Entertainment
26 October, 2025
Book 21 years in the making
JUST last week my ‘Goss’ covered the Port Douglas Cemetery Walk which was an important exploration of our Douglas Shire’s History.
The Douglas Shire Historical Society members are indeed passionate about maintaining the history books for this part of Far North Queensland.
They will, no doubt, be keen with other locals to know that more of the region’s history has been put to print with the publishing of a new book just out this week.
‘Voices of Port Douglas and Shire - A Piece of History Volume 1’ written by local author Cherylene Brooke-Turner is hot off the press after 21 years in the making.
Ms Brooke-Turner’s Book celebrates the 20th anniversary of her Affirmations Project, a unique initiative that has captured the energy, imagination and heart of a community unlike any other.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Affirmations Project, alongside other community milestones: the 30th anniversary of Port Douglas Carnivale, the 50th anniversary of the Low Islands Preservation Society and the 30th anniversary of the iconic Salsa Bar and Grill.
“In the early 2000s, Port Douglas was buzzing, a town alive with colourful personalities, creative ventures and a spirit that blended rainforest tranquillity with reef adventure,” Ms Brooke-Turner said.
“Through positive affirmations, the playful vision of local children and the artistry of professional photographers, the Affirmations Project has become a living archive of that time and place,” she said.
Two decades later, Ms Brooke-Turner has transformed this vision into print. One thousand copies of the colourful publication have been printed. The A4, 216-page hard cover book, covers stories of many renowned local people, plus children’s art and work from professional photographers.
“More than a book, it is a pathway to lateral thinking, a record of resilience and a tribute to the power of perseverance,” Ms Brooke-Turner said.
“This is a work for dreamers, creators and anyone who understands the beauty of never giving up,” she said.
Other than her current volunteer work, Ms Brooke-Turner is now retired, having been a registered nurse, army veteran, financial auditor and now published author.
The author says that she tries to help the community wherever and whenever she can.
She currently acts as a RSL sub-branch committee member and a disaster relief management team member, among other things.
Over the years she has studied, travelled and had many of life’s obstacles and personal challenges, as well as being a breast cancer survivor.
“The Affirmations Project, is close to my heart,” she said.
“This publication took me 21 years to finally go to print, however I never gave up on this project and kept my faith that one day my work would be recognised.”
Ms Brooke-Turner regards the publication as an actual piece of history.
“I am grateful I had the insight to do this work in my early 30s while living and working on the marina in Port Douglas and even more so, to have the insight to have kept all the material, safe and preserved for 21 years,” she said.
Ms Brooke-Turner has been a two-time successful recipient of the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) for this project, supported by Douglas Shire Council.
The book costs $70. To buy visit www.bit.ly/47pt77J
Well, I’m off to have a good read of this amazing book, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
