Books in Paradise celebrates authors of today and tomorrow in Port Douglas

BOOK FAIR

Contributor Article

Last updated: 27/07/2026 - 17:00 (AEST)

Organised by local author Sam Woodgarth (middle), together with Jeremy Thomas (left), and Catherine Rosenbrauer (far right), the book fair was designed to spotlight regional creativity and bridge the gap between writers and their audiences. Picture: supplied

Storytelling, imagination, and local talent will take center stage next month as Port Douglas prepares to host Books in Paradise, a brand-new Far North Queensland book fair landing at the Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa on Sunday, August 9.

Running from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, the free-entry event promises a vibrant day out for locals, visitors, and bibliophiles of all ages.

Organised by local author Sam Woodgarth, the fair was designed to spotlight regional creativity and bridge the gap between writers and their audiences.

"Far North Queensland has an extraordinary creative community," Ms Woodgarth said.

"Books in Paradise is about celebrating storytelling, encouraging reading, and creating a welcoming space where readers can meet the people behind the books."

The inaugural lineup boasts 45 author displays, featuring book signings, live panel discussions, and informal chat opportunities across a wide array of genres, including fiction, fantasy, romance, children's literature, memoir, and local interest titles.

To enhance the experience, organisers have introduced a pre-registration option offering early-bird discounts and bonus networking opportunities for attendees and writers alike.

A central highlight of this year's fair is the official launch of Tales from the Shire, a 152-page children’s anthology spearheaded by Woodgarth and brought to life by students across seven Douglas Shire schools.

The interactive anthology combines vibrant student-written stories with coloring-in pages designed to engage young readers actively.

"Tales from the Shire captures the spirit of the Douglas Shire’s young storytellers—imaginative, bold, and full of wonder," Ms Woodgarth said.

"It invites children to read, create, and take part in the joy of storytelling."

Event Details & Registration

When: Sunday, August 9, 2026 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa (Mitre Street, Port Douglas)
Admission: Free

While entry is free, attendees are encouraged to register online in advance. Tickets and pre-registration access are available now, click here.

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Letters and Comments

YOU SAID IT! First tick of approval for new six-star resort

( 3 )	Position Vacant	Name	Business	Suburb	Email	Date
1.	PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFER DRIVER WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO: ~ HAS A CURRENT ABN ~ ~ HAS A VALID QLD DRIVERS AUTHORISATION ~ ~ CAN OPERATE OUR ONLINE DRIVERS APP ~ (training will be provided) ~ IS AVAILABLE TO WORK FLEXIBLE SHIFTS ~ (including early mornings & late nights as required) ~ IS AVAILABILE TO WORK WEEKENDS ~ (as required) ~ IS AVAILABLE TO WORK 4 DAYS A WEEK ~ (to fit in with our current roster of drivers) ~ HAS A PROFFESIONAL, FRIENDLY APPROACH AND A LOVE OF OUR REGION ~ THINGS TO NOTE: Vehicle is located in Mossman and will be required to be collected prior to start of shift. Would suit a savvy semi retired person, as shifts will depend on seasonal demands. Full training & logo'd shirts provided.	Alison Johnston	PORT DOUGLAS TRANSFERS	Port Douglas	[email protected]	16.08.2026 18:18
2.	HOTEL RECEPTIONIST - FRONT DESK Bay Villas Resort is currently searching for a passionate, motivated, and enthusiastic Front Desk Receptionist to join our friendly team 1-3 days a week. Experience is not a necessity, as full training can be provided to the right person. Duties and Responsibilities: Performing accurate and efficient guest check-ins and check-outs, including credit card and cash handling, and postings. Maintaining guest accounts. Managing telephone reservations and handling different internet distribution channels. Maintaining a professional and welcoming phone manner. Assisting with all guest enquiries, including tour bookings. Overseeing the daily housekeeping team. Requirements: Previous hospitality experience is advantageous. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Well-presented with a professional appearance. Competency with Microsoft Office. Ability to learn on the job. Excellent customer service skills. If you are interested, would like further information, or wish to submit your resume, please email [email protected]. Please note: Holiday visa holders need not apply.	Ken Lockhart	Bay Villas Resort	Port Douglas	[email protected]	12.08.2026 12:11
3.	Mossman Mechanical FULL-TIME SERVICE RECEPTIONIST We are looking for a reliable, organised and customer-focused Service Receptionist to join our busy mechanical workshop. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people, is confident using computers and takes pride in keeping things organised and running smoothly. The Position • Full-time – Monday to Thursday, 9:00am–5:00pm • 4-day working week • Award wages • Closed for public holidays and a few weeks every Christmas What You'll Be Doing Your role will be an important part of the day-to-day operation of our workshop and will include: • Answering phones and assisting customers in person with bookings and enquiries • Booking vehicles in for servicing, repairs and maintenance • Preparing daily quotes and invoices • Processing customer payments • Parts identification, interpretation and ordering • Stock control, including ordering, receiving and returning parts • Liaising and coordinating with parts suppliers • Providing administration support to the workshop and staff • Keeping the reception and workplace areas clean and organised • Assisting with the smooth and efficient running of the workshop What We're Looking For We're looking for someone who: • Has a positive, can-do attitude • Is confident working independently and as part of a team • Has excellent customer service and communication skills • Is highly organised with strong attention to detail • Can take initiative and keep productive without constant supervision • Can prioritise tasks and multitask in a busy environment • Is flexible and able to adapt when the day's plans change • Is confident using computers and learning new software • Understands the importance of workplace health and safety • Takes pride in their work and wants to be part of a great team Computer Skills Are Essential Our workshop operations are managed largely through electronic systems, so you will need to be comfortable using computers and willing to learn our workshop management software and processes. Previous automotive or workshop reception experience is not essential. We’re looking for someone with a positive attitude, reliability, initiative and a willingness to learn. Please send your expression of interest and resume to: Ryan & Jamie McPaul	Jamie McPaul	Mossman Mechanical	Mossman	[email protected]	11.08.2026 15:37

( 3 )

Add LOGO - (Only JPEG, GIF or PNG files, no PDF. For best results image at least 400px wide)

Position Vacant

Name

Business

Suburb

Date

PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFER DRIVER

WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO:
~ HAS A CURRENT ABN ~
~ HAS A VALID QLD DRIVERS AUTHORISATION ~
~ CAN OPERATE OUR ONLINE DRIVERS APP ~
(training will be provided)
~ IS AVAILABLE TO WORK FLEXIBLE SHIFTS ~
(including early mornings & late nights as required)
~ IS AVAILABILE TO WORK WEEKENDS ~
(as required)
~ IS AVAILABLE TO WORK 4 DAYS A WEEK ~
(to fit in with our current roster of drivers)
~ HAS A PROFFESIONAL, FRIENDLY APPROACH AND A LOVE OF OUR REGION ~

THINGS TO NOTE:
Vehicle is located in Mossman and will be required to be collected prior to start of shift.
Would suit a savvy semi retired person, as shifts will depend on seasonal demands.
Full training & logo'd shirts provided.

Alison Johnston

PORT DOUGLAS TRANSFERS

Port Douglas

[email protected]

16.08.2026 18:18

HOTEL RECEPTIONIST - FRONT DESK

Bay Villas Resort is currently searching for a passionate, motivated, and enthusiastic Front Desk Receptionist to join our friendly team 1-3 days a week. Experience is not a necessity, as full training can be provided to the right person.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Performing accurate and efficient guest check-ins and check-outs, including credit card and cash handling, and postings.

Maintaining guest accounts.

Managing telephone reservations and handling different internet distribution channels.

Maintaining a professional and welcoming phone manner.

Assisting with all guest enquiries, including tour bookings.

Overseeing the daily housekeeping team.

Requirements:

Previous hospitality experience is advantageous.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Well-presented with a professional appearance.

Competency with Microsoft Office.

Ability to learn on the job.

Excellent customer service skills.

If you are interested, would like further information, or wish to submit your resume, please email [email protected].

Please note: Holiday visa holders need not apply.

Ken Lockhart

Bay Villas Resort

Port Douglas

[email protected]

12.08.2026 12:11

Mossman Mechanical
FULL-TIME SERVICE RECEPTIONIST

We are looking for a reliable, organised and customer-focused Service Receptionist to join our busy mechanical workshop. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people, is confident using computers and takes pride in keeping things organised and running smoothly.

The Position
• Full-time – Monday to Thursday, 9:00am–5:00pm
• 4-day working week
• Award wages
• Closed for public holidays and a few weeks every Christmas

What You'll Be Doing
Your role will be an important part of the day-to-day operation of our workshop and will include:
• Answering phones and assisting customers in person with bookings and enquiries
• Booking vehicles in for servicing, repairs and maintenance
• Preparing daily quotes and invoices
• Processing customer payments
• Parts identification, interpretation and ordering
• Stock control, including ordering, receiving and returning parts
• Liaising and coordinating with parts suppliers
• Providing administration support to the workshop and staff
• Keeping the reception and workplace areas clean and organised
• Assisting with the smooth and efficient running of the workshop

What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who:
• Has a positive, can-do attitude
• Is confident working independently and as part of a team
• Has excellent customer service and communication skills
• Is highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Can take initiative and keep productive without constant supervision
• Can prioritise tasks and multitask in a busy environment
• Is flexible and able to adapt when the day's plans change
• Is confident using computers and learning new software
• Understands the importance of workplace health and safety
• Takes pride in their work and wants to be part of a great team

Computer Skills Are Essential
Our workshop operations are managed largely through electronic systems, so you will need to be comfortable using computers and willing to learn our workshop management software and processes.

Previous automotive or workshop reception experience is not essential. We’re looking for someone with a positive attitude, reliability, initiative and a willingness to learn.

Please send your expression of interest and resume to:
Ryan & Jamie McPaul

Jamie McPaul

Mossman Mechanical

Mossman

[email protected]

11.08.2026 15:37

( 2 )	Name	Email	Date	Add LOGO - (Only JPEG, GIF or PNG files, no PDF. For best results image at least 400px wide)	Public Notice Details
1.	Yvonne Grant	[email protected]	13.08.2026 16:45		NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Douglas Shire Aged Persons Home Inc will be held on: Date: Thursday 3rd September 2026] Time: 8.30am Venue: Buffs Hall Junction Road Mossman AGENDA • Confirmation of the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting • Presentation and consideration of the President’s Annual Report • Presentation and consideration of the audited financial statements • Election/appointment of office bearers of the Management Committee • Consideration of any resolutions properly submitted All eligible members are invited to attend. By Order of the Committee Yvonne Grant Secretary Douglas Shire Aged Persons Home Inc 13 August 2026
2.			13.08.2026 09:01		PROPOSED PERMANENT ROAD CLOSURE Attention is directed to an application for Permanent Road Closure of an area of about 1470m2 being part of Mowbray River Road, abutting Lot 3 on SP229627 (locality Mowbray) and shown as Road Proposed to be Permanently Closed (A) on Drawing LAGIS-2316. Comments or objections to the application must be submitted no later than 17 September 2026, in writing to the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development Robina Office (PO Box 4297, Robina Town Centre QLD 4230) or online at the Queensland Government’s website at ‘Current Road Closure Applications’: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/state/roads. Members of the public interested in the proposed road closure can apply under the Right to Information Act 2009 (RTI Act) to access any comments/objections received. If you lodge comments or an objection, please include in your comments/objection advice whether you would like to be consulted if this issue becomes the subject of an access application under the RTI Act. For further details and to view a copy of the drawing, contact the Department on (07) 3096 6243 quoting reference number 2026/001348 or view the application online on the Queensland Government’s website at ‘Current Road Closure Applications’: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/state/roads

( 2 )

Name

Date

Add LOGO - (Only JPEG, GIF or PNG files, no PDF. For best results image at least 400px wide)

Public Notice Details

Yvonne Grant

[email protected]

13.08.2026 16:45

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Douglas Shire Aged Persons Home Inc will be held on:

Date: Thursday 3rd September 2026]
Time: 8.30am
Venue: Buffs Hall Junction Road Mossman

AGENDA
• Confirmation of the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting
• Presentation and consideration of the President’s Annual Report
• Presentation and consideration of the audited financial statements
• Election/appointment of office bearers of the Management Committee
• Consideration of any resolutions properly submitted

All eligible members are invited to attend.

By Order of the Committee
Yvonne Grant
Secretary
Douglas Shire Aged Persons Home Inc
13 August 2026

13.08.2026 09:01

PROPOSED PERMANENT ROAD CLOSURE

Attention is directed to an application for Permanent Road Closure of an area of about 1470m2 being part of Mowbray River Road, abutting Lot 3 on SP229627 (locality Mowbray) and shown as Road Proposed to be Permanently Closed (A) on Drawing LAGIS-2316.

Comments or objections to the application must be submitted no later than 17 September 2026, in writing to the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development Robina Office (PO Box 4297, Robina Town Centre QLD 4230) or online at the Queensland Government’s website at ‘Current Road Closure Applications’: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/state/roads.

Members of the public interested in the proposed road closure can apply under the Right to Information Act 2009 (RTI Act) to access any comments/objections received.

If you lodge comments or an objection, please include in your comments/objection advice whether you would like to be consulted if this issue becomes the subject of an access application under the RTI Act.

For further details and to view a copy of the drawing, contact the Department on (07) 3096 6243 quoting reference number 2026/001348 or view the application online on the Queensland Government’s website at ‘Current Road Closure Applications’: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/state/roads

( 3 )	Date	Start time	End time	Event name	Event description	Location	Cost	Website link	Event contact phone	Event contact email	Category (Maximum of 4 categories)	Name	Email	Phone
1.	Friday 4 September 2026 Sep 04 2026-09-04T00:00:00+10:00	07:30pm	10:30pm	Sweet As duo @ Club Mossman	Catch ‘Sweet Az’ Live! Join Medi for easy listening, 70s, 80s tunes with a tropical vibes twist. This guitar duo delivers the ultimate background soundtrack and sing-along favorites for a family gather night out. Free Entry \| All Ages Welcome Happy hour 5-6pm, for members, Jag The Joker, Members Draw, Ice-cold beer, Raffles and Cocktails! Bistro is open from 5pm. More info clubmossman.com.au.	Club Mossman	Free	clubmossman.com.au	0740981434	[email protected]	Live Entertainment	Melissa Di Pietro	[email protected]	0740981434
2.	Saturday 24 October 2026 Oct 24 2026-10-24T00:00:00+10:00	3pm	7pm	Bon Jovi Forever show at Port Douglas Yacht Club	Get ready to unleash your inner rockstar as The Australian Bon Jovi Show brings the ultimate high-energy tribute to the iconic sounds of Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora right to the waterfront at The Yachty! Delivering a powerhouse, authentic stadium-rock performance, this show captures the soaring vocals, blistering guitar solos, and infectious energy that defined an era. From massive 80s anthems to timeless 90s classics, you’ll be singing along to every single word. Get your crew and get down early for cold drinks and classic rock! Note: Seating is limited and we want everyone comfortable, so feel free to bring your own camping chair to guarantee a front-row spot on the grass!	The YACHTY - Port Douglas Yacht Club - 1 spinnaker cl - Port Douglas	through Oztix $40 presale $45 door	https://www.oztix.com.au/	0740994386	[email protected]	Arts & Culture, Community Event, Family Event, Live Entertainment	John Pooley	[email protected]	0740994386
3.	Wednesday 26 August 2026 Aug 26 2026-08-26T00:00:00+10:00	5pm	8.30pm	Reef to Rainforest Dining Experience	An Evening Under the Stars Join us for a truly unique dining experience on our stunning rainforest boardwalk, nestled between the lush tropical landscape and the golden sands of Four Mile Beach. As the sun sets and the rainforest comes alive, gather and enjoy a family-style feast inspired by the vibrant flavours of Thailand and Tropical North Queensland. Showcasing fresh local produce, seasonal ingredients, and bold Asian-inspired dishes, this carefully curated menu celebrates the very best of the region. Complementing the menu is a selection of premium beers and wines, chosen to enhance the flavours and create a relaxed, social dining experience. Whether you're a local looking for a memorable evening out or a visitor seeking an authentic taste of the tropics, the Boardwalk Dinner Series offers an unforgettable night of exceptional food, great company, and a spectacular setting. What's Included Family-style sharing feast Asian-inspired menu featuring local Tropical North Queensland produce Premium beer and wine package Exclusive outdoor boardwalk setting Stunning rainforest and beachside atmosphere Asian-Inspired Family Style Dinner Menu To Start Edamame with Sea Salt & Sesame Watermelon larb, mint & coriander Local reef fish Sashimi & green chili Cold Protein Dishes Poached Chicken with Ginger & Shallot Dressing Local reef fish Green style curry, Thai basil, chili & pickled cucumber Buckwheat Soba Noodle Salad, cucumber, snow peas, shallots, sesame and soy dressing. Side Dishes Thai Green papaya salad Roti bread Steamed coconut rice Dessert Coconut Panna Cotta with passionfruit and toasted coconut Mango Sticky Rice Event Details Please note this event is hosted outdoors on our Boardwalk beneath the rainforest canopy, adjacent to Four Mile Beach. We recommend smart casual attire and comfortable footwear. Reserve Your Place. Spaces are strictly limited to maintain an intimate dining experience. Secure your seat today and join us for an unforgettable evening beneath the stars.	Four Mile Beach	$125	https://www.sevenrooms.com/events/aluco		[email protected]	Food & Wine Event	Aggy	[email protected]	0431373451

( 3 )

Date

Start time

End time

Event name

Event description

Location

Cost

Website link

Event contact phone

Event contact email

Category (Maximum of 4 categories)

Terms and conditions

Name

Phone

Friday 4 September 2026

2026-09-04T00:00:00+10:00

07:30pm

10:30pm

Sweet As duo @ Club Mossman

Catch ‘Sweet Az’ Live!
Join Medi for easy listening, 70s, 80s tunes with a
tropical vibes twist. This guitar duo delivers the ultimate background soundtrack and sing-along favorites for a family gather night out.

Free Entry | All Ages Welcome
Happy hour 5-6pm, for members, Jag The Joker, Members Draw, Ice-cold beer, Raffles and Cocktails! Bistro is open from 5pm. More info clubmossman.com.au.

Club Mossman

Free

clubmossman.com.au

0740981434

[email protected]

Live Entertainment

Melissa Di Pietro

[email protected]

0740981434

Saturday 24 October 2026

2026-10-24T00:00:00+10:00

3pm

7pm

Bon Jovi Forever show at Port Douglas Yacht Club

Get ready to unleash your inner rockstar as The Australian Bon Jovi Show brings the ultimate high-energy tribute to the iconic sounds of Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora right to the waterfront at The Yachty!

Delivering a powerhouse, authentic stadium-rock performance, this show captures the soaring vocals, blistering guitar solos, and infectious energy that defined an era. From massive 80s anthems to timeless 90s classics, you’ll be singing along to every single word.

Get your crew and get down early for cold drinks and classic rock!

Note: Seating is limited and we want everyone comfortable, so feel free to bring your own camping chair to guarantee a front-row spot on the grass!

The YACHTY - Port Douglas Yacht Club - 1 spinnaker cl - Port Douglas

through Oztix $40 presale $45 door

https://www.oztix.com.au/

0740994386

[email protected]

Arts & Culture, Community Event, Family Event, Live Entertainment

John Pooley

[email protected]

0740994386

Wednesday 26 August 2026

2026-08-26T00:00:00+10:00

5pm

8.30pm

Reef to Rainforest Dining Experience

An Evening Under the Stars

Join us for a truly unique dining experience on our stunning rainforest boardwalk, nestled between the lush tropical landscape and the golden sands of Four Mile Beach.

As the sun sets and the rainforest comes alive, gather and enjoy a family-style feast inspired by the vibrant flavours of Thailand and Tropical North Queensland. Showcasing fresh local produce, seasonal ingredients, and bold Asian-inspired dishes, this carefully curated menu celebrates the very best of the region.

Complementing the menu is a selection of premium beers and wines, chosen to enhance the flavours and create a relaxed, social dining experience.

Whether you're a local looking for a memorable evening out or a visitor seeking an authentic taste of the tropics, the Boardwalk Dinner Series offers an unforgettable night of exceptional food, great company, and a spectacular setting.

What's Included

Family-style sharing feast
Asian-inspired menu featuring local Tropical North Queensland produce
Premium beer and wine package
Exclusive outdoor boardwalk setting
Stunning rainforest and beachside atmosphere
Asian-Inspired Family Style Dinner Menu

To Start

Edamame with Sea Salt & Sesame
Watermelon larb, mint & coriander
Local reef fish Sashimi & green chili

Cold Protein Dishes
Poached Chicken with Ginger & Shallot Dressing
Local reef fish Green style curry, Thai basil, chili & pickled cucumber
Buckwheat Soba Noodle Salad, cucumber, snow peas, shallots, sesame and soy dressing.

Side Dishes
Thai Green papaya salad
Roti bread
Steamed coconut rice

Dessert
Coconut Panna Cotta with passionfruit and toasted coconut
Mango Sticky Rice

Event Details

Please note this event is hosted outdoors on our Boardwalk beneath the rainforest canopy, adjacent to Four Mile Beach. We recommend smart casual attire and comfortable footwear.
Reserve Your Place. Spaces are strictly limited to maintain an intimate dining experience. Secure your seat today and join us for an unforgettable evening beneath the stars.

Four Mile Beach

$125

https://www.sevenrooms.com/events/aluco

[email protected]

Food & Wine Event

Aggy

[email protected]

0431373451

Support Newsport

Books in Paradise celebrates authors of today and tomorrow in Port Douglas

BOOK FAIR

Contributor Article

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Mossman's own musical-theatre star cracks the big time

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