhone & Camera. I love capturing every moment that happens in my life & keeping in touch with all my friends around the world! Best advice your have received? Believe in yourself... no matter what it is you want to do in life. What were some of your crazy fads you and your friends went through? Nintendo, DR. Martens, Swatch Watches, Slinky, Jelly Shoes, everything Neon!! What is your most embarrassing moment you dare to publish? I don’t get embarrassed! Although this one time, in Melbourne…..
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Whats On Don Walker returns to Tanks on the Night Fishing Tour with special guest Roy Payne As one of the most respected songwriters in Australian music history, Don Walker needs little introduction. During the years of Cold Chisel’s fame in the 1970s and early 1980s, he penned many classic tunes including, but not limited to, ‘Saturday Night’, ‘Cheap Wine’, ‘Standing on the Outside’, ‘Four Walls’ and ‘Khe Sahn’. He also co-wrote ‘Flame Trees’. These are the songs that bear witness to some of Australia’s greatest rock moments and are part of the fabric of our lives. Since then, Don has travelled and recorded, releasing his first solo album back in 1994. Last here in 2009, don’t miss him in 2012. Venue: Tank 5 (Collins Ave, Edge Hill) When: Saturday 21st July Music Starts: 7:30pm Cost: $35 / $30 (Conc Bookings & Info: www. tanksartscentre.com
Things look better than OK for the Beautiful Girls After treating crowds last month to songs from his second solo album, Mat McHugh is back and this time he’s bring his bandmates The Beautiful Girls along for the ride. Formed in 2001, The Beautiful Girls are the type of band you listen to on one of those hot summer days whilst you are lying on the beach. They play the ultimate chill out music, with their cruisy lyrics as well as their original laid back style of Australian roots music. Venue: Brothers Leagues Club When: Sunday 5th August (Doors open 7:30pm) Cost: Ticket prices $30 - $35 Bookings & Info: www. brotherscairns.com.au/4053 1053 General Admission, standing only event.
Pacific Toyota Lexus of Cairns Charity Golf Day for Paws and Claws Animal Refuge An 18 Hole Open Ambrose Charity Golf Day with proceeds going to support the Paws and Claws Animal Refuge in Port Douglas. The entry fee of $125.00 per player includes 18 holes of golf with a shared electric cart, breakfast at registration, BBQ lunch, refreshments on course, drinks with lunch and fabulous prizes. Venue: Shangri-La When: Sunday 15 July 7:00am - 3:00pm Ticket price: $125.00 per player Bookings & Info: 07 4087 2222 email: david_roche@mirvac.com
W H AT ’ S O N
Pin Drop is an experience that will sharpen your sense to a razor’s edge Drawing on a range of interviews with people from six to 92 years of age, Pin Drop explores the most private of experiences – fear – while reminding us of its shared universal nature. Live voice intermingles with the disembodied sounds of these pre-recorded conversations, creating a dialogue across time that is both comforting and uncanny. WINNER: 2010 Green Room Award, Outstanding Production (Alternative & Hybrid Performance). Created and Performed by Tamara Saulwick Venue: The Theatre, Centre of Contemporary Arts When: Friday, 27 Jul 2012 Saturday, 28 July Music Starts: 7:30pm Cost: $29 / $24 (Conc) Bookings & Info: www.centreof-contemporary-arts-cairns. com.au/
SAVE THE DATE
Celebrity Chef Degustation Dinner Featuring Miguel Maestre Friday 3rd August from 7pm Reef Room Pullman Reef Hotel Casino Tailored Menu & Beverage Package $115 per person Tables of 10 available Very limited availability To Book – Phone: 0427 320 379 or Email: jennifer@alistevents.com.au
Celebrity Chef Lunch Demonstration Featuring Miguel Maestre Saturday 4th August from 12 noon Michaelmas Cay Ballroom Pullman Reef Hotel Casino Tailored Menu & Beverage Package $95 per person Tables of 8 available To Book – Phone: 0427 320 379 or Email: jennifer@alistevents.com.au
Sunday Lunch Jazz Session Starring renowned Jazz artist Emma Pask Quartet Supported by Take 5 Combo Sunday 5th August from 12 noon Michaelmas Cay Ballroom Pullman Reef Hotel Casino Tailored Menu & Beverage Package $75 per person Tables of 10 available $10 from every ticket will be donated to Couch on your behalf To Book – Phone: 0427 320 379 or Email: jennifer@alistevents.com.au
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Miguel Maestre is set to spice up to the Cairns cooking scene.
T
here are chefs who work for many years in various kitchens around the world refining their craft and making a name, and then there is Miguel Maestre, an energetic and spirited Spaniard who is quickly becoming one of Australia’s favourite celebrity chefs. With special appearances on Channel Ten’s Masterchef, Junior Masterchef and his major role on the new lifestyle show The Living Room, Miguel is now preparing to bring his flamboyant and charismatic cooking to Cairns for two events as he headlines The Reef Casino Festival in August. “I have heard incredible things about the quality and diversity of the local produce – the seafood. I can’t wait to get involved and cook up a storm at the festival,” said Miguel from his home in Sydney. It’s this infectious passion for food and life that has seen his popularity soar. Miguel has developed a talent for incorporating Spanish ingredients and cooking styles into his modern Australian menus. This is just what he will be doing for the 70 lucky people who snap up tickets to his degustation dinner experience on Friday 3rd August at The Reef Casino Festival for only $115. For those not content with one serving of Miguel, he will be “back for seconds” at noon on Saturday 4th August as he treats Cairns to a cooking demonstration showcasing the fresh local produce we all have come to love. Tickets to this event are only $95.
“I have heard incredible things about the quality and diversity of the local produce – the seafood. I can’t wait to get involved and cook up a storm at the festival.” With a family who lived and breathed good food and wine, Miguel was always destined to cook. Miguel moved to Australia from Spain six years ago and has been fortunate to work in some of the country’s premier kitchens including Head Chef of Tony Bilson’s Number One Wine Bar in Sydney’s Circular Quay. In
January 2010, Miguel opened his first restaurant, El Toro Loco (The Crazy Bull). Along with his media commitments Miguel now runs his own business, offering a Personal Chef experience. Miguel’s TV credits include co-hosting the hit series of Boys Weekend, alongside friends Gary Mehigan, Manu Feildel and Adrian Richardson. The show has aired in over 100 countries worldwide. His first series of Miguel’s Tropical Kitchen, aired on Lifestyle Food Channel in early 2010 and was sold around the world. Miguel has been a regular on The Circle, 9am with David & Kim, Better Homes and Gardens and Today. Miguel launched his own cooking and recipe iPad & iPhone apps in 2011 in both English and Spanish. He released his first book Miguel’s Tapas in September 2010 and his second book Miguel’s Spanish Cooking in October 2011.
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For more information on The Reef Casino Festival visit www.reefcasino.com.au To book your tickets to Miguel’s events, phone 0427 320 379 or email jennifer@alistevents.com.au
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DREAM TEAMS
DREAM TEAMS TEAM As the saying goes, no man (or woman) is an island, which is why CairnsLife has chosen to celebrate local businesses and groups that thrive on team culture.
This month our reporters, Amanda Cranston, Claire-Tamsin Davies, Kate van Eck, Julietta Henderson and Elke Nagy had the pleasure of interviewing a cross section of teams ranging from charity organisations to professional practices.
Following our two Hero Dream Teams, Skill 360 Northern Pride and Cancer Council’s Relay For Life, the Dream Teams featured throughout this issue are: AJ Hackett | Preston Law | Taylor Byrne | Suna Shoes & Accessories | Paronella Park | ipSEITY Beauty & Hair Studio Society Bar and Nightspot | Silk Caffe | Bills Marine | bel cibo | Exemplar Coaches and Limousines | Powe Property Mad About Plants Wholesale Nursery | Allied Pickfords | Craig Burrows Custom Built Homes | Status Plus Despite their varied backgrounds, the one thing everyone we spoke to had in common is how much they value the contribution of others and believe that a reliable, dynamic team is essential in achieving their goal. It’s seems no matter what business your in: Together Everyone Achieves More
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HR D EA EA DM E RT E A M S
DREAM TEAM
RELAY FOR LIFE
Pictured: One of the teams from Relay For Life
With so many families touched by cancer, Relay For Life gets bigger and better every year raising money to find a cure for this deadly disease. This year a record 221 teams participated in the event at Barlow Park on June 16 and 17, an increase on last year’s 195 teams, and Cancer Council Queensland Relay For Life Coordinator Rachel Wilson says Cairns had the highest number of teams ever in Queensland. “It’s great to see so many new people get involved in the event. We estimate that with the general public attending the opening and the candlelight ceremony we had between 3,500 and 4,000 at the event,” she says. “We also had 70 brand new teams participate this year which was fantastic.” This overnight community event first started in America in 1985 and then in Australia in 1999 and is now an international event. Teams of between 10 to 15 people walk a track relay-style for 18 hours, with the common goal of celebrating cancer survivors, remembering loved ones lost and fighting back against a disease that takes too much. The money goes towards researching new cancer preventions and treatments, educating the
community to prevent and detect cancer early,
currently receiving cancer treatment in Brisbane.
and supporting all Queenslanders affected by
“My dad was diagnosed with cancer eight years
cancer. Last year Relay for Life raised $610,000
ago and it is an emotional journey you can never
and while this year’s figures haven’t been finalised
really prepare yourself for,” she says. “When you
yet, results so far have already seen local efforts
are touched by the effects of cancer it certainly
exceed this year’s goal
makes you appreciate the small things in life and
sponsorship,
of $500,000 through
fundraisers
and
community
spending valuable time with loved ones becomes
donations.
of utmost importance.” Beck says Relay For Life
Annette Morrison’s team, Mareeba Tropical
unites the community to pay tribute to loved ones
Roar, raised the most money this year totalling
who have died and gives hope that one day there
$40,110, topping their last year’s fundraising
will be a cure. “It can be such an emotional day
efforts of $27,000 which was the highest
but it really is a wonderful event.”
amount raised last year. “We fundraise all year round and we really have to give thanks to the Mareeba community as they are the ones that have contributed and helped us raise the money,” she says. “We have all been touched by cancer in some way and I know how fortunate I am that my immediate family are happy and healthy so I try to give to the community when I can,” Annette says, adding that this is the seventh year she has been involved with Relay For Life and will be back again next year. Beck Sinopoli is another participant who has been involved in the event for many years, but this year did the walk without her father who is
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For more information or to make donations, visit www.relayforlife.org.au
DREAM TEAMS
DREAM TEAM
NORTHERN PRIDE
Photo: Courtesy of Pine Creek Pictures
With a strong focus on the local region and developing the skills of young players, Northern Pride should be commended for the wonderful work they do within the community. Northern Pride CEO Chris Sheppard says both
while growing up, so giving back is important.
endless work with juniors. “We work with junior
the local and corporate community helped
That is why Northern Pride developed the Take
rugby league clubs and kids in the community
establish Northern Pride in 2007, building the
Pride Program (TPP) which provides positive
running many non-gender specific programs
club from a model unlike any other football club,
outcomes for the region through education,
that don’t require any football skills but instead
and Chris says the secret to their success is ‘our
employment, health, wellbeing and sporting
develop the person rather than just developing
people’. “We are supported by locals financially,
pathways. Last year the program did 350 school
the football player,” Chris says. “We teach them
by amazing volunteers, dedicated staff and a
visits, 50 remote community trips and 70 local
traits required to be successful in life including
team of players from across the region who
community events.
respect, dignity, humility and punctuality. These
represent those that have been before us whilst
The club also continues to give back to the
traits then translate onto the field and lead to
setting a platform for those that follow. Everyone
community in many other ways. This year
good performance and hopefully opportunity at
plays their part and works as a team,” he says.
they introduced a ‘charity partner’ for each of
higher levels.” Chris says we have an abundance
He also adds that the players work very hard at
their home games, giving local charities and
of raw talent in our region and Northern Pride
being good role models and supporting the local
opportunity to raise awareness and funds for
aim to create opportunities to harness and
community. “They grew up here, they faced the
their organisation. They run an Annual Holiday
develop these talents so hopefully we will have
same challenges local kids face and each one of
Clinic in early July for up to 200 local players
more stars on the world stage.
them has gone on to be successful on and off the
aged 6-16 with professional coaching and sports
field. Sports stars need to be examples as both
medicine with kids receiving footy gear and
athletes and with how they live their lives and our
having lots of fun. The club runs the Northern
players strive every day to be the role models that
Pride Academy for about 70 young men aged
kids deserve.” Chris says Northern Pride players
15-18 who participate in a six month program
remember the inspiration they got from having
and play in statewide competitions, and they do
some of their heroes visit and encourage them
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Skill360 Northern Pride RLFC – Contact Details Ph: (07) 4046 0500 Fax: (07) 4031 3711 Barlow Park, Severin St Cairns Moore Family Sports House www.northernpride.com.au
From work to play
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Cooking in Style
Come try before you buy!
Freestanding Cooker Freestanding cookers have many advantages, including huge oven capacities with multi-function cooking options and large cooktop surface areas that fit up to 5 or 6 pots at a time. This style of cooker is a statement for thr serious cook who had a large family or simple loves to entertain. Never be short of oven or cooktop space again!
Induction Cooking Unlike other types of cooktops (electric or gas), induction cooktops generate heat directly into the pot or pan, as opposed to generating heat directly into the pot or pan, as opposed to generating heat into electric coils or burning gas. This form of heating allows much better heat control, quicker boil times and more energy efficiency. Induction cooktops are also the safest method of cooking, because the cooker’s surface remains cool enough to touch.
Pyrolytic Cleaning Pyrolytic technology does away with the need for scrubbing the oven. By selecting Pyrolytic mode, the oven locks, then heats to a high temperature and reduces any grease and grime to ash. Then you simply wipe it out with a damp cloth.
Steam Ovens Steam ovens are the easiest and healthiest way to prepare your meals. They lock in vitamins and minerals, making your meals nutritious and tasty. Steam ovens cook food while retaining moisture and are perfect for meats and vegetables as well as pasta and cakes.
For more information visit www.hn.com.au/cooking This advertisement must be read subject to the terms and conditions set out at www.harveynorman.com.au/terms (which includes the Raincheck Policy) *3, *9 Terms and conditions apply, visit www.harveynorman.com.au/terms for details 18 CairnsLife July 2012
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INCLUDES*3
INCLUDES*3 WOK
BLANCO 900mm CANOPY RANGEHOOD
ETWTOL
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valued at $319
valued at $1499
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Blanco 900mm Induction Cooktop. Five cooking zones, ten heat settings, safety lock, beveled edge design. CI905 Offer available in store only.
Electrolux 900mm ‘Maxi-Sense’ Induction Cooktop.Nine heat settings with side controls and Maxi-Sense technology, giving you the ability to use multiple pots at the same time. HD68210P. Also Available in 700mm. EHD68210P . . . $2374
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2999
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AEG 600MM Pyrolytic Oven. 74L oven capacity, ten cooking functions, telescopic runners, pyrolytic self-cleaning, enlarged window, quadruple-glazed glass door. BP501300M Offer available in store only.
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5 YEAR WARRANTY BONUS*3 SILIT 3-PIECE POT SET valued at $522
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Miele 600mm Steam Oven. Easy to clean stainless steel interior, electronic controls with mutl-function display for time and temperature, programmable cooking duration, automatic, switch-off. DG1050 Offer available in store only.
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Blanco 900mm Freestanding Cooker. Five-burner gas cooktop including wok burner, cast-iron trivets, four-function electric oven. 104 litre gross capacity. FD9045WX
Ilve 900mm ‘Teppanyaki’ Freestanding Cooker. Genuine Stainless steel Teppanyaki hot-plate puts the finishing touches to a gourmet kitchen. Perform and deliver the same results as a Teppanyaki restaurant. . Features a gas hob and a 10-function 110L electric oven with rotisserie. P90FWMP/I
CAIRNS
101 Spence Street 19 CairnsLife July 2012 (Old Brewery Site)
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Socials
RUBY BALL
SOCIALS
RUNWAY TWENTY TWELVE
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TEAMWORK
The inspiring locals in this month’s special feature on Dream Teams are all testament to the most fundamental secrets of business success: great staff, fulfilling work and maintaining good relationships within the workplace. For the boss, this means providing a positive and rewarding environment and keeping the staff feeling happy, motivated and appreciated [we like that!]; and for the staff it means respect for the boss, doing a great job and spreading the love amongst your colleagues [although perhaps not literally]. And whilst certainly not every team starts out “living the dream” in the workplace, with a little nurturing and some good old-fashioned respect for one another it’s possible to create a tight knit, professional team from a group of mismatched and unique individuals. Team building exercises are not solely the domain of corporate multi-nationals, even a tiny three-person business team can benefit from some of these fun activities.
Out & About ‘Fun’ Activities What could be more fun than hunting down your workmates one by one and splattering them with paint? Apart from the obvious satisfaction of settling the score with Darren from accounts for his six unwashed coffee cups clogging up the staff kitchen sink, paintballing is one of the ‘fun activities’ around town that teaches the benefits of teamwork, trust and a good pair of running shoes.
Group Business/Life Coaching Before you go all eye rolling on us, this doesn’t mean sitting around in a therapy circle divulging the secrets of your youth to your workmates. It’s about working with a professional to set common goals within the workplace, learning effective communication and fostering a spirit of teamwork.
DREAM TEAMS
Building the Dream By Julietta Henderson
Eat, Drink, Cruise Staff dinners: you either love ‘em or hate ‘em. There’s something to be said for an evening of wine and food courtesy of petty cash, but often the venue leaves a little to be desired. Well, we live in the ideal location to get out and about on the water for a lunchtime or evening dinner cruise. As an effective “captive audience”, it may surprise you just who you end up talking to in between courses. A cruise is a great way to relax and wind down, while possibly getting to better know some of those staff members you wouldn’t generally speak to.
Health and Wellness Challenge The only thing harder than trying to get fit and lose weight is trying to get fit and lose weight on your own. Set up a challenge in the workplace to get fit as a team. In the spirit of the Olympic month, Office Beach Olympics may be a terrific idea where everyone can shine in their own way and get fit at the same time? Aside from the obvious benefits [err, getting fit and losing weight], either attending structured fitness classes, getting a personal trainer as a group, or simply going it alone and racing each other up the Red Arrow after work can do wonders for morale. A little encouragement goes a long way and, by supporting each other along the way to fitness, other areas in the workplace can also be nurtured. A little good-natured rivalry never hurt, either, so set goals and prizes and have fun achieving them!
Office X-Factor Ok, it may be a bit of a stretch to suggest that ‘The Mechanic’s Got Talent’ or your accountant can start pulling rabbits instead of Christmas bonuses out of his hat, but organising an amateur talent contest can be a fun way of getting the team to be creative, and it’s the perfect opportunity to dust off that Elvis costume you never thought would see daylight again…
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T R AV E L
To Russia with LOVE Her Imperial Highness the Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov – what a great title and enduring mystery. I have long been fascinated with the history of Russia, the Tsars and the Romanov dynasty in particular, so whilst visiting family in Norway for Christmas two years ago, I could not resist the opportunity to visit this fascinating destination as well. As crazy as it sounds to some, travelling there in the middle of winter was also appealing, providing a stark contrast to the humidity back home, with the added benefit of less crowds at the major sights. We arrived in brash, expensive and vulgar
was to create a great port and metropolis that
Moscow, the biggest city in Europe, home to more
would, at that time, be unrivalled throughout the
millionaires than anywhere else in the world and
world. Buildings were to be bigger, spires taller,
the economic motor driving Russia’s resurgence
interiors more ornate and the city more elegant
as a great power. The sheer size of the Capitol
than anything that had gone before. It is due to
city is amazing, even a little intimidating. Getting
those ideals that we saw what we did.
around in Moscow is not easy. Official taxis do
Described by Lonely Planet: - “as elegant as
not exist and I would be very wary hailing one
Prague and as enchanting as Budapest” and
of the many “unofficial” taxis, although we did
it did not disappoint.
I am not sure I have
wandering the wide streets, gazing at the
once and had a pretty interesting experience,
experienced anything like it. I feel like we lived
beautiful buildings could have used up all of
but that’s another story!
The Moscow Metro,
within a museum for 3 days, as everything we
my 3 days there. I have to go back, there is so
probably one of the world’s best, is really not
experienced was simply stunning and drenched
much more to see, places to revisit, (its impossible
that difficult, but with only 3 days there, we
in historical interest. Your first stop has to be the
to have long enough in any of the marvellous
just did not have the time to master it. Instead
Winter Palace, the jewel in the Russian crown,
sights), and whilst visiting in the middle of winter
we had pre-arranged a guide and a driver and
including the Hermitage Museum with over
was a treat, I would love to see the spectacular
I would strongly recommend this, besides the
3 million artefacts. Be sure to visit the Church
gardens in bloom.
ease of getting around she provided a wonderful
on Spilled Blood, the Yusopov Palace (where
The people at first seem formidable, unfriendly
commentary at all of the sights we visited. Even
the “mad monk”, Rasputin was assassinated),
and rude, but it’s truly not the case. In their
if you do have a guide it is well worth doing a trip
The Peter and Paul Fortress and take a trip out
mind, constant smiling is an indication of idiocy.
on the Metro, if it is not the best in the world it is
of town to the beautifully restored Catherine
Take the time to talk with some of them and you
certainly the most beautiful.
Palace. Practically destroyed in WWII it has been
will find a hidden warmth. Finally, beware the
First stop was the awesome Kremlin and Red
expertly restored and is dazzling, particularly the
army of old ladies lurking in corners at every
Square and I was surprised at the number of
Amber room which cost more than 11 million
attraction waiting to pounce if you put a step out
huge cathedrals at its heart. You really need a
alone to restore. You must not miss the stunning
of line (like not paying to take photographs).
full day at least to do it justice. Be sure to visit the
Peterhof series of Palaces and gardens either.
Armoury and Diamond Fund, a mind boggling,
St Petersburg left me overwhelmed, just
opulent display of treasures collected over the centuries. Amongst the many sights we visited during our stay, other highlights included the gigantic Church of Christ the Saviour and the Novodevich Convent. If you want to get some sense of how ordinary Russians live then get out of Moscow for at least a day and visit the historic towns surrounding Moscow to the north east, known as the Golden Ring. We went to beautiful Suzdal and Vladimir. Suzdal was my pick of the two, overflowing with old monasteries, convents, and churches and beautifully decorated wooden cottages. Although it was cheaper to travel by plane we opted to experience travel by train from Moscow to magical St Petersburg. Well it was an experience and one I am not sure I would repeat. Established in 1703 by Peter the Great, his idea
24 CairnsLife July 2012
Paul Egan
Where ever you choose to travel this year have fun!
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25 CairnsLife July 2012
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26 CairnsLife July 2012
DREAM TEAMS
DREAM TEAM
AJ HACKETT
Starting from the back left we have Luke Johnson, Jeremy Burke, Marcus Jouaneau, Michael Johnson, Callan Roberts, Andrew Marshall, Matt Cornish. Middle Row: Emily Baxter, Carmen Buckley, Carol Carsen, Jenna Falcy, Tessa-Ray McClure. Front: Ben Davis, Boris Joy, Coral-Lee Moran and Jacqui Flack.
When your business is all about being on the edge, it’s more important than ever to know exactly who’s got your back. As the original inventors of commercial bungy and part of an enterprise infiltrating the globe, A J Hackett Cairns is a company that takes fun extremely seriously. And according to general manager Luke Johnson, being part of the team is about more than just playing by the rules, it’s about celebrating their company culture. After a short holiday in Cairns in 2000, Luke
now boasts sites in France, China and an exclusive
With safety paramount, Luke says it’s important
packed his belongings in Canberra in search
beachside resort in Gili Trawangan, Lombok,
to know you can rely on the people around you.
of a new adventure in the tropical north. With
and is in the process of setting up sites in both
As creators of the industry code of practise they
a friend already working at A J Hackett, he was
Singapore and Russia in time for the Winter
invest a lot of time and money in training their
happy to take on any position going which at that
Olympics. And with sites all over the world staff
employees with the view of keeping them within
time happened to be a construction role. “The
have the benefit of being able to travel within the
the company. “At the end of the day your crew
company was in the process of building their new
company. “We’re like a family,” Luke says. “We
make you,” says Luke. “If they aren’t part of the
headquarters so I got a job labouring,” Luke says.
know people want to experience things in life so
direction you want to achieve and don’t have the
“AJ himself is a master builder so he was also on-
we encourage them to do that and are also happy
same passion, then you’re not going to get the
site at the time and I had the opportunity to meet
to welcome them back at the end.”
result you want.”
him.”
Despite their core product being bungy, the group
When a position then opened up on the raft,
now offer a whole range of adventure activities
Luke continued his journey through the ranks
as well as functions, events and accommodation.
until eventually, using his previous management
Luke describes the atmosphere in the workplace
experience from Canberra, took on the role of
as relaxed yet professional, with AJ flying in a few
general manager. “If AJ sees potential in someone
times a year for meetings or functions including
he’ll try to bring them through the company as
an overnight staff Christmas party on Dunk
best he can,” Luke says. “It’s not about having
Island. “He’s more than a boss he’s a friend to
a piece of paper it’s about being the right fit for
all the staff and usually the first to party,” Luke
the company.”
laughs. “People want to work here because he’s
From humble beginnings, the A J Hackett group
got that edge, that ‘Branson’ feel to him.”
27 CairnsLife July 2012
AJ Hackett 1800 622 888 / 4057 7188 Address: McGregor Road, SMITHFIELD Web: www.ajhackett.comEmail: cairns. reception@ajhackett.com http://www.facebook.com/ajhackettcairns
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28 CairnsLife July 2012
BUSINESS
An Award-Winning Educator Kathryn Mannion [Teacher] ASG Award Winner On May 18th this year a very dedicated woman, and one of our own Cairns locals, became the recipient of a 2011 ASG National Teaching Award, presented at a ceremony in Melbourne. The National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA) program, formed in conjunction with the ASG [Australian Scholarships Group], recognises the work of outstanding teachers and directors across the nation, whose commitment and dedication make an important contribution to the lives of students. The NEiTA awards highlight the dedication of those within the teaching profession and the significant role it plays in shaping young hearts and minds. From over 1400 nominations across the nation [in categories targeting leadership, innovation and community engagement], Dr Kathryn Mannion, a class teacher at Kuranda District State School, became one of just 11 recipients of the awards. She was honoured with the Community
Engagement
Award
for
her
“Families as First Teachers” program - designed to engage Indigenous parents in their children’s early learning process. Since 2005, when she was first asked by the principal of the college to design the program, Dr Mannion has been working with indigenous parents and carers in the local communities around Kuranda. The program has been so successful it has won state and national awards and has been used as a template in other Queensland communities as well as 20 remote Northern Territory Indigenous communities. Families as First Teachers targets children up to five years of age and their families. As creator and coordinator of FAFT, Kathryn and her fellow Dr Kathryn Mannion from Kuranda District State College, QLD, receiving her award from Sen. The Hon. Jacinta Collins.
teachers travel out into the local communities around Kuranda every week delivering the program, and evaluation has shown significant
while the parents are educated in how to utilise
came from a college parent. Her dedication
and carers say the program has empowered
resources and games within the home.
continues to increase the chances of a successful
them with tools and skills to learn how to work
Dr Mannion has been tireless in sharing her
future in the lives of the Indigenous youth.
positively towards their children’s success.
considerable skills [she has a Doctorate in
“NEiTA is Australia’s only national, independent,
The basis of Families as First Teachers is in
Teaching, a Masters in Aboriginal Studies
community-centred teaching awards program
and Applied Linguistics, and almost 30 years
that gives Australian parents and early childhood
experience as a teacher] with the Indigenous
and
community through her work and commitment
to nominate teachers who they believe to
to this innovative program. Dr Mannion has
be inspiring, enthusiastic and outstanding
taught at Kuranda District State School for seven
representatives of the teaching profession.”
results in school readiness. Indigenous parents
engaging children in structured play to help develop numeracy and literacy skills, and recognises the vital role of family in Indigenous culture as the child’s first teachers. The children are engaged in play, songs, games and socialisation
years in prep and pre-prep and her nomination
29 CairnsLife July 2012
school
communities
the
opportunity
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30 CairnsLife July 2012
DREAM TEAMS
DREAM TEAM
PRESTON LAW
Front-to-back, left-to-right...Jasmin Alexander, Tara Kehler, Sharlene Alexander, Peta Lloyd Denise Barnes, Angie Bell, Desley Thompson, Georgia Pratt, Penny Laws, Megan Grainger, Raji Bains, Andrew Kerr (Partner), Chris Zeilinga, Mark Valente (Partner), Michael Laycock (Partner), Colin Price, Tim Dobinson (Partner).
Unlike the law firms of old that were steeped in tradition and conservatism, Preston Law takes a refreshingly modern approach to conducting their business. Operating from a stylish office on McLeod St, the business is home to a team of consummate professionals. As Practice Manager, Sharlene Alexander revels in the relaxed nature of her environment where open communication leads to greater productivity. Born in Cairns with a background in retail
communication within the firm, the staff
With a staff
management, Sharlene’s position at the firm is a
participate in a number of social functions
senior associates, associates, solicitors and a
varied one. Incorporating office administration,
throughout the year. “We take part in the
conveyancing team, Preston Law has both depth
marketing, business development and overseeing
Mayor’s Charity Golf Day each year and hold
and commitment in all of its departments with
IT and human resources, it is a pivotal role
a Melbourne Cup lunch,” Sharlene says. “And
particular emphasis on commercial, litigation,
requiring an intimate knowledge of all facets
when any of the staff or their children are
local government, family law and conveyancing.
of the business. “I was looking for a change and
involved in a cause we always get behind it.”
“We are very proud of the fact that 90% of our
wanted to utilise my skills in a different industry,”
Sharlene says the firm is also supportive of local
business comes from repeat clients or referrals
Sharlene says.
graduates. “We currently have a trainee solicitor
from clients and allied professionals,” Sharlene
Sharlene describes her work colleagues as a
from JCU,” she says. “We often recruit locally in
says. “We like to think of our clients and referrers
professional team who thrive on the “open door
order to have the benefit of people who know the
as the most important part of our team.”
policy” of the practice. “We all work alongside
nature of the region.”
each other and the partners are available on
Sharlene says the firm is also completely client
a day-by-day basis with the lawyers in their
focussed with the major business objective being
department,” she says. “We encourage a very
the development of strong partnerships with its
relaxed environment that stimulates people
clients. “Our main focus is always on meeting
working together and getting along together.”
clients’ needs and ensuring that we remain
She also believes the approach allows their
outcome driven. Our lawyers are constantly
clients to feel more at home. “I often go into the
looking for ways in which they can ‘value add’
kitchen and see clients having cups of tea with
to our clients’ legal matters and improve the
the partners.”
outcome that might have otherwise have been
In order to build relationships and promote
achieved.”
31 CairnsLife July 2012
of
21 including partners,
Preston Law Level 1, 59 McLeod Street Cairns QLD 4870 PO Box 707N, North Cairns QLD 4870 Phone: 07 4052 0700 Fax: 07 4031 0282 Email: info@prestonlaw.com.au Web: www.prestonlaw.com.au
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32 CairnsLife July 2012
BUSINESS
33 CairnsLife July 2012
BUSINESS
The Italian Case The 4 girls, aged 9, 10, 13 and 14, were born in Italy and lived in Italy all their lives until the last 2 years. The father and the girls believed they were coming to Australia on a 4 week holiday. The girls spoke little English upon arrival in Australia. A year after their separation, the parents consensually registered orders in the Florence Courts which gave them joint custody. The girls lived with their father for weekends and lived with their mother the remainder of the time. The mother had not brought an application in the Italian courts seeking variation to the consent orders. The father invoked the Hague Convention, an international treaty against child abduction, in an effort to have the girls returned so that custody issues could be settled under Italian law. As a signatory to the Hague Convention, Australia must show “a respect for other country’s laws, to avoid people taking matters into their own hands and deciding which country’s law suits them the best for their particular situation”. The court decided the girls were to return to Italy
with their mother, if she chose, and for the father to pay the expenses of the children and the mother to return to Italy. The judge’s orders provided not for the return of the children to the care of their father in Italy, but for the return of the children to Italy, where they had lived all of their lives until the “holiday”. The mother stated she would not return to Italy. During an earlier hearing, the youngest child reported to the psychologist, that she wanted to “go home to Italy”. Orders were made requiring the mother to deliver the girls to the Brisbane International Airport. On 14 May 2012, an urgent application was made by the State Central Authority for a recovery warrant to issue on the basis that serious threats had been made to the health and safety of the girls by their maternal grandmother. The mother did not deliver the girls to the Brisbane Airport as directed. The mother informed the
34 CairnsLife July 2012
Bev Reaston, Partner O’Reilly Stevens Bovey Lawyers
Court that she did not know where the girls were. The children were in hiding through the actions of adults who were familiar to them and close to them. The current decision supports that the family should return to Italy and the Italian Courts make a decision based on all the evidence available. The Hague Convention states that unless one of several exceptions applied, including grave risk of physical or psychological harm, or “a strength of feeling beyond the mere expression of a preference”, on behalf of the children to remain in Australia, the children wrongfully removed from a country must be returned there. There is now an application before the High Court in August on behalf of the girls. The girls state they do not wish to return to Italy. One of the girls has indicated that she would self harm if made to return to Italy.
DREAM TEAMS
DREAM TEAM
TAYLOR BYRNE
From left to right: Rebecca Hogben, jasmine Buckley, Tim Ashton, David Duffield, David Hosking, Geoff Duffield, Belinda Dorman, Emma Vickery, Kirsten Little
In an industry where everything comes down to dollars and cents, the staff at Taylor Byrne Valuers and Property Consultants are just as accountable when it comes to running their own office. In a high-pressure environment where their work is highly scrutinised, it’s crucial that every member of the team delivers. As directors of the company, brothers David and Geoff Duffield say what they value most about their business is the staff, which is something even they can’t put a price on. Born and bred in Cairns, David and Geoff are
order to protect our professional reputation.”
see what we do and they want to be a part of it.”
both qualified valuers who are shareholders in
Taylor Byrne is a company that recognises
Despite the pressure of the GFC, David and Geoff
the company as well as managers of the Cairns
loyalty and is generous when it comes to career
believe it’s lead to a consolidation of suppliers in
branch. As a singly-owned company, Taylor
advancement. It’s not unusual for someone
the valuation industry. And as a singly-owned
Byrne has 20 offices throughout NSW and QLD
who shows potential on the reception desk to
company many of their clients including banks
and unlike a franchise organisation it is run by a
be given the necessary training to become a
appreciate the consistency and professionalism
single board. “We’re not just responsible for the
valuer. “Creating an environment with reliable
they provide. “The secret is to employ the right
Cairns office we both have roles to play in the
staff is critical and we like to make sure people
people in the first place,” Geoff says. “I’d rather
company as a whole,” Geoff says. “Rather than
are rewarded for the effort they put in,” Geoff
have a team with a common purpose than a group
having offices competing against each other, they
says. “We believe that the way to grow the
of individuals chasing their own goals.”
are all supported by the broader company.”
business successfully is not only organically but by
Established in 1992, the Cairns office is home
providing each staff member with the ability to
to a staff of ten including David and Geoff who
progress through the company.”
divide the practice between residential and non-
Leading by example, David and Geoff instil
residential clients. With a high turnover of work
their own work ethic in their staff while also
and strict deadlines in place, communication
encouraging a fair and professional culture
and attention-to-detail are paramount. “The
that flows from the top down. By holding
teamwork aspect is critical in that every valuation
regular Monday meetings together with a few
we do is open for question by the courts, so we
“reasonably long lunches” throughout the year,
have to be sure that everything that goes out is
the lines of communication are always open. “We
correct,” David says. “We are a quality assured
try to identify team-oriented people and promote
company and rely on every link in the chain in
a positive work environment,” David says. “They
35 CairnsLife July 2012
Taylor Byrne 1st Floor, 104 Mulgrave Road PARRAMATTA PARK QLD 4870 Phone: (07) 4044 5700 Fax: (07) 4051 3508 Email: cairns@taylorbyrne.com.au Web: www.taylorbyrne.com.au/offices/ Cairns.html
BUSINESS
A Love of Numbers While a love of numbers and problem solving initially inspired her to enter the profession, Margaret Dewhurst is far from your stereotypical accountant. As an auditor at BDO she relishes in the social and interactive nature of her role, spending the majority of her day outside the office meeting people from all walks of life. And now after just accepting a partnership with the firm, this young mother of two is proof that with loyalty and hard work comes rewards. After arriving in Cairns at the age of eight from Poland, Margaret completed much of her education locally before obtaining her degree at Griffith University in Brisbane. Once back in Cairns she undertook a short stint in hospitality marketing at the Sports Bar in Spence Street before being offered a graduate position at BDO in 2000. “I think a lot of people see accountants as people behind a desk plodding away at a calculator,” Margaret says. “But for me it’s about developing relationships and helping our clients.” In fact, far from being stuck behind four walls, Margaret’s role requires constant interaction with clients at their workplace and a thorough understanding of their business. “Every day’s different and it’s a constant learning curve,” she says. And although her position in the company is as an auditor, Margaret finds it easier to describe herself as an accountant. “It saves any misconceptions,” she says. “When people hear the term auditor they assume you work for the tax department, but my role is to assist clients who are legally obliged to conduct audits at regular intervals.” Margaret describes the working environment at BDO as the best of both worlds. “We have the benefit of being part of an international network which we can leverage off but at the same time all the partners are based here with homes and families in Cairns,” she says. “We understand our clients, the local economy and how best to service people of North Queensland.” She also says training is paramount in the organisation with team members regularly having the opportunity to attend courses with peers from different offices around Australia. Margaret is also involved in the community. “BDO has supported Cancer Council’s Relay for Life for a number of years and I sit on the committee where we organise fundraising events and set a target
“I think a lot of people see accountants
every year,” she says. Margaret also volunteers her time as treasurer of
as people behind a desk plodding away
Worklink, which is a not-for-profit organisation providing employment
at a calculator,” Margaret says. “But for
assistance, support and counselling to disadvantaged groups. Margaret is clearly someone who enjoys her work and is excited about
me it’s about developing relationships
what the future holds. “I’ve been given this amazing opportunity
and helping our clients.”
and I’m looking forward to further developing my relationships with clients and helping them get the best out of their business,” she says. Away from the office Margaret enjoys spending time with family and friends and the odd bit of retail therapy. “My husband says that in my spare time I support the local economy through my shoppi ng addiction,” she laughs.
36 CairnsLife July 2012
HEADER
Price vs Cover The more you know about your policy the better
When a claim occurs to your home or contents; that is usually the trigger for you to pick up your insurance policy wording… it’s that thing that is probably being used to prop up the short leg of a table somewhere. It is not uncommon for people to avoid reading it from cover to cover at the time of purchasing their insurance to know exactly what they have signed up for. There is nothing more frustrating than paying a premium for several years only to find out that the one time you need to claim, you’re not covered or the amount you can claim doesn’t come close to paying for all of the loss. All because you didn’t select an optional policy extension or pay to increase a variable sum insured. So what do you do from here? Well, when considering an insurance policy a large percentage of people tend to look for the best price over the best policy. This unfortunately means, more often than not, that the product may have a more basic level of cover than its dearer counterpart. Insurance policies do differ from one insurer to the next however a brief example of some of the policy variances between a “defined events” policy compared to an “accidental damage” policy are: Defined/Listed Events:
Accidental Damage:
Cover is limited to a list of event/s similar
Cover will usually include all of the listed
to the following:
events offered (by the same insurer) and they may also extend to cover events such as:
•
Storm,
•
Burst pipes, leaks and overflow,
•
Fire,
on your carpet; dropping & damaging
•
Theft,
a TV or laptop computer; or putting
•
Breakage of fixed glass,
•
Impact, Earthquake & tsunami
•
Accidentally spilling a bottle of wine
your iPhone or iPod through the wash.
Whilst everyone’s budget is different, it is still wise to make sure that whatever decision you make, it is an educated one. So take the time to talk to your broker or insurer and ask questions to make sure that you know exactly what you’re covered for. After all, choosing a product based on price alone may end up costing you a great deal more should you suffer a loss.
Natural Palm Most people would agree that a massage makes you feel really good, however, many probably don’t realise how beneficial massage is for their overall health and well-being. Massage helps to maintain regular health and well-being as they increased blood flow through the body assists in releasing and braking down toxins. By massaging painful, tight or sore areas, the increased blood flow brings more oxygen to the troubled area of the body. There are many types of massage therapies available from Swedish and deep tissue to relaxation and aromatherapy. Deep tissue massages are the strongest and ideal for those that are highly stressed or with large lumps or knots that need loosening. “Thai massages are good also for people that don’t like oil used, but still want a strong massage and to relive tension,” says massage therapist, Palm, from Natural Palm. Thai massages usually include the body being moved and are ideal for those feeling stiff. However if you like to just lie down and relax completely, a relaxation or aromatherapy massage would be the most appropriate. Other types of therapies available are pregnancy and Lomi-Lomi massages as well as hand/foot spas, scrubs and wraps. Palm worked in a five-star resort before starting her own business in 2011. “I wanted to keep my prices affordable, whilst still providing quality services, and I love organic products and wanted to provide that to people.” For six years Palm has been working as a massage therapist and enjoys making people feel good. “I’m concerned about other people’s health and well-being so I really enjoy relieving pain and stress for my clients; helping them, and making them feel better. It’s in my heart and soul to provide the best for them. I love this job.” To really feel the benefits from massage therapy, regular weekly or fortnightly visits are best. However, even a massage every one to two months will provide better health and well-being, and Palm teaches clients small massage exercises they can do at home. “We offer relaxing massage and therapy, combining a range of professional techniques using organic products, by highly qualified, experience staff.” Walking into Natural Palm, I couldn’t help but let the outside world slip away as I was greeted by the fresh green and white décor and tropical plants that fringe the balcony just outside. Palm ensured that I felt like I was on my own private retreat and as I lay down and relaxed, letting my thoughts drift. Palm’s fingers worked magic relieving the stress and tension that was built up in my body and when it was finished I couldn’t help but feel like a weight had lifted, my step was lighter and my head clear. Natural Palm Massage & Beauty 07 4080 1888 or 0402 119 793 Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, 122 Lake Street, Cairns
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Male Infertility Infertility is defined by the inability of a couple to attain a pregnancy after 18 months of unprotected intercourse. In approximately fifty percent of cases, infertility is the result of abnormality in the male. In investigation, a history is taken from the patient regarding his development and the couple’s history regarding intercourse. Any previous medical conditions of the male genital tract are important in determining the cause of male infertility. These conditions include a history of undescended testes (testes which do not “hang down” at birth). Trauma (bruising) and infections are relevant. A history of chest diseases such as cystic fibrosis and sinusitis may be associated with a number of causes of infertility. Medication history can be important and the use of “blood pressure” medication may act by interfering with ejaculation or the ability to get an erection. A general medical examination is carried out. Volume measurement of the testes may give a good idea of the possibility of testes producing sperm. The key to investigation of infertility in the male is the examination of a semen sample that is examined in the pathology laboratory. The ability for a man to father children depends on the presence of sufficient numbers of normal sperm that are able to “swim” in a forward direction. There are other features the laboratory will measure also. Sometimes it is necessary to check hormone levels
In general, treatment of infertility should start with the following:
and kidney and liver function blood tests. There are other conditions that affect fertility including respiratory disorders, thyroid conditions and diabetes. It may be necessary to take a specimen from the testes (biopsy). Testicular biopsy is usually combined with retrieving sperm for possible in vitro fertilisation (IVF). In men who have had a vasectomy and changed their minds it may be possible to have a vasectomy reversal. The success rate of this procedure in producing a baby is usually greater than collecting
1. Stop smoking – there is no doubt that smoking reduces the quantity and quality of sperm produced and should be stopped for those to improve. 2. Control of weight and general health. 3. Reduction of alcohol intake.
sperm directly from the testes and carrying out IVF.
4. Timing of intercourse – it may be by Dr Neil Gordon
helpful for the female to keep a chart to
Urologist
measure when she is ovulating.
Urological Surgeon at Cairns Urology M.B.B.S (Melb), F.R.C.S. (Glasg), F.R.C.S. Ed., F.R.A.C.S., F.I.C.S
5. Specific treatments may be required to improve the sperm count.
40 CairnsLife July 2012
H E A LT H
Room for Improvement Isiah McKimmie is a somatic sex therapist based in Cairns. Her business ‘Passionate Spirit’ helps women and couples improve self-love, intimacy and create stronger relationships. She shares intimacy and relationship advice with Cairns Life readers each month. “Oh, you’re like Barbara Striesand in ‘Meet the Fockers’”. I finally had to rent that movie last week so I would know what people were comparing me too when I tell them what I do. Of course that’s just one of the responses I get - and believe me, when you tell people you’re a somatic sex therapist you get quite a range of responses! Some people are intrigued and follow with a barrage of questions about what that might entail, some people become suddenly interested in the painting on the walls and remark what lovely weather we’re having. I thought seeing as I’m going to be contributing regularly to Cairns Life this year, I should let you know what I do. I don’t mind being compared to Barbara Striesand. I’m not going to rip your shirt off and straddle you or insist that a room full of seniors practice ‘reverse cowgirl’ and swing their hips around to raise their ‘Kundalini energy’. But I will offer advice and support for anyone wanting to get their sex life and relationships back on track - I just take a more gentle approach. Sex is an important part of our relationships. vAnd our relationships are an important part of our lives. They don’t always run like a Hollywood romance. Sometimes it takes a little bit of effort to have things working the way we’d like. For a lot of people that come to see me, I’m the first person they’ve been able to tell about what’s going on. They’re not the conversations most of us have over a casual cup of coffee. Unless you’re me - I’m used to having conversations that aren’t considered ‘normal’. Just ask any one of my friends who have wanted to hide in their salad bowl when out to lunch with me as I excitedly tell them about the latest research or ‘new’ trick I’ve discovered.
“Oh, you’re like Barbara Striesand in ‘Meet the Fockers”. I finally had to rent that movie last week so I would know what people were comparing me too when I tell them what I do.
Until we can talk about something, it’s really hard to fix. There seems to be an attitude that we should just know what to do when it comes to ‘being intimate’ - if we believe the Hollywood there should be fireworks, soft music and crashing waves... The reality is, relationships are challenging and sex isn’t always simple. And like anything, there is always room for improvement. (I like to think of it like learning to run for example - it’s natural, most of us learn how to do it on our own but if we want to be really good at it or if we run into problems or just let ourselves get a little out of shape - we need advice to help get things back on track.) I can’t guarantee ‘happily ever after’ but I’ve certainly seen positive change in many relationships and many other benefits for my clients along the way - like feeling better about their bodies, improving communication in their whole lives and feeling more confident. My job might sound like something you’ve only seen in the movies but I’m actually quite normal - don’t expect flowing velvet skirts and crystals around my neck. I look forward to sharing my thoughts, tips and advice with Cairns Life readers over the coming months.
41 CairnsLife July 2012
H E A LT H
Compounding for Animals At Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse we compound many different medications for animals. Many vets across the Cairns area request medications to be made to meet the specific needs of certain animals. The animals commonly include cats, dogs, birds and horses. Some of the reasons we compound medications for
Some of the most useful compounding items we
animals include:
have seen come through the laboratory are:
There may not be a commercially available form
Transdermal methimazole gel for cats to treat
of a particular medicine needed for the animal
hyperthyroidism
or the dose available may be too high or low. We
Antibiotic capsules for dogs which may treat
can make the particular medication into a liquid,
infections and inflammation
capsule, animal treat or cream so that it can be
Hoof rot solution for horses, which is particularly
administered quickly and easily.
important during the wet season in Cairns
The animal may not take the particular medicine as the tablet/capsule may be too big or because of poor taste – we can disguise the taste by flavouring it in a liquid or flavoured capsule. Our most common animal flavours are chicken, liver, beef or bacon! Some animal, especially fussy cats, have medication made into creams which can be applied to the inner ear where the drug is absorbed very quickly and effectively. This saves them licking it off or spitting out a tablet!
If you are having difficulty finding a particular medication for your pet we recommend the following veterinary clinics if you require a compounded medication: Marlin Coast Veterinary Hospital (07) 4057 6033 Cairns Veterinary Clinic (07) 4032 9999 Balaclava Veterinary Surgery (07) 4054 2166
42 CairnsLife July 2012
Georgina Twomey
Style Tips by Amanda MacOR
FASHION & BEAUTY
1. Appropriateness of outfit for a day at the races, no clubbing dresses and consider the length of your skirt/dress. 2. Attention to detail of accessories, think gloves, stockings and jewellery. 3. Shoulders need to be covered.
Exposed
shoulders and cleavage are not true Classic Ladies Racewear. 4. Hats or Fascinators are essential, consider your hair style and use to make your headpiece standout. Remember no sinamay fascinators. 5. Understanding and interpretation of current fashion trends, try and incorporate at least one major winter trend in your overall outfit. 6. Grooming and Deportment, think total finish, makeup, hair, nails, great shoes with no scuffs. 7. Suitability of the outfit for the climate. Please remember that Brothers Cairns Cup is a Tropical Winter Carnival. 8. Entrants must be females over 18 years of age.
43 CairnsLife July 2012
playing the
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fashion game torex, Liz Grea rburton : s l e d o M Emma Wa aino, er Jaydee P cAlist ason M sers s Hair: J e r d r va Hai E d n a Adam ling: nd Sty bes Makeup a row Ba acor B y Amanda M ograph y Phot by Rom : y ph a by Photogr orsets nt Models c Appointme ko by ks Michaelen ey sil s Jock i Shoe s s a S a sh ll Boots on Mar to Sim s k n a h yan with t nnie R and Ro on at locati Shot on St afton Candy Gr
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Men dressed by Man Overboard MODEL Bottom Right: Dress, hat and accessories Tea Lily
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l m Cora Kate fro on from A ebecca R , s s Prince from V s Nick ervice S k from s i R Charles y, and c a m r a Ph ent anagem Choice M or ie Mac tephan Hair: S a Sp on and Reds Sal ling: nd Sty Makeup a bes row Ba acor B M a d y n a m A Photograph y Romy b : y wer Photograph nd flo bows a , s r e v o to Chairc hanks with t
Models:
tions
decora
Wedding
Treasures
Left - clockwise - Dress & Sunglasses: BitchnHound, hat: Amanda Macor, accessories: Tea Lily - Hat Amanda Macor, dress BitchnHound, accessories Tea Lily - Dress & sunglasses: BitchnHound, hat: Amanda Macor, accessories: Tea Lily
46 CairnsLife July 2012
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Left - clockwise - Dress, hat & gloves: Tea Lily, jewellery: Amanda Macor - Dress: BitchnHound, hat and accessories: Tea Lily, velvet flower: Amanda Macor - Lace suit & accessories: Tea Lily, hat and neckpiece: Amanda Macor
47 CairnsLife July 2012
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DREAM TEAMS
DREAM TEAM
SUNA
SHOES & ACCESSORIES
Director of Suna Shoes, Andrew Burns, grew up in the shoe business and is thrilled to be opened their seventh store later this year. “I actually have a background in construction
important range of shoes for them. Suna Shoes
but my parents have been in shoes my whole
have won many awards in the bridal industry
life, so it made sense that when they offered
for their wedding shoes, winning the last three
to sell me the business when they retired, I
Australian as well as the last six Queensland
accepted,” Andrew says. “Plus it wasn’t a hard
ABIA Bridal Industry ‘Designer of Dreams’
sell for my wife when I asked her if she wanted
Awards. “We feel very blessed to win such
to buy a lady’s shoe shop.” Andrew and his wife
prestigious awards and certainly don’t take
bought Suna Shoes in 2003 and decided to
it for granted,” he says. Suna Shoes has six
keep the name Suna, which was named after
stores statewide and will open its seventh store
his mother’s maiden name. Since taking over
later this year in Townsville and customers
this boutique shoe retailer they have expanded
are already excited about the opening. They
the business adding jewellery and handbags to
employ 35 staff at the moment and 40 once
the range, as well as opening new stores. “Our
the new store opens,” Andrew says. “I love the
vision is to be a leading specialist fashion retailer
ever changing environment of the industry
providing our customers with the widest range
as it never sits still, but I am lucky to have a
of shoes and accessories for all occasions,” he
fantastic team as our customer service is just as
says.
important as our shoes.”
Andrew says Suna Shoes originally started as
Next year the business will celebrate its 30 year
a general shoe store but his mother introduced
milestone and Andrew says he would love to see
wedding shoes which is now a popular and
it continue for another 30.
51 CairnsLife July 2012
Suna Shoes Shop GD33, Cairns Central Shopping Centre Cairns QLD 4870 Ph/Fax: 07 4031 0933 Email: shoes@suna.com.au www.suna.com.au www.facebook.com/ pages/Suna-Shoes-
PROFILE
REDS
SALON & SPA From a small country town in New South Wales, to the sophisticated London fashion scene, Matthew Perrin is proof that you can never dream too big. In a short amount of time his passion and drive for hair styling has seen him at the pinnacle of the industry. And after recently returning to our shores and rejoining his “Reds family”, Matthew looks forward to sharing his knowledge and expertise with the people of Cairns. After spending 5 years working and training with some of the best hair stylists in Melbourne, Matthew arrived in Cairns in 2008. Then while working at Reds Salon and Spa a career defining opportunity presented itself, when salon owners Heather and Lee Cohen offered to introduce Matthew to the Charles Worthington brand. “London is one of the hardest places to break into, working there is on a whole other level,” he says. “It was so kind of Heather and Lee to share their contacts with me.” After passing an interview and trade test, Matthew later went on to be chosen from 86 employees to become a member of the Charles Worthington artistic team. As part of this elite crew, he was fortunate enough to work on London Fashion Week twice as well as the BAFTAS. “During the BAFTAS we were based at the Savoy Hotel watching celebrities come and go,” Matthew says. “As one of the sponsors, Charles Worthington had three suites overlooking the Thames and tickets to the after party which is such a crazy opportunity!” While working at Charles Worthington, Matthew took part in regular master classes with live models, where staff were encouraged to push the creative boundaries. And during his London stint, he also had the opportunity to spend time at the Sassoon Academy and had the pleasure of meeting the late Vidal Sassoon who he describes as “incredibly laid back”. “It’s a great industry to work in, it’s glamorous and creative,” Matthew says.
“It’s my 9th year of hairdressing and I love what I do. You’d have to chop off my right hand for me to give up hairdressing,” he laughs. After a whirlwind 18 months overseas, Matthew returned to Australia for his sister’s wedding where he decided the time was right to come home. “London is the cutting edge but Australia’s definitely up there with the rest of the world,” Matthew says. “With technology today distance is no barrier, you can easily just ‘Google’ to get inspiration and having a solid contact overseas means that anything I want is just an email away.” Matthew says he’s enjoying being back in Cairns where he’s currently renovating his home with partner Scott. “I’m becoming quite domesticated,” he laughs. “I love cooking and entertaining but still like to get out and about.” He’s also excited about returning to Reds and seeing what new opportunities present themselves. “Lee just did New York Fashion Week this year and has asked me if I want to go next year,” Matthew says. “You can’t say no to something like that now, can you?”
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Irene Costas DEVINE BRIDAL
Your wedding dress is probably the most important item in your wardrobe that you will buy, and it’s likely to be the most important part of the whole wedding! It’s a great experience that should be enjoyed and savoured, because on your wedding day everything is going to fly by. Irene Costa has let us in on a few tips to help make your wedding dress shopping the best it can be.
Make sure you buy the right style. “The same style by three different designers can all look so different. Or your dream dress, once tried on, might not look good at all; it all depends on the cut of the designer.” Don’t be pushed into buying a dress. “Go in, have a look, and take your time so that you make the right decision and are in the right headspace.” Irene Costa has been a dressmaker since the age of seventeen and has been helping brides choose the right dress for years. “I get about five new brides a week,” which means thousands of brides over time since she started the business. Constantly sourcing new styles and designers just adds to her constant inspiration, “this is my passion! My goal is to make every bride happy. I’ve received letters and cards from happy customers… even chocolates and flowers.” Buying a wedding dress now has certainly changed with the future heading in the direction of the internet, as more brides try to cut costs. “There are a lot of brides that buy their dress online and then come to me anyway because the dress they bought doesn’t suit them or they are disappointed.” Two to four percent of Irene’s customers are those that are unhappy with the wedding dress they bought online. “If they don’t come to me, they go to dressmakers to get the dress altered. And there are some that just keep buying dresses online until they find the right one!” A wedding dress is such a personal item for such a special event, if you do plan to go down the internet route, be prepared for the pitfalls associated with it. As planning a wedding is stressful enough, why increase your stress levels with the risk of being disappointed, having to alter numerous times or even having to go through the process of buying a second dress! Make use of Irene Costa’s vast experience and knowledge to ensure you enjoy every part of your wedding preparation, and most importantly, your special day.
FASHION & BEAUTY
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DREAM TEAMS
DREAM TEAM
PARONELLA PARK
Left to right; Luke Evans – Marketing & Communications Manager (son), Bridget Evans – Wedding & Events Manager (daughter-in-law), Judy Evans – Co-Owner/Director, Mark Evans – Co-Owner/Director
“In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony.” Eva Burrows In 1929 Jose Paronella, a Spanish immigrant, purchased 13 acres of virgin scrub along Mena Creek. Jose’s dream was to create an awe inspiring castle in the rainforest, pleasure gardens and a place of beauty and enchantment to all who visited. And thus the story of Paronella Park began. After leaving life in Singapore Mark and Judy
was something which was highly encouraged by
As Bridget puts it “we would all go home to
Evans spent two years travelling Australia (their
Mark and Judy who said “please go and live your
Katharine and Jason’s at the end of the day, fall
homeland) with their three children, finally
lives and come back if appropriate”. So Luke and
onto the couches exhausted, and still laugh, joke
settling in Cairns in 1993. They were looking
wife-to-be, Bridget packed their bags and headed
and enjoy each other’s company.”
for a business that would allow the family to be
for the bright lights of Brisbane at the tender age
together and as Mark says, he asked the real
of 18.
estate agent to “look for something interesting!”.
In 2006 Cyclone Larry hit and Paronella Park was
Walking around Paronella Park on their first
left severely damaged. Luke and Bridget returned
visit, they both fell silent. They knew, without
home to assist with the cleanup and restoration.
words, this magical place would become theirs.
Then in 2011, heartbreakingly, Cyclone Yasi
As Mark puts it “we had spent the last two years
struck leaving Mark & Judy’s house in Mena
travelling around Australia and had never come
Creek unlivable. There was nowhere else to go
across anything quite like it”.
but Katharine and her husband Jason’s home
Although Paronella Park is clearly luscious and
in Innisfail. Together the Evans’ un-relentless
enchanting, growing up there was, well, home
love for the park fuelled them to begin restoring
to Luke and his siblings Katharine and Matthew.
it again. With nine family members, living and
Crossing a bridge, next to a 30ft waterfall,
working together, the park was re-opened to the
everyday to get to school, felt perfectly normal!
public within an impressive two weeks (albeit
But, every bird must spread it’s wings and this
a few spider bites and a nasty infection later!).
57 CairnsLife July 2012
Paronella Park 1671 Japoonvale Rd (Old Bruce Highway) Mena Creek Queensland 4871 Australia Ph: 61 7 4065 0000 info@paronellapark.com.au www.paronellapark.com.au https://www.facebook.com/ paronellapark
FASHION & BEAUTY
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58 CairnsLife July 2012
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FASHION & BEAUTY
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DREAM TEAMS
DREAM TEAM
ipSEITY
BEAUTY & HAIR STUDIO
For Annalisa Siefken, owner of ipSEITY Beauty and Hair Studio, the dream of her own business was only ever a question of when. Describing herself as “passionate, loyal and driven”,
feel like a family.” Along with regular staff training
since the age of 15 she has worked hard to build the
sessions in the salon, Annalisa conducts performance
success she enjoys today.
reviews every three months in order to keep the lines
With ipSEITY about to celebrate their fifth birthday,
of communication open with her girls. “I look for
it seems that whatever she’s doing, she’s doing it well.
passion, friendliness and confidence in their field,” she
Along with hairdressing services they offer facial
says, of her team. “But it’s so important to reignite
waxing, tinting and make-up, and the salon maintains
that passion regularly and remember why we are
a loyal clientele - some of whom travel from as far
here.”
as Port Douglas and Mossman. Annalisa is rightly
As a way of keeping the wonderful ipSEITY team
proud of the warm and welcoming atmosphere she
spirit alive, the girls are all part of a social club and
has created and it’s clear that this close knit team of
every second month they organise some kind of
four – Hannah, Tamika, Ang and Annalisa – are the
dinner or special event. “It’s a great way of getting to
vital ingredient to making the salon such a special
know each other on a different level from work,” says
place. “I want my customers to feel relaxed and
Annalisa. Another very original way of keeping the
comfortable in the surrounds,” Annalisa says. Rather
girls connected is their individual “inspiration charts”.
than the pumping vibe of some salons, ipSEITY
These contain photos, quotes, stories and anything
keeps it understated and subtly tailored to the mood
that inspires them, along with the girls’ personal goals.
of their clients.
Annalisa and her lovely team at ipSEITY are proof
Despite the small team, Annalisa runs a tight ship.
positive that you don’t have to be big to have big
“Four is a great number,” she says. “We can still
dreams…
63 CairnsLife July 2012
ipSEITY Beauty & Hair Studio Showground Shopping Centre Shop 11, 157 Mulgrave Road Cairns, QLD, 4870. Phone: (07) 4051 7211 Email: info@cairnshair.com.au
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Party &Events in Cairns
No matter what time of year, Cairns is alive with great places to escape the daily grind. Holding home to well-known bars and nightspots that have stood the test of time and not to mention new hotspots bringing something fresh to the scene, there is always something for everyone in Cairns. And, if the above was not enough, locals and visitors can monthly enjoy the latest events from festivals, charity balls, fashion events to touring artists and shows scheduled amongst our great venues around Cairns. Individual preferences aside, Cairns is the perfect town to deliver you a great night out!
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PAUL GRABOWSKY
ARTIST OF THE MONTH
by Andrew Masterson
Jazz, according to Paul Grabowsky, one of the art form’s most distinguished practitioners, is experiencing something of a resurgence of late. “There continues to be a very large audience for jazz in Australia,” he says. “In fact, the situation is better now than it has been for a while. There’s a new generation eager to hear different music and they can do so these days via the Internet. It’s much easier to find jazz now. One of the problems used to be that it could be hard to find jazz music, even if you liked it.” Many young jazz fans in Cairns will be eager to hear Grabowsky perform when he takes to the stage with multi award winning Melbourne saxophonist Julien Wilson at Tanks Arts Centre on Friday, July 27, for the next instalment of the very popular Jazz Up North Series. Grabowsky – Artistic Director of this year’s Adelaide Festival and former head of the Queensland Music Festival – teams up with his old friend and colleague Julien Wilson for this special performance that will certainly spark excitement for jazz fans. Wilson is a member of Grabowsky’s jazz quintet, and the Australian Arts Orchestra, which Grabowsky founded in 1994 and continues to direct. He says “the Tanks show will be just the two of them”. The first set will comprise of pieces adapted from the soundtrack of the Fred Schepisi movie ‘The Eye of the Storm’, which was based on the Patrick White novel of the same name.” Grabowsky composed the score for the 2010 feature film, which was performed by a host of jazz luminaries including Branford Marsalis and Mr Wilson. “The second set will be more diverse,” he says. “There will be a couple of Billy Strayhorn ballads, some original compositions, and some pieces that we both love chosen from the wider jazz repertoire.” Grabowsky is no stranger to the North and has played at Tanks on several occasions. He says he’s looking forward to returning to the unique arts facility. “It’s a great venue,” he said, “And people go there because they really love music. I really enjoy performing there.” This is a good thing, because Paul Grabowsky is one of the few Australian jazz players who can pretty much pick and choose where he plays, and to whom.
65 CairnsLife July 2012
Paul Grabowsky & Julien Wilson perform at Tanks Arts Centre as part of the 2012 Jazz Up North Series on Friday July 27. For more information on the show, please visit www.tanksartscentre.com
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DREAM TEAMS
DREAM TEAM
SOCIETY
Pictured from Left to Right: Myles Minter and Shannon Baier-Dry
Much like the name suggests Society Bar is a haven where people from all walks of life choose to meet and socialise. With a customer base ranging anywhere from “18 to 60”, friends and business partners Shannon Baier-Dry and Myles Minter strive to offer everyone who comes through their doors the VIP treatment. Originally from Canberra and the Gold Coast
with promotional activities. “That’s the thing that
visiting us. We also know not everyone comes to
respectively, Shannon and Myles first met while
works for Society,” Shannon says. “We’re like a
Society to see Myles or myself, there’s a lot of
working at Rattle and Hum on the Esplanade.
family and we share the responsibilities around.”
local relationships the staff have that we rely on.”
With extensive backgrounds in hospitality both
Rather than relying on gimmicks such as drinks
With everything from eighteenths to fortieths,
men believed they were in a position to know
specials, Society Bar prides itself on customer
right through to a wedding in recent times,
what worked and what didn’t, leading them to
service. “No one wants to spend their hard
Society Bar is a place where everyone’s welcome
the decision to go into business together. “We’ve
earned money somewhere and be treated like
and made to feel at home. “We enjoy the job we
had the opportunity to work at a lot of other
just another number,” Myles says. And it seems
do and have a passion for the industry,” Myles
venues and we’ve tried to take away the positives
the same respect is also shown to staff, who both
says. “But it’s not a one man show, it never has
from other business and apply them to Society,”
men try to support as best they can. “If they have
been and never will be.”
Shannon says. “And that includes employing the
a second job we’re always flexible, and when
right staff.”
people are applying for references or loans we’re
Celebrating its third birthday this month, Society
always happy to give them a recommendation,”
Bar is managed jointly by Shannon and Myles
says Myles.
who also own the business in conjunction with
With the industry becoming more competitive,
a third silent partner. In an industry where
Shannon and Myles promote a culture and
service is paramount, these young entrepreneurs
camaraderie amongst their team that also
strongly believe that by looking after their staff,
extends to others in the industry. “Years ago in
their staff will in turn look after them. With staff
Cairns everyone used to be quite close knit and
numbers fluctuating between 8 and 12 people
that’s something we miss,” Shannon says. “We
depending on the season, many employees take
encourage our staff to get to know people at other
on multiple roles combining floor and bar work
bars and then those people will feel comfortable
67 CairnsLife July 2012
Society Bar & Nightspot Level 1, 15 Spence Street Cairns For Functions call 07 4041 0074 info@societybar.com.au www.societybar.com.au http://www.facebook.com/pages/ Society-Cairns/315047348684
After The Attic Lounge Bar
Timeout’s Best Bar 2011
“drenched with sophistication while keeping it trendy” The Attic Lounge Bar is a uniquely trendy little bar located above Gilligan’s that is extremely popular with the local scene kids. The Attic Lounge Bar oozes sophistication while keeping a stylish feel that will leave you feeling like you have left this world and entered your own fantasy. With a vintage decor, The Attic sets itself aside from most Cairns venues with a strong theme that attracts attention from all over Australia. Add a modern touch of music to the venue of electro and house that brings the place alive Friday and Saturday Nights until 5am. The Attic regularly sees big names like John Glover, Tom Piper, Matt Kitshon and many other DJ’s grace the decks to bring something special to the punters each month.
Dark in Cairns Life
Recently The Attic welcomed a new bar manager; Dan Kelly to the team. Dan has joined the team for his extensive expertise in cocktails and incredible service in the bar industry not to mention his devilish ways that bring a strong following to the venue. Check out The Attic each weekend for Dan’s signature Martini Menu or for something extra special, check out the Martini Club between 8 and Midnight on Friday evenings. The venue is also well known for it’s great functions spaces and offers. This month functions coordinator Troi Marsh is offering Free Space Hire with all functions booked before July 31. p. 4040 2777 e. functions@atticlounge.com.au w. www.atticlounge.com.au
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Socials
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The Annual Sinners Ball Gilligans
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North RESTAURANT REVIEW
Searching for the perfect place to wine and dine in Cairns can sometimes be hard due to the limited selection of dining options we have available. At CairnsLife we love finding the perfect place to dine that incorporates a great menu and the ultimate atmosphere and service. “North” located behind Bar8 at the Shangri-la Hotel on the Cairns Esplanade has just launched a refreshed and revamped menu. Being a brand new menu of only two weeks, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to go and try it for ourselves. Upon walking into North we were immediately greeted by the beautiful and vibrant restaurant manager, Illy. The tables were situated along modern decking, with a blissful view of the marina. The décor was simplistic yet effective, with each table dressed with deep red candles. Our experience began with a decadent tapas menu available at Bar8. Illy suggested a tapas plate that included a delicious selection of calamari, pork belly and our personal favourite, stuffed mushrooms. After indulging in a scrumptious tapas menu from Bar8 we were excited to see what North had to offer. The menu was immediately eye catching and mouth watering, as it showcased a traditional
Contact Michael Hooper
Australian menu with a fancy flair. As entrée was served, we were presented with the crab salad and the
at CairnsLife Magazine
wagyu breaola. Both entrees were bursting with flavour and were
for representation in this section
of perfect portion size. They were two very different combinations,
0407 145 703 michael@cairnslifemag.com.au
however equally brilliant. There was a great selection of mains, including the Seafood Tower for Two that instantly caught our attention. Though after Illy set a high standard on the Pan Seared Salmon and the Australian Angus Rib Eye, we had to go with those choices. The salmon did not disappoint, as it was served with a delightful basil mash, asparagus with chorizo oil. The Angus Rib Eye was
cooked to perfection and served with well complementing sides, including a absolutely palatable mushroom gravy. So by this stage we thought we thought we had died and gone to heaven but Illy and the fantastic team at North had one more stage to deliver…Dessert! We requested the tastiest desert they had to offer. As our deserts were brought to the table our jaws instantly dropped. Malva Pudding, a warm classic chocolate sponge with a caramel, berries and vanilla bean ice cream. Yum! Next was a martini glass filled with crushed colourful macaroons and meringue, along with juicy blueberries and a tangy passionfruit cream. Last but defiantly not least was a Tarte Citron, which was the best by far. It was made up with a classic zesty lemon tart and accompanied with sweet coconut ice-cream. We found it hard to find fault with any of the dishes and we left feeling extremely pleased with all the courses we were presented. The service was outstanding, and it was obvious that every other table dining was enjoying the experience as much we were. The overall ambience and atmosphere left us feeling cheerful and delighted. Illy and her staff should be commended for there new menu. It is a must try, I know the team from CairnsLife
Rating’s out of 5 stars 4 ½ for Service 4 for Atmosphere 4 ½ for Food
will be returning very soon!
P: (61 7) 4052 7670 Lobby Level, Waterfront at Shargi-la Hotel Operating Hours Breakfast 6am - 11am Dinner 5.30pm - 10pm
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DREAM TEAMS
DREAM TEAM
SILK CAFFE
Left: Owner Shane Pue in the middle, picture with Silk Caffe’s Citi Building staff (left to right) Samantha Martin, Alex White, Tarrant Nelmes and Asleena Petersen Above: Silk Caffe’s William McCormac Building staff (left to right) Rick Cummings and Geoff Woods
For local business man Shane, building a relationship with the customer is top on his list of priorities. It’s no wonder his empire has recently expanded to three cafes in Cairns. I visited him at Silk Caffe at Citi Building (on the corner of Sheridan and Spence Street) to find out what makes the way he goes about business so special. “It all about how you train people” and for Shane
attributes his success to his team of dedicated and
working family? Camping trips up to Tinaroo
getting involved in the day to day running of the
hard working staff members and his wife, Tanya
dam and the occasional cocktail is his magic
cafe is imperative. “If your employees can see you
who he describes as “the force behind him”.
potion he says “It’s always important to see your
interact with the customer, building a rapport,
Tanya deals with the business side of things and
staff members on a personal level, in a relaxed
they are more likely to mirror this behaviour”. He
is the backbone to their success. Celine, his head
environment”. He goes on to say “it’s tough in
believes it’s important to offer a warm welcoming
chef has also played a huge role in ensuring the
Cairns to find hard working staff but I’ve been
experience and it is this high level of customer
success of his cafes. “Celine is a fabulous and
lucky with the people I have now, we have a great
service (as well as serving great coffee and food)
creative chef, always coming up with unique
team”.
that has helped see Shane develop from one cafe,
and fresh ideas. She has been with me for seven
So what are you waiting for? Cairns’s newest cafe
to three over the last six years. The first cafe
years and we have built up a great working
and it’s vibrant, welcoming staff are waiting for
‘Cairns Courtyard Cafe’ (based in the heartland
relationship”.
you to discover them!
of the Cairns Regional Council) opened in 2005
Despite the delicious menu on offer at Silk, it’s
with ‘Silk Caffe’ at Citi building following on
clear to see that Shane’s first and foremost passion
four years later. It was on the merit of his happy
is for coffee, he says “we have our own unique
Silk Caffe at Citi Building Cnr Sheridan & Spence Street
customers that Silk was first opened and it has
blend of coffee, using four types of coffee bean”.
Silk Caffe ph 40512757
been so successful that Shane opened another
This scrumptious and unique tasting blend is
Silk Caffe at William McCormack Building
‘Silk caffe’, based at the William McCormac
formulated with a roaster in Brisbane. For Shane
building on Sheridan Street, a mere two weeks
it’s not just the coffee beans that sell the coffee
5 Sheridan Street Corporate catering Ph 40517843
ago!
though, it’s having his head barista Alex working
www.silkcaffe.weebly.com
Open during daylight hours, the main custom
Monday to Friday to ensure consistency in quality.
Silk receives is from lawyers, police officers,
Shane says “Alex is an irreplaceable barista with
government officials and people wanting a place
years of experience and has been with me since
to hold informal meetings, whilst grabbing a
day one”.
delicious bite to eat from the varied menu. He
So what does Shane do to ensure a smooth
77 CairnsLife July 2012
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Winter Reds for the Tropics
Although Winter in Cairns is far from cold, it is however the best time to cook foods in the more comfort style. That can mean only one thing; red wine. There is such a huge array of red wine styles, where should one start. One should always start at the beginning. Steven Powell Fine Wine Specialist QLD Dan Murphy’s
Grenache is the most widely planted red grape in the world due to its sheer drinkability and versatility with food. It can be light
bodied
and fresh or fuller bodied and richly flavoured. Grenache can be fruit-driven but also savoury and rustic. The body is slightly fuller than a Pinot Noir with excellent acidity keeping them lively and the moderate tannins keep their drinkability well into to the ‘more-ish’ range. Grenache can be subtle enough for lighter dishes and yet bold enough to handle braised dishes and really revels with BBQ’ed foods. And that’s the same bottle of wine. So you see, Grenache really is versatile at a dinner table or gathering where various food tastes need to be catered to and
you
want to supply just one kind of red.
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KIDSLIFE
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ARCHITECTS AWARDS
Charles Wright, Charles Wright Architects receiving the Eddie Oribin Award for Building of the Year for Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre (left to right: Stephen de Jersey (Queensland Chapter Councillor), Charles Wright, Ashley Balderson (Status Plus), Michael Rayner AM LFRAIA (2012 Awards Jury Director)
Peter Pierce, mmp architects (centre) receiving the 2012 Far North Queensland House of the Year Award from Stephen de Jersey, Queensland Chapter Councillor (left) and Michael Rayner AM LFRAIA, 2012 Awards Jury Director (right)
2012 Far North Queensland Architecture Awards
Named Awards House of the Year Award: HP Tree House designed by mmp Architects Eddie Oribin Award for Building of the Year: Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre by Charles Wright Architects
Regional Commendations HP Tree House designed by mmp Architects Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre by Charles Wright Architects St Clare’s Catholic School, Tully, Performing Arts Centre by Total Project Group Architects Cairns City Centre Master Plan by Architectus JCU Queensland Tropical Health Alliance Research Laboratory by SKM-S2F
For project details see follwing pages
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
On Friday 25 May, 145 local architects, industry professionals and guests came together to celebrate the best of the region’s architecture at the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2012 Far North Queensland Regional Architecture Awards. Eleven entries were submitted for the awards
Both projects also received a Regional
including interior architecture, residential,
Commendation and were joined by St Clare’s
commercial, public architecture and urban
Catholic School, Tully, Performing Arts Centre
design projects. Each project was visited and
by Total Project Group Architects; Cairns City
judged by the 2012 Far North Queensland
Centre Master Plan by Architectus; and the
jury consisting of Steve Cahill, Architect at
JCU Queensland Tropical Health Alliance
Clarke & Prince; Charlotte Doger de Speville,
Research Laboratory by SKM-S2F.
Principal at C.D.S. Architects; and Gary Hunt,
Projects
Principal at Hunt Design.
Commendation
that
received qualified
a for
Regional the
prized
2012 Queensland Jury Director, Michael
Queensland Architecture Awards held on
Rayner
Regional
Friday 22 June at the Brisbane Exhibition and
Commendations and two named awards at
Convention Centre where the Cairns Botanic
the special presentation ceremony held in the
Gardens Visitor Centre by Charles Wright
National Architectural award-winning Cairns
Architects was awarded a State Commendation
Cruise Terminal.
for Public Architecture.
AM
awarded
five
HP Tree House designed by mmp Architects received the House of the Year Award and
Congratulations to all project entrants and winners on
Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre by
the fantastic architectural creations that made this year’s
Charles Wright Architects was awarded the
awards such a success.
Eddie Oribin Award for Building of the Year.
88 CairnsLife July 2012
ARCHITECTS AWARDS
Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre
Winner - Building of the Year
CHARLES WRIGHT ARCHITECTS
Charles Wright Architects won the Eddie Oribin Award for ‘Building of the Year’ and a State Commendation for Public Architecture at the 2012 Australian Institute of Architects Awards in Queensland for their ground breaking Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre.
Top & middle: Cassowary Estate Bottom: Beachfront Mirage
Recognised as one of Far North Queensland’s leading
in tropical architecture, to develop a progressive
architecture firms, Charles Wright is at the reins
body of work intent on constant research and
with offices in Port Douglas Queensland, Melbourne
experimentation.
Victoria and Shanghai China. Working at the forefront
The CWA team understands that communication
of environmentally sustainable design (ESD), he is an
and collaboration between the consultants, client and
architect with specialist technological capabilities to
contractor throughout the design, documentation and
develop iconic and sustainable solutions to complex
construction phase is essential to ensuring that the
problems.
design objectives are achieved. Their combined team
Initially setup in 2004, when Charles made the sea-
has considerable experience and have worked with
change shift away from the city life of Melbourne,
many of the medium to large building contractors in
the practice provides a local focus and demonstrated
the region and have good working relations with them.
understanding of the extreme climatic and building
These relationships are founded in the professionalism,
conditions that is Far North Queensland. Charles
ethical approach and quality of service delivery.
Charles Wright Architects Shop 5 (adjacent to Post Office 48 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas Queensland Australia 4877
states “in the tropics, you have the freedom to design
Charles’ vision for the future is to redefine what tropical
buildings in a unique manner, like no other place in
architecture can be, to develop a new architectural
the world. The minor annual temperature fluctuation
language across the globe as tropical latitude.
T. +61 7 4099 4965 E. charles@wrightarchitects.com.au www.wrightarchitects.com.au
allows for outdoor living to take on a whole new
Charles Wright Architects provide the full range of
meaning for architecture. There are constant sources of inspiration from the surrounding environment.
architectural services including project management on projects of all types and budgets ranging from
CWA’s work is about place-making, striving to capture
small-scale renovations, fit-out projects and residential
a sense of place in their projects, a belonging. They
projects up to large-scale commercial, institutional
set-out to innovate and revolutionize current thinking
and public projects.
89 CairnsLife July 2012
ARCHITECTS AWARDS
The Performance Arts Centre at St Clare’s Catholic School
Regional Commendation - Architecture Awards
TOTAL PROJECT GROUP ARCHITECTS The Performance Arts Centre at St Clare’s Catholic School, Tully, designed by Total Project Group Architects won a regional commendation at the 2012 Australian Institute of Architects Far North Queensland Regional Awards. The same project later received a further commendation at the prestigious Australian National Educational Building Awards with CEFPI (Council of Education and Facility Planners Institute). Roger Mainwood, Principal Director of Total Project
“Our role as principal architects in this type of project
Group Architects said, “The school had limited open
where we need to understand the client’s desires
ground area. We worked closely with the school to review
and match them within in realistic budgets is always
the existing building stock, highlighting that the school
rewarding, particularly when we receive such recognition
already had two significant, yet underutilised undercover
from our peers to add to a series of awards the team has
spaces. We envisaged a conversion of the smaller space
received over the last few years”, Roger said.
to become the new performance arts centre with the
Along with fellow director Edi Piagno and managing
opportunity to open up to the auditorium for much
director Andrew Simpson and the rest of their talented
greater gatherings of five hundred people or more.”.
team, Total Project Group Architects work hard at
The state awards jury noted: “This was an admirable
achieving valuable, tropically sensitive and appropriate
salvaging of an existing facility rather than employing an
outcomes.
easier new expansion solution, to successfully condense
“We have been fortunate to be able work on a diversity of
and energise the school. Multi-purpose performance
projects from some of the region’s prestigious projects like
and art functions combine with creating a frame for
the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal conversion, to simple,
school fetes and other uses that more than optimise this
elegant small works such as the recent gallery seating
T. +617 4032 1944
project’s modest budget.”
and new curator’s office at the Tanks Arts Centre, or our
F. +617 4032 0677
The expansion to the existing undercover area also
award winning residential projects. We are able to apply
www.totalprojectgroup.com.au
created an opportunity to provide an outdoor learning
the latest in 3D computer generated modeling and
and play space between the new performance centre
animation tools, to engage with our clients and bring
and a new classroom. This area has become known as
them along for what is a very exciting and rewarding
the ‘Maths Garden’ and is a well-frequented gathering
experience.”
Top ‘Maths Garden’, middle ‘New Performance Art Centre, bottom ‘Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal’
Total Project Group Architects 15-17 Pease Street Cairns Qld 4870
and learning place in the school.
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ARCHITECTS AWARDS
Queensland Tropical Health Alliance (QTHA) Research at James Cook University
Regional Commendation - Architecture Awards
SKM - S2F ARCHTECTS At the 2012 Australian Institute of Architects Far North Queensland Regional Awards, SKM-S2F were awarded a Commendation in the Commercial Building category for their Queensland Tropical Health Alliance (QTHA) Research Laboratory at James Cook University.
SKM-S2F has also received a state award in the sustainability category for Sheepstation Gully Environmental Learning Centre, for the above new learning facility serving both St Stephen’s Catholic Primary School and the neighbouring Algester State School in Brisbane. Photography – Scott Burrows (Aperture photography)
Designing for science research labs is not easy
QTHA itself. The Alliance is a new collaboration
and the creative freedom designers have is often
of world-class researchers focussed on reducing the
limited when compared to more traditional urban
burden of tropical disease.
and retail design environments. With this in mind,
The facility is made up of: A modern generic PC2
the new $6 million QTHA Research Laboratory
research laboratory; support spaces and high-
at James Cook University designed by SKM-
quality office accommodation for 35+ researchers;
S2F breaks the traditional design barriers at the
specialised insect accommodation with temperate
university.
controlled breeding rooms; specialised animal
From a physical viewpoint, the fact that the building
housing; quarantine containment and autoclave/
looks like it is balancing on a series of inverted
steriliser waste management systems to serve these
tapered columns catches the eye first. However,
spaces.
it is the material used to build the facility that is
SKM-S2F worked with the Managing Contractor
generating all the discussion. It makes science cool
Hutchinson Builders through the entire design,
– literally.
documentation and construction phases with
With the hot and humid conditions of tropical
services
North Queensland and a client driving ESD
engineering, electrical and dry fire engineering,
initiatives, high thermal performance insulated
communications and security, ESD and vertical
panels were chosen to exceed the latest BCA
transportation.
including
architectural,
mechanical
requirements. For further information visit the SKM-S2F website at www.skmS2F. com or contact Richard Sale, Team Leader/ Senior Architect on 07 3026 8375.
The bespoke panels supplied by Kingspan reduce heat gain and the overall operational cost of the plant. In addition, the use of the metal skinned cladding provided an opportunity to construct the new building with a superior vapour barrier, and eliminate the common problem of condensation inside air-conditioned buildings in the tropics. The design of the research laboratory reflects
92 CairnsLife July 2012
Multidisciplinary architectural and engineering firm S2F joined forces with leading projects firm Sinclair Knight Merz in July 2011. The combination of SKM’s and S2F’s skills and capability via a merger provides a broader architectural and engineering service offering to clients, with S2F’s skills and experience in research, education, health and pharmaceuticals adding to SKM’s already strong presence in the health, education and defence sectors. In Australia, New Zealand and China, the merged operation delivers services to clients under the name “SKM–S2F”. SKM’s Built Environment service line has doubled in size as a result of the merged operations and now draws on the global reach of a 7,500 strong team.
Cruise HEADER
Scootas | Cars | Boats | Bikes | Motorhomes | Servicing | Reviews | Events | And More!
DREAM TEAMS Bill’s Marine
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CRUISE
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CRUISE
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DREAM TEAMS
DREAM TEAM
BILL’S MARINE Bill’s Marine have been around for 37 years and thanks to a great team they are still going strong. Started in 1975 by Bill Woodbridge, a born and bred local with sales experience in the auto and marine industry, Bill’s Marine initially sold marine outboards on Mulgrave Road. Today they sell a wide range of boats and outboards, boating accessories, parts and service. And the team at Bill’s Marine all come with experience and a passion for boating. Director Neil Heinemann came on board as a salesman in 1980, never imagining that one day he would be co-running the company. “I was working with an insurance company and got to know Bill through our insurance dealings. One day he asked me if I wanted to come and sell boats,” Neil says. “I loved boating and fishing in my spare time and so my wife Dianne and I thought it would be a great opportunity to settle in Cairns and work in an industry I loved. So I said yes.” Today Neil is one of three directors of Bill’s Marine, along with his son Scott and with Paul Comino. Paul became Bill’s business partner in 1984, coming from a background in the marine industry and spare parts. “Looking back they were great days. It was common practice back then to go waterskiing at Green Island when the weather was good and have a few beers,” Neil laughs. He says Bill retired in 2004
Pictured fom Left to Right: Paul Comino and Scott & Neil Heinemann
and he and Paul then took over the business, and this year his son Scott became a director after
benefits the customers,” he says. Neil also says that
working his way up from mechanic apprentice to
advancements in technology mean customers
marine technician and then salesman. Today the
always get the latest in boating equipment
company boasts 15 staff and most long-standing
and at Bill’s Marine they know boats better
. Bill’s son Greg Woodbridge has been with the
than anyone. “The innovation into four stroke
company for 15 years, Stu Gibbons 17 years and
outboard technology has been exciting, as well
Paul Bellamy 18 years.
as the developments in marine technology like
Neil says Bill’s Marine were one of the first
Sonar, GPS and new marine sound equipment
Yamaha outboard dealers in Queensland and
and that’s just the start,” he says. Neil admits
today are still a sole dealer, as well as supplying
he is just as passionate about boating today as he
Quintrex Aluminium Boats since 1985. “This
was when he first started in the industry. “It’s still
long
the best family activity you will ever experience
standing
relationship
creates
respect
between the manufacturer and the dealer which
whether fishing, diving or waterskiing.”
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Bill’s Marine – Contact Details Corner Lyons and Spence Streets, Cairns Phone (07) 4051 6733 Fax (07) 4031 3080 enquiries@billsmarine.com.au
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CAIRNS BMX CLUB
Host club for the 2012 Queensland State Championships.
Cairns BMX Club is now the largest club in Queensland and would be one of the largest, if not the biggest club in Australia. The Club boasts 270 licensed riders with anywhere between 140 and 150 riders racing every Friday night (with the exception of school and public holidays). Beginning just over 30 years ago, the Club has seen great
and riding with their friends. The club prides itself on
success and has developed nationally within the BMX
teaching these future Olympic riders all about good
community. In the last 2 years, the track has hosted some
sportsmanship. It’s not just about the kids either, The
major events. Particularly, in 2011, the National BMX
Club has the largest group of Dads and Mums who
Championships brought over 1,000 riders, their families
compete each week.
and sponsors to our town of Cairns for a week of non-
Fiona also mentioned, “Yes, BMX is an Olympic Sport
stop action. Because of the professionalism and success
so stay tuned for the London Olympics to see some our
of this event, the Club was then named as the host club
Australian riders fly through the track. Many of our
for the 2012 Queensland State Championships.
riders dream to one day compete in an Olympics. They
The 2012 Queensland Championships is set to be the
say they are doing it for fun and fitness, but we see the
biggest to date. It will be the start of a qualifier for the
hunger in their eyes!”
riders to gain entry to the 2013 World Championship
Don’t forget to drop into the track during the upcoming
in New Zealand. Fiona Mundie of Cairns BMX Club
State Titles 26th – 30th September. With a full
said, “Many of our club’s riders are either State/
canteen, free entry and some awesome racing you wont
National or World place holders, so we have a very high
be disappointed; and who knows you may just want to
caliber of riders for a club so far north of the BMX hub
come back and try it out yourselves.
down south”. When the Club is not hosting state or national events it is home to over 250 riders and their families each Friday night for racing. Riders compete in a point series to determine who will take out the age club rider. For the little riders (under 7) who liked to be called “sprockets” it’s more about the fun of the sport
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For more club details contact one of the Club’s registrars: Janine (0412 845 999) or De (0419 391 779). For more information on marketing or sponsorship contact our club secretary Fiona on (0448 155 240) or www.cairnsbmx.org.au
PortLife HEADER
Local People, Local
Places, Local Stories...
A Picture Perfect Town! This month, escape to Port and pamper your senses with great food, luxurious accommodation, an ultimate relaxation package and art exhibition, ‘THE EYE’ at the historic Sugar Wharf.
Photo: Historic Sugar Wharf
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Tourism Port Douglas & Daintree ‘Dream Team’: Doug Ryan (Snow White), Chelsea Mee (The Incredible Hulk) and Tara Bennett (Lara Croft)
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PORTLIFE
The Secrets to Spa & Wellness visitportdou
glasdaintre
•
Have your spa treatments in house when staying at any one of
•
the 10 spa resorts. •
Let yourself be surrounded by nature with a massage in a
•
Immerse your body under a Vichy shower after a traditional
•
Take your partner along for a couples or dual massage
•
Breathe in the scent of the ocean and listen to the sounds of the waves with a massage on Four Mile Beach.
Don’t want to leave your holiday home? Have the therapist come to you for a pamper day.
Escape to a hidden rainforest spa retreat or B&B for the ultimate unwind and reconnect.
treatment. •
Ease into holiday mode with morning yoga on Four Mile Beach.
Aboriginal wellness treatment. •
Take home a memento of your bliss treatment of locally produced oils and creams.
secluded Daintree Rainforest setting. •
e.com
•
Take your pick of the variety of wellness product or treatment at the Port Douglas Sunday Markets
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Port Douglas
ure L The Bar t Restauran
&
The Lure Restaurant and Bar is located on the waterfront boardwalk of the Marina Mirage, Port Douglas. This award-winning venue has received accolades including Best Cafe/Restaurant, Best Breakfast Dining and Best Wedding 2012 nominee. The restaurant can seat up to 100 guests inside, and a further 300 outside on the under cover boardwalk. Lizzy Murrell is one of the venue’s in-house wedding reception coordinators, and has been for almost two years. She is a young, vivacious woman who coordinates events in tandem with Wayne Stapleton. Wayne works backstage in the office, while Lizzy works directly with the soon to be brides, explaining to them why the Lure Restaurant and Bar is the ideal choice for a wedding reception. Alongside the yachts and distant rainforest hills, the stunning unparalleled views of the marina compliment the superb scenery when dinning at Lure. The most flattering feature is the absolute affordability that Lure offers in comparison to other venues in the area. They are also willing to accept a 25-guest minimum with no venue hire fee. Before each event the venue is stripped bare to resemble an empty shell. The bare space provides Lizzy with an ample scope to demonstrate her formidable decorating and design skills. This
Wedding Planner
includes covering the walls in muslin, wrapping the poles with chiffon fairy lights, or even installing a bubbling chocolate fountain. Irrespective of the exact effect achieved, the final result is always rendered doubly charming when reflected back on the water, against a shimmering backdrop of night stars. Four different menus are available; or if preferred, a mixture of all can be provided instead. There are many entertainment options readily available, including the local band, Vicarious and DJ, Nick Gibson. Lizzy is always happy to organise any conceivable entertainment option that her clients request. The Lure Restaurant and Bar has proven to be a highly popular choice for brides and grooms. Last year, Lizzy coordinated a total of 50 wedding receptions. There have already been 44 wedding
Contact Elli VUKASOVIC
receptions booked for this year and a further 8 booked in for 2013.
at CairnsLife Magazine
The most important and challenging aspect of Lizzy’s role is to
for representation in this section
continue to replicate the vision of each bride. To do this she often
0450 901 773
dedicates up to 6-8 months in discussions, where by the time of
elli@cairnslifemag.com.au
the event, she and the brides become good friends. With some surprise, Lizzy says she has never had to deal with a difficult bride. On gazing upon her warm and open face, it becomes very easy to understand why.
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HomeLife
Dream Teams
continued
Jenny & Wayne Cavallaro The Allaro Experience
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DREAM TEAMS
“We’re an agency like no other” Top row from left to right - Matt Powe, Madonna Paavola, Kelly Thompson, Meg Attwater & Kirsty Kernot. Bottom row from left to right - Tamara Stewart & Monique Robert.
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DREAM TEAMS
DREAM TEAM
POWE PROPERTY Despite being in a stressful, competitive industry the staff at Powe Property thrive on a supportive team environment. In a few short years, partners Matt Powe and Kirsty Kernot have created a communicative culture in a modern, openplan office that encourages total transparency. Because at the end of they day, both believe that long hours and highpressure situations are best handled when surrounded by people you trust. “We created a list of tasks and assigned everyone a share in conjunction with their current sales and
administration
responsibilities,”
Kirsty
says. “The new system takes pressure off staff by allowing them to share the load. With a centralised database any staff member can log phone calls and other information, as well as access entries made by a colleague in their absence.” As head of the department, Kirsty says it’s important to be approachable. “Here they feel comfortable coming to me with the bigger decisions,” she says. “The last thing you want is people hiding things in the bottom of drawers because they’re too scared to tell you about it,” she laughs. Matt and Kirsty also avoid pitting staff against each other. “In some agencies it’s everyone for themselves and you’re in competition with the person sitting next to you,” Matt says. When the agency they were both previously working for collapsed, Matt and Kirsty were forced to consider their options. “We couldn’t really see ourselves working elsewhere, so we decided we’d start our own company,” Matt says. “We’d both been working as sales agents and Kirsty has a background in running businesses, so
“Here they feel comfortable coming
it made sense for us to do that.” Combining their
to me with the bigger decisions,”
talents, the pair established Powe Property in
she says. “The last thing you want is people hiding things in the bottom
2008, with agent Clint Smith in a sales position. After initially setting themselves up as sales agency they soon saw the opportunity to expand
of drawers because they’re too
into other areas. “We recently started the
scared to tell you about it,”
property management side to help the sales team as they we always coming across clients who were unhappy with their current property managers,” Kirsty says. “After identifying a demand we decided to set it up as a spin off.” Now with a staff of six the property management division has been operating for three years, growing the rent roll organically over this period. While many property management firms are portfolio-driven with one person handling every aspect for a particular client, the team at Powe Property operate under a task-oriented system.
115 CairnsLife July 2012
“But here people take pride in the business and there are people who have been with us since that first year who have grown into different roles.” Despite being a professional operation, Powe Property is not ‘all work and no play’. With trips to the Amateurs, awards nights and overnight Christmas parties, it is a company that clearly values its team. “Matt and I have put forward the ideal culture we want for the business,” Kirsty says. “It’s about getting our vision through to staff and rewarding the people who embrace it.” Powe Property Phone: 1300 652 164 Address: Cnr Aplin & Sheridan Streets, Cairns Q 4870 Email: info@poweproperty.com.au Web: www.poweproperty.com.au http://www.facebook.com/pages/PoweProperty/203706852997781
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HOMELIFE
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HOMELIFE
CHRISTMAS IN JULY WITH BERTIE
Written by Vanessa Girling
It may seem like the Christmas season is the last thing on your mind right now, but as we all know time flies when your having fun. It’s that time of year when friends and family are of abundance and places to stay are few. The “jolly season” can seem like a very stressful time of the year with guests
unique upholstery and drapery fabrics in the Far North, Total Interiors can
to impress, gifts to purchase and the decorating that comes hand in hand
help you design a decorating scheme and great gift ideas to suit your budget.
with the holiday season is just part of the parcel. It may seem a little early to be planning those all-important gift ideas but why not get it out of the way. By planning your gift and decorating ideas ahead of time you not only help eliminate the level of stress around Christmas but also ensure that it will be ready in time for the big day.
Total Interiors are locally owned and operated soft furnishing manufacturer who can design and create any piece you desire. Total Interiors offer an obligation free measure and quote along with a layby service to help you with the entire process from start to finish. So stop putting it off any longer and come in and see the team from Total Interiors today and get the Christmas
Whether it’s a gift for that someone special or maybe even yourself, why not
decorating and gift hunting out of the way.
make it a gift to remember by adding flair and individuality. Not only is it important to deck the halls with the usual tinsel and Christmas ornaments but also the essentials soft furnishing items such as cushions, table decorations, bedding accessories and important drapery items are very important when it comes to this time of year. We all think that leaving it all to the last minute is the only option, as we are already burdened with day-to-day stress.
Bertie’s Total Interiors Shop 2/ 90 Aumuller St, Portsmith 4870 www.totalinteriors.com.au sales@totalinteriors.com.au ph: 4035 3899
Why not plan ahead and be prepared for this so called “ stressful time of year” by visiting the team from Total Interiors. With the largest selection of
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DREAM TEAMS
DREAM TEAM
MAD ABOUT PLANTS
Front Row- Left to Right : Sonja Powell, Sophie Hussey, Darryl Madder (owner), Sonya McFarland, Sue Day Back Row- Left to Right :David Heijn, Ian Whiteside, Kevin Morton, Billy Blackmore, Kevin Bunker, Peter Brauns
Darryl Madder is the first to admit he’s no ‘green thumb’, so as owner of wholesale nursery Mad About Plants he’s had no option but to surround himself with the perfect team. And in appreciation of their efforts and the economic hardships some are facing, he’s made the controversial step of reaching into his own hip pocket. With many of his team long-term staff members, this is clearly a business where loyalty is both recognised and rewarded. Originally from Chinchilla, Darryl has spent the
“I’m the truck driver so I’m not here a lot of the
the business can be sustainable through the bad
last 24 years living in Cairns where he previously
time so they are virtually their own bosses,” he
times.”
ran a crane hire business. “It was a business
says.
While in years gone by the business has rewarded
where all your assets are depreciating, I wanted
With recent economic times seeing the team
staff with events like Cairns Amateurs every year,
a business that had tangible assets,” Darryl says.
reduced to ten people in Cairns and another five
Darryl is now more focused on how to support
After purchasing the nursery 14 years ago and
up at Malanda Beantree Nursery, Darryl has
his staff and their families where it really counts.
renaming it Mad About Plants, he has nothing
introduced an interest free loan in an attempt to
“Times may be tough but you have to look to the
but praise for his staff. “I was told by one of my
ease the burden. “This industry is not the highest
longer term. You have to take the risk and have
managers that when it comes to growing plants
paying, but they’re here toughing it out through all
everything in place,” Darryl says. “The fact is
you either have it or you don’t and I definitely
weather and they’re salt of the earth,” Darryl says.
we’re not going anywhere. We’re digging in.”
don’t,” Darryl laughs, “but fortunately my staff
“Many have siblings that have gone to the mines
do.”
but they’ve given up the opportunity for better pay
Supplying both locally and all around Australia,
to stay here with their families and this industry.”
the nursery employs a diverse range of people
Available to staff members that have been with
and even opens it’s doors to members of the
the company over 12 months, the interest free
public who know what they’re looking for. “We
loan offers a lifeline to those struggling financially.
have people in sales, administration, propagation,
According to long-term employee Sue Day, the
a pick out crew, production and maintenance,”
staff reaction to Darryl’s proposal was both
Darryl says. “We grow all our own plants from
surprise and relief. “It shows the integrity of the
cuttings or seeds.” Due to half the staff being with
business that they value people and are in it for
the company over ten years, Mad About Plants
the long haul”, she says. “It’s really a new way
also operates efficiently without Darryl present.
of thinking in that by looking after your staff
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25 Davis Rd, Edmonton (just north of Wright Creek bridge) Ph: 4045 2777 Fax: 4055 5469 www.madaboutplants.com.au
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DREAM TEAMS
DREAM TEAM
ALLIED PICKFORDS When your business is all about being on the edge, it’s more important than ever to know exactly who’s got your back. As the original inventors of commercial bungy and part of an enterprise infiltrating the globe, A J Hackett Cairns is a company that takes fun extremely seriously. And according to general manager Luke Johnson, being part of the team is about more than just playing by the rules, it’s about celebrating their company culture. After a short holiday in Cairns in 2000, Luke packed his belongings in Canberra in search of a new adventure in the tropical north. With a friend already working at A J Hackett, he was happy to take on any position going which at that time happened to be a construction role. “The company was in the process of building their new headquarters so I got a job labouring,” Luke says. “AJ himself is a master builder so he was also onsite at the time and I had the opportunity to meet him.” When a position then opened up on the raft, Luke continued his journey through the ranks until eventually, using his previous management experience from Canberra, took on the role of general manager. “If AJ sees potential in someone Russell pictured far left with his wife and team at Allied Pickfords Cairns
he’ll try to bring them through the company as best he can,” Luke says. “It’s not about having a piece of paper it’s about being the right fit for the company.” From humble beginnings, the A J Hackett group now boasts sites in France, China and an exclusive beachside resort in Gili Trawangan, Lombok, and is in the process of setting up sites in both Singapore and Russia in time for the Winter Olympics. And with sites all over the world staff have the benefit of being able to travel within the company. “We’re like a family,” Luke says. “We know people want to experience things in life so we encourage them to do that and are also happy to welcome them back at the end.” Despite their core product being bungy, the group now offer a whole range of adventure activities as well as functions, events and accommodation. Luke describes the atmosphere in the workplace
as relaxed yet professional, with AJ flying in a few times a year for meetings or functions including an overnight staff Christmas party on Dunk Island. “He’s more than a boss he’s a friend to all the staff and usually the first to party,” Luke laughs. “People want to work here because he’s got that edge, that ‘Branson’ feel to him.” With safety paramount, Luke says it’s important to know you can rely on the people around you. As creators of the industry code of practise they invest a lot of time and money in training their employees with the view of keeping them within the company. “At the end of the day your crew make you,” says Luke. “If they aren’t part of the direction you want to achieve and don’t have the same passion, then you’re not going to get the result you want.”
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Allied Pickfords P: (07) 4035 2794 F: (07) 4035 3749 www.alliedpickfords.com.au 296-298 Hartley Street Cairns QLD 4870 Australia
DREAM TEAMS
DREAM TEAM
CRAIG BURROWS
CUSTOM BUILT HOMES
Melissa (with Ben), Steve, Chad, Chris, Adam, Nick, Jesse, Nina (with Max) Craig (with Charli)
After spending the last 15 years building high-end homes across the far north, Craig Burrows from Craig Burrows Custom Built Homes has developed an enviable reputation in the industry. His service and craftsmanship has resulted in a string of happy clients and in many cases repeat business. But despite a wall full of awards and accolades, this father of four is the first to admit he doesn’t do it alone. Born in Melbourne, Craig moved to Cairns as
In order to maintain his high standards and offer
While Craig believes in liaising directly with
a teenager in 1986 where he attended school at
consistency to clients, Craig has surrounded
clients and being on-site at regular intervals, he
Smithfield High. After completing a carpentry
himself with a long-term team of professionals
can also rely on his team to deliver the same
apprenticeship locally he then undertook a
with a similar work ethic to himself. Currently
standard of work in his absence. “We’ve just
two-year Tafe qualification in order to gain his
employing three tradesmen, two apprentices and
finished a home that is the third we’ve built for
builder’s licence. In 1997 Craig Burrows Custom
an office administrator, he believes in keeping as
the couple,” Craig says. “My biggest reward is to
Built Homes was established and has gone from
much of the business in-house as possible. “Even
see a smile on someone’s face when I hand them
strength to strength ever since. “I wanted the
the subcontractors and suppliers I use have been
the key.”
challenge,” Craig says. “After deciding to give it a
with me a long time and understand our way of
go I built a home for a couple and it just seemed
doing things,” Craig says. “It shows in the quality
to snowball from there.”
and finish of the end product.”
Craig rarely advertises his business, preferring
As well as catching up with them socially, Craig
to let the quality of his work speak for itself.
also believes in rewarding his staff on an annual
“95% of our business is from word-of-mouth
basis including a trip to Bathurst, fishing on the
so I spend that bit extra on after-service which
reef and the odd round of golf. “I believe you’ve
is my advertising for the next job,” he says.
got to look after your workers because at the end
Concentrating on the high end of the market,
of the day you wouldn’t be in business without
he deliberately chooses to only build a handful
them,” he says. And with a number of young
of homes a year. “Our clients require service
people under his supervision he goes out of his
and often they want to be nurtured through the
way to be approachable. “I’m a bit of father
process,” Craig says. “For many it’s their dream
figure to some of the guys, they know they can
home and they want to ensure a genuine licensed
talk to me about anything and sometimes you
builder is doing the job.”
have to pull their head in as well,” he laughs.
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CRAIG BURROWS CUSTOM BUILT HOMES Ph 4032 2850 Mobile: 0412 692 546 Fax 4032 1846 www.craigburrowshomes.com office@craigburrowshomes.com Office Address: 137 Greenslopes Street, Edge Hill
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DREAM TEAMS
DREAM TEAM
STATUS PLUS
Pictured left to right: Sharron Parker, Nyssa Baynton, Hannah Brown and Sandy Roberts
Notching up nearly 30 years of trade, Status Plus is one of the Far North’s most successful home design centres boasting a showroom without peer and an extensive range of products. With client service and product knowledge second to none, Ash Balderson has grown this family business into something of a local icon. Despite the old adage, there really are no secrets
“We offer the best advice and, importantly, we
the business, says Nyssa - taking care of sales,
to success. Every entrepreneur [including Ash]
also know the right product for every client,” says
spare parts services, prompt deliveries and in
knows that they are only as strong as their
Nyssa.
house measures. “Our wonderful people in the
weakest link, and surrounding themselves with
Those products include exclusive names like
commercial division, administration, after sales
a happy and fulfilled team of employees is the
Siemens, De Longhi, Asko, Highland, and
service, accounts and warehouse support are an
shortest route to succeeding in business. Sales
Scholtes, but Status Plus isn’t all about exclusivity
integral dimension and are crucial to the success
consultant, Nyssa Baynton, says a key factor to her
– just quality. Old favourites like Westinghouse,
of the Status Plus team.”
commitment and, ultimately, her passion for her
Caroma and Fisher Paykel sit just as comfortably
The team at Status Plus are encouraged to have
job is the ongoing training and support provided
on the showroom floor as the more sophisticated
fun in their working environment and celebrate
by the company.
high-end brands. “We have access to over 150
their uniqueness. “We never feel dictated to,” says
The entire staff of 14 [including retail, commercial,
suppliers,” says Nyssa. “If you want it we can get
Nyssa. “Whatever works for us, we are encouraged
accounts and a timber and warehouse division]
it. Our answer is always yes!”
to do!” But, as well as enjoying their work, the
attends daily and weekly training sessions. “Our
With a salary and incentive scheme, Nyssa says that
team and their families regularly get together for
difference is our product knowledge,” says Nyssa.
with passion and dedication the rewards for the
social occasions – recent activities have included
“As well as in-house training, our suppliers know
staff are virtually unlimited. And, far from causing
go-karting, a sunset cruise and sausage sizzles. “I
that if they want their products on our floor,
rivalry, this only serves to strengthen this already
have never worked with such a committed and
they need to provide us with the backup too.”
cohesive team. “We are great communicators,”
passionate team,” says Nyssa. “We aren’t just
These training sessions provide the backbone of
says Nyssa. “We’re very aware of each others’
colleagues we’re friends.”
a combined knowledge base that is unparalleled
jobs and every two weeks we have an open book
in Cairns. “While everyone has their speciality, we
meeting so we know what everyone is doing with
are all cross-trained,” says Nyssa. “ A client can
regards to clients and quotes.”
walk in to the showroom and any one of us can
This obvious commitment to client service is
confidently provide them with assistance with any product.” The consultants’ knowledge goes further than the product, however, and they regularly undergo industry training in conjunction with tradesmen [cabinetmakers, tilers, electricians] in order to holistically understand a client’s needs.
reflected in the details that take Status Plus the extra mile – such as after hours service by appointment. “We say that the sale is the first transaction, and only the beginning of our service,” says Nyssa. The entire team contributes to the success of
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Phone: (07) 4031 2676 Fax: (07) 4031 2735 Address: 51 Anderson Street Cairns QLD 4870 http://www.statusplus.com.au/home.html
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