Gooch Richards’ Cairns Diary: Day Three

Gooch Richards is a future copywriting legend working for advertising powerhouse BMF. He thought this would be his first foray into the world of Cannes, but thanks to a simple misunderstanding, he’s now in Cairns. Making the most of this situation, Richards has decided to stick to the plan and write a diary for CB, from tropical North Queensland.

It’s 7am and my head is pounding thanks to doing shots of something called Akvavit with a bunch of Scandinavian backpackers. Whatever it is, I’m pretty sure it’s bottled directly from the Devil’s pipe. I somehow muster the strength to open my laptop. I’m glad I did, because I find out that BMF won a lump of feel good metal for radio at the other Cannes. I can’t help but wonder how much of this victory can be attributed to The Gooch’s presence around the agency. Probably 90-95%.

This morning’s breakfast is courtesy of Chez Zest, Cairns’ finest artisanal dining establishment. I order a local delicacy, the pastry boomerang.

I can hardly believe it’s already my penultimate day in this vibrant hub of creativity. I’ve lost track of time since yesterday’s Cairns Lions experience, or perhaps I now transcend it.

I head down to Cairns Marina where I’ve been invited aboard Prawn Star, a local super-yacht chartered out by some media company I don’t care about. Everyone’s having the time of their lives. The only thing more abundant than the scintillating conversation is the sheer volume of dirty martinis. Today, I’m one of the beautiful people.

After mere minutes back on land, I get the urge to spread my wings. Well, rotor blades. I make my way to Great Barrier Reef Helicopters to enquire about joy flights. There’s a $400 group flight and a $1,300 private charter. I remember the words of my boss as he farewelled me just days ago, “Expense everything, Gooch”. Personally, I think $1,300 is excellent value. Thanks BMF.

After yet another wonderful day in this glorious city, it’s time to relax before tonight’s activities. While my esteemed creative peers are sipping $21 cocktails at the Carlton Terrace, The Gooch is knocking back $6 Carltons at the Terrace. Bliss.

Tonight, I’m one of only a few lucky delegates to be invited to a special screening of an art-house film that’s singlehandedly changed the industry. Stay tuned, because tomorrow I share my winners from the 2015 Cairns Lions.