Archive for May, 2009

Crystal Caves home to half-tonne of gems and fossils from Tucson Gem Show

May 20th, 09 / 0 Comments

MEDIA INFORMATION                                           20 May 2009

 

HALF-TONNE TREASURE CHEST DIRECT FROM TUCSON NOW ON DISPLAY

René Boissevain pictured with prized Maroccan Fossil purchased for a song in Tucson

 

René Boissevain, creator and founder of The Crystal Caves in Atherton, together with his manager Jim Russell recently embarked on a two week buying trip to the Tucson Gem Show in Arizona, US;  returning home with a half-tonne treasure chest of rare gemstones, crystals, fossils and jewellery.

 

According to Mr Russell, their Tucson treasure is now on display which he says is a magnificent collection not yet seen in north Queensland.

 

“While some of the extra special pieces have been curated into the Crystal Caves themselves, the remaining gems are now on display in the gift shop,” he said.

 

The Tuscon Gem show is the biggest and most comprehensive show of its kind in the world, with miners, wholesalers and collectors from every continent showing off their very best gems each day for the two week duration of the event.

 

The show effectively takes over the whole city of Tucson, Arizona, with every conference centre and accommodation house playing host to the exhibitors and buyers.

 

Mr Russell said they were amazed at the very competitive prices being offered at the show this year.

 

“With increased international competition among vendors this year in Tucson, we were able to purchase many items – from beautiful Malachite carvings, rare stibnite crystals and even Australian Opals  - at the lowest prices we have ever seen.  And as a result, have been able to pass the savings on in our gift shop,” he said.

 

The new stock and exhibits are expected to continue following The Crystal Caves recent success with visitor numbers this year which recorded much higher traffic than any previous records and still growing.

 

Mr Boissevain said he believes this success is partly down to the fame of Crystal Caves’ prime attraction, the biggest Amethyst geode in the world, known to visitors as The Empress of Uruguay.

 

“Since being introduced into our collection last year, the Empress of Uruguy, word is rapidly spreading, with people from far and wide becoming aware of what a truly breathtaking sight she is.

 

·         To find out more about Tucson Gem Show visit: ww.visittucson.org/visitor/events/gemshow/faq/  www.visittucson.org/visitor/events/gemshow/

 

The Crystal Caves at 69 Main Street Atherton was established in x.    Is open seven days from xam to xpm.

 

ends

 

For further information:

      Jim Russell

General Manager,

The Crystal Caves,

69 Main street Atherton, Q 4883.

ph;   07 4091 2365 mob:

www.crystalcaves.com.au

 

Issued by:

 

Pip Miller PR

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

www.pipmillerpr.com.au

 

 

Rene Boissevain with Maroccan Fossil

Rene Boissevain with Maroccan Fossil

Crystal Caves

Parker Travel Launches Domestic Blitz

May 19th, 09 / 0 Comments

 

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.

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

 

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Festival Cairns 2008, Parker Travel Collection

Mon and Eli Fundraiser

May 14th, 09 / 0 Comments

MEDIA INFORMATION                                                   14 May 09

Monica and Eli

Monica and Eli

 

 

FANCY LUNCH WITH A FASHIONABLE, FUNDRAISING TWIST?

 

Friends of Monica & Eli are hosting a fundraising lunch at Ochre Restaurant on Thursday 21 May to assist with expenses for Eli’s medical treatment for a brain tumour.

 

Tickets are just $75 per person and include a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, a Parisian style parade of fashion by local designers Snoovi and Sahusara(models from Lulu’s Models), entertainment by emcee, Destiny, two course menu and free entry into the draw to win a Port Douglas getaway valued at more than $500, loads of other prizes and more.

 

Organiser, Gabrielle Cooney, said this event has been designed for city workers and those with vying for a leisurely afternoon of fun.

 

“Come along and enjoy a quick lunch break or while away the afternoon while supporting a very worthwhile cause,” said Ms Cooney.

Ochre Restaurant
43 Shields Street, Cairns
on Thursday May 21st 2009
Starts 12.30pm – Parade at 1.00

To book or donate, call Gabrielle Cooney at Justpurple on tel: 4058 1011 mob: 0418 708 068, email: monandeli@justpurple.com.au  or go to www.justpurple.com.au/mon.html

Ends

 

Issued by: Pip Miller PR                       Tel: 04519 681543   Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

Pip Miller Blog

Hannafords Bombs Darwin with a Trio of Spectacular Events

May 14th, 09 / 0 Comments

MEDIA RELEASE                                     14 May 2009

 

HANNAFORDS CREATE RODEO MAGIC BEFORE BOMBING DARWIN IN A TRIP OF SPECTACULAR EVENTS

From their base in tropical north Queensland, special event management company Hannafords Events, took their magic to Darwin last month – creating a trio of spectacular events for an Australian based corporate conference. 

 

Hannafords Events, the inspiration of Amelia and Nick Hannaford, have been producing hand made, original special events for the past 15 years in Australia and the Asia-pacific. 

 

This year the team were asked to create magic in Darwin, ensuring the special and historical elements of Australia’s top end city were interwoven into the event theme.  Taking a team of nine to Darwin including four talented Chefs from local Port Douglas caterer Platinum Cuisine, Hannafords Events enlisted a cast of hundreds (local suppliers and crew) based in Darwin to create the authentic events.

 

Showcased in the program was a traditional Northern Territory rodeo held at the Royal Darwin Showground. With the assistance of the Australian Professional Rodeo Association, the event featured 15 talented cowboys and cowgirls competing in flag races and death-defying bucking bull and horse challenges. 

 

According to Hannafords Events sales manager, Natalie Shearer, Hannafords’ manufactured rodeo attracted strong betting on the tote which was all donated to an Australian children’s charity. 

 

Coupled with a colourful and festoon lit carnival atmosphere including pony rides, petting zoo, fairy floss and mechanical bull, and a sumptuous buffet of fish taco’s, buffalo sausages and local prawns, Hannafords ensured both the children and adults were able to enjoy the rodeo feel. 

 

“The real highlight of our Darwin adventure was created at the historical Darwin Aviation Museum.  Guests were treated to a piece of Australian history during pre dinner drinks inside the hangar of the famous B52 Bomber.  An emotional rendition of “The Last Post” by a local bugler, brought the hangar to silence before a stunning marquee of black silk and 1940’s inspired crystal chandeliers and lanterns was revealed on the other side of the hangar doors.

 

“Guests enjoyed the music of the 1940’s performed by “The Andrew’s Sisters” whilst dining on a menu of local Darwin produce and flavours created by Platinum Cuisine.  The night took a dramatic turn when the air raid sirens blasted through the marquee and the lights flickered and went out before a 1940’s army jeep roared into the marquee with the lead singer of the band who had every guest on the dance floor for the rest of the night,” said Natalie.

 

Hannafords Events have won both national and international awards for their innovation in the special event industry, and their local dining experience “Flames of the Forest”, has recently been nominated in the prestigious international “National Geographic Geotourism Challenge” which seeks to recognise businesses that help promote sustainable tourism, protect/contribute to the environment, and provides community support. 

 

Director Amelia Hannaford said the recognition given to Hannafords and Flames of the Forest by a range of industries was a testament to the team of local employees who helped create hundreds of special events both on site and off site in Port Douglas, Australia and abroad.

 

So where to from Darwin?  For guests of this four day conference they’ve taken their novelty gifts of traditional mirrored aviator sunglasses back to the big cities of Australia with a lasting memory of the historical, adventurous and stunning city of Darwin. 

 

For information contact:

Tel: 61 7 4099 3966

Email: letsevent@hannafords.com.au

 

Contacts:

Amelia Hannaford

Director

Hannafords Events

Tel: 61 7 4099 3966

Mob: 0407 656 293 

Email: amelia@hannafords.com.au

 

Natalie Shearer

Sales Manager – MICE

Hannafords Events

Tel: 61 7 4099 3966

Mob: 0418 611 861

Email: natalie@hannafords.com.au

 

 

 

 

Flames of the Forest

Festival Cairns lights up City Walls

May 12th, 09 / 0 Comments

 

MEDIA RELEASE                                                 11 May 2009

NIGHT LIGHT: SHORT FILMS IN THE CITY

 

Calling all filmmakers!  Festival Cairns 2009 takes creativity to the streets when it presents “Night Light – Short Films in the City”, a series of local, silent films projected onto existing walls, floors and interesting spaces around Cairns city and its cultural precincts.

 

All aspiring and established filmmakers, of all ages, are encouraged to take part by producing a short film made specifically for this first time event in the Festival Cairns’ program. 

 

According to Festival Cairns Coordinator, Belinda Griffin, submissions can span all genres, albeit they must take cue from this year’s official theme, ‘Telling Our Stories’.  “We want to see and show stories from all over the Cairns region, and as such we are asking filmmakers to ensure their production features a strong local connection in its visual portrayal.”

 

“This event is really about telling our unique stories, which could mean either referencing our rich history through the images supplied courtesy of the Cairns Historical Society, or creating vignettes of life in TNQ today.  Or a combination of both!”

 

“In short, this project will reflect back to us who we are and how we live, in a visually interactive and exciting way. Aside from the theme, the other criteria for entry is that the film is silent, between one and three minutes in duration and has never been screened publicly before in its entirety,” she said.

 

The final selection of films will screen on a looped reel, after dark throughout Festival Cairns that rolls out between Friday 21 August and Sunday 6 September, and will appear anywhere from the side of a building to a shop front in the CBD.

 

Entries must be submitted by 4pm, Monday 15 June 2009. 

 

For more information and entry pack contact Night Light: Short Films in the City Coordinator, Annaliese Ciel Walker at Tanks Arts Centre:  Ph: 4032 6600 – Email: a.walker@cairns.qld.gov.au

 

The opening of a new Green Island jetty on 26 May, 1962 was established as the first annual Cairns Tourist Festival, and renamed ‘Fun In The Sun’ the following year.  Since then Tropical North Queensland’s most significant annual celebration, now in its 47th year, has experienced a number of changes including its re-launch in the early nineties as ‘Reef Festival’ before its dynamic incarnation in 2002 as ‘Festival Cairns’.

This year Festival Cairns begins a new chapter.  For the first time in many years it will be managed and directed by its founding organisation, Cairns Regional Council; who last month, unveiled details of its vision to deliver a reinvigorated, brighter and bolder event program spanning visual and performing arts, culture and entertainment – showcasing the city’s key cultural precincts with a mix of free and ticketed events.

Festival Cairns will run between Friday 21 August and Sunday 6 September 2009.  This year’s theme is “Telling our Stories”.

Ends

 

For more information:

Belinda Griffin, Festival Cairns Coordinator 

T: 07 4044 3593 M: 0407 966 530 E: festival@cairns.qld.gov.au

www.cairns.qld.gov.au


Issued by:

Pip Miller PR                

T: 07 4032 4400 M: 0419 681543  E: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

www.pipmillerpr.com.au

 

 

 

 

Festival Cairns 2009

Sweet Dreams in Gladstone….Harbour Rooms

May 12th, 09 / 0 Comments

 Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

 

MEDIA INFORMATION                                                Tuesday 12 May 09

 

REST EASY AT RYDGES GLADSTONE

 

Rydges Gladstone has always boasted the best views in town and now it can lay claim to the best beds as well.

 

General Manager David Osborne said Rydges Gladstone’s 40 harbour view rooms had been revitalised and each now included a flat screen television and the popular Rydges dream beds with triple sheeting.

 

“The exclusive Rydges dream beds have received rave reviews from Rydges guests Australia-wide who rate them as the most comfortable hotel bed they’ve ever slept in,” Mr Osborne said.

 

“Designed by Australia’s oldest and most respected bed manufacturer, A.H Beard, the beds have the world’s best Talalay Latex mattress and Double Flex Edge Border Supports to give you the ultimate night’s sleep while supporting your body.

 

“New tasteful modern décor ensures the view of Gladstone Harbour is still the focal point of the refurbished harbour view rooms, but when the curtains are shut the flat screen television commands attention.”

 

Rydges Gladstone is located in the heart of the city close to major retailers and service providers and is Gladstone’s largest hotel complex, making it ideal for conferences or holiday makers.

 

Its proximity to Gladstone Harbour means guests have easy access to Heron Island and the Great Barrier Reef.

Quality accommodation facilities including a pool, laundry service, conference facilities and room service combine with the can-do Rydges service to ensure a quality stay.

 

The newly launched CBD Restaurant & Bar has an all-day dining menu featuring a great selection of steaks plus weekday lunches for only $15 per person.

 

ENDS

 

For media inquiries contact:

David Osborne, General Manager,

Rydges Gladstone

Tel:   07 4972 4499

Mob:  0408 726 527

email: david_osborne@rydges.com

 

Rydges Hotels Resorts NQ

Turn up the Temps in Cairns

May 12th, 09 / 0 Comments

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

 

MEDIA RELEASE                                 Tuesday 12 May 2009

 

TURN THE TEMPERATURE UP IN THE TROPICS

 

Rydges Hotels and Resorts is helping turn the temperature up by at least 10 degrees Celsius this winter with some hot deals at its properties in tropical Cairns.

 

Pay for three nights and get the fourth night free at Rydges Hotels & Resorts in Cairns between July 1 and October 31 when maximum temperatures hover around 27C.

Prices start at $85.50 per person per night, twin share at Rydges Plaza Cairns,
$94.50 per person per night, twin share at Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns and $99.50 per person per night, twin share at Rydges Tradewinds Cairns.

If you really need to thaw out, double the deal by staying for eight nights and only paying for six.

 

To escape to tropical Cairns this winter call your travel agent, go to www.rydges.com or phone 1300 857 922.

 

Bookings are subject to availability for standard rooms, can be made until October 27 and single rates are available.

ends

For further information:

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

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

 

Rydges Hotels Resorts NQ

Shrug off the cardi and grab your sarong in Port

May 12th, 09 / 0 Comments

      

 

Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

 

MEDIA RELEASE                                                 May 2009

 

GRAB YOUR SARONG AND FLY NORTH THIS WINTER

 

Swap your cardigan for a sarong in tropical Port Douglas where Rydges Sabaya Resort is offering sizzling hot getaway deals with a choice of free, added-extras.

 

The tranquil Balinese-style resort is now offering a Hot Deal of a free breakfast daily or stay two nights and get the third free with resort rooms from $90 per adult per night or apartments from $115 per adult per night.

 

Families are looked after with kids staying and eating breakfast for free. The resort has a Kids Club and bicycle hire (Charges Apply).

 

Rydges Sabaya Resort features a large lagoon style swimming pool, an indulgent day spa and the signature restaurant Sakinah House is open for dinner seven days a week. 

 

To book contact Rydges Sabaya Resort on Ph: (07) 4099 8900 or your preferred travel provider. The bonus offers mentioned above are extended until October 16, 2009. Rates are valid until 30 June 09, with high season rates applicable thereafter. Bookings and special offers subject to terms and conditions and availability.

 

ENDS

For media inquiries contact:

Kellie Eustace

General Manager

Rydges Sabaya Resort, Port Douglas

DD:   61 7 4099 8910, Mobile:  0419 279 614

E: kellie_eustace@rydges.com

www.rydges.com/portdouglas

Rydges Hotels Resorts NQ

Festival of Sport launched in Cairns

May 11th, 09 / 0 Comments
Members of the Police Bike Squad - Sarah Edwards and Brendan Skerke - on board to promote Festival of Sport

Members of the Police Bike Squad - Sarah Edwards and Brendan Skerke - on board to promote Festival of Sport

On Friday we launched Subway Cairns Festival of Sport….under rainy skies….local members of the police bike squad were on hand to help promote event and appear in media.

Cairns Esplanade

The Eyes Have it!

May 11th, 09 / 0 Comments
The Eyes Have It!

The Eyes Have It!

I was so thrilled to receive this very special present for Mother’s Day – and particularly being a cushion fetishist….my goodest friend Gaby made this – I love it so.

Pip Miller Blog