Cairns Update
Redevelopments, new appointments, events and more. There’s so much happening in Cairns. Here’s our roundup of what’s ahead.
NQ Airport Corporation
North Queensland Airport Corporation recently announced the appointment of Luis Perez as its new Chief Commercial Officer – Aviation.
Mr Perez brings to the role more than 20 years’ experience in airline, strategy and commercial management roles and has a deep understanding of travel, trade, tourism and route development. The Chief Commercial Officer – Aviation role is responsible for growing airline services and passenger numbers to Cairns and Mackay Airports by working with airlines and the tourism industry.
An international aviation executive, has had an extensive career that has included roles leading air service development at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Houston Airport Quito, Ecuador and Vancouver. He has significant experience in passenger airline and cargo operations as well as air service and route development. He has an impressive record in airports and airport consulting and an extensive understanding of route development and markets.
Cairns Amateurs
In a bid to up the fashion stakes for this year’s sartorial clash, Cairns Amateurs’ Fashions On The Field (FOTF) committee has secured two of Australia’s most awarded FOTF competitors as judges.
Lindsay Ridings has since won several accolades nationally including the coveted VRC Myer FOTF Kennedy Oaks Day Winner at Flemington in 2018. Emma Scodellaro’s fashion titles including winning the 2015 Blue Diamond Stakes FOTF at Caulfield.
This year’s FOTF competition comprises seven categories across two days, on Friday 13 September and Saturday 14 September, and will see more than 150 local and interstate competitors vie for winning titles and an impressive prize pool valued at approximately $15,000.
$60m Cairns Central redevelopment
In July, Lendlease announced its much anticipated $60 million redevelopment of Cairns Central.
The redevelopment will include a total refurbishment of Myer, a new fresh food market hall, new vehicle express ramp, greater parking convenience with ticketless parking and parking guidance system, new amenities including children’s play area and more parenting rooms, and an upgrade for existing amenities.
This is the first time Cairns Central has undergone a redevelopment since it opened more than 20 years ago. Construction will commence soon and is expected to be completed late 2020.
Kate Miller-Heidke set for CPAC premiere
Eurovision pop superstar and Brisbane-born singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke will return to Cairns on September 28 with a special premiere performance at the brand new Cairns Performing Arts Centre.
Cairns fans will be able to see the Eurovision singer live when she performs alongside collaborator Keir Nutall, fresh from their success writing the music and lyrics for Muriel’s Wedding: The Musical.
Classically trained at the Queensland Conservatorium, Kate has a unique ability to blend pop, folk and opera, and boasts a career that includes multiple ARIA Awards nominations and appearances at iconic music institutions including Coachella, the New York Metropolitan Opera and the Eurovision Song Contest.
Her heartfelt performance and the out-of-this world staging of her song Zero Gravity won her first place in her semi-final and a top ten placing at the Eurovision Grand Final in May this year.
The 2019 tour will see Kate will perform brand new versions of her most beloved material including The Last Day on Earth, Caught in the Crowd and O Vertigo!, plus a sneak preview of new songs.
