We get lots of positive feedback about the Welcoming Babies ceremony and family fun day that gives all the new babies in the region - and their mums and dads and family - a chance to be officially welcomed to the region. There is free family entertainment, activities , jumping castle, petting zoo, stalls and face painting. It's at the council chambers in Spence St so there's lots of easy parking and shady trees for family picnics.

Registration forms (closes 16 Sept) to enable the baby's certificate to be produced can be obtained from PAK Mag, Parenting magazine, libraries, Council offices, from the website - www.cairns.qld.gov.au or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

This year the ceremony will be special for me as I'll be formally welcoming my first grandchild - Elyssa Jade - born on 19 July to my proud son James and daughter-in-law Kim.