Pip Miller PR

Sharks have a feeding frenzy on Festival Fun

MEDIA RELEASE                                                 16 June 2009

FESTIVAL CAIRNS 2009 – TELLING OUR STORIES

-100 % Locally Coordinated-

Top national celebrities and entertainers will headline the annual celebration of our tropical lifestyle in this year’s revamped Festival Cairns which boasts an outstanding mix of events, exhibitions and projects – all 100 per cent locally coordinated.

Gary Mehigan from television’s Masterchef, the Saltwater Band with Geoffery Gurrumul Yunipingu and Manuel Dhurrkay, Blue King Brown, Katchafire, Tex Perkins, Hilltop Hoods, Grace Knight, Christine Anu and Grinspoon are just some of the much-loved entertainers joining the line-up of vibrant performances, intriguing arts and fun family events.

Following extensive community consultation, Festival Cairns 2009 will draw on the city’s unique culture and environment this year to create a Festival that stands out from all others – a Festival that tells our stories.

Telling Our Stories is the theme for Festival Cairns 2009 which kicks off on Friday August 21 with the inaugural Cairns Indigenous Art Fair. Three weekends are incorporated into the Festival’s 16 action-packed days culminating with the 20^th anniversary celebrations of Carnival on Collins on Sunday September 6.

Launching Festival Cairns this morning, Cairns Mayor Val Schier announced the website www.festivalcairns.com.au was now live (Tuesday, June 16) so the public could start planning their participation in Tropical North Queensland’s most significant annual celebration.

“For the past 47 years Cairns has held a festival to celebrate our culture, unique tropical lifestyle, talents and multicultural diversity. This year we have taken Festival Cairns back to its community roots under the direction of the Cairns Regional Council to ensure a reinvigorated program with a comprehensive line-up of free and ticketed events combining art, music, dance, film and large public events,” she said.

“With this Festival we can differentiate ourselves from the rest of the world because let’s face it – this is best place in the world to be and we have a unique history and culture that makes it even more exciting.

“I am pleased to say we have achieved our aims by keeping Festival Cairns 2009 community-focused with a great percentage of the program taken up with local content. Also, we have managed to attract top entertainers and celebrities who will add national appeal to our unique event.

“Festival Cairns 2009 highlights grass roots creativity with new projects such as Night Light–Short Films in the City where locally-produced silent films are projected on to the city’s walls, floors and interesting spaces, while popular events such as the Cairns Amateurs Racing Carnival retain the high national profile of the Festival.”

Festival Cairns Coordinator Belinda Griffin said the theme Telling Our Stories had been beautifully realised with the inaugural Cairns Indigenous Art Fair shaping up to be one of the largest regional indigenous art fairs in Australia.

“It’s such an honour for us to have the best in contemporary and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists exhibiting during a major symposium involving indigenous artists, industry professionals, academics, activists, students, collectors and media. The events’ concert program brings together the Aurukun Songmen, King Kadu (Ricardo Idagi) and the Ariu Poenipan dancers from Saibai Island in the Torres Strait, Will Kepa, Uncle Seaman Dan, Zennith and the brilliant Christine Anu.

“The opening weekend of Festival Cairns will be a big one as the crowd-pleasing action begins immediately this year with the Grand Parade moved to the first Saturday. Attracting more than 35,000 people, the Grand Parade promises to be even more spectacular this year with creative direction from Scott Maidment and his team who are responsible for Adelaide’s Fringe Festival parade.”

Following the parade and fireworks, the Saltwater band featuring Geoffery Gurrumul Yunipingu will headline The Tropic Wave Festival. This will be their first Queensland performance after a successful European tour. The free event showcases the multicultural diversity of the region through a lifestyle market featuring delicious food stalls, performances and cultural wares.

These popular events are just some of many free, family fun events in the Festival Cairns program including a beach party at the Esplanade Lagoon with a “dive-in movie” on a giant inflatable screen and performances from Australia’s top five street entertainers in the Ergon Professional Busking Festival.

Father’s Day favourite, Carnival on Collins celebrates 20 years with something for everyone in the grand finale for Festival Cairns 2009. There will be stalls galore along Collins Avenue and around the Cairns Botanical Gardens. The Tanks Bung Wall will be dedicated to multicultural food, music, national dress and dance, there will be an acoustic stage, rides for the kids and much more.

Throughout the city, the hub sites of Market Square, The Esplanade and City Place will have free entertainment every day of the festival, whether it’s a brightly painted piano on the street ready for anyone to play, a chess tournament or a roving ukulele player.

Foodie events have reached celebrity status this year with charismatic chef Gary Mehigan, best known as the judge from TV’s Masterchef, giving free cooking demonstrations with local produce at The Pier’s Farmgate Markets. A ticketed lunch for a menu of Gary’s creation will also be held.

Palm Cove comes alive with the inaugural Taste of Palm Cove. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Coral Sea,  Palm Cove restaurants will be offering  “brunch & lunch” with a selection of fresh and vibrant tropical tastes or refresh the beach baby in you with mini spa treatments to soothe the soul.

For music fans there’s the TimeOUT Concert featuring Hilltop Hoods and Grinspoon, Reggaetown with headliners Blue King Brown and Katchafire, Endorphin at the 10^th Anniversary Illumination Party, while Australia’s most unique venue, the Tanks Arts Centre, offers a kaleidoscope of music from former Cruel Sea front man Tex Perkins to the mesmerising Grace Knight for an evening of Jazz up North.

The rich visual arts of Tropical North Queensland are a vibrant part of Festival Cairns with exciting exhibitions from artists, school children and the community showcased at venues including Cairns Regional Gallery, KickArts and the Tanks Arts Centre. The Reef & Rainforest: Keep it Cool exhibition is a selection of posters celebrating World Environment Day from North Queensland students, while the recently launched Djumbunji Press KickArts Fine Art Printmaking Studio has curated an exhibition showcasing its works.

Theatre fans will enjoy the Cairns Choral Society’s production of Miss Saigon, budding writers get to explore the Festivals theme Telling Our Stories at the Tropical Writers Literary Lunch or unleash a torrent of tongue twisters at the Australian Poetry Slam.

As event manager of Festival Cairns 2009, Cairns Regional Council gratefully acknowledges the support of major sponsors Arts Queensland, Queensland State Government and Ergon Energy.

Ends

For more information:

Belinda Griffin, Festival Cairns Coordinator 

T: 07 4044 3593 M: 0407 966 530 E: festival@cairns.qld.gov.au

www.cairns.qld.gov.au  www.festivalcairns.com.au

Issued by:

Pip Miller PR                

T: 07 4032 4400 M: 0419 681543  E: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

www.pipmillerpr.com.au

Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

MEDIA INFORMATION                                                               12 June 2009

            PUMP N PEDALS DONATION ENSURES POLICE ON

BOARD FOR FESTIVAL FUN RIDE

With shoes and helmets kindly donated by Pump n Pedals, Cairns’ Police Bike Squad have confirmed they will escort children and families taking part in Sea FM’s Give Me 5 for Kids bike ride.  Add to that,  free bike-safety checks and theft prevention engraving for locals attending the Subway Cairns Festival of Sport on Sunday 21 June 09.

The 16 km ride will start from Fogarty Park at 12 noon and take in the city’s waterfront, promising an energetic and fun afternoon for all who participate.

Chairperson of Subway Cairns Festival of Sport organising committee, Malcolm Robertson said that while Sea FM’s Give Me 5 for Kids bike ride is just one of many family oriented events on the day, it deserves special mention in its support of local fundraising campaign, FNQ Hospital Foundation.

“ We are also delighted to have the Police Bike Squad on board thanks to our event partner, Pump n Pedals who have kindly donated their required cycling equipment (shoes and helmets) to the value of $2000,” he said.

Event & Activities Schedule

7am:                Sportscene Ocean Swim (1 km)

8am:                Pump n Pedals Coral Coast Triathlon & Cairns Crocs Short Course Triathlon

11am:              Pak Mag Kid’s Triathlon

12 Noon:          Sea FM Give me 5 for Kids Bike Ride (16 km)

12noon – 5pm:            Community Sport and Recreation Expo and Demos

1pm:                NQ Sports Foundation Cycling Criterium

3.30pm:           Your Fitness 2.5km Fun Run

4pm:                Your Fitness 10km Fun Run

All Day:            Kids Entertainment, food stalls, Tug of War

Loads of Giveaways and Sea FM Broadcasting live   

For more information go to www.sportsfest.com.au

Ends

Contact:

Cairns Regional Council, Inner City Facilities, Marketing and Promotions

Simone Roseler

P: 07 4044 3715 | F: 07 4044 3759 Mob: 0418 699 028

E: s.roseler@cairns.qld.gov.au

Sporting Showcase a Free Family Day of Fun - Sunday 21 June 09

Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

MEDIA INFORMATION                                                                    16 June 2009

CAIRNS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN SPORTING SHOWCASE

Sporting Showcase an all-ages affair in Fogarty Park and Cairns Esplanade

for Festival of Sport

The joy of sport will be showcased at this year’s Subway Cairns Festival Sport in an action-packed afternoon of demonstrations and displays in Fogarty Park.

Between noon and 5pm on Sunday 21 June, Cairns and its community is called to action as some 15 different sporting groups converge on Fogarty Park to promote their sport through a dynamic combination of displays and demonstrations.  Add to this, a lively program of free entertainment and activities that include a jumping castle for the kids, food stalls, tug of war, live band and loads more…and the ultimate family day out is ready for the taking.

According to event organiser, Simone Roseler of Cairns Esplanade’s inner-city facilities, the Festival’s Community  Sport and Recreation Expo is one of the day’s highlights and is designed to give people a better idea of sport and the range of sports available to people of all ages and fitness levels.

“This expo encapsulates the ‘a to z’ of sport in this town in an intensive, fun-filled afternoon that promises great spectacle while finding out more.

“This year’s festival is not just about elite competitors in a challenge of the fittest, it is also very much focused on the health and wellbeing of this community.  Our fun run training program leading into the event, along with this expo, are all about shedding light on the joys of getting out and about and fit.  And there’s not a better place to get started than our very own esplanade precinct,” she said.

Some of the sports showcased on the day include AFL, Rugby League, Union, Touch and Soccer football codes, athletics, baseball, cycling, dance, gymnastics, roller blading, netball, surf lifesaving, softball, tennis and vigoro to name just a few.

Event & Activities Schedule

7am:                Sportscene Ocean Swim (1 km)

8am:                Pump n Pedals Coral Coast Triathlon & Cairns Crocs Short Course Triathlon

11am:              Pak Mag Kid’s Triathlon

12 Noon:          Sea FM Give me 5 for Kids Bike Ride (16 km)

12noon – 5pm:            Community Sport and Recreation Expo and Demos

1pm:                NQ Sports Foundation Cycling Criterium

3.30pm:           Your Fitness 2.5km Fun Run

4pm:                Your Fitness 10km Fun Run

All Day:            Kids Entertainment, food stalls, Tug of War

Loads of Giveaways and Sea FM Broadcasting live   

For more information go to www.sportsfest.com.au

Ends

Contact:

Cairns Regional Council, Inner City Facilities, Marketing and Promotions

Simone Roseler

P: 07 4044 3715 | F: 07 4044 3759 Mob: 0418 699 028

E: s.roseler@cairns.qld.gov.au

Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

JOIN BOB THE BIGGEST LOSER

MEDIA CALL

Media photo opportunity: Join Bob the Biggest Loser as he limbers up for a full day of fun and fitness at Subway Cairns Festival of Sport

When:  Friday 19 June 09 – 1pm

Where: Cairns Esplanade (meet at inner-city facilities)

Contact:   Simone Roseler at Inner-City Facilities on 0418 699 028 or

Pip Miller PR 0419 681543 or Liz Inglis 0419 643 494

MEDIA RELEASE                                                                   16 June 2009

With just two days until Subway Cairns Festival of Sport gets underway, locals are invited to join Bob the Biggest Loser 2009 at this all fun, fitness party.  This weekend,  Bob will try out his slimmed down frame as the celebrity competitor in Sunday’s Coral Coast Triathlon  and later, motivating participants in 2.5km and 10 km fun runs.

After shedding a record breaking 87.6kg to win the latest Biggest Loser series, Bob Herdsman will return to Cairns to prove mere mortals can follow in the footsteps of elite athletes by joining in some of the fun family events at the annual sports fest.

So if you’ve ever fancied yourself completing a triathlon or just want to get the kids involved in a fun family bike ride, register now for the Cairns Crocs Short Course Triathlon or have the whole family join in the Sea FM Give Me Five For Kids Fun Ride.

“While the likes of Coral Coast Triathlon legends Neil Parker and Adrian Kuhne train throughout the year to maintain their competitive edge in Australia’s first and longest running Olympic Distance Triathlon, it’s not too late for the rest of us,” Festival spokeswoman Keri Frecklington said.

“Professional trainers from Your Fitness have been running free Couch to K classes on Tuesdays at 7am and Thursdays at 5.30pm and will continue to do so, right up until the Cairns Esplanade Festival of Sport on June 21.

“The classes proudly sponsored by the Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation and the Cairns Regional Council’s Esplanade Fun Free Fitness Program have been extremely popular, attracting up to 30 participants at a time, were designed to get couch potatoes fit, focus on improved running techniques, stretching and strengthening.

Festival of Sport is on Sunday June 21 from 7.30am to 7pm. See the website for specific event times and to register. Costs vary for each event.

Event & Activities Schedule

7am:                Sportscene Ocean Swim (1 km)

8am:                Pump n Pedals Coral Coast Triathlon & Cairns Crocs Short Course Triathlon

11am:              Pak Mag Kid’s Triathlon

12 Noon:          Sea FM Give me 5 for Kids Bike Ride (16 km)

12noon – 5pm:Community Sport and Recreation Expo and Demos

1pm:                NQ Sports Foundation Cycling Criterium

3.30pm:           Your Fitness 2.5km Fun Run

4pm:                Your Fitness 10km Fun Run

All Day:            Kids Activities, Entertainment, Celebrity Tug o War, Food Stalls,

Loads of Giveaways and Sea FM Broadcasting live   

For more information go to www.sportsfest.com.au

CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL TO OFFICIALLY LAUNCH EVENT PROGRAM, TOP 5 HIGHLIGHTS AND 09 DEVELOPMENTS

WHAT:              Mayor of Cairns, Councillor Val Schier makes official announcement to

News media about the entire program of events featured in Festival Cairns 09 and launch of new festival website.

Festival Cairns coordinator, Belinda Griffin will provide specific details

                        of key events, top 5 highlights, major event partners and

other 09 developments that define Festival Cairns 2009

WHO:               Councillor Val Schier, Mayor of Cairns Regional Council

DATE:               Tuesday 16 June 09

TIME:                 9.00 am

PLACE:             The Pier Wireless Hotspot – centre court

SPOKES

PEOPLE:           Mayor of Cairns, Councillor Val Schier

                        Festival Cairns Coordinator, Belinda Griffin

MEDIA:             News, features and entertainment journalists covering Festival Cairns

                        In lead up and during will receive media kit.  If not able to attend, please

                        Request a copy to be posted or emailed.  Contact: Pip Miller for details

PR:                   Pip Miller PR     Tel: 4032 4400  Mob: 0419 681543  Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

About Festival Cairns

The opening of a new Green Island jetty on 26 May, 1962 was established as the first annual Cairns Tourist Festival, and renamed ‘Fun In The Sun’ the following year.  Since then Tropical North Queensland’s most significant annual celebration, now in its 47^th year, has experienced a number of changes including its re-launch in the early nineties as ‘Reef Festival’ before its dynamic incarnation in 2002 as ‘Festival Cairns’.

This year Festival Cairns begins a new chapter.  For the first time in many years it will be managed and directed by its founding organisation, Cairns Regional Council; who in April this year, unveiled details of its vision to deliver a reinvigorated, brighter and bolder event program spanning visual and performing arts, culture and entertainment – showcasing the city’s key cultural precincts with a mix of free and ticketed events.

Festival Cairns will run between Friday 21 August and Sunday 6 September 2009.  This year’s theme is “Telling our Stories”.

Ends

For more information:

Belinda Griffin, Festival Cairns Coordinator 

T: 07 4044 3593 M: 0407 966 530 E: festival@cairns.qld.gov.au

www.cairns.qld.gov.au

Issued by:

Pip Miller PR                

T: 07 4032 4400 M: 0419 681543  E: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

www.pipmillerpr.com.au

Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

JOIN BOB THE BIGGEST LOSER

MEDIA CALL

Media photo opportunity: Join Bob the Biggest Loser as he limbers up for a full day of fun and fitness at Subway Cairns Festival of Sport

When:  Friday 19 June 09 – Time TBC

Where: Cairns Esplanade (meet at inner-city facilities)

Contact: Pip Miller 0419 681 543 or pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

MEDIA RELEASE                                                                     June 2009

With just two days until Subway Cairns Festival of Sport gets underway, locals are invited to join Bob the Biggest Loser 2009 at this all fun, fitness party.  This weekend,  Bob will try out his slimmed down frame as the celebrity competitor in Sunday’s Coral Coast Triathlon  and later, motivating participants in 2.5km and 10 km fun runs.

After shedding a record breaking 87.6kg to win the latest Biggest Loser series, Bob Herdsman will return to Cairns to prove mere mortals can follow in the footsteps of elite athletes by joining in some of the fun family events at the annual sports fest.

So if you’ve ever fancied yourself completing a triathlon or just want to get the kids involved in a fun family bike ride, register now for the Cairns Crocs Short Course Triathlon or have the whole family join in the Sea FM Give Me Five For Kids Fun Ride.

“While the likes of Coral Coast Triathlon legends Neil Parker and Adrian Kuhne train throughout the year to maintain their competitive edge in Australia’s first and longest running Olympic Distance Triathlon, it’s not too late for the rest of us,” Festival spokeswoman Keri Frecklington said.

“Professional trainers from Your Fitness have been running free Couch to K classes on Tuesdays at 7am and Thursdays at 5.30pm and will continue to do so, right up until the Cairns Esplanade Festival of Sport on June 21.

“The classes proudly sponsored by the Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation and the Cairns Regional Council’s Esplanade Fun Free Fitness Program have been extremely popular, attracting up to 30 participants at a time, were designed to get couch potatoes fit, focus on improved running techniques, stretching and strengthening.

Festival of Sport is on Sunday June 21 from 7.30am to 7pm. See the website for specific event times and to register. Costs vary for each event.

Event & Activities Schedule

7am:                Sportscene Ocean Swim (1 km)

8am:                Pump n Pedals Coral Coast Triathlon & Cairns Crocs Short Course Triathlon

11am:              Pak Mag Kid’s Triathlon

12 Noon:          Sea FM Give me 5 for Kids Bike Ride (16 km)

12noon – 5pm:            Community Sport and Recreation Expo and Demos

1pm:                NQ Sports Foundation Cycling Criterium

3.30pm:           Your Fitness 2.5km Fun Run

4pm:                Your Fitness 10km Fun Run

All Day:            Kids Activities, Entertainment, Celebrity Tug o War, Food Stalls,

Loads of Giveaways and Sea FM Broadcasting live   

For more information go to www.sportsfest.com.au

Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

MEDIA INFORMATION                                                               12 June 2009

            PUMP N PEDALS DONATION ENSURES POLICE ON

BOARD FOR FESTIVAL FUN RIDE

With shoes and helmets kindly donated by Pump n Pedals, Cairns’ Police Bike Squad have confirmed they will escort children and families taking part in Sea FM’s Give Me 5 for Kids bike ride.  Add to that,  free bike-safety checks and theft prevention engraving for locals attending the Subway Cairns Festival of Sport on Sunday 21 June 09.

The 16 km ride will start from Fogarty Park at 12 noon and take in the city’s waterfront, promising an energetic and fun afternoon for all who participate.

Chairperson of Subway Cairns Festival of Sport organising committee, Malcolm Robertson said that while Sea FM’s Give Me 5 for Kids bike ride is just one of many family oriented events on the day, it deserves special mention in its support of local fundraising campaign, FNQ Hospital Foundation.

“ We are also delighted to have the Police Bike Squad on board thanks to our event partner, Pump n Pedals who have kindly donated their required cycling equipment (shoes and helmets) to the value of $2000,” he said.

Event & Activities Schedule

7am:                Sportscene Ocean Swim (1 km)

8am:                Pump n Pedals Coral Coast Triathlon & Cairns Crocs Short Course Triathlon

11am:              Pak Mag Kid’s Triathlon

12 Noon:          Sea FM Give me 5 for Kids Bike Ride (16 km)

12noon – 5pm:            Community Sport and Recreation Expo and Demos

1pm:                NQ Sports Foundation Cycling Criterium

3.30pm:           Your Fitness 2.5km Fun Run

4pm:                Your Fitness 10km Fun Run

All Day:            Kids Entertainment, food stalls, Tug of War

Loads of Giveaways and Sea FM Broadcasting live   

For more information go to www.sportsfest.com.au

Ends

Contact:

Cairns Regional Council, Inner City Facilities, Marketing and Promotions

Simone Roseler

P: 07 4044 3715 | F: 07 4044 3759 Mob: 0418 699 028

E: s.roseler@cairns.qld.gov.au

Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

MEDIA CALL

Media photo opportunity: Launch of Sea FM Give Me Five For Kids Fun Ride. Five local kids will get on their bikes to ride with Pots and Pacey from Sea FM

When: Tuesday, June 9, 2.30pm

Where: Cairns Esplanade (meet at inner-city facilities building)

Contact: Pip Miller 0419 681 543 or pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

MEDIA RELEASE

Get on your bike to help the FNQ Hospital Foundation in the inaugural Sea FM Give Me Five For Kids Fun Ride.

The charity ride is part of The Subway Cairns Esplanade Festival of Sport on Sunday June 21.

 It is the perfect environment to encourage kids to get on their bikes safely with a 16km ride around the Esplanade and CBD.

Participants will be able to get their bikes and helmets checked by Pump n Pedals and engraved by police who will be joining the event.

The Subway Cairns Esplanade Festival of Sport is Cairns’ largest multi-disciplinary community sporting event with a variety of athletic events and free community activities sure to please both families and serious athletes.

For the early starters there will be the 1.5km Sportscene Ocean Swim and back by popular demand is the exciting Pump n Pedals Cycling Criterium, a fast paced event looping around the Esplanade.   

A new event this year, the Cairns Crocs Short Course Triathlon is to encourage everyone to try a tri. For the serious athletes, the Pump n Pedals Coral Coast Triathlon, now in its 27^th year, will see the return of a number of Legends – triathletes who have competed in at least 15 of the prestigious Coral Coast events.

The Pak Mag Kids Triathlon will put the region’s young athletes to the test, while the Your Fitness 2.5km and 10km Fun Runs will finish the day’s sport and recreation activities.

Bigger and better this year is the Cairns Esplanade Sport and Recreation Expo at Fogarty Park. The expo is free with giveaways, sporting demonstrations and more than 15 sport and recreation groups on display.

The Subway Cairns Esplanade Festival of Sport wraps up in the evening with a free family concert on the Fogarty Park stage.

The Subway Cairns Esplanade Festival of Sport is on Sunday June 21 from 7.30am to 7pm. See the website for specific event times and to register. Costs vary for each event.

For more information go to www.sportsfest.com.au

Jim and Jo Wallace, Celebrate 30 Years

Media Information                     Friday 5 June 2009

WALLACE FAMILY CELEBRATES 30 YEARS CRUISING

Jim and Jo Wallace, the Cairns-based owners and operators of Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises, are celebrating 30 years of cruising to the Great Barrier Reef.

The couple recognised the importance of the Great Barrier Reef long before it was inscribed on the World Heritage List, first sharing it with visitors on June 9, 1979 when they started daily cruises to Low Isles, off Port Douglas, on the Martin Cash (ex Tasmanian Ferry).

“We have had 30 wonderful years in an industry we love. Sharing the magnificent Great Barrier Reef with others is simply the best job in the world,” Jim said.

“Our challenge as one of the early reef operators has been to provide the best experience possible for all our passengers – and having the right crew plays a very big part in this.  Over the years, our success can be largely attributed to an incredibly hard working and loyal team

“In the late 80s we changed the ‘face’ of the reef cruising industry by introducing the revolutionary, comfortable and fast wavepiercer vessels. At that time we had two, 30 metre catamarans and three 37 metre wavepiercing catamarans built here in Cairns by NQEA.

“This year, we are the first reef operator to achieve a Zero Carbon Footprint and as a result have been awarded the highest level of certification under Eco Tourism Australia’s inaugural Climate Action Certification Program.”

The Wallaces operated Quicksilver Connections at Port Douglas for 10 years before selling in 1989 to the current owners.

However, it was only a year before Jim and Jo were back in the cruising industry, buying Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises in 1990.

They expanded the company’s capacity to Green Island from 200 to 320 in 1997 when they bought Reef Jet and merged the two permits. In 1999 they built the Reef Rocket to replace the Reef Jet vessel and the following year purchased the original Quicksilver III, refitting it and renaming it Big Cat.

The next major expansion was in 2004 when Jim and Jo bought Terri Too and changed the name to Cairns Habitat Cruises. This expanded the business from half and full day trips to Green Island to include day trips on Trinity Inlet to the Cairns Crocodile Farm and sunset cruises in the evening.

Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises truly is a locally-owned family business with Jim and Jo’s daughter, Paula Wallace, appointed Managing Director of the company.  Paula has been at the helm of Big Cat from the outset.

The Wallace family’s winning formula of friendly and helpful service has earned Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises an induction into the Tropical North Queensland Tourism Awards Hall of Fame after winning the Best Major Tour and Transport Operator in 2004, 2006 and 2007.

Ends

Contact:

Jim Wallace, Director,  Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises

Mobile: 0419 775 676

Issued by:

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

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au www.pipmillerpr.com.au

MEDIA RELEASE                                                 5 June 2009

WANTED: FLOATS THAT ‘TELL OUR STORIES’ IN GRAND PARADE

Saturday 22 August 09

Wanted: Grand Parade Floats bringing colour and life to Festival Cairns’ twilight procession along the esplanade on Saturday 22 August.  Today, Festival Cairns event coordinator, Belinda Griffin has put out a call for entries with news a free parade float workshop will take place on Wednesday 17 June with Scott Maidment, Grand Parade Creative Director.

Attracting crowds of more than 35 000, the Grand Parade is one of Festival Cairns’ most highly anticipated and popular, free, family-fun events. 

This year, instead of being the finale highlight, the Grand Parade has been repositioned in the program to open Festival Cairns with a bang as the first of many highlights.

According to Belinda Griffin, Festival Cairns event coordinator, the Grand Parade is the community’s chance to shine, while celebrating life in Cairns; its natural heritage and idyllic tropical lifestyle. 

“With thousands of people lining the streets to enjoy this annual spectacle, the Grand Parade is an excellent opportunity to showcase and promote your company, group or association to an extensive and receptive audience.  And while the exposure value is outstanding, there are many other benefits, not the least of which is having fun,” she said.

Entries are now being taken for all businesses, community groups, artists, clubs and organisations interested in being involved in this year’s parade.

This year Festival Cairns’ Grand Parade will receive creative direction from Scott Maidment and his team who are responsible for Adelaide’s Fringe Festival parade.

“We anticipate this contribution will breathe new life into the parade.  As such, there will be many free opportunities for your group or business to work with professional project artists on creating exciting and innovative floats for this year’s parade,” said Mrs Griffin.

The first is a FREE Workshop with the man himself, Grand Parade Creative Director, Scott Maidment  and his team of creatives, which will take place on Wednesday 17 June.  Details to be advised.

Get your Application Form now from Council’s website www.cairns.qld.gov.au or contact Caress Creed on 4044 3594 or c.creed@cairns.qld.gov.au for more details. 

The opening of a new Green Island jetty on 26 May, 1962 was established as the first annual Cairns Tourist Festival, and renamed ‘Fun In The Sun’ the following year.  Since then Tropical North Queensland’s most significant annual celebration, now in its 47^th year, has experienced a number of changes including its re-launch in the early nineties as ‘Reef Festival’ before its dynamic incarnation in 2002 as ‘Festival Cairns’.

This year Festival Cairns begins a new chapter.  For the first time in many years it will be managed and directed by its founding organisation, Cairns Regional Council; who last month, unveiled details of its vision to deliver a reinvigorated, brighter and bolder event program spanning visual and performing arts, culture and entertainment – showcasing the city’s key cultural precincts with a mix of free and ticketed events.

Festival Cairns will run between Friday 21 August and Sunday 6 September 2009.  This year’s theme is “Telling our Stories”.

Ends

For more information:

Belinda Griffin, Festival Cairns Coordinator 

T: 07 4044 3593 M: 0407 966 530 E: festival@cairns.qld.gov.au

www.cairns.qld.gov.au

Issued by:

Pip Miller PR                

T: 07 4032 4400 M: 0419 681543  E: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

www.pipmillerpr.com.au