Everyone is familiar with “Locco and Juanita’s Breaky Show” on 4CA FM, but for those who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting the fun loving Juanita Kelly – she is a far more than just a cheery voice we wake up to on our way to work. A popular MC at events and regular appearances on TV commercials, five minutes is all it takes to get hooked on Juanita’s larger than life’ personality and infectious energy. Her love for radio began in Mackay in the early 90’s where she spent two years working as a night jock and copywriting TV commercials. After a stint in Townsville, Juanita moved back to Cairns in 1998 to join the team at 4CA FM, where she has become one of the most recognised personalities in the Cairns community. Enjoy our ‘up close and personal’ moment with the delightful Juanita Kelly.

1. In three words – what does Cairns mean to you?
Cairns means rainforest, water falls, reef and relaxed people.

2. What was your first ever job?
My first job unpaid job was working as a hairdressers assistant. My first paid job
was working as a fragrance consultant at a David Jones store. I blame that job for
my expensive taste in perfume.

3. For people just starting their own business – what are your 3 success
tips?
1/ Know your stuff – do lots of research
2/ Have a realistic business plan gathering good advice from the right people
3/ Believe in yourself

4. What business decision or action have you taken that has had a
beneficial impact on Cairns?
Supporting and actively promoting Breast Cancer Awareness. Every year I like to
spread the word and encourage as many women as I can to have their breasts
checked.

5. What do you dislike most about your industry?
The unhealthy lifestyle, the egos and the 4am starts.

6. What motivates you most to go to work each day?
I just really enjoy talking to the people of Cairns. I get a buzz out of being apart
of the community in a very unique way and the great feeling you get when you
can help someone.

7. If you had an opportunity to change careers for a month – what would
you do?
Lead singer in a rock n roll band or a showgirl in the Moulin Rouge in Paris. Two
problems I have with that. I can’t sing and I don’t look good in a g-string. So that
leaves a backwasher to Brad Pitt.

8. Have you ever had a great idea or innovation that wish you had the
time to pursue?

I had an idea last year of an underwater walkman/mp3 player to use when I’m
doing those boring laps. Then I found out earlier this year that very product is
about to hit the market.

9. If you could change one thing about your past, what would it be?
I wish when I travelled overseas nearly 10 years ago, that I could have taken a
bit more time to experience the different cultures and ways. Instead of travelling
with boys I would definitely next time go with the girlfriends or by myself.

10. Tell us something we don't know about you?
I’m a closet Dolly Parton fan. She’s just a little bundle of joy and I love the song
‘Joelene’ (my karaoke song).

11. Who do you aspire to?
I hope to be a great mum like my sister.

12. If you could re-live one moment in your life – what would it be?
I’d like to go back to the day I won my classical solo in front of my Parents. It
was a really special moment (the only time I’ve seen tears in Dad’s eye) that I
would relive any day.

13. If you could invite someone famous for dinner (dead or alive) – who
would it be?
I’d love to bring Marilyn Munroe back – just to find out what all the fuss was
about.

14. When was your last overseas holiday and where?
My last overseas trip was to Bali about 5 years ago. It was a trip with 2 other
girlfriends and we had a ball.

15. What’s your favourite journey?
If I ever have to visit Townsville I always love the drive home when once you hit
Tully you see the beautiful lush rainforest and green fields and know you’re back
in the Tropical North. I especially love the drive between Innisfail and Gordonvale.

16. Your favourite time of day?
My favourite time of the day is mid afternoon when I get a chance to catch up on
some sleep.

17. Your favourite restaurant for that Friday afternoon lunch?
Any restaurant where you can ‘people watch’. Love anything on the Esplanade.

18. What music or radio station do you listen to in your car?
I flick between my station – 4CAFM and Triple J. Although, some days I just need
to switch off from work and the CD’s come on. They vary depending on my mood.

19. Your favourite author or book?
I’ve read every Patricia Cornwell book and love any author who can write great
crime fiction.

20. What will you be doing when you’re 80?
Hopefully not a lot. Just surrounded by lots of grandchildren, living in a nice
house by a beautiful creek with not a care in the world. No arthritis, dentures or
dementia would be good too.