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Living in Cairns Volume 4, 30 July 2015

From the Mayor...

We're coming into the busiest and most exciting time of year for our wonderful region, with so many events and activities for you to enjoy. The Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair starts tomorrow and I would encourage everyone to experience this incredible showcase of indigenous culture and talent.

In just a few weeks' time, we will open the 2015 Cairns Festival, which this year reflects the theme Celebrating our Cultural Diversity.  In between, we have the relaunch of the Palm Cove Markets, the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games and Seniors Week.

It seems timely that, this week, I joined with Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO in announcing a new Events Prioritisation Strategy for the region. We understand how important events of all shapes and sizes are in creating a vibrant city for our residents and for our economy and we aim to increase the opportunity to attract and develop events year-round. After all, Cairns is a great place to enjoy yourself.

Mayor Bob Manning

 
 

We understand how important events of all shapes and sizes are in creating a vibrant city for our residents and for our economy"

 
 
 

Welcome, new readers!

A special welcome goes out to all our new subscribers who came on board during the Cairns Show. We're thrilled that you've joined us and we hope you find this monthly e-newsletter informative and interesting. We aim to keep you informed on what Council is doing in the community, as well as upcoming events and activities. If you've got any suggestions on how we can improve this publication, let us know via our Facebook page. Oh, and a big congrats to Mark from Whitfield for winning the iPad in our sign-up comp.

 
 

It's on for young and old

They may be older and wiser, but that doesn't mean Cairns' senior citizens are slowing down. During Queensland Seniors Week (15-23 August), a host of events and activities will celebrate our community's young-at-heart. From exercise classes to computer workshops, walking tours and flower arranging, an extensive program has been developed for the enjoyment of Cairns' senior residents under the theme "It's on for young and old". Download the full Seniors Week program to get involved. But get in quick on events that require pre-booking - the Seniors Week Lunch was booked out in just one hour!

 
 

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Coming up...

  • Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair - 31 Jul - 2 Aug - Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal - Delve into the Indigenous cultures of TNQ through a showcase of art, dance, music and performance. 
  • Great Pyramid Race & Country Fair - 8 Aug - Norman Park, Gordonvale - 56 years of tradition continues in a race to the peak of Walsh's Pyramid and back, with market stalls & entertainment.
  • U3A Open Day - 19 Aug - 129 Mulgrave Road, Cairns - various activities displayed.
 
 
 

Palm Cove Markets return

Market stalls will make a return to Palm Cove this weekend. The new monthly Sunday market will kick off this Sunday, 2 August, with more than 60 stalls to line Williams Esplanade from 8am to 2pm. Arts and crafts, plants, produce wellness products and services and food stalls will adorn the beachside location. There will also be a free jumping castle and crazy golf to keep the kids entertained. To create a genuine beachside market experience, Williams Esplanade will be closed to traffic between Harpa Street and Cedar Road.
More info on the markets and changed traffic conditions

 
 

Bag a bargain at book sale

Cairns bookshelves will get a boost next week when Cairns Libraries holds its annual book sale. Book lovers are invited to bag a bargain in the Fred Moule Pavilion at the Cairns Showgrounds over three days on 7-9 August. More than 16,000 adults' and children's books will be on sale at low prices each day from 9am to 5pm. Funds raised by the sale will help to purchase new stock for branches. Eftpos facilities will be available.

 

 
 
 

Rates notices to be issued

Half-yearly rates notices will be issued tomorrow, with payment due on 1 September. The removal of the credit card transaction surcharge makes it even more convenient to pay via the secure Online Self Service payment page on Council's website. For multiple properties, use the shopping cart facility. Payment by credit card can also be made by phone by calling 1300 760 002. Other payment methods include BPay, Australia Post, mailed cheque or money order and in person at Council's customer service centres. More information on payment options

 
 

GBR Games rego extended

It's all getting real now! The 2015 Great Barrier Reef Masters Games is less than two weeks away.  But it's not too late to get involved. Registrations have been extended to midnight on Sunday 9 August. The second biennial Great Barrier Reef Masters Games will be held from 13 to 16 August in Cairns. Nearly 2000 masters-aged men and women from Australia, Oceania and South East Asia are expected to take part in this great sporting event. For more information and to register, visit the official website

 
 
 

Countdown to Cairns Festival

The countdown has started for Cairns' biggest annual festival. Cairns Festival 2015 will be held over 10 days from 28 August to 6 September. The e-program is now online, featuring more than 100 performances, exhibitions, workshops and other events and activities showcasing the community’s collective creative energy. The always-popular Grand Parade and Fireworks will be held on Saturday 29 August. If you haven't got your grand parade registration in yet, don't delay - entries close tomorrow. For more information on the 2015 Cairns Festival, visit the official website.

 
 
 

Planning scheme info session

In response to public feedback received on the draft Cairns Region Planning Scheme last year, Council is proposing changes to building height limits and development controls for Cairns city and parts of North Cairns.  These changes aim to accommodate balanced growth and development while achieving high urban design standards that celebrate our unique tropical identity. A community information session will be held on Monday 3 August from 5pm to 6.30pm at the Spence St offices for anyone wanting to know more about these changes. Bookings are essential and can be made online or by email. Submissions will be accepted until 25 August. More info

 
 

Go Clubs grants

Eligible clubs are invited to apply for Council’s 2015 Go Clubs Grants, Go On, Get Sun Smart and Go Clubs Greener Buildings Initiative streams.   Applications can be submitted until 5pm on Friday 28 August.

- Go On Get Sun Smart supports clubs to develop “sunsmart” shaded areas

- Go Clubs Greener Building initiative helps clubs reduce energy consumption, operating costs and overall environmental impact.

Info and application forms