All Meetings

Starts:	24 Feb 2012
Ends:	20 Jul 2012
Location:	Hilton, Cairns
Web:	2012 ALGWA QLD Conference
Email:	r.anderson@cairns.qld.gov.au
Contact:	Rebecca Anderson
Link:	Read more

Cairns 2012 Conference "Innovation: Local Government Leading the Way" will be a platform for government and professionals to meet and discuss key themes and issues that women face today in the government sector and the professional arena.

This year’s conference aims to highlight local government’s ever growing role from the traditional three “R’s” of “Rates, Roads and Rubbish” to an ever increasing responsibility in community leadership and growth as well as economic development and diversity.

Starts:	27 Apr 2012 02:53 pm
Ends:	18 May 2012 02:53 pm
Location:	The Tanks Arts Centre - Tank #4
Web:	Tanks Arts Centre April program
Email:	mambolip@gmail.com
Contact:	Greg Dwyer
Link:	Read more

Artists of the North is an annual showcase of works from Cairns Art Society members, who were this year encouraged to explore the FRESH concept when developing their pieces.

Far North Queensland is a place of stunning natural beauty, attracting artists from around the country and world and inspiring local residents and their creative talents.

You can expect to see some fabulously fresh new artwork at this exhibition inspired by cool mornings in Yungaburra, ripe Dragonfruit on the vine and everything in between.

A FRESH winner will be selected during the course of the exhibition and a Top Ten will be announced during week three. The exhibit is open from 9am - 4:30pm daily.

Starts:	01 May 2012 07:30 pm
Ends:	01 May 2012 10:00 pm
Location:	The Tanks Arts Centre - Tank #5 (Seated)
Web:	Tanks Arts Centre May program
Email:	info@tanksartscentre.com
Contact:	(07) 4032 6600
Link:	Read more

This one man machine stunned and amazed audiences with his last Tanks show, he returns in 2012 on The Long March world tour.   

Henry Rollins takes the stage and owns it.

His spoken word shows are powerfully delivered with understated humour, taking you on a journey around the world and through his mind. Henry has a no-holds-barred approach to his shows, sharing his thoughts on everything from world peace to politics, television, music, meals and everything in between.

Acclaimed as one of the most inspiring and interesting commentators / entertainers of a generation, Henry Rollins last appeared at Tanks with a sold out show in 2010. This year will be no different, so get your tickets early and don’t miss out

Starts:	04 May 2012 07:30 pm
Ends:	04 May 2012 10:00 pm
Location:	The Tanks Arts Centre - Tank #5 (seated/standing)
Web:	Tanks Arts Centre May program
Email:	info@tanksartscentre.com
Contact:	(07) 4032 6600
Link:	Read more

Journey to the heart of Spain and experience the passion of Flamenco with the DALéCAÑA Flamenco Company and Gerard Mapstone, at the Tanks Arts Centre.

Olé! Last year’s flamenco show at Tanks was a crowd favourite and this year we’ve got a raised stage, so you won’t miss a second of the action.

Gerard Mapstone, one of Australia’s finest classical and flamenco guitarists, comes to Tanks with the DALéCAÑA Flamenco Company. DALéCAÑA is an explosion, debuting Gerard’s unique take on the flamenco tradition. From the Penas and Tablaos of Seville and Jerez de la Frontera, DALéCAÑA take audiences to the heart of Andalucia. Their performances of music and dance will move and excite you. This will be a show to match Melbourne’s magnificent Arte Kanela, who performed at Tanks last year.

Starts:	05 May 2012 07:30 pm
Ends:	05 May 2012 10:00 pm
Location:	The Tanks Arts Centre - Tank #5 (seated/standing)
Web:	Tanks Arts Centre May program
Email:	info@tanksartscentre.com
Contact:	(07) 4032 6600
Link:	Read more

New Zealand’s leading hip-hop soul artist is coming to town for one unforgettable night.

With sultry vocals, a razor sharp wit and stage show to match, Ladi6 is a firm favourite in her country and an
emerging international star. Highly decorated at home and abroad, Ladi6’s career began with seminal all-girl crew ‘Sheelahroc’ and is embossed with industry awards, considered critical acclaim, countless support slots alongside a who’s who of respected local and international music icons and tellingly, gold certified New Zealand sales of her 2008 debut long player Time IS Not Much. Ladi6 has completed over 60 international tour dates in recent years, including a visit to Tanks Arts Centre, where her sultry tones and kickn’ tunes made her a must see.

Starts:	09 May 2012 06:30 pm
Ends:	09 May 2012 09:30 pm
Location:	Tanks Arts Centre - Tank #5
Web:	Tanks Arts Centre May program
Email:	info@tanksartscentre.com
Contact:	(07) 4032 6600
Link:	Read more

Tanks welcomes back PechaKucha for 2012. Join us as a presenter or guest, for an entertaining evening covering a
range of random topics.

Devised in Tokyo as an event for creative individuals to meet, network and show their work in public, PechaKucha Night has since spread to over 400 cities, making its debut in Cairns, at Tanks, last year.

Based on a simple idea, PechaKucha presenters talk about their passion of choice, speaking to 20 images, for 20 seconds each image. There’s nothing social about social networks, so get out from behind your screen and get to a live event, with real people, real communication, real beer and real creative fun! PechaKucha Night devised and shared by Klein Dytham Architecture. PechaKucha Night is for content and not for profit

Starts:	11 May 2012 03:30 pm
Ends:	11 May 2012 05:30 pm
Location:	James Cook University, Cairns Campus, Buliding A3, Lecture Room 1
Web:
Email:	n.hunter@acfonline.org.au
Contact:	Nicole Hunter
Link:	Read more

An e-lecture by Nicole Foss, co-editor of the blog The Automatic Earth

Nicole Foss brings together finance, energy, environment, psychology, population and real governance in order to explain why we find ourselves in a state of crisis and what we can do about it. Her presentations are gripping and will have you on the edge of your seat! Join us for a graphic presentation and question and answer sessions where Nicole will outline the direction and characteristics of a new environmentally sustainable economy and what this means in our everyday lives.

Starts:	12 May 2012 10:00 am
Ends:	29 May 2012 10:00 pm
Location:	Fogarty Park, The Esplanade, Cairns
Web:	Cairns Blues Festival
Email:	info@cairnsbluesfestival.com.au
Contact:	Pauline Langley
Link:	Read more

The Cairns Blues Festival will be on again this year at the Fogarty Park stage.  This year's event is tipped to be the best yet with:

• A one day event showcasing local, national and international blues performers
• 16 performers across 2 stages – 11hrs of live music
• A fantastic shady children’s space
• A variety of food stalls, bazaar traders, and community displays
• A grand raffle + ‘Most Gorgeous Costume’ prizes
• Garden Bar & Family Bar
• A stunning location close to the CBD, that’s easily accessible by public transport, and has plenty of space for parking nearby.

Performers for this year's line up include:

Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges(US), Ray Beadle Band, Jimi Hocking’s Blues Machine, Jesse Deane-Freeman, Thomasina Winslow (US), Blue Heat, Duksey and The Hazards, Andrea Marr Band, Johnos Blues Band, Kniki & Mike Beale Band, Tailgaters, Bo Jenkins, Roz Pappalardo & The Wayward Gentlemen, Two Rivers Blues, Flamin’ Cane Toads, & Jnr. Bowles

• Ticket Sales

• Early Bird tickets currently available through www.cairnsbluesfestival.com.au ONLY
• Sold at Ticketlink and Ticket Cairns from 1 March 2012
• www.ticketlink.com.au Ph: (07) 1300 855 835
• www.ticketscairns.com.au Ph: (07) 4053 8333

• Ticket Prices

• Pre-sold: Adult $60, Youth $30, Conc. $55
• Gate: Adult $70, Youth $35, Conc. $65
• 13yo & under enter FOC – must be accompanied by a responsible adult
• For further information contact:
• General information
  Pauline Langley – (07) 4057 9347 – 0459 220 723 - info@cairnsbluesfestival.com.au
  
• Artists and Production
  Dan Vowles – 0427 666 661 - backstage@cairnsbluesfestival.com.au
  
• Publicity & Promotions
  HOT OFF THE PRESS PUBLICITY
  Eva Roberts – 0404 848 666 - publicity@hotoffthepress.com.au

Starts:	12 May 2012 07:00 pm
Ends:	12 May 2012 10:00 pm
Location:	Coast Watcher's Park - Trinity Beach
Web:	Flickerfest National Tour website
Email:	mailto:industry@flickerfest.com.au
Contact:	Bronwyn Kidd
Link:	Read more

Flickerfest, Australia’s leading short film festival, will wind up its mammoth nationwide tour on Saturday 12th May at Trinity Beach in Cairns. This is audiences’ final chance to catch Flickerfest’s award-winning competition programmme, Best of Australian Shorts, plus our acclaimed showcase comedy programme, Short Laughs.
 
Come and join us under the stars in the stunning surroundings of Trinity Beach Coastwatcher Park for an outdoor screening of entertaining and inspiring short films. Flickerfest’s Best of Australian programme will showcase some amazing Australian talent, including the hilarious JULIAN, which won the Crystal Bear Award at the Berlin Film Festival this year, and Nash Egerton’s Cannes short-listed BEAR.

Ending the tour in high spirits, our Short Laughs programme will offer a hilariously off-kilter selection that includes the all-singing, all-dancing BALD GUY, the audience hit LAS PALMAS, and the award-winning THE WINKING BOY.

The screenings is free (or by generous donation) and in the open air, so bring along a picnic and a blanket, and bask in the beauty of some truly outstanding Australian shorts on the big screen!

Starts:	18 May 2012 07:30 pm
Ends:	18 May 2012 10:00 pm
Location:	The Tanks Arts Centre - Tank #5 (seated/standing)
Web:	Tanks Arts Centre May program
Email:	info@tanksartscentre.com
Contact:	(07) 4032 6600
Link:	Read more

Australian music icons The Black Sorrows bring their latest tunes from Crooked Little Thoughts, to Cairns.

Spanning three CDs Crooked Little Thoughts is flavoured by Joe Camilleri’s years of experience and influences.
With a career that spans decades and transcends musical styles and fads, Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows are true legends of our country’s music industry.

They have sold more than a million albums worldwide and hits include Harley & Rose, The Chosen Ones and Mystified, to name just a few.

The Sorrows lifted the roof in Tank 5 when they were here last (2006/07), playing two fantastic sold out shows seven months apart. It will be another great night of live music at Tanks!

Starts:	19 May 2012 07:30 pm
Ends:	19 May 2012 09:30 pm
Location:	The Tanks Arts Centre - Tank #5
Web:	Tanks Arts Centre May program
Email:	info@tanksartscentre.com
Contact:	The Tanks Arts Centre
Link:	Read more

Mat McHugh is not so much reinventing himself, as he is rediscovering. This is an evening of stripped back tunes and intimate performance.

Starts:	20 May 2012 07:30 am
Ends:
Location:	Cairns Esplanade (near Muddies Playground)
Web:	RSPCA Million Paws Walk - Cairns event
Email:	yrankin@rspcaqld.org.au
Contact:	RSPCA Cairns: Phone 4055 1487
Link:	Read more

The annual Million Paws Walk is one of RSPCA Qld's most popular outdoor events for animal lovers and their furry friends.

Get involved on Sunday 20 May 2012,  by enjoying a healthy walk, mingle with other pet owners, enter fantastic competitions and relaxing with great entertainment, a variety of food and drink, exhibitor stalls and animal demonstrations.

Be sure to visit Council's Animal Management display stall at the event, and get some great tips on being a responsible pet owner.  We'll also be announcing the winning names of our new mascots at 11:30am!

Funds raised through walk registrations and online fundraising goes towards vital programs, services and campaigns undertaken by RSPCA Qld, as well as looking after the animals in RSPCA care.

Register online now, or on the day from 7:30am.

 

Starts:	23 May 2012 07:00 pm
Ends:	23 May 2012 10:15 pm
Location:	CoCA - Centre for Contemporary Arts, 96 Abbott Street
Web:	CAFF website
Email:	becs@caff.net.au
Contact:	Rebecca Scott
Link:	Read more

Australia's only dedicated annual adventure and extreme sports film festival is back for the third year! Come along to Cairns Adventure Film Festival’s opening night, a thrilling and inspiring night that showcases two feature length adventure films: Skate Australia a 25 minute documentary on the culture and growth of Longboard Skate racing in Australia and Four Strokes of Luck a 45 minute travel documentary about two Aussies in South America building a motorbike powered boat to get across to Central America, and a variety of extreme bike theme film entries. Four Strokes of Luck film-maker Roly Stokes will participate in a live Q&A with Cairns local Dakkar rally driver Geoff Olholm. The opening night is held at the Centre of Contemporary Arts Cairns, a state-of-the-art cultural facility in the heart of the Cairns city which houses a 248-seat theatre with a brand new screen and HD projector.

Starts:	25 May 2012 07:00 am
Ends:	28 May 2012 05:30 pm
Location:	Transfer Stations: Portsmith, Smithfield, Gordonvale, Babinda, Killaloe, Newell Beach
Web:
Email:
Contact:	4044 3044 or 4099 9444
Link:	Read more

Free Mulch Giveaway 25-28 May 2012

A happy, healthy garden is a mulched garden.  Take advantage of our FREE mulch offer to prepare your garden for the coming Dry Season. 

Where & When:   
• Portsmith Transfer Station (Open 7 days 8.30 am – 5.15pm)
• Smithfield Transfer Station (Open Mon – Sat 7am – 5.15pm, Sun 9am – 5.15 pm)
• Gordonvale Transfer Station (Open 7 days 8.30 am - 5:15pm)
• Killaloe Transfer Station (Open Mon – Sat 8am - 5.30 pm, Sun 9am - 5.30pm)
• Newell Beach Transfer Station (Open Mon & Fri 7am - 12pm, Wed 12pm - 6pm, Sat 7am - 6pm)
• Babinda Transfer Station (Open 7 days 8.30am – 5.15pm)
    
Domestic only; utes and/or trailers and light trucks (vehicle weight to GVM 4 tonnes maximum).
  
Council staff will assist with loading vehicle using appropriate mechanical equipment.

Starts:	25 May 2012 07:00 pm
Ends:	25 May 2012 11:30 pm
Location:	The Jack Hotel, cnr Sheridan and Spence Streets, Cairns
Web:	CAFF Website & Tickets
Email:	becs@caff.net.au
Contact:	Rebecca Scott
Link:	Read more

Come along to the Cairns event of the year! This is a unique and exciting night, which not only showcases the best short Cairns Adventure Film Festival film entries on massive HD projection screens but also includes live music from Zilch and Solemn Prophets and prize giveaways. To make the night even more amazing, CAFF and The Jack Hotel have built a custom BMX/Skate Half Pipe Ramp which will be the centre stage for live extreme acts and more surprises! The film program for the night will be fast paced and thrilling, showcasing the adrenalised short films of CAFF 2012. Prizes will be awarded to the best films of the year and there will be giveaways and door prizes galore from Cairns Adventure Film Festival's wonderful sponsors!

Starts:	25 May 2012 09:00 pm
Ends:	14 Jun 2012 04:30 pm
Location:	The Tanks Arts Centre - Tank #4
Web:	Tanks Arts Centre May program
Email:
Contact:	(07) 4032 6617
Link:	Read more

Stephen Eastaugh & Carolina Furque spend time in Cairns as Tanks artists in residence, creating new works inspired by our surrounds, environment and way of life.

Starts:	26 May 2012 09:30 am
Ends:	26 May 2012 12:30 pm
Location:	To be advised upon registration
Web:	Permaculture Cairns
Email:	workshops@permaculturecairns.org.au
Contact:	Carol Laing via above email
Link:	Read more

Learn how to grow your own herbs, salad greens and vegetables without having to water the garden every day. Wicking beds are an ideal gardening method for people with low mobility and / or a busy lifestyle.  Booking fee is $10 which includes morning tea. Visit Permaculture Cairns website for registration details.

Starts:	26 May 2012 04:30 pm
Ends:	26 May 2012 09:30 pm
Location:	The Tanks Arts Centre - Tank #5
Web:	Tanks Arts Centre May program
Email:
Contact:	(07) 4032 6617
Link:	Read more

Dream on Dreamer has smashed the music scene since launching two years ago: see them and meet them at Tanks, Cairns, Far North Queensland Australia.

Starts:	27 May 2012
Ends:
Location:	Port Douglas
Web:	Coral Coast Triathlon event details
Email:
Contact:
Link:	Read more

The Coral Coast Triathlon is a tradition in Tropical North Queensland that joined the Cairns Airport Adventure Festival for the first time in 2011.

Taking place on 27 May, the Coral Coast Triathlon starts and finishes in the paradise of Port Douglas with a course featuring Four Mile Beach.

5150 (Olympic distance), Sprint and Enticer distance options will be available for both individuals and teams.

Temporary traffic changes:

The use of some local public roads is required for the Coral Coast Triathlon (Sunday 27 May).

This event involves some temporary road closures and changes to normal traffic conditions to ensure participant safety.  Road users should allow extra time when planning their travel, as delays may occur.
For full details of changed traffic conditions, visit the Cairns Airport Adventure Festival website at www.cairnsadventurefestival.com.au or phone 1300 835 411.

Early bin collections – multi-unit dwellings (Port Douglas)

• Multi-unit dwellings on Old Port Road and Macrossan Street will have their bins collected earlier than usual on Sunday 27 May.  On this day only, bulk-bin waste collection will begin at 4:30am, to ensure all bins are emptied prior to the road closures associated with the Coral Coast Triathlon.

Council facility changes:

• Sunday 27 May:  Killaloe Transfer Station open as normal, but access impacted due to changed traffic conditions in Port Douglas for the Coral Coast Triathlon. Use alternate routes or plan your travel arrangements accordingly.

Starts:	27 May 2012 12:00 am
Ends:	04 Jun 2012 11:00 pm
Location:	Various around Cairns & Port Douglas
Web:	Cairns Aiport Adventure Festival
Email:
Contact:
Link:	Read more

Swim, bike, run in Paradise!

The 2012 Cairns Airport Adventure Festival features 10 jam-packed days of events for people of all ages and abilities. 

Attracting thousands of participants and spectators from Australia and across the world, this international sporting festival incorporates:

• Coral Coast Triathlon - 26 & 27 May
• RRR Mountain Bike Challenge - 27 May
• Hekili Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge - 27 May
• Quicksilver Reef Swim - Green Island - 31 May
• The Cairns Post Run for Cairns - 1 June
• McDonalds Ironkids Cairns Triathlon - 2 June
• Cairns Airport Ironman Cairns - 3 June
• Urban Hotel Group Ironman 70.3 Cairns - 3 June
• Southern Cross Ten Cairns Sport & Lifestyle Expo - 1 to 3 June
• Cairns Adventure Film Festival

Temporary traffic changes:

The use of some local public roads – including the Cairns Esplanade and Captain Cook Highway -  is required for the Coral Coast Triathlon (Sunday 27 May), The Cairns Post Run for Cairns (Friday 1 June), the McDonalds Ironkids Cairns (Saturday 2 June) and the Cairns Airport Ironman Cairns (Sunday 3 June). 

These events involve some temporary road closures and changes to normal traffic conditions to ensure participant safety.  Road users should allow extra time when planning their travel, as delays may occur.

For full details of changed traffic conditions, visit the Cairns Airport Adventure Festival website at www.cairnsadventurefestival.com.au or phone 1300 835 411.

Early bin collections – multi-unit dwellings (Port Douglas and Cairns beaches)

• Multi-unit dwellings on Old Port Road and Macrossan Street will have their bins collected earlier than usual on Sunday 27 May.  On this day only, bulk-bin waste collection will begin at 4:30am, to ensure all bins are emptied prior to the road closures associated with the Coral Coast Triathlon. 

• Multi-unit dwellings along Cairns northern beaches will have their bulk bins collected earlier than usual on Sunday 3 June.  On this day only, bulk-bin waste collection will begin at 4:30am, to ensure all bins are emptied prior to the road closures associated with the Cairns Airport Ironman Triathlon. Council apologises for any noise or inconvenience resulting.

Council facility changes:

• Sunday 27 May and Sunday 3 June:  Killaloe Transfer Station open as normal, but access impacted due to changed traffic conditions in Port Douglas for the Cairns Airport Ironman. Use alternate routes or plan your travel arrangements accordingly.

• Sunday 3 June:  Smithfield Transfer Station and Cattana Wetlands will be closed due to temporary road closures and changed traffic conditions at McGregor and Dunne Roads for the Cairns Airport Ironman. 

 

Starts:	27 May 2012
Ends:
Location:	Various - Cairns region
Web:	RRR Mountain Bike event details
Email:
Contact:
Link:	Read more

Rolling into its 22nd year, the iconic RRR (Rural, Rainforest & Reef) cross country, endurance mountain bike race is the longest running 'point to point' race in Australia.

With over 400 local, national and international entrants racing through North Queensland terrain every year, 2012 aims to increase entrant numbers and international exposure.

Starts:	27 May 2012
Ends:
Location:	Palm Cove to Port Douglas
Web:	Hekili Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge event details
Email:
Contact:
Link:	Read more

Palm Cove beach will come alive as the starting line for Australia's biggest and newest downwind iron ocean race - the 'Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge' on Sunday 27 May.

The 40km ocean race will see OC1's, OC2's, 6's and surf skis battle it out in the mother of all surf legs' and head north with the wind toward the famous Port Douglas, Four Mile Beach finish line.

Test yourself against the elements and some of Australia's best outrigger and ski paddlers in a race where just finishing is an achievement.

Starts:	27 May 2012 09:00 am
Ends:	27 May 2012 02:00 pm
Location:	Tanks Arts Centre, 46 Collins Ave, Edge Hill
Web:	Tanks Arts Centre website
Email:	marketstalls@tanksartscentre.com
Contact:	The Tanks Arts Centre - 4032 6617
Link:	Read more

Sunday Markets at the Tanks Arts Centre are a blend of quality local art, craft, produce and lifestyle stalls combined with family friendly activities, local entertainers and arts-based fun.

Market stalls line Tanks´ promenade on Collins Avenue, with live entertainment provided by local musicians. Get the kids involved in a workshop, wander through the art gallery – it´s all free! Open 9am - 2pm, Come and meet the locals, catch up with friends over cake and coffee and enjoy the ambience of Tanks Arts Centre in the Cairns Botanic Gardens Precinct

Tanks Arts Centre markets are held on the last Sunday of every month from April to November.

Starts:	27 May 2012 09:00 am
Ends:	27 May 2012 11:00 am
Location:	Cassowary Conservation Reserve, Lot 46 Cape Tribulation Road, Diwan
Web:	Rainforest Rescue
Email:	info@rainforestrescue.org.au
Contact:
Link:	Read more

Come on out to the Daintree and join our tree planting celebrations. Help Rainforest Rescue plant trees and create a rainforest. An activity suitable for all ages. Bring the family. Help restore the natural environment and expand habitat for the Cassowary and other endangered species.

Starts:	31 May 2012
Ends:
Location:	Green Island (near Cairns)
Web:	Quicksilver Reef Swim event details
Email:
Contact:
Link:	Read more

A unique ocean swim offering competitors a chance to swim in the sparkling waters off Green Island.

This spectacular 1.5km or 3km swim has the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef below the surface. Swimming over the reef brings the delights of colourful reef fish, turtles and a variety of corals as you navigate one of the most amazing reef swims in the world.

Following the swim, competitors and spectators are invited to relax and enjoy the white sandy beaches, emerald rainforest and beautiful coral reef at Green Island.