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In Focus, 26 March 2015

Dear reader, welcome to the latest edition of In Focus, full of news, events and opportunities from your council.

Mayor's Message

In a few weeks' time, we will gather in remembrance of one of the most significant events of our nation's history.

Anzac Day is the most solemn of our annual events. Initially a commemoration of those who fought with the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps, it has grown to represent all our nation's people who have served and died in military service.

This year, Anzac Day holds extra significance. It marks 100 years since the our soldiers landed at Gallipoli.

In the century that has passed, our nation has seen many changes but the spirit of the ANZAC, with its human qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity.

If you have never attended a Dawn Service, I invite you to join the early morning commemoration on the Esplanade or at one of several other services throughout the region.

We expect an overflow crowd for this year's Esplanade service, so we'll be setting up big screens near the lagoon to make sure everyone has the opportunity to be a part of this very special event.

Mayor Bob Manning

Anzac Day services

This Anzac Day marks the 100th anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troupes at Gallipoli.

A Dawn Parade will assemble at the Martyn St Cemetery gates at 3.50am, leading into Dawn Service and wreath-laying ceremony at the Cairns RSL Cenotaph from 5.30am.

There will be a live feed to a big screen on the lagoon lawn in anticipation of large crowds.

An Anzac Breakfast and performance of The Soldiers Wife will take place from 7.30am. 

A Commemorative March along the Esplanade to an Observance Ceremony at Fogarty Park will follow at 10am.

Further commemorative services and events will take place at Babinda, Edmonton, Gordonvale, Stratford, Trinity Beach and Yorkeys Knob. View the full list of services

Active Living survey

pilates class

Council's Active Living program has been bringing introductory fitness to the Cairns Esplanade for 12 years, attracting up to 900 participants a week.

Consultation is now under way to find out what participants like about the program and what they would change.

Three surveys targeting participants, instructors and other members of the Cairns community have been established to gauge attitudes toward the program.

Under the Active Living program, around 700 free group fitness classes are held each year. The program is reviewed every four months to ensure classes continue to be relevant. The survey will close at 4pm on Friday 17 April.

Dog audit gets results

three dogs running

More than 5800 new dog registrations were received during a 10-week registration audit by Cairns Regional Council.

A total 39,037 homes were visited during the audit, with 4256 notices issued to residents who were suspected of having an unregistered dog at their address.

Mayor Bob Manning said the audit had demonstrated an increased awareness of the importance of registration.

“In the Local Laws survey conducted last year, 15 per cent of respondents indicated they weren’t aware they needed to register their dogs,” Cr Manning said.

“The audit helped to educate dog owners about their responsibilities regarding registration and many residents responded proactively. Nearly a quarter of new registrations came from owners who had not yet been visited as part of the audit.

“With an updated database and greater understanding of the dog ownership population in our region, we’ll be able to focus on further education campaigns and improve patrol programs.”

Big screen beckons

man with camera

Cairns film makers are again invited to showcase their wares to a local audience via the Far North's very own annual film festival.

Understory Film Festival returns in 2015 for local film makers and aspiring film geniuses to gain an audience – and awards.

An initiative of Cairns Regional Council, the film festival was established to showcase the region's talent and build industry capacity.

Submissions are now open for short films of any genre up to eight minutes in length. Selected films will be screened at the second annual Understory Film Festival awards ceremony on June 13.

Entries must be received by 5 May, with student entries due a little earlier on 28 April.The competition is open to Far North Queensland residents and first-time film makers are particularly encouraged to enter. More info and application form. Visit the Facebook page.

New Councillor for Div 3

Cr Cathy Zeiger and Mayor Bob Manning

Rock Impact Inc Coordinator Cathy Zeiger (pictured with Mayor Bob Manning) has been appointed as the Division 3 Councillor for Cairns Regional Council.

Mayor Bob Manning said Ms Zeiger's involvement in various community initiatives showed a willingness to show community leadership and an ability to see projects through from concept to fruition.

"Cathy has been involved with Rock Impact Inc for many years," Cr Manning said. "She has been the driving force behind initiatives such as Pets in the Park and the Boost Breaky Program, which makes sure local kids have access to a nutritious breakfast at school.

"Under Cathy's guidance, the Boost Breaky program has grown from a single school to 13 participating schools and a partnership with Woolworths.

"She has also spent time working with the communities of Kenya, setting up a child sponsorship program that directly supports 41 children and the 'Sole Swap' project to collect shoes for families in need."

Sheriden is top woman

Woman of the Year Sheriden Morris

Congratulations to Cairns Region Woman of the Year Sheriden Morris (pictured).

Awarded the honour at the International Women's Day breakfast earlier this month, Sheriden has been an inspirational role model for the region's women tackling the male-dominated world of science head on.

"Her commitment to science and the environment, through roles at university and in the corporate world via the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre, is inspirational in itself," Mayoress Claire Manning said. "That she has found the time to also actively encourage and mentor women in these often male-dominated fields is commendable."

In addition to her work in the sciences, Ms Morris has been a strong advocate for women's rights in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and has been instrumental in the Federal Government's work to deliver tuberculosis services in PNG.

Young Woman of the Year Tulsa Gautam, 21, has been a strong advocate and voice for new migrants to Cairns as well as providing hands-on support to help woman and girls adjust to their new life in Cairns, obtain skills and participate in the community.

Parklands consultation

park with playground

Known as Edmonton's botanic gardens and the site of the ever-popular Sugarworld Waterpark, Sugarworld Parklands is set to undergo a makeover.

The Sugarworld Parklands Master Plan will guide the development of the precinct and incorporate existing Council commitments to build a 25m public lap pool and additional water slides. To help complete the picture, Council is now seeking public feedback on the future direction of this important community space.

The park is open to the public daily from 7am to 6.30pm. It has an all abilities playground, orchard, performance area, car parking and historic elements, as well as being home to the local SES, community garden and Sugarworld Waterpark. To have your say, complete the online survey.