17fc-festival-cairns-flying-start-26-aug-08-prMEDIA INFORMATION Tuesday 26 August 2008

FESTIVAL CAIRNS 2008 GETS OFF TO A FLYING START WITH MUSIC, SPORT, THE WRITTEN WORD AND LOADS OF FAMILY FUN

While the Beijing Olympics are now history, Cairns is poised for another event…but this time, much closer to home. After a year of planning, now there is just one day to go until kick-off for the city’s seventh annual community celebration, Festival Cairns. For the next three weeks, the tropical city will kick up its heels with an action-packed program of events spanning music, arts, sport and good old-fashioned entertainment – giving credence to the well-worn cliché, something for everyone.

Embracing this year’s theme, Love Cairns, Love the Environment, Festival Cairns is all about drawing attention to the reasons of what makes life in the tropics so great.

“From the clear air that we breathe to the abundant greenery and laid-back lifestyle, there really is much to love about living in Cairns,” commented Festival Cairns operations manager, Narell Black.

With the first official event being the National Basketball League’s four day QLD Cup tournament beginning on Thursday with games from 6pm at the Fish Tank, there is loads more in store leading into the opening weekend that includes Shakespeare in the Library, and the very special, Ben Winkelman Trio at The Tanks Arts Centre on Friday night.

Saturday kicks off with family fun all round starting at 10am with Family Fun at the Pier as well as Cairns Regional Gallery’s Festival Cairns Family Fun Day. This is also day one of the two-day Tropical Writer’s Festival at Shangri-la as well as the annual Subway Hoops Clinic at the Fishtank for aspiring basketballers, Jeff Lang at The Tanks Art Centre.

For music lovers, this weekend is a feast with the first of two Cairns Choral Society’s Gala Spectacular at Cairns Civic Theatre and week one highlight, the second annual TimeOUT Concert at Cairns Showgrounds. This event is destined to rock the foundations of Cairns with an amazing line up that gets going from 3pm to 10pm. For one night only, the city will bask in four of the hottest headline acts – Scribe, Kisschasy, Blue King Brown and Faker.

“One thing is certain, in our opening weekend and throughout Festival Cairns, the city’s youth are well and truly catered for,” commented Narell.

While the city wakes up from a hangover, sport enthusiasts will have their runners on for this year’s one day, Festival of Sport at the Esplanade from 8.30am. The energy will continue with another Family Fun Day at the Pier, the final Cairns Choral Society’s Gala Spectacular Performance and the adrenalin-charged decider between basketball teams, Gold Coast Blaze, Townsville Crocs and Skytrans Cairns Taipans at the Fishtank.

Weekend One Run Down is as follows:

Friday 29 August:

• NBL QLD Cup continues at the Fish Tank – games from 6pm and 8pm.

• Festival Fridays kick off at Ba8 from 5pm – live music.

• Launch of KickArts BIG exhibition from 6pm at KickArts – Good Social Opp

• Ben Winkelman Trio from 6.30pm for 7.30pm show at Tanks Arts Centre (Tank 5)

• Statespeare from 7.30pm at Cairns City Libraries

Saturday 30 August:

• Family Fun at the Pier from 10am to 1pm featuring La Goons

• Cairns Regional Gallery Festival Cairns Family Fun Day from 10am to 3pm

• The Tropical Writers’ Festival from 10.30am at Shangri-La (Literary dinner from 7pm featuring Nick Earls)

• TimeOUT Concert at The Cairns Showgrounds from 4pm to 10pm

• Subway Hoops Clinic at Fishtank from 4pm to 6pm

• Jeff Lang from 6.30pm for 7.30pm show at Tanks Arts Centre (Tank 5)

• Cairns Choral Society’s 2008 Gala Spectacular from 7.30pm at Cairns Civic Theatre

Sunday 31 August:

• Festival of Sport from 8am to 8.30pm at Fogarty Park and Esplanade

• The Tropical Writers’ Festival continues at 9.30am

• Family Fun at the Pier from 10am to 1pm featuring La Goons

• Cairns Choral Society’s 2008 Gala Spectacular from 3.00pm at Cairns Civic Theatre

• NBL QLD Cup culminates in basketball final at fish tank from 6pm

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 To contact Operations Manager, Narell Black, mob: 0433 078830

Ends

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.

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