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

Monday January 7, 2002 48th Edition

Cairns is slowly retuning to normal following the holiday break. Whilst the weather has remained exceptionally hot and uncomfortable rain has started to fall and to bring a degree of relief for all residents of the Far North. Cairns starts the new year with positive economic signs and a general feeling of optimism for the future.

Hollywood's "A" list visit Cairns
The exclusive Double Island Resort played host to a number of visiting celebrities over the Christmas holiday period. Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston and Keanu Reeves all spent several days at the resort, which was booked out for the celebrities and their friends. The group enjoyed a New Years Eve Party, complete with fireworks. Keanu Reeves was seen visiting the Great Barrier Reef and White Water Rafting on the Tully River.

Far North Queensland roads fatality free
Cairns drivers have been commended on making the Christmas break fatality free. Throughout Australia over 60 people died on the countries roads, and whilst the number was down on previous years it was still considered too high. Cairns has celebrated two fatality free years and whilst police are happy with the results they warn drivers not to become complacent.

Tourism body appoints new Chief
The peak tourism body for Cairns and Far North Queensland, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, has appointed a new CEO following the resignation of Ian Kean. Mr Bill Calderwood was the Deputy Managing Director of the Australian Tourism Commission and he has also headed Traveland and Contiki Holidays. Mr Calderwood is expected to commence work later this month.

Boom for local Cinema
Cairns Cinemas have had a bumper Christmas period, stating that the release of movies including Harry Potter and The Lord of The Rings combined with a long lasting heat wave, has encouraged record numbers of people to see a movie over the holidays.

Cairns promoted as a prime destination for Super Yachts
In recent years Cairns has seen more and more Super Yachts visiting the City. Often these superb vessels visit Cairns for major refits and re-stocking before setting off to Pacific destinations. The value of this industry has grown dramatically in recent years. Individual boats can be worth anywhere between $20 million and $150 million and when in port, they contribute approximately $5500 per day per vessel to the regions that they visited. Queensland State Development has coordinated a $250,000 marketing campaign. The main focus of the campaign is a state wide familiarisation tour for ten of the top agents who specialise in finding suitable destinations for Super Yachts. The entourage is expected to visit Cairns in April.

A world first - Opera on the Reef
With the inaugural Festival Cairns set to commence in September 2002, a proposal has been submitted for an Opera on the Reef - a world first that is expected to attract international attention. The proposal has received support from the Minister of Arts, Matt Foley, in the form of a $15,000 grant for the development of the concept. Logistically the performance will be difficult, however all operational details will be addressed in the coming months.

Taipans face another loss
As the NBL season continues, the Cairns Taipans continue to struggle with no sight of victory on the horizon. Last weekend the Taipans were defeated by the West Sydney Razor Backs, in a heated match. Whilst the Taipans played well throughout the game, the closing stages let the team down with missed shots and errors letting the Razorbacks take and hold the lead.