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

Monday September 13, 2004 140th Edition

Whales return to Cairns
Humpback whale pods have been sighted once again to the islands south of Cairns as they make their slow migratory journey south, tour boat operators said. The whales have been putting on a show for tourists, leaping out of the water and blowing waterspouts high into the air. Frankland Islands Cruise and Dive spokesman Captain Jack said they were an added bonus for tourists. “We have been seeing them on most days for the last month,” Captain Jack said. “One morning recently we saw one in the distance and stopped the boat. It swam over and leapt out of the water right in front of the boat.”

Carnival on Collins enchants crowds
Over 25,000 people were enchanted by the colour of Carnival on Collins in Edge Hill last week as part of Festival Cairns activities. Event co-ordinator Bernadette James said workers had been “flat out” catering to the thousands of people who ambled past the many stalls and attractions. Among the exhibitions were art and craft markets, a short film showcase, visual art displays and a wearable art parade.

Shopping centre throws lifeline to lifeguards
Lifeguards at the Esplanade Lagoon in Cairns have been given a $100,000 lifeline from local shopping centre The Pier to help in funding their operations. Pier Shopping donated the money to Cairns City Council to be distributed over the next four years. Surf Life Saving Queensland’s North Queensland acting lifeguard supervisor Shane White said the funding would go towards uniforms, training and general operations. Pier Shopping representative Mark Harold said, “we thought supporting lifeguards was a worthwhile cause and it is something locals will benefit from.”

Popular restaurant under new management
Popular restaurant Seviche at Stratford recently reopened under new management. “We bought the business after a heads up from friends who live up here and had dined at Seviche,” new owner Vicki Keating from Sydney said. Ms Keating and business partner Judy Taylor said they vigorously pursued the sale of the business when they discovered it was on the market. “We come from catering, events and hospitality backgrounds and we were looking for similar ventures.” Ms Keating said the restaurant would still feature modern contemporary cuisine with a local flair.

Amateurs draw a big field
Thousands of people turned out for The Cairns Amateurs over the weekend, one of Australia’s biggest regional racing events. Amateur’s senior vice president Ron Davis said he was pleased with the turnout. “I think we will match, if not exceed, last year’s figures,” Mr Davis said. “As well as people enjoying their fun gambling, they’re spending a lot of time looking at the fashions. And when you look at the ladies’ dress, it certainly is outstanding. They’ve gone to a lot of trouble. It’s a pity we can only have one winner.”