Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

Internet: www.rydges.com                            

MEDIA INFORMATION                                                23 February 2009

MATCHES MADE IN HOTEL HEAVEN…RYDGES HELPS

TRADEY FIND A LADY

Lovelorn locals can forget Farmer Wants a Wife when they have their very own match-making event, Tradey Wants a Lady. 

Rydges Hotels and Resorts TNQ is proud to announce its partnership with Birch Carroll and Coyle and Hot FM Radio in this week’s match-making event “Tradey Wants a Lady”.

So far, five tradesmen from Mount Isa have been chosen to meet their match in Cairns over a week long event taking in radio broadcasts, touring, dinners and culminating in a two day getaway at Rydges Sabaya Resort in Port Douglas.

The five bachelors arrived in Cairns yesterday, Sunday 22 February, and for five nights will rest their heads in the ultimate luxury of a Rydges Plaza Cairns dream bed.  This evening, Monday 23 February they will be officially welcomed, and joined by their would-be girl friends, at a dinner in the newly refurbished Coral Hedge Brasserie at Rydges Esplanade Cairns.  By Friday they would have made the lady match of their choice in readiness for their two night getaway in Port Douglas.

Rydges Hotels Resorts TNQ’s Area General Manager, Simon White, said his company’s involvement is all about being a good community sport in the interests of fun.  “Rydges is a young and energetic hotel company and promotions like these have great synergies with what we are about – from both a corporate and visitor perspective,” he said.

Ends

For further information: Mr Simon White, Area General Manager Rydges Hotels Resorts TNQ Tel:  07 4044 9000.

Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

Internet: www.rydges.com                            

MEDIA INFORMATION                                                19 February 2009

          GFC NOT ALL GLOOM AND DOOM WITH GREAT OFFERS UP FOR GRABS AT RYDGES

When the going gets tough, the tough get creative.  While the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) is a harsh reality…it has also been the catalyst for some creative marketing and irresistible offers.    One such example is the evocative campaign entitled, “You don’t have to sleep with us to eat with us”, launched by Rydges Hotels & Resorts in Tropical North Queensland.

Kicking off on St Valentine’s Day, Rydges Hotels & Resorts new food and beverage campaign is designed to boost restaurant ‘covers’ while helping diner’s dollars go further with the added bonus of a free night’s accommodation and chance to win a holiday for two (including airfares) to idyllic Fiji.

 “You don’t have to sleep with us to eat with us” campaign runs until June 30, 2009 and encourages locals to dine in all four of the Rydges Hotels & Resorts Tropical North Queensland’s signature bar/dining outlets – Sakinah House at Rydges Sabaya Resort in Port Douglas, Lure Bar & Bistro at Rydges Plaza Cairns, e Bar at Rydges Tradewinds Cairns and Fire & Ice Buffet at the Coral Hedge Brasserie, Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns.  In return, diners will qualify for a free night’s accommodation and the chance to win a five night holiday for two including airfares, accommodation, and full buffet breakfast at Rydges Hideaway Resort in Fiji.

A collector card will be presented to diners throughout the qualifying period of February 14th 2009 through to 30th June 2009.  This card is obtained when guests spend a minimum of $100 at participating establishments.  Once a person dines at all four participating establishments and collects all four collector cards they will automatically receive a free night’s accommodation at the participating Rydges Hotels & Resort of their choice and will be entered into the grand prize draw to Fiji.

Ends

For further information: Owen Ealdon, Food & Beverage Manager, Rydges Sabaya Resort- tel: 07 4099 8900 or owen_ealdon@rydges.com

rer-executive-chef-appointment-jan-09-pr1 

Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

Internet: www.rydges.com/esplanadecairns                        

MEDIA INFORMATION                                                        19 February  2009

ESTEEMED EXECUTIVE CHEF ADDS

INTERNATIONAL FLAIR TO CAIRNS DINING SCENE

Francis Luzinier has been appointed executive chef Rydges Esplanade Resort and area executive chef overseeing sister properties, Rydges Tradewinds Cairns, Rydges Southbank Townsville and Rydges Gladstone.

Mr Luzinier will takes up his position at the helm of Rydges Esplanade Resort’s kitchen brigade this month after relocating from Townsville where he has held the position of Executive Chef at Rydges Southbank Townsville for the past two years.

In announcing his appointment today, Area General Manager of Rydges Hotels Resorts TNQ, Simon White said Mr Luzinier would join the resort as it finalises a significant refurbishment program to its signature restaurant, Coral Hedge Brasserie.

“We are delighted that we will begin 2009 with a new venue that will be showcased to its best effect with a chef of Luzinier’s quality and capability.  Francis’ food is incredible and he will be a valued addition for both our guests and the Cairns dining scene ,” said Mr White.

An experienced professional with in excess of 25 years international experience, Luzinier is highly regarded for his passion when it comes to food preparation and service.  As a testament to his craft, his list of Restaurant and Caterer’s Awards in 2008 alone include Best Formal Dining and Best Steakhouse for Southbank Grill Townsville, Best Corporate Caterer and Best Wedding Caterer for Southbank Convention Centre.  Add to this, his winning apprentices, Reece Purdie (2^nd year) and Cassandra Blyth taking home respective accolades, Award of Excellence for School Based Apprentice and Apprentice of the Year 2008.

In his career, Francis has travelled extensively and prior to his position at Rydges Southbank Townsville, spent four years in India managing the kitchens of both the Intercontinental Hotel – The Grand – New Delhi and Renaissance Hotel and Convention Centre, Mumbai.

No stranger to Cairns, or indeed, the Australian hotel industry, Mr Luzinier has worked in some of the country’s best kitchens and restaurants over a period of some 20 years including a two year posting at the Radisson Hotel at the Pier in Cairns (now Shangri-la Marina Hotel) in the early nineties.

Francis says he embraces the challenges of his new role and overseeing the operations of not only Rydges Esplanade, but those of Rydges Tradewinds, Rydges Southbank and Rydges Gladstone as well.

“I am look forward to my return to the tropical north and bringing with me, my passion and flair for fabulous food.  A little bit French, a little bit modern Australian – I trust you will enjoy – bon appetite,” he said.

Ends

For further information:

Mr Simon White, Area General Manager Rydges Hotels Resorts TNQ Tel:  07 4044 9000.

Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

Internet: www.paradisepalms.com.au

MEDIA RELEASE                     WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2009

FIRST GUESTS BOOK IN TO PARADISE PALMS’ NEW GOLF COURSE ACCOMMODATION

First Guests Stephan and Maryanne Dandrea are welcome by General Manager of Vision Hotels and Resorts, Craig Biber

Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club opened its doors yesterday with the arrival of first guests who booked in at the 4.5 star, 96-room golf course accommodation for a week’s rest and relaxation.

Yesterday Vision Hotels and Resort’s general manager Craig Biber officially welcomed the resort’s first guests, Stephan and Maryanne Dandrea from Greenvale in Victoria on Tuesday February 17.

The couple, who have visited the region before and were keen to return for some much needed r ‘n’ r,  booked their holiday in Tropical North Queensland online.

 Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club – Hotel Room pictured

To celebrate the opening, Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club is offering a special of $99 per night (some conditions apply), for travel until September 30 and do not include housekeeping services.

Developed at a cost of $20 million by HS Vision Group, Paradise Palms’ resort accommodation provides guests with their own exclusive precinct and private access to a range of quality recreation/resort facilities set within tropical gardens and swimming pools.

Guests will enjoy close access to the clubhouse’s newly opened 59 Restaurant and Bar, pro-shop, conference centre and the 18-hole golf course. The facilities will be further expanded to include a day spa, health club, 2000sq. m themed children’s playground and mini golf.

ends

For further information:

Craig Biber, General Manager – Vision Hotels and Resorts

Tel: 07 40539 468  Mob: 0439 003114    E: cbiber@visionhotelsandresorts.com

Rosie Douglas , Director of Sales and Marketing – Vision Hotels and Resorts

Tel: 07 40539 485  Mob:0417 750 540    E: rdouglas@visionhotelsandresorts.com

 ppcc-paradise-palms-resort-welcomed-first-guests-18-feb-09-pr

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       Paradise                    MEDIA INFORMATION

         Concerts

Transport yourself to the magic of classical music- here in Paradise

________________________________________________________________________________

STARRY STARRY NIGHT LAUNCHES FIFTH SEASON OF PARADISE CONCERTS

Cairns, Tropical North Queensland, Tuesday 17 February 2009. Paradise Concerts will celebrate the launch of its fifth season on Saturday 7 March at Kewarra Beach Resort and Port Douglas’ Clink Theatre on Sunday 8 March with a glittering musical soiree entitled Starry Starry Night featuring international piano soloist, Clemens Lesky.   He will be joined by British tenor Kim Kirkman, famous as the founder and lead tenor of the Ten Tenors, violinist, Kirtley Leigh Paine and horn player, Mark Paine.

MEDIA CALL:    FRIDAY 6 MARCH AT 10.30AM AT KEWARRA BEACH RESORT

Members of media welcome to attend brief meet and greet with international musicians who are especially visiting Cairns and the far north to perform in Paradise Concerts’ inaugural soiree of its seven concert season.  A short performance will take place to whet the appetite of music lovers throughout the region who may wish to attend the event/s held over the weekend.

Pip Miller PR    Tel: 07 4032 4400          Mob: 0419 681543

According to artistic director of Paradise Concerts, Kirtley Leigh Paine, there are seven concerts in this year’s series – all of which will entail two consecutive nights – the first at Kewarra Beach Resort and a repeat concert at the Clink Theatre, Port Douglas; each with luminaries of the classical world as soloists and chamber musicians.

“Stars will provide the magical and mystical symbol of this year’s anniversary series celebrating five years of international classical music in the tropical north.  The theme of our program, “Hear the Stars, a Galaxy of Stars….”  Is destined to provide music lovers with a feast of entertainment that will differs from previous years with the introduction of a two night program at new venue’s Kewarra Beach Resort and Clink Theatre.

“We are thrilled to have the support of both new venues and with it, the opportunity of showcasing the joy of classical music performed by the best in the world,” said Ms Paine. This year there is a true galaxy of classical stars lined up, and many musical highlights,” said Leigh.

For the opening recital gala, Starry Starry Night, celebration is both in the air and in the music chosen to mark the Paradise Concert’s fifth anniversary series launch.  The performance will be officially opened by Mayor of Cairns Regional Council, Councillor, Val Schier in Cairns and by Cairns Regional Councillor, Julia Leu in Port Douglas. The international quartet of stars will perform music from such varied composers as Vaughan Williams, Britten, Schubert, Scarlatti and Lizst, with the different combinations of piano, voice, horn, and violin explored.

One lucky concert-goer will catch a star of their own, in the form of a specially-created diamond and south-sea pearl necklace by master jeweler/craftsman Rowe Design, donated for auction at Kewarra Beach Resort to  set the mood, and to sponsor Paradise Concert’s in procuring star musicians for future concerts.

Other sponsors of the 5^th Anniversary year are Budget Rent a Car, Quantaslink, Create Design, Arts Nexus, and Pip Miller PR.

Mrs Paine says there will also be an unveiling of a very special gift to Paradise Concerts, so surprises are in store.  Starry Starry Night, indeed!”

Tickets Saturday March 7^th

Venue: Kewarra Beach Resort -  5pm drinks 6pm concert

Available from TICKETLINK

www.ticketlink.com.au 1 300 855 835

Tickets Sunday March 8^th

Venue: Clink Theatre 6:30pm

Re:hab café Macrossan St, Port Douglas, Goodies cafe in Mossman and also at door

Starry Starry Night – Background Information

The music of Schubert will be a featured highlight, as tenor Kim Kirkman (pictured at left ) and pianist Clemens Lesky join forces for the first time ever on stage to bring the timeless beauty of Schubert’s song cycle, Die schöne Müllerin, to life.

The story sung is one of love yearned for from afar, as a young man sets his sight on the unattainable Miller’s daughter- set to the exquisite poems of German writer, Müller.  Also amongst the musical highlights are special classical works for the dramatic combination of horn, piano and tenor by Britten and Schubert. The two concert evenings also contain magical music for violin and voice by that most quintessential British composer, Vaughan Williams.

Visiting luminary pianist Clemens Lesky (pictured at left) is a star in every sense. His meteoric career as one of Australia’s most distinguished pianists is firmly established. He has been concerto soloist with all of Australia’s symphony orchestras and is a former student of Alfred Brendel. He studied at the Juilliard School, New York, regularly appeared at Lincoln Center, and won numerous prizes and awards. Leske has performed with the Australian String Quartet, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Moscow Virtuosi and at such festivals as the Barossa International, Huntington, Spring and Adelaide. He was recently soloist with the Bangkok Symphony for the King of Thailand’s birthday concert, and with the Sydney Symphony performing the Tchaikovsky concerto, to great acclaim. Leske has released three discs of solo piano and chamber music and has recorded extensively for Australian radio stations ABC-FM, 2MBS and 5UV. In May 2005 Leske gave his London debut in the Royal Festival Hall, performing Rachmaninov’s First Piano Concerto with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. He is currently Associate Lecturer in Ensemble Studies and is a member of the Keyboard Faculty at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Upcoming engagements include appearances this year with the Sydney Symphony, as well as a 2010 national tour with the successful stage show “Steinway Spectacular“.

Joining Mr. Leske on stage will be the equally brilliant British tenor, Kim Kirkman.  Kim arrived in Mackay mid 2004 from London to teach voice at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music.  Kim became musical director and member of The Ten Tenors. Having a very varied career, he has conducted many choirs, orchestras and mixed ensembles in Australia and overseas, as well as working as a script-writer, administrator, composer and teacher.  Kim has sung with Opera Queensland, the Victorian State Opera and companies overseas. He currently sings with A Class Act in Brisbane and performs many concerts with Formidable, his newest opera-crossover group,” she said.

Violinist Kirtley Leigh Paine (pictured at left) and horn player Mark Paine will join these stars on stage to welcome the 2009 audiences to a concert with real classical star-power, the first of many special evenings over the year.

For details and a full schedule, www.paradiseconcerts.com or email: leighwpaine@yahoo.com  tel: 07 4038 1960 mob: 0439 763 810

Ends

Issued by:        Pip Miller PR               Tel: 07 4032 4400     Mob: 0419 681543

_____________________________________________________________________________

Kirtley Leigh Paine                                                                   Artistic Director and Solo Violin

189-191 Upper Stanton Rd.  Smithfield Heights   Queensland 4878

Telephone 07 4038 1960   Mobile 0439 763810

             www.paradiseconcerts.com                                                                  leighwpaine@yahoo.com

_______________________________________________________________________________

MEDIA INFORMATION                                      Monday 16 February 09

BRIDES FLOCK TO PARADISE PALMS FOR INAUGURAL WEDDING EXPO

Left: Celebrant, Vivien Reid and Kathy Macdonald from Chocolate Sensations

Centre: Wedding Expo Coordinators from Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club, Danielle Diacos and Stephanie Archer

Right: Visitor, Susan Miller and Celebrant, Barbie Anderson

Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club’s wedding expo coordinator, Danielle Diacos has declared Sunday’s inaugural wedding expo an unprecedented success.

Attracting some 400 visitors through the door of Paradise Palms’ Clubhouse, of which an astounding 200 were brides-to-be, Ms Diacos said the event was extremely popular despite worries that inclement weather would keep people away.

“All of our 25 exhibiting suppliers were thrilled with the roll up and the opportunity it provided to set up good business for the forthcoming year.  While the highlight of the day was our bridal fashion parade from “Say I Do…Wedding Gowns”, we were also delighted to confirm several weddings while fielding serious enquiry from  prospective brides and their families,” she said.

All intended brides who visited Sunday’s expo were automatically entered into the draw to win a honeymoon on Hamilton Island.  The lucky winners are Kellie Noller and Ryan Bartlett who will tie the knot at Paradise Palms on 29 August 2009.

For information:           Rosie Douglas, Director of Sales and Marketing
Vision Hotels and Resorts M: 0417 750 540 | P: 07 4053 9485 | E: rdouglas@visionhotelsresorts.com

Issued by:                    Pip Miller PR    Tel: 07 4032 4400 / 0419 681543 or email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

Internet: www.rydges.com/esplanadecairns                        

MEDIA INFORMATION                                      13 February  2009

THE NEXT GENERATION OF GENERAL MANAGERS MEET IN CAIRNS

From left: Mentoring the next generation of hotel managers….Corporate Cadet,  Joseph Amerio,  Area General Manager of Rydges Hotels and Resorts TNQ, Simon White and Corporate Cadet, Kirsten Weber

On Thursday 12 February, a gathering of ‘up and coming’ hotel managers joined Rydges Hotels & Resorts in locations throughout Queensland locations as Corporate Cadets of the company’s Graduate Program.  The  eight Queensland based Cadets started their career rolling, by participating in a two day induction conference at Rydges Esplanade Resort, Cairns on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 February, 2009.

According to Simon White, Area General Manager of Rydges Hotels & Resorts TNQ, the company’s Graduate Program has been established for over 15 years and has been highly successful in developing future managers within the group. 

“In Cairns, our recently appointed General Manager of Rydges Plaza, Andrew Cleverley started his career as a corporate cadet some five years ago,” he said.

Rydges Hotels & Resorts Graduate Program is a  hands-on, 18 month syllabus that focusses on developing a range of technical and supervisory competencies.  Upon successful completion of the program, the cadet will be appointed to a position that reflects both his or her desired career direction and the group’s needs.  The program allows motivated individuals who are passionate about a career in Hotels to certainly ‘fast track ‘their career. 

Throughout their program cadets are appointed a mentor within their property and must complete a detailed log book, documenting competencies and departmental reports.  They will also undertake a range of projects and be actively involved in a range of activities throughout their training.

Rydges Hotels & Resorts receives approximately 600 applications each year; recruiting through tertiary institutions, online advertisements and internally within the group.  Queensland based applicants reaching the interview stage, initially attend an interview with Sandra Martin, Area Training & Development Manager, QLD in Cairns.  Successful candidates are then short listed to attend an interview with the General Manager of each respective hotel. 

In addition to the eight Corporate Cadets joining Rydges Hotels & Resorts Queensland properties, up to five food and beverage cadets will be appointed within Queensland in March 2009. 

Ends

For further information:

Mr Simon White, Area General Manager Rydges Hotels Resorts TNQ Tel:  07 4044 9000.

MEDIA RELEASE

Publicity enquiries:

Pip Miller PR

Ph:  7 4032 4400 Mob: 0419 681543                    Issue Date: Sunday 15 February, 09

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

BAKING UP A TREAT FOR BUSHFIRE RELIEF

On Tuesday 17 February, 09 between 8 and 10.30am, the team at Cairns Colonial Club Resort will hold a fundraising ‘cake stall’ to benefit victims of Victoria’s bushfire tragedy.

Guests, and the general public are welcome to buy the baked goodies which have been kindly cooked and donated by staff and the resort’s own kitchen brigade.

The Cairns Colonial Club Resort’s Sales Manager and Cake Stall convener, Cherie Glare says when it comes to fundraising, ‘let them eat cake’.  Cherie has harnessed the humanitarian spirit of her team who have promised to bake, bake, bake between now and Tuesday to ensure loads of sweet treats are available to purchase – all in the effort of an extremely worthy cause.

“Last week’s tragedy has resonated throughout the hearts and homes of Australian people and here at the Cairns Colonial Club Resort we were keen to get involved in a small but positive way to help the massive relief effort,” she said.

Ends

For further information,

Cherie Glare, Sales Manager MICE
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Tel: +61 7 4053 8815

E: mice@cairnscolonialclub.com.au

rcomb-drift-opens-for-valentines-day-feb-09MEDIA RELEASE                                    MONDAY FEBRUARY 9, 2009

BEACHFRONT SPA OPENS AT MISSION BEACH

Dinner, wine, a luxurious resort room and a spa treatment with your partner as you relax and enjoy island views – Valentine’s Day doesn’t get any more romantic than this.

Only 20m from the white sands of Mission Beach and boasting an uninterrupted view of Dunk Island and the Coral Sea, Drift Spa at the award-winning Castaways Resort and Spa has opened just in time for Valentine’s Day.

The ultimate environment for total relaxation and rejuvenation, Drift Spa offers in-house guests and visitors the full spectrum of luxury spa treatments and skincare solutions using Li’Tya products.

It is the only day spa in Mission Beach with a fully qualified team, who will pamper you using exclusive products from Li’Tya’s range of native plant botanicals – what better way to treat your partner and yourself on Valentines Day.

To celebrate the opening of Drift Spa, Castaways (managed by Rydges Hotels and Resorts) has all-inclusive packages starting at $500 per couple for the Valentine’s Day weekend.

Check in to your sea view resort room, a bottle of sparkling wine will be waiting for you to enjoy on your balcony, while you admire the uninterrupted view of Dunk Island and the Coral Sea.

Enjoy a three course meal in the resort’s award-winning Cblu restaurant, then wake up to a buffet breakfast, before indulging with a massage treatment at Drift Spa.

The opening of Drift Spa continues the major revamp of Castaways Resort and Spa which last year underwent a $1 million upgrade of its award-winning accommodation.

The Resort unveiled its state-of-the-art conference facility, Palms, opened a new fitness centre, updated its lobby to make the most of the idyllic beach and ocean views, and refreshed Castaways’ signature restaurant, Cblu, with a new fit-out.

The comprehensive upgrade of Castaways’ accommodation included installation of plasma televisions, Rydges’ exclusive Dream Beds, new bathroom fittings and soft furnishings.

Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

cairnseye-4-feb-wedding-fashion