Cairns Airport Recognition Awards 2024

An evening dedicated to celebrating and honouring the incredible Cairns Airport community. 

The Cairns Airport Recognition Awards (CARAs) is an evening not to be missed! Join us as we celebrate outstanding teamwork, innovation and growth.  It's a time to acknowledge everyone's vital contribution to our dynamic workplace, which operates around the clock, every day of the year! 

This is also an occasion to highlight individuals and organisations who go above and beyond to support the ongoing operation of Cairns Airport.

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We're excited to announce that submissions and tickets will be going on sale from 2 October 2024!

Whether you're looking to enter or attend, be sure to mark your calendars for this important date.  Stay tuned for more information and updates. 

 

Key Dates 2024:  


Submissions Open: Wednesday 2 October 2024

Submissions Close: Friday 8 November 2024

Winners Presented: Friday 29 November 2024

 

 

CARAs Awards Night Details:   

  

Date: Friday 29 November 2024

Venue: Cairns Convention Centre

Time: 6pm for pre-drinks and canapes, followed by awards and entertainment commencing from 7pm to 11pm. 

Cost: Tickets to this event include a canapes and 2-course meal, five-hour beer, wine, basic spirits and soft drink beverage package and live entertainment.

  • Single tickets are $165.00 + GST per person. 
  • Table of 10 - $1,500 + GST.
  • A portion of total tickets sold will be donated to the COUCH Foundation.

Dress code: Cocktail

Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be provided for tickets being registered on or after Friday 22 November 2024. In the unfortunate event that you are no longer available to attend, you can send another person in your place.

 


Overview of the 2024 Award Categories

  1. Airport Customer Experience (ACE) Award
  2. Professional Service Award
  3. Collaboration Partnership Excellence Award
  4. Commercial Business Partner of the Year
  5. Excellence in Environment, Social & Governance
  6. Airline of the Year
  7. Excellence in Safety Award
  8. The Amanda Jessop-Shaw Spirit Award
  9. Marketing Campaign of the Year Award
  10. Innovator of the Year Award
  11. Outstanding Contribution by a Business or Individual Award 


1. Airport Customer Experience (ACE) Award

This award recognises individuals across the airport community who consistently put the needs of our travellers first. Finalists for this category are made up of the monthly winners of our ACE Awards, excluding Cairns Airport staff.   


2. Professional Service Award

Open to individual managers and their immediate employees who display at least four of the elements below:

  • Respectful to our customers
  • Provide prompt, courteous, and efficient customer service, including speed of service, upselling and cross selling
  • Takes ownership of enquiries and keeps the customer informed throughout the process
  • Is realistic and transparent regarding what the business can deliver and by when
  • Provides accurate and consistent information
  • Respects customer privacy
  • Actively seeks out customer feedback to ensure service is meeting customer needs.


3. Collaboration Partnership Excellence Award

A business or brand that has demonstrated excellence in establishing successful partnerships through the effective sharing knowledge or information, and cooperative problem solving leading to improvements and achievements. This award honours those who unite their best capabilities to achieve success. 


4. Commercial Business Partner of the Year

This award recognises a business and their team who demonstrate a willingness to consistently work over and above what is negotiated and expected. 

 

5. Excellence in Environment, Social & Governance

This award recognises a business’ commitment to the environment and sustainable operations and their contribution to the enhancement of Cairns Airport’s reputation in our local community.


6. Airline of the Year

This prestigious award recognises consistency across the passenger experience coupled with a commitment to safe and secure operations. 


7. Excellence in Safety Award

This award recognises a business’ commitment to workplace safety, not just for its customers, but the entire airport community. 

 

8. The Amanda Jessop-Shaw Spirit Award

This award reflects the spirit of humanity within the people who work at Cairns Airport. This award recognises an individual who goes above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service and displays traits that personify the heart and soul of our workplace.

 

9. Marketing Campaign of the Year Award

This award recognises a business that has launched a successful marketing, promotional or pop-up activation which has contributed to either brand exposure or an increase in sales, and overall has contributed to Cairns Airport’s positive identity. 


10. Innovator of the Year Award

This award recognises the exemplary use and implementation of innovative technology, delivering modern ways of thinking and working in our ever-changing environment.   

 

11. Outstanding Contribution by a Business or Individual Award

This award is determined by the leadership team of Cairns Airport.  It represents recognition of exceptional impact and achievements.  It acknowledges significant efforts that have positively influenced and advanced the airport industry, whether through innovation, leadership, philanthropy, or transformative initiatives. Recipients of this award are celebrated for their dedication, vision, and tangible results that have made a lasting difference, inspiring others and setting a benchmark for excellence.