Pip Miller PR

For three weeks from 27 August to September 20, Cairns goes into festival mode. Highlights of Festival Cairns 2008 include Ergon Energy’s Busking Festival, Cairns Amateurs Racing Carnival, Food, Wine and All That Jazz, Carnival on Collins, Qld Cup Basketball Tournament, Festival of Sport and finale favourite, RACQ Insurance’s Parade of Lights. For further information, visit www.festivalcairns.com.au.

Tourism on Q is sent out weekly to more than 5200 subscribers - including representatives from government, education, general industry as well as operators and general public.

The Pier is going all out as Festival Cairns headquarters in 2008 and to celebrate will hold a series of Family Fun Days starting opening weekend - Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August 08. Entertainers, Rachel Bradley (who is also a facepainter of incredible talent), Terry Doyle and Danny Simony will join forces to give kids a great time while mum and dad enjoy breaky on the boardwalk.

To promote The Pier’s involvement and also the distribution of the program in this Friday’s Cairns Post - a special photo shoot was held today featuring none other than the entertainment group above and my two youngest children, India and Felix….

Have a look at the special pictures taken on my i-phone….

DUCKS….TAKE YOUR MARKS…

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY

On Monday 18 August at 10.30am, the Calanna Rotary Duck fundraising folk and Harald Falge will assemble lagoon-side to make a colourful splash launching this year’s duck race.

Date: Monday 18 August 2008
Time: 10.30 am
Place: Lagoon, Cairns Esplanade
What: Official launch of 2008 fundraising effort by Rotary through its Annual Calanna Rotary Duck Race and other Events
Who: Organisers from Rotary Mulgrave Cairns,
event major sponsor, Mario Calanna of Calanna Pharmacy, Harcourts representative, Harald Falge (of Harald’s House) PLUS
Rotary’s giant Duck mascot, loads of little yellow ducks and
KIDS fishing for plastic crocs
Why?: To assist in raising much needed funds to support Harald’s House in their quest to build a home for the Homeless Children and under privileged of Cairns and support and guide them into a better life back into our local community

Backgrounder:
This event is a colourful spectacle that takes place annually as a highlight of Festival Cairns finale. This year the events line-up takes place from 1pm, Saturday 20 September and will no doubt attract plenty of spectators who will gather to witness 10,000 plastic ducks take their marks at 4pm.

This year’s race is the third year the money raised by Rotary will benefit Harald’s House.

In the past four years since its inception, the duck race has raised well over $100 000 for local charities.

The tickets are $5 and will be available for purchase from any ANZ branch in the Cairns area and Calanna Pharmacies in Woree and north Cairns. There are four prizes up for grabs including a $11,000 spa from The Pool Man, a $7,000 trip to New Zealand for four people courtesy of Flight Centre and a Skytrans Cairns Taipans Family Gold Pass.

This year’s duck race has been greatly expanded to feature an afternoon program of duck related events beginning with a ‘blessing of the ducks’ and traditional Aboriginal dance.

In conjunction with this year’s duck race, Rotary Mulgrave will also host “Harcourts Crikey-Catch-a-Croc Spectacular” with all children welcome to enter. There will be a limit number of crocs. Children will have the opportunity to fish one of these crocs out of the lagoon to win a stunt bike from Pump ‘n’ Pedals.

The entry fee for “Harcourts Crikey-Catch-a-Croc Spectacular” is $10. Entry forms will be available from Harcourts or on the day. This event will be held at 1pm at the Lagoon.

The duck themed events continue with a first in 2008 - the “Myer Fashion Parade”. Models will strutt their stuff down at duck headquarters on the Esplanade Lagoon - wearing the latest swimwear fashion from Myer. This will be immediately followed by a more tongue-in-cheek event, “Myer Fashion on the Duck Field” held at 2.00pm. This event is open to all who wish to dress up in their finest “Duck” costume to win $500 shopping spree from Myer. Entry to this event is $10.

At 3pm it is The Rotary Corporate Duck Race before the main race at 4pm and finally, a celebrity duck race which is being kept under wraps. This event is based on four celebrity ducks being auctioned by Locco at 4CAFM - who are then required to swim to the half way line – and the best news is, they all win a prize.

The 2008 Calanna Rotary duck Race at the Lagoon Brought to you by Southern Cross Ten, 4CAFM, Calanna Pharmacy, The Pool Man, Flight Centre, Harcourts, Pump ‘n’ Pedals and Rotary Mulgrave Cairns

For further information, contact event organiser Sally Dixon, Mobile No: 0412 412 989
Office Ph: 4033 0254

Ends

Issued by: Pip Miller PR Tel: 0419 681543

DUCKS….TAKE YOUR MARKS…

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY

On Monday 18 August at 10.30am, the Calanna Rotary Duck fundraising folk and Harald Falge will assemble lagoon-side to make a colourful splash launching this year’s duck race.

Date: Monday 18 August 2008
Time: 10.30 am
Place: Lagoon, Cairns Esplanade
What: Official launch of 2008 fundraising effort by Rotary through its Annual
Calanna Rotary Duck Race and other Events
Who: Organisers from Rotary Mulgrave Cairns,
event major sponsor, Mario Calanna of Calanna Pharmacy, Harcourts
representative, Harald Falge (of Harald’s House) PLUS
Rotary’s giant Duck mascot, loads of little yellow ducks and
KIDS fishing for plastic crocs
Why?: To assist in raising much needed funds to support Harald’s House in their quest to build a home for the Homeless Children and under privileged of Cairns and support and guide them into a better life back into our local community

Backgrounder:
This event is a colourful spectacle that takes place annually as a highlight of Festival Cairns finale. This year the events line-up takes place from 1pm, Saturday 20 September and will no doubt attract plenty of spectators who will gather to witness 10,000 plastic ducks take their marks at 4pm.

This year’s race is the third year the money raised by Rotary will benefit Harald’s House.

In the past four years since its inception, the duck race has raised well over $100 000 for local charities.

The tickets are $5 and will be available for purchase from any ANZ branch in the Cairns area and Calanna Pharmacies in Woree and north Cairns. There are four prizes up for grabs including a $11,000 spa from The Pool Man, a $7,000 trip to New Zealand for four people courtesy of Flight Centre and a Skytrans Cairns Taipans Family Gold Pass.

This year’s duck race has been greatly expanded to feature an afternoon program of duck related events beginning with a ‘blessing of the ducks’ and traditional Aboriginal dance.

In conjunction with this year’s duck race, Rotary Mulgrave will also host “Harcourts Crikey-Catch-a-Croc Spectacular” with all children welcome to enter. There will be a limit number of crocs. Children will have the opportunity to fish one of these crocs out of the lagoon to win a stunt bike from Pump ‘n’ Pedals.

The entry fee for “Harcourts Crikey-Catch-a-Croc Spectacular” is $10. Entry forms will be available from Harcourts or on the day. This event will be held at 1pm at the Lagoon.

The duck themed events continue with a first in 2008 - the “Myer Fashion Parade”. Models will strutt their stuff down at duck headquarters on the Esplanade Lagoon - wearing the latest swimwear fashion from Myer. This will be immediately followed by a more tongue-in-cheek event, “Myer Fashion on the Duck Field” held at 2.00pm. This event is open to all who wish to dress up in their finest “Duck” costume to win $500 shopping spree from Myer. Entry to this event is $10.

At 3pm it is The Rotary Corporate Duck Race before the main race at 4pm and finally, a celebrity duck race which is being kept under wraps. This event is based on four celebrity ducks being auctioned by Locco at 4CAFM - who are then required to swim to the half way line – and the best news is, they all win a prize.

The 2008 Calanna Rotary duck Race at the Lagoon Brought to you by Southern Cross Ten, 4CAFM, Calanna Pharmacy, The Pool Man, Flight Centre, Harcourts, Pump ‘n’ Pedals and Rotary Mulgrave Cairns

For further information, contact event organiser Sally Dixon, Mobile No: 0412 412 989
Office Ph: 4033 0254

Ends

Issued by: Pip Miller PR Tel: 0419 681543

MEDIA NOTIFICATION -SOCIAL & NEWS PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
BUSKER PERFORMS IN-HOUSE AT BDO KENDALLS IN
FESTIVE CELEBRATION

Festival Cairns major partner, BDO Kendalls are celebrating their relationship with the region’s largest community event with music in a staff gathering this Thursday 14 August at 4pm.

Organised to surprise, one of Cairns’ buskers will put his hat on the ground to perform inside the BDO Kendalls building this Thursday afternoon. Without a word of warning, the busker will start to sing a lively tune - that will no doubt stop employees in their tracks, bring a smile to their face and beckon them (and their loose change) to the boardroom for their own Festival Cairns launch.

When they are gathered, the team of 50 accountants and business advisers will continue to enjoy the busker’s performance before they are taken through their company’s involvement in Festival Cairns and its importance. After which, the Skytrans Mini-Squad will burst through the doors (in another surprise) – handing out giant Festival Cairns lollipops to staff.

This is the fourth year BDO Kendalls has been a major partner of Festival Cairns, and they have secured their own event.

BDO Kendalls are presenting Swing by the Lagoon (from 3pm to 5.30pm on Sunday 14 September 2008). This free, family concert by a world-renowned military band 1RAR performing live on stage is a coup for the Festival Cairns program and one which is destined to be a highlight.

BDO Kendalls Chairman, Eric Olufson will take the opportunity to talk with his team tomorrow and underscore the importance of their company involvement in Festival Cairns and the local community.

DATE: Thursday 14 August, 2008

TIME: From 4pm to 5pm

PLACE: BDO Kendalls, Cnr Aplin and Sheridan Streets, Cairns

WHO: The team from BDO Kendalls, and Festival Cairns event management team

For Info: Mr Eric Olufson, Chairman, BDO Kendalls Tel: 1300 138 991

ends

MEDIA INFORMATION Tuesday 12 August 2008

UNITED – YOUTH CONCERT – A FAMILY AFFAIR FOR FESTIVAL GOERS
Sunday 7 September 2008 from 5.30pm in Fogarty Park

Some of Cairns most talented young performers will unite for a free, family concert in Fogarty Park on Sunday 7 September from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Making its debut in this year’s official Festival Cairns program is United – Youth Concert presented by Cairns Christian Ministers Network.

The Cairns Christian Ministers Network in cooperation with the Christian Churches of Cairns, present an evening of dance, contemporary worship, artistic expressions and prayer for the blessing of Cairns.

Featuring the renowned voice of Emma-Louise, dance crew “Shakinah” and “The DOGS” drummers, the night promises great entertainment and celebration for Cairns and its broader community.

Performer Backgrounds – United – Youth Concert

• Emma-Louise
Emma-Louise is a 17 year old school student at Cairns State High School. She started playing guitar at the age of 12 and ever since – has been in love with writing and performing her own material. Emma has just finished recording her new EP titled
“ Autumn Tongues” which is scheduled for release in September.

In 2007 Emma entered into the Q-song awards and won both Courier mail’s People’s choice and the secondary category section.

• DOGS (Drummers of the Good Shepherd)
DOGS (Drummers Of the Good Shepherd) is a boys drumming group based at The Good Shepherd Church, Edge Hill.

Each week a group of around 14 boys, led by Glenn Saggers, meet to study both the bible and the drum.

The boys use drums and percussion from all over the world to build their rhythms and incorporate a variety of styles such as African, Middle Eastern, Indian, tribal and modern rock rhythms.
Their drumming is at times loud, energetic and moving, where they often accompany a song or play solo drumming pieces.

Through these drums, the boys are brought together in one beat to praise God. “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise,
and rejoice, and sing praise.” (Psalm 98:4)

• The Shakinah Dance Crew
The Shakinah Dance crew exists to create anointed dances and compelling dramas designed to Inspire, Influence and Challenge people from all walks of life. Our unshakable dance crew pursues a dance intended to stamp out injustice and bring the hope of glory to every platform they embrace.

Shakinah Dance Crew is a Living Waters based ministry established in 2004 and has experienced major growth ever since. The amazing team includes: Elise Xhafer, Debra Bowie, Shirley O’Shane, Elizabeth Gebadi (WORSHIP TEAM) Samuel Xhafer, Josh Thaiday, Mosh Gebadi, Leroy Minniecon, Shivani Hanlan, Samara Rea, Talicia Minniecon, Sarah Dixon & Shekinah Rea. The crew have just had the privilege of being a part of the Living Waters Crusades for All Nations in Port Moresby, PNG with 50,000 people in attendance over four nights.

Shakinah is strongly committed to the Cairns region, dedicated to being a solution and agent of change in a society riddled with troubled youths through the medium of dance.

Festival Cairns 2008 will run from Wednesday 27 August to Saturday 20 September, 2008.

For further information about Festival Cairns 2008, click on www.festivalcairns.com.au or contact management company, Events Cairns on tel: 07 4051 0222 / email: info@eventscairns.com

Ends

For further information about United – Youth Concert, contact:

Richard Mindenhall
Mob:
Email: richardmindenhall@hotmail.com

For all publicity enquiries, contact:

Pip Miller
Pip Miller PR
Ph: (07) 4032 4400
Mob: 0419 681 543
Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au
Internet: www.festivalcairns.com.au

festival-cairns-media-kit-full

13fc-festival-cairns-harbourlights-wine-dine-lunch-19-sept-08-pr2

HARBOURLIGHTS WINE & DINE LUNCH

- On the Waterfront, Marlin Parade -

Friday 19 September 2008, 12 Noon

Sebel Harbourlights will host an inaugural event showcasing the city’s newest
and most exciting restaurant strip on the waterfront overlooking Trinity Inlet.

Incorporating a three course lunch by Olanos, Dundees on the Waterfront and Café Lumiere restaurants, guests can expect to feast on the region’s bounty of tropical foods with wines to match by Red + White and The Wine Company.

Lucky Door Prizes and the chance to win a sleepover dining package
at Sebel Harbourlights will be up for grabs to win throughout the afternoon.

Bookings are now being taken. To secure a place – or indeed, an entire table of 10,
at this indulgent afternoon of fine fare, contact Tina Wort at Dundees on the Watefront
email: manager@dundees.com.au or telephone 4051 0399.

Tickets are $80 per person or $800 for a table of 10.

Tickets include live entertainment, champagne on arrival, entrée, main and dessert
as well as a glass of wine matched to each course.

Live entertainment by local musician, Simon Harris and his band, Front Ear

Visit the Festival Cairns website

www.festivalcairns.com.au

email invite by justpurple

12fc-festival-cairns-official-program-launch-6-august-08-prMEDIA INFORMATION Wednesday 6 August 2008

FESTIVAL CAIRNS 2008 – A 25 DAY, 47 EVENT ‘LOVE-IN’
FOR CAIRNS & ITS ENVIRONMENT

In its seventh year, Festival Cairns 2008 promises the city and its growing community – a 25 day program of 47 events spanning music, art, sport, culture and entertainment.

Event partners, supporters and friends of Festival Cairns gathered this morning to celebrate the unveiling of this year’s official program that will kick off in just three weeks on Wednesday 27 August with 100 Years of Australian Rugby League at Barlow Park.

Signified by a high energy blend of dancing girls, painted models and giant lollipops, the launch gathering served to create anticipation among guests for Festival Cairns and its imminent roll out - promising ‘something for everyone’.

In her first year as Mayor of Cairns Regional Council, Councillor Val Schier was on hand to perform the official launch of an event she described as evolving from humble beginnings in 2002 to providing one of the best festival months on the east coast of Australia.

“Festival Cairns is a special celebration of who we are our culture, our lifestyle and our multicultural diversity; especially in relation to the traditional owners of the land, who enrich this major festival through pro-active participation.

“With each year the festival encompasses a growing number of community-based activities right through to high-profile events such as Cairns Amateurs and extremely popular Parade of Lights.

“This gives potential visitors to our region another reason to consider visiting - quite separate to our natural attractions. It also gives locals a sense of pride, excitement and an appreciation of the enormous amount of talent in our midst,” said Councillor Schier.

Now in her third year in the role overseeing what has become Queensland’s largest community event, Festival Cairns operations manager, Narell Black took pleasure in unveiling this year’s official program.

“Along with our traditional favourites, this year’s highlight would have to be Ergon Energy’s Busking Festival. Incorporating an Amateur Competition and culminating in a three day showcase of international performers, the aim of this event is to bring the city streets alive. Over the duration of Festival Cairns, locals and visitors will feast on a program of live entertainment on the Esplanade and in City Place.

“We invite the community to embrace this initiative through audience participation in the hope that this will become an annual fixture and major draw card generating notoriety and visitors to Cairns,” she said.

In 2008, Festival Cairns theme has been expanded from Love Cairns introduced last year to include Love the Environment.

“The reason for this is that to love Cairns, you need to love where you live. It really is a tropical paradise that has more strings to its bow than just its natural attractions. The people, the culture, the way of life – it’s the whole package. In addition to our second Dress Up Your Business Campaign, this year we are directing our attention to the region’s bounty of produce and through events such as Food, Wine and All That Jazz and newly created, Harbourlights Wine and Dine Lunch, we will showcase the region’s primary production and plethora of ingredients available for everyone to enjoy,” she said.

Mrs Black also remarked on the support and involvement by local art and entertainment venues which had specifically created a program of events for this year’s program.

“Festival Cairns would not be half the event it is today without the entertainment programs of The Tanks Art Centre and Cairns Civic Theatre along with Cairns Regional Gallery, CoCA and Cairns Libraries.

“From kids and families to music and adult entertainment, we have The Tanks to thank for a performing arts feast of some 11 high calibre events including Ben Winkelman Trio, Jeff Lang, Dave Graney and Clare Moore, Carnival on Collins, Australian Poetry Slam 08, Kooky Cabaret, The Super Kids Circus Show and The Audreys and Palua Sooksook.

“Cairns Civic Theatre’s program is just as prolific, albeit with a more classical twist. Events feature Cairns Choral Society’s 2008 Gala Spectacular, Winner of the Sydney International Piano Competition, The Queensland Orchestra Kinetic Energy, Possum Magic – The Musical Live on Stage, Consentino’s Threshold, Ensembles, Arias and Pipe Organ, Big Band Spectacular and Cairns Concert Orchestra – A Night of Classical Music. This venue also presents Cairns’ biggest dance battle, Stomp the Nard at the Esplanade Skate Park,” she said.

While some may judge the success of Festival Cairns on its higher profile ticketed events Narell Black says there is a lot to be said for the amount of free and family oriented activities.

“In the past few years we have focused on building our free, family oriented entertainment program. I believe we truly deliver on this front with a long line -up of events such as Ergon Energy’s Busking Festival, Family Fun at the Pier and Schools Cultural Week, United – Youth Concert, Birch Carroll and Coyle’s Pictures in the Park, Carnival on Collins, BDO Kendalls Swing by the Lagoon, World’s Greatest Grill and finale favourites, Rotary Duck Events, Tropical Wave Festival, RACQ Insurance Parade of Lights and Cairns Ports Explosion of Lights.”

While there are too many music events to mention, this genre is very well represented. In addition to events already mentioned at The Tanks and Cairns Civic Theatre, the community can look forward to a second TimeOUT Concert on Saturday 30 August bringing New Zealand hip-hop star, Scribe to share the bill with two of Australia’s hottest young rock bands, Faker and Kisschasy as well as reggae/roots act Blue King Brown who performed at last year’s Reggaetown Festival at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. This event returns again in 2008 on Saturday 6 September with New Zealand’s stand out Reggae ambassadors, Katchafire, the Mana Maori Music Men as headline act. Also worth putting in the diary is Couch Music Search at Blue Sky Brewery on Wednesday 17 September that will showcase the live music scene in Cairns with the plan to uncover emerging local artists, singer-songwriters, instrumentalists and bands.

In a final note, Mrs Black introduced the concept of sport being a vital part of the region’s cultural make up.

“Unlike many other festivals in Australia today, Festival Cairns has a large dose of sport. In the first five days of our program, sport lovers can get stuck in with 100 Years Australian Rugby League, Queensland Cup Basketball Tournament and Festival of Sport. And with events like Subway Hoops Clinic, Festival Cairns Cup (yacht race), 2008 Red Centre to Gold Coast Trial (rally cars) and the 50th Anniversary of Cairns Amateurs Spring Racing Carnival in between, the strong sporting presence is continued right throughout the program to finale day with Reef Hotel Casino Masters Rugby Tournament,” she said.

Festival Cairns gratefully acknowledges the support of its partners. These are headed up by foundation sponsors, Presenting Partner, Pacific Toyota and Government Partner, Cairns Regional Council. Major Partners include Cairns Ports, Cairns Family Medical Centre, The Pier at the Marina, BDO Kendalls, RACQ Insurance and Ergon Energy. Festival Partners include Harbourlights, Shangri-La Hotel, Foster’s Group, Piccones Supa IGA and Birch Carroll and Coyle. For a full list of Festival Members and
Media Partners, consult the official program or website.

Festival Cairns 2008 will run from Wednesday 27 August to Saturday 20 September, 2008.

For further information about Festival Cairns 2008, click on www.festivalcairns.com.au or contact management company, Events Cairns on tel: 07 4051 0222 / email: info@eventscairns.com

Ends

For information, contact:

Narell Black
Operations Manager
Festival Cairns 2008
Ph: (07) 4030 7518
Mob: 0433 078 830
Email: narell@eventscairns.com
Internent: www.festivalcairns.com.au

For all publicity enquiries, contact:

Pip Miller
Pip Miller PR
Ph: (07) 4032 4400
Mob: 0419 681 543
Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au
Internet: www.pipmillerpr.com.au