Oasis Magazine - Issue 39

ISSUE 39 MAY | JUN 2021

e m e Tak S

UR O Y I’M

Celebrating life in Cairns & the Far North

F A S H I O N

AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER INDIGENOUS ART FAIR

PERFORMANCE

OF SPIRIT & STORY Sacred Sites & Places of Significance

19 and 2O August Tickets on sale in June

17 – 22 August 2O21 | ciaf.com.au This project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland’s Backing Indigenous Arts initiative, which aims to build a stronger, more sustainable and ethical Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts industry in the State.

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair Limited is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, It’s arts funding and advisory body.

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Supported through the Australian Government’s Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support Programme.

CONTENTS

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Events

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair Women of the World Cairns Cup Carnival

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People

Emma Gelling Luke Azzopardi Liam Gane Jess O'Brien

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Style

Off and Racing Croctique YMO Yours Mine Ours Mainie

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Home

Koala Blue Real Estate Investing in Aboriginal Art Koru Style Guide Benno's Backyard

Wellness 55 Travel Once Bitten, Twice Shy Winter Hair, Don't Care!

Up North Skin Care The Gift of the Jab Eyebrow Envy

WWW.OASISMAGAZINE.COM.AU OASISMAGTNQ BUSINESS

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Get Your Nature Fix Back On The Rails Delicious Daintree Quinkan Dreaming Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park Holiday At Home Lizard Island

FRONT COVER: Cairns Jockey Club’s 2021 Cairns Cup Ambassador, Rebecca Conlan, wears a divine black and floral dress from Tea Lily Boutique on Grafton Street. Headwear is by Black Ivy Boutique. Hair and Makeup: Tokunai Photography: Heather York Cairns Cup 21st & 28th August.

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It’s farshun, dahling!

Well here we are, nearly halfway through the year after the year that was, and life seems to be ticking back to normal, don’t ya think?

I mean, there’s still some weirdness, and rules in place that make you go WTF?! Like the “no dancing on a dancefloor” rule. It makes no sense to me. Dancing in front of the bar as you’re lining up for your fourth margarita is totally fine.

And seat dancing is also okay (is it ever okay, though?)

But don’t you even consider any shimmying as you pass over the designated dance floor area.

That rule always sends me back to 1984, to the small Oklahoman town of Bomont, when Kevin Bacon’s mum moves the family there from Coolsville USA, against Kevin’s wishes. I’m referring to the classic 80’s film, Footloose, in case you’re not keeping up.

Whenever my body starts shimmying in the close proximity of a dancefloor, and one of the very patient security guards advises me to return to my seat, I feel like I’m a character in the movie (which, by the way, I totally could step into at a moment’s notice, given I have had every line of the script memorised since about 1984.)

I find myself having to resist the urge to start reciting Ecclesiastes 3:4, “And Jesus said, there is a time to dance!” just like Kevy did in the film.

However, aside from the dancing thing, we’ve been pretty fortunate up here in sunny FNQ, don’t you agree?

And, realistically, if we are going to be living this travel restricted life, I could think of several places worse than the spectacular Far North to be “stuck”. Flick through to our travel section on Page 55, where we’ve compiled a tropic-load of ideas to relieve the cabin fever. I highly recommend you tick a few of these destinations off your domestic travel passport while the weather is cooler and oh-so-divine for the next few months.

This issue is also chock-a-block with some of the best local fashion around. We’ve been working closely with the team from First Nations Fashion + Design, and are really excited to watch as they create history at AfterPay

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Australian Fashion Week in Sydney in June. Local treasure, Grace Lillian Lee, and her team will be producing the first-ever 100% First Nations runway in the 25 year history of this landmark event. Every model, designer, and artist on display are First Nations people, and it’s a very proud moment and a huge honour to be involved with. In fact, this very issue that you’re reading is also in Sydney for this epic fashion event, as the program for the FNFD runway (flip over to the back cover and upside down, Miss Jane!) Oasis Magazine is oh-so-delighted to be waving the FNQ flag in Sydney. Keep an eye on our social media for updates on all the excitement.

Our front cover model and Cairns Cup Ambassador, Rebecca Conlan is no stranger to the race track. And as Cairns gees up for the start of its fabulous racing season, we’re showcasing some fantastic fashion from local stores and milliners. We have an abundance of talented designers and artists within a stones throw, and we all know the benefits and importance of shopping local.

I remember purchasing an outfit online for a special event I was MCing. I gave myself eight weeks leadtime only to find my anxiety rising each day as I clicked the refresh button on the parcel tracking website, and hopefully checking the mailbox each day, only to find a massive void where my parcel should have been.

The evening before my big gig, as the realisation hit that I wasn’t going to need all the colour coordinated accessories I’d been gathering for the past eight weeks, it was a locally owned and operated business that stayed open late that final night, and invested their expertise into getting me sorted for the next day’s event. You simply can’t get that type of service from an online shop!

So when you’re shopping for your outfits this year, please remember to buy local wherever possible.

Cheers, Jules xx

E: jules@oasismagazine.com.au | P: 0423 959 648

Treat Mum this Mother’s Day Get the Perfect Gift at Smithfield Shopping Centre

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GIFTS FOR HER 2.

If you know she loves nothing more than a day of pampering, then a relaxing spa treatment from Avoca Cosmetology or beauty treatment from Clear Skincare will leave her glowing.

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Warner’s CORNER DAVE WARNER | STAR102.7 I’m one of those people who likes to make time to sit in solitude on the back deck, drinking Gin in my pink budgie smugglers and reflect on life’s events and conversations, and my poor fashion choices.

a social experiment - and act like they do now. This is still a fair way off, but I’ve already started compiling an ‘I Can’t Wait’ list, which is basically just writing down the frustrating things they do, as they do them, so I don’t forget, and can return the favour in their future house.

But you can’t spend all your time looking in the rearview mirror. As humans, we need to look forward and we need things to look forward to. And the stuff we look forward to depends on the stage of life we’re at.

I can’t wait to fill my pockets full of tissues and run it through their wash loads. I can’t wait to leave everything I own in the back of their car. I can’t wait to dig holes in their soap with a lock picking tool and leave it all over their shower recess. I can’t wait to leave their tools all over their back lawn for their lawn mower. I can’t wait to play with their mud-soaked dog all over their freshly steam cleaned couch. And I also can’t wait to see what else they can add to my ‘Can’t Wait’ list, which is growing rapidly.

I don’t know any teenagers who are looking forward to buying a rain gauge, playing lawn bowls and eating at buffets. Similarly, I don’t know any senior citizens who are looking forward to their mate’s parents going away for the weekend so they can punch some cones, pull an all-nighter and draw penises on their passed-out mates faces with a Sharpie. Not saying that doesn’t happen – I just don’t know of any who will admit it..

WELLBEING

One thing I’m looking forward to is that time in my life when my kids finally move out into their own pad.

Not because I don’t like having them around, I love them to bits, but I can’t wait to stay at their joint – as

Immature? Sure. Petty? Probably. But you gotta have goals, so here’s to looking forward and living our future fantasies.

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Ken Fairweather FAREWELL WHITE MAN Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, is only an hour or so from Cairns, and our closest foreign capital, and yet relatively few of us have been there. Brisbane is twice the distance!

Ken Fairweather has made the Port Moresby–Cairns run countless times over the last 50 years. Born in Melbourne, but based in Lae, Papua New Guinea’s second largest city, Ken is a trucking boss, and has been a farmer, a miner and a government minister.

Always a larrikin, he has had the optimism and skills to survive Papua New Guinea business and politics, through the 1980’s coffee boom and bust, the 1987 stock market crash, the Bougainville war and Peter O’Neill’s installation as Prime Minister. He’s made many enemies, and some unlikely

friendships that have stood the test of time.

Ken is a truly colourful character, and his new memoir, Farewell White Man, pulls no punches as he recounts the people and events that have shaped Australia’s volatile neighbour. This often-gritty tale is peppered with outrageous anecdotes that give insight into Papua New Guineas complex culture, politics and way of life.

“You walk around with a hand grenade up your arse and just when things are going well, you pull out the pin.

Papua New Guinea and I have this in common.”

As Sean Dorney (ABC’s Foreign Correspondent — Pacific and Papua New Guinea) said, “Farewell White Man is a great read with lessons galore for those who care about Australia’s nearest neighbour.”

Farewell White Man is self-published and available from Collins Bookstore, Smithfield (Cairns) or online through www.farewellwhiteman.com

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Fighting for

WOMEN’S RIGHTS

‘We never train women in Sydney,’ Caroline de Costa was told in 1974 when she applied to become a junior registrar in obstetrics and gynaecology. So she and her husband packed their bags - and their children - and headed for Dublin.

When Caroline first started in medicine, being an unmarried mother was still frowned upon, male cane toads were used for pregnancy tests, and giving birth CAROLINE DE COSTA HAS was much LIVED AN EXCITING AND UNUSUAL riskier than it is today. Her very LIFE, IS A BRILLIANT DOCTOR, A funny stories FIERCE AND TRAILBLAZING FEMINIST of bringing babies into the AND NOW REVEALS HERSELF AS A world show that GRIPPING AND EVOCATIVE WRITER!’ while much has changed, women - JANE CARO still work hard, and it remains a bloody business. A birth plan is no guarantee of a normal birth (whatever that is).

Men have always wanted to control women’s bodies, and Caroline de Costa has been instrumental in giving Australian women of all backgrounds the opportunity to choose how and when they have babies. Her behind-the-scenes stories reveal it’s often the little things that change everything for the better.

She was the first woman to become a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology in Australia, and throughout her life she has worked to help Australian women and elsewhere get the reproductive health services they need. She is a professor at the James

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Cook University School of Medicine, editor of The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, author of fifteen books and mother of seven.

In The Women’s Doc, de Costa tells us the rollercoaster ride of fighting for women’s reproductive rights, to be allowed legal contraception and abortion.

She tells us funny, poignant and sometimes alarming stories in which women give birth in Ireland and in remote parts of Australia, PNG and Nauru, as well as many from mainstream Australia - but most of all, she tells of how changes were made to allow women more reproductive freedom in Australia: a battle women would never want to go through again.

As Anne Summers, author of Unfettered and Alive writes, “Caroline de Costa takes us on an enthralling and at times eye-popping ride through her brilliant career as an obstetrician and fierce advocate for women’s reproductive freedom.”

Ripper Reads ON HOT TOPICS

EVE STAFFORD | CAIRNS TROPICAL WRITERS FESTIVAL

FIRE COUNTRY

JAMES COOK

ON A BARBAROUS COAST

Featured recently in ABC’s Australian Story, local author Victor Steffensen has been in heavy demand over summer to teach traditional Indigenous fire management to non-Indigenous rural firefighters, farmers and graziers. Heavy layers of charcoal left by bushfires and hot hazard reduction burns only began to show up in soil samples in the last 200 years. Elders at Laura originally taught Victor how to do cultural burns to clean and heal the landscape. Lit in a mosaic pattern, these are cool burns that do not destroy the living microbes and seeds of regeneration in the soil. As a writer, filmmaker and musician dedicated to educating the next generation, Victor’s book is Fire Country.

It is 250 years since Lieutenant James Cook sailed past, naming Trinity Bay, Cape Tribulation where his boat The Endeavour ran aground on the reef, the Endeavour River at Cooktown where repairs were carried out over six weeks, and Possession Island in the Torres Straits where he claimed possession of the entire east coast of Australia for Britain. While debate rages about the 250 statues of Cook in Australia, whether to retain, pull down or make new signs telling a fuller history for them, the Cooktown 250 year Expo has also been postponed to 2021.

One best-selling book is James Cook: the story behind the man who mapped the world, by former rugby champion, newspaper and media personality and prolific writer, Peter FitzSimons.

Hot off the press this month, On a Barbarous Coast is a novel of Cook’s men on the Endeavour River fixing their splintered boat.

It is co-authored by Cooktown’s Harold Ludwick, a Guugu Yimidhirr guide and cultural historian and recipient of a prestigious Encounters Fellowship with the National Museum of Australia; and Craig Cormick, award-winning author and former chair of the ACT Writers Centre.

“Watching these mysterious white beings, the Guugu Yimidhirr people cannot decide if they are ancestor spirits to be welcomed - or hostile spirits to be speared.”

Creative. Clever. Contemporary. www.angelamurphy.com.au

DARK EMU

THE COLOUR OF SHADOWS

PHOSPHORESCENCE

Reprinted over and over since 2014 and selling over 300,000 copies, the multi-award winning Dark Emu: Aboriginal Australia and the birth of agriculture, puts forward a reconsideration of the hunter-gatherer tag for Aboriginal Australians as a colonial myth that worked to justify dispossession.

The Colour of Shadows: a tropical noir is a new action-packed novel set in Cairns in 1980. This is the first of three historical crime fiction books planned to track the misadventures of blokey knockabout Seth Kelly in the pubs, streets, bush and beaches of the region.

This book on resilience by co-host of ABC’s The Drum is just the pickme-up needed after months of lockdown and uncertainty. Julia Baird is a trained historian and journalist with a distinguished career in USA and Australia.

Sourced from the impeccable eyewitness records and diaries of the Australian explorers themselves, Bunerong historian Bruce Pascoe shows evidence that Aboriginal people across Australia were using domesticated plants, sowing, harvesting, aquaculture, irrigation and storing.

“Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand what Australia once was, or what it might yet be if we heed the lessons of long and sophisticated human occupation.”

– NSW Premier’s Literacy Awards Judging Panel

Written by local author Gawain Barker, this foray into fiction follows his non-fiction book, 200 Kitchens: Confessions of a Nomad Chef.

This best-seller is a romp through Gawain’s real-life travels kitchento-kitchen in Kuranda, Cairns, Hinchinbrook Island, Cape York and across the world.

In Gawain’s new book there are dozens of nostalgic references to real Cairns landmarks that locals will affectionately recognise from the era – Hanush’s Cordials, Hides Hotel, Tom Cowles Locksmith, the Barbary Coast and Digger Street.

But not everything is true.

Written after surviving cancer and a brutal heartbreak, this beautiful, intimate and inspiring investigation shows how we can nurture that essential quality of internal happiness – the ‘light within’ to sustain us even through the darkest times.

These books are available from all good bookshops We recommend buying locally, rather than online.

For more connection with the world of books, join Cairns Tropical Writers Festival on Facebook.

Imagining THE POSSIBILITIES

A Saturday evening in the middle of March saw Cairns locals don their finery and dazzling masks, created by the talented ladies at the Women’s Yarning Place in Manoora, and gather at the Pullman Cairns International Hotel for the Imagine The Possibilites Masquerade Ball. The evening raised more than $8000 in support of the Zonta Club of Cairns and Empowering Women Empowering Communities.

People

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Emma Gelling

THE MANE ATTRACTION

Once upon a time, many had the mindset that raising children is such a busy job in and of itself that if you were a mother, you couldn’t possibly work steadily. And while busy parents will agree that there’s a sliver of truth to that thinking – kids are, after all, incredibly demanding and finding time for anything else can be an immense challenge - in recent years we’ve seen an unprecedented wave of entrepreneurs, many of whom are also busy mothers.

The number of mothers with babies and young children who run businesses has grown exponentially of late.

Such women come from all walks of life, however they all share a determination to make a better life for themselves and their families. While the term ‘mumpreneur’ does get thrown around easily, there has been a recent backlash to the term – business success and parenting are no longer seen as mutually exclusive, but simply an homage to the determination and grit it takes to not only manage, but excel, in both.

From quite early on, Emma Gelling resolved to harness her determination and grit. After becoming a mother at 19, she chose to prove to society that age is nothing but a number. A hairdressing apprenticeship and the successful building of a client base led to the creation of a mini salon at home, (with thanks to her supportive husband Shane); a salon in the city followed shortly afterward, alongside a swag of accolades and awards. In 2017, Emma was awarded the Young Entrepreneurs Project Young Entrepreneur of the Year as well as collecting the coveted gong of Young Entrepreneur of the Year from the Cairns Business Women’s Club. Throw another small child into the mix and (of course) oodles of spare time up her business-savvy sleeves, Emma and Shane also managed to create a lucrative side-hustle in buying, renovating and selling houses.

“It’s been a ride so far, absolutely,” says Emma. “Many women are spurred on to start their own business because their employment circumstances aren’t sufficiently family-friendly. Self-employment gives mums the control they need over their working hours, while enabling them to generate income. And many of them come up with business ideas after finding solutions to challenges they face as a parent.

“More often than not, it’s the network and community of other entrepreneurial mothers that are the greatest champions of each other. 2020 certainly raised a few hurdles for most business owners and operators, but that network has remained incredibly resilient.”

In the beginning of her business, Emma sought out support from other women in business. She discovered Mums On The Go (MOTG), a network of Cairns entrepreneurial mothers that prides itself on members being generous with sharing their experiences and advice. Emma is now 19 |

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the Vice President, and while hairdressing is her craft of choice, her deeper passion lies in her efforts to empower and encourage youth and to help build belief in others they can do the same, no matter the circumstance.

“I would be lying if I said there weren’t days where I wanted to pack it all in. In the early days, I made plenty of sacrifices to enhance the success of my business. I used to save as much as I could by cutting back our living expenses. I declined a lot of invitations to catch up with friends and saw my family less than I would have liked.

I didn’t know much about business when I started, so along with my formal study, I had to read a lot of books.

“I enjoy little more than being able to give back, and mentor others both in this network and by taking up other volunteering opportunities when they arise. Where possible, I have hired young disengaged or emerging youth, and up until recently I worked with Project Booyah, the Queensland Police Mentoring Program for young people. I also provide motivational talks for job network providers. The feedback I’ve received is that my story is inspiring for some of the young people in the audience. If you truly want something, it’s entirely achievable.”

Emma looks back at those times fondly, as it shows how hard she has worked over the past six years to get to where she is now. “Planning is the key,” she says. “This is my advice to any mums who are thinking about going into business. We plan and schedule everything. I have a 10 year old who has school and extracurricular activities as well as a 2 year old, so I need to work out my available hours and prioritise what I need and want to do.

“Work life balance is critical. Setting trading hours or work hours is important for everyone, but especially if you’re a working mother. Ultimately, I believe being an entrepreneur is the greatest privilege in the world, and I love being able to help people bring that into reality.

I love colouring blondes and enhancing natural beauty.

If I worked for someone, I might not get the flexibility to have such a detailed specialisation in an industry I’m passionate about.”

Luke Azzopardi On Wednesday 10th February 2021, the Cairns cycling community was shaken by the devastating news of Luke Azzopardi’s death following an accident during a training ride.

Luke, 19, is remembered as a beloved son, brother and friend. He was a talented state champion cyclist and endurance rider who made his mark in the cycling community through his dedication and passion for the sport.

Luke's passion for cycling developed before preschool and continued into his adulthood.

For Luke, the main mode of transport was his bike - it gave him independence. Being on the road daily - during his commute, training or racing - heightened his road safety awareness and bike handling skills.

When Luke was ten, his school surveyed why so few kids cycled to school. The results showed it was because the parents thought cycling was unsafe. Luke worked with the school and the community to set up a bike training course at school. He helped secure a grant to obtain 30 bicycles so that every student could learn to ride safely and then proceeded to help build those bicycles. He encouraged the local sugar mill to build train tracks and bridges as these were of particular concern in our area. We are so proud that the program that Luke initiated is still part of the school curriculum today.

As a family, we're grateful for everyone showing so much love for our son Luke.

We are taking some comfort in the incredible outpouring of love for Luke and how many people he positively affected.

A lot of people have offered a donation and support.

Sue, Ian and Jasmine Azzopardi

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FUNDRAISING IN LUKE’S MEMORY At the permission of Luke’s family and the Cairns Cycling Club, AGF has proposed the following safety programs in Luke’s memory. AGF is seeking to work with the Cairns Cycling Club to pilot the following cycling safety programs in the Cairns region.

Cycling Safety Campaign 1 An awareness campaign that ecourages respect and acknowledgement between drivers and cyclists.

Fundraising target: $9,000 Cycling Safety Campaign 2 A safety campaign to educate cyclists and drivers on safe behaviours and interactions while sharing the road.

Fundraising target: $18,000 Safe Roads for Cairns A pilot program evaluating Cairns’ roads to improve safety and stress levels for cyclists.

Most of the animosity between cyclists and drivers is due to poorly designed roads. Councils aren’t putting an adequate percentage of their transport budgets towards creating roads that are both; safe for cyclists and; give drivers sufficient space to pass safely. AGF will work with Cairns Cycling Club to pilot a program that maps and audits Cairns’ road network. This data will enable AGF to pressure the local council to contribute a bigger percentage of their transport budget to build roads that are safe for cyclists.

Fundraising target: $150,000

UPCOMING EVENTS

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Support

Club Criterium Series – Race 1 14 March Club Criterium Series – Race 2 21 March Club Criterium Series – Race 3 28 March Bill Owen Insurance Brokers Criterium – Race 1 11 April Bill Owen Insurance Brokers Criterium – Race 2 18 April Bill Owen Insurance Brokers Criterium – Race 3 2 May Bill Owen Insurance Brokers Criterium – Race 4 16 May Bramston Beach Handicap 20 June

CAIRNS CYCLING CLUB

MiHaven Tour of Mareeba 26-27 June

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JUTE Theatre Company prides itself on telling inspirational, life-changing stories.

Encapsulating this passion more broadly, Dare to Dream is a community school-based program that keeps JUTE busy for 26 weeks of the year and realises the organisation’s productive capabilities from script development and design to rehearsing the show and presenting it on tour.

This year JUTE hits the road for 15 weeks, travelling across the vast and remote reaches of Far North Queensland, to deliver not one, but two of its Dare to Dream artistsin-residency programs.

JUTE’s innovative and successful Dare to Dream program was established in 2016 using the engaging platform of touring theatre to inspire students, living in Far North Queensland, to think about themselves, their inspirations

and aspirations. Each community visit entails a five-day ‘residency’ that starts with a performance of the ‘show’ and then rolls out a week of workshops culminating in the students’ own showcase performed for family and friends.

Sharing some very important messages about road safety, the first 2021 show, Back on Track by Isaac Drandic, was commissioned by five communities and supported by a grant from the Department of Transport and Main Roads. The five-week tour kicked off last month in Yarrabah and travels to Djarragun College, Kowanyama, Pormpuraaw and Mapoon. The second, Get Your Geek On, also by Drandic, focusses on the significance of being tech savvy and runs for 10 weeks from the end of June to mid-September.

Drandic said he had been hoping to work with JUTE for a number of years but it wasn’t until last year that the stars finally aligned when he participated in the creative development of Fearless by Charmaine Dizzy Doolan.

Involved in the theatre industry for more than two

Join us for the Far North Queensland Relay For Life!

Relay For Life brings communities together to celebrate cancer survivorship, remember loved ones lost and empower teams of families, friends and colleagues to raise money to fight back against cancer. This exciting event is an experience that will stay with you forever.

As one of Cancer Council Queensland’s major fundraisers it is sure to have something to appeal to everyone: • Live entertainment • Fun activities • Food trucks Help us make a difference in the fight against cancer and join us at Relay.

Far North Queensland Relay For Life Date: 7 August 2021 Location: Barlow Park Time: 2:00pm Relay For Life 2021 will be offering pre-registration only. Registration will not be available on the day of the event, so register now to secure your place!

relayforlife.org.au 1300 65 65 85

decades, first as an actor, then director, dramaturg, and now, for the first time, playwright.

For Dare to Dream, Isaac occupies the dual role of playwright and director which he says has been an interesting, albeit unusual experience interpreting a world he created himself.

Isaac Drandic is a Noongar man from Western Australia, Isaac has spent time in Melbourne and Sydney but along with his partner, a Yidinji woman whose family live in the Goldsborough Valley, always hankered for a life in Cairns – a dream realised in 2017.

According to Isaac, Dare to Dream is about connecting to ‘mob’ and communities and using theatre as a way of telling kids to think big and dream big.

“There are opportunities available if you want to take them and if you have a dream – go out and get it.”

So, what is Back on Track all about?

Drandic’s high-energy, youth-based narrative is a sweet story about a boy, Eric (played by Leonard Donahue), who lives with his grandmother, Nan (played by Taeg Twist). It turns out, Eric had lost his parents to a road accident. Why? Because they weren’t wearing their seat belts, of course. Eric has a dream to become a motocross champion. However, plans hit a roadblock when he falls from his bike. It’s a bone-breaking-blow, but thankfully Eric had practised safety and was saved from what could have been a potentially life-threatening accident by wearing a helmet.

comes to town and the narrative unfolds complete with a series of ups and downs and scientist’s block and the rivalry of a fellow student.

According to JUTE Theatre Company’s Creative Producer Monica Stevens mBabaram, Yidindji, Kuku Yalanji and Guugu Yimithirr women of Cape York Peninsula, Dare to Dream has, in its five-year history, created an enormous impact at a community level.

“I am so impressed by this program. I think it is extraordinary. By having access to theatrical experiences, young people have an enjoyable time learning. Through the workshops they learn a whole raft of theatre skills from writing and acting.

“The local and worldly view of participation provides opportunities for our Indigenous youth in remote communities to live their dreams. JUTE helps them live their dreams by engaging young people and communities, by simply attending a performance. The residual and resulting theatre experience can even be life changing and spills over into daily lives as young people dare to dream!”

This two-actor production features a First Nations cast and crew including stage and tour manager PJ Rosas and music by David Hudson. The set and costumes are the work of local artist Hayley Gillespie.

BUSINESS

What about Get Your Geek On? This play centres around a 12 year old girl with big dreams who wants to become the greatest inventor of the greatest ever invention that changes the world.

She draws inspiration from the first Aboriginal writer to be published, David Uniapon, also a preacher, and inventor who made significant contributions to science and literature and to improvements in the conditions of Aboriginal people. Then one day a science competition

Register or donate today at www.biggestmorningtea.com.au Host anyway you like in May or June!

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Liam Gane

PULLING THE STRINGS

It’s really no secret that we have an abundance of talented youth, in all forms of endeavour, throughout the Far North.

Whether it be academia, the arts, sport or time investment in the care of our environment, there is just so many young folks who go about the business of excelling in their chosen field quietly but confidently. 15-year-old, Grade 10 student Liam Gane is one such example.

Last year, as a ninth grade student at Cairns State High School, Liam obtained his Associate of Trinity College London certificate in his chosen instrument – the cello.

One of Trinity College’s youngest collegiates, this unassuming lad modestly considers this is another step in his desire to one day join a professional orchestra and from there, perform as a soloist.

And as his recent achievement will attest, h certainly has the talent to do just that.

e

His musical journey began at age four, when his older brother Zakari (a graduate from the School of Excellence in Music at Cairns High) showed him how to hold the cello, the bow and play those first enthusiastic, albeit scratchy, notes.

From there, he quickly picked up technique and rhythm before taking on the cello in earnest during his primary education at Edge Hill State School.

Like many, he auditioned to gain access to Cairns State High School’s esteemed Music Excellence program. Once gaining entry, the school’s fabulous music programme had Liam’s playing coming to life, firstly in junior ensembles, before taking a seat in the senior orchestra and exercising his vocal chords the senior chorale.

His playing began to flourish however via the private tutelage of Robert Dowdell, himself the owner of a very impressive resume, playing Double Bass with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra before moving onto The Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, alongside Joan Sutherland.

Robert identified early the abundant talent in Liam and set about pushing that talent to the limit. The result is a charming young man realising his ambitions by playing at a level well beyond his years.

He has already played with the North Queensland Chamber Orchestra on several occasions, most recently occupying the front desk during March’s performance of “Italian Dreams”, well known as being a challenging performance.

Liam can often be seen in a more relaxed mode busking at the monthly Palm Cove Markets, with the financial contributions he raises on these efforts being concentrated on the purchase of his next Cello.

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Many of those visitors strolling through the markets have stopped to marvel at his playing from a vast repertoire.

His music and the swaying palm trees which punctuate the Palm Cove esplanade are a perfect pairing.

Liam is currently studying for his Licentiate of Trinity College of London and has a stated aim of one day travelling to Europe to pursue his ambition.

Of course, the vagaries of the COVID regime may dictate this timeline, but if his desire and determination are anything to go by, one can’t help but wonder if even this will stop him from achieving his dream.

It’s Showtime!

THE RECENT WET WEATHER DID NOTHING TO DAMPEN THE CELEBRATORY ATMOSPHERE AT THE CAIRNS SHOWGROUNDS FOR THE LAUNCH OF SHOW SEASON IN THE FAR NORTH. WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2021 CAIRNS SHOW RURAL AMBASSADOR, CAIRNS SHOW GIRL AND YOUNG RURAL AMBASSADOR. UNSURPRISINGLY EVERYONE IN ATTENDANCE IS INVESTED IN THE 2021 COVID SAFE CAIRNS SHOW PROCEEDING ON 14-16 JULY.

promotion more consumers will be savvy about how they source their fruit, veggies and meats and appreciate the cornucopia we have here in the far north.

The Cairns Show Rural Ambassador 2021 is Mariah Chiesa who has a long association with shows in our region. A previous Tully Show Miss Showgirl, Mariah runs a beef stud and Brahman cattle operation with her husband Peter and is looking forward to the 2021 show season.

“It feels like too much time has passed since the last Cairns show, it’s always an opportunity to catch up with friends, talk industry without judgment and see what the future rural trends are.”

Mariah, who has a business degree and is actively involved in the AI side of their family business, was a little reserved about throwing her hat in the ring for the role of Rural Ambassador but had the full support of her husband so decided to go for it.

“I’m not the most confident public speaker but I am passionate about agriculture, primary industry and sustainability. Consumers need to know that producers are doing everything in their power to deliver quality food to market and are often challenged by the environment, climate, politics, social and personal issues. It’s a tough gig, but I love it.”

Mariah says that she’s looking forward to working with the Cairns Show Association to ensure the 2021 Show is a huge success, stating the importance of these events for the longevity of the agricultural industries.

Jessica O’Brien, this year’s Cairns Show Girl, said that she was excited that the Cairns Show is proceeding this year.

The gathering heard from Angela Nason, founder and director of Tablelands to Tabletop, a local business straddling the gap between regional agricultural interests and the local consumer community.

Angela is an articulate supporter of farmers, and highlighted the importance of local, seasonal produce, the integral role of consumers and customers in the immediate area and the need to buy local. She said most people are not truly aware of what the Tablelands and region have to offer, that most of our produce is transported south to distribution markets and that consumers are often short-changed on quality because of the monopolies of large supermarkets and agents.

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“The Show is such a big event on our local calendar, attracting people from all over the region. It supports our economy and lifts the moral of our city. It’s especially important this year given the challenges faced by local businesses with drops in tourism and the impacts of lockdowns and border closures. Covid interfered with plans in 2020, so people are more motivated than ever to get out and do more this year.”

Jess has been waiting in the wings for the Show Girl competition to kick-start, originally applying in early 2020, in what was to become a stop and start process.

Hailing from Monto in Central Queensland, Jess is passionate about agricultural shows, making it a rule to volunteer in her local community, the opportunity to promote the Cairns Show and educate our population on the importance of ag shows seemed like a good match; with a degree in media and communications, Jess is well very equipped for the role.

“It’s important if you have skills and enthusiasm for an

event like the Cairns Show that you commit to its success — I’m all in. It’s going to be a great year”.

Prior to COVID-19 restrictions coming into play in early 2020, the Cairns Show Association had already run the annual Young Rural Ambassador Competition. The winner of the competition, Catherine English, applied in video format, underwent a rigorous panel interview, and partook in both impromptu and prepared public speaking engagements to take out the title.

The goal of the competition is to engage the younger generation of locals to support and advocate for the Cairns Show. There is an expectation that the youths are invested in the agricultural and primary industries and have a history of involvement in local shows. Given that Catherine was prevented from formally serving her year as the Cairns Show Young Rural Ambassador 2020, the decision was made to carry the title over for 2021.

Eighteen year old, Catherine, proudly shared that her family had been showing dairy cattle at local shows in the Far North for over a hundred years. Acknowledging that dairy farming was in her blood, she says that she never thought too much about the amount of work involved.

“When you grow up in a dairy farming family, it’s simply your way of life, up early, we all have our jobs and there’s no use complaining. You just need to get on with it.”

Bringing that “can do” attitude to the role this year, the Show Association President, Ian Allen, is confident that Catherine will help make the Cairns Show a success.

“Catherine’s attitude is representative of all the show ambassadors this year — everyone wants the Show to be successful and will work hard to achieve it.”

The Cairns Show Ambassadors include the Showgirl award which is a state wide competition ; the Rural Ambassador which is a national competition and the Young Rural Ambassador which is a local level competition. All involve programs to develop leadership skills; community engagement and promotion of the agricultural show movement.

THE CAIRNS SHOW WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY JULY 14 TO FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021.

Pre-purchase tickets here:

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honour to see Mainie worn by so many women from all ages and walks from life from high profile politicians and professionals to artists, writers, actors and musicians. But Mainie is for everyone, it is a brand built on inclusiveness, social responsibility and the empowerment of women,” said Charmaine.

Mainie’s latest collection scores high fashion marks once again with exquisite handmade silk scarves, silk kaftan tops and wool scarves that can be worn a multitude of ways from boardroom to beach, boat to bar and all occasions in between.

A proliferation of colour from aquamarine through to sundrenched desert hues breathe life into Mainie Australia’s coveted collection of wearable art pieces.

Embracing the luxury of liquid-like silk and pure softness of Australian Merino wool, each garment and accessory is truly special – not just because it has been made to the highest quality standard, but also because of its provenance. Every Mainie is an authentic piece of Aboriginal art incorporating ethically acquired artworks which tell ancient Dreamtime stories of the world’s oldest living culture.

Launched in 2015 by Gunggari Aboriginal woman, Charmaine Saunders and her husband, Denis Keeffe, Mainie Australia is a unique melding of authentic Aboriginal art and luxurious fashion.

From the very minute Mainie hit the streets it was admired and acquired by women who appreciate the brand for its beauty, quality and Aussie authenticity.

As the brand’s creative director Charmaine has poured hard work, sweat, tears and a whole lot of love into making Mainie what it has become.

In her home city of Cairns, Mainie is a household name, known among women for its signature scarves, wraps and tops. “It has been an 37 |

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Mainie has always been passionate about the empowerment of Aboriginal women and is strongly committed to embracing sustainable fashion ethics and business practices.The Australian Aboriginal art designs in the Mainie collection are all ethically acquired from Aboriginal owned art centres in accordance with strict art licensing conditions, whereby the Aboriginal artists retain the copyright to their original artwork and are paid royalties from all Mainie sales.

Every Mainie sold gives back to the Aboriginal woman artist who created the original design, to elevate and empower her, her family and her community.

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Terri Knight PRINCIPAL 0421 857 624 proudly supporting

Vicki Lange

In the market

FOR GIVING

The property market of Cairns is certainly making an impact, and so are the ladies of Koala Blue Real Estate.

SALES 0422 447 666

Choosing just two words to best describe the team at KBRE, one would most likely opt for tenacity and generousity. The team have thought outside the box to offer a point of difference and set their agency apart from the rest, and what an initiative it is.

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The current market makes it a great time for home owners to sell property in Cairns, which in turn is providing an increase of sales commission.

KBRE are using this opportunity to give back to the community. You have heard correctly - a generous five percent of the sales commission on each and every settlement. is being donated to charity.

As organised and professional as these ladies are warm and engaging, the KBRE team have a clear vision of the difference they all want to make.

As an example, a $450,000 property sale will equate to $607.50 donated to a charity in need. The charity of choice will be mutually agreed upon with the vendor.

WE LOVE PROPERTY | WE LIVE PROPERTY

www.koalabluerealestate.com.au

With a highly skilled team bringing over 35 years experience in the real estate industry, the KBRE team are experts in their field of Sales & Property Management. Attention to detail is pivotal to a ensure smooth, efficient & successful transaction.

Terri Knight, the agency’s principal commenced in the industry almost 20 years ago and has never looked back. She realised at a young age the depths of her passion for real estate and purchased her first property at the age of 27.

In Terri’s own words, “Being employed in an industry that is my passion, I don’t just talk the talk, I walk the walk! I am an animal lover but in particular, I love dogs and so my charity of choice is Young Animal Protection Society. I want to make a difference!”

Vicki Lange, one of the agency’s sales staff, is enthusiastic and very determined to develop a strong presence in the community and industry alike.

Leaving a positive impression with all her clients, and after purchasing her first property at the age of 25, Vicki thrives on the property market. “I don’t wait for an opportunity, I create it”, says Vicki. Act For Kids, an organisation Vicki has supported previously, are very excited with what the KBRE team are about to embark on.

Vita Loeskow, another of the sales staff members, has been with KBRE for almost ten years, and is a warm and compassionate agent. Her heart and soul is felt with every conversation.

At the age of 19, Vita was a home owner. The diversity this industry brings on a daily basis is what drives Vita to the success she has experienced to date. Starlight Children’s Foundation are overwhelmed to be involved as Vita’s chosen charity of support.

The agency has earned a sterling reputation for all transactions in real estate and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure a stress free experience.

For all your property needs, call the team at Koala Blue Real Estate on 07 4031 1552.

IMAGES: VERONICA SAGREDO

Investing inABORIGINAL ART WORDS: CHARMAINE SAUNDERS International interest in Australia’s 60,000-year-old Aboriginal arts heritage has increased significantly over the past few years. Investors from around the world are becoming aware that art works created by traditional Aboriginal artists represent a unique and unbroken link to a prehistoric culture that dates back to the Palaeolithic era.

Founder of MAINIE AUSTRALIA, Charmaine Saunders, provides her five tips for ethical and intelligent investing.

In parts of northern Australia, especially in the remote desert regions of the Northern Territory and Western Australia, Aboriginal tribespeople were still making their first encounters with white people on their country as recently as the 1980s.

Even today in many desert communities, the Aboriginal people have little contact with the outside world. They continue to live on their traditional homelands and live much as their ancestors did tens of thousands of years ago.

The desert people still speak their

own native languages and maintain a strong connection to the spiritual beliefs and time-honoured customs of their forebears.

In some of the most isolated desert regions, community arts centres have been established by Aboriginal artist cooperatives as a means of preserving their ageold cultural heritage for future generations.

These arts centres are well known to collectors from all over the globe, and now supply Aboriginal fine arts to major international exhibitions and leading auction

pieces at a realistic price, as they provide a true indication of the market value of paintings.

However, if you can’t make it to an auction, the next best way to choose the right painting is to visit your local Aboriginal art gallery.

The main benefit to buying from a local gallery is that you can take your time to decide which is the right piece of art for you without the hustle of trying to keep ahead of competing bids at an auction. houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s.There is no question that Aboriginal art is an assured investment.

A decreasing supply of properly authenticated artworks and a growing demand from serious art investors will inevitably drive substantial increases in the value of paintings, particularly those created by older, traditional Aboriginal artists. There are five simple tips to making the right investment in Aboriginal art.

1. IS THE ARTIST COLLECTIBLE? Before you purchase an Aboriginal artwork as an investment, it is well worth doing some research about the current market.

A good way to start is to look online for recent catalogues from Sotheby’s and Christie’s and other major art auction houses to learn more about the most notable arts regions and the artists’ names which attract the attention of the serious collectors.

Art auctions deal with works of arts worth thousands, if not tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

You may not be able to afford to start your Aboriginal art collection with a painting by the late Emily Kame Kngwarreye, from the Utopia region in the Central Desert, whose seminal work, “Earth’s Creation” sold for a record A$2.1 million in 2017, but works by other Utopia artists are still highly sought after by collectors and are very affordable in comparison.

Other collectible names synonymous with Utopia include Pwerle, Mpetyane, Petyarre and Kemarre.

At a gallery you can get a close look at what you are buying and have the expert knowledge of gallery staff ready at hand to answer any questions you may have about the artist or the meaning of the story depicted on the canvas.

One of the most distinctive features of Aboriginal art from Central Australia is the use of intricate patterns of dots and lines by the artists to create a pictorial representation of an ancient Dreamtime story, which has been handed down to them through many generations of their ancestors over tens of thousands of years.

At the Mainie Aboriginal Art Gallery, we have a wide selection of ethically acquired artworks by distinguished artists which range from under $200 upwards to many thousands.

The price tag is typically determined by the size and composition of the artwork. Larger pieces with a high level of detail usually fetch a higher price than smaller and simpler canvases.

However, another price determinant for a painting can be the age of the Aboriginal artist. Works by older, traditional artists will achieve higher prices. These prices will often increase again quite significantly after the artist passes away and collectors become aware that the supply of new artworks by that particular artist has ceased forever.

3. CAN THE SELLER PROVIDE THE ARTWORK PROVENANCE AND CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY?

2. IS THE PRICE RIGHT?

Another benefit to buying an Aboriginal artwork from a reputable specialist gallery is that you will be provided with documentation which verifies the history of the artwork.The documentation will usually include a Certificate of Authenticity from the arts centre where the artist originally created the artwork.

Art auctions are a great way to acquire investment

Other records could include photographs of the

There are also many well-known desert arts communities including Papunya, Yuendumu, Kintore, Balgo and Warmun.

artist with the artwork, the artist’s biography with details about his or her tribal or language group, a chronology of exhibitions where the artist’s works has been previously been shown, and most helpfully, an explanation of the traditional Dreamtime story depicted in the artwork.

After purchasing the artwork, this documentation including the sales invoice should be kept in a safe place.

Unfortunately, there is a brisk trade in fake and stolen Aboriginal art and it is almost impossible to re-sell an Aboriginal artwork through conventional channels without acceptable evidence proving that the artwork was ethically acquired.

Another assurance you will receive when you purchase art from an established art centre is that the Aboriginal artist has been provided with the best materials, such as the canvas and paints to create their work.

Renowned Aboriginal arts centres supply highly valuable works to major galleries and museums all over the world. The high-quality canvases are properly prepared right from the start and the finished artworks are guaranteed to last.

4. IS THE SELLER APPROVED BY A RECOGNISED ART INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE BODY? The Mainie Aboriginal Art Gallery is an approved Dealer Member of the Indigenous Art Code. The Code promotes the fair and ethical trade in works of art by Aboriginal artists. It was developed in the first instance by the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) and then by the Australia Council for the Arts, who worked closely with an industry alliance group made up of artists, Indigenous art centres, commercial art galleries, public art galleries, auction houses and visual arts peak bodies.

The Indigenous Art Code sets the standards of conduct for those involved in the trade of Aboriginal art to ensure that they act fairly, honestly, professionally and in good conscience at all times when dealing with Aboriginal artists.

When you buy an Aboriginal painting from an approved Dealer Member of the Indigenous Art Code, you can be assured that the artwork has been ethically acquired and the artist received fair compensation for their work.

5. DO YOU LIKE IT? And finally, you are standing in a gallery in front of an authentic Aboriginal painting which has caught your eye. You have done your research and know that the work is by an artist with an impressive and proven ancestral lineage. The artwork is within your set budget and represents good value for money. The art dealer is a member of the Indigenous Art Code and can provide all the necessary documentation including a Certificate of Authenticity. There is only one thing left for you to consider... Do you like it?

It’s not enough that you are satisfied that the artwork represents a solid investment, it has to “speak” to you? Are you intrigued and pleased by the composition of patterns, colours and textures?

Is the story told in the artwork meaningful to you personally? Can you imagine the artwork in the perfect space on a wall in your home or business?

Look at your painting closely and from a distance.

Take your time to make a decision as you would with any investment. If need be, seek a second opinion from someone whose judgment you respect.

When you are sure you have found the right painting for you, buy it with confidence and hang it on your wall for all to admire for many years to come.

CHARMAINE SAUNDERS IS THE FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MAINIE AUSTRALIA.

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B enno’s

BACKYARD BEN VALLELY | RESIDENT GREEN THUMB G`day Green thumbs! Hasn’t it been an interesting end to our FNQ wet season this year! Summer is certainly going out with a bang, with localised areas in our region receiving almost a metre of rainfall in April - and let’s face it, we really needed it.

It has reminded me of growing up through the 80’s where it wasn’t uncommon to rain for weeks on end, most notably around the start to the school year.What does all this rain mean for our gardens? Why, “Party Time”, of course! That beautiful, consistent rain we have expereinced over the recent weeks has really soaked deep into the earth, helping rehydrate the soil and lift the underlying water table in preparation for the dryer months ahead. Having said that, who knows?

We may be in for another wet winter - it certainly has that feel about it.

Now is a great time to get out and tackle your garden, with the easing of the intense humidity teamed with the softer soil, it makes for some super-easy digging and weed pulling, if you’re feeling sporty.If you’re like me, you will have been stinging to get your vege garden fired up, and your pre-prepared garden beds will be

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primed with nutrients ready to start planting in a few weeks.

Last year, I saved a bunch of heirloom tomato seeds that were from the most delicious fruit that I have ever grown. I made them into a rich tomato sauce.

The seeds were dried on paper towel, which is now conveniently being watered in by this beautiful rain we are having. You couldn’t ask for a better way to germinate seeds. And you don’t need a heap of space to grow a selection of herbs and vegetables for your family. I started off with a just few pots on our balcony which was enough to fuel my obsession of growing my own food.

I saw a fantastic idea at Limberlost Nursery in Freshwater - a bale of Rhodes grass with a bag of potting mix dug into the top of it, with tomatoes and herbs planted straight into the potting mix. I’m sure there’s a strategic process to follow, and I have no doubt the team at Limberlost would be more than happy to help you. After the latest rain, our gardens will be looking very lush right now. So get outside, enjoy the cooler weather, and get your hands dirty!

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Once bitten . .

TWICE SHY NARDINE COLLIER | FAMILY LAWYER

You’ve had a bad break up with your ex but life does go on (thankfully!) and you’ve met the person of your dreams. Now you’re worried that even though this feels like forever, if this relationship does end, what is going to happen to your hard earned property?

The same could apply to someone who has never had a financial separation, is in a good financial position, and about to enter into in a relationship. How will it be divided if they were to separate?

There is really only one way to have a legal agreement in place that sets out how to deal with property in the event of a separation. It’s called a financial agreement or “prenup”, as it’s often referred to.

What is a financial agreement? It’s a document that must be in writing and signed by both parties. It can be entered into at any stage of a relationship, even before a defacto relationship starts; and covers married, defacto and/ or same sex couples. Both parties must have their own lawyer, who must sign a statement saying that they gave their client the required legal advice.

When these financial agreements first became possible, they were heralded as THE watertight way to ensure a binding agreement. However, over the years there have been a multitude of cases in the court where these agreements have been overturned. This is because the agreement, in order to be binding, has very strict requirements as to content and form and if not met, the agreement can be set aside. These agreements can also be set aside in other circumstances, for example where there has been fraud.

In the circumstances where the agreement is watertight, it dictates how property will be divided in the event of your separation. It takes away your right to go to the court for a Judge to decide what is a fair division of property.

That is fine so long as the agreement is a good outcome to you at the time of separation. If the agreement is NOT favourable to you, you may be stuck with the outcome as set out in the agreement.

The challenge in drafting these agreements before separation, is trying to cover all scenarios for a client, because who knows what might happen during the relationship and what your situation could be in the future; and particularly challenging if there is an intention to have children together. Over the years of a relationship partners make all sorts of contributions towards property, financial and non-financial, which would be taken into account by a court. Partners may also have different needs financially into the future, which a court also factors into any division of property; whereas these two considerations (contributions and future needs) may not be adequately reflected in the financial agreement you agreed to years earlier.

So is it right for you? A financial agreement might be a good option. At the very least it does provide certainty and ideally reduces the stress of trying to sort out a division of property down the track. Properly drafted, a financial agreement can give you the outcome you both agree is best for you. It is certainly a big decision and you should only get advice from a Lawyer who specialises in Family Law.

collierfamilylaw.com.au P: 07 4214 5666 50 |

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What season

IS THIS ANYWAY?

EMMA GELLING | HAIR STYLIST

For us Northerners, Autumn doesn’t really exist. It’s quite a confusing time, isn’t it? I mean, it’s still hot, wet and humid, but it also brings shorter days, cooler breezes and a softer sun. Some mornings, we wake up and reach for the jacket and boots, only to start peeling off layers a few hours later, as the tropical sun reminds us that it was just kidding!

This is the time of the year when our style of clothing and our hair go through the many stages of uncertainty, and we spend most of our morning grabbing the “what if” items we may or may not need for the day.

WELLBEING

In the salon, this is the most common time for guests to come in stating they feel the need for a change.

However, our main focus during these cooler months is maintaining and improving the condition of the hair.

After a rough summer filled with lots of sun, aircon and water, our hair tends to be left in a top knot for many days in a row.

This is an opportunity to unwrap the parcel on top of your head and see what we are dealing with.

Things to consider: If you’re a beach babe and love the fresh feeling of salty water or even the pool during our hottest months chances are your hair will need a moisture boost.

Remember to always rinse your hair thoroughly after returning from your dip, no need to wash with shampoo every time, just rinse and repeat.

If you’re a blondie, or went a little lighter for summer with your colour, chances are your protein levels will be depleted right now. Talk to your hairstylist about an insalubrious protein shot or which shampoo and conditioner may be best suited to get your hair back on track.

If you’re a curly girl, or currently have a mound of frizz on top of your head, then it’s time to hold on - it’s almost over. A keratin based shampoo and conditioner may be beneficial for you to help the cuticles smooth.

No matter where you sit on the scale there will be something we can help you with. It’s all about education and technique when it comes to your hair.

Use this in between to get your hair health back on track to enough out beautifully to short winter. Set some colour and length goals for your hair if you’re feeling an itch for change.

These next couple of months are the best season for drastic changes, as the weather is much kinder to us.

Enjoy our season of the in-between, be grateful for the gloriously mild winters that make our Southern neighbours green with envy, and release that topknot from its position on top of your head.

xx Em 7 Dunn Street

CAIRNS NORTH Ql 4870

B eauty GIFT GUIDE

www.upnorthskincare.com.au

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The Gift of

THE JAB

As parents we are responsible for the safe upbringing and development of our children, this includes keeping them protected from the many dangerous diseases that are prevalent in the big wide world.

One of the safest and effective measures to keep your children protected from deadly diseases is to make sure that they are immunised. In Australia the National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free vaccines to eligible people to help reduce diseases that can be prevented by vaccinations. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island children get additional free vaccines through NIP including meningococcal B and hepatitis. Children with certain medical risk conditions that increase their risk of disease can get additional free vaccines through NIP as well.

Vaccines expose the body’s immune system to small, weakened version of a disease. This process prompts the body to produce antibodies to fight off the infection, teaching the immune system how to fight off the disease.

Children need vaccinations against many diseases. This protects them while their immune systems are still developing and prevents them from getting serious diseases.

Vaccines aren’t just for children and by getting vaccinated, you can stay healthier and prevent spreading disease to everyone around you. “Community Immunity” or “Herd Immunity” protects the people in our community like newborn babies, older people, people with low immune systems and those who can’t be vaccinated. Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community (the herd) becomes immune to a disease, making the

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spread of disease from person to person unlikely. As a result, the whole community becomes protected - not just those who are immune. This has seen the effective irradication of smallpox and almost iradicated the likes of measles, mumps and tetanus in first world countries. It is anticipated that mass vaccinations will help create herd immunity to COVID 19.

Many parents have their concerns when it comes to this topic of conversation as there are a lot of misconceptions and misinformation on the internet and in social media in regard to vaccinations, however according to the Queensland Government all vaccines and their ingredients are fully tested for safety before they can be used in Australia. A lot of research and testing is an essential part of developing safe and effective vaccines.

Make sure your decisions about immunisations are based on fact. Your best source of reliable information is your child’s health care provider, immunisation provider or websites like Queensland Health or the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance. Check the NIP schedule and talk to your doctor if your child has not had all the recommended immunisations. Cairns Doctors on Barr St provide family GP services and the full NIP vaccination options available.

Proudly owned and operated in Cairns, Skin Doctors is located at the Cairns Doctors on Barr St. Their medical professionals are dedicated to providing the local community with extended availability for general and specialised health services. Appointments are available seven days a week and can be made online, in the practice or by phone.

How to achieve

EYEBROW ENVY

NOVA AUSTIN | LASH AND BROW STYLIST

Having gorgeously defined eyebrows can magically enhance your makeup look and beautifully frame your eyes. And it doesn’t have to be complicated.

One request I hear often from new clients is “Please don’t make my brows look noticeably bold and fake.”

Thick eyebrows may have become somewhat of a fashion statement, however they don’t suit everyone. Maintaining an open dialogue with your specialist will help achieve your desired result.

But what happens between brow maintenance visits?

How do you style your brows in between visits to the salon? Gorgeous brows can be achieved on the daily and knowing your face shapes is key.

WELLBEING

Square Face: A softer rounded, avoid sharp angular brows. Begin by by filling the body of the brow extend out to the tale. Softly fill the head of the brow.Keep them softly groomed with clear fixing gel.

Round Face: Create angular brows with a high arch.

Define arch from the outer 3rd of the eye. Continue to fill in the the body and tail. Softly fill the head of the brow.

Long Face: Create a flat straight brow to balance the length of the face. Avoid extending the eyebrow tail downwards. Direct the tail towards temple. (Avoiding eyes to appear droopy). Shade the bottom half of the brow to create a straight line. Continue to draw a parallel line at the top of the brow to create the straight brow.

Lightly shade the body of the brow.

Heart Face: Create tight thin (never over plucked) brow that balances the petite jawline. Avoid at costs bushy thick brows. Keep lines neat and polished. Lightly fill in the body arch and tail of the brow. Create a high defined

arch, keep it light on the top half. Feather stroke the head of the brow. Keep them manicured with a fixing gel.

Oval Face - Create a slightly arched brow peaking on the outer 1/3 of the eye. Lightly fill in from the front of the brow. Create a tail that reaches the outer eye, this creates horizontal lines that balance the face.

With an abundance of eyebrow products on the market, from eyebrow pencils, to brow soaps, waxes and pomades, it’s easy to get confused. Here, I will focus on brow powders, pencils and promades, to give you the tips you need in order to achieve killer brows.

Powders: Blend it in! Powders are perfect if you have full brows with lots of hair, or slightly oily skin, as it will absorb any excess oil on the brows. Blending powder products slowly is more effective and gives the brows a natural diffused effect. It is recommended to opt for one shade lighter than your natural colour as powders can look a little heavy. Blonde eyebrows can be a little trickier than darker ones, Pencils: Choose a wind up eyebrow pencil With its fine tip, it mimics the appearance of small eyebrow hairs and helps you create fuller-looking brows for a natural finish. Use the pointed end of the brow pencil to fill in the eyebrow line using short, regular strokes to mimic natural hairs.

Pomades: Go defined! Pomades give a concentrated colour which is perfect for faking hairs in sparse areas and for defining brows. Apply with an angled brush to really nail the definition. Use concealer along the brow bone to create even more defined brows.

Happy Brow Styling xx

LASHES

52 GOODWIN ST, EDGE HILL

BROWS

0407 533 966

www.luxelashesbynova.com

Travel

Are you getting

YOUR NATURE FIX? TAMMIE MATSON | MATSON & RIDLEY SAFARIS

Life is too busy these days. For many of us, modernday life is a daily juggle from the second we rise, after what may or may not have been a good night’s sleep, and a manic rush through the day until the second we drop. How do you re-charge your depleted energy sources? Are you getting a naturefix often enough?

Most people now live in cities, a number that is projected to increase to 66% by 2050, and most of that time is spent indoors. But this is a recent shift in our species’ behaviour. For hundreds of thousands of years, as hunter-gatherers, our lives were much more connected to nature than they are now and we understood the direct link between us and nature because our survival depended on it.

We all know that we need nature to survive and that being in natural places is good for us. In recent decades, science has confirmed the many physical and mental benefits of nature immersion. But even with this growing body of evidence, many of us seem to have forgotten how to truly connect with nature. In an increasingly isolated and digital world, where we spend much more time looking at screens than sitting among the trees, there is an increasing disconnect between the value of the natural world and our fast-paced modern lives. Yet nature is a brilliant and often free antidote to stress, anxiety and depression, common and rising afflictions across many countries, not only Australia.

For me, spending time in nature is one of the best ways to re-energise and slow down enough to process my thoughts. In nature, I can breathe and think a little more deeply. It’s where I get some of my most creative ideas, and where I find calm. Whether it’s a walk in the rainforest or a dip in the ocean, even a short time spent in nature can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing. What are the best ways to get your nature fix? Here’s just a few ideas.

1. Experience the Great Barrier Reef and the wonder of all that marine life buzzing around you. It’s an other-worldly experience being under the water and outside one’s usual terrestrial comfort zone and there’s no better place to do it than the world’s largest reef ecosystem.

2. Forest-bathe! The Japanese coined this term (shinrin-yoku) and have dedicated entire research departments to understanding the many benefits we humans derive from spending quiet time among the trees, including reducing blood pressure and improving the body’s immune responses. In far north Queensland, we’re extra-spoiled in having the most amazing national parks in the Wet Tropics World Heritage area to go hiking in. Even twenty minutes of gentle bush walking can do wonders for you.

3. To clear your head, take a dip in cool water at a waterfall. Again, north Queenslanders are spoiled for choice in this department as there are so many to choose from in and around Cairns, on the Atherton Tablelands and Daintree rainforest.

4. Get into birding. Spend some time quietly in your back yard or your local park every day and get to know your local avian residents. Notice what butterflies and insects are spending time there and what plants are flowering. Close your eyes and focus on what you hear. Get to know which calls belong to which bird or insect and notice how the seasons change the patterns of the natural world around you.

5. Tune in your senses. We are so dependent on sight, sometimes we forget that we have other senses: hearing, smell, touch and taste. When you breathe in, notice what you can smell. Natural scents like the blossom of a frangipani flower, fresh rain on dry earth or the salty waves of the ocean can help us focus on the present.

6. Get yourself a good camera and practice getting up close to wildlife to capture feathers and fur close up. Smart phones can take amazing photos these days, but a good SLR with a 400mm lens is a great option for wildlife photography. I remember the moment I discovered, after taking a photo of a spoonbill with my 400mm lens, that these birds actually have stunning electric blue stripes on their bills. I’d never noticed that until I saw them up close through a camera lens! Warning: wildlife photography is addictive, but it gives you a good excuse to spend time quietly watching nature.

7. Experience the privilege of spending time with First Australians in the bush and get to know their Country through their eyes. There’s so much to be learned from the hunter-gatherer way of seeing the world and slowing down enough to appreciate our place in nature. If you can, allow yourself to feel some of the deep connection that First Nations people feel to the land on an authentic Indigenous tourism experience.

8. For a real nature immersion, go on a nature-based holiday and witness first-hand what it feels like to switch off your phone and disconnect to reconnect over a week or two in the wilderness. When this pandemic is over and we’re free to travel again, go on an African safari and see for yourself why people say it’s the most addictive holiday you can go on. Being in an open vehicle with no windows when a lion or an elephant walks right beside you or watching thousands of wildebeest migrate and dodge crocodiles on the Mara River is possibly the most enlivening experience you can have. For that added wow-factor, when you’re on safari, go on a walk with a specialised walking guide and feel what our forebears felt like walking among the prey and the predators on foot.

DR TAMMIE MATSON IS A ZOOLOGIST, AUTHOR AND CEO OF MATSON & RIDLEY SAFARIS, OFFERING LIFE-CHANGING JOURNEYS IN AFRICA AND AUSTRALIA, BASED IN CAIRNS, QUEENSLAND.

Travelling to Cairns or Port Douglas?

My Cairns Concierge takes care of all your needs so your holiday starts the minute you arrive www.mycairnsconcierge.com.au

Hassle-free travel with Sandy Sirianni MTA - Mobile Travel Agents 0408 006 921 | mtatravel.com.au/sandy

All Aboard!

BACK ON THE RAILS

SANDY SIRANNI | TRAVEL AGENT There is something quite romantic about rail travel.

Perhaps it is the nostalgia of travel without time restraints, the thrill of sitting back and watching the world slip by unhindered, or the prospect of meeting new friends and enjoying shared experiences while you explore hidden places. We have one of Australia’s best rail journeys right here on our doorstep, showcasing some of these gems and the “Outback” that we are so famous for.

The Savannahlander and Gulflander are icons to rail enthusiasts and present a wonderful holiday opportunity for all. Visiting the outback towns of Forsayth, Mount Surprise, Chillagoe, Normanton and Croydon where the true Aussie Spirit is alive and well, and stopping in at the wonderful Cobbold Gorge, Undarra Lava Tubes, Chillagoe Caves and historic hotels such as the Einasleigh Hotel. These are the places poets of old waxed lyrical, and drovers sang about.

Tours range from a quick overnight jaunt from Cairns to Mount Surprise, to longer, 5 night packages traveling on both trains. The Savannahlander travels from Cairns via Kuranda up through the Wet Tropics along the famed Kuranda Railway to Savannah country. While the Gulflander picks up the route to the Gulf country towns of Normanton and Croydon.

Along each route, rest stops offer the chance to get out and stretch your legs in places that aren’t accessible by car, so you get to feel like you are the first people to really visit and experience the beauty of the area.

At each overnight stop, you can expect to be regaled by your hosts, and be treated more like family than a tourist, enjoying your choice of accommodations, meals, tours and transfers along the way. Each hotel provides ensuite rooms or cabins, and in many places you can choose between a few accommodation options to suit your budget. It really is the perfect way to experience the outback in the utmost comfort.

Morning teas and lunches on riverbanks under the swaying gums and Jarrah, and dinner in historic local hotels, alive with character.

Highlights include visiting and staying at the cavernous Undarra Lava Tubes, the longest in the country and steeped in mystery and natural history.

They are truly wonderous. On to Cobbold Gorge, which seems to appear out of nowhere. Take a helicopter flight over the system to truly appreciate it’s beauty, and don’t forget to bring your camera to catch the “Golden Hour” as you cruise down the gorge on silent electric boats, spotting crocs along the way. Chillagoe-Mungana Caves offer a very different experience, with stalactites and stalagmites ranging in size from minute to gigantic, and calcite and limestone formations that are simply beautiful.

The towns themselves are steeped in history with many having been founded as goldfields back in the day. Cattle and exploration feature highly as well with Normanton being close to Burke and Wills Last camp. Consequently, there are historic and quirky hotels a plenty, with authentic buildings and plenty of charm to discover.

Both the Gulflander and Savannahlander trains, known locally as the “silver bullets”, are classics of the 1960’s and were lovingly restored to provide comfortable and spacious interiors while the décor is decidedly rustic in nature. This leisurely style of travel gives you plenty of time to enjoy the views as well as time to mingle with other guests. There is no food supplied onboard the trains, instead they stop and patronise the local suppliers, providing a great boost to the local economies of the smaller towns, and allowing guests to sample local produce and specialties. There are no sleeping carriages on the trains, instead clients will stay at local hotels so that they can fully immerse themselves in the outback experience. A totally relaxing and enjoyable way to travel!

Delicious

DAINTREE WORDS: KRISTA WATKINS

Follow the winding roads north of Cairns to discover an eclectic food experience. Nestled between the mist topped mountains and pristine beaches, where the world’s oldest rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef is a Port Douglas, Mossman and Daintree food experience just waiting for your taste buds.

SWEET FARM TOURS Terese and Gerard Puglisi’s family have been growing sugar cane for more than 100years. With 4 generations of cane farming experience the Puglisi’s have a wealth of knowledge and passion for sustainability and innovation to share about their industry, “Sweet Farm Tours” Australia’s first cocoa and sugar cane farm experience on the Puglisi farm gives you the opportunity to experience ecotourism with passion.

One of the first things you will discover is that sugar cane is more than just a sweetener, with more than 100 different products being produced from this one crop.

Sugar cane globally accounts for the largest horticultural crop grown and was one of the largest founding industries in North Queensland for well over 100years. There is a lot of history and even more of a future for this crop.

The discoveries won’t stop there, Sweet Farm Tours is also a proud pioneer of cocoa growing in Australia an emerging Australia industry. You’ll be able to walk and learn every step involved from the growing and processing to produce one of North Queensland’s jewels– Daintree Estates Chocolate – yes, you’ll be able to taste their amazing chocolate yourself! You’re in for a sweet time at Sweet Farm Tours – I recommend booking ahead. w w w. s w e et f ar mtour s .co m S w e et Far m Tour s @ s w e et f ar mtour s

DAINTREE TEA While the art of sipping tea isn’t new, the way that the Daintree Tea Company does tea is! The Daintree Tea Company is located on the Cubbagudta Plantation, situated in the heart of the Daintree Wilderness and Rainforest area in Far North Queensland. The Plantation was established in 1978, by the Nicholas family, who still own and operate the business.

Daintree Tea pride themselves on producing pesticide free tea grown on the fertile soils of upper Daintree.

As more people from all over the world are discovering the pesticide free Daintree Tea, this black unblended pure Australian Tea has become more and more popular with people all over the world due to its excellence in taste and aroma.

As a self-proclaimed tea connoisseur, the flavour certainly is second to none and the aroma delightfully grounding. It is no wonder this tea is making waves around the world and is also used by other tea producers to boost their flavour and aroma.

Visit and take a taste of the Daintree home with you and remember your journey, with each cuppa!

daintr e ete a .co m . au D aintr e e Te a

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SCOMMAZON’S FARM STORE Scomazzon’s Farm Store is a family run business for over 25 years, situated roadside of the Mossman- Daintree Road at the base of their four generations family farm.

The Scommazon’s foundations as cane producers lead them to be one of the North Queensland’s pioneers of growing exotic tropical fruits.

The Scomazzon’s Farm Store has a range of their own seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as stocking a wide range of artisan local produce from other producers across the Far North.

It won’t take long to see the passion that the Scommazzon’s have for sourcing and producing the best produce available. You’ll be tempted with their seasonal exotic fruits, stocking up on other locally grown fruit and vegetables and walking away with a hot bag of taro chips.

It’s easy to see why this is a must stop for visitors and locals alike.

S co m a z zo n Fa r m i n g @ s co m a z zo n _ f a r m i n g

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Quinkan

DREAMING

TAMMIE MATSON | MATSON & RIDLEY SAFARIS

The enthusiastic cackling of bluewinged kookaburras heralds the start of a new day in the stringybark and grass-tree country, followed soon after by the lilting cry of a whistling kite. Mid-winter, it’s cool enough for a light coat in the early morning, before the inevitable warmth of the day comes. When the sun rises it comes quickly over towering sandstone cliffs. Caves and overhangs tucked in beneath the cliffs harbour a special secret – the ancient rock art of the Kuku-Yalanji clan who call this place home. This is Quinkan Country, part of the Laura basin and the gateway to the Cape York Peninsula, about 5-6 hours drive north-west of Cairns. There’s a sense of wilderness here that you don’t feel in many places, the kind that makes you want to just stop and breathe it all in.

I’m here with my family, husband Andy and kids, Solo and Shep (aged 10 and 6), and our host is local legend, Kuku-Yalanji guide, Johnny Murison. Johnny’s great grandmother Rosie Palmer hails from this very country, making him a traditional custodian of the land. It’s a responsibility he takes seriously. Being out here with Johnny feels like a real honour, not only because of his vast knowledge of his people’s history and culture, but also because he is a masterful and humorous storyteller and a supremely nice bloke to boot. His passion for sharing his country with young

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and old is obvious immediately and he bubbles with enthusiasm as he speaks about the way his people have lived in harmony with the land and continue to manage it for future generations through cultural burning, keeping the country healthy.

There’s nothing fake or put-on about this experience; with Johnny what you see is what you get.

I spot wattle flowering on the rough, 4x4-only drive in Johnny’s battered old Land Cruiser, a sign, he tells me, that it’s a good time for goannas and turtles. He tells us about the quinine tree and its use for medicine and encourages us to taste the bitter leaves. Handing around the hard pod of clothes peg grevillea tree, Johnny talks about its various traditional uses, from hanging items to dry to being used as a weapon in a sling shot.

Everywhere you look there is bush tucker and healthy country, and around us small, cool dry season fires smoke gently. This is the time of year to burn here before it gets too hot and fuel loads too high, Johnny explains, lighting up another dry tuft of grass nearby.

It crackles into flame, but spreads slowly.

The 20,000 year old Quinkan artworks are magnificent to both adult and childrens’ eyes, with scenes of animals such as wallabies, echidnas, jabirus, emus and bandicoots interspersed with the spiritual figures that are

the ‘Quinkans’. Johnny’s stories bring the ochre paintings alive in a way you simply couldn’t appreciate otherwise and you can’t help but feel a reverence similar to what you might feel in a thousand year old cathedral in Europe.

This region wasn’t always so peaceful. The Gold Rush of the 1870s brought thousands of European and Chinese miners into these sandstone escarpments in search of gold, leading to violent clashes with the local Indigenous people who fought – with great success – with spears flung from the vantage of elevated cliffs against the new arrivals’ guns.

There’s still gold in the sediments below the sandstone cap today for those who are willing to search hard enough for it. It’s not easy walking. On a steep, scrambling trek into the canyon in search of a cooling waterhole for a swim, we meet a mate of Johnny’s, prospector Tremaine and his partner Dawn, who proudly show us their hard-won findings for the day, a small handful of gold worth a few hundred dollars.

By the flickering campfire at night, we’re regaled by yarns about what life used to be like here for the Kuku-Yalanji in times gone by. When Johnny picks up his didgeridoo and plays, it resonates straight through you. This place, drawing in people of different cultures and ages, is a place of deep connection, awe and wonder. It’s a story writ large in the ancient rock art of this area. This is what it feels like to be transported to a land before time.

JOHNNY MURISON RUNS JARRAMALI ROCK ART TOURS AND IS BASED IN CAIRNS, QUEENSLAND. WWW.JARRAMALIROCKARTTOURS.COM.AU/TOURS DR TAMMIE MATSON IS A ZOOLOGIST, AUTHOR AND CEO OF MATSON & RIDLEY SAFARIS, OFFERING LIFE-CHANGING JOURNEYS IN AFRICA AND AUSTRALIA, BASED IN CAIRNS, QUEENSLAND.

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LAKE TINAROO HOLIDAY PARK GRAB YOUR SWAG, BOOK YOURSELF A CABIN OR DUST OFF THAT PRIZED CAMPER TRAILER AND REDISCOVER THE JOYS OF THE GOOD OLDFASHIONED HOLIDAY PARK.

WORDS: JOELEEN BETTINI

We often hear it’s the simple things in life that hold the most value. The same can be said for travel.

As a family of five, we look for different things than we once did.

Gone are the swanky restaurants and pumping poolside cocktail parties (although, we do really miss those parties!)

Now our focus is on open spaces and outdoor activities for the kids to counteract all that time spent indoors.

We look for opportunities to unplug and reconnect as a family unit and, better still, to explore this amazing region we are lucky enough to call home.

Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park is how we put the calm back into our otherwise manic lives, and we love that so many families throughout the region feel the same way.

And not just families with little ones. We have always been a popular stop on the Grey Nomad circuit, but now we’re seeing more multi-generational family groups checking in, as well as couples, younger travelers and a lot of friendship groups.

It seems everyone is searching for

the same thing – to strip it back, unwind and, for most of us, to take advantage of the many activities stunning Lake Tinaroo provides.

Here in the park, the children love the giant jumping pillow. A decent jumpy pillow is to children what caffeine is to grownups – satisfyingly addictive and impossible to resist, even on a full stomach.

And then, of course, there’s our sparkling resort-style pool, complete with toddler entry and children’s slide and just enough room at the far end of the pool for the adults to hide.

But the best part is the freedom for the children to ride around on their bikes and scooters, collecting friends along the way.

It harks back to a time when holiday parks were all about the people. When you would meet kindred spirits around the firepit, exchanging details and promises to see each other again – which, of course, you never did.

That was all part of the charm.

Wide, imperfect stretches of road and dirt pathways make for ideal riding tracks and prove popular among our pedal cart enthusiasts.

At just $10 for the hour, they’re a great way to add to the bank of fond memories the kids will take away without breaking the budget.

Families often hire a couple of peddle carts and head for the pristine concrete pathways of the Lake Tinaroo Foreshore to explore a little farther.

As a pet friendly park, the beloved family pooch is never far behind on these lakeside adventures.

Along the foreshore, two impressive playgrounds provide all the entertainment for the under 10s, while the park’s collection of watersport hire equipment is perfect for the big kids.

Priced from $10 an hour, our selection of kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards are perfect for getting everyone out on the water. Devices are soon forgotten when the lake starts calling.

Allie Chadburn from What’SUP Cairns offers guided stand-up paddle board lessons out of Playtpus Creek

exclusively to Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park guests.

A mere $60 will get you SUP hire plus a two-anda-half-hour guided tour, complete with all the SUP skills training you’ll need to look like a pro.

Groups with a boat love the convenience of the park’s location - just metres from the Church Street ramp - and the ease of setting up a day camp, ready for a marathon of wakeboarding, skiing and, more often than not, dragging a biscuit full of children around.

At the end of it all, it’s a short two-minute walk back to the luxury of hot showers and the campsite firepit or, if you’re really lucky, one of the park’s cosy cabins.

For families without a boat, the park hires out fishing dinghys that will get you to all the best spots to land that perfect Barra. Local’s tip - remember to head for the warmer patches out of the wind and along the grassy banks where the bait fish feed.

As the weather warms so too do your chances of catching a world-record-breaking fish, the kind that has put Tinaroo on the map with anglers across the globe.

At $110 for four hours in the Tinaroo Tinny, it’s money well spent and a great way to explore this world-class destination. For those partial to a bit of freshwater crayfish, there is plenty of red claw to be had. Remember, the deeper the hole, the more likely you will leave a happy camper.

Our quaint corner store is equipped with all the fishing essentials, so there’s really no excuse not to give it a crack. After all, when in Rome…

For guests chasing a little of the luxuries of home, our simple takeaway café is always ready to serve with steaming hot barista-style coffees, home-baked scones and good old-fashioned takeaway food on the menu – think rustic burgers and fish and chips.

Now, more than ever, as we take to exploring our own backyards, it seems our family is finding even greater joy in rediscovering the simple things in life and that could quite possibly be the one good thing to come out of 2020.

JOELEEN BETTINI IS A FREELANCE WRITER, MUM OF THREE AND A PART-OWNER OF LAKE TINAROO HOLIDAY PARK.

AT HOME LAURIE PRITCHARD | SMALL WORLD JOURNEYS

There’s no denying the travel restrictions due to COVID-19 have been difficult for local tourism business operators.

And as residents, our travel plans may have been disrupted.

But - on the bright side - as locals of the Far North, when it comes to places to be “stuck” during a global pandemic, there could be worse!

Oh, the strain of having to take holidays in our local region, enduring those harsh winter days with their blue skies and moderate temperatures, as we explore world class natural wonderlands. Come with me as I give my suggestions on what to do and where to go if you have 3 days, 5 days or 7 days to spend holidaying with friends or family.

7Days away DAY 1

Chuck the camping gear (and the kids!) into the car bright and early, and make the gentle climb up the Kuranda Range. At the top of the range, on the right side of the road, Rainforestation Nature Park will appear. The kids (and adults) will be offered a smorgasbord of fun activities including wildlife, Indigenous Culture and exploring the rainforest in an Army Duck.

It’s the perfect time to learn all about indigenous culture during the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and the kids will love learning how to throw a boomerang. Jump on board the amphibious Army duck as the knowledgeable guide reveals the secrets of the native flora and fauna. You’ll get up close and personal with kangaroos, dingoes, crocodiles, and of course, the two cuddly koala joeys that love meeting visitors Next stop is Kuranda Village, a short five minute drive from Rainforestation. You may know this tiny hamlet as the touristfilled end of Skyrail, but there are some remarkable gems to be found within the small village. The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is one of them, which boasts educational exhibits that can enchant even the most picky of kids. Friendly butterflies invoke a fairyland when they dance around you in the aviary, and will quickly

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fall in love with you if you’re sporting bright colours. Guides who are clearly jazzed about these creatures will make learning about them fun - whether it’s in the raising lab or the museum.

With both of these attractions being members of the CaPTA Group, you’d be wise to get your hands on the Annual Locals Pass, which will undoubtedly save some of your hard earned cash.

Beyond Kuranda, the rainforest quickly falls away to gum trees in Davies Creek. In Davies Creek and adjacent Dinden National Park, you can set up camp creekside and still feel blissfully cocooned from other campers. Spend the afternoon weaving through a web of trails - some singletrack - in Davies Creek mountain bike park or climbing to the top.

DAY 2 Get up early and

hearty hikers can tackle the 12.3km Kahlpalhim Rock circuit for panoramic views of the Lamb Range and out to the ocean. Or instead, pioneer your own route along the delightful Davies Creek itself, boulder hopping, swimming in rock pools and exploring with an end at the bottom of a magnificent tumbling waterfall.

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DAY 3

Back on the road again, stop at Mareeba’s Coffee Works. Breathing in the heavy and extravagant scent of roasted coffee beans when you enter is almost as good as drinking the coffee itself.

Could it be?

Unlimited coffee while you’re here (for a small fee) along with the velvety aroma of why your kids agreed to come here: chocolate!

Inside, it’s like little elves working inside the “Chocolaterie” to produce kids’ dreams - chocolate hearts, chocolate butterflies, and even chocolate pizza. Yes, pizza!

Saddle up again and head northwest to Chillagoe, which lies, quite literally, at the end of the road. Bitumen turns to red dirt, craggy limestone at the bluffs rise up to herald your arrival and you get a sense of a bygone era in this tiny outback town.

Old timer Tommy Prior, with his collection of antique Fords, war vehicles and other bric-a-brac at his Chillagoe petrol stationcum-museum, will joyfully let the kids rev the engines and inspect the innards of the vintage machinery.

Set up camp at the Eco-Lodge and Observatory, where the camp kitchen makes cooking meals a breeze. Watch the sun slip below the horizon in a crimson sky (something you can’t do in Cairns!)

Later, a billion stars appear, saturating the sky with twinkles.

This is surely a singular reason for coming here.

DAY 4

Be like miners and don some headlamps as you descend into the Royal Arch cave tour in Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park. Kids will love this cavernous labyrinth, which at one point opens up to a secret underworld cathedral, strategically lit to highlight the whimsical stalactites and phantasmal formations.

The rangers who lead this cave tour will be happy to treat you to a sensory deprivation tank encounter; they

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will extinguish torches and hush everyone up for the most d e l i c i o u s l y dark and silent experience you’ll ever have.

Nearby, Balancing Rock begs for the quintessential “Goliath-holdsboulder-up” photo, and the easy walk there provides plenty of hidey-holes and picture windows in the rock.

Back in town, several weirs make for ideal swimming holes, complete with rope swings. Come darkness, massive red kangaroos munch on the green grass of Chillagoe’s playing fields, oblivious to curious kids who have not yet become blasé about meeting Australia’s iconic wild creatures.

DAY 5

Heading south on the Ootan Road will provide a shortcut (albeit a bone-jarring one) through classic outback landscape to Mt Garnet, if your vehicle can handle it. Here in cattle country, a mammoth veggie burger comes as an unexpected surprise at Norwest Gate, one of Mt. Garnet’s few eateries that also doubles as a servo. Time your visit right, and you can catch the bull riders being flung every which way at the lively Mt. Garnett Rodeo.

Beyond Mt Garnet, heading east lies Innot Hot Springs, their mineral pools believed by some to have therapeutic qualities.

Although you can soak directly in Nettle Creek where the springs bubble up, fork out a few dollars to the park to get a resort-like experience and luxuriate in the six different sulphur-smelling pools, all of varying temperatures.

Set up camp either at the Innot Springs Caravan Park or at nearby Woodleigh Cattle Station, found between Mt Garnet and Ravenshoe.

tinker around in the old homestead or discover how the forward-thinking Wadell family is doing on their station to help improve water quality at the Reef, some 130 kilometres away.

DAY 7As

you hit the road again today, cross back over to the green side of the range and down the Palmerston Highway with a side trip to Paronella Park. Famous love story aside, Paronella feels like an Amazonian lost world - a series of once-elegant stone buildings, now taken over by a rich emerald jungle. Curvy paths snake among draping foliage, delicate microbats chatter and cling to the inside of the park’s “Tunnel of Love” and a fun suspension bridge spans Mena Creek right before it drops into swirling falls. On the way back to Cairns, make one final stop at Wooroonooran National Park where Josephine Falls spills down the slopes of Mt Bartle Frere. The

DAY 6 Woodleigh welcomes

families to camp on their property – a station so large you’ll never see your camping neighbours.

Lovingly run by Kate Wadell and her family for more than a century, the station offers riverside camping among the gumtrees. Your kids can check out their kids (their adorable baby goats, that is) and watch the cows being milked,

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slippery slide at the base of the falls into a natural plunge pool is irresistible, making even the grumpiest of adults squeal with glee. It is this oasis, only an hour and a bit from Cairns, that once again reminds us why we’re so fortunate to live here.

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among the wallabies and ponder why wombat poo is cubed. For kids who fancy a fascinating yet somewhat macabre look at prey and predator relationships, they will love watching crocs leap up to chow on chicken heads and demonstrate the “death roll” and pythons gobble mice whole in the Snake Show.

DAY

Most visitors to the main section of the Daintree beat a path to Cape Tribulation, but it would be wise to consider basing yourselves at Cow Bay’s Crocodylus. Although technically a hostel, Crocodylus is fully geared towards families.

A family of six can affordably and comfortably sleep in a wood and canvas safari-style tent complete with ensuite and mosquito nets.

A games room, swimming pool and (eyeroll, if they must!) computer with WiFi will keep the kids occupied while the total

5Days away

For a wonderful five-day getaway, first drive north to Hartleys Crocodile Adventures. Hartleys is less of a zoo, and more like a place where the animals welcome you to their world. Here, you can come close to the cassowaries, walk

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immersion in rainforest is a pleasant escape. This is the closest the kids will ever get to white lipped tree frogs and forest dragons.

Lounge in the croc-free swimming hole you can walk to, trace Jindalba Boardwalk’s route among ten minutes north to the simple yet intriguing Daintree Entomological Museum - an homage to everything creepy crawly. Sure, your kids know cockroaches (of which there are some giant ones here!) but have they ever met insects that look like leaves and peppermint sticks?

Beetle fans from all over the world apparently revere the owner Stephen, who, very impressively, has had several varieties of bugs named after him.

DAY

2

Today is a perfect day to tackle the challenge of a Mt. Sorrow Hike at Cape Tribulation. True, it’s a tangle of not appropriate for the little ones, but ascending 680 metres to the peak rewards you with superb views of the Daintree and out to the Great Barrier Reef. Bring some salt to sprinkle on the leeches, and quench the kids whining with the promise of a treat from the Daintree Ice Cream Company on the main road on the way back. The Daintree Ice Cream Company serves a medley of flavours in one cup, created from the organic fruit that is in season and growns on the property, like the black sapote

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(also known as“chocolate pudding fruit”), mangosteen and dragon fruit. Back at Crocodylus, you don’t have to cook tonight in the lodge’s self-contained kitchen they’ll prepare delectable dinners for you (and shhh! there’s a bar there too).

(and there’s a bar there too)

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Retrace your steps north to Cape Tribulation Village and the office of Ocean Safari. Yes, it’s a reef trip but it’s unlike ones you’ve done previously from Cairns or Port Douglas. There’s only a maximum of 24 other people on the boat, it takes only 25 minutes to get to the reef, and when you arrive - no one else is there! The water is consistently clear, a mosaic of colourful corals cling to massive bommies and green turtles love to hang out here.

DAY

5

Pack up and head home by crossing back over the Daintree River and heading to Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours at Cooya Beach, just north of Port Douglas.

Meet Linc and Brandon here, two Kuku Yalanji brothers, who will show your how their people have hunted and collected here for hundreds of years.

This is especially good for kids who think meat comes from the supermarket: they’ll be taught how to throw a spear and catch food the traditional way by hunting hunting for fish, mud crabs, mussels and other bush tucker among the mangroves. This is a muddy, hands-on adventure and a splendid way to learn about the Indigenous culture that’s been right under your nose.

DAY

3Days away Your three-day escape starts with an ascent of the Gillies Highway and making a loop in the Tablelands. First stop at the unassuming Malanda Visitors Centre, where the ridiculously friendly staff love your questions.

The kid-friendly, interactive exhibits include a rumbling volcano and virtual reality sightings of the local tree kangaroo (also known as mupee by the local Ngadjon-ji

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people) mupee by the local Ngadjon-ji people). Afterwards you can take a plunge in the river pools next to the Centre, or cross the road and wind through upland rainforest in search of the real mupee.

On occasion, a knowledgeable Ngadjon-ji guide is even on hand to lead you on the walk for a small fee.

Due to re-open soon, Malanda’s Majestic Theatre is perhaps the only place where your family can go out to the movies for a measly thirty bucks. The movies are new, the buttery popcorn is fresh, but the atmosphere is pure vintage. The old-timey theatre claims to be oldest running commercial theatre in Australia, and you can show up in your jammies with your own pillows and enjoy the show in canvas deck chairs.

From Malanda, head back north to Atherton. The Atherton Tablelands Holiday Park is a great option for families, and certainly has something to boast about. In addition to the regular holiday features like swimming pool, playground, laundry and WiFi, they have “eco” cabins built from recycled materials that are power and LED lights. The park has an ecotourism certification and their donations go to the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre which are just two of the numerous reasons to give them some love.

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The next day, consider a rolling adventure in the Atherton Mountain Bike Park. With trails boasting names such as “Ridgey Didge” and “Stairway to Heaven”, there are choices for all family members. Trails use a colour labelling system - a bit like snow skiing slopes - with green, blue and black runs categorised by their degree of The park will easily entertain you for at least half a day.

If you don’t have your own bikes, then Atherton Bike Hire has the goods to kit you up, and they even give you a free trail map with every hire. South of Atherton, Mt. Hypipamee regins as the holy grail for crepuscular (meaning dusk and dawn) and nocturnal wildlife spotters.

This high-altitude rainforest is the playground for

@KurandaButterflie s @KurandaButterflies

possums, cassowaries, lemuroids, gliders and tree kangaroos. If you choose to visit in the daytime, the Mt. Hypipamee volcanic pipe — or diatreme in geological parlance — is a giant pool topped with what looks like a big green pancake at the bottom of sheer granite walls. The kids can drop a rock in, wondering when it might hit the bottom because its depth ... no one knows.

Head south to Millaa Millaa Falls and if you get there before noon you’ll avoid the tourists - many of which you’ll find flipping their water-laden hair around, mimicking the famous commercial once filmed here. Yes, the falls are picturesque, but how many can you climb behind on bizarre octagonal-shaped basalt to see through to the other side?

It’s now lunchtime, and just a little further on is the family-run Mungalli “Out of the Whey” Cafe, where the makers of dairy delights go “whey” beyond organic. (Pun completely intended.) In the old farmhouse, you can peer through the viewing window to see where some of the magic happens. A bonus is they give you tastes of creamy yoghurts and cheeses that please the tastebuds, like Mango Tango and Quark.

Even lactose-free kids are catered for!

On the way back to Cairns, hang a left at Babinda and follow the road to the end which stops at lush

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Babinda Boulders. If you have brought an inner tube or anything anything floaty, you can do a lazy loop of the watercourse, dash down the pathway, down the pathway, and do it all over again.

And after experiencing these wonderous, adventurous, spectaclar places that tourists come from all around the world to see, you may just decide to visit them all, all over again.

LAURIE PRITCHARD IS MANAGING DIRECTOR AT SMALL WORLD JOURNEYS, A SPECTACULAR MULTI-AWARD WINNING EDUCATIONAL INBOUND TOUR COMPANY BASED IN CAIRNS. SHE IS ALSO AN EXCXEPTIONALLY GOOD HUMAN AND CONTRIBUTES SO MUCH OF HER TIME TO SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES AND CHARITIES. OASIS MAGAZINE IS ETERNALLY GRATEFUL FOR LAURIE’S ASSISTANCE IN COLLATING THIS TRAVEL EDITORIAL.

Lizard Island

RETURN TO PARADISE

Celebrated as one of the world’s most idyllic island retreats, Tropical North Queensland’s Lizard Island is all set to reopen on December 14 this year, after remaining closed for nine months due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Only a handful of staff have stayed on the remote island – the northernmost in the Great Barrier Reef and an hour’s flight from Cairns – to keep up maintenance and ensure the resort’s tropical gardens and beach-house style suites are ready for when guests return.

While the resort has been closed, the team has also been working on some new ideas offering an even more personally designed stay. From now on, guests will check in to the resort at Cairns and start planning their stay then, booking in spa treatments and private or guided experiences including a private luxury boat charter for fishing, snorkelling and diving on the reef.

Now, the team is busy ordering in local seafood, topgrade Queensland beef and tropical fruits for its new breakfast lunch and dinner menus, which are all included in the tariff along with drinks – from wines, beers and spirits to non-alcoholic juices and sodas.

There are just 40 suites dotted around the resort, each

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looking out to the beautiful turquoise waters of the Coral Sea and tropical gardens. This means the island is never crowed and guests and hop aboard a motorised dinghy to explore the Great Barrier Reef and find one the twenty private beaches to relax on foe the day. The resort can pack a gourmet hamper full of gourmet provisions and – and bubbles if desired – to take on the Treasure Islandstyle adventure.

Guests can explore remote snorkelling and diving spots on the inner and outer reefs where hundreds of vibrant fish and coral species thrive or retrace Captain Cook’s footsteps on the hike to Cook’s Look for panoramic views of the reef. A tour of the Australian Museum Lizard Island Research Station offers a fascinating insight into the current research and day-to-day conservation of Lizard Island’s incredible natural environment.

Recently voted Travel + Leisure’s top Australian resort in its acclaimed World’s Best Awards 2020 list, and then placing among the Top 20 resorts in the Australia Pacific region in the Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards for 2020, Lizard Island is the ultimate summer getaway and, after a year of travel restrictions, now is the perfect time for a real holiday treat.

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