#CiaF RETURNS!!

[cristinabevilacqua]

CIAF 2022

After a three-year hiatus, with the last two events running digitally, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) returned to Gimuy and Yirrganydji Lands back in July in all its resplendent glory. While we’ve all had to adapt and change because of “recent times”, it’s always such an awe-inspiring experience to be immersed in the incredible explosion of art, design, fashion, Country and culture that CIAF embodies. The theme for this year was ‘We Are Masters of Country’.

It was an absolute pleasure and honour to shoot CIAF fashion collections again with such an amazing team involved. There were 14 collections divided into two days of photoshoots with two different teams of experienced and emerging models. With the help of fashion curator Lynelle Flinders, we could use the beautiful surroundings of the Tjapukai centre which unfortunately closed down during COVID lockdown times last year. Despite the weather Gods being against us, we were able to give enough variety and originality to each collection and yes, we all had heaps of fun in the making of these images. 

Designers:

Pikinini Blo Country by Cairns West State School Fashion Club, Gu-Ga - Bark Skin by Elverina Johnson, A Peace of Art by Peace Lutheran College, Aura by Simone Arnol ft. Bernard Singleton, Botanical by TAFE Queensland - Cultural Arts, 30 Year Anniversary by Robert Pau, Tawalpin "String Making" by Delvene Cockatoo-Collins Art, Country is our Master by Yarrabah Arts & Cultural Precinct, Strait on Cloth - "Wug Collection" by Rosie Ware Designs, Hopevale Arts & Culture Centre X QUT (Queensland University of Technology), Balurr Wuppi Kouture by Balurr Wuppi Kouture & The Djunngaal Elders Yarrabah Art Centre, Georgina Collection by Red Ridge the Label, Oochunyung Collection by Fiona Wirrer-George Oochunyung, and Pormpuraaw Wearable Art by Pormpuraaw Art and Culture Centre Alma Norman.

Models: 

Amaria Thomas-Savage, Ann-Maree Titasey, Tahanee Buli, Gillyba Ambrum, Jamie McLenson, Dellis Sukaserm, Tanika Parker, Tarita Sagigi, Sarah Eggmolesse, Sasha Grainer, Millisont Sailor, Loretta Messa, Malu Lui, Injarra Harbour, Jobe Adams, Lynette Gee Gee, and Jessica Meeks.

https://ciaf.com.au/cairns-indigenous-art-fair-ciaf

https://peppermintmag.com/ciaf-2022/?fbclid=IwAR3BJCz74YThUN2TEy1QpSjCom0ASyqsjZu3FCwsC6tBqhECKtPjU7A_OHA

[pastelpaperplanes]

Part 5

Optimus had never worn as little as he was in that moment, and considering the situation, he would normally be a lot more anxious about it, but when you're suspended this high off the ground with only two thin strips of fabric holding you up, that was the least of your worries at the moment.

Jadarite, Eion and Calipso were all on the ground, calling up words of encouragement to him as he managed to get the wrap around his torso properly. 

Unverlo was up in the rigging alongside some of the workers who maintained said rigging, mostly there to let him know if something got tangled and they’d have to drop him onto the massive padded mat directly under him on the stage.

He took a moment before he began the next stunt to question how Jadarite had even got him into this.

Something about his upper frame physique and how the crowd would love it?

After that thought was done, he let himself go, letting the flow of the fabrics let him spin around and around and around.

Just as he was about to hit the mat, he shifted, and the roll stopped, leaving a perilous amount of fabric left underneath him and his optics having to recalibrate to adjust to the sudden change in depth.

There was a round of applause from those around him as he put his servos and knees to the mat and untangled himself from the fabrics.

Once they were free hanging again, Unverlo and the mechs up in the rigging started to pull it all back up for storage, that had been the last trick he had wanted to get right, so the session was over.

Jadarite offered her servo to him, which he took as she helped him off the mat. “You’re a natural Pax, the crowds gonna love you even more when you get up the confidence to do it in front of them.” She praised, shifting to walk with him off the stage and down to where the tables and chairs were for the guests, a servo resting on his opposite shoulder as the predominantly white femme led him down and around to the doors that led to the network of workers only corridors that would in turn lead to the dressing rooms. 

He chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. “You sure Boss? I’m still feeling pretty wobbly.”

Jadarite chuckled with a lot more conviction than his own. “How many times do I have to tell you I’ve got an optic for talent Pax? Everyone is wobbly to start with! Why when I was at your level of experience I ran face first into a pole in the middle of a performance and knocked myself out!” She exclaimed, whacking her forehelm with her palm to emphasise the incident. 

He gave her an awkward chuckle. “Hopefully I don’t do that…”

She went to reply back when the ships intercom came to life, and one of the Captains, it wasn’t easy to tell which with just the voice, started to speak. ::Attention all Passengers and Crew, we will soon be arriving at the Intergalactic Port, Galvara-5, if this is your departure call, please make sure you have everything you have brought with you packed away, as we will not be turning around for an errant data pad. For those who are not departing us at Galvara-5, we will be docked for two cycles, if you are not back on the ship exactly two cycles after we arrive, we will leave without you.::

He made a face. “That’s a bit harsh…”

Jadarite shrugged. “Think of it from their perspective, The Polaris is a literal city, does a city stop for one data pad?”

“No?”

“No, plus, being blunt about this and having it as part of the policy prevents grounds for lawsuits… it’s been company policy since the time of their Grandsire being in charge of the fleet.” She explained. 

Optimus nodded. “That makes sense… so… Galvara-5? What’s it like? I’ve never been off Cybertron before.” He explained. 

“Oh it’s hectic, because The Polaris and the rest of the fleet have it as their first docking spot after Cybertron, there’s always at least ten companies fighting and throwing money to have their cargo to get the fast track treatment.” She explained. “That’s something the Captains handle though, everyone else gets two cycles to hit up the clubs and tourist traps that have sprung up since the Fleet started using this place, before the Fleet took it as their first landing spot, it was apparently a pretty standard space port, now, it’s supersized and handles everything coming through this Quadrant, The Polaris is still the largest docking ship by leagues, of course.” She puffed up a bit as she stated that.

That was something he noticed, all the mechs and femmes who worked on this ship seemed to hold a great deal of pride, especially those like Jadarite, who felt like someone who knew the ins and outs of the ship better than she knew how to dance, which was saying something, he’d seen her during some of the shows, she could cut a rug and make artwork out of it.

“So, want to see Galvara-5 for yourself?” Jadarite offered. “We don’t have to put on shows during docking periods, it’s expected most bots will get off to take in the scenes and sights instead.” 

He shrugged. “If that’s the case I certainly don’t mind.” 

Jadarite beamed. “Wonderful, we can all go as a group and do a bar crawl! How does that sound?”

He chuckled. “Sounds good… so long as I’m not the only one carrying everyone’s drunk afts back to the ship. Especially Drakus, I don’t know about you, but I might need to go see Dust for a thrown out back strut if I tried to carry him!”

Drakus was the ‘big mech’ of the entertainment department, and was apparently very good at tossing the smaller bots into the air for more dramatic stunts, luckily Optimus was just above the weight that Dust allowed the mech to toss. 

Jadarite chuckled in turn. “Ah’ll remember that kiddo! Now how about you go and get changed out of that get up? Hmm? Before a lost passenger sees you and catches feelings!” She jested, nudging him ahead of her and into the changing rooms. 

Suddenly reminded of just how little he was wearing, Optimus yelped and tried to cover himself up, earning another truly raucous laugh from Jadarite. 

Cybertron

Megatron had to admit, he was having a hard time paying attention to what he was doing. 

He had the star map for the Trans Galactic fleet folded up on one side of his desk, if the Polaris was making good time, they’d be arriving at Galvara-5 soon, and hopefully one of his friends would have the chance to give him a call. 

He was itching to hear about Orion, make sure the dancer was doing alright. 

He’d sprung the change of employers so quickly on the mech, he’d wanted to give him time to pack and the like, but his concerns over Shockwave pulling something had overruled that wish. 

A knock at his door drew his attention away from the paper work he’d been looking at without actually reading. “Come in.” He spoke. 

The door opened and he would admit to himself, he was surprised to see who walked in. “Blackarachnia?” He asked in surprise as the femme walked in. 

The femme, known infamously as the Queen of the Insecticons, looked murderous, melt a poor soul into the sidewalk for being within her vicinity murderous, he was surprised Lugnut let her reach his office with that expression. He might need to go and check for his body...

“What. The frag did you do?” The femme hissed out. 

“You know full well your going to have to be more specific than that.”

“Optimus. What the fuck did you do to him!” She snapped, lips pulled back in a snarl. 

“Who?” He asked, he’d never heard of a mech called ‘Optimus’. He had a feeling BlackArachnia was misplacing her anger. “BlackArachnia, if one of your… associates has gone missing, I am not the one responsible.”

She blinked at him dumbstruck for a moment before snarling again. “Don’t pull that slag with me! You’re in deep slag you idiot! The Elite Guard’s started a murder investigation on you!” She snapped out. 

His optic ridges shot up. “...What…”

She nodded. “You killed their informant. I knew him… he… he used to be my friend… before… this…” She gestured to herself. “Words spreading fast… surprised you didn’t hear about it before me… So… what the frag… did you do… to Optimus?”

He shook his helm. “I’ve never met a mech by the designation ‘Optimus’.” He tried to explain. 

She sighed. “Baby blue face, bright blue helm piece with finals, waist that should not be supporting a chassis as broad as his?” She began to list off. 

That was all he needed to hear for his attention to go to a black and white photo on his desk, framed in a quaint wood frame, he slowly turned it to face her. “Your… Your describing Orion.” 

“Orion? Frag… he used a cover name… wait… you didn’t know he was an informant?”

Megatron felt something in his spark drop. “No… I didn’t…”

She looked at him confused. “Then… why did you kill him?”

“I didn’t!” He exclaimed, affronted at the very idea of him being responsible for Orion… Optimus… Orion’s death. “He’s not dead!”

“Then where is he?! He was Magnus’ favourite once upon a time! And he’s using the fact that he’s not been seen in weeks to build a murder case on you! They’ve had ships trawl the docks for his body!”

He froze then. “What… wait… the docks?”

She nodded. “Yes! Everyone knows you took him to the docks with Lugnut and Shockwave! Everyone… came to the conclusion you… put him in the Docks… you didn’t… put him in the docks…” 

He shook his helm. “No… I had his contract changed from being in my name, to the name of an old friend. He’s on their ship as we speak.” 

BlackArachnia’s shoulders dropped in relief. “He’s not dead…” 

He nodded, but his expression soured. “Now that we’ve established that… what’s this about him being an informant?”

BlackArachnia made a face. “That I don’t know much about… but what I do know is… it’s a scandal in the Elite Guard… Magnus apparently never cleared this… Sentinel Prime went behind his back and made Optimus work as an informant for him… Optimus wasn’t part of the Guard… he was a civilian… that it seems… Sentinel strong armed into getting information on you for him… That’s all that’s gotten out into the rumour mill so far…” She explained. 

He hummed and intertwined his digits. “The ship with… Optimus… on it… is soon to arrive on Galvara-5… I will address the Captains and see about getting proof that he is alive and well on the ship… that will hopefully enough to clear me of murder when a trial comes… Thank you BlackArachnia… for bringing this all to my attention… Now I know to be prepared...” 

BlackArachnia nodded and took that as her que to leave. 

It would seem, it was more than just Sol and Neb that he would need to speak with on the Polaris… directly. 

The Polaris Bridge.

Nebularburst yawned as she watched the bid prices roll in, Solarstorm was handling the auction itself in Galvara-5’s trading hall, everytime they flew through here, wealthier and wealthier companies and syndicates were throwing more money at them to get their stuff along the flight path they had. 

A chipper autotone voice pipped up from the main console. “Tired Pilot?”

Nebular snorted. “Me? Tired? Child who do you think you are suggesting that?”

The voice snickered through the speakers. “This child~ Who knows you haven’t recharged in four cycles.”

“You’ve been using the security cameras in our quarters to spy on me again… haven’t you?”

“........... Fraggit…”

“POLS!”

“Sorry! Sorry! Sorry!” The voice yipped.

Nebularburst sighed, rubbed the sides of her helm. “No… no… I’m sorry… I know it’s pointless thinking we can have you keep some of your innocence… what with what we have you do on the outer rim…”

“What I do on the outer rim is my duty… I’ve known my duty since the cycle you brought me online… I should still try not to swear like those who work in my engines...”

She patted the console gently. “It’s okay… HOLY FPPPFTTT…” She suddenly exclaimed, puffing out her cheeks to stop herself from cursing as she pointed at the sudden spike from the Auction count. “Someone just bet a brand new mining colony filled with rare ores!” 

“WHAT?!”

“... Looks like we’re going to be even more busy now…”

“Think there will be useful stuff to be found?”

“I don’t know… but it looks like that plus a whole warehouse full of credits is the winning bid… the others are declining raising the stakes… Looks like the Prince of the Empire of Falgranum… Wonder what he wants us to ship for that much…” She mumbled. 

She didn’t get anymore time to ponder as the bridges com-link was pinged by a familiar number. 

Nbbularburst beamed. “It’s Megzy!” And sent the clearance for the call to go through. 

:We need to talk.:

Her optic ridges shot up. That didn’t sound good. 

[phgq]

GenSan to cease hotel quarantine coverage for returning residents

#PHnews: GenSan to cease hotel quarantine coverage for returning residents

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The city government will no longer cover the quarantine expenses in hotels and related facilities of returning residents and close contacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients in local companies or private establishments starting Dec. 15.

Lawyer Arnel Zapatos, city administrator, said Wednesday the move is in line with the local government’s strategy to increase the involvement of residents and communities in the fight against disease under the “new normal.”

Based on the new guidelines approved by the City Inter-Agency Task Force (CIAF) for the Management of Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, he said the local government will no longer shoulder the cost of the mandatory quarantine in accommodation establishments such as hotels, motels, inns, and pension houses.

He said it covers all returning stranded residents, authorized persons outside of residence (APOR), close contacts in companies, and those in contact with Covid-19 cases who do not want to undergo quarantine in barangay isolation units.

Those who can afford may still undergo quarantine in the hotels and related establishments at their own expense, he said.

Zapatos said their assessment showed that most of the returning residents so far, especially the APORs, are involved in regular transactions in other areas.

“They were able to travel because the airport is already open to commercial flights and most of the movement restrictions are now lifted since we are under modified general community quarantine,” he said in an interview over local television show “Morning Hataw.”

The official said the local government will continue to accommodate the returning overseas Filipino workers, city officials and front-line workers, barangay officials, and newly assigned government personnel.

He said they will also cater to family members of local government and health front-liners identified as close contacts of Covid-19 cases.

Zapatos said the measure, which was provided for in Executive Order No. 54 issued by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, mainly aims to give more responsibility to residents in the fight against Covid-19 under its enhanced “whole of community” approach.

“This is not a concern about budget but we’re taking everyone to task in giving their share in the efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19,” he said.

He added that the city government needs more involvement from the public in the Covid-19 efforts aside from the compliance to minimum health protocols.

Such an approach is important as the city braces for the scenario projected by public health experts wherein Covid-19 infections might continue even after the rollout later on of a viable vaccine, he said.

Zapatos said the Covid-19 situation in the area has become more manageable since last month.

The confirmed cases in the city surged from just 59 in late August to 1,000 by mid-November due to the continuing local transmissions.

As of Tuesday night, the confirmed Covid-19 cases in the city already reached a total of 1,207 and with 51 related deaths but 87 percent or 1,054 patients have fully recovered so far.

The active cases dropped to 102 as the City Health Office recorded 11 new recoveries and zero positive case for the second time in the last three months.

“There were still occasional spikes but our overall situation has been improving in terms of recoveries and new cases,” Zapatos said. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "GenSan to cease hotel quarantine coverage for returning residents." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1124237 (accessed December 09, 2020 at 11:38PM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "GenSan to cease hotel quarantine coverage for returning residents." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1124237 (archived).