A weekly re-cap of the events that have made news in Cairns over the past week.

Monday September 9, 2002 82nd Edition

This week marked the beginning of the regions most popular event - Festival Cairns, which always means plenty of great outdoor activities, entertainment and fun in the tropics. And just in time for Festival Cairns was the completion of the long awaited re-vamped Reef Hotel Casino. Cairns is also anticipating the arrival of Australian Airlines next week with the first of the fleet to arrive on September 16.

Festival Cairns underway
Cairns' inaugural summer event Festival Cairns kicked off last week with more than 15 000 people turning out to the opening festivities held in Cairns and Palm Cove. Fire-breathers, jazz bands, art shows, stalls and sporting events were among the activities entertaining the many party-goers. While opening events were taking place, a further 6000 people partied on at the annual Kurandafest and Atherton Maize and Arts Festival outside of the city, also part of the Festival Cairns celebration. Festival Cairns continues until the 21st September with daily activities occurring throughout the city and outlying areas.

Bush tucker on the market
Bush tucker may soon be available on the market with an Innisfail-based project being presented to funding agencies in Cairns to research, produce and market rainforest bush tucker and pharmaceutical lines. The project is a result of the establishment of the Mamu Bush Tucker Garden at Warrina Lakes recreational complex in Innisfail two years ago. Marketing links have already been established with Robins Australian Foods and Coles supermarkets to sell the unique Australian products.

Cairns growth entices ships to port
The rapid growth of business in Cairns has enticed a prominent Townsville based cruise company to relocate its operation to the Far North region. Coral Princess Cruises arrived in Cairns recently, providing an immediate financial boost to the city. The operation carries two, 35m cruise ships and 60 staff. Managing director Tony Briggs said the move took three months to complete. "We still run our cruises out of Townsville and Cairns, but Cairns is the tourism and business hub of North Queensland and it was in our best interest to move the whole operation here," Mr Briggs said.

Reef Casino gets a re-vamp
Renovations on the Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns have been completed at a cost of $2.2 million. The re-vamp included the opening of the new and highly upmarket Vertigo Bar and Lounge in the casino lobby, with a fresh, colourful and ultramodern décor. The renovations also involved the launch of the Tamarind restaurant in April and the makeover of the Pacific Flavours Brasserie in May. Executive manager of sales and marketing Richard Porter said the redesign has opened up the entry areas to make the casino more visible. "It is full of light and activity to make the place more exciting," Mr Porter said.

Cairns will feature in new magazine
Cairns will form part of a new tropical magazine focused on living in the Asia Pacific tropical region. The first issue of Asia-Pacific Tropical Homes and Holiday Villa Rentals magazine will be launched early next year, and is set to feature Phuket, Bali, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and tropical North Queensland. Thailand-based Artasia Press managing director John Everingham said "modern transport and changing patterns of human settlement have brought an increasing flow of people and wealth from the cold, developed climates to this beautiful, tropical region."

Australian Airlines arrival imminent
Australian Airlines will have one of its first aircrafts on the tarmac in Cairns in just a week. Chief executive Denis Adams confirmed last week that the first of the international initial fleet of four aircraft would be unveiled on Monday, September 16 at Cairns Airport. The Boeing 767 will feature the ochre colours of Australia's red centre and a kangaroo on its tail. Staff uniforms will also be on display on the 16th, with the official launch of Australian Airlines taking place on October 27.