MEDIA RELEASE                                                                 Monday 26 October 09

A SPARKLING NIGHT TURNS INTO A WINNING, DIAMOND STUDDED AFFAIR FOR CAIRNS COST MANAGER, JULIE BYRNE

Pictured at left:  Julie Byrne, cost manager from Turner and Townsend, shows off her winning diamond as she is toasted congratulations by the team from Hardy Brothers Jewellers from left – Ken, Sue and Glen.

Julie burst into tears of joy on Thursday when she was advised she had the lucky cubic zirconia – that indeed was a genuine 0.62 carat diamond.  Julie was the 92^nd person to have their stone tested and was joined by six colleagues – who all attended the awards.  This is the second win for the team with Kim Hayes of Turner and Townsend taking home the Manager in Business award.

After a glittering gala awards evening at Hilton Cairns last Saturday, guests had been steadily making tracks all week to Hardy Brothers Jewellers on the corner of Spence and Abbott Streets, to have their cubic zirconia gift tested for the major prize up for grabs; a 0.62 carat diamond valued at $7,000.  The cubic zirconias were presented to each guest by three glamorous models from Lulu’s dressed to impress in a Sacha Drake Ultimate Black Dress from Tea Lily, diamonds from Hardy Brothers and an award-winning hair-do by Craig Roberts of Pulse.

This presentation signified Hardy Brothers Jewellers Platinum sponsorhip of the awards evening and took place after the official announcement of Cairns Business Woman of the Year and was signified by a very special rendition of ‘Diamonds are Forever’ by jazz singer sensation, Sweet K.

Background Information:

To mark the 25^th anniversary of its annual awards, Cairns Business Women’s Club will offer up a prize cache just shy of $50,000 to finalists at the Black Tie Gala Ball on Saturday 17 October at Hilton Cairns.  In addition, one lucky attendee will win a glittering $7000 diamond from Hardy Brothers Jewellers.

While Cairns Business Woman of the Year Awards are structured so that there are only five official winners, Cairns Business Women’s Club Vice President and Awards Chair, Michelle Commins said said everyone attending this year’s gala event will be a winner; a recipient of a diamond no less with one extremely lucky guest taking home a 0.62 carat stunner valued at $7000.

According to Hardy Brothers Jewellers Cairns Store Manager, Glen Thompson, this year’s awards are significant for his company, celebrating their second official partnership with Cairns Business Women’s Club as a top level, Platinum Sponsor.

“In the past few years Hardy Brothers Jewellers; has stepped up its involvement in community events and endeavours.  We view our participation in this year’s Cairns Business Woman of the Year Awards as the perfect partnership – the icing on the cake!

“While Hardy Brothers Jewellers has been a purveyor of the finest jewellery since 1853, its level of commitment and high standards is attainable and can be enjoyed by all.  While we may be known for our superior diamonds and craftsmanship of the iconic Melbourne Cup trophy, it is our service, diverse design and indeed, affordability that we are keen to communicate to people in Cairns.

“Cairns Business Women’s Club provides great opportunities and many synergies to get our message across to what we deem as a receptive audience,” said Mr Thompson.

While the exact details of how the 0.62 carat, $7000 diamond will be won will be delivered by CBWC President Andrea Jackson after the awards announcement during the gala ball on Saturday 17 October, one thing is certain, every guest will receive a magnificent cubic zirconium –- all thanks to Hardy Brothers Jewellers.

According to Ms Commins, there is nearly $50,000 worth of prizes in all which has been derived from approximately $120,000 in sponsorship contributions.

“In addition to the winner’s prizes, our sponsors have been extremely generous and every attendee will receive an amazing gift bag worth hundreds of dollars!  The night will be full of surprises, with some spectacular entertainment organised that will no doubt thrill and amaze those attending.

“Added to the $7000 diamond from Hardy Brothers Jewellers, of equal note is a $10,000 cash donation from Status Plus.

“We have been overwhelmed with the support for this year’s awards that recognise the talents and achievements of women in private enterprise and public service – committed to all aspects of business.  These awards have become a symbol of success throughout our community and the number of women nominated has increased substantially over the years.  I cannot think of a better way to showcase our women, than a giant celebration that is destined to take place on Saturday 17 October.  I would like to thank all our nominees, finalists, judges, members and of course, sponsors.  A great night will no doubt be had by all,” said Michelle.

Ends

For further information:

Glen Thompson, Store Manager, Hardy Brothers Jewellers T: 4031 6 838

Michelle Commins, CBWC Vice President and Awards Chair T: 0412 506 086

Issued by:

Pip Miller PR     T: 0419 681543  E: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

MEDIA RELEASE                                                                             Monday 5 October 09

A SPARKLING NIGHT FOR ALL ATTENDING CAIRNS BUSINESS WOMEN’S 25^TH AWARDS GALA

Saturday 17 October, Hilton Cairns

Photo Call:  11am, Thursday 8 October  at Hardy Brothers Jewellers, cnr Abbott & Spence Street, Cairns

HBJ Store Manager, Glen Thompson, Andrea Jackson, President CBWC and Michelle Commins, Vice President and Awards Chair CBWC shows off the 0.65 carat sparkler that will be won by one lucky guest attending this year’s Cairns Business Women’s Club Black Tie Gala Awards.  Contact Pip Miller PR 0419 681543

To mark the 25^th anniversary of its annual awards, Cairns Business Women’s Club will offer up a prize cache just shy of $50,000  to finalists at the Black Tie Gala Ball on Saturday 17 October at Hilton Cairns.  In addition, one lucky attendee will win a glittering $6000 diamond from Hardy Brothers Jewellers.

While Cairns Business Woman of the Year Awards are structured so that there are only five official winners, Cairns Business Women’s Club Vice President and Awards Chair, Michelle Commins said everyone attending this year’s gala event will be a winner; a recipient of a diamond no less with one extremely lucky guest taking home a 0.65 carat stunner valued at $6000.

According to Hardy Brothers Jewellers Cairns Store Manager, Glen Thompson, this year’s awards are significant for his company, celebrating their second official partnership with Cairns Business Women’s Club as a top level, Platinum Sponsor.

“In the past few years Hardy Brothers Jewellers has stepped up its involvement in community events and endeavours.  We view our participation in this year’s Cairns Business Woman of the Year Awards as the perfect partnership – the icing on the cake!

“While Hardy Brothers Jewellers has been a purveyor of the finest jewellery since 1853, its level of commitment and high standards is attainable and can be enjoyed by all.  While we may be known for our superior diamonds and craftsmanship of the iconic Melbourne Cup trophy, it is our service, diverse design and indeed, affordability that we are keen to communicate to people in Cairns.

“Cairns Business Women’s Club provides great opportunities and many synergies to get our message across to what we deem as a receptive audience,” said Mr Thompson.

While the exact details of how the 0.65 carat, $6000 diamond will be won will be delivered by CBWC President Andrea Jackson after the awards announcement during the gala ball on Saturday 17 October, one thing is certain, every guest will receive a magnificent cubic zirconium –- all thanks to Hardy Brothers Jewellers.

According to Ms Commins, there is nearly $50,000 worth of prizes in all which has been derived from approximately $120,000 in sponsorship contributions.

“In addition to the winner’s prizes, our sponsors have been extremely generous and every attendee will receive an amazing gift bag worth hundreds of dollars!  The night will be full of surprises, with some spectacular entertainment organised that will no doubt thrill and amaze those attending.

“Added to the $6000 diamond from Hardy Brothers Jewellers, of equal note is a $10,000 cash donation from Status Plus.

“We have been overwhelmed with the support for this year’s awards that recognise the talents and achievements of women in private enterprise and public service – committed to all aspects of business.  These awards have become a symbol of success throughout our community and the number of women nominated has increased substantially over the years.  I cannot think of a better way to showcase our women, than a giant celebration that is destined to take place on Saturday 17 October.  I would like to thank all our nominees, finalists, judges, members and of course, sponsors.  A great night will no doubt be had by all,” said Michelle.

Ends

For further information:

Glen Thompson, Store Manager, Hardy Brothers Jewellers T: 4031 6 838

Michelle Commins, CBWC Vice President and Awards Chair T: 0412 506 086

Issued by:

Pip Miller PR      T: 0419 681543   E: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

Media Release                          Friday 31 July 09

BACK TO BACK, BEACH SHACK NAMED

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT

For the second year running, the Beach Shack Restaurant in Port Douglas has been named Best Family Restaurant.  This award was announced on Monday evening at the 2009 Restaurant and Catering Queensland Hostplus Awards for Excellence (Tropical Northern region).

Owner operator, Amelia Hannaford was delighted on retaining this award and said it is not just the food service and quality, but the little things that add up to The Beach Shack’s award winner recipe.

“Being recognised for our friendly service and hospitality, in particular to families, two years in a row, is entirely down to the incredible team at the Beach Shack.  Their commitment and dedication is outstanding – always making sure everyone leaves with a smile on their face!”

As winner of this category in the far northern awards, The Beach Shack has been automatically entered into the State Finals – going up against other regional winners at the State Awards on Monday 14 September.  These will be held in Brisbane at Hillstone, St Lucia.

The Beach Shack, 29 Barrier Street, Port Douglas is open seven days.  Serving a mouthwatering menu of lunch, dinner, pizza and catering services for groups and weddings.  Tel: 07 4099 1100 to make a reservation or find out more.  Email: dining@the-beach-shack.com.au or www.the-beach-shack.com.au

Ends

Issued by: Pip Miller PR tel: 07 4032 4400 mob: 0419 681543  email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au  www.pipmillerpr.com.au

WOW FACTOR IS NOT WHAT YOU SEE, BUT HOW YOU FEEL

The Inglis Stables in Randwick are transformed into  Gold

For the second year running, (and in conjunction with the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation) Hannafords Events, who have been creating special events around Australia and the Asia Pacific for over 16 years, produced 2009’s exclusive Gold Dinner in Sydney. 

According to Nick Hannaford of Hannafords Events, an amazing $750,000.00 was raised.

“This is a fantastic result in the current economic climate, and well above the target aspired to by the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation.”

This successful fundraising endeavour raises the question: How does an event company contribute to raising such a phenomenal amount of money in the current climate?

Speaking on this topic, Mr Hannaford said, ”For many years now a typical special event production brief was ‘give us an event with WOW factor that’s bigger and better than last year!’ But with a shaky economy underscoring the importance of caution, event companies are increasingly under pressure and this is where experience, knowledge and know how come to the fore.

“We believe to survive as an event producer in this climate, you have to reevaluate your tried and tested event formula.   It’s more about creating events that are personal and intimate – focusing on the event experience rather than WOW factor; it’s not what you see, it’s how you feel.

“When you don’t have the budget for fancy intelligent lighting, reveals and special effects, or expensive venues to rely on, it really tests the event producers design skills to produce a dynamic event that ‘ticks all the boxes’ for your client,” he said.

Putting this theory into practice, the focus of the evening was on ‘guest experience’, which was achieved by a change in the usual Gold Dinner format.  Previous years had seen the dinner run to a formal charity format, focusing on the standard dinner, speeches, auction and presentations formula.  This year, given the tough economic times, Hannafords wanted to create ‘a celebration for a cause’, rather than a ‘giving to a cause’ atmosphere.  This change in perception, created a coming together of people as a family who wanted to celebrate and continue the work of this special Foundation.

Hence, the celebration started with a bang as the fountain fireworks led guests into dinner located inside the unique Inglis stables at Randwick.  The guest experience then became that of an intimate family banquet, softly lit with elegant, romantic candlelight which both highlighted and contrasted the awesome infrastructure of the building.  To begin building the celebration feel again, Dein Perry’s Tap Pup’s demonstrated their awesome toe tapping skills before the enchanted, angelic voices of the Sydney Children’s Choir could be heard from the stable mezzanine – giving an emotional reminder to guests what this celebration was all about. 

The key to creating a celebratory family feel was the implementation of long tables where people could easily talk in a warm and cozy environment. The food was designed by Matt Moran and served banquet style to the table, enabling the passing of plates and sharing food. Four hidden sponsored lounges were then revealed for after dinner cognacs, chocolates, champagne cocktails and cheeses, allowing guests to continue to connect, chat and exchange ideas.  Ensuring the networking could continue as uninterrupted as possible, it was crucial to get the formalities over as soon as possible so guests could resume their interactions on the dance floor and indulge in a little fun!  With an appearance from Jimmy Barnes performing an impromptu duet with a lucky guest who purchased the privilege for charity, and the chance to kick up their heels with Amy and Charlie from “So You Think You Can Dance”, the night successfully took guests on a celebratory journey of ‘it’s not what you see, it’s how you feel.’

ENDS

For information contact:

Amelia Hannaford

Director

Hannafords Events

Tel: 61 7 4099 3966

Mob: 0407 656 293 

Email: amelia@hannafords.com.au

Laura Sage

Event Manager

Hannafords Events

Mob: 0413 125 595

Email: laura@hannafords.com.au

Issued by:  Pip Miller PR          Mob: 0419 681543