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CONTENTS
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What’s On: Events, Music, Art As usual Cairns is alive with music, theatre, art and all things cultural this time of year.
Readers’ Picks Each month we bring you an array of interesting and talented people from all walks of life. This month we focus onWomen at work.
Literature This month we introduce Amanda Cranston’s top 6 books. Reviewed with love and detail.
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Fashion, Beauty & Style Our inhouse fashion editor Riyani has some interesting insights taking us back to the 50’s
Food, Wine & Dine Stephen Borzi as last issue spends a lunch with our resident lawyer Steve O’Reilly talking the intricacies of food and wine.
HomeLife This month we interview Gordon Beath and ask if Cairns has style when it comes to a city with its own identity.
CairnsLife magazine published by CairnsLife Pty Ltd. Shops 7 & 8 The Walk. 84 Lake Street. Cairns. 4870 • T: 4041 6981 F: 4041 6889 www.cairnslifemag.com.au
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE How the people can make the town! Contributors Amanda Cranston Julietta Henderson Danny Betros Andrew Griffiths Vlasta Eriksson Leanne Peard Pip Miller Craig Squire Brett Claxton Stephen Borzi Display Sales Jacqui Nolan Business Lifestyle Riyani Martorejo Fashion Beauty Steve Borzi Eat Play Drink Photography Brad Newton Daniel Blake Chris Baker Paul Dymond
My business partner Lance has just returned from 10 days in Darwin, visiting our sister magazine DarwinLife and asked me if Cairns is depressed. Why, I ask? (Maybe I have become immune to the towns negativity.) Lance was saying the Darwinites ooze energy and positivity compared to the people in Cairns bestowing pessimism. It’s important to note, Lance has lived in Cairns all his life, 51 years. He couldn’t believe the change in the air from the miserable Cairns cabbie, the doom and gloom restaurateur, and the customer at the ice-creamery. What have we become and do we need a doctor? My hubby reminds me, “It’s not your aptitude, but your attitude, that will determine your altitude in life”. Yes, thank you darling… So if your attitude is a little down I hope this month’s feature, ‘Women in Business’ can pump it up like it has me. I wish you all a positive October and Oct-sober for some. Keep smiling,
Jacqui x P.S. Thanks for the numerous email suggestions for the feature, I wish I had more pages to profile all the ladies.
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What’sOn Xzibit ‘ Full Circle World Tour’ (Licenced 18+ only) 27th November Recognised as one of the most electrifying live hip-hop artists, with nearly two decades of classic material up his sleeve, Xzibit’s return to Australian shores promises to be a night to remember for those that get their hands on tickets. Venue: Brothers World of Entertainment Time: Doors open 7.30pm, show starts 8.00pm Info: http://www.ticketscairns.com.au
War in Profile @ Tanks Art Centre 14th October - 16th November Tanks Arts Centre is proud to present a series of exhibitions, workshops and events exploring the experience of war and our search for peace. Exhibitions include A-Bomb: Hiroshima – Nagasaki (first time in Australia), The Bruce Downie Collection, South: War and Combat Paper. Warning: Some of the exhibitions contain disturbing images of violence and war. Mayors for Peace Public Forum Friday 21 Oct – 7.30pm – Tank 5 We invite you to share your thoughts on War – What Is It Good For at this public forum hosted by George Negus. Speakers include: Mayor Val Schier, Stephen Dupont (war photo-journalist and curator of ˚SOUTH: WAR), Mr. Steven Leeper (Chairperson of Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation), Mr. Haromi Hasai (Abomb survivor.
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Radical Reels Film Festival The name Radical Reels really does say it all. Deeper, steeper, faster, harder, the Radical Reels tour is like the adrenalin loving younger brother of the Banff Mountain Film Festival. Every year, the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival in Banff, Canada, presents the wildly popular Radical Reels night – a presentation of the most dynamic highadrenaline films entered into the competition staged at the Banff Centre. Venue: Cairns Civic Theatre When: Saturday 8th October, screening starts @ 7pm Tickets: $30 (Adult), $15 (School Student 3-17 years) Info: www.ticketlink.com.au or call 1300 855 835
Oh What a Night - A Musical Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. This exciting musical revue is written and directed by independent Motown producer, George Solomon and award-winning producer/director Michael Chapman. With classics like Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like A Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, My Eyes Adored You, Working My Way Back To You, Let’s Hang On, and Who Loves You, those dynamic boys from Jersey, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons will leave you dancing in the aisles. Tickets $49 www.ticketlink.com.au 1300 855 835 Venue: Cairns Civic Theatre When: Friday October 14 show starts @ 7:30pm Tickets: $49.00 (Adult), $44 Senior & Concession Government Benefit Card
Holders Info: www.ticketlink.com.au or call 1300 855 835
Heath Franklin’s Chopper’s ‘Hard Bastard’s Guide to Life’ As seen on TV’s The Ronnie Johns Half Hour and in his sell-out DVDs ‘Harden the F*@k Up, Australia!’ and ‘Make Deadsh*ts History’, Chopper’s Hard Bastard’s Guide to life (or how to be less of a f**ktard) is a comprehensive ‘hit-list’ to not just surviving, but thriving in a modern world that thinks it’s better than it is. With Chopper’s easy step by step guide, you’ll learn how to punch life in the guts, take compromising photos of its wife and watch it cry as hands over the keys to your future. With no-holds barred, and no bars to hold him back, Australia’s Most Wanted comedian returns to a theatre near you for one night only. BYO Moustache... Venue: Cairns Civic Theatre When: Friday 29th October / Starts @ 7:30pm Tickets/Info: available through www.ticketlink.com.au This performance is recommended for audiences 15 years and over
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What’sOn The Tablelands Folk Festival The Tablelands Folk Festival (formerly Yungaburra Folk Festival from 2002-2009), is a world class, boutique folk festival without the crowds, held in stunning Yungaburra heritage village. A packed weekend of entertainment from the emerging to the established artists, the 31st Festival in 2011 has a selection of entertainers, performing quality original music, live right in front of you. The festival has five stages operating simultaneously presenting over 70 Concerts, 15 Workshops, Comedy, Blues Showcase, Traditional Bush Dance, Poet’s Brekky, free Children’s Festival & Parade, Local Youth Bands showcase, Wellbeing Fair, Market Stalls, & the famous Pub Verandah non-stop Jams. Music genres range from Traditional Australian Folk, Celtic, Irish, Country Folk, Lap-slide Blues, Bluegrass, Hot Swing Jazz, Latin Gypsy, Punk Folk, Middle East & Indian, Tropical Swing, Reggae, and plenty of Contemporary Folk. Plenty of camping available at $10/person for the weekend. When: Thursday 20th – Sunday 23rd October Where: The festival kicks off @ the Royal Hotel, Herberton &continues on at Yungaburra heritage village Buy Tickets: ticketLink on 1300 855 835 Info: www.tablelandsfolkfestival.org
The Grates exhale on their summer’s Breath Tour Sunday 20th November 2011 As Winter begins to wane and Spring starts to blossom on the horizon, The Grates have their sights firmly on the hot winds blowing Summer our way as they hit the hot bitumen again in late October/November for their biggest national tour yet. Having ignited the main stage as the sun set over Splendour in the Grass, The Grates are at the peak of their game. Helmed by the enigmatic, sassy front woman Patience Hodgson, their sophisticated live show has as many twists and turns as the singer’s dance moves, unparalleled by any band in the country right now. From her stage diving antics to provocative banter, you just never know what you’re going to get up close and personal. Supported by The Medics. Venue: Brothers World of Entertainment Cost: $27 Adult $24 Student/Concession Time: Doors Open 7.30pm, Show Starts 8.00pm Info: http://www.ticketscairns.com.au
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Romeo + Juliet @ Tanks Art Centre 14th - 22nd October Shakespeare at the Tanks continues in 2011 with the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet given a sci-fi treatment by Tropical Arts. An ancient grudge corrodes community harmony again and again in a re-imagined sci-fi setting, with the Capulet’s as ‘augmented’ humans and the Montague’s as ‘naturals’. Their bitter feud embodies our modern struggle with technology. A steam punk Romeo kills the cyborg Tybalt, while the 5-clone Juliet reflects the many facets of a teenage girl struggling to know herself in a world gone mad. Shakespeare’s tragic love story will tear at your heart like never before. Tropical Arts’ features professional performers working alongside students and community actors, in a cast which showcases the diversity of our community. A tropical theatre feast! Cost: $25/$20 (Conc.) buy online at Ticketlink or on the door. Venue: Tank 3 Matinee Shows: 12pm Sat 15th Oct + 11am Thurs 20th Oct Evening Shows: 7.30pm 14th – 15th + 18th - 22nd Oct Info: www.tropicalartscairns.com | www.tanksartscentre.com
Tastes of the Tablelands 2011 The Tastes of the Tablelands Festival is a showcase of the best foods, wines, coffees and talent the Tableland area has to offer. Businesses from all over the Tableland can purchase a stall where they can sell and promote their products which must be grown or produced locally. Crowds are entertained by local talent. Young chefs display their talent by staging a cooking demonstration using local produce. A fashion parade from local fashion houses present the latest in fashion using our local festival queens and models. For more information visit www.tastesofthetablelands.com Where: Chinese Temple Grounds, Herberton Road, Atherton When: Sunday 16th October
CROCODILE TROPHY 2011 Cairns, Tablelands, Cooktown 18 Oct 2011 to 27 Oct 2011 The Crocodile Trophy is known worldwide as the hardest and most adventurous mountain bike stage race in one of the most spectacular regions in the world. Riders cover more than 1200km over the ten days of the stage race and ride through parts of the most remote outback in Far North Queensland. Attracting many well-known riders, including Olympic Champions and Tour de France riders and stage winners. For more information visit www.crocodile-trophy.com
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EVENTS
STUDIO SHORTS Tuesday 25 - Saturday 29 October 2011 End the month on a high with JUTE Theatre Company’s final production for 2011, Studio Shorts. Running for five nights, Tuesday 25 through till Saturday 29 October. Embrace the warm summer night b y thr owing on y our shorts, g athering y our ma tes and heading through the car par k a t the Centr e of Contemporary Arts into a new perf ormance place The Space. Once inside you can grab a cheeky beverage and nestle into your beanbag for an e vening of non-stop perf ormance entertainment. Featuring vintage style sounds reminiscent of 1930s P aris, Brisbane thr ee piece band, F ox Lane ar e the m usical drawcard tha t will integ rate with tw o short plays b y V ictorian pla ywright Raimondo Cortese and a multi-media, DJ set from local performance artist, Brett Walsh. Brisbane based trio , Fox Lane, will fill y our martini g lass to the brim with their quir ky tunes and tempestuous tales of lo ve, lust, murder, revenge and shoes! Queen of song, Kylie Southwell will lead the audience on a merry dance back to 1930’s Paris jazz and the streets of Spain with a mix of instrumental flamenco sounds. Guitar and banjo m usician Gerard Mapstone has w orked alongside the best in World Music (La Or questa de Buena Vista Social Club , Estr ella Mor ente and Tomatito to name a few) and carv ed a reputation on the w orld stage thr ough his unique style. Kylie and Gerar d are joined by Jan Van Dijk on the violin to complete this charming and quirky ensemble. Between the sweet sounds of Fox Lane and DJ
Brett Walsh audiences will be hit with tw o short, snappy, slice of life pla ys ‘Night’ and ‘Hotel’ by Melbourne playwright Raimondo Cortese. These fly on the wall contemporar y works, directed by Simon Hapea (Hotel) and Nerissa Brandenberger (Night), will illuminate moments of cruelty and beauty tha t ar e inherent in an y everyday encounter betw een two people . ‘Night’ f ollows the c hance encounter of two young women who meet in a bar , get e xcessively drunk and the tribulations that follow. The cast of ‘Night’, Sydney based actor Na talie T aylor and Darwin based Ella W atson-Russell are both ex-Cairns locals w ho ha ve gone on to illustrious acting car eers only to be enticed home by this quirky production. By contrast, Simon Hapea’s directorial debut ‘Hotel’ will see local actress Liz Hurley (no, a different Liz, minus Shane Warne) and Cairns born, Sydney based Laura Pike as two hotel cleaners dealing with the e veryday po wer strug gles, politics (and ultimately, violence) of their lives. Studio Shorts will see JUTE move away from traditional thea tre to br eak do wn the conventional barriers between audience and stage. Eac h perf ormance will integ rate seamlessly to create a lush atmosphere within this funky venue. The bar will be open fr om 6pm with the entertainment kicking of f a t 6.30pm. W ith only five shows and a maximum of 80 tickets per show, tickets will be har d to get so book yours no w to a void disappointment www.jute.com.au
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SOCIAL EVENTS: AMATEURS RACE DAY 2011 Upload your social pics to our facebook page and we’ ll publish them (kee p them large)
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Local Artist of the Month Angeline Denahy Mixed Media artist Gallery owner Walking towards Angeline or “Angie” as most people call her, the infectious smile and bubbly voice is a tell tale sign of which artwork belongs to her. The playful and light-hearted subject matter of Angie’s pieces are part of the “children’s corner” of the gallery. Inspired by Alice in wonderland, the checkerboard floor, rainbow chandelier and the rows of dolls are not what one would expect in an art gallery. This is where Angie’s concept that “a gallery shouldn’t be intimidating but inviting” comes to play. She believes that “ at the end of the day the artworks are to be hung on the walls of people home” and that’s why she wants to make the galley a comfortable environment. Originally form Ballarat Victoria Angie first moved to Cairns to manage a retail store in The Pier shopping centre. Fifteen years later she is still here now running her own gallery in The Pier. In between having her beautiful daughter Emily, Angie has studied at various institutions along her travels including the Gordon institute in Geelong and JCU Cairns. Angie’s collage work was initially inspired by the dancing costumes she used to make her daughter. Her peers told her that it was a complete “no no” sticking sequins on to her paintings but after struggling to get the texture she wished for from the paint it wasn’t long before sequins and false eye lashes become her signature style. Gallery Inc is home to around forty leading Queensland artists. The styles are a cross section of work intermingled with quirky gifts, quality toys, wall sticker art and vintage prints. They complement one another and sit beautifully in the environment Angie has created. Angie has set up a mix between contemporary and fun and hopes that Gallery Inc is taken seriously, but not too seriously.
Angie Denahy
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PICKS Special Feature
READERS’ PICKS Each issue w e are asking r eaders to email us their ideas on who we should go out ther e and interview. Every issue we feature a different subject. In August we highlighted Young Professionals, people hitting goals at an early stage of their careers and this issue we feature Dynamic Duos, partners in business or life. This issue we are featuring Women in Business. Next month people w ho can make y ou look good“The Image Professionals”. So if you have a favourite, send us your choices to jacqui@cairnslifemag.com.au
All suggestions are welcome and hopefully yours will appear in our next issue as a “Readers’ Pick!”
TRAILBLAZERS
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WOMEN IN
BUSINESS READER’S PICKS: WOMEN IN BUSINESS
MY STORE MYER From her first day as a Christmas casual in the Toowoomba Myer, Donna Green was “bitten by the retail bug”. Twenty-two years later, that bug is still nipping at her heels and she is still with the company - albeit in a very different role as Store Manager of Myer Cairns. Donna’s goal of becoming a store manager was clearly defined from day one and now, four years after achieving that, she continues to relish the role. So, is this her perfect job? “Absolutely! How many other jobs allow you to play in a shop like Myer all day? The fashion, the home wares, the cosmetics, and don’t even get me started on the shoes! How lucky am I?” And Donna clearly means it. “If you like people, retail is a fantastic career. No two days are ever the same.” Donna made a slight detour on her career path, moving from the shop floor to a HR role with Myer for two years. “I loved it and learnt so much, but I missed the environment of the store. It was fantastic training though, and I still use those skills to develop my own managers. I have a clear vision for my team and I love to show them they don’t need to leave Cairns to progress.” While being a young woman in a senior management role could be daunting, Donna takes it in her stride. “I’ve never felt at a disadvantage, although I often get a double take when people meet
by Julietta Henderson
me. I take it as a compliment when they say ‘I was expecting a man… and much older!’ But it’s never been negative.” Donna says her original mentor, Nancy Young in Toowoomba, taught her the adage of “seek first to understand, then to be understood”, and attributes much of her business inspiration to these words. “Nancy showed me that if you begin with the end in mind you will always succeed, and the only thing that will stop you achieving is yourself.” So, after attaining the most senior position in Cairns with Myer where is there left to go? “You always want your store to be the best so that’s my constant goal now. I’m pretty easy going but there are some things I never compromise on: never taking second best, how we treat how customers and how we present our store.” And does never compromising mean that Donna has had to perfect the most difficult managerial task of all – delegation? “I certainly have expectations of my staff but they know what they are.” She laughs, “I always say, I don’t need to DO everything, but I do like to KNOW everything!” And as the manager of a retail icon is Donna a shopper herself ? “Definitely! I am the world’s worst cook, but believe me, I have every gadget you could ever need!” Well, after all… Myer is her store.
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• D ONN A G R E E N , S T OR E MA N A G E R MY E R C AI R N S
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• VAL SCHIER
CAIRNS MAYOR
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KEEPING HER COUNCIL No matter which side of the camp you plant your feet, in an issue that salutes Cair ns w omen in b usiness ho w could w e not include the woman at the helm of the biggest business of all? While not everyone has a solution to Cairns’ problems, most people have an opinion on Val Schier. In her three years in the top job, barely a day has gone by without commentary about how and what Val’s doing – or not doing. From working as bar maid in Dampier (see ‘Red Dog’ if you want a taste of Val’s early life!), to stints in a gold mine and establishing the T .A.F.E on T hursday Island, V al has travelled a long and cr ooked mile. Now that she’s here, the obvious question is – w hy? “Cairns has so m uch potential, and I sa w that people didn’t like the dir ection the city was heading. P eople wanted a c hange, a dif ferent style of leadership, and I had tha t.” Val dared to c hallenge Kevin Byrne in 2004, and although she narrowly missed out, came back to win in 2008. “I was an unknown, but I had passion,” she says. A small b ut vocal element of the comm unity nicknamed “The CAVE people” (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) certainly has a field day when it comes to Val (and everything else!), but how does she cope with the bar rage of criticism that comes with life as Mayor? “This is the best job I’ve ever had. It’ s al ways a c hallenge, b ut I certainly hadn’t expected the le vel of per sonal attack that came with it. I acknowledge it but I don’t take it on board, because I believe it says more
about the other person than me.” Serving in pub lic office in a to wn the siz e of Cairns must certainly be a c hallenge, given the high c hance of being recognised b y y our constituents in the super market. “I answer every email and phone call and talk to an yone who wants to – tha t’s the commitment I made . I am listening , I just may not take on all the ideas.” So w hat is V al’s advice to an yone considering a r ole in politics? “It’s not just a job, you have to be passionate about making a difference. I would love to see more young people in politics – youth see the world in a different way.” Perhaps Val’s str ength, too , is in seeing things in a dif ferent wa y. “People think that Cairns is just about tourism, but we need the infrastructure to diversify the economy and attract and engage people w ho see this is the best and most cr eative regional city in Australia. We have to believe in ourselves – if you don’t set goals and visualise success y ou don’t get anywhere.” In terms of hard work and steering Cair ns towards those goals, Val certainly leads by example. Just as Cairns Life was leaving, her assistant ar rives with her ‘homework’ – a 20cm high pile of papers and folders. Not everyone’s idea of a fun weekend, but then neither is being Mayor.
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READER’S PICKS: WOMEN IN BUSINESS
HOMES WITH HEART With three brothers, four sons and a passion f or racing her GT, Jenny Cavallaro was ne ver going to be afraid of making it in a man ’s world. But acceptance wasn’t always a giv en for this f ormer apprentice motor mechanic. Arriving in Cardwell as a teenager (where she met husband Wayne), Jenny’s attempt to get a job with the only mechanic in town was met with, “Get out girl before I sic the dogs on y ou.” Being the fir st female mechanic’s apprentice in Queensland was certainly character building! Luckily things ha ve changed a lot in 35 y ears, and J enny is no w a driving f orce behind Better Homes , the construction business she and W ayne built from scratch. Despite early efforts by their parents to keep them apart, the couple has been mar ried for 31 years. Extremely committed to eac h other and to their family, they maintain strong morals and principals; and with that strength of character it is clear they lead the wa y rather than f ollow. “We do our o wn thing,” sa ys J enny. “ Always ha ve. W e ar en’t influenced by what other people are doing; we stay true to ourselves and always strive to do the best in what we do. When we started out building houses in the rainforest, we were doing things like building around tr ees and o ver cr eek beds; w e designed houses to fit the block instead of making the block
fit the house . No w with 8 0% of our b usiness coming fr om r epeat clients and r eferrals, it is encouraging to see all our hard work paying off.” Even though J enny spent a few y ears on a v ery different car eer pa th as a fashion designer (JC Inspirations), she returned to the business she and Wayne built together. “I know it sounds crazy, but I missed working with Wayne! Working with your partner is not f or everyone, but we complement each other and make a great team.” The creative strength behind Better Homes, Jenny is r esponsible f or assisting clients with all the selections in the creation of their new home. “It’s so exciting seeing all the colours and fittings come together, and even more so when the home wins an award for us and the o wners,” she sa ys. “My job really feeds m y creative side, I lo ve it. I driv e to work every day and I am just so thankful. I liv e in a beautiful city, I enjoy going to work, and I have a wonderful family and fantastic staf f who are just like family – life’s great.” “Know who you are and w here you’re going,” is Jenny’s motto. “If you don’t define your destination you won’t get an ywhere.” And accor ding to her, Better Homes is going big places in the future, with exciting changes afoot. Can it get an y better f or Better Homes? Watch this space.
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• J E N N Y C A VA L L A R O CO-OWNER BETTER HOMES
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READER’S PICKS: WOMEN IN BUSINESS
GOING FOR GOLDEN It’s a long wa y from cuts and colour s to a Quarter P ounder with cheese, but for Christine Vincent, former hairdresser and now franchisee of five McDonald’s, making the transition was not so much so much a leap of faith as a c hance to g rasp an opportunity with both hands. “I believe you make your own luck and I’ve never been afraid to have a go,” says Chris. Running her own successful salon in Kingaroy for 13 years, she says, “I loved being a hairdresser, and it was because the salon was suc h a success I had the confidence to go for it when other opportunities came up.” ‘Other opportunities’ came in the f orm of a pair of golden arches, and when McDonald’s began to put down roots in rural Queensland in 1994, Chris and husband K eith put up their hands. “We sold e verything, including our house , to get tha t first franc hise,” sa ys Chris . Big ger than the financial investment, however, were the personal sacrifices she made. “It is an incredibly intense process to be accepted as a licensee and then complete the nine-month Management T raining program.” It was, by her o wn admission, the biggest c hallenge of her life . For six da ys a week, Chris lived in Brisbane away from Keith and her two young children, working her way through everything from machine maintenance to admin and, naturally, flipping burgers on the famous Macca’s grill.
It paid of f, with the King aroy restaurant collecting na tional awards for excellence; but with no room for growth, the family moved to Tasmania, taking up thr ee franchises. Then, when the unique opportunity to purchase four McDonald’s in Cairns came up, it enab led their r eturn to Queensland. W ith the recently opened Gordonvale restaurant bringing her to five, is that enough no w? “The goal fr om day one was to open as many as possible. I never thought I’d get to five but I’m ready for any challenge! The thing I’m pr oudest of, though, is m y amazing relationship with m y kids. I’ve always worked, but they have grown up to be hard workers from that example, and when they say, “We’re proud of you Mum”, it means the world. I want to be a great wife, a great mum and a great friend as well as being a successful businesswoman. For me, it’s all about the balance.” With a staf f of 380, Chris is clear ly proud of her b usinesses and her people . “I absolutely couldn ’t do this without m y wonderful staff. The key is to involve them; reward them when you hit goals and help them learn when you don’t. Have a plan, but don’t be afraid to change. But most of all be true to yourself - opportunities ar e everywhere, just open yourself up to them.” Christine Vincent is a lad y f ollowing her o wn advice - and y ou get the feeling she r eally is “lovin’ it”!
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CHRISTINE VINCENT MCDONALD’S
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READER’S PICKS: WOMEN IN BUSINESS
DR SUE FRASER
ON A MISSION While the return to Cairns of Breast Physician Dr Sue Fraser has been fairly low profile, her private breast clinic is enhancing the care for women of the city by offering an alternative in the early detection and treatment of breast disease. Locals may remember Dr Fraser from the Cair ns Breast Clinic, which she helped establish. After nurturing it for many years, in a gesture based on her genuine commitment to increasing access to screening and early prevention, she handed the business over to the government. Within three years it had folded. “Nobody opens a breast clinic to make money, but the government’s idea was that no-one should pa y. In or der to function ther e needs to be a combination; there are many patients who are willing to pay, but you can’t neglect those w ho can’t. You also ha ve to look after the staf f; it’s about balance.” That her greatest achievement in life also in voked her greatest sadness is a poignant indication of Sue Fraser’s passion. Although by that time she was working at the high-profile Sydney Breast Clinic, the closur e hit her har d. “What we had was so amazing; we just don’t have that anymore in Cairns. When the clinic closed it really was like a grieving -20 years of my, and many other’s, life’s work was gone. In a wa y, perhaps tha t’s why I w ork so har d now.” That ‘amazing’ facility was , in effect, a one-stop shop f or breast screening, diagnosis and treatment. “Competition is g reat, but it really is a team job and that team is now split up,” she says. Sue works closely with Cairns’ only other qualified Breast Physician, Colleen O’Sullivan. “Breast work relies on a multi-disciplinary team - radiologists , pathologists and surgeons. Colleen
and I look a t the entire picture in a holistic wa y, including counselling, the patients’ social situa tion and the ef fects of breast cancer on the families . Being vigilant is our obsession - you can’t cut corners in this business. Even if the next person has to wait, w e spend as m uch time as w e need to with every patient – it is their time” Dr Fraser’s ongoing crusade is the importance of early detection and the need for women to be able to take responsibility for their own health. “It is really about individual car e. If you rely solely on a mass scr eening system, unless a w oman specifically mentions a concer n (and man y won’t), things can get missed.” A big problem lies, she believes, with the Medicare rebate. “The rebate for breast imaging hasn ’t changed significantly in 15 y ears, despite the increased costs of improved technology. In Sydney I lobbied to focus money into areas like early diagnosis, prevention and lifestyle, but when it comes to the rebate, it can seem self-serving for a physician to challenge it. It is so important for support groups and individuals to continue lobbying to increase the rebate so more women can use private breast facilities.” Back in private practice since July, Dr Fraser juggles her working week with commitments in a Gold Coast clinic and upcoming sessions with Brisbane’s prestigious Wesley Clinic. It seems life is not going to slo w down any time soon and that’s just how she likes it. “I do have friends who ask me when I’m going to get a life! But I have an extremely supportive husband and for me, to contemplate retirement equals death. This is my life; it’s what and who I am.” With the lives of hundreds of Cairns women in the gentle hands of Dr Sue Fraser, that’s a pretty reassuring thought.
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Local Hairdresser of the Month Damian Lamaro Bliss Hair Boutique 122 Lake St. Cairns How long have you been hairdressing for and where did you do your training? I started hairdressing 16 years ago. After leaving school to pursue my creative side, I did my training at Pivot Point Melbourne and trained extensivly with Toni & Guy. Your new look salon is very stylish. Where did you find inspiration for it? My inspiration came from combining my travelling around the globe and my creative eye, to transform a space into a luxurious New York /LA style experience. How do you keep up with current trends and techniques? I find the best way to keep up with the current trends is to immerse yourself into the space, that means travelling to the likes of the USA, China and Japan is a regular occurrence. Although Cairns attracts visitors from around the world, we often miss out on getting a true feeling of the trends and techniques that are abroad. If you could have a Bliss salon in another country where would it be and why? When I created the Bliss experience I wanted to make my clients feel like they were stepping into a trendy New York/LA salon. A luxurious escape from clients busy lives. So if I were to have another Bliss it would be in LA. 'I love the weather' What is the best part about having your own salon? To let my creative freedom run wild without any boundaries. Where do you shop for your clothes? Depends what country I'm in... What are your tips for anyone wanting to change their look? Look at the big picture. Don't be afraid of change. There are no limits.
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LITERATURE by Amanda Cranston
ZEN AND THE ART OF RAISING CHICKENS By Clea Danaan (Allen & Unwin) Rrp $19.99 Zen and the Art of Raising Chickens explores the entertaining, rewarding, and yes - enlightening art of keeping chickens in an urban or suburban garden. Chickens slow us down and ground us. This book demonstrates how raising chickens can easily fit into a busy lifestyle, and why doing so helps keep us sane and focused on the simpler joys of life.
THE LITTLE VEGGIE PATCH: How to Grow Food in Small Spaces By Fabian Capomolla and Mat Pember (Pan Macmillan) Rrp $45.00 This easy-to-follow gardening bible will teach you how to grow anything anywhere, whether you have a balcony, a small yard or an abundance of space. An A-Z of Edible Plants it advises on over 40 vegetables and fruit trees, detailing planting information, ongoing maintenance advice, tips on best companions and when to harvest. And the weekend activities throughout the book will get the kids involved too, whether it’s making a scarecrow, building a spud tower or growing beans in a bean can.
MEDITATION AND THE ART OF BEEKEEPING By Mark Magill (Allen & Unwin) Rrp $19.99 Meditation and the Art of Beekeeping explores the remarkable role bees play in keeping wildlife thriving and cultivated crops blooming. It combines practical beekeeping information with the environmental and spiritual lessons we can learn from the bees. Meditations based on Buddhist practice help you experience the simple pleasure of the natural world.
THE PACIFIC By Peter Watt (Pan Macmillan) Rrp $32.99 Touted as the home-grown version of Wilbur Smith, Peter Watt’s novel The Pacific is fast paced and full of adventure. Isla Stahl is a war correspondent covering the Second World War when her plane goes down in a terrible storm over Papuan waters and she is taken prisoner by the Japanese. When Jack Kelly learns his only daughter has been captured he will stop at nothing to save her, even risking the life of his only son. Meanwhile Major Karl Mann is on a secret mission to Indo China that will see him embroiled in Isla’s rescue mission in ways he could never have imagined.
HALF A CITIZEN By John Murphy, Suellen Murray, Jenny Chalmers, Sonia Martin & Greg Marston (Allen & Unwin) Rrp $39.99 This thought-provoking book explores unemployment statistics to shed new light on what it is like to live on a low income and experience the brunt of welfare reform, exploding the persistent myth that welfare recipients don't contribute to society. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 150 welfare recipients it reveals people struggling to get by while active in paid work, caring for children or family members and yet often being treated as ‘half a citizen’.
THE HELP By Kathryn Stockett (Penguin Books) Rrp $19.95 Now a feature film with rave reviews, this novel is based in Jackson, Mississippi in 1962 when black maids raised white children, but weren’t trusted not to steal the silver. There’s Aibileen, raising her seventeenth white child and nursing the hurt caused by her own son’s tragic death. There’s Minny whose cooking is nearly as sassy as her tongue, and then there is white Miss Skeeter, home from College and wanting to know why her beloved maid has disappeared. Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny, no-one would believe they’d be friends, fewer still would tolerate it. But as each woman finds the courage to cross boundaries, they come to depend and rely upon one another. Each is in a search of a truth, and together they have an extraordinary story to tell...
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Spring is my favourite month in fashion A fresh colour palette, new silhouettes and the weather has just jumped up that extra notch forcing the yearly wardrobe shuffle. The month of September brings the Amatuers racing carnival that is high up on all Cairns’ fashionistas calendars. This year I was fortunate enough to attend the ball where I was wowed not only but the gorgeous black tie outfits but the new premier venue. It certainly lived up to the hype. L’oreal Fashion week was in full force and our very own fashion photographer went down and worked as official media. Chris Baker returned full of energy and ready to shoot the fashion spread Miss Pin up. In conjunction with The attic and Venlee Model management, Cairns Life held the first Miss Pin Up model competition during the month. The winner Shae Mahoney is featured in this issue. We uncovered some aspiring models during this competition and would love to hear from any of you interested in some experience. Riyani@cairnslifemag.com.au For some great backstage footage of what happens on shoot day check out the video at www.theGspotcairns.com.
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Cairn sLife L O Y A L T Y
Cond
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Let’s face it, we’re in tough times and things need a litttle push along. CairnsLife have come up with a loyalty programme to help save you a little money, get retailers a little business and encourage everyone to buy locally. CairnsLife Loyalty Card will be the first of its kind. You can use this card anywhere the shop owner displays the card in the window or next to their cash register. This card can be used across all sorts of businesses from fashion stores, cafes, restaurants, accountants, car dealerships, beauty salons and hair dressers, to name a few. Over the next year we will be infiltrating businesses who want to get with the programme to contact us to come on board to offer something to CairnsLife Card holders. It could be that we start out with a few businesses then move into the hundreds!
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Send us an email to get your very own card. riyani@cairnslifemag.com.au We have 10,000 cards ready to go, and need businesses who want to get with the programme to contact us. It’s simple just offer a local deal... 10% off coffee, waiver a fee or add a bonus (buy one get one free, or a glass of wine with the meal). Cardholders, don’t be afraid to flash your card or keyring, we need to help retailers get it back on track... together we can make a difference!
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Shopping at Located on the beautiful Marina, The Pier shopping centre boasts a home to an array of stores that are locally owned and operated. With a host of dining options, it is the perfect place to have lunch or a coffee and have a browse around the array of specialty shops. Strap in and blast off with the out-of-this-world range of Funky Trunks and Funkita swimwear! As two of Australia’s leading chlorine resistant swimwear labels, there is something for everyone with bold and unique prints styled to suit different shapes and sizes. Constructed from the exclusive C-Infinity fabric, Funky Trunks and Funkita swimwear provide superior comfort and durability for prolonged use in the pool and under the sun. Funky Trunks are available in Mens sizes XS-XL, and Boys 1-14. Funkita caters for Womens sizes 8-22 and Girls 1-14, and is available now at Splish Splash Swimwear at The Pier. www.splishsplashswimwear.com.au
Reborn and re-branded The Pier offers two hours free undercover parking and now is launching their craft markets every second Sunday. So next time you are in need of some retail therapy remember The Pier shopping centre is just at the Marina!
The Pier at the Marina (07) 4041 5544
Splish Splash Swimw ear at The Pier on the Marina is the la test Splish Splash outlet in Cairns. We took the opportunity to open an outlet here as we believe the picturesque waterfront backdrop and relaxed shopping atmosphere makes T he Pier a fab ulous place to shop. Two hours of free undercover parking is too good to resist. As well as stocking all the brands our customers know and love. The Pier store has a large range of aussieBum, Jets and Isola by Megan Gale. This is the month to check out new arrivals. www.splishsplashswimwear.com.au
The Pier at the Marina (07) 4041 5544
A wonderful visual tapestry of gorgeous gifts and beautiful art. Gallery INC houses a unique collection of work that showcases the talents of man y of Queensland's leading artists and artisans . Inspiring works by Hayley Gillespie, Angie Denahy, Ed Koumans, Adrian Wolf and Tim Ellis , to name a few, are intermingled with quirky gifts, quality toys, wall sticker art and vintage prints. Open Tuesday until Sunda y, It is a m ust see for locals and visitors alike.
Please visit us @ The Pier at the Marina PH: (07) 40412843 or @ www.galleryincairns.com
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the PIER
Bella Forma (meaning beautiful figur e) is the unique home of beautifully fitting bras, feminine underwear and sexy cup sized swimwear in sizes 6 to 30 and cup siz es D to K. T he only specialty shop specializing in pr etty and supportive cup sizes in Far North Queensland, Bella Forma is an in-store and online retailer with a wide range of big bras in gorgeous colours sourced from leading manufacturers including Ballet Lingerie, Cake Lingerie, Curvy Kate, DimitySO, Elle Macpher son, Elomi, Enell Sports Bra, F antasie, F auve, Fayreform, Freya, Goddess, HOTmilk Maternity, Le Mystere, Masquerade, Panache, Pour Moi, Royce & Spanx Shapewear. Bella Forma offers complimentary bra fittings and will al ways make certain you find the perfect bra to make the most of your assets.
Shop G3 The Pier T: (07) 4041 7308
Man Overboard is an integ ral part of quality men’s fashion in Cairns and P ort Douglas. Established over 20 y ears ago, Man Overboard keeps evolving but still offers the same quality men ’s fashion labels and the knowledge and service that only comes with experience. Choose from well known labels suc h as Ben Sher man, Replay, Saville Row, Lacoste., Soul Edge and Y ourself. Accessorise with Cushe and Sanuk footwear. Man Overboard, T he Pier, also incor porates a Ben Sher man concept store. Come in ……… you’ll be impressed
Bright eyes is one of three locally owned and operated stores. The other locations are Stockand and Smithfield. We are home to the largest range of Polarised sunglasses including leading Polarised Brands such as Mako, Maui Jim, Serengetti, Bolle, RayBan, Oakley, Dirty Dogs, and Mangrove Jack. At bright eyes you can find a pair of sunglasses priced to Suit every budget. So next time you are in need of a pair of sunglasses pop down to the pier and see one of our staff members who are all professionally trained in all aspects of pr oduct kno wlege and fitting of sunglasses.
Open 7 days The Pier, Cairns PH: (07) 4031 1196 • Macrossan St, Port Douglas
The Pier at the Marina PH: (07) 4031 5506
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Introducing the stunning winner of Miss Pin up 2011 Miss Shae Mahony and her partner in crime the gorgeous runner up Cara Matejcek...
Miss Pin Up!
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Photographed | Chris Baker Styled | Riyani Martorejo Hair | The Bliss Hair Boutique team Make up | Make up by Phennapha Models | Venlee Model Management
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Vintage dress $150 Gloves $25 Bracelet $95 Pill Box $25
Miss Pin Up!
All available from Kaotica Oceana Walk
Lingere models own
Lingere models own Fever bustier $79.95 Tastey
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Minx fur $425 Kaotica
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Miss Pin Up!
50’S SWIMWEAR MARYLIN SUNGLASSES LOVE LUCY VINTAGE STORE TILLY ROSE BABE WEDGE $249.95 BRAZILIO NUDE HEEL $199.95 SASSI FOOTWEAR
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LEMONADE ON THE LAWN DRESS $285 FEVER HALTER DRESS $189 TEA LILY PEEPTOE CLUTCH $119 SASSI
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50’S SWIMWEAR MARYLIN SUNGLASSES LOVE LUCY TILY ROSE BABY WEDGE $249.95 SASSI
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SOCIAL EVENTS
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WINE
LOCAL FOODIES FOOD & WINE
Charles Melton Rose of Virginia In the 16th century Paracelsus, a Swiss Physician, is quoted as saying “wine is a food, a medicine, and a poison – it’s just a question of dose.” Move ahead a few centuries and the literature begins to identify health benefits attributable to moderate wine consumption. I am always heartened to read one of life’s great pleasures can contribute to your health. Whether all alcoholic drinks can make this claim is debatable, but for now I am running with “wine is good”. My spritely nonagenarian Grandmother, who gives my cellar a regular touch up, is living testament to that. Now I have persuaded you a glass of wine may do you some good, can I suggest a wine that will be just the trick as the mercury rises – a Rosé. Rosé, French for “pink” or “rose coloured”, quite simply refers to wines of this colour. Rosé wines are usually made from red grapes, however, contrary to the normal process of making red wine, the skins are generally removed within 2-3 days. The brief skin contact gives the wine its light pink colour and is also the reason that Rosés lack the body and character of most red wines. There has been somewhat of a Rosé resurgence and the quality now on offer is exceptional. Fortunately for you, for around $23 you can get your hands on arguably one of the finest Rosés in Australia – 2011 Charles Melton, Rose of Virginia, Barossa Valley. In fact, Anthony Rose once described this wine in London’s Observer newspaper as “the best Rosé in Australia” and James Halliday scored the previous vintage 96 points. As Rosés go, this is a magnificent example and a benchmark among what has become an enormously popular style. The wine has a lovely vibrant crimson/magenta hue. The tasting note describes a delicious young Grenache lift with a little touch of sweet marzipan with just the right amount of acidity and flesh, the wine remains crisp and fresh avoiding any heaviness, just a nice quaffable weight. If this one doesn’t hit the spot on a balmy Saturday afternoon in the Tropical North, I give up. Happy sampling.
Steve & Stephen O'Reilly Criminal Lawyer / Wine Aficionado
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FOOD
Rosés are nick-named a summertime "patio" wine, as they are refreshing on warm summer days and are lower in alcohol, which makes them easy to drink. They are a great party wine, as they can have broad appeal (not too sweet and not too heavy). Rosé is a versatile wine that pairs well with seafood and can stand up to a bit of spice. Squid too is an incredibly versatile food, and fits well with this month’s wine. In this recipe tubes and tentacles are used in combination with chorizo and tomatoes to end up with a rich flavourful dish. The relatively long cooking time gives the squid a tender texture and enriches the tomato sauce. Enjoy this dish with family & friends along with a bottle or two of the Charles Melton, Rose of Virginia. Great for one of our long summer evenings.
Squid stuffed with Choizo INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4) 4 medium squid (whole with tentacles) 1 brown onion (finely diced) 1 large clove of garlic (finely chopped) 1 tin of Italian chopped tomatoes 1 small cooking chorizo (skin removed and meat chopped) 1 cup of finely chopped parsley 1 cup of stale white bread soaked in water and drained 1 egg yolk 1/2 cup dry white wine 4 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp paprika 1 small red chilli (optional)
METHOD Clean the squid by removing tentacles and all insides. Detach fin and all loose skin from the tube. Turn the tube inside out to clean in running water and turn back again. Set aside.
Clean and finely chop the tentacles and fins and set aside. To make the stuffing, heat the olive oil in a large pan and gently fry the onion until translucent. Add the chilli (if using), then add the garlic, paprika, chorizo and 5 minutes later the parsley and the chopped squid tentacles and fins. Cook for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Then add the bread, the egg yolk and mix together. Remove from the heat. You should have a consistent paste that brings together all the ingredients. Season to taste. Spoon the mixture into the squid tubes and close with a toothpick or small skewer across the opening. Do not fill too much as they will burst. If some stuffing spills into the sauce during cooking, it’s no problem, as it will just add to the richness! Place the squid in a casserole dish and cover with the chopped tomatoes and white wine. Cover and cook in the oven (180 degrees) for 50 – 60 minutes, until tender, stirring occasionally. If getting too dry, add some more wine and if too moist cook uncovered on the stovetop to reduce sauce. Traditionally served with crusty bread… In the photograph I served it with a simple bulgar wheat salad. You can also serve it with a rocket salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
& Stevo Buon Appetito!
Stephen Borzi Artist / Designer / Amateur Cook
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CairnsLife
COOKBOOK We want you... CairnsLife magazine is seeking to publish a CairnsLife cookbook, dedicated to all you home chefs out there. Get your recipes out and send us your very best signature dish. Each issue of Cairns Life we will publish someone’s piece de resistance. At the beginning of next year, we will collate all your recipes, and with photos of your dishes publish "CairnsLife on a Plate"‌ your very own cookbook for the Tropics. So get emailing. Send to steve@cairnslifemag.com.au
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BEER CRITIQUE You need flavour‌nothing like it in Melbourne. Refreshing crisp taste & a perfect drop on a hot winters day in Far North Queensland. North Queenslanders should be proud when drinking a FNQ Lager. FNQ Lager 4.4% Alc/Vol Colour – pale gold Great tasting easy drinking clean tasting lager with a full bodied malty flavour and subtle floral hop notes. The perfect session beer for a hot summers day or even a mild winters day in Cairns! Try this local beer with some local seafood at a local restaurant near you.
Andrew Williams Melbourne Restauranteur.
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How to cater for the perfect bash You organise the guests, we do the rest! The perfect bash definitely has no washing up involved! So, if you are hosting a product launch event, a birthday party, your wedding or a corporate lunch, choose from our extensive range of menus. From Cocktail food, to fine dining we have an option available. Lunch platters for 20 delivered to the office are just a call away. Once you have decided upon the menu (altered it if desired), booked the location and advised us of how many gluten free guests you have, (Where have they all come from?!) - that is the last of the decisions you have to make. We then prepare all of the fare off site in our restaurant, Oz Blanc, transport to your function, cook on site, serve with wait staff, clean up and most importantly, take away the washing up. You wouldn’t even know that we had been - apart from the lingering memory of sensational food and great service! You don’t have to worry about anything; we will provide cutlery, crockery, glassware, tablecloths and tables if required. We can even provide the bar as well. There is no need to worry about running out of anything, we even provide the eskies and ice along with the tipple of your choice. Fancy a very informal bash in the back yard? Go for the pizza package! We bring our mobile pizza oven to your yard and cook up a storm of endless wood fired gourmet pizzas to delight. The Tandoori Chicken or the Roast Lamb are only surpassed by skipping to the Roo pizza. Coral Coast do more than just roast!
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P I C T U R E D : A L A N H O G G • P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y PA U L D Y M O N D
A D AY I N T H E L I F E O F A
FIREFIGHTER Not many people today can boast having only the one job for life...but Superintendent Alan Hogg can. Retiring at the end of this month after 42 years in the fire service, Alan says it’s true that ‘once a firey always a firey’. “Most firefighters join for life,” he says. “I’ve only known a few to quit the fire service in 42 year. It’s a great job so it is no wonder that on the odd occasion a position is advertised a few thousand applicants apply.” With 25 fire stations in the far north r egion stretching from Cardwell Range through to Torres Straights, Cair ns proudly has thr ee stations with one in Cairns, one in Smithfield and one in R oberts Road in Edmonton kno wn as Cairns South. T here are also fir e stations in Kuranda, Gordonvale and Port Douglas. In Cairns alone there are 70 full time fire fighters and 10 fire trucks, with a few spare fire trucks to service the far north if needed. When asked to describe the job, Alan says it is 70 percent rescue and 30 percent fire work, although the majority of their work is attending traffic accidents. “We get called out to all sorts of traffic accidents, fingers caught in drains , structural fires, ship and aircraft crashes and fires, technical rescue and vertical rescue involving cliffs or tall b uildings, urban search and rescue, swift water rescue, hazardous chemical spills, trapped animals and natural disasters,” Alan says. “We also do a lot of community work visiting schools and kindergartens, run educational programs such as the ‘stop, drop and roll’ program for young kids through to road crash programs for teenagers, do building inspections, run industry training f or mining , maritime and na vy per sonnel and w e do operational ‘safe home’ visits to explain safety in the home and assist with fire evacuation plans.” With such a wide and varied array of skills needed for the job, anyone accepted in to the fir e brigade must do an appr enticeship and attend the Academy at White Island in Brisbane . “When I fir st started I was taught on the job, but things have changed a lot in 42 years,” Alan laughs. Alan actually started w ork as an appr entice r efrigeration mec hanic in the
Northern Territory, working next door to the fir e station. At 17 y ears old he wasn’t old enough to join so he v olunteered part time until he tur ned 18. In 1970 he was called up f or National Service and serv ed in the V ietnam War, then came back and joined the Burdekin Fire Brigade just south of Townsville. He worked as a station officer in Townsville for 18 years, as a superintendent in Mt Isa for three years and then in Cair ns for 10 years as a superintendent. Today recruits join the Academy for a 16 week recruitment course and are then posted to a fire station to undertake a four year apprenticeship. Alan explains the ranks of a fire fighter starting with tradesman fire fighter, then station officer, inspector, superintendent, chief superintendent, assistant commissioner, deputy commissioner and then commissioner. But for most it is about working in a job they love and not climbing the ranks. Everyday is different and while shifts start at 0800 hours checking vehicles and equipment, maintaining fitness , managing sta tion duties and incor porating training and reporting, Alan says they never know what kind of jobs they will get called out to throughout the day. As he reflects on his career he says he was never swayed even though his father and wife were both in the police force. “I have loved every minute of working in the fire brigade. My only parting advice w ould be for people to book into our educational programs and learn about fire safety and road trauma. Don’t wait til you have a 000 emergency to call us, because unfortunately that’s how most people meet us,” he says. For anyone wanting to book in f or an Opera tional Safe Home V isit to lear n about fire safety in their home and f or assistance planning a fir e evacuation plan, ring 1300 369 003.
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LAW
by C h e r i e B o v e y, O ’ R e i l l y St e v e n s B o v e y L a wyers
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY What is it? Who has it? Is it different from equal shared care? There ar e common misconce ptions amongst the pub lic r elating to the ter ms “equal shared parental responsibility” and “equal shar ed car e”. Despite sharing common w ords, the ter ms ar e distinctly different. One of the first questions we ask our family law clients is w hether an y factor s e xist, which af fect the par ents ha ving equal shared parental responsibility for the child / children of the relationship. Many of our clients answ er, “I can only do w eekend time” or “We have agreed to do week on / week off ”. This answer is more in line with one of our later questions about the living arrangements of the child.
“Parental R esponsibility” r elates to the decisions, w hich the par ents m ust make concerning the short and long ter m care, welfare and de velopment of their c hild. Examples of suc h ma tters include the child’s education, surname, health, religion, social development, sporting activities and changes to addr ess and contact details . Unless ther e ar e r easonable g rounds to believe that a parent has perpetrated family violence or ab use of a c hild, the Courts presume that it is in the best interests of the child for his or her par ents to have equal shared par ental r esponsibility. Wher e violence or ab use e xists, the Courts ma y order tha t one par ent has sole par ental
responsibility. Once the Court finds that the parents have equal shared parental responsibility, it then considers w hether it is r easonably practicable and in the best inter ests of the child to spend equal shar ed time with the parents or, in other w ords, w hether the parents are able to have equal shared care of the child. This requires consideration of factors, specific to individual cases but may include the distance between homes, work commitments, other family r elationships and health factors.
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NE W BU S I N E S S I N TOW N. ..
Online Stra tegist and o wner of Hussle Media, Ale x Cordova, is a specialist in online strategy including website design, google indexing, search engine optimisation (SEO) and online mar keting. He sa ys ther e is a big g ap in the Cairns market for businesses needing d ynamic solutions. “We combine cutting edge design with w ell-planned solutions and sho w clients ho w to tap in to a range of demographics they have previously been unable to reach, “ Alex says. “Many businesses ar e missing out on a lot of potential traf fic because the y ar e not a ware of the technologies available to them and ho w to use them.” He explains that many businesses believe that having a website is enough of an online presence, but unless businesses utilise their website and other r elevant social media outlets the y are not r eally g aining the benefits of being online . Ale x points out though tha t social media like F acebook and similar f orums do not w ork f or all b usinesses, and just creating a Facebook page does not benefit a business at all. He sa ys the best thing a b usiness can do is emplo y the services of an online stra tegist to r eview cur rent online marketing, web presence and discuss what online strategies will work best f or that business moving forward.Coming from Melbourne which has a big f ocus on technology and sub cultural elements , Alex says he wants to incor porate
some of the relevant elements and solutions to Cairns. With a backg round in other mediums suc h as radio , e vent management and m usic, Alex and his team make it their motto to have their finger on the pulse and the y would love to assist in creating a more dynamic Cairns.
HUSSLEMEDIA
Launching in Cair ns this month, Hussle Media brings a wealth of knowledge in the online ar ena and has plans to boost local b usinesses b y helping them r each wider audiences through carefully planned online strategies.
“To truly understand the culture here we need to ea t in the restaurants, drink in the bar s, hang out with the locals and engage within the community, and that’s what we have been doing,” Alex says. “We need to be aware of all the subliminal elements that make Cair ns as a comm unity tick.” Ale x has been coming to Cair ns on holiday for years and believes he is beginning to understand the dynamic of the city. He is very excited to launch Hussle Media here. Alex says once they have established themselves in Cairns he would love to cr eate an local online dir ectory here which would be endor sed b y the council and supported b y all businesses, with this portal being used locally and by tourists to find r elevant businesses, restaurants and other services . ‘With mor e people c hoosing to sear ch online f or services using their mobiles and laptops, it would be great for Cairns to have an instant and up-to-da te directory that could be accessed an ywhere in A ustralia, an ywhere in the w orld... wouldn’t that be great?”
For more information on Hussle Media log on to www.husslemedia.com.au
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GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICES RESEARCHED BY AMANDA CRANSTON
BUSINESS TIPS
Virtual offices may be a fair ly new conce pt b ut the y ar e certainly filling a nic he in the marketplace f or b usinesses today who can’t afford to set up an office in e very capital city. Just having a business presence in a city or to wn can mean winning or losing business and that is where virtual offices come in to the equation. A virtual of fice is not quite an illusion, it is a service w hich provides businesses with a pr ofessional CBD b usiness address and most importantly the use of a receptionist to answer your phone number in your business name. The receptionist then directs calls straight thr ough to your phone w herever you are located within A ustralia. You also get a PO Bo x addr ess, a ground f loor dir ectory listing in the b uilding and mail management. In Cairns, Christie Offices at the Boland Centre offer virtual offices as well as traditional offices, with 80 percent of the virtual offices being utilised by locals while the other 20 percent are used by interstate businesses. “Virtual offices were introduced because many people no longer needed an office but still needed a receptionist - so we realised there was a great need for such a service,” Christie Of fices Managing Dir ector Paul Marshall says. It is easy to see why virtual offices can make a big difference to a vast array of professionals, as not ha ving to pa y rent on an office space means less o verheads. Many businesses opera te nationally but have their offices in one city such as Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane . While these b usinesses can successfully
manage clients in an y sta te, some clients often pr efer to choose a local compan y meaning they will look f or a business based in their o wn state ra ther than call a national company operating out of another sta te as the y feel the y w on’t get the personal service the y require. For a compan y to list an of fice address and telephone number in each state their business not only appears larger, but this business presence may help them secure mor e local b usiness in tha t sta te or loca tion. Virtual offices also suit consultants, those that work from home or those that are frequently travelling. As the Managing Director of the national Australian company Christie Offices that own office buildings in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns, Paul bought the Boland Centre in 2004 and restored it to its original glory over a period of 26 months. The building now boasts 55 traditional offices and 8 meeting / training rooms as w ell as the virtual of fice service. Businesses with a virtual of fice can meet clients in the Boland Centr e lounge area and also may use the meeting rooms for a small fee. Offices can also be hir ed daily if needed, and ther e are two great cafes at Boland’s to take clients for a casual coffee break. If you are looking for a more professional presence within the market without the overheads of an actual office, then a virtual office may be right for you.
VIRTUAL OFFICE?
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10 Social Media Sites for Your Health
Leanne Peard Social Media Plus
Many times w hen w e think of social media, w e immediately think of Facebook and Twitter, or other sites that's designed to help you promote your business or stay in touch with family and friends . Well, other than those sites, there are social media sites out ther e whose sole purpose is to keep you healthy. Here are 10 social media sites for your health. PeoplesMD (www.peoplesmd.com)- This site has been credited as being one of the first niche social media sites for health. This site contains a wealth of information on any type of health issue you can imagine. Health Ranker (www .healthbubble.com)- Another popular site f or health. T his site encourages the
community to get in volved b y "sharing the health." People ar e encouraged to submit articles fr om news reports, blogs, or other websites. Revolution Health (www .revolutionhealth.com)- T he purpose of Revolution Health is to make sur e all its members are up-to-date on health tips, information, and news. This is done through their discussion boar ds and articles. IntroPlay (players.introplay.com)- Competition can be a very good thing , especially w hen it's friendly , and especially when it motiv ates you to get activ e. This site allows you to pla y along with other member s and log your activity f or the da y. You're scor ed based on the information you give and earn points. You not only keep up with your score, but you're also able to see how well your friends are doing. Run Fat Boy (runfatboy.net)- Unlike the name, which was motivations for the f ounder, the site r eally is a friendly place to visit. T his site designs r easonable w orkout routines that beginner s can easily f ollow. T he plan is based on your current fitness level. Members are able to track their exercise and eating, and can share information with other members. WalkingSpree (www.walkingspree.com)- This site is great for those people w ho pr efer a lo w impact w orkout routine. The emphasis is on walking; however members can share other workout experiences as well. DailyStrength(www.dailystrength.org)- T his is w here people write in about health issues the y're concer ned about. This works well because many times people want to share ideas and talk about health issues, but don't really feel comfortable talking to family and friends . This site makes it easier for them to communicate with others.
Twit2Fit (www.twit2fit.ning.com)- Twit2Fit started out as an experiment through Twitter, but now it has grown into its own fitness site. Through this w ebsite members are able update other member s on their fitness goals and successes. PatientsLikeMe (www .patientslikeme.com)- Ho w comforting is it to kno w that you're not the only per son dealing with y our pr oblem. Sharing stories and information with other patients who are battling the same sickness is great for many people. This site allows patients to do just that. This is a site with a more personal touch. Vitals (www.vitals.com)- Ever gone to a doctor tha t you really liked and wanted to tell the w hole world about him? Or have you ever gone to one tha t was just a wful and y ou wanted to spar e other s of suc h a hor rific experience? T his is the pur pose of vitals , the y allo w patients to rate their doctor. Social Media is good for business and personal matters, but did you know that it's also good for your health? Log on to one or a few of these great sites and get started on your road to healthy with the assistance of many other members. I am holding a Social Media Workshop In November this will be 4 x 2hour session. One eac h week. I will go into detail on each of the major platforms. The cost for the four sessions will be $397.. Please contact me on 0427695947, Registrations will Close 21st October. You can also email me leanne.peard@me.com Warm Regards and Stay Social Leanne Peard
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OPINION
R.I.P
THE DEATH OF COMMON SENSE
I
With the upcoming Local, Sta te and (pr obably) F ederal elections it w ould be good if common sense ra ther than common nonsense took centre stage. One of my favourite movie quotes fr om “Spock” in Star Trek when just bef ore he dies (fir st or second time , I can’t remember) he sa ys “The needs of the man y outweigh the needs of the few or the one”. When I watch this at home I cheer and applaud, my kids roll their eyes and look away and my wife says “shut up idiot”. All we hear from our misrepresentations these days is debate on minority issues. The noisy minorities are alive, loud and well, thanks to social media and blogs. Every man/ woman and their pet c hook with an ax e to g rind has a b log these days. While the quiet majorities (the many) are out busting a gut to make ends meet, fight Go v rules , r egulations etc, the minority ar e b logging because the y have nothing else or better to do and they think others are interested in their crap. Who has time to read all this rubbish anyway? I’m flat out getting the time to read CairnsLife! Amazingly Go v policy is f ormulated b y minorities w ho influence senior beaurecrats who convenience plainly stupid and out of touch Politicians to listen to this or that cause on various issues for whatever stupid reasons. There are so few Pollies that are in touch with the “many”. The State Government is about to spend our mone y on a
safety campaign to warn people of the danger of drinking on high rise balconies a t events such as Sc hoolies, Indy and Riverfire (all in SEQ). Some twit gets pissed, falls of f a balcony, hurts them self so w e have to educa te the pub lic about this life hazar d. Hello!! Do the ter ms “common sense”, “self r esponsibility” or “some people ar e be yond help” come to mind? If you have no common sense then R.I.P as no amount of public education is going to help kee p you safe. I’ ve just come back from a special holiday staying at an over the water bungalow. Access was via a 1.3m wide time walkway with no rails. I just laughed when I saw it. In Australia it would need to be wide enough f or two wheel chairs to pass eac h other, have high railings designed so kids couldn ’t climb them (although there were no kids allowed), have a line down the middle in r eflective paint f or people w ho are too stupid to not run into some one coming the other way, bee marked for fire exit all with an explanation brochure, DVD and a person to sho w y ou safe passage (the per son w ould need to be trained, registered with a certificate displayed). So when the minorities who scream the loudest go to the Pollies with their ideas, this G .O.M (Grumpy Old Man) wants to hear the Pollies report the voices of the many and tell them to get a life or ar e you for real, or w hat planet ar e you from? Or Tough!! That’s a politician I would vote for.
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BY AMANDA CRANSTON
Renting vs Buying
D R E W WA L D E N
Is the Australian dream of owning one’s own home under threat? Are property prices too high, and is a mortg age a good in vestment or should the ne xt generation be looking a t renting and investing their money in other ways?
Drew W alden of W alden Financial Services says if you look at it from purely a mathematical point of view, paying off a mortg age w ould be the smarter alternative. “However, this assumes the property and the alter native investment both g row b y fiv e per cent per ann um over tha t same period,” he sa ys. “ A property w orth $500,000 toda y and increasing by five percent over the ne xt 30 years would be w orth approximately $2.6 million, w hile a r egular investment of $400 per w eek into an alter native investment g rowing a t the same fiv e percent would account to $1.36 million .” Dr ew points out ther e ar e man y variables that pure mathematics doesn’t take in to account though like c hanging interest ra tes, tax consequences , investment r eturns, council ra tes, insurance, pr operty maintenance and other costs associa ted with o wning a property. T here ar e also agent’ s commissions, legal fees, stamp duty and the illiquidity of holding a pr operty. “At
the end of the day, buying a family home is not a clinical decision but an emotional one,” he says. “And having a mortgage is a forced way of saving because you know that if you don’t continue to make the repayments then the bank will relieve you of your home.” Nadine Edwards of LJ Hooker Edge Hill agrees, sa ying tha t a mortg age is definitely a f orm of f orced sa vings as many might not be as disciplined a t putting tha t same mone y into an investment or savings otherwise. “Savings might not necessarily equate to the same capital g ains either ,” Nadine adds . “People need to trust in pr operty as an investment. The Australian dream is not out of r each f or fir st home b uyers as properties ar e mor e af fordable toda y than the y ha ve been in r ecent y ears.” Nadine sa ys w hile house prices ha ve increased over the decades , so too ha ve wages and the general cost of living . “Right now in Cair ns we have reduced property prices and competitiv e interest
rates so people wanting to buy need to do their r esearch, meet with a br oker to work out their finances and get out there,” she sa ys. “But be sur e you know how much you can afford before you start looking.” Drew backs this up by saying that anyone wanting to b uy needs to be sa ving the equivalent of their rent each week. “This has the benefit of helping you save for a deposit b ut has the added benefit of giving you the discipline to save and get a feeling f or ha ving tha t r egular commitment,” he says. “If you can’t pay your rent and put the equivalent into an alternative investment consistently over a 12 month period then having a mortgage may not be for you.”
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READER’S PICKS: DYNAMIC DUO’S
Tal ki ng a b o ut . . .
CAIRNS by Amanda Cranston
STYLE
E D G E A RC H I T E C T U R E O N W H E T H E R C A I R N S H A S S T Y L E . . .
PA RT II This month Cairns Life Magazine again asked the question of whether or not Cair ns has style. Gordon Beath, Architect Director of Edge Architecture belie ves tha t y es Cair ns does ha ve style , b ut only in pockets or certain areas. He agrees that style is very subjective and says not enough homes are being built in this region with the climate and environment in mind. “Design should be enhancing people’ s lives, it should w ork harmoniously with the en vironment and factor in clima te, lifestyle, breezes, insect control and a host of other important elements,” Gordon says. ‘The majority of houses b uilt in Cairns today are masonry block or prefabricated homes and tend to be sold as house and land packages .” He says these house designs are based purely on economics, using materials that are most cost-effective for the builders with cheaper upfront costs. Gordon says the problem that can occur with building with heavyweight ma terials like masonr y b lock, is tha t if the blocks ar e not insula ted pr operly the y can hea t up quite quickly and usually retain the heat for days making it more expensive to cool down the home. “The blocks can work well if the y ar e insula ted pr operly and if the house is b uilt strategically with wider eaves, window hoods and established trees and vegetation so the home is not in direct sunlight,” he says. “This means the home w on’t heat up as quickly.” He says one of the problems in the new estate areas is that there is a g reat absence of tr ees and most of the homes ar e masonry block, resulting in a lack of shading to cool homes and more people r esorting to using air -conditioning. This doesn’t support sustainable or energy-efficient living.
Gordon says only three or five percent of people actually use architects which is a shame because ar chitects are problem solvers and ar e e xperts a t cr eating b uildings to suit the environment. W ith a Master s Deg ree in T ropical Architecture, Gordon has designed man y award-winning and sustainable resorts and residences including Castaways Resort, Undara R esort Central and R edlynch Sports Complex, just to name a few . He is pr oud of the fact tha t each one of these designs was built with the environment in mind and as sustainable as possible. Gordon sa ys tha t as ar chitects come fr om a design background, they are more aware of designing a home or building to suit the occupant or home o wner rather than designing a n umber of one-size-fits-all designs tha t people need to fit in to. House and land packages are standard and anyone buying them m ust choose one tha t most suits their needs, whereas by using an ar chitect one can ha ve a home designed around their actual lifestyle , to incor porate their hobbies, their pets, their entertaining and so on. While style means something different to everyone, creating a home that is sustainable, energy-efficient and environmentally aware is what is in style toda y. T hink long ter m about y our environment and what will save you money in years to come.
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GO R D O N BEAT H, ARCHI T ECT D I R ECTOR OF EDG E A RCH ITECTU RE
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BUYING, BUILDING
RENOVATING Attention to detail with Ashley Balderson: Status Plus
A GUIDE TO BUYING KITCHEN APPLIANCES With the c hoices of kitchen appliances e ver-increasing, making the right decision over what to buy has become more overwhelming than ever. When you set out to buy a new appliance for your kitchen, there are several important things to keep in mind. As with any new product, it is important to make a list of the features which are important to y ou and your cooking needs. Then decide what you need, w hat you want, and w hat you can liv e without. Be realistic and avoid paying for features that are not r elevant to your lifestyle – for example, if you rarely use your oven to cook, spend less on this item and invest more in your cooktop – and ma ybe consider induction!
Realistically, what can your kitchen fit? You need to consider your space limitations. Be sure to measure the space cor rectly prior to purchasing to avoid later hassles with installation. Is it ener gy efficient? The size of an appliance will also af fect your electricity bills . R egardless of the siz e of y our kitc hen, ener gy consumption should be an important consideration Another crucial point is the warranty and how it will protect you after your pur chase. Make sur e y ou kno w w hat type of war ranty the product comes with and what it involves. Don’t forget about the tap and Kitchen Sink! You ma y not r ealise it, b ut your sink and tap is one of the most important assets in your kitchen. Why? Because it is one of the most used. The saying "everything but the kitc hen sink" is actually quite true. Most people tend to f orget about the sink and tap or put it last on their list when really you should be giving it the most thought!
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BISAZZA
Feature tiles can be a hard thing to wrap your head around, with so many options out there it is difficult to know what to use as your kitchen splashback or as a feature tile in your bathroom or pool. Glass splashbacks are a lovely look; however, the practicality of them leaves a bit to be desired. Anyone who has ever had a dark coloured glass splashback would agree – no amount of kitchen and window cleaner can get those things pristine and as soon as you boil a pot of water, get the cleaners out again! Bisazza Italian mosaic tiles are a fully glass mosaic that you can order with (cue angels singing) mould-free grout called FillGel. They come in a full range of colours, styles and sizes and they can be used on just about anything. This fantastic FillGel that is their grout is colour matched and is not cement based which means it will actually hold the tiles in place and aid in water proofing, even on your wet edge in your pool. Mosaics are a wonderful addition to any part of the house as it gives a visual break up to the traditional monochrome tiles. They are perfect for shower niches, feature strips or entry borders. Check out www.bisazza.com for a whole range of colours and options!
BATHROOM
Bathrooms can be a scary place to renovate – with so many elements it can be overwhelming. Here are some top tips that will make your renovation a breeze! • Get a dream team together – take recommendations from friends, colleagues or your local plumbing store for water proofers, tilers, plumbers, electricians, etc. • Let common sense prevail – Really examine how you want to use your space. Don’t install things for resale if you aren’t planning on selling the house in 5 years – enjoy your haven! • Invest your money in quality tap ware – these beauties ar e working constantly a t holding back wa ter from flooding your space. Find products with long warranties so you can seal your shower mixer into your wall and never worry about it until the next reno. • All showers are not created equal – why is one $100 and another that looks the same $1000? Everyone has experienced a bad shower where the water sprays funny and no amount of CLR will clean the blockages. The cheaper ones tend to be glorified buckets with holes in them, meaning they have vacant cavities where calcium build up can occur – a quality shower head should not be hollow – there is a lot of technology behind a great shower. Better technology + quality chrome = longevity! • Sit on your prospective toilet – This will be a new permanent fixture in your house – it should be comfortable!
DUCE TIMBER DOORS AND WINDOWS When it comes to renovating, one of the easiest ways to dramatically enhance the look and feel of your home is to replace your old and outdated aluminum sliding doors with beautiful timber sliding or bi-fold doors. Aluminum sliding doors are common in many homes now, new and old, as they provide a practical solution for large openings at low cost. The down side is that the majority of these doors add very little to the home’s insulation performance and even less to its aesthetics. On the other hand, premium quality sliding door and bifolding timber doors from Duce benefit from timbers natural insulation properties and simply look stunning. These doors can be designed to suit almost any opening and both have the ability to be screened, which is a must in the Queensland climate.
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From Neater Constructions Helm Tropical Cyclone Yasi
Col Ne a te
Tropical Cyclone Yasi (TC Yasi) made landfall in the ear ly hours of Thursday 3rd February 2011 with the eye passing over the Mission Beach region. The maximum wind gusts at the standard 10m reference height in flat open country (i.e. Terrain Category 2 per AS/NZS 1170.2), were estimated to be 140 to 225 km/h with a 10% er ror margin, across the area stretching from Townsville to Innisfail. A destructiv e storm sur ge was r ecorded betw een Clump P oint and Lucinda, most prominent at Cardwell where it destroyed the Port Hinchinbrook Marina. Fortunately it did not coincide with a high tide. Under wind load actions , buildings correctly designed and constructed to the cur rent standar ds/requirements introduced in the 198 0s perf ormed w ell. T he e xceptions were roller doors, large expanses of glass, tiled r oofs and water entr y ar ound windo ws and door s. Generally lo w
incidence of damage in the Post-80s buildings indicates that the current building practices are able to deliver a satisfactory outcome for most of the building structure at the load levels experienced. The results reinforced the need to design the whole low rise building envelope, including cladding, doors, windows, roller doors, eaves lining and skylights to resist the expected ultima te 250klm limit sta ted wind f orces. W ith current design r equirements, wa ter ing ress thr ough the building en velope is ine vitable a t wind speeds near the ultimate limit sta te, and unless new wa ter-tightness requirements are developed, materials and fittings should be selected with a view to their r esilience to wind-driven rain. The majority of buildings constructed on the ocean front at Port Hinc hinbrook fair ed tr emendously w ell b ut w ere affected by the 1.5 meter tidal sur ge across the esplanade. The remedial works are progressing well given the time lost with loss adjustment by the Insurers.
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Copyright Š 2011 Neater Constructions All Rights Reserved
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Architectual Style
Mixing natural stone with Quantum Quartz This combination of natural stones (marble, granite and quartzites) and Quantum Quartz in commercial and residential properties has already taken off in Melbourne and Sydney, Queensland has now started following the trend. The use of marble slash backs and faces and Quantum Quartz tops allows you to have the WOW factor of natural stone and the durability and cost effectiveness of Quantum Quartz. The Quantum Quartz range of reconstituted stone has high abrasion resistance, strength and durability. Feel Free to ask the friendly and informative staff at “The Marble and Granite Fitters Cairns” for a copy of the 10 year warranty prior to purchase. Quality That’s Set in Stone!
M a r bl e f ro n t a ge w i t h Qu a n t u m Qu a r t z t op
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WE CAN I GET IT!
Cairns Life Mag azine spoke with a couple of local Cairns lenders and mortgage brokers to find out how people can increase their chances of securing finance.
It was unanimous that first and foremost anyone looking to apply for a loan, whether it be a mortgage or a personal or business loan, should sit down with a financial planner or financial br oker first to discuss their options . Scott Smith, dir ector and finance broker at Cairns Finance says it is important f or people to sit do wn with a specialist early on to realistically work out their budget, break down all costs involved so there are no sur prises, to discuss w hat they can af ford on their cur rent wage and w hether they can comf ortably make minim um payments. “T here is no point going house hunting if you don’t know what your budget is,” he says. “While an $800,000 house might have e verything you want, r ealistically you might only be ab le to af ford a $200,000 house and it’s better to know that upfront before you start looking.” Cairns Penny Savings General Manager, Peter Phillips, agrees adding that the bottom line to getting finance is you need to have an income, you need to be able to repay the loan, you can only borrow what you can afford, and if you are applying for a mortgage you need to have a deposit. He says many people miscalculate their income and living expenses, and things like o vertime can’t be r elied on as per manent income because when times ar e tough and o vertime is cut people still need to be ab le to af ford repayments. “A lender can help you work out what you can comfortably afford so that you are prepared for the unexpected and can maintain payments even if interest rates go up, your home needs maintenance and repairs, there is a rate increase or you lose your job,” he says. “A lender will also help you understand the jargon and simplify the whole process for you.” Cairns Home Loans Director, John Watts, says that while a mortgage broker is really just a facilitator between the bank and the bor rower, a broker can actually help y ou choose the best loan to fit your needs saving you time not having to shop around, can provide you with all the facts explaining the difference between fees and products, and can guide y ou through the pr ocess in a simple-to-under stand manner. “How can someone make an inf ormed decision about w hich is the right loan f or them if they don’t have all the facts and don ’t have other products to compar e with?” John says. “Our role is to guide bor rowers through the pr ocess, and help them secur e finance that best suits their needs.”
PICTURED: SCOTT SMITH
FINANCE
FINANCE / MONEY / INSURANCE
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Build for the future...
By Better Homes Administrator Lauren McPhee
Sustainability is fast becoming the n umber one considera tion in the building industry and w e can look f orward to some v ery exciting and innovative ways to reduce our carbon footprint as we move towards 2020 Sustainable b uilding r efers to a structural pr ocess tha t is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life cycle. It begins with the building design by meeting specific ener gy ef ficiency r equirements w hich could include elements such as insulated ceilings, walls and floors, orientating the house to take advantage of the prevailing conditions or the addition of eaves, vents and ceiling fans. There ar e man y pr oducts on the mar ket tha t ar e not only environmentally friendly and sustainab le, they have the added advantage of fitting into the b usy lifestyle so man y of us have adopted. This creates a positive foundation for our future. Some of the newer green construction products are particularly useful for the tr opics as the y have excellent thermal properties which reduce reliance on air conditioning. These include: • Solar panelled r oof and wall sheeting elimina tes the need f or both roofing and e xternal wall insula tion as w ell as providing solar power. As a r esult homes ar e well insulated, reducing the amount of electricity needed to cool them eac h summer. This
also means that homes can generate the electricity needed to be self-sufficient, saving on electricity costs. • Thermocell comprises polystyrene block work linked together like Lego w hich is then cor e-filled with concr ete. T he blocks completely encase the cor e-fill deliv ering adv anced str ength, thermal and acoustic properties to the home, reducing the need for cooling the home. • P anelite is made with high-density , fir e-proof f oam g lued between cement sheets. The panelite alone has a five-star energy rating and has a C3 wind speed ra ting making it a perfect product for the tropical environment in Cairns. The pr oducts abo ve ar e a g reat e xample of ho w g reen construction is constantly being de veloped to complement current building practices, particularly by introducing innovative ways to r educe the o verall impact of the b uilding and its surrounds on human health and the natural environment. Keep an e ye out f or next month’s topic w here we explore new concepts of waste and recycling.
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