The mums, dads, grandparents, friends and siblings of 150 babies turned up at the Council Chambers on Sunday 28th for the Welcoming Babies ceremony, initiated last year. As well as a certificate recognising that the babies have been born in the best region in the nation, everyone received a copy of Opening Notes, a gift of the culture into which our new babies have been born.

Opening Notes is a CD of music all donated by our talented local musicians and compiled by Nigel Pegrum of Pegasus Studios.

The initiative would not have been possible without the support of Cairns Penny Savings and Loans, a local institution which funded the production. All of the 4,000 babies born in Cairns' two hospitals will get a free copy of Opening Notes.

Congratulations to Cairns Festival director, Eric Holowacz who brought to the idea to Council . . . . and to Lawrence and Sharon Mason who came all the way down from Cape Tribulation with baby Amelia for the event. Photos of the gorgeous bubs can be downloaded via a link from Council's website.