Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

Internet: www.paradisepalms.com.au

MEDIA RELEASE                                                 November 2009

PARADISE PALMS PITCHES IN FOR CHARITY

Pink tees, mo bros and trivia teasers are turning November into a month of fundraising at Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club.

Event manager Stephanie Archer said Wednesday, 18 November would be the final Pink Tee Challenge for 2009 to raise money for the Breast Cancer Institute of Australia. The player fee of $70 for non-members, $60 for Paradise Palms Silver Members and $40 for Paradise Palms Platinum Members includes green fees, electric cart, buffet lunch, champagne and plenty of great prizes.

The male staff members at Paradise Palms have been busy grooming their mos, all to raise awareness of depression and prostate cancer in men. Friday November 20 is the Movember Charity Golf Day with a 1pm shotgun start for a four ball ambrose format. The competition fee includes bar snacks after the game, a drink at the bar and prizes. Visitors are welcome. For more information or to register a team call 4059 9901. 

Paradise Palms’ Monthly Trivia Night is held on the last Thursday of the month and this month falls on Thursday 26 November with money raised going to YAPS, the Young Animal Protection Society. It is $10 to play with registration from 6pm and the first question read at 6.30pm. Competition fee includes bar snacks at half time and a ticket for the lucky door prize draw.  There is a maximum of eight in a team and great prizes up for grabs.

For bookings or inquiries contact Stephanie Archer at Paradise Resort and Country Club on tel: 07 4059 9918 or sarcher@paradisepalms.com.au

ENDS

For more information:

Nathan Young, Operations Manager Golf and Food and Beverage Operations,

Paradise Palms Country Club

Ph: 07 4059 9999    Mob: 0419 157 418  Email: nyoung@paradisepalms.com.au

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

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

Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

Internet: www.paradisepalms.com.au

MEDIA RELEASE                                                 November 2009

GOLF A HIT WITH THE GIRLS AT PARADISE PALMS

Playing golf at Paradise Palms with the girls has won Jo Bardsley a four night Coral Princess Cruise for two on the Great Barrier Reef to Lizard Island worth $4000.

Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club Event Manager Stephanie Archer said Ms Bardsley was one of more than 60 women who joined the Birdies series held each month from March to November.  

Ladies’ social golf has been a hit at Paradise Palms this year with aspiring golfers honing their skills with Paradise Palms Course Pro Des Shearer and Graham Bolton at the Birdies series which ended this month (November) for the year.

Birdies is a monthly golfing afternoon designed to introduce ladies to golf while they have fun and network. The final monthly Birdies for 2009 was attended by 61 ladies who took away prizes from Battery World, Curves Gym, Golf World and Reds Salon & Spa.

The popular series is scheduled to resume again in 2010 beginning in March.

CAPTION: Cruise winner Jo Bardsley (left) with Coral Princess Cruises Sales Manager Alexa McGrath. 

ENDS

For further information: Nathan Young, Operations Manager Golf and Food and Beverage Operations, Paradise Palms Country Club Ph: 07 4059 9999    Mob: 0419 157 418  Email: nyoung@paradisepalms.com.au

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

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

A VERY SUMMERRY CHRISTMAS IN CAIRNS

Media opportunity:     CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY BEGINS WITH A SPRAY CAN

SCHOOL STUDENTS CREATE SUMMER XMAS COLLECTION OF FESTIVE BANNERS TO DECORATE CBD

11 students (Year 10-12) participating in Education Queensland and TAFE’s Smart Art Starts 2009 program will unveil 10 banners (double sided) featuring their own interpretation of Christmas using aerosol art as taught by artist-in-residence, Daniel Wallwork. The banners, which were given a new lease of life from those originally produced to promote Festival Cairns, will be hung vertically from street lights throughout Cairns CBD as part of Cairns Regional Council’s 2009 SumMERRY Christmas in Cairns.

When:                          Thursday, 26 November 09 from 10.30am to 11.30am

Where:                         S Block, TNQ TAFE campus, Gatton Street, Manunda

Information:                 Graeme Nielsen, Marketing Manager, TNQ TAFE M: 0439 791 594

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

This Christmas, Cairns Regional Council is decking the CBD with a distinctly Australian flavour; bringing Cairns’ city heart alive with colour, lighting, lanterns, music, movies, fun and a very large Aussie Christmas tree.

According to Cairns Regional Council’s inner-city facilities marketing and promotions manager, Simone Roseler, this year a concerted effort is being made to recognise Christmas. 

“In a welcome departure from traditional plastic baubles and tinsel, a campaign engaging  local artists is well underway creating meaningful decorations and activities that the community can relate to and appreciate.

“Even our Santa will break from the norm – as he rides through the city heart on a unicycle. Add to that, our ukulele choir, locally made decorations, lanterns and a long list of activities – that in combination will light up the Esplanade and City Place for the entire month of December,” she said.

 A Summerry Christmas will begin with the hanging of Christmas banners recycled from those originally used to promote Festival Cairns.  Created by 11, Year 10 to 12 school students using aerosol art, the banners feature personal interpretations of Christmas in an impressive collection of 20 artworks.

According to TNQ TAFE’s institute director, Jo Pyne and art teacher Inge Cooper, the banners were produced by students participating in a dynamic new program launched earlier this year in conjunction with Education Queensland. 

Entitled, Smart Art Starts 2009, the program is all about using art as a tool to re-engage senior school students back into the education system by providing artists-in-residence workshops. There is also a focus to providing pathways to TNQ TAFE and /or further education.

This Thursday our third intake of students will complete the Smart Art Starts eight week program when they display their Christmas banners featuring the technique of aerosol art as taught by local artist-in-residence, Daniel Wallwork.

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 / SOCIAL NOTIFICATION

The General Manager, Peter Blackburn and his team will host a cocktail party on Wednesday 25 November 2009 in Jardine’s Room, Cairns Colonial Club Resort (entry via Conference Centre, Behan Street) to thank industry colleagues and associates for their support in 2009.

General Manager, Peter Blackburn said Wednesday evening’s cocktail party is a simple thank you gesture to suppliers, supporters and key people who have worked with the resort during 2009.

“Next Wednesday evening will be a nice opportunity to say thanks while gearing up for the festive season and our 25^th year celebrations for the resort in May, 2010. “

Date:               Wednesday 25  November 2009

Time:                6pm to 8pm

Place:              Jardine’s Room, Cairns Colonial Club Conference Centre

                        Entry via Behan Street – plenty of car parking available

Contact:          Pip Miller PR

                        Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au or tel: 4032 4400

ends

For further information:

General Manager, Peter Blackburn or Paolo Gambino – Director of Sales and Marketing

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Tel: +61 7 4053 8800

MEDIA RELEASE

Publicity enquiries:

Pip Miller PR

Ph:  7 4032 4400 Mob: 0419 681543                              Tuesday 10 November 2009

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

GRAND WEDDING EXPO AT CAIRNS COLONIAL CLUB RESORT

Cairns Colonial Club Resort Conference Centre

Behan Street Entrance

Sunday 15 November 2009, 10am to 2.30pm

Picture:  Kate (centre) joined by MICE Manager, Karen Turner and

Wedding Expo Coordinator, Karen Simpkins.

On Sunday 15 November, the Cairns Colonial Club Resort says ‘I Do’ to the tradition of marriage when it hosts its third annual Grand Wedding Expo.  The team is expecting another big crowd – having welcomed some 500 intended brides, grooms and their families in its first two years.

The resort’s Wedding Expo coordinator, Karin Simpkins says this expo is a must- for anyone planning a wedding in 2010.  Showcasing 30 exhibitors, every aspect is covered from wedding stationary through to cakes and cars in the resort’s Conference Centre and Gazebo Gardens.

“The Cairns Colonial Club’s Grand Wedding Expo will take place between 10 am and 2.30 pm and includes everyone and everything to make that special occasion memorable.  Entry is free and the highlight is destined to models on show during the event, dressed to impress in the the latest bride and groom  fashions from Stanzi, hair and makeup by Cairns Wedding Makeup and Hair and bouquets from Wedding Treasures,” said Karin.

From left: Kate Cent, Sales Manager models one of Stanzi’s Christine gowns in readiness for this weekend’s Wedding Expo. 

Wedding Expo Coordinator, Karin Simpkins can be contacted for further information on tel: 07 40538873  or funcoor@cairnscolonialclub.com.au

The Cairns Colonial Club Resort’s Conference Centre and Gazebo Gardens can be accessed from Behan Streets, Cairns.

Ends

PARADISE PALMS OPENS PELICANS IN PARADISE WHILE

SUPPORTING LOCAL CHARITY

10am to 4pm, Sunday 1 November 09

This Sunday 1 November between 10am and 4pm, Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club will host an open day,  to launch its new Pelicans in Paradise facilities comprising swimming, adventure park and mini golf while raising money to support FNQ Hospital Foundation.

The open day program will focus on giving families and interested members of the community a taste of the new facilities while enjoying free activities and entertainment; face painting, mini golf competition, golf clinic, treasure hunt, Rachel Bradley music show, sausage sizzle and more.  Guests are also invited to relax with a drink, meal or snack in 59 Restaurant and Bar.

An official opening of Pelicans in Paradise will take place at 2pm with a ribbon-cutting performed by Mayor of Cairns Regional Council, Val Schier.

Rosie Douglas, Director of Sales and Marketing for Vision Hotels and Resorts said the day will showcase Paradise Palms’ new facilities which are available to locals to use and enjoy. 

“We are proud to unveil our fantastic new adventure playground and mini golf in particular which are designed to enhance our world-class experience for guests of all ages – not just the serious golfers.

 ”In addition to this, the open day will also serve to fundraise for the FNQ Hospital Foundation.  The idea is for visitors to donate a gold coin in return for participation – be it mini-golf or other.  We are also planning a special charity auction to raise additional funds,” she said.

FNQ Hospital Foundation Fundraising and Marketing Coordinator, Justine Warren is working closely with Rosie to organise the event and says the fundraising will support the redevelopment of a Short Stay and Recreational Area of the Children’s Ward at Cairns Base Hospital.   

“The project will build on, and enhance the current small play area into a large, multi faceted area encompassing both indoor and outdoor recreational and educational facilities and additional beds for pediatric inpatients. This will include a new school room, an Arts and Craft centre, a family reflection garden and play equipment designed to assist in rehabilitation. With an estimated cost of $800 000, we rely greatly on the support of business such as Vision Hotels and Resorts and the local community to get behind us and support the sick children of the Far North,” said Justine.

For more information about FNQ Hospital Foundation, contact Justine Warren, Fundraising & Marketing Coordinator, Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation  Tel: 4050 6723 Email: fundraising@fnqhf.com.au

The official opening of Pelicans in Paradise caps off a major redevelopment program undertaken over the past two years – primarily upgrading the clubhouse, introducing a new restaurant and a 96 room, 4.5 star boutique resort.

The program begins at 10am with kid’s golf clinic, Doyle Family Music Show and Swimming.  At 11am the Doyle Family Music Show continues – and the Mini-Golf Competition tees-off.  There is also a sausage sizzle and more swimming fun at this time.  Between 12 noon and 1pm, parents should not miss the shoulder massages in the clubhouse and at 1pm, kids should line up for the treasure hunt, sand art, face painting and a second Mini-Golf competition.  All this and more will culminate in a fundraising auction at 3pm, the announcement of the competition winners and a final pin the tail on the pelican game.

When travelling north along Captain Cook Highway, Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club is situated on the left,  just past the Kewarra Beach Roundabout.  Follow the signs.

Contact the friendly team at Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club for further information, tel: 4059 9999.

ends

For further information:

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

Issued by:

Pip Miller PR

Tel: 0419 681543  Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

MEDIA INFORMATION                          Friday 30 October 2009

RYDGES GIVES FAMILIES A BREAK

Enjoy a family escape in Tropical North Queensland with package deals at Rydges Hotels and Resorts that won’t break the budget.

The accommodation discounts come hot on the heels of Jetstar slashing its North Queensland fares by up to 50 per cent from all capital cities with prices starting at $89 one way from Brisbane to Cairns.

Stay in the heart of Cairns city from only $153 per room per night with the
Family Package available at Rydges Esplanade Resort, Rydges Tradewinds Cairns and Rydges Plaza Cairns.

The Family Package includes three nights accommodation, kids stay and eat free (0-12yrs using existing bedding, one child eats free per full paying adult, max two children), a welcome drink on arrival per person in the hotel bar/lounge and a Rydges Holiday Saving Voucher booklet with value adds and discounts worth up to $450.

At Port Douglas, pay for four nights at Rydges Sabaya Resort and get an extra night free. Prices start at $229 for a one bedroom apartment per night with kids staying and eating free (0-12yrs using existing bedding, one child eats free per full paying adult, max two children), a welcome drink on arrival per person in the hotel bar/lounge and a Rydges Holiday Saving Voucher booklet with value adds and discounts worth up to $450.

To book contact your travel agent, call the Rydges hotel of your choice direct or visit www.rydges.com

ENDS

For media inquiries contact:

Debra Irvine, Director of Sales & Marketing, Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns, Rydges Tradewinds Cairns

Tel: 07 4044 9034  m: 0409 552 548 Email: debra_irvine@rydges.com

Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

Internet: www.parkertravelcollection.com.au            

MEDIA INFORMATION                                      Friday 30 October 2009

TROPICAL HOLIDAYS ON SALE IN MT ISA

Photo from Left Mike Thinee- General Manager Commercial, Todd, Steve Jones Manager Commercial, Muralee Siva – CEO

Workers and families in the Mt Isa region are being lured to Tropical North Queensland with discount flights and holiday packages during summer.

Tourism business development company Parker Travel Collection has formed an alliance with Skytrans to present the first of a series of holiday campaigns with special fares on the four weekly air services from Mt Isa to Cairns starting at $99 one way.

Skytrans Queensland Hot Deals accommodation packages are available in Cairns city, at the beaches, Port Douglas, Daintree and Green Island with prices starting at $130 for three nights. Tour packages are also on offer with reef and rainforest trips, plus some of Tropical North Queensland’s iconic attractions on offer.

Parker Travel Collection Managing Director Todd Parker said the campaign was the first of its kind in regional Queensland where an innovative approach was needed to sell holidays during summer.

“A holiday at the beach, a rainforest sojourn or a city getaway is ideal for the Mt Isa market and we already have the advantage of frequent Skytrans connections, so Tropical North Queensland is the perfect place for families and mine company employees to take a break,” he said.

“This is the beginning of a mining and regional strategy for Parker Travel Collection and we are very proud to be working so closely with Skytrans to develop a long-term sales solution for regional Queensland.”

Skytrans Commercial Manager Steve Jones said the Skytrans Queensland Hot Deals campaign between Mt Isa and Tropical North Queensland was the first step in the company’s goal to develop a Skytrans Holidays division satisfying all the ports within the network with accommodation, attractions, touring and holiday packages. 

“This would increase the use of Skytrans flights and establish us as a pioneer in developing Central, Regional and Tropical North Queensland from a tourism perspective while working hand in hand with the growth in the mining and agriculture sectors.

“We are very excited about the long-term development of an airline holiday product range for a very unique market.

“The team at Parker Travel Collection offers the infrastructure, products, experience and skills to develop this range and, as they are already actively involved in developing saleable tourism in central Queensland, we can capitalise on this and then grow further into Cape York Peninsula.”

Mr Jones said the Skytrans Queensland Hot Deals brochure would be distributed on all Skytrans Flights and by travel agencies and companies in the region.

Parker Travel Collection has offices in Cairns, the Gold Coast and Melbourne.

ends

For further information, contact Todd Parker, Parker Travel Collection on 07 4055 6122, mob: 0417 440 922, email: todd@trav.com.au or visit the website on www.parkertravelcollection.com

For Immediate Release                                        Monday 2 November 2009

THE LAKES ENTERS HALL OF FAME AT TNQ TOURISM AWARDS

The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa Wins Deluxe Accommodation Award Category Three Times to enter Hall of Fame

After proving its dominance in the Deluxe Accommodation category (2006 – 2008) three years in succession, The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa was entered into the prestigious Hall of Fame at Saturday evening’s TNQ Tourism Awards.

General Manager for the resort, Craig Biber was in attendance to accept the award that he says, was a real coup for the team and caps an award-winning few years.

For three consecutive years, The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa had won the Deluxe Accommodation category at TNQ’s Tourism Awards.

2008 really was a stellar year for The Lakes with its third consecutive Deluxe Accommodation award coming hot on the heels of bagging HMAA’s ‘Best 4-5 Star Resort’, ‘Training’ and ‘Operator of the Year’  and ‘Department Manager of the Year’ awards (Qld) as well as its signature restaurant, Lago, winning ‘Best Hotel / Resort Restaurant’ at the Restaurant and Caterer’s Awards.  Prior to these awards, the resort scooped the pool at the inaugural Housekeeper of the Year awards in Cairns winning both categories including Housekeeper’s Trophy of Excellence.

“These awards are testament to the hard work and commitment of our entire team whose day-to-day mission is to provide guests with world-class accommodation and a memorable experience.

The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa is a member of Vision Hotels and Resorts. For more information, visit www.thelakescairns.com.au or www.visionhotelsandresorts.com.au

ends

For Further Information:

Craig Biber, The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa / Vision Hotels and Resorts

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

www.visionhotelsandresorts.com

or

Rosie Douglas, The Lakes Cairns Resort & Spa

Ph: 07 4053 9400 Email: rdouglas@thelakescairns.com.au

Web: www.thelakescairns.com.au

Issued by:

Pip Miller PR

Ph:  07 4032 4400 Mob: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

MEDIA RELEASE                                                                    Tuesday 3 November 2009

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE 

INTRODUCING WILDLIFE FILM MAKER, COREY WILD

Corey goes wild….while cooling off with his prehistoric mates

Not since the tragic death of Steve Irwin in 2006 has anyone come close to filling the revered ‘Croc Hunter’s’ boots as Australia’s next wildlife entertainer, educator and all-round, crusader.   Not until now, that is.

From his heartland in Tropical North Queensland’s croc-country, comes documentary film maker, Corey Wild.  At 33 years of age, this vivacious young bloke – full of Irwinesque energy and passion – but with his own particular style – is ready to present amazing wildlife species to the world.

There is nothing fake about Corey Wild. With an indelible love of nature, years of working with wildlife and all the yarn’s to boot, his heart lies in the education, interpretation and conservation of  our precious end angered species.

“I am not trying to be anything I am not.  And certainly don’t consider myself as being the next Steve Irwin – rather someone who was greatly inspired by Australia’s much loved croc-hunter, and who like Steve, feels it is his duty to showcase and conserve wildlife – in all its amazing natural splendour.  Before Steve, there was Malcolm Douglas, Austin Stevens, Rob Bredyl and Harry Butler – these are all characters I have held in great esteem – who as a kid and even more recently, have invited me to develop my craft,” says Corey.

Corey Wild has been making wildlife documentary films for the past three years and this week launches his compelling, six-part series capturing wildlife in Australia and South East Asia.  Adrenalin-charged crocodile handling demonstrations, snake rescues and much more are packaged into Corey’s Wild World DVD programs (varying in time from 55 minutes to 85 minutes )now available for sale on his website www.coreywild.com

Episode one of Corey Wild’s Wild World filmed in South East Asia has been screened on cable television while two other episodes are presented in Japanese. Corey spent a year In Japan studying Japanese, martial arts and filming.

According to Corey, his Wild World DVDs are exciting, educational and dangerous.  “Definitely not for the faint hearted.  Funnily enough, kids can’t get enough!”

Corey’s love of nature did not begin when he started making films,  but as a small boy; claiming it part of his DNA that was nurtured while growing up in a remote mining town in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges.

“I was always the lad with the pocket full of spiders and scorpions – whose passion for wildlife and the natural world was given free rein.  The freedom I had to explore was amazing.  I used to take weekend walkabouts which essentially taught me to have the greatest respect for animals and the bush; it was my backyard then – and still is today.

“As I grew older, my lust for life and quest for adventure was becoming insatiable and it was then that I started to travel – making my way all around Australia.  It was as far back as 15 years ago, when I first found myself in northern Australia’s croc country – the place I was to revisit time and time again.  I currently work part time for Johnston River Crocodile Park near Innisfail.”

Corey’s up, close and personal experience with wildlife has been as diverse as it has been dangerous.  

“You name it. I have worked in wildlife Parks, crocodile farms and zoos. From Darwin across to Cairns I have both volunteered and been employed in the field with crocodile management, wildlife rescue and relocation Australia and abroad to animal husbandry and it was during this time that I found my niche or specialty – presenting croc attack shows,” he said.

Take a walk on the wild side….Corey’s Wild World DVDs would make an excellent gift for children of all ages and adults alike – but particularly those with a penchant for wildlife, nature and the unexpected.

Ends

For further information, contact:

Corey Wild, Aussie Wildlife Adventurer, Producer and Presenter

Corey Wild Productions

Tel: 0413 932 853

Email: corey@coreywild.com

Web: www.coreywild.com

Issued by:

Pip Miller PR Tel: 0419 681 543  Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au