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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

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

Community Contribution to Celtic Dance culminates

in QLD Day Award

Mrs Jacqueline Wilson, Principal of Cairns Scottish & Irish Dance Academy receives QLD Day Award from Steve Wettenhall MP yesterday at a ceremony held at Holloways Beach Environment Centre

One of Australia’s most respected Irish and Highland dance teachers and adjudicators, Jacqueline Wilson, has been recognized by peers for her community contribution to Celtic dance with a Queensland Day Award. 

Mrs Wilson was honoured yesterday when she was presented with her award at a ceremony attended by family, friends, parents and students of the Cairns Scottish and Irish Dance Academy.

Mrs Wilson was nominated for her award by parents of the dance school following the successful Celtic Roots show she choreographed in conjunction with musician, Kirk Steele and his band, Get Reel.

In presenting the award, Mr Wettenhall said, ”Your services to the community have been recognised by your peers and I am pleased to be able to offer a small award to thank you so very much for your contributions”.

Mrs Wilson said she was very honoured and on receiving it, said “This award belongs to my family and also the students and parents of the dancing school – because without all of you I could not do what I do. 

“I do it because I enjoy working with children, love music and dance and want to make a difference in the lives of the children I teach.  It is as simple as that,” said Mrs Wilson.

Jacqueline Wilson founded the Cairns Scottish and Irish Dance Academy in 1983.  She has been teaching both Highland and Irish dance forms for the past 26 years and is now assisted by both her daughters, Catherine Wilson and Alison Gaustad, who are also registered teachers.  This is the second time Jackie has received recognition for her services to Highland and Irish Dancing in Cairns.  In 1999 she was awarded the Cairns City Council Australia Day Senior Cultural Award.

In 2009, the Cairns Scottish and Irish Dance Academy has 35 students enrolled ranging in age from 5 to 25.

Mrs Wilson’s students have performed to both national and international audiences over the years and later this year, two students, Catherine Wilson will perform in Basel in Switzerland with OzScot Australia Highland Dancing Team and will be joined by Belinda Worthy in Edinburgh for the month of August where both girls will perform with OzScot at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Jacqueline herself will be judging at the Burnham Highland Games in Perthshire in Scotland on 29^th August and will attend the 2010 Championship Steps Lecture hosted by the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing in Paisley near Glasgow on the 30^th August.  As Secretary of the Far North Queensland Regional Committee of Highland Dancing, Jackie will bring back a wealth of knowledge to share with her colleagues here in North Queensland on her return.

This weekend, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June, the “City of Cairns” Festival of Highland and Irish Dancing Association together with the AIDA North Queensland Sub Committee will play host to the City of Cairns Festival of Highland Dancing and North Queensland Irish Premierships at St Mary’s Catholic College.

These events (Highland Festival and Irish Ceili on Saturday and Irish Premierships on Sunday) have attracted competitors from around Queensland and will provide a great spectacle throughout the weekend with music, skill and colourful costumes displayed by dance students of all ages. 

The weekend of competition begins on Saturday 6 June at 8.30 am at St Mary’s Catholic College.  Contact Jacqueline Wilson on mob:  0419 785 817  for further information.

Ends

Issued by:                    Pip Miller PR   mob: 0419 681543

Jacqueline Wilson is honoured for community service to celtic dance by Steve Wettenhall MP

 

 

Left to Right: Sharon Issack - AOT Account Manager Victoria, Emma O’Brien – AOT Account Manager Victoria, Todd Cornford – National Sales Manager, Parker Travel Collection and Jill Lance – AOT Account Manager Victoria.

Publicity

 

 

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

Internet: www.parkertravelcollection.com.au                      

MEDIA INFORMATION                                      Tuesday 19 May 2009

QUEENSLAND SHOWCASED IN BIGGEST EVER

DOMESTIC BLITZ

Always at the forefront of developing innovative ways to market Queensland, Parker Travel Collection steps up to the plate once again with the launch of its biggest ever domestic retail campaign: 2009 QUEENSLAND HOT DEALS TO COOL PLACES.

Kicking off this month with the launch of its eighth season, Hot Deals to Cool Places is a campaign focused on selling Queensland holidays to Australians.  Key to its success is capturing the attention of travel agents with a user-friendly brochure or guide to Queensland.

For the coming 2009-2010 travel season, Hot Deals to Cool Places campaign has been built around the launch of its 16 page, full colour brochure of special offers and value-added packages to key destinations within Queensland.

“This brochure is designed to be the travel agents’ quick-sell bible to Queensland.  While compelling the agents’ call-to-action with hot deals and packages (strategically aimed at boosting visitation at various times throughout the year), we place high priority on its destination information and content. 

“This season, like never before, the brochure is bursting at the seams with tips, tricks and general hints on how to get the most out of each region, city, town or village featured,” he said.

Mr Parker said Australia’s travel industry is now being flooded with 60 000 brochures via brochure distribution and personal mail systems – as well as sales calls on travel agencies throughout Melbourne, Sydney, Country NSW, Brisbane and south east Queensland.

“Our sales call mission has already begun and will continue over the coming months while garnering extra profile through industry advertising campaigns promoting  HOT DEALS integrity as an effective sales tool for Queensland.

“This will be our biggest campaign ever with 5000 retails sales calls conducted over the next six months with more campaigns to come.  Our message is simple, ‘c’mon Australia, come to Queensland – it really is beautiful one day and perfect the next!

“It’s imperative we remain aggressive in the selling Queensland as a holiday destination – targetting Australia as our most important market,” he said.

While continually striving to bring Queensland – via interesting and exclusive products and packages – to the market, Parker Travel Collection is proud to include several new experiences in this year’s campaign.  As follows:

The Tropical North

• Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club; opened in March, the resort is Australia’s newest golf course accommodation.

• The Australian Mustering Experience; ‘live’ outback mustering experience operating three days and nights a week out of Port Douglas.

• New DFO shopping tours in Cairns; opening this month.

The Great South East

• Boutique, 84 room Portal Hotel in Brisbane city; opened in March and with the very chic O bar & restaurant.

Left to Right: Sharon Issack – AOT Account Manager Victoria, Emma O’Brien – AOT Account Manager Victoria, Todd Cornford – National Sales Manager, Parker Travel Collection and Jill Lance – AOT Account Manager Victoria.

Parker Travel Collection’s Hot Deals to Cool Places campaign secured its place in the Tropical North Queensland’s Tourism Award’s Hall of Fame in 2007 for Product Marketing

Parker Travel Collection has offices in Cairns, the Gold Coast and Melbourne. For further information, contact Todd Parker, Parker Travel Collection on 07 4055 6122, mob: 0417 440 922, email: or visit the website on www.parkertravelcollection.com

ends

MEDIA RELEASE                                       Thursday 19 March 2009

DRIFT SPA A FIRST FOR MISSION BEACH

While cassowaries tuck-in to the tropic’s exotic fruit known as quandongs in the Mission Beach rainforest, at the beach nearby, the therapists at Drift Spa are using it on clients as the key ingredient in a conditioning hair treatment.

Adding a new and holistic dimension to guest services and activities available in Mission Beach, Drift Spa opened last month at Castaways Resort and Spa.  In another first, it is the only beachfront spa facility in Tropical North Queensland.

The Dreaming, Drift’s signature three-and-a-half-hour treatment, incorporates a salt exfoliation, mud wrap, full massage (including hands, feet and face) and exotic hair mask made from the oil of the quandong kernel.

The luxurious treatment embodies the philosophy of Drift Spa to soothe the body, mind and soul of clients with Australia’s Aboriginal-inspired Li’Tya products and treatments.

Right on the edge of the white sands of spectacular Mission Beach, Drift Spa at Castaways Resort and Spa is the ultimate location for a massage or a body wrap as its absolute beachfront position gives an uninterrupted view of Dunk Island and the Coral Sea.

Serene state-of-the-art treatment rooms offer air-conditioned comfort, or drift off on the balcony in either the spa or seated massage chairs. Drift’s cutting edge design means the four different treatment areas can cater to couples, singles or be booked exclusively by a group of six to 16.

Edge Architecture’s Gordon Beath, who is renowned for the Gold Coast Mirage, designed the unique relaxation areas and balcony treatment space while Coco Republic Interiors combined earthy hues with inspiration from the ocean for the décor.

Spa manager Lea-Ann Kennedy said Drift was not just a typical day spa, but an incredible experience given to clients in a stunning beachfront setting.

 “The décor captures the essence of Li’tya’s Of the Earth and Of the Sea ranges which is important as each treatment at Drift is a sensory journey using colour, smell and sound to ground clients and leave them in a blissful state rarely achieved in their busy lives,” she said.

“Our six therapists have been fully trained in the use of Li’Tya which incorporates organic Australian native plant botanicals with ancient Aboriginal healing methods for a unique spa treatment.

“I fell in love with Li’Tya’s Australian made and owned products while I was working in spas on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. I like the company’s philosophy of treading lightly on the earth as well as their commitment to ‘give back’ to the indigenous people.   

 “I discovered Mission Beach 20 years ago when I started coming here annually on holidays.

“Now I have been able to set up a state-of-the-art spa in the most beautiful and peaceful location I’ve seen. Helping clients reconnect with themselves and rejuvenate after a treatment completes the dream for me.”

‘Drift’ offers a comprehensive range of beauty services including professional photographic makeup using Atelier products from France.

According to Lea-Ann, ‘Drift’ is aboard the latest ‘spa party’ trend known as ‘Sparty’.  “This is a quirky and fun idea where our clients and their friends can enjoy exclusive use of the spa  - a healthy alternative for hen’s parties and special occasions.

When it comes to organizing a ‘sparty’, Drift can cater for groups of six to 16 and to celebrate its recent opening, has a special package available.  Until 31 May, 2009, groups of six booking a ‘sparty’ will receive a foot soak, one hour massage, cheese platter, glass of sparkling wine and use of the verandah spa for the party’s duration for just $600.

Other opening specials available this month include:

•  free Tuscan Tan this month with the purchase of Tuscan Tan Exfoliating Sugar Scrub, PH Balanced Skin Wash and the Tinted Tan Extender for $75.

Drift Spa is another progressive investment by the Neville-Smith family who own Castaways Resort and Spa and are committed to adding value to Mission Beach as a destination.

 “We are now rolling out our fresh Castaways branding to symbolise the resort’s recent refurbishment and expansion with the addition of Drift Spa and Palms wedding/conference facility – both built by local, Mission Beach builder Mark Watson of Watson Construction,” Mr James Neville-Smith said.

ENDS

For more information

Lea-Ann Kennedy Manager Drift Spa Telephone: (07) 4088 6807

Email:  relax@driftspa.com.au Web: www.driftspa.com.au

Publicity

Pip Miller PR Telephone: 0419 681543 Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

      PUBLIC RELATIONS REPORT 2008

Table of Contents                                                                                            page

1. Festival Cairns 2008 Overview…………………………………………………………………… 3

2. Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………..  4

3. The Basic Strategy ……………………………………………………………………………………  4

4. Media Releases ………………………………………………………………………………………  6

5. Media Kit ……………………………………………………………………………………………….  6

6. Blog ………………………………………………………………………………………………………  7

7. Media updates by email ………………………………………………………………………….  7

8. City Life, Passport to Cairns, Wotif.com…………………………………………………….. 7

9. Publicity Record …………………………………………………………………………………….. 8

9.1 General Publicity Coverage

9.2  Electronic Media Record (TV and Radio) 9.3 Press Coverage

10. General Outcomes ………………………………………………………………………………..  8

Appendix

• Supporting material including press releases, e news, media notifications and publicity

FESTIVAL CAIRNS PUBLIC RELATIONS REPORT 2008

1. Overview of Festival Cairns 2008

As the curtains close on another Festival Cairns, there is no doubt that in its seventh year, Queensland’s largest regional community celebration has continued on its successful path to present a dynamic program with broad appeal.

With success measured in terms of participation in, and subscription to, events, economic impact and ability to focus attention on the city of Cairns, Festival Cairns 2008 certainly hit its straps – involving participation by some 175,000 people and providing an economic impact to the tune of $20 million.

Festival Cairns – as an event – reaches all of its many and varied objectives through efficient and effective management of resources.  Managed by EventsCairns from the outset, an operations manager and team of four staff work their magic in conjunction with a dedicated team of specialized contractors that span event management, theming companies, public relations, advertising, signage and web-based marketers.

In 2008, true to form, Festival Cairns continued to bring its vision to life; providing its local community and visitors with one giant colourful umbrella – under which a quality program of some 45 events fall.  Within an official program of free and ticketed events, Festival Cairns incorporated 25 days of activity covering a whole range of events that fall under the categories of music,  sport, arts and entertainment, food, wine and family based festivals.  In offering such a diverse and varied program it achieves what is often impossible – the ability to talk to a range of audiences from young families to youth, artisans, multi-cultural communities and visitors.

This achievement is exemplified by this year’s highlights that included the second annual TimeOUT concert, the QLD Cup NBL championship, Food, Wine and All That Jazz, Carnival on Collins, Cairns Amateurs Spring Racing Carnival and the annual Parade of Lights finale spectacular and fireworks display.

As with every year, 2008 was poignant in that it introduced a series of new events and initiatives to the program.  The launch of Ergon Energy’s Busking Festival is a case in point and comprising both an amateur and professional program, was deemed a great success by organizers and the people of Cairns.  It is hoped that this event will gather momentum with the years and in so doing, provide a major drawcard to the city in terms of buskers and visitors vying for a wonderful score of outdoor entertainment.

On that note, what Festival Cairns does particularly well, is focus attention or showcase its public amenities and precincts.  The wonderful assets of Cairns come the fore when Festival Cairns is on.  Places like the Cairns Esplanade, Lagoon, City Place, the Tanks Art Centre, Centre of Contemporary Arts, Flecker Botanic Gardens and Cairns City Port are all brought to the fore as venues of supreme enjoyment.

The business community of Cairns is integral to the success of Festival Cairns and in 2008 was particularly so.  Event partners such as BDO Kendalls who staged Swing by the Lagoon, Supa /IGA and of course, founding event partner Pacific Toyota – all take a vested interest in the success and well being of Festival Cairns.  Without them, along with Ergon Energy, Cairns Family Medical Centre, The Pier, Cairns Ports, Shangri-la, Rydges Hotels and Resorts and a whole host of others, are the backbone of Festival Cairns.

For the second year running, Festival Cairns conveyed its theme of Love Cairns, Love the Environment, through its Dress Up Your Business Campaign.  Riding on the success of its inaugural year, managed to attract in excess of 30 businesses who pro-actively got celebrated the Festival  with its recognizable icons of stars, hearts, fish and palm fronds. 

Of all the events, perhaps it is the RACQ Insurance Parade of Lights that best illustrates the community’s acceptance and love of Festival Cairns.  In 2008, some 30,000 local residents and visitors turned out in droves to line the Esplanade as the annual procession made its way gradually along the street.  Dancing, drumming, music and much more makes for an overt celebration of Cairns and what makes life in the north so appealing to its community.  For many, it is all about the great outdoors, the emerald hills, the azure seas and the balmy nights…encapsulated to perfection by the Parade of Lights.

To understand Festival Cairns, one must first understand its heritage, In 2002 Festival Cairns was born.   An event unlike any other in Australia, it successfully delivered the concept of a multi-dimensional program of free and ticketed events spanning music, art, culture, sport and entertainment.   This event would take place in spring and roll out over three action-packed weeks – bringing people out and about to enjoy life in the tropics while showcasing the city’s precincts of public enjoyment – be it Cairns Esplanade, Cairns Civic Theatre, The Tanks Arts Centre, CoCA or Cairns Regional Gallery.

In its short history, Festival Cairns has been delivered to the people by the people.  That is via a combination of Council funding and private sector contributions.  While Council has also played an important role overseeing its operation and development –a privately owned event management company, in conjunction with its sponsors and event partners, has put the wheels in motion and brought Festival Cairns to life.

Over the years it has evolved gradually into a memorable and worthwhile event that somehow manages to talk to the people – be they youth, families, multi-cultural communities  -even sporting enthusiasts. 

1. Introduction

The following activity report outlines media relations activity undertaken by Pip Miller PR on the behalf of EventsCairns for Festival Cairns 2008.

This activity was undertaken on an ongoing basis between June  and November 2007. 

This is the seventh year Pip Miller PR has provided a public relations consultancy service for Festival Cairns.

   3.  The Basic Strategy

Primary Objective:

For the seventh Festival Cairns event, Pip Miller worked in conjunction with EventsCairns  and several event partners to co ordinate all media relations activity with a view to generating positive media coverage in the local marketplace. 

Secondary objectives:

a)      generate media coverage in the national press and glossy magazines

b)      international media generated through tourism networks – TQ, TA and TTNQ

c)      coordination of vip finale event

This year the campaign was undertaken with a shorter lead time from June to November inclusive, however it is important to note activity continues right throughout the year.

The Program:

The public relations activity commenced with foundation work in conjunction with operations manager, Narell Black.  This included a focus on following:

-          securing support of local schools in a range of activities including

 lantern art project and parade participation.

The actual communication effort started with the distribution of a press release within the local catchment appealing to school children and was followed closely by the distribution of a date-claimer and photographs to longer lead publications, webguides and newsletters.  Travel trade press and leisure/womens and lifestyle magazines/publications were targeted – as well as the major daily newspapers.

The effort then focussed locally with the event partners meeting on Wed 18 June followed by the call for a new Parade partner following the temporary withdrawal of  RACQ Insurance and the announcement of Supa IGA’s sponsorship.  The official media launch took place on Wed 6 August. While a media release and notification was issued for all preceding events, a comprehensive media kit was prepared and distributed.  This is a significant and time-consuming process that has been very well commended over the years as a valuable tool for journalists.

In the meantime, considerable support was given to event partners to assist their activity as well as focussing on key festival events be it, , ‘Dress Up Your Business’, the Tanks Art Centre’s program, Rotary’s Duck Race, United Youth Concert, Busking Festival, Swing by the Lagoon, Reggaetown, Cairns Harbourlights inaugural lunch and other Council associated events.

Media relations were ongoing – sourcing and fielding media enquiries with information, media releases, advertorial and photographs.

The public relations consultant is also responsible for facilitating radio, press and television interviews with spokespeople, who again this year was Narell Black. 

In 2007 a daily blog was introduced as part of the media page on the Festival Cairns website.  In 2008, Cairns.com.au was the website designer and the integration of a media page and blog was no longer possible.  In this case, feeling it very important to continue the integration with web information for journalists, all media releases and blogging was filed on my own personal website and links were promoted across all mediums.

FACT: 45 blogs entries were made starting officially with the first on 12 June 08.  This is a full and detailed record.

The event itself meant highlighting and presenting each event to media and targeting messages to suit.  In addition, co ordination of photo-stories and exclusives for Cairns Sun, The Cairns Post, Cairnseye, City Life and other media.  All uploaded on www.pipmillerpr.com.au

4.       Media Releases

• General News Releases

FACT: 25 press releases (not including those prepared and distributed for Busking Festival, Tanks, Reggaetown) prepared, approved and distributed.  Please note that all were uploaded onto www.pipmillerpr.com.au.

FACT: A further 20 press releases written exclusively for the media kit issued on

August 6 at media launch.  This media kit was accompanied by a disk.

• Media Opportunities

FACT: 8 media notifications issued independently and a further 15 as part of

twice weekly e news – of which there were 7.  The independent media notifications were for: Parade sponsor announcement, BDO Kendalls media launch, Calanna Duck Race Fundraising Launch, Cairns Harbourlights Wine and Dine Lunch and Parade of Lights winner’s presentation.

In total, 23 media opportunities organised and attended.

• Festival Cairns 2008 Overview

A 1500 word document was produced as an overview of all the events to be used as reporting and marketing for Festival Cairns 2009.

5. Media Kit

The media kit is always a very time-consuming, albeit worthwhile process that sets the foundation of communications material for journalists researching and writing about the event.  This document was prepared for the media launch on 6 August and was uploaded onto www.pipmillerpr.com.au

50 hard copies of this kit were produced.  These were selectively given to journalists in Cairns (at the event and afterwards, hand-delivered to those that couldn’t attend) and mailed to journalists in Port Douglas, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

The full colour, bound Media Kit revised and revamped for 2008 to comprise:

-          Glossy cover featuring program cover

-          Index (Intro Letter, Official Program of Events, Press Releases, Fact Sheets by Category)

-          CD disk with its own media kit design

-          Official Program

-          Links to www.pipmillerpr.com.au where could be downloaded on line as a full document or individual releases and fact sheets.

6.  Blog

Blogging by the ‘pr’ officially commenced on 12 June 08 via www.pipmillerpr.com.au.  It was first introduced as part of the official Festival Cairns website in 2007 to replace the e-news concept, however was soon deemed as an ‘added extra’ and not effective enough in terms of communicating with media; general public, yes – perhaps. 

The blog was definitely a worthwhile exercise, however in 2008 could no longer integrate as part of new website designed by Cairns.com.au and was taken into my own website.

Some 45 blog entries were made in the period June to November 08.

7. Media Updates by Email

This year the number and nature of e-newsletters issued was based on one at the beginning and end of each week for a total of 7 distributions or e-newsletters.  These also uploaded onto the website.

The e-news program commenced in the week leading into Festival Cairns on 26 August and comprised some 7 different e-newsletters – many of which contained photographs, links, editor’s notes and general commentary.

See appendix

8. City Life, Passport to Cairns, Wotif.com and MacAir

Articles researched and written specifically for:

• August and September issues of Passport to Cairns
• September issue of Macair
• August September issue of City Life
• September issue of TNT magazine
• Cairns Eye Cover Stories for two publications during Festival Cairns
• Wotif.com Promo Page
• Aura magazine

As well as spiels and blurbs for:

-          Jetstar

-          Voyeur

-          Travellink

-          The Australian Way (Qantas Inflight)

-          World Travel Guide

-          Living In Cairns

-          Travel Australia

-          TQ News

-          The Buzz (Tourism Australia)

-          TTNQ In Touch

-          Cairns Community Newspapers

-          Austguide Travel News

-          Touraters Web guide

-          Guam Radio

9. Publicity Record

     9.1  General Publicity Achievement

The publicity record in 2008 is impressive with the public relations consultants own clipping service reporting a total of 192 clips. 

9.2   Electronic Media Record (Cairns only for months of Aug and Sept 08 only)

Extensive coverage was increased significantly in 2008 with Win and Seven TV news broadcasting no less than 15 news bulletin stories in each over months of August and September.  In addition, similar support from radio that was stepped up in 2008 to record a total of 33 reports – namely, Hot, Sea and 4CA FM news (15) and ABC Radio Far North (15) and Easy Mix 846 (3).

On the day leading into the finale for Festival Cairns, Friday 19 September, Pip Miller was interviewed by visiting crew from Guam Radio that was broadcast live across Guam, Micronesia.  This was part of a Continental Airlines initiative with TTNQ. 

Other broadcast publicity included an extensive interview on Southern Cross TEN’s David and Kim in the Mornings on Thursday 18 September and State Focus on Sunday 5 October.

9.3   Press Coverage

The Cairns Post has become Festival Cairns greatest ally and is the main medium responsible for communicating the event and its partners in a positive way.

In August and September along this newspaper recorded a total of 66 clips which was further supported by 10 in Wednesday’s free lift out, Cairns eye (not including cover stories and features) and 20 stories in The Cairns Sun.

Other publicity in local publications Pakmag (cover story), Cairns Kids Magazine, Hype and City Life.

Notable publicity included that in Australian Fin Review, Daily Telegraph, House and Garden, The Sunday Mail, Coalfields Express, Tourism on Q, Virgin’s Voyeur, Inflight Magazine, The Road Ahead and more.  Regional publicity in Townsville Bulletin, Innisfail Advocate, The Port Douglas and Mossman Gazette, Tablelander and Tablelands Advertiser and Cairns Northern News.

See clippings

10. General Outcomes

After seven years, felt like the PR was truly hitting its straps.  An increased work load due to the expanded responsibilities assisting event manager and coordination of the finale event did not diminish the media relations effort or its response.

The communication of this event continues to evolve and this year was no exception with the continuation of a ‘blog’ and further upgrades to media kit – proving that  Festival Cairns is a contemporary community event.

Event greater support shown in 2008 by prime medium, The Cairns Post, made the PR’s job easier and results are tabled in the appendix spreadsheets.  Editor, Mark Alexander, is obviously very supportive and editorial assigned a journalist, Kylie Reghenzani, to report on most stories.  Community and Time Out editors were also supportive.

Electronic media, namely WIN and SEVEN news and MR Works Radio news were also increasingly supportive and inroads were made into achieving further publicity on a national and international scale.

Prepared by Pip Miller

December 08

 click on link below to download

 public-relations-report-20081

THE BUSINESS of SPREADING FESTIVAL LOVE

Lorraine Devine is over the moon this morning – and quite rightly so – for the second year running, her creativity and enthusiasm for Festival Cairns has ‘bagged’ first prize in Festival Cairns’ Dress Up Your Business campaign.

Lorraine and her husband John take home the $500 cash prize for their Aplin Street business, Devine Gelato.

“I am just so excited. I love Cairns and I love the festival,” said a delighted Lorraine on hearing the news.

“This year I went all out – over and above last year – with a music display, Japanese display, local produce display and a whole wall dedicated to my love of Cairns. We even introduced a special ice-cream called Festival Fusion – a combination of mango, pineapple, coconut and lemon. It has been so popular our customers have asked for it to be kept on the menu – but I think we will keep it for Festival Cairns,” she said.

Originally from Adelaide, Mr and Mrs Devine have lived in and loved Cairns for the past four years and have just celebrated two years for their ice-cream and gelato business.

And what will she do with her prize money? “I think I will have to give it to my husband to re-paint the walls I have decorated in Festival Cairns. But never fear, it’s a joy to be involved and next year we’re going for a hat trick.”

Lorraine Devine can be contacted during shop hours (midday to 10pm) on tel: 4041 4959.

2008 Winners of Dress Up Your Business as follows:

• 1st – place Devine Gelato – Cnr Abbott and Aplin Stret (next to Outback Jacks)
• 2nd – Shoetopia – Woodward St, Edge Hill
• 3rd – The Coffee Club – The Esplanade

Honorable Mentions for:

• All-Star Dry Cleaners – Anderson Street
• Mediapower – Shields Street
• The Capta Group

Background Information:
Following the success of last year’s Dress Up Your Business Campaign, Pacific Toyota once again gave local businesses the chance to dress up their premises and be in the running to win great prizes.

Festival Cairns Operations Manager, Narell Black said the response exceeded all expectation with the “Love Cairns, Love the Environment” theme being embraced by over 30 businesses and as such, is omnipresent throughout the city.

Judging is taking place today and the winners will be announced tomorrow.

To help businesses on their way, every organisation that registered received a starter pack containing five festival icons which include leaping fish, twirling rainbows, green palm fronds, butterflies and love hearts.

The kits were available to all participating businesses, free-of-charge following registration. And there are some great prizes up for grabs:

First Prize: $500 cash plus Birch Carroll and Coyle Movie Package, an advertising package in The Cairns Post and a feature on WIN Local News (weather)

Second Prize: Birch Carroll and Coyle Movie Package

Third Prize: Birch Carroll and Coyle Movie Package

All prize winners will also receive tickets to the Festival Cairns VIP Finale event on Saturday 20 September 2008.

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 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