I welcome invitations to visit businesses in Leichhardt – it’s fantastic to see enterprising locals investing in new equipment or construction, employing more staff and showing confidence in our economy. Here are a few highlights…
Cairns Aquarium
Construction is well underway and I was privileged to tour the site recently with founder and CEO Daniel Leipnik. At the time, the first of 154 precast concrete panels were being manoeuvred into place for the ground floor, forming the distinctive exterior walls.
Every time I drive past, I’m incredibly impressed by the commitment and capability of Daniel, co-founder Andrew Preston and their team. When completed, the privately-funded Aquarium is expected to attract 500,000 visitors per year, create 130 full-time jobs and diversify our city’s tourism offerings.
I was also pleased to hear that the Aquarium recently secured $119,500 from the Federal Government’s Department of Environment towards signage, 3D displays and written materials about the Coral Sea Marine Reserve as part of the Cairns Aquarium visitor journey.
If you, like me, can’t wait for the grand opening in April 2017, get updates at www.facebook.com/CairnsAquarium/
Hemingway’s Brewery
The last few years has seen a major refurbishment and growth of The Reef Marina in Port Douglas, the result of new ownership, significant investment and a berth expansion project.
Hemingway’s Brewery is the latest venture to open its doors and co-owner Tony Fyfe, GM Dean Scadding and head brewer Jared Stewart were keen to show me around. Featuring its own microbrewery producing six signature ales, indoor/outdoor seating over two levels, great food and fabulous views across the Marina and Inlet, Hemingway’s is a welcome addition – as are the 50 jobs it has created.
I’ve no doubt that Hemingway’s, together with other new attractions Barbados Bar and The Boat House restaurant, will help The Reef Marina again become the hub I remember from Port Douglas’ heyday. www.hemingwaysbrewery.com/
FNQH – Cairns Medical and Skin Cancer Centre
We all know that ‘prevention is better than a cure’ and when it comes to skin cancer, the team at FNQH Medical Centre are focused on early detection as well as effective treatment.
I recently opened the new clinic at DFO Cairns, where co-owner Dr Vin Rajeswaran, operations manager Tarlia Rajeswaran and resident doctor Dr Gilles Laur demonstrated their state-of- the-art equipment.
Dr Gilles was quick to check out a couple of my suspicious-looking sun spots. The clinic uses Photo-dynamic Therapy (PDT) to reduce the risk of developing non-Melanoma skin cancers by up to 80% and Blue light therapy for the treatment of acne and increased wound healing.
All the best to Vin and Tarlia and their business partners Dr Damian Foong and wife Tamara, together with Georgina Twomey as the owner/manager of the new Terry White Chemist next door. Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/FNQHCairns/
Go Bowling
Go Bowling has been a Cairns institution for 40 years now, not just for an entertaining night out but also for leagues and a venue for corporate and social events.
Ahead of celebrating its 40th birthday in October, Go Bowling has invested more than $120,000 in a new scoring system featuring high-quality displays, game-in- game software and visual playback so players can check out their form.
They’re also promoting new leagues including Cosmic Bowling (glow in the dark alleys – turn the lights out and the music up), Tight-As Tue/Thur games or Tradie Beer ‘n’ Bowl.
Thanks to Go Bowling’s Jonathon Packham who let me have a crack (certainly room for improvement!) and congrats to the team on this significant investment. Go Bowling is a fun and inexpensive activity for family, friends or workmates so check it out at www.facebook.com/gobowling
