Category: CAIRNS

Close up of a water droplet hanging from the end of a leaf, with a little earth photoshopped inside the droplet
CAIRNS NEWS

The Earthshot Prize Comes to Life Thanks to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

by Anna Booysen

In the 1960’s President John. F Kennedy created Moonshot, uniting people from around the world in efforts to put man on the moon. As part of this, amazing new technologies were developed around that time period. In addition, humans saw what we could achieve when we have a similar goal in sight, work as a team and put our brains together.

Now in 2020, Earthshot, a prestigious prize, has been created to incentivise people to join together and make changes that benefit our planet – and subsequently, us. The Earthshot Prize has five ‘Earthshots’; relatively simple yet big goals. These will hugely improve life on earth if achieved by 2030.

The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, perhaps better known as Prince William and Kate Middleton, runs the Earthshot Prize. The Duke and Duchess created the Foundation to unite people in tackling a variety of big challenges in today’s world, making a positive difference on issues that they are passionate about.

The Earthshots and Prizes

The Foundation grounds each Earthshot in scientifically agreed targets that will help repair the damage that our planet has suffered. This is crucial for both us now and future generations, to provide us and them with a good quality life and health. But it also goes beyond that; we have a beautiful planet full of unique nature and animals. This nature and our animals that we love will also suffer if we do not make changes and find ways to solve environmental problems NOW.

The targets form a set of challenges which will hopefully make new ways of thinking, new systems, policies, technologies and overall; solutions to these problems. The five Earthshots are:

  1. Protect and restore nature
  2. Clean our air
  3. Revive our oceans
  4. Build a waste-free world
  5. Fix our climate

Each Earthshot is broken down into more specific goals. For example, ‘Protect and restore nature’ focuses on repairing and protecting the homes of our animals. This could be in grasslands, wetlands, rainforests, lakes or rivers. Every year from 2021 to 2030 =an award ceremony will take place across the world in different cities. There, five winners will be awarded the Earthshot prize, each receiving one million-pound prizes (worth nearly 2 million AUD). Overall, this will provide 50 solutions to our planet’s greatest environmental problems by 2030!  

The Earthshot Prize Council is made up of influential people from around the globe. This team will award each Earthshot until 2030. The council includes Prince William, David Attenborough, Cate Blanchett, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, Shakira, Naoko Yamazaki, Indra Nooyi and other well-known people.  

You can read more about each Earthshot and what it aims at achieving, as well as the full council list and list of Global Alliance Partners to Earthshot such as National Geographic, all on the Earthshot Prize website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAIRNS NEWS

Businesses Boost Fundraising for Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal

by Anna Booysen

The Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal is doing well so far this year, despite hardships faced by both businesses and individuals due to COVID-19. With only 10 weeks left until Santa visits, almost $50,000 has been raised!

More than $16,000 was raised through ticket sales for the inaugural 5-Star Chefs for Charity event on November 7 at the Hilton Cairns. Rotary Club of Cairns Sunrise also raised $3,000 thanks to the Palm Cove Markets, where collection buckets were put out for the appeal. Other organisations and businesses that have donated include:

  • Adllins Media
  • Babinda Electrics
  • CA Architects Pty Ltd
  • Cairns Aquarium
  • CBRE
  • Chapman Foundation
  • FGF Bitumen Pty Ltd
  • Fortis Numbers
  • Grant Thornton Cairns
  • Heightened Security Solutions
  • i-LEC Solutions
  • JP Foyle Contractors
  • LDI Constructions
  • Lions Club of Cairns
  • Lotsa Print & Signage
  • Panebianco Enterprises Pty Ltd
  • Preston Law
  • Project Hardware and Doors
  • Richard Field Constructions
  • Rotary Club of Cairns Sunrise
  • Samark North Qld Pty Ltd
  • Totally Workwear
  • Traffic Services
  • Trinity Auto Group
  • Union Jack Hotel
  • Vis Constructions Pty Ltd
In recent years roughly 700 hampers were delivered, which required fundraising of nearly $70,000. The hampers provide basic meals and staples, which more people than ever are expected to need this year due to the coronavirus.

“It’s all about locals helping locals and we are asking the community to dig deep, give generously and show those experiencing hardship that we care.

“Every cent donated to the charity goes to buying food supplies for the hampers,” says Cairns Mayor Bob Manning.

“It is amazing what a hamper means to recipients; it really makes their day.

“These organisations, along with countless individuals who have already donated to the appeal, are demonstrating what it means to be part of a caring community.”

How Can I Help?

You can share the love and Christmas spirit by donating to buy a hamper. $65.00 will provide a hamper for a family and just $35.00 will provide a senior with a hamper. Or, you can donate a select amount to the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal on the Regional Council’s website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

girl lying on floor on her stomach has puppy either side of her, smiling at camera
CAIRNS EXPERTS

What Pets Should We Avoid if We Want an Easy First Pet?

by Dr Richard Thomas

Finding a pet that suits your living situation is essential for a harmonious, happy relationship. In the past we have looked at ideal starting pets, however it is worth discussing the high commitment group of pets. These pets are generally much better suited to pet owners who are prepared to invest a lot of time, effort and money into keeping such an animal. Having said that, you can be rewarded with a unique and engaging relationship with really interesting animals. So what sort of pets fall into our ‘very high maintenance’ category?

Reptiles

Proper reptile care involves meticulous attention to their diet and habitat. Reptiles require special light sources, heating rocks, a specialised diet, strict and carefully administered feeding regimen, humidity control and temperature gradient checks, amongst other things. You need in-depth knowledge and attention to detail in order to keep them happy and healthy. Some reptiles, such as turtles, are literally a lifelong commitment. Captive turtles can live for over 100 years! We would strongly encourage doing a lot of research into reptile requirements before making such a commitment.

High drive dogs

We get it – you look at some cute dog doing tricks online, and the next minute you are in love with the breed. Working dogs such as Kelpies, Border Collies and Belgian Malinois are capable of extremely impressive acts of obedience and agility. However, that high intelligence and high energy comes at the cost of them being highly demanding. If these dogs don’t get huge amounts of daily exercise, training, and stimulation, they will redirect their energy into antisocial behaviour. This could include barking or environmental destruction. Before choosing a high drive breed make sure you are ready to provide hours of attention, every day, for the rest of their lives. They must have it in order to be happy and healthy!.

Most fish

As for reptiles, many fish require their environment be kept within a fairly narrow range of measurements in order for them to survive. These include water temperature, pH levels, hardness, low nitrate and nitrite levels. Salt water fish have even more strict criteria to maintain for them to be healthy. Many people often don’t expect that some fish, such as Oscars, are quite intelligent and need plenty of space and stimulation to keep happy. Some saltwater fish need movable objects so they can rearrange the tank and build little hidey holes.

If you are going to get a multi-species tank, it is also important to ensure you are mixing compatible species so one doesn’t eat or harass another. Usually a dedicated aquarium store can help you with advice in this regard. It is worth mentioning that moving house can be very stressful for fish. Many will live for over 20 years, so if you’re planning to move be sure to consider the decision to keep these fish.

Hermit crabs

This is bought up more for ethical reasons than anything else. Guess how long hermit crabs live for in the wild. 6 months? 1 year? Hermit crabs properly cared for live for up to 30 (yes, 30!) years. We don’t think of them as long living because they tend to die a slow death in captivity. We would suggest that unless you are very experienced at keeping crustaceans, avoid hermit crabs due to their demanding husbandry requirements.

Intelligent birds

In the wild, many parrots spend 6 hours foraging per day, they engage in complex courtship behaviour, build a nest, raise chicks with their bonded mate, engage in complex social behaviour and fly over great distances. We take these intelligent, free, highly social animals and put them in a small cage by themselves. It’s no wonder some of them become highly anxious! In order to reduce their stress, they need environmental enrichment such as setting foods up for foraging, providing stimulating puzzle toys, training, placing them in fresh air and natural light, increasing their flying space, bathing them regularly, and ensuring they get 10 to 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. More simple birds such as finches are generally better if you don’t have the time to keep your bird engaged.

There are so many weird and wonderful pets out there. But, for their sake and your own it’s important to be thoughtful about the decision to get a demanding pet. Having said that, they can be highly rewarding pets to maintain and many will literally be with you for your lifetime. If you have any questions about what pet is right for you, feel free to call or email our clinic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAIRNS EXPERTS

Why Should I Trust Sunbird Orthodontics With My Smile?

by Dr Bobby Griffin

Sunbird Orthodontics

Dear Dr Bobby, Why should I trust Sunbird Orthodontics with my smile?

We have been practicing in the northern beaches for around 20 years, attracting patients from all around our area. In fact, literally thousands of kids and adults have been referred to us by their dentist over the years. Overall it is a great pleasure to watch kids and their families grow up through their time with us. Once their time with us comes to an end, kids are rewarded with a beautiful and healthy dentition. This helps to give them the self-confidence to face life’s challenges in the exciting years ahead.

Call Sunbird Orthodontics on 4038 1036

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAIRNS

10 Deadly Facts about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

by PakMag Contributor

We here at Wuchopperen Health Service know we are deadly (deadly means ‘good’ or ‘amazing’ in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander slang), and our Children and Family Centre team love showing our next generations just how deadly they are too.

So, we put our brains together, and 65,000 years of cultural knowledge (another freebie fact – Aboriginal people have been in Australia for at least 65,000 years with some scientists saying it could be closer to 120,000) to come up with ten deadly things we think you and your kids should know about us!

  • We are the oldest surviving culture in the world.

  • We have art older than the pyramids – Aboriginal rock art in Western Australia’s Dampier Archipelago is at least twice as old as the Pyramids of Egypt.

  • In addition, we have over 500 different languages/dialects.

 

  • Ancient Fish Traps found in Brewarrina in New South Wales may be the oldest man-made things on the planet!

 

  • In Torres Strait Islander cultures, when someone passes away we have a funeral. But, a few years later we unveil the headstone at the grave site and come together to celebrate the life of that person. This is a happy celebration of the things that person has done and the life they have led. We feel it is too sad to do something like this at the funeral.

 

  • There were, and continues to be many different roles in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Our society is filled with ancient knowledge and people who today we would call scientists that designed tools and implements, astrologists who knew the stars, architects who designed and built shelters, Law Men who oversaw the judiciary system, dieticians who knew what plants and animals were good for you, agriculturalists who cultivated the huge fields of native rice, yams and other foods and genealogists who maintained the kinship system.

 

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait art is very different between the regions of Australia. Most people are familiar with dot paintings which are normally from the Central Desert regions of Australia. Whereas in Far North Queensland, you are more likely to see geometric shapes. In Arnhem Land you will see a more x-ray style of painting. This is achieved by using long grasses as paintbrushes. However, in the Torres Strait, lino print carving is the most common style.

 

  • There are over 270 islands in the Torres Strait, with the northern most island only 4km from Papua New Guinea.

 

  • The Dhari is a traditional headdress worn and made by Torres Strait Islander men, made from feathers and other materials. It is often used in traditional ceremony and can vary from island to island.

 

  • The most common Aboriginal languages spoken are: Arrernte in Central Australia, Djambarrpuyngu in Arnhem Land, Pitjantjatjara in Western Desert Region, Warlpiri in the Northern Territory, Tiwi in the Tiwi Islands and Murrinhpatha in Wadeye in the Northern Territory. However, one of the most common languages is Kriol. It is a blend of English and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait languages.

 

Read more HERE. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAIRNS

Special Needs Guide Cairns – October 2020

by Anna Booysen

Best Care Cairns

Best Care Cairns have the region’s largest range of quality medical and mobility products. They specialise in mobility and rehabilitation equipment from mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and living aids to commodes, lift chairs and bedroom aids. They now also stock a large range of paediatric equipment to help children of all ages who live with special needs. Whether you want to buy, hire, trial or repair, they’d love to support you and can provide home delivery and advice on home modifications.

P 4032 5715

E admin@bestcare.net.au

 

Mission Australia

Mission Australia is the Partners in the Community delivering Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) and Local Area Coordination (LAC) services in Cairns and surrounding regions. The ECEI services provide support to children aged 0 to 6 years who have a developmental delay or disability and their families or carers.

They support families to help children develop the skills they need to take part in daily activities and achieve the best possible outcomes throughout their life. The LAC service is for people 7 to 64 years with a disability and their families, and they will help you to understand and access the NDIS and link you to information and support in the community.

P 1800 860 555 / 4037 2800

E laccairns@missionaustralia.com.au

 

Wellness Embodied Physiotherapy

At Wellness Embodied, the team of caring, experienced physios pride themselves on their holistic, client centred approach to assessment and treatment – treating the WHOLE person, not just a body part. They see clients throughout the life cycle for hands on physio, Craniosacral, developmental assessment and rehab, as well as other specialised services. They accept Self or Plan managed NDIS clients, as well as private clients, Workcover, CTP, DVA and GP referred.

P 4231 9777

E admin@wellnessembodiedcairns.com

 

Spinal Life Australia

The Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre is a fully accessible facility, purpose-built to support the health and wellbeing of people with spinal cord damage or other physical disabilities.

Whether you’re looking for accessible short-term, transitional or holiday accommodation, personal support, home care and therapy services or access to their gym and hydrotherapy pool for rehabilitation, the Centre is here to support you to live an accessible, equitable and empowered life.

 

Cairns Occupation Therapy

The team at Cairns Occupational Therapy can assist you in overcoming limitations as a result of illness, injury, and more, helping improve personal productivity, quality of life and wellbeing. They aim to minimise the impact of injury or disease on your ability to live your best life, assisting with performance in daily activities, both at work and home. Their services include hand therapy, soft tissue injury management, burn and scar management, work rehabilitation and much more.

P 1300 774 625

E mail@cairnsot.com

 

Complete Mobility & Rehab

Complete Mobility & Rehab promotes independence in the home and out and about, supplying products that increase quality of life. From kitchen equipment to electric wheelchairs and everything in between, the fully trained team of professionals understand that independence, dignity and peace of mind are important. They will help you find exactly what you need.

You can count on qualified staff with years of experience. They can help you install, repair and modify equipment to suit your individual needs. They also provide trial equipment, home delivery, short and long-term equipment hire and home servicing.

P 4032 1140

E info@completemobility.com.au

 

Centacare FNQ

Centacare FNQ provides services that are community driven and easy to access. These make a big difference in the lives of individuals, families and the Far North Queensland region. As an organisation they recognise and value the uniqueness of you and your experience in life.

Centacare Counselling offers a diverse range of therapeutic counselling interventions to support children and individuals of all ages, cultural backgrounds and abilities with a NDIS plan. They assist the participant to work towards their individual goals to support their wellbeing.

P 4044 0130

E intake@centacarefnq.org.

 

Autism Queensland Cairns

Autism Queensland Cairns is the region’s only specialist provider of support for people on the autism spectrum. Their therapy and teaching team provide a range of services including early childhood intervention group programs, individual therapy, allied health and diagnostic assessments, and group programs for school-aged children and adolescents. They also run an accredited, independent school providing specialist education for students with a verification of ASD (P-Y3).

P 4034 6600

E cairns@autismqld.com.au

 

rEvolve Program

The rEvolve Program is the inclusive movement training and contemporary dance performance model for people over 15 years, designed by physiotherapist Owen Allen. People with disabilities can access movement training with Owen individually or in group. There is an option to work on a dance or physical theatre project, including any local company.

E owen@phoenixfunctions.com.au

Phoenix Functions

 

Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy

Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy are registered with the NDIS. This means that if you have applied and been successful for NDIS funding then you can use that support to purchase eligible goods through Calanna. Whether it is home aids like wheelie walkers, toilet seats, continence support products, compression garments or other items to aid in quality of life and health, Calanna Whole Health stock a large range.

The team at Calanna aim to help make life easier for people with a disability. If you are registered with NDIS all you or your care plan coordinator needs to do is provide Calanna with your full name, date of birth and NDIS number, and the team can help take care of it for you.

P Woree

4054 2440

P Cairns

4031 9611

P North Cairns

40314222

P Edmonton

4045 5526

P Atherton

4089 2900

P Innisfail

4061 1565

E hello@calannapharmacy.com.au

 

ARC Disability Services Inc.

ARC is a non-profit community-based organisation that has been supporting people with disabilities and their families for over 40 years now. They support people with a variety of options, including NDIS Services. These range from support coordination through to educational resources and programs.

A 92 Little St, Manunda

P 4046 3600

E info@arcinc.org.au