My South Side Story: Mike Friganiotis

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Mike Friganiotis

In 2003, I returned to Australia, after having spent 10 years working in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I had worked out that I was a ‘sun bunny’ preferring to live in a warmer climate than my hometown of Adelaide, so Cairns was my new ‘home’.

I needed a place to live and decided that building my own house (for the first time) was the way to go, and what better suburb to choose than Forest Gardens. I spent many happy days walking my cocker spaniel, Pablo, all around the walking tracks, and made new friends in the process.

With that problem solved, my next challenge was to find a job. That was not as easy, but with a background in education and multi-media, I found work at a real estate agency as their Media Manager.  When the GFC hit 2009, housing construction, and buying and selling, took a dive, so I found alternative employment as a Community Educator at Relationships Australia, where I am to this day.

Part of my media experience was volunteering in Community Radio, and I had extensive experience in radio in both Darwin & Dubai, so I went looking for a community radio station in Cairns, to find Cairns FM89.1, located then at Raintrees Shopping Centre (now moved to better facilities at TAFE). I not only began a talk program, At Your Service (Fridays, 9 – 10am), but also hosted some music programs, including my favourite type of music – country. I also joined the Management Committee, and since then have held positions of Secretary, Vice-President and President.

Why live on the south side?  I’m glad you asked. Well, it’s not far from the CBD where I work, and its ever-increasing quality road network make travel a breeze. The houses are cheaper too. There are plenty of scenic attractions to visit – not the beach as such, but there’s lots of fresh water – minus the crocodiles and jellyfish!  And last but not least, there seems to be sense of community friendship and lots of family activities to keep everyone busy. The shops, schools and facilities are close by, and there are some great dining spots too.

Yes, I down-sized from Mount Sheridan to White Rock, moving into a gated community, but since then have upsized again, still in White Rock. The latest bonus – a Domino’s a block away from my home.

What’s on my bucket list? To climb The Pyramid! An ever-increasing challenge, but just viewing it and all the green surrounding mountains every day, and watching some fabulous sunsets make me realize that we truly live ‘In Paradise’ – why would you want to be anywhere else?