Community
23 March, 2025
City readies for 150 years
THE people planning next year’s 150th anniversary celebrations of the founding of Cairns have been named.
From Cairns Regional Council are Mayor Amy Eden, Cr Cathy Zeiger and lifestyle and community director Destry Puia, while others are Northside Contemporary arts director Russell Millage, Jon Feron of the Cairns Family History Society, CQUniversity Associate Professor Henrietta Marrie, Cairns and Regional Multicultural Association president Kesa Strieby, historian and cultural heritage consultant professional Sandi Robb, international student company owner Janine Bowmaker, lawyer Ranjit Singh and Indigenous motivational speaker George Bell.
Cr Eden said planning was well underway for “a spectacular celebration of Cairns' 150th anniversary”.
“Our project team is working hard behind the scenes after the inaugural meeting of the Cairns celebrates 150 years advisory committee meeting (on March 14),” she said.
“While there is no specific date as such to mark 150 years, a series of significant milestones will be celebrated throughout the year.
“The three pillars of the celebration will focus on ‘recognising Cairns’ past’, ‘celebrating Cairns today’ and ‘looking forward to the next 150 years’.”
The council is offering a ‘Cairns Celebrates 150 Years’ grant to support community organisations in delivering events and activities that reflect the diversity of Cairns’ population while celebrating the region’s achievements and milestones.
Up to $25,000 of support is available for events or activities. Applications are now open and close on August 15, 2025.
To apply, visit https://bit.ly/4i7VOKv
