Archive for September, 2009

Welcome Back Friday Pasta Buffet – First Friday of every Month

Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

Internet: www.rydges.com/esplanadecairns

MEDIA INFORMATION                             30 September  2009

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND….ESPLANADE’S FAMOUS PASTA BUFFET LUNCH….FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH

Take your taste buds on a culinary journey…to Italy…”

(Francis Luzinier, Rydges Esplanade Resort Executive Chef, September 2009 – )

Back by popular demand….Rydges Esplanade Resort’s famous pasta buffet lunch!

From Friday 2 October, local lovers of Italian food can long no more with the return of Rydges Esplanade Resort’s pasta lunch on the first Friday of every month.

Executive Chef Francis Luzinier is delighted to announce the return of Rydges Esplanade’s popular Friday lunch event which he says is the perfect wind down to a busy week and warm up to the weekend.

“Friday lunch is a great occasion for office workers, friends and family to meet over some great food and a glass of wine.  Our Pasta Lunch has all the ingredients to reclaim its status as the place to be on the first Friday of every month,” he said.

From 12pm to 2pm, Coral Hedge Brasserie takes on an Italian air with the live cooking of pasta on request, pizzas and tasty salads.  From just $19.50 per person this all, you can eat, menu is value-laden to include an icy cold glass of house wine or beer.

Seats are limited and bookings essential.  To reserve a table or seat, telephone: 07 4044 9053 or email: functions_esplanadecairns@rydges.com

The Coral Hedge Brasserie operates throughout the day from breakfast and offers guests a diverse selection of dishes from its all day dining menu as well as its very popular Fire&Ice buffet in the evening.

For bookings, contact Coral Hedge Brasserie on tel: 07 4044 9053

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For further information:

Alistair Tuttle, Food and Beverage Manager, Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Tel: 0407 235 302  Email: alistair_tuttle@rydges.com

TNQ Gets Focussed on 2012 Eclipse

Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

Internet: www.parkertravelcollection.com.au

MEDIA INFORMATION                             Wednesday 30 September 2009

TNQ GETS FOCUSSED ON SHOWCASING 2012 SOLAR ECLIPSE

In 2012, Tropical North Queensland will experience one of the world’s great astronomical events – a total solar eclipse.

On the morning of Wednesday 14 November 2012, the earth will be plunged into darkness as the moon passes in front of the sun.

This remarkable event is destined to be one of life’s awe-inspiring moments not to be missed – and as such, has spurred a number of experienced tourism companies to form a commercial working team to best assist in maximizing its potential in the tropical north.

Spanning some six different organizations representing restaurateurs, tourism marketing professionals, Music festival specialists and coach, airline and reef tour operators, a commercial alliance has been formed to ensure the region is well placed to benefit from this natural occurring event while providing the necessary infrastructure for visitors to capture the eclipse in its magnificence and glory.

Spokesman for the group, Todd Parker of Parker Travel Collection said, “In December 2002, the Solar Eclipse at the small township of Ceduna in South Australia attracted over 40,000 people – which as a destination was considered the prime observation point.

“Given the 2012 eclipse will pass directly over areas within TNQ, we are confident of attracting the same number of observers – at the very least.  With the possibility of coastal cloud cover affecting visibility, it has believed the best place to view the eclipse will be on the Tablelands and out on the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.

Currently this initiative is handling enquiries from scientific astronomers and a number of festival organizers who are planning to stage some of the largest music events in the region coinciding with the eclipse.

Robin Macpherson who has been in Cairns for the past four years planning such events, said “In 2002 over 8000 people went to the Outback Eclipse music festival.  In 2012 we would expect substantially more given the accessibility and natural beauty of the region.  We look forward to working hand in hand with local operators to present a whole series of inclusive ticketing options.”

Mr Parker said the consortium’s sales and marketing focus will be on increasing the length of stay in the region from local, regional, state, national and international markets – to make the most of far reaching expenditure that will be created by this once in a lifetime event.

Team Eclipse 2012 is a consortium of the following professionals:

Festivals:                                              Robin Macpherson, Serpent Trail & Eclipse Down Under

Air Charter and Touring:                      Ian Button, Air Australia Charters & Tours

Coach Charter & Touring:                   James Dixon, Downunder Tours

Reef Charter & Touring:                       Michael Healy, Quicksilver Group Catering

Catering:                                             Craig Squire, Ochre Restaurant & Catering

Logistics:                                              Andrew Dineen, Parker Travel Collection

Accommodation & Packaging Sales

and Marketing:                                    Todd Parker, Parker Travel Collection

www.eclispedownunder.com

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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AHL CAIRNS RAISES MUCH NEEDED FUNDS FOR CAMP QUALITY IN TRIVIA CHALLENGE

Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

Internet: www.rydges.com

MEDIA INFORMATION                  Tuesday 29 September 2009

CAIRNS FUNDRAISING TO BENEFIT CAMP QUALITY

Rydges Hotels and Resorts and Birch Carroll & Coyle’s Cinemas in the north raised a massive $6384 in their annual trivia challenge on Thursday night; successfully exceeding last year’s fundraising donation of $4910.

According to event organizer, Sandra Martin, Cairns fielded eight teams and 62 participants in total.

Background:

After raising $22,000 to benefit Camp Quality in its inaugural trivia event last year, AHL (parent company of Birch Carroll and Coyle and Rydges Hotels and Resorts) has made it a date once again.   This year, AHL’s corporate charity-based competition entitled, Battle of the Decades, took place at 6.30pm on Thursday 24 September at Rydges Plaza Cairns.

This year marks Cairns’ second time competing in AHL’s annual fundraising trivia challenge.  Local competitors aim to keep their fundraising crown when they compete against nine locations, totaling 99 teams nationally. The Cairns event saw 8 teams compete, the competition was stiff, with ‘The Awesome Tradies’, Rydges Tradewinds team, taking the title.  The national fund raising tally has yet to be released, it is expected far exceed the national target of $25, 000.

Rydges Hotels Resorts TNQ & Birch Carroll & Coyle wish to thank local business partners in assisting with their kind donations of prizes which were used as raffle prizes and  auction items on the night.

Camp Quality believes in bringing optimism and happiness to the lives of children and families affected by cancer through ongoing, quality recreational, education, financial and hospital support programs.

Please contact Sandra Martin, Rydges Hotels Resorts TNQ trivia representative, for further information on tel: 4046 0383.

Rydges Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce the introduction of “Rydges Priority Guest”.  This innovative new program enables guests to enjoy special member benefits and rewards at over 30 hotels in New Zealand, Australia, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.  More information and membership details can be easily accessed online by visiting www.rydges.com/priorityguest

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For further information and media enquiries:

Sandra Martin, RYDGES HOTELS · RESORTS, Cairns Tel: 4046 0383 or email: sandra_martin@rydges.com

Cairns Colonial Club puts Families First with new Kids Free Policy

MEDIA RELEASE

Publicity enquiries:

Pip Miller PR

Ph:  7 4032 4400 Mob: 0419 681543                                 Friday 25 September, 09

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

PUTTING FAMILIES FIRST WITH FREE ACCOMMODATION AND DINING FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12

The general manager of Cairns Colonial Club Resort, Peter Blackburn has proved he is a great family man – handing down the decision this week to offer free accommodation and dining to all guests 12 years and under.

Offering extensive savings to visiting families, this new development is effective 1st October 2009; children will not only stay free, but eat free as well in both Poolside Café and Homestead Restaurant venues within the resort.

According to Mr Blackburn, this announcement is destined to endorse Cairns Colonial Club Resort’s profile as a family-friendly destination for family visitors both in Australia and across the world.

“In its history, Cairns Colonial Club has always been a hit with families.  With its resort facilities, tropical surroundings and diverse range of accommodation styles, it is perfect for kids of all ages to get out and about while the adults can kick-back and enjoy the laid-back ambience.

“Our Poolside Café and Homestead Restaurants are very much focused on family dining in a relaxed and friendly environment.  Our restaurants are more about quality food, value for money and efficient service in a setting that is light, airy and blends seamlessly with the great outdoors.

Cairns Colonial Club Resort will celebrate its new family policy with the release of several new packages geared especially to guests with children.  These will be released via travel trade over the next two months focusing primarily on future holiday periods starting with Christmas – New Year.

Ends

For further information:

Paolo Gambino – Director of Sales and Marketing

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Tel: +61 7 4053 8815 E: dosm@cairnscolonialclub.com.au

Bella Bali – Coming Soon

Beautiful things from Bali and Beyond…button bags, button belts, zipper necklaces, bracelets and earrings, silver jewellery from Bali’s best, recycled bags not yet landed in Australia, pressed metal tins in fruit of the spirit designs, shells table ware tipped in silver, buffalo horn jewellery, glass, wrought iron and a selection of funky vests fashioned in Cairns…..check back to view product hot from the streets of Seminyak, Petitengenet, Keraboken, Ubud and Cairns….www.bellabali.com

Flames of the Forest a Finalist in National Event Awards

MEDIA RELEASE 24 September 2009

FLAMES ALIGHT WITH SUCCESS

–FINALIST IN NEW, NATIONAL EVENT AWARDS-

Well known and respected for making magic in the rainforest with special events and dining experiences, Flames of the Forest upped its share of the limelight this week being named the region’s only finalist in the highly anticipated 2009 Australian Event Awards.

As one of three finalists in the Spice Best Venue category of new awards for Australia’s meetings, incentive and event industry, Flames of the Forest has further endorsed that moving to a new and bigger rainforest location last year was good for business.

Established in 2003 by Amelia and Nick Hannaford of Hannaford’s Events, Flames of the Forest has achieved much acclaim and is one of Tropical North Queensland’s most spectacular dining experiences.

Flames of the Forest is vying for the inaugural Spice Best Venue title against Federation Square and Doltone House.

The winners will be announced at the Industry Night of Nights on October 8 at The Westin Sydney.

After discovering their first fairytale pocket of forest (some five years before Flames of the Forest was born), the idea to create a night time event came quickly according to Amelia. Since then, Flames of the Forest was launched and went on to forge an enviable reputation in its own right as a world-class attraction.

Amelia says Flames’ new rainforest venue is even more spectacular than the previous one and with the new infrastructure on site enables their team to accommodate groups of up to 900 guests for full sit down events.

Flames of the Forest is open to the public three nights a week presenting an evening set amid hundreds of candles and flames featuring a traditional and authentic Aboriginal performance with story telling, music and song from local brothers who spent their childhoods in the valley.

Combined with a magnificent six course plattered banquet dinner, guests have the opportunity to enjoy a magical and memorable evening while meeting new people amid the towering grandeur of the forest at night.

Flames of the Forest has already  won  several awards for its innovation and food and recently was listed in Australian Traveller Magazine as one of the ‘Top 100 Things to do in Australia….that you’ve never heard of!’.

In addition to opening to the public Flames of the Forest is an enchanting and dramatic venue for group entertaining. From weddings to corporate groups to car launches, every event is different but features the same stunning rainforest setting as its backdrop. Recent clients have included Toyota, which featured Flames of the Forest (complete with a performance by Leo Sayer) as the finale event of its new Landcruiser launch.

Amelia says the outdoor setting has many distinct advantages to more traditional indoor ones.

“For example, you can have fireworks going off during dinner without leaving your seat!”

She adds, “Added to that, there are no noise restrictions allowing guests to party on into the small hours.

“With it’s expanded infrastructure and capacity, Flames of the Forest’s new venue is a significant addition to the business tourism facilities available in Tropical North Queensland and we are thrilled its exclusive nature and beauty is attracting groups to the area – essentially, to a venue of with its own on site infrastructure that is not available elsewhere in the country,” she said.

Just 15 minutes from Port Douglas, 40 minutes from Palm Cove and one hour from Cairns, Flames of the Forest is a world away from the everyday.

For information contact: Tel: 61 7 4099 3966 email: info@flamesoftheforest.com.au or www.flamesoftheforest.com.au

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Contact: Amelia Hannaford, Flames of the Forest Tel: 61 7 4099 3966

Mob: 0407 656 293  Email: Amelia@hannafords.com.au

Issued by: Pip Miller PR  Tel: 61 7 4032 4400  Mob: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

Girls Night In – Go Pink for Charity

Publicity

Pip Miller PR

Telephone: 0419 681543

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

Internet: www.rydges.com

MEDIA INFORMATION Monday 14 September 2009

GO PINK FOR CHARITY AT RYDGES ESPLANADE’S GIRLS NIGHT IN

Thursday 15 October 2009

On Thursday 15 October, Challenge for Cancer entrant, Korina Jones will host a fundraising event at Rydges Esplanade Resort.

The photo (at left) Korina Jones with volunteer Carmel Borgo on Daffodil Day.

Korina’s event is being held as part of Cancer Council Queensland’s Girls Night In fundraising series taking place throughout October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

According to Korina, Girls Night In events have a dual purpose. “While these nights are all about having a good time with friends and family, there is a subtle, yet serious undertone that is focused on raising money to help Cancer Council Queensland in its mission to defeat cancer.”

Korina Jones’ Girls Night Out at Rydges Esplanade Resort will be hosted by Zinc FM. Guests can expect nibbles, drinks, lots of pink, girly stuff …all adding up to a fun night ‘in’ with the girls while supporting a worthy cause.

For more information about this event, contact Korina Jones on tel: 4051 2229 or Lynsie James on tel: 4031 1555.

For further information:

Ms Debra Irvine, Director of Sales and Marketing, Rydges Esplanade Resort

Mob:0409 552 548 Tel: 07 4044 9034 email: debra_irvine@rydges.com

Snuggle up in Spring at The Lakes

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For Immediate Release Monday 14 September 2009

SNUGGLE UP in SPRING AT THE LAKES

Getting cosy with the one you love is easy this spring with a romantic getaway at The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa.

There’s nothing to think about, only each other with three nights accommodation in a one-bedroom apartment at The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa from $618 per person for the Romantic Cairns Getaway package.

The romance continues with a champagne balloon flight, full day trip to picturesque Low Isles, a pamper Pack from Reds Salon and Spa, breakfast on one morning and return airport transfers all included in the package.

Situated only 3km from the Cairns International Airport and 3km from the Cairns CBD, The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa is an award-winning 4.5 star resort situated on 4ha of lush tropical gardens, scenic lakes and large resort style pools.

The Lakes is a member of Vision Hotels and Resorts. For bookings and information email reservations@visionhotelsandresorts.com or call 1800 666 614.

Ends

Rosie Douglas , Director of Sales and Marketing – Vision Hotels and Resorts

Tel: 07 40539 485 Mob: 0417 750 540 Email: rdouglas@visionhotelsandresorts.com

Issued by: Pip Miller PR

Ph: 07 4032 4400 Mob: 0419 681543 Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

Schools Cultural today and tomorrow on Esplanade

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MEDIA RELEASE Tuesday 1 September 2009

STUDENTS THE STARS THAT SHINE AT SCHOOLS CULTURAL

PHOTO CALL: Wednesday 2 September 9 am,

Cairns Esplanade Helipad, East of Lagoon

Cairns High School Rockers get ready to rock the nade on Friday night for Schools Cultural. Band members take time out of school to show off their rockin’ style to media…

MEDIA: PIP MILLER PR 0419 681543

Festival Cairns program showcases 15 local schools and the creativity and talent of their students with Schools Cultural Concerts on Bunnings Esplanade Hub stage this Thursday 3 and Friday 4 September.

Schools Cultural is a long standing tradition that gives students the opportunity to shine in a concert environment – all the while, providing entertainment for the general public to enjoy and appreciate.

Schools Cultural Concert showcases choirs, string ensembles, big bands, orchestras, rock bands, dance and performance.

Thursday 3 September: Two sessions at 10am to 2pm (Choral Day) and 5.30pm to 10pm (concert and jazz Bands)

Friday 4 September: 6.30pm to 10pm (Rock bands and dance)

Note: Councillor, Margaret Cochrane will make a short presentation

Prior to the performance

These are the following schools that will be performing:

§ Balaclava SS (Primary)

§ Cairns Adventist School

§ Cairns SHS

§ Djarragun College

§ Freshwater State Primary

§ Gordonvale SHS

§ Hambledon State School

§ Parramatta SS (Primary)

§ Redlynch State College

§ Smithfield SHS

§ St Marys Catholic College

§ Trinity Anglican School

§ Whitfield SS (Primary)

§ Woree SHS

§ Yarrabah SS

As event manager of Festival Cairns 2009, Cairns Regional Council gratefully acknowledges the support of major sponsors Arts Queensland, Queensland State Government, Ergon Energy and Pacific Toyota. This year’s theme, “Telling our Stories” will roll out over 16, action-packed days between Friday 21 August and Sunday 6 September 09.

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

Brass and Bang to end Festival Cairns 09

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MEDIA RELEASE Tuesday 1 September 2009

FESTIVAL ENDS ITS STORY WITH BRASS & BANG

-Sunday 6 September, Finale Celebration, Cairns Esplanade -

PHOTO CALL: Wednesday 2 September 8.45 am for 9am

Fireworks Barge, Cairns Esplanade Helipad, East of Lagoon

Mike Newman and his crew from Xplosive Art visit fireworks barge positioned off the esplanade in readiness for this week’s planned program of firework displays. Mike is joined by Peter Caldwell of Cairns Bands who will add music to the mix in the lead up to Sunday’s concert. Mike Newman: 0418 847 258 Peter Caldwell: 4041 1811

MEDIA: PIP MILLER PR 0419 681543

Take the beat of a brass band, add it to the burst of fireworks and you have an evocative blend of free entertainment signifying the finale for this year’s Festival Cairns.

On Sunday 6 September the curtains will close on this year’s Telling our Stories themed event that has provided one, two week long, street party for the people of Cairns.

After another weekend laden with events and activities, the community is invited into the city, to find their place on the Esplanade for a free concert by Cairns Bands, movie screening of the previous two week’s event highlights and parade, winner’s presentation for Pacific Toyota’s Grand Parade and highlight of the night, a closing fireworks display.

Mike Newman of Xplosive Art is the director of Cairns only firework company and at this time of year in particular, finds himself juggling a full dance card for events that fall both in and out of Festival Cairns’ umbrella.

“Spring is a great time to party and there is no better way to signify celebration than with the burst of fireworks. This week we will be visiting our barge on the esplanade in readiness for Friday’s Amateurs ball and then Sunday’s finale celebration.

“For Sunday’s closing event, we are planning another 10 minute display that once again combines traditional favourites with contemporary effects that are especially curated to ‘wow’ and leave the crowd fulfilled with ‘feel good’ factor.”

Visitors to the esplanade on Sunday should watch for popular newcomers like colour falling leaves whose effect is based on firing 100 shots simultaneously to create a multi-coloured spray of earth-dust fluttering to the ground without even so much as a bang. Equally popular and relatively new is the big, bold spider that is admired for its elegance and soft crackling sound.

Sunday’s finale gets underway from 6pm with music by Cairns Youth Band. At 6.30pm Mayor Val Schier will present winners of this year’s Pacific Toyota Grand Parade with their trophies before a special movie screening of festival highlights takes place at 6.45pm. Cairns Concert Band will then take to the stage until 9pm and during that time, Xplosive Art will light up the sky for the final time.

As event manager of Festival Cairns 2009, Cairns Regional Council gratefully acknowledges the support of major sponsors Arts Queensland, Queensland State Government, Ergon Energy and Pacific Toyota. This year’s theme, “Telling our Stories” will roll out over 16, action-packed days between Friday 21 August and Sunday 6 September 09.

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