8th January, 2013 – All the magic of Port Douglas Carnivale will be brought to life as the town celebrates the very foundations of the 10-day event with the theme to be “Carnivale – what it means to you”.

Carnivale manager Ken Dobbs said it was only natural to reflect the origins of Carnivale and expected some brilliant shows of creativity.

“Carnivale means different things to different people, so this year we are going to celebrate this and see what people come up with.

“We are looking forward to seeing the results and we know people are eagerly waiting to get started on their floats for this year. The street parade is easily one of the best in Queensland and we are excited about what 2013 will bring.”

Now in its 19th year, the annual street parade has become a fixture of the event drawing thousands of people to Port Douglas’ Macrossan Street to see the dazzling display of colour, music and entertainment.

In 2013, the parade will once again open the Carnivale program on Friday, May 17. “We are excited to mark the start of Carnivale with the street parade,” he added.

In additional to the traditional Carnivale events such as the Sheraton Mirage Longest Lunch, Food, & A Taste of Port, family beach day, yacht racing, Carnivale Club, fashion, wine tastings and rodeo, Port Douglas Carnivale will bring a number of new events to the festivities.

However, Mr Dobbs there was plenty of room for more and has urged the local community to contact the Carnivale team if they would like to submit an independent event to be included in the program.

“We are planning a lot of different things to do over the 10 days, so if there are any local businesses,community groups or individuals that have a great idea for an event, please contact us.”

Mr Dobbs said there was still a lot more planning to do but people could expect some surprises to the Carnivale program.

“We are excited to bring new events to the Carnivale program, with announcements to follow over the next couple of weeks.”

As the program is confirmed the latest information will be on the web site www.carnivale.com.au and any ideas for independent events should be emailed to info@carnivale.com.au

** ENDS **

Interviews:

Ken Dobbs, Manager Port Douglas Carnivale 2013

Mob: 0447 624 348

Publicity:

Tanya Snelling, Strategic PR

Mob: 0417 202 663

ABOUT PORT DOUGLAS CARNIVALE

Port Douglas Carnivale on May 17-26 is a 10-day celebration of food, fun and entertainment, showcasing the

best of tropical north Queensland. From glamorous gourmet events to the community spirited Macrossan

Street Parade, Port Douglas turns on all its charm during Carnivale. Highlights include the Sheraton Mirage

Longest Lunch, family beach day, yacht racing, fashion, wine tastings, rodeo and much more. Visit the

website www.carnivale.com.au for the full program of events.

Division 10 Councillor, Julia Leu, who was one of the three judges of the street parade, said the community had done themselves proud with the 2012 floats.

“The imagination everyone has put into interpreting the ‘Heavenly Bodies’ theme has been so varied and there’s such attention to detail in these floats its fantastic to see. It’s such a great reflection on our community that people have turned out en masse to both put up these amazing floats and to watch and applaud them,” she said.

The 2012 prizes for floats were awarded to: Best Overall Float $1000 – The Quicksilver Group, Best Themed Float $500 – Lou’s Fitness, Best Commercial Float $250 – On the Spot Signs, Best Community Float $250 - Mossman Primary School.

Before the parade, the Carnivale ambassadors gathered one final time as the Miss Carnivale 2012 pageant closed with the announcement of the Miss Charity title. Demi Butler, aged 17, became Miss Charity Carnivale 2012 after raising the most money for the Breast Cancer Foundation, and the 2012 runner up was Sally Brown. In total, the pageant raised over $2,500 for the charity.

Organiser Jade Turnbull from Platinum Model Management Australia said the 2012 ambassadors had made an excellent contribution.
“All of the Miss Carnivale entrants have worked tirelessly to raise money for the Breast Cancer Foundation. They have held morning teas, gone door knocking and even visited our local businesses. It has been an honour to have the pleasure of working with such mature, confident, kind young ladies,” she said.

As well as direct entry into the Miss Teen Australia competition (value $125) Miss Charity 2012 received a gift voucher worth $100 from Platinum Designs, (L-R Sally Brown, Demi Butler and Vanessa Soncin) and a modelling and self improvement course from
Platinum valued at over $350 and extensive training for Miss Teen Australia.

ENDS….

Publicity and media info: Mia Lacy Tel: 0419 771 649 Email: mia@libracommunications.com.au

The Carnivale committee met first thing this morning with Cairns Regional Council and Police and the decision was made jointly as a direct result of the organisational impact and infrastructure requirements of such a large community event.
Carnivale general manager Ken Dobbs said the huge amount of resources needed to mount the parade successfully were already urgently required to be deployed elsewhere.

“With this extreme weather event, obviously our S.E.S. are being engaged and also many of the council resources which are usually involved in the parade are being required to deal with flash flooding and roads at the moment,” Mr Dobbs said.

“The decision to postpone the parade until next Friday is the best way forward to bring the community a safe and comfortable event, and we trust that as many as possible of our floats will be able to join in a week’s time” he said.

Mr Dobbs said the scheduled Four Mile Beach Day would proceed tomorrow as planned.

“Main Roads Department have been in touch with us this morning, some debris has been cleared at Yule Point and the road to Port Douglas is open,” he said.

Organisers of the Bullride Spectacular at Daintree Station said their event would proceed as planned tomorrow night, with gates opening at 4.00pm, a helicopter lolly drop at 5.00pm and a grand opening spectacle at 6.00pm.

Bistro 3 Port Douglas is a stylish restaurant, bar and event venue with contemporary cuisine and an emphasis on fresh local produce, fine wine and service excellence.
Bistro 3 wraps around the corner of Wharf and Macrossan streets over-looking Anzac park and the inlet to the Coral Sea. Boasting one of the most prominent sites in Port Douglas B3 is Open daily from midday till late. Lunch from 12-3pm, dinner from 6pm and tapas available at all times!
The best spot in town to see the street parade, book in now for parade night and indulge in the special Carnivale themed menu.

 
Carnivale Parade set menu

Entrée

Petit corn dog with mushroom ketchup
Peppered beef and tomato pie topped with potato puree and prosciutto shard
Mini baked Idaho potato stuffed with speck and peas
Sticky BBQ Pork rib with star anise salt
Sweet potato fries

 
Main

Grain fed beef tenderloin, potato & onion puree, roasted garlic bulb, sautéed peas,
asparagus, smoked bacon, pot of jus

Wild Barramundi, asparagus, confit fennel, peas, carrot, poached salmon dumplings,
tarragon beurre blanc

Risotto of prawns, chorizo, preserved lemon, cherry tomatoes, peas, and shaved parmesan
(can be V)

Fried silken tofu, pickled papaya and fragrant herb salad, fried nahm jim dressing (V)

Dessert

Mini candy crab apple
Warm strawberry jam doughnuts
Chocolate dipped banana
Fairy floss
Vanilla ice cream”

Sea Temple restaurants are renowned for delivering contemporary cuisine in sophisticated beachside locations.

The Sea Temple Resorts are pleased to introduce the Sea Temple Signature Series – a set of three six course degustation dinners, each consisting of a unique menu as prepared in collaboration by all three Sea Temple Executive Chefs.

The first will take place at Sea Temple Resort & Spa Port Douglas on Thursday 24th May.

A two course entrée will be prepared by John Crank, Executive Chef of Sea Temple Resort & Spa Palm Cove, to be followed by an exquisite two course main by James Long of Sea Temple Resort & Spa Port Douglas.

To finish, Steve Szabo, Executive Chef of Sea Temple Surfers Paradise, (formerly of Palazzo Versace) will unleash a two course dessert to die for.

The evening will feature canapé starters with champagne by Pol Roger and matched wines with each course. The event will be held on Sea Temple’s Lagoon View Terrace with theming by Ward Benedict and entertainment to suit.

WHEN: 6.30pm for a 7pm start, Thursday 24 May
WHERE: Sea Temple Resort & Spa Port Douglas, Mitre Street Port Douglas
HOW TO BOOK: Tickets $149 per person, click here to book
CONTACT: Mandy Chappell T: 07 4084 3500

MORE INFORMATION

DOWNLOAD THE 2012 CARNIVALE PROGRAM HERE!

Singer-songwriter Kevin Carrington beat off stiff competition last Friday to take out the Song of Carnivale and has since been busy in the studio putting the finishing touches to his winning track.

The 17-year-old said the inspiration for Smile came after last year’s Port Douglas Carnivale.

“We were on the beach sharing it with my friends and we went to the lookout. Looking out over Port Douglas made us smile,” he said.

LISTEN: Smile – Kevin Carrington

Join us for a 4 course degustation lunch, accompanied by wines from Australia’s premium wine producer, Domaine Chandon, and French champagne on arrival by Veuve Clicquot.

This will be our 8th Domaine Chandon Lunch!

We are famous for being generous with wines for each course, not limiting you to just one glass, this tradition will continue with this year’s lunch.

For those wanting to drink beer rather than wine, this can be substituted at no extra charge.

These lunches always sell out so bookings are absolutely essential.

When: Friday 18th May 2012 :: Midday to 3:30pm
Price: $120pp inclusive of arrival drink, meal & accompanying wines.
Bookings: Full prepayment is required to guarantee your booking. Refunds will be made if cancellations are received prior to May 16, 2012. Please click here to complete our online booking form which can be printed, signed and faxed back.

Alternatively, you may call and speak to one of our staff to reserve your table by calling 07 4099 6260 or via email at info@zincportdouglas.com

MENU

Veuve Clicquot on arrival

1st Course
Duck Rillette-Filled Red Wine Poached Pear
s/w a wild rockette and king island blue cheese salad. Apricote glaze.
Chandon Pinot Noir

2nd Course
Mild Curry-Scented Local Banana Prawns
s/w fruity couscous, pineapple carpaccio and a mild curry sauce.
Chandon Chardonnay

3rd Course
Oven-Roasted Mustard-Crusted Beef Tenderloin
s/w garlic and potato mousse, wild mushroom ragout and port wine jus.
Chandon Heathcote Shiraz

4th Course
Peach Tart Tartin Style
s/w raspberry coulis and vanilla bean gelato.
Chandon Cuvée Riche

Last year, 340 love-to-lunchers were joined by celebrities from the world of television, entertainment and sports under the marquee lakeside at the Mirage Country Club. While organisers are yet to confirm all of the attendees this year, they have announced Cameron Williams and Jesinta Campbell will be special VIP guests in 2012.

Cameron Williams, currently co-host of NINE’s Weekend Today, says he is looking forward very much to returning to the gourmet Carnivale event. “I have such good memories of the Longest Lunch! Last year was my first time. Not only was the luncheon a fantastic event, but staying at the Sheraton right beside Four Mile Beach was such a bonus. I can’t wait to do it again!” said Cameron Williams.

Jesinta Campbell, Miss Universe Australia 2010 and second runner up at the Miss Universe 2012 pageant, also recently appeared on NINE, taking a role in the Unity Team for the network’s Celebrity Apprentice Australia 2011. She said she was looking forward to donning racewear and attending the luncheon event, which in 2011 raised over $16,000 for its chosen charity, The Leukaemia Foundation.

For those attending, the Sheraton Mirage Longest Lunch is the ideal excuse for a very, very long lunch. There’s pre-arranged seating under a beautiful lakeside marquee, table service of a highly anticipated menu showcasing local produce accompanied by the very best of Australian wines and, in 2012, Asahi beer.

“This year, we are delighted to have Asahi on board as a beverage partner, and we have worked closely with Treasury Wine Estates to select the 2012 matching wines which will include a classic Clare Valley reisling, fresh and zesty New Zealand sauvignon blanc, and a mature Australian shiraz,” said event organiser Sarah Whipp.

This year, organisers Events NQ are tipping a colour theme inspired by the candy coloured flavours of Italian Gelato, and say guests will be able to try their hand at bocce while they enjoy welcome drinks!

Attendees can win great prizes just by attending the luncheon. For the lucky door prize, Virgin Australia have donated return airfares to Sydney for two including 2 nights accommodation at the Sheraton on the Park in Sydney. Each year, this event is a major fundraiser for the Leukaemia Foundation. In 2011, the charity received a donation of over $13,000 just from this single event.

The popular and highly social luncheon is always a sellout, and organisers are urging people – groups particularly – to book early online.

For information and tickets visit www.foodandwinenq.com.au

Events NQ, organisers of Carnivale’s premier social event, Food, Wine & a Taste of Port, have brought together the region’s premier restaurants and a top quality entertainment line up to celebrate all that’s wonderful about living in Port Douglas – and they want you to celebrate like its the 70’s by bringing two off the country’s highest chart toppers to the party.

This year, the event’s table top and dress theme is Simply The 70’s – as inspired by this year’s headline act – DRAGON.

“Take me to the April sun in Cuba’ sang the band. And they kept on singing, making the 70’s ring with their hits. Supporting Dragon will be the classic Australian band – The Black Sorrows – with their unforgettable string of hits and ballads like Hold on to Me, Harley & Rose, Chained to the Wheel.

Sharing the bill with Dragon will be the classic Australian band The Black Sorrows, and Port Douglas’ own talent, Kim Hurley, and her band the Easy Pickings.

The night will kick on with the high energy set of Tropical North Queensland’s favourite entertainers, Hip 2 Soul.

It’s the 40th anniversary of DRAGON in 2012, and there’s no better way to salute one of this country’s most iconic bands – or to celebrate all that’s wonderful about life under a May sun in Port Douglas – than to join the happy crowds at Food, Wine & a Taste of Port.

Participating this year will be restaurant stalls from Seabean Restaurant, Sea Temple’s Aqua Restaurant, Port Douglas Catering & Events (incorporating a new second stall Fire & Ice featuring the evenings best and only cocktails!) plus the enduring and iconic Mockas (their gourmet ‘petite Mockas’ and gluten-free desserts will have you coming back for more!) plus regional produce showcase stalls from Skybury Coffee and Daintree Vanilla & Spice….

Admission includes entry, pre-selected seating, all the quality bands and entertainment throughout the evening and a fireworks display. At booths inside the gate, guests can exchange cash or credit cards for vouchers of different denominations to present to the restaurant stalls to purchase beverages and food. Tickets have sold out for this event year after year, so early bookings are recommended.

For information visit www.foodandwinenq.com.au. BOOK TICKETS HERE NOW or call (07) 4053 4577.

This is strictly an 18+ event

More about Dragon in 2012…

Some muse that rock icons Dragon grew up with the Australian music scene and others affirm that it was Dragon that helped the scene grow up. Whatever the case, with hits flowing before Cold Chisel left the rehearsal room, before Icehouse had studied for their algebra finals, and before Australian Crawl had learnt to, Dragon had the nation captivated with “April Sun in Cuba”, “Are You Old Enough?”, “Get That Jive”, “Still In Love With You” and more. The kings of the pub scene and emperors of excess, the band’s live show was unsurpassed, and their rock n roll lifestyle will go down in music industry folklore for generations to come.

Unlike their contemporaries, Dragon weren’t happy with their 15 minutes, and continued to reinvent both the band and its sound. Re-emerging in the 80s, the band attacked the charts for a second time with “Rain”, “Young Years”, “Cry”, “Celebration” and “Dreams of Ordinary Men” adding to the canon of radio staples which epitomise classic rock radio in the 21st century. Not just a “singles band”, Dragon’s commitment to the full-length has been lauded with their classic “O Zambezi” making many of the various “best Australian albums” lists of recent years as a new generation discovers the band’s artistic contribution.

With over 40 members among its ranks over its 39 year history (including Marc and Todd Hunter, Tommy Emmanuel and XTC’s Terry Chambers), the ARIA Hall of Fame inductees continue to be one of the country’s most exciting live acts, continuing the tradition around founding member Todd Hunter and current vocalist Mark Williams (Show No Mercy). Williams joined the band in 2006 after the untimely passing of Marc Hunter, boasting the same amazing vocal range and energy, ensuring the Dragon light continues to shine.

With some of the most classic tracks in the Australian music tome already under their belt, (including writing hits for others such as John Farnham’s Age of Reason) Todd Hunter and the band have launched an EP “Chase the Sun”. Recorded by drummer Pete Drummond and vindicating the band’s formula of strength in collaboration, the first single “21 (Heart of Gold)” is a classic work in the Dragon tradition, and heralds the third rebirth of an Australian music institution.

More about the Black Sorrows in 2012…

Beginning as a loose Melbourne pick-up band playing mostly covers of R&B, zydeco and blues songs, The Black Sorrows evolved into a unit that scored several top 40 Australian hits with original material.

Membership in the band has always been loose and fluid.

The early line-up (c. 1983/84) included ‘Joey Vincent’ (i.e. Camilleri) on vocals and sax, Paul Williamson (sax/clarinet), Jeff Burstin (guitar), Wayne Burt (guitar), Wayne Duncan (bass), Gary Young (drums), George Butrumlis (accordion, piano) and Steve McTaggart (violin). Camilleri, Burstin, Burt and Young had all been members of Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons.

By the time of their first top 20 album, 1986′s Dear Children, the Black Sorrows were playing original material and the official line up was Camilleri, Burstin, Nick Smith (lyrics/backing vocals), Johnny Charles (bass) and Peter Luscombe (drums).

For 1987′s Hold on to Me, backing vocalists Vika and Linda Bull were added. The Bull Sisters readily identifiable singing style became a big part of The Black Sorrows’ sound, and Hold on to Me spawned 3 top 40 hits in Australia (“Hold on to Me”, “Chained to the Wheel” and “The Crack-Up”).

For 1990′s Jen Anderson was added on violin, and Richard Sega replaced Girasole on bass.

After the 1990′s Harley & Rose, Camilleri also fronted The Revelators (originally The Delta Revelators). This band’s line-up was practically identical to The Black Sorrows, the only real difference being that The Revelators returned to the early Sorrows roots of playing largely R&B-oriented cover songs. The Revelators released their first album in 1991. The band’s 1994′s Lucky Charm was recorded in New York, and was followed by 1998′s Beat Club. After a long period of inactivity, The Black Sorrows returned from hiatus and released an acoustic album (One Mo’ Time) in 2004. The band’s follow-up album was Roarin Town, released in October 2006.

In late 2009 The Black Sorrows released a CD/DVD combo pack called 4 Days In Sing Sing (2009). The DVD chronicles the making of the album, which consists of 17 tracks recorded live (without an audience) in Sing Sing Studios in Melbourne.

The current Black Sorrows line-up consists of Camilleri, Carranza, Creighton, and returning drummer Tony Floyd, alongside new vocalist Atlanta Coogan who joined the band in 2010. In 2012 the band released “Crooked Little Thoughts”, a 72-page hard cover book including 3 CDs, photos, lyrics and the artwork of Victor Rubin.