Bob Manning became Mayor of Cairns in 2012 as the leader of the Unity Team and is a prominent Cairns identity. Bob has worked in a wide range of senior management roles both in Australia and overseas. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Queensland and has a Business Studies degree with a Major in Accounting.He has received a number of significant awards marking his business and community contributions. They include the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the Cairns community through the development and promotion of the tourism maritime and aviation industries. He was awarded the Australia Day 2002 City of Cairns Citizen of the Year. Bob is a Life Member of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, having served on the Board of the organisation for 15 years, three of these as Chairman and is an Honorary Member of Airports Council International, the peak world airport association. Bob is also a Deputy Chairman of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.