HIP NEW VENUE TO MAKE SPLASH ON CAIRNS DINING & BAR SCAPE Cairns’ party people take note; the sparkle of this year’s festive season will continue well into the new year with the official opening on Thursday 4 February 2010 of a chic new, inner-city hang, LILO…A Wet Bar. Set to make a splash on the city’s bar scape when it opens in February, LILO is situated on the terraced rooftops of Rydges Plaza Cairns with views of bustling Grafton Street. Integrating five indoor and outdoor lounging domains and taking inspiration from the cool vibe of Miami, LILO…A Wet Bar…is destined to become the city’s hippest ‘retreat from the street’. Developed at a cost of nearly $1 million, LILO is a project being managed by listed entertainment, hospitality and leisure operator, Amalgamated Holdings Limited (AHL) that, in conjunction with its Rydges Hotels and Resorts network, is currently introducing a contemporary series of restaurant and bar concepts across Australia. These include Locanda Italian steakhouses in Melbourne and Canberra and Mundo tapas bars in North Sydney and Cronulla; all are scheduled to open next month closely followed by LILO in the new year. According to Director of Food and Beverage operations for Rydges Hotels and Resorts, Vincent Lombino, “LILO’s beauty will be its diversity – a place where guests are invited to choose their pleasure from any one of five completely different and intimate lounging areas that move seamlessly from inside, out. “Featuring a purpose built bar, funky lounge areas and pool decks – replete with private cabanas – LILO will comfortably integrate all types of guests. Be it suited business people or bikini-clad sun seekers. We want people to think of LILO as a chic and fun place…little bit of summer all year round,” said Vince. Open all day – from sun up to well after dark – LILO will feature an ever-changing, seasonal menu of delicious and interesting dishes to snack, lunch and sup on with an extensive cocktail and beverage list to match. Guests can look forward to experiencing something new – be it ‘sliders’, ‘big ass burgers’ or giant cocktails. Pictured: Vince Lombino feasts his eyes on LILO’s signature Big Ass Burger that is destined to be the ideal share food for friends. Amalgamated Holding Limited (AHL) is Australia’s premier entertainment, entertainment technology and hospitality and leisure organization. Through these divisions, AHL operates a number of branded businesses either directly, or through joint venture cinema exhibition operations in every capital city and major regional centre in Australia; owns, leases or manages over 30 hotels and resorts in Australia and New Zealand; and owns and operates the Thredbo Alpine Resort. Add to this, AHL is Australia’s leading hospitality, leisure and entertainment company; largest cinema operator with brands Birch Carroll and Coyle Greater Union and Event Cinemas in Australia and Cinestar in Germany and Middle East. The Group also owns a wildlife park and performance theatre/event facility in Sydney. Ends For further information: Mr Vincent Lombino, Rydges Hotels Resorts Food and Beverage Operations Manager Email: Vincent_lombino@rydges.com Mob: 0407 273 042 Issued by: Pip Miller PR Mob: 0419 681543 Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au
Archive for December, 2009
Beach Circus and Santas on Cycles
For immediate Release Tuesday 15 December 2009
CITY PLACE & ESPLANADE CONTINUES ITS VERY SUMMERRY XMAS with BEACH CIRCUS AND SANTAS ON CYCLES
MEDIA CALL 10 am Wed 16th December 2009
Northern Esplanade between Muddy’s and the Skate Park
Beach Circus – photo opp of kids learning circus
Northern Circus Alliance static trapeze and circus workshops on Northern Esplanade suitable for children 7-15 years. Max. 40 kids per class.
Northern Circus alliance are offering free kids classes this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at their Beach Circus workshops so kids can come along and have a go. If they like it they can sign up for workshops that run all summer holidays.
There are also workshops for those of us that are kids at heart! Specifically designed workshop courses for adults will have you doing things you never thought possible. There are morning and evening times to suit everyone.
The program is running all summer school holidays and further details can be found on www.cairnsespalande.com.au
Trainer: Patti Bernheim ph 0431 873 591 / Lindsay Welsh ph N/A
Project Manager: Melinda Norris 0400 798 425
Santas on Cycles – fun picture opportunity
Patti Bernheim from Cycas Circus has been the ringleader (so to speak) for several years now teaching and training young artists in the ways of circus and showmanship. Her troupe of merry Santa’s will be roaming the Esplanade on unicycles this December, keep an eye out for them stopping for photo opportunities and a trick or two.
Location: City Place and the Esplanade – various times
Trainer: Patti Bernheim ph 0431 873 591
Project Manager: Melinda Norris 0400 798 425
City Place celebrates the joys of the season with festive face and body painting
Where: City Place
Time: 5 pm to 9 pm
Whats on: Christmas Body decoration and face painting
Kangaroodolf and Elphie (these are two costumed characters the media really needs to see!!!)
Virtual Christmas Card
Outdoor Cinema – Happy Feet (movie starts at 7 pm)
Contact: Melinda Norris (project coordinator) Mob: 0400 798 425
Background Information:
This Christmas, Cairns Regional Council is decking the CBD with a distinctly Australian flavour; bringing Cairns’ city heart alive with colour, lighting, lanterns, music, movies, fun and a very large Aussie Christmas tree.
According to Cairns Regional Council’s inner-city facilities marketing and promotions manager, Simone Roseler, this year a concerted effort is being made to recognise Christmas.
“In a welcome departure from traditional Christmas decorations, a campaign engaging local artists is well underway creating meaningful decorations and activities that the community can relate to and appreciate.
“Even our Santa will break from the norm – as he rides through the city heart on a unicycle. Add to that, our ukulele choir, locally made decorations, lanterns and a long list of activities – that in combination will light up the Esplanade and City Place for the entire month of December,” she said.
A SumMerry Christmas officially begins on December 1, 2009 with the installation of the city’s Christmas tree.
The city’s festive program that runs between 1 and 24 December includes Musical Carollers, Creating Xmas Together; the community’s creation of a hanging sculpture featuring recycled objects, the Ukulele Xmas Club, Virtual Xmas Cards (carbon footprint conscious way of spreading cheer via email featuring message with esplanade as backdrop), The Vegemite before Xmas animated short film, Xmas markets, outdoor cinema and a program of Deck the Halls kids workshops.
For more information on activities, times or to view full program, visit www.cairnsesplanade.com.au
Ends
Contact:
Cairns Regional Council, Inner City Facilities, Marketing and Promotions
Simone Roseler
P: 07 4044 3715 | F: 07 4044 3759 Mob: 0418 699 028
E: s.roseler@cairns.qld.gov.au
Information: Artist: Louisa Ennis-Thomas (tree) Mob: 0427 337449
Kristin Tennyson (tree) Mob: 0417 175 918
Justin Hoskins (lanterns) Mob: 0423 760 526
Annaliese Ciel Walker (film) Mob: 0421 370 492
Melinda Norris (project coordinator) Mob: 0400 798 425
Publicity
Pip Miller PR
Telephone: 0419 681543
Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au
New Bar Set to Make Splash on Cairns Bar Scape in 2010
NEW BAR SET TO MAKE A SPLASH ON CAIRNS BAR SCAPE IN 2010
Date: Friday, 18 December 2009
Time: 11am
Place: Level 3, Rydges Plaza Cairns – Corner Grafton and Spence Streets
Event: Sneak preview for Cairns news, features and entertainment media of
AHL’s brand new dining and bar concept that will be officially opened on
February 4, 2010.
Spokes-
Person: Rydges Hotels and Resorts director of food and beverage operations, Vince
Lombino will unveil LILO…an exciting and chic newcomer to Cairns bar scape.
Vince will also present some of more unusual dishes that have made it onto the menu that features such names as sliders, big ass burgers and more.
Vince is an interesting guy in his own right…with an international career spanning a three year appointment heading up all parties, events and official functions for the US Embassy in Switzerland. In addition he lived with the Ambassador and handled both public and private events at the mansion. Vince was also chosen to take care of the first family on a number of occasions and enjoyed a one-on-one lunch with Bill Clinton. Prior to that Vince was vice president of a very high profile hotel group in the US as well as operating his own restaurant company in Miami.
Vision/Image: Lagoon lifesaver, Shane M stands guard on LILO’s pool deck while Lulu‘s bikini babe relaxes on her lilo…sipping one of the bar’s special cocktail blends….
Inquiries: PIP MILLER PR Mob: 0419 681543
More info:
In February 2010 Rydges Plaza Cairns will introduce LILO…A Wet Bar…the third in a series of brand new restaurant and bar precincts being rolled out Australia wide by parent company, Amalgamated Holdings Limited (AHL).
AHL is Australia’s leading hospitality, leisure and entertainment company; largest cinema operator with brands Birch Carroll & Coyle Greater Union and Event Cinemas in Australia and Cinestar in Germany and Middle East.
Developed by AHL, in conjunction with its Rydges Hotels and Resorts brand, LILO will be the third restaurant and bar concepts to be unveiled in Australia in as many months. Others include Locanda Italian style steakhouse restaurants in Melbourne and Canberra and Mundo tapas bars in Sydney.
Offering a little bit of summer all year round, LILO‘s purpose built bar flows seamlessly to the open-air terrace replete with private cabanas and swimming pool.
This hip new playground overlooking the buzz of Grafton Street, offers patrons the luxury of several indoor and outdoor lounging domains and dining areas that draw inspiration from Miami while staying true to Cairns and its laidback vibe.
This newcomer to Cairns‘ bar scene will have its own identity, like no other…a refreshingly simple blend of great food, cool cocktails and live music on any one day or night of the week.
Ends
A Very SumMerry Xmas continues this Week in Cairns
For immediate Release Monday 14 December 2009
CITY PLACE & ESPLANADE CONTINUES ITS VERY SUMMERRY XMAS
With the banners up, the tree and decorations in place, Cairns is ready to party. After a weekend where the popularity of making virtual Xmas cards to spread tropical cheer across the world was unprecedented, festivities of Cairns Regional Council’s A Very SumMerry Christmas look set to continue.
According to project coordinator, Melinda Norris, this week promises another action-packed program of events for the whole community to enjoy.
From outdoor cinema in City Place to free kid’s Christmas decoration and circus workshops the festive activities will culminate in this week’s highlight – the first screening of ‘The Vegemite before Xmas’ – between 6.30pm and 9.30pm on Thursday 18th December from Sydney’s window in City Place.
This week’s program is as follows:
Wednesday 16 December 2009
- 9am – 10am and 10am – 11am:
Northern Circus Alliance static trapeze and circus workshops on Northern Esplanade suitable for children 7-15 years. Max. 40 kids per class.
Thursday 17 December 2009
- 9am – 10am and 10am – 11am:
Northern Circus Alliance static trapeze and circus workshops on Northern Esplanade suitable for children 7-15 years. Max. 40 kids per class.
- 10am – 2pm:
Make your own Christmas Decoration kids workshop at Esplanade
Friday 18 December 2009
- 9am – 10am and 10am – 11am:
Northern Circus Alliance static trapeze and circus workshops on Northern Esplanade suitable for children 7-15 years. Max. 40 kids per class.
- 10am – 2pm:
Make your own Christmas Cards kids workshops at Esplanade
- 6.30pm – 9.30pm:
The first screening at Sydney’s window in City Place of The Vegemite before Xmas ; animated film created especially for this year’s A Very SumMerry Christmas.
Created by Annaliese Ciel Walker, this five minute, animated film will continue its screening every evening between 18 December and 24 December 2009.
In her own words, Annaliese says the film is narrated by Sooty, an owl, who invites passersby to listen to a tale of one particular Xmas in Cairns – when the wicked cane toads first arrived and cast a spell over the land – causing the wildlife to lose all memory of Xmas.
Mr S.T. Quoll, who is blinder than a bat, avoids the curse, so must go about helping the residents remember Xmas and its particular traditions – before it is too late.
“The animation is in a style of my own, which incorporates moving street art (stencils) compiled from video and digital images. The story is in rhyming poetry, and is voiced by a local actor, Magda Palmer Cordingley. The film has environmental undertones, and features local wildlife including some threatened and endangered species. I feel it’s important to expose children to local stories, and local issues.” she said.
The film, The Vegemite Before Xmas was written and animated by Annaliese Ciel Walker.
Contact:
Annaliese Ciel Walker Mobile: 0421 370 492 Email: annaliesecielwalker@gmail.com
Background Information:
This Christmas, Cairns Regional Council is decking the CBD with a distinctly Australian flavour; bringing Cairns’ city heart alive with colour, lighting, lanterns, music, movies, fun and a very large Aussie Christmas tree.
According to Cairns Regional Council’s inner-city facilities marketing and promotions manager, Simone Roseler, this year a concerted effort is being made to recognise Christmas.
“In a welcome departure from traditional Christmas decorations, a campaign engaging local artists is well underway creating meaningful decorations and activities that the community can relate to and appreciate.
“Even our Santa will break from the norm – as he rides through the city heart on a unicycle. Add to that, our ukulele choir, locally made decorations, lanterns and a long list of activities – that in combination will light up the Esplanade and City Place for the entire month of December,” she said.
A SumMerry Christmas officially begins on December 1, 2009 with the installation of the city’s Christmas tree.
The city’s festive program that runs between 1 and 24 December includes Musical Carollers, Creating Xmas Together; the community’s creation of a hanging sculpture featuring recycled objects, the Ukulele Xmas Club, Virtual Xmas Cards (carbon footprint conscious way of spreading cheer via email featuring message with esplanade as backdrop), The Vegemite before Xmas animated short film, Xmas markets, outdoor cinema and a program of Deck the Halls kids workshops.
For more information on activities, times or to view full program, visit www.cairnsesplanade.com.au
Ends
Contact:
Cairns Regional Council, Inner City Facilities, Marketing and Promotions
Simone Roseler
P: 07 4044 3715 | F: 07 4044 3759 Mob: 0418 699 028
E: s.roseler@cairns.qld.gov.au
Information: Artist: Louisa Ennis-Thomas (tree) Mob: 0427 337449
Kristin Tennyson (tree) Mob: 0417 175 918
Justin Hoskins (lanterns) Mob: 0423 760 526
Annaliese Ciel Walker (film) Mob: 0421 370 492
Melinda Norris (project coordinator) Mob: ph 0400 798 425
Publicity
Pip Miller PR
Telephone: 0419 681543
Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au
Stay at Rydges Gladstone for just $99 per night
Publicity
Pip Miller PR
Telephone: 0419 681543
Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au
MEDIA INFORMATION 14 December 09
ROOMS ONLY $99 AT RYDGES GLADSTONE
Stay in the heart of the city at Rydges Gladstone from as little as $99 during the peak holiday season of January.
General Manager David Osborne said Rydges was celebrating its recent purchase of the Rydges Gladstone property with special deals perfect for the self-drive visitor.
“Rydges Gladstone is located in the central business district close to major retailers and service providers and is Gladstone’s largest hotel complex, making it the ideal base for business or leisure travellers,” he said.
“Its proximity to Gladstone Harbour means guests have easy access to Heron Island and the Great Barrier Reef.”
The special rate of $99 per night is for the City View rooms, with the Harbour View rooms and Self-Contained Studios starting at $130 per night during January.
Rydges recently revitalised the property’s 40 harbour view rooms to include a flat screen television and the popular Rydges dream beds with triple sheeting.
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 CBD Restaurant & Bar has an all-day dining menu.
ENDS
For media inquiries contact:
Dawn Gleeson
Director of Sales
Rydges Southbank Townsville and Rydges Gladstone
Ph: 0400 265 933
W: www.rydges.com
January $99 Deal at Southbank
Publicity Pip Miller PR Telephone: 0419 681543 Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au MEDIA INFORMATION 14 December 09 STAY IN TOWNSVILLE FOR ONLY $99 A Townsville getaway during the school holidays has never been more affordable thanks to special room rates at Rydges for as little as $99 a night. Rydges Southbank Townsville Hotel General Manager Paul Burke said Rydges was celebrating its recent purchase of the Townsville property with special deals perfect for the self-drive visitor. “The hotel is located in the city’s restaurant precinct and is close to shopping, all major attractions and entertainment venues, making it an ideal base to explore the region,” he said. “Families love the Townsville Strand with its free water park, playground and cafes, beautiful Magnetic Island is a great day trip for all ages, Reef HQ is the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium and there are plenty of museums to explore.” Standard rooms, some with a view of Townsville Marina, are only $99 per night during January or upgrade to a Superior Queen room with views of Cleveland Bay or the Ross River and its city backdrop. Rydges Southbank Townsville Hotel has a saltwater pool and spa surrounded by deck chairs or free access to the local fitness centre. The Rydges Southbank Grill is famous in Townsville for great steaks and was awarded Best Fine Dining Restaurant and Best Hotel Restaurant at the 2008 Restaurant and Caterers Awards. It is open for breakfast and dinner with a choice of al fresco dining overlooking the pool and tropical gardens or inside in the comfort of airconditioning. ENDS For media inquiries contact: Dawn Gleeson Director of Sales Rydges Southbank Townsville and Rydges Gladstone Ph: 0400 265 933 E: dawn_gleeson@rydges.com W: www.rydges.com
City Place & Esplanade Trees A Light with Christmas Lanterns
CITY PLACE & ESPLANADE TREES A’LIGHT WITH CHRISTMAS LANTERNS
Media Call: 10am, Friday 4 December 09 – Giant Fig Tree near Police Beat, Cairns Esplanade
Artist, Justin Hoskins – shows off the giant pineapple and other hand-made lanterns (16 in all) now hanging from the trees in City Place and the Esplanade as part of Cairns Regional Council’s A Very SumMerry Christmas. The lanterns provide a festive and spectacular vision when they light up the trees from 6pm every night. Info: Pip Miller PR Mob: 0419 681543
Local sculptor and installation artist, Justin Hoskins has spent most of the last two days in a tree. With the help of a cherry picker, Justin has been busy, hanging 16 colourful, hand-made lanterns that from now until the end of the festive season, will light up the fig trees in City Place and Esplanade.
Along with the eight metre high Christmas tree festooned in jumping kangaroos and sun blossoms and 10 double-sided recycled banners sprayed in graffiti art, the lanterns provide a festive flavour to the inner-city for Christmas 2009.
At yesterday’s launch of the city’s new-look Christmas Tree, Councillor Val Schier said “Using a contemporary, resourceful approach, we have recycled existing decorations with colour and creativity – while observing the traditions of an ‘Aussie Christmas’. For locals and visitors alike, it is hoped that this year’s decorations will focus attention on Tropical Australia and its own version of the festive season.”
The colourful lanterns take a whole range of shapes from the traditional Chinese design to a lotus flower and for fun – a giant pineapple.
According to Justin, the lanterns have cultural elements and some flora based natural attributes to reflect and embrace the colour, richness and vibrance of the region.
“I am largely inspired by nature and some tribal elements to produce one-off sculptures and festival installations from both mild and stainless steel, copper, casting resin and wood. Quite often I will also incorporate intelligent lighting technologies with a vision to invoke curiosity and bring creative energy to the community,” he said.
The lanterns were built at the Digger Street Arts Collective with help from decor artists Greg Campbell and Sanaz Zahedi.
Digger Street aims to create a sanctuary for the artist to immerse themselves in their art, It is a self-funding residential space. For information, www.diggerstreet.com
Taking cue from this year’s theme, a Very SumMerry Christmas, Cairns Regional Council has made a special effort to acknowledge the 2009 festive season while drawing on the talents of local artists and students to bring the inner-city to life.
Background Information:
This Christmas, Cairns Regional Council is decking the CBD with a distinctly Australian flavour; bringing Cairns’ city heart alive with colour, lighting, lanterns, music, movies, fun and a very large Aussie Christmas tree.
According to Cairns Regional Council’s inner-city facilities marketing and promotions manager, Simone Roseler, this year a concerted effort is being made to recognise Christmas.
“In a welcome departure from traditional Christmas decorations, a campaign engaging local artists is well underway creating meaningful decorations and activities that the community can relate to and appreciate.
“Even our Santa will break from the norm – as he rides through the city heart on a unicycle. Add to that, our ukulele choir, locally made decorations, lanterns and a long list of activities – that in combination will light up the Esplanade and City Place for the entire month of December,” she said.
A SumMerry Christmas officially begins on December 1, 2009 with the installation of the city’s Christmas tree.
The city’s festive program that runs between 1 and 24 December includes Musical Carollers, Creating Xmas Together; the community’s creation of a hanging sculpture featuring recycled objects, the Ukulele Xmas Club, Virtual Xmas Cards (carbon footprint conscious way of spreading cheer via email featuring message with esplanade as backdrop), The Vegemite before Xmas animated short film, Xmas markets, outdoor cinema and a program of Deck the Halls kids workshops.
For more information on activities, times or to view full program, visit www.cairnsesplanade.com.au
Ends
Contact:
Cairns Regional Council, Inner City Facilities, Marketing and Promotions
Simone Roseler
P: 07 4044 3715 | F: 07 4044 3759 Mob: 0418 699 028
E: s.roseler@cairns.qld.gov.au
Information: Artist: Louisa Ennis-Thomas (tree) Mob: 0427 337449
Kristin Tennyson (tree) Mob: 0417 175 918
Justin Hoskins (lanterns) Mob: 0423 760 526
Publicity
Pip Miller PR
Telephone: 0419 681543
Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au
Wonderment Takes Best Job in the World LIVE on Oprah Tuesday 8 December
For Immediate Release Monday 7 December 2009
AS THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD DRAWS TO A CLOSE, ITS GLOBAL APPEAL HITS BOILING POINT ON OPRAH
In 2009, Queensland event production company, Wonderment can stake its claim on having had the best job in the world.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, 8 December, Wonderment’s 18 month project, to provide production management for all the live-events associated with Tourism Queensland’s The Best Job in the World campaign, will culminate in a Skype-cross on Oprah* closely followed by a finale media event featuring a wrap party for government officials and VIP guests on Hamilton Island.
Oprah ‘Best Of’ special airs tomorrow, Tuesday 8 December on Network 10 at 1.00pm QLD time,
Shortly after its launch in January this year, Tourism Queensland’s The Best Job in the World was being touted one of the world’s best ever marketing campaigns – a global phenomenon!
According to Wonderment’s principal, Andrew Cameron-Smith, a 12 month planning phase preceded the Hamilton Island launch event in May at which Ben Southall was announced the winner. Since then, Wonderment’s team has been responsible for crafting a logistical footprint that would deliver four, on-location ‘live’ events to an international audience.
“In every event we staged, there was a fundamental objective to represent and reflect the Island sof The Great Barrier Reef and its tourism industry in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable way. Then add energy, vitality and global appeal,” he said.
Anthony Hayes, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Queensland said Wonderment was a natural choice to support our project team in the first and then, all live events associated with The Best Job in the World.
“For each of these occasions, the audience has been drawn from the world’s most important media organisations and therefore, a significant responsibility was placed before us to impress. In short, Wonderment has delivered outstanding, professional events,” he said.
Andrew Cameron-Smith believes it was his attention to detail, commitment to deadlines and every single aspect of delivery that made Wonderment’s role a working success.
“For the May launch event I was responsible for 21 crew in Tourism Queensland’s media production unit plus a further 12 AV crew. Together, with Tourism Queensland’s project teamt, we developed a production facility that broadcast from three live positions and was complimented by viewing terminals to extract daily footage for editing into international media packages. Some of the biggest challenges we faced were weather redundancy, insurance and candidate safety.”
The Best Job in the World campaign was unprecedented in its global reach and attracted 34,684 applications. In May this year the final 16 candidates descended on Hamilton Island in the Whitsunday Islands where a series of Live Events were staged to determine the best candidate.
Andrew Cameron-Smith is a major event producer who has worked extensively for government, multi-national and national companies. With more than 15 years event production experience, Andrew models each and every event to deliver measurable outcomes.
ENDS
For further information:
Andrew Cameron-Smith
Wonderment
Event Production: Concept and Management
Tel: 07 3269 7447 Mob: 0412 867 007
Email: andrew@wonderment.com.au
Issued by:
Pip Miller PR
Tel: 07 4032 4400 Mob: 0419 681543
Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au
City Celebrates Beginning of Festive Season with New Tree and Decorations
CITY’S CHRISTMAS TREE REBORN WITH AUSSIE ICONS: JUMPING JOEYS, SUN BLOSSOMS & LED LIGHTING
Media opportunity: Mayor, Val Schier presents this year’s artistically reworked
version of city’s eight metre Christmas Tree
When: Wednesday 2 December 09 from 9am
Where: City Place, Cairns CBD – Christmas Tree
Information: Artists: Louisa Ennis-Thomas Mob: 0427 337449
Kristin Tennyson
Media Contact: Pip Miller PR Mob: 0419 681 543 or pip@pipmillerpr.com.au
Calling a start to the city’s festive season and celebrations for 2009, Councillor Val Schier, Mayor of Cairns Regional Council will officially present the city’s eight metre Christmas tree at 9am on Wednesday 2 December 2009.
Taking cue from this year’s Christmas theme, a very SumMerry Christmas, Councillor Schier said the tree had been given a new lease of life thanks to the creative attention of local artists, Kristin Tennyson and Louisa Ennis-Thomas.
In a welcome departure from traditional tinsel and plastic baubles, this year sees Cairns Regional Council’s Christmas tree take on a distinctly contemporary Australian feel – decorated with stainless steel jumping kangaroo’s, bright red polymer “sun blossoms”, a giant star wrapped in 3000 metres of wire and state of the art LED lighting.
“I am very proud to unveil our “non-traditional” tree that will be sure to attract attention from both visitors and locals,” said Councillor Schier, Mayor of Cairns Regional Council.
Background Information:
This Christmas, Cairns Regional Council is decking the CBD with a distinctly Australian flavour; bringing Cairns’ city heart alive with colour, lighting, lanterns, music, movies, fun and a very large Aussie Christmas tree.
According to Cairns Regional Council’s inner-city facilities marketing and promotions manager, Simone Roseler, this year a concerted effort is being made to recognise Christmas.
“In a welcome departure from traditional Christmas decorations, a campaign engaging local artists is well underway creating meaningful decorations and activities that the community can relate to and appreciate.
“Even our Santa will break from the norm – as he rides through the city heart on a unicycle. Add to that, our ukulele choir, locally made decorations, lanterns and a long list of activities – that in combination will light up the Esplanade and City Place for the entire month of December,” she said.
A SumMerry Christmas officially begins on December 1, 2009 with the installation of the city’s Christmas tree.
The city’s festive program that runs between 1 and 24 December includes Musical Carollers, Creating Xmas Together; the community’s creation of a hanging sculpture featuring recycled objects, the Ukulele Xmas Club, Virtual Xmas Cards (carbon footprint conscious way of spreading cheer via email featuring message with esplanade as backdrop), The Vegemite before Xmas animated short film, Xmas markets, outdoor cinema and a program of Deck the Halls kids workshops.
For more information on activities, times or to view full program, visit www.cairnsesplanade.com.au
Ends
Contact:
Cairns Regional Council, Inner City Facilities, Marketing and Promotions
Simone Roseler
P: 07 4044 3715 | F: 07 4044 3759 Mob: 0418 699 028
E: s.roseler@cairns.qld.gov.au
Publicity
Pip Miller PR
Telephone: 0419 681543
Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au
New Chef for Rydges Sabaya Resort
Publicity
Pip Miller PR
Telephone: 0419 681543
Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au
MEDIA INFORMATION December 2009
NEW CHEF FOR RYDGES SABAYA RESORT
Rydges Sabaya Resort’s newly appointed Executive Chef has returned to Port Douglas after years of designing menus at some of the world’s most exclusive tropical resorts.
Rydges Area General Manager North Queensland Simon White said he was pleased to welcome Anthony Kramer back to Tropical North Queensland where he had worked as an executive chef at various prestigious properties.
Mr Kramer was the Executive Chef at Daintree Eco-Lodge and Spa Resort in 2003 and from 1999 to 2003 was Executive Chef for P&O Australian Resorts, the then owners of Dunk, Lizard, Bedarra, Brampton and Heron island resorts.
“It was in his role at P&O Australian Resorts where he oversaw kitchens ranging from five to 50 chefs and stewards that he was named 2002 Mentor of the Year for North Queensland,” Mr White said.
“Since then he has worked as the Executive Chef of several leading resorts, mostly in tropical locations including the Maldives and Fiji where he also served as General Manager for two years.”
Mr Kramer said he had enjoyed an enviable lifestyle working at some of the world’s top resorts in exotic locations.
“But it was a bit like living out of a suitcase so I was keen to come home to Australia and particularly wanted to work in Port Douglas which has an exotic, tropical atmosphere,” he said.
The Sydney-trained chef has a sound reputation for training staff to ensure both the cuisine and service at his award-winning restaurants will exceed guests’ expectations.
Expect to see menu changes taking place before the New Year at Rydges Sabaya Resort where Mr Kramer will ensure fresh local produce takes centre stage.
His menus in the Maldives, Fiji and Kakadu were renown for taking the local cuisine and giving it a five-star twist, a technique he aims to continue in Port Douglas.
At the moment he is busy planning Christmas Day menus which will focus around buffets and an exotic barbecue featuring local seafood and the best Australian beef.
With its open Balinese feel, Rydges Sabaya Resort is the perfect setting for the fresh locally-inspired menus Mr Kramer will introduce.
The resort’s signature restaurant Sakinah House is open for breakfast and dinner in a contemporary setting with modern Australian-Asian fusion cuisine. The Lotus Lounge Bar overlooks the lagoon-style swimming pool and the swim-up Biru Bar, at the edge of the pool, offers lunch each day as well as a wide variety of beers and cocktails.
ENDS
For media inquiries contact:
Simon White
Area General Manager North Queensland
Rydges Sabaya Resort Port Douglas
DD: 61 7 4099 8910