The Loop October

> for staff > by staff

Issue 8 • October 2012 Got a story? Get in touch! Email: [email protected] Phone: 4044 3020

EBA 2012 now CertifiedGreat news – ‘Your EBA 2012’ has now been certified with the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.

What does Certification of the Enterprise Agreement 2012 mean to you?

As recently advised, the 3% pay increase negotiated in ‘Your EBA’ has now been adjusted in your normal pay. This leaves the balance of the new Enterprise Agreement which is effective for the next 3 years (period 17 September 2012 to 17 September 2015).

Some of the new initiatives NOW AVAILABLE to eligible employees include:

• leaveoptions

• flexibleworkarrangements

• parentalbenefits

• increaseofCorporateUniformallowance(now$350perannum)

• somechangestoallowancesandon-callarrangements.

How can I find out more?

We encourage everyone to review the full EBA document so youarefamiliarwithconditionsofemployment,flexibilitiesavailable etc, refer #3648895. Please note: this is a large file soitdoestakeafewminutestoopen.Pleasealsonote:thereis no change to the document that was distributed to staff prior to voting on the EBA.

In addition, the EBA 2012 Intranet page has now been updated with heaps of information sheets and application forms for the new leave options – see http://ccintranet/staff/eba/EBAHome1.htm

I don’t normally have computer access - how can I find out more?

The wonderful payroll team have put together information packsforSupervisorsofoutdoorstaff-whichincludesallofthe applicable information sheets and application forms for the new leave options – so please see your Supervisor for moreinfo.TheseinformationpackswillbewithSupervisorsin the very near future.

Any queries can be raised via either:

• Ifyouhaveanypayrollrelatedenquiries,pleasefeelfreetocontactPayrollon40443040orpayroll@cairns.qld.gov.au;

• Ifyouhaveanyotherenquiries,pleasecontactSteveBookerx3132orRachelFaithfulx3125orRebeccaStewartx3427;or

• [email protected].

The Team behind the EBA

TheEBAProjectTeamworkedcloselywiththeUnionstoproduce a very progressive EBA that truly promotes Council as an ‘Employer of Choice’ and I hope you enjoy the new benefits/ initiativesavailable.Ahugethankyoutotheteamthathaveworkedtirelesslyforover7months,tonotonlydevelop your EBA, but also to have it ready to implement! Did you know…‘Your EBA 2012’ is now a finalist in theannual Australian Human Resources Institute Awards for Workplace Relations: winner to be announcedDecember2012.

- Peter Tabulo, CEO

Hello everyone,

This month’s 25 Year Service Dinner is undoubtedly one of the most significant events to feature on our corporate calendar. Council is one of the region’s largest employers and staff are our most valuable asset.

Twenty-five years ago, in 1987 these people commencedworkingforCouncilandhavenowgiven25yearsormoreof their working lives to the service of Council and theregional communities. I congratulate Clayton Oostergo, Lester Dore, Kevin Reid and Kevin Mollenhagen as the new membersof the25Year Service club and I look forwardto joining you to celebrate this significant achievement on October 12. Most of us know how lucky we are tolive in this amazing region, and next month we’ll have a front row seat to one of the most significant events on the astronomical calendar. The entire Cairns region will be in the path of totality, where the moon will pass entirely in front of the sun. The total eclipse will be seen just before 6.40am on November 14.

More than 40,000 visitors from around the world will travel toseethiseventandweareluckyenoughtohaveitinourownbackyards. Iencourageyoutostartplanning forthisevent because the best seat in the house is your own.

Finally,IthankDanWaltonandtheteambehindCouncil’sGreen Smart Program for the latest addition to my office – upgraded waste and recycling bins. Created and delivered with the help of your Green Stars, Waste Smart will improvehowwedealwithourworkplacewastebyrolling-out Waste Smart Action Plans on a facility by facility basis. Thisprogram isproofof themantra“Small stepsmakeadifference” with the biggest change being the conversion fromonewastebinperdesktoasharedwastebinandasharedpaperbininyourimmediateworkarea.

This new arrangement has been developed after a successful trial involving 30 plus office based staff and will assist cleaners and the roll-out of paper collection binsforwork spaces. TheExecutiveTeamhaveendorsed the WasteSmartStrategyandlooksforwardtoseeingeveryoneon-boardwiththesechanges.

Untilnexttime

Peter

From Peter’s Desk

CAIRNS ECLIPSE

Let the countdown begin!

PAGE 2

> Get involved! Email: [email protected]

READY TO RUMBLE: Infrastructure Services Business Advisory Officer Sharon Bluett joins a fellow fan at the semi-final clash between the Cairns Taipans and Townsville

Crocs last year. Excitement is building for the official start of the season on October 6, with the Cairns Taipans taking on Crocs at home. See Sharon’s story on page 8.

Pict

ure

is co

urte

sy o

f the

Tow

nsvi

lle B

ulle

tin

1Issue 8 • October 2012

CRCL13651 The Loop Newsletter_OCTOBER 2012.indd 1 2/10/12 3:28 PM

PIONEER CEmETERy CONSERVATION mANAGEmENT PLAN A conservation management plan has been prepared to preserve the historic nature of the McLeod Street Pioneer Cemetery. As the resting place for 2500 of Cairns’ earliest residents, the cemetery is listed on the National Trust of Queensland’s Heritage Register. The conservation management plan suggests an upgrading of the cemetery’s rotunda and additional interpretive resources to increase educational capacity. It also encourages the revitalisation of the Friends of the McLeod Street Cemetery to provide community participation. A fence was recently installed in appropriate heritage style to protect the cemetery fromvandalism.Councilwillactivelyseekfundingopportunitiestocarryoutrequiredimprovementsandmaintenance.

SuNSmART POLICy Anew policy encouraging sun-smartuse of Council owned sporting facilities was today approved by theCommunityServicesCommittee.UndertheSunSmartPolicy,Council will provide increased shade, where possible, through planting of trees and provision of shade structures. Council will encourage and assist sporting and community organisations to prepare their own SunSmart Policy and to educate their membersabouttherisksassociatedwithskincancerandhowto avoid them.

BuSkING POLICy CHANGES A minimal fee will be introduced to assist Council in recovery of costs incurred by issuing licenses to busking performers in the CBD. Previously,there was no cost for a three-month busking licence butincreased demand has resulted in increased costs to ratepayers throughadministrationrequirementsandstaffresources.Upto50 licenses are issued each month, with performers requiredto pass an audition process before a licence can be issued. In preparingarevisedBuskingPolicy,Councilinvestigatedthecostofbuskinglicencesinothertouristcitiesandtheproposed$20licencefeeissignificantlylowerthaninmanyareas.TheBuskingPolicy recognises the positive role busking plays in creating asense of place and entertaining visitors.

START SINGING ABOuT CHRISTmAS Keen carollers have a chance to win cash prizes and an appearance on stage in frontofanaudienceof6000people.Carolokewillbringanearlytaste of Christmas to the stage at Cairns Central next month in searchof thenextCarolsbyCandlelight star.CarolokewillbeheldonSaturday6Octoberandthewinnerswilltakehomecashprizes$1000forfirst,$500forsecondand$250forthird. For information head to Council’s website.

GuIdE TO PREP STudENTS FOR CAIRNS STudy Council and Study Cairns lave launched an online guide designed to assist international students looking to study inCairns.TheGuide to Studying and Living in Cairns provides information on everything from organising insurance and finding accommodation or transport, to cyclone preparedness, personal health and acceptable public behaviour.“It answers the questions a lot ofpeople have when they arrive in Australia for the first time,” Mayor Bob Manning said. “Because it is available online, students can obtain the guide before they arrive so they can be prepared. “It can be daunting to move to a new country, particularly when youareyoungandembarkingonyourdirectioninlife.Thisguidewillhelp students settle inquickly so theycanconcentrateontheir studies and enjoy their time in Cairns.” The online guide includeslinkstovariousgovernmentandinformationalwebsitesthatmaybe required, aswell as basicAustralian etiquette andlocalised information on transport and medical facilities. The guideisavailableviaCouncil’swebsitewww.cairns.qld.gov.auanda modified version will soon be available for download through both iTunes and Google Play.

RECORd ENTRIES FOR INNOVATION AWARdS Apanelofindependentjudgesareabouttotakeonthemassivetaskof choosing the top innovation from a record field of entries in the 2012 Tropical Innovation Awards. Entries closed last month, with a record 87 submissions received from as far as northern NSW and Western Australia. The independent judging panel consists of four successful business people: Ernie Graf, a partner at Fisher AdamsKellyPatentandTradeMarkAttorneys;OwnerandCEOofCMDProductDesignandInnovationCraigMounsey;GeneralPartner in OneVenturesAnne-Marie Birkill; and accomplishedCairns management consultant, private investor and mentor John Mlikota. Entries for the 2012Tropical InnovationAwards havebeen received from 15 local government areas, with the majority received from within the Cairns Regional Council area. Entries are divided into Emerging Innovation (52 entries) and Established Innovations (25). The Youth Innovation category received 10 entries – all from the Cairns region. Judging will commence next weekandashortlistwillbedeterminedbyOctober9.Afterthistime, members of the public will have their own opportunity to choose their favourite innovation by casting a vote for the People’s Choice Award. Awards will be presented at a gala dinner at the Cairns Convention Centre on November 30. Ticketsare now available viaTicketLink. Formore information on the 2012 Tropical Innovation Awards, including the judging panel, visit www.tropicalinnovationawards.com

Council Clippings

CAIRNSECLIPSE2012

CAIRNSECLIPSE2012

Let the countdown begin

The Cairns region will have a front row seat to the natural phenomenon of a total solar eclipse on 14 November, and Council staff and their families are being asked to thinkabout where they will be at 6.38am on the day of the eclipse. Council has launched an Eclipse Events Calendar to help promote community activities to be held on the day. “If you’ve thought abouthosting abarbecuebreakfastorany other activity to celebrate the eclipse, now’s the time to start planning,” Mayor Bob Manning said.

“If your event is open to the public, you can upload the details toCouncil’swebsitetoletpeopleknowaboutit.Theremaybefundraising opportunities for community groups and charities.” CrManningsaidtheeclipsewasaonce-in-a-lifetimeeventthatwould bring tens of thousands of visitors to the region. The total solar eclipse will last for up to two minutes, dependant onviewinglocation,andwillbeseenalonga200kmstretchofcoastline from Bloomfield to Innisfail.

Toviewtheactualeclipseofthesunwillrequirealocationthat has an unobstructed view of the sunrise and the use

of approved solar filters, which will be made available locally.However,darknesswillbeexperiencedthroughoutQueensland. Inspector Mark Jackson from QueenslandPolice said police were preparing for a busy time on the roads. “The Police Service is aware the eclipse provides a once in a lifetime opportunity to view an amazing natural phenomenon,”hesaid.“Unfortunately,thepopularityoftheeventislikelytocauseusfairlysignificanttrafficproblems,particularly along the highway between Cairns and Port Douglas.

“We need people to do their research, listen to the information that will be released in the media, and plan to view the eclipse from somewhere safe that won’t add to the traffic problems. Tourism Tropical North Queensland will be webcasting the event to the world to show them this amazing destination. TTNQ will be the official webcaster forNASAandUCLAatBerkleyintheUS.

To submit details of an eclipse event, visit Cairns Regional Council’swebsitewww.cairns.qld.gov.au.

2012 Cairns Regional CouncilAnnual Training Awards

CALLING FOR NOMINEES!

Cairns Regional Council takes this opportunity to recognisestaff undertaking Apprenticeships, Traineeships and VocationalEducationqualifications–Comeon-bepartofthecelebration!

CairnsRegionalCounciloffersanumberofqualificationsforstafftogainvaluableknowledgewithintheirgivenfieldstomaintaincurrencyandbeformallyrecognisedfortheirskillsandabilitiesin the workplace. The qualifications include Apprenticeships/Traineeships from Certificate III level up to and including CertificateIV,Diploma&AdvancedDiplomas.Skill360Australiahas worked togetherwithCouncil to placemany outstandingApprentices and School Based Apprentices.

Please support our staff with their nominations and the celebration on the day.

NOmINATION CATEGORIES:

• CRC/Skill360ApprenticeoftheYear

• CRCTraineeoftheYear

• CRC/Skill360SchoolbasedApprenticeoftheYear

• CRCVocationalStudentoftheYear

• Aboriginal&TorresStraitIslanderStudentoftheYear

• CRCSpecialRecognitionAward

HOW TO NOmINATE:Complete the attached nomination form & forward to Learning & Organisational Development by no later than close of business Tuesday 23 October 2012.

WHERE WILL THE AWARdS BE HELd?

Civic Reception Room (Ground Floor) Spence Street, Tuesday 20 November 2012. The celebration commences at 10:00am and concludes at 11.30am.

To celebrate their success, please join us in supporting your Apprentice/Trainee or qualification participant in thisrecognition ceremony.

FOR FuRTHER INFORmATION PLEASE CALL

Hannah Brophy (3172) or Jenni Dillon (3167)

2 Issue 8 • October 2012

The Loop is yOuR newsletter, so get involved! We encourage Council staff to submit stories, feedback, ideas, comments, news and anything else you’d like to share with your colleagues.Email: [email protected]


Pedal in for a free breakyHot on the heels of a huge turn-out for the Cairns toCooktownCardiacChallenge,CouncilisagainencouragingeveryonetogetontheirbikesonOctober17andbeapartofNationalRide2WorkDay.

AfreecommunitybreakfastwillbeconvenientlyheldontheEsplanadeontheWednesdaymorningforstafftofuel-uponthewayintowork.Breakfastisfrom6.30amuntil8.30am.

The Ride2Work program aims to get people started andkeepthemridingtowork.

TheRide2WorkProgramisdesignedtohelppeoplemovefrom ‘contemplation’ to ‘action’ and establish the habit of ridingtowork.Ourresearchshowsthattheencouragementoffriends,familyandworkmatesisthebestwaytoachievethis.The Ride2Work program leverages this catalyst usingevidence-basedbehaviourchangetoolstoencourageexistingbikecommuterstoencourageotherpeopleto‘giveitago’.

The program aims to provide people contemplating riding to workwiththebenefitstheywillexperience,andmechanismsto overcome any barriers. Current commuters can share ideas and support and encourage new riders.

Why ride to work?• It’sfun• It’scheap• It’sconvenient• Youcanlose/maintainweight• Yourcardiovascularcapacitywillincrease• Itwillreducestress

If you haven’t already registered for National Ride2WorkDay,youcandosoatwww.ride2work.com.au

What’s OnOCTOBER 2012:UNTILOCTOBER13The Pirates of PenzanceCAIRNS CIvIC THEATREThe Pirates of Penzance tells the story of Frederic who, having reached his 21st year, has concluded his long apprenticeship to a bandof‘tender-hearted’ pirates.Now a freeman, heleaves for greener pastures and instantly falls in love with Mabel,oneofthedaughtersofaBritishArmyMajor-General.All is well until a sudden twist of fate sees Frederic having to choose between love and his ‘sense of duty’ to his former pirate colleagues. Cost: Adult -$45.00Concession(GovBenefitCardHolder)-$34.00youth 16-21 -$34.00Child 3-15 years -$24.00*Group 10+ - $38.00

OCTOBER 6 from 11amCaroloke Competition - heatsCAIRNS CENTRAL SHOPPING CENTRE

CairnsfirstCarolokecompetitionisonSaturday6Octoberat the Cairns Central Shopping Centre where you will perform to a crowd of hundreds. Winners will recieve cash prizes but their claim to fame doesn’t stop there. Winners will star in the 2012 Carols by Candlelight in front of thousands atFogartyParkonSunday9December.Registeratwww.cairns.qld.gov.au

OCTOBER 6 from noonHeyday FestivalARTHOUSE,240SCOTTSTREET(via McCoombe), CAIRNSHeyday Festival is aCairns based youthmulti-arts festivalshowcasing talent across music, exhibitions and performance. Ticketsare$20atheydayfestival.com.au

OCTOBER 8 – OCTOBER 12Special Olympics Trans-Tasman TournamentVARIOUSLOCATIONSThe Trans Tasman Special Olympics will see 350 athletes with an intellectual disability converge to compete in four Olympic style sports in a variety of quality venues acrossthecity;•Athletics(BarlowPark)•Basketball(CairnsBasketballStadium)•Football/Soccer(WestBarlowPark)•Ten-PinBowling(GoBowlingCairns)

OCTOBER1012noon-2pmWorklink’s National Stress Less Day LuncheonCAIRNS CONvENTION CENTREItisthe10thanniversaryofWorklink’sannualStressLessDay Luncheon and guest speakerHayley Lewis,Olympicchampion and host of The Biggest Loser, will be joining us to celebrate at 12 noon, Wednesday, 10 October at the Cairns Convention Centre.Register by Thursday, 6 October on www.Worklink-employment.com.au

OCTOBER176.30am-9.30amCairns Regional Council Ride2Work Free Community BreakfastTHE LAGOON, ESPLANADE CAIRNSGethealthy,takeadvantageofthekilometresofcycletracksinCairns and ride toworkonWednesday17October aspart of the National Ride2Work Campaign. Participantscanenjoyafreebreakfast,advicefromtheexpertsonbikemaintenance all while enjoying the beautiful views out over Trinity Inlet.

OCTOBER195.30pm-7.30pmCharity Art Auction - Declan Crouch FundCAIRNSCOLONIALCLUBRESORTThe Declan Crouch Fund and the Dr Edward Koch Foundation are holding a fund raiser art auction to promote Suicide Prevention and raise awareness for the good and challengingworktheDeclanCrouchFundandDrEdwardKoch Foundation do at the Cairns Colonial Club resort. TheFoundationsarealsoseekingExpressionsof Interestsfrom local artists who wish to donate works of art toa Charity Art Auction. Please contact JackWilkie Jans [email protected] to express your interest indonatingyourartworks.

OCTOBER289am-2pmTanks Arts Centre Sunday MarketsTHE TANKS ARTS CENTRE, 46 COLLINS AvE, EDGE HILLSunday Markets at the TanksArts Centre are a blend of quality local art, craft, produceand lifestyle stalls combined with family friendly activities, local entertainersandarts-basedfun.For stallholder enquiries, pleasecontact Market Day CoordinatorYvonne O´Hara on 07 4032 6617 (Tuesday Only) or email [email protected].

OCTOBER2810am-4pmBaby Welcome & Family ExpoESPLANADE(NExTTOMUDDIES)The 2012 Baby Welcome and Family Expo is on again and this year will be held on the Esplanade next to Muddies. With lots of stalls, face painting, rides and more this is a great day for families to come and discover what services are available to them in the Cairns region. The Baby Welcome will include babies born from September 2011 until September 2012 and parents wanting to register their baby to be part of the ceremony should go to the website and either register through the online form, or print off the form and fax to 4044 3953.



Marathon magicOn September 16, Fiona Dix from Council’s Marketing andCommunications team, tied the laces on her running shoes and wentforarunaroundSydney’smostfamouslandmarks–albeita42.2kilometrerunaspartoftheSydneyRunningFestival.

Fiona joined about 9000 other crazy runners from across the globe to compete in the spectacular marathon which takesentrants across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, through the Royal BotanicGardens,CentennialPark,historicRocksarea,beforefinishing in the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House.

While she chose standard running attire for the journey, Fiona said some of her fellow runners opted for something more off beat.

“I ran alongside Spiderman, Marathon Man, Wonder Woman and even Tony Abbott for a short time,” she said.

“The Japanese are particularly interesting when it comes to marathons, as many of them dress up for the event, there were runners dressed in kimonos, as fairies, andall sorts of paraphernalia. It is hard enough to make itthrough the event in normal running gear, but to complete it in costume is amazing” said Fiona.

Before taking on thechallenge of the marathon,

Fiona thought her own efforts of training, working full timeand being a mother of two was significant, however said other stories of athletes beating the odds were inspirational.

“At the start of the race I ran alongside Federal Opposition LeaderTonyAbbott. He was running with a vision-impairedrunnerNathanJohnsonanditwasquite inspirationaltochatto these guys as we set out on our long journey.,” she said. “Mr AbbottandNathanwerehappytochatalongthewayandmid-sentence you would hear the warning for a pot hole, upcoming guard rail or other onstacle on the course.

“I even invited Mr Abbott to join us for Ironman Cairns next year,buthewasn’tthatkeentotakemeupontheinvitation,he seemed a little worried about the heat and the crocs” Fiona said.

A word from Service QualityYou have seen Facilities Management Electrical Services and Manunda Library teams in August, Inner City Facilities and Facilities Management Building Services teams in September and now we have City Library and Hambledon House Community Centre in October. Who do you want to see in November?Sendthroughyourrequestsornominateyourteam! A team photo is a must and you can contact Erin if you wouldlikehelparrangingthephotoorcreatingtheprofile.Missed a profile? They are now available on the intranet at http://ccintranet/corporate_projects/Connecting/ServiceProfiles.htm

PhoneFox round 7The results are in and they are worth celebrating!!!

Voicemail on landlines improved incredibly and is at its equalbest leveldownfrom23%to16%.Furthermore,therateof non-conformingmessageson voicemail halved thisroundsoCairnsisontracktobequitespecialnowifthisperformance can be sustained.

message response also improved a lot this round and is now nearing 70% answering of all messages within 3 hours. This is a measure that can still improve and over 80% answeringinside3hoursiswhereyouneedtobeforred-hot service delivery.

Keep an eye out for the next edition of Connecting News for more information on the results and what celebrations are planned.

What our customers have been sayingWorks Central

“I would like to thank Kevin Colligan and his team (especially the bulldozer driver) for the quick and professional service I received in relation to drainage issues at my property. I was very impressed with the service and response replied.”

Animal Management Unit

“Tracey Dowswell communicated with other departments to achieve this outcome and always returned my calls and updated me on the progress. What other people said couldn’t be done, Tracey achieved on our behalf. She is an asset to your organisation. I trust you will encourage and acknowledge her service to the community.”

Civic Theatre

“You do a wonderful job of bringing high class and quality shows to regional Qld. I have attended many wonderful and varied shows. The staff on the box office are always lovely and so helpful.”

TicketLink

“I have always found the staff extremely happy and helpful when I have spoken to them in person and over the phone. Keep up the great work applaud them.”

CRC Website

“I like the events listing on main page. It makes it easy to find what’s on in the city.”

Customer Service (Internal)

“The leadership is wonderful in CSC; they are so proactive now and we value that. I seldom take any calls but the few I get are so well done. I know most the story before I talk to the customer and I sometimes feel the customer is impressed”

Records (Internal)

“The people are good and can answer our questions and action our requests with little difficulty. If I seek some help it is generally happening same day and I cannot fault their service, highly responsive and polite, good relationships too.”

For more comments make sure you check out the nextedition of the Connecting News!

Connecting Awareness SessionsDon’t forget to book into your Connecting AwarenessSessions. Find out what all the fuss is about. See what has happened to date and how you can get involved! There are 3sessionsleftfortheyearsomakesureyougetintooneofthefollowing;Tuesday16October;Thursday15November;Wednesday 11 December. No need to fill in a training form, contact Erin Marsterson by email or phone or visit the online training registration page http://ccintranet/training

Intranet updateIn September we spent quite a bit of time adding andupdating our intranet pages so please check them out athttp://ccintranet/corporate_projects/Connecting/index.html

LOGO GUIDELINESAt this month’s Governance Committee, Council adopted the updated visual Style and Writer’s Guide (DM#1571483v4). Council places a high priority on maintaining a consistent corporate brand as this creates a clear visual identity and strong public recognition.

TheVisual Style Guide is the go-to resource for designstyle and standards across all areas of Council, in particular for written and visual communication materials such as advertising, brochures, posters, websites, signage etc. It gives specific instructions on how to apply Council’s branding and logos to achieve consistency and enhance our strong corporate reputation. These design instructions apply to all staff as well as contractors and third parties who produce communications materials for and on behalf of Council.

The Writers’ Guide section provides handy tips to help staff producewell-written, plainEnglishcommunicationmaterials.It covers things like commonlymisspelt words, frequentlyconfused words and offers more friendly alternatives for commonly used words.

All staff should familiarise themselves with the Style Guide and Writer’s Guide and ensure that they and their contractors adhere to the guidelines when producing official communication materials. And remember, the staff inMarketing andCommunications branch are available toprovide logo, design and writing assistance.

4 Issue 8 • October 2012

Our people


Hambledon House Community Centre

What Services do you provideHambledon House Community Centre provides community support services such as information, referral, advice and advocacy and is an entry point to more targeted services for vulnerable and disadvantaged families and individuals. Our targeted services are referral-based and include counselling, family support andparenting support. We offer community education workshopsandruncommunitycelebrationsforeventssuchasSeniorsWeek,International Women’s Day, Grandparents Day, Child Protection Week,NAIDOC,YouthWeek,PeaceWeekandsoon.TheCentreisavenueforCairns-basedserviceswhoalsoworkinthesouthernsuburbs as well as community group meetings, training sessions, seminarsandworkshops,nutritionandcookingclasses,afterschoolactivities, church groups, fitness classes, cultural groups, playgroups, performing arts programs, school holiday activities and way more. We also host band and dance group practice (from hip hop to heavy metal), refrigeration and aircon industry training, gel nail sculpture classes, guinea pig exhibitions, 4WD training sessions (theory only, not practical – don’t panic Peter T!) and community garage sales. In 2006 we were a disaster recovery centre for the Department of Communities after Cyclone Larry.

We provide support to local carer groups, grandparent and seniors groups, families affected by domestic violence, mental health support groups, the homeless and people in tenancy crisis. We worktoincreasefamilies’andindividuals’livingskillsandpromotecommunity participation, and we link newcomers to relevantservicesandlocalactivities.Andwedon’tonlyworkwithpeople–wehaveevenbeenatemporaryrefugeforlostanimalsinthepast…

Who are your customersEveryone! Seriously – individual members of the public, families, children, grandparents, community groups and service clubs, NGOs, external funding bodies, cultural groups, Council work teams,private businesses, local traders, schools, churches, community gardeners, lost animals…

About the TeamWeare SonyaWeston– long-timeAdministrationOfficer;Maxine LeeHong - Family SupportWorker; RozMetcalfe–FamilySupportCoordinator;JoMcGregor–Psychologistspecialising in trauma counselling for children and young people; Sarah Gosling – Community Planning andDevelopment Officer and coordinator of healthy lifestyle programs,andKylieBock–CentreCoordinatorandTeamLeader of Community Development South. We also host university students on placement and have a small band of dedicated volunteers, including Steven who has turned up rain or shine every Monday for the last 5 years.

A random fact/something about the teamBetween us we have 102 years of service to the community sector. We are grandmothers, single parents, wives, partners, soothersoftroubledmindsandsometimeshealersofbrokenlives -multi-talented andmulti-skilled.We are also amadParramatta Eels fan (really mad), a founder of the Tangentyere Circus in Alice Springs, migrants from the west coast, an ex-Prison worker, a cultural mentor, a U2 groupie, worldtravellers, a singer and wannabe folk musician, dedicatedgrannies, a house renovator and an international homestay parent. Above all we are committed to our local community andtomakingadifferenceinthelivesofvulnerablefamiliesand children. We love our jobs and together we are the Hambo Hornbags !

Connecting with our colleguesCity Library

What Services do you provideThe City Library is the largest and busiest branch of Cairns Libraries. The building, which is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, was constructed in 1929 and served as Cairns City Council’s Chambers until Council moved to Spence Street in 1998. Our inclusive welcoming space offers our customers

computer and Internet access, children’s services including story time, an extensive family history and local history collectionincludingtheCairnsPostonmicrofilmdatingbackto1884, a permanent Sister City display, meeting room hire, study and reading areas and of course a wonderful borrowing and browsing collection of books, newspapers, magazines, DVDsand CDs. Come and see us today – membership is free.

Who are your customersEverybody – from locals to international visitors.

About the TeamWe are a team of seven ladies who are dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service. Each day we draw uponourdiverserangeofskillsandexperiencetomaketheCity Library a great place to visit.

A random fact/something about the teamWe are continually creating new window displays -recently we made over 5000 paper roses out of recycled books for ourNationalYear of Reading display – comeandcheckitout!

L-R: Mandy Prociv, Marie-Jo Tokoragi, Kim Clarke, Suan Dowe, Fran Turner, Kelley Norris and Fay Bolch

Lady of the track

Spring means different things to different people, for many thoughts turn toward the southern states and the prestigious Spring Racing Carnival. The Spring Racing Carnival, with the Melbourne Cup at its pinnacle, is not just about the horses. Spring Racing is as much about the fashion at the track as it is aboutthe thoroughbreds. A recent newcomer to the “sport” Council’s

MichelleBoyeshasmadeanimpressioninthefashionstakesdespiteonlymakingherdebuton the racing fashion set afew months ago.

Michelleworks forCouncilaspartof theCISprojectandshe has already claimed two of the most prestigious titles in Cairns racing fashion to her name – winner of the Open LadiesRacewearattheCairnsCup,andUnder25Fashionson the Field winner at Cairns Amateurs. Michelle said it was a “random” win which started her on the racing fashion path.

“IhavealwayslikedtodressupandIwontheRandomPicksection of the Ladies and Tradies race day earlier in the year. I was wearing a Cue dress and my millinery was by a family friend Amanda Macor.” she said. From that first title, the accolades have continued to roll in. “I was also a finalist (top 10) on the Gold Coast in the Myer Fashions on the Field state competition. The winner of that represents Queensland at the Melbourne Cup.

“It was won by Sarah Bremner (Cairns local and sister of Jaidee Panino winner of the 2010 Melbourne Cup Fashions on the Field title). “I also won at the Cairns Cup and the under 25s division at Amateurs” Michelle said. Despite only competing in Fashions on the Field for the past few months, Michelle already has a collection of stylish outfits. “I have $1000outfitsand$300ones,inCairnsitisnotallaboutthebrand of what you are wearing. In fact I have probably done better in some of the less expensive outfits,” Michele said.

“It is a very expensive hobby. I am planning on going to the Melbourne Cup carnival. I don’t have my outfit yet. I love classic racewear, but it always good to have something a little differentthatmakesyoustandoutfromthecrowd”shesaid.

michelle’s Top Tips for the Spring Racing Carnival.Wear something that you like – you will feel more confident.

make sure you have finishing (yourhairandmake-upshouldbeflawless)

Be a little different,addtouchesthatmakeyoustandoutfrom the crowd

Go for a classic look, but try and add an edgy touch through accessories

don’t leave planning your outfit until the last minute



PeterreturnstotheskiesLand Management Officer Peter Logan admits aerial surveys in a helicopterflyingacrossthebeautifulDaintreeRainforestareaperkofhisjob,howeveritisaperkwhichcouldhavehadatragicoutcomea little over 12 months ago.

OnJune1, 2011, Peterwastakingpartinaerialweedsurveysaspartof the Four Tropical Weeds Eradication Program, led by the Queensland Department of Employment Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI). “We were doing aerial survey work for myconia whichinvolvedlowlevelflyinggridsacrosstherainforest intheWhyanbeelvalley,” Peter said. “The Whyanbeel valley is a beautiful place, but it is steepandtreacherous.Wewereflyingprettylowtothegroundandhit power lines. It all happened pretty quickly, all I remember is thehelicopter started to shake violently and I thought this isn’t good. Ithought that was it” Peter said. While being involved in a helicopter crash was not something to be considered as fortunate, he admitted he andthethreeotherpassengerswereluckyasthecrashoccurredneararoadwayandneighbouringpropertyownerswerequicklyatthescene.

“We hit the ground very hard and I smashed my head on the windscreen and was very heavily concussed,” Peter recalled. “I came to as one of the local landowners pulled me out of the helicopter. WewereprettyluckybecausethisguyworkedinCustomsandwastrained for emergency situations, it was good that he was onsite” Peter said.

“When they were getting us out of the helicopter they were all

standing in jet fuel and they were worried about that. Where we came down was actually close to the road, sowewere luckybecause itmeant that the emergency personnel could get to us easily. When the paramedics treated me at the scene they askedifImindedgoingintheemergency helicopter and I said no way, so I ended up havingaverybumpyridebackby road” said Peter.

Despite the crash, Peter has overcome his fear by returning to the air for an aerial survey last month. “I was a little nervous and anxious about goingbackup,but itwent reallywell. Iwasworseflyingdown toBrisbaneintheplanewhenwehitsometurbulence,gettingbackinthe helicopter wasn’t as bad as that,” he admitted.

“Itwasgoodtogetbackonthehorse.Iamsendingmystaffupinthehelicopter to do these surveys and I can’t expect them to do that if I am not prepared to do it. I guess if you have a car crash we would

expecttobeabletogetbackintoacaragain.Ihaveanexcellentteamand they are really passionate about what they do. What they do is a really hard job, they have to cut their way into some areas with machetes and have to get through steep and slippery slopes, some areascanbethreekilometresfromtheroad.Itisprettytough.

“I really enjoy my job, it has such diversity and you just don’t have time to get bored” Peter said.

PERK oF ThE JoB: Land Management officer for the Far North, Peter Logan, returns to the sky following a helicopter crash 15 months ago which left him heavily concussed.

Garry Adams Top gong for super coach

WhetheritisatworkasamoweroperatorwiththeBuchansPoint crew, or as coach for his beloved AFL club – Garry Adams is a team player and he has been rewarded for his efforts with a Centrals AFL Life Membership. It is not the onlyaccoladeGarryreceivedthisyear-hewasalsoawardedJunior Coach of the Year for the region, which includes clubs from Port Douglas down to Gordonvale.

Garry has three children who have certainly out grown the juniorranks,butthathasn’tstoppedhimsigningupyearafteryeartocoachagesfromUnder9throughtoUnder12.“Iliketheideaofteachingthekidsthebasicskillstheyneedandhelpingthem,Garrysaid.Sportisgoodbecauseitkeepsthekidsoccupied.Ihavecoachedthekidsfromthenine,tenand12agegroups,andthenbacktotheninesthisyearasnoonewanted to coach them. Over the past four years I have done a lot for the Juniors in becoming a fundraiser and helping set-upongameday.OngamedayIstartat7.30amandgothrough to at least 3.30pm, I don’t get paid for any of this and Idoitallforthekids.”

Garry joined the Centrals club at trinity Beach in 2004 and quickly made an impact firstly as an assistant coach andcommitteemember,beforetakingupacoachingrolewithajunior side in his second year.

In recent years he has been vice-president of Centrals, aposition he will return to next season.

“I have had a good team, and there has been plenty of effort from all the committee and parents,” Garry said. “Next year I hope we have another great year with a few more premierships.”

Learning & Organisational developmentLeadership development ProgramsSpeedofTrust8-9Oct

GreatLeaders12-14Nov

SpeedofTrust4-5Dec

Everyday Skills ProgramsRecruitment, Selection & Interviewing 18 Oct or 29 Nov

Conduct a Personal Review & Development Plan (PRDP) 21 Dec

COmING SOON!CRC Annual Training Awards

We are delighted to be hosting the 2012 Annual Training Awards Tuesday 20 November 2012.

Nominations Form available from 28 Sept 2012

Award Categories: • CRC/Skill360ApprenticeoftheYear(Skill360Apprentices)

• CRCTraineeoftheYear(CRCEmployedTrainees)

• CRC School Based Trainee / Apprentice of the Year(Skill360SchoolBasedTrainee)

• CRCVocationalStudentoftheYear(ExistingWorkersupto and including Certificate III Level)

• Aboriginal&TorresStraitIslanderStudentoftheYear

• CRC Special RecognitionAward (This category is opento staff who have completed Certificate Iv & Diploma qualifications coordinated by Learning & OrganisationalDevelopment during the period as outlined below)

The awards are open to all apprentices and trainees employed with Council, who were an apprentice or trainee or completed a qualification coordinated by Learning &Organisational Development during the period 23 Oct 2011 to 1 Nov 2012.

Garry with his award for Coach of the Year. Team photo with a banner Garry made for the finals, the banner took four weeks to make and about two minutes to destroy.

Issue 8 • October 2012 6

Liking Cairns Regional Council on Facebook is a great way to find out about things happening outside of your department and can also serve as a source of healthy inspiration for fun, interesting and often free things for you to do outside of work.

Visit: www.facebook.com/CairnsRegionalCouncil


Greensmart Corner

Green Shorts • CounciltestdrivesAustralia’sfirstElectricVehicle

• RecyclingtipsprovidedinWasteSmartcolumnbelow

• CounciladoptsReefGuardianActionPlan2012/13

• StaffgetonboardwithSuperTuesday–Australia’sbiggestbicycle count

• Annual State of Environment Report now available onCouncil website

Be Waste Smart - Use the Right BinWaste Smart, the latest initiative of the Green Smart Program kicked off at the Spence Street and MossmanOffices on Monday 10 September, with other locations to follow. Created and delivered with the help of your Green Stars,Waste Smart is all about practical action to makerecyclingconvenientintheworkplace.

Dan Walton, Council’s Sustainability Officer said that each Council facility has its own waste management challenges and opportunities. “So rather than having a one size fits all approach to waste management in the workplace,WasteSmart isaboutworkingwithstaff fromoffices,depotsandcommunity facilities to identify what they need to makerecycling practical and convenient” he said.

Regardless of your workplace, here are some commonrecycling tips that will help you to use the right bin:

• Paperhand-towelsgointhewastebin

• Disposablecoffeecupsgointhewastebin

• Plasticwrapping(e.g.clingwrap)goesintothewastebin

• Rinsingcontainersand throwingbottle lids in thewastebin assists the recycling process

For more information about Waste Smart, click on the sustainability tab on the intranet and if you have a WasteSmartquestionorsolution,[email protected]

Council Plugs into the FutureFuel efficient vehicles are about to go to an all new level on Australian roads, with the introduction of the first mass produced100%electricvehicle,theMitsubishii-MiEV.Withzerodrive-timeemissionsandarangeof150km’spercharge,Councilhasbeentestdrivingthei-MiEVoverthepastfewweeks to see howwell itwould fit into the vehicle fleet. A number of staff have had the opportunity to drive the i-MiEVduringthetestperiodandcommentshaveincluded‘great runabout for around town jobs’, ‘recharging in the carparkiswaymoreconvenientthanrefuellingatthedepot’and ‘If you charged it using rooftop solar panels you’d have a car that runs on the sun’.

HeaveyCrescentdrainageimprovementworksTheexistinggabionstructuresofthedrainwallhavebeenunderminedfrompreviousfloodingevents.Thesegabionscouldnotberepairedsotheyarebeingreplacedwithconcretemassblocks.Newconcretehasbeenlaidonthefloorofthedrain.Ifthegabionswerenotrepaired,thelandwillcollapseintothedrain.Thesearewaterwaybarrierworksandtoensurethatfishpassage is not affected, the following items have been incorporated into the design:

• graded profile of the bed to provide a ‘natural’ bed slope.

• concrete nibs incorporated into the concrete lining to restrict flow and create fish resting pools.

• surface is roughened to assist fish movement.

Therewillalsobeasteppeddropstructurefromtheoutletoftheexistingculverttothenewconcretefloor.

ThisworkisfundedbyNDRRA.Projectcostisapprox.$220k.

Councilwillalsobefundingadditionalimprovementsinthisdrain.Thisworkwillconsistofinstallingaconcretefloorfurtheralong in the drain and repairing walls to help strengthen the structure.

AfterBefore

Water and Waste’s Lynne Powell entertained 50 Year 2 students at St Joseph’s School for an hour and a half as part of National ScienceWeek (13 to 17August 2012). Lynne, with the verycapable assistance of Chris Brett and the Year 2 teachers, led the studentsthroughthreegreatscienceexperiments–makingjuiceslushieswithoutafreezer,makingbutterfromcream(andeatingit on Teddy Bear biscuits) and separating the beautiful colours outofbrown,orange, purple and green inkonblottingpaper.Thekidshadaball,wereveryimpressedwithLynneinherlabcoat(kindlysuppliedbytheWaterandWaste laboratory)andtooktheirnewknowledgehometotheirfamilies.

Lynne is passionate about sharing the wonders of science with school children and wants them to see that Science is not only a great career option but also provides a deeper insight into the wonders of everyday life. Lynne said “It would be fantastic if even afewkidschosescienceasacareerasaresultofmyefforts”.

Lynne has also been participating in the CSIRO Scientists in Schools Program for the last three years and has a partner science teacher at St Monica’s College. In a few week’s timeLynne will be spending a day with Year 11 students on the Taylors Pointrockplatformassistingwithanecologyassignment.Lynnesaid she appreciates Council’s support for her participation in these programs and encourages other scientists or people with an interest in mathematics to get involved with the program. “It is a very rewarding experience” she said.

Welcome AboardRecent new starters with Council include:

Erenie Te-kakauCorporate Services

Aidan BartellsActivities & Programs Officer

Trevor JordanCairnsWorks

Nicole JonesCommunity, Sport & Cultural Services

Lea HefferanCommunity, Sport & Cultural Services

Carole WinsburyCommunity, Sport & Cultural Services

margie dalyCommunity, Sport &Cultural Services

Amanda WalkerTechnical Support Services

Helius Visser Infrastructure Services

Slushy science



Small steps can make a world of difference.

Got a story?Email:[email protected]:40443020

Internal Mail: (addressed to) The Loop, MarketingandCommunications.

Deadline for stories is the 15th of each month.

1 4 6 7

2 4 1 7

3 5 9 2

9 8 3 1

6 5 3 9

2 4 1 8

8 2 3 6

4 7 8 5 4

1 9 2 8

3 7 5 9 1 2 6 4 8

8 9 4 3 6 7 1 5 2

2 1 6 5 4 8 7 9 3

9 5 8 4 2 1 3 6 7

1 2 7 6 5 3 4 8 9

4 6 3 8 7 9 5 2 1

7 4 1 2 9 5 8 3 6

6 8 9 7 3 4 2 1 5

5 3 2 1 8 6 9 7 4

SendinyourTriviaChallengeandSudokuanswersto [email protected] internalmailto go into a draw to win a double pass to an upcoming show at the Cairns Civic Theatre!

Congratulations to Julie Heidenreich you have won the September trivia challenge, we’ll be in contact shortly to arrange your prize. Julie haswonadouble-passtoashowofherchoiceatCairns Civic Theatre.

Trivia challenge 1. How long did the Hundred Years’ War last?

2. WhichcountrymakesPanamahats?

3. From which animal do we get cat gut?

4. In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?

5. What is a camel’s hair brush made of?

6. The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal?

7. What was King George vI’s first name?

8. What color is a purple finch?

9. Where are Chinese gooseberries from?

10. Whatisthecoloroftheblackboxinacommercialairplane?

[email protected]

Sudoku

Answers (Issue 2 - April 2012)

Trivia Challenge: 1. Sn 2. 7 3. Pieman 4. Oil enclosing the nut is toxic. 5. Analogue and digital 6. Geneva, Switzerland 7. St Helena 8. Crop, drop, prop, plop 9. Nicolas Bion and then the first

patented pen was Lewis Edson Waterman

10. A destructive fire which burns uncontrollable and threatens human life, animal, health or property.

Sudoku:

Take 10Supported by Cairns Civic Theatre

universal Truth #31Youcannevergoback--onlyforwards,orstandstill.

Joke cornerAgroupofchessenthusiastscheckedintoahotelandwerestandinginthelobbydiscussingtheirrecenttournamentvictories.Afteraboutanhour,themanagercameoutoftheofficeandaskedthemtodisperse.‘’Butwhy?’’theyasked,astheymovedoff.‘’because,’’ he said ‘’I can’t stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer.’’

What is your involvement with the Taipans? I have been going to all of the Taipans games since their 2000/2001 season but I am now a Taipans season member andhavebeensincethe2001/2002season.Idon’tliketomiss a home game and the rest of my social activities during the basketball season are scheduled around the games. I would have to be dying to miss a game.

What do you enjoy about being a Taipans member? I am a season member because I love going to all of the games. The atmosphere at the games is incredible. The fans really get behind the team and at times almost bring the roof down with their cheering.

What makes the Taipans special?Because they are such an awesome team with great talent. They are pure magic on the court. After every home game the players show their appreciation for the fans by thanking them for coming to the game and supportingthem. The Taipans are also a community based club that brings the community together. They have a program called Tiny Taipans which targets 5 to 9 year olds, teaching them the fundamentals of basketball.They also go to the localprimaryschoolstotalktothestudentsandplaybasketballwith them, sign autographs etc. They are community first.

What is your most memorable moment? CairnsTaipansvNewZealandBreakersGrandfinalgame22010/2011 season. NZ have won the first game.ThegamegoestoovertimethankstoNewZealandplayerCJBruton who hits a 3 point shot at the end of regulation time to force overtime. Twelve seconds to go in the 1st overtime the Taipans are down by 1 point. New Zealand player Kevin Braswell pulls off a 3 point shot to put them 4 points ahead. Certain that they have won the game and the grand final as theywonthefirstgame,theNewZealandBreakersbenchplayersandcoachstarttocelebrate.TheydonotthinktheTaipans will be able to score 4 points with only 12 seconds remainingontheclock.Enter former Cairns Taipans player Ron Dorsey. With 10 seconds left of the game Ron Dorsey pulls off a 3 point shot that puts the Taipans only 1 point behind. Due to a foul the NewZealandBreakersget2freeshotstoputthem3pointsahead of Cairns. With 5 seconds to go, Ron Dorsey has possession of the ball. He runs the length of the court and throws a 3 point shot right on the buzzer to tie the game and send it into a second overtime. The Taipans finally get it done in the second overtime period, winning by 4 points and sending the finals to a 3rd game.

With Taipans fan, season member and customer service officer Vanessa Webb.

Book of the month: Everyone Leads. Author: Dan ZadraThis pocket book providesaffirmations for everyday leadership.

Back Page [email protected]

Gone Fishin’

NEiL BECK from Planning and Environment returns to the fishing brag book with this great looking

Barra out of the Trinity inlet.


Documents

The Loop October